tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19062424788044941252024-03-06T11:51:22.576+05:30Fish PerspectiveMaanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-6947670523952377332019-03-10T10:33:00.000+05:302019-03-10T10:40:07.166+05:30Book Review - Tuesdays with Morrie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Adams</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d come face to face with Tuesdays with Morrie multiple times earlier. The encounters had always been awkward. After all, I couldn’t just say, “Hey, I’m sorry but you’re not my kind.” It was one </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">such chance encounter while traveling that I met the book again. Ashamed, I decided to give it a go. A recommendation from my husband gave me courage to go on that first date with the book. Who knew I was in for such a surprise? I was hooked after reading just the first few pages.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesdays with Morrie, written by Mitch Albom, revolves around a dying man’s learnings about life, death and everything in between. But I connected even more with how these reflections </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">force his favourite student, Mitch, to stop and ponder over where his life is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">taking him.</span></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The story begins at Brandeis University, where Mitch is a student, in the spring of 1979. Morrie, a professor at the University, teaches sociology, instead of the “real world skills” of accounting </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and finance. Morrie soon becomes Mitch’s mentor, pushing him to pursue his interests and develop a humane worldview. At his graduation, Mitch promises that he’ll keep in touch. But as most other student-teacher relationships, this one too, was pushed to the back of Mitch’s mind with the prime real estate being taken up by the usual suspects – need to make money, buy a house, own a car,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">get that promotion. It was only after a decade and a half that Mitch hears of Morrie again. It isn’t happy news – Morrie is dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is then that Mitch reconnects with his old professor who begins teaching the final course of his life, a course on living, loving, and accepting yourself and others for who we really are.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The book, itself only 192 pages long, is written from Mitch’s point of view, as he first learns of his professor’s disease and then speaks with him about life over multiple sessions. It is structured into short chapters around 14 Tuesdays that Morrie and Mitch spent together, each dealing with a specific theme. The themes range from family, emotions and the world to death and regrets. Though the book might feel preachy at times and doesn’t say much that most people don’t already know instinctively, I loved the lucid and clear expression, which will make you read a page again – just so that you can absorb the depth of what was said in a few lines. It delves into the most basic truths of our existence. Morrie made me stop and think about the life I am leading and the choices I am making. I could easily find more than a couple of changes to make.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There was one paragraph that knocked hard against my head and heart, and has stayed with me ever since:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">“Mitch,” he said, “the culture doesn’t encourage you to think about such things until you’re about to die. We’re so wrapped up with egotistical things, career, family, having enough money, meeting the mortgage, getting a new car, fixing the radiator when it breaks—we’re involved in trillions of little acts just to keep going. So we don’t get into the habit of standing back and looking at our lives and saying, Is this all? Is this all I want? Is something missing?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">It beautifully sums up the endless loop we are in, where we anchor our happiness to external events. Morrie invites the reader to stop, stand still, think and break out of this rut.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">For me, this book also has an army of unsung heroes – Morrie’s family – who stay by his side day and night, till the very end. Morrie couldn’t have told his story if his family and caregivers weren’t working away silently, tirelessly to help him make the most of his days. More than his words, it is these people who strongly reinforce the need to focus more on people than material things. In the end, it’s the people - living in the house you built, riding pillion on the bike you bought, laughing and dining with you in that expensive restaurant – people… that really matter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And Morrie teaches us to slow down and appreciate them.</span></span></div>
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Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-72124497624403093492019-03-03T15:26:00.000+05:302019-03-03T15:29:00.941+05:30Conversations with Me: Round 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s late in the night - A weekday night, where routine dictates that I eat by 8 PM and sleep by 10 PM. Yet, sleep evades me like mice avoid a cat. In my quest to waste time, I’d been watching a movie – Into the Woods. The Witch, played by Meryl Streep, said something that has been playing on a loop in my head ever since: “Children grow from what you love to what you lose.”</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-cbb860d9-7fff-1522-ddf9-c0504019be98"><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is when TOM decided to pay me a visit. Long overdue, after <a href="http://www.fishperspective.com/2018/05/conversations-with-me-round-3.html" target="_blank">our previous conversation</a>, but certainly unasked for.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-cbb860d9-7fff-1522-ddf9-c0504019be98"><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> TOM: Hey there! What happens if we replace “Children” with “Parents” in that line?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Me: </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">**Speechless. Even thinking about losing my parents makes me tear up**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TOM: Why do you not speak? You haven’t been home in the past two months. That’s surely a first. You must have a reason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You know I’ve been travelling. And now my trips are split between Delhi and Jaipur. How can I possibly maintain the same frequency of visits as before? I also have critical deadlines approaching at work. If I don’t stay here and work hard, how will we ever get to launch the project?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TOM: Did your company collapse while you were away for a month?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No. But that’s because all systems are designed to be person-independent. Work has to go on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TOM: So you’re staying away from home to work a job where you are completely replaceable? And this takes you away from your family, where you are irreplaceable? And you’re OK with this? I don’t understand the times we’re born in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can explain…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TOM: No! I’m the one in-charge of talking today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I understand, you get some “learnings” from your job. You’re building your own story. You’re making an “impact”. You “grow and develop” as a professional. Maybe even as a person. And of course, it gets you the money. But, at what cost?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our parents are here only for a finite time. Without exaggeration, they are getting older as we speak. And one day, you won’t see “Mom/ Dad calling” flashing across your phone’s screen. You won’t hear that familiar voice at the other end of the line. You won’t be able to tell them, “I’m busy, I’ll call you later.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What will you do when you see them lying there motionless, leaving you utterly helpless? Can your learnings and your money buy you a ticket on the train of No Regrets? A second chance? Forget that, you won’t even be able to reach home fast enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You’ll never know which visit becomes the one that you saw them last.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">**What started as a single drop of water, is now flowing freely from my eyes**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You shouldn’t be saying all those things!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TOM: That won’t change the reality. You push your family to a deep dark corner of your mind. You know what happens where there is no sunshine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t spend your life mindlessly working one job after another, moving from one city to another, chasing moving goal-posts. There will always be that promotion, that increment that will be held out as a carrot to you. But what won’t always be around, is your family. And trust me, nobody is affected by your presence (more appropriately, absence) more than them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> They are trained too to not show any emotion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Or maybe they also work on the assumption of infinite time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Or maybe, they’ve just accepted the witch’s lament as their fate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Don’t let them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It’s in your best interest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having had the last word, TOM disappeared. For once, the conversation was complete but I was left feeling hollow inside. It forced me to acknowledge things I didn’t want to. It left a bad aftertaste. And all I could do was look out at the sky, watching airplanes disappear into the clouds as they left this city behind, wishing one of them would take me along.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can go through TOM's reflections here:</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.fishperspective.com/2016/04/conversations-with-me.html" target="_blank">Round 1</a></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.fishperspective.com/2018/02/conversations-with-me-round-2.html" target="_blank">Round 2</a></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.fishperspective.com/2018/05/conversations-with-me-round-3.html" target="_blank">Round 3</a></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</span></div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-72858821875172180272019-02-24T15:20:00.000+05:302019-02-24T15:20:57.362+05:30This Distance Too, Shall Pass!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI26QpQGnkvXPxA-B1Qp6F1Hih_6tMhjQ2m3aqRGGMLgc9kQICyz7kzy5r1W10MML3DjLbo5sFVSBlVD5VVSZ_yjkxGwk5V_-SWu0XyNR4NjzJBj4XIt9HkSGqbHmaLYN70gzSaRH9Lmk/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-02-14+at+17.40.13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI26QpQGnkvXPxA-B1Qp6F1Hih_6tMhjQ2m3aqRGGMLgc9kQICyz7kzy5r1W10MML3DjLbo5sFVSBlVD5VVSZ_yjkxGwk5V_-SWu0XyNR4NjzJBj4XIt9HkSGqbHmaLYN70gzSaRH9Lmk/s400/WhatsApp+Image+2019-02-14+at+17.40.13.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">My
pen and paper, rest untouched</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
dream about you</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Fretting
over the miles in between</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
glance at our happy faces</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
see hope</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">This
distance too, shall pass…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
love you!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Dressed
in our best, swallowed up by the night</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">We
danced till our feet were kissed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">By
the first rays of light</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Yearning
to match steps with you again</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
wish</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">This
distance too, shall pass…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
love you!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">D-day
was here, I hid my tears</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Bidding
farewell to familiarity</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Set
forth on this journey, trusting the hand I held</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">You
said, “Let’s click a picture”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
smiled, feeling</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">This
distance too, shall pass…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
love you!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
suspect it was the hot seat</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">That
fuelled your confidence, going down</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">On
one knee with a rose</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">A
hundred eyes watching</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">The
girl in me did a little twirl, and sang out loud</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">This
distance too, shall pass…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
love you!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">New
Year eve, warmth in tall glasses</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">We
stood on that terrace</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Transfixed
by the lights</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">In
that one moment, I was so thankful</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">To
have you by my side, I knew</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">This
distance too, shall pass…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
love you!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Perhaps
my favourite place of all</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Doing
stunts on the road</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Fighting
over if you should swim</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Spotting
hot Dads and yummy Mums</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I’m
glad you love to live and laugh</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">It’ll
make it easier for this distance to pass…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">I
love you!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">The
trip has ended, life begun</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">This
one’s for each time our eyes meet</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Joy
knows no bounds</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Smiling
ear-to-ear doesn’t suffice</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">We’re
far away for now, it’s true</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">But,
this distance too, shall pass…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Because, I love you!</span></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-83320566769921444902018-05-27T10:46:00.000+05:302018-05-27T10:47:25.617+05:30Conversations With Me: Round 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It’s been a little
more than three months, and date night is here again. I still remember the <a href="http://www.fishperspective.com/2016/04/conversations-with-me.html" target="_blank">first conversation</a> vividly, even though it was years ago. They say time flies. The
<a href="http://www.fishperspective.com/2018/02/conversations-with-me-round-2.html" target="_blank">last time you listened in</a> was 15 weeks ago…105 days ago…2520 hours ago… (You
know the numbers are just an attempt at build-up)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Did I get you,
though? :P)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m bursting with
questions for TOM. The past quarter year has been eventful. I’m nervous,
anxious, excited and a hundred things all at once. But putting all these thoughts
away, I greet TOM with a radiant smile. You got this right… This smile has been
perfected in office… Just about welcoming enough to make you look amiable from
afar, but not warm enough to induce conversation beyond “What’s up?”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hi TOM! How
you doing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oh, hello! I’ve been wonderful… busy soaking
up the new city, new people, your new stint. It’s all been incredible so far.
