Happy Diwali 2017!! Part b :)

The light of wisdom dispelling the darkness of bigotry,
The light of action dispelling climate change calamity,
The light of forgiveness dispelling hatred and clannishness,
The light of empathy dispelling intolerance,
The light of imagination dispelling fear of aspiration's 'travesty',
The light of generosity dispelling boundaries between 'have nots' and 'have plenty',
The light of friendship and love dispelling gloom that life does our way bring,
The light of happiness dispelling hopelessness to which we sometimes cling,

These lights I wish you this Diwali,
May the lights usher in true prosperity.

Happy Diwali!

- 18 October 2017
- Because a season must be celebrated, even if I do not agree with the celebratory style as given in my first attempt of the day.

________________________________________

A Student's response to the above on Facebook. 

Are these those drops of light which allure us into darkness
Where we find peace and peace which
The lights shatter through
Oh the lights,the lights
Of dissonance,the light of love,
the bending lights.

__________________________________________________

My response to Chirantan's Response. 

The bending lights serve a purpose,
They make us question the truth of our senses,
Diwali is triumph of good over evil,
But it a constant fight, we cannot sit still.

The lights cast shadows and shadows merge into darkness,
We can flip the discourse and argues that darkness is best.
From space the most developed economies are those best light at night,
We prefer starlight while no moon stories make us shiver in fright.

But the point of progress is what we want most
It is peace and prosperity that is core, not whether they be in light or darkness clothed.
Bending lights, refractions, shadows,
Let's towards inclusion and joy march in force.
Let's remember that without darkness, light is soulless,

Together they make us life's beauty's witness. :)

- 19 October 2017
- Self-explanatory.

Happy Diwali 2017! Part A :(

A dawn that begins with the burst of loud crackers,
No matter what pollution levels state we need to meet traditional standards,
If sound decibels were a criterion, would not drums do?
If lights the need, do not lamps their mettle prove?

This need to follow 'rules' during festivals,
Traditionalists stating we do all things 'cultural'
Pray why use gunpowder in albeit peaceful ways,
It still kills, you know, just slower as it the environment stains.

The makers killed with the poisonous 'pepper',
Not just gun powder, but the gum resin for the firecracker paper,
The users killed with the with burns, deafness and lung infectors,
The protestors silenced by sentimental clamour.

The trite old phrases of traditions linger,
But the advertiser may trot out ready-to-eats for us to savour,
Life is easier if we just need to burst crackers,
Or gift 'goodies' boxes in 'traditional' colours.

Yes, life is easier if we can feel assured
New clothes and savouries have alike our pockets lured,
The joy of gifting made easy by companies,
Yes, life is easier if follow rituals while ignoring 'out of our periphery' beings.

Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil,
But we dare not liberate our minds and practices of rituals,
Diwali is supposed to be the festival of lights,
But to preserve a less than 500 year old display, we get into fights.

God hears a gentle whisper,
The devil can be shamed by a do-gooder,
Gracious humility not show-off mark true leaders,
Then pray why do we still herald Diwali with crackers?

To know the short version fo the firecracker history in India read http://indianexpress.com/article/research/a-crackling-history-of-fireworks-in-india-4890178/

- 18 October 2017
- The Tamil Diwali is today and not tomorrow. I live in a South Indian locality. Says it all.
- Well not all. While the first one I wrote today was actually this one :), I did manage a more celebratory one just minutes later. :)

Standing on the Kerb

Standing on the kerb waiting for my Uber,

Who knew could spell danger:

A bike swerved to avoid a child, 

Hitting an adult was the option wise.

As the tyre over the feet gently stepped, 

Despite the breaks applied by the biker deft,

Gravel and stones crunched into the feet,

The pain actually increased with the bike's retreat. 

Though the knees had given way to the gravel's pounding, 

The hands miraculously had just gravel patterns impressing. 

Even as the biker apologised seeing me bleeding, 

As someone helped me up, others began him berating. 

What fault his to have swerved to avoid a kid? 

What fault his to have into me skid? 

The tyre ad of idiots on road is now frustrating, 

Just as the sprain and deep cuts are irritating. 

Sense does not always beget safety, 

Fortune, indeed, sometimes favours the foolhardy, 

But even with all the restrictions and dire warnings, 

I cannot but feel grateful for my blessings.

- Written on 2 August 2017. 

- I got hit by a bike and I am thankful I do not have a fracture or worse thanks to breaks and sensible bikers. I am even more grateful that a greater tragedy was averted. 

I do so regret my footwear though. It has to be replaced :( 

My Views on India as on 28 May 2017

Yesterday, I was asked a series of questions that got me pondering. One was do I share my thoughts on Social Media and I realised it had been sometime before I stuck my neck out. :)

So FB asks me each time I log in `What's on your mind?` and I am answering that question today here :) 

Softly goes the day, 

Fading sun rays, 

Birds chirping merrily, 

Celebrating the cool night's incoming. 

Friends touch base

With all the news and paintings, it's tough to keep pace. 

Lectures enlighten and students delight, 

One does wish, one were more able and bright. 

Yet a thought haunts

'Of India, for India, what are your wants?'

Is it the ad that promotes financial advancement

Saving in mutual funds will lead to betterment? 

Is it the one with the transgender mother

The one in which the daughter decides her own future? 

Is it the self-congratulatory tone of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan

Having achieved a sense of unity, even if cleanliness needs way more "dhyan".

Is India my fear of poverty of food and water, of basic amenities? 

Is India my fear of bias againt groups, against minorities (or majorities)? 

Is India my fear of ignorance of new ideas, of valid concerns? 

Is India my fear of obstinacy to stick to path no matter the outcomes? 

Or is India the resilient idea not limited by a nation's boundary? 

Is India the youth that accept no restrictions real or imaginary? 

Is India the people bound by values of only humanity? 

Is India the home of the free, of beauty? 

Happy Holi 2017

Sometimes colours are all grey, 

No matter what you do, there seems no way. 

It all seems a hopeless struggle,

To go ahead you work hard to find a will.

At times like these when there is no zest

There sometimes comes a colourful fest. 

And no, you are NOT happy, 

But how with all the wishes can you depressed be? 

And you return the wishes with a smile fake, 

Till at somepoint you no longer feel on a coal rake. 

Thank God for friends and family, 

Who might not understand, but still support faithfully. 

Colours of so many hues arranged wonderfully, 

At the end of the day they merge joyously. 

