Flowers were strewn everywhere, the holy fire still smoldering in the havan a little away and amidst the small gathered crowd, they sat. She sat tugging at the coconut with both her hands while he trying to withhold the fruit escaping from his grasp...It was the nelangu function or the wedding games between the newly weds. More so a kind of amusement for the guests who are waiting for the lunch to be served.
"Whatever was I thinking at that moment?" wondered Sharanya. "I was supposed to be this demure shy bride and instead I seem to be wringing the coconut as though my life depended on it! Thank god for small mercies, at least my valiant efforts are not showing in my face."
"Sharanya Manni, I had bet Rajeev that you would win at the nelangu function. I lost Rs.100 on your account" Sanjiv was grinning sheepishly. They were sitting watching their marriage DVD on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Quickly coming out of here reverie she caught Kishore looking at her quizzically. He still seemed a complete stranger at times. The slight bond that had developed while they went through the various rituals of marriage, sitting hours in front of the holy fire among thronging relatives, the occasional touch of their hands, the few words during introducing unknown uncles & aunties, seemed to have vanished. And there wasn't even a comforting presence of any known face around.
Saying "I'll get some juice for all of you" she managed to slip away into the kitchen.
Nothing is the way I want here. For a start, the refrigerator is red. We used hate red at home, white it had always been. The cooking utensils are so unfamiliar; the wash sink is at the wrong end. Lord! how ever am I going to adjust to this mélange. I wish this whole drama came to an end soon. Why can't he go on to live with his parents and me with mine as before? Oh Bhagwan, when can I go on to being normal without having to keep smiling at each and everyone I meet at nook and corners?
Kishore slipped in from behind on the pretext of telling that his appa wanted his juice without sugar. Just as he advanced to engulf her in a hug or at least it seemed that way, she turned around. With color rising in his cheeks, his hands went on to pick up the apples from the fruit basket. Not meeting his eyes she just nodded to say she got the message while he made a quick depart from the scene. She heard peals of laughter from the corridor.
"This is all so silly” she thought defiantly. He is trying to romance a girl he hardly knows anything at all! Does he know I prefer Keats to Wordsworth? Does he even know that I like phulka's over paratha's?
Donning the smile reserved for guests, she went about distributing the glasses of sweet lime juice. The video had progressed to their reception. "It's so embarrassing watching yourself on the TV screen. And especially when one doesn’t realize it then, standing there on the stage, flashing your best smile at everyone who cares to walk up to you." she thought bitterly.
Oh! Appa you had said marriage will bring love and I had foolishly agreed in a bid to experiment your word. And now I am stuck with this family and a dork for a husband. Why did u do this to me appa?
"Sharanya, you look tired & worn. Go up to your room dear and take some rest." said her father-in-law looking at her kindly.
"Yes, Unc-papa", I have to be calling him 'papa' but "uncle" is what sounds more right to me, hissed her mind.
Within a few minutes Kishore followed her to their room.
“What happened Shannu?”
“Nothing” she said sulking.
“Oh c’mon, you can tell me. Didn’t we decide to be friends in the least?”
“Is something upsetting you? What is it, Shannu?” he gently goaded her.
“Don’t call me that please”
“Ok…” and he looked at her expectantly to go on.
“Its…its just that I don’t like anything here. I don’t like you. I just want to go back home,” she stated rebelliously. Unwanted tears welled up in her eyes and made her choke on the words.
Kishore tactically walked towards the window giving her time to regain her composure. "I don't like you too" he said softly.
Sharanya looked up shocked. He had been so nice to her till now that it never occurred to her that he could make such a harsh statement.
He turned around and smiled, "Just kidding. There you see, I can't even say that convincingly."
He came across and sat next to her. "Sharanya, I liked you the moment I saw you at your house. I am not saying I have fallen madly in love with you, but I felt there was an unexplainable bond between us that I felt would turn into the love that we all seek. I am sorry that you do not feel the same."
She was feeling terribly miserable and could not meet his eyes.
Kishore was leaving for his onsite assignment to the US soon so they had not planned for a honeymoon. Just after their engagement when he had been informed of his impending trip Kishore thought he would take his wife along. But Sharanya flatly refused to go anywhere and was stubborn that she would spend those few weeks with her parents.
The next day Kishore dropped Sharanya at her home. She almost alighted before the car to come to a halt. Sprinting through the familiar gates she could not wait for the door to be opened. Kishore followed looking bemused.
“Hello Amma, I am here” she cried joyously. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Kishore left. Sharanya was all smiles even as she waved him an enthusiastic bye. He felt a pang of guilt for robbing the happiness of such a lively girl as Sharanya.
Carrying her bags Sharanya made her way to her room but just that it no longer looked like her room anymore. Her younger brother had lost no time in converting it to his own little haven. Now it contained giant posters of WWE stars and looked like a hurricane had just visited the wardrobe throwing its content all across the room.
“Ammaaa…Ammmaaa.”
Her mother came running, “What happened, Shannu?”
“Amma, look what has happened to my room? How could you allow that little devil to take over my room?” she demanded.
Striking a truce between these squabbling siblings had never been easy. She tried tact, “Shannu, since you got married he decided he would…”
“He would what? How could you let this happen?” Sharanya could not believe this was the same house she had grown up in anymore.
“Sharanya, now that you are married you cannot expect us to keep your room the same, dear. And moreover he is in his 12th now and needs a little space of his own.”
She could not believe her ears. Tears pricked her eyes but she managed to nod her head and made her way to the tiny guest room.
Muttering, “Mothers are the most tormented lot”, her mother walked towards the kitchen.
Nothing is the same anymore. Can just one decision turn our lives so topsy-turvy? Am I no longer the darling of the family?
She was feeling cheated, robbed of everything she had held dear and left all alone in the world.
Her mother noticed that she was unusually quiet during the lunch but simply did not know how to cheer her.
“Amma, you have changed the table cloth?” she suddenly exclaimed
“Oh yes, Shannu. The other day we went to this Home Store where they had several such good stuff. You should visit it some time too.” Happy that her daughter had attempted at a conversation, her mother went on to describe the place and the various things she had purchased.
So they have also been renovating the house and Amma did not even bother to tell me! Now I am being given a review of the place and asked to go there as though I am some outsider.
“You never bothered to tell me all this...” accused Sharanya.
“Oh, well..C’mon Shannu, what all can we keep telling you?” her mother was aghast that her daughter was finding fault at such small things.
That evening there was a call from Kishore. For some strange reason, Sharanya was elated. The call was the longest she had ever spoken to him but it made her feel as though she was just reunited with someone long known.
At the other end, Kishore was happy to note the warmth in his wife’s voice.
“So Sharanya, you seem to be very happy. How was your day?”
There was a smile in her voice, “It has been very good. So when are you coming to pick me up?”
Monday, December 04, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
[Rant] - Get Out Of My Way Or I'll Beam You!
