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!  

A convoluted protest

As I write this, Mr. Anna Hazare has shifted to the Ram Leela ground. I am honestly fed up with this whole circus that continues to hold entire nation ransom to its arm twisting antics. When this "movement" started, it felt like it was voice of silent desperation that found cathartic release. Obviously, there was much more to it! Voice of people is one of the most important pillar for any democracy but when the modus operandi of any protest is conducted and projected in a manner that reflects complete disregard for the constitution and judiciary, some serious doubts are raised about its credibility. 

  

There are ways to address any issue in a democracy like India. Why go on streets, create anarchy, stall governance by blackmailing the government, as means to get things done in certain way? Isn't it a very dangerous precedent to set? The way current government has (mis)handled this murky mess adds to the anguish of the nation already fuming with anger. (I am sure, you remember government's blunder in handling Baba Ramdev's derailed debacle).  

Corruption is one issue that provides space for any Indian to relate or identify with. And that precisely is the reason why we find an interesting menagerie of people participating in this "fight against corruption". There are some genuine souls who are willing to do anything to eradicate deep rooted grime of corruption from the system; but it is amusing to see people who thrive on corruption, supporting Anna's protest and striving to purge themselves and shift the entire blame on government!

Needless to say, the majority of people participating in Anna's political jambooree; romanticized both by media and the mindless rhetoric of various people, have neither read or understood Anna's Lokpal Bill or its repercussions fully. I doubt they even understand the meaning of democracy! Sadly, the issue that had all the potential to unite entire nation, shake us and compel us to look within and find our conscience has been reduced to a complete farce!

I have few questions.

I wish to ask the government; isn't it time to take your electorate seriously and realize that there is an urgent need to understand the frustration of being subjected to generations of corrupt governance AND TAKE extraordinary measures that are necessary? Do you really have conviction required for it?

  

My question for mr.Anna Hazare's supporters; are you SERIOUSLY interested in eradicating corruption and wish to have better governance? How about dropping all the melodrama of lighting candles and shouting slogans in front of cameras and never encouraging corruption in any form even AFTER going home, post this "movement"? How about doing your bit that helps government in effective governance? 

My question to the media; when would you ever learn to be responsible enough to address the issues in a mature way, WITHOUT sensationalizing them for the sake of grabbing eyeballs?

Politics is not my forte but my blood brews when I witness such sad events that embroil the nation and create unnecessary and easily avoidable conflicts. Hope someone out there understands my anguish that is resonated in so many people around me. I am waiting for the answers!

Path of flames and embers

I was deeply saddened to watch news of London riots. The rampage parade, with a vengeance in the name of venting anger or frustration, displaying ugly opportunism by hooligans is horrifying. Local goons can stir up such havoc and continue to inflict terror over sustained period of time, without police being capable of quelling such delinquency, is difficult to cope with. 

In Maharashtra, last week, the carefully planned Maval agitation escalated to a level which created security threat to the users of Mumbai Pune express highway. Unfortunately, three farmers died when police tried to control rowdy behaviour of the mob. The saddest part is, the police officers who happened to shoot those farmers, are suspended for the "crime" of doing their job! Welcome to the great Indian political circus! 

One needs great courage to survive in today's world where every single day, one witnesses acts of violence and terrorism erupting from years of suppressed anger, injustice, deeply ingrained hatred, mindless greed and filthy power games and when such inexcusable exercises are used to settle personal, social, or political scores, they are beyond any comprehension. 

Far too often, media cohorts and the nation is taken by never ending storms that reflect political, pseudo cultural and religious, chauvinistic, double faced, hypocritical India. It has become fashionable to "protest", so what if it disrupts functioning of governance and invite unnecessary chaos? I am yet to understand, where all this really leads to; in so far as offering any alternative suggestions that position protests, in constructive ways? Frankly, I am little jittery over anyone who claims to be "voice of nation/people", articulating well crafted rhetoric. 


It is time to get past the fluff of political games which are nothing but utter farce and address some REAL issues. Sixty five years of independence and India still has some unique challenges. But  I'm NOT giving up hope, yet! 

An angel by the beach

Witnessing splendor of sunrise and watching sun's first few rays split into light is enigmatic experience! When there is no distraction between you and nature, the very experience takes you to a completely different level. My husband and I had a beautiful drive around the hills while going to Kashid, near Alibaugh a fortnight back. When we reached there, it was like a perfect scene from a romantic movie! Pretty clean sandy beach, lovely cool breeze, breath-taking music of waves and chirping of birds...yeah, we experienced all this! 


There was hardly any soul around to disturb that serene solitude. We settled near a stall selling coconuts; watching the sea in its playful mood and the morning breeze carresing us gently. The place was still in slumber, about to be woken up on that lovely morning. We were fascinated by the magic of earthy landscapes created by waves, strewn on luminous sand. There was a soothing quitetude of freshly washed shore, an enchaniting journey of the senses! 

Hardly an hour must have passed when a boy barely ten, emerged with his horse cart, requesting us to try the ride. We were a little reluctant as it was bit early but his hopeful eyes melted me and we agreed to take the ride.

Whenever I visit a new place, the most enriching experience has always been knowing local people and learning about their life. It is interesting, how it helps me capture different perspectives of life in general. I tried to talk to Sumedh, the boy with the horse cart but he was extremely shy. All answers to my questions were monosyllabic, wrapped with a genuine, sweet smile. All I could learn about him, was his name and that he studied in fourth standard and wished to study to become "successful man"! I asked him if he was happy since it was weekend and he would have more customers. He answered with a deep sigh, " didi, paisa to milta hain par log beach ganda karte hain...... "  ( meaning, he gets good money but was not happy about people spoiling the beach). The concern in his voice and eyes was difficult to miss when he said this. 

After we reached one point, the cart stopped and we got busy clicking pictures while Sumedh ran towards the sea and grabbed a plastic bottle, the wave had just thrown out. He tucked it in a gunnysack beneath the cart. I learnt that this was his daily ritual, performed with utmost dedication. Everyday, when he was at the beach, he collected all the garbage and put it in a dustbin. I was bowled over by this gesture! 


I see so many people littering roads, public property without any iota of guilt, even in a metro city like Mumbai. I have seen people from expensive cars spitting their mouthful of gutkas and paans on the roads in the cities and here was a boy  with hardly any educated background, showing maturity that many "educated people" fail to display! He was so much part of his surroundings and so sensitive to nature that he walked his talk with great elan. I had hardly exchanged a few sentences with this kid but he left a great impact on me with his responsible behaviour. 

As our ride got over and we started walking on the beach, I felt elated ! Sumedh had touched my heart deeply. I was very proud of him and I planned to catch up with him again the next day and know him a little more.  Our silent conversation with this angel was a lovely start to our weekend. I knew there was a lot of beauty about to be discovered.