learnings

The year is drawing close Prepare to repair body & mind Mount the blessings to count Inhale the love of close ones Exhale the negativism Laugh out loud Cry heartily Savour yourself..... Blast into the new year Renewed and ready To realise your Maqhtub!!!

This morning en route to work I saw a lemony green chord hanging from the USB port( in my car). It reminded me of my son's passion for music and more so of his passion of wanting to share it with me..I chuckled to myself. Each trip of his he brings me a piece of his world, his life to share with me.. When I reflect I remember that I have resisted listening to new numbers or singers unknown to me ( obviously I know very very very little). I try to whine and mumble that I am better off with the oldies. But he would make me listen and of course almost instantly I fall in love with this collection. After all it is a piece of him! Today as I pondered ( Pondering happened a lot today thanks to heavy traffic) I thought that every child beckons his/her parents to his/her world through such little acts.. Let us not hesitate to enter their world..  For what is lost can never be gained..

Xmas is a season of cheer..it's the season of loving and sharing. Often we speak of it but do not ponder over such acts. We take it for granted, like the love of parents, love of siblings, love of children, friends etc. I feel particularly proud today when I hold the prestigious iPhone4S!! I am a mere teacher with a meager salary yet I am a proud owner of this sleek gadget.. I received it as my XMAS  gift from my son. For the first few days I toyed with it, played with it and took the gift for granted.  This morning ( my enlightening moment) en route to work I pondered over this gift. I realized how selfless my son is. He has been consistently gifting me the latest cellular phones while he uses an older version or the run of the mill kind!  Would I ever be able to match his selflessness? This season he has enriched my soul..

Cradled amidst the Rugged and war torn Aravallis Lies the city of lakes. Her soil fashioned Men of valour and Women of beauty. Home to majesty and grandeur, Brilliant hues and strokes This city shimmers and gleams Beckoning us with Sunny warmth and hospitality..

It is with wry amusement that I read an article in today's newspaper (The Hindu)on the renaming of streets in Chennai. Each political party plays it's role on destroying or negating our rich History. The first step was to replace the 'colonial' names with Indian ones. So Mount road became Anna Salai, Nungambakkam High Road became Uthamar Gandhi Salai.. The next step taken by the aethist government was to negate the caste named street. So G.N. Chetty street became G.N.street and Brahmin street in Saidapet becomes Street. This is to erode the casteism. It is indeed amusing to note that both the young and the old still use the erstwhile names! History has been passed word of mouth. Casteism is still in everyone's minds, thoughts and actions which is evident in every political speech, caste based elections, in the common man's mundane life. The British did rule us. They did destroy our native economy etc. Even in their selfish interests, they did something

The golden orb in The blushing sky Above the sandy plains Tantalized us. Playing hide and seek Behind the dusty trees The setting sun sank Into the horizon Coloring the sky Into a brick red Rose the creamy gold moon In the sky opposite A simple disc of light In the dark desert sky Comforting us thro Our journey..

Dark skies and pregnant clouds. Dry earth spreads out To receive the downpour! Vermin and snakes crawl out Trees bow low Flowers cower Fruits cringe Seeds sing Children dance Rivers swell Seas sweeten My soul is still thirsty....

Often we ie my generation, is stuck for words to express gratitude to our parents. It is indeed a unique generation. we never grew up expressing gratitude verbally. Often actions, gestures completed our task. Strangely in our Indian culture it is too formal to say a 'thank you' to our parents! The simple 'thank you' is practically non existent! Is it not strange that in a culture where parents literally live their lives for the sake of children, there is no culture of saying the simple 'thank you'!! Parents and parental duty is taken so much for granted that one gets painfully shy or stuck when it comes to saying a 'thank you' to one's parents. Thank god for the English language. One can roll off the 'thank you' quickly in the blink of an eye. Today there came a situation/event in my life when I needed to express my gratitude to my parents. Of course I did not say 'thank you'. Rather I expressed happiness, wonder, in fact all emo

I wonder how the PWD officials escape punishment when there is ample proof of their corruption. Nature has a unique way of exposing the corruption. Come rain and our roads go for a toss. What is most amusing is the reaction of people to this ! Blame is squarely put on the buses and trucks!! It is because of the huge vehicles that the roads are in such a bad condition. Shockingly there is no mention of the roads being bad due to the poor quality which is again thanks to corruption. Hence it is jolly good time for the PWD dept as the blame game continues.

