The Choice is Ours!

In a world brimming with gadgets and screens, it’s crucial to find fun activities that reconnect us with nature! One of the best ways to do this is through gardening. Let’s explore how getting our hands dirty can foster growth and learning in our children!

Have you ever witnessed the magical transformation of a seed into a plant? It requires time, care, and patience! Gardening teaches kids that good things come to those who wait. As they water the plants and watch them flourish, they learn to be responsible and patient—just like superheroes tending to their secret gardens! The hope and imagination that blossom around these plants can spark their curiosity.

Dirty hands bring rich experiences and lasting memories. While gardening, children use their hands to plant seeds, dig into the soil, and pick ripe fruits. These hands-on activities help them develop fine motor skills and coordination—it’s like a fun workout for their little hands! Every time they push a shovel into the earth, they’re growing stronger and more skilled.

Gardening offers a perfect escape from screens, inviting children to relish the great outdoors. Outside, they can hear the birds sing and feel the warm sunshine on their faces—experiences that are rare in our gadget-filled lives. This connection to nature helps them focus better, like a cozy blanket that envelops them in comfort. Getting lost in the beauty of the outdoors is a delightful way to spend their time!

Just as in life, plants face challenges, whether it’s pesky pests or not enough sunlight. When children garden, they become little detectives! They learn to observe, think critically, and devise solutions—much like piecing together a puzzle, which strengthens their problem-solving skills.

Through gardening, kids discover the incredible world of plants and animals. Watching a flower bloom or a butterfly dance by helps them forge a connection with nature. It’s like forming a friendship with the earth! This bond nurtures their appreciation for our planet and instills the importance of protecting it.

Gardening is also a canvas for creativity! Children can choose vibrant flowers, arrange them into stunning patterns, and decorate pots with their unique designs. Each garden is a masterpiece, just like each individual! This freedom to create allows their imagination to soar, enabling them to express themselves in magical ways.

In conclusion, gardening is more than just planting seeds; it’s a journey of growth and discovery. As children dig in the dirt and watch their plants thrive, they learn invaluable lessons about patience, responsibility, and the wonders of nature. So, let’s encourage our kiddos to grab their gloves and embark on a gardening adventure—because every seed we plant is a step toward nurturing our best selves!

Let’s raise children who can identify plants and animals, not just celebrities and brands. While recognizing celebrities and brands isn’t inherently negative, nurturing a love for nature can help them grow into compassionate individuals who cherish life beyond the hypnotic glow of screens!

Be the Nice Kid, But Stay Strong and True to Yourself

Being with the youngest generation is always a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The rise of COVID-19 has only deepened these complexities, as gadgets have become almost like an extra limb for many kids. This increasing dependence on screens is causing disruptions at home, often leading to misbehavior and difficult attitudes. It is an ongoing challenge for the parents and teachers. Though I hadn’t blogged in a while, I felt compelled to return to the page to express my thoughts. I want to share some genuine reflections, hoping they resonate with the young minds navigating this digital age.

In school and in life, you’re going to meet all kinds of people. Some kids will be smarter than you in certain subjects, some will have the latest accessories or gadgets, and others will be stars on the sports field. But you know what? That’s perfectly fine! The world is filled with different kinds of talents, and each of us has our own unique abilities. You don’t have to be the best at everything, and you don’t need the coolest stuff to stand out.

What truly matters is who you are. Everyone has their "thing"—that special trait or talent that makes them shine. But beyond that, you have the power to choose how you treat others, and that’s where you can truly make a difference. Being the kid who’s friendly, kind, and generous, who’s always there for others, is something far more valuable than any accessory or achievement.

Be the kid who can get along with everyone, the one who is happy when others succeed. It’s easy to get caught up in jealousy or competition, but true strength lies in being supportive and celebrating the wins of others. When you lift others up, you lift yourself up too.

But there’s another side to being the “nice kid”—you also have to stay strong. While it’s important to be kind and compassionate, it’s equally important not to let others take advantage of your kindness. Being generous doesn’t mean allowing people to walk all over you. Be the kid who knows their boundaries, who can say "no" when needed, and who stands up for themselves with quiet confidence.

Remember, kindness is a choice, but so is self-respect. Be the person who does the right thing, who makes others feel valued, and who leads with empathy. But never lose sight of your own worth. You can be both kind and strong.

So, don’t worry about being the smartest, the fastest, or the coolest. Focus on being the kid who does what’s right, who treats others with respect, and who never forgets to respect themselves, too. That’s how you truly become the best version of yourself! We must help our kids comprehend this point that will prove to be a great lesson for life ahead! 

Can we take a U-turn?

It is that time of the year when we hold events that bring in vibrancy to the campus.

Taking a walk around the campus today made me realize how much we miss the loud, noisy classrooms! The once-upon-a-time noisy classrooms have become synonymous with silence. How sad!

When will this glum look vanish?

