The Bond of Love

This one dedicated to my brother. Yesterday we celebrated Rakshabandhan. It’s not only a day when a sister ties a thread (Rakhi) on her brother’s wrist, but it has a deeper meaning too.

A sister prays for her brother’s long life and her brother promises to protect her always. Every relation has it’s own value, but nothing could be as unique, and unpredictable as a brother -sister relation.

When I prayed to God, this Rakhi, I would like to thank him for many reasons.

– For giving me a friend, whom I can always trust.

– A constant supporter, who kept supporting me whenever I was low.

– A wellwisher, whose prayers will always work for me.

– A critic, who will find faults in me or my work, only to bring out the best from me.

Well I can go on and on with adjectives. We have many fights, our opinions don’t match many times, we have literally abused and attacked physically too 😉 ( Those days, good old days 😉 )
But we both know, that we will always be there for each other. We both never express our love, we never need to because we are always together, either at home or on Whatsap 😉

There are many things, jokes and gossips , and secrets that are only between us and only we both can understand. 🙂 😉

I know we both are used to each other’s presence. I know he misses me when I am not at home 😉 , so do I. Due to his busy work schedule (shifts) we cannot spend enough time, but when we do, it’s awesome. Even though we have a 5 year age gap, he is still my bestfriend who understands me very well, and he knows everything about my college life.

I am glad to have an amazing elder brother like him 🙂

Love you bro,

– Straight from my Heart,
Prakriti

August 21, 2013 3

Spirit Of Independent India

15th August 2013 , Today India celebrated it’s 67th Independence Day. Our Indian flags , patriotic songs, movies, speeches the day was full of patriotism.

Everywhere, there was the beautiful tricolour, our National flag. I was dressed in tricolour too. It made me feel very good, dressed in those three colours. It gave me a sense of love and respect for the country. I wanted to show that I am proud, proud to be an Indian. I was not alone, I saw many people wearing the colours of India. I am always very happy and enthusiastic for Independence Day, like most of the people are for other festivals.

I came across a message in a mall today, “Saare jahaan se acha se Hindustaan hamara, Tera na mera , Bharat mahan mera ” meaning, India is the best , it’s not yours nor mine, it’s our, Our Great India. 🙂 I found the message very beautiful, and the underlying message of unity which it gives.

The day went very good. I was very happy to see the Independence Day celebrations everywhere. But there are few things which disturb me too.There are some people, it’s just one day, when they should think about the country! It’s such a shame when people think like that. It’s your Mother Land, how can one not love it, respect it or be proud of ir always !!

Yes our country is not perfect, there are many flaws but no country is perfect !! If it is not are you doing anything for it? Or atleast do you wish to do anything for it. It’s not necessary that one needs to be great to do anything for the country. Small small things and changes can make a difference too. For example, there are many who say India is not as clean as other countries, then why don’t they change their attitude and stop littering !!
Many teenagers share morphed and edited pictures of Indian leaders on social networking , and making fun of their failures, it doesn’t prove your greatness, but it is showing the world that you are weak. I broadcasted a message on whatsapp, saying to keep the spirit of independence alive, not only today but forever. And I get a reply like ” Independence Day is over ” I felt so shocked and irritated. So what?? Does it mean to stop loving or respecting a country?!

I know few people, teenagers and college students, who describe girls who wear Salwar kameez as ‘ Behanji ‘ . I really pity them. Why should someone be ashamed to wear Indian and ethnic clothes?! The youth believes it’s not ‘hep’ or not ‘cool’. But I feel it’s a shame when one doesn’t respect the traditional attire.

It’s human tendency to see the bad things first. Even a baby or a small kid learns bad things very easily than the good habits. There are many things in India to be proud of. It’s rich culture, diversity, unity. India has contributed a lot in fields of science and mathematics too. Well there are many many things. ( I can write a separate blog on it 😉 )

So be proud of your country. Don’t be ashamed of it. Just love it selflessly and truly. I do.
If you want changes to take place in your country, be the change, because the youth today, is the future of India.

Jai Hind.

– Straight From My Heart,

Prakriti Singh

August 15, 2013 9

Let the Music Play..

Music, it’s an integral part of our lives, knowingly or unknowingly. For some it’s a part of their daily routine, for some music is everything and their life revolves around it, for some it’s a stress buster, or just a perfect company .

