Congratulation Manas

I am so happy to share this with my friends that Manas has won his first inter-school competition ever. He participated in English Elocution organised in Christ College on Sunday. 30 schools and to name some are Christ Academy, Carmel Convent, Janak Vidyalaya, Christ School, Aradhana public school etc particitpated in the competition. Manas have enrolled on Friday for the competition and the topic was 'Global Economic Crises'. He had to speak for 4 minutes and 1 minute was question-answer session.
My first reaction was 'Why at the last moment you got enrolled' as we have very less time to prepare and from Thursday(12th Dec) is his mid-year examination. I actually scolded him and finally thought of taking some material from the internet. Thankfully Tanay took the responsibility. He started working on the material on Saturday morning and by 2 o'clock he printed out 3 pages for Manas to prepare the topic. Father and son sat whole afternoon together to understand the topic as it was important for answering the question after the speech. Manas found the topic really hard and obviously many adults are failed to understand the depth. How can we expect the same from a 13 years old child who has not even studied Economics till today. Anyways they both worked whole afternoon and finally at 7 o'clock Manas cried and confessed 'Mumma, I can't understand this. Please tell me what to do?' We left him alone at home and went out for coffee. During coffee session we decided to suggest him to withdraw his name. After coming back home, Tanay again sat with him and tried his best to convince and withdraw his name from the competition. But Manas is very adament by nature. He didn't agree for the same and sat again with the pages they both have prepared together. I was actually happy to see his determination. Around 9 o'clock he came to us with all the pages mugged up. Surprisingly he did well and we all slept with some hopes.
Next morning, I tried to wake Manas at 5:30am but all in vein. He got ready by 8:10 and we rushed to the school. The bus was almost ready to move towards Christ College. Around 11:30am he called to inform that he won the first prize in his elocution and then at 2:00pm he again called to inform that he and his team won the 3rd prize in skit also which was led by Manas. The day went well and Tanay's help in preparation was also commendable. Congratulations to both of them. I am attaching the article which Manas spoke about in the elocution.

YOGA classes

Since last 2 months I am attending Yoga class thrice a week. My main objective at that point was to loose some weight. But amazingly I have not lost a single kg even after being so regular in my classes :(
Yoga has so many other benefits which generally go unnoticed but everybody should do some exercise in any form - Aerobics, Playing outdoor games, Yoga, swimming etc.
I have found many changes like Inch loss, good and positive mood, active in my house chores, less body pain, sound sleep, clear skin and active mind etc.
Pranayam is an essential part of Yoga specially for us who are in late thirties, as it gives mind relaxation. Most of the times we are overstressed. I hope I will continue Yoga in future also......

Movies in last few days

Ah....finally I am coming out of those emotions which I experienced while Mumbai attacks. I was feeling completely trapped during those 70 hours. Did not switched my TV off for at least 18 hours a day and watched only news - specially TIMES NOW, Zee news, CNN and BBC.

I watch three movies last week - EMI. Yuvvraaj and Dasvidaniya.
EMI is a story of 4 people who took loan and later unable to pay and how the things rolled out and finally settled. Nice time pass movie with a sensible message. Sanjay Dutt is looking quite aged and Urmila is gorgeous as always. Overall a watchable movie.

Yuvvraaj - Can't even understand how to define. Movie has nothing to admire. A family drama with pathetic story. Not recommended at all. Only music is good and that too just one song 'tu hi to meri dost hai'...

Davidaniya - My friend has recommended this movie on Sunday and I could not resist myself - so watched on Monday. It is a good movie. Vinay pathak is superb. The message is really sweet which says - that we should take out time for our dreams to realise. All the time we understand and complete our duties and forget small joys which can make us worthy living. Overall must watch but with patience as the flow of the movie is slow.

Life is moving ahead

Even the moon smiled and said "Here is the new day to smile with me." Are we ready to smile or smile is so grin that moon could not recognise it.

