#throwback

The last vacation I took suddenly feels so distant. All the plans scheduled for this year too are in disarray. Frustrating, isn't it?

I know most of us would share the same feeling, of being caged and locked, not knowing when the world would be free again. But even in these trying times, there is one thing that still resides within us - HOPE. Don't let it go away.

We are blessed to be safe. Count the days, but patiently. These dark times too shall pass. Plans will be made again. Until then, revisit your memories with a smile. Go back to the old photographs of your previous vacations, embrace those moments. The #throwback times will be back again.

Colour

Wishing you all a joyous and prosperous Holi. May the festival of colours bring all happiness and bind us together in love, peace and harmony.

Happy Holi !!!

Social

Your social media account is less about you and more about the lives of your contacts. How many times have you felt, scrolling through their profiles, that they are living in a far more adventurous and exciting zone than yours? How many moments have you spent wishing to be in their shoes?

Social media has got you connected to them, but unfortunately, it has also made you feel disconnected with your own self.

Education - Right And Duty

I came across an interesting article yesterday while surfing through social media sites. It was the account of a daily wage-earner, a single parent, who despite limited means and tough financial conditions, admitted his son to school, took great care of his education (even though he himself didn’t study beyond the fifth grade), and ensured that he fared well in his studies. It was heartening to read how his son stuck by the belief of his father, earning high grades throughout school, high school and university, and is now working as an officer in a reputed Government organization.

We take things for granted, out education for example, but we can never undermine its importance in our lives. Again, in the past, there have been several cases of dropouts due to financial restraints, but owing to the new development in policies, primary education has now been declared as a right for all. Different types of schools, catering to people of all means have come up. Parents are more aware of the value of education, and the students are also growing smarter. The values they imbibe in childhood serve as a base as they grow up.

We can consider education as a triangle, with parents, teachers and students forming the three vertices. There should be mutual coordination among all three in order to have a successful education system. A good school isn’t just enough, it requires good teachers too, someone who can educate and not just teach, someone who can impart values and throw light on the next stages of life. A nascent mind needs guidance, and parents and teachers have equal responsibilities in nurturing a little child. A good understanding between the two is a must for a child to develop.

Schools conduct parent teacher meetings at regular intervals, a platform where they can share ideas and focus on their child. Parents should open up about the challenges they face, and so should the teachers. Education is a goal for them and a journey for the child. With proper care and diligence, the destination can be reached successfully.

There are schools for everybody now. We have public, private and charter schools. There are various models like the non-profit network of Rocketship Education, which follows a teacher-led, technology supported approach to personalized learning that suits the requirement of the students and their parents. Now, one doesn’t need to be rich to send his son or daughter to school. He should just have the understanding and know the value of education, and that is what is expected from all current parents, so that we have a brighter and smarter next generation.

Education is our right, as well as our duty, and we should stay true to both, for us, for our children, and for the society at large.

Do Not Hit, Do Not Run

When I first learnt to drive, a family member told me, "Driving is about being responsible towards the other people on the road, equally as you are responsible towards your own self." The words have etched into my memory till date.

Driving is powerful. After all, who doesn't want to storm through the streets, overtaking other vehicles. We are all fascinated by speed. We love to lead. We feel good when we are far ahead in the race. It's exhilarating to boast about your high velocity ride. After all, isn't this what we have all seen in movies? And then, as usual, we try to incorporate it into our real lives.

That's when a moment of thrill can, well, kill. That's how lives, other than you, who have nothing to do with your speedometer data, gets risked. That's how there is a hit, and then the subsequent run.

We all are aware of the numerous hit-and-run cases that are on trial for long. Whether justice gets delivered or not, one thing is for sure, the future of the victim is no less than a horror story, something that one would shudder to remember, and yet, can never erase from the memory. If the victim survives, it is only with multiple injuries which threaten his will power, his self confidence and his desire to dream. If unfortunately he doesn't, it's his family, relatives, and friends, who are left to fight the biggest catastrophe of their lives, uninformed, and unarmed.

We can't ban cars. We can't ask people not to drive. How do we then stop this growing menace of hit-and-run incidents?

As a start, we have to promise ourselves never to chase speed. We might be a little late to our destination, but that's fine. At least it's better than taking someone's life, the victim not suspecting what foul play destiny has designed for him. He may be walking home, where his wife awaits him for a romantic candle light dinner, or his parents keeping their sleep at bay until their son returns. It may be his birthday today, or his anniversary, or his parents' birthday, or perhaps just another day in his life, whether it has gone well or not, at least do not snatch the right from him of embracing tomorrow.

Secondly, we have to curb drunk driving. We often return from late night parties, drunk, yet believing ourselves to be sober, and driving in that state. We may have been doing it since years, and the fact that we haven't met with an accident till date has further re-instated our believes that we are fit enough to drive even under the influence of alcohol. DON'T. Never take your position behind the steering wheel even if you had a few pints of alcohol. Why should someone else suffer for your carelessness?

