THE TRUE COMRADE - KARNA

 THE TRUE COMRADE - KARNA

A few days back Mridula Madam - my daughter’s Dance teacher informed us about their Dance production program on Karna Charithram being performed as part of their Annual Day celebrations. She also mentioned that she is performing the lead role. The timing was a clash with my Chenda  ( A Classical traditional instrument from the Southern region of India) classes. I immediately sought permission from my Ashan Sathish Kumar Ramankutty to have the classes a bit early. I was selfish not to miss both. He was also kind enough to allow the same. Sunday started with our chenda classes. For the last few weeks, it has been a bit hectic and sleep has eluded me for some months now. So I took a 20-minute wink and then started to proceed with the program. Hindustan Auditorium has been witness to many programs and the Annual Day Celebrations of Shree Natya Niketan was a given at this place. 

The essence of a given time to start a program should be learned from Shree Natya Niketan. They start on time and are punctual to the dot. This has been consistent throughout their years of programs. The Anchor was kind enough to enunciate the details of the magnitude that we were about to witness. The importance of Sun GOD in the life of Karna and the importance of the day i.e. 26th November 2023 with respect to the Sun showing its maximum impact on Planet Earth with NASA warning solar storms as an effect of Coronal Mass Ejections was not a mere coincidence. It was meant to happen.

The depiction of the Charithram began with a dance on Lord Ganesha as part of Invocation for his blessings. It was well performed by the dancers and the Elephant GOD truly blessed it with his presence. The concept of narration and generating curiosity through a question was aptly performed by a separate set of dancers at all stages. If I could segregate the stages of this entire production it could be this as per my understanding:

1. Who is Karna - The Description.

2. Durvasa Muni giving a boon to Kunti

3. Kunti Trying the Boon

4. Birth of Karna

5. Kunti's adoration of her Ist Child and the pain and realization that she cannot keep him

6. Separation by leaving him in a river

7. The Charioteer finds the baby

8. The Lucky Parents rejoice and the Naming ceremony of the child

9. The beginning of friendship with Duryodhana

10. Duryodhana Trust in his friend as well as his wife

11. Giving away Kavacham and kundalam

12. Learning from Parshuraman, the Bee Incident, and the curse

13. Krishna asked Kunti to ask the 2 Boons

14. The final arrow.

15. Krishna’s respect for Karna

Each act was enacted with so much precision, depth, and character understanding that it was hard to be out of the journey. It was a cast spell by the superlative performances of each one of them. Be it Kunti’s love for the Baby Karna, her pain at separation beautifully elucidated through expressions by Jr.Kunti, the sway of the river by the bunch of artists, Duryodhan’s trust and friendship, the teachings from Parshuram to Karna, Krishna’s glance to Arjun to use the moment all timed to perfection. Above all the character of Karna played by Mridula Mam instilled in us a thought and questioned us - 

Why was Karna a Hero though he was a misfit? 

But was he a misfit ? 

Did Krishna try enough to bring him towards the Pandavas? 

Was friendship with Duryudhana a Boon or a Bane for Karna?

The last part is where Karna does not die even after he is hit by the arrow. tunned Arjunan asks Lord Krishna the reason. To which, Krishan replies – ” Dharmam avan thalaiya kaakiradhu, padaithavanin valuvum adhan munn palikadhu”.  Which means – His righteousness is saving his life. Even the creator’s power cannot overpower this. Karnan’s generosity (well wishes he earned from the poor and needy by donating everything he had) is saving his life. This is when Krishna transitions into an old beggar and approaches Karnan who is battling for his life (undead). And there comes the song.

Ullathil nalla ullam
Urangaadhenbadhu
Vallavan vaguthadhadaa, Karna
Varuvadhai edhirkolladaa.

As the song ends – the old beggar (actually Krishna) reaches Karna and asks for a donation. Karna, shocked tells him that he doesn’t have anything to give as he was battling for this life but the only thing that he can give at this point is his life. He also mentions that he would die peacefully if the beggar asked for something that he could give. Beggar smartly asks Karnan to donate the Puniyam, he earned through his generosity.  Beggar (Krishna) knew that it was this Punniyan who was saving Karnan’s life. Without any hesitation, Karnan agrees to offer his Puniyam. 

The icing on the cake was this part and this brought us to the complete belief that 

No matter how much unfairness we have got, how many times we were disgraced, how many times we were denied what was due to us, what is important is how you REACTED at that moment. Life's unfairness does not give you a license to walk the wrong path of Iniquity.

But the one thing Karna will be remembered for is his unwavering loyalty towards Duryodhana. A True Comrade - Through Thick and Thin. 

Salutations to all the singers, musicians, artists, Dr. Divyasena, and Mridula Mam for bringing such a beautiful enactment with utmost precision. GOD’s grace that we could watch this in person today. The Sun GOD would be beaming. Salute to the True Comrade.

Other articles on dance by the same author:

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7959270895518765325/124784994808225537 - NRITHYA SANDHYA 2022 – COSMIC CONFLUENCE

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7959270895518765325/5049761515037769374 - Beyond Genders – The Navarasa Nayagi’s

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7959270895518765325/6128240580949500535 - EARLY MARGHAZI..

