The Writer's Cyberslate

Aman Ki Asha, Destination Peace

2010-01-01T14:46:00.002+05:30

Dear Readers,

I woke up today to a new dawn, the dawn of 2010, my first new year, back home in Mumbai, after close to nine years. I could not believe my eyes. The front page of The Times of India, screamed: Love Pakistan.

No doubt, the Pakistan-based group, Jang Group was likewise proclaiming: Love India and countless Pakistanis would be rubbing their eyes in disbelief, just as I was.

Like countless other Indians, I have been taught that Pakistan is the dreaded enemy, across the border. While generations before me, have seen a few wars with Pakistan, the Kargil war, hit this fact home - yes Pakistan is an enemy. I guess sentiments across the border would be the same - India is an enemy.

However, we do need peace. Both India and Pakistan realise that being at war would be detrimental to the welfare of their citizens. Terror has spiralled in Pakistan, and it is these same terror groups that also attack India or talk of attacking India. This only creates further ill-will.

So on turning to page 2 and reading what Times of India's editorial editor, Jaideep Bose had to say, made a lot of sense. I quote: "Ignorance breeds distrust. What we do not know, we tend not to trust. Decades of Indo-Pak hostility have reduced normal interaction to less than a bare minimum. Apart from those with relatives on the other side, or those who need to travel on business, there is little traffic between the two countries. The big benefit of the two largest media houses coming together is that it will help open new windows into each other’s world."

"Are we being foolishly romantic, are we tilting at windmills? Perhaps. Will our efforts bear fruit? We can only hope they will. All that we can do is plant as many saplings as possible and pray that they grow deep roots in the ground and strong shoots in the air."

Click here for reading the entire article.

Let us hope that the two media houses in India and Pakistan can help break down the walls of ignorance. Let us see what these media houses have lined up. If there is anything I can do to foster peace, I will contribute my mite.

Day 3 in Mumbai

2009-12-30T17:55:00.006+05:30

Dear Readers,

For those who asked how we are settling down, here is an update.

The house looks cleaner, the pigeons have begun to behave themselves, after a stern lecture ;-). As proof of this squeaky cleanliness, I have a swollen knee - it hurts!

It is fine if stray feathers and twigs sometimes fly in, utterly pardonable, as long as they don't use our window sills for nesting or worse still as their own private loo. There is a nest just outside my bathroom window and we will let them stay till the wee little babies fly away. Yes, till then, have to tolerate the twigs, the feathers and I learnt bettles and ticks (Eeew). But, we can't bear to destroy this nest.

We have met our new neighbours, rather one family whose flat is opposite ours. Very helpful people.

We have found a part-time maid and a driver who will begin their duties from Jan 1. Well, the car arrives only on Jan 4 from Bangalore, so guess the driver will have no work on his first day. In Mumbai, I find trains and taxis to be the best way to travel, but guess my parents do need a car and a driver.

We got a gas connection today, after the mechanic comes tomorrow to check the cooking range, we can hopefully cook something in the two pans we brought with us (No luggage until Saturday, Jan 2). Till then we are enjoying the food from Noorani restaurant at Haji Ali - for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They home deliver.

Today was a busy day, we applied for an MTNL landline and internet connection as well. The cable guy came. Guess what, after two days of no newspapers (enough to drive a newspaper addicted family up the wall), we seem to have tied up with two agencies and now get two copies each of Times of India and The Economic Times - need to sort this out. A grocer who delivers at home is also found, but alas, he is a Jain grocer and will not keep poultry products, including eggs. It is funny, so many people argue that eggs are vegetarian and eat them, others don't. Well our new grocer is a pure vegetarian.

Mumbai is hot, hot, hot and this is winter. My friends are actually wearing sweaters and donning blankets at night. Guess, I am still used to the cool temperatures of Banglaore and will take time to adjust. This is good, because we have no blankets with us, as yet. Else we would have shivered and woken by frozen stiff.

The kitchen shelves are filled with bottles of water and orange juice and this pile keeps shrinking. Did I tell you it was hot? It sure is.

Guess, I am ready to usher in new year's eve, with a badly swollen knee, lots of delicious kebabs from Noorani, and orange juice. Oh, and I also developed an allergic cold and low fever owing to the dust (woke up with fever today morning - Dec 31). But soon, the resettling woes will be behind me.