Right now, I am travelling, on my way to college. I missed my regular direct train. It is really annoying to miss direct ones. Particularly when it passes before your eyes and you can do nothing but regret !!
I have so many friends in train, that the daily commute of one and a half hour seems nothing to me.
The same journey seems a pain when I am alone. !!

But I have my friends , my earphones and music. I know when no one is there, they are one to keep me entertained, to delight me and even inspire at times.( Like it did this morning 🙂 )
I look around in the train, and I see everyone in my compartment is listening music !! I see few heads nodding also while others are sleeping. 😉 🙂

Just plug in and forget the morning blues, well that’s what every Mumbaikar does. I just got down at the station from where I have to change my train, and I see almost every third person on the platform with earphones / headphones.

Well music is every traveller’s love. Nature is very musical too. There is music in the chirping of birds, in the rain drops, and all other sounds which can make your life musical.

So go on , enjoy the music, use it in any way which suits you. Set up your mood, as it is said that the kind of music you listen can influence your mood or majority chose the genre according to time, mood and place.

Good Morning and. Have a great musical start of the day. 🙂

I just did 😉

– Straight From My Heart,
Prakriti

August 9, 2013 7

Friendship, A Magical Relation…

On the occasion of Friendship Day , this one is dedicated to Friendship. It is a relation of not just mutual affection, but it’s integral to our lives, absence of which will make our life very difficult indeed.

Friendship is so powerful and amazing , that every relation is compared with it. A mother wants to be a child’s best friend, we say that our siblings are our closest friends, some find their truest friend in their girlfriend/boyfriend. The most purest feeling of Love is also compared with friendship. It is also said ” Friendship is Love” , and ” Friendship is the first step of love”.

We have so many friends, not everyone has the same priority and same value. But each one has their own value, every friend is needed and important in some or the other way. Many people find making friends as their hobby.

There are old friends, and childhood friends, who are with us for such a long time ,that they are like family. With them ,you are your true self, without any pretensions !! One can be as crazy and mad with them 🙂 We share many memories together. On the other hand , there are new friends, who are very excited and eager to know and understand each other. There are college friends, school friends, building friends , colony friends, family friends and what not !! I have library friends , dance friends, and train friends too ( A category of friends only Mumbai people can have 😉 🙂 ) The category of friends is never ending ! Each one is needed . As it’s said in Hindi “Har Ek Friend Zaruri hota hain “.

Sometimes things which could’t be shared with family , are disclosed easily among friends , perhaps this is the reason why a mother desires to be a best friend. True friends understand each other even without much communication. Friends of friends become great friends too. Many a time, in a short span of time ,people become great and inseparable friends. 🙂

And now , I have found people with same interests as mine on WordPress too , who always support my thoughts, encourage me , as a writer , as a person and a blogger . I share things with them . I can call them as my Blogging Friends 🙂

It’s not necessary that friends meet everyday or talk regularly. True friends can go a long time without talking or meeting , and yet when they meet, it’s like nothing is changed.

Isn’t it magical , a person who seemed nothing to you ,can later become one of the most important thing in your life. How our life can easily revolve around friends !! Every relation is compared with friendship !! However old friendship can be , somethings never change . It is indeed the magical relation . Cherish all your friends and keep making new ones too 🙂

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY 🙂

-Straight From My Heart,

Prakriti

August 4, 2013 4

A Memorable Sunday

Yesterday was a day filled with emotions, of all kinds, happiness, anxiety, joy, sadness, madness and what not. After a hectic first week of my fourth-year, Sunday seemed so refreshing. It was an awaited weekend, but I never knew it would be so relaxing, in all ways.

It was the best chaddhi buddies ( childhood friends) meet . My dearest childhood friend, is going to the US for her masters. We had planned a surprise farewell for her. She had no idea about who all are coming. We initially celebrated it the traditional way, like all our childhood birthday parties used to be with cake, chips and chocolates 🙂 It reminded us of all the old parties 😉

Then we talked about all the crazy games we played, some of the most memorable events, and other things like Pokemon 😉 I even gifted her a Pikachu tshirt painted by myself

As kids we always wondered that when we will grow up, be in separate parts of the world, will we be friends forever. Yes we remained friends, 20 years of friendship, as old as we are.

Times have changed now, from playing all day, now we discuss about our future, our problems, and other serious stuff. But I am sure, our friendship would be as beautiful as it had been in the other phases of our friendship.