NRITHYA SANDHYA 2022 – COSMIC CONFLUENCE

 

26^th November 2022- Saturday the animate as well as the inanimate objects surrounding the Main Auditorium of Hindustan College of Arts and Science had started smiling, gossiping and breathing exuberance pointing to a special batch of students after awaiting a whole year. The students of SHREE NATYA NIKETAN were in the campus for their final rehearsal before the big day. Morning the session was enthralled with spectacular performances from across the age categories filling the air with positivity and confidence from the performers and pride for them from their GURU and Parents. The sun showed its prowess in the afternoon of Sunday, 27^th November 2022. This did not deter the performers from getting on with their make-up and other modalities for the evening. GURUS and Parents making sure that all boxes were ticked to the dot. The Auditorium started filling up slowly and by 4.30 pm there was hardly a space for a pin.

The evening performance started with an Invocation to Lord Krishna followed by Dheem Dheem, Brahma Okate, and Chandra Chooda – all songs seeking either blessings or describing their different forms. They all pointed to the fact that there is only one GOD and everything is part of nature. The dancers in their immaculate symmetry of movements drove us the point whether, it is GARUDA GAMANA or VRISHABHA VAHANA, nature has a role to play. The next set of little girls performed on the form of dance which is known for its beats and jingling sounds making your heart race and in some cases make your hips move too. The Tribal folklore has always had an enigmatic touch of creating an upbeat mode. The songs Kurwanji and Valli Kanavan managed just that with the obeisance to Lord Murugan.

The stage was set for the tempo to rise further and that’s when then the LEZIM dancers representing the state of Maharashtra pounded the audience hearts with the sounds of “GANPATI BAPPA MORYA”. The dancers with their swaying movements of LEZIM made sure that LORD GANAPATI blessed the evening and indeed one could feel his presence. I personally being brought up in MUMBAI the sounds of GANAPATI BAPPA MORYAAAA still gives me goosebumps whenever and wherever I hear it. I am sure the audience must have felt it too irrespective of where they came from. The credit to the dancers and their choreographer. This gave way to a more subtle, symmetrical movements based dances DHOL and KOLATTAM. The dancers conducted their rhythmic body tilting as well as footstep movements to perfection. In both these dances the start, the speed as well as the end is prime as in other dance forms. The performers of Shree Natya Niketan need no introduction to perfection so it was cake walk here.

Pushpanjali means offering of flowers to a deity. I am not an expert but with my little knowledge I believe this is the first dance to be in a Bharatnatyam performance. The salutation dance invoking calmness, piety, gratitude, seeking blessings was felt all around through. The Bhavam, Ragam and Thalam was a visual treat to all those seeking a dance with expressions, posture and Rhythm as though you were in the lanes of Thanjavur in a dancer’s era. Their Guru Smt. Mridula Rai, a renowned BharatNatyam exponent should be credited for this.

As the audiences were filled with these feelings they were suddenly transported to a dance language which speaks of NAZAKAT, PANDHAT and Amazing spins – yes KATHAK. The body movements as compared to the earlier dances are straight but there is direct nexus between the dancers and the audience. The senior students under the able guidance of Smt. Ruchi Sharma a renowned Kathak Exponent did give a glimpse of UTHAAN, SALAAMI, TODI TUKDAS and LADI TATKAAR. Shringaar Ras had sneaked into the auditorium at this stage. Air was filled with purity and devotion.

The Hindustani Music had set the stage for a Feminine grace to enter the stage and there came the MOHINIATTAM dancers. Ten of them swayed gracefully to the Lasya inspired dance of Kerala. The Soft, gentle and calm movements giving importance to HASTHA LAKSHANDEEPIKA i.e hand gestures and facial expressions enunciating the elaborate description of mudras was well choreographed by Smt. Sujatha Nair Sanjay a renowned Mohinittam, Odissi and BharatNatyam exponent. The Students mesmerized the audience through a scintillating performance and had cast their spell. To break the spell the senior ladies batch performed Thiruvathira Kali under the choreography of their Guru Smt. Mridula Rai. The essence of the region was amply exemplified by the students through the graceful circular movements paying obeisance to Lord Shiva.

The next two dances were performed by the students under the able guidance of Smt. Sujatha Nair Sanjay and Shri Rama Koundinya, a renowned Kuchipudi exponent for Odissi and Kuchipudi respectively. The students performed Odissi dance form true to its art form, graceful and mesmerizing yet in its tandav form just like the waves from an ocean. The Kuchipudi students performed on the Sathyabhama Theme with and brought out the dance drama style which is unique to this dance. Though Kuchipudi can be broken in three forms i.e Nritta, Nritya and Natyam, the Natyam on Satyabhama/ Lord Krishna was done with such utmost bhavam. The students of Odissi dances performed the bhangas or the symmetric body bends and stance with very good composure.

The winter peaceful breeze outside the auditorium was just the calm before it to arrive inside the auditorium. The darkness inside the hall gave light to small lights tinkering on the stage. The lights gave shapes to them and their beholders. The dancers led by their GURU Supriya Singh Rawat a renowned Dhediya exponent in the middle swayed with an earthen pot and lamp lit on top of it on their heads. DHEDIYA the folk dance from Prayaagaraj region of India was done with graceful movements balancing the pot and lit lamp on their heads. A breath taking performance respecting the folklore of India. The students along with their GURU kept the audience at awe and just when they took a breath the finale began with the confluence of all the GURUS on stage, individually they showcased their talent as well as depicting that all classical dance forms originated from only one – THE NATYA SHASTRA.

