Friday 15 March 2024

Myriad Colours of Womanhood











Role of  the fair sex changing 

transforming so fast, before you realize it 

from being the pivot for success 

of every man, child , she now has

to pay attention, devote time 

for  her own personal success as well! 


A multitasker unparalleled , she

deals with the challenge on daily basis 

of connecting the many dots 

of satisfying the demands of being

mother, wife, an employee, daughter to parents 

dealing with various moods like 

sense of fulfillment, one moment

to a 'thankless job' at other times... 


Realizing and acknowledging the impossibility 

of  'perfection' in each role, each time, every time 

is the way forward for a peaceful, meaningful life 


Moving away from being the chronic  'People pleaser '  

to one having time for 'self love' & 'self care' as well!  


NB: The poem was composed for the Seniors Today poetry meet on 15th March 2024.  




Wednesday 13 March 2024

Heartbeat

 









This poem was composed on the call given  for a short poem (with  restrictions on no: of lines), by a Facebook literary group in February 2024 during the week leading to 'Valentines Day' 

How can your beat, be my heartbeat

When trapped in the form of a physical body?

It's only a  myth perpetuated by popular cinema 


“Beats for you, for life” only an oft repeated,  reiterated lie 

 On special occasions like the valentine’s day

With time, the declarations mouthed ‘mechanically’

Even as they lack depth, sincerity from inside.... 


 True, , when no longer restricted by physical forms

Entire macrocosm beats as one, a single universal beat 


But then, there’s no longer ‘You’, ‘me’ or ‘them’  

Just a single heartbeat of the universe 

Encompassing all there is....

Thursday 7 March 2024

Four Values that matter to me

 








I participated in the daily writing challenge of Blogchatter wherein I used the opportunity to write for a future book. However, on a couple of days,  I wrote on the prompts suggested . This is one of them.


Presently, we live in a period referred to as ‘Kaliyuga’ which according to the Hindu scriptures is the last of the four yugas (cyclic time spans). During this period values take a beating and reaches its lowest ebb marked by conflict and sin. A fresh cycle of a new Mahayuga then starts with the arrival of Satyuga wherein dharma, truth, honesty and other values are reestablished.

It is no wonder then that in our country and all over the world there has been a decline in righteousness as also in the practice and upholding of values. There is so much of greed in society with everyone seemingly asking “What is in it for me?” . The aim is to get what you want any which way, even at the expense and damage to others. Cases of fence eating the crop is on the rise with the younger generation not having good role models to emulate.

At this stage of our discussion, I feel it apt to disclose the first of the key values that is important or matter to me. (1) Authenticity: I value the quality of "words matching one's actions"- Practicing what you preach. Let us take the case of an executive who frequently speaks about punctuality but is himself late most of the time. Mismatch happens when you praise the importance of teamwork but reward individual brilliance even when the person is known to sabotage teamworking.

(2) Happiness: It is an important value to be pursued so long as you do not infringe on the rights or happiness of others. Many people do not do the things that make them happy because their spouse does not like it or the job is too demanding. As for example 'Hiking' or 'travelling' may be the activity that gives you a lot of happiness but you have not engaged in it in for ages since bachelor days because spouse doesn't like it. For others it could be 'Dancing' or 'Singing' that they have given up due to external pressures or commitments.

(3) Balance : A balance in what ever one does is an important value for me. Let us take the example of the various roles we may play in life. We are employees at a company while at the same time a spouse/parent/ friend/sibling/ Son or daughter. Doing very well in any one area at the expense of all other areas cannot be termed "Success". We have heard of workaholics who are hardly available to their families. On the other hand, a politician blinded by the 'Love' for his offspring focuses not on serving the society that reposed trust in him but on the interests of his family and resorting to corrupt practices cannot in the long run be held a 'Success'. A balance between work and play and taking adequate care of your physical, mental, social and spiritual self is an important value for me.

(4) Humility: I tend to be put off by people who are boastful by nature. 'Dropping names' frequently of one's proximity to "who's who' is to me equally abhorrent behaviour. I have always felt that no matter how high your achievements, your head should be "on your shoulders" and legs firmly on the ground. Children learn from their parents and citizens from their leaders at work or in public service. Sadly, we have poor role models today. Humility was highly valued in Indian ethos and society. Self - aggrandizement seems to be the norm these days. What once repulsed people, is now applauded and glorified as 'intelligent' behaviour. After all, we live in the Kaliyuga and mankind is destined to see even more terrible times before the new dawn.

