A new story

I love to read story books since childhood and even today, I find it very much relaxing and enjoyable to be able to read or watch different stories, be it novels, movies, TV series. Being an ardent fan of books like Panchatantra, Jataka tells, Sherlock Holmes and writers like Enid Blyton and Ruskin Bond since childhood, I too tried my hand in story telling.

It was an amateurish attempt of self gratification, and I succeeded in writing a few of them. As per critics ( my mom and sister), it was good but not great. Somehow, I couldn't make it more interesting and I also didn't have much patience create longer stories with deeper plot. Be it character development, instilling of emotions, making them more lively....I knew where I lacked but probably didn't have the will to rectify the same.

Its just like cooking, I am a foodie but don't know how to cook. It requires patience and hard work to develop the required skills to create culinary masterpieces. Be it any field, hard work is the key. And here I am, lazily lying on the bed, holding novel or viewing my laptop. 

But then, I also wanted to write a story too. To start with, some short stories, followed by light novels, and then bigger novels. The path is prepared, planning is done, only to take the first step!
So friends, today I wanted to make this commitment, more like a new year resolution, to write a story and hope that its interesting enough for the viewers!! :)


A new story,
with great plot,
the live of characters,
some  interesting lots!
Come again and read,
open ears and listen,
for I am writing new,
to have it reviewed !

And then, I will share,
just how much do I fare?
will it bring out the emotions,
drive the crowd into motions!
be it joy, be it pain,
tears of laughter or sadden,
or its about faraway adventure,
of mysteries and pleasures!!

Story it is,
I loved to listen,
a lot I had understood,
the encounters in childhood,
may be it's my time,
write in stanzas or rhymes,
with its twist and turns,
what magic would it churn ?  :)

My comfort zone

In the dreamland,
with it's colorful creations,
waving the magic wand,
refreshing my possessions....
Immersing myself within,
enjoying time alone,
that's what holed me up,
secured in my comfort zone!

 

I had been alone,
with my families,
even with friends,
as they... don't even understand;

The splendor of books,
the vastness of knowledge,
and the continued drive,
occupying my days.

Or be it my laptop,
connected to the internet,
streaming live TV series, 
rewarding my daily wait.

Is it my inadequacies,
the introvert shyness...
lack of outings or hangouts,
or simply my laziness!
 
May be these circumstances,
pulled me to this world,
bringing out hidden emotions,
lost in the old perceptions.

Allure of the stories,
adventures of characters,
as if being transported,
while feeling the atmosphere!

Lying on my couch,
reclining on my cushions,
as I read, as I watch,
the unfolding of the stories!

and so goes my life,
away from the daily strife,
being lazy to the bone....
while enjoying my comfort zone!!

Over the hilltop

Continuation of the moonlight adventure;

Over the hilltop,
resting near the tree,
bathed by the rays,
what a scenery I see?
surrounded by the mist,
and fragrance it carries, 
with those tiny luminosity,
like dancing of the faeries!


Ah! such a beautiful sight,
behold, my choice was right,
as I listened to my heart call,
to explore my midnight stroll.
The freshness of air,
this feeling so rare,
magic of the surroundings,
opens up my bindings!

A sparkle here, twinkle there,
silent activities of somewhere,
as the creatures of night, 
prepare for fight or flight!
startling me, alerting me,
to their individual being,
accepting, appreciating the presence,
this harmony...putting me in trance.

Brief moment of tranquility,
from my tedious reality,
having its own allure,
from the enchantment....it conjure!
And here I am,
walking in this dream,
in the created illusion ,
out of my imagination!

Wanted to rationalize,
but I was being wise,
and I stood there,
lone tree and me....
imbibing the ambience,
perceiving in my every sense,
with the stillness of night,
filled with glow of the moonlight! :)


 



 

In the moonlight

It's cold,
as my naked feet,
presses upon the frosty sheets,
spread over the grass.
A momentary thought,
as I look out,
over the foothill,
where stands...the lone tree.


The cool breeze,
passing through me,
blowing my hair aside,
giving me the chills.
I shuddered, glancing over....
towards the distant hill,
shining bright.....in the night,
from the reflections of moonlight.


As I look back, 
towards an empty veranda,
a craving comes like a tide,
to open the gates outside,
Passing the invisible curfew,
to sprint towards the hilltop,
like curiosity that came to fetch,
from the other side of hedge!