Everytime I watch news my heart is filled with different feelings. Yesterday night I watched NDTV and some celebrities with Barkha Dutt - Simi Garewal, Kunal Kohli and some more - everybody seems to be awakened as the tragedy happened in a 7* hotel. They all could feel it very near. They all are realising that danger can be on them as well. Where were all of them when these blasts were happening on the roads or in trains or central parks or markets. They were not heard or they were so meak and nobody could see or feel that. Who are we blaming - the politicians. I feel like smiling like yesterday's moon. Congress speaker is commenting " Ye do chaar log tie pahankar or lipstick lagaakar aa jaate hai aur kahte hai ye janta ki awaaz hai( These few people comes with make-up and tie-coat and comment as it is public voice) all is fake. For me it is hard to decide what is fake - these celebrities or the politician. But question remains the same. How general public can voice their opinion. We want to vote to the right person but where is that 'right person'. They are all playing dirty politics. Who is right 1. BJP - who blamed Hemant Karkare about his investigation 2. Congress - Who doesn't listen criticism even after this kind of attacks and comment upon reporters who are reporting the incidents tirelessly 3. UPA - Who is abusing soldier's father if he is not in the state of meeting a CM to take his fake condolences. We are so helpless and confused. Should we vote - the obvious answer is "YES" but whom should we vote - where is the obvious answer.....I'm searching for that....

Yesterday whole day I was watching news channels, completely horrified specially listening to Arnab Goswami. He is always there on the channel for the whole day at the time of crisis. I could see the irritation of his face and could listen his helplessness in his voice. There was no break at all on the channel and were showing everything 'live'. The best was when he called Farukh Sheikh, Shaifali Chhaya and some other people in the studio. Everybody looking so uncertain about the situation and first time I could see everything what I wanted to speak to people 'live'. I specially liked Suhail ( the frustration on his speech) and the question of Arnab "Are you more frustrated this time because it happened in a seven star hotel?" Arnab also said with complete dismay "We reporters are tired of reporting about deaths due to these bomb blasts and human enimity" When will all this stop. The best part was when Suhail asked these politician "Jokers" on a national television. Somebody dared to do this.

These politicians are reaching at "site" to give their speeches and collecting their votes once again only after 24 hours of drama and after confirmation that situations are under control and their life is safe. First was Mr. L K Advani and then Mr. Vilas Rao Deshmukh with PM and Sonia Gandhi. The last but not the least is Mr. Narender Modi. Why all they have not reached with the NSG commandos? Why they don't understand that they are not required to these places as it inturrupts the work and some of the policemen are deputed for their safety who can be deployed somewhere else. When will all this be understood

Tanay came around 9:30 pm and we both were watching tv till 1am in the morning. We both were tired of the situation and finally slept. In between Ajay came with a paper gun and said "I will kill all of them with this gun" We were very upset to see that. I have never bought a toy gun for my children. I feel it gives a wrong message to them. I think watching TV and hearing all the gun and granade sounds made him doing that act. I was really upset and then talked to Ajji for a while.

Today again we are watching TV since 6 o'clock in the morning and this all is still on. Kids have not gone to school because Ex-prime-minister V P Singh died yesterday. Kids are happy but it is again difficult to watch TV with them. I wish to end all this and have a peaceful life. No more "Breaking News" on the TV pleeeaase. I am praying for everybody's safety...God bless them. I remember the song " Teri hai jameen tera aasman...Tu bada meharbaan..."

So scary and unbelievable

It all started when I picked up today's newspaper with the headline "A war on Mumbai". Oh god now what???? I just read the headline and woke up Tanay with utter disbelief. My initial reaction was " I just saw the news at 8 pm last night and nothing was wrong, what happened overnight" It is ridiculous. Immediately called our friends in Mumbai who informed that majorly roads were blocked in South Mumbai and he was also reach home at 1 o'clock at night. Why innocent people staying in these hotels majorly foreigners or big shots are suffering. It is getting worsen day by day. But this time I feel is the height of it...May be because bomb blast could not scared the people enough. Terrorists feels we are still united...still economy is doing its bit, India is still surviving in this tough time, people are working hard and harder to keep the things perfect, Nuclear deal is finalised....what is more irritating for the anti-india terrorists. But life will surely moves on and it will definitely from here too...

Watching "TIMES NOW" since morning and realising how committed and daring these army, navy and commandos and even news reporters are... They have their life on stake but still doing their jobs beautifully...Hats off to them. What makes their morale up...somewhere they also know that corruption and bad blood is in the environment but that doesn't stop them or demotivate them.. I salute their commitment and courage. Wish to end all this soon...

