Greetings

              May the Year 2014
              Prove Very Lucky For You
              In Terms of Success,
             Good Health & Happiness!

As a Woman, Strong Identity and Success.

Of late I am beginning to realize that my journey has not been all that bad. I am facing more success now than before.

The reason could be that I am more forthright today. I have now also gathered the courage of going by my instincts and saying 'no' to a certain command. I have no regrets there. Mainly because, instincts comprise of past experiences, and moral upbringing. The best part is that, this change has brought credibility to my character and reputation as never before. And so very often I have now my past associates (at work) assigning me a task that they are convinced I alone can do. I also find them giving my reference to others. It sure makes me feel nice. What one could term as 'Feel good factor'!

I have chalked out my own priorities and goals. True, in the process I have moved away from some near and dear ones who were too imposing in the past But, no guilty feelings there. The fact, that I am proving more useful to the society now makes up for it all. Finally, Success is all about having a strong identity, I guess.

Brilliant ! Show this performance always Girls.

The 12th class results are out ! And my heartiest congratulations to all the girls who have done brilliantly well in the board exams.



Indeed it is a victorious moment for the society, the social workers - both past and present, the families and most importantly the girls themselves. Indeed there was a time when girls were only expected to do household work. My Salute to Maharshi Karve, Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekanand, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, and all the great social reformers.



The world suddenly seems to be at the feet of these girls. Doors to all careers appear wide open. It's truly a beautiful moment. If only this moment would not pass by! But, try as much there is a sinking feeling that is threatening to destroy my optimism and happiness. My experience of life tells me that now, these girls need to be more observant, decisive and careful. Remember, One swallow does not make a summer. So continued hard work is important. I realise that all these girls must be now 17-18 years. Which means, there is going to be a pressure of marriage after 3-4 years. Well, marriage is a good institution in itself. Provided one gets married to the right person. For, I strongly believe that nothing can be better than a good marriage. And nothing can be worse than a bad marriage.



And so, it would be better to first decide one's aim in a sensible way. By sensible way, I mean, being practical and level headed. Thus, once the career and aim is clear, it would also be possible to choose the right partner. It has to be remembered that once a person is in the right direction, all things fall in right place.



It would certainly be a 'harakiri' to come in merit at one time and then allow every Tom Dick and Harry to take decisions for oneself . This would mean taking a nosedive in life as well as career. It certainly does not help to play down in life- certainly not all one's life. Which means the life-partner has to be of the same wavelength as onself.



So girls, now is the time to sit and understand where you stand and where you want to go.

Dig all 17ft.-My New Year Resolution

First and foremost, I wish all my readers a Very Happy, Prosperous and a Peaceful New Year.May all your dreams come true.

The year 2008 ended with an unpleasant note. The massacre of 26/11, and then most recently the death of Swapnika, the acid victim. My silent tribute to all the dead. May their souls rest in peace.

This all has propelled me to take up a cause and work arduously in my own way. For instance, fill the world with a good thought, like some nice fragrance? Success does not come easily I realise. But then I can always try.

That reminds me of a story my daughter told me recently when she came back home after her P.G. exam. It seems, her professor and guide Dr. Narkeesh gave the budding physiotherapists a piece of advice the day they all submitted their thesis. In fact, he had a special word for each one that day. Something, very important I must say. To my daughter he said, " You work hard 99% and then you give up. And unfortunately, the results lie in that last 1%. " To explain better, he told her of a story. It goes thus-

There was once a poor man. He had a dream, in which God himself appeared. The Almighty told him to go to a certain place in the forest and dig. Next day the man went to the same spot and started digging. When the travellers asked him questions, he told them that he had been instructed so. Many felt he was foolish. They told him so and went their way. The man dug on. He happened to strike water at a certain depth. He continued. By now he had almost dug 16 feet.He was now tired and without any hope for he really found nothing. Besides, the jibes of those passing by had begun to have effect on him.He felt himself a big fool. In desperation, the man threw away his pick-axe and walked back home in utter misery. Just then, a passer-by came along. He saw water as well as the pick-axe. The man felt that if he dug more he would probably get more water. And so he began digging further.

Just as he had reached 17 feet, he heard a sound of metal. He peeped inside out of curiosity. And there lay a pot of gold coins. The man was jubilant. He hurriedly collected the coins and went home.

And so the second man gained where the earlier one gave up.

As my daughter narrated this story, I was reminded of my own mistakes. Hadn't I often given up at the most crucial juncture? Had I been more optimistic, I am sure I would have reached somewhere today. There must be many like me who have called 'quits' after a small failure or a set-back. In fact, there are many who have taken to alcohol or worse still committed suicide.

I am glad, My daughter has taken the advice in the right spirit. I plan to improve too. Even if it is a bit too late. Who knows like Abraham Lincoln I may make some difference in this world? And so I am going to follow the advice of Dr. Narkeesh even if he is much younger than me.

Thank you Dr. Narkeesh. Also, a big thanks to all my teachers who taught me.