You don’t need expensive toys to give you happiness…

The National Science week which ended recently proved this. On the grand opening of this week celebration & to welcome APJ Abdul Kalam for its inauguration, I was present along with a curiosity filled child of age six.
The narration of my past undoubtedly must have increased her curio. These stories included my encounter with APJ Abdul Kalam during my training days when he used to visit our training school hostel and my photographs with him.
On the 11th evening we stood there, to have the glimpse when his convoy would stop for the welcome. Plenty of school children from all over India were performing the cultural programs to welcome him. The main road of my colony was adorned up with his large life size photographs, the children on horse back giving him a salute. The traditional music been played in the background to make the atmosphere more pleasant on this occasion.
The curiosity soon turning into smile of appreciation on the face of this six year tot which was the highlight of the whole show for me. And prompt was the reason, “I want to be APJ Abdul Kalam…”

Many exhibition stalls that put displays from all over India’s scientific & research developments, displayed advanced development and products and the one that stood out for me was the display of “Bhabhatron”, made by my division & recently been commissioned & dedicated to the nation. The various Indian schools were not far behind in displaying their scientific activities and development.
Among these highly advanced technology display stood one out of them was the Yusuf Meharally Khadi & Village gram udyog stall. This stall was not only displaying its achievements but also was showing how things could be made.
The pottery was the one that attracted us. The small curious and creative hands took on the wheels, and no wonder that this first attempt was not bad, infact it was amazing! The more amazing was the smile and happiness associated with the every shape that this clay was turning into. What was even more wonderful that this happiness that was more than when her plays were with the Barbies dolls. How can this earth replace that wonder??? Really… mitti me kuch aur hi khoshboo hai….!!!
Finally a small pot was made. With those muddy hands she did not shy to carry it all along the various stalls showing her master piece to everyone and carry it on her hands back then home. The nonstop smile & the happiness as if she was flying in the air with wings of clouds…. I can never forget that moment in all my life.
I cannot stop thinking; that it does not take costly thing to give you happiness…. It can be the most unrecognizable thing which we can ever imagine…..
Two day later when I returned home, there was even more surprise in store for me. That small pot had been more beautiful than I could imagine, with 3 flowers blossoming inside it.
And I smiled finally………….. with happiness!!

Awazon ke shor me

In awazon ke shor me
chat toota dil mera, kya suni tumne awaz?
kaisi thi yeh awaz
kya isme cheekh thi ya pukaar?
kion isme na thi itni taqat
ke khinche pal bhar dhyaan apni aor..

In awazon ke shor me
chat toota dil mera, kya suni tumne awaz?

kion khulti pyar ki dukaan
jahan bikta dhokh fareb beshumaar
muskurate mukhoton ki aor
kion kare lutna pasand har koi

kion pyar per lagi boli me na thi itni taqat
ke badle kisi ka woh imaan

In awazon ke shor me
chat toota dil mera, kya suni tumne awaz?

kion baras baras kar tham gayi
yeh suni si ankhiyain
ik doundla sapna dekh
kion taras gayi woh dedaar
kion in moti me na thi itni taqat
ke pighla de patthar ko jesse moum

In awazon ke shor me
chat toota dil mera, kya suni tumne awaz?

kion rupaiye ki khanak
dikhla rahi raste rishton se dur
kion chamak dekh bhatak raha musafir
US duniya ki aor
kion is mithi me na thi itni taqat
ke raah banaye apne ghar ki aor

In awazon ke shor me
chat toota dil mera, kya suni tumne awaz?

kion tan daud raha subah savere
jahan man hai na mol
kion kare pachtawa bhi woh
jab peth pyas khoob sataye
kion is bhukh me na thi itni taqat
ke zillat se yeh bach jaye

In awazon ke shor me
chat toota dil mera, kya suni tumne awaz?

besharm houn kaho na tum mujhe admi
bandh kar di maine apne dil ke kaan
han na sun saka mai mujhboor

woh cheekh ya pukaar
yun mar kar bhi to zinda hon
ke jeeta sang tanhai mai bundh bundh

In awazon ke shor me
chat toota dil mera, kya suni tumne awaz?

(c) kagaz ki kashti, Nov 19th 2007

Inspiration

These ashairs from Allama Iqbal are really inspirational, thought to share with you all.

Dhoondne wala sitaron ki guzargahon ka
apni afkar ki duniya ka safar kar na saka

(The one who is exploring the Universe is unable to explore his own self)

Another Allama's relevant shair

Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain
Abhi Ishq ke imtehan aur bhi hain
Tahi zindagi se nahin yeh fazayen
Yahan sakaron karwaan aur bhi hain
Qana'at na kar aalim e rang o boo par
Chaman aur bhi, aashian aur bhi hain
Agar kho gaya ek nasheman to kya gham
Mukamat e aah o faghan aur bhi hain
Tu shaheen hai, parwaz hai kaam tera
Tere saamne aasman aur bhi hain
Isi roz o shab mein ulajh kar na reh jaa
Ke tere zaman o makan aur bhi hain
Gaye din ke tanha tha main anjuman mein
Yahan ab mere raazdaan aur bhi hain

When I came across this, honestly it changed something inside me. Brilliant work by him!

Small gesture...

This lane has been over crowded today than when they came here last. They were peeping through all those colourful windows of each shop, having a glimpse of what’s new on display. Their hands were full with shopping bags, but not their appetite for shopping.
Both of them were giggling & trying to rush and be the first to get the hands on something favorites of theirs. This was Diwali time and most of the street shops displayed the lights, lamps, diyas, sweets etc.

“Don’t you need anything?”, she asked to this sweet girl with her, trying to hold her small hand tightly scaring to loose her grip in this busy rushing lane.

“Would you buy for me those stars?”, the girl pointed to a pack of neon stars & moon.

