On the Cusp between 2k11 and 2k12

The year is almost on the cusp between the old and the New Year. There were some happy and some sad moments during the year. 

We won the world cup. The world saw the power of networking as the jasmine revolution swept the world. We also saw the effect of networking power when the common man came on the streets wanting control of the Wall Street too. We were also not untouched by the effect of the E – Age. Anna Hazare stoked the emotions of the youth and the aged and we experienced a great movement, probably the only one after our Independence. The movement gathered momentum because we knew about some multibillion scams. Some big names were behind the bars, some continue to remain there.

We lost a few notable celebrities like Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, M F Hussain, Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand, and Satya Dev Dubey. We also say the turmoil in the world economy which finally had its effect on our economy too. The Dalal Street tanked to almost a two year low. But otherwise there was hardly anything else to cherish and remember.

But the saddest part is that our parliamentarians took the proceedings to a new low when the LOKPAL Bill passed in Loksabha could not get through in the upper house. What an end to the year?

Normally I am quite optimistic about our youth. But this time around, their lack of support to the movement in Mumbai and other cities was evidently disappointing. If they all can go with their families to resorts, sea beaches, hill stations, come on the streets and go to hotels to celebrate the new year at mid night, then what stopped them to join the cause. Is the moment only to benefit Anna & his Team??

Do I sleep over with a Dream and Hope for a better tomorrow and a better new year OR do I sleep with anguish and disappointment??

I am confused.

Malu Maushi - U are Gr 8

My maternal aunt, Malu Maushi, is probably in her late seventies, but still has the zeal and zest for LIFE as a teenager. One can hardly remain out of her circle of influence, if he / she spends a little time with her. She has a great sense of timing to churn out earthly witty one liners and she does so with great ease. She is very soft hearted, like all old timers and is loved by all our family members. She used to recite Marathi poems and songs which came to us like zephyr in the nights of our summer at Makhjan, my native place from the maternal side.

But what I did not know al these years was her other skills.

We all know that all of us Koknasth Bramhans have very high capacity grey matter and hence are very good at memorizing Sholkas and Pahade. She surpasses all of us. She knows all the 18 chapters of Geeta and can recite them even when she is forcibly woken up from her sleep. Her pronunciation is crystal clear, and that is her hallmark.

Recently she participated in Geeta Path competition at local level, state level first and then at national level, and lo behold!! She came out with flying colours and won a prize of Rs.25,000/- and a certificate. That makes her one of the oldest and eldest amongst our family to win such an honor.

My salute to you, Maushi. You make us all really proud of you.