Tag Archives: Values

On teacher’s day…

Sis 1 started her career as a lecturer in an Engineering college. The opportunity came just by chance. She had never planned on becoming a teacher, nor had ever imagined herself to be one. But she took it up and ended up liking teaching.
Frequently she would crib about how things are in her professional setup, how its a thankless job and how the remuneration is just not worth the effort. Many times she has asked us to find something for her in the corporate world, though not fully comfortable with the idea herself. Each time, we would offer our own insights and comfort her that she is in the right place.

Most of all what strikes me about her profession is the opportunity to make a difference to others lives. And that I think is a big one. She is very committed to her work and is sincere when it comes to helping and guiding students. On more than one occasion, her efforts have been appreciated. Not only by the student, but also by the parents. Such moments give her a huge boost and we all feel very good about this. That at least a few students take the trouble to acknowledge the effort and make time to let their feelings known.

When I hear of such incidents from her, I almost always rue the fact that I never expressed such gratitude or said thanks to the teachers who touched my life and made a difference. I hope to make amends by expressing my thanks to my kids’ teachers and by teaching the kids to express their feelings to people who do make a positive impact on them… however small or big!!

Here’s to all the dedicated teachers who strive to shape up young minds for a better and hopeful tomorrow!!

Happy Teacher’s Day!!!

A cherished book !!

A Little princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The abridged version of this book was given to me as an award for Morals when I was in the 8th std which was almost 22 years ago!! Even to this day, I’m not very sure as to why they chose me for this prize. Was it based on marks or did it have something to do with my behaviour I do not know. However, it was perhaps the first book that I owned and I had been excited to receive it amidst applause of the students and teachers at the award ceremony. That made it special for me. But the reason why I cherish it even to this day is the story of the little princess Sara, which left a lasting impression on me. The inherent goodness of the little princess was at once enchanting and empowering to me. It enforced my belief that goodness has its own merits. And that goodness at heart is what will bring you lasting peace and contentment. And will help us be one with the universe. Something which I have believed in and have endeavoured to practice to the extent possible.

The book cover.

The certificate pasted on the inside of the cover.

A brief outline of the story can be found here. I do not know if it can be for real. But I’m sure compassion, empathy, good will are virtues which should be emulated and nurtured. Empathize every single time. Always give others the benefit of doubt and never pass a judgement off hand. Don’t feel jealous. Don’t grudge others their success and glory. Don’t crib and whine. And be grateful.. for everything! These are a few things that I have imbibed from the book. I try to live accordingly… trying all the while. There are instances where I have been taken advantage of, have been cheated… betrayed. But I have not given up on what I have been and what I am. For I truly believe, that in the long run, goodness will have its own fruits.

The story of Sara has impacted my way of thinking … and being. I dont think i can elaborate on all the lines that have had an impact, here are a couple of scenes… courtsey google :)

Acknowledge that you may be better because you are placed in better circumstances. And have a heart… empathize with those who aren’t as privileged as you are.

Acknowledge your limitations … and try to overcome them in a better way. Try to always look for the good in everyone and every situation.

I don’t know if the content of the book helped me form my habits and cultivate my temperament. Or if I felt that my innate qualities and beliefs were vindicated by the story. Either way, I connect with the book and cherish it. And each time I read it, I’m enchanted and almost always, it brings up a lump in the throat. For me, this book is not just about memories but about a way of life, to be cherished for all times to come :)

Even after moving cities and houses, the book has stayed with us. Dad never ever disposes off books, no matter what their  condition. On a recent visit to our home in Mysore, I went through the books. And was so glad to find it. Pages brown and with the typical smell of old books :) Ammu was also excited about the book, because it contained my name and my school name. And when I told her it was a prize, she was impressed. I brought back with me and it now sits in my book shelf. I’m sure Ammu will pick it up when she is able to read it. Probably I’ll buy her a new one to read since the pages are popping out of the book that I have. Anyway, I really hope she too will imbibe some of the quaint and lovable manners of Princess Sara :) As for Adi… I’m not sure if Princess stories will interest him. Only time will tell!! I just wish that he’ll read it too :)

I came across this contest at blogadda just yesterday. I so wanted to do this post but thought that wouldn’t be able to with so little time left for the deadline. But I just had to and here it is.I’m so glad that I could write this down :)

Friends of Books - Library that delivers and I connect with bloggers at BlogAdda.com

Maska chaska!

