Without You

Without you,

The days would be so blue,

No evening to look forward

No reason to pick a fight or two!

Without you,

Life would be so screwed

With no one around to share the woes

All I’ll have is bad mood!

Without you,

With whom will I share my stew?

And enjoy the beautiful view

And see the night pass through.

Without you,

Shopping would be so boring

No company to roam on the streets

No roaring because of your snoring!

Without you,

Gossips wouldn’t be fun

Nothing to spice it up

No joy in putting a pun! ;)

Without you,

With whom will I cry my heart’s woes?

And throw tantrums for no reason

And get my daily dose! ;)

Without you,

Who will point and tell my flaws?

And who will laugh at my faux pas?

And who will stand for me and applause?

Without you,

The Sunday cookings wouldn’t feel new

And my odd midnight cravings?

They wouldn’t be fulfilled with full credit and due!

Without you,

Who will I tease and get all pleasure?

And the endless tickles that take away your breath

Giving me our priceless laughter together, that I treasure!

Without you,

There will be no perfections

Life will be without directions

Without any connections!

~G

Linking this to Blogchatter Prompt- Without you

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For mornings like these...

It’s always good to get up early morning, don’t you think? Yes, you get a hell lot of time to do your work and stuff but what’s more enticing is the fresh air and the feel-good factor that comes with it! Don’t you feel proud of yourself, especially when you’re not a morning person? I sure feel fantastic. Opening those twitched eyes is literally a war. Like literally. And then your brain is always ready with those super creative excuses for not going for the walk that perfectly lures you... I slept late last night... I need to complete my sleep, or else I’ll feel drowsy all day... Just 5 more minutes... Have worked out 4 days in a row, one break is fine... I’ll compensate on a Sunday this time... It’s okay... ok din miss karne se kuch ni hota (missing one day won’t matter)... and so on. And you know there is no end to it, right?

Yes! It's this foggy in the morning.

One moment of weakness in the morning will make you feel guilty all day. But if you’re a brave heart and are able to fight this demon inside you, get up from your warm cozy bed and wash your face in this chilling winter, let me tell you, you’ve already won half the battle. Yes, it is a battle to get to up every day for a person who is not so fond of this ritual.

And just when you think that you are so sincere with your fitness goals and punctual about reaching, you witness dozens of people there already, before you, who’re now almost done with their workout... that is when realization strikes, where you feel you’re way behind. There are people who come no matter how cold it is, how foggy it is, if it is raining or not, or if it’s too hot and so on. The revelation that it requires much more dedication and will power than you will ever have.

But then, reaching there always leaves you inspired for the next day.

Also, as long as you are working out, it’s perfectly alright if you’re a little late.

For the fresh air amongst the serene greenery around you, those foggy mornings that refreshes your soul, the small steps that you make, feeling the pain in your muscles with every stride you take and yet you know how excellently it is healing your soul in the process. Those moments of breathlessness, and the will to make your body move till the point where it’s completely exhausted and ready to give up, and the happiness to see that you’re all in one piece, without being broken into bits and pieces. Sheer bliss.

That's my friend, all geared up in her morning armor,
because of whom, my morning walks are possible!

Did you see, how determined she is!

And for mornings like these, I am willing to struggle and fight the battle... with myself.

How are your mornings? Are you like the kind who get up at the hunch of one alarm and wake up all fresh? Or like the ones who create all the drama in the morning, like me?

Tell me more.

Linking my post to #ChattyBlogs

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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Personalized Cards *Cherished BlogFest* CBF16

Yes, I love cards, the personalised ones! Just love them. And the way my sister crafts them, they turn out even more beautiful. Whoever sees those cards wants one for them, but obviously, I am the privileged one here and I take full advantage of that! Not that I ask her to make one for me!

The first giant card she made was for my birthday before the wedding and believe me it was huge. Sometimes, I wonder what is she doing in her 9 to 5 job... O let me correct 9 to no fixed-time hour job? Only she knows!

