Travel comes to an end with lot of memories.
**After a three day visit , we decided to put an end to the journey and return back to our hometown. But the memories are still afresh. So many sight seeings on the way made the journey more** adventurous.
While moving from the sea, we you can see an woman witha moving cart full of fresh fruits and vegetables. **Their were pineapples, water melon, raw mangoes, cucmber.** All were washed and kept neatly aside. On demand for any fruit, she sliced it neatly added some salt and crushed red pepper and gave it to the customer at a meagre price. We took the opportunity to taste each and every fruit that was kept their. Each had its own taste with spices and salts added to it.
A few Kilometers away from the shore was so many **small shops with lots of accessories made of shells. So many** products were made of shells for sale . Here if we remain silent they will loot us, we have to bargain so that we can buy the product at a less price. So colourful and neatly arranged shops added to its beauty. There was a dog infront of one empty shop, having a good sleep despite the heavy noice. A man was selling lime juice and water in one shop which was really a blessing for many inthe humid climate. We just got into a small sea food restaurant . The specialty of this restaurant is they take orders first and then fry the required fish as per customers choice. They get it fresh from the sea.
On the way when we were travelling **we happened to see the making of salt on both sides of the river. This is the first time I happened to see the salt being removed from water. It** was indeed a beautiful sight. It was nice to see how it was neatly arranged. The area was seperated in cubical forms and water was being pumped into the these cubical spaces. In the scorching hea, I saw a man pulling a plough like thing to and fro. When enquired I was told that the seperation of salt is going on. The white colour salt in heaps was arranged neatly in a line. The salt manufacturing factory was set up nearby. **Once I studied all these in school text books and later seeing all these in personal was a remarkable experience.**
Once we entered the.main road, a Church was under construction. I couldn't get a close picture of the Chuch. The construction seems to go in a full swing.
And finally we landed in our place safe and sound.
Something that I learnt today
**Happiness will never come in search of us. We should make ourself happy by doing things that make us happy. But when things go out of our hand neither you are happy nor you can make anyone happy. Such was the state of mind for the function we attended today.**
As it was a relatives wedding, all members of the family.gathered together. **For me it was a more joyous moment because my children came from their respective places to join the wedding.**
The wedding was at 12.00p.m. so all of us moved from home around 10.00a.m. At one corner of our home we have a papaya plant. Just when moving out of my home I found one of our papaya turned ripe and more than half was being eaten, probably by any birds. That makes me really sad. Because till now we never got an opportunity to taste a whole ripened fruit from this particular plant.
We reached the marriage hall by 10.45 a.m. For the first time I noticed huge number of people in the Auditorium. As we were from the grooms side we reached only after the arrival of bride. That's the custom. Here it's the brides family responsibility to take over the expenses of the marriage.
The Auditorium was packed. The parking area was fully occupied. The welcome drink and snacks for the guests were over by the time we reached. To worsen the situation, the dining area was fully occupied by peoples. And the waiting area outside the dining hall was over crowded for people to just rush in.
I felt the lack of management and organisation for this function. **When we are heading a function, first and foremost a proper interaction and management is necessary.** Because I could see the long await for peoples sitting in the dining hall waiting for food.
The scarcity of food left many of them empty stomach. We being one among them. But anyway we cannot blame the brides family. May be lack of communication or co-ordination between the bride and grooms family resulted in such a situation. We finally landed in a vegetarian hotel for food.
After attending this function I felt the need to write an article on **how to execute a big responsibility when it is entrusted in our hands. This is just what came to my mind and few things by experience.**
When we do not have the experience to execute a big responsibility**, entrust such responsibilities to event management** who executes it very well than expected.
**Finance management** plays another important role. Any big assignments requires a lot of money. So before going ahead, make sure the finance is ready if not, make arrangements to get it done.
A **proper clarification** related to any matter based on the assigned task, if any, should we rectified well in advance.
**Do not keep anything till the last moment.** Because you get confused in the last moment as to what, how and when to do.
If you feel there is a "**right person**" to confront and make things better, go ahead and keep things ahead by proper interaction.
If you are a layman to the assigned task, **never feel ashamed or under estimated to clear your doubts with an experienced personnel.**
**Do not take too many opinions.** That will put you more in a confused state resulting in over thinking and ultimately you will lose your health and increase your stress.
As readers and experienced professionals, please input your opinions in the comment box on how to execute things better.
Photos captured today, from my mobile.
Importance of exams now and then
**Life itself is an exam. Most of you should be well aware of this fact. Each time we pass one stage, comes the next challenge. By then we are ready to accept that. Just because all of us knows they are a continuous process, all of us are prepared for new challenge.**
Fine, the above mentioned was about just facing life's challenges. But now let us come to original exams faced by children at schools and colleges. All school going children dust their books, when the tine table are set for the exams. This is a never-ending **universal tale** which started when the education system was implemented.
Long before, during my time, I still remember "**a big bang on my door"** early in the morning from my father. This is the first warning call. If this fails, comes **a tough angry call** by which me and my siblings rush to the bathrooms. With sleepy eyes and yawning wide mouth, we continue our sleep in the study table but alert and aware of the fact when anybody gets into our room.
There comes the hot tea within hours of our waking up from my poor mother, who feels sad for our state of mind. But she is totally helpless. By the time we sit for a proper study its already time to get ready for school. **And repentance starts Oh! We could have revised this or that instead wasted our time by sleeping. But this repentance continues only till the dy ends. The next day, its the same saga.**
We relied more on textbooks and notes delivered by respective teachers or by library reference . **There were no internets, mobiles or apps to get a detailed study of any specific subject**. Even then there were children who excelled with excellent marks. **Some were bright, studious while some were average and failures.** But everyone had their limitations and happy with their respective marks. **This was during my time.**
**Now its totally a new scenario with the new generation.** Exams are no more a nightmare for many. For some of them exams are cool while some children has nervous break down. Now-a-days children are very bold that if the teacher scolds them they are fearless ans dare enough to go to any extremes either by committing suicide or by attacking the respective teacher by all means.
In our place, at the time of exam declaration, probably one or two cases of suicides have becone quite normal. In the Present system, Children are not trained psychologically to face the after effects of exams.
In these days, rarely do we find a student without a mobile. **Increase in technology decreases their respect towards teachers and parents.** Any error from the teachers while teaching results in abuse or disrespectful attitude by the students. Here, they depend more on technology rather than the pain taken by the teacher.
**In the past also without the support of internet or apps , the dedication of staff from education system has raised many professionals be it Doctors, Engineers or other professionals from various fields. This really is an appreciable fact**.
Image captured from my mobile.
You fail to see the best in you
**Man's needs are always unlimited. They never are always happy with whatever they have. They keep climbing the ladder not knowing there will a steep fall one day. The more you go up, the more steep it becomes.**
Man forget to see what is with him or what is near him. He goes for things above his reach though knowing it is difficult to achieve. His strive continues to achieve it no matter at any cost.
Once he achieves it, he aims for something higher than this. So the race continues, trying to accomplish what ever he can in this short span of time. **Once you reach your target and look back, you will see the best in you is lost.**
**In our regional language, there is a say, the importance and beauty of eyes is not known until you have them. In simple english it means, everything appears to be beautiful when one starts to lose the essence of their eyesight. The value of which is understood only then.**
These are Almighty's gift, where one forgets to understand unless something severe strikes. him. Be thankful to whatever he gave. When someone gets something in abundance, there goes a lot of testing time for him. While a person showered with fewer needs, blessings pour in different forms.
It is a shameful act, that man's greeds are unlimited. One forgets to see the best in him whilst comparing himself to others. People tend to forget their families, friends and relatives when they are in a long hunt for money.
Remembering Almighty, increasing your prayers and spending a part of your income as a charity will improve your righteousness as a person. Simultaneously, these deeds of yours will be respected and remembered by people.
**No matter how rich you are, be one among the people who will not turn their backs at you when you really need them. Here, you become a winner. A will power, determination to achieve more should be within your reach, so that you lead a happy simple life.**
Speak only when you are asked to!
