@Sashaa

Do not let your mind wander..... *****Do not let your mind wander, keep it occupied-***** Whenever our mind is idle we are getting into thoughts that constantly disturb us. Even if we try to control our feelings, the thoughts flash our mind. Have you noticed 90% of the people sitting idle get into disturbing thoughts while 10% are least bothered. This 10% usually belongs to the present generation. So many things go across our mind. Both good and bad. It is always better to keep ourself busy or occupied with something you are interested in. May be it will last only for few hours but that will definitely make your day by staying away from idle thoughts and evil doings. *****Accept the reality in life -***** One of the most difficult task a man can't withstand is to accept the reality. For instance, from childhood some friends grow together. They might be thick friends. As time goes by, everyone will have a choice of their own which they will turn to, in future. Obviously, finding their satisfaction and happiness in it. Remember all our five fingers are not identical. Likewise all of us can never be similar in all aspects. Not all will succeed. Few will stay back may be due to lack of interest or financial issues or personal reasons. While some of them keep moving ahead to reach their destination. Instead of appreciating them, the pain with which we accept them is taken into consideration. So never overlook into others life if you are contend with the small happiness in your life. Aceept life as it is and love your life. As life is the most natural beautiful thing a man can ever get. *****Better not to interfere***** - This is something a man can never give up. Most peoples have this bad habit of interfering even if the matter is not connected to him. While some people interfere honestly to find a solution, sone interference is to show their leadership qualities which makes the matters even more worse. This kind of nature can create more hatred by others. So it is always better to stay away from isuues not concerned to them. *****Never expect everybody to respect you when you are nothing in front of them -***** Some peoples may be respected within family circles or friends. And the same they expect from their office circles. The people who never like to be in a low profile. This nature can never be changed over night but then they shouldn't expect the same wherever they are. Its an unreasonable act. It is sometimes difficult to understand and adjust with such people. A popular figure in the neighbourhood will be a stranger in a new place. *****Though little learn to enjoy***** - Man's greed never ends. The more you get ultimately the greed also increases. Man's desires and wants are always never ending. Better not to increase your needs. The increase in needs give rise to new problems. Consequently problems leads to pathetic situations in a man's life. When you have an income to support your family and other miscellaneous expense, make sure not to expect more. So that your expense limit to income you receive. *****The joy of giving can never be expressed in words -***** Some people find happines by sharing and caring. Precisely nobody has such a vast mind. When you give something out of joy, the happiness you receive is something worth it. You are at peace, your mind and body works peacefully amid problems. These things cannot be told but it flashes in your face like a spark. Sometimes we receive a gesture say "God bless you". These small things can bring immense joy and happiness. *When we talk of human nature, everyone has some good and some bad in them. Not all are saints. But when you try to balance with these and move on for good then you are successful.*

Dance remove stress ***Life is full of hurdles..No sooner you try to suppress one problem, in no time other will pop up. If anybody has time for himself, then we can call him the luckiest person on earth.*** ***Stress is said to be, one of the main reason for the deteriorating condition of man's health mentally and physically.*** To relieve stress what not a man tries. Some peoples go into deep depression while some give up their job for good. It is told that if you have a hobby you can relax a little by getting involved in your hobby. So why not the hobby be Dance . So why not try Dance? Yes, dancing. **There is no age bar for dance unless and until your toes are reliable.** It definitely creates wonders and is a miracle to our ailments. While children join Dance with enthusiasm, elders shy away thinking,will they be able to do it successfully? Is this the age for dancing? In some parts of our country it is noticed that ***early morning walk is replaced by dance in the form of exercise amd most of them from the age group of 30 to 50.*** This really is a very good advancement when compared to earlier years. People seems to become more health conscious. More private Dance schools are coming into existence. Even online classes are available. ***Dance not only removes stress but keeps our mind busy as well.*** Some people even get the ability to maintain a nice body posture, once you start this beautiful art. ***Dance is an art.*** Some people has taken it as a profession. By teaching you may learn new steps. And by learning you become a part of this profession whereby ***your confidence increases.*** Apart from our busy schedule **we have to take time for ourself.** To be a dancer not necessary to know the steps. It automatically comes in when you get fully involved in it. Thats the essence of this profession. Once you start dancing alone or in a group, the enthusiasm you feel and receive can never be expressed. Most of them back off thinking of their age, their figure, their inability to grasp steps etc... but these are just reasons to avoid from this beautiful art. ***Just believe in yourself and keep learning if you really wish to.*** ***Any profession though big or small has its own beauty. And when you start loving these profession you become a part of this and finally you succeed in what you concentrate.***

Kerala piravi **It is 66 years since our state Kerala came into existence. It is called as "Kerala piravi" meaning the birth of the state of Kerala. Though it is not being celebrated, women and men in office and schools have their own get together by wearing the traditional dress of our state. In schools speeches related to the importance of this day is being conducted by staff and students.** Looking back, during the initial stages of the formation of this state, we were told that there were no electricity, no roads, no much transport. The people have to either walk long distances or should opt for cycling. May be that's the reason the older generation are still strong and energetic while compared to the present generation. Let me brief a little about our state. We have 14 districts in our state and each state has its own identity by occupying itself into something beneffor the state. Like for instance, our state is famous for Cashews. It is from here cashews are being exported to other states and countries. This is one of the tourist destinations in India, where people would like to visit from all over the country as well as from other foreign countries. We have landscapes, mountains, hill stations, lovely waterfalls, lakes and several beaches. The place is surrounded by greeneries and colourful flowers. The education system is one of the best . More literates are from this place comparatively. People have wide knowledge. Here, education is a competition. But due to lack of job and less job stability with meagre income people prefer to take up jobs outside the country. Our government is strong and trying to be on par with other states. And trying to introduce new things in our states. Recently we got access to Metro rails here which are just available in the four major cities of India. Another added advantage is people from all over thw world visit for medical treatment especially in Ayurvedic treatment. This treatment is usually done in a resort giving body massage, the required organic food and body rest. So these are just a part of information about our beautiful place.

Blind beliefs ***In the 21st century also such things happen is a real nightmare. Technology is growing very fast and like wise man's grèed for money and self love is also increasing in par with the growing technology.*** These are few terrific and sad happenings in our state going on for the past one month. The police seems to be more vigilant these days, to nab more peoples like this. Due to these happenings it is the victims family who is suffering more and the culprit seems to be moving freely around the town. The funniest fact is the people behind all these are highly educated one's. From yesterday, one flash news is being in full vibe in all the television channel, where a 22 year old girl killed her 23 year old boy friend by slow poisoning with whom she was in a steady relationship for the past few years. Can't believe. The story goes this way. Both this girl and.boy were so close and in a relationship. The parents from both the side were aware of this relationship. They even decided to get married. I have mentioned already in one of my articles that Hindus marriage is as per horoscope. So in this case the Astrologer predicted to the girl's parent that her first marriage will not be successful and her husband would die. ***Are peoples insane to believe such things?*** On hearing this, the girls family was against this marriage. She convinced the boy and with a heavy heart the boy withdrew from this relationship. This happened three months ago and no contacts between them after that. Finally she got engaged to another man and marriage was finalized for the month of February. So far it went on well. Now, the girl had second thoughts. What if her boyfriend disclosed their photos of togetherness to her would be? This worried her. So she and her family including her uncle sketched a plan to get rid this honest boy permanently from their way. As per the plan, she started in getting touch with this boy by calling him often. The boys parents were adamant and warned their son against meeting this girl. But he said his love was sincere and they decided to get married very soon. so against his parents wish he started to isit her again. But she being very clever from the day she started meeting him she started giving him a medicine by mixing in drinks. ***This medicine was used to kill pesticides in agriculture. A highly poisonous one.*** The boy was very close to his mother. He used to discuss everything with her. From the day he started to meet her again after the break up, he used to say his mother that he has stomach pain. So they suspected something fishy and warned him against meeting her. But he refused. After a week the boy died. The parents found suspicious in his death and requested the crime authorities to make an enquiry. Now everything came to light. On questioning she confessed her crime. Today evening the flash news shows she is being arrested. The sad part was on the last day when he took the drinks he started vomiting severely and when he questioned her, she confessed to him that she added poison to his drinks. He instead of getting angry, said her not to disclose this to anybody. Such was his love. ***I have heard love is blind but it should never go to this extent where a man is tryimg to save the lady even in his death bed and the lady with no hesitation is killing her love.***

