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Introspection -life or plastic ?

We , humans, are creatures of convenience and in that process often get ourselves into unmanageable situations .
How slowly the menace of plastic came into our lives and is now a threat to our very existance. A small example :
I remember as a child we use to take our own bowls to buy milk or yogurt/curd
Then
Came the bowls made of leaves for yogurt
Then
The white plastic bags
Now
The packed containers with plastic lids and plastic bottles
Everyone welcomed the replacements and happy to be saving time (by not waiting in queues)
Relevant to mention here that those milk shops used to be the first meeting point most morning, from exchanging the plesantries to politics to cricket to sharing few laughs and jokes. Fresh morning Air and a morning in the bargin
Today the question is :” Is the damage repairable?
A few suggestions
– we can try to go back making curd at home like our mothers/grandmothers
– using of clay bowls by the mass manufacturer. ( experimental and possible if will is there?
– avoid small packs

The plastic not just around us but inside us, now is the time to INTROSPECT and ACT

Images from web

Copyright (c) 2019 Namrata D Prabhakar

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Inspiration-Creative hands

Age is limitation of mind

Passion is bound by imagination

Imagination creates Art

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Dr. Padha an intense learner

For me inspiration is not found in the books or idealism of known names. It is in the extra ordinary people whose daily routine is an example for others. Exploring, experimenting and innovating not only creates Artist , also the world of harmony.

Would like to share with you life of someone, who in his view is very ordinary, but for the people who are associated with him in any way (friends, relatives, neighbors) his simplicity and disciplined way of life is worth to follow.

At age of 78, when most people feel that they have nothing to learn or share, here is a man who is multi talented and still learning. He is into wood sculptures , mostly miniatures, a self-taught attempt. Bonsai is one of his interest and he has good collection of these.
Dr S. P Padha ,a medical professional ,an eye specialist ,retired as professor from Medical College Jammu. He lives in Jammu , INDIA. His childhood was spent in a small town of rural background, nothing like extra curricular activities or hobbies during those days.

When I asked him what lead him to learn pottery?

In his own words “ I was often fascinated by artisans like blacksmith and Potters giving shape to objects. I came in contact with Sh.Suman ji a couple of years back and became morning walk buddies. I learned about pottery workshop being run by Ms.Jyoti ji (Suman’s wife) at Blue River Cermics pottery centre With my interests in different art forms, I attended one of her workshop as an observer. Fascinated by the running hands on that wheel my creative instincts and their encouragement lead me to try my hand on Potter’s wheel. Jyoti ji is a very patient teacher which made me to learn about basics of pottery.”

Wood sculpture

It is not just the art but he keeps himself update with the fast moving world of wi-fi and technology. His views are that Internet is a great help in dissemination of information and knowledge.
His simplicity, humble and disciplined life is a message of encouragement for anyone looking for a mentor.

“We are the hands of potter

We are the clay

We are the wheels

And

We are the result too”

All images are copyright of Dr. Padha

Copyright (c) 2019 Namrata D Prabhakar

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Elections- Do we really have a choice ?

 

Democracy-“The Will of People”

Every five years one is given a tool

The tool called “vote”

It makes or breaks the parties

Rejection is the mother of all fears

A politician’s nightmare

And nobody likes a defeat

A few days before the voting day

Every candidate is seen with folded hands and bowing head

Standing in front of the so called “common man”

Begging for a vote in his favor

Using everything in his kitty

From development to freebies to God knows what

Would like to ask these people a simple question

Are they not common ?

What makes them elite ?

Are they not elected to serve the people ?

Are they not duty-bound to fulfill the promises?

Promises of progressive future

Of good roads, clean water, ample to eat

The golden picture of election time “A mirage”

Vanishing and fading humility of elected ones

They are secure for next five years.

Secure to be carelessly trample the hopes

The hopes of that helpless “common man”

That smirk on their face a tale of their arrogance

Their indifference towards their constituency

A slap on the voter’s face

Why we are helpless?

Why can we not have a say?

Why can we not have right ?

