Some Women's Day Thoughts !

Inspiring Change !

In a world where women are gaining greater heights, the International Women's Day 2014 comes with this theme.
Very apt, I would say, because we are still fighting for reservation and equality, and teaming up against dowry, rape, sexual abuse,child labour and child marriage along with the ever-present evils of poverty and casteism and what not.

Why not think of bringing in the change we want to see ? That's a proactive, responsive thought, is it not ?

That's what Subhasini Mistry thought.

For a woman who was thrown into widowhood when she was just 23, with four hungry mouths yearning for a morsel of food, just because she couldn't afford proper medical treatment for her ailing husband, life didn't come easy. She wasn't educated, yet, she had what most women would've lacked at that time. Determination immeasurable.
She took up any job that she could do, literally anything .
From being a housemaid, to a vegetable seller, to helping with brick laying that was physically demanding and challenging, she worked, toiled hard and saved every single penny she could, spending just the bare minimum to keep them alive. Her sons helped her in brick laying, and supplemented her income with theirs.

All for just one purpose.

The young widow had promised herself that she would build a hospital for the needy, so that many others would be spared the sorrow that she had had to bear.

And that she would educate one of her sons to become a doctor.

She achieved both her dreams.


The Humanity Hospital , near Hanspukur , Kolkata, stands testimony to one thing above all.
The change that a single woman's grit and will power can accomplish in the world !

Read her story here. And salute her resolve.

Wait.

We can even emulate her, can't we ?
Just by utilising what we have to the best possible extent. Just by ensuring that our talents don't get wasted away, however small it many seem. Just by being ourselves, and much much beyond that !!

From Subhasini Mistry, I shift my focus to one woman who has it all.
The will, the knowledge, the courage and the ability to achieve her dreams.

It might be that all her powers are so hidden in her that she doesn't seem to recognise them, or it might be that she's aware of it, but is afraid of the society, or her family, or anything else that she finds intimidating.
Or it might be the fear of failure that holds her back.
Or rejection, may be.
It might even be the lack of encouragement, or the feeling of 'being too old' for anything.

Well, you all know the woman I'm speaking about, haven't you guessed ?

You have seen her at least once in your life. With at least one of those traits evident.

Yes, I'm not naming her, I'm sure your guess is right.

So, this Women's Day, let's take all possible steps to release her. It's better late, than never !

She can try,
She can fly.
She can touch the sky !!

A Happy Women's Day to all gorgeous women, and to those wonderful men in our lives !!

Stay Blessed :-)

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The Write Tribe Festival of Words 3 ends today. Check out the wonderful entries for the day's challenge here. We are winding up this edition with the Women's Day !

Dimensions - 55 Fiction Triplets !

The Message…..

“Is that papa ?”, she pointed  at the brightest star in the night sky.

  I looked at her eyes clothed in innocence and face lined with expectation.

“What do you think?”, I knelt down and took her cheeks in mine.

“ Papa always winks at me”, she shrugged , looking at the star.

  And the star blinked once !

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My Warmth..... 

“Is that you?”, I whispered to the bright light that shone before my eyes.

I tried to feel the warmth of that ball of light by putting out my hands towards it.

Suddenly I felt a glow on me and a warmth from inside.

Yes, this was him.

I felt him grow inside me...

Bliss !    
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Misfit who ?

"You're so much of a misfit, I wish I hadn't married you", he said.

"You've killed the life of my dreams, you can never help me achieve them", his voice echoed across the room. 

She sat huddled in the corner, her tears flowing silently, washing away her stories of sacrificed love, dreams and unspoken desires.
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At Day 6 of The Write Tribe Festival of Words 3 , it is raining  55 Fiction on Friday !!  Check out some wonderful entries here.

AMHA !!

Aah ! Is there anything in the world around , that doesn’t inspire us in some way ? I guess not. From the tiny ant to the mighty elephant, from the shaking leaf to the large tree, inspiration comes in all possible ways. Most of the time we aren’t aware of it, but the truth is that our subconscious learns a lot from the world around, and that influences our lives in many ways. We all have something to learn from each other, the hows and how nots, the whys and why nots of life.

