tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335184962024-03-18T08:33:44.320+05:30Anusha's RamblingsWat do I say? Wat do I leave out? How do I say it? Wat'll ppl think? Y should I care? Do I really care? No I don't. But if so then y did I think abt ppl's opinions? Y do ppl give importance to others' opinions? R our opinions our own or society's? Shud we follow Pope or Wordsworth? Poetry is so wonderful. But at times it's so much easier 2 just converse and so much more interesting....
U underst__d rt? ;)Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-51140218279350640392024-02-04T06:23:00.004+05:302024-02-04T06:23:57.579+05:30To My Suitcase<div>You deserve a post all your own</div><div>My companion on so many journeys unknown</div><div>Grey, fading into the background</div><div>Faithful, easy to pull around</div><div>Lightweight, carrying a punch and more</div><div>Easy going through the seasons of rain, sun and snow.</div><div>You gave up on this Mizoram-Kolkata-Raipur-Mumbai trip</div><div>Goodbye, my suitcase, Thank you for your service,</div><div>You will be missed, for sure, yes. </div><div>But for now, take a well deserved rest.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Written on 1 Feb 2024.</div><div>- Self-explanatory, but after being with me since 2016 on numerous trips, the last fling (literally and metaphorically) of the airlines on a trip from Mumbai-Aizawl, suitcase that I use as check-in or cabin as suits, broke. It still lasted me on the journey from Aizawl to Kolkata, from Kolkata to Raipur and Raipur to back home.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCs9kFiUe56FKadzVnXVlwXswONLZv_TsnGL0IZwd2mwaEBNTdRhqYbRVkVg5exvhLbA6Is8_lo8nZi2WZlMVbPQjZREOTFA9hMjW3zZ_Om7XC9jvsEkE60Ry-mcgtr9jk11o8p9eDx_8qAFf8kMVf9tVqtB4Az5TrYaZHSFZfqWEYZ7p45D3eQ/s4096/IMG20240125095159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCs9kFiUe56FKadzVnXVlwXswONLZv_TsnGL0IZwd2mwaEBNTdRhqYbRVkVg5exvhLbA6Is8_lo8nZi2WZlMVbPQjZREOTFA9hMjW3zZ_Om7XC9jvsEkE60Ry-mcgtr9jk11o8p9eDx_8qAFf8kMVf9tVqtB4Az5TrYaZHSFZfqWEYZ7p45D3eQ/s320/IMG20240125095159.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSay3w8vqcnqJivYQM2ZnAYuVWR8wdL1ZB62UsnfdOLcwjkZZh_-vStLUjxfiq4Uwp0Jxv6TTpSU5DvdbzaJYPKW6Dq-laqWH8eDxth8fE3_j6BLtSr5Duko5CH0XcPd1xrzBTq8gY0r5-kjmP4Yb8ShWoJhqOcVS7_penhRqmGfoAZgs5T99Jw/s4096/IMG20240125100130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSay3w8vqcnqJivYQM2ZnAYuVWR8wdL1ZB62UsnfdOLcwjkZZh_-vStLUjxfiq4Uwp0Jxv6TTpSU5DvdbzaJYPKW6Dq-laqWH8eDxth8fE3_j6BLtSr5Duko5CH0XcPd1xrzBTq8gY0r5-kjmP4Yb8ShWoJhqOcVS7_penhRqmGfoAZgs5T99Jw/s320/IMG20240125100130.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvVYxs1oVyA25lJfaTWj3oWpKceZN7b8yH-smp3LmgG6C8OhxKNyexXWhIunOuOEUoAv_kCzIcswIgNpLHOiruoRyBgsxfP0TSyE2wb9nB88_Z8Nuj5mZYeGx6WqpOipfkPNy5iSdpSYfc_sPOY3mDhvFtg3FKV28qur84_CFgK6URL9hGEUiDA/s4096/IMG20240125100134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvVYxs1oVyA25lJfaTWj3oWpKceZN7b8yH-smp3LmgG6C8OhxKNyexXWhIunOuOEUoAv_kCzIcswIgNpLHOiruoRyBgsxfP0TSyE2wb9nB88_Z8Nuj5mZYeGx6WqpOipfkPNy5iSdpSYfc_sPOY3mDhvFtg3FKV28qur84_CFgK6URL9hGEUiDA/s320/IMG20240125100134.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>FB Post Link: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02czJbVTDof9WpVXn5jYh6NbdesraHBp6CWmFZWbtz6fQbXySiuu93biN8tjKgRUL5l&id=692626229&mibextid=2JQ9oc</div><div><br /></div><div>IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/C20Ai9tJ_bB/?igsh=MWN3bHowbHFvcG9xYw== </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-82993017206689240912024-01-22T11:48:00.006+05:302024-01-22T12:56:46.170+05:30Reality Mirrored<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-xEPhfMzV4psTnt3O4ZmF8xqbP7sXBhyphenhyphen33BoaSZq6USXhu3u2r-jBlGUUS2_8rY9iq9fYiXpWjar8xlgyhdHJjIPQ3GJKnT7DENraDW2WNKA_DGIFZyeltyBGNawdb8bHDDQkgHZ9Gu40wJTEXqkvPIJffB2qDoJBYX1v9uyC-M-AAQq20VXlQ/s4096/quicksquarenew_202412211299286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-xEPhfMzV4psTnt3O4ZmF8xqbP7sXBhyphenhyphen33BoaSZq6USXhu3u2r-jBlGUUS2_8rY9iq9fYiXpWjar8xlgyhdHJjIPQ3GJKnT7DENraDW2WNKA_DGIFZyeltyBGNawdb8bHDDQkgHZ9Gu40wJTEXqkvPIJffB2qDoJBYX1v9uyC-M-AAQq20VXlQ/s320/quicksquarenew_202412211299286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mirrors: We see ourselves, yet not<br />In these things that reflect light<br />Be it the still lake or a clear cloud or glass<br />We find ourselves judging our present and our past.<br />Yet mirrors can distort reality too<br />The car's rear view mirror draws objects further from you<br />So dangerous if we know not this perspective<br />It can lead to a death edict<br />Snow White's stepmother may have been told the truth<br />But mostly in mirrors we see what we want to<br />The most 'beautiful' person can spot a blemish or two<br />The 'ugly' could look beautiful too.<br />'Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder' <br />So today even more I ponder<br />What does the mirror tell us <br />As a holiday is given for a temple constructed<br />Its base the ruins of a mosque<br />Of a line cast that had the country torn apart<br />In the name of God who urged peace and sacrifice<br />In the name of a God to whom not all ascribed<br />But today, God is created by us more than we by him<br />Hymns we sing are stories we weave to please our whims.<br /><br />22 Jan holds more terror more for me than the Babri Masjid fall<br />With no protests, no riots, no fiery street debate wars<br />Then, we had fiery editorials, and more people openly appalled<br />That the Constitution was repelled, that divisions we spawned<br />Today, we keep silent wondering if to post at all<br />Fearing repercussions beyond hate posts or calls. <br />I remember us peperring our school walls against the demolition<br />Today, I think twice about a Facebook post expressing abhorment<br />I have abrogated my rights for so called safety<br />Economics and politics and so-called institutional duty<br />What the mirror tells me today, I like not<br />A spineless creature supposedly distraught by life fraught.<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 22 Jan 2024.</div><div>- 22 Jan declared a holiday in many states and at the Central Govt level as a half day for 'Pran Pratishtan' at Ayodhya for the Ram Mandir. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can feel my pran slowly fading as I voice less and less of my angst and retract myself into my shell.</div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, I know someone will take my case for wanting riots, but it is not the violence, but the of freedom of expression that I yearn for and its loss that I lament. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>There are times when I regret joining TISS full time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today is one of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would have in the past posted my thoughts for my thoughts would not have been equated with 'my institution' and 'my institute' would not have to bear the brunt for opinions it did not endorse. At worst, I would have been disowned as 'visiting' or 'contractual' and I would have put in my papers and walked my path. </div><div><br /></div><div>But now I hold back. I am thinking admissions, UGC withholding pay, TISSians targetted. Somehow, my opinion being a feeder for more hate-mongering. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I am not able to bring myself to do anything else as somehow, viscerally, I feel incapacitated.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am consuming more and more and more of those who are expressing some concern, some dissent and feeling more helpless, more worthless.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I head to Mizoram, am going to retreat into my shell. Hopefully, the mountains will revive my faith in the larger play of things and in humanity and secularism and such.