Letter to 2014

                                                                                                                                           31/12/2014

Dear 2014,
With a heavy heart i bid u farewell,for u have been a great Support for all 365 days.When i go back to January First and Compare it to today, 31st December,i am filled with Tears of Joy and Sadness.You were the Twenty Third Year of My Life and The Roller Coaster Ride of this Year was indeed full of Struggle,but today when i turn my head to look behind,i smile of Contentment and feel Blessed to Live My Year Successfully.May be i did not have Big fat celebrations,but i Learnt to Create Happiness,You Taught me to Seek Joy and Enjoy Life even in Despair.I am very Grateful to you,because your Each Day,Reminded me of an Omnipresent Power of the Almighty that Strengthened my Trust on Faith.You hold a Special Significance in My Life because this Year my Mother got Cured of an Illness she was struggling with since Past three Years.My Mom's illness gave me the Lesson's to understand the Fineness of Life and you were like a helpful Supervisor while i was giving the Biggest Test of my Life.
I made a number of Mistakes,You rectified it with Passing Days.Whenever i Lost Hope you shined the Next Day full of Lessons and Guided my Every Step.You Made Me More Mature,More Responsible and Much more Practical.
I am filled with Gratitude for all the Opportunities you provided me to Climb the ladder of my Career.You made me Realize that Never Leave any Stone Unturned,Because what He plans for us is Way Better than what we think.I am not here to Narrate all my experiences.But All I want to Say is,It was a Wonderful Year,i end it with Contentment and i am Ready to Welcome a New One with Loads of Optimism And Challenges.
                                                                                                                       Lots of Gratitude,
                                                                                                                                Saima

Staring in Space.

Years back,It was a Usual College day,when like always a Sudden Unplanned Outing was decided by a group of us.As it was Monsoon days,the Climate was friendly,Clouds had gathered around the Sun,Shielding the Land from Scorching Heat and thus only a few Parallel rays came down to add a tinge of Gold to the Blue Weather.We fFiends decided to spend the rest of the time at Sea Face.It was Early Evening hour when we were found Dangling our Legs on the Rocks facing the hard hitting Waves to one another at Worli Sea face.The Pleasant Climate with a Wonderful Company was  a Perfect Monsoon Evening.We Laughed to being Insane and ate loads of stuff we could find around.Soon i got a call to which i excused myself at a little distance facing the sea side.I kept talking for a while until call got disconnected.Well,i have a faint Memory of the set of events but yes i remember waiting there for another ten Minutes.May be i was expecting to get back on line or whatever,but for a while i was Hypnotized to the Sound of the Waves.
My Eyes was Fixed far off in the Space and i was staring at nothing rather Staring in Space.The Fresh Breeze of Sea Side blew Across Carving a Smile on My Face.The Chaos of World was Behind my Back and the Fineness of Life in Front.Soon i Closed my Eyes,to feel the Breeze and listen to the Silence within me.My Heart was beating to the Sound of the Rushing waves.My Mind was Light and for an instant i felt to be Away From Mumbai.In no time,this Elated feeling was interrupted by a call,"kya kar rahi hai"and i just nodded my Head "kuch nai" and made a Move.Although it was a few Minutes of Meditation but it filled me with an Energy that i have no words to Define.That was the first time i got a Glimpse of the Power of Meditation.
Since then i love to Sit Quietly and Listen to the Silence.And that's the Reason of Me Being a a Close Admirer of Nature.It Gives an Opportunity to Take care of My Mind,to Clean it with Positivity when it is Dust Laden.

We are so Busy Hunting for the Bigger Pleasures of Life that we Overlook the Little Joys.Our Need for More makes us Forget all that we Owe.In the Rat race,We Leave behind our Real Self because we are Customizing and Fabricating ourselves to the wishes of others,carrying an Artificial Self around.

But,Meditation helps to Draw our Attention to the Undiscovered Paths of Happiness.
Meditation in any form is the Best Exercise for the well Being.It Helps Mind to Transcend,Expand Consciousness,Ignite Acceptance,Discover Strength and Strengthen Talents.The Positive Energy that is Hidden in Each of us gets a Way to Breathe Out.

Although,The Chaos that surrounds us leaves little time to enjoy being Self.But a few Minutes of Early Morning Meditation will surely Improve the Quality of Our Life.It has been a Great Help to Me,being my Catharsis through the thick and thin.

P.S:My Most Preferred Stress Reliever,Sit Besides the Sea Side and Stare out in Space and Meditate to the Sound of Gushing Waves.I Feel Each one Should try that.It Works!

-SSW

The Little Coffins

The Blooming Flowers of Someones House and the only Candle of Happiness for many, were charred to Darkness by the Heartless Animals of Earth.The Merciless Attack by Taliban in the City of Peshawar,Pakistan has once again proved that their blood is infested by the Poisonous Insects of Inhumanity which is reflected in their Every Action.
                Taliban's have once Again Proved their Cowardliness by Attacking a Militant School killing Hundreds of Innocent Lives.The Souls of these children and Many others across the Globe will Haunt them Even after they Die.They will Drown in the Deepest Wave of Fire and Rot in Hell until their Every Part of Body Curses them for such Inhuman Crimes.

Their Act of Barbarism in the Name of Religion needs to be Collectively Spitted on.Their Stoned Heart Needs to be Stoned to Death.

Time Passes but the Wounds Remain Afresh.Whether it is 26/11 or 11/9.The Pain of Lost Dreams,Broken Hearts,Innocent Lives puts forward just one Question, "Akhir Kab tak "?The Terror Attack Wanders Around Each One of us,We Never know if we are the next victim.Today i am writing an article to condemn the Gruesome Act of the Terror face but i am unsure if tomorrow someone else will be Typing a RIP for Me.

