Santa was here!

A very different and thoroughly delightful Xmas party was celebrated at the pediatric ward of a local, state run hospital on the 21st of Dec.The esteemed guests of honour being the tiny- tot residents of the ward, their parents/guardians, the nurses /attendants and gradually…. a whole lot of curious onlookers! A very fit, slim n trim Santa was actually a well known heart throb –an RJ on the vastly popular ‘Radio Mirchi’- Srikant! chatting up the kids and bringing down barriers of shyness and hesitation; the organizers being part of a social organization led by gracious Saira Sikand , the indefatigable Nalini Ramchandran, the many volunteers as well as employees –current and past ,from the bookstore- Twist n Tales led by the owner Janki…full of zeal and dedication which made this fifth Christmas party in the hospital… a dreamlike reality ! Begining with a fun filled round of the wards with Santa(Claus…not Singh!) giving away gifts , all assembled in an outdoor venue decorated with colorful streamers and comfortable mats .Excitement and curiosity brimmed around and once the little ones were settled there was no stopping their fun!They were treated to some foot-tapping carols by young volunteers-Nandini, Yamini and Eeshaan a fun filled story with voluble cats and dogs ,donkey’s and cockerels.. which proved the power of togetherness, some wonderful nursery rhymes which the children happily joined in ,more stories by first timer Riaz and Geetanjali followed by a brief ‘jamming’ session in which the children under treatment actually ventured to contribute to the program! A song and a poem, a shy, bashful smile and a straight run into the parent’s arms absolutely delighted one and all present!
All in all it turned out to be one of the best parties I’d attended in the yearJ
Where an innocent smile invites
Joy that lurks in a hearts
Darkest corner’s……
When spontaneity reflects the
Mind’s true desire….
How giving away a smile
Yields a ‘return gift ‘ of immeasurable delights…J…until next Christmas then….!

Random rhapsodies

music rules this world....and what more to delight the senses than that element of surprise...when random numbers are played!the sense of anticiation and the further audiopleasure feels like cool mist that caresses you when you peep out of a window on a coool wintry morning ..peeping to catch the arrival of the early rays of sunshine...like something from cafe nirvana....or the ABBA tracks...or just the soundtrack from the smashing clint eastwood westerns,say, for a few dollars more?and then our very own mausam,kabhie kabhie or the very recent ..jannat?...this list can go on...wish one could upload just music on a blog!but do chk outwww.abbamusic.com!

madness n mayhem

monstrous minds abound
in young bodies
such wicked thoughts rebound
there's no end to this mayhem
till there will be this madness
to ignore all finer feelings
to destroy faith and any feeling of belonging
like the Taj lies solitary
and leaves us all deposed.
This atrocity in Mumbai is an eyeopener..perhaps the last chance we all have to really awaken. To the reality of today..of where ..small petty negligences, rivalries and maybe the thirst for a few more bucks can lead to.
The tragedy of some fanatical, illogical group to dare to lay hands on the pride of every true Indian and the sensibility of every upright citizen..be they of any nationality is a fearful indication of what we are generally resigning ourselves to get used to...this I'msure is what many hearts do think ..hearts which weep with the smoke from the burning Taj..the smouldering insecurity in our own vicinity and the searing insensitivity of 'our own' youth.

childrens day :)

Childrens day…!
14th November, the birthday of India’s first prime minister- Jawaharlal Nehru is earmarked as ‘children’s day’ in India. A day on which his love and affection for children is remembered and reiterated by one and all..be they children or adults.He was of the firm belief that an educated childhood lead to an educated, intelligent youth and further an upright and confident individual who is the building block of a society …and in a larger frame ,a nation. An ingenious thought! Though mostly this day is marked by joy and revelry on the children’s camp, there are a few adults who recall the true purpose and concept of this day …like people who help, volunteer and organize for the education of those children who are deprived or unaware of what is their right .’Akanksha’ is one such organization that is wholeheartedly involved in the task of identifying children ,areas where education has not seen the light of day! By physically collecting the young ones…some frisky, some timid, some traumatized, some happy , some curious and some downright…dubious! and taking them to informal classrooms where the basics of reading, writing , math and most importantly expressing ones thoughts i.e communicating skills are imparted to them, the teachers and volunteers play a major role in making ‘ Chacha(Uncle) Nehru’s’ vision come true! As a teeny weeeny part of this program , during a story telling session which I’d contributed to ,it came to my mind how these people work hard so that the valuable and golden years of these young kids are no longer wasted in ignorance of worthwhile knowledge /skills and acquisition of anti social tendencies or addictions but assimilating social and scientific temperaments and a peep into the world which beckons them with innumerable opportunities to make it better…to make it bigger.Hats off to all at ‘Akanksha’…and special fireworks for you too!...here’s to www.Akanksha.org!

