Are you the Change?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” is one quote that resonates with me like none other.

I remember I was a child when I read this, not sure where but it caught my attention and made so much sense. While growing up, I could see the flaws in our society, especially for the girls and it always remained in my heart. What also remained was the desire to bring the change.

There was a time when I was really adamant at making things right around me, prevent things which couldn’t be justified and wanted everyone to change according to my thought process. And I failed... miserably!

It felt like the moment of truth... I realized it is so much simpler to make kids understand things and tell them what is right or wrong. It’s also easier to make them admit their mistake but at the same time, it becomes quite a task when we talk about adults. Everyone thinks they’re right... even if they aren’t they wouldn’t accept that because they think it will make them small in front of the world.

Even if people are ready to accept their mistakes they hardly want to change. Call it their habit or sheer laziness or pure ignorance but they like the system they’re adapted to and don’t want to come out of their comfort zone. And that is why change is so much resisted.

Everyone has a problem with the system yet no one wants to make the first move. Everyone wants to live their lives on their own terms and yet no one comes out publicly and eventually becomes part of the so-called society!

Everyone wants to be a part of the cattle gait and shoo away even the thought of doing things which might sound quirky or bizarre to the society.

It was never easy... to change things around and so I changed myself. I always opted for non-conventional options and wanted to do something that doesn’t follow the typical societal norm.

I did not like the conservatism around me and I became a liberal. I believe if someone wants to do something (which may not follow the usual path) then it is totally up to them to decide, it is simply their prerogative to make a choice of what they want to do with their lives and head forward... It is not our business. Period. And that is the reason why I never question/judge anyone’s decision for that matter. I totally get it if people do things for the way they do.

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Also, when I face difficult situations, deep in my heart, I always wish if someone understood me better and that is the reason why I try to be the person who understands people in spite of all the odds against them. I always try to empathize with them and make an effort to do my bit... because I believe the rest shall automatically follow.

Change starts with us... within us... through us... by us... for us!

And it is not just about the thoughts and stuff, it is also about doing your part... simple acts like not wasting water, electricity etc, not loitering around, being kind to others and countless things that we do in our daily lives. This bit by bit would bring a huge change, I sense!

As Dalai Lama quotes, ‘If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

Tell me which is that one quote that moves you and you live by it? Tell me about the quote that shapes you, that you breathe through day and night?

Cheers 

This post has been selected as the WOW entry by Blogadda.

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Of Half Love, Half Friendship

It was during the second year of my four year course when things started to change. Being a localite, I had the advantage of knowing the city better along with my personal vehicle to move around places. As I was a geek in college, all I cared for was marks... Yes, they mattered a lot to me. And I did everything I could to score well in my exams. 

Due to this, I got a little popular amongst the 400 students in the whole batch. It was when my technical skills got into the limelight, a lot of students started approaching me. In that lot, there was a guy named, Sachin who came here from another city and didn’t know anyone. He had a different background and thus wasn’t really strong in his subjects. He was the first guy who genuinely approached me for studies and according to him, I was the first girl who said yes to teaching him things and help him through.

We clicked in one instant became best friends in college. As he didn’t know anything in the city, I took him to a lot of places. Places that became our favorite spots for a hangout. Time flew and we got closer. But it was only a good friendship that we shared.

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One fine evening, we were invited to a friend’s birthday party which was organized in a club. We went there, had a few drinks, ate good food and danced! With each other... a lot! Our bodies were grooving just right on the music beats and we were completely in rhythm with each other. Everyone felt there was something going on between us then (but actually nothing was going on)! 

We only shared a good chemistry.

Both of us headed to a friend’s place for the sleepover, where everyone reached and slept (given the number of drinks everyone had). We too were drunk but were totally in our senses. We just lay on the bed where we found some space. There were other two friends who were lying on the same bed but we didn’t care and decided to doze off.

In reality, none of us sleep that night. Sure, we wanted to, but couldn’t. Call it the effect of the alcohol or whatever, but I was tipsy and he was calmer than usual. Just when I pushed myself into the sleeping mode, I felt something, underneath my dress! I instantly stopped it and later realized it was Sachin’s hand! I had goosebumps all over my body and he just wanted to take his hands inside more. I knew I had to put a stop to it and I tried... a lot! But couldn’t control him... or let’s just say, resist him!

