Milaap - Kishore Phanindra and Group

These instances are few situations which we come across in our daily life now or then. I am sure all of you can relate to one of these incidences.

Instance 1 :

You/Me :"Mom, I have to go to XYZ tuition classes for Maths. Radhika told me that faculty in that  tuition classes are really good and clears the basic concepts and make Maths your friend. I want to      join it."

Mom: "But isn't it the most expensive classes in the town?

You/Me: "So what do you mean, Ma? I want to join that and that's it."

Mom: "Okay, but you better do well in your exams!"

Studying in a flashy and expensive tuition class has become the latest fad.

Instance 2:

You/Me: "I want to go to USA for further studies!"

A Friend: "Isn't it expensive?"

You/Me: "Yeah it is! But I will try to get as much scholarship I can. I am studying hard for same."

A Friend: "I really want to know that if you get a say 100% scholarship, will it be entirely free?"

You/Me: "I wish. No dear, you still need to have a good bank balance. Just a few lakhs!"

For studying in colleges in any part of the world, money is not the constraint for many of us. 

Instance 3:

In many MBA colleges, this is a usual story::

You/Me: "Whats your background?"

Student 1: "I have done MBBS. Now, I want to get into management side of hospitals."

Student 2: "I have done B.Tech in civil."

Student 3: "I have done BBA."

Student 4: "I have done Hotel Management."

Student 5: "I have done B.Com."

Student 6: "I am pursuing CA along with MBA -Fin."

And the list goes on.

We, who are blessed with well-to-do parents, have option to follow one dream and then when it seems far-fetched then follow another. We don't worry about the financial side of taking up a career and then changing it with some 180 deg or 360 deg. 

Instance 4 

This is something which is happening throughout India. 

Well-to-parents and their not-so-capable child's aspiration to study in some prestigious college, has given birth to the spreading disease called - DONATION. 

How much ever be the donation amount, no body bothers much to shell out that amount.

But there are many people in the world, who just want one chance, want to study one particular subject and they would earn their living from it. 

Meet - Kishore, Nikhil and Divya!

They are youngsters in the age-range of 21-23 hailing from Hyderabad and have humble family background. Their families have supported them and helped them complete their graduation degree. These students are looking forward to a job now. However, for the desired job, they have to compete with a large pool of graduates looking for similar jobs and with similar qualifications. To set themselves apart, they wish to undergo a JAVA training program designed by Talent Sprint. By completing this training program, they can enhance their knowledge and technical skills which would ease the process of them getting the job. These youngsters request a loan of Rs. 87,000 for that training program. They are sure to get the job post-training with which they can start helping out their families who have supported them till now.

We are fortunate enough that God has blessed us with parents who can support us till we find our dream job. Let's lend a helping hand to the needy, let's together give them a chance to find their dream job.

The money which you give as LOAN will be returned to you within SIX months. Let's together make a better tomorrow for them.

Here's the link to make your contribution:  http://milaap.org/fund/kishore-phanindra-and-group/2007?&referrer_id=9125 

This post has been written for the Hope Project undertaken by Milaap on Indiblogger. 

Milaap - Kavitha and group!

The shopping list was finally done. It was not very big. It read - 

For my cutie pie - 

1) J&J Powder

2) J&J Moisturizer

3) J&J Wipes

4) J&J cream

5) J&J soap

6) J&J shampoo

7) Pampers

8) Clothes from Mom & Me

I was excited like any other new mother, seeing my baby who was just a few days old. I had made my list consulting my sister and sis-in-law asking for things needed for the baby. I was in no mood to do any compromises and get just the best and proven products for my bundle of joy. 

I am sure all of you reading can relate to this phase when we want to give just the best to our little ones. 

But have you ever thought of what those mother would be going through if they can't even provide their children with clean drinking water and a hygienic toilet? 

They are - Revathi, Jeyalakshmi, Kavitha, Ammasi, and Jeyalakshmi, women from Tamil Nadu. These mother think differently. The thoughts running in their minds are - 

What would I feed my child with? 

Contaminated water to drink and same infected water to cook food!

My child doesn't even have a place called - hygienic bathrooms?

Can you help them?

YES, YES. YOU CAN. 

I CAN. 

WE CAN.

