" In the mirror of relationship you see what you reflect...You see what you are.
In a way you find yourself in the other person in a relationship. You get what you give. You receive what you offer. "
-Simrit
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Mirror Mirror on the Wall...
Trust
"Trust is like a piece of glass...once broken it cannot be ever fixed. And even if you join back the pieces too the cracks will remind you of that damage.
Trust is as fragile as life. Once destroyed it can never be revived.
It is important to uphold and protect the trust people place in you. Once lost trust can never be recovered completely. "
-Simrit
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Leh, Ladakh
Picturesque view of Leh from Shanti Stupa...
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| Night view of Leh captured by me from Shanti Stupa |
A Historical Street- Kawasaki, Ise City
An Ancient Street in Japan
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| A historical street in Kawasaki , Mie- ken Japan |
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Beautiful Times in Ladakh
LADAKH
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| Ladakh... |
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Remembering our Braveheart Heroes- Courage under Fire
Remembering our Braveheart Heroes- Courage under Fire
Yet another Braveheart lays down his life heroically to protect and defend the nation. May the soul of our brave hero rest in peace...My heart reaches out to their families whenever I hear of such tragic news. Many of you don't even know his name or how wonderful a person he was. Many of you don't know the grieving family he has left behind in sacrificing his life for us or the everlasting memories he has left behind in the hearts of his men and officers he served with. He didn't have to die so young or he could have served the country more with his steel like valour and determination to defend the nation. So many thoughts like that cross our minds but what makes me more sad is when some don't give them their fair dues.
Not many have such courage to lay down their lives for the Nation as life is very precious to all. All the more we should as a nation salute our brave hearts and honour them countrywide for serving the nation faithfully. He or she has earned this rightfully.We all have to do our bit in spreading an awareness regarding the work of our officers and soldiers specially serving in extreme climatic conditions and highly dangerous places.
We must stand united in motivating people to recognize and value their sacrifices.There are so many nations who respect their Defence Forces and honour their men countrywide every year. The time has come when we should also do the same and recognize as well as appreciate the efforts of our Forces in protecting us or we will end up extinguishing the fire of patriotism in our soldiers. Why would men stand up to protect the nation when every time their contributions and sacrifices go unrecognised ? No they don't want anything in return as they are are selfless heroes as they feel more deeply about their country than most of us. But it is their right to earn the much deserved respect and honour of the people they protect. Moreover the families left behind have to be honoured even more for fighting a battle everyday in their memory.
Many nations honour their Armed Forces once a year and a day is marked as a national holiday when the entire country comes together in remembering their war heroes and honouring the ones serving in the forces as well. Countries like the U.K and U.S.A commit themselves to appreciate and recognize the sacrifices of their Forces.The government must bestow the same honour on our Defence Forces too and the media should contribute to this by continuously hi lighting the services of the Armed Forces and always the heroic sacrifice of a soldier and officer should be covered in the news.
We may celebrate the Armed Forces Day within the military and the government may honour some of our heroes on the Republic Day Parade. But just giving away medals or decorations isn't sufficient as we could give more meaning to their sacrifices only if we truly keep them in our hearts and remember them as often as we can. Our government has to be more supportive and appreciative towards the Forces and demonstrate the much needed sensitivity and empathy towards the work of the Armed Forces.
They should organize more events to create more awareness amongst other citizens regarding all that the Defence Forces are doing for the Nation. More events need to be hosted by the government and corporate houses to raise money to support some of the families of the defence brave hearts even though the Armed Forces are quite self sufficient in providing the best for their people.
Such heroic sacrifices can never be forgotten !
As I always say that we all desire world peace as wars only result in loss of lives on both sides. But on the other hand we should be realistic enough to realize that much against everyone's prayers and wishes there are bound to be wars and conflicts because of the thought process of certain people or their thirst for power . In such threatening situations, we need our Defence Forces to protect us. In fact at such times they are called upon to defend us. We may not believe in attacking but we definitely need the Forces to retaliate powerfully to defend us in every way possible. So how can we not give them the importance they truly deserve and express great appreciation for their work in our everyday lives.
