Pee Pee Pee, where do I pee, asks a little child on his way to Wai

My bladder is hurting and I am losing my control,

But I will wait dad, till the dam comes after several tolls

I might be tiny, I might be small,

But I want to be a responsible boy, way before I become tall.

Not just me but all my mates,

We will all together help our state from its merciful fate.

“Little drops make an ocean” once said our Ma’am Gurjeet,

Don’t you think dad, we surely can lend our hand to the noble cause started by uncle Ajit.

All you young kids come together, let’s take a vow,

That, we shall bank our pee and send to uncle Ajit anyhow.

So what, if we can’t be a blood donor or an eye donor,

Be glad because even at this age, we all surely can be a “Pee Donor”

Image Source: welcometothemotherhood.com

For all my readers staying outside India – Wai is a place in Maharashtra, India. The poem is a reply to a politician who commented, that, should he urinate in dam, if the state is suffering from drought. No, wonder he apologized but…..

My article published on NewsYaps on July 24,2013

Image Source: http://urbanfm.co

I adorn a heart on my laptop screen saver carved with the famous Shakespeare quote ‘To thine own self be true’. This acts as a regular reminder and yes, I do need it every now and then because it hasn’t always been the case.

I often wonder how many individuals are really true to themselves or are they trying to be someone they are not by restraining themselves to delight others? Or perhaps justifying themselves to develop into the reality of what they think?

Often people tell you “Just be yourself”. Oscar Wilde cited it, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken” but what does it actually signify? How on the earth you can be yourself when you don’t know who you are, if you don’t recognize, appreciate, love and accept yourself first?

Hmm! Well, concentrate and think in relation to the essence of who actually you are – your ethics, morals, what you believe in, what you trust, what makes you feel comfortable – may be talking, thinking, lecturing. Arrange your actions with this essence and live by it. I mean how would it look if after spending a day on writing and educating people the remarkable benefits of eating nutritious and healthy food, I go and treat myself at Mc Donald’s or KFC? Err No!

One of the unhealthiest things you can do is to identify yourself by some stage of your past life or belief that someone has enforced in you. Never let others perception of ‘you’ become your own belief. It can be done so easily but the destruction it may cause is difficult to cope up. People may have contradictory opinions about you or who you are. I have encountered this in the past. People said that ‘I’ wasn’t good enough and for a long period of time it was my perception too ultimately becoming my own self-belief. However, if that happens you need to change your frame of mind. Pronto! Perhaps, I was not good enough for that particular personality but that doesn’t mean I was not good at all. Period.

With all the major twists and turns of my life now, I find myself more than good and why not, I’m being “Me” and loving it! Setting up things of the past not only consumes your precious time but also prevents your growth. Walk off from your past mistakes, let it go, learn from them and then move on. I resolved that if I ever again enter into a relationship, he will have to love and accept me for who I am including my madness and weirdness. And wow he does!

Stop worrying how people identify you. We’re all dissimilar, we all have diverse choice, tastes and behavior, that’s the beauty of life! A few people will like you, a few won’t. Don’t struggle to change yourself in order to make another person like you. I did this for a long period of time and I failed miserably (Wow. I’m such a crap at acting!) until one day I woke up realizing that I had lost my identity – The Real Me, The True Me! Constantly trying to modify or change things just to gain someone’s respect, love or no matter anything can really hurt your confidence in being “YOU”.

Be frank, open and honest. My younger cousin said one day, ‘Why hide it. If you are humiliated by it, why do it?’ She said it but I don’t think she realized how witty her statement was. None of us are ideal or perfect. We all grow, learn and it goes on. Don’t try to hide things because you are ashamed to showcase that aspect openly. For instance, don’t try to gulp a plate of chicken wedges when you proudly and publicly declare yourself as a pure vegetarian. Do you think that way you are being honest to yourself?

Express yourself. Develop your individuality. Don’t try to go after the rat race just because you think or perhaps your parents think you must while deep inside you feel uneasy, twitchy and uncomfortable. Be at ease and comfortable with all the choices you make even if they go astray from the conventional ones. If you feel it is right for you it indeed is. Go grab it!

And for god’s sake stop comparing yourself with others. As I mentioned, we all are very unlike. If you tend to compare yourself to someone else – she’s beautiful than me, slimmer than me, sexier than me then do you feel you’ll ever be happy? No, I don’t think so because in comparison you’ll constantly fall down. So be yourself and feel PROUD!

Live your own way. Follow your own style. For years I tried to do what others did, going with the latest trend and never tried to stand out. If that goes well with you, excellent! If not then why do it? Hop in the rainfall, if that pleases you. I remember sipping a cutting chai and eating my favorite vada paw at Marine Drive while getting drenched in the midst of a rain. I love how rains make me feel. Who cares what others might think…

My much-loved quote from Stacey Charter just sums up everything so well…

“There comes a time when you have to stand up and shout – This is me damn it! I look the way I look, think the way I think, feel the way I feel, love the way I love! I am a whole complex package. Take me or leave me. Accept me – or walk away! Do not try to make me feel like less of a person, just because I don’t fit your idea of who I should be and don’t try to change me to fit your mold. If I need to change, I alone will make that decision”.

When you are tough enough to be in love with yourself 100%, good or bad, you’ll be astonished by the surprises that life presents you. Being yourself- truly, madly, deeply is very beautiful! Don’t let others change you,

JUST BE YOURSELF!

Source: http://www.newsyaps.com/the-beauty-of-being-true-to-yourself/2042/

He did not look like a knight in the shining armor neither he had the muscles like Arnold Schwarzenegger or our desi Salman Khan that would shoo away any hooligan yet he had the valor greater than them which could scare off even the mightiest. An average built with a medium height and a happy go lucky boy, I was perhaps unaware of the ire in his eyes. No wonder, till now I had only witnessed his cheerful side! Besides, like all the young contemporary girls and women of the 21^stcentury, for me being a damsel in distress was not only being feeble but irrational. Even now the phrase brings a frown on my otherwise serene and peaceful forehead. After all, I do not bother my father or brother to pick me up when I am stuck somewhere and do not picture a bodyguard to protect me 24×7 as I, like any other contemporary Indian Women can take care of myself.

We, the young Indian women can stand for our own fight but then there are those special men in our life (the ones that are part of our life and the ones that come across) that help us or come to our assistance and rescue us even when we can manage the show if not easily,  although, slowly but surely. Their attitude and respect towards women not only makes you feel proud but ring a bell in your head that – Yes, this world is still a better and safe place for women!

I was neither a damsel in distress nor he was a knight in the shining armor, yet he was a soldier, a hero, a fighter because he stood by me then, when I was in a situation close to standing at the edge of a cliff and needing a strong support who could pull me towards a safer zone. Well, neither the place was creepy nor there were ravenous vampires looking for me but the place was utterly new for me and I was on the streets in this new city as a traveler ought to explore and have some pleasurable time.

Image Source: www.autismafter16.com

I continued walking as I began sensing the voracious laughs and the terrifying stares of the roadside mawali uncles that for an instant I wished that it would have been better if I had not come to this beautiful small little town. For a second, the entire episode gave me chills down the spine as it was a very hot afternoon and the narrow lane had just me and the morons. My worst nightmare was that I could neither identify with their language nor could they understand Hindi or even English.

However to my relief, my friend who was accompanying me on this trip suddenly came at the spot. The added dent in the whole episode which made it more frightening was that, I had forgotten that I was accompanied by him and lucky I was since he could get the hooligans out of the sight with embarrassment and disgrace. I thanked the almighty for giving me a good friend like him who do not believe in showing off their strength to the fragile but take pride in helping them.  No wonder, he was not a brawny man yet when I saw him, I had a sigh of relief! He was a changed guy. Not the guy I knew. He had this very strange anger and disgust in the eyes which was not only frightening but also fear-provoking.

No, he did not beat them up neither he cursed them with the MCs and BCs (perhaps that is something very universal which the whole of India understands) but it was a proud moment to see how an ordinary guy like my courageous friend with half the muscular strength could chase off the uncalled situation with his wits, intelligence and presence of mind. The typical modern urban young guy – The Hero in disguise.  Happy go lucky, cheerful and playful yet ferocious, valiant and bold to wipe off the atrocities of the society to bring a change including the acceptance of the modern Indian Women in our society.

