29 STATES

Chetan Bhagat's popular autobiographical novel 2 STATES which was adapted into a hilarious movie that hit the blockbuster charts was one example of the rampant phase of inter caste , interprovince / interstate even interreligious relationships ,alliances that culminate into marital unions .Such alliances are undoubtedly promoting intercultural relationships , acceptance and assimilation and contributing in their own way towards the Unity in Diversity ideology! Our country propagates varied hues and shades of its facade ... different cuisines, food , customs , languages , mannerism , social practices , traditions, festivals , music , dance , art , paintings, attires , dress sense, theatre , films , accessesorizing , political ideologies ....the list of varieties seems endless . Besides , each of the 29 states can boast of their own glorious past, sung and many unsung brave freedom fighters , revered godmen, saints , eminent poets , men of letters , brilliant politicians ,gamechangers , sportsmen/ sportswomen , actors , singers, dancers, painters, .....every state has its own rich literary and cultural heritage ! Generally a country may be having a few separate states or provinces and at best a few different dialects but overall every country projects a uniform systematic way of life , socio- culture pattern and a uniform code of conduct . As per my understanding, I think we are the only people despite having so many dissimilarities are yet living together under the name of one country . This unique characteristic is indeed interesting , intriguing and phenomenal. The last two decades have seen a surge in the merging of these differences by way of marriages. With the female species now making its presence felt in every work place plus the thriving multinationals where the young from various parts of the country are working together in a conducive manner have prompted and promoted interstate and intercaste alliances . So relieving parents of this one be-all and end-all gravest of grave responsibility of getting their children "settled" ie married off well , youngsters are now deciding for themselves and choosing their life partners .By the way this is definitely not a new phenomenon ....the parents of the new wave youngsters may also be of diverse backgrounds and have successfully pulled it off really well till date ! In the previous millennium such diverse alliances were considered hazardous and problematic also a social taboo due to which the daring dating partners underwent several rounds of counselling , coercing to abandon the relationship, and even emotional blackmailing ! However, this generally falls on deaf ears having little or no effect on the head over heels in love couple Notwithstanding all this and overcoming all the stressful perplexing circumstances , some fortunate few have tied the knot against all odds ! For the new millennium kids life has been kinder in this sector as once they choose their partners they just need to inform and yes in some cases convince their parents about their prospective son / daughter -in-law .That's it ...and the rest of it till the marriage preps and the ceremonies is comparatively easier as parents of both sides are ready to comply and adjust for the happiness of their wards. What happens post marriage and once the so-called "honeymoon period" ends is ofcourse another story may be not-so-sweet for many ! After all the ever increasing separation and divorce rates express the stark reality ! Now the blame for this cannot be completely shifted to intercaste / interstate unions ....even the " "Arranged marriages" where foolproof measures are taken for ensuring lifelong compatibility from matching horoscopes to selecting similar family backgrounds , economic status and tailor-made groom especially the bride who is expected to be all - knowledgeable in all fields including managing a new born , waking up early in the early hours of the morning fresh and in the best of sprightly spirits , dressed appropriately, doing puja and then beginning the household chores ...which includes personally attending to the needs of every family member are unfortunately in many cases breaking up. I know this apoears to be a typical scene from a TV soap or even a typical Indiam film but reel life and real life are not very different . Cut to the "love marriage" duos .....generally speaking in most cases they are the ones who have taken leave for this event may be during their Christmas vacays and have stipulated time to spend at home post their wedding and very soon they are off to their customary comfortable foreign homes.The precious time that the parents /family members have with them is no doubt spent in indulging in them .BUTit is expected of the daughter-in-law to be updated at least with some of their traditions and dos and donts! Hailing from an absolutely disparate background and upbringing , living upto expectations becomes difficult unless the new family members are supportive and understanding. Though this is a short phase for the new bride, once married living with the spouse in a foreign land, is also altogether different from the dating / courtship span. India is a land of festivals happening round the year....one ends and we start looking forward to the other which is round the corner .What is remarkable is that each festival is celebrated in different ways in the different 29 states !!! So as soon as some festival props up the calls from home instructing how to observe it as per their custom start pouring in and in most cases it is expected that instructions are followed in toto. Now for a person of a diverse traditional culture who is not much updated or has not even witnessed the spouse's household customs and rituals ...it is certainly difficult for her / him to . Every individual is rooted to his / her cultural background , the food that plays an important role (realised later by the couple) , the language. the mother tongue etc . And it should be that way ....we must be rooted and take pride in it. And it is well nigh impossible for a person to give up , abanfon and forgo one's own belief systems .So here is where the problem starts brewing suddenly and gradually taking an alarming form when there is lack of communication , balanced thinking and the readiness to accept and what ensues then tears apart the very sanctity of this beautiful relationship called Wedlock . It is not that adjustments do not happen...they do and the individual concerned does his / her utmost to learn and practice the required norms/ customs so that the family , the partner can take pride in it and not face any uncomfortable or embarrassing situation .That is how an 'Outsider' becomes an 'Insider' with the help ,support and acceptance of the spouse and other family members . An understanding and patient spouse can facilitate this in a major way . Assimilation, Acceptance and Adjustment are the three key words that play a pivotal role in making a compatible relationship, a secure emotional bond and a stable future . Then the offsprings can be given a happy and secure home combined with an upbringing that in turn teaches them to accept and enjoy diverse traditions ! If Baisakhi and Pongal can be celebrated together by observing the customs of both spouses it will be more enjoyable , if Durgapuja and Navratri can be enjoyed simultaneously it is always more festive ! No one should deride , condescend , mock or ridicule the others ' customs , traditions , food habits , if they wish for a harmonious life . My intent is that we need to merge our differences and come to accept the varied trends and assimilate them in our own psyche . It is only and only then that the interstate and intercultural marriages can be successful and happy . Ultimately each one of us is yearning to capture the most elusive , ephemeral state of HAPPINESS for which we all aspire to mould our future with partners with whom we can hope to reach that state of blissful togetherness !