It never leaves me surprised when I see vehicles speeding on seeing the red traffic signal. All vehicles come to a sudden jerking halt at the traffic signal. Why can't drivers slow down and glide in gracefully? I wonder if it is the typical Indian mentality of 'who are you to stop me' attitude! This is because if the policeman is not present, the two-wheeler, cyclist, auto would surge ahead oblivious of the red signal. So we have to be controlled by authority!! Is it that the 'I' have to be first in the traffic line; the first to race ahead? But why is this competitiveness not present in keeping the city clean / in reducing the use of fireworks on Diwali/ not littering ? Why is there no competition among at least the rich in being philanthropic like Buffet or Gates? Americans are called very 'self-centred' by us. Interestingly this justification arises because an individual American is very protective or conscious of his 'space'. But what we do

How many festivals we have Lost count of it Festivals for every season festivals for all religions and of! Joy in brotherhood Fellowship with friends Opportunities to shop To hoard, to hog And to share To make a lot of laughter  and noise Poverty and celebration Family and feuds Colour and adulteration Power cuts and fireworks Kulfis and mineral water Sweets and millet gruel All co exist.. That is the spirit of India And of every Indian..

This evening as I sipped my evening tea The pink-gold rays of the setting sun Enthralled me The sun rays bathed the entire landscape. The twilight holds such enchantment.. As the days gives in to the alluring night... Birds fly home to their loved ones.. Stars come peeping.. The sun is slowly swallowed into the horizon My tea time is also over...

With a very heavy heart I bid adieu to my lil Santro My lil blackie.. She stole our hearts at the showroom She was our companion and bodyguard Never once did she groan or complain.. She was a fighter like me Never giving in to potholes Or rowdy driving She withstood anti social elements With spit and fire. She took us on long drives to ECR She carried me safe to work and home She rocked on our Bangalore adventure.. She never let us down She cradled us into her black leather seats.. Soothed us with good music. Cushioned us on bad roads.. My lil Santro I shall miss you so much Be good wherever you are.. You will be their pride for sure Farewell my friend, my bambino...

I was debating with gusto On the travails of an average Indian The lack of quality and progress.. I mourned the passing away of Jobs He, then asked why did I mourn.. Am I using any of the 'i' gadgets? My answer in the negative surprised him He wondered then why was I mourning!!  What do I answer.. My ex student and I keep debating.. Is China better/ India? West better or India. Will caste system ever go? She intrudes and nonchalantly claims There is no caste system nowadays... I was numb with shock... I am wondering , questioning.. Am I interpreting India wrong?/ Is there no caste based problems.. no female infanticide India is progressing.. everyone says.. But when will we become a 'first class 'nation? Gosh the debate goes on.. Time for food, dessert, glitz and glamour Outside the darkness engulfs all..

Today I was robbed. My bags were stolen from my car. I lost my 'work' bag containing my house keys, wallet -with a little cash,credit, debit cards, a signed cheque leaf,- cheque books, books, cell phone and blah.. It felt unfair.. Some low thief would have access to my cell and its contents... I had to go through the tedious process of blocking my bank accounts and blocking my credit/debit cards. I felt so cheated and so miserable.. sentimental about many a thing in the bag. To top it all even my lunch bag with my various tiffin boxes, curd and buttermilk container was also stolen!! So unfair. I did learn some valuable lessons: 1. Lock the car door even if the driver is present. ( the driver was very close to the car and had not noticed) 2. Having 2 cell phones and backing up vital information like credit card numbers ,help line numbers etc) help immensely. 3. Carrying your wallet than leaving it unattended in the car. 4.Having back up of your contacts on your laptop is

The wind came whirring down The rains lashed from  The grey sky The plants tottered The fresh earth fragrance Aah... What is it about the rain That awakens my soul!!!

Having watched two movies, slurped some hot tomato soup and cooking for dinner I thought it was a perfect evening. Till I saw the shirt. Oh my god, the pure White shirt was a candy pink now. I screamed in my head, cursing myself and my maid. I expected the worst!! It was his favourite shirt. My spouse strolls in, sees the shirt and without batting an eyelid merely suggested that it should go to the dry cleaner!!! Not a word after that. No tirade, no scathing comment, no reaction. Just a positive response. I was Stumped. It was a Big Learning for me. I felt very humbled.