</div><div><br /></div><div>For now I share this here when I would have felt better sharing on a more public platform. I feel like Alice but in Orwellian dystopia. </div><div><br /></div><div>https://anuthik.blogspot.com/2024/01/reality-mirrored.html</div></div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-15580540840851038122024-01-22T11:44:00.001+05:302024-01-22T11:44:12.090+05:30The Temple of Despair - 2024A temple stands on ruins<br />Unity in diversity undermined. <br />A structure built worth crores<br />Holidays declared worth even more.<br />Who worships whom and what, one know not,<br />But these are not the values we were ever taught.<br />Pride in oneself, one's customs, yes, but never at other's cost.<br />If we care not for each other, we are the ones lost.<br />But temples are espoused, politics and religion forged anew,<br />Truth lies in shards, all contrary opinions subdued.<br />My country, my pride, my brethren, I cry<br />Every day I speak dulcetly, while demanding not my own but others' sacrifice.<br />Understanding they should be, I cry in sympathy,<br />As if that were enough, these tokenism paltry.<br />No action, nothing concrete, no placing my neck on the line, <br />No courting jail or worse, no nothing, but some futile lines written in rhyme.<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 20 Jan 2024</div><div>- Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. 22 Jan declared holiday in many states and at Central Govt level half day for 'Pran Pratishtan'. </div><div><br /></div><div>My heart bleeds. </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-34360634434528758722024-01-22T11:42:00.001+05:302024-01-22T11:42:05.350+05:30Mansfield Park - Revisiting Jane Austen - 1Dear M, <br /><br />Such a wonderful initiative. <br /><br />What I would like to revisit of Jane Austen's works? Everything!!! <br /><br />But let us go with Mansfield Park. <br /><br />In this day and age the morality bespoke<br />In the novel is neither some nor whole ππ<br />The ideas seem frivolous, <br />The characters worthless, <br />The adultery, the clergy, <br />The exaggerated bucolic pastorality, <br />All seem to echo <br />Mansfield Park is not even worth as retro. <br />Yet, something beckons, even if for just the lines<br />That belie age and space confines<br />'Selfishness must always be forgiven, you know, <br />For there is no hope of a cure'<br />More such gems in the novel lie<br />Reading and counter reading into Mansfield Park one can still pry :)<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 7 Jan 2024</div><div>- Self-Explanatory, but let us see if I keep this up. </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-17620341313386823382024-01-22T11:40:00.003+05:302024-01-22T11:40:32.356+05:30Silences and ReunionsSilences resonate with memories,<br />Of laughter, gossip, music and savouries,<br />Most of all of relations rekindled<br />Friendships strengthened as all mingled. <br />But memories warm the heart too<br />The silences make determined to again do<br />The meet-ups planned and those yet unchartered<br />May these friendships blossom unhindered. <br /><br />:)<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 6 Jan 2024.</div><div>- Meeting National friends after a long time</div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-34168212585300824212024-01-22T11:39:00.001+05:302024-01-22T11:39:12.657+05:30Kochi Reunion 2023-24Family and friends <br />Blissful reunions<br />However hot a place may be<br />But warmth of hearts it cannot beat.<br /><br />Expensive fares, long trips, filmy scenes,<br />Lazy lunches, loud gossip, oodles of coffee and tea,<br />Chinese fishing nets, short walk in crowded alleys,<br />Long wait at favoured cafe's, but 'Thiruvilla' rescued us on Princess Street.<br />Day 01 passed making merry<br />On plans for day 02 and a split on day 03 we agreed.<br /><br />The Synagogue impressed with its handpainted tiles blue,<br />The story of migrants and of Palestine and India's perspective, it cast anew. <br />Then the long wait at Cafe Mocha<br />Then sightseeing at Crafters' and some shopping for 'whatnots'<br />Sighting the world's largest Urali<br />All just the first half's deeds.<br />Churches - Basilica and Francis inspired<br />The paintings on ceilings in Basilica were much admired.<br />The Indo-Portuguese Musuem we looked into,<br />But the Christmas tree outside and the peacock created more ado.<br />Then we split again, some for tea, <br />Three directly to Fort House, Kochi.<br />Some respite for Lata from the heat<br />Then bags in cars, most headed for the jetty.<br />A 6 rupee ride for minutes 20<br />Taking us through the backwaters beauty.<br />Then a hotel cheap and awesome, <br />But more preferring home wholesome π<br />Then buffet dinner too and more talking and laughing<br />We grouped and regrouped and re-regrouped through the day and evening.<br /><br />Day 03 some 'tripped' on 'Nostalgia for Nurani'<br />Others found ecstacy in doing 'nothing'.<br />Lunches at Palaaram and Kapilavastu and purchases at Thankkam Pickles<br />Local shopping, temple sightseeing, 7 hours driving, each found their own moment 'blissful'.<br />Whether 10 seconds solving of a puzzle<br />Or just lying down in the hotel. <br /><br />Then the highlight, 'The Birthday'<br />Of a girl as sweet as can be, whom we made patiently wait.<br />Not 1 but 2 cakes had she, and then there was the pizza party<br />But the highlight, the star, was the curd rice and pickles feast<br />Contentment oozed and no one wanted to ever leave<br />Antakshari went on till hours wee<br />Some leg pulling too choreographed by the 'wow' family π<br />Singers galore we have in this family<br />Bad or good, sporting all but those born on Nov 3 ππ<br />But thank you speeches they made brilliantly,<br />At long last, we parted regretfully<br />The trip was short, time ran out<br />We wished it could be longer, but were thankful for how much we got.<br /><br />We missed those who could not make it,<br />We planned for more future visits,<br />Forest trips seem to rule for now<br />May 2024 give us more such powwows.<br /><br />Thank you All for making 2023 end and 2024 beginning so wonderful :)<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 3 Jan 2024</div><div>- Family Reunion trip across Kochi, Nurani and Coimbatore from 28 Dec 2023 - 3 Jan 2024</div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-12826147890214462692024-01-22T11:37:00.001+05:302024-01-22T11:37:22.406+05:30Happy New Year - 2024 - Personal post 22023 you have been kind to me<br />Helping me reconnect with many friends and family,<br />Adding new experiences to my kitty,<br />Making me traverse the breadth of the country,<br />Aiding me many projects complete,<br />Granting me some excellent colleagues. <br /><br />2023, you have been also tough on me<br />Health slid back and forth time a many<br />I felt lost and helpless with tears plenty<br />Unfinished projects galore,<br />Some completed, but at levels shallow<br />Feeling my teaching could have been better<br />Some dreams carefully woven lie tattered.<br /><br />But 2023, overall I will miss you<br />For you made me see afresh important to-dos.<br />Connect with friends and family,<br />Travel for work but find pleasure plenty,<br />Take breaks, as many as you need,<br />Aim not for perfection, but convert words to deeds. <br />Goodbyes are hard, but cherish memories<br />Rejoice, you are blessed and reasonably healthy and happy. <br />Eat, dance, binge watch, make merry<br />And sleep, sleep, sleep.<br /><br />2023, I will carry forward these lessons into 2024<br />In 2024, I hope I can be better, healthier, connect, improve and do more.