When the Write Tribe challenged us to tell an inspirational story, I thought of many people I knew, who could be spoken about. And I came to rest at the thought of one person.

I belong to Thrissur, the perfect centre of Kerala. In this small city built around a 65 Acre hillock, lives a strong willed woman, a teacher, who has made and continues to make a big difference in the lives of the mentally challenged.

Meet Dr Bhanumathi, Professor of Zoology, Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur  - the founder of AMHA ; Association for Mentally Handicapped Adults.

Born as the youngest child to an affluent farmer-father, Dr Bhanumathi was well aware from very early that she had to take care of her mentally challenged siblings once she grew up. Her mother took care of them when they were young, and the young Bhanumathi knew that one day she will have to take over the responsibility from her mother. She was also aware that even though her family could afford to employ a help to take care of her brothers, many families couldn’t do that because of financial, emotional and social constraints. So, she had decided early in her life that she would start a home for the mentally challenged people, once she gained financial independence.

The triggering point was, however, personally painful for her. One of her mentally challenged brothers died on her lap, after being rejected by a doctor who seemed to think that he didn’t deserve human consideration because he was mentally challenged. This hurt Bhanumathi and strengthened her resolve , which ultimately resulted in her founding AMHA in 1997.

She began the institution as a school  with just 3 students, and as word spread around, it increased to 18.

None of the initial crunches like lack of support or funds affected her strong purpose of mind, and things started getting better in some time when the newspapers and television channels started showcasing her efforts. Slowly, AMHA started gaining strong ground in the society.

From a small classroom with 3 students, AMHA has grown into a Charitable organisation, with 55 mentally challenged students getting help, love, care, recognition and on-hands work experience. Dr Bhanumathi decided against having her own children, treating every single child who came to AMHA as her own. Her brothers are also among the inmates of AMHA.

Even though AMHA functions at my hometown, I hadn’t heard of AMHA till I reached college. I knew Dr Bhanumathi as a teacher in one of the best colleges in our town ( though I was a student in another best college :D :D ) but more knowledge about AMHA came later.

Since then, she’s inspired me, to believe that nothing is impossible  and in the big wide world, every single human being deserves to be treated with equal respect, love and care.

Give love in plenty, and you’ll receive it back in abundance, so that you can give more !

Gulf News , the leading daily in UAE highlighted her and AMHA in 2010. Read the full story here.

And yes, AMHA is on Facebook, too !!

I wish her all success in the years to come :-)

   

That’s the story for the day, hope you found it as inspiring as I did.

Stay blessed !

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The Write Tribe Festival of Words 3 is on ! Join us in this wonderful journey through words !!

Linking this to Day 5 , the challenge being sharing an inspiring story.

Read some wonderful entries here.

Loving the Sir !

The year 2000. A 15 year old girl is eagerly going through her English Textbook for the new academic year as she loves to read it before being taught at school. One chapter, somewhere towards the end of the book, grips her and she thinks with a little disappointment that she’ll have to wait till almost the end of the academic year to reach that part of the book. Yet, she loves reading that chapter over and over again when she gets time, and falls in love with it every time . She tries without success to procure a copy of the book of which it is an extract.

The influence of that chapter stays with her as she leaves school behind and enters college, and one fine morning, she discovers a battered copy of the much-wanted book in a dark corner of a dusty bookshelf at her college library. She devours the book with much enthusiasm  ; that book tops her list of favourites.

It would be take some more years for her to own a copy, though.

And that 15 year old is, yours truly.

Period.

When the Write Tribe wanted us to write a review of a book, the first thought was, ‘Oh ! I can’t write of any recent releases in English, because most of them are still in my ‘to read’ list ; the copies resting at my home in India.’  I’ve been catching up with Malayalam over the past few weeks. But that wouldn’t do, for this challenge.  

That was when light dawned. Why not write about my favourite book ? Yes, that will be it, I thought to myself.

Without any more delay ( I’ve spoken much already :-/ ), presenting before you, ‘ To Sir, With Love'.