Crazy traffic, noon, hunger and traffic jams made me reflect on life.. I was hungry and going to my mother's place. I knew that she would be waiting up for me with hot lunch ready on the table.. Ah for mothers like her!!  Also some past events caught up with me as we celebrated Onam yesterday. My family had witnessed death of two closest family members a decade ago. Very effortlessly my son and I blended into my parent's home.  Today as I was attending a lecture on parenting in the West and India, I realized how much I have taken my parents for granted. In fact most of the Indian parents are like mine and the children are like me. A decade ago, with no words spoken or asked ,my son and I were cradled and nestled by my parents. Relatives walked out on us. And of  course they were excellent in finding faults or levying blame. But my parents sheltered us. They were truly the Rock of Gibraltar!  They changed and adapted to our happiness. Even today my college time friends speak of

My tryst with Nature occurs every morning over a huge cup of coffee. It is the best time. I am at my wonderful best! The languid feeling,the warm cuppa,greenery,birds and dreams..Ah,now my dream is to earn a farm...with a cow ( my recent successful venture in making home made ghee),few hens, vegetable farming etc.. I love this tryst with nature. It lasts for a fe minutes only but blissful minutes...

With great reluctance I woke up at 05.40am( trying to wake up earlier has proved futile)for my morning walk. After a couple of rounds I begin to enjoy nature. A mud coloured bird chirped. The cool morning wind enervated me. Suddenly it struck me that I am the lone walker in the apartment complex. It definitely tells a story. That the complex is occupied by youngsters who work late and wake up late. I must be the odd middle-aged one..hmmm. But wasn't I motivated by a youngster living now in a distant land.I finished my morning exercise with a smile.

A few of us met at Bangalore for the weekend. One of the topics of discussion was marriage( eternal topic when the group consists of single and married people ). The usual quips came in. As always the institution of marriage is trampled, derided and mocked. I am reminded of the Bard 's, 'to be or not to be! ' Interestingly one married friend ( the only one so far ) had positive statements. He said he believed in the sanctity of marriage so he would never speak negatively. What struck me was the strength he possessed. He did not want to be part of the crowd. So I wondered if people especially men merely passed comments on marriage to be part of the crowd.  Or was it that they did not believe in it. Or is it they feared to be a stand alone?

I possess a naturally loud voice. Having been a teacher for long does not lessen the tenor! Often while debating / arguing the voice reaches a jarring crescendo! So much so I admire the soft -speaking ones!   This morning I woke up to the soft tone of a young friend of mine. I asked him if he ever raised his voice. His simple answer - why raise the voice ever?  Such confidence from a youngster.  Don Corleone never raised his voice. So would I learn or rather unlearn? Eeks why am I screeching?

It is very very difficult to lose a relative, be it sibling/parent/spouse. It is even more difficult to render condolences. Yet when we do, we emerge as stronger persons. I met a friend who happened to work with me in my previous school this noon. She had lost her husband. I was quite upset to learn that many of our ex-colleagues had not bothered to meet or talk to her. I felt sad for those petty people. In times of grief should we not put aside our personal differences? Is not life too short to keep grievances?

There was this teacher who complained that her legs ached when she had to stand for a mere half hour while conducting extra curricular activities. Now this comes from a teacher who sits the entire day teaching art to students. The only time she needs to move is during the activity period! What stunned me was how she took the activity as a burden. The students enjoy this session. Should not give us the joy and satisfaction? If teachers do not go the extra mile,how can we expect beter from the students ? In fact this activity period is not even part of the ' extra mile.' As a nation we enjoy shirking duty. We enjoy lazing around during the working hours unless we have a tough task master. We have taken mediocrity for granted. It is inbred and lazy,irresponsible teachers are bringing forth a mediocre future. It is indeed unfortunate that teachers do not know and realise what a Big Responsibility lie in our hands. We can never afford to be average workers! Wake up my b

There was this teacher who complained that her legs ached when she had to stand for a mere half hour while conducting extra curricular activities. Now this comes from a teacher who sits the entire day teaching art to students. The only time she needs to move is during the activity period! What stunned me was how she took the activity as a burden. The students enjoy this session. Should not that give us the joy and satisfaction? If teachers do not go the extra mile,how can we expect beter from the students ? In fact this activity period is not even part of the ' extra mile.' As a nation we enjoy shirking duty. We enjoy lazing around during the working hours unless we have a tough task master. We have taken mediocrity for granted. It is inbred In us and lazy,irresponsible teachers are bringing forth a mediocre future. It is indeed unfortunate that teachers do not know and realise what a Big Responsibility lie in our hands. We can never afford to be average workers! W

I wonder who gave the brilliant idea of using the birthdate being the criteria as cut off! All this because too many students have got 100%. So does this mean that they have all 'mugged' up and written? Or does it mean we have many prodigies? I am sorry my title sounds sarcastic.It's not about the poor students.I am amazed that birth dates can be the turning point! Of course nothing disappointing in a land ridden with superstitions! From now young parents will be under the pressure of planning their babies to be born in the so called cut off months so as to enable them to get into professional courses. The race does not stop is it not!