My Hero in Disguise was my close friend, Avi who not just respects the women in his family or friend circle but takes care to help and support any women, whether it’s the sweeper, a neighbor next door, a school girl or a stranger. I’m proud to give him the sobriquet of ‘Soldier for Women’ for standing up for us with valor and integrity!

This post is a part of #Soldierforwomen in association with BlogAdda.com

My article published on NewsYaps on September 26, 2012

Image Source: http://naisadak.blogspot.in

So you have been trying to learn English, the “phunny” language and using broken English to impress and make an impact. No wonder you feel very uncomfortable as you are unable to articulate cohesive thoughts in this foreign language and end up blabbering words like “You know”, “na”, “like” etc. repeatedly. Needless to say, you make so many grammatical mistakes; worst is the case when you think you pronounced it right but find folks laughing at you just because you say “is-land” for what is pronounced as “i-land”, making you look like an idiot.

Well, even if you are no good in this foreign language you are excellent when it comes to “Hindi” or your native vernacular. Why embarrass yourself by speaking “Hinglish” or broken English when you can easily overshadow all those English speaking dudes by your Hindi lingo. Yes, you heard it right. You can merely by speaking Hindi and significantly avoiding any Hinglish or words that may make you appear like a complete moron!

Just imagine what would have happened if Yuvraj Singh instead of playing cricket would have tried his luck on pursuing a degree in Mathematics or Asha Bhonsle would have started dancing instead of singing or let’s say Saina Nehwal decided to amaze audiences with her vocals. They would have landed up at in a corner branded as “failures”, wouldn’t they?

A Warrior of cricket wanting to be a scholar in Mathematics will only end up failing and wasting time.  So why not focus and concentrate on the things that we are expert at? All the Hindi or vernacular language speakers should take this as a Biblical testament and they will witness how easily they can outclass those angrezi speaking fellows. Rightly cited by Edith Warton, “There are two ways of spreading light – to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” Now when you know you cannot be a candle, be a mirror. Yes that’s the trick!

No no, it certainly will not make you look like a bhaiyaji nor will it isolate you from a happening group which you always wanted to be with. The twist in the tale will be that even those English speaking blokes will be impressed by your individuality, simplicity and distinctiveness. They will not only be amazed by your guts to follow your own instinct but even admire your decision.

You may never know you’ll have a fan following or the same people who once laughed at you will start admiring you for your intellectual phrases, command over the language and excellent vocabulary. Obviously, now you’ll be more comfortable, have a healthy self-esteem and also a confident body language. You’ll no more be an underdog but a star! People will respect for your sense of eccentricity rather than criticizing or carping.

Did you know Socrates, the most admired philosopher, Napolean Bonaparate, the great French political leader, Alexander the Great and even Adolf Hitler, the most adamant Nazi leader counted among one of the people who changed the world never used this lingo and created an impact with their own native language.

Language can never be an obstruction in your way to success neither it can be a hindrance to the overall growth and development of your personality. So, if you think using English slangs and talking in broken English just for the heck of it will help you create an impression, you are indeed wrong, it will only be a dud and increase your frustration level. Instead, try focusing on your native lingo or Hindi – the national language – and you’ll easily overshadow those English speaking dudes, whether it is impressing a chick or her dad.

Confident enough, right? Okay then time to get back to the old lessons, shall we?

Reference: My article on NewYaps

Sometimes, it is just so important to let off certain things. To liberate them, to cut loose and detangle yourself from them! You must try to realize that no one is playing with palpable cards; there are times when we prevail but then, there are times when we mislay. Don’t ever expect anything in return; don’t expect credit or recognition for your hard work, neither expect your brilliance to be revealed and appreciated nor your love, affection to be recognized. But still, complete the circle, move on…Not out of arrogance, pride or failure but simply because whatever it was, now, it is irrelevant and no more fits in your life. Close the door of the past, revolutionize the record, dirt free the house of yesterday, get rid of the dust of the past and STOP BEING WHO YOU WERE AND BECOME WHO YOU ARE!!!!

Image Source: http://betterthansurviving.me

“Acoustic Neuroma” – not many of the people would relate with this slow demon, besides medical professionals and of course victims like me who have had an exigent encounter with this evil spirit in their lifetime.  If you are still wondering what this sophisticated term is, then let me enlighten you with the fact that, it is nothing but Brain tumor, a benign one. Hence, it earns the sobriquet of ‘slow demon’ from me.

The demon starts invading by making its space in the 8^th cranial nerve which connects the inner ear with the brain. The main function of this nerve is to transmit sound and maintain balance of the body. Although the devil does not march into the brain in the beginning, it can slowly shove into the brain as it develops. The bigger ones can easily squash the close cranial nerves that control the muscles of the facial expressions and sensation. The normal ones are from 1cm to 3 cm but since I’m God’s favorite child having had all those extra things in life, my tumor also came with the XL size. Yes, it was beyond the normal, a whopping 4.5 cm.

In most of the cases, when your surgery is done successfully and the tumor is out, it is a BIG RELIEFFFF! But, surprisingly in Acoustic Neuroma, it is just the beginning! So, what are the complications and how could the team of doctors (Yes, it involves everyone from neurosurgeon to list of others) help me get out of this disastrous phase of my life, Well, courtesy the Modern Healthcare! The Modern Healthcare not only helped me stay alive but also gave me a wild card entry to start my life afresh with hope and optimism. Yes, it touched my life in every aspect.

Back to my story,

The year was 2005, I was in my grads enjoying the freedom and thrill of my college life. Travelling besides a passion had become a routine as I began catching my Local train from Belapur, Navi Mumbai to CST (VT), South Mumbai to reach my college at Pedder Road. I was becoming lethargic as the winter was approaching. I was neither able to balance myself nor could walk straight, I thought maybe it was because I was putting on a bit. Then, I used to always stay confused, there was a hoarseness in my voice. Worst, I could not even swallow my food nor could eat my food like a sane person. It looks all fine when at home but just imagine how it looked when I’m out and eating in a restaurant or the college canteen.

Soon all this became an issue. It was affecting my personality. I started hating myself for all these sudden developments but nothing worked out. Soon, during a holiday, I had a massive headache and I collapsed (Just like how they show in the Bollywood movies, yes it was that filmy). I had minor headaches all the while but I neglected thinking it was mainly due to the hectic travelling. After the collapse, my family doctor insisted for a CT Scan and to all our surprise I was having a Tumor which needed urgent surgery as soon as possible. There were certain after affects of the surgery which I had to face but all I wanted was to come out of this trauma which I was facing from past 6 months. I was not willing to live a crooked life. My mantra like any other Indian youth was, “Jiyo toh jiyo shaan se”

That day after the CT Scan, for the first time I did not complain but I thanked the person who invented the CT Scan machine. Just imagine, all those people who died just because their tumor could not be diagnosed. The very next day, I met my neurosurgeon and as soon as I had a brief meeting with him, I decided he is the one who’ll operate me. I was admitted in a hospital 3 days before my surgery to mellow down the demon and make it easy for me. Soon, the D-Day came and I was taken to the OT. I was taken to the OT at around 9am and was out of it only by 7pm. So, what was the team of doctors doing in these 10 hours?

The removal of acoustic neuroma is not easy as it sounds because it damages the facial nerve defragmenting the eyes, ears and leaving the victim with facial palsy (facial paralysis) to the side where it resides. There are three ways of treating acoustic neuroma, the Retrosigmoid method where the treatment is done through the skull, the Translabyrinthine where the treatment is done through the inner ear and the most successful, middle fossa, which not only aids in the removal of tumor but also helps in preserving any hear loss. Had there been no such discoveries and healthcare services and treatments, there would be many like me who would be living a disastrous life with poor eyesight and poor hearing right at the peak of their adulthood. Imagine the pain, the agony, the depression!

If the tumor is in the normal range, these after affects can be eliminated. If not, it can have a lasting impact. This means the victim after the surgery can have facial palsy – neither can they close their eyes completely nor can they smile properly.

