learnings

  pic courtesy-google images It is fascinating when one looks at another via one's own 'lens' and is willing to discover a different facet to the other.  It is a choice we have to make. Assumptions, presumptions, expectations, generalisations are red flags in any relationship. 

  As the title goes it is indeed a huge achievement, nowadays, if a movie does linger on for more than 24 hours!  Two young men, sons of two legends, have made this movie worthwhile ( in fact every actor in the film has donned the role beautifully). Hridayam is a feel good film a tad longer than usual with plenty of twists.. It is a movie where you can take breaks and get back with enthusiasm and curiosity. It is not a film that has to be rushed into watching in one go. Savour the scenes. Thanks to OTT!! The movie is a simple reflection of a slice of life. Now if life isn't magical then what is. The film has captured the ethos of a Malayalee student in Chennai. The teachers/profs not being mocked; the subtle dialogues without bringing in hostility between Tamilians and Malayalees; the mix of students; hostel scenes; engineering students finding their own off beaten paths; the bond of friendship; the bullies; crush and infatuations; life after college, weddings of classmates- the yo

Yesterday it was my father's birthday. A few memories came up distinctly. One that came up uppermost was thanks to my son's blog   My father taught me to remember that there were 'angels' on earth who have helped us sometime somewhere in our life's journey. He would speak of his bachelor days when he had starved and lived on black coffee because he did not want to burden his brothers. But it was miraculous when his second older brother would send him a parcel of goodies. The relief; the mitigation of hunger - I would see my father's eyes tear up. He remained grateful to many in his life's journey. And I am glad he taught me by being the role model. 

 I had my post grad classmates over for munch on Valentines Day. With gusto we wore our favourite colours; had chocolates , food and plenty of pics. We had such a memorable time catching up with stories old and new. Eckart Tolle featured in our conversation. It was a well spent day. We were comfortable talking various topics, comfortable with our flaws and laughter. It is interesting how Indians have embraced valentine's day. Of course the romance tradition is uppermost. For the rest of the populace it symbolises simple plain/non romantic love between individuals- parents and children; teacher and students; and above all a beautiful platonic love between friends. Valentines day in India embraces the Indian family and extended family plus friends circle.  Love is indeed beautiful is it not!

 I was happy to receive my new splashy driving license card. It looks hi tech with an inserted chip. As I was waiting in line with several others my neighbour a retired PT teacher struck conversation with me. A few others of my age group sat around staring at people and stuff. A couple of young men strolled in with the air of confidence. They mentioned they had filled up online and saved a grand( whihc folks like m had paid to our respective driving schools). They were pretty smug. The retired teacher told me to watch what would happen. As mentioned the young men were asked to run around for some document or the other... Giving the fee to the driving schools save us the time and effort. Unfortunately it is nothing to be thrilled about. It just reflects the ambiguity of  the online portal. If there is clarity then all of us would have done the same. We have gone digital yet it is not all that easy. 

Today many friends and acquaintances were wishing each other on the occasion of Chinese New Year. I wonder if any other country would celebrate festivals or occasions with such gusto as we do in India. We have incorporated festivals from all around the world!  As I mused it dawned that the regional (Indian) new year would fall in a few months ahead. And till around November we have various occasions marking the beginning of a new year in various communities. And with cheer and good spirit we ring in the (Western) New Year on Dec 31st evening.  How wonderful that we actually have so many reminders to begin anew. Forget the errors; declutter the unwanted and bring in the change..