Voices

Riffy raffy roads seemed pretty straight when I started walking
Just like life, when things seem to fall in place, boom! they scatter everywhere…

How do I pick up each piece and fit it in the puzzle to make it look alright? Why do I have to do it alone?

And a voice struggles to reach my head and shout out, "How selfish! You ain't alone, you have a heart, mind and soul to bail you out, all you need to do is...LISTEN to what they have to say."

Speak oh you…my heart, mind and soul…show me the way to the road of hope.

I want to bask in the light, and run from the wretched darkness—engulfing and never-ending.

Be with me forever, and I promise to hear you out each time…in happiness and sorrow…

Blue--sss

I stand in a corner of the vast sea beach, where the ripples of the sea kiss my feet. I look at the vast sea, far away it seemed that the sky touched the sea...our life is ephemeral compared to the unending expanse of the water body that lay in front of my little eyes. In between the moments forgotten and the cherished--- lies me-the present.

While my eyes try to observe and click every nuance of the place, I wondered how little I know about the nature--- so giving yet so humble. In its simplicity lies its strength and its beauty-- austere and subtle. A sense composure overpowers my hyperactive brain, as I see different hues of blue, green and white-- is this what we all keep looking for our whole life, only to find it within ourselves?

The Mother

And sometimes silence seems to make more sense than words. A vibrant smile flaunting wrinkles worn by an old lady dressed in white saree looks more beautiful than a newly wed bride. She brings a sense of calm through her mere black and white photograph...

That's how I felt when I stood in front of Meera aka The Mother's picture at the Aurobindo Ashram. It introduced a different side of myself..I liked being quiet!!! now those who know me, they might just fall off their chairs while reading this! Tushita and quiet!

Old and young strolled around-- without any reason and where they feet took them...these steps were undecided, much like the rays of the sun...others meditated in front of the samadhi. All quiet, but this silence between us communicated...I could feel vibes and a mere stare in the other's eyes said so many things...

Words fail me now...I wish I could spend more time here-- to soak in, observe, here my breath, read my mind...

Jamboree called austerity

We played ‘Follow the leader’ game in our childhood, its about following the actions of your leader…I guess some ‘elite’, ‘high maintenance’ politicians love it too, so at the age of 40-50 they are still at it… “Soniaji was travelling in Economy Class so how could I travel in Business” proudly said one leader…shame on you! You really need someone to tell you these things?

Simplicity is the new facade for these guys to seek public sympathy! Only after regular media reports on SM Krishna and Tharoor’s stay in 5-star Hotels for 3 months, running a bill of around 1.5crore each, did Congress wake up. But here is the question, I don’t give a damn about all this, because its 0.1% of their total expenditure. Who will account for their free food, electricity, telephone, petrol bills, free cars and plush bungalows, travel abroad and exotic hotels, traffic standing still when they pass by? What about their increasing incomes while their salaries remain constant? And their kids getting the best of everything…I think cost of each MP must be around 50-60crores anyway…so a difference of mere 8000-9000 in air tickets hardly make a difference to me. (As per TV report- Sonia Gandhi’s Economy flight was for Rs. 55,000 while the business class would have been for- Rs. 62,000!!). The chief only remembered to set an example after getting hit by the wrath of media. And why not it must have never occurred to them before, “My lifestyle is actually ostentatious? Ooooo I never realised.”

I have a problem with 3 cars --- swanky SUVs fleeting in and around Rahul Gandhi, a mere MP of the INC. I have a problem when he yelled during his visit to Ghaziabad and got impatient with the traffic jam. Welcome to reality, may I say. But sigh! How would you know of the ground reality, after all you have been treated like a special fella – a royal scion of the Gandhi family?

I hate to say that the tax I, we all pay goes into all the wrong things, if money is judiciously used, half the problems might get solved. The politicians are our employees—remember the Jagore ad?? So why are they treated like VIPs?

