Don't let a Bruise become a Wound

When one gets physically hurt, there is a bruise formed. If taken care of, it will heal and fill in a little time.
But when a bruise if left unattended and is rather treated carelessly, there are chances for it to become a wound.
Bruise does not leave a mark...but wounds leave scars.

Relations are just like that. If small nit-picks are taken care of, they solve quickly, rather than turning into a wound and leaving scars behind.

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Too much Glitz signifies Depth of faith?

I'm more than often told I have a different perspective on many things.
I'm Ok with that. As long as I'm honest to my own self and don't live in denial to what I observe and feel - I'm totally OK.. even if I'm on stand-alone.

Why did I mentioned that? Because I had couple of discussions last week and I thought - Really? Can people be So blind-faithed? Though I respect their points of views; I can never think like them.

Couple of weeks ago I visited Triambakeshwar and Shirdi. Two from the list of most revered pilgrimages of India.
Triambakeshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlings dedicated to Lord Shiva. While most of the Shiva temples all around India, including these 12 most revered temples are comparatively modestly maintained; there is a serious problem with the running and maintenance of many other famous temples in India.. and maybe abroad too.

I remember visiting Shirdi some seven-eight years back. I clearly remember how the temple complex was then and also how the main sanctum hall looked.
It was basic, modest and just fine for how a temple should be. Only Baba's accessories and samadhi were ornated with gold, which is a given in any temple.
This time when I visited, I could'nt help but notice and appreciate how much more organised the temple structure was and how easy it was to access locker rooms to mobile lockers to prasad counters etc.
Luckily for us, within half an hour we were in the main hall and that is where I was temporary stalled in my steps with the sight ahead. The main sanctum hall was unrecognizable - it looked more gold than paint!

This wasn't the case earlier. I'm sure, over the years with the devotees faith growing and contributions coming in, there must have been quite a collection of funds happening... but to utilise all that money to gold pillars and what not; is something I cannot relate to.
Anyways, I concentrated on the very nice darshan that we had and moved out to the temple complex.

We sat there for around fifteen minutes or so and within that span I could notice more than a few children begging.. and few wandering and trying to sell Baba's pics and other items to the devotees. Now these children I'm certain were no more than five years of age. Observing this was what got me thinking on the two extremes within the same premises. I wondered was so much gold really required to deck up the place? Wouldn't it have been better if the temple authorities did something about the underprivileged there?

Honestly, the temple WILL get visitors irrespective of the fact if the pillars are in gold/rubies or plain white plaster paint! Ofcourse, it needs to be maintained neat and clean. But apart from that, I really don't believe in the fancy glitz.

And while I do acknowledge the temple trust is making amenities more comfortable and people friendly.. so that there are more and more tourists visiting - I wonder why can't they re-direct the extra inflow they get to do something about the kids/beggars/lower rung  people there?
Probably they might be doing something.. but inspite; there are still children begging/working.. or plain running around there.

Why not set up a trust and hire people who can track these homeless/underprivileged kids and ensure they are provided education of some kind? Maybe some school which again, I'm sure the temple trust can afford?
Basically, what I'm so hoping is - why can't these richie rich places have productive chanelling of all that wealth that is offered there? I'm sure this would be enough cause too for more tourists to flock up.
It's a win-win situation.

But obviously - It's a thought shared not by many or rather not the ones in power there or for that matter at any big religious significant site.

At the end it all because a race for "this temple has most offerings offered and is rich, compared to the others". This thought process is what has become the doom of our country's largest income generating platforms - the famous temples! A place to show off glitz!

Again the same thought; is it really required or justified? I'm not sure. I've spoken to my understanding of sane people [  :p ] and majority had the same say - if we don't deck up and fame our places, who will?

Obviously, fame gains predence over Faith.  

When priorities are confused - how can there be an effective result?

Think on it.


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Thoughts on the Delhi Tiger incident.

More than half the people are blaming the 'authorities' on why they couldn't act on time in the Delhi Zoo case. 

Why on Earth do we forget that We as a culture at large, don't believe in respecting basic rules.. want to be mindless rebels..feel proud of breaking norms.. and then when something like this happens - STILL don't take ownership for our behavior!

Practically speaking too, it would have taken atleast 5-10 minutes for the authorities come over with the tranquilizer injections - if they Do have anything like that! 

Also, for common sense's sake, there cannot be a security/authority shadowing each individual at every public space! There's some ownership of self too.. or are we to assume that we are so moronic to not be responsible at the most basic levels for ourselves too?

Worse is, the blame has been not only fallen on the zoo authorities.. but the animal as well!! IT-IS-BUT-AN-ANIMAL!! Would it say.."Oh, you landed in my territory - let me escort you to the exit??"!!

