Farther in the Woods...

Lucky enough !

2008-07-31T23:50:00.003+05:30

Monday.14th July 2008. Time - 8.30 PM. Location - Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.

Mumbai locals. Millions of people spend almost a quarter of there life traveling on these Lamborghini of the common man. Typically in Mumbai, both the working class and the "not-so-working" class live there life by the clock. 8:14 Andheri; 6:53 Belapur; 7:56 Bandra. 11.56 Churchgate. After all - Numbers count!

It was one of those routine days when I was headed to board the Bandra 8:26 local after a long day. I was lucky enough to head out of office early that day, or else I always happen to leave at the time when even the office lift stops working. I was a bit early to reach the station and was waiting curiously to get home as quickly as possible.

During my college days, while most of my friends enjoyed all sorts of exotic cuisines, I enjoyed the road side ‘thapri’ stuff. Be it a vada paav or bhel puri. Since I was a bit hungry and had some time to kill, I started looking out for a ‘thapri’. After a bit of a look out, I found a railway canteen and ordered a Masala Dosa. Rs.10, the rate list said. Voila! I was amazed to see the turn around time of the guy preparing the dosa. Just two minutes flat.

One witness a multitude of people on any mumbai railway platform. So was CST. There were people from all walks of life- ranging from students, young office goers, grandpa's and vendors.

Dosa arrived. I had a quick bite. Delicious it was. No matter I found some inedible foreign objects inside it, but wont the ‘thapri’ lose its charm without them. In the meanwhile, I noticed a shabbily dressed young boy having a close eye on the bystanders including me. As I caught his eye, he quickly disappeared. I got a little suspicious about him, but didn’t really bother further. A few minutes later, people started jostling each other once again. The 8:26 Bandra was here. I had to leave my dosa and rushed to catch the train. Again, I got a glimpse of that boy, who was closely following my moves. But I had a train to catch! I moved on!

After getting on board, I looked out trying to catch a sight of that boy. I saw him at a shoddy corner on the platform. He was enjoying the Dosa. The one which I left mid-way. It seems, he was finding it delicious too, may be for a different reason.

I don’t know why, but I was silent throughout my whole journey that night. I was lucky enough to get a seat that night and and the boy was lucky enough to manage to have his bread that night.

Art of Living !!

2007-07-27T02:59:00.004+05:30

Art of Living!!

Sounds more like a NOUN but I prefer it more as a VERB. What one expects on the very first day in one of the country's finest B-School is an interpersonal skills development workshop or a session on Drukerian Philosophy of Management. But My B-School treated me a bit differently with a five day exclusive session on the "Art of Living". Although starting at sharp six in the chilling morning, along with half broken sleep it was also filled with dreams in the eyes of the new batch of 228 young managers.

Apart from the meditation and yoga techniques the course offered, there was a unique exercise which shall remain in my memories for a long time to come. On the second last day of the course the instructor asked us to bring a gift or a present the next day. Exactly one gift to be brought by each one of us. While some of us wondered about why we were been told to bring so, the other some and me for sure were of the opinion that the gift will be presented to a 'Big Guru' who would be coming tomorrow. Some of us even guessed that someone to be Sri Sri Ravisankar himself.

Everybody began to think of a unique gift to be presented. Each one of us wanted our gift to be the best. That was the first time I smelled competition in a B-School. The next morning each one of us carried our gifts to the meditation hall in anticipation of presenting it to 'The Big Guru'. Some brought beautiful flowers, while others carried things like chocolates, fountain pen and the likes.

Defying the temptation of taking something 'Big and Expensive' I took a gift very close to my heart. I took one of the poems which always inspire me. I considered it not to be 'Big and Expensive' but 'Unique and priceless'. I was thrilled and very much sure that the 'Big Guru' being wise will definitely cherish those mighty thoughts on that tiny paper.

In the meditation hall, calming the restlessness in each one of us the instructor mentioned that the gifts were not meant for any 'Big Guru' but for we ourselves. The next moment he asked all of us to hold our gift and give a tight hug to the person next to us and say "I BELONG TO YOU". And while embracing the other person he asked us to exchange our gift with the other guy. This continued for quite a while and we went on exchanging Hugs and Gifts.

The whole experience was filled with a feeling of warmth, love and "Belongingness". What also hovered was a temptation of ending up with a big gift at the end of the exercise. All kind of big and beautiful gifts passed my hands each time making me feel a bit uncomfortable about my small piece of paper.

After some time the instructor asked us to stop and have a look at the gifts that we ended up having in our hands. Meditation hall was filled with excitement and happiness. I was having a big chocolate in my hand. But I was constantly thinking about the person who would have got my gift i.e. the poem. To my surprise the person next to me was holding that envelop of mine without knowing about its contents. I was excited and was waiting for the person to open the envelope. He opened the envelope and read the poem. May be he didn't share the same respect and enthusiasm for the poem as much as mine. I noticed that and without letting him know that it was me who brought that gift.

I Asked: "Do you like that gift".
He Said: "What will I do with this piece of paper, I expected something Big".

