Imperfect in many ways - yet PERFECT - INDIA

A civilization which is as ancient as 2600 BC, a country that has weathered invasion from Persian, Turks, Arabs, Portuguese, British and many more for centuries, a country where an unique amalgamation of religious coexistence, a country with numerous languages and dialects can have imperfections when someone looks from outside. This is our country India or Bharat or Hindustan. 

Home to more than one sixth of world population, largest democracy where more Muslims stay than any Muslim country, only other country outside Iran where Parsi's live in peace is bound to have some imperfections.

Why am I talking about imperfections? Well that is because today many of us Indians don't feel proud of our heritage, traditions and culture. A country that embraced everyone who came here and never invaded anyone, gave '0' to the world of mathematics, knew about surgery and medicines centuries before the existence of the western world, finds more critics inside than the world around.


1. Young country - After centuries of colonial rule and siphoning wealth away, a seventy plus year old free country has many herculean challenges

- Rising population meaning pressure on resources
- Changing minds from being ruled to living with dignity
- Ever increasing need to create infrastructure and opportunities

2. Nation first - Our freedom fighters left everything and even gave their ultimate sacrifice to see a free tomorrow. The love and respect for the country should be unconditional. Something which we are forgetting and need to learn from the west

3. Equality and social structure - Century old social structure and systems are not easy to change. Equal opportunity and undivided society (not based on caste, religion, creed etc.) is the need of today and tomorrow. 

Imperfections are opportunities to make things better. What we need to ask ourselves are

1. Am I willing to be a hard working, honest and tolerant person no matter who else is joining me?
2. Am I willing to respect public and nation's property irrespective of who cares or not?
3. Am I willing to keep my place and area clean no matter what?

It starts with me and this is the movement that will transform this great nation to newer and brighter tomorrow.

Nothing is perfect and so is a nation. It is constantly changing. Let's look at the great things that our country has to offer. As India celebrates its 70th Republic day this quote from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address is just apt, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,”

Travel Diaries - Kingdom of Happiness - Bhutan

Bhutan also known as the land of the Thunder Dragon was on my bucket list of places to visit for two very different reasons which somewhere echoes with my views

1. A country which gives a higher importance to Gross National Happiness than GDP
2. A country that cares for nature, grows 100% organic food and is Carbon Negative

Bhu-othan (if in some sense this can be broken - Bhu meaning land and othan/uthan - meaning elevation), this land locked mountain nation sits beneath the lap of the himalayas to the north eastern part of India. A country which barely has a population of 800,000 follows a constitutional monarchy. Being a dominant Bhuddhist country, religion and consititution execution are both unified by the King of Bhutan.

Paro is the main gateway to Bhutan via air and it takes seasoned pilots to land in the world most difficult/scariest airport. Towering cliffs and steap turns along the valleys makes this a bumpy ride into the Paro valley. The fresh burst of clean air and flowing Paro Chuu (Paro river) instantly connects you to this land.

 

Clockwise - Paro airport terminal, runway, inside the terminal, Paro Chhu and Druk Air

Thimpu, capital of Bhutan also boasts of the world tallest Shakyamuni Buddha statue made of bronze sitting at 51.5 meters tall. The view of the valley from the hill can take your breath away.

Clockwise - Parliament and Admin buildings, Shakyamuni Buddha, Stupa at the entrance, Buddha, Thimpu valley below, beautiful statues around the huge courtyard

Nestled between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (rivers), Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and largest dzong in Bhutan. This majestic structure amongst many temples also has the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal aka Zhabdrung Rinpoche (the unifier of Bhutan). Bhutan has many Dzongs located across the country (which are fortress) and this is one of the most beautiful.

On the way to Punakha, one cannot get over the magestic views from the Dochula pass. On a clear day you see 10 tall peaks of the Himalayas (in Bhutan). The pass is located at an elevation of 3,100 metres and has 100 stupas that give the pass an artistic touch.