<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 1 Jan 2024.</div><div>- Self-Explanatory </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-60764107520954912002024-01-22T11:36:00.001+05:302024-01-22T11:36:18.340+05:30Happy New Year - 2024!What purpose an FDP<br />This week had me pondering deep<br />How do we judge calibre and intent<br />To improve, to learn, to share, to implement?<br />What motive drives those who come?<br />Is it just a Mumbai Darshan?<br />Is TISS, its stature the main attraction?<br />Is it to compare oneself and find smug satisfaction?<br />As questions poured in on marriage, position and salary<br />On permanent contracts and 7th Pay Scale of UGC<br />Talk of collaborations, mostly meaningless, but would lend clout and credence<br />Condescendingly of guideship eligibility, or of anything, but the essence<br />Of what Practitioner Research was about and could do to bring change<br />How we could take this to classrooms where deep reflections would hold sway,<br />Of methods, of tools, but more questions on how to<br />Rather than selfies while writing a line or two.<br />Is this what we should be doing?<br />Lectures designed in absentia for these beings?<br />Straining self and health and friends and resources<br />To allow more space for such foolishness?<br />I like walking away from classrooms humbled<br />A thought-provoking question that had me confused<br />Such dialogues are what one yearns for<br />In academia we want ideas more<br />But this week has not been that kind of success<br />Maybe I'm kicking up a fuss, but this is what I feel, I confess.<div><br /></div><div>- Idea Orginated 23 Dec 2023. Polished 31 Dec 2023.</div><div>- Written for obvious reasons :) </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-26793723753632595952023-11-19T16:05:00.000+05:302023-11-19T16:05:17.539+05:30To Devika π«<div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She lost her father when she was merely nine, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She stated it matter-of-factly, never whined. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She picked up the threads and smiled again</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her mother and her siblings gave her love and courage.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In college then she lost her mother too,</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Desolate she was, but her siblings made sure she was not too shook.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then marriage</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A new, hopeful, golden age. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">China beckoned, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Snow fights lovingly commenced.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A baby daughter, an answer to prayers</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arrived to spread sunshine and cheer.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love was abundant, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cribbings were about the inconsequential. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then struck cancer to destroy a family</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But again she fought back so very bravely. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She had her loved ones around her always</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To cherish her, to cajole her, to be her reserve brigade.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She won battles, seemed to have won the war,</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But cancer was not done by far,</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It struck again and again, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All she did seemed in vain. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Triple whammy and she finally lost</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The battle and the war, seemingly a lost cause. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But what she has done over the years, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Smiling away through the fears and tears. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspirational - her family and she as a unit, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With their love and their grit. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her family is strong, they have long borne, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The threat of her being gone was long known.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But even the strong sometimes feel to nothing faded.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So thoughts and prayers are always needed, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Loss is loss no matter what, </span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">'You will be missed, Devika'.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PS. Well that is not her name per se now, but that is the name I knew her by the best. </span></div><div style="font-family: times; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: times; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="background-color: white;">- </i><span style="background-color: white;">Written on 16 Nov 2023 when I got the news that she had moved on to a better place. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;">- Revised and posted on Facebook on 18 Nov 2023 because I felt I needed to, even if I do not tag her or mutual friends, I needed to let the world know we have a great soul gone away from us. </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;">The following image and an excerpt from her mail in 2007 is how I would best like to remember Devika (Sheetal Mulchandani). </span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="background-color: white;"><br /></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="background-color: white;">this is at hangzou zoo.....oops i was shit scared........heeeeeee but enjoyed the moment too.</i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="background-color: white;">chill <span class="termHighlighted-night">devika</span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span class="termHighlighted-night"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span class="termHighlighted-night"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdJ8TwDhUVvWFZ2VsJbjNTZMYBBSBtHm4j_yDgwJprf2xmW45dM9XxmFIpQPWsD6w4I3FEUErriUgiL8ww3wzxX0dmRiCRTED4rk3l8ZKLEogaci_oG2vCF3AWGrKUA-196DR52Qfv0_fLPCLB3Omt0YZ0UFf1y3ND9GkvJWVDzCT3PhOXhhAiw/s1210/sheetal%20ele.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1210" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdJ8TwDhUVvWFZ2VsJbjNTZMYBBSBtHm4j_yDgwJprf2xmW45dM9XxmFIpQPWsD6w4I3FEUErriUgiL8ww3wzxX0dmRiCRTED4rk3l8ZKLEogaci_oG2vCF3AWGrKUA-196DR52Qfv0_fLPCLB3Omt0YZ0UFf1y3ND9GkvJWVDzCT3PhOXhhAiw/s320/sheetal%20ele.