The last book that I read was “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank., a Jew teenager who was forced to go in hiding along with her family during the World War-II. The book as suggested by the title itself is basically a diary written by Anne while she was under hiding in Holland. Its an account of two years they spent there before their hide out was busted to Gastapo and they were sent to different concentration camps. Only her father survived who later distributed the copies of the diary to some of his friends and relatives in remembrance of his daughter and incidentally got it published when persuaded by some of his close associates.
It’s been a long time since I had heard about this book for the first time. And ever since I was so curious to know as to what was in that book which catapulted it into one of the most genuine accounts of the world war –II atrocities and sufferings meted out to Jews. But the way Anne has penned her thoughts, sketched the characters of the other people living with her, their day to day chores, the political scenario, the sufferings, and the mental trauma, it removed any doubts about its Class if I ever had any. It has so much maturity and insight that are at times found missing even in most of the older & so-called intellectual people. This book not only deals with the hazards of War but also with the psyche of an adolescent. How an adolescent mind craves to explore the world, to express its views, to make a difference and to be understood by others. All in all, an undoubtedly must read!!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
"Five Point Someone"
Not so long back i finished this book titled "Five point someone" by Chetan Bhagat..A very interesting read if u r not expecting it to be packed with some heavy language, erudite expressions or literary to the core..Its been written in a very simple but lucid language, easily understandable and in a way fairly comprehendible to anybody who has even just begun to explore some literary stuff..In my case may be i liked it more coz i could relate myself with it alot..Similar to story of the novel, i too have been into an engineering college, where we had this bunch of miscreants who would do anything except study..The only difference being, instead of the trio we were around 10..A Perfect 10 infact!! We had a perfect blend of studious as well as fun loving guys..And u wouldn’t believe, but we had exactly three of us in our group who could aptly be christened as “six point someone”..(Though I m a bit disappointed that we couldn’t make it “Five point someone”..Sorry Chetan!!) Also instead of being caught red handed stealing question papers, we were caught while ragging a two year junior to us..The most horrifying experience till date.. The mental trauma, uncertainty & the fear of expulsion was simply bone-chilling..However, by god’s grace and our good luck, the authorities spared us and we swore not to ever get indulged into anything that could devoid us of our dream “beloved bachelor degree” and a possible future in terms of a Job..And as the usual happy endings, we all got out of the institute with broad smiles holding proudly our bachelor degrees and good jobs stashed away comfortably in various parts of the country..
But whatever, the college life still remains the best part of my life or for that matter in everybody’s life..Friends, fun, disappointments, success, bickering, squabbling and making merry..they are simply unforgettable..Miss u guys!!
But whatever, the college life still remains the best part of my life or for that matter in everybody’s life..Friends, fun, disappointments, success, bickering, squabbling and making merry..they are simply unforgettable..Miss u guys!!
"What travelling means to me?" An essay
"Go travelling with us!"
Her travels daily be
By routes of ecstasy
To Evening's Sea—
-by Emily Dickinson
After a period of monotonous & routine chores, when the mind craves to unwind, to explore the unexplored, to get to know new people belonging to different cultures, then what better option one can get than to travel and unravel one’s own country.
A country with bountiful of lush green fields, lilting rivers, towering mountains and people with such diverse culture that can outnumber the whole civilization put together. A country cordoned by three oceans and the largest mountain range, encompassing one of the world’s largest deserts in its heart. Yes, this is our country, our incredible INDIA...
Touring India acquaints me with its vast Cultural Heritage in terms of forts, palaces & myriads of temple, which are masonry marvels because of their structural ambience. The Taj Mahal & the Golden Temple are considered even the World Heritages. Also, the monasteries & Buddhist circuit with the rural touch are simply mesmerizing in effect. Not only the mansions and edifices, the palm-fringed beaches of Goa & Kerala are capable enough to rejuvenate anyone’s spirit & heart. Or one can transcend into another world simply by meditating on the Vivekanand Rock or in the cool and ancient Buddhist caves tunneled out of solid rocks on the craggy hillsides.
However, the spiritual India cannot be felt thoroughly until one is ready to immerse oneself into the Holy waters of the Ganges, visit at least a few of the innumerable temples and accompany a group of millions of Pilgrims kindled with the devotion & respect for their deities. Temples located at the highest of points are not able to deter the devout to reach there even in the most extreme & hazardous conditions. Amarnath, Aiyppa & Vaishnodevi, among the few temples I have visited, are considered the seats of the highest devotion.
Not only the spirituality, but the simplicity of its people across the country, what makes India so fascinating. I cannot stop marveling at the fact that here, even the natural climactic changes like the profusion of orange flowers, the shade of the banyan tree are celebrated not only to enjoy life but also to pay obeisance to the deity for their blessings and love. Festivals like Onam, Vasant Panchami & Lohri represent the dawn of New Year for harvesting. Also, the villages that one comes across while traveling by train or bus, with vast green fields, mud houses, cattle & simply clad people, give one the picture of rural but real & simple India.
However, India is not only about the Sacred temples & Holy cow. Even in the midst of all the spirituality & festivities, the vibrancy of modern & restless India cannot go unnoticed. The western & central India has all the luxury one can dream of. The numerous skyscrapers, the most luxurious hotels & innumerable shopping malls, they all give us the feel of the new and changing face India.
