Ragnarok

Courtesy the Thor sequel, many would be now familiar with Ragnarok. For the uninitiated, it refers to the final battle among the supreme forces resulting in the destruction of the world as per Norse Mythology. Perhaps making way for resurrection. Perhaps, a new beginning. Perhaps.

Taking clue from several man-made disasters and especially the smog layered capitol right now, I ponder if we are moving towards that direction. We have become so thick-skinned that these little natural skirmishes aren't enough to remind us how human advancement is coming at the cost of nature. What would it take to stop this unbridled demolition of mother Earth? What would it take to restore the quintessential ecological balance?

Ragnarok?
I hope not.

Young and Restless

I still vividly remember my first day at Dadenggre. Tired from travelling miles of winding roads, I sat on the porch hoping to recuperate from the pristine landscape. "Where is the ATM?", I asked Maljing. His innocent smile conveyed that there wasn't any even before he hold me.

The very next day when I met the Manager of the only bank here, Mr. Daryl Marak he hold me that they have been planning to start one. He has been pushing hard for it. I also joined the bandwagon only to irritate him everyday morning asking for the predicaments if any to start the ATM. Finally today the first ATM became operational here today, much thanks to his industry.

Through his regional manager I came to know that he was given a choice to work at the City HQ given his excellent work record. But he chose to take a rural posting instead. On my applause, he smiled and remarked,"I am young no Sir, I must work for public at such places!". In a sea of lobbying for urban postings, it's a pleasure to see this gem wanting otherwise. Such people is what India needs. Hardworking and simplistic. Compassionate and caring. Young and Restless!

Touch me not

The water moved effortlessly without making any noise. Almost as if intentional on part of the river, perhaps to gel with the seemingly surreal landscape. Soaked into the sheer magnetism of nature, I stood still, only to be startled by this exotic species of flora.

Mimosa Pudica, commonly known as Touch me not, spread all along the fragile bank, folding themselves back vigorously. I felt I have seen them after ages. Even they have been running away from the mainstream. Away from noise, away from aggression. Into the wilderness. Into tranquility. Almost as if warning the rest, follow me not, bother me not, touch me note!

Meghalaya Coke Studios

It was a colossal hall inside a school premise deep in the interiors of Garo Hills. Anxious students from several schools nearby had gathered for a Career Counseling Workshop. At the end of our discussions on how to inculcate the thirst for awareness, there was a musical performance.

This kid was perhaps as tall as his guitar. Perhaps as young as those strings. But the moderation of voice, command over the beats and the confidence of a rockstar portrayed another tale. It has been just 5 days for me here and I have seen several such outstanding performances. Simply breathtaking talent.

Wish there was a separate Coke Studio for the countless rockstars of Meghalaya. The world needs to know!

A song of hope

Sitting across my predecessor Ramkumar Sathurappan Sir, I was deeply engrossed in listening to the briefs on what all initiatives he had taken for this sub-division. Tremendous energy level, unwavering commitment and unprecedented determination. His achievements make this ephemeral period look like an aeon.

Amidst, there came some locals who had worked with him on several issues and as a thank you, they sang this beautiful song they had composed. In that rhythm, I could feel the applause. In that melody, I could see the warmth. A song for his assiduity. A song for their endearment. A song for the eternal memories. For me, a song of hope. Hope, that I can follow his footsteps.

The wrong cape

We were sitting at this food court discussing our usual matrimonial discourse over some unusual sea food when my would be better half pointed out to a kid running around wearing a Superman cape.

She seemed concerned at the prospect and said,”Please tell me our kid will not be dressed like that. Like ever”. With assurance I told her, “Of course not, that’s stupid. Our kid will wear the black cape!”