Wednesday, 6 May 2020

నాన్నగారి వ్యక్తిత్వం


గుంటూరు నుంచి నర్సరావుపేట వెళ్ళే బస్ ఎక్కి కూర్చున్నా. మీరు ఎల్ ఐ సి విజయ కుమార్ గారి అమ్మాయి కదా?” అన్న ప్రశ్న వినిపించింది. ఊర్లో function కో party కో వెళ్ళినా, walking కో shopping కో వెళ్ళినా, restaurant కి వెళ్ళినా…అంతెందుకు, సరుకులకో కూరగాయలకో వెళ్ళినా కనీసం ఇద్దరైనా నాన్నగారి గురించి అడగకుండా ఉండరు. ఊర్లో అంటే సరే, బస్ లో కూడానా అనుకుంటూ, "అవునండీ, మీరు..?" అని అడిగా."నేను మీ నాన్నగారి agent వాళ్ళ తమ్ముడిని. Sir ఇప్పుడు గుంటూరు లో ఉంటున్నారంట కదా, ఆరోగ్యం ఎలా ఉంది?” అని అడిగి, "Health tips బాగా follow అవుతారు గా బాగానే ఉండి ఉంటదిలే" అని సమాధానం కూడా ఆయనే చెప్పారు. కాసేపాగి, "మాకు మంచి మాటలు చెప్పేవాళ్ళు. బాగా చదువుకోండి, వృద్ధి లోకి వస్తారు అనేవారు ఎప్పుడూ. కాకపోతే ఆ age లో మాకు ఆ మాటలకన్నా  ఆయన bullet మీదే ఎక్కువ దృష్టి  ఉండేది. అప్పట్లో  మా కుర్రాళ్ళందరికీ  అదంటే భలే  craze" అంటూ చెప్పుకొచ్చారు.

నా ఆలోచనలు నా చిన్నతనంలోకి వెళ్ళాయి. నాకు ఊహ తెల్సినప్పట్నుంచీ నాన్నగారిని bullet మీదే చూశాను. నా వయసుకి అది ఒక చిన్నsize ఏనుగు లాగా కనిపించేది. అప్పట్లో అసలు vehicles ఏ తక్కువ, bullets అయితే ఊర్లో ఒకట్రెండు కన్నా ఎక్కువ ఉండేవి కావు.

College లొ చేరాక bullet మీద దించుతంటే తుంటరి కుర్రాళ్ళకి గుండెల్లో దడ. సగం మంది ఆ sound కి, మిగతా సగం నాన్నగారి గంభీరమైన personality కి భయపడేవాళ్ళు. ఆ బండి వల్ల మాకు ర్యాగింగ్ బాధ లేకుండా పోయింది. ఇప్పటికీ classmates ఎవరైనా కనిపిస్తే ఆ బండి ప్రస్తావన తేకుండా ఉండరు. నా చదువు పూర్తి అయ్యేసరికి  అలాంటి గున్న ఏనుగులు (అదేనండీ, బుల్లెట్ లు) అయిదు మార్చారు.

ఆ బుల్లెట్ craze ఎలా ఉండేదంటే, నేను కూడా ఒకట్రెండు సార్లు నడపటానికి try చేశా. నాకు అంతు చిక్కని ప్రశ్న ఏంటంటే,  నాన్నగారి  వల్ల బుల్లెట్ popular అయిందా, బుల్లెట్ వల్ల నాన్నగారు popular అయ్యారా అని. అసలు ఎక్కడో గోదావరి జిల్లా నుంచి గుంటూరు జిల్లా వచ్చి ఊర్లో అంత పేరు ప్రఖ్యాతులు ఎలా తెచ్చుకున్నారు ఆయన? ఉద్యోగరీత్యా నరసరావుపేట వచ్చేటప్పుడు అలాంటి ఒక ఊరు ఉందని కూడా వాళ్ళకి తెలీదంట. ఒక్కళ్ళు కూడా పరిచయస్తులు లేరు. అలాంటిది ఇదే సొంత ఊరు లాగా అయిపోయింది. నాకైతే మరీను. నేను months baby గా ఉన్నప్పుడు డు వచ్చారంట నరసరావుపేట కి. ఇంక ఇక్కడే చదువు, పెళ్ళి, ఉద్యోగం అన్నీ. ఒక్కోసారి చాలా విసుగు వస్తది. చిన్న town అయిన ఈ నరసరావుపేటలో ఇరుక్కుపోయాను, ఇంకా better place అయితే better opportunities ఉండేవి అని అనిపిస్తూ ఉంటుంది. ఈ ఊరికి నా జీవితం అంకితం అయిపోయింది అనే అసంతృప్తి ఉన్నా ఇక్కడ ఉండబట్టే కదా నాన్నగారి గురించి అందరూ మంచిగా చెప్పుకునే మాటలు తెలుస్తున్నాయి అనే తృప్తి మాత్రం ఉంది. ఇక్కడ ఉండబట్టే కదా నాకు ఇంత గుర్తింపు, గౌరవం దక్కుతున్నాయి అని గర్వంగా అనిపిస్తుంది.