It was a very disturbing video to see.. but somehow I'm not much affected. Because tomorrow, Again, the situation would be back to square one. Majority among us will again flout rules, act as obtuse cretins and very unhesitatingly still not reflect on the root cause - but will certainly blame the whole world for their misdemeanours!

Umpteen times I end up wondering - What will it take for the majority of our population to dawn in a sense of basic self awareness.?


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Suicide - A call for help or surrendering to dissapointment.

India is declared as the world's suicide capital from the latest study. When I saw this in the news yesterday, I was instantly reminded of the suicides I heard in the last month.
One was of the famous Robin Williams [Ofcourse a non-Indian] to the other two being of friends of friends [Indians].

One was a successful [on the face of it] actor/artist; renowned all over the world for his skill - That of a great comedian! The other two were youngsters with decent and fair looking life - which includes, good family, good education, decent jobs, presentable looks etc.

So when I heard of these, apart from the sadness over a life wasted, the next thought I had was; inspite of all of the above - WHY then? Why do people who look normal..reasonably better off, surrender to life in this manner?

Questions like these can only have rationale, practical answers, in which most of the time we end up blaming the victim that s/he did not reach out for help or calling it cowardice for ending 'the beautiful life' in this way or naming them selfish for being insensitive to the apathy of their loved ones they leave behind.

Are we justified in thinking that way? Obviously, its not a 'Beautiful life' for the ones who are bidding adieu to it. It takes a lot of courage to put an end to a life by your own self. So again, are we justified to think that way? I don't think so.

No, I'm not advocating suicides as such in any which way. But just because we do not understand it, does not give us the right to belittle someone who did go on the forbidden path. It would serve better trying to think and understand why more and more people end up going this path.
Also, a fact to keep in mind would be that people suffering from suicidal tendencies cope with their own sense of strength and understanding for a long time before they succumb.

I'm very certain nobody likes to die a loser. Nobody wants to leave behind families and loved ones in grief. But equally true is not everybody is made of stronger stuff. Not everybody has a high confidence spirit. Not everybody can cope up. It's only when their anguish becomes unbearable, people opt out.

We [undepressed people] may not understand it - but rather than passing judgement over someone's weakness, we could try to understand it and see if we can do something about helping people inclined as such.

If we look around closely in the world around us today; at some point we sure have come across atleast a couple of people who have subtly/directly reached out to us with their problems in the form of sharing or asking suggestions and of who we got aware that they're going through tough times.

Generically speaking, what did we do? Except for the very close ones who effect us directly, we usually don't much have time/inclination to listen and help out the one in need. Blunt and selfish as it may sound, its a fact most of us wouldn't be able to deny. Not because for any other reason, only because we are ourselves lost in the whirlwind of our own day-to-day hustling that we pay proper attention to something only probably when it's late..if not too late.

So where do the people who are broken down and who eventually give up; go too? Sure, there are counselling options and medications. But again, not all think of that option nor can all afford those.
At that time all they want is warmth and understanding. Mostly from the people they love.


Nothing heals more than love. Nothing heals more than feeling that you are wanted, you are valued to a depressed heart.
And that is where the catch is.
Tollsome as it may sound - and is, that is the pressing need of the hour from the near and dear ones associated. Consistent support the griever's anguish is the medicine until the sufferer gets back on his/her feet. It may take months.. maybe years in some cases.. but it helps. I do believe it definitely does!

Only when we are ready to offer the first hand of help can we point fingers and mouth strong opinions against the emotionally weak or the already succumbed to death people.

The only wish we can wish is hope they find peace in the other world.


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Ringing Bells!

Can't get it out of my head today!!

.... मै कहू और तू आजाये  .. बहलाये .…माहि वे..... !

Telanga-Naaaaaaaa!!!

There are a whole lot of thousand thoughts I have in regards to the division of my janmabhoomi. For now only one in the form of an image will suffice.

Rest of the thoughts in some other blog.
May God bless these people who struggle for separate States, but forget to choose good leaders for leading them!!

Just One More Time......

It's one of those days when the heart overflows with unbearable cravings to reach out to you Pa. You're Always at the back of my heart..Always. Somedays, you come in the forefront more strongly than other days and that's when I reach out inspite of knowing I'm not goin to find you.
Its like a cycle of waves..sometimes it passes over..somemtimes it overwhelms...
In vain I desperately wish to able to see you just once...hear you call me just once.. Hug you tight like I always used you.. Just one more time.

I miss you Papa.

NaModified!

The last 2 days have been eventful to say the least. I have been glued to  the TV.

It's funny that people Still think it odd that females can get so much interested in Politics. Whenever I point out that there're Female politicians in India too.. since ages now - the answer I get is; then you should join it too! Now what do you react to that!

Anyways, leaving that aside, the wait is over for the most awaited day since the expected - yet momentous announcement around exactly eight months back. Narendra Modi being declared as the PM designate of the BJP.

The country had been on tenterhooks around this mandate, though as time neared the general feeling all around was that the mandate was clear enough and just the confirmation awaited now.

