Sunday, February 12, 2012
Writing Marathon
The second post of the writing marathon. I took the last lines of the poem and made them the beginning of my write up. Here it goes..
Two Roads diverged in a yellow wood..
Two Roads diverged in a yellow wood,
I took the less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost
Treading on the roads, all of us at some milestone of our lives think in these lines.
Many questions pass through our mind. Many 'Ifs' many 'buts' and so many 'what ifs'.
This is my story of one such retrospection.
"One day when we were traveling back to my home town I suddenly asked my father " Daddy how would it be to take up journalism as my graduation course?" Pleasantly surprised he encouraged me about taking up the course. I still do not know what made the thought barge into my mind, but that thought and my thereby actions had made all the difference.
I took up arts in graduation and specialised in journalism, Psychology and English Literature. Taking up these courses was the best thing to happen in the path of my education. My studies in these fields evoked my latent flares for all forms of Arts. It was also a platform to explore within, and treat myself in things like painting, music, dance etc.
All along the way I had received discouragements in taking up course like this. Questions were raised about the demand in the market for such careers, about the value of science and art subjects , about pursuing dance as form of career and many more. Thankfully none of them deterred me.
In the later years though my field of work changed, I always had arts as an underlying current. I did not know if I could make a living out of them, but I was sure that they made my living worthwhile."
"My reverance for Arts greatly increased when I stepped into this new land, America. I saw people looking out for oppurtunities to teach their kids Indian dance, music, to engage their kids in painting, drama, story reading et.al And when they approached me I was nothing but overjoyed to teach them..! With my partner's loved support I taught them with all my interest and dedication.I did not earn a penny in my year's stay here, but i have thorougly enjoyed my valuble time."
"I some times now think..what if I had taken the other road by the fear of others? I would have been someone else who I am not today."
It is no offense for the reader, for I do not accredit Arts as the only noble profession or path. It is solely my interest and personal story. What I meant to express is... "If you are an Msc grad..and if you are teaching in a government college..and if you are only earning xz amount and if you are happy about it..then I say it is the best thing to happen to you"
It is Ok if we are not competing with the world, it OK if the job has not much demand and it is definetly OK if others are not liking it. What matters is 'if we are happy'..what matters is 'if we like the job..what matters is 'if we are at peace with ourselves'
Agreed many of us are in the wrong places at the right time. Things happen that way, but that should not hold us back from becoming or doing what we want to?! As long as our zeal and intent do not diminish we will find a way to make our work and living worthwhile.
I hope my thoughts will trigger you to retrospect your journey.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Writing Marathon
The writing Marathon begins today. Each day, I am posting a small writeup, no matter how trivial it is. With no good food for thought, my lazy mind is getting drowsy day by day. To invoke latent writing senses, I here by put it on this marathon run. So here I begin with the first one.
My Name and how it was decided on
Every one has a name and every name has a story. Today I shall narrate my name's story. I was the first grand daughter to my maternal grand parents and the last grand daughter to my paternal. When I was born,I was told, that my parents and relatives had chosen many names to name. Some said 'Sunayana' (One with big eyes) some said 'Chaitra' (name of a month in the Indian calendar)some said 'Manasa' (Spiritual) and some said 'yamini'. So this way there were a few. One day my grandmother came across a name 'nandita' which all liked instantly. Some said 'that is a good name and we can call her lovingly nanda'. When this name was suggested to my father he said' well let us see’. So until the day of the naming ceremony my name was still not decided and when discussions went on, my father finally said' I will decide the name of my daughter' and he calmly wrote my name on the rice grains ( a part of the Indian ritual). Well obviously except my dad nobody knew what my name was. And he answered their curiosity by declaring it out as "NANDITA' :)