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="termHighlighted-night"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span class="termHighlighted-night">Related info (says a lot about her family's grit) <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LImEWDe8JVL3VEIdi5NyFpKJs2Q0VzCTh0ZscR_u6OfqVeGu3fUJz8gVq0-lJ5J71YinhCckNKqMrjUWrA9T_V-vk1CEPWenSp30Jrtt943a0M7eavvZrJHrizxX9NfYa4uyyG95-rEm_UAZzNwP8COJy97CcPt5yXrIynjcMJ4ceKnFGoNY9Q/s711/IMG-20231116-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LImEWDe8JVL3VEIdi5NyFpKJs2Q0VzCTh0ZscR_u6OfqVeGu3fUJz8gVq0-lJ5J71YinhCckNKqMrjUWrA9T_V-vk1CEPWenSp30Jrtt943a0M7eavvZrJHrizxX9NfYa4uyyG95-rEm_UAZzNwP8COJy97CcPt5yXrIynjcMJ4ceKnFGoNY9Q/s320/IMG-20231116-WA0003.jpg" width="213" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FHOrCNMNxGDOzRi7NwZY3sHHDVOBt3lLqpu-i53uwsKeTRMlyI54_crDSV8lzaPfQAQSdRZVL2E-glZk7MRGLVTRebvHQhkiH1ig47cEO705YJY4ZcotfJpGgz1QtXtDDoAOmfLqvFjK-0645h6M4zBBHXHSIKxLq6waKSm61wfKod7D-FUedw/s1080/IMG-20231119-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="763" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FHOrCNMNxGDOzRi7NwZY3sHHDVOBt3lLqpu-i53uwsKeTRMlyI54_crDSV8lzaPfQAQSdRZVL2E-glZk7MRGLVTRebvHQhkiH1ig47cEO705YJY4ZcotfJpGgz1QtXtDDoAOmfLqvFjK-0645h6M4zBBHXHSIKxLq6waKSm61wfKod7D-FUedw/s320/IMG-20231119-WA0001.jpg" width="226" /></a> </div><br /></div><br /></span></i></span></div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-56020603275166069622023-10-21T23:16:00.003+05:302023-10-21T23:16:50.458+05:30Sleep: Recovery ModeSleep it overwhelms you even as you plan<br />How to do the myriad things that in the planner you scan.<br />The eyes close, the mind shuts down,<br />A pill for pain that you have ignored for long.<br />The noise around you, the overbright light, the food you need eat,<br />All ignored, forgotten, in this quest your body and mind journey.<br />Phone bells buzz, notifications run amok, but nothing registers<br />You might for all purposes be to the world dead.<br />Unplugged, you steadily recharge,<br />Though the pain stays, you can now with renewed vigor your own path chart.<br />Sleep, the ultimate pill for recovery. <br />Sleep, the best comfort in this journey.<br />May we never part ways for long<br />No matter how old I grow, may our bond stay strong.<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 21 October 2023.</div><div>- I crashed after a series of long days with a rib injury and a particular long day today due to invigilation. </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-87917482065706287412023-10-21T23:14:00.002+05:302023-10-21T23:14:40.151+05:30Dress Codes and FunctionsDress codes for temples I care not about<br />Do Gods decide on blessings on what I wear or not?<br />Saree is good, not the salwar<br />Sure, and home is good, not blaring shlokas.<br />Yes the rhythms are good, the intentions too,<br />But focusing on the outside is the opposite of what is preached as right and good.<br />Rituals are wonderful for those who want to follow them or merely observe, <br />But for those forced they are just more rules that their inner desires cruelly govern.<br />Yet, again there are kindly ladies,willing to stand in for you<br />Dressed in elegant sarees, the perform rituals you were meant to.<br />This is divine, this is pure, a feeling to cherish, a reason to religion endure<br />The concern, the care, the camaraderie the social gathering brings does one lure. <br />The words spoken in English since they think I know no Tamil, <br />The concern that I feel involved and the bearing of so much good will. <br />It was with mixed feelings that I walked home yesterday<br />It is with mixed emotions that I reflect on temples and religion, even today.<div><br /></div><div>- Witten on 18 October 2023.</div><div>- Appa had given for Chandi Homam in the temple during this Navratri season with the idea of women being workshipped (I was to do the worshipping).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-18898350223888241312023-09-19T18:36:00.004+05:302023-10-21T23:11:42.023+05:30Happy Ganesh Chathurthi 2023Clear skies, a blue so bright,<br />In clouds, I see images that delight.<br />Childhood brought back on a lazy afternoon,<br />The wind sings through birds and trees dispelling all gloom.<br /><br />O Vignaharta, today you come reside in homes and pandals,<br />O Saravsiddhanta, you remind us to follow goodness' cause.<br />O Varaganapati, may you help us guard, <br />O Sarvatman, this earth precious to all. <br /><br />O Siddhipriya, may all be healthy and happy,<br />O Vidyaridhi, may all have wisdom and peace.<br /><br />Perhaps all we need is just to look up, <br />Relive our childhoods, our innocence. <br />Perhaps all we need do is pause and reflect deep, <br />Perhaps that is enough for this world to intact keep and us to all good reap. <br /><br />Happy Ganesh Chathurthi 2023!<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 19 Sep 2023.</div><div>- Self-Explanatory </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6DdFx-e4tufwRrQUERZ_mYMS6C9N0YnNAeWkZKRSRbOiw7UTUKMMC29_TMU9Itj1fJA658qoCfimDLfmjTYWaLpIusadjsrjAUf1E7kd4k58uxXd34J_5yHnMzLHo-FxdgsK-LOPGBs5_u7pW46uwUxXBE24StBNv9ZQIA6KbwROYqdHz8nSPw/s2400/Project%20202309191814.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6DdFx-e4tufwRrQUERZ_mYMS6C9N0YnNAeWkZKRSRbOiw7UTUKMMC29_TMU9Itj1fJA658qoCfimDLfmjTYWaLpIusadjsrjAUf1E7kd4k58uxXd34J_5yHnMzLHo-FxdgsK-LOPGBs5_u7pW46uwUxXBE24StBNv9ZQIA6KbwROYqdHz8nSPw/s320/Project%20202309191814.png" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But I also have another rhyme, written today, feels quite unrefined, but here goes: </div><div><br /></div><div>Vinayaka Chathurthi is here again with all its glory,<br />Folks rediscovering their love for pandals and blazonry,<br />The sounds absent for 2 years of lockdown <br />Now back fully despite my groans an frowns.<br />Yet, this industry has suffered so, <br />It is good to see people revive the old.<br />The old ways of decorations, <br />The idols to represent incarnations.<br />Yet you know me I can't help but question,<br />What in this madness will happen to the environment?<br /><br />Vignaharta, remove all obstacles from saving earth<br />Sarvapriya, may all have wisdom, peace and mirth.</div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-57119342407161722672023-09-16T23:07:00.004+05:302023-09-16T23:08:44.362+05:30May You 'Live' Your DreamThis Teacherβs Day was tough as I thought of you, <br />All the many lessons I never learnt as you meant me to. <br />All the many times you shouted I would regret, <br />I wish I could those moments again to live through get. <br />Yet I know I would not learn,<br />I am yours, I am stubborn :)<br /><br />Today, another milestone, your birthdate past,<br />Know that you have made your mark.<br />I still have many, many who reminisce<br />How you would your words never mince ππ<br />How you were always there to support<br />When times were tough you would stand strong like a fort.<br />How you had a kind word for many π³<br />Amma, how come I don't recall for myself any? π§ π<br />But your reprimands all we both remember very well,<br />K today mimicked how you would have at me yelled π€£<br />But you have left a legacy however small the circle may seem, <br />Just wishing you Amma, may you now at least 'live' your dream.<br /><br />Be at peace. Be at ease.<br />Be safe, healthy, wherever you be. <br />Be happy, have whatever you need. <br />Be loved by all you meet.<div><br /></div><div>-Written on 16 Sep 2023.</div><div>- Self-explanatory.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0nsyrNGg4KvkWX2EaiiV-H-eUZTp-gKoQDRm0jP-rpu6lqZ-ShblK7q6yDV1e1JDKQbF8xu2XtH1gZKlbqE7kZt6aUNX4xaPMHXA2VmR6XdsExixe05zzQNAGfHcRICXavt5AufYb3zFs8olUZs0ZrFq7pIJsXtxHOGSqefr3aqiQBHa-l0eEg/s4096/IMG20230819164111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0nsyrNGg4KvkWX2EaiiV-H-eUZTp-gKoQDRm0jP-rpu6lqZ-ShblK7q6yDV1e1JDKQbF8xu2XtH1gZKlbqE7kZt6aUNX4xaPMHXA2VmR6XdsExixe05zzQNAGfHcRICXavt5AufYb3zFs8olUZs0ZrFq7pIJsXtxHOGSqefr3aqiQBHa-l0eEg/s320/IMG20230819164111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-86282375139754618162023-09-16T23:03:00.007+05:302023-09-16T23:14:27.022+05:30Kochi - Carefree Bliss in April 2023Days of carefree bliss,<br />Filled with sunshine's kiss.<br />Making merry, eating plenty,<br />Converting folks to having tea on the balcony :)<br />An oasis of calmness with plants, chairs and a swing<br />Conversations filled with joy and warmth as the skies turned purple and pink.