Show them little love and you get more "All living things can see, can hear and can feel" this is what we learnt in science in the earlier years. Let me add another point and modify this sentence "All living things even if they cannot respond by talking can see, can understand and can feel". Fine I am just talking about animals and birds. You show them a little love just once and they come running towatds you by sèeing you and by hearing you. An Interesting thing about these little ones is the calmness and patience with which they have there share of grain. Its nice to learn something new even from this silent creature. This three little ones looked like turkey hens which I captured during my evening walk. They were happily rating aomething. But when I went to take a photo of theirs. They just shyed away from us. When the sun rises, I can hear the loud noise of so many birds and two little squirrel in our courtyard. This includes sparrows, crows, pigeons and a black bird with yellow beak. I have kept some rice grains in stock for them . When I open the windows all these little ones assemble in the front court yard for its share of grains. The chirping of all these birds together in chorus can make us deaF for a moment which last for few seconds only. Once I spread the grain on the courtyard their mouth opens only to eat. This reminds me of my school days. When the first bell goes we all stand class wise in a line, in the assembly hall making loud noise and once the Principal take over the mike pindrop silence is maintained. ***Such is the case of these little creatures who can't talk but knows what to do***. One thing to be appreciated is though they all are different creatures when it comes to eating, they do their part of eating without quarreling with each other. This little one comes in nearly three to fiur times a day for its share of bread crumbs. It is a silenr creature. When it doesn't see us on its arrival, it waits patiently for us to come. It has a meek sound. When allowed it flies into the house and its resting place is either the dining table or above the leaf of the fan. Once it feels enough, it flies away through the door. It is very fast in flying. These two are the naughtiest one. It has an arrogant and loud sound when it is hungry. It usually sits in the windows and never reduces its voice until we feed them. Once fed, they just disappear and came back only when its hungry. The small one has made it a habit to pee on my window, each time it visits us. May be it is comfortable for it to pee. Anyway I use that also as manure though little. To see, to learn and to experience anything, we dont have to wait for the right time. You can learn it even from them. All these images captured in my mobile from my home and garden.

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Do not give hope, as well, do not give up hope ***Hope is the one last step to the ladder of any kind of expectations. God willing, Hope is also just a promise that may either be broken or mended***. Most of our lives move on hope. When we talk of the younger generations, where two people get into a relationship they get to share the sadness and happiness together with the hope that ***our body and soul will be one*** someday or the other. But when sometuing bad strikes and ***when one has to give up the hope*** is shattered. Next coming to ***the older generation. A generation where there dependence is more on their children,*** in other words the next coming up generation, there immediate hope . If we have to talk ***about this generation never ever give them hope*** , especially when something is related to family affairs, because this generation desperately wait for the day with a great hope and ***when the day never arrives, deep within they are in grief but never express or complain them***. Afterall it is their offspring . ***Motivation, on the other hand, will also finally lead to hope.*** *There was a south Indian Bharatnatyam classical dancer by name* ***Sudha Chandran****.* Right from her young age ***she was an amazing classical dancer***. She used to attend various concerts held at different places from a very young age and won several prizes. But as you say, ***luck never favoured her.*** She met with a road accident and ***one of her leg was amputated*** . Though she was depressed ***she never lost her hope.*** Her parents and friends were supportive and a great source of motivation for her. On one such occasion she got to know the making of artificial legs in Jaipur city, North India. Losing no time she went there and started the process. Finally **she succeeded in replacing the amputed leg with a prosthetic one.** ***She never gave up . That is hope.*** When she got used to the prosthetic leg she started to continue with her dance performance. She has also acted in several language films and won several awards including a national award. Most of her movies were based on dance. ***Hope can make a person as well as break a person***. When you can never keep up a promise then never give hope. ***As our life cycles each day on new expectations never give up hope. Sooner or later we will get what we desire. Only when you are sure to gain, hope for the best and never give up your hope. At the same time hope for the best for others also.***

Classrooms with no more black board, welcome smart board ***When it comes to the blackboard, the chalks and the duster, this reminds me of my School days, my friends and the classrooms. If the chalks were colourful then the disappearance of chalks are fast, into the pockets of students.*** Now the technology has given way to smart classrooms where you can find smart board and Board Markers in classrooms. ***This change is partially a boon and also a curse***. Whom does this benefit? The teachers or the students. ****Blackboard- Merits and demerits**** *There was a time when teachers cannot teach without the support of blackboard and chalks. The expressions, the explanations and the interest with which they teach using a board and chalk can never be enjoyed with a smart board and marker*. The forgotten days we can say it now. If the teacher has something to explain in detail, there immediate assistance was the blackboard. Infact, *I remember our teachers carrying different colors of chalks,* especially our science and Art teacher. Art teacher used more often different colours for drawing art from A to Z on the black board. And I remember our science teacher often using blue color for explanations related to water or sky and green for plants. ***If you see the merits of using black board.*** ***In the absence of technology, I felt the teachers then were more comfortable and patient in explaining*** by writing and following the step-by-step procedure in black board. Literally ***the students were either given a chance or were forced to do the answers in board. So out of fear the children were always prepared,*** particularly with teachers who were strict. The ***students were always alert*** because nobody knows whose turn is it, next. The ***teacher and student had an eye to eye contact*** because they were always under observation when something is being explained and written on blackboard. ***Oral explanation while writing in black board simultaneously, made it easy for students*** to understand at a glance. **If you see the demerits** There ***were teachers suffering from allergic issues due to more usage of chalks and dusting of blackboard.*** But then these were happily shared by the students to become teacher's favorite student. Another funny aspect of chalk, from teachers point of view, is ***to throw the chalk at the student when the pin drop silence breaks.*** Sometimes the aim is so sharp and has a good response. There was ***a time when the teachers wrote all the notes in the black board and by the time the next teacher gets in, the board is supposed to be clean,*** no matter if the child has completed his notes or not which finally result in punishment. ***If we talk about the merits and demerits of smart board-*** From students point of view ***some has adapted to this learning very fast while some find it difficult*** to get along with this. ***Staff and students are updated with the current ongoing topics, the latest discoveries etc.*** This infact has changed the outlook of students on a broader sense. Now its the students who question and teachers to have an answer at fingertips. Compared to black board the teachers are a bit free as everything is in typed and printed form. But ***few teachers take it as an advantage by giving less importance to explanation*** which ultimately leads the student to suffer. If you see from the side effects of using smart board, ***one of the most disturbing problem is the headache and vision problem which is affecting the student in huge number.*** ***Replacement of smart boards when damaged is quite expensive*** when compared to black board. **Anything and everthing has its own side effects. Everything happens for a change. To get along with the current technology seems to be the only solution. Many of us should be missing those golden days, I believe.**

A busy weekend **It was a wonderful weekend as my children and brother's children came down for 10 days vacation on account of Diwali celebrations. After a gap of 6 months all of them gathered and had a wonderful celebration.** All of us where at my parents home. But cooking to say was definitely a big job but this time, it was exciting as well. The children occupied themselves with their college talks mostly with the adventures they had. They had a wonderful time going to the neighborhood, the nearby shops to purchase ice creams. They were just moving around taking pictures to stock in as memories.. **It was nice to see -** *and hear the way they are sharing their college and hostel experiences* *the heated arguments, the bet and then the hugs as nothing happened.* *one going after the other as a tail and moving around.* *the way they were sitting away from mobiles and smart phones, atleast for sometime.* I do know all these are being experienced in every house when cousins meet after a long time. But to see the happiness in eachothers face can never be expressed. This togetherness they had only for a day. **When we bid goodbye, they gave a big smile with a little grief behind the smile.** Because we do not know when is the next gathering. In another two days these children will leave to their respective hostels. It was half past 6 pm. when we left. **We have already booked tickets for a stage play and so, we had to reaxh the destination in half an hour**. Anyway we did not take chances, we just sped and reached their on time. **It was a female oriented play where the lead role was played by a women. Her character being a truthful judge** who never compromises even if the fault is within her own family members. The play was conducted in such a way as there was no nagging or dragging. The characters and background scenes kept moving in no time keeping the play live. Each role played by characters are choosen with great care. The play went on for 2 hours. After which we left the place. It was already half past 9.pm. We had lunch from a nearby restaurant and left home. **How did the day go was not known as we were occupied from morning till night.** Lead image captured from my mobile.