Oh god ...please help us

Last few months

Sometimes I wonder how these working ladies cope up with their family commitments. Its been almost a year since I left my last job and everytime I take a break from career and think "Now I will sleep a lot" (it's my favourite passtime :) if I am not going for work) That just doesn't happen..I was better organised when i have to get ready in the morning and go away. But everything has its positive and negatives. Since last few months, I cooked at least 30-35 new dishes(most of them were liked by family and friends) , painted two dresses, embroidried one kurta and learnt glass painting. Alongwith all that I spent quality time with Tanay and kids. It's so fulfilling and now going for yoga classes. It is really good and I feel more energetic. It is really enjoyable and satisfying. My most enjoyable time is when I listen to Manas playing guitar. It is my dream to see my sons "music lover" They sing and play guitar together. Mumma always says..."This is the best time with sons when they are between the age of 12 and 18 as they spend more time at home and their best friend are their mom and dad". Hope that continues :) Diwali was awesome this time as I made all the sweets at home and some diyas too. Surprisingly, I still not feel bored and not feeling like working again. Tanay is really happy with this scenerio as he knows that I can't sit at home for more than 6 months without work and this time it is almost a year. Let's see how long it continues ;)

Indian festivals

Today afternoon I was surfing channels as always and stuck to one news - 'Delhi is busy with ONAM preparations'. I started thinking about time we shifted to Bangalore 4 years back in J P Nagar and remembered how difficult it was to gather some girl children for pooja during 'Kanjake'. My neighbours did not respond nicely and were not able to understand what exactly I was doing. I gave them prasad of 'puri, halwa and chane'. They accepted reluctantly and later donate it to our security guard. I really felt bad as it was for girl children and mamma always told that at least 5 girl children should eat your prasad. I could not perform my MIL shraad also as the panditaain was not available in the temple. Rakhi was also not available easily as i can find it today. In short...North and South Indian were divided and not knowing each other's festivals. But today scenerio is completely different. We celebrate all the festivals including Varalakshmi, Kanjake, Ganesh puja, Holi, Rakhi, Christmas etc. and could see that Delhi is also celebrating ONAM, Ganesha puja etc. India is really merging...reasons can be innumerous but it is good for the people and surely for the next generation. I like when my children participate in all the festivals and celebration and wish the same for the children all over India.

A poem by Manas - "MOUNTAIN"

Mountain is a nature's gift
And I love their summit
Mountains are the ones never shift
Mountains - nature's gift

Mountains are climbed by mountaineers
who have a main aim
with oxygen tanks and many gears
they want to climb and get fame

Mountain pose a challenge
and the people accept
they have no stairs, doors with hinge
You have to climb here or there

Mountains are a wonder
with a great summit in
But what the people fear to climb
is the summit within...

Ajay Sharma - THE SARDAR

Today Ajay had to speak in his assembly on 'Punjabi Culture'. I had to make him a sard. I scratched my head a lot and practised different styles of Pagdis, but all in vein. Ultimately I start calling my friends of the layout if somebody could help. Indrani gave me one contact of a Sikh family who stayed very near to her house. With a little hesitation I called and the phone was picked up by Uncle. He talked to me very nicely and welcomed me to learn the typical sard's pagdi style. Yesterday evening I went to learn but Uncle only tied it on Ajay's head and assured that he wil do it for the morning also. He was really looking very cute in the sard's pagdi today morning. We all went to school and he performed very nicely. Little nervous but did his best. Well done Ajay...We love you

Dance party with kids

Today I enjoyed a sudden dance party arranged and Manas, Ajay and his friends in the evening in my bedroom with our home-theatre system. Almost all colony kids were at home...oh god-what a mess. I think they were at least 25-30 children. They fought on boys-girls dance styles. We played 'Bachna Ae haseeno', 'kajra re', 'pappu can't dance salla' and 'Rock on'. Initially only dance lovers like Manas, Sana and Sameera were dancing, but later everybody joined in. Even Ajay danced very well. I love being all of them here. I danced with them and ranked them with rating. I was cute and short program. Overall great performances

A day with old friends

On saturday, we had some friends at home. Two couples, out of them one is newly married and I met Prerna for the first time. She is very pretty. Initially she was not participating in our talks and was trying to observe the bond of the friends, but later she was feeling quite comfortable. I love calling friends at home and cook for them. I cooked typical indian food for them and Ritesh loved Curry-chawal the most. Arindham and Mahua were also enjoying. Arindham talked the most and pulled everyone' s leg. Overall it was great fun. I loved my day. Next day Prerna called and thanked for the saree I gifted to her. Suddenly I am grown and was advising about getting dressed up quite often as these newly-wedded days will not come back. I have started enjoying being the eldest couple of the lot. I thanked my god for another lovely day.