Such incidences Evokes a Strong Feeling of Disgust and Anger ,We come together and Condemn,light Candles to Protest,Post Messages on Social networking Sites and then after a week,we are busy in Our Routines.May be We have Accepted to Live with these Beasts who are the Dirt of Our Planet.And this Acceptance of Ours has Given Birth to IS,ISIS and Many More who are budding from them.
Its Time to Clean the Dirt otherwise one day Humanity Will be Cleaned From Earth.Its Time when UN becomes more Transparent.We are not interested in knowing the Tweets of President's and PM's neither are we interested in watching their Statements.All We want is Result.Its High Time When US and other Super Powers Realize that they need to stop Playing the Politics of Being a Double-Edged Sword,else one End of The knife is soon going to slit their own throat forever.

BUT UNFORTUNATELY.....Those who have lost Someone Close will drown in the Sea of Sadness Forever and the Ones Who Haven't will Live Under the fear of Being the Next One.And Rest Of the Things Will Remain Same or Worsen...(and we all know what are those things :/.We Will Fight Amongst Each Other and they will Rage a War Against Us.

Somewhere in the Meanwhile,The Little Coffins of Today are calling for Justice.


P.S:My Heart Extends to all the Families of Blast or any kind of Terror Attack Victims Across the Globe!May their Soul Rest in Peace and their Loved Ones get the Patience and Strength to face their Difficult Time.Amen. Al Ajal Ya Imam a.t.f.s :(

-SSW

The Cluttered Mind

  The Cluttered Mind Wanders Aimlessly,

  Like A Hunter,Lost and Weary.

  He looks Around in Amusement,

  Not Knowing What to do Next!

  

  He Digs Himself Deep in the Thought,

  To Carve Another World in His Heart.

  But His Restless Mind takes Him Away,

  Bringing Him Closer to His Pain.

  

  He Sails on the Wave of Disappointment,

  And  His Smile Speaks of Helplessness,

   But the Ones Around Him Care No More,

  Letting Him Sink in the Viscous Shore!

  He Hides Himself in His Cocoon,

  Away from All to Remain Aloof!

   But the Sharp Shrills Keep Coming,

   Tearing His Mind Away From Him!

  His Soul Snarls to the Growing Agony,

  Wiping the "Burning" Tears Silently,

  His Gaze Travels with the Wind,

  Restlessly, Searching for an Inner Peace.

  His Depressed Soul Cries For Help,

  But Unheard,It Bores in to Self!

   

 Now, The Cluttered Mind Weeps Perplexed,

  Knowing His Next step.......

                                       

                                                                       -SSW

P.S:  This Poem is in Reference to a Depressed Patient's Possible State of Mind

        when he is need of Help.

 

Photo Courtesy:Google Images

  

Haiku:Drought

Silence shines on the sky,
Wrinkles curl up on the Face,
In Reverence is Morning Dew!

 Photo Courtesy:Google Images

P.S:This is my first Haiku Poem.Please correct me if i am wrong.

When I...

When i raise my Hand to Hold the Alam,
My Soul Lifts it Reminding of the Sermon,
That Karbala weeps about and We Hum,
Ya Abbasa (a.s), Holding the Alam.....

When i Raise my Hand to Hold the Alam,
My Tears hear the cry of Sakina a.s From,
the Mashk attached to the Alam,and We Hum,
Ya Sakina (a.s),Holding the Alam.......

When i Raise my hand to Hold the Alam,
My Ears hear the Call of a  Brother from,
the desert of karbala and We Hum,
Ya Hussaina (a.s),Holding the Alam......

When i Raise my Hands to hold the Alam,
My Eyes think of the cry of pain from,
the burnt tents and lane of sham,and we Hum,
Ya Saniye Zehra(s.a),Holding the Alam.

And When i get to  hold the Alam,
My Arms gather the strength from,
the chants of Hussaino-Abbas that we Hum,
And tears flow by holding the Alam.

Photo courtesy:Google Images

-SSW

The Land of Karbala and Moharram....

Karbala

 It is a City situated in Iraq around 100kms south west of Baghdad.

Photo Courtesy:Google Images

This is the Land where Beauty of Sacrifice was Glorified with the Blood of Seventy Two Martyrs and with the wail of thirsty-hungry children and their mothers.It is place where 'Islam' was saved by the grandson of Prophet Mohammad(saw),Imam Husain a.s and his household "Bani Hashim", from  turning down in ashes by the hands of yazid (L.a) {the then Ruler}and his pets.

The first Islamic month Moharrram echoes in detest the helplessness of Maula Husain Ibne Ali(a.s) and his sacrifice in 680 A.D ie 61 Hijri.and today even after 1375 years later, the wounds of karbala  remains afresh.

But human mind is known for questions and explanation and so the most comman ones are ,What is Moharram?then Why not entire year?Its 1400 years yet ?What is the significance of it?Why do you all hit yourselves?Why Black?etc and many.

Well,i will try my best to explain most of the things in the simplest possible way.To begin, let me tell you,our first month of the calender is the commencement of our 'Ayyam-e-Azaa i.e Our Mourning Days'.This is because on second day of this month,Imam Husain(a.s) along with his people who were 72 and ladies with children reached the land of karbala,as he was called by yazid ,who later forced alliance and  betrayed Imam as his sole motive was to burn down Islam with coal and modify the religion according to his will and wish.He wanted to establish a religion of injustice,betrayal,terrorism and wrong doing to which Imam disagreed.But ,unfortunately there are many Yazidis even today, hiding behind bombs and grenades defaming religion by modifying it like his ancestor.

As Imam Husain(a.s) disagreed to his terms,the opposite army imposed a war.The yazid's army was in number that you cannot count of whereas on Imam's Side the figure was 72.The brigand,ruthless,tyrant ruler had devoid Imam Husain(a.s),his army and his family which even included a six month old son of food and water.The thirsty-hungry side was firm on belief,their eyes glowed of patience and their words only uttered of thankfulness to the almighty.This gives out a concealed message to the world of strengthening their trust on faith.The first ten days of this
month is seen as the time when the mothers were preparing their son to die a brave death.A sacrifice which any mother cannot think of.And that brings royalty to this sacrifice.

