The Sunset

What a beautiful sunset exclaimed Reshma who had come to the terrace to collect dry clothes. She came to the edge of the wall and the cool breeze mesmerized her. She could notice the birds on nearby trees making unique noises. It almost felt like she was getting in touch with a part of herself which was lost. Yes, lost to self, in the rush of coping with the ups and downs of her life.....

For the past one year, she had no time to take note of her surroundings. It felt like she was living out of her own mind, engrossed in anger, fear, guilt and anxiety for her future.

She was coping with her separation, caring for her daughter as a single parent, working at a private firm to support the economic needs and household chores. Not just that. She was constantly dealing with snide remarks by relatives, advise by friends, neighbors and relatives. Today's sunset was saying something to her, breeze was whispering in her ears...are good days on their way? she wondered.

The peace and calmness of that evening was disturbed by her daughter's calling. She was looking for her as it was time for her tuition classes. Reshma came back to reality and quickly collected the clothes and went down to deal with her daily routine. 

After dropping her daughter off at tuition class, she picked up vegetables for the dinner and got busy with cooking. Today, her mind started reflecting on her life. She was living with her elder sister's family, post her separation. She had a job and had to support her only daughter who was eight. The responsibility and future uncertainties would make her shudder most of the time. She felt hopeless mostly.

Her husband Vineet's picture came to her mind and she felt mixed feelings. He was a kind person and she always felt he loved her. However, in the entire commotion of family drama, she had forgotten to notice all of it clearly. She could not have a clear opinion about Vineet still. She was married 9 years ago and had her daughter one year after marriage. As she was living with Vineet's family, there was hardly any time for the couple to get to know each other well. Vineet fulfilled all the obligations of a husband as he earned and provided for the family. He would not interfere in the daily household affairs which were controlled by his mother. Dynamics between his mother, sister and wife were beyond his thinking. He always tried to ignore it till it became unbearable. His usual response would be to leave home and come back later when all are asleep. Next day, he would leave early trying to keep himself off the fights.

Knowing his nature, Reshma would initially leave him out and tried to cope with it herself. However, when things were getting out of control, she wanted Vineet to side with her, as she knew she was right. Vineet however, did not want to have anything to do with what he thought "Women's catfights". This pushed Reshma to depression. She was lost. Her sister Tara was her only solace in this. She would dish out her daily frustrations with her over phone. Tara would counsel her and ask her to be strong and not give into the demands of her in laws. When Reshma was in psychological distress, Tara decided to take Reshma to her own place and support her till domestic issues got sorted out at Vineet's place.

However, this step was viewed as extreme by Vineet's family and they asked Vineet to cut all ties with Reshma who did this to malign their family pride. Vineet silently followed the decree of his mother, whom he never talked back even once. 

Reshma was in the midst of an uncertain future. She had no way of knowing what Vineet felt. She was upset with him for not fighting for her and their only daughter. She had no respect left for him. Her sister Tara and her family were kind to her and took care of her and daughter well. She felt indebted to them and would go to any extent to serve them. She would mostly engage herself in all the household chores and ensured her sister had sufficient time to rest after work while she herself would slog.

Almost a year had passed in this condition and Reshma almost felt shut out from the outside world. Today's sunset had woken her up. 

She cannot let days pass like this. She was not going to be a silent spectator to her own life passing by.  She had to take charge and make things happen. For that, she need to know what she wants first. Currently her wants were so mangled up with that of what her sister wants, what society wants etc, that she could not think clearly.

She needed some space, some quiet hours, a pen and a notepad to download her own thoughts that were clogged in her mind. That night, she put her daughter to sleep and then sat with her notepad and pen. She did not know where to start or what to write. Unconsciously her fingers moved and she wrote "A peaceful, fulfilled life with family"

Yes, she had to fight for her family which is Vineet, her daughter Vibha and herself. She had no idea how to fulfill this. Thinking deep, she fell asleep. Next morning she completed her housework and dropped her daughter to school. When she reached her workplace, she smiled at the girl in the reception consciously. She noticed the girl in the reception had a picture of cute girl on her desk. She stopped to ask about her and was happy to note that Receptionist Salma's daughter Zara too was 8 years old. 

