So, today …

… bang in the middle of the day
I wait for those words, lurking
Just there. Just there.
Where I cannot reach.

They came, with the waking moment.
That moment, when you are, and you aren’t.
That moment, when clarity strikes.
And fuzzy warmth of slow recognition
Mists over.

I reached out. Too late…
Like petulant children, they shied away.
That moment is when they wanted me.
Not two ticks later.

So here, in the middle of the day
I sit. I yearn. I plead. I know though
They won’t surface now.
I also know when they will.

Not now. But at that moment,
When I turn away, peeking like those
Perky persistently playful creatures they are.
Not words. Not anymore.

They’ve grown beyond that
Into a yearning. Into a secret pleasure.

I don’t know the story yet.
Or the ending.
All I have, are these tingles
These feathery-touch-me-softly promises
From them.

They’ll come.
They’d better.

… They ought to.

They will, won’t they?

14 February, 2013

Google images brought me to this pic. … from this place:

http://clairemca.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/a-love-of-words-and-music/

The picture belongs to its creator there.

“Discover Wildlife! Be a Teacher!”

… so goes a quote, anonymously posted, that I discovered in my casual stroll through the WWW yesterday! I was totally captivated by it, and immediately shared it where it would reach a wider audience, especially those who have the taste for the hatke. Obviously, Facebook

In the comments sections, produced herewith, with the help of a screen shot(click to enlarge pic ) is a telling reminder of how much fun it is (Leenuka ) and how we can even discover new species in our adventures (Abby!)

Ok So that may not show up clearly, but I so liked the responses from two wonderful people I know there- one of whom is an awesome teacher I look up to, and am a big big fan of! Abby (((Hugs)))

Doing a post for Teachers’ Day is also getting to be a tradition too for this blog This in 2010, and this one last year. What more can I add? I guess enough to make me want to write something.

From way back, in school, I’ve always loved Teachers’ Day The day when Teachers were not teachers, and the fun we had with student teachers! How, on that day, our Teachers were ever so charming, and approachable, and how we could take liberties with them that day…. Times have changed since then, of the perception of a teacher in class.

Teachers are not just approachable now, but I guess more vulnerable too You don’t really know what’s coming at you… either child or parent or the Administration! That is only the tip of the freaking iceberg that keeps growing, global warming in the teaching community notwithstanding! (And I am not even going to go into the fiscal aspect at ALL ). And still, no matter what, I love what I do. That is enough for me

This is not going to be an organized and neatly compartmentalized post, let me warn you, before you get too deep in here. This one is a lark, a happy lark, singing to itself, a paean to itself

This is a tribute to the teachers who shaped me, and made me look at myself as a being with potential. I know for sure that what I am is because of them! It is not for nothing that Henry Adams wrote of teachers:

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. “

I know I still do things today because of something or other that has influenced me, in my own days as a student in college, or in school We all do, I think! More so, when we rebel!

Yesterday, during that stroll through various quotes available on the net, I did discover a few that I do want to share today

A teacher’s job is to take a bunch of live wires and see that they are well grounded” ~ D Martin 

Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself

Teachers touch the future.

There are three good reasons to be a teacher – June, July, and August.  ~Author Unknown
(in this case let me make it April, May, and 10 days each during August-September, and December!!)

********

This particular post as I have already mentioned is a dedication to my own teachers from school, and from college, and one particular awesome teacher from College – Dr Shoba Venkatesh Gosh (She used to be Ms Shoba Venkatesh in college ). Early this year, when I came across a search term, with her name on the dashboard of my blog, I made an effort to google and find out more about her! Was very very elated to make contact through an organization called SPARROW, to discover she is now a Professor of English at Mumbai University! Woah. Made my day, entirely… Went back to being the adoring kid in her class, and wrote out an email, an adoring email, of course to her… a part of which I have shared below! Well so much for being a teacher I’d rather be her student any day!

