Money Mantra

Money Mantra

Money Mantra

Money is Mantra for some, Need for many and necessity for All. That’s what I like to say about Money.

Present day some -- maybe can say many or even more people are getting very attached to money.

Money comes to us in the form of coins and notes which we have to keep safely. The size, shape and designs of the coins have changed over the years, so also currency notes have got some changes brought in them. How does that matter as long as the value remains the same for the different denominations?

Today’s Pick – C or Chubby Cheeks!

Today’s Pick – C or Chubby Cheeks!

Is it confusing? Hah! C is there, so Confusing can be there, after all beginning with C.

But if I’m to start, I say C for Cat. That’s what baby Guddi was learning from her mother. Mother was saying, “C for Cat, repeat after me,” and Guddi was religiously following her mother’s words like chanting some mantras.

Guddi, the two and a half year old daughter of Mr & Mrs Sood. Mother, a homemaker, having good educational qualifications, but prefers to stay at home for her daughter.

Gunday: Film Review

Starring : Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra & Irrfan Khan

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar

Produced by Aditya Chopra

Written by Ali Abbas Zafar

Music by Sohail Sen

Cinematography Aseem Mishra

Editing by Rameshwar S. Bhagat

The film Gunday under the Yasraj Films banner kicks-off with the plot of the making of Bangladesh. Along with the violence and the horror of the early 70s prevalent in Bengal, the film brings in the story set during the formation of the new country. It is about two young boys who have suffered losses and are left with themselves and moved into Calcutta as refugees.

Film Review: Highway

Starring:  Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt

Directed by Imtiaz Ali

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala & Imtiaz Ali

Written by Imtiaz Ali

Music by A. R. Rahman

Cinematography Anil Mehta

Editing by Aarti Bajaj

Imtiaz Ali has shown courage to do a film with an unusual story, as is his style, not common in Bollywood. This film is more of a travel story with many twists and turns.

The story opens with the preparations on for the marriage of Veera Tripathy (Alia Bhatt) who is a young girl from a very rich family. She is a happy-go-lucky character. Just before the marriage day, she slips out of her house at night with her to-be husband. She wants to travels the lonely roads like a free bird, enjoying the wind and the fresh air around. But she is kidnapped at a gas station on the outskirts of the city by a gang whose leader is Mahabir Bhati (Randeep Hooda), who were there to loot the gas station.

To Post or Not To Post

To Post or Not To Post

To Post-OR-Not To Post

The title worried me for a moment when I wrote it. Did this create a sizzle in your mind too? Mind does so much work…all the time, when you are awake and even in sleep, sleep because of the Dreams that gush like a strong breeze and flees leaving back little or no memory of it.

Mind -- Tussi great ho!!! Ha, ha, ha, no jumps, no jerks for how can you do all this activity when the keyboard needs so much attention.

Talking about posts first reminds me of the Post Office. Post Office was the place where in my childhood many a times I’ve gone to buy Post Cards, Inland Letters (a folder with self-stamp to write on and then put it in the post Box…for those who know not about it…recent generation…a smile takes over for a moment), Envelopes, and then get fun in dropping the letters in the Post Box. There used to be Post boxes standing out in many neighbourhoods making easy for people to drop their letters in them. The Postman used to open the lock of the Post Box, empty the letters from there into his official bag and carry it back to the concerned Post Office. Now none of those red Post Boxes are visible in the busy towns but are some existing in villages.

Film Review: Jai Ho (2014)

Starring: Salman Khan, Tabu, Daisy Shah (introducing), Danny Denzongpa, Nadira Babbar

Directed by Sohail Khan

Produced by Sohail Khan Sunil Lulla

Written by A R Murugadoss

Screenplay by Dilip Shukla

Based on Story Stalin by A. R. Murugadoss

Music by Sajid-Wajid, Devi Sri Prasad, Amal Malik

Cinematography Santosh Thundiyil

Editing by Harsh Tiwari

Jai Ho is a Salman Khan starrer Bollywood Masala film and a remake of the blockbuster Telugu movie Stalin. The story revolves round the main character Jai Agnihotri, played by Salman Khan.

Mickey Virus: Movie Review

Starring: Manish Paul, Elli Avram, Manish Choudhary, Varun Badola, Puja Gupta, Nitish Pandey
Directed by Saurabh Varma
Produced by Arun Rangachari & Vivek Rangachari
Screenplay by  Saurabh Varma
Story by Gaurav Varma,  Saurabh Varma & Elvin Raja
Music by Hanif Shaikh
Cinematography Anshuman Mahaley
Editing by Archit D Rastogi 

Mickey Virus gives debutant Manish Paul for showing off his acting skills. Though Manish has hosted shows on television earlier, getting a chance to act in a film got to see how much he gave to his character.