His hand gave me that electric current that I had never felt in my life, ever! He knew I was liking it and so moved his hands more, first on my neck, then on my hands, moving to my stomach and then above it. He was trying to undo my bra but couldn’t! Obviously, he was a naive boy. The first thought that crossed my mind was, we’re just friends! We’re not even committed! How can we do this? But my body had no intentions listening to my mind. I just wanted to be in his arms. He touched me... and kissed my lips and it was magical. I knew it wasn't love and yet I didn’t want him to stop!

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We kissed and kissed some more! Our tongues were dancing with each other when we sealed our lips together. He wanted to do more... I wanted to do more but we had other people around us! The night passed touching each other at places unexplored!

The following day, it felt different to both of us. We knew it was the effect of last night. But with morning, came the reality. We weren’t committed and what we had last night wasn’t what friends do.

We discussed this and decided to keep ourselves in limits and maintain the friendship we had. But the fact was our friendship had been effectively ruined that night.

We couldn’t resist for even a week and decided to continue our incomplete affair. And we booked a hotel for the same. Getting in the hotel wasn’t a problem. I had friends in the city and it wasn’t a task. 

From that day on, our rendezvous became a regular affair. We went to the hotel every fortnight and gave our bodies that much-needed pleasure. Sure, I started having more affection for him and he became a bit possessive for me. We knew we liked each other a lot, but none of us wanted to put a label to what we were having. Maybe we were scared of losing it once we put it in a label. I didn’t want to risk that. Nor did he.

We knew we were more than friends but less than lovers. Maybe we were Friends With Benefits! At some points, when I flirted with other boys or simply hang out with them, he would get jealous. He never said a word, yet his eyes said it all. And I kind of liked this arrangement. There were no strings attached. And yet some invisible strings were tying us together.

With college, our affair ended as well. But during this while, neither did he nor did I found anyone else. After changing cities, we almost lost touch with each other.

And today, when I look back I feel just fine. Because there weren’t any strings attached, right?

Cheers

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 “I am sharing a Half relationship story at BlogAdda in association with #HalfGirlfriend”

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For a Splendid stay like this...

This year too I was having second thoughts about our New Year plan. Like last year, I didn’t want it to get cancel. Making a bigger plan and then settling with not-so-big one sure leaves you empty hearted. And I was in no mood to get all nostalgic about the similar situation this year.

As it is our plans get take shape last moment, this year was no different. I was pretty excited for New Years. Honestly, I wanted to take a trip abroad or maybe go Goa, but then we wouldn’t have our friends’ company. Now let me tell you, my husband and I, most of the times want our friends around us. Isn’t it always great to have your favorite people around, especially on occasions like these? Anyway, it’s always the more, the merrier.

So we decided to celebrate it together with our best friends.

See, if you want to party, the nearest place from Kanpur is Lucknow, but we didn’t want to go there. 

We settled for Delhi and started looking for our stay. As we were already late and given it was New Years time, we were a bit unsure of finding a suitable place.

We travel to places frequently and book our stay according to our budget. But c’mon folks, it was New Years, how could we stay anywhere less than a 5 star? :P ;) Also, as they say, what you do on the first day of the year, you continue to do it the whole year! Now, who would want to risk staying at a regular hotel on New Years? I know, I wouldn’t and given this saying about new years, why not increase your chances this year?

And so, after scouting a couple of hotels and the New Year’s party that they were going to host, we picked The Lalit New Delhi as our choice of accommodation. 

|Don’t you feel a tinge of happiness and a few goose bumps thinking about your stay at a  luxury hotel?

Located in the heart of the city, The Lalit is one of the finest luxury hotels in India. Malls, buzzing cafes, heritage monuments and shopping centers are few things to mention that can be easily reached from here.

As we had made our bookings prior through Makemytrip, checking-in wasn’t a hassle. The deals that you get on Makemytrip, I can bet you wouldn’t find those kinds of deals with any other portal.

So yes, there was a rush and the place was crowded, but the staff was patient enough to help us out. We had to book an extra room last minute and the staff helped us through that process with full courtesy. And guess what? We got an up gradation to the Premiere Luxury room! 

Hell yeah! I was thrilled!

Our room was on the 19^th floor and the view it offered was spectacular! The window was large, giving the perfect picturesque for us to relish. The room was spacious and had a bathtub attached in our bathroom.

Isn't it gorgeous?