During the lunch hour, she thought of being a bit more engaged with her colleagues than usual. She always had a mask on her as she feared the colleagues may get into unnecessary details of her personal life. Today, she felt the need to open up. She paid attention to what others were saying. Nisha as usual was sharing her travel stories which other's listened with envy. Lola was sharing her boyfriend stories while Smitha generously shared her recipies. That would leave Reshma and Sara out from most of the active conversations and they were relieved.

Today Reshma engaged Sara in a conversation regarding her daughter and Sara seemed very happy to share some beautiful moments she shares with her daughter and she seemed very pleased. Reshma too shared about her son's favourite games and the team quickly finished their lunch.

On her way back Reshma tried to catch a glimpse of the sunset from the bus. She felt a kind of a friendship between them. Setting sun seem to have challenged her for exploring more from her life. She felt ready for persuing this challenge. 

Along with purchasing vegetables in the market, this time, she purchased a note pad and pen. She wanted to jot down her feelings and what is her possible way out from this situation. This created a kind of excitement in her body and she felt new energy pumping into her. Her mind was fully focused on creating a new reality for her and her family....

Waves of change were splashing her shore now, she could feel it deep in her being. Will she be bold enough to ride those waves and create a new reality? Wait for the next episode of this story....

 

Am I the keeper of my brother/Sister?

 

"Am I the keeper of my brother?", this is the statement I found in Old Testament, when Cain answers God after murdering his brother Abel.

I have quite an opposite experience to share from my life. When I was 9 year old, my youngest sister was born as the 5th girl child in the family. It was a jolt for all neighborhood and well-wishers who were eagerly looking for a boy at least this time. I am sure my parents had their own emotions to deal with, which I was too young to understand at that point.

Babies are fun irrespective of their gender,we adored her. Unfortunately, when she was about 3-4 months she was declared born blind. This was a shock which was more profound than her bring a girl. When several Doctors declared that nothing can be done, one of the well-known ophthalmologist suggested that there is a ray of home as the child may get vision when reaching puberty. I am not sure if there was any scientific backing to that or he was just trying to pacify my distraught parents.

We held on to this hope and started praying for her sight, while my baby sister grew angelic, playful and normal in all other aspects. Being an older sister, I was highly protective of her. I developed a special bond with my sister. I resisted when people pitied her and at that very young age, with hardly any information on the ways to empower persons with disability, I decided to make her as capable as me and even more. Coming from a village, our family had not much exposure to her special requirements. Only advice my parents kept getting was to send her away to a residential school meant for blind children in a far off city. My parents were adamant and decided to take care of her and provide her all comforts within the family. The hope statement from the Doctor was always at the back of their mind. With our prayers, we were almost sure she will not remain blind for long. The only other thing my parents thought of doing was to save some money for her future.

As my schooling progressed, I took great interest and care in teaching her everything about life and our surroundings. I would build her world by giving her exposure to a tactile world, using her other senses to touch, feel and understand the world around her. I would take her along everywhere, make her play, feel and do things which would make her feel engaged and happy. We all were so proud of her small achievements and hoped one day she will regain her sight. 

We encouraged her to attend a nursery school, where she was best in reciting rhymes and socializing with other kids. When no normal schools agreed to give her admission for 1st grade, we had to retain her at nursery for the next 3 years, end of which she was almost performing the role of a teacher. This annoyed the school inspectors and they asked her not to come to school as she is above the prescribed age for the nursery. That was the saddest day for all of us. We had no choice but to retain her at home. I took extra care to engage her and teach her after my school hours and we grew very close and inseparable. My mind would work hard to find ways to teach her without using sight. I would come up with plans and methods to teach her things in a way she would understand. It would amaze me how she was able to recognize around 20-25 variety of trees in the forest near our home by feeling the barks. Her memory was an asset, so was her intelligence.

