It is a proud moment for the entire family today. Anxious and eager to see our great aunt, spirited and smiling with joy. It was her, a girl who just reach her teens and decided to lead a religious life.  Leaving behind the materialistic world, she bid goodbye to her family, who were pretty shocked at her decision. 50 long years have passed since the day she took her vows as a faithful Nun. Today, she celebrates her Golden Jubilee, with  honour we all look at her with deep respect. As the entire family of sisters, priests and new formees gathered to join the celebration, there were several things to notice. The event was pre-planned in perfect order. Each Sister had their own talent, some performed a dance on a classical soundtrack, a sister was in charge of the music and  lighting, another photographed the event, while another led the event by being the compare for the afternoon. They had created a little world of their own. Everything was in great harmony as we celebrated together.

Setting an example for generations to come, she got me into deep thoughts. How difficult it was for her to remain aloof from her family? The hardships and struggles she faces goes unheard. How tough it was for her to lead a Nuns life? What were the endless sacrifices she made? It was her choice, a very tough choice to make. Just as the words go by:

" If you wish to be my disciple,

Take up your cross and follow me.

Whoever loves his life, will only loose it

It’s only sacrifice that brings one gain.

You who have followed me, when life is ended

Will reap a hundred fold eternally."

It is God who leads us, something we were born to do, something we were created for. To serve, to spread the word, to teach, to learn, to set a good example.

A few days back, my cousins came to visit us at home. Not as tiny as they were some years ago, still they are less than half my age. We got together and started chatting as I kept asking them questions about school and life. To add a little fun we started playing the game, "guess the word". It was so engaging that we continued to play till 12 am.  So much to the fact that not even for a second I was tempted to check Facebook or Whatsapp. The room was filled with endless laughter as we kept poking fun at each other. It was really great to play a game after a very long time. The answers during the game were thoughtful and quick. It actually got me thinking about the mindset of kids. 

One thing I realized is that age doesn't matter. A child of 6 yrs can share the same likes and dislikes of a normal grown-up. I mean, to think of it, how many of us have really changed since childhood? We were just taught how to act like a grown-up. Our parents and teachers became our role models. In fact, many of us learnt to imitate during our growing up days. As time goes by, we just get a little maturity to deal with things. But, at the end of the day we all have that inner child inside us.  

A wise man once said, " Child is the father of Man". It is true that Children can teach you a lot- the easy way. Going through a complex situation in life? Try asking a child for advice.  Look how they bring back that smile with their easy and simple ideas with a dash of humour. Don't be surprised if they manage to outwit you. The statistics will blow your mind as the number of young achievers around the globe is increasing. While most of us idle away our time thinking about the future, these little kids are working hard to make the most at a young age. The entire scenario is so amusing that it will get you thinking. 

The point is never take these little ones for granted. You may never know whats going on in their tiny minds. They may have a broader perspective to life than you. They teach us how to grumble less and laugh more. It is their carefree attitude is what makes them what they are. Forgive and forget. Think less and do more. Take chances. Move on in life. Fear less and dream more as "Today is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you will ever be".

Just two days left for the most awaited elections in Mumbai. I am sure you are bombarded with advertisements, each political party enticing you to vote for them. Suddenly they turn extra sweet and helpful to everyone around. At the time of elections even demons turn to angels. Inspirational speeches are given everywhere. The media is on a constant lookout to find interesting news about them. Their every word, every action is continuously monitored at this point of time. Sting operations and details about their private lives go viral through digital mediums. This time political parties have taken it to another level to grab votes, literally purchasing you indirectly. Free mobile recharges, online campaigns, gift vouchers, student scholarships, free food and to top it all, a pre-recorded phone call from the leader himself. Spending huge amounts is no big deal for them. Perhaps, if we stopped to think where all the money came from? 

          While many have made their decision already, there are several who are still stuck in the thinking phase. Last moment decisions can have a bad impact on the Nation. 

