NEVER GIVE UP

Everybody was excited during summer vacations but Manu was sad. The reason was same this year also. Like every year, this year also she did not want to go for the sports camp.

“Manu, don’t worry! It’s a matter of two months only,” Manu’s mother said politely. Manu’s mother encouraged her daughter to join sports as she knew Manu fears failure. She kept motivating her to join the classes and not escape anything fearing failure.

“I don’t want to go mom,’’ Manu said sadly.

“You know mom, I have sports phobia and I hate exercising,” Manu murmured.

“Manu, it’s compulsory for all students to join a sports activity,” her mom tried to convince.

“You don’t have any other option but to choose a game of your choice.” Manu had no option left but to say yes. “Okay mom. Give me some time to decide,” said she.

Next morning, Manu got up early and met her best friend Sunny. They both studied together in the same class and resided in the same locality.

Manu asked, “Sunny, have you decided your sport for this summer vacations?”

Sunny said with smile, “Yes, I am going for boxing.”

 “Are you serious,” Manu asked with curiosity.

“I have heard that boxing is a difficult game and one can get badly hurt while playing,” added Manu.

Sunny said, “I am serious about my decision and I have already enrolled myself. In fact I wanted to tell you that this year girls can also join the boxing course.”

“Do you want to join with me?” asked Sunny.

Manu didn’t answer back.

Sunny said, “What happened? Are you scared of boxing?”

“I am not scared of anything. Manu wiped her forehead and laughed nervously.

Motivating Manu, Sunny said “Only a few girls get a chance to learn boxing. You are lucky.”

Manu nodded and thought, how can girls box. “Sunny has gone mad,” she murmured.

“Manu don’t think twice. It’s a golden chance and we both can learn the boxing techniques together,” Sunny said.

Sunny also told Manu that he has an extra form and if she wishes he will fill it for her.

Manu showed least interest and went back home. “I will meet you tomorrow and let you know”.

Manu told her mom “Mom, Sunny has joined boxing”.

“Oh! That’s great” Manu’s mom replied. “So what have you decided?” she continued further.

“Mom I don’t know what to choose. Sunny was saying he has an extra form for boxing,” Manu said.

Manu’s mother “It’s a good option and you can accompany your best friend too.”

After this discussion with her mom and Sunny, Manu finally concluded that she will join boxing.

On the second day, Manu smiled and gave this news to Sunny. “Wow! I am happy that at least you changed your mind and showed courage to choose boxing as your sport,” he said.

Manu didn’t say anything. Next day, Manu and Sunny went for their first boxing session. Manu’s mom also accompanied her for the first class.

Manu’s eyes were wide open the next day she entered her class. The room was huge and had two boxing rings.

All students stood in a row. Manu was surprised to know that out of 60 students in the class 54 were boys. There were only 6 girls. The boxing coach was Mr. Singh. Though he was very strict with the kids while teaching yet in the free time he shared his boxing experiences with them.

                                                                      

“I am happy to see all of you especially girls. You too have power to compete with boys,” said Mr. Singh welcoming all the students on the first day.

Initially, Singh sir taught some boxing lessons to the kids and instructed all of them to cover ten rounds of a ground. Everybody ran enthusiastically but all Manu could think was to rush home as soon as the class is over.  

Somehow she managed to complete the rounds and the bell rang. Mr. Singh said loudly, “Wind up. It’s enough for today.”

Manu was tired and drank glucose. “Mom, it’s very difficult. My whole body is paining. I think I can’t do it more,” cried Manu.

 “Manu, of course you can do it. You have the potential. Today is the first day and your body will take some time to adapt the changes,” her mother explained.

 “Don’t worry I have the solution for this” She continued. She boiled water and mixed a pinch of salt in it and gave a massage to Manu.

After the massage, Manu felt better.

The entire week the same schedule continued. But as the weeks progressed, Manu realised that her body ache completely vanished and she could easily exercise. 

Manu also started developing interest in her boxing lessons. Mr. Singh, also motivated her because she was working hard to learn all the boxing techniques.

Mr. Singh, “Manu you are talented. Keep going like this.”

Manu was happy for the first time and her confidence level rose up. The final day of her boxing class soon approached.

Mr. Singh announced the dates of the state boxing championship. Everybody was busy filling the form for this match but Manu was again thinking and puzzled. “Should I play for this match? What will happen if I fail,” she murmured to herself.

 Mr. Singh saw her in this dilemma and told her, “What are you thinking? I have already given your name for the girls’ championship.”

“You will be the only girl playing from your school. I have seen you playing and I trust your ability,” he added.

