I’d left very silently, but I’m glad to be home with a bang. And as always, there’s a beautiful episode to share..
It was a Huge event and the first Huge event I’d been part of. I was not much of a travel person. I love home, mom and my comfort zone here… Somehow, Goa was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life so far.
Though we all know Goa just for the sands,seas, pheni, gambling, holidaying and relatives of these, there’s a beautiful aspect that I knew I saw only this time. Putting together 500 teenagers was an aim that every single teacher had in mind and action.
The challenges to these were really amazing… there was Ganesh puja, where the entire Goa celebrates for a week. All shops are shut, no colleges are open. People are all at home … with their dear Ganapathi bappa… inviting goodness… sharing sweets and time with loved ones.
Secondly, there is of course the age old teenage problem, … Exams. And honestly, every degree college had exams. It was a chosen bad timing.
In spite of it all, when I saw 546 enthusiasts doing kriya on the course, it shook something in me. I wondered if Goa was just a bunch of relaxed people meant to enjoy life or if we may have been totally wrong in assuming so.
I have never seen such an integrated effort of young minds until now. The team of 25 core volunteers left me flabbergasted. There was an undying energy in each one. Now that I’m home, I realize that it was a super duper rock band we had.
Sawani always inspired me with her energy, akshata with her sincerity, archa with gentleness, girish with his care, krupa with her renewed strength, yogesh with his calmness, mandar with his happiness, nandu with his humour, nikita with her dedication, niraj with quietness, pallavi with her charm, suruchi with her love, pankaj with his simplicity, Prasad hedge with his words, durgesh bhaiya with his innocence, preetam with his honesty, purva with her softness, prasadji with his commitment, santoshji with his swamihood, supriya with her patience, swapnil with his talent,arpit with his openness, vishwanath with his balance, mohit with his helpfulness, Swatiji with her grace, Aru with her genuineness, Vaibhav with presence, Ishan with his responsiveness, vaidehi with her sweetness and Yuvraj with untainted love.
Shaila tai tended and cared for us like we were her own. Shraddha tai, Dr & Mrs Hegde,so many teachers, elders, volunteers for the advance course, I’d not met these people many times, but there was not an instance when we didn’t feel the onness.
Hetal di was inspiring for how she works, Sukeerti was inspiring for her persistence, arjun for his dignity and vaidehi for her tenderness.
I also learnt so much about the religious harmony that exists in Goa. Like, ganesh puja is also celebrated by muslims, eid by hindus, many have full names that have one Christian first name and the second hindu name or vice versa as their full name. It was just such a beauty.
I thought that maybe people were too casual in a holiday spot but I’m certain that that’s not the case with all. From many participants I learnt of their yearning for responsibilities that could change and mould the poverty, kids who wanted to take time and work in slums, kids who wanted to stop drugs, kids who wanted to take a stand against alcohol, kids who wanted to bring many more smiles, much more happiness in many more homes….
I remember Bawa having said in his course that every young mind is looking for spirituality. This was the learning I experienced. Somehow, it brought out a strength…… as for now it only makes me extremely grateful.
Jai Gurudev
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Coastal Bliss…. Mangaluru Course
Though I studied in Manipal, I had certainly forgotten a lot about the coastal belt. It was a reminder to me that the memory, unless is very aware does not record the reaction of every sense too…
So when I landed in Mangalore for a course in Yenopaya College, it was sticky, hot, humid and yet extremely beautiful….
Tashika ( Dr. Tashika, MD, Oral Medicine) was the first face I met. The energy this lean, beautiful and v. intelligent seva warrior has was the first thing I began to be infected with. It is amazing how she had worked out a schedule that easily balanced her home and seva. And since she was the staff at Yenopaya Dental College, she had worked every inch of herself, single handedly to make this Yes!+ happen. And the results were definitely showing loud and clear!
We began the course on 3rd May. We had 18 doctors, all of different colours, heights, intellects and yet all very special in their own way.
Innocence, energy, willingness to learn, dedication and such a cute little bundle of joy is the descrption of Mumin. He would sit in the front row and bombard us with questions all the time.
Manvi was this sincere, straight, caring, responsible and very eager to make things happen person.
From that course on,whenever I feel low I am going to think of two people-Maria, Binsia and Ameena. Maria is such a fighter with amazing high spirits, humble, lovely as ever and so enthusiastic. And Binsia- Never say never attitude, such amazing courage, care and an undying smile. Ameena has such an amazing flexibility, conviction, strength and a total willingness to do all that is needed to do good.
It was easy to see that even in a group of nearly similar ages, some of us in a very unspoken way include many in their circle of family. Aleena is one such person.I have seen so much love, belongingness, care, concern and leadership.
Heena is the epitome of simplicity, sensitivity with sensibility, softness and strength backed by understanding. It was lovely to see a beautiful blend of maturity and lightness coming from one person.
We also had a Prince cutness- not by looks but by the innocence, with us. Jijo is an honest, such a joyful and yet v balanced little chap. Very solemnly even after the course, he promised us to continue with being vegetarian.