**Speaking is a skill. While some are capable of getting things done by the way they speak, some loses opportunities by the flaws they make in communication. A good speaker to his credits attracts more public by the way he speak.**
Years before, when working in a Middle East school abroad, we were given training on how to speak. Fot this we were forced to join the **Toast** **Master's** session. This was conducted by the Philippines nationalities every weekend. **We were also given certificates for the Best speaker, Best Table Topic Master etc.**
An interesting session for all those who took part. We became more confident and comfortable in our profession as our communication skills developed. We also had the debate session. Infact we took the place of students rather than teachers.
Once a while the Toast Masters arranged a session for many schools who were part of this session, in any hotels. We were invited by the Toast Master's to attend few sessions presented by other expatriates. It was a great experience. It was like this. A person was called and a topic was given on the spot. Some of them was just awesome speakers.
Unprepared speeches by few peoples makes us speechless. The only reason why some people come up with excellent speeches is due to their own experience . We learn only by experience from our day to day life. **Some tips that I got when being a member of the Toast Master Club for speaking either in public or private.**
To excel as a good speaker one should be clear about the proposed subject for the speech.
Be positive while speaking. The listener should gain confidence in what you are trying to convey.
Think before you speak. Some harsh words told in haste cannot be taken back.
Take a long deep breathe in and out when you wanted to discuss something serious.
Calm your mind before you speak. Some people tend to become restless and nervous very fast, which might change the complete scenario.
Speak only when you are asked to. Do not jump into conclusions when a conversation or meeting is going on. You will be given an opportunity where you can raise your voice
Make it precise, to the point and most of all interesting - The message to be comveyed should be short and sweet. No doubts, no question marks from anyone.
Do not speak if you are not aware of the subject. It is far better to remain silent than being under estimated. Speaking shows your inner strength.
Do not speak inbetween when you feel something went wrong. Wait for your turn fir anproper clarification.
These are just few points in my memory. If you have any, please share in the comment section.
Images from Unsplash.com.
Dhanushkodi - now a Ghost Town
**The after effects of Tsunami at Rameshwaram in the year 1964 has left too many scary memories amongst the public.**
This being the continuation of my previous article - **a visit to Rameshwaram**. After our visit to the home of the late Honorable President **Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam** our car sped to the place hit by **Tsunami** which was just Kilometers away, where more than 1500 people where killed by **Tsunami**. It is called **Dhanushkodi** in the state of Tamil Nadu.
On the way to **Dhanushkodi** was a broken **Roman Catholic Church**. Only the walls and the pulpit where the Church father was preaching remained. The remains are a testimony of the natural disaster. We were told by the guide that at the time of Tsunami a sermon was being delivered by the then Church father. And so the church was occupied by more number of people. When the nightmare hit, not a single person who attended the sermon survived.
Dhanushkodi was one of the most popular commercial town those days and the main land transit area between Dhanushkodi and Srilanka. **The town had a railway hospital, postoffice, Higher elementary schools, Medical colleges, Government offices, a railway station etc.** But all these were washed away in one night . **Now the town is deserted with the remains of this broken buildings, which remains as a land mark**. Neither the government took the initiative to reconstruct nor destroy the remains.
The place where **Tsunami** hit in the year **1964** was called **Dhanushkodi**. It is in the extreme southern border. The road of India towards the southern side ends here. It is here, we have the **The Indian Ocean to the left and Bay of Bengal to the right.** It was crowded with tourists. From here we can have glimpse of our neighbouring country **Sri Lanka**.
There was a common tour guide and security stopping peoples to go near **The Indian Ocean**. When enquired the tour guide said here, the sea is calm and no waves due to which the soil remains stable, something like quick sand. So any body can get drowned if you move into the sea. On the contrary, where **Bay of Bemgal** is flowing it was crowded. As it was a rough sea with rough waves, the sand keeps coming to the shore which tightens the soil. The risk of depth is low. So almost all tourist were here clicking photographs with their near and dear ones.
The town after being hit by the **Tsunami** was never reconstructed. Even today, nobody is allowed to be there after 5.00 p.m. For this special police force is appointed. No network tower is built here. Once you enter this town your phone gets disconnected from the outside world. This is now called as the ghost town. It is such a historic place today.
It is said that after the nightmare, all people fled from this place with whatever they had and never returned back. This land became deserted.
Due to increase in tourists they imposed a small fee from the public while entering the town at the check post of Dhanushkodi.
All images captured from my mobile at Rameshwaram and edited in canva.
A noble profession
**Any renowned profession has its own ups and down. Its a fact. But it has its own worth, when executed with great care, patience and concern. Especially, when it comes to a medical field the outcome is respected and appreciated.**
Most of us fear to visit a Doctor,may be, because of the attitude and behaviour. Some of them fear us, while some gives us hope. Probably this can be my illusion. Keeping aside all this, let me tell about a Doctor who willingly took this profession and the patients are at comfort when visiting her.
Anywhere we go we have to wait for sometime to get our things done, especially in hospitals and government offices. Else we have to bribe someone. Some years before when I had regular gynecologist visit, I used to go early in the morning so that I can return by evening.
The the number of patients visiting her was countless. A blessed gynecologist by all means. A Doctor in great demand just for her simplicity and justice in her profession. Most of all, her interaction with patients.
If the Doctor is a famous personality, not to say, anybody is ready to wait for hours to meet her. Years before on reaching her door step and seeing the sight of patients waiting will drain our strength. We have to wait for hours, to meet her. No food or water, just wait.
After years, today I decided to visit her due to severe backpain issue. I decided to meet this same Doctor. I went to the same place not sure if she would be there. When I arrived I found the place with just one patient. On my enquiry at the reception and to my surprise I found that she was the one who was seated there.
Whenever I used to visit her in the earlier years there was a minimum of fifty patients waiting to meet her. But to my astonishment I found only one patient. So I enquired in the counter if it was the same Doctor I wanted to meet. And I was told again **yes**. I was dumbstruck for a moment.
So many things went through my mind. Why no patients? Is she not as able as she was previously? Just unwanted thoughts. Iam sure anyone in my place meeting her after years would think the same. Infact, I was told in the reception on saturdays she work from 10.00a.m. to 1.00p.m. wheteby I reached by 9 30 a.m.
I was curious to know about the lesser number of patients, so I contacted the staff and was told previously she was working for four hospitals independently as a gynecologist. But for quite few years she is confined to just one hospital as she wanted to give more time to her family. She has also limited her patients to fewer numbers. The main reason being her husband is sick and she wants to spent more time taking care of him. He was also quite eminent in medical field.
Its human nature to get confused even before we get a proper response. Such confusions lead us no where, but only disturbs our mind and soul. Better to talk and clear off .
**Dèep from my heart I wish her husband a speedy recovery as Iam happy to see her smiling face as always, due to which patients like me are comfortable to open up any medical related issues. Apart from that, she takes the utmost care to explain our problems patiently to us, in a soothing manner.**
Lead image captured from my mobile while travelled to a destination.
Who is to be blamed?
**Imagine when something expected gets delayed or just imagine we are not able to focus on something very important, what would be your reaction? Either you get angry or broken down or you feel like shouting at the top of your voice.**
Similar to something like that is going on in our place for ùquite ometime. A famous politician from the capital city is on the move. The move I meant is by foot, no cars or securities.
Yes , I know you didnot get my point . A famous politician by name **Rahul Gandhi,** he being the member of the famous Indian National Congress party is on the move, by walk, throughout the country. The caption says "**Bharat Jodo Yatra"** otherwise called as '**padayathra**'. **The meaning of "Bharat Jodi Yatra" means uniting India.**
The main purpose of this walk by foot is to unite people irrespective of caste, creed and religion saying all peoples are one. His walk by foot will be covered in 150 days. The purpose and intention is good but it has its own negative side.
When this Yatra ie., travel by foot starts, the public and the police of the respective places are in trouble. The police makes all the necessary arrangements for his safe journey by walk. Its not an easy job. The process starts a week before the scheduled journey.