Title : To Sir With Love

Author : Edward Ricardo Braithwaite

Genre : Autobiography

Year of First Publication : 1959, The Random House Group

ISBN ( From 2007 ) : 9780099498049

Have you ever been judged by your colour ? Have you ever been rejected at interviews because of the colour of your skin ?  Despite being educated, and after having served in the armed forces out of a sense of duty and demobilized from the same at the end of the war, have you remained unemployed for almost 18 months because the sophisticated British Society couldn’t see beyond your black skin ?

You would , if you chose to live in Braithwaite’s shoes for some time.

So, after about 18 months of unemployment, he decides to try teaching, and gets posted to one of the worst schools in the East end of London. He gets a shock the first day, on his route to the place, when a woman refuses to sit next to him in the bus, despite the conductor’s repeated reminders about an empty seat. Rick gets down at his stop, and turns back to find the woman sitting on the seat he just vacated. The harsh reality of the racist attitude strikes him hard.

He’s in for a greater shock at the school, for he finds it nowhere near his imagination. The students are an unruly lot, least bothered about their studies, and consciously unmindful in their filthy appearance and foul language. Most of them are from the same locality, and the atmosphere in many homes in not conducive to their development into good human beings. Their lack of respect to themselves is matched only by their disrespect to the world in general.

It is into this pandemonium  that Rick enters as a teacher.

Needless to say, he has a tough time winning their trust . His supportive colleagues do warn him that he’s bitten a tough bunch of grass to chew, but his resolve to change the students doesn’t falter. When he sees his colleague Mrs Grace maintain a good rapport with the students, he becomes confident of a similar victory.

Does he , or doesn’t he, and if yes, how ? This is what the book takes you through.

At the risk of introducing mild spoilers, I would quote some instances which I found particularly endearing.

The first time he erupts into his infamous temper with the girls is when he finds that some girl has tried to burn a used napkin in the fire grate inside the classroom.

In another instance, one of the students challenges him for a boxing match , which he completes successfully, and arranges for that student to teach boxing to the younger kids !

When one of his students loses his mother ,the students refuse to take the wreath to his home as that boy is of a mixed race. Rick finds himself failing as a teacher here, judging the students for what they said. Yet he’s filled with remorse the next day, when he finds them all at the funeral. He has, after all, been a reason for them to see reason in their behavior !

The way he teaches them to address each other as ‘Mr’ and ‘Ms’, and to behave in a manner befitting their age, is commendable.

It is just a matter of time that he wins the class over in his own style !

Rick’s life as an individual in enriched by his interaction with his students who show him a totally different  phase of life.  They soon learn to trust him, and he finds that he’s expected to guide some with problems in their families, as well. He does that many a time, earning the respect and gratitude from the parents as well.

His role in their lives gets redefined, while his own outlook towards certain things in life undergoes a positively cataclysmic change.

He finds love, too. He hits it off with one of his colleagues, and her family is able to accept him despite his colour, though reluctant initially. 

So much happens in the eight odd months of his life as a teacher in that school, and at the end of the year, his students are confident enough to take up the challenges of the world, thanks to his moulding them.

They love him for what he has been and done for them, and gift him a big parcel on the last day of the academic year . With love.

To Sir, With Love.

E R Braithwaite went on to become a social worker and then a diplomat, after he left teaching. This book is his recollection of his days as a teacher, and his best known work.

This story was made into a movie in the year 1968, with Sidney Poitier, donning the role of Rick. The movie might have variations from the written version of the book for commercial purposes, yet it was a commercial hit. More details on the movie can be found here.

If you haven’t read the book, please do. It is sure to leave you feeling good.

If you have already read it, there's always a scope to re-read :-)

So, which is your favourite book ? Would love to know !
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The Write Tribe Festival of Words 3 is on ! Join us in this wonderful journey through words :-)

Linking this to the post for  Day 4 , the challenge being, " a book review or review of a book you love."

Check out some wonderful entries here.

And Freely We Write :)

The very word “Write” triggers so many thoughts in my mind.

