Rectangles

It was unassuming, when we first talked,
Not quite a love story, my mind mocked
Goosebumps, the reds and the pinks absent,
Nothing extraordinary about the time spent

The texts became longer as the clock ticked,
At some time we both felt something clicked
Rectangles stored the vibes of our thoughts,
But yet I never expected being tied in a knot

Finding trust and assurance in those texts,
We both wondered what is next!
Unruly kids, Sandy, Yellow dal and sleep
I gushed on the your stories, so deep


Simple, at times mundane without any frills,
You told me about your bargaining skills

Your stern yet sweet way to speak,
Did not let the interaction become weak

Your visage appeared on those shapes,
From shy beings, we did graduate
"Bakwaas" poured down like it was rain,
Your laugh and tough looks became my cocaine

When the chords of your heart play,
Even silence has something to say
I just became glued to the tune,
Wanted to see you in even soon



We did meet, albeit scanty,
But the feelings were aplenty
We both promised to take the plunge,
Knowing that miles we'd need to challenge

Notwithstanding the differences, I started to feel,
With our resolve, distance would kneel
The rectangles bore testimony to our craziness,
Clarity did substitute haziness


Just a few hours together suffice at times,
To make promises for seven lifetimes
The miles don't feel weird anymore,
Because the loves comes to the fore


Seeing you in those little rectangles,
Six inches of weird angles
It aches but I wait for the spree,
One day, you'll be here, with me...





Written for someone special

Life Down Under 2.0- Living with the monks

"That's the library", he says with his voice gleaming with pride. "I am getting this built from scratch, you know. More than 5000 monks can be accommodated in it." He swipes to show me another image of the under-construction library from his tablet's gallery.

Lobsang Chamtoz, one of my flatmates has been studying and preaching at a monastery near Coorg. He came from his village in Nubra valley, Ladakh in 1991 and since then has been settled here. "I want to teach more students, so need to learn English", he explains me the reason for coming to Bangalore.

As we chat at the dinner table, we are joined by two more flatmates. It is 7:30 PM but it is the dinner time for the monks. Two more flatmates join us as they get ready to prepare the supper. Lungrik, keeps the saucepan on the simmer. "Thukpa today", he gleams and the Jamba, chops the tomatoes.
"You must taste it, you should like it", they insist to me.

Lungrik and Jamba come from Tibet. They love India and have been here, teaching and now preaching in monasteries near Goa. They like India it seems. "It is very free here, not like China", Lungrik says as he puts the onion and tomato in the pan. "India, so many different religions, live together with peace", he says.

Well, hostel life at IIFT gave me all kinds of quirky characters to mingle with. Some nerdy, some creative geniuses, some hasty workers and some tardy blokes. This though is a new territory. An MBA money-minded folk staying alongside people who have left all assets-friends, family, homes behind to spread their learnings. They have been away from the families living a minimalist life serving in the monasteries and living in an austere world of knowledge, meditation and celibacy. It looks like coming together of two worlds under one roof.

"How are you feeling here in Bangalore?", I ask Chamtoz. "Weather good, our school is close, so easy to go", he says in English. All the monks have decided to converse in their new language.

"I love Coorg, so cold in winters", he says. He last went to his village five years ago. He has 5 siblings, all married now.

"How were your classes today", I try to strike a conversation with Jamba, the most introvert of the three. He nods with a smile as he stirs the noodles simultaneously.

"My reading good but speaking bad", chortles Lungrik. I need practice, more practice.


I wonder what made them leave mainstream society? How have they been able to live without a family, without any materialistic ambitions? Spirituality must be extremely powerful. Observing these three souls is like witnessing self control in motion.

"Don't your families miss you?", " I ask all of them. "In our culture, it is a matter of pride to have a son become a monk. Families want us that way only. They proud of us". I don't remember who said this but felt like all three uttered in unison.

The scent of the words and of the Thukpa reverberated the room. "It's done, let's eat", suggests Jamba as we have the supper together on a balmy December evening.

