Today is Children's Day. I was reading one of the Pandit Nehru's letters to her daughter, Indira Gandhi, on the eve of her joining Shantiniketan. It is a real lessons of life, a father imparting to his daughter.

Now, many functions are being organised today all over the country to focus on child-related issues and concerns. 

I am an avid radio listener and keep on tuning in for prime time bulletins and old Hindi songs. For the last one week, after my return from Kolkata, I have been listening to Radio ads/ appeals on FM Gold, how everyone should come forward to help out students of Class 6 or so in Delhi, to enable them to read their text books. There was a deadline of November 14 to meet the target.

I was perplexed. A student of class 6, cannot read his or her text books! What I understand about the basic way of learning, is to first recognise your alphabets, then learn reading them and writing them from alphabets to complex words.

I kept thinking about it. This morning, I met a group of well-meaning people, who devote their time on holidays to help out children of Shahpur Jat colony, and shared my thoughts.  Many alarming facts about the learning process and quality of education were revealed. There is strong view that 'No-Detention Policy' or doing away with the system of Pass or Fail, had exacerbated the challenges of motivating students and teachers and had affected the drive to excel or perform. I found out after doing some net surfing that voices are growing against the system, though it is based on the rationale that each child should be allowed to excel at his or her forte in the eight years of elementary education, and  “No child is a failure at everything". Perhaps, the new Education Policy may do away with it.

Well, all is not well with a large number of our future citizens..............

*PS

I have been requested by the Group at Panchsheel Park, to take care of three girl students, who are quite promising even in the face of acute adversities. I readily agreed...........

Some dedicated souls who spent their quality times to improve the lives of some....

 In the aftermath of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 Currency Notes--My Experience.

Got a first hand experience today. While proceeding towards Malviyanagar Flyover from Pachsheel Enclave, my driver, Prakash, pointed out the long queue on the left hand side near the HDFC Bank. That dampened my spirit a little, as I have been postponing my date with the Bank every day after November 8. I moved to my the familiar Watch Shop at Hauz Khas Market, found all unfamiliar faces. The old man was missing at the desk. I took out my very old Titan wrist watch, asked the young man at the desk  to look into its malfunctioning. He took the watch from me, looked at it intently, and then dished out a piece of paper  as a receipt that he had received such and such watch on such and such date and handed it over to me. I was a bit puzzled, asked him what did it mean, and also asked him where was the old man who used to sit in his place. He told me that all employees including technicians were absenting themselves for the last few days and they are not bothered about salary cuts or anything. They are all busy in Banks or ATMs to draw or exchange cash. He further asked me how come I didn't notice the deserted market. I then looked around, found the street and shops were indeed less crowded. My next destination was a temple on Lodi Road. Again the shops around the temple, which was supposed to be the time for brisk business, appeared a little dull. People at my regular shop, informed me that they are giving Puja baskets on credit to known customers. So, I can take one now and pay later. I declined the offer and told him that I have a few hundred rupee notes. At heart, I didn't want to offer Puja on credit, an age-old belief took better of me that it won't yield any result to my prayer to God. The security persons at the Temple Gate also informed that there is a sharp fall in the number of visitors. I was surprised how come people are even ignoring Gods and Goddesses in their desperate search for valid notes. By this time, I really got apprehensive. Now, I have to buy some common medicines and also non- medicinal products from a Pharmacy. I headed for a well-known Medicine shop in Khan Market, in which I have an account. The shop was not very crowded. I asked them whether they would accept those de-monetised notes for medicine. I was informed, yes they would, but only on doctor's prescription, which I didn't have. So, had to buy on card. On my way back home, I was in serious discussion with my trusted driver what should be my future of action about getting some ready cash. He advised me to try the SBI near my home. Then, suddenly, he drew my attention to large crowds on both sides of the Road on The Hauz Khas Sewerage Canal. With great aplomb, he commented that someone must have thrown a sackful of notes. Sensing a real story unfolding, I told him to find out after dropping me home. 

