Giving the way of Living.

A sweet little girl Carla asked her father, “Father, I want a chocolate. Can you get me one? Her father replied, “Sure my child, I love you and I will bring it along when I come to pick you up from school tomorrow.” Carla hugged her father and said, “I love you so much.” After a great fun filled weekend with her family it was time for Carla to go to school. But today was a special day as her father had promised her that he would be picking her up from school and had also promised her a gift. Carla was eagerly waiting for the bell to ring at the end of the day at school. The school bell rang; she picked up her school bag and rushed towards the main gate to meet her father. She saw her father waiting for her outside the school next to their car. She rushed towards him and hugged him with joy. She was so happy to see him that she forgot to say good bye to her friends in the school bus which she usually takes back home. During the drive back home her father removed a big chocolate from his pocket which he had got for his loving daughter and gave it to her. She was so happy and thrilled with the gift and hugged and kissed him.

 As soon as the car halted at a signal she quickly unwrapped the chocolate and was about to take a big bite from the chocolate when she saw a shabbily dressed boy selling balloons outside the car who just couldn’t take his eyes off the chocolate. Carla had been taught to share her food with her friend in school and asked her father if she could share this chocolate with him. Her father happily agreed and was glad that his daughter had learnt the most important quality of a successful person; ‘Compassion’, -to treat others the way you want to be treated and also the art of sharing. Carla’s father parked the car on the side of the road and called out to the little boy. When asked, the boy said that his name was Tom he had tasted a chocolate a long time ago and had relished it. He wished if he could have one more today. Carla quickly broke the chocolate into two halves and shared the chocolate with him. Tom had a big smile on his face and was very happy. He thanked Carla for sharing it with him and ran towards the foot path on the other side of the road. Carla’s father was watching him closely. The little boy was dancing and rejoicing as if this was the best thing that ever happened to him. He called out to his three other friends to share the chocolate with them. The moment they saw Tom and the chocolate in his hand they too joined in the celebration and started dancing with him. They were so engrossed in their celebration that for some time they forgot that they still have to eat the chocolate to relish it. After a tiring ceremony or should I say a ritual, all four of them sat together and relished the chocolate that Carla had lovingly shared with them. Carla had made their day. All of them blessed Carla and her family and thanked them for the wonderful gift. Carla father patted Carla on her back and was extremely proud of his daughter for her good deed. Because he knew the importance was sharing goodness. He knew that the more you give the more you get. He believed in the law of nature ‘As you sow, so shall you reap.’ If you plant a peach seed that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach. He believed that by sharing goodness, all that you get back is good. The moment they reached home, Carla’s father gifted Carla another chocolate as a reward for her good deed. She indeed deserved it.

 It may be a deed as small as Carla sharing a chocolate to Tom. However, this small deed of sharing had made Tom’s and Carla’s day because as much joy there is in receiving goodness, there is in giving. Your deed may be as small as a seed but a small seed grows into a huge Oak tree. ‘Giving the way of living.’ A great way of living and greatness comes from within.

 Shardul Pacharne

United India against Corruption- To see the change, be the change.

India is a developing country. This is what I am hearing since a long time. And I am patiently waiting when the time will come when India will be called a developed country. I am proud to be an Indian but what I am doing for my country for it to prosper in what every Indian thinks and is what I think too. But is this the reality.

I am just a simple citizen of India and not a VIP yet. The question that arises to my mind is who is a VIP of India? A VIP (Very Important Person) of a country is he whose decisions benefit and matter for the development and the welfare of the country if I am not wrong. But do all the VIP’s in India deserve to be called VIP’s? Or are they just power savvy? Or do they want to come in power just to fulfil their own material desires? I know there are always exceptions. There are some great people like Dr. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Manmohan Singh in today’s India who truly care for India and have done some great deeds in the past. But even they have to bow down to the majority who may not be as patriotic as them.

So what is the reason why India is not a developed country yet? People are absolutely correct when they say that poverty, illiteracy and unemployment are the reasons why India is not prospering. I too believe that these are few of the reasons why India is not where it should be. But don’t we see that the Indian Government has come up with so many initiatives and different Yojana’s in the past and today? So much of our tax money goes towards these Yojana’s. But is all the money used for the very purpose is the question? So if India is still not prospering then the only reason that comes to my mind after seeing the various scams of today involving VIP’s of India is ‘Corruption’. All those who have spoken or have acted against corruption have been either ignored or have been troubled by the Government. But I believe that not to give up is the key. We all can be the change and play an important part in ‘India against corruption’ movement in some small ways. The time has come when each one of us must join hands and become united citizens of India and refuse to entertain the corrupt officers who take bribes to get our work done. I believe that to see the change you have to be the change.

