WHO IS BLIND??!!

 

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      Since it was a long weekend, I was so lazy to get up and to get ready for my college. Apparently, I have no other go other than getting ready, because I had important classes and works to be done in the campus. As usual, I have finished my works and started up for my college very late.

     It is a well aware fact about Chennai, how punctual are our MTC buses and how good is our traffic. Since, I was late; I got an auto from my bus stop since I stay about 3 kms. away from the main bus stop where I will get my bus frequently.  So, I managed to get an auto between the huge crowd, cursing myself for being late and spending 10 rs. in the place of 3rs.  Once again, it is a herculean task to get my concern bus from the bus stop amidst of the huge crowd of people waiting for the same bus to arrive.  It wasn’t a new thing for me, to see such a big crowd standing in that stop and to wait for the bus. I’ve always find it’s fascinating to observe people around me. Day by day, we see new people coming in and taking the bus and also the old people like me who are accustomed to the bus stop.  Although, we don’t know each other well but a smiling at them as a note of recognition makes a big difference.

      Amidst the tension, I didn’t fail to observe the people around me.  Looking at the familiar faces and nodding and inspecting the new faces, I stood there like a person who seeks some mystical truth of life. People were too busy with their handy –the innovation of the 21^st Century!! A visible pavement to the “torture”!!  I was wondering, how these people could talk for hours in the mobile. I was standing there for more than 20 minutes, a woman standing beside was there talking in her mobile since I have come, wondering to whom she is talking so seriously and so curious when she would put down her phone. Because, as far, all I could see was the strangest expressions on her face. I was utterly irritated and lost patience.  And almost I spent my 30minutes standing there, observing the ridiculous and weird expressions and faces of the people around me.

At the verge of my frustration, finally, my bus was arrived. But this time, I was wondering about different thing, yes!  How am I going to get inside the bus??!! Thinking, I wish I’d be a Jumper, and I managed to get in to the bus. Among the pool of men, I swimmed and reach so-called “ladies side” in the bus.  The conductor was yelling at the people to get inside and to get the tickets in his very famous “Madras Language”. I passed on my money and bought the mangled, crumbled ticket for my destination. The bus was very crammy to stand; I was cursing myself for being late once again and miffing me for skipping a class and swearing that I’d never be late from tomorrow. (Though, I know that is never going to happen: P) at the same time, I was elated that somehow I reach my college in another 20 minutes time. The bus stopped at the next stop, where 1/3^rd of people gushed out of the bus, I was happy to see the picture but next moment more than 1/3^rd of people got in and filled the bus in a moment.  Woof!!

       As I was standing, noticing the people getting in and out, I saw a man helped a visually-challenged guy to get in to my bus.  I couldn’t control my smile at the man who helped the guy, thinking there are few good people lives in the country middle of this corrupted, fake politicians and people.  The guy was so young, pitying for his disability and thanking god for creating me as a full human, I saw the guy struggling to get to the middle of the bus. The bus was too crowded, no space to move an inch too. The guy was very much struggling to reach the inside, the moment I saw this scene, the honour I had for the guy who helped him to board the bus has vaporized. I started to curse the man who helped him to land up in this worst situation.  Between, the crowded pushed him inside in the name of helping. The guy managed himself and got a position to stand amongst the crowd. Yet another awful hour was waiting for me to spend—the peak hour traffic!!  The drivers must undergo special training to drive in the Chennai traffic!!  The bus was literally crawling between the pools of other vehicles. Inside the bus everyone was growing restless, passengers started to hush, curse, and scold the authorities and the traffic. Some of the brilliant minds started giving suggestion for the conductor and the Transportation Authority to run more buses and how to control the traffic and so on.  Looking at the funny talks and weird ideas I smiled myself, thinking, “this why India is still a developing country”!!

     In this due moment, I heard a hiss and strange noise. I turned up and looked at the direction of the sound; it was a girl of my same age who was standing behind—almost in a jagged manner where I can see her easily. I noticed her face, which showed multiple reactions and expression in single moment, next instant I found out the reason for her craziest expression. Yes, it was the “blind guy”, because of frequent brakes, the guy happened to hit the girl many times.  That’s the reason for the twist on her face.  I got irritated with the girl’s reactions, standing helpless to react for her reactions. If that guy knows, if he is standing close to a girl he wouldn’t have hit her or if he had eyes, he wouldn’t have subjected to this unwanted and awkward hisses and hushes. As a moment’s solution, I told the girl to stand in my place so that I can tolerate with the guy.  I was totally annoyed and felt very bad for the guy, at the same time I was in the peak of anger with everyone on the bus including myself.  Almost all in the bus who saw him while getting in knew that he is blind, but none cared to offer him seat to sit; none cared even to treat him well though they are good with all features.  I was angry on me, because of my disability that I couldn’t help the guy who is standing beside me innocently without knowing what is happening around him.  He had a constant smile on his face, the people around him treats and thinks him as an annoying object. But the guy, who cannot see the expression of the people who hates him and shows face on him, whatever they do; in return he is giving a smile as a gift.  That moment I started adoring his disability and it gave me strength, zest and a confidence. If I was sitting, I would have offered him to sit; neither I can ask anyone to offer seat for him.  I was very sad and scolding my incapability, suddenly a voice told him to sit in the chair. Finally, there is a good heart alive, I was happy that he got the seat but I couldn’t see the person who offered the seat to him.  Then this person emerged from the crowd majestically, a man about 80 years old!!  When I saw him it was like someone slapped me on my face. An old man, irrespective of his fragility he offered seat, but we??  Who are we??? Humans?? Yes, Humans with Heartless, Merciless, Pitiless and Disgraceful souls!! I was ashamed of myself that I couldn’t help the guy. But I could thank the elderly person for his greatness. I said thanks to him, he just said, “idhula enna ma irrukku? (A way of modest reply in Tamil) and he gave me a graceful smile. I was regretting for my incapability but his graceful smile and modest reply melted my repentance and gave me a peace for saying him thanks. 