I met a student of mine the other day..He surprised me when he said he is getting into a top university for an engineering course. Now I know that he had not scored enough to get into that university. Noting my puzzled expression he casually commented that he belonged to a particular socially backward community! He also added that another of his classmate had got in too- the same university, better course, lower marks... I pondered .... was it because there is no other course available other than engg or medical!! or was it pure parental decision? or was it... What kind of engineers would they turn out to be?? Yet another scenario... A college in New Delhi requires 100% cut off!! Strange! Are marks the only criteria? In both cases Aptitude and Creativity take a back seat! Is it no wonder that the so called IITs and IIMs are unable to churn out a Nobel Prize? One billion population ---- tremendous youth potential .... education , social and political policies are rendering them

We may be in an era of IPad and fancy gadgets but for some religion is indeed an opium! There is this particular shoe retailer whose sales skills and customer relationship is of first class rating. I would inevitably buy footwear from his shop.Visits to his shop always ended with casual chats, a smile and renewal of the customer- retailer bonding. To my consternation ,one evening while buying so,e footwear,the conversation steered to religion. I was astounded by the observations he had made on some people. 'even though so and so is a.... He is a gentleman like people of my religion!' his remarks bordered on his religion and views not caring that I belonged to the religion or faith he was being sarcastic about! I smiled and nodded like a true diplomat. I returned home and ruminated over the conversation. I cannot think for him nor can I change him. It struck me that I am fortunate to have grown up in a secular background. Religion is indeed the worst/best opium!

Lean, wiry frame Shock of wavy salt'n'pepper Draped in Indian Khadi! He sat beneath the tree Sketching.... We giggly girls surrounded This maestro.. Disarming smile, few words This bare-footed guru Pierced my soul with his eyes So much so I mourn For this creative genius But I mourn more For the Intellectually blind Indians  Who exiled him!!!! PS: I had the great fortune of meeting( very briefly and suddenly) this genius at Drive In Woodlands( now converted into Semmozhi Poonga),several years ago. It was a time when he swore to walk barefoot thro'out India. Seeing him at my usual hang out was exciting and memorable.. I can never ever forget his penetrating gaze...

Charming by day Enticing by evening Glitzy and glam Aborigine and the Caucasian Tradition jostling with the modern.. Cafes, pubs and casinos, Romance on the cobbled path! Luscious and coquettish In the moonlight That is Sydney for you!!

A drop of land Amidst Teal blue ocean Dotted with gum trees, birch and fir Seals, kangaroos and wallabies Aqua green, turquoise blue And indigo blue waters Dazzling waves and rugged rocks White sand dunes rolling with the wind, So pristine, so Pure! The island seemed just made for us...

Outing to the Mall Woke up to a lazy wet day Crawled to the Mall Ooooh, ran around All the shops Knitwear, coffee, muffins Juice, mobile, i store Shoes, kitchen ware Ahh1 my feet cry I stop....

Outing to Barossa Valley Colours of autumn Swamped our drive.. Vineyards under the blue blue sky Meadows and hills Tall pines, birches and mistletoe Lined the avenues Sunlight on the burgundy grapes Thirsty we headed To the warm winery Tinkling glasses and swirls of wine Ah! the ambrosia awakened Our beings...

A wonderfully sunny day Voyage to Glenelg A beach side place Historic site and gorgeous First settlers landed here On HS Buffalo Museum, souvenirs and food Sea gulls, doves and puppies All abound here The picturesque jetty Infested with tourists Palatial apartments overlooking the sea I inhale the salty air And I get drunk on it!!!!

Lemon scented eucalyptus Blue finches, honey eaters Wrens, yellow parakreets Blushing peaches and Budding grapefruits On luscious trees Soothing lavender and Aromatic rosemary Grey smaller kangaroos Mountains wetlands Cool climes and chilly winds Adelaide... I am lovin' you

There is something so energizing about a trip. I am off to Yercaud, a little hill station in the Eastern Ghats. I have been here several times but with different sets of people. Each time the experience is different. As my son has put it, experience matters! Inspired by his writings I took time off to watch IPL, CRICKET match at the famed Chepauk stadium. the stadium has been renovated and looks quite good now...The experience of being seated among frenzied fans, fireworks, cheer leaders,stale food etc made the evening worthwhile!! To connect the dots I have always been an 'experience' person. But it was my son who put this into words for me.. So I am off to yet another experience!!

Fire works, dance and music Stars, audience and Superstars! Burgers, chips and coke.. Self styled commentators Frenzied teens and babbling kids Green grounds despoiled with painted ads Pot bellied police and drunken fans Balloons, flags and caps Smell of coffee and sauce Vodafone, citibank and aircel Secret rendevouz and bonds of friendship Man, woman and child All united under the umbrella of religion The religion of cricket!!!! My tryst with IPL on 7/4/11 at CHEPAUK stadium, Chennai

Beneath the super moon Hazy candle glow Friends on the terrace Ambrosia and food We went loony Loonier and loonier!!