“But those are not the stuff that has to be put for Diwali, you can have this wonderful Diya or this China lightings… Wow! Look at these candles so beautiful & artistic. Would you like to have these?”, she suggested her.

“No, those stars seem beautiful to me, I would like to have them”, she pointed at them again.

At the home later…
“Have you packed your bracelet, rubber-bands, clips?.... Why don’t you take these shoes instead of those sandals? Let me see what else you kept in your bag?”, digging inside her bag...she was murmuring most of the things herself, than asking this little girl.

“When do I have my train?”, the small girl wondered.

“Tomorrow evening… but make a point you won’t trouble your grand dad during the journey”, she was teaching her.

“Now put your remaining things in your bag.. Come on ..soon”, she smiled looking at her, rubbing her hand on the girls hair at the same time.

“Not now I am doing some work”, speaking this the girl rushed back to the bedroom.

After a long silence…she peeped into the bedroom to get the latest. Maybe the sixth sense invited her to this room. She observed a wooden stool on the bed and the small girl on it, trying to reach the ceiling to put those stars & the moon there.

“Ouch”….the caring arms caught her… she would have fell to the ground.

“My God!.. Have mercy!!… what are you doing here with this stool on bed? You would have broken your leg if I were not in time.”, she sounded harsh on her.

They together then filled the whole ceiling with those night glowing stars & moon.

That night….
The room was dark & those beautiful stars & moon started glowing on the ceiling. It seemed that they both lay under an open sky, gazing & admiring the wonderful world God had created.
“Twinkle twinkle little star
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?
Up above the world so high
Like a DIAMOND in the sky”

Cuddling her she said, “Oh! sweet sweet girly… it is HOW I WONDER WHAT YOU ARE?....”

“hmm, those lines are for you. You are the diamond in this whole universe”.

That line from this little girl made her eyes wide open in disbelief, this effort only to make her feel so loved so precious. She admired this small gesture of hers throughout the night.

The girl jumped from one berth to another in the train compartment. So playful & so happy. She bought some chip packets, chocolate, water for the little girl. Kissed her holding her tear back.
And they waved goodbye to each other.

She lay on her bed again that night… alone….staring those glowing stars & moon on the ceiling, the little girl left for her... echoing those words again and again….
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?....
LIKE A DIAMOND IN THE SKY……
Remembering this little girl and her unique yet so wonderful and lovable gesture, she closed her eyes with peace and a smile.

Some small gestures are so charming so unforgettable……. Isn't it??

Lets float on clouds!

I felt the same at 5000 ft above sea level

Temperature outside was -45 degree Celsius

and enjoyed these beautiful arial views

Clicked photos on 24th Oct 2007

Faryaad

yaadon ki sheyahi se likha hai jo khat

padhna usse tum

masoomiyat ki kalam se bekhre usme jo moti

sawarna usse tum

likhon mai...

sawan ki bel se bandha hai mene jo jhula

bethna us par tum

woh bageeche ki himmat se bana hai jo phool

seench na usse tum

meri badi ki khaan se nikla hai jo heera

tarashna usse tum

sannate ki rahon me bhatka hai jo dil

raah dikhana usse tum

dard ki aagosh me simta hai jo man

marham dena usse tum

madhosi ki alam me toote hain jo khowaab

bhula dena unhe tum

chahaton ki nighahon se saunpi hai jo rooh

amar karna usse tum

pyara jawaab fir kasam hai tum jo dena

intezaar na karwana usme tum

(C) kagaz ki kashti

Haji Ali Dargah... a place of peace and beauty!

Being born to a Geologist, love for traveling & adventure is in my blood. Today I am beginning a new series of “My Visits” that would give my traveling and adventure experiences felt & encountered visiting many cities & historic places. Hope this series is enjoyable the same as I experienced visiting them & helpful for others who would like to visit them in future. Beginning with a pious place called “Haji Ali Dargah”.
Though this is not my first visit to this place, but recently on 24th Aug 2007 I was here. This day being special for me, I went along with my loving family.
History of the Dargah:
A landmark on the Mumbai skyline is a whitewashed dargah standing tall inside the Arabian Sea, a tomb of a Muslim saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari {R.A}. Thousands of pilgrims, rich or the poor visit each day from Mumbai and beyond to the door of benediction for the fulfillment of their desires and wishes, which the devout claim, do come true. Many are attracted here by the beauty of this site too. And I was here for both the reasons!
Islam means Peace. Spreading the ethical and spiritual values of Islam was done by the Walis of Allah (saints) and Pir Haji Ali Shah was one of them. He was a wealthy merchant who renounced all his worldly possessions before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. His humanistic approach and piety won the hearts of lacs of people. He served, loved and lived with them in the realization of Eternal Truth. Unfortunately he died on his way to Mecca. Before his death he advised his followers that they should not burry him at any graveyard but should drop his casket into the sea to be buried by the people where and when it would be found. The casket surfaced intact at the spot where the shrine is today, 500 yards into the sea from the shore. A Dargah was then built by Haji Usman Rangikar, the man who owned the ship that took pilgrims to Mecca.
Dargah can only be reached at low tide, when the causeway that leads to the shrine is above water. The causeway with the sea on both sides is one of the highlights of the trip to this shrine. During high tide, the connecting causeway is submerged in water giving the impression that the dargah is floating on sea.
Before entering the Dargah we bought “elachi dana’, flowers for making a ‘Fateha’ and dua here. These offering can be bought from any shops at the causeway. A short flight of marble steps leads into the dargah, I captured a Sadhu sitting on these steps in a solitary mood. People from all faiths were seen surrounding me and I smiled happily. Behind the huge marble doorway lies the tomb enclosed in a white structure lying in an exquisite silver frame supported by marble pillars. The dome inside is covered in colorful glass arranged in a kaleidoscopic pattern, of Allah’s 99 names. The top of the tomb was covered with zari cloth and flowers.
Inside the Haji Ali dargah compound, I noticed the side structure was covered in the brocade red and green chaddar offered at the dargah by the devotees. A donation box is also seen for charity purpose, managed by the Dargah Trust committee. I was in the ladies room like in all mosques/dargah a separate room is provided for females to offer prayers. Beautiful view of inside can be seen from here too as seen in this photograph.
The white dome and the solitary minaret of the mosque behind the dargah stand out on the west shoreline of Mumbai. The Masjid is picturesque with a vast courtyard & refreshment stalls. The appetite grows with crunchy, flavored masala smelled all over in the courtyard. The Keema samosas are best here. We watched the qawaals sing a “josh” devotional qawaali at the platform while enjoying these Keema samosas. This musical evening was mystic.
The rocks exposed at low tide behind the Masjid are a favorite spot if you are interested in catching sea breezes. We enjoyed splashing in sea here too.
While returning I noticed the walkway is lined with pitiful wailing beggars. Any man would feel for these beggars. A part of my first salary was distributed to these beggars on my first visit here.
There are two building called Mashriqui and Maghribi manzil for resident who come visiting from far off lands for a stay. It is learnt from a reliable source that the Dargah and the Mosque will be reconstructed, remodeled and renovated again by the Trustees out of the Trust fund starting this auspicious day of Eid-ul-Fitr that is on 13th Oct 2007.


