Blogging.....coming back after 4 years

Yes, It is nice to be back....So much happened in these 4 years and most of it was for good...made me better person.
Today I am dedicating this blog to all those mothers who have taken break in their career because they did not have support at home for their children. Those mothers, who were not ready to leave their children alone at an important stage of their life where they needed their mother the most.

I had a different situation as I came to Bangalore with my children who were 9 and 5 years old, and with new environment, city and school, I was not comfortable leaving them alone at home. So I chose to take a break. Here I want to make it very clear, that every mother and their situation is different so if something is done by me- might not be correct for other.

Hubby dear was busy in his new job and its endless demands. And I took responsibility of taking care at home front. Life threw many challenges, I also could not sit idle at home, as I always wanted to be a career person. Sometimes that frustration vented out on hubby and kids, but they co-operated so well. I worked for a school as PRO for 2 years, worked as visiting faculty for 6 months, sell insurance for 6 years and time flew....and the day came when my elder son completed his 10th grade. I wanted to begin my career again, but I was clueless. I started applying for job.....I am a semi-qualified finance person, and it was very difficult to find job with in-complete qualification. I searched and searched and searched.....believe me, it was the most difficult time of my life. I attended many interviews, with this thought that I just need a beginning to prove myself. In the meanwhile, my younger son was in 7th std. Now children also want to see as their idle, and I was continuously getting rejections from different interviews, it was shown in my attitude too. I was struggling with my dreams and my realities. Not sure, what gave me confidence....my sons, friends or hubby....but I did not stop making efforts, finally one day, I got a call from a small company to work as Finance consultant. Salary was very less,....may be equal to my conveyance +pocket money.
In these years, hubby worked very hard and reached to high profile job (We both were working on equal level ,before I quit 7 years back) Now the pressure was not to accept the offer as it was taking full day effort and was not paying enough. Honestly, finance is also changed a lot during these years, many new technologies introduced, which were absolutely new for me. But I was very adament and joined the company with heavy heart. Some friends laughed, some supported. Hubby also had mixed feeling, which sometimes worked in my favour, sometimes against. Finally the day came, when I started my job. It was in May 2010.
First month was so difficult as kids were not habitual to live without me, they wanted food to be cooked by me. I was not earning so good, that I can keep a maid servant. Office was 18 km away from home, so driving in peak hour bangalore traffic was killing me on daily basis. Days passed.....then weeks .....and months....slowly I started buying small things for home....which gave me confidence. I worked very hard to learn new systems and procedures. My confidence level was increasing and with that, children and hubby confidence was coming back in me, about my working status. During my job, I also completed my MBA, so ensure that I can join a better company and better perk level. Believe me, it is not easy to sit at home for 7 years for a semi-qualified person, who does not have a professional degree to show, but just a strong desire to be a career person. The company where I was working, all my colleagues were so young to me ,therefore keeping a pace with them was another challenge....I faced all of them.....A year passed and I completed one year in finance consultancy. At the increment time, I got the best increment alongwith retention bonus....that was the time I realised that I am ready for corporate world....which is very challenging, demanding and professional...I always wanted to work in a corporate company......I started another dream......will continue my story in my next week blog :)

Trying hand in new things

Two weeks back I have started two classes together...Learning Kannada from one of my neighbour of the layout and other one is Fitness class by joining a Gim near my layout. Incidently both the classes started on the very same day.I was anyways very much occupied and now it is even worst, but this is truely a new experience and I am thoroughly enjoying each moment of these two classes, rather everyday waiting to go and attend these classes. (Kannada is twice a week and Gim class is 6 days a week)

I am learning Kannada, speaking and writing both. Somehow I am finding writing easier then speaking as the pronunciation is really tough to pick up. Moreover, people start laughing the moment we start speaking Kannada. No wonder, as this happens with everyone when they start speaking new language. Even today my children have this opinion about my english that I speak it with punjabi accent although I have never spoken Punjabi fluently and never got a chance to live in Punjab for long. But kids have an english accent which I could not pick up the same way. Even today I speak in English after getting it translated from Hindi in my mind. That might make a little difference to my diction. God knows what will I do with Kannada?? But I am enjoying every bit of it and will try my best to pick the diction at the earliest.

