Do you think you can?

       Social media today is mourning for another innocent life. A young, gorgeous, buoyant and eminent face of Indian television succumbed to the pressures of the society. Sometimes I wonder what does a modern woman thrives to achieve from life. If a successful and independent diva of our so called modern society cannot stand up to their male counterparts then who will? Do you think you can? 

           I am aggrieved to hear that Pratyusha bannerjee has met the same fate as Jiah khan few years back and what is more distressing is that their boyfriends continue to enjoy the perks of being linked to a diva when they were a no one themselves. And this is only the tip of an iceberg. You can imagine the gravity of the situation in small towns and non-metro cities.

Here’s something I wrote on women empowerment:-

मैं नारी हूँ मैं सबला हूँ, समरूप हूँ मैं पर हीन नहीं,

आकाश में उड़ना है मुझको, पर नसीब मुझे क्यूँ ज़मीन नहीं ;

इन आँसुओं पे ना जाना तुम,

के प्रगाढ़ हूँ मैं, गमगीन नहीं ;

दरकार नहीं सहारे की मुझे,

के शोषण से टकराए जो, बलवान वही-और वीर वही ;

बात इतनी सी है, गर समझ पाए कोई,

के तुम मुझसे हो मैं तुमसे हूँ , और एकाकी हम फ़रदीन नहीं ;

एकाकी हम फ़रदीन नहीं…

***

R.I.P. Pratyusha

#Talesof2015

            Another beautiful year is coming to an end amidst celebrations and fireworks and here I am...juggling words and trying to stack them up into a blog post. I have been splashing around in the pool of poetry for some time now...but things have changed in the past year. I seem to be going somewhere; hopefully in the direction that I have always intended to. In Sep 2015 my first blog http://nerdyindian.blogspot.in/ completed its first year online...and it is all set to walk the serene pathways of blogosphere. It is basically anything and everything that comes to my nerdy mind and not usually bound in genres. I also managed to make a mark in blogging activities on #blogadda and #indiblogger but it is still a very long way ahead.

        I also launched a poetry blog this year @ https://doc2poet.wordpress.com/  dedicated to Hindi poetry and it is doing fine too. The year 2015 has seen it all; be it bitter or sweet, or rise and fall. Here’s how I expressed it in one of my blog posts...

कुछ खट्टा कुछ मीठा

के ख़ूब रहा ये साल,

कुछ क़िस्से हैं, कुछ कहानी हैं ; 

कुछ बीत गया, कुछ बाकी है ,

कुछ बातें हैं जो बतानी हैं ;

पा लिया कुछ, तो कुछ ख़्वाब ही हैं,

के इसी का नाम तो ज़िंदगानी है;

कभी ख़ुशी मिली, कभी आँसू,

के तक़दीर बड़ी सयानी है;

कभी जीत मिली, कभी सीख ,

कुछ मंज़िलें हैं, जो अभी पानी हैं;

कोई छूट गया, कोई साथ रहा,

के तस्वीरें कुछ धुँधली, तो कुछ जानी-पहचानी हैं;

कुछ याद रहा, कुछ भूल गया,

के बातें कुछ कहनी हैं, कुछ छुपानी हैं;

जो बीत गया, वो फसाना था,

के तस्वीर तो अभी बनानी है;

क्या ख़ूब रहा ये साल ,

और क्या ख़ूब ये कहानी है,

क्या ख़ूब ये कहानी है…

            Well! That’s it for my blogs, you will have to check them out yourself to know more and please spare some time to give your valuable feedback. But the brighter side is that the story has just begun and there are ‘n’ numbers of milestones yet to be achieved. I hope to try new things, learn, live and feel each moment, push & change myself to become a better being, a better person and a better writer & blogger in the coming year. I can’t resist but share the lyrics of the most inspirational song I ever came across “It’s the climb”- By Miley Cyrus.

" There's always gonna be another mountain,

I'm always gonna wanna make it move,

Always gonna be a uphill battle,

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side,

It's the climb..."

             Whenever you feel down, just listen to this song and keep going...just like me. So, let us keep our fingers crossed and see what lies behind these doors...

I’m sharing my #TalesOf2015 with BlogAdda.