One from the other so hard to distinguish, 

But they all in each other exist. 

Perhaps that is the lesson taught by Holi,

That even washed away we could live on in memory.

- Written on 12 March 2017.

- Happy Holi to all on 13 March 2017.

Self-explanatory. 

Resist, Exist

Throbbing, debilitating, relentless, 

Rendering one almost senseless. 

Over time one learns to move, 

To smile, to work, to slip into a groove. 

One tires, but pushes, what else to do, 

To retire from life or to trudge - these the only choices two. 

One seeks solace in fruitless hope, 

Somewhere, somehow one will find the dope, 

To cure the ailment, to cease the pain, 

Perhaps then one can truly live again. 

Then one day the pain eases, 

One should be pleased one supposes, 

But no! A habit, even a bad one, comforts, 

The lack of it actually disconcerts. 

What, how, should one do anything now? 

For so long the ache made one bow, 

Walking with a lesser burden even more deadens,

Why is it that is when one is near the destination? 

It tempts to let go of all there is, 

It tempts to cease to resist, to exist.

- Written on 27 February 2017.

- Because I am stupid and in a bad mood, perhaps. Though I often wonder why pain is missed so when it seems to wane, is it because after so long one knows not how else to be, or is it that the tiredness finally takes over when all that resistance that gave one energy is no longer as needed? 

I dunno. I do know that I sometimes am the weakest when recovering, not suffering. Why? Coz. So? 

The Kochi 2017 Trip

Plotting, prodding, for 02 whole years, 

Planning, failing, replanning visits, 

The Kochi-Muzaris Biennale Art Fest beckons for sure, 

But also the chance to connect with another family treasure, 

Finally,  finally, the rebooked tickets are stamped, 

Finally, finally, in my holiday destination I land. 

- Written on 18 February 2017.

[25/02 7:51 am] Anusha Ramanathan: 

The planning for over 2 years sporadically shared, 

The ever eager partner in you had me even more snared. 

The flight delayed as I wait eagerly, 

To finally begin vacationing in Kochi.

I finally land to be greeted so warmly, 

Your family circle including me so easily. 

The Sunday with all the travel snippets, 

The Jew Synagogue, shopping, browsing, the beach, the Chinese nets... 

The picture sessions, the lunch with a view, 

The Church, David Hall, Students' Corner, the drive too.

Then Monday, us girls' day out largely, 

The Second Wife meal, the amazing company.

The ferry ride on Kerala waters at last, 

The walk through the park,

The awe of Basilica still resounds, 

Each moment with joy abounds.

Then lazy Tuesday with a visit to the doc, 

That V... paid for!!!! 

Kerala Folklore Musuem experience I culled, 

The Sacred Heart tour and an ex-student's company minor inconveniences lulled.

Wednesday was again a day for lazing about, 

As Amma says, I used your home as a resort!

Thursday, most Biennale haunts completed, 

A lazy evening, catching up, was exactly what I needed. 

Then Friday, the last day, that you all made awesome, 

From morning tea to the pizza party, each moment was with fun fulsome.

The kids have been such exuberant fun,

Their foibles negligible, they are human! 

Even with the long visit some things we skipped, 

Reading your chapters, for instance, I missed. 🤔🙈

I also cannot possibly capture, 

The amazing moments of sharing, of many a conversation bender. 

The care, the patience you each showed me, 🤗

Makes me want to repeat this trip already! 

I hope I can soon return this hospitality, 

Though I know I can't measure up to Your Excellency!

Thank you ALL. Each of you made my trip special.

[25/02 7:56 am] Anusha Ramanathan: 

I missed writing about so many cherished memories,

But each adds to my riches' repository, 

It all boils down to finally, 

The stupedofantasticallymagical company.

- Written on 25 February 2017.

- It was a holiday. I have this wonderful cousin who has this super family and it was an awesome holiday all in all even with all the doc visits I had to undertake being me.  :) 

Responses on WhatsApp - to Poems of a student

Response 01 on WhatsApp 

[15/11/2016 10:09 pm] Anusha Ramanathan: 

A thought is air 

Enclosed in mustiness it would despair, 

Left free to roam, it would wonderfully fare. 

It might become polluted, but its essence retain, 

It might be wrong,  but it could retrain, 

Protection, limitation, it would disdain.  

A thought released is boundless

Once shared it becomes creatorless, 

It then finds its true purpose.

Response 02 on WhatsApp 

[15/11/2016 10:25 pm] Anusha Ramanathan: 

The power of thought is that it so sparkles, 

That it lights a million more miracles, 

It breaks through plastic,  escapes barriers

It expresses itself and renews all of us.

Response 03 on WhatsApp:

[12/02/2017 07:39 pm] Anusha Ramanathan:

To be missed this much, 

By one such

Is when unicorns rule the throw of dice, 

Is when darkness is dispelled by sunrise, 

Is not Heaven nor Hell, 

Is where Love does dwell,

Happiness is swell, 

Peace all else does quell.

- Written on dates afore mentioned. 

- I have this supertalented student who inspires me a lot. And intimidates me like hell as well :P 

My Comfort,, My Bed

Comfort:

A holiday from all effort. 

The bed, my solace:

A place to just laze. 

Reading, writing, doing nothing:

Thinking, dreaming, on whimsy ideas floating.

Deep breathing, out of the window gazing, 

Finding even the BMC election rhetoric amusing.

Hours and hours of not talking, 

Not engaging, just being, just existing. 

There is so much to do,  so true, 

But even that guilt vanishes as if by some charm of voodoo. 

Acquainting with self all over again, 

Dreams,  desires,  goals, reinventing the whole damn train.

- Written on 13 February 2017.

- Self-explanatory. I have realised holidays do this to me. :) 

If I could just....

If I could just under the covers hide, 

If I could just let all my ambitions, dreams, slide, 

If I could just let the days move in and out, 

If I could just let others's expectations rout, 

If I could just stop feeling, 

If I could nothing be craving, 

If I could just lie retreating, 

If I could just in my own world be living,

If I could slowly cease thinking, cease existing.

- Written on 11 Feb 2017

- Self-explanatory. 

Happy 2017!

Well,  well,  well! 

2016,  farewell! 

The end of an era of hope

That bigotry won't on humanity foreclose. 

But the Brexit heralded the trend 

Trump's win just brought home the end. 

Deaths littered the year's tidings:

Castro died: a paradox of autocracy and establishment resisting,

The iconic Jayalalitha breathed her last, 

Leaving a legacy of progress for the most part. 