Manu practiced hard for the next day’s match and after finishing her class she went home. Manu was happy but somewhere in her mind she had a fear.

“Mom, tomorrow is the boxing state championship and Singh sir has written my name in the girls team,” Manu rushed and told this to her mother.

Manu’s mom jumped with happiness, “Congratulations baby. All the best and always remember that never give up. Keep fighting until you succeed.”

Next morning was a nervous morning for Manu. She was very apprehensive and feared that she might fail. But she got ready and reached the stadium on time with her parents.

But somehow as soon as she entered the ring for her match she gained all her confidence. “I am all prepared,” she murmured.

First two rounds were easy and Manu sailed thorugh easily. The third round was a tough one. Her opponent Bhanu was already a state level winner. 

Manu gathered all her courage and confident on her punches, she pulled Bhanu down and won the championship.

Manu couldn’t believe she had won the state level championship. The applause from the audience was deafening. But all she could hear was her mother’s voice.

“Manu you did it! You won my baby!”

दे दे जो देना है,बोलती नहीं जबान..
मगर सच है ये
कि बिखरी हूँ में !!!!

WHEN WORDS DIE.....

When words die 
expressions speak..

The silent speech 
teach you to think
the words you hear 
are without fear..

The power you feel
gifts you peace
your heart comes out
makes you smile...

Believe in silence 

gives you strength

feel emotions,

because words can die any moment...

ऐसा क्यों ?

जो चाहो तुम, वो भागे क्यों?
जो मिला तुम्हे, वो भाये ना क्यों?

सब होकर भी, कमी है  क्यों?
शोर में भी, ख़ामोशी है क्यों?

पास जो, वो दूर क्यों?
दूर जो, पाने की चाहत है क्यों?

प्रत्यक्ष तो, प्रमान क्यों?
कभी हा, तो कभी ना क्यों?

जानते हो, स्वीकारते नहीं क्यों?
जब उत्तर है, तो बार बार सवाल क्यों?

खुशी...

आखो से छलके 

चेहरे पर दमके 

खुशबू  सी फैले 

पल भर ही ठहरे...

दिल को छु जाये 

जब पास से गुजरे

छोटी भी हो तो 

दिन बन जाये...

मर्ज़ी की मालिक 

तितली संग भागे 

जब मन चाहे

ओठो पर आये ....

महफ़िल सजा दे 

रूठो को मना ले 

जिंदगी दे दो पल में
या छिन के ले जाये...

सपने

नयनो में है, सपने सजे

काजल संग उभरने लगे ...

बंद डिब्बी को खोलने चले

पतंग संग उड़ने  लगे ..

कुछ रखे है, सिरहाने तले

कुछ बसे है, दिल में मेरे ...

खोये से भी है, अरमा कई

मिल गए तो, राह बनी ....

कभी बिखरे तो, सांसे ले गए

पूरे हुए तो, एक जिंदगी दे गए....

Lives on the road..

सच है...

चेहरे के ऊपर चेहरे है
जो दिखता है, वही बिकता है
कैसे ना माने ये सच है?
जब शीशा भी झूट बोलता है..
जो मीठा है, वो कड़वा है
जो सच्चा है, वो लुटता है
जो काम करे, वो गधा है
जो 'जी हा' करे वो आगे बढे..
यहाँ बाजार रोज़ सजता है
दिल भी सस्ते में बिकता है
एक ले तो दूसरा मुफ्त
कभी-कभी तो एक के साथ चार भी चलता है
झूठी हसी हसते है
मनो षडयत्र रचते है
कैसे हम विश्वास कर ले
जब शीशा भी झूट बोलता है..
झूट बोला तो क्या गलत किया?
सच बोला तो क्या पा लिया ?
क्या सही और  क्या गलत ?
बस यही समझना बाकी है...
जहा खुलेगा वही धमाका
ऐसा ही होता है सच.....

बचपन

बचपन की वो यादे
कुछ खट्टी कुछ मीठी
वो एक रुपये का चटमोला
वो ऊच नीच का पापड़ा
कभी खिलोनो पर दिल आ जाना
तो कभी टॉफी के लिए रोना
माँ का वो रोज़ सुबह चिल्लाना
और हमारा पांच मिनट का वही बहाना
स्कूल जाते हुए टाइम-टेबल लगाना
फिर भी किताबे घर छोड़ चले आना
पेंसिल रोज़ खो कर स्कूल से आना
फिर घर आकर नयी कहानी सुनाना
छुटी के भी नए बहाने
कभी पेट दर्द तो कभी  बुखार का आना
जैसे भी हो आपनी बात मनवाना
गलियों में वो शोर मचाना
खेल खेल में लड़ना मनाना
समय की फिक्र ना होना
जब खेल में मन लग जाना
क्या  मजे के  थे वो दिन
कुछ खट्टे कुछ मीठे वो दिन.....

