Practice Session

15th July 2010 

Commonwealth games have created quite a fervor among Delhiites. For the past few months our Deer Park has been in for makeover for the better. Everyday we found some new activity happening; signboards erected advising various excercises, pathways made, flower- beds created along the road, etc. On our regular walks in the morning, some new additions did meet our eye, like a welcome surprise.

A little over two months ago, practice sessions were held at Dlt Khanna stadium. The entry was through the district park of mostly known as Deer Park. Police posted, banners for rules erected, screening of participants and so on…Lot of hustle and bustle so to say!!

 What to talk about the human beings, even the 

animal world got impacted by its fervor. As I was taking my usual rounds alongside the lake, to my surprise saw all the white ducks come out on the inclined bank and marched past the concrete path in neat rows of fours. I stood there at a safe distance in dumb silence watching this breathtaking scene. A neat marching past practice! Grappling with my camera as I got ready to take pictures, a man came rushing from the other side scaring the ducks to retreat. Before they got inside the water, I was just in time to click few pictures. I would like to share it with you. The sight is still so vivid and fresh in my mind.

Brave-hearted Indians

20th August 2011

These days, it seems whole of Delhi is disheveled like nobody’s business. Infrastructure is in its lifetime makeover it seems. To narrow down, our green park area is in for never ending face-lift, so to say. Somewhere manhole is open in the name of repair or the road dug for some insertion of cable wires. A pavement is half finished in wait of completion. One day, a patch on the right side of the road gets repaired, next day the left side . In all this heap of mud ,sand, rubble, cemented bricks ,hoardings to be put,  are a common sight.

Poor commuters! In cars , buses, Autos ,cycles, and people on foot ; everyone generously have to eat the dust pie, whether they like it or not. In the name of patience we Indians are the best and put up patiently a brave front in all this. Every discomfort, grudge, frustration, groan, is bottled down the throat, with a strong brainwash to the mind, that all is well and all will be well. Thanks to the on coming Commom wealth  games, that we have to bear all this. Waiting anxiously and eagerly for it to be over!! Good Luck ! Good luck! Good luck!

Kya ye hai 'Dilli Dill Wallon Ki?'

There are two sharp contrasts of Delhi that I have recently witnessed. On one hand metros, flyovers, airport, and landscaping uphold the city’s progressive outlook to be proud of, on the other hand the attitude of Delhi Govt, the MCD, is a stark glare into our eyes.

 My daily visit to Saket, in past ten days, has prompted me to write this. On the opposite side of PVR cinema, alongside the road at every furlong there is a huge dump of nullah muck, some dried and some fresh. If counted there are more than ten such heaps reaching up-to the boundary wall. I’m sure the RWA of Saket must have brought it to the notice of MCD of that area. Even otherwise is the footpath a dump yard? Or is it not seen by the road cleaners who would inform the authorities?Or will this writing make a difference?

Seeing the whole stretch I felt like vomiting. It makes me wonder, ‘Is this our progressive Delhi?

When will the Govt wake up?

When will our civic authorities be responsible and get things done and be worthy for their posts?

Really ashamed of such a sight!

Such a sight does not go well with the maxim, ‘Dilli dil walon Ki’

Action Packed Stroll

12^th April 2011.

The good thing about Green Park Market is that it has a nice and broad  walkers’ pavement on either side of the market. People walk around this market with a carefree gait, to shop, eat savouries, or just enjoy the market feel.

The other day, I along with my friend decided to go to Green Park Market and have quick and tasty dinner at Evergreens. The weather being nice we strolled to the market enjoying the whole environment.

We had just crossed one block, when all of a sudden heard a commotion. A policeman was running after a man and few furlong away was able to nab him. The man had eve teased a girl, and on her complaint the beat constable had sprung into action. A girl stood flustered, but the prompt action of the police had reassured her. We walked away with a feeling of ‘all is well now’.

It was quite heartening to see for once the police in prompt action. We appreciate their action for it goes a long way, instilling confidence in the public. 

