tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21277496737770300502024-02-18T23:00:35.790-08:00Assorted IdeasGood thoughts become good ideas. Good ideas, pave the way for great innovations. Think good and dare to express your thoughts!K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-27360457017502751702024-02-11T08:30:00.000-08:002024-02-13T09:51:46.167-08:00The Golden Chain - Part 1<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A forest amidst
a golden city<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Forlorn,
for within the free bounds it held.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A lone soul
that had to bide her time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Around
stood the women who marveled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Her
composure in her sadness<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Graceful, silent,
with unbroken resolute<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A lone soul
that had to bide her time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Melancholy had
numbed the flute.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A rich city
saw a poor man rule it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Poor he was
not by wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Nor by
education in any measure<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Save just
one act of stealth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Nobility is
not by birth as much.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A man’s
actions speak loud,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Louder than
the whispers of time<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ages after
he is trounced.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Where did his
nobility falter?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">A much better
king he was. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Immeasurably
better than his foe<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Pious,
committed to his cause.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Brothers
hailed him as the best.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His sons
were in awe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Progress in
science and medicine<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Were
seamlessly scripted by law. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">He
conquered all the greatest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Be they demons
or God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His valor
knew no bounds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His brain powering
his sword.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Success
only lasts while it does.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Character holds
the fort.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Pride betrays
all the knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">That humility
holds in port.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">When ego
gets the better of man<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His
nobility thus withers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Making him
an empty shell<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Away the
knowledge slithers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The
education all but laid in vain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His swords
went blunt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The throne lost
a maestro,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As the King
turned tyrant<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p> </p>K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-5814805090905572762024-02-11T07:11:00.000-08:002024-02-11T07:11:00.177-08:00As is success, so is failure<p> Every effort, big or small</p><p>Is worth an applause</p><p>Every action, tiny or tall</p><p>Contributes to the cause</p><p><br /></p><p>Every moment, short or long</p><p>Maketh the memory</p><p>Every step, right or wrong</p><p>Charters the territory</p><p><br /></p><p>Every need, genuine or not</p><p>Lends to creation</p><p>Every learning, given or got</p><p>Enhances the passion</p><p><br /></p><p>Every day, happy or sad</p><p>Counts as life</p><p>Every person, good or bad</p><p>Forms the happening hive</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oxOwDvZy0mWrnAvS7DmnTaJpmKq7jnNbsZSS970GRsdi1m8MqSPJ7yDAZuIC9KBacY-_lgXQN-TuWlZCIU83KIn6l_upIsjpK7MNdzJvpi54xlMDO93Hwmxd18FgJg_QNJE_gvfbT_ils8sna3AHfnhFXPSwyyB2uyY50OPSL-pjKciL0gQW-KHZ9X0W/s4096/IMG20240209202147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oxOwDvZy0mWrnAvS7DmnTaJpmKq7jnNbsZSS970GRsdi1m8MqSPJ7yDAZuIC9KBacY-_lgXQN-TuWlZCIU83KIn6l_upIsjpK7MNdzJvpi54xlMDO93Hwmxd18FgJg_QNJE_gvfbT_ils8sna3AHfnhFXPSwyyB2uyY50OPSL-pjKciL0gQW-KHZ9X0W/w194-h258/IMG20240209202147.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-44688588281194660772022-07-25T09:04:00.003-07:002022-07-25T09:45:13.315-07:00Paternity<p> </p><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">The mountains beckon</span><div><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">The rivers gurgle in glee</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">My wanton feet quicken</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">‘Ere they prepare to flee!</span><div><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">The eyes stealthily pry</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">For the accidental witness</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">That could expose my lie - but</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">None challenged my fitness</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">The relief within whistled</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">As the next stone landed</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">Near where the birds nestled</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">The mother left her kids stranded</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">I climbed the mighty tree</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">The tiny ones in the nest</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">All but belonged to me</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">For I had just won my quest</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">I peeked inside the birds’ home</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">When a blunt bolt hit from nowhere</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">I fell, my head a lightless dome</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;">The father bird had a menacing glare!</span><div><span face="Roboto, Droid Sans, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 16.5px;"><br /></span></span><span face="Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 16.5px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczyWkCMQw6HQXQ2tPMWS6xY8la7CvvL6FPATOMZx413Nhh0wto66abvLjB9dSlNRDz--DPl-id1_1Cqbjj87XVAq2cWzmQUFBkVxWi6O9zATP1iUjqQoIygSmhkq6ID3pDihlvQ1smyE2T3PdK8uunYb5MB8K9WgtqDRpgBUTS_v7-0YOnreG6xPu3w/s1280/DSC02153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczyWkCMQw6HQXQ2tPMWS6xY8la7CvvL6FPATOMZx413Nhh0wto66abvLjB9dSlNRDz--DPl-id1_1Cqbjj87XVAq2cWzmQUFBkVxWi6O9zATP1iUjqQoIygSmhkq6ID3pDihlvQ1smyE2T3PdK8uunYb5MB8K9WgtqDRpgBUTS_v7-0YOnreG6xPu3w/s320/DSC02153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.5px;" /></div></div></div>K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-2700171028174358372022-07-22T05:22:00.005-07:002022-07-24T07:01:27.457-07:00Mrichchakatika - The origin of rotational leadership as a concept - Act 1<p> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">Mrchchakatika – (</span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0cm;">The Little Clay Cart</span></i></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">) - a ten-act </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0cm;">Sanskrit drama</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> attributed to </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0cm;">Śūdraka</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;">, an
ancient playwright who possibly lived in the 5th century CE, and identified by
the prologue, as a </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0cm;">Kshatriya</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> king
and a devotee of Lord </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0cm;">Siva. He is believed to have</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%;"> lived for 100 years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A revolutionary
himself Sudraka has deviated from the Natya Shashtra that specifies that dramas
should focus on the lives of the nobility. Mrchchakatika, lays emphasis on the
life of people including peasants and courtesans. The story is thought to be
derived from an earlier work called <i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">Cārudatta in Poverty</span></i> by
the playwright </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0cm;">Bhāsa</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, though
that work survives only in fragments. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What sets this
drama apart is not only the fact that it does not portray nobility, but also its
attempt at establishing the fact that nobility does not stem from social
conditioning but from virtues and behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many versions
of this story have been presented before, some have been taken out of context
and some have been presented in a shallow, contrived manner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here’s a poetic adaptation of this great work, which is an attempt to bring
