THE FRAGRANCE OF FRIENDSHIP

Today I am very excited,because I am getting ready to leave for my best friends son's wedding,and it is the relationship we share,that makes this, a very special moment.I met his father,when he came to Pune,straight out of I.I.T,and joined his first job.I cannot remember how,or where we met,it must have been at our local Bengali club,or perhaps during Durga puja,but what does matter is that,even after 30 years,we are still enjoying a beautiful friendship,and enjoying each others company. As we moved on in life,he got married,and I was there to welcome his new wife. Then this boy was born,and I have been a part of his life, ever since.I remember when he was a little baby,his parents, who are very talented people,would put up programmes during Durga Puja,and all of us would take turns to baby sit . As he grew up,he loved to come over to spend the day with me,and between us,we enjoyed every moment of the day.And now, when he is on the verge of marriage, having chosen the girl himself,I feel very happy for him,and thrilled to be able to participate in this very special moment in his life.Its really a very thrilling experience,and I am as excited as a child with a new toy,or a favourite chocolate.In todays world, relationships are almost non-existent,and I know of children who toss out parents, without any qualms,who do not care for anybody,or anything,other then self,and cannot imagine lifting a finger for anyone,or anything. And here I am, merrily participating in my friend's sons wedding,helping out in whatever way required,and celebrating a dear,deep friendship."It is the relationships we build,and the way we culture,and nurture them,that sustain us,in our journey through life!"And I am thankful to God,for blessing me with this truly priceless gift, and giving me the ability to celebrate,and enjoy it to the hilt.

CRISIS CREATES COURAGE

Swine flu is a fear that is spreading all over the world,but right now,it has assumed epidemic proportions,specially here in Pune,where I live.There have been many deaths, more people are on the critical list,and fear has created hysteria everywhere. Life here has come to a grinding halt,schools,colleges,malls,multiplexes,shopping centres,all have been ordered to close down for the next ten days,and doctors have adviced people to stay at home,as much as possible.A huge modern city like Pune has been thrown completely out of gear,and one can feel the perplexity,anxiety,animosity,in everyone,everywhere. Whats going to happen,and how do we bring this to an end?But I always believe, that it is in times of crisis,that the real person inside emerges,and shows the inner capabilities that lie dormant,when life flows along,peacefully.I find I can devote more time to my writing,which gives me tremendous joy. I sit in my lovely terrace,enjoy the sunset,when the sky is bathed in gorgeous hues,and think about the many ways I can contribute, to create awareness, about this critical situation. I try to educate my maid,and the other poor people around,who do all our dirty work,and don't have any clue about hygiene,and what to do to combat swine flu.Any pending work is also attended to,and being forced to stay indoors, has opened doors, to other avenues of interest,which I may not have realised before this.Fear does not achieve anything,only weakens the mind,and hinders clear thinking.Its important to be careful,sensible,aware,and informed,and help others to handle this difficult situation.With all this,I am busily preparing for my best friend's son's wedding,writing poetry,and planning the sweets that I have to make. It is important to stand up,and face a tough situation with balance,and hope for concrete results,for it is hope that fuels the mind to continue,inspite of it all.

TIME CANNOT WAIT!

I've been dying to come to my blog,and write my thoughts, for everyone to enjoy,but, being busy with too many things, takes up all my time. My best friend's son is getting married,the son,and I, are also great friends, so I'm excitedly planning,and preparing, for the wedding. I've known them, from the time his father came to Pune,and joined his job.Then he got married, this boy was born,I've done a lot of baby-sitting,and he used to come over,to spend the day with me,when he was very small. So we go back a long way,and the relationship is a very loving,and special one.Naturally,everything about his wedding is extra special to me,and I want to be present during all the celebrations.The first of these, was a grand dinner at my home, called 'IBURO BHATH!'where we gather, to wish him all the best for his new journey, to felicitate,and congratulate him for his new role.And wow! what an evening it was!We had sooooo much fun, that no one even looked at the clock,and time just flew away. I had planned the evening very meticulously,and was thrilled to see it was such a thumping success. I think,when something is done with love,it reaches the peak of success,and is a very fulfilling experience. And it was!I was very happy. Now,there are a series of events ahead,and I am preparing for that. Innumerable things are going on in my personal life as well,but I take things as they come,and try to do my best. I believe that,"If God puts you in a situation,He will also see you through!" and thats how I live. But to Prantik(thats his name!) I say,"Take up your new role with love, devotion,and dedication,make the time for it,stop to look,listen,think,and always create lots of smiles.Love is the biggest motivator,and always leads to success.All the best! Enjoy!"