A Birthday Wish - James Bond Theme Party

Dedicated to Dipika and her James Bond themed 40th Birthday party n anniversary - here's some Creative writing understanding her copy-writing brain - listing all Bond movies! Also to her Bond husband - live it up guys !

You are a THUNDERBALL who has a GOLDEN EYE influencing people to 'NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN' - Even if there was a DR NO he would have had to say YES to you. I have no doubt Vladimir Putin would have been proud to enroll you in his KGB staff - he sends his wishes FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. Sam says we are mortals who have one chance but with you its different 'YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE (maybe more)' because you always have A VIEW TO KILL even sometimes he wonders you have the LICENSE TO KILL and believe in LIVE AND LET DIE. For you THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and TOMORROW JUST NEVER DIES. Even though you take the LIVING DAYLIGHTS out of him - his QUANTUM OF SOLACE with you has no limitations, for you he'll DIE ANOTHER DAY - You will agree because when you met him he was 'THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN', who had the GOLDFINGER who could fish out the OCTOPUS -SY and be the MOONRAKER FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. He is always 'ON YOUR MAJESTY"S SECRET SERVICE" and this BOND 23 would gamble his life in any place even CASINO ROYALE because he compares his love for you more than all the materialistic pleasures in the world - you are that DIAMOND and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.

True Worth of Anonymity

Fred Allen the famous comedian pointed out ‘They work hard all their lives to become well known, then wear dark glasses to avoid being recognized’. It is no secret that the seemingly glittering life of a celebrity is the one many a layperson silently aspires for in their life span. Ironically on the flipside, the simple life of a layperson is the one many celebrities wouldn’t mind exchanging for, if given a chance.

President Obama, a prime example, recently was candid in his admission saying he regretted his loss of personal privacy. He mentioned ‘I miss being anonymous’ and further stated he misses taking his family for a drive, going to the supermarket, taking walks, or just sitting and watching people pass by at central park - the simple things of life that he as a President cannot have. It is unfortunate that even after he completes his term he will never be able to do all that without being accompanied by his security agents - the current state of a dangerous world and his high position will never allow him to do so.

The 21^st century with the evolvement of the various media industries have given the Celebrity a majestic platform on par with the Gods. Having said that, the advancement of media has been both a boon and a bane to many a celebrity. Whilst it helps in delivering their messages instantly on Twitter or Facebook in getting that instant attention, it certainly doesn’t help when their privacy is infringed upon in a restaurant or a walk down the street with the spouse or the girlfriend.

The Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon recently admitted she often cries in her car as she misses going out in public. She however admits her life belongs to other people and she would not trade it. She gives us the impression she is content and pleased, who knows she may be, but the loss and value of the unspoken and simple things of life and those tears are reminders of the immeasurable worth of anonymity she pines for.

Even Cricket genius Sachin Tendulkar concurs that he misses the privacy the average individual enjoys in India. He says he often has to travel abroad to places where the game is not very prominent to enjoy his anonymity. It is a known fact that his Ferrari only gets a view of the otherwise busy Mumbai roads at 3 am in the morning when the world is asleep. Singer Beyonce says she has no problem with the attention she receives on the red carpet. The problem she says arises when one is woken up on a flight by a camera flashing and the request for an autograph. She however acknowledges this is the unfortunate fact of being famous.

Undoubtedly, the most sought after trophy of the celebrity crown comes with a heavy price tag. And to think that Anonymity can be priceless is bizarre but this is a fact - the true worth of the word itself may not only be revered by the Obama’s, the Sachin’s, the Witherspoon’s and Beyonce’s but many more who silently crave it.

The Maturity Debate

An old story goes of two friends, one a focused and methodical individual, the other a happy go lucky, creative being. A discussion once ensued pertaining to the word maturity where the former propagated an authoritative view - believing firmly that it revolved around age – even immodestly proclaiming himself as an assured matured being. The latter differing, interpreting the word maturity as subjective, owing to one’s opinion and behaviour. The story goes that one fine day a debate transpired between the two resulting in the former losing his bearings showering expletives and even making an obscene gesture to the latter friend in question. The self professed authority on maturity seemed a sad picture of immaturity. Meanwhile, the friend on the receiving end playing it calmly with a wry smile making his point clear.

The word Maturity is often used in our day to day conversation without really understanding its true meaning. Physical appearance and age often appears the yardstick in labelling maturity - the reason being years and experience begets wisdom and insight but it is not often true. There is lack of emotional maturity in many human beings and this is different from physical maturity. Take Wayne Rooney for example, the immensely talented football player has been recently reprimanded for his misconduct with his teammates and personal life. His immaturity has prompted the English Media to ask Rooney to look upto cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as a role model. Tendulkar has balanced career and personal life with solid maturity, both physical and emotional in his 21 year career facing immeasurable pressure and shouldering expectations from the millions in India.