Simple Pleasures

 Nature has its own way, delivering simple pleasures, for the eyes to savour and music to the ears. Today we went to Lodhi Garden for picnic with my daughter, her in-laws family and grand children. There we went for nature walk. Walking on the stone laid path in a little while reached near a small canal type of water body. Fish swimming in the shallow water, ducks and geese majestically gliding on the water was treat to the eyes. Moving further saw a net enclosure—a natural habitat created for the ducks to move around. From the little opening we entered inside and witnessed a pen. Two three ducks sat on the eggs and three little chicks hobbled around, trying to get some food. Instinctively, the mother duck without moving craned her neck, picked up soft grass and threw beside the fledglings. We watched all this with great delight.

Moving further ahead, we saw a bed of green patch of non flowering plants. Inside this patch there was another delight waiting for us. In between the plants the ducks lay there enjoying their afternoon siesta. They were unmindful of anybody watching. Their necks rested on the plumes of their body serving as pillows. I had never seen ducks sleeping like this. Savouring everything we reached back to our places.

Looking around it seemed as if the whole town had come to the park to enjoy the afternoon sun. So much so, a family had come to celebrate birthday of their child. From one tree to the other, they tied a rope with placards hanging from it written—Happy Birthday. Cluster of balloons, like pillars, were placed on either side of the tree trunk. A table was spread with tasty goodies.

What a beautiful way of celebrating a birthday in the open lawns of the garden—making children learn to enjoy nature. What a novel way of celebration, far from the maddening craze of lavishly spending and showing one’s wealth as an ego boost!

Vishrut’s remark said it all, “Aunty, This has been my best picnic in Delhi.”

The Metro Joy- ride.

20^th Oct’10

The metro, which passes through Green Park, is a great blessing for all the residents of the area. Recently I boarded the metro to go to Dilli haat. It took me barely 5 minutes to reach there... such a welcome surprise. Though so near by, I always shied away visiting it. The thought of traffic jam, parking problem would haunt and diffuse all interest.

With the metro ride the visit to Dilli haat was a real delight. We saw the cultural show, feasted our eyes with whole lot of various crafts from different regions and satiated our stomachs with tasty savouries. The evening well spent! The return journey also finished in exactly 5 minutes. Now most of the times I’m there with my friends—Thanks to the metro. I am also thankful for the special ladies compartment. It gives the feeling of security and comfort. I think its name should be magic train than the metro.

The face of Delhi is really changing fast and for the better. Kudos to the Govt  for it.

Never too late to learn

 Yesterday, I had to go to Kailash colony. Coming out of the by-lanes of Green Park I hit the colony’s main exit road, eyes continuously strained in search of an auto. Spotting one, I walked in hasty steps. Not finding the driver in his seat, I looked around. Standing a little apart stood a man reading a hindi book, ’Rahim’. Hesitantly I asked him if he was the driver of the auto.

 ‘Yes,’ came a prompt reply.

“Will you take me to Kailash Colony market?”

 He nodded and I sat in the auto. As the auto moved ahead, out of curiosity, I got into conversation with him. I asked him if he was fond of reading.

“Very much madam” he replied.

How much Have you studied?

Matric pass.

It was as if I had touched his pulse point. With great zeal he narrated his story, that he had seen great poverty in his life. As a child, he studied in a village school. Right from his childhood was verangery interested in studies. Once, his Principal gave him a project. He, with the help of his class fellows made charts, wrote shlokas, and mounted them on the school walls. He then recited a Sanskrit shloka of that time, and explained the meaning, ‘education alone can make the person stand out in the world’. The principal was so happy that he made him the monitor of the class.

As we were nearing our destination, he recited another shloka in Sanskrit, saying that it was the turning point of his life, and made it a focal point thereafter. He then explained the meaning of the shloka:

“Where there is laziness there is no knowledge.

Where there is knowledge there is no rest.”

He made it a motto, to read any good literature that he laid his hands on. His family was against it but he did not give up. That ways, he felt would keep learning and enhancing knowledge all his life.

It is rightly said, “Education maketh a man, not the riches.”

In my eyes, he was truly educated. His being an auto driver, his poverty, did not deter him from the richness of education that he self generated.  He was worth every honour.

Urban Illiterate

In a single day, witnessing both happy and sad coincidental incidents left me quite perplexed. On a particular day going to Kailash Colony in an auto was quite pleasant. That was one part of the story.

 Finishing my work I came out and looked around for an auto to go back to Green Park. Spotting one, I asked him if could take me to my destination. He refused saying that he could not go.

