A World of Small Things

Moving on

2011-03-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

A world of small things is getting bigger and moving places.

There is always a first time for everything and you never forget that first thing. Blogger is my first blogging page and it will never be forgotten, but change is important and it helps one grow.

For the new style and refreshing looks follow me on http://vidya1.wordpress.com/

Cheers to me and my wordpress page!

Life pe Fida, JD pe Fida

2010-10-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

At 00:52 hrs its probably my JD speaking

or its probably my heart; what ever is the reason it made me open my blog page and scribble my heart down on a piece of HTML page.

What would I ever do without V who

Even after 4 pegs;

Even after not cooking;

Even after not tiding up;

Loves me like never before

What would we do without friends like S

Who without fail accompanies me till my last drink;

Who loves seeing us together;
Smiles at our fights and accepts us as who we are,

Sings and dances with us

Sharing joys and sadness together

For V and our very close friend S; for friendship and life

What's your greatest fear?

2010-06-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

The fear of being myself,
The fear of pleasing other,
The fear of being able to be;
a good daughter, wife, sister, friend, colleague
The fear of living life to my hearts content

In life we often do things to please others, this is mainly because we fear to live life in our own way, to our hearts content . The moment we move out of this circle and start taking action coz you want to and you'd love to accomplish something in life; your perspective of life changes.

To have this conviction faith is important, faith in life and in your own self. Then from that moment on you don't look back and you don't fear anyone.

Its not easy to have this faith and fearless journey, at times it can also me mistaken for arrogance. In such times we need to check ourselves as we are the own judge of our life and if you think you are right, then.

Just do it fearlessly!

Do you owe an apology to anyone? Why?

2010-06-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

That's todays topic of NaBloPoMo. I wasnt particularly exicited about the topic coz the answer is NO.....

I appologise then and there if I need to and so there is no need to carry a backlog.

Not to apologise is being a coward,
Which hurts you and others.
To appologise is to be brave
speak your heart and smile

:)

Freedom

2010-06-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

I looked up the meaning of Freedom and found that it is the ability to act freely ~ a state in which somebody is able to act and live as he or she chooses, without being subject to any undue restraints or restrictions.

I question if we are really free from our own guilt of thought action and deeds? I don’t think so. How many times have we given our near and dear ones the space that they need? Do we even realise that in the name of relationship we are imposing things rather than letting people grow and express their views. This is exactly what happens with our folks, siblings, friends and colleagues. Just as we get to know them we expect too much from them and slowly our ego starts dictating their life. This is something that I have realised over the years and I make conscious effort to give space in my relationship.

Is India free?

We live in a free country and we thankfully don’t live in an age where you are persecuted for expressing your thought, views and actions. Think again do we really live in a free country? As a country we are talking about a GDP growth of 8.6 % what sense does this make to those who still suffer from the basics of education and poverty? How does this help those young girls who are forced into a marriage? Over here we create a law to protect someone wherein use the same law to destroy many others. How fair is this? Where is the freedom gone to fight for one’s rights?
Today our society is male and female equally dominated, in the race of showing powers we have forgotten to be compassionate to others. The problem really is that everyone wants create their own rule. If we all are good enough to manage ourselves why do we need a democratic government and a bunch of cartoons to rule over it? I am not trying to blame the government and the people who try their best to organise themselves for the betterment of the society. I am trying to blame those men and women in black, white, brown and grey who are so week to give into their pride and self respect for their own petty pleasures to support bribery and injustice. Where is the sense of those millions common mortal gone to support these men and women in black, white, brown and grey? – I think of all these things and feel so tiny and guilty of not being able to do anything about this, but then again if I given into this thought I am denying my own freedom to think express and act as an individual.

Indira Gandhi's view of Freedom

During her leadership Indira Gandhi addressed the youth of our country and said that "You will have to take the lead, create ad run the country.As leaders we can only show the way YOU the Youth of India will have way the road that is created for you."
She said when "I walk around and meet people, they all give me a list of things that they would like to have in their area, town and village but no one has ever come to me saying what they would do for their area, town and village. This action is equally important. The victory of a country depends on their youth and if the youth can't fulfill the dreams of the country then 1, 10 or even 20 leaders rule the place it will not make any difference to the country.The only difference between freedom and slavery is that when you are a slave you listen to what someone else has got to say but freedom means you create your own way ahead and if we don't make efforts to save our freedom we will land up in slavery again."

Freedom of a country means safety, security, illiteracy, hunger, values, growth, mutual respect for human, environment, religion, advancement of technology and a sense of responsibility within every individual. ~~Will~~ this will happen wit each one of us taking responsibility for our lives, our surroundings,our society, our country and our world.

What's your favorite poem?

2010-06-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

English classes was my favourite classes and our English teacher Girija Miss being my favourite, as I type her name my mind wonders where she would be now.

Although I am not a great poem person, there are 2 poems that remains close to my heart from my childhood days.

The Solitary Reaper by William Wordsworth

Who starts of saying

BEHOLD her, single in the field,
Yon solitary Highland Lass!
Reaping and singing by herself;
Stop here, or gently pass!
Alone she cuts and binds the grain,
And sings a melancholy strain;
O listen! for the Vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound.

Unable to understand what she sings he says

Will no one tell me what she sings?
Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
For old, unhappy, far-off things,
And battles long ago

and finally he says

The music in my heart I bore,
Long after it was heard no more.

Every time I read this poem I picture the poet sitting by the green paddy fields, under clear blue sky and listen to a women calling out verses in her own language just to keep her going through the day, just like our farmers in the villages.

The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Although these are the ending verses of the poem, I see myself in these verses, I have always felt that in my life I have travelled the road less travelled and that has made the difference in my life.

Apart from loving these poems from my childhood days, I also enjoy reading poems written by writers who are not so famous. And finally of late I am enjoying every bit of what my cousin A writes.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

2010-06-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

My 10th std results were not excellent, but they were not good enough to get me into a science group. I agreed and accepted to take up commerce. Would I have fancied a science group if I had scored well ? I don't know is the answer. So, after having finished schooling with a commerce background, I was wondering what next.

I wanted to do something different, become a star and shine and not let my academic figures affect my desires. I decided to do my BBM and then pursue MBA and also join a NIIT course like my brother who fared well in it.

Simultaneously there was something more exiting happening in my life, more that what I had expected it to be. My dad had asked me to apply for Hotel Management and like a good daughter I agreed to put my leg into it. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but I was happy only because I was doing something different.

On the day of the entrance exam my dad dropped me to the examination centre and picked me up after 3 hrs.Oh no I wasn't a pampered kid, he only did that because I know my way to the centre, it was a Sunday and I guess appa was more excited for me than I was.

Within a months time I was intimated that I got selected for the next round in Chennai. Amma travelled with me to Chennai, I was wearing a Peach kurta with a parallel bottom pyjama. The panel asked me What is Coimbatore famous for ? I mumbled some thing that I cant remember now. The panellist called my city "The Manchester of India". After a few more general knowledge questions my Interview finished swiftly.