Thus I finally got my name. However like for all, entire story does not end here, in fact it had just begun. MY name was to get a persona, traits, and recognition of its own. Like all, I love my name for many reasons. Of them I love it most for it meaning. 'Nandita' means 'happiness'. Nandita is the name of the Indian goddess Parvati, who is an incarnation and source of 'energy and eternal happiness'. My name reminds me of the occult purpose of this life - To remain perennially happy at all times. When my spirits are low, my mother always reminds me to be happy and keep it as the motto of my life. A happiness that comes from within and the happiness that lasts for ever is Nandita. In all these years of my life I have given my name a considerable story. But it's story has to become more interesting. In this long journey, I wish, I give my name a good story, stature and meaning to its existence - For it is this name with which I was named then, addressed now and remembered for ever :)
My Name and how it was decided on
Every one has a name and every name has a story. Today I shall narrate my name's story. I was the first grand daughter to my maternal grand parents and the last grand daughter to my paternal. When I was born,I was told, that my parents and relatives had chosen many names to name. Some said 'Sunayana' (One with big eyes) some said 'Chaitra' (name of a month in the Indian calendar)some said 'Manasa' (Spiritual) and some said 'yamini'. So this way there were a few. One day my grandmother came across a name 'nandita' which all liked instantly. Some said 'that is a good name and we can call her lovingly nanda'. When this name was suggested to my father he said' well let us see’. So until the day of the naming ceremony my name was still not decided and when discussions went on, my father finally said' I will decide the name of my daughter' and he calmly wrote my name on the rice grains ( a part of the Indian ritual). Well obviously except my dad nobody knew what my name was. And he answered their curiosity by declaring it out as "NANDITA' :)
Thus I finally got my name. However like for all, entire story does not end here, in fact it had just begun. MY name was to get a persona, traits, and recognition of its own. Like all, I love my name for many reasons. Of them I love it most for it meaning. 'Nandita' means 'happiness'. Nandita is the name of the Indian goddess Parvati, who is an incarnation and source of 'energy and eternal happiness'. My name reminds me of the occult purpose of this life - To remain perennially happy at all times. When my spirits are low, my mother always reminds me to be happy and keep it as the motto of my life. A happiness that comes from within and the happiness that lasts for ever is Nandita. In all these years of my life I have given my name a considerable story. But it's story has to become more interesting. In this long journey, I wish, I give my name a good story, stature and meaning to its existence - For it is this name with which I was named then, addressed now and remembered for ever :)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Autumn
Autumn leaves are falling down..falling down..falling down
Autumn leaves are falling down..falling down..falling down
The season of autumn has opened me to the nature's new look. Clad in yellows, browns and reds...the standing tall trees look as elegant and beautiful as ever. The shades seem to as though express the colors of mirth and festitvity. It might be my mental reflection that I see in these colors...
As the day dawns the cool mild breeze...brushes along the trees...gently swaying them..and spreading the aroma of joy..As they sway and sway then so gently shred their leaves...and so beautifully these softly fly with the breeze..and gently land on the ground. Perhaps they are getting ready for the festivities of December. So ironical it looks..to get ready is to unclad themselves from the greens, then the reds and then stay erect in Pale brown...until they are again clad in white..!
Yesterday evening as i stood in my balcony watching the swaying trees, their shredding leaves...and the abstract designs they made when they fell on the ground..my heart began to grow lighter and lighter..the dusk shine that fell on the leaves made them look brighter and beautiful. Taking a sip of my hot coffee ,a thought softly struck me...what does the autumn signify us? Is there any thing that the nature communicates to us through the season..? Is there anything beyond this autumn..?
I had the thought and began to probe..
I closely watched the cool breeze...and its gentle strokes...as each time the wind brushed the trees..each time..a handful of them began to loosen from the branch..and slowly glide down like a parachute..slow..and gentle..swaying left..right..Topsy and turvey...
It was a season of shredding..leaving..loosening..and relieving...and Yes!..there i found my philosophical connection..just as the trees shredding from them the heaviness..thickness of green..it was time for us..to shred away all our worries...doubts..fears..and pretension. Just as they stand plain and UN-decorated - It is a season to be plain at heart...and be free of everything. It is a time to renounce the worldly affairs and stay at peace with yourself. Just as they wait for the December to fall - we with all our eagerness wait for the Christmas to fall.
It is a time to unwind..rest..and be at peace.
The thought made be happy. It urged to be along the pace with the nature. As the nature has begun to unwind itself..so should I, I thought, unravel the ME..and prepare myself for the impending Fest of December..!
