Where am I???

Reflecting on the past
Brooding about the future
I was caught in the grip of-
Anger, regret and fear.

Looking back, am forced to think-
What have I achieved?
Am I on the right path?
Or have gone lean.

Life has been full of-
Heartaches and pains;
Failures and celebrations-
With little to cheer and game.

So many failures
So many heartburns
That many deceits
All trapped in one.

But this was the past
How about the future?
Will it be little better or more worse
That time will only answer.

Caught in this labyrinth
Of past and future
Of somber reality and hope
I forgot to live in the present.

Friendship

Friendship- a word with various definitions
A word with various interpretations
A bond that makes the life
And a bond that can destroy the life

From cradle to grave
A friend comes every way
That may make you say –
Pal! Where have you been these days?

People say it’s great to make a friend
To smile and to cry
To live and to die
To say hii and then bbye

This is sad but a true picture
Everything that comes has to go some day
Friendship is no exception
It lives and then leaves you all alone some day.

School life

OHH NO!!!! aaj bhi school……….hmmm mumma nahi jana…
Oofff yeh homework kabhi khatam hi nahi hota….
Ohh No. exam time table, abhi last week hi to the aur Diwali ke baad exams it means no celebration… this is not fair.
So do not these lines take you down to memory lane when we all were in school doing loads of masti but at the same time criticizing the system? Getting up early in the morning, daily studies, homework, punishments in school and all such things were not they vexing?
At times I and my friends used to criticize our school, its regulations and simply everything. We used to criticize our very own teachers especially some of whom were really partial and perhaps not fit to be a teacher. We used to crib at mess food (though I liked it). In our school every morning there used to be a prayer session of about 30-40 minutes, which was at times really harassing especially if you have to stand under scorching sun. But something I really liked were first the Prayer itself, which was composed by the school authorities itself, the thought session and not to forget the moral songs. Though a majority chunk never appreciated this but I did this. Then at regular intervals there used to be meditation sessions followed or preceded by some spiritual lecture series. This also used to be vexing for the students but somehow I appreciated them.
My school has taught me loads of things, besides giving the basic education. The sense of Yoga, meditation, feeling of spirituality and above all the confidence in dealing with the public is a gift to me by my alma mater. It was my teachers who instilled confidence in me so that I could become a good speaker. My drawing teacher provided me with basic skills needed in sketching so that I can become a good sketcher (I guess this is reflected by my sketches), the knowledge of language, the hand writing and various small-small things are a gift to me by my alma mater.
However sports were not very much appreciated in our school hence I am not good at sports. Still we used to play a variety of games especially Kho-Kho. Further the sports period was more of a chit-chat time for we girls and we used to enjoy this session a lot.
Our group was very big and indeed famous in school amongst students and teachers. We used to sit in one row, took lunch together, played together and simply enjoyed a lot.
We also named out group as “AAAA…..” Group because the names of everyone had “A” as the last alphabet (except one girl). I really miss those pretty fun filled days.
There was stiff competition between me and the topper of our class and we used to fight for quarter of marks also.
I remember as a child we used to be jealous of our elder siblings who were in college or had finished their studies. But when the final D-Day came I mean the Farewell eve, everyone was simply getting poignant at the thought of living the place where we have spent a major and the initial part of our life and the fear of starting a new life full of challenges and uncertainties. For me it was perhaps more difficult as because it was the only school I visited.
No doubt I will always miss my school days which were really amazing. Also the friends made here are precious. I don’t know how many of them will remain in real good contact and for how long but they are all my great friends who also taught me a lot many things. Some of the teachers are very dear to me and would never ever forget them.
Thanks to everyone who came in contact with me during my schooling and gifted me something very precious which perhaps I will never get back.
Hope this days come back once again!!!!