Its that foothill,
with pebbles and grass,
small shrubs and vegetation,
so ordinary in daylight....
Then why, it looks so gentle?
welcoming me in open arms,
so I ran...towards the hilltop,
in the stillness of the night,

Elated, spent as I reached,
sitting on the rock, I gazed,
the vast expanse of the field,
glowing on this moonlight.
The rustling of the leaves,
small whispering of the winds,
loosening, put me at ease,
as I lie tired, from my flight.

Was I asleep?
I opened my eyes,
looking around, same night,
only numbness of cold feet.
folding it inside,
surveying my surrounding,
saw a small fox bark,
scurrying up in the dark.

I had a smile,as I remark..
No playmates in his walk,
or it's being in hurry,
attend to his own worry.
But what about me,
why I am here,
is it my impulse,
without my usual fear ?

As I wondered,
let myself ponder,
some light started blinking,
to bring pause on my thinking!

Those flickering were enchanting,
that's catching my eyes,
as if some fairies speaking....
from the signals of fireflies.

PS: Just what's ahead of this midnight adventure ;)

MBBS course in India, some suggestions

Hello friends, 
Just reminiscing my old days of MBBS studies in college. In India, courses were mostly theoretical and importance is given for, how much one can memorize the definitions, and bookish knowledge.  There is no flexibility in the studies and finally it takes away precious years of the student without imparting much skills needed. ( It depends on individual capacity to learn )

What it signifies is, student lose much of their youth in learning something, which they will never use in real life while treating a patient. It results in an early burnout of student and subsequent disillusion from the course itself. This is not good for both doctors or the patients. Happiness is essential for optimal working capacity.

So, regarding this, I do have some suggestions. Hope someone works in these regards;


1. Make FIRST YEAR course of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry of one semester rather than a whole year. The studies be made optional i.e  Students will be given independence in attending the course without the risk of loss of attendance. ( 60% or more attendance is good ) 
Rather keep flexible timing for workshops, practicals, so that they can go in working hours and directly learn the knowledge and skills from the PG students and Teachers regarding the subject.

Attendance can be taken there too...and it will also instill a sense of professionalism and freedom in the students. 

2. Make SECOND YEAR course of 2 semester rather than 3 semester. In reality, second year course of Microbiology, Pathology, FMT, and Pharmacology take more than 3 semester, which is a wastage of time.
Other things are same as first point, flexibility and freedom. As, not all students need to memorise and use it in later life. Its also impossible to do so.

3. Make THIRD YEAR course of Ophthalmology, ENT and PSM, 1 semester. Reason is simple, its not needed by all. Just the basics can be learned and other things can be learned in practical classes or independent time.

4. Make FINAL YEAR course of Medicine, Surgery, Pediatric and O&G of 3 semesters. Final year have good 2 semester course but it doesn't impart the required skills effectively to all students equally. 
Thus an extra semester, where skills of First aid, Emergency care, Essential medicines, General medicine and diagnosis needed by the majority of patients like chronic diseases, pain, cold, fever and its differential diagnosis. 
Skills that are essential and required to know by all students who were passing out as MBBS doctors, and let them work as general practitioners.


One can do an exit exam from MBBS, which identifies their knowledge and aptitude towards a specific subject. It will directly help them join any post graduation courses or give additional weightage  in exams like NEET and DNB.


I would also like to suggest additional clubs like Sports and Arts. It would help bring some variety in monotonous studies in MBBS and also help them grow as a person. It would help them develop or pursue their hobbies too and also avoid burn outs.

So, the world is changing rapidly and we too need to change ourselves to keep with the pace of it. Freedom is all we seek, and our time is precious. Hope, this will decrease the 6 year course (including internships) into 4 years and give additional time to the students to enjoy there lives woo along with their profession.

Diwali,the festival of light

So friends, yesterday was fun while enjoying the festival of lights, Diwali or Deepavali. We light candles and diya (a cup shaped oil lamp). We burned small Crackers like; Anar, Fuljhadi, Chakri.
Although it was a small affairs with my parents and me, as most of my friends were busy in their life and relatives are far away.


I do remember old times when I was a kid or school going days. The crackers were cheap, and lots of friends to enjoy with. We had our sweets and remain outside till late night. But now, being separated, Diwali is not that fun anymore. Even the Supreme court damper of burning crackers and promotion of greener Diwali doesn't affect me anymore. 

Anyway, just a few lines, for the great festival Diwali.

Deepavali,
the festival of light,
with people coming together...
to brighten up the night.

