Most of the time the flight journeys, especially when travelled alone, are boring. On 26th June night, I had to board the Jet Airways flight to Mumbai alone but the journey was entertaining throughout.
Sitting in the lounge of Bahrain Airport alone, I was watching the steady movement of passengers of multi nationalities walking with anxious looks and different colourful/ funny attires, totally unaware of two watchful eyes at a distance. I remembered sarcastic Socrates who was seen in the market place everyday to derive inspirational truths. He has missed one of the most entertaining dramas by being born in the ancient era. (Atul terms my childhood as ‘ancient’; would he call Socrates’ period as Stone Age?) :)
In front of me were sitting a big group of white clad Muslims of around 70 years old. I was fascinated to see so many old men and women of middle class genre travelling together as a group somewhere. Some of them were sleepy, some chit chatting lazily, some sitting quietly, a few sitting on the floor, a couple of them looking at me curiously and tried to talk to me as well. I wondered what could have bonded them all together! Where are they upto? It appeared wonderful to see so many oldies as one big family. I salute their spirit and enthusiasm.
As I was lost in the colours in front of me, I missed the announcement of the change of gate number. All of a sudden I realized that I had to rush to Gate 31 from Gate 16. In fact, I checked in only 1:45 hours before which in all international standards can not be termed as early. Why can’t the gate number be correctly printed in the Boarding Pass? In fact, the Jet Airways employee who issued me the Boarding Pass told me verbally twice to go to Gate 16.
As soon as I settled down in the flight, the pilot ignited the engine at 9:30 pm itself instead of the scheduled 10 pm and took off at 9:40 pm. Jet is always ahead of their schedule which I have experienced many times. No complaints though.
One thing I always enjoy is the identity crisis the strangers face upon seeing me. I have experiences of people who know me beforehand that I am from Tamilnadu, talk in Hindi or Marati in front of me not knowing that I can speak/understand both the languages. Way back, one gentleman used to talk to his newly wedded wife in Marati in front of me for many days and you must see his face when I revealed one day that I could follow him. Hehe… On the other hand, those who see me for the first time have asked me if I am a Gujrati, Marati or even Bengali. Ha! You must see their surprise and confusion when I inform them that I am a pucca South Indian. One such small incident happened in this flight also. :D This is all funny but still one thing I don’t understand till date is, why should people assume and try to superimpose their judgment on me?
The minute my flight landed in Mumbai, I felt as if the whole of India was welcoming me with her usual cheer. I prayed for a minute that my visit must be fruitful to me and others.
Amchi Mumbai arrivals is looking very pleasant outside what with new structures are erected for the sake of receiving friends & relatives. Earlier, it used to be horrible.
As I stepped out of the airport, I saw my brother waiting for me to take me home. When I entered into our small flat finally at 5:30 am, Mother was eagerly waiting for me. She had not slept the whole night it seems as she was excited about my arrival.
Though the current technology has shrunk any distance to a mere touch of a computer or phone, I still miss my near and dear ones in Bahrain. Yet I am happy to be in India. Jai Ho!
P.S. I shall try to record my philosophical muse in the ‘Divine Vibrations’ soon.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A reminder
I asked Atul the other day if he would read my blog one day.
Instant came the reply, “Why should I? I am seeing you everyday, am I not? I know you well.”
I replied back, “No. You don’t know me fully.”
Seriously I don’t know what made me ask that silly question or answer that way. But one thing is for sure – if and when he develops any inclination to read my writings, he will know me a little more.
By the way, why should he?
He should not know me only through my writings that I consistently & vigorously struggled hard to remain human at every given precious moments of life.
Today’s forecast reads, “Expect a struggle now, but remember how tenacious you are.” For the first time in my life, I am reading some truth about me in this column. Yes, I am tenacious. A reminder worth remembering. Thank you.
That reminds me, my son need not know that my writings are some of the reflections and condensation of my tenacious nature only. :)
Instant came the reply, “Why should I? I am seeing you everyday, am I not? I know you well.”
I replied back, “No. You don’t know me fully.”
