temples!!!

Recently I returned from a trip to udaipur-the city of lakes and mountabu-the only hill station in rajasthan-the desert!

Both are lovely places-bestowed by all the beauty of nature in the form of aravali hills and lakes.and blessed with humanmade attractions like the temples,forts,palaces and gardens.the trip was really enjoyable-yet made me ponder about the pathetic condition of temples in our country.

I donot intend to offend anyone-so those people need not read further, whose religious faith overshadows the practical irony I wish to point out.

As soon as I reached the city-I was surrounded by a bunch of people, we call “guides”..Who were all willing to spill out the already mugged (semi-cooked up) stories about the city, with spices..yet they would not utter anything unless you promised to pay them the price they demanded. And dare you bargain-they had a union!so u better agree to their quoted prices.

The first destination was “gurushikahar” temple at abu-the place was popular-thus all throughout the way, there were stalls and restaurants, where even a bisleri would cost 25 bucks. Its believed that giving others water to drink is a good thing-but these people didnot have the conscience to sell even at mrp-forget about “for the free” thing! The focus was more on eating than on worshipping.

Then followed a trip to “achalgarh” temple –the story says that the shaking earth was controlled by lord Shiva by sending his left foot’s thumb here. that thumb is worshipped at this place .i wonder if the thumb had the name of lord Shiva written on it-or else how would anyone be sure that its thumb-that too left thumb of only lord shiva,and none other god!!or was the story cooked up by someone ages ago, and has been told for generations now! (srry but despite many arguments the guide couldnot convince me about its authenticity!)

Then was a visit to “dilwara jain temples”-the place where the beautiful carvings and handworks on marble could win your hearts. but then the “beware of pickpockets” sign would keep you in your senses.

The sight of a poor couple fighting with the shoe stalls persons was a pity. I wonder if people can really steal your shoes in a temple-if yes-then what’s the use of worshipping if you can’t have a clear soul even in temple. And if no-then why we need to have shoe stalls at such places for safety…is it not the money making idea of stall owner.

Then was a visit to the “nathdwara temple”-a place of immense popularity. its believed that the lord here grants whatever you ask for! I wonder what decides this “manyata” factor! Suppose I ask for the same thing in three temples-and the wish is granted-should the credit be given to three of those gods, or to just “god”-coz its believed that god is one! Or to my hardwork!

Another thing I can never understand-people say ”if this wish comes true-I”ll offer Prasad of this sum of money—is it that you are trying to bribe god too!!:-P

On the entrance of a temple-a beggar blessed me and my brother that if we gave him the money ”bhagwaan hamari Jodi banae rakhega!!”..so we could not stop laughing(needless to mention that we did not offer that beggar anything).but I really liked the style of begging..Definitely the newly weds would give him a lot!

A person came to ask if we were interested in special darshan! on asking what that meant(we thought the god would personally visit us in our dreams like in movies!!)..but he told that on paying 250 bugs extra we could get a  back door entry to temple and special prasad, thus avoiding all the crowd. so now god is also more accessible to rich people. thanks to the commercialization !!

This visit made me realize the different activities in temples-everything but worshipping!!

You can see people bargain for reducing the cost of Prasad! People fighting with poor rickshawpuller for even 10 bugs, without considering the hardwork by him, people staring at girls, chatting on mobiles. admist all this lies the belief that this visit would clean your souls-but ask yourself-is the visit worth anything-if you can’t behave justly even at such places and maintain the decorum and charm of such places. Its time we understand the difference between regular tourist hangouts and temples and behave accordingly.

Will post soon.keep smiling till then J

WORTH WATCH!!

Bollywood movies these days are a pity. the so called “comedy” ones serve the cheap senseless dual meaning dialogues..the love stories are all the same-where ultimately the hero-heroine have to meet and get married..those targeted at the youth, start with friends and end up with love birds. the serious ones addressing the social issues end up with such a language that you can’t even think of enjoying them with family. when you leave the hall-all you remember is a few songs( thanks to tv and radio)..or a few dialogues..(atleast for a few days)—but recently I saw a nice and sensible movie-GUZARISH…

A must watch for everyone!!

The movie not only shows the pains of a paralytic patient-but beautifully shows a way to life! Hritik has perfected the role of a patient-who though is dependant on others even to waft off the flies-yet has the power to act as an inspiritation for others.he has a urge to live a good life-to smile and spread happiness.the man doesnot fear death-but fears a life where he can not improve himself..he seeks death-not coz he can’t struggle more..buit coz he knows his health can’t improve..and so he doesnot want to die a poor state!!

The scene where he suffers due to dripping rooftop-the beauty of the scene lies in the dialogues-where he is willing to fight..and yet has the courage to celebrate his death.

I imagined –if I were to die the next day—would I be able to celebrate like him??or would I waste my time fearing it..or regretting it..would I be able to have few  supportive caring people even on my last day..

