One early morning in Oberoi Gardens, after completing four rounds of fast walking on the walkway, I sat on a small bench near club house in the midst of greenery bathed in night dews. The breezy cool was invigorating. Up above, stood the vast expanse of cloudless sky. Impact of daybreak was imminent but still away. Closing my eyes, I let go myself with the wave of thoughts. A few entwined thoughts resolved smoothly and some conflicting ones became subservient begetting new ideas more clear, positive and purposive. A divine grace seemed enveloping.
Suddenly, a thud sound woke me up. My eyes turned leftward. What a pleasant surprise! There laid a colourful display of books and magazines. An elderly gentleman was picking up the bundle that fell as a thud. I reached there to meet his smiling welcome. Books being my weakness, it seemed a windfall. I was thinking of locating a bookshop or a library in the vicinity since I came here. He introduced himself as a resident of C-wing while I resided in A-wing. Glancing over covers and contents of some titles, all socio-religious, I felt being late returning to my flat.
‘How long this will continue?’ I queried.
‘As long as you are here. It is for you.’ was his ready answer.
When I expressed that I had to go due to other needs, he affectionately pressured me take the books I wish. Hesitantly, I accepted one (which I purchased subsequently) and took leave of him. He also started winding up.
A few steps away, a group of aged elders, after completing its yoga exercise, now dispersed. Some left while others dipped in gossiping. Quite a good number of male as well as female residents were now moving, coming and going. However, the display attracted none.
This exhibition approach may probably be a customer orientation one. What intrigues me painfully time and again is: Have books really become a sight to despise?
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Lesson in a trivial incident
Yesterday became a day I cannot forget, but, for a wrong reason. I was unable to get my spectacles. Despite my search of the whole house, the result was cipher. Again I looked in all the nooks and corners in the bedrooms and the hall scanning table tops and drawers. It was a waste of two hours. Finally I went inside the kitchen, the remotest possibility. After a hard look at the platform there, I revealed my worry to my wife. She was very confident it was not there. She reminded:'You have to go to market to bring apples, spinach, ginger and coriander leaves. These I need urgently'. All cupboards and even fridge shelves did not favor my efforts. She advised me to recall each and every event since morning when I put on the specs last. Normally I do not use it while at home, nor put it in its case but at a conspicuous place for use when going out. Now market job is perplexing me. However, it seems there is no escape.
I cautiously came out of the building, crossed the road with care, bought the daily need and returned. Like a child I was learning many lessons that I had forgotten. I was thinking that it is high time I should assess and evaluate the falling capacities of my senses, specially eye sight and audibility.
Finally, to relieve myself from tiredness and to calm my mind, I took a book of poems but alas could not enjoy the beauty of the lyrics. A disturbed mind is unable to get meaning from meaningful words. I was feeling thirsty so I took a glass of water and felt somewhat better. Lying down on sofa and I was looking blank at roof. An idea came, why not rearrange the rooms and put the things in order. After all much of the hotchpotch was my contribution.
After giving an organized look to the drawing room, I came to my bedroom. Books, magazines and old newspapers were there on the window sill. I restored them to their respective places. Three pens, pencil, knife etc and some old spectacles cases were there. As soon as I opened one, I found my glasses therein. What a pleasant surprise and a relief too. I don’t know how this has happened. Credit is to go, possibly, to the maid servant who came for weekly dusting work.
Besides giving me some memorable behavioural teachings, this incident has also provided an unexpected favour. A rare photograph of childhood days untraceable for long surfaced during the search.
I cautiously came out of the building, crossed the road with care, bought the daily need and returned. Like a child I was learning many lessons that I had forgotten. I was thinking that it is high time I should assess and evaluate the falling capacities of my senses, specially eye sight and audibility.
Finally, to relieve myself from tiredness and to calm my mind, I took a book of poems but alas could not enjoy the beauty of the lyrics. A disturbed mind is unable to get meaning from meaningful words. I was feeling thirsty so I took a glass of water and felt somewhat better. Lying down on sofa and I was looking blank at roof. An idea came, why not rearrange the rooms and put the things in order. After all much of the hotchpotch was my contribution.
After giving an organized look to the drawing room, I came to my bedroom. Books, magazines and old newspapers were there on the window sill. I restored them to their respective places. Three pens, pencil, knife etc and some old spectacles cases were there. As soon as I opened one, I found my glasses therein. What a pleasant surprise and a relief too. I don’t know how this has happened. Credit is to go, possibly, to the maid servant who came for weekly dusting work.
Besides giving me some memorable behavioural teachings, this incident has also provided an unexpected favour. A rare photograph of childhood days untraceable for long surfaced during the search.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
AN ENCOUNTER WITH A BREATHING EXERCISER
It was a train journey in a Howrah bound superfast. I had two berths: for me and my wife in second AC coach. My son and daughter-in-law accompanied us to L T T railway station. Inside the compartment, there was none else in that enclosure of four berths. Our two suitcases got pushed beneath the berth and were securely fastened. Considering the possible road traffic jams, we reached the station in advance. So it was a gift of half an hour of family togetherness.