Whatever happens, the brilliant innocence we have when we all are together will always remain with us. Somethings never change… Rightly said 😉

– Straight from My heart,
Prakriti

July 29, 2013 4

Unavoidable Changes

The last genuine holidays of my student life ended . College started from Monday. I never imagined it would be so difficult for me to resume back to normal.

My daily travelling routine from Navi Mumbai to Mumbai started, I am used to it. But getting up early and taking 7 09 train was something I did after 6 months. I din’t feel like going on Monday. I was sad for the holidays were over. Not that I din’t enjoy them, travelling, trekking, bird watching, painting , writing, meeting friends, I did everything I love. But there was a feeling I will not get the amount of me-time I used to get. My mom had to literally throw me out of the house. 😉

Somehow I reached college. I was missing my library group too, and was reminded of those days when we used to sit and have fun together, all of us. Then there was an orientation program, where we were told to change ourselves as we have entered a PG program now. We are supposed to be mature and disciplined now !! And no late comers allowed in class, not even 5 minutes. In fact there was a guideline mentioning to reach class 5 minutes before!!

The second day was a little better. I got my regular direct train but was disappointed to when I found that many of my train friends had stopped travelling by it. 😦 They all used to be a part of my life… Seeing and meeting them left my day incomplete. The one and a half hour journey never seemed long when all of us were present.

Yesterday only management lectures were there. This is another change , from being technical to going totally non technical. I liked the subjects and lectures too. Nothing to note down, just sit, interact and discuss. Management seems so refreshing after studying all the technical subjects.

I was very happy after the last lecture, as it interested me. But my happiness din’t last long as I realized trains got canceled due to continuous heavy rains!! 😉

Hope I will get uses to the all the changes soon. I have to and I know I will very soon. Anyway change is an unavoidable part of life. The sooner we accept it, the better it is!

-Straight from my heart,
Prakriti

July 24, 2013 7

Golden Words of Father

Even a short conversation can have a significant impact on your life,particularly when a person with great experience and knowledge is involved in it. This is about such a life-changing conversation I had yesterday.

I had promised myself that before the end of these holidays, I would try to know and explore myself better. Hence , I approached the Counselling Centre of St Xaviers college. I gave the Preference test and Career interest test there. Father Terry, the Director of counselling centre conducted it and he had called me yesterday for the evaluation’s discussion .

Initially he explained me the results of Career Interest Inventory and Personality Evaluation, he stated clearly, the results just show what your interests and preferences are, the results are just the compilation of what you are totally as a person. The counselling session gave me many lessons and moments to cherish . I am trying to narrate some of them, some of the golden words:

Confusion is not a problem: It’s human nature to be confused. We may like something now,but dislike it sometime later. We are confused about our choices, decisions, and it’s a very common dialogue, “I am confused in life”.Well ,it’s just normal and nothing bad about it.
Don’t feel inferior to others: Love and respect yourself.You may not be perfect,neither be good in everything. Every one has their own capabilities and talents.
Don’t Be Positive,Be Realistic !!: In contrary to the usually preached sayings and proverbs , like ” Always Be positive”, “Be Optimistic always”, Father believes it’s better to be realistic. Life will not always be good to you,there are ups and downs. Be prepared for the bad times. Accept failures, moreover, be practical. If we always keep thinking JUST positively, we may end up living in a hypothetical world where everything is good.
Be Respectful: Care and respect not only yourself, but others too. Respect every’s individual’s opinion. All suggestions/opinions may not please you, but you may get some useful information too.
Be Assertive: In your behavior and communication, be assertive. Feel free to express your feelings, know your rights, and control your anger. Don’t repress, but talk in a reasonable manner.
Make Mistakes: One of the ending words of the conversation “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, You will learn something from them “.

I am glad I had the opportunity to meet him, and discuss my views with him too. I will try to bring the necessary changes in my life. The conversation must have lasted around 20 minutes,in those 20 minutes I learnt many things; This proves Experience matters a lot.

Either you will be happily successful or unhappily successful ,it’s upon you,to choose your way . There is nothing like happily unsuccessful, because if you are happy, your life is a success indeed. 🙂

-Straight From My Heart ,

Prakriti :).

