tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55458890021341142582024-03-12T16:35:58.358-07:00life is full of experiencesPreetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-25384621866477226322011-07-15T12:54:00.000-07:002011-07-15T12:54:27.066-07:00Empty hand we go...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tl6NVvkFigk/TiCapETr2TI/AAAAAAAAKZU/qJxqrH_xk2c/s1600/India_Trip+137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tl6NVvkFigk/TiCapETr2TI/AAAAAAAAKZU/qJxqrH_xk2c/s400/India_Trip+137.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ne of life’s ultimate truth - we come into this world empty hand and we depart empty hand. So why do we struggle all of lives hording materialistic possessions that we cannot take? Read the below story and share your thoughts in the comment section.<br />
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<i>Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence.</i><br />
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<i>He now longed to reach home to see his mother's face and bid her his last adieu. But, he had to accept the fact that his sinking health would not permit Him to reach his distant homeland. So,The mighty conqueror lay prostrate and pale, helplessly waiting to breathe his last. He called his generals and said, "I will depart from this world soon, I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail." With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide by their king's last wishes.</i><br />
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<i>“My first desire is that," said Alexander, " My physicians alone must carry my coffin." After a pause, he continued, “Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected in my treasury.</i><br />
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<i>“The king felt exhausted after saying this. He took a minute's rest and continued. "My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept dangling out of my coffin."</i><br />
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<i>The people who had gathered there wondered at the king's strange wishes. But no one dare bring the question to their lips. Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. “O king, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled.</i><br />
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<i>But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?"</i><br />
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<i>At this Alexander took a deep breath and said: “I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure anybody.They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let no people take life for granted.</i><br />
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<i>The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that not even a fraction of gold will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is a sheer waste of time to chase wealth.</i><br />
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<i>And about my third wish of having my hands dangling out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty handed into this world and empty handed I go out of this world." With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him and breathed his last. . . . . </i><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Now close your eyes and ponder on this; take a deep breath and talk to your inner self; do you have an answer for my question? The truth is “letting go” is hardest. Letting go of once grudge, greed, angry, jealous, hate, love, and all worldly tenure are almost impossible. I said <i>almost</i>; NOT impossible. Gautama Buddha left his family and wealth for a great journey we all read and talk about today. But the knowledge that soul gained during this journey is his alone to keep. I am not suggesting we all leave our family and meditate under a tree (nor anything is wrong with that!). Truth is life is a ticking bomb. Yours and mine will explode eventually –What is your plan with the time you left with? Don't let death bed teach you lessons of life.<br />
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</div>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-74755454044371631072009-10-09T11:51:00.001-07:002010-04-29T12:24:33.797-07:00Reliving childhood days“All aboard” screeched my four year old son and “choo choo choo” they voyage into the world of imaginative play. They circled every room in our home making stops here and there. Little did they know that their expedition dragged me along into my childhood days two decades ago. As the choo choo sound starts to dissipate, I find myself running and screaming along with my cousins, passing by the coconut trees, sifting through paddy fields, into the wide open blue sky. I still vividly remember every little prank we participated; every little escapade we embarked on; every little brawl we had; every little path we roamed; and every little tears we shed while separating. Summer vacations at my grandma’s home will always be a shrine of my childhood memories….an abode where my imagination were nurtured and encouraged.<br /><br />Grandma stocked up the cupboards with buckets (yes! I said buckets ) of goodies for all her grand kids. Three buckets of athrasa and three buckets of chakuli to be precise. And those filled buckets of snacks would be emptied by us in less than a month. Is'nt it amazing to eat buckets of sweets and deep-fried junks in less than a month and still be skinny? That’s the magic of childhood. Grandma had furniture made out of bamboo sticks. We converted those chairs into auto rickshaws / train/ bus and dragged it around everywhere on the concrete verandah. Within two years (two summer vacations) those chairs were completely destroyed. Thinking about it today, I cannot comprehend why grandma didn’t stop us? Why didn’t she admonish us? Did she not heed for that furniture?<br /><br />As I immerse myself with these notions, a loud cry puts me back to the reality. My kids were belligerent as usual after an hour of cheerful play. And I am back again in the never ending loop of what happened, who did it, who is the culprit and the punishment. PUNISHMENT -which I never received as a rowdy child; now trying to discipline my kids to behave well – how incongruous is that? As my kids hit the bed that night, I am restless with many questions echoing in my mind. Why grandma didn’t punish us for breaking her furniture? What is her message behind this gesture? Would I do the same thing if I were her?<br /><br />As a kid I was a tomboy. I have done many notorious pranks that will easy exceed encyclopedia if I even begin to pen down. I don’t remember ever being punished for that. Then why do I punish my kids if they go wild. “Don’t” and “No” are the words in my dictionary to respond to their every prank. “Don’t jump on the puddle, you will get dirt” I said to my kids … imagine coming from me …a kid who soaked herself in mud while playing in the paddy fields. Oh how I enjoyed playing in the field getting all wet and dirt, don’t my kids deserve getting their feet and hand wet in that puddle?<br /><br />Reminiscing about my own childhood has brought so much positive change in me. I may never be like my grandma, allowing my kids to go wild ripping the furniture (or may be I will allow it for my grandkids, may be I will reap that much patience at that age), but I did learn to tone down and allow my kids to go crazy occasionally. I join their crazy fiesta sometimes too. I realize that imagination and discipline don’t go hand in hand. Imaginative kids are wild, exploring and experimenting life. I have no rights to discipline their creative play; I can only make sure they don’t get hurt while exploring, just like Grandma did. May be Grandma was reliving her childhood by allowing us play auto rickshaw with her furniture and now it’s my turn to nourish my kids imaginative play.Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-34137358093928090152009-05-14T10:35:00.000-07:002009-05-14T10:56:23.459-07:00Peace to your soul Gift<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VQRCM_aoAwY/SgxXkT7QGOI/AAAAAAAADxc/DZFh5GRldTY/s1600-h/gift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335735939862894818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VQRCM_aoAwY/SgxXkT7QGOI/AAAAAAAADxc/DZFh5GRldTY/s320/gift.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">G</span>ift, a Nigerian native, sat next to me during the Christmas Lunch organized by our company last year. We introduced ourselves and our conversation sprouted to weather in general. He said Texas’s sultry weather is nothing he can’t handle. It was even bad in Nigeria for him growing up. Gift job requires him to travel a lot. I hardly get to see him in the office. I saw him couple of weeks ago and we exchanged a polite greet smile. I never knew I would be seeing him for the last time. Gift passed away a week ago leaving all of us at the office mentally deranged. Gift was returning home after work when he got involved in a fatal accident and died on spot. All of us in the office who knew him well shed tears. My prayers to Gift’s wife and family as they go through this difficult phase of period in their lives. May Gift’s soul rest in peace.<br /><br />Gift’s dead has ignited a changed prospect to life among many at my office. V called her husband, who is traveling on business, to come back home safe. She said I love you very much to her husband. S is traveling India all of a sudden for two weeks. S wants to see his parents and all his relatives in India. He confessed to me that Gift’s dead has attributed to his sudden travel plans. Everyone in the office is getting their procrastinate tasks’ done. As much as we hurts to see someone depart so sudden, it was always a harsh reminder that our granted Life is short and unpredictable.<br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify">Kiss and hug your family every day, forgive and forget old hurtful memories, call a friend whom you've been wanting to talk, reschedule your hectic busy life to spend it on little things that makes you happy. LIVE LIFE LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW. We never know when our time on this earth is up. </div>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-23965894846080136062009-04-09T05:28:00.000-07:002009-04-10T13:52:02.104-07:00Simple moments<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VQRCM_aoAwY/Sd-SmXwJ_tI/AAAAAAAADg8/nlNRv0zKS5M/s1600-h/3428991312_871115c54c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323134472483897042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VQRCM_aoAwY/Sd-SmXwJ_tI/AAAAAAAADg8/nlNRv0zKS5M/s320/3428991312_871115c54c.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">S</span>imple moments of life are such a joyous occurrence isn’t it? Mike my colleague at work, swing by my cube yesterday, to show a photo on his cell phone. His 2 year grandson dozed off on his chest with Mike wrapped his arm around him securely. Mike was the happiest man in our office that day. Thanks Mike for sharing that precious picture with me. I am honored. Simple moments of that sort make our life priceless isn’t it? I couldn't help but wonder how fortunate Mike was to have his Cell phone camera handy to capture that priceless moment. We all have such moments in our life ... sometimes we are lucky enough to capture it on film and sometimes we don’t have access to such technology to freeze those moments. I am displaying one of my son's such simple moment in this blog. My son, who was two years old that time, wore his dad's shoe and glove and was busy pretending to work as a gardener. I was fortunate to have my camera handy to snap it. I have several of such moments captured on films and several of such moments missed...Alas!</p><p>Talking more on missed moments, ever since I started working I have been missing such moments of my kids.... a definite down side of working mother. Hectic work and tensions in general sometimes blind me to realize and savor such simple things. It happened to me recently. I came home after combating a tiring long day and a frustrating traffic only to find a surprise waiting for me. My daughter took me to her room to show her drawings. She loves to draw and color. There were some drawing on the board and to my strenuous eyes I didn’t find anything special about those drawing. Click on the video below and see if you can find anything special about it. (Please write your answer in the comment section )</p><p align="center"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyfn0t5GoCzX6z9fQsgX565i-z-cl9ydciikp6AwbaXTc_X2VjbTlbap9k2itZKhmq27-mT4-2iMxugiQba6w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p align="left">My daughter explained me what those marking were. She is a little girl with big imagination. It was a moment of " WOW... she is growing up". A simple moment ... I will never forget and a gentle concern that those joyous moments are happening right in front of us and we are too busy to notice them.