Photos taken on 24th Aug 2007
Location: Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai, India. 10 kms from Mumbai International /Domestic Airport. Its also a walking distance from Mahalakshmi Railway Station. Buses route to Haji Ali from every corner of Mumbai. Please do not take your own car as there is no parking space.
Best Time to Visit: Thursday & Friday evenings.

Kahan Tum?

Ishq mai suraj, gagan se
jhoom utha woh laal rang
Tab sochuon.... kahan tum?

sur se papiha, boar mai
jhoom utha woh phool sang
Tab souchuon… kahan tum?

Pani ke moti, pattoun pe
Jhoom utha woh dharti ka kan
Tab souchuon… kahan tum?

Sitaroun ki bindiya, mathe pe
Baj uhti woh chudi khan
Tab souchuon… kahan tum?

Sasoun ki baatein, man me
Jhoom utha woh pagli ka tan
Tab souchuon… kahan tum?

Kagaz ki kashti, maujoun me
Dar utha woh majhi ka man
Tab souchuon… kahan tum?

kahe dil… sang tum….
Haan janu... sang tum....

(c) Kagaz ki kashti, September 2007

My daughter, My Hero

Mujhe yaad hai teri woh pheli muskaan
Chalkaye jisne aankhon se pyar ke jam
Tune hans kar mujhe jesse kaha
Chal kar dekh le bachpan meri raah
Teri masoom aankhon me woh shararat thi
Me pakdon tu lutaye khushiyan aesi dawat thi
Teri nanhi si hatheli me taqdir-e-sikandar
Teri har mehfil khushiyon ki mehfil
Rang gayi meri har shab aur saher
Pyar barsa itna tera har dagar
Girna aur dagmate kadmoun se badna
Hosla khub tera, sach tu mujhse jeeti
Buland ho tu jag me dua meri
Hai tu itni khubsurat MERI BETI!

© Kagaz ki kashti, March 2007

Today the world celebrates the Daughter’s day!
This is my small tribute to all wonderful daughters of the world. Indeed all loving parents would agree with me for having a God’s gift in the form of a loving daughter to them.

To all wonderful daughters,
When she was born, she was such a beautiful babe, with the most strikingly beautiful, deep black eyes ever seen. A lovely black mass of curls flowed around her face. Your Granny, who attended the birth with tears in her eyes, told how much the child reminded her of her own. Holding you in arms and just kept smiling at you, you always smiled back, your big eyes wide open full of love, you were such a beautiful good sweet baby.
How you would love to lie besides or sit near the feet and listen to fables and other children’s stories. But at times you seem happier playing with your doll. You dear little, listened with rapt attention always asking questions and wanting to know more. You are taught and you tell us about beautiful butterflies.
Now watching you as you grow up and become your own person. Looking at you, your laughter, your happiness, your simplicity, your beauty. Expecting someday you would read beautiful books and then discuss your opinions, enlightening our each conversation. Knowing that you will be able to enjoy a life of sensitivity, goodness, accomplishment and love in the world that hopefully is at peace.
Wanting to tell you that each parent is so proud of you and dearly love you,
O’ wonderful Daughters!!

Where's the party tonight?

A beautiful morning, lazily she got up. The routine of the day was to be followed, when a soft voice with a dancing tone said exquisitely, “Where’s the party tonight?”
“Hey!.. but for what?”
She is a darling daughter, Papa was soon to add “Happy Birthday! Dear!”
“Papa!……….so you all remembered” she said smilingly, looking at everyone.
The room cheered in one…” Yes!”
“Come on, celebration to be another year old??…. That’s not fair… no party please! And no ‘Happy Birthday’, she wanted to make her point.
Papa said lovingly,
“’Happy Birthday’ to you means much more
Than just having a happy day, my dear
Within these words lie lots of things,
I never get to say to you
It means I love you first of all,
Then I'm proud of you
And most of all, I guess
It means this day is special for me
As it is for you
God gave me a job of a ‘nappy changer!’
As you would delightfully know!”
She burst into laughter and added, “Oh my loving... Papa! this deserves a celebration for sure, lets have a party tonight!”.
She hugged him and said “Proud of you too, Papa”.
Small fingers on Casio
playing a birthday song,
The cake tasted so sweet
never like before
Everything's been different,
All the day long
Lovely things have happened
Nothing has gone wrong
Nobody forgot the party
Everyone has smiled
Isn't it delicious
To be a birthday child?