I quote from the my email (dated March 7, 2012) to her: “The other day, while writing in another of my rambles on my wordpress blog, I mentioned your name, as someone who has been an all time inspiration in life. And today, while going through search terms on my blog, I saw your name, and immediately decided that this had to be the day I would delve deep into the virtual world for traces of that memory, and see if I could find you, however virtually. 

 

So I googled Shobha Venkatesh Ghosh ( I remembered that part too!); and was shown many links, all referring to Dr.Shobha Venkatesh Gosh. Had to be you, of course And you still look awesome, the self same tall, lissome and attractive lecturer I used to look forward to listening to in class, in JNC! (saw a few pictures on SPARROW’s webpage) ( Do you still do theatre?)

 

I do realize you would not be able to place me, neither would you remember what I looked like, for I was that eager beaver average ordinary (all said in one breath! ) girl who hung upon your words in class. A sure case of adoration, one I still  have to get over! Sorry to come on so strong!! After all these years

 

Coincidentally, I am a teacher. A school teacher. English. (which I took , after doing Science in PUC, because of a sure and defining influence of a certain lecturer!). And each time a student who has finished school comes back with kind words I think of you, and even otherwise. I’ve quoted your name n number of times when asked randomly what inspired me; first and foremost it has been you Glad that I can, at least now, let you know all of this Your rendition (if I could call it that! It was a class act!) of Pontius Pilate still lingers, and though I have lost the words, thinking of your performance always brings a smile!

 

I shall not embarrass you anymore. I’m glad I could get in touch (provided of course you do get to read this schoolgirlish mail, from an almost 49 year old who refused to grow beyond 12 – that’s a private joke my son and I share ). 

 

I hope too, to be able to mail you again, on occasion, if you would not mind. It’s great to know that I have been able to at least make a one sided contact.( Dear me! Provided, of course, that you are the same Shobha Ma’am.)” Unquote

What pleased me more, made me more overjoyed that words can tell, is her reply, and the fact that somewhere she did have a fuzzy memory What does one say to such “thrilled to bits” feelings that well up?

*********

To wrap up, here’s the song (lyrics in the description area) from the film “To Sir, With Love”, iconic as far as inspiration for teachers go ; sung by Lulu, years after she first performed it for the film itself, in which she acted, as one of the students. Evergreen inspiration!

Happy Teachers’ Day to all those who, each day, knowingly and unknowingly are part of the teaching process… so that is ALL of you

4 Spetember 2012, on the verge of 5 September, 2012
Teachers’ Day

A Tribute; an Inspiration; and Optimism

This is an August month. . That much I have already written about, rather endlessly, and made a tradition too, like the April month. But this is more than just birthdays, either of kids’ or the nation’s .

A Tribute first, to a land that has seen much, groans under the weight of both, its population and it’s natives’ excesses, and yet exudes hope much like the lighthouse does, to lost sailors. The total contrast of its potential and its unexplored possibilities and the trauma of its existence continues to baffle many an Indian, not to mention the world at large. No matter how terrible things might seem, and are, in reality, I am proud to be an Indian. I just wish I had more guts and assertiveness to make a difference in my own small way. Happy 66th Independence Day to Us.

***

I’m in a profession that continually inspires both the giver and the giveee And this works both ways, from both sides of the traditional teacher’s table! It has always been a pleasure to take from each batch of learners that pass through the Classrooms, something precious, and be inspired Even if, sometimes, you have not had the honour of being that particular student’s “teacher” in class.

