Resolution

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake
- Rabindranath Tagore.

Friendship - Yeh Dosti Badi Hi Haseen Hai
Originally uploaded by Monmatal.

Transition

As my readers might have enjoyed the subtle glimpse of my childhood, I had penned down before, I would like to continue on depicting some simple aspects which had shaped my ways, especially perceiving life as it moves on. In retrospect, I found that its the foundation of care and discipline which had made me value my principles and adore my distinctive past. Its very important in someone's life, I believe, to cling on something. Like a tree which without roots ceases to survive, the beauty of the life sees a dead end I suppose, without an identity on which one can build on and find some ways to advance. I don't know about my identity as such, however the memories from my childhood gives me respite at odd times, to fall back and cherish them.....at least I feel happy and often grin in amusement.
My childhood spent around the woods in a village and not so well developed home in the city, made myself appreciate the simple way of living life. A person, even without anything can smile. That's the most important thing I learnt. Yet amongst all the grating harshness life has on offer, it doesn't require anymore than what you are to be contented with yourself and smile with courage! You can always try to be better, but life is not all about striving and struggling. Sometimes it is about living it to the fullest. I have seen people who are not really happy even though they are rich, yet the people who live under a bamboo thatched roof are contended and enjoy their dinner lavishly after a hard day work in the fields.
I learnt, we the humans, only derive set rules, and we only follow them. Ever had it dawned on your mind why should we? Unfortunately it is the human nature to follow something. Guidelines are not meant to be accepted bluntly and adhered to. We need to challenge it, for a better transformation. However, it is important to understand where to draw our lines, where to cut our cloth according to the need... with a small pot of earning you cannot really dream of driving the latest car in the world! Can you!?! But if you really think carefully you might not even need a car, you can use public transport, can't u? I use a cycle...that's all I got. I perceive one can enjoy and be happy with what he has, cherish that and keep trying to be better!

On the way...

Ever thought the day you are born? Abstract thinking, as one might put , I tend to relax on my cozy chair sometimes after a day of daunting chemistry, thinking of my childhood - a little child who had made through twenty three years of his life. Sometimes, all the memories come back, suddenly to you, when you find yourself very insecure in your present world. Mum's care and affection, is something very near to the heart and soul I believe. Ghostly stories scared me, I remember, in a dark night with drizzles of raindrops on the window panes....I could always run to my mum to find the extra room of comfort and assurance cuddling her. She used to take me in her arms.... the most comfortable and cozy place one can be....where the darest devil cannot even touch you!
My childhood never really ended around my mum. It streched from the lushy green rice fields of my grandparents to the intriguing earthy smell after an evening strom on a hot summer day.
Its fascinating how poor people live their life, they are poor yet happy....grinning always as they take on their daily life.
It used to be a pleasant start in a day, round about 5 am, I used to brush my teeth with a twig from a tree and washed my face with the cold morning waters of the "Dighi". The maids went passed me with bamboo cartons on their head filled with fruits and veggies....I being a city boy used to stare with amazement....they were kind not to overlook me as I was rewarded with a few fruits and possibly some fresh vegetables! I used to run home in delight to show my valuable possessions. As the day progressed and the sun settled itself right on top of my head, in the woods I joined "Delbaharda" (as I used to call him) to catch wild hen. He was an old man of 60 years, yet he was strong enough to run and catch them. We the family, enjoyed a ravishing lunch with sweet dish cooked out of unripe mangoes.
I remember to sit beside the pond with a fishing rope while the sun makes its way to the horizon and the train zoom past with a rythm in far distance. At the dusk, the birds chirped as they returned home, tired they must be, the squirrels found their way to the big holes in the oak trees and the nearby villagers prepared for a cozy evening, lighting their mud heaped fire places to make dinner.

Myself

Sometimes I wonder why I am here, in this world, struggling to get a degree, sorting out a job and then suddenly one day take the burden of responsibilities of present and future families. Is this what is called life? I suppose its not, its one of those very things, dull heads like me follow, a pre-defined path to be happy in life! So if you ask if I know myself, I really don't and neither anyone knows my trueself. Its the enlightenment I seek for, the degree, the money and the so called love and social rituals really seems insignificant! Did you ever question your existence? I did and I am left with no answer! I wish I can see the ray of hope that will usher in me the realisation someday to know the truth of life and its beauty.