A Blurred 2011

The year went by in a blur,
Didn't see the beginning, middle or the end. 
Days went by with a moment's flutter
To see we round the year's bend.


I seemed to have driven at 100km/h
Because I don't seem to remember the spaces whizzing by.
But there were moments I stopped and climbed to the top of the tower
Because the clouds I could see with my eye.


The perfume of love was sprayed throughout
And I felt the sun's rays as I flew about.
Care for cheap perfume, I did not
Because I was walking, showing my way out. 

Their Story

It's not my story to tell. However, I have been privy to this for a few years now. I was shocked to say the least, when I got to know her story, their story. 

The story's my friend's, her family's. To any outsider, even myself, they would fit in to the neatly worded "happy family" category. Or so the exterior did seem. But the insides of this happy family were crumbling. 

It was the usual story of abuse towards the wife. The husband or my friend's father would have one too many to drink at home and would find sorry excuses to beat his wife. He would leave her with bad bruises after thrashing her around the house, screaming at her, throwing things at her if not her. 

If only he stopped at that. He used to take his intoxicated anger on his children as well; pulling them by their hair, throwing them against the walls etc. My friend used to go through the worst of fits, with being flung down stairs and smashed against cupboards on top of the other abuse. 

Even a call to a friend during an episode like this is life threatening. The father would come looking for her, even if she were to lock herself in the room. Her physical bruises weren't that visible but her mother wasn't that lucky. 

What I found intriguing about this was that, their's is an educated family. Both parents are in  respectable professions, and it really made me wonder why a man of with his background would do something like this to his loved ones and also why a lady of her nature would endure this.  

However, this doesn't end like most of the other stories where the victims don't stand up. My friend took the courage to stand up to her father and made him sign a 'letter' when he was sober, stating that he will seek counselling and that he won't hurt his family again. This was before she was to go to the police and make a complaint and there after go to the Child Protection Authority. It was a tough decision for her and I respected her [and still do] very much. It was heart breaking for me to see her go through this and not be there during the worst of a series of situations and only help her sitting at a pc thousands of miles away in a different land. Unfortunately, the 'letter' didn't work, but she used another technique in the form of non-violent communication which has thus far worked for her, with her father's responses to her changing. 

It has been a year now, and to this day I haven't heard her complain about his behaviour. So I guess, one can get lucky if they stand up and oppose or express their feelings. 


This was originally written for the Beyond Borders blog. The post can be found here.

Your Message to the World Contest

Not in the wildest of dreams would I have thought that waking up this morning, I'd be the recipient of a wonderful e-mail announcing that my entry to the Your Message to the World Contest had indeed won me the first place!


I was jubilant to say the least and bounced all the way to work! =) I must say that this wouldn't have been possible for all my lovely friends who encouraged me and supported me throughout the contest with their 'likes' via Facebook and comments.


This is the first contest of this nature that I entered, and I must thank Saurabh for informing me of this contest! :)  

Beyond Borders: On the look out for ideas in Galle

In the run up to the 2012 Galle Literary Festival in which Beyond Borders will be participating in  two sessions, we decided to run down to Galle to gather some ideas for our dramas. 

We didn't get up early in the morning, as is customary when going our of Colombo, to catch a bus. Rather we decided to go a little late and well late we did become. However, we managed to have a lovely bus ride to Galle, chilled, well rested and ready for action! 

We spoke to youth residing both within the Galle Fort and outside, and were enlightened to a variety of issues that were unique to that area. 

The youth we spoke to, between the ages of 16 and 20, mostly felt that their parents were not giving them the freedom they sought. This was the key issue, resonating the discussion throughout the time we spent in discussion with them. This when questioned, boiled down to external problems like the Western influence within the Fort. According to the children, the parents felt that they were unable to give too much freedom to their children because they might run astray. We realised the locals were experiencing a certain reverse culture clash. The group we spoke to felt that their parents were not like the 'cool' Colombo folk who gave their children ample freedom to engage in youth activities and social work. However, most of the youth were rational, citing the pros and cons of their parents' reasoning, but they wished that they had less restrictions on socialising. 

