OMG I am a Teen Now!
No watching over me now!
Mom, those days are gone.....
Hurrah! Now no Chaperone!
No more lectures, advice, counsel
You’re free of all the hassle!
Hey Pops, I hope you can tell
I’m a big girl now - Sure as hell!
Worry not-where I go Sunday
Chill dude! I can find my way!
My room, my time, my space, DND.
Enter at your peril, don’t fault me!
My ipad, my iphone, my friends, all I care!
Don’t spy, don’t pry, Don’t you dare!
Rules are passé, limits are off
I call the shots – don’t you scoff!
School’s cool, and I love my math
I’ll score the marks, tell you that!
No panic folks, a Good Girl am I!
Just a teenager am I!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
TWINS WE ARE
TWINS WE ARE
Vikram is my brother,
Annika is my sister.
Our birthday falls on 20th December!
We are Best Friends Forever! Yes, Twins we are!
We sing and dance, We play and prance
Annika is the artist, a budding painter!
She loves her ballet, a charming dancer.
Vikram loves his math, infinity his favorite number
He also strums the guitar, and wants to be a singer!
Yes, twins we are!
We pinch and punch, and box and bump!
We scream and shout, and shriek and thump!
Then it’s one corner for me
And the other for me!
Yes, twins we are!
Sorry mama, sorry dada!
A Good boy am I
A Good girl am I;
Just a little naughty we are! Yes, Twins we are!
Vikram is my brother,
Annika is my sister.
Our birthday falls on 20th December!
We are Best Friends Forever! Yes, Twins we are!
We sing and dance, We play and prance
Annika is the artist, a budding painter!
She loves her ballet, a charming dancer.
Vikram loves his math, infinity his favorite number
He also strums the guitar, and wants to be a singer!
Yes, twins we are!
We pinch and punch, and box and bump!
We scream and shout, and shriek and thump!
Then it’s one corner for me
And the other for me!
Yes, twins we are!
Sorry mama, sorry dada!
A Good boy am I
A Good girl am I;
Just a little naughty we are! Yes, Twins we are!
# posted by rdbelite @ 2:11 AM
Jashn Anthem
जश्न का बुलावा आया!
जश्न का बुलावा आया, आशियाना मे धूम मची!
ओमजी की याद मे, आओ उत्सव मनाए सभी!
परेशानियाँ सारी भुलाकर, शिकवे-गिले सब छोड़कर
कुछ क्षण मस्ती मे झूमकर, सुनहरे बचपन को याद कर
खेलके मैदान मे कूदकर, अपने टीम संग जूट कर
दादा- दादी, नाना- नानी फिर बच्चों सी हरकत कर!
"मै ठुमरी के सुर सजाऊं, आप ग़ज़ल पेश करें
मै कथक, तू भांगड़ा, आप होले होले हिप-हॉप करें"
कुछ ऐसे चरचे आम हुए, कभी जोरा-ज़ोरी कभी खींचा-तानी
कभी तू-तू, कभी मै-मै, पर उत्साह की कमी नही!
कभी मन मे लड्डू फूटते, कभी तितलियाँ दिल मे मचलती
पर सोई हिम्मत जगी है और जीत का मशाल जला है!
टिकट कटे, बॅग बँधे, जल्लोश की लहर मे गाड़ियाँ चली!
हवाओं मे नारे गूँजे; ट्रोफी हमारी! ट्रोफी हमारी!
जश्न का बुलावा आया, आशियाना मे धूम मची!
ओमजी की याद मे, आओ उत्सव मनाए सभी!
जश्न का बुलावा आया, आशियाना मे धूम मची!
ओमजी की याद मे, आओ उत्सव मनाए सभी!
परेशानियाँ सारी भुलाकर, शिकवे-गिले सब छोड़कर
कुछ क्षण मस्ती मे झूमकर, सुनहरे बचपन को याद कर
खेलके मैदान मे कूदकर, अपने टीम संग जूट कर
दादा- दादी, नाना- नानी फिर बच्चों सी हरकत कर!
"मै ठुमरी के सुर सजाऊं, आप ग़ज़ल पेश करें
मै कथक, तू भांगड़ा, आप होले होले हिप-हॉप करें"
कुछ ऐसे चरचे आम हुए, कभी जोरा-ज़ोरी कभी खींचा-तानी
कभी तू-तू, कभी मै-मै, पर उत्साह की कमी नही!
कभी मन मे लड्डू फूटते, कभी तितलियाँ दिल मे मचलती
पर सोई हिम्मत जगी है और जीत का मशाल जला है!
टिकट कटे, बॅग बँधे, जल्लोश की लहर मे गाड़ियाँ चली!
हवाओं मे नारे गूँजे; ट्रोफी हमारी! ट्रोफी हमारी!
जश्न का बुलावा आया, आशियाना मे धूम मची!
ओमजी की याद मे, आओ उत्सव मनाए सभी!
# posted by rdbelite @ 1:56 AM
हम चले भुवनेश्वर
हम चले भुवनेश्वर
चलो भुवनेश्वर, चलो भुवनेश्वर, आशियाने मे लहर उठी
चंदनजी का बुलावा आया, चले चलो सभी.
टिकट कटे, बॅग बँधे, लावासासे गाड़ियाँ चली
कलिन्ग, उत्कलकी पुण्य भूमिपर आख़िर जहाज़ उतरी!
चंदनजी ने किया स्टाइलमे स्वागत सबका
BMW, मर्सिडीस गाड़ियाँ खड़ी हमारी सेवा!
सुबह जगन्नाथजी का प्रशाद, श्यामको शिवजी का सोम्ररस
स्टीम माच्छ, दाल्मा,च्छेन्ना, रसगुल्ले ख़ाके हुए सुस्त.
छिलिकामे डॉल्फिन की डुबकियाँ, बोट मे हमारी मस्तियाँ
बच्चे बन गये सारे दादा-नाना, पीछे न थी दादी-नानियाँ!
अतिथि देव भव का नारा चंदन जी ने सच कर दिखाया!!
चलो भुवनेश्वर, चलो भुवनेश्वर, आशियाने मे लहर उठी
चंदनजी का बुलावा आया, चले चलो सभी.
टिकट कटे, बॅग बँधे, लावासासे गाड़ियाँ चली
कलिन्ग, उत्कलकी पुण्य भूमिपर आख़िर जहाज़ उतरी!