We had planned our New Year party at Kitty Su, which is a nightclub in the hotel itself. Before the party would start, we decided to take a tour of the same. And man, it was spectacular. The club’s decor was artisan chic, defining the perfect opulence that you would want offering an experience for a lifetime on its exquisite dance floor. No wonder, it’s the only Indian club that is rated amongst the top 100 clubs in the world by DJ Mag.

Sure it was beyond our expectations. The party was wild (in a good way), the DJ was playing excellent music, allowing us to groove and move.  The crowd was good,the food was delicious and the drinks were just fine.

You want to sneak in? Not possible now, but you can have a look at a few pictures below!

Us and our Friends, at the hotel!

Next day began with the sumptuous breakfast, serving the most eclectic assortments of cuisines. You name it and you got it. What took away my fancy was the delectable chocolate sauce which was served with the waffles. Something was different about it, so much so that I wouldn't stop craving it. On January 1, 2017, after coming out of our hangover we reached for the breakfast and were obviously, late. Breakfast was almost going to get pack up and there I was, still craving for the chocolate sauce, which was finished by then. We requested the staff and see this is what he got for us and made our day!

Finger licking good, isn't it?

What caught my sight while taking a tour of the hotel was the sprawling swimming pool. Isn’t it a beauty? (see in the picture above). My favorites were the lounge chairs and guess what? There was a cafe as well. The perfect way to satiate your hunger.

The best part of 5-star hotels is their spa. The award-winning, Rejuve- The Spa, Lalit, takes you to the land of tranquillity. Getting a spa therapy, to relax and rejuvenate your soul is the best thing to do to yourself when you’re on a holiday. Due to the New Year occasion, I got a good deal at The Rejuve, and allowed myself to pamper a bit. And loved it to bits. That was the best part of the whole trip, to be honest. The masseuses were polite and extremely gentle with their hands, and the ambiance was just perfect.

I sure am coming for the massage next time as well!

My 2-day stay at The Lalit New Delhi was comfortable and I totally allowed myself to devour in its luxury.

It was the courtesy of the hotel and our experience during the stay that made us realize we made the right choice!

There is something about the 5-star properties. The effort they take in making your stay the best, letting you indulge in kinds of whims and fancies, giving you a memorable experience, be it about food, or the impeccable service, or the courteous staff or the cleanliness and hygiene and above all, the marvelous infrastructure, every penny spent is worthwhile.

And for a splendid stay like this, I’d like to come again. And again!

Tell me what do you choose in your holidays? Is the stay that matters to you the most or is it the other things? For me, having a good, comfortable, luxurious stay is most of the times the priority ;) Share your experiences below and I’ll be more than happy to hear.

I am blogging about my luxury stay experience for an activity at BlogAdda in association with MakeMyTrip.

Cheers

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Moment of Warmth

I was in a rush. I had to take the class and I was late already. And I hate that. I don’t like being late. But that day was different. After finishing the chores, I was all set to rush for my class and there he was, my husband, standing in the way, asking me not to go.

‘You know we have to be there in an hour’

‘And you know I have a class. I can’t miss that’

‘But that function is important. You know we can’t afford to miss that one’

‘And you know there are students waiting. I can’t cancel at this moment’

‘But you won’t be free early. How long will you take to get free?’

‘After class, I have to visit the doc. That pain on my ankle is really creating a problem. I can’t bear with it anymore. And then I’ll have to buy some medicines prescribed by the doctor. It will take time’

‘Can’t you visit the doctor, tomorrow?’

‘Are you kidding me? You’ve been with me and witnessed all the sleepless nights of agony! How can you even ask me this? I have to go today.’

‘I know it’s serious, but that is also important’

‘And this, is this not important enough for you? Instead of taking me to the doctor, you are asking me to cancel it? You know how difficult it is to get Doc. S’s appointment. I’ve been waiting for weeks and finally, I've got one! And you want me to let it go?!  Sorry, Mister. Not possible’

‘Fine! Do what you want! I’ll go alone... without you!’, exclaimed A.

‘Fine!!’, as I rammed the door and left.

I was furious at that moment. In spite of understanding and being with me at the moment, he’s mad about the fact that I’m not coming with him!

Visiting a doctor is a hassle. Sure I have the appointment but the patients have to wait for hours to have their turn. It sometimes really is a test of my patience levels.

I took the class and visited the doctor. A few tests and few medicines and I was set to go home after spending 4 hours in this entire process.