Now this was quite irritating—I mean the auto was there, that too vacant, yet not ready to go. When I insisted as to why he would not take me, he blurted out, “The world is full of cheats. I don’t know whom to believe madam. A lady got down from my auto... told me to wait... that she will come in five minutes and give me the money. For mere fifty rupees I’ve been waiting for past one hour.”

The man was little short of crying. The pain of being cheated was writ large on his face. In that instant, a thought flashed. I sat in the auto saying, “Chalo, I will give you the money.”

There was a sense of relief after giving the auto-wala his due plus fifty rupees. But it left me with a question.

 Why did I pay somebody else’s dues?

 Was this a pichle janam ka hisab-kitab?

What joy did the lady get by cheating a poor man?

Or is this some kind of cheap thrill?

The Good Samaritan

No matter how corrupt and unsafe Delhi might seem to be, it still strives, thrives and survives on the ‘Good Samaritans’ we have in the city. They actually are the pillars of strength to the city. I’m sure you all will also agree with me once you read this till the end.

On 30^th (March,2011) morning, around 8am I got a phone call. The voice on the other side said, “Hello madam, I’m S.P Singh. Have you lost your credit cards?”

“My credit cards?” I was irritated, thinking it to be a prank, nevertheless said, “Just hold on, let me check,.”

Putting the receiver down I quickly checked my clutch purse. To my horror all five cards were missing and I didn't even know about it.”

 Hurriedly I picked up the receiver, “Oh my God, yes they are missing and wasn’t even aware of it. Where did you find them? How did you get my number? And where are you speaking from?” I rattled all in one go.

 “Calm down Madam,” the voice  explained, “I’m S.P Singh calling from R.K puram. Yesterday in the evening while walking in the deer park, we found these cards(three credit cards, licence card and pan card)  lying on the ground. I tried calling ICICI and SBI bank to block them but they refused as a policy matter. Your name and address was there on the licence. From the MTNL directory, I got the landline number…that’s how I’m calling.”

It then dawned to me that while walking yesterday I had given my keys and purse to my maid, who was walking along with me. She also didn’t realize when the cards slipped out .The whole scene flashed in front of my eyes.

Realizing the seriousness of it I got chicken skin. Had it fallen in some wrong hands, my accounts would have been swindled by now. The man saved me from so many implications.

Taking the address I drove to R.K Puram and got the cards from that person, thanking him from the bottom of my heart. Any amount of gratitude would be less for whatever he did.

Thank you my ‘Good Samaritan’… You make Delhi very proud.

Walk and Stumble

Last year winter was at its peak--icy cold and biting. One day, I decided to go for a walk in the morning, not in the least aware of what was in store for me. Wearing all my warm woolens , drove my car and reached the park. As I walked through the gravel path the chilly morning air seemed to pierce my very being. My shawl slipped from the head onto the shoulders. Keeping pace with the steps I quickly covered my head tightly tucking the ends in the folds of the shawl.

My walking was now on fast pace. From the corner of the eye it seemed something crossed my path and the next instant I stumbled over something. Thinking, that I must have stumbled over a stone, turned to throw it aside. One look at the object was enough to horrify me out of my wits end.

“Jesus!” I let out a long wail, “I stepped over a squirrel”?

Bending low I quickly picked up the poor creature. Taking it near a tap sprinkled some water. Making a cushion of my shawl, I placed the squirrel and gently wrapped it. Holding close to my bosom a fervent silent prayer kept running my lips, “Please God ..save this little creature…Please don’t let it die.”

Forgetting all about the walk, I ran to my car to take the poor little creature for some medical help. The vet did his job, administered some medicine, kept the squirrel in his clinic and asked me to come next day. My world had come to halt. The guilt of nearly killing the poor creature weighed heavy on my heart. Next day the biggest joy I got was when I saw the squirrel open its eyes. Tears of joy rolled down my eyes. I thanked God for saving me from the sin of killing.

'Atithi Devo Bhava'

The memory of that day is still fresh in my mind. I had gone to Srifort Auditorium to watch a show for which I had an invite pass. After the show around 8.30 pm, as I drove out and reached the intersection I took a left turn.

My car had yet not geared into speed. In a flash of a glimpse saw a middle- aged phirang (foreigner, from where I don’t know) standing on the footpath crying away tears. I had just passed by. An image registered in my brain and my feet applied brake.

“Why are you crying? Where do you have to go?” I asked with concern.