Voting doesn't matter to you at all as you find everyone corrupt? So you'd rather choose NOTA (None of the above)? By you selecting NOTA, its not going to help as you wont be contributing much to the actual elections anyway. Think about it this way: Suppose there are 7 people and 3 votes go to a corrupt party, while another 3 go to a good politician. It is your last vote that will make the final decision. At this situation if you opt for NOTA, it will definitely result in a bad outcome. Each vote counts so please do not waste your precious vote.

Well, I want to vote but have no idea about whats going on in India? Politics is not your interest at all? Well, now is the time to think like a responsible citizen. Its time to do your research and make a decision. Please do vote even if you feel someone has the slightest chance of changing India. Rather vote for someone than not voting at all. 

I’m pretty much sure you are hooked on to the Candy crush Saga. If not, it’s still not easy to escape the requests on Facebook. Whether you accept it or not, you got curious about the game and wondered why so many people around you are playing it. Either you downloaded it and deleted it later after endless tries. Or perhaps, you are still addicted to it! One thing is sure, the games you play speaks a lot about your personality and traits. Here are a few qualities that every hard-core candy crush player unknowingly incorporates.

Determination- Even after several attempts of losing, you still keep on trying till you complete the level.  Yes, it does get frustrating at times. We've all been in that situation of losing it to just one last move. However, no matter what, you are extremely determined to win. Keep it up!

Patience- If you don’t have the patience, Candy Crush is definitely not your type of game. Each level gets tougher and really difficult to crack. But, your patience is what keeps you going.  Keeping yourself calm and composed all the time. Also, patiently waiting for lives is not at all easy. You are awesome!

Hope- Each time you play a level, you have this little hope of completing it. Sometimes it’s your luck and sometimes it’s your calculated moves that make you win. But, each time, there is no doubt that we all keep hoping that we complete the game.  Yes, it is hope that is important in real life too!

Never give up- Failure is the stepping stone to success. Just because you didn't win the level on the first try, that doesn't mean you won’t win.  You keep trying and trying till you finally succeed. You’re not the kind of person who will give up so easily. That’s really great!

Logical thinking capability- It is true that Candy crush brushes up on your logical thinking capability. You are given a fixed set of moves and need to complete really hard levels. Candy Crush is not at all everyone's cup of tea. If your managing it well, it means your logical thinking capability is quite high. Keep it up! 

Staying Focused- You definitely know what it takes to stay focused. Crossing all the 400+ levels is what you are focused on. You know your goals and will do anything to achieve it. Wow!

Kudos to all Candy Crush lovers! It's not just a game, its more than that. Only, if we inculcate all these qualities in real life. Can never know, maybe we really do! :D

It is true that almost everyone has an account on social networking sites like Facebook and twitter. Chatting for hours and checking the latest buzz on their walls. Expressing themselves and sharing posts that are of high interest. Looking out for online friends and keeping in touch. What's App and Bmm made it connecting to the world  much easier. You can chat whenever you want. Just type your message and it will reach a person who's on the other end of the earth.  Just in a matter of few seconds your message is conveyed. What seemed just a dream some years back is now a reality. This is just the beginning and there is so much more to come. Crazy world it is.

Lifestyle has changed for sure. But, What about personal lives. It is true that our personal lives are invaded. Every single online history is being tracked. Our every action is being monitored and recorded. Even the Google search on our screens are narrowed down on basis of your previous search records. Every app you download pulls in your location and other details into their database. The scariest part is that we have absolutely no control. The virtual world is definitely taking control over our lives. There are online stalkers everywhere. Your profile, last seen, being online, everything is on display for the world to see.

This global change has got us thinking. Yes, we need to think harder this time and find ways that would sort this issue. Hopefully, a base should be created within the virtual world, that would give us more privacy and security into our personal lives.

