THE DIALECT DEPRESSION

A 6 year girl stood crying continuously asking for her mom, she was midst 40 more children in an auditorium. She knew me well and I asked her why she was crying, and in between a concert how could I spare her to leave. Least did I realize what exactly did that child want.

I couldn't see her cry anymore and let her go, she ran and hugged her mom so tight, and it was fright more than love. The sense of insecurity was high, she wasn't happy talking to me later, her eyes filled with tears spoke to me a million words when she left the auditorium with a firm good bye.

 I wondered what went wrong until I spoke to her dad; he apologized for his daughters’ behaviour. I thought that was so genuine, with much hesitance I asked him if his daughter was alright and why was she crying that hard. It was embarrassing for him to tell me but I was adamant in knowing. In simple words he said “My daughter is unable to follow English and is fluent only with the mother tongue.” I disconnected the call with a heavy heart, cursing my ignorance and sympathy for the little child.

I have noticed a common dialect problem; many children living away from their homeland do not speak their mother tongue or only speak their mother tongue. Why is it so confusing, and create complexity in others. It is believed that children can speak and understand many languages when taught at a tender age; why do we emphasize in teaching children what they don’t like, studies say 1 million children do not speak English at all.

It is widely accepted when people in Germany speak only German; France people speaking French and in Spain only Spanish!! When we relate this issue in India, there is a criticism when the educated don’t speak English; India has about 398 languages out of which only 22 are recognized by the constitution of India. The primary language of Indians is Sanskrit (संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) secondary being Hindi and only then English. However the language situation is completely reversed. If a foreign language like French or German or Chinese can be taught for survival abroad, then why are we so reluctant in learning our 22 official languages?

The dialect phobia is too much in the air, anxious parents are making the child go through stress in focusing on a particular language .My message to the worrying parents, show pride to your mother tongue. Reassure the child that language is only for communication and not a scorecard for survival.

Don’t let the child go through dialect depression, there is a Shakespeare or Tulsidas hidden in each one of us immaterial of the dialect we relate to!

The May Memory

My memory goes back 16 years, May 20^th 1998. Moms elder brother, my uncle had his bypass surgery on May 15^th, he was still at the hospital and 20^th May, his wedding anniversary. Mom and I planned a surprise cake for uncle and aunt. Dad, mom and I were getting ready just then moms younger brother, my uncle walked in. Mom with an exclamation said “Oh! We are waiting for you, Mala will be back in 1 hour” I wondered why should I be back and when all of us celebrating at the hospital why is this uncle staying back…anyways many questions go unanswered until you unearth the truth.

We reached the hospital; uncle was very weak but bright stood my aunt all motivated in celebrating their silver wedding anniversary. A moment after we cut the cake, mom instructed our car driver to take me home, I asked her in a low tone, what was the hurry? With much hesitation she said, “At 9.00 you will receive a phone call at home, his name is Satish. Talk to him decently( I still wonder why mom said decently!!) and fix a time to meet” I wondered what was she up to and also realized my uncle at home is waiting to watch my conversation!!

The clock was ticking fast but my heart beat was even faster, the phone rang “hello, this is Mala here, who is speaking please” the voice from the other end “Hi! My name is Satish, I am from Bangalore. I am now in Chennai officially and my mom asked me to speak to Mr. Ramaswamy, is he there?” though I was bugged he said he wants to talk to my dad I appreciated his approach. “Satish, Dad is in the hospital to visit my uncle, he will be late, and should I pass any message?” “Oh! By the way I am supposed to be seeing you sometime today, mom said a good alliance and blah blah” said Satish. I grew more curious to see him, of course didn't show any desperation!! “We can talk on the phone Satish; I am not in for this seeing alliances with relatives, food spread and then waiting for a judgment, I am a very straight forward person who believes marriage is only 2 minds that can bring many souls together” he was smiling, I could sense that “I am actually feeling uncomfortable to talk, I have never kept long conversations with anyone over the phone, can we meet this evening? May be for a coffee” said Satish…I flipped for a moment “I said yes, 5.30 pm at Savera hotel.”