Meanwhile, in order to survive in difficult times, readers are exhorted to hold tight to values that matter to them. It may be the only beacon of light in a world that is crumbling under its own weight of unethical ways.

Tuesday 5 March 2024

Price of Self- Actualization









This story is written, participating in the Storytellers Bloghop season 4 on the theme "Whispers of Womanhood: Fictional echoes of feminine stories" 

The reporter from “The Times” took leave and left Radhika’s flat. It was obvious whole through the interview,that the girl was in awe of Radhika- a lady who had lived life on her terms, pursued a corporate career of her choice, gave up husband when he appeared to be a stumbling block to achieving her level of ‘Self-actualization’. She had given up old friends who she felt were stuck in a time warp to find new ones. Naturally, the twenty something reporter was impressed. Radhika was just the person many would love to have as a role model.

After the girl had left, Radhika slumped into her favourite couch. A number of faces appeared before her in lightning speed and disappeared as instantly. There was her former husband, Ajay. He was speaking with a lot of emotion “If you had no intention to become a mother why did you marry? At least, you could have told me before hand your priorities before we married!”

“Ajay, ours was a love marriage. You loved me for myself and surely that was the only thing that mattered when we married. Now you are coming up with issues that infringe on my freedom. I also did not know my potential as a financial expert until much later. My career is cruising and I have a bright future in my company. it would be foolhardy to get tied up with motherhood at this time”

This was one of the many arguments Radhika had with Ajay. He was not happy with her frequent travels. When Ajay was transferred to another location over 2000 Kms away, her commitments at work did not allow her to move with him .

Another face that came up before her was that of her father Deepak who had always been supportive of their only child but was seemingly prudent when it came to counsel during important or crucial decisions. “Beti, you can’t have a family life operating from different cities;better you move to Delhi with Ajay and secure a good job in the capital” he had advised. But Radhika was not convinced. She was at a higher position in the corporate ladder and was earning a lot more than Ajay. “Why couldn’t he look for a job in Bangalore instead ?” she had argued.

However, it was her mother Subhadra who stood by her no matter what. “ I was the brightest kid in our family. Only because I was a girl, my parents did not support me for pursuing a career of my choice or realizing my full potential.” She had said. “Your father also did not encourage me beyond a point. You go ahead girl and do what you think is best for you. The sky is the limit for an intelligent and talented girl like you!”

So with the moral support of her mother and listening to her gut feeling, she embarked on the mission to "Be the best she can be". Radhika focused on her career. She agreed to Ajay’s request for divorce by mutual consent and was able to devote full time to her job. The results were for all to see. She saw a meteoric rise in career and became the Director of Finance at the age of 35. Highly acclaimed in professional circles, she was invited to many conferences and meets as the key note speaker or panelist.

In the meanwhile, both her parents had transitioned to the other world. Radhika lives alone with her pet Sonu and a devoted maid Ganga who takes care of the house and looks after the dog, taking him out for a walk in her absence. Ganga is happy most of the time. But sometimes she complains indirectly about being alone in the house for long hours with no one to talk to. "Didi, Sonu also misses you. These days, you are not taking him out for walks even during the weekend." Radhika would make amends for a while but would return to the fast pace of life, sooner than later.

Some would say that Radhika had paid a price for her freedom and huge success both in terms of personal and social life. Her close friends though marvel at her boldness and decisiveness. It is the natural law of life that “We win some and lose some”. Those who claim to "have it all" are pretenders or liars. “You cannot have an omelet without breaking an egg”, her best friend pointed out often and Radhika felt reassured.

Today at 45 years of age , there are times when Radhika asks herself the question, like when the reporter girl had just left home “ In my life journey so far, the price of a little compromise was worth paying for the big achievements, wasn’t it?”

Sometimes an emphatic ‘Yes’ came from inside of her. At other times, like on a lonely evening, she was not so sure.

NB: According to Abraham Maslow, American psychologist, self-actualization represents the highest level of psychological development, where individuals strive to realize their full potential, pursue personal growth, and achieve self-fulfillment.