Idea cellular, an Indian mobile network brand, continues to connect with its audience by its out-of-the-box advertisements that hit right to the point. The ads are targeted at the Aam Janta which includes 70% of India's population. Right from the beginning the brand has stuck to its slogan " An Idea can change your life". These ads are simple to understand with concepts that make you think again. Who can forget the language barrier ad that touched the hearts of many. Abhishek Bachchan plays  a mute chai-wala who gives a group of people an idea as they are worried about not being able to speak the language of the city they are visiting . They are now able to communicate in a different language by the help of their friends over the phone. The ad ended with the slogan "Bolne ke liye kisi bhasha ki jarurat nahi hoti". Over the years Idea has managed to engage the audience with its ads that have this strong emotional element and the feeling of staying connected.

       Idea's latest "No ullu banaving" campaign gives India a simple message that no one can be made a fool anymore. With the latest technology and beaming internet we can acquire lots of information that would prove beneficial in our daily lives. Deep thinking and some serious research has been done to target the minds of the audience. Keeping the cynical remarks aside, it is sure success for them as we've heard a 3yr old to a 80yr old, all seem to be acknowledging most of these ads.

Warm breeze started to spread around every corner of the lane. A sudden drastic change in the climate from being cold to incredibly hot. She sat inside a matchbox, gazing through the tiny window. She knew there was life outside the four corners of the house. It took her back to the days when she would walk down the same street. She could feel the joy of meeting her close friends, the joy of finally reaching home after work, the joy of being able to walk freely. Those were the times she could do anything she wanted. There was no one to stop her. But now, illness took a toll over her life. She was now trapped within a small room, that was her life. Longing for someone of her own to come and meet her. Eager for someone to bring her favourite dish even though it was forbidden. Hoping that today her kids would surprise her with something special. Everyone was trapped in their own worlds. No one knew or perhaps, they all forgot. Days passed and years too. A lot of things changed. 
               Grateful, yet with eyes of sympathy. Tears began to fall for all the things undone. It was too late. Now she lay beneath a bed of flowers as everyone she knew gather around.

Go back in time. How was it. How were you as a person. The quite one or the most notorious kid that everyone feared. The silent one or someone who just wouldn't stop talking. The innocent one or someone who always could decode what was happening around. Yes, life has changed a lot. Not only for me, but for everyone. Each and everyone realizes the change in their life.  However, at one point of time, we stay the same and continue to be the same for the rest of our lives. Look back 2-3 years and reflect. How much have you really changed?

What is really happening? Have you noticed one thing about elders. Some may try and act matured, but, when with their own friends, they mix about and talk and joke just like we do. Some elders have the same mentality like us, more modern and have kept up with times. At one time, age does not matter at all. Our mental age remains constant. Experiences in life is what really makes a person. You'd be suprised to see a man at age 60 being more open minded than you. Perhaps, a kid at age 5 being more matured than you. It all depends from person to person. Life. Experiences.

Life is pretty much a journey with ups and downs. Its more like a roller coaster ride. Sometimes good things happen and something’s it is the opposite. Each one living the life of their own.  It is completely impossible for 2 people to live the same life. Each on is created unique with their own goals and aspirations. We may meet people with similar characteristics, but, it is impossible to find someone who has experienced life just as you did. One thing to realize is that somehow we are feeling the same. It is just that we experience it at different levels at varied stages of life. Materialistic needs may not be the same, but the emotional drama is experienced with everyone.

Just imagine for a second, What if nothing ever changed. What if relationships remained intact? What if we never aged? What if we did not have any feelings? What if we led the same life, each day for the rest of our lives. What if our lives remained constant right from the day we were born.  Doing the same things daily. No personal growth, no goals, no aspirations. Just the same day everyday. Seems suffocating to me. But, if you wished for that kind of life, think again!