I personally feel that the ability to give life to your thoughts as words is an admirable quality, and I think we all possess that kind of creativity in some measure, even though most of us don’t explore that.

I admire people who can put into words all that they think, feel, personify or stand for. If there were no such people, how would readers like you and me quench our thirst for words ?

Imagine a world where there were no writers and consequently, no books. Wouldn’t it be the worst thing ever ?

Blessed are those who set the wheels of your thoughts in motion by speaking out to you through words. Words have a power to love, to heal, to encourage, to make you dream, to give you wings, to transport you to worlds unseen, to heighten your imagination, to give you the emotional high. The adverse is true sometimes, but then you know what to read and what to listen to, to get the best of benefits :) And precisely that’s why we all love words :)

Back at school and college, I used to participate in Essay Writing and Extempore Contests and win prizes in some. Yet, I was never a creative person. No stories, or poetries came out of my pen. I just knew blogging as a new medium of writing that was set to rock the world, nothing more. Writing took a back seat as times changed , but reading continued. I discovered my love for blogging when family life brought me to an alien land ,bringing some free time with it for me to befriend the Internet to satiate my ever growing hunger for the words. And suddenly, one fine morning, the Alter Ego was born.

I realized ,to my surprise, I could narrate my thoughts as stories and poems, but first I had to listen to my inner voice and respond to it.

I personally feel that is the case with most of us; that we all have many stories to share with the world, just that the words fall into place when the time is ripe and the cosmic waves are favourable :)

When I had to take up a Free Write challenge for the Write Tribe , this is what first came to my mind as I sat down to type. I’m thankful and happy to be here as a part of the blog world, how much ever tiny a drop I might be in this vast ocean :) :)

With all the gratitude to the world, I’m suddenly reminded of a lovely prayer, which I think I should share here.  This is a free write and the prayer below doesn’t have any tangible relation to what has been written above.  But there’s no harm in spreading some love, is there ? ;)

“ Father , we thank thee, for the night

  And for the pleasant morning light;

   For rest and food, and loving care,

  And all that makes this world so fair….

  Help us to do the things we should,

  To be to others, kind and good;

  In all we do, in all we say,

  To grow more loving everyday !”

Stay blessed, all of you !!
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The Write Tribe Festival of Words- 3 has begun ! Join us as we journey through a maze of words till the 8th of March, weaving our way out with a fresh challenge each day :)

Linking this to the post for Day 3, the challenge being a "Free Write".

Check out some awesome entries here.

In Love with Blogs :)

This is one crazy world, a world where passionate souls dance with an unparalleled love for words  to the background music of creativity.

And I'm here to share with you my love for some nice blogs on the blogosphere.

 We all remember our firsts - the first time we did something, the first book we owned, the first friend we made at school, the first time we won a prize at something, so many firsts in life. For a blogger, the first post, the first comment, the first dose of encouragement that she/he receives is very very special. It is with this gratitude that I remember Dhara, the very first person to read this post of mine and tell me what she felt. That’s not why I’m speaking about her, though.  

My Cactus Dress is her voice, where she speaks out to us in so candid a manner that you identify with her instantly. What she writes is very much simple, straight from the heart and something you’d definitely love. Hugs to you, dear :) Keep writing, and make us laugh, cry and enjoy the fun with you !

Blogging is not just for the writers, it is for the artists out there too. I’ve seen many art blogs on the blogosphere. And there is one which I’m showcasing here today. Here is a person who excels in painting and creating an art with the aid of technology, as much as he does in his number-crunching job. Presenting before you all, Pencilmarks, by a friend and fellow blogger, Ranjith Jayadevan ( who also blogs occasionally at the SwaLe ( an acronym for Swantham Lekhakan , which means “Your own correspondent / writer ” in Malayalam)). Art takes an altogether different dimension here. Paintings, animations, greeting cards and portraits are what you’ll find here, the best part being he has not been formally trained in any of these !

There is a feel good blog I love to read, not just for the happiness he spreads, but also for the sheer variety and simplicity with which he churns out posts with endearing lucidity. Kavi’s Musings by Kavi Arasu is a sweet, lovable blog that is sure to leave you with a smiling face.

