Thursday, 24 November 2011
Monday, 8 August 2011
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Today , I read a blog from a good friend about the musings and difficulties of a Working mom! About the challenges in managing a home, career and a child and how thankless this juggling is!
Yes, in today's world fast paced world it is indeed difficult to lead this highly mechanical life but its our own choice to live this way. The pressure is high to keep up to the socially acceptable standards of living, expenses are hitting the roof, our needs, wants and desires are beyond simple pleasures (which by the way we do not consider a pleasure any more). Our holidays are more motivated with places which are exotic and expensive, our local outings are to luxurious restaurants and multiplexes, our groceries and provisions are from high end and fancy stores which claim the convenience of a one-stop-shop for all your needs, which amusingly, either out of pride or the culture which is prompted by such places does not encourage any kind of bargaining.
Our kids go to famed schools - even though it is far-flung and pricey. Of course , with due respect to all parents who have nothing else in mind but to provide the best to their kids (in all probability I will be playing the same role few years down the line), I have one question - Are we really getting what we want to actually get out of our lives ,our kids and our home?
Reminds me of this beautiful scene from the movie Zindagi Milegi Na dobara where Laila asks Arjun if money gives him happiness and he say's yes and then she asks why then did he cry at the bliss and happiness that he felt after his Deep sea diving experience - we don't cry when we get money!
Ladies and Gentleman, Mind you, by no means am I even trying to say that money is not important.It is by far the sole means by which we source most of the materialistic pleasures which is almost impossible to live without today. I too bow down to the God of money, knees down without any iota of doubt.
All I am saying is that, while certainly money does buy us happiness ,(a new phone, a new Laptop a new house, a new car - pumps redder blood, drives faster heart beats, tingles all the good nerves and pushes all the great energy into our systems) but, are we today enjoying these pleasures completely that money buys us?
We buy big houses but do not spend time in them with family, we buy bigger cars but use it mostly to commute to and fro from office, we buy new phones and laptops to ignore family and stay glued to it. We buy bigger Televisions , but do not watch one common soap or event together, we do all the savings and re-invest it in stocks to keep it locked for 3 years and then compromise on everything else. We go to ornate gyms, forgetting the essence of simple late night or early morning walks - which can do wonders and create magic between a couple.
Words can be so beautiful and alive!
Why are we compelled to live this life the way we are living it - Point to Ponder!
Yes, in today's world fast paced world it is indeed difficult to lead this highly mechanical life but its our own choice to live this way. The pressure is high to keep up to the socially acceptable standards of living, expenses are hitting the roof, our needs, wants and desires are beyond simple pleasures (which by the way we do not consider a pleasure any more). Our holidays are more motivated with places which are exotic and expensive, our local outings are to luxurious restaurants and multiplexes, our groceries and provisions are from high end and fancy stores which claim the convenience of a one-stop-shop for all your needs, which amusingly, either out of pride or the culture which is prompted by such places does not encourage any kind of bargaining.
Our kids go to famed schools - even though it is far-flung and pricey. Of course , with due respect to all parents who have nothing else in mind but to provide the best to their kids (in all probability I will be playing the same role few years down the line), I have one question - Are we really getting what we want to actually get out of our lives ,our kids and our home?
Reminds me of this beautiful scene from the movie Zindagi Milegi Na dobara where Laila asks Arjun if money gives him happiness and he say's yes and then she asks why then did he cry at the bliss and happiness that he felt after his Deep sea diving experience - we don't cry when we get money!
Ladies and Gentleman, Mind you, by no means am I even trying to say that money is not important.It is by far the sole means by which we source most of the materialistic pleasures which is almost impossible to live without today. I too bow down to the God of money, knees down without any iota of doubt.
All I am saying is that, while certainly money does buy us happiness ,(a new phone, a new Laptop a new house, a new car - pumps redder blood, drives faster heart beats, tingles all the good nerves and pushes all the great energy into our systems) but, are we today enjoying these pleasures completely that money buys us?
We buy big houses but do not spend time in them with family, we buy bigger cars but use it mostly to commute to and fro from office, we buy new phones and laptops to ignore family and stay glued to it. We buy bigger Televisions , but do not watch one common soap or event together, we do all the savings and re-invest it in stocks to keep it locked for 3 years and then compromise on everything else. We go to ornate gyms, forgetting the essence of simple late night or early morning walks - which can do wonders and create magic between a couple.
