Alarm clock for the time to wake up...(Contd from previous)

....Contd)....
We must be alert not to take vacant Buses at such late night hours. But the question of the hour is, why at all and ever should such a fear for late night activities be there? A decent person cannot carry out his work late at night just because some useless fellow wants to have fun by turning out wild at such hours? And all of this just because he knows that the administration is not at all strong enough to track such cases and sue the culprits?

We need a strong law. We need to strengthen our system. But somewhere, we need to strengthen our mentality too. When my friend's mother gave me the aforementioned reasons, I gave her exactly these counter-reasons. Post-partition, when Salwar Kameez was the most popular attire for women, rapes were happening at, I guess, double the rate! What were girls doing wrong, then??

So, I still do not support the Slut Walks. Seriously. 'Besharami' is not the code of conduct, be it on the part of men or women. But yes, I stand for the freedom of an individual who can be a male, female, trans-gender, homosexual or anyone! I stand for  a change that has to come from within.

I may not go to India Gate for the protest. But wherever, whenever I face such orthodoxies, I protest personally, violently and strongly!

Incident of rape and the time to wake up!

As a part of my internship Project, I visited Safdarjang Hospital two days back. I was with two other friends of mine. The Project analysis took some time and I reached home late in the evening. Thanks to the cyber boom, the news of the incident reached us much before the newspapers talked about it. And I was a bit taken aback: Hours ago a molested rape victim had been admitted into the hospital. I was there at the hospital while she was being treated but I got no clue she was there....I was horrified later when I got to know!
South Delhi- Rape incident.
Has become a nation wide rage. I know. This post could be the nth thing that is being written about it.
I know that too. Redundant could be another definition of this post. Yeah, I know again.

But will the knowledge of all this prevent me from writing this? If the redundancy of rapes can prevent rapists from indulging into such a heinous crime, then I guess, I will not write anything further. But hey! I AM. I am writing...a lot many words...further...

My heart has this sinking feeling as I write.

I have read many opinions and first of all, I must admit that yes, I am actually doing nothing more than praying for that brave girl- I guess, somewhere, she knows that I am!

I can blame everyone else- the government, the 'men', the system! But I guess, somewhere, it starts from within! From my own friend circle, from my own society! And I am a part of the society that I blame.

I will not blame 'all men'. Among the people most disturbed by this incident, on my friend list, are guys! So, they really hate such ill treatment of women! Not all men are the same...In fact, only a tiny fraction of men, constituted by rapists, has defamed all of them. Many men are fabulous and the most respectable!

I have a friend. His mother reacted to this incident. But in a way, quite different from mine. Among 'her' list of accusations were the short dresses being worn by girls these days, the 'stupidity' of the girl to have boarded the vacant Bus so late at night and the ignorance of girls to fall in love blindly, these days.

First things first,
        Short dresses- yeah! They ARE a bit distracting- not just for the guys but for the girls as well. I mean, if I see John Abraham flaunting his oil-massaged shining 'Dostana' body out on the  Street just in front of my College, I will hardly be able to study, just like the hundred other girls in my College. Yes!
        When one is in a civilized society, one has to follow certain code of conduct to make the words 'civilized society' capable of being used together and decent clothing IS a part of that code of conduct. A boy or a girl can and must be taught by his/her family what to wear and where to wear. No Gender Bias here. Both the genders should know it. But random suggestions and advices?Oh please!
         Secondly, I do really feel that at the HANDS OF DRUNK and mad people, found roaming in streets at night, not just the girls but even the guys are unsafe. You never know how a drunk might 'over react' and 'ill treat' you.

Now, some further clarifications.
         A girl's body could be a bit attractive for men but the theory of the 'provocative' nature of the clothes is just a by-product of a fallen and failed mentality; that's it!
         Coming to my example of John Abraham, I must comment, that John flaunting his Body in Dostana is not as sensuous as Bips doing the same in Dhoom-2 on the Beach! Yes. Nature has created the 'difference' .       BUT NO girl ever flaunting any part of her body ASKS for a rape!!!! She does not even permit you to touch her. YOU take it as her approval. If a girl wearing revealing clothes is 'crossing' her limits then a guy who touches or rapes her is crossing his! She is treating her body the way SHE wants, you please do the same with YOUR mind, not HER body!

You want her to regulate the way she dresses, then you may, for the time being, request you sons to regulate the way they interpret her clothes!

Coming to one highly important word of the discussion- Mentality!
Throughout the cycle of protests, one action that caught my attention was that at one point, people were trying to encourage the girl by calling her brave and at the other, they were sarcastically remarking that the authorities should wear 'choodiyan' for the authorities could do just nothing! Wearing 'bangles', an attribute of a WOMAN'S attire, is still seen as a shameful act; I hardly have a reason to believe that the mentality of 'man is the supreme power' has gone from the society. You are horrified how a man could exercise his dominance over a girl this way...Well, you are not far! Many women are also advising men to wear choodiyan...That just proves how hypocrite they themselves are! I mean really? Is a female attire so shameful for you? Go home..Improve on this very mentality!
..Contd...

Rewinding...

Remember I was out of Utopia a few posts back?
Well, I feel like drowning into it once again! Whoo!

Yes. It is my exam time..And I have no clue about where to end (I have started already...'Where to start is no issue, dude!...There are THREE lengthy and excruciating books!)

Completed Syllabus, memorized answers and a sound sleep just a day before the exam- Reads nice? Even nicer to imagine na? Huh! I know... The only problem is, imagining it is 'the' only task I can afford to do.

My phone routes are all jammed. Aaa...No. Wait...I HAVE JAMMED the phone routes of my friends' contact numbers. I am calling them every other second to confirm things.

I ask something and they reply," See..this is how it goes...Uddatt...Anudaatt..." and some other stuff I DO not quite comprehend, at all!!
That just proves my ignorance. And what could prove to be an even better proof is this post!
While my friends have taken a sigh of relief, I have taken the chair to sit and write. Hope to come into the previous cheered mode..tomorrow!

"Yaarr....what is the answer to....."

Advices...Marriages...and the existence of both!

...(contd.)
Very recently, the issue of somebody's marriage in my house had popped up. And the debate was already on about how and why that 'person-in-discussion' 's marriage was important.

I understand, you need a 'life-partner'. But that partner can be anything na...Your work, your hobby etc. Why only humans.

Coming to another good thought, I must acknowledge that people usually fall in love on their own. And later get married. So, yes, if they are falling together, let them fall...Later, they shall realize the pain. In many case, they might learn to adjust, as said before. But, if a person is happy on his own, why push him into holy matrimony?

It is quite ironical that such a post is coming from me- A daydreamer who is usually thinking of her would-be life after job, after marriage etc. But I have no experience at all. I still have to learn. Teenage and the third decade of a person's life, both are all about money and love! Not just 'ishq wala love' but every kind of love. And I am a new entrant in this phase of life. Ain't I? 
So, I can always envisage my conjugal or professional life. At times, it feels super exciting to imagine my  'sweet little home'. With my kids and 'him' ;)

But there is also this feeling that I shall never be ready to abandon  those two angels who had, long time back, envisaged 'me' in their 'sweet little home' vision. You know who I am talking of.