Mom and dad were excited more than me that I finally agreed to see someone, mom insisted in coming along, Dad was neutral but insisted not to hurt mom. It was a deal, I told them if I like the guy at one look I will take him to the beach, or else we all have coffee together and head back home….apparently all Bangaloreans love the Chennai beach!! Our dress code to recognize was I wearing a Pink Salwar Kameez, Satish was at work so formal wear with neck tie. We reached Savera hotel lobby, with no exaggeration there were close 50 men in formal wear walking up and down. Dad and I looked at each other wondering how I am going to recognize this guy!! Suddenly someone came literally jumping the line and introduced himself as Satish! There was a conference going on in Savera and 5.30 was tea time so all the men folk were out!!

I knew it was him, the butterflies in my stomach had all flown away, I was much more relaxed and after a cup of coffee I asked Satish “how about taking a walk at the beach, could do good since it is peak summer”. My parents got the clue and left the place with much dignity. We reached the beach by 6.00 pm; we spoke, spoke and only spoke till 9.30 pm. Our driver came looking for us, and had to wind up. It was late so he had to show his face to my parents while dropping me off. It was 10.30 pm when he left home, mom got a clue it was through, and dad called my sisters to express his happiness. I asked dad if I could go until the auto stand to drop Satish, since the driver was getting late to go home.

We reached the auto stand and I asked him “ice cream?” “hmm yes” he said, we went to the ice- cream parlor and decided not to eat ice cream, instead fresh fruit juice which was next door. It was 11.00 pm and I wanted him to speak up, there was silence while we were sipping the juice. “Will you marry me Satish” I proposed, he was shocked, stunned and the juice came out from all over his face!!! Can I call you tomorrow morning at 7.00 am he said….I felt embarrassed, wasn't sure why he said that! Satish without delay said “I don’t think I can fall in love again, I've been in love since morning with just your hello…I definitely don’t want to lose you in bargain with traditional formalities, I want to inform my mom that it is YOU even before I tell you YES I will, pick up the phone at 7.00 am he said and left with a big smile"

I saw every second of the needle move in my room clock, couldn't wait for it to be 7.00 am. When I got to the living room dad was on a call with his brother in Kerala, it was only 6.15 am.  Got my coffee mug and sat down with the news paper. Only when I put coffee mug down least did I realize the time was 6.45 am. Mom walked near the phone to call my aunt at the hospital, I told her with a firm voice to keep her conversation less and I was expecting a call at 7.00 am. Mom and dad knew I was tensed and waiting for Satish’s call, but they kept calm. Mom finished her call in 2 minutes, it was 7.00 and the phone did not ring, then 7.05 I picked up the phone to check if the dial tone was ok, 7.15 the phone did not ring yet, dad put his arm around my shoulder and said , don’t worry everything will be fine. I gave up hope to be receiving a call from Satish; mom was looking more worried than ever.

The phone rang at 7.22 am…dad asked me to pick the call, I was hesitant and with a heavy heart picked up the phone. “Good morning, Satish here.”  I sounded cold, “yeah tell me” I said. “You don’t talk so cold to the guy whom you are going to marry, do you Mala” he said…it took me a minute to grab myself and understand that he actually said YES!!! Satish very honestly admitted his flaws on being late always and very typically follows the IST + 30 mins all the time!! As I say this about him….16 years he hasn't remembered this date even once! 

VACATIONS- LAW OF ACCEPT OR EXPECT

I’ve often wondered what runs through one’s mind especially the expatriates whilst travelling on their yearly vacation. The struggle of getting through air tickets, the disheartened mind of just 30 days to be with your loved ones…what is it one really looks for in a holiday or going home for a break? 

Almost 335 days of anxiety in seeing and being with loved ones, feeling the touch of home land, the fragrance of old memories all of which a 30 day holiday from the routine fulfills. In today’s cosmic world a break from routine is more required than a vacation deal. 

It is an agreeable statement that the stress levels are balanced in the Sultanate and the warmth and welcome received to any foreigner in this make shift home land is remarkable. 335 days of pampering and when one returns to home land for vacation the acceptance becomes lesser. The mind refuses to accept that it is you who is on vacation and not the world around you! 

Expectations boom during that few hours of flight journey, itineraries are made to meet with family members, loads of gifts for near and dear ones; thoughts pondering as how 30 days is enough to do all in the list…and at arrival you expect someone to pick you up to go to your home, but why? It is our home land and the place we grew, our people and this is what we have waited for. 

