Someone I met 2

I have been holidaying in Bhimtal and here sitting at a lodge I happened to meet a social worker from England. She’s worked in different capacities all over the world. For quite a few years, she is settled in India. Telling us about few of her experiences she narrates how difficult it was to dissuade people in North Thailand against sending their daughters for human trafficking. People over there would cry and tell her, “We can’t help it, we had taken debt and now our girls are being taken away to repay it. The local authorities are mixed with the perpetrators and there is very slow criminal justice. They take away our daughters forcibly”.

She has worked with the impoverished class in Uganda and tried instilling in them the importance of local authority and their need to respect them and not fight them. Now she is settled in the hills of Uttrakhand and goes from village to village and tries to set up local schools that can educate the children, especially the girls. “The girls,” she says “are not readily sent to school in villages. So my basic aim has been to get in touch with small NGO’s and give power of education to children, though  I have tried to focus on going from house to house and tell them the need to educate girls.”

She continues to say, “I plan on staying few years more in India, work and take small breaks and travel. I want to get a better grasp of the culture; after all I too have originated from it. I recently was duped in Varanasi where I took my first religious holiday. I had heard of the reputation of the town as that being of a temple town and was very interested in going there. Yes, there were good lord too many temples there. The pandit ji there duped me of couple of thousands in doing some ‘puja’ that would make my ancestors rest in peace. In spite of that I loved the town with its Kashi Vishwanath temple that I’ve learnt is one of the important Shiva temple and saw the famous aarti on one of the ghats. Oh! the sight was gorgeous. Also nearby was the Sarnath just a mere 13 km away. Isipatana is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage which his devout followers should visit, if they wanted to visit a place for that reason. It was also the sight of the Buddha's Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta , which was his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, in which he taught the four noble truths and the teachings associated with it”

And she is lost in thought for couple of minutes and then tells how interesting her years in India have been mixed with experiences related to culture, like the one of puja’s and it helping one’s ancestors rest in peace. “Well you see from where I come, these things are improbable and slightly hard to digest. But if this is my ancestor’s culture I do need to give it a chance and try and understand their believes. I plan on visiting Puri next month. It’s got beautiful architecture they say and has an important Vishnu temple.”

She pauses and then says, “How do you remember all the Gods and Goddesses. There are too many and I keep on getting confused. There are too many sects and variations in the Hindu culture itself. Till now I have only prayed to the all mighty Jesus of the Roman Catholic Church.” And she laughs at it.

Yes it’s a little obscure when you think of it and the so many Gods and Goddesses and their significant places to worship and then I wonder whether this Lady who has grown up with understanding of the Christian faith, has a Cambridge degree in International Sociology, is well versed in different languages will ever be able to understand the nuances of the Hindu religion and our Indian culture. Well her stay in India in so many years has made her quite proficient with the Hindi language at least. I wished her luck for her future endeavors and came back to my lodge.

Someone I met series

Ok so this idea of someone I met came from the caravan magazine and I decided myself to write about a few interesting people I met. I've already started with Someone I met- Mr Kapur. Hope you liked it now its time for someone I met 2. Hope u like this lady too

Someone I met

So here’s the story of Mr Manu Kapur whom I met recently at a social function. He has studied from IIFT in Delhi and has worked for various coveted companies.  He has been associated with International Trading / Retailing / Sourcing for over two  decades. He has had the chance of working with coveted organizations like the Murugappa Group, Metro AG, Li & Fung, Reliance Retail and IKEA. I currently head the South Asia sourcing operations of a major Department Store in the US.

He has been travelling since 1994. What seemed charming and exciting at first (a phase that was extremely short lived)' over the years has been an absolute nuisance something that he’d gladly give up if he had the opportunity to. The happiest part of his 3 year stint at Reliance Retail clearly was the fact that he wasn't travelling at all, except domestically, which strangely he don't mind as much. His travels have taken him far and wide - Pakistan & Bangladesh several times, since He’s handled the business operations of these countries on several occasions in the past and does so currently too. He’s also travelled extensively in Europe, North America, South East Asia, North Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Several interesting incidents (some pretty scary at the time) come to mind in terms of travel over the years - being mugged at a sleepy railway station in a small town near Amsterdam, getting into an altercation with a fake policeman demanding money in Prague, speaking through the night with a colleague from Russia that he had never met or spoken with before till earlier that evening, to name a few.