Beautiful poems in the movie - ZNMD by none other than Javed Akhtar Saab - Taking the liberty to copy one of them below :)
Dilon mein tum apni
Betaabiyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum
Nazar mein khwabon ki
Bijliyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum
Hawa ke jhokon ke jaise
Aazad rehna sikho
Tum ek dariya ke jaise
Lehron mein behna sikho
Har ek lamhe se tum milo
Khole apni baahein
Har ek pal ek naya sama
Dekhen yeh nigahaein
Jo apni aankhon mein
Hairaniyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum
Dilon mein tum apni
Betaabiyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum
Betaabiyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum
Nazar mein khwabon ki
Bijliyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum
Hawa ke jhokon ke jaise
Aazad rehna sikho
Tum ek dariya ke jaise
Lehron mein behna sikho
Har ek lamhe se tum milo
Khole apni baahein
Har ek pal ek naya sama
Dekhen yeh nigahaein
Jo apni aankhon mein
Hairaniyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum
Dilon mein tum apni
Betaabiyan leke chal rahe ho
Toh zinda ho tum
Words can be so beautiful and alive!
Why are we compelled to live this life the way we are living it - Point to Ponder!
Sunday, 24 July 2011
A Change of Pace
I found this simple message very profound and as applicable to me as it is
to others.
A CHANGE OF PACE
According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great
storyteller Aesop playing childish games with some little boys. He laughed
and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous
activity.
Aesop responded by picking up a bow, loosening its string, and placing it on
the ground. Then he said to the critical Athenian, "Now, answer the riddle,
if you can. Tell us what the unstrung bow implies."
The man looked at it for several moments but had no idea what point Aesop
was trying to make. The moralist explained, "If you keep a bow always bent,
it will break eventually; but if you let it go slack, it will be more fit
for use when you want it."
So it is with us. Our minds and bodies are like the bow. When constantly
under pressures of everyday life, we can eventually break. We need to
loosen up; we need time to take the pressure off and relax.
Former baseball pitcher Dutch Leonard might have put it a little
differently. He once said that the secret of great pitching is not speed or
the ability to throw curves. It's the 'change of pace.' The average batter
will soon learn to hit a pitcher who continually throws the same kind of
pitch. But it's hard to hit against a pitcher who changes the pace of
delivery. That change of pace gives a pitcher the edge over the best of
batters.
A change of pace likewise gives us an edge in life. Taking time to watch
the clouds, enjoy a breeze, take a walk, read or just slow down is necessary
if we are to be our best later. And a regular day of rest is as important
as regular sleep. It's a way of taking the pressure off.
To be your best, make sure you change your pace. It may just be the change
you need.
By Steve Goodier
to others.
A CHANGE OF PACE
According to a Greek legend, in ancient Athens a man noticed the great
storyteller Aesop playing childish games with some little boys. He laughed
and jeered at Aesop, asking him why he wasted his time in such frivolous
activity.
Aesop responded by picking up a bow, loosening its string, and placing it on
the ground. Then he said to the critical Athenian, "Now, answer the riddle,
if you can. Tell us what the unstrung bow implies."
The man looked at it for several moments but had no idea what point Aesop
was trying to make. The moralist explained, "If you keep a bow always bent,
it will break eventually; but if you let it go slack, it will be more fit
for use when you want it."
So it is with us. Our minds and bodies are like the bow. When constantly
under pressures of everyday life, we can eventually break. We need to
loosen up; we need time to take the pressure off and relax.
Former baseball pitcher Dutch Leonard might have put it a little
differently. He once said that the secret of great pitching is not speed or
the ability to throw curves. It's the 'change of pace.' The average batter
will soon learn to hit a pitcher who continually throws the same kind of
pitch. But it's hard to hit against a pitcher who changes the pace of
delivery. That change of pace gives a pitcher the edge over the best of
batters.
A change of pace likewise gives us an edge in life. Taking time to watch
the clouds, enjoy a breeze, take a walk, read or just slow down is necessary
if we are to be our best later. And a regular day of rest is as important
as regular sleep. It's a way of taking the pressure off.
To be your best, make sure you change your pace. It may just be the change
you need.
By Steve Goodier
Thursday, 14 July 2011
July 13th - Another Repulsive day.
Mumbai! How many times do you have to go through this? It’s the same commotion, same shocking episodes, same blood shed - just different lives lost and the irony is that it’s with the same merciless tactic! What have the poor souls who died ruthlessly or severely injured and critical, done to an LET or IM or whoever is responsible for this sordid attack? These were just living their normal lives who may have made promises to their families for tomorrow.
Aren't we tired of hearing about the Mumbai spirit and resolute which bounces back after many such horrific aftermaths? They are back today at the same distressing place to earn their livelihood forced to be oblivious to what happened yesterday. Do they have a choice?
Where are the Obama's ofIndia
Where are the Obama's of
I am appalled at this lewd nerve of whoever has been doing this again and again. I am distressed at what is happening to innocent lives and their kin. I am confused about our politicians and security systems and how they intend to deal with this. And I am frustrated at the thought of another victory for a faction sitting in a god-forsaken place and having the (not the last) N’th laugh!!