चंदनजी ने किया स्टाइलमे स्वागत सबका
BMW, मर्सिडीस गाड़ियाँ खड़ी हमारी सेवा!
सुबह जगन्नाथजी का प्रशाद, श्यामको शिवजी का सोम्ररस
स्टीम माच्छ, दाल्मा,च्छेन्ना, रसगुल्ले ख़ाके हुए सुस्त.
छिलिकामे डॉल्फिन की डुबकियाँ, बोट मे हमारी मस्तियाँ
बच्चे बन गये सारे दादा-नाना, पीछे न थी दादी-नानियाँ!
अतिथि देव भव का नारा चंदन जी ने सच कर दिखाया!!
# posted by rdbelite @ 1:53 AM
OMG You are 18 now!
Nov 17, 2017
OMG you are Eighteen Now!!
The world is yours to know now!
Our dreams, our fantasies
Your triumphs, your glories!
Go for the stars, Make us proud!
Life is rough, but you are tough!
The stuff in you, is the same as in us!
Only better, nobler, finer and superior,
Nicer and lovlier many times over!
To be worthy we tried, our love and affection
To give you our best, our precious devotion!
But the time has come - to let you fly
How heavy our hearts, bare our nest
No panic, no fears, no worry, no tears
Just parents we are, with hope and prayers
We bid you adieu - God be with you!
OMG you are Eighteen Now!!
The world is yours to know now!
Our dreams, our fantasies
Your triumphs, your glories!
Go for the stars, Make us proud!
Life is rough, but you are tough!
The stuff in you, is the same as in us!
Only better, nobler, finer and superior,
Nicer and lovlier many times over!
To be worthy we tried, our love and affection
To give you our best, our precious devotion!
But the time has come - to let you fly
How heavy our hearts, bare our nest
No panic, no fears, no worry, no tears
Just parents we are, with hope and prayers
We bid you adieu - God be with you!
# posted by rdbelite @ 1:17 AM
Saturday, July 25, 2015
OMG I AM A TEEN NOW!
आमच्या "तीन देविया"
आमच्या "तीन देविया"
आम्ही त्याना आमच्या "तीन देविया" असे म्हणत असो- ताई, मावशी, आणि मामी. त्या आमच्या परिवारातल्या मोठ्या. कुठलाही कार्यक्रम असो त्या तीघी नेहमी हजर असत; नव्हे त्या तीघी हजर पाहिजेतच! कोणी एक आली नाही तर चुकल्या सारखे वाटायचे.
त्या सुद्धा एकमेकीच्या सहवासात खूश असायच्या. आणि एकत्र येण्याचे प्रयत्न चालू असायचे. "यंदा दिवाळी चिपळूण मध्ये करूया" (ताई). "नाही नाही तुम्ही कोल्हपुरला येऊन किती दिवस झाले, कोल्हपुरलाच करूया" (मामी). "मग गुहागरला कधी येणार आमच्याकडे राहायला?" (मावशी). असे वाद-विवाद चालायचे आणि शेवटी निर्णय व्हायचा.
बायकांच्या बरोबर पुरूषांमध्ये सुधा चांगली दोस्ती होती! पुरुषांना सोपे होते, जवळ यायला संध्याकाळचे दोन पेग आपले काम करायचे!
बायकांसाठी जुळवून घेणे एवढ सहज नसत. पण ह्याना तसा प्रॉब्लेम नव्हता. ताई आणि मावशी तर बहिणीच होत्या; मामी सुद्धा कोकणातली! तेव्हा त्या एकमेकिंमध्ये एक सहजता होती. त्या संध्याकाळी ग्लास घेऊन बसत नसत पण त्याना आपले स्वयंपाक व विविध पक्वान्न आपल्या पतिराजाना करून घालण्यात खूप रस. तसेच परिवार व नातेवाईकांची पण चन्गळ असायची. तीघीही मोठ्या सुगरणी!
ताई आणि मावशीना तर पाककला तज्ञच म्हणायचे. त्यांचे उकडीचे मोदक, डाळिंब्यांची उसळ, पुराणाच्या पोळ्या - इन फॅक्ट कोकणातला कुठ्चाहि पदार्थ असो, त्यांच्या हातात जादुच होती!
मामी सुद्धा आपल्या परीने एक्सपर्ट होती; तिचा पांढरा रस्सा, तांबडा रस्सा, व भाकरी - अमेज़िंग!
त्यांचा वेळ व काळ फार वेगळा होता. त्यांचा जन्म १९३० व १९४० मधला. त्या काळात मुलींच शिक्षण म्हणजे त्याना घर कामात निपुण बनवणे हाच प्रत्येक आईचा उद्देश्य असायचा. आणि ताई व मावशी अतिउत्तम ग्रुहिणि तर होत्याच त्याच बरोबर देखण्या! गोर्या व घार्या, स्पेशल कॉंबिनेशन! त्यात कॉन्फिडेन्स आणि जाणीव विलक्षण! आजच्या कोणत्याही स्त्रीला आव्हान देण्याजोगे!
तारुण्याचा जोश वयानुसार थोडा मावळला पण आपल्या घरावरचा कंट्रोल व व्यवस्थापन कायम आहे. अजूनही त्या कुठच्याही कंपनीच्या सी.ए.ओ बनू शकतात व कुठच्याही .एम.बि.ए. ला लाजवु शकतात. आश्चर्याची गोष्ट नाही की घरातले पुरूष सुद्धा त्यांच्यावर अवलंबून असत.
सर्वात शक्तिमान मावशी! ती जणू गुहागरची सूपर वुमन! गुहागरमध्ये जणू तीचच रज्य! तिच्या ओळखी सर्वत्र. तिचा लोकसंपर्क दांडगा. काम काहीही असो, घरी बसल्या मावशीच्या एका फोन कॉल च्या जोरावर होऊ शकत. तुमच्या गाडीची दुरुस्ती असो, तिच्या भाच्यांसाठी चिकन बिर्यणि असो, व्यवस्था करण्यात मावशी एक्सपर्ट. मी स्वतः अनेकदा अनुभव घेतलाय. आणि तीच्या सुंदर समुद्राकाठ्च्या घरी कोण गेल नाही? नातेवाईक, मित्र, मित्रांचे मित्र, सगळे तिचा पाहुण्चार घ्यायला मागे बघत नाहीत आणि ती ही तित्क्याच उत्साहानी सगळ्यांच करत असते!