One of the highlights though was this - He was in Bangkok several years back for a Buying Trip. The day went really well and they transacted business worth several million Duetsche Marks (pre Euro days) on the spot. To celebrate, the Chief Buyer of the group He was working with then decided to buy them a couple of rounds of drinks. After guzzling a couple of litres of beer, they decided to walk across to a famous Japanese restaurant for dinner. Each one of them ended up drinking more 'saki' than they could handle. They left the place, hand in hand (more out of support against stumbling than out of affection for each other) and then for some strange reason decided on hitting the hotel discotheque for some champagne. No prizes for guessing what followed - they passed out in our respective rooms. He woke up at noon for an 8 am meeting and doesn't recall getting ready in a shorter span of time. When he reached the conference room at the hotel, he found it deserted. The first thought in his mind was that everyone was probably out for lunch and that he would be skinned alive. A couple of minutes later, on enquiring from a hotel attendant, he found out (much to his relief) that he was the first person to show up for the meeting. Nobody came in for the half hour that he hung around in the room. He happily left after realizing that the others were probably still asleep. They reconvened at 8 am the following morning.

He’s a strict vegetarian so I asked how he has managed that? Being a vegetarian who has a strict mushroom allergy can be a huge challenge for a frequent traveller. After returning from trips feeling pretty bovine most of the times, what with the variety of leaves He’d get to eat in his insipid salads, it would be time for some stuffed 'aloo paranthas' immediately on getting back home. This was a tradition that his beloved mother started years back and even now, every single time He get back from a trip, irrespective of whether He’s hungry or not, purely sentimentally and out of extreme love for his mother, He religiously eats 'aloo paranthas' on his return - generally in the wee hours of the morning. 

Though he travels so much for work Ironically, He just loves travelling with his family. They've done several places in India - beaches, hill stations, wild life reserves et al. The highlight was a fortnight long road trip they did across Rajasthan.

Internationally, They've travelled as a family to Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. The finest trip that he feels he had was this summer, when they went to Vietnam and Cambodia. It was absolutely perfect - great weather, lots of interesting things to do and great food.

One funny incident was when they drove down from Phnom Pehn in Cambodia to Siem Reap, to visit the famous Angkor Wat temples. They anticipated the journey to be much shorter than the 6 hours it took. As a result, they ended up getting to Siem Reap almost around the time that entry to Angkor Wat closes. They decided to visit the temples the next morning and go to a vantage point to watch the sunset that evening. His 9 year old daughter, who hadn't particularly enjoyed the ride, was very upset that they'd travelled six hours 'just for a sunset' and threw a huge tantrum.

 

 

 

Mahabharat and Ramayan saved the Day

 My nephew all of eight years was visiting us during his winter vacation. Being a nice aunt I wanted to welcome him with a gift, something that would be enhancing and educational and yet something that he would enjoy. Knowing his love for books, I went to the Om Book Shop outlet at Great India Place, Noida. I absolutely love their range and mix of books; they have a book available for everybody.

I wanted to buy something different and not the usual Enid Blyton’s because I have no clue about which ones he has and which he doesn’t. I was looking around when I saw these series of books that Om Book Shop has developed in their own publishing house. It’s the mythological series of picture books. There are many titles available ranging from Krishna, Ganesha, 365 Mythological Tales, Ramayana etc.

 

I totally fell in love with their Mahabharata. The language in the book is easy to understand. It has beautiful glossy pictures explaining the scenes. The story is not very detailed and not too abridged. The book is divided into chapters marking the major events of the epic. The pictorial narrative moves smoothly and effortlessly keeping you engrossed. It not only seemed a befitting gift for my nephew to educate him about our mythological and cultural beliefs but it seemed a good read too. The book is not age specific, I ended up buying it for my niece whose 4 years so that my sister can read it out to her and explain it in between if the need be and I also bought a copy for myself. I think all Moms’ need to get a look at it. It’s beautifully amazing.

