Rising Sun

 At the Football World Cup, if you have Spain and Germany in your group, it will shake you up even before it begins. You would ponder upon the slim chance of going through the group stage. But Japan shook the world instead. It topped the group defeating both Germany and Spain. A remarkable feat.

In both the games, they were like warriors. Giving everything they had. The intensity was truly phenomenal. Both the games symbolise a great lesson. Whatever may the odds, whomsoever be your opponent, if you give everything to it then impossible is nothing. The land of the rising sun rose, rose high, embracing the whole world, with the light of hope.

Your House

 Whenever I visit the villages for inspection of Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (PMAY) Houses, I observe that the beneficiaries and people around often refer to these PMAY houses as “LOW COST HOUSE”. We need to stop using this phrase. Now one may say what's in a name, but here, there is lots.

When phrases like “LOW COST” are often used, then the general perception is framed in a certain way discouraging people from putting in their best efforts and resources to make the house better. It is a PMAY House for you, It is YOUR house, it is a house where your children will grow up, it is where you will spend your lifetime. Make all efforts to make it better and beautiful.

A bridge far away

When the information came that one bridge over River Simsang in my previous place of posting has now been completed, there was a sudden burst of joy which reverberated through each cell in my body. Every time I had visited that place while the work was just starting, I tried to imagine how magnificent it would be.

A blessing indeed for people who now can cross the mighty waters with ease. When we move out of a place, there are certain things in flux, certain projects in their infancy and certain ideas in the pipeline. One may have moved out physically but the bonds remain. A bridge far away. And yet, close enough. 

Perhaps it's that simple

 After a thrilling friendly football match with Gambegre block team, I asked our Sports Officer to identify few kids from the audience who were really into the game. I had with me 4 footballs which I carried along to giveaway to kids. As soon as the kids realised this, they all wanted to come.

As we handed over the footballs to the kids, they immediately wanted to rush to the field. Posing for the photographs was an obstruction clearly. They were perhaps a little nervous with all eyes on them. But the beaming smiles could not be contained. As they ran off to the field shouting, the smiles kept getting bigger. And louder. Watching them getting drenched in ecstasy, I felt so joyful. And suddenly is occurred to me, it's that simple, isn't it. There is nothing more beautiful in life than making people smile.

A glass of water

 As the Chief Guest of the Independence Day celebrations retreated towards the sitting arena after his speech, the stage was all set to witness an array of cultural performances. The dias kept for the speech was blocking the view and ergo was to be shifted.

Two men came to take it away. One of them looked carefully at the inside rack. There was a glass kept there with some water still in it. He could have just spilled it anywhere before removing it. But he looked around. He found a pot with a plant which was near. He spilled the water gently into it. It is these small gestures that somehow get stuck with you. It is these small gestures that collectively, can surely, make the big difference.

Carlos and Sapan da

 During those college days at IIT kharagpur, there was a canteen run by Carlos Da in our hostel RP hall. The Cold Coffee he made was spectacular and quite famous in the whole campus. It was almost like a daily ritual to have at least one. Especially after dinner. And then for the hungry souls, there was always the Cheese paratha by Sapan da.

Today as I visit the place after almost 13 years, it ain't the same. Both of them have passed on. Carlos da's son-in-law recalls those times as he makes a Cold Coffee for us. It didn't taste the same as many ingredients were missing - Carlos da's smile, Sapan da's energy and of course, friends. May their souls rest in peace.

Overcoming fear

 It was a gathering of nearly 2000 people. A considerable number to intimidate a first time speaker. A youth was called upon to deliver a speech. He started well I thought. But somewhere down the line, he hesitated. The crowd cheered to motivate him. And he responded well to finish it off.

But he wasn't satisfied. After a while, he requested for another chance to deliver his speech. The generous Chief Guest consented. This time, the confidence was oozing, bright as daylight. He overcame his fear. He conquered the stage. He ruled the moment. You can too.

Aspirants

 While walking towards the venue of our Election training, I saw a huge hall filled with youngsters. The vibe was lively and the ambiance was aspirational. I asked the staff what that was about and she told me that it was the UPSC coaching batch. My Delhi Days flashed before my eyes. And my immediate enquiry was whether I could get a time slot to address them.

Apparently their schedule was all packed and so was mine. And the only possible slot was my 30 mins lunch break. I didn't even think once. Of course, I would rather address them. And plus intermittent fasting has great benefits. It is always great to talk to youth. Answering their questions and motivating them to do their best. I know how important such talks can be. After all, I was on the other side, a decade ago. All the best, you all.

Mothers

 During the felicitation program of an athlete today, the proud family sat just behind. The joy was explicit in their smiles. The honour was beaming through their eyes. And among them, the brightest aura was around the mother. How proud, she must have felt.

The organisers made a very special gesture. They invited her to the stage. She was also felicitated for the pivotal role she played as his mother. Made me ponder, how often do we really appreciate the things our mothers do. For the perpetual support, for the unwavering trust and for the unconditional love, thank you, mothers!

