Over a Cup of Tea -- My Daily Write-up

A Cup of Tea

That evening she was the unexpected guest. She disliked me and in return all I can tell about her is I had distaste for her.

It was 4.22 in the evening when the doorbell rang. Never expected anyone at this time of the evening. My hair was uncombed and I had just got out of my bed after finishing a few pages from the book I was reading. Eyes looked like I was just out of a dreamland and searching for reality. I knew I had to go and see who was there.

As I looked out, a strange air filled all around. Surprise came calling at me to see Prativa standing there with a smile on her face. Returning a smile took the keys and opened the gate. As we came face to face with one another, she hugged me tightly and released her clasp soon.

Prativa was my neighbor when I stayed in the flat next-door to hers. At first we had friendly relationship and she would spend most of her spare time in my house. She had someone to do all the housework and she was so fond of gossip that she had befriended me to be her gossip-friend.

Individual characters differ and I as always busy looking after my home, my books were my best companions and gossip would stay miles away from me.

Her gossips put me into trouble one day and that was the reason I had asked her to give me more time to myself and not disturb me at odd time. Being sharp with words, that’s my nature, I had bought an enemy in her without profit but loss and loss.

Disturbed and hurt Prativa started telling things against me and we stopped seeing each other except for exchange of a smile or a hello on meeting.

That day I was so happy when we bought our own house and shifted. I felt relaxed and never got a chance to meet Prativa again.

Her presence that evening astounded me. Yet I welcomed her. As was her nature, she went around the house and observed each and every nook and corner with all the precision her eyes could catch. This time I saw a different sparkle in her eyes…I guessed it was not of hatred but appreciation.

She suddenly said, “Lily dear, I know how nicely you decorate your house. You know how to keep different things at the right place and that gives your house so much perfection. We have bought a new house and I want you to come and help me do the interiors for me.”

I looked at her shocked, for it has been about eight years we had seen one another.

She went on to say, “That day I made a mistake and lost a good friend like you. I know you will forgive me and help me.”

She followed me to my kitchen. I made two cups of tea and served some home-made snacks. And after that we spoke to each other like long lost friends.

She said, “I will always remember this day we spent over a cup of tea.”

Smiling she took leave and I promised to help her with the interior designing of her new house.

Discussion or Argument -- My Daily Write-up

We like to enter into discussion with one another. Even there are times when we take up arguments.

Though I have these two words in mind today, it is going to be a brief expression of thoughts. I find Discussion is better than Argument.

In Discussion we are into talking, expressing and exchanging ideas to come to a decision.

Argument is also exchange of views which are different or opposite, and in this exchange it leads to heated and angry tempers or tones.

Arguments finding is “Who is right” and Discussions finding is “What is right”.

So no Discussion for now as it can lead to Argument.

An amicable settlement with thoughts as of now and end with a full stop.

Jokes -- My Daily Write-up

Jokes are something we all like and enjoy. When we read jokes or someone narrates a joke, there is so much amusement and laughter. Jokes are little stories with funny punch line.

It may sound funny if I say, “A joke a day can change the mood but not the say”. Jokes rake up laughter which is a must in everyday life. Without humour or laughter life can be so dull. A sudden change from the monotony in life can be brought about with some jokes.

There are some who detest jokes. Wonder what kind of people they are. Even if someone laughs or jokes in front of them they feel irritated. Maybe they are sad and don’t want to come out if it.

What can others do if such people are there? Likes and dislikes are one’s taste and let it be how it is.

To release and ease from tension laughter is the best dose…this can be with jokes. There are some who are a bundle full of jokes. They can tell different kinds of jokes as per the need of the temperament and time. Some can just make up jokes instantly.

Laughter is a very good therapy and people join laughter groups and laugh out loud for some time. This is also an exercise which should be practiced by all for that’s a way of life and makes it light. Laughter brings a change in the mood and is very essential. And Jokes can bring laughter in life.

There are different kinds of jokes…for children, for youngsters, for adults, and many other categories.

Sharing some Children’s jokes which can be shared with little ones:

Joke 1:

A little girl came home from school and said to her mother, “Mommy, today in school I was punished for something that I didn’t do.”