From being as skinny as a stick to putting on a lot of weight. Here is the diary of a girl who had no control over her weight. Baby fat is what she called it before. Chubby cheeks that never seem to go in. Her diet was the same as any girl her age, besides, just a little eating out once in a while. She went to college and brisk walked back and forth. Yet, somehow she kept putting on weight. Here friends could no longer recognize her. Sometimes they ignored her thinking she was someone else. To top it all, one day a stranger or perhaps a strange lady asked her if she was pregnant. It was quite depressing. What was happening? Was it stress that made her like that or was it the lifestyle she led. Perhaps she could indulge in some sports or perhaps she would try eating healthy meals. The more she tried the more she ended up eating more. Was it really necessary to get thin ? Would she feel more energetic if she lost weight? Would it increase her self-confidence? Being fat is not easy. She tried and tried and tried. Her voice was so tiny in front of millions of girls all wanting the same thing.

          Could it be the skinny models on advertisements that made her insecure. Could it be that her college did not promote fitness the way it should have. In today's time, where new fast food joints open each day, would it be easy to resist the temptation. Where food is promoted on television and new recipes that make you even more hungry. Everything around entices her to be so unhealthy. It is a tough battle and the only way out is to find an inspiration. Shed all the extra kilos with strong determination and will power. Its now or never. You can start now.

        This fat girl could be anyone. Your friend, neighbour or family. It could be You.

Waking up all sleepy.  Blurred eyes trying to look around as I yawn.  After all the freshening up it is time for a hot cup of tea. The Water begins to boil as I throw in the tea powder & sugar. Stir it up a bit and add some milk. The mixture is then left to brew till the aroma spreads around the kitchen. Chirping birds and cool breeze from my window. The dark blue hue fades off, bringing in the light. The steam begins to rise higher and higher, forming a path.

The table is laid with breakfast as I pour in the hot steaming tea into my favourite mug. I am accompanied with my dad. A long chat continues, discussing funny events that occurred the day earlier to serious issues that need some change. It makes me wonder how a simple cup of tea can create memories.

My bag is packed and I’m all set for work. After all the traveling & tiredness, the first thing I look out for is a cup of coffee.  The fresh taste rejuvenates me in seconds. It’s time to concentrate on work now.  Looking at my watch after every hour, waiting for the evening break. Times up for another cup of hot tea with my colleagues. Blowing into the small tiny glass that is half the size of my palm. We discuss work issues and irritate each other. A lot of jokes and endless laughter.

Its more than just a cup of coffee or tea. It is memories that will last forever.

Its the only day in the entire year that belongs to only you. Nothing can take away the special moment of the fact that you were born. It is celebrating the gift of life. You'd be surprised to see so many people around you sending their good wishes. Sometimes you may receive a message from an old friend or perhaps an enemy too. 

Its a very special feeling. Every possible negativity eliminates from your soul. A fresh start to the new year. You may grow old, but feelings remain the same. Appearances may change, but not the originality of your soul. Days will come and go, you will always be who you were or might rather change to who you want to be. 

Its been a long time. Situations take a grip over your life. Memories that leave behind scars, so deep that they cut through your soul. Thoughts playing over and over again, like a song put on loop. It gets crazy after a while to juggle your present life. The past keeps coming back again to haunt. Its like we humans were designed for it. Pre-programmed mechanism that hardly distinguishes us from each other. We have all gone through the similar phases in life.

The cluttered mind has no space to breathe. How can we let better things cross our path if we don't throw away the dump. Free your mind from all the unwanted thoughts that have tagged along for long. Its time to make a way for better things in life. Not easy though as we want it to. The choice is all yours.

Either you can continue to carry the extra baggage for the rest of your life or switch to CTRL+ALT+DEL!

