Fruitful year

It is difficult to say goodbye. But we do not have control over time. Thus the moment has come to bid goodbye to the beautiful year 2013 and give a warm welcome to the year 2014.

As I look back, I feel satisfied. It was a fulfilling year for me. This year brought me good learning opportunities as well as fun-filled activities.

The year began with the wonderful trip to Fujairah and coastal areas of Sharjah. I learnt about the Emirati traditions and the efforts made by the government to preserve the heritage. This trip was a mixture of thrill, excitement and learning experience.

Another breathtaking moment came when I toured Sharjah on a seaplane. It was awesome. I had a bird’s eye view of Sharjah’s landmarks as the seaplane flew at a relatively low height. I also got a chance to have a closer look at Sharjah’s landmarks from a different angle when I joined thousands of people in the National Day Maritime Parade.

The year will always remain special to me because I got the opportunity to meet three internationally acclaimed personalities. Each of them is an icon in his chosen field.

Meeting the famous Indian author Chetan Bhagat was a thrilling experience. Since I love to read and write, he inspired me a lot. He was kind enough to not only share a few tips on writing but also gave his autograph and posed with me for a photo, which is an asset for me.

An evening with the King of Ghazals Ghulam Ali was like a dream come true. Classical Urdu poetry in his mellifluous voice has been favourite of my father and grandfather, who is a well-known poet in India. What inspired me most was his undiminished energy and vigour. Despite being in his seventies, he kept on singing for hours.

Another lifetime opportunity came to me when I met the former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam, popularly known as the Missile Man of India. I was floored by his humbleness. I was among the few fortunate people who attended the seminar where he shared a few writing tips, which I hope will improve my skills.

I know I can’t go back to those times again. But hope the coming year will be full of better opportunities.

Happy New Year!

(Published in The Gulf Today on December 28, 2013)     

Fun with words

Tongue twister is an important medium of fun. But there are other important advantages of the funny tongue twisters. It helps in clear speech and proper pronunciation.

This is what I recently learnt in my school. One day during recess, we decided to hold a competition of tongue twisters.

One of the classmates said, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!”

“Judges make writers write writs right,” said another.

“She saw Sherif’s shoes on the sofa. But was she so sure she saw Sherif’s shoes on the sofa?” came next.

Then came the difficult ones. “I saw Susie sitting in a shoe shine shop. Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits,” said one of my classmates.

Another pronounced even more difficult one, “How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?”

Thus everyone began to say one tongue twister after another, which seemed to be more difficult than the previous one. It was fun and everyone was enjoying.

We were so engrossed that we couldn’t realise when the bell rang and the teacher entered the classroom. We all were dumb-struck and wondered what will happen next.

But to our surprise, she said, “You all can continue with your tongue twisters.”

Then, she explained. “Do you know why I allowed you? It is because tongue twisters help us in clear speech and proper pronunciation. Tongue twisters not only teach proper pronunciation but also add fun, interest and humour.”

So let’s follow Mr. Tongue Twister who tried to train his tongue to twist and turn, and twit an twat, to learn the letter “T”.
(Published in The Gulf Today on December 21, 2013)    

Be natural

Is it true that in the coming generations everything will be so advanced that a robot can go to the past or future, perform special tasks, solve problems just with the help of gadgets and act like Superman?

I was thinking about it after recently watching the cartoon series “Doraemon”. I was very surprised when it showed that Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future, helps a boy with all his problems and grants his request just with the gadgets present in his four-dimensional pocket.

After watching a few episodes of the cartoon series, I started pondering the possibilities in real life. Is it possible to do anything in real life just like the boy in the series was doing with the help of Doraemon?

He could change the weather whenever he wanted to with Doraemon’s help. If he and Doraemon wanted to go somewhere quickly, they could just get the “Go Anywhere Door.”

 As soon as they would open the door and step out, they would reach the destination. They could even fly and walk in air using the gadgets. They could do everything.

Recently in the school, my friends and I were discussing this cartoon. One of my friends shared, “If only I had Doraemon, I would ask him for a pencil which would start writing the correct answers as soon as I put it on the answer sheet. I don’t need to learn anything for exam.”

Another friend said, “If I had Doraemon I would ask for his gadget to make me invisible whenever I wanted. And then I could do whatever I wished.”

If we get such robots, it would be fun for everyone. But at the same time, I thought that if everyone had this, the world would be upside down. If one would do something, the other person might do the opposite.

Thus I have realised that we should be natural and use our capabilities to make the world a better place.