नारी शक्ति : #KnowYourRights

             Crimes against women have been rising without any check and it’s a shame that the capital city is among the front runners. It is time to wake up and start fighting in our own capacity without waiting for something to happen to someone known to us. The least we can do is being aware ourselves first. The first misconception that we must strive to dilute is that sexual abuse is not always rape. The mere obscene gesture or language amounts to sexual assault. Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code describes sexual assault in detail which has been divided into 4 subsections, namely:—

354 A: Sexual harassment which includes—

• physical contact and advances involving explicit sexual overtures; or
• demand or request for sexual favors; or
• showing pornography against the will of a woman; or
• making sexually colored remarks.

354 B: Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe.

354 C: Voyeurism-Any man who watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private act.

354 D: Stalking or following a woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman.

It is important because even voyeurism and stalking falls under its ambit and are liable for punishment. Rape cases are only the tip of the iceberg and incidents like these forms the bulk of sexual assault cases which if reported and penalized will drastically reduce the number of severe cases.

3 reasons why it is important to encourage reporting sexual violence:-

1. Because it is the right thing to do, because staying back will only encourage the criminals to take a step further and each of their steps will bring them closer to the innocent. 

2. Because each case reported will raise the possibility of getting them prosecuted. It’s a pity that many of such criminals walk right through our ailing judicial system but it is all the more reason to nab them. Recently, the Delhi high court refused to rule on extending the three-year stay in reform home of the juvenile convicted in the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder of the paramedical student #Nirbhaya. Yes, he will walk free even after being part of one of the most heinous crimes of modern times in Delhi so buckle up.

3. Most importantly, because we need to create an environment where criminals and not women live in fear. Fear of police, prosecution and punishment will help create a protective shield around the women. The criminals should bear the brunt of social stigma and not the victims. But in today’s times the identity and dignity of rape victims is raped again and again in public media and the criminals are being protected. It is this discrimination that we have to fight. However, it is not only the victim’s responsibility, but the onus lies on each one of us to stand together with the victims and make them feel strong and safe and keep the movement against sexual abuse alive.

" मैं नारी हूँ मैं सबला हूँ, समरूप हूँ मैं पर हीन नहीं,

आकाश में उड़ना है मुझको, पर नसीब मुझे क्यूँ ज़मीन नहीं ;

इन आँसुओं पे ना जाना तुम,

के प्रगाढ़ हूँ मैं, गमगीन नहीं ;

दरकार नहीं सहारे की मुझे,

के शोषण से टकराए जो, बलवान वही-और वीर वही ;

बात इतनी सी है, गर समझ पाए कोई,

के तुम मुझसे हो मैं तुमसे हूँ , और एकाकी हम फ़रदीन नहीं ;

एकाकी हम फ़रदीन नहीं..."

I’m writing this blog post to support Amnesty International’s #KnowYourRights campaign at BlogAdda. You can also contribute to the cause by donating or spreading the word.

The Nature Traveller: #ResponsibleTourism

Photo Credit: www.beautycreep.com

                 

                   As much as I love travelling, I love being close to the nature. I have been to a lot of places but never away from the natural and scenic beauty. The serene landscape nourishes the soul and rejuvenates the torn out mind.  Now that we are old enough, it’s our turn to take care of the Mother Nature.

पाँव सूखे हुए पत्तों पर, अदब से रखना ज़रा,

के धूप में माँगी थी, पनाह इनसे कभी;

के ये पेड़, ये पौधे, ये झरने - पहाड़,

बेआबरू से खड़े हैं,  झोली फैलाए सभी ||

                  There is no running from the fact that the Mother Nature is getting older and falling ill with each passing day. It’s even hard to miss the hue and cry of global warming. It is not just a coincidence that a new city is falling prey to the wrath of the ailing nature every year, be it #Mumbai, #Kedarnath, #Srinagar or #Chennai. Looking at the present state of affairs, the best day to get started would be yesterday. Getting started may not be enough; we will also need a plan and it is amazing how simple and little things can make a big difference.

Photo Credit: www.thelitterletterproject.com

                  Travelling responsibly is a lot many small things and not just a big word. The crux is to not do any harm and let the environment breathe easy. We must also look for ways to curtail the toxic wastes be it gases, plastics or any other thing. The problem is that most of these toxic materials have found a comfortable place in our daily routines and keeping them away would mean changing our habits and eventually our lives. But the day we realize the gravity of it, it wouldn’t be that impossible. Here is what you can still do to travel responsibly...

•  Travel light: Well it is not just a travel tip but the fact that less stuff would mean less waste adds responsibility to it.