Diwali Diwali means festival of lights. This is one of the main festival celebrated in our country as per Hindu mythology. Usually, this festival is celebrated with great pomp in North India. The story behind this festival as per Hindu mythology is to celebrate the victorious return of Lord Rama with his wife Sita, along with his brother Lord Laxmana to the Kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. His return to the kingdom is after defeating the demon Ravana in Lanka. In particular, I just know this one story but there are other stories also behind this celebrations. A national holiday is being observed in schools, colleges and other educational and government institutions on this particular day. But in north, ten days holidays were already declared. In the evening almost all the houses are lit with a number of Diyas at the inside and outside of their home. Diya meaning a small open pot made of mud clay where some oil and a cloth is placed. It is lit in the evening. It is a day where variety of colourful sweets named laddoo, jelabi, Burfi and other varieties of milk sweets and snacks are sold and they are being given to families, friends and relatives. The main highlight of thid function are crackers. Fire works and cracker bursting were continuing for the last three days. But today it was a bit heavy. As the past two years were dark years of covid there were no celebrations of any festivals globally. But this time the public has utilized the opportunities for celebration at its maximum. To my surprise we too enjoyed the celebration at the most. Because righr nearby our place is a small pond and every year (except for the last two years) three elephants are decorated and brought there with grand escorts on both sides. After giving it a good bath it is being taken back to the temple. It is a belief by the people that on this particular day, God takes the form of elephant. A great feast is arranged for the elephant and public before ita heavenly bath. The streets were crowded with lot of peoples, colourful balloons, too many ice cream vans and above all a police vehicle to control the public. We had a great time watching this celebration.

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Encourage Young Aspirants **There was a time when students who completed their senior secondary education, would seek admission only, in the field of engineering or Doctor.** The children then, were either forced by elders to choose this professional course as a career or they had no other option, but to just abide by them. It was a crucial beginning for many. Because it was told that just with a Bachelors degree you reach no where. So with less interest the girls and boys were unwillingly studying for which they were forced upon. This was the result of poor education system with less careers, less salary, fewer interest in job, increase in family and social issues etc. **When you force something upon someone naturally the society is to be blamed.** If there is a change in one person naturally the change will take place in the society as well. Though not initially, gradually the change will increase. **An overnight change can never be expected.** The parents were quite dominant then and demanding whereby, the children were helpless. Today we have lot of jobless engineers and Doctors with meagre income. Who is to be questioned? Due to vast opportunities open in other fields, the mind set of upcoming young aspirants had diverted to diversified fields. Now challenging professions which is highly paid are available via campus interviews. Now technology and science has advanced a lot giving way to courses like Aeronautical, Animation, product designing, forensic courses, fashion designing etc...to mention a few. Now-a-days most parents are broad minded letting their children choose their career. **As the children enjoy the career, they shine like a star by making their parents win.. there you get a new nation with new thoughts.** The support and strength by the society to every person will finally be the result of building a positive nation. **Encourage never discourage, raise and move on, never give up, I will and I can should be the energy that you should keep within, while moving each step forward.**

Are we one among them? **Some peoples do things to please others** - It so happens they listen to whatever is being told to them. Infact, a person with no much principles in life. They find happiness in pleasing others. These peoples do not have a clear picture on their own . **They act as per instructions.** They do not use their brain instead without hesitation do whatever is told to them. As they don't have an opinion or idea of what they are to do, they depend on someone else for completing the task assigned to them. **Some peoples feel that they are never wrong and they never like to be corrected -** The toughest people to get over with. They don't find it important to please others as they are of the opinion "**they are correct"**. No further question or answer section. They do things in the sense that it is end result and nothing over it can be d questioned. Thats the final destiny. Be it good or bad. They are infact smart in tackling things. **Some peoples are independent. They think independently and don't go by others judgement** and are always ready to accept their mistakes. Always willing to change is another positive attitude. But infact, they take as well give suggestions. Avoiding anything that hurts them or their colleagues is always taken into consideration. They are always easy to move with as their decisions are always ondependent. **Some people change according to situation.** These peoples can never be trusted. They change like chameleon as per the surroundings. They are smart enough to grab messages from us, even without our knowledge. Should definitely be careful while conveying messages to such characters. Quite complex in nature and difficult to understand. **They go to the extent of doing things that make them happy and comfortable even at the cost of somebody's fall**. **There are peoples whom you can rely on and who are always willing to help.** Such unique characters can rarely be seen. Their curiosity in helping others is more than completing their own. Having such peoples around you can lessen your tension, if any. Because they have lot of soothing words in stock and shall definitely guide us whenever necessary.

The long lost games of childhood **There was a time when we as children came running home after the bell goes off at school, in the evening. As soon as we reach we fill our tummy with tea and snack which is already ready. So after a shower and tea comes our playtime at the playground.** The very next moment after having tea we along with other friends ran towards the playground. A ground surrounded with lush green grass and sand mud in the centre. So while playing even if you fall you are on the safe side. You can see a cluster of children over there after school hours. The few things that we used to carry with us for playing are **skipping rope, rings made of hard rubber, then kites for flying in air, gilli danda, goli (colourful round marbles). Kho kho was also an interesting sport.** *To recollect these memories let me elaborate a little about this one time famous games.* ****Kho-kho**** - It is told that this game has been originated from India. So let me take the credibility to explain the game. This game was quite common in my school days but rarely to been seen now. There are 2 teams with equal number of players to play on either side, probably within 10 players. One team will kneel and sit in a line, with alternate players facing the opposite side. They will sit with a gap say 10cm. each. Just one of the player will stand to start the game ie., to chase the defender. Now from the other team, one person will come forward to play as defender. Once the whistle is blown, the person standing will chasethe defender. The defender is allowed to run inbetween the gaps but the chaser should take only the full round but if he want, he just can pat on one of them sitting saying "**kho**" and should sit to replace the chaser. Now its the turn of other person to chase the defender. Not sure how much you understood, the fun of this game is understood only when playing. ****Kite flying game**** - A favourite past time was kite flying irrespective of age. We play this mostly during vacation. We make our own kite with the help of paper, stick, a bundle of thread etc Now I see this being played in beaches by children. In our time it was not a paid one as of now. We used to take the initiative to make one for ourself. It was such fun. **Care should be taken to use only threads rather than metallic wires due to electricity line running from one corner to another.** ****Skipping rope-**** It is a long rope also called as rope jumping by children and adults, probably 2 mts. in length, with two wooden handles on either side of the rope. **Skipping helps to burn calories and medically it has proven to benefit peoples suffering from cardiovascular disease. It has also proven to boost energy for people suffering from depression and anxiety.** At present it is considered more active as an exercise stuff, in the field of sports, where most participants involved in field tracks make use of it. **During my schooling, this was listed as one of the main sport for sports competition.** Now also people perform this sport but with less intensity. ****Rings, also called as Tennikoit -**** It is in small circular shape made of rubber. But the rubber is so hard. So it doesn't tear very fast. Minimum you need two of them to exchange the rings and play. Usually played by girls during physical education period in our school. If either of them drops then you are out of the game. **The energy you get while playing this game is unbeatable. You get more stamina and positive energy.** Such games are far better than anyother activity to boost yourself. ****Gilli Danda**** - A popular game during my time in 80's and 90's. **It is played with two sticks, usually they prefer bamboo sticks so that it doesn't break. One is a long striaght stick about 8 to 10 cm. And another a short stick probably oval shaped around 3 cm.** ***How do you play with*** this should be your question. It is the same way you play cricket but here one person has to perform this act. Keeping the small stick right infront of him and then kicking it with the big stick to the maximum distance. Each of them take turns and whosoever hits it afar, he is the winner. These are usually played by boys. Passersby are careful while walking or cycling when the game is played away from grounds. Now such games are no where to be seen. ****Goli - (round glass marbles in the shape of balls)**** The size of it is hardly one to two centimeter. So that you just can catch it within your Thumb and Index finger. It ia available in different attractive colours. The smalls kids might mistake it for candies. **How do you play** - With the help of one marble you target other marbles. You hit with the help of your thumb nail. If the target is achieved you win. **Infact this types of games improves your patience and concentration.** As these are popularly played by village kids, **they went unnoticed as these kids can be sharp shooters** for shooting events in sports. These are remarkable sports that creates history and can never be erased. Detailsi and pictures of all these games are available in Wikipedia for your referral.