Age is no bar for being a blogger, really. Creativity doesn’t dry out at any time. Especially with a lifetime of personal, and professional experiences to guide you, the best thing you can do it to give it a voice to pass on the richness in thoughts to others. And she does it with elan. In a sweet and sour way. Visit Mrs Usha Menon at Kuch Khatta Kuch Meetha, and you’ll know what I mean. A retired educationist, an eccentric grandmom ( check her URL :D ), a haiku queen, a cancer survivor, she’s someone whose simple posts speak straight to your heart. Take a bow, Usha Ma’m.

(A deviation from the suggestion to showcase some bloggers outside the WT circle, I know. But this one had to come here :) )

I’m an avid reader of blogs in my regional languages as well. And I think it is imperative that I quote some of the best blogs in Malayalam that I read on a regular basis. Ajith of Ennu Swantham ( which means, Yours Truly), Riyas T Ali of Variyum Varayum ( the lines and the drawing), Padmashree Nair of Padmatheertham (The Lotus Pond), Arun Kayamkulam of Kayamkulam Superfast - they are some of the wonderful bloggers in Malayalam, who are sure to give you a beautiful reading time, if you read the language.

There are many such lovable blogs , and I shall speak about them in some future posts.

Now, to a very special blog.

In my post about the World Cancer Day, I’d spoken about Alice Pyne, the 17 year old girl who succumbed to the big C last year, after a battle of 4 to 5 years. Her blog, Alice’s Bucket List is since then being maintained by her younger sis, Milly, who herself is a victim of Crouzon Syndrome ( a genetic disorder ;  premature fusion of certain skull bones ). She updates it regularly with her activities and those that she’s carrying on to fulfill Alice’s mission of creating a Bone Marrow Registry, and helping the lesser-privileged. To most of us who are bothered about acne, hair fall, body fat, dark skin, weight gain, and a multitude of trivial problems, this site is an eye-opener. Alice’s fight, and Milly’s spirit to keep alive her sister’s hopes, are something that we should learn from. Emulate. Find happiness in. Support. Love. Share. Spread.

Of course, this is not a complete list AT ALL. I haven’t mentioned so many of my favourite blogs here . My Tab “ A Lovely List of Blogs ” names a few of them. The list is still being updated.

Please hop over to all the blogs and shower some love :)

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The Write Tribe Festival of Words- 3 has begun ! Join us as we journey through a maze of words till the 8th of March, weaving our way out with a fresh challenge each day :)

Linking this to the post for Day 2, the challenge being a "Blog Love".

Check out some awesome entries here.

Love is never lost.....

“ Roby, I’m bringing little John home tomorrow, after signing the papers,” Rebecca spoke to Robert, as he looked at her with a smile.

“Fr. Patrick was really so surprised and happy, when I chose little John; he needs our love as much as Ronald did , you see”, she said.

Tears welled up in Rebecca’s eyes, as she thought of Ronald, Robert’s younger brother.

He was a young boy of fifteen at the time of Rebecca’s marriage to Robert, and she had loved him as her own son from her very first day in the family.

The real cornucopia of patience that she had been blessed with since her childhood  helped her care for Ronald, the way his physical challenges demanded.

Despite all the care, love and prayers, the inevitable loss that had happened two years back, left her life in a void, longing for some love.

“ I’m sure we can give little John as much love , care and happiness as we gave Ronald,” Rebecca said, looking at Robert with moist eyes.

“ You took Ronald with you, when you left ; don’t you think I need someone to love and care for as long as I’m here, to have a life of purpose?”, she questioned Robert, smiling through her sadness.

Robert continued to look at her with a smile on his face, from behind the frames of his photograph.
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 The first part of Rebecca's story can be read here.

The Write Tribe Festival of Words- 3 has begun ! Join us as we journey through a maze of words till the 8th of March, weaving our way out with a fresh challenge each day :)

Linking this to the post for Day 1, the challenge being a "9-sentences fiction". More details on the prompt for the day ,and some wonderful commenting tips can be found in this post.