It was as though we were watching a Circle of Enlightment on the stage. The circle was a complete with a start being Smt. Mridula Rai on one end with her expressions and Natyam, Smt. Sujatha Nair Sanjay with her graceful circular movements depicting lasyam, Smt. Ruchi Sharma with her amazing spins and Ladi-Tatkaar, Shri. Rama Koundinya with his amazing story telling ability through drama dance style and Supriya Singh Rawat Swaying on the Dhediya Rhythms. All their dances showed all the Navarasas and Though Diverse it definitely drove us the point that it unites for its roots and origin are one.  Exemplifying this uniqueness the finale concluded with all the students joining their gurus and giving the audience a once in a life time memorable moment to be cherished for ages.

They say words fail to communicate what eyes do. What we witnessed here was eyes fail to communicate sometimes what dances does. Anything done with Chitta Suddhi i.e purity of mind and Bhakthi i.e devotion leads to Aanandha i.e supreme bliss. Although there would have been many feelings throughout this entire journey of practice to stage the hard work and discipline of all those involved gave the audience the same RASANBHUTI of a Cosmic Confluence of RASASVADA i.e. a taste of bliss in the absence of thoughts.

GOD BLESS to all those involved

 

-        By Paribhramin

GRANNY WITH NO STRINGS

Granny with No Strings

Acknowleding a condolence  or writing an Obituary is not an easy task and if is for someone whose soul ringed purity words fail to address its sanctity.

Satyabhama...the name rings to us the warrior queen of Lord Krishna. My granny was unlike any thing closer to that. The only thing which could relate her to Lord Krishna was her Ekadashi fast which I have seen for the past 43 years and her jest and patience while visiting Guruvayoor temple when our minds wavered to the thoughts of eating sumptous Masala Dosas in those small outside eateries of the temple.

Patience, Persistence and Practice are the 3 musketeers must for any field especially any art forms. She was born with it. But she had one more non characteristic quality of an artist. The quality of "Non Attachment". This teaching in Buddhism was imbibed in her. Why do I tell it ? 

When she lies in her glass chamber awaiting for her son to lit her pyre I see her lying with empty hands. She created carpets from old waste cloth, hanging door welcome thorans or hanging decors with beads, decorated many a temples with her rangoli designs, crafted birds and fruits with beads. She kind of had a penchancy for geometric designs and created patterns with child like ease. All this not for her but they remain in many a households she gifted it after her creation.

An artist who had the least ego about her creation and would let go of it against your simple request. Just like the Buddhist monks who erased exquisite paintings after creating it, she would also let go of it. To live a life with no strings attached is as difficult as To die with strings attached. She lived one and died too. My granny Satyabhama was one such being. To give comes to only to the purest of souls. Satyagranny or my Ammumma was a puritan with No strings attached.

Invest in Happiness

 Dear Kanchan's Kitchen Team,

"Festivals bind". Festivals are followed to strengthen the base of bondings and to bring us more closer to each other. Festival is a garland which is made up of flowers of love, humanity and understanding. The pandemic has brought us into the realms of nuclear celebrations and we all now understand what it means to spend hours talking and spending time with family members and friends and we do not mean digitally. Feel the Air in their presence.It made us realise that "Anything in excess becomes a poison even Nectar". Nevertheless, your kitchen continues to proclaim through your food the same bondings that we experienced being with our family. My nuclear family (we miss our entire big family) were indeed pleased with the quality of the sweets we ordered from you this Ganesh Festival. Be the Choorma Ladoo, Kesar Modak, Milk Modak or the Motichur ke Ladoo we could not identify which was the best. Mark my word "was"..Yes, we relished it so much that we could not help share it with our neighbours..After all Good things are for Sharing, Isn't it...They say when you share your grief it reduces to half whereas when you share your happiness it doubles so we thought let us invest in happiness. Thats what pandemic taught us right..Invest in Happiness..Sharing a few snaps of the Prasad we kept. Hope it brings a smile in the face of readers. Food Ratings from us: 4.9/5.

BOOK REVIEW - BOMBAY BALCHAO - JANE BORGES

#Janeborges #BombayBalchao #MumbaiLove #Pao

If you like reading quaint neighborhood stories with insights into the day to day life struggles, joys with an underlying message on what life is and if you love Bombay and not Mumbai then Bombay Balchao is a must read for you. Do not expect it to be nice goody story like a Malgudi Days as the characters are not expected to be that. The story line has amply captured the nuances of the Catholic Community be it the Traditional East Indians, the Goans or the Mangalorean’s. If you are brought up amongst these communities one could relate with each of the characters so easily and I was fortunate to reminisce most. The author has brought out the general characteristics of these communities so well be it their free spirit, love for food, dance, music, literature, culture, heritage or just being purely vocal of their thoughts. It also has dwelled on the aspect of atrocities committed on heritage sites in Mumbai and around in the name of Re development with subtle anecdotes. As the piquant name suggests the author reminds us that life resembles the balchao pickle. It cannot be had in large portions else it is too much to digest. The tingling taste should linger and so will this book once you read it. As they said in their typical tone ....Chak le man....

From A Malayali by Birth and A Balchao Pao by Heart

Jeena Marna

Bahar Nikalke Marna Nahi 

Kyunki Jeevan Jeena Hai Baki,

Kalaakaar Hoon Makkar Nahi

Kyunki Maisaaron se Jamme  Peena Hai Baki

...Paribhramin

SHAADI MUBARAK…ZINDA RAKHO…

Ankhon Mein Ehsaas Rakho, 

Hoton Mein Izhar Rakho, 

Shaadi Zinda Rakhna Hai Toh, 

Tarkibe Bahut Saari Rakho. 

