My Musings!
Sunday, November 3, 2024
The Choice is Ours!
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Be the Nice Kid, But Stay Strong and True to Yourself
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Can we take a U-turn?
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Why should girls have all the FUN?
The Real Question: Why Should Girls Have All the Fun in the Kitchen?
For centuries, women have been expected to handle all the kitchen and household duties—often without question. This expectation persisted well into the late 20th century, until a new generation began to challenge these norms. Gradually, a few supportive husbands emerged, recognizing the struggles their partners faced. As we move further into the 21st century, we see positive changes, though many from the previous generation still grapple with this evolution.
While I don't identify strictly as a feminist, I do hold feminist beliefs that emerge in response to societal issues.
Traditionally, many mothers did not encourage their sons to participate in household chores, perhaps believing it would diminish their masculinity or contribute to a fragile male ego. There’s no denying that the previous generation's attitudes played a significant role in shaping these views. However, as these boys grew into men, why didn’t they reconsider this mindset?
The answer is simple: it became a way of life.
In many Indian households, we often witness women exhausting themselves with chores while men lounge around watching TV, frequently ordering cups of coffee or tea. This dynamic continues even today.
Do we really want the next generation to follow this pattern?
Isn’t it beneficial for boys to learn how to cook and clean?
Isn’t this a life skill?
Wouldn’t it promote independence rather than dependency?
Wouldn’t it help them become more effective multitaskers?
Managing a kitchen imparts countless valuable lessons that can be applied in various aspects of life. Plus, learning these skills doesn’t require an exorbitant investment.
If you have sons, why not encourage them to chop vegetables, brew coffee, and learn to cook? Doing so can foster empathy, help them understand the challenges you face, and create a closer bond. It sends a powerful message that gender equality begins at home.
Imagine the joy when your son makes you a delicious cup of coffee or a refreshing juice! The love he pours into it will make you feel appreciated, knowing he understands your hard work.
So, why should girls have all the fun in the kitchen?
Why can’t boys enjoy that fun too, while acquiring essential life skills?
New-generation moms, empower your sons to grow in the truest sense of the word. Help them become men who genuinely understand and appreciate the women in their lives!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
......finally, I found him!
Finally, I Found Him!
It had been such a long search! But today, I found him.
I thought I had lost him forever. Yet this morning, amidst all the clutter and chaos, he reappeared like a ‘Deva’ emerging from the flames of a long ‘Tapas.’
Lol! I’m talking about Swaminathan—the adorable little Swami from Malgudi. I must have read Swami and Friends a dozen times, but he never fails to captivate me. For a while, I had been searching for R.K. Narayan’s Swami and Friends, a cherished part of my collection. The last time I wanted to read it, it had mysteriously vanished. I couldn’t remember if I had lent it to someone or misplaced it myself. I scoured my entire bookshelf, but to no avail.
Swami’s memory would keep popping into my mind during my busy days, and I missed him terribly. Just thinking of him would bring me energy and joy, as he’s been my companion since my school days.
Awwww! How I loved his mischievous antics! As I’ve mentioned before, when Doordarshan first aired Malgudi Days, I was probably the happiest person in India!
Today, thanks to the extended holidays until March 31st, I decided to embark on a ‘Swachh Bharat’ cleaning mission. And guess what? That’s how I found him—Swami, my long-lost friend! A blessing in disguise! After wading through a sea of dust (masked, of course), there he was, hidden under a carton in the storage room.
The moment I saw him, I yelled Eurekaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
I was definitely happier than Archimedes himself! Everyone at home came running to see what all the fuss was about, wondering who this modern-day Archimedes was.
As for who buried my Swami there—God only knows! If I ever find out, they might want to avoid my knives!
The rest of the day? I did absolutely nothing but spend time with him. Swami, I can never love you enough!
Needless to say (but I’ll say it anyway)—Simplicity, Cuteness, and Intelligence personified. That’s my Swami, overloaded with charm!
Thank you for coming back into my life!
Sunday, February 23, 2020
I need you.......much more than you think!
I Made My Way Back to You Today, After Almost Three Years!
After wandering through the crowded corridors of my mind, navigating the tricky in-lanes and by-lanes, waiting patiently at countless signals, and dodging the speeding thoughts that came my way, I finally landed here!
Sometimes, amidst the whirlwind we call life—on those relentless, busy paths that drain us—we tend to lose our way. I guess that's what happened between us.
But honestly, it feels so good to be back after all these moons. I hope to ride along with you again, just like we did in the good old days. There’s so much to share, to reflect on, to laugh at, to vent about, to cry over, and even more to celebrate!
Life moves on, and so do we. No hard feelings, right? After all, no one truly belongs to anyone—not you to me, nor me to you.
Thank you, Blogger, for welcoming me back when I came to you with a heavy heart. There's a special kind of joy in deciding to jot down my thoughts here again.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Revisiting...
It’s That Time of Year!
The time has come to close the books for a while, to wrap up the current year's work, and to embrace the excitement that comes with the long-awaited vacation! Honestly, I think we teachers look forward to the break even more than the kids do, hoping to recharge and rejuvenate.
Just a few days ago, I was reminded of my blog. A flood of thoughts rushed in, inspiring me to write this post today. It feels like I’ve finally rekindled my long-lost enthusiasm for jotting down my thoughts here.
For a while, I had been stuck in a mechanical routine—repeating the same tired tasks day in and day out. Internally, I was in a state of chaos, though I did my best to keep up a happy and contented appearance.
Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!
I often reminded myself to wait patiently, to stay put until I found a way out of this mental fog. And finally, that long wait is coming to an end.
Thanks to William and Philippa for bringing some much-needed sunshine into my life, just when everything else seemed to fade into the background. Spending time with them gave me the energy I was desperately craving! I realized it’s often more fulfilling to get lost in fictional characters than in the complexities of real life. Their witty remarks and the love they shared with each other were such a joy!
Jeffrey Archer, you are the BEST! I can’t thank you enough!