People in the Park

As i watched my son heading towards the slide ...i decided to study the people who had come to the park. 

Young couples had come to chat and spend some moments together after a hectic day. Retired or aged people had accompanied their grandchildren to watch them play and simultaneously keep an eye on them as they frolicked merrily. Homemakers had come after a weary day toiling at home and were content to simply sit down and breathe in the fresh evening air for some time & maybe forget their worries for a while. I wondered if there were others like me who were watching what the others were doing...but i seemed to be the only one watching what the others were doing. 

Mothers like me will vouch for the fact that it is impossible to relax while toddlers are at work( or play). As i looked at the medley it reminded me of an essay i had read ages ago. Too many people. Short people, tall people, people with beaks....now i want to add my category to this list....inquisitive people, obnoxious people, helpful ones, eager people( eager to learn and instruct), confident people, overconfident people( too many to count) and people simply lacking the will or confidence to achieve something in life. 

My son had by now formed a group of similar-sized toddlers and they were happily frolicking in the park and chatting in their own completely incomprehensible language. As i watched him for a few minutes my mind wandered again. 

The chaiwalla was in the midst of brisk business selling tea, coffee to souls in desperate need of some relaxation. A few young mothers gossiped about everything under the sun while their children played and danced on their own. 

I am fascinated by the People in the park who stopover at the park for a few hours. Some prefer to soak up the solitude, some prefer to watch their children play and are anxious all the time, some prefer to indulge in chit-chat & some like me love to stroll around the park while my pride and joy makes friends with all and sundry...

The Trials & Tribulations of Motherhood & a Tribute to my Mother

As I returned to work after a hiatus I realized there is nothing more therapeutic than work…nobody realizes the importance of work when they are working, its only after a long gap that u realize how imperative it is…..Anyways let me not digress as I want to share my thoughts on the Trials & Tribulations of Motherhood & Losing My Mother.

I read somewhere that being a full-time mother is among the highest salaried jobs in any sphere as the payment is pure love…My son is now 14 months old…an impressionable age. From the day he was born I was inundated by a spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions….if I might borrow the phrase. I’m sure every mother will agree that when you see your baby for the first time it’s an indescribable feeling. When you give birth to a tiny being it’s almost akin to a miracle. The emotions, the feelings are spontaneous & there is an irresistible urge to shield your child from the dangerous world.

As you watch your baby grow up & blossom, it’s another phase altogether. I read this quote that being a mother is learning all about strengths you didn’t know you had and simultaneously dealing with fears you didn’t know existed. Yes, there are hidden, unmentioned fears. The worst fear is if you are doing everything you should for your child. In hindsight I realize it’s not possible to do everything right. We are humans, prone to mistakes. Obviously we want to give the best to our baby & we do but we should realize that we will make mistakes along the way too…it’s the best way to learn after all.

Let me begin my tribute to my Mother with a quote from Eliza Cook.

I miss thee, my Mother! Thy image is still
The deepest impressed on my heart.

Barely a month after my son was born my mother passed away. Dealing with the birth of my son, the sincere advice of my so-called well-wishers & facing the fact that my mother was afflicted with an incurable illness was devastating, crippling almost.
   
I realized there was one thing I would have to deal with, a thought which is aptly stated by Francis Thompson: the initial desolation and terror of realizing that your mother can lose you or you her and your subsequent abysmal loneliness and helplessness without her.

I will not bore people with mundane details on how much I loved my mother…the first thought which will come to your mind is…we all do! Yes, I loved her…love her a lot. It’s only after she passed away that I realized her true worth…the caring, unconditional loving & affection which was so easily & effortlessly bestowed on me & my sister. Rachel Wolchin aptly enunciates that we should Call our mother & tell her you love her. After all, you're the lone person who realizes what her heart sounds like from the inside…

As I watch my son grow up, observe his funny & sometimes silly antics there are times I wish my mother was there to share these special moments with me. No one can replace your mother because She’s Special….I realized how special she is only when she was not there anymore, unfortunately.

The best part of becoming a mother is when you realize that a mother’s heart conceals a deep abyss at the floor of which you will find forgiveness for eternity.

I didn’t realize the sacrifices my mother had made, what she had actually done to bring us up the way she did until I’m actually faced with these challenges on my own. Dealing with a precocious, energetic & extremely naughty child…I wonder at times am I doing this perfectly…would my mother have done it in any other way.