A month later I got to know I was selected, I was happy, more than me my mom and dad were. On a hot scorching afternoon of May Appa along with me, my bed and baggage landed into the hostel of IHM- Chennai.

Diana Suresh is the first girl I met in my hostel. New place, new life and a new beginning. I was scared and nervous but I lived every moment of it,even then I dint know if it was right place for me but now looking back, I am glad I decided to walk the road that was less travelled.

National Blogging Month

2010-06-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

This month is "National Blogging Month" and is dedicated to all the bloggers in this world.

I started blogging 3 yrs ago inspired by my sister. Words and I were poles apart, but still I liked the idea of writing and so I started off and even before I new I was hooked to it. My writing has taken inspiration from all corners, people, places and things. Words convey the language of heart and I believe in writing from the heart which is probably is the the only thing that has kept me going so far.

As much as I enjoy writing, I also enjoy reading other blogs too and this joy of mine has led me to sign up for various forums where I can simply enjoy reading other's blogs. In the recent years I have developed my passion for photography and was also gifted with a Nikon D 60 SLR with a 18 -55mm lenses, I have also got my photo blog site up and running. Its been a month now and thankfully I am able to post one photo every day.

My contribution on this month towards my blog will be write a post every day Thanks to NaBloPoMo who will be suggesting ideas for me to write about, so guys check out something different every day over here.

Finally I would like to dedicate this blog to each and every person who has touched my heart through their words.

Am Back

2010-05-20T01:45:00.000-07:00

I am back celebrating 2 yrs of our married life @ Isle of Man can't wait to write about it... I wish i had extended my hoilday to spare time for my laptop, fingers and chair...

Orchids

2010-05-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Orchids and Lotus are my favourite flowers, purely because they bloom without expectation, they symbolise life to me. They teach me to live life without expecting from others. When I lived in India orchids were considered an exotic flower and so I could not afford them in my garden.

Here's to my first Orchid plant in my house.

Breaking bonds with fear

2010-05-07T02:25:00.000-07:00

After having planned, cancelled, forgotten, rescheduled, ignored and being reluctant for years I finally managed to attend my first session at the Toastmasters yesterday. I am so glad I did that, I am happy and proud of myself not because I received a “First Timer Ribbon” but because I broke out of my own shell.
Speaking and reading in public has always been a challenge for me. I stammer for words and am conscious when I read. I remember standing bravely in front of 30 students and reciting poems at an English Class when I was 10 yrs and don’t know when that confidence turned into fear I now feel in competent and nervous about speaking in public.

Interesting speeches, narrations and a concept where everyone speaks and evaluates made me feel involved in the meeting. The 2nd half of the meeting was worth looking forward too, after feedback from the evaluators the toastmaster announced the Table Topics session. I was asked to put my name down for it, with a bit of hesitation I said yes and awaited my turn. We were asked to pick up a penny from a box; look at the year on the penny and speak about what that year reminds you of.

I could feel my heart beat fast as they called my name. I wanted to close my ears and pretend that I couldn’t listen to them but I stood up walked ahead, shook hands and scrambled my fingers into the box and waited to see what came my way. 2001 was the year on my penny and it took my memories back to my college days, it reminded me of a small town girl moving to city and experience a new life, studying course that was unusual and living away from mom and dad. That’s what I spoke about for 1 minute and 32 seconds.

People were pleased with my efforts, but I personally think I was nervous and I didn’t know what I was talking about. I am glad I got this opportunity, it’s surely a forum for me to listen, think and talk more and get rid of speech fear in my life.

Beach Closed

2010-05-05T02:12:00.001-07:00

Few experiences in life stay with you forever especially when you meet someone for first time. I recently encountered one as I met Dhyeya. Last Saturday morning I had planned to visit my relative, shobana who had told Dhyeya her 3 yr old saying that vidya aunty is visiting us today and then they will go to beach.
Little Dhyeya woke up early in the morning, got herself ready very quickly and was waiting to go to the beach. I walked in around 10, the first 10 minutes she stood there looking at me. I gave her chocolates, which she accepted and said Thank you as she was asked to do so. Then she got busy in watching cartoon.
Soon we all had our lunch too, by then Dhyeya was curious to know more about me, she started talking to me about her nursery and her friends. As soon as I finished my lunch Dhyeya pulled my hands and walked towards the door. I stopped her half way through and asked where are you taking me and she answered “Vidya lets go to the beach before they close it “. I was awed by her innocence; I held her in my arms and told her that we shall leave in 5mins as soon as the rest of them were ready to leave.
Till the time we got out of the house she went around asking everyone to get ready soon. We finally left and shobana was giving me a lift half way. As I got of the car waving by to everyone, I saw Dhyeya crying, she got off the car and insisted that I go with her to the beach. She wouldn’t listen to anyone. My heart melted away seeing her cry, I had to convince her by saying that I shall meet her in the beach and good girls don’t cry. Shobana put her back in the car and strapped her seat belt. They left as it waved bye to them.

On my way back home I kept wondering If Dhyeya was fine, shobana sent me a text to say that she slept through the journey and had a good time later on. I was relived and amazed at how quickly children get attached be it familiar or not so familiar people.

Spring time of the Year

2010-04-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

8am on a Saturday morning and the sun shines bright in to the bedroom. Eyes half open and hands crawling under the pillow grab her phone to check the time and tucks back into the duvet telling that it’s too early for a Saturday morning.
10am drags herself away from the bed to a cup of steaming hot coffee. 11am finally sets off the venture into the little town, to see clear skies with partially empty roads. She walks over the bridge as she walks beneath it she finds a pair of swans playing with their beaks travelling together aimlessly. Smiling faces with shopping bag in their hands hang around everywhere. End of every street there's a pub filled with youngsters trying to socialise, network and get ready for the busy night.
Markets filled with fresh and colorful greens; cabbages, spinach and courgette says pick me up and the onions and potatoes says I am your necessity; bright red tomatoes say “I am the last but not your least”. She walks further down to hear the hawkers say “Everything for 2 pound “ “Young Lady how can I help you” She stops to smile and say “eh…… can I have a kilo of oranges please”; she was lured by the salesmanship of the fruit seller. Old ladies and women accompanied by children try to make their best bargain; Saturday morning is the best day of the week for them.
Further down she finds the "inside market"; a huge building with tall roofing protecting her from the cold wind outside, rows and rows of shops fulfilling every need of a household. Fresh fish on a bed of ice, merchandise for baby, young and the old, tools shop, stationery, vegetables, fruits, cosmetics, flowers, plants, parlours and cafe you name it and you will find it. City Market shall always be the Old people's charm of this place.
Not too Far away from the city "look it’s a Football Ground!" She exclaimed; the lush green meadow with a net on either ends of the ground; young football lovers were trying to practise their skills on it. Besides it is a playground for children she could stand there for hours watching the kids play. Zoom.... goes a cyclists showing off his acrobatic skills."Did they get trained on these skills or were they born talented?" She wondered. On the public library is a huge chess board on the floor where the black and the whites are on for a fight. As she walked along the footpath she was excited looking at the young fitness freaks on a sleeveless top, cycling shorts with I pod gear for music and bottle of water in their hand.
The High Street! She could never miss that, one of the busiest streets in town. Shoppers and shopaholic grabbing Pizza slices, Mc Donald, Burger king and a coke in hand waking in and out of branded shops like Next, Marks & Spencer’s, Debenhams, Gap, Austin Reed, The VQ and so on. As she walks her ears tune into song "look into my eye.... “With a smile in her face she walks towards source of the song to find the violinist do a public performance. Every nook and corner of the street she finds various artists exhibiting themselves on a public forum.
Green Leaves spurring out of the brown bark, Yellow Purple and Red Flowers all around the city. Cheerful faces lost in their own world, bright and sunny skies and chill wind that blows though it. That's Spring time of Leeds in short.

