Gardening a way for healthy Living

What inspired me to write a piece on Gardening? My mother! I have seen her love for plants early on. Her passion for her kitchen garden astounds me. She is ardent plant lover who can grow plants even in buckets, a dried pit, empty sacks and waste bottles. My conversations with her pertaining to the green world led me to write about the wonderful benefits gardening has for us. 

It was published in The Hindu. Read it here. 

Ps: This piece received scores of responses from readers based abroad, besides India. My mail box was full with feedback which primarily appreciated the intent of the article.

Let me know if you found it useful. 

See you soon!

Priyanka

New post, new article

Hello friends,

I got little busy with the routine. The task of bringing up a kid is onerous. I understand the journey of my parents better today. I am not even an inch as good a parent as they are and continue to be till this very moment as I write this post.

Coming back to the addition of  write-ups:

1. A critical piece where I asked a question What's in a father's name? Is it not in the mother's published in the June issue of  Woman's Era magazine.

I received tonnes of mails from readers who spoke about their experiences with regards to the issue.
Some even said that they could find themselves in what was written. Well, that solves the very purpose of writing! The best reward for any writer :) Isn't it?

Will post you about the latest soon.

Chao

Reader writes back

Feedback from a reader is like a candy. It tastes good and the flavour stays for quite some time. This reader was from Chennai who wrote a long letter in response to this blog post. It was published in The Hindu. Here is the note from the reader--
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Dear Priyanka,

This is with reference to your article "The realm beyond words" that feature in "The Hindu" dated 16th Aug 2016
With due regards acknowledging this beautiful article and sharing few things that came to my mind with your permission.

A very nice articulated article revolving around the beautiful communication in terms of unconditional love between a Mother and a new born Son. Then bringing out finally what is that which keeps us away from communicating from our heart in the last line of the article - "By freeing ourselves of fears, inhibition, assumptions, prejudice, needs, desires and our past history". Very beautifully brought out and wish to add few thoughts that came to mind as to how do we go about freeing ourselves from the above distortions that you brought out and how we can communicate effectively with every one all around us in a harmonious manner.

Thanks a lot for this beautiful article "The realm beyond words". The realm beyond words is only possible in an adult by destressing one self through these practises and reading the supreme self knowledge about life. Then each and every one can come from the perspective of contributing and reach the state of "Unconditional Love" to the whole world. This "Bliss" that a child enjoys and communicates so beautifully to a mother can be a living experience with every one of us in our core of our heart - This is the ultimate happiness that any human being could get on our planet
Wishing you the very best in all your endeavors in your life. Greatful for this opportunity to communicate on "The realm beyond words".

God Bless
Regards,
Kumaresan

Blog Marathon comes to an end (post 15)

Hello peeps,

So, I started this 15 days, 15 posts blog-marathon. Today is the last day of this marathon. There are couple of things which I have to say:

Firstly, I loved doing this exercise of writing a post everyday. It gave me an opportunity to look at life more objectively. Hence, I always looked for something unusual, interesting or inspirational information in otherwise mundane experience of day-to-day life. Blogging indeed changes one's perspective. 

Secondly, I did what I love the most WRITING. I made time for it. That in itself is an achievement for me. 

I promise to do a month long marathon next time.  

With a promise to to be more regular, will see you people soon. 

Nesting, Incubation (post 14)

There is a blog post I wrote on lessons one can learn from birds. It has been picked by the prestigious Journal for English Writers, Indian Ruminations.

What is striking about this piece is the timeline. I wrote it when I had just delivered my son. And the bird which had built this nest at my parent's house was to be a mother too. My parents and I had a wonderful time observing the whole process. Read it here to know more about the experience. Just two days back, the bird was spotted again building the nest all over again.

Today, it's been a almost a year when the episode was first recorded. Within this time frame, the bird returned and is ready to deliver again. Could it be the same bird?

I wonder how she would have decided to choose the same spot for nesting. May be, based on her first labour experience.  Eggs are laid and the embryo's are being incubated now. I am lucky to watch this wonderful process in a year's time.

Goodnight peeps!

What is the significance of Navratri fast? (post 13)

Navratri fasts began yesterday. 