       Oh my God! I totally forgot my tension in this mess. Finally, the traffic was cleared up and I reached my college.  I was late again for the next class as well. I missed my second hour class and lost my attendance. But, this didn’t bother me much for the rest of my day, since my mind was pondering over the incident which happened few hours ago!!

P.S. This incident happened some one month ago. But, I just got right moment to share this with u all!! J

What to say . . .

JAI HIND!!

Well, I think of some topic to write on my blog, but for past few weeks I have not succeeded in my efforts.  But, today, being the India’s Independence Day, I determine to write this post and like to dedicate this post on this occasion.

It is a routine basis in Tamil Nadu (I guess throughout India), all mobile networks use to charge for Short Message Service (SMS) Re.1/- on special occasions like F-Day, V-Day, etc. Being an intense ‘message-user’ (:-P), I was very much worried about not messaging for a day!  But surprisingly, my network people didn’t cut charge for message. Though I was happy for my cost free SMS, was wondering why they aren’t charging for the Independence Day.  I, seriously have no clue, why these guys are taking up money for silly V-day or F-day (in my view) or some damn so-called-so-many days. But, why not for Independence Day?? Is that because people wouldn’t wish each other on Independence Day or just because the Independence Day is just considered as “Yet another day” in the year or because they are letting us “independent” on this day??!!  Incredible and undecipherable!! :-P

As I reminiscent my school days, I remember going to school during Independence Day and Republic Day. That was a wonderful day, wearing White and White uniform, walking in parade and hoisting flag and saluting the flag as we sang the National Anthem and the Flag Anthem. I am, still able to recall those moments, though we did all for that 50 paisa chocolate, they used to give us after the Celebration.  But, I swear we didn’t lack in our patriotism. Sweet Memories!! J As a matter of fact, now-a-days, even schools and colleges are not much interested in celebrating a national day. After all; they gain a day more holidays among their busy schedules. :-D

I am no exception; I’m also a part of a famous social networking website. I’m accustomed to check my notification every day.  Just to spread my word of Independence Day wishes, I logged in today but I was taken aback of the “statuses and uploaded photos” on my wall.  Out of 50, only 20 people (Arbitrary numbers) have updated status of the day, wishing our day of Independence. Rest of them; seem not bothered about it at all. I just left note spreading my wishes. But, I started to mull over about this weirdness.  I have seen so many photos and tags updated for friendship day and other stuffs, sharing their happiness and gay. But why not even a word about our independence? Is that because, they find it is futile to wish each other on this day or just they have considered it as “yet another day”? Or sharing their personal happiness and showing off before is more important? Whatever!! :-O

Another thing, which was constantly pricking my mind, was today’s TV programs.  Interestingly, all channels are ready to give some entertainment programs for people on Independence Day but why not something or anything informative about our India at least in between those programs. To be frank, I have watched those entertainments too. :-P At the same time, I regret for these growing up addictive mechanism in our State. L Shameless we are!!

 I’ve mentioned only a small scale regrets and repentance here up to my level and knowledge. But, I’ve just let my thoughts to pour down spontaneously today as Independence Day special!!! :D J

Finally, before signing off, let me wish my Independence Day Wishes to all! J

SAMACHEER KALVI – A BREAKING DAWN ?

               “When your competitor is specially welcomed by everyone, at the same time you’re not!”  Or “Your friend gets extra marks in a subject, just because he/she is teacher’s pet”. Well, How many of us can tolerate such situation. I believe most of us CAN'T.

In such case, how can we possibly bear the biased education stuffed on us??

                Samacheer kalvi is a breaking dawn to the society. I felt a ray of hope surges throughout me, when it was introduced. A Dream for Equality!

                Having known, the syllabus drafted, this is the only thought that came to my mind, “what about the quality of the education?”  If the Samacheer Kalvi is set up to give the uniform education to students, then it should have considered the syllabus from student’s point of view.   As I go through further, I am able to see only the cons of the system.

GOOGLE IMAGES

                 Excellence decides the quality of education.   If the system is brought in here to favor the students, then shouldn't the system be upgraded to standard level on par with other boards nation-wide? Certainly, the system helps a student in scoring marks, which happens by mere reciting and vomiting the syllabus in the exams.  When I think about our students’ holistic future in nation-wide it’s a big question mark.