I’ve thought about thanking you a hundred times for all this but decided
against it. I know you’ll take credit for everything even when you had no hand
in this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>** Sheepish **
Well, I did move cities, no?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Only out of compulsion. And honestly tell
me, weren’t you only too happy to leave Mumbai behind? Aren’t you dreading your
impending return to the city?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You’re my inner voice dude! Shut up! You’re
not supposed to shout this out from the rooftops. What if my colleagues read
this? ** turns back to see one of them hastily closing their browser window **
There you go! I’ve had it now. ** sits down dejectedly **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Well well… at least you are seated now. Tell
me child, what’s been troubling you? I know I’m not the cause of that sudden
outburst.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Why do you think I’m speaking with you
TOM? I wouldn’t come to you if I weren’t confused. Who cares about you when all
is hunky-dory?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TOM:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> That was just
the tiniest bit hurtful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Apologies. That did sound worse than it
is. You know how it is. Everything seems to be going fine. Just then a question
pops up in your head, “What now?” And you’re sent into a frenzy because you do
not have an answer. For the longest time I’ve had one or the other goal in
life. I’ve always worked towards something. Be it getting into the college of
my choice, securing the first rank, getting the lead in that dance team… there
has always been something to look forward to. And what now?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Go on, I’m
listening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m in such a flux. Working a regular job
where my career path has already been decided by some man in a business suit
just doesn’t seem appealing enough. What do I have to do to get that promotion?
Just be a good girl, keep my head down, and work. Nothing more. Where is the
excitement in all of this? You will not believe me when I say that in the past
two weeks I’ve thought about each one of these:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Training to be psychologist<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Opening yoga camps<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Being a restaurateur<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Opening a kid’s library<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Developing a technology for payment tracking<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Getting a Masters in English Literature<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Getting a Masters in Psychology<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Sitting for UGC NET<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Opening a YouTube cookery channel<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I’m not even talking about me
trying my hand at writing. Do you see how conflicted I am?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m still
reading that list…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Exactly my point. I wake up wanting to be
one thing, and sleep wanting to be another. How do I decide where do I want to
go? How do I set a new goal in life? What if all these twenty-five years of
hard work are completely irrelevant in that new field?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For once I’m
afraid I’m speechless. You’ve been preparing this script for some time now, no?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It has been
on my mind, yes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Knowing the person that you are, I don’t see
a reason why you can’t be each of those things. You are a determined one. Let
me think what’s stopping you then.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
** Finally, I’ve got her thinking. Calls for a little
victory dance **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
** TOM snaps out of her ‘deep’ thought **<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
It’s simple. You’re uncertain
about where you want to be because you’re unsure of how it will be when you get
there. Will it be better than your present situation? You don’t know. Honestly,
you’ve never had it tough in life. All you did was study. You’re earning good
money, but you don’t know what to do with it. Neither do you know how else to
earn the comfortable life you have. You’ve always done the one thing you were
best at, while dabbling in others for fun. You’re reaping rich returns, but now
you want more. You don’t want the first twenty-five years of your life to
dictate the coming seventy-nine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Did I get it right?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Are you
sure you didn’t smoke up by mistake?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>** bursts out laughing ** When you’re me, a mere
spectator, it’s not very difficult to figure people out. As you once said, I
don’t have to deal with the practicalities of this world. I have ample time to
think. I wake up in a silent room, only after you’ve put your laptop and
yourself to sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Me: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But what
do I do now? You haven’t given me any answers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
TOM: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Those are
for you to find…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That’s when TOM
spots a plate of chhole bhature behind me. I hate how these conversations end
so abruptly. But God knows we’ve been missing those bhaturas here in Bangalore.
Who can stand up to good food? Not me, not TOM…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Until next time
folks!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-1412690198779675322018-04-29T11:23:00.000+05:302018-04-29T11:23:15.346+05:30It's Happened With Me Too!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.indianexpress.com/2017/01/childsexualabuse-thumb-759.jpg?w=450" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.indianexpress.com/2017/01/childsexualabuse-thumb-759.jpg?w=450" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="450" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
She was walking down the street</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Wearing her new shorts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
She got them at the Zara sale<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Oh! How ecstatic she was!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
The shorts were shred to pieces<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
When they were done with her<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
As society pronounced its verdict<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
A scream could be heard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
“It’s happened with me too”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Said a burqa, a saree, a long skirt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
She works at the hospital, a nurse<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Often comes home late at night<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
After tending to the hurt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Tired but radiating happiness with her day’s work<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
They sought to put out this light, she ended in a coma<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
When they were done with her<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
The society spoke again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Counting the vices of the night</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When spoke a thousand voices</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“It’s happened with me in broad daylight”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
She had just finished college<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Building a career and life for her own<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
About to get married, dreams in her eyes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Ready to soar into the unknown<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Wings clipped short, she got a child<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
When they were done with her<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
That’s what happens, when you do not differentiate<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
While raising a boy and a girl<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
The elders all nodded in unison<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
A feeble cry of a six-month old<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
At this time was heard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
“It’s happened with me too”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
And now we come to the ultimate prey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
She drinks and parties and has fun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
She loves to dress-up, is good with make-up<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
All her friends are men<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Her mother told her to stay mum<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
When her uncle was done with her<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
She still sees him every weekend<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
When he comes over for lunch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
“It’s happened with me too” can be heard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
From girls and boys alike<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Yet society chooses to look away, thinking<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Oh! It cannot happen in MY home!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
This cannot be my child’s plight!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-6374280791166098292018-03-18T12:25:00.001+05:302018-03-18T12:26:02.107+05:30Welcoming Christmas... In a T-shirt: Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Reader,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the second post in the "Welcoming Christmas... In a T-shirt" series. To help you with the continuity, you could refer to <a href="http://www.fishperspective.com/2018/02/welcoming-christmas-in-t-shirt.html">Post 1</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***********************************************************************************************************************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That first week was merciless. With work making us travel
the length of the city, and brokers making up for the breadth, my head was a
cacophonous haven for all the taunts and warnings I’d ever been subjected to: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Jab naukri karne lagoge, tab aate dal ka
bhaav maloom hoga.” “Ghar pe rehti hai toh ek ungli bhi nahi hilati. Akele
rahegi tab pata lagega.” “Jab khud paise kamaoge, tab uski asli keemat pata
lagegi.”</i> I’m sure some of you are smirking as you read this. And why not?
Every Indian parent has this book titled “Cutting Remarks That Will Stick: How
to Deliver for Maximum Impact”. Maybe I missed out on the book meant for the
kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day by day, house by house, building by building, my hopes
of ever finding a home in this maze they call Mumbai diminished. What increased
was a heart-felt dislike for its roads, buildings, cars, people, noise, air,
being. Yet, to be fair, between sessions of cursing the company for not
providing us with accommodation and cursing the Gods (who wouldn’t listen) for
putting me in this situation, I did see sparks of kindness and genuine concern.
They might come in the form of a broker’s contact shared by a colleague, or a
half-day leave sanctioned for house-hunting. In those days when brokerage and
rent agreements were all that I would dream of, even such random acts held
great significance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What really confounded me however, were the “systems” or
“policies” or “guidelines.” The systems forbade the Company from providing us
with accommodation, the policies (unwritten/unpublished then) deemed any
practical solution to our housing problem as unethical, and the guidelines, I
suspect, were guiding the interest of a select few. Even in that chaos, I
couldn’t help but wonder how systems completely take logical and humane thought
out of the equation. In the system, I am reduced to a number… employee number,
candidate number, case number, patient number, registration number, marks you
got on a subject. You, dear reader, might be smarter and might have realized
this earlier, but it hit me real hard how I’ve always been only a number. It
started right from the time the youngest edition of me was just released in the
world’s markets: Baby Number.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moment you open your eyes and let out that blood-curdling
wail as newborns do, you’re tagged with a number. The number deems
insignificant everything that defines you as an individual. And when that
individuality is lost, what motivates the person processing these numbers to
give his best? To try and see context? To try and see how each number is unique
in its own right? You guessed it right… precisely Nothing. And hence, public
apathy is born. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
**Personally though, I would want to see how China’s Social
Credit System pans out. That, after all, is the ultimate system ruled by
numbers and rankings**<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enough ranting about systems though. What’s important is
that despite the world’s evil plans to make us sleep on the pavement, we
managed to find a place we could call home. It stood proud and tall at the top
of a not-so-tall building in the middle of a just-a-little swanky neighborhood.
All things said, it was a place we instantly fell in love with. And this is
where, with drum-rolls, I introduce my flat mates. Two ladies, each so different
from the other, yet beautifully similar. One that loves make-up, the other that
believes in natural beauty. One that dances with only very special people, the
other that usually leads on the dance floor. One that isn’t interested in gossip,
the other that has the scoop on everyone’s lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mind you, this was also my first time living in such close
confinement with specimens of my own gender. Things were bound to get
interesting!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
**The girl, who had been busy typing on the laptop, looks up
from it and directly into the camera. She can’t help but wink to the world.