Life is too short..what matters is not how much you get out of it..but how well you touch others life..

How we were born is not in our hands..but how we die maybe in our hands..by the way we live.

Cheers for his life!! cheers for his struggle!!

Will post soon..keep smiling till then.

p.s.- I know the post makes no sense at all..but just typed what came rushing to my head..so please bear with this oneJ. Thanks..

Bring the child back!!!

Hi everyone!!

Happy children’s day..today when I wished the same to my mom, she made me realize how much I have grown up, am no more a kid-rather an adult-expected to make a career, expected to vote during elections, expected to be answerable for my behavior..the feeling left me thinking..

Although having passed almost two decades of the journey called “life”, I still cherish the special place for the memories of my “bachpan”. i still enjoy celebrating children’s day, though today the meaning of this day, the feeling of being a child has been lost-buried deep inside the hearts .we have grown up, our priorities have changed for good.yet this day reminds me of how we have evolved from a carefree, naughty,cute,beloved and innocent child to a sincere,mature, sophisticated and ambitious adult.

Gone are the days when the biggest achievement was to clean my room,when greatest fear was to be left alone in a dark room,when naughtiest prank was to hide my sister’s things, when my best friend was the one who had same pencilbox as me,or who gave me chocolates. when everyone was a friend,and only enemy was the one who supported the villain in ‘shaktiman’. when “dad “ was the superhero.

The time when we were so innocent that we had many boyfriend coz all the boys who are friends were considered boyfriends. when one could endlessly talk about anything to anybody, without bothering what the world would say. when I could cry and throw tantrums for having “Maggie” as dinner, when I used to play cricket in classroom, without the fear of being laughed at!

When I did not have to worry about what to wear-when my mom decided what dress I would wear for important events,and I could carelessly spill water on those dresses. when party in school meant-“no uniforms”. When greatest worries were to hide the broken toys. when only failures were to lose in a game of ‘ludo’. when greatest excitement was to get permission to go to a friends home after school hours. When only ambition was to “grow up and be as tall as dad”. the days when tom and jerry was the favourite show on tv,when we could not understand titanic. when we used to fight with friends for things as small as getting a chance to bat first during a game,when the fights only meant no talks for half an hour,after which becoming friends again.when we were not allowed to write with pen,we used pencils and enjoyed the summer breaks covering the new books for next class.

Gone are those days,and that innocence. today we are changed! things are no more that simple or small-ambitions are high, expectations are higher. We have no time ,we have greater things to work upon! We have to prove and compete in this world.even thinking to live that life again is a luxury.

just for one day-rediscover the kid in yourself-relive those days-revive those memories-live freely-without bothering about the world, without worrying about the future. shout without reason!cry for a lovely toy in store! be innocent enough to be satisfied by a small cup of chocolate icecream.

Live like a kid! Love like a kid!enjoy being a kid!

Cheers for life!happy children’s day to the child in you!!

Will post soon!keep smiling till then!

worth read!!!

I have seen castles made out of sand,
met people who believe destiny is engraved on their hands,
i have seen people change their faith.experienced love change into hate!                                                          
i have seen people grow younger with age,
and a bird who wouldn't fly out of an open cage!
i have seen love sold for money,
people who are broken inside,but outside they are funny!
i have seen a unicorn fall in love with a toad,
people who owned half the world have now hit the road..
i have learnt to expect the unexpected.
perfection doesn't exist-we are all defected!
everyone cries-some just hide their tears!
they say-even coal turns into diamond over a 1000 years,
someone may believe you are one in a million-
for others,you are just nobody in the billion!

so live life with all that you have-cherish all your moments-happy or sad!
feel blessed for what you are!

coz life is too short and we are here just for a while!


lovely lines i read somewhere,so simple..yet so deep in meaning!
thought of sharing with you all..
happy diwali !
will post soon! keep smiling till then!

TEA!!!!!!

We indians have a taste for anything and everything..the taste..well to the extent of addiction.The strange part being that these addictions extend equally to all people-rich and poor,male or females,urban rural..everyone! everywhere!
One such addiction is that of TEA!
TEA-  a beverage for us all-but life for majority of indians(especially adults)
Sometimes i wonder what would life be without it?
Before talking(writing) further,i may clarify that like most of you readers out there.i too don't drink tea.infact am pissed of making it for every guest who comes to my place..i wonder for these adults,how can life revolve around it?
when i was a little girl,my parents drank it.i too was fascinated by its brown color(i thought it was chocolate!),i even cried to get a sip of it..but was told that-"milk makes you white! if you have tea..you will be brown like it." and i agreed!
As i grew up,i realised the importance of tea!