“Apnu Ahmedabad”- a place for all fun, frolic and money

Hello everyone,
After living in Ahmedabad for more than two years I am in a position to pen down some unique features of this tier II city.
No doubt it is a very good, developing city with a better standard of living. People are quite jolly, friendly and lively. Every weekend is meant for outing after and all, all home makers also need weekend. Hotels have waiting queue of about 1-2 hours every weekend. Even after having restaurants every few kms., it is still a good business opportunity to start a chain. As compared to restaurants, hotels are less in number.
Almost every MNC has got its branch in Ahmedabad and is providing employment to a vast majority of people. It is a good place to work, with good transport system (better than over crowded trains of Mumbai), good infrastructure.
No shortage of power, water and other amenities.
The government is keen on developing this city at quite a rapid pace and it is a lucrative place to start any business.
Roads are excellent, suited for long drive with Highways like Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway very well built. (I really miss this highway; have traveled a lot owing to my alma mater situated on this highway)
Dalvada, Gote, Thepla, Khakra and Undhiyon are some famous delicacies of Ahmedavadis.
Mount Abu- one of the most common destinations for outing besides Saputara, Udaipur and Diu.
Festivals are also a name of celebration. May it be the most famous Navratri of Gujarat or Dussherra or Diwali or Uttrayan.
I need not describe about Navratri- no doubt Gujjus’ dance to their souls. They do Garba in their own groups with varied steps hard to imitate.
In Diwali vacations you will find not a single shop open, not a single vendor on road. It’s a total shut down here and all neighboring tourist places are occupied by Ahmedavadis. I found it a bit strange as because in my home town I never saw something like this when people lock their homes during Diwali and go out for trip.
The very next day of Diwali is celebrated as New Year of Gujaratis with all fervour. And you will find people wishing “Happy New Year” more often then “Happy Diwali”.
One more tradition attracted my attention this year. There is some thing called-
“Labh Pacham”. That means people will start their business after Five days of Diwali. Hence there is total Shut down for 5 more days. Good Vacation time!!!! Strange, but true!!!
Uttrayan or Makar Sankranti is another famous festival of Ahmedabad. Jalebi, Khaman, Khandvi and loads of kites, all scattered on terrace of people is a common sight on January 14th every year. Every person irrespective of age, gender is busy in flying kite and shouting- “Kaipoch che”. In the night skies are filled with glittering fire shots and roads and food joints with people.
No doubt, people celebrate every festival with gusto and the festivals are nothing but another name of Celebration.
People are quite friendly, calm, relaxed, broad minded and at the same time conservative also. They are very passionate about their language to an extent that if the person opposite to them does not understand the language they will continue speaking in Gujarati. However, it is not a very difficult language and those who know Hindi will not find it much hard.
The big business mind of people walks with people and follows them everywhere. After all Gujju’s are known for making money out of any and every business.
Half or more than half of Gujarat resides in USA. There is separate community in India known as NRG- Non Resident of Gujarat.
Overall Ahmedabad is a good place to live and enjoy and earn money.
“Atyare atlu bas thayu”
Jai Shree Krishna!!!

Poverty- can we fight it??

This is one of the most perplexing and at the same time a question embedded with various emotions. We see poor people almost everywhere atleast in our country. We can see them in our locality, near temples or bus stands or any other commercial place begging for alms. And its really sad to see young kids spreading their hands and begging. Instead of going to school and using their hands, mind and time for some constructive activity they are forced to slog in heat and run after people. We can find these people spending their night and days under open sky irrespective of climate, eating anything that they can find and simply trying to eke out a living.
When I see these people I feel vary sad and a question comes to my mind that can’t we do anything for them. Can’t government or various NGO’s do anything? What are NGO’s and Governments meant for?
Many people say that we should not give alms to beggars for various reasons, should we not?
Today, various schemes run for the benefit of the poor people. But either the poor people are not aware of such schemes or they get caught in the labyrinth of the corruption and mal-practices existing in the country.
Even about NGO’s you may not be sure whether their practices are genuine or not.
Sometimes, I think that we can create a fund (may be in our family, at our work places) wherein every earning member will have to contribute some amount daily; it may be a rupee even. Contributing a small amount will perhaps not e a burden on the beneficent but these pool of small contributions can be used for removal of poverty. But is this possible? Or is it just a whimsy?
But if this possible then I sincerely urge dear blog readers to do something to fight poverty and let it be a history-never to be repeated.