Autumn leaves are falling down..falling down..falling down
Autumn leaves are falling down..falling down..falling down
Autumn leaves are falling down..falling down..falling down
The season of autumn has opened me to the nature's new look. Clad in yellows, browns and reds...the standing tall trees look as elegant and beautiful as ever. The shades seem to as though express the colors of mirth and festitvity. It might be my mental reflection that I see in these colors...
As the day dawns the cool mild breeze...brushes along the trees...gently swaying them..and spreading the aroma of joy..As they sway and sway then so gently shred their leaves...and so beautifully these softly fly with the breeze..and gently land on the ground. Perhaps they are getting ready for the festivities of December. So ironical it looks..to get ready is to unclad themselves from the greens, then the reds and then stay erect in Pale brown...until they are again clad in white..!
Yesterday evening as i stood in my balcony watching the swaying trees, their shredding leaves...and the abstract designs they made when they fell on the ground..my heart began to grow lighter and lighter..the dusk shine that fell on the leaves made them look brighter and beautiful. Taking a sip of my hot coffee ,a thought softly struck me...what does the autumn signify us? Is there any thing that the nature communicates to us through the season..? Is there anything beyond this autumn..?
I had the thought and began to probe..
I closely watched the cool breeze...and its gentle strokes...as each time the wind brushed the trees..each time..a handful of them began to loosen from the branch..and slowly glide down like a parachute..slow..and gentle..swaying left..right..Topsy and turvey...
It was a season of shredding..leaving..loosening..and relieving...and Yes!..there i found my philosophical connection..just as the trees shredding from them the heaviness..thickness of green..it was time for us..to shred away all our worries...doubts..fears..and pretension. Just as they stand plain and UN-decorated - It is a season to be plain at heart...and be free of everything. It is a time to renounce the worldly affairs and stay at peace with yourself. Just as they wait for the December to fall - we with all our eagerness wait for the Christmas to fall.
It is a time to unwind..rest..and be at peace.
The thought made be happy. It urged to be along the pace with the nature. As the nature has begun to unwind itself..so should I, I thought, unravel the ME..and prepare myself for the impending Fest of December..!
Autumn leaves are falling down..falling down..falling down
Autumn leaves are falling down..falling down..falling down
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Summer Rain
Clean and clear, with no shade of grey the vast sky up above reflected the shades of the blue sea. The fluffy white clouds hovered freely across the sky. In between them, the sun majestically seated himself clad in his bright orange garb. This season, he seemed more ferocious. The heat he exuded zoomed down and hit the earth hard. Like a frying pan, the hot waves emanated out of the boundless land. The sharp rays glistened the granuels like glitters..the unbinding heat warmed the deepest of the waters.Nothing moved..all still…the trees stood erect and the leaves hushed in silence. This summer was in full swing in the city.
People down here began to accept the scorching sun – with or without a smile. The powercuts were torturing. Somehow they seemed to take control of the house hold’s daily routine and reschedule their daily affairs. The black tar roads burnt until they could go no darker. School bells rang at 12.30 p.m. and children were rushed home. All who could afford a fan were lucky and those with an aircooler were lcukier, but those who had an AC were blessed!
Afternoon shopping was striclty avoided..Early morning walks were pre poned..and evening walks were post poned. The Ads on cosemtics shot up like zooom…talcum powder, cooling oil, sunscreen lotions et.al. People cautiosly followed all the precautions lest have sun strokes and burns.
The unluckiest of all were the pedestrains. Drops of sweat dripping, eyes burning, mouths getting dried, smacking their lips they kept their pace fast. The sun up above, followed them eagerly. Poor chaps, had to walk and so walked.
This way right from the vegetable vendors, the school children, the farmers, their wives, the employees, the house wives, the servant maids, the pedestrains – all whom the heat hit, earnestly prayed in silence – for the Summer to end.
The nature, seemed unmoved. The heat began to grow and continued to show its atrocity. Upon this it mocked sometimes, a morning would dawn with a cool breeze, when all awoke to it in eagerness, it used to suddenly vanish.The sky sometimes went grey, with a hope when looked up for the rain...all soon used to disappear in the vast sky. The Summer teased us this way. With no place to go…and for the love of the city ..all remained in silence, sustaining the damned weather.
