A simple flower is all it takes,

To make a soul smile and awake

You are a symbol of celebration for every event,

As we hold you as a present

You form a bouquet of great elegance,

Telling us different colors and petals can bring harmony and peace

Either you are in a garden or standing alone on roof,

Your fragrance touches our lives with freshness and hope

I see you either in a garden or across the walkway,

My heart sings a song all the way

Shorter you stay,

Longer you inspire us every single day.....

Cheers,

Padma

"Bring up your home work books now" ,  "Present Teacher"

"Did you not note it in your dairy yesterday?",     "Parent's- teacher's meet!!",      

"Sports day",     "Science fair",      "Why are you wearing black shocks with white shoes?"

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These are the memories from our school days. Irrespective of how busy we are; this one-day we remember our favorite, strict, fun loving and encouraging teachers.

They sharpened our brains and thoughts so that we can understand the difference between good and bad. They selflessly shaped our personalities explaining intricacies of academics, fitness and moral science. They made sure fundamentals of the subject were absorbed and executed well, thus making us ready to fight battle of life. More than teaching, they focused on our learning.

After school, we meet various people. Learn a few do’s and don’ts. We might not remember each one of them but we will definitely remember our school/college teachers.

I thank each one of them for spending their time correcting my English; monitoring my Math problem solving, making sure I understand social sciences and sometimes making me kneel down for not being punctual or picking up fight with someone. 

It was all to make me better person and I owe a lot to them.

HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY.

Today's smart generation are far ahead and hope they make better students than us ;)

Cheers,

Padma

I was back to home after work. It was quiet a routine day and I was not expecting any surprises. But at around 9:30pm, I heard the news that APJ Abdul Kalam passed away. He collapsed with massive heart attack while delivering a lecture at IIM, Shillong. I was shell-shocked. This was what I never wanted to hear.  It was no dream, it was true and we lost our leader.

When I walked back to my room, my eyes fell on the book “Wings of Fire”. This was the first book I read and treasured in my library.

Way back in 2005, I saw this book with one of my colleagues. The title and cover page attracted me. I thought it might be just like any other autobiography but when I started reading, I realized that it was guide for anyone who wants to achieve their dreams. 

I was amazed with the scenarios he explained related to every aspect of life like dreams, hard work, honesty, leadership, achievement and how our beloved family/friends contribute to our success.

After this, I read many of other books but “Wings of Fire” is very special to me. Today also, when I touch that book, I can feel positive energy. The teachings this book offered me were great. It showed me a direction to achieve my dreams.

I learnt to put in more hard work with dedication, respecting colleagues for their contributions, integrity in doing things, exploring 100 possible ways to conquer a problem and not afraid of failure. Failures indeed have put me in better path.

I draw my inspirations from many people around me (family, friends, colleagues, fellow travelers etc.). Among these, APJ has certainly got major stake. I never met him nor had desire to meet him because he was always available in my library, ready to give teachings.

More than president and scientist, I regard him as my teacher. With the knowledge that he has left behind, if we are able achieve a few of them, then India will be prosperous again.

Happy to be part of the generation he walked and talked. 

Saints are those who experience a painless death while performing their favorite duty. He is one of them and will always rest in peace!!

//Padma//

Standing on the seashore, I was looking at the sky draped in orange and I saw a brilliant light covering entire place. 

Wow, Sunrise!!

Amused at the sight, I extended my hand. I was able to feel the light. The brightness that surrounded left me speechless. 

For a second, I thought it was mine and I could be with this light forever. 

Closed my eyes to cherish the warmth and glow. 

Suddenly I felt cold waves. Warmth around me seems to have disappeared. 

I opened my eyes. I could see the light that was close to me was gone. Leaving behind only darkness. 

Alas, it was SUNSET!! 

When I turned back, I realized it is sunset only here and the same light that left me has reached the other side of the world. 

Felt good thinking that someone as good as me is basking in glory of the light and enjoying every moment. 

Thinking of that happiness, I can hold on to this darkness.

//Padma//

Finished yet another lap of my journey. 2014 has come to an end and I am ready to open gates for 2015. Before I enter New Year, just a glimpse at 2014.

It was a mixed bag of happy and not so happy moments for me. But one thing I like about this year is, the order in which these moments came into my life.  I have nothing much to say about happy moments but for unhappy moments, yes I know the reason.

Until almost half the year, different people perceived my activities differently. These people are no strangers. They are the people with whom I speak regularly, exchange jokes and hang out occasionally. Somehow over the period of time, my daily routine act invited strange responses, weird reactions. I was not able to find clues for this strangeness but I kept on proving myself. There were moments when I was in so much stress that I forgot to be myself. This is exact reason for the unhappiness.

Instead of let go things easily, I tried to rectify them instantly and expected people to react in the way I want. There was a strange kind of rush within me. All this caused unhappiness. In simple words, I myself invited unhappy moments and no one is to be blamed.

Then I realized it is time for me to pause on certain things. I slowly moved away from the situation and gave space to myself. Now I am clear with the things I do, I don’t feel stress anymore nor I am confused with the things I need to do.

By the end of the year, I found myself in positive, fun loving and encouraging environment. 

Now I don’t expect this New Year to bring me happiness because I know the direction towards happiness. It is within me and I need to cherish it.

All ended well and I am closing this year with a good note.Happy New Year folks :)

 

Cheers,

Padma

When I see the clouds in the sky

I remember the days that passed by

Just out of college into this big world of opportunities

Never knew LIFE has so many treats

I realized life is a way we live it and is up to us

To be with a negative or with a plus

Life is something we have been blessed

Choice is yours, choose your quest

Follow your passions and you will be fine

With the right attitude you will SHINE

When I see the clouds in the sky

I remember the days that passed by

Still continuing my journey

Not forgetting my initial day agony

//Padma

Year: 2001

Time: 9:00 am

Place: A small company in Hyderabad

I walked into the office and as usual I am the first person to enter. I went and settled at my desk. I pulled out my planner and checked the schedule for the day. It was quiet hectic and I had to fix lot of appointments and redirect a lot of calls for my boss. Yes that was my job as front office assistant. It was the job that helped me pay my rent, groceries and transport. I did it with utmost sincerity and perfection. I made good friends at work and it was all going fine.

One day I was at my routine job and my boss had a visitor. This gentleman looked old and seems to be in some urgency. Every 5 mins he would ask if he can go inside. But I asked him to wait as my boss was with another visitor. This guy became impatient, rudely banged at my desk and said. “You are hopeless and can get you out of job immediately. You don’t know who am I?”

I was surprised. I was just doing my job and did not find any reason why he has to get mad at me. I still insisted him to wait. Anyway later he met my boss and then walked away giving me a nasty look. Frankly, as long as he was inside I had a strange insecure feeling. I was just out of college and clearly not familiar with this kind of attitude.

Today I came a long way in my career and still I see this attitude in a lot of them.  What drives this feeling, “You don’t know who am I”, is it being rich by a few fat bucks or being in powerful position? why can't they understand dignity of labor and respect people for the work they do? Initially I used to hate such people. But now I don’t, because from my experience I learnt that nobody has control on anybody’s life unless we allow them to do so. Yes, we might face a few difficulties but if we strongly stand then nothing can ruin us. 

Today if someone says, “You don’t know who am I and what can I do?” I simply smile and reply, “Sorry, I have no interest in knowing about you”

Simple rule: Ignoring such attitude and not carrying trash in my brain made my life simple and happy.  

//Padma