Another problem that arose was on the topic of education. Like youth from most other places, the youth from Galle too felt that the education system does not allow them the best of opportunities to showcase their talents. They felt the current education system only made them 'bookish' and did not allow them the chance to engage in the sporting activities they are otherwise good at. We found that this is the same story everywhere. When the child comes to higher levels of education in school the parents want their children to prioritise on their education, keeping all other extra-curricular activities at bay. 

Of course, the guys felt that they couldn't talk to the girls and that they were shy; but that was besides the point during the interactive session we had with these energetic youth. 

The Galle Literary Festival will be held from the 18th to the 22nd of January 2012 and beyond Borders will be performing on the 20th and 21st of January.  


This was originally written for the Beyond Borders blog. The original post can be found here. 

Fuji Maru Marking the Global Youth

It is ­once again the time for the youth of Sri Lanka to be excited about the Ship for Youth Programme! This annual event is organized by the Government of Japan and takes place onboard a ship- M/S Fuji Maru. Year 2012 will mark the 24^th edition of this prestigious global youth programme.

Purpose of the programme

The purpose of the Ship for World Youth (SWY) program is to broaden the global view of the Japanese youths, to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japanese and foreign youths as well as to cultivate the spirit of international cooperation and the competence to practice it. Furthermore this international programme is aimed at fostering the youth with the capability of showing leadership in various areas in the international society.

One of the important characteristics of this programme is that it aims at establishing networks and promotes joint activities among youth from around the world through providing, as the concrete and practical opportunity, the cohabitation and the joint activity on the board of the "Ship for World Youth". The life onboard the ship is the epitome of international society with the youth being exposed to a wide variety of cultures and ideas. It is a window to a multicultural way of life.

Approximately 300 youth from Japan and from various areas of the world live together onboard the ship and engage in various multilateral exchange activities such as studying and discussing common issues from a global viewpoint whilst visiting the countries at which the Ship berths.

History of the Programme

Going in to a little bit of history, this international youth exchange program of the Cabinet Office of Japan originally started in 1959 when it was implemented under the “Japanese Youth Goodwill Mission Program” which the then Prime Minister Kishi had proposed personally in order to commemorate the marriage of H.M. the Emperor, who was at that time the Crown Prince.

In 1967, the “Japanese Youth Goodwill Cruise Program” started as one of the projects to commemorate the Centennial of the Meiji Restoration. Both the “Japanese Youth Goodwill Mission Program” and the “Japanese Youth Goodwill Cruise Program” gave a great dreams and hope to the youth of Japan since the Government would take the initiative to send the youth overseas at a time when it was still very difficult for them to go aboard on their own.

Due to the recent expansion of the international role of Japan and the remarkable advancement in internationalisation in various fields all over the world, the improvement of the contents of international youth exchange programs of the Cabinet Office has been found necessary in order to cope with such a changing social environment. Firstly, therefore, in 1988 the “Japanese Youth Goodwill Cruise Program” was reorganized and upgraded to the “Ship for World Youth Program”. The main objective of the former program was changed, so that the exchange between Japanese and foreign youth became one of the current main activities. The contents also became more academic through the introduction of activities such as discussions and seminars.

Even though SWY has academic contents in its schedule, it does not limit itself to pure academics. The programme as a whole is knowledge gaining and the participating youth (PYs) are able to gain information about their peers and their countries in a variety of different activities such as group discussions, games, volunteer activities and of course, during their free time! The more subject oriented course discussions provide the participating youth with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge with regard to subject oriented matters, for example the United Nations, the environment, Corporate Social Responsibility, multiculturalism etc.

The Ship for World Youth programme is definitely a life changing experience that leaves you wanting to return to the programme again and again! 


The link to the published article can be found here. 

Sharing my Message with the World

Dear Friends, 

I entered a competition where we an individuals get to spread our message to the world. My message has been entered in to this. You can contribute to the spread of this message by http://www.opptunity.com/ymtw-2011/2011/10/as-i-sit-by-the-window/ following the link and liking it or posting your comments on it. 

Thank you! Help spread the word. 