New Kind of Road Rage Beams at Bangalore
Bangalore is a city that grew too fast for its own good. Traffic has always been a burning issue here for some time with newspapers and celebrities crying themselves hoarse at the BMC to get the infrastructure in place. Bad roads, rainwater filled potholes and bumper-to-bumper traffic has made driving around as hell as it can get. And the adverse side affect of heavy traffic jam has been road rage.
Road rage refers to all criminally violent behavior by a driver of an automobile, which thus causes accidents or incidents on roadways. May not be accidents every time but even rude gestures & verbal abuse surely has its own deterimental effects.
Signs of Road rage -
· Speeding and Aggressive acceleration
· Honking unnecessarily
· Tailgating
· Cutting others off
· Mandering in and out of traffic
· Forming a "convoy" to block access to a traffic lane
· Sounding the vehicle's horn or flashing lights excessively
· Rude gestures (such as the finger in an OFFENSIVE not DEFENSIVE manner)
· Shouting verbal abuse, including threats
· Hitting a person or vehicle with a weapon other than a vehicle e.g. a tire iron, golf club, or baseball bat
· Threatening to use or using a firearm or other deadly weapon
· Pursuing for retaliation or revenge of a perceived slight
· Triggering or exaggerating traffic waves
Why Highbeam and Fog Lights within the City?
Adding to the various actions mentioned above the latest way to vent frustration at the traffic has been to drive with highbeam on. Cab drivers, trucks, SUV's derive great pleasure in driving with lights on high beam shining into your mirror at main roads. The glare is unbearable and causes an extremely dangerous driving situation. And high beam not withstanding one has to suffer through numerous blinding flickers of light from vehicles in the opposite lane.
Yes, Bangalore definitely needs a lot of infrastructure improvement but no one can deny that there are ample streetlights and in main roads you don’t actually need to have your headlights on high beam.
Major Grouses -
- People unwantedly drive with headlights on high beams within city limits
- They flicker lights straight into vehicles on the opposite side even if there is a road divider
- Some people switch on fog lights. Possibly with an intention to display & put into use car features they have bargained & paid for.
- People use neon white lights in their car headlights and its pierceing light is not only irritating but also dangerous to oncoming vehicular traffic.
Is there a solution for this? Being behind the wheel is no place to surface your aggression.
Get out of this habit else I am gonna beam you too!!
Bangalore is a city that grew too fast for its own good. Traffic has always been a burning issue here for some time with newspapers and celebrities crying themselves hoarse at the BMC to get the infrastructure in place. Bad roads, rainwater filled potholes and bumper-to-bumper traffic has made driving around as hell as it can get. And the adverse side affect of heavy traffic jam has been road rage.
Road rage refers to all criminally violent behavior by a driver of an automobile, which thus causes accidents or incidents on roadways. May not be accidents every time but even rude gestures & verbal abuse surely has its own deterimental effects.
Signs of Road rage -
· Speeding and Aggressive acceleration
· Honking unnecessarily
· Tailgating
· Cutting others off
· Mandering in and out of traffic
· Forming a "convoy" to block access to a traffic lane
· Sounding the vehicle's horn or flashing lights excessively
· Rude gestures (such as the finger in an OFFENSIVE not DEFENSIVE manner)
· Shouting verbal abuse, including threats
· Hitting a person or vehicle with a weapon other than a vehicle e.g. a tire iron, golf club, or baseball bat
· Threatening to use or using a firearm or other deadly weapon
· Pursuing for retaliation or revenge of a perceived slight
· Triggering or exaggerating traffic waves
Why Highbeam and Fog Lights within the City?
Adding to the various actions mentioned above the latest way to vent frustration at the traffic has been to drive with highbeam on. Cab drivers, trucks, SUV's derive great pleasure in driving with lights on high beam shining into your mirror at main roads. The glare is unbearable and causes an extremely dangerous driving situation. And high beam not withstanding one has to suffer through numerous blinding flickers of light from vehicles in the opposite lane.
Yes, Bangalore definitely needs a lot of infrastructure improvement but no one can deny that there are ample streetlights and in main roads you don’t actually need to have your headlights on high beam.
Major Grouses -
- People unwantedly drive with headlights on high beams within city limits
- They flicker lights straight into vehicles on the opposite side even if there is a road divider
- Some people switch on fog lights. Possibly with an intention to display & put into use car features they have bargained & paid for.
- People use neon white lights in their car headlights and its pierceing light is not only irritating but also dangerous to oncoming vehicular traffic.
Is there a solution for this? Being behind the wheel is no place to surface your aggression.
Get out of this habit else I am gonna beam you too!!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
[Short Story] - Murder by Thoughts
Of all the trips a person takes in his lifetime, very few can have such an impact on one's life than being transported to a mental asylum. Especially when one is completely sane. There you sit at the traffic, watching people all around going to office, mall, school or whereever it is people keep travelling to & fro while another whole realm of reality awaits you, a few miles away.
"That's exactly what I want him to go through!" thought aloud Supriya, as she beat the eggs in a one-quart casserole.
"What?" asked Narain, looking up from his morning newspaper. "You seem to be murmuring quite often these days Supree. Whatever is the matter with you?"
"Oh nothing, here comes your breakfast" said Supriya hastily tossing the omlette alongside the waiting toast. She quickly added the bowl of fruit sitting ready on the tray and placed them in front of her husband.Giving a quick apologetic smile she walked towards the refrigerator to get out his customary fruit juice. Narain stared after her wondering about the sudden change he was witnessing in his wife.
Supriya bought him his juice and quietly moved on to watering the flowers her thoughts still lingering on Sujay. She felt no pity on him, on his abrupt journey to adulthood filled with drugs & affairs, broken marriage & alcoholism. "It would be easier to kill him but to send him to a funny farm will effectuate the punishment he rightly deserves" she thought smugly.
She did'nt notice Narain finish his breakfast, leave the table and walk towards the door. He stopped and looked back to see if his wife would give him a parting glance. But he seemed to have lost Supriya to the withering croton bed.
"Whatever could have got into Supriya?" wondered Narain, walking towards his car in the basement. He tried to recollect as to when he started noticing the apparent change in his otherwise cheerful wife. The dark gathering clouds dulled his mood further.
Meanwhile Supriya blissfully unware of the turmoils Narain was going through, switched on the music system. With "Sweet child of mine" blaring in the background she turned her thoughts to plotting new ways of sending Sujay to his doom. But what if he prefered being fenced inside the sanatorium, constrained by regimes and enjoyed the cult of work therapy?
........to be continued
"That's exactly what I want him to go through!" thought aloud Supriya, as she beat the eggs in a one-quart casserole.
"What?" asked Narain, looking up from his morning newspaper. "You seem to be murmuring quite often these days Supree. Whatever is the matter with you?"
"Oh nothing, here comes your breakfast" said Supriya hastily tossing the omlette alongside the waiting toast. She quickly added the bowl of fruit sitting ready on the tray and placed them in front of her husband.Giving a quick apologetic smile she walked towards the refrigerator to get out his customary fruit juice. Narain stared after her wondering about the sudden change he was witnessing in his wife.