(Published in The Gulf Today on December 14, 2013)     

For love of the UAE

On Dec.2, 2013, the United Arab Emirates celebrated its 42nd National Day. Like every year, on this National Day too, I was excited to join the celebrations.

Every country has a different way of marking important occasions in their history. People in the UAE are most creative. I noticed that to celebrate the UAE’s National Day, they had organised many family activities and festive performances, including shows, children’s attractions, parades and much more.

But the most surprising was to see a rare way of celebration. It was new to me thus I was all excited to join them. We were going for a Maritime Parade.

Hundreds of people who wanted to participate in the parade gathered at Sharjah Aquarium along with their families and friends. We sat on one of the traditional boats that were lined up along the coast. The boats were almost full. As soon as everyone settled down, the trip started.

We toured almost the whole of Sharjah. We went from the famous Sharjah Aquarium to Al Qasba then to the Corniche and all the way till the Flag Island before returning to the point we started the parade. Although it was a long journey, I enjoyed it a lot.

Every one of us had a great time although a lot of people had come to celebrate this occasion. Whether Emiratis or expats, children or adults everyone was having a great time. A music band of boy scouts and a group of local folk singers travelling in separate boats kept on performing throughout. There were other groups who kept singing traditional songs while a few girls were dancing on the boats.

But I felt the true spirit of the Union when our boat came closer to the people who were singing the UAE’s national anthem.

It was a wonderful day. I wished this kind of celebration occur every year so we get a chance to share our love for the UAE with everyone.

(Published in The Gulf Today on December 7, 2013)    

Precious thoughts

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s latest book,  Flashes of Thought, is quite inspiring. It also teaches moral values and gives us information about future plans of the UAE government.

I was going through a chapter, “Time management” when I came through the line “Time is like a flowing river: you can never step in the same water twice.”

As soon as I finished the chapter, many incidents sprung to my mind that supported his views.

Once I visited a friend to discuss a project. But I was surprised when she asked me to join her in playing a video game. To my astonishment, she said, “What is the hurry?”

I returned home then, but remained tense as the next day was the submission day. I decided never to waste time again.

Again just before our half yearly exams, when our teacher was absent, many girls in my class made good use of the time by practising questions, others were just playing or chattering.

Recently on our way back home, a tyre of the school bus got punctured. Everyone started screaming except a few girls. I noticed, some of the girls took out their books and began completing their homework. They knew how to use their time well.

I admire visionary leader Sheikh Mohammed who also wrote in his book  Flashes of Thought,   “”Some see the year equivalent to 365 days. Well, I say that a year is equal to the days that you have invested in yourself. Manage your time, know your priorities, enjoy life and leave your mark, and most importantly never allow anyone to steal your time – for by doing that they would steal your life.”

(Published in The Gulf Today on November 30, 2013)   

Culture shock

Every city or country has its own culture. When we live in a place for a longer period we get habituated to its culture. Sometimes, we even take it for granted and get shocked if it does not happen as per our expectations.

It recently happened with my aunt, who lives in a different Arab country, when she went for a music concert.

Wearing an Abaya is not only popular in the Arab world but also a part of the local culture in every country in this region. But she got a shock when the security staff stopped her at the gate and said that women wearing Abayas are not allowed.

She was stunned at this new rule. She had been going to concerts and theatres earlier too but had never heard about such a rule.

“Why only this concert?” she wondered.

After failing to find out a valid reason, she tried to convince the security staff, but it was of no use as they stuck to the rule. She was urged to remove the Abaya, if she was eager to enjoy the performance.

She preferred to return home. While on her way back, she saw a few other ladies returning disappointed.

During a recent visit when I learnt about her experience, I asked for the ticket. A close look revealed that the dress code was emphasised in the terms and conditions printed on the other side of the ticket.

It was a lesson for everyone — never take anything for granted and check the rules and regulations of an event before proceeding.

(Published in The Gulf Today on November 23, 2013)  

Youth icon

Since childhood, I had always been listening from my grandparents, parents and other relatives about Sachin Tendulkar. Everyone used to cheer when he would come on to the field. They used to say, “Sachin made a century. Hurray! Well done Sachin.”

At that time I thought that no one else played cricket other than Sachin, because no one spoke about any other cricketer except him. I grew up listening to his name. One of my cousins was a big fan of him and used to imitate Sachin’s shots. He also had won many trophies and medals during his school days.

I am also a big fan of him. And today I am very saddened to know that India’s pride is playing his last innings.

Though there had been many great Indian batsmen before Tendulkar, like Merchant or Gavaskar, and their game was based on techniques, Tendulkar displayed power and control. He was a magnificent attacking batsman, who throttled the bowlers.