Jai Hind!!!

What we learn from life is most important.

I would like to share an incident that happened to me which has taught me something that has helped me grow as a human being. I would like to share one incident that happened to me not only has made me a better person but has taught me a very important lesson to keep in mind during this wonderful journey of life.

I travel in all modes of public transport. I travel by BEST bus, ST bus, train and rickshaw on my way to office everyday and I enjoy every bit of it. It makes my life more exciting. Once our ST bus caught and fire in the jungle part of Thane. Everyone in the bus started to panic including the conductor. I was not sitting on the window seat. But when I looked at my partner at the window seat he was nowhere to be seen. He had jumped out of the window fearing for his life. But he had panicked and jumped out of the window without thinking and hurt himself as he just plunged out of the window. I actually laughed later as to how a man who was so huge, jump out of such a small window. I saw the conductors face and realized that something is wrong. I too moved to the window to jump out of the bus. I put my legs out of the window and was about to jump when another man who came from nowhere put his hand over my chest and just would not allow me to jump. Maybe he wanted to go first.

I am glad that I did not panic. I told him that “Only if I get out you will be able to get out right as you can see my half body is already out?” And smiled. He removed his hand and let me jump and then followed me. I am glad that my smile did not make him pull me back in the bus. Something made me wait outside the bus. I was feeling very guilty that I was out of the bus with children and woman in the bus who may need my help. Anyway, you can be of no use in this kind of situations if you too are a part of the problem or maybe I was a coward. The fire from the engine of the bus was distinguished by the driver and all of us were saved. By the way the situation was not as bad as made to be by the panic of the people. And no one needed my help anyway. But just the thought of responsibility made me feel good and thanked God for bringing this thought to my mind. By Gods grace a car stopped next to me and gave me a lift and to a few other people waiting outside the bus. As I said earlier I like to travel as it makes life exciting in this was one of an exciting incident. However, the most important part is what I have learned from this incident.

Firstly I have learned that the captain of the ship always needs to be cool and calm. The only reason I jumped out of the bus was because of the fear I saw on the face of the conductor which made me feel that something was really wrong as I could not see the fire in the engine cabin near the driver as the bus was packed with passengers. Secondly I learned that you need to make quick decisions in such situations without panicking. I was glad that I was not the one sitting next to me who just plunged out of the window and hurt himself or the man who was not allowing me to get out of the window of the bus. I learned that if you panic it makes the situation worse. I also learned an important law of nature/universe that "What goes around comes around." Just a good thought to help someone less fortunate with an unselfish mind or just a prayer is enough to get the blessings of that person. As you can see that I never helped anyone in this incident but a car stopped in front of me and offered me a lift without me asking. This is an exciting incident I had in the recent past that made me a better person to handle such situations in the future God forbid and taught me a new lesson in life. Anyway, now I have the pleasure of boarding the office nodal transport vehicle that picks me up from house and drops me directly at office. Thank you God.

Valentine's Day.

February 14th is coming close, and it will bring the day of love with it. Most of the lovers are already planning for the day. What gift to give, where to meet, what to do to make the day more romantic than any other day? This seems to be the most important day for lovers. They all wait for this day, and can think of nothing but how to please their beloved. It is recorded that business of jewelery takes a big jump during February. So does the business of flowers, candies and cards. Every other gift that can be thought of is bought across most of the countries of the world and is sent to the beloved. Wow! However, I am still not convinced why Valentine’s Day should be given so much importance, especially in India. I may be wrong however I would like to write my heart out. One of the reasons may be, I do not agree with this modern trend of having a girlfriend. I wonder what the significance of marriage is if you already have a girlfriend. And if you have a girlfriend then why don't you marry her.

Some of my friends take pride in showing off their beautiful girlfriend on Valentine’s Day. Going on a date with them and having a good time together. Wow! They must be loving each other so much. I wish their love last forever. However my wish only lasts for a short time, forget forever as I see them with another partner the next Valentine’s Day. I want to know what the value of love is. Should love and true love be differentiated?