The traffic is being diverted from the main entry point causing confusion and panic among the traveller's. Last week when we were back from our journey, we took an easy route but unfortunately we ended up in a long traffic que where the traffic was being diverted due to the arrival of this famous personality.
Today his entry was in our place and once again the bus services were re- routed causing havoc among students. My son being one among them. Now its the exam time for all state University students.
If the child doesn't reach on time. He has to skip the exam. Who is to be held responsible? The public or the leader. Today the buses were diverted and the time taken was more than expected.
Imagine if its an emergency hospital case. Will they withhold the patient or the ambulance. When a leader arrives all arrangements are made for his arrival but doesn't know the trouble caused to a public.
**Conclusion**
**Such things are conducted for the nations well being . I appreciate this. But it should be arranged in such a way by not causing trouble to a common man. He should be given his rights. Without public where is the leader?**
Financial Independence
***The day starts with all of us, busy in work from morning to evening, with sonething to gain at the end of the day. No matter what you earn, all that matters is at end of the day you have something to take with you. I am talking about the income and happiness that we deserve.***
The day is relaxing if we complete our job successfully but haunts us when left uncompleted. Now, let me put on the sex indifference in this subject.
***Financial Independence and Freedom -*** Iam not sure how many of us are lucky to spend our own hard earned money as we desire. Despite the struggle in making money, in many cases, one has not got rhe liberty to spend the money as they wish. I particularly focus this part for females, who work under family pressure and job pressure.
When two members in a family are working and when two of them get along planning the future, things have a safe and sound ending. On the contrary, if both husband and wife are working where the husband demands even the wife's salary despite he earning a heavy package, where is the financial independence for the lady.
Men work to meet the ends. Apart from family he has many other things to cover like Insurance, Rent, Bills etc.....a never endless list. But a woman focus more on her family and parents. She works just for the happiness of her family.
There is a famous mentalist Nivin Niravath based in Kerala, South India. I happened to see in one of his videos the true story of a woman who was refused financial freedom despite her earnings more than her husband.
To say her story in precise, she came from a poor family. In her school days, she was a bright student. Her father took all the initiative to give her the best education. She wanted to pursue her career as a Nurse abroad, after her schooling, but that will cost a huge amount.
She being a bright student, her father promised to pursue her wish and asked her to farewell with high marks in her forthcoming exams. But she knew it would remain a dream as they do not have enough financial stability.
She succeeded in the exams with excellent marks . As promised her father pledged the ancestral property and arranged the money for her travel abroad to study abroad. After completing nursing she decided to take up a job abroad. She was well paid for her profession.
Finally she returned back to India and got married to a man through a matrimonial ad. In the beginning everything went on fine. His salary was comparatively less to that of the Nurse. They had two children.
Her main aim was to get the pledged land and to help her parents and brothers education financially. So everymonth a part of the income was sent to her parents and this became a main reason for fight at the end of every month which disturthe little children very badly.
Finally she took a bold decision to let go the relationship. Her parents were totally against this relationship. But she has no other choice. She divorced him and the children are quite happy now.
***If you don't have the financial freedom then why leave in such an estranged relationship. You are the owner of your decisions. Make your life more easier by removing the disturbing stress.***
Memories
**Some memories haunt us while some just reminds us of what we are doing today. Sometimes we wish to go back to those beautiful school memories, a carefree life with no responsibilities.**
Early in the morning, on reaching the school premises, we are asked to form a staright line class wise with the class prefect leading us. We are asked to move to the Assembly ground with hands at the back. A choir group sing the prayer song and our sxhool people leader read aloud the pledge followed by the students. At the first bell , all are supposed to be in ground failing which he or she will be given a warning if its the first time or punishment by standing out of the class, for the first period.
I was just browsing through an old album of our childhood school days, especially the school photographs. We are sitting neatly in two rows and the last row is standing. Usually the sitting part is done by the girls and standing part by boys.
Nice to see the disciplined seating arrangement with hands folded and boys in attention position. The girls with long hair plaited and folded with red ribbons. The uniform being white shirt and cobalt blue pinafore for girls and white shirt and blue pants for boys All in black shoes and white socks. This is the primary block. What an elegance? In the midst of the seating aŕangement is our Principal and Class Incharge.
On Wednesdays, our uniform was white in colour. This day was meant for exercise for the first two hours. We used to display various exercises under the leadership of a physical instructor.
One can never forget the good old days of yesteryear though it remains a history today. Sharing of food is one such thing. We used to wait for the lunch break. Sharp 12.30 p.m. the bell goes and the classroom is filled with aroma of lovely mouth watering dishes. In those times we never had a canteen and moreover, the parents were reluctant in letting us purchase food from out. So we ate healthy foods prepared at home and tasted the dishes of our friends at free cost.
Now-a-days children are a bit reluctant in carrying a lunchbox and water bottle. Most of them fill their tummy with a sandwich. The parents cannot be blamed as both are working parents which was not so years before.
We had an open ground where we used to run and play during the breaks. Nobody to question us. Now in most schools including the one I worked, the children are not allowed to move from the class during breaks. As the school management considers that it is prestige of esteemed institutions in letting childrens to run around the school campus during.
The evening time is the rush hour where the parents pour into the campus in cycles to pick their child home. I remember my mother holding my hand tightly so that I don't run away into the crowd. Though I felt terrible those days by not listening to her. Today I really wish my mother to hold my hand but now she is too old to walk herself.
**To conclude - Definitely you must have had more beautiful memories in school rather than mine. Do mention in comment section**
Our journey continues - A visit to our late Presidents home
The journey to Rameshwaram, South India proved to be more informative and educative rather than entertaining after the visit to the home of our **late President Dr. A.P.J. Abddul Kalam.**
Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India. His native being **Rameshwaram**, where fishing being the main source of income. He completed his education in physics and Aerospace engineering and was working as an an Aerospace scientist for some years. This being the reason why he got this title ***the missile man of India.*** He got this name because he was involved in the development of missiles. He died due to cardiac arrest, when delivering a thoughtful speech at Indian Institute of Management, in the year 2015.
We visited his home at Rameshwaram, which is now a museum with his creations. Here it was **strictly prohibited to take photos from the inside gallery.** The outside picture of the home was taken with permission. It is two storeyed old building. The first floor was filled with his creations. So all tourists proceeded to the first floor of his home.
As he was a recipient of many dignified national awards, all these awards were neatly arranged and placed in a glass cupboard. He was an eminent writer, who penned many books based on his own variety experiences in life.
One of the wonders of his creation was the ***calipers*** for the polio affected children. **In one of his pleasant talks he mentioned that it gave him immense pleasure when he saw the parent of a polio child crying in happiness, when she saw her child running with the calipers. Calipers is a supporting system for the polio affected child. A caliper created by him wss displayed in the museum.**
A collection of books written by him was displayed in the shelf with a board "**for sale**". The most sold out book was his autobiography "**The Wings of fire**". His writings are simple for any layman to understand. He wrote too many inspiring books for children. One such is "**Ignited minds"**.
The next part in the museum was models of different kinds of missiles, rockets of different size and shapes both big and small. There were beautiful quotes of the late President displayed in one corner with reasonable price tags. One quote that inspired me a lot was -
***The best brains of the nation may be found in the last benches of the class room. by Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.***
I agree to this statement as they are 100% true.
All images captured from my mobile.
Be yourself, because you are you
**A change is a must, but when you change for others it can never be called a change. You don't need to change for someone becauae nobody is going to change for you. Just be you.**
You can see the happiness in one's face when you change for them. You can see the happiness that enlightens their face when you be the reason for the change. Unfortunately these attitudes doesn't change in a long run because those are selfish people who just love themselves and not others. So think twice before letting your happiness down by listening to others.
In marital life, once you get busy in your life you don't find time for yourself. Because once you are married means you are married to the family, whereby, your responsibilities also increase consequently attending to everybody's needs and wants. As days go by, this routine increases gradually creating a hatred within yourself.
For the happiness of the famjly you are prepared to keep all your dreams apart. But how far? Are you happy with such a decison? May be this might continue for a short peiod. After which you regret for reaching nowhere inspite of your calibre.