All they are looking for is a small LOAN of Rs. 45,000 to build four toilets and provide a clean water connection for drinking and bathing. Jeyalakshmi would like to get a piped water connection at home, while the rest of them wish to build toilets. This will substantially improve the overall health and quality of life for these five families from Musiri in Tamil Nadu.

Please note that they want LOAN. The amount which you loan will be returned to you in the specified time. 

But you feel for these unfortunate mothers and want to go ahead and make a small contribution as little as possible for you, it will make a tremendous difference for their lives.

Let's together bless the children of these mothers with the most, I repeat, the most basic needs of life.

Here's the link to make your contribution: http://milaap.org/fund/kavitha-and-group/2099?&referrer_id=9125

This post has been written for the Hope Project undertaken by Milaap on Indiblogger. 

Knowledge is Great!

"Knowledge is Great! Is't it?" said Meera's mother. She continued in a concerned voice, "But why do you need to go and study in UK? We have great universities here in India as well! Why don't you consider something here?"

Meera looked at her and spoke in a plain voice, "Like the UK universities are calling me. Ma, I have just applied. Let the process flow and let's see what are the results? Can we talk about it then?"

Meera knew her mother will nag till she is completely satisfied with the answer. As expected, her mother walked a few step towards the door and then turned. Meera said, "I just knew it. You will not leave like that." They both started laughing. Her mother came to her and patted her head. She said, "I know you will get through it, dear. But I should know the reason why you want to study in UK?"

Meera sighed and looked up. She said, "Come Ma, sit here. I will show you why?"
She switched on her laptop and looked at her mother and continued, "Ma, you know my love for journalism is not going to die, right! But I don't want to just do a course from any ordinary university. I want it from the best. Not that the courses in India are bad, but I don't want to compromise on my knowledge and learning. I want to pursue my journalism course from the 'University of Westminster'."

Meera opened the home page of the university and moved the laptop to show her mother.

Meera's mother looked at the screen with a lot of interest. Meera continued, "Look at the site Ma. This is a top ranking college to pursue a journalism course. It has a history of 175 years. It has groomed many notable journalist who work in BBC or other news channels and hold a position to envy. Not only this, it has a huge student and alumni base, which automatically increases my network to many folds. The course covered here is the best in the world. Faculty who teach here are A-stars. Studying there is like floating in river of knowledge and learning while passing through it." Meera stopped to take a breadth while her mother just looked at her daughter and felt the desperation of hers to go and learn from the best college in the world. Meera continued, "Look Ma, see this!"

Meera gestured her mother to look at the course details. She continued, "It is just a three year course Ma. This is what I want to do. To add to the learning, college has its own student-run radio and TV shows. And its own magazine and newspaper. Can you imagine the amount of exposure which I will get from there, from every perspective. Also..." Meera paused. Her eyes twinkled and continued, "And also the life of students in UK. It is the place to be to learn. The place is beautiful and the fun students have, they party, they earn, they learn, they work hard, they don't sleep, the assignments, the seminars, the projects, the deadlines, the rush, the smiles, the pressures, the abnormal living and super-normal learning. I want to live that life. In real!"

Meera had a confidence on her face, prayers in her eyes and determination in her heart. She looked at the pictures for some time with a wish to lead that life. She had worked hard to get through the college but the result and then her parents were two things she needed to crack through. She knew convincing her mother is a major part. Her dad would support her anyways. She looked at her mother who was looking at those pictures and had a different look on her face.

Her mother said, "Good choice beta. You should never compromise in learning. Like is said, knowledge is great. All my prayers are for you."

Image courtesy: Google.

This post is written as a part of the #KnowledgeIsGreat contest on Indiblogger

Ms Sunshine!

'What are you doing in there? You are going to come out only after emptying entire bottle of Sunsilk or what?' Kirti yelled as she banged the bathroom door.

"Oh God! What happened? Why are you so restless?" Yamini enquired as came out and joining Kirti.

"Ahh! Finally...you know it's the fresher's day, right! I don't know what to wear...I have nothing... Nothing at all! What shall I do? Let's go shopping..what do you say? Why aren't you saying something?"

"Kirti, honey you need to stop for me to start you see! Well, guess what even I have N O T H I N G for tonight! Let's go to the nearby market."

Kirti's eyes were shinning with excitement and she was holding Yamini's hand and jumping up and down in thrill!