I was exhausted. And angry at him. And my phone was vibrating. It was him. Why is he calling now?

‘Where are you?’

‘I’m home. What happened?’

‘Did you go to the doctor?’

‘Yes’, of course, I did. Why else does he think we were having that argument?

‘What did he say?’, as if he cares?!

‘Nothing. He has asked to get the x-ray done. I’ve got it done. Bought the medicines as well. It’s a sprain. Nothing major’

‘Oo.. okay. Everyone was asking for you here. I told them you’ll be able to come in a while. But I think you should stay at home. Take rest. That is more important. This, I’ll handle.’

‘Are you sure?’, I’m sure he’s kidding. I know how important these functions are for him!

‘Ya... ya... I’ll be home in a while. See you then. Bye’

‘Bye’

And so effortlessly, my anger was gone. One single phone call from him that says he cares had melted my heart away. There was so much of warmth in that minute long call. And just like this, I was spilled in love, all over again!

And guess what, he was home early and sat by me all evening. Now, this is what I call happiness.

Tell me what melts your heart away? Tell me about your moments of joy filled with all the warmth and love.

Cheers

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“I’m blogging about my #MagicOfWarmth moment at BlogAdda in association with Parachute Advansed Hot Oil”

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Unleash your Capabilities!

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Marriage is an eye opener for many, I believe. And I say this because it kind of opened my eyes too. There was a time when I thought life comes to a full stop post marriage, that there’s not much to rejoice and live your life to the full after marriage, that if there was anything at all it was before the D-day (not that I haven’t enjoyed myself before marriage, but just a few pre –conceived notions I had) and I am so glad to be wrong (for a change) about this.

I, for one, started my life after my marriage to be honest. All my wishes, all my desires, my aspirations started taking shape after I got married. Not that being married was one.

And with time I realized what all things I was capable enough to do.

I am driving from quite a long time, but the real challenge came up when I started taking the classes. You just can’t guess the area where the institute is located and you barely have any idea about the kind of traffic that exists there. Every city has an old city and a new one and the place where I teach is located in the older one. And so, people there aren’t any younger either (or their mentality for that matter)! 

When I have to struggle to reach my destination, I come across lots of vehicles parked incorrectly (by men), which block the traffic so often, over speeding youngsters on bike (boys) who disturb the entire flow of driving, the rickshaws, the pedestrians, and mind you, the place where I go is full of men. You will barely see any woman in sight, and the kind of looks that I get from all those starry eyes! That’s a woman who is driving. She doesn’t know how to park the car. She doesn’t know how to drive well. How is she handling that car? And what not?! 

Well, I am not bragging here about myself or anything, but I drive way better than many men on the road. I obey all the rules, I follow the traffic lights, I don’t drive rash, I don’t just shatter away like crazy! That tiny space where I park my car every single day, most men refuse to admit if that place is capable of accommodating my car! Wearing formals and carrying a bag doesn’t mean I can’t do stuff that men are supposedly do.

We’re surrounded by it. Everywhere. 69% of men agree that their judgement of women is based on their looks. 64% of women agree that the judgments passed on them have affected their ability to reach their true potential.

70% of women agree that majority of judgments on women are from family members or friends rather than strangers.

72% of women agree that working women face more judgments on their looks or their clothes than housewives.

Yes. These are real statistics. There was a wonderful video I came across last week and it got viral too on social media that asked the audience to guess the hobby of the girl based on her looks. I’m sure you must have seen it but if not, you can check it here.

Did you see how things function around us?

When we see a woman carrying a child, we assume she must be home, she has no life, she’s probably not happy, her husband is not supportive and what not! When we see an old woman with an old man who’re probably dating or discovering each other, well it’s obviously budhaape mein ash kar rhe hain (having fun in the old age) that comes to the mind. When we see girls wearing too much of makeup, or wearing too short clothes, or too funky hair, or too dark lipstick, or too many rings and bangles and bracelet and hair colour! What about seeing too many boys with one single girl? What about being friends with only boy? Sounds odd? And then fashion! My goodness! Hair extensions.. No way! What about piercing? Under the lips, below the eye brow, and how about a tattoo? Right beneath your shoulder where you can flaunt it easily. Of course, she’s a hippie! She may not have a character as well, don’t you think? And that where it needs to stop. It’s not our bloody business to know what and why she wears, who she dates, who she sleeps with, is she having a child, is there some medical problem, and what not?! Oh and the one’s with the nannies, well, that’s their choice totally. They’re probably not as efficient as you and need some help or even if she is efficient enough, she does not like doing it by herself and so has hired a maid, big deal! It’s her life and she is the one who gets to decide what should be done and what not! One really needs to learn to mind their own business.