The mother exclaimed, “But that’s terrible! I’m going to have a talk with your teacher about this … by the way, what was it that you didn’t do?”

The little girl replied, “My homework.”

Joke 2:

The students were lined up in the cafeteria for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: “Take only ONE. God is watching.”

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note, “Take all you want. God is watching the apples.”

Joke 3:

Teacher: “Why are you late, Ravi?”

Ravi: “Because of a sign down the road.”

Teacher: “What does a sign have to do with you being late?”

Ravi: “The sign said, ‘School Ahead, Go Slow!’”

Children like jokes and when they are being naughty the best way to divert them is to tell them a joke and the whole atmosphere changes. Isn’t it?

Sweet or Bitter -- My Daily Write-up

Sweet and Bitter are poles apart. If one is the north pole that other is the south pole. When comparisons are drawn there are so many ways of talking about it.

Sweet Mango

  

Bitter Neem

But here there is no comparison or difference that is being debated. Two simple words crossed my mind and that’s how the whole story stands.

Being a Bengali, I have a sweet tooth and sweet things are my favourite. But bitter things can’t be avoided. Here I’m talking about food. Karela/bitter gourd is bitter and is not very suitable to my palate. But this is healthy and karela does get a place in the menu list…not every day but sometimes. Neem is bitter and methi saag also gives out that bitter smell when it is cooked. But I like methi parathas, very tasty.

Rosogolla

Karela

Even emotions can be bitter and sweet. Memories can also have these two effects.

Life also is sweet at times and sometimes bitter.

But this sweet and bitter make up our life.

What to choose among the two – sweet ripe mango or bitter neem leaves – choice is yours.

The Sound of Music -- My Daily Write-up

Tanpura

It was the chirping of the birds, very early in the morning, brought such sweet melody to the ears. Birds are very early risers. Before dawn their hustle-bustle and flights take off and in no time their melody reaches the ears. Nature has such a great part to play in our lives. And we, what are we doing, just cutting down the trees where the birds can build their nests and sing to us from and make us rise early.

Music can be good and bad. It’s the ears that can make the distinction. Sweet melodious music is so soothing to the ears. Vocal or instrumental, hardly makes a difference, as long as music is being enjoyed.

Harmonium

Tabla

Music gives a sense of peace and calm to the mind and soul. In loneliness music can be a friend.

Loud music can irritate the nerves. You need not be an expert to love music. The ears can hear, the mind can absorb, and the body can relax…that’s the effect of music.

Sitar

Classical music – vocal and instrumental – is something very special and champions in these don’t make in a day. It takes years of riyaz/practice to expertise in this art form. Most liked is light music, as it suits the tuning of the person’s liking. No harm, for music lives in the minds and heart of the people.

The sound of music creates magic and is appreciated again and again. 

The Camera -- My Daily Write-up

The word camera immediately strikes the mind about photos. I remember my brother, who was much elder to me possessed a camera. It was a box-type camera, the name…never thought at that time I should know the name. All I was interested in was the camera and take shots though I was a novice, a child who simply loved it and wanted to play with it in reality. The pictures came in black and white…Black & White Era I’m talking about.

Vintage Camera

Sony Digital Camera

 During my childhood, we had so many photo albums at home filled with photos. The black and white images are my memories of my childhood days. There used to be film rolls that were used to take pictures and photo studios did the rest of the job after the roll was complete with snap-shots and given to them for the development process. There used to be a dark room in the photo studios and they made the positives from the negatives. The pictures were washed in some solution and then left to dry. Even there used to be artists in those studios who did touch-up works for some pictures.

By the time I bought my first own camera, it was a Kodak camera, small in size and I chose the yellow colour …maybe the brightness of the colour lured me. By that time coloured reels were used and colourful photos could be got. But the Black & White option open.

With my love for photography from a very young age, I could shoot photos and the end result was mostly good. Even then the finished reels had to go for development to the photo studios.

And now, Digital cameras have taken over. Carry them wherever you go and my small Sony camera is always with me when I go out.      

Photographs are mostly memories which have been captured through the lens and can be perused from time to time…the after effect of that which was caught not only in the mind’s eye and memory but remains as a fact in the form of a photograph.

