We must have all heard this story in our childhood. Its called “DhurthChag Brahmansaya Katha” and it goes this way.
Once there was a well educated Brahman in the village. No one could outshine him when it came to knowledge. So 3 thieves decided to fool this intelligent fellow and they soon got a chance to do so when they saw the Brahman carrying a goat on his shoulder. The 1st thief met him on the way and asked "Hey! Why are u carrying a donkey on your back" The Brahman looked at him with puzzled eyes and said "Cant you see its not a donkey it is a Goat" and walks ahead. The 2nd thief takes over at some distance and asks "Hey what’s wrong why are u carrying a donkey on your back". The Brahman Puzzled again but also suspicious this time has a glance to check what he is carrying and then snubs the thief back and moves ahead. He then meets the 3rd thief who pounces at him and asks the same question again – "Hey! Why are u carrying a donkey on your back". The Brahman now in total disbelief on himself throws the goat down and says "what a fool I have been to carry a donkey all the way" and walks off. The thieves rejoice on getting the goat!
To think of it, it’s a very simple story, however if you understand it deeply it conveys a very important message of life!
We always do this mistake that the Brahmin did. We start believing more in what others perceive of us rather than believing in our own conviction.
Our whole confidence and self belief goes for a toss if we are repeatedly told we are not good. These thieves are all around in the society in the form of your friends, peers, Bosses, pushy parents who get behind the kids and constantly tell them that they are no good or even worst they would compare them with the siblings or other kids. They don’t realize that a kids mind is a fertile imagination center. It will grow the way the seeds are sowed. Sow the seeds of confidence and good values rather than complexes.
Let us not let these thieves take over our peace of mind, we need to learn to believe in ourselves 1st , we need to build the self-assuredness in one's personal judgment and then make the inner sense strong enough to not get carried away by the world. Stop letting anything/anyone sabotage your self esteem, take control of your own self confidence. Continue to empower yourself with knowledge, enhance your competence as that would be your only armor against all the fingers raised.
At the end of it remember you are the best judge for yourself. The person pointing fingers constantly is only fighting his own complexities. Have faith in your excellence, values and keep marching ahead.
Good luck.Dedicated to my loving sister.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Now or Never
It has already started. The blame game of the politicians. The ruling party is having the audacity of passing comments like “Such small incidents keep happening. We at least prevented 5000 people from dying”. Yes sure, we got away with only 200. Calls for a celebration folks! - For a country which faces population explosion what would the lives of mere 200 mean? Absolutely negligible! Will be written off and forgotten in less than 15days.
The opposition party leaving no stone unturned to encash this incident completely for their own interests. Demanding the Government to step down, announcing crores of remuneration to show their supremacy and lure the Janta. Remember the country will be going for elections in less than 6 months.
After all everyone wants to make full use of this one time opportunity. And when this is happening how can the media be behind. Each channel ahead in the rat race. Our channel is the 1st to get here! Our channel is the 1st to get these exclusive videos, Our channel ………..Our Channel! Non ending saga. The lives of few innocent and departed souls has become the bread and butter for these pondering mouths. The hostages coming out are pounced by the press folks– “Sir how do you feel?” Well how is any one held captive for hours supposed to feel? The worst was when families having their near ones still inside Taj were being asked – “Sir what is going on in your mind?” What an insane question and at the most inappropriate time. It would have been more appropriate to send those journalist inside the Taj and then asking the same question from their relatives. Hearing from the horses mouth would have got us the most justifying and interesting replies. Is a good TRP increasing tactic.
Well with the huge uproar and disgust of the Janta, looks like some actions are being taken. The Home Minister Mr Shivraj Patil has stepped down and Mr Chitambaram will be taking charge. I also hear that the Indian troops have been sent to the border. I definitely feel the need for war to end it once and for all. Though the thought of losing our men shakes me up but the outrage inside at the same time makes me feel its time for revenge. Its now or never. Its high time we feel that we are protected by a Government which truly is By the people, For the people. Its high time when we feel secured in our own country. Its high time when we felt that our hard earned money going into taxes are well justified.