It is the duty of our government to encourage people to respect the Armed Forces and not the other way around. It is also the duty of the government to ensure that the equipments, tanks, ships,planes and weapons provided to the Armed Forces to aid them in protecting us don't let them down. In the past we have seen a lot of cases where because of corruption some of the planes and ships purchased for the Forces were faulty and there have been accidents and crashes because of it. How can we as a nation forgive such people who have betrayed our Armed Forces when they have never let us down ever at times of internal or external threats and attacks. They gallantly fight for our respect and dignity every time . The Armed Forces consider it their sole responsibility and purpose to protect us and keep us safe. The time has come that we honour them generously and express our gratitude to them for standing up to defend our nation. We must remind them as often as we can that we completely value their services.
I respect the Army as an institution and all that it stands for. I respect our Armed Forces for their discipline, values, traditions and valour. Jai Hind !
Yet another Braveheart lays down his life heroically to protect and defend the nation. May the soul of our brave hero rest in peace...My heart reaches out to their families whenever I hear of such tragic news. Many of you don't even know his name or how wonderful a person he was. Many of you don't know the grieving family he has left behind in sacrificing his life for us or the everlasting memories he has left behind in the hearts of his men and officers he served with. He didn't have to die so young or he could have served the country more with his steel like valour and determination to defend the nation. So many thoughts like that cross our minds but what makes me more sad is when some don't give them their fair dues.
Not many have such courage to lay down their lives for the Nation as life is very precious to all. All the more we should as a nation salute our brave hearts and honour them countrywide for serving the nation faithfully. He or she has earned this rightfully.We all have to do our bit in spreading an awareness regarding the work of our officers and soldiers specially serving in extreme climatic conditions and highly dangerous places.
We must stand united in motivating people to recognize and value their sacrifices.There are so many nations who respect their Defence Forces and honour their men countrywide every year. The time has come when we should also do the same and recognize as well as appreciate the efforts of our Forces in protecting us or we will end up extinguishing the fire of patriotism in our soldiers. Why would men stand up to protect the nation when every time their contributions and sacrifices go unrecognised ? No they don't want anything in return as they are are selfless heroes as they feel more deeply about their country than most of us. But it is their right to earn the much deserved respect and honour of the people they protect. Moreover the families left behind have to be honoured even more for fighting a battle everyday in their memory.
Many nations honour their Armed Forces once a year and a day is marked as a national holiday when the entire country comes together in remembering their war heroes and honouring the ones serving in the forces as well. Countries like the U.K and U.S.A commit themselves to appreciate and recognize the sacrifices of their Forces.The government must bestow the same honour on our Defence Forces too and the media should contribute to this by continuously hi lighting the services of the Armed Forces and always the heroic sacrifice of a soldier and officer should be covered in the news.
We may celebrate the Armed Forces Day within the military and the government may honour some of our heroes on the Republic Day Parade. But just giving away medals or decorations isn't sufficient as we could give more meaning to their sacrifices only if we truly keep them in our hearts and remember them as often as we can. Our government has to be more supportive and appreciative towards the Forces and demonstrate the much needed sensitivity and empathy towards the work of the Armed Forces.
They should organize more events to create more awareness amongst other citizens regarding all that the Defence Forces are doing for the Nation. More events need to be hosted by the government and corporate houses to raise money to support some of the families of the defence brave hearts even though the Armed Forces are quite self sufficient in providing the best for their people.
Such heroic sacrifices can never be forgotten !
As I always say that we all desire world peace as wars only result in loss of lives on both sides. But on the other hand we should be realistic enough to realize that much against everyone's prayers and wishes there are bound to be wars and conflicts because of the thought process of certain people or their thirst for power . In such threatening situations, we need our Defence Forces to protect us. In fact at such times they are called upon to defend us. We may not believe in attacking but we definitely need the Forces to retaliate powerfully to defend us in every way possible. So how can we not give them the importance they truly deserve and express great appreciation for their work in our everyday lives.