out the true essence of the story. Presented in the style of a dance drama,
Vasantasena and Charudatta’s story is the story of each one of us living in
contemporary times</span><div><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: #202122; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Act 1 – Charudatta meets Vasantasena<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Mysticism surrounds the life of people long
gone<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We imagine, we recreate so the dead may
live on<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Stories untold, stories retold, stories remain
the bridge<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">That aid our journey through the past along
the ridge<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Here's one story that may not be new to
many<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Of people, about their lives, serious and
funny<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lived a glorious dancer named Vasantasena in
Ujjaini <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Her feet had the grace of a river her voice
was honey <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Her dance was a feast for the art
connoisseur <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Jewel in the crown was the decorated
theatre <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">On this day Charudatta chose to witness the
dance <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maitreya assured him it would take them on a
trance <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The two friends arrived rather late and the
show had begun <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Charudatta persisted, he got lucky through
good deeds done <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The son of an aristocratic father, he had
given his wealth <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">To all those fallen or fabricated sad fate
through stealth <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">His kind gesture to the theatre owner
fetched them a seat <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">On the stage that witnessed the grace of
the dancer's feet <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Even after the men were seated the curtains
refused to rise <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Gloom engulfed the grace that hitherto held
the audience enticed </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The music from the flute went silent that
moonlit night <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Having found its master sick, it lay on the
ground in blight <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Charudatta instantly picked up the lonely,
lovely instrument<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Soon the dancer's feet were tapping to the
melody the flute lent <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Ujjaini was filled with contentment, it now
had a reason to cheer <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Just as the crowd stepped out, their glee
was replaced with fear <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The roads were blocked by the police, they had
to catch the sinner<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Charudatta, Maitreya escorted the dancer,
their pace getting quicker <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /></span></div>K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-21359097960777005752021-04-23T08:00:00.001-07:002021-04-23T08:00:30.553-07:00Such is Life<p> Such is life - transient in moments, permanent in memory</p><p>Such is life - tough to comprehend, easy to complicate</p><p>Such is life - evasive to the seeker, apparent to the believer</p><p>Such is life - fluid in the heart, folded in the brain!</p>K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-33605819186760265062020-06-15T03:56:00.000-07:002020-06-15T03:56:41.648-07:00Inheritance is Polymorphic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inheritance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Has assumed proportions so dense.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all began with the invisible DNA,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That defined the class, as they say!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inheritance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then became the impregnable fence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Land in possession became the next object,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before Kingship got appended to the subject!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inheritance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Morphed itself yet again, and hence,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The family encapsulated its precious gold,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inside iron chambers and kept it in tight hold!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inheritance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moved beyond the pound and pence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abstraction led the way to include codes,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As families were replaced by corporate abodes!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inheritance </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel, may acquire a new sense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The term may be associated to good health,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As immunity has come to be valued as true wealth!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Inheritance </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Has followed a rhythmic cadence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet, has created many a discord.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This once, let there be harmony, Oh Lord!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-47057643789483180722020-06-05T23:35:00.000-07:002020-06-05T23:35:27.988-07:00Tryst with memory's crest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Perched on a high pedastal</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Our lives is anything, but dull</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The rains lash on the greens below</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">While the thunders, in approval, bellow</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Sitting atop my humble mansion</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I recount the days I had wanton fun</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Splashing the firmament's kind blessing</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">On every passing, overburdened co-being</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">A wry smile, on my naughty lips floats</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">As nostalgia recreates my paper boats</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Made out of what was held within a book</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">That was meant to teach us how to cook</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">We never learnt all that was taught</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">While in school, we played, we fought</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The cruel clutches of life did not spare us</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">And we learnt our lessons, albeit after a fuss!</span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Roboto, "Droid Sans", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
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K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-88804455718176044182020-05-16T06:57:00.000-07:002020-05-16T06:57:56.270-07:00The Surreal Sentiment called Motherhood<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mother,” beckoned the little voice from within her womb<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The baby had, but a few more months before it would bloom<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, my child,” she said as she heard her baby’s voice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Tell me more ‘bout the world, is there too much noise?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mother smiled, but assured the child that she would be
there<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To grow and groom the baby, holding her with love and care<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Who else would be there along with you, I am curious to
know’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She told her baby that motherhood was a boat that many
helped to row!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The father put his ears on the mother’s womb so he may hear
his child<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I am your father, I shall care for you like no other,” his
voice ever so mild!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The baby wondered, “Hmm, so you are also another mother, am
I right?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are right, my
love,” said the father, happy and delighted!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The grandparents, were the next to wish the child happiness
and glory<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And assured it that they would be ready with many a bedtime
story!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The child kicked the mother in glee, wanting to see the