South Asian Good News Channel

 Have you notice there is something in common among headlines from leading newspapers of our country?  That is the negativity. The mainstream media is somehow focused more on the negative news and goes the extra mile to spread them. They must be having their reasons for doing so. The 'Good News' or the positive news somehow gets buried in the corners of the unimportant pages. In such a scenario all that is available to the general public is the negative news. Being the most intelligent of species, the humans discuss these negative news items be it during a coffee break at work, or at the college canteens. They even go to the extent of sharing it on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+. This creates a vicious cycle where we humans, subconsciously breathe in the negativity and participate in spreading such negative news. Being aware of the negative happenings around is one thing and propagating them is another. 

When being constantly bombarded by the media with negative news, we tend to create an image about things that makes us lose objectivity. We tend to give less priority to the negative news when we encounter it on a daily basis. Therefore, issues such as corruption, harassment, malnutrition etc. all seem to take less importance in our daily lives.

Has it ever occurred to you that we are not told of the good side of things occurring? We are not told of a politician who is truly working towards making the life of his people better. We do not come across news of how a Buddhist priest is coaching the volleyball team of this school after seeing the enthusiasm of the students and due to the lack of teachers and coaches in a rural village in Sri Lanka. We do not hear of the Navy transporting school children to school during the heavy rains. All these positive news get submerged in the mountain of negative news that flow to us via different news channels. This is simply because 'bad news' sells!

Clearly, this causes for a need for a source of Good News where good deeds happening around us are highlighted. This would act as positive stimulus to our brains to think about solutions, or to simply be inspired. It would make us believe that life is not all that bad and that there is hope. That there are indeed good people around us and good things do really happen. The South Asian Good News Channel is a small step towards spreading positive news.

I am sure you are thinking as to why this news channel focuses only on South Asia? The seed of this idea - South Asian Good News Channel - was sown at the SAYC 2011 where delegates from the SAARC nations got together to discuss real burning issues. We found that our nations and people had so much in common. It was not only the history and culture - but the tastes, the likes and dislikes, our behavior, our take on issues was also very similar. At the end of the Conference, if was difficult to identify a Pakistani from an Indian and an Indian from a Sri Lankan. If such harmony exists at people level then this definitely needs to get highlighted. Pakistan is not India's enemy nor is Afghanistan Pakistan's. The media, to a certain extent, is over-emphasizing the conflicts and under-emphasizing the people-to-people harmony. The South Asian Good News Channel is our way of helping to highlight not only good things happening around us but also happening across the borders to foster regional peace among the South Asian nations.

At the end of the day when you are tired after a long day at work or frustrated by your irrational boss's unreasonable expectations - you can tune into the South Asian Good News Channel for your dose of inspiration or simply a drop of hope.

To get the Good News from South Asia - subscribe to the Facebook page -http://www.facebook.com/SAGNChannel or the twitter handle http://www.facebook.com/SAGNChannel

Reactions to the Reach Out Project

Several months back, I was asked by a few friends to come be a part of a network of young girls (and then some guys joined too!) who were working towards creating a safer space for women in Sri Lanka. Their initial work started in Colombo. 

As part of 'reaching out' to society, the Reach Out bunch decided on using types of theater; and disruptive theater was singled out as one of the means to address this issue. We decided on having sessions of disruptive theater in the random bus on different bus routes, so that we spread the word to a variety of people commuting in public buses. 

We also decided, disruptive theater in buses alone won't help. Public spaces where youth and women visit and spend time at were deemed equally important. This is where I was  came into volunteer and be a subject of a scripted 'perversion'. 

The actors were to go to Majestic City (MC) and act out a scene of guys perving and annoying a lone girl walking and window shopping. Two friends were to follow and randomly cat-call. Their basic motive was to be that of a normal pervert and annoy me. The experience was baffling, especially when I went up to people to ask for their help! Most of them just turned and walked away, leaving the victim (me) in distress! Alternatively, when I approached a lone guy whom I was randomly passing to help me, he actually stopped to help. He didn't say a single word, but he made sure to stand by till the two 'stalkers' went. I thanked him, because I did not expect him to help me as none of the others did so when previously approached. 