To end my tribute to my mother & my account of the trials & tribulations of Motherhood this citation by Margaret Culkin Banninghin is quite apt. She states that a mother is someone who never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn’t take them along…

Goynar Baksho (The Jewellery Box)

Goynar Baksho (The Jewellery Box)

Goynar Baksho, directed by Aparna Sen is a nice film. One thing I like about Aparna Sen`s films is that there is always something different to look forward to in her films.

Goynar Baksho is an intriguing story of a Jewellery Box which originally belongs to Pishima, a captivating character. The Jewellery Box is handed down to three generations of women & how the women use the box is what the story is all about.

Pishima is a mysterious, delightful yet affable character. She is impish, mischievous & unpredictable. The story begins & ends with her though this is a deviation from the original story. Apparently Aparna Sen liked Pishima a lot so she wanted to retain her throughout the film.

After her demise, Pishima asks Somlata (Konkona Sen Sharma) to take her Jewellery Box & hide it so that the people residing in the palatial yet broken down house cannot claim it. Somlata is a timid yet determined lady who wants to use the jewels to improve the declining fortunes of their family. She convinces her husband to start a new business of selling saris and also gets him to mend his ways. Somlata or Konkona Sen Sharma is a powerhouse performer & has done full justice to the role.

In the final stage, Chaitali played by Srabanti uses the Jewellery box in an unusual way. Srabanti takes on a dewy fresh, understated look which is quite different from her usual avatar.

There's a particular scene towards the end of the film where the mercurial pishima's ghost asks her granddaughter Chaitali to join her for a smoke on the balcony. Pishima is a ghost yet she has a lot to do & say in this film. In fact she controls all the people either directly or indirectly. Moushumi has essayed Pishima`s role brilliantly & you can almost feel the anguish & desperation of a woman who is widowed early in life.

This endearing tale spanning three generations of women is a must watch for Konkona & Pishima`s fantastic performances. After watching the film you will realize that a Jewellery Box is not merely a place where you can store your jewels & hand it down from generation to generation. It transforms people…brings out their innermost feelings & desires. On the other hand the new generation represented by Chaitali shows a marked disinclination towards wearing jewellery seeing it merely as something to be used during difficult times.

The pace of this film is slow but it is a nice film to watch for the riveting performances. This is an engaging tale of sorrow & unfulfilled yearning sprinkled liberally with Aparna Sen`s & the author’s inimitable humour. The Jewellery Box definitely opens Pandora’s Box of emotions, desires & longings. 

Holi-The Festival of Gaiety & Colours

Holi-The Festival of Gaiety & Colours

Holi is among the most popular festivals in India. This gregarious event is celebrated with a lot of fervour and gaiety in the month of Phalgun. Holi is a vibrant festival of colours.  

Holi is also referred to as the Spring Festival as it marks the onset of spring which is also the season of hope and ecstasy. Nature rejoices during the onset of Holi and wears its best attire. The fields are filled with crops which promise a good harvest to the farmers and flowers blossom and lend a vibrant hue to the surroundings even as their inimitable fragrance pervades the atmosphere.

A quintessentially Hindu festival, Holi has different legends linked with it. The foremost is the fable of the demon King Hiranyakashyap who sought allegiance from everybody in his kingdom. However his devout son Prahlad became a disciple of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to be executed and asked his sister Holika to go into a blistering fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika was immune to fire due to a boon. Eventually Prahlad was saved by the lord owing to his extreme devotion and Holika was killed as her boon worked only when she went into the fire alone. Ever since, people light a bonfire during Holi called Holika and commemorate the triumph of good over evil.

The impish and playful Lord Krishna initiated the trend of playing colours and applied colour liberally on his beloved, Radha. This trend continues and people smear colour on their beloved along with friends and family members during this festive occasion. In fact Vrindavan, Mathura and Barsana are popular places to visit during Holi if you wish to capture the verve of this vivacious festival.

Lots of people drink intoxicating bhang on this special day to celebrate Holi. Bhang transforms sober individuals to outgoing and gregarious ones and their bizarre antics are a reason for extreme merriment among the restrained individuals.

After an exciting day people meet friends and loved ones in the evening and exchange festive greetings along with sweets.

Holi is a festival of gaiety & colours. It encourages different individuals to come together and smear colour on one another regardless of caste. You must take part in this vibrant, colourful & extremely joyous festival to fully comprehend its significance. Enjoy this day with family or friends and if someone smears colour on you ….forgive him/her. As the saying goes….burra Na mano, holi hain!! (Don’t mind its Holi after all)

The King’s Speech-Review

Saw a beautiful film on TV yesterday… The King’s Speech. Colin Firth is one of my favourite actors. I fell in love with him after his wonderful portrayal of Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice. Though he looked older in this film, he has done a fantastic job.