Photograph: Update as of Dec 31, 2009. There is a slight nip in the air today on New Year's eve and one of the 'notorious' pigeons has tucked his head and fluffed his feathers to keep the cold at bay. This is his favourite seating place, our window grill. The building seen is the photograph is the one which faces one of the windows of our drawing room.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, DEAR READERS. MAY THIS YEAR BE PEACEFUL AND JOYOUS.

Best,
Lubna

New Year Resolutions

2009-12-30T17:30:00.003+05:30

Dear Readers,

Do you keep new year resolutions? And I mean, keep them, not just make them.

While I make daily and weekly 'to-do' lists. I have never drawn up a list of new year resolutions. But there is always a first time. I intend to revisit this page each time I find myself slipping.

MY NEW YEAR RESOLUTION LIST: 2010

1)Be calm and cool, even when crisis hits. Take a gulp of water, breathe deeply and smile.

2) Learn to look at the silver lining around each dark cloud.

3)Be grateful, more frequently, for what I have.

4) Volunteer and not just donate.

5) Be more patient. Count till ten (or hundred if required), before I speak or email, when impatience or irritance strikes!

6)Bravely plunge into a new work experience and do my best.

7) Write more and photograph more.

8)Meet friends and relatives more often.

Happy New Year.

(This photograph was taken at Lalbaugh Gardens, Bangalore. Now, that I am in Mumbai, I am sure to miss this favourite haunt of mine)

Best wishes,
Lubna

First Day back home in Mumbai

2009-12-27T19:37:00.004+05:30

Dear Readers,

I never feel the impact of having moved, till I reach the other destination. Then it hits me that I have left a particular city and all friends behind. These days, with email, social media, mobile phones et all, one can still stay easily in touch.

I kept getting sentimental calls and text messages from colleagues till I boarded the flight. I also got some good words of advise and wishes from my mentors in Bangalore. Yes, this did make me feel that I was leaving, but not quite.

When I moved from Mumbai (Bombay) to Bangalore in late 2000, I felt homesick once I reached the new home. Fortunately, this time around, I know that I will remain in touch with the few but valuable Bangalore friends and hey almost all of them visit Mumbai. Why, one of them in visiting Mumbai in January itself, just a month from now. So I am not yet homesick for Bangalore, or perhaps Bangalore was just a temporary home and not a real home? I don't know the answer.

I have often seen passengers trundling with bags and bags and more bags and a carton or two. Well, today we resembled these passengers. With nine cargo baggage pieces, we had to seek help. Now, why doesn't Jet airways provide its personnel at the car park itself - where passengers alight to get inside the terminal? Kingfisher airlines does so.

So leaving me to take care of the baggage, Mum and Dad went off to the Jet office to seek help and help came, pronto. Yet is is a long walk for old people. If you have been to the Bangalore airport you will know what I mean.

Minor irritants like this, apart, the flight was on time. It was a Jet Konnect flight and the vegetarian meal which we had to buy, comprising of vegetarian sandwich, Real Orange Juice and eggless cake was palatable. There was no problem while landing, we were not in queue and in fact arrived in Mumbai ten minutes earlier.

It was smooth sailing once we landed. Dad's friend had arranged for a pick up. Another friend later sent us a car and chauffeur so that we could stock on essentials (read brooms and floor cleaners - the house is nice but quite in a mess). Cleaning starts tomorrow. I have to roll up my sleeves and scrub away. Another friend is sending us hot piping dinner. So yes, I have to admit it is good to be back in hometown.

For the first time ever, I visited Big Bazar. Have never ever done so in Bangalore. Our super market was either Thoms Bakery and Supermarket (Delicious cakes, will miss them) or Nilgiris (I shall so miss those delicious Tea Crackers. Bangalore friends - this is a huge hint).

Big Bazar was crowded, music was blaring loud at the mall where it is housed. But, I was quite impressed with one innovation, if one may call it that.

Shoppers are always reluctant to part with their over-sized purses. To deter shoplifting and to assuage the shoppers, Big Bazar provides a huge plastic bag. In it, go your purses and they snap this bag shut with a plastic seal, which is opened only at the cash counter. I quite liked this idea. Of course, you have to carry your mobile with you in your hand, which is a wee bit of a hindrance.

We still haven't met our neighbours. Quite typical of Mumbai to stay aloof. If this had been Bangalore, at least three-four families would have visited us by now.