She makes cards for others as well, her close friends and folks but the kinds she has made for me, she hasn’t made such for anyone else! Does it sound like I’m boasting here? Yes, I am. And it’s fun to sometimes. Yes, I am bragging about my sister and her creativity and the love that she has in her heart for me!

And this not just you know sticking pictures and writing something something. It’s beyond that. It’s the pain that she takes to make it a perfect one, the endless sleepless nights that it takes to make the card for the given date (morning-afternoon, evening is all office), and putting her heart and soul just to bring that smile on my face! Am I not lucky to have her? Of course, I am!

Below is the glimpse of the card. I don’t have the pictures of the first card, but I have the second one :D

Isn't the card pretty? Pretty would be an understatement for a card like this one.

I have another card made by friends but don't have a picture to share with you. Will share in some other post.

Words have a special place in my heart. I always look forward to cards on special days and love to read what that person has written by themselves. It adds so much of personal touch, doesn't it?

It all started when I was in class 11, and for the first time, Ar and I exchanged cards! And the amount of stuff we wrote for each other... It was beyond one's expectations! Looked like we were writing for the board examinations :P

It's always good to express what's there in your heart and receive the love in various forms!

Cards are something I cherish. I love cards and enjoy reading them :)

What is your most cherished thing? Share with me in the comments.

Written for Cherish BlogFest CBF16 and linking with Half Marathon Blogging Challenge with Blogchatter. Today is Day 13 of the challenge.

Cheers

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Reflections~ July

It’s almost end of July. Yah, yah... None of us know where the month and the year have gone by and pondering about it every month has become a new cliché. But what do we do? Time slips away without even letting us know?

July was a month full of work, events, health and family.

The month started with the birthday celebrations of a dear friend followed by the Felicitation Party that is hosted for the students congratulating them and refreshing them for the upcoming course. This little world that I share with my students is truly a gift in every sense. I cherish it, I feel happy about it and I am thankful for it. Every student of mine holds a special place in my heart. No matter if I teach them now or not, but they’re the ones who have shaped me as a teacher and made me who I am.

After a really long time, R (a dear friend of mine) and I shopped! Though I didn’t shop much but it was fun after a long time. Given our schedules and its timings, it becomes quite handy to meet that often. We shopped, we ate, and we chatted and poured our hearts! Doesn’t it sound enticing? I’m looking forward to doing it again next month :P

I’m grateful to have friends in the city whom I can meet share my woes and add happiness to our lives!

This month also invited non-stop eating. Yes, keeping an eye on diet was put aside and all I did was nurture my all-time-junk-cravings! Of course, at odd hours. I knew somewhere in my heart that I was crossing the line, but then who cares came into the picture! What am I suppose to do?

I saw Kabali and Madaari. Kabali, I didn’t like. At all. Madaari, I loved! Brilliant acting, brilliant plot and outstanding performance! The hard-hitting reality is pointed in the movie and if you have not watched it yet, please go and watch it! And thank me later ;)

Husband was out of town for a day and it was nice and I wrote a post in his absence: P :D

The party with the students was fun... actually more than fun! All of them were dressed up as hell and saying gorgeous would be an understatement! All my students looked stunning! And we danced... and danced non-stop! For full 3 hours and we didn’t stop... at all! As the DJ was changing the numbers, we were changing our steps and positions!

Lots of chatting with the students revealed lots of stories and it was fun learning them. Doesn’t it feel amazing when you come to know so many new things about yourself, something that had been there for a while but only you were oblivious to it?

It was a day well spent, bringing in lots of headaches for me along with high fever! I guess I danced way too much! And since then, I’m trying to come out of viral but just couldn’t!

Today is still better, but past two days, I was a mess! I don’t like falling sick! But then, who does?

I’m glad I could take the class today and didn’t miss it, like the other day!