Its cruel , but will we feel the pain and sorrow only when it gets personal? Every politician and every country offers sympathy and support. It will come even in the next blast. Is this a Harry Porter series to keep re-occurring ?
I do not believe that we are a cowardly nation, how do we accept and tolerate this - its actually not we who tolerate it.... its tolerated the most by families who have lost their loved ones, valuables and are forced to be part of these ghastly stories. Everyone else shows the anger and frustration, comes to terms of the loss, accepts and offers sympathy and we wait for the next blast to happen and go over all this again.
We need to "ACT NOW" and I am so sure that if I am given a weapon and asked to shoot the architect of this whole mess, I will not flinch even one bit !! The blood boils at what they are doing to us.
Its cruel , but will we feel the pain and sorrow only when it gets personal? Every politician and every country offers sympathy and support. It will come even in the next blast. Is this a Harry Porter series to keep re-occurring ?
I do not believe that we are a cowardly nation, how do we accept and tolerate this - its actually not we who tolerate it.... its tolerated the most by families who have lost their loved ones, valuables and are forced to be part of these ghastly stories. Everyone else shows the anger and frustration, comes to terms of the loss, accepts and offers sympathy and we wait for the next blast to happen and go over all this again.
We need to "ACT NOW" and I am so sure that if I am given a weapon and asked to shoot the architect of this whole mess, I will not flinch even one bit !! The blood boils at what they are doing to us.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Does Curiosity kill?
Wondering today - what is so appealing in being interested in other's life. What are the thrills, what is the curiosity and what is the expectation.What is the entertainment...
Lets take the most common and popular forum today -Facebook. the pursuit begins from being inquisitive to who is writing on who's wall to what he wrote and with what thoughts behind it. The pursuit by the way, ends on our walls.
Such a terrific force that instinctively drives us to judge people, their way of living and their habits.
Every single day we see people who are hooked onto it, an uncontrollable addiction whether they make their presence felt or not - but are there every single day. These days the convenience of being able to view it on your phone at just a click just adds to it.
As far as I am concerned, the Facebook fad is to such an extent that last night while I was fast asleep, I groggily told Nirish that he was my wall. So uncanny right? and when he asked what kind of a wall, I said Facebook wall - I can write anything on it and go back for reflection and recollection.
I remembered today morning that I had, in earnest meant to say that he was my wall to bounce off my thoughts, petty worries and confusions and feel relieved that its off my back,and it was unbelievable that I expressed it in this manner - contrast it against Facebook!!So much for expressing emotions!
From personal or professional announcements, pompous statements,opinions,quotes,advertisements,emotional displays, uploading pictures to just a plain listless medium to fill in time.. It has it all!
Its amusing now, when my aged folks want to know about someone and the latest tittle-tattle, they suggest log into Facebook and give us the low down.
The profile pictures speak a thousand words, of the person itself , of their relationships, of their interests, of their opinions and views. So many stories at just a few clicks and scrolls.
Birthdays can't be forgotten anymore, people cannot be avoided, the eagerness to check what people comment on your posts,opinions or pictures cannot be resisted and it better be compliments and positives :) .
I like all these and more about Facebook...its a fascinating medium to refresh and rebound. This curiosity does not kill ....as long as you keep it ingenuous....
Lets take the most common and popular forum today -Facebook. the pursuit begins from being inquisitive to who is writing on who's wall to what he wrote and with what thoughts behind it. The pursuit by the way, ends on our walls.
Such a terrific force that instinctively drives us to judge people, their way of living and their habits.
Every single day we see people who are hooked onto it, an uncontrollable addiction whether they make their presence felt or not - but are there every single day. These days the convenience of being able to view it on your phone at just a click just adds to it.
As far as I am concerned, the Facebook fad is to such an extent that last night while I was fast asleep, I groggily told Nirish that he was my wall. So uncanny right? and when he asked what kind of a wall, I said Facebook wall - I can write anything on it and go back for reflection and recollection.
I remembered today morning that I had, in earnest meant to say that he was my wall to bounce off my thoughts, petty worries and confusions and feel relieved that its off my back,and it was unbelievable that I expressed it in this manner - contrast it against Facebook!!So much for expressing emotions!
From personal or professional announcements, pompous statements,opinions,quotes,advertisements,emotional displays, uploading pictures to just a plain listless medium to fill in time.. It has it all!
Its amusing now, when my aged folks want to know about someone and the latest tittle-tattle, they suggest log into Facebook and give us the low down.
The profile pictures speak a thousand words, of the person itself , of their relationships, of their interests, of their opinions and views. So many stories at just a few clicks and scrolls.
Birthdays can't be forgotten anymore, people cannot be avoided, the eagerness to check what people comment on your posts,opinions or pictures cannot be resisted and it better be compliments and positives :) .
