Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Slow Man by JM Coetzee

When browsing over new books, i happened to see this small book "Slow Man". Its rare to find a book like this on a male character- usually fiction authors pick up females, or other circumstances and society- it always sells well. This was a reason enough to invest in the book and read it.
The story is of a man, approaching old age, who meets with an accident(in the very first line of the novel), and his leg gets amputated- above the knee. The author has described his feeling of anguish and uncertainty, especially so, because he has no family or friends. He hires nurses for day care. Finally he does gets satisfaction with a Croatian nurse named Marijana. She is a happily married women with three children and a loving husband. Paul Rayment, the old hero of the novel, starts falling in love with his nurse. Not wishing to disturb her life and her husband, he wishes to look after her and her children, and in return get love from her. When he accidentally tells Marijana about his feelings, she does not like it and stops coming for job. Still, there remains association between him and her, and also with her young son, who comes and spends time with Paul. He always nurses the desire to help her or her family, somehow or the other.
Mrs Costello, an Australian Author walks in his life and tells him all about his one sided passion for Marijana. She founds his tales interesting for her books, and somehow, manages to rule his life, telling him all how he feels, how Marijana feels, and what he should do when. Paul Rayment is taken back by the revelations Mrs Costello makes about him and all others. She seems to be knowing all about everyone. She spends days and nights at Paul Rayment's flat- as an uninvited guest. She even later proposes to take Paul Rayment with her to her house and live comfortably, enjoying each other's company in old age. .....Paul Rayment, however, continues to live with his dreams and desires.........
I must confide that male oriented books are not really a pleasure to read.(Unless, someone suggests me a good one)

Friday, November 9, 2007

Many Lives, Many Masters

Many lives, Many Masters- By Dr Brian Weiss is an extraordinary book. You can spend longs hours with the author, reading his experiences, his experiments, his knowledge, his conclusions.
Dr Weiss is a practicing and prominent psychiatrist. While treating one young patient, Catherine, he treats her chronic anxiety and nightmares not by the traditional methods, but by hypnosis. during hypnosis, Catherine goes back to her previous lives. She describes herself, her surroundings, her people, and all. And in the various sessions of hypnosis, Catherine goes back to her various lives. Catherine has actually lived 86 lives. In her various births, the people around her are many- there are some who she knows- knows because they are there in her present life too- ofcourse, in different roles and relations, and some whom she says, i do not know- cause they are not there in her present life. So many nightmares and anxieties of her present life have a relation to the incidents of her previous lives. When she relates them with present, her fears are gone. Catherine becomes more and more relaxed as days pass by and as more and more sessions of hypnosis are held. The best part of the novel is when Catherine leaves her body at the time of each death- she always sees bright light- there is peace- she feels like she is floating- the doctor asks her questions then- which are answered through her- by the Masters- and there are other souls floating- there is a description of how they come back to other lives- smtimes they come into next lives- immediately after going up- and other times they are waiting. They say all ur debts of the present lives, if not paid back- are needed to be paid back i the next life- IT IS A CONTINUOUS LEARNING PROCESS- we learn as souls too- and we learn as humans too- but the pain that we experience as humans is not there wen we are souls- and it is important to learn some things as humans- others are learnt when we are souls.

Dr. Weiss takes deep interest in conversation with masters, and tells us, his readers so much- that while reading the book and gaining all those which the masters have to say- one needs to close the book- close ones eyes- and ponder over all this truth.

Dr Weiss has beautifully described how the fear of death goes away- how one becomes serene and relaxed- he himself was a changed person- he had become very intuitive like Catherine- they developed a strong telepathy for each other.

IT HAS BEEN SO WELL PROVED THAT OUR SOUL NEVER DIES- only the body dies- we keep coming back- and its important that we finish all major chores this life- we give happiness- we live good lives- the next life is sure to be better.

I plan to read other volumes from this great author. I recommend you all to do the same.