"Yes, yes Yami I love you for this! Let's go Ms sunsilk hair! But wait we are new to this place.. How will we ever reach to the market?"

Yamini, with a confident smile said,"We will! Let's get ready! Meet you in Ten minutes downstairs. Ok!"

Both Yamini and Kirti rushed to their rooms to get dressed to hit the market! Kirti, in a simple white shirt and jeans and her Gucci green bag was waiting for Yamini. Yamini walked in gracefully with her beautiful long hair, wet and open, dressed in a yellow dress which matched her personality the best!

Yamini started talking first,"We need to get to the gate and wait for the bus. That's all I know!"
She looked at Kirti who had a blank expression on her face and the very next moment they burst into laughter.

They reached the gate. The sun was shining bright, cool and smooth wind played with their hair, their spirits were high! Young, confident and free - they resonated beauty!

Bus did arrive and they boarded it. The bus went in speed in hills with twists and turns. They had to get dropped at Singtam, the near by market, but you may call it lack of knowledge or language problem or too busy in their chit chat, they reached a far-land of Gangtok! The bus stopped and then the conductor asked them to get down as the last stop arrived, they had an anxious face!

Kirti asked,"By last stop you mean Singtam, right!"

Conductor was shocked and replied,"No madam! This is Gangtok. We crossed Singtam loong back."

"WHAT?" Both girls questioned him in shock.

"Oh God! Ar....." As soon as Kirti started, Yamini pressed her hand to shut up! She paid the conductor and they got down.

"Let's behave like it's not our first trip. Cool down. Let's sit somewhere. We'll get bus back to hostel, don't panic so much!" Yamini spoke in a anxious voice. They were new to hills and place of chilly air and different language.

"You are explaining these things to me or to yourself? I am cool! Look there, Rishab! He is in our section. A very sweet guy! Let's go!" Kirti pointed to a boy who was enjoying the beauty of Gangtok with his how cup of tea.

That was the first time when Yamini saw Rishab! Tall, fair, brand conscious, magnetic smile and an awesome watch in right hand! Yamini's heart and mind at same time said - Hmmmmm, interesting!

They went to Rishab! Kirti said,"Hey, Rishab Hi! What are you doing here, dude?"

Rishab turned and saw Yamini for the first time. Her hair was open and beautifully playing on her charismatic smiling face! She was dressed perfectly and the color suited her to the best. His heart skipped and beat and said - woooow! His mind stopped working.

"Sorry! Come again!" said Kirti, trying to read his mind.

"Hey, Kirti! Hi. What are you doing here? I came to see how this place!" Rishab paused for a while, looked at Yamini and said,"Beautiful...Beautiful place!"

He looked at Kirti for an answer, who said,"Long story short! We are new to this place! You are going to be with us for the day and help us shop and it's your social responsibility to reach us back to hostel safely!"

Rishab mind and heart together, said - Oh yes! What else do I want more in my life at this moment!
He forcibly coughed out,"Ok, as you say Kirti! And you are?"

Kirti said,"Oh yaa, you two never met! She is Yamini and Yamini he is Rishab and both of you this is Gangtok!" Yamini and Kirti burst out laughing yet again. The two strangers exchanged their greetings and the confusion of reaching to some other place ended happily. Or was it a new start! Who could say!

Yamini and Kirti shopped for their dress, matching shoes and accessories! All of these were, of course, not required, but when a girl has an excuse, a girl needs to, needs to shop! So they did!

Yamini, Kirti and Rishab boraded the bus back to college. They didn't get seats to sit so they stood near the door. Yamini's hair...beautiful, so aromatic, silky - Rishab was lost in these thoughts each time Yamini's hair touched his face. Chatting, singing, standing, sitting they reached their college.

It was already late and in fifteen minutes, the party was to start. Yamini and Kirti rushed to their rooms to get dressed in their new dress and rock the party.

The shopping was worth it. They reached the party hall on time, before the seniors officially started the introduction. They rocked the party. To add to the flavor of partying, Yamini won the title of - Ms Sunshine, for most amazing hair!

Rishab went to Yamini and said,"Ms Sunshine! Be mine!"

Yamini gave him a strange look to which Rishab explaind,"I am just kidding yaar, just rhyming words!" But both of them knew what was the truth!

They did end up a - happily ever after couple! Or was it another start!
Who can say!