Shilpa V Krishna, in 2007

One such sparkling gem has been Shilpa V. Krishnan, a woman extraordinaire. I write today with such pleasure about her, even though I have perhaps interacted with her only very very few times, even when she was in school. As a young student, and even now she is exceptionally talented – academics, cultural activities,

Her painting on display at NUS, 2005

painting, cartooning, clay modelling, being able to spell words backwards, and many other gifts were hers. Yet never ever did she carry on with an “attitude” of vanity, or ever shirk from displaying her talents. I’ve always loved that about her. She went on to study at NUS, Singapore on a well deserved Scholarship, (and the rest of the details I’m guessing at, because I have never asked her ) met and married her Soulmate, is a committed professional, made quite a few short films, and a couple of feature films,

Mausams, which won the Silver at the Dhaka Film Fest

one of which has won an award at the Dhaka Film Fest, last year, I think. She and her husband are now expecting their first child (and you should really be inspired by this, too), and right through what has been amazing is her committment to maintaining rigorously a fitness regime,

The committed Yogin Do read that blog of hers

which includes yoga, even during her pregnancy. I’ve shared a few pictures that I have stolen from her FB Albums (do excuse me, Shilpa! )

About two and a half years ago, when she discovered she had 1000 days left to turn thirty, she decided to write about one wonderful thing each day and so was born this:

Chronicling the 1000 days before I hit 30

Tomorrow, 15 August, 1000 days, One thousand beautiful days, many splendoured, coloured in the hues of herself, her dreams, aspirations, tiny joys, and huge happinesses… comes to be! And this is just to tell you, Shilpa, that you are in inspiration in ways you cannot even imagine, to this learner who pretends to be a teacher. You truly are AWESOME God Bless!

(Dear Readers, don’t forget to drop by at her blog and read about the 1000th magic day It’s here. And this wonderful gift from her husband, on that magic day )

Soulmates

How it started is here.
13th October, 2010 was when I heard of this endeavour and wrote into her blog I love the comments section on this blog
That wonderful post on how she did yoga during her pregnancy
There was a time when I think she was wondering if she suddenly got directionless… and I had this to write in
Her little poem Creative? You bet!

Flowing, fluent

I’ve been reading a lot of her posts, in the hope of finding and sharing these nuggets, and once again, I am overwhelmed by her perseverance, and her sheer energy and faculties. Not to mention her creativity Way to go Shilpa! Birthday Wishes for the Magic 30, and for a happy and wonderful day, and year ahead

***

Optimism. One of those die-hard words for me; considering I ought to have given up a lot of things by now, but suddenly I find myself  egging myself on, to push limits (mine and others ) I wonder too, if that is what is making me singularly obstinate at times too; unwilling to just agree with another because… well, just because. And always seeking the gifts it gives, time and time again, when doors shut in your face, and the tunnel seems dark and long. It’s that firefly for me, always telling me, that no matter how dark it gets, there will always be someone or something to light up the moment, however small, or brilliant it be. Life, in other words, is promising. And there is a lot of it left, as far as things go, right now. The next moment, the next day, the next month… who knows. Right now, right here, life is happening. That, in itself, is a blessing. And so, is that energizing word. Optimism.

14 August, 2012, getting to tryst with midnight , for
15th August, 2012

I Know You’ll Dance…

(Lee Ann Womack’s beautiful song ”I hope You’ll Dance”  is the inspiration for this title The video is embedded at the end of this post, dedicated entirely to an awesome dancer, in the family! The one who never sat out a single dance in the course of his life. My second born. Ashwin.

The steel grey Gucci Suit Wala Dancer – Ashwin!

Royal in Blue Ashwin!

This one, sweetheart, is just for you. The song, I know, was written with you in mind. But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. This is getting to be really enjoyable, the build up each year, to 3 August; and I know this is one tradition I will keep, for as long as words allow themselves to be charmed into this space, for you. Tradition. For this blog too! )

Right, before I go ga ga all over again, over my Lion Cub, I do want to share those “traditions” . It started in 2009, with “The Right Age”, the went on to “For My Little One” (incidentally he’s a few millimetres short of being 6 ft tall ), to when he flew the coop, in “When Nestlings Fly”, and Metamorphosis and settled in with “Pride”  in 2010 and 2011, last year. And here is where he tells me it’s no fun doing something unless your mom says NO. So it is 3 August again, and, as my kids in school say, “his happy birthday”!