Me.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

The Witch of Portobello- Paulo Coelho

Hi all.
After reading some of Paulo Coelho books, one doesnt have to think twice"whether to buy a new one or not?" You are bound to experience new and exciting world through his writings.
I was told it was the latest in the market, and i felt great buying it. This is a biography of a character- written in a very different way. Paulo himself says that he researched biographies before writing this one, but later thought to write in a different manner. He has given a first hand experience of different people about their relations, their feelings, their interactions and about their opinions about Athena- the witch of Portobello. The story of Athena, right from the time she was chosen from an orphanage till she gets killed, is described by all her acquaintances in a very interesting, subtle and pictorial manner. Her people include her foster mother, her own mother, her lover, and than husband, the priest of the church, her landlord, her teacher, and than a journalist friend.
Its true that genes of a person have a much greater influence than the environment. Athena, the daughter of a gipsy women, gets the best of English environment, but the influence of her genes is visible throughout. A bright and intelligent beautiful girl, makes an impulsive decision to leave studies and marry her lover and bear his son. Later, the couple start tasting the difficulties of life, leaving them to get divorced. Athena gets acquainted with different people at her changed residence and place of job. She, seeking a deeper meaning of her life discovers the power and influence of dance, where she finds solace. She impresses many others to join her. Athena, involved in the bringing up of her son, gets involved in rejuvenation of the soul, where in she is joined by many. During these sessions, she is visited by a witch/ ghost who tells people about their future. She becomes popular and attracts media as well as church attention.
Somewhere, during the process of taking up this journey of Athena, we are told that in some situations, (when there is anxiety)the soul leaves the body and body ceases to act at all- you are in no position to do anything, to make any decision- especially if the soul moves hell- but if the soul moves to heaven- its a bliss.... And there are also many other instances where Athena discusses the meaning of life with her people . This makes the readers to think deep and find a meaning of their life too.
Its a biography of a character(living or fiction) written in a very unique and interesting manner by this great author.
Another one, worth investing in. I am sure all will enjoy reading it.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

BRICK LANE- by Monica Ali

The book has been shortlisted for the Man BOOKER PRIZE 2003. and the cover too is very attractive. This was enuf reason to buy this book.
Another story of a Bangladeshi women married to a man of her community at England. There is a vivid description of their life style in England. I have had some first hand experience with the life styles of Asians settled(or must i say, unsettled)in England, especially the Muslim community, so i could see a clear resemble here. The author has here described a very simple story of Nazneen, her background, her life indoors, her phinatic and unpractical husband. No where in the story you see love between the couple. There are however no fights, no arguments, no differences too. This is a story of some of those typical women who are born, and live, taking different roles in the society, minus love and care from any relation. But nowhere i read Nazneen complaining about it. It was only my realization. Nazneen, like many of her kinds, has taken up this role supportingly. Just, close to the ending, keeping up with the desires of her daughters, she refuses to join her husband who decides to go back to Bangladesh. She sends him alone, knowing very much that he shall return back.
Monica ALI HAS DONE COMPLETE JUSTICE IN DESCRIBING THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMICAL POSITION OF ASIANS IN ENGLAND. I WONDER WHY PEOPLE STILL WANT TO LEAVE THEIR COMFORTS BACK HOME AND BE THERE AS- OUTSIDERS.
The novel is more of a description of a place and life style, rather than a catchy story. But overall, it was fun reading it. The book has been beautifully bound and printed.
Try reading it!

Shodh- by Taslima Nasrin


Hi All!
I read "Shodh" by Taslima Nasrin. It was a great discovery to read that the author was a qualified doctor....and rest we know about her Lajja- n controversies. The preview about the novel said that the author has, unlike her other novels, tried to revolutionize the concept of marriage in tradition bound society. I was obviously tempted to read a new Taslima...
While reading the novel, i felt as if i am reading a chapter of English literature of class 9th syllabus- the language and vocabulary were so easy that i never once had to pick up a dictionary(which i usually have to do with other novels). The novel has very few dialogues and more of thoughts of the heroine- Jhumar. She has in her thoughts described her life before marriage, followed by her love with Haroon, which was just like any normal love affair. And this physics graduate when marries Haroon, she meets another Haroon, who is poles apart from the man she loved. She adjusts completely. There is not a single mention of husband wife tiffs. Jhumar keeps her thoughts to herself and adjusts to be the very good bahu of the house. Her husband even makes her abort their first child as he doubts that it is a result of before marriage college friends. Jhumar surrenders to that too. Later, Haroon wants a child from Jhumar, and Jhumar makes a conscious effort to have a child of her tenant- Afzal(whom she gets attracted to, and develops some physical relations too- for some days). The boy is born, and Haroon least suspects Jhumar . Jhumar's Position in the household changes; she takes up a job too....and lives (hopefully)happily ever after.
The story is written with the background of a typical Muslim Bengali/ Bangladeshi family. So, there wasnt much new to read about their culture.
When the preview says, Taslima has tried to revolutionize the concept of marriage- i wondered how she intends to do it? Will bearing another man's child ,make Jhumar forget that Haroon had made her kill their own son, or that he did not at all care for her happiness, or that her role as bao of the house expected her to be imprisoned in the house, always? What pleasure did that planning of her to bear another man's son bring to her? She wasnt much in love with Afzal. She loved Haroon all the time, and was very respectful to him, inspite of the fact that there was just no love in the marriage...
I read the novel in two sittings, and kept asking myself- if i m getting any pleasure reading it/.....dint really get any answer....