Facial Palsy                       After the treatment of Facial Palsy

And as mine was 4.5 cm, I became the victim of facial palsy. Neither I could close my eyes, nor could I move the left side of my face, smile or move my eyebrow.  (This was year 2005, the new inventions and discoveries from 2005 to 2013 has been so effective, that facial palsy in acoustic neuroma is now on the lesser side of the coin)

I got the shock of my life when I experienced that I could not move the left side of my face. My new face did not want to face the world. My features which my friends used to praise so much was gone. I was saved but I was lost in depression. But still I was happy to get away from those monstrous moments prior to my surgery.

Soon, I started recovering. Within a week I started eating all the liquid stuff. Thanks to all the modern healthcare equipments and discoveries which could make me stand, eat and aid me to do all my stuff in a month. How can I forget all the physiotherapists and the stimulation machine which was applied on me and my face to help my naughty facial muscles to regain its lost power.

Then, my neurosurgeon suggested I meet a plastic surgeon for my Facial palsy. Following which, nerve grafting was done. Well, Nerve Grafting or Nerve Transplant is similar to plant grafting. A sural nerve was removed from my left leg and inserted into my face to act as a catalyst to help my left muscles to move. After the surgery, it was better than before and I could move my left side a bit.

The facial palsy has a bad effect on the eyes. It makes your eyes lose its shape and no matter how beautiful your eyes may be, post facial palsy it becomes same like Donald Duck – Big, oval, howling eyes. We are human beings and not cartoons, right? That too, a young girl. Period!

Next, I was in the hospital again for the surgery on my eye. Post surgery, I was happy as I got my eyes back once again. Perfectly symmetrical! No more those howling eyes but gorgeously flawless. I got my old eyes back and with time I could close it completely.

Modern Healthcare has changed my life completely for the better. I could start my life afresh! Gain my confidence and begin my normal life in just a short span, as quick as 1 month after my major surgery and 1 week after all my minor surgeries. I still have my Face Lift Surgery pending and I’m going to do it soon. I’m glad such a thing exists in India, otherwise I would have lost hope and enthusiasm long back!

I’m not very affluent that I could afford a treatment abroad, so it was a great relief that every surgery was carried out successfully here in India with amazing trained professionals. Today, all the hospitals are doing a brilliant job by providing all the modern amenities and treatment to their patients, one such is Apollo hospital.

I owe my life and the good developments to the Modern Healthcare. Yes, I am not that robust hard-hearted or a brat like I used to before. I learnt the hard way but I am glad I did. Today, I love myself and all the good things happening around me. I am more positive and accept all the challenges that come my way.

I always thought that I would pen it down one day and shower all the love and the awaiting credits,  I’m glad I finally could.

This story is my entry for “How does Modern Healthcare touch lives?” contest.

Click http://www.apollohospitals.com/cutting-edge.php for more info

It’s been a while, perhaps now years I didn’t come across a simple sweet love story that would make me fall for it. But, Aashiqui 2 did it. I have not seen the original Aashiqui, so I do not know how it was but this movie is simply heartwarming and very touchy. It has illustrated the perfect way how unconditional love is. Surprisingly, if you’ll tell any person who doesn’t know about the movie to watch it, he won’t believe that it a Bhatt Camp production. Yea, it’s that clean (Wink)

Besides, the movie can be like a balm to all the ruined hearts who think they have lost it in life -especially those who are addicted to various vices. Really inspirational, I wouldn’t be surprise if a young bloke may think of ceasing his drinking habit after watching it.

And I’m so happy the movie depicts the girl supporting unconditionally. Thus, conveying that not all girls’ are bitches. Sigh! Everyone who is or have been madly in love sometime or the other would definitely love this simple yet effective movie. Worth a watch!

P.S. – No, I haven’t been paid even a single penny to write this. But I loved the movie so much that I felt like penning it down.

You can watch the movie in the theatre or if you love streaming latest movies on your Laptop then watch it here like me

Image Source: http://www.indicine.com

Escaping the mundane and experiencing the remarkable was our one stop mantra back in the college days. After all, we were just out of our school-like junior college all set for a quest to find the beauty of our existence. There was a period when academics played a vital role in our lives but at this point of time, it was perhaps the last thing on our mind. All we wanted was to experiment things, live life to its fullest and enjoy every moment as if it was the last day of our life. And till date, it gives us the nostalgic feeling. Those were the days, the graduation days! Out of many such glorious days in those three years, the one day which has been embedded in my mind like it just happened yesterday, is the last day of our first year final examination.

Summer of ‘04

“Deeps, did you cover the Mechanism of organic reaction in the Organic chemistry section?” VJ (that’s short for Vijaylaxmi) asked me hurriedly while having the last minute revision.

“No, ya.. I don’t even have the Xerox copy, how am I supposed to know what it is. Besides, I just bought the Inorganic Chemistry book last week if you remember and not Organic.” I murmured while busy searching for something in my other friend’s bag.

“Yaar Musarrat where is the camera?” Don’t you think we should click one right out here in the Science building corridor?”

Musarrat, totally unaware of my question – “Deepti, what’s the plan after this hysterical stuff getting over finally?” I wanted to check out some really good stuff (junky jewelries) in Colaba Causeway…

“Oh yea and I wanted that funky Osho Chappals, I am waiting for it from almost 2 months now.” VJ joined in Musarrat.

We soon began clicking pics and talking about after exam adventure. Our reverie and fun was shortly interrupted by the final bell signaling it’s time to get in the exam hall. I received the question paper and the three hours went in cursing the education system, myself, writing some hypothetical as well as valid equations, finally waiting for my two friends to finish the paper. All in the rush of after-exam adventure, we three came out of the exam hall a good half an hour before.

Selling in our chemistry books in half rates at the Book store in the college campus, we began our photo session. Oh yes, how badly we wanted that few more bucks to enjoy our day. Besides, who anyways wanted that Chemistry books, after all we were Microbiology students.

We then rolled out of the college campus all set out to eat at our favorite joint, the Noorani’s right in front of Mumbai’s first mall, the Crossroads, opposite Haji Ali and also a lane down from our college. If you are passing by that area, don’t ever forget to relish some tasty food there if you love Non-Veg food.

The awesome Biryani, the delicious butter chicken and the legendary two Mangolas between three of us – Oh, what a royal lunch it was after a month of hard work! (Studying for two hours during exams was surely a toil back in those days)

The next stop was 15 minute cab ride to Gate way of India and we were right there for a ferry ride in the Arabian Sea. Enjoying the freedom as if we have completed our graduation, we ventured into the ferry to experience the thrill. What a pleasant half an hour it was!

By the time, it was evening and we were right below the Mumbai skyline, at our final destination, the Colaba Causeway right at the street at Café Leopold and Café Mondegar. Before this day, we were never together after sunset in this busy happening street. So, this day was special. The shopping, the girl fun (now that something cannot be revealed here), the freedom which we were experiencing was out of the world. That evening we walked from Colaba Causeway to CST (VT station) passing through the fountain, Fort and Fashion street in our own euphoria. Finally, reaching for CST station at almost 9 pm. We got our mobile phones in the second year. So, there was no mobile phones ringing reminding us to reach home quickly.

Lastly, not to forget our home was 1 hour from CST station by the local train. And we did not even spare the train from the fun. And why not, as it was the last day of our final exam and we had all the rights to have all our pleasurable moments…

Time after that has flung and I have had many such euphoric moments yet this is the day which I crave to relive again and again.

No career tensions, no work dilemma, no daily trauma – Just a free life out in the cosmic world with my like-minded buddies. Happiness indeed!

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

My Published Article (Oct’12) on NewsYaps

Recently I came across an article titled “How to dress for an interview”. The article was no doubt excellent and very informative but one section of the article rang bells in my ears. Well, it had clearly distinguished shirt and trousers from kurta pyjamas calling the former as “formal dress” while the latter as “traditional dress” and thereby declaring it as “not appropriate” for an interview or any formal meeting. Though this has been the norm ever since I was born, I am yet to figure out why the “corporate wardrobe” doesn’t include Indian wear.  Why is it just a “costume” for specific occasions and not a regular clothing?

Why can’t we wear kurta pyjama at interview? Even women have the privilege of wearing saree and salwar kameez at work or while appearing for interviews. In India, the saree is always in voguebut where is Indian wear for men? Men de rigueur wear only shirts and trousers and unfortunately this outfit is not at all Indian but a foreign adaptation just like our car, our mobile phones, our cosmetics so on and so forth.

