Dad - my guiding force!!!

You walk beside them
You feel.....they have always been there
Yet..... when you meet them,
You realize they never meant to be there

Says my dear old dad
"That does not mean they are bad,
just because it makes you sad
It sure does make you mad
atleast you know where you stand........ "

"You ought to be glad
For where you stand
As life may not always be fair
So bury the potholes with fresh sand

Difficult as I try...
It does make a difference....
To look beyond people for what they are
for perception is from what you hear
which may be different from what they are"

Ignorant about a zillion things
Innocent about a few more
Somehow with dad around
Everything lost seems found

A guidng force....filled with cheer.
A support system ....always near
Reassurance ....crushing all my fear
A soulful figure.....so pure and clear

Dynamic, Strong, fearless, honest
Simplicity and intelligence at its best
I simply cannot cease to thank God
For having blessed me with someone so dear!
Pa - you simply are the Best!!!!!

Life…at its best

A parchment….she finds,
Starts working on her mind
Rewinding her time
Held her through the grind

Holding it with a firm hand
Least important though it may be
Not wanting to leave it behind.
Ironical as it may seem,

She does not want to let go of it...
For all the joy it means.
She does not want to let go of it..
For the memories it helps her re live

Many such parchments in their distinct way
Help her live life, her way
Guide her and show her the right way
To make her what she is today

The beauty being the love
For every tread moved
Filled with unflinching conviction
Happy with her life lived.

Her mind filled with emotions
Swaying in different ways
She eagerly looks forward
To yet another wonderful day

Puzzled........

I wonder many a times....what is it that makes us what we are today....At times I feel that Life is an Empty book and we get all the freedom to scribble what we want in its pages. In other words, we are given the freedom of choice. And we are the sole reason behind where we are today.
At the same time, I contradict myself by saying that we are here with a purpose and a reason, which has been predefined. The purpose of life would here be to be able to successfully fulfil the objective or reason. But here again blessed are the ones who manage to identify the purpose! However what about those who fail to do so.
Going back to my first point of view...... one could define his purpose on his own. Maybe we have the choice to do that as well. But here again, I fail to understand if everyone has a choice, then why isnt everyone at the same level or the same platform.Why are some people so gifted and some not so lucky? Why is it that we have so much of poverty which has reached a stage and state wherein there are just idealistic talks about eradicating it and no concrete action....and even if there is action, no concrete outcome. Why is it that there are small children, who have horrible things like leprosy, cancer, AIDs as their perpetual companion, when all they have is a clean soul coupled with genuine innocence. Moreover, why is it that people who have managed to commit horredous crimes, are still living as if they rule the world!
People from different religions haveing different faith would have different justifications to give me. But here is where I face a dilema as to the purpose of one's life. Choice here no doubt works well. But then if choice was it, then it would imply that God has been unfair ( which I cannot believe). So I am half heartedly forced to agree to the fact that there is a purpose for each and everyone and the best that I could make it out to be is to serve mankind........

Time.....Distance ......A realization!

I happened to be reading a few quotes on some random website and I came across some statements which seem so true!
"Time is the longest distance between two places "- Tennessee Williams
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have time "- Stephen Wright
Ironical statements. But I somehow see a lot of truth in them. But yet another important thing that I realized is that time, at the right time is also very important, because as rightly said by Oq Mandino
"There is an immeasurable distance between late and too late"

I started pondering on how correlated the above statements could be. They seem to be true in most aspects. Another ironical thing is that distance gives you space to think and introspect, but at the same time, you happen to lose out on time. If you are sensible, you realize that the extent of time the distance was worth, if not then you possibly in the back of your mind start to think whether it was worth it all. It probably would take you a while to match my wavelength on this one, because this is something which takes time - to assimilate, absorb and relate to. But I am sure that you would agree with the Chinese proverb which I came across:
"Distance tests a horse's strength. Time reveals a persons character"

VT/CST/ Local Trains – A shade in the palette of Mumbai

The sight at CST (VT station) during the peek hours – 8 30 to 10 am in the morning and 6 30 to 8 in the evening….is a must watch for any Mumbaite!
One can just stand and manage to kill time by simply watching people and their mannerisms. People have absolutely No time at their disposal…You would find the most versatile combination scurrying across the platform and rushing to their workplace or on their way back home.
From the elderly, to the working class and the collegians, VT station is a place which is always bustling with activity. It is real good fun to watch and observe people here.

