#DearZindagi

Dear Zindagi,

  How are you?

  Hope you are doing great!!

  I am fine,..umm what 'm I doing.. I am on my way to office(bit sleepy too),. ..ah ha!... m sure you know this(*wink*)

　

*Scene*

A women waiting in a room with her son, mother in law and brother in law ‘Arvind’.

'Arvind had proposed her to get married to her and she has said, ‘Yes’.

Her thought - How was ‘m I suppose to know that my ‘Soldier’ husband whom everyone said dead, is going to come back after 20 years’

The Room door opens and a man steps in

His thought – ‘Waw my family!  After 20  years I am meeting them. But ‘m I here to stay?’

Why am I narrating you this scene!!..Just wanted to prove that YOU are different for different people.

You, Zindagi, are a perception based on the circumstances.

　
So how do I evaluate you!!!

I love the colours you bring in this wonderful life.

Be it the dangerous ravishing RED the pleasant bubbly PINK; dark thick BLACK to light sky BLUE I love them all and I had experienced it too...

But I am here to Thank you for something which went without notice but created a memory in this encephalon

Velvet Blue Dress '94 –

That dress was a trendsetter. I don’t remember why it is a memory but I have always cherished it.

　

Lost Money '97 -

One day, when attending Bhartanatyam classes, I lost my monthly fee which was suppose to be given to my Guru. Yes, when I reached home, there was big ‘Thandav’. But I ‘m grateful for that as I value money after that.

　

Fantastic 4 ’99, '05, '12-

I can't explain this connection, but best of my times has always been with number '4'. This trend started way back when I was in my high school. We were 4 of us, inseperable teenagers, chatting everything from menstruation to superstition; then when I went to my graduation, I found another set of 3 unique people who were totally different from each other but gelled like a glue. This trend didn't stop even when I was working, I.e. on one of my project, ( coincidentally my 4th project) again I found another set of 3 'Gamatu(meaning Enjoy in Kannada) gang' to cycle my fantastic life.

　

1^st Crush ’03 -

Remember ‘Bend it like Beckham’ Zindagi!!, Thanks for Introducing Football in my life due to which I realised that I too have a heart which goes ‘dhak dhak’

　

Embarrassment ’07 -

We had to go through some medical check up before joining our company. They were doing all sort of tests and we never bothered to check the chart. Only when each of my female friends came out with their faces all ‘PINK’, did I get curious. Whomever I asked, I got  the same reply, 'Enter, then you will know'. When my turn came I realised, it was ECG and Breast check up. Our nurse was an old lady and I think you know how things would have gone from there.

Busy Bee ’13 -
Thank you for keeping me Busy. Being Busy is the most relax mood of Life.Its like Meditation; you don’t know anything other than being busy 

Zindagi Definition ’16 -
I love the way you elaborate me that you are just here to be cheerful. All though, it took me some time to realise.

‘Life is Perfect when we make it perfect. But the conclusion is It will never be perfect and the challenges which we go through to make it perfect is what defines Life. So Let us make Life Cheerful instead'

-Prathi

BTW.. Zindagi, Hope you liked my Sketch/s & Rangoli..

 “I am writing a letter to life for the #DearZindagiactivity at BlogAdda“.

Music, a game changer

Music is a game changer, do you believe so!!

It softens our body and keeps us at bay. Life without this rhythmic sound would not be so wonderful. 

I was first introduced to music through a small piano by my dad. It was during my early childhood and as an Indian, we always start with classical note, Saregama.... It is the soul of Indian music from which songs have been evolved from generation after generation.

Our India Films, however documentary it turns to be, a music is a must. From Songs to background chorus, Indian films without music is unimaginable. We even use lots of instruments, compare to anywhere in the world; flute being the oldest among them.

When I think of Music, I recall an incident which happened around 2009.This was when I was working for a reputed healthcare client. They are situated all around the world, but the client, which I had to  interact was from Budapest. We were working  individually to setup client request process which required lots of time and understanding. I used to stretch my work hours from 8 to 8 in order to complete the implementation process. There were also frequent changes which needed immediate attention. 

Seeing my stressful work & to ease myself, my co-client, from Budapest, sent me a music with a message. It read, "I am sending one of my favourite music which helps me calm myself on stressful days. Hope it helps you too."

It was very sweet gesture and of all the years, I have never met any client with such a good heart.

It was a simple music, mostly played while meditating called 'Buddha Bar VI - B-Tribe - Angelic Voices (Rebirth Remix)'. 

Here is its  youtube version

My second encounter was through the movie"Oh my God"

Have you all seen this remarkable movie, splendid isn't!!

It's an eye opener for people who doesn't know  to distinguish superstition and devotion.

The famous Flute music is one of my favourite. It's turned out to be my son's favourite song as well and he is just 10 months old. From the time he has started to recognize sound, I have been playing this tune. Now, whenever he hears it, he calms himself and has a smile in his face. Also the music has helped me a lot. Whenever I have a tough time handling my son, like crying, irritation or running around, I play this music. Just like a magnet which lures the iron, my son gets drawn to this music. 