The lines of Rabindranath Tagore wisper in my ears and I quote-
“Where the mind is without fear and the head held high;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action;
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”
Unquote.
The opposition party leaving no stone unturned to encash this incident completely for their own interests. Demanding the Government to step down, announcing crores of remuneration to show their supremacy and lure the Janta. Remember the country will be going for elections in less than 6 months.
After all everyone wants to make full use of this one time opportunity. And when this is happening how can the media be behind. Each channel ahead in the rat race. Our channel is the 1st to get here! Our channel is the 1st to get these exclusive videos, Our channel ………..Our Channel! Non ending saga. The lives of few innocent and departed souls has become the bread and butter for these pondering mouths. The hostages coming out are pounced by the press folks– “Sir how do you feel?” Well how is any one held captive for hours supposed to feel? The worst was when families having their near ones still inside Taj were being asked – “Sir what is going on in your mind?” What an insane question and at the most inappropriate time. It would have been more appropriate to send those journalist inside the Taj and then asking the same question from their relatives. Hearing from the horses mouth would have got us the most justifying and interesting replies. Is a good TRP increasing tactic.
Well with the huge uproar and disgust of the Janta, looks like some actions are being taken. The Home Minister Mr Shivraj Patil has stepped down and Mr Chitambaram will be taking charge. I also hear that the Indian troops have been sent to the border. I definitely feel the need for war to end it once and for all. Though the thought of losing our men shakes me up but the outrage inside at the same time makes me feel its time for revenge. Its now or never. Its high time we feel that we are protected by a Government which truly is By the people, For the people. Its high time when we feel secured in our own country. Its high time when we felt that our hard earned money going into taxes are well justified.
The lines of Rabindranath Tagore wisper in my ears and I quote-
“Where the mind is without fear and the head held high;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action;
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”
Unquote.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Enough is enough
Yesterday when the thought struck me about the idea of the attack being to create another 9/11 and bringing down the iconic Taj Hotel in Mumbai, my heart skipped a beat.
Standing below the Taj in 1999 while I was still a student I had told my friend, One day I want to stay in this hotel. The thought that this monumental structure would be reduced to rubbles shook me.
This morning I learnt that the idea of the attackers was very much the same. They had come with the determination to recreate the WTC turmoil. They came with the intention of killing at least 5000 people and they had the arms and ammunitions sufficient for this intent. They clearly failed! If the Taj still stands today its all because of the heroic deeds of the NSG and the Army personnel’s. It was the success of the operation “Cyclone” that the Taj has withstood the whole intent of attack. The only terrorist who got caught alive is now held captive told that they had come well prepared to bring the Taj down and did not anticipate the resistance that they got eventually.
While their true motive was sabotaged my heart goes out to the people who however could not make it out from this ill fated hotel . How many would have thought that the dinner at Taj would be their last dinners. There were executives from top companies dining and living in this hotel. The VT station which was attacked must have had so many innocent souls going back to their homes perished.
Investigations so far point to Al-Q’da and Lash’re T being involved. While the former is involved with a fight against the United States of America the later is fighting for Kashmir so its clearly a global war of terror. I am not sure of where this is headed to and how the country and the world is planning to deal with this but I truly feel the need for a strong action against this barbaric act. The worst fear - the politicians should not just get away with making use of this whole incidence for their own political growth and vested interests. They need to understand that the country needs to stand united and fight against this torturous and difficult times. This whole year has made our country and its people so vulnerable. So many bomb blasts through out the year in different cities and then the year ends with the attack on Taj and Trident!
Truly Enough is enough.
Standing below the Taj in 1999 while I was still a student I had told my friend, One day I want to stay in this hotel. The thought that this monumental structure would be reduced to rubbles shook me.