                                                                                                  

The King’s Speech tells the story of Bertie (Colin Firth) who suffers from a devastating speech impediment. After his father King George V’s demise and the renunciation of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) Bertie is unexpectedly crowned King George VI of England.

His country is on the brink of war and urgently needs an able leader. Bertie`s spouse Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) arranges a meeting with an unconventional speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).

The two are not the best of friends initially. However after a shaky start they initiate an unusual course of treatment and form a permanent bond in due course.

Logue assists Bertie to rise above his speech impediment. With his family and his Government‘s support Bertie the King at last overcomes his stammer.

Watch the climax for the poignant radio-address by the King that inspires his citizens and unites them during conflict. It stops where Bertie wins the battle within himself and a valiant King emerges at the onset of a devastating war.

The film is a must watch for the excellent performances of Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Look for their onscreen chemistry as they rival each other in terms of delivering startling performances and catapult the film to a completely different level. It’s amazing how an actor as vocal as Colin Firth stammers and delivers an unbelievably stirring performance with Geoffrey Rush as his worthy match.

I simply loved this film & will watch it again if I get the chance. There is something inexplicable about this film that just tugs at your heartstrings. Don’t take my word for it …see it to believe it! 

Change

Change

Change is a part of life. Although we are aware of this fundamental truth, we somehow refuse to accept it. Why is it so difficult for us to accept something new? We are so used to the old order of things we refuse to believe that a new order might actually be beneficial for us.

Let us first analyze the meaning of the word change. It is the course of accepting and becoming different. Confusing? Well yes! Change also refers to Social Change which is a modification in society’s social order. However we are concerned with Personal development. This is all the more important if it is perceived as a personally life-changing aspect.

Change is an integral element of life. Without it, our life becomes monotonous, lacklustre, repetitive & distasteful. How many of us can happily go through the tasks of everyday life without feeling even a wee bit irritated at times?

Change is essential for our development. If we analyze it scrupulously lots of changes occur throughout our life. It’s as if we are enacting different roles…as Shakespeare stated…

All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players:

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts.

Yes we do play different parts in the course of our existence. From an infant to a whining school-boy to the doleful lover! We enact different roles…a child, an adolescent, a young man or woman, a wife, a mother…..we have different roles to play in the course of life. Throughout all these roles only one factor remains constant: change.

I firmly believe that change is an essential part of life whether we accept it or not. Without it we wither, decay and die a hundred times before our death. Accept change and move on in life. Don’t dwell on past mistakes. We’ve all been there & done that! Change is a beautiful part of life. So, live out the roles you were meant to play and lead a happy, fulfilled life.

Different Kinds of people I Interact with

People

We meet different kinds of people in our day-to-day life. Take for instance the person who comes to clean the house...maid, domestic help whatever we call her.... we treat that person as a nameless, faceless entity & only realize their worth when they don`t come for a a single day.  

When we go to the market for veggies we meet different kinds of people. Rude, obnoxious people combined with polite and pleasant people. Polite people are few & far between nowadays. In our day to day dealings we come across more & more obnoxious people. These people are ready to criticize you but then there are good people who will go out of their way to assist you in difficult situations.

There`s a lady from whom i buy fresh flowers everyday. She`s abusive and horribly rude... or so it appears to people. One day i spoke to her like i would with another human being & voila i realized that she`s human after all :) another flower-seller is deaf & it`s tough when you have to use signals to tell her what you want. Most of the time i say something & she understands something else....something different from the original request. 

Another interesting person I meet on a daily basis is a Buffalo. No No, not an animal....a person. This is humorous indeed. The person in question resembles a buffalo so we refer to him in this context. Till date we don`t know his name. He is a nice, affable person but a buffalo nevertheless. He is a skilled salesman... he can even sell a comb to a bald person.. his remarkable selling skills of things you don`t really need notwithstanding he is a nice person & someone i look forward to conversing with on a daily basis.



Our neighbors are supposed to be our Saviors during distress.. are they really? or are they more interested in finding out what is happening in your life...who`s dating who, who`s not getting married & why... yes they are helpful at times but then they are too interfering most of the time. .