In these 6 years of being a mamma, I have realized that maska is a sure shot solution most of the times. It works like magic, where as aggression and flexing of the muscles just lead to an increased resolve to rebel! *Shudder to think of all the times that such situations went awry*

My dad’s constant advice has been… ‘Be assertive but not aggressive’. And, of late, I know that he is right… as with all other things of course!!

So… about the maska now :)

One evening, Ammu was very cranky, probably she was tired and hungry as well. A combo that i hate! I feel so miserable at such times!! Worry, anger, despair all creeping in at the same time :( This time i decided to do something different rather than get jittery. I just kept my cool and started … S for Soft, S for Smooth, and S for … (her name)! There was a momentary excitement in her eyes. I continued… S for Star, S for Super and then she came up with S for Sun! And so we went on for some time… adding some more adjectives that begin with S. I was successful in feeding her some bites… without much resistance. After a while though, she refused to have more.

Me*with some hope*: You don’t want to be smooth, soft, super?

She *confidence personified*: I am!!!

Well, needless to say, I melted with affection and pride all at once :) The dinner session proceeded smoothly and finished with smiles and laughter! Dad was the happiest, for the fact that I had handled an inflammable situation very well!!

Thanks dad for the support that you’ve been … through the thick and thin!! This is not maska for dad ;-)

P.S: On Father’s day, I made chicken biryani and chicken curry, thx to Ammu’s special request. She loves chicken curry, but this was the first time that she specifically asked for chiken biryani :) We all got together for lunch, and gifted him a bouquet and a T shirt :) Ammu had also made some cards for him, one at school and some more at home. All in all, we had a lovely day together!!

Shortcuts anyone?

Recently I have noticed a spate of posts that point to wrong usage of English that drives people up the wall! Well, I for one, am particular about the usage of words, context, spellings … :)

I feel that where language is concerned, each to his own. Meaning, if a person is passionate about the language and its usage, he/she will try, as far as possible, to use it correctly. For the rest, it becomes just another means of communication! And rules dont mean much… Of course, this could lead to a lot of confusion and other consequences… but then its another thing between the people that are concerned :( As long as i can understand what the other person is trying to say, I’m ok… it doesnt drive me up the wall.

What did astound me a while ago was this and this :shock: . The ban came as a shock but what shocked me even more was the fact that the use of SMS language in exams had been allowed until then! And the justification for its use by so many students!! I fail to understand, just what the students were thinking when they decided to use this in their answer sheets. I, in fact pity them, that they think they can save some time and energy by using this :( .They seem to have no idea what they can expect in the real world :(

I just hope that they wake up and realize that shortcuts don’t usually take you anywhere!!

‘The Law of the Garbage Truck’

I received this inspiring email today…

“One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were
driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a
parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his
brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of
the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi
driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really
friendly. So I asked, ‘Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined
your car and sent us to the hospital!’ This is when my taxi driver
taught me what I now call, ‘The Law of the Garbage Truck.’

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around
full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of
disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it
and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. Don’t take it personally.
Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don’t take their garbage
and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.”

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take
over their day. Life’s too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,
so….Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a blessed, garbage-free life! :)

Truly thought provoking one… isnt it?

Thoughts..values..

“If the purpose of being born on the earth should be fulfilled, please help others. In case you are not able to help others, at least try not to hurt anyone”. – The DALAI LAMA.

I was ashamed of myself when i got this SMS from my dad ; it was a day when i had lost my temper and yelled at my granma [my mom's mom]…and argued with her. Dad did not scold me for what had happened, in fact he didnt even speak to me about the incident, but this message itself was a  reprimand of the highest degree…

This incident occured on 29th of September, 2007. I have retained this message till date and try hard not to hurt others intentionally or unintentionally…though i am yet to tame the beast :(

Thanks Dad! I’ll keep trying..