Time flies. Its human nature to realise things very late and then regret. When looking back never give a chance to regret for what you have not achieved in life. Instead strive to utilise the chance in the best possible way.
When possibilities are at your reach maximum utilize it. When there is a failure never step back, instead enhance your will power and determination by repeated practice. This will only give you a positive result.
**To be yourself remember these points.**
★ Never let someone change you unless you need a change. Because you know your capability, capacity and limits better than others.
★ Give primary importance to your happiness because you know where lyour happiness lies rather than others. Only if you're happy, you can spread happiness among others.
★ If you are confident in what you are doing go ahead, do not give your ears to others opinions.
★ Keep in mind, that when someone citicise you means you are perfect. People with envious nature can never withstand others success. Its an human instinct which will never change.
★ Never back off and never expect everything and everyone should be perfect. Their might be peoples in your life to lift you when you fall or turn back seeing your failure. Consider all these as a new learning experience and keep going ahead.
**Being yourself is the best and bold decision, one should take forward in any path of life. Never everyone gets everything from their comfort zone. Taste the sweetness and spices of life, to face the world boldly. Their you win.**
Visit to my neighbouring state...continues
My journey continues....as it was a no man's land area in quite few places, for miles and miles, the network was totally disturbing. For miles, we lost contact with the outside world. Not only for us it was the same with many of them. It was like a desert safari because both sides were fertilized soil with no trees and water around.
After 3 hours of continuous journey we finally reached a bridge called **Pamban bridge**. A very famous bridge that created history and remains as a history until now. The bridge is spread over 2 km and more. The speciality of this bridge is - parallel to it we have a railway line connecting few places. Underneath we can see two colours of water.
To brief about this bridge, **Pamban bridge** was the first longest sea bridge built in India, in the year 1914 to connect a town called **Mandapam** and the **island of Rameshwaram**. But this.bridge was washed away Though Rameshwaram was a part of TamilNadu, the people were not able to move to and fro due to lack of transport system And then came this bridge which made travel easy.for the peoples of Rameshwaram.
In 1964 this bridge was destroyed by the Tsunami hit in Rameshwaram. The complete area was wiped away. At the time of this incident a train was passing by the bridge parallel to the **pamban bridge,** the entire train along with the bridge with more than 100 peoples were washed away. Not a single person was rescued. From then on this place is called as the "**Ghost** town"
Below is the Indian Ocean on one side and Bay of Bengal on the other. The Indian Ocean is in bluish green colour while the Bay of Bengal in nornal sky blue colour. The Indian Ocean was very rough. In contrast to it, the Bay of Bengal is silent.
After spending some time in the bridge we moved to the town of Rameshwaram. We cannot call it a complete town because too many villages are there. I found herds of cows and goat without owners in the national highway. All vehicles wait for it to move. We got stuck with a single goat in between the road.
When I saw these herd I thought of one of the article written by @Unity in which he pictured a huffaloa infront of a car.
Our drive continued towards the hotel to where we reserved the room. Finally we reached our destination by 1.00 p.m. We went to the hotel restaurant, had food and came back to our room and had a good sleep until 6.00p.m. The journey waa tiresome due to humidity. In the evening by 6.30 p.m. we just went around by walk.
The place is famous for temples and beaches. So we just went around. People from all over India visit Rameshwaram sea to have a dip in the water. According to Hindu mythology it is told that once you dip in this holy water, all your sins are forgiven. It is their belief. Moreover, special prayers are conducted for the deceased close relatives here.
Next comes the holy temple, where peoples come pouring in . The belief is same they can get rid of the sins on visiting this temple. We had a glance of this huge temple from out and finally left to the beach and spent some time there. By 9.00p.m. we were back in room.
Sometimes such travelling definitely gives us extra energy. Wish you all get a chance to move out from your comfort zones once a while.
Due to network issue I did not go through any of the posted articles. But will definitely keep in touch with your lovely article for comments and upvotes.
All images captured from Rameshwaram from my mobile.
A journey by road to neighbouring state.
**Imagine an unexpected journey with family. And the experience you gain while travelling to a new place is a thorough learning experience.**
In my last article I mentioned about **Onam** the harvest featival, for which the government has declared a 10 days holiday to all educational institutions. My children came home for this short vacation. So we decided to visit our neighboring place called **Rameshwaram in the state of Tamil Nadu.**
The trip was just planned two days ahead of the journey. So with all the necessary items we started our journey by road, early in the morning around 4.30 a.m. As the climate is cold in our region, and as it was a mountainous area we were going through, the front glass pane of the car was getting covered by fog which made driving difficult for my husband every now and then, despite the tough ride in the mountainous region.
As we were going by there were streams, mountains, we were infact going through forests with huge trees on either side. The early morning time with reduced traffic let us drive smoothly and speedily. The next thing on the way I saw was the bridge built by Britishers.
On the way I happen to see this bridge and later came to know this was built by Britishers. The train here is just connecting two states.
Here the electricity function is via wind mill due to less supply of water. Far away in barren lands we came.across lots of wind mill which are under the ownership of private persons and companies but a suitable amount paid by the government. As it was quite far away we could not click the pictures.
As we moved further and reached a busy town, we saw some school students in the traffic signal, crossing in a straight line along with their respective trachers. Some of them had placards. The traffic police stopped all the vehiclea from all the three directors for the students to cross
Moving further we came to a village full of greenery and fertilized lands getting ready for cultivation. To a certain extent there were paddy fields and dried sunflower garden. There was a lady beating a steel plate with stick and screaming at crows, which perched the sunflower seeds. The sunflower seeds are getting prepared for oil. There were two peacocks. But as my son ran to take photo, they flew away. It was so beautiful.
This is a barren land and this covered acres. But they are fertilized may be getting ready for cultivation. There were no much people in this place. And it was too hot.
This is just the beginning of travel. Will continue my journey in the next article. All photos arr captured from my mobile yesterday.
Technology wins over interaction
There was a say "***talk less, work more".*** But now there is a correction "**talk less, be on mobile more".**
This change happened all of a sudden globally, not in a particular place. Technology has grown so fast, **where nobody has a tine to say a "hi" or a "bye"** to your friends or family members.
It's a known fact that being under one roof, what is happening within the family is not being aware among eachother. As everybody carries a mobile with net connection, important messages are also being communicated to any single member of the family or in the family group via messages.
Though the advancement of Technology has to certain extent brought great positive changes, simultaneously the disadvantages increased from the personal aspect of a human being.
The communication has reduced finally within family members. When the verbal communication reduced between two persons, people are not prepared to open up with their personal and mental problems resulting in severe health issues, increase in suicide rates, peoples ending up in mental asylum etc.
Recently in news was the increase in death ratea among adolescents by playing blue whale game via online. The game links peoples from different countries to play online finally resulting to end up their life. This was the speciality of this game.
Few school children from my place where targets of this online game resulting in suicide. It was so touching. Because these children excelled very well academically. The parents were at a great loss. Infact, a 11th grade student before committing suicide, wrote a suicide note, mentioning her parent not to purchase mobile for her sister who is in 9th grade. So that she migjt face the same consequences as her.
Technology has grown so fast, that this girl was mostly confined to her room with no interaction with her parents, always saying she had online class. And the parent did not want to disturb the girl as she was a smart student who topped her exams with high marks. But lately they found the girl was a little disturbed and locked herself more time in her room. So her parents persuaded her to spent more time with them rather than mobile. But she stopped communicating and was nervous to tell her supportive parents about the gaming issue. The final solution she found for this was suicide.
Another incident was the suicide of a school boy, studying in 8th grade, which took place three months ago. It was an online lottery game where he lost with his opponent and happen to withdraw a ransom account without his parents knowledge.
As a parent please take the responsibility of checking your kids from time to time. Because the covid time period seems to give more space and provisions for our coming up generation to get involved in unnecessary tasks without parents knowledge.
**Few tips to engage your child.**
Make it a point to sent him/her out for playing with friends, once he reaches from school.
