~ Reflections ~

what would you do if a thought is just stuck in your head like a big black stain on a white bedspread the mindspace won't let it go, though the mind is trying the more the effort to let go, the more it seems to spread and become firm. I wonder... How I can destroy the thought without destroying the mind...

Modi's current move of demonetization seems to be the current buzz word wherever we go. India’s PM, Narendra Modi, surprised and even shocked many when he announced that Rs 500 and 1,000 notes would no longer be legal currency. This is some 86% of the entire cash money supply of the country. Without getting into the political aspects (though I am sure that is a significant piece of the move), there seem to be some clear positives in this. Finally, the old cash being hoarded by the infinite households of India have finally seen the light of the day, and in some cases a bank account as well. The sudden purging of currency will bring the terrorist activities to a screeching halt. Suddenly banks are seeing a huge inflow of cash. Banks have cumulatively received around 5.5 Lakh Crore Rupees within one week. However, there appears to be a lot of collateral damage. People are having a tough time accessing their own hard earned money which is lying in bank accounts. Nee

Every time I feel low or disheartened about the way things are turning out, I find pleasure in this song by Abba.... Somehow it never fails to comfort me and give me hope... I have a dream, a song to sing To help me cope with anything If you see the wonder of a fairy tale You can take the future even if you fail I believe in angels Something good in everything I see I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me I'll cross the stream, I have a dream I have a dream, a fantasy To help me through reality And my destination makes it worth the while Pushing through the darkness still another mile I believe in angels Something good in everything I see I believe in angels When I know the time is right for me I'll cross the stream, I have a dream I'll cross the stream, I have a dream I have a dream, a song to sing To help me cope with anything If you see the wonder of a fairy tale You can take the future even if you fail I believe in angel

The music fades Glasses clink People hobble around Trying to make conversation Spotted... finally Our eyes meet What glorious dressing I just start to drool All I need to do now Is get to you first Lest, someone will devour you And you won't last I pick up my plate Not wasting time on cutlery My hands enough For you, my dear Biryani !!!!

Recently watched Pink . I could go on and on about how everyone must must watch this movie, especially the current generation. Not to understand what are the do's and don'ts for nightlife for a women in Delhi. But to understand what is perceived, not just by strangers but even our peers. It left one with a numbing feeling that anyone could be trapped in the same way. And ironically one doesn't need to be naive either. Even a all knowing street smart person can get caught.  So what is the solution. Not just to avoid such "accidents" but also how to break the prejudices in peoples minds.  Education, clearly, isn't the answer, since I myself know well educated and groom post graduates suffering the same prejudices. The crux however remains, that each and every human being (not just males but females as well) needs to listen to and understand the meaning of these lines. "ना " सिर्फ़ एक  शब्द  नहीं अपने आप में  एक पूरा वाक्य हैं 

you were here with us  and suddenly, we were grappling with different facts that the life you embraced with such joy and simplicity had deserted you somehow you smiled  throughout  whatever came your way in life you maintained your calm through all the pain and strife thoroughly enjoying everything from a Indian team cricket victory to a wedding with you, even a coke and hot chocolate fudge felt like a treat having discussed everything with you from politics to books we are now left wondering if we missed the opportunity to tell you in our lives, what for, you stood though we are left trying to pick up the pieces again we know you'd want us to enjoy life your way so we won't cry or add misery to our life ahead though we will always be wondering how it would've been if you hadn't left

All of us talk about India being a progressive society. That we are catching up the "modern" world.  That women are now treated equally... or atleast will be. It is a good thought to pursue, since India is one of the few nations in the world where we have the existence of a matriarchal society, where the woman of the house has the right to property, money and business. Don't get me wrong, it is not about the money, but more a sense of power and rights, and the notional symbols attached to it by our society. Needless to say, in most cases, the woman is forced to fight for this right, despite being the care giver towards the later parts of life. And again, by woman, I don't necessarily mean daughter... it could well be the daughter-in-law who has been doing what it takes. But what good is all this power, when the same woman is beaten, raped in wide open streets, and then is told that she is at "fault" and is tainted... ironically due a crime committe

Ever since BJP has come to power in the centre, there seems to be too much discussion by the paparazzi and the Fourth estate about how the decisions are swinging from the center to the right... progressively towards the extreme right. This recent article by Gurcharan Das in The Sunday Times on Patriotism versus Nationalism brings back the same thoughts.  Strangely, if you look at the dictionary meanings to the two words, they seem almost identical... both referring to a patriotic feeling. nationalism. [ˈnaʃ(ə)n(ə)lɪz(ə)m] NOUN 1.patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts. "an early consciousness of nationalism and pride" patriotism. [ˈpeɪtrɪətɪz(ə)m] NOUN 1.the quality of being patriotic; vigorous support for one's country. "a highly decorated officer of unquestionable integrity and patriotism" Then why is it that the media seems to be equating nationalism with jingoism, and patriotism with something more controlled. Both emotions are strong,

We think a lot... assess... analyse... Try to be logical in our approach towards everything... Because we see great merit in logic... We assume that we need to give everyone an explanation... Even to those who don't deserve one... Is it really needed... Why should I have to explain every action and thought... To justify that there is no malign intended... Somehow acting on things is not as tiring as giving explanations for what has been done...  The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology.  ~ Red Auerbach

We look ahead in life... we plan for what we want it to be like... In hope that it will all work out... In confidence that we would be able to control the way things pan out... But what we are merely doing is hedging our risks....  Because we don't seem to have control at all...  On when it is time to come... and when it is that you drop dead... So play all you want... Eat what you like... Live the moment... Dance on the streets.... Because you never realize this is the last.... till it is too late..