( Image courtesy- Indiajoin.com)

Little bundle of joy, born with love into this strange world. Blinking eyes that gaze deep into your soul. What could the kid be thinking at this moment. They enter a dream world as they sleep, smiling often. Could angels be telling them a story. Crying is their only language to speak when they need something. Soon, as time goes by, we began to understand they needs and wants. It gets much easier to decode their actions & expressions. Sometimes hungry & sometimes hinting you to get them changed. Sweet talks & all the pampering by everyone around. So lucky, some would love to trade their present life back to the time they were born. When they smile it reflects twice the time on our face. When they cry, it gets us worried. When they fall ill, the entire house turns gloomy. This little bundle of joy, what does it know?

Every mothers dream that her child should be happy. Growing in her womb for months, she is connected to her baby forever. She dreams of a happy life. She feels more secured, someone to look after her when she gets old. Someone of her own who would carry her when she is ill. Someone who would hold her hand, feed her & protect her. 

Fast foward the years. A lot of things change. Most of the time all her dreams are killed. She hears all the words she never wanted to. " Im Buzy mom. You don't understand mom. Its all cause of you mom. Why don't you leave me alone mom ".  

One day, her child becomes a parent. Time can't be brought back. 

 
The country that we live in seems to be progressing slowly by slowly. When I look back 5 years from now, I realize that a lot of things are changed. Buildings have been demolished and withing a span of 2 years the land is re-developed into a modern complex. Acre's and acre's of land are now transformed into contemporary city complexes. Narrow roads that once managed to fit in double side traffic is replaced with spacious roads just like the highway. Talking about the highways, the poth-holes and uneven ground is maintained much better than before. Malls have opened, making it much easier to shop and hang out. Standard of living has increased. Yes, we are happy. Oh wait! I just realized I was lucky to be a part of the happy crowd.

I noticed something while traveling. Chawls on both sides of the railway track. Cramped up rooms which have no space to even breathe. They don't have toilets or maybe they do. But, people are so used to defecate in the open that they continue to live in unhygienic surroundings. Kids do not go to schools and are often used as child labour. The population is ever increasing and there is no place to live. Immigrants from other states come in search of a job, better pay scales and most of them arrive in the city to join Bollywood. The worst part is, materialistic things may change, the environment is made much better, but people, they are not yet ready to change their mentality.

Those in poverty somehow remain in that condition. While the rich are getting richer. The middle class remain the same. The people of this country are de-motivated, angry, sad, scared, yet they keep adjusting to all the possible harsh conditions around them. Political parties continue to dominate the masses & like they say " Hamara system hi kharab hai".

 I wonder when the system will change. Who will change the system. Or should first ask ourselves, will I contribute to change the system? We have a long way to go. Lets start will something small around us. Lets make a difference.

As a kid I was always mesmerized by the moon. A bright white glowing ball that changed to yellow at times. Sometimes it would change shapes too & sometimes it would disappear completely. In school, we had a poem and I would keep singing it on and on. 

“I see the moon and

The moon sees me

God made the moon and

God made me”

So now I knew that God had specially made the moon to give us light during the dark night. When we would travel, the moon would follow our car. It was as if it knew where we were going or perhaps it showed us the way. Sometimes I would look at the moon and pray. The moon always looked beautiful on the blue velvet sky with diamonds embedded on it. It felt like we were living in a dark ball and the moon is the eye of a telescope that belonged to God. I wonder who lived there. Definitely it has to be someone that small to live on a tiny ball. Later it was known that we are the ones that small in front of the moon. At first the thought of it was unacceptable But, later geography confirmed it in school. Sometimes the moon looked scary or perhaps it was made to look scary in films. Somewhere a man is turning into a wolf and each time the moon was full & yellow, the thought would strike. Looking at the moon through the branches of a leafless tree also gives you a spooky chill. No matter where you are, one thing is sure that other person can see the same moon. It gives you the feeling of closeness even if you are far. Giving peace to the soul by just gazing deep into the moon.  The ripples shining as the waves take over.

A mystical object floating in the sky. Would it be possible for me to reach there? Would I be able to hold it between my fingers to find out its the size of a pea? Will I be able to touch it by pointing at it? The sight is serene n v are yet to know the mystery of the moon.