BJP won the elecions .. and How!!! 

Or maybe I should say the TsuNaMo called Narendra Modi won it for them.. and How! 

It swept the Independent India's election results as never before!  

Critics, skeptics kept ranting away reasonings and debating over the cause/effects/impacts but as the day progressed the impact of the results left even the best of them fazed.

There's been a whole lot... WHOLE LOT of mud slinging over Narendra Modi in the last few months with things getting murkier as the first phase of elections started, yet NaMo stood tall among all this All alone without rest of the BJP clan protecting him and sheltering him like it was done for the 'Shehzada' from the other party!
The more they got crazy with defending him, with the sister [lost it totally], party puppets and ofcourse the Mother - who supposedly speaks in Hindi, but sounds more like an alien language even after SO many years of her being in India And more importantly holding such an important position in the country's high office!; the more stronger became the grit of NaMo.
He rose and shone taking everything coming his way and turning it around to those very people! That is how I want my Prime Minister. Who can defend himself and by this way Prove that he's capable of defending the country too!!

Quoting my facebook status for the day:

"I must'nt have heard our ex PM's name in the news in the last 10 years as much I've heard our new PM's name in the last 10 months!

N that's how it should be!! I am Modified!"

How true is that now!

On the other hand, comparing the PM face of the opposite party, how can one trust a so called leader when even He doesn't know what he speaks?? And has an array of people trying to built the 'down to the dust' image every single day from the scratch? And yet he falters Each time?

I feel bad for them as well as feel they deserve this for supporting losers in the name of dynasty politics.

Anyways, after all this, victory was especially sweet with the thumping margin and with the way it was celebrated throughout the day! Crackers near my home [which is very close to an Industrial market] haven't stopped since noon! :) 

I'll end with adding the most funny forward I received yesterday..and which could be tongue in cheek coming from me :P

"65 years back one Gujarati gave us freedom from the Britishers.. and after 65 years again a Gujarati has come to save the country!"  

Haha.. Jokes apart, while most of Indians will sleep well tonight with dreams and hopes of better tomorrow, a better India in the days to come; I'd take a moment to wish you All the Very best PM Narendra Modi, for dealing with the Very daunting task at hand. 

Today's India is in total awe of you... and I hope you keep them hooked with your performance in the days to come. A prayer for a better India - for many better tomorrows. 

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Small Memories, with Big Smiles!

I was searching for some travel photographs from my collection to get them printed & came across photographs of a place which became a very favorite of mine. That brought some very sweet memories of the place.. and one which stands out.
Sometimes, someone comes and says something to you.. which either makes your day.. or at times, it stays with you as a sweet memory forever. This place gave me one such memory.

I was shopping at this souvenir shop at this beautiful hill station & a random total stranger walked upto me & said "Excuse me, may I pay you a compliment?" Even before waiting for my reply, he went on, "Your eyes speak. Don't be looking into someone's eyes and talk for long, they affect." Maybe not the exact words, but I distinctly remember this was it.

It's not that I have extra beautiful eyes like Sridevi or Hema Malini's, so that was definitely too filmy and exaggerated and it zapped me for more than a moment to react.

.. & honestly, I don't remember what I reacted.. I was quite muzzled for a good minute or two by something like that.. and importantly, because the person smiled and was off on his way from there,  But, I've never forgotten this, understandably! :D
If he would have stayed and tried to get friendly or chat up, I would definitely not believe him. But when someone walks up to you and gives you a compliment and goes by his/her way, makes you want to believe in that, as you believe there was no hidden agenda. (methinks it was his filmy moment too.. & then he chickened out :P)

Whether I believe/d the compliment or no, is another thing altogether, but that memory makes me smile even today when I think of it! :)

I always believe in being genuine with compliments. And I do express it, when I see something good about someone. Being on the receiving end that day, made me realize the power of hearing a good word about the self on us, especially from a stranger. Small memories with big smile giving capacities! :)

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The different Birthday

1:30 AM.

I am awake after a long good talk with a dear friend after a quite a while. Feels great.
Outside, I can hear the heavy winds for this time of the year and smell the Earth and know its going to rain.

Its been after 5 years that I am home at this time. Generally I am on a vacation - retreat rather, at this time. Somehow, felt like staying back this time.

My sister calls me in the morning saying that because I am town this year, It's been raining in the middle of peak Hyderabad summer! Since it's wasn't pouring down.. I was OK with it...else I would really not want it to rain in May. And since I So love rains.. the light drizzle kept me glad. :)

It drizzled almost till mid noon.. and I for a while didn't miss being in someplace else. It was good after years to be able to be reachable for everyone and anyone who called up me that day. Made me realize there are some people who inspite of knowing I am unavailable generally, yet make the effort to call up. I'm humbled by the warmth. :))

Spent the day with my bestie after the longest time and wound up the day with the usual family dinner; which cocooned me in a wooshy feeling to be amongst loved ones. No cake and celebrations as such. I wasn't upto it.. and my family now knows me better than that now to spring any surprises when I'm adamant on something. :P Maybe some other day I'll be up for the sho-sha of the celebrations too...
Maybe because I was spending the day without Pa for the first time in town, after he's left us. And I know this is a vacuum no amount of time or distraction will fill.