Delhi-6

view from the Jama Masjid minar

While you shop at Khan Market, they buy lessons in life

Here's the story of a Stephenian who decided to step things up. So what's new, you'd ask. The fact that he created a knowledge centre out of Khan Market, and spun a success story for slum kids in Saket.

Kapil Pandey started Kutumb in 2002 and got it registered in 2003 as an NGO. Earlier, he used to teach underprivileged children in the Khan Market park, now the parking lot. Now, the students have a garden and auditorium to themselves, apart from three hours of uninterrupted study time in the evenings. Kutumb classes run six days a week in Saket, near the PVR complex, and at Junior Modern School near Khan Market, between 5 and 8 pm.

Around 35 destitute kids find hope and lessons in life here. The curriculum isn't just about books and current affairs; it helps children delve into their inner selves, too.

Khurseda, a nine-year-old girl who is living on the streets with her parents, and was begging before joining the school, is now a changed li'l citizen. Previously, she did not feel like studying, but Kutumb took the challenge and Khurseda can't wait for dusk these days. "Ours is a completely voluntary organisation", says Kapil Pandey, director.

Many students of Delhi University, to, have joined hands with the NGO of late. The aim is to impart knowledge in living, art and crafts, dance, music, theatre, football and puppetry, among other subjects.
Kids from the family have showcased what they've learnt through theatre programs, street shows and an innovative football match, 'Goal of Life'.

"Working with these slum children has been an enriching experience. They pick things fast, and understand things easily," says Ryanka, a volunteer from Lady Shri Ram College, who teaches geography at Kutumb.

"Spending time with these kids creates a positive felling in me; I personally enjoy the company of these kids'' says Anushri, another volunteer from LSR, who's the science mistress around.

Ryanka and Anushri have been working with Kutumb for the last two years, and now, they're both heading the programme. Founder Kapil, on the other hand, has his own advertising company to keep the kitchen fires burning.

"Many private donors have offered financial support, but we did not take any help from the government," prides Kapil. He is quite busy with his own official work, but always stays in touch with the organisation, and meets the kids once in a week.

Students feel lucky. Lalit, for instance, joined school six years ago. He dropped out of school because of the financial problems. He learned soccer in the organisation for three years. Now, he's plays football mentor here. Others like Anand, Rekha, Asha and Priya, too, like Lalit, once studied here and are now teaching. Legacies, as they say, never leave.

http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2009/nov/301109-khan-market-kutumb-learning-kids.htm

One MMS, too many...

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Leila, 81, continues to strive for welfare of society



Leila seth is reading her own book 




Leila seth with her husband



Leila Seth has proved herself at every stages of life. She is among those people who dare to go against the tide to accomplish their goals. Despite being 81-year-old, Leila continues to work for the welfare of society with enthusiasm.

A resident of Sector 15, Noida, she is not only professionally acclaimed but has also given the best for her family and still continues to do the same. She was first woman Chief Justice of a High Court in India and first woman judge of Delhi High Court. She also topped London Bar examination just three months after giving birth to her youngest son.

Completed Bachelors from Calcutta University
She was born in Lucknow and did her schooling from Larato Convent school, Darjeeling and completed her Bachelors in English from Calcutta University. Leila's father died when she was just 11-year-old and this incident changed her life to a great extent. She got married in her twenties and always wanted to go abroad for higher studies and her dream came true when her husband Premo got posted in England.

Sometimes, we take prompt actions and they turn out with best results and the same thing happened with Leila Seth. She got enrolled herself in a law school just because there was no requirement of regular attendance in that course. She took it seriously.

'Premo is my pillar of strength'
"I have brought up my three kids in a well manner and they are now one of the most interesting young people. None of them do a nine to five job and they are very happy and successful. It was not that easy for me to handle them during my studies and work. My husband Premo is my pillar of strength and has always motivated me," said Leila Seth."Initially, I struggled a lot to prove myself as there is a male dominating society in India and there were only few women in this profession," she added.