THEN AND NOW !

Tha screeching horns of school buses that used to rent the morning calm, the neatly- uniformed children lined up for the morning assembly in schools , the early morning P.T. exercises , the students sitting side by side in packed classrooms - some talking, some gigling , some secretly and furtively exchanging tiffins, the flocking and running to the already overcrowded canteen in break time , the playground activities...the matches, inter school tournaments, the hectic school activities , the journey back home in the filled- to - capacity buses , the ceaseless excited chatter of the happy children with their friends ...... Ahh ! Those were the days!! where have they gone !! For commoners commuting in the noon hours between 2 to 4 was challenging and even annoying as they had to face traffic snarls due to the hordes of buses plying after school . However, there is a total change of scene since the past two years ... the buses have disappeared, the school children waiting for their buses with their heavy bags and water bottles dangling from their shoulders , parents esp the mothers waiting for their children to return home in the buses , children cycling , some walking , some going in pool cars , some in their own vehicles - all rushing to school to reach on time ...they are now things of the past . SFH like WFH is the new norm .ONLINE is the only recourse to stay updated and connected. It is now a common scene in every household that as the clock strikes 8 ,children are infront of their laptops or phones /Ipads /tablets on Zoom / Google meet juggling from one period to another , straining their eyes and ears to catch up with the ongoing lesson/chapter of the various subjects . Working parents are equally posted infront of their digital screens .... So the scene is like if there is one child ... Three people are busy in three different rooms ogling their screens till late noon-- in the case of working parents it is evening extending even to the late hours of the night , for some (due to international calls) even the wee hours of the morning ! The world outside is intimidating ! Children are now almost under house arrest as they are not allowed to go out , play with their friends or visit them due to the raging pandemic. They are now living in their cloistered shells ...imagine children bound in their 2 - room or 3 - room flats day in and day out for almost 2 years ! It is without doubt exasperating not only for them but even for their parents .The enforcement of the strict lockdown phases are evidence of such miserable situations. The more priveleged ones staying in individual houses may at least have a glimpse of the outside world through their terraces or front yards . The fun and excitement of being in the company of friends whether in school or after school is being sorely missed causing mental havoc among children. The mundane routine of their in-house banal activities is telling upon their mental and physical wellbeing . Online classes cannot be paralleled to offline education where the teacher and taught interact face to face, where there is discipline regimentation that can be inculcated in students, where physical activities foster the all-round development of growing children and where friendship and camaraderie , the greatest healing therapy, evolve . Discipline , the most integral facet that needs to be imbibed in children as it forms their character and plays a vital role in building their future , is the most affected. Going to school means being disciplined by following the rules and code of conduct and by obeying the educators. Online classes have taken a toll on discipline.....though it is required of students to be in their school uniforms during class hours majority of them are under dressed , attired in their school shirts and ties intact but with Bermudas / shorts and ofcourse the footwear is of no significance at all! Apart from that studying within the precincts of the home gives easy access to bunk classes and hoodwink the teachers on the pretext of poor network connectivity or other lame excuses . Parents are unable to keep a strict vigil as most of them are working themselves , and even if the mother is not , her check is cobsidered to be irritable nagging at times and thus brushed aside . However, some children , specially of younger age groups are not able to manage online classes on their own and need to be assisted regularly which responsibility also mostly falls on the mothers . The Internet, we all are aware, gives access to all kinds of material to all age groups , some of which is informative and others hazardous and detrimental. The temptation to access and play online games becomes an obsession with youngsters so much so that they dodge their online classes to indulge in their favourite games . The harried lot of parents are not able to constantly monitor their online activities nor can they restrict the use as it is necessary for their education to continue . Where earlier parents could exert control over their screen times , it is now absurd even to think of it. The other thing is that not all in our country are being able to avail this facility .Despite the mobile boom which has made the availability of easy access to phones still a large section of our population do not possess Android phones / laptops etc needed for online education. They cannot afford to purchase them.....with the bleak job scenario and the retrenchments that have rendered many jobless , it is very difficult for this strata to afford online education for their children. It is really unfortunate that several children are being deprived of education . The first- time school goers who would have ventured into the most exciting period of their lives have never seen school and have got promoted to class One /Two , without experiencing what school is all about . Nevertheless , THE ONE person who deserves special mention amid all this mayhem is the WIFE / MOTHER / DAUGHTER-IN-LAW ...for she has proved to be a Superhuman , switching, juggling and straddling various roles to fulfil the needs of her children, the Wfh husband , may be aged in-laws / parents who need constant care and attention . Her role of satisfactorily catering to everyone's needs and demands by satiating their taste buds , dealing with their emotional crisis tactfully and nurturing them lovingly has definitely not been an easy task for this Superwoman who is at a tipping point herself. Many homes , relationships are breaking or on the verge of it due to the continuous stress , strain of day to day life as well as the nagging anxiety about the future esp of their children. With crucial board results being declared on the basis of past examinations , the future of such children is endangered. However, not all is lost .The hope that things will normalise soon with the abatement of the pandemic is what we all need to think of and believe in. Generally a pandemic lasts for quite a few years . There have been pandemics before and they are proof of it. This is a time when communication plays a key role. Parents have to be involved with their children , communicate with them in a friendly manner and counsel them tactfully. The immediate present status of the pandemic is that the graph is flattening and the curbs/ restrictions are not so severe. So now children could be allowed to visit their friends , go for short outings with parents and the likes certainly following Covid protocol . Let us hope that there is no resurgence of another wave of the dreaded disease . Till then let us make hay while the sun shines though with utmost care ! After all every cloud has a silver lining !