Its all song and dance that will soon get over…give it a week, I say. :)

It's a Child...after all!

I am your child, the eldest of the three

When you saw me the day I was born, you moved away in despair, in sorrow.

You shouted at my mother, "A girl!", she kept me close to her and simply wept.

"Daddy, its raining, can I go out and feel the drops on me?"

"No! no! " you said...

My mother conceived again, another girl...this time you heard the news over the phone and banged it on granny.

"Daddy can I go out and play?"

"Hell no! how many times I have to tell you to mind your own business!", you said.

"This time we get it checked if its a boy", mother looked down and nodded subserviently.

Meena asked you if we both could go to school and study, you grunted wryly and said "What's the bloody use? All you are going to do is wash dishes and give birth to babies! Yes, and I have to give dowries for you scroundels!"

The third child came about when I turned 13..."Its a boy! oh thank god its a boy!" A big party, sumptuous dinner and loads of gift, for us girls to see and sigh.

You never remembered our birthdays, our age...you ignored our wishes and dreams. You only focused on your son...a chocolate for him while my sister and I shared one.

Someday I will prove that you were wrong...that I could be like a son, earn enough money to pay my own dowry. Work in an office, to make you feel proud...till then I will struggle and wait for that day to come.

Music all the way...

A tribute to all the musicians who bring out the inexplicable :) My favourite songs that also best describes me and my experiences:

Baawra Mann- This song is ME! It describes me--- romantic, sensitive, emotional and crazy!
Gum Sum Ho kyun- That’s the 4 am Amlan singing to me. He in his romantic best!
Coming Back to life- Is the phoenix song. It helped me come out of my past and start afresh
Khamaj- It reminds me of the time when I gave everything yet the wish remained unfulfilled. But today when I look back, I am happy that life took that turn.
Alive- I am alive and kicking today because of my inherent tendency of not giving up and succumbing to depression.
Nothing Else Matters- I can hear Mihir singing this in my head every time I hear the original and picture him singing in Barista with a guitar.
Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo- I can sing this song everyday of my life
Abhi Na Jao Chodhkar- The most romantic song for a hopeless romantic like me
Kaise Koi Jiye- Geeta Dutt’s this song is the best till now of whatever I music I have heard till now because of its simplicity, its soulfulness and purity.
I want to break free- One song that really inspires me to break free from…Ridhima you know what!
Ai Hairathe- Last and not the least--- this made me believe in the thing called love and that it exists. It symbolises moments of togetherness.

Move on!

That’s easier said than done, I agree. But have we tried hard enough?? Ooohh that’s a question we won’t like to touch upon. How can I move on from something that was so close to me? So dear and so precious?

I was listening to ‘Walk on’ by U2 and was chatting with someone who was once close, very close to me. We chatted after a long time, I was a little excited, little relieved, little curious, little concerned. But I was happy for the fact that I have gone beyond. I have forgiven and forgotten. I hold no grudge, no emotions. The past has gone and my present is great, my future uncertain – but exciting. But I don’t regret anything. I have learnt—to be practical, to hold my self- respect, to make my voice heard, to be a little assertive and to understand what is right for me.

I remember times when I have yearned to go back to college days, the most memorable 3 years of my life—friends, extra curricular activities, canteen, fests and dating. Today, I suddenly realised that I don’t want to go back. Because I have changed over the years - I have become more reserved, less impulsive. But that’s with age and time I guess. People have taught me a lot. Initially I used to feel bad when I didn’t get attention—problem of being the only child. But today I am comfortable in my own company, may be because I have become more confident of myself. I have also realised that you can’t make everyone happy and if you have to make so much effort making someone happy because you think he/she is close to you – then you are wrong. People who really love you and respect you will do for the way you are. I want to bow down to them -

Ma and Baba- For being liberal and having trust in me. For letting me make my own mistakes and learn from despite knowing that I will end up getting hurt. That’s a trait of being extraordinary parents.
Mihir- For standing up for me each time, every time.
Deepti- For always hearing me out patiently and consoling me when there was a need. For just being so similar to me yet so different.
Shivaa - For putting things into perspective, for hugging me when I needed it the most. For just being there.
Amlan- For pulling me out from the abyss and being my agony aunt, my shield and for understanding me and loving me for who I am.
Babai- Though you are younger than me, you are my anchor…your silent support and our moments of silence have been more precious than anything…
Kutti- For being a friend more than an aunt.