Worked with many NGOs
Apart from judiciary, Leila Seth worked with many national and international NGOs too. She was the chairperson of the executive committee of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, New Delhi and a member of the World Commission on Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology, which was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

'Education is key to prosperity'
She also worked as a chairperson of MARG (Multiple Action Research Group) in South Delhi. Through workshops, seminars and books, she increased legal literacy among women immensely. "Not just women's legal literacy, education in general is always my first concern. Education is the key to prosperity, enjoyment and the way to avoid any kind of prejudice," said Leila Seth. Her contribution for the welfare of the society never stops, presently she is an active member of Help Age India organisation, which works for the welfare of senior citizens. She is also a board member in various schools and colleges.
As her son Vikram Seth, she has also written two books 'On balance' and 'We the children of India'.

http://www.jagrancityplus.com/city-news/leila-81-continues-to-strive-for-welfare-of-society_1295606699.html

Teasta for pure teaholics




Bored of sipping tea at your place or at numerous other tea shops at every nook and cranny of the city and still searching for great tasting teas crafted to suit your palate? Try 'Teasta', one of the most prominent tea shops in the city, which claims to offer wide variety of teas to the 'teaholics'.

The tea Shop at Godavari market in Sector 37 has become one of the most popular hangout places in Noida these days where one can sit and enjoy tea with delicious handmade cookies. Not only tea, but one can also go for coffee, sandwiches and momos. "It's a good place to relax and have a sip of tea. Generally, I go there with my friends and spend hours," said Aditya Aggarwal, a college student.

This shop offers you a wide variety of teas which include Kashmiri kahwa, Sor-tib tibetian tea and ginsing tea with Chinese herbs. Green tea, Darjeeling tea, lemon tea, orange tea and jasmine tea are also available here which are from the best tea gardens of Assam and Darjeeling.

It is a small shop and has been run for fifteen years by Capt (Retd) Vijay Mehra and his wife, who are the residents of the same sector. "After retirement, I worked in a tea plantation firm in West Bengal and learned the whole process of making tea. Then I moved to Noida and initially started my own tea shop in my garage but at that time it was very difficult for me to find the customers as people were not so much aware about the varieties of tea. It took me more than two years to educate them about the whole process of brewing tea," said Vijay Mehra, Retd Capt.

Around 200 people daily visit the shop. Tea prices are very reasonable and range from Rs 15 to 45. You can also buy tea leafs from the shop which cost around Rupees 50-170 for 250 gm."It is quite popular among the young crowd, they come here to sip and chat. Green tea without sugar and milk is the first choice of the customers and some also prefer ginger ice tea even in this chilly winter," added Mehra.

http://www.jagrancityplus.com/city-news/teasta-for-pure-teaholics_1295241532.html

छोटी सी जिंदगी ...

 जिंदगी ये छोटी सी

 इम्तिहानो की लड़ी सी,

 पल भर में सेलाब भी

 तो  खुशियों की टोली भी....

 चंचल ये हवा सी

 ठहरती ना कभी कही,

 चलती ये बिना रुके

 समय के साथ ही...

 हर दिन नए रंग में

 खेल ये अनेक रचे,

 जितना भी समझो इसे

 उतना ये डूबा ले चले...

 कोई कहे माया है, 

 कोई  कहे जाल  है,

 जरा सा तुम सभल  कर

 भाग दोड़ में जरा सा बचकर

 छोटी सी है ये  जिंदगी

 जी लेना बस इसे तुम खुलकर....

Are we alone here ???



Picture clicked at Old Delhi



"we are born alone, we live alone, we die alone.Only through our love and friendship we can create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone." 

somewhere i read this...

वहम...

पागलपन की बीमारी है मुझे
वहम है?
मुझे तो है..
चाँद पर घर बनाऊगी
आकाश में पंख लहराऊगी
वहम है?
मुझे तो है..
नाचूगी परियो संग
गाऊगी भवरो संग
वहम है?
मुझे तो है..
पैसो का पेड लगाऊगी
फिर ख़रीदारी करने  जाऊगी
वहम है?
मुझे तो है..
एक पल में जिन्दगी जी है 
अच्छी नोकरी है
लाखो में कमाती हूँ
वहम है?
मुझे तो है..
अच्छा चलिए
कुछ अच्छी सी बात करते है...
क्या आपने कभी सपने देखे है???
मैंने साकार किये है
वहम है? तो है..
मुझे तो है और अब आप मुझे टोकिये मत
निकाल लेने दीजिये अपने वहमो की पोटली को....




ये आदमी भी कितना अनोखा जीव है ?
कितना ?
तुम नहीं जानते ?
नहीं 
वहम है तुम्हारा 
हा है,लेकिन तुम हो कौन भाई ?
तुम नहीं जानते?
नहीं?
वहम हूँ तुम्हारा....

Ten minutes of stardom

Surbhi’s surprise birthday party. Ankita calling. LOSER! COME FAST (she loves to call me by that name).