Cameras have become very common and people spend a lot to buy a good one. Taking pictures has become a hobby for some. The mobile phone hand-sets also have cameras and it has become so easy to take a photograph in the flicker of a second.

Who knows what changes will come with cameras, but photos will always be there to keep reminding as and when we peruse through the photo album.

That Afternoon -- My Daily Write-up

The winter winds were blowing on that afternoon when I went all alone to the sea-side. The sea has always attracted me. This time, while others preferred an afternoon nap, I decided to walk along the long stretch of the sand along the beach.

The sun gave me company…as I felt the sun to be with me. There were so many others on the beach, but they were unknown. I enjoyed the company of the sun as it touched on me with the bright afternoon sunshine, giving me a bit of warmth on that cold November day. The sand had also soaked in some heat and was giving out warmth. If the summer’s sun would have been there, Oouch! The sand would have given the hurt to the feet.

The beach was like a fest of its kind. So colouful…people hanging around in clothes of different shades. People from far and near hounded the beach…some running into the water and then coming back, some inclined to go in for a bath but fear lingering in their minds. Children ran towards the gushing waves that washed the beach as each and every wave made the roaring noise to come forward but receded effortlessly without that loud sound. It was a sight to watch.

I stood at one place to see all that was going on between the people and the sea waters and then moved on. My destination was not motivated or designed, but I walked on with my footfall, forward and forward and forward and....

At one time I sat on the sandy beach and watched the waves…a creation even science cannot contest. Magical!  Up and down moved the waters, sometimes coming up close to my feet to soak them and create a different feeling in me. The blue waters stretched my gaze to the horizon, and beyond that what was there was a mystery for my eyes.

Fishing boats had gone in and moving about to get the catch of the day. How much these simple fishermen depended on their daily catch. Some days a good haul could give them lots of money and some days could cheat them from getting the good catch they had expected.

I looked at the sun from where I was sitting. The rays fell on the waters and the waves worked with it like conjurers. Soon the sun began to dip, a sight that said it was time for sunset.

Got up, dusted the sand that had stuck to my clothes and was soon back on my way. As I retreated, saw so many sand blocks made by children as they played while their parents kept a watch on them. I remembered my childhood sand house built on the beach to be washed away with the big breakers that came, for nothing is permanent on the sandy beach. Nature has its own rules and laws…am I right in justifying this?  Don’t know how correct I am but for sure it was a great afternoon spent with the sun, sand, the waves and the water.

That’s the magic of the sea-side.

Today’s choice -- The word A for my Daily Write-up

When we think of the alphabet A, the first thing that comes to mind is about apple. I have glazed the skin of the apple that I’m biting now, rubbing it against the sari that I’m wearing and giving it a shine. That’s how my fruit vendor does…rub each and every apple on his pants, up and down on the outer thigh to give it a shine…and I’ve tried this act several times. It is fun and also the red skin gives out a glow. Can this happen to the cheeks…get that tinge of red by rubbing? No way, the soft skin will get an injury.

A for Apple

How much truth is there in the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? A simple comparison to this is all about the benefits the apple gives the body. It is fruit that is liked by people and eaten without fuss.

When a child first starts learning English, the first letter A relates to apple…the child repeats ‘A for apple, B for…’ and so it goes on.

Apple can be carried without fuss and eaten whenever one wants. Apple is good combination for mixed fruit salad. Add apple to custard and the fruit custard tastes heavenly. Make jam or jelly, that’s another way of doing with it. Serve a plateful of sliced apples to guests and they’ll never deny it.

It’s been an “Apple apple writing here”, and that is all because I chose this word A and that’s made all the hullaballoo with my writing today.

Conversation – A start for a Daily Write-up

Today I chose to write on Conversation. Conversation is nothing special, but a daily affair. This is how we talk to each other and share and exchange ideas.

Just imagine a world without Conversation.