Seriously I don’t know what made me ask that silly question or answer that way. But one thing is for sure – if and when he develops any inclination to read my writings, he will know me a little more.
By the way, why should he?
He should not know me only through my writings that I consistently & vigorously struggled hard to remain human at every given precious moments of life.
Today’s forecast reads, “Expect a struggle now, but remember how tenacious you are.” For the first time in my life, I am reading some truth about me in this column. Yes, I am tenacious. A reminder worth remembering. Thank you.
That reminds me, my son need not know that my writings are some of the reflections and condensation of my tenacious nature only. :)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Musical musings
‘Right now right now……’
The Akon song was being played again and again in the midst of heated studies for the exams. I had to be firm with Atul especially during exam time to concentrate only on studies, nevertheless he wins me over easily with his wit and arguments. I wish to document a few fragments of moments that we shared in these last few days.
1) The most memorable day was the day prior to his Hindi exam. He wanted to relate all words of paryayavaachi with famous personalities. He managed to relate piyush with Piyush Chawla, sudha with Sudha Chandran, chamak with Shiamak Dhavar.
When I told him to memorise them as we were running short of time and there were hardly 10 or 12 synonyms, (because either he should have given this job to me beforehand or he should have worked out on his own), he replied, “Education should be fun. You know…. Aunty ‘x’ is teaching like this only to students while counseling the children.”
I retorted, “She is doing so for mentally challenged children. Are you one?”
He immediately bounced back, “But this is a mentally challenging subject for me.” :)
2) He is extremely serious on two things for which he is troubling me a lot. Basically he is an environmentalist.
* To maintain separate bags for recyclable waste and others. Tomorrow is his science exam and he is reminding me again now. He wants to personally see to it that the recyclable materials are sent to proper places. And he is ready to find out contacts on his own.
* He has been arguing with me for a long time that I don’t care for his generation a bit. Ask me why. He argues that my taking bath twice a day would deprive him of water for his generation and that I am a selfish being. What can I say now? :D
3) He has the habit of drawing a few ideas after every exam provided he finds time after finishing it. On the day of Hindi exam, I saw a page full of drawings – very interesting and sweet. :)
Today was his English exam. As soon as he entered, I asked him, “How was your exam?” He said that it was good. My next question - “Did you draw anything?” hehe…
He said, “No, Amma. I didn’t get any idea today.” I was really surprised.
Oh dear! First time I am hearing from you that you ran out of ideas. I know that your life is very simple and you wish to enjoy life with a few things like…
• scoring at least 96% in academics
• playing cricket
• swimming
• listening to music
• reading books
• learning tabla
• eating pizzas, burgers thrice a year
• going to theme parks once in a while
Did I leave any?
I remember the song which you hear everyday, “You are beautiful, you are so beautiful…..”
I want you to always retain the beautiful smile, innocent loud laughter and carefree attitude as you adorn now.
The Akon song was being played again and again in the midst of heated studies for the exams. I had to be firm with Atul especially during exam time to concentrate only on studies, nevertheless he wins me over easily with his wit and arguments. I wish to document a few fragments of moments that we shared in these last few days.
1) The most memorable day was the day prior to his Hindi exam. He wanted to relate all words of paryayavaachi with famous personalities. He managed to relate piyush with Piyush Chawla, sudha with Sudha Chandran, chamak with Shiamak Dhavar.
When I told him to memorise them as we were running short of time and there were hardly 10 or 12 synonyms, (because either he should have given this job to me beforehand or he should have worked out on his own), he replied, “Education should be fun. You know…. Aunty ‘x’ is teaching like this only to students while counseling the children.”
I retorted, “She is doing so for mentally challenged children. Are you one?”
He immediately bounced back, “But this is a mentally challenging subject for me.” :)
2) He is extremely serious on two things for which he is troubling me a lot. Basically he is an environmentalist.
* To maintain separate bags for recyclable waste and others. Tomorrow is his science exam and he is reminding me again now. He wants to personally see to it that the recyclable materials are sent to proper places. And he is ready to find out contacts on his own.