The Queen **Yes the Queen. Sorry, I am not talking about the monarchy rule or the late queen. It is just the imagination of being a quèen in every Womens heart. Ànyway for a parent, no matter how rich or poor, you are the queen of their hearts. Here, Iam talking about the review of an Hindi movie "The Queen".** It is a bit old movie where the young and old enjoy. The story revolves around a middle lass family consisting of parents and two children, one boy and one girl. Living a very simple life with a sweet savoury shop being their main source of income. **Happiness happens when you and everyone around you are happy and making small occasions much happier. For** most families their daughters happiness is worth a million. Now, let me get back to the story. When two thick friends meet after a long time they have so much to exchange by talks and in addition, if one of them have a boy and other a daughter, simultaneously the next thought is get this two united in the name of marriage. **The name of the girl was Rani meaning "queen".** Both of them date for a while and now its the parents to get them married. But then all of a sudden, the boy happens to get a wonderful job offer from abroad. So he leaves for his better luck, with the promise of getting married once he returns back. Days kept running and finally the day of his return has arrived. And marriage date is being finalized. Accordingly, the marriage arrangement starts. The big day arrives and the girls house has been fully decorated with colourful lights and garlands, relatives are enjoying and dancing to different tunes, the house scenario with happiness being surrounded in the nook and corner of the house and sweet distribution on other side. So all were busy in their own work. In the meantime, the girl was asked to meet the groom in a restaurant. With shyness covered in her face she went on to meet him along with her younger brother. To her disappointment, the groom all of a sudden said "**I cannot marry you".** Totally shattered she asked for the reason and the reply he gave was **"find a boy of your choice"** from the village and continued saying **my status doesn't allow us to get married** as **Iam no more the same old person you met.** **She was left speechless and later, begged him to marry her** as her father might suffer a stroke on hearing this. But it fell into deaf ears. She returned home crying, by then the news has already reached her parents. The whole day she locked herself by crying in her room. **The very next day morning she told her parents 'I wanted to go for my honeymoon".** At first her parents were shocked but later they agreed thinking she need a break. She has already planned her honeymoon before marriage and **booked her tickets to Paris, her favorite destination.** **For the first time she stepped out of her comfort zone to explore the big world waiting for her.** The story revolves around her meeting peoples like prostitutes, just to earn a living. Her making of friends with male foreigners from different countries and how they stand by her at difficult times. And how she gets transformed from a village girl to a modern one with the help of a roommate friend. The groom happens to see her transformation and felt that he can never live without her. So he visited Paris just to meer her. **He realised his mistake and pleaded for her forgiveness.** She promised to meet him in their hometown. So she returned back from Paris and headed to his house. Their she met his mother who was acting well. And the groom was desperately waiting to see her. *He tried to held her close but she stepped back and took something from her bag and handed over to him.* **It was the engagement ring which meant their relationship was over, once and for all.** **She said him "Thankyou" to the groom, without whose harsh words and indifferent behaviour, she would not have left her comfort zone. That is all about Rani "The Queen ".**

Age is not and can never be a barrier for your dreams **October 16th, 2022 is World Anesthesia Day. A salute to all Anesthetist around the globe on this great day** as they are the people with whose presence our surgery is performed painless. Anyway, kudos to this great team. Now back to title. Age is not a bar to accomplish our dreams. **No matter how old you are if you have the confidence and will to succeed then do not wait, just go ahead.** A simple person has lots of dreams but he can't accomplish it may be due to financial constraints or more responsibilities. And once you are free from all this you are already aged and finally dump your dreams in a corner. There are peoples who created milestones in history in their old age. So then it is a proven fact that anyone with an aim can break the barriers for their dream to come true. ****Why I choose this topic?**** Simple. I have a whatsapp school group. And all of us keep exchanging the happenings and new updates every now and them. About children their career erc. As we left our school in 90's all of them have grown up children. **Recently one of my from the group won in Chicago marathon and last week, another friend proved her eligibility in zonal badminton tournament.** Now she is being selected for the national level which will be conducted within six months from now. Having grown up children, **they never kept their dream as a dream, they chased it and finally won. Here you can call life as a race. What a pleasant achievement.** Let.me bring you another example. Recently film fare awards at national level were announced. Here each celebrity winner had an honour to receive the certificate of cash prize and medal from The President of India. One of the proud recipient was a lady from our neighbouring district but from the same state. She bagged the award for singing. A short synopsis of this great lady. She is a farmer in a small village working for daily wages. **She is in her 60's.** Her main interest was to sing folk songs for her fellow members while harvesting just for the purpose of entertainment. Accidentally one of the film producers happened to hear about her and gave her an opportunity to sing in his film. A lady secluded to her village, who is unaware of the big world or happenings around, finally took up the opportunity to sing in the movie. ***Her biggest asset was her smile.*** She kept smiling throughout even in pain. An interesting fact was the movie for which she sang became the biggest hit along with her song. And the well known hero of the film when to meet her at her village. **When he asked "Do you know who Iam"?. She smiled saying 'No".** Such was her innocence. **From a small village where she was confined in a small house, travelled to the capital city New Delhi to receive the award from the President and now to get International recognition she is been invited abroad.** ***A beautiful and true story of this wonderful old woman who keeps laughing always and captured the hearts of many through her innocent smile, is named as Nanjiamma.***