We worship Goddess Durga in Hinduism and keep away from all physical and sensual pleasures for NINE days. For religious followers, there are restrictions even in food. For instance, they avoid garlic, flesh, alcohol, egg etc. It's the period where even thoughts should be pure. A married couple also abstains from carnal diversion. At the end of Navratri, on Ashtami, small girls are worshipped, as our culture bespeaks of this tradition. 

In the wake of series of gang rape across India, how true is the celebration of purity? This religious rendering to women is sheer hypocrisy. Are women being respected even in their households, let alone being worshipped? Why abstain from sex only for this period and pounce on them on other days? Aren't women pure then? 

Festivals are gentle reminder of human values which bind our society as a larger unit. Navratri is no different. These nine nights reminds us that women should be given a fair treatment all days. 

Navratri tells me that hypocrisy always has a last laugh. And modesty of women dies a slow death. 

Happy ALLRATRI to all of you !

Dance like no one is watching (post 12)

Hi all,

My post for today is how you can beat stress with music. 

I devote half an hour daily where I play music and dance like no one is watching. Normally, it's my months old son with whom I groove to musical beats. And we connect, like we never connected. He and I get transported into a very happy space. It's magical effects are following-

1. Cardio Exercise-Your hearts starts pumping and your body gets its physical workout for the day. Sleep also improves. 
2. Disconnect from routine-Dancing is also a therapy. Put on the music at the highest volume and just dance. Notice the change in your emotions. 
3.  Helps in bonding- If you are dancing alone, then it the bonding with self which improves. You know yourself better, and are more at peace. And you if you have a partner, then you bond with the person you are dancing with. 
4. Mental Rejuvenation-It's like a short trip or a vacation both for body and mind. You come back fresh and all happy.                  
5. Improves Concentration-One is more focussed after tryst with music and can be more productive.

I often take musical breaks in between writing to lend more depth to my work. It is all interconnected you see. 

Leaving you with a video of  ED Sheeren's Shape of You which is trending today :)

Reader's feedback (post 11)

I wrote a piece for The Times of India last week about which I also mentioned in my blogpost. Among many comments from readers which I got, this one was particularly sweet. So, I decided to make this my next post in the ongoing blog marathon. A reader's comment for any writer is the most prized possession. It gives a high which no reward can ever give. Here it is:

Harjas2 days ago

in awe of ur writing skills and vocab !! the topic ws really marvellous what caught my attention though ws the view which u see the world and the plethora of feelings that u poured in here with utmost purity and affection..soo inspiring!! thank u so much

Thank you Harjas. Readers like you who make my day. If you have anything good to say, leave in a comment below :) I am listening.

Ten things which every writer must follow (post 10)

Today, I have decided to do a picture post on writing. Enjoy folks!

Five things only a sister with elder brothers feel (Post 9)

Having been brought up with two wonderful brothers, I feel there are a few things which only a sister with elder brothers can understand.

First of all, it's a rollercoaster ride as you are an equal in that relationship. There isn't any fight over nailpolish, sandals, make-up or clothes. You don't have to share anything which you own. You get to be as much a boy as your brothers are!

Of course, that depends upon the parents how well they bridge gender gap at home. My parents despite from a different generation were liberal, modern in real sense to remove this gap completely.

Here, I enlist five things which only sister with two elder brothers feel:

      1     You are the Miss World to your brothers. They will feel that every man is after you. It's their innate urge to    protect you, safeguard your interest in all circumstances.
      2.       You have someone to give all the gyaan of feminism. To which you receive an equal powerful lecture on    practical aspects of Indian society.
      3.       You can play all games. Your brother makes you rough and tough.
     4.        Brings in comfort with the opposite sex. You always look up to your brother to understand the psychology  of men. Whether you date them or not, your brothers serve as a hand book to decode men.
     5.       Endless support at any turn of life. Brothers are protective in nature. Fights are not over bangles, nail polish  but over security reasons. 

Published piece in The Times of India (post 8)

Today's post is a piece I wrote for the Times of India, lifestyle section. You can read it here.

See you tomorrow guys.

Can't bank upon this experience (post 7)

I had to renew my debit card at Bank of India branch located in remote area, just ahead of the college where I worked before. The sight of a sleeping black dog right at the bank's gate welcomed me. I walked a few steps inside and found the main entrance chained heavily. I presume partially for security reasons. Nevertheless, what I witnessed inside was more repulsive. 

