Trials and Tribulations by Fire

I have always been a straight talker, don't mince words much, have little or no patience for fools. I pride myself at being able to hold onto this aspect despite opposition from the world.  In this space, often, I have vented out many different feelings and let out several layers of emotions to virtual strangers and some friends. Sometimes, it so happens that my words are misconstrued.  Who I am, what I choose to write in my blog, on my FB Wall, etc are my personal views. I have given nobody the right to judge me, my values, or my relationships based on what I show to others.  I am slightly distracted by an  incident. I think, I may have sent a wrong message to a person. As an Indian woman, when I write about sex, sexual feelings, etc, I do so with an open mind and in the knowledge that the reader is free to misinterpret the meaning. I give a damn. The trouble arises when a person with a closed mind comes over for a chat and tries to get cozy (and into my ...

Went to watch Boiled Beans on Toast with a lot of anticipation. I have a deep sense of awe for the gorgeous and immensely talented Ms. Dubey and great respect for our land's finest playright, Mr.Karnad; and a play with great theatre artists prompted me to watch this 105 minute-long play.  The play is a brilliant portrayal of the lives of 21 characters intertwined with each other in some way or the other and delves upon several other subtle as well as prominent issues such as urban migration, concerns about environmental damage, intense consumeristic attitudes, and a general apathy towards the have-nots. Every single actor gave a mind numbing and riveting performance. Joy Sengupta was a joy to watch. As different the characters are from each other like boiled beans and the very English toast, the end product, boiled beans on toast is a yummy delight. So, is the play, a fine amalgamation of fine minds and brilliant performances. What a stupendous act!    Updat...

There have been days when I dream some really strange dreams. I am a person who dreams like people see a film or a series. I even remember what I dreamt the next morning.  So, this post is about some wild animals who have been frequenting my dreams of late, I thought I should write it down somewhere so that I don't forget. Also, I could chronicle my thoughts and refer back here when I have seen some significant incidents in my life.  So, coming to the point, last night, 18th August, I saw a dream. In my dreams, some days I see tigers or lions, sitting and idling, some walking, some looking at me, some trying to get into my house. Anyway, so this time, it was elephants. I saw elephants, a few herds, crossing the road, then one started running behind me. I wasn't scared, just inconvenienced, sounds weird, doesn't it. There were elephants everywhere, grey, huge, big ones, with shiny grey skin. They all had benevolent eyes none trying to scare me. I had a small girl with m...

Just finished reading the book, Ramayana, by Shubha Vilas. Let me write a bit about the author before I write something about the book and the contents.  Shubha Vilas, a spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker, holds a degree in engineering and law with specialization in Patent Law. His leadership seminars are popular with top-level management in corporate houses. He also helps individuals deal with modern-life situations by applying the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other dharmic traditions.  Shubha Vilas began his career with the Tata Group and later joined the international law firm in Bangalore which he quit to serve the society at large by taking charge of a publishing house Tulsi Books which has published over 10 books under his leadership. When I got the book, I was quite impressed by the cover design. Turning the pages, I slowly read each and every word, including, yes the information about the publisher. I do that with every book. It i...

Love Jihad is a serious crime against Hindus and it is a real serious threat. People who claim to be secularists often do not understand or rather in their urge to remain 'politically correct' tend to verbally abuse such methods by Hindu fundamentalist groups. Have you ever seen a Muslim girl converting to Hinduism if she wishes to marry a Hindu boy? Even if it is a Hindu boy, for a Muslim-Hindu wedding to happen, the Hindu only must convert, which is wrong. Why should we leave our religion and traditions just because a unilateral non-secular religion wishes to suppress us? This is not being secular, this is being silly and stupid, we, Hindus are not as united as we should be to protect our religious fiber. On the contrary, if you look at say a Christian community, the members tend to obsessively guard their way of life, their sacred texts, etc. Yes, there are transgressors, but few. Do Muslim love jihadis target Christian women? No, they don't, according to their dikta...