The agenda for tomorrow:

1) Clean the house
2) Find a maid and a driver
3) Ring up the sellers as they have left some of their belongings behind

The agenda for day after tomorrow:

1) Get our property documents from the registrars office
2) Make copies, apply for a gas connection (transfer form taken), for a landline phone, for a broadband internet (right now I am using an internet card, which is very slow - but something is better than nothing).

Hmmmm, there is a lot of running aorund on Tuesday, Monday (tomorrow) is a holiday here.

Now, since when did internet become a necessity? I don't know, but I for one cannot live without the internet.

Keep tuned to my blog for my Mumbai developments. I will blog off and on.

PS: Photograph - this is how our house looked just before moving. This is the basket of flowers, plonked on packing material (there was no other place to keep it), given to us by Kumar our driver who was so sad to see us go. Fortunately, he will begin another new nice job tomorrow, which a friend of ours helped find.

Best,
Lubna

It is one of my favourite things...

2009-12-20T02:16:00.004+05:30

Dear Readers,

Did you have a favourite object, when you were a toddler? A doll, a teddy-bear, a book or even a security blanket? Well, I have had this study table, since third grade (standard III) and I used it till date.

While memories of my childhood are not as crystal clear to me, unlike that of one of my favourite author's Subroto Bagchi, who has penned down his entire path in life in his book Go Kiss the World, I do have vivid memories connected to this table.

For one, I know, my Mum saved to buy it and had it custom built, perhaps this has added to its sentimental value. It arrived all clean and shining on a Sunday morning, smelling of wood and polish. Its Formica top shone and I can still recall how the sun beams were reflected from its surface.

I thought there was one imperfection. There was one drawer missing (see there are only three drawers on the right hand side), but that I was told was for keeping my white tennis (canvas) shoes and brown leather shoes and shoe polish and white paste. Polishing my shoes and whitening the canvas shoes was a weekend ritual.

Yes, school mandated two different type of shoes, in addition to various kinds of uniforms for different days. As the years went by, this space was used to store rocks and sea-shells (the latter, largely collected off Carter Road, Bandra). Then, it gave way to paints and brushes. It became a 'hobby-cubby-hole'.

The table, when it arrived, was placed in front of the window, and strangely so, I have always kept this table in front of a window, even as we have moved a couple of houses since then, and once, even moved from Bombay (Mumbai) to Bangalore and are now going back to Mumbai.

If only if it could speak, I am sure this table could tell a million tales [perhaps it is just as well that it cannot talk ;-)]. It has seen me grow (and I do hope the table thinks that I have grown up to be a nice human being). The subjects I studied, at this table, expanded and changed from simple grammar and mathematics to complex accounts and tax. It is on this table that I struggled with Hindi, History and Economics - subjects which give me nightmares till date. It is on this table that penned my 'soulful' poems as a teenager (some of which got published) and it is this table, on which my lap top was placed and I banged away my monthly columns for The Economic Times.

It is this table on which my tears fell, tears of sorrow and of laughter. If you look closely, you will see that it bears traces of history. Free stickers based on its famous advertisements were once given away by Amul Butter. One of which occupies pride of place on the surface of a drawer, as do the wildlife stickers, which one got with Forhans' toothpaste (One doesn't really hear of Forhan's toothpaste, these days). Subsequently, as I began to travel, a sticker from Australia of an Olympic mascot was added on. Yes, a corner of the table required some quick-fix patching, so the table proudly wears its sign of constant use - a band-aid of packing tape.

We are now ready to move back to Mumbai, thus it is time for this table to find another loving home. It is going to a family of three deserving sisters, two of which are appearing for their board exams this coming April. The third sister is in primary school. I do hope this table proves as lucky for them, as it did for me.

Thank you table, for being a constant stable companion in my life. I shall always remember you, just as I am sure Linus (Peanuts fame) remembers his blanket.

Best,
Lubna

Bye Bye Bangalore (Bengaluru)

2009-12-06T18:14:00.002+05:30

Dear Bangalore,

It has been close to nine years and it is time to say bye and head back to the concrete jungle - Bombay (Mumbai), which is home. When we first landed here, it was a wintry day and it was freezing, we even saw hail stones, yes hail stones in a city and were much impressed.

I felt landlocked, used as I was to see wide expanses of the open sea. I also missed the readily available public transport system of Mumbai and the freedom that brought. But then, you Bangalore began to cast your magic web. Lalbagh Gardens soon became my favourite haunt.

The Indian Roller, would enchant us by sitting on the trees right outside our balconies; butterflies covered the soap-nut tree, in our apartment compound, which was then in bloom; a mischievous monkey or two would venture into our flat.