Palkon Mein Saadgi Rakho,

Kanno Mein Takkat Rakho,

Shaadi Zinda Rakhna Hai Toh,

Tarkibe Bahut Saari Rakho.

Awaaz Mein Nazakat Rakho,

Dekha Undekha Kuch Kuch Rakho,

Shaadi Zinda Rakhna Hai Toh,

Tarkibe Bahut Saari Rakho. 

Ishtiraaki Banna Hadh Mein Rakho,

Zakaat karam Mein Rakho,

Shaadi Zinda Rakhna Hai Toh,

Tarkibe Bahut Saari Rakho. 

Mohabbat Din Raat Zinda Rakho,

BAAKI Dastakon Ko Ab Dafan Rakho,

Shaadi Zinda Rakhna Hai TOh,

Toh Dil ka Taalaaaa,

Ek Duje ke Pass Rakho.....

BAHAVA BLOOMS

 

The Golden Shower had blossomed. The Vishu Pakshi i.e. The Indian Cuckoo had started singing the rhythmic familiar tones. Salted banana chips mesmerized the surroundings through its fragrant coconut oil aromatherapy. The Vishu Katta, a traditional ritualistic breakfast on Vishu Day (NEW YEAR DAY Celebrated in Kerala) was served. The parboiled rice cooked in coconut milk draped with jaggery syrup and accompanied by the crackling poppadum smelt heaven on banana leaves for Jayakrishnan. He sat on the teakwood dining table along with his father, brother and male cousins. The women folk had their own gang to dine and catch up on the yearly matters of each other.   

As he was about to take his first morsel, he was disturbed by a sight. He eyes were glued and pierced through the window bars and panes. He left the table and ran outside. Mohanan Pillai, his father frowned and crackled at him for leaving the table without completing the food. Geeta his mother was furious and yelled on Mohanan Pillai for allowing him to go. Meanwhile, his elder brother Rohit and cousins were busy enjoying the Vishu Katta. The only person to relish amongst all cousins was Soumya as she wanted to be in the good books of her grandmother. Rohit was the least interested and would have loved to have some bread and omelet which he mentioned too in the morning but a glare from his mother reconciled his luscious wishes.

Jayakrishnan came back after a good one hour. He was not alone. A small puppy lay in his palm. Battered and Bruised with injuries, it must be only days old from its birth. The pale and frightened look on its face meant it had undergone some amount of trauma. All of them started shouting at him to remove the dirty wrench out of the house. All were skeptical and thought that it was indeed dirty to bring such creatures that too on a NEW YEAR DAY. Their wails and frustrations fell on deaf ears. He took the pup and placed it at the bottom of a Bahava Tree. The Yellow showers of soft petals from the tree acted as a cushion for it to sleep. He ran to the backend of the kitchen and asked latha, their cook for some milk in a small tumbler. By the time he reached the tree, the pup had fallen asleep due to sheer tiredness. He waited and had his Vishu Katta alongside kuttan below the Bahava tree. Yes, Kuttan that’s what he had decided he would call him. The decision to not part with him had been taken.

Jayakrishnan kept some Vishu Katta for Kuttan. As soon as he opened his tiny eyes playing hide and seek with the sunrays Jayakrishnan tried to feed him some milk and a tiny portion of the Vishu Katta. At first Kuttan denied it and was afraid to have anything from a stranger. But this was no stranger and he realized that there is someone helping him. He had the 1^st morsel from Jayakrishnan’s palm. Soon Kuttan and Jayakrishnan were inseparable. As days passed kuttan became a member in the family such that even Geeta and Mohanan could not make a day without him.

Soon, they had a new neighbor. The Abraham’s had sold their house to a retired Indian Civil Servant – Mr. Mangalassery KrishnaPrasad Menon. He retired from the Indian Foreign Services as Chief Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His wife Radhamani was a housewife and looked after her husband and household needs. It was a known fact in Delhi Mr. Menon’s friend circles that she was more powerful than her husband as all the household decisions were made by her. Jayakrishnan had left for Cochin for his new job before the new neighbors came. Kuttan was enjoying his days with Geeta and Mohanan. “Good Morning Aunty” said a soft feeble voice. “I am Gandharvika, Mr. & Mrs. Menon’s daughter”. This is the first time Kuttan saw Gandharvika. They soon became friends. She had joined the dental college in the city and had joined her parents after a short vacation with her friends. Evening’s kuttan used to spend time with Gandharvika and he had become a part of the Menon household too.

A bright sunny afternoon and Jayakrishnan was returning from the bus stand walking towards his house across the paddy fields. Just then he saw kuttan running across the street and going towards his house. He saw a sigh of relief on the face of kuttan as soon as he saw him. Jayakrishnan sensed that kuttan wanted to tell something and it was something to do with his neighbors. He ran towards their house and kuttan too ran with him. As soon as he entered the house he saw Mr. Menon alone lying in bed gasping for breath and holding his breath. Without wasting a moment, Jayakrishnan called up his father and they managed to take him to Mr. Menon’s car. Kuttan was standing there with the car keys in his mouth. They drove to the nearest hospital. Mrs. Menon who had gone to the grocery was unaware of this. The timely action from kuttan saved Mr. Menon’s life. Gandharvika and Mrs. Menon had arrived in hospital. That’s the 1^st time Gandharvika and Jayakrishnan met. Their eyes met and there was only one witness – Kuttan.