ఒక్కోసారి ఎందుకు అందరూ ఇంతలా పొగుడుతున్నారు? Retirement function అయితే సందర్భం కాబట్టి చెప్తారు. రిటైర్ అయ్యి 15 సంవత్సరాలు అయింది ఊరు వదిలి 10 సంవత్సరాలు అయింది ఇంకా ఇంత మంది అభిమానం చూపిస్తున్నారు అంటే దానికి కారణం ఏమిటి అని ఆలోచిస్తూ ఉంటా. ఈ ప్రశ్న నాకు నేను చాలాసార్లు వేసుకున్నా. బహుశా ఇదంతా ఆయన వ్యక్తిత్వానికి వచ్చిన గుర్తింపేమో.

నాన్నగారిని తలుచుకుంటే ముఖ్యంగా నాకు గుర్తు వచ్చే జ్ఞాపకం, మమ్మల్ని నిద్ర లేపడం. ఎవరినీ నొప్పించే మనస్తత్వం కాకపోవటం వల్ల, టైం అవుతుంది లేవండమ్మా అంటూ మెల్లగా తట్టి లేపేవారు. ఇప్పుడు తలుచుకుంటే నవ్వొస్తుంది. ఎక్కడ నిద్రాభంగం అవుతదో అన్నట్లు అంత సుతిమెత్తగా లేపే వాళ్ళు. మాకేమో అది జోల పాట లాగా ఉండి దుప్పటి ముసుగు పెట్టేవాళ్ళం. సరిగ్గా అయిదు నిమిషాల తరువాత వంట గదిలో నుంచి మట్టి గాజుల చప్పుడు! రాను రాను శబ్దం దగ్గర అవడంతో, ఓహో అమ్మ వస్తుంది లేపటానికి అని అర్థం అయ్యేది. అంతే! ఒక్క ఉదుటున మంచం దిగి, దుప్పటి మడతపెట్టి, పక్క సరిచేసి, bathroom లోకో, wash basin దగ్గరకో పరుగు పెట్టే వాళ్ళం. లేకపోతే ఆ మట్టి గాజులు ఒకట్రెండు మా వీపుల మీద పగిలిపోయేవి.

నేను, అక్క, తమ్ముడు రెడీ అయ్యి వచ్చేసరికి ముగ్గురి shoes polish చేసి cycles తుడిచి పెట్టే వారు. ఎప్పుడూ నోరు తెరిచి ఇది కావాలి అని అడిగే అవకాశం ఇవ్వలేదు మాకు. అన్నీ ముందే అమర్చే వారు. మేము ఏదైనా songs album release అయింది అని చెప్పుకోవటం విన్నారంటే సాయంత్రానికి ఆ album తెచ్చేసేవారు. మాకు మాత్రమే కాదు ఇంటికి చుట్టాలు వస్తే పేరుపేరునా వాళ్ళకి ఇష్టమైన items తెచ్చేవారు. ఎవరికీ ఏ లోటు రానివ్వరు. అలా అని కోట్ల ఆస్థి ఉంది అనుకుంటే పొరపాటే. ఎప్పుడో ఒకసారి మాటల్లో అమ్మ అంది, ఇంట్లో పూచిక పుల్ల కూడా నాన్నగారి సంపాదనతో కొన్నదే అని. ఎందుకంటే నాన్నగారి డిగ్రీ అయ్యేనాటికి ఆయనకి వారసత్వంగా వచ్చింది అప్పులే. లోటు బడ్జెట్ లో ఉన్న రాష్ట్రాన్ని లాభాల్లోకి తీసుకు రావటం ఎంత కష్టమో, అప్పులు తీర్చి డబ్బు కూడపెట్టడానికి ఆయన అంత కష్ట పడ్డారు. ఉన్నంతలో ఎంతో గొప్పగా పెంచారు మమ్మల్ని.