mothers so many<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“There is a little bit of mother in all of them, isn’t it
funny!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mother, I cannot see you, but I can feel your presence,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I float in the chamber called womb filled with liquid so
dense<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not know who you are, and yet I feel happy and well<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isn’t it a wonder that I don’t know you, because within you
I dwell!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mother slowly began to explain to her curious child<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“The bond with the creator is indeed strange,” she surmised<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And as with motherhood, every life form that exhibits
divinity<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brings upon the earth, peace and tranquillity! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-77264151522746060442020-04-04T00:30:00.000-07:002020-04-04T00:30:08.370-07:00It's a battle out there!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Its a battle out there</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We lose some we win some</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Not of them are fought fair</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Some leave us proud, some leave us numb</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Its a battle out there</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We gain a few as we inch ahead</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Victory or defeat, we are left bare</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Oftentimes they become life's watershed</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Its a battle out there</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We meet people then we part</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We love, we hate, we take, we share</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
And when we part it is with a heavy heart</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Its a battle out there</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Struggle we must, that’s life</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We win more, the more we dare</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Lest we are left muddled in a state of trife</div>
</div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-73540392571452081372020-03-16T09:11:00.000-07:002020-03-16T09:11:02.862-07:00Distance, not Distant!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Religion, they say started the divide<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Removing men from each others’ side!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The naysayers were not too far away<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Racial divide, they said made us pay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Economics’, cried the privileged few<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Caused the crack’, as money was due!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were men from the learned lot<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Education, is what their pens jot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The noise grew louder and bolder<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As men stood shoulder to shoulder<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only if their views seemed to match<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forming groups, batch after batch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All until one fine summer day<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A small little virus disrupted their way<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forcing them to maintain good distance <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly, no longer were they distant!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-50655753211434204562019-10-14T22:17:00.004-07:002019-10-14T22:18:11.705-07:00The power of 'nna'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I hail from a rather conservative Tambrahm family. As per our
culture, we address our husband as ‘Nna', short for anna, or brother. I
understand the confusion this causes in the minds of the readers. I strongly
urge you to get over it. We may get a logical explanation to this from some
kind and informed soul sooner than later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Our parents bring us up with great emphasis on value and accordingly
my father has always told me that which ever family I get to be a part of, I
must contribute to its well being and blend with their way of life, while
preserving my values. When I got married, I was faced with what can be
described as Dharmsankat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">It all began with me having to address my husband for the first time
in public and I had to abide by traditional practices. I called my husband ‘Nna'
and he was surprised. As with most newly married men, he lacked common sense
and tact. He asked me why I called him ‘Nna' suddenly, while in the past couple
of months that we had been engaged I had called him by name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">There was pin drop silence!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I stood before the elders of both the families, immeasurably guilty. In
situations such as these, where I had trespassed traditional practices in the
past, I had pleaded innocence and that had worked. I decided to try the same
trick this time around too. I told my husband that ‘Nna' is used to address
husband and it is only post marriage I could use it. Since I did not know how to call him before that I had used his name. I managed to maintain innocence in my tone and facial expression that seemed rather natural.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I patted myself for the wonderful performance as the elders nodded
in agreement. My father finally spoke. He bragged about how his family called
each other strictly by relationship and never by name. As with most tambrahm men,
they would end every conversation with a hidden attack on their wife's family.
In keeping with this glorious tradition, my father further added that even my
mother's side would not address elders by name, though they were generally
unaware of the exact name given to each relationship!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Through the corner of my eye I saw my mother taking a mental note of
the statement for future reference. Some one from my husband's side spoke next.
They were not particularly conservative and hence opined that while I should be
allowed to address my husband the way I wanted to when we were alone, I should
stick to the traditional ‘Nna' in public.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">My father tried objecting to this, but realized that he was
outnumbered. My mother chose to remain neutral, her way of taking revenge on my
father. I chose to agree with my in-laws, quoting my father's advice on
blending with the tradition of the house that we are married into.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">It was my husband's turn to speak. He was a natural revolt, often
times he would revolt against his own ideas! He declared that I should address
him by his name and nothing else. My father looked at me and said that if he
heard me call him by name, he would stop talking to me. My husband countered my
father's attack. He looked at me firmly and said I was free to choose between the two men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">I was left high and dry! I decided to think calmly. I needed my
folks on either side to co-exist. I left the place, but not before uttering
what I thought was a clincher. I looked at the gathering before me and said that
all fights between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law had their roots in male
ego. So saying I moved away. Soon everyone left, the movie was over. They would
have to wait for the next show!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Few hours later, I spotted my father and my husband seated
comfortably in front of the television. The memories of the show down that had
happened only a few hours earlier seemed to have temporarily vanished. They
were discussing the country's economy, thee present day ruling party's
inability at containing in-fighting within the party, and similar topics. My
mother walked out of the kitchen, and my father immediately lowered the TV
volume and made a fake attempt to get up. My mother told him to be seated and
gave a cup of tea in his hands. My husband, being new to the game of being
married asked my father why he had lowered the TV volume. And my father bit the
bait! When your wife is around only her volume should be loud, he said, almost
instantly regretting his statement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">He finished the remaining liquid from the glass in a single gulp and
went into the kitchen. He had to make amends and that to him was priority
number 1. He washed the glass and walked up to my mother. He could not spot a
cloth to wipe the glass and tried cleaning it with my mother's hanging part of
the pallu. She quickly pulled it away and handed him a towel. As he walked out,
she called out to him, ‘Nna'. The tone betrayed her anger as she told him not
to play the TV in high volume. It was time for her evening prayers. The TV went
into mute mode for the next hour or so. My husband walked up to me and told me
he wanted the volume on. This was my chance! I told him to settle my issue with
my father as it would become difficult to talk to anyone in the house otherwise.