Leeds Live it Love it

For a friend

2010-04-09T02:15:00.000-07:00

Brave are your thoughts
Courageous are your actions
The vigour to fight and to
say "Let's do it now"
Is what I learnt from you

Timid little girl
You have a long way to go
Live life every moment
With smile in your face and
Joy in your heart.

Shopping Stuff or Junk?

2010-04-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

During my Holiday in India, of course ventured out on a lot of shopping and once I got back home, I would be back with loads of plastic covers as a result of walking in and out of several stores. When I had to re pack into suitcase, I started ripping them of the nice fancy package and just the stuff went into my suitcase.

In the end when I finally felt like I am done and looked around to see that I am surrounded by unwanted plastic, cardboard boxes and paper. OMG! I said to myself, it seemed be a lot more that the goods that I shopped, which just goes into the bin.

When will these big brands stop emphasising on looks and package. Of-course I realise that the goods travel from the production house to the warehouse to the retailer and then to the consumer. But isn't there a better way of distributing these goods? I directly do not have an answer for this but then I realised what I could do is say No to Plastic Covers.

So from the next day I walked into the Mall and tell the cashier that I Don't need a bag, and I make sure to carry a small fordable carry bags either from Tesco or the one one my cousin gave my mom (and I flicked it from amma :P) from www.smallsteps.in and trust me I feel so good about making this decision. Now there is less junk that goes into my bin :)

Two Kinds of People

2010-02-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

I was having this very interesting conversation about religion to an acquittance whom i had just met. As we spoke i quoted the example of Zarina Wahab's dialogue in MNIK where she explains that there is no difference between an Hindu and a Muslim and there are just 2 kinds of people in this world Good People and Bad People. I some how love this analogy and this is what i took back from the movie.

Anyways whilst discussing this our conversation slightly drifted away to the topic of karma and I was trying to explain what karma means to me and ability to eradicate bad karma in this lifetime. As we spoke she said to me that what might mean good to me might not mean good to another person, so how do you justify good deeds in this lifetime . I went on quite confident on my belief saying that "we cant justify the whole world and we don't life our life from another persons view, and so as long as you are satisfied about the actions that you do in your life you don't have to worry about others". The next thing she said was quoting my own statement that "this is exactly what happens in the world in the name of jihad". They fight for their rights claiming what they do is the right thing, and she asked me that how does that justify?

I remained speechless and only ended the conversation saying i really need to find out more on this.

Inseparable

2010-02-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

His Smile made her blush,
but would never accept that she had fallen for him;

Coffee houses and pubs
knew them more than anyone else did
Cinemas and restaurants played their part;
in abstaining from people.

Away from the bustling city
long walks on the beaches,
she never never wanted to see the sun set.

Felt like a time, where nothing was more important
than being with each other every time.

Ego would rip them apart;

but his heart would melt as she smiled for him.

Neither with each other nor without
Best friends they were or
so they called each other.

Apple Muffins

2010-01-30T15:34:00.000-08:00

1 Apple - peeled, cored and chopped

Flour - 160 gms

Sugar- 50 gms

Cinnamon pwd- 1tsp

Apple Juice- 200ml

Wheat Bran - 50gms

Vanilla Essence- 1 tsp

unsalted butter- 55gms melted

Baking Powder- 1 tsp

Sift the flour, sugar, cinnamon pwd, baking powder together. Add wheat bran and apple to it, mix it with apple juice and butter.

Pre heat the oven at 190 degree.

Grease the tray or use muffin cups. fill the mixture into the tray and bake it for 25minutes.

Remove it and let it cool for 5 mins, Apple Muffins are ready :)

Bringing Change

2010-01-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

This year began with a determination of I will change things about me; and when i thought of what I wanted to change, loosing weight and being fit was the first on the list. So, there I go with a strong determination to loose weight before I go home in March. I have 7 weeks to sort myself out. I thought of joining a gym, but that dint really happen, coz most of the gym's are on a contract and i am totally jinxed about making any such commitment due to past experience.

So ya i started off with dieting, no no... i am not off food but then really watching what I eat. I am off fried food, potatoes, peas, carrots and paneer, pizzas. I have started having regular breakfast, including a lot of greens and veggies in my food, switching to skimmed milk and wheat-bran rotis. Trust me this is not depressing food in fact i feel healthy and light. Its about 2 weeks and i am going strong with this :)

Have another 5 weeks to go and lets see where i get after that!

From Challenges to Smiles

2010-01-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Guess it was a best day of my life as a leader and supporter. I was trying to nurture V in faith, and oh boy! what an amazing journey it was... a struggle between heart and practicality of life during these few month I felt like a sister, a mom, a friend and a member in supporting V. There were days that I got irritated, impatient and I just wished for him to stand up and be truly happy.

He challenged all us (my fellow leaders and me) to be a leader and support people. He dint let me give up on him. Had I done that he would have failed and so would I. He brought me closer to the gohonzon, closer to myself.

And my joy had no bounds when I actually saw him receiving his Gohonzon and sharing his experience.

Thanks V for being a part of us, for the struggles and joy.

An eye opener !!

2010-01-18T08:02:00.000-08:00

OMG !!!! is the feeling that i get when i look back. A whole year went by and i don't know how... 2009 feels incomplete. Feels like have clouded myself with my own negativity and gave into my own weakness. The result of it i became complacent and dint really care about my own self. It was not so long before V made me realise that i have stopped enjoying to write, cook, venture things and kept blaming my environment in short i had stopped living life and accepting challenges.
So... before it gets to late in this new year. I would like to say "I decide" fulfill my dreams this year. Be fit and active :)

Arti

2009-07-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

A rainy sunday afternoon, not knowing what to do we went around Roundhay to do a bit of Indian shopping. As we walk past Arti, we decided to stop and have our lunch there. We have heard of this restaurant before but never got an opporturnity to drop in.