Well ok, it might not be as good as Priya Prakash Varrier, but it is good
enough to convey the message. Screen turns black, focusing on her and the wink,
Bugs Bunny style**<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-61608503360779114312018-03-11T08:47:00.000+05:302018-03-11T08:47:22.769+05:30Dear Prince<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Fairytales… we’ve all grown up listening to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But close your eyes and think for a moment. Don’t most of
them involve a damsel in distress and a heroic prince, who saves her from all
miseries? Don’t most of them have a Happily Ever After?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Now close your eyes again. Is that how real life works? Is
there ever a perfect ending? Do you love your prince charming equally each day
of the week?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This little poem is just to get an alternate narrative
out there. Under the shroud of every Happily Ever After, there lie countless
struggles, disagreements, arguments, tough questions and tears: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dear Prince<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I first met you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You were a different man<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Or maybe I was stupid<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dumbstruck by the cupid<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
To not see what everyone can<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dear Prince<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I first met you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You had words and thoughts of your own<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I took you to be tender<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My fire’s perfect fender<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You knew family and home<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But Dear Prince<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I meet you today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I feel it’s some other<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It definitely is not you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
He has your voice, its true<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
But his thoughts mirror the queen mother<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dear Prince<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I meet you today<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I am so uncertain, unsure<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Of whether you will ever<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Stand up for your forever<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For something we thought so pure<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dear Prince<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You’re probably raging by now<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I’ll clip this short, and wait some time<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
For when you see reason<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This won’t be treason<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
You only need remember the rhyme<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-24296846347491625352018-02-18T10:49:00.000+05:302018-02-18T10:49:50.628+05:30Welcoming Christmas... In a T-shirt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Reader,<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have a request for you before you read the following piece. It is a time-traveler request. Imagine yourself transported to Christmas 2017. Do you remember how all the malls, hotels and restaurants were adorned by giant Christmas trees? Can you recall the warmth of fresh waffles and mulled wine against the harsh winter? You can? Then we're all set:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
**************************************************************************************************************************</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a Delhi girl.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do I begin with this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I’ve never seen a December that isn’t cold.
Christmas has always been a time to sip hot coffee through chattering teeth.
But this Christmas is different. I’m in Mumbai.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why am I here, you ask? Well, this is the City of Dreams.
Isn’t it? I came here looking to make a name for myself in that most glamorous
of industries. True, I haven’t made much headway yet. But I did manage to
meditatively gawk at all of my favorite celebrities’ homes, trying to bribe the
guards to let me sneak a peek at what lies beyond those massive doors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wait. I hope you didn’t buy that! Because I am none of that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m just a regular girl, whose job, like thousands others,
has brought her to the city. I work for a company that proclaims itself to be
the entertainment provider for our country. And that’s about as close as I can
ever get to Bollywood. No, I didn’t want to be here. No, I didn’t ask to be
here. No, I don’t yet hate or love the city. But yes, I am here nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coming back to Christmas. It is the Twenty Fourth day of
December, the last month in the Two Thousand and Seventeenth year after Christ
(24.12.2017). Christmas evening. And I’m sitting here, with the fan speed
turned to maximum, with no plans of going out anywhere, turning all my
attention to this white sheet of paper that I can’t even touch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seems like the perfect time to go into a flashback, right?
Don’t worry, it’s only about three weeks. After all, I just arrived!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caution: It might get a little too depressing for some, but
remember, it gets worse before it gets better… the night is darkest before dawn…
or some such wise words.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Week 1:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I came with a heavy heart and even heavier suitcases. I’ve
never been unhappier about landing in a city. The one-way ticket from Delhi
felt like I was going away on a cruise, but didn’t know how long it will be
before I see land again. To make matters worse, sea-sickness is a close friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That first evening here, my friends made sure I had no time
to be homesick. The terrors of house-hunting were still a dim possibility. The
possibility of not finding a decent place to stay non-existent. Yet from the
way I’m trying to build this up, I’m sure you’ve guessed what’s going to happen
yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cut to the next evening, and we’re stranded in the rain. Cyclone
Ockhi welcomed us with its arms wide open. Walking in the rain, trying and
failing to hail a cab even as I felt the rain slowly drenching me through…the
panic I felt rising in my throat…the helplessness and frustration at having
spoiled my best office shoes right on day 1… the anger at the entire Ola/ Uber
infrastructure just collapsing… I think I’ll remember that evening for a long
time to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In bed later that night, I couldn’t help but wonder about
what has life come to. I questioned myself as to why I was even doing this.
What good could this job possibly do if it kept me away from my family? True,
in hindsight it sounds a little extreme. But those few hours alone were enough
to turn my world upside down and shake it all over.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That week I was staying on the 19<sup>th</sup> floor of a
building that touched the sky. That’s about sixteen floors higher than any
floor I’ve ever stayed on. While this effectively laid out the city below my
feet (barring a few proud buildings, who just wouldn’t bend no matter how much
I willed them to), it also isolated me (lonely at the top?). I could see the
rain fall, but not hear it pitter-patter. I could see the cars crawling around
in the streets below, but only hear the loudest of horns. I could see the
people, tiny and insignificant as ants. By the way, have you ever seen ants?
They are always so busy. Working so hard. But to what end? You don’t know.
Neither do you care. That is what I felt for those people. I felt nothing. Now
as I write this, I’m left wondering if our politicians see us the same way.
Ants?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
**Zoom out cinema style; from the girl typing on her laptop, to a view of her from the window, to a shot of the neighborhood she stays in, to a picture of the city all lit up at night, and further...**</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(To be continued)</i></div>
</div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-10241437015965594122018-02-11T09:31:00.000+05:302018-02-11T09:31:21.660+05:30Conversations with Me: Round 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>We have a situation
here. I’m in major trouble. I haven’t talked to TOM (The Other Me…for those
who, like me, forgot that she exists or are meeting her for the first time) in
more than a year and now I’m faced with the prospect of having that difficult
conversation. What if she starts asking me questions I can’t answer? What if
she doesn’t approve of what I’m doing now… the life choices that I have made?
Will she understand my reasons for staying away for so long? Do I have any
genuine reasons to offer?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>It is with these
questions, whirring faster in my mind than insects around a candle, that I head
out (heading in would be more appropriate, no?) to meet TOM.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
………..It begins with an exceedingly
tight hug, which ends with a rather awkward silence………….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Me: Umm…. Hi!
You look nice. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
TOM: Wish I could say the same about you. Did you
show your hairstylist a poodle’s photograph for inspiration? Have you grown a
tail yet? <i>**Does a quick check** </i>Damn.
Not yet. But soon. Very Soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Me: Thanks for that!
You’ve really forgotten your manners and etiquette!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
TOM: Well… Someone doesn’t talk to me. It’s been
more than a year if my memory doesn’t fail me. The Doc told me I’ll die of emotional
neglect one of these days. You know, nobody to talk to, nobody who truly cares…
the same thing that mothers go through when their little ones leave home for
high flying jobs, putting them in the empty-nester category? Ring any bells?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Me: <i>**Looks left and
right, guiltily thinking of the parents I have left behind. Thinking of TOM
dying because I never check on her doesn’t help either**</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
TOM: C’mon!
You can do better than that! You have Guilt written all over your face… I
thought you would’ve learnt something at B-School. Looks like you forgot to
take that course called “Effective Strategies to Implement Two-Facedness!”
Anyway, what happened to your plans of changing the world? What are you doing
these days?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Me: <i>**With
well-rehearsed enthusiasm** <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
Well, I’m working my first job. I
spend the days traversing every dusty street that the city has on offer,
visiting neighborhoods that I never dreamt I’d visit…sometimes trying to do
things which I believe to be outright unreasonable. But mind you, it’s an
eye-opening experience. I meet so many new people each day. I’m learning how
large corporates run, how the money flows, what are the practical difficulties
that small businesses face… and lots more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
TOM: Did I ask you
about your job?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Me: <i>**Completely taken
aback. It takes me a moment to come up with a lame response”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
But I thought…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
TOM: Let me ask you
again… what are <u>you</u> doing these days?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
Me: <i>**Takes a long time to think… pondering over
the significance of this question**</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
You know TOM, I don’t really know.
I’ve never found it this difficult to express myself candidly. Even now I’m
wondering what if some company HR happens to read this? Will they take me to be
someone always dissatisfied with what she has? Is this likely to ruin my future
employment prospects? Do I always have to be politically correct? Everywhere I
go, there seems to be this pressure of saying the right thing to the right
people at the right time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
This entire job thing. Yes, it’s
fun. Yes, the money is good. But what am I really doing? I’m 24. I should be
doing way more than working in the field and snatching a few hours of sleep. I
should be writing more often, reading more, partying harder, learning a new
dance form, improving my calligraphy. But all I end up doing is purely
operational work-related stuff. And then people expect me to come up with
strategic insights about how XYZ can achieve greater heights. How does one even
do that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
TOM: I think I can
understand your situation. But aren’t all your friends going through the same thing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
Me: Some of them are, yes. But I’ve never been
this uncertain ever before. I don’t seem to have a goal anymore. What am I
working towards? Yes, the writer dream is still there. But how does one even
start chasing something this vague? Am I even willing to take that plunge? And
when?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
TOM: Those are
things you’ll have to break your head over.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
Me: <i>**Smirking
inside, thinking that TOM doesn’t really know anything about the real world and
it’s struggles after all**<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
That needs time, which is the only
thing that I don’t seem to have TOM. In fact, that is precisely the reason why
I am so reluctant to go back home these days. Being idle at home lets my
thoughts run in a thousand different directions. In the throes of this
addictive drug called Everyday Existence, I can comfortably forget that I don’t
know where I want to be tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
TOM: <i>**She
begins with one of her irritating all-knowing smiles. As if she has just
succeeded in making me confess something that I wasn’t willing to accept up
until now**<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
Wow. That was sort of profound.