I was one of those who sustained the weather in silence. There were times when i felt helpless in the heat. The hot waves, that thrust my head, gave me an unbearable headache. No amount of water quenched my thirst. The worst part was when I had to stand in the bustop under the shadow of a tree waiting for my company bus. The hot winds hit my face hard, and burnt my eyes. All I could do was to continue twitching my nose, wetting my lips incessantly and calling my friends to know how long the bus would take to arrive at my stop.
It was already June, and we heard the other cities rejoicing the rains. Our neighbouring city, began to be showered with rainfall long before the end of May. People there were lucky, We thought. But when was our turn? Except for the irregular teasers, ours saw nothing. The whole city was like a blast furnance, heated up.
But we will have our day soon….I had always thought.
No sooner than I thought, one weekend..while we all were taking a light nap…the weather suddenly changed. The clouds hid the bright sun…and the sky became grey. The west winds, flew swiflty into the city. With itz buzzing and hissing sounds it entered every nook and corners of the houses. It swirled into the branches of the trees, sweeped the pebbles and the sands! The dry leaves lying on the roads flew haphazardly in the air. The sound of the wind grew louder and louder. By now, the whole city was wide awake and alert. Few hastily went up on the terrace to enjoy the cool wild breeze..By now the dark grey clouds appeared. They majestically hovered all over the sky, as though they were getting ready to play their show. Within moments, of the wind humbling down…the heavy down pour began. The numerous droplets that heavily fell on the ground made the rhythmic sound. In a rush they fell consistently, wetting th earth. The rain along with the wind, made the whoosing sounds – the trees vigourously swayed, and windows began to beat hard against the sills making the loud noises.
I eagerly ran up to my terrace. I could see the whole city drenching in rain. The buildings, trees , drainages, the stray dogs, the braying donkeys, the pedestrains. The roads, were blocked with the assembly of cars. The terrace floor was filled with water withing minutes. My dress, hair drenched in the rain. I jumped and sang in joy. The child within me awoke..and danced to the tunes of the rain. I really didn’t mind if I would catch cold and a run fever. I knew when I go down, I shall welcome my mom’s frowned and concerned face. I just wanted to live the moment and enjoy.
Down their on the roads, people didn’t mind getting drenched too. Despite the traffic jams…overflowing drains…all seemed to enjoy and silently say –Thank GOD it rained! :)
People down here began to accept the scorching sun – with or without a smile. The powercuts were torturing. Somehow they seemed to take control of the house hold’s daily routine and reschedule their daily affairs. The black tar roads burnt until they could go no darker. School bells rang at 12.30 p.m. and children were rushed home. All who could afford a fan were lucky and those with an aircooler were lcukier, but those who had an AC were blessed!
Afternoon shopping was striclty avoided..Early morning walks were pre poned..and evening walks were post poned. The Ads on cosemtics shot up like zooom…talcum powder, cooling oil, sunscreen lotions et.al. People cautiosly followed all the precautions lest have sun strokes and burns.
The unluckiest of all were the pedestrains. Drops of sweat dripping, eyes burning, mouths getting dried, smacking their lips they kept their pace fast. The sun up above, followed them eagerly. Poor chaps, had to walk and so walked.
This way right from the vegetable vendors, the school children, the farmers, their wives, the employees, the house wives, the servant maids, the pedestrains – all whom the heat hit, earnestly prayed in silence – for the Summer to end.
The nature, seemed unmoved. The heat began to grow and continued to show its atrocity. Upon this it mocked sometimes, a morning would dawn with a cool breeze, when all awoke to it in eagerness, it used to suddenly vanish.The sky sometimes went grey, with a hope when looked up for the rain...all soon used to disappear in the vast sky. The Summer teased us this way. With no place to go…and for the love of the city ..all remained in silence, sustaining the damned weather.