</p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left"> </p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-89482000153120375872009-03-19T06:06:00.000-07:002009-03-19T06:15:40.533-07:00Kidnappers’ Policy - by AV KrishnamurthyI am very thankful to my Uncle for giving his permission to publish this hilarious and wonderfully written skit by him. Enjoy!<br />-<br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Insurance companies such as Bajaj Allianz, Tata AIG, ICICI Lombard and HDFC Chubb have introduced the kidnappers’ policy with some even providing psychological counseling in the event of abduction. Hundreds of industrialists and high net-worth individuals are said to be coming forward to take such policies in UP, Bihar and northeastern states.<br /><br />The policies have been introduced by the insurance companies to protect the businessmen against loss in case of kidnap of their kith and kin. But businessmen are after all businessmen! They always mean business and nothing else! They are reported to be denying the kidnappers their genuine claims! So much so that a smart BPO chief, in his attempt to save money for his father-in-law’s insurance company, even duped a genuine high-tech professional kidnapper by handing him over to the police! The following are the scenarios that took place after introduction of the policy by the Insurance companies: <br /><br />Scene 1. One top businessman in UP receives a call from a kidnapper.<br /><br />Kidnapper: Hello! Is it Mr. Somany?<br /><br />Businessman: Yes, What can I do for you?<br /><br />Kidnapper: Sir, I have kidnapped your son. You may bring Rs.25 lacs and take back your son.<br /><br />Somany: Nothing doing. I have taken coverage for Rs.1 lakh only. <br /><br />Kidnapper: What do you mean by coverage? Are you not interested in your son?<br /><br />Businessman: I am talking about kidnap insurance policy Baba! Don’t you know that? I think you are new to kidnapping business. <br /><br />Kidnapper: Sir, thank you for the information. Genuinely speaking, it will not work out for me if I accept only Re1 lakh. Can you make it at least Rs2 lakhs Sir?<br /><br />Businessman: Nothing doing. I will not give a penny more than the cover available.<br /><br />Kidnapper: OK Sir. Send the cash and take back your son.<br /><br />Businessman: I am contacting the Insurance Company to settle my/your claim! In the meanwhile you send back my son. He has to complete his homework!<br /><br />Kidnapper: (Desperately!) Sir I cannot wait for the insurance formalities to be completed. Tell me. You want your son or not?<br />Businessman: In that case you can keep my son! To be frank, let me tell you. He is good for nothing. Even this cover I obtained is only to satisfy his mother! I know his worth! You will find it out yourself very soon! (Hangs up).<br /><br />Scene 2: Within one hour the kidnapper drops the son in front of his house and drives away. His father coolly asks him to complete his homework!<br /><br /> <br />Scene 3: The same kidnapper to a different businessman on the next day <br />Kidnapper: Hello! Am I talking to Manwani? <br />Businessman: Who is this? <br />Kid: Don't bother about my name! I have kidnapped your son. <br />Bu: Are you kidding? What do you want? <br />Kid: I am not kidding. I am kidnapping! Let me know the Kidnap insurance coverage available for your son. <br />Bu: Smart guy! Who told you about this? <br />Kid: I got the information from my other Client, Sir. In fact this is a latest value addition to me, Sir. <br />Bu: You seem to be knowledgeable! Good. I have taken cover for Rs. 5 lacs. <br />Kid: Ok for me. You can proceed with lodging your claim, Sir. <br />Bu: Ok. But I have my conditions! I will pay net amount only. <br />Kid: What? Are you deducting tax at source? But I don't have a PAN Card, Sir. This is not done. <br />Bu: Not exactly. I have paid a premium of Rs50,000/=.I will deduct it from the proceeds. The policy comes cost-free for me! <br /> Kid: Ok you pay me cash and get back your son. <br />Bu: Not so fast man! You know the Insurance guys! They take their own time to settle the claim. I don't want to be out of pocket. You remit Rs.50,000/= to me upfront. I will ask them to settle your claim directly! In the meanwhile you send me your identity card, two photographs, address proof, form 60, form 15G, etc... (Hangs up). <br />Kid :( To himself) Oh shit! What kind of father is he? Whose face did I see in the morning? (Recollects that his wife woke him up in the morning!). Oh! I know the reason now. Hard luck for me! <br />Scene 4: Within one hour the kidnapper drops the son in front of his house and drives away. <br /><br /><br />Scene 5: Another Kidnapper to a BPO top Official on another day<br /><br />Kidnapper: Hello. Am I talking to Suresh Asrani please?<br /><br />Official: Yeahha...You are Mr.?<br /><br />Kid: I have kidnapped your son sir.<br /><br />Off: Don’t address me as Sir. Use my first name. You know the BPO culture!<br /><br />Kid: I am sorry sir. No! No! I mean Suresh. What is the kidnap policy coverage you have for your son?<br /><br />Off: Right now I am busy on my laptop. I have to prepare a presentation to my Board. For all my personal matters ownership rests with my wife. You can talk to her.<br /><br />Kid: I have already spoken to her Suresh. She told me that as the matter pertains to insurance she has escalated it to you. Please check your mail.<br /><br />Off: Ok. I understand. You tell me what ransom you want from me?<br /><br />Kid: Let me be reasonable. Not more than the amount covered in the policy. Let me know it from you. After all you are not paying from your purse. Then why do you bargain?<br /><br />Off: The Insurance Company also owns my company. My father-in-law is a major shareholder in it. I have to see his interest also. You understand? Anyways I am calling the company right now and will put you on a conference call. Please hold on.<br /><br />Kid: You are Tech savvy. That is good. Let me tell you. This activity I have recently started as a diversification. My specialization is actually Highway Robbery! I took a package from Chicago Consultancy for this project. Let me tell you, the kidnapped children are well looked after by me. In fact your son right now is surfing the internet while simultaneously watching Hungama TV Channel! He is eating Pizza in the meanwhile!<br /><br />Off: That sounds nice. But your game is up. I had put the police Inspector on the conference call! Right now the police are at your door. Bye! Bye…… (The door bell rings.)Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-86628680445027770692009-02-12T12:49:00.000-08:002009-02-12T16:34:44.252-08:00Happy Valentine’s DayHappy Valentine’s Day <br /><br />Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I still remember my first Valentine Day celebration. It was my first year in the college. My friend told me that guys give roses to the most beautiful girl on Valentine’s Day. Girl who gets the most roses are the most beautiful. I couldn’t sleep the night before Valentine that year. My mind was occupied with so many details … what to wear? What to do if someone gives me rose? What will I tell mom coming home with lot many roses? The pressure was too much to handle. Finally the big day arrived. My heart was pumping hard with all the anxiety. My very close friend and I got into our bus to college and of course we were dressed to kill. I guess we both were expecting at least one rose. We ended up having zero roses on that day. It was the most disappointing day as a naïve teenager. Reminiscing about that day puts a huge smile on my face now. By the way, I never got a single rose from anyone during my five year college days. The only red rose I get every single year from the past nine years is from my only Valentine - my husband:) <br /><br />Only young Indians celebrate Valentine’s Day in India or at least that's how it was when I was growing up as a teenager in India. Not sure if that sage is still continuing. Anyway, Valentine in USA is celebrated by diverse population not restraining it to just teenagers or young lovers. My daughter is celebrating it at her school this year. We volunteered to help the school on this occasion. I never thought it would cost us fifteen buck for volunteering. They asked us to send 30 Valentine napkins and plates. I went to a local store to get the supplies only to find $4 for 8 Valentine plates. I know those plates will be on sale for less than a buck on 15th February. What a rip off! Anyway, on the second note, it’s for my little girl and her school celebration and that’s priceless. I don’t what to put a tag on that happiness. <br /><br />My son is just 3 year old and they are celebrating Valentine’s Day at his school. They asked me to send 10 Valentine greeting cards along with my son tomorrow. What will he do giving and receiving greeting cards on Valentine’s Day? He cannot even read what’s written on the card. I know its going to be a trash when he gets home. They should be giving and receiving valentine candies instead. I know it’s going to make them all very happy. I need to talk to his school about this …. It’s still not too late. My kid’s Valentine’s Day is already costing me. I can imagine the coming years now. <br /><br />The first time I heard the word “Valentine” I was fifteen years old. Now my kids who are three and five know the word Valentine and are celebrating the day. My parents still are unaware of this day … well they chose it to be that way. It’s amazing to see the changing times. Happy Valentines Day everyone!Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-66962564549936880242009-01-22T12:50:00.000-08:002009-01-22T13:01:53.298-08:00New Year Resolution“New Year’s Resolution” … a phrase I was completely unaware of when I was in India in 90’s. I won’t be surprised if majority of Indian now know what New Year’s resolution is. A lot changed in India since I left to States 9 years ago. We have pizza, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and even sweet corn in India now…. You name it we have it. Anyway, that’s a whole new theme for blog ;) Coming back to the subject, a distant friend of mine asked me “What is your New year’s resolution?” on New Year’s Eve party in 2000. Suddenly I find myself without words to talk. I looked around and see everyone in the party was talking about their plans for New Year. It was annoying at some point.<br /><br />I came home that night with a dark cloud on my head. I made a quick search on the Internet to read more about New Year’s Resolution. I didn’t find much on the internet that time except all about losing weight and debt free. I turned on the Television only to find advertisements and TV programs on New Year’s resolution. Fueled by advertisements and society I took a blank paper and wrote down my resolution for the first time in my life. “Lose weight” I wrote followed by several other things to achieve that year. <br /><br />It’s been 8 years since I wrote that list; it was my first and last New Year’s resolution list. Sheer apprehension of knowing something new made me to write that list but I never grasped the concept at all. I never understood the idea of procrastinating anything until New Year to achieve it. If someone wants to lose weight they have to start right away isn’t it? What is it with Year New that’s makes it so persuasive for our tardy tasks to be more feasible? Anyway, if you want to achieve something, take actions to achieve it without any delay. I leave those fancy New Year Resolution talk to others and all the marketing gimmicks to TV. For me today is the day to achieve.Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-52962866054088004472009-01-07T14:53:00.000-08:002009-01-07T14:56:40.899-08:00Turning 30I will be turning 30 years shortly. I clearly remember a call phone I made to my sister on her birthday few years ago. She turned 30 that time. I asked her if she had anything special planned that day. Birthdays’ were not festive for her anymore. Birthdays remind her that she is aging. I felt her pain because I freaked out when I saw a fine crumple under my eyes when I was 25. Saying good bye to young energetic 20s is hard and it gets harder as we age. Puffy eyes, wrinkles and achy joints are not something to be celebratory isn’t it? Well that was my perception before I met Mike.