India at 75

 

Our motherland celebrates 75th Independence Day tomorrow. It is indeed a proud moment for all Indians as we unfurl the National Tricolor at the Red Fort.

75 years ago as in the words of our First Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru " At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom."

We have awakened to freedom and life.

Young at 75 that is how I would like to describe our motherland.

Challenges have been many and will continue to be so as we move forward in our quest to be one of the best countries in the world upholding our traditions while embracing the modern aspects.

We have weathered many storms, starting from invasions, terrorist attacks, natural disasters almost every year, political upheavals and and last but not the least the pandemic.

We have also to be proud of our achievements , achieving self sufficiency in food security, the multipurpose projects, industrial revolution, our space adventures and becoming a small IT hub in the world where world came to us for solutions. We are at the top of many multinational giants. 

Our motherland, with its varied natural features, climate , languages, traditions and cuisines that has evolved from ancient times. We have one of the oldest civilizations of the world that lies in harmony with the modern technological age.

We have managed to knit together the quilt with the diverse threads and create a beautiful design.

Yes there are multiple hurdles to overcome and we are far from becoming a superpower .

Yet we have always shown our unity whenever our nation demanded it and we have always come together to support our fellow countrymen irrespective of where they are whenever they are in need.

We have rejoiced together in our triumphs and held each other in grief and we march together hand in hand towards our dream of a self sufficient nation with a sustainable economy.

Long live our India. Keep shining,

Reflections

 

We say we value something when it is missing from our lives. How true it is. 

I had taken the annual vacation to India granted and in fact may be I became a little arrogant of the fact that I could travel every year to visit my parents. I remember I used to get irritated if I had to go for the obligatory visits to different places. I never thought that I would be living a life of an exile so soon.

2015 July was the last time I left for the vacation in India. The last time I spent time with my parents in the tranquil Sreekrishnapuram. When I left for the airport to go back to Dubai, I never realised I will not be able to visit my motherland for a long time. 

Lord Ram had been exiled to the forest for 14 years . I am exiled to the deserts. I don't know how long this exile will last. 

How much I miss the rains, the visit to the temples and the chats with my parents. I am probably paying the price of taking things for granted and not being thankful for these luxuries.

I am missing each and every occasion where we used to get together. 

Will I ever be able to visit my motherland in near future ??  Am I such a sinner that I have been denied the right to visit my parents and my motherland? And in the process my daughter is denied the right to enjoy vacations like her friends. 

There are many thousands like me in the Gulf who have not seen  the motherland for years and even died here. Will I be one of them ? I really don't know.

Lost and desperate that is what I am now.

Life looks really bleak and uncertain. To quote the lyrics from one of my favourite songs 

"Badi sooni sooni hai Zingagi yeh Zindagi

Zindagi I don't really love you anymore.

Connecting Minds Creating the future

 

On 27th November 2013, if I am not wrong the whole UAE watched with bated breath as the bid for Expo 2020 was going on. And the moment, we won the bid, the whole country celebrated with joy. To the layman at that time Expo was just a term. We did not realize what it would mean to the common people.

But as the curtains fall on Expo 2020, we look back with happiness that we finally made it in spite of all the setbacks of pandemic, and a tinge of sadness that the show is over. 

Why is Expo 2020 special to UAE? 

It is the triumph of grit, resilience, motivation, focus and the vision of the country. 

All of us were looking forward to the Expo when the pandemic struck and shutdown the world. None of us were sure whether things will be normal. Air Travel was blocked from many countries. Yet, UAE was determined to stage the biggest show albeit a year later. 

And they did it successfully! The opening ceremony was a showstopper! Which unfolded what was to come. And from October 2021 till March 2022, the views were spectacular.

What was Expo 2020 to the government and organizers?

 It was a statement to the world that whatever be the adversities, if we are determined, we can still succeed. The odds were many including travel between countries were blocked till the August, the covid cases were surging all over the world. Yet they managed to stage the most spectacular event in the country. HATS OFF TO ALL THE ORGANISERS AND VOLUNTEERS. Expo 2020 was a true show of grit , resilience , focus and motivation.

