Life in Covid lockdown

A long list of goals, achieved and unachieved targets, life running at a faster pace than ever thought of , everyone around seemed interested in their own set of goals to be achieved, a robotic lifestyle, a monotonous life, doctored designed perfect as a movie weekends , a social media page to blabber on half understood topics or an insta profile to display pictures of even shopping…controversies on religion, politics, criticism on top, business happening on phone calls,Emails, WhatsApp and suddenly… an invisible stranger barges in lives of billions, trillions across the globe.Just a month ago,nobody would have imagined such a state of affairs would be changing in our lives and to such an extent where nothing remains same.Life, Living and Livelihood every bit going on toss. Reboot the system ,that’s what was expected out of the first 21 days lockdown. Although corona virus played havoc in various parts of the world, every country thought ,it wont be so serious in our part of the world.Contradicting theories, it equalized the all barriers of caste, creed, gender, religion, nation and completely brought each and every person on one ground.The ground zero level.Once again ,nature showed us that inspite of differences, clashes, division of thoughts, philosophies, ideas, faiths, we all are tied in one string of humanity and humaneness.Nothing ever can surpass the compassion of being a human and being connected.Although there are some positive sides to the COVID SITUATION , families staying together to getting time for being with each other, there are innumerable problems that have surfaced .Not all families, relations are truly in gel with one another, not every house has that space of being together for 24×7 inside the smaller cross section, not all shelters have the comfort of cooling, food availability or things readily there for survival.It is a very critical as well as unique situation, wherein people from all sectors of life, all sections of life will have a unique impact on their lives , businesses, work , lifestyle, relations.Few villages are happier in locking themselves up from the rest of the world, they are self sufficient, away from technological advances and satisfied with their own bread and butter alongwith the roof on their head. Irrespective, they are not dependent on anyone outside their village.Migrant labours on other hand, are the worst hit by this calamity, stranded away from their homes with no guarantee of normalcy nor any finances,they cannot go back neither stay at their place of work. Their families used to survive on their earnings and now everything comes to standstill.Small businesses , Small scale or Micro financed units or companies will suffer the most in these times of economic shutdown, with all orders being lost, cash being stuck, payments being blocked and no chances of getting started with the same condition. Their infrastructural costs and other viable expenses will make them go to start point of their business.Medium core or mostly the medium scale industries, companies will have a setback for few months, but will survive from the lockdown problems and their loss will be subsequently managed and recovered by their operations, sales opening up.

They can manage their expenses by cost reduction, man power reduction, process changes or overall monthly target changes for the next quarter. All this leading to a lower fiscal rate and resulting in an economic slowdown will gain its own decorum with new policies and stands taken by their management people.Large scale industries will have different impacts depending on the kind of business they are into. From software to IT sectors, it shall be growth anyhow, whereas many FMCG, essential commodities, will have an average rate of growth.Startups will suffer again unless they diversify and start with something new which shall be the necessity of situation.The ones who shall rule the world’s economy will be cream layer of global industrial sector, from Pharmaceuticals,AI’s Softwares, Infrastructures, Development sectors, Military artilleries, and many such giant players for whom COVID hasn’t created difference in their personal life and not affected their question of survival…Amidst the black & white of life, artists, creators, writers, painters, shall create exclusive and extraordinary things to cherish and value in future. They are the ones who will keep you alive,in times of distress and their works will be the inspiration for many lives who shall need motivation to come out of the pandemic that hit the world in 2020.

THE LONG FLIGHT OF LIVING

In the long flight of living, it has been a tussle , a whole long transformation of ruffling feathers , plucking old ones, growing the new ,trying to still maintain the speed and focus of flying with all energy and magnitude and in this journey, many a times wounded get the   wings, bruised are ends , where hardly one gets time to repair, mend or let the wounds dry.

The journey goes on without stopping, with every bend bringing more challenges and showing more impermanence of life.

 

Unachievable goals, difficult roads, storms , or hovering clouds, thorns pushing out of every circumstances often shred the skin in ways where one tries to protect the family keeping  them intact.