Turning point came when I took up Masters in Social Work for my post graduation. Though, I had to leave home to pursue this course, I was sure this can help me find some solutions for my sister's needs. College Principal guided me to meet a visually impaired person behind our campus who lived independently and was a teacher. This visit helped me discuss my concerns and find many new solutions. I would eagerly wait for visiting home on weekends and download what I have learnt to my sister. She too was very eager and happy to follow the advice and one such advice was to learn and do stuff around the house, help in household chores which my parents never thought was possible for her. We had to change their perception and my sister was persistent and followed every bit of the advice. By the time I visited her next week, she was 10 steps ahead and had some more questions for me. I would act as a messenger and motivator and with this we engaged fully in her rehabilitation process. By now, we knew the Doctors advice was a myth and we had to focus on actions than just prayers.

My quest for institutions led me to Bangalore and I explored different options. On this one point though I was in agreement with my parents as we did not want her to be institutionalized. We had known several cases where after institutionalizing at  young age the bond between family members grows weak and the child gets forgotten. While we wanted the expertise from organisations to reach her, we had the challenge of reaching that expertise to the village which was far away from the city. We found a four month long independent living course in the city. Getting my parents to agree on such a move was mammoth. My friend and classmate from the city helped me to find some solutions. The founder of the NGO where independent living course was offered was visually impaired. So we decided to expose my parents to her and invited her to visit my parents in their village. She readily agreed.  After scolding me for this misadventure and raising false hopes of my sister who was increasingly becoming rebellious now, they reluctantly agreed to send her. I was sternly warned that it will be only four months and no more. Our joy had no bounds. 

Those four months were such crucial time for her life. Knowing that this is her best chance to learn, she absorbed everything like a sponge and was the darling of all staff and students in the institution. I was amazed to see her growth. Now my sister had a larger group of supporters backing her. Each one was offering a different option of continuing school, but none was suitable for my parents need of keeping her at home under their care and protection. We planned and plotted to work around these conditions.

End of 4 months my sister was very confident, independent and returned home. Though my parents were happy to notice the change, they did not want to say it aloud as it may encourage us on a new adventure of taking her out again. We were not the ones to give up. We kept at it and found a residential school which could make my sister learn Braille in a year, post which she could pursue her studies at any normal school. With another uphill task of convincing parents, she finally moved to the new school. As expected the transition was not very smooth. She was used to comforts and well cared for at home, we had to deal with those small but important aspects for her adjustment. We could pay, but the school could not differentiate for one student. My sister tried her best to cope as she wanted to move ahead in life. Often times did not report all hardships for fear of withdrawal from school. As a result she developed a health condition and my parents blamed me for pushing  her into such a situation. By the time we pulled her out of this school, she was an expert on braille, math and had covered portions on fast track till 4th standard, thanks to the support of school teachers. 

At this point, the plan was clear, to get her admitted to a school nearby home. Though I was a old student at most of these schools, they gave several excuses and were closed to any such experiments. We had to get creative on finding solutions. So, convinced a Special School in nearby town to allow her to write 7th standard exam after home schooling. They agreed to this arrangement and enrolled her to take the exam. Home schooling was tough, but with my sisters burning desire to excel and the support of an entire family behind she conquered yet another milestone. Newspapers reported her writing her exam with the help of a scribe.  Her exam results amazed everyone. She had not just completed 7th but with flying colors. With no regular schooling this achievement was incredible. Everyone had to admit that she had in her to excel in anything she sets her mind into. 

Once more, we were hunting for High schools around our village for admission and same disappointment awaited us. There was no law to admit and hence, schools could get away with rejecting to admit.  Given her track record, we thought of one more short cut. We enrolled her directly for 10th exam through open schooling. Nearby high school this time agreed to let her sit in the classroom and listen to the classes with the riders that no extra effort solicited from teachers.  Yet again, she excelled in her 10th exam. This was followed with many awards and felicitations. She attracted a lot of media attention and was talk of the town in a short span of 2 years. She was the first Braille newsreader and got State level award for achievement.

We decided to give her a full-time education for Pre-University at a normal, highly reputed college. She got through and moved to the hostel, lived as equal among her peers and once more excelled in her studies. She was bold and forthright and was admired by her lecturers, classmates and hostel mates alike. She has a strong personality and never give up attitude. On weekends, we would meet and engage in serious conversations on various subjects. As I was working for a funding agency supporting the causes of persons with disability, I had access to resources and information and organisations which would also benefit her.