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Blasphamy- By Tehmina Durrani


Hi All
After reading Tehmina Durrani's autobiography- The feudal Lord, i always appreciated her style of writing and also the women's frank and open use of words to describe her life. Blasphamy, with an attractive cover of painting(by the author herself), was a tempting offer.
When one reads about Heer, her life and sufferings at the cost of poverty, and her "Pir Sain" husband, i ask her- woman- since when have you become so weak? Agreed, as a woman, you are always made to sacrifice your happiness, your comforts, but not to this extend. How can a woman tolerate all this from a man, even though he would be your husband. What would have happened if she would have broken those chains? She chose to be a slave and also a culprit in joining her husband in his evil practices- just fearing his annoyance, his beatings. Why couldnt you muster the courage to run away? What kind of security does a woman have with such a man? She is weak, i understand, but its also a feeling of mind. When one decides to be strong, there can be no stopping. You have to face the world boldly. But is it really difficult? There are compromises on both sides of the world- with the man and without that man. But when comparing the sacrifices and compromises Heer made with Pir Sain, I am sure she would have been happier had she run away. There are compromises in all relations, in all circumstances, and new ones everyday. We must face life boldly. Only if one respects herself, will the world respect you.
I wish these true writings by women like Tehmina Durrani change the attitude of Women towards themselves. Its very important that she understands the right and wrong, and makes a decision with what is right. As far as compromises ans sacrifices are concerned, lets share the burden of these with men too. IF YOU DECIDE SO, NO ONE CAN STOP YOU FROM LIVING RESPECTFULLY.
Tehmina Durrani in her writings beautifully describes torture against women, as she herself had been subjected to it in her earlier years. Such great women should also work for the upliftment of the women who are suffering and also, ready to leap into fire to give others comforts. We must change their ideology!

Friday, August 17, 2007

French Lover- by Taslima Nasrin

I wonder why majority of the books with Women characters portray sorrow, anguish and anxiety. Its not true that the women are always sad. Rather they can be a source of happiness to men, when around. But after reading a few books with woman as the main character, I conclude that women are great in themselves. They keep their sufferings and problems to themselves. They look for answers within. They do not always share their problems with the other sex, because men are not always sensitive to women’s thoughts and desires. Though, at face she portrays strength, but she does feel sad and lonely in the Man’s World………

In my above lines, I have described the crux of the story- French Lover by Taslima Nasrin(of Lajja fame). Here again is a story of a Bengali poor, scheduled caste, educated damsel who marries a man much older in Paris. Nila after marriage to the middle aged Kishan Lal, cannot accept the fact that she is there to fulfill his needs of the house and bed. There’s another story of a woman wanting more out of life. Leaving his house for greener pastures of life, Nila encounters several problems and situations which show her different facets of life. From developing relationship with a woman, than a French married man, to living on her own, she feels that insecurity all the time. After returning back to India, experiencing death in the family, and then being asked to return back to Paris, the Author has beautifully described the thoughts and emotions of Nila.

And finally, what does Nila decide for herself…..? This is one question which’l be best answered if you read this famous book by the still famous Author.

Like I once told a very famous painter who paints females in different situations, I would also request these authors to try and pen their next story on females with happiness around…. Or is it really an impossible task?
Will some one answer my question, please?

HOW OPAL MEHTA GOT KISSED, GOT WILD AND GOT A LIFE


Hi all.

If you are looking for a book which makes you smile, sigh and experience anxiety, and later happiness, in small and big issues of daily life, u could find it all in – How opal Mehta got kissed, got wild and got a life.

