You Have to Go

Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end.

They simply mean I'll miss you, Until we meet again

Its absolutely time I reminded myself this popular quote as a dear friend's family departs from Doha in couple of Days. We were dismayed upon learning this news. Though the real fact so hits hard teaching us how we go with the flow in life and how we ever cannot simply get so attached to someone whom you will dare not feel like departing with?

The interesting part about the beginning of our journey together owes to our  "cloth hanger shopping". Uhh, we[me and Hubby-H] were in deep discussion as to what kind of hangers will suit out new closets. We had just moved into Doha. Felt an figure moved closer to me and H smiling suddenly at an stranger. "Hi, I am new to Doha, heard you speaking konkani and couldn't stop by to say hello". That was the introduction the stranger threw at us, and we were all overjoyed. That introduction led to endless chats. Finding friends hailing from your native, speaking your mother tongue is nevertheless a welcome sign to any"body".

We awaited his family to fly from Mumbai. My daughter found a friend of  her age too. The winter evening and our first family get together in my dining hall is fresh in my memory. As for me I had discovered someone who drew so close to heart with the waves of friendship that today as I look back down the memory lane - I thank him, the sounds of his words emanating from pictures in my mind's eyes. For had he decided not to talk, I  assume there were very faint chances I would have met Chandrika who is so dear to me today.

We had found a family away from family as we lived in this desert away from dear and near ones.

4+ years have rolled over since those times leaving heavy impressions on our cherished memories. We have shared our joys. sorrows, countless seconds of feelings and views, our lives. Our children found a companion in each others soul. Yes, all ingredients of the special friendship are all there.

Huh, when the geographical separation seems so tough to handle, it is this post that makes me feel 1% lighter today.

My cognitive senses tell me the notion of friendship to be one hard nut to crack. I mean, much has been said about what makes one a "great, good, best,......x,y,z" friend. 

Ask me. I say I don't have any words to quote on this!. Simply an feeling it is. If you have experienced, yes that is the way.

I have very much experienced. Absolutely. Have been lucky to have some handful of 'friends" [ I don't add any adjective with it].

Perhaps I could not stop if I started penning my mind on this notion. On second thought I would definitely declare one line. Some spiritual inspirations/ beliefs that comes in to you when you feel the friend who trust in you and accepts just as you are is definitely friendship.

Cheers,

Sush

Caption to be Sugested

Left to me I would caption this write up as "As I waited"....

Sitting in a corner,

Like a loner,

I lay pondering over your thoughts,

You dint turn up after all my waits.

Expectations burnt inside me with glare,

Seldom for which do you care?

Vacant seats filled up with all couples,

Noise of all talks and many chuckles.

Time fled in silence yet,

No signs of you, but,

My eyeballs raced, door to podium,

Awaiting a figure, if at all you come.

My heart wept, not eyes,

As I awaited, For You.                                                              

                                                                                                         Courtesy Google Image

Cheers,

Sush

An NRI's Critique views

It was one "nice call" from a colleague  who loaded me with compliments on my new post and incidentally another hinted "what my opinion was on the Lok Pal Bill". Would I not write anything in my blog at all? So much has been said and done about Sri.Anna Hazare Ji. Where's my opinion going to land? I am hungry right now was my answer to him.

Wait, Haazre Ji is talking about hunger strikes and  public participation in the Lokpal Bill. Both which I am denying to talk about?

Sri Mahatma Gandhiji dream't about a Free country yet that village sees 80% of starved human dwellers from where vegetables are being exported.

 Bleeding poverty seeks attention from government and humanity grounds but it's all burried in pages of speech/writings.  Indian Rupees eighteen Lacs per day, from taxes, are dispatched towards  Hopital charges alone for important people in our Governemt. There lies the Sarcasm. Hypocracy? Corruption?  Digging Dictionary wouldtn help anyway. Would it?

[Picture courtesy Google]

Which poverty? Which corruption? Which India are we talking about? The same India where Indian Flags were hoisted upside down last week in sheer arrogance. The same India where an S.P. happily chewed gums during the Recitation of National Anthem?

