The Empty Mailbox!!....

         It is the festive season...Christmas and New Year round the corner. Colorfully lit stars mark the journey of Christmas season and finally the pyrotechnics on the New Year eve will give an end to the month long celebration dramatically!..
         Gladly, in spite of the busy schedule we do receive a text message, an email or the latest invention of Whats-app message with a forwarded wish during these days. The same wish which gets circulated to all in a cyclic form!
         Everybody when busy checking their inbox, forgets the mailbox mounted near the front door....Literally it remains empty always!!
         But, there were times when I had a whole bunch of cards waiting for me to be read in the mailbox. Receiving a beautiful card and sending another in return......Those goodwill days!...I miss them.
         I remember when Amma and myself used to wait for my half yearly examination to conclude and then take me out to buy those wonderful cards. She always insisted me to be selective when buying the cards. There were some cards selected keeping in mind the character and taste of the recipient. Along with family- friends and relatives, I too used to sent a few cards to my classmates. Their mailing addresses were carefully jotted down on the last day of the examination with a teddy hug and a prospective wish to meet them the next year.
                                                                       * * * * * *
          The cards were with utmost care and attention designated to the concerned person with individual handwritten messages. It was my duty to paste the stamp on it with Dad's instruction. Then, stamps were always available at home. Dad kept them in stock; unlike these days. I doubt whether the present generation will be ever able to feel them! I remember the posts to foreign nations were given more priority and care, with more number of stamps on it. Then when I couldn't figure out the reason for it!
          The cards used to flood our mailbox as soon as the vacation starts, mostly a week ahead of Christmas. We even did receive some cards a week after New Year Celebration. All credits to the timely postal service in India!!
          There had been times when we would receive at least a card each day or a handwritten message in the form of inland. Those days the courier service was not much common and everybody had to rely on posts. Indeed there were some recipients who used to make a call and thank us for the note worthy deed and vice versa.
                                                                     * * * * * *
          Those days have changed...Technology has improved to a much wider extent than our limits.....Each and every material substance has undergone improvisation!..But, of late I miss those undeveloped little compounds which gave me inner joy...
          The mailbox in no time will be abandoned! Though emails and SMS spread a smile on our face, I really feel it lacks the sentimental attachment, love, the joy of concern and care...and most importantly the sense of remembrance!!....

What if chicken was 'Murghmatha'??

P.S. : This is not meant to hurt anyone's sentiments or feelings. This is just my view. I therefore take an anticipatory bail!

           

           Day by day the issue regarding the beef ban is increasing. Gladly, I am in the southern part of India where such issues are less affected...Kerala, being the safest zone. 

           I am not a beef person...previously hated it's odour, but not against it. Everybody in the family loves it. The aroma...the spicy tangy taste to the tenderness of the meat!..I remember those Sundays when beef was the main dish in the menu, being my brother's favourite and today my husbands too. Somehow, I stayed away from it and continues the same. Not only due to the taste, but also the notion which I have, "Red meat is unhealthy!".

            But, chicken on the other side was acceptable! Though not an ardent lover, I enjoyed having it. Chicken was/is also an occasional visitor at home. Fish dominates.

            Unlike fish, I always feel chicken a tasteless edible substance without any significant taste. I cannot assume of having it cooked devoid of the spices, similar to the continental dishes....Chicken coated in a thick gravy with the rich Indian spices!...mouth-watering...finger licking good!!

                                                                      * * * * *

           The beef ban arises on the occasion when, of late ' some' consider this animal to be God, 'Gomatha' and are die-hard worshipers!...To be more precise, it can be 'started considering' as earlier there were no such issues prevailing in India!!

            Beef is somehow much seldom bought in households. A very occasional dish. On the contrary, chicken is often consumed by the Indian non-vegetarian folks....And if suddenly there is a chicken prohibition embarked?!.....there will be a similar situation like the state of emergency!..........