What can I say, or wish him, that I already have not? Would you believe, I can (Ah! and you thought, here she is, quite having run out of more words, will allow us to listen to that song, and be done wishing him! But oh no…!) Oh yes, I can! *gleeful, evil grin on her face, and she anticipates the dammed words waiting to break and flow* … pun intended!

Boy oh Boy! Am I going to enjoy this! *lifts fingers from keyboard long enough to rub her hands in glee*

So here goes…

Years before, as a timid, tiny lion cub, you always made me wonder how you’d find your feet. I know, NOW, I needn’t have worried! Your feline sense of balance would help you land, feet firmly on ground, steady as ever.

Today, I want to extract each memory, as if from a pensieve, each shimmering thought strand, playing out a favourite scene of you, of how you used to be, of how we used to be… (I wish I had those photos too, to go with these threads , but could only manage these mobile pictures of photographs from the old albums )

Happy happy

Shmaille no, pleaaase?

You, Achukkutts…
… your grudging smile, reserved ONLY for family and Anu/Ani, the little girls from the ground floor of the barsati we lived in, in Delhi (Just look at you, above.. That is how you were most of time, till you turned about 2 and a half years old )

… of how you idolized your big brother, right from the beginning and how you fought so hard with him later; and how I’m accused even now ( ) of being partial

At NDA, for Arjun’s POP, Khadakwasla, Pune December, 2007! Love this picture

Awww… he would smile only for his family proof here!

Stolen from Malu’s collection The smiles were getting bigger and more uninhibited

Awww…

… of your reluctant, first, LATE baby step – so terrified of gravity – after having done EVERYTHING else in record time: turning over ALL by YOURSELF, in 2 months flat! IMAGINE!!! Never thought it would take you over a year to walk!

Achchante Kunjunni

… your charming smile; how everyone loved to see it; how hard they tried to make you, and how you just did NOT! Ask Chitta

… how once you discovered that smile, you showered it with so much joy on all and sundry, and how you still do… Padmaja Teacher (HOD, Social Science) refers to you even now as a “smiling baby”

… how you made friends slowly, and how they always were forever

Ashwin, second from right, along with Abey, Praveen and Hrithu

Ashwin Shining From an Onam Celebration picture at College. Ashwin in the Centre

Abey’s farewell treat? Or Hrithu’s? Standing: Govind, Hrithu; Sitting: Pious, Ashwin, Abey and Cezil

…how you make friends so darned fast, these days

… your Gita Chanting feats, and “Sherwood”, that memorable year, when you wowed me with your recitation! I still wonder at it!!!

… that proud moment, when you and Lakshmi became Vikramsila House Captains, and more so, the jubilant moment, when your house was Champion House!!! Those were days!!!
…how we pored over those Hotel Management courses, and that online test for MS Ramaiah! R.O.F.L.

… and how you went and became an engineer, with the huge rank you had , with a course you wanted, in a college you wanted! Oh yes! you had your guardian angel watching over you. Still do Achamma

…. and asking me if you could pierce your ears! High point.

…. and announcing you found your soulmate… boy! was I jealous !!! Not anymore, dont worry, N!!

Soulmates

…and growing wings, trying them out, and sailing out, smooth and fluent, and free….

I miss you. But I know you’ve gotta do what you gotta do, and be where you have to be Life’s quirky ways. We know, don’t we, that’s the way we are, and no matter what you’ll always be the baby in my arms,

That tiny head, of the baby swathed in a pink wrap is YOU ! At Viju’s wedding… all of 28 days

from twenty odd years ago, no matter you’re a hulking handsome young man now Hugs, big huge bear hugs, my dearest!

Clicked by Govind? Classic Hunk

Happy Birthday, Ashwin! You should be here, with me, considering this is the last bachelor party you’re going to have, for your birthday ! May you be just as sweet, just as strong, just as fair, and just as loving, as you have always been. May God bless you and keep you safe, always. May you ever be loved, and may you always find love, in each and every moment of each day… especially when you’re down May you always be in high spirits, and may the world take its cue from you, on how to be the best you can! I do love you so!

