TIME FOR INTROSPECTION....

On 26 January, we celebrated 65 glorious years of being the world's largest Republic. It was an enchanting moment when the Tiranga unfurled and it was equally breathtaking to watch our proud forces march on the Rajpath. The colourful tableaux (jhanki) of the states and ministries are a great symbol of our culture. The awesome tanks, magnificent missiles, amazing aircraft , etc. are symbols of our strength and power...
But are we really so colourful, strong and bold??

Even after almost six decades, our nation still suffers from many horrendous malpractices. What binds us today is not our culture, but our plight.Suppression of women, discrimination, dominance of kangaroo courts, honour killings and illiteracy are just some evils which this largest democracy has still not been able to do away with. The shackles of poverty and corruption are still preventing us from moving towards growth and development.....

But India is a tiger for sure. A weak and old tiger, which has no teeth,no claws and no roar. A peace loving nation that we are, when someone comes and starts building roads on our land, we keep cool. Worse, someone comes and beheads our brave men, we ''talk and negotiate'' at some flag meetings and that's it..!! Our shameful cowardice is hidden in the veil of our ''non-aggression policy''....
Although our 'non-violence' principles are commendable for maintaining international peace, we mustn't appear 'unable' or 'scared'.  

Staging our glory is a must, for it inculcates a feeling of patriotism. But at the same time, we must remember that quality groundwork is more important. We can show our worth to the world by working harder on our weaknesses and eradicating social evils. We are blessed with such an un-matched diverse culture, a rich history and heritage, such intelligent minds, et al. We do have the potential to turn into a global giant....let's make the best use of our resources....
                         
                                                   JAI  HIND..!!!

AAPlaud the change.....

It was indeed a very Happy New Year this time as we celebrated the glorious triumph of the common man in the capital. Starting from an anti-corruption Satyagraha, AAP has brought a positive energy in the country. Honesty, dedication and sincerity have finally found some place in the Indian polity....

With promising leaders , AAP has given our democracy a new dimension. They have worked hard along with the activists till late at night, moved without security, tolerated all absurd criticism and have tried to walk their talk... 

Frustrated ministers of BJP, Congress and others have been making weird comments on AAP, which only proves their helplessness and weakness. The carping behaviour of their party members is equally malicious. The voters, who have been behind the monumental victory of AAP, unrealistically expect an overnight change....

What needs to be appreciated is the honest intention and hardwork of the party. People should understand that the decades long corruption and poor governance cannot vanish in a jiffy. We need to be patient and give them some time to fulfill their promises. Till then what would suffice is the pledge taken by the common men (voters) on 28th December on the Ramleela grounds...

A week in God's Own Country.....

With surreal  beauty and culture so immensely great, Kerala indeed stands out with divine perfection. From hills carpeted with green tea leaves to the sparkling backwaters, its each terrain is carved with care...
The success of high and widespread literacy is reflected in the lifestyle. The administration is relatively more efficient, the surroundings cleaner and the people better disciplined as compared to several other states.

Munnar ( hill station)

Through narrow winding roads , passing magnificent waterfalls, we reached the beautiful hill station Munnar. When the soft rays of the rising sun from between the clouds fell upon the green hills yet covered in mist, the sound of the Church Bell amidst the profound serenity of the valley felt like heavenly blithe...

Every bit of land here is home to some spice or plant. The extensive cultivation of world famous coffee plants, cardamom, pepper, cloves, etc. undoubtedly makes the state the 'spice house' of the nation.

Major Attractions:

• Kanan Devan Tea Factory
• Flower Gardens
• Idukki Dam 
• Eravikulam National park

                                  Thekaddy ( Periyar Tiger Reserve)

Famous for its Periyar Tiger Reserve, thekaddy is also  the heaven for spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

Home to elephants, monkeys and of course tigers, the Periyar reserve is enriched with the 

river Periyar and Pamba. A cruise in the sparkling 

waters was a pleasant means to appreciate the thick 

forest cover and watch stags, wild boars and water birds.

A tortoise shaped snack bar

Kumarkom , Allepey ( The backwaters)

The waters of the Venice of the East, Allepey , are a treat to the eyes. The lagoons, estuaries and sangam of 44 rivers, carrying the water of Arabian Sea are beautified by several coconut trees.