As far as Gim, it is a new experience. My friend and I go together and work-out for one to one and half an hour, with treadmill, cycling, cross trainer and weights alongwith crunches and abs exercises. I am feeling much better in fitness in just 15 days although no change in weight but still I am more active and energetic. I really wish to continue with this routine. My back pain is completely gone. Normally people think that Gimming is tough or painful but I had a fruitful experience. The reason might be the physical trainer or our year long yoga classes which had made us flexible enough to handle the pressure but I am lovin it :)

Various Attitudes

I keep wondering how people have various attitudes and different thoughts on the same situation they face in everyday life. I am a member of three mailing groups - one of them is my previous company's colleagues of Delhi who came to Bangalore and joined different companies and learnt to stay away from their hometown. We have some planned get togethers of this group in 3-4 months but people come to these get-togethers not to meet friends but to see how others are performing in their different companies and how big moolahs they are making. I attended some of them and later stopped visiting these meeting as I find it completely foolish and non-productive agenda. How does it make a difference in my life if one of my colleague has got promoted twice in last year. It is good if it inspires me but what is the use if we are meeting our old friends and colleagues with a jealousy and competition in mind. I have seen this in other groups too...We all are working very hard in this competitive environment but why to compare...we can learn new things by sharing and caring but nothing is going to help if we keep looking at other's progress with a competition. Some of my friends have stopped talking to me just because I am taking care of family and not my career. Everyone has right to choose his/her priorities in life. Moreover I am a better judge of my life. Suggestions are welcome but being opionionated is really makes me irritated...hope we all learn to be happy together without being bothered about the social status of our friends, neighbours and colleagues.

How a cyclone named

I always had this question in my mind and my friend have sent me this article...very interesting

It might not be known when the next cyclone will hit the northern Indian Ocean, but what is already known is its name - Bandu, an official said Thursday. Cyclones derive their names through a systematic procedure laid down by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Cyclone Laila, which developed in the Indian Ocean off the Andhra Pradesh coast creating much havoc in the state, was named by Pakistan. The next to hit countries in the north Indian Ocean region will be called Bandu - a name given by Sri Lanka, and the one after that will be Phet, named by Thailand. Eight north Indian Ocean countries - Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand - have prepared a list of 64 names. "We give identity to the cyclones as per the list finalised by the WMO," M. Mahopatra, director of the cyclone division of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), told IANS. "The practice of naming storms (tropical cyclones) began years ago to help in their quick identification while issuing warnings because names are presumed to be far easier to remember than numbers or technical terms," Mahopatra explained. "When a hurricane hits these countries, the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC), housed in the IMD office in New Delhi, picks up the name next on the list. The RSMC has been set up by the WMO for forecasting tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal," he said. The countries take turns in naming the cyclones. The last six were: Nisha (Bangladesh), Bijli (India), Aila (Maldives), Phyan (Myanmar), Ward (Oman) and the most recent being Laila (Pakistan). Local names are used for cyclones to make it convenient for use. In the 1970s, the WMO in Geneva asked some countries around the Pacific Ocean to prepare a list of names. The decision to name the cyclones in the Indian Ocean was taken at a meeting of WMO/ESCAP in 2000.

The other side of the mirror

So much is written and discussed about old age people. Their problems - financial, social and physical - but very rarely the other side of the story.