There was one bank official in his late 60s who was attending hoards of customers, mostly illiterate farmers. A manager seated in cabin who was on phone for close to two hours and a helper were there too. A serpentine queue at the cash counter adjacent to him was a clerk at the printer. Now, with this team and the number of customers the branch had, it was understandable that rush was a bit too much to handle. 

The bank official was rebuking people for having missed details in application forms. He shouted at them and made remarks like 'I will close your account', ' go get this filled', 'I will throw you out". I could not believe for a second. Then, a lady with a sleeping baby in her arms approached the official. I was standing just behind her looking into my papers. Suddenly, I heard that man shouting at the lady "I'll punch you". "How dare you say 'go to hell...I'll close your account". He blurted series of sentences at one go; the pitch was blaring and annoying. The lady apologised for her words or else her work would not have completed.  

Nobody uttered a word. No one including the bank manager for the uncouth behaviour of the official. Even if the customer said something out of frustation as no clear information was given, was it justified for the bank official to speak to a woman and that too with an infant? He need to be educated in real sense. 

He changed his tone when he saw that I am an educated client. Screaming was all for the villagers. Such behaviour was very disturbing. 

People come to the bank for their own money. Fair treatment, clear information is all they need. Not uncivilized behaviour on account of more work. Bank need to allocate more staff for the service of people. 

One Word (post 6)

Warm up for writing

I have written a post on warm up to writing. You can read it here One word.

Here is what I wrote for today's word-cheated

One can feel cheated many times. However, when one’s consciousness cheats oneself that’s when the red alert should go off. It’s a mark which shouldn’t be neglected.

Catch you all tomorrow :) Keep writing

List of life lessons (Post 5)

There are a few lessons which I have learnt in 29 years of my life. I am going to enlist them below:

1. Humility is a must have virtue-Treat everyone with respect. Even if the person in front is a shoemaker. He has a lot to teach you.
2. Limit your own wants. Make space for others in your busy life. Give than take.
3. Value money. Each penny saved is each penny made.
4. Help the needy.
5. Earn blessings. It is blessings which keeps one going when the going gets tough. 

Visit to Uttar Pradesh (Post 4)

19.3.17,  Sundiay

Today my mother returned from her native village in Uttar Pradesh. During my upbringing, I never really visited my village. Even when I did, I wasn’t very keen on village life. However, today having seen city people and the experiences I have had, I find the life on the other side more intriguing.

My mother and I got into a hearfelt session which went on for six long hours. A discussion which was a rewind into the past. Time like ice just melted away and memories like water flooded in. A space where present stared at past.

We discussed how much her village got changed, condition of education, infrastructure, roads, civic facilities, neighbourhood, food, farming, besides my maternal Aunt and Uncle. My mother was all praise for her niece and nephews who have done well for themselves despite limited resources.

What particularly stood out in her experiences was the simplicity of village people and generous heart. Unlike city people, they are warm, helpful, trustworthy and honest fellows. Life is much simpler there. What they sow, is cooked and eaten together. The joy is unbeatable. Nothing compared to a restaurant meal, or a meal eaten in front of TV. We complicate life and then cry about it.

   

My Uncle is a farmer. All his life he has lead a simple life. His life stories were served along with the supper which made the meal more delicious. She also loved going to the fields and harvesting mustard seeds. The freshness of the farms just filled in the void a city life dents in. The same neighbourhood where she grew up along with my grandparents was an emotional experience every time she pays a visit there. She says “there is magic in the soil. Something inside comes alive. It’s my turf.” 

Often, we got question in English exam  where we would be asked to contrast city life from the village. Back then, I didn’t understand the depth of the real difference which I do now.  It lies in big heart. People in city are more smart which causes problems within which they get embroiled. Village people are simple and sweet. They enjoy in the moment and live for today. Isn’t life just about the passing moment? Then, why fret so much and waste so much energy over things which are beyond our control.

Do read my next post. Bye for now.  

The first step (Post 3)

Today my baby took the first step. Just like any other milestone, it was a great feeling  when he lifted his tiny feet up to walk some distance. There have been months of anticipation behind his first move. Everyone had been talking about the first step. Indeed, I understood why is the first step is always the hardest to take. Rest is easy. 

If you are thinking of something, go ahead take the first step. Hardest it may be at first, but the journey ahead becomes easy. 

check out my next post. 