He is one of the best cricketers in the history of the game who scored more runs and more centuries than any other cricketer.

Many other cricketers like Shane Warne or Kapil Dev were as great as him, but I feel that no other player earned name and fame like Sachin.

Though he was a little man he stood up against the best fast bowlers of his time.

Tendulkar also appealed to the ordinary Indians because of his humility. I consider him as India’s best youth icon.

I can’t forget the quote of Allan Donald, “For cricket, Sachin is Maradona and Pele put together. Cricket will be a poorer sport when he quits the game. He is the first name that comes to mind the moment you ask who is the greatest.”

(Published in The Gulf Today on November 16, 2013) 

A day of oaths

It was a Day of Oaths, indeed. I had never imagined that there would be a day when thousands of students would take one oath after another to make the world a better place. But I won’t mind how many oaths I take if it is administered by a person like the former president of India, APJ Abdul Kalam.

While attending lectures at the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Missile Man of India made us take a vow to start a home library, give importance to mothers and have beauty in our character.

Explaining why it is important to have a home library, he told parents to help their children in maintaining a library. One can start with 10 good books and then keep adding to it because books are real treasures.

Administrating another pledge, he said that if my mother is happy, my home is happy. And if my home is happy, the society will be happy. If societies are happy, State will be happy. And if state is happy, the nation will be happy. And thus it is necessary to keep our mother happy.

And the last oath he made us take was about having righteousness in the heart. I learnt that if there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in character. When there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in the home. And if there is harmony in the home then there will be order in the nation. And when there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world. So it all starts with righteousness in our hearts.

Although his speech was over, he left an impact on us. It was a wonderful learning experience, indeed.

Published in The Gulf Today on November 9, 2013)

Net loss

Many new technologies have been invented in recent times to make our lives easier. They are getting advanced day by day. Gadgets like iPads, iPhones, iPods, Tablet PCs and smartphones can be seen in many people’s hands, irrespective of their age. These technologies have become very popular all over the world indeed. It is nice to use and it also gives a smart look.

It is useful in many ways like we can connect to the Internet anytime, anywhere and communicate with many people at a time.

Of late, I have realised that it affects relationships too.

Many times it happens that people get so engrossed in the technology that they do not realise what is going on in their surroundings.

These technologies play the same role that TV used to play. Earlier, when people used to visit their relatives or friends, it was like television shows were dictating terms. Just hi, hello and everyone used to start watching the show. Only during the two-minute break, they would talk something.

Now these gadgets are performing the same task. People talk to each other only while waiting for replies to their messages whether using BBM, or WhatsApp, Tango or Skype. Their conversation breaks as soon as they hear the beeps on their phones.

Worst is when such people join a gathering. They get so engrossed that they do not even realise what is being discussed, but they would jump into the middle of the conversation and make a statement without listening carefully to the discussion. Result? They get embarrassed.

Sometimes, even on the dining table, people get so much occupied with their gadgets that they don’t enjoy the tasty food. Imagine the scenario when the hostess asks the guest’s response to the food who couldn’t even recall what he ate a while ago.

Once I saw a small boy waiting impatiently for his father. I was pleased that he loved his father so much. But I got surprised when the boy took the mobile phone of his father as soon as he arrived and sat in a corner.

I realised that his love for the gadget was stronger than his love for his father.

Published in The Gulf Today on November 2, 2013)

Remembering the legend

I was very young then, thus I could not realise that I was meeting the great singing legend Manna Dey. But ever since I saw my photo with him, I had a dream to meet him again. I always believed that this dream was going to be true as he used to frequently perform in Dubai.

I often listened to his beautiful songs on radio and Internet. I was very surprised when I learnt that, besides Hindi, he had sung songs in many other languages like Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada and Assamese.

He had sung songs of different genre like qawwali, romantic, comedy, sad and patriotic. His hit Qawwali Ae meri zohra jabeen from the film Waqt is still remembered. His romantic numbers like Pyaar hua ikraar hua, Laga chunari mein daag, Yeh raat bheegi bheegi are evergreen songs.

His thought-provoking and patriotic songs like Ae mere pyare watan, Zindagi kaisi hai paheli are simply wonderful. And his comedy songs like Ae bhai zara dekh ke chalo, Ek chatur naar karke singar, make people laugh even today.

But I was shocked when I got the news that “the king of melody Manna Dey” was no more. I could not believe. It was difficult to realise that my dream to meet him again was shattered.

Although he is no more among us, he will remain immortal in my heart.