Rules as per convenience

What are rules???
Well, they are the principles that govern the conduct of a person in a society.
Who frame these rules??
The rules are framed by the Government, the Judiciary authority of the country, by the elder members of families and society in general.
For who are the rules made??
The rules are made for everyone and everyone should follow them in unison.
But does it happen so?? A common saying goes as- “Rules are meant to be broken”.
Further, it is also said that rule makers, are not rule followers. They make rules for others to follow.
But this is all about the rules that generally govern the society in large. What about the rules that are made by individuals themselves for themselves. These rules might be in agreement with the normally accepted principles of the society or might be a taboo.
But I have seen some people for whom rules are nothing but a way of life that suits their life style, their ego and are there to ensure a comfortable living at a cost to others. Also, the application of so called rules changes with the people. I will not elucidate it with some example, but this thing really irritates me.
Why cannot be people consistent with their ideologies atleast when it comes to following them? And I am not talking of some great dictates, but of small-small ideologies that people make for themselves. They then don’t think about the implications of these rules on others. They don’t care about others but act in most selfish way.
What should one do in such circumstances? Shall we stop dealing with such people or???
Waiting for an answer from my dear friends..

Dreamz Unlimited

Sitting on a lonely bench, feeling sad

I prayed for a true Friend

From a distant corner you came

Asking me to smile all again

We sat together for hours

Not knowing what to say

Watching the deep black sky,

Understanding the chemistry of moon and stars

Sitting together all the time

Speaking nothing any time

Developing a true bond

Supposed to be lasting for lifetime

But... Was it a dream, or a reality?

Or the sun rose very early

I felt as if I was in deep slumber,

Away from the world and its wonders

Soon, the reality dawned on me,

I have to realize that everything was a myth;

The dreams are meant to be cherished in dreams

Expecting them in reality is just a whim.

Birthday Surprises

We all eagerly wait for our B’Day (atleast I do) and when the B- Day comes we all want it to be the best day of the year...(after all it is.)

We want to celebrate this day the way we like- may be with friends, with family or by doing something innovative like charity work and so on.

But how about our B- Day celebrated by others, wherein they organize surprise parties for us or do something to surprise us. No doubt that B’Day becomes the most special day of our life.

This reminds me of my B’Day of year 2008 when all my friends due to work overload forgot that it was my B’Day. Since no one remembered it there was no celebration. Also, as I was away from family and my old friends and no celebration, I got disheartened. This way more than half of the day passed. Then in evening one of my friend happened to remember it by chance, he wished me and informed others also via mail.

Then by late evening one more friend of mine told other friends about my B’Day. However it was so late that in starting no one was ready to believe. After words arrangements were made and cake was brought and then there was more cake on my face than in my mouth. It no doubt became one of the most memorable B’Day of my life. I always wanted to have such a B’Day.

Thanks to both of my Friends for making my day really wonderful.

This reminds me of my friend who perhaps had her best B’Day. Her best friend visited her from a distant place, brought all sorts of gift and was there at her doorstep at 00.00 hours.

No doubt we all want to make this day as special as we can. However, given the realities of life where we are away from our kith and kin it is hard to celebrate it in the desirable way. Still we should enjoy this day to maximum as it is our day.

Cheers!!

Intensions Vs. Actions

One of the most controversial topic whether in public debates or crime or relations.

Yes, what is in your mind and what comes out as your actions might be two different things; hence which should be believed??

Some say- that at times people have good intentions, still they are forced by the situations to act in an unacceptable manner. Hence they are not guilty- but is it right??