This morning I learnt that the idea of the attackers was very much the same. They had come with the determination to recreate the WTC turmoil. They came with the intention of killing at least 5000 people and they had the arms and ammunitions sufficient for this intent. They clearly failed! If the Taj still stands today its all because of the heroic deeds of the NSG and the Army personnel’s. It was the success of the operation “Cyclone” that the Taj has withstood the whole intent of attack. The only terrorist who got caught alive is now held captive told that they had come well prepared to bring the Taj down and did not anticipate the resistance that they got eventually.
While their true motive was sabotaged my heart goes out to the people who however could not make it out from this ill fated hotel . How many would have thought that the dinner at Taj would be their last dinners. There were executives from top companies dining and living in this hotel. The VT station which was attacked must have had so many innocent souls going back to their homes perished.
Investigations so far point to Al-Q’da and Lash’re T being involved. While the former is involved with a fight against the United States of America the later is fighting for Kashmir so its clearly a global war of terror. I am not sure of where this is headed to and how the country and the world is planning to deal with this but I truly feel the need for a strong action against this barbaric act. The worst fear - the politicians should not just get away with making use of this whole incidence for their own political growth and vested interests. They need to understand that the country needs to stand united and fight against this torturous and difficult times. This whole year has made our country and its people so vulnerable. So many bomb blasts through out the year in different cities and then the year ends with the attack on Taj and Trident!
Truly Enough is enough.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Mumbai burns
Despair
helplessness
fear
anger
All of these emotions surround me this moment. its day2 and the fight
at Taj Mumbai is till on. Barbaric act of terror! 10 different locations have been attacked in Mumbai throwing the entire city into chaos and the rest of
the country in a shock. its an ugly display of ruthless slaughter of
innocent lives.
The photo of the terrorist comes as a surprise as they look no elder than college grads. I wonder what form of leadership have they followed that made them so inhuman. So much of hatred, so much of anguish so much that you defy the humanity completely.
Terrorism truly has no religion, knows no boundaries belongs to no Country. Its there everywhere. Be it the Madrid attack, the gruesome 9/11-WTC attack or the Mumbai what’s eventually lost are the lives of innocent souls. Families are
shattered, friends lost and what more the whole confidence in the system is gone.
It could happen to any one any where, where do you find yourself safe or do you start living on an edge from now on simply thanking God for each day lived.
Will Gods descend from the heaven to stop this? that is not to happen, and I wonder what can we do to safeguard ourselves from the clutches of terrorism and on not getting an answer to that leaves me feeling helpless.Where do we feel safe? Its happening all around!You could be working in WTC but you are still not safe. You could be a CEO shot in Santa Clara due to lay off frustrations.You could be killed in the London shoot outs.They are everywhere and only growing.
The world that we have all created does give us a more comfortable lifestyle but also brings in with it these dark shadows which we have got to live with and just pray that we dont come in its line of fire.
I feel deep sorrow and offer condolences for all those who have suffered pain and loss in this traumatic event. Also salute all those police and army personnel that have laid down their lives and who are still fighting out there.
helplessness
fear
anger
All of these emotions surround me this moment. its day2 and the fight
at Taj Mumbai is till on. Barbaric act of terror! 10 different locations have been attacked in Mumbai throwing the entire city into chaos and the rest of
the country in a shock. its an ugly display of ruthless slaughter of
innocent lives.
The photo of the terrorist comes as a surprise as they look no elder than college grads. I wonder what form of leadership have they followed that made them so inhuman. So much of hatred, so much of anguish so much that you defy the humanity completely.
Terrorism truly has no religion, knows no boundaries belongs to no Country. Its there everywhere. Be it the Madrid attack, the gruesome 9/11-WTC attack or the Mumbai what’s eventually lost are the lives of innocent souls. Families are
shattered, friends lost and what more the whole confidence in the system is gone.
It could happen to any one any where, where do you find yourself safe or do you start living on an edge from now on simply thanking God for each day lived.
