New Year. New Resolutions. New promises to oneself. New dreams.
Or are you short of them?
Well if you are short of them... Then may you find many new dreams this year tucked under your pillow!:) and may you live them every day when the sun shines over your head!
May you be grateful for what you have...may you see what you possess..may you cherish what you deserve and have!
Some of the things you may want to do this year-
- Go for a complete health check up. If you feel tired most of the time you must get your sugar and thyroid checked.
- Try your hands on some physical exercises
- Try Yoga, Swimming for fun
- Listen to a lot of music. Sing along. Learn the lyrics by heart.
- Pick up a musical instrument.
- Join a dance class
- Read those books you have been buying and meaning to read within an hour of purchase.
- Learn to drive if you can't or don't drive out of fear. You can always start late.
- Try your hands in adventure sports.
- Try your hands in politics, activism...after all its active participation in politics that will change this country and this world for better.
- Fall in love. If you feel unloved and feel the need to be passionately in love. Do it now. You are never too old for a somersault.
- Travel. All that money you have been saving for all sorts of things. Spend some of it on Travelling. Back pack Europe. Travel to Africa. Check out North and South America.
- Begin your travel from India. Travel North. Travel North East. Travel East. Travel West and Travel South.
- Learn to manage money (Some of old SDA dudes will teach you their tricks soon)
- And MOST OF ALL
REST
If you don't sleep well, eat well and have a high play quotient then you could be in trouble. Your fatigue could be generating from lack of fun. REST well. Find a day, a month and also a year when you'll stay relaxed. If you plan its do-able. Your play and relaxation time will protect you from stress and burn out.
How time flies! My Anubha is now a young lady. It is time for
her to leave home and embark on a grand journey. She is all set to leave Nagpur to pursue her future education.
Today St. Xavier’s first list will be announced. I am experiencing mixed
and weird feelings of anxiety, curiosity, happiness, anticipation and
depression. I have been experiencing a fear of loneliness. There is hitherto unknown worry about her security. With such a turmoil
in my mind and heart I am waiting for 4pm. That is when the result will be out online.
So many
years have come and gone. Today I feel reflective. Both of us coordinated so well. We
shared all our thoughts irrespective of whether the other will appreciate it or
not. Speaking strictly for me I always felt she would definitely understand me. This bond was devoid of
the fear of punishment. It was if anything gentle
and tender respect. Will I be able to live without her??? Why am I even entertaining this
thought when I know that this separation is unavoidable? when I know it is required
for her future? for her successful career? We have brought up our girls to be fiercely independant. This is our chosen path. The seperation is inevitable. Now who will navigate Alok and me during our emotional hours? Once our
children grow up they pamper us so much, ensure that all our requirements are
fulfilled. Should I say she spoiled me and now time wants me to survive without
a vital part of my life? Will the nature heal the pain of the hour? I cannot imagine my life
without my baby Anubha(though she corrects me sometimes when I call her my baby infront of her friends). From the darling child to the culinary expert. I will miss all the tasty dishes made by her. We are
blessed to have a daughter who is a born cook. There is magic in her
hands. Alok calls her goddess Annapoorna. What can I say about her?My child is
next to perfect. She is life personified. With her around life is full of beauty,laughter, smiles, enthusiasm,
intelligence, love, care, emotions, spunk and honesty. She is my angel in disguise.
I woke up from my sleep at mid night
and had all the memories and prophecies bumping into each other. All those
nights when I used to remain awake. All those nights when I would sleep next to her. There were so many fearful nights when my eyes would stay wide open to ensure that she was fine. Nights of prayers that her temperature should come down. And then there were nights when I would see her sleep in peace and wonder what her dreams were made of.
My little baby had cried so much on her first day to school (those few hours of seperation were killing for both of us on those first few days) but now she is
gearing up for separation for three years.
And I can't help but remember how she used to wait for me to
reach home and play with her, finish my household chores and spend time with
her. Will she be able to get a friend like me in a strange city? Will she be able to unfold
her thoughts or will they pass on unsaid? My baby's favourite gift had always been a tight
hug and few pampering lines. She gave me all the reasons to get through the next
day, to cook, to decorate the house, to shop and stay alive. During my hard
days she would wrap her little arms around me and say everything would be
alright.
I thank God for sending her
to my life. At this moment when she must be going through her own whirlwind of emotions she is giving me the strength to marvel at life. My baby just know wherever you go my love and blessings will always be with you.