The never ending queue to take the special bus – (Bus number 1) to Nariman Point, and the squabble between the drivers of the share taxi’s….the long queue at the ticket counters at all hours and the mad frenzy to jump into the train before even having arrived on the platform – this place is indeed one of the most dynamic locations of Mumbai.
There is so much more to this place…the beautiful architecture is something no ordinary man would miss.
The ‘chaat’ that you get in the subway is not bad either. And how can I forget those two old ladies whom I see everyday – one selling snacks and the other selling Bhel – usually on the first two platforms. McDonalds/Pizza Hut Vs. road side sandwich wale – both seem to have a good number of takers.

My eyes invariably tend to notice the nice/ not so nice, weird, funny and sometimes ‘atrocious ‘dressing sense of people. One thing that has always amused me is the typical ladies wearing Short skirts (Who invariably make me feel that I have way too many clothes on!) They look smart, no doubt and I totally agree to the fact that they have their own distinct classy look. What amuses me is when a few say they wear short skirts because they are comfortable during the rains! Yes totally agreed! They definitely are. But talking of comfort, I do not really understand where high pointed heels and rains go together. I think you simply stick to the fact that you want to be and like to be a little more glamorous rather than coming up with any illogical explanation. And more importantly why someone would really want to justify his clothing unless and until he/she is way too conscious or feels out of place in it
But on a lighter note, it’s completely hilarious to watch these ladies who wear skirts to feel comfortable during the rains, struggle to walk in their pointed heels. : D
Even the Shops in the subway, selling all possible things that you can come up with seem to be doing good business.

And how can I forget what really prompted me to write this post – VT station/ Local trains would be next on the list when it comes to social networking – after Face book/ Orkut. I really have lost count of the number of old friends/ acquaintances; I have met in the last couple of months. I revisit my school days/ college days every now and then. Courtesy – VT Station/ local Trains.

I really cannot help but wonder – have the terrorist attacks changed the perception of CST in the minds of people ? I really don’t think so. People are moving on and CST still continues to be the heart of Bombay.

VEENA – What makes it so Special?

I often have my friends asking me what is so unique about the Veena. As a child I could just say, that I liked the nadam (Sound) and the instrument fascinated me. Over a period of years, and even today as I continue to learn and play my Veenai, I started to become more curious about the instrument and did my bit of reading, research (which is a continual process)
I have penned down in simple terms what makes the Veena so special.

The Veena has four main strings and three other strings on the side. This may be compared in its own way.
There are four directions, four Vedas.
There are Four Stages of life – Dharma, Artha, Kama, moksha.
In Christianity there is the cross which is four sided, and there are four Gospels.
The four main strings of the Veena may be compared to the above.

The three strings on the side help to maintain rhythm and need to be strummed accordingly. They may be compared to Brahma – The creator, Vishnu – The Protector and Maheshwara – the destroyer. They may also be compared to the Christianity doctrine of Trinity – which talks about the unity of father, Son and the Holy Spirit in one God Head.

To put in very simple terms, the Strings of the Veena symbolize Balance and reiterate the fact that a balance between the Body, mind and Soul is very important and essential for any human being to lead a spiritually enriching life.

There are 24 frets on the Veena. The Gayatri mantra is said to have 24 syllables. Each fret of the Veena may be compared with a syllable of the Gayatri Mantra.
They may be compared with the vertebrae of the Spinal Cord.

There is Yaali Mugham (dragon face) on one end of the Veena. It represents the triumph of Good over Evil. There is a story behind the face of the dragon, which I will definitely share soon.

The Biradai (the big screws used to tune the Veena) represent the characteristic of ‘Control’. If any biradai gives way in the course of playing the veena, the tuning is affected and the actual harmony/ divinity is disrupted.
Hence it is very essential to ensure that the Veena is perfectly tuned.

By now I probably would have atleast a few who would agree that the Veena is something very divine and any person who gets an opportunity to be associated with the Veena is blessed!

This post can simply go on and I assure you that I will definitely do my bit in posting more on this divine instrument which I consider to be a part of my family.

Adios Mr. Jackson!

I had taken a vow that I would not fill up my blog with News articles or anything that any regular bloggers would post. But somehow I could not stop myself when I heard that the King of Pop has departed for his heavenly abode. People associate Micheal Jackson with a variety of issues –positive or not so positive.
But to me, he is one of the greatest ever musicians to be born and there is no doubt that he has contributed immensely to the popularity of the genre of Pop Music. The Song “Heal the world” from his album - ‘Dangerous’ has been my all time favourite and as I write, I cannot help but remember the beautiful lyrics that had been penned down :

Heal the world

Make it a better place

For you and for me and the entire human race

There are people dying If you care enough for the living

Make a better place for You and for me……….

I was so inspired by this song, that I named my blog after it!

I pray to the Lord for his soul to rest in peace.

Adios Mr. Jackson. May your music keep the bells in heaven tinkling!