I am grateful for taking up the #HalfMarathon Blogging challenge. It sure has made me do some writing and I’m glad for not leaving it in between. Two days back when I wasn’t feeling well, I simply didn’t want to write. All I could think of was how to give up, but then the word ‘challenge’ kind of motivated me to stick to it!

I know it my heart if it wouldn’t be for the challenge I would never have written a word! I’m happy that I took it up!

What are things you’re happy about this July?

Join me and others at Vidya Sury’s Gratitude Circle Blogshop.

I’m participating in Half Marathon Blogging Challenge with Blogchatter. Today is Day 12 of the challenge.

Cheers 

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An Open Letter to my 16-year-old self

Hey Geetika,

Stop crying! What are you fretting over? And what has happened that has made you look like this? You’ve started getting dark circles under your eyes. And it’s not healthy. I know you’re worried about your studies. But stop worrying. Start studying. I know you do, but you have so many distractions piled up while you’re so oblivious towards them.

I know you start your day at 5 in the morning, get ready and then run to the tuition, then school, then tuition, then home, then lunch then tuition again! Half of your day is gone already! While you get back home, you feel this need to talk to someone. I know you don’t have anyone by your side. You aren’t that close to your sister and your brother is too young to talk to. Your mother won’t understand your dilemma. Moreover, your dad is really strict.

I know you want to make him proud and you will one day. But you think way too much! Not your fault either. Every time he enters the home you’re doing everything but studying. Of course, he gets annoyed not seeing you dived into books. But that isn’t your entire fault either. Is it? It is not your problem if he’s home the moment you move away from your study table, right? You gotta to leave books at some point!

You have your school homework, plus tuition homework and above all, self-studies! You are going to get frustrated. Obviously!

And the friends that you have... don’t do so much for them. They’re not worthy of you. They make fun of you behind your back and they want you to be the laughing stock for everyone. Don’t let them do this. Have faith in you. Even if you are alone, you don’t have to run after them. They will anyway part ways with you.

But it’s not all their fault. Everyone has their own interest. They’re inclined towards boys a bit more than usual, and you have in your head that boys will be coming and going, but it’s more important to make your career first. After all, it’s the boards, this year. Of course, your father doesn’t let you forget that for sure!

G

Life isn’t going to stop after class 10^th. And boards are not everything. You are going to have wonderful two years ahead of your school life, if only you believe me. You are going to score well in next two years and that will bring a lot of confidence in you.

You want to stay friends with your friends but don’t want to entertain much gossip pertaining to boys and yet want to be a part of their life. But that’s not how it works. Also, coz you’ve changed your place, you’ve got a few new friends about whom you share with your school friends. And mind you, they don’t like to hear much about them. You don’t know this yet. You will learn it soon and feel sad. Again! But what wrong are you doing anyway? Friends are supposed to ‘share’ stuff right?!

But hey, don’t you be all anxious girl; YOU ARE going to be loaded with friends in the near future. In fact, you’re going to be the best of a friend they will ever have and they will only say this to you. You are going to share their happiness, laughter, joy, sorrows, heartbreaks, and adventures and make some beautiful memories for a lifetime that you will cherish all your life.

And believe me, lots of boys are going to have a crush on you. You will have so many guys as your best buddies, buddies for life. Few will fall in love with you, like you the way you are and make you feel special.

Sure, they will break your heart and you will feel bad but that will only make you strong!

The career that you are so determined to make, will give you new paths for sure, and you will meet some wonderful mentors during that time. They will support you, encourage you, guide you and even scold you. But you will grow... for good!

You will live your life to the full and you will make your parents proud one day.

And don’t worry about your looks or body so much! Your size will vary with age! And you will be happy about it!

And your hair, yes you’ve got curls and they’re beautiful! But you like straight hair more. They too suit you well, but curls aren’t that bad either. And trust me, one day you are going to get them straight, and flaunt them all. Curls make your hair look short but that’s fine.