• Use public transport as far as possible: Yes! It is not a typo. Getting out of the comforts of a SUV may be messy but using public transport will help cut the carbon emissions and also give you the opportunity to mingle with the locals. Even if you are using a car or your own transport, at least make sure it is properly serviced and get a PUC certificate. You can also carpool without compromising your own safety.

• Avoid packaged snacks and use fruits: We have a very annoying habit of leaving more than just footprints at natural abodes. Left out wrappers are slowly becoming omnipresent. Besides the fact that many of these snacks are unhealthy, we forget that these wrappers are plastics and will never disintegrate or decompose. It is simple to keep them in a bag and dispose in the nearest dustbin. We should never leave them behind in any case but at least leaving fruit-skins would do less harm to the surroundings than plastics. You see fruits are healthier for the environment too.

• Refill water bottles: Carrying your own water and getting it refilled would limit the number of useless but toxic bottles left behind. Even if you end up doing it, just drop the empty bottles at a local vendor for recycling instead of leaving it in open or even in the dustbin.

• Plant more trees: You may feel there are already enough trees while going to a hill-station or something but planting a tree now will bear fruits for your children. Think of it like leaving a greener tomorrow for them. Remember the fruits you were eating on your trip, yes they have seeds too.  Take a moment to plant them anywhere you like and the nature will water them for you. Voila!!!

• Live close to the nature; go camping, trekking etc.: It is good for bonding and the caring will come naturally to you. If you can see the beauty beyond the natural landscapes, you will do anything to preserve it.

• Volunteer: Whenever you see a bottle...put it in the dustbin. It is that simple.

• Don’t just do it...motivate others too... 

I am a sapling, I am a tree,

Plant some more and set me free;

I am a river, flowing to the sea,

Play as you want, just don’t hurt me;

I am the land, I am mother earth,

Be a good son and prove your worth...

Don't be a tourist, Be a Responsible Traveler.

I am blogging for #ResponsibleTourism activity by Outlook Traveller in association with BlogAdda.

It also happens to be my 50th post, so cheers to that too.

Sachin! Sachin! #madeofgreat

Thinking of someone #madeofgreat is not tricky because there are many but the difficult part is to name just one. My father have always been my inspiration. His perseverance and assiduity in his 40 years of service have been an inspiration. He is a living legend with simple living and high thinking. There is only one person whose life has been as impelling as my dad's but he has galvanized a lot many more minds. #Sachin! #Sachin! It is not less than a holy verse for a master blaster fanatic and #Sachin is the God himself. This post is just a meagre attempt to hold his magnificence in a handful of words. Lets see how it fairs...

Who is greater than #Sachin, 

‘coz he is second to none,

Cricket has seen many, 

but #Sachin is only one,

He is the god of cricket, 

sitting on the Everest of runs,

Some are Hindu, some Muslim; 

but He is my religion,

He is the quintessential cricketer, 

yet beyond all convention,

He ruled the world from 22 yards, 

with his throne in all the hearts that he won,

He is the epitome of timing, 

and paradigm of immaculate precision,

He has a record of records,

 and a ton of tons,

He demolished his oppositions, 

without ever touching a gun,

He is the totem of humility,

 an exemplar of passion,

He saw a dream, 

and lived it with diligence & resolution, 

His life is an epic, 

for us immortals it’s a lesson,

We can’t possibly match his feats, 

but trying it would be fun!!!

http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/

Watching you has made our eyes even more precious!!!

This post is written for the #madeofgreat campaign which showcases the confluence of two global brands-Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. The campaign builds upon Tata Motors’ DNA of trust, authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation. 

http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/.

परिचय : #IamSpecial

मैं शायर तो नहीं , पर इन जज़्बात का इस काग़ज़ से ज़रूर कोई नाता है ;

के लोग समझ पाते नहीं जो एहसास, वो अनायास ही इसपर उतर आता है...

           Hi there, It's been some time here on blogosphere and I already feel like at home. I am enjoying writing more than ever and all the credit goes to the people who have been supporting me. So here's me and my blog. I am a doctor by profession currently based in Delhi, a blogger by choice & a poet at heart and my blog is basically everything that comes to my mind. I like poetry and it happens to find a place in my almost every post. You can say a lot in just a few words with poetry...just love it. My hindi poetry blog is here too https://doc2poet.wordpress.com/ .Here are a few ones about me:

पाँव ज़मीं पर नहीं मेरे,  के इन बादलों पे सवार हूँ मैं,

के मैं हूँ, और मेरी तन्हाई,  इस ज़माने के पार हूँ मैं,

मैं ये भी हूँ...मैं वो भी हूँ, के सीमित नहीं अपार हूँ मैं,

सीमित नहीं अपार हूँ मैं ||

I have also been scribbling enough to come up with one sketch or more but it takes a lot of time to create one.

