Smelling roses

At times, life becomes very difficult to bear. No matter how content we might be with our respective life; the tragic incidents that have become everyday occurrences engulf us so deeply that one needs to strive hard to hold on to some semblance of optimism. Political unrest, terrorist attacks, earthquake, plane crash, road accidents, murders, scams ...how much can one take and still act as if nothing affects us really? At times, it is difficult to love life when we see so much pain and suffering around. 

Since last few days, I was making a conscious effort to avoid watching news on television,  reading newspapers or magazine or allow any negative news to affect me. Perhaps, I had reached a threshold point but God seemed to have realized it, as he keeps sending me signals that would help me revive my faith in goodness and appreciate all the blessings life has so generously bestowed upon me. 

  


Day before yesterday, I was driving on my usual route and at the traffic signal, a tiny toddler gifted me bunch of roses! " Didi, ye aapke liye" (for you, sister) he said, with a smile that could melt any soul and before I could even thank him, he sprinted back to his sister. Driving that day, was much pleasant experience thanks to the lovely fragrance of roses and the warmth attached to it that lingered on my mind and heart. Those kids could have easily sold those roses and earned some money for which they struggle so hard! The divinity of joy in their smiles; when they waved at me from across the road, their innocence and purity of their soul made me feel as if I met God! 

When I returned home that day, my inbox had a pleasant surprise! A dear friend had sent me a beautiful mail saying how much our friendship was valued. We always know that we are liked, respected and loved but sometimes it feels great to hear those words too! 

Since my mother passed away, I don't like to visit hospitals as they remind me of some saddest memories of my life. But when I went to the hospital yesterday, it was for a different reason. I met a dedicated doctor and his team working hard  for creating awareness and treat patients of Spina Bifida. It feels so good to meet people who go out of their way to contribute and create some change. 

Such incidental encounters are constant reminders, what a privileged energy life is. Sometimes, life will play different tunes. At times, it will make us cry or even will silence us with tragic events and make us realize sheer absurdity that is much beyond our control. It depends on us whether we transform that silence into a magical melody that is infinitely precious and sing our songs or choose to be overpowered by it. Pain and happiness are the two sides of the same coin. We must learn to accept both realities in our stride and keep nurturing energies that hold potential of transformation. 

Life is the most precious gift. Accepting its various facets and keeping our focus on our blessings and living each day well, is the most sacred way of worshiping God. I think, we should never miss out on smelling roses!

Surviving terror attacks

My last week's article, "They did it again", generated some interesting responses on social networking sites where I share my link and I received a request from a regular reader of this blog, Dr.Pulak Parag. To quote his exact words, "Do suggest some practical solutions that a common man is able to offer. I am sure there are plenty of ways in which we can correct ourselves before we blame the government." 

True, we accuse the government for lack of comprehensive strategy, political will and spine to combat terrorism but there are so many ways in which we can contribute too, but don't! So, here are a few suggestions that can be considered and implemented and are very easy to follow. 

1) Accept terrorism as reality and not just events that we always read about in newspaper and watch on TV/net.

2) Be extra alert while travelling, renting properties, hiring people and  check the background of people with whom we deal in our personal/professional spheres.

3) Train ourselves to deal with unique challenges that arise at the time of terrorist attacks. Focus of the training should be, first aid training, basic security measure training,  learning survival skills...etc. Also, participate in spreading the awareness on how to save other lives at the time of such attacks.

  

4) NOT succumbing to the greed for the sake of money/convenience/favour/religious compulsions. Terrorists always depend on local support and typically, people who fall prey to terrorists' plans and end up helping them directly or indirectly are the ones who concede to such greed.

5) Be responsible and inform police about anything/anyone suspicious. It doesn't take much time to inform police (it is high time to get rid of the mindset of, "why get involved with police").

6)  Be responsible in passing news and exercise restrain which is crucial at such challenging times. 

7) Create teams of volunteers who are trained and skilled in handling the calamity and the aftermath, in every possible town/cities.

8) Keep numbers of hospitals /blood banks/ doctors accessible.

9) Making children and senior citizens aware and train them to face such events as they are very vulnerable in such times.

10) NOT be biased about any particular community in our actions, mindsets and behaviour.

11) Learning how NOT to be provoked by panic and provoke others with hysterical frustration and vulnerability. This is very important in minimizing further damage. Stop watching sensational news covering terrorists attack as it doesn't serve any purpose and over period of time, grows on our psyche. Instead, get the prerequisite information, think how we can contribute and do the needful. 

12) Always support local authority in maintaining law and order instead of hampering police work by flocking at the site of terrorist attack, as if it is some tourist spot!

13) Try to refrain from participating in any discussion that can lead to strong reactions/comments that propagate hatred for any country, community or society. Human kind has suffered immensely due to malevolent disease of hatred, prejudice and judgment. Strong emotions like hatred can breed alienation and division which can sometimes lead to terrorism.

14) Vote for the right candidate. It is inappropriate to think that all people in politics are bad. If you don't like the options available, help bring/support some good people in politics. We need educated, committed, capable and truly secular people in politics. Let's try to  do our bit instead of cribbing about corrupt politicians. Remember, it is us, who vote for them and bring them to power.

15) There are a very few people subscribing to terror but a whole big world completely AGAINST it and fighting to combat it. Should we be intimidated by terror and allow the terrorist to create fear; which is their basic purpose or REFUSE to give in and learn to deal with the agony, do the needful, move on and be stronger in our mind and spirits and unite to fight this global challenge? Think and make your choice.