Go fly! But when the day is done... and the work can wait...do come back home! We'll be waiting!
Arunima Banerjee is from ICSE 89-90 batch. Her Second daughter Anubha will now be off to college outside Nagpur. She had shared missing her elder daugher with her friends personally. Departure of the younger child from home is a very painful experience for mothers and parents. Wishing Arunima's daughters Esha and Anubha a grand journey...a big one ...as big as Arunima's.
My childhood friend Misti's writing in this edition got my attention! And as I was going through Misti's intense write up I thought its about time we gently ponder over why most people don't write? Are most people scared of intense feelings? or are they scared of the grammer of a language? or are they just scared to address emotions as the treasure house for good literature? With Misti's write up in my hand I thought if this is possible in an alumni magazine then we must ask for more!
Moda Saiyya Mosey Boley Na...
Grab the attention with your first two lines! Simple lines are always better!
Quite like acting! Quite like the MUKHRA of a song! If you study the popular Bollywood songs you'll discover they are just this! Great MUKHRA! Great first few lines! If the lyricist manages to strike gold with the ANTARA (the mid paras) also then woopsy one has a classic!
So I was wondering if some of you who want to write but shy away from writing will write more!:). Begin with what matters the most to you! For instance this song! Listen to it carefully!
Now whats this song all about? What catches your ear is the authenticity of the feeling expressed. 'Mora Saiyyan Mosey Boley na!'. MY beloved doesn't speak to me. A song of loneliness, longing and love. A heart wrenching feeling that has been experienced by most human beings at some point of time or the other.
Now most of the human population has either loved and longed or hoped to love and long. The all night wait of a lover for his/her beloved. A night that feels like Marqez's hundred years of solitude. Many of us have experienced those purple nights. But how many of us are honest enough to say we are terribly lonely? or miss our lover? partner? wife? husband? miserably, ceaselessly, hopelessly? When we write the very obvious honestly, transparently, passionately, tenderly, humanly we have a piece of writing that will be valued.
One of my favourite songs is Leonard Cohen's Anthem- Ring the bell that still can ring, Forget the perfect offering, there is a crack in everything....thats how the light gets in!
Isn't that lovely? I will always envy Cohen!! I wish I could write something like that!
Many of us have often felt that this world is a dreary, drab and boring place. And then again sometimes found it a lil too adventurous! Most of us hate wars, riots, discrimination, fundamentalism! You might have wondered whether any protest is really worth the cause! I have! And that it is better to just chill out! Stay away from all troubles! But then Cohen's lines RING THE BELL THAT STILL CAN RING...
And we all know you can't write those lines suddenly one day! Yes the inspiration will come like that! One fine day! Out of the Blue! But years of living the real life, expressing, feeling, thinking, letting go of one self, writing, practice, language training, faux pas, holding hands will lead us to that day of magic!!
As I read Misti's write up on her daughter...I could only say WOW! How much courage and love it must have taken her to write that piece! Saying Au Revoir to one's daughter...
So lets write! We were trained to express! We were encouraged to use our emotional vocabulary along with the rational one!!! So lets grow and express in all possible ways! Pick up! Pick up that pen!! Or better still...hit those keysss...and Forget the perfect offering...there is a crack in everything...and thats how the light gets in! Let the light shine on your keyboards and pen...let the light come in...
This is the first time I am writing a piece for my old school mates. You ofcourse understand this is important to me. Something I think is significant for all of us.
I participated in a ramp walk - An initiative by Times of India and MSD at DLF Emporio mall, Vasant kunj delhi. This was on the 30th June 2012. The idea behind the ramp was to promote the vaccination for cervical cancer. The tag line for the same was Meri beti Meri duty. All the participants where asked to make a placard writing something about the importance of this vaccination.The green ribbon was used as a symbol of support. The fashion show that was organised to create awareness had its theme as green as well-
I write this for my daughters and sons around the world. Please know a few things about the cervical cancer-
Every 7 Minutes one Indian woman dies of CERVICAL CANCER.
Cervical cancer is most prevalent cancer amongst indian women. However, very few are aware of it.
Cervical cancer is mostly misunderstood to be back or spine related. However, one's spine is fine here.
Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix ie the opening of the utreus. When the cells on the cervix begin to grow abnormally and sometimes if they are not treated, they can become cancerous.
Cervical cancer is caused by Human Papiloma Virus or the HPV virus. As your little daughter turns into a teenager she might be at the risk of HPV infection. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease.