The first thing around 90% adults wake up with is a cup of tea.If anyhow they miss it,they complain whole day! "what a waste of day,when you could not even get a minute of peace to have tea! "
 The moment Mr x. returns from office,he wants his tea..if that is dealyed,there may be a world war 3 at home! "what kind of home is this ,where one can't even relax with a cup of tea!" (can anyone explain how tea relaxes you?)
When mrs y,went to meet her friends,she made it a point not to eat anything half hour in advance!"i am going for a social visit,they"ll atleast offer some tea" and trust me folks-this tea becomes status symbol for ladies (or maybe even gents!)
People are judged by the quality of tea they serve-"what a tasteless tea(all water and no milk!,can't even cook properly!) or maybe.."what a strong tea..that too served with biscuits and snacks..what a great host!"(was it a good tea..or better biscuits?)
Look at us indians!!!
A cup of tea decides your status.If you have it in a tea stall,for rs 3..n chat ..people assume-you are just discussing..wasting time..
If the same tea if offered in a five star hotel-for rs 300-the discussion becomes a "meeting!"..
Whenever any guests visit-the first thing after settling down is the "tea or coffee?" question!
(for god's sake,better concentrate on talking than worrying about the drinks!)
Infact tea is associated with typical occcasions as well..an ideal tv situation..when a gal meets her future in laws for the fisrt time..she has to enetr the room with a tray having tea!!
(why? can there be no other possible entry?) 

At times i think indians may live without water but not without tea!!
Even at railway stations you may never hear the name of station ,but the vendors shouting "chaiii'chaii" are audible!
Such is the importance of tea,that evn lalu yadav proposed a new type of "kullahrs " fer it..to have the taste of it!!
I am no longer shocked to see saif ali khan,or preity zinta doing advertisements for tea leaves-who knows the value of tea in their lives:-P
There was another ad which said-"bhaiyya aap to kamjor ho gaye" i thought it was an ad for some health drink-but yes that health drink was our very own-"tea"!
When you get cold-have tea with ginger and cardamon,when you have headache, have a cup of tea.
Even our lyricists have realised the value of tea in our lives! writing songs like "a bb g,t p o g!"( a stupid song from a bollywood movie kuch na kaho!)..or even.."mummy ne meri tumhe chaii pe bulaya hai"..(another old song )
Did you ever think so highly about tea before today?
i guess -"no" 
nor did i.
But today i have no doubts about the value of tea in our lives..:-P
You maybe thinking what made me write this stupid post about an even more stupid topic.I really apologise..but i couldnot stop thinking about it.there are diwali preparations going on in my house and the painter agreed to work only on one condition-he would be given 3 cups of tea daily,and a tea break of half hour!!!
tea was more important than even his job!!
god bless us all!!
god bless our tastebuds!!
great are we..and great are our addictions!!
will post soon!
keep smiling till then!!:-) 

CHAMELEON..

Chameleon-god's unique creation,that changes color according to its environments.The best example of what we call 'adaptation'.Isn't it? How easily it can save itself from the dangers-by being exactly like the surroundings.
Sometimes i wonder-is this the god's suggestion to live life?-to survive in this competitive world?
But then -when i try to recall the color of chameleon,i realize the fact that all its life-it keeps changing itself-trying to blend in the environment-it has no real identity of its own.For it,life merely means to know what is the need to hour for safety,and change accordingly.It survives-but at the cost of its own self.
There are so many times in life-where we have an option.Adapt and adjust according to situation." When in rome, act like romans"-they say.
It seems practical.If you won't do it-you will loose something-someone else will do it.say for example-in a competition-you know others are using 'unfair means',so why can't you?even if you won't use-others will-maybe you score a 8/10 on basis of your caliber,but others get a 10/10 by his "ideas'.Practically he will be a better performer for the world.Maybe a few people-who know your talents will appreciate your sincerity,but then what?
Such situations are confusing.

To stick to principles or to be a chameleon?
The world around me smoothly lies even for things as small as getting late for a lecture.When next time i get late for college-should I also join in the excuse-"tyre got punctured"( which is the safest and most acceptable excuse!) or should i be bold enough to tell the truth "i woke up late" and then be ready for the scolding or maybe being sent out of the class..
For a surprise test,everyone has a book opened beneath the desk,should i also cheat,or write whatever i know?i may pat myself for my honesty-but later when results are declared-will anyone understand my explanation ?
Will i still be proud of my decision to play fair.
People around me like to hang out without reason-but personally i prefer being at home.Should i tell this fact and do what i like-or should i join others in their mad race.

I don't like gossiping about others,but everybody around me is indulged in this.even if i decide not to be like them-will i really be accepted in their group,or will i end up being a loner because i never add spices to their gossips.
these are the situations -when i may adapt-its an easy way-but i may also be what i want-i may still try to maintain my individuality.
initially it'll be very difficult-seeing the less deserving candidate win is not easy to accept.
Does sticking to principles really help?
All moral value books teach-honesty is the best policy,stick to what you believe is right-truth alone triumphs-be good,do good.
But i really wonder-do these values still hold in present day context? Its difficult to accept-but i feel that being a chameleon is not the solution-losing your identity is not the only option.