It’s the story of a girl- Opal, Indian by origin but brought up in USA. A family of Indian doctors, (typical) has worked all through in preparing their only daughter to get into Harvard. The girl was brought up with the feeling that that’s the only ambition of life, and all she does, learns and yearns for is- Harvard.

By the time she has to face her preliminary interview- it being rehearsed again and again, she is all too sure that she would not be rejected. She has an excellent academic and curricular record. Anyone rejecting her would be foolish. But………..as it had to be, the Dean Admissions, instead of asking the usual questions, asks Opal, “what all she does to have fun?” He also asks her about “her friends”. These unexpected- very different from usual questions make Opal baffle and unable to convince the dean. The Dean further suggests Opal to have fun in life, till she comes again for the main interview.

……….The story actually begins now- it has scores of tasks which the family of Mother and father, plan for Opal. There is a beautiful illustrative reporting of all that is planned and put into action- TO HAVE FUN- as suggested by the dean. The family is determined not to let it go that simply. The activities performed by young American girls and guys are put into practice- so as to convince the Dean for admission. Opal faces lots of difficult moments. She feels lonely doing all that of what she is not a part. She is humiliated when her secret is out. She does fall in love too. ………But the complete description of her reformation is very beautifully described.

The best part about this novel by “Kaavya Viswanathan” is that it can be enjoyed by a person of any age. We are reminded of so many people around us who work hard to attain admission in college/ course of their choice. All said and done, I wonder if anybody works as hard as the Mehta’s to put Opal in Harvard.

You must read it to know whether Opal makes it there or not………

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The Zahir

Paulo Coehlo- who hasn't heard of him? Well, i got to know him through- The Zahir. Very well written in a lucid language. Simple, yet powerful, as someone describes him, he can take you along on journeys vast and wide. In all his books, one finds a different author, with deep, intense thoughts and feelings. I really wonder how can any human have such a variety of thoughts and styles. This author- not a preacher like Robin Sharma, preaches us- his readers unconsciously. We join hands with him, travel places, experience emotions, and think like him. We really dont get tired, how so ever long the journey is. He reveals a new secret every minute and all simple things are also quoted with expression s which make you wonder. iI really dont think that i have the expression or vocaulary to be writing about this great guru. I bow before him with great respect, and marvel as to how can any author be so innovative and so versatile.
Hats off to you, Paulo!

The Monk who sold his Ferrari

I asked my friends about good reading books, and was suggested- The monk who sold his Ferrari. When i checked on Orkut, it did sound a very popular book. Within a day, it was on my table. I waited with great excitement to reach home and read it while on my bed.
Finally, i got to read it. It was a familiar situation when a man (lawyer) who has over worked and now is disillusioned with life and work. I have myself heard so many lectures on this, that i was sure that i am going to enjoy journey with this lawyer. He moves on to the mystic country of India to seek MOksh- or knowledge about life. After he comes back, he is looking younger, much energetic and contended. He visits his friend to share his experiences. When he enters his friends house, none of us can feel that the lawyer would talk of all his journey in just one night. Anyways, he quotes examples and instances to preach- one after another, continuously- too heavy a dose, only stopping in between to make his readers revise what he said in the previous few pages.
He goes on and on preaching. During this process of preaching, MR Robin Sharma uses those age old- very many times heard examples. None of the examples or preachings quoted by him made me heave a sigh, or smile, or think deep, or raise my brows- i only quickly turned pages to look for something better.
Robin Sharma's expression was like that of a teacher who goes to teach in a class unprepared, and keeps repeating that same boring chapter on and on and on.
Thank God, it was a book, and not a face to face preaching, otherwise, i dont know what i would have done of that preacher.
I asked all those people who talk great about this book as to what they liked most- as to how they grade him as a preacher- as a story writer- his style of writing etc etc. I really could not get any satisfactory answer.I really dint wish to do injustice to this great author. reading the book again was not possible, i just thought something must be wrong with me for not ahving enjoyed this- very popular book....But... i conclude like.............
Better luch next time, Mr Sharma- I suggest you attend some Refresher courses to improve your style of writing and also learn better preaching styles.

The Kite Runner

When I asked a friend about new good books in market these days, I was told about" The Kite Runner" by Khalid Hosenni (Possibly due to someone's deep passion for kites). The name seemed attractive. I quickly settled to read this book with a preview about boys, friendship and some suspense.


