Bengalis, don’t know whether special or not, are a specie of a different kind. Today while coming to office, I encountered a special occasion. My mother along with her Bengali accomplices in the colony will identify that they all possess 14 different varieties of edible green leaves that need to be cooked together during the day prior to Diwali and eaten with rice – our staple diet. Ya, fish is too. Anyway, yesterday she was able to gather half the number she actually needed. I think she got herself Spinach, Green Onion, Corriander, Bathua, Muli ka Saag, Sarson and Red Spinach. Today, a lot of exchanges will take place. The difficulty is – not all varieties are available in the market. So what to do? They will roam around the colony and pick the green ones from the gardens, whichever applicable.
The whole idea seemed a juvenile type. Just like the way kids ensure that they are not loosing on to something others possess, ladies would be out doing the same though in a more harmonious manner. This ritual has been carried on for long. The same day, 14 diyas will be lit as well as the auspicious number (considering Lord Rama’s return from exile after 14 years).
Yet, the significance of eating 14 different varieties of leaves seems pointless unless one is anaemic! So many years have gone by but I never bothered to ask her about its significance. I am quite curious now to know where the whole idea fits in our life apart from being sensitive to environment and going green in our approach. Well, seems Green Diwali is on!!!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Respecting arguments
Arguments are supposed to be the genesis of sour relationships. But I feel otherwise. Of late, I have been rude to many people and I acknowledge that. Sometime, I have even argued on issues where I could have gone on the softer way favouring others' viewpoint to make them happy with nothing to loose at my end. Yet, I stuck to my guns holding on to mine, which were diametrically opposite to theirs'.
But am I really wrong? "Yes" - would be the inevitable far cry. But think once again with my perspective: I have always believed that viewpoints, yours or mine, are supposed to be and should not be binding, and independent of others' notions.
I live and stick to a certain philosophy whereby, my participation or not doing so should not be articulated as a naive behaviour. It is more of an expression and extension of existence, which I expect should command respect from others. Opinions of everyone, for that matter, (including me) should be treated so with a right to disagree as well.
When doing something could be right, one should also respect the "other" stance because that evolves a conversation taking relationship forward. It is similar to the evergreen argument of whether Almighty God exists or not. Believing that He doesn't essentially means that there is an opinion on Him. He, thus, is a reason to on with ...
So having an argument is not bad; the method of going about it makes for one. A person when realistically argues is more respectful as he or she comes clean about their thoughts. In doing so they agree to disagree. So next time you agree on to something expect a disagreement because that might give you enough reasoning and power to believe that you are true. Arguments thus will lead to source of information about that person, as he/she opens up showing his/her true attributes least known about. Discuss over, but don't argue. If the other person wins the argument, you know, there is a fair share of you in his/her win. So, win the way other person wants it to be and live happily.
But am I really wrong? "Yes" - would be the inevitable far cry. But think once again with my perspective: I have always believed that viewpoints, yours or mine, are supposed to be and should not be binding, and independent of others' notions.
I live and stick to a certain philosophy whereby, my participation or not doing so should not be articulated as a naive behaviour. It is more of an expression and extension of existence, which I expect should command respect from others. Opinions of everyone, for that matter, (including me) should be treated so with a right to disagree as well.
When doing something could be right, one should also respect the "other" stance because that evolves a conversation taking relationship forward. It is similar to the evergreen argument of whether Almighty God exists or not. Believing that He doesn't essentially means that there is an opinion on Him. He, thus, is a reason to on with ...
So having an argument is not bad; the method of going about it makes for one. A person when realistically argues is more respectful as he or she comes clean about their thoughts. In doing so they agree to disagree. So next time you agree on to something expect a disagreement because that might give you enough reasoning and power to believe that you are true. Arguments thus will lead to source of information about that person, as he/she opens up showing his/her true attributes least known about. Discuss over, but don't argue. If the other person wins the argument, you know, there is a fair share of you in his/her win. So, win the way other person wants it to be and live happily.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Awaiting fireworks
It is amazing to recall the gone back days or years, and the ways we celebrated our much-loved Diwali. Who can forget the tablets to make various snake formations, hunters, pencils, anaars, phuljharis and my favourites – bijli, gola, chocolate bumbs.
I can recall the way Diwali was being awaited. The wait would go through extremes of selecting the right products at the right price, caring them under the sun so they live up to their potential and reputations. On the celebration day, early evening (though we were kids) it was all about assisting the smaller ones and taking all the pleasure of fireworks.
Late in the evening, when the celebration would come to a close, it would be all about getting into the mode and bring on the personal arsenals taken cared for long. Next day would be about reaping dividends! Some unused arsenals would be picked and disposed off properly and some will be saved for the right opportunity like Guru Nanak’s Birthday, Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Time has changed. While everyone is glued for some fireworks next week, the sensitive index too is awaiting a similar showdown. I am cautious again to pick right products (read shares). Hold them (under the sun). And, disburse them when the right occasion comes. I won’t spend all; will preserve some for other moments, when it would be fitting. Diwali has taken a different connotations altogether for me, and many in this turmoiled economy.
I wish everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali!!
I can recall the way Diwali was being awaited. The wait would go through extremes of selecting the right products at the right price, caring them under the sun so they live up to their potential and reputations. On the celebration day, early evening (though we were kids) it was all about assisting the smaller ones and taking all the pleasure of fireworks.
Late in the evening, when the celebration would come to a close, it would be all about getting into the mode and bring on the personal arsenals taken cared for long. Next day would be about reaping dividends! Some unused arsenals would be picked and disposed off properly and some will be saved for the right opportunity like Guru Nanak’s Birthday, Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Time has changed. While everyone is glued for some fireworks next week, the sensitive index too is awaiting a similar showdown. I am cautious again to pick right products (read shares). Hold them (under the sun). And, disburse them when the right occasion comes. I won’t spend all; will preserve some for other moments, when it would be fitting. Diwali has taken a different connotations altogether for me, and many in this turmoiled economy.
I wish everyone a happy and prosperous Diwali!!
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