Ignore what your distant relatives and cousins blabber. Stop fretting over your hair so much.

And your skin and its tone are perfectly fine. Beauty and fairness aren't the same things. Be confident. Smile. That makes you beautiful and not the umpteen fairness creams and face packs that you have. And why are you dying to have pimples so much? I know you’ve never had one and you want to know what are they exactly, but you are going to have plenty of them... to an extent that will make you hide under sheets!!

Sure society gives more attention to fair girls, but you aren’t that bad either. Things will fall in place and you are going to have a wonderful life ahead!

And you know what? You're going to write poems someday! Can you believe it? Once in class 8^th, your teacher made you write one, and you couldn’t write one then, but you will write plenty of them in future. If only you know now, that you like writing, you would pursue a career in that and learn a great deal.

And you know what's future got in stored for you? You're going to become a teacher! Ever thought of that? You always wanted to keep in touch with the younger crowd, right? It's going to happen! And your students are going to love you! And so will you!

Did I tell you, your sister with whom you fight so much and wish if she didn’t exist, is going to be your best friend! You both are going to be each other's closest confidantes!  Imagine!! You and her are going to be each other’s lifelines.

Have faith in yourself and in your parents. They do things for you that are good for you. Yes, you love and respect them but have faith in them as well. Learn to connect the dots and always follow your heart. You’re going to do just fine in life!

Regards,

Your future self.

Disclaimer: The views mentioned above are purely mine and do not point anyone particular. This letter is only written because I wanted to write and doesn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings. It took a lot of courage to pour my heart on paper and it's few of the most honest posts I've ever written.

I’m participating in the Half Marathon Blogging Challenge with Blogchatter. Today is Day 8 of the challenge.

Cheers

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Resolutions laid ahead!

2016 started with a bang with an amazing weather in the hills of Northern India. The soft, mild sunny weather in the afternoon and the chilly winds in the evening, with a bunch of completely insane species on planet was a perfect fusion to kick start this new year! Food, drinks, music, friends, road trip, photos, party.. what else could one ask for?

With such a staggering start of the year, I am all energised and set to lay my plans ahead for the year. Yes, I wish to write the chapter on my own for the year and make it worth reading for the coming years. Last year gave me a lot, and I intend to scout even more from this year. As I’ve heard, human wants are insatiable, true as they say!

So, what I really plan to do this year? Let’s find out:

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Read at least 25 books this year. And I know it’s not going to be easy, but as they say, try, try till you succeed. Reading sure is the appetite for good writing and that is one thing I want to be healthy at..!! I sometimes, really have to make an effort to pick up a book and start reading it.

Writing-

Writing something every single day. Yes, that’s challenging, but then what’s life without challenges! I want to take my writing ahead professionally. Looking forward to try my hands on fiction and a few series.

Wellness-

Very important. I have been dillydallying it from I don’t even remember when. Time to stop it all and finally exercise! It does help you maintain your cool. A positive mind and a healthy body is the perfect way to move towards your goals. Don’t you think?

Emotional Well being-

Yes. I am emotional person. I think almost everything like a zillion times in my head and take it to my heart easily. Time to get rid of it. I am working on this, but nothing happens overnight, eh? It makes suffer so much, without me realizing how agitated I often get! A little more patience and hope for a better future and I am really to shine all bright!

Resolutions really work for me and this year too I plan to make them happen.

That pretty much sums up my list. Have you made yours? Don’t you want to share? I’d love to read.

Wish you all a very Happy New Year :)

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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Reflections- November

November started with signing up for writing challenges. I signed up NaNoWriMo, which was the National Novel Writing Month, and NoMo. I failed NaNoWriMo miserably, but I don’t regret that. I tried writing initially, but with guests, festivals, work schedule, it took a toll and I couldn’t even go half way through it, which isn’t that bad I suppose. NoMo, I tried writing every single day of the month, I missed a few days in between, but that’s totally alright I guess.