But let's not focus on what went wrong, 

The flaws are many and we have wept long,

This year had its share of triumphs and joys

Just enough to serve as buoys. 

Hillary may have lost, but the Indian women shone

Sindhu, Sakshi, Dipa, Aditi, all brought medals and glory home. 

Sports has given us much to cheer,

Kabbaddi, Hockey, Cricket, Football, Paes all brought us delight sheer. 

Demonetisation angst is heard all over, true, 

But that Indians know to stand in line in India it proved. 

Amazing the numbers of the starving, the helpless and the newly jobless 

Accepting hardships peacefully in the quest for promised progress. 

Air pollution maybe galore, 

Industries and cars increase ever more.

But the Paris Climate Agreement was signed

India and China are leading this fight. 

Last year Tamil Nadu drowned in a torrential deluge, 

This year they battled Cyclone Vardah and gave hope a refuge, 

Sikkim became the first Indian fully organic state, 

Digitisation, a youth filled country may bring on a laurels spate. 

Here's wishing all a Happy 2017! 

May it see a reign of wisdom, peace and prosperity. 

- Written on 31 December 2016.

- Self-explanatory.

I just could not include the many things I wished to such as Sehwag's witticisms on Twitter discovered and many more. But it was just getting too long.  

Thought

[15/11 10:09 pm] Anusha Ramanathan: 

A thought is air 

Enclosed in mustiness it would despair, 

Left free to roam, it would wonderfully fare. 

It might become polluted, but its essence retain, 

It might be wrong,  but it could retrain, 

Protection, limitation, it would disdain.  

A thought released is boundless

Once shared it becomes creatorless, 

It then finds its true purpose.

[15/11 10:09 pm] Anusha Ramanathan: 👆🏻in short,  I think you should publish more and more.

[15/11 10:20 pm] ‪+91 8.... 3:
The thought
That u say
Wraps us all
In clouds and in plastic
The thought that u say
We breathe in
And surfaces
Unknowingly

[15/11 10:25 pm] Anusha Ramanathan:
The power of thought is that it so sparkles,
That it lights a million more miracles,
It breaks through plastic,  escapes barriers
It expresses itself and renews all of us.

- Written on 15 November 2016.

- Because I think someone should publish,  obviously.  Really talented person. Part of a WhatsApp conversation that I do not want to forget,  since part of this also applies to me in my opinion. Need a reminder.

Happy Diwali 2016

Commemorate! There is light! 

Happiness glows bright!

Shops tempt,  lure with discounts, 

New and shiny everywhere abounds.

Sweets and savouries,  the foodies delight, 

Crackers,  holidays, the children's world make right.

Family and friends, colleagues and neighbours, 

So many, many get-togethers.

The time to remind ourselves comes again, 

No matter what despair,  hope does us sustain.

No matter what ignorance,  wisdom will prevail

No matter the darkness,  light remains our Holy Grail.

Eat,  rest,  rejoice, rejuvenate, 

Diwali is here,  CELEBRATE!

Happy Diwali 2016!!!

Be Safe. Be Happy. 

Always, Always,  Blessed Be.

- Written on 29 October 2016.

- My annual spam.  A friend said I was lucky to have him as a friend since he did not torture me with purported poetry. :)  So this is also dedicated to all my tolerant friends and family.  :P.  

Sorry Folks! Some of you chose me and some had no choice, but either way, you have the choice of not reading my message - the Happy Diwali 2016 title of Email/WhatsApp should have warned you :P

Touchdown

Touchdown: the jet
A holiday begun,  long awaited.

Touchdown: cold
Does it ever let go off its hold?

Touchdown: a dhabha lunch
The company making it truly awesome.

Touchdown: the sisters's meet
Generosity, mirth, moments sparkling sweet.

Touchdown: the sun rays
Wow! A free day awaits!!

Touchdown: the sleep-foregoing decision
In a walking tour confirmed participation.

Touchdown: the idol makers' finishing touches
The power,  the purity, the history,  each punches.

Touchdown: a lunch sumptuous
The agreement to a movie miraculous.

Touchdown: memories and advice
The overarching love and concern the highlight.

Touchdown: a visit with more of the family
The bonding with gen next a prize victory.

Touchdown: dinner and a movie
But again the attraction is the company.

Touchdown: a late night walk
The real merriment was in the talk.

Touchdown: a lazy breakfast
A shopping expedition for the mukham cast.

Touchdown: a lunch with accouterments,
Chatting on topics sundry the bond strengthens.

Touchdown: sleepy conversations still
To agree to disagree overriding all past ill.

Touchdown: a hurried trip saying bye
The MIA panic reared underscoring the tie.

Touchdown: waking up to go back
Keenly felt time's lack.

Touchdown: the flight on homeground
The memories though warm one as they abound.

- Written on 03 October 2016.
- A trip to Kolkata. The people concerned will know all I referred to and my eagerness to repeat the experience.

Torn

Torn between right and right

How does one decide 

Which side the balance tilts

When both employ reason's guilds?

When the head listens but cannot be swayed

But the other's points it does not upbraid, 

Two opinions: one more agreeable,

But the other also credible. 

One's hurt felt deep, 

Another's priniciples pay a price steep, 

Both leave the other be, 

Concern for each other decree. 

Yet a difference on some turns of tide, 

Can/Should they be really brushed aside? 

Is it ok to neglect 01 pain or the other forsake? 

Why should such decisions have to be made? 

Oh! Sometimes family causes such turbulent times, 

Even as Unity it resoundingly chimes, 

Yes, the two poles graciously yield, 

Let one retire from the field. 

Yet one feels a sense of gloom

A shame that not more one could do, 

Not a choice, perhaps,  but a clear way

To have peace and happiness and unity reign. 

Torn between the right and right

It becomes a question of who one sides:

Whose shoes fit better though both are tried? 

Or who would be stronger when the tears are dried? 

- Written on 12 October 2016.