Rise of Right

With the developments in the geopolitical scene in the last 24 hours, the world seems to have evolved drastically. There’s a high degree of anti-incumbency and an anti-establishment and the world’s “greatest” democracy has indeed given a telling verdict.

courtesy: 123RF.com

Where do the the leftists go wrong? How did they lose so much ground?

Even if you drag this point closer home, we had an unprecedented majority by a non-congress party in the 2014 general elections where there was a lack of leadership and a strong anti-incumbency wave that led to the toppling of the Grand Old Party of India.

Coming back to America, I have no compunctions in admitting that Donald Trump’s campaign was more clear and focused compared to her Democratic contender’s. The epicenter of Hillary Clinton’s campaign was mud slinging and targeting Trump as a war monger maverick with a disheveled lifestyle and an apolitical demeanor. Trump, though being a sexist bigot and with no respect for written word, focused on global issues like radical Islam, refugee crises and the lack of employment for Americans.

courtesy: Getty Images

The generation we thrive in today is very different from the dynamics two decades ago. The current crop is selfish and doesn’t mind in admitting that it is selfish. They believe in action and not just the intent. Trump was vociferous and blunt in his speeches against ISIS and against illegal migration. He was against the aggression of China and pro- Russia. He focusses on local job creation and not bowing down. His claims are huge and though some cynics might argue that they are merely claims, I would say that atleast he made those claims whereas Clinton’s only claims were that Trump is a bad man unfit to reside in the White House.

The evolution of an average American voter has been something no short than miracle, where in he sees correctness in being politically incorrect. Democrats, who are touted to be liberals and against social conservatism have not been beaten by the ideology but also by their hypocrisy. When you adopt a tough stance on an issue like terrorism and then you maintain affable relations with terror states, the citizens see it. When you claim to fight for equality and transparency but are got

The leftist ego has surely gone for a toss and the result is a slap on their pseudo national intellects. The media also has been biased against Trump. They tarnished Trump to an extent no presidential candidate has been in the history of the USA. Hillary was projected as a social and a political elite who might be a “little” corrupt and untrustworthy but better than Donald Trump. I mean, what the hell.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

If Trump is a misogynist, how did he get elected. Women voted for him inspite of voting for a woman who had a more illustrious political career. Donald’s Trump’s choice of words is worth criticism, he calls spade a spade and doesn’t mince his words. I wonder his conduct going to be once he assumes office.

Why are we so hateful and despicable of Trump? The issue is not that Donald Trump is a misogynist, but that why is it incorrect to be blunt of radical Islam? Aren’t the Islamic clergymen the biggest misogynists on the face of the earth?  Why should we allow a certain section of the society to abuse the national sentiment in the name of human rights?

Americans, it is time we don’t jump the gun and give our judgment on Donald Trump. He can be a pioneer of a stern and uncompromising wave change in America. Let us accept his presidency with open arms and without any prejudice. It is time to respect the majority and the democratic paradigm and

Coming to the rise of the right in India. The intellectually vacuous leftists who eulogize Burhan Wani, Afzal Guru, Maoists, Zakir Naik and terrorists have succumbed to the right wave of citizens who eulogize nation and the army. The section who salute the martyrs and value their sentiments, who want the voice of the majority not go unheard, who are apprehensive of the unleashing of radical Islam in India and the suppression of Hinduism are finding a friend in the incumbent government. And there is nothing wrong in it.

As an Indian too, one is bound to feel the impact of impact of the presidency because of the brain drain and educational/ professional migration. We seek the American intervention of the UNSC membership and nuclear warfare. Lets all refute the media and see what Donald Trump does for the nation. His campaign did talk highly of Hindus and it is rational to be optimistic and accept the ideal of democracy.

(The opinion mentioned are not endorsed and our personal to the writer. As he is tolerant, he can be contacted/pinged for further debate and feedback)

My First Expert

" Jananni Janmabhumi Swargadapi Gariyasi"

"Mother and motherland are two entities which are superior to heaven"

This shloka from Sanskrit summarizes the role a mom plays in one's life. Be it any creature on this planet, the mother is a replacement of God, even held at a pedestal higher than Him.

