A Parent or A Friend ?

Off late, I keep getting this question in my mind, and I will be casting around to find out the actual answer. Once my 7-year-old son also asked me, Mumma - Are you my parent or are you, my friend? 

And I am sure like me among maximum parents must be joggling with the same kind of questions with their kids. Sometimes I feel modern lives and new-age parenting fundas have confused us about this question. But I am thankful for the age-old wisdom which has a hint to it. In old scriptures, it is simplified and contextualised for today's times, this would translate like this:- 

1. Till the child is of 5 years age, pamper them. Shower them with love, affection and attention. Because for the child, parental validation is the most important and helps to develop a strong sense of self-worth so be generous with your - love, time and attention (not things/gifts). 

2. Secondly, for the next 10 years - disciplined the child, reprimand them when necessary, lecture them if needed. Children will develop a value system, a norm of interaction with the outside world and social skills etc during these formative years. Play your role as a parent to a role model, guide and correct them as per the situation.   

3. When the child turns 16 years ( or maybe a little earlier for today's generation), be a friend. Trust your teenager. Let them make choices and take responsibility for them, consider their opinions, empower them to have a voice. And I bet you if you have done the first 15 years right, apart from a few teenage standards issues, you will have a responsible, sorted, caring adult in the making.

Today I see many parents, don't want their child to be average. But the actual definition is everyone can't be above average right. I see and feel few parents have serious FOMO and beyond school hours, classes exist for children to learn and get certificates in dance, speech and drama, skating, martial art, a team sport, a musical instrument, chess and what not. Thanks to COVID, kids have got some relief from the endless activities they are peddled to. 

But is this break a good thing? Many parents have a question on how many extracurricular/enrichment classes should my child go to if I want my child to be extraordinary/above average/achieve their potential?

I feel parents should not be over-scheduling their child's day. As per studies, it is said there is a HUGE VALUE in children dabbling and doing things at home without a specific outcome in mind. A class or activity happening 2-3 times a week is good enough. The rest of the time should be free for the child's post-school hours.

Now the biggest common line a parent complain - my child gets bored at home. I would say EXCELLENT! Boredom can enable creativity and problem-solving, by allowing kids minds to wander and daydream. I have seen Rishaan come out with beautiful paintings, sketches and amazing architecture modules when he is bored and has zero work to do. I just allow him to wander and enable him to think about what best he can do. And to my surprise 90% of the time, he creates or innovates new inventions and paintings. So next time tell your bored kid, you are so lucky, you have so much free time to get bored! Why don't you figure out what you want to do with this free time? I am dam sure your kid's mind starts thinking or innovating new things.

And at times what would you do if your child wants to off a day from the school?

Wouldn't it be lovely if your kids were always motivated and excited for their schools, classes and activities? To be fair with them they are eagerly are. But sometimes they may have an off day too. And it happens with us too right. We are not always firing our cylinders 24/7, 365 days a year. At times Rishaan gets up in between his homework once in a while and watch some extra 10 minutes of TV, upon his allotted given time. I just wink my eyes and say "tathastu". The smile on his face and the happiness in those eyes give me a great sense of pleasure. 

The bottom line is this:- The value of unstructured and free time and environment is grossly underestimated. Today, ask yourself - In the fear of missing out are you depriving your child? Your children come through you. They are the biggest life force, wanting to express themselves. Allow them and you can see them flying out with beautiful colours. 

Gurushakti - Dispeller of darkness.

Guru Purnima is an essential spiritual festival celebrated all over on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha. It is celebrated to express gratitude to our "Guru". "Gu" means darkness and "Ru" means the one who is capable of dispelling darkness is a "Guru", as described in - Advayataraka Upanishad. Guru Purnima is also called "Vyasa Purnima", which is dedicated to all the spiritual masters. And on this day it is commemorated as the birth anniversary of sage "Veda Vyasa". According to the Vishnu Purana, Guru Drona's son Aswatthama will become the next sage(Vyasa) and will divide the 4 Vedas in the 29th Maha Yuga of 7th Manvantara. 