Will Gods descend from the heaven to stop this? that is not to happen, and I wonder what can we do to safeguard ourselves from the clutches of terrorism and on not getting an answer to that leaves me feeling helpless.Where do we feel safe? Its happening all around!You could be working in WTC but you are still not safe. You could be a CEO shot in Santa Clara due to lay off frustrations.You could be killed in the London shoot outs.They are everywhere and only growing.
The world that we have all created does give us a more comfortable lifestyle but also brings in with it these dark shadows which we have got to live with and just pray that we dont come in its line of fire.
I feel deep sorrow and offer condolences for all those who have suffered pain and loss in this traumatic event. Also salute all those police and army personnel that have laid down their lives and who are still fighting out there.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Dil Mange more?
Sitting in my car daily travelling from home to work I gaze at the traffic around and wonder how each person is running for a different goal, a different destination. Each person headed for his own new struggle in life, yet another day of hard work to earn money. Some sleeping away to glory, some driving and cursing the traffic, others day dreaming like me. Each one has a special plan for the day to make a difference in their lives, each ones hoping for a better day than yesterday.
In between my car also passes through the not so privileged areas! The people here work for the construction of big apartments but themselves are parked in one corner of the road. They derive pleasures from very simple things of life. They eat the simplest of food, they sleep in peace, their needs are small and they labor hard the whole day so much that they would never need to get a lipid profile done all their lives. They never have to worry about working out.
Yet they must be looking at the road on other side and thinking if at all God gave them as much money as he gave to people they see driving a Car or for whom they are constructing the house they would live happily ever after without any further desire. There would also be times when they must be looking into the sky with anguish and despair asking God for a reason to this disparity.
Little does he know that the car guy who he thinks is blessed by God is still struggling and leading a far more complicated life for more cars and more houses!
It just never ends or does it?
In between my car also passes through the not so privileged areas! The people here work for the construction of big apartments but themselves are parked in one corner of the road. They derive pleasures from very simple things of life. They eat the simplest of food, they sleep in peace, their needs are small and they labor hard the whole day so much that they would never need to get a lipid profile done all their lives. They never have to worry about working out.
Yet they must be looking at the road on other side and thinking if at all God gave them as much money as he gave to people they see driving a Car or for whom they are constructing the house they would live happily ever after without any further desire. There would also be times when they must be looking into the sky with anguish and despair asking God for a reason to this disparity.
Little does he know that the car guy who he thinks is blessed by God is still struggling and leading a far more complicated life for more cars and more houses!
It just never ends or does it?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Meri Maa
While I was sitting and thinking what to write on, I eyes went on my mother who even while I am typing is right here sleeping in front of me. She is visiting me for 3days and will be gone on Monday . I shall remain behind missing her. Truly said because God can not be everywhere he made mothers. She is an ocean of love – unconditional love. I make no such statements as my mother is the best as I understand all mothers are the same for their kids. For each child their mother is special and for them no one else can replace that image.
My mother though surely has given me her best. Despite coming from a rich academic background she decided to be the homemaker and be the backbone of her rising husband and an inspiration to her 2 daughters. She has immense tolerance and can endure any amount of pain on her own self to keep us happy.High on spirituality she beams with confidence and inner peace and content at all times.
As a child I have always taken her for granted, probably we all do only to realize the greatness of this soul when we move out of the house. Her happiness, her sorrow, all her thrills in life revolve around us. She stands as the pillar of our house. Very brave, very practical, a great mentor and an awesome friend of mine now. We talk for long hours every day (on phone!) Dad often wonders if we discuss international politics with so much interest every day!
I love her and I pray to God to always keep her in the best of health and happiness.
It’s the same me who as a child could not think of a better sentense to make with the word "Mother" than “My mother is fat” and it’s the same me dedicating this blog to her today for she truly is my friend, philosopher and guide – She is my mother.
My mother though surely has given me her best. Despite coming from a rich academic background she decided to be the homemaker and be the backbone of her rising husband and an inspiration to her 2 daughters. She has immense tolerance and can endure any amount of pain on her own self to keep us happy.High on spirituality she beams with confidence and inner peace and content at all times.