Published in The Gulf Today on October 26, 2013)

Thrill of a lifetime

For me, it was hard to believe when I was first told that an aircraft can take off and land as well on water. How can a plane take off or land on water, I asked myself.

However, I was thrilled to know that it was possible. This unique aircraft is called seaplane, and it has been recently introduced in Sharjah for sightseeing.

I started flying on cloud nine the moment I got the offer to have a ride in it.

I was told to go to the picturesque Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah to board the plane. When I reached the station, there were eight more passengers waiting eagerly to experience their maiden adventure on this plane.

My heart started bouncing when I saw the plane landing on the still waters of the Khalid Lagoon. I entered the plane and grabbed my seat that had a wide window to have a clear view of the city.

The view from the top was very beautiful and interesting. All the landmark buildings appeared quite different. The skyscrapers looked as if they were pencils. It was all so interesting that for me those few minutes had turned into the best hours of my life.

I am sure this new aerial sightseeing excursion across Sharjah will only offer tourists a whole new view of the emirate.

(Published in The Gulf Today on October 19, 2013)   

Meeting the maestro

One of the advantages of being residents of the UAE is that we get the chance to meet many famous personalities who come here to perform different shows. Whenever I get the opportunity to meet any of them, I feel as if I am floating in my dreams. Recently, I got the chance to meet the ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali when he came to perform live in Dubai.

The way he sang the ghazals was very inspiring. I felt that the time stood still all the while he was on the stage. His Aalaaps were simply wonderful. The rhythm flew fluently into my ears. He was truly the best. I realised that he is rightly called the King of Ghazals.

When I heard him singing I felt that those ghazals were expressing the poets’ feelings. Sometimes they also gave a few important messages. I realised that if you listen to ghazals with full attention, you will feel as if they are representing your feelings.

But the thing that surprised me the most about Ghulam Ali was not his singing style but that he is over 70 years old yet he was as fresh as any new singer.

I had heard my grandparents talking about him and praising him. I have also heard my parents singing his famous and beautiful ghazals. I too had sometimes listened to his ghazals on CDs or online but never felt so great about him. When I saw and heard him live, I had to change my mind about him.

I hope that he would amaze all the people of my generation like he had amazed me. I hope that everyone listens to him with as much interest as they listen to Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar or Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal.

(Published in The Gulf Today on October 12, 2013)    

Nature’s beauty

Nature is a magnificent phenomenon. It is a wonderful feeling when you are close to nature and observe its beauty. I realised this during my recent visit to India.

My ancestral house is surrounded by plants with  beautiful flowers and trees of different kinds and colours. There are plants of red roses, yellow roses, pink roses, jasmine, lily, papaya plant and guava trees, besides many others.

During my stay, I did nothing but adore those plants. Sometimes, I talked to them and praised them imagining that they too understood me. I felt that they were answering all the questions I was asking them.

Sometimes it would rain and I would rush out to enjoy nature’s shower. The shower refreshed me. I was always filled with joy when it rained. And when I saw the flowers, their petals were looking prettier than ever with the raindrops, having a smile on them. I felt that even they enjoy the rain.

I liked the birds chirping and the peaceful and refreshing breeze.

Whenever I went near the plants, I felt as if they were trying to tell me something. Those plants inspired me every time I went close to them. I felt like they were telling me to be good to everyone and face every hardship that comes in your way to become as important as nature’s bounties for the mankind.

I suddenly remembered the famous quote, “The earth has music for those who listen.”

(Published in The Gulf Today on October 5, 2013)   

Run for success

Although films are essentially a form of entertainment, certain movies also play an important role in inspiring and motivating us. Inspiration is a process that helps us gain interest in a famous personality who inspires us to be like him, while motivation encourages us to go for our aim.

I recently learnt the lesson when I saw the popular Hindi movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag with my classmates. The movie was not only inspiring but it also left a mark on us.

Milkha Singh, India’s marathon runner popularly called Flying Sikh, had a very terrible past. His family was killed under his own eyes, but he tried to forget everything and live a new life as a hero. He took his past in his stride and emerged as a winner.

Many of us felt like crying at his story.

But I also realised that we should forget the difficulties faced in the past and go forward to climb the steps to the sky and grab success. Sometimes we may not succeed in our aim but we should not lose hope. We must keep motivating ourselves as motivation will never let us lose hope.

While watching the movie, I also learnt that pain is temporary and it will be over in a few moments or days. But if you withdraw yourself from a difficult situation, you may not get the chance again. It is aptly quoted, “Sometimes you wake up. Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.”