Whatever you feel is right-be daring enough to stick to it!
Be yourself! Don't compromise with your principles-for in the long run-your results maybe forgotten-but your identity will stay!
Whatever we are today-is because of the conscious efforts of our parents and ourselves-what we are today is what we chose to be!
We have formulated a concept of right-wrong,fair-unfair,right from our childhood!Then why give that up now?
I own and live a identity-the satisfaction of discovering it and then the efforts to maintain it are really a true joy of living.
The result or temporary failures may be a test-to keep our own selves alive!to discover what you are and what you want to be!
Will post soon-keep smilig till then.

LG-Life's Good!!

Has it ever happened to you that nothing seems right,a phase when all you see around is darkness,hopelessness,failures, pain and hurt.you find nothing good to hold onto?it seems that whichever road you take will turn out to be blocked or a dead end!

such phases come often when we think that god is ignoring us.We get frustrated,upset or even angry.At such times,even if we get a little hope-even a small joy-our spirits get elated.But where to look for such strengths??

LIFE IS GOOD! Look around yourself-god is not ignoring us-he's just playing a little game where he wants us to look and enjoy small things which we otherwise tend to ignore.

Everyday we get numerous reasons to rejoice- i woke up on time and did not get late for my college-i easily decided which dress to wear that day and thankfully it was already ironed-i got a window seat in the bus-or i sat with a person who was wearing my favorite perfume-i was greeted or complimented by a colleague who is not much of my friend-i talked all throughout the lecture and the teacher did not catch me or didn't ask me to leave the class-the teacher asked me a question and though i didn't know the answer i managed to escape successfully-i got a seat in the classroom that was just below the fan-i had my favorite dish in the lunch-i managed to sleep for 3 hours in the noon without getting disturbed by phone calls-i got a message from a friend saying he is missing me-i went for a movie and met an old acquaintance-a friend asked for some advise because she trusted me with her problems-i was asked what i wanted for the dinner,which means i had a choice to select what to eat when so many people die of hunger-so many other things.

my life is good! Its always so-happiness is easy to find,once you decide to look out for it.These small things may appear to be no reasons to be happy-but imagine what if you woke up late?or missed the bus?or had no seat in the bus?or the teacher scolded you?you would have got upset? right?
SO why not be happy that nothing went wrong today??

Its up to you,the minute you decide to look for happiness-you will find reasons to be happy.Do not wait for major achievements in life-but rather enjoy these small victories. 
You are upset about any thing-may it be poor results,broken relationships, monotony of life,lost friends,bad health-try to look beyond it.
Try looking for joys in any other form-if not from your own life then maybe you could be lucky enough to get reasons from lives of people around you!try being happy for a friend whose dreams came true-try being happy for a kid who is enjoying his ice cream ,try finding happiness with a group of friends having a game.These small joys off course will not solve any of your problems-but will surely give you a reason to hold on to the struggle for life-a reason to BELIEVE THAT GOD IS WITH YOU.with this positive energy automatically you will be able to look through the situations. You"ll realize that though there is dusk here,there is bright sunlight in some other part of the world.Look beyond your problems..god is not ignoring you-he's blessing you in some other way-just that you are busy being sad and thus are ignoring the small joys.

for a minute introspect-look into your life and you will smile and say-LG-life's good!!

hope you find and enjoy these small joys and reasons to be happy..

will post soon..keep smiling till then!

Dedicated to all my friends

hey people..these are a few lines i wrote for all my friends on friendship day..

but thanks to some problem on my blogger account,i could not post them at that time,so i share them now..

i maynt b a very responsible person wen it comes to making n maintaing frns..bt still m lucky to b surrounded by a few ppl like u..to listen to me..to scold me..to talk wth me..to guide me..to be wth me..
i maynt be very regular in making phone calls..or evn messagin..maybe i am nt d one to meet u very often..bt m grateful to have u..to knw tht u understand me..and also knw d fact tht though m nt in constant tch..bt still i care fer u and thank god to hv u..as a wndrful frn..at any and each stage of my life..
infct quite strange..i maynt evn knw ur fav color.or fav movie.fav hangout place..or ur fav dish..ur close grp of frns,,ur peculiar habits..at tyms i consider u my dearest buddies..bt still am nt aware of sch minute and obvious details abt u..like u dont eat mangoes..or u love sweets..or u like to drive fast..or tht u r damn scared of lizards..or maybe at tyms i donot evn knw wt made u feel spcl dis brthday...or wheter u r well or got urself fractured..at tyms i maynt discuss or knw wheter u r still single..or committed..i maynt knw whetr u passed or flunked in xams..i maybe unaware of small and big things in ur life..bt i knw a fact for sure..tht u alwaz r and will be special fer me..and wen i think of all my good buddies..ur name alwaz pops in my mind..
i hv spent some gr8 moments wth u..though wth tym..our bonds maybe loosened..b still nt broken..and dey will nvr be..
i cherish evry memory..frm schoolll..ryt till college...
when our major concerns wr the class wrks...or discussing d post of class monitors..to house meetins..to chatting and fighting in the recess..tp playing and enjoying d weirdest of weird games..to w8ing at cycle stands..to sharing evrythg frm tiffin..to notes..to assignments,,to thots..to fears..evry part of life..evry ups n downs..
on this frnshp day..i wish to thank u..fer being a part of my life n making it wonderful..u hold a special place..and though we talk daily or rarely..bt ur space is urs..can nt be taken by anyone else..i promise u tht i vl be by ur side wenevr u need me..feel free to ask me...love you loads..
friends rock!!