He called my father to the other room and in my presence told my father that he
should leave us alone. Before my father could object, he asked my father if he had
permitted anyone else to dictate terms to him, especially when it came to
issues between him and his wife. My father was clearly outwitted by a younger
man, not much different from him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Reluctantly my father let go. Satisfied at having</span> established peace
I left the room. My husband waited to ensure that I was out of ear shot before
continuing. Owing to his loud voice I have never been out of earshot. I heard him tell my father that he thought
wisdom lies in allowing your wife to call you by your name, while retaining the
freedom to watch TV in high volume, rather than claiming supremacy in the way
she addressed you and submitting to her wishes in everything else. To this day
my father is a devout disciple of my husband! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB">23 years of being married, now a true marriage veteran, I have
recently dedicated myself to the cause of re-establishing lost traditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-10687310049459507872019-06-18T10:38:00.003-07:002019-06-19T01:44:05.465-07:00The pen that writes from the other end<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not always are survivors the heroes as we comprehend<br />
And it may take a pen that writes from the other end<br />
To complete the oft heard popular tales with facts so shy<br />
Though they may go unread, or worse, construed as a lie<br />
<br />
Most of the wars fought in ancient India are attributed to the female protagonist of the stories. From Sita , whose desire for the magical deer to Paanchali's laughter in the palace, the reason for the wars has always been ascribed to a woman. But scrape the surface and many an unexplained bone make their appearance.<br />
<br />
As the bride of Arjuna – The mighty warrior<br />
I assumed that life would have not a barrier<br />
But my joys lasted only until we reached<br />
The gates of the palace where Kunti unknowingly preached<br />
<br />
Yudhistra, in the name of upholding his mother's words, chose to shatter the kshatriya dharma of winning the bride in a swayamvara. This perhaps was the breach of dharma that has never been spoken of! What was more blood curdling was the dictatorial manner in which he drew up a schedule for the five brothers to follow in sharing her.<br />
<br />
Alas, no one can predict the ever changing future<br />
And happiness is but a bubble waiting to rupture<br />
Kunti's fervent pleas to spare the girl went unheard<br />
The rest could only direct their prayers heavenward<br />
<br />
Any non-compliance in the regard was punished with a 12 year exile! Yes, you read it right. Yudhistra started the culture of sending his brothers on exile, not Duryodhana, as we popularly believe. Aruna, as fate would have it(?) was the first one to be exiled. It was during his exile that Arjuna learnt the Brahmastra, married Krishna's half-sister, Shubadra and earned the wrath of Urvashi.<br />
<br />
Some facts lay burried within a protected cage<br />
To protect a lone man's ego and his endeared image<br />
Does the generation next dare to set them free<br />
If you care to, then just place your ears on any old tree<br />
Unravel the stories that the world is waiting to know<br />
Humanity would liberate itself from morals so low<br />
Do not sell the woman that you vowed to defend<br />
A plea from the pen that writes from the other end!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-50925410336479153332019-06-10T19:53:00.000-07:002020-06-04T02:18:57.834-07:00A Pushed Pawn Becomes Queen!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
An erring king sans a mentor,<br />Has not the power to prevent his downfall<br />Every being has an unending need<br />For a course-corrector...</h4>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: "font-size:12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"இடிப்பாரை இல்லாத ஏமரா மன்னன்</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: "font-size:12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">கெடுப்பா ரிலா</span></b><b style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: "font-size:12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">னுங் கெடும்."</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: "font-size:12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: "font-size:12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> - Thirukkural 448 </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: "font-size:12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Image result for fallen king chess" height="211" src="https://images.chesscomfiles.com/uploads/v1/images_users/tiny_mce/AaronGo/phpsMEEse.jpeg" width="320" /></span></b></div>
</div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-40559334320747113382019-06-02T12:17:00.000-07:002019-06-02T12:48:55.453-07:00The Branded Grave<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There came them calling themselves <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A new species – ‘The Human Beings’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They did seem to be more intelligent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Than any others that the world was seeing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They created the huge machines <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And made them do wonderful things<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They built and destroyed at will<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And gifted themselves with incredible wings!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fighting bitterly with each other at times,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They grouped and re-grouped again and again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None outside knew what went on<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And within their walls there was loss and gain!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gradually, the groups created identities<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That defined everything that they used<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The group of people were called a class<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"How should we call the inanimate?”they mused!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they never had to think for long<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ideas flooded their bottomless world!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As identities grew, so did their pride<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Brands”, they declared, and flags were unfurled!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They named everything that they owned<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rating these names against countable numbers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some were rated more, some suffered ill-fate<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hatred grew, men and material were burnt in embers!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Groups were called castes and class<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While materials was classified into brands<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Pedigree”, they said was dearer than life<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Measuring their ego based on dollars and rands!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their craving for brands grew and grew<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each man wanted the best even in his grave<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wanting nothing less than a branded adieu<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He yearned to be called the classy and the brave!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rituals during life varied with class<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in death the rule altered <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>not in the least<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some called it ego, others called it pride<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But followed it as much in their fast as in their feast!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing that they used was left unbranded<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Except when it came to their final end<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until one day some of them decided<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To brand the graveyard, calling it a classy trend!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-42482216789930383582019-05-25T03:56:00.001-07:002019-05-25T03:56:49.726-07:00Agasthya – The power of perseverance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 195.0pt;">