As we all are celebrating Guru Purnima, let's thank the lineage of the master and may their blessings prevails everywhere. Those are the blessed one's who have a Guru in their life. It is an incomparable journey where the Guru leads you from invisible to visible, from material to divine, from ephemeral to eternal. A Guru helps to break through all the barriers and make us feel we are blessed. As you walk with the Guru, you walk in the light of existence, away from the darkness of ignorance. Gurushakti flows in their life. And one who has this divine energy, rest of the shakti's follow along with Gurushakti. You will be able to create things, maintain them and succeed at them.

I would like to put an insight into the energies which are predominant in playing those roles with us. These are our energies that help in succeeding in what we like to do in life. At times we are highly positive, happy, generous, full of energy. Rest other times we feel - dull, sad, moody, angry, jealous, greedy etc. We can't stay in the same behavioural pattern for a longer time. 

Now let's see how these patterns set up and how it works. Here comes the beautiful narration of the four Shakti/energies which is present in us and usually guide us or help us in completing our beautiful journey called - Life. To experience all these four Shakti one has to indulge in knowledge. 

The first and foremost Shakti/energy:-

1.Bhrama Shakti: - Bhrama is the creator. People who belong to this category are very creative. Like - artists, musicians, writers, composers etc. But very few sustain it for a longer time. Few keep changing their profession, as they dont stick to what they have created. 

Now let's see how the second shakti/energy helps us in sustaining/being regular:- 

2.  Vishnu Shakti:- People who are predominant with Vishnu shakti, continue doing what they have started or created. They do not stop. This means that person has both the Shakti in him/her. Brahma and Vishnu Shakti. But they may not be so popular. But they at least stick to what they do.

3. Shiv Shakti:- People with Shiv Shakti are the rulers/leaders. They may or may not create but they know how to take it forward and keep it going. Like:- leaders, CEO's, people who are in much high ranking and become successful and maintain a place for themselves. 

These are the three shakti's which helps us in playing a major role in one's life. But the jest is then when we have all these three shakti's in one person. Well, it can transpire only with the fourth shakti. And that shakti is - Gurushakti. One who is blessed with Gurushakti, all these rest of the shakti's follow that person. This narration is beautifully placed by the master - Gurudev (Sri Sri).

"Knowledge, movement, achievement and freedom - these are the 4 aspects that one gain by having a Guru in one's life".

And today is the day to be grateful towards whom you learn. On this auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, I bow to my master - you introduced me to myself and showed me the right way. In every halted situation you have got me aspiration and inspiration. With your grace and blessings, I have left behind all the riddle of my life and have moved towards the peak of experiences of my life. My light is rekindled by a spark from you. My deep gratitude to you for having lighted flame within me. Thank you for choosing us among the millions. 

Happy Guru Purnima Gurudev 😇🙏🏼

Celebrating - His Masterpiece

Feminism isn't making women strong.

Women are already strong. 

It's about changing the way the world 

perceives that strength. 

She is compassionate and wise. 

She is a seeker of truth and cares 

deeply about something bigger than herself.

She is a woman who asks for help

when she needs it or gives help when asked.

 She is a woman. She is a mother, 

daughter, wife, sister. 

She is a person. She is strong, 

smart and crafty. She is passionate,

 courageous, generous. 

She is a woman who has honestly 

explored her darkness and

 learn to celebrate her light.

She is a woman who knows her magic 

and a mysterious place inside her. 

She radiates light, she is magnetic. 

She cherishes beauty, light and love. 

She flows with life in effortless grace. 

She can heal with a look 

or a touch of her hand. 

She is a woman who takes responsibility 

for everything, she creates in her life. 

She turned her can't into can.

And her dreams into plans.

She is clothed in strength

and dignity and she

laughs without the fear of the future.

She is the most beautiful 

gorgeous creatures in the world,

no matter what size she is.

She accepts the war she went through

and is ennobled by her scars.

She gives you life.

She gives you respect, love, gratitude.

She believes in you.

She will nurture you, fight for you.

She deserves nothing less 

from you.