By this time, I have reached the SBI, near my home, the picture of which, I have posted. The people standing there asked me whether I am from any News Channel. I said I am not, but I fully sympathise with them. Most of them complained about inadequate coverage about common man's plight in electronic media. I couldn't comment as I don't watch any of Channels, Public or Private.

The Pictures Speak For Themselves

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The culmination of Durga Puja/ Dussehra
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Friends! Today the 4-day long festival of Durga Puja comes to a finale. I have seen its reflections on the pages of Facebook. Some  posted the images of the festival and festivities from faraway land like the USA and UK and countries in Europe. The 'Bong' spirit is in its high. In fact, the Puja Mandaps have become a meeting grounds for all Indians. The rise in this wave of 'Indianness' in the lands across the seven Seas  indeed speaks volume about the greatness of our 'soft power'.
                        As you all know, Dussehra' , according to legends signifies Lord Rama's vanquishing of 10-headed demon king Ravana and 'Vijaya Dashami',  Devi Durga's annihilation of powerful demon king Mahishasura, both symbolises the triumph of righteousness over immorality. In the Southern India, Bommai Kolu/ Bomma Golu/ Bombe Habba or display of dolls is customary during the festival of Navratri.                        
                               Now, I find contrasting emotions in Durga Pandals and Ramlila Grounds! There is a tinge of sadness in Durga Puja Pandals. Our immortal deities will soon leave for their heavenly abode. In real world, we will find our revered idols with all regalia and  beautiful works of art in waters of our local rivers or water bodies, raising the hackles of environmentalists. On the other hand, in the dusk, there will be great jubilation over the burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana, and people will return home from the grounds with a sense of triumph. The 9-day long 'Ramlila' has reached its crescendo!
                 
                                  Friends! I wish and pray that let the spirits of joy and happiness prevail over our frustration for wishes and desires remaining unfulfilled and let's not be cowed down by any kind of negativity. There is always light at the end of the tunnel....................

 Life is nothing but a rainbow of experiences

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Friends! My erstwhile colleagues, journalist friends and new friends whom I met on this virtual platform. Sharing a few of my experiences..................

At this point in life, I thought of doing such things for which I didn't have either time, opportunity or inclination................

One such is practising of Yoga.....though learnt the basics during our Foundational Course at LBSNAA, Mussoorie, way back in early 80s, but couldn't follow it up for various reasons. Meanwhile, with advancing age, the body of flesh and bones, became stiff and non-pliable. I used to pass by a group practising Yoga in the picturesque and verdant surroundings of Lodi Garden at the backdrop of the imposing tomb of Ibrahim Lodi. I was hesitant, to do such open air practices in full of view so many known people. But, finally succumbed to the charms of ever-smiling Yoga Teacher, Poonam Pawar and got over my initial inhibition. Thank God I did so. Now, I could sit cross legged, and bend forward, backward and sideways.I miss the beautiful ambience of Lodi Garden, but, Yoga has become part of my life.

Then,  in my conservative upbringing, the connotation of dance was classical dances only, and used to be generally considered a distraction for serious studies. I didn't have any inclination also. So all the mudras and steps were alien to me and was far away from any form of dance( except enjoying the performances) until I met Dr Anita Sabarwal at Panchsheel Park a few months ago. She encouraged me to join her daughter, Aditi Sabarwal's dance classes along with many senior doctor colleagues of hers. Aditi has now made us to shake and sway our legs, hips and hands to the popular tunes of Bollywood. I have also learnt the steps of 'Ladki Beautiful'. I know some might  sneer at my impetuosity. But, there is no stopping....

Friends, photographs that I have posted, are with my students..... I was very sceptical about my abilities as a communicator and a teacher to hold a class of about two hours for PG students. The Director of  Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan , Mr Ashok Pradhan, IAS(retd) and the Principal of the College, Mr MN Pillai, who spent his entire life in IIMC, Delhi, motivated me to take up the challenge. So did I. Updating my knowledge, relating to present day scenario and sharing them with a bunch of young aspiring men and women .......raring to go in the field of PR and Mass Media.

What next?

Thank you friends for your attention.