Happy Independence Day!

The above photograph is of the Independence Day celebration in my locality. The building display board contained a message of Flag hosting sharp at 8.30am, I read this message a day before & made it a point to be down at the venue to witness & be a part of India celebrating its 60th Birthday on 15th August 2007.
The air was feeling fresh, the soft breeze blowing & bringing in waves of patriotic songs played in the loud speaker. The children holding ‘triranga’ in their hands running all around, the happy faces to see all over the place.
Then when we were standing still & singing the national anthem, a tiny tot asked me, “Why do we celebrate Independence day?” After the Jai Hai, Jai Hai.. I was quick to respond “We celebrate our freedom today, dear”
“Freedom…?” that was more of an enquiry from the tot than really knowing the meaning of freedom & its celebration. I realized that these kids who are born in free India to the parents who are also born in free India can hardly understand what really meant to have freedom & what really was sacrificed to achieve this.
I was lucky enough to have parents who were born before 1947 & had been a part & witnessed freedom struggle in their lives. As the snacks being served & the gathering became more crowded, I cornered myself to a place were I could get a glimpse of the National flag which was flying high more proudly. There was sense of proud within me; my throat was choked with emotions, a nostalgic feeling entered. I recalled my parents narrating me few of the incidents during those days when the REAL freedom struggle was going on. My grandfather was a Tahsildaar during the British Regime; he was posted at Wardha and later at Raipur. My father could not hold his emotions when he told us “though the job holds a high profile cadre & faithfulness towards British monopoly, his father did not leave any opportunity to help the freedom fighters. Wardha being the core center and freedom fighters coming here from far was given shelter & food by him. He did not fear the British & had guts even to go against them at times while participating into freedom struggle”. He soon bought few books gifted to him by my grandfather who was very learned & said “wish he lived more to serve his nation he loved so much”. My grandfather had an untimely death just when India was celebrating its first anniversary of Independence.
My parents witnessed the bloodshed, the trains coming with blood & dead bodies, the people leaving their homes, the fear and even death…. I could not think more and forced myself to come out all of that dreaded memories...
Its difficult to realize how much each & every person present in that era must had sacrificed to give us this freedom and an Independent nation that we proudly have today. I salute to all those unsung heroes who the history fails to remember but they were there to make it.
Independent, Sovereign, Democratic, Republic of India has guaranteed to all its citizens of freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, action, justice and equality before law etc. Let us friend now be ‘civilized’ enough to give back our motherland a small token of love & remove the problems mostly arising along the lines of religion, caste, class, gender, language and region. Come on friends, we sure can do this!
And then only we can flourish as a free spirit and India can hope for glory…….the true dream of all our freedom fighters!
LOVE YOU INDIA!

Dentists-- where would we be without them...

Yesterday I was late for my dental appointment due to heavy rains, but what surprised me on reaching the busy clinic of Dr. Sandesh Mayekar was the attendance, in spite of this rain!
This world renowned doctor has clients from rich & famous to everyone. Most of happy & beautiful faces from glamour industry. I watched the people sitting around me they did not look happy nor too pleased with their life at that moment, but still plenty of them here.
Dentists are sad to say not a popular lot, but here it did not seem to me like that. I was wondering what on earth persuades someone to want to be a dentist. I recalled my days when I had to choose a career & dental certainly was not my option.
I wondered again, why would anyone take up this job? Putting on gloves, mask and saying “Open please”, looking down the rows of teeth…. at best not a pretty sight and definitely not when something is wrong with them. There is another belief that we consider this genre lower in the medical ladder than the surgeons and only those who did not get admission into medical colleges end up as dentist.
This was true in past but the fact is today, if you measure the rate per square centimeter of work done, the dentist wins a hand on the money. I realized this when I paid 38 thousand for only a small shift of teeth to align them beautifully.
Dental science has come a long way, it is no longer a profession where pain haunts, and teeth pulled one after the other. Techniques like cosmetic dentistry makes smiles beautiful, the broken or discolored teeth repaired, etc. etc. In all the dentist ensures that our biting apparatus last & last and looks beautiful… forever, no matter even if our mouth is filled with all artificial teeth!
And they end in a glass at night!!! Hehehe……..
But I strongly believe that our key to health and longevity lies in the welfare of our teeth. They still remain the most essential part of our body. And so the poor doctor who looks after them remains important.
Today I got my answer to all my wonderings… thank God we have Dentists!

MAKE LIFE GOOD

Happiness in many ways,

Good friends to share the everydays,

Moments of warm and special pride,

The kind that make you glow inside,

New projects waiting to begin,

Ideals to reach for,

Dreams to win,

And plans that work out as they should...

These are the joys,

That MAKE LIFE GOOD!

Life needs a change, an aim and a motivation to go forward..... a thought to do that...

The skyline

I captured this skyline on Monday evening!

The rain just gone, a dry spell increasing temperature. This view just gives a glimpse of a burning city.
In other words....... Beautiful View!

There is till time to watch more sunsets
eat more ice-cream
take more chances
go barefoot
sing more
smile more
wish on more stars
pick more flowers
LIVE MORE
LOVE MORE!


Photo taken on 23rd July 2007

Relationships- With love

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a God send and they are. They are therefore the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Some times they die. Some times they walk away. Some times they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

zindagi me koi kabhi aye na rabba....

aye jo koi to phir jaye na rabba....

dene ho gar muje bad me ansuu

to pehle koi hasaye na rabba..

Welcome!!!!

My house witness an intrusion by a beautiful visitor. It was captured by the camera.