Do not force the child to study
When he shows interest in any other activities other than mobile encourage and be supportive.
Create hobbies, which keeps them busy.
Let them interact with friends more, rather than mobiles. Some parents are choosy about their child's friends. Please never do that. Let them choose, but advice them then and there.
**Today's children, tomorrow's future. So let us be the best example to our children.**
Lead image from unsplash.com
Onam - Harvest festival
Onam, otherwise called as Harvest festival is celebrated with great pomp in the southern state of India, called Kerala.
As the festive continues for a week, the government has declared holidays for Schools, colleges and few government organizations. And one day is declared as national holiday for all the institutions includ9ng private.
The story behind the celebration of Onam goes like this. Our state was once ruled by a generous King called Mahabali. It was a time when people lived in peace and harmony tranquility. They did not how to cheat others or how to lie. The people were quite happy loving each other.
According to Hindu mythology, it is told that this happiness and truthfulness among the people disturbed the Gods who were watching all this. So they decided to get rid of the King.
King Mahabali was a grear devotee of Lord Voshnu. So the Gods took the help of Lord Vishnu. It was a planned conspiracy. Lord Vishnu took the form of a little Brahmin and visited the land of the generous King Mahabali.
To know the generosity of the King he asked for three feet of land, which the king readily agreed to. No sooner was he granted the wish he turned into a huge person. As promised he stepped his first feet covering the whole earth and the next feet he covered the whole sky but now for the third feet he never had anything. So he turned to King where will I get my third feet of land. The King stooped infront of him and he laid his third feet on his head pushing him beneath the earth.
But before that the Lord due to the King's generosity promised him, on this particular day he can pay a visit to this land to meet his people.
So to welcome the King this particular day is celebrated. It is called day of **Thiruonam** as per our regional calendar.
Now about the celebration, all the relatives gather on this particular day. Peoples from far off places come to their home and reunite with their family just for this festival. It is a must they go for new dresses. For the past 10 days in most homes and organizations they put **pookalam - designs with originak flowers**. Even competitions are held with respect to this.
Then next they prepare **Sadya** which is real feast in our place. It is completely made of vegetables. Different types of curries and sauted vegetables with coconuts are prepared. Followed by **payasam** a sweet porridge made of milk.
Some occasions are real memories taking us back to our childhood. Playing in swing, eating sadya with family members etc.
Happy Teacher's Day
**Today our country, India, celebrates Teachers Day. Teachers Day is celebrated in India to commemorate the Birthday of S.Radhakrishnan**
A respectable teacher, scholar and the second President of India, who was much dedicated to his profession. He was very dear to his students. He excelled in winning the hearts of many students. He took to politics very lately and was elected as the second President of India.
As the students were close to him they decided to celebrate September 5th which is his birthday. But he refused saying let the day be celebrated as Teacher's Day throughout the country, to mark this day as a respect for Teachers all over India.
Now if we talk about teachers **without them we are nowhere.** They are the one who ignite us and lay a spark within us to chase our dreams. School being our second home, their constant hardwork and toil to bring a better citizen in us never became futile.
Everyone of us for sure, will have a favorite teacher within us. May be teachers are not aware of this. But we try to imbibe them the most. There are teachers whom we adore may be for their dressing sense or may be their behavior.
One such teacher was our History miss. Both boys and girls where after her. She was one of the strict teacher who never used to smile but her dressing sense was something to be admired. Though she was strict she was always in support of us when we were in trouble. That was her, a person with principles of her own.
The pain taken by each teacher to make us a better citizen ia not a child's play. Even if we have hatred towards any teacher, for them we are one. As students we spent more time in school with teachers rather than parents and vice-versa.
When we shine in our life, it is they who feel at the top of the world. Because this is how we make them proud.
The true essence of the hardwork of teacher can be understood only when we step into their shoes. Iam proud to be one among them. Because my service as a teacher to the students was a learning experience.
**Each day was a new experience. Imparting our knowledge to students is a privilege with pride, at the same time learning new things from students was enhancing our knowledge unknowingly.**
Happy Teachers Day to all those beautiful Teachers, on behalf of our country.
Lead image from Unsplash.com.
When night falls
A time when our body and mind need to relax. From the day break till the sun set it will be like what next? So many things run through our mind keeping our mind working and in a confused state.
The most comfortable and serene night for all the living creatures to have a deep sleep. A time where one can relax and stretch your hands and legs at your comfort zone.
Once the sun set we can find many happy faces heading towards their comfort zone. The happiness just enlightens the tired face to bright ones. We can see the birds flying in group to their nestts. It is one of the most beautiful sight.
When night befalls the birds stop chirping, the traffic reduces, rarely do we hear the sound of vehicle horns, the children stop playing - time to study, we can hear prayer chanting from many homes and mosques and infact the temple bell keeps ringing as its time for closure.
Above all, the TV starts functioning in full volume in many homes. Some of them waiting for their favorite serials or programmes to begin. Here, in my place after 9.00 p.m. we can see elderly people going to parks for a short walk.
Just imagine how a noisy busy day becomes lifeless once it gets darker. Our body and soul is determined to take rest in these late hours. ***No matter who you are or what you are, when night befalls all of us are one. We need a deep sleep.***
***To have a sound sleep***
Freshen up once you reach home
Relax your body and mind instead of getting into unwanted arguments.
Have food which helps in easy digestion.
Drink warm water before going to bed.
Leave all your problems in the door step of your home.
Make sure to make a small prayer before going to bed.
So Iam off to sleep as its too late. Wishing you all a blessed day ahead.
All images captured from my mobile.
Need a break
Hectic schedules sometimes drive us crazy. For sure, most of us are going through this unprepared schedules. During these schedules even if one try to be perfect in work it results only in a negative impact.
Our mind doesn't work at a stretch, so once a while we need to go for a break. A break doesn't mean just taking rest, we have to train our mind in other activities, apart from work.
Sometimes we really wish to sit idle or Just focus on something we love to do. So that we can refresh ourselves again for the coming days.
A break should supposedly be meant for only those activities, based purely on our choice. And nothing annoying or disturbing should come our way.
***Let's see if any of these suits your break***
***Hobbies to be given importance***- There are people with hidden talents among ourselves. But this talent is restricted to hobbies when our highly paid boring job is given due importance. Hobbies always relax our mind. So make it a point to spend some time in this, on a daily routine basis. ***A small relaxation is an opening to a big satisfaction.***
***Go for trekking*** - Trekking is something like a joyous ride. If you get friends or partner of your choice, the distance would never be a problem. Do not forget to enjoy even the small happiness you come across on your joyous trekking. ***Trekking can revitalize your energy.***
***Have an undisturbed sleep*** - The ultimate strength we get from a good sleep will purely be evident in what we focus after a good sleep. To get a good sleep one must keep all the gadgets away. Because even a notification bell can also disturb our deep sleep. Once you get up from your sleep, please do not pick up your phone atleast for some time. Just have a glance through the window and admire the beauty of nature.
***Read some interesting book of your choice -*** Books should always be your first choice. Now-a-days people depend more on mobiles rather than books. "***Every book it's reader"*** this is one of the laws of library. Meaning- book is designed as per the taste of readers. Every person has different taste for different books.
***Listening to your favorite music-*** As more music apps are available in playstore, most of them are updated with the latest collection. But have you ever wondered the essence of singing a song by yourself. Most of them explore their singing skills at the top of their voice in wash rooms, we get to hear murmuring of music from kitchen area also.
***Watching your favorite movie*** - When you have a stressed day go for movies that relax you. Especially comedy movies so that we can have fun filled laughter. Make your day fruitful by sharing the laughter with family and friends.
***Hangout*** - When among friends make it possible to visit places, restaurants and parks, that brings happiness and memories as a flashback.
Just some random points. Thete are much more to relax from a hectic schedule. If you have any please free feel to share in the comment section.
The photos are captured from my mobile.
A little togetherness with lasting memories
Some moments lasts afresh, for a while in our memory. And somewhere we wish for the same moment again, though for sure we know, it can only be treasured.