MASKS..

hey everyone..

this is the first post that i publish "unedited"..coz today i realised the value of originality..with every backspace key u press while typing ,i think u lose it...n manipulate urself..

today i read kindda "personal blog" of someone whom i thot i knew ...bt then while going through the posts..i was confused..i just read 3 entries(coz my practical mind scolded me fer peeping into someone's life)..but still those few lines..described the person in an all together different way..my outlook about d person totally changed...

all throughout we judge people by the way they talk.they language they use,the company they keep,the way they dress..all these factors build up an image of each person..n judging by that image,we decide whom to talk and knowingly or unknowingly we evn classify people,without even talking to them..some are labelled as "dangerous",some as"cheap",some as "selfish","show off","too simple","cunning"..bt today i realised how wrong it can get!

how easily one can mask himself!

n how easily we believe those masks!

a person may look so happy and carefree tht i somehow believe he has nvr been sad..bt the fact is that he is smiling to hold back his tears!

a person is always surrounded by friends..i believe he is lucky to have so many people to call his own..bt fact maybe..tht he is keeping company to ignore his loneliness..to find someone called "true friend"..

someone alwaz makes fun of people in relationships..i believe he can nvr get into one..bt d fact maybe that he is hiding d pain of his own broken heart..

someone maybe alwaz dressed impeccably..perfect as i may think his tastes to be!

bt jst to find him in ragged dresses at his home..

first impressions are so so deceptive sometimes..

and the image formed by those impressions makes us miss out some things..

each one of us uses a mask..at some phase or other..infront of some person or the other..to hide our originality..

but sometimes to discover d beauty behind that mask is a nice feeling..

even if god comes to us wearing a mask of devil..our first impression about it wud not let us give god a chance to prove himself!!but if sometimes we r lucky enough or may i call sensible enough to look beyond the mask..we may find a new person..n discover god!

even if someone keeps a high profile company..maybe she is still simple at heart..

even if someone seems to be very sweet n simple..maybe he is manipulating u..to use u in some way or other..

even if someone talks kiddish all day,maybe her inner self is mature to sort out gravest problems..

try to know the person..not the mask vch he choses to show u..dont judge things by what they appear to be!DONT make images about people without talking to them!!maybe the things turn out to be better than wt u thot..or evn if they are worse..bt still not fake!!

vl post soon.. keep smiling till then!!

Money Money!!

Hey evryone..nice to be posting again!
Though this time i myself am not sure tht wt i come up with will be appreciated or agreed upon by anyone..because it is something which happens with all of us!each one of us!a part of us all about which i think hardly anyone notices!
What if one fine day..when i wake up..i donot have my wallet..i would go to my parents and ask for money..simple!But imagine..what if they refuse??? i would be frustrated for a few minutes..bt anyways 1 day..i can mange without it...bt what if the situation continues for a month!!
hard to imagine??right???2 months without spending a penny??seems impossible..atleast to me!!
do we really realise the value of money???
ofcourse yes!
when i go shopping i always see the price tag..i spend merely on basic necessities-food..clothes..being in touch with frns..and so on..all my spending is justified!
but behold!is it??
i myself dont knw what i am talkig about..whether there is any soluution to it..or even if it is a problem at all??
but think about it-i go to canteen saying tht i am giving a treat today..but who am i to be giving a treat-if its not my money at all!unless offcourse i earn it.but as is the case with most of us..we donot earn..its our parents who work hard..but delightfully give us our "pocket money" which we spend soo lavishly!
but do we really have the right to be so extravagant?
is it not cheating? To spend hard earned money so freely..believing it to be our own!

its very practical..jst think abt it!