 
Hardly all these such efforts are realized , the fact is the zeal to move forward, the confidence of fighting inspite of not being acknowledged, the selfless support and patience of 24 hours extending to 7 days and 12 months a year continuously exhausts the energy of self.
There are moments when the flight seems the last , the faraway sky seems to embrace our pains and struggles, yet the closed ones near us never realize or notice.
The long exhausting journey wishes moments of understanding, some moments of realization which remain unnoticed and unheeded.
The long laps of flight turn the wings weak, which cannot hold the rough weathers now, due to continous exposure to rough weathers and because never did they been cleaned, covered, given rest .
A life too depletes such with negligence when all paths suddenly turn down and forget to let the soul breathe.

 

 

It is a transformation to break free from all shackles, from all chains that have pulled the wings in different directions, letting the bird to forget it’s own flight and instead follow the journey of survival.

It is time ,to mend ways, to realize, to know, to understand, to see through, to accept  this struggle .

As an eagle too can live upto 70 years and for that it has to go through the painful process of transformation after 40 years.
Either one fights self, wins , overcomes and then survives as a fighter and warrior of life or else succumbs to surroundings and gets eroded in the flood of life .

This isn’t the fear of physical pain , it is the transformation that  creates turbulence within, either leading to a rebirth of self or leading to the  usual  end .

AN INTUITIVE HEART

 

 

 

Mind is the dwelling of our intellect and Heart is the abode to our feelings and realization.

An intuitive heart speaks of life as it feels not sees . It proclaims about love not as an emotion but as a part of its own existence. This intuitive heart grieves of the socio political situation and the conditions of the poor and destitute in our society. It shrieks when thousands watch helplessly the pitiable state of affairs in this world and still remain unaffected to selfishly cater their own greed.

It is overwhelmed when let free and dances in congruence with the clouds to cherish and absorb the beauteous nature.

An Intuitive Heart speaks about anything and everything that affects its being but  often remains unexpressed and unspoken . Such thoughts are usually left to perish inside  like the walls of a caged mansion.Intuition as known is the sixth sense which is invisible like the air we breathe and yet exists around us not appearing in any form  to the common eye and perception. This is the strength  that  works as a third eye , a kind of power make us evolve further.

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When intellects speak of the logical mind and the different levels of knowledge gathered by reading and learning, pioneers of art have proclaimed intuitiveness to be the most effective way of delving into any situation and resolving the issue , as it is one of unique and different ways than the usually calculated process.

Story Awards

Whoever you are, wherever you are, World Pulse believes it’s time for your voice to be heard!

World Pulse publishes stories sourced directly from you, our community of changemakers. Every week, we release new calls for stories to get you talking about the issues that matter most. We believe everyone has a story to share, and that the world will be a better place when women are heard.

WorldPulse is currently running Story awards opportunities. See here : https://www.worldpulse.com/en/voices-rising/story-awards

With every contribution, real stories and new ideas rise from the ground up. New audiences are inspired to connect with you and take action, and lives are changed through the power of voice.

• Your story stands to get featured on Time e magazine .
• You may be selected for a $100 honorarium
• You may become a featured storyteller on WorldPulse.

WORLDPULSE is a  growing social network connecting over 25,000 people from 190 countries with one mission: to create a world where all women thrive—one click, one comment, one connection at a time.

Read one of my stories recognized by Worldpulse about Sisterhood /mentorship.

https://www.worldpulse.com/en/community/users/soumya-vilekar/posts/69955

 

What type of artist are you??? Have you ever wondered?

Where has the ink of conscience vanished? The zeal of expressing the social injustices done on humanitarian grounds , which always found its way through the fine nib of a writer’s pen is somewhere lost.

Novels and stories spoke about the prevailing conditions of society and brought about many changes in the mindset of people ,by instigating them to think about the rights and wrongs. Often stories from such novels were considered to be of revolutionary thoughts, thereby reflecting the ideas and character of writers of those times.