Every women's success should be 

an inspiration to another.

We're stronger when we

cheer each other.

Women will be, as girly as 

you pamper her.

As ladylike as you treat her.

As intelligent as you  

challenge her.

She is a woman who is totally 

supportive and giving.

She respects boundaries, hers 

and others. 

She is delightfully chaotic

a beautiful mess.

Loving her is a splendid adventure.

She is a woman, a masterpiece.

Celebrating herself in 

all the times.

A conversation to remember

It was a bright sunny afternoon on a weekend and I was deeply engrossed with my novel, suddenly my 7-year-old son peeped in, Mumma it's boring, I don't know what to do. Now I need to start giving work to my brain to keep Rishaan occupied. As we follow 1 hour screen time a day at home. Later the rest of the day he is either painting, studying, doing craft, building blocks, playing ludo with me or making architecture marvels, building huge houses, playing on wave boards, Cricket etc. He is fascinated by the huge house. Open cars, love to travel and to be with nature. At times I give him such interesting tasks to do he goes awestruck. For Eg:- I mix 5 types of dals on a plate and tell him to segregate all dals to their respective places and tell him to give names to those dals against them. He is busy for the next 1 hour, learning new dals and their names. Isn't it awesome, please try it out with your kids too who is bored and want something interesting. He has a great interest in astronomy and mythological stories. We buy him a lot of books on Space, Stories on Panchatantra, Encyclopedia of the universe, Tenali Rama, magical tales and whatnot. He loves books.

He always asks me what is above the universe. I tell him above the universe there is infinite, space. There is no end. He says why there is no end, if there is a beginning there should be an end too. He goes into deep thinking. I often see him and get amazed at what all keep running in his small mind. He enjoys doing yoga with his dad. And I must say he does a great job. I call him little yogi. He demonstrates with instructions and shows different variations in asana's to his yoga teacher too during his online school classes. The entire class applauses. He loves baking cakes along with me. Rishaan enjoys making papads over summer vacation. I indulge him in all possible ways and keep him active and happy.

So coming back to that afternoon, when Rishaan wanted to do something different. I got this wonderful idea which I felt was important for him and it's the right time to tell him. I sat with a notepad and a pen, he was seeing me with a confused look and asked Mumma again writing, I am not in the mood to read or write now. I said not all, we will play a game now. He sat with full excitement. I started putting lines and making columns, started writing. Gave names as hobbies, dreams, goals, start date, completion date. His eyes were widely open reading them all and asked me Mumma what is this. I said this is all you wanted to do once you grow up, which you keep discussing with me always. These are your Wishlist. 

Later I explained to him what is a wishlist all about. He wanted few examples of how it works. I gave him an example of online shopping. Amid pandemic, this is what is ruling currently. And kids have become tech-savvy now. I opened one of the online shopping apps and showed him my wishlist. He immediately answered these are few items which you want to buy in future. He got it right. And later he got the answer to his question which he had asked me. I didn't have to explain him. My little mastermind started working like a formula one car. He said Mumma I got you, these are my wishlist which I wanted to do once I grow up. And we both started working on it. 

We both had a long conversation on how to go about it. I started noting it down and he was explaining to me what he has to do to accomplish it. In the end, he told me Mumma I have so much to do, looking into my eyes. I saw a great sign of responsibility in his sparkling eyes. And I was happy to sow that seed in his mind at the right time, maybe he just 7 years old now. But I have always felt his vision is much higher than his age. So grab it when you get it. This is the age where we can mould them and start giving them a shape. As they grow there ambitions and goals might change, keep a track of them. I always give an example of Jijamata, to my son. She is one of my favourite role models. How she sow that seed of vision and mission into those tiny eyes while playing a game with her son, who later became a great warrior and strategist of India. Who laid the foundation of the great Maratha Empire, our Raje Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I feel so proud whenever I narrate stories of Shivba to Rishaan and he equally loves listening to them.