 

Happy Birthday Mom

 

There’s no bond quite like that between mother and child. You know me in ways no one else ever will. You also see in me all the things I can still become and continue having faith that I can do and be whatever I want, no matter what my age. You are my biggest fan, my mentor, my confidant, my hero, my turn-to person when my world comes crashing down and the first person I call to tell when things are going great. The comfort that comes from our friendship, the confidence that your faith in me instils, and your unquestioning support of whatever I do, is irreplaceable. The kind of there-for-me that you are is the very essence of what makes a great mother. The last few years have been quite tough on you thanks to my good health. You can’t imagine what your being there has meant to me. There have been times where you felt helpless and your patience ran out and you have screamed at me, but I guess the ups and downs we’ve had in these years, you too needed to vent out. I don’t know what to say because since the last 3 years your life mainly revolves around me due to which many a times Bhav and Adi lose their patience and fight with you, all I can say is Thanks Mum and I wear your unconditional love and support around me like a big hug every single day.

I am so blessed to have you in my life. I’ve probably said it before — you are my angel on earth and maybe the only person I can pour my heart too. You truly are the world’s bestest friend. Thank you for always, always being at my side and having my back. No one is in by my side quite the way you are. No one understands me the way you do which sometimes leads to a lot of criticism from you, which when I think with a cool head always is beneficial for me. There are times when I’m stubborn like hell but then Mumma, I am a Chhatwani and a Capricornian so can’t help that. I am sorry for that coz it really irritates you. I treasure you, mother, and love you more than life itself. You are an amazing person ever ready to learn something new, always open to different opinions and ideas, and so compassionate and kind. You have always taught by example whatever you have experienced in your life, you try that we don’t commit mistakes and get hurt and sometimes we listen, but what I admire the most about you is that inspite of warning us and advising us if we still want to do a certain thing you give us room to commit our errors and mistakes and learn from them; even though when we fall you know it will hurt us and in turn hurt you even more. I hope you break 100 with good health and a strong mind. There’ll never be a day in my life when I won’t need you.

Just a small quick reminder that I love you and I’m here for you too. Please remember that. And don’t worry you’re seeing that I am making every possible effort, I shall get better soon and we shall travel a lot and create new memories.

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday, mom. You make the world a better place.

Love you hell a lot, Big Hug and a Big Kiss

Aisi Vaani Boliye .... Oran ko Bhi Sheetal Kare.... Aap hu Sheetal hoe

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel...

This is a Mantra I’ve grown up with.... My mom always stressed upon and always said “Behave in a manner that you would like if someone was to do to you” hence I’ve tried to measure my words before speaking or evaluate my actions ... because of which sometimes I’ve been called calculative and a snob... either of which I believe I’m not.... Also I’m not trying to say I have been perfect and have never hurt a person... well that’s something that’s impossible.... what I’m saying is that I’ve always genuinely tried that I don’t do something that could make a person feel bad....

Anyways in the last few years there have been few incidences that have symbolically reiterated this Mantra over and again.

Few days back I bumped into a school friend whom I had had a fall out with as school was coming to an end. We hadn’t spoken since then. I saw her and we exchanged pleasantries and I asked her if she wanted to join me for a cup of coffee... she was hesitant but she agreed... trying to remain polite I asked if it was all good ... sitting for the coffee and all and hoping I hadn’t put her in a tight spot in anyway... and she laughed off saying “So you haven’t changed much it seems... Old habits die hard it seems...always measuring your words and actions” ... well I didn’t know how to react and I just smiled.... Our coffee came and we were exchanging notes on our life when she out of nowhere just started off... “Listen, I don’t even remember why we had a fall out.... I guess we were immature and stupid... But if you don’t mind lets mend the bridges”. Obviously I was slightly taken aback but very happily I agreed too... Not like I remember why had gotten bitter with each other....

We started getting nostalgic and reminiscing the old days when she told me, “You remember the music competition we had gone for.... I still can’t forget what you did... I had a hoarse throat and was really nervous about how I would be able to sing... but you not only comforted me through words but you from somewhere arranged warm water and disprins for me so that I could gargle and get myself into a position to sing... It’s truly because of you that I won that day”

I was so surprised that on my way back I just kept thinking that a small gesture of care and concern made such an impact that she remembers it till yet...