Putting Maturity under the microscope, it boils down to composure and understanding. It is about patience and perseverance. It is being responsible and accountable for one’s own actions. It is about controlling one’s anger in spite of the circumstances that lead you to it. It hinges on a person’s resolve, steadfastness and self denial and ultimately is about balancing the physical, spiritual and emotional self.

As a civilization, we still have a long way to go on the maturity front. Our actions through wars, global warming, racism, terrorism, slavery or even our daily squabbles etc is testimony to our inability in understanding the subject. And it may take a few more centuries to understand our-selves and our actions with objectivity.

In conclusion the old AA prayer comes to mind when one thinks about the subject - Maturity is the art of living in peace with that which we cannot change, the courage to change that which should be changed -- and the wisdom to know the difference.

The Paradoxical Churchill

Sir Winston Churchill personified a myriad of ironies and arguably was one of the most complex individuals to walk the planet - known to some as bumptious, ruthless, racist and egotistic, he was nevertheless a great leader, visionary and often labeled the greatest British Statesman of the twentieth century. His inborn ability to inspire people coupled with his relentless passion and his unflustered personality made him a unique character and a darling of the press. He was an avid reader, a scholar, journalist, painter and war correspondent blessed with the gift of the gab and a razor sharp mind.

Call it snobbery, vanity or pure self-belief, his statement “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it” though flavoured with pompousness carried it with it a sense of belief to all who admired the imagination, courage and tenacity of the man.

His witty charm and his impromptu responses were a journalist’ delight. He rarely buckled till he had his feisty last say from his sarcastic adversaries. Like the time when he was leaving the House of Commons in a wobbly manner, the Labour MP Bessie Braddock accused him of being “disgustingly drunk.” He replied: “Bessie, my dear…you are disgustingly ugly. But tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be disgustingly ugly.” Or the time when the great George Bernard Shaw telegrammed Churchill just prior to the opening of Major Barbara: "Have reserved two tickets for first night. Come and bring a friend if you have one." The response was immediate Churchill wired back, "Impossible to come to first night. Will come to second night, if you have one."

Churchill’s antipathy towards Gandhi was well known, his ‘half-naked faqir’ statement in a way displayed his feelings towards the man whom he considered the biggest obstacle of the British rule in India. It was Gandhi’s death that eventually made him realize the greatness of the man.

The paradox of Churchill was underlined beautifully by his friend Lady Lytton, she remarked ‘you see all his faults and the rest of your life you spend in discovering his virtues’.

Churchill’s grasp of the language and his rhetorical grandeur was summarized beautifully by John F Kennedy ‘In the dark days and darker nights when England stood alone--and most men save Englishmen despaired of England's life--he mobilized the English language and sent it into battle."

Sir Winston Churchill made no bones about the person he was - when asked he was ready for death, he summed it in jest "I am prepared to meet my maker. Whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."

Value of Self Respect

Clint Eastwood, the celebrated Hollywood actor and director put it skilfully when he said ‘Respect your efforts and respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that's real power’.

Regrettably, in the world we live today not many understand this real power lies solely within ourselves. Inside each human being is another person who cherishes being loved, respected and valued. When this does not happen, the person within is miserable triggering a widening of the gap between mind, body and spirit, the prime cause for unhappiness, misery and despair. An obese person looking at him or herself in the mirror and feeling dejected is a prime example – this person however should never be discouraged thinking it’s curtains. The challenge and beauty of life lies in turning that negativity into a positive sentiment which starts with self respect from within. It is therefore imperative to love yourself from the inside. It starts with the basics like knowing and distinguishing right from wrong and practicing the right values and discipline. Self respect should not be confused with Self ego, the former is more about your honour and dignity of oneself whilst the latter is a desire inclined to exert power or authority on others, a selfish motive.

The foundation and building of self respect should unquestionably be sowed at home, the real base. Children should be fed with positive everything. Children are like sponge and their senses innocently absorb everything in their surroundings. Very often you hear parents complaining where did they go wrong seeing their kids turn the wrong way. In majority of cases, the blame lies with these parents who by then are in self denial mode in regard to the radiation of self and mutual respect factor. It is no secret negative surroundings affect human beings, especially children. A positive environment nurtures and encourages self respect which in turn not only guides morals within a child but guides manners outside too.

Over the years, one has been witness to seeing many people belonging to the DISR club (Deficit in Self Respect). They unknowingly or knowingly are members here. The reasons border on low self esteem, insecurity, job worries or just lack of confidence. Meanwhile, one has also been witness to certain people overdoing the respect over their superiors (in some cases they could be spouses too) in the process, having forgotten to respect themselves. On the other hand, there are superiors who undermine or are very demeaning in their disposition towards the subordinates clearly showcasing their deficiencies as a human being. And this happens no matter how educated or how much money they have. We often forget we are species with thinking brains and not animals, even certain animals have the respect code ethics sorted out.