ROCK ON

On the day of Gauri Ganesha Sep 2, 2008, My sons and I went to watch movie "Rock On" at Fun Cinema at Conninghum Road. Manas loved all the songs of the movie and was very keen to watch it. It is a lovely movie - very close to life. We all enjoyed the movie. It was first time we went to Fun Cinema. It is little expensive than other malls of Bangalore. Before the movie, National Anthem was played and requested everyone to stand up. I liked the concept. It should be at all the cinema halls. People love their country but sometime we should realise this. Overall a nice day which I spent with my kids...but while coming back home I again lost my way...It happens with me all the time I go to Conningham Road..but that too was great fun as kids and I enjoyed this too...he he he.

Great fun

Yesterday we had gone for a get together with our layout friends and it was great fun. We had gone a Radiant Retreat and started the party by playing with kids. After a long time a ran behind kids and ladies to play Kho-kho. I loved that. Tanay and other guys started singing and we all joined them ..we sang and sang and sang...wow it could not have been better evening than this. I loved each moment of this. I admire Kunja Uncle for his caring nature. He was getting up again and again to talk to resort people to provide us good service and food plus he was caring for kids. It was a fulfilling day. After coming back home, my kids kissed me and thanked both of us for a lovely evening. I wish to have some more evenings like this. Thank you god...

The first chapati made by my son - Ajay

I never thought parenting can be so fulfilling and exciting. I love to spend time with Manas (aged 13) and Ajay (aged 9). In the initial years it was tiring with all ayahgiri of su su, potty and feeding. It was a never ending process and I used to wonder, when it will get over.
And today Ajay made a roti for me. He is very loving and caring. After a long long time I had a hot roti and it was lovely to see him doing all the work so lovingly. He also told me 'Mamma, I always wonder what mammas get by taking so good care of home and us. Why you make roti, do washing and other work at home. What do you get??' Today he might have got the answer by making that one roti for me.
It is so satifying to care for your family. I wish I could save this moments and savour it forever.

Incident I can never forget

On july 25, I was at home with my parents in law and suddenly made a plan to go to Forum Mall for shopping with them. It was 12:30 noon. I asked them to get ready fast and I came upstairs to get ready. Suddenly mummy shouted from downstairs and informed about the camaleon she had seen in our kitchen floor. I was frightened and called waterguys from outside to take the camaleon out of my home. Kumar and Ravi came to do the job. It took them more than an hour to take it out of the house and all the time I was shouting and cursing of how that camalion entered in my house because all the doors and windows were properly closed.Later we all realise that we are late and have to postpone our shopping for a day or two. We had lunch and started watching TV and saw the news of bomb blast in Bangalore near Forum Mall.
I thanked god for the camaleon, which took that long to go out.

Beijing Olympics

Now, the fever of Beijing olympics is getting over but leaving a lot of questions and retrospection for India.
India won a gold in shooting and 2 bronze in wrestling and boxing each. It gives us immense pride. In future, we may won more medals but these will always be important because these medals were won on their own efforts. Now Indian govt. and media are giving lot of emphasis on supporting sports activities because of these medals and pride. More Abhinav Bindra's will be created but all credit will go to these pioneers who have done it without any support.

Sushil Kumar and Vijender Kumar are from middle class families but they had a dream to chase. They did it without any support from authorities. I was amazed to know that Table tennis was played in the olympics by two indians without any coach. No support because budget did not allow them to take a coach to Beijing.

Sushil Kumar and team was given few mattresses and a room to practice and that's all. It is really shameful to see the kind of support Indians are getting to prepare for a worldclass performance. Where can this be raised and how. Can we Indian think about it.