मामीचा स्वभाव शांत व मवाळ, दोघींच्या विरुद्ध. ती मनानी खेड्यातलीच राहिली, घराची सून! अर्थात कोल्हापुरात राहून खूप शिकली; व खूप आक्टिव होती! करवीर भगिनी मंडळाच कामकाज बघायची, बॅडमिंटन, रमी, इत्यादी खेळ, अश्या बर्याच गोष्टींमध्ये मन रमवायची; मामा बराच वेळ पुण्यात असायचे!
आम्ही दोघ, व त्यांच्यामध्ये खूप सख्य होत. त्यांची मुंबईला आमच्याकडे यायची आम्ही नेहेमी वाट बघायचो. पूजा, सणवार, लग्न, काहीही कार्य असो, त्यांची उपस्थिती हविच. त्यांचा अनुभव, व त्यांच्याकडे असलेली माहिती; ह्याचा उपयोग आम्हाला व्हायचाच; त्याचबरोबर मदत ही!
मला आणि माझ्या भावन्डाना तेच मोठे, त्यांचाच आधार होता; अम्मा, अण्णा गेल्या नंतर.
त्या वेळेला मामांचीच फक्त गाडी होती! त्या गाडीतून आम्ही सगळी फिरायला निघायचो! पांचगणी, महाबळेश्वर, गोआ, बेळगाव! किती जण त्यात कोंबायचो, पण मामानी कधी काचकूच केली नाही, त्यांची नेहमी तयारी असायची! मामांचा मोठेपणा!
जशी वर्ष गेली, पुरूष मंडळीनी ह्या जगाचा निरोप घेतला. सर्वात आधी मामा गेले (त्यांच हार्ट ऑपरेशन सक्सेस्फुल झाल नाही); मग अप्पा गेले (कॅन्सर); आणि शेवटी पपा (हेपटाइटिस सी जो त्याना १५ वर्षापूर्वी रक्त दिल्यामुळे झाला).
पुरूष आधी गेल्यामुळे बायका एकमेकांच्या सोबतीत जास्त राहू लागल्या. मामी अजून कोल्हापुरात अडकली होती; नातीची आणि मग पणतीची देखभाल करत! पण ताई व मावशी एकट्याच असल्याने, खूपदा एकत्र राहायच्या; कधी चिपळूण कधी गुहागरला.
गेल्या महिन्यात ताई आम्हाला सोडून गेली. शेवट शांत व खूप काही वेदना झाल्या नाही, तरी ६ महिने त्या मुंबईला राहिल्या, त्याना ते त्रासाचेच होते. ह्या आधी त्यांच्या ८७ वर्षात त्या कोणावर अवलंबून राहिल्या नाहीत, नेहेमी स्वतंत्रपणी राहिल्या. त्यामुळे शेवटचे ३ महिने त्यांची ढासळती प्रकृती आम्हाला सुद्धा बघवत नव्हती. देवाच्या कृपेने काही कॉंप्लिकेशन्स झाल्या नाहीत; वेदना झाल्या नाहीत; त्या शेवट पर्यंत कंफर्टबल होत्या. ताईची देखभाल करणारी बाई पण नशिबानी चांगली मिळाली. ताईची छान काळजी घ्यायची. आम्हाला सुद्धा हायस वाटल. ताईची स्वछ्ता म्हण्जे स्पेशल होत! मी विनोद करायचे - ताईला महिन्याला १ किलो टॅल्कम पाउडर लागते!
शेवटच्या दिवसात सुद्धा बाईला सूचना होती: माझे कपडे डेटोल घालून धू, आंघोळीच्या पाण्यात कोलोन वॉटर टाक, अंगाला पाउडर लाव, कपडे दिवसातून दोनदा बदल, केस विंचर, इत्यादी!
ती जगली आपल्या अटी वर, शेवटच्या दिवसात सुद्धा आपला सगळा परिवार जवळ होता, तीनही मुल जवळ होती. सगळे नातेवाईक भेटून गेले, तिच्या सगळ्या मैत्रिणी भेटून गेल्या; ती सुद्धा खुशीत असायची, व आम्हाला पण बर वाटायच.
मावशीची सर्वात जास्त मदत झाली; जेव्हा जेव्हा आम्ही बोलावल ती हजर असायची! आम्हाला तिचा खूप आधार वाटायचा.
ताई नसण्याच दुःख सर्वाधिक तिलाच होईल! तिला चुकल्या सारख होईल!
अर्थात दिलीपनी तिला सांगितल की "आता ताईच्या जागी तूच आहेस"! तसेच आम्ही सुद्धा मावशी व मामी करता आहोतच!
ताईच्या जाण्यानी एक पर्व संपल!
# posted by rdbelite @ 12:14 AM
OUR TEEN DEVIYAN
OUR TEEN
DEVIYAN
We referred to them as our Teen
Deviyan – Tai, Mavshi and Mami. They were the “elders” of the family. No
function, no occasion was complete without them. Their presence was assumed and
mandatory! If any one of them couldn’t make it, her absence was felt all round.
They themselves were happy in
each other’s company. And were always finding excuses to get together. “Let’s
celebrate Diwali in Chiplun this year” (Tai) or “No, it’s been long since you
came to Kolhapur, so Kolhapur it is” (Mami).
“When are you going to come and spend time with us in Guhagar?”
(Mavshi). This dialogue went on until an agreement was reached. Shows how eager
they were to get together.
Along with the women, the men too
shared a special rapport. It is easy for the men to bond – all three; papa,
appa and mama were easy going and a peg or two in the evenings always did the
trick!
For the women it calls for more effort.
But these three women had a lot in common. They came from similar backgrounds
(tai and mavshi ofcourse, being sisters, but even mami belonged to the same
region (a village close to Guhagar) so there was familiarity and an easy
comraderie!
They did not sit down with glasses
in the evenings; but they were happy showing off their culinary skills to each
other and the family! All three were very good cooks and prided themselves on
it! Tai and mavshi were the artisans; their modaks, dalimbyachi usal, puran
polis, in fact all delicacies of the konkan came alive in their kitchen! Mami
was an expert too - her Kolhapuri
pandhra rassa and tambda rassa along with her bhakris were out of this world!
Theirs was a different time and a
different place! Born in the 1930s and 40s,
an era when girls were trained for domesticity, they were gifted home-makers.
The kitchen was the epicenter of their kingdom! Feeding the family and of
course the guests was the essence of their existence!! And these three women
exulted in it!