Thanks to the Metro, I made it to Tilak Nagar in time enough; otherwise, she would have killed me. No sooner did I reach there than I forgot the address and called Ankita to check. She guided me to take an auto from there, and said it’d charge me 40 bucks. I soon spotted one, with its driver turbaned and tall. I asked him, “Bhaiyya, Bhagat Singh Hospital chaloge? Predictably, he answered with a “Yes madamji, challenge, par 50 rupees lagenge”.

I, of course, I wasn’t settling for a raw deal. I started, “Bhaiyya, main daily jaati hoon, 40 lagte hain. Kyun paagal bana rahe ho mujhe?” I had the urge to tell him that he’d better not fool someone from the media. But only ended up talking about how much we’d worked for their fraternity when they’d gone on an auto strike. I thought he would ask me about my profession then, but he didn’t ask anything. Anyway, there was little choice, so I got in.

He was driving silently, and I was sitting quietly, as we had already spoken much during our arguments. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was Ankita. I picked up the call, and said, “Yes, Charlie 123 …”. We talked for 5 minutes about what to do next, who will arrange for the cake, and signed off with an ‘over and out’.

Finally, the auto wallah broke his silence. His lips curved into a wide, knowing smile, and he said, “Madam kya aap Delhi Police mein ho?” I played along. “Haan, lekin aapko kaise pata chala?” I remembered I hadn’t told him this; I’m not one of those who’d flaunt their job. Meanwhile, I was wondering if he was trying to fool me again. Did that one silly phone-sign cause him to believe what he did? Even if I wasn’t in uniform or didn’t have the jaat accent typical of the police?

He said with full confidence, “Madam, hum bhi cheaz koi chhoti nahi hain … chhoti chhoti batein hum bhi pakad lete hain. Police waalon ka favourite word hai ye over n out, Charli 123 ...” and he continued talking. “Madam, Police waalon ko hamne bade karib se dekha hai … hamara toh roz ka kaam kai unko tackle karna, mera bhanja bhi constable hai madam.” Don’t ask me how I managed to control my laughter, or amazement.

Somewhere, though, I was still not sure if he had really thought that I was from the police. I thought it was his great trick to self amusement, maybe. But I went on, telling him stories of how I had cracked IPS and thought it was a difficult exam, and yet cleared it and became an additional ACP. I told him I have my own police car, but like to travel by auto.

He asked me, “Madam, kaun sai thane mein baithte ho?” I replied, “I’m posted at the PHQ (Police Head Quarters), and today, I took a day off just to enjoy with my family. I also told him that when on duty, always commuted by auto, free of cost, but he was lucky that I was not in my uniform that particular day. He was on cloud nine.

He was ready with his next question. “Madam agar mujhe koi problem hogi toh kya main apse milne aa sakta hoon PHQ?” I said yes, of course, anytime.

That ten minute journey seemed funner than the funnest ones I had. Soon, he pulled over at my destination. I asked, “Kitna hua bhaiyya?” As if bestowed with a great honour, he replied, “Madam, bas meter down karne ke 20 rupai de do.” It was only then that I realized that he wasn’t joking; there was no sarcasm in his witticism. I gave him the money, he shook my hand, and we parted.

I laughed like anything for another half an hour. My friends still continue to.

Daring to dream

ILLUSION AND THE REALITY
Picture clicked at C.P.

It hurts most when you feel disillusioned
U cry, u scream, u shout
Try every possible way
To hold your shattered dreams
The dreams of your ambition
But when reality touches illusion
You wake up to the reality of the world
And your disillusionment snaps in no time
U feel helpless, disheartened
But that’s what makes you stronger
Everyone gives you hope, assurance
That makes you happy for a moment
But after a few seconds, u feel betrayed
No one can feel the same pain as u do
It’s just you who can translate your dreams in to reality.

धारा सा जीवन

समय है चलता जीवन को बदलता
छोटी थी जब नटखट थी में
सहेलियों के संग नाचती गाती
गुडियों के में ब्याह रचाती
हर जन्मदिन नयी जीद में करती
नये कपडे हर त्यौहार सिलवाती
जीद करके हमेशा अपनी बात मानवती
चाहे जैसे भी हो स्कूल की छुटी करवाती
मन ना करता पड़ने का मेरा
ब़स सपनो की दुनिया में जीती 
फिर नदी सा चलता ये जीवन
इस मोड़ पर ले आया मुझे
आज बड़ी हुई तो लगता है मुझे
काश समय को थाम में पाऊ
पर धारा है ये जीवन
ना जाने कहा ले जाएगा
एक दिन फिर ऐसा आयेगा
जब याद करुगी इन पलों को भी में
और समय फ़िर आगे ओर निकल जयेगा .....