I like all these and more about Facebook...its a fascinating medium to refresh and rebound. This curiosity does not kill ....as long as you keep it ingenuous....
Monday, 4 July 2011
Catch 22 - Relocation
Staying in Belgaum, was an experience in itself. While deciding to move out of Bangalore in Feb 2011, I never felt so unsure - change always brings with it so much of apprehension,anxiety and insecurity. All the more when you have made a conscious decision to move to a geographically and socially smaller place. Since it was a a very mindful choice, we prepared ourselves for it and I could not complain once the plunge was taken since it was I ,who had encouraged my husband Nirish to evaluate and take this new assignment which took us out of Bangalore and move to Belgaum.
Nirish says that he is thankful for this -not more for the decision but,because I don't have the opportunity to complaint and blame him that he brought me out of Bangalore.Husbands will be husbands! :)
I'm not yet complaining though, because life did improve here - Nirish and I had so much of personal time and we were no more spending half our lives in traveling like Bangalore. We had a stress free and fresh oxygen life. It is a pensioners Paradise (Bangalore in the '80's and 90's) . We had our basic necessities, our basic modes of entertainment - a multiplex and good restaurants.We took off on weekends exploring new places and life is good for us. Commutation any where in the city takes a maximum of 15-20 minutes in Belgaum . We had time to take care of ourselves. We had home cooked healthy meals, didn't get tired with travel and had uncluttered minds .
And then came - Out- of - Bangalore - Part 2, June 2011. It striked us within 4 months of moving to Belgaum - Relocate to Hubli! Again thanks to Nirish - I cant complain yet (Remember? I started this...) and since it was a good career movement for him to shift to his regional office - we started packing up again - bid adieu to an almost settled life and shift again.
After all the twinge and fretfulness of the practical difficulties of shifting to Hubli , we are beginning to settle down again. My first consolation was that it is closer to Bangalore and of course since Belgaum stay was just 4 months, it is much easier to cope with the change. Hubli feels much more like Bangalore, unlike Belgaum which for the most part has Maharashtrian mores.Marathi is the local language there, no fast food culture, no clutter of many shops lined at a stretch, lesser crowd and lesser domestic convenience.
Back to Hubli - We stay in an old colony of 300+ apartments with a lot of domestic convenience. My office till August 12th (yes, that's my last working day - yippee!! :) ) is at a 10 minutes of walking distance. Nirish's driving distance to office is 15 minutes - so convenience galore! Then again its just been 2 weeks here so need to explore more of the city and what it has to offer.
Currently the feeling is that I'm on a long vacation out of Bangalore, and after a vacation, you get back home, so it is Bangalore for me ... my moral fiber to last even in Timbuktu - the hope that i will get back home :).
Nirish says that he is thankful for this -not more for the decision but,because I don't have the opportunity to complaint and blame him that he brought me out of Bangalore.Husbands will be husbands! :)
I'm not yet complaining though, because life did improve here - Nirish and I had so much of personal time and we were no more spending half our lives in traveling like Bangalore. We had a stress free and fresh oxygen life. It is a pensioners Paradise (Bangalore in the '80's and 90's) . We had our basic necessities, our basic modes of entertainment - a multiplex and good restaurants.We took off on weekends exploring new places and life is good for us. Commutation any where in the city takes a maximum of 15-20 minutes in Belgaum . We had time to take care of ourselves. We had home cooked healthy meals, didn't get tired with travel and had uncluttered minds .
And then came - Out- of - Bangalore - Part 2, June 2011. It striked us within 4 months of moving to Belgaum - Relocate to Hubli! Again thanks to Nirish - I cant complain yet (Remember? I started this...) and since it was a good career movement for him to shift to his regional office - we started packing up again - bid adieu to an almost settled life and shift again.
After all the twinge and fretfulness of the practical difficulties of shifting to Hubli , we are beginning to settle down again. My first consolation was that it is closer to Bangalore and of course since Belgaum stay was just 4 months, it is much easier to cope with the change. Hubli feels much more like Bangalore, unlike Belgaum which for the most part has Maharashtrian mores.Marathi is the local language there, no fast food culture, no clutter of many shops lined at a stretch, lesser crowd and lesser domestic convenience.
Back to Hubli - We stay in an old colony of 300+ apartments with a lot of domestic convenience. My office till August 12th (yes, that's my last working day - yippee!! :) ) is at a 10 minutes of walking distance. Nirish's driving distance to office is 15 minutes - so convenience galore! Then again its just been 2 weeks here so need to explore more of the city and what it has to offer.
Currently the feeling is that I'm on a long vacation out of Bangalore, and after a vacation, you get back home, so it is Bangalore for me ... my moral fiber to last even in Timbuktu - the hope that i will get back home :).
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