పిల్లలు ఏదైనా తల్లిదండ్రులను చూసే నేర్చుకుంటారు అనేది నూటికి నూరుపాళ్ళు నిజం. పది సార్లు చెప్పినా నేర్చుకోనిది మన పెద్దవాళ్ళు ఆచరించి చూపిస్తే అవి మనకి ఇట్టే అలవడతాయి. అలా నాన్నగారి దగ్గర్నుంచి discipline, punctuality, eating healthy, no back-biting లాంటి చాలా విషయాలు నేర్చుకున్నాను. నేను జాబ్ లో జాయిన్ అయ్యేటప్పుడు నాకు ఒక విషయం చెప్పారు. “మనం విలువ ఇవ్వవలసింది cadre కి కాదు, మనిషికి. Peon to Principal, cadre మర్చిపో. వ్యక్తికి గౌరవం ఇవ్వు అని. అప్పుడు నాకు గుర్తు వచ్చింది. నా చిన్నప్పుడు L I C office కి వెళ్ళినప్పుడు ఆయన అలాగే behave చేసే వాళ్ళు. గేటు దగ్గర మొదలు పెట్టి అందరినీ పలకరిస్తూ వెళ్ళేవారు. అలా అని ఎక్కువ మాట్లాడరు. ఒకట్రెండు మాటలే! ఎదుటి వాళ్ళ వ్యక్తిగత విషయాల్లో అస్సలు ఆసక్తి చూపే వాళ్ళు కాదు. అమ్మ ఒక్కోసారి ఈ విషయంలో గొడవ పడటం నాకు గుర్తే. మీ చుట్టూ మీరు గిరిగీసుకుని కూర్చుంటారు. అందరితో మనసువిప్పి మాట్లాడరే?” అని అనేది. కానీ అది ఆయన పెట్టుకున్న నిబంధన. వ్యక్తిగత విషయాల ప్రస్తావన తేరు. ఆఖరికి తన పిల్లల విషయంలో కూడా. మనం చెప్తే వింటారు, అడిగితే సలహా ఇస్తారు. తనకై తాను కలగజేసుకోరు.

నోరు అదుపుమాట పొదుపు’. ఇది నాన్నగారి నుంచి తెలుసుకున్న ఇంకొక విషయం. నేర్చుకున్న విషయం అని అనకుండా తెలుసుకున్నవిషయం అని ఎందుకు అన్నానంటే అది ఇంకా పూర్తిగా పాటించలేకపొతున్నా కాబట్టి.

నాకు ఎక్కువగా అమ్మ లక్షణాలు వచ్చాయి అని నేను ఎప్పుడూ అనుకుంటూ ఉంటాను. అమ్మ లోని ధైర్యం, తెగువ, పనితనం, అందరినీ కలుపుకోవడం, decision making—ఇలా అన్నిట్లో అమ్మని ప్రతిబింబిస్తూ ఉంటాను. కానీ ఆలోచిస్తుంటే నాన్నగారి ప్రభావం కూడా నా మీద చాలా ఉన్నట్లు అనిపిస్తుంది. దానికి ఒక ఉదాహరణనాన్నగారి నుంచి నాకు వచ్చిన ఒక అలవాటుబయటకి వెళ్లేటప్పుడు ఒక bag carry చెయ్యటం, బండి box లో ఒక bag ఎప్పుడూ పెట్టుకోవటం. నాకు ఊహ తెల్సినప్పట్నుంచీ  చూస్తూనే ఉన్నా. Bag లేకుండా బయటకు వెళ్ళేవారు కాదు. ఇదే idea ని మేము  ఒకసారి (2018 లో) environment day రోజు promote చేశాం. Walkers అందరినీ request చేశాం. Pocket లో కానీ బండిలో కానీ ఒక bag carry చేసి plastic నుంచి Earth ని save చేయమని. Campaign బాగా click అయింది. దానికి inspiration నాన్నగారే. ఆయన చేసే ప్రతి చిన్న పని చాలా ఆదర్శంగా ఉంటాయి. ఇంకా, ఆయనలో మంచి క్రియేటివిటీ కూడా ఉంది. పనికిరాని వస్తువులతో అధ్భుతమైన కళాఖండాలు తయారు చేస్తారు. ఆయన్ని గమనిస్తూ ఇంకా చాలా నేర్చుకోవచ్చు.

ఇవన్నీ అందరి లో ఉండే మంచి లక్షణాలే.  కానీ ఒక మనిషికి వీటిలో ఒకటో రెండో ఉంటాయేమో. నాన్నగారి లో సకుటుంబ పరివార సమేతంగా ఉండేసరికి ఆయనకి public లో అంత విలువ ఏమో. 

బస్సు కి break పడటంతో నా ఆలోచనలకి కూడా break పడింది. బస్సు దిగి auto ఎక్కా.
Auto Driver: ‘మీరు ఎల్ఐసి కుమార్ గారి అమ్మాయి కదా!’
నేను: అవును
నా పెదాలపై చిరునవ్వు, కళ్ళల్లో వెలుగు, మనసులో గర్వం. నాకు సమాధానం దొరికింది.
మన వ్యక్తిత్వం వల్ల మన విలువ పెరిగితే, మన నడవడిక వల్ల మన గౌరవం పెరుగుతుంది.


Tuesday, 28 April 2020

Guide and Mentor


Guide and Mentor
(in loving memory of Sri P. Kranthi Kumar)

In terms of time, it’s a short relation of eight years but in terms of moments, it’s a strong bond of fond memories. The warm welcome I receive every time I step in, fills me with great joy. I always get drenched in his affection.