As we walked in we were welcomed by the manager, who guided us to our table and handed over the menu. We were quite suprised to see idli, vada- sambar, varities of dosa in the menu apart from the regular having veg & nov veg option in starter and main course dishes. Vijay immediately decided on the vada- sambar and i had a masala dosa. It did take a bit of time for them to serve the food, which is understandable coz the restaurant was not busy and these were one off order.

I must say that that wait was worth while. The vada was soaked in hot sambar with generous amount of chutney splashed on it. My dosa was came the potato filling along with chutney and sambar. I was done with the dosa, but vijay went ahead to try their Gurathi Thali. It was served with poories, brinjai sabji, dall, kadi, rice, amras, salad, pickle and chutney. Wow! amazing is the word, It was not "jatka cooking" for sure. Enough care was taken to prepare each and every dish and suprisingly they bill was just £17.00 !

To end with i would like to say we haven't had such a delicious Indian food at a restaurant in Leeds. It's definetly worthy many more visits.

Arti Restaurant

285/287 Roundhay Road,
Leeds
LS8 4HS

Tel : 0113 249 0999

http://artirestaurant.com/Email : arti@artirestrauant.com

A Might Heart

2009-04-18T02:53:00.000-07:00

A story which i have been wanting to read & Watch for a while now. I finally got hold of it, thanks to Priya & love film i was able to read the book and watch the movie.

I loved Mariane Pearl, her courage to fight for justice and her love and affection to her family. Her passion to let her son know how brave his father was.

It was a victory over defeat and it simply inspires me to be stronger than what I am.

Will i make it ? A conversation with my mind & heart.

2009-03-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

Mind :- Feels like final exam.. nervous and tensed.
Heart :- Relax.. its just an commitment for a gakkai activity.
Mind:- Well i don't know why i feel this way, it probably means a lot to me. It's my interest to make a commitment to a cause. Cause for serving people, serving members and thereby seeing happy faces and feeling happy.
Heart:- hmmm, if you are so convinced about your mission, then why worry?
Mind:- I am worried, coz its the fear of loosing.
Heart :- There is no victory when u fear. Fear just builds up your negativity and does not get u anywhere. If you are so confident, then be strong and win with a courageously remember its the heart that is important.
Mind:- oh yeah may be.. i shall challenge it , lets see what happens.
Heart :- of course u will win... Towards a victorious March 14th & 16th Hip Hip Hurray ! :)

Obstacle

2009-02-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

One of my new year determinations was to get into the National Lilac Team of SGI UK, my interview date is 14th March and my 1st obstacle is on its way. The ticket prices are at sky rocking rates. I wonder how will i manage to get there...

but i am sure will get there somehow... lets wait and watch.

New Year

2009-02-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

It's so true when Sensei say's "As practioners of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism we must work twice as hard as others."

New Year' eve is a day when people get drunk to welcome new begining of the 1st day of the new year, and finally land up staying hung over the entire day. This does not make sense to me. Viju and I went out for dinner, met few friends, few drinks and finally got back at 2 am, but then i woke up at 8 and started the New Year by attending the New Year meeting. The meeting was so cheerful and nice. I was exciting to see a bunch for 40 people chanting together on the New year. I guess this is what Sensei means by contributing twice as hard as others :). But the irony is that deep within me i never felt like a new year and a fresh start until i happened to read The Human Revolution Vol 3. The book came to me as a gift from the New Year's day meeting.

I was amazed by reading the 1st few pages of this book where Toda Sensei Say's "Just as last year? I would be extremely displeased if Mr... looked grumpy, just as last year..." and so on. One needs to read it to understand what i am trying to get at.Basically it was a slap in my back to say wake up girl... its a new year a fresh start and not just another year. From then on, i had this new list of determinations and started the year with a fresh vigor to win.

Thank you Sensei :)

Wake up Girl!!!

2009-02-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

"It's never too late" is what i said to myself as began to write this blog.

Happy 2009 :) . A great year to look forward too.,, It's special for me as i think, determine and begin my fresh challenges not for me but for Vijay as well. I am exicited, nervous and scared about our dreams and challenges. The list is long and it's nearly a month over as i write this down but I guess it's worth giving it a try. Finally this is my wish list :-

To learn driving and get a car by June
To win everysingle day at my current work place and find the right job for me By June
To join the National Lilac Team
To have a great holiday with Priya in June, 2 trips to India, and 1 more to a unknow destinations. ( guess i am asking for too much here... )
Vijay and I to be completely Victorious at work
And finally to Blog more, cook more and not be messy :P

Good Luck Vidya!!!!

Terror and I

2008-12-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

Terroism looks like the big things that's on every Indian's lips. Common man suffering for no reason, people are getting and aggitated with the government, people in power trying to save their 'chairs'. A feeling helpless and a sense of powerlessness travels in the air.

There is a Gosho* which say "If the minds of living beings are impure, their land is also impure, but if their minds pure so is their land, there are not two lands pure and impure in themselves. The diffrence lies soley in the good or evil of our minds."

Thinking about this i wonder, if the minds of the people in my country impure? probally 'yes'. I am so ashamed to type 'Yes' to this question but this is the fact. Govt officials and people in position are corrupted. People who are supposed to protect the nation are protecting themselves. I believe its a total cowardice act. Media on the other hand are trying to reach out people, with and intention of increasing their TRP rating and not finding solutions to the trivial issues in the country. People who are supposed to give support and encouragement to common man are no where to be found. On the other hand common man are stupid enough to vote for the same leaders, year after year which has led our country to what it is today. The terroist have taken advantage of this situation making our country one of the 20 most dangerous country in this world. How saddening.

Our country strongly needs a democratic change, a change that makes every individual happy, and i feel this should start soon with the elections comming up next year. it needs to be a one with total diffrence, our country needs youthful minds to govern. A strong character who will put a fullstop to this nonsence, think more for the common man and country and less about him. Will this ever happen, if yes then who is that person and which party will win is a million dollar question? but i feel its also upto us to make sure this happens.

As for me i shall start by praying for, the right goverment to get ellected in the coming elections. Each and every individual to be throughly aware of the politicians before they vote. Every individual, young and old to actually caste a vote.

2009 will be a year of youth & victory: - Let each and every individual arise with a youthful spirit and stand up with the youth.
* Gosho- The individual and collected writings of Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282), which contains (1) treatises setting forth doctrine
(2) writings remonstrating with government authorities
(3) letters offering advice, encouragement, or consolation to believers, or written in answer to questions
(4) written records of Nichiren's oral teachings, including his lectures on the Lotus Sutra.

For a change - Vote by Not Voting

2008-12-07T00:50:00.000-08:00

I happened to come across the Gani website, as a friend of mine and i were blogging about the voting system in our country. I was impressed to come across an excellent Tamil writer, journalist, theatre person and a film maker.

