तो आणि ती

ते सगळे खर्च वाटून घ्यायचे . मोजून मापून , विचार करून, पै -पै  चा हिशीब ठेवायला तिला फार आवडायचं . ती त्याच्या पेक्षा कमी नाही ह्याची हळुवार जाणीव तिला हलकेच समाधान देत रहायची . तो पण तिच्या समर्थ असण्याचा आनंद व्यक्त करायचा . आपण इतर पुरुषांसारखे नसल्याचा अभिमान बाळगायचा .

रात्रीच्या चांदण्यात आकाशाकडे टक लावून पाहणाऱ्या तिला न्ह्याहाळताना त्याला एकच बोच सतत लागून राहायची .  संसार वेलीवरून गळून गेलेल्या कळ्या आजही त्याला सतवायच्या. आकाशातल्या ताऱ्यांमध्ये तो त्यांना नकळत शोधायचा . परिपूर्ण होता होता राहिलेल्या अपुऱ्या प्रपंचाकडे मागे वळून पाहताना त्याला त्रास व्हायचा . पण  थोडाच काळ …

" तो किंवा ती" हा डॉक्टरांचा प्रश्नं आठवला की त्याच हळवं मन स्थिर व्हायचं .

 तिच्या बाबांचे कृतार्थ  डोळे आठवायचे आणि हा न झालेला बाबा शांत होऊन जायचा 

To the best trip ever :)

                                             OK I have to admit it. Life offers you something wonderful only when you least expect it. I made friends with these amazing bunch of people when I thought I was over the age of making friends with anyone any more. And these crazy bunch of people took me to one of the most amazing travel experience of my life.After all the funny chaos, and agreements and arguments, We, by which I mean a group of friends decided to have a vacation to a friend's native place. A little village named 'Muktainagar' in the district of Jalgaon, a few kilometers away from the Bhusaval junction. I am specifying the area because its important to the readers to know that it was no where a near-by destination.
Excited : We always are. Prepared : We can never be.
                                                    After an amazing journey by the Maharashtra express, amidst all the noises of the general sleeper coach, the shared food, the chaiwalas and all the cold of the month of Jan, We reached the Bhusaval station. And following the quick brunch of steaming hot kachoris and a cup of coffee, we took a cab to Muktainagar. Within half an hour or so, we were received by smiling faces. One- of course of our friend and the other of his Mom. You can see the warmth in the eyes : true.
                                                     We washed away our laziness with good,lavish baths and headed of to the kitchen to help Kaku- My friend's Mom. She was delighted but didn't let us do anything at all. And this routine followed for the next five days that we spent at her place.She delightedly showed us all the photographs, told stories of her life and became an instant friend of us. Kaka- My friend's Dad, a retired army man and a farmer by choice, is a big enthusiast. Right from making sure we ate lots of ghee on lunch to roasting crisp Papads for us day n night,from arranging taxi for visiting places nearby to letting us have the coziest bedding, from taking us to his beautiful farm to getting the fresh bakery variety for the tea, he never made us miss our Dad. But his love did :)
                                                      I can write an individual note on the food that was served. The northern- Maharashtrian cuisine is versatile and is very unique. It suits best for the Indian taste palettes and trust me, if you like spicy food, you are at a right place. We had the most amazing dal preparation with Indian Wheat bread known as varan poli with the key garnishing of Home-made Ghee. A blend of traditional Indian spices saute with a fried snack popularly known as shev bhaji.The super creamy and healthy preparation of Egg-plant :our good old baingan topped with garlic and lots of green chillies served hot with Puris.Uncountable salad items fresh from farm. Lots of milk and milk products from the in-house dairy and what not. The most amazing part of the cuisine is the simplicity in preparation despite being complimentary to the weather around. May it be the road-side Chinese food served in Plastic bowls or the super healthy and relishing Sheera with lots of nuts-Food is a culture and I loved to have a glimpse. To top it all, more importantly- the hospitality and the way everything was served was unbeatable. I am sure a 5-star treatment is no less. No wonder all of us did put on weight by the end of our stay.
                                                       Days weren't definitely sufficient. Muktainagar is blessed with the existence of ancient Muktai temple- A saint and Sister of the Saint Dyaneshwar. The beautiful temple with lots of Varkaris gathered for the Utsav, the bliss and sanity of the surrounding, the calm and intimidating Tapi river,the fun-filled boating, the evening badminton games, ice-creams in the chilling weather, the smiling and helping people all around : What all could we possibly see and visit? We spent an amazing day at Shegaon- A place dedicated to the great Saint Gajanan Maharaj. What astonished us was the cleanliness, the orderliness and the perfection in management without letting the holy atmosphere getting disturbed! After a soothing darshan, we headed of to the Anand sagar garden. Spread over 100 acres, it was the most scenic garden I've ever been to. The lake, the flowers, the trees, the adventure sports, the toy train : It was one hell of entertainment. And with friends around, it couldn't get any better :) Lucky like a duck, The cab driver- Mama as we fondly called him and his little son were extremely cordial and fun-loving , just like all of us. Right from enjoying the Road side Paav bhaji to dancing to the tunes of fevicol, they added to the enjoyment.The beloved Cow whom we named 'Mukta', getting to meet my friend's extended family- all loving and affectionate, his old grand mom made us feel at home.Visit to another friend's place and getting to meet his family and cutest little baby niece was definitely the cherry on the cake :-*.
                                          I've always wondered how people from different parts of the world come together, share a life, share a moment of happiness and contentment. This was one of the most amazing learning experiences of my life.How do we get the chance to receive the love and affection from someone whom we've just met! How can people be so secular to have their Son's friends (female friends to be specific) be at their place for a week when I've seen the so-called urbanized people having negative remarks about this openness! I guess I've to repeat what I always say : friends too are made in heaven.When Chaitanya : who's place and home I am writing about pledged to be a brother to me, I didn't realize, We had earned a family instead. I hope I be a family to someone : like his parents are to us :)