It is the duty of our government to encourage people to respect the Armed Forces and not the other way around. It is also the duty of the government to ensure that the equipments, tanks, ships,planes and weapons provided to the Armed Forces to aid them in protecting us don't let them down. In the past we have seen a lot of cases where because of corruption some of the planes and ships purchased for the Forces were faulty and there have been accidents and crashes because of it. How can we as a nation forgive such people who have betrayed our Armed Forces when they have never let us down ever at times of internal or external threats and attacks. They gallantly fight for our respect and dignity every time . The Armed Forces consider it their sole responsibility and purpose to protect us and keep us safe. The time has come that we honour them generously and express our gratitude to them for standing up to defend our nation. We must remind them as often as we can that we completely value their services.
I respect the Army as an institution and all that it stands for. I respect our Armed Forces for their discipline, values, traditions and valour. Jai Hind !
Sunday, June 8, 2014
" Abstract Relationships "
Some relationships are like abstract paintings. They are not the usually defined ones or those that have shape of some sorts. Such relationships are interpreted or understood only by some and admired by a few who are dictated by their hearts alone. In such a relationship you may fall for someone you have never met and just interacted with through letters or calls. You may have seen the photograph of the person but may not have had an opportunity to meet...Sometimes such relationships can touch the heart and soul more than the ones that are formed by meeting in person.
Abstract paintings don't have any defined lines , colours or rules as they are a uniquely beautiful result of an individual's spontaneous or free expression and emotion.The same way some relationships like the one mentioned above also are free from the usual norms existing in other traditional relationships. Such relationships may lack definition or some sort of shape and yet the emotions in it are more vibrant than the usual relationships.
As it is "abstract relationships" as I would like to call them rely totally on a person's innermost feeling but may not represent the usual relationship found in everyday life in the sense that it is difficult to be understood by everyone . The usual relationship is based on what is visible.
Sometimes one can fall deeply in love with the unknown or someone you have never seen contrary to what people may believe. It is all about the interpretation of the heart as some hearts see beyond what is visible and defined by most. Such a relationship may mean the world to you but not to others as others would not accept it or even try to comprehend the emotions as it does not appear real to them because of it's mysterious nature.
But then it is quite natural that what may appear beautiful to you may not appear the same to others. It is rightly said that " beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder ". The same way the beauty of such a relationship lies in the hearts of those who truly love and believe in that unusual relationship which is born within the distance that separates them.
Most of the times what is not easily visible is deeper and soul stirring than what is visible. Hidden emotions in an abstract relationship are found or unveiled not by the world but by the person who has the courage and faith to believe in it. Isn't love said to be spontaneous ? Love is an abstract art that knows no reason or boundaries. Love is spontaneous and not planned. It just happens to you.But emotions however abstract have relevance and have to be appreciated even though they cannot be explained at times.
No two relationships are the same. But each relationship has it's own meaning and importance to the two who reside in it and that has to be respected instead of being questioned all the time. One's interpretation of a relationship may differ from the other and what suits one may not suit another. So one cannot be judgemental about relationships that may not be defined at times as those too are the designs of God and cannot be judged even if not recognized and accepted. But abstract relationships may be far more challenging than the usual ones as one has to battle the critical analysis of others all the time. As I always say that it is human nature that we fear what we cannot understand as the unknown is intimidating. The authenticity or the reality of unique relationships are always questioned.
Abstract paintings don't have any defined lines , colours or rules as they are a uniquely beautiful result of an individual's spontaneous or free expression and emotion.The same way some relationships like the one mentioned above also are free from the usual norms existing in other traditional relationships. Such relationships may lack definition or some sort of shape and yet the emotions in it are more vibrant than the usual relationships.
As it is "abstract relationships" as I would like to call them rely totally on a person's innermost feeling but may not represent the usual relationship found in everyday life in the sense that it is difficult to be understood by everyone . The usual relationship is based on what is visible.
Sometimes one can fall deeply in love with the unknown or someone you have never seen contrary to what people may believe. It is all about the interpretation of the heart as some hearts see beyond what is visible and defined by most. Such a relationship may mean the world to you but not to others as others would not accept it or even try to comprehend the emotions as it does not appear real to them because of it's mysterious nature.