I suppose I can easily say that I am generally a 'perv-magnet'. I attract all the wrong attention and get perved on quite often, be it touching, squeezing, rubbing on etc. on a normal day-to-day basis. So for me to actually go to a public space and act out reality had be on my nerves with something bordering on paranoia! I was skeptic and I was practically refusing to go up to strangers to ask for help. But the two other 'support' friends that were there, insisted that it needs to be done, at least for the project's sake. From this 'experiment' I realised my basic notion of other people not wanting to meddle in another's worries was correct. Then again I also came to realise, that not everyone is like that, and there is the odd person in society who will go out of his way to help someone in distress. 

Thanks to this lovely project, my perceptions on people changed a bit and kudos to Shifani and Rushda for giving me this opportunity and to Himal and Naveen the two professional perverts! 

You can access the Reach Out blog for more information on the project and also on the Beyond Borders site. 

Extraordinary Bus Talk

I was travelling home that night, after work and a meet up with a friend. It was around the usual time I am accustomed to traveling home and the generally uneventful ride too. I had my music on as I was feeling a little sleepy & tired. Half way in to my otherwise mundane ride home, I had to face, rather come across an unusual encounter.

I am sure those who travel in public transport are aware that one can come across many interesting conversations whilst travelling. However, much as I have been made to listen involuntary to many conversations, I have yet to come across a conversation as appalling as the one I heard that night. 

A young man-I later learn he's 25 years old and is a dealer in furniture in Indibedda, Moratuwa- starts off by having loud conversations on the phone with a few of his friends. He, quite loudly at that, tells a friend that he's welcome to visit his house and enjoy a smoke should he wish to. He tells the place the cigarettes are hidden and where to smoke it so as to not be found by his parents. This stuck in my mind. As he kept getting numerous calls asking him where he is, he kept lying to those at the receiving end, stating that he's close by and would be there in a minute or two, when in fact he was more than half an hour away from his agreed meeting point. 

The said young man then found an empty seat behind me and sat next to a school going boy. After a few more annoyingly loud conversations on the phone, he turned to the school kid and asked him in English what he was studying and what grade he was studying. This is where all the fun or should I say more appropriately, the shock begins! 

I heard this conversation over the blaring radio to which I was content listening to. This young man strikes up his conversation with this school kid by asking what grade he is. Promptly the kid replies that he's studying in the Maths stream for his A/Ls. Further questions revealed that the kid was an Anandian, who was going home after tuition classes. The young man asked him some personal questions in to his family such as if he has any sisters and their age. This, is where my ears pricked up as I was concerned and rather stunned with the reply the school kid gave. Without any hesitation, the school kid replied with entire details. He has two elder sisters. One is 28 years old, the other, 24 years. The young man was interested in the latter of the two and inquired her details. She is working at the Seylan Bank, and luckily for that girl, this younger brother of her's didn't know the branch she was working in. This the young man found strange that the sibling didn't know further details. The young man then inquired in to further personal details such as the school kid's whereabouts. I couldn't believe my ears! The kid gave the exact location of his house. I almost fell off the seat in shock! The lady sitting next to me was fidgeting in the seat. I really wanted to turn around in my seat and tell the school kid that he should be insane to be telling total strangers about the whereabouts of his sisters. I wanted to tell him that as a woman and a sister, I would definitely be worried if I had a sibling like him, who rattles my personal details to total random strangers. I was sure glad that the kid didn't know the branch where the sister worked, because, had he known or told, I am sure that young man would have asked for her name etc. 

I sincerely wished the conversation ended there. However, things weren't to be the way I, a by-standing listener to this conversation wanted it to be. 

The young man proceeded to ask the school kid if he had a girl friend, to which he got an affirmative answer. He then proceeded to ask the kid if they had "sex" and if he liked "asses and legs". I swear my eyes were going to pop out! I couldn't believe it! He went on to say that he enjoyed having sex and liked asses very much. The young man told the kid that he should have as much sex as he can with the girlfriend. And this topic of conversation went on for a while. I should make it clear at this point that I have no objection with people talking about sex or sharing their thoughts about the opposite sex. However, I feel there's a place to do so and surely not in a bus for the entire bus load to hear! Or in this case, not to talk of women in such a manner when there are other girls /women around! I felt really aggravated. I wanted to turn around and tell them that I feel this is not the place to have such a conversation and certainly not within earshot of other women. I wanted to tell the two of them that they should be ashamed of themselves. 