<br /><br />A day out with another cousin<br />Exploring the Biennale, at artsy joints eating<br />Listening and learning through an interesting online meeting, <br />Into late late night reminiscing.<br />Ending with the warmth of a morning breakfast dosa<br />With mahani and thair and more laughs. <br /><br />Then came the <b>houseboat</b>, words fall short,<br />The photo sessions, the music, the conversations, the scenery<br />Birds afloat or on lines, the lazy drifting on the waters of Allappey.<br />The afternoon snooze on waters clear, smooth and deep<br />The quiet joy will remain forever with me.<br /><br />Then to the beach, oh, what fun,<br />Naysayers converted to being willingly drenched :)<br />Icecreams and chips and all the gorging<br />Ending with cleaning up and another outing!<br /><br />Then the Biennale through the eyes of a child,<br />The questions, the observations made the fest come more alive.<br />Art is to be revisited to discover perspectives galore<br />Discovering new places and old haunts brought delight to the fore.<br /><br />Relaxing, doing nothing, not cooking nor cleaning,<br />On evening or morning walks more talking than strolling,<br />On the Kochi Metro riding, a Musuem exploring,<br />A temple, a palace - everything so mind-blowing. <br /><br />Antakshari and 20 questions and karaoke and conversations many<br />But most importantly the cocoon of camaraderie,<br />The soothing feeling of being loved and treasured<br />For just being you, not being judged or measured. <br /><br />It has been an amazing week in Kochi, <br />But the memories and the joy linger lending warmth of times happy.<br /><br />Thank YOU for being such wonderful hosts<br />But more for being not just family, but <i>dosts</i> :)<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 24 April 2023.</div><div>- Spent an amazing week in Kochi 3-10 April. It is blis to have family as friends. :) </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvQ6Q7e5ud_SRtt5Ct00JK7QNrfNdC9A54Vk3D1z_wu6lkS2Y1wFpK4y1mhnPxzPydzmwlK-KXWn9dmCyE_K1-UW0oR9rhSZxgOvxwq7Qsjras5Z6WnyPbqcxGDxiUCeY40PENc-QmxtPdk3SfHKKX_pwx2-jM-076pYVwivBZzdPBeL0W2M-rw/s3264/IMG20230404163459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvQ6Q7e5ud_SRtt5Ct00JK7QNrfNdC9A54Vk3D1z_wu6lkS2Y1wFpK4y1mhnPxzPydzmwlK-KXWn9dmCyE_K1-UW0oR9rhSZxgOvxwq7Qsjras5Z6WnyPbqcxGDxiUCeY40PENc-QmxtPdk3SfHKKX_pwx2-jM-076pYVwivBZzdPBeL0W2M-rw/s320/IMG20230404163459.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XwLyY4a8TFN2BKmAYfBZ_1dDADKpGZAQELSkcu-VDxpmuDNeYNLUkuXKJitLjzShUJgzOfWrFiWwenUAvrgHGAaXrHrhgFQBtj1D9hGYAD08nKSSWptPLI86UIwlaGPCh4M0k1DNtu4tIvo1z_lRA6mPrjJITlPNn-iRVZjX_L0Peo5i8LDKqQ/s3264/IMG20230405160502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="3264" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XwLyY4a8TFN2BKmAYfBZ_1dDADKpGZAQELSkcu-VDxpmuDNeYNLUkuXKJitLjzShUJgzOfWrFiWwenUAvrgHGAaXrHrhgFQBtj1D9hGYAD08nKSSWptPLI86UIwlaGPCh4M0k1DNtu4tIvo1z_lRA6mPrjJITlPNn-iRVZjX_L0Peo5i8LDKqQ/s320/IMG20230405160502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49xcrbxsR3p57e3fxjeEek-w3t7sgiBDW-4YDZqqsOuZGxCW19Hbvl4ddqdZJ6EWlIpQO6htCEw9f9qxaXzpQrp0FDNws536r4j7Ie_xnDcCjqWuzYHqGry3FxxZSgx29d_Yx9HPsObScVAXIn3UAabE0GJ77qel1YP9U-U77IX7ssN9uyNtRHg/s3264/IMG20230409113941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49xcrbxsR3p57e3fxjeEek-w3t7sgiBDW-4YDZqqsOuZGxCW19Hbvl4ddqdZJ6EWlIpQO6htCEw9f9qxaXzpQrp0FDNws536r4j7Ie_xnDcCjqWuzYHqGry3FxxZSgx29d_Yx9HPsObScVAXIn3UAabE0GJ77qel1YP9U-U77IX7ssN9uyNtRHg/s320/IMG20230409113941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkA52bf7meKO1t9j1dqoJxK4mpXHPGB9bH7V0eDGfamsXZQAuA9nMhE3c6mjNFPbChUWJA-F0hbY-6kLuFESzub1BR8cwiZc59mQ0nf2ASgkhnQK6CeLea-l_6WcyVbBoWEBjUiqApm4odBW77ZS4GRYiBWz4cymTEkCjC1jAUVoepsrtd2WU_w/s3264/IMG20230409130129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkA52bf7meKO1t9j1dqoJxK4mpXHPGB9bH7V0eDGfamsXZQAuA9nMhE3c6mjNFPbChUWJA-F0hbY-6kLuFESzub1BR8cwiZc59mQ0nf2ASgkhnQK6CeLea-l_6WcyVbBoWEBjUiqApm4odBW77ZS4GRYiBWz4cymTEkCjC1jAUVoepsrtd2WU_w/s320/IMG20230409130129.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqjEABtP5ieRP8TrOLwAoha4W5SV6Jubsx-XgK0C470YTWK8eBtsURbyjR3WQaGemK2p6_AywLl2w3EVsDybhne8Ythl8H4cb3RzZfTayXn2NQWgzdx4oTf4ya7EKgc137u8R3siR_3JdE3J-qjo04xMca-0OoA1pkNyiitNBqyxhTiVf8Oi1ww/s4096/IMG20230409130459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqjEABtP5ieRP8TrOLwAoha4W5SV6Jubsx-XgK0C470YTWK8eBtsURbyjR3WQaGemK2p6_AywLl2w3EVsDybhne8Ythl8H4cb3RzZfTayXn2NQWgzdx4oTf4ya7EKgc137u8R3siR_3JdE3J-qjo04xMca-0OoA1pkNyiitNBqyxhTiVf8Oi1ww/s320/IMG20230409130459.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>- </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-84290543187256886802023-09-16T22:59:00.004+05:302023-09-16T22:59:58.682+05:30Rest? Defeated AgainThe galaxy's weight on one's shoulders<br />The chest weighed down by unknown boulders.<br />Memory plays hide and seek<br />All one wants to do is retreat.<br />Into the blankets, into oneself, one's shell, <br />No talking, no thinking, just breathing and surviving what seems like hell.<br />The head aches and throbs all thought and feeling away<br />Pain seems insignificant to describe this senseless array.<br />Every act of being and doing feels a feat<br />Yet one knows that one is only heading towards defeat.<br />'Rest', they say, as if one doesn't want to<br />But the head reels even lying down<br />Thoughts creep one out eerily, make in more in helplessness drown.<br />Even the nails ache, it is a fight everyday<br />To try to be normal, to on course stay.<br />'R.E.S.T.', they say again, I wish too,<br />But then I jerk awake.<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 31 August 2023.</div><div>- Was in Pune for a workshop. Just not well. </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-83742067179149282962023-09-16T22:57:00.004+05:302023-09-16T23:16:31.646+05:30Happy Teacher's Day - 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A series of rhymes on Teacher' Day: <div><br /></div><div>Teachers are seekers who find talent<br />To hone them well to aid this earth challenged<br />No one is bereft, in each eye they see a shine,<br />But sometimes they too go awry and cease being fine.<br />They too need help and counselling and rest and resetting<br />This Teacherβs Day, let us reach out to heroes all for some caring and sharing.<br />Unwind, relax, let the day go by, <br />Relax first, then you can reach for the sky.<br /><br />_____________________________________<br />Teachers are</div><div><br />Thoughtful<br />Energetic<br />Adaptive<br />Curious<br />Humane<br />Empowering<br />Resilient<br /><br />They have to be to help the future generation create a better, greener world that includes everyone equitably.<br /><br />This Teacher's Day we salute these stalwarts.<br /><br />Happy Teacher's Day!<br /><br />_____________________________________<br /><br />The years are tough, the hours are long<br />The requirements are such, they weaken the strong<br />But somewhere, somehow, the grit remains<br />Every time, somehow, passion still gains<br />Through duties of election and census surveys,<br />Through resource crunches and unequal pay scales, <br />Through outcome testing squeezing teaching <br />By adapting, evolving, ever striving <br />To the core stay true<br />To one's very best give and do<br />Teachers inspire a generation and more<br />They are boat taking us to progress' shores.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Written on 5 Sep 2023. </div><div>- Self Explanatory. </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-54509929121262210922023-07-21T00:20:00.016+05:302023-07-26T12:15:27.738+05:30So tempting and its corollary <div>So near to tempt,</div><div>Not dark, but light intense,</div><div>Welcoming, almost healing</div><div>As one yearns, it is beckoning. </div><div>One breath less and it will be there</div><div>Holding, comforting, leaving you no care.