Benefits of Haldi "**Haldi" the name should sound strange for many of you. But our country people finds it as a quite popular word being used in every household. "******Haldi "meaning 'Turmeric*********"*******. A commonly found product in every kitchen.** ***Peoples prefer to grow turmeric in their own garden. So that they get pest free turmeric from their own garden.*** Now if I had to talk about planting Turmeric - get this in lump some and soak it in water overnight. To make the bed for growing Turmeric first dig a little deep pit and put into it some dry leaves, dry cowdung and other manures which are available in your place and finally close them with mud. It is a good compost. After two days you can put the overnight soaked turmeric into the mud in a straight line or as you wish. Once completed cover it with more mud above the ground level. It has to be atleast 2 cm above the ground level. It has to be in the form of a raised platform. This part is very important. **Turmeric is called as Manjal or Kasturi Manjal in South India.** ****Switching on to the benefits.**** **It is too good for sore throats**. Just add half a tea spoon of turmeric powder into one glass of boiling water and make it to 3/4th and gargle by adding a little salt. This should be done early in the morning and in the evening before going to bed. You will get a good relief and pain will be relieved within two days. **Some peoples add half a spoon of turmeric to the boiling milk and drink it every night to avoid cough.** If starting this process from a very young age, *you can avoid medication life long for cold and cough.* I know peoples carrying out this tradition until now. **Turmeric is one of the main spices in Indian foods without which the food is incomplete.** **Another herbal product for improving your beauty related to glowing skin.** Grind to powder, a piece of turmeric and make it a paste by adding little amount of water and apply in your face and hands just 10 minutes before going to bath. You definitely will get a glowing skin. But **remember it should be done weekly once and probably on week days** because the colour stick on to your face for atleast 2 days. It is better to use turmeric grown from our own garden for this purpose. **Lastly to remove pimple marks, take some turmeric and neem leaf sprouts and grind it to paste and apply it in the area where pimples have left marks.** The marks will be vanished, but it will take atleast two weeks time. So be patient as this was my own experience while studying in college. For safety purpose this turmeric powder is applied to areas in our body resulting in poison bites. This I heard people's saying because turmeric has strong medicinal effect. **I think, to the best of my knowledge, I have given you enough information about home grown turmeric.**

Some random thoughts *Few thoughts just ran into my mind either by self experience or by watcuing others. Most of us, experience this in our day-to-day life. So let me put this in writing.* Sone people talk of worldly things, praise themselves and defame others who are below them. But if you really need **to know their true self, foe instance, just give them a bulb to fix and they will look at you helplessly. That is the fact.** The people who knows to get self praised by themselves are infact a big zero in real life. When friends unite together its a moment. Among the circle of friends you have, their might be friends who are happy and few, who are sad. **There are friends among us who keeps laughing for silly things. These peoples are the one who hides their pain behind their smile**. It is just because they wanted to be one among us and do not want to disclose their pain. **Give your child what is within your reach. Never beg and borrow for their happiness. Because when time comes they will go to find their happiness.** Please note This usually applicable to some and not everyone . Let children face the difficulties and realities of life, so they dont let you down when you need their assistance. Go for peoples who are always with you in good times and bad times. This infact all of us knows and **still we keep these friends by our side and do not leave them, until we learn our lessons from them.** **It is always good to be around peoples who are one step below you. Only from such peoples you get the respect you need .** I have seen in most rich marriages when we go as an invited guest, the host just keeps a dry grin on seeing such guests. But at the same time you go to a poor man's wedding you will be honored with much pride. Such is the difference. **Everyone has a hidden talent in them. So nevwr try to be like others, rather try to bring out the best in you ie.,your hidden talent, patiently.** You are yourself and they are thenselves. Looking into others happiness and richness will lead you into trouble and will end up with a disrurbed mind. ***One last advice, do not over think. It only leads to destruction rather than solution.***

An era fades by leaving memories *****Joy of reading and writing a letter***** **Years before, when technology was not in progress, where peoples had time to meet and exchange greetings in the hustle bustle schedule and when somebody left the place or country for job or education, the only means of communication was letter.** An era passed, by giving way to advancement in technology and consequently the usage of internet and social medias. At one click everything has an end result. Emails, Facebook, Twitter, whatsapp and what not....has taken over the essence of reading and writing a letter. But the joy of reading a handwritten letter can never ever be compared to any typed messages. Such is the pleasure you get while reading a letter. Sometimes I really wished the letter to be even longer especially the one from my mother and husband. Though both the letters were distinct, the contents had some stories. I am extremely happy to be in an era where letters played an important role in communication. When we friends used to go for vacation the only means of communication was writing letters. *It was fun writing letters to friends. We exchanged information about our native place, the rivers, the greeneries around, the tough and innocent people around, the shopping, romance for some, the unexpected fights, to journey to different homes.....all these and much more.* ***Actually one will learn the mode of writing when we start to write letters for friends, parents or relatives. We learn while writing, the importance of giving respects to different categories of people.*** The most I enjoyed was the letter from my mother. When I was married and away from her she used to send me a lengthy letter. It comprises mostly of the happenings around and **ending with a note to take care of my health and my family.** Such was the impact of reading and writing a letter. **This is what you call as an unconditional love.** *This happiness you never get in an email or typed messages because we try to minimise our messages when typing. Now-a-days children are too lazy to even write their academic notes then where does the question of writing a letter arise?* When I was young, I was the one assigned the duty of going to the post office to purchase Inland letters or postal cards or stamps or posting letters to friends and family members. We should stand in a que inorder to follow the "**first come, first serve system".** *If there were any unforeseen happenings or emergencies, messages were conveyed through telegrams or speed post.* It was quite expensive but messages reached within 24hrs. No availability of mobiles and so no instant communication. *****Autographs from classmates***** This is another memory that has faded along with time. Some memorable writings in autographs stay fresh in our minds. I have treasure my class 10th and college autographs until now. Most children left the school once they completed their class 10th or 12th examination. So class 10th and 12th was given a farewell by juniors. This was also the time when we children exchanged autographs with friends and favorite teachers to get a writing from them. Some of the popular writings were **Live long life, Have handsome husband, Dated till Cock lays eggs or Dated till sun rises in the west.....** such things. When looking back all these looks funny. Not until this few years back did we had the wild idea of getting in touch with our intimate friends via whatsapp and facebook etc. **Life is short but these memories are evergreen that makes our life more beautiful and meaningful, amidst unavoidable issues.**

Be the best friend to your child rather than being a parent **Now-a-days, most parents seem to handle their children smartly rather than strictly. But still there are parents who prefer not to change following the once upon a time by being strict, by commanding and by punishing them.** *While I was a child I never got upset for certain things, infact this applies to my friends also. I lived in a colony of middle class people. Each time any request was put forward it was turned down by our parents, but this did not depress us instead made us strong. Not because they wanted to provide us, but their meagre income and more responsibilities stopped them from doing so.* **Looking back, no regrets. Iam happy for this because I learnt to survive any defeats coming on my way. We learn to adjust with the situations.** **No appreciation for what we did, no right to choose a career or job of our own, a fixed time for everything, sometimes strict order follows don't do that, don't go there, why this happens only for you.** Such commands and questions were quiet common during my time. To be precise we had no choice of our own. **So we became strong in a sense that we were ready to take up and execute whatever was put forwarded before us.** It is not that parents were tough. But the living condition makes one to become like that. That was the fact. A small income with no much dreams, but expectations from children were high. **The only benefit we had from this was more the parents were strict, more we had the strength to overcome problematic issues.** On the contrary, if you just look into today's generation, parents are educated with a lucrative job fulfilling all the needs of the children. **Now its a competition among parents that their child should top, he should be given the best . So all his priorities are fulfilled.** And what is the end result? The child has become completely dependent and no strength to overcome failures or depression. Some parents are very strict with their children. **Children are always playful especially under 13 years.** To get them on track some parents believe its a must to use a cane or hand to punish them. ***To bring the best in your child, this might help you.*** **Be a good friend rather than a parent to your child.** He /she should be free to discuss and disclose all personal and confidential matters to you. **Know your child better by communicating with him regarding his friends, teachers, his likes and dislikes.** If you smell something fishy keep an eye over him. **Children should make mistakes and we as a parent should correct him.** Correct him, in the sense by **communicating peacefully.** **They should be able to raise from their fall.** For that they need a **supportive hand and not an arrogant tongue.** **Mistakes might take place consequently but have patience to correct him** each time he commits a mistake. Atleast once he will get to realize his mistakes. **Do not be argumentative when you find the mistake is from your child's side.** Never appreciate this kind of act. You are ruining your child's future. **Do not force your child to be placed in first position** in whatever he gets involved , **like Sports, Arts, Academics etc.** *Let him know all about* **winning** *and* **failing**. So that he will be strong enough to face failures in life even tommorrow. **When he fails just encourage him with soothing words and a happy smile instead of instilling hatred** in his little mind. Such children can never ever build up a peaceful career.**This is one of the reason why children are not strong enough to face the reality in life and opt for suicide attempts.** *I have earlier mentioned in one of the articles that suicide rates are high in our place when the school and colleges publish the final results. This is just because they are not trained mentally to face such consequences.* Children are afterall children. Let them have fun while playing, making friends, by being a little mischievous etc. **Do not over control them or scold them as they will turn out to be cowards while growing up. That is were we become helpless.** Grow with your children and teach them to face the odd things in life.