* He has been arguing with me for a long time that I don’t care for his generation a bit. Ask me why. He argues that my taking bath twice a day would deprive him of water for his generation and that I am a selfish being. What can I say now? :D
3) He has the habit of drawing a few ideas after every exam provided he finds time after finishing it. On the day of Hindi exam, I saw a page full of drawings – very interesting and sweet. :)
Today was his English exam. As soon as he entered, I asked him, “How was your exam?” He said that it was good. My next question - “Did you draw anything?” hehe…
He said, “No, Amma. I didn’t get any idea today.” I was really surprised.
Oh dear! First time I am hearing from you that you ran out of ideas. I know that your life is very simple and you wish to enjoy life with a few things like…
• scoring at least 96% in academics
• playing cricket
• swimming
• listening to music
• reading books
• learning tabla
• eating pizzas, burgers thrice a year
• going to theme parks once in a while
Did I leave any?
I remember the song which you hear everyday, “You are beautiful, you are so beautiful…..”
I want you to always retain the beautiful smile, innocent loud laughter and carefree attitude as you adorn now.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
With love...
I don’t know you for long but I know that you are very sweet, sensitive, childlike and emotional. I was only introduced to you a year back. My curiosity to speak in my native language in Bahrain had died long ago but was rekindled because of you. If I remember correctly, we had communicated in English more than our language.
We could identify people of their real nature only at times of trials and pains. You were one of those who stood by me during my difficult times of plaster cast and painful stagnant days. I am very, very grateful for that. You may not be aware that your pleasant demeanor, caring attitude and a big heart are the boons for those interacting with you.
You are a great mother, dear S. The present situation is only a passing phase. Your decision to leave Bahrain is appreciated. Good times must follow testing periods as a reward of courage and wisdom being exhibited. The good Lord would always be kind with you. My prayers are always there.
You always say, "You are like my little sister." I shall try my best to keep up your words. Shall keep in touch wherever we are placed.
God bless you always!
With love
We could identify people of their real nature only at times of trials and pains. You were one of those who stood by me during my difficult times of plaster cast and painful stagnant days. I am very, very grateful for that. You may not be aware that your pleasant demeanor, caring attitude and a big heart are the boons for those interacting with you.
You are a great mother, dear S. The present situation is only a passing phase. Your decision to leave Bahrain is appreciated. Good times must follow testing periods as a reward of courage and wisdom being exhibited. The good Lord would always be kind with you. My prayers are always there.
You always say, "You are like my little sister." I shall try my best to keep up your words. Shall keep in touch wherever we are placed.
God bless you always!
With love
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Beeline of winners
Tears of joy on account of success is no one origin’s patent. As I was flipping through the channels at around 10:30 pm, I stumbled upon ESPN that broadcast the Scripps National Spelling Bee Finals which held on May 28th at Washington DC. Out of the last 7 finalists, I was astonished to see four girls of Indian origin. The winner, Kavya Shivshankar was simple, cool, clear and confident. This 13-year old girl made me feel as if the spelling bee contest is so easy. The smiling girl could not contain her tears of joy (at last) upon clearing the winning word.
The secret, as it seemed to me, lies in love for English, developing close affinity with alphabets, familiarity with languages of origin like French, Latin etc, mastering immaculate pronunciation techniques, extreme hard work and of course, the attitude.
Kyle Mou’s calmness, Kennyi Aouad’s laughter (This boy received standing ovation when he was ousted. He patted his father’s back upon losing… oh....he is such a darling), Aishwarya’s analytical thinking, Tim Riuter’s confidence and all the final contestants whom I had watched – they are all amazing.
I saw the equanimity, grace, calmness and smile on those young faces throughout even in the midst of intense thinking. What if the rest of the contestants missed or jumbled one or two alphabets here and there. They are all sure winners of life. God bless!
The secret, as it seemed to me, lies in love for English, developing close affinity with alphabets, familiarity with languages of origin like French, Latin etc, mastering immaculate pronunciation techniques, extreme hard work and of course, the attitude.