On tenth day of this month (the day you get public holiday)which is Ashoora,the land of karbala witnessed the most historic event.A battle which no words can explain completely.Seventy Two on one Side and lakhs on other.Each member of Imams army fought a brave battle on the dessert of Karbala until the last breadth.I cannot narrate the tragic death of Imam's loved ones.But all i want to ask is Can u Imagine a father removing a spear from an eighteen year old son's chest.Or Can you imagine your brother being chopped by the hands when he is gone to get water for your four year old thirsty daughter.This is what had happened by the side of river euphrates,When Imam's brother Abbas Ibne Ali(a.)went to fetch water..Can you see a six months old baby's  throat being slitted with a three headed arrow heavier than the baby himself or a four year old girl being mercilessly slapped on crying in remembrance of her dead Father.But,The golden mud or the dessert of karbala narrates  the cry of Janabe Sakina[a.s](Imam's Four Year Old Daughter)and the merciless killing of thirsty six month old child,Janabe Ali Asghar(a.s).
This war continued until Imam Husain(a.s)was beheaded and Martyred while he was in  prostration  in the worship of Almighty with wounds all around the body.His last breadth conveyed a million message,setting an example of standing against oppression and not accepting wrong.

After Imam was martyred,his household was looted and his Family which included of children,ladies and his only son who was left, were made captive by Yazids.But,Imam's Sister Zaynab(s.a) along with other ladies further continued the battle by bearing all the atrocities after her brother's death and not accepting yazid's religion.Moreover, She also gave a speech in the court of yazid where she unveiled the truth from lies and represented the actual islam which was completed by Prophet Mohammad(saw) which teaches of justice,love and peace.
And So I repeat,"The first islamic month moharrram echoes in detest the helplessness of Maula Husain(a.sI ibne Ali(a.s) and his sacrifice in 61 A.D.And today Even after 1375 years later, the wounds of Karbala  remains afresh

Thus Moharram is our identity,Black is our voice of sadness and our Azadaari(ie Juloos or Processions,Majalis,Matam ie Chest Beating) is expression of our grief for the martyrs of the battle which was of Right v/s Wrong,Peace v/s Terrorism, Justice v/s Injustice, Truthfulness v/s Untruthfulness and Islam v/s Inhumanity.


And if You Question Me Why Even After 1400 Years then here's the Answer,

What Happens,when God forbid, an unexpected death happens in the family,presume a mother loosing her husband and young child.She cries loud,hits herself,looses consciousness,sobs and wails all life in the remembrance of someone who was her world.Do you question her why she is crying or Do you ever think of telling her that she should forget it and move ahead.Rather you sympathize and agree to the fact that pain will remain forever.Isn't it?After all they were  her own,Whom she loved, her Reason of iving.
Then my question is why do you all question us,in moharram When we mourn,When we hit ourselves (Matam),Come together and cry loud.When you do not object the lady in pain for crying over her family members then what makes you ask us.She is crying for her world,so are we.Moreover we are crying for someone who completes and defines our world.

Imam Hussain (a.s) is our strength,He is our davior.The teachings of Prophet Mohammad (saw)and His Household ie Ahlubayt ,The Divine Rulers,Convey the right islam.And the Extremist you see today babbling behind blast, Misinterpreting Jihad are nothing but the descendents of yazid.And Imam Husain(a.s) gave this sacrifice to protect us and the Religion from this kind of Acceptance.Had he not fought the Battle and Died self along with his family then Islam would have been slaughtered then only.It is these Tears that has been shedding through the Generations since 1375 years which has kept the Message of karbala Alive.And this shall continue to flow Every year with the same fervor till the last Shia or rather Lover of Imam Husain(a.s) Remains on Earth.

P.S:All the incidences that i have narrated have authentic reference in the islamic Literature and other historic books.This was in very brief just to make you understand in the most simplest way.If you are interested to know more or any help with the books you can contact me.Please give your review.
                             -SSW and SSZ
Special thanks to my Friend Sabika Zaidi for her valuable suggestions and review.

'It is Better to Die on Your Feet than to Live on your Knees'-Imam Husain(a.s)

The Drop Of Ink

Is there power in writing? Can writers bring social change & change the world?

 

Photo Courtesy:Google Images

 

     When Metonymy of the Synonyms forms a Phrase, 

Together it Shines like a Diamond in a Bay,

And the Sparkling Glow turns More Fine,

When Writer Begins to Narrate His Rhyme.

The Drop of Ink Cries down the Quill,

   And Echoes the "Silence" with a Sharp Shrill,

The Slate of Injustice is Written Again,

Carving a Smile on the Face of Pain.

  The Sword of Writer is his Pen,

   And His Victory is his Magnificence 

 His Wandering thoughts and Moving Pen,

Leaps a step against bewilderment.

 His Every Word Written on the Page,

Then Join Hands to Form a Chain.

  And The Many Eyes Who Read His Work,

Strengthen the Hands of his Written Words.

The Sound Of Protest then Moves Like A Wave,

Hitting the Empty Loud Vessels of Hate,
And Many Voices then turn to be One,
Standing together in Unison.

   

So,When Eloquent Linguist Speaks to the World,

A Silent Message is Conquered,

 And The Magical Wand calls out the Spell,

Off the Change With the Pen!

  -SSW

On The Road of Credentials...?

Education is not merely Stacking of Degrees but also Dressing up of one's Mind and Soul.What is Your Definition Of an Educated Person.And what is your opinion about Educated Illiterates. #Education

We are Educated! 

It is a thought that requires deep Introspection and Analysis with a favorable and Logical Explanation.Though ,The Annals of "Education System" In India has undergone Dynamic changes for the Betterment over the years and the Leap of 20th to 21st century has brought New Dimensions to it,but the question that still knocks our Door is How Educated We are? or Rather How Are We Educated?

Who is Labelled as Literate or Highly Qualified?

One Who,

• Holds the Best of Credentials from a very Recognized Institution

• Speaks Fluent English.

• Is Elegantly Dressed.

These are the three most common criteria looked for while defining an Individual and his literacy by the Society.(if you disagree please tell me but this is my close observation)

"And Moral values,unfortunately is still on the waiting list,,,,"

                      WHY???And,

What about a Person who is not well versed with English?