July 17, 2013 13

From Strangers to Best friends…

The well known proverb “First impression is the best impression” ; may not be true always,especially in friendship .The first impression of anyone can be quite deceiving. I had a bad impression of almost all of the people who are now my closest and great friends . Being judgmental before the start of friendship or any other relation will just give us regrets.

Sometimes it takes many years to know people , whereas there are situations when we tend to know each other so much in a very short period of time, that it seems we have known each other since ages. It is rightly said that it’s not the age of the relation which makes it strong, but the heart to heart connections and the desire to know, understand and care each other is what makes it ever-lasting.

People who din’t meant anything to me two years ago, now mean a lot to me. When I joined college, I was not a library student at all, I used to spend most of my free time in the canteen with my classmates. I din’t do much during the after-hours of college, and rushed indeed as I had to travel one and a half hour or I had NGO work. With the beggining of second trimester of second year, my college life started changing. I started spending most of the time in the college library. I made a new friend and soon few of our mutual friends became great buddies. We all were different, belonged to different batches, but we sat nearby in library. Conversations started and soon we were known as the ” Library Group ” .

Out of the Library group members, 4 were my seniors, two my batch mate, ( one of them left the group later) and one my junior. I realized I started hanging with this group more than my classmates. Even our branches were different, the only thing common was library.. Yes we bonded over spending time in library,sounds strange but it’s true.

Soon we started going out too, initially to eat Panipuri 🙂 ( We all love Pani puri 😉 )

Then later we made plans for each and everyone’s birthdays, or just roam around. In a short period of time we had so much of affection between us. We helped each other in assignments, even though we were unaware of the subjects !!

Our likes, dislikes, interests matched. I started loving college more day by day. No matter from what time our lectures would be scheduled, we reached college, library particulary early in the morning without fail. All our pending assignments, writing work was done there, and as we were in a group, it was never a pain. We finished our works fast so that we could chat later. I stayed late in college. My class people noticed that all my assignments were completed before time, and I was always the first to complete them. Thanks to the library group.

We had endless group chats on Whatsapp, “Hey who all are free? ” , ” I am in lib” ,” come in library” some of the most common sentences of our chats 🙂 😉 .
The friendship wasn’t professional, as we were attached emotionally too. Even if one would be free, the person was supposed to wait for the others till they are done for the day. In short our day was incomplete without the seven of us sitting in library. 🙂

We din’t realize how time went so fast. It seemed we knew each other since birth, so strong our bonding had become. Now, the four seniors of the group are graduate. The group is shattered. It won’t be the same now. I would miss those ” Where are you? ” , ” when will you be free ” and all other whatsapp messages, the panipuri, outings, and everything. The three of us can still meet and will be meeting, but the incompleteness will always be there. I am glad we met, and it is not the end. We will always be friends, friends forever. Whenever I will enter college and then library I will be reminded of them and those days, all of us sitting together. But I have to accept their absence. There are still two years of my college life.

I never thought we would be such great buddies. In fact my first impression was that we are so different and would never be good friends. I ignored that thought and thankfully wasn’t judgemental about any of them; I would have missed a lot, and a beautiful chapter of my life din’t exist. And as we have promised we will always be friends..and there will be Dosti Forever.

– Straight from my heart,
Prakriti

July 15, 2013 7

Focus On Yourself …

In the race of life, the so-called race, we tend to ignore the most important individual, that is YOU. Yes , this post is about the need of focusing and caring about yourself. Majority of us are so busy in competing with one another, or just comparing yourself with someone else. But if we leave everyone aside, and think about our personal growth, our satisfaction, interests and desire, and rather compete with yourself, we would be a better individual.

The first step in developing yourself as a better person would be to Love yourself . Whatever you are,however you are, just love yourself. Not everyone is perfect. If one doesn’t love oneself, then it’s stupid to expect others to respect you. But don’t live in a hypothetical world, where you are perfect and you feel there is no scope for improvement.!!

The other most important thing is to Know Yourself, your likes, dislikes , interests. Many people reading this would be thinking , well everyone knows themselves.. No it is not true. We end up many times knowing ourselves wrongly, and try to be satisfied with it. Maybe that’s why we end up making wrong decisions , and having regrets in life, think about it.

Some people love commenting , discussing, and even criticizing someone else’s life, I believe they are the saddest and most jobless people in the world. Every person is different, you should respect their opinions and way of living. Instead that time can be used in self-development.