As a child I have always taken her for granted, probably we all do only to realize the greatness of this soul when we move out of the house. Her happiness, her sorrow, all her thrills in life revolve around us. She stands as the pillar of our house. Very brave, very practical, a great mentor and an awesome friend of mine now. We talk for long hours every day (on phone!) Dad often wonders if we discuss international politics with so much interest every day!
I love her and I pray to God to always keep her in the best of health and happiness.
It’s the same me who as a child could not think of a better sentense to make with the word "Mother" than “My mother is fat” and it’s the same me dedicating this blog to her today for she truly is my friend, philosopher and guide – She is my mother.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Quest to win!
I have come across a lot of folks with whom I find it useless to hold any healthy discussions. The quest to win over an argument is so strong that they start reminding me of Adolf Hitler! What they don’t realize is at the end of it they might have won over the argument but they would definitely have left the relationship wounded if not hurt. I am still trying to understand the psychology behind this quest and also trying to learn the art of dealing with them.They for sure know that to win an argument one needs to always have ammunitions before firing, Yes they can be very well informed but what they fail to know is that everyone is entitled to possess their own set of opinions. And no 2 opinion can be graded on a scale of supremacy. One must learn to honor others ideas and thoughts with an open mind as you never know, others opinion might just teach you a lesson on life. I assume such folks must be having a difficult time at work as well. For how long after all can you face a person who is self obsessed with his own ideas?
I presume it needs a lot of practice and patience along with unconditional love and compassion to keep a non reflecting skin and to be un-attackable. That probably might help the person burn off all their negative energy. What I try to practice is whenever you get attacked by someone wanting to provoke an argument, Simply see it as a cry for help. Empathize with that person for you might prove to be his savior. Know that it is futile to even waste your precious energy in trying to convince. Truly as my hubby always puts it across - "Shanti mei hi safalta hai" - In quietness lies the success
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Gyan!
“Experience is watyou get when you dint get what u wanted”
A quote by Randy Pausch, from his of series Randy Pausch Last Lecture - Isn’t it so very true. If I look back at the whatsoever little experiences of life I have had so far I find this quote to be very perfectly matching!
Though at that moment the feeling of remorse and despair on not getting the desired surrounds one from every corner, very soon in future I have come to realize the fact that what follows next becomes a memorable experience in life. Nature has a beautiful way of handling everything. It gives you back everything that you deserve at a very right time. I firmly believe that one gets what is the best for them. What we couldn’t get was never really meant for us. There are different thoughts to it, some folks do tell me that we choose to think this way to get away from the reality and to give some peace and justification to ourselves. While I respect their thoughts I totally differ in mine.
This no where means we do not however work towards our goals. We can do only that much though. Work to the best of ones ability and very sincerely but then don’t expect/argue over the results. They never are in our hands. The Bhagwad Gita explains the same concept in the very Influential “Nishkama Karma” philosophy. Well if any one follows the sayings of the Bhagwad Gita with full faith, would surely attain a blissful experience of life. Its just that we are all so much entangled in the complexities created very much by us that we have forgotten our basics.
Life is indeed meant for experiencing the different emotions of life. You see it all in this one life itself – Joy, sorrow, pain, success, grief, victory. One must make the best possible use of it and lead this life with a lot of grace. Be humble, kind and generous, Never lose the child like wonders in you, Help others. All of this would make one a better human being. I continuously everyday make an attempt to be a better person.
Do you?
A quote by Randy Pausch, from his of series Randy Pausch Last Lecture - Isn’t it so very true. If I look back at the whatsoever little experiences of life I have had so far I find this quote to be very perfectly matching!
Though at that moment the feeling of remorse and despair on not getting the desired surrounds one from every corner, very soon in future I have come to realize the fact that what follows next becomes a memorable experience in life. Nature has a beautiful way of handling everything. It gives you back everything that you deserve at a very right time. I firmly believe that one gets what is the best for them. What we couldn’t get was never really meant for us. There are different thoughts to it, some folks do tell me that we choose to think this way to get away from the reality and to give some peace and justification to ourselves. While I respect their thoughts I totally differ in mine.