The sharing of sweets,
also different dishes,
spread on the plates,
we eat, we enjoy...
the feeling of togetherness.

It had a history,
welcoming of lord Rama,.
but for us, its different,
from our childhood times.

So, friends...
burn lamp and candles,
fire some crackers,
distribute some sweets.

Wish you and your family,
a very happy and joyous Diwali. :)

Sleepy

Sleepy,
tired,
just closing my eyes,
head falling,
arms supporting,
as I am drifting down.

The days are cold,
wearing my wool,
I sit on my chair...
do some tasks,
or mere waiting,
of my daily works...

I get so bored,
or being slowed,
as day passing by..
letting my mind go,
in a creative flow,
as I let myself lie.

Before I know it,
I couldn't stop it,
my eyes gets heavy,
and then, letting go,
surrendering to nature will,
I fall.....asleep.


PS: Just random scrambling!!😴😴

The end of Octobers..

So guys, 
We are at the end of October, with cold slowly sticking in. And since I am from Odisha, we also face our yearly quota of cyclones and low pressure rains to exaggerate the cold that is already spreading it's root. 
Why I am talking about it ? May be because these season changes are making me ill. Its been 5 days since I had cold and now only the dry cough is lingering on. The only respite would have been sun rays of the noon, which also have been snatched away by these low pressure cyclonic winds.

May be I am a little irritated and wanted to vent here, after avoiding my favorite junk foods, drinking plenty of kadhas (herbal mixtures) and all those allopathic medications at my disposal. Also working job isn't helping either..making me exposed to cold wind in morning or evening. Ohh, when will my dry cough subside? The throat is paining, difficult to talk, difficult to eat or sleep :(

Enough with my rants, just some words :)

End of Octobers,
bring the cold,
also the cyclonic winds,
make life little difficult.

Winter, a season... 
I want to welcome,
for I lay on my bed,
covered with blanket or shawls !

but I am not young,
Job being the priority,
so brings the hesitations,
also fear of chills of winter!

I caught the cold,
added with dry continuous cough,
irritating, frustrating...as it hurts,
making me run for medications.

So, I wait,
till it subsides,
have some warm drink and pills,
as I go home and sleep.

Drug resistant micro-organisms, the reasons

Hello friends,
Today I am going to discuss a topic related to antibiotic resistance. I am a medical microbiologist working in a corporate hospital, which mostly deals with critical care patients. 

Antibiotic resistance, is one of the greatest danger lurking around our community and most of us are unaware of it. Unless you face some medical emergency, you won't even care about it too. If there are 16-20 antibiotics used in hospitals, in most of the cases, we had seen a resistance of about 12-13 antibiotics in 70-80% of cases. 
What it meant to you all? If you get any serious illness, most antibiotics won't work on you, you need more expensive antibiotics and the cost of your stay is also more. These higher end antibiotics, being narrow spectrum, also affect adversely to your liver and kidneys, so doctors have to plan dosage regimen to keep it to minimum. 

Why is antibiotic resistance so prevalent in our country? A lot of reasons could be thought of;

1: Over the counter antibiotics used without doctors prescription. (by pharmacist or quacks)
2. Use of antibiotics even in viral or any other fever.
3. Over use of antibiotics ( killing of good bacteria of gut and proliferation of resistant bacteria in body)
4. Non compliance in using antibiotics (not following complete dosage regimen of 3-5 days)
5. Use of antibiotics by veterinary personnel (like poultry, goat, other animals and we take their meat)
6. Improper disposal of antibiotics ( by laboratories and hospitals, household antibiotics in drain, expired antibiotics in the river or water bodies)


What we eat, what we drink, is now filled with drug resistant microorganisms (bacteria and candida). And we are ourselves responsible for it, each one of us. There is no awareness, no facilities and no checks on these illegal activities happening in regular basis as no one cares.

Result? Even common illness are not treated by antibiotics and it will become bigger problem later.
Simple hospital stay or surgeries will make you prone to infection of hospital flora if strict aseptic measures not maintained.

What to do??
1. Only registered doctor prescription for getting antibiotics. Doctor will decide if your problem is bacterial illness or viral one.
2. Proper follow up of antibiotic use. ( if doctor says 5 days then have antibiotic for 5 days rather than stopping it midway.
3. Proper facilities in place for disposal of expired antibiotics, make people aware of it and strict punishment to those who discard it in river or community water bodies.
4. Regulation of antibiotics given to animals, be it fish, poultry or mammals.
5.Awareness campaign about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.
6. Use of narrow spectrum antibiotics in the primary level after discussion with medical microbiologist (if positive in culture and staining.)