A gurgling sea still looked
ferocious. It was a complete deluge. The earth shattered, followed by a huge
wave that seemed insatiable. It swallowed the animate and inanimate alike, ruthless
and powerful as it was!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 195.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 195.0pt;">
A vain and powerful kingdom lay
submerged, allowing the sea creatures to feast on the once-all powerful
creatures. The tectonic plates had moved causing a huge earthquake that shook
the abode of Lord Shiva. There was a huge gathering and people from all over
the region had gathered to wish Shiva and Parvati on their wedding day. Mythology
has it that since all Gods had gathered at one place causing the colossal upheaval.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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“This way!” screamed a voice. Soon
a huge crowd followed the voice. Dodging the fire balls that rolled towards it,
the crowd valiantly moved ahead. Soon they reached a point where the sea had
made major inroads, gulping the greed of men that hitherto thrived in the region.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How were they to cross the watery
grave alive? The leader, a tiny-tall man stood firm, holding a pot-like vessel
in one hand and a beaded chain in the other. He signaled the crowd to stay
calm. Hours passed and slowly the water started to ebb away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvj8WLtS9oPOwgWRWnAog4XO_yzEWyQU5brXRMtOE_3iIJRbiQwwC6Ay4Wa7ldsVkhyW7Cc6RU6oZSZUxfXkBiFfhXf_sTss7d4jKHySSf_vDFipyxtdQz50YsU91RVbNSXv3mqFfL-hN/s1600/agasthya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvj8WLtS9oPOwgWRWnAog4XO_yzEWyQU5brXRMtOE_3iIJRbiQwwC6Ay4Wa7ldsVkhyW7Cc6RU6oZSZUxfXkBiFfhXf_sTss7d4jKHySSf_vDFipyxtdQz50YsU91RVbNSXv3mqFfL-hN/s1600/agasthya.jpg" /></a>“Once we cross the water and go to
the other side, there are plain fertile lands. We can halt there for a few days
before deciding what to do next”, he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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“Are you sure that the land can
take all of us? We should split, lest we burden the land more than it can
handle”, a man from the crowd spoke.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You may be right. We caused this
huge loss to mother earth by crowding at the same place. We should learn from
our earlier mistakes”, the leader spoke.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He called the man from the crowd
and to lead the other faction. People were seen bidding tearful adieus to near
and dear ones. Their paths split, forever and somehow, they all knew it, though
the words that were spoken conveyed the contrary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a few days both factions
realized that the split was inevitable as people joined both factions along
their way to safer pastures. The first faction of the Velir clan was led by
Agasthya, while the second was led by Kashyap. The first faction moved
southwards, while the second moved northwards. The entire land form had changed,
and the plains were no longer visible. Agasthya was surprised. The earth grew
before his eyes and the crowd went into a frenzy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Run, the earth is going to
swallow us too. Evil forces have joined hands”, shouted a few.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Death is inevitable. Let us sit
and meditate and think of Shiva and Parvati before our lives are taken away”,
rued some.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some refused to move ahead, while
some other wanted to go back. Few others egged Agasthya to carry on with those
willing to follow him. Take the able men to protect you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A wise man stood up with support
on both sides. “Take the women and children along with you. Let the able men
follow. The rest of us will try to keep pace”, he said. The leader agreed and
the crowd progressed further, led by Agasthya. His tenacity urged others to
follow their persevering leader.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Every now and then he called out
to the people, motivating them to follow. He addressed the ever-growing
mountain to stop and allow them to progress. Days rolled by, months passed, the
old and unfit perished, unable to withstand the hardships. After many months Agasthya
reached the top of the Vindhyas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAg-z0BspZdor7exnTyooMwFPnLG0HDgWmAKorlrfHUpQFFWcC9mcCiQEbrjoXyXQGv_ZsenDZhHVJmR2X68kUzF_kP5iOoy3iR0WkPusYaj1N9hDCUjd1zwnbMjwWVFVJM9p564H_kzx/s1600/vindhya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="593" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAg-z0BspZdor7exnTyooMwFPnLG0HDgWmAKorlrfHUpQFFWcC9mcCiQEbrjoXyXQGv_ZsenDZhHVJmR2X68kUzF_kP5iOoy3iR0WkPusYaj1N9hDCUjd1zwnbMjwWVFVJM9p564H_kzx/s320/vindhya.jpg" width="270" /></a>The crowd that followed cheered
him. “Vindham Adakinon, Vaazhga”, they shouted. The climb down was not
difficult. By now they had seen many hardships and had moved far away from the initial
trauma, though the loss weighed heavily on them. As hey descend, they
assimilate the traditions of the local people and begin to thrive. Many
interesting stories about the survivors and their lives unfurl to entertain
eternity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One among the many stories is that
of Avvaiyar, a poet beyond compare, a guide par excellence and an advisor to Lords
and rulers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As Agasthya survived the arduous journey and
appeared victorious atop Vindhyas, crowds on either side cheered him. Once he
descended, the local chieftain, a fisherman, wished to give his daughter in
marriage to Agasthya. Agasthya married her. Soon they had a son who they named,
Perumsagara, meaning the vast sea. True to his name he was wise and sharp. He
married the daughter of the local leader and Agasthya named him Bhagwan. The
intellect and tenacity of Agasthya had spread far and wide. Meanwhile his
wisdom, in the form of stories from the past kept his listeners in rapt
attention. He had overcome the language barrier by formulating the language
that was destined to unite people far and wide and would be spoken by the
generation that followed. </div>
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Many detractors mushroomed from time-to-time, but the
power of Agasthya-founded Tamil still stands the test of time. So immensely
uniting and emotionally exquisite was his formulation, that its popularity
spread far and wide. Bhagwan grew up listening to his grandfather’s story. His
penchant to find out the fate of the second faction made him set out on a
journey northward. On route he met his wife-to-be, a girl who he named Aadi.