It is mostly men who say women talk a lot. Women who are homemakers spend their time at home looking after the home and in that get busy. And the spare time spent conversing on the phone or a chat now and then with the neighbours. What would this poor soul do without such a liberty

At times too much talking leads to sharing of many thoughts with others. There are some who take advantage of this and then gossip with others. The sharing may have been on something that needed to be kept secret – a lady’s stomach, don’t mean all ladies, cannot hold it long -- but some have the habit of spreading rumours.  Better to control one-self while divulging certain things that need to remain within the family members only.

In a family there need to be chat and exchange of dialogue. Talking with one another and sharing of thoughts and ideas makes up a healthy atmosphere in a family.

It is really difficult to keep mum the whole day without talking. Then if one has taken up a challenge not to talk for a day or more for some strong reasons like working on a therapy that is welcome. But not to converse with one another can make life difficult. Talk as much as necessary and not be named as a ‘Chatter box’.

Sometimes who talk too much, get pleasure in speaking all the time but ultimately end up talking un-meaningful things which is considered as non-sense by the listener. These people are hardly heard when they go on jabbering all the while…listeners lose their patience.

Conversation and talking is necessary for survival. It is better not to cross a line but draw one and stay within limits.

Knowing Creative Art -- Advantage or Disadvantage

Yesterday I sat for about an hour and a half to stitch a Sari Fall. But many may prefer to give it to a tailor in the neighbourhood or get this simple work done by someone else. There are some helping hands, apart from helping the Memsaab at home, does these simple needle work and earn some extra money.

I find no harm in getting a work done with some help. There was a smile on my face to think I am lucky that I can do it. I recollect my schooldays where we had one period in a week for Needle-work. There used to be a teacher, who was so good and taught us so much. Simple stitches from Tacking (long stitches to fasten), Hemming, Blanket stitch, Cross stitch, Chain stitch, the Lazy Daisy, then there was the Feather stitch, the Fern stitch, Button-hole stitch, and some embroidery work. I remember how we got square white cloth pieces, the right size of a hanky, and worked on it. Little colourful flowers came up with the help of Lazy Daisy stitch and the Stem stitch for the stalks of the flowers. Such beautiful experience which is helpful till date.

If the school had not given us this chance of learning the needle work, I think my Ma’s interest in this sort of creative work would surely have made me learn it. The beautiful pieces of table cloths with all the special embroidery on it, pillow covers had so many colours added to them with multi-coloured threads, were works of my lovely Mother … worth appreciation. I also learnt Crochet work from my Mother. Beautiful design laces were knitted with the crochet hook and Bengali ladies liked the laces to be stitched to the length-drop of their petticoats, something they were really proud of in showing off their hand-made lace.

I remember, the first time when I tried with thread and the crochet hook, it seemed so difficult. But the words, “Try, try, try again and you will succeed at last”, kept ringing in my ears and I did not give up instead learnt this (not so) difficult creative work.

There was a time when elders and children preferred hand-knit sweaters, cardigans, shawls, mufflers, different design caps and many more things. So in winter, knitting was something the girls at home learnt and were good at it. That’s the reason I also knitted a lot and my children when they were small they wore sweaters made by me. Till date my elder son likes to wear my hand-knit sweaters apart from the ones bought from the market. It was interesting to learn new designs and also rake up the brain to come up with something new. Whenever I came up with something new and interesting I shared with friends who had a knack for it.

In our house there was a Singer sewing machine which worked on foot and also could be converted to hand-use also. Having interest in working on the sewing machine, I started stitching my skirt at a very young age. Skirts are easy to make but later on stitched many things and also for my little boys…of course till they were small. I liked stitching my own blouses, for they fitted vey well as I took pain to see the fitting from one step to another for perfection. But if you ask me now, I simply say, the cloth goes to the tailor to get the finished product.

I don’t know why I came up with this topic today…maybe my mind wanted to share it with my Blog-friends. There is no boasting of facts and I don’t want to credit myself.

Yes, now it strikes me to why I mentioned all this. All because, these days very few girls get the opportunity or have crave to learn all this. Everything is available in the market. Most ladies and girls will say, “Why all the pain and waste of time.”

I feel learning never stops. Any small thing that is learnt always yields good result. And the joy in seeing and wearing something made with our own hands, putting time and patience together,  is always a reward to one’s own self…the joy and happiness speaks out later on.