I believe love lasts forever if you believe in it. I believe love is a connection between two souls. And souls are immortal. If your love for someone is intense and true, then the universe will conspire to connect the two souls. However in today’s world the connection is more to do with the body. I have no doubt that everyone has a soul. I have come across many instances where the soul has won over the body. One of my friends grandmother opened her eyes for a few seconds after being in the morgue for three days just to take a glimpse of her daughter or maybe to fulfill the wish of her daughter who was crying profusely as she could not get over her guilt of not taking her mothers wish seriously who was requesting her daughter to come home from US to meet her since a long time. Everyone present was a witness to this incident. I know of an instance where a mother who had promised one of her son who did not have a child for fifteen years that she would take birth again as their child. And that is exactly what happened as they got a girl child after a year of her death and the child actually talks just like his mother at a tender age. So far I have not come across two souls meeting again and again in their lives as lovers but I am sure I will see that happening too. Anyway why am I talking about souls when the topic is about love.

I believe if you truly love your partner then you don’t need a special day to express it. In India we have strong religious customs for marriages that bond the two souls. If you really want a special day to celebrate and express your love to your partner then I think it should be your marriage anniversary. Anyway, to all the lovers in the universe “I wish you all enjoy Valentine’s Day cause any day can be made special as it is only how you make it to be. Happy Valentine’s Day!!!”

Prince of Arabia

Arabia was ruled by a brave and just king. His empire was spread in faraway lands. He had a beautiful queen who he loved a lot. They were blessed with two wonderful children, a son and a daughter. The two children were raised with the best education and training meant for a future king and queen. The prince was very handsome and talented. He had already mastered all the skills required to become a powerful king at a very young age. The prince had also helped his father in winning many battles and became very famous. He had already made his name as a powerful prince and had decided to rule a part of the kingdom that he had conquered with the blessings of his parents. The king and the queen now wanted to get the prince married as they were already receiving many proposals. However, the prince refused to marry. As he was very handsome, many beautiful princesses of neighboring kingdoms had fallen in love with him during his visits to their kingdom and wanted to marry him. Though there was a lot of love in his heart to which the beautiful princesses were attracted to, but he ignored them. This made the king and the queen very upset. However, he assured them that he would surely marry and they trusted him.

The prince believed that the eyes of a person are the door to a person’s soul. He believed that beauty lies in the eyes and soul is the most powerful medium of love. He believed that a beautiful body of the girl would not remain beautiful for long but a beautiful soul will be permanent. He knew in his heart that there was this special girl with whom he had lived many lives together before. He believed that only love is real and love is God. He did not mind waiting for this special girl in this life as their love for each other was inseparable.

He continued his lavish life of a prince though he also lived among the common people of his kingdom as he understood that there is a difference between winning a kingdom and ruling a kingdom. He was very generous to his people and ruled his kingdom well. Some of the princes of the neighboring kingdoms who were his friends consoled him to get married and some even laughed at him as they were already married or enjoying their life with many princesses. The prince just thanked them for their wishes. He always felt the presence of his special girl around. She was like an angel guiding him and taking good care of him. He knew that she was waiting for him somewhere and was always praying for his well being.

To ‘Ranthambore’ with ‘Junglelore’.

Ranthambore National Park. The park, which is supposed to be one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. Park's abandoned fortress, lakes and above all it's `friendly' tigers have made it one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world. What I found so special about this Park is the way history and forest have come together to create an amazing landscape not seen in many places. And I had this opportunity to view this wonderful gift of nature for the first time.

Wow! What a vacation I have had. I had just been to Himachal Pradesh with my family and had fallen in love with nature. I remained awestruck by the magnificent array of snow-clad mountains of Himalayas and just adored the beautiful tall trees and the cute rabbits. However, now I was home again, after being so close to Heaven. I was so much fascinated by the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh that I just could not think of traveling to any other place for some time. However, I realized that I had already made a commitment to travel to another place in just a couple of days. And that place was Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. This being a wildlife sanctuary and the thought that I was going to be close to nature again thrilled me and gave me all the energy to be there. I packed my bag once again and left for a wonderful wild adventure. The name of the tour organization was ‘Junglelore’. So there I was at Bombay Central railway station, all set for the tour; ‘To Ranthambore with Junglelore’.