Fortunately or unfortunately-I don't know which- their topic of conversation changed. It then moved on to smoking. The schooling kid asked the young man whether he smoked. He said "yes, do you get the smell?" This was such a 'what the eff' remark to me! The young man asked the kid if he smoked. I couldn't hear the answer the kid gave, but I could guess the answer from the conversation that followed. The young man liked the answer and further encouraged the deed by asking if he had tried weed. When the kid's answer was negative, he was willing to introduce weed to him. I winced at what was going on. Again, I feel it's one thing for an individual to tread the wrong path, but to drag others along is unacceptable. Also, I felt really sorry for the kid. He was being stupid. I don't know whether he was trying to look 'cool' or what ever it is, but he was surely making a fool of himself. 

By this time, we were in Katubedda. The young man was going to get off in Moratuwa. The school kid in a few halts, as he had told the young man that he lived in Katubedda. The young man then went on to advice him on how he should conduct himself in school. He told the kid that he shouldn't take any advice from the teachers, and that he should merely listen in class without answering any of the teachers' questions. He said, this method will get him through school. He further insisted on advising him on methods to pass his A/Ls, such as by doing past papers. At this point I wanted to turn around and ask the young man what authority he had to advice the school kid on getting through exams. But I refrained as I wasn't sure if it would be smart. But I didn't want to see a school kid go down the drain. 

They both got off before I did, and I was in a mixture of emotions. I was shocked to an unbelievable height due to the school boy's reactions and total openness with a stranger, seething with anger as a sister and a woman in how we were discussed in public as if we are some 'creature' that should be enjoyed and discarded. I was ashamed for the two of them. I was shocked beyond words, utterly speechless because I couldn't believe I had heard this. I started questioning if my brother too would do something like this. When I told my brother this, he said he's not insane to talk with strangers in this manner. I think my shock has toned down a bit, but recalling that moment, I still can't fathom what I overheard. 

Another Day

The concern in her voice,

The helplessness in his,

The hurt and betrayal in another

Is what I came to see.

Anger in her voice

While I test her patience.

Making another scared,

While I cry out desperately.

I came to realise

All is not at end.

When looking around me

I will find the beginnings,

For another day!

*** I know I have not done justice to this poem in trying to express what I really want to and have to say. What I truly wanted to convey is that I'm grateful for all of you, who stood by me, during some very dark days, and helped bring the light back into my life. I'm eternally indebted for that!I also want all of you to know that your love and concern has touched me greatly and I truly hope that the light which is alive in m now will glow for many years to come.I want to say thank you and that I' truly touched by the love and that I'm lucky to have such supportive friends surrounding me!!

THANK YOU & LOVE YOU ALL!! ***

An old poem.

Malignant Growth

This is what they call it; a canker that is. The layman probably might not know what this is. This growth, but we all know, it can be deadly if not treated on time.

I had to visit the cancer hospital in Maharagama the other day. No, it was not to make a generous contribution of something. I went to see a patient, my aunt. This is not the first time there. Once before I had to visit my uncle who received treatment for cancer and who later, passed away. Initially, going to the hospital was a bit-what can I say?-'weird'? I had heard so much about how depressing the place was from persons who had visited it before. Therefore I wasn't too keen on going. The only thing that did made me, was the wanting to see my uncle. This time, it was different. I knew the place wasn't bad as it's known to be. I now know the hundreds of people seeking treatment within get the best attention and medical treatment that can be given.

My uncle smoked tobacco and thus harmed himself to the point that one of his lungs started to liquefy. Yes, he was in pain in the latter stages of his life. It is this pain that got him to the hospital. Even though he was advised-medically- that quitting this habit could save his life, early on, he never listened. He continued to torture his already damaged lungs by smoking. From this I relearned some thing. That smoking does in fact kill people! It does not only cause growths inside a person, it also takes away part of the human, even the entire being, in the worst case scenario. My uncle's callousness in not following medical advice and continuing this bad habit, killed him-literally. This I would call, inflicting death upon oneself.