But, be it any part of India, it exudes the same warmth and tenderness a kid receives ensconced in its mother’s lap. It rejuvenates the tired mind & the battered soul and once again you are ready to face the new challenges, to scale the newer heights in life…And this is what tourism means to me, to get enriched by the knowledge of my own country, my own people and lead a satisfied life from dawn to dusk!!
Her travels daily be
By routes of ecstasy
To Evening's Sea—
-by Emily Dickinson
After a period of monotonous & routine chores, when the mind craves to unwind, to explore the unexplored, to get to know new people belonging to different cultures, then what better option one can get than to travel and unravel one’s own country.
A country with bountiful of lush green fields, lilting rivers, towering mountains and people with such diverse culture that can outnumber the whole civilization put together. A country cordoned by three oceans and the largest mountain range, encompassing one of the world’s largest deserts in its heart. Yes, this is our country, our incredible INDIA...
Touring India acquaints me with its vast Cultural Heritage in terms of forts, palaces & myriads of temple, which are masonry marvels because of their structural ambience. The Taj Mahal & the Golden Temple are considered even the World Heritages. Also, the monasteries & Buddhist circuit with the rural touch are simply mesmerizing in effect. Not only the mansions and edifices, the palm-fringed beaches of Goa & Kerala are capable enough to rejuvenate anyone’s spirit & heart. Or one can transcend into another world simply by meditating on the Vivekanand Rock or in the cool and ancient Buddhist caves tunneled out of solid rocks on the craggy hillsides.
However, the spiritual India cannot be felt thoroughly until one is ready to immerse oneself into the Holy waters of the Ganges, visit at least a few of the innumerable temples and accompany a group of millions of Pilgrims kindled with the devotion & respect for their deities. Temples located at the highest of points are not able to deter the devout to reach there even in the most extreme & hazardous conditions. Amarnath, Aiyppa & Vaishnodevi, among the few temples I have visited, are considered the seats of the highest devotion.
Not only the spirituality, but the simplicity of its people across the country, what makes India so fascinating. I cannot stop marveling at the fact that here, even the natural climactic changes like the profusion of orange flowers, the shade of the banyan tree are celebrated not only to enjoy life but also to pay obeisance to the deity for their blessings and love. Festivals like Onam, Vasant Panchami & Lohri represent the dawn of New Year for harvesting. Also, the villages that one comes across while traveling by train or bus, with vast green fields, mud houses, cattle & simply clad people, give one the picture of rural but real & simple India.
However, India is not only about the Sacred temples & Holy cow. Even in the midst of all the spirituality & festivities, the vibrancy of modern & restless India cannot go unnoticed. The western & central India has all the luxury one can dream of. The numerous skyscrapers, the most luxurious hotels & innumerable shopping malls, they all give us the feel of the new and changing face India.
But, be it any part of India, it exudes the same warmth and tenderness a kid receives ensconced in its mother’s lap. It rejuvenates the tired mind & the battered soul and once again you are ready to face the new challenges, to scale the newer heights in life…And this is what tourism means to me, to get enriched by the knowledge of my own country, my own people and lead a satisfied life from dawn to dusk!!
I am alive..
A life crumbles ridden with scars
Innumerable insults, unbearable pain
Is it so dark inside, nobody can see the light?
The moment freezes
Dew drops settle on the petals of her eyes
A gipsy breeze permeates her soul
White noise pierces her ears
And she screams ”I am alive”
Innumerable insults, unbearable pain
Is it so dark inside, nobody can see the light?
The moment freezes
Dew drops settle on the petals of her eyes
A gipsy breeze permeates her soul
White noise pierces her ears
And she screams ”I am alive”
La Belle Dame..
Nazm Uljhee Hui Hai Seene Me
Misre Atke Hue Hai Hoto Par
UDte Phirte Hai Titliyon Ki Tarah
Lafz Kaagaz Pe Baithte Hi Nahi...
Kab Se Baitha Hua Hu Mai Jaanam
Saada Kaagaz Pe Likh Ke Naam Tera...
Bas Tera Naam Hi Muqammil Hai
Is Se Behtar Bhi Nazm Kya Hogi
--Gulzar
Misre Atke Hue Hai Hoto Par
UDte Phirte Hai Titliyon Ki Tarah
Lafz Kaagaz Pe Baithte Hi Nahi...
Kab Se Baitha Hua Hu Mai Jaanam
Saada Kaagaz Pe Likh Ke Naam Tera...
Bas Tera Naam Hi Muqammil Hai
Is Se Behtar Bhi Nazm Kya Hogi
--Gulzar
Death
It was such a shocking news..Doctors had given up & it was just a matter of time before the kid would be no more..How happy both the parents & their other family members were, when the kid was born. .The twinkle in its eyes brought so much joy & the touch of its tiny hands gave so much assurance that whole future looked so bright..But unfortunately, the child could not bring as much happiness with its arrival than the agony & pain it brought with its departure..
It was not the death of a kid..rather it was the death of all the dreams & expectations attached with that kid..A whole world crashed down..A heart breaking end to an untold story!
The labour pain was so insignificant in front of the pain of this incorrigible loss..The mother was speechless..Her tears dry!
Father was so stunned that he became emotionless..He behaved mechanically..Nothing is as heart wrenching for a father as to perform the last rites of his very own son..God is so cruel!
But may be that's what we call life!!
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