A few glimpses of the Punakha Dzong

 

Views from Dochula pass, Stupas and a small family of Yaks :)

The travel to Bhutan couldn't have been complete without being to the Taktsang (tiger's nest) Monastery. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a flaming tigress. This place was consecrated to tame the demon. A trek upthe steep cliff from the base location was a daunting task, but the energy and enthusiasm kept us going.

Trek up Taktsang

It is just not possible to capture this mesmerizing place and its warm hospitatlity in a few pictures or words. One needs to be there and experience it.

At the end of the trip, here is what I thought

1. A country which gives a higher importance to Gross National Happiness than GDP
- The country provides free education and healthcare for all. If you need treatment available outside the country, the state has  it covered.
- Crime rate was at its lowest and sporadic issues were rare.
- Electricity and water was available to all households across the width and height of the nation.
- Monarch did not have a lavish castle nor personal jets. The emphasis was to invest the wealth back to the community and country.

The arrow mark is where the Monark stays - a lot to learn

2. A country that cares for nature, grows 100% organic food and is Carbon Negative

- The country generates 100% electricity from hydroelectric power plants.
- Exports electricity and is a huge revenue earner for the country.
- All produce in the country is organically grown. This is a nation-wide movement and they take pride in it.
- Waste recycling and reduction is key for all.
- Flora and fauna is regarded and everyone feels obliged to protect them.

This trip couldn't have been possible without the amazing team from Heavenly Bhutan (http://www.heavenlybhutan.com/). They were truly professional and made us feel at home. Kudos to Rita, Tek and Passang. We cherished each moment spent in your country and look forward to seeing more.

Until next time Tashi Delek :)

For some moments.

Bhutan Diaries - Moments captured

HOMEMAKERS - Saga of unsung heroes

Taking care of kids, doing dishes, washing clothes, cleaning the home, cooking meals, mending among countless other chores seems like work that should be immediately outsourced. These are not what most of us would not like to do on a daily basis? Wait, what about doing these with a smile and not feeling tired and complaining? Oh not done yet! you will not be remunerated for this?

This is what millions of women worldwide do everyday. I am referring to all the moms, wives, sisters, friends - Homemakers.

Many may say, so what is new? General response - they are housewives (I don't like this word personally) and that is their job. Put yourself in their shoes and just do this for one week. I am sure you will never complain in life again.

We forget and possibly never realize that their sacrifice, effort and ability to juggle multiple tasks turns a house to a home. We seldom remember that they are equally if not more talented than you and me, could have walked out to do a corporate job and left the chores to someone. They made a choice (may be in some cases did not have an option) and took care of the nest where you and I want to come back and feel loved.

Will anything change? Can we make a difference? Yes and yes we can


1. Respect - The least we could do is respect them and their sacrifice. Kind words with some love goes a long way. An acknowledgement of the work done always motivates. This BTW also applies to corporate work and life.

2. Involve - They may not be responsible for the financial needs of a family, but they are responsible for optimally running your finances and reducing cost. Involving and making them a part of home decision making process gives them a sense of pride. You will be shocked to see how many great ideas gets generated.

3. Patience - How often do you get frustrated with work and life at our workplace? Yes we all have our days. It is not easy to manage and run a home 365 days a year with nothing in return. Lending a patient ear is all that is needed to make these heroes feel heard. This helps them to get over the stress and anxiety.

4. Surprises - Try and surprise them as often you can - make the bed, cook a hearty breakfast, make a cup of tea, do something they love. We all want to be loved and pampered. Make them feel special and loved.

We remember the heroes on the border who sacrifice their lives, so that we can live free. Let's start supporting, being there for our homemakers who relentlessly work hard to make the difference in our lives. With their support we are able to reach our professional goals.

It is these unsung heroes in our lives, that have made us what we are and taught us values of life. Imagine a world where we are all free elements and did not have an anchor or fulcrum. The house would never become a home.