I do love you! Bear HUG

And here it is finally:

“I hope you dance” by Lee Ann Womack

And another one, so so beautiful, it made my cry

“My Wish” by Rascal Flatts

I found them both at this place

From 31 July to…1 August 2012
For 3 August, 2012.
Scheduled post

And so…

I have officially welcomed a daughter into the family (And that has been the reason for the long long break from blogging ) My son Arjun married Pratibha on 29th June, 2012.

I’m blessed. We are, my son and I. And it has been a wedding that was entertaining, full of song and dance, filled with all the emotions, laughter, tears, and endless late nights of catching up on news, gossip, zimbly-at-all-chatting and never wanting to sleep and miss out on spending time with loved ones. Weddings, get togethers are like that, aren’t they? Especially if it is all about the two being from different states

Finally the excitement and energy that has been on high for so many days is quietening down. Winding down is not much fun. Getting back to a workplace after that orgy of emotion and fun, even less ! But we need that bread to sustain us, forget about the butter

There were a lot of interesting “comments” and remarks that got me writing this down! Some typical, like “Gosh! Now you’re mother-in-law! You are probably feeling the power of it all!” Gawd! Seriously?? I mean, what power, darn it? I’m still me, and I have a beautiful daughter to top it all! I feel the power of happiness, that is all!!!

“Oh my, one burden is lesser to carry around now, no?” (The other, presumably, is the younger son ) Burden? They are both my wondrous offspring, bits of me, lots of themselves, all entirely made of themselves, and filled with all kinds of everything that still amazes and fascinates me. They are lovely people, and I’ve never never thought of them as burdens! I’m entirely fed up of innumerable remarks which, worded differently, say the same thing! “Responsibilities”, “duties”… what have you! If anything, I have one more person to love, to cherish, to coddle to death ! And no way can that be a burden, responsibility or whateva!!!

“We actually thought you’d look mother-in-law-ish” LOL! Do that category have a “look”??? I wonder what that could be! If anything I feel no different, and dress no different, and do things just the same! With more care and concern certainly that my daughter ( in law) should have a smooth passage into her life with her partner, my son.

And yes, I shall say daughter, though I have read somewhere that one cannot really say that; for she will always be her mother’s daughter, and a mother in law can never take that place. I certainly agree with the notion, but I do believe that it is possible to be that mother, and be that daughter too, even if it took a marriage to make it so More so, with the cross cultural wedding this turned out to be!

To put it plain and simple: I’m still me, Parukutty , my daughter is still her, and so is Arjun, my son And we are all really happy being what we are to each other! *Fingers crossed* that we may all be as blessed with the love we share with each other! May God Bless them, too, to be as loved and loving always!

A Haiku, for them

Wedded

Merging my soul in

Yours, I’m lost: only to find

Completeness in us.

15 July, 2012

Of Beginnings; Of Birthdays and a Sorority to Cherish :)

It’s a beginning, once again. A cycle of time, regenerates itself, in different parts of our land. Today, the 13th April, it is Baisakhi, it is Bihu, a time to celebrate a harvest, a start, a closure too. Tomorrow, 14th April, it is Vishu, and yet another Medam, (the first month in the Lunar Calendar, in Kerala) takes birth. The link to the post on Vishu has been receiving visitors aplenty, and that is why it is linked here, so that those who wish to know more about it may just pop thataway and do so And for the setting of the Vishukani, you could get a bit of Mother’s Advice here (The post is Vishuaashamsagal…)

The best wishes of the season to each and everyone. May the glorious golden of the Konna Flowers bestow that selfsame richness in each aspect of your lives, touching it with prosperity and good fortune!

**************

The month of April is wonderful for other reasons too! My first born, Arjun, celebrates his birthday, and so do other loved ones. My elder brother, Viju, Commodore V.K. Pisharody, on the day after Vishu.

