The shared dream

15th August...

It's not a date,

but milestone achieved, 

after countless sacrifices.

The shared dream...

Centuries of colonial rules,

breaking the spirits of many,

enduring unspeakable crimes,

buried with passing time.

Yet, there were voices,

could never be silenced,

standing against injustice,

demanding their rights.

Now we stand on same grounds,

enriched by the sweats & bloods,

hoisting tricolor with immense pride,

singing glory of our blessed nation,

sovereign, democratic, independent, 

we gather to celebrate our freedom,

paying tribute to freedom fighters,

bowing to their grand vision.

The shared dream...

Their legacy still continues,

filling heart with patriotic hues,

we as citizens participate,

in workplaces & neighborhoods.

Beyond the government offices,

programs in school & colleges, 

it's the day of reverence, 

coming together to pray.

Happy Independence Day!

We feel lucky

We feel lucky,

when things go our way,

as others are struggling.

Finding shortcuts in the queue, 

guidance of knowledgeable person,

coincidences happening around us,

to make our journey comfortable,

having lesser setbacks or hurdles,

as if bestowed with divine blessings.

We may feel proud of achievements, 

attribute it to hard work or competence, 

being actively chosen by others. 

Yet, these can be exceptions, 

and we take credit for functions,

which are happening randomly.

We feel lucky...

Showing pleasure in proclaiming, 

of being favored by higher powers

while it's a confluence of factors,

getting fortunate by performing actions...

And fate starts favoring!

 

Ceremonial treats

Attending ceremonial treats,

that lasted for centuries at least,

satiating more than hunger,

filling our heart with bliss.

A spread of traditional dishes,

cooked in woods & earthen pots,

with limited spices & condiments, 

still rivals complex cuisines.

Is it just our sentiments, 

attached to followed traditions, 

or truly charm of simplicity, 

captures palates of those who eat.

The most sacred were ritualistic, 

connected with spirituality or devotions, 

further spreading, as part of culture,

required in marriages or family celebrations. 

We don't calculate calories or nutrition, 

when we partake, finding nourishments, 

working well with our way of living,

easily digested, keeping us healthy.

Ceremonial treats...

They are not for our needs,

but every meal is intricately linked,

with practices of our community, 

as a form of gratitude & respect...

Towards our own identity!

Religion is not for empty stomachs

 "Religion is not for empty stomachs"

It's futile to preach spiritual ideals,

making them understand philosophy, 

of religions or political sensibilities, 

when they are starving...

Yet, I have my concerns,

of people leverage situations, 

taking advantages of vulnerable, 

being subjected to manipulations, 

to further their interests.

For, personal opinion or worldview,

is not a luxury, reserved for a few,

they have much larger influences, 

often used, as tool of survival.

Poverty is not just lack of resources, 

but an onslaught, of stress & uncertainties,

where these faiths, beliefs & philosophies, 

become an internal anchor, prevent sufferings. 

It provides a sense of freedom & autonomy,

having control, for asserting their humanity,

fueling their drive, to be treated fairly, 

a step towards building better reality.

In the end, ones facing the hardships,

truly understand value of philosophies. 

Colorblind

"I don't see it," I exclaimed,

as others compare answers,

teacher have brought a chart,

with many colorful dots,

they see me with pity,

brother, you are colorblind.

I was puzzled, it didn't register,

for, I could identify colors,

appreciating natural surroundings, 

playing with crayons in childhood,

devoted some time to painting,

and have chosen vibrant attires. 

Yet, there was a sense of unease,

when I recalled things clearly,

constantly reading tags and labels,

written on crayons, and apparels, 

I could never make distinctions,

taking help of parents or sibling.

"I don't see it," years have passed,

a repeat statement, for another cause,

as they expressed, and I watched,

extremes of elation or sadness,

in greetings, meetings & interactions, 

responding to events, or relations.

The same sense of unease,

I tried to rationalize feelings,

aware of my shortcomings,

of being logical, objective thinking,

does that mean I don't experience,

missing out of many hues!

"You have emotions," A voice whispered, 

"Even if, not reacting to situations, 

not expressing mix of magenta and purples,

doesn't make your world dull or colorless,

for, you see contrast, texture & structure,

better at recognizing the patterns"

Being colorblind, is not a bad thing!

 

Mountain & winds

No one questions integrity of mountains, 

Standing tall, unmoving, steady on principles, 

Yet the winds are questioned for intentions,

When proudly declare their independence, 

Never settling, moving places to places,

Carrying fresh breeze or air pollutants.

Stealing is wrong

"We shouldn't be doing this,

stealing is wrong!" His voice concerned.

"You are a worrywart, no one will know,

and it's so much fun!" They answered.

Hiding in the orchard,

they plucked fruits & flowers,

ripened with sweet fragrances, 

bursting with colors.