It means I don’t have bad intentions in my mind and still I stab someone owing to any reason- so is it right???

Similarly there are many small and large circumstances that we face in our life for which we have no right answer. At times we are not able to decide that whatever we are doing is right or wrong. It is possible that we do something without realizing its consequences and may regret later.

This was about having good intentions. But what about those people who have ill-will in their mind and on face they appear with a facial mask of goodness, fair nature and all sorts of pretensions. I guess perhaps they are more risky then the people who atleast are genuine in their mind.

But how do we distinguish between the two??

How to decide what is right when we are ourselves in the same position- when we know that intentions are not bad but actions might be??

Integrity Challenged!!!

Has someone ever raised a question on your integrity?

How do you feel when you are being blamed for something you have never done?

How do you react when your propriety is being challenged?

Why honest people always suffer and are rewarded for their honesty?

Well these are some serious questions of life which people face and often do not know how to react. One may react either very strongly or drink the bitter juice and say nothing.

But when you are being questioned for your integrity; I guess it’s perhaps one the devastating moment of your life. You feel like reacting very strongly, thrashing the person and say him whatever comes in your heart. But then every time the situation is not in your hands. At times you don’t have option to react and you are left to burn in the heat of agony. Sometimes this may also lead to some serious consequences wherein in the people can’t forget the charge and they take extreme steps.

But the question arises that what should one do in such a situation. It is possible that in working life you face such situations more often. And all the times you can’t react.

I believe that- “jo jaisa hota he who waisa hi sochta he”. If you can’t react then better forget it and prove your mettle by concentrating on activities which are in your hand.

But is this right and sufficient??

Missing Good Old Days…

Yesterday night I was watching snapshots of Nirma.. Today I watched a video of Nirma..its so nostalgic. How and where the two years have gone by is hard to imagine. The life was indeed good. Living with different people in altogether a new set up and atmosphere wrapped up with learning, challenges and fun. The life was really great and today I miss that life, the old friends; and am forced to think that when the reunion of all friends will happen… will it ever happen??

Today I miss those IP messages fully loaded with BAKAR of all sorts, the long walk I used to take in Nirma, the hostel and its life and simply everything.

But I know these days will never come back again. Even though I am in Ahmedabad, in the same city as my alma mater, but I don’t wish going all alone there. It induces more sadness now when I look at the places I enjoyed with my friends- the benches, the stage, the long roads the institute and the mess. It’s all very nostalgic.

I just wish that I get a chance to meet all my good old friends once more in life…. Hope the day comes soon in my life (Will It???).

What to Write???

Well after posting so many blogs, am in a fix now- what to write next??

At times many topics come to mind but they cannot take the shape in form of words. Sometimes topics have to wait before they can be posted on the blog and sometimes I am left blank.

Hence I request dear readers of this blog to kindly suggest me some topics on which I can write..

Waiting for the response..

Realisation and confusion!!!

At times when you realize a few things happening either in your life or in someone else life your doubts are either solved or they get multiplied.

Same is my situation right now.. I am in such a confused state that I even don’t know what to write and how to express my feelings.

In past few days I have been thinking about a few things and I am not able to take my mind off from it (though I want to)

1- Good Vs. Bad

We all know that both the things are prevalent in this world and one thing makes us realize the presence of other. But then it is also said that ultimately good prevails bad…..really????

I think yes this is true but then at times when you are true at heart, in your deeds and true to others- in relations, in work and while helping them, but if you are ditched then you are forced to doubt the relevance of the title. You then feel why have you been so good?? What did you get by getting good?? You did well to others and now you are at loss. As is rightly said by someone- “Neki karo Dariya mein kudo”. This statement seems to be more relevant at such times.

2- Who is a Friend?

We all know the basic definition of a friend- someone who is there in your times of sorrow and joy, some who is genuinely happy for you and someone who genuinely cares for you, perhaps without expecting anything in return. But is it possible such a person in life??? I guess so it is hard.