We meet lots of interesting and not-so-interesting people in our day-to-day life. Some we have to tolerate, some we don`t... i think the best way to conclude is to state that God made relatives, thank God we can choose our friends :)  

Satisfaction

People seek satisfaction in strange places. Some of us are not satisfied regardless of what comes our way. Ambitious people are not satisfied easily while placid ones(sorry fr the expression) are easily happy. 

When you look at children they are happy unconditionally. Give them a toffee or a chocolate & voila, they are in seventh heaven. Why don`t we feel the same way? I am not referring to material possessions which anyway will not give you lasting only momentary happiness. 

Maybe happiness & satisfaction are two dissimilar elements. Maybe we are happy but not satisfied and vice-versa. Maybe Satisfaction is the sole domain of spiritual people. After all, they are the only ones who are happy with life....satisfied. 

What to do?

what to do? 

What to do when nobody defends you?

What to do when nobody listens to you?

How to get rid of this debilitating loneliness?

What to do when not a soul understands your innermost feelings & desires?

How to please people uninhibitedly?

How to lead your own life without any meddling from well-meaning people?

How to retain your individuality even in a relationship?

I am Sick & Sick & Tired of people telling me what to do!  

I am a person in my own right. Do I not have the right to lead an independent life?

Lord, save me from Intrusion & Deliver me from Evil.

So that I can lead a happy and more importantly, Contented life.

Forever & Ever, Amen!

An Unforgettable Experience

An Unforgettable Experience

Surgery……the word conjures terrifying images in one’s mind.  Doctors in green garb, knives, scissors and other lethal instruments instantly come to mind. Similar thoughts crossed my mind when I learnt that I would have to undergo Surgery for Retinal Detachment.

Petrified is too mild a word to describe what I felt. To make matters worse, my surgery was scheduled on a Monday.  This was one weekend I was definitely not looking forward to.

When I arrived at BB Eye Foundation, Minto Park I was a bundle of nerves. My surgeon Dr Sourav Sinha eased my tension considerably. He is a remarkably skilled, genial and compassionate person.  When a person realizes that surgery is imminent, compassion is something you need in large doses.

Nothing on earth could prepare me for what I was about to experience inside the OT. In spite of my best efforts, I could not curb my anxiety. Dr Sinha conversed with me at length throughout the surgery. It helped to distract me from the task, at hand.

The surgery continued for an hour, approximately. At the end of it, I thanked Dr. Sinha. I was quite surprised when he thanked me saying that I’d been a co-operative patient.

My sister and my husband were with me all through the ordeal, if I am permitted to call it so. My mother also helped a lot. Of course, they had to wait outside, but seeing their affable faces made me realize that yes, the worst is over.You don`t thank your family but i really wish i could thank them for their love and unconditional support.

It’s been more than 3 months since the surgery. My husband & I have visited BB Eye Foundation many times since that day. Every time we go there, Dr. Sinha is as friendly and warm as he was on that fateful day. His reassuring smile is always there whenever I face any doubt.

In line of Oscar acceptance speeches, I would like to thank a few people for helping me to overcome the ordeal like my husband & my sister & my mother for being with me through thick &a thin and Dr Sinha for his humane nature. I am recuperating slowly and steadily, however I have learnt a lot from this unforgettable experience.

 

Kahaani……An Intriguing Story Indeed!

Kahaani……An Intriguing Story Indeed!

When I saw the promos of the forthcoming thriller, I was not too thrilled! Initially, it seemed like a ghost story, when I saw a particular clip, where Vidya Balan is pushed in front of a train. But, with steady nerves (or so it seemed), I went to see this unusual film.

A heavily pregnant Vidya (Bidya) Bagchi arrives at Kolkata, from London, in search of her missing husband, Arnab Bagchi. What is perplexing is that there are no records to confirm Arnab Bagchi`s existence. A hassled Vidya rushes to the Police Station, straight from the Airport, so desperate is she, to look for her missing husband. This is a somewhat unusual occurrence, which is why even the taxi driver remarks that this is not something many people do, when they arrive at Kolkata.

In the first half, the film is mystifying. Twists and turns at every corner, leave you enthralled, yet there is a point when it becomes difficult to remember the names of all the agents, moles and Police Officers.

Vidya is relentless, and despite her condition, she insists on continuing the search for her missing husband. She runs from pillar to post, looking for her husband. However, everywhere she meets a dead end. Or so it seems. She befriends Rana (Parambrata Chatterjee) who helps her in her mission (Mission Impossible, one might say). Rana says that people in Kolkata have two names, which translates, to dual identities.

The film is humorous, as well. The sleazy hotel, where Vidya decides to stay, advertises running hot water. In reality, it refers to a kid who runs, and delivers hot water, to people who require it.