REAR VIEW

The most widespread , widely-acclaimed universal notion --- to be in the present moment , seems to be the mantra for an untroubled , undisturbed and unruffled life ! However, nothing is more ephemeral than the present moment for it is fleeting and not permanent. The minute it passes it becomes the past and is converted into a memory either to be cherished or to be forgotten. So it is the past that is permanent as it is stored in the human mind for as long as the mind can retain it. It is this hankering and yearning to cling on to the past that has been an obsession for humans since time immemorial . Today's Selfie culture is the most recent example of this fervent desire of making the present unforgettable and imperishable ! But to what end ? For What purpose? Memories , remembrances, recollections empower us to revive and relive the moment that has gone by ! What we wished could continue or what we experienced could be captured permanently can be done , and is possible only through memories. The English Bard, William Wordsworth's formulated term , 'emotions recollected in tranquility' signifies that the human mind has the unique ability to create memories which can rekindle the same emotions that it once experienced , when the mind is in a restful state. Our memories are therefore "emotions recollected in tranquility" ! The human mind is a repository of a plethora of countless stored occurrences and reminiscences. There are various categories of these remembrances ....some are joyous , delightful, fond while others could be not so joyous , disturbing , even harrowing, shattering that can torment and destroy the balance of the mind . Some are priceless that are valued and cherished forever and provide unalloyed happiness when the mind revisits them .However, those that are distressful and afflicting are the ones that humans wish to obliterate but at times are unable to do so causing several complications affecting the mental and physical wellbeing. Can be related to the Karmic effect ... Creating happy or unpleasant memories depends on our circumstances , happenings and also at times depends solely on us. It is true that we are helpless in the face of several untoward events that happen in our lives and fill our minds with stressful impressions .Unfortunately many a times we ourselves are responsible for making traumatic remembrances due to our own false egos, follies and foibles! Nevertheless if we wish and try we can create memories that we would wish to cherish for a lifetime . This will happen once our consciousness, our beings are infused with the sublime human values of patience , endurance , forgiveness and magnanimity. Then our present will convert into beautiful memories which the mind would love to revisit , rekindle and reanimate very frequently. But all this is easier said than done . To be able to inculcate and practice these noble virtues we need to be spiritually inclined. There always have been venerated saints who have shown mankind the right path and even now ,in these turbulent times ,there are spiritually enlightened philanthropists , mentors and revered Gurus who are perpetually trying to unravel the secret of happiness and contentment .This, they vouch, is possible through meditation which alone can help us to attain that coveted peace of mind and connect us to Our Creator ! The wonders and marvels of meditation can be experienced through practice alone . Once this happens and our minds are stable we can make our present pleasant and graceful so that we can look back with contentment , joy and pride , and experience perfect calm and mental quietude ! If our rear view images can enkindke and generate pleasurable emotions then we are truly blessed !!

UNITY IN DIVERSITY: A MIRROR IMAGE