MOM

Everyone’s mom is special. Children are perhaps more close to their mother as compared to father. But do we really realize her importance in our life, her selfless caring and her sacrifices she does simply to make us happy.

It is said that we do not realize value of a person or a thing until and unless we go away from them.

I always knew how importance my mother is in my life but after living in hostel for more than two years now I realize her importance in every small-small things.

I remember how she used to take my tantrums easily and used to cool me and make me happy when ever I felt sad.

If I did not like a particular thing she used to cook something else. Whenever I am sleeping she used to make sure that no one in home makes any noise. If I cry she used to first scold me and then love me and try to assuage me so that I stop crying.

But now the things are changed; now there is no one to pamper me, to tolerate my whimsies and then you feel as if you are left all alone in this world.

But now it’s high time that I do something for my mother. Hence even if I am so far from her I try to do little things that will make her happy. And this makes me doubly happy.

Hence we all should try to do something for our parents for they are everything. They are your real saviors, real friends and simply everything.

Do something that will make them feel proud of you and also happy for you; for their happiness lies in your happiness.

Never ever forget your parents and never ever blame them for your failure or for anything. They can never do anything bad for their child.

Hence in the end I would say-

F- Father

A- And

M-Mother

I-I

L-Love

Y-You

Be Yourself!!!

At times it so happens that someone comes in our life and make us forget the time. At times, some incidents happen in our life which makes us forget everything. And these are the times when we forget ourselves also- who we are? What are values? What are our goals, our priorities and so on?

But we should ourselves for anyone. Everyone is unique; we should learn to accept people as they are. We should not force our thoughts on others and at the same time be aware also that other people do not get too imposing on us.

No doubt we should try to change ourselves given the circumstances; we should learn new things, embrace new ideas and imbue in us good qualities that we perceive in our surroundings.

But then we should not deviate from our core values and priorities of life.

We should be ourselves, so that everyone feels proud of us and they try to emulate us rather than us emulating them.

Hence know yourself, believe in yourself and Be Yourself.

May Be

MAY BE…

Maybe. . we were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that
when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.
Maybe . . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it,
but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.
Maybe . . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past;after all,
you can't go on successfully in life until you let goof your past mistakes, failures and heartaches.
Maybe . . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong,
enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy .
Maybe . . . the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
Maybe . . . the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word,
and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.
Maybe . . . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all those who have searched, and all those who have tried,
for only they can appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.
May be . . you should do something nice for someone every single day,
even if it is simply to leave them alone.
Maybe . . . there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a spouse, a friend, a child --
so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real,
so that once they are around you appreciate them more.
Maybe … giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back.
Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart;
but, if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.
Maybe . . . you should dream what you want to dream; go where you want To go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.

(this is one of my Favorite poem)

Thats Love

That's Love-
If you love some one because you think that he or she is really gorgeous ....then it's not love .. it's "Infatuation"
If you love some one because you think that you shouldn't leave him because others think that you shouldn't ... then it's not love.. it's "Compromise"
If you love some one because you have been kissed by him ... then it's not love.. it's "Inferiority complex"
If you love some one because you cannot leave him thinking that it would hurt his feelings .. then it's not love .. it's "Charity"
If you love some one because you share every thing with him ... then it's not love... it's "Friendship"BUT...
If you feel the pain of the other person more than him even when he is stable and you cry for him ... that's "LOVE"
If you get attracted to other people but stay with him without any regrets... that's "LOVE"
If you let him go knowing that he has to go but he doesn't want to ... that's "LOVE"

(Of course this poem is not written by me but this is one of favorites)

A Dedication to my Best Friend

This was the peom i wrote in a Creative Writing Competition. however this was written by keeping in mind my best friend..
Hence this poem is dedicated to him..

Those gingerly eyes
Those curly lips
That killer smile
That makes me go on ride

Your firm hold
That makes me bold
Something that need not be told

Your love your care
Something which is rare
Is there for me forever

About his innate behavior-

Somu a bholu,
Not so bholu but a motu..
and I call him a “sweetoo”..