The corridors and the assembly area put on such a gloomy look. It was just suffocating to step into the library. The books that always journeyed from one hand to another, almost shed tears. They must be feeling they are ignored. The digi-boards seem to be craving for a touch! The most happening place in the campus– the playground – looks lush green, yet it seemed to tell me the painful stories of solitude. The kids’ park which echoed cheers and shouts doesn’t even seem to recognize any sound now! The deserted look of the lunch hall reminded me of the good old days there. The staff rooms which were colorful with the presence of the pretty ladies are definitely going through some serious depression. The Wisdom Tree and Gulmohur which usually smile with their yellow and red blooms don’t even bother to sway in the wind!

With an invisible virus and its attack, we took shelter in the Zoom Rooms, moving away from the classrooms! We did think it was an ESCAPE, but was it actually an escape?

When will we get back to campus with the loud cheers and gleeful faces of the Rosebuddies? When will the carnivals and exhibitions bring fun and frolic to the campus? When will we have a little chit chat while sipping the tea, before the bell rings for the next period?

Dear Corona, please go away at the earliest! We have had enough and more than enough of you! 

Please be ABSENT! 

When teachers call out your name, let us shout in chorus - 

Corona is absent, miss! 

Missing the good, old campus! Seriously!

A 'walk' that we did not know, we walked!

Conversations are beautiful, especially with the ones who run on the same wavelength! 

Mostly, it satiates the girl/woman in me!

In one such conversation today, just came across the word ‘age’ and that completely took me off!

Isn’t age just a number? Did we ever notice we were ageing? 

We did age, but did we know is the question!

As I always say, I always feel I am just out of my college! The years that rolled by, the birthday candles that I have blown out, the birthdays that were meant to remind that I have added one more candle to the cake did not really strike me I guess. Maybe, being with the fresh generation has helped a bit, in this regard! And, maybe liking the person I am, might have helped a BUNCH too! 💃💃

From that 10 year old girl🙅 who cried for silver (all time fav) anklets, to the 15 year old who was adamant about studying 7 years only in UC, to the 20 year old who wanted to keep her parents happy, to the 25 year old who developed that much needed 'don't care' attitude, to the 30 year old who took to being a mom, to the 35 year old who had a passion to break the rules, to the 40 year old who wished to do what she wanted, to the 45 year old who says 'damn it' and has her own ways – it was a long walk! From Black to some gorgeous Silver here and there, that I may love not to hide, and the wrinkles that come up showing are JUST the physical changes - it has absolutely nothing to do with the soul! 

Isn't it all feeling like a cakewalk? 

I think I would prefer a catwalk ahead, if time permits!

ആലുവാപ്പുഴയുടെ തീരത്ത്‌ ...

ആരോരും ഇല്ലാത്ത നേരത്തല്ല, എല്ലാരും ഉണ്ടായിരുന്ന കാലത്ത്‌.....

കേരളത്തിന് പുറത്തു ജീവിക്കുമ്പോൾ കേൾക്കുന്ന ഒരു സ്ഥിരം ചോദ്യമുണ്ട് -

നാട്ടിൽ എവിടെയാ?

ആലുവ.

അത് പറയുമ്പോൾ ഉള്ള ഒരു സന്തോഷം ഒന്ന് വേറെ തന്നെയാ!

20 + വർഷങ്ങളായി ആ തീരത്തു നിന്ന് ദൂരെയാണെങ്കിലും ആലുവാപ്പുഴയുടെ തീരത്തു ജീവിച്ചു തീർത്ത കാലങ്ങളുടെ ഓർമ്മകൾ എന്നെ വിട്ടുപോയിട്ടില്ല, പോകില്ല താനും.

കുറച്ചു നാളായി ആലുവപ്പുഴ സംഹാരരൂപിണി ആകാറുണ്ട്. എന്നാൽ എനിക്ക് പരിചയമുള്ള ആലുവാപ്പുഴ ശാന്തസ്വരൂപിണിയാണ്. വൈകുന്നേരങ്ങളിൽ ആലുവാപ്പുഴയുടെ തീരത്തു പോയി ഇരുന്നു ഇഷ്ടസൗഹൃദങ്ങൾ പങ്കിട്ട ഒരു കാലമുണ്ടായിരുന്നു എനിക്ക്. ഓർമയുടെ ചെപ്പിൽ നിറഞ്ഞു നിൽക്കുന്ന കുറെ സായാഹ്നങ്ങൾ.

-കൃഷ്ണന്റെ അമ്പലവും അന്ത്രപ്പേർ പാർക്കും നിറഞ്ഞു നിൽക്കുന്ന ബാല്യകൗമാരങ്ങൾ.

-മയിൽപ്പീലിയും മഞ്ചാടിയും കൂട്ടിവച്ച കാലം. 

-മണപ്പുറവും അവിടുത്തെ ശിവനും ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ ഭാഗമായിരുന്ന ഒരു കാലം.