But then it is quite natural that what may appear beautiful to you may not appear the same to others. It is rightly said that " beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder ". The same way the beauty of such a relationship lies in the hearts of those who truly love and believe in that unusual relationship which is born within the distance that separates them.
Most of the times what is not easily visible is deeper and soul stirring than what is visible. Hidden emotions in an abstract relationship are found or unveiled not by the world but by the person who has the courage and faith to believe in it. Isn't love said to be spontaneous ? Love is an abstract art that knows no reason or boundaries. Love is spontaneous and not planned. It just happens to you.But emotions however abstract have relevance and have to be appreciated even though they cannot be explained at times.
No two relationships are the same. But each relationship has it's own meaning and importance to the two who reside in it and that has to be respected instead of being questioned all the time. One's interpretation of a relationship may differ from the other and what suits one may not suit another. So one cannot be judgemental about relationships that may not be defined at times as those too are the designs of God and cannot be judged even if not recognized and accepted. But abstract relationships may be far more challenging than the usual ones as one has to battle the critical analysis of others all the time. As I always say that it is human nature that we fear what we cannot understand as the unknown is intimidating. The authenticity or the reality of unique relationships are always questioned.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Amritsar, PUNJAB
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| The Historical Shrine of the Sikhs in the Holy City of Amritsar |
The Golden Temple ( Harmandir Sahib / Darbar Sahib ) Amritsar
Sikh Gurudwara
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| The most famous Gurudwara of the Sikhs ... |
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Paper Art Kirigami Connection with Traditional Art Form of Rangoli & Marble Inlay Work
Paper art is a beautiful art form and is popular in many counties like Japan, Germany, U.S.A and China. Japan is known for the paper art Origami and Kirigami. Origami is a well known paper art and is famous worldwide. Origami is a paper art that involves folding of paper. While Kirigami paper art involves folding of single paper many times to form different shapes like a square or a cone for instance and cutting that paper base into various shapes symmetrically in each section to form designs. That folded paper with numerous small cuts in many shapes and sizes are then opened to reveal the final patterns in the shape of snowflakes,flowers etc.
" Kiru" means to cut and "gami "( kami ) means paper. Kirigami means to cut paper. It is a beautiful as well as delicate and intricate form of paper craft of folded as well as cut paper to form paper designs of snowflakes etc.
Origami does not involve cutting of paper. I remember how as children my brother and I learnt Kirigami and Origami in our craft class in Japan. Origami and Kirigami lessons were the lessons we always looked forward to as these paper arts would transport us to a peaceful world of pretty designs and creativity. I used to love the beautiful and bright coloured papers specially with Japanese motifs used specially in origami. We used to create snowflakes for decorating our school windows before Christmas at our International school in Tokyo.
Kirigami was particularly interesting as according to me it is closest to an individual expression and what is interesting is that the more innovative you get the more interesting and delightful designs of paper craft you create. It is a paper art form that children specially enjoy and while all forms of paper art around the world are lovely, Kirigami is very popular and teaches kids to develop patience and refine their concentration and creativity. The wonderful pop up cards or books that are an old time favourite of most are also an example of Kirigami.
The Kirigami designs resemble some of the patterns of " Rangoli ". In modern India Kirigami paper stencils are now available to make " Rangolis " on Hindu festivals like Diwali ( Festival of Lights ) and other auspicious occasions at the entrance using vibrant coloured sand, powders or rice. Rangoli is an ancient traditional folk art form from India where mostly geometrical,floral or other ethnic motifs are drawn on the floor or ground in the form of a circle with actually a chalk or freehand with coloured powder. These patterns are filled with lively coloured sand, petals or rice. These patterns are then decorated with earthen lamps around them usually at the entrance to welcome the Gods and the guests. On Diwali Rangoli is made at the entrance of the house to attract and welcome the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi . Now that my imagination is becoming more active in comparing the traditional art of Kirigami , I wonder if artisans, craftsmen and designers got inspired by it to even create those block printing wooden blocks which are used with vegetable dyes to design saris and fabrics and the designs on these paper mâché or brass, mother of pearl and marble pill boxes. My mother and I were just discussing how the delicate art form of inlay work using semi precious stones on marble in Taj Mahal also reminds us of Kirigami art. The art form of Inlay work originated from Italy and then appealed to the Mughals soon after that.