Every child is born with some special qualities we just have to catch them at the right time. Always keep motivating kids, spend as much time with them. Never judge them. Give them responsibilities, teach them the value of money. Let them learn how to lead a life with minimal commodities. I always feel nature is a great tool to get children to experience not just the wider world, but themselves. Restore balance. Most children have the technology, school and extracurricular activities covered. I feel it's time to add a pinch of adventure, a sprinkle of sunshine and a big handful of outdoor play. Kids grow best when they are with nature. Make them feel they are the most precious ones. Respect them. Earlier and more often, happier, healthier and brighter they become.

That evening at the end of the day, I had a great feeling of contentment. And yes, I will remember this beautiful conversation for the rest of my life. As a mother being with Rishaan, every day is new learning with a lot of new experiences. And his clear vision towards his life makes me feel amazed at times. I pray to God may you grow and turn into a beautiful human being and spread joy, love everywhere you go. We as parents and I your mom will never stop giving 100% to you. 

Now tell me, friends, how do you spend your time with your kids. And remember to make your child's every day a memorable one. So that once they grow let them have a whole book of stories and memories about their childhood to share with their loved ones. Like I try to make one for my little boy.

Isn't it a great conversation to remember? 😊

The Unknown Pain

Amid pandemic as we all welcomed this New Year, with a lot of hopes and good beginnings. I too had lot of expectations for the year 2021. I was so weary with last year COVID-19 havoc and was just waiting for the good times to ring in soon. We all welcomed new year and celebrated my birthday with my family and close friends. Took blessings from my master - Gurudev. Celebrated the first festival of the year, Sankranti with full ease. Life was so far balanced. 

After all the celebrations, my routine was set with Rishaan's online school and other daily chores. On 3rd week of January, one of the weekend we visited my parents for our regular visit. I had noticed a pain in my left leg toe finger. This pain was on and off for quite some time now. I took it very normal. After a week or so the pain aggravated to such an extent my toe fingernail had swollen badly and I was in terrible pain. All this came as a surprise to me. My mom insisted to see a doctor at her place, in a nearby clinic. The doctor is a well known all India specialist in Skin and dermatology. Since the pain was unbearable I visited the doctor. At very first sight, he said its a nail bite infection and need to be treated immediately before it aggravates more.  

I was numb when the doctor said the procedure for this treatment will be a minor nail surgery where 30% of my toe fingernail will be removed. My first question to the doctor was, will the nail grow in that part where the nail is removed. Seeing my apprehensions doctor said very lightly its a very minor procedure, not to worry. And the day of surgery was fixed on a weekend, as it will be convenient for all at home. I started towards the hospital dropping Rishu at my mom's house. My sister and Nitin accompanied me. The procedure started as per the given time. With the help of anaesthesia, the doctor completed the surgery in 25 minutes. My sister was extremely anxious standing outside the OT, as nobody has ever seen me in that condition after Rishaan's birth. I being the healthiest kid in the family since my childhood. 

And yes I am out from OT smiling, with a bandage tied to my Toe finger. Hopping in one leg I smiled at Nitin and my sister. My sister was very much worried about the surgery. But I was in to a big relief thinking finally the episode of pain came to an end. The doctor told us to see him after 2 days for dressing and I was on antibiotics and pain killers. We reached mom's home. I stayed there since the hospital was near to mom's house, and the doctor suggested to be on bed rest for 4-5 days. Where I had no scope of doing any household chores. And thanks to online schooling which came as a blessing in disguise.  

Later on, the day of surgery evening when the effects of anaesthesia came to an end, then the real struggle started. I was in terrible pain, which I did not expect after the surgery. That whole evening till night despite taking painkillers the pain was not ready to leave me. Finally, when I understood I can't bear it anymore. We called the doctor late at night and he suggested to take another round of painkiller so that I can sleep peacefully. And yes I was on constant prayers remembering my master and the god I believe, Which helped me to have a peaceful sleep that night. 

Likewise the episode of meeting doctor and routine check to see the recovery state of my toe fingernail was on for almost 3 weeks. And my stay at mom's house extended to almost a month. After the surgery l was in bed for first 12 days, walking or rather hopping occasionally when needed. At my home I being super active from the time I get up in the morning until I go to bed, I went on mute that beginning of 1st one week. I was disturbed seeing myself lying on the bed. I felt depressed. I can't imagine myself just to sit or sleep and do nothing.