           Chicken, considered as the most 'shahi' dish or the elite dish if banned, India will see just a march of protestants!...Unfortunately the non-vegetarian restaurants will be shut down due to the chicken dominance on the menu card.... 

           The kids who are always fond of it will cry in pain and misery with screams aloud!..

           The matter will be much worse in South India. Especially in Kerala where poultry farms are visible at every nook and corner of the town. The poor butcher community, their joblessness will lead to money loss; hence begins the search of new means to feed and to be fed!

            If chicken is banned, then what about eggs??...The same too will be simultaneously prohibited..... A satirical situation!! The eggs once considered as the complete source of nutrients will just transform into another chick!

            Finally, the increased number of hens in the city will lead mankind to start taming them as a pet at home....The most hilarious scenario where every house will have at least one hen as a pet!!

            The chicken ban will lead to much chaos and disturbances, more hyped than the beef ban. Gradually India will turn into a vegan country if fish also gets banned!!...Sadly there will be a decrease in foreign tourists  as well!!...........

              So lets hope such bans never embark and those already prevailing to be lifted!!...Pray for a better tomorrow....

            

   

The Monetary Chimera.....!

          I love dreaming....day dreaming to be precise. Dreams are a kind of hope boosters which in turn leads to optimism. On the contrary, some bizarre dreams can be the most weird..!...nightmares!....I had had bizarre dreams too which completely lands me in a mysterious wonderland. The best one which I could recall now is when I dreamt of Mr. George W. Bush visiting my house....when the terrace was converted into an aerodrome; concluding to the immense appreciation he made on the ripe jack fruit consumed!!...
                                                                 * * * * *
         Eyes tight shut and opening to a million dollar bucks!...An awestruck wonder surrounds....A dream of every common man, which always remain unaccomplished; a chimera. If at all such a mysterious incident happens, I will create a never-ending to do list; or will I??......
         Money is always necessary...an essential commodity. Every single penny earned is a kind of blessing, a value to be saved, spend wisely.
         One million dollar!!....Indeed a huge sum! But, to be frank I am illiterate about it's value in Indian money, though I know it exceeds the five numerical digits. How much exactly?...clueless...
         It never depends on the amount received, how much ever I receive the first thing which happens is a wide grin....my happy twenty eight teeth shining with pride and ecstasy!!
          Sensitive in nature I express all my emotions at the earliest...very much clearly depicted on my 'circular' face..... Genes they are!
          So now when I see a million dollar bucks together for the first time, I might smile....simultaneously I might faint too!....I believe when the unexpected happens in a woman's life, the utmost queer reactions occur...A while later, when the complete scenario is back in action, I might stare at the money thinking about the probabilities that can be made....
          Buy a new house.....Buy a car....
          A shopaholic like me can speed to the nearby mall too with some amount...Clothing, accessories, shoes, bags, watches,etc....Everything I can carry...all bought in a single stretch!
          Buy the best technological devices (even though I am not a techno savvy)....
          Spend some money to buy the best furniture...My generous mind will also gift my kith and kin some amazing items, though not in the form of money as such!...Of course charity will also given some priority. And finally the remaining to invest in a bank, fixed deposit!!
          All, except the latter will remain as unfulfilled mere wishes.
          After the initial shock has been subsided, I will only try to invest the huge amount in a bank. The most unexpected to the most ravishing surprises awaits each one of us....So better save it for the future and relax, than indulging in the present happiness blindfolded!...Wait and watch the future...have faith!!..........


This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

The Bengali love!...