Well, the book deals with a story of a wealthy Muslim family- just the father and the son, with their lavish life style, - being looked after and entertained by a faithful servant and his son. The master's son and the servant's son are of the same age and they play together. Although the two young boys have a different life style, but they still like to spend time with each other a lot. While the master's son is a quiet innovative and cultured boy, the servant’s son protects him always with his courageous and daring nature. He endures small and big quarrels saving his master's son's dignity. The master too is very fond of the servant's son. Once after taking the role of a kite runner for his master, the young boy is forced to face deep humiliation by the acts of rowdy rich boys of upper class. The poor boy tolerates it all for the sake of his master's son’s kite. This master's son is aware of this humiliation, and also his mistake as to not to protect his friend, and he feels guilty. But, he is unable to confess and hence forth, creates circumstances for the servant and his son to leave their house and job.


Later, the same story takes a different turn with Kabul (where the story begins) being invaded by the Russians. All rich and poor are compelled to leave in order to protect their lives. The master and his son then take refuge in America- leading a hand to mouth life, forgetting all the lavish lifestyle of Kabul. The boy grows up here, studies to be a writer, falls in love and eventually marries the girl of his caste. The father develops cancer and dies.


The father's friend summons the boy to visit him at Pakistan to correct “what went wrong”. Not knowing what was in store for him, this boy goes to meet his uncle at Pakistan- who narrates him all that happened- pesters him to visit Kabul. Now, in Kabul, there are the Talibaans also.


Not breaking the suspense of the story from the readers, I would like to comment on Khalid's style of prose. He uses simple words and his words are very illustrative. The readers, along with the story, are shown glimpses of Mohammedan culture of rich and poor, the political and social scenario after Kabul was taken over by Soviet Union, the lifestyle in America, especially for other races, the Pakistan scenario today, and the Talibaan ruled Afghanistan. Along with this, Hosseni has done full justice in portraying the feelings of motherless children, the faithfulness of poor towards their masters, the blood relation, the sick and suffering- and most important- the cruel treatment of the Talibaan people towards women and children. Khalid Hosseni has shown some scenes of terrible humiliation to the weaker and poorer sections of their society. It is a terrifying description.


The end of the novel, however, was more like Indian movies-"and they lived happily ever after". It was little too stretched towards the end- perhaps because of even better expectation from the author. He did complete justice almost all along the length of the story. His style of moving the story was very smooth and gradual. We enjoy the journey.


Wise investment- Buy it and read it. Happy reading!

Eleven Minutes

Hi all....

When it comes to Paulo Coehlo and his books, this name sounds very catchy and one is curious to read it quick to know as to what this genius prose writer has in stock for his readers- during eleven minutes.

The prelude to the book talks about Paulo's apprehension, whether this book will also make his readers "dream". He is lil scared of the people's views. Now, this again arouses the readers interest.

The book is a story of a Brazilian girl, who dreams and has desires in life. Circumstances and opportunities make this young attractive girl land up in Switzerland on a work permit for two years. .........And she finally takes over the profession of prostitution!. Marie meets many people, but there is more reference of the Arab man, the librarian, the painter, the preacher and of course, the nice man- employer of the bar, where she works.

Paulo thinks the girl in story is unfortunate, but in my opinion, Marie was just "over ambitious". She had almost all the comforts with which majority will be happy. Still, she left the hometown, a lover and a job because she wanted more out of life. Is it abnormal to want more than you get? Well, i dont think so. When the nomenclature is changed to" ambitious", its a correct word, which gives one praise, but the same when used as "wanting more" is considered bad by the society. That is the reason for so many misunderstandings, fights, divorcees- wanting more in life- it happens with some- cause they are made like that.......hey,i am drifting from the topic i chose to write about.

Anyways, i would again like to congratulate this great author for another different type of work. the man who takes you to Fifth mountain to feel spirituality, or the one who thinks of Zahir correcting problems of life can so beautifully describe the love between Marie and.............
But, was it love?
Those eleven minutes of sex have passion(low and high), but not always love. Love is in giving and caring. It means giving happiness to the one you love.When involved in passionate sex, one becomes selfish. One does it to attain some feelings and satisfaction for self. And, where is love in sex? Its a need of one self which you work for, not of the one you love.When in love, sex can be scared- but when it comes from the one whom you do not love, its a shame. And no one remains his/ her normal self during the course of sex. Marie too is in thoughts mannier times- finally concluding that 11 minutes of sex is all that one desires for. She hates to have sex with the one she loves cause she knows he doesnt love her. Its a pain for her to be loving someone so much, more so when he is around, and she knows he doesnt love her. Its natural to feel that pain. She did miss love.....we all do, especially when you love someone, and you know he doesnt love you.