How much do our children know about our culture?

Where does those "Values" once Our Ancestors Sung of Stand Today?

• English is an International Language.Yes ,it aids us to integrate as a Global citizen(nothing against the language ,you are comfortable with it,well & good),But not being efficient with it does not make one Less Intelligent!But Our "Society "looks down at such Individuals.(conditions applied)! eg You walk in for an Interview in a reputed Firm,there you Fumble with words and in a minute you are scanned for the probability of being non compliant for the Work and Company's Standards.Alas,its a hard fact which will never dwindle.To catch up with this trend schooling in English Medium has become a Mandatory Need for Success,but in this race our Mother tongue suffers most of the times.It is very shameful that youngsters today proudly say 'I don't know my Mother Tongue! or I hardly use it!Parents are equally Responsible for slaughter of this cultural education which is expected out of Indian Education System.Adopting an International Language has no Harm but ignoring the use of one's own Mother tongue  is injustice in its purest form to one's Identity.Moreover,Schools and Colleges are Actively Introducing Foreign Languages in the curriculum but familiarizing students with the diverse languages across the Indian states Lacks discussion even at Legislative Level,Ponder!

  Understanding and knowledge of one's beliefs will glow the flame of respect to the 'Values and culture' that India boasts about!But this Flame is gradually diminishing in younger Generation and the "Sanskriti" we Indians talk about is all in words.Because "Spiritual and Cultural " Education  has now become ,like a tiny plot on an one acre Land that is in threat of being encroached by our Adopted Culture in Near Future.

  In my school,i remember having Value Education Classes soon after Morning Assembly and in that our teachers spoke of many Good things which introduced us to theory of Good and Bad.But whatever i am today,my principles,my Ethical,legal and Social understanding is a reflection of people with whom i have grown up,they have practically exhibited the theory we were once taught.And so i can proudly say i am Educated because i have a conscience,a super ego to keep the Spine of My Degree Erect.

  Moreover,My Mom doesn't speak a Fluent English and holds an Ordinary Degree from an Average College.She will be Called Graduated.I call her Highly Educated.Her Understanding of the Intricacies of Values and life,shapes me as a Better Human Each day.She Corrects my wrong thought and Pushes me on the Right Path.And if i make a Mistake she immediately reverts"Padhi Likhi Jaahil na bano"

  So here comes the discussion of padha likha jaahil....Or 

  Educated Illiterates...

  The difference between Class and Crass is of more than an alphabet,but these people are too qualified to Notice.They are like the Paper Pinwheels who change the Direction with the Blown Wind,but hold no power to decide for themselves.
  No matter how many degrees they carry in their satchel but their mind is a Rotten barren land where no seed of values was ever sown.
  
  
  Few Examples 
  

  • Last week while i was going to my college early morning,on the way i came Across a Pile of used paper plates,Glasses,some Green leaves,tethered garland and many other such Wastes dumped in the corner of a small open ground which is also commuters way.This scene was Post function of Previous night.There is no slum around but a few buildings in which according to societal norms,supposedly Educated people live,who had a Gathering last night.They all hold degrees,also i am sure most of them must be Reading Newspapers but may be Clean India Mission or Swatch Bharat Abhiyan is too difficult to comprehend. 
  • A High post official misuses his power for his selfish Motives involving his subordinates too.Is he Educated? 
  • A Chemical Engineer slogs day in and out,laden in sweat preapres a Human bomb to Fritter Humanity.Is He Qualified? 
  • A director of a Company silently Molests his Secretary.What will you call him?
  • An Advocate favors the Brigand over Civil rights.How has he used his credential?
  • He is corrupt,has bad police record yet he is given the 'Ticket' for Election.?
  • And We who knowingly and unknowingly accept all of the above, need to answer ourselves,How are we Educated? 

Illiterates are like Mosquitoes,easily Noticed but Educated illiterates are like Bed Bugs always hidden and only on repeated Encounter you will get a clear picture of their masked Face.


What Education  means to Me....
Education is a guiding Light.In the arms of it,lies a persons character,his values,Attitude towards Life,Understanding of self and others.Education molds an individual as a whole and Ignites Independent thinking under the umbrella of Right values.An Individuals Education is not only responsible to shape his Life,but also upbringing of a Generation.And, Many Generations together form Society and this Society forms a Nation.

   

So,Education is not merely stacking of Degrees but also Dressing up of one's Mind and Soul.But our Focus on Education or Higher or Professional Education has moved from merely 'Earning' to 'Earning Abroad'

Rather than talking about Merely changing the Education system,if individually we change our thought,our outlook,our Definition of Education,then many things will fall in to right Place.  
Its Time,that we educate our Mind and Soul harmoniously and on International Platform glow with the Identity of Being Indians! 
                                        -ssw

In the Eyes of Beholder!

This is Repost from my blog for the Indispire 33 Edition.

 Why is the world so focused on physical assets- bank-balance, material-possessions, external beauty/body/cleavage...? What's the value of good thoughts, clear heart, inner beauty & values like honesty, discipline etc. today? What is important to you? #TreasuredAssets

 

     She sat by the side of the river course,

On to the rock layered with Mold.

She dangled her legs restlessly,

Her thoughts maundered aimlessly!

She closed her eyes to feel the breeze,

But Lingered in front her dusky cheeks!

Shuddered by it she stood on her toes,

Tumbling back on the uneven Billows!

She pleaded for way to the floor,

But it spoke to her, now no more!

She sat back crying all in vain,

Alas,No ear to listen her Disdain!

She had no clue why she was there,

Her mind rippled in silence everywhere!

Her eyes wandered to slit thy self.,

Her heart pounded to jump in the well!

She spoke to herself and to the world,

Whats the myth with a Girl ?

"My Parents want to get rid of Me,

But no one is there to Hold Me"!

They come at door asking her to be fair

If not,Then dowry will make a good pair!

Poor girl, when wails against in  misery,

They strangulate her soul calling it customary!