- Sometimes loving guarantees quandries. And while no one pressurises,  one feels guilt for doing nothing and for not doing anything.  And yes, there is a difference in the two :( 

Thank You, Cousin-friends

Friday evening the excitement was sky high,  
In the Amtrak, I saw wonderful scenes whiz by, 
But more I looked forward to the hugs awaiting me home, 
A long time in the coming, this visit so rejuvenating, 
The smiles of welcome, the breeze shooting, 
The smells and taste of pav bhaji, 
The more delicious conversing,  
The sibling teasing witnessing, 
The cozy relaxing, 
The late morning awakening, 
The tea in the mug, I'd never thought I would do,
The dances, the walk, the phone call, so much to look back to, 
The lunch, the evening carnival outing, 
The suitcase and swimsuit!, the swimsuit! buying!
The Hibachi dinner, the fire, the chef's verve, 
Poor unwell M..v, but then the reviving  icecream scoop, 
The beach and pizza the next day, 
My conventional attitudes fell to your rational say, 
The cold water, the warm summer rays, 
The ball game, the swing, the ice-cream again, 
The drive through town, the library's riches, 
The grilled dinner, the movie, serial, fulfilling all my wishes,
The care with milk and sugar for my tea,
The non existent parade, the American Diner Coffee, 
The Chole Bature, the fun kid games, the story weaver, 
The pizza, the sheer lazy day, the beauty of nature, 
The next day a gossip session, but more the warmth of cousins, friends, 
So many mementos, each moment a treasure, 
Of beautiful memories of overwhelming pleasure.

- Wtitten on 1 June 2016.

-Sometimes when I am feeling low,  I need a reminder, 

That I am blessed with much, family and friends who make my life so much better, 

I get this all without doing anything, 

It make life worth 'truly living'. 

Thank YOU,  cousin-friends :) 

Thank you, Friend

[28/05 5:14 am] Anusha Ramanathan: 

Oh what fun I had with the 4 of you, 

The banter, the chatter, the caringly carefree attitude, 

The fact that you waited an hour and more, 

As immigration processed frustratingly slow, 

The fact that you drove out at all, 

The fact that you took time to become my shop girl on call, 

The fact that you made rotis at 12,

That Sudarshan waited past sleep time to welcome and help, 

The fact that my lazy morning breakfast was work you brushed past, 

The fact that whatever I wished for, I immediately got, 

The tea, awesome, the ice cream welcome, 

The magic of the washer-drier I cannot yet overcome, 

The playground interior so amazing, 

The Amazon and Apple stories, the many moments of laughing, 

The kids' puzzles, the effort they made, 

The shyness they quickly overcame, 

The cuddles they gave, the warmth still lingers, 

The "bumpy" road ride, the "car wash" criers, 

The memories jump at me one after another, 

The awesomeness of your friendship: what a wonderful treasure!

Thank You!

- Written on 28 May 2016. 

- This was a WhatsApp message I'd written to my friend.  I am posting it here because I do not want to lose track of the truth it contains as to how very, very much my friends enrich my life even as I do nothing and how very,  very,  very blessed I am indeed.  

Thank YOU,  S. 

My Feel Safe Bed and Home

Recently I read an article forwarded,

It spoke of a safe space that comforted.

It articulated all that I’ve ever felt,

About protection from the hand life dealt.

My home is not always comfortable,

Quite a bit about it, in it, is undesirable.  

But be what may,  it helps me keep sane,

Through all my turmoils I cling to this safety chain.

At the end of a hard day or even at its beginning,

I want to be home doing something or nothing.  

I want to stay in bed and read or surf,

I even enjoy cleaning windows and such in my ‘turf’.

I can escape to dreamland,  think,  create,

If only I feel safe.  

I can cry,  more than laugh, without shame,

I can my thoughts truly liberate.

I can with friends feel connected,  

A theatre,  a cafe make us conscious,  feel disbanded.  

I can relate to another without society’s persuasion,

I find I need space as much as time to determine my opinion.

Don’t get me wrong,  society always persists,

Even in my sacred space it insidiously exists.  

But it seems easier at home to accept views contrary

To what was taught and what I’d thought, and to query.

My bed is ship, I the captain,

Guiding it to an yet unknown destination.

A destination of hope and happiness

Of prosperity,  of safety,  of oneness.

But can I convert the skills I seem to learn,

To make the world a better one,

To share,  to work, to change the world and me,

To converge and expand,  such that the outside as the inside, my home be?

Dreams I weave sitting on my bed,  

I get up,  dizzy,  but resolutely shed

My cocoon and march to greet on this day ahead,

This world I care so much about and the one I dread.

I know not what good I can do,

I know not if I will achieve what I set to,  

But I am inspired, I will try till I tire,

Then to this home and bed I will retire.

To regain energy and passion,

To indulge in calm reflection,

To rejuvenate to envision,

To emerge again with resolution.  

- Written on 18 August 2016.

- The article I refer to  

http://www.domain.com.au/advice/21-signs-your-home-is-your-best-friend-20160708-gq0r4d/ 

No. 15 is so me,  me,  me,  me.  :) 

Cousins' Company

Commiserations at boring family functions, 

Plotting to escape the elders' benevolent maledictions,

Friends despite unfair adult comparisons, 

The one better teased in unison, 

No space for gloating, but still praise aplenty, 

The 'weakest' even with the 'best': the Cousins' Company.

- Written on 3 May 2016. 

- In response to a cousin's post on a group about the beauty of cousins. 

India's political inventory

The need to change names, 
To reestablish identities dead and decayed. 
The need to assert, these are our Gods, even in cities swank, 
Just to reassure the Khap Panchayat type vote bank!
The need to glorify mythical history, 
To divert attention from current tragedy. 
The pathos to bathos trajectory, 
Is India's political inventory. 

- Written on 22 April 2016. 

- In response to Gurgaon becoming Gurugram to commemorate Dronacharya nearabout Dr Ambedkar's birth anniversary. 

Read:http://scroll.in/article/806918/ambedkar-vs-dronacharya-why-gurugram-is-just-the-rss-showing-whos-the-boss

Panic Manic

Lost. Drowning.

That panicked feeling.

Again strikes.

Chides. Derides.

I want to be fearless.

Of obstacles dauntless.

But I foresee a fall

Free. Deep. I am appalled.

I know. I believe.

I can overcome any tragedy.

But I still feel choked.

I still have no faith in hope.

A curse: This panic.

Makes me manic.

I feel so frantic

Beating myself with my hopeless stick.

- Written on 19 April 2016.

- Self-explanatory. Most times I choke, never my true fear do I know.

The Savan Durga Trek

We could still see the moon high in the western sky, 

When got into the bus in spirits high,

We were gonna climb a hill, 

We were gonna tire and persevere still. 

And 'we did and how' was the triumphant cry, 

Arthritis and vertigo were bid good bye, 

Up and up on cactus laden path, 

Up the boulders, we climbed, we crawled.