The boy was small, being naive,

accompanying others of older age,

wanting to be part of an adventure, 

only to face such dilemmas. 

They were sneaky, place being vast,

hidden in foliage, farmer seem aghast,

as they return, with spoils of raids,

counting the haul, having a laugh.

But, the boy saw troubled expressions, 

seeing the damages, after their departure,

recalling the lessons, his mother's advice,

never to cause pain, from his actions.

So, he returned, called the farmer,

gathering courage, confesses his crime,

asking for forgiveness, still being hesitant, 

to divulge names, of others' involvement. 

"I am sorry, I will repay the loss,

don't call parents, It's first & only mistake"

"Don't cry kind," Farmer had kind eyes,

"You are honest, dragged into trouble "

'Stealing is wrong', Farmer continued,

"For, a thief doesn't value, 

all the love, care, hope and efforts went,

and it pains me, how plants were treated"

The boy returned, with renewed resolve, 

to never indulge, in these wrongdoings,

share the lessons, to correct behaviors.

Willingness to learn

Knowledge and insights,
Are completely useless,
Unless the recipient is humble,
Is prepared, willing to learn...

For, experiences teaches,
The teachable!

Road sense

We have seen examples, 

lapse of judgments create disasters,

extinguish lamps of many houses,

without fear of consequences. 

Road sense...

There are some responsibilities, 

we need to carry with sincerity, 

when using public infrastructures,

we have to become considerate.

Yet, people remain ignorant,

holding to ego & entitlement, 

across class and generations, 

not giving enough thoughts.

Lacking patience, lane discipline,

encroaching tracks, wrong side driving,

not prioritizing pedestrians, or traffic, 

always in a rush, to cover stretches.

With arrival of powerful vehicles,

building expressway for easier travels,

there's an obsession of higher speed,

aggressive driving often being fatal.

Road sense...

It's really painful to see,

lackluster attitudes of administrations, 

but more damaging are such cultures,

which disregards others' rights...

For using road with safety & peace.

Travelling with specific goals

Travel humbles, make us grow,

still, there lies, something more,

when we have purpose, & passion,

it can be an immersive show.

For, most of us are passive observers,

ticking off a checklist of popular sights,

still, some quests with specific lens,

transforming trip into active explorations. 

Every city, each region, possess its charm,

very few are attuned, to rhythm of location,

getting overwhelmed by vibrant surroundings  

to truly invest their time and attentions.

So, our interests act as natural filter,

to background noises, causing burnouts,

giving us space, for curiosity to thrive,

study the environment, for better understanding. 

Still, most holidays & vacations,

don't spare for adventurous expeditions, 

with planned itineraries, prior obligations, 

lacking opportunities, for authentic interactions. 

So, fortunate are those who dares, 

finding meaning, in their journeys,

making discoveries, building legacies, 

which inspires others, in creating memories. 

When we travel with specific goals,

it becomes special, something more!

Assam flood crisis

An ongoing crisis,

developing this monsoon,

where lives were impacted,

from cloudburst and deluge.

Most of us watch in news,

while unfortunate ones endures,

flooded streets and homes,

without basic amenities. 

Some climbing to the roofs,

others needing shelter & food,

as the savings are washed away,

leaving nothing to their name.

Most harrowing tales,

told by survivors & evacuee, 

missing friends and families, 

lost crops, farm animals.

There were those overlooked,

how wildlifes have lost footings, 

pressuring dwindled populations, 

to find refuge, safer dwellings. 

With places facing waves of flooding,

even the foundations became weak,

with collapse of the infrastructures, 

causing mass displacement & losses.

The nature fury is unstoppable, 

still we take steps to mitigate, 

providing support is need of hour,

till they recover from sufferings. 

My prayers for Assam flood 🙏 

Don't be dependent on validations

Don't be dependent on validations, 

Seeking reassurance from others,

For, it makes you prone to habituation. 

While promoting miscommunication,

Damaging relationships...

With self & surroundings. 

Self-preservation

Facing distress or disappointments, 

we develop tendencies of avoidance,

when our trust were broken,

it can lead to disillusionment. 

Self-preservation...

It's our natural instincts,

be it physical or emotional,

we don't want it to repeat,

requiring time to adjust,

for strengthening beliefs.

Being caught off-guard,

mind shift to hypervigilance, 

passing through scrutiny, 

even empathy needs clearance, 

before extending generosity. 

Yet, it's not generalized,

limited to specific situations, 

promoting goodwill & harmony,

for, we retain our character,

not letting setbacks alter virtuosity. 

Self-preservation...

We may feel guilt & shame,

still maintain boundaries, not blame,

prioritizing our needs, and aspirations, 

there are times, we withhold kindness,

for, caring doesn't mean...

Taking other's responsibility.