Fascinating and ugly Hot and enticing This town beckons! Stone walls and floors Mute sculptures talk.. Leaves rustling, whispering.. Trees and lakes benign Corridors engulf me I am transported To an era Of gilt and glamour Of devotion and love... Of the linga and yoni...

A lone flower in the meadow, Lifting its orange face to the sun. Cheerful in the ravine Dancing in the ravine.. Till a grey cloud crawls in.. For a moment the flower frowns Just for a moment! The universe awaits The lone flower smiles! The grey cloud drifts away Sunbeams kiss the ravine!!!

Often we are faced with a dilemma when we have too many things at hand. We are not sure how to begin and where to begin. This morning a simple act of dressing up left in confusion. I did not know if I had to wear my accessories first or my dress or my shoes first! I decided to do what just came to me first naturally.The rest of the rituals followed easily.. So when in confusion do what comes naturally and easily! Now have I confused you???

learnings: Scorched Soul.. : "I met a young soul Scorched to his soul So burnt so dead I merely spoke I looked I smiled his soul came alive His eyes watered He smiled I ..."

I met a young soul Scorched to his soul So burnt so dead I merely spoke I looked I smiled his soul came alive His eyes watered He smiled I saw the promise Of spring in his life.....

I smiled!!! A good weekend with family, Good food and melodious music! Time lulls in my hands Green plants dance Setting sun smiles Am rested and thankful...

As I traversed the corridors Upheld by stone pillars With the sculptures Staring at me I am enchanted. I begin my conversation With the Almighty Gradually realizing that I am talking to my self I am Him!! Peace screeches into my soul As the bats screech into the deep haven of the temple!!! In memory of my brief halt at the famed Srirangam temple on 25/01/11

Giggles all the way For we met up After a year Old friends from college days Over dinner and a noisy evening Chitter chatter chitter chatter, giggles and laughs Worries flew away Memories flooded in We parted with smiles And a glow of warmth Promising to meet again Toast to this evening with friends from yore....

This morning when a student was pulled up for an error, her immediate reaction was to point fingers at someone else. It set me thinking.. Why is it that we hesitate to own up our actions.. Do we think we are incapable of imperfections? On further thought I felt that we are afraid of failures. We are ashamed to fail. It is this factor that make us point fingers at others or external circumstances when we encounter failure. Accepting our mistakes, owning up for our actions make us responsible and mature. We grow up to be individuals with integrity.. Let us help each other in this cause. Let us understand that it is alright to fail.

Like a snake shedding its skin I wish I could shed my habits Negative vibes Stressful relationships And begin anew!!!! Is it because I am Man So I am cursed with Diplomacy, Tact And above all 'What will they think?' formula!!!

As ever this new year began with renewal of old bondings!! On New Year's eve I had a surprise call from very  close yesteryear friends.. The evening was spent with friends who made the evening so warm and special.. And this luck ensued for yesterday yet another friend dropped by only to stay over... All these experiences were a trip down nostalgic times... The new year has thus started off on a very special note.. Life has taught me the valuable lesson of friendship. Friends have been with me through thick and thin. There are some more friends whom I wish to renew bonds with. There are some whose arrival I wait eagerly every year from lands beyond seas!! There are friends whom I meet annually over a birthday event. There are friends who remain in the background always ready to help. Silent friends-- talkative friends--happy friends-- serious friends--partying friends--work friends-- friends all over and everywhere.. I thank god for having blessed me so much...

Has his work been really treacherous? Is it against democratic values??

Awesome weekend at my mother's place.... Mom's food, so delicious and heavenly, Speedy internet and downloads, Five hours of uninterrupted siesta!! Dinner with my best buddy And a lazy Sunday to look forward to.. What more do I need Am Turbo charged.. Thank god for small blessings...

It's amazing how man proposes and god disposes!! I plan the dinner menu with a couple of dishes that I am trying out for the first time! But the evening does not go as per plan!! I am reminded of the popular Hindi saying, 'dhaane dhaane pe likha hai naam'. Loosely translated it means that on every morsel is written the name of the person who is going to eat it!

As yet another year dawns it is amusing how priorities change with age!! Autumn season of my life Bold and beautiful days Sharing and caring Travelling and bonding Family and work Friends and partying New house and old Gifting and receiving 'My time' is mine Like a cheshire cat I lounge back to To welcome winter days.. If winter comes Can spring be far behind???