Vidya Balan, as Vidya Bagchi is an actor par excellence. She had delivered a flawless performance in The Dirty Picture, which is why people were eagerly anticipating her next release. With her stunning features, and her intelligent portrayal of the character, one cannot help but be intrigued.

Lastly, Kolkata City is depicted with a lot of passion. As you view this unpretentious city, you cannot help but fall in love with Kolkata, again. Victoria Memorial, the lazy tram rides, Howrah Bridge …you will see it all. When you think of Kolkata, how can you overlook Durga Puja? By setting the climax of the film during Durga Puja, the director has effectively captured the verve of the city.

So, the question is, does the protagonist find her missing husband? Well, to know that, you have to watch the film. One thing is for sure, the climax of the film is unlike anything, I have ever seen. It depicts a lot of emotion, and when you witness the raw, naked emotion on Vidya`s face, you will feel her pain, and suffering, too.

Kahaani is an out-and-out Vidya Balan film. However, you must watch the film for the impressive performances of the Tollywood brigade, including Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shaswata Chatterjee ( mirthful as an unassuming LIC Agent), and Kharaj Mukherjee( his witty self, as usual)

Kahaani is a gritty story. When you watch the film, you will relate with the protagonist, and at the end, you will feel her pain, and anguish. Kahaani is an intriguing Kahaani, watch it & see for yourself.

A Wonderful trip to Puri, Orissa

An Invigorating trip to Puri, Orissa

We wanted an unconventional Durga Puja retreat, so we decided to celebrate it with a trip to Puri, Orissa. We boarded the Howrah-Puri Express, for an overnight journey to our seaside destination.

When we arrived, in the morning it was sweltering & unbearably humid. Nevertheless, we set out to explore Lord Jagannath`s relatives` residence, in the evening. The temple was quite nice, and close at hand, was a Brahmachari Ashram. We visited a mini Buddhist Monastery, and the ambiance within it was serene. .

We dedicated the evenings to a seashore rendezvous. When you visit Puri, how can you overlook the seashore? The sea beckons all and sundry to get to know her, and intimately, too. Regardless of whether you know how to swim, or don’t( Like me)…..you must taste the salty water, to make your trip memorable.

On the next day, we visited the shrine of Lord Jagannath. The temple’s facade is exquisite, however as you visit the other temples, you will notice a pattern. This visit was eventful, to say the least. Crowds of jostling devotees made their way to this shrine and a mini stampede was on its way; however we managed to escape unscathed. The next stop was Sakhi Gopal, a small temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, which is amid Orissa`s oldest shrines.

We went to Raghurajpur which is a heritage crafts rural community inside Puri district, Orissa. We came across an artist who displayed some stunning examples of his work…on paper, silk and so forth. This person uses purely natural colors on his fabric, which makes his work more eye-catching!

There are lots of shops where you can get good and reasonably priced dress materials. Kotki is a kind of cotton fabric, renowned in Puri and Bhubaneshwar and you can acquire some excellent pieces, in the form of saris, dress materials, and even handkerchiefs…

The subsequent day entailed a visit to Bhubaneshwar. We passed Pipli, renowned for its applique work. Our first stop was Dhauli. The rock edicts bear witness to the ghastly war on Kalinga by the eminent Mauryan emperor Ashoka. This is where King Ashoka; sought refuge in Buddhism.

After Dhauli, we visited Khandagiri & Udayagiri, adjacent to Dhauli. The identical hills of Khandagiri & Udayagiri, is the site of a very old Jain monastery carved into a cave like structure in the hill. A few of the caves have exquisite carvings.

Nandankanan Sanctuary & Biological Park was next on our agenda. It is actually a Biological Park in a verdant landscape, where you can glimpse animals and birds in their natural habitat. A must visit feature of this park is the Lion Safari and White Tiger Safari, where you will get the opportunity to view lions and white tigers, in close proximity.

Our next destination was the eminent Sun Temple, Konark. This Temple is as the Black Pagoda, situated at Konark, in Orissa. By the time we returned, it was nighttime. En route to the hotel, we saw the beautiful Chandrabhaga Beach, which is located 3 Kms east of the well-known Sun temple of Konark. The waves literally splashed on the shoreline, and it was a sight for sore eyes.