 Take a look at the picture: हमें माफ़ करदे. हम अमरीका में बिजी हैं. दवाई हिन्दुस्थान में कहाँ मेहेंगा मिलेगा .

Being a critique in this matter, I thought, wasn't my cup of tea. BUT writing my piece of mind and that's what you are reading now.

Yes it has all begun-the Hunger Stirke, The Struggle. A time for the government/politicians to tighten up thier belts and scratch thier heads. 

The 74 year old Sri AnnaJi cheerily has induced new hopes in the dead cells of the young blood of the so called Democratic India. Why not. We see the young Indians across different parts of the hills with raised flags and raised voices today. Not just within India.

If that "one voice", mind you "built"/ gave life to an entire  village he is no ordinary figure who TODAY is advocating for the "Jan Lokpal Bill"[The Citizen Ombudsman Bill] to eradicate the super virus called "Corruption".

Why not that one voice multiply into many. One Hazare Ji inspiring Hazaron like him for a newer India. Inducing newer hopes, promising picture for better tomorrow. A Salute to his Vision, his Strengths and His humble efforts.

Jai Hind.

Humbly Your's

Sush

Message Conveyed- Fun and Facts About Communication

Isn't it difficult to  think of a situation during our waking hours when we aren't communicating with others?

We read newspapers or listen to morning news and receive communication. We do discuss our Day with family/friend or so many times. While at work we talk face to face or over telephone.

All cases are of of ideas being encoded, transmitted and decoded.

Communication begins at birth and we grow learning it.  ALL the communication occurs with a kind of culture. That culture which is a social glue binding members together through shared values, symbols, social ideologies and so on.

It definitely would not be an exaggeration in telling that communication forms a prominent basic functional activity of humans.

Going relevantly deeper into the philosophy or rather practical meaning of communication, we realize how and why is it very necessary in our lives. Here comes the point "effective communication"

"How can I communicate effectively?"

A lot many of inspirational Guru written books are available at our disposal in market. Ain't they?

This is my copy

I can remember one interesting one by Mr.Vivek Mehrotra called "Why My Horse Doesn't Listen". Oh I'd enjoyed reading it because of the way he has put things into it.  Listening and hearing are like peter and paul. Do aadmi, ek Jaan.
He uses this code [for those who aren't aware of this]:-
H: communication @ Home
O: communication @ Office
R: communication with Relatives
S: communication with Spouse, Seniors, Subordinates
E: communication with External world


The flow of thoughts erupted this morning as I lay thinking how communication can actually create such an ease in life. My own thoughts flushed out like this and hey, am not advertising the book mentioned here. There are mention of certain instances in this book which form so much apart of our basic life. For example when we keep nodding at our child's talks not listening seriously all the time. But at the same time the impact it has on the child is big. Pretty sure none of us have missed out the recent coffee commercial featured on television program. Huh.
I have loved sharing thoughts about my books always- click- click here.
I share these interesting & different incidents of personal communication here.
1. My school days it was. Our pet cat "Snoopy' was such an darling. She'd eat anything my mom served her. Each night as my dad ate on the dining table[ rest of us wandered in the living while eating] she'd purr and sit near his legs waiting for "bones" which she wouldn't get everyday though. Gradually she got into that habit so much so that if she wanted to tell mom about her craving for bones unlike us, shed go around her 'meow" ing  repeatedly and then settle near dads chair of dining table. Meaning "common am hungry give me bones yeah!".
2.  My new housekeeper is a boon to me except for her broken English on which shes working though. With great help from my daughter[J] too. J and her do have greater compatibility in communicating than me. One evening J advised me, "Amma, if Jakey Aunty laughs at something you tell it means she hasn't unedrstood you. Please talk to her again". Haha. This was understandable.
Of course I do catch up her message. On day she called my office and told me "J not eating, I eating her". Gosh.  I instantly figured out that she "fed" her.
3. 8 year old niece of mine is born and brought up in New York. Only visit she payed to India in our family house last year. Was trying to find some place on the couch in the living where everyone gathered in front of the only television set. "Grandpa move your ass will you" she retorted politely and the grandpa's face showed big question mark apart from a grin.