P.S. - It is a true incident which happened in my college. Thanks to Sunsilk and Indiblogger for taking me to that beautiful phase of my life. Only regret is that the most beautiful time just remain in our memories and not in pictures. If only!

This post is a part of a contest 'Recharge your hair, Recharge your life' on Indiblogger.

Immuned!

Mom's always right! Yeah, after like a zillions of disagreement with my mom, I agree to one fact in this world - Mom's always right. Always!

My life around my mom has been something like this -
"Don't eat that, eat a little of this..it's very healthy"
"Go out and play and don't be a couch potato. Get some fresh air!"
"Don't watch so much TV....oh common on don't be glued to your laptop. You will spoil your eye sight."
"Do some form of exercise, get up early, don't sleep so late."
"ARE YOU LISTENING?"

Yes Maa...I am!
But of course, I just listened to what she had to say. I did what I felt like.

History repeats itself. Now, I am in my mom's shoes and my daughter, nieces and nephews have taken my seat! Gosh! I must say life is not a bed of roses here. There is a strict condition for being a mom which you find out only after you become a mother - You can never be ill. Never. Never.

You have to be on your toes, what ever be it. Trust me. And only a mom can relate to this! But guess what, no wonder I am a mom but I am also a human being! Sometimes even I give up and thats when the following things happen:

Well, I'll let these pictures speak for a while:

Eating habits:

For a packet of chips,

Any meal, we can easily skip!

Ah, Butter and cheese,

No running around behind us please,

we will freeze! 

Chocolate, cake and cream,

Is all what I dream!

Cake is yum,

I can lick my thumb!

Iiiice scream,

Shhh! Need to eat this one alone, 

is all that I scheme!

Junk,

Oh! Please give me a bigger chunk!

Cold drink,

I can finish it in a blink!

Noodles,

Mind it, this is not spicy at all,

please give me oodles!

For pizza, pasta and sauce,

Let me eat all by myself,

I am the Boss!

Various activities:

I can talk, 

and easily use a smartphone,

you can be in a shock!

Laptop Laptop,

No blinking at all, 

please don't stop, Please don't stop!

Late to bed,

Late to rise!

TV,

I can watch from any distance,

I am free!

My playground,

is where I will be easily found!

Blame-Game:

I take the blame for all the wrongs seen above.
It's me who introduced wrong food. It's me who introduced wrong habits.

But in my defense, it's not a luxury thing for me, it is a necessity!
Fast life, low patience level, always less time, ease of availability, varied choices, growing tantrums of kids and lack of self-control to handle all at a time. All this together somewhere forced me to introduce all the wrongs in them.

Whose ever fault it is, whatever may be the reason, ultimately my kids are at stake. Can any mother take it?

Playing a mother and scanning through the 'kind of food' and 'type of lifestyle' which my kids, niece and nephew leads, freaking out is normal. Reasons:

• Their immune system is getting weak.
• There is hardly any physical exercise at this age.
• Eating junk means accumulating the toxins.
• No walking, running, playing and sleeping at odd hours leads the problems in digestion. 
• The junk food is high in cholesterol and no physical exercise just makes sure that the bad fat remains in the body.
• TV, mobiles and laptop has just made the mind so engrossed in it, that I wonder what will happen when they reach to high school.
• To add to their bad habits, the environmental pollution is adding to the weaker immune system in the kids and all of us.

Dealing with so many problems, this is what happens at the end - 

Medicines, medicines, medicines

Always brings a sad face and grumpy chin!

Not at my place...as children of my don't need these medicines. Yes, they do belong to the 'spoilt child' category but a big NO - NO for all the medicines. Cause, they are protected by 'LIFE::Dabur CHYAWANPRASH".

Right from start, me and my entire family make sure that how much ever ruckus we face in life, we never ever miss to give 'Dabur Chyawanprash' to our little ones, just like our mom never ever missed it.

We also make sure that all of us have it, to be at the kids service in the bestest of our health. Immuned for life!

The nightmare, the problems listed above, are tackled by just one simple quarter-spoon(for the little ones) and two spoon-full(for the elders) of Dabur Chyawanprash, everyday! The taste is such that Dabur Chyawanprash time is a broad grin time! My mom used to hide the Dabur Chyawanprash bottle after few spoons were scooped out. Now, we hide the Dabur Chyawanprash bottle, after it has been scooped out a few times in a day! Hahaha I don't blame the kids, I am also one of them who scoops more than twice, till today ;) Yummmm!