In Bangalore, so many young couples are working in IT industry in different shifts and coping with various time zones. They also have children (one or two maximum). In previous times most of the parents had worked in govt. authorities or nine - to - six schedule. We have always seen our father at home latest by 6:30pm to spend time with us or reading newspaper alongwith tea and pakodas. Children were studying in govt. schools ( without any shame) or public schools fee structure was also not very heavy. Mothers used to work at home and there was rarely any pressure of being a working mother. Parents also had pension schemes in their organisation for their old age and therefore very less worry about saving too much.
But today things are changed and money plays a big role. This generation works in multinational companies in odd shifts. These companies does not provide any security after leaving the company. On top of it, immense pressure of children's upbringing and their education. Cut throat competition and job hopping have made the things even worst. It is a continuous race. Most of the young parents are working in different locations away from their birthplace and relatives.
With all this, so much hype is created for old age parents and their mental insecurities. Although parents have saved for themselves and often they does not want to stay with their children as their son and daughter-in-law is working and they have to take care of grand children. Even if a full time maid is appointed at home but keeping an eye on the maid is a responsibility. Odd shifts and kids with various class schedules and gizmos are another tension to grand parents.
I feel that it should be the personal choice of the parents and children if they want to be together or away from each other. But there should not be any pressure or blame game. Most of the times children listen from their relatives that they have left their parents alone but it is not always true. Sometimes parents does not want to be a solution for their children's hectic schedule and odd working hours. They don't want to be disturbed with the noise of kitchen when their son or DIL (daughter-in-law) has come home mid-night after work. They don't want to be disturbed when DIL is getting up wee hours to prepare food for the family because she has to start for work early morning. They don't want to be the helping hand but just want to enjoy their old age nicely with bhajans and friend's gathering. They judge their kids love with the money they have spent on them.
I don't have any issues if they choose to be away from their son, as they have all the right to enjoy their last days of life after so many responsibilities but they should make this clear to all the friends and relatives that it is their own choice and their son has not left them alone. We should rather try to be together emotionally if not physically.
Everyone will reach to this old age and kids observes how we treat our parents. They learn values from the behaviour of their parents. Being money wise is good but sometimes we should trust our children.

Different opinions

Being an insurance advisor from LIC, I tend to meet new people everyday and actually this is quite fulfilling. May be this is a gemini trait. I am sharing some of my experiences here

Few days back I met a young lady aged 33 - They have to reveal the actual age due to my business requirement :) She is sister of my ex-colleague so we knew a little about each other. She got married approx 5 years before and both husband and wife are working with multinational companies. During conversation I asked if she was pregnant (again my business requirement). To my surprise ...she questioned me - What have I got being a mother - I had to leave my career and spent almost 5 years completely at home...most of the time doing household cores like cleaning, cooking or washing for kids or teaching them values of life..and on top of it saving for their future and education from the single income we have and even after all this, not sure if they are on the right track or not...I was speechless for a while and did not argue with her, but could not stop wondering about views this generation is having for the family. I personally feel it is a selfish way of living as you earn and spend on yourself and never think about sharing it with others. What if our previous generations have also thought the same way and our existence was doubtful.

The very next day I met another man (aged 40 years) who is head of the company and doing well not only for his wife and two sons aged 15 and 10 years but also helped his two younger brothers in their careers and while talking he was so content and calm. He was also very concerned about the future of his sons and their education. Being at the top in his company, he travels a lot and spend most of his time away from family. But he tries to be back home on weekends to spend time with his kids and wife.

It all made me think and realise how the generation is changing and becoming 'practical' But does it really help ? What will they have to cherish when they will retire. I grow with my sons....I am doing my business and studying in 10th and 6th too...as my sons are my part....I feel happy with their success and always encouraged. We play and read together. We dance and roam around. I love being with them specially while in the car as we scream at the top of voice (singing) Because I know that even when I will not do anything I have my kids success and growth to live and cherish....but what would be there at our old age to look for if we don't have children?

I would have asked for the same family even if god would have given me choices .....

My Kathak Teacher

I have recently joined classes for Kathak - a classical dance form from U.P., India. From my childhood days, I used to love watching programs based on classical music and dance. Once I requested my mother to teach me this dance but she refused. Now when I got this opportunity (the teacher stays in my layout only) I could not stop myself.

The day I joined, My teacher, Bhawna had told us about the history of Kathak and how this dance form was misused by some dancers during British rule and mutilated its reputation. She also explained why we use our right foot or hand to begin with our dance. While listening to her, I observed how dedicated she is to her teaching. She had answers to all our questions and curiosities. I just loved talking about it and learning about various 'dance mudras'. I was really impressed the way she explained each and every step along with its proper angle of hand and leg moment. Needless to say, that she is a perfectionist and does not compromise on any moment unless it is done perfectly.
I also talked to Rachna, my friend, who has learnt Kathak from Bhawna, the same teacher. Rachna also had all the praises for Bhawna and informed how so many ladies have joined Kathak but could not continue for more than a month or two. I am very lucky to have a teacher like Bhawna and that too so near to our residence. I am thoroughly enjoying every class and practicing very dedicatedly at home. My sons are amazed to see me doing dance steps even when I am cooking or cleaning my house. They have also learnt some of the 'tukdas' (the words of dance like ' ta theyi theyi tat') alongwith me. It is just the beginning and I hope to continue with the same dedication if my leg pain will permit me to do the same :)