We discuss almost everything under the Sun—from epics to e-mails; Indian history and English literature to latest films and book releases; and our past experiences to future ambitions. We have those chill moments on a scorching mid-summer noon; that fun and laughter in a breezy evening; the in-depth philosophical talks on some occasion and the pun and punch on other occasions. At times, it is just shooting the breeze.

In short,
A multi-folded personality he is!
Unfolds a petal in each encounter.
Has many arrows in his quiver--
Shoots the relevant one,
One role at a time—a teacher, a friend, a philosopher, a guide and a mentor.

I let my hair down in his presence, experiencing that fatherly affection. I gape at his energies, wondering at his ability to work on three to four projects simultaneously, cursing myself for not utilising my time effectively. He chides me for my hastiness and aids me in dealing with unfair people. He gives tasks and targets; and never fails to either appreciate or correct me with his constructive criticism. He teaches me life lessons in every context. Every encounter with him reminds me of ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ by Mitch Albom.

It is a huge loss to me personally that he met his maker. It left me paralyzed for a brief period but later I moved on realising that he is alive in my deeds and in my mind.


(I write this in simple present as I don’t want all this to be a past. He guides me in every living moment of mine.)


Sunday, 26 April 2020

Lock-down Insight




It all started well, like a good shower quenching the holiday thirst.

The day starts with yoga and then preparations for breakfast and lunch, followed by family fitness fever, after which comes the family meditation time. After lunch, we have some relaxed time for playing games or watching films. Evenings go into gardening, reading pending books, pursuing hobbies, experimenting with ideas, recollecting old memories, enrolling into new courses, learning new skills, focusing on interests and listening to spiritual talks. Days are running at jet speed, rolling into weeks. Just a blink of the eye, and puffff…the day is over!

Then came the disaster in the form of restricted public movement—the Covid-19 lockdown.

The absence of house-help has brought with it some additional mundane chores to my life like washing clothes, sweeping the front yard, making rangoli, cleaning utensils and mopping the floor. This lock down has kicked in some unforeseen knowledge about often neglected nitty-gritty things. Here you go with the latest wisdom.

If ‘Washing clothes’ is a topic in syllabus, it has many sub topics like separating, soaking, soaping, brushing, beating, rinsing, wringing, hanging, drying and folding. And like troublesome questions in store after each topic, we are left with puckered fingers, perforated palms, cracked heels and broken nails. (I have to sacrifice my carefully-carved, long nails to this menial work. I turn a blind eye to all the 38 shades of nail paint bottles that look expectantly at me.) Needless to say, it takes too long for a wound or a scratch to get healed. The injuries that happen get worse due to continuous labour and they hurt every now and then.

As I always need a background music while attending to daily chores, I carry a Bluetooth speaker with me when I go to backyard for the strenuous project of washing clothes. As I listen to the music and sing or chant along, I notice my hands dancing to the music. They do kathakali while washing towels and when it is a 7x8 bed spread, they perform ‘shiva taandavam’. To let the cat out, I mentally communicate with the clothes and let them know that I am peeling off their layers of karma. Well, I know it sounds funny but all I need is some crazy inclination to complete the task. In an attempt to motivate myself, I even try to look at this onerous task like a fitness mantra. I pat my shoulder while meticulously executing the tedious task.

Shockingly, I find myself in awkward postures which I have never imagined to be in. They remind me of the famous cartoons that I used to scoff at, for their overtly pictured feminine poses. However, I now understand that they are the suitable postures for this peculiar work. I repent for not buying a washing machine when offered by my mom but I am grateful to her for having trained me in these areas. Realization dawns upon me that I use more detergent and water with double the time and effort when compared to my dhobi. Hopefully, I will pick up pace in no time though surpassing her would be a far cry.

Eventually, I become more conscious about not soiling the clothes. I also discover that pedicure is an easy go when it is done immediately after washing clothes. On the brighter side, basking in vitamin D is like gifting ourselves with strong and healthy bones, ripping off the vitamin deficiency acquired through years of labour in AC rooms.

Cleaning the utensils is no less a horrendous task! I am seen spending more time in kitchen, huffing and puffing with greasy dishes in my soapy palms, trying to twinkle them. I try to promote solidarity among utensils by sharing the lids and spoons. Curry is served directly from the cooked vessel, without transferring it into serving bowl.

These days, while cooking a dish, my main concern is not the necessary ingredients, but the number of utensils I have to use to make it. I wince when I use an additional plate or spoon out of habit. I applaud my observation and shift to the steel utensils as they are easy to clean than the Tupperware ones. Hands become rough and scorching. In an attempt to soften them, I learn that butter works better than imported creams.  Interestingly, cancelling to do a few dishes keeps a check to the calorie intake, thereby halting our weight gain.

‘The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ is an age old saying. But this Covid-19 lock down has made the way too lengthy and meandering. I keep wondering when I am going to reach the destination of this seemingly never-ending path. However, I must admit that I owe my culinary skills to this lock down period which has turned me into a seasoned chef.