This no where means we do not however work towards our goals. We can do only that much though. Work to the best of ones ability and very sincerely but then don’t expect/argue over the results. They never are in our hands. The Bhagwad Gita explains the same concept in the very Influential “Nishkama Karma” philosophy. Well if any one follows the sayings of the Bhagwad Gita with full faith, would surely attain a blissful experience of life. Its just that we are all so much entangled in the complexities created very much by us that we have forgotten our basics.
Life is indeed meant for experiencing the different emotions of life. You see it all in this one life itself – Joy, sorrow, pain, success, grief, victory. One must make the best possible use of it and lead this life with a lot of grace. Be humble, kind and generous, Never lose the child like wonders in you, Help others. All of this would make one a better human being. I continuously everyday make an attempt to be a better person.
Do you?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Victory again!
Yes we did it again!
Dhoni and his band of magnificent boys have done it again. The Ausies – the world champions were thrashed in the Test match series at Nagpur. What a victory to celebrate.
I really admire Dhoni as the captain. The patient, the calculative, the attentive and the coolest of captain. He was once known as the extravagantly flamboyant and destructive batsman!He has been proving himself match after march.
The euphoric 20-20 world cup victory is beyond words to be described. It was a victory of a generation. The youthful Indian Cricket team which is full of vigor and determination has done our nation so much proud.
IPL – The birth of a concept which swept all records of cricket watching, was conceived and formulated by the Indians! It went ahead to become so popular.
All these sportsmen who bring pride to the nation, I wonder how content they must be feeling at heart to have achieved their goals and for raising the pedestrian of their country. There are many who just sit and criticize the nation but how many get up and make a difference!
Very recently our very own Sachin Tendulkar became the world’s highest scorer! He is regarded as the greatest batsman in the history of cricket! An Indian is up there bringing name fame for the nation!
I salute all such sportsmen.
Dhoni and his band of magnificent boys have done it again. The Ausies – the world champions were thrashed in the Test match series at Nagpur. What a victory to celebrate.
I really admire Dhoni as the captain. The patient, the calculative, the attentive and the coolest of captain. He was once known as the extravagantly flamboyant and destructive batsman!He has been proving himself match after march.
The euphoric 20-20 world cup victory is beyond words to be described. It was a victory of a generation. The youthful Indian Cricket team which is full of vigor and determination has done our nation so much proud.
IPL – The birth of a concept which swept all records of cricket watching, was conceived and formulated by the Indians! It went ahead to become so popular.
All these sportsmen who bring pride to the nation, I wonder how content they must be feeling at heart to have achieved their goals and for raising the pedestrian of their country. There are many who just sit and criticize the nation but how many get up and make a difference!
Very recently our very own Sachin Tendulkar became the world’s highest scorer! He is regarded as the greatest batsman in the history of cricket! An Indian is up there bringing name fame for the nation!
I salute all such sportsmen.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Breakfast-Eat like a king
Options for breakfast have always been a task for me to work on. The mad rush of the mornings. The maid, the cook, the car wash, the driver – So many calling bells. The fight against time and then making sure one has a good healthy breakfast before leaving for work. What to eat everyday so that we maintain a healthy balance! They say one should have breakfast like a king, Lunch like a queen and dinners like a beggar! I have never seen a kings breakfast table but from my exquisite imagination I can assume it must be a lavish one. Well I don’t set a lavish breakfast table but I sure try and keep it as healthy as possible.
Some of the options I have been practicing-
I have made a mix of flours – One fine day I bought Bajra, Jowar, Raagi, Soya, Gram flour and mixed equal proportions of each with normal wheat flour. Now every 3 days my cook uses this mixed flour and makes light parathas. He stuffs them with a combination of few of these Carrot, Spinach, Radish, Methi leaves. Easy to make and healthy for stomach. We have it with Curd generally. Quick to bite and very tasty.