The next day was Vishu for which Jayakrishnan had come and so were his siblings. Kuttan was in his usual spot when Jayakrishnan saw a small red note tucked neatly inside his collar. It Said “Thanks…a 10 digit number”. Jayakrishnan smiled at kuttan who was looking up and smiling.  Jayakrishnan understood what he meant and saw up…The BAHAVA’s had bloomed again.

EULOGY...Romy Mama (Sanjiv Das)...The Eternal Guide

Currently forget physical contact and greeting even an eye contact is rare. In that context meeting and receiving the most enchanting smile with a sparkle in his eyes was indeed a blessing. That's how we met Romy Mama. 

The greats Vivekanada, Chandragupta Maurya all needed a Guru who stayed constantly with them to guide them. Thanks to Tulika and Sayuj (my brother in law) for getting married and thats how and where we met Romy Mama. Romy Mama as we were introduced was a Advocate practising in the reigns of the highest judicial system in the country but for us he was the tour guide from Bhubaneshwar to Puri via Konark. That was his humility. He spoke with the same zest to a 12 year old girl or a 67 year old person in the mini bus which we travelled. He made sure all of us were so comfortable and explained us all the best places on the way. Romy Mama was not only explaining the historical nuances but also its political significance and their economical strength. Along with this he gave his thoughts on environmental conservation too. A perfect host who had arranged the smallest of the needs of his fellow travellers. That's the truth I met him only once in my lifetime. A Supreme court advocate spending his valuable time with a bunch of newbees. I was influenced by his simplicity.

People write eulogy once you die, I wonder why? Once you write the eulogy it is like a candle which is burnt off, rather it should be like the Incense stick. It burns but slowly and the fragrance lingers for long. Some persons leave such mark in your life and Romy Mama was one of them. This is not a eulogy but my burning of the incense stick for the great soul. For me he was a person who you need to meet only once and be guided for life.He will always remain an eternal guide helping to be a better human being.

DAL E KASHMIR

Serene it flows quite and clear,
It sounds as though dawn is near,
Shikara's flow for the lotus stem,
DAL E KASHMIR is a boon for them.

Chinar surround it with Shades,
It has witnessed several crusades,
History made it their jewel and gem,
DAL E KASHMIR is a boon for them.

Apple hue saffronised it on dusk,
Air is fragrant with earthy walnut husk,
The Valley may have seen mayhem,
DAL E KASHMIR is still a boon for them.

Aye Bitiya Chandi Ban Kaali Ban

 Just penned it...based on recent events...  

Aye Bitiya Chandi Ban Kaali Ban

Aaj bhi Chand Chandni se toh hain,

Aaj bhi Suraj Roshni se toh hain,

Aye Bitiya Tu Chandi Ban Kaali Ban

Dono Aaj bhi Andheron Mein Hain.

Aaj bhi Niyat mein khot hi toh hain,

Aaj bhi Darinde Azad hi toh hain,

Aye Bitiya Tu Chandi Ban Kaali Ban

Dono Aaj Bhi Kisi Maa ke Khokh mein hain.

Aaj bhi Shaashan sirf shabd hi toh hain,

Aaj bhi Dushshasan ek bimaari hi toh Hain,

Aye Bitiya Tu Chandi Ban Kaali Ban,

Dono Aaj Bhi Gali Chaurahe mein hain.

Aaj bhi Dharm khangalte hi toh Rah gaye hain,

Aaj bhi Vehshi Parde mein hi toh hain,

Aye Bitiya Tu Chandi Ban Kaali Ban,

Bahut hui Akhbaron ki kahani...

Ya fir Ban Jaa Jhansi ki Raani...

.....Paribrahmin.

AAJ BHI SASTI HAI

Paidaish Bina Libas Ke Hoti Hai,

Safar Bin Tere Maut Hoti Hai,

Bas Kafan Leke Jaana Hai,

Mehngi Toh Safar Thi, Kafan Aaj Bhi Sasti Hai.

Chandni Chand Se Hoti Hai,

Imaan Ibaadat Se Hoti Hai,

Ishq Ek Dua Hai,

Mehngi Toh Teri Ibaadat Thi, Dua Aaj Bhi Sasti Hai.

Nasha Nazar Mein Hoti Hai,

Ashiqi Mein Hi Junoon Hoti Hai,

Sharab Gham Door Karti Hai,

Mehngi Toh Teri Ashiqi Thi, Gham Aaj Bhi Sasti Hai.

Baarish Mein Ulfat Hoti Hai,

Mohabbat Shama Se Hi Hoti Hai,

Chahat Ek Parwaana Hai,

Mehngi Toh Shama Thi, Parwanapan Aaj Bhi Sasti Hain

No School Fees means No Salary for Teachers?

Om Gurubhyo Namah…This is what most of the teachers themselves say when they embark on a journey to create a future. Teachers are akin to a potter who shapes a future product. Of late I see a hue and cry on social media about

1.  Why schools need to conduct online classes?

2.  Why parents should be pay fees?

3.  Why schools or any knowledge centers should collect fees?

Tell me a fact,

 How many of you parents are ready to sacrifice a year of your child saying that let the child spend a year without any studies?

 When teachers are spending hours learning a new method and trying to engage your child why none of the parents have come together as part of your parents teachers council and said – NO its fine we do not want to engage in this and let’s wait for an year ?