I have decided to become a great inspiration for the future generation just like Milkha Singh.

(Published in The Gulf Today on September 28, 2013)  

Warmth of relationship

For the past three years, we have been visiting India during the winter season. So when my parents planned this year’s visit during the summer season, I was not comfortable. I was afraid of the scorching heat over there, away from the comfort we enjoy in the UAE.

The most hectic season of this tropical country, summer scorches almost all the parts of India with boiling heat. Hot winds and blazing sun are the two most inseparable parts of Indian summer.

I was so reluctant to go that my parents had to cajole me with one promise or the other.

I had no choice. I obeyed and accompanied them on the journey. Even after landing at the New Delhi airport, I was not happy. I was just thinking of the heat wave outside the airport. But there was a miraculous surprise awaiting  me. As soon as I got out of the airport, I saw my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins standing there with a warm heart waiting for me. I could not believe my eyes at first. I thought it was all a dream.

I realised the love and care everyone had for me. As the days passed, everyone’s love grew stronger and thus I did not feel a bit that it was summer.

I realised that the warmth of relationship had overpowered the heat wave of India. I have learnt that weather should not affect our relations. Our relationship should be fresh and loving, not cold, irrespective of hot and cold weather.

(Published in The Gulf Today on July 13, 2013) 

Resting on laurels

I was recently taking a stroll in a beautiful park with my cousin sister who is now in grade 11. We were just looking at the pretty flowers when we met my cousin’s old friend.

My cousin asked, “How is life going on?”

She had hardly finished when the girl spoke up, “Fine. Do you know that I have earned many awards?”

And she told us about the prizes she had won. “I won this..., I won that...,” were the only words we heard from her. It seemed that the list was never-ending. We congratulated her. But she just kept boasting.

In the end I asked her, “When did you win the last prize?” We were surprised on her reply, “Five years ago.”

I thought of asking her, “What she has been doing for the past five years? Is she just resting on her laurels?”

But I realised that she was not the only one. There were many like her. A boy living next door was one of them. In grade 10, he had passed the exams with flying colours.

Everyone praised him and blessed him. Last year, he was in grade 12 and his final exams were approaching. But, most of the time I saw him playing in the streets.

Once I asked him, “How is your preparation going?” He replied, “Don’t you know, I have passed grade 10 so nicely.”

With these words, he began telling me his marks and the praises and blessings he had earned from everyone. When the result was declared, I heard that he couldn’t pass in a few subjects.

A girl, who has recently joined our school, is next in the line. She always begins the talk, “I used to be great in studies. Everyone used to praise me. My handwriting was neat. I got good marks. I was always active in the class.”

But I always get surprised when I hear this. After all, she is not so good in studies and gets no good marks.

I have realised that it is good if you achieve something very honourable. You should not just rest on it, but try to improve on it.

(Published in The Gulf Today on June 29, 2013)

Good old diary

With the advancement of technology, the good old diary is losing its charm, despite the fact that a personal diary used to be a wonderful companion.

You can express all your feelings to a diary. It is a friend that will never let you down. It won’t tell anybody anything that you said to it, unless you  allow it to. I believe that when you write in a diary, you feel that you are talking to it and it is talking to you. If you love it, you will feel it. You will even feel the fascinating scent of paper.

I have my personal diary. A beautiful diary in which I write everything that comes to my mind and my heart. I feel light after that.

Also I write diaries so that I can remember all the important incidents I come across when I grow up. My diary includes my experiences, thoughts, feelings and also my opinion on current events. My diary is full of secrets, hopes and dreams.

Nowadays blogs are used instead of diaries. People say blog is an electronic diary. But I don’t agree, as there are  lots of differences between the two. The most important difference is that a diary can remain personal, but blogs will always be public.

Very often I have to think when I wish to write something for my blog, because I know it is public and I need to be cautious while writing for it. I don’t feel blog is as friendly as a diary.

With the arrival of iPad and other handheld gadgets, it is easier to carry your blog anywhere anytime just like a diary. But nothing can replace a good and friendly diary, not even a best friend. It is because even best friends would by mistake someday split your experiences, thoughts, feeling, secrets, hopes and dreams, but the diary will never. 
 
(Published in The Gulf Today on June 22, 2013)

‘Ctrl Z’ option

Life has become a race. Everyone, from a business tycoon to a labourer, is trying to earn more money to feed his growing needs. Students too are in the fast mode to earn maximum marks. Everyone is competing with each other so much that they don’t even get to enjoy the precious moments of life fully.