<br /><br />Mike, who sits next to my cabin at my office celebrated his 76 birthday few days ago with his family. I knew he is old but never thought he is 76. A sense of shame came over me for whining over aging. Life is more than aging physically and being beautiful and fit. Life is all about experiencing and appreciating every moment our existence. As a child I enjoyed the warmth of my mother, playing in rain and mud, those memorable school days; as a teenager I enjoyed college days, my first crush, chatting with friends over boys; As a wedded women I enjoyed all the martial bliss; those lazy days on beds and eating dinner at 12 am. As a mother I savored warmth of my kids, those first wobbling first step to those shattering laughs and those first words. Life at every stage has so much to offer isn’t it? <br /><br />Coming back to Mike, he is tall skinny guy with head full of white hair. Retirement seems to be not in his book of life. He loves being occupied with work. He told us that the most fun part of turning 76 was to able to spend time with his great grand kids. They had a quiet evening that day in front of the fire place. I hope Mike gets to experience many more wonderful healthy years with his family and friends. Many belated birthday to you Mike!<br /><br />God has given me two reasons to be celebratory on my birthday from the past 3 years now. I get to say “Happy birthday to you and to me” to my only adorable son. He is turning 3 on the same day I turn 30. He doesn’t know it yet. He is too young to understand it now but I am curious how he feels about it later on in his life. How do I feel sharing my birthday with my son? Ecstatic! A friend of mine told me that I have forever stolen the thunder of my son’s birthday. She believes that my son can never have his birthday all for himself without being reminded that he has to share it with me first. I never thought people would interpret it that way. I will leave the final call to my son to make. <br /><br />Growing up I never blew candles and cut cake on birthdays. My parents never made a big deal of birthdays in general. Head bath, new cloths, favorite food ( Bisibelebath and Jamoon in my case) and Rs100 and a birthday song from my dad are things I associate my childhood birthdays with. In the evening I ran to all my friends and neighbors home and give chocolates and candy that mom asked me to give. “It’s my birthday” I would say and in return I could get blessing and sometimes treat like payasam. I always wanted to blow candles on my birthday cake…. Something I never did growing up. A friend of mine made sure I did when I turned 18. She surprised me with a cake with 18 candles on top of it glowing. I will never forget that day. After marriage my husband made sure I blow candles on all my birthdays. What crazy is it with cakes and candles on birthday I don’t know but for now it serves as a dessert for my kids. <br /><br />So how does it feel turning 30? Absolutely wonderful! I had marvelous thirty years and hoping to have many more healthy peaceful years ahead. Happy birthday to me and to my son.Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-65789485117348286842009-01-01T12:44:00.000-08:002009-01-01T12:50:25.027-08:00Time to welcome 2009Is clock ticking too fast or is that my imagination? Is it not a few days ago I welcomed 2008 and today it’s already the first day of 2009. Twelve months went by so quick before I could savor it. They say good times always tend to shift fast and dreadful moments pass very sluggish. If that’s true then I want 2009 to go fast for all of us.<br /><br />Yesterday I was going through all the memorabilia of 2000 - 2008. This is something I love to do not just on Dec 31st but whenever I have some time or become nostalgic. By memorabilia I meant lots and lots of photos I take of my kids and of all the special occasion. I couldn’t stop laughing with the hair style I use to have in the year 2000. Everything changed from my dressing style to physical appearance. My kids love going through photos with me. They keep asking me why they weren’t invited to mom and dad’s wedding. “Mommy why didn’t you take me to Singapore trip” asks my son. I told him he wasn’t born that time. I realized he was not happy with that answer. So I changed the explanation. I told him he was sick and therefore couldn’t take him. He instantly smiles and says we should go there again. <br /><br />Some time I feel like freezing the time and relish every happy moment to my hearts’ content and fast forward every disheartening moments. I wish I had that kind of power. Life is a mixture of both laughter and tearful moments and that the truth of life. I wish you all lot more new years ahead with unlimited laughter and strength to encounter life’s’ turmoil. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009.Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-37708440441320442522008-12-10T14:24:00.000-08:002008-12-10T14:28:53.076-08:00The Story of Choma by AV KrishnamurthyAnother good read from my uncle. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did reading it. This is a simple story based on true circumstances. Thanks chikkappa for sharing this.<br /><br />Preethi<br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />That morning Sudheer had an unusual guest at home. It was Choma, the cowherd. It was after a long time that Choma was visiting the house. There was a time when he would visit the house daily to collect the cows and buffaloes for grazing. But two things had changed the life of Choma. The first one was that he had become a land lord. The land cultivated by him as tenant now vested with him as per the tenancy act passed by the Government. Secondly the system of cow grazing was no more in existence. Earlier each household would have a number of animals to be sent for daily grazing. But presently all the houses had only one or two cross breed cows, which would be reared in the cowsheds only. Thus the profession of a cowherd had become redundant.<br /><br />After the usual offer of a cup of coffee, Sudheer asked Choma the reasons for his sudden visit. Choma told him that he had come to him to avail his service as an advocate! He had heard that Sudheer was practicing as an advocate. He was also aware that he had a very good practice, but was very considerate to his clients-particularly to the under-privileged. Choma had never thought that one day he may require his services. But now he had landed himself with a case for which he was least responsible. He started telling Sudheer how he was obliged to his father right from childhood. Sudheer asked him to come to the point directly without any formalities. Choma was happy to see the humility of Sudheer.<br /><br />But when Choma came to the point directly, Sudheer was quite amused. Choma wanted Sudheer to file a suit against Indicate bank! Sudheer suddenly got a doubt whether Choma had a ‘drink’ right in the morning. But to his surprise he found Choma quite conscious and very clear about what he was telling. As per him he was cheated by the bank; he wanted Sudheer to file a suit to recover his deposit amount and also teach a suitable lesson to the bank. Sudheer asked him to explain to him clearly what went wrong between him and the bank.<br /><br />Choma’s case went like this. He was not new to the Indicate Bank. As per him, he had a very bad experience with the bank even earlier. One year back, he had approached it for a housing loan. But he found the bank turning down his request on a flimsy ground. While the Manager dismissed his proposal off hand, Choma had overheard him telling the Accountant, “Ayeg Erme kattyara apuji” (he cannot rare a buffalo!). Choma could not really make out the connection between his housing loan proposal and his incapacity to rear a buffalo! In fact he tried to tell the manager that he was a cowherd by birth and knew exactly how to rear a buffalo! But the manager was in no mood to hear him and just sent him away.<br /><br />Choma was actually in need of a loan of Rs25,000/ at that time to finish the construction of his small house. After the rejection of his proposal by the bank he came to know that the Government was extending subsidy to weaker section people like him for house construction. He submitted his application and got a subsidy sanctioned for Rs25,000/=. By the time the amount was received, Choma had already finished the construction of his house from his own funds. <br /><br />Choma went to deposit the subsidy cheque in the same Indicate Bank. He was asked to open a bank account. When the manager asked him if he knew how to sign, Choma proudly told him that he could. Actually he was a total illiterate and could neither read nor write. But he had attended a Sakshratha (literacy) campaign week held by the social welfare department where he was taught how to put his signature in Kannada. He found the bank very reluctant to open his account. The Manager asked him to bring a suitable introduction.<br /><br />Choma was loitering in the bank with the cheque in his hand, when a bank peon, by name Monappa, saw him. Monappa asked Choma what was his problem. Choma showed him the cheque and requested him to help out. Monappa appeared to be a very kind and helpful soul. He filled up all the forms and asked Choma to sign them. Choma signed all of them by writing his name in Kannada, as taught to him, with great difficulty. It took a long time for him to put each signature. Ultimately Monappa managed to get Choma’s account opened by obtaining introduction of one of the customers known to him. Choma had to submit a copy of his ration card and two photographs for the purpose. Choma deposited the cheque and was asked to come after two days to draw the amount.<br /><br />Choma went to the bank again after a week. Monappa gave him the passbook. Choma wanted to draw Rs.10,000/. He was issued a withdrawal slip. With the help of Monappa he got the same filled up and put his signature. He collected the cash from the cashier. He was given back the passbook showing the balance as Rs15,100/. He kept the pass book safely in his possession at home. As he was not in need of money he did not turn up at the bank for nearly a year. He thought his money was lying safely in the Indicate bank. <br /><br />One fine morning Choma was in need of money for purchase of fertilizers for his paddy crop. He took out his passbook and went to the bank. He could not find Monappa at the bank. Choma was told that he had been promoted as a clerk and transferred. Choma found himself helpless. With the help of a customer at the counter he got a withdrawal slip filled up for Rs5.000/ and tendered it at the counter along with the passbook.<br /><br />Choma got a shock of his life when he was told by the clerk that the balance in his account was only Rs100/. He asked the clerk as to what happened to his Rs15,000/. He was told that he had already withdrawn it. Choma informed him that he had never come to the bank after withdrawing Rs10,000/. But the clerk just repeated that the amount had already been withdrawn by him about two months back. Choma was virtually in tears. He went to the bank manager with his passbook. But he was of little help. He merely sent him away by stating that since the withdrawal slip had his signature it was presumed that he had withdrawn the money. <br /><br />Choma ended the story here and requested Sudheer to help him out. He not only wanted his money back but wanted Sudheer to file a cheating case against the bank to teach them a suitable lesson. Sudheer could make out now that Choma was telling the truth and had a clear cut case against the bank. He collected the passbook and the withdrawal slip (for Rs5,000/ which was denied payment by the bank) from Choma. He wrote a letter to the bank manager in Choma’s name to issue a Xerox copy of the withdrawal slip against which the bank had paid Rs15,000/. He asked Choma to visit the bank and collect the Xerox. He also told him to meet him at his office in the evening with the Xerox copy.<br /><br />Choma promptly met Sudheer at his office on the next day. He gave him the Xerox copy of the slip he had collected from the bank. He once again requested Sudheer to teach the bank a proper lesson. Sudheer discussed his case with an official of another bank, who was with him as a client at that time. The Official was amused by Choma’s vociferous attitude towards the bank officials. Sudheer told him that the indicate Bank had earlier rejected Choma’s housing loan proposal with the flimsy reason that he did not know how to rear a buffalo. The colleague could not first understand what exactly Choma had been told by the manager. But when Choma repeated his version he could not stop laughing. He explained to Sudheer that the manager was only telling his Accountant that Choma could not pay the ‘EMI’ for the loan if sanctioned (“Ayeg EMI kattyara apuji”)! Choma had heard EMI as Erme! <br /><br />Sudheer drafted a legal notice to the bank and told Choma to come after two weeks as he had to first receive reply from the bank for the notice. Once Choma left, he compared the signature in the Xerox copy given by the bank and the original withdrawal slip for Rs5,000/ signed by Choma himself. He could make out from his naked eyes that the signature of Choma had been forged. The difference was too apparent to escape the notice of the bank.