Sunday Sunday was a real sunny day. Today was quite busy day for me as two functions went on in full swing. I was happy because I didn't have to enter the kitchen as lunch and dinner was supposed to be from the function. Today, being 12 Rabi ul Awwal as per Islamic calendar, the month when Prophet Muhammad S.A.W was born, is being celebrated with great pomp in our area and its surroundings. Prophet Muhammed was the founder of Islam. On this particular day, all mosque in and around our plàce conducted various programs to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet. From yesterday morning until evening children from various age groups were selected for Islamic quiz, Quran recitation and Quran story telling competition. Infact I got a lot of information from this little children. By evening the program was over and the best children were rewarded as 1st prize, 2nd prize and 3rd prize. But as there were many little children who participated with full spirit, the judging committee decided to gift them small toys and flowers for their happiness. Today early morning after the Azaan (call for prayer), prayers in praise of prophet was conducted for 3 hours, followed by packets of lunch for each household. This indeed was a relaxation for the ladies in our area. By evening rallies were conducted on behalf of this. When.all this was conducted it just reminded me of my stay in the holy place of Saudi Arabia where no function or no holiday is being observed on this particular day. It is a mark of respect. According to them the birth and death of prophet is on the same day. So no celebration during this particular day. By evening, we had an invitation to attend a house warming ceremony nearby our place. They are our friends daughter. The girl whom I have been seeing from a very young age is now a married young woman with a son. She was busy inviting the guests. We being one among them. As her husband is a civil engineer, he took the initiative to design the house. The house was so beautifully designed that everybody had several questions to enquire about its interiors, elevation, the materials used etc. So this is how my sunday went. Hope you all had a wonderful sunday

Your presence is very important for them **A two day visit to my village for pòoja holidays had a tremendous change in me overall. Infact a wonderful experience spent with my parents. Happenings and experiences, while reading articles of different authors in read.cash can be one such reason. Or probably sitting within the four corners of the room, having no where to** **go but a rare visit nearby, may be another reason.** Almost two hours travel from my home. It was a very pleasant journey because we travelled at night. As we ie., me, my husband and son, reached home without informing my father waa a bit angry and upset. **Because his hospitality is something I can't describe when we go after informing with varieties of food and savouries.** The very next day I visited some relatives who are staying at walkable distance. All had a story to say. By noon I was back home. Talking about my parents home they have a very big garden. **The soil is red in colour which means it is too good for cultivation.** *As my father is a retired government employee, he keeps himself engaged by planting ginger, pineapple , Banana and Turmeric.* There are variety of crotons, rose plants both white and red in colour, white Jasmine etc. But this time no much flowers may be due to over heat. Two or three papaya plants with few papayas in it. My father being in his early 80's, thanks to Almighty for his better health, does the manuring and watering of plants by himself. **The patience with which he does something is really appreciable. When you go to clear a doubt he takes time to patiently clear our doubts.** I spent around 3 days almost with them. They have a maid who is with them for 3 hours. Each time I visit them I could see how old they are getting with a little stoop. **Something that I cannot forget is** **their happiness at doorstep when we arrive and untold sadness when we leave them.** **If you have old parents at home make it a point to visit them, call them once a while, be patient while they are talking, show interest in that which interests them. Most of all its your presence that is important.** All images captured from my mobile, at my parents home.

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Some things are not expressed, it has to be felt **There are certainly few things which can never be expressed in words, but should possibly be felt. Few things come across our lives, but we are totally helpless to find a suitable solution for it.** Just want to mention few common things that we experience in our daily lives and which is looked into with less importance. But any modification in this can make a tremendous change in one's lifestyle. Maybe a small token of appreciation can also make a vast change. I have a neighbour whose son got married two years ago to a girl from another village. They have a baby who is just a year old. The girl is always pleasant and heavy despite the hectic job she is doing at home. **Her happiness involves her child with whom she keeps playing amongst her busy schedule**. My house entrance faces their kitchen so I could hear and see, the cry and the laughter of the little one. Every now and then she is fired by her mother-in-law who hardly smiles. As they have lot of hens and cattles to be looked after, the mother-in-law is never seen around the house until afternoon. This is the time we share some stories. So till then its a happy time for Mamma and the little son. Though I haven't seen much toys around the little one, his Mamma and kitchen utensils are his great friends. It is really sad and something to learn from this girl, who might just be in her early twenties, **the patience and calmness with which she is carrying out her work.** The little son is learning to walk and his mother is always busy in work. So most of the time I can hear him cry when falling. On seeing her difficulty, I asked her "why don't you take a short break" and go to your village to spend some time with your parents. **Her reply was a sweet smile and a nod which meant "Yes, I had to"** which meant she has to be permitted by her in-laws and husband. **There are so many unfolded stories to be told at the tip of her mouth but she suppresses it with her sweet smile. Hope all her wishes comes true.** For the Puja holidays, I went home and spent some time with my old parents who are eagerly waiting for our arrival. A joyous moment for me because we cook some special items, share some interesting stories, crack jokes and laugh aloud. All these happens only when we go home. **Even at the old age they are managing themselves with household chores and garden work. An appreciable fact.** There is maid who helps in household chores and garden. She comes in the morning and leaves by noon. Once a while they come to my place for a weeks stay. **They do no stay much longer thinking its their daughter's home.** In our place usually parents stay with sons rather than daughters. That's the custom. So my parents are not ready to break the custom though there son is settled abroad. After 3 days, I got prepared to leave home. **I could see the laughing fade away and the silence and fear in their eyes. Fear as they are alone again in this old age.** For one moment I felt helpless and ashamed for leaving them alone. **Here, I felt their pain. It was like they needed to convey something. I really felt they need me but as my son is studying near our hometown I couldn't extend the stay. But I decided to get them here. Hope they agree and co-operate with me.** It is not me alone, many have some unfolded stories to tell which we may not find it important but it definitely should have laid sone memories in you.

Vidyarambam **Vidyarambam means "the beginning of imparting knowledge " to a little child. Let me just brief about the importance of this day.** A diversified land with different custom, culture and tradition. Every state in our country follow their own festival with great pomp. It is s great celebration where one cannot just miss. Some festive lasts for days while some last for a short while. In northern part of India, the Durga pooja was in full swing for the last one week. Yesterday being the last day of the festival it was more colourful than ever. **This festival is celebrated to honour Goddess Durga and Goddess Saraswati.** To know more about this festival please have a glance of the article posted by @TheGuy let me tour you Durga Festival In southern part of India, yesterday was Vijayadasami. It is observed as the day of Vidyarambham. A day when a child gets prepared to begin his schooling, probably at the age of 3. In local language, "***Vidya means knowledge" and "arambam means beginning".*** So it means beginning of education. Usually, this ritual takes place at home or in temple. In the presence of parents or elderly persons at home, and in the presence of priests and relatives (Guru) at the temple. Sometimes even politicians take this opportunity to perform the task. Here, the child is placed in the lap of parent or grandparents or the Guru performing the ritual, and then **the respective person lays his hand on the child by making him write his first letter either in mud or a plate of rice grains.** The first letters written are about **salutations to God.** According to Hindu mythology, salutations to God are **Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati for the initiative in education and further learning process.** **This prayer is actually meant for the child to grow in his knowledge and make wonders in the world of education with no hurdles coming by their path.**

