Instameet

Indore Instameet 
September 9 2017

Picture Courtesy - Madhur

It was a chance to connect with writers, bloggers, RJs and social media influencers.
Words were exchanged and knowledge was gained when a few got together.

Talent is everywhere and such meets help to nurture,
Inquisitive questions and elaborate answers awakened the lazy souls to get up from their stupor. 

Kids at SEA

6.9.2017

Shaista's English Academy (SEA) Khandwa

Kids at SEA

Peppa Pig, Sunita Williams

 or Kalam,

These kids have watched them all.

They love the time spent here at SEA,

They reach the class too early

and peep the door to look for me.

The latch opens, they rush inside like the local train passengers

whose train will stop only for a little while.

The queries, giggles, book reading, dictation,  writing activities and permissions for going to the loo.

For an hour the optimism can be felt in the room.

How much shall I write?

There's so much to say about the

honest eyes and real smiles,

tired bodies with fresh minds.

Period

Picture Courtesy-Anonymous

At midnight she felt the spasm

sleepily dragged the hand

to the drawer and wore the pad.

Sleep disturbed, feet got cold

a hot bottle soothed the pain.

Stomach groaned of hunger

and the uterus of unbearable pain.

The half-eaten chocolate on the shelf

melted in the golden wrap.

The fingers dug deep into the chocolate ball

She slept until morning all curled up.

- Shaista Dhanda

4.9.2017

This post on 'Period' is a part of photo series on Instagram. The picture is anonymous. I have written on the topic as asked by @youthspowerindia on Instagram. I hope many girls and women will relate to the words and the boys may understand.

Omkareshwar

I was sitting in the Narmada resort restaurant today in the evening while watching the constantly changing hues of the sky. This particular moment pulled me towards the balcony and I opened the latch of the glass door as quickly possible as I wished to click this moment and share the natural beauty with you all. 

The sky is wide and blue with boats sailing in the Narmada river and the yellow dim lights make the landscape prettier than before the lights were on. Such moments of silence, beauty and serenity are rare to be observed in today's hustle bustle. The drive was worthwhile to this place. I felt it called me to see its enchanting beauty and I was pulled to this place to never come back. I wished for the sky, the river, the view to stay the way it was forever. 

Rishikesh Zostel: Solo traveller

Hello readers
I travel to explore the unknown lands and meet people on the journey called life. One should move out of the comfort zone of one's body, mind and spirit to explore the unexplored. Here I write about what and how I did in Rishikesh.
Day 1 &  2
5.6.2017 & 6.6.2017
I left for Rishikesh via Agra- Dehradun Volvo which left Agra ISBT at 20:40 PM IST. The bus reached at 4:30 AM with a half an hour halt at 2 AM in Gopal Resorts Muzaffarnagar. On the way, I watched the moon, felt the breeze, watched the Ramadan feasting at Meerut, talked with the co-passenger Archana, Marriott Agra employee travelling to Mussoorie.
At 4 AM, the Ganges ghats at Haridwar were silent, the water flowed smoothly, a few locals were out for a walk. I reached Haridwar bus stop at 4:45 AM and after waiting for five-ten minutes boarded a local bus and reached Rishikesh bus stop at 5:50 AM.

The journey in the tranquil town began at dawn sitting in an auto dropping me to my home for a few days, Zostel Rishikesh at 6:10 AM. I was informed at the Zostel reception that the bed in the dorm I booked will be vacated by 10:00 AM and I can chill till then at the rooftop cafe or take a cat's nap in the colourful and cosy hangout zone. I went upstairs and had two cups of coffee while enjoying the serene view and feeling the soft breeze. After sitting there for almost one and a half hours, I headed to the hangout zone for a few minutes.
The Yoga class at the garden area instructed by Savanna began at 8:30 till 10 AM where a bunch of people stretched and listened to their bodies. After the yoga session, I headed up to the hangout zone where I met Divya and Swapnil from Mumbai later joined by Loveneesh from Chandigarh. All of us spent hours chit chatting, knowing each others' lives over food and shakes we had ordered.
In the afternoon, I spent some time with three girls in my dorm, two of them were friends from South Africa and the third one was a lawyer from Jabalpur.
Most of the hours at the Zostel were spent in the hangout zone chatting with travellers and trekkers. There I met Pooja from Indore who was intrigued to see a lot of female solo travellers and decided to blog about all of them.
In the evening, the Zostel arranged a visit for everyone to the Triveni Ghat to experience the Ganga Aarti. We left at 5:30 PM with Shashi, the man who was handling the Zostel with a fantastic team. While returning we all got drenched as it rained heavily. We were sixteen people divided into two autos reached the Zostel at 7:30 PM.
For dinner, I landed up to Cafe Moktan, a beautiful Tibetan style decorated the place with Gurshisan and Loveneesh where we had a big serving of Mushaka and shakes along with a dish of spaghetti. After dinner, we sat at the rooftop cafe at the Zostel listening to some music and meeting more people there.
I headed up to my upper bunk bed and closed my eyes with so many beautiful memories.