In the Thick and Thin of Life

In the Thick and Thin of Life

Life has so many shades of colour. Like the rainbow with the VIBGYOR that makes it, life too has many shades.

Life does not run in a straight line. Like a graph it has its ups and downs, the highs and lows, and without these diversions what would be the meaning of life at all.

A smooth sail can never be there. Life is like a sailing boat. The breeze can be soft, smooth and pleasant at times. There can be harsh breeze which can cause havoc and simply pull the boat away from the direction it is moving. Even at times the boatman can change direction. The boat can be made to stop at a particular place and then drift on. Even there can be a time when the boat can sink.

Women are 49 % -- That’s what the Advertisement Says

Women are 49 % -- That’s what the Advertisement Says

In all simplicity and truth and neatness the Tata Tea Gold advertisement says – Women are 49%, so don’t ignore them.

I like the way the words of the lady and how she makes her man make some tea for her. The main part is when the tea leaves open to spread the colour and taste. That’s the essence and she confides that she…one person can be ignored but not all. This speaks a lot how women folk cannot be ignored.

What does this advertisement really want to say? It is Election time calling –women are said to make up 49% of the voting population in this country – their votes count and mean a lot and they can’t be ignored.

In all reality, the ratio of the numbers of girl child at present in India is on the decline. The ratio has gone down and creating a concern.

Politics in India at its Low -- My Daily Write-up

Parliament of India

Politics in India at its Low...

Politics in India is in no way Shining, moreover, it is losing Sheen. The incidents that are taking place in the Parliament…The Temple of Political Activities…and also in the different Assembly’s in different States make an Indian hang his/her in shame.

How is the world looking at all this nonsense happening. If we Indians can feel the shame then the world must be mocking at us.

We are proud to say India is the largest democracy in the world. Actually does Democracy exist?

The Word B Pops out its head to say… -- My Daily Write-up

The Word B Pops out its head to say…

I can hear the noise -- Bang-bang!

Who’s that banging, I wonder.

“Aah Haah! It’s me” says B in a loud note.

“What do you want from me”?

“Give me a space here”.

“Space for you, but what will I write”.

“Write about me”.

O.K. leave me alone I say and throw away B from my sight as of ‘just now’. By just now I mean I intend to give a place to B today.

When January said…no Riddle no Game …Ride the Read for a Smile -- My Daily Write-up

When Months Giggle

…no Riddle no Game …Ride the Read for a Smile…

January asked February, why you stand behind me,

February said, I am short, I am stout but love the place I am in.

March jumped in and said, I am third in the line for I have been shunted here for no fault of mine,

April says, see the blooms when I come to bring joy with colours of season Spring.

May shows a sour face for the blossom time is going to fade,

June is angry with the sun that is hot when she comes.

July is funky holding no regrets for standing in the seventh spot,

August dares the previous months for the shoving down the line.

September is pleased to sing a song for Autumn’s haste to come,

October is sober and calm and does not like to fight.

November is happy to bring the chill to lighten hearts and human spirits,

December is the happiest to be last in the sequence of months.

People wait for the Calendar to come to read the dates and months,

What would have happened if there were no twelve months?

Political Fever Versus Exam Fever -- My Daily Write-up

Political Fever Versus Exam Fever

This time of the year sees more into exam time. School Board examinations are held…the stepping stone to the next level. This is the time when students put in many hours of study to get good marks/grades in their Board Exams. The Class X and Class XII Board Exams are important as they pave the way for the future of the studies a student wants to pursue. The Medical & Engineering Entrance tests are held after the completion of class XII. And students have sleepless nights burning the night oil to study hard to get a seat in the Premiere Institutions in India…be it medical or engineering…choice lies with them.

There are the IIT’s and other government engineering colleges. There are Government Medical Colleges also. So also a number of private institutions are there for these courses but to get an admission in these private institutions there is the Donation System which pinches the pocket. But with a good ranking in the entrance test enables a child to get a seat in a college of his/her choice without donation.

This time of the year is very important in for studies.

With the coming of the General Elections in May 2014, the Political fever is at its height. The temperature/heat of each and every Party is rising more than the expected heat from the Summer’s Sun. The General elections can be a disturbance to the study factor.

But who cares! Politics has an upper hand over other things and is nurtured and nourished by politicians as and how they like. Each one hitting out at others in strong languages and making promises that will hardly be kept once they come to power.

And the puny voter…I say puny because no power lies in the voter except the vote…waits for that day to cast their precious vote. With the Voter Identity Card in hand, the voter steps into the Polling Booth to cast the vote…so precious that they make the destiny of some to reach and enter through the door of the Parliament to sit on a Chair…a prestige that is given. It is no test with books and courses but a litmus test that is passed with the push of the button of the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine). With the highest number of votes the winner gets a place.