Lake Chilka was the final destination. We went on a guided tour, via Odisha Tourism (Yes that is what Orissa is called, at present). This was also a memorable journey. By boat, we journeyed the Lake, which is amid the biggest saltwater lakes, globally. Moreover, it has countless Irrawaddy dolphins. We glimpsed a few dolphins, as well…

We visited an island named Rajhans….nothing momentous, though. It was just a deserted stretch, where people mainly halt, to unwind and to drink the refreshing coconut water, following a tiring journey.

This was a memorable trip for me, to Puri, Orissa. Apart from the shopping, there was a lot of enjoyment, and amusement as well. This trip will remain an unforgettable one for me, everlastingly.

Mystic & Tranquil Sikkim: An Unforgettable Journey

I went on a trip to Sikkim & Gangtok on the 2^nd of June. Our Journey was set in motion with the Darjeeling Mail. We experienced ultimate opulence as we traveled first class, for the first time. Chatting, eating, sharing memorable anecdotes along the way, it was a great feeling altogether.

It was an overnight journey, so we reached New Jalpaiguri on the next day. From there, we had to travel by car, to reach Gangtok, and this is a 4-5 hours journey. This was a bit grueling; nevertheless our first glimpse of Sikkim was enough to negate the journey’s stress.

We went sightseeing to view the scenic countryside, and Rumtek Monastery was our first stop. This monastery is a reflection of Sikkim in its calmness, tranquility and its religious conviction. The monks possess an inexorable religious belief, which seems to permeate your inner self. There is a Golden Stupa inside the Monastery which is a must-visit. The flowers outside the Monastery are amazing. I have never seen such massive flowers anywhere. Shanti View point enables you to view the picturesque beauty of Gangtok, at leisure. You can devour delicious veg momos, at Shanti Viewpoint.

The Chorten Monastery was next on our agenda. This is a smaller version of the Rumtek Monastery. Its white, pristine loveliness literally takes your breath away. To reach this monastery, there is a steep incline, which yet again takes your breath away. When we reached Chorten, the monks were engaged in some sort of a spiritual conversation and it was worth the climb, to view this sacrosanct place.

Our next stop was the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. This is a Library which is adequately stored with uncommon books as well as manuscripts related with Mahayana Buddhism. This institute has a museum which exhibits Buddhist paintings, artifacts along with texts. This was the educational part of our trip.

The Flower Show was simply marvelous. There were gigantic flowers, and this was spread out over a huge area. I have never seen so many blooming flowers anywhere, though I have come across my fair share of blooming idiots.

We went to the Ropeway, in the evening. It was an interminable wait, as there was a big queue comprising people and their family unit. The wait was worth it, though The Ropeway offered a picturesque view of the mountains, and as we looked down, it seemed as if the houses and the cars on the roads were like miniature toys.

Our final destination was the Handicrafts Museum. This place exhibited the most amazing handicrafts, of Sikkim. This included durries, bright colored bags and wallets, as well as wall-hangings, and other interesting stuff.

This trip was a memorable one, especially as this was our first trip together….my husband, me & my mom & sis. We went during the rainy season, which is why we saw an unforgettable facet of Gangtok. The incessant rains during the nighttime, and the sunshine during the day, was an extraordinary experience altogether. There was a feeling of melancholy, as we could not explore Yumthang Valley and witness the incredible rhododendrons. On a more positive note, we can look forward to that on the next visit. This trip, in the meantime was simply incredible.

Pleasing People:

Leading a normal life is in itself a Herculean task, nevertheless if you are required to carry out additional duties, life becomes impossible.

This is an aspect we slowly comprehend throughout life. When we are young, our parents expect a lot from us. We are expected to be model citizens, and not say a word out of place or do anything which is not accepted by society. This is the same society which looks at us with a quiet disdain if we do not adhere to the norms which have been set by them. School is thus a rigorous lesson in discipline along with instruction.

We enjoy a little bit of freedom, in college. This is in fact the rebellious stage in our life. Watching movies, skipping lectures, oh that was an amazing time indeed. It is almost as if we are permitted to be in the secure cocoon, however the flip side is that we are completely unprepared for what follows. After we pass out from college, we are bewildered. Our parents, our peers as expected, have a lot of expectations from us. Do this, do that. Further studies, or else a job. Here too, we might have our own way. After that, it is an obligation to look after our parents however i am sure this is a responsibility which we accomplish willingly , without much prodding.

Till this stage, life is somewhat bearable. After marriage, what ensues is almost something we are unprepared for. Firstly, your husband expects a lot of things from you. What i cannot fathom is why expectations are simply one-sided? Why do we expect such a lot from people without investing any additional effort within the relationship ourselves? Do this, do that, follow these norms, don`t do this as people will frown on this sort of behavior. Why do we even bother to please people? Who are these people who constitute society? Just a group of nameless, faceless people. Who are they to tell us what is right and what is not?