Look around, staff after staff is bereft of Indian attire. In this contemporary age of industry and entrepreneurship, Indian attire is rarely seen since they botched, or we botched, in making them office wear, formal wear or everyday wear.

We wear Indian attires for festivals, weddings and even at a funeral but in the office or while going to meetings and interview we do not dress in Indian clothes. Even if some office going women in semi-urban or rural areas can be seen wearing sarees or salwar kameez, men are not. The ‘unofficial’ dress code to attend an interview for a job in  big city is always the Western wear. Have you ever spotted a man wearing a kurta pyjama to an interview for a job with any company? Forget the multinationals, men go suited-booted to any interview with any XYZ company.

Poignant demise of kurta pyjama or shall I say Indianess? There was India, with all its exceptional textiles encompassing unique textures and colors. No one in the world was wearing that and now we can’t even wear our once so distinctive dress while going for a very important day of our career. Sad!

Not long ago the women and child department of the Haryana government directed its staff to abstain from wearing jeans and T-shirts at work. The subject matter of this circular went like this: “To wear decent clothes in office”. That really makes one wonder, “Are jeans and T-shirt indecent?” The circular was mainly addressed to the field staff stating, “It has been observed that some officers/officials come to office in jeans/T-shirts/Western dresses which sometimes not only look odd but are also in contravention of government rules.”

Oh! The issue seems to be the “western outfit” then why not ask the employees to wear kurta pyjamas? They are decent enough, right? Covers the entire legs just like a pant and entire arm just like a full sleeve shirt, right? Even then why can’t we wear Indian dresses to work? Why don’t news anchors, for instance, wear Kurta pyjamas instead of suits?

Indian attires seem to be just a costume limited to specific days on news channels. Udayan Mukherjee, the frontage of the share markets, adorns impressive bandhgalas only on mahurat trading and not otherwise. The dresses of the news anchors have an effect on the viewers as much as the news. If a top anchor is seen wearing kurta pyjama while presenting the daily news almost on a regular basis, it will bring in a change in the perception of the masses towards Indian dresses.

Why is kurta pyjama limited to religious ceremonies only? We pull out our traditional Indian dress from the corner of our closets only on Holi, Diwali, Dasshera or other festive occasions. We never ‘dare’ to wear them to an interview or a formal event. Why can’t one wear a kurta pyjama to a board meeting or interview? Why is it not included in the “corporate wardrobe”?

Do you think we look serious and committed wearing shirts and trousers while not so sophisticated in kurta pyjamas? Is it the same India which once boycotted foreign goods and wanted to be independent from outsiders but now feels ashamed to include Indian dress in its corporate dress code.

Article Source: My Published Article via NewsYaps

The trade of keeping secrets is a very complex affair. That’s mainly because everybody’s after secrets. If anybody ever finds that you have been keeping a secret, they’ll track you or leap at you like a sniffer dog in order to dig up your secret. It is a universal truth that people starve for secrets even more than they starve for food. Such is the pull or magnetism of a secret.

You will be able to  keep anything in your custody safe and sound except for a secret. That very instant people makes out that you have a secret, they’ll pester you till you go nuts and divulge out your secret in utter frustration. At times, keeping a secret requires involvement with another  person. This can be an absolutely frightening state as you won’t know whom to rely with your secret.

The individual whom you think will keep your secret competently is perhaps the first and foremost person to go and tattle out your top secret to your colleagues, neighbors and so-called buddies. Or he or she may swindle you, pretending to keep your secret although they are  functioning for your adversary. The person might trick you into thinking that they are trustworthy to you by revealing to you your adversary’s top secret. By this line of attack the person is a confidant  to both you and your adversary while they are functioning for neither but themselves. Accordingly you can well envision the perils of trusting anybody with your secret.

Who Can Keep Your Secret a Secret? Mum’s the Answer

A secret can be in any form like a secret affair,a secret action, a secret wish, a secret thought, a secret letter, a secret happening, a secret meeting and any other type of secret. This planet is encompassed with secrets and many of us believe  that we have been born here to discover the secrets of the Earth.

Almost every one of us has some secret that we want to keep tightly locked within ourselves. But at that the same time, during some occasion, it is very difficult to keep even our own secrets. We, human beings often feel the excruciating want to let loose our minds in consequence of being burdened down by secrets, to share our secrets with a close associate most preferably a friend. However herein lies the hitch. Who is to take up the position of a close friend? Studies have revealed that mothers are the greatest secret-keepers.

Moms have a natural compassion and love for their kids that actually prompts them to keep their children’s secrets utterly secure and safe. However apart from your mom, it seems that there is nobody else you can risk with your top secrets. Associates and buddies nearly always let the cat out of the sack to have a good humor on the sly. If you inform a close friend that something’s very secretive and to be kept mum, the friend will without delay spill the beans to yet another associate or friend saying that it is a secret and supposed to be kept mum. Ultimately, you’ll find everyone is talking about you and your top secret in a hush-hush mode.

Spouses have a general tendency to misuse secrets when they are having a quarrel.  The moment you squabble, whatever you have told them when both of you had been together will be used wrongly and made public. Siblings, on the other hand also have a good laugh at your cost if they are privy to your secrets and make out that you have something to hide. Your weak points then become a great prospect to siblings who believe themselves to be your rivals and who try to win every possible chance to get hold of family attention. Fathers of the old school, who are arrogant, ambitious, egotistic and proud, cannot be considered as good keepers of confidences simply because they are unapproachable.

Nevertheless, there are exceptions. There are friends who would die but never leak out their buddies secrets. There are spouses who would gladly play the cloak-and-dagger sport to disguise the surreptitious moves of their spouse. There are siblings who would walk out of their means only to help and support their erring sisters and brothers, to cover-up their inadequacy. Excluding all exceptions to all set of laws, mothers are the best shield of their children and their children’s secrets.

I share all my hope, desires, dreams, wishes, conspiracy and even the deepest secrets with my mom, do you share your secrets with mom?

Image Source: http://dailypainters.com

‘I am writing a Tribute to Mom in association with Parentous.com‘

Image Source: www.letstalkrelations.com

. “Love has no desire but to fulfill itself.  To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.  To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.”  ~Kahlil Gibran

Our first kiss, our first date and our first love are the reminiscences that have quite an everlasting effect on ourselves. We might forget our greatest grief but it becomes very intricate to forget those moments which we had once cultivated from the threads of feelings and trust. What happens once when the equation fades, the thread ruptures and the person who was everything goes away from our life. What do we do then? Do we drown ourselves in self pity or try to come out by my moving forward.

Stalking his Facebook status, walking past through his home, waiting long near your ex office and call him from unknown numbers will do no good. Although it is difficult but it is better to forget about something that has been tarnished rather than trying to give it a shot every now and then.  Life doesn’t stop with one failed relationship but goes on. So, we need to accept the future with open arms and try to live each day blissfully like they say, out of the heart of the darkness comes the morning light.

Indulge with your buddies, pamper yourself, get a make -over or perhaps do what you feel the best. The idea is to get over the past to enjoy and live in the present. Not to cry for a lost relationship and the love of your ex but celebrate life as it comes!

You still cherish the gift he gave you on the first date? No matter how beautiful it may be, it is now worthless because as soon as your eyes go on it, you sink once again in the memory lane. False hope will only ruin and never heal you. Love letters, sovereigns or anything related to him will only remind you of your failed relationship. Trash it, dump it or throw it, but never try to hold it.

Often you and your ex may have common friends and acquaintances, avoid asking them about him and till the time you are completely over him, avoid connections or meeting with the common acquaintances. Stop putting his name in the Facebook search box to check what’s happening with him. The new girl in his pictures will only make your head spin. Unfriend him, stop peeping into his life and by any means do not let it become an obsession.

One of the essential part of loving is to let him go, so delete his number, stop chasing him or visiting his folks. Do whatever it takes to stay busy and get away from all that sick feeling of loneliness and seclusion. Remember, love is just part of a life and not life. Besides, the absence of your ex who has no significance in your present should not become a constraint of your future.

Close the chapter, let it go and get back to your road to happiness. Life is beautiful and is eagerly waiting for you, are you ready to start yet again?