Two big tests are coming up. Both are no doubt tests of different king. One is the work with brains and long hours of devotion and dedication to education. The other is to woo the voters, by hook or by crook, use strength if required and also by mislead.

Whatever be it, those no longer in their schooldays are the happy lot.

Those who have attained the Voting age are happy to cast their vote…the first-time voter is the most enthusiast.

Loves Blossom -- My Daily Write-up

Loves Blossom

Love leans on Trust 
Trust leans on Respect 
Respect leans on Healthy Understanding...
Let all this bloom together to get 
The smooth Touch and Feel of it.

Taken For Granted -- My Daily Write-up

Taken For Granted...

Some people like to be taken for granted. But I for one will never allow this to be the line for me.

After analyzing a lot, I found why some people are taken for granted.

A small list of my thoughts:

It is always good to maintain self-respect and not make it very cheap in front of others.

Try to help when asked for and not just get working on it just by hearing from others.

Don’t just jump into helping others thinking that it is a good deed.

Don’t make regular visits to others homes if you don’t get return visits.

Don’t make frequent phone calls to ask a friend or someone very close of his/her well-being if that person doesn’t bother to call back even once after all the calls.

Don’t ignore your family for the sake of others for that gives a leverage to the other to how important that person is in your life.

Live a life with respect, respect others and also see that you get back the same respect.

Live is lived with self-respect no matter how rich or poor one is, how educated or little-learned one is.

Set such a paradigm that you can be an example to others.

Follow certain self-made principles in life to make sure you live a life of honour and dignity.

Golgoppas/Pani Puri/Phuchka…Did they speak…aaaaaaaahhhh… -- My Daily Write-up

Home-made Tasty Pani Puri/ Golgappas...Hygiene with taste

Did they -- Golgoppas/Pani Puri/Phuchka – speak out? No way, they have no words.

Hah!!! They can’t speak…ha hah haah!!!

Not a joke but a smoke. ???

Smoke without fire. Then don’t let others tire.

Of course they, my sweeties, my golgappaes, phuchkaes, the pani puris did no talking. They simply made a small noise as the thumb of Raju…the phuchkawala…started serving. He hands over a small kotori, a disposable one of plastic…he has got the plastic ones instead of the ones made from leaves, the leafy ones can be destroyed without causing any harm to the environment, but the plastic bowls can create hazard. Never mind when the action is on.

Camera rolling…imaginative…Raju pushes his right thumb creating a small noise, almost unheard, and makes a tiny hole in the small crunchy puri. The masala is ready…a combination of mashed potatoes, added to it are boiled chick peas, chilli powder, salt, chat masala, finely chopped fresh coriander leaves and stem and of course his special masala. All mixed and then he takes a little portion of it and fills the hole of the crunchy puri. And standing near his right hand is the vessel filled with the special tangy water. Dip…in the masala filled puri goes and out and served to the customer.

A bite into it…again the crunchy sound is heard as it breaks in the mouth…the masala, the tangy water and the puri get into the mish-mash work in the mouth and then down it runs the food pipe to find its destination. Raju is so quick in serving one after the other that there is no time to “Stand and Stare” but act with all agility or the puris will start stacking up one after the other.

Eating Golgappas is a swift act…if slow you are behind…and then 8-10 pieces are enough if you have not entered into a competition with another to eat the maximum number.

Who cares for hygiene when there is a crave for such a treat. But this stuff is really great when it is served by the golgappa vendor…smack the lips and belch after having the fill…wipe the lips and move on till the next treat.

Did they speak? Thoughtful but…India’s street food, can’t give it a miss. Isn’t it?

Lazy, Lazy, Lazy… -- My Daily Write-up

Lazy, Lazy, Lazy…

Yesterday was so different. Felt the difference. There was so much laze that had crept in me. It had to be different for everyday is different. But I have used the word different so many times…bore for others and also for me. I think I have to substitute “different” with a synonym. A synonym…going back to school grammar…no way, not back to school days again.

There was boredom too. Why all these creepy thoughts coming all of a sudden. May be loss of sleep…trying to find the cause. But that’s not true. The mind and the heart are not in unison with this thought. Feeling so bored up…want some change…want someone to cook and feed me.

Possible???

Not at all.

Why?

Others expect from me to do this service.

Want to quit.

Not possible.

Again a why?

Simple you are the Lady of the house and it runs on your Command.

Why all this dialogue(bazi).

I’m bored.

“Don’t bore others” comes a voice from the void.

“Hey I’m talking to myself. I don’t have much to say for now. So back into my shell…MYSELF…and what more…wait till…

I will take a short nap and invigorate myself…maybe I’ve been a spoilt sport for now.