Post 9pm, it was quiet and still, hardly a vehicle was spotted on the road. In fact, our road was dotted with bungalows and friendly dogs roamed the streets, and a horse or two as well.

Things changed over time, the traffic increased, the population swelled - no doubt people, like us, came to Bangalore, from all over India. The IT boom changed the stratosphere of Bangalore.

Snowy the street dog expired. A white horse which was a regular on our streets was knocked down by a car and while CUPA volunteers took him away, I guess he had to be put to sleep. The Indian Roller disappeared, to be replaced by crows and a couple of cuckoos. The sparrows fled Bangalore and not just my neighborhood. These days even the noisy Myans cannot be heard. The mango trees, in our neighbor hood, have gone as have the several bungalows around us, with it have disappeared the pesky monkeys - oh, we miss them.

As of now, the Rain Trees outside my apartment still remain, thankfully so. The Richards Town Resident Association protested against the tarring of the pavement and the trees will continue to stand, I hope, for many more decades.

The tailor birds still builds their nest in the wild jamun tree in our apartment compound (as we Mumbaikars refer to an empty plot of land). The soap nut tree was in bloom again after four years, and yes, the butterflies came back. A sign of hope that all is not lost and perhaps when I visit Bangalore, it will still be a green city.

As regards the people of Bangalore or Bengaluru as it is now known, I hope they continue to remain united. A few ugly incidents, in the form of communal violence and violence against women did take place, I hope that remains buried in history and history does not repeat itself.

It is now time to tie up loose ends to pack up things and to move. Bye-bye Bangalore, I shall always retain memories of you.

Photographs: Views from my balcony taken with my blackberry camera.

I'm crossing the bridge

2009-12-01T00:10:00.004+05:30

Dear Readers,

I will be away during the entire month of December, I am in the process of relocating to another city and will resurface in cyberspace sometime in January.

Thus, advance Seasons' Greetings and wish each one of you a joyful and peaceful 2010.

Thank you for all your encouragement, I loved your comments and I hope to see you next year.

The Calvin & Hobbes website

Best,
Lubna

Rememberance Day, 26/11

2009-11-25T20:04:00.005+05:30

A year has past since the terrorist attacks. Mumbai is healing, life goes on. It will be just another day at work, with perhaps a moment or two of silence or some time set aside to light a candle or to participate in a peace march or meet. But, for the families of the victims that are left behind, it will take much longer for the scars to heal. Words just fail me and I cannot write anything more.

All I can pray for is peace, peace in Mumbai, in India, in this world.

Wiki has a detailed post.

Photo courtesy

It is raining butterflies

2009-11-05T09:49:00.003+05:30

Dear Readers,
She was sunning herself on the balcony attached to my parent's bedroom. I caught her on my blackberry's camera (now I love my blackberry). Sometimes, when you see such beautiful things early in the morning, you know that the rest of your day will be as perfect as it can be.
Have a nice day.
Best,
Lubna

At the Bangalore airport

2009-11-02T14:45:00.002+05:30

Dear Readers,

Mum has not fully recovered after her major and long illness. So, it was not surprising to note that the trip from Mumbai to Bangalore exhausted her completely. When we got off the flight, she was walking very slowly and I was helping her. Out of the blue a Bangalore airport employee (rather Jet airways ground employee) appeared on the scene and helped us with our luggage. He wheeled the trolley right up to where Kumar, our driver was waiting.

When Mum wanted to give him a tip, he refused, saying it was his job. This was a huge pleasant surprise for us. Wish I had asked him his name, or noted his name. But, I am so glad that there are still people like him who serve with a smile.

Here is a thank you to this person.

This photograph was taken at the Lalbaug flower show some years ago.
Best,
Lubna

We had a beautiful visitor

2009-10-14T17:38:00.005+05:30

She came...
She sat with us in our drawing room...
She was curious about us...
She cheered us with her graceful beautiful presence. Then when we opened the doors leading to the balcony, she gracefully flew away to flit among the flowers where she rightfully belonged.
Sometimes, pictures say it better than a thousand words.

A single grain of rice

2009-10-13T14:43:00.004+05:30

Dear Readers,

Can you spare some five minutes a day? All you have to do is log on this website, Free Rice and play.

According to the United Nations, a child dies every 6 seconds from hunger related causes. You can spare some five minutes a day and contribute 1,000 grains of rice or less or more. There are various subjects you can click on from Simple Multiplication to English Grammer. Or why not refresh your French?