Mother carries us in her womb for 9 months, endures hellbreaking pain and labor to bring us into this world and is our first teacher and guide. My mother has also been the same and is an indispensable part of my life. She has nurtured me over all these years and seen me grow from a chortling infant to a guffawing 24 year old boy.

Parenting, as they say, is a thankless job. It is as unconditional as it gets and motherhood features right up there. Waking up early, getting us ready for school, preparing our tiffin boxes, sometimes even tying our shoe laces, making lunch, helping us in our homework...it just goes on and on. I've seen my mother do all these errands, sacrificing significant part of her life entirely welfare without making any complaints and expecting just a warm hug at the end of the day. That's a mother for you.

Mother are the most versatile human beings on this earth. They are multitaskers.They are experts in apparently everything. They serve as a chef, a teacher, a doctor, a confidant, a cleaner, and our very own style guru. They are indeed our first expert.


For more info on experts, click godrejexpert.com to know more about the hair color expert. Wishing a elated Mothers' Day to all dear Moms worldwide.

Resplendence

In this ever so hectic life, one seems to oblivious about the small pleasure which the life holds within itself. Pleasures that determine who we actually are. One really longs for fun and frolic. One longs to take a holiday and go on a family excursion in order to leave the stress laden life behind and spend some quality time with family.

I happened to plan one such trip with my family to the beautiful and diverse nation- Malaysia. Both my parents are doctors and are ever so busy in their daily routine. My sister is in college and has the never ending vicious circle of mid term- final term- study break- mid term- final term....it goes on and on. To top it all, I'm a Software Engineer and have a grueling 9 hour job. So, in a nutshell, time is at a premium for my family and to have a time that we could spend together has always been a luxury. Fortunately we were able to find a 6 day window where my sis has a college break and I had a cluster of holidays coming. My mom and Dad also pitched in to take a brief sabbatical from their respective jobs and here we go, it was planned. It did take some time, but we all knew that we really need this break to unwind and rejuvinate ourselves.After years of daily grind(our last family trip was back in 2011), recuperation was the need of the hour.

 So, we decided the sight seeing option, booked flight tickets and hotels and embarked on our journey to peninsular Malaysia. The first pit stop for us was Langkawi, followed by Genting and then KL. We boarded the Malaysian Airlines flight( with fingers crossed, given the past record of the carrier), but boy, it was a smooth journey to reach the mesmerizing tiny island of Langkawi, just off the coast of Thailand in northern Malaysia. We saw various beached there- pristine white sand with shards of shells and oysters, turquoise water and azure sky. It was like a postcard

A next two days of our lives involved either snorkeling, coral spotting, seafood or a combination of these three and our great Langkawi trip ended. It was for the first time that I did not want a trip to end so maturely just for the sheer excruciating fun that we all had. Our next stop- Genting!!

Genting is a highland in wastern Malaysia, just an hour drive from the capital- KL. It is known a a hotspot for tourists from China, India, Thailand and of course the local Malay and is like a mini Las Vegas.

Genting also happens to have the worlds's largest hotel- The First World, which has a mind numbing 5000 rooms!. The Genting trip mainly involved a rope way ride and travelling through the vast premises of the hotel and the adjoining amusement park. We also found a restaurant serving amazing Indian buffet. God was answering the prayers at the rate of knots.

The drive from Genting to KL was interspersed by rains to add to the fun. Kuala Lamour turned out to be more or less as expected- plush malls, a deluge of skyscrapers and of course the twin towers. It was very clean and had a great transport system. Our hotel had an amazing view of the Minaret. All in all ,the view, the shopping, and of course the Malay cuisine, all made the trip so memorable and enchanting that it would be difficult to describe in words. The taste of Nasi Lemak and Sambal curry still lingers and my eyes still yearn for that picuresque white sand beaches in Langkawi.

 Terima Kasih Malaysia

Such amazing stories and anecdotes from our daily life makes us introspect and reflect on how much joy can giving give to us. A little bowl of broth can quench the hunger of a destitute, similarly a helping hand can go a long way in giving person hope and an objective to live. Housing.com also aims to touch lives of millions by providing them hope and fueling their ambitions. It is keen on providing the best services to its client base and make the world live better and thus breathe better.