So,with such a confusion in mind, I might not ever be able to say a yes to marriage. In case, I find some one and 'fall' in love, I shall face the consequences my self. (That is in distant future)Wouldn't I? Why should the world push me for it.

In a similar manner, I believe, it is upto a person to decide whether or not he/she wants to bind himself/herself in 'holy matrimony'.

So, I come to the point again- Why should an already-trapped world care to arrange a cage for a free bird? Let him/her have his/her time.

Advices...Marriages...The poor fellows!

It is 1.00 am. And I am awake. I have forgotten that I have a syllabus to complete for my exams. But I am not caring at all. I am in a hysterical mode. Either my mind is too exhausted to think of anything or I am in love. Well, the latter is not true to the best of my knowledge. So, the former is cent percent true!

I was out, in the other room, trying to write the vyakhyas of AgniSuktam of the Rigved. I have to face all that stuff in less than a month, that too alone; only my I-card and an Answer sheet shall be my companions. But I am here, trying to share something with a virtual audience...Who most probably are busy with their own important stuffs of life.

But in any case, I am writing. Not too long.

AgniSuktam , one among many Suktas (Sukta is a collection of mantras),   is most probably the easiest thing in the world to understand- Written in the RigVed(1.1.1-1.1.9), It depicts the general perception of Agni Dev- The Fire God( Okay, so I regard such translations as useless.So, I won't be doing anymore!)

One important use of Agni, as perceived by the Vedic Rishis, was in the Yajnas. While reading that I was suddenly reminded of marriage and some other things related to it. ( AgniSuktam is one great Sukta. I had wished to explain a bit more but you would have not liked it plus it is not related to the central theme of my article, today)

Marriage- One holy institution. ((I know, guys have most probably even switched to some other tabs/sites and are not willing to read beyond this while some girls have chosen to read on. ))

Yes, it is one holy institution with great consequences and risks. I have always wondered why families ever and at all want their kids to get married.
One common answer is "to make them settle well" at the "right" time.

I am not here to go deep into that. But in my life of 20 years, I have not seen a single person claim a positive development in his life 'after' marriage. Complaints are at the top of the list. I have seen people get engaged through love or arranged marriages- but none seems a good relief.

...

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's visit and her divinity..the experience continues!

...

certain elements of her eloquence in my speech- I envisage myself on the International Nobel Podium and try to utter the same words as she did when she received the Prize and delivered a speech- I am still only 'trying' to get it right. And then once, within the past one week itself, I realised, it is not the prize or even the hysteria of getting it that must have made her so eloquent- It was the pain! The smartness of speech just does not come 'without' undergoing all of that. House Arrest, Husband's Death, The handicap she must have felt on not being able to be with ther kids and watch them grow from “boys to men” and the uncontrolled pain seeing her country going to the worst hands!!
What stands as a prize or the glamour of getting honoured by one's alma mater in this grand way for me is definitely not what and how she sees it.
My achievements, may lie in clearing entrances or some other exams; hers lie in some real goals and freedom for Burma.

I salute her from the bottom of my heart. It takes something to be her! It requires to choose what your instinct guide and not the world. She had a happy life and could have ignored her country for the sake of her children and husband whom she had lost touch with. She did ignore - not her country but her personal pleasure. Only for the sake of her people!

And from the welcome event, what pleased me a lot, other than Mr.Shashi Tharoor's good speech, MG's Speech and Ms.Geeta Chandran's well choreographed Dance was, Daw Suu Kyi's words when she said,” This College is my College...And the Girls are 'My girls' “

Yes, I saw her. And I felt her! She touched me...totally!

It happened after all...and her divinity inspired!

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's visit went terrific! I enjoyed every every moment of it!
At the end of all, I realised the importance of what I had tried to preach in my previous post- Team Work! Yes, I was very very proud that I was a part of the celebrations and had the opportunity to see her from a distance of less than even 5 metres.

While we waited for her, I was gazing at some of the most prominent faces in the Audience- Ministers, Delhi Cabinet Secretary, US Ambassador to India, Top level NGO workers...But my eyes held on to her the moment she entered...

You know, I have always thought about the qualities which make a leader, a leader! I still think about them. But may be now, with more empathy and less guesses.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi- Her entrance into the Auditorium created a vibrance which urged me to jump; to jump high, higher and the highest! It takes about a minute for a person to walk down the central isle of the auditorium to the stage. Our choir- yes, the same choir that I had talked about and I had plans of abandoning which- stood at the leftmost corner of the stage waiting her to enter. As soon as she did, we joined our voices to sound one at “Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi...” And the welcome song lasted for a minute. She acknowledged the welcome with a slight bow. And I kept staring her face all through this. http://lsr.edu.in/

Her face emitted peace. I could realise how difficult it must have been for her to achieve it. 12 long years of house arrest. Yes, that is DIFFICULT. Her eyes, which have been witness to some of the most turbulent times of Burma and her own life, have become stronger thant ever to emit peace and calmness. Her face just tells it all. It must have been difficult. Really difficult!

I often watch her on YouTube and try to incorporate

A Drop in the Sea...One amongst many!

I do not have a very metaphorical beginning. So, All that I can write to give you an idea of the happenings in my life is "Daw Aung San Suu Kyi". Yes!! The Burmese leader is going to visit LSR this Friday and everybody is super excited!

I am a part of the choir that is going to sing some inspirational songs to honor her. That feels so so amazing!

Just as I was looking forward to the event and my participation, I realized something very beautiful!

Ever since my childhood, College has been one big dream for me! I mean the life, the fun, the frolic, the...everything! Before getting through the admission process at LSR, I had never even presumed how wonderful life would soon become. And every bit of that BIG BIG dream is now finding seats in reality!
Daw Suu Kyi's welcome is a major event! I revere that lady from the core of my heart. I am not even close to being sure if I shall be ever able to exhibit such an endurance for my country and my people. So, welcoming her becomes all the more important and exhilarating.

While we sing and rehearse everyday, including Sundays, at College, we tend to feel what that Lady must have undergone. Ms.Vandana Kohli, our trainer, is putting special efforts to make us sound so. ( Ms.Kohli is an amazing personality! Shall soon write about my experience with her!)

So, two days back, I was moved to the third row in the choir- to make situations clear, I must tell you that this row of the choir is highly visible but very lowly comprehensible! Everybody can see that there is a third row, but no faces are to be see- the faces get hidden, only bodies are seen! huh!
When I was told to occupy my position in that row, I was low on mood! I did not want to be on that position. I hated it totally. Glamour and publicity huh! They attract me so much. I was so engrossed that for a second, I thought of leaving the group and abandoning the idea of even being a part of the celebrations. Later, my hysteria came down and I continued with whatever was going on.

Today, I saw many people in the Audi. Honourable dignitaries are going to be there for the celebrations and hence, many volunteers have been deputed. There are, as expected, many places where the volunteers will be working- and many such places would not even get to be known by the Audience. Still, people will work. Do you know why. Because such tiny places together will make the event grand! THAT is the importance of team work. Every member counts...Every effort results.



The event shall fail if the back stage volunteers refuse to work.. Their proper work will ensure that Chairs are put properly, things are good on stage so that when Ms Suu Kyi finally arrives, the Stage looks good and nothing goes embarrassing! Events happening off screen are a major reason why On screen, things look good and pleasant.