Day 3
7.6.2017
I dressed up for the Yoga class in the garden area but the class got cancelled as it rained. I left the Zostel at 8ish in the morning to Cafe Moktan where I was the previous night for a hot cup of coffee. Wet with drops of heavenly rain I jumped up my seat, crossed my legs and listened to the Buddhist chant played there. The day started with the perfect blend of coffee, music and rain. After an hour, I ran on the road under the falling drops of rain to quickly get dressed up for the river rafting as the meeting time at the reception was 10 AM. Fortunately, the Ringo dorm was empty so I quickly had a shower and met the fellow enthusiastic bunch of people at the reception. Due to the rains, the water level of Ganges had risen, so instead of twenty-six kilometres, we were allowed to raft for eleven kilometres. Seven of us left the Zostel excitedly, filled up the forms and sat in the jeep which took us to Kalabaos, an area from where we started. Vinod, the instructor from the Unique Himalayan Adventure instructed us the ways to wage through the roaring waves of the river, quickly thereafter we sailed for about eleven kilometres. I was scared to go for rafting alone but found strength in the group. Laura and Anna two strong sisters, as they had just done the Everest base camp from New Zealand, Sarah from Luxembourg, Rajath from Bengaluru, Ellie from Liverpool, the UK, Lavneesh and Gurshisan from Chandigarh.
Rafting is not only an adventurous but spiritual experience where you connect with the mountains afar and the river under whose lap you find comfort. Everyone jumped out of the raft in the middle of the river at the instruction of Vinod but I was scared and was the last one to jump and tightly held the rope connected to the raft. In reality, the lifejackets were our saviours but the river felt like comfort to me. I enjoyed the moment of bliss.
The Internet has been buzzing a lot about the 60s cafe in Rishikesh so we all famished (food & travel) fellows trod our path this Beatles / 60s cafe after having a quick shower at the Zostel. The food was scrumptious, well presented and the place had a view of the flowing Ganges. From there, few of us left for a stroll, sat for almost half an hour at the German Bakery overlooking the jam-packed and narrow Laxman Jhula. I really wished to observe the graffiti on the walls of Beatles' Ashram where the famous 60s Beatles band stayed back then. It was scorching hot but none of us had further plans so Abhijeet, Loveneesh, Rajath and I started walking on the bridge which made me go dizzy and I had to literally close my eyes and hold one guy's hand to cross that constantly shaky bridge. We walked and walked and I suddenly saw a man playing the didgeridoo. I had read about this man named Mukesh and his little hut called Jungle Vibes on one of the blogs on the internet. All of us were amazed at the breath control of the musician. I had a little chat with this man and he told me you're talking about my father who was at the Dayanand Ashram then meeting Mooji baba. He even gave me his contact number as I looked eager to have a chat with Mukesh Ji. Then our ears turned to a man probably blind sitting on a cemented bench next to Jungle Vibes. He was chanting "Radhe Radhe Govind Radhe" musically and his voice soothed my ears, had a little conversation with him.
All of us were thirsty by then and landed up to Little Buddha rooftop Cafe which had a wonderful view of the river and the scary Laxman Jhula. There we decided not to go ahead to the Beatles Ashram as it was further a half an hour walk. We chilled at the cafe and talked till the sun had beautifully set. It wasn't dark yet so we decided to take a speedboat ride but didn't go as it was expensive and not even lasted for five minutes. We crossed the river and walked the Cafe De Goa lane and reached the Ghat opposite Trayambakeshwar Temple which was a hidden gem known by Abhijeet. All of us sat at distances to enjoy solitude and dipped our happily tired feet in the cold and comforting waters of the Ganges. After a silent and happy time at the Ghats, we left for the Zostel. On the way, Rajath made us meet some of his fellow trekkers from the Roopkund Trek at one of the hostels near Laxman Jhula. Three of us left for the Zostel had our dinner there and then spent some time listening to Ankit play the beautiful strings of guitar at the lobby area. The night was beautifully spent in the hangout zone chatting and sharing experiences of lives and then finally hitting the beds.

