a change for the better

As time passes, there are some changes in us, our environment. Some changes are of the preconcievable type, while the others are not.

Most times, i am trapped to think that a present situation will continue forever. Be it that which brings a smile on our face. Or something which induces tears in our eyes. I often forget that we live in a very dynamic world. That which changes quite rapidly.

It's quite stagnant, that way. We crave for things to differ a little. For the better. With regard to the oh so wonderful! things that fascinate us.

On the other hand, it's fine for variety to be present. It helps us in becoming flexible, to learn new tricks. To face and survive a wide range of conditions that poses before us, every other day. To let things happen, to gain joy from it.

B had come home the other day. I was quite strict with her. 'B, don't touch my pencil, my books.' She quite respond to my demands. I, later, told her the same things, with a smile on my face. The response was instantaneous. How i regretted my sternness.

I still love the infant B. Her laughs, her confused words. Those days are past me. But, i look forward into the future, trying to imagine her in the coming days. Again, innovations occur, both in me and in her. For the better, of course. Modifications takes place. I should get used to them. I would like look forward to them.

All the best for the approaching New Year! May pleasant modulations take beautiful shapes!

Inshallah!

sunset atop a flyover

I look forward to driving on the flyover on Mysore Road. Yes, it serves it's purpose and is indeed manitained quite well. Evenings, are when i use the flyover most number of times, heading towards Chamarajapet, from N.R. Road.

The horizon looks beautiful then. Colours splayed everywhere, orange and red in predominant tones. A soft blue colour touching up the background. A setting sun, peeking amidst white, green, yellow coloured concrete blocks. Different lengths of antennae piercing the calm blue of the evening sky. Birds flying into the sun. The whooshing of vehicles by me. How i wish to stop right there, and savour every bit of the scenic sunset.

I enjoy every moment of my drive on this flyover.

Who said that urban areas fail to provide picturesque sunsets?!

food for discrimination

Somehow, i don't understand the logic of catogarising people as vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Food is food. It is something that is consumed, to keep ourselves fit and fine. Period.

I know i'm talking utopia, but isn't that the fundamental reason behind us taking in food?

We've developed different likes and dislikes concerning this habit of ours. Perhaps, somebody thought that vegetables would do her/him good than flesh. Thus, he opted to live on vegetables throughout his lifetime. His offspring could also have had a similar opinion. Thus, 'vegetarianism' began in a particular family, and was distributed in that society. It touched others' too, with the passage of time. At the same time, another person in another corner of the world, decided that roasted chicken tastes good.

It all depends on our personal likes and dislikes. The kinds of food available in that specific region also matters. Hence, the daily meal that we eat is the result of these 'factors'.

I am a non-vegetarian, by the kind of diet i eat. But, does it set me apart from the rest of the society? Does it place me in a different position in the societal ladder? Or am i not humane enough to help somebody else.

It should not. Atleast, i do not fancy the idea. Whatever came by humans, when they decided to segregate the general population into two sections- the plant eaters and the meat-eaters.

Coming to think of it, the latter biting into dead flesh is not disgusting. It cannot be termed as cruel too. To think of animals squeaming and squirling under the butcher's knife is really not a pleasant sight. Everybody would agree with that. But, the same is nature's play. That is simply how things proceed in nature. One living thing ingests another, a third feasts on the second.... the chain goes on. We are included in the cycle too.

On the other hand, even plants are living things. They live a precious 'life' as well. It's just that we don't see the splattering of red blood, everytime the roots of a plant is chopped. We cultivate them so that we can feed on them. Animals are reared, in the same manner. The purpose remains common.

Speaking healthwise; we do decide what is good and what is not good. I remember reading an essay(i forget the author). He says that, we should appreciate the fact that we have restricted ourselves in not munching on everything that catches our eyes. There would be complete havoc in such a situation. It can be gladdening that we have limitations, provided by our religion(our habits). It does make sense.

To distinguish another person and me on the basis of the diet that each of us consume, is silly. Wishful thinking, i know.

Nevertheless, this demarcation is very rigid and prominent. And, it ensures a lot of disregard for a second person. Is this required?