Memories of distant past journeys were replayed and enjoyed -- how the compartments in those days were horrible sights. One used to carry a lot of luggage -- trunks, hold-all, boxes and bags of various shapes and sizes. A meal carrier was a must as it contained eatables specially prepared at home for consumption during travel. Vendor items were not to be used, nor were such items available with them. The only thing that was most sought after at station was a water-filled 'surahi'. This earthen pot was indeed very useful but also troublesome. Many a time, in a crowded compartment, it tilted or gave way. Water ran from one end to another in the jerk giving train.
Now as the departure time zeroed in Arvind and Smita took leave and got down. Smita reminded us for taking medicines on time. Though there was no real hunger, yet we opened our meal pack and took a little to provide base for night dose of medicines. After taking the medicines she occupied lower berth. Detouring past journeys, lying on upper berth, I was overpowered soon by deep sleep.
At around 5 a. m. I was woken up by a peculiar roaring sound. Someone on other lower berth was snarling vehemently. Thinking who can be this new traveller I tried to sleep. But again that noise woke me up. My wife was not on her berth. Moving slightly the enclosure curtain I came out. She was there sitting on the vacant side berth. I went to toilet and on return just sat beside her. She was waiting for tea. Everybody passing through the isle wondered and peeped in. The lone fellow inside was doing a breathing exercise. The tall dark complexioned figure with no clothe on his upper body squatted on berth. He shut his one nostril with thumb and exhaled forcefully from the other. His closing - opening of nostrils made such big bang exhalations that one could feel the attack on other berth.
Suddenly his mobile rang. He picked it up and started pouring all abuses, threats and warnings. After releasing his venom, he resumed his nasal warfare. Again the mobile interrupted. The TTE who was looking for a break entered in. Simultaneously I also moved in to my proper seat. Seeing us he silenced his phone and wrapped a sheet over self.
I was fascinated to talk to him. Through his revelation I came to know his puzzled state of mind due to his dwindling agricultural business and unsupportive family. Being eldest he takes all decisions but his sons do not obey his instructions. He hated all and wished to punish them.
'What about your wife?'
'She is the root cause of all troubles. She always takes their side.'
To change the topic, I asked about his yoga interest.
'I have come to know that pranayam increases life span and practice of breathing exercises brings longevity and prosperity'.
'But the way you were doing was not proper. Where you got it from?'
‘From a TV channel.'
I explained to him that such exercises are to be done in open airy environment. In this small closed place you inhaled what you exhaled. Also a vigorous and speedy breathing is not good for your health when you are a senior citizen. I further told him that his intense anger harms him first and then reaches others.
He seemed quite eager to continue talking but his station arrived.
Memories of distant past journeys were replayed and enjoyed -- how the compartments in those days were horrible sights. One used to carry a lot of luggage -- trunks, hold-all, boxes and bags of various shapes and sizes. A meal carrier was a must as it contained eatables specially prepared at home for consumption during travel. Vendor items were not to be used, nor were such items available with them. The only thing that was most sought after at station was a water-filled 'surahi'. This earthen pot was indeed very useful but also troublesome. Many a time, in a crowded compartment, it tilted or gave way. Water ran from one end to another in the jerk giving train.
Now as the departure time zeroed in Arvind and Smita took leave and got down. Smita reminded us for taking medicines on time. Though there was no real hunger, yet we opened our meal pack and took a little to provide base for night dose of medicines. After taking the medicines she occupied lower berth. Detouring past journeys, lying on upper berth, I was overpowered soon by deep sleep.
At around 5 a. m. I was woken up by a peculiar roaring sound. Someone on other lower berth was snarling vehemently. Thinking who can be this new traveller I tried to sleep. But again that noise woke me up. My wife was not on her berth. Moving slightly the enclosure curtain I came out. She was there sitting on the vacant side berth. I went to toilet and on return just sat beside her. She was waiting for tea. Everybody passing through the isle wondered and peeped in. The lone fellow inside was doing a breathing exercise. The tall dark complexioned figure with no clothe on his upper body squatted on berth. He shut his one nostril with thumb and exhaled forcefully from the other. His closing - opening of nostrils made such big bang exhalations that one could feel the attack on other berth.
Suddenly his mobile rang. He picked it up and started pouring all abuses, threats and warnings. After releasing his venom, he resumed his nasal warfare. Again the mobile interrupted. The TTE who was looking for a break entered in. Simultaneously I also moved in to my proper seat. Seeing us he silenced his phone and wrapped a sheet over self.
I was fascinated to talk to him. Through his revelation I came to know his puzzled state of mind due to his dwindling agricultural business and unsupportive family. Being eldest he takes all decisions but his sons do not obey his instructions. He hated all and wished to punish them.