My son is studying in a high range area. Though it is famous for its mountains, valleys, hills and waterfalls, inshort, a green valley landscape, the peoples there miss something more beautiful and that is the beach. As it is a high range area, there are no beaches around.
My son's best friend wanted to see the beauty of a beach where he wish to spent a day. So one weekend my son decided to get his friend to our place. We have quite a lot of beaches nearby our place. As planned both these boys came home for a two day visit.
As suggested my son and his friend along with my family members decided to go for the beach. On nearing the destination, I could see the excitement in the boys face. Infact, the beach was so colourful with kites flying all over, an Ice cream van surrounded by children, so many food courts laid straight near the beach road and much more.
As the boy alighted from the vehicle, he was blushing seeing the beach and its surrounding. He was so happy like a child running and playing to and fro, in the bank of the sea.
On that particular day the beach was over crowded and coast guards with their whistles were moving around not letting anybody to go towards the sea. Because the sea was rough and the waves were roaring aloud. A warning signal indeed.
The food stalls were laid straightly near the beach road. And hot fried snacks along with tea was available. As the weather near the beach is cold, everyone goes for hot pakoras (an Indian famous snack). We get long green pepper fry which is spicy and apt for such weather condition.
An interesting part was there were lot of eagles flying above these stalls. Unknowingly we took our snacks in a paper plate and sat out but in notime it was vanished. Only when people around us said, we realized that it was the eagles who snatched the snack away from us. It was just a moment of closing and opening your eye.
The toy stalls were also occupied with parents of small children waiting to purchase colourful toys for their little ones.
After enjoying for nearly three hours we left home happily. On the way, we stopped by a wayside restaurant to have dinner.
The very next day, the boys left for their destination and my son's friends thanked us for two memorable days he spent. He even promised to visit again and bid good bye.
All photos are mine captured from my mobile.
Stage fear
**Have you ever experienced stage fear ? Most of us should have definitely experienced this once in life time.**
Years before, when I was honoured with a decadian award on completion of 10 years of service, in the school where I was working, I was asked to speak few words before the dignitaries in the dias. To be honest, at first I stumbled.
I prepared my speech very well before the award ceremony. But when I saw the dignitaries on the dias, I felt something running down my spines. I was given the microphone. I prepared the speech, starting with a quote on children. But once I came to the dias and saw the people sitting right in front of me, my mind went blank.
It was a bitter experience. Working in an esteemed educational institution and not able to speak up few lines is literally not a joke, but a serious issue.
I just stood with the microphone silently for more than three minutes. By then I was totally blank and I thought I will fall down any moment. But then I took all the courage and started very casually with all the experiences I went through while working as a teacher. It was not that prepared speech, but a speech of real experience that I experienced.
I started narrating my beautiful experiences I had with the little ones to the higher grades. The most memorable moments I spent with them and above all, things I as a teacher learnt from them. This was it. Finally I concluded my speech with a big thanks to the Management for giving me an opportunity to work there. In response I got a lovely applause which I can never forget in a lifetime.
Our school took the initiative to introduce Toast Master session in our campus. So that most of the staff could speak in any stage without fear. This has definitely proved beneficial to most of us, including me. Every week 10 of us were given the opportunity to speak on any topic that interests us.
Some are born with ultimate guts. Give them a mike and a stage and there goes non stop speech without a shake. Presently I am able to see that in today's generation. They need no experience, they are an expertise themselves.
Children from a very young age should be given freedom to speak. It so happens, we as parents sometimes snubs them or force them to shut their mouths, when we find they are going over the limit. Honestly speaking, we should only guide them and correct them and not snub them. When they ask questions, we should be patient enough to answer them.
It was my stage fear that forced me to encourage my children to speak without fear in public. So they are happy when asked to speak among the audience.
**Speaking in public ensures the depth of our confidence, determination and will power.**
Lead Image from Unsplash.com.
One's behaviour can ruin another's career
**Imagine a person getting sacked for fake reasons. To make matters even more worse, the intervention of channels to earn publicity cooks up nonsense news against the poor person. When media gets involved the person is ruined**.
The news highlights presently in our local news channel is about a senior professional being fired from his office for charges laid against him by his second wife. This story is based on real life incident.
Actually such news are always on the run, but this was quite upsetting news as I know this person through a friend of mine.
The man is working as a senior Animator in one of the esteemed institution. His job involves training students for better placement in various departments of Animation unit. A person who earns a handsome salary, but was always mentally disturbed.
His first marriage resulted in broken marriage. So he got married to another divorcee who had two children from the first marriage. She is working as a school teacher. Though he has not fathered the children, he simply loved them deeply spending all his money getting gifts and attending to all their needs. They were together for many years in the flat they purchased with loan.
Now for few months the husband and wife are not in good terms. So they decided to stay apart. Its four months since they are apart. The man has got a beautiful residence of his own. So he stays there all alone while his second wife and children continues to live in the flat.
The mother is very smart enough, that she doesn't allow the step father to visit the children whom he loved so dearly. She also instructed the school authorities to never permit the children to meet their father. As told the father happened to visit the school and requested the school authorities for meeting the child who is 11 years old.
On seeing the child he was happy. But he scolded the boy for not wearing the shoe lace properly. God forbid this became the reason for his ruins. The second wife went to the police station and filed a case against him saying this man broke my son's leg and hand in the school premises, which was no where in the picture.
The police said he will look into it. When immediate action was not taken, the lady approached the Women's Association Committee which is quite strong in our state. They inturn contacted the Minister, who ordered the senior police for an immediate enquiry and custody of the suspect. The police officer retorted saying we will look into the matter and immediate custody is not possible until proper evidence is gathered.
This telephonic conversation went viral in almost all channels resulting in the immediate arrest. The Principal of the school gave a clear picture that the child's leg and hand was not broken. It was a fake news.
It is told that as the man is having a mental depression for past few months, the lady wanted to just leave him. Another reason, as he has a house of his own, she needed the flat for which the loan is equally paid by both husband and wife.
In the ongoing enquiries made with the neighborhood nobody has a bad remark about him.
Anyway the poor man has lost his job and career. And now because he has a police record, he will never be occupied in any senior position in any of the companies in the state. Either he has to leave the state or the country for better options.
As a women I really feel sorry for this kind of attitude by the female genders. Now-a-days even own father doesn't take much care of their own children as taken by this step father.
**Almighty has a plan for each and everyone. Let's wait and watch what is going to be the end.**
Concerned of future rather than present
***Some random thoughts, which for sure you would have experienced atleast one of this. LET IT GO and free your mind.***
People spoil their health and happiness by thinking of future. They forget to enjoy the present beautiful things happening around them. . This happens because they experience unfateful happenings for close friends or relatives of theirs.
Some people talk too much and try to make us understand which neither they are clear about nor aware of. Its better to remain silent than talk things you are not aware of.
There is no point in being envious about things that you do not have while others have. If God makes everyone equal in all aspects, naturally people will tend to forget praying.
Few people doesn't smile that doesn't t mean they are bad at heart. May be when need arise they are the first to serve you. So never make a false judgement about people by yourself.
Just do what you can. When you are forced into more amount of work above your capacity, do not get tensed on seeing the amount of work, instead do what you can patiently maintaining the quality of the work so that you are not questioned for what you haven't completed.
Do not ever give unnecessary promises, just because the person is a close friend of yours. Because if it doesn't work out, it will ruin your long standing relationship with him/her.
When in group or say, a party be careful not to criticize anyone, may be in his presence or his absence. This will keep you in a low esteemed profile among your friends circle.
Forgiving is always a beautiful aspect of life. If the mistakes are small just forget and forgive and keep yourself tension free.
Lead image from Unsplash.com
Give some space to your aging parents
**My respects to all the aged parents around the globe. There was a time when we used to force our parents to get things done as per our choice. Though it might be above their reach to provide our needs, they do their best to make us happy.**
We never knew the hardships they went through to keep our house running. We just saw all our demanfs getting fulfilled on time. As such we never bothered to look deep into what is going on.