I also enjoy Porridge -Dalia once or twice a week. The cook is good at making Poha so that is one common option every week. Whenever I remember to soak Rava (Sooji) with curd, we enjoy the Uttapam as well. Once soaked its very simple to make and very tasty to eat. I add sprouts and tomatoes to it while it gets steamed.
Corn flakes/Cereals is an all time favorite. Weekends we usually make Omelets or get Idlis from the nearby Shanti-sagar and enjoy a south Indian breakfast.
Sprouts, Milk and banana is common item everyday no matter what’s served on breakfast.
Sometimes I just enjoy eating Chura Dahi in mornings. Now this is a very typical breakfast from the eastern end of our country. All my fellow friends from Bihar will relate to it!
When I am sick the only dish I enjoy eating is Doodh-Roti. Chapati soaked in milk with lots of sugar.
Even though this looks like a lot of options, I still wonder how my mom always had many more options and so much more to offer us. I wonder if our kids are going to give the same compliment to us?
Now that is a million dollar question!
Some of the options I have been practicing-
I have made a mix of flours – One fine day I bought Bajra, Jowar, Raagi, Soya, Gram flour and mixed equal proportions of each with normal wheat flour. Now every 3 days my cook uses this mixed flour and makes light parathas. He stuffs them with a combination of few of these Carrot, Spinach, Radish, Methi leaves. Easy to make and healthy for stomach. We have it with Curd generally. Quick to bite and very tasty.
I also enjoy Porridge -Dalia once or twice a week. The cook is good at making Poha so that is one common option every week. Whenever I remember to soak Rava (Sooji) with curd, we enjoy the Uttapam as well. Once soaked its very simple to make and very tasty to eat. I add sprouts and tomatoes to it while it gets steamed.
Corn flakes/Cereals is an all time favorite. Weekends we usually make Omelets or get Idlis from the nearby Shanti-sagar and enjoy a south Indian breakfast.
Sprouts, Milk and banana is common item everyday no matter what’s served on breakfast.
Sometimes I just enjoy eating Chura Dahi in mornings. Now this is a very typical breakfast from the eastern end of our country. All my fellow friends from Bihar will relate to it!
When I am sick the only dish I enjoy eating is Doodh-Roti. Chapati soaked in milk with lots of sugar.
Even though this looks like a lot of options, I still wonder how my mom always had many more options and so much more to offer us. I wonder if our kids are going to give the same compliment to us?
Now that is a million dollar question!
Friday, November 7, 2008
I have a dream
As I hear the speech of the newly elected President of United States of America, I am drawn to a comparison between a long ago made historic speech by Martin Luther King in 1963- “I have a dream”
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
I have a dream today.
Unfortunately Martin Luther could not live through to see his dreams becoming a reality. He was assassinated in 1965! But truly such leaders have come and gone and made their mark in the history of mankind.
Another powerful set of words which I always feel very proud of to listen are the ones spoken by Pt JawaharLal Nehru on 15th August 1947
Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.
At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.
A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.
It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity
I too have a dream! I dream of a nation free of poverty, I dream of my nation free of bloodshed, I dream of my nation self sufficient and progressive. We are slowly getting there but still a lot needs to change. We for one need to get rid of few bunch of jokers who for their own vested interest have joined politics and are doing nothing but damaging the already existing resources. They exploit the sentiments of poor people and create communal disharmony. Truly said –
Log Hindu aur Muslim Ban gae hain chund lamhon mei
Aadmi na bann paye hum hazar salon mei
I dream of becoming a PrimeMinister some day and making a difference. Well this could be a very aggressive dream but then I at least would want to do something worthwhile which can bring in a change to the society, eventually the world. Everyone lives a life for ones own self but we remember those who lived and did their deeds for the goodness of others.
Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi Ki Harr Khwaish Pe dumm nikle, Bahut Nikle mere araman phir bhi kumm nikle.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
I have a dream today.
Unfortunately Martin Luther could not live through to see his dreams becoming a reality. He was assassinated in 1965! But truly such leaders have come and gone and made their mark in the history of mankind.