       "Hey, my bro is getting married!"....
       "Yes, all fixed!....the alliance is all the way from Kolkata."...
       "He found her all by himself....he has fallen in love!"
    The very excited little sis screamed via the phone. A Bengali bride to place her footsteps in the house! Being educated in Maharashtra she was quite familiar with the North Indians and of course Hindi fluency was at the peak....Confident enough to begin a conversation with her Bengali Bhabi!
                                                                  ******
      That was about three years back when we were blessed with a new member...A bundle of special memories!
      Dusssehra, Vijayadashmi and Durga Pooja...these festivities remind me of the first time when I visited Kolkata. Regardless of my visits for the marital functions, my travel to the city of joy to experience and explore the Durga pooja celebration was splendid.
      The Pandal hopping began from the first day we reached. It was magnificent!!...The Bengali creativity, crafstmanship and all artistic skills could be sensed through theses Pandal structures. They cannot just be described as beautiful. To be precise, they were unique masterpieces with notable intricacy and the highlighted idol of Goddess Durga, the centre of attraction.

        The vivid lights..the remarkable soothing music of eminent Bengali musicians which add to the background score.....Everything together immerses oneself in the joyous environment leaving behind all those sufferings, worries and grievances.
        The culture, the custom and the tradition of Bengal is much highlighted in these Pandals. We, coming all the way from the very own God's own Country was quite strange to these ornamentation then!...

        The Pandal hopping was a lifetime experience for us. But, Amma and myself had glances on something else as well!!....The vibrant Bengal cotton sarees draped on women...the way they dressed! Along with the deity, they themselves were decorated well...beautiful enough! The color red dominated. Majority of the women were draped in a red coloured saree with a prominent red bindhi and sindoor which signifies the married. Unique!!...We remained spectators.

         The exquisite Bengal cotton saree is a must have. But, we had to leave empty handed then due to the closed shops for the pooja celebration.

         The cuisine is also a masterpiece there! The scrumptious meal we had...the mouth watering, tempting delicacies....and finally the concluder of the meal...the dessert...The very sweet rasgullas to the tanda-tanda misht doi!!

         The experience will forever be memorable.... And luckily, that was not the end. We had even more chances to visit Kolkata, indulge in it's beauty and pack home a bundle of Bengal cotton sarees and other varieties!...

         At this moment, I owe my bro for the Bengali love! 

        

The Mixture...

            The spicy Bengali mixture or be it the typical Mysore mixture or the sweet and salt one...the crunchiness to munch upon...an any time snack! The amalgamation of a variety of components to create this delicacy! I am quite choosy to pick up 'that' one particular component from this mixture....peanut being the luckiest always. This is the same in the case of the so called linguistic mixture too....I stick to one language in the mixture!!
            The mixing up of two or more languages in a conversation is quite common these days. But, sorry I am totally against it and is indeed irksome. Somehow I feel that this trait is not natural and has been adapted to show off their 'linguistic skills'!
             It always happen when an individual begins a conversation in one particular language, later combines a foreign language and finally concludes in the former. This in fact makes the listener reply in this similar manner to showcase the latter's 'linguistic skills'...This is common when a conversation begins in an indigenous language when mostly English arises in midst of it.
              I always believe that no matter how polished one's vocabulary is, it is highly appreciative to begin and conclude a speech in a single language. It is an irony to show off one's English speaking skills there. It is rather better to remain silent. Previously this was quite common or natural among the celebrity actresses adopted from a different state.......thanks to the frequent interview telecasts.
              The worst part is that, some consider this as a self-conceit in showcasing their minimal skills in indigenous languages when compared to English!...Then why a mixture?...Stick to a single element here being a language! Hoping for the growth of an indigenous society unacceptable to such changes!!..  
               Stay unique!

Celebrate the beauty of life...