I want to thank all those, who have hurt me at point or the other --- its because of you I have become stronger, less gullible and more practical. I know you never meant to hurt me deliberately or even if you did, you didn’t mean to teach me anything. But as Gandhi said, “My critiques are my best friends”, so are you.

I have moved on, hope you too have done the same.

Budget made me fidgety

Yesterday, it was my first experience listening to the budget. And boy! Was it disappointing! As a citizen I literally gasped when Pranab Babu said, “This is the first time in history that the budget has exceeded 10 lac crores.” I mean how much time does it take to create a budget of that scale without having to explain how it will be generated. Give me the power to blabber and I can take it to 20 lac crores in a matter of a day! I was even more horrified when he announced increase in the proportion of different programmes without addressing from where the money would come from.

I think I heard something about climate change and environment in the speech, but sadly it lasted some 10 seconds and the missions were only mentioned, as if we didn’t know!! NAPCC was launched in 2008, and till now nothing has been done on it…too much talking Pranab babu, when are we implementing the strategies?? Or are they sitting pretty like many others?

So the Minister proudly proposed budget increase of several projects like NREGA, Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Viduytikaran Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna et al. However, I doubt if there was an evaluation of these schemes to really see how they are working in the grassroot, if the money allocated have been spent justly. How can one justify whether pumping of these investments is practical and sustainable?

The proposal to move towards nutrient- based subsidy on fertilizers is appreciable. Its time agriculture gets the focus and farmers earn some benefits of their hard work.

Overall, it was a lukewarm effort with no concrete thinking on how the money would come or on what basis the budget has been allocated. I feel I can smile half- heartedly now that the fringe benefit tax is removed and I only get 10,000 more. But the government seriously needs to think about the environment as a key issue for our development and sustainability.

Cities for development

The world is talking about urban sustainability. It is discussing ways to safeguard our cities from collapsing either due to lack of basic resources, internal and external threats. Myriad studies have taken place to make our cities sustainable by making our daily needs efficient- be it water and power usage, transports and buildings.

But which section of society wants this sustainability? Of course, as a have I need it so that I do not have to compromise on my lifestyle. What about those living in the slums? Surely, they want to reach where we are, hence sustainability is not what they are looking for. Isn’t this term elitist in nature?

During the GTZ workshop, this potent question of Urban sustainability vs Urban Survivability was raised by an expert. It got me thinking. To sustain cities, we need to be inclusive and welcome those migrating and keep into account the possible increase of basic needs- housing, water, et al.

But is migration always a choice? I kind of differ from the view. A few months back Hindustan Times did many stories around migration. Stories reflected that it happens because of lack of availability of adequate employment and resources in rural, peri- urban areas. Should we not look at developing those rather than forcing people to come into big cities and live like paupers – their quality of lives further deteriorating? NREGA is a positive step towards it. I also disagree that development comes only with big cities, isn’t it too euro- centric a concept? Our structure is very different from that of the Europe. We need to encourage farmers and others supporting the agriculture and thrive on it.

We should promote the SME sector that generates large- scale employment to people that helps in decentralisation of employment and population. We need to integrate energy efficiency through the use of green technologies, creating awareness on ways to conserve natural resources, provide access to basic needs like education, healthcare, employment, etc into the framework of development that is decentralised and dynamic.