By now our entire family was rallying behind her. She decided to do her graduation in fine arts and moved back to the town near our village and stay as a residential student. This too was a first time a visually impaired student was enrolled for graduation in that institution. She did well wherever she went. Every first has several challenges dealing with procedures and mindsets, which she coped well. The mindset we helped her develop was that "expect hardships, as this is rare for the people around you. They are acting out of their ignorance". This helped and she left a lasting positive impression on those people and institutions she associated with.

Getting into gainful employment was our next challenge. Mobility was another aspect we had to address and we had our own fears letting her navigate the city on her own. I would feel anxious and nightmarish when she was attending mobility classes. Will she be left alone on the roads, will she be safe, will she meet with and accident, what about stray animals etc. I had seen many cane users on busy city roads and feel how helpless they are. It was time for me to change my thinking. An NGO staff told me not to visualize her world from my point of view. "You have seen the world with your eyes and you cannot imagine how she is navigating her world. As she is born blind she navigates her world with sounds and other senses and you need to allow her that freedom to explore" and that made me change. Yes, she was not me. I cannot look at her world from my eyes. She was growing and she has her own way of looking at things and I got to listen and understand. With that advise, I took a back seat and let her drive her life forward. My mode of engagement with her changed. I listened to her more now. She had developed her own set of advisers, friends and peers who were also offering her different solutions. I was firmly backing her, but gave space so she could find her voice and path.

She decided to learn computers and Medical Transcription and got a job. Now I had exposure to her work world and how she was navigating it. Living in a Paying Guest, commuting for work and fun, outings with friends, earning, saving, spending etc. I was a good listener and always nudge her thinking. We were great friends, inspiring each other. I was glad she had a whole community of organisations and individuals and family supporting her and I had my space to focus on my own family and career.

Within 2 years she was bored of Medical Transcription job. She then started attempting bank exams. All through these times she was backed by strong mentors and advisers who made it easy for her. She got selected for bank, moved from clerical to officer. She had a house of her own and started looking for a life partner. We would debate this and she would share experiences of her other married friends. My exposure to her world was expanding. She had made friends with very strong and confident women with disabilities in her PG, workplace and she would back her arguments with their experiences. Occasionally I would feel she is making wrong choices and she would be adamant and there would be arguments, but soon we would be back to normal. I felt helpless when she asked me to look for a suitable life partner for her. 

I widened her options, nudged her to look for creative solutions and now the technology was her savior. I was getting busy with my own career, family and loads of personal stuff. Technology was her strength. She could connect with people, explore options, advertise in matrimonial sites and scan possible suitors. It was tough as guys who would be interested seeing her profile picture would back off the minute they hear about her disability. It was tough, yet she persisted and was triumphant there too.

She completed her Post graduation, was working as a bank official and found her life partner. It took so many years and her grand wedding was an eye opener for the people in our village as to how a visually impaired person can live a normal life with right guidance, support and belief. She continues to set high goals for herself and is raising her daughter and is excelling as a career woman and a well balanced family person. How many more feathers can we add to her already loaded cap! She deserves all the credit for believing in herself and marching forward.

Yes, in this journey, I have been my "Sister's keeper" and at times our lives almost seemed inseparable. She has been my best teacher! 

 By Lavina Cardoza

"Husband in the Attic & Wife in the showcase"

Let me explain....As per popular saying "Marriages are made in heaven" and to be lived on earth. If you have a fulfilling marriage, definitely you experience heaven on earth. Not all are privileged.

In most cases, the intensity of emotions, bonding may be strong initially and may wear out as years pass by, leading to my analogy "Husband in the Attic & Wife in the showcase".

We all have stuff stored in our attic. Usually the stuff that is not required for immediate use gets stored in the attic  (may be in modern homes, we may call them storage places beyond everyday reach). We all know such stuff is lying around somewhere if the need comes we can retrieve it. It may have wear and tear due to its idle condition. However, there is a mental relief that we have it somewhere and have not lost it. Similarly the case of husband in attic. They exist, not very functional but if need arise, you could retrieve and use them. Need could be social gatherings, children's education related events etc.