 Will you be able to spend and devote your time and engage them fruitfully? Am sure none of us can as a Teacher

A Teacher cannot replace a Parent but I am also equally sure No Parent can be a Teacher all the time. A Teacher uses the carrot and stick method effectively with confidence, patience, understanding, and calm demeanor with the utmost listening ability. As Aristotle said “Those who know, do. Those who understand, Teach”.

In countries like Germany Teachers are regarded with the highest honour and paid accordingly. We should at least give them their dues. It’s a pity that some schools are resorting to cut or not pay their salaries just because the parents have not paid fees.

Yes, these are trying times and we are going through the same but recognize that all these teachers are creating for us a better place to live. Most of them are working through their personal resources at home and trying to teach their beloved students and be in touch with them daily engaging them fruitfully. Before covid Teachers used to work till they were at the school or for some more hours after coming from school as preparations for next day. Post Covid they have entered into the realm of online transfer of knowledge which they themselves are learning. They have taken tremendous efforts to restructure the learning contents, communicate consistently with students, being flexible on many counts in respect of routine discipline and spend enormous amounts of time and energy in subsequent follow ups through digital mode. Classroom Teaching was more of a reactive mode of teaching whereas Online mode is more of Proactive mode of teaching where meticulous planning and execution is required for covering the portions in the requisite time with all students holistically. The job is tougher and this too in substantial cases on personal resources with no support from school managements

Yes, there are job cuts and there are salary cuts in many places, but Teachers too have families to feed. Some of them single parents and earn meagre salaries from schools which they require for susteinance. We parents blame the management of schools for fees rise and costs but are teachers to be blamed for the same? As you are an employee of an organization so are they. What is the difference? We all know that learnings do not happen on an empty stomach so does teaching. The least is to recognize their essential contribution made by teachers during this time. Teachers are responsible for creating environments that foster successful learning and teaching, but this can sap their energy and test their patience. In the current circumstances, teachers are working at pace to develop new learning and teaching environments and managing specific family circumstances. 

As some great said “Great education is a combination of a supporting environment, dedicated teachers and students who take joy in learning”.

LET US NOT STOP THE SPREAD OF JOY.

LET US PAY FEES

AND LET TEACHERS GET THEIR DUES.

BAS JAANE KI ZIDD NA KARO

BAS JAANE KI ZIDD NA KARO… by PariBhramin

(A Tribute to Depression)

 

Hawa Aaj Bhi Jism Choo Jaata Hai,

Choona Guna Hai to Mere Maut Ka Intezaam Karo,

Chookar Bas Nazar Milaya Karo,

Bas Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo.

 

Barsaat Aaj Bhi Deewana Hai,

Mausam-E-Ishq ka luft Uthakar Bheega Karo,

Galatfahmiyan Dhul Gaye Toh Nigahein Milaya Karo,

Bas Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo.

 

Nasha Aaj Bhi Maikhaane Mein Hai,

Aankhon se Yun Thukraya Na Karo,

Bas Nashili Nazron Se Jaam Pilaya Karo,

Bas Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo.

 

Batein Karna Aaj Bhi Zaroori Nahi Hai,

Bas Zulfe Khol Kar Raat Ka Manzar Dikhaya Karo,

Raat Dikha Diya Toh Khawabon Ko Jagaaya Karo,

Bas Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo.

 

Samandar Aaj Bhi Apne Mauj Mein Hai,

Waqt Ko Kaho Na Usse Na Hamein Azmaya Karo,

Azamaa Hi Liya Toh Kuch Batein Hi Karo,

Bas Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo.

 

An Eulogy - A Candle or An Incense Stick

Saransh was turning on the 2^nd staircase towards the 1^st floor office where he had been working from last year as a part time officer. It was the administrative office of a molecular research company in a suburb near Mumbai. As he set his foot on the 3^rd step of the last stretch he slipped and his hustle to save his lunch box his spectacles fell and the glasses broke. The Managing Director’s driver Tiwari, a short guy with thick moustache in his well ironed white safari suit called out “Sambhalke Saheb, kya hua .ohhho glass tut gaya. Koi fikr nahi Sir, yehi sochiye koi badi vipta aane wali thi, tal gai (meaning - Be careful Sir, what happened, Oh your glasses broke. It’s ok, just be positive thinking that a bigger trouble has been warded off with this small incident). This phrase and incident stuck in Saransh’s mind and he carried this positive thought ever after.

As days passed bigger events happened with bigger risks and perils. The ones which went through sailed the ocean boosting confidence and ones which did not went through giving themselves as an analogy to the phrase. He went through phases, travelled continents and through several trials and tribulations in his life. Saransh was a workaholic and put his heart in whatever he did. He had passed the Banking test and managed to join a Government Bank. Marriage was another phase in life he went through his parent’s consent. GOD graced him two blossoms and he named them Zara and Ansh, the elder being a part of his wife name Zaheera. The same concept of positive thoughts was embedded in the family by Saransh.  Both Ansh and Zara grew with the thought process that everything happens for the good. As days passed Saransh got engrossed in his work more and the family was taken care by wife.

One day Saransh noticed that Zaheera was in all praise for Ansh at the dinner table for scoring well in school. She was reiterating the word’s “I am Proud of him that he got so much marks”. While all this was happening Saransh noticed that Zara was sulking a bit and Ansh had a proud grin on his face. After dinner Saransh told them a Story of “The Proud Red Rose”. It goes like this.