Supriya bought him his juice and quietly moved on to watering the flowers her thoughts still lingering on Sujay. She felt no pity on him, on his abrupt journey to adulthood filled with drugs & affairs, broken marriage & alcoholism. "It would be easier to kill him but to send him to a funny farm will effectuate the punishment he rightly deserves" she thought smugly.
She did'nt notice Narain finish his breakfast, leave the table and walk towards the door. He stopped and looked back to see if his wife would give him a parting glance. But he seemed to have lost Supriya to the withering croton bed.
"Whatever could have got into Supriya?" wondered Narain, walking towards his car in the basement. He tried to recollect as to when he started noticing the apparent change in his otherwise cheerful wife. The dark gathering clouds dulled his mood further.
Meanwhile Supriya blissfully unware of the turmoils Narain was going through, switched on the music system. With "Sweet child of mine" blaring in the background she turned her thoughts to plotting new ways of sending Sujay to his doom. But what if he prefered being fenced inside the sanatorium, constrained by regimes and enjoyed the cult of work therapy?
........to be continued
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
What's your International Dining Etiquette Quotient?
Dining etiquette quotient? huh, Now what's dat?
The world has sure shrunk and cross cultural awareness has reached the dining table. So lets go beyond the cut-chew-swallow basics and look at some dining ettiquettes around the world, shall we?
Dining Etiquette in Germany
- It is good etiquette to remain standing until shown where to sit.
- Table manners are continental - fork in left hand and knife in right.
- Do not begin eating until the host signals to do so. It is bad etiquette to rest elbows on the table.
- Try and cut food with the fork as it compliments the cook by showing it is tender.
- Everything should be eaten on the plate.
- Indicate you have finished by lying the fork and knife parallel across the right hand side of the plate.
Dining Etiquette in Japan: - The guest of honour sits at the centre of the table furthest from the door and begins first.
- Learn to eat with chopsticks [no pointing with them, dont pierce food with them] place them on the chopstick rest when taking a break.
- It is good etiquette to try a bit of everything and keep the conversation is subdued.
Dining Etiquette in Turkey:
- Meals are a social affair. Conversations are animate and loud.
- The head of the family or honoured guest is served first.
- It is good etiquette to insist the most senior is served first instead of you.
- Asking for more helpings is considered as compliment.
- If taken to a restaurant, Turkish dining etiquette has strict rules that the one who extended the invitation must pay.
Dining Etiquette in the USA:
- The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating.
- To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand.
- If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental manner it will not offend anyone.
- Foods or drinks can be refused without causing offense.
- Many foods are eaten by hand.
Dining Etiquette in the Middle East:
- Guests are honoured with prime choice of meats.
- Eaten with right hand only.
- Meat is torn by holding down the piece against the dish and ripping off a desired amount with forefinger and thumb pressed together. Rice is scooped up.
- Do not be afraid of making a mess.
- If you are finished leave food on your plate otherwise it will be filled immediately.
- It is proper etiquette to compliment the host on the food and his hospitality
Dining Etiquette in India:
- Guest of honour is given the prime seat else the host takes the seat.
- Food is eaten mostly with the right hand.
- Roti (Indian bread); Meat is eaten with hands. And the spoon is saved for rice & desserts.
- If you are finished leave food on your plate otherwise it will be filled immediately.
- Burping is not considered rude and is taken as a sign that you have enjoyed your meal.
- Compliment the host on the food and his hospitality.
Now take this quiz on ettiquette and see if you are ready to jetset -
http://www.fekids.com/img/kln/flash/DontGrossOutTheWorld.swf
The world has sure shrunk and cross cultural awareness has reached the dining table. So lets go beyond the cut-chew-swallow basics and look at some dining ettiquettes around the world, shall we?
Dining Etiquette in Germany
- It is good etiquette to remain standing until shown where to sit.
- Table manners are continental - fork in left hand and knife in right.
- Do not begin eating until the host signals to do so. It is bad etiquette to rest elbows on the table.
- Try and cut food with the fork as it compliments the cook by showing it is tender.
- Everything should be eaten on the plate.
- Indicate you have finished by lying the fork and knife parallel across the right hand side of the plate.
Dining Etiquette in Japan: - The guest of honour sits at the centre of the table furthest from the door and begins first.
- Learn to eat with chopsticks [no pointing with them, dont pierce food with them] place them on the chopstick rest when taking a break.
- It is good etiquette to try a bit of everything and keep the conversation is subdued.
Dining Etiquette in Turkey:
- Meals are a social affair. Conversations are animate and loud.
- The head of the family or honoured guest is served first.
- It is good etiquette to insist the most senior is served first instead of you.
- Asking for more helpings is considered as compliment.
- If taken to a restaurant, Turkish dining etiquette has strict rules that the one who extended the invitation must pay.
Dining Etiquette in the USA:
- The fork is held in the right hand and is used for eating.
- To use the knife, the fork is switched to the left hand. To continue eating, the fork is switched back to the right hand.
- If you are more comfortable eating in the Continental manner it will not offend anyone.
- Foods or drinks can be refused without causing offense.
- Many foods are eaten by hand.
Dining Etiquette in the Middle East:
- Guests are honoured with prime choice of meats.
- Eaten with right hand only.
- Meat is torn by holding down the piece against the dish and ripping off a desired amount with forefinger and thumb pressed together. Rice is scooped up.
- Do not be afraid of making a mess.
- If you are finished leave food on your plate otherwise it will be filled immediately.
- It is proper etiquette to compliment the host on the food and his hospitality
Dining Etiquette in India:
- Guest of honour is given the prime seat else the host takes the seat.
- Food is eaten mostly with the right hand.
- Roti (Indian bread); Meat is eaten with hands. And the spoon is saved for rice & desserts.
- If you are finished leave food on your plate otherwise it will be filled immediately.
- Burping is not considered rude and is taken as a sign that you have enjoyed your meal.
- Compliment the host on the food and his hospitality.
Now take this quiz on ettiquette and see if you are ready to jetset -
http://www.fekids.com/img/kln/flash/DontGrossOutTheWorld.swf
Monday, November 06, 2006
Its November!!
My first post in november comes late by a week. So wats magical about November to award it a complete post by itself? Well if you ask me, nothing special at all.
Just thought I'll start my first post-for-the-month by listing a few unusual "days" for the month. But a little research tells you that we are going to practically be celebrating most of the days in November. Yippee!
So we have :
- Hug a Bear day! on Nov 7th
- Pickle Appreciation day
- Leftovers Day (followed but-obviously by..)
- Throw leftovers Day
- Forget-me-not Day comes on the Nov 10th
- Childrens day in India is celebrated on the 14th of Nov
- America Recyles Day falls on November 15th
- World Hello Day
- Pencil Day
- Toothpast day
- Saturday November 25th 2006 is "Buy Nothing Day"
..whew!, and so the list goes on. Oh! ofcourse, there are also the - Thanksgiving & Guy Fawkes days & Guru Nanak's Birthday. So its going to be a busy month ahead.