What was Expo 2020 to the residents of UAE ?

 It was a weekend spot for all the residents of UAE. The free Expo riders from all the Emirates at regular intervals helped a smooth and easy movement to the Expo 2020, especially for people without vehicles. Ladies, students and even senior citizens were hopping into the Expo riders and metro to explore the show reiterating the fact the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, where people could travel even at midnight without any escort! Truly connecting Mind. 

It was a place for family get  togethers where fun was mixed with learning about the cultures , innovations and future of the world. It was like a family picnic and potluck lunch as families sat  to have food together . It was a place where people looked around connectng with people from across countries without any use of mobile phones in the process!. There are only bright smiling faces around and all the hostilities were kept outside the EXPO. 

And the knowledge gained about new countries, innovation, food and culture, which we have  not even heard of ! The different features like the Observation tower, water feature and countless other innovations of each pavilion were really a treat to watch . 

Hats off to all the volunteers who tirelessly worked to make the experience a wonderful one for each visitor. Starting from the volunteers at the bus station who controlled the  crowd , the drivers who tirelessly drove the people to and from the venue, the metro workers ,the police, the volunteers at the entrance ready to welcome the visitors, patiently checking the tickets, helping people to move around, those at each of the pavilions welcoming each visitor with a smile and helping them explore the beauties of their country .

EXPO 2020 reiterated the fact that UAE is an inclusive country because the needs of each and every visitor be it the ordinary, People of determination or the elderly by providing them with facilities like smart queues to make their experiences equally great.

EXPO 2020 showed us that there is a world beyond the internet, Google and YouTube . It showed us that it is possible to live in harmony as members of 192 pavilions joined together to make this a wonderful experience for all and the all the 200 nationalities that make up UAE joined together to make this event a success. 

It was not just an event for UAE as a country. For each resident of UAE regardless whether they were nationals or expats, Expo 2020 was their event and the success of Expo 2020 was their success and they wore it with pride

Thank you Expo 2020 for helping us to showcase to the world that we are unique and we are united.

Good Bye Expo 2020 and thank you for helping us show the world what we can do when we are determined to succeed.

Still I love you Life

 Just  when things start to look positive and we plan things, life throws a spanner in the wheel and the whole world looks Topsy turvey.

At the crossroads when we actually do no know which road to take or what future holds for us, we really look around for answers. Why us again? Whom have we harmed that we keep falling into a deep chasm again and again? At this time we really feel life will never be alright.

Struggles are a part of life but when life is a struggle throughout for a long period of time, it is really difficult to keep the spirits high. How long can we keep ourselves positive? 

However, there is a saying which I always think of When life gives you lemon make lemonade. May be I love lemons a lot that life is giving a lot of sour events in my life. 

But I love to mix sour taste of lemons with the sweet taste of sugar. Along with lemons life has also given me sugar in forms of friends and colleagues who motivate me to fight on. My husband who inspite of all the setbacks in his life still fights on, My parents and my brother, sis in law and my cousins and uncles and aunt who supports me unconditionally My daughter who adjusts so well to all situations and of course my students who constantly inspires me to do my best. My positive attitude is very important for all these people and most important myself because my life is important for me. 

Love you Life whatever you give me. Thorns or roses, Life will go on. 

Ai zindagi gale laga le 

Hamne bhi to tere har ek gham go gale se lagaya he na.

Meri Awaaz hi Pehchaan hai

 

MERI AWAAZ HI PEHCHAAN HAI

                                        Image courtesy : Times of India

The voice that gave life to this song has left the earth to join the constellation of musicians and singers who were her colleagues.

Aptly showered the title Nightingale of India, Lata ji has been the unparalleled female voice for Indian heroines

She has sung for heroines ranging from Madhubala to Waheeda Rehman, Sharmila Tagore, Asha Parekh ,Rekha, Hema Nalini to Sridevi, Madhuri and Preity Zinta to Kajol and Aishwarya. List is endless. 