I often wish that we would have the Ctrl+Z option in real life too, so that we can go to the past and enjoy as much as we wish.

A few days ago, I discussed my wish with my friends and to my surprise they all agreed with me.

One of them shared her thoughts. “If I had Ctrl+Z option in real life, I would have gone back to the time I had visited The Atlantis. I had a lot of fun at the Water Park and the Lost Chambers. I would also like to roam like a queen in the whole magnificent palace. I would stay in the hotel as long as I like,” she said.

Another friend said, “If I had the option, I would have gone back to the summer vacations last year when I had visited India. I would have enjoyed the time spent with my adoring grandparents, my caring uncles and aunts and my loving cousins. I would have enjoyed a lot.”

Now that our class is shuffled, I would also like to go back to the time when I was together with my classmates and had fun.

Our discussion went on till the bell rang for the next period. Even after returning from school, I kept thinking about the same.

But I realised it soon that life has no Ctrl+Z option. I wish everyone realised this and learn to enjoy the moment we live in as much as we can. If we do so, we would never wish to have the Ctrl+Z option.

(Published in The Gulf Today on June 15, 2013)

Heal the world

One fine morning when I reached school there was hustle and bustle in our classroom. It was announced that we would be going somewhere.

We were so delighted that we forgot it was the World Environment Day.

We realised it only when we reached the auditorium, where the senior students were ready to perform various song and dance-based programmes dedicated to Mother Earth and highlighting the occasion.

It was a joy watching the programme, but it was not just for fun as it also had a moral telling us how our dear earth was being destroyed. The programme made us aware that we were responsible for destroying the earth as we were polluting air, water and land. They also performed skits highlighting ways to protect Mother Earth. We realised that there was still a chance and that we could heal the world if we tried to.

The World Environment Day, the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action, stimulates worldwide awareness. Through it, we are able to do something for the cause. It makes everyone realise his duty to be part of the campaign and support sustainable and sensible development. It is also a day for people to ensure a cleaner, greener, healthier and brighter outlook for themselves and future generations.

The World Environment Day calls for action. We can do many things to save Mother Earth and Mother Nature. The possibilities for us to help the environment are endless. We can clean up our neighbourhood, stop using plastic bags and curb food waste to start with.

(Published in The Gulf Today on June 8, 2013)

Separation pain

You feel sad when separated from a person with whom you have spent a long time. But meeting again after a gap gives out-of-the-world joy. I realised this when I met my old classmates recently.

It was heartbreaking when I came to know that our class was going to be shuffled. I was feeling dreadful as we had been together for so many years and now we would have to move to a new class. I was half-relieved when I got to know that a few girls of my old class will be accompanying me to the new one.

On the first day, I was nervous and was feeling odd. I was missing all the fun we used to have earlier. I had thought that we will be in the same school and will keep meeting during the recess. Later, I realised that a brief meeting was not enough and I kept looking for a get-together.

Last week, I realised that it was an old classmate’s birthday the next day. I contacted a few other friends and planned to throw a surprise party when all of us would come together and enjoy.

We were all excited. I was so electrified that I made a delicious cake for the party. I also bought a few gifts for others and a few items for the party.

The next day I was impatient as I reached the school. When the recess bell rang, we rushed to the school canteen. The birthday girl cut the cake and shared with us. Later, we also played games.

It was a joyful occasion as we all had gathered together after such a long time.

(Published in The Gulf Today on June 1, 2013)

Gentleman’s game

I have been following the Indian Premier League 2013 (IPL) since its beginning about two months ago. Now as it is going to conclude on Sunday, I am feeling nostalgic about it.

I am going to miss all the shots and the unique styles of the players. A few of them have created their exclusive styles to celebrate their success on the field. Like Darren Sammy used to celebrate by popping up a child-pacifier in his mouth. It became such a hit that many of his fans started following him.

The Gangnam Style was also popular among the players. Many of them like Chris Gayle, Harbhajan Singh, Adam Gilchrist and others were seen performing the famous steps introduced by the Korean singer, Psy.

Unique hairstyles also gave a distinctive image to a few players. Like the hairstyle of Lasith Malinga, Ishant Sharma and Chris Gayle must have made the batsmen confused. I guess there would be a long queue of their fans outside the salon to make a hairstyle like them.

I was most surprised when it was time for Gayle’s smart shots. I realised that he was not called “Gayle Storm” for nothing.

But, I got confused when I heard people talking about cricket matches in olden days. Recently, when I visited my uncle’s place, I heard his friends criticising the IPL.

“Then, people used to enjoy the shots made by batsmen, not the funny reactions of players on the field,” said his friend.