Wishing you all in advance a "Happy Sandwich Day" :D
Monday, October 30, 2006
[Short Verse] Coffee
Am back home, tired and weary
So has it travelled miles, the coffee berry
Seeds of coffee, blended, mixed, & filtered
Aroma of which, makes my mind careen unfettered
Swirl a little storm, dark & brown
And leaving behind a smile, is my frown
So has it travelled miles, the coffee berry
Seeds of coffee, blended, mixed, & filtered
Aroma of which, makes my mind careen unfettered
Swirl a little storm, dark & brown
And leaving behind a smile, is my frown
Friday, October 27, 2006
[Verse] For I Am 'Me'
U may…
Think not like me
Don’t say….
How it is supposed to be
Please,
Try not to judge me
Pray…
Set your thoughts free
Let me be
For I am ‘Me’
Think not like me
Don’t say….
How it is supposed to be
Please,
Try not to judge me
Pray…
Set your thoughts free
Let me be
For I am ‘Me’
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
All you need to know to take a trip to Pondicherry
Visited this awesome place called Pondicherry about a month or so ago. It was a memorable trip indeed and it had all to do with the place. Won't rave more about Pondy as there are umpteen websites & blogs which do the same. Will instead give all details need to take a drive to Pondy.
Destination: Bangalore-Pondicherry Route
Bangalore-Hosur-Krishnagiri- Chengam-Tiruvannamalai-Gingee-Tindivanam-Pondicherry
Distance 340 km
At Krishnagiri take a left leading towards Chennai and within about half a km you got to take an immediate right. Keep a lookout for the sign else you can miss it.
Why drive?:
The roads are fantastic, well maintained and not much of traffic. Better than going via Chennai.
Enroute Stopovers
Tiruvanamalai is a holy town replete with ashrams, temples & holy mountains. The gigantic Arunachalam Mountain makes an awesome view. Chenji Fort falls between Tiruvannamalai & Tindivanam and is worth a brief stopover.
Fuel Stations
Hosur, Krishnagiri, Chengam, Tiruvannamalai, Tindivanam
Hotels & Restrooms
The drive is not very long nor very tedious hence one stop for lunch/breakfast should suffice. No hotels or eateries like Kamat's Yatri Nivas are available but a number of small time restaurants within these townships will do. HP petrol pumps have clean restrooms.
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Places to stay in Pondy
St. James court Beach Resort
This is a pleasant and peaceful beach resort located along the coastal line of bay of Bengal on the East Coast Road 9 km. out side Pondicherry Town. St. James court is an ideal Place for Holidaying peacefully. Situated on the seashore in a sprawling land space of 3.5 acres. St. James court Beach resort has spacious, Exotic twin Luxurious cottages with Air conditioner, Colour TV, Refrigerator, Telephones and all comforts for the maximum luxury. Trained personnel engaged to express the synonym of extreme hospitality and give personalized service for complete satisfaction.
Location
Situated 9 kms from Pondicherry City on the New East Coast Road leading Chennai, 11 kms from Pondicherry Bus stand and Railway Station, 4 kms from Auriville an International Town ship, 136 kms from Chennai.
Accommodation and Facilities
Air conditioned twin cottages, Money Changer, Telephones, Safety Deposit Lockers, Satellite channels, 24 hours Hot Water, Round the Clock Room Service, In House Laundry, Children play area, Games, Beach Sports & other Entertainment, Banquet Hall for Conferences & Parties Travel Agent.
Dining
Multicusine Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and French Foods. Open air Restaurant for Tandoori & Mughulai Foods. Cosy Bar.
Price: Luxury cottages at Rs. 1000 (single), Rs. 1195 (double). Others at Rs. 900 (single), Rs. 1150 (double).
Tel: 0413 - 655174, 655275
Deluxe Room - 1250 - - Tax As app.
Mini Suite - 1800 - - Tax As app.
********************************************
HOTEL JAYARAM is a decent and economic hotel
Adyar ananda bhavan hotel(named A2B) offers tasty food at attractive prices
Park Guest House has 80 rooms, with each a distinctive name (”Harmony”, “Surrender”, etc.) Most rooms with balcony are facing directly the sea, overlooking a beautiful garden.
Breakfast and lunch available. Laundry service and bicycles for rent.
Price: Rs. 150 - 200 (non a/c) and 600-800 (a/c's)
Address: 1, Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry - 605001
Phone: 2334412
Fax: 2344412
Email: parkgh@sriaurobindoashram.org
Office Hours: 8.00 am - 12.00 noon, 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm
[We stayed at Park Guest House. Its a nice place & they have a canteen type facility too. But the place comes with its own reservations. No staying out longer than 10:30, no food available after 7:00 and they dont entertain telephone reservations nor emails. Take the A/c rooms, non-a/c's keep you awake all night fighting mosquitoes.]
* International Guest House with 50 rooms is centrally situated.
Serves breakfast, does laundry.
* Cottage Guest House has 35 mostly simple rooms.
Budget Hotels
Executive Inn (AC) 11-suite hotel
Diningroom available.
Price: Rs. 800.
Tel: 0413 - 224422, 330929
* Fillo Hotel (AC) has a vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurant and a bar.
Price: Rs. 150 - 400.
Tel: 0413 - 339427
Hotel Jayarampondicherry tourism
* Hotel Jayaram with 55 satellite TV rooms and suites.
Price: Rs. 350 - 800.
Tel: 0413 - 227191
* Hotel Ram International with satellite TV rooms and suites.
Price: Rs.250 - 625
Tel: 0413 - 337230 (7 lines)
* Red Carpet Residence has furnished service appartments.
Price: Call them for price.
Tel: 0413 - 251253, 341812, 253321, 251207
* Sooriya International has 3 restaurants.
Price: Rs. 400 - 750.
Tel: 0413 - 336856, 227485 (9 lines)
* Surguru with Anugraha restaurant
Price: Rs. 410 - 770
Tel: 0413 - 339022 (5 lines), 227290 (7 lines)
Kasha Ki Aasha, 23 Surcouf Street near the French Lycee - Best Breakfast
*************************************************
What to see
1. Manakula vinayagar temple
2. Varadharaja perumal temple.
3. Vedhapureeswarar temple
4. City beach
5. Auroville beach
6. Auroville matrimandir
7. Chunnambar boat house(MUST SEE).
8. Port passage.
9. Sunday market
10. Folk Dance on the Beach Road Boulevard
*************************************************
Citibank ATM
L.B S Street
Pondicherry
Mon-Fri - 10:00 A.m - 6:00P.m
Satday - 10:00a.m - 2:00p.m
**************************************************
[Short Story] Wheels of Discovery
It had been a hot afternoon for August. The windows of the car had been rolled down to freely admit the cool breeze accompanying the dying sun. The campus was lush green amidst the glass buildings & rows of indicabs lined up neatly along the tarmac awaiting their first set of passengers.