I’m sure there is lot more we can do as citizens and I might have missed out on many things. Why don't you chime in your suggestions? Let's not forget that each single opportunity of us being saved from terrorist attack is a life's reminder that it is time to learn from our tragedies, grow, heal our wounds and face each new day with a smile and determination and make new beginnings.

Life is a very precious gift. Let us not take it for granted. 

They did it again !

Last couple of days it had started feeling exceptionally sanguine; specially, with so many festivals being celebrated in such short time. It was just beginning to feel like a long party and just then, news of Delhi bomb blasts flashed all over!

It is very difficult to carry on with life as if nothing has happened just because we are not affected by these tragic occurrences. The disturbing visuals on TV and newspapers were chilling. 

At the site of devastation, the lawyers and advocates were requesting zealous photographers for not taking inappropriate pictures as great material for “breaking news” coverage at the expense of human suffering. It was interesting to watch Mr. Rahul Gandhi heckled by relatives of the victims, on his "goodwill" mission of appeasement of sentiments even at the tragic time of pain and horror of such large scale.  

I fail to understand what kind scores are settled and what is achieved by killing innocent people! The repercussions of such despicable acts only further espouse strong feelings of revenge and hatred, creating yet another cycle of animosity and discord that alienates people further.

Terrorism, our modern day reality is a very, very long battle and it needs to be handled in a strategic manner. There are no quick fix solutions to it.  The first step would be to concede this truth. 

Honestly, with each terrorist attack, I am beginning to lose patience with our administrative agencies. Agreed, it is not an easy task but let us be at least convinced of political will to address this serious issue! We need radical reforms in our vigilance and security systems. Sadly, we are running out of time and are done with speeches at parliament, protests and dirty games of partisan politics.

It is time for some serious action - terror combat, NOW.
   

Mystic moments !

It is that sacred time, when I am enveloped in the pleasures of solitude. Almost everything around me is engulfed in serene calm. I have resigned from frenetic cadence of the day, signed off from my daily work and long list of "things to do". I head to the favourite part of my house; my room - a place where I hide myself for the quiet contemplation. This is a ritual I always look forward to and once I am done, I emerge much energized, happier and at peace with myself.

 

There is always some music in the background that fills my room; mostly western classical or jazz. Either an aroma candle or the incense stick from Auroville, manages to instantly ignite my spirit and there is perfect harmony between the emotional and intellectual landscape within me. I sip herbal tea and go through photographs I have clicked during my outdoor shoots. It is so beautiful to revisit one's work!  I marvel at the sheer splendour of Nature's bounty.

 

 

Sometimes, I take out all the artifacts and paintings collected painstakingly over the years and for few moments, I am lost in nostalgia. Occasionally, I read some lines from my favourite authors/poets whose words have been soothing companions always.

 

 

At times, I just close my eyes and let myself immerse in the surrounding. Some events from life emerge on the cerebral arena from nowhere and reflecting on life begins. It is amazing to witness life unfold everyday. Each day is packed with gamut of experiences. The experiences span from bizarre, hilarious, touching and even profound making me go through varied emotions.

Some occurrences are understood in essence but very difficult to describe in words. Such experiences get internalized and I somehow catalogue that sense. I feel thrilled when the nucleus of intellect, creativity and seminal discovery begins!  

My poignant journey within allows me to discover timber of my own creative and spiritual pulse. At some absolutely magical moment, I find my universe resonating tranquil peace and I know at that very moment, life is once again a new solemn journey, still waiting to be discovered!

Art musings

I am always in search of something inspiring that feeds my heart and soul. Life sometimes becomes too much to bear, with so many demands and expectations. And there comes a point, when I have to find some solace to gather myself back. Last week, I grabbed an opportunity amid a crazily hectic day and had stimulating conversations with artists at Jehangir art gallery.


Visitors from village clicking pictures with Shyamal Mukharjee's paintings

Artist Shyamal Mukharjee with his paintings

Usually, I like to devote entire day for exploring art exhibitions but even with only two hours that I somehow managed to squeeze, I was fortunate to find very interesting work by three different artists. The first exhibition, by artist Shyamal Mukharjee portrayed fascinating figures that had caricaturist style. There was subtle rawness to his figures that are from everyday rural life and what stands out in his paintings is his unique style of reverse painting and portrayal of very joyous people from  ordinary life, who look amusing yet successfully strike a chord with the viewer instantly.


"Virasat", by artist, Dhananjay Sastakar, had an interesting subject and approach of expression.  His insight, that clearly seems to have emerged from his passion for heritage, captured beautifully sculpted, designed and carved doors, windows and zarokhas from old heritage architecture across the country. When I discussed his work, he explained painting these subjects was his attempt to revive our heritage structures that we are losing out so fast thanks to modernization. 


                                    Paintings from the exhibition, "Virasat" 

                               Artist Dhananjay Sastakar with his paintings

"Walls that speak" by Kishore Ingale, was potpourri of amazing imageries in Grafiti art with bold colours and brazen style. There were layers and layers to his stories narrated through mixed media.  His work gave a complete new context to familiar roadside things that we see everyday and when juxtaposed bring interesting forces that give great insight into different dimensions and depths to our existence. 

                      Paintings from the exhibition "Walls that speak" 

Artist Kishore Ingale with his paintings

Meeting three different artists and seeing their body of work was enriching experience. All three artists from completely different background helped me see life from perspective that never existed in my mind before. Though I don't understand the technical side of art, all these exhibitions were able to have connection with me. I wished to see so many more but the demands of work didn't allow me that luxury. I left delighted, born anew deep within at some level and rejoiced life yet again despite the pressure of demands and expectations! Beauty is all around us, even in most ordinary things. All we need, is to have an eye to notice it!