*sigh* *sigh*

ps: This is not to hurt the sentiments of anybody in particular. But, this irks me.

spreading the cheer on Christmas...

Christmas always played a role till now. I've spent more than 15 years in missionary-led institutions. Right from my schooling to my undergradute studies. Hence, the influence.

As December approached us, in school, we would start singing Christmas carols. Those words play on my lips, even now. Jingle bells, jingle bells; Away in a manger; Silent night.... We were taught a few more in music classes, like, Frosty the snowman; Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer.. amongst others.

It was fun to sing, being part of a long crowd. So much so that the sounds used to resound everywhere. Somebody from the teaching staff would dress as Santa Claus, and throw sweets into the air. The lucky ones got one, if not two. Of course, they was a scramble for those chocolates.

In addition to that, we had the two-week winter vacation.

At MCC, it did not matter much. I guess, i did attend the celebrations in the second year. It was not much exciting then. We were grown up, and you do know that Santa Claus is imaginary. But, the celebrations at school were more imaginative. I did make it a point to attend the celebrations at the ex-main-auditorium at MCC. We were guaranteed plum cakes from Nilgiris. Who would want to miss that. In my first year, two friends and i didn't even wander near the auditorium, by chance. When the progamme was over, i made sure we went inside to recieve packets of cakes. My friends passed their share to me, too. Thank god, they don't like plum cakes!

Every institution had a Fir tree decked up near the entrance. Decorated with bells, gifts, stars, glitter paper made from shiny paper of various colours. At the top of which was a big star, lit with electricity. There also would be a crib; a manger, with all the farm animals, Joseph and Mary beaming at Jesus Christ, a young baby. The three kings were shown in grandeur, bringing gifts to the newborn.

How i wish those days would last forever and ever.

Merry Christmas!!

When i decided to go to Mysuru, i feared that B will forget me. You know, she's young and all that. Young minds, i assumed, tend to forget things easliy.

Thankfully, she hasn't forgotten me. I did test her a few times, with successful results. Man, was i happy!! Then, mother told me that, she will not forget me very easily, as she is pretty old. Moreover, she's spent almost three years in my company.

When she is at home, and is informed that i've come home, she runs into my arms. Surprisingly she does not sguiggle when she's being carried by me. She usually does not fancy anybody carrying her. Lucky me!

Inshallah!

feeling happy- pride is it?

Achievements can be realised by anyone. I'm not talking about big ones. Small or big, achievements are achievements.

Take this example, a person has read all the books written by a particular author. It, certainly is a wonder. Let's consider another one, somebody is good-natured, and is very helpful.

These are recognized by the rest of the group, the society in large, as something admirable. If, indeed, that is the case, then the person concerned can feel happy about it. There are no qualms attached to it.

It is not pride(or is it pride? Am i trying to manoeuvre myself in this regard, don't know.)

I still think that if a person possesses appreciable qualities, it is okay for her/him to feel happy about it. A lot of pleasure can be derived from this. Perhaps, this will boost our efforts in creating a better environment.

I said the same to a friend of mine. He was quite surprised to hear about this. I think it's fine, this way. At the same time, there might be a thin line separating pride and this. I don't know...But, if we are careful, we can feel nice about it, without pride peeking in.

back to blogging...

It's quite a long time since i've posted something. A few people have peeked into these pages, and have reminded me to continue with blogging(this is something that elates me, i mean people actually look for something new). I am overjoyed!!!

Some told me me that my voice was to resound in Mysuru. Well, that is pretty exaggerated(very, if you ask me). I shooed the statement away, initially. Only, to find it true to some extent. My voice is the loudest in my Department(needless to say, i know). But my classmates, and my seniors were astonished! I, now can say that they've adjusted to my tone.

I was happy that a private radio station set up shop in Mysuru. They do an okay job, here in Bengaluru. But believe me, the same station puts up a very shabby performance, every time, i tune in. And everything goes mum after about 10:30/11 in the night. I'm used to some background noise while i'm up working in the dark. Can anyone tell those responsible this?