My next statement was: "I BELONG TO YOU”. I embraced him and exchanged my gift with his. He was happy to receive a chocolate which he considered 'Big'. And I was happy to get the poem which was surely ‘Big’ for me.

Two year hence, I don’t remember those meditation or yoga techniques but that Art of Living surely taught me one thing:

I was the 'Big Guru' myself and destiny wanted me to cherish that piece of paper more than anyone else.
Cherish Yourself!! May be that's Art of Living.

Here is that mighty note on that tiny piece of white paper..
And it still make me feel special every time I read it..

I can make you rise or fall..
I can work for you or against you..
I can make you a success or a failure..
I can control the way you feel and the way you are..

I can make you laugh, love and work..
I can make your heart sing with joy..
I can make you wretched, dejected or morbid..
I can be a shackle, heavy, attached and burdensome..

I can be prism's hue, dancing bright and fleeting..
Lost forever unless captured by pen or purpose..
I can be nurtured and grown to be great and beautiful..
Seen by the eyes of others through action in you..

I can never be removed...
I can only be replaced...

I am THOUGHT..
Why not know Me better ??

Since that day I've learned Art of Living as a VERB. And I'm still learning.

Mind Like Water !!

2007-07-27T02:57:00.001+05:30

Mind Like Water !!

Water, which is crucial to our survival, has qualities that far transcend its most basic functions. Looking at some of its characteristics one realizes that is far more than a "thirst quencher".

Water has the ability to adapt itself totally to its environment. When the temperature gets too high it becomes steam and it changes to ice when things are too cold. It can also change its shape to conform to that of the container.

What is remarkable about water is that it manages to maintain its identity under the most varied circumstances. Water is ever flowing and always manages to find its level. When something comes in the way it goes around and takes the path of least resistance.

On those occasions where an obstacle seems insurmountable it steadily gains strength and force until it finally overcomes. No matter how high a dam is built on a stream eventually the stream overflows the dam. There is an unyielding and steady effort that water generates which regards all obstacles, no matter how high or big, as being temporary. 

Finally, calm water is like a mirror and gives a picture of all that is around. Conversely troubled waters only reflect the turmoil within. When a person approaches a problem with calm and composure then like the reflection on calm water he sees everything. So also when a problem causes turmoil then like the troubled water on confusion is seen. 

Imagine an intellect as calm, a will as relentless and indomitable and a personality as adaptable as water and you will have envisioned Mind Like Water !

What is remarkable about water is that it manages to maintain its identity under the most varied circumstances. Water is ever flowing and always manages to find its level. When something comes in the way it goes around and takes the path of least resistance.

On those occasions where an obstacle seems insurmountable it steadily gains strength and force until it finally overcomes. No matter how high a dam is built on a stream eventually the stream overflows the dam. There is an unyielding and steady effort that water generates which regards all obstacles, no matter how high or big, as being temporary.

Finally, calm water is like a mirror and gives a picture of all that is around. Conversely troubled waters only reflect the turmoil within. When a person approaches a problem with calm and composure then like the reflection on calm water he sees everything. So also when a problem causes turmoil then like the troubled water on confusion is seen.

Imagine an intellect as calm, a will as relentless and indomitable and a personality as adaptable as water and you will have envisioned Mind Like Water !!

Hope the water caused some ripples in you !! 

a poem is born..

2006-02-19T00:59:00.002+05:30

Poet...

Well that's one of my facets. What makes a poem or poet unique is being "one of its own kinds". I've always believed that each and every poem ever written is beautiful. However simple a poem appears but one can never read the heart and mind of a poet, and that is what makes a poem so unique in itself.

It has almost been ten years since I wrote my first few lines which eventually I realized was nothing less than a poem. Here's one of those early piece of imagination which still inspires me every time I read it.

A poem is born..
When feelings overwhelm..
And it’s hard to resist...

Thoughts emerge from within the heart..
And fingers search for a pen to jot..
Lips tremble and words sprout..

Imagination wavers to create rhymes..
Pen goes on cherishing thoughts..
White paper glitters in blue..

A feeling of joy..
A smile in the heart..
A tear in the eye..
Emotions stretched..

I'm inspired Once Again!!

I did it My way..

2005-10-02T04:45:00.002+05:30

I am not a star..
There is no Halo over my head..
Fate doesn't like the colour of my eye..
Struggle and Strife are old friends of mine..

Who am I ?
I am Survivor..
I am Guts..
I am Pride..
I am Colour..
I am Life..

I like odds..
Especially when they are stacked against Me..
Because there will come a Day..
When I will look them in the eyes..
And smile the smile of the one..
Who has seen it all..
That is the day i will fear no fear..
And Look back for the first time in life..
And say..

"I did it My Way"...

Thanks Dimu for your words..

did u say something?

2005-06-06T15:45:00.001+05:30

Did you say something?
I heard you say something but not quite what..
Perhaps you said it when I was not listening..
And I heard it when you didn’t say..

So I don’t know what it was. .
But I need to know..
Something tells me I should have known what you said..
The fact that I could have known makes me more eager..

You wont say it again; perhaps it was worthless..
No, if it were worthless, I would have heard it..
You always told me worthless things when I was listening..
And told me what I needed to hear when I was not..