The message of ''3 Idiots''

I have watched "3 Idiots" on the day of its release as I promised to both my sons. All of us enjoyed the movie a lot and later its preview was also amazing. Today I read in the newspaper that its income is more than 240 crores and I would rate is a 5* movie.

The movie is having a question to the current education system. Although Mr. Kapil Sibbal, Education Minister, took some bold steps to change the way marks are given and now it is changed to grading system. Class X board is optional and continuous assessment is emphasised but the bigger question is 'Does it change the attitude of a teacher or parent?' Coming back to movie it says that there is no machine to check the brain pressure and current education system is giving a lot of pressure to the children but this new style is not going to change anything.



Manas, my elder son, is studying in IX std and we got a call from the school to get more information about the new changed grading system, where the student will be analysed on overall basis, be it sports, attitude towards teachers peers, school or its property, stage performances, class project, assignments, unit tests, mid-year or final year. I would say that the tension is expanded not only during year-end at the time of exams but also in the whole academic year. Can any student be the best in all these areas? Ultimately it is marks and relationship with teacher. One example to quote - Biology teacher have asked to bring a medicinal plant and a short note on that. I was out of town and Manas could not bring a new plant instead he took one which was available in my garden but he got 6/10 in his project with this reminder that now grades will impact his 10th result. How would we change the attitude of teachers. Manas is always a disturbance for his teachers as he asks so many questions. He wants to persue his career in English writing and scoring more than 90% in English but all other subject's marks are coming down drastically. He just can't cope up with Maths and Physics but have to study till 12th Std. He is favourite of his English teacher but just because he is scoring good marks in that subject. What about other subject teachers? Why teachers like only those students who score good in their subject? Why this discrimination on the basis of marks? My son is good as far as knowledge goes but writing exams is major problem with him. Teachers agrees that he is nice human being, very helpful, understands all the concepts and have full understanding of the subject but when it is exams time than marks goes for a toss and a frustration is visible on the face of the teacher and then it passes on to me and Tanay. I could not see any reason of happiness with the changing system and on top of it, School principal have insisted to opt for grading as well as for Xth boards (which is optional) because this is going to be the first year of trial of the new system in case of Manas. I sometimes gets frustrated and definitely the impact is on the children too. How long can we ignore the attitude of the teachers and happy only with the knowledge children have gained.
I have actually compared the system of today's education and the one shown in the movie. Can any child become first if he has been kicked out of all the classes he has to attend as shown in the movie? Can any teacher leave his/her ego and encourage child only to gather knowledge. I can see the pressure on Manas but can I help him? How can he avoid to pay attention on other's grades or marks. What is changed??? Initially the fight was for each number and now the slabs of 5-10 marks is defining grades. But where is knowledge or encouragement which each child should get. Half of children's time is going on unproductive activities e.g. Chart making, Doing project in a certain type of file etc. My younger son has written an essay thrice just because scrap book was not available in the market and other books were not acceptable to the teacher. But can we do anything about this??? I am still searching for answers? Hope my sons are not having so much brain pressure. But this is important only for me...