“Nagappa, have you got a bottle there?” hollered Raju, walking up to him.
Nagappa sat upright inside his cab and readjusted the seat into an upright position. “Nann Magane, so soon you are looking for a bottle eh?” he smirked picking up the half filled Bisleri bottle from the back seat and handed it over to him.
Gulping down the warm water thirstily he fumed,“ They are going to be changing the routes once more. This new manager guy is no good. Ravi, our 895 (cab no.) was saying that security guards would soon be accompanying us in every trip we make. Baddi nann maga, one stray incident and they think we all are murderers.”
Nagappa digested this new piece of information without offering any comments. Tagging a security guard would mean no more adjustment of kilometers and that mean no more of extra income. He had a lot of thinking to do, especially since Chetan’s tuition fees were due for this month.
“Ae 4356, come here”
“Lo, there comes the call for you from that bloody idiot. Okay Maga, I got to pick up another brat from Tilak Nagar. Baap re, the pot holes over there! See you later” signed off Raju.
Nagappa, walked over towards the guy impatiently shuffling on his feet at the transport counter. Sharma the new transport manager briefed him - “You got to drop two girls now – one at RT Nagar & another at Yeshwantpur. They are new trainees so take a note of their places while dropping them today. This would be regular drop at 10 p.m. everyday now onwards. Any questions?” Muttering to himself he picked up the trip sheet assigned and walked back to his car. He noticed that the passenger seat had already been occupied.
Sliding into the driver’s seat he customarily looked into the rear view mirror and was taken aback. Not a person given to subtleties, he turned around abruptly to confirm his vision. She seemed to be shell shocked too and both of them were just staring at each other. Before he could utter a word the other girl with a short crop sitting next to her spoke up “Driver, Go to R T Nagar first.” Her words jolted him back to reality, leaving him confounded. Swallowing hard he turned back & started the car. This was unexpected and completely unplanned for.
The car slithered down the driveway & joined the traffic while his mind was still trying to make up as to how he should be reacting. He looked at her once again through the rear view mirror. She was looking at him apprehensively like a wary deer ready to sprint at the first instance of a sound. The other girl chatted on oblivious to the tension in the air. “Hey isn’t the training room awesome. And the pantry looked like it’s a mini restaurant. I love the place.” She didn’t reply.
Sudden honking of vehicles behind made Nagappa jump and he noticed he had blocked a free left. The signal changed to green thankfully and he throttled the car angrily. “What is this? Some kind of a joke? How was one supposed to react when he had to chauffer his own daughter? He shot up an angry glance at the mirror again. “Sharma said this is to be a regular pickup. Of course this meant she has taken up a job here. Oh! Look at the cheek of her. Sitting smugly out there. This is all because of her mother’s lenience. If only I wasn’t fooled to allowing her to go to college. Wait till I get her home. She had it from me today.” Anger boiled inside him.
“Take a right here,” said the other girl. Ten minutes later they were in front of a well lit building that seemed to house a well to do family. His daughter’s friend scribbled a signature on the sheet he offered and jumped out of the car waving good-byes & with a promise to meet his daughter tomorrow. It unruffled him a little that his daughter should have befriended such a girl and was completely at ease about it. Without looking at her direction he started the engine.
“Appa,” it was almost a whisper. He didn’t answer nor look up but his anger flared immediately. Who ever thought this cheek of a girl would do this. “Appa, am sorry.” she reluctantly spoke again.
He ignored her. “If this had been Chetan instead?” wished his mind but that would have made me so proud! This girl did not even have a courtesy to tell me about her job. She has all the arrogant traits of her mother. Elders are absolutely right. Give these women a little space and they end up dancing over my head.
Almost reading his thoughts she continued “Appa, I wanted to give you the good news of me getting a job in the evening. I did tell you about my interview in the morning while I gave you coffee but I think you didn’t hear me.”
“Huh” Nagappa thought hard “Was it she who made the coffee? Anyway what difference does it make.”
There was an uncomfortable silence while the car negotiated its way through the evening traffic. “Appa, they have offered me a job as a junior financial analyst with a pay of 12000 p.m. but Appa I wouldn’t continue if you don’t like it. ” She hurriedly went on to complete the sentence.
“Twelve thousand rupees!” With a sharp involuntary intake of breath he looked at her again. “Why would they pay a girl that much?” he thought. “Twelve thousand rupees! Enough for Chetan’s three month fee’s and for the urgent repairs the house needed.” He immediately hated himself for banking on his daughter’s money.
“Oh! Chenna keshava what did I do for you to show me this day?” A silent lament escaped him.
They entered the familiar area of barely lit street, of row houses and of dingy shops. He slowed the car & drove without honking loudly as he usually did and finally came to a silent stop in front of their house. He mutely handed her the trip sheet and tried to look as indifferent as possible. Almost mentally alienating her far from his world as possible. She took it with trembling hands her head bent and slowly filled the form. He saw her writing her name in full – Chaitra H. Nagappa and signing it eloquently.
An intense indescribable feeling spread across him, blurring his eyes “Appa, won’t you come in?” she asked meekly. He looked up and saw a reflection of his eyes in his daughter’s face. Had I even noticed this before?
He smiled weakly and said, “ Neenu hogamma, I got two more trips to make.”
She got out and watched as the car reversed & the rear window with its gaudy sticker in bold white saying “Chetan” slowly fading its way out of the street.
“Nagappa, have you got a bottle there?” hollered Raju, walking up to him.
Nagappa sat upright inside his cab and readjusted the seat into an upright position. “Nann Magane, so soon you are looking for a bottle eh?” he smirked picking up the half filled Bisleri bottle from the back seat and handed it over to him.
Gulping down the warm water thirstily he fumed,“ They are going to be changing the routes once more. This new manager guy is no good. Ravi, our 895 (cab no.) was saying that security guards would soon be accompanying us in every trip we make. Baddi nann maga, one stray incident and they think we all are murderers.”
Nagappa digested this new piece of information without offering any comments. Tagging a security guard would mean no more adjustment of kilometers and that mean no more of extra income. He had a lot of thinking to do, especially since Chetan’s tuition fees were due for this month.
“Ae 4356, come here”
“Lo, there comes the call for you from that bloody idiot. Okay Maga, I got to pick up another brat from Tilak Nagar. Baap re, the pot holes over there! See you later” signed off Raju.
Nagappa, walked over towards the guy impatiently shuffling on his feet at the transport counter. Sharma the new transport manager briefed him - “You got to drop two girls now – one at RT Nagar & another at Yeshwantpur. They are new trainees so take a note of their places while dropping them today. This would be regular drop at 10 p.m. everyday now onwards. Any questions?” Muttering to himself he picked up the trip sheet assigned and walked back to his car. He noticed that the passenger seat had already been occupied.