whom am i fooling???-when i give treats for no reason at all,when i go shopping jst fer a mood refreshment..when i get a new phone jst fer the charm of it..when i buy a pair of jeans jst to add to my wardrobe..when i dine at pizza hut jst coz i was in mood of it..when i talk endlessly on phone without bothering about balance..when i freely forward msgs as it costs merely 10 paise,,when i prefer my bike ovr pooled vehicles wihout thinking abt petrol..when i give expensive gifts,when i watch same movie in hall thrice jst fer the fun of it..when i shamelessly give the traffic fine out of carelessness..when i buy the tickets of cricket match in black almost double the price!
when i shamelessly and rightfully ask for pocket money!!!
i knw its awkward of me to think in this directin..bt still are we really acting responsibly?
imagine your frn asks you fer some money..though u have to curtail few of your own desirses bt still out of love ..u give him a share of ur pocket money ..jst to find him partying with it the next day!
how does it feel?
Exactly this our parents go through ..silently!
its not our right to be soo over spending..its not about being miser nor cool!!
what you are spending is not your own!its jst someone else hardwork given silently to you..as a silent..bt undeserved gift...
most of us wud come up with an excuse "papa k raaz me enjoy kar lo,fir to kamana hi hai""
why..if its earned by ur father-its money..when earned by u..it becomes-valuable money!
so for next few days..evn if u take out a penny to spend..think twice..if its really worth it..if its needed to spend someone else"s money..ur parents hard earned money...
m sure tht will help us all to control and manage our wallets..in a respectable manner where we realise the value of each penny...
as i already said..this post is about us all..bt still even if u dont agree with wt i say..thts nt because i am wrong..but maybe because u dont actually wish to feel its rightfulness! :-)
will post soon...keep smiling till then..

Best journey ever...

For those of you,who think i am here,taking you to a faraway land,or describing a foreign trip to fascinating places..for you all,this post maybe a disappointment!
this trip,this journey was actually a 1 hour ride..just 60 minutes..which taught me a lot!
A lot abt life,abt emotions,abt different people..
This is a journey in a city local bus!
A place where each person gets in to reach somewhere..each one having his own life,his own story,a family back home,a destination,a reason to travel,a baggage of responsibilities,a turmoil of emotions within,a feeling,a life!
this wasnot my first experience in a local bus ,but still, this this one left me thinking..
the moment i entered the bus,it was full,hardly any place to stand..i ws surrounded by mostly rural people,,all sweaty,smelly,ill mannered i assumed!but then one guy got up and offered me his seat..i ws really amazed at his mannerisms.i mean we had heard "respect females" but here i saw it!!i felt elated..proud of my country,proud of being a female!
as i settled down,there was some commotion on the back side..a beggar had entered the bus and had started his usual "begging bussiness" right there!the conductor had made the mistake of trying to stop him to beg in the bus..the beggar felt offended and was cursing him.i had a mixed emotion..i dint know whether to pity the beggar or to get angry that despite having all resources-a good and healthy physique,why could this man not work and earn??
Why did he have to beg?anyways the beggar finally quietened and settled down,took out a packet of "paan -masala" and ate it!!i was amazed-how could this man afford it?i mean on one hand he was begging-saying he had been hungry for past 3 days and one the other he could afford such addictions!i found it strange..was he not encashing human empathy?i remained silent-but decided never to even give a penny to these "hypocrite" beggars!
At the next stop enterd an old lady,i dont know what made me stand up to offer her my seat..she seemed upset..later i discovered that her son was unwell,but she didnot have enough money to get his medicines..but i felt that this was another form of begging and i ignored her!
but then another person who seemed as poor as the lady herself offered her 10 rupess,the lady refused but later took it with tears of thankfulness in her eyes..the man said-"hum gareeb hi ek dusre k kaam nahi aayege to insaaniyat kaha jaegi?" i felt ashamed of myself..
just then entered a rich looking guy and he started commenting on a gal..i had never seen eve teasing before-this made me sad.all the pride of being a female was fading away!
i was pondering upon the variety of people,same place-but how different people could be!hw because of few bad people,we have a feeling of indifference towards all?
just then another old lady got up to leave the bus-but due to sudden brakes,she felt down and got injured..another village guy picked her up and volunteered to drop her back as she could barely walk now..i again was proud of humanity in my country!
it was followed by a young boys crying-his mother had slapped him!jst because the boy kept asking her that "wo dadiji gir kaise gayi?"the mother was irritated,partly due to heat,partly due to other reasons,so the best way to give vent to her anger was to slap the innocent boy for no reason at all!

just as i was dealing with the turmoil of emotions within me..thinking about each person in the bus-someone spitting,some old lady silently praying,some school boys chattering,a mother caressing her little daughter,a housekeeper getting worried about being late,a boy reading,a young gal playing with her bangles,a lady discussing her recipies,a man discussing his meeting over the mobile(lying he was at his home)every one doing something or the other,,all busy with their own lives..my stop came..

i truly felt like thanking the god for such a wonderful journey,where i saw both good and bad faces of life,abt how wrong our perceptions are,about humanity and emotions in villagers,abt our notion that all rich people are cultured..
i now started classifying people as individuals ,rather than rich-poor,urban -rural..

will keep posting..though as my exams are approaching,so maybe my next post will be after a month..keep smiling till then!

Live for others..sumtimes..

Unique as it may sound..everyone keeps saying-live for yourself,do what your heart wants and here i am-contradicting them all! sometimes live for others-coz it gives immense pleasures..think about others as it helps getting better as a human!