P.S. : This is rather not to promote a jewellery brand which apparently has the same tag line!
          Life.....the widest arena with utmost events and celebrations. In fact, life is an eventful playhouse with an amalgamation of joy and sorrow with distinct characters involved. Blessed that we are born as human beings....confounding with the fate of other existing creatures; bizarre!.......
          Human beings, the only creature in this universe who values money!....go to any extent for a productive income...and finally saves it. 'Save it!'...something that has been practised since ages. Money substantially has to be saved considering the future cause. But, when it exceeds a limit; unfortunate enough to live in this world to enjoy the present....to live life to the fullest!! A contradiction with the current situation were emotions are saved and when emoticons are spend.....and to exist like other creatures than to experience the joy of living!.....
          Though born to a middle class family, I am glad that my Dad never insisted me to be a miser. I was not born with a silver spoon; my Dad too saves money, made us aware about the value of a single penny. Regardless of this, life was celebrated...we never missed a single occasion to celebrate and still continues. Birthdays to anniversaries....New Year to Christmas....Onam to Vishu...none was excluded, period.
          Lately, I learnt that this is not the situation elsewhere. People with the mindset to avoid occasional celebrations with senseless justification of saving money! When even the major festivals are avoided just to save money!...Or when you abandon the birthday celebrations, the event to rejoice ones birth? These memorable days which will be vivid for a lifetime...all to be avoided considering only the expenditure!?....
           Everything depends on us...Enjoy with the maximum expense or the minimum. But, in the end both will be remarkable, memorable till the journey continues despite any differentiation. I do remember a quote...
                "The miser, starving his brother's body,
                  Starves also his own soul, and at death
                  Shall creep out of his great estate of
                  Injustice, poor and naked and miserable."
                                                   -Theodore Parker
           Rich or poor, miser or spendthrift, celebrate the beauty of life...experience the inner joy and cherish the wonderful memories!...
        

What will I eat??.......

       Food.....the varicoloured temptation with lip smacking aroma arising!...this is how I can define it.
       To some, food is a mode of joy and leisure....to some, it is a means of uprising and a mode of resistance to the hazardous....and there are some who consider it a therapeutic to de-stress and relax......and last but not the least who perceive it just as a fuel for the survival!!
       Irrespective of what we eat today, I believe childhood food memories are the best....Maa ke haath ka khaana....now and then it is the best!... The dollops of ghee spread on the crispy dosa, the double poached eggs with innovative toppings, the scrumptious biriyani, the sweetest dessert with some extra added love, anything it can be; feast of delicacies ranging from breakfast-lunch-tea time snacks-dinner, everything is the best. I literally believe that the first Master Chef we meet in life is always our Mom.
       My adorable Amma is no way behind.
       I remember those days when I could sense the aroma of the home made evening snacks just by entering my house compound after school. I still wonder how she managed to make such varied snacks on each day with much ease and expertise. Most of the dishes were prepared keeping in mind the health benefits of them and my Amma always made sure that we kids empty our dishes and fill our bellies to the maximum.
       Every time when I made fuss to have food, she said, "It is good for your health...It consists of ...(ranging from proteins/ minerals/vitamins, etc. to all that I had studied in my lower primary classes)." Educated Moms are at times annoying!!..:D
       This was the scenario almost six-seven years back. Today, it is different. Lately, when I discuss with my Mom of what I cook for myself and my husband, the quickest reply comes, "Don't have it!..Is it pesticide free ?...It is poison coated!...It might be adulterated!...Soak it in salt-turmeric water for hours!....Did you wash it well?.....Is it of a good brand?....Was it sealed properly?..." It continues.....
      And in turn I have to think twice before cooking.......I have afterthoughts....Is/was it safe?...not adulterated?...devoid of chemicals?...It usually happens that whatever I eat these days are either adulterated or stuck with chemicals......Misery!!
       The miserable plight of the mankind! Once when fruits and vegetables were considered the best source of nutrients are extremely dangerous today, due to the pesticides ....and the pulses, cereals, etc. are mostly adulterated. Every individual is very much aware of all this; I really appreciate the move of the media in this. The rising population is very much concerned about all this.
       But, is there a remedy? How can we stop it? When the Government encourages to farm vegetables in one's household how far can it be successful and what can be done to the residents living in apartments? Where is the space provided?...
       What can be done to stop adulteration? In this fast paced world are we genuinely stopping by to check this?...
        I doubt whether there might be a generation in future who says, "Chemicals in food?!...Are you kidding?...Nothing to bother..My body is resistant!!..."

The girl on the train.........