Kyle Mou’s calmness, Kennyi Aouad’s laughter (This boy received standing ovation when he was ousted. He patted his father’s back upon losing… oh....he is such a darling), Aishwarya’s analytical thinking, Tim Riuter’s confidence and all the final contestants whom I had watched – they are all amazing.
I saw the equanimity, grace, calmness and smile on those young faces throughout even in the midst of intense thinking. What if the rest of the contestants missed or jumbled one or two alphabets here and there. They are all sure winners of life. God bless!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Cloning - a window to hope & despair
I was startled upon reading the news item on Injaz, the first cloned camel. The cute animal was seen tucked between the legs of its surrogate mother. The report added that the baby was cloned using the ovaries and DNA preserved from the originally slaughtered camel (for meat in 2005). The camel was brought out for display in Dubai last week.
There was a knot in my stomach after reading this. It happened so a few years back upon seeing Dolly’s picture in the newspaper though I could not stop marveling human brain’s finesse. However, there are a series of points that buzzed inside like…
1) The five sensed animals, if cloned, may or may not create havoc in the environment but there will be 100% confusion if tested with humans. At least I think so.
2) If tried, will human cloning be the exact replica of the original personality – both exterior and interior?
3) When exterior matching itself can be the cause of major chaos, what would happen if the interior i.e. emotions, feelings, character, talents etc too are cloned alongside physical features?
4) How best can this be explained in spiritual terms? The encapsulated soul with causal and astral bodies do move out of the physical body after physical death is what I have read. If I believe in the law that I do choose my parents, family, surroundings, country, culture, features, talents, drawbacks, diseases etc based on my karmas, are there many souls like me with similar karmic balances to take up a similar body and life like me? Would it be the same soul or a different soul?
5) Does God approve of this cloning? Is that the reason the soul is injected into the new body?
6) If Dolly had lived only for a year, does it imply that cloned animals do not have long life unlike others born naturally? Or was it just that soul’s destiny to live only that much? Injaz might answer this question sooner or later.
7) If I think that everything happens as per His Will, then this knowledge of cloning animals is available to humans as per His Will. But if I think that man is exercising his freewill given by God to satisfy his intellectual ego, then I am worried.
8) However, if cloning is done only to replicate the organs, then it can be termed as the greatest breakthrough for better survival. Otherwise, it would end up just like nuclear physics in the wrong hands.
9) One thing has to be appreciated however. The thirst and search for knowledge continues in man ever since he is created on this planet.
The above points cropped up at that moment of reading the news and continued to ping me till such time I heard my inner voice asking me to concentrate only on my sadhana and the universe will take care of such things in its own way.
As Swami Vivekananda said, “Knowledge can be got in one way, the way of experience and there is no other way to know,” I would continue to wait for the knowledge to explain the mysteries of creation. :)
(written on 05/06/2009)
There was a knot in my stomach after reading this. It happened so a few years back upon seeing Dolly’s picture in the newspaper though I could not stop marveling human brain’s finesse. However, there are a series of points that buzzed inside like…
1) The five sensed animals, if cloned, may or may not create havoc in the environment but there will be 100% confusion if tested with humans. At least I think so.
2) If tried, will human cloning be the exact replica of the original personality – both exterior and interior?
3) When exterior matching itself can be the cause of major chaos, what would happen if the interior i.e. emotions, feelings, character, talents etc too are cloned alongside physical features?
4) How best can this be explained in spiritual terms? The encapsulated soul with causal and astral bodies do move out of the physical body after physical death is what I have read. If I believe in the law that I do choose my parents, family, surroundings, country, culture, features, talents, drawbacks, diseases etc based on my karmas, are there many souls like me with similar karmic balances to take up a similar body and life like me? Would it be the same soul or a different soul?
5) Does God approve of this cloning? Is that the reason the soul is injected into the new body?
6) If Dolly had lived only for a year, does it imply that cloned animals do not have long life unlike others born naturally? Or was it just that soul’s destiny to live only that much? Injaz might answer this question sooner or later.