सरहद पर मरने वाला हर वीर था हिन्दुस्तानी !! As the nation commemorates its 75th year of Independence these significantly impactful lines from the iconic patriotic song Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon shows how puny, pathetic and petty our diversity is for , at the end of the day we are all Indians . The feeling of oneness reigns supreme listening to these emphatic words . United we stand , Divided we fall is the essence of our national ethos ! Our innumerable differences as per states , provinces , language food habits , customs ,rituals , religion , belief systems and even culture then become meaningless . India has always been hugely proud of its slogan Unity in Diversity ....and true to the spirit of the slogan whenever there has been the need we have all put up a united front setting aside all our differences and diverse cultures , right from the Mutiny of 1857 to the Freedom Struggle , the various wars in the past and in recent times , for instance the strategic Kargil war . The young war heroes, the true patriots , belonging to various battalions, brigades, regiments , different castes, religion, states are all emblematic of bravery and valour as their sole mission is to uphold the country's integrity and welfare for which they are ready to lay down their lives and offer that supreme sacrifice for their nation. Their families , near and dear ones suffer irreparable losses and voids which can never be filled . Their only solace is that their sons, husband's, fathers, brothers , uncles have become martyrs ! Nation Comes First is what is drilled into every Defence personnel's mind and psyche ! They believe in live by chance , love by choice and kill by profession! Disparity is not in their dictionary .A big salute to them and to their unflinching zeal and their undying spirit !! Nevertheless shall we always need dire issues that threaten to jeopardise the safety and security of the country, to remain undivided and in Unity ?? Yes , we are a large country ....India is the 7th largest country in the world . With 29 states , 7 Union territories, 22 major languages , 6 major religions , and 1.39 billion population we are indeed a large country.... but undoubtedly need to be large- hearted too .It is ironic that when Diversity has been and shall always be the nation's fundamental characteristic there is an ongoing debate in the political corridors and among the higher echelons to delete the words ' secular ' and 'socialist ' from the Preamble of the Constitution !! Our diversity unfortunately has become our weakness as intolerance has led to conflicts , in-fighting , riots , homicide etc. It is not a pleasant observation and the statistics are terrifying . What is worse is that nefarious politics and wily politicians for their vested interests have and continue to exploit , incite and encash this Diversity with ever increasing intolerance leading to dastardly acts of savagery and inhumanity. Till when will the countrymen be subjected to the vile intentions and provocations of a select few . Our land is so beautiful and bountiful .....the snow-clad mountains , the flowing sinuous rivers ,the meandering lakes ,the rippling natural fountains, the majestic flaura and fauna that dot the country from North to South , East to West is mesmerising and incredibly amazing . The well- defined seasons , the plentiful agricultural produce and yield , the rich mineral resources are all manifestations of The Almighty's glory and His countless blessings . Instead of celebrating this bounty that should generate joy and pride , we are only projecting the most despicable side of our dispositions which is resulting in weakening our Unity in Diversity. Let us not allow the sacrifices of our brethren to go waste . There has to be some redemption from this sordid state of affairs. The most powerful shloka from the fourth chapter of Srimad Bhagwat Geeta comes to mind which kindles hope and is a Ray of light to dispel the darkness that has enveloped this wonderful country. यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य , ग्लानिॅभवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानमधमॅस्य तदात्मनाम सृजाम्यहाम्।। May our Saviour appear and restore our good sense , bonhomie and humanity !