bye bye 2009 and Welcome 2010

Ah..what a fantastic beginning of the new year 2010. We had a party in our layout and I had been given a responsibility of arranging a teenage kids fashion show. Initially it was really tough to bring all the kids together and ultimately I had a group of 8 children to prepare for the show. So many themes were discussed and finally bollywood characters were finalised. Overall it went well. The evening began with a problem as the orchestra was late----very late. He had promised to arrange everything by 7 pm but he was not available till 9pm as he stuck in traffic jam...an excuse we all can use in Bangalore everyday :) Finally music was set by 9:15 and Bhawna, Bunty, Tanya and Manas hosted the show. The dance programs were awesome. Fashion shows of kids, teenagers and finally ladies (an era of 60's) was also well organised. In between, a singer from orchestra team have bored us. He was a pathetic singer. Shantanu of house no. 19 from our layout has sung far better than the orchestra fellow. Around 11:30 all the programs were over and floor was available for the dance ....everybody was just waiting for this time. We all have danced and enjoyed till 12:30 and welcomed new year 2010. Manas danced till 1:30 and was very happy. First time Ajay and Manas performed on a dance number(Smack that) together. They have also participated in fashion show too. Both have enjoyed a lot. Food was also arranged and we all have eaten there. Later at night Tanay and Ajay ate paranthas at home. They both don't enjoy outside food and always look for some home cooked food. Finally we all slept by 2 at night. It was truly a memorable new year beginning...

How capable I am !

The nest of young eagles hung on every word as the Master Eagle described his exploits. This was an important day for the eaglets. They were preparing for their first solo flight from the nest. It was the confidence builder many of them needed to fulfill their destiny.
"How far can I travel?" asked one of the eaglets."How far can you see?" responded the Master Eagle."How high can I fly?" quizzed the young eaglet."How far can you stretch your wings?" asked the old eagle."How long can I fly?" the eaglet persisted."How far is the horizon?" the mentor rebounded."How much should I dream?" asked the eaglet."How much can you dream?" smiled the older, wiser eagle."How much can I achieve?" the young eagle continued."How much can you believe?" the old eagle challenged.
Frustrated by the banter, the young eagle demanded, "Why don't you answer my questions?""I did.""Yes. But you answered them with questions."
"I answered them the best I could.""But you're the Master Eagle. You're supposed to know everything. If you can't answer these questions, who can?""You." The old wise eagle reassured."Me? How?" the young eagle was confused."No one can tell you how high to fly or how much to dream. It's different for each eagle. Only God and you know how far you'll go. No one on this earth knows your potential or what's in your heart. You alone will answer that. The only thing that limits you is the edge of your imagination."
The young eagle puzzled by this asked, "What should I do?"
"Look to the horizon, spread your wings, and fly."

A little praise

I wonder how a small positive comment leaves a great impact on one's life. There are many people who can do so much more than their current capabilities if we praise them a little.
Being a punjabi born in Delhi, dance has always been a forbidden thing in our family and whenever I showed a desire to learn dance, my parents looked at me as I have made a blunder or asked them to do something very dirty. But today scenerio is completely different and that stigma is all gone. In South India, learning a classical dance has been compulsory for the girl children and I always find it so nice to see young girls of age 5-6 learning 'kathak' or 'Bharat-natyam'. And this practice has reached to Delhi too with little changes, because there I have found more dance schools of western dance. But at least people are realising the importance as it not only give you a new way to express but also good for health.
I have got my first opportunity to learn dance now when I have reached at the age of 38 but still it attracts me the same way as it did at my young age. And since I have started I found myself laughing at many odd moments. Today when my dance teacher praised and later advised me to learn 'kathak' I was overwhelmed and all those old memories comes to my mind.
I wish parents should listen to their kids and let them learn and do what they want without any stigma attached to it.

New Law in Afghanistan - No sex no food

Afghanistan has given power to men of Shia to deny food and other facilities to their wives if they refuse sex. It cannot be worst than this and what else can be expected from a country like Afghanistan. Hamid Karzai has also passed the law to increase his vote power and statistics also confirm the increase in his votepower after this law. We talk about freedom and on the other side we see all this humiliation. Most of the barberic situations does not even come out in the public. Women can't go out, listen music or work at their will was not sufficient and now another law of 'No sex no food' . How much down the dignity these Afghani can go?? Another law of giving 'blood money' to the victim of rape. It is getting into my nerves ...how can people be so shameless and absolutely fearless about the barberic charge of 'Rape' No wonder if people do not want to visit places like Afghanistan. All the women of Afghanistan should kill their girl child at the time of birth itself instead of getting their child to this brutal act.

