Take care of your bear

Most of us have spent at least a part of our childhood with teddy bears. No other toy could replace the warmth and affection radiated by a teddy.

Sleeping with the teddy bear. Cuddling on the couch with it. Talking to it like it’s your best friend.

Do you still have that charming toy with you?

If you do, then take it out, give it a proper makeover and go out with it while sharing interesting stories of your life with it. And thank this loyal companion for the company throughout your journey of childhood, for comforting you and for providing your childhood with immense fun.

And, don’t forget to apologise to it for all the rough experiences it went through when you were a child.

For Sept.9 is Teddy Bears Day.



The teddy bear was apparently developed by toymakers Morris Michtom in the US and Richard Steiff in Germany simultaneously in the early years of the 20th century.

And if the teddy bear has managed to survive for more than a century, that is because it has an appealing charisma.

This stuffed toy has even become the hero of children’s books. An iconic children’s toy, celebrated in stories, songs, and films. A companion to Mr Bean, a joyful character as Winnie the Pooh and as a living creature in the stories of Enid Blyton.

And above all, a best friend to you.

This charming creature has watched you all through its life silently and listened to your complaints without any say, it is time you understand its feelings. It definitely needs a better place to live than being left in a dusty corner of your house.

Take care of your bear, just like it did when you were a child.

(Published in The Gulf Today on September 10, 2016)

Make a difference

Ever helped a street beggar? Ever prayed for the unfortunate ones? Ever joined a fundraising drive for the differently abled? Ever... and so it continues.

But thinking about it, I realised that such small charitable acts give us heartfelt satisfaction.

A few days back, determined for a brisk walk, I came out of my apartment. The street was broadly lit. The breeze, caressing my face, invited me for the fantastic walk and the gratifying views. The mood was thus set.

Though the walk was pleasurable, it was pretty uneventful. All until my eyes fell on the latest issue of well-known British magazine,         Shortlist, displayed at the newsstand.

This issue was priced at Dh1. It was considered your contribution towards the betterment of the poor and needy.

One dirham. Not exactly special. You could have lost it while returning home. Or probably misplaced it among other things and you wouldn’t care much.

So why would a dirham be of so much importance? How could it possibly satisfy the people craving for food?

Think a dirham isn’t much? What if these single dirhams are collected together to create a huge sum? It would help those who lack even the basic requirements of life.

Thinking about the magazine’s initiative, I was pleased that many citizens of the world are still considerate about others. However, it would be better if everyone, not just a select few, paid attention to such things.

If all those walking on this earth, inhaling its oxygen and eating from it would do this, then they all can repay the favour bestowed by Mother Nature on them by bringing a smile to the faces of their co-citizens.

One should simply take an initiative.

(Published in The Gulf Today on September 3, 2016)

Role reversal

Last week, India erupted into celebrations as two of the brightest women earned Olympic medals while an Indian man won a beauty pageant.

Sounds ironic, isn’t it?

But that’s the truth.

On the one hand, Sakshi Malik and PV Sindhu were receiving accolades for their victory in the Rio Olympics. On the other hand, Rohit Khandelwal was being cheered for winning the beauty pageant and earning the title, “Mister World 2016.”

“The times they are a-changin’...” as was once sung by Bob Dylan.

And in a country, where men usually returned with Olympic medals and women won beauty pageants, times have definitely changed.

These days, I have noticed many women searching for jobs in male-dominated careers while men are seeking “pink-collared jobs.”

A few days back, I met a man who was considering to start his own babysitting business. There are talks about many men who wish to stay “house-husbands” while their wives are out working.

On the other hand, women have proved their worth in sports once open only for male, such as wrestling and cricket. Recently, three women cadets of the Indian Air Force broke the barriers to etch their names in the history books, as they became the first women fighter pilots, a field once considered a male domain.

I had often noticed this interchange of roles but disregarded it.

But now that the victors have brought it back to my notice, I realise that the society has also changed along with time.

Where once people were discouraged and criticised for choosing professions dominated by opposite gender, they are now being supported and encouraged to go in for the same.

I wonder what changes we will get to see in the future!

(Published in The Gulf Today on August 27, 2016)