I have read many blogs about heart-breaks, spoiled relationships, wastage of time in getting over one’s ex and similar stuff. When in a relationship too, focus on yourself. I am not telling to be selfish, and leave your relationships aside, but don’t lose yourself in the process of maintaining the relation. I believe if a person really loves you, he/she would never want you to ignore yourself and just think about him/her.

Spend time with yourself daily, it sounds weird , but it is very important to keep yourself asking whether you are satisfied, happy with your life , or a decision in particular. Enhance your good qualities, and try diluting the bad ones. Try new things, take challenges, Explore Yourself . Do one thing everyday which not only makes you happy,but also defines you as an individual. Cultivate your passions, which may be lost somewhere, due to responsibilities or the fast-paced life, find them , and don’t let them go. As the saying goes, ” Life is too short to live with regrets” , Take time and Focus on Yourself. 🙂 🙂

– Straight from My Heart,

Prakriti

July 11, 2013 4

What goes Around comes Around

In today’s world, where people believe everyone is selfish,uncaring and preoccupied, there are still few who love to help, care and console. This is about a new lesson I learnt yesterday.

I am among the ones who believe that everyone is good if you are good.I always try to see and appreciate the positive side of an individual. Also, I trust people easily too . Many of my friends shout at me, and tell me, “not everyone is good ” . I just smile back and reply “not everyone is bad” . Many consider me mad and stupid because of this, and most of the people reading this may be thinking the same.

Yesterday I was in real trouble, I had gone to collect my internship certificate, I worked in a government organization and it took a lot of time to get ready. Finally I got it, from there I went to my college to meet my sir. I met one of my friend there, my handbag was too small for the certificate so I asked him to keep it safely in his bag. While going back, my friend and me shared the auto. We got down near the station. He headed for his classes, and I took my train. As soon as my train started I realized I din’t had my certificate. I got scared as I thought I took it from my friend and left it in the auto,I was not sure though . I blanked out for few seconds. Government procedures take time, and I got the certificate after a long time. Plus, I din’t had my phone.

Seeing my panic -stricken face one lady in train asked me if she could help. I asked for her phone to make an urgent call. I called my friend, he din’t answer. She insisted me to try again, I did so, but in vain.

I got down at next station and returned to Andheri ( the station where my college is, and my friend’s classes too ) . I went to the PCO and kept trying his number. The shopkeeper of the PCO also asked me what the matter was, I asked him whether he knew about any CCNA classes. He told me there are many classes nearby and tried other shopkeepers but no one had any idea.

My idea was to first confirm from my friend whether he had the certificate and then accordingly take action. But he wasn’t picking up and I din’t knew where his classes were. I just remembered it was in some building near station. I went to the nearest building and enquired. The receptionist of one of the classes helped me, and came along with me, to check in other classes in that building too. I saw three girls near that building, and requested one of them for the phone to make a call. Again no reply I got.

Tears rolled down my eyes. How can I be so irresponsible? I was wondering. The girls noticed the tears, calmed me down and consoled. I explained them the whole scene, they first brought me out of my panic mode. They accompanied me to another building where classes are held. The manager there also helped me and offered water. Those girls were already late for their classes, still were helping me. I thanked all and told I shall manage so that they could get back to their works.

Finally I got my certificate. It was with my friend only, he received the call during the break. It was a very hectic and strange day. I kept running from one coaching classes to another like a lost, helpless girl. I felt weak at a point of time.

But at the end of the day, I just smiled. I was thinking about the people who helped me, the lady in the train, the receptionist, the three girls, the manager of other classes, the PCO uncle for his concern. They left their works, and took time for me to listen and help. They made me realize that the world is not that bad a place. I was touched and glad. I was reminded how once I helped a lady in train , how I consoled a girl crying in washroom, and many other incidences. I have always helped people, I love to. This time I was in their place, I needed help, and received it too.

Though strangers, I will always have a special place and sense of respect for them in my heart. Moreover, I learned an important lesson…Whenever you lend a helping hand to anyone, someday, you will receive help in trouble too. Truly and blissfully experienced this. All the blessings count, if you are good, people will be good. I wasn’t wrong. Ultimately, what goes around comes around. Be good, do good, help all and you will find reasons to smile… 🙂 🙂

– Straight from My heart,
Prakriti

July 9, 2013 10