Randomgames....

Randompics….

From the 13th to the 18th of October 2008, the city of pune in India witnessed a spectacular change, an invigorating and exhilarating experience of hosting the 3rd Commonwealth Youth Games at the spacious and world class Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports complex….more familiar as the ‘Balewadi Sports Complex’.Participating in the games were over 1200 youth sportspersons from 71 countries… each as diverse and different as they could ever be! With the CGA(Commonwealth games Association) persons putting their all in organizing this mammoth 9 games event- right from the pre games logistics to the post team departure clearances with a massive amount of sport, youth, cultural , residential as well as culinary gymnastics thrown in- in between,the contribution of the wee volunteer did not go unnoticed or unappreciated! With people from diverse backgrounds pitching in to aid in technical liason to some wonderful shopping , its been an experience to treasure and some friendships to cherish!
Look here’s the proof!
Young minds all agog to assimilate India in all her glory and bewildering idiosyncracies, the psychedelic and vibrant colours, the milling crowds,the constant voices all around and of course…the warm sun! thrilled to their core and asking for more..!

A Random Repose….

Serene Sajjangad----- the name speaks it all. With a four hour@66 Rs bus ride and another 30 min @12 Rs bus journey the route to the majestic and almost mystical fort of Sajjangad seems amusingly puny! Its tough to pull the wildly wandering ‘ six ‘senses to follow a common , orderly itinerary on arrival but wait…slowly and gently the ambience settles them all and before you know it ……mind and body reach that blissful state of harmony which pleasantly surprises one and all! The aura of the fort instills a strange sense of self discipline..the scenic delights dull the need for any artificial stimulants and you can happily just be …you!But wait…even rustic forts need to provide a source of income to its inhabitants so a confrontation with a wily and resourceful buttermilk vendor can be a reallllly enlightening experience(solid proof enclosed!) In a wisp of a land where there is no fear whatsoever of whatsoever..even a wee little squirrel will greedily hop onto your lap for a nibble at some savoury snack! And there’s more … for the religiously inclined folk, prayers begin at the crack of dawn to the popping up of the moon and for the trek lovers, there’s so much space to cover and so many little ,amazing details to uncover…

In case,

you are a person

who agrees with the old adage

here’s your chance…

to experience ….

lots of peace ,

communing with nature

and….. a little sundance !

randomsabbaticals

this really can be tiresome...
blogging ,logging and therafter .....just 'hibernating'!
well,its time to wake up and share all those amazing experiences...exciting ,ennervating,pulsating..
some quite vexing too.But mostly really gratifying.
from moving house to setting up a new place- from volunteering for an international set of sports events to taking a solitary step out on a quiet fort
from catching up with family and folks to settling back in the daily rigmarole of life...its been all about 'returning' ..to places and people..... who appeal and which can lovingly heal !
so you see, im simply back :)
look out!

randombooks:)

To read up a premeditated topic has its merits,but to catch up with a random subject has both merit( [a] u enjoy it;[b] u don't enjoy it and just gather some jottings!) as well as the pleasure serendipity bestows upon the human ego!One such book was 'Random Harvest ' by James Hilton....yes! the very one who made Shangri - La an almost real place , just about to be marked on a map ..soon. A place made up of pure and beautiful dreams .Picked from a quaint book shop selling pre read trivia ;)(hep terminology for a second hand book! ) in Bangalore..this book had me riveted to it throughout a seemingly ,singularly nondescript ,gloomy evening and every few pages turned my time into a precious , never to be lost momentous occassion.The sheer mastery of narration and the human emotions in this book make you think hard before you ever judge a person.The story of a mans search, to a point of desperation , of his past while its right with him in his present...think a bit...doesn't this happen to us too .. sometimes ?

my b'day blast :)