So, when I realized that I had been made a tiny part of a group that was a major part of the event, I regained my strength. Regaining it was accompanied by the fact that my voice is a baritone and depsite that, I am getting the opportunity to sing for that wonderful lady!- I am not less lucky! ( At this point, I must thank IMS President for providing me this opportunity! )

So, I am not low on mood anymore! I am one amongst the many drops that together make a Sea. Yes, I am happy :) :)

Intermixed and incomprehensible: My feelings and my words

Dear Mind,
Relax.
For a while. Just Relax.
Why are you so worried?
We believe in God. Don't we? Then?

Yes, Things are happening too fast.
Yes, We do not get the time to sit together and think.
To think of the future.
To think of the weird ways I use you in.
To think of how we, you and me, shall ever
counter each other at cross roads...
and you will tell me how to move ahead.

But, stop worrying now!
You are not careless. Just Caring less.
Less for the important things.
More for the less important ones.
Manage. Learn. Grow up and Manage.
I know you will.

You see that Lady,
and want me to become like her.
You yourself want to become
like hers.
Yes. That is true.


So, work. Hard, harder and the hardest.
Not hardly.
Search your peace...And you shall have it.

So, relax.

Yours me :)

'Typical Post-Teenage Get Together' Syndrome

An old friend of mine recently celebrated her 20th birthday. The party was great! Many guys and girls of our Class of 2010 of School had turned up. We had a great time together. Happy birthday MRS.Gupta!(Yes, that is what I will always call her no matter what the surname of her boyfriend is!) And yes, all of us, in her friend circle had thought of issuing a legal notice to her for committing a breach of contract( The party happened almost a week after her real birthday!) But the idea was eventually dropped!

So, 2 years! That is the duration which many of us had lost contact with each other for. Facebook, yes, did ensure we were not completely isolated but personal conversations are always important. Aren't they?


The celebrations had started much before the actual party commenced. We were already teasing the Birthday Gal with the a few 'special-to-our-class' memorable dialogues like...."Idiot hai kya.."..and a few more newly composed ones..."Is she mad"..."Why did she call us to the Mall, then?"...."Where are the rest of the people?, Mrs.Gupta?" and there were a lot more. I do not remember all.

Anyway, I must quickly come to the 'why' of this post.
I just wanted to thank all the people for making the party such a success ( Thats so much like an acknowledgement...huh! I didnt host the party though! )

There were a few things in that party that always happen at a TEENAGE party.... or a POST TEENAGE one...(Yes, we are growing old :) )And I am always thoroughly pleased to see that:

• People always smile on seeing each other and there is a sense of great joy among the 'good old buddies'
• There are groups- An all girls group, an all boys group and a group that has people of both the sexes in a mixed number- All find it difficult to communicate with the other for a while....
• No matter what the News channels say about the economic crisis in the country, Girls always have more serious issues to discuss,"So, do you have a boyfriend?".....
• And at times, the boyfriend crisis to them is more awful than the economic crisis.."whaaaaaaattttt........he left her????? awwwww..."
• No matter how quickly a girl resolves her boyfriend issue, boys in these get togethers cannot rest until they find their girlfriends- NO! Not the human girlfriends...the electronic ones-- 'Plug points for Music systems', 'Good Music players', 'Good sound quality'......"Chalo yaar...MILI TOH SAHI....tab se dhundh raha tha iss WIRE ko....."
• Cakes are meant to be anointed on the faces....Not eaten first!
• Every body has the patience to stand in the same posture to be able to pose good for TEN different cameras!
• Making weird facial expressions actually gets you more people clicking your pictures.
• Eventually, Unimportant issues like 'Career' and Future start popping up in the middle....And they need to continue popping up! Hardly get a permanent seat!
• And finally, Serve the food...And some worried faces run immediately to the kitchen saying,"Hum log pi lein na fir..? Khana abhi hi nikaal rahe ho?"...

So, all in all, this IS the real age for weird fun! A must attend for all 20+...Dude, We are moving into the third decade of our lives....

So MRS.Gupta...Happy birthday once again! I really wish you a good life ahead! But I really hope you never grow too old to say,"Idiot hai kya?"

Something special about the Ladies Special!

And the DTC Ladies Special buses have been launched!
Congratulations! Ladies.  Pardon, I am not a 'lady' for the time being.

If any of you has read the news, The so called Ladies Special Bus is, yes, all about ladies. We are so happy claiming that women have become safer. Yes, they have. What worries me now is the safety of men!
No. No cheap talks here. I won't say ,"yaarr...Now all the guys will die to have even a single glimpse of the  beautiful girls in the buses...ooooo...Ladke to gaye yaarrrrr!!!" I am not talking of that construed definition of "safety from killer looks"!
In a city where everybody is fighting to survive well, I don't really believe somebody will have the time to 'have a glimpse' of the faces. And by the way, Just because its Ladies Special does not mean all the faces in it will be beautiful! huh!

So, the one line of the news that really caught my attention was- "Male drivers are being hired. Though the conductors in these buses will be women".

I do not have much to say. In near future, when these buses will be made available on almost all bus routes, I bet you will see the following:

• These buses shall be only for women. Enter a man and he will be fined. 200/- straight away!
   
• There shall be no reservation for men in these buses. Yes! "Auraton ki bus hai bhai...chaliye bhaisaheb nikaliye yahaan se...Mardon ko to tameez hi nahi hoti."
• Should the Driver feel a bit irritated by some serious misbehavior of any of the 'ladies' and shout, the female passengers might just go to an extent of even stopping the bus creating all the chaos only to ensure that the Police and Media who will most definitely arrive there, get a reason to convict the Driver of charges as serious as even Sexual harassment.
• No. The driver will never be appreciated for serving women in this wonderful manner. But one heated argument and he is no less than a rapist!
• Women will continue to have special reserved seats in the general buses. Men will have to continue vacating seats for even an 18-year old GIRL claiming her rights over the LADIES seat. Because "Mardon ko to tameez hi nahi hoti.."
• No matter if a senior MALE citizen is standing next to the 'Seat reserved for senior citizens' in general buses, if a girl has occupied the seat and is not willing to even acknowledge the presence of the person, he may not ever get to sit! But we will not forget, "Mardon ko to tameez hi nahi hoti.."
• Even though 'LADIES SPECIAL' could be taken as a harbinger of GENDER EQUALITY, one can hear some 'ladies' saying "yaar ab bus driving jaise mushkil kaam to aadmi hi kar sakte hain na".
• Even though the "mushkil kaam" in this case has to be handled by a man just because HE IS A MAN, Women's development cells in the society will never stop claiming,''Women are no lesser than men in ANY RESPECT". 
• Slut walks perpetuate the equality in the cases of clothes, I wonder why not in BUS AND TRUCK DRIVING... or even in rejecting reserved seats and accepting the pain that one undergoes when one has no seat available( Because NOW women are not equal to men..seats have to be given !!) and half an hour journey is still left.
  
  I wonder why we never hear-"We,women, are equal to men. Since they do not have any reservations, we reject any such claims on our part too." 