It went to the "Butterfly Island Resort" on the T-shirt.... had a delicious cocktail with an ice-cream.... expored the aquamaina... went friendly with the "Simba".... envied a beauty in the frame and finally settled on the palm telling its exciting journey into this house.

It was fun to be with you...... drop in again......... anytime!!!

Beautiful view

Another view from balcony. A blanket of clouds covered the hill. It felt the clouds entered our home too.
Beautiful day!
Mausam hai aashikana…
Aye dil kahin se unko aese mai doundh laana
Kehna ki rut jawan hai, aur hum taras rahe hain
Kali ghata ke saaye, birhan ko dus rahe hain
Dar hai na maar dale, Sawan ka kya thikana
Mausam hai aashikana…

Woh kagaz ki kashti woh barish ka pani

Captured this beautiful surrounding from home balcony while testing my new N-series cell. Made a small video....... testing my directorial skills too :-) ..... it will be coming up soon... if sponsored (just kidding!)

These days weather had turn too good that it is now hard to imagine that a week back we were experiencing scorching heat. The downpour is welcome... watching those clouds drifting by...my favourite ghazal by Jaggit Singh just flashed and poured a million of sweet memories in.

ye daulat bhi le lo, ye shoharat bhi le lo

bhale chiin lo mujh se meri javani

magar mujh ko lauta do bachapan ka savan

woh kagaz ki kashti, woh barish ka pani

mohalle ki sabse nishani purani
woh budhiyaa jise bachche kahate the nani

woh nani ki baaton mein pariyon ka dera

woh chahare ki jhuriryon mein sadiyon ka phera

bhulaae nahin bhool sakata hai koi

woh chhoti si raaten woh lambi kahani

kadi dhuup mein apne ghar se nikalana

woh chidiya woh bulbul woh titali pakadana

woh gudiya ki shaadi mein ladana jhagadna

woh jhulon se girana wog gir ke sambhalana

woh pital ke challon ke pyare se tohafe

woh tooti hui chudiyon ki nishani

kabhi ret ke unche tilon pe jana

gharaunde banana bana ke mitana

woh masoom chahat ki tasvir apni

woh khwabon khilaunon ki jagir apni

na duniya ka gam tha na rishton ke bandhan

badi khubsurat thi woh zindagani

woh kagaz ki kashti, woh barish ka pani....
Like the first rains bringing sweet earthy smell along.. making the earth rejoice with each drop fall... this ghazal was rejunivating me bringing back my 'bachpan'.... not a single line in these lyrics are not part of my life.. how did Gulzaar Sahab knew I wud experience the same???? years & years later....

My sis gudda getting married to my sweet gudiya... "gajar ka halwa, chameli ke phool... bolo miyan dhule, tumhara nikah kubool" :-) what sweet as that can be...!

The replay of 1982 Asiad on the front road...running with full speed... traffic (no big deal)...the colony people witnessing the grand event with fun and applause.... my sweet cousin dress in a traditional attire would bring the paper medals(gold, silver & green for bronze) & Mr Buta Singh, minister!!... no..my chacha would give them to winners... wow!!

Making the biggest mud kilah at diwali only to be blown by the biggest 'pattaka' then...

The rangoli, drawing & dancing competition.... the practice with all colony girls wearing mamma's sarees... spoiling most of them...

Collecting the pupa from the garden tree.. keeping them in boxes & watching them turn into beautiful butterflies... bringing innocent smiles on faces...

The school rickshaw ride ...the ladai & the pitai...
Countless...countless of memories pouring in...each of them bringing smiles on my face and at times tears...the luxury...the comfort or the money gained today seem too small and worthless too getting back to those beautiful days... so true....sach hai aj ke is savan mei woh kashti, woh barish aur woh masti kahan???

mujh ko lauta do woh bachpan ka savan, woh kagaz ki kashti woh barish ka pani...

These are few of the scenic beauty on the hill in front of my house on this rainy day...

The sound making waterfalls....

Whisper

Each time you look in the sky

Or watch the fluffy clouds drift by

Or feel the sunshine warm and bright

Or watch the dark turn into light

Or hear a bluebird gaily sing

Or see the winter turn to spring

Or stop to pick a daffodil

Or gather violets on some hill

Or touch a leaf

Or see a tree

Its all God whispering...

"THIS IS ME"

Happy Birthday sweet angel...!

I am sorry cutie pie…. This year too I am not with you on your Birthday…. But remember you are my wonderful friend who is in my heart now and always. You are a darling… sonu…. Chandu…. Raja… for all! You are wished thousands of blessings & happiness this day & all throughout the year.
I hope this wish says all that I want to say…. I want for you the stars....! and the moon...! and a new success with each new day. I wish that all your dreams come true and a sweet fragrance scents your way….!
Have a very Happy Birthday!!

I wouldn’t be there with you, but remember your birthday "computooo" would be smiling for me for you!! Make us proud dear!
And ofcourse Spiderman CD is on its way……promise..! :-)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

I am here!!