A VISITOR'S PERSPECTIVE !!

Singapore'1S1ingapore'National Day Anthem 1O "See this Island " projects the city'state as a haven for diverse cultures ,races , religions cuisines -- its natural flaura and fauna , its aesthetically developed infra structure all find expression in this melodious anthem ! Multiethnicity and assimilation , acceptance of diversity amid the quest for meritocracy define the character of this remarkable island - country . The post colonial era of Singapore has been phenomenal ! It is" Darkest before the Dawn " undoubtedly but this tiny island has transformed darkness into dazzling light with perseverance and capability ! Few countries have so wondrously exploited their potential and have laboured so hard to achieve excellent heights . What strikes any common tourist / visitor is the immaculate cleanliness and neatness for which it is familiarly known as the cleanest country. Apart from that the citizen- friendly attitude , the winsome courteousness and mannerisms of the countrymen and their tolerant attitude towards all irrespective of ethnicity , culture , religion is certainly exemplary ! Punctuality ,Discipline , commitment towards work and the zeal to excel through hard work form the backbone of this country's development. Famous for being known as the' Fine Country ' violation of their strict rules is punishable and it comes with hefty monetary fines and penalty . Morality is at its highest as Singaporeans observe and abide by all norms of courtesy and societal behaviour . May 'The Merlion Nation 'always preserve and maintain its core culture and soar to greater heights of excellence and meritocracy ! May the " daunting road" ahead lead to beautiful highways of progress and success !: See this Island !! Singapore"s Anthem song projects the island as a haven for diverse cultures , cuisines ,religions -- its natural flaura and fauna , its aesthetically developed infra structure all find expression in this melodious anthem ! Multiethnicity and assimilation , acceptance of diversity amid the quest for meritocracy define the character of this remarkable island - country . The post colonial era of Singapore has been phenomenal ! It is" Darkest before the Dawn " undoubtedly but this tiny island has transformed darkness into dazzling light with perseverance and capability ! Few countries have so wondrously exploited their potential and have laboured so hard to achieve excellent heights . What strikes any common tourist / visitor is the immaculate cleanliness and neatness for which it is familiarly known as the cleanest country. Apart from that the citizen- friendly attitude , the winsome courteousness and mannerisms of the countrymen and their tolerant attitude towards all irrespective of ethnicity , culture , religion is certainly exemplary ! Punctuality ,Discipline , commitment towards work and the zeal to excel through hard work form the backbone of this country's development. Famous for being known as the' Fine Country ' violation of their strict rules is punishable and it comes with hefty monetary fines and penalty . Morality is at its highest as Singaporeans observe and abide by all norms of courtesy and societal behaviour . May 'The Merlion Nation 'always preserve and maintain its core culture and soar to greater heights of excellence and meritocracy ! May the " daunting road" ahead lead to beautiful highways of progress and success !:

WHO IS AN ARTIST

Any form of art is a form of power ; it has impact , it can affect change .It can not only move us , it makes us move ! Art forms have been thriving ever since their inception . Dance, drama, music- vocal and instrumental , acting , mimicking, stand-up comedy , painting , sketching , writing- poetry, stories , scripts , short films, long short films etc all come under this vast umbrella called ART or The Fine Arts !! The present times seem to be a haven and a vibrant breeding ground for every art form ! Hordes of people irrespective of gender , age , class and even talent are frantically pursuing their passions as never before . ..This is the most positive and productive effect of the ongoing pandemic despite the trauma that trails with it ! The most lucrative and popular are the OTT platforms that are providing non- stop entertainment and have become a source of earning for many. There are several apps of various channels which cater to this new wave of films that are being released on such apps . Actors , Directors known and not so known are coming up with all kinds of films/ Web series to entertain the masses . However, it is just not films that are providing platforms to actors and artists to showcase their talents .Every art form is adding to its breed , for several , who have a passion and some talent are pursuing their visions ! This is happening not merely to gain popularity or fame , rather to hone their innate skills and to enjoy their creativity . Anyone who makes sincere efforts to pursue one's passion is an artist . The focus , the grit the resilience involved is nothing short of penance ! Talent alone cannot create an artist ! One needs to come out of one's inhibitions and more importantly comfort zone to further one's prowess .Infact this is the first step towards any achievement . Dedication , commitment , and a disciplined regimen are essential in the ardous journey to hone any skill one has been gifted with . "Every artist was first an amateur " said Emerson , the American poet .The amateur consistent attempts of anyone who has the zeal to pursue an art form are certainly commendable and should get the right promotion and motivation . Encouragement gives a sense of ability to the one who is ardently occupied in maturing and improving one's artistry .They are the real budding, promising artists for creativity needs courage ! One who is totally engrossed , immersed ,consumed and all- absorbed in one's creativity is an artist ! It has been rightly said that : Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time !!

LET GO !

Nobody is perfect , nobody is always correct! Everyone has faults ...call it a human failing or a stepping stone to success .Many a times faults and failings mar relationships . As values like endurance , patience , tolerance are rapidly waning , imperfections and shortcomings or weaknesses are becoming intolerable .Alas it also shows the lack of affection that is brewing and simmering continuously . Perfection is a relative word having different connotations and insinuations for people of different mindsets .It is believed that the only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible ! So the fervent desire to be perfect that besets and obsesses the mind that believes perfection is possible is a myth .The Lord has created human beings with all kinds of failings and imperfections with the sole purpose of controlling the ego so that they are not puffed up and remain grounded ! Most of us want everything around us to be perfect ...our situations , circumstances , our work place , home , the weather , the country we live in , the locality of our abodes , the people we interact with ....all need to be perfect to make us HAPPY ! Moreover we foolishly wish people whom we are closely or distantly connected with to be perfect too . There are some teachers who cannot tolerate imperfections...their pupils should render , reproduce, perform perfectly even if it is their first attempt ...undoubtedly such people are the worst of their fraternity ! But the amount of stress , anger , irritation that they pass on is hazardous and snaps the zeal and the readiness of the learner . It takes a toll on the pupils' minds , though their educators may be totally unaware of it after venting their dissatisfaction openly. It is always said that while guiding or instructing it is required of the instructor to come down to the level of the learner but few are able to adhere to this principle that makes them dreaded and unpopular educators and therefore such pedagogy is an utter failure even though these educators may be learned and well- qualified in their fields. What they fail to understand is that they are also NOT perfect and therefore should make a conscious effort to think likewise about those they are directly interacting with on a regular basis .If they are educators they have to realise that their pedagogy should consider the age and level of their learners for they are required to bring out the Best out of them and just not look for perfection in them. With this a certain level of bonhomie and affection is imperative between the teacher and the taught . If that is missing the purpose is annihilated . The frenetic and frantic pace of the desire to achieve the highest level of perfection is only serving to aggravate anxiety leading to severe depression and several other mental disorders as well as the overpowering dread of not being able to be PERFECT!! Hard-core perfectionists do not believe in the two Magical words LET GO for they cannot practise it This leads to discontentment that is followed by other unpleasant emotions as well. They thus become a harassed lot ! If we reverse this situation there would be more of joy and willingness to learn and also to achieve great heights .For that there is need for tolerance , endurance , patience which are all synonymous of affection . Life becomes so less complicated and less stressful if people are considerate , understanding and tolerant towards others . To be ambitious is definitely in the interest of the self and also in the larger context of society or the universe .Without Ambition and creativity progress is retarded .Futuristic plans and endeavours are all dependent on Ambition and a high level of creativity no doubt. However , a balance between Ambition and the haunting passion for perfection can be maintained by this human angle of tolerance and affection alone . With these two tranquilising values rendering a holistic approach , much can be done and achieved that can bring about some degree of contentment to the doer . Swami Vivekanand , Mahatma Gandhi , Mother Teresa ,Abdul Kalam to name a few of the unique , inspirational , unforgettable personalities moved mountains but with the humane aspects of tolerance and affection . They were not possessed with the idea of being perfect . Their noble missions were achieved with the two life- changing values of love and endurance ! I call them life- changing for if we are propelled by them we can radiate joy and in turn be brimming with happiness ourselves too. Let not the zeal for perfection quash our inherent , intrinsic and all - healing potent quality of Affection. So let us not allow perfection to dictate and possess us ...let us remain masters of ourselves so that good sense always prevails. It is imperative to understand that Affection is always greater than Perfection !