Deep, in fact, by your standards… given that you haven’t done a lot of thinking
in a lot of time. But I’ll give you hope… you’re still questioning yourself,
you might be happy but still not satisfied, you’re still in touch with your
deepest emotions (uncertainty, in this case. What does all this point to? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Me: I know you
don’t want me to answer. :P<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
TOM: Well, yes. All of this shows that you’re
still alive inside. You might not know where you want to be yet. But you do
have that restlessness to do more, to be more. And without letting it sound
like I’m consoling you or subjecting you to one of my hideously boring
motivational speeches… this discontent is exactly what you need to succeed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Me: To be
honest, it sounded exactly like both those things. But I’ll take your word for
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>With that the phone
rings… Like a reflex I move to answer it. This conversation cut short, the
train of thought lost, my brain once again abuzz with the data that I need to
prepare and the reports that I need to send out. And just like that, those
precious few moments that I had with myself were gone. I now realize that I
couldn’t even get to the main agenda for this session with TOM. Guess that’s
how time runs out…</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>(You can find Round 1 of these conversations at <a href="http://www.fishperspective.com/2016/04/conversations-with-me.html">http://www.fishperspective.com/2016/04/conversations-with-me.html</a>)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-89312061006091046082016-04-23T11:03:00.001+05:302016-04-23T11:03:59.650+05:30Conversations with Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.speakoutinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/uh173-a7d3f42b-b1b1-4ff7-9f13-0a4cea662442-v2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.speakoutinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/uh173-a7d3f42b-b1b1-4ff7-9f13-0a4cea662442-v2.jpeg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
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While the rest of the world is busy pouring over its books
and notes, I thought I’ll have a little chat with The Other Me (TOM), as in the
one inside the ‘Me’ that you see. So if you’re still reading this, you’re
essentially eavesdropping on a private conversation. But… I barely mind. I mean
I do, just a bit, but that’s OK.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, after I’m done with the usual small talk, I get to THE
question… How have you been these past few months? Honestly? I didn’t even have
the time to think. And it took me five whole minutes to actually come up with
that answer. And you know I’m not the dimmest wit in class.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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TOM: You were saying something. Where did you go?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Resumes the talk after
almost 7 months, as if no time has elapsed…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: Hi! Long time, no see! How have you been?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TOM: Well, you asking me sweetheart? You should ask
yourself. I have been waiting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: Technically, that is exactly what I am doing. No?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TOM: Yes, sort of. But tell me, what have you been up to?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: Working. Busy becoming another brick in the wall. Isn’t
that what everyone else around me is busy doing right now?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TOM: I do not profess to be an expert on this, but yes, maybe.
But how does it matter to you? You have never been one to just fit in. If
anything, you have always tried to follow your own heart. That is how you got
here in the first place. Why mellow down now?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: They tell me it’s time I grow up, time I shoulder my
responsibilities. For how long can I be a rebel? I’m telling you, the latest
machine in demand is one that can take orders and execute them with 100%
accuracy. Any variations are considered defects, much against what people
usually claim.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TOM: Umm… Did you just compare us with a machine?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: *thinking*…*still thinking*...I have no answer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TOM: I know it’s a mad race out there. Desperation often
wins, if only in the short term. I know people use all sorts of underhand
methods. I know all of that, and you know all of that. But how does it matter?
Has it ever affected you? Should it even affect you? Is your whole life not
proof enough of how hard work and determination can get you where you want to
be? Why be worried about the future now? You know you will manage, and manage
well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: *listening quietly*<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TOM: I’m trying hard not to be preachy. But you are at a beautiful
juncture in your life. You are at that threshold where you can do almost
anything you can dream of. Why limit your imagination? Why settle for something
less when you can do so much more? You always wanted to be a writer. Why not go
for it now? You have the time and the energy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: Resources?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
TOM: Oh c’mon! Are we not resourceful enough to manage? Stop
being nervous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: It’s easy being you, with your pearls of wisdom. You don’t
have the mandate to be practical. It’s me who has to step out and deal with the
people here. You sleep through the day and only come out to play havoc in the
nights.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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TOM: *grins sheepishly* That is the only time you have for
me, when you aren’t busy being busy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Me: I can’t blame you. Either way, I need to get back to
work. I’ll talk to you later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>And that is how most
of our conversations with the self, end: abrupt, incomplete and unresolved. And
this is possibly why we are always in that restless state. Never truly at
peace. Always pre-occupied. Never focussing on the moment at hand. Amidst all
the work, people and events, we lose touch with ourselves. We learn new skills,
we start earning but we lose our creative self. Slowly, but surely, we become
one of those zombies we never wanted to be. Is this really the life we want?
That is probably for another conversation with TOM…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-1499312911896714952015-11-22T00:15:00.001+05:302015-11-22T16:32:00.071+05:30The Sapling & Her Mother<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.pd4pic.com/images/-sapling-plant-growing-seedling-growth-potted-plant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pd4pic.com/images/-sapling-plant-growing-seedling-growth-potted-plant.png" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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I first woke up<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was buried deep<o:p></o:p></div>
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In her loving embrace<o:p></o:p></div>
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A fall enough to shatter her<o:p></o:p></div>
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For me she acted strong<o:p></o:p></div>
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With time I found my head and heart<o:p></o:p></div>
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Slowly sought to move<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hands outstretched towards the Sun<o:p></o:p></div>
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I dug my feet in deep<o:p></o:p></div>
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She gave me food<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gave me water<o:p></o:p></div>
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She held me close at night<o:p></o:p></div>
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When winter winds cornered me<o:p></o:p></div>
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She made sure to hold on tight<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her watchful gaze, she saw me grow<o:p></o:p></div>
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I took from her so much<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can never give back enough<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tall and strong I became<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her walls began to crack<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tired, battered, she fought on<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fought all the evil in this world<o:p></o:p></div>
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Until one day someone decided<o:p></o:p></div>
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To pluck me from her arms<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I found a new home<o:p></o:p></div>
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With others my kind<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m sure she feels vacant<o:p></o:p></div>
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For so long she has nurtured me<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keeping me from harm<o:p></o:p></div>
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She gave up her dreams<o:p></o:p></div>
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To fulfill mine<o:p></o:p></div>
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She knows no other life<o:p></o:p></div>
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I write this today<o:p></o:p></div>
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To let you know<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d give away my most precious jewel<o:p></o:p></div>
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To go back in time <o:p></o:p></div>
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And be the sapling that opened her eyes<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the warmth of her mother’s love</div>
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The humble earthen pot<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAEMGWS5GnKN_Nx62TsbvAigHcgwScHsm4KThpS8DRGe_3P5XVmTe2AG-i6_ZbyG0sQ9tOgWgovGk8uZr42PmFvkbiB-tdTEkDEj9ygISaO58R-ODJCp4tw5v5HGxDi966Iz-g_-bIrI/s1600/2015-11-10+21.35.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAEMGWS5GnKN_Nx62TsbvAigHcgwScHsm4KThpS8DRGe_3P5XVmTe2AG-i6_ZbyG0sQ9tOgWgovGk8uZr42PmFvkbiB-tdTEkDEj9ygISaO58R-ODJCp4tw5v5HGxDi966Iz-g_-bIrI/s200/2015-11-10+21.35.31.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-52741861990279510222015-08-22T23:51:00.001+05:302015-08-22T23:51:50.940+05:30Ilhaam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Honestly,
I have never watched any stage plays. Well, just a couple maybe. Never had the
luxury, never had the time. But in the past few months, I’ve been witness to
two productions by IIMACTS… and trust me, I’m hooked for life. No brownie
points for guessing that they are the theatrical society at IIM A. Their latest
production, Ilhaam, which roughly translates to 'Inspiration', got me thinking…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">The
story of a middle-aged man, known to the world as <i>Bhagwan</i>, the play beautifully portrays the constant tussle between
myth and reality, order and chaos, the said and the unsaid. The play must’ve
meant different things to different people. For me, it symbolises the travails
of being different, of not confirming to society, of finally achieving the enlightenment
one only hopes and prays and begs for. It symbolises the greatest irony of our
life, when even though we profess uniqueness, we are infinitely scared of
everything that is different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Simply put, the play depicts the constant
struggle of the mind to be free of all bounds, yet its fear of letting go… The
play had it all, it made me cry, it made me fret, made me fear contentment… I
sank to the ground with <i>Bhagwan</i>, I
danced in step with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Ilhaam
also gave me food for thought. I could identify with the protagonist at so many
levels. Have we never taken decisions that would help us fit in with the crowd?