It begins with me!

DISCLAIMER: the following post is the outcome of agitation of the author. Those with narrow outlooks and over rated self pride better don't read. Those ready for spending a minute thinking of something except food, clothes or football: go ahead!

                                       Right since I was a kid, I've always heard "charity begins at home". It was like the most common good thought I would read on the blackboards. It seemed so simple as I grew up. Compared to the huge, complex philosophical things I read around, such thoughts appeared childish. Later on I realised, these good thoughts that I was made to learn in the school in the value education class (if I was lucky enough to have a school with one) were the most hard to implement. Thoughts like "do a good deed daily" or "cleanliness is next to godliness" are something that I preached hard but practised : never. Why? I was too busy! Busy running behind some assignment. Busy fixing up a problem in the computer. Gossiping about who's going out with whom. Busy complaining about the bus I missed. Crying over that one opportunity I couldn't cease. My question is, did those things really deserved that amount of time or attention?

Its a pity that I live in the so called exponential times where indulging into a hobby is done to add the credits to the resume. Its sad to see that I often stand up to some causes not because I am meant to, but because that grabs me attention. Its a pity where I can't stop adding random people on my friend lists judging them on the cute profile picture they had or coolest info updated. While this is happening, I hardly find time to enquire about the sick maid who missed her work. Has my mind become so calculative that human tendency of caring is disappeared? Or just "click and share to save a baby suffering from cancer" is enough?
                           I crib about how dirty our country is. And yes, I don't care a penny while throwing the candy wrapper somewhere on the street. I blame the government for every single mess around though I find voting a waste of time on the only day off I get at the office. I insist my children to study in English medium schools and yet, never introduce them to books better than twilight. I speak in any foreign language I know when I visit MacDonald's and then complain that My mother tongue is disappearing with times. I can spend my Sundays watching stupid shows like "Roadies" and then conclude that "satyameva jayate" is a over-hyped program. I feel the education system is crap, the competition is killing talent. But yes, I don't feel guilty when I buy a seat I don't deserve. And then off course, I attend anti-corruption rallies and light candles that are supposed to change lives. I always walk out of the room without turning off the lights. I keep my laptop on stand-by mode. And then I write a one hundred marks paper of environmental science.what a paradox though : I score! I start driving before I am allowed to. I indulge into addictions, including social networking before I am permitted. But yes, I am too young and too busy to think about social issues. I am too young to start donating. I am too young to be aware of the problems around me. I never realise, I need an intervention.
                       I need to know, when was the last time I felt proud about my country! when was the last time I helped someone random? when was the last time I made someone smile selflessly? when was the last time I stood up for something I felt? when was the last time I fought against some injustice?
when was the last time I made plans of my life that did good to the world?when did I last do my share towards the environment? when was the last time I realised that the change begins with me? and I guess I know the answer for all these questions. But again, I am good at explanations!