      Here, the protagonist is not Rachel as in Paula Hawkins' novel. The plot is completely based on me. I had neither read the novel!
     My solitary train journey experiences....those journeys which made me a more confident and strong individual...
     Studies made me an avid traveler! Three years of Karnataka-Kerala and two years of Maharashtra-Kerala transfer made me proficient in understanding the geography of these states. Observing is learning; which I wish should have done during my school days...then when only scoring good marks was only the target!
      My miser Dad with an eye on making me understand the value of money was always reluctant to the air transportation. Bus is always annoying to me. I can't imagine travelling hours being seated at the same place. Hence, I had to stick to train.
     Those blissful days!..Studies in par with fun and enjoyment. Though my studious soul instilled in me from a younger age kept me busy with the assignments, on contrary when my counter parts preferred photostats! But, still I enjoyed.
     The pre announced vacation period when my train ticket reservation would be done in advance or those unexpected holidays when I had to hit the 'tatkal' reservation queue speeding to the railway station.....and finally when the train reaches the destination...eternal happiness!!...Pleasing memories to cherish forever!
      It is often advertised about how unsafe it is to talk to strangers on train or as a precautionary move. Due to this and my preference, I enjoyed sitting alone accompanied by a book or playing some music or at times just observing the motion around me.
      But there had been strange incidents when people irrespective of their gender or age begin a conversation with me. However, I hate that moment; similar to a foreign army subjugating a colony! Many a times I wished I could hedge them. A nod or smile will in turn result in the beginning of a conversation! Apparently when it is to a reserved person like me, the latter eventually concludes it at the earliest...Glad I am less spoken!
      Somehow there are loquacious minds which converses on a simple subject which later explodes to a much higher level. There had been incidents when I just wanted to scream loud and inform them how unethical it is to speak to strangers on train! But, my well mannered etiquette kept me 'mum'...
     Those were the days when I was 'single'. These days when I am accompanied by my husband, the scene is different. There are times when I actually wanted to converse to my co-traveler and when he knowingly avoids me!...Is it because of the same feeling which I had earlier?...to follow the ethics?!...Or is it that I am beside a shadow of a man?...Are only young girls the victims of such arising conversations on train?!...Clueless!!
   
  

1,2,3...........the endless count of 'likes' !!

         Facebook!.......the most popular, with the most widespread usage and at times the most powerful social networking site to influence mankind!
         I wonder whether Mark Zuckerberg when launched this platform then in 2004 might had ever imagined about it's huge success now. 2004 was far behind the days when I started using it...2010. I clearly remember those days when permission was obtained from parents to get signed up. To me it is an arena to spend time; with networking itself as it's much applauded merit, to keep in touch with those old buddies and childhood sweethearts.
        Since 2010, I had had immense online chats with those schoolmates whom I had conversed since ages; after school or during school!...Glad that I was typecast-ed as a shy and reserved kid back then in school!
        Anything and everything can be posted in Facebook; share pictures, important announcements, lifetime achievements and even a platform for micro blogging alike twitter.
         I am never against Facebook...the best means to stay interconnected and maintain the humane bond. But, is it high time that the word 'privacy' has lost it's ultimate meaning and when Facebook is directly or indirectly involved in this!
         Even I did and do continue to post my snaps in this site. I eagerly wait to count the number of 'likes' received for it. But, it was only recently I had an after thought....Are these likes much vital in our day to day life? Or is it necessary to showcase one's very personal snap to others?
         May be a mere sharing with well-wishers. But, are these posts liked and appreciated genuinely, when Adam and Eve themselves were jealous and selfish then?
         The bitter part is that when people depend on this social networking site even to express love and gratitude to their dear and near. The worst is seen on all those 'celebratory days' like Father's day, Mother's day, Valentine's day.....the endless list.
          Today I cherish those good old days when I used to accompany my Mom to buy those beautiful cards engraved with spellbound quotes. I myself hardly buy cards these days. But, never depend on Facebook for the same. Because these are meant to be personal. I believe a very private message is far behind a Facebook post!
         Recently I saw a post on Mother's day wherein the person involved had quoted,"All have posted, so why not I?" Needless to say, there should have been a post which said, 'Graphic imitations are punishable!'
         So at the end is the present generation unaware of their personal space? Is the man craving for a space...a space for oneself wherein nobody else can interfere in their uncommon lifestyle or is he eager to popularize his close-knit zone to the outer world?....
         Are the 'likes' received for our pic more important when the Almighty himself loves you the most and is the reason for your existence today?

