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)