There was a time when I used to cook regularly and the looks that I used to get from kins around, Oh you cook? What a boring thing to do and what a boring life you have! Only cooking! Who does that these days? Very homely she is. We can’t be like this. Thank God we have a staff! And now when I don’t and have someone who does that, it’s like, What a spoilt brat? Doesn’t even cooks! It’s so shameful! I mean where should one go? One can never satisfy the society. Best is to ignore all of it and do what you feel is right, what your conscience allows! Simple.

Nobody will notice how well are you doing at your work, how hard are you trying to make your day a productive one, all one cares and notices of, she gets to stay out all day, she has a car all by herself for as much as she wants, she doesn’t has to cook, nobody says anything to her, she wears jeans and all the clothes of her choice and the list is endless.

I drive. I drink (O I don’t drink and drive of course!), I wear red lipstick, I don’t have kids, I’ll plan them when I’ll feel it’s the right time to do and not when you will ask me to, I love to wear sarees, I love to take care of my family, I love to dance, crazy dance, on loud music, I love to party, I have friends, guy friends as well and I talk to them, but I am capable of working my ass off all day and then attend guests at night, I am capable of standing one feet all day to get my work done, even in the night if required,  I know my commitments and they will always be priority first no matter what comes in. I am capable of giving unconditional love to my loved ones and it’s the joy of loving them and being loved in return. I am ambitious, may be a bit too much for you to handle, but that’s your problem. Isn’t it?

And it will never have a full stop.

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Well, “I’m breaking stereotypes based on appearance by sharing my experience for the #IAmCapable activity at BlogAdda in association with Nihar Naturals.”

I’m sure you too face things like these every day, so tell me what is your story? Tell me what you’re capable of? How does society judge you? What do you hear about yourself? Tell me all of it and I’ll be all ears to it!

Cheers 

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Year of Firsts that was 2015

As I sit with my laptop, thinking about how 2015 went by, the only thing that comes to me is how glorious the year turned out for me. 2015 was perhaps, the most resplendent year of my life, both in terms of my personal and professional life. It was a year that satiated the dreamer in me. Yes, there were specks of sorrows as well, but then what’s true happiness if there’s no sadness? And I am glad I could overcome all of it and didn’t let my fiery spirit die. There are so many things that I am grateful for, so much that 2015 has given me, of course, I had to jot it down and embrace everything around!

Here’s listing below my learning’s, my gratitude this year-

1. It was a year of so many Firsts! My first post being published on web, first win at Writer’s Ezine, my first post winning at Blogadda along with being published at Women’s Web and attending a conference for the same, celebrating first Teacher’s Day, asked to review a book for the first time, receiving a gift from Secret Santa for the first time, first Tangy Tuesday pick at Blogadda, receiving the first bloggeraward, celebrating Friendships Day first time with Myself, having the first WOW post, being published at Story Mirror. Gosh! It truly was a year of Firsts! Not to mention my story and poems have made to the anthology this year which shall be published soon! And as I write this post, I realize there is a glow of happiness on my face, which I completely devour.

2. I realized as and when you grow, it’s hard to maintain that same level of your friendship alive. It takes lot many efforts for things to remain the same. But friends are the wonderful family one can ever have. They will be there through your thick and thin and I am so glad to have them.

3. When I read my reflections post of January this year, I found out about being so paranoid about my writing, and the ritual to maintain it. Today, I only laugh at it, but somewhere deep down, I am still worried, and yet there exists so much of gratification inside me for completing it religiously.

4. One thing that I am really willing to carry forward next year is the fact it is you and only you who can help yourself more than anyone in the world. There will be people who will try to bring their hands forward, but you can blossom only if you’re willing to. And that power lies inside you. As they say, to get something you’ve never got before, you need to make efforts you’ve never made before! Makes sense?

5. I learnt that if you’re quiet about something, and don’t have the habit of exaggerating too much, you’re going to be taken lightly! Yes. You heard me right! Anything, that you do, you constantly need to remind others what you did, otherwise they forget easy. But then I feel, it’s not always about accentuating what you do; it is more about doing anything that comes straight from heart! I am really confused on this. Any suggestions from you?