Are we not afraid of looking at things anew? Afraid of challenging what is
established? From deciding on what to wear, right up till what profession to
choose… all our decisions are dictated by the societal norms. I’d be lying if I
claim that these choices have never been thrust upon me. Though choices make us
feel like masters of our own destiny, but are we really free to choose?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">One
of the most poignant moments of the play was when <i>Bhagwan</i> loses his ability to communicate with the outside world. He
is happy as long as he inhabits his own utopia… he lovingly chides a bird, has
heart-to-heart conversations with a speech-impaired beggar. However, his sheer
frustration and fear at not being able to talk to his family, at not being able
to get his message across, at seeing his own kids run away from him with
terrified shrieks… it is enough to make even the strong-hearted cry. His agony
is beyond words. Have we never felt the same helplessness? Have we never felt
as if we’re being pulled down under… a leaden weight tied to our ankle… pulling
us in the murky depths of the plain and the ordinary? Has our soul never
thirsted for the novel? Mine has… and it has felt the same anguish as the
protagonist did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">The
scene where he takes his “medicine” tugged at my heart. He knows that it hurts
him, knows that it numbs his true senses… but he still bears the agony. His
love for his family is his sole guiding light. It is his motivation, his
destination. The way he reasons with himself over why he needs to take that
medicine is akin to how we pacify ourselves when we let go of something that we
truly desire. It is how we fool our mind into believing that All is Well (Yes,
3 Idiots). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">However,
the one thing that I’ll forever remember the play for is the protagonist’s
dance. The slow foot movements, with the sudden jerks up towards the sky, as if
the soul wants to break free from all shackles of society… it made my heart
melt. It was in that one moment that I truly understood what my struggle is all
about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">As
I close this post, I find myself humming it…yet again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-23523906103718737962015-05-26T20:29:00.000+05:302015-05-26T20:29:08.516+05:30Testing the Wind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://41.media.tumblr.com/b0dab253e7175607cebc5b4e593087ed/tumblr_mg35tu8Jgn1rylzllo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://41.media.tumblr.com/b0dab253e7175607cebc5b4e593087ed/tumblr_mg35tu8Jgn1rylzllo1_500.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
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<i>That first leap...</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Feet outstretched, sitting on the steps<o:p></o:p></div>
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I look up at the blue, searching<o:p></o:p></div>
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The cloud farthest from my perch<o:p></o:p></div>
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No end in sight, I feel petite<o:p></o:p></div>
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In nature’s vast mystery<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Endless hours I’ve burdened<o:p></o:p></div>
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These steps with my being<o:p></o:p></div>
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First when I’d seen no more<o:p></o:p></div>
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Than half a score summers<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today I’m lost, wondering<o:p></o:p></div>
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If this is the last moment to be<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will my flight across the oceans<o:p></o:p></div>
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Make me lose my tree?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m nervous, I’m scared<o:p></o:p></div>
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Never flown in the open sky<o:p></o:p></div>
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Always sheltered, I’ve lived<o:p></o:p></div>
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A fairy tale life<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yet the welcome drops<o:p></o:p></div>
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The gentle breeze<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spraying me with delight<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hold out hope<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
A little optimism<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
For the glories of this flight<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
A little smile plays across my lips<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
As I think of the days to come<o:p></o:p></div>
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I dream of the life <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
I hope to have<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dream of the things that will be<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Emboldened, encouraged<o:p></o:p></div>
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Honest and brave<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
I’m taking that step<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Towards the edge<o:p></o:p></div>
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From where I’ll test the wind<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
For the first time<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Looking down in the depths<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Apprehensive, but not unaware<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Of the challenges that lie ahead<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
I flap my wings free<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
Looking back at the home <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
I’m leaving behind, I say<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
I’ll make a mark<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
In nature’s beautiful history…<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-60306345178716708452015-05-22T23:11:00.002+05:302015-05-22T23:11:44.504+05:30CSE Rockers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It’s really funny. I spent the past four years cursing my
college. We cribbed about everything from the laboratories to the lavatories. Not
a single day went by when we didn’t call down the wrath of the Universe on the
institute. Off the record, we wished for any and every calamity that could make
our heritage building collapse. Well, none of that happened. And four years
flew by. It is only now, when it’s time to leave, that I’m really coming to
realize how much this college means to me. I believe I’ll be speaking for each
one of us in the Class of 2015.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After DPS RKP, a girls’ college was honestly a cultural
shock for me. I distinctly remember how I’d almost run away on the first day of
class. Seeing so many girls in one room gave me strokes of every kind. I couldn’t
imagine four years here (ok, I might be exaggerating just a bit there). But
today, on the day we gave our last practical exam, I finally seem to have a
sense of making it through, and making it through well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
IGIT (and not IGDTUW) made us study a lot. <i>“Who has exams almost every month? Two
minors… you have to be kidding me! No winter break?”</i> We heard this every
single day. Yet, it all brought us together somehow. The endless last minute
discussions (Isha and Garima, case in point)… the mad rush to at least get to
know the syllabus (You were my first and last resort Prachi)… the ‘We’ll make
the file in one day’ attitude (Disha, in the same boat!)… All of this taught me
a lot. It gave me some of my best friends here (Roll number 30, what would roll
number 29 do in the exams without you?).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<img src="file:///D:/8th%20semester/AI/IMG-20150522-WA0020.jpg" /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeGtOV77Y_h1e2J_LxGbDpP-TInHKcnx3CJcuONhWxMXZn5om_n6rWE2Z_XekFlNSLpel7j2C8c1FxwtsVZvumQkr1hR_2zDRL9hQmwLXUvHYayL7Z2crPvsNQ-5nWmgDaTjViA_rFDs/s1600/IMG-20150522-WA0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeGtOV77Y_h1e2J_LxGbDpP-TInHKcnx3CJcuONhWxMXZn5om_n6rWE2Z_XekFlNSLpel7j2C8c1FxwtsVZvumQkr1hR_2zDRL9hQmwLXUvHYayL7Z2crPvsNQ-5nWmgDaTjViA_rFDs/s320/IMG-20150522-WA0020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">IGIT helped me understand people who were very different from
me. Ritu, who somehow helped me appreciate the beauty in life, Barleen, all the sugar in the world...Megha, with
those intelligent eyes… Varsha, with that meticulous manner of doing things…
Kajal, who smiles through everything… Garima, who never ceases to amaze me…
Anupama, with her strong belief system… Devisha, with the smile that took away
all my worries… Aditi, coolness personified... Sonika, the techie... Neha and Gul, with their calm demeanor, Balpreet, the permanent CR... Mansi, my coordinated travel partner! I owe you guys a lot!</span></div>
</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
While I’m on the sentimental road trip, I might as well talk
about the dance team. Hypnotics changed the way I looked at life. It taught me
to take each day as it comes, to stand by my friends, to help and accept help. Swar,
Astha, Shagun, Lipi… I love all of you! With you people, it never mattered
whether we won or lost. A brilliant performance was all that mattered! And we
sure did rock the stage! Cheers!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I don’t even know how many people I’m missing out on. Please
don’t be upset! And please, don’t beat me up! I bonded well with some of you,
less so with the others. But I’m certain that all of you are brilliant people
in your own right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But honestly, with just three more exams left, I’m sure I’ll
miss college a lot. Now that all the farewell parties are done and dusted, I’m
really seeing what all the love in the air really is. It’s just about a bunch
of girls spending their last few days together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I know it’ll be insanely difficult keeping in touch. I know
meeting up again will be infinitely tough. Nonetheless, I hope and wish that
all of us stay connected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I wish all of you all the good luck that there is in the
world. As we step out into the bigger world to chase our dreams, I hope these
four years at IGIT always remain our source of endless joy and inspiration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnTdxZahf7i-P5iVDRtnMgQBF0fjseL4dw8qShL1wAxdKiFLoGcHJHIMviLe4ifnWgfvqhZQ9rCqWiMvaSJsTNV-3T3v_XX8cA5Fiz51cE9fD_0AI5bv35RjvrRppu9K-dHvZdkzU2x8/s1600/IMG-20150522-WA0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnTdxZahf7i-P5iVDRtnMgQBF0fjseL4dw8qShL1wAxdKiFLoGcHJHIMviLe4ifnWgfvqhZQ9rCqWiMvaSJsTNV-3T3v_XX8cA5Fiz51cE9fD_0AI5bv35RjvrRppu9K-dHvZdkzU2x8/s320/IMG-20150522-WA0013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
To CSE Rockers, Class of 2015… Lots and lots of love…<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
P.S. Please pardon the grammatical errors in this one</div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-87356928541673044012015-04-24T10:30:00.000+05:302015-04-26T11:35:22.433+05:30When Dreams Come True<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">After seven
long months of a self-imposed exile I’m venturing out of my cave again. The
seasons have changed, the cool breeze transformed into the warm caress of the
wind. With the winter firmly behind us, I’m squinting in the bright sun.
Nonetheless, I am happy. Beyond happy…This is what it feels like, when dreams come true!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I have
talked about this before, when I got accepted at Microsoft. But this time
round, it is something much bigger, much better! Yes, I’ve been offered
admission at IIM Ahmedabad…the institution most of us just dream of. It’s been
a week since the results came out and the feeling is just sinking in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Contrary to
the impromptu dance most people would expect me to break into these MBA
admission offers just left me numb. They left me numb with relief, numb with
joy, numb with contentment. I was at the local grocery mart, picking out
tomatoes, when the first of the results came out: IIM Bangalore. I’d filled in
my login details with shaky fingers, unsure of what to expect. I’d been praying
and wishing and longing for it day and night. And when I read the word “Offered”,
I didn’t believe it at first. I double-checked, triple-checked it, rubbing my
eyes in disbelief. But yes, undoubtedly, I’d made it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The next
dawn brought the most awaited result of the season: IIM Ahmedabad. Most of you
wouldn’t know it was my birthday on the day of my interview, March 2… And
honestly, (I’m messing with language here) it is the best-est birthday gift I
have ever got. And yes, this time round I was jumping and dancing and squealing
with delight. I shed a tear or two in private later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The gamut
of emotions I felt that day can’t be constrained by words. The congratulations
started flowing in. Everybody seems to want a piece of me. Parents gushing in
their joy, teachers dizzy with pride, juniors flocking around for advice… It
was everything I wanted back in my life. But somewhere down the line, after
having lived a rather anonymous life in a rather anonymous college, I’ve become
objective in the evaluation of these celebrations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Having been
to the other side, I know this stardom lasts only as long as your success does.
True, it isn’t as bad as our cricket team’s failure, where, if they lose a
match, people burn their effigies… but one misstep, one failure is enough to
turn all these people off you. It’s here today, maybe not tomorrow. If
anything, I feel humbled by the magnitude of the achievement, the opportunity
that has been offered. I hope I can make the most of it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't thank my parents enough for believing in their girl when most others dismissed her. My brother, in his usual irritating self, proved to be my biggest source of motivation. Their criticism, their praise, their scoldings and their support, it always kept me going, never letting my step falter. It's true, success stories are seldom written alone. It takes team effort to make good things happen. I finally understand why the Family is considered to be so important...now when I'm about to fly away from our little nest to explore the deeper forest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">That being
said, I’m finally at that turn in life where only good things can happen, where
the future seems bright. True, our tuccchas (that is what we call our seniors
at IIM A) have been scaring us with the trials and tribulations that lie ahead.
But I’m more than sure that they are surmountable. I’m preparing myself for a
new chapter of my life. One, on which, I hope to take you along. With
apprehensive optimism, I’m hoping it’ll be as fulfilling and joyful as the
last, if not much better!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">P.S. I’m
still wondering how I got through IIM Calcutta as well, after having been in a
war of words with the panel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-37945151698259410322014-10-08T21:40:00.000+05:302014-10-08T21:40:09.077+05:30I now pronounce you, Corrupt!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spent
this weekend playing the typical tourist in Agra. Armed with my aviators and my
hat, I was all set to yet again explore the city I’ve been to a zillion times
before. Even though I know all facts about the Taj Mahal by heart (I could take
you around all the different monuments and heritage sites like that perfect
guide), Agra never ceases to amaze me. Little did I know that I’ll be left with
my mouth open, for all the wrong reasons, this time round…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Panoramic_vie_of_Fahpur_Sikri_Palace.jpg/1920px-Panoramic_vie_of_Fahpur_Sikri_Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Panoramic_vie_of_Fahpur_Sikri_Palace.jpg/1920px-Panoramic_vie_of_Fahpur_Sikri_Palace.jpg" height="164" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For all
pilgrims of the Taj Mahal, a visit to Agra is virtually incomplete without a
little side trip to Fatehpur Sikri. To quote Wikipedia “<i><span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;">Here he (Akbar The Great) commenced the construction of a
planned walled city which took the next fifteen years in planning and
construction of a series of royal palaces, harem, courts, a mosque, private
quarters and other utility buildings.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>He
named the city, Fatehabad, with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Fateh, a word of Arabic origin in Persian, meaning
"victorious." It was later called Fatehpur Sikri.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It is at Fatehpur Sikri that the
legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>nine jewels<span class="apple-converted-space"> or<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Navaratnas</span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;">, were born.
Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collections of Indian<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Mughal architecture</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;">in India.” </span></i><span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After an eventful journey, which involved losing our way and getting
stuck in a village, we finally reached the famed ghost city. It was here that I
was shocked out of my Mughal dreams. Standing there, on the road, were a few
self-proclaimed enforcers of the law, blocking the road to our destination,
which was still a couple of kilometers away. “Yaha government parking hai sir.
Gaadi iske aage nahi jaegi” , they said. Even as they were saying this, a few
cars with smiling tourists made their way through. “Wo local gaadi hai”, they
said. As luck would have it, a non-local Rajasthan registered car coasted
through just then. Something was definitely wrong with us then. I wondered
what.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A heated argument followed involving the usual, raised voices,
expletives, angry gesturing, people gathering, shouting, pacifying and still
more shouting. We ended up turning back home, without a backward glance. It was
only the driver who had the wonderful idea of hiring a guide to take us
through.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I learnt that day, guides not only show you around, they can
apparently take you through barricades as well. Heard of VIP access? It can be
bought for around INR 300. More if you can’t negotiate, less if you can. And
so, with the money promised, our car was suddenly ushered through the same
barricade we were earlier stopped at. Forget the non-police thugs even the
police is complicit in this appallingly blatant corrupt practice. There, at the
next barrier, stood our protectors in Khakhi. From what the guide said, INR 100
was all they took, and we zoomed through. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’d heard a lot about corruption. I’d read about all the scandals. All
the Who’s who of the News arena made sure I was aware of the corrupt practices
followed in government offices. But nothing had prepared me for this. For the
first time in all my life, I felt helpless. I felt violated. That day,
corruption stared me in the face and brought me down to my knees. I gave in. I
haven’t been able to digest that defeat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone talks about corruption that I will probably never deal with in
real life. What are the odds that someone like me will actually step into a government
office? Pretty slim, to be honest… But no one talks about the corruption that
is infinitely more likely to affect my day to day functioning. You can
persecute all the government employees you want, but who punishes the milkman
who gives me more water than milk for my money. Who punishes the shopkeeper who
always weighs me less than the wheat I’m paying for? Who punishes the telecom
operator who charges me for services I’ve never even used?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are we honestly so block-headed that we fail to prioritize between
corruption of different kinds? Or are we so stupid to not know what harms us
more? So what if people made away with crores during the Common Wealth Games.
It affected the public purse to which I had contributed a bit. I didn’t really
feel the pinch. So shouldn’t I be more worried about people who directly rob me
of my money? I don’t know about you dear reader, but it makes a lot of sense to
me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is exactly why this incident affected me the way it did. It struck
deep and hurt my pride. For a staunch opponent of all things corrupt, this was
a big blow. It crippled me in a manner I can’t describe. I know I’m being all
emotional about it. But this was my reaction… rage, utter helplessness, despair
and disgust, in that same order. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; line-height: 115%;">Knowing full well that corruption flourishes only with the connivance of
the politicians and the police, there is no one I can complain to. There is no
one I can ask for help. What I can do is, get my opinion out to as many people
as I can, so that, there is never again a Maanya Gupta, stuck on that road,
banging her head against the car window. As for Fatehpur Sikri, we are now like
estranged lovers who shall never meet again… </span><i> </i></span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-15896164566451211532014-09-23T19:10:00.001+05:302014-09-23T19:36:45.063+05:30A fragrance unforgotten<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Caressed
by the whiff of a fragrance unforgotten<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My soul
plunges deep, to pull up memories long forgotten<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Darkness
so black, the world without white<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Guided
by a fragrance, not by my sight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trusting
the unseen, the untouched<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
remember distinctly, my memory un-fudged<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The way
the fragrance overpowered me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It
consumed me, like flames devour a tree<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was
burnt into nothingness, just ash<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Left of
my being, in this world’s cache<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Reborn
pure as the first snow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I saw
this world and that, no eye could ever show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Caressed
by the whiff of a fragrance unforgotten<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My soul
plunges deep, to pull up memories long forgotten…”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.indiabycaranddriver.com/media/k2/items/cache/d3b3799d6611d677944f5f86a500beb3_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://www.indiabycaranddriver.com/media/k2/items/cache/d3b3799d6611d677944f5f86a500beb3_XL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Fragrance…
it is the eternal thread that runs through all our experiences, weaving them
together into a most beautiful scarf of silken memories. It takes you by
surprise. A simple step into my Dadi’s prayer room was enough for the
fragrances to weave their magic and transport me back to Tirupati, in Chittoor
District of Andhra Pradesh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">People
often have marvelous accounts of their pilgrimage to Lord Venkateswara’s famed
temple situated at Tirupati. Yet all I remember is the dark, and the fragrance.
The day I visited the temple, the statue wasn’t loaded with gold ornaments, as
is customary, but was adorned by beautiful flowers. In the little chamber where
we stood, the only source of light was the soft glow of the diyas burning at Lord’s
feet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I
distinctly remember the lingering scent of sandalwood, incense sticks and <i>kapur</i> intermingling with the fresh sweet
scents of flowers… the smell of rose water intertwined with that of burning
diyas… the devotion of the pious lending its characteristic smell to even the
non-believers, bathing them in its mist, cleansing them of their sins, purifying
their souls… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">That day
at Tirupati, I underwent a transformation. Intoxicated on that heavy scent, I
was purged of all my sins. It felt as if I passed through God’s discerning eye
and came through, shining better than ever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Such is
the strength of this aroma that it makes you drop your baggage of fear and
anxieties. It assures and reassures you that nothing can go wrong, that nothing
bad can happen. For me, it symbolizes all that is pure and strong. The very
scent of <i>kapur</i> gives me the strength and
courage to fight for what I believe is right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">However,
the life I lead now does not afford me the luxury of indulging my senses in
this most beloved of all fragrances. With work taking center-stage, my prayers
are often nothing more than silent movements of my lips. Gone are the days when
the fragrance of God used to be my home’s fragrance too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I wish
we could get the old days back… where God’s scent was abundant… when He resided in our homes... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-36152010588583693492014-09-11T16:15:00.000+05:302014-09-11T16:15:25.400+05:30A Normal Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For exactly
the past seven days, I’ve been holed up in my house. I haven’t met people,
except those who inhabit/visit my home; I have felt neither the sun nor the
rain on my skin; I haven’t been out in the fresh air; I haven’t lived. I’ve
spent my days in a zombie-like state: Eating, Sleeping and Eating …in any order
you prefer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No, I have
not gone insane… nor am I depressed. I’m experimenting. I’m trying to feel for
myself what life would be like if the luxuries of Nature and society were one
day suddenly denied to me. How would it feel if one day I woke up to find not a
single soul willing to talk to me, much less touch me? How would I react if I
were confined to a small room so dark that not even a sliver of light can
breach the darkness? As they say, I would be alive, but not Alive...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scary as it
may seem, this horrid exclusion is exactly what thousands of children in India
face when they’re diagnosed with HIV. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During my
two-month stay at Hyderabad, we visited Desire Society, a care home for
children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. The institute is home to about sixty-five
children affected by HIV. During our interaction I came across two especially
lovely girls, Lakshmi and Sirisha. There was an instant connection with these best friends. Was it the
way they coyly approached me, the way the perfectly copied my steps as we
danced to Bollywood hits or their sheer excitement when I met their pet rabbit…
I will never know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxuQsPRrcVLk23hfBnKvAbMnb090cWmHexUdpZ-gt0exz2PTtWKsO9i7cFSCS5kb1D822_ezqJoknwrfnHyrY_RBSpkVf07xix75Q_bAdoUBfgZ4FY2WoKmGmc8bbOJJnJWUcNxyI2rA/s1600/Pics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxuQsPRrcVLk23hfBnKvAbMnb090cWmHexUdpZ-gt0exz2PTtWKsO9i7cFSCS5kb1D822_ezqJoknwrfnHyrY_RBSpkVf07xix75Q_bAdoUBfgZ4FY2WoKmGmc8bbOJJnJWUcNxyI2rA/s1600/Pics.png" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-no-proof: yes;"><i>Then and Now</i><!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-no-proof: yes;"><i>Top: Lakshmi</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-no-proof: yes;"><i>Bottom: Sirisha</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outcast by
the society, orphaned at a tender age, here were two little ladies whose
passion for life far exceeded mine. As they skipped around to show me their
moves, their smiles hid the trauma they’ve undergone. While one was admitted with symptoms of tuberculosis when she was all of four years, the other was turned away by her family and friends alike. In this world far away
from our own, they pretended to be little princesses for whom life has been one
nice fairy tale. The reality…far from pleasant <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a
country like India, where awareness about HIV is at sub-zero levels, any child
infected with the virus at birth is treated as a curse to society. Food,
family, shelter…they have nothing. Battling ill-health, these kids wage a war
for survival every single day. It is a battle against an empty stomach, against
an evil society that refuses to take them in its fold, against a system which
systematically discriminates against them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we
need to understand is that shutting them out is not the solution. In India,
roughly 80% of HIV infections in children are vertical, i.e. mother to child
transmissions. The remaining 20% get infected owing to blood transfusions and sexual
activity. Symptoms might appear as early as before a baby completes a full year
of his life, to a few years later in the childhood. Since this deadly virus
lowers the defense mechanisms of the body, these children are prone to
opportunistic infections as well as neurological manifestations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They show
an increased tendency to suffer the usual childhood infections, such as a
common cold, with a magnified intensity. If left untreated, something as
curable as diarrhea may be the cause of death. Unlike their counterparts at
institutions like Desire Society, most children don’t have access to even such
basic healthcare. Much more debilitating diseases follow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find
myself unable put in words the hardships they face. But I'm sure if you have the means to read this, you must know this already. The question is, what have we done to help?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As grim as
it sounds, Lakshmi and Sirisha also showed me the sunny side of their life. They
might have lost their parents, but they have each other. They might have lost
touch with the world, but they built their own. A world in which, surprisingly,
people like me and you are always welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know not
if I will see them again. I know not if they’ll lead a healthy life. I know not
if they’ll ever be accepted by society. But I do know their life is on track to
becoming what it should be: Normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. I'll upload some pictures of their artwork soon :)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-37967088870282948072014-08-18T17:23:00.002+05:302014-08-18T17:23:49.381+05:30Full Circle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Ten days since the last time I wrote…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Ten days since that eventful day at Microsoft (MS)…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Ten days… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Honestly, I can be very stubborn at times. I want things
to go my way. Yet sometimes, when they do, it leaves me wide-eyed. And that is
exactly how I was when they broke the news, “…and you have driven results in a
manner that Microsoft expects. We’ll be happy to have you here with us.