It was a month full of festivity and joy. Spending time with family, visiting my parents, and then travelling for a wedding. It was a pandemonium state, but full of fun! I met my sister as well.

I came to know about a secret admirer of my blog.tim Doesn’t that give a beautiful feeling inside which is totally inexplicable? I never thought someone could secretly like my blog!

I received a wonderful gift from my Secret Santa, and it was bliss to welcome something from someone you don’t even know. I don’t know my Santa yet, and I am really looking forward to get to know about him/her.

It was a month of a few firsts too. For example-

• My story made it to the final publishing list in one of the anthologies.
• So were the poems. The books should get printed by January
• First TangyTuesday pick by Blogadda.

I know it’s very small, but when it’s the first time, it really means a lot (it means at all the other times as well :P)

Saw Tamasha, and I liked it. Yes. It wasn’t everyone’s cup tea, but very nicely done movie. If you ever take life lessons from movie (when you feel it is right), you can surely get some light there.

That pretty much sums up my November. What did you do last month? Any thoughts you mind sharing?

Happy Reading

Cheers

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Why I blog?

Why do I blog?

To know why I blog, I think I should first analyze why I write?

I write simply because I feel contended after writing. I haven’t yet realized if it is my passion. I am still discovering.. my writing as well as myself. Writing gives me peace of mind. It started when I didn’t have any friends, not a single shoulder to cry on, not a single creature around me to hear my tale.. just my diary and my pen. I know, it's quite a cliché.. but there is a reason why they're called clichés.. don’t you think?

I am not very assertive.. in person,.. writing, I don’t really know yet and I’m not aggressive either.. I just want to give words to my soul, let the inner side come out and make space, and writing is the best way to do so.. I am verbose as well and express what I really feel in an instant, but writing makes it all so special..

A simple hand written note matters much more than pricey gifts.. Words mean so much to me.. and I love to write for others as well.

Gradually, when I came out of the aloofness, I realized I could write happy things.. special things.. and then I started expressing myself with my writing.. to friends of course.. And then these folks pushed me to write more and more.. I am not a writer yet, and I know my writing requires LOTS of improvement, and it will take time as well, but as long as I’m writing consistently, who knows where I might reach with this simple, not-so-good- collection of alphabets merged together to uncover something meaningful, to which even I am oblivious!

I write because there is no other way I have to make myself clear. When I have something on my mind, but not the right person to share, or may be the topic is something that I’d like to keep it to myself, writing takes over everything. And I am glad about that!

Writing is therapeutic.. it heals our crooked broken soul and soothes it by oozing out words, ready to be heard, or written!  

And that is where blog comes in. It’s like being the star.. the owner.. typing in your own name or the name you choose, is what thrilled me the most.. I mean come on, we search like a zillion pages online, enter umpteen website names of someone we don’t even know.. and now we have a way to let people enter the name we choose..! Along with being heard or read.. it seemed so exciting to me.

I wasn’t regular with my blog at all initially (you can check how meagrely I posted), I really had to push myself to write something on this space. And then A-to-Z challenge happened this year.. And I am so grateful I participated in it.. Until then, I barely knew anyone on Blogosphere.. I only used to read Soumya’s blog and follow her diligently.. and I really loved her writings.. and then she helped me out, with how I can do more with it on my blog and I cannot thank her enough for that.. And then I joined B-A-R.. or I should say, THE B-A-R.. and that is best thing that has happened with me this year, in the world of writing! Knowing so many proficient writers and reading their beautiful creations, interacting with them, learning from them, sharing with them, getting a push from them to write more and more.. I don’t know if I need anything else?! I just feel so happy.. that is it!

Blogging has become so very special to me right now, a part of my life I can’t probably imagine without!

What is blogging for you? How did you get started with this beautiful journey? I’m all ready to listen..

Linking with NoMo- Day 5

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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