Now about the showcase. We all love to keep our best looking artifacts, antics etc. in showcases. These are for display only and do not have real functional value. When visitors come, they appreciate the stuff in our showcases and may enquire about those artifacts, which may bring back our memories of how we acquired them, when and from where. We may feel proud and happy sharing the story with those people. Yet, once the visitors are out of the door, we know we are back to normal and the pieces in showcase remain static. We have nothing to do with them. Similarly in some homes, a wife may have lost the functional value of emotional comfort and be a pure show piece for the man in the house. However, her value in terms of offering all the housekeeping services and home management including regular cooking, caring will never seize. Which is anyway, not acknowledged or appreciated.

Many homes may have this arrangement. Yet the fact that people can co exist without fighting or arguing and giving space for each other is amazing. I am not the one to judge and say if this is good or bad. Not all things in life have to be segregated in those two categories. Life can be lived in any fashion suitable to the person living it. Peace and harmony must prevail at all costs!

Story of Two Sheep...

Once there lived two sheep on a farm. Farm was green and filled with goodies. The two sheep were well cared for and adored by the farmer family. It was beautiful morning and the sheep were grazing on the misty grass, when the kids came around and in usual playful mood started chasing them around. They had named the sheep "Snowy" and "Fluffy".  

Though they both looked alike and were of similar age, kids seem to like Fluffy better than Snowy as Snowy preferred to be left alone. Fluffy loved the attention and responded to kids playful joy by jumping and bleating. Once the children left them on their own, Snowy as usual reprimanded Fluffy for being a sport and accommodating the little human's fancies. She always considered humans as enemies and could not trust them for she had heard from her mother about the tricks they play and the purpose of their being raised in farms. Snowy came from a big farm where she had heard and seen sheep's being taken for slaughter. Fluffy, on the other hand was unaware of any such stories and was living life in ignorance of such facts.

Despite Snowy' s regular reminders and stories about humans, Fluffy could only base her judgement on what she saw and experienced. All she saw through her short life so far on that farm was love and care and hence she ignored Snowy' s version. For now they were just eating and getting fatter in their own ways.

When time came to slaughter a sheep for the festival, parents had a quick discussion and obviously Snowy was the first target as her popularity in comparison to Fluffy was lower. Though it was a painful decision on part of the kids to lose one of their playmates, they were learning to imitate their elders. 

Next morning when the whole farm was asleep, farmer came and tied up Snowy. It was self-fulfilling prophesy and she did not resist much as she was prepared for such a day and had not expected anything different from the farmer. She was not sure if she had to feel sorry for her painful end or to feel happy that her prediction about the farmer was proven right. While Fluffy slept sound, Snowy met her end and provided the meat for the family and its guests.

The next morning when Fluffy did not see Snowy around she tried to make sense of the situation. When the children came out to play after their sumptuous breakfast which included choicest parts of Snowy, they were full of remorse. They knew Snowy is missing her companion and maybe even fearful of her own future. So they pursed their lips and gave out no information about Snowy, rather tried to make up by being more playful.

One of the smart kids with a kind heart was not happy with all that was going on. She did not join the other's. She was aloof and was writing something in her note pad. She was worried for Fluffy and wanted to stop what is coming. She waited for the right time during dinner to kick a fuss and deny eating what was on her plate. Convincing by parents only made her more determined about her choice. She made an emotional plea with her parents about the kind of cruelty they were inflicting. 

Her voice must have been feeble, but definitely not fruitless. Other children joined the chorus now and there was mutiny around the dinner table. That night the parents were pushed back and had to take a stand on what would be the fate of Fluffy and other farm animals in the days to come. They decided to find an amiable solution to this situation soon.

Fluffy at the same time is finding it hard to sleep. She is wondering what would have happened to Snowy. She still wants to give the benefit of doubt to the farmer family and feels that Snowy may return soon, while her own future hangs in the hands of those little children and their ability to influence their parents.

By: Lavina Cardoza

  

Man's journey...

Taxi driver Abdul was waiting at the airport. He was asked to pick up John traveling from Gulf to his home town which happened to be the same as that of Abdul's. At a time when there were no phones or mobiles, he used to get his customers from word of moth.