Some reached the heights of beauty, 

Sat on a fort wall thinking deeply, 

Some gave up half way so graciously, 

Half trek, our bit, done, they shrugged unapologetically. 

By 10 we were down getting  group-selfies, 

But what I cherish most are the memories, 

Of holding hands, of helping, encouraging, 

Of sharing, posing, independence enabling.

Back in the bus rejoicing, 

Working, yes, hushed talking,

Of curtains pulling, sleeping,

Of smiling, quietly team building. 

Clicking. CLIxing. :)

- Written on 25 Feb 2016. Posted today :) 

- An observation from a hill trek @Savan Durga with friends and colleagues. 

Death - 2 poems

Sometimes death is welcome,

Pain, intense, makes death seem wholesome. 

Then someone dies, as anticipated, 

We don't rejoice, but the relief is celebrated. 

Yet there is an underlying sorrow, 

It is the past that saddens, not morrow. 

The moments that could have been glorious,  

The bonds that could have been more joyous. 

The times when one turned the other way, 

The past that taught, that shaped, our today. 

Now no more a chance for a fresh beginning, for understanding, 

There was no desire sharp, but now there will be no reckoning. 

All paths ended, death holds its sway,
And one reflects what should now change.

- 25 March 2016
- It has been haunting me. Death.
I do not fear it.
But there is a sense of loss, nevertheless.
An uncle died on 7 March
From pain, suffering, a release gained.
Another had died weeks before
I saw my father lose his starch.
It strikes home, it does, no matter how stalwart,
The departed leave on a new quest,
Even as we begin to find new meaning
A new direction as we walk on a slightly different path.
New reflections, new insights,
Old wine, new bottle, perhaps,
But still the thought haunts,
'What if' resonates, and I wonder what I ought.
Words of comfort, I have none to give,
Death is release, I firmly believe.
But a loss is a loss, even in troubled loves,
Years of togetherness forge strong bonds.
I do not know what to say, to feel even,
Is it life I fear and death welcome?

Happy New Year! Welcome 2016! GOODBYE 2015 :)

Happy New Year! 

Wish you all the very best in 2016! 

Now if you are ready for my annual spam, read ahead :) 

DISCLAIMER: Only PART of all that I wanted to include, but is still as long as usual. 

What a year you were 2015!
Your Tagline: See Silver in Tragedy.
Did we laugh or did we cry?
Oh! I can just see that smile wry.   

Be it the Charlie Hebdo attack or the ISIS bombing,
The world united and vowed terrorism's ending.
The Nepal earthquake, the Chennai flooding,
The Haj stampede, the racial killings,
Through all these we gained courage; we kept faith,
Because people helped each other with mercy and grace. 

Yes, the Syrian crisis showed us again
How very indifferent we can be to another's pain.
How insular, insecure, some of us are,
How ignorance still thrives in the educated's heart.
Yet, Greece still is part of the Euro,
And Germany and Canada taught us to keep open the door. 

Free: a killer lawyer, Salman Khan, a juvenile rapist,
Ban: beef, alcohol, meat, curses in films -whatever is wrong to the neo-fascist.
Reign: India as home to the largest number of the world's hungry
Reach: The PM's focus on global tours and free basics and only the industry.
Create: Furore for things best ignored such as Aamir's statements or the AIB Roast
Ignore: Lack of basic amenities, corruption, that the environment is toast.
Reap: Floods, starvation, home grown terrorists, suicides in millions
Weep: This is not India, the aspiration and positivity of more than a billion. 

Yet, there is much to rejoice,
Indeed, we are spoilt for choice.
Grand old Leander Paes now holds the record for tennis titles,
Young Wrestlers and Pankaj Advani and Mirza and Nehwal too won laurels.
Operation Maitri and Operation Rahat did us proud,
Kalam inspired us to work, to live, with passion, till wrapped in a shroud.
For COP21 we united, the BASIC worked for "common but differentiated responsibilities"
World over Indians and Indian Origins are shining with their many feats. 

We now have the world celebrate the Yoga Day,
And we have our very own Constitution Day.
Yes, the parliament is still not functioning,
Yes, the politicians are still pettily bickering,
Yes, there is much to change,
But Maggi is back, for now we celebrate. 

Take heart in the silver lining,
It keeps our spirits from flagging.
Take heart in generosity and courage,
That inflation and calamities we can face,
Take heart that the common folks continue to be
India and the world's triumph in the face of tragedy. 

Believe that this road is not the end of a journey,
Believe that the writing of the future is in our deeds.
Believe that age nor time nor circumstance can ever defeat,
Believe that we can accomplish any feat.
Believe that inclusion is better than judgemental exclusion
Believe that flowers can indeed win wars, not guns. 

2016 we approach wiser than before
2016 we will better by bringing our best to the fore.

Wish you all Health, Wealth and Success in your passions,
And above all Love, Happiness and Peace in abundance.

- 31 December 2015

- Generally I give references, but this time Google it, guys. I only referred to VERY famous incidents.

- And as a very perceptive reader (Thank you Aseet) pointed out, skipped Ghar Wapsi. 

- Actually I have skipped ODES more. 

Hope Life treats you WONDERFUL!

Yesterday, I met this girl again,
Well a woman now, some would exclaim,
An old friend, let's keep it at that,
A beautiful person across me sat.

She told me her story,
As usual with a smile merry,
But wait, on reflection, also a bit weary,
Testing waters, a bit wary.

How do I tell her I admire her so?
Her cheerful persona, her grit, and so very much more.
Assertive and helpful, giddy and insightful, stubborn and graceful,
All I can say is hope Life ever from now treats you Wonderful.

Blessed Be.
Love Always.

- 31 December 2015
- Met an old college friend after a long time. Just so admire her spirit. 

3 and half hours

There are deadlines and lectures
Rescheduling horrors.
There is the bone deep tiredness,
The utter lack of zest.
The need to lie down and just sleep:
All this will keep.

3 and a half hours of bliss
With friends felt like minutes.
A late lunch with so much to eat,
But the really fun part was the meet.
The talk, the pokes, the sometimes sad jokes,
A new member in the group, but we were the same folks.

The camaraderie, the thread of understanding,
Even as we stretched the line of reasoning.
The frustration, the anger, the pain: 

All erased. So much a gain.
So much of laughter and fun,
I can't wait for December 31.

Thank you guys. 