Kerala would be incomplete without its backwaters. An overnight stay in the houseboat is highly recommended.Watching the sunset from a houseboat  in the backdrop of coconut trees with authentic Malyali cuisine , is a tourist's delight....

Kochi

The commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi, is a well-planned city and a shopper's delight.The city has the oldest synagogue and the Dutch palace. It is fun to watch Chinese fishing nets and the ships cruising by. The icing on the cake is the Lulu Mall, which is the second largest in the continent.

Spices

Lulu Mall

The synagogue

From a rich cultural heritage to glossy cosmopolitan leisure, Kerala offers every kind of pleasure.With the highest literacy rate, life expectancy and sex ratio, it is the least corrupt and an ideal state......

Why we need to debate....

Recently, I took part in the inter- class debate organised in my school for classes 11th and 12th. There were 30 speakers in all who presented their views on the proposition "Our Biggest Problem: Caste system or Ill-treatment of women”. The 2-hour event was a great success and we witnessed some very fine speeches.

The revitalizing environment created by a debate is an experience in itself to be enjoyed. The air is filled with motivational speeches, seriousness of issues, nervousness of participants and also excitement. As speakers put forward their views, it appears as if the bunch of people is actually going to bring about a rapid metamorphosis in the present situation. We come across good orators who exhibit natural speaking skills, a few engineered ones, while some who tend to become melodramatic.

The situation behind the scene is all the more interesting. Hours are spent in front of the mirror, rehearsing over and over again. The students who express grave intensity of emotions on the day, are the ones who were perspiring and struggling with words just the other day.

During the process, it is not just the issues we learn about. We improve oration, overcome stage fear, develop self-confidence, get inspired by impressive speakers and also learn to be good listeners. Apart from our own hard work, each other's mistakes too, teach us a lot.

Debating, as the primary step, is also the most essential tool for solving problems or drafting welfare schemes. Dissension  in itself is the soul of democracy, which is reflected through debate. By sharing views and criticizing, we exercise our fundamental right to the freedom of speech and expression. The country too, follows this principle of deliberation in some form or the other, be it framing laws, accommodating difference of opinions or deriving a consensus.

Often, we are already aware of the arguments and counter-arguments. Yet, we enjoy the debate. Why?  Because it is essential to bring things of great importance in the limelight when they take a backseat. The scrutiny never goes waste as it helps spread awareness and tell people what they are missing. Everyone knows that caste system and ill-treatment of women are big blots on our society, but it is necessary to repeatedly remind and inspire the people to raise a voice against them.

Awareness, ideas, thoughts, etc can be spread through speeches as well but through debates, the difference of opinions that is created, teaches us how a thing can be viewed with different perceptions. We learn to think in totality and not just stick to our point of view.

So…. let us, discuss, debate and deliberate!!!

After a stressful week that went in giving exams, making projects, finishing assignments and running from place to place to complete tasks, 'break to banta hai yaar'...

Having reached a considerable level of exasperation and exhaustion, everyone would love to go to a place where everything is placid and quiet. Surrounded by the most beautiful natural landscapes, where every life form breathes calmness. Where there is soft sunshine, a soothing chirruping of birds, sparkling dew drops on freshly bathed leaves, a fragrant air, soft grass beneath the feet, a cool breeze lifting the hair......

Wonderful! Isn't it? This dream place is what they call 'Peace'.

Unlike the picturesque description it is usually subject to, Peace does not necessarily mean a morning walk in fresh air. It needs to be viewed with a broader perspective. Peace is closely associated with stability. One who has achieved real satisfaction in life will never be desperate for peace.

When we aim at excellence and do not indulge ourselves into momentary success, shrewdness and greed, we are also excavating our real happiness. Our capability, our self-confidence and our strong character give us inner happiness, the happiness from the heart. That is what makes Peace divine. It is like God, it is present in us while we search the world for it. We just need to sweep the impurities in us to make more room for it.