Sliding into the driver’s seat he customarily looked into the rear view mirror and was taken aback. Not a person given to subtleties, he turned around abruptly to confirm his vision. She seemed to be shell shocked too and both of them were just staring at each other. Before he could utter a word the other girl with a short crop sitting next to her spoke up “Driver, Go to R T Nagar first.” Her words jolted him back to reality, leaving him confounded. Swallowing hard he turned back & started the car. This was unexpected and completely unplanned for.
The car slithered down the driveway & joined the traffic while his mind was still trying to make up as to how he should be reacting. He looked at her once again through the rear view mirror. She was looking at him apprehensively like a wary deer ready to sprint at the first instance of a sound. The other girl chatted on oblivious to the tension in the air. “Hey isn’t the training room awesome. And the pantry looked like it’s a mini restaurant. I love the place.” She didn’t reply.
Sudden honking of vehicles behind made Nagappa jump and he noticed he had blocked a free left. The signal changed to green thankfully and he throttled the car angrily. “What is this? Some kind of a joke? How was one supposed to react when he had to chauffer his own daughter? He shot up an angry glance at the mirror again. “Sharma said this is to be a regular pickup. Of course this meant she has taken up a job here. Oh! Look at the cheek of her. Sitting smugly out there. This is all because of her mother’s lenience. If only I wasn’t fooled to allowing her to go to college. Wait till I get her home. She had it from me today.” Anger boiled inside him.
“Take a right here,” said the other girl. Ten minutes later they were in front of a well lit building that seemed to house a well to do family. His daughter’s friend scribbled a signature on the sheet he offered and jumped out of the car waving good-byes & with a promise to meet his daughter tomorrow. It unruffled him a little that his daughter should have befriended such a girl and was completely at ease about it. Without looking at her direction he started the engine.
“Appa,” it was almost a whisper. He didn’t answer nor look up but his anger flared immediately. Who ever thought this cheek of a girl would do this. “Appa, am sorry.” she reluctantly spoke again.
He ignored her. “If this had been Chetan instead?” wished his mind but that would have made me so proud! This girl did not even have a courtesy to tell me about her job. She has all the arrogant traits of her mother. Elders are absolutely right. Give these women a little space and they end up dancing over my head.
Almost reading his thoughts she continued “Appa, I wanted to give you the good news of me getting a job in the evening. I did tell you about my interview in the morning while I gave you coffee but I think you didn’t hear me.”
“Huh” Nagappa thought hard “Was it she who made the coffee? Anyway what difference does it make.”
There was an uncomfortable silence while the car negotiated its way through the evening traffic. “Appa, they have offered me a job as a junior financial analyst with a pay of 12000 p.m. but Appa I wouldn’t continue if you don’t like it. ” She hurriedly went on to complete the sentence.
“Twelve thousand rupees!” With a sharp involuntary intake of breath he looked at her again. “Why would they pay a girl that much?” he thought. “Twelve thousand rupees! Enough for Chetan’s three month fee’s and for the urgent repairs the house needed.” He immediately hated himself for banking on his daughter’s money.
“Oh! Chenna keshava what did I do for you to show me this day?” A silent lament escaped him.
They entered the familiar area of barely lit street, of row houses and of dingy shops. He slowed the car & drove without honking loudly as he usually did and finally came to a silent stop in front of their house. He mutely handed her the trip sheet and tried to look as indifferent as possible. Almost mentally alienating her far from his world as possible. She took it with trembling hands her head bent and slowly filled the form. He saw her writing her name in full – Chaitra H. Nagappa and signing it eloquently.
An intense indescribable feeling spread across him, blurring his eyes “Appa, won’t you come in?” she asked meekly. He looked up and saw a reflection of his eyes in his daughter’s face. Had I even noticed this before?
He smiled weakly and said, “ Neenu hogamma, I got two more trips to make.”
She got out and watched as the car reversed & the rear window with its gaudy sticker in bold white saying “Chetan” slowly fading its way out of the street.
Friday, October 20, 2006
[Short Story] A Time to Confess
Madhavi was born during the week she had viral fever. Left alone at home by her working parents, with only the maid for company, she made the PC her best friend. Madhavi was the online persona she had created to amuse herself till she could get better and go back to her hostel & friends. As a joke she sketched Madhavi as complete anti-thesis of herself. So was born Madhavi a shy introvert with long hair, dark eyed & with a dimpled smile. Getting on to a popular chat room she was deluged with chat offers from various people and she felt on top of the world.
Soon she found herself chatting with a captain from the Indian Army who was extremely charming with a great sense of humor. He rarely seemed to cross step the line of decency yet regaled her with interesting anecdotes and soon completely encroached on her attention. His subtle sense of humor made her laugh while his worldly intelligence had her awed. She told him stories of her college life & friends without revealing much of herself while he confessed later that he was no captain but was a manager with an MNC.
He requested to see her picture. Continuing the fun she was having she found an old picture of herself which she modified to match her description with the help of Photoshop. Sending this picture she asked the Captain (She still referred him as captain) to return the favour.
Their growing intimacy of friendship made him confess that he was actually very ill and that he was keeping his illness a secret from his family. He loved his family a lot and could not bear to destroy their lives by disclosing that he was HIV positive. It was just a week since she had known Captain and she was completely devastated to hear this piece of news. She pleaded with him to see his photo, which he had reluctantly sent. Opening the jpg picture she was stunned to see the smiling face of her father. This had to be a cruel joke or some kind of a nightmare!
She did not know how to react to the knowledge she had just gained. Painfully she realized that her father was actually so cool and that she had never taken the time to get to know him. And now it was too late.
Her heart broke to think of all that could have been. But Madhavi had destroyed her completely. All that mattered to her in life had been snatched away in one cruel week. 'What do I have left?' she thought bitterly, as the tears wet her carefully manicured fingers.
But she soon knew there was something more. There was one thing yet to be done. It shocked her that she was even thinking of doing such a thing. 'I really can't do this,' she told herself. But she knew it was the only way... She had to do it, however painful it was.
She will confess to her dad tonight.
Soon she found herself chatting with a captain from the Indian Army who was extremely charming with a great sense of humor. He rarely seemed to cross step the line of decency yet regaled her with interesting anecdotes and soon completely encroached on her attention. His subtle sense of humor made her laugh while his worldly intelligence had her awed. She told him stories of her college life & friends without revealing much of herself while he confessed later that he was no captain but was a manager with an MNC.
He requested to see her picture. Continuing the fun she was having she found an old picture of herself which she modified to match her description with the help of Photoshop. Sending this picture she asked the Captain (She still referred him as captain) to return the favour.
Their growing intimacy of friendship made him confess that he was actually very ill and that he was keeping his illness a secret from his family. He loved his family a lot and could not bear to destroy their lives by disclosing that he was HIV positive. It was just a week since she had known Captain and she was completely devastated to hear this piece of news. She pleaded with him to see his photo, which he had reluctantly sent. Opening the jpg picture she was stunned to see the smiling face of her father. This had to be a cruel joke or some kind of a nightmare!
She did not know how to react to the knowledge she had just gained. Painfully she realized that her father was actually so cool and that she had never taken the time to get to know him. And now it was too late.