Self respect is indeed the cornerstone of all virtue. People love and respect other people who respect themselves, the moment you don’t you become a doormat. It doesn’t matter in what relationship you are, never ever grow into a punching bag. Respect begets respect !. The forthright politician Koch put it well ‘you punch, I punch’. Even the noble Gandhi punched back in his own non violent way. And there could be no better example and genuine model of true self respect than Mahatma Gandhi! Touche’ !

Woman - Take a bow !

A true manifestation of creation. Life on the planet is born of her. She is the full circle encircling a cyclic connect with the earth, the moon, and the tides. She is wholeness. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.

She has defended society from destructive thoughts and from ideo-logical and moral deterioration. She has pieced together sanctuaries and refuge for all people – the world over communities, neighbourhood and families are empowered by her. She is affection and compassion -– she is sunshine and radiant power. Her interests and duties fan out in all directions from the central mother-core, like spokes from the hub of a cycle. She is firm and sensitive akin to a resilient spiders web to the breeze that blows. She has the power to protect and the power to destroy.

She leads by means of reconciliation, interrelations and persuasion. She is courtesy, manners and grace. She is resilience in the midst of a blazing storm - she is composure and patience personified. She has the insight for solutions when all is lost. Her intuitive abilities have known to influence her decision to pick right from wrong. She is persistence. She is logic. She represents manifestation through creative vision and pure intention.

Very often pulled and swayed by the ebb and flow of the oceans, by the rise of the sap in springtime she has evolved since the time of Eve, learning to fight out her battle in a male bastion - the world, and take a stand that matters. Since time immemorial she has been immersed in the busyness of human ‘doing’ rather than human ‘being,’ - many times overlooking the depths of who she really is in essence.

She keeps the dream of life alive and encourages to continue weaving dreams, even in times of turmoil and unknowing. All teachings come from her - every great mind has vouched her influence in their lives. History is a testimony to her unflinching power where empires have changed hands, fortunes have been won and lost. She has altered the course of history by her sheer determination and presence, making a mattering difference in peoples lives. – her symbol of individuality is seen from Cleopatra to Joan of Arc, from Helen of Troy to Princess Diana from Emelia Lockhardt to Indira Gandhi, from Mother Theresa to Indra Nooyi and the list grows.

The cornerstone of a family and the pillar of a home, she is an embodiment of strength and humility - an epitome of understanding and patience. Always an educator – she is the eternal source of comfort, tenderness, peace, and unconditional love.

Yes ! She is a mother, daughter, sister and wife. –- She is Woman, a miracle – a marvel that forever will hold the power to influence and change the world.

Marriage Musings

"Marriages today seem a big farce unlike the past and I am petrified of committing myself to an institution that sans substance". These words uttered in sincerity by my sibling started an intense debate between the two of us. Harping on the good old proverb that it takes two to tango, I drew the analogy that "Marriage is like a fixed account it depends on how much you put to create interest and that interest is the momentum for a happy and successful marriage". He disagreed saying one has to just look at the increasing divorce statistics in the world today.

His disagreement reminded me of this woman friend who once opined "It's like watching this movie which you assume is a feel good movie but as you watch it - at every stage there is isolation, loneliness, squabbles, fractured promises and expectations and ultimately divorce - only devastation. On viewing this I ask myself, Why would I want to begin that journey? "

She and my sibling might have many who endorse their viewpoint but no matter what they concur, the truth is there is joy and content in a lifelong relationship. It is no secret that the journey is filled with thorns strewn, sometimes even land mines but there are more flower petals if the desire is there on both sides to work towards finding it en route.

Marriage is a journey on high seas for which no compass has been invented and this mysterious challenge of finding the direction is what makes it interesting. Undoubtedly, man and woman today have evolved in their thinking, times have changed – a huge paradigm shift has occurred – a social revolution in thinking due to the media exposure and education. So it is only natural both man and woman have begun questioning the old norms and tradition in everything – marriage it seems is the list topper.

Having said that, the core essence of a happy marriage still revolves around adapting, understanding, sacrifice and patience. High expectations on both sides has lead to many a failure in marriages leading to separation and divorces. And let no one be fooled, this can happen even after a quarter of a century together. Marriage is constant work in progress and not a celebratory event.

My final sign off to the debate with my sibling was "Marriage is not the 'be all end all' solution but it is the only pathway to family relationships and this in turn is a key to happiness much more than all the material wealth one can acquire. I added "It is the only certified UNION where both sides are equally MANAGEMENT". Unfortunately, in these times we live in it is not and herein lies the problem.