6. This year helped me learn a lot about myself, my family, and the dynamics about how things works, and it is all for good.

7. Technology, it does connect with the ones far from you, but takes you far from the ones sitting near you. I realized everything on social media (or may be most of it) is a sham! Nothing is perfect in the world. No one is. Egging upon sharing every iota detail of your life only makes you look desperate. Come out of the virtual world, and embrace the real world around you. I am not saying that it is bad, but getting addicted to it is bad.

8. In life, there is nothing gray for me. It is either black or white. This year I hope to discover the gray area as well. For my own good. It’s important to understand the politics that goes around you and in order to avert yourself from it, you need to move to the gray area and understand it first.

9. Family comes first, no matter what. It was a year of revelation for me. There were a few things where I thought my family would barely understand me, but they were way more ahead in taking action for the problems that circled me.

10.  I can never express the amount of love I have been showered upon this year. Boosting my inner self and having the confidence to take things a step ahead is what this year has taught me.

I’m sharing my #TalesOf2015 with BlogAdda.

How was your 2015? What is that one thing that you wish to take forward for 2016? Share with me and I’ll be more than happy!

Wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Cheers 

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Gabbling Up!

Gosh! How did you do this?

Getting all over me and making me so crazy!

Giving your heart to me and taking mine

Gazing me all day and night!

Gorgeous eyes, sparkling smile

Gasping hard, when your lips touch mine!

God gave you the gift of gab

Generous you are, that makes you so fab

Grinning in the corner

Guffawing at me

Gaiety I feel, with butterflies in my stomach.

Gathering everyone, gearing up altogether

Ghost they call it of everyone’s life

Giggling at it, I take this over

Governed by your love, I give you its turnover!

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

The challenge was to begin each line with the initial of the blogger's first name, and write about someone with whom the blogger loves to be with.

This poem is picked as WOW post by Blogadda.

Happy Reading

Cheers

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Happiness is.. Being Special!

This week’s WOW’s prompt kind of tinkled something inside me. Something had been on my mind over a period of time and after reading the it, I realized, this was it.. this was what I wanted.. And nothing can be better than a self-appraisal therapy and writing it all out is like a cherry on the cake!

All of us have our families, friends, a social circle, a few nosy relatives, and our all time favourite cousins. Amongst them, we spend most of our time with the ones we’re close. We want to do everything for them, we want to give them all the happiness in the world, we want to mollycoddle them like no other, and have the best intentions for them. And like I said, we are social animals, we need to keep ourselves in contact with someone or the other, online or offline doesn’t matter.

By doing all of this, sometimes, inadvertently, we hurt the ones we love the most, may be by being close with someone else, our friends or spouse may not like.. but hey, we’re free, right? It’s a free country for that matter, and we can bond with anyone we like.. who knows what magic the other may do to us?!

And while we enjoy the power of magic on us, our better-half or friend is already half-burnt, envying the new duo we’ve formed.. and that’s sometimes sad, isn’t it?

But hey, I think I’m deviated from the topic. What makes me so special? Or what is it in me that defines me and makes me unique? I think it wants me to do some thinking..

I am special because, there is no other Geet- the rhythm of love. Because what I do for people I love, can’t be explained.. Their happiness, a simple smile on their face means the world to me and to do that, I don’t mind crossing the borders, breaking the boundaries, going beyond my potential and do things that even I am not aware of! It helps me unleash this potent power of love that makes me do things beyond horizons. People sometimes label the fact that I love drama, and it may be drama for them, but not for me! For doing things extra-ordinarily, I don’t mind doing this drama.

Be it spending sleepless nights, to complete my first ever website for my sister as her birthday gift, or to make a giant scrapbook for my parents, collating all their memories together, saving ounce of money only to make their day special, making a documentary for them overnight, or getting specially up in the morning at 6 for writing a poem for my MIL and FIL, coz something had come up and it had to be given by 8. Opening my half sleepy eyes, and succumbing my thoughts to co-ordinate with my brain, decorating the floor for them, coz I’ll be gone all day and so I want their mornings to be perfect, or decorating the room for my love to make our Valentines special and baking a cake for him (well yeah, I’m not much of a baker or a cooking person, so it means a lot), or filling pages in the card for my friends because I know it means the world to them, or paying a surprise visit to my parents’ just to see that spark in their eyes, and thanking my teachers with gratitude for what they have done for me and always keeping them in my prayers.