P.S.: this article is for those who understood what I meant when I said "I", others : ignore, like 'I' always do.

To the place where I Live :)

                                         Civics taught us : food, clothing and shelter are the basic necessities of a human being. Economics added education and money to the list..( spare me if I am jumbling with the subjects..I am a science student). But value education always said : "The house or shelter is not a home unless it contains food and fire for Minds as well as body" how true is that! Home is the best place on the earth you can ever be. It is the real cave for all your feelings, thoughts, ideas and dreams. This article is dedicated to My home..probably the only way I can ever express my gratitude towards it..! Housyy dear..wish you could read this like you read my mind!
                              I live in a big old beautiful house. Yes..it is big like with 10 rooms and a backyard of which I can never get enough of! I have been living in this house right since I was three months old. And this house stands in it place and belongs to my family from 40 long years. My grand dad built it when my dad was a kid.  Righteously named "samruddhi" meaning prosperity and happiness..my house has both of these things in plenty. It has seen the childhood of both me and my dad. It has always been there. It has been with us when my family barely had a cycle and also has been a shelter to our dazzling cars. Its one of those things like stars in the sky for me. However hard the day might have been, its always there for me when I get home at night.
                              For me, my house means my sisters. I see our childhood in its every corner. I see my eldest sister playing the innumerable doll games in the backyard in summers. I see my younger sisters doing all the naughty pranks all day long. I still recall the uncountable cassettes we recorded with our singing and screaming. The uncountable board games with the neighbourhood kids. The occasional scrabble game with my grand dad. My grand mom's pleading and running behind us just to attend one classical music sessions she carries out in her room. And without attending that even, we siblings being one of the best performers at the yearly classical exams. My house means the various tricks my Mom had to make to make us eat when we were too busy playing. Its like a big timeline profile of our childhood. I will never have to look at the photographs of my childhood as long as this house stays. It has those memories carved on its walls.
                                     For me, My house means arts. It was the place I first read Charles dickens. My house has like 500 books from different authors and on different subjects n different languages. The atmosphere is like anyone can fall in love with reading. My house means music. It has heard my grand parents, my dad and me- all three generations singing. Its a very rare day when there are no songs or tunes played in this house. The musical tastes may have varied from classical to gazals. From old Hindi film songs to rock music. But the music has stayed. Its like even if we don't need it..the house demands it.
                             I am sure most of you will agree to this. Every house has a fragrance. Its neither good nor bad. But its distinct for every house. My house also has one. Its a mixed aroma of my Mom's kitchen, the crafty glue my grand mom uses in her arts class, the smell of different kinds of books my grand dad keeps in his closet and off course to top it all..the aroma from the trees in my backyard. From bananas to jackfruits. I don't know what it appears like to other people, but for me its the the fragrance of bliss and sanity. Its magical.
                          My house has taught me to have faith. It has taught me that the leaking roof means there is shelter. It has taught me that the scorching sun in the noon means the bright sunlight in the morning. It has taught me that all things can't remain the same. They need a change. All that matters is adaptation with the new times. It has taught me that you can choose the colours of your life like you choose them for the walls of your house. It has taught me to be big and accommodate everyone despite their differences. It has taught me that I can find god in the little idol residing in it and that I don't need to search it outside. It has given me the comfort to dream, try and even fail. It has given me the solitude when I most needed it and the togetherness when I wanted. It has been that integral part of my life on which I can always count. I may sound materialistic..but yes..this very house is the symbol of my belief in love, trust and happiness.
                             I have lived in this house all my life. Time may come sooner or later when I will have to leave. I might leave..but never separate. I wonder if my kids will ever play in its backyard like I did! Will they ever understand the stories the walls of his house witnessed! But I always will. It will take care of my parents and grand parents even if I am away. It will understand my need to leave and will always be open for me whenever I want to come back. It will rejoice when I succeed and will never let me loose my hope when I fail. Wherever I go, it will be with me. Because I don't live in it..it resides in me! My home : My family : My love : My life..:)
                            

FRIENDS :)