She cried and sobbed all hour alone,

Looking at the River,in forlorn.

As her reflection poured Insitu!

Her Red Fabric glowed the Moving Blue!

The freshness of her Henna began to wither,

With it,Drowned her tears in the River!

As she made her mind to end it,

Her soul awakened her to live!

In silence,soon,echoed a voice around,

O' dear, fight Back, do not look down!

She lifted her brows in Astonishment,

Listening to the voice in oblivion!

The Breeze was calm and steady again,

His voice,pierced the silence of disdain!

Whispered in her ears,the sound of Love,

The secret admirer smiled at her dove !

"You want to end your Life for a few,

Who Bark on your steps in Crew!

Do you know the strength you hold,

I know you are a Gem with Gold!

The bounteousness of beauty is at no par,

For it bows down  in front of your heart!

"The Creator so Beautiful has Created You,

For special someone who belongs to you!.

O' My heart,you are the most beautiful soul,

I just want you and nothing more!

Let the world know this my dear,

Beauty Lies in the "Eyes of Beholder"

She smiled midst her rolling tears,

He wiped in silence all her fear!

 The sun set down and they walked by,

Two souls ,now one,waved another day "good Bye"!

-SSW

Those Eyes...

 Disclaimer:This is a fictional story and the names of the characters and other Description is imaginary.

Mr Pankaj Shrivastav,Young Aged,Robust and a very Passionate Human being who was born and brought up in Delhi,Mastered his talent from NYIP,NewYork Institute of Photography,studying Human Lives,Situations and Expressions more Closely.Unlike others, Soon after Completion of Graduation and Internship from Sates,he decided to move Back to His Parent City and Establish his own Studio.
Today after Eight Years of Struggle and Hard work ,He is very Renowned and Proficient Photographer of the City ,specifically  known for his 'Expression Photography'.
Also,Being the Author of the Book "Through the Lens,Close to Lives" he would be frequently invited to Photography conferences and other Talent  Show Festivals.
Students from Across the country would be Humming Around him to explore his Exquisite skills and Fineness of Each Capture.And so he has,off Lately Opened up a Small Scale Photography School which he is planning to expand over the Coming Years.
Pankaj's wife Kritika is working as an Assistant Director at an Ad Agency,but is always on her toes to help her Husband in his Projects and other Promotional Events,right from giving ideas to coming up with Heart Touching Captions for his Clicks.Theirs is an Arrange marriage,and both the families have a very strong Traditional Roots and so both Husband and Wife are Sincere followers of all the Customs.But They are a  lovely couple who have successfully completed Fives years of togetherness having a Year old son.Pankaj  lives in an Apartment on the Seventh Lane of Shantikrupa Sector along with his Parents and a younger Sister who has just got Engaged.Being a Photographer he Travels Across the Country and in the Meanwhile His subordinates look after his Studio and Wife Monitors the same.
Having N Number of clicks,and Winning Equal number of Prizes for the Same,Pankaj thought He was at a state to Master the Skill of Capturing the Locked up Emotions,And so He was on a Big Project named " From the Eyes through The Smile".He is travelling to different states for the same capturing best kodak moments and knowing people more closely.After a Fifteen Days Stay at Hyderabad he had moved to Kerala,God's Own Country and had his First halt at Ernakulum.He Reached his Hotel at Dusk,soon after refreshment and a light supper,he planned for his next day and was off to the Sleep.

The Morning Dawn was fresh like always,Pankaj after his Breakfast Marched towards the City Equipped with all the Necessities,involving an Assembly of Lenses,tripod and  his High configuration camera dangling around his Neck.His Jubilant Eyes was moving with the Crowd and he Kept Clicking the different faces of Life.Captured in His Reel were The Real Life stories.
"The Eyes of a Broken Dream,Tears of a Frustrated Mind,Frown of an ineffectual Struggle,A Smile of a Lost hope,Contentment of Dying being and the Fear of Loosing.His Lens had witnessed all kinds of Emotions and so he was looking for different captures.His Stay was for a week at Ernaculum before moving to Trivandrum.Every day he would move to different parts of the city,recapturing the Similar Emotions on different faces,knowing a new set of tales and then studying the Similarity and differences of the Execution of One's Emotions.
As he was sitting in his Room one night and going through the Random Clicks of the Day,he paused by a particular photo and kept staring at it,trying to recollect the place.It was a market Area,some two kms away from the Railway station.He Began getting Restless as he had a never seen such Eyes before.Next day,he went to the same  place looking for that one Particular Man who had caught his Attention among all the Faces of the Horde.He was moving around the Place for almost half a day.His Eyes was wandering in the crowd with a sense of disappointment until it stood still at the place,where the Man was sitting in his Click.And to his Surprise he was still there.Pankaj immediately rushed through the crowd and stood right in front of Him to which that Man did not give any Consideration.Pankaj observed Him More Closely,He was an Old man,who appeared in his Sixties ,had trims of white beard and dense mustache.He also had an Indented Cheeks, Deep Black Eyes with brows arching steep towards the Nasal Bone and Shoulders shrugged down..He was sitting on a Rock Across a busy Road,Engrossed in tapping the stones to one another.Pankaj spoke for the first time "Excuse me Uncle",Sitting besides him.The Old man ,looked up straight in to His Eyes and said Yes, my Son.What do you want? Pankaj was relieved to Hear Him and was preparing for the Next Question.But There was Silence for a few Minutes.Pankaj was lost in his thoughts but soon it was interrupted by a heavy husky voice."Yes My son, you want something?'
"No,nothing,,,Uncle"Hello I am a photographer from Delhi..Said Pankaj.
Nice,So Do You want Me to pose,The Old Man laughed.
Pankaj smiled Along and explained him how he Reached here to look for him.
The Old Man as calm as before asked politely,"So May i Know What Made you Come to me,leaving the rest of the Crowd".
"Your Eyes"spurted Pankaj Next Moment.
The Old man laughed More loud this time,leaving Pankaj more Confused than before.
He asked"What you want to know then?
 Pankaj unusually hesitated before saying"I am on a project of Expression Photography and your face,There is a different spark in your Eyes,it is so calm as if it is freed from the Worldly Desires and Agony"and he kept talking until there was a silence again for a few minutes.
The Old Man gave a contented Smile and replied"Because What you See,I dont and What I See you will never be able to.My Eyes sees a World which has Everything it needs and is much beautiful than Yours"
Pankaj did not know what to reply and was staring at the Old man perplexed.Soon the Old man,got up,trailed towards the Crowd and disappeared.Pankaj ran behind him in Astonishment but was unable to find him.
He inquired about the old Man in the Adjoining shops and got a few irrelevant Information,until a person told him,he is a very Qualified man who runs A Blind School.His Eyes does not need a Vision to illuminate his Way.
Pankaj stood there still,a number of thoughts racing in his mind,soon he came back to his room and decided to abort his further journey and go back Home.On the Way back ,he kept thinking about the Man who had touched his Heart.His Words were Echoing in his Mind "My Eyes Sees a World which has Everything in it" And We who have Everything still keep Complaining.All his clicks remained on one side and this one was on the other End.
Pankaj returned back with something much bigger than what he had gone hunting for.His project "From the Eyes through the Smile" was to Take a New turn. Also,another chapter was soon added in his Book named 'Knowing Us and him' Although Pankaj still doesn't know who the Old man was and regrets for not talking to Him More.So whenever he gets an opportunity he visits the same Market Lane at Ernakulum in Hope to Come Across him for One More time.But still he hasn't...