The love, concern & gratitude shown by friends and family obliged me to write this post to thank all of them for their kind gesture towards me. These are the people who showed their concern through blog, phone and soft spoken words which made me feel so humble with their profound love. Some felt I had vanished, some felt I was in hibernation and others felt something serious has happened with me……But where am I??? well, friends I was hospitalized!
Few things that happened past few days, penning them down… the thoughts, the encounters, the pain and all that I went through all these days…
21st April ’07 when I was down with fever…dispensary doctor could not diagnosed the reason for the fever even after a week…antibiotics were prescribed but it did not help…my condition went from bad to worst and I landed in hospital… admitted into a ward.
I was asked to remove my jewellery, other belongings & give them to my relatives… Relatives?? “No relatives here”, I informed the nurse. She was surprised to hear that. “You are all alone???” she enquired again to be sure of what she heard.
I was lying on the bed with IV injected on my hand, watching the drip falling one by one into me…thinking of my dreams that has to be accomplished…I was searching for the gate designs to be fabricated for my bungalow before landing here… the fountain that was to be built in the garden and the swing to be put for my dozen of children… I wanted to live to do that… but darkness entered my eyes & forced me to fall asleep.
“What happen to you?” a voice entered my ears next day. It was from Mrs. Ghosal, mother of playback singer Shreya Ghosal. Her career best Devdas, Jism etc etc… We had been neighbors in the year 2000 & met again almost after 7 yrs. & now were roommates in this hospital. We talked about the old days…. the old memories. She was soon discharged & her bed was taken by a fragile old lady who could not understand any language except marathi…. Every morning I helped her tie the knots of her patient dress which we were force to wear early morning at 5.00am after taking bath at that odd hour. With her shaking hands she would put them on my head & face & would say few things in marathi which meant lots of blessings to you!
Well….even after giving 100ml of blood each day.. nothing was detected…then few more tests followed by X-rays, ECG etc. etc... but nothing came out… doctors seemed to be puzzled… they did not stop with their research as what had happened to me & to keep me alive they punctured me everywhere they could find a place for injecting. To be honest if they would have kept me in a bath tub…. air bubbles would have been seen all over my body with those many punctures!! Hehehe…..
4pm to 7pm was for visitors… every bed had visitors bring fruits & food except me! I had not informed anyone except my parents who would call me every morning & night… the restlessness & helplessness I could feel in their voice…each day I would tell them I am okay…my mother replied this is 4th day you are still in hospital & each day you tell us you are okay??? She stopped with a sob…..well mamma I will be fine one day I consoled her.
Yes, it’s the 5th day & I am still in hospital…one elderly lady keep passing me her “Gharshobha” magazines & looking for a chance to speak to me…she would get restless if her son doesn’t turn to see her & I would be explaining her it may be this reason or that reason for his absence, she would find solace in my conversation & would cool down.
Yeah….am tried of eating medicines and those injections…I wanted to go home… my plants would be dying without water… this was concerning me more….
The doctors on round came & touched my head & one of them said she had no fever today…I jumped up & said “Now I can go home… give me a discharge please!!” I found myself almost begging… the doc smile & said okay!
Ye…hooo…I started packing my bags…waved goodbye to many & went to get my discharge papers… the doctor prescribed me few more medicines to be taken for another week…& asked for my relatives! “You know we cannot discharge you without anyone coming to take you, it is doctor’s responsibility… I am sorry. ”
…….. And.... and... I wondered if I had my love & my loved ones, I would’nt have been here doc!!

Still waiting for a VISITOR.........!

I'm with you

Last evening she was waiting for an engineer to come & fix up her new computer... called him at 5.00pm and he informed he would be there anytime between 7 and 7.30pm...... she called him again at 8.30pm and he gave the same reason abhi aata houn....

It looked the hours were being longer then ever...... oh! God she can't wait any longer for anyone anymore...... with that thought picked up a phone to inform him its better that they meet tomorrow...... but then the ring said it all........ Madam... aj engineer nahin aa sakta... kal bhejnounga pakka........ with a deep sigh she said Oh! its okay... tell him to be early tomorrow...please... that please was so difficult...

The room looked deserted.... she picked up the phone & went out in the corridor watching the hill turning barren with the heat...... few months before she could see waterfalls making huge sound in it... the lash green hill looked so beautiful then...

Anousha baby! kaisi ho?? She asked to this 5 months old neighbor on her mother's shoulder....took her in her arms...Anousha watched her face as she talked to her mother... she giggled as she tickled her....she laughed as she rubbed her nose against hers...clinched to her & did not wanted to go back...

She was back inside her house figuring her life again….There was a time when such small incidences never upset her…There was a time when she could wait with patience for anyone and for him endlessly... there was a time when an absence of his phone call seemed missed something badly that day…she wanted to talk to him.. tell him how much she love him.. There was a time she knew this was so easy…
There was a time when she wanted him to know that his home & his children are her only dreams of life… wanted him to know home would be so beautiful with him… and to know she is waiting for him to take her home…..

There was a time when she always wanted to hear him say "I'm with you"...

Tears filled her eyes… just then somewhere a song played….. the words that reflected just her heart…..

Want somebody come take me home
It’s a damn cold night
I thought that you’d be here by now

Is anyone here I know?
Cause nothing going right
I’m looking for a place
I’m searching for a face
There something’s I miss
And no one likes to be alone
There’s nothing but the pain
No faithfulness on the ground
Trying figure out this life
I’m listening but there’s no sound
Won’t you take me by the hand
Take me somewhere new
I’m standing on the bridge
Is’nt anyone trying to find me?

I don’t know who you are, but
I’m waiting in the dark
I don’t know who you are, but
I’m with you

There are some songs that by coincidence just seems and meant to be written only for us.... and are flashed just at a right time...

Song: Avril lavigne, Album “let go”

Vegetable art!