Congratulations!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I can never forget these words simply for the change they’ve
brought about in my life. A change so significant, I haven’t still realized its
full potential.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
It is common knowledge that Engineering students in their
final year have to go through a rigorous placement process. The process demands
strength on all fronts, academic, behavioral and emotional. You have to come
out strong, be better than all others, in order to get that job. Being placed
right at the start of this crucial year has indeed saved me from this dreadful
exercise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
However, the changes I feel creeping into my life are far
more significant. For once, I am not continually worried about my future. I have
a certain reassurance that things can’t go terribly wrong now. It gives a
spring to my step, a sparkle to my eyes. I feel in control of my life after a
very long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
All of a sudden, we are the celebrities in college. Everybody
wants to talk to us, meet with us. When your hard work gets appreciated, it
definitely feels good. When appreciation comes from strangers, you’re on cloud
nine. However, I still have my two feet firmly on the ground. I’m waiting to
hear from my friends who are destined for places greater than MS. When news of
their success comes… that is when I will be on that metaphoric cloud.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Talking about those who didn’t make it… for the past
three years, I’ve been in that category. All through my school life I’ve been
at top of my class. It was a real shocker for everyone around me when I didn’t
get an A+ result in my engineering entrances. After a few weeks, it was my turn
to be shocked. People who swore to be my best buddies deserted me. People who
got into better colleges stopped calling up. Even parents of kids pursuing worthless
courses in fames institutions turned up their nose. People changed. It hurt. A
lot…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Yet it taught me an important life lesson; I learnt to
see the genuineness (or the lack thereof) in people. I learnt to differentiate
between friends, workplace associations, acquaintances and those who will jump
ship at the slightest trouble. I learnt that people’s worth can’t be measured
by the grades they score or by the college they attend. After all, one might
have a bright mind but a rotten heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
In these three years, my transformation has been total
and complete. Good that I didn’t get into an elite college, good that I was
named the non-performer, good, good and good… After all, it has helped me
improve. And even though life has come a full circle and I’m in the most-coveted achiever’s club once again, I
know it is just temporary. I know my people. I know I am not one of those who
judge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I would like to end with this thought, “Never doubt a
person’s capability. You never know when it’s their time to shine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-40486637440484576532014-08-08T03:41:00.000+05:302014-08-08T03:41:54.955+05:30Tonight...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As I start decorating this beautiful white piece of paper
with these beautiful black marks, I have no outline, no points to refer to, no
notes I’ve taken… just a little mountain of memories I’ve accumulated in the
past eight weeks during my stay in Hyderabad. Please pardon the apparent lack
of structure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Tonight is perhaps THE most important night in the lives
of nineteen young college-goers. It is so critical that most of them have given
up hope of stealing a few winks. While some have chosen to sing and dance
through the hours, others have withdrawn into silent contemplation. People are
alternating between strained smiles and bouts of tears. Why is the night so harsh
tonight? Because tomorrow we’ll get THE news: whether we’ve proven ourselves
worthy of a Pre-Placement Offer from Microsoft.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Never before have had I felt our emotions to be so
tangible. Never before have had I felt their presence with such force. I did
not ever imagine, even in my wildest dreams that tonight is going to be so
charged with nervousness, excitement and stark, naked fear. Every face you turn
to has a strange shadow cast upon it… a shadow of doubt, of uncertainty, of
anxiety.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In these few last moments before the final decision is
announced, I wish to write about my journey and share my experience with
everyone who has cared to read this far.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ever since our selection for the internship, we had been
accorded the status of demi-Gods in our college. Microsoft (MS) is a really big
deal for students from IGDTUW. It is one of the best companies that offer
campus placements to us. Each year, its arrival is awaited with bated breath.
You get the picture…<o:p></o:p></div>
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I came here with certain ideas, certain assumptions and
certain expectations. All of these were soon turned on their head and here I
was, bang in the middle of GD Sparks (as the interns are called). Within no
time, even before we realized it, our project was in deep red. We were facing
severe team issues. We had a difficult customer. We could find no one to guide
us with the technologies we were using. In short, we were dead meat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, I learnt the importance of optimism. This single
trait of my otherwise not-so-interesting personality helped me handle all
situations. Being stubbornly hopeful about the future helps you in times when
all else fails. It is like a self-fulfilling prophecy, you believe in it and it
becomes true. At times when no one else could see even a single ray of hope for
our project, I saw the bright and brilliant Sun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I learnt the importance of disconnecting from work and
maintaining the quintessential work-life balance. With the kind of schedule the
interns had, it was easier said than done. It took every ounce of
self-discipline that my darling mother had drilled into me in the past two
decades. Mastering your mind is key for maintaining your focus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I learnt the art of accepting feedback and then working
towards my development areas (not weaknesses, as Sreekanth Sir would always
point out). If any of my juniors happen to be reading this, please underline
this point. It isn’t always easy to accept feedback without clouding it with
your own perception. But honestly, it is one of the best acts someone can do
for you. If someone gives you feedback, it means they care enough about you to
think for you. I was fortunate to have Sunil Sir as my mentor. If you read this sir, thank you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not only is getting the feedback important, working
towards improving upon the identified areas is equally important. I did that
with every fiber of my being. It was like I had a single point agenda: Improve.
And improve, I did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The corporate sector demands you to continuously learn
and apply. That is how you work. You get placed in a project about which you
have zero knowledge. You do not have the time for a ramp-up. So you simply
learn and apply. Learn some more and do some more. You don’t need to be
Einstein. You just need to learn.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I learnt the benefits of good company. Good friends are
there to pull you out of your chair when you refuse to have lunch. They are
there to help you out when you get stuck. They are there to give you sane
advice. They are there to have insane fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking back, I think all of us have grown as
individuals. These sixty days can never be forgotten. They’re indelible marks
on our character. It does not matter if I get the much-coveted PPO or not. What
I’ve gained here goes much beyond that. It can’t be caged in words, nor shaped
into expressions…<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-13128279238722496502014-06-29T16:47:00.001+05:302014-06-29T16:47:21.124+05:30Breathing Delhi- I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tragedy brought me to Delhi. Eyes swollen with unshed tears, long dark hours filled with misery at the loss of a loved one and the refusal to believe that he was no more… these were my companions even as our car rolled into the maze and confusion of Delhi. Terrified at the prospect of a new school with new kids, a new society filled with new families, a new city with a new soul, I found solace only in my family’s warm presence. </div>
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I have never been the type to share my sorrows, never been the one to cry openly; so I took it all, bundled it into a box of try-to-forget memories and shoved it in the deepest corner of the never-to-be-opened trunk. Shuddering at the word ‘new’, I took baby steps into my new world.</div>
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Little did I know then that these baby steps will transform into confident strides in no time. And this is what I love about Delhi; from someone who was crazy scared of even talking to boys, I’ve been transformed into an independent and fearless individual. From a compulsive detester of anything ‘new’, I’ve grown up to embrace both the new and the different.</div>
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First day at school, I had my first brush with the Delhi style of being. Meeting my classmates, I felt a sense of belonging. The smiles came easily, the laughter soon followed. Even the kids of this amazing city know all the tricks of winning over people. The city has an un-describable charm… it makes you feel like you’re home. With its friendly but often misinterpreted people, Delhi welcomed me with open arms, offering me unconditional love.</div>
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<a href="http://love-delhi.com/files/2011/11/I_love_delhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://love-delhi.com/files/2011/11/I_love_delhi.jpg" height="66" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ironically, I’m miles away from my city as my fingers fly over the keyboard. Maybe this is why I’m missing her all the more. During lunch-time discussions about Dilli with my new-found Hyderabadi friends, the differences emerge stark and clear. While Delhi has a dude-like chalta hai attitude, I find people elsewhere perpetually worried about one thing or the other. Over the years, Delhi has taught me to take each day as it comes, relishing the candy grains of time. As my school sweatshirt puts it; we have a ‘pause-itive’ attitude.</div>
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Each moment, my city pulsates with the energy of a million cricket crazy fans glued in to an India-Pakistan match. As contagious as it is, this energy makes Delhi the city that never sleeps, the city that never sighs, the city that parties each night yet wakes up for office on time. It is this perpetual flow of adrenaline that makes me who I am… When I breathe, I breathe Delhi...</div>
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To be continued… :) </div>
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Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-31874736377870962222014-05-26T22:24:00.000+05:302014-05-26T22:24:53.650+05:30My City, My Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #990000;">Delhi, the city which dreams with open eyes, the city which
welcomes the lone traveler with a warm embrace… the city which has romanced
history yet adapted to have a modern affair… the city where I breathed my first
and hope to breathe my last as well. Shrouded in its veil of mystery, Delhi
never fails to surprise.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">They might call it the crime capital of India or the
pollution capital of the big-round-world, nothing, mark you can diminish my
love for the city I call home. My love story with Delhi technically began on
March 2, 1993 (yes, I just gave out my age) but the real sparks flew when my
father was transferred here some eleven years back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Each day has become a gold leafed entry in my book of life,
each memory, a treasured possession. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">It is the beauty of how this city weaves together the
mundane and the ordinary to make the most astonishing trinkets. From the Old
Fort to the Shopping Malls, each monument to the ever-evolving culture
contributes its own little share to the magical history of Delhi. From the
Mughal Emperors to the common man laboring under the sun, all of them have left
indelible marks on our lands… blessing us with a culture vibrant like none
other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">For the past decade I’ve lived and loved my city. I’ve
enjoyed its rains and cursed its heat. I’ve seen it changing over time. In this
series, I’ll try to capture in words, my unique bond with my city. I’ll try to
tell the tale of how we grew up and fell in love… Keep watching this space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Much thanks to @WeAreNewDelhi for making me realize just how