Sweeping the front yard literally eats away all the time and drains away the entire energy. I wish I had a magic wand that stops the fall of withered leaves, mid-way, making them fall directly into the bin. The long-forgotten art of rangoli making is again being practiced with utmost dedication. Once again, as a part of self-motivation, I try to convince myself that this traumatizing task is the best work-out to tuck in the tummy.

Fortunately, another wearisome task of sweeping and mopping the entire house is voluntarily taken up by my daughter which gives me some solace at this hour. I tentatively erase the thought of extending and renovating the house. I also secretly feel happy that it is not done by now. I brush aside the prospects of designing my personal library, flaunting the volumes of treasure I own. Instead, I bury deep into the pile of unread books.

Though staying between the four walls has put a check to several expenses like fuel and iron, I miss those perfectly-pressed, crisp, cotton sarees which I deliberately drape to college. The missing feeling of college, classes and students is over powered by online teaching sessions. It is intriguing to learn, practise and use another dimension of teaching. Learning a new skill always keeps us young, energetic and confident.

At the end of the day, I am impressed by the impeccably clean and tidy house. I admire the shining floor, sparkling utensils, crisp clothes and flawless front yard. I appreciate myself for being an agile learner. I am head over heels in love with myself over and again.

The bottom line is……Why depend on someone when I can perform better?




Thursday, 23 April 2020

New found excitement with old buddies (St. Ann's High School, Narasaraopet)

New found excitement with old buddies

The very thought of meeting childhood friends was so intriguing and it left us all with bundles of enthusiasm and excitement. We have been classmates from 2nd  to 10th and have been best buddies. We used to be so affectionate to each other and found the same affection again after a long gap of 24 years. We got to know that it’s the essence of getting together. Plans were made, sources charted, venue decided, time fixed and menu selected.

The day had come!

Everyone walked in with style and grace, without leaving behind the natural smile that glued to their lips. In no time did we met, were we filled with awe. We were even unable to identify a few of our pals. Girls turned to women and boys to gentlemen; we have discovered ourselves with grey hairs, bald heads and puffed personalities. The knee-length skirt girls are now cladded in sarees and the gutsy guys are in manly moustaches.

We have recollected the events of past and roared into loud laughter without caring a bit about our surroundings. We literally brought the roof down. The naughty boys now seemed so responsible. The aggressive boys have become assertive men. The talkative girls seemed more talkative and more energetic. The shrinking violets have now bloomed with confidence.

It was like a blend of various fields- doctors, engineers, teachers, trainers, software employees, government employees, home makers and business magnates.

We exchanged pleasantries and tried to pull each other’s legs. The mobiles were sent into hibernation for a while. Discussions ran on everything under the sun—The carriers we used to share, the nick names we gave and were given, how matured we have become, nature of our jobs, our respective families, our teachers in school, infatuations, crushes on classmates and teachers, so on and so forth......and someone rose a question to the one that has come all the way from the USA, whether Obama would again become the president of America !

An enquiry went on, " Do you cane your students in school?"
Pat came the reply, " No student seemed as mischievous as you, otherwise he would have had that."

The one who scribbled in our autograph books that 'earth is round, we will meet again' is reminded of that and we confirmed and concluded that earth is really round as we have met again. We even tried to measure it in terms of years and traced it to be 24.

We foamed at our mouths when one of our friends tried to give unnecessary respect and everyone chided him for his formal behaviour. The men were asked to clear the air by revealing the mystery of who used to make our cycle tyres totally flat. They didn't let the cat out, and without any second thought, put the entire blame on the one that was unable to make his presence.

We missed the ones that were unable to turn up but somehow managed to overcome it. Our SPL (school pupil leader) thanked everyone—in general for their presence and in particular for their contribution—in his thunderous voice and announced the upcoming meet.

There were no regrets for not having met these many years and no heavy-weighted hearts that we had to call it a day. Resolutions were made for further meets and we felt grateful to the social networking sites that made our get-together happen.

The time ran swiftly and we bade goodbye with affection-drenched hearts. Ultimately, we had a good shower of energy and life seemed to have been dipped afresh in spotless colours. The bond got strengthened in togetherness.

The next year, we were able to trace a few more friends and were thrilled to know that one of them is into film industry. We immediately went crazy chalked out a message-oriented short film which would feature us all, but it didn’t happen till now for some unknown reason.

All this happened in 2010. We have been meeting once or twice a year, from then. However, we look forward to the next meeting as soon as it ends.