Aadi gave birth to a girl child. Not wanting to subject the child to the unknown
hardships that she and her husband were embarked on, she left the child in the
care of a local learned man. <o:p></o:p></div>
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From her foster father, Avvaiyar
learnt about her parent and grandparents and decided to unite people all over
the region. </div>
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Her skill at poetry and mastery over the language formulated by her
great grandfather Agasthya, helped her achieve her cause. <o:p></o:p></div>
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K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-563068472976941902019-05-16T11:38:00.002-07:002019-05-16T11:50:14.913-07:00Ode To The Ruler!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Measured in action</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Transparent in dealings</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Yielding to no faction</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">A ruler sans divisive feelings!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No foot in the mouth</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Draws clear boundaries</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Stretching between North and South</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">A ruler sans baseless worries</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Learns at the edges</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Connects every dot</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Yearning for no badges</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">A ruler, not a bigot!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bends not an inch</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Remains equally to all</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">Tackling issues not cinch</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">A ruler, not a wax do</span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">ll!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</h3>
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K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-33925103583621439992019-05-04T23:20:00.002-07:002019-05-04T23:29:03.349-07:00Touch - The Krishna Concept<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am not sure who Krishna was. But the stories associated with this name reflect the existence of a mature society that sought conceptual clarity. Heres one such story that appeared to be a good bed-time story for kids when I read it first. But it lingered on, revealing layers of a deeper philosophy. </div>
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One day Arjuna walked up to Krishna after performing an act of what seemed like philanthropy to him.</div>
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"Krishna, do you agree that I am the greatest philanthropist in the world?"Krishna smiled but said nothing.</div>
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Arjuna persisted. What initially seemed like harmless bragging on the part of Arjuna, eventually grew into a war of words between the two. "Come to the empty ground behind the palace before sunrise tomorrow", Krishna ordered.</div>
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Arjuna reached the round, by now more out of curiosity than the initial emotion. He saw Krishna leading the way, with Karna trotting behind. When the three of them met Arjuna and Karna were equally surprised. Krishna silently walked ahead, signaling the twosome to follow him. They reached a spot and what lay ahead made Arjuna and Karna gasp. Two huge heaps of precious stones and gems and rare metal welcomed the unsuspecting warriors. </div>
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Finally, Krishna spoke. "Before sunset distribute all of this wealth to needy people. Take one heap each", Krishna was not available to answer any queries! Arjuna realized, albeit a little late that Krishna was still on the previous day's topic. He soon started looking around and called every single person that looked famished and gave away a little portion of the heap. But as he dug into the heap, the heap started growing. Karna found a tree nearby and decided to rest a for while, while Arjuna was busy distributing the wealth. </div>
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By noon Arjuna's little hill had grown to a mountain, while Karna's stood still. It was close to sunset and Arjuna wondered what Karna was going to do. After all, there was very little time left as the great ball of fire was sinking fast into the dusky sky. Karna woke up and walked lazily towards his heap. He looked around and saw two lame people walking towards them. Word had spread about the wealth distribution camp and people were still trickling in to take alms from the noble one that was distributing wealth generously. </div>
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As the lame people approached them, Karna called out to one of them. The man limped towards Karna hesitantly.</div>
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"Do you see this heap?"Karna asked him pointing to his heap of wealth. "Yes, my Lord", the lame man said, folding his hands in reverence. "From now on this is yours!" Karna said with very little hesitation. Krishna appeared before the two at that very instant.</div>
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Ärjuna", began the Lord, "philanthropy does not mean distributing the wealth among the subjects. When you touch something, it becomes </div>
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yours. You gradually start associating with it, nurturing it and as a consequence, it begins to grow on you. When you do not touch something, it does not belong to you. Giving away what does not belong to you is quite simple as you just saw", concluded Krishna.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Karna was about to leave when Krishna continued, "On the contrary, when wealth is distributed wisely, through good governance, prosperity prevails. Each of us has a strength that will become our weakness when the rule of the game changes".</div>
</div>
K.S.Aparnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15389506962375770574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-76321327755394893452018-11-25T06:27:00.001-08:002018-11-25T06:27:53.978-08:00The girls' swirls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-GB">SHE was born. SHE stands for She when a girl child is born, transforming into a He after marriage and becoming wE upon the birth of a child. Confused? Then surely you must be a boy or a bigger boy trying to make sense out of this. My sincere suggestion - Don't! Does this ring a bell? Hail comrade! Curious to know more? Wait until you grow up, girl!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">SHE in her first phase of life is the daughter - carefree, loving and adorable. She helps her parents around in the odd jobs, fights with her siblings, does what she has to and begins growing roots. As she grows her parents begin to worry more. Their expectation from her begins to increase. The modern-day dialogues have morphed themselves, rather unsuccessfully, to camouflage the regressive mindset.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">SHE is told to learn how to cook, followed by a ‘I am not saying this so you may cook and feed your husband and in-laws. I am saying this so you don’t starve!’ – oh, yeah?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">SHE does understand the intent behind what she is told, the words fail their master when not backed by the same intent. She may protest, she may resist, but learn she does. She is blessed with a growth mindset, that’s talking on behalf of the majority.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">SHE chooses to get married in some cases, while in some others, the choice is not hers. A beautiful, surreal transformation brings out the He in her. How else does one explain this? It takes lesser than a microsecond for a girl to accept a stranger, maybe in the modern world, a family that she did not grow up in as hers! You don’t believe me? You sure are a boy or a bigger version of that species! It takes you a lifetime to accept the family that you were born in, as yours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">SHE lays in wait to undergo the second transformation to wE. If it does not happen naturally, she does everything within her might to make it happen. And when it does happen, SHe is no longer the She or the He that she was. She becomes the wE giving birth to the SHE. Call it biology, call it psychology. Call it nature, call it life. Her possibilities as a wE always tend to infinity!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://media2.giphy.com/media/6hqvJGmW2A6I0/giphy.gif?cid=3640f6095bfab0db776655563262c23e" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Animated GIF" border="0" height="132" src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/6hqvJGmW2A6I0/giphy.gif?cid=3640f6095bfab0db776655563262c23e" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">SHE swirls, around her many roles, some as She, some as He and the remaining as wE. SHE swirls – a girl’s swirls to womanhood!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731387182734901179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-8356968314215535772018-09-25T23:45:00.001-07:002018-09-26T00:34:59.970-07:00Peace at war!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Peace is elusive, for it is within<br />