Of late, my Android phone has become my constant companion and its apps my muse, the latest being WeChat where I love connecting with my friends, clients and associates from all over the globe instantly. With features like voice messages, video calls, sharing pictures, and instant messaging within a group, I am hooked to it almost 24×7. And why not, after all talking is my birth right and chatting, the proof of my existence in this highly social networking world.

The non-stop chats on the WeChat group (College Friends) is a daily midnight agenda where we discuss almost every aspect. From casual topics like beauty tip, gossip, travel to serious like war, conspiracy, greed, social issues, corruption and even preventive measures like world peace and spiritualism. However, yesterday night I went dizzy and slept amidst the discussion only to get up and witness Marilyn Monroe in my group list sharing pictures of her heydays which I had never seen before.

One of the most admired actresses of all time, Marilyn was not only acknowledged for her beauty but also for her wits and sense of humor. Since a teenager, I was fascinated with all the good and attractive things about her and even more towards her journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the world’s most enduring and biggest sex symbol.  I thanked her for her photographs and asked her the secret of her hourglass figure without forgetting to mention about the Marilyn Monroe twin towers in Toronto. I was glad that WeChat has voice message option and that is how the sex symbol could reveal me how great she felt about the news.

Further, I complimented her by saying that even now, no one can compete with her despite all the cosmetic surgeries and boob implants. She was curious to know about these developments and I was more than happy to bitch about the new heroines and so called sex symbols without realizing that I had even included the Drama Queen, Rakhi Sawant. I apologized Rakhi by saying that I did not mean to hurt her sentiments, on the contrary, always wished to talk in person about her thoughts, beliefs, opinions and her obsession of being always in the news. Rakhi threw some tantrums on me but was glad that I was being honest to her and allowed me to ask her questions. My main question was why she wanted to be Ramdev Baba’s menaka when she had a huge line of guys waiting to marry her. The loud mouth went on and on revealing that she was more than attracted to men with unconventional looks like Baba Ramdev. It is always a pleasure to hear Rakhi speaking but it was a lifetime experience to converse with her.  Marilyn Monroe too was amazed by Rakhi Sawant while the Item Queen was more than glad to see the legend talking.

Even Rakhi loves WeChat and she told me about the feature “Shake” which helps her in connecting more fans. I used mine only to find Chacha Chaudhary in a mere distance of 1 km, I quickly sent him greetings to make him friends and welcomed him in the group. He cordially accepted my request and was impressed that he was my hero all through my childhood and I would still depend on his fast decision than any other high tech machine. I inquired about his health, chachiji and had a list of questions regarding his plans and strategies to curb the wrong happenings in our society. The main reason being, I wanted to know witty solution to aid me and my friends in resolving daily issues like robberies, thefts and helping girls get rid of eve-teasers.

Along with me even Rakhi was so impressed that she expressed her desire to marry Chacha Choudhury. Sabu was not at all happy with this and there began a war of words against them. No one can beat Rakhi so I wished if Munnabhai along with Circuit could come and join this group to apply their Gandhigiri

Having rendezvous with Munnabhai and getting his jaadu ki jhappi was something which I was longing for a while. Besides, I also wanted him to spread Gandhigiri among the politicians as well as civilians. Through the Facebook connect, I logged in and rolled the duo through their Facebook page. I shared a video displaying the statistics of domestic violence, sexual harassment and sexual violence. Munnabhai went emotional, I told him all the ruthlessness and horrendous activity of these demons disguised in men. As desired by me, he ordered Circuit for immediate action. Consequently, booking his flight to Delhi wherein Circuit would manage the criminals (both Politicians and civilians) through his style and Munnabhai would try his best to console the victims through his jaadu ki jhappi.  Not to forget, Munnabhai meanwhile, sent smiley of roses to Rakhi Sawant in the WeChat group and she was more than happy to receive the gesture.

I was happy that my connections of WeChat was helping me towards some social causes but at that instant I got a message from Reliance Securities reminding me the 1 lakh which I invested in share market have only gone down to become 40,400. At that instant, I wish I could connect with Harshad Mehta, the Bull who had the ability of doubling anyone’s money through share market. I started wondering that Harshad Mehta is in my group and I am asking him the best scripts wherein I can invest my money to earn huge returns on my income.

In my exclusive tête-à-tête with Harshad Mehta, I ask him the reason for the market downfall and his tips which can help in leveraging my investments. To this even Munnabhai messaged that he wanted some special advice too so that he could donate his profits towards a hospital dedicated to the mentally challenged.

I was on the verge of dreaming money and spending it like a princess, when suddenly I got Marco Polo’s image by the sea where he had discovered a new island. Aha, Marco Polo, my traveler friend from the past whom I always wanted to ask about his quest, voyage and thrill in discovering new places. I asked him about his journey in the prehistoric times when he travelled all the way from Italy to Asia, his stay in China along with all his legendary travelling tales. He was glad that I gifted him the New iPhone which could not only help in talking, sending pictures or voice messages but could help him even in finding new places easily and effortlessly through GPS. Impressed by WeChat app, he was further flattered when I mentioned him that the software is a product of a Chinese company, the country where he spent some vital years of his life.

I was busy witnessing the spellbound pictures of landscape, island and beautiful scenery in my Phone when all of a sudden something rang loudly. I got up, only to witness that my alarm was ringing and it was time to say good-bye to Marco Polo and the other imaginary figures. Soon, I got a WeChat push notification from a Real Life friend Avi asking me whether I wanted to join him for a documentary movie on Marco Polo. Co-incidence I say!

This post is part of Indiblogger’s WeChat-The New Way To Connect Contest.

Please find more about the contest here.

Find more about WeChat at WeChat’s Youtube channel.

Do you know the Bollywood movies that give you an adrenaline rush? The one that makes your heart ten folds bigger and bestows you with the valor of a warrior while motivating you in every possible way? The movies that move you and gives you strength to fight any obstacle? They compel you to rethink, reevaluate and reflect on your existence while challenging you on many fronts. The movies that inspires you to make a difference to the world whether by triumphing over your own personal sprite or by trying to make the world a better place by making a difference in other’s life. Yes, we are talking about the youth oriented movies, the one’s that are by the youth, for the youth and of the youth. Let’s look around the top 10 young generation Bollywood movies.

10. Hazaaron Khwishein Aisi

Sudhir Mishra’s must watch memorable and overwhelming movie, ‘Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’ brings about the saga of the melodramatic early 1970s when India was surrounded by the emergency and the Naxal movement. The movie brilliantly digs into this chapter through its three central characters Vikram (Shiny Ahuja), Geeta (Chitranganda Singh) and Siddharth (Kay Kay Menon) and makes you cross the path of gruesome realities and complexities the young generation face. Full of intensity and revolution the movie illustrates how and why the fire in the young India died out, how the heart once filled with angst converts into regret and gilt. A wonderful movie, it is a kind of story which will make every young mind think.

(img source: widescreenjournal.org)

9. ZNMD

Three Friends and a road trip to Spain with a philosophy, “There is only one life and you do not get another chance to live”. Sounds exciting, isn’t it? Well, the movie  ZNMD is what I call “Aisi Film Milegi Na Dobara!” One of the best aspect of the movie is you’ll find the characters realistic. They have their own hiccups and like real friends share cold vibes and not something impractical like ye dosti hum nahi todenge. The songs are melodious, the dialogues are interesting, the script is great, the performers are at their best, the cinematography is awesome, the locations are picturesque and the message conveyed of self-realization is something very intriguing.What else do you want from one of the most uniquely thought of Bollywood movies?

(img source: dichotomy-of-irony.blogspot.com)

 8. Socha Na Tha

Imtiaz Ali, the writer and debutante director’s ‘Socha Na Tha’ is what we call a paisa vassol movie. The movie illustrates how Viren Oberoi (Abhay Deol) who wants to marry Karen Fernandes (Apoorva Jha) eventually falls in love with Aditi (Ayesha Takia), the girl which Viren’s parents had settled from him but he along with Aditi scuttles the marriage plans. With melodious song, good dialogues and a really interesting script, this Abhay Deol starrer is worth a watch especially for youngsters with an opinion that love happens only once in a lifetime.