Clamour for undivided attention (Post 2)

My son is about to turn 11-months-old. Till now I have been his world. He turns to me for comfort, looks at my face for approval, turns back to notice my expressions. In short, I command a significant role in his brand new Universe.

Sometimes, it gets exhausting. I feel like telling him to go and explore life beyond me. But then he is a baby. And where have these 11 months gone. I truly have no idea. They seem to have passed in a jiffy. Soon, he’ll a grown up boy who would need his own space. And I will be the one who would pine for these very moments where he can simply look at me.

Thank you my son. You mean the world to me.

Mumma

Blog Marathon (Post 1)

Hi all,

The Blog Marathon is on! I will be writing in total 15 posts, one per day.

Here goes the first one!

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One word.

All it takes to weave in rich tapestry of magical world is words. There is a website called One word. They display a word on which you are to write in flat 60 seconds. After you submit your entry, you can also read what others wrote.

My word for today was Contracts. Here is what I wrote:

Life is not a contract. It's not rigid as a piece of document listing rules and regulations. It is more flexible with all twists and turns thrown in at every turn.

Have fun with words. Keep writing folks :)

See you tomorrow with another post.  

Few lessons life teaches you

Today is Holi. It is not the way it used to be. When your own relations betray you, then no festival seem like a festival anymore. I have learnt one lesson: People cling to you when you are rising and shining. So always shine, No Matter What! And always remember who stood by you in times of need. Be there for that person as well. Rest all is a big lie which life plays on you. Keep moving ahead towards betterment.

Also people can just pass judgements and make fun of the person in problem. Even nearest relations pass jibes instead of being a support in crisis. It takes a big heart to understand the core problem and a patient ear. Sometimes being silent and support is all one needs. Nevertheless, it is you who have to stand for yourself every single time.

Few lessons which I feel like writing are:
1. Always rely on yourself. Trust yourself.
2. Stop expecting from people that they will understand you. The truth is nobody does. They just use that as an opportunity to pass wisdom.
3. Keep working hard. God will reward you.
4. Stop comaprison. It never does anything good.
5. Your mother is the only person who will never leave you. Come what may. It is true in 90 per cent of the cases. LoVE her, respect her, listen to her every single day.
6. When your opinion becomes a burden for others. Be silent. A dignified silence goes a long way in restoring your lost persona.
7. Keep working hard. Each second is your own. You can still do wonders and create a life nobody ever thought you could lead.

Mommy moments

When I was carrying,  I had spent a lot of time with my mother. She made me appreciate things which otherwise I might have overlooked. One such nature's miracle was the nesting process. I observed from day one how a bird builds his nest to the rearing up process. You can read the short story here. Have you ever observed any such incident? 

Drop in comments :)

My poem gets rewarded!

I wrote a poem in memory of the four-month-old girl who was stabbed to death by her own mother in Jaipur. Questioning the regressive thinking, the poem dwells on female infanticide as the main theme. This poem got listed in the Exceptional Poem category by Writer's Ezine Magazine for December'16 issue. Happy to know that!

You can read the poem here:

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Blood tears of a broken soul

     By Priyanka Chauhan

Barbaric, psychotic, demented,

Why did you kill me?

I was your tiny angel, O Mother,

Nurtured for four months,

Strangulated, the next moment!

Wrapped covertly in towel- soaked blood,

That blood was yours!

How could you lift your hands to smother me?

Stabbed me 17 times!

17 times! you struck me; painting me black and blue and RED.

 Your hands did not shiver with this brutality,

What was my fault? Born a girl, just like you are, your mother- my grandmother was,

What did I ever do wrong?

Had god asked if I wished to be girl?

Thinking of this massacre, my answer would be ‘No’.

Cold blooded murder!

blind, consumed with your desire for son,

I would have given you what a son can’t: love, respect, care, friendship for life.

You scarred my sister,

Your blood stained hands,

gave me life, only to take away my ‘right to live’

In a country, where women are worshipped

You did this to me!

humanity is ashamed today!

Beyond forgiveness is your act.

When a daughter kills a daughter,

What to expect from a man?

What thoughts you had, when you sharpened your axe? Tell me…

: butcher her mercilessly, conceal her body from the world, bury her...

O brute, my tiny hands, toes didn’t cringe your soul?

When you ravaged me with sharp knife,

What a disgrace to human race!

Animals are still better,

For they kill for hunger,

You stabbed me for mere gender!