But tai and mavshi were made of a
special breed – oozing confidence and awareness, they could take on any woman
of today! Efficient, talented,
strong-willed, and gifted with good looks – a heady combination!
Firebrands in their youth, they
mellowed down with age. Always in-control of their domain, their management
techniques would have put many an MBA to shame! Today, they would be CEO
material, no less! Not surprising, the men were happy to offload their
responsibilities (at least partly) onto their wives’ capable shoulders!
Mavshi especially was super
talented. Guhagar was her territory and her PR was superb. Sitting at home, she
could get anything done with the help of one phone call! Be it getting your
broken down car repaired or organising chicken biryani for her nephews who
often drove there with friends to enjoy the seaside home. I have first hand
experience.
And mavshi’s home was always open
to everyone! Everybody who was anybody in the family, even friends of family,
and friends of friends went there to enjoy her hospitality and the beautiful
house and private beach! Of late of course, the splendors of Guhagar have been
discovered by many and tourists flock there in large numbers!
Mami on the other hand, shy and
timid; bahu of the family, accepting the authority of her sisters-in-law. In
fact, at heart she always remained a ‘village girl’ although she led a very
active life in the city of Kolhapur. As an office bearer of the Karvir Bhagini
Mandal she took part in the various activities of the club. Playing badminton,
rummy and other such sports, kept her busy while mama spent a lot of time in
Pune for work.
Both Dilip and I were very close
to all of them and were always happy when they came over; especially for
festivals, poojas, etc. Along with tai and papa, we insisted that mavshi and
mami too came along with appa and mama. Their advice, knowledge and help was always
welcome on such occasions. For me and my
siblings they were the parents whom we had lost very early in life.
Those days, mama was the only one
who had a car; his white Ambassador has taken us on many a drive! I remember
Panchgani, Mahableshwar, Goa, Belgaum! We never dared count how many of us we
managed to pack in that car! To mama’s credit, he was always game!
Gradually one by one they left
us. Mama was the first to go (a failed valve replacement surgery); followed by
appa (cancer) and then papa (from hepatitis C which he contracted from a blood
transfusion 15 years ago.)
Strangely the men went first and
the women found solace in each other’s company. Mami was tied to Kolhapur taking care of her
grand daughter and later great grand daughter. But tai and mavshi, both living
alone often shared time with each other
between Guhagar and Chiplun.
Last month tai left us after a
brief illness. It was a very peaceful end and came quickly. But the last six
months she spent with us were traumatic for her as well as for us. Having
always lived independently she was now helpless and dependent on others for the
first time in her life of 87 years. And we could see she was hating it. It was
difficult for us too to see her health deteriorating day by day. The miraculous
part was that she did not suffer any pain or any other complications, about which
the doctors had fore-warned us.
It was also our good fortune to
have found a very good nurse. She looked after tai very well and tai liked her
too. That made life easier. We were rest assured that tai was being taken care
of well. Tai was always very particular about hygiene. I used to joke that she
needed a kilo of talcum powder every month. Even in her last days the nurse was
instructed : Wash my clothes with dettol, Add eau de cologne to my bath water,
Dust with dermicool powder, Comb my hair, Change clothes twice a day, etc etc.!
She had lived life on her terms
and had her family around her in her last days. In fact during the six months
the entire family as well as friends visited her and that kept her in good
cheer and us as well.
I must mention mavshi’s total
cooperation and help as and when we needed her; she came and stayed with us and
made life more bearable. She will miss her elder sister the most as they had come
to rely on each other a lot in recent times.
Of course Dilip has assured her
that she is now the “elder” and we will be calling on her. So also we are
always there for her and mami and the feelings are mutual!
That marks the end of an era for
us!
# posted by rdbelite @ 12:12 AM
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Ode to a Mother
Ode to a Mother
She’s no more? She was? She always will be!
In our lives, in our thoughts, in our hearts.
Is she beautiful, kind, generous? Is she?
Sure she's a wondrous woman, always spick and span!
For every question she has the answer,
for every holiday a study plan!
Our every move she seems to patrol
From the office by remote control?
When we play truant she blows a fuse
A stickler for order, she lives by the rule.
She takes so little, she gives her all,
Her days, her nights, her time, her Self!
She stands still so we can run the mile;
She mops up her tears to indulge our smiles.
She clears the pitch so we reach the post;
She merges day’n night if we are in a plight.
Friend, philosopher, guide, cheerleader - all in a breath
Countless roles, Limitless patience, Boundless strength!
Tender and tough, Taxing and tolerant
Between home and office, a juggler par excellence
She is Ringleader of the circus we call Home!
She’s no more? She was? She always will be!
In our lives, in our thoughts, in our hearts.
Is she beautiful, kind, generous? Is she?
Sure she's a wondrous woman, always spick and span!
For every question she has the answer,
for every holiday a study plan!
Our every move she seems to patrol
From the office by remote control?
When we play truant she blows a fuse
A stickler for order, she lives by the rule.
She takes so little, she gives her all,
Her days, her nights, her time, her Self!
She stands still so we can run the mile;
She mops up her tears to indulge our smiles.
She clears the pitch so we reach the post;
She merges day’n night if we are in a plight.
Friend, philosopher, guide, cheerleader - all in a breath
Countless roles, Limitless patience, Boundless strength!
Tender and tough, Taxing and tolerant
Between home and office, a juggler par excellence
She is Ringleader of the circus we call Home!
# posted by rdbelite @ 4:43 AM
Thursday, April 17, 2014
My Dream Home
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Of mountain peaks piercing the sky
Undulating valleys shimmering by!
Streams gurgling, waterfalls tumbling,
Frosty, misty bubbles showering!
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Where soft snowy clouds hypnotize
Azure skies beckon with cheery cries
Of bulbuls, gulls and magpies;
And droves of bats hoot nearby.
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Where gardens flower in fizzy fragrance
Butterflies flutter and squirrels prance
Fountains dance in a myriad hues
Is it the rainbow curtsying, taking a cue?
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Where the grass is so green, its scent dizzy
Enchanting, enticing the mind in a tizzy.
The peace, the quiet, calming and kind
A million miles from the drudgery and grind!
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Where the rising moon salutes the setting sun
A million stars join the cosmic fun!
The dark mountain paths come alight
A pearly chain, adorns the night!
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
It’s light, it’s bright, I awake to a chirpy morn
There’s life, there’s love, new friends are born.
I came, I saw, I got conquered!