As I talk, the slide you will see is example of some of the greatest vegetable art. It reminded me of my school St. Joseph’s Convent & the various competitions it used to hold for days, salad competition was one of them. My sis and I were very much enthusiastic to participate in most of the events. She made a beautiful doll with 2 apples as head & body, the cabbage making her dress to kill!, the cloves as beautiful eyes, more veggie for her hat, hands etc. All that I remember is a beautiful piece begging a 1st prize. I too was not left behind with my share of two swans of radish floating in a blue lake… WOW! was the word every body described it. It begged a special prize and that piece remained a special to me even after all these years.
When I was going through these pictures, I was smiling and appreciating… some were too good to say WOW! especially the sea-saw mushrooms, the cauliflower sheep etc. They are good art.. who ever made it 3 cheers to him/her!!!
It also made me think what is good art? Is art all about making movies, painting and photography? Is there existing any other mode to have a good art? Or only these fields are artistic… but why?
The art of painting is one of the greatest traditions in all of human history. People going to the finest universities in the world, being taught by professors with Bachelors or Arts, Masters of Arts, Masters of Fine Arts, Masters of Art Education ... even Doctoral degrees, they instead have been subjected to methodical brain-washing and taught to deny the evidence of their own senses. Taught that Mattisse, Cézanne, and Picasso were the most brilliant artists in all of history. Why?
Ofcourse they were great. They spent their lives and careers on something that was not banal, not silly, insipid or inane. They in fact provided the world with the most ingenious of all breakthroughs in the history of artistic thought. They made us believe that we were looking at scenes in reality, or at scenes from the imagination, from fantasy or from dreams.
Good art, no matter what style, has certain elements that give rise to the piece being successful, or not. It does not have anything to do with looking ‘pretty’. Good art is not about beauty in the normal sense of the word. Guernica, by Picasso is an example of great art. It's not pretty, it's disturbing. It is meant to provoke thought... and to make a statement about a particular war. …
I think that great art either causes a viewer to think or to feel. Art can be any style or technique or level of skill, but to qualify as great it has to create a substantial amount of activity in the viewer's mind or heart. Good art can be a matter of good concept or excellent skills in execution, but I think great art touches the mind, heart or soul of the viewer. Something that you see that strikes your soul to the very depths that opens your eyes and your mind to the beauty of it.
Finally, what I believe is any art (MOVIE, PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, VEGETABLE ART! Etc. etc.) are great & good if you stop & say WOW! for it or it is thought provoking & you come out scratching your head….
What do u say???

It takes courage to be true........

When I started this blog, never knew, I would be able to write anything.... It was just created....

But then gathered strenght to face this challenge of writing..... and thought that whatever I write and comes on it would be from heart ( a sensitive, gentle & silly indeed!) but it would be of truth.... that what I believe in & that what I stand for......

Like many believed " Have faith & everything will be fine oneday!"....... me too on the same line tried.... then had this courage to do..... well.... hopefully some inscriptions would be making sense here too....

It takes courage to answer a call.

It takes courage to give to all.

It takes courage to risk your name.

It takes courage to be true.

It takes courage to dare- what no other will share.

To be standing alone with whom no one will.

To be ready to stake for another man's sake.

It takes courage to be true.

It takes courage to say what no other will pay.

To give each man his share.

Though there will be less to spare.

To be seeking no more than the neighbour next door.

It takes courage to be true.

Hope I have a courage to continue...... and be true........
Thanks to those who read and commented here..... and thanks to those who passed by silently too.....

Would "U" Die For The One You LOVE?

I love you, I mean it.

I need you, I'm being true.

My love never went away.

My emotions real no fake.

Where did your love go?

Where did it all go wrong?

Would you cry,

If you saw me crying?

.

Would you run,

And never look back?

.

Now would you die,

For the one you love?

.

Most will say "I will........"

But few will die......

Former called WISE and later a COWARD.........

Whose's feelings and love are true?????

Bano

Clad in a maroon saree she sat on floor having nothing to say. The face was humble and it looked that she belonged to a decent family.
“Yeh Bano hai, memsaab, Kaam chahiye isko”, the woman who accompanied her said. She has brought Bano to my aunt’s place to fetch some job for her livelihood.
“Yeh kahan raheti hai?”
“Pata nahin, yeh mujhe raste me milli. Iska koi nahin hai, isko ap apne ghar rakkho”.

My aunt felt helpless, she already had a domestic help. She called my mother, if she needed her & can provide her a shelter at her home. My mother who is blessed with a generous heart can never say no to a needy.

She took Bano home.

Bano, was ready to work but did not remember how to do those jobs.

“Bano tum ko roti pakana ata hai?”
“Roti? pakaoungi”
“Accha chaye bana kar dikhao”
“Memsahab mere saruraal me sirf doudh ki chaye banti hai, bahut sari gaayein hain…”
“Accha……. Tumhara sasurral kahan hai”, enquired lovingly.
“??????????”, she had no answer.
“Ghar kahan hai tumhara?”
“Yaad nahin…..”, she walked slowly & sat on a corner, with empty look.

It was about a week now Bano could not recall where she belonged to. She was loosing memory slowly. At times she could recall few things but could not convey exactly.

She now seems to be lost in herself. She started eating food less. We took her to the doctor, who prescribed few medicines. Bano was loosing most of her memory, she could not even locate where the toilet was. Started using the corners of the courtyard.

We made desperate attempts to talk to her to find out her home address so that she could be sent to her loved one. Now it was obvious that due to her memory loss she had forgotten her way home. But all our attempts were in vain.

We decided to take her to old aged home. The administration was strictly ‘no’ for it, giving an excuse that they have a space of 40 beds & they have accommodated 100 inmates, they cannot help us. They are sorry.

We took her to another women’s shelter. They had another excuse to refuse. They said that they can only accept her if she is brought by the police. So they requested us to hand her to the police. This was out of question. We could never do that, handing a helpless, innocent woman to police. We had no clue to your situation, except to return back home.

We fed her with hand, pat her back, stroke her hair & lovingly asked one day, “Do you want to go home Bano?”
She said “Haan... Gulbarga…..”
Finally, finally she knew where she belonged to!!

Next day we took her to the railway station. Bought her ticket to Gulbarga. Gave her some money and a note of our address and phone number, handed a letter addressing to whom so ever concerned, writing details about her and asking us to contact incase help needed for her. We informed the co-passengers about her, gave them some money & asked them to help her on her way back to her home. They willingly agreed.
We called the Gulbarga railway station master & informed him about her coming, gave the seat number and the bogie details and prayed that she reach home safely.