My aunt on the other hand, has a growth in her body, which she has had for the past so many years, I am told. She didn't know she had a growth in her until it caused her pain. Even then, she sought to take some pain killers and relieve it. She is to be operated and the growth areas are to be removed from her body. Let's see how that goes. What really worries me is that with all the modern day awareness that takes place with regard to cancer, she didn't attempt to get this 'pain' checked. We, as her family were shocked beyond words to hear that the cancer has been growing for so many years and without her knowledge.

I guess, this calls for more self awareness with regard to diseases such as cancer. We, as individuals need to keep check of ourselves, because it's us who will be suffering both physically and mentally if we are to go through something like this, and we also bring pain to those around, who love us.

I merely thought we should be aware of this 'growth' and go on to take the correct steps medically to help oneself and those who face the pain with us.

Haunting Memories

The face I want to forget

           is etched in my mind.

The words I want to forget
          swim in my mind.

The voice I once longed to hear,
          remains a memory in my mind.

The moments spent, keep haunting me,
           as I try in vain to forget. 

SAYC: a journey, a memory, a lesson, a family

mus

I wanted to go to the 1st South Asian Youth Conference [SAYC] for several reasons. The foremost reason being my friend Ritu from India, who shared the programme with me, was applying for the same. The secondary reasons were to network with fellow South Asians, and then of course to relax. Little did I expect the programme to be so tightly packed with a variety of sessions that were physically challenging as well as mentally stimulating. 

The lead up to the Conference was very chaotic. It had its ups and downs, but in the end there were six Sri Lankans who confirmed to participate. 

I remember the journey only too well. Sitting at the Katunayake Airport talking to Chathu  till we had to board the plane as if we were in either one's living room, walking around the Bangalore Airport as if it was home and we had not made plans to move out, getting on the shuttle bus that seemed like it was never going to reach its final destination, being dropped off in the middle of the road [literally] with no clue as to which side to go to, finally getting in to an auto that had no clue where we wanted to go and the auto driver asking us for directions [truly India you see], and then Chathu and I enjoying the view and nearly missing IIM-B because the auto walla [driver] had no clue where he was taking us. To have thought that was the end of our confusions was a big mistake. We, in our hearts of hearts thought now that we were safely inside the campus premises, things were going to be all right. However, it was not the case. Pulling our luggage out of the auto, we were met by Vaibhav, who directed us to the hostel block for registrations. This hostel block proved hard to find. Make that impossible. Trudging heavy luggage with us, ascending and descending countless flights of stairs to no gain was a heart breaker. It was in this state of lost-ness did we come upon Brijesh, who was equally lost. Little did I know that later on, we were going to be members of the same family! 

26th May 2011-Times of India, Bangalore

After all the stress due to work, I was only too keen on having the best of times while at SAYC. However, I was put to test. I particularly remember one incident which occurred close to our arrival. A lady from The Times of India was interviewing participants from each of the SAARC countries, and I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to her. She asked me what brought me here and what I thought the youth could do to unify the region. I answered her without a beat. I said culture is the means to unify the region, as there are many cultural similarities in our region. Be it song and dance, the food or the dresses, one will see unique yet some similarities throughout. Incidentally, this was a topic Ritu and I had covered before and one of the reasons that I wanted to be at the Conference. This brief interview flicked a light in me. I realised that I had come here for a reason after all; and that reason was not to chill. 

From then on, I made a conscious effort to listen and absorb as much as I could on not only the topic I was interested in, but also on other topics. I could not lie to myself or the others. I have not done much on environmental issues; therefore the topics covered with regard to them were sometime alien to me. However, I was able to pitch in, thanks to having many friends who are environmentalist, both here in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the world. 