I was one of those who sustained the weather in silence. There were times when i felt helpless in the heat. The hot waves, that thrust my head, gave me an unbearable headache. No amount of water quenched my thirst. The worst part was when I had to stand in the bustop under the shadow of a tree waiting for my company bus. The hot winds hit my face hard, and burnt my eyes. All I could do was to continue twitching my nose, wetting my lips incessantly and calling my friends to know how long the bus would take to arrive at my stop.
It was already June, and we heard the other cities rejoicing the rains. Our neighbouring city, began to be showered with rainfall long before the end of May. People there were lucky, We thought. But when was our turn? Except for the irregular teasers, ours saw nothing. The whole city was like a blast furnance, heated up.
But we will have our day soon….I had always thought.
No sooner than I thought, one weekend..while we all were taking a light nap…the weather suddenly changed. The clouds hid the bright sun…and the sky became grey. The west winds, flew swiflty into the city. With itz buzzing and hissing sounds it entered every nook and corners of the houses. It swirled into the branches of the trees, sweeped the pebbles and the sands! The dry leaves lying on the roads flew haphazardly in the air. The sound of the wind grew louder and louder. By now, the whole city was wide awake and alert. Few hastily went up on the terrace to enjoy the cool wild breeze..By now the dark grey clouds appeared. They majestically hovered all over the sky, as though they were getting ready to play their show. Within moments, of the wind humbling down…the heavy down pour began. The numerous droplets that heavily fell on the ground made the rhythmic sound. In a rush they fell consistently, wetting th earth. The rain along with the wind, made the whoosing sounds – the trees vigourously swayed, and windows began to beat hard against the sills making the loud noises.
I eagerly ran up to my terrace. I could see the whole city drenching in rain. The buildings, trees , drainages, the stray dogs, the braying donkeys, the pedestrains. The roads, were blocked with the assembly of cars. The terrace floor was filled with water withing minutes. My dress, hair drenched in the rain. I jumped and sang in joy. The child within me awoke..and danced to the tunes of the rain. I really didn’t mind if I would catch cold and a run fever. I knew when I go down, I shall welcome my mom’s frowned and concerned face. I just wanted to live the moment and enjoy.
Down their on the roads, people didn’t mind getting drenched too. Despite the traffic jams…overflowing drains…all seemed to enjoy and silently say –Thank GOD it rained! :)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
New Every Day
Life is new every day, with every morning and every ray...
Bringing with it the fragrance of hope...
Spreading in us magic of mirth...
As a light feather...and a tender touch...
slowly it dawns every day...
Just as a dew drop, that is tiny and pure
Just as a green leaf, that is fresh and true
Just as a bright sun that blazes on earth
Just as a full moon that embeds in the sky
Life is new every day, with every morning and every ray...
Just as the river that flows down the mountain
Just as the love that flows down the heart
Just as the tender rain that showers on earth
Just as the brown mud that smells so fresh
Just as the waves that move on and on...
Just as the time that goes on and on...
Life is new every day, with every morning and every ray...
Bringing with it the fragrance of hope...
Spreading in us magic of mirth...
As a light feather...and a tender touch...
slowly it dawns every day...
Just as a dew drop, that is tiny and pure
Just as a green leaf, that is fresh and true
Just as a bright sun that blazes on earth
Just as a full moon that embeds in the sky
Life is new every day, with every morning and every ray...
Just as the river that flows down the mountain
Just as the love that flows down the heart
Just as the tender rain that showers on earth
Just as the brown mud that smells so fresh
Just as the waves that move on and on...
Just as the time that goes on and on...
Life is new every day, with every morning and every ray...
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
For One Day
For ONE DAY live your life
Cry, Laugh, Sing, Dance
Care not for what others think…
And no doubt on how you do...
For ONE DAY live your life
When you don't like to wake up. DON’T.
When you don't like to work. DON’T
when you don't want to go. DON’T.
When you don't want to talk. DON’T
Break the shackles…and run on clouds..
No one to stop you and No one to hold…
With no fear of answering anyone…
With no need to reason anything..
Love like mad…be like a child
For ONE DAY live your life
Forget the past, Cut the future
Live in here, Love your present
Don’t answer calls…Don’t follow etiquettes…
For ONE DAY Reclaim your life !