<br /><br />Sudheer then went through the passbook entries. He discovered one major discrepancy. He found that the withdrawal slip carried the date 3rd April 2007 while the passbook showed the withdrawal date as 10th September 2007. He could conclude that it was some ‘insider job’ at the bank. He decided to wait for the reply from the bank.<br /><br />The bank was very prompt in replying the notice. It had merely stated that Choma had withdrawn the amount on 3rd April 2007 and his signature tallied with the specimen signature lodged with the bank. It had rejected the request of Choma to reimburse the amount as sought in the notice. Sudheer prepared a plaint immediately and sent a message to Choma to call on him. In due course a suit was filed in the civil court. <br /><br />The case would have taken its own time to come up for hearing. But Sudheer could convince the Judge that the plaintiff belonged to the weaker section and he had been cheated by the bank. Hence the case came up for hearing fast.<br />o--------------o-------------------o-------------------o---------o-----------<br /><br />On the day of hearing at the Civil Judge Court, Puttur:<br /><br />The Scene<br /><br />(The Judge arrives and the court comes to the order. The clerk calls the case-Mr.choma v/s Indicate Bank, Puttur. The bank is represented by Mr. Pai, the Manager and Mr. Bhat, bank’s advocate. Choma was present with his advocate Sudheer. The judge asks Sudheer to proceed with the case. He calls Choma to the witness box. The proceedings start :)<br /> <br />Sudheer (Speaks in Kannada): Choma, please take the oath. You have filed this case against the bank. Have you been explained the contents of the plaint in Kannada and have you signed it after understanding it in full? Do you say that whatever stated therein is true to the best of your knowledge?<br /><br />Choma (Speaks partly in Kannada and partly in Tulu): Yes. I have been explained and I have understood fully the contents of the plaint. They are true to the best of my knowledge.<br /><br />Sudhir: Are you a literate? Do you know reading and writing in Kannada or any other language?<br /><br />Choma: I am an illiterate. I only know how to put my signature in Kannada, which was taught to me during a Sakshratha campaign of the Government.<br /><br />Sudheer (exhibits a Xerox copy of the withdrawal slip for Rs15,000/: given by the bank): Is this your signature? Did you remember to have visited the bank either on 3rd April or 10th September 2007?<br /><br />Choma: It is not my signature. I had not visited the bank on both the dates.<br /><br />Sudheer: You can go now. (Turning to the judge) May I now examine the bank manager?<br /><br />Judge: You may proceed.<br />(Mr. Pai, the manager comes to the witness box and takes oath)<br /><br />Sudheer: Mr.Pai, do you know the plaintiff Choma?<br /><br />Manager: Yes I know him.<br /><br />Sudheer: Did you know that he was an illiterate and only could put his signature?<br /><br />Manager: Yes.<br /><br />Sudheer: The banks are expected to follow certain special guidelines in respect of illiterate accounts. Can you tell me what those guidelines are?<br /><br />Manager: We will not issue cheque books. The depositor has to personally visit the bank and withdrawals are allowed only through withdrawal slips accompanied by passbook. Thumb impressions are to be affixed in front of the bank officer only. The officer has to verify the photo graph each time and then only authorize payments.<br /><br />Sudheer: Did your bank follow these guidelines in the present case? If not, why?<br /><br />Manager: We had not issued the cheque book. Other guidelines were not made applicable as the depositor was treated as literate as he could put his signature.<br /><br />Sudheer: You knew that Choma could only sign with great difficulty as he was an illiterate. Such accounts are naturally susceptible for fraud. It would have been prudent on your part to treat the account as an illiterate account and exercise caution. Do you agree?<br /><br />Manager: I have nothing to say.<br /><br />Sudheer: The withdrawal slip is dated 3rd April 2007, but the pass book shows the withdrawal date as 10th September 2007. What do you have to say on this discrepancy?<br /><br />Manager: I am not able to say anything on this matter right now.<br /><br />Sudheer: Do you agree that the plaintiff has a valid case against the bank as the signatures do not tally and the bank had not exercised necessary caution?<br /><br />Manager: I disagree.<br /><br />Sudheer: (Turning towards the judge). May I sum up the case now?<br /><br />Judge: you may proceed.<br /><br />Sudheer: The honorable court may note that the plaintiff is an illiterate person belonging to the weaker section. He only knew how to put his signature. Such accounts are susceptible for fraud. The bank was aware of this. But they have not exercised caution and followed the guidelines prescribed for an illiterate account. The signature in the withdrawal slip does not tally with the plaintiff’s signature. The date on the withdrawal slip and the date of withdrawal in the pass book do not agree. All this prove that the bank has not exercised sufficient care. This has resulted in fraudulent withdrawal from the account. The court may kindly order the bank to reimburse the full amount with interest and cost. That is all, my Lord.<br /><br />Judge: Does the bank’s advocate have anything to say in the matter?<br /><br />Bhat: The bank may be provided some time to clarify the points raised by the plaintiff’s advocate.<br /><br />Judge: The case stands adjourned.<br /><br />o--------------o-------------------o-------------------o---------o-----------<br />]<br />Mr. Pai, the manager of Indicate bank was a busy man that week. He reported Choma’s case as a fraud case to the Zonal Office. An Officer arrived from Zonal Office and conducted a detailed investigation. It was found that the payment of Choma’s cheque had been made on 3rd April 2007 only. The Bank was implementing core banking and due to technical problems the cheques could not be posted to the accounts on 3rd and 4th April. After posting the cheques later there was a difference in the accounts. The same was traced to the cheque of Choma only on 10 September. The cheque was posted to the account only on that date. The forged cheque had been encashed in the confusion prevailing on 3rd April. The cheque had been paid by the cashier without authorization. On enquiry by the investigating Officer, the cashier admitted his crime. He had used the illiterate Choma’s account to draw money fraudulently.<br /><br />o--------------o-------------------o-------------------o---------o-----------<br />The Head Office of Indicate Bank issued a circular asking all the branches to treat the accounts as illiterate accounts if the depositor knew only to sign. The bank credited the money to Choma’s account with interest. It also informed the court through the advocate that it had settled the payment. The court dismissed the case awarding cost to the plaintiff Choma. <br /><br />That morning Choma called on Sudheer. He left the place after having his coffee and breakfast and thanking him profusely. Another case of Sudheer had come to a happy end.Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-6813313642814624972008-10-09T11:01:00.000-07:002008-10-16T13:11:58.375-07:00Epiphany on driversIt’s a long commute for me to work. Adding to my agony is the traffic. I have to drop my son to his school and head to work. My son keeps me entertained for half of the journey to work. Our conversation is simple and usually about construction diggers, counting school buses, blue bikes, Thomas train, "gaba gaba song" and how much he likes school and stuff. After "I love you and I will pick you up" I am off to work and of course I have to battle the traffic first. The first week of work was hectic. I was never use to long commute before.<br /><br />My husband gave me some suggestions on how to handle gridlock traffic. "Listen to your favorite songs or listen to radio salam namaste" he says. Good suggestion and probably I would suggest the same to other long commuters too. But that’s not the case with me. I am frustrated, cursing all slow going cars, over taking, and trying to reach early. And the funny part is that there is no urgency to reach early. I will have ample of time to reach on time but yet I am in a hurry to reach early. I cannot withstand slow moving vehicles especially the ones who are going below the speed limit for no reason.<br /><br />Then, on one fine evening after leaving work, an epiphany explodes in my mind. I realized in that fine moment that all the drivers in their vehicles are driving according to their own individual personalities. I am fast in everything I do from everyday chore like cooking to cleaning and now it shows in my driving too. Fast driving is my personality. Don’t get me wrong here. I respect and follow driving law. I will never ever go insanely fast, disregarding other drivers and jeopardizing precious life on road. It’s just that I am a fast person and slow irritates me.<br /><br />Anyway, I wanted to experiment with my theory. Does a person’s driving reveal their personality? Ever since this question popped up in my mind, I am observing and analyzing all drivers who share my direction to work. Every day I get to see different drivers and everyday is something different to learn about human psychology. I see female drivers who put on makeup while driving; I see young drivers aged 18 to 25 with high volume rap music; I see drivers in lot of hurry; I see drivers who have all the time in this world; I see drivers who are too busy to eat breakfast at home and eat in their car; I see driver who are elderly and in no rush.<br /><br />As far as my fast attitude driving is concerned, I’ve changed my ways now. Even though fast is in my blood, driving on public road is definitely no place to display it. I get to meet slow drivers, very fast drivers, obnoxious and rude drivers, young and elderly drivers on my way to work. I have learnt to respect every one of them and reach my destination safe. All thanks to my husband who made me realize this. It was just three days ago when we were driving somewhere and I came across a vehicle that was going very slow. I complained my husband on how slow the vehicle is going. He responded saying “you don’t know what condition they are in. Just pass and go.” To my shock it was a very old lady probably 80 years old or even older driving that car. My heart sank.<br /><br />Commute these days is much calmer from my side. I drive with highest respect to my co-drivers. I am yielding and pass slow goers without frown on my face. I may never know what condition or situation they are in. All I can do is understand and drive. Drive safe y’ll.Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-84866114681514443722008-10-05T11:00:00.000-07:002008-10-05T15:16:37.407-07:00HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY GRADMAOh I am so going to miss my Granny’s 80th Birthday. Everyone in the family is attending even the ones who are usually busy. My sister from Chennai is attending, my cousin who is pregnant and fragile is attending, my Granny’s brothers and sisters are attending, everyone except me. I called her to wish my regards and the only thing she has to say is “why on earth you there. Wrap up and come here to your family”. She is not the only person to say this. My cousins, my uncle and aunty, even my parents want me and family to move to India for good. So, what is holding me here? They hate the separation of physical barrier and me too. This is the biggest downside of dwelling in USA. I am really missing all the important milestones of my family in India and they are all missing all the life highlights of me and my kids.<br /><br />Anyway, I cannot believe Granny is 80 years young. Her kids are performing “Pawana Shanti” on this occasion. I don’t know anything about this shanti. I searched to find out more about it online but of no use. I wish I would witness all the rituals of this function. Granny is the only person in the family to reach 80 years and I pray she will reach many more wonderful healthy years ahead. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA and I will truly miss your Big Day.Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-23152186008464122922008-09-24T14:04:00.000-07:002008-09-24T16:52:05.500-07:00The SaviourI am horned and proud to post a story based on real circumstances and real people, wonderfully written by my uncle <link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cwelcome%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cwelcome%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> 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name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1593833729 1073750107 16 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]-->A V Krishnamurthy. I am eternally gratitude to him for giving me his permission to post one of his story " The Saviour".
