Paa...

God only knows, by what all names I have addressed my father - Dad, Appa, Papa.....but the most common manner of my addressing him as always been a simple, straightforward - Paa. So, quite obviously, when a movie with that name was released, both he and I were excited about watching it. Which is why we went to watch "Paa" yesterday...and well....let me say that it was time that I will not consider wasted.

Not only was the movie, singularly, one of the finest movies I have seen in recent times, but also a wonderful time I got to spend with my paa. Being the busy man that he is, it is not often that I get time with him, which is why it was all the more special. And it was nice to see him sit and laugh at the funny moments in the movie and slyly wipe his tears in the emotional parts.

"Paa" is not just about progeria, but also about the relationships we share in our lives. There is a scene in which Amol (Abhishek Bacchan) tries on Auro's (Amitabh Bacchan) glasses - it almost seems like an attempt to see the world through his eyes. And I really feel at times, that we need to look through the eyes of children once in a while - because for them, there is a simple answer to every question. Ask a child, why the sky is blue - he will answer that God liked the color.....

If you haven't watched the movie as yet, I would really suggest that you catch it, because it just might give you a new perspective.

Entry for Blogger's Contest

I was online the other day, just surfing the internet, when I came across a contest. All they were asking for was a review written for this website - www.contentmixi.com and the winners could win up to US$ 200!! But of course, I had to go check it out, which I did….now what I have to do, is simply, write a review and send the link across to them.

So, here goes……

THE REVIEW:

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• Web templates
• Logos
• Content
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*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&

Well, in the hope of winning of that cash prize….here is my entry!

Friends..... ...

They love you, but they are not your lover

They care for you, but they are not from your family

They are ready to share your pain, but they are not in your blood relation.

They are........FRIENDS!!!!!

True friend........

Scolds like a DAD...

Cares like a MOM...

Teases like a SISTER...

Irritates like a BROTHER...

And finally loves You more than a LOVER.

This was a mail, rather a forward, that a very dear friend of mine sent to me, and I couldn’t help but wonder, how true this was. I have been fortunate enough to have a few friends who are all this and beyond.

They love you, but they are not your lover

Probably the only people in the world, who would love you more than your lover! Just like lovers, they too want the best for you....they want to see you smile...they want to be a part of your laughter and your tears.

They care for you, but they are not from your family

Even though they are not a part of your actual 'family', they often provide you with the support even your family might not be able to. Isn't your best friend the first person to know all your 'deepest, darkest' secrets? Think back to the time when that cute guy in school talked to you - who was the first person, you wanted to tell...........Your best friend!!

They are ready to share your pain, but they are not in your blood relation.

They might not share any blood relations with you, but these are the people who know you inside out! One tear falling from your eyes, will have them panicking.....they won't let go, until you tell them what is wrong. They will be the first to bring you a glass of water and a tissue paper.......they will be the ones who will just sit with you, with their arm around you, while you pour your heart out....

My best friends have played numerous roles in my life:

Dad: When I needed counsel, they were there to talk sense into me, guide me through right and wrong, or provide just plain pep talk.

Mom: These were people who made sure that I ate on time, that I didn't let silly things bother me, that I was always behaving in a lady like manner and also more than once, doubled as my fashion co-ordinators!

Sister: Being an only child, I have never felt the need of having sisters around me, because I always found them in my friends. They teased me on my crushes, cheered me in my successes and became my shoulder to cry on, at times of failure. But most of all, they never let me quit!

Brother: I know all my guy friends will hate me for this, but many of them have played the role of doting, caring, protective and a few times irritating brothers. These are guys I know I will have near me, the minute I need them...without asking any questions!

I have been one of the fortunate few to have atleast a handful of such friends.....and I want to thank them for being a part of my life.

Have you thanked your friends lately??

Finding an angel

They say that each of us has our very own guardian angel, but there were times when I wondered, how would I know if I too had one.

And then I realised that any person who cared about me, loved me, made me smile and wiped away my tears, was probably my 'guardian angel'! Because isn't that what angels are meant to do? Take care of you, make sure that you happy, healthy and safe?

Fortunately for me, I found not one, but several such guardian angels in my life - my parents as well as special friends I have met along the path of life.

Each one of them has ensured that they knew of very joy and every sorrow in my heart.

They made sure that they made me smile, when tears were threatening to flood my eyes and were my shoulder to cry on, when I couldn't stop that flood.

They listened to all my tirades and outbursts with the utmost patience and became my guiding lights, when I seemed to be losing my way.

They made sure that I made the right choices, and stood by my decisions, once I had made the same.

They gave me the courage, that I was never really alone, because I would always have my support system, with me!

They also became my partners in crime, sharing an occasional mischief or prank, and then laughed with me, giving me memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Above all, they have given me unconditional love - love that I know I will treasure and value for as long as I live - love that will give me strenght to face the most trying of times - love that will always make me feel special and beautiful.