Soooooooooooooo…

A Girl’s Dream -- My Daily Write-up

There was a time when everyone at home called me a dreamer. I had dreams that were not to the likes of many. As a kid I dreamt of becoming a doctor…all this because I liked the stethoscope hung from the doctor’s neck and how I loved to hear the “dukduk dukduk” heart beats from this wonder machine. But this kiddy dream vanished within a short period of some months when the prick of the needle from an injection hurt me.

“No way, I don’t want to become a doctor, they hurt people,” was all that I said and others laughed. But it did not bother me.

Next was my thought of becoming a well renowned sportsperson. I did well in this area in school. But during my college days, there was restriction from Ma, and with that my interest started dying though I had the repute of holding some state records and represented my state.

Music, everybody loved it. My Ma played string instruments and the harmonium. My sisters and I too learned singing and playing the harmonium was also to my liking. When our music teacher wanted me to go and perform on the stage, a set back from the family. All that was said was, “Learn music but keep it within the home and show your talent in front of friends and relatives. No going out to perform on the stage.” My mother was not conservative but I think she was possessive and didn’t want it the way I liked, she was more concerned about her little girl and didn’t want anything wrong to happen.

So many dreams have come and gone in my life. Some did not cherish, some did not get a chance to blossom. But the chase was always there and I knew I had been flexible and not so serious. But a time did come when I knew I had to be serious. I did not like my job and had to quit. I found pleasure and happiness in having my own coaching classes. My students excelled and made me proud. I knew I had the ability to give my best to the boys and girls who came to me to learn. Money has never been the major factor, but the results were always my aim and I knew I did it. But I have deprived small school going children from getting my coaching. Maybe someday or the other…

I have been enjoying my social service I render in teaching under privilege children. I got associated with this organization by chance and this has given me so much pleasure. At first it was such a hard work for me but now I love it. Had never dreamt about it but it came my way.

I love books and like their company. Studies were my priority, and by the time I entered my Graduation year, I had made up my mind to start with writing on my own. And this has come down with me for years now.

Not belonging to the present generation, my opportunities were different from what it is now. But no regrets as I am happy to pursue a dream that I had and it is no longer a dream but reality. I have recognized “ME” and that’s what matters to me. Live and be happy in what you are doing as long as it does not become a barrier to others. Live and let live is my motto.

The Chewing Gum story -- My Daily Write-up

Mint flavoured Chewing Gum

“What’s happening”, said Baba from his room. “Why is Mona crying and throwing tantrums?”

No one wanted to reply, but Ma had to say something. In all simplicity she said, “Nothing, nothing, this girl is up to her mischief again.”

Ma looked at Mona and said in a strict voice but the tone was soft, “Mona, stop crying, let me see what has happened.”

She pulled Mona near to her and looked at her messy hair.

All this shouting and crying had stated after the packet of chewing gum was opened and each one got their share. The three kids were chewing away their chewing gum and playing with the toys that had come to them as gifts from their Granny. Suddenly Dipu, the eldest among the three, who was nine years old started teasing his little sister. He started running after her shouting “I’ll take out the chewing gum and stick it to your hair”.

Mona, though a kid was not the one to keep quiet. She was her dad’s pet and knew she would get all the support from him even if she made a hue and cry out of nothing. She looked back at her brother and spoke, “Try it and see what will happen to you,” so saying she ran away from him.

Gopu, the second one triggered his brother saying, “Don’t spare her this time, run and stick the chewing gum to her hair. See the fun after that.”

Dipu ran, caught his little sister and taking out the chewing gum from his mouth, stuck it to Mona’s hair near the shoulder. The commotion started, Ma tried her best to clean the gum but it did not work.

At last it was decided to call the barber Bhola, who had his hair cutting saloon a couple of yards away from their home to help them out. Bhola said, “Ma, the chewing gum will not come out from the hair, the only way out is to crop her hair.”

“I’ll not cut my hair, I’ll not…” so saying Mona started sobbing. After much consolation and a bribe to buy her a new frock, she agreed. She got the haircut and it suited her face and she looked not only different but beautiful too. After the hair cut was done, she looked into the mirror and smiled. She knew this haircut suited her but was firm on getting her new frock.

When Baba came out of his room he looked at his little girl and said, “Mona, you look so pretty, how has this happened, something different?” He raised his eyebrow but couldn’t find out the “How” he was talking about.

Just at that moment Dipu ran up to his Baba and said, “Baba this is the magic of the chewing gum,” and everyone burst out into laughter.

Tree -- My Daily Write-up

My thought of the day. It is a simple thought about Tree. Here it is:

A Big Tree

A Tree

A big tree with spreading branches and leaves give shade. Let it stand there as long as it has life for it will go on rendering its services which is so meaningful for living beings.
A calm thought can give an insight to why it stands there.