This entire week, I was planning on writing about my recent family getaway in this post. But just a second ago, new decisions were made. The nostu(nostalgic self) in me was lured out by the words of Anita Desai uttered in an interview I just finished watching. The interviewer remarked that the Indian heat almost felt like a character in her novels, to which Anita Desai affirmed its significance by saying how she had spent many daylight hours in the shade, reading and

The word that comes to mind when I think about this book is 'Unique'. Not just for it's content, but the circumstance in which I bought it, the life of the author and the material with which it was made. I bought this book directly from the author for just 50 rupees when he visited us in our third year of UG to talk about poetry and resistance. The Tibetan cause was introduced to us and the session was forever etched in my mind. Thanks to this book, I can go back to i

Firstly, I would like to express how fortunate and grateful I am to have this opportunity to make myself useful while learning through experience. The versatility of the programs conducted by the International Programmes Office broadens my perceptions and exposes me to different ideas and cultures. So far, me and my friend got to interview a guest lecturer from a foreign university, transcribe the same, and write reports on a musical event and a writing workshop. I will no

I have a friend who loves to watch theatre performances and he could travel across states anytime to watch a play. Being someone who has never been to one, I couldn't imagine what was so captivating about it, until today. Along with some of my friends, I watched a play called 'No Escape' directed by our senior, Souparno Bhattacharya, and performed by the Upstart Crows as part of our department's Theatre Wing called Theatreyrie. It was an adaptation of the play 'Evam Indrajit

Our final stop on this trip is Gavi Eco-Tourism in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. This place holds a special spot in my heart, and I lost track of the times I've come here with my family. Being a reserved forest area, not many people frequent the place and it's part of why my introverted self loves it here :) From Thekkady, we set out at noon, had lunch in a restaurant enroute, and reached our destination around 4 PM. Usually, we stay in tents which are a bit closer to

Periyar House Jungle Lodge at Thekkady, Kumily. (This image is taken from the internet) From Munnar, we set off for Thekkady, part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and stayed at a KTDC lodge. Only those who pre-book a stay are allowed inside with their cars, but jungle safaris in the forest department's buses are available from the checkpoint. We almost glided through the well-built road, drinking in the greenery. I have stayed here once before with my cousins and my only conc

This post follows the previous one, in which I explained the circumstances of the trip and its overall details. So do check that out. Before we start, I have to clarify that my intention in writing this is to share some of my favourite moments during the trip. So, I'm afraid, it may not cover all the famous sights in Munnar. But I will share a link after this from which you can gather everything you need to know to kickstart your journey. With eight people travelling in two

This year's Christmas vacation was unlike any other. While going on trips was usual with our family, this time, it was neither just us nor with family friends. My brother's colleagues were coming from Mumbai to visit Kerala. So we arranged an itinerary that captures and presents the beauty of our state in the limited duration of the trip. The first one-day section of the trip included experiencing the peaceful ambiance of the Vembanad Kayal in an aesthetically pleasing house

My early days of reading were a special experience for me. I used to engage with the book freely and intimately, eagerly extracting each line from the pages to think over and feel. Now, I realize how much courage it requires. Childhood is a brave phase, where you can give yourself completely to something without hesitations. Reading as an adult became different. You are deeply aware of your development and wish to select and measure what you expose yourself to. The idea of b

It has been so long since I last wrote here. My semester exams had started, and I took a break from posting. As it was our first exam in this program and college, it added a sense of uncertainty to the usual nervousness. But I was prepared for it as my UG experience had taught me not to take the results of the first exams to heart. It only gives us an idea of what to expect and how to prepare for consecutive exams. In those busy and stressful days, what inspired me was the t

Writing writing writing. For a change, I thought... why not sing a song and post? This is a Malayalam song called "Puthiyoru Pathayil" which was sung by Nazriya Nazim and part of the movie called 'Varathan'. My voice is raw without any added effects. Plus I couldn't find any headphones, so excuse the low quality. Thank you for listening.

In the early years of my childhood, I saw reading and writing as limited to school and studies. I was completely unaware of the entertainment factor in books and mostly spend those carefree days playing outdoors with cousins. My cousins from my father's side lived near my paternal grandparents' house and our monthly visits there were the highlight of our life. We cousins comprised of five of us - me, my elder brother, two cousin brothers and one cousin sister. Our si

You don't know the value of someone when you have them. It dawns upon you when you lose them. Fortunately, I haven't lost any of my loved ones, it's just distance that lies between us. Staying far from my family has made me realize a lot of things and I will be discussing those here. The idea that anything can happen to anyone at anytime has never fazed me before. I've always had the people I love close by and in my view. But now that they are not around and I can't s

From 12th grade, I've always imagined how it would be to stay away from home for studies or work. I've been a day scholar throughout my life and I have always enjoyed listening to my cousin sister talk about her college and hostel days. Even my aunt had once told me how staying at a hostel is important in one's life. It teaches us how to adjust with situations and look after ourselves. I'm quite proud of my upbringing, especially in the values that were taught to me.

A journey is the most common analogy for life. Several images come to my mind when I think of it that way. One is that of a train journey. You go with time as it takes you to places and enjoy the scenery as you move. Another one is that of a stream that begins somewhere and ends in the ocean. In all of these metaphors we are going with the flow. Where in this do we direct or lead the game? In this regard, I came upon a more appealing definition of life... It is this moment.

We are all familiar with the practice of penning down our experiences on paper. At school, our English teachers might have asked us to keep a diary to write about our day. For some, it would have been a pleasurable endeavour and for others, a burden of an assignment. But at some point, we all must have enjoyed the benefits of it when we do it for ourselves. Reading old diary entries give us a glimpse into the way our minds worked at a particular point in time. It is a testame

It’s okay love Stay where you are, I’ll come towards you.   All I ask Is that you face my way To light my path to you.   The wait is long, Covering the miles of two Slowly but surely, getting there.   Know no art Of stuffing love in gifts To send your way.   I’ll carry them In my heart, And let you in to see.   To love for both, I have the strength But not for too long.   So when you’re strong you take my hand And hold me close to you.

I'm sure that every one of us must have prepared a time-table for ourselves at least once in our lifetime. During our school days we have talked big about becoming a good student by studying seriously. We make elaborate study plans, get really engrossed in designing it and forget the whole purpose of it. Even when it sets off, the streak only lasts for a while. Every year there are three decisive moments in a student's life where they draw time tables like charms for miracles

The last two days were especially memorable for me, thanks to the interviewing assignment that my friend got for her CA. Usually, after a short banter with our friends we rush back home because it's hot in the afternoon and lunch is waiting for us back at our place. I should take that as my cue to pack snacks from now on to keep me going till noon. I'm turning into a starved little monster these days...Okayy we should get back to the topic! The day before yesterday, m

Waking with aurora I observe the still gloom around me. I lay in bed with an empty heart, countless thoughts yet nothing to do.   I amble around the house aimlessly,but not restlessly. Relishing the prevailing silence with serene contentment.   The spirits of solitude lent their ears to my thoughts. Like a patient mother in contemplative silence.   With books that captivate my mind and music that nourishes my soul, I reside in my immanent realm cherishing the blithe moment.