Teen tantrums

It is really difficult to take emotional care of a child specially when he is entering into teenage. I used to believe that birth of a child is the most difficult time but it is the most easiest by far. Rather bringing up a child is far more difficult. In the initial years...feeding, changing nappies and general physical care also did not make me this tired.
Manas has started auguing on most of the issues and believes that I can never understand his point of view. Sometimes I am best mother on this earth and most of the times he just can't live with me. The only good thing is that he expresses all his emotions without any fear or shame, which is difficult to handle but at least there is no need to keep on asking about feelings. It will be even more frustrating if he does not share his emotions.

Everyday tasks like waking up in the morning or come for studies without any reminders are some tiny issues but most difficult which I am facing with him in this age. He has always been an obedient child and I am not used to see this behaviour but now-a-days, not only tantrums but also justifying them is making my life miserable. I spend more time on convincing them for the right attitude and wonder when they will become responsible enough to handle the things on their own? 'Respect your time' or 'Take care of your stuff or your room' are the daily phrases I use and they don't listen...can anybody help how to convince children about some basics. Even punishments like disallowing TV or going out does not work. Feel free to send some tips :)

LOVE AAJKAL

Today I watched movie 'Love Aajkal' with kids, my friend and her two sons. I always enjoy watching movie or roam around with my kids. It is great fun. Everytime Tanay goes out of home, we three are either too sad or too happy with each other...very rarely everything gets normal or routine.
The movie is cool and very well presented. I enjoyed every bit of it specially the message it conveyed about the love of today and yesteryears. Today's generation is running for their careers and have no time for emotions. How they think about everything with their head and never consider the inner most emotions of heart. It is beautifully picturised story with good music and lovely cinamatography. Today evening watched the review of the movie from 'Omar Querashi' and he also rated the movie as 'good'. I think it is must watch for today's generation. They look at love and its commitment as the 'foolish' concept which is not true.
I am happy to see that we have not lead a 'mango type' life....you will understand this line only when you watch the movie :)

Weekend outing to Jungle Retreat

Last saturday we went to Jungle retreat, Ooty downhills to enjoy our weekend.
We started our journey at 6 o'clock in the morning and took a break in Cafe coffee day at Mysore Road. We were so hungry and ate spinach sandwitches (Ajay's favourite) alongwith caffee and pastry. It was raining heavily and was difficult to drive but Tanay is very safe driver and without any halt we reached to Jungle Retreat by 11:30 am. On the way, we saw many fields of sunflowers which were looking so beautiful. We took some pics in the field.
Jungle retreat is a beatiful resort with the raw beauty of Jungle. They don't serve food in the rooms to avoid the food smell in the rooms as it can attract rats and snakes in the cottage. We liked the concept which ensures all the guests of the resort to meet in the common area where food was served. There is also arrangement of games like pool table, carrom, cards and foose ball. Kids enjoyed their time playing fooseball. The food was awesome and a combination of continental and thai, as they had many foreigner guests in the resort. Specially thai potato and grilled vegies were awesome. We also enjoyed chinese noodles at lunch. After reaching back to cottage we four played Cobra (a game of cards) where Ajay won and later me and Tanay took a nap, whereas kids went out for a stroll. Ruth (the resort manager) informed us about the animals living in the resort like deer, pigs, goats, dogs, cats, porcupines, venomous and non-venomous snakes etc. When I woke up by 6 o'clock, I was really scared as kids were still not in the cottage. I woke up Tanay who informed that kids came to cottage twice and went back to enjoy the weather and place. Kids were again back in 5 min and so excited as they saw goats and deers just outside our cottage. Deers were running and looking so beautiful. Kids also took us to the other side of Resort to show some more deers. We saw some snake whole on the way. Ajay played with Bones and Gunda ( the two dogs) who were very friendly. (Ajay is very fond of animals especially dogs).
We freshen up and went for some tea and coffee in the common area where we met some other guests too. Tanay and I also played carrom and foose ball with kids. We came back to our cottage after dinner. Everybody was so tired but still played another game of cards. Manas also read a novel at night which he borrowed from Ruth. It rained whole night and we were not able to see the mountains (the view outside our cottage), as they were hidden behind clouds in the morning. Deers were again back outside our cottage for grazing. It was a beautiful morning. We had our breakfast and ready to drive back and suddenly got message from Souvik that Bridge near Nanjangud is cracked and traffic is diverted through some village. We started our drive at 12 noon and reached back home by 6:30 due to the diversion. It was pathetic road and Tanay had driven 30 km extra on way back. He was so tired but still it was nice outing. Here are some pics
http://picasaweb.google.com/tanaymanika/JungleRetreat#