Acceptances are less when on vacation, family members are equally excited to see us but one has to understand they have a daily life to deal with just as we do for 335 days! It is not anyone’s fault, but we lack to understand that life moves on for everyone and our family members have related to accepting us not being a part of their day to day life…trying to reverse the situation what would our relatives do whilst on vacation to our now home land!!In fact they would feel more crippled and dependant on us to spend their vacation time more valuable…

 Expectations misleads to wrong judgment and unhappiness whereas acceptance leads to contentment and happiness. All that needs to be realized is making a pleasant vacation for the entire struggle taken is in our hands and the law of accept works positive than the law of expect! 

The message is to all the readers who are planning their next vacation!

Present Perfect!

I am a firm believer in living for today, living for now. The past hasn’t given me regrets and the future doesn't scare me so people around me say I have an “attitude”.

Well, I had to lose to learn lessons of accepting today with no regrets and plans with personal experiences. My pal, he who was my guiding light, my best friend and most hated enemy. The world said we were inseparable, immaterial of the gender conflict he and me were the inseparable buddies. Ah! Yes, inseparable until reality hit me, he was gone…dead in a tragic accident.
I was shaken, speechless and numb for several days. I had no courage to see his parents, no clue how it would be not to see him anymore. Two months since he was gone, I put a brave act and went to his house. The lonely feeling of walking on the lane killed me, the motorbike which knew all our secrets stood there with dust and dirt, his home slippers for which I always fought was in the garden. I cursed myself to have walked to his place; I rang the door bell, with a thousand voices echoing in me…he called me “friendee” and I called him “frienda”. With least hope to hear “hey freindee” I still waited at the door step. His mom opened the door; very politely she said “come in dear” and asked “coffee?” I saw him on the wall, a picture that was only left for me of my “frienda “…Uncle was busy writing post cards, I peeped in to read a thank you note to relatives and friends for their condolences messages. Aunty came with a cup of coffee; my tears remained constant but did not tremble because I sensed 2 strong souls around me. Aunty looked tired of weeping and uncle looked busier than ever. Aunty, stronger asked me, “dear has you friend borrowed any money from anyone, let us know, we need to pay back”. Uncle from the room,” my dear how is dad, I couldn’t speak to him well the other day”…I felt amazed, how can they be normal when they have lost their son who was their past present and future isn’t alive anymore.
They looked normal, behaved normal and looked hopeful of everything that was happening. I asked them with a chocking voice, how they could be so normal when their future looked nil! Uncle in a very charming voice, just like my “frienda” answered with reality…yes he is gone, no more with us but we are still alive. There is a reason for birth so is there one for death, the past of his will remain afresh with no regrets, if he had lived his future was his and not anyone else’s…the present is his thoughts with which we need to move on!

22 years now, I have moved on. My “frienda” his death had taught me to move on, to believe in today. Past is history, future is unknown, present is perfect!

The lost art of “letter-writing”

Letter writing was the only form of communication for long distances once upon a time. I still remember as a child the fantasy of writing letters to relatives who lived even 10 miles away. Saving up coins through the year to buy envelopes, writing pads, and stamps were all a completely thrilling experience. Looking through the oxford dictionary to find the exact expression, referring to Wren& Martin to be doubly sure of the contents was a self learning process.

A well handwritten letter is a visual treat and the emotions in simple writing have immense value. I ask myself is this art is fading away and was it meant only for the older generation. One of the ancient art forms has lost its recognition or should I say the older generation lost to the war to cyber.

The email letters all have binary codes which carry more of emoticons rather than emotions. There is so much of oneself and oneness in a letter writing that the cyber letter can never do. All credit goes to technology for the speedy expressions but they are carried out without any soul in it. The eagerness of self learning has reduced, thanks to auto correction of spellings and grammatical errors in emails; today’s generation love for literature (ones mother tongue) is far behind. They have no understanding about the privacy lost in emails; you can never be sure it is only for you. It is claimed that in today’s world no one has the time to sit down with a pen and a paper to hand write a letter. The connection is more via email or phone which is easier but I would still say letter writing is a wonderful way to reflect and connect.

Effective letter writing has always strengthened distant relationships; a piece of paper that has changed several lives, the emotions poured into few words is a real treasure for ages. The pleasure of opening the envelopes and reading letters over and over again and feel the love of the person who has written it only for YOU is true joy.

Are you now thinking when you last wrote a hand written letter to someone you loved…let us make attempts to revive the lost art!

The search engine….