Her heart broke to think of all that could have been. But Madhavi had destroyed her completely. All that mattered to her in life had been snatched away in one cruel week. 'What do I have left?' she thought bitterly, as the tears wet her carefully manicured fingers.
But she soon knew there was something more. There was one thing yet to be done. It shocked her that she was even thinking of doing such a thing. 'I really can't do this,' she told herself. But she knew it was the only way... She had to do it, however painful it was.
She will confess to her dad tonight.
[Travelogue] An Undiscovered Haven in Jammu
A travel article written by me gets published in Rediff.
*************
We continue our reader-driven getaway series.
Swetha Iyer suggests a trip to Sanasar in Jammu and Kashmir if you are looking for a quiet holiday.
When it is not casual travel, but a real vacation that you are looking for, try Sanasar, located just about 17 km away from the famous hill resort of Patnitop.
My husband and I decided to visit Sanasar in Jammu on the advice of a friend.
Jammu might evoke images of gun-toting policemen, riots amidst snow-topped mountains, but no place is more peaceful than Sanasar. Tall trees, cool breeze, scenic pastures stretching to the horizon -- it is heaven unexplored!
Sanasar is all about stretches of green meadows under clear blue skies, huge conifers and pines, sparkling brooks, locals grazing their cattle and horses... It is completely enchanting. So if you are looking for a quiet holiday, head to Sanasar.
This place also provides opportunities for paragliding and the area is being developed as a world class golf course.
How to get there
Sanasar is 119 km from Jammu and only 17 km from Patnitop.
There are several ways to reach Jammu and Patnitop, the fastest, of course, would be to fly to Jammu and hire a private cab from Jammu to Patnitop.
Jammu Tawi is a main railhead at Jammu and is well-connected with all the major cities.
You can reach Sanasar from Jammu Tawi via Kud and Patnitop by bus or taxi.
The taxi fares are pretty reasonable. You will have to negotiate, of course. Usually the driver will double up as a guide, and take you to the best hotel and also get you some good discounts.
En route
Kud
This small wayside township falls on the way to Sanasar from Patnitop. The patisa (a kind of sweet made out of flour and sugar) is a special delicacy here and a must try.
Patnitop
Patnitop is complete eye candy. If Sanasar basks in the glory of being unexplored, Patnitop can revel in being the jewel that has been polished from a coal piece.
It is a must-see place with its huge deodhar trees, waterfalls, picnic spots and the Nag temple. Pony rides, camping, trekking, golfing and paragliding are some of the activities you can indulge in.
They say Patnitop and Sanasar are best visited during the summer between May and July. From November to January, both places witness harsh winters with heavy snow. That too must be a treat to watch and is a good time for winter sports.
Where to stay
Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation provides decent accommodation in both Sanasar as well as in Patnitop.
Patnitop is comparatively more expensive than Sanasar and people prefer to stay here as the amenities are better.
Moreover, since Sanasar is only about 17 km away, visitors usually make a day trip from Patnitop.
Sanasar has a row of cottages that you could stay at. Actually they are more like self-contained huts. The service is good but the power cuts and lack of telephone and mobile network makes tourists prefer Patnitop over Sanasar.
In Sanasar, double room accommodation would be between Rs 400 to Rs 1,000 for a couple per night. In Patnitop it comes to around Rs 600 to Rs 2,500 per night for a couple.
Quick travel tips
~ The clement weather (in the summers) will equal the temperatures at the early onset of winter in places like Bangalore. But be prepared and carry light woollens such as shawls and sweaters.
~ Sanasar doesn't really have fancy eateries or hotels, hence may not be accepting debit/ credit card. So, keep enough cash ready while travelling to such places.
~ There are quite a few good hotels and resorts in Patnitop such as Green Top, Oasis Resorts, Hotel Jaishree etc Most of these would be around Rs 2,000 per day for a double room.
~ Though visiting the Nag temple may not figure prominently on your agenda, it is worth a visit, especially since it is said to be a few thousand years old!
~ Naughty tip: For all those from the south, make a trip in December. The fierce winters might scare you to stay indoors but the snow-covered outdoors will help make unforgettable memories.
Swetha Iyer is a product marketing analyst in Bangalore.
*************
We continue our reader-driven getaway series.
Swetha Iyer suggests a trip to Sanasar in Jammu and Kashmir if you are looking for a quiet holiday.
When it is not casual travel, but a real vacation that you are looking for, try Sanasar, located just about 17 km away from the famous hill resort of Patnitop.
My husband and I decided to visit Sanasar in Jammu on the advice of a friend.
Jammu might evoke images of gun-toting policemen, riots amidst snow-topped mountains, but no place is more peaceful than Sanasar. Tall trees, cool breeze, scenic pastures stretching to the horizon -- it is heaven unexplored!
Sanasar is all about stretches of green meadows under clear blue skies, huge conifers and pines, sparkling brooks, locals grazing their cattle and horses... It is completely enchanting. So if you are looking for a quiet holiday, head to Sanasar.
This place also provides opportunities for paragliding and the area is being developed as a world class golf course.
How to get there
Sanasar is 119 km from Jammu and only 17 km from Patnitop.
There are several ways to reach Jammu and Patnitop, the fastest, of course, would be to fly to Jammu and hire a private cab from Jammu to Patnitop.
Jammu Tawi is a main railhead at Jammu and is well-connected with all the major cities.
You can reach Sanasar from Jammu Tawi via Kud and Patnitop by bus or taxi.
The taxi fares are pretty reasonable. You will have to negotiate, of course. Usually the driver will double up as a guide, and take you to the best hotel and also get you some good discounts.
En route
Kud
This small wayside township falls on the way to Sanasar from Patnitop. The patisa (a kind of sweet made out of flour and sugar) is a special delicacy here and a must try.
Patnitop
Patnitop is complete eye candy. If Sanasar basks in the glory of being unexplored, Patnitop can revel in being the jewel that has been polished from a coal piece.
It is a must-see place with its huge deodhar trees, waterfalls, picnic spots and the Nag temple. Pony rides, camping, trekking, golfing and paragliding are some of the activities you can indulge in.
They say Patnitop and Sanasar are best visited during the summer between May and July. From November to January, both places witness harsh winters with heavy snow. That too must be a treat to watch and is a good time for winter sports.
Where to stay
Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation provides decent accommodation in both Sanasar as well as in Patnitop.
Patnitop is comparatively more expensive than Sanasar and people prefer to stay here as the amenities are better.
Moreover, since Sanasar is only about 17 km away, visitors usually make a day trip from Patnitop.
Sanasar has a row of cottages that you could stay at. Actually they are more like self-contained huts. The service is good but the power cuts and lack of telephone and mobile network makes tourists prefer Patnitop over Sanasar.
In Sanasar, double room accommodation would be between Rs 400 to Rs 1,000 for a couple per night. In Patnitop it comes to around Rs 600 to Rs 2,500 per night for a couple.