Day 4
8.6.2017

I had no plans for the day like I never have every day. I wish to go with the flow and do what I feel at each and every moment.  Rajath had planned and booked for bungee jumping at Jumpin' Heights at Mohanchhatti and as invited by the group I joined them to the site. The ride was spectacular as I could feel the breeze and hear the Nature's blissful sounds. I was a pillion so could easily enjoy seating at the backseat. It was twice we could look at Iguanas crossing the road like obedient citizens of the city.  Loveneesh, Abhijeet and I spent hours at the viewpoint while gutsy Rajath and his friends jumped nonchalantly from the height of 83 feet.  

The day got over clicking videos of the brave people and having Maggi for lunch. We reached the Zostel in the evening and quickly then Abhijeet left to catch his train to Delhi.  After a while, Loveneesh left too for Chandigarh. The realization hit me that it's time to go for me too.  I wished to linger but in the journey of life, we all have to move on.  So I booked my bus ticket for the 9th of June for Agra. In the evening we spent some time in the dorm meeting new travellers from different parts of the world.  For dinner, Rajath and I went to a Pizza place next to the Zostel. I played Ludo with fellow travellers from Gurugram in the hangout zone and then slept in the comfortable bed in the dorm.

Day 5

9.6.2017 

Rajath had to leave for Bengaluru in the morning. In another dorm, I met Jason who was travelling all around the world for the past ten months after quitting his job in Bermuda. Rajath, Jason left the Zostel for their journeys ahead and three of us decided to have brunch together at Cafe Moktan.  There we talked about our lives and enjoyed each others' company. We clicked a few pictures and bid adieu. I went back to the Zostel and talked with Shashi at the reception. In the evening, met Rebecca with whom I went to have kulcha chhola in the market.  While returning it rained heavily we ran towards the Zostel and reached there all drenched. Shashi had organized a Bollywood dance class for the inmates. Few of us,  all girls learned dancing on the song Tamma Tamma by a local dance teacher named Gokul.  I quickly rushed,  took a shower,  changed and left the Zostel bidding goodbye to the people I met there and left with a backpack full of beautiful memories. 

This journey will always be fresh in my mind as I connected to a lot of people,  shared life experiences and returned home with inner happiness to return again to an unknown destination.

Hope

I write to share the emotions I feel
I shall tell you it's okay to weep

Don't close the shell
come out, open as a pearl

Only in the hard times
one finds courage 

As hopelessness leads to the search of hope.

एक सवाल

लहरें सी दौड़ रहीं हैं मन में

छूना चाहती हैं किनारा।

तुम पूछोगे, "कौन रोक रहा?"

जवाब नहीं है मेरे मन में।

समाज की बेड़ियाँ मैं जानूँ ना

पर कोई तो है जो रोक रहा

सवाल पूछने से ही मिलेंगे जवाब

पूछो अपने मन से।

A Creation

The pen glides as the sailboat does
 on the smooth waters of the ocean;
words dance, punctuation marks prance
at the right places marked by the artist.

The ocean is endless like the blank pages
 on which the artist continues
with her embellished words and phrases;
she sways her pen and opens up her eyes
to many emotions, she had hidden
in her hijaab for seasons.

The emotions flow, the face uncovers
and here she stands to row the boat
as she is the artist of her own creation.

Picture Credit- Shaista Dhanda

Who am I

Who am I ?

Am I the one talking to you with a smile?

Am I the one who is thinking about the sweet and sour moments of the past?

Am I the one who is flying high in her own thoughts?

Am I the one who dreams all day long?

Am I the one who makes mistakes?

Am I the one who hesitates to pick up the pen?

Am I the one who cries alone?

Am I the one who falls and rises?

Am I the Phoenix or Ozymandias?

Am I a poem or a prose?

Am I the musical beats you hear all night?

Am I the rain drops that soothe the sweaty beings waiting for long?

Who am I?

समय और दोस्ती

समय बीत जाएगा, गम भूल जाएगा,
क्रोध नहीं, दोस्ती का हाथ बढ़ा।

मीठी यादों को ताज़ा किये ,
गलतियों को माफ़ कर,

यह ज़िन्दगी छोटी सी है और दुनिया भी
कब सामना हो जाये, दोस्ती का हाथ बढ़ा।

Woman- Translation by Ayodhya Prasad Gaur

Art inspires art. Mr Baijnath's painting inspired me to write something about it and the chain continues as Mr Ayodhya Prasad Gaur from Vedanta Limited, novelist, theatre artist, motivational speaker wished to translate my work of art. 

I am honoured, blessed and humbled to get recognition from an author himself. Here is the original piece and the translation. 