There used to be a time when people used to tell girls,'' You are a girl. You have to tolerate.'' Seems women are just reciprocating that NOW. Doing bad to the wrong men just because women once suffered is a morally disfigured definition of equality.
( Arre yaar, this man never tried to rape you. Let him have a seat. He is sweating...He has to run family so he earns a living too! Shout against the real traitors...The real rapists! It looks like the case of a wrong conviction! Go grab any man who tries to touch you even little...shout! get him arrested..yes that is your right! But why punish ALL MEN??...)

So, Men! Seems you have no relief. You might think buses now will have a lesser number of women, but let me tell you, that will not happen! You cannot enter the LS buses, but women will continue occupying the 'ladies' and even  the normal seats. A Men's Development Cell can protest on streets to say,''Men can do whatever women can. We are equal"

Respect Ladies no matter if at times, you find no reason to do so!

:( and then :)

My vision turned a little blurred as I read and re-read the list of candidates shortlisted- trying to tell my self, "I am wrong, lets read it once again" . The tear, originating from my eye, trickled down my cheek; My vision had lost its dirt and my dreams, their hopes!

So...I am not in the list!
Yes, the very Company that I had written about in my last post, has chosen not to let me in. The first five minutes of my encounter with the P-cell notice board seemed like 5 years; as in 5 years of long had work with little, or better, NO result at all.

I seriously admit that my CV has nothing very recommendable about it. The achievements, which they hardly are, are pretty average. When you see what all the other people have done, I appear a very prominent- average person. I have been saying this since, yes my favorite, 1927!!
But I am a human being too. And to expect something from my own self is quite natural. I have been giving my self false hopes about quite a number of things now. And it can't stop- In spite of the repeated rejections!

You see how it is, there are just 7 girls out of the 'many^10..." who applied. All of the rejected are disappointed. But in midst of their disappointment, nobody has forgotten to 'comment' on 'why the 7 persons should  have NOT been there'. Mea Culpa! I am in the list of the culprits too. But as I write, there is the feeling that "be it". Not out of ignorance or jealousy, but sportsmanship! It is a game. Somebody will have to lose. Some will win. It is all okay.

I wish all the selected girls all the best. Mean while, I am applying...!!

Just out of the Utopia...Finally!

(...continued..)
But gradually, when CVs and some serious stuff appeared, I was a bit taken a back.


I just got to have a look at what others have done that can get them through the first short list. Yes, Round 1 is about getting short listed! I am not at all sure if I will get through even that!

At the time of preparing the CV, I was a proud-thinker; thinking of the best achievements of the world, i.e., the ones that I had included in my CV.
But when I tried to have a look at what others had in their list of achievements, I was left with a low-mood! The girls are amazing. They really are. And I stand just no where!

The firm has not declared any results yet! We are still waiting. But for the time being, I have just shouted my heart loud here! Yes! I AM tired of thinking why-and-what. My last-to-last post may seem a bit contradictory in this context. That was about internships! Now is about a final placement! Seems I am not yet that carefree girl I had boasted of having turned into, in that post.

But, what can I do? Anxiety is human behaviour. I need strength to face the results whatever they may be. And I must STOP imagining the Utopia- A  grand job, the best life, luxuries. They all seem so faded when rejection appears as one of the possible candidates to occupy the throne of future!

Just out of the utopia!!

I am tired. Tired of thinking. You know, I usually find myself torn between illusion and reality. When I am not comfortable with certain set of events, I usually envisage Utopia!

I am undergoing that phase of teenage-about-to-end life, when the 'about-to-become-a-complete-adult' person still tries to relive those moments of the teenage life when things used to be very calm. It is very difficult to understand that new things are now coming into life. I have to now let the feeling of some 'new-ness' sink in.

Earlier, it used to be very easy for me to let certain things happen on their own. It has now become very difficult for me to even think of that. Making efforts and keeping a track of their fruitfulness is now a necessity.

Placement season-1 has commenced at my College. I am excited-cum-worried. I have a mixed feeling. Months back, I was sure of how things would turn up for me. I had a plan. But now, I am totally clueless. I have started to realise that Planning in the air does not work.At all!

One amazing Consultancy firm is on campus. When I attended their Pre-Placement talk (PPT) , I was mesmerized. Like every other girl in the audience, I had also,almost immediately, started to imagine my 'life' at that Company. The life, the aura..the everything! It was superb! ...(continued...)

I guess, I have one conclusion!

I am still amazed to see the pace at which my thoughts and mood keep fluctuating. As Mr.Bachchan has written in his blog ," Materialism at times stuns you into silence and contemplation". I believe this post is an absolute result of that contemplation which has indeed risen out of the materialistic demands and desires.

Quite often, my inner self is in a confusion; confusion between what needs to be heeded and what does not;
between choosing between morally right or practically pleasing;
between voice and heart;

Often, I end up without concluding. Materialism is food for good survival. But then, who decides what is a good survival?
A man with a Nokia 3210 can be as happy as the one with Samsung Galaxy. And again, at many occasions,
Samsung Galaxy can be witnessed at the hands of divine person- a happy person. But not necessarily is that divine -quality' there in him because of the SG.

A good survival is constituted by an amalgam of self-reliability, good attitude, pleasure and mental peace. So, even when I have a Crore in my bank account, the sorrow of having a an incurable foot pain may ruin the fun of it; And again, the foot pain may also not be that devastating if my attitude tells me,'its okay...you are alive at least'.

One may question, if attitude is above materialism, then, a materialist person may change his attitude and never care about anything but his palpable credentials and luxuries- So, a person with an incurable foot pain may not ever care about the foot pain more that his bank balance- So, he still will be happy.
My point- Attitude, once inculcated, can never be weeded out. Luxuries may come and go making you pleased or displeased once, but a good attitude ensures you are happy in all situations- even when with an incurable foot pain but without the bank balance :)

Rejections...err...opportunites!

Before the holidays began, internships and book reading were the only things on my mind. I hated reading my text books. But I had to for more than the need to write in the test, the need to be confident while writing was important. So, I did start reading before the exam season commenced.

Now, as the vacation is about to end and I am already reserved with activities for the upcoming session, I have devised a new way of life. A way that works for me at least; and for the present times :)

The introductory line of this post signals that at the beginning of my vacation, I had some internships at hand and some books to read. But believe me: I had none. As far as the former is concerned, I was rejected at every other place and company that I applied to. Every time I was rejected, I went depressed thinking about the greater loss that the company-in-discussion had just undergone: Hope they will realise it in near future :)

Jokes apart. Whatever occurred, my perseverance, persistence and penchant for work will never cease to grow. I guarantee you that.

I am sure, by the time now, you are already wondering why I wrote this or worse, why you even thought of reading this : Well, this one post is actually another thread in the inspirational-fabric I tried weaving in the previous post.

In spite of a series of rejections, I am quite at ease. I am not horrified by the whys and the whats: why only me?...what will happen to my job profile?....what will I add to my CV etc etc.Initially, I used to get devastated. But now, I am resilient.

One may define it as sheer ambition-lessness and lax-behaviour. At a time when almost every girl in my college is interning at some place and when intern ships have become more of a necessity than the hitherto called "trend", I have done none!
But with the passage of time, I have realised that it is "okaayy". I have tried to be cool.And not every cool and happy-go-lucky attitude is actually the way it is usually defined. It is not ambition lessness. It is just a way to tell myself that there is more to come.