Peeking into the Bonn conference

A few of my friends recently went to Bonn to witness the negotiations that will be culminated in COP 15- Copenhagen. Ridhima went as a part of WWF delegation while Leela represented the youth. Almost all the major INGOs, Research Organisations, etc participated in this conference. Around 3000 people were representing their nations. Did I hear 3000???!!! Getting 3000 people from nook and cranny of the world involves huge cost, of course adds to the carbon emissions and other factors. A magnum opus, if I can say!

So much to combat climate change…

Let me not sound hopeless and cynical. This time round, Bonn did manage to have set the stage for going towards the right direction. It began with the 53- page document included the thoughts and views of all the nations. Long- term cooperative action (AWG- LCA) was put on the table and parties expressed their views etc on it. The LCA text compiled by the Chair for negotiations went to first and second rounds of readings by the parties and the modifications/additions which inflated this report to 200 pages. AWG- KP (deals primarily with obligations of developed countries in terms of emission reduction targets a financial and technological support to NA1) led to heated discussions but underlined that these countries need to act more and talk less. Yvo De Boer, UNFCCC Executive Secretary said, “The big achievement of the meeting is that it has made clear what governments want to see in a Copenhagen agreement, which shows their commitment to reaching an agreement. ” he added that Annex- I (industrialised nations) should set ambitious targets.

The main highlight was Japan’s mid-term emission reduction announcements at LCA. A 15 % reduction target by 2020 was announced by using the base year 2005. This is equivalent to -8% compared to 1990. The Japanese delegation felt that the target was ambitious. Japan is ready to provide technical assistance to countries who participate in 2012 framework. The innovative technology use and nuclear power combined with mid-term targets would eventually reduce the emissions by 25% in 2030 and 70% in 2050.

This announcement by their Prime Minister Taro Aso attracted criticism from all quarters, including Japan’s civil society groups which called it an industry- driven move. Countries like Japan and US have seen their emissions rise considerably since 1990. Japan’s Kyoto’s commitment is 6% reduction during the five years commitment period. If the target is –8%, it means Japan it adds up only 2% in the next 8 years!

The Indian Delegation led by Mr. Shyam Saran, in a press conference, provided clarifications and cleared India’s stance on various issues at the negotiations. He expressed that the expectations from the Copenhagen package will be comprehensive, balanced and based on principles of equity, where mitigation and adaptation is supported by finance and technology transfer to developing countries. He emphasised that a global challenge needs collaborative and not a competitive response. Developing countries only demand confining to the legal treaty that has been signed by all parties in 1992 (UNFCCC). His optimism about the negotiation process was reflected in his statement that India believes negotiations have not reached a deadlock, but are moving at a slow pace.

The whole debate of the developed nations should pay their historical debt, the developing – the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and least responsible for historic emissions have been doing rounds for a long time. I have a simple point – while its necessary to be negotiating on this aspect, yet we need to see within. India is the ‘greenest’ nation (as a survey in a recent newspaper claimed) is because of the fact that the majority are poor. We as urbanites, the haves, are polluting as much as any person living in a developed nation and it’s the poor who are neutralising are extravaganzas. This business of carbon credits and carbon trading will be exploited by us rather than benefiting the majority. Isn’t it?

Ridhima gifted me a very interesting t- shirt that says ‘How old will you be in 2050?’ and I was looking at this site- www.adoptanegotiator.org/ that Leela is a part of to see the youth perspective. It is our future they are talking about and its us who are missing in the action. Experts in this field are arrogant and often feel that youth are not capable of bringing about solutions as we are not really serious and this is just a phase and soon the activism shall die. Well, hello! The youth groups around the world proved their enthusiasm, commitment and hope by being there and doing their own thing- rapping in plenary hall, distributing a note to their respective govts on what they feel etc etc. We need to realise that singing and dancing around doesn’t in any way mean that we are un- serious!

That waiting game has begun and lets hope something come out of COP 15, I mean it better after these guys have contributed so much in terms of carbon emissions!!