“Par..ya..wara..n  vi..har”was all she could utter in her anglisized tone.

I tried to stop a few autos but they buzzed by. Finally an autowala stopped.

I rushed to him and said, "Bhaiya yeh aurat videshi hai.Apne desh ki izzat hai isme, agar ek anjan ki maddat karen.Please inko jahan kehtai hain le jao.Kya mein tum par bharosa kar sakti hoon."

The man (god bless him) immediately said, "Don’t worry madam. Take my auto no. I’ll drop her."

The lady sat in the auto. The smile on her lips and gratitude in her moistened eyes said it all.

 They are still fresh in my mind.

Sitting back in the car I blurted out, "Atithi Devo Bhava."

I think I did my bit. With immense joy I drove back home feeling that I created one ‘good karma’ for myself.

SACRED DIPS!

26^th March2011. 

Who says ‘Sacred Dips’ can be taken by humans only?

There are others also who enjoy the dips with equal zest and fervour.

Had you seen it, would have felt the same.

Today, when I went to the District Park (more commonly known as ‘Deer Park’)the sight totally enthralled me. It was 7am. A flock of crows cawed merrily swooping down the trees, taking a morning dip in the so called water- logged puddles, created in various places, by watering the fields. Straining my eyes I found a hose pipe strewn on the ground with water flowing out to all the low lying area—so the puddles.

The sun had risen some time ago, spreading its lukewarm soothing rays all around the fields and the puddles, giving it a glistening effect.

I stood there transfixed watching the crows enjoying to the hilt. Some took the dip, while others fluttered their wing cawing excitedly calling out to their friends; yet others stood aside as audience waiting for their turn.The thirst effect didn’t apply here, the sunshine being quite pleasant at the time.

 My mind instantly transported to the time when I had my Kumbh dip in Allahabad some years ago. . A fresh feeling of joy swept all over me.

“Wow” I found myself bursting out, “It seems the crows are also having their sacred dip in Delhi, more so in the deer park. For them it was no less than a Kumbh. ( With no offence to religious sentiments)

I walked around the park, saw few more puddles, and crows busy with their bathing spree. Man it’s surely a ‘Bathing day’ for the crows!

A DOG, A ROOF AND A CAT !!

You know, as I was driving back, after my routine morning walk in ‘Deer Park’, at the corner bend of my lane, an unusual sight caught my eye. A dog was standing aloft the roof of the car. Four five dogs surrounding the car barked loudly and the dog standing aloft barked looking upwards. I trained my eyes to the direction, to my surprise, I saw a small black cat standing on the lower branches of a tree. I braked my car on the side and stood watching. I wish I had my camera, but my mobile came handy. I quickly took pictures, and stood in silent wait to see what would happen next. The cat stared and the dog barked. What a sight! Finally, the dog jumped down, went his way thinking of sour grapes, I’m sure. As for me, I had captured the most unusual sight. Have a look!!

Smile: An impact

 Just a few days ago, I went for a routine morning walk in Deer Park. People kept coming and going. They were all strangers, obviously didn't expect any greeting from anybody nor did I extend any. Enjoying the morning breeze, and the greenery around, I kept walking. Just then an Englishman, coming from the opposite side, wished me 'good morning' with slight nod, gentle smile and passed by.
'Goodmorning ', I returned his greetings.
Almost instantly I was transported in my thoughts to Minneapolis, a short vacation which I undertook in the month of June, last year. Everyday, I would go for a walk in a nearby creek. It was a pleasant surprise for me that every passerby would wish me with a nod, gentle smile and walk pass by. I would greet them in return. The impact was tremendous. I felt joy in my heart. A gentle smile ignited happiness and rejuvenated my whole being. That was the power of greeting with a smile. I liked their culture of greeting with a smile.
The same happiness I felt today .Encouraged I moved forward with a resolve, ‘Let me try the smile magic' and looked around hopefully. I started focusing on people. Smile! Oh it was a far cry. I found mostly people (those who walked alone), busy with their mobiles glued to their ears, or walking with a frown .The stress mostly writ large on their faces, deflated my whole focus and the smile evaporated within. I finished walking and sat in my car to go back, a wish lingering in my heart.
I wished everyone greet each other with a smile.. strangers too. I wish they could spread happiness and joy in each others heart...All that is needed is a gentle smile.. the impact--Tremendous!!