This year, I want to spread my net of gladness, and send out loving wishes to other Ariens who have touched my life, inspiring, scaffolding, being supportive, being the patient listening ear, being part of the sorority that has surrounded me with the deepest empathy and given me the benediction of their friendship, unconditionally and unerringly known each time I needed to have a shoulder to lean on, and bawl my head off, figuratively, of course ! Well on occasion, literally as well.

My dearest friends, this is to wish each of you
A day and year filled with laughter, and nothing blue
Moments spent in gladness, each day anew
May worries and stresses, be far, and few
All love, and God’s Blessings, I do wish YOU

Elsie Abraham, for the 14th April

Omana Vasudevan, for the 18th April

Renuka Menon, for the 19th April

Ladies, you are the best there is!!! This post is entirely dedicated to each of you! Advance wishes for a Great Day, followed by the best year, so far! I pray that each of you finds that life unfolds in just the way you wished it would!

Beautiful songs, too, to go with the wishes: Below

That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick

 

Another link to the same song which has an amazing quatret singing this song – Dionne Warwick, Whitney Huston, Luther Vandross and Stevie Wonder!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEfTGE2aa90&feature=related

And yes, I will always look to you, for succor and support as I have been, all these years Thank you for being part of what makes me ME The song below says it all!

I Look to You, Whitney Huston:

****************************

Once again, Vishuaashamsagal to one and all!

(P.S. Sorry it’s such a linky linky post )

13 April, 2012

Being Humane

This post has been picked by Blogadda  for its Spicy Saturday Picks! Thank you Blogadda!

Yet another March 8th, in a day’s time. 2012 this time. Time to start wishing women one knows “Happy” Women’s Day. Time to preen and pride oneself on being the fairer/weaker/stronger/gentler sex. One whole day, and few days leading up to it, and a few days after, one ponders, and I use that word with the full weight it comes with, on what women do/want/mean/emote and how they survive/ exist/live/manage, most of the time awing/ inspiring/ demeaning (here I mean others who look down upon her ) other womanly traits, other women, and , but of course, Men. Capital Letter “M”, for the “proper” persons they are. Hmmmphfrrrrr !

This year, I choose to simply admire and comment on what I know, not think. Of women, of men, of humanity. The usual yada yada on why is it only on this day you talk / write / speak/ express argument, notwithstanding (phew whatta word ), I still choose to write.

I remember reading on Leenuka Reddy’s FB update a couple of months ago,

“Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”
~Julius Henry “Groucho” Marx.

It struck me then, each time I had a “down” day, only I could choose to make it better. And it became a sort of mantra “I not Events” I’d chant to myself. So onward to what I meant to write about (As usual, I’m digressing. Sigh. I can never be prosaic, that is for sure- giveme a Haiku to compose, and I’ll do it, but prose? Dear me!)

I know for a fact that this world has so many feminists, and I don’t mean women, who shriek violently piling curses on all men, because they are men. Nopes. I mean feminists who are women and men, for they are humane and sensitive, and open minded and culturally zombies, because they are so accepting of any and every human. For all the goodness they have within. For all the love shared, openly. For the respect given to each other, for who they are , not who they want others to be. For Acceptance. For Forbearance. For the Charity of their thoughts. And most of all for the Courage to show their true feelings, and wear their hearts on their sleeves. Practically all the women bloggers who come by here, I know for a fact are one And as for the men, I must mention Hitchy, Tito, and from comments that have touched me deeply on others’ posts, Bikram, GeeVee, Kislay, and ever so many many more. A feminist is humane. Just that. And no, one cannot be defined as humane, if one wants to “control” “judge” and “restrict” a particular sex because of tradition and convention. Bad idea, old idea, not my idea of humane. And therefore, by association, not my idea of a feminist.