With inputs from: Ridhima and google news (zindabad!!)

The 'G' old Age Home

It was my first visit to any old age home and trust me me, if you are as sentimental as I am, prepare yourself psychologically!!

The one I visited was run by MEANS (NGO) in Hyderabad and was more a healthcare centre for the aged abandoned or kept by their children living abroad. Nonetheless, the loneliness mixed with desperation and insecurity screamed out loud. I felt like an intruder and a tourist of another kind. I mean what can I do by being there for an hour?

But I met a 70 year old Radha amma, who in her fluent English, he big smile and wisdom stole my heart. Parents nurture us, make compromises to give us the best and give up their dreams to fulfill our's.

Have we lost the patience, sensitivity towards them once we grow up and earn big bucks? What are we teaching our next generation?

Time to reconsider...if we can't live with them, we can at least give them our time and love!

This Is World-

It takes 10 hours 45 minutes to reach London from Kabul in a flight. Around 3-4 months if you intend to skip visas and go there not for leisure, but for survival. But for 16- year old Jamal, it took a bit more than that. He reached London, his dream workplace, were paupers become rich, by paying a price. He paid in cash, he paid by losing his innocence, his elder brother on the way, his student life...now that's a lot for a kid, ain't it?

This documentary was shown in GTZ Summer School... a melancholic insight to human trafficking.
Cramped in a little tin box that' stuffed in a big truck, crossing the borders on a wooden patta (plank) under the truck, walking across snow- peaked mountains of Turkey in the dead of night are only a few journeys he made with his brother to reach London.

But why London? Why does a 16 year old need to travel 3554 miles to earn? The answer lies in the country he was born in...turbulence, atavism and lack of opportunities. The film made me uncomfortable. It made me realise the situation within...in India.

Large population coming from Bangladesh enter India in the hope of a better living. Many rural people become urban poor in search of a better life, only that their dreams our thwarted the moment they recognise the truth of the city.

Is it just a regular movement of people or something more serious? I guess its time we think about it a little bit more.

New faces@ GTZ Summer School!

That's one of my most favourite things! To meet new people, observe them and marvel at the diversity and complexity of people makes me soooo excited!!!

From a mother of a 18- year old to a 19 year old...that was the group composition!

A 20 year- old who can't wait to tell her story, share her ideas. A guy who is honest enough to say, "I am the best." A young lady, forever hesitant, waiting to shatter the barriers that lie within her. An unassuming guy who is the first game developer in India, to a man who loves JNU... some found solace in each other that went amiss while growing up in broken families. A man loved by all women but guided by his own principles, another too shy to be close to them! Much more lies beyond these words!

A vibrant group in which some talk, others listen and few who want to be heard.

I have met people from different backgrounds...few leaped all boundaries--- rural set up, lack of facilities and yet made it to the top institution -- IIT. Looks are deceptive; a simple, married and fragile saree clad lady turned out to be a Ph.D ...whoa!

So much to learn and so much to give...that's what these 31 were all about :)

The White Tiger!

Its been a while since I finished this book…and was thinking of writing about it. Don’t see this as a review please…I am simply penning down my thoughts and I open the house for discussion!
What I liked was the plot…the transition of a simple, innocent man from a village who wishes to spread his wings but is unable to do so as he is bound by the shackles of the society. His journey to the hip, hypocrite, sensational city of Delhi that changes his thoughts, behaviour and increases his appetite to be more than just a driver…a criminal thought eh? Its an autobiography of a man, any man from nowhere who aims to be at the top of his boss.

I loved the idea of this man writing to the Premier of China! What made him think that the head of China would read his letters to know more about India? That’s the creativity of Adiga!

The book has sexual and class undercurrents and brings forth the dichotomy of urban and rural lifestyle. I am sure a whole range of books covers these two elements…but this book binds these two together to give us a comprehensive journey of a village boy turned wealthy entrepreneur in Bangalore. It exposes the fantasies of a poor, deprived off man who wishes to live the life of his master.