Lastly, do not run. If you hit someone, even accidentally, it's your moral duty to get things right. Take the injured victim as quickly as possible to the hospital. Make sure that your mistake doesn't prove fatal to others. After all, everyone, whether in a car, or not, has a right to live. Use the road, safely, responsibly.

That's why cars were invented, to drive, and not kill.

Booked @ 10 - My All Time Favorites

1. Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)

If there was ever a book that could be regarded as 'PERFECT' in every sense, Great Expectations would surely be in contention for that spot. A coming-of-age novel, charting the life of narrator Pip, Great Expectations has been my all - time favorite. The dramatic plot twists, the memorable characters and the classy writing surely gives it an edge over other books. Add to that the masterclass of Dickens, and you know you are in for a real treat.

Favorite Characters

Philip Pirrip, Miss Havisham, Estella

Favorite Quotes

"Ask no questions, and you'll be told no lies."

"The broken heart. You think you will die, but you just keep living, day after day after terrible day."

"Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape."


2. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)

When I first picked up this book, I was awed by its sheer thickness. Over a thousand pages, who would read so much, I wondered? And then, when I started reading it, all my apprehensions vanished into thin air. A historical fiction based on the premises of love, Gone With The Wind adds a whole new dimension to the world of literary romance. Termed as a classic, and rightly so, this novel has everything going in its favor - a realistic backdrop, glimpses of history, and the most enigmatic fictional pairing I have ever come across - Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara.

Favorite Characters

Captain Rhett K. Butler, Scarlett O'Hara, Melanie (Hamilton) Wilkes.

Favorite Quotes

"Well, my dear, take heart. Some day, I will kiss you and you will like it. But not now, so I beg you not to be too impatient."

"I'll think of it tomorrow, at Tara. I can stand it then. Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."

"Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was or what freedom really is."


3. If Tomorrow Comes (Sidney Sheldon)

I wasn't an avid reader until a cousin gifted me this book on my birthday, and then, a new passion got imbibed into my soul. Sidney Sheldon undoubtedly is the master of crime fictions, and 'If Tomorrow Comes' surely rates as his best. The struggle and turmoil in the life of Tracy Whitney, and her eventual victory makes this novel a must read. A racy plot with breathtaking twists, and a villain like Orsatti, this is a book I can read again and again.

Favorite Characters

Tracy Whitney, Ernestine Littlechap, Jeff Stevens, Orsatti

Favorite Quotes

"We’re flimflam artists. But remember, sonny, you can’t con people unless they’re greedy to begin with. W. C. Fields had it right. You can’t cheat an honest man."

"I will survive. I face mine enemies naked, and my courage is my shield."


4. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)

Every time I read this book, I could feel myself living the life of the characters. A father - son story, this is also a book based on friendship and love, and the sense of guilt that seeps in when you know you could have stopped something that was wrong, yet watched on helplessly. Set in Afghanistan, the book also highlights the political turmoil of the region.

Favorite Characters

Amir, Hassan

Favorite Quotes

"For you, a thousand times over."

"There is only one sin. and that is theft... when you tell a lie, you steal someones right to the truth."

"There is a way to be good again..."

"There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood."

"I'm so afraid. Because I'm so profoundly happy. Happiness like this is frightening...They only let you this happy if they're preparing to take something from you."


5. Harry Potter Series (J. K. Rowling)

I would like to take the liberty here of not naming a particular book, but the entire series. This is because each of the seven books provide the saga with the feeling of completion. Also, once you start reading the first volume, you can't stop yourself from picking up the next. A brilliant continuation is in store, and by the time all the seven books have been read, you know you have witnessed something special. I, who was initially in two minds whether to read this series or not, became a complete fan owing to its brilliant storyline, beautiful characters and the wonderful world of Hogwarts.

Favorite Characters

Snape, Hermione, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hagrid

Favorite Quotes

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

"It is our choices, Harry, that show us who we truly are, far more than our abilities."

"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."

"Working hard is important. But there is something that matters even more, believing in yourself."

"Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."


6. Love Story (Erich Segal)

Love Story is romance. Love Story is humor. Love Story is tragedy. A book that will leave no stones unturned to make you feel every emotion that you are capable of, Love Story is the best love fiction I have read. The dialogues exchanged between Oliver and Jenny is the highlight of the book.

Favorite Characters

Oliver, Jenny

Favorite Quotes

"Love means never having to say you're sorry."

"What the hell makes you so smart?" I asked. "I wouldn't go for coffee with you, " she answered. "Listen -- I wouldn't ask you." "That, "she replied "is what makes you stupid.”

"Her handwriting was curious — small sharp little letters with no capitals (who did she think she was, e. e. cummings?)."


7. Digital Fortress (Dan Brown)

I have often wondered how brilliantly he can amalgamate religion and science, but then, that's why he is Dan Brown. A techno-thriller novel based on mathematics, code and crypography, Digital Fortress is the perfect book to get drenched if you are looking for a racy adventure. The detailing is top-notch, and the finesse of Brown rules your mind.

Favorite Characters

Susan Fletcher, David Becker, Ensei Tankado

Favorite Quotes

“Everything is possible. The impossible just takes longer.”

“Please accept this humble fax. My love for you is without wax.”