Where are these ringmaster and animal trainers placed relative to subject? They are amazing and extraordinary. They possess unique skills.
Talking about personal communication or business communication the essence lies in the "skills". It's not just the "what" or "how". It's all of it in proportions I feel that makes our communication skills distinct.

Cheers,

Sush

Religion & Science- Fast and Food in Ramadan



Fresh Dates straight from trees onto my plate

With the onset of the Holy month of Ramadan, the followers of Islam have gotten busy with the fasting.
Ever wondered why "Dried Dates' owes prominence in the Islam?
The fasting begins in the morning at about 3.15 varying up to 4am. It is called "Imsak".
Stretching up to 'Iftar" in the evening at 6.45pm.

As the fast ends people break the fast either by dried dates or with Water. This supposedly is a religious practice. At the same time medical studies prove the effectiveness of dates for the body that has been low in glucose level after hours of fasting.
Dried dates abundant in "glucose" are ideal nourishment
 for the body.
The contents of dates are mainly sugar of which major percentage is glucose, proteins, fats and vitamins like A and B12. Why dates are rich in minerals like calcium, sodium too.

A healthy breakfast, good lunch and light supper/dinner; is the Mantra of good health lines. So in line goes the "suhoor meals" during Ramadan.
At imsak the meal that is eaten has to be heavy and more important than the evening meal. This is termed as "Suhoor" .

Coming to me I love the 'Iftar" parties thrown by our company in this holy month!. Yum

The families get busy cooking great variety of scrumptious dishes for the iftar. One can also find different menu in restaurants during this time.

The holy month ends on  "Eid" after seeing the "Eid Ka Chand". And we await this for another reason that is the weeks holiday!

"Eid ke chuttiyon mein kya kare"? 

Bhaiyya Mere Rakhi ke Bandhan ko Nibhanaa

Thats how it goes..."Bhaiyya mere Rakhi ke Bandhan ko Nibhaana" ....One of my favourite old number.

Courtesy: Google Image

The onset of season of Raksha Bandhan sees vivid colourful streets in Indian markets. Oh, I miss it all here. Absolutely.

Its the vibrant disposition of the people that sprinkle the vibrant colors around.
The very assense of the Indian Festivals, the  entusiasm, immense food, fun and frolic seen in India is a hearty scene.






Ihave apprarently comeout of the phase where I hid all the poems that I had written in my shcool and teen times and here I present another poem that I had written when my little brother [my paternal cousin, yet close to heart always like my own] was hardly 4.

MY LITTLE BROTHER - Dedicated to my little brother Akshu

I have a cute little brother, so sweet

Always I long to see him and to meet,

He’s a darling so huggable

In jot so very lovable

Akshay, that’s how he’s named

In my heart he is framed

But I like him for his name,

That’s a reason so lame!.

Really, so good, hes my brother

Naughty one, sometimes though he is a bother

I just love him, that’s a cheese,

Though I do sometimes tease.

His expressions you see are fabulous

His creativities, Tall-tiny talks marvelous

Being with him you cant resist

Untill you do, he will persist

His age is now three

Chitter chatters always, he is so care free.

Play,  sing, chatter………dance……

All he does constantly

His favorite movie hero , in a trance

Is Sunil shetty he’ll tell obstinately

For anything I love him so much

Not for a single reason as such

Cheers,
Sush

Happy Friendship Day

Happy friendship Day to ALL
Did we all know that the idea of Friendship Day was invented by Joyce Hall  who is founder of "Hall Mark Cards" in the year 1919. It is celebrated every first sunday of the August. Basically a ritual in the America specially Southern part. However now it has become one for the rest of the world too, following the heavier footsteps perhaps is the basic ritual.
In the honour of  this day Madam Nane Annan the wife of Secretary General Kofi Annan, named the popular "Winnie the Pooh" as the world's Ambassador for Friendship at the United Nations.
Check out this Winni the Pooh. He is so cute. His creator is A.A.Milne.
"Good Friends Are As Sweet As Honey" says our dear Pooh.