(img source: dhingana.com)

 7. Pyar Ka Panchnama

“At times, the baby. At times, the replacement and at times, the dog. Such is the life of man.” This awesome cum hilarious cum superb cult movie really is worth a watch. The story revolving around three friends Rajat, Choudhary and Liquid takes you into their lives who struggle to comprehend the complex creatures – women – and fail to cope up with the wrench of living with them. None of the young minds, especially males, can stop admiring the movie and especially the stretched single shot monologue where Rajat lets out all the enclosed torment after a clash with his girlfriend, making you go in splits for the whole period of that angry outburst. No wonder someone there on screen allegedly says out loudly what not many men wouldn’t ever find words to express. A light hearted comedy ought to make your day and who knows might even make you yell, precisely!

(img source: filmreviewsjohnsonthomas.blogspot.com)

6. Dil Dosti etc

A Prakash Jha movie, it is a fresh show which portrays how young men of today think and prefer to live their life. Set in on a Delhi campus, the story revolves on two different collegians cum hosteler, one is a cool lad and other the rustic who wants to be a student leader. With college rivalry, politics, girls etc. the movie makes a decent impact on younger audiences. Not to forget remarkable performances by Shreyas Talpade and Immaduddin Shah.

(img source: apunkachoice.com)

 5. Rock On

A movie about the verve of a boy band apparently doesn’t have mass appeal but the message it depicts is for everyone – it’s never too late to live your dream. For all those people with unfinished goals and dreams lost in time, ‘Rock On’ surely manages to impart hope. An honest and sincere movie with its superb music and lyrics along with a powerful performance by the actors, make this film as one of the best Bollywood movies ever!

(img source: nazarmagazine.com)

 4. Lakshya

Farhan Akhtar’s second directorial movie, ‘Lakshya’ didn’t create a box-office record like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ but the movie about the maturing of a direction-less upper-middle-class youth was enough to create an impact. Based on the central character Karan Shergill (Hrithik Roshan), the story in its quintessence deals with his ‘growing up’ as a characteristically confused son of a well off businessman who is not just at ease but full of bliss to drift along. However the easy going guy seems to be gradually bothered as he finds himself left behind in the race of success. Like so many of us in real life he too ultimately lands up in a profession rather than willfully choosing one. The movie  brilliantly touches upon that phase and that segment of the young crowd.

(img source: gallery.mid-day.com)

 3. Dev D

A superb visual ride, Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Dev D’ is a unique version of the famous Devdas novel that will only make your jaw drop. No, you definitely won’t find Abhay Deol as charming like Dilip Kumar or dramatic like King Khan but will definitely love him in his character as the froth bug.  Afresh with a new generation perspective this contemporary Devdas will woo you in every possible way. Get ready for the original and a new take on the subject with some equally good numbers.

(img source: justpazz.wordpress.com)

 2. Dil Chahta Hai

A revolutionary film that created a rage among the young bloods, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ cannot be forgotten ever. An impressive directorial debut by Farhan Akhtar the movie had everything that revolves around the life of youngsters. The best part was that almost everyone could relate him or her to the characters portrayed in the movie. The songs, the philosophy of each and every character, the historical Goa trip which later became a fad among friends, the pep-up – whether the attires or the urban lifestyle, the movie is a fantastic pull!

(img source: thinkingparticle.com)

 1. Rang De Basanti

We blame the government, the politicians, the laws but how many times have we thought to bring about the change all by ourselves? Makes you think, right? That’s what RDB is all about. It makes you think while it inspires you, motivates you and most significantly tells you to stop blaming others. It gives you a message to bring up the revolution of change just like our leaders and freedom fighters did to gain Independence. One of the finest Bollywood movies in recent years, RDB is undoubtedly a classic and effortlessly deserves the number 1 spot on this list.

(img source: entertainment.in.msn.com)

Source: My article published on TopYaps

The rupee is falling down but the steady depreciation of rupee seems to have a zero impact on the escalating number of Indian applicants in the foreign universities – thanks to the obsession of getting a foreign degree in desi students.

For decades, the overseas degree has been a grand Indian middle-class dream, a method to not just get an outstanding education but also an easy way to move abroad. In fact, there has been an incessant increase in the number of Indian students pursuing education abroad. Currently, unlike olden times the itinerary of Indian students is not just limited to the places like the US or the UK but numerous other preferential destinations like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France and Singapore.

Call it a craze, peer pressure, a status symbol (Is it still?) or dream of ambitious parents, Indian students are now heading abroad not only for a postgraduate but also an undergraduate degree. Yes, it’s no more just the game of the rich and the affluent.

A look at some of the statistics.

It has been observed that students from India form about 14 percent of all global students in the US and are next only to the Chinese. As of 2009-10, a total of 2,18,000 Indian students were studying in the UK, US, Australia and Canada and as per the Open Doors report it has been observed that the mobility of Indian students to the US (the most favorable destination for many), amplified to 1,04,000 in 2010-11 from 54,000 in 2000-01. That’s a large number, isn’t it? Moreover, 14.5 percent of Indian students in the US are now undergraduates.

So, why are the Indian parents ready to spend a lot for an overseas degree?

People of developing countries like India are set to spend huge money for a foreign degree largely because they perceive it as a form of investment. It is extensively assumed that a foreign degree facilitates in securing better employment and consequently higher compensation. Many students pursue a foreign degree with an intent to access the employment market of the other nation through the academic gate and then there are some (those who are taking up undergraduate courses) who are talented but are not sure of the rest of their lives so want to explore things in an alien country

Some of the students go for a foreign degree because of their failure in getting to the top colleges in India and finally, there are the students from small towns in states like Andhra Pradesh and Punjab who are looking for foreign education as a quick fix to immigration. These are the ones who often get fooled by deceitful agents.

But are the results of a foreign degree fruitful?

No wonder the degrees from the top universities in the US and UK are worthy in case you are planning for a research wherein you get an outstanding support and facilities which India, being a developing nation, is deprived of. But degrees from any college or universities just for the sake of the foreign stamp (Like the majority of the cases now) is just a waste of time. Didn’t we hear 11,000 foreign students were banned from entering Britain after their course were declared as bogus and in the same case more than 450 colleges lost their authorization? Same thing happened in Australia too and unfortunately many of the Indian students had to come back.

Moreover, if you plan to return to your country and your degree isn’t from a ‘blue-blooded’ college or varsity why will you get importance for the mere existence of a foreign degree? The times have changed and now none of the recruiters give an added value to a foreign degree. So, if you think that a degree from any small university will guarantee you a great job merely because it was received in the US, forget it dude!

The days are gone when employers were enthralled with a foreign degree now they are focused more on the quality of the degree and the university. So, if Indian students with a foreign degree from a mid-tier college or below have an unrealistic expectation with the compensation they must first understand that they won’t be paid more than others for doing the same job just because they have a foreign degree.

Lastly, if you are in the rat race and are equally obsessed with any foreign degree (mid-tier or below) just like your foreign jeans and accessories, it is time to brain storm and think, “Whether the return will justify the investments?”

(img source: www1.imperial.ac.uk)

Article Source: My Published article on NewsYaps

What happens when all the like-minded people come together to connect and spend some moments mid-week, Gala time? Add to it a chance to interact with 6 strong women, who are soon going to appear on National TV, Helluva moment? Mix it with a blend of awesome food and spirituous booze, Absolute Blast?

That’s precisely was the milieu at Hotel Leela, Mumbai when the Indibloggers across Mumbai (200) came to connect with each other along with the six gorgeous women at Indiblogger-Zee TV Connected HumTum Meet.

To start with, it was my first Indiblogger meet and I was eager to get together with all the people whose blogs I have been reading for a while now – to chat and seek advice on blogging. But at the same time, the thought of being alone in a room full of confident, endowed bloggers scared the hell out of me. Nevertheless, I was amazed to see how friendly everyone was. Some people even stopped by to ask me how I was and I was more than pleased to say, “Universal Rover”. I was obliged by their views and gestures on my blog and was glad to meet the fellow bloggers personally.

Next, we were told to spot the six beautiful lady of the show amongst the bloggers and click pictures with them. To my surprise, one was sitting right beside me. Pallavi Burman, the Brand Manager at Diesel. She quickly came next to me and we posed together. The entire hall was rolling with joy and glittering with the excitement of the fervent crowd and the exquisite of the ladies in spotlight.