Below is the documentary I gifted them on their 25th Anniversary

I am special because I learn from everyone around me, regardless of their age. It is all about the good qualities and the state of art that I can always seek and encourage the same. I always look for the best in people and focus on their good sans considering any bad. I feel everybody around us has the capacity to teach us something good and that is what I really look forward to! Positivity is the key here.

I am special because I am extremely understanding. Sometimes, people do play with this, but mostly this quality has always helped me maintain good long term relations. I feel everybody have a choice for doing things they like, and it’s their life after all, and understanding plays a huge role. Being empathetic and a compassionate human being has always helped me earn respect.

I am special because I am a total mess and a masque as well. I can talk non-stop without causing a headache and make people laugh out loud. I am a very happy go lucky person, and encourage humour around me. You see, I’ve got the gift of gab.. and I promise, you will never get bored in my company.

Whenever it’s someone’s birthday, I totally go nuts over it..! All I aim is to make that person feel on the top of the world, that they are very special to us, that they have done so much for us, that had they been not there, God knows how I would Me? For all of them have their roles in shaping me as a 

person.

I have always been on the good adjusting side, bringing ease with which work can be done, for only that matters to me.

And the infectious energy that I have automatically sets the aura around high! Full of zeal, full of life.. and boy! My swag and the heart of gold that I possess, it drives people crazy for me.

Because I can’t see my folk’s face gloomy, and I do everything to cheer them up and brighten their luminous smiles!  

My modesty and this thing in to me stay grounded has always maintained my spirits high. You see, staying on the ground and aiming for the sky! I appreciate simplicity and believe in generosity!

I think that enough of me. How about you? What makes you special? What is the best thing that you love the most about yourself? I am listening..

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

This post is picked up as WOW post by Blogadda. 

Day 8 of NoMo

Happy Reading

Cheers

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#Woman Summit- Highlights

It was 5 in the evening when I got a call from Blogadda about the winner announcement of the #WomenPowerSummit contest. You can read the post here. Something inside me was constantly yelling about the results. As they were out quite late, my heart was wishing to know everything and finish this dilemma. When I learned, that I am one of the four bloggers who are invited for the event, believe me, I felt ecstatic. But at the same time a bit anxious as well, as to how I will be able to make it to the event. Juxtaposed at this, plus knowing about it at such a short notice, I doubted I’d be able to make it. Nevertheless, after lot many efforts, and thoughts, I finally reached there.

It was organized at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. The banquet was full of exquisite ladies from all the sectors in the industry. From media and advertising, to writers, to corporate, to teachers, to doctors, to social workers, activists and what not, depicting women have touched every sphere of work today. It was such a proud thing to be there amongst such incredible women. The summit was all about celebrating womanhood, celebrating the Sheroines (and not He-roines) of today and the coming future. There was something or the other that I learnt from the wonderful speakers. All of them had so much to give to the audience, so much to deliver, so much to share.

Maneka Gandhi (Union Minister for Women and Child Development), talked about the millions of possibilities for women, and why in the near future they will make a difference, why it is important to grant a maternity leave for 8 months, and why women should have pre-nuptial agreement before the wedding, why it was important to give support to women in the villages and why women are dependent on men. It was truly enlightening listening her.

Manabi Bandopadhyay (India’s First Transgender Principal), my goodness.. her life had been filled with so much of struggle, so much of hardships, being aloof at all times, being abandoned by her family only to bring her back when she started making money. It kind of left so many questions in our minds about our society and the acceptance towards such individuals that is somewhere missing, that often succumbs the family to leave their own children.

Juhi Chaturvedi (Writer, Piku and Vicky Donor), she was one brilliant Speaker amongst the lot. What an incredible lady she is. Her persona, her outlook towards life, towards her surroundings was worth giving an ear. There was so much to pick from such simple things that happen around us. About life, about old age, about problems. 

For instance, all of us refer to the age of the people (old ones) who are with us rather than treating them as individuals, as human beings, as family members. All we say is so and so is 60 years of age and they should not do these set of things or maybe they are 70 years of age and thus should not eat so many variety of things, shouldn’t go to all the places that they really want to explore, etc. We have these numbers in our minds which make us think in that particular format. Only if we allow ourselves to realize that they too are people and have needs like us, even when they are old. Old age demands time coz they have a lot of free time. Yes, there will always be arguments in the house with the elder generation, but that only depicts that you are involved. We are the ones who see them old and not them who see themselves as old!