Indian literature has been one of the finest and richest ,depicting true facts from the intricacies of life. Being diversified in languages and culture ,although within a single country, we had variety of literature. Besides the intense romantic poems , poetry has seen another facet ,which was revolutionary. The true replica of historical and political scenarios were expressed with precise manner , written with a flame to create an utopian world. That zest and zeal has got lost somewhere . Artists still create art, brushes move on the canvas, pens scribble much often on the blank pages,yet the essence of truth and reality is absent.

The efforts aren’t enough to create a change nor adequate to inspire the dreaded people of a nation. As artists we have the responsibility of infusing into people and society alongwith depicting the true picture of life and politics.

Controversy is the child of today , but controversies are more materialistic. There is a thin line between controversial and revolution . One attracts attention due to erratic behavior ,disposition while the other raises voice against injustice and iniquity.

What type of artist are you??? Have you ever wondered?

ACT BEFORE EVERYTHING ENDS

Last year during autumn, when the trees over the nearby hills wore a deserted look, life too went through the dried landscape of certain situations.

Rishi had lost his job due to the adamant nature of being straightforward and true. He stood by the line of truth always and got into a mess everytime.This time it was nothing different.

Manisha confronted him ,”Why do you need to poke your nose in every matter and that too of others. “?

Who are they and for whom you invite troubles ,so often?

“But Manisha, it was really needed .You know ,that.The boss was lying .”

He cannot be just unscrupulous and let things go away so easily.

“I could not see the condition of the poor assistant.”

Manisha grumbled, “ You spoke up ,Satyavadi Harishchandra and lost the job.Guess,you ever learn to handle the social ways of living a normal life.”

“ I cannot,this is my way of living”. I cannot be blind to everything around me.

“Then we part, if you remain such , Rishi. I worry about my career and goals. I cannot risk everything like you do for others.”

As you wish, but take care of yourself in the never-ending rat race.sighed Rishi.

His watery eyes bid Manisha a warm farewell ,but she was too busy attending a business call to even look back.

The next morning had a terrible news in the headlines of the newspaper. His hands trembled and he ran out. Hurriedly, Rishi reached the premises of the City hospital and managed to locate her.

As he entered the ICU of the hospital, he found Manisha lying on the bed helpless .She was breathing her last.

The scoundrel had yet another prey to his hunting. Culprits like Mr. Shah can never amend their thoughts or actions.

Had Manisha listened to Rishi for leaving the job ,she would have not been here such. Had she realized what his assistant Vidya went through while ,Mr.Shah exploited her,Manisha could have saved herself?

Rishi sat next to her, holding her hands and said, “ I had complained against him and had  lodged an FIR then ,but you saved this wolf under the human skin by giving a false statement. Wish you could ever trust my truth and the power of being true?”

Her beats stopped ,but before leaving ,she had listened to Rishi’s words. She had left a written statement with the local police about Mr. Shah’s act. He was arrested and the fast track court ordered him life time imprisonment.

It was a lesson to be learnt, for everyone.

For the wolves that they will never get spared, for the innocents that they need to voice strongly and for the onlookers , “You could be the next victim.”

Act before everything ends.

The Mirror of Self

Some pages from the old book fluttered and reminded me of the times when I held the fanciful favourites in my hands.

While as a kid,I cherished the enchanting pictures of the fairytales where the Russian Tsar and Tsarinas flew and galloped on horses. Those tales always created a beautiful imagination in my mind and like being in the land of the princesses for quite a time.The hardcovered books ,their illustrations were so  unique that it fascinated every child’s mind.

Even though I could never buy those costlier ones,I managed to read them while on my visit to a cousin’s place.

In growing years, the choice of books changed and the tomboyish look got more inspired with the sleuth Nancy Drew series. Believe it or not, I actually dreamt of having a career as a detective for few years.

Books have this natural tendency of creating a world which is so surreal that the reader gets involved in the characters and the situation as a part of it. That is why it is often said,

“Books are the food for  mind.”