Simplicity and Happiness

Read and liked this, so sharing it with you all

One day, a rich dad took his son on a trip. Wanted to show him how poor someone can be. They spent time on the farm of a poor family. On the way home, dad asked, "Did you see how poor they are? What did you learn?".

Son said, "We have one dog, they have four, we have pool, they have rivers, we have lanterns at night, they have stars, we buy foods, they grow theirs, we have walls to protect us, they have friends, we have encyclopedias, they have Bible." Then they headed, "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are.."

MORAL LESSON: It's not about money that make us rich, it's about simplicity of having God in our lives.

Day, Month and Year...Happy New Year

Someone asked me about my New Year Resolution. For me the twelve months of a year or 52 weeks and 365 days that make a year counts less than the lifetime I have to live. So my everyday resolution is to live a life and make way to avoid strife and be friendly and leave all negativity behind. So no special resolution for 2014.

Each day has a new story to weave in Life's chapter. A writer writes a novel including so many chapters to give the final touch to his/her story. Same way I feel every single day, with all the activities and moods, every time and hour spent has different slide-show of life.

This year, 2014, will also have so many things in store which I -- why did I say I...it is for all, will face as time passes.

Life is so beautiful, and, it is we who can make it such. Duties have to be done and many emotions have to be tackled very sensibly.

With the passage of time and age, many things are learnt and many compromises have to be made to lead a happy life.

So why go for a resolution on a New Year day when we can solve our own everyday affair tactfully.

Life is not a tangent but a reality to be experienced. Explore all the ways of life and try to be happy and make others happy, do good with no thought of a return, do justice and live to one's own expectations, that's my feeling and thought.

Wish you all "Happy New Year".  

INDIAN POLITICS

Indian politics is showing a change. The different states may not have spoken by themselves, but we, the people of this country showed courage to wipe out the ones who had created a great mess in this country. Those who have been swept clean never once thought about the pangs they created for the common man, who constitute the mass of this country.

They sat comfortably in their cool luxurious chambers and went on doing THIS and THAT now and then, thinking they are the Lords or Kings who had every right to act in their Lordly fashion...the way they liked.

Little did they remember that India is a DEMOCRACY now and being the largest democracy in the world, with a huge population of highly educated people and even people with little learning have started to know the Right from the Wrong and also know they can fight for their RIGHTS. And this Right was very well exercised in casting of their (common man) votes.

It is no longer, "Jago India (Bharat) Jago"., for already the people are saying, "Hum Jag gaye hain, aab dekho...".

Tehelka‬ and ‪TarunTejpal‬

TarunTejpal, having been caught in a trap that he so much liked to lay for others now pleads innocence. He says he is being framed by the BJP. But little did he think when he was doing sting operations on them, decided to shoot guilt in hidden lens by the grace of some others who were powerful and could shelter him. Having done wrong to others at one time he feels he is being wronged and targeted. It shows that he has a mind to target others and the same nasty thought he dreams of to be there in others minds.

If Tarun Tejpal thinks he is innocent, then he should have a strong heart to stand upright and fight the wrong to come out clean.

He has shamed the journalist fraternity with the dirt that he has strewn. Being a father -like figure of the girl how could he degrade himself to such a low level. Some, who favour him say that he should be given a rap on the knuckle and let free. Some others say he needs the help of a psychiatrist. If this is so then he cannot run an organisation like The Tehelka which like to shout 'Tehelka mach gayaa' in all sense.

In the case of Bitti Mohanty, there was Fast-Track court trial and he was convicted. So in such cases against women, government should think of putting up Fast-Track Courts to give early judgments...lessons can then be learnt by such men who think they are Machos.

And now the Tehelka-man rubbishes the Tehekla that has created ripples.

Talwars found guilty -- Double Murder Mystery solved

The Talwars have been found guilty of the double murder of Aarushi and Hemraj, which was till now a Murder Mystery, solved with the Court's verdict coming up and the quantum of punishment to come soon.

The Special CBI Judge was really good at words while writing the judgement and some of his words disapproving the parents' actions were, "They have extirpated their own daughter who had hardly seen 14 summers of her life and the servant... in the breach of the Commandment 'thou shall not kill' and injunction of Holy Quran 'take not life which God has made sacred'". He further says, "The parents are the best protectors of their own children. That is the order of human nature but they have been freaks in the history of man-kind where the father and mother become killer of their own progeny".