I have always believed in doing what i think is right. Right from my college days to the days of my vocation at different BPO`s, i have followed my heart. I have probably not done the right thing at all times, but i can proudly state that have learned from my mistakes. Society will not come to your aid when you take a wrong decision, however they are more than willing to point an accusing finger at you, if you have done something which is not considered acceptable. Expectations is a cumbersome burden which threatens you like the sword of Damocles.

At the risk of sounding rebellious, i state that it is better to follow your heart. Do what you think is right and not what others tell you to. I am not saying that your parents, your spouse are ill-meaning people, however their advice is not always well-meaning. Do not act in haste, listen to people, however take your own decisions. Do not let people`s expectations force you to do something you would never ever have considered doing ordinarily. Life is short, live it the way you want to, not the way people want you to live it. Remember no matter how hard you try, you can never please people. So why try?

Spirituality:its inner meaning What do we mean by Spirituality? Is it a palpable feeling or an indistinct one? Is it manifested merely by worshiping numerous idols? The 33 crore god-goddesses, as Bengalis are prone to stating. Does this mean that an atheist who does not have any charitable feelings for idol worship is essentially not spiritual? To an extent spirituality is heightened by idol-worship on a daily basis. This process invokes an innate feeling of divinity within us. We are prone to spirituality when we worship the idol as a representative of the intangible presence which controls the Universe. Is spirituality about worship or is it a far deeper aspect? Is it in the form of transcendentalism? Meditation? Will this bring us a step closer to realizing the real meaning of life?

We cannot deny the fact that spirituality assists in realizing our true worth as an individual. Can we not realize it, to an extent when we are immersed deep, in meditation? Is it possible to meditate to an extent that we lose consciosuness of our real self? How did the sages, and great men achieve this? Is transcendentalism possible, or is it just an impracticable aspect we read about, in books?

These are questions which will, in all probability remain unanswered. When we talk of spirituality, it is just the innate divinity of a person. Varied people worship diverse gods & goddesses. They chant hymns, perform rituals to appease their inner self and the gods in question. Spirituality is your inner perspective, your innate belief. This is what separates ordinary, god-worshipping mortals from the agnostics and the atheists. This is my opinion.

The Winter of My Life

Winter is a fundamentally indolent season. This is the time when we are reluctant to relinquish the comfort of our quilt and work. Thus,a break is necessary. Winter is ideal for picnics and outings. The slight nip in the air is marvelous and this is the time when we involuntarily reach for the woolens. There are times in which we end up looking like Santa Claus due to the numerous layers of clothing, but this is the time when traveling is a pleasure. Winter paves the way for Christmas. This is essentially a time for Christians, but what is to stop us from having our share of enjoyment during this time? This is the ideal time for fruit cakes....yum yum. If you are a MasterChef, you can actually attempt baking one, however if like me cooking isn`t really your forte, well thank Goodness there are places where you can buy the cakes. What do you feel when you look at the pale sun`s rays falling on the leaves, during the bleak winter mornings? It is simultaneously depressing and welcoming. As soon as you get up, don`t you wish you can snuggle back inside the comfort of the quilt again? After a while, when you feel the blood flowing in your veins again, that is the time when you start contemplating what you should do, during the day..........a long, lazy day which lies ahead of you. Winter also heralds death, the end of life. Innumerable poets and authors have referred to the time when a person reaches the winter of his life......imminent death. This could be the reason why winter is not everyone`s preferred season. However, in a nutshell i love winter and its infinite possibilities.........especially the nip in the air and the endless gourmet possibilities:)

A man for all seasons

Moner Manush

Saw a bengali film after ages yesterday. The film is Moner Manush, by Goutam Ghosh.I was never an ardent Prosenjit fan but i was pleasantly surprised first by Autograph and then Moner Manush.

Moner Manush narrates the exploits of Lalan Fakir. What is amazing about the film is the message it portrays, subtle yet loud enough to be heard. Communism, pantheism the film explores all this & much more. There are certain aspects which could be perceived as too bold however what leaves a lasting impression is the simple manner in which Lalan puts forth his views, within a delightful song & dance routine.