From Friday the 30th of May to Sunday the 8th of June it has been such a fantastic time for me!Totally unimagined and unexpected,warm and fun filled ...meeting up friends,accepting good wishes,..in every form ;) sharing and caring...thank you all... my mom, pals, colleagues, relatives ,boss n gang at TNT ,its been such a wonderful welcoming into an exciting, God -knows-what -lies-ahead ,new year, of my life.Hearing the voice of a dear friend after an impossible gap of time warmed every fiber of my heart(OK! ,I know-technically its muscle)thank you D.To be touched by love and affection is the greatest gift of this life of mine.im so glad..and reassured that ..well iv'e not done too badly for myself!Yippee....I can't wait to get older! .

nurture notes

from one heart to another,
with warmth, gratitude,a silent smile
a sleepy yawn one doesn't need to smother
awaken that little one ,snooping in every bodies secret corner
that affectionate sense , feeling of being a mother.

random reactions

to be confronted with grief, grieving and loss - out of the blue ,
it really shaken's you.
from incomprehensible to bewildered
realizing the inevitable , a mere residue...
that ,that someone who's always been there for you ,
is now no more ...
just this is what is true....and remain so all through.

summers come a knockin!

Sunny,hot, warm and sticky are now the chosen adjectives!with all its power summer's here anddo we know it.This is aperfect opportunity to vent out pent up emotions, let the self control on time out more frequently, dress down and go to town,guzzle up liquids and drool over cool fruits. Watch birds chirp earler in the mornings, animals skivvy to waterholes and the greens shed some foliage to trim out .....guess nature likes to have a 'change of season 'too :)

kikflashbak :)

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randomnotes

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Of Stocks that shock and Scrips that strip....

The recent fortnight of the deep plunge that the markets have taken are just what nightmares are made up of.Anguished , paralyzed, broken,shattered, indebted,bankrupt,deprived ,traumatized...it could be a study in shock related adjectives!So what does make the market & its players tick?Really, its obvious that intelligent investing is no come easy - go easy gimmick;yet people do yield to temptation ,yield to unsolicited advice,and stretch their risk bearing capacities.Its tragic.There's a lot to learn yet.Nothing comes free in this world! Behind the suave ,swashbuckling ,confident -investor facade its just people who're making things just a bit easier for themselves, their families ,their loved ones. A real protagonist( well, Some would call 'hero' a sexist term...tread gently..!)would feel empowered by being prudent , backing off in uncomfortable circumstances and sticking by the gut feeling.And no more than Udayan Mukherjee who didn't mind weeping on the sets of a show..Now thats my hero!

Friday, January 25, 2008

Random ramparts- Fort Jadhavgarh,Pune

Drive out at random and if you manage to get away 43 kms from Pune, towards Saswad and just off the main road, you're bound to encounter a vision! A gravelly driveway snaking through guava and fig orchards brings across the horizon a majestic ,solid and almost imperious structure- replete with turrets , stone walls, square windows and the atmosphere of a bygone era.You've reached Fort Jadhavgarh.Dating back to early 1700 this authentic fort has now metamorphosed from a residence to a more generous heritage hotel- kind courtesy of the Orchid group.Not only do the stone flagged stairs lead you to the reception area but also transports you into the times of a Swash buckling musketeers , royal intrigue and out of this world 'adab'!Up another flight carrying the fragrance of pot pourri and perfumed candles for sale at the souveneir shoppee opposite the reception,is a spacious courtyard which tempts you to explore more....There are are self contained, elegantly designed and furnished rooms bordering the verandah,Each with a different equally amazing view and world class excellence. The open to sky showers are a dream and the modern luxuries inside could really give you a pleasant perplexity are you in the present .past or the future?!the restaurant which is a clever mix of ethnic and modern chic, leads out to a cozy balcony , inviting you to settle into one of the most comfortable settees and simply gaze at the greenery,the sunset...stirring experience.IS this the place from where farewells were waved and covert glimpses snatched for a treasure chest of fond memories?Hmmmm.A corridor lined with alcoved windows lures to a deliciously intriguing dungeon...all dark and eerie not to mention cooool!Worth sinning just to get there I tell you! Its now converted into a wine cellar...still..!Placed above is an al fresco bbq and grill area overlooking an inviting swimming pool and out and beyond is the 'Bar under the Bargad'( to be effective a couple of months later!)Cool idea! Up and and above is a two storeyed 'akhada' an authentic wrestling ring with the walls still wearing the frescoes of ancient times- a bit of Ajanta and Ellora here.A short stroll leads to the in house Museum which houses myriad artefacts- old hookahs and chillums, accessories like combs and musical instruments from the tribals around almost 600 yrs old!Amazing, just so.Theres a plaque at the foot of the fort.."Lad Jhagad, Aage Badh" ...soon ,with the ancient amount of parking place, its going to take on a totally real meaning ,I'm sure!!!But its going to be worth it.Perfect getaway .Thanx Mr. V Kamat for making History accessible in such a royal manner!

