Desert Rose

For the first time since the Mumbai terror attacks, I felt that shiver down my spine. Even before I got time to take in the Connecticut school massacre , there comes the next – everyone saying ‘gang rape’ but from what I have been reading, this isn’t rape – it’s far worse!  This is not to say that other tragedies have left me untouched . It’s just that what scares me more than anything else is the inhuman face of terror, brutality and cold blooded cruelty. Even I belong to the student community where travelling through different transportation systems, through all kinds of places and most importantly at very odd timings is a necessity . Whenever I step out, I have this feeling – it is cool. . what can happen .. my friends are also there.. I will be fine etc etc. Probably my mother’s sleepless nights in prayers while am travelling has kept me safe so far – I don’t know! She stepped out that day like always.. Am sure she spend some happy time with her ...

I watch, as across the floor, she flutters; dreaming of the day when I, too, can do the same. Across the wall I see my shadow; never letting go of dreams; watching closely my silhouette; listening to my heart’s true calling. Her beauty, divinity and grace of her own design; her poise, dedication and much determination; her relentless spirit that has no consideration; a moment so surreal - she is dancing. To be cursed with this burning desire; to sit and wait patiently for every single chance; to feel the heart, the soul and the body complete ; integrated with the music from head to feet. Maybe this is the only way to show you how I feel; my thoughts, my mind, my tears; a taste of my anger and frustration; the fiery passion within my soul. Someday I hope, I dream, I wonder Someday I wish to be the one to flut ter.

DECEMBER… Time to say goodbye to yet another year full of memories… The time of the year when almost everyone feels good and happy… Cold breeze, coffee and sweaters all around the globe… and most important – Time to decorate your Christmas tree! The Christmas tree is one of the most popular and cherished Christmas customs and it is followed by all irrespective of their religious faith. Each year, 35-40 million live trees are purchased and decorated in the United States alone. But when, where and how did this custom begin ? Lately I happened to read about the various stories of the origin of this tradition and here I am – sharing it with my folks! Firstly, where did the idea of taking a tree and putting it in front of your home come from? Evergreens have been a symbol of rebirth since ancient times. Bringing greenery into one's home during winter symbolized life in the midst of death in many cultures. It is believed that Christians first used trees at Christmas ...

I spent my last five months in an architectural firm in ahmedabad and was mainly involved in the upcoming metro rail project of the city . This is when I read more about the transportation network in India and came across a lot of interesting details. In this process, I learnt more about one man who by the virtue of his hard work and dedication brought comfort to Indians – E. Sreedharan – true icon of our times! 56 successive years, in a single job, without a break – but barely anyone talking about him. Is it simply because, Dr Sreedharan, is not a typical Indian Success Story? As in, he is not an IITian nor is he from an IIM. He is not from a minority community. He did not study under street lamps. He did not milk cows to pay for his schooling. He is neither an actor nor a singer. Oh and he is not a cricketer! He was just a simple middle class Indian, who went about his job – the man who probably contributed the most to our infrastructure and that too silen...

Mark Zuckerberg came up with something so innovative and today it is part of our routine -   facebook . At 26, he became the youngest billionaire in the world. He started this social network when he was in college (2004) and when the company went public in 2012, its IPO was valued in billions . The movie based on his life, The Social Network tells about talent, talented people and more importantly, a country that celebrates talent! A boy from nowhere creates a company worth billions in 8 years and the country celebrates by making a movie on him. From what I have read about Mark – it was not about ‘money making’ but about being innovative and cool. I was just wondering the state of our nation – it has most of the people in this world and I believe this land has some REAL brains but I feel they are sleeping or too busy thinking whether to act or maybe our system just ensures that nothing major can happen. Most of India’s celebrated businessm...

She did what she could - hoping against hope, believing her decisions were good. A whole lot has changed - life taking turns but not the kind she is sure of, her whole world rearranged . You may see her struggle   but you won't see her   fall .   Regardless if she’s weak or not, she will still stand tall.   At a stage of her life - with fear and anxiety Still coping with strife . There is a lot of love – she can see it. Maybe she is scared to believe. You may see her struggle...but  will NEVER see her fall.