End of the day, I just had the feeling of a day well spent, amongst the people I love the most in my life.
And though I had moments when I was almost regretting not taking off on my rertreat till yesterday night; staying back this year makes me feel content now. Think that is what matters the most, isin't it?

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Perhaps!

Have made this interesting observation on quite a many people; so here's my suggestion! ;)

Perhaps people in love should wear a "L" sign too, to make sense to others; their nonsense behaviour. Perhaps others would then understand, all the irrational behaviour these 'L' marked people behave in is due to this one overwhelming thing called Love!
Perhaps.

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Lag Jaa Gale...

It's been long since I put any music up here. It's been long since I really liked a song as much too.
Chanced upon this one and been on a loop over this. I guess I've posted this song - original version - earlier too..; didn't realise that I liked this one so much!! :)

[P.S: Original Song's post here: http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.in/2010/12/lag-jaa-gale.html#random ]

Short Story

Imagine you were in class X and one day in school, between a class, you get called to the principal. You go the Principal's office and the principal tells you - straight faced - that you cannot get a hall-ticket for the board exams.
What would be your feeling? You'd start crying...your knees would probably buckle..and you'd start thinking of all the things you did this year which probably you shouldn't have done.

When you can't think of any and you plead with the principal to let you know the reason for this extreme decision, the Principal says, "Because you tore your classmate's hall ticket in a brawl in the board exams of class VII and he missed an exam."

What goes in your mind at that moment?

'Has the Principal lost it'?
'This is sheer nonsensical'
This is sinister'

...and some more similar thoughts maybe.
You'd question the principal why you have to suffer for something after such a long time and why weren't you reprimanded then.

You get a reply, 'So that you know what it's like to suffer the same way' OR something like 'Coz that was not the right time'. This reply coming from the principal ..not some high school senior or some arrogant teacher.

What would go on in your mind then?
That you are unfairly treated. That this is a sick way of teaching kids to behave. That this is deceptive way to treat a child.
What do you do? Cry, plead, beg. Call your parents. They try all tricks. Still no avail. It's the Principal's call after all. You lose a year.

Sure what goes around, comes back. But this way? They should have questioned you then! Not now, when you grew out of that phase & are on the brink of dreaming about living the future you have laid out in your eyes already! & that was a brawl!! Even your own hall ticket could have been torn, or worse still, you may have gotten injured too! Maybe you are said that that kid was punished too & his punishment was that he missed his exam. Why would you care what thing he was punished for? & if you were a mediator for him to get his punishment, how is it your fault??


Does this story make sense? Maybe. Maybe not.

This in a most simplified way is a small part and the story of what Karma is and how it works.
I'm not going to give my personal opinion on do I think it if it's right or not. I think my thoughts are clear enough for who can read it. As for you, it's for you to think and judge for yourself.

Just Amazing!

Just amazing!:

This had to be here. Everything that any Indian woman would have wanted to express, Kalki Koechlin almost said it all!

Day 10 - If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

If I could have any job in the world, it would definitely be travel related and that of a freelancer.
Freelancer because I would like to have the control of my travels in my hand..whereas in a job, even if in the travel field, one could be restricted in choice.

Guess this answers the question and also makes this post probably my shortest one in a while.

Disappointed... but am Back

OK, So I failed miserably in my 15 day blog challenge. Was so disappointed with self.
To state the facts, I had other challenges to attend to - which got my brain muzzled and I didn't want to write something just because I had to.

Relations were going haywire. Personally, friends that mattered weren't in touch for some or the other reason and other places - socailly or professionally, people I considered friends, somehow things were falling apart with them.
Just because it's my page I'm not going to say it was their fault. Though I'm certain it was not mine too.. obviously, that's why I stand by my opinion.

February was pathetic for relations. Rephrasing that I could say, it was great month for learning.
Maybe it was good that I went travelling.. which gives me the much needed clear head.

Anyways, clearhead or not; I got back recharged to deal with whatever comes.. and am back here, hoping to get back on track here too.
Goal One is to finish the 15 topics and then move onto other topics.
The six pending posts would be the completed... in no fixed order now...as it's no-more of a challenge now.

I know this time I'll get on track.

Day - 9. Post 5 Pictures of Famous People I Find Attractive

Since I'm accused of having more of 'serious' posts most of the time, hence the choice of this post. :P

The five people I find attractive. Just looks don't make a person attractive. There're other things that define attractive. Mentioned are the people I would count as my five. It actually was a task to think beyond 3!!