That's all for today guys....hope you get some ideas about the danger of antibiotic resistance.

Interdependence

Human being are social animals. From ancient times, we lived in groups, families, following a set of work to contribute to the society. We worked hard to make our family safe, and climb the social ladder, to live a comfortable life. But it also means conservative lifestyle, ideologies with limited view of society. The ones with a different mindset were considered strange, fools or anti-socials.

Although, changing times bring more individuality within  the society as we thrive to live a more independent life. Which is a good thing, as it make people more aware of themselves and the surroundings. But then, it had also certain sacrifices, that come with these kind of independence. In most of the developed nations, people are getting more and more independent, and mature even in teenage years. Losing innocence as early becoming a fashion statement. More people want to life alone, separate from family, love and marriages are fleeting moments or phases. Elderly are more prone to live alone. 
It also bring more stress in life, as there is competition for achievements, enjoyments. Now, a laid back life, or spending company with family if scorned upon, or made fun of. More joint families are growing apart, along with familial discord. What are the reasons?

The bonds are breaking, which were formed out of trust and interdependence. As we shy away from reliance to family, relatives or friends...we become more and more alone. And our ideal friends or people who will care about us, are very hard to find. 
So, I ponder sometimes, what is the true path to follow. After all we can't live without interdependence, for we human are social animals;


Interdependence,
the invisible string,
that connects the people,
or gears interlocking,
keep the clock moving!

From ancient times,
the cycle of lives,
be it sadness or joy,
struggles and success,
seeking calm and peace.

The warmth of company,
sharing of pleasures,
or activities of ordinary, 
that keep them going,
with their limited intellects.

But then came, the era,
knowledge sinking in, 
the pursuit of curiosity,
bring out the awareness,
stretching those invisible strands.... for separations.

And now, as we see,
discords of the hearts,
the stress that it brings,
the charm of independence, 
scorns for interdependence..

So, I ponder,
which way its going to be!

My understanding on God in Hinduism

Whatever I would be speaking now is about my understanding of God after living a Hindu life. Also I would like to say, I am a man of science and try to see logic or reasoning behind anything.

I am a born in Hindu family, and worshiping many Gods is natural thing for us. How can be there, many gods? Well, for a Hindu which sees divinity in all people, its nothing different. From my understanding, we respect the wisdom of saints, even revere them as god because they were most close to attaining the status of god because of the knowledge and experience they have accumulated. Thus we have many saints, Rishis, many sects, belief systems which later became much bigger into religion.

So, again, why many gods....because even in Hindu belief, the actual god or supreme being that oversees the World has no form, all seeing, all knowing...so vast that, there is no one way of reaching him. (we call it MahaShiva, MahaVishnu, Parambrahma depending on the sects or thought process).

Thus, this vastness of universe were overseen by spiritual beings or people who have attained that level of spirituality. This became the basis of many gods, and worshiping them for our normal livelihood.

Anything, anyone which help us connect to spirituality while living our lives in this materialistic world will be revered as god, if it also teaches us or creates a path towards divinity. 

Since there were million of people, we had many gods. {I would like to clarify here, 33 crore devi devta does not mean 3.3 billion gods or goddesses, rather 33 type of demigods that were prevalent in prayers at that time}. 
Each people follow their own god or divinity and we accept it as long as that path lead to god, or the divine force and in the process, also make them spiritually refined. 


Confused? I was too...but let just say, the supreme being be a cluster of photon ( infinitely large one), and a time came when parts of it were spread out. The world was formed, living being came to be, finally human came. 
Now, we have a concept of Karma...for our actions we will reap benefits or punishments sooner or later. It could be day, month, years, afterlife or after reincarnation. The concept of reincarnation is essential in Hinduism.

Human are considered most closest to god, because they can think spiritually.  But no one can reincarnate to one. From small insects to Human being, it takes millions of cycle of birth and death. What does that means? The soul (let say photons) are getting refined with all the experiences they get in life and the action they do. 

From human, more they become spiritual, more they become closer to the supreme being and when their soul ( read photon) became most refined, they get assimilated into the supreme being and that's what we call attaining Moksha. Thus we have terms like Paramatma (Supreme soul) or Parameswar ( Supreme God) for naming 'Supreme being.'