The six ladies who introduced themselves were none other than Preeti Kochar (A belly dance instructor also a dentist), Madhavi Mauskar (corporate trainer and a language expert), Pallavi Burman (as mentioned earlier), Mahima Chaudhury (no not the one who are thinking but an aspiring actress), Sonal Gyani (an activist) and none other than our very own Mumbaichi mulgi, the darati dhamkati sabko kacha chabbati, RJ Malishka!

Next, began the screening of the Connected HumTum show which has created a lot of buzz across the town stirred by the host none other than the hunky-dory, Abhay Deol. We were startled to see how the ladies wonderfully mirrored themselves behind the lenses and captured their everyday life in it towards their journey called “life”.  A perfect moment of HumTum, the Hum being the ladies on screen and Tum, being the active bloggers glued to the screen.  The screening was soon followed by a question and answer round which was answered by the ladies as well as the director of the show.

Soon, began the Hurr moment which I was not aware as this was my first meet but Renie Ravin demonstrated and the fun began. Later, we were bestowed with funky Indibloggers tee and a great functioning webcam. Free gifts are always welcome, isn’t it?

And what a conclusion to the meet at 10pm with those awesome food, luscious rasgullas and spirituous booze! Not to forget a rendezvous with some humorous, witty, and amazing bloggers. My first meet and what a meet it was!

Looking forward for the next and that is today, “The Xtreme IndiBlogger Meet”

“Don’t worry, everything would be fine,” I assured Debolina as she wept on her bed ready for her next chemotherapy in the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. I could see the tears coming out from her eyes. However, she was not as weak as she appeared today but the future of her 3 year old continued to haunt her even as she struggled to survive these days. Little Dabbu also ensured her that he will be a good boy in the absence of her mom and would not do anything that would hurt her. Debolina wanted Dabbu to be taken away before she went for her final round of her sessions. So, only Subodh, Debolina’s Husband stayed there while I along with Dabbu started our journey back to home from Parel to Vashi in Navi Mumbai.

I bought Dabbu his favorite Kinder Joy as well as Crax chips and sat in the cab which was waiting for us outside the hospital. “Chalo Bhaiya” I told the driver. While Dabbu got busy eating and playing with the toys in the Crax and Kinder Joy, I saw a happy couple crossing the road and went into flashback.

It was year 2006 and I was doing my Post Graduation when Debolina and Subodh shifted next to our home. Since, both of them were working, they often kept their single key at our home and that is how I was introduced to them through my mother.  Debolina was a perfect modern women – She was gorgeous, fashionista, well-educated from a prestigious college and had a decent job. To my surprise, she was even a good cook and had a great sense of beautifying one’s abode marvelously. Subodh was a perfect match and complimented her well.

The guys in our housing society often eyed Debolina and would envy Subodh. On the other hand, girls would want a husband like Subodh who was not only very caring but also a devoted husband. As the days passed, I slowly got to know the couple well. In Debolina, I found my sister who had recently married. While Subodh was like an elder brother always ready to help with my career woes. Sunday was always a fiesta time when in lunch Debolina prepared my favorite Kosha Mangsho (Mutton dish), Aloo Pasto, Bengali Fish Curry and in the evening me and Debo would chat and have girl fun while Subodh would either make some continental food or take us out for dinner.

I had become a part of their family and shared some idyllic moments. A year later, Debo gave birth to Dabbu. Debolina was a career-oriented women but she would not compromise anything with Dabbu and soon left her job. Subodh who always wanted to be an entrepreneur could not quit his job to pursue his dreams because he had to support both Debo and Dabbu and also pay the house loan. Yet he was more than happy to compromise his dreams for his little blissful family.

Soon 2 years passed, I completed my graduation, had a break-up and started working. Debolina was completely married to her household work and in bringing up Dabbu while Subodh concentrated in his work. Subodh was now promoted on a much senior position and was sent to the headquarters in the New York City. Dabbu was growing up and since he was a special child, Debolina was 24×7 behind him, stressed with his health and habits. Besides, she was all alone since her love, Subodh was busy earning grands to support the house and Dabbu’s medical bill.

In the process, Debolina forgot that she needs care for herself too. She would often ignore her health and physical conditions. In addition, since Subodh was not here, she even had to look after the bills and other work which normally men around the house do. Any peculiar pain and symptom was sidelined by her as Dabbu became her priority and she casually ignored any warning signal of her body thinking it might be stress, strain or the daily pressure.

Days passed and soon it was a big day for Debo and Subodh as little Dabbu turned three. I still remember the day, it was January 1^st 2010. Subodh was here in India to spend a month’s time with his family. But Fate had his own plans. Debo had a very serious stomach ache, so much that she could not even stand. We soon hospitalized her. After the doctor’s inquiry we came to know that Debolina was having such stomach aches from long back. However, she ignored thinking it would be due to other reasons. After the initial round of check-up, the doctor revealed to us that the pain Debolina has is not any normal pain but that of Stomach or Gastric Cancer and she is on the last and final stage of her life.

Subodh was shattered to hear this but he could not reveal his pain to Debolina who was battling for her life. Plus, Dabbu was just three and a special child. How would he and his son do without their major support.  Soon, Debolina’s fight began. This was her second chemotherapy.

The flashback was interrupted by the driver who parked his cab near my building. After an hour Subodh gave me a call only to declare the fateful news that Debolina, his lifeline was no more. She had tried her best but her fate was decided. So, within three months from Dabbu’s birthday and roughly after two rounds of chemotherapy she left us alone and brought an unusual void in our lives, especially Subodh’s and Dabbu’s.

Three years has passed by, Dabbu is now six years old studying in a hostel in Panchgani. He is a big boy, and very matured from the boys of his age. He is best in his class and a performer. Every summer vacation, Subodh comes to India only to spend 60 days with his son. The house next to us which remains isolated all through the year once again lightens up with laughter once the duo comes. However, they both miss Debolina, the doting wife and caring mom. I have seen both of them sobbing when alone but trying their best to hide in front of each other. However, if Debolina had not ignored the initial warning signals of her body the outcome today would be different.

The medical inquiry showed that Debolina had witnessed symptoms of all the three Stages of Stomach Cancer. From early stage symptoms of Heartburn, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, to symptoms of later stage like bloating, nausea, weight loss, diarrhea and bleeding. However, Debolina continued looking after her family neglecting her health as all the mothers do. Had she seen a doctor in the early stages without ignoring the warning signal the story of her family would be different today. Subodh would neither live a sorrowful life nor little Dabbu would have to stay in a hostel deprived of his parents love. The little family would be blissful and not devastated as it was today.

The moral of the story being, a woman is the pillar of the house, a strength that no money can buy. Plus, she is the one who can easily hold things together that are beyond the capabilities of men. So, it is very important for every woman to take intense care of her body and health without ignoring any peculiar warning signs and symptoms in their body.

No matter how busy you are or what the priority list is, take care of your health. Your health is important. It not only affects you but the entire family that depends solely on you. If you are hale and hearty, your family is, but if you ignore your health the future of your family goes on toss especially the children’s life. Life without a mother and wife is no more less than a hell for the survivors.

If today Debolina would have survived, Dabbu’s life would be much easier and so would Subodh’s. I haven’t seen him smiling expect the time he plays with the little matured Dabbu. The little bundle of joy wants to become a doctor so that he can save all the patients from dreadful diseases and every time he sees the doctor in the Colgate Total Ad in TV he yells that I will become like him one day and save all the mothers of the world.

The post is written for Indiblogger’s Colgate Pro Gum Health Contest.

Find more about Colgate here: http://www.myhealthyspeak.co.in/

Defaming, discriminating and objectifying women

Is just a bird of evil omen

Throwing acids, raping women, and sexually assaulting them

Will not showcase your virility but declare you as a clem.

Stop this misogyny before it’s too late,

Coz she deserves every inch of love and not your hate.

She is the one who gave you birth, she is the one who fed you for years

Yet you like a monster, constantly hound her and increase her fears.

Stop this Crime against women and be a man,

End it right here before it passes on to your next clan.