⭐This story is a part of #Storytellersbloghop season 4, hosted by https://auraofthoughts.com/  and  https://mywordsmywisdom.com/    



Monday 26 February 2024

In Search of the True Beggar

On the request of the author. I translated this story originally written in Hindi by Ms Geeta Jha and included in the anthology of her stories titled "Bachpan Se Pachpan Tak". 












 Circumstances made a person poor, of low esteem, greedy, atheist, lazy and finally a beggar. He was not getting sufficient food at the place he was begging. Therefore, he decided to move to a better place and reached a city. As soon as he reached the city, he went to the first house in a street and started begging by calling out “ I am hungry. Please give me some food to fill my stomach, be it  chapati / roti, rice, anything to eat whether fresh or not!”

Everyone heard him, asked questions, discussed with friends about him but did not give him anything to eat. In spite of calling out in a loud voice for long time, he did not get anything from them. He thought to himself “Perhaps the people in this street do not have left over food. Therefore, today let me go and sit in front of the temple and fill my stomach.”

The next day the beggar noticed that his clothes were torn and parts of his body was naked. He went to another street to start begging for the day and started calling out “Oh brother give my hungry stomach something to eat and some clothes to cover my nakedness as I have nothing to wear!” But no one gave him either food or clothes. He therefore had to go once again to the temple to fill his stomach.

The third day he went to a drummer and requested him to give a drum for rent for one hour. The owner said “The price is two rupees whether you rent it for an hour or whole day” The beggar agreed and took the drum and went to the street he had entered the first time he came to the city. He started drumming on his drum and announced “Listen, listen! If anyone wants to become rich without any effort, have enough food to eat, lead a relaxed life, come with me! Only 100 slots are free! Permanent pension, no tension, no frustration, no qualification, just selection!”

On hearing this, people, in hundreds thronged to join the beggar and started walking with him. He moved to an open ground, got on top of a high platform and started giving a speech.

“I am a beggar. However, I find no difference between you and me. Three days back, I came to your city in search of food and clothes. But you did not give me anything. The fact that today you came here with me willingly proves that “you want everything easy without effort or doing any work, like me a beggar. You are driven by greed, selfishness and laziness!”

“I see that you are worse off than me . At least I had the honesty to admit I am a beggar. You are not even fit to be in any worthwhile group! As for me, I realize that poverty made me weak and disheartened. I ended up wanting to make a living without working. Now, no more! I will work for a living. I will no longer be lazy and remain a beggar.”

Learning: It is the carelessness and laziness of people that turn them into a beggar. Come out of it and become hard working.

Translated from Ms Geetha Jha's original story in Hindi by Rajeev Moothedath 

Monday 19 February 2024

75 th Republic Day Thoughts

 This short poem was written in response to call given by the Haven International on its FB page in connection with the Republic Day 2024.








As we celebrate  our nation's 75th Republic day 

Remember with love & gratitude, oh countrymen

The millions who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle 

Remember with pride & reverence, distinguished members

Of constituent assembly who shaped our constitution 

Pledge to fight and defend till last breath

the sovereignty of our nation ,  sacred  framework  of constitution! 

Tuesday 30 January 2024

Civilized Conversation, Harmonious Coexistence

 

It’s not as if we are asking for the moon

Something impossible, unheard of


 It used to happen, not very long ago…

 Why can’t the so called “Modern humans”

“Advanced”, “Digital savvy” humans

Listen, pay attention to views, different from their own

Without getting annoyed, angry, uncomfortable, irritated?

 

An earlier generation solved many issues

By willing to talk, listen, being open to divergent views

By being respectful, constructive and inclusive

 

Today, people shout down views of opponents

Plan rebuttals, even before hearing them fully

use sarcasm, derogatory language

 

Requests during debates to be nice

not interrupt, not be sceptical, avoid side conversations

and acknowledge insights from others

Fall on deaf ears of anchor, participants!

 

Going forward, restoring civilized behaviour, a must

For handling, sorting out disputes

Living harmoniously with fellow beings

 

Wake up oh self- centered humans!

Get back to the basics, your original nature

Re learn to live, let live and share

eco system with all beings

 the biotic- Plants, animals, organisms

as also the abiotic- Rocks, other such forms of existence!   


NB:  This poem has been included in the anthology of Chennai Poetry Circle 2023 "Efflorescence".