The mantra for Housing is not just to redefine the way real estate is dealt with but also to make people live better and evolve. So, feel the change and  Look up!

A thing of beauty

The most divine emotions known to man are happiness and hope. Perhaps the most intangible thing that can ever be, inexplicable, with no conformed boundaries or explanations. Every soul that graces this world has his/her own idea of it- for some it's money, for some it's love, for some it's the love for money, and so on.

There are several incidents and moments we come across that give us the feeling of hope and instills in us the true definition of mankind. When ordinary people around us achieve things that matters so much to them, that's happiness and hope. One such incident that enthralled me and lingers on my mind even today.

My housemaid was illiterate and hadn't been to school ever in her life. She was a single mother of two and was determined to provide her sons with quality education. Right from my junior classes, she used to ask me to give my old books to her so that her sons' could use them. I used to give her my books as there was a hope that I could contribute to a needy person. The feeling of hope and optimism made me help her as I could see how tenacious she was.

Her tenacity and will finally bore fruit as her elder son was able to clear his Class X board exams in flying colors. Nor did he get first division, but also stood first in his class. The most memorable moment was when my maid came to our house with her son and showed us his report card. The feelings cannot be put into words. That is one day which will always be etched in my memory. It was not blase or banal. It was something massive and pious. I felt that I'd contributed in a nobel cause. Well, today when I reflect upon it, I feel that it was the least I could have done and a smile quivers on my lips.

The famous John Keats proverb that immortalized him in English literature quips, " A thing of beauty is a joy forever". Indeed this incident was a thing of beauty. It gave hope to someone and smile to someone. There were no petty expectations or pretentions. It was sanctimonious.


Such amazing stories and anecdotes from our daily life makes us introspect and reflect on how much joy can giving give to us. A little bowl of broth can quench the hunger of a destitute, similarly a helping hand can go a long way in giving person hope and an objective to live. Housing.com also aims to touch lives of millions by providing them hope and fueling their ambitions. It is keen on providing the best services to its client base and make the world live better and thus breathe better.

The mantra for Housing is not just to redefine the way real estate is dealt with but also to make people live better and evolve. So, feel the change and  Look up!

The 'silk' route

Her demeanour dazzled the 70mm, her oomph could give Marilyn Monroe run for her money, her sex appeal burnt the screen.The most sought after actress in the southern sphere in the 80’s, whenever she came on screen, they shouted  ‘Silk’ ,a deluge of catcalls followed whistles, the lady who pioneered the ingress of  bold and raunchy escapades in bollywood. Smitha certainly was the queen of soft porn in India.To mark her birth anniversary on the 2^nd of December, the bollywood paying her tribute through the biopic on her life ‘the Dirty Picture’, it’s a matter of great disappointment that the sexy siren of the south was looked or treated as a mere object by the bollywood.She was not dirty in any sense.Though being audacious and sensuous, Silk smitha always had the inherent aesthetic beauty which even some mainstream south Indian actresses lacked.Despite of her crowd pulling abilities and enigmatic screen presence, she was used as a prop by both the bollywood and kollywood.

Reading out various articles and news reports and tabloid surveys about Smitha, I feel that hers was typically mysterious life where her childhood was drenched in poverty and her adolesense squashed by exploitation.Failure in love and illicit relationships with many, her life was devoid of any love and innocence.Struggle was the synonym of her life and it took her years of it to become the lady with the silken touch.Tabloids screamed in the 80’s,’Only sex and Smitha sell in the south’, an audacious epithet considering the times when sex did not have as wide a wingspan in cinema as today.The sobriquet ‘ Silk’ was given to her in the movie Vandi Chakkram( her first Tamil film) and it had the women heaving and the men salivating.The lady, though mostly typecast as an extra as the  provocative, salacious seductress,was a talented actress but her acting prowess was undermined to a large extent.

As ‘the Dirty Picture ‘ hits the screen, I just implore people to go out there and live the like Smitha on the ‘silk’ route.Smitha was more than lust, she was someone to adore as well.

Udit Bhatia

Electronics & Communication Engineering

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University