This is what he has got to say about 49 O. Read on...

http://www.gnani.net/

And the link to my friend's post about the same topic. http://gopal-2expressmythoughts.blogspot.com/

I really wish that Gnani's words in Tamil reach out to the common man and the root cause of our current political scenario gets addressed.

If only i knew to read Tamil
If only i was in India
I would have read this out to those people in the slums next to my house.

This part of my Life is called Running

2008-11-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

Run, Run, and Run is how i feel these days, packed with a 7 days of work including my part time over the weekend i really feel i am running every moment. waking up to realised that i am just in time to get ready chant and leave, running for the bus, if i miss it or if the bus doesn't stop, running to catch the 08.25 or the 08.40 train, and then running to work and reaching sharp at 09.00
At work making sure i have attend all calls, answered all mails, made all the reservation. Finally winding up and again running just in time to catch the 17.15 or the 17.20 train...... getting off and running to the bus station to get the 17.39 bus as u don't want to stand outside and get frozen in cold.
Then off again to get the bus in time for SGI meetings, finish that and run again for the bus, if i don't catch on time then i wait for 1/2 hr which is not a great idea, come back and crash off... and follow the same routine the next day.
For some reason this routine does not even spare me over the weekends.... This part of my Life is called ''Running''

In The Journey of my Life

2008-11-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

I know not why i encountered faith,
I know that was the best thing that happened in my life.

I was wandering along an aimless path,
I found a friend along my path.

I wondered why i encountered faith.
I wondered what my mission was.

But I continued working for Kosen Rufu
Without understanding, without questioning.

As I attended meetings and spoke to members,
I experience immense joy and happiness.

I heard people talking about Mentor,
I wondered who my Mentor is.

I realised Sensei is Mentor
He was the one who stood by me
When I wandered an aimless path.

I realised journey of life is not easy,
but i know i have my friend beside me.

As i walk through the 2nd half of my life,
I determine to support alongside my mentor,
For the 2nd act for Kosen Rufu.

Sensei I will stand by you for the sake of kosenrufu.

The Bird by Vineet Bhatia

2008-11-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

One of the finest Indian restaurant situated in the Clarence Dock area that the City of Leeds could have. A perfect traditional home made Indian meal presented in a contemporary style. Of course it was expected from Vineet Bhatia, but to realise that it was also economically priced came as a surprise to us. A restaurant where customers are given a lot of space and time to enjoy their meal. Friendly and approachable chef's with and option of providing customised menus add to the quality and service standards of the place.

In short have a meal to experience it.

My Trip to Taplow for Regional Course

2008-11-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

Taplow Court is situated above the Thames River near a small town called Maidenhead. We had a 3 day training course starting from Friday till Sunday. This was my 1st trip to Taplow and Iwas all excited about it from the time I applied for the course. Just as I was thinking of booking tickets, Teely told me that Dennis was happy to offer lift to members from our district. Heromi and I Immediately agreed as we all had to reach by 11 am. Nao has a class to attend and so she decided to come back with us.
We started off at 7 am on the Friday Morning (31st Oct). Dennis picked Heromie and I waited for him at the train station. As I hopped in to the car we realised that we all were tired and sleepy. I was determined not to sleep. It was a bright sunny morning, seemed to me as if the weather was cheering us on our journey. It was 3 1/2 hour journey, despite my determination I dossed off as the the suns rays were hitting on my eyes. After about 11/2 hrs we stopped off for a break and headed again. In to time we reached the small town called Maidenhead. The road that led to Taplow was beautiful. It was narrow path with fully grown trees alongside, a typical country road. As we drove across,I was reminded of the song 'Country Road take me Home' by John Denver . We finally reached at 10 45 am. Looking at the Majestic Mansion of Taplow I was reminded of the Disney Land. I would run out of words to pen down the beauty of this place.
Heromie and I went off to freshen ourselves and get dress in the Lilac uniform. Soon member of the action team and course coordinators started coming and we started helping each other. We opened the door where our meeting was held. I was amazed looking at the Gohonzon. I was beautiful and big at 11 30 we started the action Gongyo followed by a briefing from the Action team led by Premila and Song Yun. Just after that the Lilac Team had a briefing to inform about the various activities that need to be performed by us. I must mention the encouragement given by Lynnet and Ruth ( Lilac Chief and Vice) saying that ''We are not forced by anyone to become members of SGI and work as Lilacs today. Its because of our own determination that we are here. Hence our duty is give 100% for the protection of members and their duty as Action and Vice Lilac Chief is to support us in contributing 100%''. This really touched me andI determined to give my 100%. We were all give our schedule explained about each and every role . We all set off Lunch at 12 noon to the cafeteria where we were served some nice English lunch. Just as I finished it I headed to set up the refreshment area after which, at about 13 30 I went away to set the Linen. It was in the accommodation block where we were staying, i had to set up the linen and hand a set of Pillow case, Bed sheet and Duvet Cover to each and every member who arrived. Around 14 45 I left the place leaving a note for the members to help themselves.
The Meeting officially started with an evening Gongyo and a welcome note from all senior leaders in faith. I was sitting in the front row protecting the Gohozhon and the speaker. My role was actually to keep an eye on the speaker, to keep chanting within my mind and of course to chant in front of the Gohozhon when No one was around. Then we watched a video of The Headquarters Leaders meeting in Japan, which was led by our mentor Daisaku Ikeda. It was a 45min video and in the end every one chants for 5 mins. It was amazing to realise that even though the language used in the video was Japanese with sub titles in English, the only one thing that relates all of us Nam Myoho Rengo Kyo. The rest of the day continued with a Lecture session, Dinner and group meeting. Just as we were going to wind up the day during our action debrief we were wished ''Happy Halloween'' as the two beautiful young women walked into our room all decked up and loaded with chocolate and lolly. .The day wounded up at around 11pm as I rolled into the bed after having a chat with my room mates. It was really like going back to boarding school or college hostels.

The next morning I was up at 6 am to get ready for the action Gongyo at 7 am. Followed by breakfast at 8 am then back to action as the meeting started. As a lilac I again got to do water rota, protection in front of the gohozhon, and door duty. We had some experiences and lectures by senior member in faith and also a commemorative photo session to be sent to Sensei. At 12 noon we broke for lunch, after a quick lunch I started helping the canteen staff by clearing plates. Soon we realised that the dishwasher had broke down and with in few seconds we had the men's division members helping the canteen staff in cleaning the plates. I cud not stop appreciating them. Once all members were done with lunch, i started cleaning tables and setting it ready for dinner. Followed by the Lunch break we had an hour time practise for entertainment. I really wanted all the Lilacs to sing the song created by Mathangi called '' Mission of our Lives''. This was such a challenge for me as its a new song an none of the lilac's new it. The song also had a high pitch and base notes, hence getting on to perfection was just big challenge. From the very begining i was just chanting for the song to be sung and delivered in a perfect manner. I don't know why, but I desperately wanted to do this performance, and giving up halfway thru was giving into my own self. We all gathered together and listened to the song. Then we realised that there was a member who knew music and could train us. Just in a matter of 15 mins we managed to sing the song pretty well.
We then continued with the meeting, got to listen to Barbara's Exp (my women's division district leader). It was brilliant, I totally admire her for being a women, a single parent, bringing up her kids so well that both are settled now, fighting for truth and justice and supporting all of her members. She is a mom to all of us. She is a victorious woman. Then we had a Q & A session from SGI UK Director General. who answered to members questions regarding faith. Soon it was time for dinner and the cafe at Taplow turned into a venue filled with poem, dance , music laughter and loads of fun, and yes the song - it was sung without errors and the crowd joined in too :) . The day finally ended with action debrief.