  

Mother Tongue......Are we gonna miss you?!

         I had to go nine years down the memory lane when thought about this topic. Those days when everything and everyone were the best....my childhood...my schooldays...!
         Being educated in a convent school it was mandatory to speak in English inside the school campus. If I  am not wrong, this was practiced only in this prestigious institution in the city. It was a matter of pride then for us. I still remember that we were fined then, when found speaking in our mother tongue in school except during the language classes. This to some extend has helped in improving my English language speaking skills in the later walks of life.
         But, at home it was even more mandatory or natural to use my mother tongue. I enjoyed it more as I felt this was the language of my heart; straight from my inner soul...listening to it from the day I was born.
         Lately I believe the scene is far more different!.....
         After a tranquil period off from hip hop parties, weddings and family gatherings, I had to attend one such family function recently. All have flown from miles abroad back to their home town to attend this and hence, I was pleased to meet my relatives to whom I had spoken since ages. Past, present and future generations all at a single venue!...loved the moment...!
         But the sight of the future generation was indeed perplexing to me.....because I could see all the little munchkins conversing in English rather than their mother tongue! The children seemed to be illiterate regarding the mother tongue aspect.
        Settled in a metropolitan city, I had seen such practices earlier too. I often watch the kid-parent conversation in English and think about the vanishing usage of mother tongue.....and remain clueless about the reason for this change.
         Proficiency in any language is always a credit. But does that mean to completely stop speaking in one's mother tongue?
         Even today I believe that English is a foreign language and it is high time to conserve one's indigenous language. I doubt if this situation continues will Indian languages be predominated by English?
         I envy my school days when clock strikes four in the evening, kids speeding out of the campus and start their never ending chit chats in the language of their heart!!
         Generations and generations to come, changes to happen.....Am I gonna miss you my mother tongue?...will you get vanished?....Hoping for the good times...!!

         

Modi vs Gandhi or Chandy vs VS.....

            How many of us are educated about 'Catmando'? I recently came across this in a prominent internet search engine. I had to probe into this in detail due to my unfamiliarity. Later I assimilated that 'Catmando' was biologically a cat who served as a joint leader of a Britain's political party along with it's owner.
             I was astonished and felt bizarre when learnt about this. Weird!!..A cat as a political leader??....A completely opposite situation to that in India where there are innumerable 'aggressive' human beings reigning with pride and honor as politicians.
             I am never against politics. But as always not much appreciative about it. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'politics' means:

• Activities that relate to influencing the action and policies of the government or getting and keeping power in a government.
• The work or job of people(such as electoral officials) who are part of the government.
• The opinions that someone has about what should be done by government or a person's political thoughts and opinions.

             But, is the activities or work of the government a synonym for aggression?...which in turn result in the belligerent actions of the people? Now and then I feel politics is a game of disputes. It might be 'by the people, for the people or of the people'!

            The recent havoc which occurred in the Kerala Legislative Assembly is an example. It was similar to a well shot movie clip! In contradiction to this act, how much I wish if there was a single 'Catmando' in Indian politics too. An animal which will remain silent in the middle of allegations or due to it's bewilderment amidst human beings!

             Whether it is a happening political debate in the television or cover stories published in leading newspapers all according to me finally ends in some sort of commotion. These finally result in hartals, strikes or bandhs. Myself hailing from the state of hartals, Kerala, like the majority is always against this public nuisance.....