Wrapped and concealed like a piece of gold<br />
Black and ugly, tough and hard, it never shines<br />
Until it's scrubbed and cleaned, made pretty to hold!<br />
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Years of submergence underground<br />
Rob its sparkling gleam and dull its lustre<br />
As unfounded fear and burdensome thoughts<br />
Keep peace at war, leaving no strength to muster!<br />
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Take a step aside, letting thoughts to flow<br />
Within the sandy banks of the powerful mind<br />
Choose the ones that appeal the most to work on<br />
Peace restored, work becomes a pleasure, not a grind!<br />
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To unleash peace, you must choose the battle<br />
Then fight it carefully, not losing all your might<br />
For every battle won, urges you to choose your next<br />
Until the dreary war is won, and peace is yours by right!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Finding peace in the midst of war or being at war even in times of peace is a choice that the mind makes...</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731387182734901179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-31904408604029017372018-09-21T05:23:00.000-07:002018-09-21T06:38:11.849-07:00Collect these Nouns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What did the mother penguin do to discipline her kids?<br /><span style="font-family: "symbol";">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>She sent them to a school</h3>
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When the owls wanted to pass a legislature what did they do?<br /><span style="font-family: "symbol";"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>They went to the Parliament</h3>
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When the lone cow refused to obey the buffaloes what did they do?<br /><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->They ganged up against him</h3>
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<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->What did the bats do when they saw a skyscraper being built?<br /><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->They moved to the adjacent colony</h3>
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Why did the ferrets not interfere in the polecats‘fight?<br /><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"> ·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Because it was none of their business</h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731387182734901179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-33261997250943595832018-01-09T22:34:00.000-08:002018-01-09T22:34:54.613-08:00To build or to break- that is the question<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The elaborate ceremony around the marriage finally concluded. The crowd ebbed away slowly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The newlywed strangers were left to themselves. He approached her. The excitement of being with his new-found love was, somehow missing. She sensed his discomfort and asked him what the matter was. ‘<i>Perhaps he is not well’</i>, she thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I was not interested in getting married. It was, kind of, forced on me,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Why didn’t you tell this before the marriage?” she fumed/<o:p></o:p></div>
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An awkward silence left their minds equally noisy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He knew he had a mammoth battle to wage. She walked towards the kitchen, washing the utensils of the morning with her tears.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She resumed office the next day, much to the surprise of her new family. For many years thereafter, she fought a long battle. Her home was her office and her colleagues were her family. He did not seem to bother as she was spending for the family. His lack of connecting, though, did not augur well in improving the situation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Though she sensed his struggle towards building and maintaining relationships, she could not help him much. He refused to make her feel wanted in ‘his’ house. He came across as a lazy and selfish man. Though he had been employed for close to 8 years prior to marriage, he had not saved a penny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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His tantrums made her patient and resilient. One day he came home distraught. “I do not want to work anymore,” he declared. He wanted her to give money to start his own business. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Where will I go for the money?” she asked him. For the first time, he realized the depth of her words.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Can you help me find a better job? I feel useless,” he said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She had applied for a job and the consultant had asked her to send her CV. But she was pregnant and a change of job at this point would not go in her favour. So, she decided to send his resume instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She told him, in the earnest hope of appealing to his good senses (maybe, it was time to check if he had any!), that he had to participate in the family’s financial commitment. He agreed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The next fortnight was spent in preparing him for the interview. Mock sessions, general mentoring and general knowledge quiz became the order of the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The interview proved to be a cakewalk as also the first few months at the new job. She celebrated the new arrival and the new job with equal enthusiasm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731387182734901179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-31125175605994855892017-12-22T02:11:00.000-08:002018-01-12T20:20:58.533-08:00Freedom within Bondage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Flow freely<br />
The earth is your home<br />
The space above is yours to roam<br />
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Fall freely<br />
You have no hurt to fear<br />
Your gentleness brings joy and cheer<br />
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Rise richly<br />
For you are the life-giver<br />
You are the sea, you are the mighty river<br />
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Gush gaily<br />
Your freedom is in the bond<br />
That makes you the water in the pond<br />
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Sway sweetly<br />
For you are the peace-lover<br />
You pour on dry earth as rainy shower<br />
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Flow firmly<br />
As you bond, so you bind<br />
A structure so dear is hard to find<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731387182734901179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-6926210106818547362017-10-16T23:15:00.002-07:002017-10-16T23:15:20.722-07:00Intelligence is a subset of information!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Pronouncing his verdict, he walked in<br />