-അങ്ങോട്ടുമിങ്ങോട്ടുമുള്ള വഞ്ചിയാത്രകൾ ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടിരുന്ന കാലം.

-ശിവരാത്രി കാലത്ത്‌ മണപ്പുറത്തു തെണ്ടി നടന്ന കാലം.

-പെരുമ്പിള്ളിയിലെ ദീപാരാധനകൾ മുടങ്ങാതെ കണ്ട കാലം.

- മകരചൊവ്വയും വ്രതങ്ങളും നോറ്റ കാലം.

-മാതാ മാധുര്യയിലും സീനത്തിലും സിനിമകൾ കണ്ടു നടന്ന കാലം.

-യുസിയിലെ മഹാഗണിച്ചോലയിൽ നല്ല സൗഹൃദങ്ങൾ കുരുത്ത കാലം.

-മുൻസിപ്പൽ ലൈബ്രറിയിലെ പുസ്തകങ്ങൾ തിരഞ്ഞുപിടിച്ചു വായിച്ച കാലം.

-ഹിന്ദി പാട്ടുകൾ നിർത്താതെ കേട്ട് അമ്മുമ്മയുടെ ചീത്ത കേട്ട കാലം.

-വാരാന്ത്യങ്ങളിൽ താളി തേച്ചു മുടി മിനുക്കിയിരുന്ന കാലം.

-ശാന്തി നഗറിലെ സൗഹൃദങ്ങളിൽ അർമാദിച്ച ഒരു കാലം.

- ഓണക്കാലങ്ങളിൽ പൂക്കൾക്കായി കറങ്ങി നടന്ന കാലം.

- റോഡിൽ ഷട്ടിലും ക്രിക്കറ്റും കളിച്ച കാലം. 

- ഏതെങ്കിലും ഒരു വീട്ടിൽ ഒരുമിച്ചിരുന്നു സിനിമ കണ്ട കാലം.

-ഗ്രാൻഡ് ഹോട്ടലിലെ ബിരിയാണിയുടെയും ജഗ്ഗിസിലെ ഐസ്ക്രീമിന്റെയും സുരഭിയിലെ മസാല ദോശയുടെയും കണ്ണൻ ചേട്ടന്റെ റെയിൽവേ സ്റ്റേഷൻ ക്യാന്റീനിലെ കട്ട്ലറ്റിന്റെയും രുചിയുള്ള കാലം. 

-മുറ്റത്തെ മുല്ലക്കും തുളസിക്കും ദാഹമുണ്ടോ എന്ന് ചോദിച്ചിരുന്ന കാലം.

-വീട്ടിലെ പേരമരത്തിൽ കയറിയിരുന്നു പഠിച്ചിരുന്ന കാലം.

-ആലുവയുടെ തെരുവുകളിൽ തേര പാര തേര പാര നടന്ന കാലം.

- കറക്കം കഴിഞ്ഞു ശ്രീപത്മത്തിൽ തിരിച്ചെത്തുമ്പോൾ വാതിൽ തുറന്നു തരാൻ അമ്മയുണ്ടായിരുന്ന കാലം.

- മനോഹരമായ സ്വപ്‌നങ്ങൾ കണ്ടിരുന്ന ഒരു കാലം!

-നമുക്കെല്ലാവർക്കും ഇത് പോലെ ഒരു കാലം ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു കാണും .

അതൊക്കെ ഒരു കാലം! 

നമ്മൾ നമുക്കായി ജീവിച്ച കാലം!

ക്ല ക്ല ക്ലൂ ക്ലൂ , ദേ മുറ്റത്തൊരു മൈന.

എന്നെ ഓർമ്മിപ്പിക്കാൻ വന്നതാ - എന്തൊക്കെയോ പറഞ്ഞു - പൈപ്പ് തുറന്നു വിട്ട പോലെ .....

അന്ത കാലം ഇന്ത കാലം എന്നൊക്കെ പറഞ്ഞു ഇരിക്കാതെ പോയി പണിയെടുക്കാൻ നോക്ക് ചേച്ചി - എന്നാണെന്നു തോന്നുന്നു അത് പറഞ്ഞത്. എനിക്കീ പക്ഷികളുടെ ഭാഷ അത്ര വശമില്ലാത്ത കാരണം ശരിക്ക് മനസിലായില്ല. എന്റെ നാക്ക് ടൂർ പോയെന്നു തോന്നുന്നു, ഒന്നും മിണ്ടുന്നില്ല.

ഏതായാലും മൈന വന്നത് നന്നായി. ഞാൻ ഭൂതത്തിൽ നിന്ന് വർത്തമാനത്തിലേക്കു വന്നു. ഭാവിയിലേക്ക് പിന്നെ നോക്കുന്ന പരിപാടി എനിക്കില്ലേയില്ല!

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!

......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!