                                                                           There is so much written about friendship..What new can I say..! They say friends are one of those craziest creatures in this world who'll do anything to make you smile..Who'll be in every possible danger just to make sure you are fine..and yes..friends are forever..I don't deny it at all...All I have learnt in past few years is..friends are not just meant for that..They aren't just meant for being there..Even neighbours do that..Friends..are meant to Live life in a way it should be..They are the colour and the spice..! Though they not might be there just when you need them..they are those who'll be right in your house when you are being scolded by your mom..they are the ones..who wouldn't care if its your test tomorrow and keep on calling you..Friends are those who won't stop ping'ing you when you are busy taking notes online..! Friends are natural and spontaneous..and I am damn lucky to have loads of them..

                                                 You have a bunch of friends whom you know since day 1 of your kinder garden class..Those are the people who have seen you growing up..just like your parents..They have seen you making changes in your approach to your hair styles..They have been the part of the unfading school memories..They were and will always be the ones who know how you sounded in 3rd grade..5th and then 7th..They might not be in your touch today..and you might not even call them up for a treat when you graduate or get married..But they'll always know the way you topped a subject in some unit test..they will always know what part of the tablo you were in..they'll always be the first ones to hear your dreams..and hence they'll always be special..!

                                                 Then..they'll be  junior college mates..the ones who might have witnessed your teenage tanntrums..The ones who were the part of the uncountabel truth-stare-dare games that were played in the class..they'll be the first ones to have your cell number..they might be the ones who would actually see you bringing into realisation what your dreams are..or they might even be the ones who saw you fail...they are the ones who might have caught you looking at a random guy in the campus..They'll always stay in your friends list...and no matter how long its been since the last time you saw them..they might be the ones to say.."i knew..this gal would marry a doctor" after watching at your profile change 10 years later..!

                                              There will a refresh button with the graduation college..you'll meet random people..from totally different social and intellectual backgrounds than yours..but those will be the ones..who'll help you with your assignments..they'll be the ones witnessing the serious carrier decisons you make..they'll be the ones with whom you might have the highest number of coffees..from college canteen to a street stall..They'll see you falling in serious love..and also will see you getting over it..they'll be there to celebrate even if you pass..and they'll also be the ones who'll stand by you when there is a failure..They might not be the best of friends you ever had..but they'll always be the one with whom you'd spend most of the time of the day..they'll be the ones to notice the cranky sounds you make in the lecture..they'll be the ones who'll always have a place in your contact list..and the occasional texts you might send!

                                              Then there are random friends..friends of your friends..someone whom you randomly met at the coffee shop..someone with whom you exchanged novels at the library,,someone who'll be as crazy of a sitcom as you are..someone whom you added on facebook just beacause you had a lot of mutual friends..! You might hesistate in the beginnning..but they'll be your virtual world..they'll be the first ones to share stupid jokes or even to like your newly updated profile picture..! They might be the ones with whom you could share evrything..knowing the fact that you never have to face them..!There also might be a chance of frutifull conversations and enriching talks..some might enter your real world too..! and some might just always be the virtual acquaintance..! They'll like you activity like "is post graduating at XYZ" or "got engaged to ABC"..they'll poke you..and they'll keep on doing it unless there is a different networking site in the air..! They'll always be funn!

                                          Then there might be family friends..or friends that have become a family..! who are next to your cousins when it comes to family functions! They'll be the siblings of your friends...or friends of your siblings..! They'll always know what sport you dad likes and how yummy the food at your mom's kitchen tastes..they'll be the ones who have seen you in your rage..when you are fighting with your sister over a pretty dress..they'll be the ones who can fix everything..from a lost internet connection to a broken heart..! they'll always know how you look when you sleep and how you dance when you are happy...! They'll be your parents when it comes to responsibilty and kids when they need to be heard! 

                                              Whatever category of friends you have..or you are..everyone will always be special..they might not be the 4 a.m. saviours everytime..or not even be there with you when you are in the worst situations..they'll surely be the ones who'll get a smile on your face when you watch a stupid action movie..they'll be the ones who'll always hope the best for you! they'll be those whose stories you would love to tell your kids..! Don't prejudice the word friendship..A friend "indeed" might not be the friend "in need"..They'll be the sweet little world which will be just known to you! and wishing the best for them in the only thing you can do..! why not? They'll be one who would patiently read the crazy stuff you jot down as a blog..and then hit like beacause somewhere..they could relate to all this :)

On happiness..once again!