<br />
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mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >The Saviour<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Keshava could not sleep that night. He was feeling miserable. He had never thought that he would be landing in this position one day. As his elder brother was quite well off in the city, he never thought that his family would seek the family partition. He was aware that his parents had spent considerable amount for the education of his elder brother; whereas he himself had devoted all his time and energy for the family agricultural land. In fact he had to toil hard to maintain his family all the time. In spite of that sacrifice the family income was just sufficient for its maintenance. The partition of property would call for splitting the land which was just an unviable proposition. Keshava was also not in a position to pay the cash compensation in-lieu of the property as he had no savings on account of the continuously falling arecanut prices.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p>---------------------0-----------------------------0---------------------------0---------------------
<br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Nittur was a small village on the banks of the river Netravathi in the erstwhile <st1:place st="on">South Kanara</st1:place> district of Karnataka. Mukund Rao was a hard working small farmer. He had a small land holding of four acres. He had arecanut plantation in two acres and the other two acres of paddy growing land had been given on tenancy. <span style=""> </span>He had two children, both boys. The first son Vamana was very good in his studies. Keshava, the second son, was an average student but was very much interested in agriculture. He joined his father in his agriculture activities after completing his SSLC examination. Even though his father wanted him to at least complete his graduation, he had no such inclination. Ultimately Mukund Rao had to give up and allow him to join him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Vamana continued his studies in the city. As he was a brilliant student, he had no difficulty in successfully completing his education. After his graduation he completed his Chartered Accountancy. Within a short time he established a very good practice. His parents were very happy for him. In spite of his successful career both in education and profession, Vamana was quite unassuming in his nature. He had been brought up in a very good family atmosphere and it reflected in all his dealings.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >His parents were in search of a good girl for their beloved son. In the meanwhile Vamana was approached by one of his clients with a proposal of their daughter. In the course of their professional dealings, the client was very much impressed with the personality and caliber of Vamana. Vamana had also become very close to the family. He had, on several occasions, seen their only daughter Smitha at their home. Smitha was a beautiful girl with lovable features. She had completed her graduation just then.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Vamana asked his client to approach his parents. They were pleased to take it as his indirect consent. Mukund Rao couple had basically no objection, even though heart of heart, they would have preferred a girl from the village background. They had some reservations for a city- bred girl. But finding the willingness of their beloved son, they gave their consent for the proposal. The marriage was held in the city and the couple was quite pleased by the way Smitha’s parents conducted it. Soon after the marriage Vamana set up his family in the city.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Vamana was very particular to have his own house in the city early. He was on the look out for a suitable site. He was allotted a site by the City Development authority. He had to pay an amount of rupees twenty thousand to get it registered in his name. As he had spent all his savings for his marriage expenses, he had no means to pay it. He told his father about it. He came to his rescue. He had saved some money from out of his limited agricultural income. He was pleased to help his son to secure a site in the city. Keshava also had no objections for his father helping his elder brother. The entire cost of the site, rupees twenty thousand, was paid by Mukund Rao. Vamana got a bank loan sanctioned and constructed a big building to serve as both his office and residence. Even though Vamana‘s earnings shot up in due course, he never paid back his father; Neither his father asked him to pay. Keshava never interfered in his father’s financial affairs. He restricted himself to looking after the agricultural lands. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Keshava’s marriage was held with a girl from a nearby village after some years. The marriage expenses were met by his father only. Even though Vamana could have contributed, he never showed any inclination. However he used to attend all family functions and festivals at home with his wife and children. The family members maintained cordial relations all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >-------------0------------ o----------------o-------------o----------o-------0---------------<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Much water has flown down the Netravathi since then. More than twenty five years have passed. The Mukund Rao couple had passed away in a span of one year on account of old age. The family had lost the two acres of paddy growing land to the tenants under the tenancy act. <span style=""> </span>Keshava’ only son had also joined him in his agricultural profession. The family income was just sufficient to meet their daily needs. The fall in arecanut prices had resulted in reduced incomes for the cultivators. After the death of parents Vamana had stopped visiting his parental home. Keshava was aware that his brother had become a big shot in the city. He had a highly successful business practice. He never bothered to enquire the financial state of his brother. The two families slowly lost touch completely.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >One morning Keshava received a telephone call from <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city>. He was informed that Vamana had died suddenly of heart attack. Keshava was shocked to hear it. He left for <st1:city st="on">Bangalore</st1:city> immediately and reached <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> in the night. He could not see the face of his brother as the family had already conducted the last rites. He met his sister-in-law and expressed his condolences. However he found her aloof and even her son and daughter were indifferent to him. He left <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> with great unhappiness. It appeared to him that the two families had moved completely apart.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >There was no communication between the families for nearly a year. But Keshava was shocked to receive a court summons one fine morning. It had come from the Civil Magistrate Court of Mangalore. Keshava and his son with their limited knowledge of English made out that Smitha, his sister-in-law, had filed suit in the court against him seeking family partition. It was stated in the summons that Vamana’s family was entitled to fifty percent share of the property under the Hindu Law. Keshava had been asked to appear before the court.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >-------------0------------ o----------------o-------------o----------o-------o-------0--------<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >As he got up in the morning Keshava remembered his close friend and class mate Sudhir. He was not in touch with him for quite some time. He had heard that Sudhir was practicing as an advocate in the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Mangalore Court</st1:address></st1:street>. He had also heard that Sudhir was not money-minded and was very sympathetic to his clients in his approach. He decided to go and meet him straight-away. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir was very happy to meet his old friend after a very long time. Both of them recollected their good old student days, when they had no earthly responsibilities to carry. The position was quite different now. Getting back to the official matter, Keshava told Sudhir all about his case involving his sister-in-law. He explained to Sudhir how he was not in a position to part with half of his lands as demanded by his sister-in-law. Sudhir heard him in detail patiently and also went through the court summons. He told Keshava that on the face of it, he had no way to avoid the partition, as his sister-in-law had a rightful share as the legal heir of her husband as per the Hindu Law. He also told Keshava, the fact that she was well off, had nothing to do with the matter as her husband’s assets were <i style="">swayarjitha</i> (self earned). He asked Keshava to call on him again with all the property documents in his possession and took his signature on the Vakalath form to enable him to represent him in the court. He also advised him not to worry too much on the matter and he would help him in the best way possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >That night Keshava could not sleep well. He went on thinking as to what would happen if ultimately he was made to part with half of his land or pay equivalent cash compensation. He was particularly worried about his son who had to survive on the income of half the land or alternatively carry a loan on his head.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >In the morning he searched for land records at home. He could find out an old trunk where his father had kept all the records. Among the records he could also find a bank pass book in his father’s name. He had so far never bothered to find out whether his father had kept some money in the bank. He kept all the documents including the pass book in a folder and carried the same to his friend’s office on the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir went through all the records leisurely. When he opened the bank pass book a small voucher slipped out from the book. He scrutinized it carefully. It was the counterfoil of a bank draft challan issued by the bank. He could find out that the same was nearly thirty years old. The draft had been purchased on <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> in favour of Bangalore Development Authority. Sudhir’s eyes lit up on seeing the same. He immediately went through the entries in the pass book; he could find a withdrawal of rupees twenty thousand (draft amount) on the same day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >He asked Keshava whether he knew anything about this draft. Keshava clearly remembered that it was sent to Vamana by his father for registering the site in his name. He also told Sudhir that the site was situated in a prominent commercial locality and his brother had constructed his office and residence on it. Sudhir also got it clarified from him that the full cost of the site at that time was rupees twenty thousand only. He told Keshava not to worry any more and to come back on the day of court hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >-------------0------------ o----------------o-------------o----------o-------0---------------<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Ten days later, on the day of hearing at the <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Civil Judge Court</st1:address></st1:street>, Mangalore:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";" >The Scene<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >(The Judge arrives and the court comes to the order. The clerk calls the case-Smt.Smitha & family against Sri Keshava & family. Smitha is present with her lawyer, Mr. Bhat. Keshava has already been briefed by Sudhir. The judge asks Mr. Bhat to proceed with the case. He calls Smitha to the witness box. The proceedings start :)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Bhat: please take the oath. You have filed this case against Keshava for family partition. Have you gone through the plaint in full? Do you say that whatever stated therein is true to the best of your knowledge?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Smitha: Yes. I have gone through the plaint and the contents are true to the best of my knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Bhat: The plaintiff has asked for the family partition. The details of the family property are furnished in the plaint. As per Hindu law she is entitled for half of the share in the family property. The court may please order accordingly. That is all my Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Judge: Sudhir, you may call the defendant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: Yes my Lord. (Calls Keshava to the witness box)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: Keshava, have you gone through the plaint? Do you have anything to say in the matter?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Keshava: Yes. I have gone through the plaint and agree with what is stated therein. I have only one thing to say.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: What is it?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Keshava: The family property is not fully covered in the schedule. I request that the entire property of the family may be added to ensure that the partition is just and complete.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir (looking at the Judge and Mr. Bhat): I think the defendant is justified in seeking for the full property to be partitioned. Does the plaintiff have any objection in the matter?