Little grumpy, little sad. Has a problem with everything that's happening around. Gets bored with almost anything. Time and again life is struck with unfortunate events. Nothing good ever seems to happen.

Suddenly, light strikes with a burst of silver glitter. There's a smile on that grumpy face. Life has led you to your soul mate.

Depends on the way you take it. A soul mate can be your life partner or simply just a friend that brightens up your soul. It feels connected. You are heard even before speaking. You are understood even before explaining. You are forgiven even before apologizing. In times of need they are always there. You are welcome 24x7 and can be your real self without the thought of seeming stupid. Crazy stupid fights vanish like nothing ever happened. Life is different. Life is given a whole new meaning taking you to a different direction altogether. If you are thinking about someone while reading this, the person is surely your soul mate. Cherish the moments spent with them as only few are gifted.

" Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! "- Ecclesiastes

Special moments in life are not always created. They just happen. Have you ever looked back to the days and pondered over the incidences in your life. Some worth thinking of that would bring a smile on to your face. It is reliving the moment. Special memories cast a spell and always have a story to tell. Months will past and years, but, it will never tire you to repeat the same story again and again. The same enthusiasm & sparkle in your eyes. Some funny moments that will remind you of stupid moments with family & friends. Some memories that will make you crave for the day to happen again. While some good memories that soon remind you of how life has changed. These memories bring immense joy that can brighten up your day. No money in the world can bring back that special moment.

Its not easy though to forget memories that make you sad. Things that should have never happened. Memories that should have never been created. But, whatever memories, good or bad were all meant to be. A sudden decision that created special moments in your life. Some cast by taking the right decisions while some came in as a surprise package. Either ways, they last forever & can never be taken away. It belongs to you & is engraved on the map of your life.

" There will be a time when we'll sit back, think to ourselves, smile and say, 

"Those were the Days" "

Words were created with a special power. A power that could express, create relationships & the power to break them too. The tongue is one of the most dangerous weapons ever. Indeed it is gifted but with a clause. As a weapon, it doesn't damage you physically but will cut through your soul. It can destroy your heart into a million pieces. Not an easy task to mend a wounded heart. 

Using words to express yourself would be sometimes easy & sometimes the most difficult thing ever. To Stand face to face and express your hidden thoughts. The fear of losing, the fear of being let down, the fear of regret. Take courage and speak out your mind without being harsh. If you are right, explain! If you are wrong, simply apologize. Don't let a relationship fade away unless you've tried your best to make things work. It takes months to build a relationship, but, it takes seconds to destroy it all. If words can kill, words can surely heal. Choose your words well. 

Dhoom 3

Dhoom dhoom dhoom, is the background jingle for all the highlights throughout the film. The movie begins with Iqbal Khan (Jakie shroff) who owns the great indian circus. Due to unfortunate events he looses it all to the bank who mortgages the entire property. Iqbal's son, Sahir khan who wittiness this tragic incident decides never to back down by taking revenge.

Excellent cinematography with futuristic concepts mixed with reality. The chase scenes & background score is very similar to popular games, Nfs and Gta. The first half seems pretty disappointing with typical Bollywood action scenes & long songs. Abhishek breaks through 3 walls in 15 mins and jumps 15 ft high to fight off a goon and falls back right into his bike seat. However, there are several scenes with all the 'pantar log' dialogues that will surely make you smile.

Unlike the previous sequels this film focuses more on the antagonist. It also adds an emotional element which makes you feel Sahir is right in one way. Katrina looks simply amazing yet has little role to play.

The second half takes off to a high peak. Aamir reveals a secret which is the biggest surprise element of the film. Several twist and turns with a lots of chasing. Sahir somehow manages to slip off the clutches of the police with his bike that transforms itself to almost everything.

Watch the movie for its entertainment factor & its surprise special surprise that awaits. ;)