Today Pankaj is on Another project  "Muskuraye jo Ankhein"in which his wife krutika is also participating Actively,looking for Those Eyes who Smile of Contentment and Speak the Language of Inspiration.In the Meanwhile Pankaj's Gaze is still in Search of the same Old Man....

-SSW

Its 15 Minutes for 12.00 and soon the date in the calender will leap to 25th..Though i am yawning to death and mind is yelling to sleep but my Fingers are reluctant to type this Post and surprisingly my phalanges are moving on the keyboard like a trained dancer who knows every step and is just executing the performance Smoothly.Well,the reason behind this impulsivity lies in today's Date itself.Because it is 24th September,Wednesday a Historic Date in the Indian calender Hence forth.
  
ISRO,The Indian Satellite Research organization has rejuvenated Our Pride Today with the Prodigious Laurel they have Gifted to Motherland.I Congratulate them for their umpteenth Tireless Efforts and Determination to Make this Stand Across the Globe by the MOM, ie Mars Orbiter Mission which is India's first interplanetary mission to a particular planet .The success of this Mission was followed with chantings of Happiness all Around.
The Success of Mangalayan is an Answer to all the claimed  Super Power countries to not Under Estimate  the Power Of India. 

As i First Read the News,i was Elated to the Core and Smiled with Pride of Being an Indian.

P.S I want to praise the ISRO Team more but now my fingers are no more coordinating with my Mind.Its Time to Embrace the Bed and Elope in Deep sleep.All I Am Happy is this post is dated 24th Sep'14.

Media Wave....

                                                                           

I am sure Most of us must have watched this New ad of Nescafe which was released on YouTube on 5th September,2014.This sensational advertisement caught the attention of millions of  viewers and was appreciated for conveying a more deeper and hidden meaning of Life,Talent,Achievements and above all Discrimination.Its so Easy to Refer a person "Wo Hakla na" or "Wo Butka"and many other adjectives (which i need not quote because we are very well aware of),and  the irony of situation is we turn our face before seeing the other side of River.

Before i head towards what i want to convey ,a simple question.,What was it that was playing parallel

to this video in your mind  while you watched it for the first time?Could you think of anyone?

Did you sympathize?Felt sorry?or anything Else?

Well,the first face to flash in my Mind was of my batch mate of class Eleven and i  could recollect his tireless efforts to give answer to Each and Every Question asked by Teachers.It Made me think what he would go through when others subjected him with unpleasing Adjectives or for some when he was a panel of Joke.So what did i say"It Made Me think" yes,i repeat "It made me Ponder and Question myself.This Advertisement,a benchmark of Media has the power to reach the deepest roots of one's thoughts and open up the locked emotions as well.And,over the years we have observed the impact of media on the Humans and Humanity.Be it a movie like 'Tare Zameen Par' which brings a storm of awareness about dyslexia and a sudden rise in the number of Learning disability cases being diagnosed post release or when there is an up heave of Women and Sports, post 'Chak de' or the Stars like Milka sing and Mary Kom becoming popular even amongst kiddos,(where as many other such names are still in cavern because unfortunately there is no Media support for them) and list of such Movies and ads etc shall go on.Also,The Impact of Anger that was out poured after Delhi Rape Case was also centralized because of Media.

What i want to point out is the stand that media makes on our Lives today.We all know the might of Media and this was very well Portrayed in the movie 'Lagay Raho Munna Bhai',where Radio was used as a Medium to spread Love,kindness and Humanity.And it did work.

So,What would happen if this Mighty Media becomes Biased and Paid.If it starts Propagating Fascism,illogical issues like Love Jihad,Hatred and other Communal and Disturbing Matters.The Society needs better things to be discussed and given Attention to.The Same Nescafe ad which Tuned your Mind towards something Good,would have made you Laugh if the Center Person was Made fun Of.(under the banner of joke). .

Today our sport stars knowledge is limited to Merely Cricket Legends and few from Other sport because the fame of,Medal winning athletes and other Olympiads is like a Background of a Slow moving Video.They hail on TV Screen for a few seconds and the rest of the Coverages is on the God of cricket's Birthday,the Captains Marriage and other more Prioritized Events.Similarly, There are many Places where different communities stay together,tied by the cords of love and Brotherhood,but such stories hardly make a headline.Because Commercial Media Probably needs more Sensational News..

Had the Media balanced the Coverage,conveying a more positive wave among the viewers,there would have been a lesser Hatred and Injustice.But unfortunately,Some of the Flag Bearers of Journalism seem to be too Intellectual to Understand and Give Importance to such Miniscule Thought and Notion.