The human mind and heart though are two different factors of search engines they likewise disagree to be one even when the search is complete. We often say thinking through our mind and not through heart or vice versa…which means think realistic or think sensitive. To me it is being realistic or behaving sensitive is just a state of balancing oneself; it is the response that makes your search complete.

We all are at a state of search always, to me there is one such search that starts from a young age and goes on till existence, the search for a relationship!

This is so incomplete at all stages, as children there is a search for a group to play with, at teens a search for a best listener, touch 20 a search for a companion, at 30 a search for a soul mate….where do we stop. We constantly search for relationships, immaterial whether it is in our professional life or personal life.

The search engine is our reflection which is forever prepared in exploring relationships. The search engine plays its role in identifying the relationship it is we who categorize these relationships as supreme, close, best, acquaintances etc. I guess it is not all the time but when we are in need of a relationship, we set no boundaries of limitations in the search but when the search continues beyond there are conditions set.

I wonder is it so difficult to have unconditional relationships, is it so necessary to lay down rules to build relationships, have we reached a state where sustainability of relationships have become a challenge simply because we don’t know where to stop the search!

I believe any search will stop when you find absolute happiness about the relationships you possess, acceptance of relationships, freedom from expectations, unconditional love that can be felt, relationships that can bring a simple smile.

My search engine has begun…

A second chance!

I have been trying put into text the thoughts that go through my mind when I think of the number of chances life has given me and the ultimate -only one !

I escaped a tragic accident when I was 13 years old, a breaking up age when reality starts pinching you. My parents thanked God for my second life; I wondered why they thanked someone who was invisible instead the doctors deserved all the credit.

At teens, 16 a “know it all” age group, reality pinched me a little harder when I fell short with academics. My sister lifted me up and said let me help you with your books and your strengths. My parents thanked God for the love they saw in between the siblings; I contemplated why they thanked God when they actually have to reward my sister for her kindness.

I was 20 and a working proficient, the typical idea of choosing my man heaped! I was a very happy going jolly girl until I realized I couldn’t succeed in wining a relationship. I succumbed to complex and feeling ill about myself. I couldn’t focus on my professional life, a feeling that a disaster has struck me and I have no means to run away. An angel, my friend pulled me up saying I ought to have the best in life; a few words and a change in lifestyle re-energized me in few months time. Once again I saw my parents thanking God for the wonderful friends I had. I was upset why they didn’t show their appreciation to my friends’!

Time flew my sister was married and settled, I turned 24 years. Marriage was on the cards; I had given up and gave the responsibility to my parents. A typical Indian wedding and I loved it! Fabulous food, expensive clothes and jewels, fun filled families and a very warm responsive soul next to me. I couldn’t have asked for more I said…tears rolled my mom’s cheeks and my parents thanked God for my second life once again. This time I spoke to them and asked them why second life and all the time they thanked God when I was constantly supported by amazing people!

A reply with excellence from my dad, every parent gets to choose their child, but no child gets to choose its parents and that is first chance. It is the second chance for every human when they choose the person they want to spend the rest of their years. Life is a stage and we play different characters, it is always the actors, the play and the stage that gets the praise; the leader of the play is awarded at last. We first need to thank the director for his guidance and patience and the trust owed on us. We are responsible for our happiness and sorrows it is divinity that gives us strength to balance both.

My stage hasn’t shaken up, all the actors are performing well and today after 15 years of marriage, blissful with 2 children, I thank the almighty for all that I am showered with. Life always doesn’t give you a second chance, thank the ones who have created the difference in your life and never fail to remember to thank the leading light of our lives!

Chase away the Race!

I remember once reading a blogger who asked all his readers “are we in the world of facial creams for racial survival” a brain tickler was that article. Is white or black more beautiful?

Well, defining colour is more science which is simply the perception by the human eye and brain. Human beings possess ”Trichromacy” which is a condition of possessing three independent channels for conveying colour information, derived from the three different cone types. Colour is only science and perception so why make discriminate between them?

My memory goes back to fight “Apartheid”- in Afrikaans apartheid means 'separateness' ; as a leader and a peacemaker Nelson Mandela was the leading force in this battle against apartheid. It was a battle worth fighting for and ultimately a battle won. I completely agree that was past but History has an awful way of repeating itself! Are we getting ready for it?

Any of you interested in reading on Racism, there is a very famous speech written by William Shakespeare in one of his works “The Merchant of Venice”

The thought of writing this is purely to kindle your minds! Wake up!