I recently attended a book release function, where a cousin, Krishnakumari, Senior Sub-editor, Deshabhimani, in Thrissur, was releasing her book, in Malayalam, “Samarapaathayile Pennperuma” published by a Collective for Gender Justice called SAMATHA, a group of 29 women. (The title refers to the wonderful women who have been involved in rising against authority and against injustice, in society, not just of the Leftist Movement, but in general) Two of the invitees were persons she had interviewed. The entire book contained bio sketches of women who had undertaken such rebellions, revolts, strikes and mutinies against social injustice, successfully or otherwise. The proceeds of the book were to go to helping one of the women written about, whose name is Ittyaannum, (In The Hindu, dated 7 March 2012, read about her!)an illiterate common labourer, now elderly, 80+, to help build her house. She shared her experiences of being brutalized by the police who were hell bent on suppressing the revolt of the Left/proletariat workers on the farms, and paddy fields in Kerala. A simple woman, with the deep sense of injustice happening, and how she took it up, with no help from her husband or male relatives. The other invitee was Devaki Nilayangode, a woman of “higher” caste who also stepped out of domesticity to participate in the movements for justice in History (His story… there was much discussion on the chauvinism in the subject nomenclature too ) The book is in Malayalam, and it will take me a long time to finish it, being a slow reader in that language; but read it I will, and hopefully complete it soon enough. A positive this year, for Women’s Day.

This year I also want to remember and acknowledge someone I see daily, who I look up to, endlessly, for the sheer strength of her resolve and her determination to see that life works out, especially for her children. I write of Chandrika, my help at home, and how she has surmounted odds, against fate, an unhelpful family and husband, and society, to walk on, proud of having got both her kids to college, with one of them about to graduate as a Medical Lab. Technician, and the younger one as a Commerce Grad. She continues to make me feel that nothing can ever but ever get you down. Nothing. There is always a way, and it is always UP. I’d shared a bit about her on our other group blog, “No Gender Inequality” which is on hold at this moment

I think too, of the everyday hassles women have to face, and how they cheerfully, and without rancour go about their daily work, be it as an SAHM, a sweeper on the street, an executive in a Corporate Sector, a college student, a school girl, a teacher, a woman. Just that. Women, unfortunately, have that inbuilt mechanism to take it all. Sigh. If only we did not have such a high threshold of tolerance I sometimes feel. My take, that is all. And while men too may have all these attributes, they face less than a fraction of a percentage of the trouble women go through. Undoubtedly so, in mainstream life, in India, anyways. So, a salute to the ordinary Indian woman, for being able to survive a single day, each day. And to all the men who do help out. Salutes to you all too. Among them my brothers and Dad as well. And my sons And my two nephews They know better than to be otherwise Thanks to Mom and me And my wonderful and lovely sisters in law !

The other day, we had this discussion, among some of our colleagues, on how girls these days are probably the ones who are making all the trouble! How they Dress! And how they talk and touch the boys! And someone said, you see it’s the clothes. Perfect opportunity for me to get on my soapbox I spoke. Or rather ranted. And I also said, the only reason why it is happening, the violence, is that women no longer keep quiet. That, I feel is the one main reason. If we kept quiet and “listened” perhaps there would be less trouble? Maybe. And then again, Maybe not. What we needed was to be more accepting. Let go the deadweight of things said to be/ thought of as “proper”/”not right” for girls. Why only girls? Sigh. And we teachers can make that difference. I tend to get on the soapbox in class, when I get a chance, because of some prompt in a lesson, and egg on a discussion !

And yes, I want to dwell too, on a prayer for all of us, The Serenity Prayer, which has helped me many a time, and I hope will help anyone who faces a paucity of courage, who needs wisdom, and has to make the choice of who to be, and what to do.

May God grant me the Serenity

To Accept the things I cannot change

The Courage to change the things I can

And the Wisdom to know the difference!

I hope each day that dawns will bring home to each of us, the need to be more humane and accepting in our lives. Live, and let live Break down in-built prejudices and open our hearts and minds I hope women can walk in the land Tagore once beseeched the Lord to grant:

“Where the mind is without fear, and the head is held high
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into
The dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever widening thought and action
*In that Heaven of Freedom, …”

I hope we all can meet.