One day few thoughts raised in my mind which gave me ideas on how to utilize this golden time which came in disguise.  And yes this is what I wanted my little "me time".  At my house, it was not feasible with household priorities and day to day routine with my son, I get very little time to explore my hobbies. And I strongly believe we all have to take out a little time in doing what we love to do. It works wonders and keeps one's mind fresh and active. Once we are happy we spread positivity and keep others also happy. 

I being a vivid reader for quite some time now, and this hobby started during my Accenture days, from my best friend Mruanlini. She is one of the most positive person I have ever met. I learnt a lot from her.  And yes, love for art since my childhood days. Since then I carry books and my art set where ever I travel. They are my soul friends which I can't miss packing them. And now the love for art has been sheltered in Rishaan too. I feel he is a great artist of his age. Hence during this painful time, I wanted some positive vibes and blessings which will heal my wound soon, which was taking much of its time than expected. And also to keep my mind calm and compose. 

And here was this book, "The Unknown Edge" which was published a month ago, and it was available on Amazon. I had heard a lot about this book where one can see the unfathomable faith in the blessing of a guru and divine. And I wanted to own a copy but was pending since along. This was a time which the divine choose me to have it. I always believe in divine timing. when things have to turn out in our favour, one gets to have it. And it has worked in my matter many times. This was it, which I wanted right now. I immediately ordered on Amazon and got it the very next day. Though it was available on Kindle, I love books in the printed copy. Just love those freshly printed pages. 

I finished reading this book in 2 days. It used to be beside me or either in my hand the whole day. In 10 days I read it thrice. Every time I experienced something new in it. Many times while reading this book I had tears of gratitude. The book was a real-life experience of a woman with the guru's strongest blessings on her. The author "Rajita Kulkarni Bagga" comes under one of the 100 most successful women across globe. I was so inspired by the author and her life's journey from a banker and now being the President of the World Forum for Ethics in Business, based in Brussels, for almost 3 decades. Also President of Sri Sri University at Bhubaneshwar. Which is awarded as the world's first Tabaco and Drug-free university. Her thoughts on leadership and expertise in various fields are just amazing. She is a speaker, writer, coach, and one of the most senior Art Of Living teacher. Who travels across the world. Each story of the author shows how powerful blessings and faith works. And the most important part of it, one needs to have complete unshaken faith. A single doubt arises in mind that will delay the blessing.

I being extremely religious who never miss my morning and evening prayers, after reading this book my faith in divine and gurus blessings became rock solid. My mind was extremely calm, and the wound started healing rapidly.  Likewise, 3 weeks passed. And my wound was healed almost 80%. I was able to take small steps inside the home. At home all were happy with my recovery. Most importantly due to this pain, I the got the chance to stay at mom's house, which is a blessing for any married daughter. My son Rishaan thoroughly enjoyed his stay at his favourite Jija house. He calls my mother Jija. My number comes second after my mom to him. He is extremely attached to her. And yes I enjoyed sisterly talks and those midnight web series which I and my sister used to watch together. I was in a zone of total comfort, love, affection, care. With zero work to do. My sister was by my side whenever I was in pain. She was extremely cautious about my leg and used to warn people at home to be careful of it. Pure, subtle, innocent. This is how I describe her. 

In this one month, Rishaan was pampered with love from his grandparents and his favourite Yeshu maushi. I feel it's very important that kids childhood should grow around grandparents and parents both. I am very happy Rishaan got this opportunity. He used to participate in evening prayers and signing bhajan with my mom. Very particular in completing his school HW and other online classes which he never missed. I was very happy to see his rhythmic day to day routine going on smoothly, with little of my guidance. My mom being in a teaching profession for almost 2 decades, I and my sister had a very strict yet systematic lifestyle throughout our childhood. I have inculcated the same in Rishaan upbringing too. Following footsteps of my mother.