In Ashiana, Lavasa my dream home I found!
Of mountain peaks piercing the sky
Undulating valleys shimmering by!
Streams gurgling, waterfalls tumbling,
Frosty, misty bubbles showering!
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Where soft snowy clouds hypnotize
Azure skies beckon with cheery cries
Of bulbuls, gulls and magpies;
And droves of bats hoot nearby.
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Where gardens flower in fizzy fragrance
Butterflies flutter and squirrels prance
Fountains dance in a myriad hues
Is it the rainbow curtsying, taking a cue?
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Where the grass is so green, its scent dizzy
Enchanting, enticing the mind in a tizzy.
The peace, the quiet, calming and kind
A million miles from the drudgery and grind!
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
Where the rising moon salutes the setting sun
A million stars join the cosmic fun!
The dark mountain paths come alight
A pearly chain, adorns the night!
I had a Dream, a Wondrous Dream!
It’s light, it’s bright, I awake to a chirpy morn
There’s life, there’s love, new friends are born.
I came, I saw, I got conquered!
In Ashiana, Lavasa my dream home I found!
# posted by rdbelite @ 3:22 AM
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Morajkar Aunty – a story of Sacrifice.
We never thought that she would leave us like that, so sudden, so quick! Coz it just seemed that she would be there always, for her grandkids, for her husband. Strong and smiling, she never displayed the sorrow that lurked in her heart! Losing both daughters in quick succession, in their prime, would have crushed anyone. But she did not have the luxury to mourn.
She had to pull herself together and collect her two little grand kids; too young to comprehend what fate had struck. And she did just that! From being a grandmother she became a mother all over again! Never an easy task, taking on the responsibilities of two growing children when you should be retiring!
But she did it all, the studies, the disciplining, the birthday celebrations, the Open House in school, the entire gamut of duties involved in bringing up kids! That too without a frown on the face or a crease on the brow! She accepted the life that came her way and tried to find happiness.
She saw the kids grow up into bright adults. They in turn gave her all the love and helped to take some pressure off her. Roshan tried to provide whatever help was needed. She had the pleasure of seeing Rashi engaged to Paras, a fine young man. I’m sure she looked forward to getting them married! It was perhaps, time to relax.
But sometimes, problems never seem to end. Uncle fell ill and grew totally dependent on her for all his needs. Began a cycle of hospital visits for Uncle, her own visits to the doctor, fighting to control her diabetes. She was in her late seventies herself; although she never once complained!
But fate struck again. Diabetes did its bit, and the strain of caring for a sick husband took its toll. The spirit was strong, but I guess, her “time” had come! The unavoidable happened, she succumbed. Akash rushed her to the hospital. But within the week she left for her heavenly abode on Jan 9th, 2014.
The kids lost their amma again! Aunty too would be loath to leave them with an ailing grandfather. But as they say, ‘Life is like that’. Unpredictable! Fickle!
She lived her life, an embodiment of Strength, Sorrow, Sacrifice with a Smile always! Hats off to her! We can take some lessons there! May her soul rest in peace!
She had to pull herself together and collect her two little grand kids; too young to comprehend what fate had struck. And she did just that! From being a grandmother she became a mother all over again! Never an easy task, taking on the responsibilities of two growing children when you should be retiring!
But she did it all, the studies, the disciplining, the birthday celebrations, the Open House in school, the entire gamut of duties involved in bringing up kids! That too without a frown on the face or a crease on the brow! She accepted the life that came her way and tried to find happiness.
She saw the kids grow up into bright adults. They in turn gave her all the love and helped to take some pressure off her. Roshan tried to provide whatever help was needed. She had the pleasure of seeing Rashi engaged to Paras, a fine young man. I’m sure she looked forward to getting them married! It was perhaps, time to relax.
But sometimes, problems never seem to end. Uncle fell ill and grew totally dependent on her for all his needs. Began a cycle of hospital visits for Uncle, her own visits to the doctor, fighting to control her diabetes. She was in her late seventies herself; although she never once complained!
But fate struck again. Diabetes did its bit, and the strain of caring for a sick husband took its toll. The spirit was strong, but I guess, her “time” had come! The unavoidable happened, she succumbed. Akash rushed her to the hospital. But within the week she left for her heavenly abode on Jan 9th, 2014.
The kids lost their amma again! Aunty too would be loath to leave them with an ailing grandfather. But as they say, ‘Life is like that’. Unpredictable! Fickle!
She lived her life, an embodiment of Strength, Sorrow, Sacrifice with a Smile always! Hats off to her! We can take some lessons there! May her soul rest in peace!
# posted by rdbelite @ 2:30 AM
Monday, July 16, 2012
A BABY’S LIFE (As narrated by Vikram & Annika.)
A Baby’s life, is no Child's Play
We’re squeezed and squashed, all thru the day!
We are two, they are a dozen, we fear
It’s no less than a Military Station here!
“Go down for a napie!!”,“Wait, it’s time for a snackie!!”
“No sleeping yet; where is your burpie??”
The food too, is boring bland – measured to the last drop.
At any gourmet place, it’s sure to be a flop!
Mama’s the Commandant charting our day
Evenings are with Dada to cuddle and play.
Aaji, Ajoba, Dija, Dadi like to show us off
They go click-click every time we giggle or laugh.
“Her eyes are sparkling stars” they gush.
“His smile all dimpled diamonds!” shush-shush!
Cutie-pie, Sugar-plum, Honey-Bunny, names we share
Even Georgie-Porgy and Miss Muffet! How dare!
Shobhana and Nadine enjoy our chatter – ‘Angee angee angee’
Xylene quickly preps our bottles, “Are they Angree or Hungree!”
Sylvia and Malou love to dance and sing,
While we do the trot, and join in the jig.
On second thoughts, we’re having a ball
With the whole world at our beck and call.
Uncles and Aunties all go coo-chi-coo
We look into their eyes and blubber ‘boo-boo’.
We’re squeezed and squashed, all thru the day!
We are two, they are a dozen, we fear
It’s no less than a Military Station here!
“Go down for a napie!!”,“Wait, it’s time for a snackie!!”
“No sleeping yet; where is your burpie??”
The food too, is boring bland – measured to the last drop.
At any gourmet place, it’s sure to be a flop!
Mama’s the Commandant charting our day
Evenings are with Dada to cuddle and play.
Aaji, Ajoba, Dija, Dadi like to show us off
They go click-click every time we giggle or laugh.