A cutie pie
..a innocent guy..
A dreamer and a worker
A helper and a shelter.
A shelter to me in every new difficulty
A sweetie and a mighty
A donkey and a monkey.
In short my cutie pie, my sweetie pie, my lovely pie
Together we make a wholesome tie.

Nation

This was article written during a competition ehld at my college on creative writing. i do not very well remember the title now.

OHH Lord!!! OHH Mighty King!!! of our nation lets all rise up and the storm broke loose!!!

It is well known that the “Pen is mightier than Sword” but at times Sword has to play its own role and honorable king the time has come that that we take sword into our hands and stop the word game, we have been playing for past few months.

Ohh Lord!!! Today I want to speak the hearts of people of your own land who have been with you every time and have seen all seasons of life. I know right now it is the autumn but then we should not forget that Spring is not too far and we have to fight to make this spring, the most cheerful season for everyone.

We all know the whole truth, we also know that we are armed against weakness and uncertainty but then we don’t forget that the blows of war gives us additional strength, firm resolve, and a spirit to overcome all the difficulties, that the nation is currently in grasp of.

Now is not the time to ask how it all happened. The fruitless debate can be postponed for later discussions. At present it is important to know that our hands are active but our consciousness is at rest. And it is the high time that we wake up ourselves.

We the people of this great nation know that we are brave enough to look danger in the face then act decisively with our heads held high. Everytime we have showed the strength of our words, our character and our sword to our enemies. And this time also the history will repeat itself. So let it be today.

Let me remind that this is not the war just against our enemies but this is the war against all the injustice that the people of this holy land have been facing, all those pinching memories of chilly winter that the people want to forget. This is not the war of establishing dominance but is the war to restore people of the freedom which is exclusively right and to spread ray of hope to them who have not cherished it ever.

My task is to give you an unvarnished picture of the situation, to bring forth the feelings of people and to reiterate again-

Now The citizens of this great Nation, Rise Up and Let the storm broke loose.

Mystery Continues....

Hello everyone,

In my previous blog on friendship I tried wrote on what is Friendship and how many perspectives this word has got.

Here I am writing on FRIEND.

In the previous blog I wrote in last line that a Friend is a person who is there for you every time.
Herein I would share my experience as to what I feel about my close friends. For me a person is your friend with whom you can be your natural self without thinking what your friend will think about you, your actions or your words. If you have to think before acting or saying anything infront of your close friends then they are not your close friends, they are simply your friends. As said in movie Mohabbatein, “koi pyaar kare tumse kare, tum jaise ho waise kare, koi tumhe badalkar pyaar kare to who pyaar nahi, soda kare aur sahiba pyaar mein soda nahi hota”.

Further it is possible that the other person might not be having that a great feeling as you have for him/her. But if the relation is true from your side, then sooner or later this fact will be realized by that person and s/he will also consider as your good friend, My Experience!!!. It is also possible that at time your close friend gets away from you, I know that it is perhaps the hardest moment of one’s life, but cannot do anything because you cannot force friendship on anyone. In this case I would say just relax and have faith on your relationship. If even for a moment you had true relation with the person s/he will realize your value in his/her life and will come to you.
Once a friend of mine said that if I can say to my family and my friends that he is my friend then our relation is true, well it is also one of the dimensions of a true relation.
However there is a thin line of difference between a friend and a lover. You have to be very clear about this because you may never know when your true and close friendship may get converted into love. Hence be very clear with your relation. Also, never hide anything from your close friends, be absolutely truthful. Whatever you feel, whether good or bad simply say to your friend and sort out the issue. It will simply strengthen your bond.
It is said that if you have made atleast 5 true friends in your life then your life is worthwhile, so now count how many friends you have with whom you can be your natural self and also absolutely truthful.

Enjoy, Cherish and have faith on your FRIENDS!!!