God Bless!

6 March, 2012

Edited to add:

Related post on a Feminism tag.

Also, the reference to Ittyennam… Ittennam… the 80+ lady whose biography has been included in the book I have spoken of up there, has been featured in The Hindu, Kochi edition. Unable to get a copy of the e-paper to share here, but will do so, once I get it!  

Got it! Sharing Thank you Sneha

Rich Harvest :)

The previous post was about how relieved I was to start the vacation, and now a day away from getting back to work is when I finally (Phinally ) find time again, to hurriedly share with you the rich harvest of the joyful season The cards, received from the students of the classes I go to, and some from those I meet and greet on the corridors ! That is really special!

I have these collections! Collections, I tell you, because I am a hoarder and cannot bear to throw away even a scrap that might have a faint sentimental value or perhaps may come in use, sometime ! Of course I am a Junkie… of the nicest sort, please note, and my addiction is keeping stuff, possessively and guarding it jealously from the Spring Cleaners sharp eye ! 

And here they are, most of the lot that I transported to my parents’ to show them, and show off! But of course

These are handmade, precious, all of them!

And the words on the inside? Even more precious I heart them! Collage created online !

And there were bouquets of roses, and tulips; strawberries and bunny rabbits and teddy bears  :)

And a peacock, from very very special children of Class 10 D Look, from bottom left, clockwise, how it slowly unfolds, unfurls and spreads joy with its gorgeous beautiful feathers

And musical cards, with a tiny light, and Jingle Bells, and tiny pop-up cards

Words, quotes, wishes that really moved me!

I shall not look these gifts more in the mouth, than they give to me! (cannot! )And this, after an almost three month break from school, as I had been unwell!

This year has brought me some of the most special moments yet… two beautiful daughters (I do not like to say “daughters-in-law” ), that my sons chose, to spend their lives with, quiet acknowledgement of some stray (but important) notions  I had regarding recitation , the closeness and warmth of friendships, meeting people I had only till now interacted with in the virtual world! And two awards from Shail Mohan (Will get to it, next! )

All heartwarming! A bountiful harvest!

There have also been the pits, the dumps, the absolute lows, when days seemed endless, and patches on the ceiling took life, as I pondered on where I was going… literally and figuratively Still, the lows are important, because then you build yourself up again, to climb, exercise your mental and physical abilities, and know, for certain, that sometimes, the only way is UP It was underscored beyond doubt for me, this year!

No if onlys, for me this year. I refuse to acknowledge them, at least!

And, I do wish each of you well, for the coming year! May 2012 be all you want it to be! God Bless!!

31 December, 2011

Happy Day Haiku :) (For the Sailor Who Took Home a Poem :) )

True blue to your club

Truer yet, to your glowing bride!

Happy Day, her Cap’n!!!

Happy Birthday, Arjun S. Kumar! May the sweet joy of this day permeate the rest of the year! God Bless!

23 December, 2011
For 28 December, 2011


(Title tagline, credit to Sachin Stalin who titled the album of Arjun’s and Sashu’s wedding pictures, thus )

For You, Neeti :)

Lovely, lissome
And always on the
Brink of Laugher

Charming Grace
Quiet understanding-
Great company on a
Binge of fun and frolic!

Resonating wavelenghts
With the empathy of knowing-
The said, more, the unsaid

Daughter Dear-
You are joy, you are light
And you are wished dearly
This day…

May God Bless you
Abundandtly
With Love and Success…
May your fount of hope
Never run dry
May the brightest colours
Of your Dreams
Weave themselves into
The tapestry of
Happiness, and blessings, always

Happy Birthday, Neeti

30 August, 2011

(The previous post on this page is for Ashwin, my second born, to whom this daughter of mine, Neeti, is engaged Nicey nice )