I was not Lilacing the next morning and so I woke up at 7, got ready, cleared our room, checked out and headed for breakfast. Today also I helped in canteen after breakfast and lunch. After the morning Gongyo we had some free time, I used this time to walk around the Taplow court. As I walked around the lush green pathway I could hear bird chirping, water from the fountain gushing into the pond, and the white Lotus blooming from the pond. Gosh, it was sheer beauty, I missed my camera!!!. Soon it was time to head back, and all of us formed into groups and started cleaning the accommodation building at Taplow, we cleaned the bathroom, toilets , washbasin and mirrors. It was so much fun, talking helping and working towards a common goal. It was followed by experience and Lecture which spoke about the credit crunch and how can we work towards it. ''Taking action'' is something that I learnt from these three days course. We then broke for lunch, as usual i had a early lunch and helped the canteen. Just as I was walking out I met Divya, a member from Bangalore with whom I practised. I jumped out of joy in meeting her, it was such a surprise. We then carried on to our work.

As I was getting back to the hall i thought about a fulfilled wish, ''Yes, its an experience, it's a Victory'' I said to myself. Exactly a month ago on 5th Oct I wanted to do a canteen activity at Taplow, Divya was also gonna be Lilacing that day; by 3rd Oct everything was set, my slot to do an activity was booked, I found some one who was gonna give me a lift, and i told myself that if I got a lift I would get a rail card for me and that happened too. The very next day at 3 pm the person who was to give me a lift told me that he was not going. hearing this news, I broke down, I dint get tickets to go directly and had to call taplow to find a person to replace. I felt miserable, I felt I had let Taplow down and also felt betrayed by the member who said he would give me a lift. I called senior members and she just asked me to chant and said that there is probably a reason behind it. I dint have a choice but to accept this situation. I determined to do another activity very soon....... I finally stand at the premises of Taplow, contributing 3 days of voluntary work at canteen and also met the friend I was supposed to meet. How fortunate!!!!

I headed back to Toda Hall, where we had some determinations for the Area. Finally just before we closed Sensei had sent some cookies for us, so the course ended with a tea break along with some lovely cookies from Sensei.

I spent some time at the shop, brought stuff for friends and other members. As I was shopping Divya met me again and asked me if I was buying a Gosho book, I said no. She immediately turned around and picked up one for me and said that's my gift. she would mot listen to me if i refused it. I dint have a choice but to accept it. My heart was filled with joy, gratitude and emotions. Honestly I wanted a Gosho book, but it worked out expensive for me to invest for myself and also buy stuff for my friends and members which was also important. So i decided to give up on my needs and buy for others, and realised that even I got what I wanted. Mystic is all I can say.

We also had a quick snap with all members from my district, finished it and went in to have some Tea and cookies, It was 3.15 by then and we had our final debrief for the action team.At around 4 pm we victoriously headed back home. On our way back, Anna, Nao, Dennis and I had 4 hr conversation about faith, life, people and challenges. It was such an awesome experience. Dennis dropped all of us back home. I came back to my little space feeling victorious.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

4th Nov 2008

Leeds, UK

Diwali in Distance

2008-10-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

The thought Diwali takes me to a nostalgic memories of family shopping which would ideally start 3 weeks earlier, followed by my parents making various sweets and savouries. My sister and I would barge into the kitchen every now and then to taste the mixture, thattai, thengoyal, chocolate burfi, thenga burfi and so on. On the day of the Diwali all efforts will be taken to wake both of us starting with mom, followed by the various special entertainment on the television courtesy my dad and finally the noise of bursting crackers around our house. When we finally wake up we would be made to sit on a palagai and in no time be soaked with warm nalla yennai on the head. Once we are done with thalai kulial, we would take blessing from our grandfather and wear new clothes followed by the cracker bursting session. During the day we would have friends and neighbours coming over to exchange greeting and sweets.
This was probably the ideal way of celebrating Diwali few yrs ago. Today the entire concept is modernized and advanced. Sweets are made to order and crackers are sold at sky rocking rates and still there are people to buy it. Money overcomes authenticity of events. The other side of it you will also find thoughts and voices of individuals who dont burst crackers as it contributes to noise and pollution. For them Diwali just means a day off from work, meeting friends and great Dinner.

Today sitting in this cold country, i feel like Diwali is virtually celebrated. The joy of speaking, wishing and hearing about how our loved ones celebrate it back at home is only way i could relate to it. This day is special to me which is not realised person walking next to me on the street which means that responsibility and work routine is a part of life. Its probably like celebrating Christmas in Indian village. But despite all this i manged to contribute my bit by making thattai and carrot halwa and really feeling the spirit of celebrating Diwali from within my heart.

Hope i am back in India to celebrate it next year.

The Gordon Ramsay's Style

2008-10-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

One day as i was going thrugh GORDONRAMSAY'S SECRETS book and i start up a conversation with vjiu

Vidya:- Viju, Do u know to make infused olive oil?

Vijay:- Obviously, what a question. Ek Chef ki itena bh

i naki aata hai kya?

Vidya:- No i am sure u know, but we never make it at home and so i have not seen u doing all these stuff. Achha bolo how do u make it?

Vijay:- Warm the olive oil, put basil in it for a min and the pour it into a bottle with the basil, and seal it.

Vidya:- No, Gordon Ramsay Says seal it when its warm and store it in a cool place. Can we make it, we have got olive oil at home.

Vijay:- Whats the use, we will never use it. By theway u can also infuse diffrent stuff life, chilli, Red pepper, Garlic and so on.

Vidya :- Well we could use it in our pastas. But yes if we daily keep eating dal, rice, roti, sambar, and rasam we will never get to try those exiciting stuff. Oh Gosh! There is no use of getting married to a chef, might have got married to a software engg, atleast i would not expect him to teach and cook all those exicitng dishes.

Vijay:- Achha baba we will make pasta tonite. You boil the pasta and i will come and make the sauce.

Vidya :- Well i need the sauce Gordon Ramsay Style. from here on i will check the proof of recipe of every dish you cook and this book is my guide.

Vijay:- Bang, Bang, Bang (hits me with the book). Go get married to Gordon Ramsay

Vidya:- Cant has already got Tana (his wife). By the way how do u make Pesto Sauce ?