 

Sounds of Nature

The wind chime's sweet sound plays in my soul 

The noise of the traffic, the cawing of the crow

are soothed by the melody of the trinkets which show

The tall trees and their boughs, the cricket sounds and the bumblebees brown

Buzz all their way along with the butterflies

 which brush away my cheeks and make me glow

The spray of water on the plants, the smell of the drenched earth after a shower

make me forget all the worries 

and I join them in the reverie.

Woman

Woman

Like the magnetic force

her eyes pulled me closer 

She is an artist's creation

and a living woman.

 The frown and dishevelled hair

distressing worries in her eyes.

Then I  looked at her lips

there was no trace of a smile.

The bindi is not her own

all bought by the husband.

She's not even hers anymore.

She wants to talk but 
who is her own?

Her eyes speak volumes

A tornado of upsetting thoughts 

She stays with me tonight 

in my dreams, memories 

and the artist's world now.

P.S - These lines are inspired by Mr Baijnath's creation of a painting of a distressed Indian married woman. Mr Baijnath is an experienced and exceptional artist based in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. I visited his 'Rangakriti Art Gallery today (16/2/2017) and these are my afterthoughts.

The Kingfisher

Yesterday I saw a grey cat jumping with joy in my green garden relishing a piece of meal which seemed it has received after eons. It seemed that the feline was enjoying its best meal. As soon as the cat finished its food, it took a comfortable position and quite eponymous to its name, it took a cat's nap.  The cool blades of grass which were lately showered with water by the gardener, Govind became her bed. The breathtaking smell of the wet mud, the continuous cackle of the tiny birds and a playful cat were a sight to be enjoyed by an avid Nature admirer like myself. 
I chuckled with overwhelming joy,my gardener and I had a quick chat about the relaxed life of this feline. In the evening, when I stepped out into my garden, I happened to glimpse at something turquoise and bluish in colour resting on the plains of the lawn. 
Quite ironical to my morning's joy, my broad ear to ear smile turned into sadness. I was flabbergasted as I realised that the  creature lying motionless on the ground is the cat's full meal. It was a kingfisher. Still, beautiful, cut from the centre; I kept on gazing. 
Oh! I exclaimed as the rare bird to this surrounding had now gone forever. I was dejected but soon said to myself that this is the food cycle. When I shared this experience with my Dad, he told me "Dear, this is happening today. The big and the powerful are trying all their ways to eat the small."

Fruit of our labour

My happiness took an another level when I received the fruit of my labour. Today two of my students sat for the Class 12 English board exam.

 Soon after the exam, one of the boys gave me a call at 12:30 pm to share his extreme happiness of completing the exam successfully. He said "Ma'am, I have attempted all the questions and will definitely score good marks."

I would like to share that when this boy came to me requesting that I may teach him for the English exam, I was really sceptical. This boy hails from a village and is living in the city to get proper coaching facilities to clear his 12 boards. Moreover, he was a Hindi medium student till class 10 and switched over English medium in the next year. 

When I first met him, he seemed to be a very nervous, shy boy who couldn't even say his name confidently. This persona of his came as a challenge to me which I took up and said yes to him; I could see a spark in this boy. I tell him every now and then that his decision to switch over English medium was really a bold one. I used to ask him often "Will you be able to manage?" He always gave his answer in affirmation. He always had confidence in himself which he displayed through his confident voice and firm answers as the days rolled by. 

"Days passed,

both these boys enjoyed poetry,

understood poetic devices, 

phonetics, foot and metre."

The second boy is a passionate dancer, has represented the city in the Dance India Dance auditions and other reality shows at the national level. He had flunked in the class 12 last year due to some personal reasons. I had already taught this sincere, down to earth, humble and a very hard working boy in the summers of 2015 working on his communication skills.

 He came to meet me in the evening today and we solved the question paper. He gave all the answers correctly barring 2 questions. He said "Ma'am, I will easily score 90/100 and my happiness is beyond expression"

On hearing his words, I took a sigh of relief and said to myself "I am able to bring a smile on someone's face." 

I'm inclined to write this note as these students loved English whenever we sat to study and understood the nuances of the language with utmost sincerity. They understood the concepts for life, read the stories and poems keeping in mind their message and applicability on our daily life. These students didn't study not only to get good marks but enjoyed each session and gave their heart and soul to the language at the time when their classmates and friends made fun of them saying who attends English coaching classes for 3 hours a day. Their friends used to boast by saying, "We will study just two/three days before the exam as English is easy and unimportant." 

Through my (four and a half years) of teaching experience in Khandwa I have realised that what is important for most of the students here is to score good marks in PCM or Accounts. English takes a backseat and it only remains the reason for the low aggregate which they realise and regret later on getting their result card or CGPA.