Tyrst with TnT

On a warm sunny afternoon, seeking out a lane well shaded with verdent trees I dicovered Twist n Tales in a nook off DP road, aundh.It lay nestled between a wildspace and Venkateshwara tuition classes. Making way across a swing, knots n crosses and a 'round table',passing through a glass door that tempted with a tantalising view of racks of books inside ( apologies to all that/those else inside whom I couldnt focus on !)I realised I'd reached a very very meaningful place in the map of my life.A bookstore with class and character.A place where one can come face to face with their own varied inclinations and interests,with amazingly supportive staff!I found books which I'd been looking for since a long long time and positively delighted with their collection of Agatha Christie No bookstore could be so full of Murders!!!Liked it loads and still do!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Moonsome nights n wintry chills

On a seemingly endless,sleepless night - with a moon on the verge of fullness,
Perhaps something strange does happen all of a sudden .
The mind discovers the presence of an unknown sight- a strange new awareness,
Of ones past peeping from behind..like a work of your own action's fiction.
Projections of unfulfilled little desires,wishes and twinges that seem to have arisen,
Amidst a kaleidoscope of smiles and joyful chirps-all random reflections of happiness.
and as the clouds pass over the shy moon, The mind stills again...curious ,with all eagerness ,
to discover what mysteries, in the near future, will be unharnessed!
Verse apart, curiosity runs the human show!I just thought like me, maybe you should also know!.
Some name it hope, some aim, some call it goal, some vision - each in their own way need some thing to look forward to and feel happy that after all ...its their own decision!
:)

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Randomgetaways...:)

What does it take to be with just 'someone'?... there could be numerous interesting possiblities!ahem..but ...a getaway certainly helps.Experience proves, that an unexpected and interesting invite to drive down to some downtrodden ramparts of a fort( to be duly resurrected-of course !)works better than a pot of caffeine to really wake one up.One up for economy!So off we went in a thoroughly dusty...(just to keep up with the spirit of a trip to an ancient fort...) fourwheeler :) .Pleasantries exchanged,we quickly agreed that either of us was unaware of the actual route.The usual recriminations happily done with, suppported by a net savvy phone owner ,we headed to wherever we were supposed to head to.. no phone calls taken, the only communication was that between the travellers and a rare , warm experience it was.The sharing of exclusive time is a wonderful experience.These realisations occur only later..of course(dimwits enjoy happenings for a longer time...)so savour a getaway,n just ..get away!!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Randomdrives .....

Random traipses that reach you to some surprising spaces..
like the time I just upped and went off ; to trot up a tekdi at the dead end of passport office lane, off Senapati Bapat road!
That was a cool ,misty morning and I was all charged up with the resolution of a recent new year....a morning walk a day keeps flab at bay?!So trot I did and then quite began to enjoy myself! the grrenery was soothing, the red muddy but firm path was intriguing and the excitement of wandering down an unknown beat quickened my footsteps...in effect there was a face saving confusion...as to whether my breathlessness was due to the entrancing natural surroundings or ...oh well! i'm still confused so lets just get on with the pertinent points!!
So..what began as a simple trot took me to some lovely locales...narrow shaded paths,the nip in the air ,woody fragrances, the quietness of the morning interrupted by the irreverent chirps of myriad winged creatures..well I managed to recognise the 'peacock'but otherwise ..looked forward to improving my acquaintance with quite a few creatures!By this time ...Id managed to do one full circle and it was 45 minutes!
So, next followed - for my er...muscles....a Moanday, Tearsday,Whineday,Thrustday,Frightsday,Sadderday and finally a Sunnierday!Thats it ..I was Hooked!.......And believe me..it worked!

Saturday, January 12, 2008

my first hello : )

Feels good to blah on a blog:)
here's my first -bloggers hi!
-----


ever notice what you fail to observe on daily ,routine pathways - ? to work ,to home,From anyplace A to B?
its a different scene when in a car, a two wheeler, in public transport on your own two feet.
care to share any observations?

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randomreturnnz :)

From lost to found

many twists n turns abound
sometimes a diversion
more frequently
too many pies in progression!
some business here
lots more happening somewhere
but just to prove a point
though through many a joint
the world is round
im yet again found.