We were sleeping so deeply maybe with so much of stress that we were feeling for her that we could not even hear a long ring of the telephone early morning.
My mother woke us. She was having a bright smile on her face, she was feeling so happy & a smile of victory was evident from her speech.

We couldn’t believe what she informed after that…….

“Bano ke bhai ka phone tha, bahut bahut shukriya ada kar raha tha hum logon ka, Bano khairiyat se ghar pahunch gayi”

“Kah raha tha Bano aath (8) mahine baad ghar ayee hai………..” We could see a tear just to fall from my mother’s eyes.

We all hugged her for her victory!

Bubbles of LOVE........

BUBBLES OF LOVE

She sat on her bed, reasoning why her life was at a standstill. One letter shattered her wonderful dream. Holding it she sat convinced she had no love in her life. Maybe she is not wanted by anyone in this world; tears rolling down her cheeks.

Her thoughts flash backed every second of her life contemplating things that she could have done & that she did not. Where was she wrong? Someone she begged gave her that answer….

Having a grave look on her face she was starring at the phone, that flashed a call from home. Picking she cried aloud “Mamma why this happened to me? I do not wish to live”.
A sober voice at the other end spoke with love & care, “No my child, have faith in God, HE does things with purpose”.
“I am shattered, Mamma, shattered completely”.
“Go out somewhere for a change, you will see things differently & would feel good. Do not overlook the small things that God has given you, treasure them, they would give you happiness & love…. Happiness will return to you definitely, my child ….” her mother lend a precious advice.

CHANGE? Change for whom and for what? Only to get convinced that love is not destined? Thoughts like these racking her mind. There was so much of turmoil inside her, she could hardly think of anything else in her life at this moment.

A waitlisted ticket was enough to give her another whack. Later in day she thought no matter what she needs to run away from this city, run away from the situation where destiny had put her today. She boarded the train to Bangalore. Her friend’s family was there to welcome her at the station. She put a hard effort to hide her gloomy look with a small smile and greeted them. The generous friend made everything comfortable for her stay at their home.

There was a sense of celebration at their home on her arrival; the air was filled with joy. Their little son was playing with the little girl that accompanied her along. The happy faces all around her forced her to smile.

Her friend convinced her that her stay at Bangalore would be a memorable one for all. Bangalore a city of gardens, hence Lalbaug was their first destination in a long list of places to be visited.

She was enthralled by the crowd there. The rows of pretty flowers, the fountain, the beautiful trees, the happy faces all around her made it a wonderful sight.

She was slowly getting charged, opening her senses to smile and trying to overcome her sadness. They bought ice-cream with fruit salad, wafer, chocolates and enjoyed. She clicked the crowd, the huge shed at the centre of the garden which looked beautiful, the pretty bed of roses and daises, the solitude lake at the end and the man blowing soap bubbles to attract kids at centre.

They walked around for a while & sat down on a lush green grass patch, talked and laughed. Their kids ran away to catch soap bubbles that the man was blowing far away. Her friend followed them to take care. She was left alone and now was slowly sinking into her old mood. She felt extremely alone. Why was she alone when everybody was smiling and laughing around her? She was in silent thoughts.

The kids were now running and chasing the soap bubbles. They returned to her with a box of soap liquid and started blowing soap bubbles around her. She observed this little girl, she looked naughty than ever, her face was angelic and she was smiling continuously. Sometimes she hopped around to catch the bubbles, blew them and run to hold them back on her blower than trying to blow another bigger bubble. Sometimes she blows them close to the little boy who was trying to catch them. She started jumping to catch them, at times higher than her friend and sometimes teased him with the balloons she had. This energetic little girl made her smile again.

She clicked the little girl’s picture, every pose she could manage to take. She waited for the right moment. The little girl noticed her efforts to take the picture and started running around her. Happy to have her attention on her she came back posing for the next photo. The little girl was now amazed with the amount of attention she was receiving. Posing and running back to her to see the photo captured in the LCD screen of the camera.

It was a wonderful sight. All her ruminations stopped, she was now laughing with an unknown joy at this little girl. The girl looked beautiful with her black hair, eager black eyes and a sweet, shy smile. As she composed the shot, she could not help laughing. The girl was adjusting her hair, giving a perfect picture, attempting like an already aspiring model!

The little boy also joined. They played around her and her camera. The girl started using the camera and managed to take few shots. Now it was time to leave. To her surprise inside she was feeling very happy and delighted.

As they were leaving, the little girl came running to hold her hand.

She asked, “Would you be my friend?”

A simple question. But one of the greatest moment of her life. She made a new friend.

She smiled and said, “Yes, my friend!”

They returned back to their city in few days. She much content to found a new friend in this trip and more with the thought that she is loved by someone in this world and someone who needed her so much in life.

The little girl loves to talk to her new found friend. Shares her small everyday stories, hugs her, kiss her and plays around together.

A month later she developed the film. The photos were one of the best of her collection. She showed them to her little friend. The little friend was impressed and overjoyed. She jumped to kiss her, hugged her & thanked her. Smiled and started her endless conversation with her, till she ordered her to stop and sleep.

She lay besides her looking at the angelic friend, who had suddenly changed her life and brought so much love. Lazily lying she thought if she would have observed this earlier, like she does now, she would be rejoicing over her life, long before.

Nature presents a variety of creations to us. But we hardly observe them. They give us great joy; fill us with tremendous hope, even if they come for short lived or as a smallest creation in our life.

She now rejoices over the fact that BUBBLES OF LOVE are destined to her!

Barsaat ka mazaa........

Barsaat ka mazaa lena hai to

Meri aankhon me aa beytho....

Woh barson me barastien hain

Yeh barson se barastein hain....