Thoughts & After-thoughts !

 On a chilly morning, while traveling to Leh from Kargil, I noticed a few labourers of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) at the heights of Photu la and Namik la. The temperature was -16 degree Celsius and those workers were on to their daily duties of road maintenance. Among those, I observed one lady (perhaps from the Central India) who was busy with her routine duties. Carrying a broom in her hand she was cleaning the road, of the debris that falls on the road as shooting stones and slides. Apart from the broom, she was also carrying a bundle of firewood tied to her back, perhaps to light a fire by the roadside for keeping herself and her companions warm amidst the chilly weather. I was awestruck and a sense of gratitude took over me ! What conditions would have compelled her and her fellow workers to travel thousands of miles to the harsh conditions of Ladakh to make a living, I thought. Certainly, it wouldn't be a choice she made out of her sheer will ! Our lives are similar...

Whilst the outside temperature is chilling -10 degree Celsius, Satinder Sartaj playlist is playing in the cozy warmth of my room at Leh. As the song Ikko Mikke played, the following lyrics struck to my mind: Sab mitt gaye ne atak adike Dasso ji hunn ki likhiye haaye Hoye main te sajjan ikko mikke Dasso ji hunn ki likhiye... Intrigued about the meaning of the lyrics, I discussed them with my friend and colleague Mohit: all the obstacles on my way have vanished, tell me what do i write now; I and my lover have become one, tell me what do I write now, he explained. What a beautiful song I exclaimed; the philosophy of life is summarized melodiously !  What would our life be, if its not eventful, full of twists and turns, I thought ! What would one have with to write or tell  others about his/ her journey if the life is monotonous, isn't eventful ? Thank God, we have eventful lives, full of happiness, sorrows, anxious moments, heartbreaks, failure, success, accomplishments et...

 As I write this piece today on Mother's Day 2024, I am drenched deep into the everlasting memories inscribed on my heart and mind. The memories of my late mother whom I lost in her physical form in this fateful month of May, the 21st Day, in the year 2016- Budhha Purnima.  If you have read my recent blogs, you would be familiar with certain incidents I have mentioned about her during her last days on earth. But, today I feel like giving some details. (Caution: These are sheer emotions, and you might feel emotionally overpowered reading some portions) Born to a father who was a Govt. Teacher and a house-maker mother, Late Smt. Rampyari Sharma (my mother) was the eldest among her 5 siblings (4 Sisters & 1 Brother). The parents had migrated from the now PoK of then undivided India when they had not even entered their teens. My maternal grandfather ( Nanu ji ) had to leave literally everything (even his parents) while escaping from his then hometown in PoK in the aftermath of...

The Indian middle-class family is a vibrant tapestry woven with strong bonds, unwavering values, and a burning ambition to rise. In these households, respect for elders and extended family is paramount. Social gatherings and festivals are a time for joyous celebration, strengthening the connections that define them. Remember those massive Diwali celebrations, overflowing with sweets and enough relatives to fill a Bollywood movie? Remember those Holi celebrations where you had the fun of your life with your siblings, friends and relatives, your faces and clothes donned in a mix hue of vibrant colors, of-course at the cost of scoldings and even beatings from your mother for spoiling the household with water and colors spilled everywhere? Remember those summer vacations, and those days off after the term-end exams? - inarguably the most awaited time of the year! Or for that matter, remember, those moments of a tragedy in your family or relations, where the entire society comes together t...

 Humans are interesting creatures, for they have social relations, dreams and aspirations. These are the traits which arguably distinguish us from the rest of the creatures. And our lives are a constant flux and trade-off between our dreams, aspirations and the imminent reality. There is a trade-off between the short term hustle and the long term tranquility, between self -interest and the bigger picture we tend to ignore in pursuit of the self -interest. There is often a trade-off between social relations, responsibilities/duties and our personal goals. More often than not we tend to ignore the former for the latter. Think of the instances in your life where you have done that. But, above all, it is the realisation of it that strikes you at some point in your life.  From my own experience, I have realised that not every cost for the so called glory is worth the price. This doesn't mean that I am promoting mediocrity. It's just the cost for the success that I want you to facto...