In this one month I wrote many Quotes, Shayari's, read books. I was totally in the positive zone. At the beginning of this entire episode, I asked God, why me? so much pain, suffering. By the end of the month, I thanked God, for giving me this pain, it might be gods plan to give me some break which was very much needed to stop before I take a high on. I remember my mother telling me over our regular calls, please rest - stop working, take care of your health. These are the words that she always tells. After seeing all this I felt mother's wish was fulfilled by the divine and yes I was in her lap of unconditional love.

February is the most important month of the year for all of us in my home. My son 7th birthday which I can't miss celebrating at any cost. It is nothing less than a festival for me. Rishaan was worried about my health and the recovery state. And this was the first time we were celebrating his birthday at my mom's house. As we stayed there until I am completely recovered. But the divine planned something different and special for him. Not once but celebrated his birthday thrice in one week. Met Gurudev in ashram and took blessings. Later on celebrated his birthday with family members and did a small cake cutting ceremony at mom's house. Since his birthday had fallen on a weekday we had kept birthday party on a weekend with a few close family and friends. But later on all insisted to drop the plan for the weekend celebration seeing my leg condition. But I wanted this for Rishu.  I tried my best to make Rishaan feel special on his big day. 

Likewise weekend party was a hit. Rishaan enjoyed to the core. We all were so happy seeing everything was falling in place on its own. I cooked food for almost 20 people at home. Hopping and walking around enjoying with family and friends. Didn't realize how I did, it was like some energy had kept me going strong. After all the celebrations, now came my last visit with the doctor. He examined and said my fingernail has almost healed completely. Now I need to be cautious until the nail grows, as there will be chances of getting infection.

Almost a month had passed at mom's house and now the time came to depart. With a heavy heart, I came back to my house. I thanked God for giving me this opportunity to be with my parents and Rishaan enjoying with his grandparents. As now I am back home, happy in my space to give my best and keep people happy around me. My journey with this unknown pain was exactly like :- "A journey of a caterpillar, when she thought her world is over before turning in to a beautiful butterfly".

नारी एक सुर्जन

 दिलों में बस जाये वो मोहब्बत हूँ,

कभी बहन , तो कभी ममता की मूरत हूँ ।

मेरे अंचल में है चाँद - सितारे,

माँ की कदमों में बसी एक जन्नत हूँ ।

हर दर्द और ग़म को छुपा लिया सीने में,

लब पे ना आये वो हसरत हूँ ।

मेरे होने से ही है, ये कायनात जवान,

ज़िन्दगी की बेहद हसीन हकीकत हूँ ।

हर रूप में ढल कर सवर जाऊं,

सब्र की मिसाल, हर रिश्ते की ताकत हूँ ।

अपने होसले से तक़दीर को बदल दूँ,

मिटा दूँ हर आशंकाये मन की ।

कदम से कदम मिलाकर चसलने तो दो मुझको,

सुन लो ऐ दुनिया, सुन ले में एक औरत हूँ ।।

Au revoir 2020 - Bienvenue 2021

This year 2020, I would call it a year which went on mute. A year so uncomfortable, so painful, so scary, so raw - that it finally forced us to grow is what I felt this entire year. A year that screams so loud, finally awakened us from our ignorant slumber. A year we finally accept the need for change, declare change, work for change, and become the change. And we all bond together, instead of pushing each other further apart. For me, 2020 isn't cancelled, but rather the most important year of them all.

This year has taught me so much that it has made me more self-sufficient in many ways. It has taken out the better version in me. Today I choose: calm over chaos, flow over frustration, peace over perfection, faith over fear, heart over hustle, and alignment above all else. I am thankful for all the nights that turned into beautiful mornings, friends that turned in to family and dreams that turned in to reality. The commitment I took over upon self unveils the best version in me now. In the rush to return to normal, I used this time to consider which part of normal is worth rushing back to.