Nasleena is one of those with a smile to cherish, energy and enthusiasm to learn from and an openness that easily invites all.
The really silent ones in the course were Nimitha and Noor. Nimitha-a dynamite of positive energy( was saw that on the last day of the course ;) ),it was a wonder to see such silence and yet so much focus .
Noor Fathima is a very pleasant, pleasing, simple girl. It is inspiring to see her working hard at discovering all that she can do with utmost sincerity.
Being Post Graduates Pallavi and Tim, were so easy to mingle with. Pallavi is dedicated with a Capital D, a student whose eagerness would easily make any teacher stretch his or her limits.
Tim is a very patient, honest, ready to learn, grow person.
The real baby of the entire class was little Sabna. Soft, child like, ever smiling,very simple girl who very mischievously enjoyed the workshop with all of us.
Raghav is an amazing person to co-teach with. He has been a guide, friend and a student to me through those days.
Chetan as a volunteer was also a treat for me. I enjoyed pulling his leg as much as I am in awe of his hardwork during the entire course. Santu would travel from far away just be there for those few hours and ensure she give her best.
Obeida mam was also wonderful person I came across. The diversity of her knowledge and simplicity of her existence was a learning experience.
Again and again, it is so beautiful to see how much knowledge connects us all.
Different people from different places of different religions and different ages, yet, bonding together.
What can be more meaningful than this? :)
So when I landed in Mangalore for a course in Yenopaya College, it was sticky, hot, humid and yet extremely beautiful….
Tashika ( Dr. Tashika, MD, Oral Medicine) was the first face I met. The energy this lean, beautiful and v. intelligent seva warrior has was the first thing I began to be infected with. It is amazing how she had worked out a schedule that easily balanced her home and seva. And since she was the staff at Yenopaya Dental College, she had worked every inch of herself, single handedly to make this Yes!+ happen. And the results were definitely showing loud and clear!
We began the course on 3rd May. We had 18 doctors, all of different colours, heights, intellects and yet all very special in their own way.
Innocence, energy, willingness to learn, dedication and such a cute little bundle of joy is the descrption of Mumin. He would sit in the front row and bombard us with questions all the time.
Manvi was this sincere, straight, caring, responsible and very eager to make things happen person.
From that course on,whenever I feel low I am going to think of two people-Maria, Binsia and Ameena. Maria is such a fighter with amazing high spirits, humble, lovely as ever and so enthusiastic. And Binsia- Never say never attitude, such amazing courage, care and an undying smile. Ameena has such an amazing flexibility, conviction, strength and a total willingness to do all that is needed to do good.
It was easy to see that even in a group of nearly similar ages, some of us in a very unspoken way include many in their circle of family. Aleena is one such person.I have seen so much love, belongingness, care, concern and leadership.
Heena is the epitome of simplicity, sensitivity with sensibility, softness and strength backed by understanding. It was lovely to see a beautiful blend of maturity and lightness coming from one person.
We also had a Prince cutness- not by looks but by the innocence, with us. Jijo is an honest, such a joyful and yet v balanced little chap. Very solemnly even after the course, he promised us to continue with being vegetarian.
Nasleena is one of those with a smile to cherish, energy and enthusiasm to learn from and an openness that easily invites all.
The really silent ones in the course were Nimitha and Noor. Nimitha-a dynamite of positive energy( was saw that on the last day of the course ;) ),it was a wonder to see such silence and yet so much focus .
Noor Fathima is a very pleasant, pleasing, simple girl. It is inspiring to see her working hard at discovering all that she can do with utmost sincerity.
Being Post Graduates Pallavi and Tim, were so easy to mingle with. Pallavi is dedicated with a Capital D, a student whose eagerness would easily make any teacher stretch his or her limits.
Tim is a very patient, honest, ready to learn, grow person.
The real baby of the entire class was little Sabna. Soft, child like, ever smiling,very simple girl who very mischievously enjoyed the workshop with all of us.
Raghav is an amazing person to co-teach with. He has been a guide, friend and a student to me through those days.
Chetan as a volunteer was also a treat for me. I enjoyed pulling his leg as much as I am in awe of his hardwork during the entire course. Santu would travel from far away just be there for those few hours and ensure she give her best.
Obeida mam was also wonderful person I came across. The diversity of her knowledge and simplicity of her existence was a learning experience.
Again and again, it is so beautiful to see how much knowledge connects us all.
Different people from different places of different religions and different ages, yet, bonding together.
What can be more meaningful than this? :)
Monday, June 6, 2011
OH!...TO BE CRUSHED!:)
These days its not the ‘L’ word making the rounds. Oh no, people are more careful in using the ‘L’ word. The popular word these days starts with ‘C’..and its called the “CRUSH”!
Crush is synonymous to infatuation, the other long word usually used by adults to make the crush word sound more mature. Dictionary defines infatuation/crush as: ‘a foolish, unreasoning or extravagant passion or attraction, usually short lived. Going by this definition you would feel that probably you’re the only “foolish” person to make this “mistake”. But truth be told each and every person has had or are having their share of crushes and enjoy the mistake while it lasts!