My respect to Teachers *Not to just one, but to all those dedicated teachers around the globe ,* ***who were, who are and who still,*** *are inspiring and empowering us to be strong by imparting the best of their knowledge and wisdom with their patience, a* ***Happy Teachers Day.*** **There is say in our national language - "Matha, Pitha, Guru, Daivam" meaning "Mother, Father, Tracher, God".** One can easily understand what I actually meant to say. **First comes respect to mother, then Father, then Teacher (Guru) and then Almighty.** So**, a Teacher is as important as our parents.** Not to say, they should be respected and honoured the same way as our parents. In one way they can also be called as creator. They are the one without whose support we reach no where. **If you are earning big, if you have self respect in society, if you are the ideal person someone would like to follow and most of all, if you are the parent being the best example to your child** .....then behind you to reach you to your goals was the patience and perseverance of great minds. Never forget to thank those great minds from the depth of your heart. This reminds me of our English Teacher in our Senior Secondary class. **A strong personality with always a beautiful smile.** Though she was childless., She never forgets to get into the class with her adorable smile. All of us used to wait for her class just because she made it legendary. She was the strength to many. While bidding farewell to students tears rolled down from her eyes. It is years or you can call ages when I left the school. Recently my school friends after years located her house and went to visit her. To their surprise, she never forgot to realise their names and even said stories about their naughtiness. She is no.more young. She stoops a little. **My friends got her a beautiful gift and in return she forced them to have lunch with her and her husband. They said those were real moments.** Never hurt your teachers because they are the pillars behind who you are. Once a while, a surprise visit to your aged and retired teachers home will bring back her happiness.

Behind every smile is a pain **You and me, and all of us are happy when we see someone smiling at us. Such is the impact of a simple smile, full of happiness.** We come across too many people in our daily life. *Some of them are happy, some are gloomy, some of them thoughtful, some going through depression, some are silent...the list keeps going on.* Most often we come across people who are much happy at the working place. Though we don't share much in common we eagerly wait to know the reason behind their happiness. Especially when it is something we don't get. It is an unfortunate reality that we cannot read people. To make others happy, it is the nature of some people to remain happy infront of his close knit friends, keeping aside his pain. The exposure or intensity of pain in some people can never be felt by others. Because they accept it as their fate where nobody can help them or find a final solution to their problem. And so they make it a point to not disclose their fate with a third person. People are good enough to put a mask behind their face while they are happy or sad. They have their own reasons. I really appreciate those people who are facing a lot of trauma by making themselves happy and strong and by engaging themselves in other activities. The covid period was one of the best example where people realized what is life all about and how to face it. That was the time when people accepted about the facts and learnt how to survive with the facts. When covid started to deteriorate and life started to get normal, many of the close knit ones were already gone. They were trying to bring life to normal, amidst the huge trauma faced by them. They forced a smile in their lips, by hiding their pain while passing through the trauma. Let me narrate a short story that happened to someone I knew. A man had a son and a daughter. He was too proud of his daughter because she never looked into the eyes of any men while traveling to and fro to college One fine morning the girl as usual left to college but never returned. The parents became insane as they had no information about her whereabouts. The very next day they got the message she eloped with a man from different community. Since then the father has not seen the daughter. He became unhappy but he never expressed it in any ways to his friends. He was seen always happy, hiding the pain within him. After six months of her marriage he died of heart attack. **Life has to go on. Be it happy or sad. Everybody has a story to say behind their smile. Let the story be a happy one.** Lead image captured from my mobile

As a parent / teacher are you monitoring your child? **Monitoring your child doesn't mean keeping an eye over the child, every now and then, instead to observe if there is a change in his/her behaviour than his usual self. Not easy to analyze a child's behaviour unless and until you know him/her closely.** Recently so many news channel in our place reported *a tremendous increase in the usage of drugs and child abuse mostly involving the school going kids.* The Drug traffickers target the areas sur8rounded by schools, nearby to which they place small shops. **They inject a small quantity of drugs in tablet forms in cakes, choclates0⁰⁰ etc. This inturn due to its fake sweetness attracts more students who inturn gets addicted to drugs**. Its indeed a sad story of children getting into this trap unknowingly. Even child abuse is in rise. Some children face this in school while some in their own homes. Out of fear, they do not disclose this to their close ones. The result being the child is psychologically affected and mentally disturbed not able to concentrate in academics as well as personal affairs. He is not in a position to express his torture to anyone. **Drugs and child abuse are silent killers.** The victim will never find solace until expressed to someone concerned who can give a final solution to what befell on them. **Now, let me revert to the title once again. Are you monitoring your child? How much better do you know your child? It is very important to know each step of your child.** Most working parents are busy with their schedules. When it comes to education parents are concerned of the child's education and gives all necessary surroundings to farewell academically. When **a child is affected psychologically they fail to see the psychological side of the child.** This mainly happens due to their busy schedule. It is important for a **parent and child to communicate the day-to-day happenings.** This is just to strengthen the child's freedom to open up any happenings to his/her parents . When you observe the child being present physically only and not mentally, make sure **to make enquiries and find out the root cause of his behavioral changes.** When you think your child needs your help **raise your voice with the assistance of child helpline sources and with other legal support sources.** **When imparting education, apart from their academic part, the children should be enlightened about child abuse and drug trafficking.** Just an awareness program to be conducted by officials within the school premises. Children should be repeatedly trained with their **presence of mind** in any happenings. **Globally unemployment problems is in rise ultimately giving rise to illegal activities like drug trafficking and child abuse. So be a good friend than a good dictator to your child. Give them a chance to open up.**

Tulsi The name sounds strange to many. But many Indians are aware of this. Behind this short five lettered name lies a story. **Tulsi is a herbal plant.** A plant which can be spotted in front of many houses in India. It is in two colours. One is green and other is brown. The brown one is consumed by peoples as its benefit is more when compared to green one. From the vedic ages this little plant is popular. **The name Tulsi has many interesting stories behind it.** According to **Hindu mythology the presence of this plant in every house yard is an immense blessing**. The ladies after taking a head bath probably in the morning go nearby the plant, pour some water and with hands joined together, in the form of praying, take one or three rounds, around the Tulsi plant. It is a kind of worship. Another story behind this name. Most popularly many parents of female child name their child as **Tulsi**. Irrespective of caste, many girls carry this name from East to West and South to North in India. **Tulsi has too many health benefits also.** While boiling water for drinking one or two leaves can be added to it. They say it is a prevention to cough and cold. During covid I have seen peoples consuming this. When one is suffering from severe cough and cold just 2 or 3 leaves are added in the water taken for inhaling. Another option is all about making a coffee with it. To make this coffee we need jaggery, cumin seeds, black pepper,cloves, a pinch of coffee powder and a bunch of Tulsi leaves. Add all this ingredients to one glass of water and boil it until it gets half of the quantity. Now just have it hot. It gives a good result for continuous cough. This should be consumed atleast 3 times a day. But little in quantity. May be 1/3 rd of a normal glass. Here comes the next importance of Tulsi. The new sprout leaves along with its flower is plucked fresh from the plant and tied in the garland. This garland is laid for the deities in the temple. The garland includes flowers may be roses or jasmine as well. Some ladies after headbathe make it compulsory to place atleast two leaves in their wet hairs. Every religion has its own belief. Some are quite hard to believe but then it is their trust and each one of respect that. As India is a place where you can find lot of culture, each and everyone makes it a point to respect others culture. Image captured from my garden in my mobile.