The website Free Rice, explains: Though 10 grains of rice may seem like a small amount, it is important to remember that while you are playing, so are thousands of other people at the same time. It is everyone together that makes the difference. Thanks to you, FreeRice has generated enough rice to feed millions of people since it started in October 2007.

No, it is not a fraud, because while you play, non intrusive banners of ads are seen. The entire project is sponsored by these corporate advertisers.

So while you are having lunch glued to your chair and have internet access, or are sipping coffee/tea, or just want a break - do contribute. Every grain of rice helps.

Brian a friend on LinkedIn has put this up on two groups and its members are playing and doing some good, so can you.

Source of the photograph: Wikipedia

Best regards,
Lubna

Standing alone

2009-10-11T12:32:00.005+05:30

Dear Readers,

I do not know who said this: "Stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone" it seems to be an anonymous quote, but I love it.

I also happen to like this prose on "Attitude"

ATTITUDE
By: Charles Swindoll
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

Have a nice Sunday. This photograph was also taken at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Bangalore. This little flower was growing on one of the paths leading to the lake.

Wishing you all a HAPPY DIWALI. Do spare a thought for the flood victims in our country and donate whatever you can. One of the means is by sending a cheque to the Times of India Foundation for Andhra Pradesh and to the Times of India Foundation for Karnataka.

Best,
Lubna

Reflections

2009-09-30T16:16:00.004+05:30

Feedback, especially negative feedback can sometimes be difficult to stomach. Well, you do need to take a step back and think rationally. Is there an element of truth in it? Better still, why wait for the 360 degree feedback process. Take a few minutes each day, to reflect on your actions that day. What were you proud of? What did you do to make the day better for someone else? What is it, that pained you and caused pain to others? Reflecting will tell you a lot of truth about yourself. These few minutes will be a valuable investment, forever.

This photograph was taken at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Bangalore, India.

Three cups of tea: Promoting Peace, one school at a time

2009-09-26T10:06:00.005+05:30

Dear Readers,

I am currently reading, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.

Many of you may have already read this book. I have deliberately not blogged about it, in my book review blog, because this post is much more than a book review. It is an appeal to do whatever little you can towards making a better tomorrow.

For those who haven't read this book, it is an inspiring story of Greg Mortenson, mountaineer, he may not have conquered the K2 summit, but he has sure conquered a lot of hearts. Till date he has built more than 50 schools in the emote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The first donation, was by way of pennies. Yes, you heard it right, pennies. An extract from the book: ... Mortenson got a letter from his mother. She explained that her students had spontaneously launched a "Pennies for Pakistan" drive. Filling two forty-gallon trash cans, they collected 62,345 pennies. When he deposited the cheque his mother sent for USD 623.45, Mortenson felt like his luck was finally changing. "Children had taken the first step towards buidling the school," Mortenson says. "And they did it with something that's basically worthless in our society - pennies. But overseas, pennies can move mountains."

Things began to fall in place, slowly but steadily, with Dr Jean Hoerni, pioneer in the field of semi-conductors chipping in with enormous funds and enthusiasm. Dr Hoerni left behind a legacy - schools that will help promote peace in this world. If you educate a girl, you do educate a community!

The going was not easy, for Mortenson, including a fatwa for bringing education to girl students, fortunately, higher scholars after vetting his intent, supported him and his initiatives. Rightly so, the book - Three Cups of Tea has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, 2009. Yes, every little penny also counts.

You can visit, the official website of Three Cups of Tea for reading much more about this initiative including articles (media coverage) and also to know how you can help. Whether by way of starting a Pennies for Peace campaign or making a donation to the Central Asia Institue, founded by Dr Hoerni to continue the good work.

Greg Mortenson's interview is here.

There is lots which you can do in your own community. Marianne, a blogger friend of mine, has worked in Afghanistan. She continues with her good work by creating awareness. Click here to learn what she recently did. Or look at what Robin has suggested. Incidentally Robin reached out when she heard of my story book collection drive and has promised to send across a few story books for the children of the Humane Touch Trust School.

Yes, making children aware of other cultures can go a long way in creating a better tomorrow.

Pixie houses?