Today I am thankful and think how rich I am not in terms of the material accept, but in terms of my family and friends are priceless to me. And my time is gold and have learnt health is wealth. In this small life, I have always tried dreaming big. And this year has allowed me to fulfil those dreams. Starting a few months of this year when the pandemic was on its high and when we all were facing our first-ever lockdown when nothing was accessible and we all under house arrest. Where nobody was allowed to go out. Meeting our loved and dear ones were just a question mark.

It was not a cakewalk for me as well. Handling my 6-year-old son and along with whole house chores without daily helpers, family people working from home. No offices, no schools. Completely locked inside the house without even stepping out and meeting my aged old parents, who were earlier on their regulars visits to meet me and their grandson, which now turned in to video calls. All our normal life has taken a set back. Initially, it was difficult to get used to this new normal and make my son understand about this new lifestyle. But he was very soon on his track and much settled, calm ever before. For months we didn't step out of our house. And my son was totally fine and happy inside the house learning different things and staying happy with us.

Slowly I started to get myself and my son occupied in whatever way I can. I turned this time as a blessing in disguise. We started learning new things. I engaged my son in many online courses, like yoga, chanting slokas, drawing. I started teaching him cooking too. I wrote many articles as never wrote before. I have a closed group of bloggers, where we together help each other in keeping ourselves busy in expressing our ideas and this helped me in expressing my views and feelings. And yes this is where I published my first ever two books. My first book on Shayari's and another book in Kindle edition, which I never dreamt I would make it this fast. Apart from writing, I started painting too after a long gap. Baked and cooked varieties of dishes. Became more regular in exercise, yoga and meditation.

This new normal lifestyle gave me more peace and happiness than never before. Relished the food cooked at home. Our health got much better and our immunity increased. Didn't eat outside food for almost a year. All this happened because of this pandemic, which helped us in keeping connected with our roots which we all had left behind in our busy hush-hush life. Now we all know the value of food, relations, and most importantly got to know the importance of time. There is no better or best time to start anything new which one love to start. This year taught me the importance of Now.

Lastly, as we are on the last day of the year, I want to thank everyone who made me smile this year, supported me in the times when I went completely off. Let's pray and wish that coming 2021 will be all about good vibes, more happiness, less pain, stronger relationships and being more focused. Bring it on 2021, we are ready as never before.

As quoted by my master Gurudev Sri.Sri.Ravishankar: "Time changes people, but there are people who change the time. May you be one of them."

Wishing you all and your family very Happy and Prosperous 2021.

 

An Inspiring Tea-Seller

Recently I came across a very inspiring story of a Delhi based tea seller. I was moved so much by reading his story couldn't stop myself in penning it here. A 67-year-old Laxman Rao, award-winning chai-wala. He is a writer and tea seller. The author of over 25 novels, plays and political essays. Born in 1952 in Maharashtra's Amravati city, Laxman Rao identified his interest in reading books when he was in class 8. After a few years, he travelled to Delhi to publish his book in 1975.

Soon he understood that it is not an easy task for an ordinary person to publish a book at big publishing houses. For years he worked as a cleaner and laboured it out in Delhi. A few years later, he realised that to take care of his family he would have to sell tea, paan at the streets. But he was so much determined in fulfilling his dream of publishing his books. With a lot of hardship and struggle, he opened "Bhartiya Sahitya Kala Prakashan" and published his first book with his earnings. Till date, he has published 25 Novels in his own publishing house.

At the age of 50, he completed his graduation and at 63, he completed his post-graduation. Mr Laxman cycles to different places in the city to sell his books. A whopping 30,000 copies of his books were sold by him till date. Laxman Rao also earns around 8,000 by selling his books at his tea stall. This tea seller has also received many awards from leaders, including prime minister Indira Gandhi and former president, Pratibha Patil.

Rao says that his books are based on ideas he gets while interacting with his customers and his writings revolve around their struggles. Reviewers have said that his books ''exude a rare sense of honesty and humility". And that his writings are woven around ground realities of life. Rao is also known in Europe, where articles are written about him, e.g. in Germany. Mr Laxman now wishes to pursue his Ph, D and also wants to learn other languages. And his Dream is to become Indian Shakespeare.