HPV stays in the body for a long time and if not cleared may develop into cervical cancer in prime of a woman's life. Cervical cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages and hence prevention and early detection against cervical cancer is very essential.
In a country like ours where women's health is neglected this vaccination introduced by MSD can prove to be a boon to our health. So mothers spread awareness!
Be aware of the big difference between inspired action and activity. Activity comes from the brain-mind and is rooted in disbelief and lack of faith - you are taking action to "make" your desire happen. Inspired action is allowing the law to work through you and to move you.
Activity feels hard. Inspired action feels wonderful... Liberating"
This is a maxim that I've truly believed in, and it forms the basic crux of my endeavors at all times.
Right from my school days in SDA, where i did my Std. 9th & 10th from, mostly all I did could be termed as "inspired action" without an iota of any pre-meditated thought process or agenda to it.
I guess I just "went with the flow..." be it my involvement with dramatics, singing, writing, academics, and yes... even my crushes and romances.
Well, a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then, but one thing that always remained constant was my sudden bursts of "Inspired Action", which led me to charter a course that eventually merged my Passion with my Profession, and here I am..... An accomplished Music Director, Lyricist, Singer & Voice Artist in Bollywood, with films like Yamla Pagla Deewana, Vaada Raha, Heroes, Khel, Alag, Hum Aake Dil mein Rehte Hain... & more , and almost 3000 Ad Jingles to my credit.
Trust me, my "Inspired Actions" have often led me to discover and experience moments to be cherished for a lifetime.
One such moment was when I spent almost two hours with the Late Superstar Rajesh Khanna, or Kakaji ( as he was best known ) at his Bungalow Aashirwaad, almost a month & a half prior to his sad demise.
It so happened that a well known Film Director, whose next film's Music & Lyrics I am working on, had to meet Kakaji regarding a small cameo in his film. He happened to ask me to come along, an offer I readily accepted on impulse.
On the appointed day, we were taken to his office by his personal manager Sajjad.
An office lined with all the major awards & felicitations of his illustrious career.
I also vividly remembered it being the same office I had seen in the BBC Documentary titled "Bombay Superstar" shot in early seventies... which was broadcast as part the 'Man Alive' series on BBC 2 in 1973. Later repeated in 1982 & as part of the 'Festival of India' that took place that summer in the UK..
This was the same office where British interviewer Jack Pizzey waited along with his team mates for an audience with THE RAJESH KHANNA.
The very recollection of that scene brought goose bumps.
Our wait was shortlived, as Sajjaad took us inside the sprawling living room of Rajesh Khanna, a premises where only privileged few could set foot in.
As we entered, there he was, Kakaji... standing next to an ornate couch, wearing crisp kurta pyjama and a waist coat.
He welcomed us warmly and motioned us to sit down.
I just couldn't believe my eyes. The image of a wiry thin Kakaji in front of me brought in mixed feelings of Awe & utter Shock.
But the glint and twinkle in his eyes was still the same, and when he spoke, he still had the same authority and charisma.
I got formally introduced to him as the Music Director, Singer & Lyricist of the current film, and his encouragement was heartfelt.
Soon, we began exchanging various talks regarding his health, his Ad Film Shoot for Havells Fans, and then we reminisced about his Hit Films and the Stupendous music.
Taking that as a cue, I once again sprang into "Inspired Action"
I asked Kakaji if he would like to hear me sing one of my favorite songs from his films.
Kakaji was visibly so excited by the idea, he immediately asked me to go ahead.
Then the enormity of the situation struck me, that I was about to pay a Live Tribute to the living Legend, Rajesh Khanna, sitting right in front of me, by singing his own song for him.
I looked into his gleaming eyes transfixed upon me, waiting for me to begin..... and begin i did.
I broke into the song "Jeevan Se bhari Teri Aankhein..." from his Hit film Safar... and the huge living room made my voice echo, giving my sonorous
rendition a natural reverb.
Simultaneously, I watched Kakaji thoroughly enjoying my song, gesturing animatedly with his hands, to the rise and fall of the notes and my tonal transitions.
Once i was through, Kakaji genuinely praised my singing, saying that i had such a wonderful voice, i should do more of playback singing, along with music direction.
Believe me, this, coming from him, was nothing short of a Grand Felicitation for me. Just writing about it fills me with such an immense sense of achievement and gratitude.