2009-09-25T20:52:00.005+05:30

Dear Readers,
Sometimes Lalbagh Garden does throw up suprises. You come across something which you had never seen before. I do not know what these two tiny structures are used for today or what they were used for once upon a time. However, it sure seemed to take me back to the days when my favourite author was Enid Blyton. I almost expect to see a little Pixie walk in, or pehaps a tiny Elf. What do you think?
Happy Dussera and happy belated Ramazan Eid.
PS: Another photograph of mine got uploaded by Citizen Matters, click here:
Best,
Lubna

Protect your green space

2009-09-25T13:16:00.003+05:30

Way back in 1760 King Hyder Ali commissioned the Lalbagh garden, his son Tipu Sultan completed his dream. Lal Bagh is a 240 acre botanical garden in Bangalore with over 1,000 species of flora. Trees were ordered from all over the world and planted here, such as the Cajuput Tree from Australia. And what are we doing today? Cutting down trees to make way for the metro rail.
Trees in the compound of Banglore University are also under threat.

In fact, trees everywhere seem to be facing a threat. Road authorities sometimes decide to pour concrete on tiled pavements. The end results, the trees standing on these pavements for decades, die a slow death. I am proud of what the Richards Town Association did, they decided to protect the rain trees in their vicinity. The pavements will continue to be tiled and will not have ugly concrete and tar poured on them, hopefully the rain trees, gulmohor trees and other trees in this area, will continue to flourish. I will continue to enjoy the beauty of my green graceful friends.

Joy of Giving and other inspiring stories

2009-09-09T17:10:00.004+05:30

Dear Readers,

The Global Indian Diaspora, was once a popular weekly page in The Economic Times. It spoke about people who had gone overseas and had become successful. Many others wanted to follow suit. There was many a debate on the effect which "brain-drain" would have on our society. Today, of course we are witnessing reverse brain drain, where people are coming back to India, from the United States, Europe and other countries.

It could be because of these countries are badly hit by the economic slowdown and the returning Indians have been given the pink-slip. It could also be, because they want to come back and participate in changing India for the better. Joining them are people already resident in India, who are also stepping outside their plush offices.

Perhaps we have realized the ills of greed and are now looking towards social good. Whatever be the reason, social entrepreneurship is going strong, as never before. Mint carried an interesting article on this.
Lately, I have been browsing a lot and am amazed with the sheer number of people who want to give up their cushy jobs and get their hands dirty – all for improving India and nothing else. Oh, yes and for The Joy of Giving.

Incidentally, The Joy of Giving Week is sweeping across India (27 September to October 3) coordinated by an NPO – Give-India.

Each of us, in a small way can usher in change. I am sure you are already doing your bit, but if you aren’t, do put on your thinking cap and bring a small change for the better, today.

Both the Joy of Giving and Change Makers site will truly inspire you and even provide a few ideas.

I began with a story book collection drive, actually long before I learnt of the Joy of Giving week. All is takes is some initiative.

PS: Friends who are moving back home from USA and Canada can always count on ReloMary for their needs - be it finding a realtor overseas to dispose off your house or someone to help with transport of goods back home. She is a good friend and you can count on her. Click here to hear how Mary can help you.

Best,
Lubna

Photograph: This smiley was emailed to me, source unknown.

A tale of statutes

2009-09-08T16:21:00.004+05:30

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, two neighbouring States in Southern India, which were at logger heads over the issue of sharing of the resources of the Cauvery River, recently smoked a peace pipe, so to say, by installing statues.

An extract from the Times of India reads: Leaving behind an 18-year-long controversy, leaders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu came together on Sunday to unveil a statue of ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar in Bangalore (Karnataka) in an event that marked a new beginning for relations between the two States. Likewise the statue of the Kannada poet Sarvagna was unveiled in Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

However, all is not hunky-dory in the city of Bombay (now Mumbai). A PIL is proposed to be filed against the construction of the statue of Shivaji Maharaja, a former ruler of this State. The reason, the huge cost of Rs 350 crore which some feel could be better spent. I do tend to agree that development projects, would be a more fitting honour to the Maharaja.

The signature collection campaign is on. If so inclined log on here.

The same is reproduced below:

PIL Against the Statue in the Ocean
To the Chief Justice,
Hon. High Court of Mumbai,

First, we'd like to say that we mean no disrespect to the memory of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, who was a truly great and able King. Having said that, we feel that the proposed statue/memorial to be built in the image of this great and able King, estimated to cost Rs.350 crores, is an unnecessary expense for the exchequer of the Government of Maharashtra.

