19 Years Later

What changes 19 years after? Absolutely nothing or absolutely everything. Well, in some rare instances the former is more so, as i was to find out.

D and i went to school together and have known each other since 1986. We spent until 1994 in school, after which we managed to remain in touch. So, when he told me of his visit to Mumbai, i was determined more than anything to meet him, after what was an epoch that passed by.

Warm as ever, characteristically poised, positively sensitive, clear and deep, i noticed that those traits that defined him as a person of excellence not only remained, but were now accentuated with time and understanding.

Our conversations soon deepened into the need for extricating ourselves from the labyrinth of pointless pursuits that now centralized our lives. Soulful conversations, examples, recollections, a great deal of wisdom and remarkably positive reassurances later, i returned a happier man who had inherited the fortune of sharing a defining dream.

Maybe i don't have the apt word to best describe him. I am not sure i even qualify to do so. But it would be close to use the words evolved, aware and mindful. 

The #Extremedrive Indiblogger Meet

Renie and team Indiblogger can kick up quite a dust and take you through some power-packed jolly rides, as i figured during my first ever Indiblogger meet.

Set in the expanses of a large open ground, this one was quite different, perhaps, from the routine of presentations and tech-literature. With some 200+ enthusiasts from different genres of blogs, there was a mood of eagerness and bonding.

Soon, with hands muddied, outwitting competition to tug up a truckload, literally, the 'cyclone' swept up a win within a super-incredible 5.82 seconds. And, off we were bundled for some roaring antics orchestrated from behind the wheel of the beast, which was worth every ounce of adrenaline each one carried! That must sum up the mood when you are dished out a power-homie Tata Safari Storme to play with :-)

Also the wonderful conversations, a great connect with some fellow-bloggers and time well spent, makes for a memory to be treasured.

Oh, and thank you very much guys, for that snazzy Victorinox jewel for an appreciation and souvenir. Loved it.

Next thing on my mind: #Extremeblogtrek :-)

Indian by birth, Blogger by choice! Yeah! 

A New High

A soulful evening replete with tranquil green expanses of wilderness. There are no thoughts as the eyes feast on the setting sun. Dusk arrives, and with it more measures of silence. The soul is stirred, elated. A walk into the wilds. Canopies of green rising up into eternity. Sounds of dusk hallowing the moment. Distances don't matter as eager steps edge to cover them. The path is endless and gratifying.

Birds fly about seeking spots to roost, their calls trailing through like flashes in twilight. Soon, it is a moonless night and darkness envelopes. The colours of colourlessness are distinctive to the eye; and a feast to the senses that only wants more.

Serenity is a sweet prescription and consigns memories to flames. It feels like a different time and age. A spectacular union of the inner self and the outer world.

Home is where the heart is.

Footnotes:

An evening during my maiden trip to my parents' new home in Wayanad, Kerala.

Direction D

D turned 34 a few days ago. I've known him most of my life. Unchanged in demeanour or passion, he remains undaunted in the face of changing times and beliefs. Pleasantly stoic and forever upbeat, he reflects an optimistic disposition, maturely woven with strong measures of a selfless pursuit for achieving happiness, not limited to oneself.

There is a certain character to his pursuit; corded in downright simplicity, embedded with more than definitively clear thoughts and yet as diverse and magical as the enchanting shades off the mirrors of a kaleidoscope.

As he continues his relentless pursuit, Redefining Oblivion wishes him the very best, always and all ways. A chip off the old block, truly. 

Small Measures of Joy

Small measures of joy, amidst rumbling clouds of gray. Time speeds by without count or warning. In this state of blank, yet with strong persistence to reconstruct, there are small joys to be relished and among them the bliss of being back on the blog and sailing into another world of happiness, which is by now familiar, very much like home - a home in the heart.

Some indulgences never die; the strong connect with nature, the pleasure in gorging pages of an interesting book, filtering light through the lens, conversations galore, the everlasting love for music - now, retro-pop of the 70s ;-)

Life goes on, apparently some full-circles aren't really it; they were merely interludes in the passage!

And then, there are long and momentary silences, deep shades of gray, an occasional delving into memories that bring smiles, rumbling ragings and of course, small measures of joy!

Not at odds, but completely even.

A Few Days in Heaven

Mighty, mist covered blue mountains,
rolling ever greens of happiness,

rich blue skies of eternal joy,
soaring trees, oak, pine and others plenty,

maybe, there are so many different worlds, yes,
but there's only one like you, yours of bliss,

the one i was born to, embraced and loved,
cradled in the arms of divine comfort,

with brethren akin, bound by love,
forever and ever, always in hope,

someday i will return to these valleys, these mountains,
these expanses of joy, these moments of elation,

of your soul, spirit and all, i am part of you,
in you i see me, as in me they see you,

there can only be one home for me,
and it will always be in those mighty arms of thee.

Footnotes:

My 'last' few days at home in Ooty early in February

Beyond Sun and Sands - In Words and Notes

Goa and frolic have, over time, attained synonymy! And, fun in Goa is nothing short of being legendary, decreed by King Momo himself. It has been 20 years to the date since i last visited Goa and something has been itching within me to pack a bag and set off - except that the moment in time doesn't seem to arrive.