'What about your wife?'
'She is the root cause of all troubles. She always takes their side.'
To change the topic, I asked about his yoga interest.
'I have come to know that pranayam increases life span and practice of breathing exercises brings longevity and prosperity'.
'But the way you were doing was not proper. Where you got it from?'
‘From a TV channel.'
I explained to him that such exercises are to be done in open airy environment. In this small closed place you inhaled what you exhaled. Also a vigorous and speedy breathing is not good for your health when you are a senior citizen. I further told him that his intense anger harms him first and then reaches others.
He seemed quite eager to continue talking but his station arrived.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Live to Eat or Eat to Live
There are two types of people:
One who like to eat delicious food and are ready for any invitation from any corner. They eagerly await and keep their taste buds awakened for birthday parties , wedding anniversaries , picnics or any other get-together. Irrespective of the nature of occasion - happy or sad - they are ready with insatiable hunger. We customarily celebrate birth as well as death and no celebration is complete without special eatables. They have a ready menu to suggest you to suit your budget. They are even willing to help you locate a caterer, a shop or a server who is reputed. They will very skillfully succeed in getting 25% of items of your menu to be their favorites.
On the other hand, the other set of people are those who keep a constant watch on their intake. These health conscious people try to eat only as per the nutritional value of each and every item in their mind. They cannot tolerate scenes of people taking too many oily, spicy and chilly items. They try to follow their set norm. They, as guests in a party, appreciate the gesture and effort of the host for offering sumptuous sweets and curries, but decline politely to consume beyond their set limit. They treat food like medicine. You can’t increase or decrease the quantity or deviate from the timing fixed.
Now the problem is we have to carry our friendship without offending or losing either of them.
One who like to eat delicious food and are ready for any invitation from any corner. They eagerly await and keep their taste buds awakened for birthday parties , wedding anniversaries , picnics or any other get-together. Irrespective of the nature of occasion - happy or sad - they are ready with insatiable hunger. We customarily celebrate birth as well as death and no celebration is complete without special eatables. They have a ready menu to suggest you to suit your budget. They are even willing to help you locate a caterer, a shop or a server who is reputed. They will very skillfully succeed in getting 25% of items of your menu to be their favorites.
On the other hand, the other set of people are those who keep a constant watch on their intake. These health conscious people try to eat only as per the nutritional value of each and every item in their mind. They cannot tolerate scenes of people taking too many oily, spicy and chilly items. They try to follow their set norm. They, as guests in a party, appreciate the gesture and effort of the host for offering sumptuous sweets and curries, but decline politely to consume beyond their set limit. They treat food like medicine. You can’t increase or decrease the quantity or deviate from the timing fixed.
Now the problem is we have to carry our friendship without offending or losing either of them.
Live to Eat or Eat to Live
There are two types of people:
One who like to eat delicious food and are ready for any invitation from any corner. They eagerly await and keep their taste buds awakened for birthday parties , wedding anniversaries , picnics or any other get-together. Irrespective of the nature of occasion - happy or sad - they are ready with insatiable hunger. We customarily celebrate birth as well as death and no celebration is complete without special eatables. They have a ready menu to suggest you to suit your budget. They are even willing to help you locate a caterer, a shop or a server who is reputed. They will very skillfully succeed in getting 25% of items of your menu to be their favorites.
On the other hand, the other set of people are those who keep a constant watch on their intake. These health conscious people try to eat only as per the nutritional value of each and every item in their mind. They cannot tolerate scenes of people taking too many oily, spicy and chilly items. They try to follow their set norm. They, as guests in a party, appreciate the gesture and effort of the host for offering sumptuous sweets and curries, but decline politely to consume beyond their set limit. They treat food like medicine. You can’t increase or decrease the quantity or deviate from the timing fixed.
Now the problem is we have to carry our friendship without offending or losing either of them.
One who like to eat delicious food and are ready for any invitation from any corner. They eagerly await and keep their taste buds awakened for birthday parties , wedding anniversaries , picnics or any other get-together. Irrespective of the nature of occasion - happy or sad - they are ready with insatiable hunger. We customarily celebrate birth as well as death and no celebration is complete without special eatables. They have a ready menu to suggest you to suit your budget. They are even willing to help you locate a caterer, a shop or a server who is reputed. They will very skillfully succeed in getting 25% of items of your menu to be their favorites.
On the other hand, the other set of people are those who keep a constant watch on their intake. These health conscious people try to eat only as per the nutritional value of each and every item in their mind. They cannot tolerate scenes of people taking too many oily, spicy and chilly items. They try to follow their set norm. They, as guests in a party, appreciate the gesture and effort of the host for offering sumptuous sweets and curries, but decline politely to consume beyond their set limit. They treat food like medicine. You can’t increase or decrease the quantity or deviate from the timing fixed.
Now the problem is we have to carry our friendship without offending or losing either of them.
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