Apology in disguise

                It was a warm sunny day. Anitha sat on the laid out blanket amidst the meadow with a picnic basket observing a butterfly’s landing on the flower next to her. She watched her daughter Sia hopping and turning around with joy! Her heart filled with delight looking at her daughter’s happy face.

                Anitha watched her husband Karan teaching Sia to throw the ball. She loved her husband but things got cold after a small fight with Karan a few weeks before. She wanted to put up a happy face in front of Sia.

                The grass swayed at the gentle touch of the wind. Sia was trying to throw the ball and she threw it so hard that she had to run far to get the ball back. As she went near the baniyan tree, she saw an old chap with her ball. She asked him to give it back. He obliged with a broad smile. Sia asked if she could call him Ajja. He smiled and instantly agreed. They started getting along within few minutes. They started sharing funny stories. Sia seemed very happy to have found a friend in an 80 year old Ramu Ajja.

                Karan became restless and started searching for Sia all over the park. He was relieved to see her laughing with an old chap. Sia called her dad and introduced Ramu ajja and she insisted Ramu ajja to join them for lunch. Karan thought it was a great idea and invited Ramu ajja for lunch.

                Sia came running towards Anitha and introduced the new guest. Ramu ajja was very happy to see Anitha, Karan and adorable Sia. All started munching delicious food. Ramu ajja noticed the tension between Anitha and Karan. He observed that they both loved each other but something was seriously holding them back.

                After an appetizing lunch Ramu ajja excused himself and bid goodbye to the lovely family.

                Anitha started packing up the basket. Suddenly she saw a note which said I AM SORRY. Tears welled up around her eyes and she ran searching for Karan. She hugged him tight and said Thank You. Karan was confused but hugged her back.

                The only thing that was holding Anitha and Karan back was the word “SORRY”. Ramu ajja came into their life as a blessing in disguise!

-©Sahana Dinesh Hebbar

DISCLAIMER

This story is a work of fiction. The characters do not exist, except in the mind of the author. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental

Education System in India

We all know that the country’s development is majorly dependent on the quality of education system and this is the main reason why we are still a developing country.

Indian education needs to be remodeled from the scratch. Most of us judge a student’s capability by the percentage in the board exams. For mugging up the entire text book and reproducing the same in the exam, what is the need of human brain when a computer can do that job, don’t you think? I feel that this is the first step towards the deterioration in our education system.

Most of the kids are pushed to study hard from the age of four. This is the age when the creativity starts sprouting. Instead of allowing it to blossom, we tend to uproot the creativity. Kids are forced to score more and parents induce evil competitive spirits in the minds of the children. They are forced to study the main subjects at school and sports, art, music (usually called as extra subjects) are completely neglected.  

Today is the era of innovation and inventions. Unfortunately our education system is not built for it! You can argue that many universities and colleges are coming up, but by just allowing hundreds of colleges to boom, don’t solve the problem of education crisis. The syllabus is outdated! There should be a serious look through the syllabus. As there is tremendous advancement in the field of technology, the syllabus should be updated accordingly.

I feel that the reason behind people (Indians) chanting slogans against India is the poor quality of education. It is necessary to induce the sense of patriotism in our education system.

Teaching is considered as the safest, low- pressure jobs. This notion attracts hundreds of unfit teachers in India. The reform should start by encouraging talented and qualified teachers. It’s high time to realize that teaching is the most responsible job and this should be taken seriously.

It is necessary to upgrade the system with time. As this is the era of technology, why aren’t we trying to use them?

Another hindrance in our education system is reservation (creamy layer reservation). Reservation was coined as the short term solution in earlier days and we are still following! For the country to stand like a rock there should be equality in the education system. Reservation is not the solution; it’s the problem which needs a serious solution.

PS: This article is just an opinion and it’s not subjected to cause any harm/ offence/debate.