This was the first time I was traveling with ‘Junglelore’ so I did not know many people in the group. I met the tour organizer at the railway station. His name was Kaustubh. He was a very nice person, whose love for animals was tremendous. Our train left Bombay at 5.00 pm. I got to know a few people in the train and made new friends. We all had a good time. We reached Rajasthan in the afternoon and alighted at Sawai Madhopur railway station. The moment I stepped out of the train I felt the hot breeze on my face. I realized that I was living my life on the extremes as the climate change from 5 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees was melting all the snow I had collected over the last two weeks in Himachal Pradesh. But the excitement of once again being close to nature gave me a boost of energy and kept me on my toes. An open truck called a canter was waiting for us outside the railway station to take us to the resort.

We reached the resort and were greeted in a traditional style with a tilak and a garland of flowers around our neck. The resort was very beautiful. It had row houses with four rooms each and a beautiful garden. It also had a small swimming pool to cool off. It served good food and was a wonderful place to stay on a holiday. I did not have to go far for doing some bird watching as there were some amazing birds that had made the garden their home. We were 20 of us, with 2 people staying in each room. I had a lilliput as a room partner. His name was Shorjo. I was never able to pronounce his name correctly. He was so huge that he could blow away Gulliver in one breath. He was a martial arts expert. When we were not on a wild safari, he would teach me different self defense techniques. I don’t remember the name of the martial art that he was learning, but he told me that it was a ‘maar ke likal jaaneka’ types. So I considered myself very lucky as our fights would not last long. He was my punching bag, quiet a hard one. He taught me a 1 inch punch. Cool! I was beginning to feel so powerful.

On the first day we had our lunch and left for an early evening safari. All the others except me and Shorjo had their high definition cameras with them. I never knew wildlife photography was so exciting. On the first day itself we were lucky to sight a leopard, which was quiet a rare sight at Ranthambore as it is considered to be a solitary animal. My friends made the most of the opportunity and clicked as many pictures as possible. We spent a lot of time admiring the leopard, which was resting in front of a rocky cave and so we did not have much time to see the tiger as it was getting dark. But we did see a few sambars and deers grazing. Everyone was thrilled to have seen the leopard and showed off their pictures at the resort. We were having fun near the swimming pool and my friend Shorjo threw me in the swimming pool. He is so powerful that I just could not resist. Little did he know that I had my new phone in my pocket. I am surprised that my phone is still working as fine as it was before it took a dive in the swimming pool.

It was a new day, a new beginning. All was set for a morning safari. A canter was waiting for us at the entrance of the resort. There were three new faces of little children to be seen in the canter. It did not take time for us to become friends. We saw a beautiful tigress resting after a heavy meal as we saw a sambar carcass lying next to the tigress. After a short nap we saw the tigress cross the road. However, it chose to stop right in front of a jeep, as if to say that I this is my jungle and you can only move ahead if I want you to. This was an opportunity of a lifetime for the people in the jeep to click some amazing close up snaps of the tigress. We saw this same beautiful tigress on most of our safaris. While the others were busy taking pictures of the tigress, I was busy looking right through her eyes and admired her beauty as I had fallen in love with her.

The next day a few of us went to see the Ranthambore fort and a few chose to go on a safari. This fort stood majestically atop a hill overlooking the entire park. The view of the surrounding kept getting better and better as we went up but the view from the fort itself can only be described as breathtaking. We could also see the beautiful lake from the fort. There were different Mahals leading to the main fort. One of them was the Dulha Mahal. I was searching for the Dulhan Mahal but could not find one. At the far end of the fort there was a Ganesh Mandir. I was told that this Mandir was very famous among the locals and many flock to take the blessings of Lord Ganesha. We too took the Lords blessings. Outside the Mandir, a few meters away we heard some jazzy local music. I got enchanted by the music and tried a few dance steps which I thought would be close to the local dance. But all the langur’s started staring at me. Probably it was a mismatch. Anyway, we had a lot of fun at the Ranthambore fort.

A few of my friends chose to go for a wild safari as they had already seen the fort on their earlier trip. However, they returned dejected as they could not see a single tiger. Not even the tigress they had seen so many times on the previous occasions. Little did they know that the tigress had come searching for her love at the fort. After all the meaning of my name ‘Shardul’ is ‘a tiger’.

Among all the animals at Ranthambore, my favorite was the peacock. There were so many of them that people just ignored them. I found the peacock to be the most attractive and beautiful among all the others. The tiger was the second best for me. I don’t understand why the peacock has to do so much nakhra to impress the peahen. I think the peahen must learn some dance steps to impress the peacock. Don’t you think so? Don’t worry peacock, you have got the attention of my eyes so you have to be the best. From now on just spread your feathers in front of a camera and let the peahens do all the dancing to impress you.