I have realised, yes, that I do lack something that so many companies together thought of not letting me in. It needs to be heeded. I have to undergo introspection. I am thankful to God that I have realised this at this very stage that I need to improve and not after having entered some field already- I have come to know that I need to gear up!

So, all in all, I have put myself on 'think positive' mode. It is not that I do not get depressed any more; that certain things do not irritate me; that I have attained the divine status of "Stithprjya", which I would be elated to achieve BUT I have a nicer point of view now. Irritating things do not irritate me for long durations as they did earlier.

So, presently, I am working on that mode; I am sorry, this profile status does not have a 'change' button-As I said, problems can only be there; we decide whether they can continue to exist :)

Window to pleasure!

Isn't the weather lovely? Few days back, it seemed as if the monsoon had forgotten the 'soon' that it contains. Its arrival seemed impossible.
Never mind, it is here and I am enjoying it as much as you all are.

Having started with such an enthusiasm, I do not fee like emasculating  the pleasure. I am using my father's laptop for this post for I do not have one of my own. At an approximate distance of 1 metre from the the place where the laptop has been kept to be charged, is a long window. We live on the ground floor, hence, we are usually aware of the people entering our block.We see through this very window.

The residential society that I stay in, has a construction type of its own. Three blocks are connected in a circular manner. Hence, each set of such connected blocks has a common circular ground-Kids usually play here. Each block in each set is, in turn, connected to two more blocks, in the same fashion to complete another set of trio. Exception lies only in case of a few buildings whose common area was not intended to be circular. Their common area has been used to create the Central Park or the children's park. 

I just felt like describing it so that you can, to some extent, visualise how it happens- The window described above faces the common circular area of the trio to which my block belongs. The three connected buildings of this trio provide three entrance/exit-one of each building. People normally use other entrances to enter hence our trio is always quiet and submissive- It listens when you speak.Always!

There is a special kind of a pleasure in noticing people from this window-We know we can see them but they are usually not aware- and those who are, usually the married ladies, make sure that they get a quick glimpse of our room and later tell it in their friend circle- The Sinhas changed their table cloths....there is a new chair in there...Dekho ji, They even have new curtains, this time even I am going to buy some...etc etc.

Everybody understands that humans- myself included!- reside here. Hence, whenever they are pondering over something, while moving here, they don't announce what it is but being at the ground floor, I can always hear them.."hmmmm...", "this is...", "that is....", "how can......", "no, not this time...."...

This window is an interface. It gives an insight into the very basic truth of life- that every person has some problems- light or loud- but problems are there. And in fact, that I am not the person facing the trouble is the only reason why I may describe a problem as big or small for when one occurs, it usually seems to kill. There is no scale or weighing machine to measure it and rank it- a problem IS a problem!

There is one man- He seems to be in deep conversation with god or himself- he moves his fingers, at times like ACP Pradyuman( ;) ), and murmurs something to himself, again and again. This other pretty lady with her maang being accentuated by the bright vermilion sprinkled with elegance is frustrated- Says her husband has crossed the limits; (don't know what that is about)..wasn't so a year back when they liked spending time together..(secretly may be)..quietly whispers.."Before marriage, he used to be on time always...At our first anniversary, he kissed and promised to...", she turned silent. I could not hear.
Who else.....Yes, This girl, looks 16-17, in Magenta top, white shrugs and Dark blue hot pants is conversing on her Galaxy..."Yes..Yes..Me too. But I will have to lie for that..You know na...I will not be permitted..Yes yes...tomorrow at one..Ok bye...sweetu...muah!(cuts the phone)...uff this life...(her eyes get teary)..Why only me??.."
And there is a group of kids, pretending to be Policemen- shouting loud to kill any thief they might find; Thieves have ransacked the entire place..can't leave them!
This boy seems to be returning from tuition classes- "Sir was rude to me today...I will not go tomorrow"...Another small boy, (works at one of the flats) wearing a torn singlet murmurs he wants to go to school and learn- even if he faces bad teachers for he loves books and would show the world what he is..Just allow him to go to school once!

And I thought I had the worst problems in life.

In fact, I now realise, problems could be one truth of life but they are not necessarily always that painful- we make them so! our thinking and thought process have 40% share in the pain- We have total authority over that 40%! If only, we could change our thinking. It is easy.Husband not turning up on time is alright if he is busy with work- atleast, he is employed! Be happy about that. Father not allowing you for something is a thing to celebrate- You have a father who loves and cares for you and hence, is concerned. That you have a rude teacher is not always a thing to be enjoyed on the pretext that you are enrolled at some school/college, but see, he can try to be rude, but he surely does not have the authority to hurt you. You are free to choose. He is a salesman selling you bad mood- You may buy or you may not!

So, the next time I feel hurt because I have problems, I will think of the positive choices I can make and transform the sorrow to a smile, grief to grin (heh...ok its not that positive, but to change the mood, it can be used for a while..right?).
At least, I will not be one among those who are so burdened with the tiny problems that they forget to mingle with the beauty of life. I know, it is sounds kinda clichéd philosophy- But it is true and hence has been quoted at many different times to many different people to become clichéd.

So, lets pledge today and try to solve at least one problem of our lives with this attitude- After all, we must not let the problem sell us burden! Right?


Oh see...there is a small girl crying over her broken toy...seen through this window...Such a problem she has...for nobody comes here without a heart burdened with a thought that needs to be shared...hopefully, her mother will follow soon....most probably with a new toy...till then...This quiet place will hear while this little angel curses her brother for having broken the toy and her grandma for having defended the culprit!

A changed change!

    This post is definitely not going to be a very long one. So, you can read it!

This one is with a view to clarify some thoughts. Very lately, my posts have evolved as preachers of the importance of a changed life; transformed goals etc etc. Just as I was pondering over the subject of my posts, I realized that somewhere, they lack 'complete communication' of my thoughts.

I certainly believe in the fact that change is the law of life. Societal norms, strict rules, unnecessary restrictions- all must undergo a change,a transition rather, to become friendly. Those are on a much wider level. We can unhesitatingly term them as 'traditions'. As Saint Morari Bapu says,"parampara pravaahit honi chahiye" which means traditions must undergo transitions with changing times. And I revere him a lot. Not just for this one thought but many other great thoughts.

But the change that I have usually written about are associated with a person-not his surroundings! I have talked of how 'changes' have influenced my life and how I have needed them to happen in my life.
Yes. All of that is cent percent true! But I also feel, people may perceive it differently.

I shall explain briefly.
A change is needed when what one perceives as good is not actually good and when that change happens, one realizes what was bad with one's 'good'. But that does not mean, or at least I did not intend to imply, that one should let 'anybody' enter one's sphere of personal space and make it. Mind you, 'Teachers' never intimidate- so they really are not 'anybody'. They inspire, as I said.  I am not talking of them.

The change that I talked of comes from within- When you realize that no voice other than that of your inner self tells you that you need to start looking forward to some newer and nicer habits; a better life.  And again, this does not mean that you should not listen to people around you. But you must define lines. My definition of a change does not ever associate itself with moral principles. They must not be converted for they define who you are.