7) If I think that everything happens as per His Will, then this knowledge of cloning animals is available to humans as per His Will. But if I think that man is exercising his freewill given by God to satisfy his intellectual ego, then I am worried.
8) However, if cloning is done only to replicate the organs, then it can be termed as the greatest breakthrough for better survival. Otherwise, it would end up just like nuclear physics in the wrong hands.
9) One thing has to be appreciated however. The thirst and search for knowledge continues in man ever since he is created on this planet.
The above points cropped up at that moment of reading the news and continued to ping me till such time I heard my inner voice asking me to concentrate only on my sadhana and the universe will take care of such things in its own way.
As Swami Vivekananda said, “Knowledge can be got in one way, the way of experience and there is no other way to know,” I would continue to wait for the knowledge to explain the mysteries of creation. :)
(written on 05/06/2009)
Balavihar Mahotsav 2009
The Balavihar Mahotsav was celebrated on May 29, 2009 at the Bahrain Society of Engineers Hall with great enthusiasm by the participants, volunteers and parents alike. The dedication and devotion of the volunteers were evident from the outcome of the utsav celebrations. While the tiny tots were very, very sweet, our group exhibited maturity and poise, negating my tension.
Teaching, especially kids, was alien to me as I used to feel that I am not fit enough because of my shyness to vocal expressions. Ask me to write I can do it somehow. But teaching, no way. However, when Swami M asked me last December to take classes for the teenagers (CHYK), I was inwardly taken aback. Though I said, ‘Yes’, I was wondering what could this move mean in my life. Can I do it? I have no teaching experience at all. But ‘commitment’ is more important any day and hence I’ve also become a part of the group of four to train the teen minds, the toughest to handle.
The practice sessions for the utsav at my place were full of fun as the children were never serious about the performance. The singers (Atul, Aditya and Arya), the keyboard player (Gaurav Mittal) and the actors (Aishwarya, Urvi, Pranjali, Suraj, Sanath, Gaurav Pandey and Aravind) finally realized the need the previous night and gave a perfect performance on stage on 29th for the patriotic song ‘Aao bachcho’. Special mention is to be made about fellow Sevak, Mr. Prem Sagar who dedicated his time and effort in spite of his hectic schedule.
In one word, all the volunteers were simply superb.
I thank God for making me learn everyday in different ways from the young and the old alike, in body, mind and spirit. I thank Swamiji for making me a part of youthful life.
The local newspaper GDN published our group photo on 30th May which was taken after the performance. :)
(written on 03/06/2009)
P.S. Due to shifting, I was under forced retreat and hence away from internet and landline for more than a week. But somehow managed to document these few words in spite of the head spinning work that we had. :)
Teaching, especially kids, was alien to me as I used to feel that I am not fit enough because of my shyness to vocal expressions. Ask me to write I can do it somehow. But teaching, no way. However, when Swami M asked me last December to take classes for the teenagers (CHYK), I was inwardly taken aback. Though I said, ‘Yes’, I was wondering what could this move mean in my life. Can I do it? I have no teaching experience at all. But ‘commitment’ is more important any day and hence I’ve also become a part of the group of four to train the teen minds, the toughest to handle.
The practice sessions for the utsav at my place were full of fun as the children were never serious about the performance. The singers (Atul, Aditya and Arya), the keyboard player (Gaurav Mittal) and the actors (Aishwarya, Urvi, Pranjali, Suraj, Sanath, Gaurav Pandey and Aravind) finally realized the need the previous night and gave a perfect performance on stage on 29th for the patriotic song ‘Aao bachcho’. Special mention is to be made about fellow Sevak, Mr. Prem Sagar who dedicated his time and effort in spite of his hectic schedule.
In one word, all the volunteers were simply superb.
I thank God for making me learn everyday in different ways from the young and the old alike, in body, mind and spirit. I thank Swamiji for making me a part of youthful life.
The local newspaper GDN published our group photo on 30th May which was taken after the performance. :)
(written on 03/06/2009)
P.S. Due to shifting, I was under forced retreat and hence away from internet and landline for more than a week. But somehow managed to document these few words in spite of the head spinning work that we had. :)
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