</div><div>No more hurting, no more burning,</div><div>Close, so close it feels, but it is soon morning. </div><div>And one breathed enough it seems,</div><div>Still suffering, death still a relief just in dreams.</div><div>Aah! One must go on, smile, breathe,</div><div>Hurt or not, plod on, one day, some day, one will be freed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxU0o38qlVyTHbKcHFP32hd3mHjnpPjlayifrM-bMIeeWzykv08h6njmPrgmz4QllSobT0LFQ051RtYQwLvZfkUxr8_GjAG3ZYqM5nHT7T1clDusPFz_m5iEybWs4eYaPqSQ2sikUKa3JYZ8on7vWF8OrPp2RwKINe-IKlBPUes7VyEl67uyv4A/s2287/quicksquarenew_2023720233457310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2287" data-original-width="2287" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxU0o38qlVyTHbKcHFP32hd3mHjnpPjlayifrM-bMIeeWzykv08h6njmPrgmz4QllSobT0LFQ051RtYQwLvZfkUxr8_GjAG3ZYqM5nHT7T1clDusPFz_m5iEybWs4eYaPqSQ2sikUKa3JYZ8on7vWF8OrPp2RwKINe-IKlBPUes7VyEl67uyv4A/s320/quicksquarenew_2023720233457310.jpg" width="320" /></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP-El9X54EpAOdS9nWEsVGCtp7t1RiyF6gD8DKcon0Hmpg-jK6oVNoK3whu2Rje38x4pTgZQvxcfI0OLyCHZvnI29yAAsurmMy6_HF8djJ6A2OI9U_bmBeeYUXPBqWf9Nr8e_lLqmmOufZrrv3nc9V0J0dYqxF54O14nE6xgJltPjVpvzYkxUdQ/s2287/IMG_20230720_233422.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2287" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP-El9X54EpAOdS9nWEsVGCtp7t1RiyF6gD8DKcon0Hmpg-jK6oVNoK3whu2Rje38x4pTgZQvxcfI0OLyCHZvnI29yAAsurmMy6_HF8djJ6A2OI9U_bmBeeYUXPBqWf9Nr8e_lLqmmOufZrrv3nc9V0J0dYqxF54O14nE6xgJltPjVpvzYkxUdQ/w558-h261/IMG_20230720_233422.png" width="558" /></a></div> </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Corollary Note</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Getting well is sometimes a grim, arduous struggle.</div><div>To let go, to be unhappy or passive-regressive is not a gamble.</div><div>It lets one dive inside oneself, to get past feeble schemes. </div><div>Breathing is both more and less challenging that it seems.</div><div>Not everything is as one in one's mind deems. </div><div>And not everything should ever be as one dreams.</div><div>Struggles are not bad altogether,</div><div>They let you pause, reflect, your strengths realise and gather,</div><div>Your goals refine, your needs redefine,</div><div>They make you anew yourself find.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Written (and drawn) on 20 July 2023.</div><div>- Been on a recover health journey for all of July. Damn frustrating.</div><div>- What exactly:</div><br />Well it began with rains and sinus. <br />Led to low BP which accompanies intense pain and meds. <br />Then I got a viral. That added to my misery<br />Then my lungs, they discovered, did not escape injury. <br />So I struggle at times to breathe, <br />Some times are ok, some do me freak, <br />But am recovering worry not, <br />It is a familiar road I travel on. <br />I will take care and become better, <br />It will take months, though, to properly recover.Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-51588410013646546462023-07-21T00:14:00.001+05:302023-07-21T00:14:07.744+05:30Lose yet Stand Tall<i>Karm karo, phal ki iccha mat karo. <br /></i>Can one really over loss not ever cry, over success not crow?<i> <br />Jo hua achha hua...jo hoga accha hi hoga</i><br />I have heard this times a thousand from my appa. <br /><br />But while I know, I know full well, this too shall pass<br />We shall work harder and get other grants,<br />It is tough to not think what could have been better,<br />Could I have worked harder, smarter, faster?<br /><br />Where did I falter?<br />Why not this grant did we garner?<br />I did try hard, but was it my best? <br />So many people worked so hard, did I too much rest?<br /><br />Even as I think this, the team stands by together<br />Stating the process and the learnings make us a winner. <br /><br />The ones on the dais are excellent<br />Their pitches wonderful and very much welcome. <br />But we had a story to tell too,<br />Our need is strong too. <br /><br />What next I wonder,<br />Even as I stand stronger, and believe it or not, taller. <br />Not one accusation of 'not enough'<br />It is humbling, touching, it chokes me up.<br /><br />So thank you one and all for this specific year long journey<br />To have had your support, your talents, your friendship make me very lucky.<br /><br />Newer paths to our goals beckon<br />Our time to shine brighter will arrive soon, I reckon.<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 24 February 2023.</div><div>- We came third in the HCL Grant for Education and secured 25L instead of coming 1st and securing 5Cr. :(</div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-76648602647406260012023-07-21T00:10:00.002+05:302023-07-21T12:41:38.848+05:30365365 days of you being gone,<br />But you still in our memories everyday live on,<br />So many a time as I pummel K, I turn<br />Expecting you egging me on to make him squirm.<br />Amma's room it still is,<br />Oh! You would have so loved to resist.<br />But worry not, we are not melancholy<br />We remember you with laughter, with glee<br />No more do we your shouting or beating need to flee.<br />Old jokes, your quips for even new incidents crop naturally<br />Your birthmate told me today you are watching over us<br />Don't Amma, you go live your new 'life' to the fullest.<br />We are good. We have many moments treasured<br />We are good, for you made sure we were for you to back us.<br /><br />365 days of freedom <br />Hope you are enjoying your journey to the brim.<div><br /></div><div>- Written on 20 April 2023.</div><div>- Self-explanatory. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmaAwlr1xB3soQqnAITvFhD-QVwH5hsfH2b9oXQ_SC6SDi7cRNjgiwVL00Cg6DEP__eLTIlD18nwkKipDJFr0DcEHGsFOIhlLkGtnQmT2VtLi_rBywjFpsNAmaziw6fP4hwiuuBqH5QlbwBBSBL5NxiKc52Q4y1B2S0URqVwxrPqXooXTYxKVeA/s574/F1030025__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmaAwlr1xB3soQqnAITvFhD-QVwH5hsfH2b9oXQ_SC6SDi7cRNjgiwVL00Cg6DEP__eLTIlD18nwkKipDJFr0DcEHGsFOIhlLkGtnQmT2VtLi_rBywjFpsNAmaziw6fP4hwiuuBqH5QlbwBBSBL5NxiKc52Q4y1B2S0URqVwxrPqXooXTYxKVeA/s320/F1030025__01.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-70978418947567442732023-07-21T00:05:00.001+05:302023-07-21T00:05:48.624+05:30Happy Women's Day! <div>Happy Women's Day!</div><div><br /></div><div>My other annual diatribe/wish/ditty follows :) </div><div><br /></div><div>In 2023, we still fight for equality. </div><div>Gender and sex are still conflated constantly. </div><div>Being a woman is celebrated, </div><div>With praises women are validated. </div><div>But the qualities ascribed still smack of patriarchy:</div><div>Giving, loving, multi-tasking, filial piety,... </div><div>The list goes on with nowhere a respite</div><div>For women to take rest and not achieve a greater height.</div><div><br /></div><div>So this my wish for this Women's Day</div><div>Be contrary as you will: be worldly, be fey. </div><div>Rest, take care, let your soul revel and quench its thirst. </div><div>Family, friends, colleagues - they matter, but let not your own wants burst.</div><div>Focusing on oneself is not being selfish,</div><div>Relax, kickback and the world will still revolve, promise.</div><div>We are not perfect and we need NOT be</div><div>Humans are born with frailties.</div><div><br /></div><div>So to the Tomboy - find a tree, a mountain to climb. </div><div>The Boss - to rip into someone may you reasons find. </div><div>The docile - serve, if that pleases you. </div><div>The rebel - fight, your cause becomes you. </div><div>The soldier - become stronger and better. </div><div>The artist - may creativity and recognition accompany forever.