One beautiful spring day a red rose blossomed in a forest. As the rose looked around, a pine tree nearby said, “What a beautiful flower! I wish I was that lovely.” Another tree said, “Dear pine, do not be sad. We cannot have everything.” The rose turned and remarked, “It seems that I am the most beautiful flower in this forest.” A sunflower raised its yellow head and asked, “Why do you say that? In this forest there are many beautiful flowers. You are just one of them.” The red rose replied, “I see everyone looking at me and admiring me.” Then the rose looked at a cactus and said, “Look at that ugly plant full of thorns!” The pine tree said, “Red rose, what kind of talk is this? Who can say what beauty is? You have thorns too.” The proud red rose looked angrily at the pine and said, “I thought you had good taste! You do not know what beauty is at all. You cannot compare my thorns to that of the cactus.”

“What a proud flower,” thought the trees. The rose tried to move its roots away from the cactus, but it could not move. As the days passed, the red rose would look at the cactus and say insulting things, like ‘this plant is useless. How sorry I am to be his neighbor.’ The cactus never got upset and even tried to advise the rose, saying, “God did not create any form of life without a purpose.” Spring passed, and the weather became very warm. Life became difficult in the forest, as there was no rain. The red rose began to wilt. One day the rose saw sparrows stick their beaks into the cactus and then fly away, refreshed. This was puzzling, and the red rose asked the pine tree what the birds were doing. The pine tree explained that the birds were getting water from the cactus. “Does it not hurt when they make holes?” asked the rose. “Yes, but the cactus does not like to see the birds suffer,” replied the pine. The rose opened its eyes in wonder and exclaimed, “The cactus has water?”

“Yes, you can also drink from it. The sparrow can bring water to you if you ask the cactus for help.” The red rose felt too ashamed to ask for water from the cactus, but finally it did ask for help. The cactus kindly agreed. The birds filled their beaks with water and watered the rose’s roots. Thus the rose learned a lesson and never judged anyone by their appearance again.

  Zaheera too understood the message which Saransh wanted to convey. She understood that “To be proud of your child is a thought process of bringing Ego into existence that he or she is superior. So being proud is not what is important but being happy with both her children’s deeds is what a parent need to inculcate in oneself. The seed of being human.

As the day ends today on 1^st May 2020, the analogy of “Being Human” could not have been better dawn on me. While the world mourned the loss of two greats on successive days, we felt the tremor on the 3^rd day too. Venu Uncle as we fondly called him passed away on 1^st May 2020. As the other two he too died of Cancer. We have fond memories in our childhood of this tall, lanky, handsome gentleman who was a workaholic and hardcore family man. But as Saransh, he had a sense of “being human” in all his deeds. I never saw an egoistic proud feeling on any of his achievements though there were many. People write eulogy once you die, I wonder why? Once you write the eulogy it is like a candle whose which is burnt off, rather it should be like the Incense stick. It burns but slowly and the fragrance lingers for long. Some persons leave such mark in your life and Venu Uncle was one of them. This is not a eulogy but my burning of the incense stick for the great soul.

FREEDOM OF FRIENDSHIP

Chembai gramam in Palakkad District came into annals of history also through its famous Carnatic music singer Vaidyanatha Iyer popularly known as Chembai or Bhagavathar or Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. There may be other incidents which I am not privy to. Acclaimed also amongst critics with his unique style and powerful voice, he has stood tallest amongst all majestic stalwarts of Carnatic Music. Born on Janmashtami Day, blessings of Lord Guruvayurappan was a part of his life. Within a distance of approximately 1 km from Chembai gramam is the Ayyappan temple through the inside paddy fields. The large pond situated outside the temple had separate entrance for ladies and gents. A large banyan tree occupies the space opposite the left side of the entrance. The space towards the temple is good enough for children to play which was usual on evenings.

                                        The Banyan tree was a common place for oldies to chit chat in the evenings. Of late the children playing around were less and mostly occupied the walls of the entrance towards the temple pond. All of them had one thing in common i.e. a mobile in hand and glued to it with their neck bended. From the distance of the banyan tree they seemed to be lifeless hanging objects rather than human beings and resembled the hanging clothes after the day’s use. Narayan, a retired person from PWD Department of the Central Government Infrastructure Ministry watched them from a distance and felt sad. After lighting the small earthen lamp below the banyan tree, he sat discussing this with his childhood friend Mustafa. Their friendship had been the 2^nd best thing possibly after Chembai’s music geniuses. Nobody knew but why they lit the lamp before their evening gossip. One afternoon both were seen distributing a pamphlet to all the children outside Kottayi Government higher school. They followed it up by distributing the same at the bus stop as soon as any college bus stopped. It was for a magic show to be conducted by them under the banyan tree. The highlight which attracted everybody’s eyes was the free mutton biryani and an ice cream which would be distributed at the start of the show. Sreeju who studied in Nehru College and his friends thought that they could just take the pack of biryani and head off to the football ground.

                                        The programme was scheduled at 12 noon on a sunny Sunday afternoon. A small pandal was erected by the foursome for the children. They expected a handful of children so had kept around 20 coupons for the food. By 11.30 am there were 40 children of all age group. Some collected the coupon and left. Few stood there loafing thinking that they shall leave once the show started. Sreeju and his 7 friends came at 12.05 noon. Girls studying in engineering is still a rarity. Mustafa had sent his daughter Shanaya to pursue her interest in Computer Science to Nehru College against family wishes. He understood the importance of education in life. The broad smile in Sreeju’s face meant that Shanaya was close by. Their subtle glances meant no heroic pronouncement of love but only a poignant hint of it. No words are spoken but their eyes convey how much they loved each other. Arrival of Shanaya and her friends meant that Sreeju and his friends would never think of the football ground. Since the count of children had increased the food distribution had to be postponed. Mustafa announced that the food will be distributed after the programme. Though there was a sigh of despair around the pandal, the giggling of small children eagerly awaiting the magic show filled the air with hope.