“Her eyes are sparkling stars” they gush.
“His smile all dimpled diamonds!” shush-shush!
Cutie-pie, Sugar-plum, Honey-Bunny, names we share
Even Georgie-Porgy and Miss Muffet! How dare!
Shobhana and Nadine enjoy our chatter – ‘Angee angee angee’
Xylene quickly preps our bottles, “Are they Angree or Hungree!”
Sylvia and Malou love to dance and sing,
While we do the trot, and join in the jig.
On second thoughts, we’re having a ball
With the whole world at our beck and call.
Uncles and Aunties all go coo-chi-coo
We look into their eyes and blubber ‘boo-boo’.
# posted by rdbelite @ 1:19 PM
Monday, April 09, 2012
EXAMINATION FEVER ( For Mahakali Voice)
Come March – April and temperatures begin to rise - all round! Especially in the homes of school-going children! The entire household is tense; gearing up for the impending exams. Tempers are frayed, Alarms are set, Timetables are prepared, TVs are switched off, guests are discretely unwelcome! Ipads, ipods, iphones are locked away as are cricket bats and tennis rackets!
The good old days of “Spare the rod and spoil the child” are long over. These are the days of the ‘solitaire’ kids. Mamas are on special leave taking special care of their kids at this very special time in their lives. So far so good. But things don’t end there. Some moms are seen studying with their kids, some also study on behalf of their kids!
Well I am no Counselor, nor psychiatrist! But I am a Mom and now a Grand-mom. And have accumulated a few words of wisdom along the way.
For Parents:
Children are what parents make them; you are their first and most important teachers. Children are smarter than you think; they are quick to pick up - both the good and the not so good! So always practice what you preach.
Training should start early; younger the child faster it learns! Give children the fundamentals, the values, the importance of Good Life Practices; to be Good Human Beings, Good Citizens, Good Students, Good Workers..........and leave the rest to them.
If you can imbibe these values in them, you have won half your battle. You teach them to dream, You do not dream for them. You teach them to take on responsibilities; Let them be responsible for their destinies! You allow them the freedom to think!
These days children are much too clever to fall for the ‘Carrot and Stick’ enticement and I am a staunch opposer of this practice. In the long term, the carrot decays and the stick breaks!
Also, as we have oft heard, Comparisons are odious – never make the mistake of comparing your kids to your neighbors’! Every child is different, unique – that is the universal truth!
When a child stands first in class, it is more a victory for you! It feels good; but every child cannot stand first. There are multifarious skills that a child may possess. If an Einstien is respected, so is a Sachin Tendulkar admired and a Lata Mangeshkar revered!
Discovering our child’s interests and talent and nurturing them is our duty. Fortunately today, new streams of study are opening up and a wide range of subjects is available for the child to choose from. With a little hard work one can do well in any field. Every child doesn’t have to become a doctor or an engineer!
Dialogue is important; talk to your child as often as possible. Give them a little advice – that is your prerogative; but also take feedback from them. It’s as important to listen as it is to talk to them. Create an atmosphere of confidence and trust on both sides. Try to read between the lines and into the minds! And you will no longer be ‘At War’, you will be on the same side! How wonderful would that be! Just imagine the ‘Peace’ at home!
For a start, Exam times need not be a nerve-racking, frustrating experience! You will be creating an atmosphere conducive for your child to grow and blossom! You will only need to supervise and ‘be there for them’ when they need you. No need to keep them in sight 24 x 7. Give them their space and have your own space too!
You have your career, your desires! You don’t have to sacrifice all your aspirations for the children or the family! I’ve seen too many moms who feel cheated that their lives have passed them by, just raising their children! This really need not happen. Learn to place more faith and have more confidence in your children! Make them independent. This will be rewarding to you both! A Win-Win situation!
For Children:
Remember, you are not studying for your parents. Doing well in school and college will only do YOU good. A few years of hard work now, will afford you a lifetime of success and comfort!
Of course there are no guarantees in life; but it is for you to do your best with honesty and diligence. Find your interests, set your goals and work towards them. Remember, If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again! Don’t let failure dishearten you – make it your stepping stone to success!
At the same time, bookworms can be dull. Take an active interest in games, sports, music - anything you have a flair for! The playground especially, will teach you more about life than any school – Not Winning, but Playing the game is important! Be an all-rounder! Be a Sport! Always look at the Brighter side! Winning and Losing are but two sides of the same coin!
Don’t feel shy of asking for help! Heed the advice of your older siblings, family, teachers. Look for a Role Model; someone you admire. Learn about them and try to emulate them wherever possible. Remember you have to become the Role Model for your younger siblings!
Finally, your parents, will always be there for you; whether you taste success or meet failure, YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME HOME!
The good old days of “Spare the rod and spoil the child” are long over. These are the days of the ‘solitaire’ kids. Mamas are on special leave taking special care of their kids at this very special time in their lives. So far so good. But things don’t end there. Some moms are seen studying with their kids, some also study on behalf of their kids!
Well I am no Counselor, nor psychiatrist! But I am a Mom and now a Grand-mom. And have accumulated a few words of wisdom along the way.
For Parents:
Children are what parents make them; you are their first and most important teachers. Children are smarter than you think; they are quick to pick up - both the good and the not so good! So always practice what you preach.
Training should start early; younger the child faster it learns! Give children the fundamentals, the values, the importance of Good Life Practices; to be Good Human Beings, Good Citizens, Good Students, Good Workers..........and leave the rest to them.
If you can imbibe these values in them, you have won half your battle. You teach them to dream, You do not dream for them. You teach them to take on responsibilities; Let them be responsible for their destinies! You allow them the freedom to think!
These days children are much too clever to fall for the ‘Carrot and Stick’ enticement and I am a staunch opposer of this practice. In the long term, the carrot decays and the stick breaks!
Also, as we have oft heard, Comparisons are odious – never make the mistake of comparing your kids to your neighbors’! Every child is different, unique – that is the universal truth!
When a child stands first in class, it is more a victory for you! It feels good; but every child cannot stand first. There are multifarious skills that a child may possess. If an Einstien is respected, so is a Sachin Tendulkar admired and a Lata Mangeshkar revered!
Discovering our child’s interests and talent and nurturing them is our duty. Fortunately today, new streams of study are opening up and a wide range of subjects is available for the child to choose from. With a little hard work one can do well in any field. Every child doesn’t have to become a doctor or an engineer!