It's a miracle music indeed. 

Here is the sample of my son's 1st favourite music-

   

Now coming back to my title,

A stressful day calm's down & a naughty boy gets captivated. It re vitals our mind and body and most of the wellness mantra has music as a medicine. 

So now tell me, Don't you think Music is a game changer!!

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can  apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

-Prathi

That Peppy Women

Twinkle khanna, daughter of Legendary Rakesh khanna & Dimple Kapadiya, wife of Action star Akhshay Kumar, mother of two; was a beautiful actress two decades ago. To be frank, I felt she was dull & boring. 

But, this perception took a U turn when I read Mrs funnybones.

Needs no introduction as she has been the creator behind Mrs funnybones. A funky peppy column in Sunday times with a remarkably good number of followers has now reached the bookshelf &, in no doubt, it is in my top 'must read' recommendation list of 2015.

Mrs funnybones, unlike her character's in movies, is peppy, hilarious & sporty. The book deals with just the normal chao's what an Indian women goes through; Handling diapers to Weight gain; Her mommy dear to Mummiji, Dominant 'man of the house' to Girl power which is expressed with brilliance and humour.

She addresses the inequality and highlights the girl power in a light hearted manner which can't be ignored.

An article on menstruations which goes for 2 pages makes us think," why do we hide our sanitary pad in secret places"

Her 'unzip' story tells the current fact of life, that people judge vulgarity by a woman and not by a man.

         The book is partial friction as Mrs funnybones is measurably more peppy compare to Twinkle, but the characters are familiar, her family. 'Man of the House' is dominant, Mummiji being possessive, Mommy dear more restless and the 'prodigal' son as she dictates. When we read the book, it's easier to depict as the characters are the celebrities from Bollywood.

My most funniest sections  -

1. Give a speech of inequality and come home only to hear from the man of the house - 'can you push that coffee table dear!!'
2. Ladies walking in the apartment staircase with a combination of Salwar & Sports Shoe; to impress celebrity hunk neighbour.
3. The Best one - In an aeroplane, when a baby poop's, a woman gets her perfume and sprays it inside the diaper.

While reading the book, don't miss the titbits present at the end of each chapter. It's really catchy and helpful too. You can read them even if you have not completed the entire book. PS : I seriously doubt, that there would be anyone who wouldn't finish the book, Blimey!!!

She chased the eye teaser with a coconut, has inherited a staff who thinks all big black mole guys are a villain and even has her own WhatsApp teaser which goes like 'Twinkle Twinkle, little star, I hope you get hit by a car!'

To end, she conveys, when we, a woman, have a family; & however great our professional life is, we always end up working for our dear great big family, as this roots us to be an "Indian".

I would like to correct my tittle " That peppy women who is so Indian"

PS- my tweet to Mrs funnybones.( excuse me for the improper image ).

@mrsfunnybones #ReadingTime #mrsfunnybones really hilarious.. esp this one ... pic.twitter.com/LvOEfek3I0

— Prathi (@Prathi_T) December 6, 2015

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can  apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.


 - Prathi

A Magical Grasp #LoveAndLaughter

Ours was an 'arrange' marriage, but 5 years down when I now turn back, I think it must be that spark which clicked when we met, which lured us together.

Yes, I am talking about my dearest husband. To brief out I would say that the phrase, "opposite attracts" just suits us.

If he is quite , I am talkative.
He has patience, whereas I am impulsive.
He can be messy, but I am the perfection freak and the list goes on...

Of all the opposites, our togetherness blossomed & If I recall, mainly, when we travel together to work.

This was someday of 2013...

Prad has both 2 wheeler & 4 wheeler but usually, was restraining to use our car as he was new to driving & as you are aware, Bengaluru doesn't support new drivers.

Nevertheless, one day when we were late and when our bike was not in a mood to start ( reason being that someone had cut the outlet and drained all the petrol; Prad calls him a thief whereas I call him a well wisher) we started travelling in our car.

This circumstance, then became a habit.

For the first few months both of us were very caution, with Prad creating a peculiar nail biting habit, whenever he had a tough time understanding the road. I was even advised not to disturb him while driving as it distracts him

After a few weeks, Prad started getting the hang of it but had not still reached 100%.

One day when we were driving on the roads of Katrigupe, we came to a halt in a steep road, due to traffic. Prad was quite comfortable, but as I was still getting the hang of his driving had this fear; "What if the car goes backward and hit any vehicle behind". I wanted to tell this concern of mine, but feared that if I say so, it might distract him and he may even lose his control. Confused between my inner fear and unable to express, I held my seat belt so tight thinking that my grasp will make the vehicle still.

My husband saw my unusual behaviour and asked me if I have any stomach ache. I frowned and didn't say a word until we were out of that steep road.

After explaining the reason, my husband (Now, me too..after thinking about it !!! ) had a good laugh, assured me that he was now in full control of the car and doesn't need my psychic support!!

This incident has been one of the funniest of the lot, but still doesn't embarrass me, might be as it has the mixture of love and laughter of our relationship

And It will always remain in me whenever we cross steep roads in future.


