Precious Pearls

If you want to check out how practical and realistic you are, try to answer this question honestly. What difference does your absence make to the world? Everyone knows the world doesn’t stop, as it has to move on. The answer doesn’t matter; what’s more important is how much you take it in your stride. This delicate question was raised by one of my closest kin who had dropped in with her wedding invitation. Unfortunately, an important meeting was lined up on the day of her wedding and I told her I wouldn’t be able attend the event. She was adamant on my making it. “Will your wedding stop if I don’t attend?” I was just pulling her leg but she was serious. She counter-questioned, “You know your office work too wouldn’t wait for you. Well, my wedding will take place but still I would be glad if you attend.”   Time comes where we feel that we are needed everywhere. It’s a nice feeling yet, it’s the truth that the world doesn’t stop for us and this is the universal rule applicable ...

This magical number, 100, mysteriously got synonymous to the master blaster. While the whole cricketing world is celebrating the milestone, it remains just a number for Sachin Tendulkar. Wait, this is not another piece praising ‘Sach’ to the skies, singing his glory or unfolding a statistical analysis proving his greatness! Since his 99 th hundred against South Africa over a year ago, speculations about the 100 th were rife. From experts to laymen, everyone had something to opine. Doesn’t matter if one understands the game or not but yes, everybody not only holds an opinion but also has advice to offer to arguably the best batsman ever. While all sorts of opinions are in the air, here is Richie Benaud, one of the most respected Australian captains, saying “I don’t find myself competent enough to talk about his game”. This is self-explanatory. Cricket and this magical figure apart, what unfolds in his interviews post-century of centuries is more intriguing, isn’t it? Silencing criti...

It feels nice to return after a long gap; a month to be precise. I consciously avoid calling it a break, as it wasn’t mean to unwind. I was fortunate to take out 30 days off from the professional life and pursue my heart’s call. After a lot of deliberation and contemplation, I joined the Yoga Instructor’s Course. However, yoga-Asanas could be the last thing I was looking at training myself in. As I expected, it turned out an excellent opportunity to observe myriad shades of life. Visiting a place on mission and studying people and cultures is more than intriguing. Open to every experience, I was convinced that life never ceases to surprise us. Located amid sylvan surroundings away from the hustle and bustle, the venue I stayed was an island in itself with no connection to the world outside. No newspapers, no emails and measured use of mobile phones (after a gap, they automatically stop ringing) yet I was happy. It was altogether a different world for me with neither work deadlines to ...