Then, we talked some more... and inevitably, it was time for us to leave. In fact we even scheduled to meet again soon... ( Which sadly never happened )
I touched Kakaji's feet & took his blessings, paused for a second, wondering if i should get a snap clicked with him.
He noticed my hesitation and asked me what the matter was.
Something within stopped me from going ahead with the request for a snap. Maybe it was the hope of meeting him again.
As I left with the Director... I threw a last glance behind me... and saw Kakaji standing all alone in the huge hall ... watching us leave.
Never once had the thought struck me ..... That this was a Final Good Bye to "The Moghul Of Mohabbat" .... Rajesh Kahnna.
By- Rahul Seth.
Rahul is the music director of Yamla Pagla Deewana amongst many other Bollywood numbers/movies. He DID NOT compose Tinku Jiya. Rahul also sings, writes and sings more! Rahul lives in Mumbai with is wife Anu and daughter Kiara. I remember him for his gift of the gab. He narrated this meeting with Rajesh Khanna to me over a cup of coffee in a buzzing cafe at Andheri West. So I told him here was a subject he could write on for the OSA magazine...for fellow SDA friends. We plan to make him write on such incidents more often from now on.
Sorry about the delay!! Par Der Aaye Durust Aaye!:):)
Its been years we have left SDA. We have our worlds so far from each other's but still there is a string that brings us back to each other. We are in each other's old spaces, memories, music...
Sorry for prying but thats a Khabru's job. We went through some of your Face book albums and picked up what we thought you wouldn't mind sharing. May you capture many moments on camera and in your thoughts. Do notice how across the world old students of SDA often do the same stuff alone and with their families:)
This is Shubharanjan Bagchi's family. The Bagchi family lives in Gurgao, Haryana. Clearly Cycling is a family sport:):). Would presume Shubharanjan used to cycle down to school and back. Albeit not on such a fancy cycle in the school days! Shubharnjan is from 84-85 ICSE batch. Most of us did cycle to school and Dignum! Remember:)
Meet Priyank Saxena's family. Priyank, Gita and daughter Kriti are cycling too:). This family lives in Sanfrancisco, California. Kriti is here a lil too young to cycle. Priyank is from 89-90 batch of ICSE. Several years junior to Shubharanjan!:)
That's Priyank and Kriti again!!
Meet Kriti, Daughter of Priyank Saxena, Batch 1989.
Priyank now has two daughters. In this photograph its Kriti, Gita and baby Ritika:)
Manish Pandey, 89-90 Batch ICSE with daughter Mili in Harihareshwar!
Manish used to love Maths in School. Is an Engineer. So where does he take his daughter for fun!:) Where else? Jantar Mantar.
Mili in Amer
Mili holds the fort
Alexander Sen of 94-95 batch with his daughter Mulan in their backyard. They live in IBRI, Oman.
Shweta bisht and Alex teach English Language in College of Applied Sciences in Oman. In this photo Mulan tries explaining something to her mom without using words:)
Mulan not even two years old yet is a full fledged gardener:).
Far away in San Antonio, Texas lives another Gardener, Ria Chandra. Ria's parents are Sameer Chandra and Nidhi Bagri.
Your Fault Dad!! Why did you show me so many flowers when I was YOUNGER?:)
Dad I'll always take care of your Garden:). Yes Yes We'll See.
I know you...You Look like me...Who are you? I am SDA:):)
Many of us are in our 30s and 40s here! Our parents are old. Some of us have seen them suffer strokes and cardiac attacks.
My father suffered a stroke last week. I learnt a couple of things about stroke and what all can be done for prevention?
Sharing:-
- My father was wobbly for two days. He has suffred a fracture a few years back. We have always believed that the fracture weakened his leg.
- However, both Baba and I gathered that this time there was a neurological deficit.
- We had planned to go to a neurologist.
- On the 1st of June my father tried walking outside a restruant but he was very unstable in his gait.
- It looked that his legs were giving away.
- That evening when I tried waking up from his long siesta he refused to budge.
- For next 40 min my friends and I sprinkled water on his face, called out his name, picked him up and made him sit with support.
- First thing we did was we called up the ambulance and friends with cars.
- If there is a doctor in neighbourhood you must call her/him. I didn't have any.
- My father has diabetes. I didn't give him sugar because he had had a few sweets that afternon. However, if you are in doubt about whether the sugar has dipped or gone up remember HYPO or less sugar is DANGEROUS. Bothe HIGH AND LOW are bad but LOW is VERY BAD. So basically GIVE THAT SUGAR ANYWAYS. Even if the sugar is UP and witn th sugar it goes from 350 to 380 there wouldn't be much of a difference.