I would also like to talk about the two amazing guides who accompanied us on all the safaris, without whom it would have been impossible to view so many animals. They knew the park so well. One was Raheez Bhai and the other was Saad Bhai. Raheez Bhai was more experienced of the two and was also the driver of out canter. He had a lot of attraction towards foreign women. He had a comment to make whenever a jeep carrying a foreign woman passed by. He had more than 20 years of experience at the park and had a lot of knowledge about animals and their movement in the park. He had the ability to sense the next move of the animal and took the canter to the exact spot from where the view of the animal would be the best. Saad Bhai was also a good guide and had more knowledge about birds than animals. He was a little more polished than Raheez Bhai. However, Raheez Bhai was my man. He had freaking guts and the drive to just do it.

During our stay at the resort we were invited by Raheez Bhai at his house for dinner. He had a beautiful house, a beautiful wife and beautiful children and most importantly a big heart. There were about 20 of us, but he had made sure that each one of us had a hearty meal. Of course the credit also goes to his wife and children who had prepared the food. This was the best food I had at Rajasthan. We had mutton curry, chicken curry, fish pulav, dal bati and what not. Dal bati was also amazing. First I though the bati to be a vada and was searching for a pav but was later told that this was bati and this is a famous vegetarian dish in Rajasthan. We had a good time at Raheez Bhai’s house. My cute little friend Rani showed off some classical dance steps but they were just for my eyes as she was a little shy to perform in front of a large audience. And what a dancer she was. I too tried to loosen my vocal chords and sung a few songs. However, the star of the night was my friend Shorjo the Lilliput. He was so put to the swing that he would not allow anyone else to sit on it. He narrated some phrases in Bengali language which were truly inspiring. He also sang a few songs. He is a very emotional person and I could feel the emotions coming out of his heart through his choice of songs. I wished his voice was as clear as his heart. As we had a hard time figuring out whether he was singing or narrating the songs. Some of my friends had a hard time controlling their emotions. I hope he does some Riyaaz before he sings the next time.

After having a wonderful time at Raheez Bhai’s house, he took us for a night safari. Though we were not going deep in the forest, the thought that we were going for a night safari excited me. Raheez Bhai fulfilled my dream as I had always dreamt of going on a night safari. We did see a few animals. The first animal we saw was a cute bunny rabbit, my favorite. Or should I say a wild hare. He hopped away the moment we flashed the light on him. So as to say ‘hey I get wilder at night so don’t disturb me’. Then a few meters ahead we saw a sambar. We took a halt near a bench. Raheez Bhai told us some of his experiences at the park. He also told us that a leopard can mate with a tigress if the tigress is willing. Way to go. Where there is a will there is a way. In this case I was able to figure out the will but I am still not convinced about the way. Anyway it is for the tigress and the leopard to decide.

Another amazing day had passed by and I woke up the next day with a heavy heart as it was the last day of our tour. The last day was in fact the best day of our tour. We got to see a lot of animals that day. The journey was almost coming to an end and I once again had the opportunity to meet my wild love. There she was cooling off in a water hole. All my friends were overjoyed to see the tigress from such a close distance. The distance between our canter and the tigress was just 10 feet. I just could not take my eyes off her. We also saw some beautiful birds around the lake. I am not a wildlife expert so I don’t know the names of all the birds but there were a variety of them and in large numbers. We saw some beautiful parakeets perched on a branch of a tree, some storks and many more beautiful birds. It was an amazing sight at the lake side as the sun was just about to set and light to view and photograph these animals and birds was perfect. I did not have a good camera but I will surely carry a good one the next time.

On the way out of the park I was on an election campaign. My mission was to get the maximum votes from the animals I loved so much. The symbol of my party was the paw of the tiger. So there I was standing tall on the seat of the canter and waiving out to the animals and asking for their valuable votes. I am sure to win as the animals do recognize true love. So these were the wonderful memories I cherished at the Ranthambore National Park.

I met many new friend and the youngest of them all were the three Musketeers. They were the three cute kids that I met on the safaris. They had come to Ranthambore with their respective mothers. I met a cute little girl who was the youngest of the three, her brother and his friend. They joined us at a later date. The bonding between us was so good that we just wanted to be on the safaris together. One of my friend who has a good connection with the animals once asked me how I could tolerate the kids on a wildlife safari with friends. My friend the only reason why the animals are able to connect with you so well is because the animals only understand the language of love. They are able to see the love in your heart and hence connect with you so well. I am also an animal as my name suggests. I have this wonderful ability to make a connection with the clear hearted. To be honest with you I did find it a little awkward. However, I firmly believe that you can only make a living by what you get, but you can make a life by what you give. Hence my heart just surrendered to them.