Her range of songs was equally varied from soulful Aayega aanewala, to romantic Lag ja gale to playful Mere khwabon jo aaye to lullabies like Mere ghar aayi. And who can forget the evergreen Ai mere watan ke Logon. Even today that song moves me to tears when I hear it. She has put her heart and soul into that song.  And her bhajans for movies  " Ek tu hi Bharosa" and Oh Palanhare " just to mention a few.

I personally liked her collaboration with Gulzar and Javed Akhtar . That does not mean others were not good. 

Her simple attire and ever smiling face was a treat to watch and  Her songs have given hope ,joy and motivation to people. 

Lata ji , You have touched the hearts of millions of people. Your mortal remains may have been consigned to flames but your songs will live in the hearts of millions of people and keep you alive.

I think heaven needs your wonderful voice . 

REST IN PEACE. You are immortal .

You are my Sunshine

 It just seemed yesterday when you were born.

You are 12 years old now, knocking at the teens in another year. Time just flies away.

You have metamorphosed from the chubby, cute chatterbox into a quiet well mannered girl. You still talk a lot with us and I really enjoy the mother daughter conversations we have during our walks or the little work we do in the house.

You have your own choices for dress, for make up etc. You have slowly started exploring make up and jewelry as is seen at this age. You have started giving your opinions and I am proud of it.

Be the sweet young girl you are and keep growing as a wonderful human being who cares for others. You are free to explore and experience life as it comes. Enjoy each day but always remember we are always with you whatever choices you make in life

Stay blessed and happy always

My Tryst with Covid 19

 There was a time when we all were told to be positive. Being positive was a virtue. 

However 2020 changed everything. Being Positive is now a dreaded word now. Everyone looks forward to being negative. Because you have to be negative now to be positive.

Being negative means you do not have the Dreaded Covid 19

Taking a PCR in the initial periods of 2020 was something which I dreaded. However with time , I got kind of used to it. Since all the results were negative and we were apparently following all the rules of wearing masks and sanitising , we thought Covid 19 would be happening to others.

As usual I gave my test which was mandatory before joining school , I was confident that I would be negative. I had gone to the Expo but then we were maintaining social distance and sanitising regularly. 

31st December brought in the rains and as we all enjoyed the rains little did I know that the dreaded news awaited me. I got the SMS " DETECTED POSITIVE" . I was stunned , confused and did not know what to do. I was thinking may be the result is wrong and should I  take another test . 

Then I decided on the next step of action. Asked my daughter and husband to move to the hall, and gave instructions on how to manage the kitchen etc. 

I did not have any major symptoms excepting a nose block. I decided to enjoy the break . I informed the school and they gave me permission to work from home. With nothing much to do in the house except lying down,  I had lots of time in my hand.  I decided to take the best use of time. 

I started reading , listening to music, putting Insta and Whatsapp statuses . Best part was the room service. From morning tea to breakfast , lunch and dinner everything on a plate at your service.

No need to worry about the clothes, what to make for lunch and about the unlimited vessels in the sink.

Definitely I missed hugging my daughter , talking to her while combing her hair which was an evening routine and the bus stop chit chat with colleagues as we wait for the bus.

But I realised the world does not end if I do not go the household chores . Someone else will do it. Life keeps on moving . 

So we should not hold back our dreams, our hobbies and interests for others. We should always take time to do what we like and what makes us happy. If we are happy, then people around us will also be happy and we can create a small little world of contentment and peace.

I really kept myself positive and took those 14 days of isolation as a well deserved break which I would not have taken in normal condition.

There is a saying when world gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

Thank you Corona or Omicron or whichever variant hit me for giving me time  to reflect and value the life what we have now.

My advice to all definitely follow all the protocols because Corona is not just a cold and flu always and pray that we all stay negative . However if the test is positive , then keep your mind positive.