Was just sitting pointlessly staring at the computer screen..Reading updates of the Facebook wall..Bored that i didn't have anything else to do..or may be because i didn't feel like doing anything else..It wasn't Pitch dark..and the Almost full moon shined brightly..it was not really cold as it should have been around this week of a month like December and a place like Satara..and suddenly...there came a hustle sound from no where..! I was surprised and went by my window to see what was happening..and there was no human in sight..! I realised that the sound came from trees..the leaves were fluttering..the branches were swinging..it was all..the magic of the midnight breeze...unexpected and yet..gave a euphoria..of don't know what..! happens...isn't it?
                                                         I wonder..over these years..as human beings evolved..from apes to what they are today..whether happiness has a clear definition! "Happiness is a mental state of well-being characterized by positive emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy" defines Wikipedia..(we are so addicted of googl'ing everything these days..couldn't help..! ) But there isn't a defined way or manner one can feel happy..! Its different for every person..in every different situation...in every point of time..! But happiness does work wonders..(not giving a class on positiveness or anything like that..) But seriously..it does..!
                                                        Everyone of us might have experienced this feeling..the one you feel on the days in summer eating a roadside ice cream..the one you feel when you find your kinder garden nursery rhyme book..the one you collectively experience after winning a match even in your own society..when your favorite song is surprisingly played on the radio..or yes the one..when you just feel good about the rain drops falling from the sky..!
                                                       If being happy is so simple..why don't we do it all the time..! Why don't we feel happy about the little flower that peeps into our balcony from a little clay plot?? why don't we dance inside to the tunes that the rain drops compose? why don't we feel the bliss when we here a bell ringing at a temple ?? Why don't we ourselves feel happy like a kid when we see toddlers running up and down the house??
                                                     We often crib about not being happy...when asked "how are you?" we are most probably "fine or good" but never "happy"..!! Why do we keep on searching for reasons to be happy when we surrounded with plenty of them..! I don't want to comment on materialistic or not our happiness is... that is a different issue to be talked about..! but what refrains us from being happy..?? the answer is we ourselves..!! If a little breeze for a minute could totally change my state of mind...whats so difficult every time!!
                                                        I thought..may be scribbling few words right now will make me happy..so I did..Who knows..may be someone will feel happy reading them..:) :)

Dedicated to trees!

I have,all my life,lived in a town. A town full of trees. And to top it all i live in a beautiful and cozy house almost 38 years old. With its backyard full of trees..I have always cherished the greenery all around. It reminds me of happiness.Bliss.Though I am not at all a garden person(honest confession),I always love the company of trees.May it be a morning walk through the shelter of trees on a bright sunny morning or a calm soothing breeze under a huge granddad banyan tree,I love to be soothed by the trees. They are nature's closest miracles!
The lane which I live in is beautifully decorated with trees on both the sides. The trees are like a pandal coloured in green celebrating the gift of life.My room,specifically onlooking the road benefits from it the most. The rain drops drenching from the leaves and branches keep my room lively night and day. In the summers,when I am busy studying blaming the heat,these very trees do the job of a cooler-cum-air conditioner. That too...free of cost. And above all..they do not expect anything in return. They are happy and all smiles with the yearly rain they get from the almighty and keep on spreading the happiness all around. At least to them who want it the most.
These trees are my best friends in a sense..though i never have shown it..or given any B-F-F cards to them..they indeed are! They have heard all my secrets..my late night phone calls. Seen me dancing for something that made me happy..And also..have patiently stood by my sobs. They have provided me the much needed comfort when I was home-alone. Because they are something which I always have by side. Even if I go out of station..I find them..or their long lost cousins everywhere.They are awesomeness. They have been a garage for my little moped. They have seen me growing up. From 4-wheeled cycle to a shining car..they have seen me learn things..they have seen me overcoming fears..and also having new ones.!
And one day I come home from my college. And they aren't there! They are been cut mercilessly.Reason:they were obstructing the various cables! Its logical but hard to accept. Like when a dear one is kept one a artificial life-support system. Its logical they have to go. But its hurting. I stood there..watching them leave. Classified on the basis of usage. Timber and gum. Thorns and leaves. I couldn't help it! cursed myself but didn't say anything aloud..And what was the point anyway..They weren't here to listen what I was crying for!
Next morning,I woke up early for everyone's astonishment. Reason: not the melancholy of them being cut(lets be honest),but the direct sunlight..Trees weren't there to give me that extra sleep like you get in your aunt's house in vacations! I ran to the balcony and saw the little left over portion-the base of the trees.It was so deep rooted..it was difficult to be cut down. And that made me smile a little..years from now..trees will be back again..Being a world to someone..like they were and are for me.!