• Salman Khan - The person, more than the persona...especially since the time I had a lucky chance to meet him in person and see a tiny glimpse of him in real!

• Ratan Tata - I adore him for his character, persona, his being! If I had to add more words, I like the Business acumen, the grace of his silence, the walk his talk attitude. Very Attractive!

• Narendra Modi - The confidence and the 'I Dare' attitude. Quite appealing!

• Preity Zinta - Fiery, beautiful, unafraid of making mistakes. That's how I'd like to see a real female.

•  Princess Diana: Though no more, I had to mention her in this list. Though she was famous more for her title and her looks, I felt her humanitarian attitude and later, the courage to come out of the closet to live her life as very attractive.

That was the list of my five. They're many other people I admire and respect. But it's that. Admiration and Respect. Attractive is the list above! ;) :)

Day - -8. If I Had 1,000,000 To Spend, How Would I Spend It?

Interesting Question actually. The one I've never given a thought to.
The Taurean in me is too realistic to dream fantasies in the real sense... so guess I'm going to enjoy about thinking and jotting down how I'd spend this kind of money.

Well, first things first - honestly, I'd quit my job/take a break and sit down to plan a budget of how this money should be handled. Either going to a financial planner or me deciding on my own, this Will be the first thing I'll do. I'd set up investments for the future and securing a certain amount from this money.

Then come the more interesting things! Without a doubt, I'd plan for a full calender year of international travel. The places I've always wanted to visit as a true tourist!

Thirdly, I'd do some research and venture into some kind of fulfilling business for the long run.

Also, I'd definitely make an agricultural/farmhouse type of investment, because I know, given a chance, I'd like to eventually settle at some such place.

I do not want to add that I'll spend so n so on family..some for charity etc.. as those are very personal matters and they don't have to be mentioned...except if in charity, I'm giving away all of it or even half of it away.

Guess, at the moment, I can think of all these things. Have any better ideas, feel free to share them! :D ..I know I'm going to have a dreamy day today!

Day - 7. How important I think Education Is.

I don't think in today's world anyone would say education isn't important.

I personally have always been mindful of it on all counts. But for me, education not only as in a college degree, it definitely comprises of that, but then its also more, much more than it.

"Ed-u-ca-tion: The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgement, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for a mature life"

Along with the education which helps in acquiring a good job and a name/standing for oneself, which is ofcourse very important and people by default strive for it; the education that is also important is which is to be applied in our day to day life. The education which we should instill our children with. The education of knowing and applying right and wrongs in life. The education that we need to follow to bring about the best in everything; be it in any sphere of life.

Few most basic examples of applying this education would be:

• Good Morals. Being Kind, compassionate, not only when you are being watched or to show
• Patriotism. There should be no bigger religion than the Maatrubhoomi, the country
• Giving respect to everybody, irrespective of whatever strata they belong to
• Opportunities to all - Everyone deserves a chance to excel, not just a certain priveleged percentage
• Teaching Children the right values and most importantly, walking that talk with them
• Exercising the duties of a true citizen of the country, for the country. Following rules of the land and not only when you are being watched

These are things that no-one teaches us but we've always known these and applied it at the places where it seemed appropriate. There would be so many other things which matter, but for which we don't give a thought. Above stated are just smallest examples which were at the top of my mind. 

When people start applying this knowledge in these small but significant day to day activities, that's when we'll see the effects of overall education. Economic freedom with personal/social consciousness. 

That's when we'll reap the benefits and understand the importance of evolved Education, in the true sense.

Day - 6. Putting my IPod on Shuffle and Noting the first 10 songs.

Since I'm not in the much writing mood today, I picked this topic.

So here goes the easiest post.

1. Sada Haq - Rockstar. Loved this movie for Ranbir Kapoor's acting and the songs.
2. Lat lag gayi - Race 2. One of the most peppy songs of last year. Listening to this is more fun than watching it!
3. Aahun Aahun - Love Aajkal. One of the very well made movies in the last few years and I first time liked Saif Ali Khan in this.
4. Mehbooba - Pardes. Since the songs in my Ipod haven't been changed altogether for years, I have some songs which have been there since the time I bought it. This song is not a favorite.. but I used to like this song a lot once. 
5. The winner takes it all - Mama Mia. I love the words of this song!
6. Pal pal dil ke paas. Blackmail. This song will always be on my Ipod, coz it was my Pa's favorite song. It Is a beautiful song.. but it has more meaning for me.
7. Save the best for last - Vanessa Williams. I first heard this song in the movie Definitely Maybe' and fell for it. When I heard it full, it became one of my much liked songs.
8. Mukhda piya ka - Rajeshwari Sachdev. Not many songs to her credit, among the few, this one has always stayed with me.
9. Mujhse naraaz - Papa Kehte hai. Amazingly inspiring song.
10. Stay here tonight - Enrique Iglesias. His voice and the music/lyrics in his earlier albums; was something else! One could fall in love just listening to his songs!! Sadly, the quality of his songs is not upto my taste now.