Grow up folks as you are evolved and not apes!

Let’s revolutionize our thoughts and be the change,

Ring the bell and spread the word across your range.

A notion can transform the world we live,

An idea can abstain us from the polluted air that we breathe.

So, don’t wait for others to initiate, or to make the first step

Transform your thoughts and edify the rest.

Start from ‘I’ and move to ‘we’,

The virus of change will soon spread from every he to she.

Promise to revolutionize your thoughts by saying no to “BIGOTRY”

And vow to treat every woman with respect and dignity.

It’s time we bring the change and ring the bell,

So, that every woman leave in peace and do not compare the earth with hell…

This poem is written for the campaign http://www.bellbajao.org/

You can find it more here on Indiblogger’s Ring the Bell Contest

From past one month, I am actively involved with some of the fellow bloggers from Indiblogger and we are a bunch of enchanting babblers who just cannot stop chattering, whether it’s on the comments section on our blogs or on the group chats on our WhatsApp group. Besides, the one thing which is quite peculiar amongst us is, we all love food. And while having our hands on our slurps and chows, we the fervent are always more than eager to indulge into some role plays which is quite hysterical and involves lots of bizarre talks.

Considering all the virtual talks going on our WhatsApp group, I thought why not make it a real thing by hosting a weekend party for all of us, the radiant blogger friends with a theme that we are so fond of. Yes, the theme would be Modern Swayamwar of Sita (Anukriti) but with our own twist. Here, all my male bloggers would dress as Ram (Sriram), Laxman (Amar), Ravan (yes even Ravan, Tapobrata attending the party to add more fun), Vishwamitra (Nikhil), King Janaka (Sud), other Kings (Rohan, Karan, Harshal, Jay) and even Hanuman (Stephen)- Angad (Rafaa) while the female as Urmila (Fatima) and sisters of Sita. The twist in the tale would be the male bloggers will woo the ladies with their best poems, short stories, 55 fictions, photography and other work of fine art and writings.

The location would be my room of course and the ambience would be royal just like the imperial darbar of Mithila. However, even though the ambience would demand luxurious decoration, I will make sure that the blogger’s party is green and environmental friendly. I would light the room with petroleum free soya candles and use the empty Soft Drink bottles to use as vase with real flowers stretching fresh aroma across the room. After all, bloggers are coming together, the ambience should support some cause and spread some message.

Next, since I really do not know how to cook yet relish tasty food, I would serve the characters of Ramayana a royal treat with ITC Kitchens of India Ready to eat food. The starters would be fried dry fruits (Yea, I can fry dry fruits), followed by the main course encompassing Veg Biryani and Paneer Darbari. The Veg Biryani would be prepared by using Vegetable Biryani Mix from Kitchens of India as it has a unique discrete flavor that epitomizes the ancient culinary flavors, something that best suit my Ramayana theme.  In addition, the bloggers mirroring Ramayana characters would be served with the supple, succulent and flavorsome Paneer Darbari to bring back the essence of the bygone era of Ramayana once again in our modern tale. Chutneys were an integral part of the ancient darbari food. So, I would also get a khatta-mettha chutney to delight the ladies as well as gentlemen of my royal revelry with the tangy Tamarind and Date Chutney

Once, the bloggers disguised in Ramayana characters cherish the royal revelry, the deserts would include the luscious Hazoori Petha Halwa, the north Indian cuisine, perfect for all the guests and my royal treat. With just heating and eating, this special dessert is sure to lure all the sweet tooth of my blogger friends.

With all the Kitchen of India products, from the main course to the desert with a tasteful chutney, I am sure all my Indiblogger friends would enjoy the royal treat while having a blast playing the Ramayana characters. What’s more, even though I have no idea how to cook, I still will be able to serve my royal guests a gourmet treat.  Not to forget, without the woes of shopping the ingredients and spending hours in preparing for the party. Thanks to Kitchens of India products for allowing me to think of such a distinct bash to throw to my wholehearted Indibloggers faction.

This post is written as part of Indiblogger’s Kitchen’s of India Contest.

Discover the magical world of Kitchens of India here: Kitchens of India.

And it rained heavily only for half an hour….

Wrapup your pants, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Mumbai rains are here!!!

Here it goes the Tata Safari Storme Sport Utility Vehicle (S.U.V.)

Like a beast in wilderness;

Driving us off the road in style

Like a Smart Utility Vehicle (S.U.V).

With a new generation 2.2L VARICOR engine

And a power of 140 PS and 320 Nm torque

It is like the man with the mask on,

Spinning, tiding and swirling like the gushy winds in cyclone.

Climbing through the see-saw,

Making its way through the rumblers,

Descending swiftly across the 45 degree incline,

The monster kicks off even in the dwindlers.

Without the push, without the bumps,

Like a machine on the humps,

Through the arid, across the road of strive,

Oh what an adventurous Xtreme Drive!

Ready to have some thrills on the real SUV with the bloggers, I reached the venue, the Chitrakoot Grounds sharp at 5 pm. My second Indiblogger meet in a span of 3 days and I was more than excited to indulge in the activities once again. By now, I have realized what amazing fun the Indiblogger meets brings. Oh yes, I am looking forward for more….

Ok, coming back to the venue, me along with my blogger friends went inside to register ourselves for the event, the Tata Safari Storme Xtreme Indiblogger meet. Still wondering what the event may unveil, we began chattering among ourselves and greeting-meeting the newcomers. Then began a game of numbers where we had to think of a number and every number had a prize hidden in it. From sleeping bags to banana along with a swiss knife and a private lap dance, the mystery of the numbers came with all the fun and frills. Next, the 30 seconds of fame came into light and we began introducing ourselves. This time, even I got the chance to boast.

All this while, the twitter contest was on, where we had to tweet our retort as a backseater in a car. All the humor rolled out on twitter as well as on the venue and the best tweets even had the privilege of Nikon Camera along with other amazing booties. The fun had begun and we were given the testaments to fill for the xtreme drive. The bloggers roared in delight anticipating what the subsequent agenda would be.

Next, we were exposed with the features, specifications and the beauty of the beast, the machine which we were looking forward to have a hand on. After a detailed session by the brand manager of the most awaited SUV of the Indian market, we were asked to split ourselves in 20 and name our team. We gave the sobriquet of “Storm Ryders” to our amazing team of 20 and started clicking a team photograph before avenging towards the grounds to meet the sexy machine in “person”. Thanks to the Indiblogger team who always ensure that the bloggers get a firsthand experience on the elite stuffs before its launch, all in advance.

Five teams out on the ground to experience the real fun in the real SUV. But, wait a minute, there was something unexpected here. The team of 20 had to indulge in a “Tug-O-War” with the rigid machine, the Tata Safari Storme. Here, began the man and the machine saga, with few falling, few screaming, few engulfed behind their cameras, but all immersed in the euphoria of enjoyment.

The Storme Ryders

Once the thrill of the “Tug-O-WAR” was well accomplished, we, the proud bloggers started venturing towards the real adventure. Ah, we were waiting for the fun all this while, weren’t we? Based on the cards which were given to us individually (A, B or C) we started making our way into the machine for various activities – Off the road, Bumble Bee, See-Saw, Terra Pod activity, Rumblers, Dwindlers and Drift.

Tug-O-War

The interior of the machine was class and so was the comfort inside. Although, the ride was supposed to involve a lot of twirls and jerks, it was quite amazing that we were stable and safe and could easily enjoy the climb on the inclined/suspended path as well as witness the excitement while ascending-descending on the 60 degree bridge. And personally, I was extremely happy to witness the tornado of dust, the Storme was creating on the ground.

See – Saw Activity

The Powerful Real SUV inclined at 45 degree

A perfect piece of machine for all the enthusiasts, travelers, off-beat drivers and harsh roads, the new Tata Safari Storme has all the incredible features that a real SUV would serve and I was more than glad to get a taste of Xtreme drive on it, thanks the entire team and staff of the Tata Motors.

And finally, after the euphoric drive, we were served with some delicious vegetarian food along with luscious faloodas, icecreams and gulab jamuns. What more can I ask for – Xtreme drive with xtreme food and fun amidst the Xtreme bloggers. Not to forget the Xtreme Indibloggers tee too. Xtreme fun indeed!