To all my guradian angels - you know who you are and how important you are to me. You know how much I value you in my life!

Today, I dedicate my blog, every piece of my writing to YOU!

I was thinking about what to write today....and I was surfing Google, when I came across this beautiful site. The site - http://ismsmessages.com/ - is filled with beautiful messages, and some of them got me thinking.

1. If you love someone set him free, if he comes back he’s yours; if he doesn’t he never was...

Now, this one makes you think of all the insecurities you have ever had in your life - whether in a romantic relationship or otherwise. But doing this is possible only for those who have truly loved, with all their heart….because allowing the person you love the freedom and space he or she deserves can be done only by those who have complete confidence in the relationship they share!

2. Love is not something that happens on first sight, it happens when you start knowing each other and in turn end up needing each other, for every feeling, for every thought and for every moment.

This I totally agree with – love at first sight happens only on the other side of the celluloid screen. In real life, you can fall in love only after knowing the person. I read somewhere once, that it is the easiest to fall in love with your best friend, because you know everything there is to know about them. They are always there when you need them the most – they have seen the best of you and the worst of you! They are the first people you turn to, in your moments of happiness and sorrow, anger and excitement!

3. Love is to think about someone else more times in a day than you think about yourself.

Isn’t this what happens in every relationship where there is a bond of love? A mother thinks more about her child, then she does of herself. A wife is more concerned about her husband having lunch, even if she herself is going hungry. When someone else’s mood perks you up or dooms your mood….you know that you are truly concerned about the other person!

4. Eyes are not meant for tears and heart is not meant for fear,

Never get upset but always cheer

Because you are the one who can make people smile for years.

Another true one – there might be a number of people in this world, who would give up anything to see you smile. I read elsewhere, that a smile is the second best thing to do with your lips; and in a world like the one we live in today, there is definitely the need for more smiles. So, smile, because you never know who is falling in love with it!

Riding the WAVE

Yup! I just joined the Google Wave ride...and I am getting excited about the various features Wave boasts of....

The only problem is that very few of my friends are actually on Google Wave, as of now....

I guess, I will have to wait till everyone is on board, before I can start "riding this Wave"!

The Fairer Sex

My dad made me read this article in the morning newspaper, and it got me thinking about the "Fairer Sex". Given that I belong to the category, it is perhaps all the more appropriate that I write something about it.

During my school years, I often used to play cupid for my "love struck" friends (although, I wonder if any of us actually knew what 'love' really meant!) Anyway, I used to write poetry for these friends and work as mediator when they got into arguments. Something I had noticed then, and continue to observe till date is that guys; no matter how plain Jack they might be, want the prettiest girl in town! They are not bothered what the nature of the girl is, she has to be 'fair, slim and beautiful'.........now where else have I noticed those 3 words??

Oh yeah........in almost every matrimonial ad!!!

We often talk about inner beauty; how the heart of a person is more important than the face, because it is the internal beauty that is truly eternal.........utter rubbish!! If all this were really true, girls wouldn't be swooning all over the place to reach size 0, or spend truckloads of money at beauty salons to attain a certain level of superficial beauty!

However, there are still a few left who think that the nature of the girl is of utmost importance. There are those, who think that the caring nature, vibrant, heartfelt smile and open hearted laughter are the true assets for a girl. There are those who feel that if a girl is concerned more about keeping the people around her happy, rather than concentrating on her broken nail, she is worth spending the rest of your life with!

Any girl you know who is like that??

Interesting systems

It's the birthday of one of our family friends, and I was just talking to her, when she told me of an interesting incident.

Their family of 3 decided to get passports and applied for the same, through all the proper channels. The police said that they would have conduct proper verfifications for all the three and made two trips to their house.

Not very surprisingly, on the first trip, the police officer arrived on the day of Dussera. He asked all the required questions and then stood up to leave - although continuously asking "Aap kuch bhool to nahi rahe?" (Aren't you forgetting something?)

His next trip for verification included formalities pertaining to the lady of the house and the son. This time around, his visit was two days before Diwali! He conducted his operations with efficiency and verified that the son had a good character and lived at the specified address. Now comes the cherry on the icing - the son - Abeer.......happens to be 1 year old!!! And this time too, he repeated the question - "Aap kuch bhool to nahi rahe?" (Aren't you forgetting something?)

It is sad to see that the systems in India are so outdated and at times completely senseless; there is an absence of logic. How would anyone judge the character of a one year old?

The fact that inspite of proper education, we are not willing to withdraw support from practices like bribery, is a cause for worry. But then, complete blame cannot be placed on the civilians either - because there is an inherent fear in the minds that if the bribe is not offered, things might end up in a soup. If you don't give the postman his Diwali baksheesh, your mails might end up in the colony sewer or if the phone company guy is not given sweets on Holi, your land-line might end up dead forever!

