The Noble Peace Voice Touches Civilization

 As the sounds of the cross firing at the border keeps the Indians and Pakistanis heated up with vengeance and blame-game, a breeze of good news was well on time and magical.

Educate a child, be it a girl or a boy

Shocking Realities

Children in the slums can only dream of a toy car and going to a regular school is farfetched a thought. I was watching a documentary recently and was shocked to see the tiny children work in a charcoal factory and their clothes were dirty and smeared with the black ash. They had a different way of life, picking up anything and everything in the city among the garbage dumps that would go to make charcoal. The process of making charcoal was not hi-tech and was based on the olden methods of covering the wood and the materials properly and setting the fire at the perfect temperature required for charcoal. If it backfires, everything is lost. The young children here collect the charcoal in small pieces and go their ways determined to sell and make a daily living. They never desire to go to school as their requirement was basic food.  Children are made to sell coloring books and comics in the city. These children hardly get to read but made to sell educative books to make a living. The scene at war zones is even more terrifying. The makeshift schools are also pulled down because of bombing of missiles so the chances of imparting education for free is also curtailed but uncouth masses who talk weapons.

Girl Child Myth

Across the world, there are children hardly aged 10 or even less who are seen doing menial jobs or forced into tough jobs without being given any health aids or proper food. Child trafficking is another atrocious crime that highlights the lower morals of humans to dire extremes.  Female foeticide is not uncommon these days and where we talk about equality of rights for men and women alike there is one disgraceful group of people who still believe that girl child is a boon and bury them live as soon as they are born.  It is an irony to see people worship Goddess in various forms for realization of different desires. They easily justify the killing of a girl baby because it has been the tradition without any counter questioning. It comes from the so called ‘educated’ masses so blaming the ‘uneducated’ alone makes no sense at all.

There are so many NGOs across the world helping the children with education and basic requirements of food, water and shelter. There are so many awareness drives and donation schemes that call for contribution in cash and kind to help every underprivileged child with education, books, pencils, food and clothing and there are millions actively contributing too. But then why is there still the dark cloud of slavery and poverty that is preventing children from getting the basic learning? Are the donations being used extensively for the purpose of educating such children or does it disappear half way?

Bravery and Faith Radiates Noble Peace

The Nobel Peace Prize 2014 for Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi definitely requires a standing ovation. This is not because she is a Pakistani or he is an Indian, it is because they have been contributing towards child rights and education under the clouds of life threats. Everyone has heard about their achievements, whether it is about ‘Malala Diary’ or the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement), they never let the fire of hope die off.  She has had a miraculous recovery despite the Taliban gunshot targeting her for supporting female education in SWAT valley. He has been risking his life many a times while rescuing hundreds and thousands from the clutches of those who used them as bonded labour for their own purpose. Malala is 17 while Kailash is 60 but then their works are commendable because of their strong belief that child education is above religion, above wars and a fundamental right that needs to be respected and promoted. 

Bring back the Smiles

We all work for earning a living, eat good food, wear good dresses and take care of our families respectively.  These Nobel laureates did not help others for recognition, they started alone and gradually their voice was heard universally beyond hatred, vengeance and bad deeds. It does not happen overnight.  But then we can contribute in our little ways. A smile on their face is precious and priceless. Together we can make a million smiles happen to make the world a better place for the children and youth who still grapple in the dust today. Wake up to brighten up their lives and retain their innocent smile towards noble peace and humanity.

Prakriti Ke Adbhut Nazaare

Prakiti ke Nazaare

Woh ugtaa Suraj, woh dhalti sham ki raunak

Woh tez Dhup ki dehek jiska sparsh ruh tak pahunchaaye

Woh halki Baarish  ki thandak jo raahat laaye

Woh Panchhiyon ki behijak udaan gagan ki oar

Woh Parwaton se gunjti hui jeet ka farmaan

Woh Paedon ka lehraate hue sabko rijhaana

Woh Hawa ka rukh  jo mann marzi badalti

Woh Kaale meghon ki shararat garajti barasti hui

Woh Kheton ki sharmahat haryaali ki chunri oade

Woh Nadhiyon ka ithlaathe hue khusi zaahir karna

Jaise Aasmaan ke taare zameen pe nahi aate

Yeh Prakiti ke nazaare aasmaan mein nahi samaate

Celebrating Life !

Time flies so swiftly. Another year in my life has gone by. A quick anamnesis should be an ideal farewell as I welcome another year with a smile.