We are still the same, whenever we meet. Where else would you find people who give health advices to doctors, soft skills suggestions to trainers, perfect plot construction tips to script writers and crisis management secrets to business magnates?  Only a childhood buddy dares to do it. The best thing about intimate school friends is that, we neither have to refine our thoughts nor have to filter the conversation. It is raw, crude, fresh and pure.


x

Wednesday, 22 April 2020

Emotional Bonding


Emotional Bonding

An emotional bond between two people needn't necessarily be love; they needn't be siblings, needn’t be life partners. This bond happens by fortune, I believe. When you find someone who could emotionally respond to your soul, life is worth living. It happens only by luck. One needs to experience it to know what it is. It's like the other person reading your mind even without you, uttering a single word. It is a bliss to be bestowed with such a bonding.

Having intellectual talks is one thing. Sharing the long-forgotten, deep-buried bruises is another thing. Not everything is shared with everyone. When we find that someone whose frequency syncs and wavelength matches with ours, it is not wise to turn a blind eye. When you have that bonding, we don't need words to express. Regular chats, continuous mails, frequent visits--all these need not be a part of the relationship. No pleasantries needed, no formalities required. We can straight away pick up the topic with such people because souls remain together, think alike, respond in need, stay in touch—every nano second. 

Funny fights, heated arguments, deep discussions, weird analyses, silly jokes—all these make the bond stronger. There's no room for ego or domination. Having someone to share your crazy ideas and balanced thoughts is a dream come true.


 It is he/she—your soulmate....

 who squeezes your hand in assurance
 who pats your back in appreciation
 who warns you when on wrong path
             who holds you in distress
 who hugs you in happiness
 who teases you for fun
 who admires your talents
 who honours your reputation
             who respects your individuality
 who chides your hastiness
 who loves you unconditionally
 who is glued to your soul affectionately

This bond is more than love.  Love may fade over years, but this bond only gets stronger day by day.


Tuesday, 14 April 2020

Scribbles

It's time for some practical wisdom, apart from academics. Let me scribble some ideas, opinions and facts from now on. Give a thought to these scribbles. Apply them in your life, if they fall in place. 

Wednesday, 18 April 2018

Units--3,4,5,6 Grammar

Cultural Shock: Adjustment to New Cultural Environments (Unit 3)
            Idiom
               Meaning
                 Example sentence

Cat nap
Brief sleep
I took a cat nap during the English class.

Chicken out
To decide not to do something because you are too frightened
Are you going to smoke Marijuana or are you going to chicken out?

Copy cat
Imitating a celebrity or something popular
I phone copycat hi phone 5 is on good sale in China.

Dog days
A period of inactivity
These are indeed dog days for Bollywood industry.

Fishy
Doubtful, suspicious
Something is fishy about the accident.

Have a cow
Be upset, angry or worried
Don’t have a cow mom! I will clean my room.

Hold your horses
Be patient/ hold on/ wait
Hold your horses. We haven’t won yet.

Get the lion’s share
Get the major share
The eldest son gets the lion’s share of paternal property.

In the dog house
Be in trouble
Ravi was in the dog house when his father lifted his girlfriend’s call.

Kill two birds with one stone
Complete two tasks with one action
Cycling to work kills two birds with one stone. It saves money and gives you some exercise.

Let the cat out of the bag
Reveal a secret
We planned a surprise party to our mom. But my little sister let the cat out of the bag, meanwhile.

A little bird told me
Used when a person wants to hide the   source of information
A little bird told me about your holiday plans to Japan.

Make a beeline
Go quickly and directly to someone or   somewhere
I get cross (angry) when people make a beeline at the ATMs and theatres.

Raining cats and dogs
Rain heavily
All flights are cancelled as it has been raining cats and dogs since yesterday.

Rat race
The busy modern urban life style
The family quit the rat race in order to live a peaceful life.


Smell a rat
Suspect something
His wife smelt a rat when he suddenly started working late.

Straight from the horse’s mouth
Getting information from the concerned highest authority
Tomorrow is a holiday! I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth.

Take the bull by the horns
Deal decisively with a difficult problem
The Indian government will have to take the bull by the horns and control corruption.



Correction of sentences

1.Kareena is the only one of those students who have lived up to the expectations of her teachers.
     Kareena is the only one of those students who has lived up to the expectations of her teachers.

2.One of my uncles has bought me this watch.(correct)

3.Summer holidays, which are usually declared by the principal, has not been announced yet.
       Summer holidays, which are usually declared by the principal, have not been announced yet.

4.Not only the students but also the teacher have been called by the director.
        Not only the students but also the teacher has been called by the director.

5.Most of the milk has gone bad. Four litres of milk are still in the freezer. 
         Much of the milk has gone bad. Four litres of milk is still in the freezer.

6.The students and the teachers each wishes for a new auditorium.
         The students and the teachers each wish for a new auditorium.

7.A large number of customers is standing at the ATMs.
         A large number of customers are standing at the ATMs.

8.Three years are a long time to be away from our families.
          Three years is a long time to be away from our families.

9.Physics are my favourite subject.
          Physics is my favourite subject.