Mr Rao acknowledges his humble beginnings that it was his tea shop which gave him a good life. So he will strive to sell tea till whatever age he can. Life always teaches us small things in small places, if we are determined enough to fulfil our dreams. Mr Rao story also tells us there is no age for learning. As I too believe in keep learning and keep trying.  

The Journey of Her

She sat ever so still

mind quite

heart calm

body relaxed

And she cried.

She cried the happiest tears

For in that moment,

she was free from who everyone else

wanted her to be.

She was no longer fearful of her

authenticity.

As radical as her needs were to modern society

she knew her truth,

Right then and there she decided to

stop hiding.

Right then and there she decided to

rewrite her life story.

Right then and there she grew up her wings.

Right then and there she realized

what freedom means.

And she smiled,

And she laughed,

And she began,

The Journey of Her.

The Mumbai's Spirit ''Dabbawalas''

Here I have come up with an incredible story of a 130-year old heritage of tough spirit and dedication who became the epitome of Mumbai's spirit across the world. Few hard facts of Mumbaikar's dabbawalas who forms the world's most efficient logistics supply chain. It's a story about those Men forces who deliver lunch boxes or better known as Dabba to the right person at a fixed lunch hour without any IT infrastructure. Their system of delivery is so robust that it's included in the case study as part of many business schools' management studies curricula.

They have fought through floods, rains, bombings, and even cyclones, but now are deprived of their livelihood because of COVID-19.

I love this city and the spirit of Mumbaikar's. No matter what, you will end up falling in love with it. These Dabbawalas carry the same resilient and tough spirit wherever they go. I still remember those days back in 2005, when Mumbai was battered by unusually heavy monsoon rains. I used to watch on television, the whole city was underwater. More than 25 inches of rain combined with record-high tides, wreaked widespread havoc, bringing everything to a virtual standstill. There were hundreds of people stranded in railway stations, trains and even on the sidewalks. Among them were many of Mumbai's dabbawalas, who deliver meals prepared at customers homes to their offices. After a few days of flooding, even before the city had limped back to life, the dabbawalas were back in the job, wading through the waist-high water. They quickly became a symbol of gritty resilience.

These men, even though don't have a strong educational background, created a system that relies on colour, codes, symbols and signs. I became so curious to know more about these dabbawalas that I went detail into about them. They say a Dabba travels through six dabbawalas before it reaches the destination. It also travels through the same number of men on its return journey as well. It's almost an understatement to say that these men are a lifeline for Mumbaikar's. If you have ever travelled through the Mumbai locals, you are bound to come across men dressed in white uniforms carrying a large tray filled with lunch boxes.

But amid this pandemic, for the first time in 130 years, the dabbawalas were unable to deliver. This cooperative business that the dabbawalas have formed gives them job security.  Irrespective of their role, each person earns around Rs.8,000 to Rs.12,000 per month. Many of them come from the slums and don't have a lot of savings. Six months ago when the pandemic broke out, it wreaked havoc on their livelihood. With offices, industries, banks and most establishments being closed during the last six months. The pandemic threw life out of motion and left more than 5,000 dabbawalas out of work. Even though lockdown is over, many industries have employees working from home. Without the local trains operating, it's another hurdle for these men to continue their work.

Today they are going through a crisis, our 130 years of history is at stake. 5,000 dabbawalas are going out of work. These men ensured that our lunch is delivered every day on time, rain or shine. I feel today it's our turn to help them in whatever way we can. As I have mentioned in my previous write-ups too food plays a major role in our life. We strive day and night so that night we sleep with a tummy full of good food. Which keep us going all the time. Also, it's our very basic need. One of the key lessons any organization can learn from the dabbawalas is the simplicity with which this system works. The dabbawalas are intimately aware of what their customers value (food delivered on time, every day). And, just as importantly, they don’t try to do anything other than that.

At last a big salute to the spirit and dedication of these superhumans our very own Dabbawalas, you will be soon back with the bang. After all, Mumbai is a city of hopes and a Mumbaikar will never leave his hopes. Jai Maharashtra.