learnings

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..