Rememering those who are gone...

Tomorrow is November 26th....the day every Indian will remember with a little fear and a lot of sorrow. In particular, this day will be a black day in the history of one of the most vibrant cities in the country - Amchi Mumbai....

2008 - November 26: The day terrorists struck at the heart of every Indian, all over the world. Technically, they took over the Taj, the Trident and Nariman House, but in reality, they had taken over the whole country. For three days, the world watched in terror as a handful of young men, held innocent people hostage and then brutally killed them.

The incident not only caused numerous deaths and loss of property, but it showed how lax our security systems are. Even after one year, we are still grappling at facts and trying to figure out what actually happened.

The media did it's bit in publicizing how the spirit of Mumbai is that of "Never-Say-Die", but how many times?? How many times, will a city....a nation, allow such attacks on it's soul? And not surprisingly, this time the city of Mumbai retaliated - they spoke out that they will no longer bear all of this silently, any more.

Probably, we need to take all of this beyond just words - each time there is an act of terrorism , there is talk of how this is the last time. Processions are carried out as signs of protest, there is immense media coverage, important people say a lot of things.......and then within a few days, the issue dies out. People remember about the incident, when it is time for the next anniversary.

There are only a few who remember the incident forever - the ones who have lost their loved ones. Ask the parents of Major Unnikrishnan, and they will tell you how the one day changed their lives forever! Talk to the families of the police officers who bravely laid down their lives for the sake of others, and you might get an inkling of what is the true meaning of loss.

It's high time that we decided that we no longer want to be victims of mindless violence..........we want our world for ourselves!! And in the words of Professor Moody (from the Harry Potter series) the only way of protecting ourselves is - Constant Vigilance!

Sea of people...

Today was dedicated to the India International Trade Fair! We, as in, my Dad, Mom and yours truly decided to take make a day out of the trade fair and enjoy what the numerous states of India had to offer.

However, the fair was pretty disappointing - there was hardly anything state specific in most of the stalls, and as Pa quoted wisely - it looked more like the local Diwali mela, than an international trade fair.

It's disappointing to see that such trade fairs, which can actually be turned into opportunities to learn about the incredible traditional and cultural heritage of our nation, have been converted into "just another shopping festival".

There was once a time, when my Pa used to take me to the trade fair, so that I get to see how people in other states lived and what was special about them. He saw it as a chance for his child to learn more about this great nation, we call home. Unfortunately, for kids today, the fair is nothing more than a day to run around, eat 'junk food' and hang onto their parents, coaxing them to buy the latest toy!

Me....back!

All right......ok.......so I didn't keep my new year resolution!

I am back....and this time I hope to be regular.......well let's see how far I get with that!

But somehow, I have a feeling that this time around, I might be better at the writing part. For one, I actually held onto a job, where I was paid to write.......and second, I have more thoughts roaming around in my head, then before!

So, without expecting too much from myself, I undertake this project once more!

Why we fall

My father gave me an article to read on "Why we keep falling for financial scams".

The article talks about how, over centuries, people have been consistently falling for scams - from expensive tulip bulb stock trading to the Nigerian mails that even you must have gotten, telling you that they would offer a part of their inherited fortune, to you, for a fee!

The question that remains un-answered is - why DO people fall for such scams?

Famous American playwright Arthur Miller, often based his plays around the notion of the "American Dream". The concept embodied a perfect life, with wealth, fame and good fortune. But what I wondered while reading the play "The Death of a Salesman" was, why just Americans? Don't we all have similar dreams - those of being famous, and rich, and of having all the luck in the world?

And it is probably these very dreams, these desires, that push each of us towards these scams. Scams play on the deepest emotions of humans. They promise people the hope of getting something truly good in life, of reaching a little closer to where we want to be.

What the scam artists also play upon is the intense human emotion called greed. Being who we are, we are never satisfied with what we have, we always desire more. Never satisfied with what we already have, we crave for what we don't have, or worse still, what someone else has!

The day we learn how to go forward in life, without jealousy, without greed, and without meaning any harm to another person, we might actually become worthy of being called HUMANS.

I decided to rename my blog - it's gone from This & That to Finding Neverland. Not that I'm a huge Peter Pan fan, I do agree with the philosophy. It would be wonderful if we could all stay kids!

But on deeper introspection, finding Neverland is about finding the child in each one of us, and keeping that child alive..... that innocence and imagination; the ability to see something good in everything and make fantastic out of the ordinary.............

Another year has gone...and it was pretty eventful! Hoping that the new year is eventful only in the good sense of the term, here's wishing everyone a happy and safe new year!
I'm not the type who makes a lot of new year resolutions, but this year I made one - to be more regular with my blog. And since, most new year resolutions don't last beyond the month of January, let's see how far this one goes!