As we all know, there has been a vastly insufficient monsoon, and on date, if we're not mistaken, 27 districts in Maharashtra have been, or will soon be declared drought-hit. Starving Maharashtrian farmers,committing suicide has already been a matter of grave concern for the Government of the state. Surely, these funds could be better utilised saving some of these lives and livelihoods.

We also have, within Mumbai itself, a vast number of infrastructural difficulties, that need huge investments to be sorted out. The rapidly declining availability of potable water and usable power is a huge problem, for example.

The roads in our financial capital are a national disgrace. We could fix some of them. We could certainly do with more schools/colleges, providing education
to the underprivileged at no cost. These could all be named in memory
of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Another possible avenue for the use of surplus funds would be to strengthen and better equip our Police Force and Coast Guard. In light of the terrorist attacks on Mumbai last year, it is crucial to strengthen these arms of Government, as our security and our lives depend on them.

We have all studied the history of this great state. We are all Mumbaikars and Maharashtrians, and the state would possibly not exist in it's current form without the far-reaching and visionary administrative abilities of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Since the proposed statue/memorial is in the name of a ruler famous for this
administrative ability, we owe it to his memory to ask if he himself would approve of such wasteful expenditure in a drought year, especially when the city's defenses are not at full strength?

We'd also like to point out that in light of a track record of consistent cost over-runs and delays leading to price escalations in major construction projects undertaken by the Government, it is unlikely that the amount to be spent towards such a project will actually be limited to just Rs.350 Crores.

We, as concerned citizens of India and Maharashtra, and as Bombayites, Mumbaikars, Bambaiwallahs, pray that such a monument be disallowed,and the funds used for the benefit of the public, by taxing whom these funds have been generated.
We also pray that, if after addressing citizens-welfare/development/infrastructure issues, Maharashtra actually has such surplus funding, it be handed to a committee of
eminent citizens who have by past action proved their concern for and commitment to the greater good of the citizens of Mumbai.

These members may be selected at the discretion of the Hon. Court or by a popular poll, as the Hon. Court sees fit.

Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
Vishal M. Dadlani, and the undersigned.

Photograph of Marine Drive: Wikitravel

Randy Pausch, thank you

2009-09-06T21:05:00.005+05:30

Dear Readers,

July 25, 2009, was Late Prof Randy Pausch's first death anniversary. I steer away from highly personal posts, so will not say much, except that we did have a happy ending, even as we underwent something similar beginning from July last year. We owe a lot to prayers, for what I perceive as a clear miracle.

As I look back, one year hence, from the very bottom of my heart I cannot thank Randy Pausch enough. His book provided me with more than a shot of courage, last year, when I needed it most.

If you haven't read The Last Lecture, please pick it up.

I leave you with his interviews (a series of 5) with Diane Sawyer on You Tube.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

Photograph courtesy

Story Book Collection Drive

2009-08-30T19:56:00.012+05:30

Dear Readers,

Some of my best childhood memories revolve around story books. My birthday present from my parents when I was in std 1 were the two volumes of World's Best Fairy Tales (A Readers Digest collection). I loved books, I still do. I loved it better when my parents read to me. My Grannies regaled me with folklore. Thus, I always like to give books as gifts, to family, friends and others.

A friend of mine who is an active social worker, runs a school courtesy Humane Touch Trust, in a slum area of Bangalore.

You may have heard of Humane Touch Trust because of media visibility of various projects in the sphere of medical aid. However, over the years, it school has grown and there are plans to make it a full fledged school, currently classes only up to the seventh grade are functional.

I have visited this school and am impressed with its staff. They teach with a smile. But what is lacking, or what this school needs more of is story books.

These kids, have not seen anything beyond their immediate neighbourhood. Their parents are illiterate, yet are sending them to school. All the children were neat, clean, and eager to learn. See photograph of one little student during school assembly (Photograph courtesy: Humane Touch Trust).

Dude friends (group) on LinkedIn, decided to participate in a Story Book Collection Drive. I have put up a wish list at Amazon, click here.

Please join in if you'd like to participate.

For those who wish to donate books and not via Amazon (such as those readers from India), let me know and I will send you the mailing address of Humane Touch Trust. Even used books in good condition are welcome.

We are looking at:
1) Age group 4 to 8
2) Easy to read books, with at least a hard back cover
3) Books such as picture dictionaries, books on trains/cars/animals
4) Well illustrated, short stories

Photograph courtesy

An update as of September 6: The book project is on in full swing. So far, 30 books have been ordered via Amazon's wish list. Few more are on their way as Dudes and other friends have committed. Yes, the steep shipping charges hurt. The only way out, as an example: seems to be to order one book instead of two (so as to factor in the shipping charges). Every little drop does count.