I started to analyse what I really wanted to do. I started to question where my interests lie and what I was truly passionate about. It occurred to me that I was interested in many things. Be it the rights of humans or that of animals, governance issues in the country or cultural identity issues. I realized over the years, I have exposed myself to various burning issues; as a result, I was truly keen on them all. It made me tell myself, that I need to prioritise. That I need to walk a path, that one day, when I look back, I will have enjoyed, remembered and most importantly, not have regretted.

Of those participating at SAYC, I was not towards the younger end of the spectrum. I suppose I can safely say, I was in the middle; neither old nor the young. When interacting with some of the participants, some as young as 18 years of age, I realized the passion they had in what they were doing, and the early age at which they had started what they had. I was awe struck. In particular I have Kaushal from Nepal to thank. At a mere 18 years of age, he was striving to make his voice heard. He was keen on a number of different issues. Be it education, Buddhism or the environment. I remember sitting next to him during a session, and he randomly told me that the youth were not consulted when making their country’s constitution and that the constitution is yet to be passed, no matter how much it was pushed for by the people. At eighteen, I remember I was only interested in getting through to university, and I sat cramming my books to get the grades. I guess I feel life was wasted in a way. So much achieved by some at such a young age, made me wonder where I was heading.

I also realized that age is not a barrier, should you choose to walk a path you are absolutely sure about. It will not be a barrier, unless you let it! I was amazed by the number of youth that were gathered who were keen on becoming entrepreneurs. The only entrepreneur thought that crossed my mind was to set up my own PR Company, but then I realized my wings will have to be really strong should I choose to fly so high. Talking to some, I gathered that it is not important to work for someone for the sake of it, or to get the pay. If you love what you do and it is unconventional, it is all right to go solo and make what you love happen. For example, Manish had started to teach methods of organic farming to farmers in Bihar, India with his friend Shashank. It is not the usual job one would hear about, but if he did not attempt to break the barrier, who would have? Then there was Shreyaz, who was so passionate about becoming an entrepreneur, he would question each and every resource person that came, in an attempt to find answers to the burning questions he had, to take him on his journey. There were more, too many to named individually. I know I was not able to talk to each and everyone on a broad scale but I was truly dumbfounded.

My interest during the entire stay was looking at the cultural factor. True, it had me up at all odd hours of the night, talking and getting to know others, but I would not take back a single moment of it. As a result, I had the wonderful opportunity to make beautiful friendships with Bhutanis, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis; three countries I did not have a single friend from. However, thanks to the SAYC, I am now regionally connected. I am honoured to say that I have good friends from all eight South Asian countries, yes, even Sri Lanka.

My Family: SAMBHAV
pic courtesy of Puran Rasaily from Bhutan

During the Conference, I was reminded again that the Indians and Pakistanis maybe divided by a border line, but their cultures and language go beyond these superficial boundaries. In my “family” when the Indians would suddenly break in to Hindi and passionately talk about something, I did feel left out, but it was amazing to see the Nepali pitching in and then in turn translating to the Bhutani. It was then that I got to know that Nepalese and Bhutanese were mutually intelligible just like Hindi [India] and Urdu [Pakistan] are. Afghans too have no problem interacting with the Indians and Pakistanis. [All three languages have Persian roots.] It then got me thinking about the other South Asian countries. I realized that Sinhala [one of the official languages of Sri Lanka] cannot be understood by any of the nations, but we had the upper hand in understanding Hindi, due to the Sanskrit roots in the two languages. Tamil [the other official language in Sri Lanka] was understood by those present from Tamilnadu, but that was all. Dhivehi [Maldives] had the same problem. Since it was derived from Sinhala centuries ago, there were similar words, which I was able to understand. However, the crux of the language was lost to me. The Bangladeshis were understood by the Bengalis from India. Therefore, it struck me that this region which is home to many burning tensions, can solve its problems if the youth marched forward and made things happen. As for us youth, we do not see the political barriers. I am confident if youth headed the talks between India and Pakistan, there would not be any issue there today.

I realized that in music and dance we find commonalities. The Sri Lankan delegation sang Sasanda Sasanda during the cultural night and without understanding the song or knowing the meaning, our friends [we have become too close to say otherwise] started dancing around us. It opened my eyes! We were talking about a cart wheel which was turning on the road on its journey and here that was depicted by the circle that was formed.