Plus, there is no point in sulking and crying as it doesn’t helps and so how much can you cry?! At the end of the day you need to come to being you and get back to track where you left it behind.

In today’s time, pressure is on men to be progressive. Dare they say, that they don’t want their wives to work, dare they say that she can’t go anywhere, dare they allot her duty to only cook. It will only result in their becoming of the scapegoat of everything around. It’s Okay for me to feel something in that manner, but time is such that they no longer can express such stuff publicly!

Bhumi Padnekar (Actor), talked more about battling with your body type. Beauty is state of mind and it is all about accepting who you are. Women today are pressurized to look skiny, to look hot! Girls as young as 12 and 13 don’t eat properly just to maintain their figure, ignoring the fact that there’s more to life than weighing. They are more concerned about their ass, their waistline. Though a recent study claims that the rounder the hip/butt, the broader the brain! I don’t know about the others but it did make me happy! ;)

Well, dealing with your body type, and how it looks, is where upbringing comes into picture. Problem children are problem parents! They’re conditioning them, brainwashing their minds, that if they’re thin they’ll be liked and if not, then people will address them with terms as ‘unfit’, ‘fat’, ‘fatso’. They sub-consciously begin to reinforce and the child loses the weight to be liked their parents!

What we tend to ignore is indulgence is part of being human! What one needs to admit is self-acceptance. “I am happy because that is what I like, no matter  what. And it has to be intrinsic training”. One cannot look how one used to look 20 years ago and just like this, one cannot look something one will look 20 years from now, so celebrate how you look today and everyday and be good  about it! It all will come when we will start talking about healthy we are, rather than how thin or fat we are.

Follow the philosophy of wellness and not thinness!

Another intriguing discussion in this similar topic was why women accept such rubbish husbands, where they are all paunchy but want their wife to be hot and sexy! It’s simply foolish on girl’s part!

Are you getting the grip of event of the event? It was even more fantastic than this!

Ira Singhal (IAS Officer)- woman with disability who topped the IAS exam did it with all the ease in the world. And as far as her case was concerned, she was more like all of us. It’s her words that says, people will tend to look strange things around them and we humans are wired that way, but what you can do is give them a smile and make them comfortable and they will no longer find you strange. That was her mantra to deal with situations! Isn’t that great?

 Dilshad Master (Cancer Survivor) was diagnosed with cancer when her baby was just 9 months old. The incessant spirit to fight everything lead her close to her dreams!

 Bibi Sandeep Kaur (Mother with 80 daughters), started her journey from a terrorist to now being a mother of 80 daughters! Isn’t that incredible?

That’s what life does!

Aditi Mittal (Stand-Up Comedian), was there to steal the show with her wits and fancy! It was one of the most Epic sessions of the event.

Aditi Rao Hydari  (Actor), Amy Jackson (Actor),  Nirmala Sitharam (Minister of State for Commerce and Industry & Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs), Mrunali Deshmukh (Lawyer) and other incredible females threw lights on topics ranging from the Economics in Marriage to designer babies, to the pre-nuptial agreement-why and why not. The highlights were:

•  One should not greedy in a marriage, but wise enough to stay with your partner and leave him  as well, as need be!
•  Love, Trust and Respect for each other are three pillars for an everlasting marriage!
• Have a child when you have a stable and loving relationship with your partner and not make the child a thing to mend your marriage!

O and how can forget to tell you about the mind blowing Spa Break! Yes, all of us got our goodie boxes! 

The Goodie Bag

And a soothing hand and shoulder massage! Can you beat that..! The sight was epic! All the ladies were enjoying themselves and the happiness on their faces was enough to make out the bliss they were experiencing. 

Enjoying my chilled Iced Tea along with massage ;)

After the high tea, there were a few models as well to display the beautiful jewelry by PC Jewellers, followed by another small competition to involve the audience, only to top it with wine and champagne!

Models displaying beautiful sarees and jewelry

Along with the priceless memories, we got souvenirs’ posing ourselves for lifetime.

It was an event worth attending. First event that I attended and I cannot thank Blogadda much! 

Looking forward to many such upcoming events!

Have you ever attended an event like this? Would love to hear your experiences.

Happy Reading

Cheers

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