He knew John and it was his duty every two years to receive him at the airport and also to drop him back post his month long vacation. Being worked in Gulf himself as a driver for few years, Abdul was familiar with the hardships behind the exaggerated pictures painted by the Gulf returnees for their family and community during their short stays. Yet, John was different as he had few words and very respectable. There was nothing flashy or inauthentic about him.

Finally, John arrived and Abdul could recognize him from a distance. Once the luggage was placed in the boot, Abdul and John exchanged greetings and a short conversation. Knowing how eager John must be to meet his family, he left him to ponder and take note of the recent developments as they passed by.

Once the car reached the house, Abdul could see the house helpers coming ahead of the family to unload the stuff. It was no surprise to Abdul as usually the women would not show too much eagerness in front of strangers to come forward and greet despite waiting for that moment for months on end. The kids too will have mixed feelings about a stranger who they have to call "Dad" coming to stay for such long period. So, they were hiding and watching this whole thing unfold.

After taking his fare and wishing John happy vacation Abdul left. In all that hurry and excitement, John did not forget to handover a box of chocolates for Abdul's children.

As John's house was on the main road, occasionally Abdul would catch a glimpse of John and salute and move on. He could see every vacation there would be more construction work taking place at John's place. Fresh sand and stones would be brought in and he could see men engaged in either building a compound wall, digging a well, building a toilet etc. As John's wife had her hands full with taking care of the family farm, aged in-laws and the young kids, this was his best way of spending his vacation.

As they say time flies, it was time to drop John at the airport. This time, John was accompanied by his wife and kids and there was chatter and fun. Yet, he could feel how John and his wife may be feeling now that there was the gap of two years till they saw each other. He was glad to have company of John's family on his return trip.

After an hour he could see John's wife come out with the kids. Youngest kid was inconsolable and wanted dad to come back. Abdul kept wondering what magic that serious looking man would have created to get this scared little kid who was hiding on  the day of his arrival, to be so attached. He tried his best telling the kid that he would go back in a few days time and fetch her dad as soon as he gets replenishment's for the chocolates that they so loved. Thank God, the hint of chocolate worked and the kid was soon looking out of the window and counting the trees outside. He could see a sign of relief in John's wife's face from his rare view mirror.

Years have passed......both Abdul and John's families have evolved and after about 40 years from that first incident this second scene is playing out.

Taxi driver Hameed is waiting in his car outside John's house. Hameed is Abdul's son who inherited Abdul's taxi and his profession after Abdul passed away 20 years ago. Hameed too knew John and his family as they were the only service providers for the family over the years. Though number of taxis has increased, John's family was loyal to Abdul's and were preferred over others.

Seeing John's daughters come out with loads of luggage, Hameed got out of the car and went to their veranda to get the luggage. He knew John's daughters who had settled outside and were occasionally visiting home. Hameed would usually pick and drop them to airport or to catch the bus at night. John would sometime accompany them and waited till the bus left. He would take extra care to ensure the safety of his daughters though they were all now grown up and had families of their own. He had remained the same serious man with few words and Hameed would hardly mind it.

Today, for some reason the mood of John's household was sombre. His wife would usually come out and draw Hameed into some conversation. He did not see her. Finally, John came out supported by one of his daughter and his wife followed. Knowing the family for long, Hameed knew something was amiss.

Of lately, John used to be sick and Hameed had accompanied him on his hospital visit to the city. As the family had all daughters Hameed would physically support John in case of difficulty. Somehow there was a silent bond between Hameed and John's family.

In the car, John was accompanied by two of his daughters and rest of the family said good bye to him and they shared the destination. Hameed's heart skipped a beat. He knew the place well, it was just 4 KM from John's house. His mind raced, while he had to focus on the road, he kept wondering why a man like John with resources, house and property of his own and caring children would be heading to a "Old age home". No one spoke in the car. John had a serious face as usual, but was looking more pale could be due to the long time ailments or the dread of having to live in a old age home.

For once, he wanted this journey to last forever. He wanted to defer the time of John's drop off. Car is just a machine and had no feelings and it reached in the usual 15 minutes time. At the Old age home, they were welcomed by people. Stuff was unloaded and moved. Out of curiosity, Hameed accompanied John inside of the institution.