The ARTCLE below is from a med journo. Read on-
What is a stroke?
Brain cell function requires a constant delivery of oxygen and glucose from the bloodstream. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Blood flow can be compromised by a variety of mechanisms. Blockage of an artery
Narrowing of the small arteries within the brain can cause a lacunar stroke, (lacune means "empty space"). Blockage of a single arteriole can affect a tiny area of brain causing that tissue to die (infarct).
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the brain. There are four major blood vessels that supply the brain with blood. The anterior circulation of the brain that controls most motor activity, sensation, thought, speech, and emotion is supplied by the carotid arteries. The posterior circulation, which supplies the brainstem and the cerebellum, controlling the automatic parts of brain function and coordination, is supplied by the vertebrobasilar arteries.
If these arteries become narrow as a result of atherosclerosis, plaque or cholesterol, debris can break off and float downstream, clogging the blood supply to a part of the brain. As opposed to lacunar strokes, larger parts of the brain can lose blood supply, and this may produce more symptoms than a lacunar stroke.
Embolism to the brain from the heart. In some instances blood clots can form within the heart and the potential exists for them to break off and travel (embolize) to the arteries in the brain and cause a stroke. Rupture of an artery (hemorrhage)
Cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain substance). The most common reason to have bleeding within the brain is uncontrolled high blood pressure. Other situations include aneurysms that leak or rupture or arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in which there is an abnormal collection of blood vessels that are fragile and in bleed.
What causes a stroke?
Blockage of an artery
The blockage of an artery in the brain by a clot (thrombosis) is the most common cause of a stroke. The part of the brain that is supplied by the clotted blood vessel is then deprived of blood and oxygen. As a result of the deprived blood and oxygen, the cells of that part of the brain die and the part of the body that it controls stops working. Typically, a cholesterol plaque in a small blood vessel within the brain that has gradually caused blood vessel narrowing ruptures and starts the process of forming a small blood clot.
Risk factors for narrowed blood vessels in the brain are the same as those that cause narrowing blood vessels in the heart and heart attack (myocardial infarction). These risk factors include:
Embolic stroke
Another type of stroke may occur when a blood clot or a piece of atherosclerotic plaque (cholesterol and calcium deposits on the wall of the inside of the heart or artery) breaks loose, travels through the bloodstream and lodges in an artery in the brain. When blood flow stops, brain cells do not receive the oxygen and glucose they require to function and a stroke occurs. This type of stroke is referred to as an embolic stroke. For example, a blood clot might originally form in the heart chamber as a result of an irregular heart rhythm, such as occurs inatrial fibrillation. Usually, these clots remain attached to the inner lining of the heart, but occasionally they can break off, travel through the blood stream, form a plug (embolism) in a brain artery, and cause a stroke. An embolism can also originate in a large artery (for example, the carotid artery, a major artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain) and then travel downstream to clog a small artery within the brain.
Cerebral hemorrhage
A cerebral hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. A cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) causes stroke symptoms by depriving blood and oxygen to parts of the brain in a variety of ways. Blood flow is lost to some cells. As well, blood is very irritating and can cause swelling of brain tissue (cerebral edema). Edema and the accumulation of blood from a cerebral hemorrhage increases pressure within the skull and causes further damage by squeezing the brain against the bony skull further decreasing blood flow to brain tissue and cells.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
In a subarachnoid hemorrhage, blood accumulates in the space beneath the arachnoid membrane that lines the brain. The blood originates from an abnormal blood vessel that leaks or ruptures. Often this is from an aneurysm (an abnormal ballooning out of the wall of the vessel). Subarachnoid hemorrhages usually cause a sudden, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, light intolerance, and a stiff neck. If not recognized and treated, major neurological consequences, such as coma, and brain death may occur.
Vasculitis
Another rare cause of stroke is vasculitis, a condition in which the blood vessels become inflamed causing decreased blood flow to brain tissue.
Migraine headache
There appears to be a very slight increased occurrence of stroke in people with migraine headache. The mechanism for migraine or vascular headaches includes narrowing of the brain blood vessels. Some migraine headache episodes can even mimic stroke with loss of function of one side of the body or vision or speech problems. Usually, the symptoms resolve as the headache resolves.
.JPG)