P.S :This Article is not referring to any Media outlet be it a specific News channel,Newspaper or any other Social Media.Content is Generalized opinion making no Direct reference to any Specific Person.

-SSW

Before I Die....

 Lets post our Bucket List: Ten Things You Would Want To Do, no let me rephrase, TEN THINGS YOU MUST DO BEFORE YOU DIE or else you would feel like a loser on a death bed? lets share and motivate each other about life. Lets Dream about life, your life. #LifeDeathBucketList

This is one of the best topic i have come Across...I am sure like me,many others must have realized that"There is so much to do, and much more to achieve".

Although,10 is a very small number to list down all the big and small things i wish to accomplish but here's a few ones dear to me.

1)Before i die,

Visit Karbala. 

If my death angel permits me one grant,i will beg to die there.

2)Before I die,

Take Parents for Haj.

This is very close to my heart,I pray each moment for an opportunity to sponsor my parents For haj and ziyarat of 14 Masoomeem (as).

3)Before I die,

Express My Love and Seek Forgiveness

To all My near & dear ones,I wish to tell each one, how much i love them and what they mean to me.Especially to my parents,because whatever they have done and keep doing is irreplaceable.Also,i wish to say sorry to all those whom i must have hurt knowingly/unknowingly ever.

4)Before I die,

Own A Neuro-Rehab center.

Being a bachelor in Occupational therapy,now pursuing a 3yrs masters in neuro-rehabilitation,I dream each moment of my own clinic in the heart of the city of Mumbai.(in fact i have even thought of the name :P).Also,do research and come up with some better techniques of intervention.

5)Before I die,

Spend Quality Time.

Spend Best Time with my husband,children & family,also fulfill all my duties & responsibility before taking last breath.

6)Before I die,

Have my Own Library,and a shelf full of My Writings.

I hope to read books and write till my fingers have strength and mind has the diligence to keep up the tireless efforts of better writing each day.

7)Before I die,

Go on a Long Tour with Friends.

This wish is not limited to a single occasion but rather frequent get together 's even after 20-30 years.And on every meet i dream to do the same crazy stuff we do today.

8)Before I Die,

Go For Para-Gliding, Bungee jumping,Free Fall & all sorts of adventures.

I have done Para sailing which was one of the best experience but the thought of being dropped deep in the water brings tremors, but one day i want to come out of it and go deep down the water(and come out alive, fearless :P), Falling from the height chasing the wind,climbing the tallest peak and last but not the least i want to experience speed.So Formula one !(but i don't want to die in any Accident! :P)

9)Before I die,

Be Of  Help.

When i am closing my eyes, i want a smile of satisfaction that somewhere down my Life i was of help to some one and did my best to Bring a change & make a difference.It may be by working for a social cause or by being a silent listener and a shoulder of an ailing heart.

10)Before I die 

I wish to Live!

This reminds me one of my friend's words"Don't Live because you have to,Rather Live because you want to." So no matter what comes by my way,i wish to smile and fight back,enjoying the big & small pleasures of life till my death bed.

-SSW

This Post Is for Indispire30th Edition. 

The Candle says....

The Candle Says...

The Sun had set,And the Azure Sky was Dark,

But the City Glowed of the Twinkling Sparks.

The Cosmos of the White Light, all around,

Shined Like the Shimmering Stars Above.

The Clock stuck Nine,and i was Certain,

The Power House would go off,next Moment.

Soon i was called to Brighten their Houses,

To Take Away the Stench of Darkness.

In No Time,i could hear a Few,

Walking Together as One Crew.

A haughty hand soon Picked me up,

Dropping a burnt cigarette stub!

His cadence was Marching Towards the Door,

Of the Fifth House of 'Seven Houses Row'.

I feared his every step all the while,

As he walked Proudly along with knife.

He stopped there,Shouting and Making Noises,

Calling Out Shushma ,The Mother of Two Children!

His Men continued to break the Window Planes,

As he Threatened her to Kill Her Husband.

She Gathered her Courage to Come Out and Fight,

But not very Long She could Survive.!

He Pushed her Children and Slapped them Aside,

The Echoes of their Cries,in My Heart Reside.

  He Asked her for Returns and She had Nothing to Give,

He pulled her Close asking her to Pay for it...

She Begged for Help but Silence Prevailed,

 The Men were Laughing and Children Raged.

Neighbors came out to stare at the them,

And Pedestrians Halted but came No help.

"Call the Police" they all Murmured Within,

But No One had the Courage to step in !

I was burning in Anger and Helplessness,

  The Humans Heard the Cry but did not Listen.

The Matter was over and they Happily left,

With them  Dispersed the Crowd to forget!

The Rising Dawn of the Next day Read;

"Candle March Against Harassment"!

 The Day Passed by and Came Dusk,

      With Anger and Wrath the Ground was Tucked.

 The Rebellious Crowd Gathered to Protest,

 With Slogans and Chants,loud in Detest!

"The Candles,with Banner and Media Coverage"

 The Humans were standing against Sabotage!

It was a day before,when i was left to witneess,

The Silence of Shame when i cried of Helplessness!

I laughed at the ones Who Stood Frozen Yesterday,

When i saw them Marching with Crowd to Protest Today!

 Had they come forward ,when she cried in Disdain,

 No Soul would Face this  Plight Ever Again!

 But,the Truth of Humans lies in their Protest,

 And the Silence that tiptoed of the Lest...!

Last,this candle wants to say,

O' You the Altruist of the Race,

Instead of Gathering  together in Array,

Wipe the Tears of the Ailing face! 

-SSW

 This Post is Written for Indispire 28th Edition.

People conveniently ignore a girl in distress or an accident victim on the road, but would enthusiastically march with candles in hand for a cause. Why? #Doublefaceofsociety

Against the Storm....