Cleaning the closet and more....

                                                     The heavy Rains in satara have always given me pleasure..the scenic beauty..the calm and breathtaking nature..more on that later..but recently..what this rainy season has given me..is a solitude..but in a positive sense. While the unstoppable rains cut out the rare chances of me going places...the power cut off's or low voltage situations cancel out the entertainment sources like television or my p.c..and then I am left with my little old school radio and thus I began cleaning my closet..

                                                        Starting off with the  clothes section..I realized I had lot of them (which astonished while I had nothing to wear every morning..)Some old...some brand new..Some gifted..some earned...and what not..!! That pretty little scarf woven by a far-away grand mom...the first LBD..and off course..there were my school uniforms..with badges..belts..scarfs and ropes..The day I passed out of my school..I had promised myself that i will never give my uniforms away..I had preserved them for five years by now..and yet they looked clean and laundry fresh..I wish it could have been the same with the school days..though they made me nostalgic..the memories that once were the only part of my life were gradually fading away..like a poem you learn for a recital..and then forget it after some years even though it had given you a glazing certificate...It made me think..!! Should I keep these?? these could be a dress for someone unclothed..but what about the memories associated with it ? How could I see this later on..? but the question was..would I ever feel the need to see them again?? dilemma stayed..uniforms..they stayed too..

                                                        Then I turned to a highly private section of mine..!! the cards,diaries and stuff like that..It had almost an overview of my life until now..the personal diaries you were asked to maintain in schools..they sounded so funny..the things I loved back then were the ones I totally hated now..and the ones I was cranky about were now a part of my daily routine..I was so different back then..I hated both of the ME's..and loved them at the same time..The moral education class good thought collection..the assembly papers..the hand painted Birthday cards by friends who I no longer had a touch with..made me to think what will my closet have after ten years from now...will it have the memories of the people associated with me today like this..or will it just be the same..??? Will all this matter to me? or will it just be crap..? Isn't this the same with our minds?  

                                      Somethings,some people,some incidents made a difference for a while in our lives..as time passed..it all overcame everything..but those things occupied our minds like these things occupied my closet..I didn't need to have them anymore..it meant nothing anymore..but I just couldn't get rid of them..not back the..not now..and may be never will..but isn't this fatal?? Shouldn't we learn to get over things? good or bad..they were a past..weren't they? then why should they be affecting our todays and tomorrows..!! sentimentality is good..only if we can deal with it in real terms..! The good should just be a step to do better and the bad a lesson of what not to..and the rest..is history..

                                           

Terrorism and Indian youth..