            To read the newspaper is habitual to me; instilled in me by my Dad. But due to the never ending disputes, arguments and my mere interest in politics, I always ignored the political scenario. There might be many, at least teenagers with this same opinion.....

             Today, the scene is different. Getting married to a district which is called as the Northern political Capital of Kerala; to a family who has hard core bond with politics......And when your husband is equally and very much interested in this democratic game, you start liking it!!

             At the end, I have a single question, "Will silence be the agenda in the future game of politics?...no more chaos and disputes?....and hence no more public nuisances in the form of hartals?"

PS: Wish there won't be any other Shaheen Dhada cases in India for expressing their views in this democratic Country!

Two Minute Khana....!

           I think now as the best time to write about this, when the news regarding the high content of chemicals present in the most popular instant noodle brand is prevailing here and there.
            Nestle - Maggi....Seriously I don't have any personal grudge towards you. But, never liked it; preferred to stay away from it. Thanks to my typical nose...that odor of those masalas, it was always like a pungent smell to me.
            I have to thank my Amma also, who always made it a point that both her kids stayed away from it. I still remember, during my school days when some of my friends bring this yellow colored 'edible substance' to class. All, including me used to wait for the lunch break to have some portion of this. Later, back home plead my parents to buy this. I even used the tactics that it takes only  two minutes to cook...very easy!
           When  you are unaccustomed to some things it is natural that you nurture a dislike towards it. That happened in my case too. Years on, I had and still have a sense of puking when I get the smell of cooked 'Maggi'. When I discussed this with my friends, they always considered me as a specimen. I felt this to some extend true during my Post Graduation Hostel days.
            Thanks to the closed Sunday evening mess in hostel, so that I witnessed the large queue near the gas stove to cook the very delicious, substantial, mouthwatering 'Maggi' noodles! I felt sorry for them. Is this the only dish they can cook? I cannot just blame the 'Maggi', there were various other popular instant noodle brands too. I always preferred to have dinner from a nearby restaurant and wished the rest did the same.
             I was glad that my room was near to the gas stove region; so that, the next day, I could take a count of the large amount of discarded 'Maggi' packets in the dustbin beside it.  It was usually filled till the peak!
             Today I am so happy and proud that I was always against this. But, only this....not all the junk foods, I mean. Because even I am a human being, who licks those drooling mayonnaise and sauces falling from burgers and pizzas. Oh my goodness!..What will happen when one day somebody takes action to ban these too?.........
               Hoping for the best!

                  

From Kerala To Karnataka.......with love....

                    Firstly I have to appeal that this is not meant to hurt anyone's sentiment. This is just my view...my opinion. Please forgive me if this directly or indirectly creates impact on any one of you.
                    I have to go down the memory lane.......7 years back, when I came along with my parents to get admission for graduation in this so called 'Garden City'. Excitement, joy and a mixture of emotions overwhelmed within me...
                    Graduation in Bangalore!...."Nammuru Bengaluru".
                    Till then, it was common only in movies wherein the protagonist was usually a student in Bangalore. A sense of pride was circulating within me then along with the sorrowful feeling of staying in a hostel for the first time.
                    Frankly speaking, I was very much confident to speak in English in a foreign city. I have heard of people who improves or polishes their English speaking skills in order to survive in this 'Garden City'.
                     But, the scene was different here. Oh! my Bangalore!...you are filled with people from other states too. Most importantly, more of Keralites!! There are free birds, independent thinkers, students, job seekers, professionals, etc. landing on this metropolitan city. Thereby, my mother tongue was prevailing here and there.
                      I was astonished initially; later amused to see even the Bangalorean natives were familiar with some of the Malayalam words.
                     During the initial days of my college, one among my classmates said, "Don't worry, U'll have friends. There are numerous 'Mallus' here in Bangalore."
                     'Mallus'..??..What the hell is that?...I guessed and guessed...Finally came to a conclusion. It is an abbreviation to the 'Malayali'(Person who speaks in Malayalam.)
                     But I was amazed by my later finding. A few 'Mallu' is interested in speaking to another 'Mallu'; others intend to remain anonymous or are not interested in revealing their native identity to another. To keep it simple, are not interested to be identified as a Keralite by another Keralite.
                      How funny??...and what for?.....I am clueless!
                     The terrible part is that they never ask help from their native friend even if required. Good that the rapport between people from different states is improving......Unity in Diversity!
                      Metros are rising day by day. Next is my own Cochin, the Queen of Arabian Sea, which alike Bangalore is an upcoming IT hub. There are migrants from different states living here as well.
                      So years from now, when Cochin becomes the next Bangalore...the city with music, dance, lights, action and discos, will the plight of the natives from other states be the same as the Keralites living in Bangalore?!.........Unaware and 'Beware'.... !!