An update as of September 13: Eight more books on their way to India. Plus, I spent the last few days, writing to children's authors. The lovely Brigitte Benchimol responded. Her latest book: "Jadyn and the magic bubble -I met Gandhi" will so appeal to the kids here. In this story book, which comes with a CD, Poster and Activities, a magic bubble drops Jadyn back in time, offering him the chance to meet Gandhi face to face. Her previous book - Jadyn and the magic bubble: discovering India is already available here in India. The kids sure look forward to Brigitte's donation of this book, without her generosity they would not get to read it.

An update as of September 17: We touched 70 books, we got two very generous contributions. Hurrah.

An update as of September 26: Well, no more contributions have come in, even as some friends stand committed. Perhaps they will order/send books later. However, we got our first set of gifts and also the package sent by Brigitte.

Thank you,
Lubna

Paint it Pink, please do click and pass on the message

2009-08-29T04:32:00.003+05:30

Dear Readers,

This is not a hoax since I've already clicked. I am quite active on LinkedIn, in particular on one group Dude and Mary has become a close friend.

This message comes from Jackie, who is Mary's connection. Jackie is one brave cancer survivor. If you click on the link in this post, you will be sent an email, with another link to verify that you are a real person. Each time you click, Avon’s Foundation for Women will donate $2 to breast cancer organizations across Canada.

When you click you are asked to enter a valid email. You must validate your vote when you receive an email that will be sent to the address provided. You can vote as often as you would like for your favourite photo however, you will be limited to one vote per email address per day. THIS IS ON RIGHT THROUGH SEPTEMEBER.

Here is the link. Please click on the same, enter a valid email id, receive an email message, validate it and the donation will be made.

The link above, will take you to Jackie's photograph. As she says: "The picture was taken in 2006 when I was in the middle of chemo. Please look past my bald head and really see the life in my eyes. I had already made the transition from survivor to thriver. I want to help Willow raise money to help many more women make the survivor to thriver leap."

I am glad Avon is sponsoring this. A right blend of Corporate Social Responsibility tied in with business synergy.

Will you please do this and pass on the message via your blog or via emails to friends.

Thank you,
Lubna

Close up of flowers

2009-08-21T15:34:00.003+05:30

Dear Readers,
I have spent some time scanning my old photographs. Here are a few for you to enjoy.
All taken at flower shows at Lalbagh over the years.
Even a flower has a centre, it is essential for us to find our core - who we really are and what we want to be.
See, I told you, am still philosophical.
Best,
Lubna

Reaching for the target

2009-08-21T15:28:00.003+05:30

Dear Readers,

Sometimes our work lives condition us so completely. When I looked at this beautiful hibiscus, yes I did notice how pretty it was, but it also seemed to be that this flower was trying to reach its target. The branch above, seemed to be the bar, which it had to meet.
Oh well, when targets are reached, are we satisfied or do we raise the bar higher?

When it comes to basic human values, the bar must be set at the highest level possible. I just happen to be in a philosophical mood these days.

Have a nice weekend.

This photograph was taken by me at a flower show at Lalbagh a few years ago.

Best,
Lubna

MindMapping

2009-08-16T17:12:00.004+05:30

Dear Readers,

When I need to think, I doodle strategically, rather the term for it is MindMapping. I was delighted to discover this post on - Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online, together with links for free MindMapping software.

I've never used MindMapping, as such, for studies or for remembering what I have read - be it our new tax code or anything else. True, key words are used and remembered, but there is no drawing involved. Maybe I should try it out.

However, I've always used MindMapping to think through issues.

The questions I ask are (This is just an illustration):
1) What: What is the issue
2) With whom do I need to discuss this?
3) When do I need to discuss this?
4) Where do I need to discuss this?
5) Why do I need to discuss this? To arrive at a solution or to agree to disagree
6) How should I proceed?
7) What are the various alternate solutions that I have in mind

Believe me you, MindMapping helps me. I downloaded FreeMind and initially found it a bit constricting to not use pen and paper, but later got the hang of it. It is kind of neater, and hey you save precious paper.

So, if you are interested in MindMapping go to this link, provided in the previous paragraph. I was very impressed with this helpful blog post.

Photograph courtesy

Best regards,
Lubna