For a change, he felt peaceful in the clean, green and serene environment of the institution. It was a paid facility and John had a nice big room with attached bathroom and toilet for himself. John's daughters quickly started arranging his room. Hameed finally asked John if he would be living here for now. John nodded and said this is the best the family could think of as his condition required constant care and hospitalization. As his wife had a delicate health condition and children had their career and families to care for in the distant cities, he would be looked after well in this facility. He could rest, do his prayers and get 24/7 medical care. This comforted Hameed and he left the room for John to settle in fully.

Outside, he was offered tea and snacks and could see several old people engaged in their own activities, some were enjoying in the garden, some were in the chapel praying and few were sitting and chatting. He saw the in-charge of the centre entering John's room and he could hear laughter and the environment change completely.

Sitting on the bench outside, Hameed kept at his thinking. When he was given the destination, he had felt bad for John yet now after seeing all this he felt this place may be better for John. He said a silent prayer for John to get the best services in this new place and recover. John's daughters approaching steps woke him up and he opened the door for them.

On the way back he could see tears rolling down the cheeks of John's daughters yet no word was spoken between them. He knew this decision must have been tough for them. Yet, he was not happy. He kept thinking what would have been the best solution for a man like John who toiled for his family in the faraway Gulf....finally they arrived at John's house. He had no courage left to face anyone of John's family at this point and left taking his fare quickly.

Human Energy, the most powerful yet least valued!

Just back from a get together of 70 most charming fellow trainers within my work context. The energy that we created during the two days was unlimited yet non measurable. We all could feel it, it moved us, made us bond, laugh, dance and do unimaginable things which we would dread doing alone. It re-charged our brains, activated our bodies and enlarged our smiles. Our inhibitions were gone and we were in a zone where we felt comfortable with ourselves and those around us.

This makes me think that human energy is the most powerful yet least valued. We are yet to invent an instrument for measuring it. It is tough to explain and can only be felt.

While the world is currently talking about energy deficits, non-renewable energy sources getting depleted, can we not capitalize on this source of energy. This one is very much within our reach, does not require any technology and can help us in so many ways.

I believe that we humans are the source of world problems and also its solvers. Does it no reflect the duplicity and contradictions within our own race? How can we all be united for a cause? Imagine the amount of energy we would create if all of us resolve on something. Unfortunately, we as humans could never agree on one thing. Mahatma had enemies and Mother Theresa too, which shows that as humans what each one of us want is different.

In this quest, we see in our daily lives one person trying to cover a hole while the other one starts digging at the same place. Precious human energy gets lost in this process. What could be some ideas under which we all can unite as one big family and cooperate with each other irrespective of our geographical location, race, gender, religion and economic condition.

We cannot answer this question collectively. Each person has to answer this individually for themselves. While a poor laborer tries to earn his/her livelihood, the employer may be cutting corners by paying low wages and depriving of worker rights. In the bargain the laborer may be trying to cheat on work productivity and not following the set rules. This leads to the eternal chicken and egg question of what started first....the cheating by employer or by the laborer. At some point this blame game has to stop and each one has to start fresh.

Similarly the consumer is looking for cheap products and to meet this need the producer is cutting corners on ingredients by using pesticides, over usage of environment etc. Society is admiring rich and the powerful, hence most members of society are trying to reach that space by using unfair means. Poor are looking for a space to settle down in crowded cities and the middlemen are collecting money by giving them filthy illegal spaces to occupy and making those spaces even more polluted as they do not take responsibility for providing basic amenities.

We are constantly caught in this quagmire. While underneath, what we all want is same; a world with peace, prosperity and harmony for us and our next generations. How can some of us be so short sighted and take shortcuts?

And the reason why some of us take shortcuts is to gain riches, to earn more money and become Billionaires, a standard set and upheld by us collectively. Are we not guilty of a system that we have created? Yet, as a firm believer in human energy, I dream of a world where we can harness it for common good. Are you willing to take the first step?

Self Development: Cosmopolitan Park 6 PM

Self Development: Cosmopolitan Park 6 PM: Cosmopolitan Park @ 6 PM I am part of the cosmopolitan population for the past 20 years. Coming from a village where the entire commun...