Perhaps what was worthless for me was grave for you..
And what is grave for me now is worthless for you..
And you wont say it again..
And I would never hear it..

dedications...

2005-06-01T12:52:00.001+05:30

There are times in life when you feel like expressing gratitude for the goodies you get. Today is one such day. Although thanking almighty would be obvious but I want to dedicate this post of mine to a wonderful person I have met recently. Thanks almighty for this pleasant encounter.

This chap is a management graduate from JBIMS, the name not unknown to many. But being from Bajaj is not different in this being rather its the genuine worth he posses.

I was a wanderer when I landed up in Mumbai exactly one month ago. A small flat of a distant friend in far Andheri was my only shelter. I used to leave this place by six in the morning and return by eleven in the night. During this seventeen hours of journey I had seen it all, be it the queues at the bus stand or the struggle with the multitudes in Mumbai locals. With hope in eyes and prayer in heart I used to look for a place to live peacefully in this strange city of Mumbai.

The long office hours and the ruthless HR used to add to my weariness. After returning to the flat I used to sleep only for two hours in the night that too only when the residents there switches off the idiot box. I used to avoid speaking to anybody at home as i didn't want to find them worrying about me.

I still remember the threshold of frustration when I thought I cannot take it any more and the thoughts of going back started provoking me.

And then I met a stranger at my workplace who joined as a summer intern with me a few days ago. He offered me to live with him in his hostel. When he came to know that there is no guest room available he offered me to stay in his room itself. I wondered that without even knowing me what on earth has made this guy offering me such comfort.

He has been a saviour to me against the hardships I faced during those initial days. He made me realize that good people do exist. And also that whatever you give comes back to you.

Today I am staying with him in his hostel. Instead of a broken and crowded road I can see the sea from my room. Instead of scouting for a proper space to sleep I am resting lavishly on a wide bed. Instead of travelling for three hours I can reach my office in three minutes. Instead of gazing around aimlessly I can look into the deep sea and enjoy the gentle breeze. Instead of being afraid to speak i talk endlessly to my family.
I am posting this note using his laptop and internet connection. I just want to express my gratitude to this down-to-earth guy for making me live Happier.
And yes. He is a Leo too..

Thanks Vineet !!
You are Indeed a Friend.

corner of the circle

2005-05-24T11:55:00.001+05:30

The First Corner..

I've started My Journey from a corner..
I wonder if i'll end up here again..

chand ke tukde..

2005-05-24T11:38:00.001+05:30

Patthar ko dariya mein daal…
Humne chand ke tukde kiye…

I still remember those times when I used to imagine myself amidst lush green farms with beautiful landscapes. I remember I imagined myself scaling tall mountains and then viewing the rest of the world from there. I remember that top of the world feeling I used to get at that zenith, and also of yet being a small element lying beneath the eternal universe above...

I still remember I imagined myself sitting at the sea shore for long hours gazing at the distant waves and trying to find and answer to an unknown question. I still remember I imagined looking at the moon not in the sky but in the sea below. I still remember I wondered if the moon would break into pieces if I throw a small pebble in that water…

Also I remember that I knew it for sure that these are all a figments of my imagination. Imagination it was, but I was content with it…

Today, after few years I am finding these imaginations coming closer to reality. I am not taken aback by this but surely it has provoked something in me. I have scaled mountains, and more to that in all seasons. I have seen clouds beneath me and as I imagined once, me yet beneath the eternal universe. I have wandered in lush green pastures not alone but with gentle breeze and dew drops too...

I have been to sea shore gazing at those waves and finding an answer to that unknown question. I have seen the moon, once in the sky and then beneath in the water. But I couldn’t gather that courage to pick up that tiny pebble which would have broken it into pieces…

I never thought of these imaginations turning into reality some day. I don’t know why this happened...

I still don’t have answer to all my questions. I still don’t have all my questions perfect either...

May be I am missing a signal or am unable to interpret it, but certainly I am reminded of that old wisdom…

You get what you want to get…
You become you want to be…
You see what you want to see…
You listen what you want to listen…

And Of course..
You’re all you’ve Got !!

Still the answer remains?

ye nayan dare dare..

2005-05-13T23:10:00.001+05:30

this one is my favorite..

ye nayan Dare Dare..
ye jaam bhare bhare..
zara peene do..

kal ki kise khabar..
ek raat ho kar needar..
mujhe jeene do..

ye nayan Dare Dare ...
ye jaam bhare bhare..
zara peene do..

Raat haseen ye chand haseen..
tu sabase haseen mere dilabar..
aur tujh se haseen..
tera pyaar..
tu jaane na..

ye nayan Dare Dare ..
ye jaam bhare bhare..
zara peene do..

pyaar me hai jeevan ki khushi..
deti hai khushi kaI gam bhi..
mein maan bhi loon..
kabhi haar..
tu maane na..

ye nayan dare dare ..
ye jaam bhare bhare..
zara peene do..

Leo..

2005-05-12T16:55:00.001+05:30

...
Farther in the Woods..
Lone in the Lane..
Beware of the Fear..
There's a Leo in the Den...
...
- Leo Sumit