So, conversions and changes are practical and useful only till they lead you to a maturely nuanced line of action! In case you find your morals being compromised, ahem!, you are most probably letting yourself be swayed away unknowingly. So, decide whether or not it is your inner self guiding you. Because when you will need a change, you will acquire it eventually!-Without compromising your 'self-ness'.

A good Teacher!

Mr.Barack Obama gets a standing ovation from me for precisely explaining the distinct grandeur of the most important element of a student's life, in a student's life- That of a teacher! Can you spare a few minutes? 3:06 to be precise. Whenever you can, Please do watch- this Video!

"A good teacher can change the course of a student's life"- An eternal truth it is! I have always needed guidance. Not pieces of free advice, which most people are generous to give, but true guidance.
The easiest and the most difficult decisions in life are usually the most time taking ones. You need to make a quick decision and a good guidance helps.A LOT! That is the part good teachers are expected to play. Enable the student to make quick and correct decisions. It is believed that a child may not listen to his Parents, but the same order from his teacher makes him get going. A good teacher just realizes how important he is in his student's life and utilizes his position-of-importance to bring the best out of the child.

It took me a long time to realize that no teacher can be totally bad. Teachers can be categorized as excellent, good , not very good and may be not that good. It is not litotes. It is a simple reality. First of all, the very fact that a teacher makes efforts to communicate certain ideas with his students, makes him totally respectable. Students must value that. And if still, students feel like labeling some as a 'bad teacher', they are most probably not labeling a teacher; just a person who trudges after the syllabus just so that his pay does not get blocked! So, you know the context of my thoughts- I am talking of a teacher!

Being humans, students do turn judgmental. And it turns quite instinctive to define a good and a not-so-good-teacher. And the definition is never based on the volume of the homework. It is just myth. Students always now the importance of getting 'H.W.'. Anyway, the Teachers that I am talking of, lie beyond the ambit of school and college assignments. They don't just teach. They inspire. And the line of separation between these categories is based on the differences in the degrees of inspiration.

The course of a student's life is definitely affected by his teacher. A good teacher always takes it to the right direction. A good teacher makes an eternal impact through his eternal inspiration rather than an ephemeral one.His words fascinate his disciples. They make the learners discover a newer self.

As I said, I always need guidance. Many times, I am not even aware that I do. But the shade of an eternal inspiration makes me realize that I do. Years back, I used to be a girl who totally averted reading. Years later, after having been under the supervision of some good teachers, I have fallen in love with Books-even my text books!. I have started to read! Maturity, it could be. But without those lovely teachers, Maturity would just have been a word associated with age!

My ambition has now changed from 'getting a good job' to 'doing something that can change the lives of many in need of a better life'; changed from 'earning salary' to 'earning satisfaction'; from 'studying' to 'learning'. And yes, it may not totally reflect in my personality, but I AM trying to improve and do something substantial rather than surreal. Because reality is not always ideal. It consists of loopholes. The 'substantial' that I talked of will not always be ideal, but at least can be majorly good- My teachers have taught me!

And that is the impact that I wanted to talk of. An impact that a teacher makes to transform the goals of his students. After all, a good education does not just make people study hard but learn smart! So, without any amazing  return gift equivalent to their contribution, I want to say, Thank You teachers! I need you always!

A Lesson

I have no words to express. But to express has become a dire need for me. Have you felt this way ever before? A deep sinking feeling. Does it happen to you that you plan something for days and then at the finalized day, the entire plan crashes? Say for you birthday party? You plan the decoration, cake, everything to the most minute detail but nothing turns up the way you had wanted. Bad. No? That is the 'sinking feeling'. When expectations deceive. Hopes go low. And if you know it is your fault, blaming does not work.

I do not have  the case of a crashed birthday party. Nor do I take birthday plans so seriously. But some other plans seem highly important to me. Plans of life. No. Not Career plans. Careers can seem way too secondary when you realize that somewhere you have failed to do the job God had hired you to do. God will not fire you because he loves you. But your self will kill. A good Career may brighten your future. But to be a better human will definitely enlighten your life; your soul; your mind;everything.

I will not elucidate on what happened. Not because I should not but because I cannot.

'Somebody looks up to me to seek help but I do not realize the severity of his situation and avert helping him.' To paraphrase the episode, this line could be quite helpful. This is more or less what has happened.
For a minute, I can even forget that there is something called the 'Supreme Power'. But that is no reason why I should not feel guilty. Be it for the sake of God or any such powers, lending a hand to someone is a Human Duty. For me at least. Forget even that. Humanity is a far thought. Many times, I have needed somebody to guide me. To hold my hand and take me to the right direction. Why can I not be that hand to somebody?

It feels bad. But I can not get any idea on what to do next. 'It was a mistake' is just a euphemism for 'It really was my fault. I am guilty'. This is human nature. Justification. You see, when we succeed at helping someone, we are so highly proud.Why? 'I helped him dude, should not I be proud? I faced problems only to keep ABC out of a few.' The 'I' becomes so dominant.
But when we fail at same. we justify. 'I was not in a position to. I have my own priorities. How could I have helped yaar?God will do something.I can just think good for him' Now. God has the responsibilities.

This is the fight that usually goes on. I v/s God. Pride versus Justification. That is the moment when not our degrees but our virtues matter. When life teaches a lesson, it usually is a permanent one. One that we keep with ourselves throughout the different phases of seeing the world.

So, for me. It is the time to get working. I will not justify. I will work not just to make myself not feel guilty but also to bring a smile on somebody's face. Hope it will work.

Nostalgia+Current times= A philosophical narration!

My Facebook status messages and picture shares are usually overfilled with nostalgic accounts. For some reason, I always end up writing about my childhood and share stories with all the people in my friend list who might , in one way or the other, be related to those incidents.

A few days back, I shared  a picture, that displayed a funny summary of the 'general dialogues of teachers during classes in school'. To my surprise, many of contemporaries who were there with me in the 7th and 8th standards supported the picture with a thumbs up.(Well, that's the FB culture, if you hit a Like, your support to the contents of the link, is an abstract confirmation:)) Alright, I had mentioned which teacher I was reminded of by those 'dialogues'. But my friends confirmed that. A thread of comments, initiated by me and another childhood friend of mine, on the same link made sure that we laughed out loud! We started adding our 'remembered teacher's' other favorite quotes which used to make us laugh during her classes in school.

It feels so strange to realize that what once used to be our daily practical dose of laughter, has now shrunk to a narrow ambit of memories. And what is happening now will soon shrink and find spaces in nostalgia!

Its admission time in Delhi University. Anxious, Curious, Excited, Ambitious, Confused-are a few adjectives that can describe the students aspiring to get admitted in one of the most sought after universities in the country. Seeing the aspirants, I am reminded of my own days. That sounds as if I ran for admissions in 1927!
No.
 But indeed the changes in the admission procedures happen so fast in the University that every freshers' batch feels proud of being a part of the batch it belongs to since no one knows when the University may change the rules leaving no rooms for the future generations to follow the same rules! Every year is an Era of rules that might turn associated with the 'freshers' belonging to that year only. You are following certain rules this year and your younger sister or brother may not ever get to know such rules even existed! So, it is quite justified if I say,"hamaare zamaane mein Colleges ke separate forms bhi mila karte the" even though my 'zamaana' refers to 2010!