Some ten days ago, on a Friday morning, fellow blogger Chirag's text and K's email landed up almost the same time informing me of a press-conference scheduled later in the day announcing the Goa Carnival 2013. The enthusiasm of news from the land of 'sun and sands' added to the prospect of meeting some fellow bloggers was alluring.

The Government of Goa had sent in their top emissaries for the purpose; the minister and chief executive for tourism, who did good to promote the upcoming event and spell a message that Goa wasn't all about beaches and fizz, during the year end, but much more in spirit, culture, food, people and destinations. One witnessed a passionate and sensible attempt to convey of Goa as being a place to be visited year round rather than it just being seen as a frenzied venue for new year calling.

So then, what is the message about the carnival? A moment in time at a place "dominated by enjoyment and merry making where people come together and spread cheer and happiness."

Now, Goa aside, it was a treat to meet the lovely K, charming and eloquent, who as an organizer made it very comfortable and personal. Anil Purohit of Windy Skies was a pleasure to meet with. Kuldeep Chugh of The Top List with his sense and perspective of current goings-on and beyond along with Chirag, about whom i've written some posts before, made for some fine, personal, warm and memorable conversations that one could have hoped for.

Footnotes:

A post on Chirag's blog about the evening.

And, on another note, my Mum and Sister-in-law celebrate their birthdays today!

Wind and the Valley

oh you, to whom life bows in deference,
you, who is part of our every moment and existence,

mighty, fulfilling, absolute and faultless,
your colours and contours are timeless,

in you, i find comfort everlasting,
forgetful of time, age and all that is unwilling,

to you i was born, to you i shall return,
these moments apart are but a short sojourn.

Footnotes:

Image description - Taken from a look-out point at Matheran

A Sojourn in Paradise

Whoever remarked of paradise being only within the heart was not blessed enough to admire the expansive outbacks that lie strewn across all of India. Matheran is one such destination and it was sheer thoughtfulness that took me there.

V's text one Friday evening had me elated when he asked if i'd like to go along over the weekend. And, on a following Sunday morning when we set about, in the midst of nippy winter air, i had little clue of what was to come. Excitement turned into elation when we slipped out of the city and into unrestrained greenery, which to me is balm to the soul, or rather, its home.

Winding roads, thin clear air, rugged hills and rolling mountains later, Matheran presented itself and welcomed us like home would its inhabitants. I cannot justly describe the sights and sounds, for they are much more and beyond words. But walking about untroubled by time or intention and purely ecstatic at taking in all the marvel that was, i soon reached a point of not wanting to return; of the need to disappear into the consoling wilderness and remain lost forever!

Humbled, and in awe, i was once again reassured by the verity that meaning and purpose are nothing more than the synonyms of nature, the marvels of creation.

I cannot thank V and his friends enough for this splendid opportunity; the sojourn, feel, stillness, conversations. And V, and his family, particularly for some delightfully homemade Rajasthani fare of 'dal bati churma.'

I can at best sum up the day with one word, very distinctive of what it truly is - a 'blessing.'

And as i returned home and passed into time, another milestone, quite contrary of its just-relished predecessor stood in force to smother me - It was a Monday morning! 

Rendezvous with the Renaissance Man

Among the things that define him the least is to say that he is a blogger.

He is someone who is much more, and blogging therefore is among the many activities of his passion. Self taught, self made, supremely adaptable, admirably well-travelled and in a purposeful quest for meaning, reason and happiness, he holds the distinction of being someone out of the ordinary, committed to himself, to be away from the mundane rat race that defines the road to success in the context of the present day.

Sadho Ram, affectionately known as Sadho, is a man who holds life in high esteem and values relationships with importance. So when one Sunday morning, not long ago, i had the privilege of having breakfast with him, only hours before his departure from here, i was adequately reassured of his priorities in life.

But the story begins from many years ago, when a boy decided to break free from what was almost decidedly the natural course of his life - willed for him by his kin, themselves following in the path of their family before them. Aware that the path towards his destiny lay elsewhere, he broke glass and chose to embark upon a journey that saw him go places, pursue a course of study of choice, and transform his life  - a journey which saw him be himself.

Having travelled extensively across the breadth of the Indian union, he continues to be in awe of places and what they hold in store for the explorer in him, the explorer that is him. The more i spoke to him, the more i became aware of him as a person unperturbed by time.

His concerns are not centered around wealth, positions or material gains - those to him are mere dictates of a social order. Sadho is energetically and genuinely articulate about the concerns surrounding human life today - paramount among which is a prevalent lacking of the ability of the individual to unite and bond with the self and thus be aware and cognizant of the the world within and that which lies outside of it.

Close to ninety minutes, an easy south-Indian fare and a soulful conversation later, i decided to let go of him mindful of his impending journey later that day.

But, truly, it has taken only ninety minutes to earn a friend for life.

Footnotes:

On another note, Deepu, my brother, turns 30 day! Welcome to the club, boyo! :-)