Being Human! No, its not about Salman Khan's NGO!

Born to Bengali and Gujarati parents, and getting married to a U.P. husband, now living in Karnataka makes me wonder what should my answer be when someone asks me what place or what caste I belong to.

Does it really matter? For a moment I pause and think what should my answer be and then confused of what part of India is more in me, I prefer giving my entire history to the person rather than describing myself as a Bengali, Gujarati or a U.P.

Having brought up in a nuclear and modern family, my parents were liberal and independent in thoughts. We spoke Hindi at home (neither Gujarati nor Bengali), no particular cuisine was preferred (we followed our taste), open to worship all Gods (a debatable question though), celebrated all festivals (felt it specially while celebrating Gujarati Navratri and Bengali Durga Puja simultaneously) and we adopted rituals from various  places. Our mind and belief dominated our place of origin.

I have had friends from various parts of India and world rather, this broadened my perspective even more. Being with them made me realize that every religion teaches you to be humane, humble and true to your self. It actually depends on the person what he chooses to become in the course of time that he goes through the tests of life.

Rituals have their meanings and purpose, but they gradually become rigid rules to be followed blindly. Rituals are a way of purifying your soul and they make sense only if you perform them when you understand the entire purpose of it. One should always be open to performing rituals with sincerity, provided you understand their meaning and purpose. One should be happy to perform them unless they are made compulsions and a matter of being judged of who you are.

I am happy to be just Human! Not a Gujarati, Bengali, Christian, or any of those kinds.

THE RIGHT TIME!!!

Time is such an important factor in our lives. Its how easily you accept TIME, makes your life worthwhile.

Unless the right time comes, no matter how much you try to make an effort, it just doesn’t work out. And when the time is just right, even with minimal efforts, things fall into place.

I believe God resides within each of our hearts and whatever we wish from the bottom of our hearts, is like a prayer to the God. The wish is granted, sooner or later, when the time comes.

My inner voice always craved for an expression through creativity. The environment that i was in, I always thought of getting into MBA or other such professional courses. However, some or the other way, things never worked out, as the God from within was unhappy. However, when I let the time go by, NID happened, it all went just so smooth as it was just right. Circumstances changed, people supported me, finances got into place, I suddenly got the clear pathway in front of me and things were falling into places.

Since years, had made several efforts to find a life partner and settle down. No matter how much I tried, nothing ever worked out, as I was forcing my wish against time. Finally had given up on everything and had understood by then that nothing will work out unless the right time comes. It was at my friend’s engagement ceremony when there came a voice from within. I was ready to let go the bygones and looking forward for a life ahead. Again, things started falling into place. Had never thought that within a week of my profile at a matrimonial site, I will meet a person with whom I would spend the rest of my life. This time, I was not worried, no fear, everything felt so right. Ample time was given to forget and forgive, and now was the time to cherish the present and look forward for the future.

Had always wanted life to be this simple. But if it wasn’t harsh, I wouldn’t be what I am today.

“ Give time your patience, and time will give you want you want;

Value time, and it will pay you for all your hard work;

Have faith in time, and it will prove to be the best mentor;

Give people your time, and they will respect you forever. “

KAHAN TUM CHALE GAYE...

A plain yellowish wall, with a black and white photo of Jagjit and Chitra Singh hanging, a big sitting area in front of it. Jagjit Singh sitting relaxed with his harmonium, looking straight into the camera. A texture of morning light falling on his face, candles lit up all around the place. This is the portrait I had imagined for Jagjit Singh.

Had found a contact to reach him. And was waiting for him to be fit and fine, though within my heart somewhere I knew, these are his last days and had a strong intuition that my dream of taking his portrait is gonna be just a wish, .

Aaj phir dil ne ek tammanna ki… aaj phir dil ko humne samjhaya…

Last time he visited Ahmedabad at the IIM concert, had attended it and before the show could end, I went backstage and waited to meet him.

Aaye woh saamne toh bus….

He was surrounded by loads of people and security, but had the nearest look at him and got an autograph from him at least.

His songs have been a part of our lives, be it sulking as a teenager, enjoying the romantic moments, or mourning over a lost love, or even the process of coming out of the past and moving on with life. His voice has been a smoothing ointment for hundreds and thousands of broken hearts.

2001 Godhra kaand, one of the worst human disasters in Gujarat, that night Jagjit Singh was performing in Amdavad at Karnavati Club. I was in second year college, and this was my first chance to hear him Live. Despite of prohibitions, I went there. It was a full moon night, cold breeze blowing, hundreds of enthusiasts, melodious music and the golden voice. It was a night to be remembered for my life.

Tum chale jaoge toh sochenge… humne kya khoya, humne kya paaya…