Zamana badal rahaa hai

In last few days I have heard many stories and comments which made me realise that time is changing.
I have always been an admiror of the people who raise their voice against something wrong. Perhaps because I have always been taught to tolerate everything possible and I don't like that. I also enjoy movies like 'Rang de basanti', 'Guru' or 'A Wednesday', where rebellious attitude is shown. In last few day, few things like calling Mr. Nandan Nilekani to create a unique identification no. for the citizen of India to remove the mediators from the system, Lokayukta comment in frustration published in TOI 'Please make the corruption legalised or give some powers to remove corruption' really made me think that time is changing for the betterment. At least people are ready to face the truth and as a famous say 'First step towards success is awareness'. I am happy to see that people are aware and ready to face the truth.
Today I read an article on how a person has paid Rs 1100 fine instead of paying Rs. 300 bribe to a traffic inspector and reported the incident to the ACP of Bangalore thru a website and his complaint was not only heard but the inspector also got suspended within 3 days. People are ready to make their hands dirty to clean the dirt of their country. I'm sure these small incidents will surely make a change although it is just a drop in the ocean but movement is taking place.

Kid's Talk

Till today I was under the impression that I am spending good quality time with kids once they are back home. We eat together and then go to play Badminton or Table-tennis almost everyday. I always want to go for walk in the evening and miss it for my children. Until Yesterday Ajay made me realise this...

I was getting ready to play Badminton with Ajay and when I reached near the badminton court, suddenly my phone rang, it was a call from Airtel to get the feedback on the services they are providing. I just gave an excuse of being busy and put my phone off. Ajay started dancing and I questioned him the reason. To my utter surprise, he answered 'I never thought I am that important for you that you disconneced your call by saying that you're busy' I smiled and realised that I take the calls everytime it rings...it is not that important but still we talk to our friends, relatives and general calls too...We never realise that kids are waiting and might be feeling unimportant. That moment I promised to myself to curtail my talk if I am doing something important with my children.

Kids teach us a lot :)

Our Munnar Visit

Last weekend we spent in Munnar with Tanay's parents. Munnar is a beautiful hill station of Kerala and is overnight journey from Bangalore. We had great fun with papa and mummy. Here are some pics of our trip

http://picasaweb.google.com/tanaymanika/Munnar2009#

Leave your comments :)

Thought process

Manas is very fond of writing but lacking patience. Henceforth whatever he writes is not of very classy but sometimes hillarious....here are some thoughts of my elder son on the subjects he studies...
English
English, Oh! What a language
No connection with face or age
Never learnt by any sage
But still was used for stone age

English is so confusing
I don't think it's worth using
A man organised a ball
A kid then played with the ball

English yet is so good
Stories like Red Riding Hood
English was the language use
And learning it nothing we loose :)



History
Most boring subject History
It has no interesting story
Alexander's Army led
Learning it I scratch my head

History class I am in jail
When it ends I get my bail
I feel so bad
I'll soon get mad

History, I tell you
It has nothing new
What happened has happened there
Who, what , when and where?????

MATHS
Maths, Oh what a pain
Velocity size loss and gain
It's foundation is long lane
learning it I will go insane.

Addition and subtraction,
that is not my passion,
I hate maths a lot,
every problem is like a gun shot.

Some day I really start to think,
that maths and life have a link
everyday maths we use
and learning it nothing we lose!!!!

By
Manas Sharma

Another Poem by Manas "HOW YOU WIN"

Success does not come in a day
For this a foundation we must lay
Determination we must have always
Practice and practice for many days.

Success is failure turned inside out
Be sure of what, without a doubt
Work and work very hard
with concentration you must play your card

We must have an action plan
Do we must all that we can
So stick to the fight and never quit
Success sweater is slowly knit

Always remember that "YOU CAN"
All play also we mustn't ban
So go and practice more and more
Remember success is planned before