The plot is extraordinary and the issues dealt with are real and appealing to urbanites like us who do not know of the problems faced by people in the villages…who live in an ultra modern world with all the luxuries and much more but are left unsatisfied.

May be its time to think beyond ‘our’ lifestyle and may be happiness lies in simplicity and simple pleasures that come by everyday!

Its election time again!!

This year's election has become more interesting, and thanks to the tussle between IPL and GoI. At least on papers, elections are most important and compelled IPL to host it in South Africa!

What is different this time? I hear advertisements on Congress and BJP subtly downplaying each other. I see spats on national television channels between the two heavy weight champions on Varun Gandhi, Godhra and so many other such topics that do not really concern the majority and does not answer our questions on better employment opportunities, agricultural benefits to farmers, safety of women, increasing education levels, and actions against female foeticide and so on.

So who is driving the vicious politics and ultimately who has the power to decide which group will get the throne again…Congress or BJP? Neither of them, as the decision lies with small regional parties who are dictating terms, now that is a downside of democracy as big parties need their support to form the government and will have to bow down to their demands.

Where are we heading to? So many factions, so many parties in one state leave alone the Nation. Is it really all about who gets what ministry? Its good to have pluralism, but then how do we run a long lasting, action- oriented government if the major power has to constantly worry about keeping the delicate balance between the little parties intact?

Will Mayawati be the next Prime Minister? Who knows???

Amid all this sqabbling, blathering...I see some light...whether it be the Jaagore campaigns or area centric stories published in newspapers that clearly shows the ineffiency and inefficacy of the governments ruling that area and established people like Mallika Sarabhai contesting elections...can these little steps help turn the tide?

As India lives on HOPE, so do I :)

Let's make our VOTE count...and crib after we have done what we could do

What makes you smile?

I was listening to the radio and the RJ asked this question…the question is very simple and the answer, a bit difficult, at least for me…because we usually never think about what makes us happy…time to change the line of thought. :)

So I thought of listing down the top 15 things that makes me happy:

Dad hugging me while I am asleep
Listening to music every morning
Going to the bookstore and reading a book before calling it a night
Emails/ sms from friends and family
Listening to Omi’s voice and getting his good morning sms :)
Planning a trip especially to Mumbai and Kolkata
Boarding a train
Ma's cooked food
Meeting my cousins
Late night chats with myself
Children playing—especially Maanvi hugging me , My niece, Aira calling me Mashi
Omi’s sense of humour, especially when I am down
Babai’s (my bro) hugs, playing with my hair and calling me half plate
Chatting with Kutti

Girly gossip and chats with Deepti and Shivaa

Maybe its about time we all make our own lists..smile again just reading at them and thank those who contribute to it :)

Kingpins of India…

So who are ruling our country? Certainly not the political parties, looting and fudging seems more appropriate for them. Is it the corporate then? Naah, they are busy tackling the meltdown and saving their jobs…then who? Yes, yes, I know who, you all know who…our religious leaders!

The Mangalore incident cannot be seen as an isolated incident of religious voyeurism…it is an indicator of a crippling state power appeasing the so- called ‘upholders’ of our traditions,values and ethics! Young women were assaulted. Hooligans who have not even read Gita or Mahabharata followed the lines of Draupadi cheerharan in public that these very leaders see as an offence. But they kept mum when these thugs tore their t-shirts and all because they are not the ideal saree clad women. And then the leader said, “Jo hua achcha hua” and the state government refused to do anything for two days. Renuka Chaudhary called it as Talibanisation of India and yes, she is right.