“Yes, cricket was once called a gentleman’s game. With all the fanfare attached to the IPL, the game is losing its original charm,” said my uncle.

I am still puzzled. I think I should watch a recording of an old cricket match one day and judge which format is better.

(Published in The Gulf Today on May 25, 2013)

Daddy Dear

Today is International Father’s day and I am really happy about it. I am happy that there is a special day which we celebrate. It is the best day when I can say to my father how special he is to me. I think my father is the best in the world. He is nice. He is caring. He is my best teacher. He taught me how to eat and drink, read and write, and many more things. He taught me all the social values.

Whenever I had any problem, he was there to help me. Whenever I lost my confidence, he used to encourage me. He never ignored my mistakes but always corrected them. He works so hard for our family. Whenever I wish for anything, he would bring it for me. If there is any problem he tries to solve it himself so that we are not bothered. He helps me if I have any difficulties. He is my role model. I can’t imagine living without him. When my father is with me, I feel really proud for being the daughter of him. And when he is with me I feel that no power can harm me. 

Without his love and affection and care, where would I be?

He is truly the best father in the world!

Beware of nosey parkers

 “Don’t poke your nose,” every child is taught. Yet, many people have the habit of interfering in others’ affairs.

It is irritating indeed when someone interferes while you are having a serious discussion with your friends. It spoils your mood. Such people keep interfering without realising that they become the laughing stock.

Recently, I was talking to my friends about famous Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan.

“But Imran Khan also met with an accident and was hurt badly,” said my friend.

Just then, my cousin joined in and said, “Are you sure? He played with me yesterday. He was alright till then.”

Surprised, we asked him, “How can it be, he retired 20 years ago?”

“He is not even 15. How can he retire?” said my cousin.

“Which Imran Khan are you talking about?”

“My friend. He loves cricket and insists I play with him,” he said.

We were baffled. We informed him that we were talking about the famous Pakistani cricketer. But we were not in a mood to continue the discussion anymore.

On another occasion, we were discussing the movie, The Hurricane.  The moment my friend said, “It was awesome. The stunts were terrific in The Hurricane, my cousin jumped in.

“Are you all mad? Hurricane is a disaster. Don’t you know? And you like it? You like something that harms others?” he asked.

All of us started laughing.

And, how can I forget my neighbour, Sachin! He always interrupted and used to disturb us. Without even thinking for a moment about the topic being discussed, he would ask, “What? Where?”

His habit of interfering became so irritating that we named him “What? Where?

(Published in The Gulf Today on May 18, 2013)

Celebrity interaction

Meeting a famous person, who is also your idol, is like a dream come true. Thanks to the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, I got the opportunity to meet eminent Indian author Chetan Bhagat. I am glad that I not only attended his lecture, but also interacted with him, took his autograph and captured those moments on camera.

Everyone, including me, was fascinated to see him entering the auditorium. It was the awaited moment. My joy was out of the world on seeing him. I felt happy, proud and lucky that I am a resident of Sharjah because not many people get the chance to have even a glimpse of this famous writer.

He was here to give a talk on “Challenges and Happiness.” He began by asking, “What makes us happy?”

Everyone replied, “Success makes us happy.”

After the talk finished, I asked him, “Uncle, are you writing any books for children?”

Perhaps it was a surprise for him. He asked, “How old are you?”

When I mentioned my age, he replied, “I must salute you for your confidence. So young but you have the confidence to ask questions.”

“Well, maybe one day I will write for children, but till then you won’t be a child. It is very difficult to write for children. You have to be a butcher to cut each word,” he added.

When he had started the talk, little did I realise what he wanted to say. But by now, I had got his point.

I was happy that I took a challenge and asked him a question. Later, I ran after him to get his autograph. I was glad, I didn’t only get his autograph, but also got a big compliment from him, which is an asset for me and will continue to inspire me throughout my life.

(Published in The Gulf Today on May 11, 2013)

Star connections

Birthdays are the time when we feel joyful. We get gifts and blessings. The whole world looks charming and people around us more cheerful. Those sweet memories keep lingering in our mind.

Contrary to popular belief, many luminaries also celebrate their birthdays. Sometimes their birthday falls on the same day or month as their fans.

After noticing that, some people begin to boast that he or she was born on the same day when a certain famous personality was born. Many of them also believe that they will definitely become as famous as their icons. But it rarely happens, because only a few of them notice the struggle made by their heroes, get inspired and try to become like them.