Done! Sadly, none of my super favorites came up in the shuffle list. Anyways, All the above mentioned ones are also which I enjoy listening to most. 

It was fun doing this post!

Day 5 - My Zodiac Sign and If I Think It Suits My Personality

Haha! This should be an easy one.
My Zodiac sign is Taurus and I think I do think  I'm one to the Tee! (Except that I'm not as stubborn! Honest! :D ) Not only is my Sun sign Taurus, but my Moon sign too; so I've acquired the sign qualities pretty strongly!

If you know what Taurus is all about you'd probably immediately agree.. but ofcourse there are going to be few exceptions here or there. ;)

To define my personality vis-a-vis Taurean personality in few examples would be:
My home IS the Most important place for me. There are where all my favorite people and possessions are. That is such a Taurean trait I think.
I am very affectionate; and true to my sign, believe in showing the affection to the people dearest to me. Either verbally, demonstratively or materialistically by gifting and such.
Guess I do have the patience for many things.. except for patience with self. That would be a slight deviation with the Taurus typicality. My sign is known for its patience.

...and because I don't want this to be a vain exercises, I'll add a negative trait as well.

That would have to be the temper quality. I'd partly agree to that in me. But personally, because I'd read so much about the Taurean temper, I've on purpose tried to keep a check on it. But when it goes off.. it GOES OFF!
I also have walls around me. It takes time to get over the other side. A constant feedback from the family is to lower them a bit......

Lastly and quite empathetically,
Taureans are very independent and so am I. That is one trait which defines me and matches to the T and this is something I'd totally own up.
Have put up an image I personally like and identify with! ;)

.

If you're still interested, google the stuff about my sign and match them upto me! .. & If you do so, do comment and let me know your views! :D

Day - 4. Your views on Religion

Till a few years back, I was a typically and highly religious, blind-faithed person.

Now, I can't call myself typically religious. I am religious to the extent that I believe and follow the Hindu scriptures and the teachings in it. But I also learnt that in the name of religion, be it any, we follow/made to follow many ridiculous customs that you start questioning the authenticity of, if you are a thinking person. And hence, I mentioned not typically religious.  

For me religion is all about doing no harm to anybody, live as honestly as you can and definitely not curb someone's thoughts and views and freedom on the name of it and most importantly not have gender based discrimination.

I believe in live and let live. And hence, when I see something being followed without head or tail of a logic, I now opt out from following it in the 'traditional garb' of what it is defined in. Religions also are the biggest culprits for violence since times immemorial. If we go thro' the statistics of the happenings of unrest throughout the world, we can relate most of it to religion.

Though they ideally show us the path to live, they have been misinterpreted to a power game for the fanatics.

Having said all that and stated the cons; I feel religion in the True sense was created so that there are generic guidelines for people to understand about life and different aspects of it, so that the human race can go about it in a structured way. There were different sources thro' which they got created and thro' different mediums. Whom we call Bhagwaan, or Almighty, in factuality preached the Same things - albeit in different ways. So how and when did the human race digress and end up fighting for superiority that their belief of religion is higher than the other, is something which has been unclear to me since like always!

Anyways, I digress too. Before I wind this post I'd like to add that follow the heart and whichever faith that resides there, but make sure you respect the sentiments and feelings of others with hearts and their faiths too. Basically meaning All. I truly believe that is what is at the core truth of all religions.

Day -3. Top 5 Pet Peeves

When I think of what my pet peeves are, I seem to be flooded with a list of them!

It's difficult to pick just 5 from those. I'm going with the ones that currently top my list.

1. People littering: I''ve always Hated it when people litter the roads, surroundings..basically anything which they don't have to clean..or which does not come in their orbit. Why such mentality? I've never been able to decipher. That stands on number one.
2. I know men have this in-designed flaw of staring at women. Dislike it how much ever I may, that does not change anything. Peeve is when men evidently let their gaze loose. How much ever polished or good looking a guy is, if I catch him doing this, I generally stare right back to let him know I know what he's doing!
3. Most of us are all educated and working at nice jobs, taking care of ourselves, etc. But it beats me when maximum of the 'educated lot' does not don't believe in voting (an example).... nor standing up for what's right or wrong in the society, inspite of knowing it eventually affects/going to affect us. Yes, there are better candle-light marches than before. But how long? Does that Our (paid) work becomes so important over this (non-paid) work that we very conveniently opt to ignore our social duties?
4. People who don't give space. Yes, I'm from the people who need their space. I majorly get annoyed when people try to get too close too soon, ask umpteen questions and want to know everything about your life or every random stuff AND also want to give their opinions about the same! They don't even sound any bit conscious or mannerly about it too. Even if its an excited outburst from someone while initially knowing me, it kind of puts me off them for the longer run, even if they seem sobered down later. 
5. This one should have actually topped the list. Offlate, noticed a "God Bless" trend going around! I totally get pissed off when I see "God Bless" after every status update.. comment..talk! & I don't mean the elderly who do this. My Facebook has a couple of people, who follow this ritual & it's a fresh peeve for me I realised! It doesn't take much to find out if its become a ritual or a genuine wishing good. And I don't need to say which is the more common one. Quite a few may not agree with me on this, as wishing well for anyone, even if ritualistic or making self sound 'oh so good'; is no harm, but it IS a peeve for me. 