Our journey came to an end and the time had come to say goodbye to Ranthambore National Park. All of us packed our bags and assembled at the entrance of the resort. We clicked a few group snaps and proceeded towards the canter. On my way to the canter I heard a cute voice calling me through the darkness as it was late in the evening. There they were. My three Musketeers. I could not figure out how they landed there as they were leaving the next day. Before I could speak they just came and hugged me. I almost had tears in my eyes. They wanted me to join them on their next tour to Ladakh with Junglelore. I don’t know if I will be able to make it but my heart will always be with them.

We took the train back to Bombay with loads of wonderful memories. We had lots of fun in the train and reached Bombay the next day. Wow! What a trip this was. To ‘Ranthambore’ with ‘Junglelore’. Unforgettable!

Hurray! I have won the election and the animals have made me their best choice. I got the maximum votes from the peacocks and the tigers. A big thank you to all the animals at Ranthambore National Park. Thanks to the peacocks, the birds, the sambars, the deers, the tigers and the cute bunny rabbit.
I love you all!!!

Shardul P

Goddess of Love- My Mother

The end of the rainy season coincides with the beginning of the auspicious festival of Navratri. All that I know is that Navratri festival is dedicated to Mother Goddesses Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati. Together they are responsible for the creation of the world according to the ancient Hindu scriptures.

Like during all festivals, the atmosphere in my house is all set to celebrate the festivals well in advance. During this time of the year it is celebration time again after the celebration of Ganpati festival that we enjoyed so much, as it is Navratri time. And the main person behind the festive atmosphere, the enthusiasm and the preparation is none other than the Goddess herself- my Mother. Since this is a festival dedicated to Mother Goddess, I would like to talk about my Mother.

My Mother is the most beautiful woman in the world. I see all the qualities of the Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati in her. I thank God from the bottom of my heart to have chosen her to be my Mother and I wish that I am born to her for eternity. I pray to God that everyone gets a mother as loving as her.

As she does every year my Mother was all set to celebrate Navratri and conduct Puja and rituals as per the Hindu scriptures. She collected all the articles and decorated the house and the Puja room to invite Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati on the first day of Navratri and will not be eating the whole day. Shame on me I cannot stay without food for even three hours. What to do the crows start crowing in my stomach. However, she strictly asked me to be a vegetarian for nine days. I have agreed to that just to please her as you see she is my Goddess.

When I came home I was amazed with what I saw. On the main door there was a huge garland of orange flowers. The house had the fragrance of Sandalwood and I felt blessed the moment I entered my house. I just could not stop my hands join together and I bowed to pray. The first thought that came to my mind was 'God please fulfill all my Mother’s dreams'. And I don't know if I am being selfish as I know in my heart that her dreams coincide with mine. The amount of love, devotion that she had put in creating the divine atmosphere and in setting up the shrine is without doubt astonishing.

The shrine consists of photos of Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati decorated with flowers and garland. In front of them there is a big hollow plate covered with a decorative cloth and filled with mud. In that plate seeds are sown and for nine day we will be watching new seeds sprout - a sign of prosperity and abundance as per the Hindu scriptures. On top of the plate I see two earthen covered with a silk cloth which looks like a bottom half of a saree. The pots are filled with water and immersed with betel leaves. On top of the pots and betel leaves I see two coconuts with a tikka of haldi and kumkum covered with a decorated cloth and Gajra made out of yellow flowers. In the middle of the two pots I see a garland of orange flowers and betel leaves attached to a hook a meter above. A lamp is kept in front of the shrine that will be burning continuously for nine days. Such was the sight of the shrine that my Mother created. We will be praying at this holy shrine for nine days.

As I mentioned earlier it is my Mother who is a Goddess for me. I thank my mother for all the values and good habit that she has inculcated in me. I remember when I was in school; she would not even allow me to say ‘Baap’ while mentioning someone’s father as she thought it was disrespectful which I now find funny. I still cannot say that word. If I have to say it I pronounce it as 'Baab'. Like how the American's pronounce the name 'Bob'. I thank her for all the love she has given me and will always strive to make her proud. Thank you Mom! I love you!


Shardul P