Though the Talwars have been found guilty they disapprove of committing this heinous act and will be moving to the High Court for relief. But all circumstantial evidences are against them, so the plea may be rejected.

At least Krishna, Rajkumar and Mandal, the domestic helps, have got relief from this and Hemraj's family has breathed a sigh of relief. These three poor fellows had very few supporters who stood by them when they had to undergo so much physical and mental torments.

But this case has shocked the mental status of huge number of parents and children. Though this is a rare case we cannot deny such happenings among the people who support Khaps. They also lean to such criminal activities. But here the comparison with Khaps cannot be taken into consideration, for the parents were practising Dental Surgeons and this was most unexpected from them.

Sonia Gandhi and Her Views

Sonia Gandhi is all up against her National rival party. She feels they are making a lot of noise in the rallies held by them. But for sure, in the biggest Democracy of the world, every person has his/her rights as per the Constitution of India.

“Freedom of Speech” is our fundamental right from which one cannot be debarred. But she feels this freedom is prerogative only to a special lot, all because she is the Chairperson of the UPA and her party has the right to speak out in public rallies the way they like creating displeasure in the minds of the people.

Sonia Gandhi also feels her opposition is power-hungry. But madamji, in a Democratic form of government each one has the right to put forth his/her views before the people. They can speak of the ‘Do’s and Don’t’s’. You are also speaking of things that have happened during your tenure of rule and what more you can give to this ever-growing population…numbers are increasing by leaps and bounds and need to be checked.

Democracy, if it is defined in simple words is an elected government, where people exercise their right to vote to elect their representatives. This is not a Monarchy where the crown passes from one head to another like that of a dynasty. So there is no harm to rally and give speeches to influence the crowd.

You say your opponent is power hungry. But nowhere in your speeches have you said you don’t want to be in power. Hunger for power is the main priority thought in politics.

The baton cannot be just passed on from one hand to another like a relay-race. Good that a healthy election is fought with good intentions and also for doing good to the nation. Just don’t start realising that after 60 years of your Party’s rule at the centre things have improved for the benefit of the people. Your election gimmicks have been well understood by the people of this country at this juncture.

Sixty-six years of independence has taught the people the basic ABC’S of Democracy and the happenings in this country. Let the people judge when the time comes.

Tehelka, Tejpal and Shoma Chaudhury

Shoma Chaudhury, come on you seem so dumb towards your Boss or Friend…that is your personal relationship…when he has committed a crime of molestation with a very young journalist working in his organization.

Shoma, if this would have happened elsewhere, we could hear your shout in our homes from your own media house publication. You have earlier said so much about the rights of women in their work-places and have vented your anger and anguish when similar happenings came to lime light.

Don’t have double standards and now what is learnt from today’s media reports, Tarun Tejpal is unavailable and most probably has left the country, all for your delay.  Though the morning media news carried this, Tejpal has come up and ready to face the challenge that’s waiting for him.

When the victim and the incident happen to be from your own media house, you say it is an internal matter. Then why take up other external issues and make a hue and cry. That can be their own internal matter and can be sorted out in their own way. Unfair in all fairness.

Hah! Shoma come on and fight for the cause of a woman for you are one among the lot. Or is it women in high positions like to kick aside such matters and happenings that happen with junior women employees working in lower levels. Being a woman, I feel it can be jealousy towards the same sex or your rank has made you change your opinion.

You cannot run away from such a situation and if Tejpal is guilty, you are equally guilty for not taking up the matter with the departments that have the right to deal with and shows you have also taken the law into your own hands.

Shed aside your double standards that is clearly visible now and fight for the cause you have spoken so hardly about, earlier. The matter has to be rightly looked into and the lady should not be under any pressure as not to make a police complaint.

Tejpal deserves to be punished and has to face the consequences which the law of the land will decide.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Sting Operation

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is in trouble after the sting operation on them made rounds in the media. They say the tape has been edited. If they knew that tapes can be edited (they know for journalists who are now members in their party are well aware) then how fair was their deal in showing such tapes against others.