I could go on and on, but I think it is sufficiant to say that if we put our minor differences apart and look at the similarities and strive to work together united, we, South Asia can stand so strong that we can be a power unknown till now. Here is wishing that this will one day come true. Moreover here is my promise that I will, in my little way, help to make this happen!

Thoughts from this side

Frustrated I feel when they put me down,
As they be thinking that I am but none.
They tell me I am not 'good'
But I know I am better than 'good'.

They come to take credit for what I do,
Though they never come to help what I do.
They seek flowers for all the gold,
But they give me only the cold.

Written during the 1st South Asian Youth Conference 2011.

As I Sit by the Window.....

As I sit by the window, 

I realised that my life moves on, 

just like the clock that ticks and the clouds that flow by. 

I realised that some times, 

I am the change I am looking for and that change is some times internal. 

It is something I have to make happen, 

as that change cannot otherwise, occur.

As I sit by the window, 

I realised, there are more things in life to worry about, 

more than the petty issues that do seem the world at the moment. 

I realised that I need to think big, 

and dream big, 

because nothing can stop that. 

I also realised, that whilst dreaming, 

I have to enjoy the present. 

Because, the present it is a lovely gift, 

wrapped in a not-so-good-looking wrapping paper at times, 

that I just have to deal with.

As I sit by the window, 

I realised, that the days will change and the moments too, 

just like the sun that passes behind a fluffy cloud, 

or the rain clouds that comes in. 

I realised that whether my days be rainy or sunny, 

I have to walk on, as life is not going to sit around waiting for me, 

but I have to keep abreast of life. 

I, and only I have the power to control my life.

As I sit by the window, 

I realised that I can fly, just like the birds outside. 

As I am not shackled in my imagination and thoughts. 

Even though I may be restricted in some ways,

I realised that I have the power to overcome those obstacles and give myself wings to fly. 

I realised, it only takes a moment to see this.

As I sit by the window, 

I realised I am my greatest friend, 

and that I need to help myself grow from strength to strength, 

because if I do not help myself, no one will be able to do so. 

I realised I am my greatest source of happiness, 

as others will walk in and out of this home called life, 

but I will always remain with me.

- Robes of a Muse

A Month's Memories

Are you pissed with me,
Coz you're not who you used to be.
What have I done,
Coz you are no more fun.


I miss talking to you throughout the day,
And listening to what you have to say.
I like your impatience and your immaturity,
Coz I know that's your idiosyncrasy.


I like how you wrinkle your face,
It be like a rabbit face.
Your eyes do twinkle with humour,
Which only proves I will have to take out my armour.


This was written sometime back. At the time, I thought it was badly written; now I feel otherwise. So, here I am sharing it. 

Friends. Those Angels in Disguise

I have heard people complain that they don't have good friends. I think one has to be real lucky to have a good friend. In my case, I think I am really blessed, because I have them in abundance. And I wouldn't trade a single one of them, as they all work their magic on me. 

It's not that easy to find a good friend. I have come across people who say they are pure, but end up being darker than coal. 

I am known to be chirpy. It's a character trait that has decided to come out from the darker more morose person I used to be several years back. However, when I do  have a bad day, I know I am not alone. I have my own group of cheer leaders, who do exactly that, cheer me up! If not for them, I don't know what my moods would do to me. 

I know I can't fool them. Be it with a fake smile to cover the sadness that lingers beneath or a fake laugh, pretending to enjoy the jokes around, when I am bleeding within. Sometimes, even without seeing me my friends are sure to read me. They will understand my monosyllabic language, sometimes, surprising even myself. 

I guess this is my way of thanking them, the little angels in my life, that help me go through life's journey. Holding my hand when I am scared, hugging me when I am feeling down, being by my side when I need the encouragement and most importantly being there for me, sometimes invisible to me. But, being there for sure. Always.

So thank you my angels for being there and encouraging me, every step of the way. 

You should know you're loved and appreciated! :)

Robes of a Muse's photostream

Robes of a Muse's photostream on Flickr.