The best part of the novel are Marie's daily diary pages which she writes just beautifully. Its fun reading each word, each emotion, and each feeling experienced by her. She is a very mature and sensible woman, who strived hard in a foreign land and made her place, all the time knowing what she wants in life and what she plans to do to get it. Marie was a wonderful character of Paulo.Anyone may fall in love with her.

I did wonder as to what made Paulo write this book on such a theme- but when i read the acknowledgment in the end, i think Paulo is greater than i always thought.

TRY READING THIS ONE TOO!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

A Suitable Boy- Vikram Seth

Hi All,
When i asked my friend to suggest me a book for light reading, nothing philosophical, she suggested A SUITABLE BOY- Vikram Seth. The name sounded interesting, hence ordered for it. I got my first shock to see its weight and volume. I was reminded of my science books of college days. One thing was decided- it cant be a lie down book- one needs to sit erect to read it. When the opened the first pages, the flow charts of various characters with their families gave me the second shock. Never in my life have i been able to enjoy history as a subject. the Muslim rulers also took a place in my RAM after i left school. I still digested that thinking i'l browse through the pages if i forget who's who. Anyways, while reading it, i had my first meeting with those- mami massi type ladies who talk n gossip those unimportant tales. Anyways, i also met so amny others in the family as it was a wedding. Savita was getting married to Pran. Lata seemed to be the heroine.
Its the longest english novel, its written. The author makes you meet Punjabi family, A bengali family and a family from UP. Kolkata description was good- m sure the author was most familiar with it himself. The places of visit- the life style, all, seemed familiar after one visit to Kolkata. The style of writing was good- the vocabulary of course was also very good, and style was pretty simple. One can easily visualize what the author is wanting to say.
Vikram Seth's style of writing is like that of a movie- Bollywood. He makes you meet some many characters who are actually not needed there. We could have done without them. Afterall, its only a story- y did he do it- to increase the length?
During our journey with him, he takes us to different houses, different cultures and lifestyles, university campus, cricket ground, shoe bazar, muslim villages, hindu temples, post partition riots, houses of whores, the historical monuments, the hindu celebrations, the muslim celebrations, the intercast weddings, the child birth, interviews, inter marital relations, generation gaps, political speeches, melas......etc etc.
Anyways, the biggest mistake i did was reading the last chapter before finishing the book, and knowing that Haresh is going to fit in the character of- A SUITABLE BOY.
But, will i recommend others to read it????? I really dont know. Its abook which some will enjoy, and some wont at all, i m sure. When comparing, i still prefer Chetan Bhagat's books......... But, congratulations, Mr Vikram Seth, The Times calls you the best writer of the generation..............

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Thankyou Friend

Hi FRIEND.
Today i am deeply obliged and indebted to you for listening to me. The vibes convey messages. Its not really important that someone answers you back and says goody goody things. Its just important to have someone to hear you. The very feeling- the very knowledge that someone hears you makes a big difference.
We all have to live our own lives- face our own challenges, meet our own fate, take our own store of happiness and sorrows, and we must face it as we are expected to. HE knows what HE has designed for us. And HE does it all with a purpose. But I am thankful that in this finely carved journey by HIM, HE has blessed me with a friend. I am thankful that someone talks to me, someone hears me.
Thankyou Friend
Thankyou God

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Some treasured thoughts!