Dialogue is important; talk to your child as often as possible. Give them a little advice – that is your prerogative; but also take feedback from them. It’s as important to listen as it is to talk to them. Create an atmosphere of confidence and trust on both sides. Try to read between the lines and into the minds! And you will no longer be ‘At War’, you will be on the same side! How wonderful would that be! Just imagine the ‘Peace’ at home!
For a start, Exam times need not be a nerve-racking, frustrating experience! You will be creating an atmosphere conducive for your child to grow and blossom! You will only need to supervise and ‘be there for them’ when they need you. No need to keep them in sight 24 x 7. Give them their space and have your own space too!
You have your career, your desires! You don’t have to sacrifice all your aspirations for the children or the family! I’ve seen too many moms who feel cheated that their lives have passed them by, just raising their children! This really need not happen. Learn to place more faith and have more confidence in your children! Make them independent. This will be rewarding to you both! A Win-Win situation!
For Children:
Remember, you are not studying for your parents. Doing well in school and college will only do YOU good. A few years of hard work now, will afford you a lifetime of success and comfort!
Of course there are no guarantees in life; but it is for you to do your best with honesty and diligence. Find your interests, set your goals and work towards them. Remember, If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again! Don’t let failure dishearten you – make it your stepping stone to success!
At the same time, bookworms can be dull. Take an active interest in games, sports, music - anything you have a flair for! The playground especially, will teach you more about life than any school – Not Winning, but Playing the game is important! Be an all-rounder! Be a Sport! Always look at the Brighter side! Winning and Losing are but two sides of the same coin!
Don’t feel shy of asking for help! Heed the advice of your older siblings, family, teachers. Look for a Role Model; someone you admire. Learn about them and try to emulate them wherever possible. Remember you have to become the Role Model for your younger siblings!
Finally, your parents, will always be there for you; whether you taste success or meet failure, YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME HOME!
# posted by rdbelite @ 4:09 AM
RETIREMENT BLUES! (For Mahakali ALM Apr.2012)
Retirement! The word always brought on the jitters to all of us “careerists” moving slowly towards that inevitable day in our lives! Can anyone blame us for dreading the thought? Having spent the better part of our lives in our workplaces, this revered place became a part of our very beings! The major consumer of our time, energy, talent, ambitions, aspirations, desires, friendships, frustrations – in fact every bit of our existence! How can we give it all up one dark morning? “It’s only a job and you’ve had enough of it”; “You are now 60-you need to relax, take it easy”; “Enough of rushing for the 8:15, learn to enjoy a hot cup of tea in the mornings”; “Read the newspaper over a scrumptious breakfast”; “I’m sure you will find better things to do - read, go to the movies, re-kindle your hobbies”.
The spouse, the son, the daughter-in-law, the daughter; they just don’t seem to get it! I try to explain, to convince them. Yes it started as a job, a profession, a means of livelihood that had a semblance of discipline, timing, a schedule, a plan; but slowly every shred of regulation went out the window. This job grew into a career, a passion; it assumed mammoth proportions and started to consume my very heart and soul! The family gently slipped to the back, the kids gradually managed themselves, the spouse learnt to ‘understand’ and the career - it just took over! So much so, I attributed my very existence to it. Didn’t it give me my success, my status, esteem, a decent life, house, car, comforts? “How can I let go of it? What is 60 years? What will I do with all this spare time? I shall suffer a break down! You people just don’t understand!”
A great tussle ensued inside! I had to find a way out. I had to calm my nerves and take ‘retirement’ by the horns! I had to retire! Everybody does! And I am not differentiating between men and women here; for the situation is no different for either. I’m sure they go through the same emotional upheavals!
And so one fine morning I found myself sitting in the balcony, with a cup of tea and newspaper. No idea of the time, not a care in the world! Sales targets, manufacturing schedules, all deadlines had been met! I had set myself free!
The children had flown the nest in pursuit of their dreams and left the two of us to ourselves. A most frightening thought I can tell you! But one can turn it into the most beautiful phase of life. Catch up on all the wonderful things you always wanted to do but could not find the time for! Relax, enjoy the small pleasures of life; savor the quality time that you can now spend with the spouse! Do everything you were too busy to even think of! And you will realize, as did I that “retirement” can be fun, it can be fulfilling if only we knew how!
Today most retired couples find themselves ‘alone’ – no encumbrances, no responsibilities, not even worries for company! This can be very intimidating and unsettling! For all our lives we have lived for someone else, weighed down by familial duties, social obligations. But fear not, life need not be ‘empty’. We can still make it rich and gratifying. Consider it a time to give back to society, in whatever small manner we can or just find new interests and hobbies.
One of the first tasks we undertook was to rebuild the 150 year old family temple in Songaon, a small village near Chiplun. Bringing together the entire clan was a happy chore! New bonds were forged and old ones renewed with the blessings of Lord Ganesh! The most satisfying achievement was the sense of gratification doing this for the community. It felt great!
I then turned to my pet hobby. I was always a die-hard travel bug! The mountains and oceans, forests and falls; temples, churches, palaces; had always beckoned me. Now was the time to return the call. Likeminded friends were roped in. A vision took shape – Wander-lust! Starting with the towering Himalayas, we traversed the country state by state. Then we set our sights on Europe! A Backpacking Tour of Europe - 13 countries, including Iceland!
And we did all the spadework ourselves! No SOTC or Raja Rani Travels. Poring over Route Maps, Charting the Route, Youth Hostel Bookings! Euros, Dollars, Francs, Kroners! Time zones, Temperatures, Food, Tickets! Everything had to be thought of! We pulled it off!
We followed it up with a trip down under, to the very edge of the Earth! We traversed the length and breadth of Australia and New Zealand! This year it’s the Far East. And the list is not over!
I have found my “Retirement Calling”. I’m sure you will find yours! You only have to believe in yourself and go for it!
The spouse, the son, the daughter-in-law, the daughter; they just don’t seem to get it! I try to explain, to convince them. Yes it started as a job, a profession, a means of livelihood that had a semblance of discipline, timing, a schedule, a plan; but slowly every shred of regulation went out the window. This job grew into a career, a passion; it assumed mammoth proportions and started to consume my very heart and soul! The family gently slipped to the back, the kids gradually managed themselves, the spouse learnt to ‘understand’ and the career - it just took over! So much so, I attributed my very existence to it. Didn’t it give me my success, my status, esteem, a decent life, house, car, comforts? “How can I let go of it? What is 60 years? What will I do with all this spare time? I shall suffer a break down! You people just don’t understand!”