And so we should always try to select good books. Every book has a different role to play and if aptly done,it creates a positive effect on us.The kind of writing which invokes the negativism, can never contribute towards the welfare of the society. Such books are the outcome of the frustrations of a person while of that age and that particular society. As writers are always a part of society,they write what they see,feel,understand,comprehend and realize around them.Yet it is their duty to present before the world in books not a world of fantasy ,but a place of reality with motivational thoughts,the truth with a ray of hope and practical thoughts with some inspiration and depth.Such books are the real literature of that society and culture then,which for ages shall never die or perish.

Like the legendary “Gitanjali” which shall always remain the symbol of pure thoughts of the Late.Rabindranath Tagore.

 

My teens had a wide range of favourites from the classics of Shakespeare,to the gorgeously written “Jane Eyre”,whether the story of “ David Copperfield”or of the innocent “Heidi”.

I got rolled over by the classical literature of that times but could hardly buy those books. Whatever I read during my childhood was all from the school library. Thanks to it,I got introduced to the variety. Fortunately or unfortunately, like every other girl,I never read Mills and Boon until marriage,neither the Sidney Sheldon’s.Even though I tried keeping rose flowers inside the books as memories ,but they faded along with the prints and writings of those books.Those were times when I tried exploring all the kinds of fictions and even liked P.G.Woodehouse for quite a long time.

The books we read mostly reflect the mindset and thought process we are in at that period of time. The level of our maturity and understanding solely can be understood seeing the type of books we are interested in. It is in these books that we try to find ourselves,our character and our nature. Every individual tries to identify himself in the characters of the book and feels strongly about it when he discovers any.

Books which often provide a sense of contentment are ones which motivate us through their characters and inspire us in times of dullness. Some infuse in us the strength of facing the real difficulties of the world while bringing a smile on our faces.

Unlike my passion, which is writing poetry, I never read poetry books in my whole lifetime.The ones which I read were those included in the school syllabus and had to be compulsorily read.

But till date two poems remained my favourite ,I remember them quite vividly for their permanent imprint on my mind, “Daffodils” by William Wordworth and  “The Highwayman”.

Nevertheless books have been the silent friends of every individual and so of mine. Today after such a long journey of life, I cherish the times when I got a book as gift from anyone or as a prize in any competition, but I am delighted that Iam  an author of four books now… and might be someday I will be the favourite of some or many ,who like me shall get inspired and cherish my books and writings.

I am taking part in The Write Tribe Festival of Words 8th – 14th December 2013.

Today’s prompt: Books. http://writetribe.com/books-day-3-festival-words-2/

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Let There Be Light!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Let There Be Light!.

Light is an universal and eternal source which dispels darkness of any form!!

Ignorance is darkness and every light that shines illuminates the way!

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YOUR HANDWRITING SAYS ABOUT YOU!

Something came to my mind and I scribbled it on the paper!

Later when I had the full flow of thoughts ,I sat on the computer to perfectly envisage the theme about which I was thinking!

Wonder what I am trying to say!

Remember the days when we wrote everything with a pen and paper ! Precious they were, for the words seemed to flow directly through the-ink of the  hands of the writer, lover,friend,parent,teacher,student or colleague!

Whether you believe or not,our handwriting speaks about us! The way we write gives a clear picture of the state of our mind! The confusion,irritation,helplessness or happiness everything is revealed through the way we write.Not by the way we structure our sentences but the way  our handwriting appears then!

Characteristics of handwriting include:

• specific shape of letters
• regular or irregular spacing between letters
• the slope of the letters
• the pressure to the paper
• the average size of letters

We have heard about the study of handwriting ie Graphology which gives us a certain idea about the thinking , health related issues and also about the psychology of the individual . But  you know the state of mind of an individual also reflects in the handwriting!

Lets see here .I tried to write the same sentence in my  different moods,the result is as simple!

 

1. The first one is the way I used to write in my childhood days,yet I haven’t forgotten the way I wrote then,just that I have lost the focus and concentration needed in writing those letters perfectly now.
2. The second one is my normal writing ,which I usually use! Speaks about the interest and the flair I have for everything in life!
3. The third one is when Iam in a hurry or restless state of mind.
4. The last one is when Iam totally irritated or tired or have no interest in the subject of writing then.

So next time when we see a person writing differently than  his  typical trait,we know there has to be something going on in the thought process! The nature of the individual too can be read through his/her handwriting!