           I have also been dueling with guitars but have not yet tamed any. I love music though and there is nothing better than feeling it live. As of now, I am not sure how this blog will turn out but one thing is certain...that you will be intrigued to read it. Please review my blog and keep in touch...Would love to hear from you.

To Blog is to create, to connect, to share & to inspire.

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

True Love...

इस दुनिया में हर किसी को मुकम्मल जहाँ नहीं मिलता,

किसी को मंज़िल नहीं मिलती, किसी को कारवाँ नहीं मिलता

True love is the best thing you can ever experience and it is as beautiful as it can ever be because...

True love is eternal, true love never dies,

True love is illimitable; it is beyond the oceans and skies,

True love is breeze, true love is sunrise,

True love is verity; it is the ultimate truth, above all lies,

True love never ends, it makes you fool, it makes you wise,

True love is a myth, true love is sublime,

True love is earthly, true love is divine,

True love is everywhere, but not everyone can find,

Blessed are those, whose love is their lifeline,

Love is their lifeline...

This post was written for Indispire Edition 89: write about your true love, it can be a person, place, thing, activity, anything. Something/someone that makes you feel special, complete in life. #truelove

Million Dollar Dream

" चन्द  सिक्कों  पे  गुरूर  न  कर  ऐ  ग़ालिब, ये  वक़्त  की  रेत  में  खो जाया  करते  हैं "

           Million dollars is too big an amount to not make any difference and the mere thought of the possibilities that can turn into reality ‘If I had a million dollars’ just opens up the doorways to a new realm. But I believe that the best thing would be that I can continue to be me, the real me, the me I am now even, when I have a million dollars at my disposal. Of ‘course things would be a little more grand but the essence should remain the same. I love to travel, I relish writing, I enjoy my work, I cherish being part of charity and I crave for perfection in everything that I do. This is just a crux of what I am today and what I would like to be ‘If I had a million dollars’. 

         Another important aspect of this million dollar thought would be ‘with great power comes great responsibility’. We tend to spend each penny with caution when we have scarce resources but with a million dollars in our pocket it is upon us too to make each penny count. So let us just not be carried away with the weight of the bullion and try be true to our souls.

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Wanderlust: Driving me crazy

                   They say the roads have answers for everything and a long drive is all we need to get them talking. Just the thought of “driving all night” takes me to the beautiful places that I have visited with my buddies. We must have adventures in order to know where we belong. Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind and a road trip with my best buddies is the perfect stress buster. It is true that road trips aren’t measured by mile markers but by memories that we make on the way and cherish them forever.

Grab the wheel and hit the road ,

Somewhere out there lays my abode ;

The road is my friend n journey my home ,

There’s no better feeling than exploring the unknown ;

Let me ride, let me cruise ,

Kill the chaos and Hit the snooze ;

'Coz Travel is eternal, journey is pure ,

Wanna see it all but time no more ;

Adore the nature, open the doors ,

Just let me drench when it pours ;

Driving is my passion and Wandering my fate ,

Just let me flow and let me peregrinate ;

Let me peregrinate...

My cheetah, My soul

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Be yourself, Be happy...

ख़्वाबों के बिखरे पन्नों में, ख़ुद को तलाश करता हूँ;
के हार मिले या जीत इस राह में, बस खुशियों की आस करता हूँ |

No matter how tempting it may seem, but fleeing from the present can never be a good choice. We should embrace the present and not run from it. It is all that is real; it is where we can shape our future. As far as I am concerned, all I want is to be is ‘me’ ; just a bit better of ‘me’.

I aspire to be a better son,

An ideal brother, at least a better one,

The best husband; a lover and a companion,

A little more romantic, a bit more fun,

A lot more learned, a bit more erudite,

Just keep going and win over the tide,

Want to be more me, & grow as a person,

Just a teeny bit is left, a weeny bit is done.

Written for Indispire Edition 82: Now or never.. Given a chance to elope from the present, what is your true calling that you really want to chase?? #MyDare