So, the would-be students of the university, remind me of my days. It used to be so much fun to fill the forms and to make temporary friends at the various admission centers just so that both I and my friend could help each other in filling the details!
At my college, The Admin Gazebo is THE PLACE! Guardians, their kids, friends, and dreams together constitute the population at the Gazebo these days.

Yes. Nostalgia does dominate. But it also strikes me that wherever may these kids go, their perception towards the curriculum and courses will change after getting admitted. Admission to Universities(or at least to the Delhi University) is just like what most Love marriages are like-You are at the peak of your energy till the last moment before it happens and then it may start going down when your expectations and the realities start meeting at crossroads. You realize that certain prejudices that had had an unabridged control over you mind till School hold no importance now.
At the same time, You realize that College is not about creating a line of divide. Its about erasing a few. Courses hold no importance if the person from a different course, who just turned wonderful friend of yours,can meet you regularly.
You realize that there are many things that you do apart from studying; That days of completing syllabus can be forgotten for sometime; that things that you may have otherwise avoided to do are not that bad after all (No, not smoking dude!) I mean bunking classes; joining societies that were before college, totally alien to your world of ECA.


Its the time of change for the kids. Change that will most probably accompany them throughout their life. And this reminds me of one Alumna who, at our First day at college, inspired us to gear up for a wonderful life ahead when she said that irrespective of what one achieves during School, College ensures that each person is trying to have fair share of the same cake. So, Confidence is a must!

Time does change...or you do!

What has happened to me? Sitting for so long and writing is an all time impossible  task for me( Except in the Examination Hall!) Now that I have started writing already, I must pen down my thoughts(type would be a better word...no?)

I was just wondering how many things have changed in the past. A previous post deals with the basic situation of not knowing anything about sponsors and then, all of a sudden, becoming aware of the technicalities of the process. Growing up feels amazing. At times, I get a mixed feeling about it.

Priorities change with the passage of time. There used to be a time when watching Scooby-doo used to be of prime importance. Then came the passion of writing with a pen. Discussing the previous day's episode of 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' was , by rule, mandatory. Then again there was this amazing feeling of getting a 'question paper' and a separate answer sheet in examination. Time brought with itself those carefree moments when Slam Book seemed the most important book in the world. Reading it used to be the fun part.
And then maturity peeped in. Career was an unavoidable thought. Who cared if 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' was even being telecast or not, next sunday's scholarship test at Naraina or Resonance or Akash had started to seem important. However, 'Roadies' and 'Splitsville' had by this time, taken the place of "SLBB;' and we still had fun in knowing 'who likes whom' Still, most of us were more focused on other important issues-beyond TV shows and slam books.

Lakhmir Singh and Manjit Kaur wrote Bibles-the refreshers! Every single student read that and felt that he/she knew the most in his/her class.  Gradually, 'Pradeep's' overtook(T.S.Grewal for the leaders of Commerce!) them. And we have always cursed Mr.Singh and Ms.Kaur for not writing the books for +2. Mr.R D Sharma, however, has always been one with a consistent existence. Every student used to follow the ritual of buying that 'Mathematics' Refresher at the beginning of the year but hardly used it at a time other than a night before examination when nothing would enter the mind and hence, mugging up the solved examples used to be the last option (50% of the question paper was set based on that book...All knew! And the rest 50% was NCERT..)

Ohh..I went too deep explaining that. But long story cut short, our focus had changed.
Now  that I look back, I see a series of changes in that 'changed focus' itself. Meeting friends, missing childhood, facing a bit more of politics have occupied the front scenario. They now seem more important. I have learned to value people around me Ha! Changes! I have slowly started to fall in love with newspapers. This blog in itself is a sign of improvement in me. A few years back, I hated writing even the basic Leave Application during examination for the very reason that it demanded something beyond what was given in the books( we had to write one ourselves). I found that boring. But something has surely exorcized that.

So, as I focus on a few more changes that have occurred, I believe I should make a sudden change to this post and stop writing. Other wise a new change in my blog will occur and people will most probably STOP visiting this URL.

PS- This post, written in such a manner, can definitely not arrive at any conclusion. Please suggest a few.

Well...

I was not going to write this post today. But had something to say to a few people.So...

I have a lot to share based  on my experience in the past one month.
Winter holidays were hardly a vacation for me and for a very good friend of mine. We used to have long conversations over the phone deciding how to arrange that one thing that was going to decide the fate of our society this year-SPONSORSHIP!!

I had always heard of TV shows saying "Dabur Amla presents...", "Himalya presents..." etc etc. I could never work out the logic behind Garnier Fructis presenting some Laughter Show. There was no relation between the two. I mean don't tell me you laugh when you apply Garnier fructis on your hair and hence, it becomes eligible to sponsor any show that can make you laugh. Moreover, the very idea of 'presenting' something was never clear to me. "What is presenting?..Aren't the Director and producer presenting the show.? Do they work part time for Fructis?...Why is that brand, then, saying so proudly that it is presenting the show....why?..how?" and the list of questions was long. I never bothered to seek the answers by the way. Who cared?
Those questions got generated by themselves and were forgotten very easily. But time is a great Teacher. It does teach you some great lessons.

Scene, January 2012: As the days for our fest neared, my heart beat caught a new pace-It was not normal. I could sense that. Our society had to have its events during our Annual cultural fest, Tarang, and we,me my friend and our team, were with nobody to sponsor. The situation was turning drastic with each day passing by. Initially, we focused on some very specific brands -"Arre yaar, it should be a publishing house...Let's try for Hindi Sahitya Academy...How about the new bookstore..?" But with time and some fatty Uncle of a very good brand teling us.."sochenge...", we had to broaden our horizon. And that was when I knew why even Garnier Fructis is a superb choice for a laughter show. My questions were now answered. Sponsors are God!

Anyway, our team was purely a reason for the success of the events. It came up with all the possible and good ideas. And believe me, whenever, whosoever does whatever- Support in every form is needed.
Just as I pondered over all the happenings in the past one month, I realized something very new. What would have happened had the events been cancelled? Nobody was going to punish us for that. It was just a matter of 3 events. Big deal! Who cares? Why did we trudge after people till the last moment?

The answer lay so vivid- The passion!
We were passionate about it. Cancellation could have brought a heart attack.We didn't care if nobody else was interested-WE were interested! There was no question of the events not taking place!"..Ssshhhhh....Things WILL fall into places."
This entire happening has brought me closer to some people. Earlier, we were just friends. Then good friends. And now, some good close friends. Their dedication to work, when almost everybody had lost hopes, stood as a major source of inspiration. And even among them, there is one special person, who I am sure, will read this once at least. Running after people, Listening to some very very harsh replies, missing classes, taking care of every minute detail and many off screen responsibilities- Only she could have done that. This place cannot ever be sufficient enough for my words and my words can never be sufficient enough to thank her. But I hope she knows what I mean.

This month has been a month of weight-loss for us. Running with that kind of passion could have never been possible. Many other things seemed Impossible. But sincere efforts make all that possible. Seems miracle has happened. The unavoidable pending work is being brought to completion.(Adjudicators, you know what I mean ;) ;)) Ask me to organize this next year, and I all that I have to say is .."well...Sochenge" .