I believe that Kanako Yaguchi is a very famous and well respected artist in the world of Kirigami. I have always been particularly interested in this paper art form since my childhood days but I intend to pursue this childhood interest and hobby now to study more about this art form and learn about this artist as well to inspire myself more in immersing myself deeper in this form of paper art.
Spanish Touch in Japanese Countryside
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| Carmen Hall , Spain "Mura " ( Village ), Ise shima, Mie-ken |
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sometimes it is easier living a lie ! This is a line from the movie "Catch me if you can" directed by Steven Spielberg. This movie is based on a true story about Frank Abagnale Jr., who before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars' worth of checks (cheques) as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. An FBI agent Carl Hanratty hunts him down after a long and interesting chase. But later it is Carl who convinces the FBI to offer a deal to Frank to spend the remainder of his sentence working for them.In the end Frank ends up working for the Bank Fraud Department of FBI and serves the remainder of his sentence of twelve years there. Later in life Frank goes on to earn millions of dollars each year because of his work creating unforgeable cheques.
Well this movie has come on TV several times but I never got interested in watching the entire movie at one time until last week. Earlier on I have watched it in bits and pieces but today this movie kept me engrossed from the beginning till the end and I realized that the message in this movie is far deeper than I imagined.
It made me think about a lot of things and I couldn't help but think that for various reasons and maybe limitations in their life, most people tend to live a life of lie maybe not the way the character Frank ( played by Leonardo DiCaprio ) in this movie did but in so many different ways.
Some people live a "make believe life" as I would like to name it to escape reality as the truth for them can be more harsh than the lie. People sometimes think that the solution to their problems lies in not addressing it at all and to detach themselves from the truth they resort to pretending and gradually start living a life of lie.
When people live a life of lie be it in a relationship or profession, they actually start believing that there can be no life other than that and resign themselves unfairly to an unhappy life filled with only pain,loneliness and disillusionment. They cheat themselves from living a real and true life where they may actually find peace and happiness. I have seen people living an unhappy marriage or working somewhere that does not serve their appetite of dreams and ambitions but they continue living that life and falsely convincing themselves to feel that this is the only thing and the best thing for them for whatever reasons.
But I have also seen people who save such people above from their lives of lies and restore confidence in their lives by motivating and inspiring them to find themselves again and basing their lives on strengths.
The way I see it in this movie Frank tries to escape the pain of the separation of his parents and the breaking of his family life by pretending to be many things and people at one time but himself. He is very intelligent and can do anything he puts his heart and efforts into but he uses his skills and talents only to escape himself by living a life of lie. Frank challenges the FBI agent Carl Hanratty ( Tom Hanks ) to catch him if he can and yet keeps giving him clues perhaps because he wants someone to save him and give him the attention he wants. Frank tries to hide from life in a way and tries to cheat life by running away from it all the time and pretending to be many characters. He tries to take control of his life by pretending to be many characters but his actual real self till the time his father is lost to him forever. What is sad is that he tries to buy happiness for his family and himself through money and makes tremendous efforts to unite his parents but in vain.
Finally he loses to life because as usual life has it's own plans and nobody can alter that. That is when Frank gives up in a way because he gets disheartened to see that his mother now has no place for him in life as she has a brand new family. He turns himself in to the FBI on Christmas Eve. What is most touching is how the agent recognizes the child in Frank who just wants to be loved and accepted and it is he who shows this deep sensitivity to him by getting his prison sentence reduced and giving him a life that suits his talents and adds meaning and order to his life. The character of the FBI agent is also most brilliantly played by Tom Hanks.
