Rotaract

Rotaract. A word. A movement. A passion. A challenge .

Yes. It is so. If you feel it, enjoy it and have a dream. 

To me it was a youth group, that a couple of my friends were a part of, which did some meaningful stuff to contribute to the society, which made me come to attend the meetings. During the course of attending a couple of meetings I realised that it had a bunch of very friendly kids (yes I realised that most were at least 3 years younger to me) who were super enthusiastic to try new things and meet new people, who spoke smoothly and stood firmly. Impressive.

Hence, gradually Friday evenings started being equal to Rotaract meetings. Gradually Chinmay, Ameya, Gauravi and Abhishek got me updated and did their best to keep me roped in every little activity. Then came words and abbreviations like ‘taking the agenda’ and being the ‘PCP’…gradually I was made the joint Community Service Director considering Aditya’s absence due to his exams. Then I initiated collection of old clothes for the Cancer Society. That was my first project as a Director in the club. Got a couple of appreciations…felt good.
Then completely unaware that the Rotaract year changes in June-July, I understood that my club, the Rotaract Club of Thane Central and its pillars were upto some serious discussions.. that of finding a new President for the year to come. Little did I know, that I would end up being the one! The day they brought upon this idea to me, I actually thought they were joking…I mean I was barely 3months old as a member…barely understood the bylaws and stuff…and PRESIDENT? Huh..’kuch bhi kya’!!! 
But then.. my Past Presidents knew what they had to do (smart they are I must admit!!) Loads of convincing and educative sessions started…after GBMs…after office..at Ram Maruti Road, New English School, Open House, CCD, Meadows..over the phone..gosh.madness.
But then while withstanding this madness I realised that I was enjoying it. It was now or never. It was a challenge. Someone believed in me. Some people thought I could. I had an opportunity knocking at my doorstep. I had a chance to dream with eyes open...to make it real. Could I? Should I? 
And then the most important question struck me… WHY NOT!!!

The Golden lining... :D

My life has a golden lining!
All thanks to a bundle of golden joy, a little Golden Retriever pup who became family since 28th Nov, 1999. She is Chikoo, one of the most loving and gentle pets you can ever think of having. It was my dream to have a pet canine, and having a Golden retriever was even more delightful!
And she has perhaps changed our lives forever. Ever since, it has been just like having a toddler in your house. Its solely she who draws our focus – love, attention, cuddles and well…food as well! ;)
And what we get in return is priceless…joyful wags, wet sticky licks, and a look in her eyes that you could die for! (If you do not understand how much this means…go get a life!!!!!)
And the best-est gift she’s given us, is Pari.

MY PARI. I was adamant about not letting her go since the day Chikoo gave birth to 9 tiny bundles of joys from 12am on 13th March 2004.

Pari is her first born, me the only elated and overjoyed witness. It was two months of insanity and joy to be taking care of 36 tiny feet scampering all around, only someone who has been there and done that knows how much it takes to do this. But then Maa and I were more than glad. It’s a beautiful time we had, that we shall always cherish.
After giving away her siblings to loving homes, I just couldn’t part with her…so... I did not! 
She is this hyper-active pack of energy and intelligence. The remotest sight of a cat, and she shoots of at the speed of lightning, unless the swift feline is over a fence or atop a tree. Then it is back to sniffing and running about (again in search of another cat…!) 

At home the ringing of the door bell has a series of activities that follow. A sleepy lethargic, pleasantly plump 10year old beauty wondering who it could be, and a on-your-toes 4year old ‘babe’ rushing towards the door, circling like a whirlwind until you open it and usher the individual in.

And if it is me, Maa or Baba then a super elated Pari follows us everywhere for the next 10 minutes at least…even if it means sitting outside the washroom door like a threshold!

Truly, there could have been no one else who could shower us with so much importance and unconditional love. They are not prejudiced, do not judge you and see to it that you are never alone.
There are simply always ‘there of you, no matter what’. Isn’t that just ‘the one thing’ we could ask of any companion?

Lifelines

Cinema

Now, this is a very unlikely topic for me to be writing about. I do not fit into the category of people who feel something missing in life if they aren't updated with the hits and misses of the Box Office.

I watch movies very rarely, and on the big screen very, very rarely.

But then the last week has seen me watch quite a couple of movies on television...all thanks to my fluctuating health condition which saw me sitting at home most of the time of the day. The weekend was fun with a hat-trick! I had been wanting to see Asoka for a long time, having always caught the movie on TV in bits and parts, Saturday morning I caught a glimpse of it just when it has begun...and sat glued throughout. There is something very catchy about these epics and legends. Just when I thought I would switch off the TV after having refreshed my knowledge about the Emperor Asoka's journey, Rang De Basanti was the next movie - back to back. So I was again glued to the couch...for a movie so good and songs that I simply love, my comp could sacrifice my presence a little more. That is why the club stationary and banner designs for my Presidential year in Rotaract Club of Thane Central were inspired by this image.

After this I again spent Sunday morning watching Jodha-Akbar, a gorgeous looking movie that I did enjoy watching, something I wasn't really anticipating. So all in all the weekend was entertaining (but I missed munching on pop corn!)

I still have a wish list of a bunch of movies I haven't yet managed to watch. Topping the list would still be Lion King!! (Yes, I know...I haven't seen it yet! just like I still haven't been to Essel world!!) Rutu you owe me this movie, but yes thanks to you that we had such a gala time watching Wall E, one of the most cuteeeeeest movies I have seen in a long time!

Let's see if someone actually recollects what all was mentioned in the wish-list I had made on scrap paper a long, long time back.

Home Revamped!.... Phewwww!!

A one of a kind experience indeed!
It was partially a dream to be doing this and but ofcourse a need as well. What could have been a better opportunity than to be doing up your own home just the way you wanted it to be.

After being in this field for a while now, and doing up homes for so many people, I always wished to someday be able to treat my own home as beautifully. And I am grateful that my father agreed to fund it benevolently!! (err.. ok.. the benevolence came after loads of persuation and tiffs!)  The process was lengthy and very strenuous indeed. Right from sourcing each and every material, fixing up rates, designing each detail and supervising the workmanship, it wasn't all that simple, that too when I am the resident of the same messy residence every single day, with barely any 'decent' place to sit or relax in the 600sqft spread. It was a bigger ordeal for my parents and Chikoo and Pari, our Golden Retrievers.
But then all is well that ends well. Once the finishing touches were taken care of, and each artifact in the house had found its worthy place (and light for the privileged pieces),it was then that I felt content. Content not necessarily with the outcome but the contentment was for having dreamt and working towards making it happen.

Enthusiasm

Every new venture in life is run by this fuel of enthusiasm, one thing that can keep us going on. Only if we do not get distracted or disillusioned.

I am glad I am enthusiastic right now in doing what I am doing . It gives me a sense of being alive, of having something to do... something to create. If this urge doesn't remain...very little will.

And with so much going on in my head and around it as always, I doubt I'll be falling short of stuff to scribble about. 

Right now I am feeling content having re-started blogging, and having finally settled down after so much of pondering on a name for this space. I'll save up the rest of my energy for the other tasks that need my attention right now.