To cut short, this shows how amateur they are in politics. What was the hurry in forming a Party? Their first effort came to limelight when they were with Anna Hazare and worked as Social Activists. They could have waited, learnt the tricks of Politics…which is so dirty…and then come into the fray.

AAP should have started from the Grass Roots…going for Pachayat Elections, then Municipal Elections and then readied themselves for the State Elections. If politics would have been so easy any Tom, Dick and Harry would be there. It’s a Game that has to be played very cautiously.

The other thing that is visible in the AAP, they are a young lot and every member thinks he/she is a Neta. You do need a Guardian to guide and direct to move forward.

If they rectify their fault, they can exist and play their part otherwise who knows.

Don’t expect Fair-weather every day.

Tehelka Affair

TarunTejpal of Tehelka has now fallen in a soup. Tehelka, once and now also, very famous for its Investigative Journalism has given black-spots to many people.

Tarun Tejpal had swept others' floors and mopped them up, bringing out the dirt and dust. But now it seems he never looked at his own floor...all the dirt and dust was lying there, and, suddenly someone came cautiously and mopped it up. Then only the dirt showed its presence in his own place.

Pointing fingers is easy but when the same finger turns around the difficulty can be seen and felt.

When the Snooping Scandal came to light, different women's organisations came out to speak for the girl. Now where have they hidden their faces. Are there different parameters for different cases and for different girls. Don't act like hypocrites, come out and speak for the CAUSE you are fighting for. Treat all women as equals and take up their matter from a woman's point of view leaving aside any politics that's being played.

A Sunday Expression

We, I may be mistaken, so I say, I feel Sunday is a leisure day, a day to rest and recreate. When thought in totality, I feel Sunday to be more of a working day...more labour and effort goes in the hours that are used up except sleep.

Sunday: More laundry, more cooking...more of cooking goodies...for everyone is present during the important lunch hour, more of cleaning the nooks and corners of the house...so much lady-like effort,sometimes invite guests and then...uff! all that heavy duty of cooking the best and making the guests comfortable, then there is that lurch -- to be more specific -- that yearning to go out and spend the day with family, savouring all the goodies of the liking of each one and then come back to rest.

Some may say, you are wrong with your thoughts. But, sure each one has his/her own thoughts and may not agree.

Thinking of Sunday as a day without work and lots of leisure is the wonder created in the mind. We listen and understand what the mind says but may not act according to it. 'Liberation' from the mind-set may be the right word at this juncture.

Whatever be it, everyone waits for a Sunday, some to laze and get up late, miss the regular duties for that is not needed and say, "Home sweet home, there is no place like home", for a Sunday.

The two words – Secular and Communal

These two words Secular and Communal have been making rounds in my mind. Thought best to sit and make a personal judgement on them – find the right and the wrong in them and their correct applications to those who speak such words with a loud open mouth and make that big noise like the bursting of crackers on the Diwali night.

India is a Secular country which does not have an official state religion. Let’s see where this leads to.

Secular: Secularism means, equal treatment meted to followers of all religions by the state and envisions acceptance of religious laws as binding on the state, and equal participation of state in different religions.

Communal: Meaning in Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary, “pertaining to a commune or community”. So there is no specific reason to say that Communal means being hurtful to other religions apart from the religion you practice.

So by using the word Communal repeatedly, some people who call themselves Secular are trying to divide the country (India) on religious ground.

Here I have to say, having been brought up in an area where the Muslims families were more in number than Hindus, never felt any difference. From a tender age till now religion has never drawn a line in my life to differentiate people. Even we had Christian families who were very close. The people of the other religions always participated in each other’s religious festivity.

It is a great mistake if we tread upon the path that has been made by some to divide this huge country on religious grounds.

Common man wants to live in peace for he has to toil hard to earn his bread and butter. Those who are doing this nuisance have lots stashed in their kitty…maybe out of the wrong earnings they have made. They want to live in peace and see the fun in making others fight, and in all this there is creation of fear, tension, anger and loss of lives.

I say these two specified words, used mostly in politics, hardly makes any space in my life.

Jai ho!