- 20 December 2015 

- Self-Explanatory.

Surprise

Surprise! The element of fun.

Surprise! It shows care for one. 

Surprise! Such a lot of planning. 

Surprise! Most pleasurable without a warning. 

Surprise! How does one respond? 

Surprise! Squealing is out, but grace nowhere to be found. 

Surprise! The thought more than the cake.

Surprise! The effort more than the banner made. 

Surprise! The gift of time. 

Surprise! This friend of mine. 

- 17 December 2015

- A friend (and a colleague) ambushed me with a surprise mini celebration at work with a banner and cake, et al. In the midst of multiple deadlines to meet, tempers fraying, and everyone low on energy and health, the thought and effort was heartwarming. And to think, I was trying to skip the whole exercise :) 

A contract to to kill a contractor

3 and half months gone, but work still undone,

Shoddy at best, torturously slow, what fun.

Pay the price for being nice

Is being understanding and patient always wise? 

Workers don't care, the supervisors are jokes,

But hold on, be quiet, don't shout, say the folks. 

When will we give up this stupid image?

That we are better people - this tag is our cage. 

Does it not behoove us to fight? 

Even when we are in the right? 

Damn it! I want to just kill

These damn worthless contractors who still dare present a bill. 

- 03 December 2015

- Self Explanatory

A Missed Opportunity?

Late. Always late. 

Never intentionally. It is just fate. 

A missed opportunity to lament afresh,

Again with success could not mesh. 

Lost again a golden chance

To progress in life - this cruel dance. 

Time is a venture, invest well,

Plan it, so that your coffers swell. 

Play, if it gains you, something on a CV,

Sing if it wins you good publicity, 

Dance, act, earn a degree

Only to get 'a better life' - is the decree. 

'Better'- do we even know what that is? 

Is it just another false myth? 

In times past better was being naked, 

Coating oneself with mud and being sated. 

In times now it is the tribal, the 'outlaw', the 'weirdo',

Unless, of course, we to an exotic spa go. 

Better. Time. Life. Progress. 

Perhaps being late is NOT a mess?

Does it make one question the validity

Of a choice denied. Its very desirability? 

Perhaps being late is a gift not curse

That turn not taken, that road was worse? 

Celebrate. Enjoy. This mad sanity. 

Life is chaos, why impose structurality? 

Dance. Sing. Shout. Revel. 

Let happiness in you dwell. 

The no opportunity is a lost one,

It just wasn't the road on which to turn. 

- 28 November 2015

- Dunno why. But it has been haunting me, this delay with my PhD, my projects, my dealines, life in general. The number of times I have had to say NO. The incapability I feel to handle anymore. Perhaps this is my answer to myself. 

A Response

Walk alone in the dead of the night, 

But soldier know you are not alone in this fight,

Fury let out, tears let spill, 

Know that love forgives any ill.

The Wasteland is vast you say,

All the more reason to celebrate,

Renew, Replenish, recreate at will,

There is joy to be found still.

- Written on 22 November 2015
- in response to a friend's poem

Empty Roads

The almost empty roads shimmer, 

As the sun rays turn the black to silver. 

The sound of the auto's motor, 

Breaks through the silence, the langour. 

You get off the auto bemoaning noise's sacrilege,

You walk to enjoy the silent, empty road - a rare privilege. 

The sun warms you, but more the solitude,

Warm, open spaces, building one's fortitude.

A silence that allows thoughts to be heard, 

To rethink if you are just following the herd. 

You actually just want to sit, to explore,

Appreciate your surroundings, your inner core. 

So rare this opportunity in this city,

I so appreciate the aftermath of Diwali. 

- Written on 12 November 2015. 

- Diwali was on 11 Nov this year. And I had morning lectures. A pity I had to rush so. 

Happy Diwali 2015!

Diwali - the festival of lights.
The reminder - Good prevails in all fights.
The message - eradicate ignorance.
The joy - sharing one's abundance.
The harmony - one hears in another's laughter.
The beauty - one sees free of creed, caste, religion or border.
The ability - to improve, to find, to make something better.
The celebration - unity with one's neighbour.
The reflection - of what was past, of the (hopefully) learnt lesson.
The hope - a better world we will make happen.
The new year - of bliss, of peace, of prosperity.
Deepavali - may its essence be realised for and by all humanity.

Happy Diwali 2015! 

- Written on 9 Nov 2015 by moi :) 

And this is what make my attempt at rhyme worthwhile - Thank YOU Ramesh Ramanath - Your poem is what is awesome. 

The Counterpoint - 

What's in a light, that never fades
What's in a fight, in which u never fail
What's in a world, if you know it all
What's in a joy, if its not ever one's call
What's harmony, if the note isn't bent
What's in beauty, if one not from other different
What's that able, which enchanted cain
What's celebration, where we unite only to gain
What's in a mirror, that reflects no you
What's in a hope, that's without a hue
What's is in a year, which never sees tear
What's Diwali, without dark dusk near
                        ,smog that doesn't clear
                       ,not greeting a dear
                       ,riding without fear ;-)
  ,saving some darkness yet for next year

  :-D 

- Written by Ramesh Ramnath - on 11 Nov 2015 (at least that is when it was sent to me) AWESOMENESS :) 

Net Unity (NET Harmony)

"I AM watching."

"NO. I was not dozing."

"NO. You did not hear me snoring."

"No. You cannot be channel switching." 

"Give me the remote." 

" The advertisements do not me bore." 

"The channel I switched on, is to remain on and LOUD."

"I can hear from the bathroom or kitchen when I have to move around."

"The TV is not working." 

"There must be a conspiracy against South Indians brewing."

"Why did you not to the cablewala go?"

"Tell him to get back my show."

The TV saga in my house. 

Perhaps, a version of this every family's grouse. 

In this 'wonderful scene of harmony and unity',

The only ones who adjust are kids accessing the net at speed. 

😜

- Written on 24 November 2015.

- Self- Explanatory. 

Kill. Still. Will.

Noise. Light. Burst. 

Ears. Eyes. Hurt. 

Burn. Smell. Smog. 

Crackers. Nose. Block.

Wind - Cease.

Land - Plead. 

Sky - Black

Water - Lack. 

100 cones - 1 rupee.

The TN Women's untold tragedy. 

Wet paper. Straighten. 

Apply paste. Roll. To 1000 hasten. 

Gun powder fill.

Children, dare not spill. 

Lungs, themselves, slowly kill. 