With kids getting variety in Dabur Chyawanprash, its a complete hit product at my place. But till today, my favorite remain the original flavor, whats yours?


This post is written for ‘An Immune India’ contest organized by www.daburchyawanprash.com!!

Magical Tail!

When I had my baby, it was indeed time to enjoy and meet all the relatives who come to congratulate us and bless the little one and share their moments. This is when I came across an aunt of mine, who shared heart out with my mom and me.

When she came, my little one was getting a good massage from her granny and was enjoying it to the fullest. Seeing her enjoy the massage, well, all I wanted was to get one too, haha but my aunt became a little lost. She went back in time or was she there with us, I can't say but sure her mind was preoccupied. 

After general exchange of greetings my mom couldn't hold back and finally she asked her, "What happened didi? What are thinking about? Where are you lost today?"

She answered, "Just went back in time. I don't know if I have ever shared this with you all. When I had Suraj, my first child, hmmm....his legs were not normal. I am sure you all have noticed he limps a little."

We nodded. I have met Suraj bhaiya few times and yes that was something which everyone must have noticed. She continued,"When he was born, doctors told he had little hope that he can walk. But the doctor suggested us to take him to an orthopedic doctor. We went and consulted the best doctor in the city. Doctor suggested to get a plaster done so that we can get his bones in its place. Newly born child in May, when summer were at its best, we had to do plaster for Suraj. He was so uncomfortable in it, he couldn't sleep or even smile for a while. He kept on wailing and crying night and day and day and night. I used to cry with him too. Such small baby of mine was so uncomfortable in those plasters. I felt soo helpless." As she spoke, her eyes spoke about the pain the mother went through seeing her newly born child in that state. I saw my mother who slowly wiped her tear too. Well, I wanted to hide mine, so I went ahead to get water for both. 

Both hardly had any water and my aunt continued with a very heavy tone,"After one and a half month, doctor opened the plaster to check the development, but sadly there was hardly any change. He looked at me straight in my eye. He told me there is little less hope that he will walk, ever. But then he told that we can try one more thing - Massage with Dabur Lal Tail. According to him, it was the last hope. He showed me the way to massage his legs with the Dabur Lal Tail. We came home with heavy heart. We didn't knew what to do. But we didn't lose hope. We started the massage therapy with the Dabur Lal Tail and slowly things started getting back to normal. Suraj was also reacting to the Dabur Lal Tail treatment well as he was out of plaster and who would not love massage five-six times a day. We kept a constant touch with the doctor. He was as happy as us with the kind of improvement he saw in Suraj. He was also positive that Suraj will be able to walk though he might limp a little but that better than not walking at all. Our happiness crossed all boundaries but we kept our fingers crossed. The doctor explained us that the hand pressure get the correct positioning and the oil just increase the blood circulation in that area which is finally reacting well. Plus, the oil develops the muscle which ultimately helps the child to support his body weight."

She still had tears in her eyes, but she was smiling at the happy memories. She opened her back and took out a big bottle of Dabur Lal Tail and looked at me, "This oil has kept my baby away from the pain he might had to face otherwise. This is from a mother to a mother. Massage with this Dabur Lal Tail and you will know the difference from doing the massage from either olive oil or any other oil you might be using. I remember that the doctor we went also shared with us that after Suraj's development, he prescribed Dabur Lal Tail for any other child with similar problems or with no problems at all. For general massage for newly born or growing child, he prescribed Dabur Lal Tail. This is a magic which will keep your baby strong and give her the stamina to walk her life through all the thorns."

I just hugged my aunt and thanked her for that. Quiet obvious, my little one got an instant second massage with the magical tail...oh the Dabur Lal Tail,  magical was the name which we gave to it. After all its only magic which can convert anything to possible!

I massaged my baby with the Dabur Lal Tail and I have seen her walk much before kids of her age. Well, I have seen me losing weight much before other mothers too...run run run Baby...I am right behind!

This post is written for ‘Traditional Knowledge, Natural Growth’ contest organized by Dabur Lal Tail.

My Magical Moment!