Usually it is the financially successful and diplomatic people who are in search of blithe. They work in a place which is surrounded by hostility, corruption and other evils. The fame fever has risen so much that people are ready to do or get anything by hook or crook (probably only crook works...). I chanced upon a very true saying, '' Wealth is not measured by the things we have, but by the things we have, for which we would not take money.'' The wealth of happiness one obtains by making others happy cannot be measured in words. By lending a share of joy in this world to the unfortunate, one can obtain a rich treasury of blessings, praise, bliss and ultimately, peace.

Also, we can find peace even in small instances like chatting with friends, listening to music, enjoying parties or even while eating pani-puri with cousins in the mela..!!. It is because it gives us a feeling of joy, togetherness and a reason to live, not merely exist. In order to succeed in life, many people sacrifice these little occasions of joy. This is the time to be alarmed. When somebody involves oneself into achieving worldly pleasures at the cost of this happiness, they are more likely to fail. And because of regular failure, many tend to opt for wrong means and unhappiness and pessimism creep in. Negativity leads to nowhere. Even if someone manages to walk on with inkiness, one is likely to shatter soon.

What we need is a pure soul which is the very abode of peace……

The world is hungry for a taste of Peace. Let us not waste our resources in international disputes, wars, conflicts etc. Let us give the wings of peace to the needy millions so that we can fly towards development.

                                     

                                                                                                          

Memories.........

A poem written by me in class VI.....!!

                                                                 THE  STRAY  CAT

       

Once on the street, I saw a pretty cat,

With twinkling eyes in front of me she sat.

She was cute, also a bit fat,

her innocent face waited for a pat.                                                       

Then she was there, every morning,

all through the afternoon and evening.

Cornering the balcony, a crate of cardboard

and an old mat was now her abode.

Her skin was soft as silk,

and quickly she lapped up the milk.

She would come and sit beside me,

and I patted her while drinking tea.

She would show up in one call,

and loved playing with my ball.

She ran all around the house,

Since then, we haven't had a single mouse..!!

Soon we heard the sound of kittens four,

naughty ones, tried to get inside the door.

Their mother brought them out before anyone could,

and would sleep soundly, just as babies should.

They entertained us in every way they could,

laughing, rolling and running wherever they wanted.

The cat tried to teach them good things,

Being kids, they didn't listen.

One day the kittens ran on the street,

Dogs were ready, up on their feet.

Here and there the kittens ran in terror,

but the dogs ran faster.

 

They seized their mother, who did care,

for saving her babies, didn't she dare!

The kittens were saved, hidden behind their mom,

but the dogs were three, and she one!

Though bravely that she fought,

she couldn't prevent being caught.

I made the dogs run away,

Seriously wounded, the poor cat lay.

The kittens stood trembling with unknown fears,

and my eyes started welling up with tears.

As the cat breathed her last,

I hugged her babies to my heart.                                                                           

                                                                                   

BADI NAANI...

In my older post, 'ROOTS' , I laid down my views on the importance of knowing our older generations. As I enjoy my summer vacation at my maternal grandparents' place in Kota , I come to appreciate them all the more....
                             Almost all of us have relished the tempting 'nani ke haath ki Mithaai'  but I feel glad to be among the few fortunate ones who get to enjoy the sweets made by great grandmothers...

In this pricking heat of May-June, nothing can compete a bowl of delicious ice-cream. The sweet blend of cashews, almonds and milk prepared by my ' Badi nani' ( great grandmother ) is the tastiest ice cream I've ever had. As it melts drop by drop, the touch of affection and tradition makes it all the more tastier..

It's not only about the sweet. It is about the love behind it. It is about the magic of belongingness that spreads as the family comes together to talk and laugh together. Even sweeter than the dessert is Badi nani's smile. It is so very interesting to sit and talk with her. She narrates her experiences in a way as if I were really there to witness them. Her words also have the power to captivate me with the stories of her times.

Even at this age, she possesses great intelligence and a sharp memory. She also has a lot of interest in the news and things going on around. Be it philosophy, history, literature or politics, she can speak on just anything. No wonder one gets 'wiser' as one gets 'older'......

At present, all of us, that is, I, my mother , my grandmother and grandfather, and my 'great' grandmother are living together under one roof. We all maybe very different when it comes to lifestyle and habits but these differences are too small to keep us from being connected through the supreme bond of love and blood......