</div><div>The homeless - may you find comfort and safety. </div><div>The single - may independence and solitude help you your goals achieve. </div><div>The mother - may you find some quiet and peace. </div><div>The Discovering-self woman - know that we are all with you in this journey. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whoever you are, whoever you become, </div><div>Find peace with self for that's the essence of being human. </div><div>Being true to yourself, not putting on a facade, </div><div>Will make everyday a blessing for us all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Women's Day, today and everyday!</div><div><br /></div><div>A Happy Day to Everyone, for no one gender or sex should really walk alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Written on 8 March 2023.</div><div>- Self-explanatory. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_gD7Z9hoshK1TRDRsKyVTWygzCXtOzXn2kjSZnu9RNMTCNMcp4Qfn3dNh6JLlmwNChK0HwLbTcFYwizJI-LckkYHVuhnjD4Hr6fOG5MJfdAcX1KH4TZDJZOCxBEoD8KFwUP19ooun7Mbf5p9-IHU37B3iCXKRrH1EBqikJG2c7JqFm5f0ED-ig/s1080/FB_IMG_1689878108525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_gD7Z9hoshK1TRDRsKyVTWygzCXtOzXn2kjSZnu9RNMTCNMcp4Qfn3dNh6JLlmwNChK0HwLbTcFYwizJI-LckkYHVuhnjD4Hr6fOG5MJfdAcX1KH4TZDJZOCxBEoD8KFwUP19ooun7Mbf5p9-IHU37B3iCXKRrH1EBqikJG2c7JqFm5f0ED-ig/s320/FB_IMG_1689878108525.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-69411846335276254612022-12-31T22:20:00.004+05:302022-12-31T22:21:40.111+05:30Happy New Year! - Aah 2022! Hey 2023!<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjxt2HIR5yVF_WBfG4vxR0KFC17ldoYw_ar8ybmZgr05Iwuo20px3Ajy5Io3cRS1pSDa8syA7_GjvPeJ07oQIT8EpLx73Og4iNanVV-NqM8MWIjqTe62CtfqaEuy3t017vEsu1zJArZdfyrdfWVt8NdUV3XTtqzzwObt29z7Ah60_DxIHUkY/s843/Happy%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjxt2HIR5yVF_WBfG4vxR0KFC17ldoYw_ar8ybmZgr05Iwuo20px3Ajy5Io3cRS1pSDa8syA7_GjvPeJ07oQIT8EpLx73Og4iNanVV-NqM8MWIjqTe62CtfqaEuy3t017vEsu1zJArZdfyrdfWVt8NdUV3XTtqzzwObt29z7Ah60_DxIHUkY/s320/Happy%202023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy 2023, everyone! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Warning: Anusha's Annual Purging lies ahead. Scroll down at your own peril. <span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="π€£" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tab/1.5/16/1f923.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Aah, 2022! <span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="π«£" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t80/1.5/16/1fae3.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> Hey, 2023! </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I do <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>not know what I can recap of the year past. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Bidding adieu to 2022 is both easy and hard</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I began the year with a melody of sadness</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I began the last day with gratitude and gladness</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">One beginning harkening parting</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Another beginning of unstinting support reminding. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The world ushered in so much change too, </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It opened up but again threatens to tighten the closure screw. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Much ado about the Indian origin British PM</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Less so of the first tribal woman as India's President. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Trophies lifted by women and the disabled, </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">So much to rejoice, so many a fable. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">So many memories and emotions let loose, </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">So many crowning moments to choose. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Yet the Ukraine war and the aftermath of the Taliban coup</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Warn us that there is so much more to do. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The world is still shrouded in ignorance and misery</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">We are so far away from equal rights and true democracy. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Climate change fiasco looms larger than ever</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">While peace and education seem nebulous and health care scarier. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">But onward we march with the brave, </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">That persistent efforts make a difference we celebrate. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Successes from seeming failures are carved, </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Argentina, in FIFA, showed us how. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">2022 is not about one person, one story, one smile,</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Nor just about protests and votes or a defiant tribe. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It is about coming to grips with reality biting, </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">About checks and balances and quiet quitting. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">About reassessing priorities, </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And ushering in new practices and philosophies. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">In other news, the Queens died. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And Trevor Noah from The Daily Show retired. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Federer and Williams bid the tennis courts adieu,</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">And many are confused about and by EdTech and Byju's. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">There is much more, so much more, that I am omitting. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">2022 has been for us all mostly harrowing:</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Paradoxically, simultaneously, threatening and rewarding.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The year is gone. We are still trying to find our place. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">2023 may you give us all wisdom and solace. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Happy 2023, one and all!</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*India's Queen of Melodies and England's Queen Elizabeth <span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="π" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t79/1.5/16/1f61c.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" />
</span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">- Written and posted on FB and IG on 31 December 2022.
- Self-Explanatory.
<br />
