Precious Pearls

How about quitting something that you love the most? It’s an uphill task to exercise control. It’s a different story how much you stand by the decision but many interesting things unfold when you decide something like that. From my own experience, I can tell you it’s both fine and amazing. The other day, all of us were having as informal chat at office and a colleague walked with a painful face. She had just visited a dentist (even the idea is monstrous for me!).  Soon we learnt that it wasn’t the tooth pain that was hurting her but it was the doctor’s ultimatum about chucking chocolates. “It’s my lifeline yaar. I have too much of sweet tooth,” she grumbled. Surprised, I asked her what was a big deal in quitting chocolates. She was barely 25 and had damaged her teeth. I couldn’t buy the argument that she couldn’t resist her temptation even for health. Her grudge was different. More than bidding adieu to chocolates, what was bigger deal for her was how to deal with offers! “I...

Technology is making your life easier like never before. You needn’t use your ‘brains’ and ‘hearts’ too much but hands you will have to with everything available at your fingertips. You have to take the pulse if your sweetheart is upset, haven’t you? How about a device that keeps you posted? Your only job is to love and technology will take care of the rest. Such a machine for all could be a distant dream but yeah, for your baby, it will soon be reality. Here is good news for mums and to-be mums who can receive an email from their baby asking for a nappy change, thanks to scientists who have invented a device for busy parents. The monitoring system, built into a babaygro, can send emails and text messages to parents informing them about nappy change. That’s not all; the new tool can also detect a baby’s heart rate, temperature and breathing pattern. It can be programmed to let you know if your tiny-tot is happy, sad, irritated or upset. A British daily reported that this system de...

Money saved is money earned! This adage is often used as per convenience. Some stingy folks do not spend at all! Importance of saving money cannot be ruled out yet you must hear it from these creatures who are trying save every penny at the expense of their privacy. After all, for them, what all counts is penny and not solitude, right? Such souls never fail to surprise you. The other day, after reaching home at 10.30 pm , I was just about to hit the bed when the phone rang. Must be some emergency call, I said to myself as I saw an unknown number flashing. Of all the people, it was a newly-wed acquaintance who had come to Pune and wanted to introduce his wife to me. “Let us catch up at (Sujata) Mastani,” he said. Oh, this time? A recently married man must be with his mastani !! I decided to oblige. On meeting, I expected him to introduce me to his wife. But this man voiced his post-marriage mission. “Tomorrow, we are going to Panchgani. Good na?” From somewhere near Pune to Panc...

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 ...

Are you an upright person? Give yourself a small test. How many times can you say ‘no’ with conviction? It’s tough. Inability to pronounce this word has spelt trouble for me several times. And the inability of making this dignified denial seems to have gifted me with a recurring cough pattern! For over a month I was unable to tackle my cough in spite of medication. After a little introspection, I realised diet was the problem. I avoided eating everything that could have caused cough. In came a loud ‘no’ to all sorts of cold and oily stuff, rice and curd. At my level, I succeeded but when it came to saying ‘no’ to people, I fumbled. At office, home or a relative’s place, people could find a soft target in me. They would find all ways to convince me to eat ‘restricted’ stuff. If I refused to have vadapav, they would say “ At least eat these two small bhajis, they wouldn’t harm.” If I put my foot down and say no to cold drink, someone would ‘request’ me to have a sip. “ Arre it’s not ch...