  1. Life is no brief candle for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which i have got hold of for the moment, and i want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations- G.B.Shaw
  2. Sure i am that this day we are masters of our fate, that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond my endurance. As long as we have faith in our cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied to us- Churchill
  3. Great dreamers' dreams are never fulfilled, they are always transcended- Whitehead
  4. I am an artist at living- my work of art is my life- Suzuki
  5. Most people live- whether physically, intellectually or morally- in a very restricted circle of their potential being. We all have reservoirs of life to draw upon of which we do not dream- William James
  6. The secret of happiness is simple: find out what you truly love to do and then direct all your energy towards doing it. Once you do this, abundance flows into your life and all your desires are filled with ease and grace.
  7. Trust yourself. Create the kind of life you will be happy to live all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement- F.C. McClellan
  8. Never forget the importance of living with unbridled exhilaration. never neglect to see the exquisite beauty in all living things. Today, and this very moment, is a gift. Stay focused on your purpose. The Universe will take care of everything else.
  9. Good people strengthen themselves ceaselessly- Confucius
  10. The Universe favors the brave. When you resolve to lift your life to its highest level, the strength of your soul will guide you to a magical place with magnificent treasures.
  11. I am more than i appear to be, all the world's strength and power rests inside me
  12. Wage war against the weaker thoughts that have crept into the palace of your mind. They will see that they are unwanted and leave like unwelcome visitors.
  13. Well arranged time is the surest mark of a well arranged mind- Pitman
  14. Time slips through our hands like grains of sand, never to return again. Those who use time wisely from an early age are rewarded with rich, productive and satisfying lives.
  15. The most noble thing you can do is to give to others. Start focusing on your higher purpose.
  16. We are all here for special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Kolkatta holds g8 mysteries

Hi All
I just returned from the beautiful city of Kolkatta. It holds many mysteries. The colonial city houses so many aristocratic buildings that you feel you are centuries back. All houses are mansions. No hotel looks like a hotel, no office looks like an office, no school looks like a school, no bank looks like a bank. All buildings are like the ones made by Britishers. U peep in a city and you get the feel of London, Peep in another u feel its Paris. People are so simple in looks and dress. This city must be having lots of money, as i am told and can also make out from the big mansions, but in general, they are such simple looking people. That is why that superfluous thing, as seen in other big cities is missing there. This city reminds you of classic Hindi cinema. Big mansions converted into hotels have corridors housing rooms on both sides. The roads are jam packed with yellow taxis. But it seems people became conscious of pollution cause u see green trees on all roads. Roads remind me- there are sooooooo many streets with mostly English names. And narrow streets, but so much in use. When at Kolkatta you start wishing you were one of them- all speak Bengali very comfortably- not like back home where there is regional language and we switch over to national language and English with the press of remote buttons. They all- whether on streets, parks, taxis, offices, buses speak their language. I than wished i could speak their language. The Victoria building is amazingly magnificent. Saw the boundary of Eden Gardens, the race course, park street, chowrangee lane, dalhousie, creek road, NS Road, Ganesh chandra Avenue. All such interesting places. And then, also took a ride in the Hoogly. Crossed the Howrah bridge, still narrating millions of stories. SAw the Setu bridge also. And ate rosogullas, gol gappe, and delicious chinese food. The continental breakfast was also good. M forgetting the typical chicken briyani. Coke and Miranda accompanied me everyware. People drink warm water everyware- cud not really understand why. Here we have chilled water. No one seemed to object it there. The city of communists is growing slowly. Even though u see all headoffices of big establishments there, the city is growing so slow, and believe me, it was such a refreshing change to see the slow progress. Simple ppl there- dint mind the pace. The absence of multiplexes made me feel m in home country- no pretensions needed. Is it really a big city of India? The city has class and culture of its own- asw glimpses at Nandan. Tomorrow if anyone from Kolkatta will come this side, i wonder what he'l feel about my city- its so different. I wish to go back again sometime and explore more. The retained architecture adds to the beauty of the city. I hope and wish they retain it for long.
Must go again, sometime

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Lets Thank HIM!


Dear Prinha
Today lets thank the supreme power up there who has given us work. HE has also given us the potential to work, the skills to work and determination to work. And, u and i know that we both enjoy work. We are happier working than doing anything else. A day goes well, when there is work(and it gets accomplished). But when there is no work, or less work, its a bad day- such a waste of life. As today, we have so much to do, and we are happy about it.
i just wish it was a bigger group with more people to work, more funding, bigger establishment, and better returns. We could have really made it big- only little more organization, little more money, little more planning and those innovative ideas which someone always has in plenty, and these often erupt out like a volcano. Waiting eagerly for the next volcano eruption. I am ready to take up the lava and get to work.
We have worked pretty hard for a long time now. Will the pace remain the same? Can there be no way in which the angle of the bar graph could change. Pl think and suggest.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Failing again?