This got me thinking about my brother’s wedding that took place 2 years ago... obviously we had family and guests from all over and its a custom “atithi devo bhava” that you consider your guess above all... and that’s what I tried too... we used to have breakfasts and lunches at home before the main functions... so the whole family used to be together having lunch and we kids would help out a little by calling everyone or helping serve the breads and other necessary things around...for those 3-5 days till the guests were around.... Before leaving my Maternal Uncle specially called my mum and had a word with her. He went on to tell her that they had a wonderful time and there was nothing more that they could ask for in terms of how much we looked after them. He then added, about me, that your daughter has been exceptional. She made sure that this little girl provided breads and whatever drinks we asked for and only after she had made sure everyone was well looked after for did she sit for her own meal. She remembered everyone’s likings and then made sure that people get what they like. My Maternal uncle told my Mom that he would never be able to forgot the way I took care of them.

This had surprised me because according to me I had done nothing extra ordinary.... it was just something small that I did which eventually just stayed with them...

So the mantra came in front of us again - People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel..

I told mom about these incidences and she said it was bound to happen... we have taught you were your childhood to evaluate and do things and measure what you saw because people never forget how you make them feel and this not only stands for the nice things you do for people but nasty things too....

People eventually with the passage of time forget the nasty words but rarely do they forget the hurt they felt then... the humiliation they had been put through and this is what culminates into grudges that are kept for long long after the bitter incidences.....

So just try and keep a check on what you say and do.... Its always a pleasant feeling when someone remembers you with warmth and care...

My Knight(s) in the Shining Armour

Every girl grows up listening to the story of the Knight in the Shining Armour... of how her groom, her prince will come from a far away land and love her earnestly.... take care of her... dote upon her through ill will... who would be the one to stand beside her when any danger comes upon her.... Well, these stories get ever more melodramatic when the girl is dressed in her fineries and is looking all pretty... I grew up listening to these too... I have truly been a fairytale girl... listening and reading them up avidly and quite so believing in them too.

But. on an occasion in my younger years I sat and thought... this knight in shining armour would come when I am to be married but what about till then.... whose going to be my knight till then... the person who will stand by me and make sure nothing wrong happens to me... that day onwards I conjured up my knights from the real world... who I have always believed that I could just hide behind and every dark phase in my life would just vanish.

Yes, like every girl... the first knight I came up with was my Daddy.... I have always lived by that advertisement motto “My daddy strongest”.... my first and foremost super hero.... I’ve always known that with pa around nothing in this world could or can touch me.

Also, once when we were younger on the occasion of Rakhi we were taught the duty of a sister and a brother. How the sister is to pray for the long life of her brothers and in turn the brothers have to safeguard their sister from anything and everything in the world. Naturally, my four brothers were my second set of knights that I invented... With my two elder brothers and my two little brothers around I knew no sorrow could touch me.... I’ve experienced the bestest in my life with them and I was allowed to get adventurous too... after all my brothers were with me ... so what could go wrong...

My two Brothers in laws and my two cousins came next guiding me through the rough and tenuous patches.... Doting upon me and caring for me like no one else could.... I was always the little doll... pampered silly by them... I guess my petite structure always was an advantage for me... I’ve grown up to be an adult but I’m still treated like a small doll by them and doted fervently by them....

Last but not the least the only other person who took up the ‘knight’ spot was my Mama (maternal uncle)... they say that the word Mama is actually Ma – Ma... 2 times the mother and that’s how my mother’s younger brother has been... loving me like crazy and looking out for me just like a mother would....

I have a reason why I have narrated all this... Yesterday, I was just thinking.... Which person in the world would be able to match up to any of these “Knights”.... is it even possible.... Till date I feel that when anything bad happens I can hide behind any one of these and “lumos” (spell of Harry Potter to create light) there the darkness will vanish... I mean I understand that if at this age I was to physically do it... it would be a tad bit embarrassing but trust me I meant it just figuratively, though I’m quite capable of doing it too... but that’s another matter.... what I’m trying to say is... Would there actually be a person who can match up to any of em... Sheesh sometimes it really is not a good thing to be creative and live fairytales in your real life... This is what happens...

Three Cheers for my Knights (you’ll always be my Knights for life..... Yes, you’ve been bound to that duty for life unknowingly) and big big hugs to you.... I love you and this is an ode to you....