But, we want crackers still.

- 23 October 2014
- Stuck in traffic for almost 02 hours. Watching crackers light up the sky. A sky so dark, I can't see the stars, a haze so thick, my eyes weep, an air so dense, I can't breathe, a celebration I can only lament as I recall statistics of exploitation and pollution.

Shun Crackers. Will you India? Will you make me proud? 

Bliss

Nothing to do.

Nothing to prove.

Comforting silences, 

Interspersed with conversation slices:

A platter of topics ranging far and wide

From dreams to Syria to birds to weight and height. 

No company better I know to keep.

No one I can more share thoughts and feelings deep.

I have friends close and family too, 

He fulfills both roles and so ably too. 

Just spending a few hours brings solace. 

The world is forgotten no matter the place. 

I wish time would forget its pace, 

When we meet, it would not so race. 

Much mirth, self-deprecatory jokes, 

Comments galore, each the other pokes, 

With understanding and wit

Every word, action is lit. 

Maybe I don't contribute as much,

But I treasure each word, action, touch,

This camaderie, this bond, 

May it better in years beyond. 

A perfect day, another one, 

To give me strength when I am undone. 

A better gift nowhere to be found, 

Hope more such days always abound. 

- 6 October 2015

- Thank you Easwar. 

 

Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary

I have met you more through 

Family folklore, stories galore,

Most beautiful, most talented

Adored, gracious, cherished.

Even at age 10, could cook, make rangoli, 

Better, way better, than her, said your youngest Chithi.

Could sing, if you wished, professionally, 

Said Venkitachalam Athimber almost despairingly.

Would be obedient and affectionate and study so well,

Said all in the family with pride swell.

I brushed them aside as tall tales,

As creative as you were to be claimed. :)

And then came the twist in the tale,

And even earlier praise for you seemed to pale.

I came to admire you, yearn to interact, 

It all began with a letter, in fact.

I had heard hushed whispers and seen Appa cry,

But I did not know why. 

Then I saw your letter grand,

Coming home from school, I collected the letter blue, THE INLAND.

You had written of appreciating their love, of understanding their angst,

But your decision you would not even second glance. 

Your immediate family had mostly accepted, 

That was all you wanted and had expected. 

Time would tell that you had found a partner able,

That love would guide better than religion's cable

I heard then the story of your love marriage,

I admired you then as a heroine brave. 

I prayed that you prove the naysayers wrong and yourselves right,

And you did! Much to my delight. :)

I heard more folklore as years went by, 

Of your maturity, of in-laws understanding and of a partner, your superlative stand-by. 

What a transformation from the reviled to revelled, 

What determination, what passion, what greatness to forgive and forget.

You - yes, wonderful, so true. 

But Jijaji is equally to be commended too, 

Stood by you, grew with you,

Adapted, changed, as did you.

A relationship cannot be all give, no take,

A strong one requires both to reciprocate,

And you both have done so ably, so brilliantly,

An example of true love set so seemingly easily.

25 years strong a bond, 

May it last for many more years long,

May your happiness, your togetherness, grow leaps and bounds,

May each year bring you even more joy unfound.

-

Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary K and Jijaji!

Unwittingly perhaps, but you became a heroine in my eyes when I was in 6th Std, and Jijaji, by default, the hero :)

Your letter was a revelation of how to be graceful when standing firm, how to politely convey a refusal, how to be sensitive and sensible. I have not learned these lessons yet, but hope to some day.

You met your match and I am so glad this is a Happily Ever After story :)

May you both ever together stay happy.

I am so sorry to have missed the celebrations, but I hope there will be many more such occasions when I can participate in the jubilations.

- Written on 05 Oct 2015

- Self-Explanatory. 

So jaa, so jaa Munni rani..

Sleep," said Ammi. "No. Just 10 minutes more," pleaded Rashida. "NOW." Ammi was very strict. "Oh! Ok. Why did God make night time? Why must we sleep at night?" grumbled Rashida. Ammi smiled. "Do you really want to know?" "Yes, But tell it to me as a story please. A bed time story type," urged Rashida. "Well then," said Ammi, "lie down and I will tell you. Once upon a time there was a small girl. She worked very very hard. She studied a lot. She helped her mother. She played a lot. She helped her friends. She did so many things in a single day. After a while she started becoming sick. She would get fever every week. Her head would ache every day. Her eyes would water a lot. She could not see clearly. She could not do much then. Her parents were worried. Her firends were worried. You see, they all loved her a lot. So they took her to the doctor. The doctor was surprised. He asked her parents if she ate well. They said she ate very well. She would eat all the healthy food, not just snacks. Then he asked them, if she played enough. They said she played a lot. Her parents told the doctor how many things she did in a day. The doctor was confused. 'But when does she rest?' he asked. The parents said, "Well she sleeps for very few hours. She says she does not feel sleepy." "No. No. No. This will not do," said the doctor. "One must sleep for at least eight hours a day. Sleep makes our muscles strong as we rest. Sleep makes our memory better, so we are able to study more. Sleep helps our body stay healthy, our eyes see better, and our brain think faster. Even if you are not sleepy, you must lie down. Soon your body will learn to sleep. And one should sleep at night because just as the body feels hungry at lunch time, the body needs to sleep at night time." "Oh! We did not know that!" said the parents. "'Hmm, Ok, I will tell our government to teach parents to make their children sleep at night," said the doctor. "Really Ammi? Will I also become sick if I do not sleep?" asked Rashida. "'Yes. After some time. If you do not sleep. But you will sleep, right?" smiled Ammi. "'Yes. Yes. Every night," promised Rashida. (409 words)

- Written on 2 October 2015
- Well I wanted to write more, but restrained myself. Need to cut this short too, if it for children.

Immersion

Visarjan, let go says Ganesh, 

Limited not to an idol, says son of Mahesh. 

Unconditional love involves the mind and soul,

Obsession with matter is like a missed goal.

Yet we persist in building more idols, more temples,

In these we seek solace, as forget vedic principles,  

In your heart exists God, there is no need for symbol,

Taught Valmiki and Hanuman, but we build edifices still. 

We worship form not spirit, 

We aspire for wealth not merit, 

We grab if we don't receive, 

We pretend to give, but a bargain we conceive. 

Let go your cherished possessions, 

But we of even these display grand processions.

Let go, immerse, let go petty desires, 

But more show, more noise is all we aim for, we liars. 

- Written on 27 September 2015.