Cry, Laugh, Sing, Dance
Care not for what others think…
And no doubt on how you do...
For ONE DAY live your life
When you don't like to wake up. DON’T.
When you don't like to work. DON’T
when you don't want to go. DON’T.
When you don't want to talk. DON’T
Break the shackles…and run on clouds..
No one to stop you and No one to hold…
With no fear of answering anyone…
With no need to reason anything..
Love like mad…be like a child
For ONE DAY live your life
Forget the past, Cut the future
Live in here, Love your present
Don’t answer calls…Don’t follow etiquettes…
For ONE DAY Reclaim your life !
Monday, December 28, 2009
Deep Inside
It began Inside, Deep Inside –
Like Flames fuming, Water whirling
Thunder Thrashing, Wind Jolting...
It burnt my heart and stifled my soul
The pain thrusting against my ribs began creeping above...
Unfettered, my ego held the reins
Hands gripped tight, head held straight
I laughed aloud and went ahead...
The sun was scorching, my head was reeling
Give me your hand the voice said,
I don’t need you is all I said...
Neither a prayer uttered nor a song sung
Unfettered, I just went ahead...
My senses slowing down, my energy drooping down
My eyes shutting down, my ego breaking down
Deep inside it threatened to blow down
Breaking my ribs and torturing my soul...
The pain had to be thrown
Help I needed, but reluctantly I proceeded...
Neither a prayer uttered nor a song sung
Unfettered, I just went ahead...
The clouded grey sky, the deep blue sea
There I was standing at the mountain peak…
My legs staggered, my hands shivered
My body pained, my heart strained...
The thunder broke through the sky
The wind gushed on my face
The chillness crippled my body
The tears made my eyes wet...
No voice I had
No power I had
All I could do was done
All I could say was yet to be done...
From inside, the pain gushed out
Through my shivering voice it barged out
Eyes tightly closed it came out “No longer I can! Help me out!”
My legs slipped - body broke - as a living corpse – there I fell loose...
The force pulled me down, the chilly wind…wiped my eyes
As light as a feather I was… The fierce force pulled me down, down and down
Splash! Into the waters…there I fell down!!
The pain! The Anguish! - Dissolved
The Splashes! The fumes! - Disappeared
My heart felt light – My soul felt fresh
Serenity dawned and Tranquility restored
My eyes opened to the deep blue sea
There I was sailing in Peace
Like Flames fuming, Water whirling
Thunder Thrashing, Wind Jolting...
It burnt my heart and stifled my soul
The pain thrusting against my ribs began creeping above...
Unfettered, my ego held the reins
Hands gripped tight, head held straight
I laughed aloud and went ahead...
The sun was scorching, my head was reeling
Give me your hand the voice said,
I don’t need you is all I said...
Neither a prayer uttered nor a song sung
Unfettered, I just went ahead...
My senses slowing down, my energy drooping down
My eyes shutting down, my ego breaking down
Deep inside it threatened to blow down
Breaking my ribs and torturing my soul...
The pain had to be thrown
Help I needed, but reluctantly I proceeded...
Neither a prayer uttered nor a song sung
Unfettered, I just went ahead...
The clouded grey sky, the deep blue sea
There I was standing at the mountain peak…
My legs staggered, my hands shivered
My body pained, my heart strained...
The thunder broke through the sky
The wind gushed on my face
The chillness crippled my body
The tears made my eyes wet...
No voice I had
No power I had
All I could do was done
All I could say was yet to be done...
From inside, the pain gushed out
Through my shivering voice it barged out
Eyes tightly closed it came out “No longer I can! Help me out!”
My legs slipped - body broke - as a living corpse – there I fell loose...
The force pulled me down, the chilly wind…wiped my eyes
As light as a feather I was… The fierce force pulled me down, down and down
Splash! Into the waters…there I fell down!!
The pain! The Anguish! - Dissolved
The Splashes! The fumes! - Disappeared
My heart felt light – My soul felt fresh
Serenity dawned and Tranquility restored
My eyes opened to the deep blue sea
There I was sailing in Peace
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