</div></div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-15856648336230450692022-12-31T22:13:00.005+05:302022-12-31T22:13:52.902+05:30Describing 2022<div><b>On a personal note:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>How do I describe 2022? </div><div>Harrowing, reconnecting, saddening, welcoming, </div><div>Limiting, uplifting, conflicting, awakening,</div><div>Weakening, bolstering, endlessly pausing, regardless charging. </div><div>Loss of folks personally and professionally, </div><div>Some gone forever, some by distance relatively. </div><div>Yet there are connections new, and old ones renewed. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am yet to come to grips with 2022. </div><div>I feel helpless, grateful, determined, confused. </div><div>I began the year on a melody harkening sadness. </div><div>I began the last day with gratitude and gladness. </div><div>Hopefully 2023 can help me process</div><div>The lessons 2022 introduced but let me not focus.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Written on 31 December 2022. <br />- Self-Explanatory </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-35780337967473554272022-12-31T22:12:00.002+05:302022-12-31T22:12:29.317+05:30Processing 2022<div>Processing 2022 is hard</div><div>I am glad the year is past.</div><div>Two years of being at home</div><div>Vistas opened and I was travel-prone.</div><div>I missed some moments crucial</div><div>While I regret not, it still packed a punch brutal.</div><div>Moments of remembering</div><div>Memories worth treasuring</div><div>Trying to NOT mention 'someone' </div><div>When so much of me is moulded by Mom</div><div>Yet, life moves on, as she would be the first to say,</div><div>So I will try to recollect other D-Days.<br /><br />- Written on 24 December 2022. <br />- Self-Explanatory as I tried imagining writing a New Year poem. This year, I was not sure, I could. </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-54883556036646589682022-12-31T22:01:00.002+05:302022-12-31T22:01:27.493+05:30Shamadaan 2022<b>The First Invite (26 November 2022)<br /></b><br /><div>Welcome One, Welcome All</div><div>We will gather in the Old Conference Hall.</div><div>At 9:00 PM sharp on Sunday night</div><div>To listen as folks reveal the pen's might. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Poetry Reading session </div><div>Is to be inclusive and fun</div><div>Languages, forms, no bar on them</div><div>All we ask for is imagination and patience.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your voice, your choice</div><div>This Sunday night we rejoice.</div><div>Ek shyam shaayari ke naam</div><div>Chalo de den iss weekend ko ek khubsurat anjam. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let us know if you are interested in reading poetry. </div><div>Please DM Shreyasi for details.<br /><br /><b>The Second Invite (27 November 2022) </b><br /><br /><div>We will gaze at stars tonight</div><div>See Saturn and Jupiter and their moons satellite.</div><div>We will also read poetry in darkness</div><div>Share away your thoughts deepest.</div><div>In English or Hindi or Tamil or Assamese</div><div>Your own writing or some poet's piece.</div><div><br /></div><div>At 9:00 PM sharp, today, we will gather</div><div>On CETE's terrace stars and poems we bring together.</div><div><br /></div><div>Come one, come all,</div><div>Art is science and science art :)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>A Recap of the Night </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqE2e_BWpH09C7ia5FIDTn-iEgoGmbd-nhR_KspmrzGvjWKLXoACodWzNwz74UBhCuQ_CZKXnHnv2IDiwCvTVzxNyrdC0L_-2u6JF7lOYQGbNwNo35FyG4npqk6H8YaCWeS6m-8kpweo2H1uzcYwcpLe99qVNTuXp_6Ku0iQ6xLrM4T-v0xg/s1080/Shamadaan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1080" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqE2e_BWpH09C7ia5FIDTn-iEgoGmbd-nhR_KspmrzGvjWKLXoACodWzNwz74UBhCuQ_CZKXnHnv2IDiwCvTVzxNyrdC0L_-2u6JF7lOYQGbNwNo35FyG4npqk6H8YaCWeS6m-8kpweo2H1uzcYwcpLe99qVNTuXp_6Ku0iQ6xLrM4T-v0xg/s320/Shamadaan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thoughts and emotions merged</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some budding poets emerged</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some performed for the first time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some had published many a rhyme. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Malyalees wrote in English and Hindi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For shuruat toh karna hai kahin and kabhi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also heard Malwi, Bengali, Marathi and some Urdu and Punjabi. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And met through some, members of their family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Grandmothers speaking of importance of teachers,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fathers almost belatedly wishing mothers, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some recited poems by their friends and professors, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yet others gave life to borrowed lines as performers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some poems sang, while some recited songs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Elvis Presley to Kabir to Faiz Ahmed we heard them all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Romance was in the air, so was activism</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What inspires is that all were made so very welcome. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thank you all for an evening/night of poetry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For opening/entering portals of linguistic wizardry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- Written on 26 and 27 November 2022. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- Shamadaan was poetry reading and star gazing night combined on the terrace of the CETE office organised for Rachana Winter School fellows on 27 November 2022. </div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33518496.post-55707080523697883082022-12-31T21:55:00.004+05:302022-12-31T21:55:59.592+05:30Circa 1997 and 2022<div>Circa 2022:</div><div>Today I dreamt again of some conversations long past</div><div>But the impact they have had on me will life long last.</div><div><br /></div><div>Circa 1997: </div><div>I came back home after a walk</div><div>Friends of mine had gone to Carter Road for a repast.</div><div>Amma asked if I'd noticed how my friend protected me</div><div>Walking on the road side with a hand at the back guiding me</div><div>I was careless as I talked</div><div>Would not notice vehicles or people who would my path block</div><div>He gently nudged me hither-thither</div><div>I noticed not till Amma made me ponder.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then every walk was a treasure</div><div>Of finding moments of care that let me not blunder</div><div>I learnt to appreciate better the friendship so generously offered</div><div>Irreverent as he was, to us friends his alert care he always proffered.</div><div><br /></div><div>I learnt from him to notice and act</div><div>For other friends to be on the roadside track</div><div>I learnt that gifts of these moments are treasures rare</div><div>For caring is a gift, if just one could dare.</div><div>Less self-centred, more selfless</div><div>Eases burdens, adds to life's preciousness.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it was Amma who helped me notice</div><div>The many acts of love that I took for granted as due service</div><div>The noticing made me strive to improve </div><div>To be worthy of being a friend when I did nothing much you could approve.</div><div><br /></div><div>My friends taught me what was being loving and giving</div><div>By constantly helping me, in return nothing asking</div><div>Even my company had so many restrictions</div><div>They accepted them all as a part of me, not afflictions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Circa 2022</div><div>Blessed am I for friends like these,</div><div>And for a mother who got me to these see.<br /><br />- Written on 20 November 2022. <br />- A close friend from college who knows who he is. A journey of 25 years and going strong. </div>Anusha Ramanathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03967980327862465724noreply@blogger.com0