It's not all that I write in here today but few "poems" that I wrote in my school and teenage times. They appear childish so.  It was one Red coloured Diary [ I dint have computer at home then!!] that my dad had gifted me in which I wrote all my poems and blah blah.........
I had dedicated themse to my friends and I maintain that as disclose that as well here.

Here I go...

1.         FRIENDSHIP-   Dedicated to my all my friends

Go to the harbours,

You find all kinds of ships & boats

But not one precious one

That is friendship.

In this ship you & I sail,

From heart to heart,

Our friendly messages mail.

Whatever we do, whatever we think,

We are never apart.

I help you and you help me

Whenever needed without fail.

We sail in the friendship

In which you don’t have to pay fee.

People for our friendship always hail

You can for my sake die

Why not for you I can go to jail!.

I live for you and you for me

If not why?

Remember friendship is a ship which no one can buy.

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2.  MY CHILDHOO FRIENDS -Dedicated to my friends Archana  & Anupama

Never shall I forget you,

I can never loose you.

Good friends of mine are very few,

If I have a true friend that is you.

Such friends of you ways,

Are hard to find nowadays.

You are to me precious,

Don’t want to loose you,

I am cautious.

Just forget present for sometime,

Come lets think of past meantime

Remember the days we spent together

In the good old days of our childhood,

No worry, hurry or bother

Always together, it was so good.

Wow, the days of frolic & fun,

What a merry life, bright as sun.

The past days I always cherish

These busy hard days I don’t nourish

Here people I meet of different variety

Who try to make up for their own necessity

Those days I know come only once

They pass away soon in a trance

All I have of the past is a glance

Sometimes they come in my dream

But go away like the water of stream.

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More of my Friendship Poems will follow.

Cheers,

Sush

Mobile Mania

http://suppisart.blogspot.com/2011/08/mobile-mania.html?spref=tw

Going back home to Manipal is always fun. To add to it, the luxury of "mummy ke haath ka khaana"[ hindi term to mean- food made by mom]. And the day we are to arrive all my mom  has to do is to make a call to the local fisherwoman for supply of fish! Jai Tata Indicom offers.  She will quote to you over her mobile phone....you need to strike the deal for the supply and pay thats it. Makes life easy. Ain't it. More for my mom, yes, in her early 60's this revolution is a big boon. 
Dirt cladded wet saree , sweating  and smelling of the sea, as these fisher women sit in the market howling prices, indistinctingly calling "sisters and brothers"....
This was a scene an era ago. Now the whole scene is revolutionized. Thers not much of sound, but for the vague mobile ringtones.  Social etiquette, Sigh. .....are Ill mannered
Alright, apart from fisher women, there is a gang od Auto rickshaw walla's with mobile phones with them.  I had once spotted one auto rickshaw walla laughing and talking to himself on the road. This left me with confused thoughts, if he had hands free too or was he really out of his senses? Hump.
I recall an humorous incident that I came across 3 years ago. As I traveled by a Taxi from Mangalore to Manipal, the Taxi broke down in middle of highway from where I could only desperately stop a bus. Drat. I got into a bus  with my daughter in my arms.  In next stop as bus haulted to board more passengers, there was a huge roar of laughter inside when a 50 something "Colourful lungi clad' man got into the bus. He concentrated in his call yelling in loud voice.  To his dismay his lungi came off, and the conductor made a hilarious comment " annaere lungi patthele, mobile budle" [In  Tulu language it means- bhaiyye mobile go chodo, apnee lungi sambhalo].
Some humour to pep up my inconvenient journey.

But, excuse me, has anybody seen a beggar also with a mobile phone? I did.  Right outside Udupi Sri Krishna Temple. A twenty something man indistinctly talking into his handset. Hearing shrill and disturbing  ring tone from a Kannada Movie, I had turned to see. Bearly dressed.  Skinny enough to reveal he was not fell fed.  In spite of the "roti kapda makaan" remaining a question mark for him, he manages to carry his mobile phone.  Hail telecom revolution. 
Apparently the telecom revolution has turned mobile  phone a priority necessity.
It has touched the bottom most layer too despite other/basic necessities.
Wonder when will there be such a revolution stressing on the basic needs of life for any man. 
Cheers,
sush