Terrorism today is the greatest problem faced by the mankind.The unending chain of international rivalry,aggression to become a world power is killing millions of non-guilty lives. And after the series of attacks since 1993..it is a crystal clear fact that youth are being transformed into terrorists.Young minds who are in a tender age of learning ways to live a good and dignified life are seen with ak 47's. The hands that would be best seen with books and balls are full of hand grenades. What an unfortunate sight..!!
                                                               India is now very familiar to terror attacks. Rather...it is now included as a familiar phenomena like rains..Transport,business,hospitality and entertainment sector is being harmed constantly. So,isn't the Indian  youth listening to the million people who have lost their lives and something even precious than a life in these attacks? Are the youth being cowards? are they getting used to this scenario so much so that it makes them stone-hearted??
                                               India is believed to be the nation of the youth. Ask them to march on roads for publicity of a film or to break down shops on linguistic issues,they are ready. It clearly suggests that the young generation is not weak or incapable..its just wrongly focused. With international crisis hitting Indian culture and well-being..isn't it a waste of time fighting within the country for interstate and inter religious issues? They are important and need to be solved,i agree..but there is something called priority..its not the need of the hour.."Divide and rule" is once again coming into force guys..! and its now an obligatory expression for all of us to not fall prey to it.!!
                                        Parents,teachers and other educational institutions have a remarkable role in this mentality creation. They expose youth towards globalization,competition and educational thrifts...why isn't it so that no college compels its students to vote like they do for submissions? why don't parents urge their kids to opt for upsc exams ? why is that young politicians are only from the families having political backgrounds? why is politics yet a dirty game for us?
                                               Terrorism is merely not an activity,it is a mentality. Mentality of destruction and evil. It can be only fought with principles of patriotism and humanity. and who else then young minds can do it?
                                                  We blame the system,the government but never ever think of changing it. 26th jan and 15th august are just public holidays for us. I am not suggesting the youth to leave their high-profile jobs and education to join politics..but this very education and qualification can be brought into a productive use for the nation. Why not vote,pay taxes on time,use your free time working for some n.g.o.? This isn't a lot i agree..but it is atleast something larger than updating Facebook status's and sending cause invitations.!! its our share in well-being of the society..
                                  Enchanted mind can ignite fires..we have seen lot of fires burning away our dear ones,homes and places of work..Now its the time to make this fire burn bricks to re-build this distorted society and the world in general..!! make India a better place to live in..!!

Vaari and me..

                                                            I have always been a believer of god..a strong one...though I never forgot to pray every night to the almighty..I always skipped the temples when I was on sight seeing...never fasted..didn't do any of the pooja's and stuff...and yet..I believed that god existed. I believed in the energy that made the universe work...and that fixed things right..that gave justice to the good people..and punished the bad...!!

                                                          Now...I had read,heard about the vaari since I was a child. it didn't interest me at all...I didn't get the point why people..young and old..men and women,walked so many miles for 15 long days..in that scorching sun and unpredictable weather...I never found out what made this process going for so many centuries...until I myself was a part of it...

                                                            I went to the vaari..first time..last year..on 15th of july..it was merciless sunny day..with tremendous heat and not a single breeze flowing in..I began my quest for the paalkhi.I was stunned to see the bright colors flowing through the roads...people so enthusiastic and carefree about all the odds..Intially given up..I didn't even realise when I began pacing in the direction with hundreds and thousands of other people..in the only search for the paalkhi..Didn't even remembering what life I had back home..what crisis I went through..what problems I faced..I became one among the innumerable vaarkari's..cherishing the unbound and selfless happiness..It was something that was very hard to feel or express,but at the same time..very lucid and simple..The rythmic sounds in the praise of the god were the best background music my life ever had. It was like having a long lost cousin back at your place. Everything seemed so familiar. I was astonished to find myself..so very stubborn usually..to be among the people I never knew..and would probably never meet again all my life...Everyone was a "Mauli" for everone else. There hardly existed any prejudices and hence personality,looks,gender,proffesion didn't matter at all. All that mattered was the uncontaminated expression of gratitude.Everyone had it in plenty..!!

                                                      These people stayed together,ate together,lived together. Wonder how many of them knew each other's names..!! The huge pan's toasting crisp huge-sized bhaakris.The tea stalls.The police men.The n.g.o. organised medical teams. The philanthropical associations providing anything right from mineral water to mobile charging centres..vaari is not just a phenomena..it is a way of living..a culture..in a broader sense..a religion.That religion which believes in spirituality and humanity.The one which has no discrimination and will never have..I wish the international religious crisis makers ever realise what following a religion means..

                                                                      And then came the ultimate point..when the paalkhi arrived..Until then then I never beleived in Idol worship.I just didn't find it right to trap the enormous energy into a single word-singular structured object..But when I saw paalkhi..and the way people flooded towards it..I realised something. Believing in idolatry wasn't a bad either...If it granted the immense strength and energy for infinite lives..why not..!! and I let myself in the crowd.Just for one whole hearted darshan.And I saw hundreds of eyes watered and smiling at the same time,all filled with emotions..finding their own almighty in the paalkhi..I looked at them with immense pleasure and gratitude for letting me be a part of this...and didn't even realise when tiny teardrops flowed through my cheeks.The myth says..You don't decide whether you be in the vaari or you don't. Its a calling..from "mauli"  itself..and trust me..I went for it once again..and will always go...indeed..once a vaarkari..a believer for ever..!!! :) :)