Another powerful set of words which I always feel very proud of to listen are the ones spoken by Pt JawaharLal Nehru on 15th August 1947
Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.
At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.
A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.
It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity
I too have a dream! I dream of a nation free of poverty, I dream of my nation free of bloodshed, I dream of my nation self sufficient and progressive. We are slowly getting there but still a lot needs to change. We for one need to get rid of few bunch of jokers who for their own vested interest have joined politics and are doing nothing but damaging the already existing resources. They exploit the sentiments of poor people and create communal disharmony. Truly said –
Log Hindu aur Muslim Ban gae hain chund lamhon mei
Aadmi na bann paye hum hazar salon mei
I dream of becoming a PrimeMinister some day and making a difference. Well this could be a very aggressive dream but then I at least would want to do something worthwhile which can bring in a change to the society, eventually the world. Everyone lives a life for ones own self but we remember those who lived and did their deeds for the goodness of others.
Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi Ki Harr Khwaish Pe dumm nikle, Bahut Nikle mere araman phir bhi kumm nikle.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Yes we can - Obama
“Yes we can…” The speech by the newly elected President of United States of America – Barack Obama moved me. It truly was a motivating and captivating speech. Such a powerful speech has the capability of driving masses, making one feel the sense of belongingness and pride for ones country. He talks of Ann Nixon Cooper the 106 year old black lady who lived through a century to see the world change! She would have seen the world move to amazing heights…and that stuck me..In this life time of ours how much of progress and changes do we see around. The self growth, the change in society, technology! Very truly the only constant is “Change”. One needs to live through this life to experience all of it. It’s a great life Gods bestowed in us and we must live up to it.Some of the changes which as a kid I would have only imagined in my fantasies – Mobile Phones! – Who thought one could always be connected in any part of the globe without any wire. In future probably we would not even need to hold on to a mobile. May be we have a chip enabled in our skin! Who knows.
Satellite Tv – I only grew up watching SpiderMan, StarTrek and the Lucy show. Never thought there will be a time when both the east and West would watch the same channels -HBO! NatGeo!! BBC!!! Sony!!!! Emails- Wooooff!!! – Gone are the days when we would wait for days for our letters to reach our loved ones. We are now always connected through and email and chats! May be in future we will have the teleporting capability where we can transport ourselves by merely putting in our thoughts to it.
What about you? What remarkable changes have you seen around which was beyond your imaginations.
Satellite Tv – I only grew up watching SpiderMan, StarTrek and the Lucy show. Never thought there will be a time when both the east and West would watch the same channels -HBO! NatGeo!! BBC!!! Sony!!!! Emails- Wooooff!!! – Gone are the days when we would wait for days for our letters to reach our loved ones. We are now always connected through and email and chats! May be in future we will have the teleporting capability where we can transport ourselves by merely putting in our thoughts to it.
What about you? What remarkable changes have you seen around which was beyond your imaginations.
Stepping Stones...
Yes I am very late to start, what the world has long back ventured into but then better late than never. While I chose to remain anonymous I understand my decision to start blogging will prove to be a way out to my inner chattering which I to some extent do want to be shared.The task of naming my blog hence took me a few seconds. My 1st choice of names around the word “Euphoria” did not work. All were taken! So there are more who think and feel on the same lines as me. The Euphoric souls! Vasudev Kutumbam .Thoughts go back to old lanes of memories when my father use to quote the famous shlok of Rishi Ved Vyas – “Ayum Nijah Paroveti Ganna Laghu Chetsam, Udar charitrantu Vasudev Kutumbkam” Which means - The classification such as, This is mine this is yours is done by low grade people. For a person with wholesome heart the whole universe is his own. This concept of Vasudev Kutumbam deeply embedded in my spiritual beliefs about Life and Creation has become an integral part of my value system and hence this name for my blog. What do I intend to blog about – Well we will see. As of now anything and everything that comes to my mind. So happy Blogging to me.
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