When you are left alone in the battlefield one fine morning where even your shadow disappears and the support forces offer prayers for your victory and well-being, it was the same for me. A hope that was to weave new dreams was shattered and the companionship was being distanced for a better cause. A battle where there was no enemy but a rugged road and uncertain destination. I had no choice but to pick up that was available. The journey was not a smooth one but then as I have completed 365 days, I definitely understand the meaning of life better and emerge a wiser human.

Celebrate Life

1.       At times when we truly put our head and heart into achieving a goal, destiny may change things against our will, right when we at our zenith of accomplishing that dream. It takes some time foe us to realize that it was something meant for the good, or a blessing in disguise that we thought was unjust and wrong.

2.       Experience and knowledge is always appreciated as long as you obey those who have the power and wish to say the last word in anything. Appreciate that your talent is treasured but we want it that way. Two ways to survive – be a good listener that an orator. You save your energy and gain appraisal.

3.       Good support system is always a blessing. Family, no matter how far they are, you can always feel their warmth and love. You do miss seeing them often due to commitments in life, but their prayers always help you in life.

4.       Friends add a magic. Life is like a flowing river and friends are like the streams that join you while you meander through different ridges and terrains. Some of them stay close and help you cross the obstacles on your journey of life easily. Some are busy yet they remember to wish you once a while for a smile.

5.       At times life gives magical surprises. You perchance get acquainted with like-minded souls who seem so much familiar in faith and deeds. The little surprises and the happy notes that we share with for them is truly genuine and unconditional. It is perhaps when God wishes to pass a message, he says it through messengers. You meet many friends often but you treasure good friends lifelong.

6.       Angel friends especially who cross a couple of decades are your soul. They will be there no matter what. Even when technology and smiley rules, it is always nice to hear the voice of your good friends and this cannot be replaced by any innovation or social media. Make a call and they would be there. Not much thought required and no excuses too.

7.       People who can make others happy feel relaxed and content. You should try it more often and it can be anything simple too. Anything from your heart will be appreciated and will win many smiles. After all people want a little bit of care and love that is all. Rest is the karma of life that makes us all running behind money and fame.

8.       You will be so much encircled by the social issues around you. It is only when you look at the world around and the atrocities happening everywhere in the name of humanity, that you will start counting on your most prized possession- “Freedom”.

9.       Every human is gifted with intelligence and you should use it for good deeds and well-being of the society, promote unity in thought, and respect each other’s religion for the righteous actions.

10.   Love is a universal power. It is boundless and can help you win a battle without a fight. All that is required is patience, empathy and the human connect. Aggression is needed only when things fall apart from the path of peace and love.

These are the major things I observed and am glad I have lot of reasons to smile, a lot many things to accomplish, a family that believes in happiness and love, a treasure of good special friends to cherish in this life. God has His ways to connect so many people, near or far. Technology helps them connected today every second. Celebrating life for every episode that comes by with a smile!

A Breeze Calls for Humanity

 

Desert Rose

1.

The gentle breeze was moving near

Green pastures made her mornings cheer

It was a sign of peaceful calm to come

Perhaps a graceful blessing to some

       

 2,

A sudden thud was the wake-up call

While his eyes captured the ashes and debris fall

The smell of fresh blood filled the air

With hopes for peace and humanity in despair

 3.

The chirping of the birds became symphony for ears

The sailing of angel clouds a spectacle seen in years

An omen leads her away from her homeland

As the breeze turns dry she heads towards sand

 4.

A call for truce he knew was a short term relief

The disturbed mind reiterated the calm belief

Amidst the smoky wind he felt a pleasant chill

It was a pleasant moment weaving hope to the hill

 5.

He picked the gust and moved on with magnitude

She was at peace to witness the positive altitude

Nature has its unique ways to spread love and sanity

As soothing breeze touches desert roses to empower humanity

The 'Busy' Bees Logic

Each human being is busy playing different roles given this particular time-period.

 “Busy” should be removed from the dictionary as this has become an excuse more than a genuine reason.

Why did you come late..”Busy at work”

Why did you forget to call.. “ Busy with something urgent”

Why did you sleep late.. “ Busy putting my kid to sleep”

Why did you not drink your Horlicks..”Busy doing my homework”

Why did you not reply to my mail.." Busy mending my laptop"

Endless why. Endless Busy reasons. They are valid reasons accompanied with the 'busy' factor.