“Act first, explain later.”


8. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Stieg Larsson)

Never before have I come across a female protagonist like Lisbeth Salander, and that's what brings this book into the list. An enigma of her own, Lisbeth leads a reclusive life, rarely revealing anything about her own self, her past and present as much a secret as her future. She is a genius in ways more than one, and yet, her acts are often perceived to be on the other side of law. A character who will come straight out of the pages, Lisbeth is the reason one should read this book.

Favorite Characters

Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist

Favorite Quotes

"Everyone has secrets. It's just a matter of finding out what they are."

"I've had many enemies over the years. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s never engage in a fight you’re sure to lose. On the other hand, never let anyone who has insulted you get away with it. Bide your time and strike back when you’re in a position of strength—even if you no longer need to strike back."


9. Five Point Someone (Chetan Bhagat)

Why did I start writing? The simple reason is this book. A story revolving around three friends studying in IIT, Chetan Bhagat takes the Indian book reading community by storm with his debut. He is hated by critics, and loved by his ardent admirers. Often, he has been bashed 'cause his writings do not follow the literary style. He remains unperturbed, and continues to inspire several young Indians to follow their dreams.

Favorite Characters

Hari, Ryan, Alok

Favorite Quotes

"They say you should not get into a relationship with people you sleepwith on the first date."

"Sometimes,if you just paraphrase everyone's arguments, you get to be the good guy."


10. The Great Indian Novel (Shashi Tharoor)

A satire based on the Mahabharata, the book narrates the Indian Freedom Movement and the events that happened three decades post independence. What really stands out is the way the author has created a sense of resemblance between the characters of Mahabharata and the legends of Indian Freedom struggle. The tongue - in - cheek humor is unabashed, and though it stores high in the fun quotient, the book also provides valuable insight into scenario of India pre and post independence.

Favorite Characters

Ved Vyas, Ganapathi, Ganga Datta, Priya Duryodhani.

Favorite Quotes

"They say every dog has its day, Ganapathi, but for this terrier twilight came before tea-time."

"If you want to know why democracy is held in such scant respect by our present elite, Ganapthi, you need only look at the way it was dispensed to us by those who claimed to be it's guardians."

"No Ganapathi, religion had never had much to do with our national politics. It was the British civil serpent who made our people collectively bite the apple of discord."


This post is my official entry to IndiSpire - Edition 29: Submit a list of your 10 favourite books with reasons as to why they made it to your list. Let us try to complete a circle and compile a list of books we are yet to pick. #loveofreading

So Little Time, So Many Books

(Image Source: http://www.factmonster.com)

"So many books, so little time" - Frank Zappa.

Now, if we reverse the statement, we get to the scenario that's persistent among the modern youth - "So little time, so many books."

Let us be pretty frank about it. The generation of today is no longer a voracious reader. True, there are book lovers around us, but again, if you compare the readers-non readers ratio that was prevalent, say, a couple of  decades ago, with the number today, you will notice a wide disparity.

The question to ask here is, why is reading a hobby limited to only a fragment of the society today?

When I was in junior and middle school, the internet hadn't made in-roads into households. There were no smartphones, no computer, no Facebook and Whatsapp to keep us glued to these devices. Thus, the sources of entertainment were limited to watching shows on Doordarshan, playing outdoor games with friends and of course, reading books. Hence, from the very beginning, book reading was inculcated deep into the system, the hobby gradually turning into a passion. Libraries were in full flow and people used to display their memberships with pride and elan.

Switch back to present day and you would find that the world has experienced a major shift. Books are no longer the preferred pastime. Boys and girls while their time away chatting with friends over social network, or chilling out with companions in the numerous hangout zones. Also, the rise in competition in every field, be it studies or jobs, have lead to a higher level of stress among the common people. The degree of patience and the availability of 'free' time has reduced. This again fails to give rise to new readers, since book reading requires a fair bit of concentration. Why would someone, having struggled ten hours in his workplace, or a student burdened with studies, spend an extra level of concentration reading books? They would surely resort to the internet and social networking to act as their stress busters.

However, as I stated earlier, there are definitely some people for whom reading is an addiction. They pick up one book after another, experiencing nirvana in the process. Unfortunately, they run the risk of being labeled as 'socially incapable nerds'. A non-reader would never realize the high that a reader savors while ruffling through the pages, but then, that's how it is.

We live in a free world where people have the option to pursue whatever hobby they want to. Reading is relaxing and therapeutic for the book lovers. At the same time, the others opt for avenues that suit their interests. We can never force people to read, but at-least we can show them the value associated with it. Books are not just a mean of gathering stories, but they also impact our knowledge in a positive way. We know about history and the current trends. Books transport us to places where we may not be able to go for real, and makes us witness several facets of the world we live in. Surely, reading books is rewarding, nourishing and cherishing, as well as relaxing.

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” - Charles William Eliot.

I agree.


This post is my official entry to IndiSpire - Edition 20: Reading books has reduced dramatically in today's youth. Kids who read books are treated as socially incapable nerds. What is your take on this topic? #BookWorm