The days when someone used to write letters of love to one another,it was quite easy to understand and realize the feelings of the heart not because of the fanciful and dreamy words used but for the writing that directly got connected to the other person. Nowadays when we see people interacting through internet ,through mails ,sms,there is no difference in a mail sent as a personal message or an official note or notice besides its format and few usage of words! The same set of words when handwritten create definitely different and  a touching effect!

In the progress of technology ,we have lost the touch of that connection and perception!

For a change try writing a note to someone you love,you care about or just few thoughts of yours  with  a pen /pencil  with your natural handwriting,it would definitely speak more!

Related articles

• Create Daily: Handwriting Practice (rondapalazzari.typepad.com)
• Graphology Expert Handwriting Speaks: Was not there, I Didn’t Fix, I Didn’t Steal (ibelieveinadv.com)
• Impact of Handwriting and Handwriting analysis on You (handwritingbywriterightindia.wordpress.com)

WRITER

Who is a writer! what makes a person a better and a perfect writer?

A writer can be an author, a poet, a playwright,a composer ,in fact there are several facades of this personality.

(PHOTOCREDIT:keithmendelssohn.com)

One who sees the world through a different set of eyes ,who has the depth to get the deep insight of everyone’s life can  be able to sketch a perfect figure in form of words. Writing is a different kind of profession than being a writer.

A person who can visualize and feel the intricacies of human behavior,character and nature shall be able to portray the real character in words . To know life and its beauty felt in every drop in the essence of nature around  helps in creating the most brilliant and mystical writings.

The compassion of human nature ,the plight and the vulnerability of relations if felt distinctly,a writer can perfectly render the feelings into the verse,story or a novel.The characters of his novel are surreal ,whom he has come across somewhere in a lifetime. Knowingly or unknowingly he  etched the  character in his mind. The feelings which he has experienced in his life reflect the poignancy in his writing.

A true poet is known as someone who writes his heart out and about things that he has experienced .Such creations tend to touch the heart more delicately and intensely . The reader gets involved personally into the imaginary world of such a story and feels the tenderness that lies behind the lines.

(PHOTOCREDIT:www.hollowaysauctioneers.co.uk)

Playwrights who write family dramas , epics, or about social conditions,create awareness in the society through their work.The myths ,history,traditions everything has larger than life characters in it,which are full of heroic tales. A drama,a dialogue.a conversation a novel can be created on basis of the society in which we live.

The writer in every sense has a greater responsibility towards mankind,for his words will be like the darts which shall hit and cannot be retrieved back.Hence he should be very careful in projecting an image of life in such a way that it touches the heart of everyone without hurting feelings of either.

Some pursue this as a hobby ,some have a passion for it,few have the flair of writing things,many are indulged because they feel they can change the world through it.Every writer is different in his respect and has a specific aspect in which he rules and shines. The glory of being a writer is when he is able to spread a smile on a sulking face, kindle a flame of positiveness in the lost disappointed heart, inspire a dreary soul to walk again, motivate a life who is entangled in web of inferiority complex, extracts the love out of a stone hearted person, instills compassion in every one who reads his lines, spreads happiness in the nature and echoes divinity in his every creation.

(PHOTOCREDIT:rubaiyat-hossain.com)

Let me make clear I am not talking about the writers who are professional and work as journalists or reporters  or do their duty to let the society know about the latest news or create awareness by providing the minute details of everything.

I have here included only about those who are from  an artistic world,who think they have the ability to paint a world out of their dreams with their words .

Howsoever a person is literate,it doesn’t give him the license to be a good writer unless he has the compassion of seeing things with depth. A formal training in writing cannot create one when he lacks the subtle range of thoughts and realization of things around him.This does not imply that great literates aren’t good writers. Writing extrudes the best of a person and he becomes a good / a talented  /a perfect /  an exceptional or a true writer.

A great and a true writer is born with a talent ,a gift from god which when harnessed sparkles like a gem.

P.S  I have  used common gender representing the writer to avoid misinterpretation and confusion.