Few days back i had an argument..infact for most of us difference of opinions are a common issue...i want to go out this sunday..my friend doesnot!i wish to eat pizza for dinner..my mom wants it simple!i like my room messed up..my sis needs it clean!i want to attend a lecture..my frn wants to bunk!i am irritated and want my moments of peace...bt right then my frn wants to talk about her shopping last day!i feel like sitting cuddled up in my bed..bt my dad wants me to get something from the market!i want to watch indian idol..my brother wants to see FIFA..numerous other cases!infact one evryday where we may easily win..i mean its so simple to just say"i am busy" or "i cant help" or maybe i have to be rude an evn get into a minutes argument..but thts just it..i win the battle..but unknowlingly i lose a heart!

On the contrary..sometimes losing gives pleasure..my frn likes to win evry argument,its useless to evn try with her,but one fine day she unexpectedly said"i give up" and that day i actually loved her!

Instead of bluntly refusing my bro to give him th tv remote control,one day i offered it to him..and the smile on his face..is still in my memories..:-)

When i offered my mom help in the kitchen..or when i helped dad in his fileworks..these small things just took 15 minutes..bt gave them a lot!

sometimes we become so engrossed wth ourselves tht we miss the small pleasures we can give to others!

"life is a race-win it" but i would say..feel the pleasure of loosing to your dear ones!

spare few moments for others!

ever tried going back to school?to meet your junior school teachers?for once she maynot recognise you!but later the pride in her eyes..the smile on her face..it will make u happy as well.

While shopping,instead of just paying and leaving..take a moment out..to smile and say "thanks"..looking into the eyes of the salesman..small though the gesture is!but it makes u happy..n the person in front feels elated!

While strolling through a mall..i see a cute baby..just a moment of appreciation to its mother..its impractical right?to compliment strangers??but still..do it sincerely..n who knows..maybe we made her day!!

Iwas missing an old school friend..i wish to talk to her..but y shld i alwaz call?can she never call me up?is she soo busy?this time its not going to be me..but behold!instead call her up..n tell her hw much you were missing her..and even on the phone the joy in her voice will not go unnoticed!

The issue is no "who will cry when you die?" rather it is "how many are happy tht you are alive?"

Think about it!!

Appreciate little things..give up in minor arguments..do a few favours..show some generosity,extend courtesy..these things maybe wrongly termed as "formality"..but i call it "life"...

live life!!love life!!

will post soon..keep smiling till then!:-)

POEM

LEISURE
by-william henry davies..

What is this life if,full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see when woods we pass,
Where squirells hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see,in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars like stars at night.
No time to turn at beautys glance,
And watch her feet how they can dance.
A poor life this if,full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

This is one of my favourite poems..so deep in feelings..few words but on thinking.seems to say so much..so just thot of sharing it with everyone..
Will post soon..keep smiling till then..

vacations versus life

Absurd title?isn't it?
Actually i got my vacations on-the time of the year i eagerly wait for!all set with new and innovative plans-which gym to join?which classes to attend?which places to visit?which books to read?which new language to learn?which new skill to enhance?all is planned and the plans are just perfect!!
and to be honest..often d planning is done long before the time starts..."my tym" starts..infact..all through the year..watever attracts me--and i can not do because of the so called"out of time"busy schedule"excuses..i plan to fix dese tasks up in this duration..all is set..jst wait fer the countdown to begin..wen i finally gt some "break" from the monotony of my life..
the very frst week of holidays..i feel like a prisoner set free by mistake..doing all things like never before!enjoying evry moment like never before!sleeping till noon..keeping awake till early morning hrs,,tht too to do all fun stuff..chatting..movies..computers..novels..and what not!
its "my tym"..and i enjoy it in my ways..absolutely foregtting abt the graver plans i had made for myself..enjoying the present..enjoying my laziness..enjoying my randomness..all seems jst perfect!
But soon as the days pass...i start getting bored..bored of the randomness..no longer do i find my ways interesting..the same computer fails to entertain me anymore..no book i find interesting..it is den wen i realise what plans i had made for myself..what i actually wanted to do these holidays..bt often its very late by then..those who didnot waste those initial days like i did..they are busy wth their plans..bt i feel as if i am on a dead end..wth registrations closed..wth no hope..i silently get irritated..and wait fer d remaining of my holidays to pass ..unenjoyed..under-utilised..though dere is this guilt of wasting so many precious days..bt i hv givn up..no hopes to make the rest of it!
same often happens wth our lifes..
when i ws a child..i had my plans..i wanted to be this..i wanted to do that.and all seemed perfect..bt i hardly realised..hw tym actually passed by..hw "my tym" started..when i should have been focusing..i hardly realised..when othrs around me started new things..Then i turned back..i realised hw mny opportunities i had wasted..i silently declare myself a loser..wth no hopes of attainment of my original plans..i am depressed..bt weak to own it up..or wrk upon it..bt is this how life should be???
though i missed a few opportunities..bt still the vacations are not yet over..who knows i might find some gym wth 1 valid registration?join aerobics if nt swimming?if not singapore..visit shimla atleast..if nt a 45 days course..get a self study book atleast..dont give up so easily..dont wait for the rest of time to pass by..utilise it..use tht whts left..who knws..those last..few days may give u self satisfaction..a hope to make dese holidays intersting..
who knws..opportunities of success may knock your door again..be vigilant..ready for that ..
keep reminding urself wt u had planned for yourself..and tht vl give u the vision..the enrgy..the motivation..
do not look where u fell..instead look where you slipped..and then catch on..
the sin is not in falling down..but in staying down..
get ready to be successfull.
keep smiling till then..

