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.