                                        Mustafa then announced that since the magic show team was yet to come, there would be a small story narration by his childhood friend Narayan. The children did not bother much. Sreeju and his friends were getting restless but Shanaya and her friends kept them at bay. Narayan asked to the gathering – Who is a friend? Since it was a crowd of all ages, the murmurs lead to names of each of their friend. The next question was - What is freedom? Sreeju shouted “The one who guides you is a friend”. “Who is that for you?” retorted Narayan. He turned his back towards the crowd and said “You all are gadget slaves and gadgets are your friends. Freedom is state of not being enslaved or imprisoned. Right now, my dear children – you are slaves of gadgets”. Sreeju replied “No Uncle, it’s incorrect. We have friends”. Narayan replied “Yes, but you trust your google more than him, Isn’t it? Let me narrate you one incident and you decide for yourself. Narayan narrated “Till my last year of engineering I was clueless about my vision and goals. I used to blindly follow others. I had made some new friends, wealthy friends”. ….Flash back scene.

                                        They were fun loving and used to bunk classes, go for movies and spend their tuition fee on their girlfriends. Being in their company affected me and I began doing the same. Result? I failed in my 7^th semester. All my relatives abused me for not studying. My wealthy friends laughed and said, 'Let's celebrate your Ist failure'. They took me to an AC restaurant to have Biryani and we enjoyed the food. My childhood friend Mustafa was with me. We had met after a long gap of 7 years as his father was in the Indian Army and was transferred to several places. The bill was on our desk and it read ₹1200. Then my friends told me, 'Nari, you pay the bill today as it's your party.' I said I can't as I don't have the money. They made fun of me and paid the bill, Mustafa seemed unhappy. I still did not dawn on me. I asked him “What happened to you?”  Mustafa said “Today you have friends to pay for your failure, hope they will be there in all your failures”.  “That, ONE STATEMENT Changed my life…so friends - Do you need friends who turn you into failures or Friends who guide you and make you rise from failures. Choice is yours.” It is wise to quote Rabindranath Tagore here – Depth of friendship does not depend on the length of acquaintance.

 

TEMPLE FEAST

The Three year baby girl was busy licking the payasam drooping down her elbow which she tried collecting it from the banana leaf placed in front of her. Her one and half year old brother glared at her with wide eyes. The collyrium (kajal in Hindi and Kanmashi in Malayalam) marked across the eyes and eyebrows with a small mark on his cheek looked cute. It matched the black bangles, the ear-ring and chain his sister had put on matching the red and black polka dot long frock she wore. She had done justice to the Achar, Injipuli, Ellesseri, Kalan, Thoran, Avial, Kootacurry, Rice and Sambar served on her leaf. But it required four poppadum’s to reach the last morsel. This time I was serving Avial. The satisfaction devotee’s display when they finish the burp after the payasam is like the sound of gun salutes a soldier gets on martyrdom.  As I served a little buttermilk the little damsel I casually asked if she was full...”Mmm “with a mouth full of buttermilk brought a wry smile on my face and a twinkle cheeky smile on her brother’s face.

The Annual Ayyappa Temple Festival which we had been part of in Thane was organized with much pomp and gaiety. Though out of Kerala, it was more authentic in its conduct that some in its own backyard in some cases. The chariot procession from Carvalho Nagar with canopies, lights, melam’s, the oracles, young girls carrying Thala polis, Elephant with the deity was a sight to watch. The 6 day festivities conducted earnestly culminated with a grand feast on the last day. There were daily cultural events and program’s to mark the day end. Many of the culture was taught to us by our parents by introducing them here. Thousands of devotees thronged the temple and lakhs on the feast day.

The feast was open to one and all. As the devotees enjoyed the meal, a news came that the temple needs to be shut down now for conducting special Pooja. The reason was the baby boy who was enjoying the bits of prasadam with his sister had urinated in the temple premises. The Mother had forgotten to replace the nappy pad and our champion had already committed his deed. Lots of stories floated around me now giving judgements and remedial actions for the parents. I saw a scare in the Mother’s eyes. Would GOD be so cruel to set such rules? Why is GO muthram (Cow urine) allowed inside a temple and a child who is supposed to be GOD’s blessings cursed for doing a natural act. Just then I could hear the head priest declaring the parihara pooja is completed. The parents heaved a sigh of relief and kissed the child in their hand. A beggar standing outside the temple gate who was watching all this was more interested when the feast remains would be distributed.

While we watch and understand culture, grandeur, rituals and experience joy, these festivals also feed us some occult practices which are devoid of logic. While we enjoy the food we are also sometimes forced to be humble not to waste food as we see people who are by fate not lucky as you are. The feast ends and both the beggar and the child’s family return home. What is a blessing is an individual perspective, isn’t it? For the child it was the kiss his mother gave, for the parent that no harm was effected to the child, for the beggar he had his fill. Festivals spread blessings in some form or the other but hopefully these old endings will turn a new leaf and start new beginnings.