A big thank you to all my heroes for making me who I am today. Your sacrifice has made the difference.

Who is your FRIEND?

We all have heard the statement - 'A friend in need is a friend indeed'. This is one among many other quotes, messages and notes that have been shared by intellectuals on friends and friendship.

We meet people at our workplace, school, parties, around of homes etc. and soon our interactions turn into friendship. I always wondered who is a friend? who can be my friend? Can I be a friend of someone?

Here is my interpretation of a FRIEND

Free to be yourself (F) - You are at your utmost comfort level, when you can be yourself and transparent with someone. You are not being judged or assumed.

Respects for who you are (R) - Every human is different, even when you are born to the same parents. It is impossible to then think that you will have someone who is a carbon copy of yourself. Respect and love for who you are, makes the bond between two people stronger.

Intelligent or intellectually gifted (I) - We constantly learn from situations, obstacles, parents, siblings and others. So how easy would it be to learn and get advised from a friend who respects you and let's you be the way you are?

Empathetic and enthusiastic (E) - When your days are not so good, all you need is an empathetic person to listen and boost up your moral. We can't assume that everyday will be bright and full of energy. Enthusiasm is viral and can help overcome low times.

Nourishment to you (N) - We constantly evolve and try hard to do the right thing. However, inertia catches up and that can make us stagnant. Not only self motivation is key but what better to have someone who helps us and is happy seeing you move to the next level.

Dependable (D) - If you have someone who is there when you need the most without any ifs and buts, you need to feel luckiest in this world. This is hard to find as we get so much involved into our own lives that we seldom stop and think for someone else.

A true friend can be your better half, sibling, colleague, senior, junior, classmate or someone who you have met. It is the characteristics of the person that matters most not the relationship that matters. A true friend is a blessing and can help you to be a transformed person.

I remember this great thought - 'Friends like books are few and well chosen'

Would love to get your views and thoughts.

Goa - A different perspective

When one thinks of Goa, the first thing that come to mind are long beaches, partying people, mouth watering seafood and flowing alcoholic beverages.

This is possibly a typical idea of any beach destination which steams with tourist from around the world. Goa was our vacation destination and we wanted to uncover something different. A place that was ruled by Portuguese, Persians and Indian rulers had to have some history and culture to it. 

So we started visiting some of the old chapels and temples. These are more touristy that everyone possibly needs to visit and mark the tick on their bucket list

Bom Jesus & Se Cathedral

Lord Mangueshi, an incarnation of Lord Shiva

After the usual we wanted to head more to the country side and experience the Real Goa, understand the history behind it.

We were lucky to have got connected with "The Local Beat" team (https://www.facebook.com/thelocalbeatgoa/). Mack immediately understood what we wanted and within no time figured out an overall itinerary (some surprises which I didn't know until the trip unfolded).

We headed to Assagao. This village hosts the mysterious Kattor (scissor) monument that’s believed to be 1,000 years old. The walk begins with an introduction of Assagao by Felly Gomes. He takes a lot of pride and explained us the village history, it's rich biodiversity and architectural marvels.

The sights to be seen, range from beautiful Goan mansions, shell windows adorning window panes and gates, to the fruits and berries that grow around this place. Towards the end of the walk, we head back to Felly's garden for a locally prepared authentic Goan lunch and sings along to Goan folk songs.

The Kattor Monument nestled on the hill top

"The Local Beat" is an amazing bunch of guys who specialize in showcasing the finer parts of Goa, its rich culture, tradition and bountiful of options available for tourists who want to see and enjoy a different perspective. Their Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/thelocalbeat_goa/) shares some more insight.

Lastly the trip couldn't be complete without the visit to a local tile shop based on Mario Miranda's artistic interpretation.

Goa is a mesmerizing place which has something for everyone and leaves a lasting memory until the next time you land at this beautiful place .