Quick travel tips
~ The clement weather (in the summers) will equal the temperatures at the early onset of winter in places like Bangalore. But be prepared and carry light woollens such as shawls and sweaters.
~ Sanasar doesn't really have fancy eateries or hotels, hence may not be accepting debit/ credit card. So, keep enough cash ready while travelling to such places.
~ There are quite a few good hotels and resorts in Patnitop such as Green Top, Oasis Resorts, Hotel Jaishree etc Most of these would be around Rs 2,000 per day for a double room.
~ Though visiting the Nag temple may not figure prominently on your agenda, it is worth a visit, especially since it is said to be a few thousand years old!
~ Naughty tip: For all those from the south, make a trip in December. The fierce winters might scare you to stay indoors but the snow-covered outdoors will help make unforgettable memories.
Swetha Iyer is a product marketing analyst in Bangalore.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Hinduism is still being misrepresented
This is an Indian Student's experience overseas. This is posted not with a view to take this forum into the depths of faith & religion. But why do Hindu's run away from anything that truly represents us? Why do we confuse about being secular and being a doormat? Is it wrong to let the world know we are not one racist country which has only a sati system; caste system and dowry practise to showcase? But that's what is being protrayed. Read on:
Hinduism still being misrepresented in schools world wide:
>This is a letter from Fourteen year old Trisha Pashricha. She studies in a school in Houston Texas. It reflects not only the ignorance of the average American, but also reflects the arrogance of the educational authorities of that country. Every religion, barring Christianity is looked down upon, demeaned, distorted, defamed. Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism invite particular scorn. Read on...
"It's 8:00 a.m., and students slowly trickle into Mr. West's 6th grade history class. The majority of the people, including the teacher, are white. One African-American, two Orientals, and myself, a second generation Indian girl, make up the rest of the class.
>On the blackboard is written "World Religions." As the rest of the class prepares for a boring two hours, I can already feel my stomach sink - what did I do to deserve this?
We are handed a fill-in-the-blank chart of major world religions and are instructed to look in our books for the answers. Finishing quickly, I hand in my chart to Mr. West at his desk, and turn to leave. "Now wait a minute, you put 'monotheistic' down for Hindooism," he remarks.
"I know," I reply, feeling my face burn as the class looks up.
"Hindoos are polytheistic."
"No, they're not,"
"Are you a Hindoo?"
"Yeah."
"Oh."
Scattered murmurs break out among my peers, whispering about how freaky Hindus worship elephants and monkeys. Great.
"Well," Mr. West says standing up and going to the chalkboard, "from what I understand, Hindoos are all about their caste system." And he begins a long, irrelevant, and incorrect explanation, which he memorized from our textbook. What does that have to do with being monotheistic? I don't even bother correcting him, to save myself any more embarrassment. I wanted to get out of there. Fast.
7th grade starts, and it's culture day in history. "Both of my parents are Indian--" I begin when it's my turn. "Do you mean Native American Indian, or Middle Eastern Indian?" my teacher asks. Sounds like it's going to be another fun year in social studies.
When 8th grade starts, India and Hinduism are summed up in a few short sentences by the teacher. India is described as filled with pollution, cows, and poverty-stricken people. Hindus love to bathe in rivers where they throw the ashes of their parents and yes, they do worship elephants and monkeys.
"Do you speak Indian?" I'm asked at least two times a week. "I heard there were two thousand gods and every full moon you had to give a sacrifice to them. Do you do that?" No, I try to explain that all the gods are really aspects of one almighty being. I've never sacrificed anything except my dignity, which slowly dwindles with each question. The release of popular award-winning books such as Homeless Bird, which portrays the typical Indian girl who is forced to get married at thirteen, didn't help Indians anywhere. And, who could have guessed, the author hadn't even been to India! No kidding.
Six entire chapters in the textbook were devoted to Christianity, whereas one page is given to the history of India and the teachings of Hinduism. A second page is entirely about Lord Shiva, accompanied by a rather unbecoming picture of an ancient dancing Shiva statue. Buddhism gets one paragraph.
This doesn't make sense, as most of the school already knows so much about Christianity, but hardly any even knew Buddhism or Hinduism existed. Now that they did, we would be ridiculed publicly. Thank you, Board of Education.
At last, high school starts. I almost die of shock when I see the 9th grade textbook has devoted an entire 3 sentences to Sikhism and Jainism. It claims Sikhism "combines the Muslim belief of one god with the Hindu belief of reincarnation."
Christianity in India and the ever-popular "western influence" get pages and pages of text. One of the main pictures which help represent "typical life in India" is one my fellow students describe as some sort of drag-queen in make-up doing an obscure peacock dance. Out of all the dazzling pictures of Indian culture, that is the one they have to stick in? They chose that one over a picture of, say, the classic Taj Mahal?
But the fun just gets funnier -- the next picture of a sari earns a whole two sentences. Oh, but it's not an exquisite silk or glittering embroidered sari. Nope, it's a dirty yellow (perhaps once white) cotton sari worn by an old woman bathing in the Ganges River. In spite of its pollution, "Hindus readily drink and bathe in the Ganges' water; people even come to die in the river." To further prove their point, they stick in a picture of a filthy and trash laden section of Ganges, not a clean part, which much of it is.
I kid you not, upon reading this and looking at the picture, a boy in my class had to be excused to the nurse's office because his stomach had become queasy.
Now we come to the sacred cow. They say entire streets are blocked because Hindus don't want to run over our beloved cow. C'mon, even in America, people aren't going to just run over a local cow; they'll find a way to move it or get around it.
On an ending note, Indians are technologically behind. They fail to mention that we have a space program, nuclear capabilities, and many Indians, believe it or not, have heard of a computer.
Every day, young desi children and teenagers are unreasonably tormented because of our perceived background. The school textbooks are half the cause. The average American doesn't know squat about India, and with the help of poorly researched textbooks, they learn nonsense. The sheer embarrassment of the situation is enough to make desi students everywhere wish we could have been "normal" by American standards. Explaining to your peers that you don't worship a thousand gods like the Greeks; your grandmother doesn't force you to bathe in dead people's ashes every full moon; and even though you know how to bhangra, kuchipudi, or whatever it may be, you've never danced with a drag-queen, is not fun for any young desi.
But why do we put up with it? Jewish, African-American, and Orientals all have organizations against defamation and they are represented correctly in the textbooks. Why aren't we? If Christians can effectively lobby to remove the theory of evolution from school science textbooks, then certainly we should be able to at least correct the blatant misinterpretation of our culture. Reading what you or your child's Social Studies textbooks says on India and Hinduism and writing a simple letter or e-mail to the editor can make a world of difference for not only you but for thousands of others. A letter to the Board of Education for your district can't hurt either, since they decide which textbooks will be used. It only takes five minutes of your time, but it can change how you, an Indian, are viewed in society.
Desis are being ridiculed everywhere in America because of what today's modern student is learning. It's not going to change unless we become part of the solution.
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