TEARS , THE DIVINE PANACEA !

Amongst the myriad blessings that The Almighty has showered on the human species, one of His most precious blessing is tears !! Tears are just not an expression of grief rather they are witness to several emotions that flit through the human mind constantly. They are not merely a form of lamentation or mourning. Though the human race has been created by Him for a significant purpose yet it is nothing short of a curse to be born and to go through the miseries of life that sorely affect the physical , mental, emotional sensibilities of His creation ! But He has endowed man with emotional strength,and the power of reasoning to handle the adversities of life. Nevertheless His most precious gift to mankind is the faculty of shedding tears ! It is the most effective cathartic measure to vent out , providing instant relief . It is the best cure for every malady. The cumbersome heart when burdened and heavy with emotional baggage immediately experiences a light feeling after the tears flow out . The misery , the agony whether physical or emotional may remain but that instant feeling of relief that fills the being is amazing.Tears have the power to soothe and heal ! This is a proven fact among humans ! In times of the worst calamities at times the shock hits so viciously and brutally that it snatches away all senses and reactions turning one into an emotionless hardened being . It is on such occasions that it is advisable to provoke the person to shed tears to get some immediate relief .Thus tears have the most tranquiliding and healing effect on hurting and psyches! It is unfortunate how this Divine elixir is misunderstood to be a sign of emotional weakness . It is shocking to find the apartheid as it has become gender based ! It has been ingrained in children that girls cry as they are weaklings and that boys should never shed tears for they are supposed to be strong. How pitiable is our upbringing that we deprive young innocent minds of God's gift of the highest form of emotional manifestation.. Tears of unalloyed joy overflow when we are genuinely moved or touched . Heartfelt genuine words of affection can touch one deeply bringing tears of love to the eyes . Needless to say that excessive happiness finds expression through tears alone.....even more than the cheek to cheek smiles ! The experience of Divine presence , the realisation of His kindness , the witnessing of His glorious , magnificent and majestic natural flaura and fauna as well as the sense of gratefulness for His uncountable blessings are all enough to bring tears to the eyes and when they start to flow unabashedly, the pleasure and peace experienced is indescribable ! Soulful music has the same effect as it touches the core of the consciousness. Heaetfelt devotional music in praise of The Lord often has the electrifying impact of moving one to tears causing a surreal experience. Happiness finds complete fruition when the eyes well up ! If only we shed our inhibitions and set aside societal pressures can we enjoy the blissful state that one experiences with the natural flow of unsuppressed emotional outbursts .It is then that one is unconsciously drawn into the sublime state of trance and meditation ! !