So now that part is over. Years run, we grow up and get busy with our family, our kids and our lifestyle. In most houses the parents are not in picture when children grow up.
The parents who once gave priorities to our importance first are given least importance at their own home. Once they get aged, it doesn't mean that their priorities should wind up and stay at home.
Old age is an age of fear, concern over loneliness, ailments. So make sure to spend some time with them.
**Somethings to remember when aged peoples are at home.**
Being old doesn't mean stay at home and rest. Once a while they should be taken out, a short picnic once a while to keep them happy and occupied, is something they will enjoy.
They should be given opportunities to visit reading clubs. Because most senior citizens would enjoy reading and commenting among their circle of friends.
When getting old, so mamy problems pop up, loss of memory, partial hearing and partially seeing. All these can be healed by your patience to listen to them, by keeping things at their reach and reminding them.
Do not stop them from doing anything they can. That will keep them active and healthy.
Do not keep them reminding always that they are getting old. For one moment you can put yourself in that place and experience the pain they are going through.
Sometimes they get angry and sometimes they remain silent for long. Handle all these with care and concern.
Shate your happiness with them.
Force your children to spent some time with their grandparents. This will be treasured by the children, though not immediately, later when they start growing up.
***Parents don't remain with us for long. So when they are with you, give your time and space to them, show how much important they are to you, so that you don't regret later.***
Lead image from Unsplash.com
Gesture
Sometimes it so happens that you don't have to speak much to make someone understand, your gesture is more than enough to convey the message.
***A warm smile with an energetic nod and thumbs up is a definite gesture for someone awaiting to win a tough competition.***
It doesn't take much time to complete a communication through gestures. Gestures may be made to warn a person, to give a confidence, to rebuke a person, to cool a person, to win and much more. ***Only the mode of expressing the gesture varies.***
Gestures are communicated through body language. For some it is the most powerful tool with which they communicate while the other understands the message behind this.
When a person for his brilliant achievement receives applause, his response probably is shaking his head with happiness or a noticeable movement by his hand.
**Even a warm hug makes a big difference in someone's life who is really in need of this.**
On the contrary when a person gets hurt, some retaliates by over reacting. May be in the form of breaking things, or using abusive words or by hitting his opponents. But there are cases, where the person remains silent and his glance or eye movements shows what he went through.
This reminds me of the Principal of our school under whom I was working for three years. Once a while, all of a sudden she makes surprise visits to classes. There might be classes without teachers and the students doesn't lose the opportunity of shouting and screaming. And there might be classes where the teachers are busy with their work while the students shout and scream and can be heard in the corridor.
Just one entry into the class by the Principal makes the unruly students silence. A pin drop silence. She never questions, she never points out anyone just her eye contact is enough to keep the class silent.
While walking through the corridor even we staff step back giving her way. Just a mark of respect for this amazing lady. In my three years of experience under her I have never seen her raise her voice no matter how worse the issue is, be it a parent, student or teacher.
Her asset was her smile and the changing gesture as per the environment.
When a child makes a mistake its better to warn him by gesture rather than harsh words. A simple way to make things easy.
Lead image captured from my mobile.
Kalaripayattu
**Kalaripayattu is said to be an oldest form of Indian Martial Arts practiced specifically in Kerala, located in South India. The name of this martial Art is kalaripayattu. "Kalari" means battle field.**
This is in existence for more than 3000 years. A unique martial Art where two or more people combat with sharp weapons. They are even taught to attack instantly with bare hands. Just a miss, a long standing mark will be left in your body. In the olden days, people used to wear armour to protect themselves from attack. In the ancient period, this art technique was imposed in battle field.
**Kalaripayattu** is much recognised and unique from other martial arts. The reason being, the performer just twist their body on the whole in the air with the sword and weapon attacking the enemy. They swirl like a wind. The height in which they raise and fall to attack the enemy is unbelievable.
This tradition is still carried on, in most of the places in kerala. In the ancient days most of these art with hands on technique are taught by Guru. "**Guru**" meaning sage or a monk. The disciple starts this art in the presence of the spectators with the blessing of Guru.
The most famous ancient legendary dance **Bharatnatyam** and **Mohiniyatam is said to** incorporate with this martial art of kalaripayattu to make the dance more unique with different posture. Most of the dance steps and body movements incorporate with that of Kalaripayattu.
Our government for the first time initiated a plan in the year 2021 to open a school exclusively for Kalaripayattu in the capital city of the state. Their main aim being to attract foreigners who are more interested in learning and performing this art rather than our nationals.
Images from pixabay.com. Few informations taken from Wikipedia.
How much do you know your child?
**Every parent wanted to be proud of their children. Parents expectations are far more than expected in their child. But sincerely speaking, how many parents know about their child and what are their needs?**
To be frank some parents do not know nothing much about their child. Years back, one funny incident in the school where I was working reminded me of this fact. As our cashier was on vacation, I was asked to take over her position until her return.
Àccounts software was already installed in the system. So my duty was just to collect the fees of the students, update in the system and handover the cash to my immediate head by evening ie., before I leave home. Things were going on smoothly, when one day a parent came to pay the fees of his child. As usual my first question was Admission number. Because if we input the admission number of the student we get the the complete information of the student.
He was an Arab parent and he started questioning me after giving the child's name as to *why I don't have knowledge about his sons Admission number.* So the next question I asked him was *which class is he studying in?* He lost his control and called his wife to check the details of his son. So this is also a parenr. After he left I really couldn't help laughing.
Now, here comes a bitter experience faced by a 15 year old girl. She is a high school student. Actually this incident is the news highlight in most of the channels at our place. The girls father earns his living by selling drugs. So he is been put behind bars. The father's friends took this as an opportunity and raped the girl several times.
Though aware of this fact, the parents are not ready to complain to the police out of fear. Recently, her teachers noticed her strange behavior and advised her for a counseling section whereby she disclosed the truth. Anyway immediate action was taken against the culprits and the parents. And the child is right now placed in a Child help centre. *What kind of parent is this? Imagine the physical and mental trauma faced by the victim. These happenings are in raise nowadays.*
Lately I happened to watch a Hindi movie "**Taarae Zameen Par"**. Its an old movie but you will love watching it several times. A real entertaining movie. **Infact, a lesson for most parents. Do watch in youtube with your child.**
The story is based on bringing up two siblings in the same family. The family consists of a strict father and a supportive mother and two kids whose character are in contrast to each other. The elder one is studious one, very brilliant and a class topper while the younger one is a dull head in studies. But he has a hidden talent which goes unnoticed by his parents and later recognized by one of his teachers.
The younger one who is below 10 years is forced to go to a boarding school despite the child's plea to study well. The new atmosphere makes him more sick but his talent is recognized and appreciated by his teacher, who later personally talks to the parents, especially the father.
**Here also, the father fails to understand his son. As a parent let us follow certain things to bring a better son or daughter for tommorow.**
Know your child. Children should be given a little bit of freedom to do as they like, but strictly under your direction. To choose what they need to. To be themselves.
Focus on what they are interested in rather than forcing them on what they are not interested. Sometimes the children get frustrated.
Parents should be broad minded to let the child choose a career of his/her own.
Never give teachers a false picture of your child. But at the same time do not exaggerate much about your child which he or she is unaware of.
Do not show your frustration in your child's academics. Let your problem or family problem be yours only. Do not keep brooding to your child saying I spent so much for that, so much for this, our house is in loan, our monthly expense is above our reach, so and so. This will only pressurize the child, ultimately affecting the mental health of the growing child.
Do not compare. This will lead to anger, anguish resulting in hatred towards studies as well as towards society.
Remember, every child is unique in its own.
**Education is not the end. There are people with extra skills for whom education is only a base the rest is there mindset. Give a good citizen to the country through you. Let him see what you are, hear what you sat and learn from you the joy of life. In short, let him see the world through you.**
To my dear friend
Good friends are for a lifetime. Thats why the saying goes **" A friend in need is a friend indeed"** . Lucky are those who have a friend to share all your ups and downs.