My birthday also passed by recently. My uncle came to wish me and said, “Do you know that many famous people like Victoria Beckham, William Shakespeare, Chetan Bhagat, Sanjeev Kapoor and Sachin Tendulkar were born in this month? That means you will also become famous like them, one day.”

For a moment, I also felt proud. But then I realised that if his observation was true, then everyone would have been successful by now.

Can we become famous only by sharing birthdays with famous people? I don’t think so, because I have met two people who were born on the same day and the same time in the same locality. While one of them is a renowned doctor, the other one is still living an ordinary life in his village.

If someone wants to become like a famous personality, what matters most is the hope and will and the hard work they do. One must be ready to face the struggle the successful people have passed through before getting the name and fame.

(Published in The Gulf Today on May 4, 2013)

Chetan Bhagat salutes Saamia!

 

Do you know I met the author Chetan Bhagat yesterday? I still can’t believe. It seems like a dream.

 

I came from school and according to the normal routine ate my lunch and slept for an hour. When I woke up, Mama-Baba gave me a surprise. They said we were going to meet Chetan Bhagat. At first I thought they were joking but then I realised that we were really going there. I was so excited I could not believe my ears!

I jumped out of my bed and got ready as soon as I could. I took out my autograph book and a nice pen.

We reached the venue about half-an-hour before the time and got the chance to sit in the front row. Meanwhile, Baba bought two interesting books of Chetan Bhagat – Five Point Someone and 2 States. By the time, Mamujaan also reached to interview Chetan Bhagat. Lucky!

At last Chetan Sir arrived. He was welcomed by a standing ovation. My joy was out of world on seeing him. It was all like a dream. He was going to share with us his idea of Challenges and Happiness. He asked us what makes us happy. Of course success makes us happy.

He said, “We need to be successful to be happy. And for that we have to face many challenges. I wrote my first book but it took me two years to publish it. That was my first challenge. At last it was published. I was very happy. I thought I was successful. I began to see my photos, articles of me, discussion about me in the newspapers as well as televisions. My second book was published and third. After that I felt it was same to me. I was not as happy as I was before. So I tried in Bollywood. I realised that the films needed stories and that was the thing that Bollywood needed. So the first film which was on my story was Hello. I was very excited. It was the same story that I wrote in One Night at a Call Center. Then the second film was 3 idiots on the book Five Point Someone.  The last was Kai Po Chi on the book The 3 Mistakes of my Life. Next year maybe another of Salman Khan’s film Kick will be realizing in April. It is on another of my book.”

He said that the first time he saw the actors he almost fainted. He said, “I was surprised when I saw the actors standing in a line of the buffet. I thought do they eat also because you would only imagine them as actors and nothing else. Suppose you see your class teacher in the supermarket. You would be shocked do they go to supermarkets also. And then it was regular for me to see the actors and still I was not as happy.

So I started writing columns in Hindustan newspaper which was the best newspaper of India. In between I came 

through many challenges. But I did not think of turning back. I had to struggle a lot but I had the will and hope so I was successful and happy. Let me ask you something. Why challenge? Why not chill? We can also live peacefully. 

We take challenges because we want to be happy. Right motivation is needed not energy. There are three types of stages of life – Exist, Fading and Alive. There are people who can never be happy. If you ask them you are in the job. 

They would say we don’t need to be working as our age is gone we are now 35-40 and it is youngsters time we don’t have energy. Then how can the politicians who are old enough have so much of energy. They are people who would press the lift button but would not want to step on the lift. Fading people are even worse. They are one who would not bother to press the lift button. While people who are in the alive stage seem really alive. You can feel their presence. They would do anything at any age and be cheerful. They are people who can climb walls, stairs, escalators, lifts, etc."

He soon concluded, “Challenge versus Excitement in Life. Unless you accept challenges, you won’t have excitement. Alive to Existing to Fading – it will happen if you don’t keep adding challenges to your life.”

My interaction

And then the Q&A session began. After two-three questions, I stood up with the mike in my hand and asked, “Good evening uncle, are you writing any books for children?”

He said, “Don't call me uncle! Call me Chetan! How old are you?”

I replied, “10”

He said, “Only ten! I must salute you for your confidence. 10 years old and you have the confidence to ask question."

He also said, "Well, maybe one day I will write but till then you won’t be a child. It is very difficult to write for children. You have to be a butcher to cut each word.”

He is very hilarious. The questions kept on coming one after another which marked the end of the programme. 

But I didn’t forget to take his autograph. As soon as programme finished, he ran out. I was prepared so I ran with my book and soon I got the autograph in my book with a message – Love lots.

 

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