Some random groups that I can quickly recollect at the moment.

Homemakers busily engaged with household responsibilities. Taking a quick nap, watching her favorite matinee serial or perhaps building up on her craft works, bringing up their kids and taking care of the entire family.

Professionals are busy galloping with time, or rather timing their every activity to meet the deadlines set by their respective team leads, managers or clients. Their everyday office schedule is so monotonous that you would often see them get dressed to reach workplace on time, even on a Sunday. It’s very true because humans and machines are made to compete each other these days. No room for emotions, just deadlines and productivity lectures haunt their dreams.Huh!

College goers ensure to give a good sneak review about the latest in fashion. From apparels to stylish accessories, you can get to see all updates. Be it at college premises or the shopping malls or the cinema theatres, your eyes will miss not the vibrancy and the flamboyance. Again a competition to show who looks best or who has a heavy pocket money inflow! 

Toddlers who are the best, have no worries as they make the whole world busily dance to their tunes. They do not follow any rules (at home or outside) and they are not expected to as well. They practice free will at all times all day all night. Blessed are these innocent tiny cheerful children in today’s world!

Well, I believe we should slow down at times and let go our routine 'busy' lives. Become a child again and smile. Take a deep breath, give a genuine smile for yourself even when you are always on the run. Listen to some soothing music or simply gaze at the wandering clouds or watch the waves touch your feet at the sea shore. After that you do have to get back to your mechanical life with empowered energy and busy again!

An ode to the childhood friend - Part 2

Her dad got a promotion that meant they could move to a bigger home. They moved and she had to leave back the company of her best friend. Things changed and she changed. He would come once a while to visit the family, but she did not feel that freedom hereon. Maybe she had grown, maybe time changed or was it that distance distanced the love, care and attention that she always got as a kid.
A decade and a half now, she recalls the old golden priceless memories in this present world where everything seems showy and materialistic.

“Childhood memories of a long lost friend
Selfless, caring, God fearing and respectful
Simple lifestyle and humble nature
With few select and good friends though much younger
Always subscribed for Sputnik magazines, loved herbal medicated remedies
Ardent reader and scholar who would win all debates
Chronic bachelor who let go personal cravings for his relatives
An ode to a long lost childhood fatherly friend and guide
A wish to the Almighty to bless this wonderful human with pride”

Perhaps there would definitely be a special someone  in their childhood  for everyone. You can share and write about them and feel blessed. Definitely there would be lots to say about him or her.

An ode to the childhood friend - Part 1

As she opened her feeble eyes, the world stood welcoming her with love, care and comfort. The love of her parents and sister, the care of her mother and the comfort of being protected from chilly winters and the humid summers, the somber monsoons and the dry spring. A special child of God who was given a second life by the Almighty –perhaps to be blessed with such wonderful parents.

As she grew, she was slow, weak but had a sharp mind and a pure heart that know only love. She went to the best schools in the city, used to get good remarks from her teachers. She had one best friend who was there right from the time she was born. A lovely human, her dad’s age, a chronic bachelor and perhaps one of the most adorable and selfless human ever to be seen. He had taken to look after his ailing mother and let go his youth. He had done his duty as a brother, uncle and a son to make his family well settled and happy. Very few people knew him well as she did. He was her first friend. He hailed from Andhra and she from God's Own Country (Kerala), but she picked his language much faster than her very own mother tongue.

Her wishes would be a command for him and he would best ensure to make her happy. Even though her family would tell her not to do this or that as everyone does, he would always give her the freedom. The best being the time when she would sit near the gate waiting for him to return from office. By then she would complete her home-work and so spared of getting scolding. People called him a crazy man because he was difficult to be convinced, he was hard at hearing and he had his own ways and methods. Then, he would always be honest and teach her the same.

Late in the evening, she would squat and sit on the cement plinth in the kitchen to watch him make the chapatti dough and sabzi. More because she would get her share as well. Just 5 chapattis and that would be enough for him. He would surprise her with her favorite ‘kala jamun’ on festivals. He would cook excellent-keeping in mind the right proportion of ingredients and health too.Diwali would be the ultimate bonanza as she would get the share of crackers from her dad and of course her friend too. He would even make crackers for diwali a week prior. When the crackers got exhausted, he would take her to the kiraana-store a little distance away and buy her many more. Things were all cool and lovely with her life revolving around her school, family and best friend when suddenly things changed.