                I don’t see a platform where they can learn new languages at school level.  It prioritizes the language at school level.  It is no harm in learning mother tongue, but equal priority should be given to other languages.

                Implementing the Samacheer Kalvi in all schools at earlier stage is very thoughtful decision by Government. Will this education system serve its purpose without a proper training among teachers?

                If this system is brought in just to merge all six boards of TN or as a political funda, apparently it will serve its job.

WONDERFUL DAYS…

           When I joined the college, I believed that it is going to be yet another page in my life book.  But, it is true, life is beautiful, because it always surprises us by making impossible things possible.  I’m always skeptical about being in good relationship, whatever it is. However, this experience was different. I can’t believe that I really enjoyed my college days, though, I had series of bitter experiences. Now, I’m happy that I have gained some good people around me.

            I know, those days are never going to come back.  But when I think about the days we spent together, it gives me mixed feelings.  How can I forget the first day of my college, sitting in the laboratory as a complete stranger, when those guys (now, my friends) gave me a reluctant smile and then came to me, asked for my introduction… The moments we shared our happiness and sorrows together, the silly fights… misunderstandings… bitter incidents… (oops‼ Lost in thoughts, sorry‼) However, I wish, I’d have a “pensive” to treasure those memories‼

            Now, we are here, bidding farewell and marching towards our future in different directions, to the join a new journey waiting for us, beyond this friendship.  I wish our friendship should survive long through the ages.  I really have to thank you people, being a part of my wonderful life book‼!

“I wish you good luck, on your brand-new-journey,

                                           Waiting for your august arrival;

                                         And A whole new world lies ahead,                                           

                                             To be just discovered by you‼ “

STRIKE THE IRON…

Finally, this is the time to give rest to our text books and our weary minds after long tiresome academics. Yes, the summer has come and it is the time for our holidays‼ However, the entire holidays would end up just like a movie‼ When we retrospect, after two months, all we could see _ the days we slept till noon or the time we spent with TV just switching channel over channel or just freaking around with some friends‼
We will start regret about it, once, our colleges or schools reopen again. The entire holidays are not just to move around aimlessly. It’s time for us, to mend ourselves from mere curriculum of studies. We could spend our holidays worthwhile. Holidays are not just for enjoying, but also for learning with sense of pleasure. There are number of ways to spend our holidays valuable. There are huge number of clubs, colleges, schools etc., are organizing events like workshops, camps, crash courses, arts and handicrafts, internships etc. We could join those events, such that we can learn something new and interesting. It will help us in numerous ways.
Every minute brings us pleasure. It moulds us every good way to face this world and future, which lies ahead of us. It is not just a time pass; rather it gives us exposure and experience. It helps to boast up our confidence. Therefore, “Strike the iron, while it’s hot”‼

A LITTLE THING...

One day, while I was returning to my home, I saw my old classmate coming opposite to me (I recalled, we both studied in Hindi class together). I was so happy to see him around after a long time. I had an urge to talk to him, so I tried to smile at him in order to give an initiation for our conversation. But, the guy seems to be unnoticed. So I tried again to smile, again he was grim. I felt more miserable and embarrassing. So, I walked fast and reached home.
It wasn’t a simple incident for me. I mulled over and over about the incident nearly for weeks. I tried to rationalize my thoughts in almost all the way I could possibly imagine. However, I couldn’t bear the thought of being insulted. I felt it was impertinent. Yes, I was hurt. Then, it occurred to me why I was hurt and I found the reason miraculously. I felt, I lost my recognition and my joy of being acknowledged. After all, it is human tendency always to seek for an approval, especially, from the people whom we know. It gives us immense joy but we fail to notice it. It might have happened with many of us. But, we never have given much thought about it. It is true; we would never give much importance to other people feelings unless we experience it.
We could even talk about most complicated topics on philosophy, whereas, we fail to discover that even simple things like smiling, saying thanks and sorry could make a biggest difference and it might lead us to biggest morale of our life. I’m not a person who sticks with philosophy of life. I rather strongly believe in one thing, that we are here, only to make others happy and make ourselves happy as well.
I’d rather say that incident was a hindsight to me, which paved me way to share my aura with everyone, moreover, to understand the people feelings. I guess, this is the high time to give room to other people feelings, at least, by giving them an amicable smile as a symbol of approval. After all, it is not going to costs anything.

“Never get tired of doing little things to others,

  Because sometimes those little thing,

 May mean so much to them‼”

The Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Unexpectedly, an alien thought entered his head: Why should he have all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything? It didn't seem fair. As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first. But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour. He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep. He should be by that window - and that thought now controlled his life.

Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough. He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for help. Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button, which would have brought the nurse running. In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence--deathly silence.

The following morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths. When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called the hospital attendant to take it away--no words, no fuss. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

Moral of the story:

The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice...it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express. It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window. And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful. If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.

The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey. Our minds are like programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviors; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits. If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, and uplifting thoughts, if we continue to bite our lips just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thought as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.

P.S. This is my one of the favourite story. Though the author is unknown, I’m happy to promote this story to everyone.