- Ananth Chaturdashi. More show, more glam, more noise, more pollution, and more plans for more grandeur, more waste for more years. I wonder where God is, how He figures in this mess. :(

Go go Dodo, go, no, though, go.

Purposeful purposelessness, 

Awaiting nothingness,

Mysterious, absurd, illuminating,

Mankind's existence without meaning. 

Waiting for Godot,

Go though, though go go,
Go. No. Though. Go. Though.

Dodo, go Dodo, no go go go

Dodo dodo. Godot. Go Dodo.

Godot. Godot. Go no go. Dodo.

Dodo go go. Godot. 

Gibberish? Indeed. 

But pay heed. 

In this is hidden essense of humanity, 

We await patiently for some unknown release.

Nirvana? Perhaps. Or an illusion maybe? 

We wait, we question aimlessly, we talk pointlessly, we exist unthinkingly. 

Useless? Weird? 

Ceaseless? Relentless? Absurd? 

Out of thin air we create conversations,

We argue, exuberantly, for fleeting passions. 

We know not our own contradictions,

This is Waiting for Godot's seemingly senseless sense.

- Written on 26 September 2015
- In response to a student's question on the meaning in Waiting for Godot. 

Hail Woman's Self Sufficiency

A son, a mother's aspiration,

Born of her perspiration. 

A protector, defender, 

Killed by a man: her partner. 

A wife's tears, her anguish,

Fuels a man's desperate wish,

To but find a way to amend,

His fatal blow to a child obedient. 

A search high and low

Yields again his wife's glow.

A wise elephant's head: well chosen

Life to Death, Death to Life: a cycle's completion. 

A loving father now to his wife's first born,

Giving way to a (supposed) new dawn,

A woman's creation: the first among equals,

Another matriarchal product crowns the 'Unparalleled'. 

Loved, cherished, his history dismissed,

Adored, revered, the woman's role diminished, 

Son of Shiva, indeed! Maha Ganapati!

But remember: born only to, for, by and of Parvati. 

- Written on 17 Sep 2015. 

- Ganesh Chathurthi today. Isn't it wonderful that we legitimise Ganesh, and also Yudhishtir, Bhim, Arjun, et al, but do not accept a contemporary woman's solo choices - be they children or careers or whatever?
- Isn't it even more paradoxical that we have to take bath to worship a God created entirely of a woman's sweat and grime? 

Happy Teacher's Day

Great teachers guide, they help us thrive,
Great ones make us for knowledge strive,
They ignite in us a curiosity,
That ever makes us improve our ability.

Life long lessons they impart,
That stay with us, comfort us, aid us long after we part.
No wonder more than Gods, even parents, them we revere,
Truly they are in service without a peer.

Thank you for being a great teacher and for enriching my  life.

Happy Teacher's Day to all the teachers out there. The great ones and the ones striving to be great :)

- Written on 05 September 2015.
- Self-explanatory.

Emulate Ganesha, Not Merely Decorate

Graceful, decorated, seeming lonely,
Worthless, since these are for now empty.
But soon they too will be cherished,
When Gods in them are seated and worshipped.

Ah! The madness of this society,
Revere a deity known for simplicity,
And waste in abundance, with a kind of greed,
Even as we pretend to follow His creed.

We, His 'bhakts' destroy nature,
As more and more idols we for 10 days treasure,
Then pollute precious water,
That our sins be washed away hereafter.

No idol He worshipped, 'quick-fix solution' mark His every deed,
Yet with elaborate rituals He is ferried,
Ganesh Chathurthi arrives soon,
I wonder how He allows this doom.

Do I believe in God? - sometimes I wonder.
If this mayhem Gods allow, then what their power?
Maybe we should just look within,
And to follow Ganesha's principles now begin.

Not an idol, but His theology,
Not frenzy, but His rationality,
Not grandeur, but His chasteness,
Not loud insistence, but His quiet persistence...

If we can but try to emulate,
His principles, rather than the ornate,
Perhaps it would be a true tribute,
To the One, we all salute.

- Written on 02 September 2015
- I am already tired of seeing the decorations and the set ups. Can Ganesh Chathurthi be over already, please?

Our Strengths

Dreams, surreal, technicolor. 

Fears that rob even pallor. 

Hope that better things await the next bend.

Desperation that this might well be the end. 

Each day we panic ourselves into anxiety.

Each day we learn anew our strengths - our friends - our reality.

- Written on 04 July 2015

- just

Comments on The Indian Education System

[00:18, 31/05/2015] Anusha Ramanathan: Ok these are mine: 

Indian Education System: 

Where students learn how NOT to be prepared for the real world. 

Where teachers are taught the new Cs by their students:  Carelessness, Cheating, and Corruption. 

Where technology is used to instil rote learning and innovation involves invoking old systems.

Where students and teachers collude to pretend learning occurs even as they collide with the real world. 

Where people carp about crap. 

Where Modern Indian History still stops with Gandhi's death and the succeeding 60+ years never occurred. 

Where Science still follows the Chatur pattern and the Ranchos have to set up alternative schools that may never be formally recognised.

[00:37, 31/05/2015] Anusha Ramanathan: Indian Education System: 

The new money making machine.

The wake we should be having, but do not perceive.  

Donations are used to buy seats.

Caste to reserve these. 

Influence to intimidate

But we do not ruminate. 

The ruin of education, 

Pointless aspiration, 

No sight of resolution, 

But all hail Indian education.

[00:48, 31/05/2015] Anusha Ramanathan: Indian Labour System - 

In India an average worker is expected to put in 40 hours of work a week. 

A child in the Indian Education system typically spends about 35 hours in school per week. Then has tuitions amounting to an equivalent number of hours. Then has to do some extra curricular activities and maybe train for those too. And complete the Homework assigned by each teacher of the above regimes (school, tuitions, extra curricular classes). 

The counting is left to you. But I think the ILO should be looking into this exploitation, don't you?

[00:57, 31/05/2015] Anusha Ramanathan: India's Population Control Programme: 

We have one of the highest, if not the highest, suicide rate in the world for suicides in the 15-19 age group. 

Common cause family problems. Dig deeper. Cause performance pressure. Dig even deeper and find a poor education system that ill-equips students with either skill or strategy or strength to cope with life. 

Well, anyway we have too many people on this piece of land anyway! 

- Written on 31 May 2015

- A niece asked me for some jokes on the Indian Education System and the rest followed :) Blame her, do.