So friends follow any religion, any path...no matter what you do, sooner or later people will get Moksha but your actions/ Karma will define the path filled to flowers or thorn. You may reincarnate into a life of struggle if you do bad karma (for example,  which is against the values of live and let live ). 
*And by religion and concept of God...this reasoning connects with me most.


Finally I would say this, remember if your religion preaches God is only for human and deny the presence of other living beings, then its not a religion of god.

And for others, live you life as you please, follow your belief system, gain experiences, let your actions be good for you and others. You will have no problem reaching god even if you want or not. ;)


PS: I have taken some words from science to describe my understanding but that's for clarifying things and not making things equivalent. ( like photon and soul)

To connect

I just had this desire to connect to new peoples and know more about the world. I used to chat a lot in my early internet days during school time but eventually it all got lost in my quest for education, social stability from my academic achievements.

It's never late to start something new, to chat online or visit new places and someday I really want to do the same. In online chats, most of netizens are teenagers and young adults, which does make it a little awkward. Still, I can hope that I might learn or experience something new and make new friends.


To connect,
is what my heart desire,
something new, exciting,
widening my world view!

In this vastness,
till the horizon,
the more I look,
the more I want to know!

I might be nothing,
speck of sand on seashores,
waiting for the waves to come,
taking to unfamiliar places!


To connect,
might be my loneliness, 
as I thrive for society,
ones to share my interests!

Am I too lazy, 
or a bit cautious...
shyness or nervousness that hinder
to even take my first step!

So, I had kept it casual...
with little communications..
some reading, or browsing,
sharing of life experiences. 
....
.....

Still, I wish something more,
a heart desire.....to connect ?? :)

Veg, Non Veg or something more?

Hello friends,

Just a few days back, I was having some discussion with my laboratory technician about food. It starting with a simple comment on how great the weather is, and how he wished to have some mutton curry to go with it. When I commented that its Navratri time (9 days of worshiping or enjoying the festival of Goddess Durga), he acknowledged and didn't said any further. (Although, here in Bhubaneswar, Navratra is not a big festival).

But it made me recall a conversation I had with him about food habits in his village. He had said that he does not believe in specific days of abstinence from non veg foods in Hindu festivals like others and in his village, they regularly go for hunts of wild animal like wild boar, deer and enjoy their delicious meat. 

When I asked if forest officials didn't stop them, he answered that they hide and go in night. If they outnumber forest officials, they used to tie them and beat them. I was surprised by the way he naturally talk about doing something wrong or illegal. When I told him that he is wrong to do so, he said, its normal in villages near forests where they smuggle woods, hunt animals because they were poor. They had scanty food from small land they grew food and they need extra food which is easily provided from the forest. They disliked how forest officials stop them, so it was only their anger against them. I was taken aback, even if I knew he was wrong, I had nothing to say.

Now that I think of it, people have their need and I don't have any authority to stop them. But still, as a nature enthusiast, my concerns about the fate of animals, and forest itself, wanted him or such villages to stop such activities.


Coming to the topic, India is a primarily vegetarianism country where it's considered pious. Those who enjoy meat too, stick to veg meals during religious festivals, certain days like Monday, Thursday ( Hostels in Odisha strictly follow it) and some in Tuesday and Saturday depending on their beliefs. Majority of our diet consist of vegetarian food which indirectly promote conservation.

I personally support vegetarianism (not Vegan as they even avoid milk), even if it makes me a hypocrite ( as I enjoy occasional treats of chicken and prawn). I believe we should take food as necessity and not out of greed or pleasure. 

But then, like my technician, how many would believe in my opinions or thoughts?? They too have right to enjoy their food and have a healthy living!
We as a species are already putting lot of strain on the environment and its resources. We also believe in equal rights to all human being....then what should we do??


As a Nation it's our responsibility to have balanced growth and proper use of resources, how it's possible? I believe;
1: We need two child policy or one child policy in countries with highest population be it China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. 
2: We should have universal food for all ( which would need farmer support, purchasing and storing of food and proper distribution of food), so that they have no need to hunt or kill. 
3: For meat, strict rules to be followed for Animal husbandry and any kind of meat from wild animals be prohibited and guilty should be strongly punished. No excuses be heard as we are already providing food.
4: Promotion of Vegetarian food, Vegan food as a strong marketing basis.

Finally, there is a very thin line between Greed and Necessity and we need to make it clear. 
.
..
....
Is it about Veg, Non Veg or something more??