HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY !

This time, I happened to attend Republic day celeberations in a small school in Hyderabad. It was a little difficult to leave my bed or Sarcozy's speech (include Bruni's attaraction) on the chilly morning, but I managed. I think, it was worth it.

The school is run with the help of private donations and caters to approximately 350 children of labour (stone cutters ) families. The mid day meal scheme attracts the children of nearby localities who otherwise are unable to afford the same given their economic conditions. I was told that there is a public school in the vicinity, but children and their families do not prefer it. Reason I was given is the lack of interest by teachers to retain the students and harsh punishments. This school had full attendance, with girls and boys in almost equal proportions. I could see that the teachers were patient with the kids.

It set me thinking, the challenges facing our country are immense, but at the same time, the energy required to tackle them is in abundance! The way these children performed was amazing...And I earned hundreds of smiles - with every bright face smiling back to my camera!!

Lets pledge that we can assure basic services (including education, health) and a dignified life to every child in our country irrespective of his/her economic and social background!

S-C-K-L* Blabber……

I am otherwise a very organized and a result oriented person. (at least that is what the internet personality tests reveal and my professional colleagues believe). For half of my life span (considering a modest human life span) I have done extremely meaningful things to achieve goals, aspirations and dreams. Every time leaving an empty feeling when you finally achieve the desired thing… And the circle continues…

Exhausted by the limited possibilities above option offers, for some time now I have turned out to new options… less meaningful things…. Things you do just for the sake of doing it, with no pre conceived results and notions attached to it…

As a part of this initiative the S-C-K-L blabber was born - Extensive 1 hour (lunch time is strictly restricted in our office premises) of blabbering at our Adda (picture attached) for more than one year now, we are the subject experts on blabbering’s…. Subjects vary from politics, human life, relationships, spirituality, societal norms, gold prices & of course our sweet Shreya (one year old princess)….The one hour of blabber gives us enough tonic to looking for meaning in rest 8 hours of day….

There’s only one song that can echo my feelings about this blabber group… ‘Dil Chahta Hai” title song over here

* S, C, K & L appear confident (otherwise confused) Indian adults who till now have been good girls and followed the conventions societal norms without questioning why… And after we came together as a group, we have questioned and deliberated on all the possibilities offered by the human life!!

A day to remember - Justice prevails !

She survived the alleged mass massacre at Devgarh Baria village in Gujarat on March 3 2002. BILKIS SPEAKS ''The courage of my truth saw me through. The judgement has finally meant some closure to a long and very painful journey. Many wounds will never heal but I am stronger today, and for that I am thankful.'' "Nobody would be able to deny that sexual violence was perpetrated against women in Gujarat during the riots." ''The State and its officials who emboldened, encouraged, and protected the criminals who destroyed life during the riots still remain free and unblemished." ''It was their job to protect me. The battle I have won today gives me strength for the much larger and perhaps longer struggle, which lies ahead.'' "I could not have made the six-year-long painful and fearful journey alone. I am grateful to the NHRC and the Supreme Court which transferred my case to Maharashtra." ''This judgement does not mean the end of hatred but it does mean that somewhere, somehow justice can prevail.'' "I and my family members are still living in fear. It is the duty of the Gujarat government to assure us of safety." "The frequent flip-flop of Zahira Sheikh has hurt the fight of innocent victims of Gujarat riots and has brought a bad name to the community."