special our city is!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-48325953384468930952014-04-17T22:46:00.002+05:302014-04-17T22:46:33.269+05:30My Son Would Never Rape a Woman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://epiphanyinthecacophony.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/sad-alone-cute-girl-waiting-someone-window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://epiphanyinthecacophony.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/sad-alone-cute-girl-waiting-someone-window.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My son would never rape a woman. It is brutal, disgusting and immoral. He simply isn’t capable of such a thing. She has obviously enticed him.</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">__________________________________________________________</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">She was at the club when it happened. Short black dress, tall black drink. She stood in the middle of the dance floor, moved her hips slowly. She made eye contact with him. She even smiled. He walked up to her and asked her to meet him at his car. When she declined, he grabbed her arm.<br /><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">And what a scene she created!</em> She fought, screamed and kicked. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You want this</em>, he told her as he pulled her out of the club. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">NO</em>, she screamed, yelling as he dragged her to his car. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You don’t know what you want, you’re drunk.</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">She sat alone in the parking lot a few hours later. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Disgusting girl,</em> she reeked of smoke and alcohol. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What a drama queen.</em> That girl, no morals, no values, has the audacity to say she was raped. Should’ve thought twice before getting that third drink.</span></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My son would never rape a sober girl. ___________________________________________________________</em></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">She boarded the bus after school. The school bag on her shoulders, accentuating her breasts. It was raining and she didn’t have an umbrella. Her kurti clinging to her body in the most indecent way. You could practically see it. The shape of her breasts, her hips, her thighs. She stood there, absentmindedly adjusting the straps of her bag. The bus moved jerkily down the narrow road. Her chest heaving, up and down, up and down.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Of course she was going to be touched. This girl has no sense of modesty. He went up behind her and grabbed her chest as she got off the bus. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chutiya,</em> she yelled, looking around for help. No one cared. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What did she expect. An army to come to her rescue?</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My son would never rape a girl who was wearing a dupatta. </em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">___________________________________________________________</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">They would whistle as she walked past them. She’d ignore it, walking fast until she made her way down the street. How could you blame them! She was beautiful. Such girls especially should learn to dress modestly.<br />But she. She’d wear jeans, bright red lipstick, draw her eyes and wear high heels. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">She thinks she’s Rakhi Sawant. </em>She is doing it for attention, and then she complains when she gets it. She wanted them to look at her. She probably enjoyed it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">She had it coming. One day, they followed her. They cornered her and tore her clothes off in broad daylight. She screamed and cried. They didn’t care. They broke her heels, smudged her kajal, smeared her lipstick. They dragged her unconscious body down the dark street and slashed her face. They laughed. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">No one would whistle at her again.</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My son would never rape a girl who dressed appropriately.</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">___________________________________________________________</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">She went for a movie with a boy at 10pm. She probably comes from one of those modern families. Going out alone with that boy like a common whore. She must have had sex with him also. These girl are like that. So loose. They don’t care about virtues, values and tradition.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">They stopped them outside the theatre and beat the boy up. They pushed the girl to the ground and held her there as each took his turn with her. Some of them, twice. They walked away when they were done, leaving her out on the street for hours until she found the strength to go home.<br /><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What difference does it make. God knows how many men she has slept with anyway.</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My son would never rape a homely girl.</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">______________________________________________________________________</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">He wobbled in at 11 pm. She did the dishes quietly, her heart racing as she heard his footsteps get closer. Tears stung her eyes as he put his hands on her waist. She could smell the whiskey on his breath. He tugged at her pallu, letting it fall to the ground. <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Not today,</em> she begged. Her back ached and her head felt like it was going to explode.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">He grabbed her hair and pulled her to their bedroom. She scrambled to find her pallu as they walked past the hall. Their son stared in horror. He shut the door behind him and slapped her. He told her to stay quiet and take her clothes off. She did as she was told.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What do you mean my son raped his wife. There is no such thing.</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">______________________________________________________________________</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My son would never rape a woman. </em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It really is a shame how scores of mothers will relate with these words. Much as I might try, I cannot change their ideology entrenched in an age-old thought process. What we can do is not let another generation of mothers think like this.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Baskerville, 'Playfair Display', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 27px;">I found this article at </span><span style="font-family: Baskerville, Playfair Display, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 27px;">http://epiphanyinthecacophony.wordpress.com/2014/04/15/my-son-would-never-rape-a-woman/</span></span><span style="font-family: Baskerville, 'Playfair Display', 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 27px;"> The least I could do was share. </span></div>
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Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-27427776792258695682014-03-12T19:34:00.002+05:302014-03-12T19:34:59.763+05:30Is it "The Now" Yet?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>“If today were the
last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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-Steve Jobs<o:p></o:p></div>
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All through our lives, we plan for the future. Young professionals
plan their career… young people in love plan their lives together, young
parents plan their kid’s education… the list is endless. But amid all this,
have you ever given thought to what you’ll do if there was no tomorrow? What if
the only time you had was now? The only people you had left were those with you
now? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Creepy, but a proposition of immense importance…
pessimistic, but immeasurably motivating…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Right from the moment all our natural faculties of hearing, listening,
seeing, feeling, interpreting and comprehending start functioning properly, we’re
imbued with the constant need to secure our future, which somehow makes us lose
out on the present. Let me explain…<o:p></o:p></div>
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With the boom in digital cameras, we see one around every
neck, in every hand, with the self-appointed photographer clicking away to
glory. I know all of you have done it too. Do you really remember those events
as well as you remember those where you weren’t clicking? Or do you have to
refer to those faithful pictures to remind you of your brother’s foolish grin
and the random aunty’s funny expression?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did your focus on preserving memories not spoil the present
for you? I, for one, think it does.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do we do then? Preserve no memories?” you would say. And
I would simply reply “Make each day so memorable that you don’t need memories
to aid your memory. Live in the present. Do what you love. Do what makes you
happy. Be happy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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For each sun that sets, a day of your precious life has been
ticked off. A day less to do more… <o:p></o:p></div>
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Why then should we waste our days thinking out a future we
might never have? Why plan for possibilities that might never arise? Why cry
over things and people who aren’t as important as you think? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Take up challenges and conquer them. It’ll fetch you a good
night’s sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cross the line. You’ll outperform all else.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Be who you are. You’ll become what you want.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Embarrassment and Fear of Failure are perhaps the two least
important emotions you need to harbor. Just follow your heart. It’ll take you
to new heights.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Don't keep waiting for the perfect moment. It is NOW.</div>
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Live your life as if it is your last day…<o:p></o:p></div>
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P.S. I found Steve Jobs’ quote in this video. This post is
my interpretation of the same <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906242478804494125.post-28869681400247816482014-03-06T18:57:00.000+05:302014-03-06T18:57:19.168+05:30Meeting Mrs. Deepika Bhattacharya<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You want it to go left, it’ll go right. You want it to slow down, it’ll go blazingly fast. You want it to be easy it’ll be tougher than fighting a bunch of gun-wielding goons blind-folded. Such is life. A life which isn’t always fair….<br />
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Yet fighting against all odds and taking the sudden surprise turns in our stride has always kept us going. We might not know exactly where we are headed, but we’re definitely progressing…each day, each moment.<br />
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Embodying this philosophy is Mrs. Deepika Bhattacharya, Vice President, Accenture whom I met at a college event. When she took the stage, she had her audience entranced. But I dare say that even she didn’t know destiny’s plans for her.<br />
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Though she’d dreamt medicine-dreams while in class 8, she ended up pursuing commerce, thus, becoming the first female in her family to venture into this line of study. She then planned to do Economics and landed up with Bachelors of Commerce and later wanted to become a Chartered Accountant and ended up doing Masters in Business Economics. Her life almost never obeyed the choices she made.<br />
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Undaunted by the lows that life sent her way, she persevered. Working with some of the top-notch firms like Dabur, NIIT, American Express, GE and now Accenture. She went from a ‘Can she fit in here?’ girl to the ‘I really admire her!’ lady. Her twenty-three year journey in the corporate sector is testimony to the fact that through sheer hard-work, grit and determination seemingly ordinary people can transform themselves into big achievers.<br />
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She left us with such valuable lessons as can only come with experience. One particular idea that had a deep impact on me was this: Work towards your strengths.<br />
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Is it not very logical? Do what you are good at, do it better than anyone else ever can. Yet we always work in the exact opposite direction, slaving with skills which aren’t really our cup of tea. True, it helps us diversify but wouldn’t we be much better off if we knew one trade like the back of our hands…instead of being jack of all trades and master of none?<br />
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While dealing with questions regarding problems working women face, she emphasized on the fact that you always have to stand by the decisions you take. I couldn’t agree more. If I myself do not support the decisions I take, how can I expect anyone else to do it? How can I achieve my full potential if I have a trunk full of regrets weighing me down?<br />
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Her closing thought was “Don’t be too hard on your own self.” I think that directly translates to my philosophy of loving one self. True, you are your best critic. But when this self-criticism starts to put you down, when it starts to have a negative impact on your personality, it is best to stop. Love your flaws. Were you perfect, life would’ve been considerably more difficult.<br />
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Her words gave me food for thought and I sure am munching away to eternity.<br />
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P.S. I later discovered we’re from the same school. Awesome! Right?<br />
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Maanyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12795266836835942051noreply@blogger.com5