THE RESTIVE FESTIVES

FESTIVAL the real meaning of it “A day or period of celebration, typically a religious commemoration” has been misinterpreted these days as a period of celebration for social basis. In this perfunctory standard of living people have started misusing festival as a social reason and trying to bridge the gap of lost contacts.
The preparation that goes into penning the itinerary, scrutinizing the invites, purchase of giveaway gifts and finally sketching of a sumptuous meal… a lot goes into planning a social festival if I may call it so.

If a festival is defined as a religious commemoration then why make it a social gathering. Festival is the times families meet each other to overlook all their ups and downs as well as any past bitterness. On the occasion of offering prayers to the Lord we also ask for forgiveness for the sins and seek blessings to have many more happy occasions with family.

Social festivals have turned out to be more restive mood than festive mood!

The peer pressure to be the best host or hostess take its toll on being pious and show that extra care for the extended family or friends…should we relate festivals and celebrations to prayers, family and feast or should we treat a festival with a feast and call it celebrations.

It is ones decision what the next generation inherits, it is our principal responsibility to illustrate the importance of our culture and festivals, social networking and accumulating accolades may leave no traces of religious festivity… awaken the thoughts of religious celebrations and less of cosmic festivity !

MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE FOR YOU AND FOR ME!

Friends, can I call all my colleagues that? Well, that is exactly what I want to talk to all of you! Why is there incongruity in work atmosphere these days? How many people have taken action in implementing a friendly ambiance at work places?

There is a biased outlook in every action; there is the problems of vaasta (influence in Arabic) in all tasks… everyone thinks twice before giving suggestions to superiors/seniors at work. The fear of getting fired if you establish a name for yourself or the idiom ‘your boss is always right’. Believe me friends the fear of fear is more fearful than the real fear itself!!

Can we break barriers? Yes we can! Let’s attempt innovative methods at work place to make work more interesting. Why are we all so bothered about agreement for everything, why do we need to justify every action at work! I guess this is a universal problem and an individual is terrified about taking decisions or being accountable.

Don’t let fears hold back from pursuing hopes. I would like to quote what J F Kennedy said “One person can make a difference and every person should try.”I sincerely feel the effort should be taken by both the employee as well as the employer to make the work ambiance equal for all staff, help each other climb up the ladder with ease and confidence. I don’t mean grades or increments here are the morale, the recognition that is required. The ARR (Award Reward Recognition) should not be forgotten while advancing. The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.

The difference between can and cannot are only three letters; three letters that determine ones life's direction! The three letters that is within us to make it a better place for you and for me!

OBESITY AN OBSESSION

A beautiful relaxed Friday morning and my only day to enjoy the late sunrise…the agenda for the day ponders my sleep and I cannot let go because of my responsibilities as a mom especially during weekends.

It was one such Friday… I cooked a luxurious meal, well if you thought I loved compliments from my family on the food spread, it is not…I just expect my children to eat! “Mama being Slim is in vogue” says my 12 year old daughter serving herself just a spoon of her favourite dish. I was totally let down that she did not eat at all!
I realized it is the number of articles that she has been reading and hearing called ‘awareness’ created for obesity, overweight, less fat etc. circulated on mails and magazines which has made her pick food and eat. One can decide what he/she wants to eat, not get picky about food itself. Well my belief is one need to eat to live and not live to eat. Why exaggerate on obesity and mix issues like being fat and obesity? The human body constituency is a game between the mind and the body or would it be precise to say it is the love affair between the weighing scale and the measuring tape!!

The number of slimming centers with luring offers has created a biased opinion of being slim vs. being healthy. The “Zero” figure, this can be a nightmare for today’s parents, I am sure many mothers who are reading this will agree with me. Dieticians and counselors are available in abundance and their aim is to create an awareness of healthy eating/living. This message needs to be driven through to today’s youngsters. An authorized health center with a diet planner would be an ideal choice to learn about the food you eat and the way you live.

I am neither against any slimming centers nor am I not a fitness freak. My debate is why being healthy is equal to being slim? Why has this myth obsessed people? I personally feel the term OBESITY has taken its toll on all healthy minds.

Well, going back to where I began, am very seriously working on educating my daughter on healthy eating and healthy lifestyle and eager to have more delicious cheerful Fridays!!