A great tussle ensued inside! I had to find a way out. I had to calm my nerves and take ‘retirement’ by the horns! I had to retire! Everybody does! And I am not differentiating between men and women here; for the situation is no different for either. I’m sure they go through the same emotional upheavals!
And so one fine morning I found myself sitting in the balcony, with a cup of tea and newspaper. No idea of the time, not a care in the world! Sales targets, manufacturing schedules, all deadlines had been met! I had set myself free!
The children had flown the nest in pursuit of their dreams and left the two of us to ourselves. A most frightening thought I can tell you! But one can turn it into the most beautiful phase of life. Catch up on all the wonderful things you always wanted to do but could not find the time for! Relax, enjoy the small pleasures of life; savor the quality time that you can now spend with the spouse! Do everything you were too busy to even think of! And you will realize, as did I that “retirement” can be fun, it can be fulfilling if only we knew how!
Today most retired couples find themselves ‘alone’ – no encumbrances, no responsibilities, not even worries for company! This can be very intimidating and unsettling! For all our lives we have lived for someone else, weighed down by familial duties, social obligations. But fear not, life need not be ‘empty’. We can still make it rich and gratifying. Consider it a time to give back to society, in whatever small manner we can or just find new interests and hobbies.
One of the first tasks we undertook was to rebuild the 150 year old family temple in Songaon, a small village near Chiplun. Bringing together the entire clan was a happy chore! New bonds were forged and old ones renewed with the blessings of Lord Ganesh! The most satisfying achievement was the sense of gratification doing this for the community. It felt great!
I then turned to my pet hobby. I was always a die-hard travel bug! The mountains and oceans, forests and falls; temples, churches, palaces; had always beckoned me. Now was the time to return the call. Likeminded friends were roped in. A vision took shape – Wander-lust! Starting with the towering Himalayas, we traversed the country state by state. Then we set our sights on Europe! A Backpacking Tour of Europe - 13 countries, including Iceland!
And we did all the spadework ourselves! No SOTC or Raja Rani Travels. Poring over Route Maps, Charting the Route, Youth Hostel Bookings! Euros, Dollars, Francs, Kroners! Time zones, Temperatures, Food, Tickets! Everything had to be thought of! We pulled it off!
We followed it up with a trip down under, to the very edge of the Earth! We traversed the length and breadth of Australia and New Zealand! This year it’s the Far East. And the list is not over!
I have found my “Retirement Calling”. I’m sure you will find yours! You only have to believe in yourself and go for it!
# posted by rdbelite @ 3:07 AM
The End Of An Era-Remembering Kaka
April 4, 2012
I will never forget his soft smile – half amused, half quizzing; and always acknowledging. No one was too small for him; he remained the very same Madhu kaka for all always!
His passing away on 7th of February did not come as a shock, but it brought to end an era for the Barve clan. Madhu kaka was the last of the Barves of his generation. And I was fortunate to have been part of the family; to have known him and Sumati kaki. Both school teachers to the core, they ‘carried the baton’ handed down by their elders, with conscientious devotion and honesty.
I remember my stay with them in Chiplun and Songaon. We were young and preoccupied with our careers and made a dash to visit the family deity whenever possible. And I recall the affection with which we were hosted!
Our friends were as welcome at Songaon – not an easy destination; all the more challenging those days. Both Kaka and Kaki single-handedly organized the annual Utsav. They were there well in advance to take care of the numerous tasks; starting from setting up the house and making it livable for all us city-people. While kaki was busy stocking up the kitchen for the numerous guests, kaka would get the ancient house in shape. Cleaning, repairing, the furniture, the lights, even the crumbling walls, and the cracking floors! All for our comfort! And they did it with so much love!
Kaka was a multi-faceted person; fluent in Persian, he regaled us with his Persian verses; and never gave up his love for painting which provided him much peace and sanity in his closing days.
Is it any surprise, the respect bestowed them both by the town whose kids’ lives they shaped and futures they molded!
Also their magnanimity in dealing with the folks of Songaon; helping with loans, lending patches of land for building huts! The villagers looked upto them with reverence and affection.
An ardent follower of the RSS, kaka lived by the principles of the Sangh. His life exemplified its teachings, undiluted and unwavering.
The daughters have imbibed the teachings of the parents and are ever soft-spoken, disciplined and always obedient.
As successors of such a fine legacy, it would befit us to carry on the noble traditions as well as we can! That would be our best tribute to them!
I will never forget his soft smile – half amused, half quizzing; and always acknowledging. No one was too small for him; he remained the very same Madhu kaka for all always!
His passing away on 7th of February did not come as a shock, but it brought to end an era for the Barve clan. Madhu kaka was the last of the Barves of his generation. And I was fortunate to have been part of the family; to have known him and Sumati kaki. Both school teachers to the core, they ‘carried the baton’ handed down by their elders, with conscientious devotion and honesty.
I remember my stay with them in Chiplun and Songaon. We were young and preoccupied with our careers and made a dash to visit the family deity whenever possible. And I recall the affection with which we were hosted!
Our friends were as welcome at Songaon – not an easy destination; all the more challenging those days. Both Kaka and Kaki single-handedly organized the annual Utsav. They were there well in advance to take care of the numerous tasks; starting from setting up the house and making it livable for all us city-people. While kaki was busy stocking up the kitchen for the numerous guests, kaka would get the ancient house in shape. Cleaning, repairing, the furniture, the lights, even the crumbling walls, and the cracking floors! All for our comfort! And they did it with so much love!
Kaka was a multi-faceted person; fluent in Persian, he regaled us with his Persian verses; and never gave up his love for painting which provided him much peace and sanity in his closing days.
Is it any surprise, the respect bestowed them both by the town whose kids’ lives they shaped and futures they molded!
Also their magnanimity in dealing with the folks of Songaon; helping with loans, lending patches of land for building huts! The villagers looked upto them with reverence and affection.
An ardent follower of the RSS, kaka lived by the principles of the Sangh. His life exemplified its teachings, undiluted and unwavering.
The daughters have imbibed the teachings of the parents and are ever soft-spoken, disciplined and always obedient.
As successors of such a fine legacy, it would befit us to carry on the noble traditions as well as we can! That would be our best tribute to them!
# posted by rdbelite @ 3:01 AM