Approvals...

Life is interesting na!Sometimes strange..inexplicable..small things matter so much..few people matter so much..their opinions matter so much..their appreciation matters so much..
This i realised today..and actually discovered that it had been so right from the day i was born..
When i was born..someone cuddled me and admired my cuteness..tht made my mom proud of herself..as i grew up..i looked around for small appreciations..if i broke a glass or a toy or did any pranks..i was hardly bothered about WHAT I feel..what mattered was how my parents REACTED to it!!
Even today..as i have grown up..if i get a new haircut..exactly the one i longed for..the same i had been planning to get..for which i was so sure..but then..i dunno why..there is this strong urge to immediately meet my friends..and to see their reaction..if by any chance they disapprove...i become upset all of a sudden..to further confirm i ask for more opinions..WHY?why is this so?why do we keep looking for opinions..approvals..to be more specific!..
If i was so self satisfied about hw my hair looked..if mom was so proud of my cuteness..why did we want to hear it from others??Is this because we lack self confidence..or beacuse thts how we are!..or maybe because we all are keenly interested in others lifes..because we form opinions almost instantly..because we expect others to be as interested in our lives as we are in theirs..
Is this d case only with me??
maybe it is!
Think about it..whenevr we hangaround with friends..we get photographs clicked ..to keep them as our memories..but why the very next day..we upload d best of those pics on facebook and eagerly wait for comments..strange na??Suddenly the fun we had becomes secondary..and without our realisation..opinions and approvals take the front seat..
If i have a new crush..or met a new friend..or had a fight with someone..i would tell my close buddies about it..and keep telling till i hear.."what you did was correct!!" or even.."nah!buddy you were wrong".
Why?When earlier what i did..how i talked..whom i liked..whom i stalked..with whom i fought..wtever i shopped..whatever..it was all the best of my mind..best of my actions..best of my choice..Why to ask someone about it??
Well maybe..because thts how life is!Thats why man is called a social animal..living in the society..living for the society..knowingly or unknowlingly deeply affected by the society..(at times more affected more by others than self!)...funny though it is!!
Oops..m thinking so seriously about such a small thing..infact a part of human behaviour..our very own psychologic self..(though most of us are unaware of it!)..Such typical human trait...that too in my second post..what would people think of me!probably take me as a sadist...look..again..i seeked for others..your opinion..your approval this time...hehehe
will come up with yet another post soon..keep smiling till then..

first impression...

Hie..everyone..thts me..well new to the world of blogging..so lemme tell you before reading further...who am i?what am i?..and why i am here??
Well..to start with..i am you...exactly!!don't get me wrong here..i am a 20 yrs old college gal..born in a middle class Indian family..brought up with good morals..trying to develop an understanding of the world..i am just like any average gal..nothing extraordinary..nothing special about me..yet there is something i feel worth living for..got loads of friends..who keep making me feel important..
one day i m a complete loser..and d very next day..a princess!..no false claims of being overly pretty..nor am i very smart..nt very intelligent..neither is my life very happening..but yet its interesting enough..i try to look at the world frm my eyes..and thts wt i am here for....
my world..lemme clarify..is not a big place either..jst revolves around a few ppl called friends..and my family..
friends-an integral part of me..my strength..my weakness..through them i learn about life..about its complications..abt its simplicity..i just feel it!!enjoy it!! and thts wt i am here for..to share the joys of an average life with average ppl..
my life revolves around my family..small things like a fight with a friend..like scolding frm mom..like poor results..like a friend"s ignorance..like a new crush..dey all mean to me..and thts all wt i intend to blog about!
i donot intend to use heavy words nor complicated vocabulary..coz frankly thts not my cup of tea.. i donot promise to tell you any great "mills and boon" love story..nor a paulo coelho's inspiritional one..coz frankly dere is no hero yet..nor have i achieved something worth being an inspirition..(though both these will definitely be achieved..soon..very soon..)yet by reading me ..you will feel connected..coz i live your life..feel the life of an average person..its entanglements..its so called complications..its simplicity!my different modes..my different moods..
so hope u all keep connecting to me!!
will catch up with you soon..to unfold a new chapter..of life..of thoughts..keep smiling till then!!