The crush is not only short lived it also happens fast. A pretty face , a smile, a kind gesture , or sometimes even a stupid antic by that person can instantly give u an anxiety attack! Your heart beats faster, your palms feel sweaty, your pupils dilate and are alert to wherever he moves and you feel your stomach squeeze. But instead of preparing for the flight and fight reaction you’re rooted to the spot just smiling goofily at him whether he sees you or not. You become unaware that people are looking at you like you're a specimen. And if by any chance your goofy smile is returned by your object of interest your mind starts daydreaming instantly. You transfer from your office, school or home to the Alps in Switzerland dancing to the latest romantic song. And while you’re daydreaming in the real world you bump into people but smile, people make mistakes that should get you angry but you smile, your work doesn’t go the way it should but you still smile and if someone screams at you, you just aggravate their anger more by keeping that smile plastered to your face! Oh, how irritating you becomes for others!
Soon he becomes your life’s goal. You’re googling his name, checking his facebook accounts, trying out if u match on the love calculators and yes of course plucking the petals of those poor flowers to know if he loves you. U dress up prettily, go for that waxing or eyebrow shaping you’ve been avoiding all these days, and your world is all happy and gay. Wow what a lovely feeling it is to be crushed! And yes, I have to mention that it doesn’t matter if you’re single, engaged or married. The crush when meant to happen, happens no doubt.
Of course the crush doesn’t stay forever. Again it can be anything which makes you lose interest. Your life goes back to the “nothing much, life’s boring” phase, u wear your aunty type dresses again and become a yeti listening to sad songs. Pretty soon u look at your crush with new eyes, all his flaws glaring back at you and you typically laugh to yourself and think: “how could I be so foolish enough to make a mistake of liking him!”
But the point is you were happy. And mistakes never make a person happy. They make a person guilty. And being happy isn’t being foolish. There are people climbing mountains in search of happiness. Happiness is supposed to be the worlds best kept secret. And happiness is in now. Even if it is a crush which brings it on!
So next time u get crushed, think of it as the best blessing bestowed on you and live it 100 percent. Think of it as a golden opportunity not a foolish mistake. Ignore the world go moony eyed. Get goofy, stay happy!:)
By: Heena Mohiddin.
Crush is synonymous to infatuation, the other long word usually used by adults to make the crush word sound more mature. Dictionary defines infatuation/crush as: ‘a foolish, unreasoning or extravagant passion or attraction, usually short lived. Going by this definition you would feel that probably you’re the only “foolish” person to make this “mistake”. But truth be told each and every person has had or are having their share of crushes and enjoy the mistake while it lasts!
The crush is not only short lived it also happens fast. A pretty face , a smile, a kind gesture , or sometimes even a stupid antic by that person can instantly give u an anxiety attack! Your heart beats faster, your palms feel sweaty, your pupils dilate and are alert to wherever he moves and you feel your stomach squeeze. But instead of preparing for the flight and fight reaction you’re rooted to the spot just smiling goofily at him whether he sees you or not. You become unaware that people are looking at you like you're a specimen. And if by any chance your goofy smile is returned by your object of interest your mind starts daydreaming instantly. You transfer from your office, school or home to the Alps in Switzerland dancing to the latest romantic song. And while you’re daydreaming in the real world you bump into people but smile, people make mistakes that should get you angry but you smile, your work doesn’t go the way it should but you still smile and if someone screams at you, you just aggravate their anger more by keeping that smile plastered to your face! Oh, how irritating you becomes for others!
Soon he becomes your life’s goal. You’re googling his name, checking his facebook accounts, trying out if u match on the love calculators and yes of course plucking the petals of those poor flowers to know if he loves you. U dress up prettily, go for that waxing or eyebrow shaping you’ve been avoiding all these days, and your world is all happy and gay. Wow what a lovely feeling it is to be crushed! And yes, I have to mention that it doesn’t matter if you’re single, engaged or married. The crush when meant to happen, happens no doubt.
Of course the crush doesn’t stay forever. Again it can be anything which makes you lose interest. Your life goes back to the “nothing much, life’s boring” phase, u wear your aunty type dresses again and become a yeti listening to sad songs. Pretty soon u look at your crush with new eyes, all his flaws glaring back at you and you typically laugh to yourself and think: “how could I be so foolish enough to make a mistake of liking him!”
But the point is you were happy. And mistakes never make a person happy. They make a person guilty. And being happy isn’t being foolish. There are people climbing mountains in search of happiness. Happiness is supposed to be the worlds best kept secret. And happiness is in now. Even if it is a crush which brings it on!
So next time u get crushed, think of it as the best blessing bestowed on you and live it 100 percent. Think of it as a golden opportunity not a foolish mistake. Ignore the world go moony eyed. Get goofy, stay happy!:)
By: Heena Mohiddin.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)