Manage Talent/ Career or Handle Home Politics?

Years ago, I happened to read the former Editor of Femina, Ms.Vimla Patil's famous quips- As a career woman she was any time a success handling office problems. But when it came to home politics, she was a total failure.

Today after many years, I couldn't agree with her better.The words comes to my mind, morning & evening. I am not ashamed to say that when it comes to home politics, I am a total failure in every way.

In fact, all my life I have been a victim of taunts & nasty remarks. And  instead of  replying back aptly, I have ended up tongue-tied for lack of words- much to the consternation of my husband and children. First of all, handling 3 languages- English, Hindi & Marathi at the same time is difficult any time. But my son is forever unforgiving. Often, he likens me to Karna of Mahabharat who forgot his knowledge just when he needed it most. Of course, Karna was a great man. And that has made me feel miserable all the more.

But recently I discovered that women who succeed in giving back, do nothing but spend their precious time preparing themselves for war of words. And, that's sure a waste of time.

Imagine, a fortnight ago I learned that a distant relative of mine was actually a Sangeet Visharad (Degree/ Diploma Holder in Hindustani Music) who sacrificed her talent in a bid to counter malicious remarks. Gosh, what a huge price to pay for a bunch of silly women!

No, I would never do it. Not for any price in the world. I mean, does it really matter if a few frustrated & disgruntled women enjoy some good moments at my cost? For all their victory, they are barely even noticed by the world!

Really, I think I should remember this, the next time I become a target of ridicule. I'll just have to take it sportingly & get on with my work.

Closure of Kashmir Girls Rock Band

                                                  

It's really sad that the brave & talented girls had to call off their band. To think that music soothes the nerves & create positive feelings!

What an irony that women are considered 'inferior beings' in today's 21st century. 

Most certainly, the defeat of the band is a slap on India's independence, education & progressive mindset of the people. 

Sad! Very sad!

The Hidden Talent

My beautician friend suffers from nervous pangs when her clients on visit don't speak. She feels, they are unhappy and will go elsewhere next time! She cites one such example of a client who would come regularly to her for a facial treatment, but not utter a single word. This despite all the talking going about. Just nothing seemed to amuse her- neither the filmy gossip nor the general happenings. " May be she is just plain and simple dull!" snapped an employee. My friend was not convinced. And one day it happened. A newly married girl dropped by. She was in a foul mood for not getting some recipe right. Dropping in at the parlour was a kind of diversion. That's when the lady started speaking. She asked the girl how she had gone about with the recipe. After listening patiently, she offered her some rectifying methods. It came out that the lady was a great cook, with several award winning recipes to her credit.

I have experienced this in my teaching profession too. Those students who show off or talk a lot are disastrous in exams and seminars. It is often the quiet ones that take you by surprise.

They don't fill pages and pages but give you interesting examples. I remember one journalism student writing on Women's Reservation Bill- " If they had wanted, they would have passed it long ago. The fact is nobody wants it!". (It was regarding the 33% reservation for women in the parliament). A real sharp observation from a young boy! At another time a girl explained what 'Interpersonal Conflict' was, when asked about it in Human Communication paper. "It's when I write to my dad for money. And he replies, wait for next month". What a sweet interesting explanation in the midst of boring stereotyped answers.

Naturally students like these score more marks than others. How come the loud talkers show poor wit and presence of mind at such times? Probably, they burn themselves out proving others stupid!

It's the case of, 'Empty vessels make more noise'. Or perhaps, ' Silent waters run deep!'