Likewise, me too had a friend. A wonderful friend who was always there when in need. You won't believe our friendship started right from Kindergarten. But the friendship lasted only till she got married.
For me she was a remarkable personality. A true personality with a difference. To describe about her she was good looking, photogenic, generous and brilliant. Her dressing sense was too good. She was modest and simple. What more you need from her. By religion she was a Roman catholic Anglo Indian.
While in school and college most of the prince charmings were after her. She was the heart throb for many but she ignored them. Considering her physique, she was given leadership responsibilities in many areas, which she used to discharge with utmost sincerity.
During my school days, rarely did I see ladies going for work. Men were the breadwinner of the family while the ladies sticked onto household chores. But in her case, both her parents were working in the Government sector. Their lifestyle was more comfortable than others.
Her lunch box was always packed with rich food compared to that of ours. She was so generous that she used to exchange her food with others. She loved to enjoy the simple food of ours with no remarks.
It is always a known fact, not everybody are fortunate to enjoy all the good things in life. Such was her story. Though she led a very comfortable life with whatever she wills, she was not happy. The reason being her father who used to consume alcohol a lot.
Unfortunately due to liver failure she lost her father at a very young age. At the age of 15. She had a brother qho was 10 then. Life changed completely after that. Things were not getting materialized. She had to leave her boyfriend, because he was also addicted to alcohol. She feared a life with him, may end up the same as that happened in her family.
Both of us successfully completed our Degree and Post graduate. We were always together. At one juncture I even thought of getting her married to my brother so that life long she will remain at my home. But then religion was a big issue she being a Christian and me a Muslim.
After two years of my education, my parents got me married. I settled abroad with with my husband and children for a while. But we were still in touch. There was no mobile during that time so we communicated through letters and emails.
Later, one day I got the good news from her that she was getting married. That was a love marriage. One day I called her up before marriage and asked if she was happy with this marriage. She happily said "**yes, my dear friend, he is a teetotaller"** which means one who never drinks and smokes.
I was so happy for this friend of mine. Because through out schooling and college she was my best friend and we constantly kept in touch. After marriage, she sent me photograph of her wedding. We continued communicating each other theough phone calls and letters.
All of a sudden I did not hear from her. I wrote letters no response, I tried to reach her through phone either switched off or no answer. She was staying near to her parents home. All our school and college mates stay nearby. So when I did not hear from her long I contacted my friends staying nearby her place.
They said she had some personal problems as she was staying with her in laws and also sister in law who used to make fights regularly. Alas! I was just shocked and asked Almighty **"why she is always targeted".** After that My communication with her was lost completely.
Now its almost 30 years. Recently we had a school reunion at the place where we studied. It is a day's journey by train. But I decided to go just to meet my dear friend. She stays close by. But my friends warned me against going saying the poor girl will be tortured if you visit her. So I didn't want that to happen. So I dropped this plan of meeting.
Even today I can't imagine how a bold person like her is living in such a family.
**Almighty gives us in abundance, but we do not know how it is taken back gradually. Prayers should definitely be a part of our life.**
Iam Caged
**This was the message I got from a little cute cat, which was moving freely in the open terrace of a three- storeyed shopping centre behind closed doors. But each time a person visits the terrace it shows a sad look which meant "*****Iam caged, please help me out from this place".***
It so happened, that I had to purchase some grocery. A once a while shopping where my A to Z purchases are done. I was told by the people and shop keepers downstairs, in the open terrace sale of birds, cats and fishes was in progress. It's been in progress for a while, may be six months but it started getting active only recently.
The terrace was an empty ground before. The door of the terrace closes itself once we open it. Just a protection for this silent creatures. When we got in a cute cat was after us. There were three of them. Though the colour of it is white, due to the dust it is dark brown in colour. While one was left freely to roam around the other two were caged.
Saying "**meow**" it was just after us. May be with the intention of coming with us. It was rubbing itself along my husband's legs. Its feed was kept nearby and when we try to feed it, to our disappointment it just ignored. May be tired of tasting the same food.
When I was going around, watching the birds and fishes, my husband said he will be back in 10 minutes and left. Even before he could reach the terrace door, the cat stood before him to jump out. Poor thing, I just can't imagine the pity look in its face when my husband escaped smartly through the door leaving it behind.
Sometimes its hard to face some realities in life. I too have a cat at my home. It enjoys all the foods that we eat and sleeps a lot. For sometime it goes to the neighborhood and is back for dinner. Its just left in the open. Mostly in the garden area. It has cosy cardboard box for sleeping. When I saw the cat in the terrace I felt that though it is left loose, it is just within the four walls. So each time it sees a customer, no matter if he is familiar or not it just runs to him and cries "**meow**".!
As I was just going around I saw some beautiful bird, behind big bars. They were chirping. All hanging to the grills. Water in mud pots were kept in all the four sides and its feed was also placed in a corner. On seeing me, everyone who was closeby me was out of my sight. I wanted to capture a photo of these colourful birds but they were not ready to even glance at me.
Then I saw small fishes placed in small built-in water tanks. There were too many varieties. But hardly in countable numbers. But some small fishes were kept in small Basins, so it was helpful to capture them.
After sometime my husband came up and time was up for leaving. When we neared the door, the cat about whom I spoke was no where in visibility, just came running to jump out along with us crying "**meow**" with the same sad look.
On seeing its pitiful look, we do not want to open the door so we waited for the cat to turn around. When it left, we slowly opened the door and left. As mentioned earlier, the door closes itself behind us. But as and when we were going down stairs, I could hear the cry of the cat near the door, which may actually should have meant "**please let me go with you'.**
**Sometimes I feel its really sad to keep this silent creatures caged. But such creatures cannot be let to move around freely, because it might definitely become extinct very soon.**
All images captured in my my mobile, on my visit to the terrace. One of them modified in Canva.
For little kindness, immense response
**The word "kindness" has a lot of hidden facts in it. An act of kindness can come in any form. May be in the form of monetary, by charity, by pleasing words, by just blessings, by a true smile, unaccountable gifts. To be precise, somethings that we never expected.**
The happiness you find in one's face when being kind towards them cannot be expressed in words. It might pour down in the form of tears with joy. For some the words are just stopped. Deep in the heart, its a blessing that entitles us to increase our good deeds.
Yesterday was the house warming ceremony of my husband's cousin. He is the youngest of eight siblings in the family. Everyone shared their happiness. Truly speaking the happiness was spread in air. Because when he came to our home to invite us he said some facts that nearly led him to tears.
When his father died, none of the eight siblings had a home to be called their own. Some were married while some were studying. All under one roof. It was his father's dream to see atleast one of them have a home to be called his own. Most of them were jobless.
Few people were kind enough to help them find a job. Finally, the elder one left abroad and placed with a better job. As he was doing well, he gradually started taking each of his brothers and placed them with better jobs. Simultaneously, he got his sisters married. The younger siblings are much indebted to the older one without whose support and kind heart, they would have been helpless.
It was a matter of proud moment for them on this occasion as everybody has a house of their own. That is the reason I mentioned happiness was in air. But they were missing their father very much.
**You don't have to go insearch of anything, things will come to you if you show humanity in the form of "kindness". The beauty of yours, lies in your heart.**
This reminded me of another incident. Years before when I was working as a chief librarian in an International school, I was given two assistants to assist me. But they were paid a meagre salary. They had a family to support. So once a while I used to help them monetarily.
Each time I give them something they used to acknowledge saying **"so kind of you Mam".** Whenever I get to hear this from them, I feel Iam blessed. *Doing something to the needy and seeing them smile is the best thing we can do.*
Not only to human but a little act of kindness even to animals, will put you in wonder. You just give a little pat or food to street cats or dogs, you can see it after you the following day. My neighbor has a cow. When the milkman is not available she tries her best to squeeze the milk from cow. But due to her harsh words, the cow never lets her near her. So even it knows who is **kind** and who is not.
**Hatred is supposed to be our own worst enemy and kindness is supposed to be our best friend. So follow it and get uncountable rewards from Almighty's side.**
Lead Image from Unsplash.com