Dear Prinha,
Are we failing again? Everytime i promise myself to come upto the expectations of all those around, but i fail. I work harder than i should, i try and make all meticulous plans and well thought decisions- (infact, lot of thoughts go into making them), but still when i am questioned, i fumble for words and there are tears in my eyes, and you, Prinha, you too weep. I than remember my school days when my teacher would question me for anything, and i would have wet eyes. Even when on parents meet, they would point out on my handwriting, or my being shy and quiet, or when ma would say anything, i would weep and weep. After all these years, when i am scolded/ questioned harshly, i again become the same timid MS who hated this world as a child- felt no one loves me. I again hate it all when i am made to feel like that. I wonder if its intentional treatment with me or just a natural one, but it hurts everytime. All that determination to work, to be mentally independent and to be a strong person just melts away, and i become the same old timid MS- whom i hated always. I always had a desire to not to be that MS, who had no friends at school because she was scared to ppl, and their questions. I dont want to go back again. Lets be strong Prinha, lets come out of this. Lets face this world, strongly.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Lets b determined!

Hi Prinha,

Today lets decide to be determined that we shall work so hard that we'l be able to reach our goal.

Today i noticed that if we make up our mind towards achieving our target, and focus all our attention to our much desired goal, we reach much closer. The blocks were not less today, but you kept telling me- lets keep moving, and thats what we did. Someone rightly said in his mail today that dont bother about the results- just dnt lose your focus and do all your efforts. We'v worked almost 20+ hours today. Although we dint achieve all we had planned to, but still we dnt repent not having made necessary efforts.

Be with be like this, always. You have to be my support Prinha. I have to derive my inspiration from you. Be postive always.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

VISION

Hi Prinha

A blind person asked Swami Vivekanand:" Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?"

He replied: " Yes, losing your VISION"
Its so important to have vision. You may not be open about it. You may not discuss it with your fellow beings, but having a vision in all you do is very important. Its that propelling force which makes your journey to your target easy. There are so many directions i am traveling in, not really knowing which path to follow, and where it will all lead me. I try the path which looks the best. In fact i try each and every path that comes in my way, careful not to miss the one meant for me. Its really very important to have vision in life- Can we Together work on that?

Monday, June 11, 2007

Thank you Prinha!

Today i wish to thank Prinha for giving me the necessary strength . There were obstacles in all my ways today. Inspite of my sincere and genuine efforts, nothing was happening. I have not experienced so many blocks in one single day. But Prinha stood by me, and, we both keep trying, tirelessly. We dint stop to cry or be sad or wonder why its happening to us. The whole day was like- no success , for us. But, m happy we dint lose heart. After all, if today ends, there 's going to be tomorrow, and lets see what's in store for us tomorrow.

I read somewhere- "Beautiful pictures are developed from negatives in a dark room, so, if you see darkness in your life; assume that God's making a beautiful picture for you!"

Hence, dear one, lets face tomorrow's challenges, fearlessly. Its just one of the games/ tests God is applying on us. Lets come out in flying colors, and make HIM happy. Just be there with me, constantly. I gain strength from you.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

THOUGHTS

  1. There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty
  2. Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it.
  3. Success is a journey, not a destination.
  4. Keep your face to the sunshine, and, you cannot see shadows.
  5. A bend of the road is not the end of the road.......unless you fail to make the turn.
  6. Attack every problem with enthusiasm...as if your survival depended upon it.
  7. If you are not riding the wave of change, you will discover yourself beneath it.

Me and My Prinha

Me and my Prinha are together all the time. She lives in me, and shares all with me. I talk to her all day long, and she knows me the best. There are so many ups and downs in life which she has seen with me. Sometimes i cry in pain and look for support here and there. But she quietly consoles me, hears my pain and sends a message from within, which gives me back strength to rise up and resume my duties, forgetting my sorrows.
I have realised one thing. Prinha is stronger than me. Although she's been with me all through, seen me experiencing all, rather experienced all good and bad with me, but, she doesnt need to cry. She doesnt need any more friends. She doesnt expect anything. She doesnt get anxious. Can my dear friend teach me to be like her?
I too wish to be strong to be able to ignore all those who hurt me, to ignore all those who take me for granted, to withstand all the tortures given to me. I too wish to survive in PEACE. Can i be a reflection of Prinha. How i wish i would become Prinha, and Prinha would become M. Life, how-so-ever long, will than be peaceful. God give me the strength to be MY prinha.