Vijay:- Boil and blanch the pistachio nuts, blend it with Pramasan Cheese, Basil, and Olive oil

Vidya:- Wrong Gordon Ramsay Says that Clasical Pesto sauce is made with pine nuts, u need to blend it with parmasan, add basil and olive oil. Store it in a tight Jar and refidgerate it for a week.

Vijay:- And then what do u do with it.?

Vidya:- I dont know.. He has just told how to make the pesto sauce, but not what to do with it.

And we both laugh at it..............

Life is Mystic

2008-10-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

Life is like Music. When one listens to music he mentally seems to understand the lyrics but does not know why the sound or the lyrics of the music make him feel happy or sad after listening to it. No one in this world can explain or prove scientifically the reason for such feelings. Last evening vijay and i were sitting and discussing on our future plans of changing houses, the good and bad this decision. His new job and how its gonna change our life and what he really desires to achieve from this and of course our financial strains caused as a result of taking this step. I guess its very common among partners to discuss these issues. Every thing seems to be fine and we kind of came to a conclusion. After a while on the same evening vijay received a call from his future employer stating that he will have to move to Bristol as the restaurant in Leeds is not doing great business as expected. It felt like a leaf falling off from a strong tree. After that we sat there the whole evening thinking about our new plans and decisions. confused and irritated we decided to chuck everything and went out for a dinner with a friend......
That is why i call life - Mystic

Happy Independance Day!

2008-08-15T02:57:00.001-07:00

A day that we would be woken up by telephone greetings from our relative to wish us. SMS flying all over, TV channels trying to screen the best of their events. School kids moving all over in white with a tri coloured flag in their hand. All these years i never felt great about this date, until today where i wake up to see myself in a lonely room, as i open the curtains and see a bright sunny morning and a lonely road and said to myself Happy Independance Day! :)

Ma

2008-06-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

A lady who has insurmountable love and affection for her family especially her husband and children. Her life revolves around her kids and for most of the young children its A relationship that is taken for granted.

It's a relationship that goes as long as one's age. from the time of giving birth to us till we go to school and college she does everything for us including taking care of our belongings, bringing lunch boxes to our schools, speaking to teachers on our progress, signing on our report cards, giving us pocket money, fighting with dad's in favour of us, meeting our friends and entertaining them at our houses. the list goes on....But the irony is that after this stage we tend to take her for granted, we take decisions on our own and don't even inform her half of the things that is happening in our life... how sad can that get. But as a mother she is still interested in making sure that your life moves on to a right path. Then she wants you to get settled in life which means get married in life. Once you agree to it ... There starts a phase of huge arguments, difference of opinion and ideas in the process of getting married and once you finally get married this lady has limits to the joy that she receives in conducting the wedding........

This note is a ode to my Mother on her b'day to thank her for all that she has contributed in our life. Thank You Ma

Passing Clouds

2008-04-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

i know not why this happened and if it is good or bad?

i just take it for good and decide to move ahead with life.

Listen to more music, meet more people and do activites..

Finish of my pending work, shopping and have a little fun.

i am sure the next 15 days will just vanish away and sooon i will be surrounded by people congratulating me and wishing me All the Best..

And that will be the begining of my new life.

Looking Behind and Looking Ahead

2008-01-24T06:12:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to sit down and pen down about how 2007 has gone by and how i would like to welcome the new year, My plans ahead and what i look forward toooo.... as i realised that i have not done it, its already a month gone by...

2007 was a year with lots of ups and downs; rather more downs than ups. But i always learnt from all experiences.
I lost my grandpa on Jan 21st 07 ... he was a man of great will , self confidence and courage. This was the my first witnesse of a death of someone close to me. Death can bring life of near and dear ones to STOP; but death is inevitable and life of others has to move on. My grandpa also used to say the same words.

At work my increments we not good enough, i knew i contributed more than what was expected, but realised that it is not enough. "If you need more money then you need to know ways to impress your boss." A big lesson learnt. Make your work visible and audible else you be considered as a not enthusiastic and dumb person. This holds so true in case of my colleague Neha. I pity these so-called Established Organisations which not employee friendly and works only influences of the departmental heads.

Well the best thing about 2007 is that Vijay and I were able convince our parents and get our wedding dates fixed.... not only that Viju also moved to UK, he was trying hard to get a break in that country

Moving forward... there is so much to do and expect in future.. My marriage, moving in to new country, finding new job, etc etc.... I know its a big struggle... especially because both of us are struggling to settle ourselves in our careers. Which means no savings, desire to study further, desire of selfish needs of a human being like, a good cozy home, shopping, eating out, supporting parents, travelling and the list goes on... All this boils down to a problem called "Financial Crisis" and in 08 will see my life entering into this problem. There is only one thing that strikes me at this point of time, i.e

Life is a journey; it has ups and downs
Now lets challenge them all boldly.
And this my life I am gonna give it all
To my mission endlessly

Pondicherry

2007-12-29T10:23:00.001-08:00

A long lasting trip was fulfilled as I travelled to Puducherry as its called now. Vijay and I hit the roads early in the morning at 5 am. Its am amazing experience to ride cutting across the chill wind of the ECR Road. Our 3 hour-long journeys ended at 8 am as we had breakfast at The Promenade, A hidesign hotel across the beach. I was quite impressed looking at the no of foreigners staying at the hotel. The restaurant was packed with French tourist.

We started the day by taking long walks along side the beach; the shore of the beach is covered with bed of rocks on which there is a pedestrian walkway is built. Hence once can only see the water hitting the rocks and gushing back to where they came. At around 9 am we decided to visit the “malakulam vinayakar”; the irony of the temple is that long long ago there used be a pond on which a tree grew up and hence the god Ganesha was name Malakulam Vinayakar. Out side the temple you will find a very friendly elephant that bless all tourist on their head as they bend. Mind you the elephant does not eat bananas, so get him a loads of “Arikam pullu” if you like.

After the temple we headed to aurbindo ashram, a quite place where all devotees of “The Mother” go to pay visit to her centenary. The ashram has also got a bookstore and library. You also get information booklet, which tells about the different stores at the French Colony. You can browse through http://www.sriaurobindoashram.org/ before heading here

We then headed to my favourite shop Auroville where I went on shop for loads of agarbatti and lanterns. Please don’t miss shopping at auroville its definetly much cheaper than their shops in Chennai and Pune. Next was shopping at MG road, one of the oldest and busiest road in the town. Here you will find some branded shops and showrooms. You will also find garment shops selling Tirpur export stuff. They are really cheap but you will have to hunt for good fitting clothes.