A one arm distance in any relationship is a must **A distance in any relationship is a must, so that you don't have to regret later. For a healthy relationship to continue, just maintain a distance where both of you are secure, safe and aound.** It so happens, when two thick friends or childhood friends try to cheat over the other, the pain is unbearable. So it is advisable to keep a one arm distance, no matter how close you are so that later you don't have to suffer the pain solely. In any relationships where spouses are involved, when one is hurt it reflects very badly on the other. Such is the strength of this relationship. But then there is a flip side to this story as well. When one cheats over the other, the intensity of pain is intolerable. There is no distance in this relationship so either of them should suffer when something unexpected befalls them. The same is applicable within the family members also. **Keeping a distance has its own benefits also** You **don't have to disclose** everything to your intimate friend. Its better to remain silent rather than forcing yourself into trouble. Never interfere in the **privacy of a person,** no matter how close he is to you. Do not focus on a **particular** friend. So that in case of any urgency or necessity you dont need to depend or take opinion from one such particular friend instead take the advice of one with whom you are comfortable. The relationship should entirely be based on a "**hi**" and "**bye**". Nothing more than that. So that you can have peaceful nights. Whenever your friend is in trouble, you can help him/her but **keep your limitations.** So that they never become dependent on you, each time when help is required. Some friends are such that they can never stay apart. **But this again will ruin your inner strength making you worthless.** A **distance only strengthens and never ruins** any relationship. You should be respected for what you are. **Keeping a distance never means drifting away from friends. It should be understood that you are always there for them, whenever required. A friend in need is a friend in deed.** Image captured from my mobile.

A disturbed mind **When things go away from expectations, when things don't workout as per our decisions, when you cannot find an end result for what you were struggling , when you expect the unexpected ......these are just few facts where one's mind gets disturbed.** As humans we always tend to be calculative when getting involved in any work may be personal or official. Most of us strive to bring the best in ourselves. ***But does all succeed. The answer is "No".*** We strive till the last to get the best positive end result. **When do peoples get easily disturbed:** Some are real **perfectionist** and they expect perfection in their result. They cannot withstand even small faults. Besides being **confident**, they have a second thought "**Did I do the right thing"** or "**Am I moving on the right track"?** **Lack of Trust** - When more than one person is involved in executing a project and where one finds it diffiult to entrust the responsibility to other, from his personal point of view. There are **peoples who fear to oppose** against someone when something gieswrong. Though aware of the fact things are not taking a right track, they remaIn silent due to fear. **Over thinking** - When there are many ways to work out for one purpose, one becomes confused to decide which way to choose. Finally resulting in none. Ultimately resulting in confused state of mind. **Frustration** is another main factor for disturbance. When the output delays ultimately the frustration increases resulting in shattered mind. People who are **stubborn** are the one who gets easily disturbed. They are the one's who gets angry over simple things and sometimes choose their way to execute. They find it difficult to accept their own fault. **There is a deadline for any personal or official work involved. But before getting involved a person should have a clear picture of what is his role and what he is going to execute. Once you have a clear picture, you don't have to go through the above mentioned points.** Image captured from my mobile.

Meeting a close friend virtually after 30 years **It came as a surprise when yesterday I had a call in my mobile from.an unknown number. At first I hesitated to take the call. But then the same number was beeping in my whatsapp number. So then I decided to attend the call.** On saying hello, I got the answer in our local language. *"Hi, Hello, R u so and so....Do you remember me. Iam so and so.....How are you? Where are you? I was hunring for you for ao long . Finally..."* All these questions in one breathe. Infact from the other side I was dumbstruck, hearing this voice after ages, a gap of 30 years. She was one of my best friend during my college days. I was happy at the same time curious to know how on earth she got my number. She was calling from another state of India. **We last met on the day of convocation - the day we were conferred with our graduation degree. That was our last meeting.** We, a group of 7 to 8 girls were always together. The previous day of convocation we friends including me took permission from our respective parents to spend a day with friends on the convocation day. **After convocation and a photo taking ceremony, we all had a grand dinner in a grand hotel and finally after lot of hugs and tears in eyes we seperated, never thinking we will get in touch again. That was the last I met her.** *At this point,* ***I would like to thank the advancement of technology and internet, without whose support we would still be in two corners of the state with no contact.*** *The whatapp and Facebook has advanced a lot, where at one click you get the A to Z details of a persin.* Those days we just had a land line phone. The telephone with Dial system. There were no mobiles or internet. So communication was a problem. But then, the postal department was active those days. Hence we could communicate by sending and receiving letters. Gradually this also stopped and finally no contact. **Her call came as a shower of rain for me, a non stop chatter box we used to call her.** And after years I could feel the same from her voice when I was talking to her. She was eager to tell about her and to know about me. When talking to an old friend, automatically our mind reverts to those beautiful days with that friend. She was talking about her two grown up sons who are now working in a multinational company. **Grown up children meaning we have become old enough to share the stories of those good old days days, where there was no space for responsibilities.** Now its vice-versa, where responsibilities are above our shoulders. Comparatively these days time seems to be limited. **Sometimes, its always good to calm down from you busy schedule and look back the journey you went through. We will definitely have lot of untold stories, great adventures, the furious look of teachers on knowing we bunked their classes, the canteen days, the cultural fest, the sports meet, the lunch time, purposely missing the bus inorder to get late, getting caught in a cinema theater from someone known to us. All these and much more remarkable experiences one should have definitely gone through.**

Will Dreams come true? **When two opposite genders reunite to be one, their grows a beautiful family with lot of dreams ahead. But will all their dreams turn to realities?** Or will it just remain as dreams. All of us has the right to dream. Isn't it friends? While some dreams succeed, some dreams go to the extent of getting successful, but eventually fails due to uncertainties or unexpected happenings. Getting exposed to big dreams by looking other elites is not a dream. It's just a fantasy which you and I know will never happen. **So dream at your reach so that even if it fails you remain happy and contented and not sad and lost.** A man and woman before getting married, **dream** much about their future. About how it should be? Even before they tie the knot they finalize about their honeymoon trip, a big house, a car, children, their education, their future....the list is endless. But once you are married **your dreams are diverted by unexpected expenses.** Because **for any dreams to come true the base is finance**. **And when finance weakens ultimately your dream shatters.** Most of us **dream to own a house** and wait for the right time. **More the finance, more will be the expectation for a home sweet home.** Many fail to understand home is a basic need and they wait for the right time to built a mansion. **There are peoples who keep aside their dreams, to complete their responsibilities to fulfil their dreams.** Not knowing the fact that each time you keep your dreams aside, responsibilities are only increasing gradually and not decreasing. Here we can **take the example of a middle class family who sometimes keeps aside his wish of eating good food inorder to compensate other expenses either** the childs school fees or th other expenses like payment of rent, elecrricity, water supply, telephone bills etc. etc. He is not aware of the growing demand, as each day passes by. **Days turning to months and finally to years**. **By this time a portion of his responsibility is over and he might have invited several diseases like diabetes, pressure** etc. and gets abstained from even tasting his favorite delicacies. ***This is a sad and true fact of many lovable parents.*** **In the long run to give happiness for their family, many parents - switch from their favorite careers for more income, avoid tasting their favorite foods, forget getting new clothes for themselves, suppress their dream of visiting their favorite places. etc.** Most of the parents to my knowledge keep their dreams aside, in other words, sacrifice their dreams and happiness for the sake of the growing needs of their children. They need to give the best to the children. And once the children acquire the best and placed in top positions, they get settled and go after their dreams, **not knowing behind their success is the sweat of their parents.** **Besides, the person who made them "What they are today"? are long forgotten.** ****A piece of advice:**** *Children will grow with all their needs getting done on time. And once in their toes, they will go after their dreams and your dreams will remain just a "dream". So make sure you don't drift away from your dreams. Atleast make your small wishes come true.* ***Because at one time we shouldn't repent or regret on what we failed to achieve. Life is only once so live to explore your dreams.***