Happiness

My job in academics has given me ample scope to explore, develop and take pride in myself as a teacher, researcher,  instructor, colleague, friend and many more roles that get intermittently demanded when there are events, hectic schedule, examinations etc. As a result of these demands and situations, I have learnt to rely on my patience which in turn has given me opportunity to be a good observer of human nature and actions. The insight into the nature of people from different walks of life, reveals very interesting dimensions to mundane problems. I recall one such experience about a young woman who would sweep and clean our college department. All in the department would call her Alka Tai, though she is very young.

Alka Tai, a very vibrant and smiling woman is not more than 25 years of age. Her tragedy, that she is a widow; is completely hidden by her eager talk and confident exterior. She has a 6 year old son who is the sole purpose in her life. She stays with her in laws and works from morning till evening to keep her home on running wheels. Recently, she mentioned that her brother in law got married and his bride would be like a good friend to her in the house. In fact, after a couple of months, Alka Tai did mention that she now has less work at home and it feels good to talk to another woman of similar age. We all were very happy to know about the developments in Alka's life.

One day, though, Alka Tai was sweeping the floor without her warm smile. We all asked her the reason for her being so glum. Alka was more than eager to talk about her feelings. She mentioned that she had all along wanted to go to see the Ganpati pendals in Pune city since 3-4 years. But she had to suppress all her wishes because being a widow she did not want to ask her then unmarried brother in law and nor her in laws, who were growing old and would have found the long walk trouble some. And though after welcoming her sister in law with all her heart, she found that she would not be able to accompany the newly weds. We all tried to cheer her up and mentioned that the new couple needs to spend time with each other; she might as well take her son with her. But Alka Tai was not to be pacified as she went on that her sister in law would not agree to go for she needed to study for her coming examinations. This was a surprise to us all as a couple of hours of family time would not have made a dent in the examination schedule which was in fact 15 days later. Anyway, we all did our best and suggested that she plan the outing with her few women friends.

The next day, Alka Tai was her radiant self again. Her effervescence prompted the obvious question from all of us. To this Alka Tai replied that indeed she had visited all the Ganpati pendals in the vicinity with all her women friends who all got together and had made plans. The dinner had been simple to give ample time to each woman to utilize time for herself. The best part was that Alka Tai's sister in law had taken a keen interest in the gathering of 'all girl group' and had decided to join them. The sudden shift from family to women friends had been a big boost for every woman. The need to find mutual solution to their individual problems had given each woman a sense of independence as well as a sense of belonging in the crowd.

With this Alka Tai narrated all the happenings and a detailed description of all Ganpati idols and their decoration. I could only smile at her new found happiness and freedom.

Blood : A Murderer it does not Reveal

The recent movie, 'Talvar' on Arushi Murder case, created a lot of flutter once again in the minds of the audience who were already tired of discussing the fate of the unlucky girl, her parents, their servant; the modus operandi of the law and the attitude of the media. The release of the movie followed with the opinion polls of the public on the safety standards to be followed in case of households having servants; has only added to the on going discussion on the actual murder of two unlucky persons.

What actually happened on the fateful day, one cannot say; but what transpired afterwards is for all to see and analyse. Sure there was blood, but no murderer has been captured ! Sure there is a case of chaos and nobody to blame !

Two souls lost their lives and the culprit(s) is (or are) yet to admit the guilt or are waiting to be captured. Isn't it strange that the human conscience would not permit the concealment of such ghastly deed and yet none would dare come forward to admit the crime that would haunt the soul till death made the escape more easier ? Has the society moved to such a brink that there is no conscience left ? As a citizen of this world, we all witness the plight of refugees. The photograph of a motionless baby boy on the beach did evoke a huge world response but who is to blame for the tragedy ? We are mute spectators when the carnivores devour the herbivores; calling it an act of nature. Surely, the humans being done away with by the humans, is not an act of nature. Is it then something to do with the individual fate ? If so fate gave an equal chance to all, those who helped others lose lives are content with the fact that blood spilled does not reveal the murderer at times. Those who sacrifice themselves for others are contented with the fact that they were of help to someone. The feeling of contentment and discontentment is what distinguishes the good from the bad. This quality of the human nature does not need to reveal, it can only be felt and believed.

It is aptly said that 'Truth is stranger than Fiction'

Gods love contemporary

The 10 day Ganesh Festival in Pune brings with itself lot of planning, arrangements, processions, dhol tasha preparation, decoration etc. Having a darshan of the elephant God or its display results in a crowded street with people jostling past each other and shouting at the top of their voice even when there is a loud music system. The same fervor can be seen in festivities across the country where traditions and culture are on full display.

In this gaiety, it is worth to mention the enjoyment as well as distress caused due to the loud music system. The occasion may be any, but the songs being played out are keeping in tune with the public choice and not as per the suitability of the festival. So whether it is Ganesh festival, Navratri festival or any other, you would normally find God being entertained to disco songs, rock music etc. which is a pain for the human ear (medically proven fact).

It was one such occasion that I saw one such over enthusiastic crowd dancing to the tunes of latest songs. God had no say in this except for watching the people. The serenity on God's face and the happiness of the crowd in a ear tearing loud sound, was contradictory and confusing to me. My eyes were now fixed on a young boy of not more than seven years who was in his own world trying to mimic the dancing steps of famous Bollywood heroes. His accomplishments were lauded by the onlookers and other dancers. Their cheering was only too drowned in the loud sound system. The boy's dance and his energy kept on building with every new song. The smile on God's face also made me see that indeed He loves contemporary.