10.With demonetization, the economics of the country has changed drastically.(correct)

                                                           
The Lottery (Unit 4)

Vocabulary

Use the words (in adjective and adverb forms) in the sentences of your own

Profusely (adv.): He profusely apologized to his staff.
Profuse (adj.): He offered profuse apologies to his staff.

Quietly (adv.): He wept quietly at the loss of his wife.
Quiet (adj.): He recollected the quiet moments he had with his wife.

Reluctantly (adv.): The student reluctantly started to read.
Reluctant (adj.): The student was reluctant to read.

Uneasily (adv.): I shifted uneasily in the chair.
Uneasy (adj.): I was uneasy in the chair.

Regretfully (adv.): The soon apologized regretfully for not looking after his parents.
Regretful (adj.): The son offered regretful apologies for not looking after his parents.

Nervously (adv.): She spoke nervously at the seminar.
Nervous (adj.): She gave a nervous speech at the seminar.

Hastily (adv.): The government has hastily taken the decision of demonetization.
Hasty (adj.): The government has made a hasty decision of demonetization.

Precisely (adv.): The price of commodities is precisely given.
Precise (adj.): The precise price of the commodities is given.

Willingly (adv.): The man has willingly given up drinking.
Willing (adj.): The man’s was a willing decision to give up drinking.

Defiantly (adv.): The opposition leader has defiantly made his points in the Assembly.
Defiant (adj.): The opposition leader made defiant points in the Assembly.

  
Correction of sentences

1.We are much interested in visiting your house.
             We are very interested in visiting your house.

2.Never she has sung so well.
             Never has she sung so well.

3.He nicely played piano.
             He played the piano nicely.

4.I felt so lonely.
             I felt so alone.

5.It is bitter cold.
             It is bitterly cold.

6.The movie is too interesting.
            The movie is very interesting.

7.He is so poor to pay the examination fee. (correct)

8.I am very much sorry.
            I am very sorry.

9.He is not clever enough to solve the problem. (correct)

10.Before long, not many people lived here.
              Not before long, many people lived here.

11.We arrived at midnight after a few hours.
              We arrived a few hours after midnight.

12.Soon she goes, the good.
              Soon she goes, the well.

13.I was little tired.
              I was a little tired.

14.He sang so loud.
              He sang so loudly.

15. She was almost standing near the door.
              She was standing almost near the door.
                        

The Health Threats of Climate Change (Unit 5)

Correction of sentences

1.We discussed about the cyclone.
                    We discussed the cyclone.

2.Immediately we reached at the airport.
                     Immediately we reached the airport.

3.I have ordered for his dismissal.
                     I have ordered his dismissal.

4.Vikas married with his friend’s sister.
                    Vikas married his friend’s sister.

5.Many students entered into the hall very late.
                    Many students entered the hall very late.

6.She resembles to her father.
                    She resembles her father.

7.This candidate is intelligent, but lacks of experience.
                    This candidate is intelligent, but lacks experience.

8.What is the time in your watch?
                    What is the time by your watch?           

9.They have travelled to Tirupati in train.
                    They have travelled to Tirupati by train.

10.The board members were pleased at me.
                    The board members were pleased with me.

11.She was trembling by rage.
                    She was trembling from rage.

12.We all congratulated her for her success in the project.
                   We all congratulated her on her success in the project.

13.Who is in the phone?
                   Who is on the phone?

14.I watched an interesting show at TV.
                   I watched an interesting show on TV.

15.Will you see me on next Friday?
                  Will you see me next Friday?

16.She is just the right height to be a police constable.
                  She is just the right height for a police constable.

17.Are you going to home now?
                  Are you going home now?

18.The ball slowly rolled into the goal.(correct)

19.I don’t care for your opinion.
                 I don’t care your opinion.

20.She has been ill since two weeks.
                She has been ill for two weeks.

21.The manager suggested me to take leave.
                The manager suggested that I take leave.

22.He is junior than me.
                He is junior to me.

23. This is the worst storm in ten years. (correct)

24.She sent the letter to me on my old address.
                She sent the letter to my address.

25.The loud music prevented me to sleep.
                The loud music prevented me from sleep(ing).