Frank always calls the agent on Christmas Eve and that is because he is lonely and the agent realizes that. In the end the FBI agent actually saves Frank from running from himself all the time and helps him reach his true potentials and gets him back to life by motivating him to live a life based on truth. It is really interesting to see how the relationship between Frank and the agent grows through the story and how the agent succeeds in stopping Frank from running away from reality and face his life and create a wonderful ending for him through all that he is capable of giving back to life.
I loved the movie as it is light and humorous at times but with a serious and deep note and a dash of inspiration to make anyone who has lost his way in life to get back on path. In a way the FBI agent turns out to be a kind of " wing friend" or his Guardian Angel in other words to restore his life after his father's demise and his mother's desertion.
Life sure is tough most of the times and the only way to make it somewhat simple is to be true to yourself and stay true to yourself even if you end up alone.
Well this movie has come on TV several times but I never got interested in watching the entire movie at one time until last week. Earlier on I have watched it in bits and pieces but today this movie kept me engrossed from the beginning till the end and I realized that the message in this movie is far deeper than I imagined.
It made me think about a lot of things and I couldn't help but think that for various reasons and maybe limitations in their life, most people tend to live a life of lie maybe not the way the character Frank ( played by Leonardo DiCaprio ) in this movie did but in so many different ways.
Some people live a "make believe life" as I would like to name it to escape reality as the truth for them can be more harsh than the lie. People sometimes think that the solution to their problems lies in not addressing it at all and to detach themselves from the truth they resort to pretending and gradually start living a life of lie.
When people live a life of lie be it in a relationship or profession, they actually start believing that there can be no life other than that and resign themselves unfairly to an unhappy life filled with only pain,loneliness and disillusionment. They cheat themselves from living a real and true life where they may actually find peace and happiness. I have seen people living an unhappy marriage or working somewhere that does not serve their appetite of dreams and ambitions but they continue living that life and falsely convincing themselves to feel that this is the only thing and the best thing for them for whatever reasons.
But I have also seen people who save such people above from their lives of lies and restore confidence in their lives by motivating and inspiring them to find themselves again and basing their lives on strengths.
The way I see it in this movie Frank tries to escape the pain of the separation of his parents and the breaking of his family life by pretending to be many things and people at one time but himself. He is very intelligent and can do anything he puts his heart and efforts into but he uses his skills and talents only to escape himself by living a life of lie. Frank challenges the FBI agent Carl Hanratty ( Tom Hanks ) to catch him if he can and yet keeps giving him clues perhaps because he wants someone to save him and give him the attention he wants. Frank tries to hide from life in a way and tries to cheat life by running away from it all the time and pretending to be many characters. He tries to take control of his life by pretending to be many characters but his actual real self till the time his father is lost to him forever. What is sad is that he tries to buy happiness for his family and himself through money and makes tremendous efforts to unite his parents but in vain.
Finally he loses to life because as usual life has it's own plans and nobody can alter that. That is when Frank gives up in a way because he gets disheartened to see that his mother now has no place for him in life as she has a brand new family. He turns himself in to the FBI on Christmas Eve. What is most touching is how the agent recognizes the child in Frank who just wants to be loved and accepted and it is he who shows this deep sensitivity to him by getting his prison sentence reduced and giving him a life that suits his talents and adds meaning and order to his life. The character of the FBI agent is also most brilliantly played by Tom Hanks.
Frank always calls the agent on Christmas Eve and that is because he is lonely and the agent realizes that. In the end the FBI agent actually saves Frank from running from himself all the time and helps him reach his true potentials and gets him back to life by motivating him to live a life based on truth. It is really interesting to see how the relationship between Frank and the agent grows through the story and how the agent succeeds in stopping Frank from running away from reality and face his life and create a wonderful ending for him through all that he is capable of giving back to life.
I loved the movie as it is light and humorous at times but with a serious and deep note and a dash of inspiration to make anyone who has lost his way in life to get back on path. In a way the FBI agent turns out to be a kind of " wing friend" or his Guardian Angel in other words to restore his life after his father's demise and his mother's desertion.
Life sure is tough most of the times and the only way to make it somewhat simple is to be true to yourself and stay true to yourself even if you end up alone.
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