Making sure to be heard above the din!<br />
'She needs to be put in her place,' he declared,<br />
An assumed self-glory, his gait loudly blared!<br />
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Feigning serious looks, the family gathered<br />
Though, to listen to her tale, none bothered!<br />
Humiliated, she knew it was best to remain silent<br />
For, anything she said would only deepen the dent!<br />
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'A childhood abuse or a deep hurt it must be,'<br />
Said one intelligent-looking man, sans glee!<br />
Before adding, 'Or perhaps a mental instability'<br />
So let's conduct some tests to check her ability!'<br />
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With a dignified silence, she readily complied<br />
'You seem mature and brave,' the doctor replied!<br />
You have done all that you could and much more<br />
He said, revealing her strength, to the family's four!<br />
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She wished people around had been a little wiser<br />
While using harsh words, each one more of a miser<br />
The words, once spoken in haste can't be withdrawn<br />
For what remains broken is the heart, not the brawn!<br />
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They say time has an immense power to heal<br />
And given its time, the deepest gash, it can seal!<br />
With hope, she began collecting the broken pieces<br />
Ignoring the on-lookers taunts and their teases!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731387182734901179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-66246288577170877302017-09-17T07:12:00.002-07:002017-09-17T07:14:05.233-07:00Build your castle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Build your dream castle<br />
Even if over your emotional debris<br />
For every piece of art<br />
Stands over ugly landfill<br />
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Chase your dream goal<br />
Even if you have to run on bare feet<br />
For many, a race was won<br />
Through the strength of soul<br />
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Set your eyes on the star<br />
Care not about the million miles<br />
Every feat is only a dream<br />
Until someone raised their bar<br />
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Let no man hold you back<br />
For, impossible is nothing but a myth<br />
And with eyes set on the goal<br />
Nothing is too tough to crack<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731387182734901179noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127749673777030050.post-64105340307203822022017-09-03T01:45:00.001-07:002018-01-09T22:33:09.944-08:00Reparations - Can the Indian men do it?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7CW7S0zxv4<br />
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What a brilliant speech by Shashi Tharoor. Taking a leaf out of his speech, here is one on behalf of women who have been subjected to exploitation by their own men.</div>
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Mr.Tharoor, Indian women do not feel like Henry the VIII's wife because we keep doing the dowry business differently each time. If it is the gold one season, it is the car the next, until diamonds are called in to trend the next! While the economic condition of the brides' parents decreased, any lifeless numbers in the name of statistics, would not help in bringing the dead back to life. And this simply because men assumed that their potential fathers-in-law were employed to benefit their economic cause. The rise in financial status of the men has been largely funded by parents of brides.</div>
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Most girls in independent India are seeing their parents weave, beautiful homes, painstakingly, sacrificing even their basic needs, only to see all of it drained away in the name of marriage. The word loot originally belonged to India and the habit mastered by their men in the holy name of weddings. After paying hefty sums as dowry, all that the brides get to enjoy is the role of unpaid servants, with further demands that only seem to escalate with years. In fact, they literally pay for their own oppression!</div>
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Half of today's wealthy Indian population owe their status to this dowry economy. Dowry, on paper, has been abolished, but not a single rupee has been paid as compensation - neither as reparations for those who lost their lives nor to those who lost a good share of their earnings. Families educated the boys, fed them better, used the daughters to serve their sons, diverted family resources to give expensive education to the boys, for, the thus gotten education serves in getting higher dowries!</div>
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Every marital relationship begins in darkness, thereafter there is no sunshine for the brides. Since it is Indian men who are at the helm of the dowry affairs, no numbers would reveal the brutality of the ground reality!</div>
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A lot has been said to justify the acceptance of the dowry, including the exhibition of parental love for their daughter, though the same was achieved even without doling out wealth in the name of dowry. Dowry was given to serve the man's interests rather than the girl's. The men made all the profits, controlled the bride's life after marriage and benefited hugely through this established institution.</div>
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The feeble voice of the Indian government fails to reach the noisy marketplace where deals are struck based on the purchasing power of the bride's parents. But, unfortunately, the rule of this game has been weird. The purchaser is not allowed to take home what he had purchased. Instead, the deal only ensures that he gives away all forms of wealth, including his hard earned money and the daughter that he had so lovingly brought up.</div>
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Maybe today's young men have changed and are not responsible for the actions of the earlier generations, but is it not in keeping with the same principles of reparations for the wrongs that have been done that they pay a token amount? Here again, there is a moral debt that needs to be paid, much like the one that Mr.Tharoor is demanding from the Britishers.</div>
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Can the women of India demand reparations from their men? But surely Mr.Tharoor, this will open up a nasty Pandora's box!</div>
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Let me say with even greater respect, that democracy and the rule of law that has been in existence on Indian soil have done no better under the rule of Indians! The Indian democracy is only functioning because it is based on women slavery. The fact is, very simply, sir, that we are not talking about reparations as a tool to empower the women, but for the men to atone for the wrongdoings. The women understand that it is impossible to put a value by way of a monetary sum to the horrors that the women have suffered. Certainly, no amount of money can expiate the loss of a loved one as we all know without needing to be pointed out!</div>
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It is most definitely the principle that matters. While setting an innocent girl on fire, the husband could sustain injuries, but by no means can it counted as collateral damage. The truth is that we are not arguing that a huge sum of money be paid. The proposition before this great (?) nation is the principle of owing reparations, not the fine points of how much is to be paid. The question, here too, is, 'Is there a debt?' Do the men of India owe reparations? As far as the women are concerned, the ability to acknowledge the wrong that has been done, to simply say 'sorry', will go a longer way than establishing few NGO's and care homes in the form of aid. Here again, reparations, given by way of a token sum given by the groom's father to the bride's parents for the next 70 years, for the last 70 years of dowry practised in independent India, should make the women happy.</div>
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