Yeh Mera Young India !!

Buzzing activities of this Saturday came to a grinding halt with our car refusing to budge an inch. Abdul's desperate attempts to revive the worn out battery left him drenched in sweat and short of breath. I asked him to sit at the wheels while I opted to push the car along with Anjan. I was suddenly surrounded by a handful of young boys from various directions who firmly asked me to step aside.. I obeyed and they all pushed the car back and forth till the battery coughed up to a start. I was touched beyond words that the present day young labourer came forward without my asking and took the onus to get the car started no matter if they got worn out in the process or that they might have other important tasks at hand. And all I could give them was an insufficient "thanks"... they did not even wait for it... Yeh hai mera young India...

The deep sound of the fumigating machine in the morning brought a sense of relief among the residents who have spent sleepless nights tossing in bed, slapping and itching to combat the mosquitoes. The workers of the Municipality who went round the garden of each house expected to be tipped (famous Indian system of Bakhsheesh) which people gave happily in anticipation of the relief that will be caused to them. Such was another day and I ran down with a jingling fist and offered the bakhsheesh with a smile. I was surprised to see a young lad in a pair of Jeans and T shirt and a mask to cover his nose and mouth. As I held out my arm, the boy did not take notice. "Oh!" I thought in appreciation that he will take it after he has finished fumigating every corner of the garden. Before he walked away, I held out my arm again. This time he took notice and signaled me "What?" I waved out the baksheesh but he did not come forward. Rather he waved out his hand signalling "not required"... Astonished I walked back to my house feeling proud of my young India!!

Had the opprtunity to relish a speech by Rahul Gandhi at the Parliament. The mind and heart went out to salute such a personality. But then he has a proper upbringing and lineage and education to attribute to the personality trait. but how about the simple young lads who showed their spirit sans education or lineage to boast of? Well, there lies the Indian heart which bows in respect, holds the head high in self respect, is dependable and has awakened conscience.

Salaam Young India !

Marriages are not made in heaven, but by people on earth

Two people obediently tie the knot upon the advice and selection of their respective parents. Or let us say they are put together amidst a lot of pomp and celebration. It feels like the times parents celebrated their birthday calling friends over, new and glamourous costumes, ornaments and finery, wining and dining. The groom and the bride with confused feelings agree to enter into matrimony partly because they have been taught to obey their elders and partly because the newness in their lives seem interesting.
When they start living together, their flaws surface gradually. All the paint and newness worn out, the fragrance of withered garlands now no longer smell sweet. Usually one allows to be overpowered by the other...in the garb of compromise - law of maintaining harmony. Some make no compromises and their bed of roses becomes a thorny battlefield. There are a lucky few who meet each other half way and their affection and caring is well reciprocated by the other.

Soul lives on

Believing in the theory of rebirth, the soul lives on..

When we meet someone who we feel we are so familiar with, and are comfortable in their company, most likely, we have then met our soul mates. They are a part of one soul. Soul mates can be calculated scientifically, astrologically.

So also, the Soul continues to be in worship of the diety over the births.