Prasenjit is amazing as Lalan Fakir. The lilting tunes almost involuntarily make you hum along. Another remarkable aspect is the humility of Lalan Fakir, who manages to put forth his inimitable views whilst acknowledging that he is unlettered.The film does not preach, this is something i really liked. There are certain bold aspects, however this is also a simple truth. When you are in search of your own identity, it is not essential that you must renounce everything in the process. It is not possible, nor desirable. This film is thus a search, for your own identity, your sense of worth......

The minus point in the film is its length. There are parts which are unnecessary and it could have done with some clipping at times, this is my opinion of course. On the whole it is a good film, a Bengali Musical if i may say so. But when you are detailing the exploits of a Baul, songs are necessary of course. I loved Prasenjit in the film and his commercial ventures notwithstanding, this is one of his best efforts.

The Unfairness of Life

Life is, at the risk of sounding cliched, filled with more than its fair share of trials & tribulations. This is an aspect we are forced to accept most of the time, however there are rare instances during which we can feel the beginning of a rebellion, deep inside. Why it that life is so unfair to some people, whilst there are people who seem to be born with the silver spoon in their mouth. Why is there such a disparity? There are people who are forced to beg for a living, simultaneously there are people who do not have to lift a finger, and are born with all the riches.

Such is life, fair or unfair, just or unjust, this is just the way it is & we would be happier if we could simply accept it. However, acceptance is not easy. It is just not possible that people would accept the injustice which is meted out to them. There are some, like Mr Bachchan, the charismatic icon who prefer to rebel against their original surname and to set aside the issue of caste-ism,they adopt a separate surname. But then, they are icons and can get away with almost anything. How does the common man rebel? Who would care if he does, and who would support him, if he did? To reiterate, this is life, life is unjust but you have to live it. To rebel would be to initiate change, and change is not acceptable to many. Let things go on, just the way they are progressing. This is the attitude of Gen Y....until & unless, we are brave enough to accept the tumult which accompanies change, this is the attitude we are forced to adopt as well. Till then, we have to accept injustice, tolerate nonsense, view the position which is rightfully ours being claimed by others who are not fit even to be in their present position. What can we do? Who would hear us, if we dare to complain? How far can a solitary voice protest? All we can do is stare silently, watch the unfairness of it all, and wonder......when would our day ultimately come?

Spirited Away........a spirited endeavor

Spirited Away

We were planning to watch a Japanese animated film named Spirited Away. My initial reaction was, this is surely something which is watched by kids. Surely we, were a little too old for watching this kind of stuff? Well, persistence did pay off, in this regard.

Spirited away is simply beautiful. It literally takes your breath away. the film centers around the adventures of a little girl, Chihiro and her foray into a strange land, with her parents. By an amazing twist, her parents are turned into pigs, and she sets out on an amazing adventure to bring them back to normalcy and to ensure that she can realize her true potential, and additionally seek true love in the bargain.

The film is mysterious, sinister and compelling all at once. There is an amazing smorgasbord of emotions........love, life laughter, cynicism, trust and faith which are interwoven into the very fiber of the film. This is all about trust between Chihiro and her friend Haku, who rescues her, predictably from all the evil forces which surround her, and it is truly mesmerizing how Chihiro repays this debt.

This film is a must-watch. This has been highly recommended by rotten tomatoes( all the film fanatics must be aware of the tomato meter) Moreover, this film is a sheer delight to watch....highly recommended.

My Passion,my Obsession,my Latest Addiction..........Farmville:

My Passion,my Obsession,my Latest Addiction..........Farmville:

My life is devoted to a single cause as of now & that is,Farmville.Yes i am referring to that addictive game on Facebook that has changed the face of the gaming world.

I am no longer considered to be an ordinary mortal...no sirree...everything has changed, I am now a dedicated farmer. My life has undergone a radical change after farmville....i eat,sleep,drink & think farmville.

Whenever people see me thinking & contemplating something,it is all about farmville.I wonder if my crops are alright,if i should harvest them and if that is done,when should i plant the next lot?You can call me a dedicated farmer.My farm is all that matters to me.I can renounce my daily soaps,my meals and even the gossip with my friends,but no....i can never leave farmville.

My emotions change everyday with farmville,i laugh with it,i cry with it....especially when it takes a long time to load....i am the proud owner of 2 dairy farms & a chicken coop.....whoop!!!I look after my crops with TLC(tender loving care),harvest my crops and yes all my animals are well fed and well looked after.I have even received the pretty garden ribbon.

Farmville is a necessary evil.I love it and even though it gets a little monotonous at times,i can never leave it.After books and diamonds,Farmville is a girl`s best friend