I feel balancing our traditions, values, ethics with the fast moving world is increasingly becoming an issue. The leaders are the products of the transcending phase from a closed- traditional India to a globalised nation. Still, nothing justifies their act. The likes of Shiv Sena are sprouting up and it is a cause of concern. The conservatism in Islam is still acceptable as it is a religion and has its own norms though I don’t support its dualism and restriction imposed only on women. But we all know that Hinduism is more of a philosophy than a religion. If we are proud of our ancient culture symbolised in Khajuraho temple and Kamasutra then why do we have a problem accepting women drinking and pubbing? Why was pubbing never a problem till it was a man’s domain?

What’s the fuss about banning V-day? I mean we are free to choose what we wish to celebrate…and we need to celebrate love even more during this period of hatred and anger. I do not quite agree with the materialism that goes with it though.

Women have always been soft targets. Sanctity and purity of our culture and religion is the burden she always carries. Isn’t it about time we shift this focus? Culture and religion is all about individual perception and I feel that it is a private domain. Is it not time that we somehow let these kingpins know that religion will never get you power and appreciation? I can merely write and express my exasperation as a citizen who believes in democracy as a working mechanism rather than a mere puppet run by the power hungry politicians.

1857- Ek Safarnama

A production that shows false history but brings the spotlight on to the faceless characters who fought in the Revolt of 1857. While watching it in NSD Rang Mahotsav, I was extremely uncomfortable to see the popular 'First War of Independence' theory promulgated by Savarkar on the stage!

Theatre is a powerful medium that can play a catalytic role in shaping the thoughts and views of the audiences...and I was sad to see the wrong image being portrayed on the stage..why don't people do their research properly...but then, is it really the director's fault??? I mean, since childhood we have been told to believe this theory of the first war.

A magnum opus -- with good actors and elaborate stage setting proved to be futile. One thing that I appreciated in the whole play was the Director's ability to bring those people in the front, who got lost in the pages of history...the common people took the centrestage here...so kudos to that..

I am not theatre critic or expert...but yes, when we show history, we need to be careful of how we portray the truth, the fact!

Theatre...

NSD Rangmahotsav brings back lot of cherished memories of my time spent in NSD…after a long time my parents and I were on a Theatre Marathon!! Watching plays back to back after office and during weekends…plays by legendary directors like Arun Mukhopadhyaya, Soumitra Chatterjee, M.S.Sathyu and the next generation directors. Stories range from typical gossip like extra- maritals to understanding the political conflict of Israel through a schizophrenic and then the folk inspired scripts, a diverse range of subjects that kindle different sides of you as a human.

I was almost in tears while I was seeing Soumitra Chatterjee perform…ohhhh!!! How handsome he still is. I remembered the Feluda film in which he was the protagonist. His stage presence and the acting of the group undermined the clichéd storyline of a writer in love with his wife and her sister.

I am lucky to be in Delhi as this is one of the few cities that offer so much more to theatre lovers! If you have not watched any of it, then I feel sad but yeah, you should definitely catch it next year…its worth the effort!

My 1st para for HT first para contest :)

Ok..so HT recently had this first para contest and they gave the first line: It wasn't a dark and stormy night but quite the opposite actually.
Now the following is my first para to the first line provided by them...may be a start to a novel or a short story..I dunno... :)

It wasn't a dark and stormy night but quite the opposite actually. It was a bright Sunday morning and little Meena was shooed away from the swing by other girls. Why other girls don't play with me? Why can't I have a nice frock, doll, pink shoes and neatly combed hair? …she wondered as she enviously looked at them. Hiding behind the Neem tree, bits of food she collected from the garbage lay on her dirty scarf. She saw girls play, throw tantrums and lick ice-creams…"Yummy, wish I could have one in this scorching heat!" stroking a puppy-- Jaggu, her only friend.

Jaggu ran to bring back a fallen ice-cream stick for her…"Oh! Only you love me, come let's share it." Merrily they play along when someone is coming near her…she has seen her, but where? She is tall, fat with bushy eyebrows with round red eyes and draped in a black cloak.

"Jaggu let's run, or...