Oh!.......The Inquisitive Society…….!!

             Somehow I feel that I should write, express my views or the so called perception about life for myself and for some others feelings with which it might coincide.

            Firstly, I have to admit that I am neither an extrovert nor an introvert. I neither spend hours on a social networking site nor less. I am neither a scholar nor a disciple. I am just a passive human being with an average IQ which sometimes remain still..!

              So now to the topic. This is about your neighbor, or your relative or your so called friend. The inquisitive minds, the curious nature of mine as well as yours. Their nature to know the slightest of the ‘motion’ in someone else’s lifestyle than thinking about himself.

              Curiosity begins in the form of many queries from the day one enters into this beautiful world which in turn makes it bad.

              “What are you going to keep his/her name?”…. “Did you check his/her horoscope?” and then during the next growth phase.. “Which school are you choosing?”… “How much is the fees there?”…. “Is it aided or unaided?....state syllabus or CBSE?”

               Then later during the teenage... “Oh my God! You are in 10^th std. How are your studies?” This I feel is the funniest question all have faced in life. Since these results are left far behind in the further walks of life. The same continues in 12^th. There even arise so many advises from the society on which group to opt in 11^th std. How generous they are in giving advises, aren’t they? The poor child, he/she still cannot follow his heart though is 16 years old.

              Later you face similar inquisitive minds till you finish your graduation. Then ‘the job’..!!

“Aren’t you employed yet?”….. “Oh my God, you are jobless?”

              Somehow I feel it is an individual’s personal choice. We never know what runs through one’s mind. Is it that you gain knowledge only for a job; or is it to face the world, stand out in the crowd and be bold.

              And finally the marriage!... “Don’t you want to get married?”….. “Are you in a love relationship?”…… “Your parents are getting old!”

               Then the knot is tied; the inseparable bond. When eventually one finds his/her soul mate. But even then the ‘query’ never ends….. “Don’t you have kids?”….. “What are you planning so much?”…… “Are you undergoing any medical treatment?”

               These are so hilarious. Since it is one’s choice to get married and have kids. Is it that you get married only to have kids? I feel marriage is so divine and beautiful. You get married to live, love and share. The secondary question of having kids is one’s ‘so very personal choice’. But still, the society or the more specific Indian society is too inquisitive.

                This is a cycle, and when another child is born the same continues.  You have hundreds to think about yourself and your immediate family. Even then, eyes are wide open and ears sharpened to the surroundings.
               I apologize that this is not type casted to all. Because changes do happen and still are. ‘Mindset’ of the new generation is changing…..A worth matter happening…..!

           

To Begin....

Hello...
            I always have or had an inner passion within me to write. But, here arises a major query ,'what to write?'.....
            ......Wandered thoughts haunted me for days and finally the answer; about yourself....As a child, upbringing, parents, friends, people who have directly or indirectly influenced me, places...and it goes on to memories down the lane!
            It is always said that to write about oneself and his/her experiences is the most difficult task. Mind awake and sharp. Let me think....
           24 years and now I shall start jotting it all down. Memories I always cherish. Share able of course...to the people who love me or may be start loving me...!