s.no
Phrase
One-word Substitute
1
Detailed plan of journey
Itinerary
2
A person of long experience
Veteran
3
A small enclosure for cattle, sheep, poultry etc.
Pen
4
One who escorts
Outriders
5
Exclusive possession of the trade in some commodity
Monopoly
6
One who studies stars, planets and other heavenly bodies.
Astronomer
7
A building in which monks live
Monastery
8
Government formed by the people.
Democracy
9
An assembly of listeners
Audience
10
One who believes in a single God.
Monotheist
11
An act of self-examination.
Introspection
12
One who changes sides
Turncoat
13
One who loves books
Bibliophile
14
Government by the new/ inexperienced
Neocracy
15
Killing of a human being
Murder
16
Composed of people from all over the world
Cosmopolitan
17
One who is incapable of making a mistake
Infallible
18
One who always runs away from danger
Timid
19
A tank for keeping live fish or other aquatic animals.
Aquarium
20
A narrative poem in short stanzas
Ballad
21
Person who rules without consulting the opinion of others
Autocrat
22
Destroyer of religious images/ icons
Iconoclast
23
A grant of ownership
Patent
24
A person who is womanish/ unmasculine
Effeminate
25
A word opposite in meaning
Antonym
26
A huge mass of snow moving slowly down the valley and slopes
Glacier
27
One who believes in fate
Fatalist
28
A speech delivered without any previous preparation
Extempore
29
Speech or language that is difficult to understand
Jargon
30
One who is devoted to sensual pleasures (eating, drinking..)
Epicure
31
Indifference to pleasure or pain
Stoic
32
A style in which a writer makes a display of his knowledge
Pedantic
33
One who talks in sleep
Somniloquy
34
Government by one person
Autocracy
35
A place for the sick to regain health
Sanatorium
36
One who has varied skills and talents
Versatile
37
One who represents a state in a foreign country
Ambassador
38
A learned person
Scholar
39
Remains of prehistoric animal or plant preserved by being buried
Fossils
40
One who exists at the same time as another
Contemporary
41
One who can speak two languages
Bilingual
42
Killing of an infant
Infanticide
43
One who copies the writings of others
Plagiarist
44
One who is all powerful
Omnipotent
45
Absence of the government in a country
Anarchy
46
That which can be easily broken
Fragile/ brittle
47
Persons working in the same department
Colleagues
48
Loss of memory (forgetfulness)
Amnesia
49
Violation of sacred things
Sacrilege



The Chief Software Architect (Unit 6)

Correction of sentences

1.Didn’t know what actually happened. Just happened to hear the noise.
                   I Didn’t know what actually happened. I Just happened to hear the noise.

2.Did you read the novel.Sons and Lovers by Lawrence.
                  Did you read the novel ‘Sons and Lovers’ by Lawrence?

3.I didn’t go with for the movie. Though I had enough money.
                  I didn’t go for the movie, though I had enough money.

4.A must-see movie. We need to watch it next week.
                  It’s a  must-watch movie. We need to watch it next week.

5.Felt like having a sweet. Immediately went out to buy some rasgullas.
                   I felt like having a sweet. So, I immediately went out to buy some rasgullas.

6.Very good to wear it. The sweater was warm.
                  It’s very good to wear it, the sweater was warm.

7. This drink very bitter. But that one sweet.
                  This drink is very bitter. But that one is sweet.

8.He has a sister. Who is very pretty.
                  He has a sister, who is very pretty.

9.Prem bought a book. That he wanted to read for a long time.
                  Prem bought a book. He wanted to read that for a long time.

10. Have no idea what he actually wants.
                  I have no idea what he actually wants.

11.Bread and butter are my usual breakfast.
                  Bread and butter is my usual breakfast.

12.The news that he is corrupt are not true.
                  The news that he is corrupt is not true.

13.25 kilometers is a long way to go by cycle/bicycle.

14.Either Krishna or his parents knows the news.
                  Either Krishna or his parents know the news.

15.Neither of the kids is playing cricket. (correct)

16.Don’t you think two thousand rupees are high for this pair of shoes?
                  Don’t you think two thousand rupees is high for this pair of shoes?

17.When I reached his house, there was a lot of people surrounding him.
                  When I reached his house, there were a lot of people surrounding him.

18.One of the policemen were shot dead in the firing.
                One of the policemen was shot dead in the firing.

19.Physics was my favourite subject at school. (correct)

20.Here stays all my relatives.
               Here stay all my relatives.

21.If the library limited its membership, it will have to raise its membership fee.
               If the library limits its membership, it will have to raise its membership fee.

22.By the time he reached playground, all his friends have left.
              By the time he reached playground, all his friends had left.

23.After the principal spoke about cleanliness of surroundings, all the volunteers had started cleaning ground.
            After the principal spoke about cleanliness of surroundings, all the volunteers started cleaning ground.

24.As Rani puts in her contact lenses, the doorbell rang.
            As Rani puts in her contact lenses, the doorbell rings.

25.The speaker usually asks for questions as soon as he has finished his lecture.
            The speaker usually asks for questions as soon as he finishes his lecture.

26.Sujatha was terribly disappointed with the feedback on her cooking because she worked very hard.
      Sujatha was terribly disappointed with the feedback on her cooking because she had worked very hard.

27.We all hope she would survive.
           We all hope she will survive.

28.Prem wants to donate all the money to an orphanage he earned last summer.
            Prem wants to donate all the money, he earned last summer, to an orphanage.

29.The student insisted that he has paid the fee long back.
             The student insisted that he had paid the fee long back.

30.The doctor advised bed rest for the patient, who suffers from a back ache.

             The doctor advises bed rest for the patient, who suffers from