My Empty Mind is Echoing to the News i Feared.I Sit there still,not responding,not uttering a word to self or others Resting my head on the plane of Window and staring out in Space i am oblivious to the Happening Around.Deep Down I know there is  Hope,I know it will Happen,Yet this Restless Heart is not Ready to Wait.My Mind is Like a Barren Land now,no motivation to string up,no thoughts to dwell on.
Tears are Rolling Down the cheek but my Tongue is Not willing to Complain.I am Upset.
Little Shaken and More disturbed.Roller Coaster ride of Life has witnessed more of Downs in the Past Few years.Now,When Rainbow of Glory was carving its way,the Murky dark Clouds Concealed it Again.
The Vacuum in my Mind has made me and my thoughts Catatonic.I can Hear the Silence within.The Silence that kills an Agitated soul.
Meanwhile a  Bird comes down from the Azure Sky and Perches besides the Window Plane.The silence of Agony is soon interrupted by her Tweet.She Quickly Mocks her Head around,to find nothing Futile.In No time ,she Flies High Above in search of Another (Desired )Destination.My Gaze follows her 'Sprint' and 'Will' to move ahead.But soon she is lost in the Blue Ocean.

The Vacuum fn my mind gets filled by the Wave of thoughts and my freezed body loosens up as i begin to converse with self.."Broken Dream doesn't mean that one stops Dreaming"The Rose may loose its Fragrance but it is still a Rose.Moreover Achieving a Dream while battling Hardships is a Victory within.HE who got me through will surely pull me out ,ahead as well.My Tender soul is Iron now.Let Life strike,i will come out and Shine.

My Tears Dry and Now i Smile in Space.I look back upon my Past and tell my Future "This is How i won the Last battle and i am ready to take this one.

My wings of Determination Flare out .As i begin to Fly against the storm.

-SSW

In search of Safe Door!

Police...what impression does this word bring in your mind ? Do you think police have become the biggest criminals in this society today ? Are you comfortable in approaching them ? #police

 

 

Police! ..My eyes is fixed on this word, and my mind is running in all possible directions to scrape out the string of incidences closely knitted in my 'Semantic Memory' which is resuscitated every day by the heart throbbing incidences i read and listen to,from Newspapers and other Social Media.There is flood of thoughts racing together to link them precisely and bring out a suffice matter.

Personally i have never been to Police station, so i have no first hand experience to talk about, but yes i have a varied perception.

*Early Morning"Head line of the most Discussed News says 'And Police Also Involved' I Grimace.Further on the next page the Disturbing News of Lathi Charge on the Silently Protesting Mob adds to my Pain.The Agony Instilled in My Heart turns more Deep by Reading the News about Dacoits,Murder,Rape,Harassment, Burglary,Bribes,Violence,Riots,Fake Encounters,Scams etc with no Successful Judicial investigation..There are N number of news day in and out.

So many Incidences of Molestation are exposed but we never no there might be equal number of cases still unheard.The cry of Helplessness is Growing Louder in Disdain but no Door to knock on Safely.Why??Silence leaps in the their Darkest hour and they are left to Gather their Broken Pieces.(I am not drawing generalized conclusion,but the scenario is not less common).

Cases open up but Files get Closed."Under the Table " alters the Desk Sheet.Political Reach cuts down all Powers or rather gives extra Power.The increased Girth of 'Bundle/Paiti/Rokhda' takes away Conscience.Sad But True!

But all this is One Side of the Coin.

On the other hand is 'Keechad mein Kamal' Type Scene.In between these Peddlers of Humanity dwell the Flag bearers of Justice.If today we are Resting Safely in our house it is because of them.I have a friend, her father is Assistant Commissioner.He is the first Police officer i know of so closely.Uncle is a very down to Earth and a Honest man.Talking to him mends the broken trust on Police to some extent.Every time i meet him,i tell myself Honesty is not Dead yet.People like him and Many more who spend Sleepless Night on High Alerts,Festive Occasion and other National Emergencies are the reason of our Safety.But the Shackle of Corruption doesn't remain far from them.Either it Elopes or Kills them.Do you remember Durga Shakti Nagpal case?The 28 year old IAS officer,who protested against Sand Mafia and What happened next needs no mention.Similarly,there are so many unsolved cases of the Talented & Honest officers either being Murdered or Suspended.

If it was so...

Characters like 'Singham' and 'Chulbul Pandey' from Reel Life are the need of hour in the Real Life(that too in huge numbers).The Popular TV show CID,i am sure each one must have watched some time or the other.Their one hour episode makes me Laugh hoping that if cases were solved with such charismatic speed,scene would be different.Series of Savdhaan India ,Crime Patrol Dastak (reality based) etc gives some sense of Assurance but Heart piercing News 'Rakshak Banay Bhakshak' pulls it Back.

At the end we should not forget 'Taali Ek haath se Nahi Bachti'

We the Citizens are also responsible for the Loopholes in the System.You skip a Signal blindly and Caught ahead,whats the next move?Chai paani and you are left!..The other day my friend was caught by police while crossing railway track in hurry to catch his Local.He was narrating the entire incidence casually saying he had to give 250 Rs to escape..Huh!I kept wondering 'Was that the only way out'.Why we offer a bribe.To escape from Tedious Legal procedures? or to get the work done fast or......And then we cry and Moan about Corruption.

Another Root cause "Politicians"

Except for the Honest ones, so many police officials become Royal Servants of these "Netas".They sell themselves to these Leaders and then buy their subordinates and the vicious cycle goes on. Here also we come in Picture.Had we not Elected such Uneducated & Criminal Back Ground Leaders.There would be more safe doors.

Final Call...

Just like the Doctors,Police is also responsible to save our lives moreover to keep it safe.But the Class and Respect difference of the

White Coat & Khaaki Speaks Volumes of the Corruption difference Many Eyes with Helpless Tears are Yet in Search of a Safe Door!

 

People, including rape victims,in need of Police help would approach a Police Station with a greater sense of confidence if the “thana”was of a More secure Place Now! 

What we need to Ponder upon is....

Why the thought of police help  accompanies a hiatus in Movement.?

And I am sure most of the Mediocre Indian families have a common notion amongst 'ki Police aur Waqil se bhagwan bachaye'

 -SSW

This post is Written for Indispire 27th edition.