PS- please don't blame me if the paragraphs seem incoherent. I wrote whatever occurred !

Gaurav ne apna SIM tod diya!

Please don't ask me who's Gaurav. I have no idea!

Hi people!
Today's Blog post is dedicated to that one chatter box I saw and heard (unwillingly) conversing on her phone today on my way to College, in Bus no.534 Anand Vihar to Mehrauli at near around 8.00 a.m. Why am I telling you such details? Dude, it's a warning!! Don't ever take that bus during that time...you might land up meeting her!!
Full Story Full: I was standing very calmly in my bus today.(A Seat= Cadbury Bournville  You have to earn it!!) I had to submit my History Project in the very first class plus it had to be a presentation, so I was really anxious about the way it would go.I mean, "how will I present?", "What will the teacher say?" ," Will she like it?"...etc etc. But welcome to reality! This one girl who for some reasons also took the same bus happened to be a major aid in letting me know why ACADEMICS IS A BAD THING TO THINK ABOUT WHILE MOVING  IN A DELHI BUS ON VALENTINE"S DAY!!

When she entered the Bus, she was conversing on her phone already. No issues! Even I chit-chat on the phone while in Bus. But wait! Who gave her the permission to ROAR AND ANNOUNCE HER THINGS?
From what she was' announcing' on her phone, I could gather that the person on the other side was her good friend. She started her conversation with Valentine's day !!  But in between that, there was something special.
In midst of her never-ending chat, she asked her friend if she knew 'Gaurav's' number? And then she continued," Arre wo kahaan ayega chhat pe?...ek baje to so kar uthata hai...uska number hai kya? Please de do Mere pass jo tha wo to lag nahi raha.Mai use aaj wish kar ke hi rahungi.. uss din bahut gussa kar raha tha keh raha tha ki main tujhse baat nahi karunga. to maine kaha ki theek hai tod de apne SIM abhi yahin par. AUR USNE APNA SIM TOD DIYA!"
Man-o-Man! I really want to meet this guy. I mean, he really did that?? How can you ruin your SIM card just because somebody else jokingly told you to do that? It is like tearing down movie tickets just because your friend thinks it is not a good movie.Dude, ITS YOUR SIM!!!

Seriously, I still don't know who this Gaurav is. But he surely is no different guy. That girl's chit-chat actually did ruin my plans of my presentation and I ended up thinking about that fool guy instead of my project. But one thing that I actually realized was the FACT that however inspirational messages may Shri Anna Hazare or other Indian Leaders convey about the 'awakening youth of Hindustan, ', a great section of that youth is still sleeping! This girl and her boyfriend(hopefully...he still is and the only thing that got broken is their SIM and not their relationship), can utilize their energies learning something new and innovative but all that they learn is something absolutely futile!

There is just no problem in being in a relationship. All those who entertain one must not prevent themselves from doing so. BUT!! in the flow of this please do not forget that this phase of your life is the most usable phase. In your childhood, there must have been a toy for which you had cried so hard that your Parents had to buy that for you. Barbie doll, G.I.Joe, Pokemon etc etc. What importance does it hold in your life NOW? You know the answer.
Years from now, this phase will seem comparable to the same childhood days and all this PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION may appear like that toy.
All of us can move beyond this and do miracles. And believe me 'miracle' is not just about running on roads protesting, getting photographs clicked, uploading the same on facebook and waiting for people to comment.
You can create miracle every second! Grow up today. Make a someone smile( other than your Valentine). Stop overspending on your Munna-bhai kinda girlfriend who threatens to kill you if you don't take her out for a romantic dinner but still claims to love you. Instead, Spend it on an illiterate's education who is willing to learn. That would surely be a miracle.
And of course, you do have the right to entertain yourself, Do go ahead with your partner, live life. Be happy. But please ensure that all of this should not hinder your innovations.

SO, before this ends,Gaurav ji, I will gift you a new SIM card. Please talk to your girl. That would save a lot many lives! Your ever-ready-to-converse-gf will hopefully not defame you publicly now. And hopefully, I shall be able to focus on my project work better the next time!

Somebody walks with me

Another year has started.Yes. Finally, it has!
On the 31st night, when I was partying, and looking at my watch every 5 minutes just to be able to watch just one clock needle instead of two., I hardly had any idea that just two days later, I shall listen to some very beautiful words by a very beautiful Lady which will not only be very inspirational but also give my life a new meaning.
If anyone has ever studied at my college, she will know why the words of Dr.Gopinath, our principal, always create a magic. (Alright, I have a kind of started to enjoy explaining this.hence, let me explain a bit further) So, whenever she is present during our assemblies and is willing to speak, she first of all rises elegantly from her seat, moves towards the podium, looks right to left of the audi very quickly(you may not even be able to notice it) and then starts speaking in the most eloquent manner.Among her other very vibrant Personality traits, It is her mesmerizing style and the beauty of every word that she utters that has made me fall in love with her.

So, the very first assembly of our college in 2012 was conducted by Dr.Gopinath. The assembly was short but had an impact which even many good long Conferences together fail to create. As a part of her new year greetings to us, Dr.Gopinath asked us a simple question, "Who walks with you?" This question was based on our day-to-day happenings."Whenever you take any new job or a decision, who walks with you?" is what the question meant. "God" somebody answered and Our Principal replied,"he is always there.We know. Can we focus on somebody more....terrestrial?" That really called for a small giggle.
But finally, there were some very common answers like "Parents..Teachers...Friends...Best friends" and that really marked the lack of creativity of our minds and the abundance of thanklessness in us. We could think of nobody else.Was there nobody else who inspired us most of the time?

Anyway, even I could think of none other than my parents when that question was put up. But gradually, as I pondered over the topic, I realized that my answer was an unending list!
To know 'who walks with me', I first of all have to decide which road is being talked about. There happen situations when the true words of my teachers turn my Bible and then there are circumstances when nobody but only my parents can handle me the best. There are issues which I share with God and again there are issues which are demystified by the true words of some great leaders.
For me, it is indeed difficult to arrive at one name. But to confess something from the very bottom of my heart, I shall really say that during every intense problem of my life, I have needed a hand to hold me from falling down. I have had lumps in my throat imagining the greatest helps extended to me by some very good fellows at the most crucial of times.
And yes, those are the very same people who tell me 'Never say never...if anything happens, we are there'. And that is the true point of rejuvenation for me. Hence, I might be able to decide what I have to do but how that should be done is something I learn only when I have somebody by my side, who walks with me!

Yes, Dr.Gopinath does turn strict at moments. But that is a part of her duty. This new year has arrived with a new sense of responsibility in me--And I must say, she inspired this kind of a dazzling new year. It would be very very philosophical to say that "now onwards.. my actions will be changed...my habits...my etc etc...blah blah.."....but yes, something that has thoroughly gripped my mind is the thought that may things go different, peculiar and unique in my life, I must remember to acknowledge those who "walk with me". Because whenever I do, I am somehow able to gather strength and realize- My life does not only affect me. Ten others might be getting affected if I get affected. So, no more negative thoughts--Whenever I am low, I have to remember the encouraging words of that someone who "walks with me"