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Do we actually SETTLE DOWN?
For a couple of years, I have been exposed to this beautiful phrase called ‘settle down’. And honestly, it seems like ages now. Somehow, I never understood it well then. And I still don’t really understand it now. I would like to believe that people who keep giving this advice, have the best of intentions in their mind. But, please understand the fact that your ideologies can be different than mine. I respect yours. The least that you can do is respect mine. I am ready to listen to your perspective for sure. But, please stop judging me for politely refusing to take your advice and not ‘falling in line’.…
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Festivals – Are They More Important Than a Global Pandemic?
Life has been so different since the year 2020. And so are the extravagant festivals celebrated in India. Gone are the days when festivals in India meant a surreal experience with fanfare at a different level. I still vividly remember how the first blow to Indian festivities was when the larger-than-life Ganpati celebrations were banned in Maharashtra, followed by the ban on the most-awaited Durga Puja in West Bengal. The pandemic was clutching its grip and the only way to fight it was – SOCIAL DISTANCING. It was a great feeling to experience the country coming together as one and fighting this nasty virus. It almost felt like we have…
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Corona – How Did This Contagious Virus Change Our Lives Forever?
The first time I heard about the corona virus was back in December 2019. China had reported the outbreak of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) from Wuhan and the original source of viral transmission to humans was still unclear. We had seen such instances before, so why would this one be any different? That’s exactly how we acknowledged the onset of an unforgettable pandemic beginning in 2019. After all, the only ‘Corona’ that I had heard of was the Mexican beer! It is already 2021 and the virus has almost become a part of our lives now. Rather, we keep hearing about the new mutants of the corona virus and…
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Birthday Surprises – the New Normal in COVID Times
With a nationwide lockdown in place and a birthday round the corner, our creative juices were bound to flow to make it a special day. Personally, I am not someone who is excited about her own birthday. But, birthdays of loved ones get my adrenaline rushing like nothing else. And then, the year 2020 changed it all. The last year has been very different from the rest of our lives so far. It almost feels like a reset button which life has involuntarily turned on. New set of rules, new way of life – and we just have to adjust and fall in line. Initially, the mindset was slightly delusional.…
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A Nationwide Lockdown – a Long Holiday Nobody Asked For
I still vividly remember the exact day – 15 Mar 2020. It was 4 PM on a Sunday afternoon and I was engrossed in every bit of Michelle Obama’s journey described in her book – Becoming. In the adjacent living room, the news channel was blaring with information on the rising COVID cases world-wide, and how we should prepare for an impending global lockdown. Yes, I heard that right – a LOCKDOWN. Honestly, this was a new word in my vocabulary base. I mean, I could obviously make out what it might mean, but it was the first time I was hearing this word in such a large scale. I…
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What Are Your Takeaways From the Pandemic Year 2020?
Needless to mention, the pandemic year 2020 has been tough. Having survived COVID-19 myself, I can confidently say that each one of us is a warrior in every sense – the ones who contracted the virus, the ones whose loved ones were infected, the ones who toiled hard to protect us, the ones who shielded themselves and the ones who succumbed. Each one of us fought our own battles, in our own mighty way. Time for a round of applause for self. The least that we deserve is a pat in the back for making it so far. It is March 2021, while I sit down and type this post,…
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Cruising For A Bruising In My Rocking 30s
As I sit to pen down my thoughts today, I realise that it is 10th August 2019. Tomorrow, I will officially turn 31. Yes, that’s my age for the records! I’m not too sure if mentioning one’s biological age openly, is within the brackets of ‘etiquettes’ or not. Honestly, I don’t even care. I have never shied away from telling my age, by giving a blatant excuse stating ‘you should never ask a woman her age’. I mean – duh uh! It is not a big deal. Anyway, all that matters is your mental age – what and how you feel from inside. It has been a strangely hot and…
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How I Turned My Life Around Even On A Depressing Dependent Visa (H4) in USA
Taking that decision to shift base to USA, without going to office at all – on an H4 visa, was not an easy call. And heading straight into a sudden break from a hectic corporate work schedule made that role transition in life, even more difficult. Backdrop of My Travel on an H4 Visa I travelled to USA on Nov 1, 2017 with an H4 visa. Back then, I was not quite a believer of long distance marriages (well, I still have my reservations there!) and was a flag-bearer of ‘no-matter-what-couples-live-together’ policy. Prior to this, I was working in Singapore, in a well-salaried and full-fledged role of a software developer-cum-analyst,…
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Mom, I celebrate you everyday, not just today – #HappyMothersDay
It was a regular sign off from a working day and I was on my way back home. My bus was filled with people from various walks of life and bustling with endless chatter. Luckily, the AC was a huge relief on a typical humid Bhubaneswar evening in the month of March. Just then, a friend messaged me about this beautiful campaign – “From Ma, With Love” by One Future Collective. It was celebrating recollections of feminist tales and lessons, passed down to us, by our mother and a beautiful tribute to moms on Mother’s Day. This reminded me of Ma’s glass of lemonade which must be ready by the…
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Those Lives Did Not Deserve This End – This is Personal! #PulwamaTerroristAttack
The 14th of February, 2019 : While the whole world was celebrating this beautiful day of love, India was bleeding red in the wee hours of the morning at Pulwama, Kashmir. I woke up, read about this ghastly incident, felt numb, gathered bits and pieces of my mind and penned down a post on ‘Love Yourself’ to give some sanity to my agitated mind. Yes, I did that, to divert my mind towards some sort of instant optimism maybe. Neither is this post a social media gimmick nor is this a claim to free publicity. I just feel the need to express my anguish as an Indian. I still get goosebumps…
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An Open Letter From A Newly-wed Indian Bride To Her Father
Disclaimer: Before people start reading this article with a preconceived notion, let me clarify that this article is not about baseless allegations or any form of reprimand on the ‘in-laws’ in our country. I have been lucky enough to have considerate and kind in-laws and the views expressed in this letter is a generic summary of first-time experiences of a newly-wed Indian bride post marriage, based on both personal experience and the observations of others. Since daughters are dearest to their fathers, my letter is addressed to all the fathers, who I believe are the best confidants and the biggest support system for all their daughters. Their actions always speak…