So that makes the list of the 5 pet peeves. Can you think of your 5?

Day - 2. Where would you like to be in 10 years

Where would I like to be in 10 years. Tough question actually.

There was a time I actually had answers to questions like the one I have to blog on for the Day-2 Blog challenge.

This was probably a decade back. The learning's I've had over the past few years has taught me, life changes and HOW!

So, my honest answer to this one would be, I'd like to be at peace and be happy with whatever I am doing. I'm not sure where I'll be or what I may be doing, but one thing I want to be is 'Content.

If I can really think of any other thing I can try and acheive, that would be to wish to have covered atleast 10% of the World. [I stand at 4% covered today, thanks to TripAdvisor's calculation! :D] See places, learn and Live. That is one goal I need to be dependent on myself, so it's easier to aim that.

For the rest, even I'll wait to see where the years take me.

Day 1 - My current relationship. If Single discuss being Single

So my relationship status is single...and am [still!] unsure whether to mingle or not.

How is it being single?

Being single feels like an abstract painting... which is beautiful and represents completeness in its own right- IF you understand it; but can also be given definite understandable form by adding a few strokes where required. But this can either enhance the painting...or maybe ruin it.

That's a risk only to be discovered after taking it. 

And I haven't found anyone whom I'm comfortable to hand over the brush of my life's canvas.

Being single is fine most of the times as I have learnt to depend on myself for most things. But ofcourse, who does not like to feel special? There are times you do miss a partner. 

And that is somethng I know for a fact, that happens in every situation when the grass definitely looks greener on the other side. 

If I find someone whom I can trust enough, I'd be more than happy to change status - Trust being the catch word. Else I don't see the need of a forced compromise. 

At the end of the day, single or mingled, one has to be at peace with the self. Isin't it?

Prelude to the 15 day Blog Challenge

So my currently dull mind wants to get back to blogging. While I was thinking on what to start off with, I seemed to remember quite a few bloggers whom I used to follow, doing month long Blog marathons. [Yea.. quite a jump from One topic to Thirty topics!] While the idea seemed dismissive the moment it came.. the self-challenger that I am, I got pulled to it and the dare to take up the challenge seemed more tempting.

After all, I am sure going to benefit from it!

So here I am, taking the first step in the 15 day long endeavor. Lets see how it goes. Me also thinks, this will help me discipline self.. as my discipline with self has also been in the decline lately.. and I'm pretty certain to prod this path to win!

Found on the web an interesting image with Blog topics for 30 days, which is attached; from which I'm going to attempt any 15. Will not skip the first one.. :P  .. but choose from the rest to what gets my mind ticking immediately.

I shall update daily blogs here, so that they're easier to reach.

For now, wishing self luck and itching to kick off!

Day 1: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.in/2014/01/day-1-my-current-relationship-if-single.html'
Day 2: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-2-where-would-you-like-to-be-in-10.html'
Day 3: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-3-top-5-pet-peeves_17.html'
Day 4: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-4-your-views-on-religion.html
Day 5: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-5-my-zodiac-sign-and-if-i-think-it.html
Day 6: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/putting-my-ipod-on-shuffle-and-noting.html
Day 7: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-7-how-important-i-think-education-is_23.html
Day 8: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-8-if-i-had-1000000-to-spend-how.html
Day 9: 'http://biraj3vedi.blogspot.com/2014/01/day-9-post-5-pictures-of-famous-people.html'

Best 9 Travel Imprints of 2013

Last year I really travelled. I can say it was my best travel year till date. And I collected a whole lot of experiences along the way. There were many moments.. but there were few very impressionable moments, I wanted to jot down. Here's the top 9 Travel moments of last years travels:

• Leaving Visa documents in the luggage on entering Srilanka. As we got off the flight, I realised I had left the Visa documents in the luggage and we could not collect luggage without clearing immigration. At 2:30 AM, you really are not in the most aware senses. Thankfully, I don't let panic take control of me and I found a way out to deal with this situation. The lesson is going to stay with me.
• SriLanka again. For some reason I thought our departure was at 11:00 AM and had set my alarm to wake up in accordance. Again for some reason after I woke up, I checked the tickets and to my horrerest horror, my flight was at 9:00 AM! I almost lost balance...not only because it was already 6:30 and I was in the danger zone of missing my flight.. but because I was travelling with Mom and this was our first holiday together. I Definitely did'nt want any these kind of adventures with her. Only I know how we made it to the airport!!
• When I started for my Himachal tour, I decided I would catch the airport shuttle. I left for the shuttle point only to find out the shuttle stop has been moved from there! There on, the auto I took to the airport and literally making a run for checking in before I was late, was just a preview to what was coming ahead!
• MF Hussain day. Reached Chandigarh only to realise I forgot my lens. Went shopping for the same and tore my footwear in the way. I had to spend most of the day without footwear...till I could locate a place to buy new ones. I learnt I was pretty Ok after the initial 10-15 minutes. One thing I sure  learnt from it was the more you give importance to something, the more it bothers you. Not once did I get any kind of weird looks for being barefoot. Guess hardly anyone noticed too!
• The Ambala-Kalka confusion! I was to catch the Shimla train from Kalka and I ended up at Ambala at 5:40 in the morning due to some horrible confusion. How I made it to Kalka is an adventure memory! :D The driver to my cab was heaven-sent! 
• The walk that I took from Naddi to Mcloedganj on a mistaken bus route from Dharamsala. A 2 kms walk, it was a very quiet one. I was a lone walker for quite a few patches. Time was still and so was my heart. I felt one with nature...one with that fleeting elusive inner calm that dawns on us very rarely... and also felt very minuscule when I realised how tiny we really are in this Huge world.
• Dalhousie - I was strolling away at my pace enjoying the quite evening Sun again and taking pics of the beautiful sceneries a little outside the main town. [I was walking back to my hotel from the adventure sports place] .. till I was scared by a cab driver to rush to my hotel as there was a chance of meeting a Bear. I literally Ran for my life..almost for 1.5 kms on that Ghat road. My mind has 'Beared' this up forever! 
• The first time I paid extra luggage for a flight. :( I didn't want to carry any luggage in the cabin.. so packed everything and went for clearing. At Chandigarh airport strangely, they asked me to pay for the extra 5 kgs.. even though I wasn't carrying any in the cabin. And I could'nt carry that particular bag in the cabin as it had stuff like pocket scissors etc..which obviously isin't allowed in the cabin. Paid quite a bit of extra luggage...
• The last to note memorable memory would be from the weekend trip to Jog falls. The Jeep ride from Kodachadri to Base. The trek itself was very memorable.. but the Jeep ride down was something else. The Jeep driver, how he drove on those (non) roads.. in the rain soaked wet paths in the jungle was a heart in the mouth yet -thrill-to-bits experience!

These were the best imprints of 2013.
2014, I await your travel imprints on me! :)

Resolutions 2014!

Its that time of the year I make resolutions. And I've been religiously making them from a while now. Yes, I'm from those few people who believe in making them AND following up with them.
Hence, there would be visible changes every year in them.

This year when I re-evaluated Resolutions 2013 at the end of the year, I learnt I had come a long way this year emotionally and physically too. I never thought I could pull off a solo 14 day trip. And That was something! I pulled myself up on that one a Lot. Definitely a task for me as I don't really move much when I'm back at base. It was carking at times if in case I fell sick anywhere.. Thankfully I passed my own quest.
Emotionally, I finally have started to learn to come to terms with my loss. Still a long way to go....but I started.
After the evaluating and thinking how I want my 2014 to shape, here's the list of the year.

1. Continuing with the topmost resolution of last year, will continue to strive to let go of pain of loss. 
2. Something that I implemented consciously last year - start following up on dreams. I did a few small/big things which I was reluctant about earlier but started just going for them and ticking them off my wish list. Feels Good! 
3. Will start cooking atleast one proper meal a month and gradually in a couple of months, progress to cooking four proper meals a month. :P
4. Reading. Somehow this was not on as much par as much I had wished for last year. Sure, I read. Lots. But the quality reading that has gone down, has to come up this year.
5. Start accepting a few things of myself which I had complaints about. I have learnt these traits make me the person I am. So, if I'm known as a no-nonsense person, try as I might I cannot become a sugar coated person. And everytime I try, a LOT of effort goes into it.. and yet I'm unsure if I was good. Not worth it. 
6. Not be 'perfect weight' obsessed but will concentrate on being fit. My extra-self & me aren't friends... nor do I want to actively befriend her.. but I don't hate her either, like I earlier did.
7. Spend less. I definitely followed up on last year's resolve not to get addicted to online shopping and its on a leash now. But savings help. :)
8. Follow my heart - Follow my heart! [Oh Mind, I SO know you don't agree! ]
9. Start something meaningful which adds value to me as a person.. and finally,
10. Travel!! Travel and travel! See places, experience life - LIVE!

Wishing everybody has a Blessed year!