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Judge (laughs): Keshava appears to be a thorough gentleman. He is offering more than what is prayed for in the plaint! Mr. Bhat, any objections?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >(Bhat Smilingly consults Smitha, who is also amused and conveys her consent to him): <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Bhat: My client has absolutely no objections, my Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: This point may be noted my Lord. Can you tell me Keshava, in brief, what are those properties which have been left out and which you want to be included now?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Keshava: I am talking about only one property, presently in the possession of the plaintiff and which belongs to the family!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><span style=""> </span>(The amusement goes away from the face of Smitha and Bhat! They look at each other with concern. The Judge is amused now!)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: Can you tell me what is that property and how does it belong to the family?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Keshava: I am referring to the building in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Bangalore</st1:city></st1:place> which houses my brother’s family and the office where he was practicing. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Bhat (intervening): Objection, my Lord! The defendant is unnecessarily claiming the property which is owned by his brother and built out of his earnings.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Judge: Objection sustained. Sudhir, you may proceed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: Keshava, How do you claim that the property belongs to the joint family?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Keshava: The site on which the building was constructed was purchased out of joint family income.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: Do you have any proof for your claim?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Keshava: Yes. Here it is.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >(Hands over a voucher and a pass book. Sudhir goes through them and presents the same to the Judge)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: Ok Keshava, You can go now. (Looking at the judge) May I proceed now?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Judge: please proceed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir: Sir, the site in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> was purchased out of the money sent by the Head of the family from out of the family income. The voucher and the bank pass book entry clearly prove this fact. It represents the entire cost of the site and even the draft particulars are furnished in the sale deed executed by the Authority in plaintiff’s husband’s favour. I understand that the present market value of the 50’x60’ site is around rupees two crores.<span style=""> </span>The honourable court is aware that any property purchased out of the joint family income also belongs to the family (HUF) only, as per Hindu Law. Under the circumstances the defendant is in order in claiming it as family property and seeking for its inclusion in the assets to be partitioned. The honourable court may kindly give its order accordingly. That is all I want to say, Sir.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Judge: Mr. Bhat, what do you want to say in the matter?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Bhat (still trying to recover from the shock): I seek some time for my client to look into the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Judge: The case stands adjourned.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >-------------0------------ o----------------o-------------o----------o-------o----------------<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >It is nearly a month since the court hearing. Sudhir got a communication from Bhat stating that his client wants to withdraw her plaint and close the issue. He told Keshava to discuss with his wife and son whether they are agreeable to forego their rightful claim on the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bangalore</st1:place></st1:city> property. Keshava found that both of them were happy to just have the agriculture land and were least interested in any other property. Sudhir informed Bhat accordingly with the condition that Smitha should confirm on behalf of her family that she does not have anymore claim on the family assets. A compromise petition was filed in the court and the case was dismissed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A little background on Sudhir in A V Krishnamurthy's words :-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1593833729 1073750107 16 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1333874384; mso-list-template-ids:-1362581868;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Last month I had been to my brother-in-law's place near Mangalore. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >His son (Sudhir) is practicing as a lawyer. He told me about an interesting case involving Hindu Law. I have based my above story on the provisions of the said law, which many are not aware. The story is purely creative and has no connection with the case referred to by Sudhir to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >I have seen Sudhir right from the days of his boyhood. He has grown up to become a highly successful multi-tasking young man.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >It may be interesting to know the type of multi-tasking he does:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <ol start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >He looks after his agricultural lands.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >He practices as a successful advocate in the town.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >He is a lecturer in the college and teaches law.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >He has to look after his aged parents.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >His father has four brothers and five sisters; he has to take care of them when they and their extended families visit the house. He has to do the similar activity for his sister's family.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >He has to take care of his own family- a lovely wife, a smart son and a cute daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >The town is at a distance of 8 kms and he has to travel daily.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Sudhir does all this and much more with not even a frown on his face!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" >Hats off to this wonderful young man!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ></span>This story is dedicated to him.
<br /><span style=";font-family:";" ><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<br />Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-24367991054353973632008-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:002008-08-14T12:10:17.477-07:00"Back to School" advertisements<p class="MsoNormal">As the school reopen day is approaching near here in Texas, I’m finding “back to school” advertisements all over the television.<span style=""> </span>It’s nothing unusual to see advertisements to popup just before some event like Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and now advertisements are all about “back to school” days in the month of August.<span style=""> </span>This year the advertisements are different than usual.<span style=""> </span>Is it a good difference I am talking? Absolutely not! I am appalled and outraged at some of these advertisements. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Let me take an example. This advertisement starts with a boy, may be aged 11 years or younger, dressing and changing hundreds of cloths in front of the mirror, practicing his words on how he should approach this girl he has crush on.<span style=""> </span>I guess the advertisers wanted to convey a message that wearing good cloths boosts this boy’s confidence to talk to girls…may be?<span style=""> </span>But I see it in different spectrum. Shouldn’t he be concentrating on book or sports than girls at that age? May be I’m from different generation all together. May be girls and boys are interested in each other at age 10 only these days. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another example is about this girl who is very shy and I guess new to that school. She carries her lunch and goes to a bunch of good looking girls and says “Can I sit here?” The main girl in the group takes a good look and says “Sure”.<span style=""> </span>And when this new girl sits down happily, the main girl in the group says “Nice top”.<span style=""> </span>Instantly there are all holding hands and walking in the school corridor, laughing, giggling, checking out guys and all. So there you go, wearing a nice top can get you lots of friends and you will be popular. I can buy that top and many more such tops at this super store in the advertisement.<span style=""> </span>My daughter is shy; I better buy that top for her. Looking good can get her many friends and boost her confidence.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">May be I’m over reacting here; may be I’m not raised this way. We had school uniforms when I was growing up.<span style=""> </span>We all students looked and felt the same.<span style=""> </span>No question of spending hours together in front of the mirror and trying out all trendy cloths. <span style=""> </span>No question of low self esteem, no friendship hurdles, and no NONSENSE.<span style=""> </span>“Back to school” means another year of challenging academic, year of hard work and lots of home work, and spending fun time with friends and playing sports.<span style=""> </span>School is an abode of unlimited knowledge, timeless exploration, and creative learning. A place where punctuality, perseverance, respect, hard work and determination are the founding steps of every student. <span style=""> </span>‘Style’ and ‘clothing ‘has nothing to do with school and education. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wonder why there aren’t uniform systems in United States. Well, there are some but most of public schools don’t have uniform as part of school culture.<span style=""> </span>It’s a pity. I bet the lobbyist of clothing companies wouldn’t allow uniform system to be a part of school culture. <span style=""> </span>It would only mean fewer sales of kid’s cloths and ultimately lesser profit. I wish we all parents sign a petition and request all schools to adopt uniform as part of school norm.<span style=""> </span>This would definitely bring so much change in school-goers attitude and behavior. <span style=""> </span>Until then, wishing all back-to-school goers a very happy, knowledge-filled, fun-filled and healthy school year. </p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-29483431581309111302008-08-04T10:48:00.000-07:002008-08-04T14:51:23.936-07:00It happens only in India<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dydwS-A9abFgHo0JoXeTtMZI97ouBvahPGviNXkrQAt19RLh1o44zmbYi9_SlsAJnYEAv_lNfeo9PDhUcC2tA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I took the above clip when I visited my parents this year in India. I still remember my kid’s baffled face when they heard this laud Indian music and saw folks dancing on the street.<span style=""> </span>It was something they never witnessed.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t feel anything strange about it until I saw my kids’ gasped looks. I ran inside home to bring my camera and started shooting this clip. <span style=""> </span>This is something they will never ever see on American streets.<span style=""> </span>There are no words to describe how this works on a busy intersection with so many people walking and dancing, with that loud music without disrupting the natural flow of the traffic. AMAZING!!! This happens only in India.</p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-20472428050066147562008-07-27T10:46:00.001-07:002008-07-27T10:53:23.372-07:00Health and longevity … is there a relation between the two?<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">A conversation sprouted between me and a very good friend of mine on one regular sun-drenched Texas afternoon.<span style=""> </span>The topic was “health and longevity”. My friend who is 30+ years older to me had so much personal knowledge and experience to append.<span style=""> </span>I was little startled when he said that good health doesn’t guarantee longevity and ill health doesn’t assure fatality either.<span style=""> </span>He believes there is no relationship between the two. <span style=""> </span>I was little skeptic to hear that. Longevity is one of the most important reasons for staying healthy for majority of population isn’t it? The conversation got more remarkable with so many real life examples to support his credence on this subject matter. One of those examples that stuck in my mind is the example of his brother who was diagnosed with some fatal heart disease. The doctors’ told his brother would die in a week or so. His brother ended up living 20 more years from the day he was told he would die. <span style=""> </span>Fluke I thought at that time. <span style=""> </span>Not in disrespect to his ideology, but a severe lack of real life experience on my own part. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">This conversation took place about seven years ago. Whenever I reminiscence about it, I couldn’t agree more on every word he uttered on that day. In these seven years I have heard of true stories of healthy people demise due to heart failure. My husband’s colleague’s nephew died at a young age of 21 years. He died of heart failure. Isn’t his age too young to die of heart problem I thought?<span style=""> </span>Recently DH’s colleague died of heart failure. DH spoke to him Friday night and he died Saturday morning around 3 am.<span style=""> </span>This was a huge shocker for us. A healthy person who had no cholesterol problems, no hyper tension, no diabetes, and no family history of heart disease died so suddenly (He never smoked or drank alcohol).<span style=""> </span>Tim Russert who hosted “meet the press” collapsed on his work desk and died due to heart failure. <span style=""> </span>Tim was fifty eight years young. In these seven years I came upon some many real life examples that I’m now convinced that being healthy has nothing to do with once death or longevity. <span style=""> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">By saying so I’m not promoting any unhealthy habits here. Staying fit and being healthy is the best gift one can give themselves.<span style=""> </span>If you ask me why is it so important to be healthy? The answer to it defers from individuals to individuals.<span style=""> </span>For some being healthy saves money by visiting less often to doctors and paying less frequently for those expensive medications; for some it brings best work performance and more over business enterprises these days tend to recruit healthy and fit employees for their own healthy productivity; for some it bring more energy, emotionally stable and spiritually in touch with one self; for some it bring happy hormones, makes them happy and contented; for some it slows downs the aging process, keeping them look and feel young for a long period of time; for some it is a claim for independence, less dependence on other to do their daily chore. My personal reasons for staying healthy and fit are changing accordingly to the stages of my life. At this stage of my life, I literally live for my kids. Their routine gets hampered if I don’t keep well. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>If longevity is your reason for staying healthy then you might want to rethink about it. Can any one guarantee longevity if you are a regular exerciser, healthy eater and disease-free person? I bet not. Who can predict death? Death may befall on anyone anytime does matter if you are healthy or unhealthy person, poor or rich, young or old. </p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-42739406554165343442008-07-18T11:18:00.000-07:002008-07-18T12:08:54.060-07:00An unsung hero<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">This is a true story of my friend Usha.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">The story begins with Usha driving home from her frenetic day at work. She is running late and the gridlock traffic on the road is not making her situation any better. <span style=""> </span>She knows of a small abandoned alley which connects her work place and her home. If she takes this alley, this would reduce her drive time by 10 minutes or more. She knows that driving through that lane is prohibited but she also is 100% sure that there wouldn’t be any cop patrolling that alley. That day, frustrated and wanting to reach home early, she takes that derelict passage. Unfortunately for her doom, she is caught by a traffic cop on that day.<span style=""> </span>She could have been sent home with a warning, which by the way was very feasible, but instead she is given a traffic ticket worth of 250$. Completely upset and irritated, Usha curses the officer on her way home. <span style=""> </span>A simple mistake that would have been forgiven for, but is bashed with such huge penalty was just agonizing her. She, out of her sheer anger, appeals for an evil or misfortune to befall on that officer. <span style=""> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Just after two days of this incidence, Usha is flabbergasted to watch local news on her TV reporting a deadly accident involving the same officer who gave her ticket.<span style=""> </span>The officer survived but is in need of a blood donor. Usha remembers this officer distinctively; the ticket episode was rewinding in her mind for the past two days now. Usha isn't happy to see this news.<span style=""> </span>She is not angry or frustrated anymore but felt very bad for all the things she cursed him for. She never meant any of her curses to come true, not even in her wild dreams. Usha feels completely guilt burdened; she wants to help. <span style=""> </span>Upon some inquiries, Usha learns that there is a blood drive in the community to help the officer. This is a perfect opportunity for Usha to help. She visits the blood drive center and donates her blood.<span style=""> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">When she told me this story, I had to ask her what made her donate the blood.<span style=""> </span>She said the officer was just doing his job. She is guilty of breaking the law and using the prohibited alley in the first place.<span style=""> </span>She never ever wanted any harm to befall on that officer. Donating blood is the least she can do to help; an answer to her curse and her peace of mind.<span style=""> </span>She told me that she will never ever curse anyone; she is afraid those curses might come true. <span style=""> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Did they give Usha’s blood to that officer? I don’t know the answer to that.<span style=""> </span>To me it’s irrelevant. The fact that Usha gave her blood shows her caring and helping nature. I bet she would donate blood, even if its not that officer. To me she is an unsung hero.<span style=""> </span>The officer will never know anything about Usha’s deed nor anyone in his world. There are amazing people like Usha who just do what feels true without being recognized and praised for. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Little background about Usha:</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Usha is a beautiful, energetic, vivacious young woman. She is happily married and blessed with two wonderful kids. <span style=""> </span>The first thing I noticed about Usha is how very lean she is, weighing merely 105 pounds for her stature of 5 feet 4 inches. I was told by her husband that she is a regular blood donor back in India.<span style=""> </span>He admits he dislikes this fact mainly because of her weight.<span style=""> </span>He feels she is too skinny to donate blood every month.<span style=""> </span>She, on the other hand, feels blessed to be of some help to an ailing person. By the way she donated the blood to the officer without the knowledge of her husband. She had a feeling he <span style=""> </span>might not approve of her decision. </p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-6958048079994274572008-07-10T14:39:00.000-07:002008-07-18T11:34:46.511-07:00What’s in a name?<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">"What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet" - Romeo and Juliet.</span><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> </span>I believe it wouldn’t.<span style=""> </span>When I think of “Rose” all I think of is its vibrant color, those sharp thorns and the unique fragrance that only a Rose has. <span style=""> </span>Try calling it another name, the whole definition of the word “Rose” vanishes.<span style=""> </span>Going back to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespere">Shakespeare’s</a> Romeo and Juliet play, I want to acknowledge that the author was suggesting that a rose would smell sweet regardless of what we call it; therefore implying that a name attached to a person should not change them. But in practical life name is a strong module of any human identity. What’s in a name? Everything … our identity, our origin, our culture, and our character. All the activities in the world are carried on the basis of name.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>In Hindu religion, naming a child (Naamkaran) is given a great importance. The ceremony is usually held on the 12th day of the child's birth, although, according to one custom, it can be held on any day after the tenth day, and before the first birthday. The name of a child may be derived from the star constellation of its birth, the deity associated with the Hindu month in which the baby was born or the family deity`. As I explore more on the subject matter, I came across lot resources that I was unaware of.<span style=""> </span>Did you know that there are two purposes of naming the child? The first is that the name is used to address the child, and the second is that the name should raise good feelings inside the person, which reminds him of his goal. <span style=""> </span>Let’s take the example of my name. According to Hindu religion, I (Preeti meaning Love) should be cheering and spreading Love everywhere I go. <span style=""> </span>Every time I hear someone calling my name, I should be reminded of my purpose. Fascinating isn’t it? I asked my parents why they named me “Preeti”. <span style=""> </span>The answer I got was as simple as every one of us has done so far. The name “Preeti” was a new trend, a fashion during those days, so they named me Preeti. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I sincerely believe naming is personal and it should be left to the parents’ choice. These days very few of us look at star constellation, or birth hour or day or any of those things before we name our baby. <span style=""> </span>Usually baby’s name is chosen depending on a popular choice in the household, which is the norm in today’s society. But I still wonder if we are forgetting the importance of giving our child a nice, which reminds the child of some goal or objective in the life. If the name is meaningless how can it be inspirational for the child? There are so many “Does” and “Don’ts” of naming a child like boy's name should contain even letters (2,4,6,8) and girls should contain odd letters (3, 5, 7). The name should have two or four letters. Two-letter name for a boy gives fame and four-letter name gives divine knowledge. Child’s name should not be named after birds and animals. Why are these rules made? Is there any significance? What happens if we break a rule and name the baby after an animal for instance? Are we forgetting our Hindu religion’s principles of naming a baby? I may not know the answer to it yet or may not know it at all. If you guys know more on the subject matter, please do share. It will be fun and educative to know more about "Namakarna" and its significance.<br /></p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-18946579685535657532008-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:002008-06-28T08:11:51.742-07:00Priceless<p class="MsoNormal">I’m referring to my kids play these days… they are priceless. Yesterday night while I and DH were watching a movie, my kids were very busy playing. Both were riding their tricycle and my younger one was holding a doll in his arms. My elder one was instructing her little brother on every chore. I was curious and wanted to know what they are doing taking multiple trips to their toy room and to the master bedroom in their tricycle. I tiptoed to their toy room and found that they are pretending to be me (a mother).<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>My daughter was making breakfast, giving bath, feeding the doll while my son was helping her out. Then they sat on their tricycle; pedaled all the way to the master bedroom and dropped the doll off to her school. <span style=""> </span>You see the master bedroom had turned into school for the doll. Later picked the doll from the school, gave her a bath, fed her and made her sleep. <span style=""> </span>This continued for more than two hours. It was truly a moment of priceless for us. </p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-42540209934186769952008-06-21T14:12:00.000-07:002008-06-23T11:35:14.939-07:00Healthy Food Habits<div style="text-align: left;"> <p class="MsoNormal"> There is no arguing that good nutrition, balanced diet and reasonable amount of work out are the key ingredients to a fit and healthy lifestyle. <span style=""> </span>Health consciousness is entrenched in us right from childhood days. <span style=""> </span>My father owned a restaurant when I was growing up; he is now retired. Well the whole family and almost all my relatives are into food business owning numerous bistros and quite a few fine eateries across Karnataka.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> You might be wondering if I grew up munching on poori, vada and all those south Indian delicacies. Wish my answer to that was a huge yes but that was not the case. My mother made home made breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner every single day except Sunday’s breakfast. <span style=""> </span>Sunday was the only day in a week when my siblings and I were allowed to order anything we want from the restaurant. I always ordered poori and kurma. Some times we were allowed to order Pulav for lunch on Sundays’. As a child I hated my mother for not giving us the freedom to eat anything at the restaurant. I had the total access to the junk food but unfortunately my mother was guarding me. <span style=""> </span>It’s a horrible feeling when you get to see the food, smell it and not get to eat it. <span style=""> </span>My father sometime would bring sweets and some deep fry like pakodas when he returned home in the night. I guess he felt bad for us or may be mother told him to do. I remember my friends at the school thought I ate restaurant food everyday and of course I didn’t go to correct that perception .