PS - I don't have my magical grasp snapshot, but do have my Prad's nail biting drive - Enjoy



This post is a part of #LoveAndLaughter activity at BlogAdda in association with Caratlane.

- Prathi

Not with his eyes but with his vision

Mr Srikanth Bolla, a 23 year old entrepreneur, CEO and owner of a 50crore company with 4 production plants branched out in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is born blind.

 

What was his drive!!

"Where's there a will, there is a way"

 

Srikanth Bolla ( Source - INK Talks)

 

Born to a poor agricultural family, Mr Srikanth, in Hyderabad had a tough life from the day he was born.

 

As a baby, his parents were advised to drop his blind boy to ditch. "He is a mere nuisance" was some of their suggestions. Only due to their continuous love and affection was he able to cross that innocent life.

 

His father realised that as a blind boy, he is not much help to him in his field. He took him to a school situated few miles away for 2 years. He walked these miles and sat in the last bench with no friends. Discouragement, Humiliation & Loneliness were the only thing he learnt and felt that his life is just a failure. When his father realised this, he decided Srikanth needed a special school.

 

There, Srikanth received the right amount of nourishment and raised himself with compassion and commitment. He completed his X by scoring 90+%,  but the struggle continued. When he went for college admission, he was told 'Science' was not for disabled students. You can opt for 'Arts' instead was their conclusion. He fought with them, with admission department, with government & even went to court. And after several hardships, he was permitted for Science department, but with a clause; 'on your own risk'.

 

With the help of his mentor and computing world, he was able to score 98% in his XII but again denied entry in IIT, BITs..

 

He did not go for similar struggle again, instead smartly applied to schools in the US. He went to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a scholarship) as the first international blind student in the school’s history.

 

His struggle was even more tougher, but he survived. After he completed his Bachelor's he decided that he need to come back to help others who are like him.

 

With the help of his mentor, Swarnalatha he started an educational ground; schools and colleges for disabled. He became a mentor for many. When he questioned himself whether education is enough, what about employment? He answered it by building Bollant.

 

Mr Srikanth Bolla's Bollant Industries,  an organisation that employs  disabled ( about 70%) and uneducated employees to manufacture Eco-friendly, disposable consumer packaging solutions, is a set aside example and inspirational for all.

 

Mr Srikanth's challenging life makes us question on humanity, gives new meaning for struggle and also inspires us that with utmost dedication anything can be achieved.

 

I aide goodbye, leaving you behind with 3 important lessons which Mr Srikanth has adhered from his life

“Show compassion and make people rich. Include people in your life and remove loneliness, and lastly, do something good; it will come back to you.”

Source - Youth Ki Awaaz

This blog post is written as a part of  a contest held by Indiblogger & Youth Ki Awaaz on #SpreadTheVibe, positive story that has inspired you in 2015

To get more details on this forum , please visit their website.
http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/

- Prathi

Peace begins with a smile #Colgate360GoldMornings

When we look back at the years, which has slipped away, it brings in all the sweet memories to our mind. But these years also tell us that we have crossed some key milestones & we are getting older year after year ...

I am in my early 30 with a new role, 'mother' & a heart stopping challenging career in which I am still struggling!

All this is prompting me to look back what I missed and sometimes, scares me of an unimaginable tomorrow.

 

It's a fact that we need to be prepared for; but is scare an answer? 

Of course not..

From the time I have known myself, I have always tried to follow a thumb rule, "tomorrow is an aspiring day"...

What we missed today, we can try it tomorrow. And in those tomorrow the most positive hours are the morning. These mornings are always clean, smart and as an engine which ignites when we start the key; it's that pleasant push  which when starts well, always ends well. I always believe that morning ray of light which falls on my bed makes me kick myself into my life however worst was my last dark night.

 

Golden Morning -

These simple good morning now has changed to golden morning due to my sweet son. He has been energetic ever since he was born & it only motivates me to be more and more active. Ever since his arrival, it has made me even more aspiring as its not only my husband's duty, but mine too in teaching & guiding him to become a good human being. Its a hard job indeed but when I see his innocent face, it gives in the power to complete it. 

Also, I can say utterly coincidence that his name is after the creator of morning i.e. Aditya.

 

Mantra on #Colgate360GoldMornings -

Major set back in this world is the missing of unconditional kindness. Hence, for a few of us, at times, as small as a smile can make a morning 'gold'.

We need to come half away by having a good heart, mutual respect and unbiased sacrifice. The other half is done by the golden toothbrush by Colgate called the 'Colgate 360 Charcoal Gold' which shines your teeth and make you look even more adoring. 

Another factor which relates to  #Colgate360GoldMornings is my blogging spirit. Ever since I have started working, its been a materialistic life. Blogging just makes life to be simple and relaxing. It also allows me to be kind and tender which unfortunately is not allowed in this real life. 

Hence my mantra, comparing the Gold standard of Colgate is to be kind and keeping smiling as "Peace begins with a smile"

 -Prathi



image source - Colgate page