Sagara Doddamane- Ocean of Happiness

How to describe that feeling when the waves of an ocean come and touch your feet?  I would be more relaxed than before and when the wave recedes I feel fresh, energetic and confident. All the stress, tension will be taken away by the waves. What a beautiful feeling! I happened to experience the same when I visited Sagara. Sagara means Ocean is a city located in Shivamogga district. Sagara is about 360Kms from Bengaluru, located within the Western Ghats range and people of Sagara are the waves who have the capability of fixing you!

It was early morning of 24^th December when we reached Sagara. The rays of sun were breaking, heralding an awesome day ahead. We decided to explore a few places in and around Sagara. We visited Varadahalli which is believed to be the place where Shri Shridhara Swamy preached his devotees. Tranquillity around the temple premises had a calming effect on us. It was wonderful. After the darshanam we visited Keladi rameshwara temple. We were intricated by the architecture on the temple walls. From Keladi we headed towards Banavasi. The city is build around the famous Madhukeshwara Temple. Architecture on the walls of the temple is spellbinding and it’s a treat for the lovers of architecture. The main attraction is the 7 feet Nandi carved from a single stone. I was compelled by carvings of Amarashilpi Jakanachari. By admiring the rich heritage of Karnataka we headed back to Sagara to attend much anticipated ‘Doddamane’ function.

Madhukeshwara Temple

Varadahalli

7-foot Nandi

Doddamane is a 2-storey old vintage house built 100 years back where my ancestors were born and bought up. Sprawling around half an acre, the house features a hall, library, veranda to relax, bananti kone, Angala (it is an open air space apt for the evening gossips) etc,. The root of the family tree was Venkat Rao Bapat and the family tree began expanding beyond our imaginations. Few people got together and planned an event called ‘ದೊಡ್ಡಮನೆ ಶತಮಾನೋತ್ಸವ (Doddamane Centenary function)’ to bridge the connection between the extended families. I guess I am fortunate enough to have got an invite to such a great gathering.  It was a four day event and over 400 people were invited.

          

          Udakashanti was arranged at the premises of Doddamane. I learnt that the pooja is done for the peace and harmony in the house. People started filling Doddamane to participate in the pooja and also for the great reunion. Some of the faces were familiar and I was elated to see so many happy faces. Happiness went viral! I wish I could freeze that moment for a long long time. Family reunion creates strong and lasting bonds and also a deep sense of belonging.

Family heritage was kept alive in a display room which was similar to a museum. They had articulated all the old photos and some had also made collages. I was also surprised to find an art work made by my Mottiaaye (Grandmom) when she was 16! There were many antique items like conch (shankha), Kitchen utensiles,etc.

Next day was all about Chitpavani culture. All the ladies decided to dress up in a traditional 9 yard saree. Nath (nose ring) is a Maharastrian ornament which was worn by most of the women. It is woven with pearls and studded with pink or white stone in the middle. Maharastrian appearance of any women is incomplete without a ‘Chandra kor Bindi’.  All tied their hair in a round shape and adorned with antique bun pin. What a get up! For a moment I thought I was literally in Maharashtra. The culture and heritage of all the communities has its own importance and I am glad to have learnt more on Maharastrian culture.

            After the tiring morning it was time to lighten the mood. We gathered around Angala (30*30 open air seating) to get entertained. Music is the heart and soul of entertainment in our family! Power of music is unlimited. It had a soothing effect and music can take you to an unknown world where there is nothing but peace! The night was filled with great music, dance, drama and many more.

Family introduction and photo session was scheduled in Bapat convention hall the following day! Each family was called upon the stage and were introduced individually. I was surprised to see so many families on the stage! It takes great determination and courage to trace all the family members from the root and I would like to congratulate all the organizers for working so hard day and night to make this event memorable and a grand success! I am so sure that younger people like us would keep the ball rolling for the future generations! 

It is common for family members to lose connections with one another if they are not immediately related. This reunion helped me to reconnect with my long lost cousins, aunts, uncles or many more. Bonds are often re-strengthened, remembered and cherished during such reunions and also remind you to take a step back from your busy schedule and prioritize what is more important in life.