I got married before I could fell in love! But I was very clear what love is or shall I say, my love standards were set and I give a complete credit to our very own - Bollywood! The best romantic Bollywood characters - Rahul, Raj and Prem, did make me believe on - MMM, My Magical Moment!

MMM - The moment I will fell for him, my Mr right! The moment when God himself will tell me - go for him! Innumerable romantic songs, situations and dance! Anyways till MMM, I need to wait, patiently!

I got married and was waiting to fall in love. Two and a half years passed!

I realized that my Mr perfect was the world's biggest, greatest and topmost - unromantic person that can exist on this planet earth or maybe in the whole universe. He doesn't believe in showing his love or expressing it in different beautiful ways. He loves sad songs, only! He thinks flowers are better in garden untouched and chocolates are never ever shared! If you have it, eat it...then and there!

He has watched 'Lords of Ring', all parts like a zillion times and all movies with weird animals, fight, war, treasure hunts! He never misses cricket or the exclusive 'Arnab Goswami talk shows' whatever maybe the reason! Obvious enough that he likes to watch movies and TV but HE HAS NOT WATCHED DDLJ OR MY OTHER FAVORITES, TILL DATE.

Well, he has not seen whom he has to match too, to make me fall for him! When I tried to forcefully make him watch, well quiet obvious way to escape was a quick fight! We did became best of friends and we just loved each other's company. Everything was good and merry!

I even convinced him to say simple lines like - I love you and I miss you! My mistake. I am sure everyone is aware of this combination of lines: 

Zor se bolo, 

Jai mata di!

Its set in our mind. Anywhere if anyone says, Zor se bolo, our mind would reply instantly, Jai mata di! Similarly, his mind has been programmed. Before hanging up the phone, like a robot he says, "I love you, I miss you, bye."

I never hear, the love, though! I didn't experience MMM, till now! I was still not in love!

Life just went on with my wish just with me as he was not interested in proving his love! Like always I went to office. In afternoon, office was being evacuated for there was a warning for a bad storm. I spoke to him. He was very anxious and ordered me to rush home and told he is on his way back. My house was not far. I felt quiet weird. Mr unromantic being extra concerned, not bad!

I left office. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was raining or shall I say it was like clouds came down to pour. The roads were flooded, like the entire sea was ready to take the city within itself! People were shouting and kids were crying. It was a complete havoc situation! Me and my friend decided to go to my place. I checked my phone, of course it stopped working. I took a deep breadth and we held hands and started walking towards my place. I was scared, I have not seen sky falling like this.

Everyone passing by, were playing God! Helping others in spite of being in a similar situation! We were holding each others hand, helping ourselves and others together to fight the situation. I was acting bold but I wanted to hold his hand, desperately! I was missing him like mad. My eyes were adding to the water logging. I was scared, beyond words!

My house was not far, but seemed like a mile away! I tried to look, where exactly I have reached and I cleared the extra water from my eyes!

I saw him. I saw him. I saw him. He was coming towards me with a little girl sitting on his shoulder. He came...he came. It was my magical moment. The world froze for a moment. I just saw him. I just felt no water logging. I didn't sense people around me. I just saw him. I felt so strong. My eyes kept on pouring. He came and gave me a hug and wiped my tears!

He saw my tears, in rain!

"I love you! We'll do fine. Now let's go, shall we!" He held my hand and led me!

My friend, few other colleagues, that little girl and few other kids and complete strangers took shelter at my place!The rain stopped and my heart craziness for finding my magical moment stopped!

He was still the same, I was still the same and everything was same but I heard love in his voice. I heard it may be because I wanted to. But my wait was over. I was in love!

Of course, he didn't jump from my window or brought flower or chocolates, or neither did he took rounds around me on his bike, no one slapped him for me, no romantic songs or dancing around the trees or trains or no poems and prose! Nothing! But here I was, in love!

You are my Love!

Your are so Pure,

I feel so Loved!

Your style is Atypical,

Filled with innocence and Truth!

Your love is so Intense,

with absolute Natural brightness!

With time, you remained Unchanged,

You bring out the best in me and Make me what I am!

I did understand this fact a little late, and just blamed myself for being so late. Life was beautiful with love all around! 

A beautiful journey from being best of friends to new love birds!
You are my PLATINUM man!

This post is an entry for Platinum Day of Love contest on IndiBlogger.