</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Now as an adult and more importantly as a mother I understand the importance of home made food. <span style=""> </span>It is our duty to impose good eating habits in our kids’ right from their birth. Eating healthy food is cultivated from the childhood days and as a parent we should follow that rule strictly no matter how busy we are and how hard it is. I try to follow my mother’s path but it’s very challenging. To this day she asks me on the phone what did I make for breakfast? If I say we had cereal, her next question will be “why didn’t you made dosa or idly?” Cereal is wholesome but not for her.<span style=""> </span>She tasted it and felt it too sweet. She calls it a dessert than of a breakfast. <span style=""> </span>She still enquires about what I fed my kids. I’m not complaining but I feel so lucky to be her daughter. Rooting proper healthy food habits in our kids will definitely impact their food choices later on in their life. Our kids hopefully will thank us just like the way I am to my mother every single day of my life.<span style=""><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Does food alone keeps one healthy? Well that’s a totally new topic to talk on. I believe complete health is not just achieved by eating right, exercising and sleeping properly. There is no arguing that healthy consumption of food is the most important factor but keeping our self emotionally and spiritually fit is also equally important. Some find health benefit praying, singing, meditation and being among friends. It is said that mingling with friends and spending few hours with them will help you flight cold, cough, boost your immunity and generate happy hormones in you. I also read somewhere that talking keeps our brain cells active. For all those shy talkers, I ask you to come out and start talking. It keeps you healthy ; what other reasons we need.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Elders were not kidding when they said “apple a day keeps the doctor away”.<span style=""> </span>Food consumption matters a lot. Everything we eat and everything we drink has an influence to our body. One needs to make careful choices when it comes to our own body. I hope everyone makes better health choice for them and for their beloveds. </p> </div>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-50229645068549949882008-06-15T06:29:00.000-07:002008-06-23T08:30:59.694-07:00Special Days<p class="MsoNormal">Being born and brought up in India, I never knew there were unique days in a year to celebrate and commemorate mothers, fathers, and spouse (lovers). I guess it was never an Indian custom up until recent years where young generations of Indians are exposed to such tradition. Thanks to globalization and understanding of western culture, we all celebrate at least Valentines Day in India, the most popular of all special days.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are special days for everything, from New Year’s Day on January 1st, to Valentine’s Day, boss day, labors day, children’s day, president’s day, earth day, moon day, St. Patrick's Day,<span style=""> </span>Friendship day and ending the very long list of special days with New years Eve on 31st December night.<span style=""> </span>As I explore more and more on the subject, I was astounded to learn that there are at least 5 special days for every month. Let’s take the month of June 2008 for instance. We have Donut day on June 1st, National gingerbread day on June 5th, Iced tea day on 10th, Father’s Day on 15th, and UFO Day on June 24th. I’m not complaining; I love the fact that there are so many reasons to celebrate our life. <span style=""> </span>There is nothing wrong in celebrating every special day or is there?<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Valentine's Day is a time to express love; flowers especially roses, heart shapes chocolates, jewelry, greeting cards and dinner at some posh restaurants are some items on the to-do list.<span style=""> </span>But for business owners worldwide, Cupid's return is a lifesaver resulting in sales boost and profit. 80% of the population tends to buy gifts for their beloved on that day.<span style=""> </span>Mother’s Day yield about <span class="articletext">$13.8 billion in </span>sales proceed and profit in US alone. Sales on Father’s Day, President’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day can <span class="articletext">make or break a whole year for some specialty retailers.</span> All this makes me wonder if Special Days are nothing but gimmicks to get general population spend more money than they normally do. Are special days more of a business strategy than of a special celebration?<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Business corporations spend millions of dollars advertising their products as an ideal gifts for Mother’s Day or Father’s day or Valentines day to name a few. These advertisement starts to pop up on all media source at least a month before special days.<span style=""> </span>Reminding us to get out and buy gifts for our parents or spouse. <span style=""> </span>They will also have a huge sale right after the special event. I saw a huge sale on valentine’s chocolates at my grocery store.<span style=""> </span>Before Valentines Day the price was 7 dollars and now on sale for merely 2 dollars.<span style=""> </span>Are we paying more for those chocolates in desperation to express our love on Valentines Day itself? Aren’t businesses being <span style=""> </span>unfair raising the price before special days for all those guilt burdened fanatics and later reduce the price to the lowest to all those bargain/deal lovers ? Either way businesses are playing with us. These days’ special days are more of a publicity stunt than of a sheer joy.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Saying that, I want to go back to my question and say that there is nothing wrong in celebrating every special day. I celebrate Halloween Day; dressing up, buying chocolates, and trick or treating brings so much delight on my kids face. That’s the reason I celebrate it… to see them happy. I don’t go extra mile decorating my home with spooky theme, scary pumpkins every where, baking Halloween cookies, and throwing grand party. Celebration should be more of a personal elation than of a show off. If special days bring you that kind of happiness then one must celebrate it at all given opportunity. HAVE A NICE FATHER’S DAY and celebrate it in your own personal joy.</p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-74531923545399868992008-06-10T12:25:00.000-07:002008-12-09T03:49:48.214-08:00Mother Goddess<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VQRCM_aoAwY/SE7V89yrMrI/AAAAAAAABBM/OmM9iN8QKaU/s1600-h/India+trip+145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 313px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VQRCM_aoAwY/SE7V89yrMrI/AAAAAAAABBM/OmM9iN8QKaU/s320/India+trip+145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210337062270218930" border="0" /></a>There is an adage in Hindu religion which goes as </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">“MatrudEvObhava; PitrudEvobhava; AchAryadEvOBHava; AthidhidEvOBHava”. In simple words it means <span class="hide">pray your mother, pray your father, pray your guru, and pray your guest. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="hide">In Hindu religion, mother is equated to God. Mother is given the top most respect and she is the </span>outward appearance or phenomenon, form, shape, figure of God. <span style=""> </span>Mothers’ in India is venerated because of her capability of giving life, her war-like fertility, her sacrifice, her Devi like form to protect her child, her devoted care and unquestionable love. The planet Earth is called Budevi meaning mother earth or in other word “Maa”. The country itself is called “Bharat maatha” meaning mother India. The entire topography of the country is feminine dominant right from trees, river, mountain, stream, all the way to language. I love the fact that mothers and women in general are given such prominence in India and I hope modernization and westernized lifestyle will not change this magnificent and rich tradition of India.</p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">I love my mother and she means the world to me.<span style=""> </span>If you ask me if I consider my mother God, I would say “YES “in a blink. I don’t even have to think about it even for a split second. I simply base my answer on<i style=""> </i>the fact that I have the utmost deference for her and by equating her to God, I’m pouring my immense respect know to human kind. <span style=""> </span>I think whoever (whether a mom, step mom, adopted moms, dad, uncle, aunty or even a mentor to name a few) forfeit their personal needs to see their beloved ones grow, nurture and protect them, be there in the times of need, mentor them to have a better life is no less than God. <span style=""> </span>I hope every one of us is blessed enough to have someone in our life worthy of God status (someone like a mother, a father, spouse, sibling, grand parents, teacher or a friend to name some). <span style=""> </span>If you don’t have God in your life then be one to someone. We all need God : -)<br /></p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5545889002134114258.post-14246264286516258292008-06-07T09:34:00.000-07:002009-06-02T11:31:29.414-07:00The two gems of my lifeParenting, believe me, is truly the most gratifying and at the same time trickiest job in the world. It is rewarding in so many spectrum right from those priceless smile on your baby’s face when he/she sees you, to those adorable eyes looking at you where ever you go, all the way to their cute little milestones, to those innumerable kisses and hugs. <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>There are no words to describe how pure and serene it is to be a parent.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VQRCM_aoAwY/SEq6OV_9GdI/AAAAAAAAA-U/7liH6eRUtjc/s1600-h/IMG_4951.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209180674593724882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VQRCM_aoAwY/SEq6OV_9GdI/AAAAAAAAA-U/7liH6eRUtjc/s320/IMG_4951.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>I’m a mother of two; a girl aged 4 and a boy aged 2.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>I have been asked many times by single child parents’ on how I am able handle two kids. Raising one child in itself is beyond the words of challenging. Does having another child makes matter worst?<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><span style="font-size:+0;"></span><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>I wish the answer to it was as simple as “yes” or “no”. But there is so more depth to it. I don’t want to embellish hopeful second time parents by saying it’s absolutely blissful nor startle them by all the intricacy of raising two children.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>So I thought of writing a small blog on how it is to have two kids. Let me start with pros and cons of having two kids rather than one.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Pros</p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><ul><li>The elder child will always have a company to him/her for life and vice versa. <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>Isn’t it wonderful to give your child a sibling who will be there for each other beside you? <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>I feel it’s a perfect gift one can give to their own child.</li></ul><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><ul><li>Siblings play together that usually means some spare time to parents. My kids play by themselves in their toy room there by giving me some time to write blog for example.</li></ul><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><ul><li>The younger child seems to learn much faster from his/her sibling. So as a parent I ended spending less time coaching the second child.</li></ul><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Cons:</p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><ul><li>Where there are two, there tends to be fight.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Siblings fight over toys, food, cloths, books and parents.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>O yes!!! I said parents. </li></ul><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><ul><li>Messy home.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>May it is possible to keep home sparkly clean but definitely not in my case. I feel there are two tornadoes in my home. It’s hard to keep up to their speed.</li></ul><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><ul><li>Say adios to your hour glass figure unless you workout and be on a proper diet.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>It is very hard to get rid of baby fat gained from pregnancy but it’s feasible.</li></ul><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Whatever the reasons may be, (economic, marriage instability, space, busy lifestyle, finance, health, career <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>to name some) weather to go for a second child is purely personal and it should be left to the parents to decide what is best for them.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>As for me, I always wanted two children of my own and it’s been wonderful so far.<br /></p>Preetihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17411495484862151783noreply@blogger.com4