To reject a candidate nomination

And ask for a better choice

As there are selfless and honest men/women

Not looking for galore for themselves

But ready to work for “comman man”

Five years or fifty the promises will be broken

The professional politician will serve their own interest

Until they know the switch to power is not in their hand

But in hands of the so called common man

They can be removed as fast as they were elected

With a press of button called “RECALL”

 

When I hear the word common man from these so called politicians and netas, wonder who they think they are. Is it not time to recognizing and respect the people for being fellow humans and a force which can change the fate of these netas, by press of a button.? Why from being sevaks at election time, they become masters after being elected. May be they know that there is no way to de-elect them for next 5 years and they take full advantage of the fact. Most of the time people have no choice, because choosing between bad and worst is after all no choice.

The good choice is as rare as the mango tree😄 in a dessert.

 

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Random

People look in the mirrors
Not to reflect themselves
But to see how the world wants to look at them
I do not look in mirrors
Apart from highlighting a few wrinkles
Or a few grey hair
It does not say much
I search for my reflection in the hearts of my loved ones
Why?
I know
Would love to know your point of view

Copyright (c) 2018 Namrata D Prabhakar

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Random-PEACE Reflection of their expressions

The cause of many sufferings

Happiness an illusion

Never stays for long

Never consistent

Always dependent

Still everyone is running

Trying to own it

BUDDHA did not go in search of happiness

Neither did Kabir or other great Saints

For them there was nothing to be achieved

With my limited observation

I could say

The common bond they shared

Is

The serenity and calm

The love and generosity

And

Their state of Inner PEACE

Copyright (c) 2018 Namrata D Prabhakar

All rights reserved

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Random – Tea

Desi chai of Jammu

While having my morning ☀️ tea, my thoughts took me to the world of this magic beverage.

The tiny leaves may be the only one (not sure) having so varied tastes and colors. And every tea lover has his/her unique taste and style of making. A “cup of tea” is our companion, supporting us in our good times or bad times.

For me it created a few very precious friendships and lots of Memories. 💕.

Today I thank the first planter of T😇.

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Are we disposing of e-waste safely?

Every year GITEX shopper is held in Dubai and numerous other such events in other parts of the world to introduce latest technology in the market. People await eagerly for these mega events. The latest gadgets and IT related products are introduced at these events . All the vendors come with their special offers and discounts to attract the consumers. It is good to see all the technology advancement. The sales of mobiles are especially high, even I have bought products at times. Since my receny visit few questions are constantly arising in my mind, i.e.

Is the fast tech. and innovation at such a rapid pace good for the society?
Are we aware of hazardous effects of improper disposal of e-waste on environment ?.

It is mind-boggling that in a year’s time what you bought seems like obsolete. I am not against development but least the Tech companies and their distributors could do is :

1. Encourage the people to trade-in the gadgets which they are no longer using.
2. The products which are not usable or broken can be disposed off at a collection place within the exhibition centers.
3. These places are best for consumer awareness programmes about the harmful effects of storing at home the gadgets no longer in use.
4. A display highlighting what can be disposed of in garbage, what can be given for recycling or for proper disposal of e-waste would go a long way in raising the consumer awareness.

Just for an example take the case of batteries of mobile phones. Despite having knowledge a click away, how many of us are aware of harmful effects of unused batteries lying at home for long time?

“Lets be conscious about using the Technology and saving our environment by proper disposal of e-waste after enjoying it “

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Random – The tradition of quality continues

It is amazing to visit the favorite place of one’s growing-up years. Some places have 2-3 generation of proud continuity with the quality and taste still the same. And most important the humality of the young owners who represent their grandfathers and fathers makes them more special

Experience of 50 + years of making samosas

Continuing the tradition of quality and good customer relationships

The old ways of making tea on clay chulas ( burners), a small shop on Jammu-Srinagar highway known for tea-mathi ( snack), a most stop for travelers

Shop of barfi (sweets) on Jammu-pathankot highway, the most authentic taste, continues to pull the travelers and locals alike

No one can beat the taste of Rajma-rice with pure ghee of this shop of 3 generations on Jammu-Srinagar highway

They still do the grinding of spices and chuteny in old ways with stone grinders

Continuing his father’s buisness this young man is proud of his father’s name. Most of us Jammuities who have known Girdhari have fond Memories. Despite having such a hugh customer base he would remember the individual tastes and used to address everyone “uncleji”

Maniram made Jana falls in Manali famous and must visit with his authentic and traditional Himachli food thali complete with brown local rice pudding.