We next headed off to Auroville, which is 20km before Pondicherry on the way to Chennai, before going we did take a look at the governors house, which was a beautiful huge mansion. We reached auroville around 12 noon after riding through bumpy and muddy roads. This is an international township established by The Mother who created auroville to fulfil her mentors Vision – “ A new forms of individual and collective life, preparing the way towards a brighter future for the whole earth”. In the centre on Auroville is loacated “ Matrimandir”. The beauty of this place cannot be expressed in words. Please browse through http://www.auroville.org/ for more details about this place. It takes you a good 2 hours to look at the beauty of this township. We had lunch at the Auroville café, the food here is extremely good. They are made of organic ingredients and the best part is its not expensive.

As we finished our lunch we headed out back to Nama Chennai.

........ somethings that I cannot forget about this trip.

The colonial feel of the city.
The rough waves of the sea hitting the rocks.
The small two wheeler-hiring shops.
The French riding bicycle and two wheelers through the city.
The sight of rickshaw wala.

The names of road written in French.

Good Day

2007-12-27T09:40:00.000-08:00

After a long time, today i felt good about my day. Woke up on time, which enable me to relish and sip up my morning Kapi; followed by a good half an activity. Reached work on time, spent the day working hard, no wasting time, no bitching :).
Surprisingly also left work on time, was also able to catch up with a new member at work for an activity; Then some shopping, cooking & Dinner, finally spend some with personal e mails and uploading snaps which due for a very long time. I also spent time calling and catching up with long forgotten friends.

Extremely exhausted by the end of the day but still relishing as i complete this Blog.

Bombay

2007-12-19T01:43:00.000-08:00

A city full of life!

That's wat one can say about our Mumbai. A city that never sleeps. Business is plenty, people work out of shops which is hardly 100 sqft and located in the basement of buildings. Each one of them doing extremly welll and have been established for years together. At night this city looks more beautiful than during day. The roadside restaurants do not close before 1 am in the morning.

A view of this city through the 12th Floor of my anunts house is breath taking. Look down and you will find the railway track, and then the slums, and then the multistoried tall buildings.

This is the only city which has the rich and the poor, people belonging to all cast and religion. where every one has ways and means to survive.

in short Lively is what i can say

A genuine Policewala

2007-11-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

It was 8 30 in the evening on a saturday, when my sister and i finshed our shopping and approached the auto near commercial street entrance. I thought this would be another day where we will have to request each and ever auto wala to take us back home; but to my suprise i found a police wala standing near the auto stand.

As we approached him, he asked us where would we like to go? i said Jeevan Bheema Nagar, and then as usual few of the auto refused to come and the others asked for more money. This attidude of the autowala put me off and I immediately asked the cop " Sir ye log kyu nahi athe hai?". He replied in kanada, but in a very expressive manner. I could understand only a bit of his conversation. Just after that we got an auto, jumped into it and thanked the policewala.

On my way i was discussing with my sis on what the COP spoke... He actually told us that " He was standing for our safety, after 8.30 all auto wala's want to go home. if he forces any one they could drop us half way. Hence he make sure that he co ordinates and sends both the traveller and auto wala on the same route"

How sensible i thought.........

Movies & Media.....

2007-11-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

Turn on to any Hindi TV channel, News papers and even the radio... all you could here about is about Om Shanti Om, Savvaria, Jab we met and Nach Le....

I wonder what is the motive of such movie makers.... making a good movie or just earning their money back , Why do movies need such enromous propoganda...? Does advertisement really lead to revenue and profits for the movie makers? I am sure it does... which is why this industry is one of the most important revenue generator for Media Industry.

Thinking about it i cannot understand who's mistake is it? the movie makers or the viewers.. They are encouraged only because of public like us who help them achieve their goals in life....

I till date have not watched any of these movies... and i have not lost anything in life. Infact i am happy i am not one of those who desperately watch all the over hyped movies on the first day- first show.

My recent Holiday

2007-11-12T10:23:00.001-08:00

One of the most boring things is to go on a holiday to go back home to coimbatore, i had not been to that place for the past 9 months. Living in bangalore and not going home was avery wiered thing for lot of people around me. well i never went as i just dint enjoy there. Well !!! we dint have a choice this time my sister and I had to go home for this Diwali.

I must admit that this trip was a amazingly diffrent. The day after we landed, we decided to take a cab and go to the famous "Annakatti Ashram". The last time i went there was 7 years ago and i remembered nothing more than the entrance to Ashram. It was a journey of 40 mins from my house passing by a villages, muddy roads and speed breakers on our way. We finally reached there.

It was a very calm environment; we went in to realise that it was called "Ashra vidya Gurukulam" run by "Swami Dayanad Saraswathi". Our first meeting was with a retired elderly gentleman, my dad as usual ran into a detailed conversation with him, we realised that he takes care of the admin work at this place and regularly visits the ashram trevelling 40 km per way once a week. after our conversation he asked us to go around the palce and also visit the temples inside the Gurukulam.

As my mom i were waiting after our regular "pradakshinam", i realised that my sister and dad were missing... after a minute i realised that they had landed at the library. I too followed them where we met this Young gentleman named rajesh. He was a software engnier who had given us his profession to learn a 3 year course at the "Ashra Vidya Gurukulam" at Nasik; A school of Sanskrit and Vedas. after his course he is being posted and trained for the past 2 months. We landed into a conversation of mind and body. he made me realise a very wonderful fact about God. He made me realise that we do not do idol worship; rather we pray to the mighty lord and idol is just a medium of worship. after a long conversation we thanked him and left the place to go to the The BookStore as suggested by rajesh.

My sis and i went to the Bookstore where in my mom and dad went to meet another gentleman to works for Aim for Selva.. In the bookstore we realised that there were loads of books which read about swami ji and many other philosophical writers. As i was not a books person my eyes quickly his the billing counter where i saw some agarbathies kept. I realised that there were made by a kids who belonged to the School supported by swami ji in chennai. As i was gonna buy this i saw this elderly lady who came out of her way to talk to me. She mentioned that she has been living in the ashram for the past 4 years and had studied vedas under Swami ji. She encouraged us to visit the ashram regularly and meet and speak to swami ji. She said that Swami ji likes youth as the world tomorrow is in the hands of youth and people like her have already lived her life. I asked her about her familiy she mentioned that she only has a mother and aunt and visits them where ever they need her. There was so much love and passion in her speach. i realised how fulfilling and satisifed her life was. I bought the agarbati and a Spatikam Mala and left the palce thinking and hoping to be fulfied with my own life.

Winter always Turns to Spring

2007-11-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Our Life is full of challenges.
But there is always a brighter side to all our challenges.
We all get so carried away by the troubles that we have to face whitout looking at solutions for it. Its hard to look beyond your problems, but the challenge lies in doing that.
The only way is to be patient, have faith, think and act positive!

The Power of One

2007-08-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

A single person can change the World.

Everything starts and ends with One….

so why do we hesitate to take responsibility?

Responsibility over self, over ones family, over society, and the environment that we live in?
Every action that we as an individual take has a ripple effext. You change some thing in yourself… which influnces your family and friends. which inturn relflects their friends and so on and so forth.

One man can change the world… every thing begings and with Us. So lets wake up and change something about us.