Madam/Sir

 If you are familiar with official correspondences and letters, you must have seen the phrase 'Sir/Madam' used at the start when the sender is not sure of the recipient's gender. The fact that 'Sir' comes before 'Madam' always bothered me.

A beacon of the patriarchal past. A remnant of the gross injustice suffered by women for most part of human history. A sad reminder of the fact that all this still exists. All this must end now and gender neutrality shall be ubiquitous. But at least, as a corrective gesture, can all such letters start with 'Madam/Sir'. Mine do.

Goodbye, East Garo Hills

 Last couple of days have been filled with love, warmth and appreciation. The extent of these emotions has been unprecedented. It makes the departure extremely hard. I wish I could stay for life. And in a way, I certainly shall as East Garo Hills will always be special and close to my heart. I have given my everything to make it a better place and I believe that things have changed for good.

Three and half years went away in an instant. As I depart, the memories of Project STAR, Super 30 and other education initiatives bring joy. As I depart, the completed PMAY houses makes me smile. As I depart, the improved health facilities makes me proud. As I depart, the completed check dams,roads, bridges bring satisfaction. But as I depart, the goodbyes, the thank yous, the love, the warmth, bring tears inside.

Mitelbejok Atchu

It was almost closing time for the office. I was still finishing up with the remaining files when there was a knock on the door. An old man with an infectious smile emerged. Speaking in Garo, he asserted, "I am not here to give you any complaint letter. I just came to say Thank you".

I was smiling already. "You are welcome Atchu. But what did I do for you?", I asked out of curiosity. It really didn't matter though. I was happy as I could be of some help. "I saw your speech in Garo. I felt so happy that you made so much effort to learn the local language. Thank you once again", he clarified. Sweetest of a gesture by this old retired man. I am still smiling.

P.S. Atchu means Grandfather. Mitelbejok means Thank you so much.

Meghalaya Civil Service (MCS) 2021 Exam Question Papers

 Hi all, 

I have been receiving several requests from aspirants in Meghalaya for sharing Previous Year Question Papers of Meghalaya Civil Service MCS Exam. So here are the papers as received from those who had appeared in this exam. Click on the respective hyperlink to see. Hope this helps. All the best. You can watch videos on my YouTube channel for more guidance. Link is given below. 

YouTube Channel 

MCS Prelims 2021 Question Papers 

1. Paper 1 

2. Paper 2  

MCS 2021 Mains Question papers 

1. Essay paper 

2. English Paper

3. General Studies 1

4. General Studies 2

5. General Studies 3

6. General Studies 4 

From Mangsang, with love

It was the usual at the dinner table. Rice, daal and vegetables. And yet somehow, it tasted better than the average day meal. As I attempted to unfold the mystery element in my head, my mother remarked "It tastes better today, right?".

Validation of my observation made it even more intriguing. I must find out, my mind resolved. "What new ingredient you added, mother?", I enquired. "Nothing. But this rice is from your last village visit". Those humble faces resurfaced. They had gifted me some rice from their field with such love. It had to taste great. It always does.

World must unite

And here we were, 

Thinking all had learnt, 

From those two Wars,

That they only spill blood. 

That they only demolish, 

What we so cheerfully built,

That they take away the young, 

While their mothers weep, 

That they strangle, 

the hope for peace. 

And what remains after, 

Are the children of war, 

The melancholic grief, 

And the idea of revenge. 

And yet, here we are, 

Witnessing another. 

And for what really?

Expansionist desires, 

Of a monster unleashed. 

World must unite, 

To stop this rise, 

Of yet another Adolf, 

World must unite,

To save innocent lives. 

World must unite, 

To stop this war, and now!

The world must unite. 

A wonderful upbringing

 When we were small, our mother taught us several things. We used to go to the jungle together and collect firewood. She also taught us to plant vegetables and fruits. We used to love the whole process of seeing the crops grow and the connection with mother earth.

We then used to sell the vegetables and fruits in nearby areas. When we gave the proceeds to our mother, she told us to put everything in our piggy banks. At the end of each year, we used to break them open to pay our school tuition fees. That is how we all got through school and college. Today, when we look back, we feel proud to overcome all those odds.

( As told by one Sister in fond remembrance of her mother's unique way of upbringing. A great mother indeed. And an inspiring upbringbring indeed)

Flock in waiting

 As I circled the house premises for my morning walk routine, I noticed that today the flock of sparrows had gathered over the small shed near our main door. They sat there looking down towards the ground. Almost as if waiting for something to happen.

Usually they would move around playing and chirping. The stillness was ergo intriguing. Every time I crossed the spot, they would reorganise a bit. But they stayed there. It took a while to figure out that since my mother is away, no one has put something there for them to eat. That was there food-spot. As soon as food arrived, the flock rejoiced. So did we.

Their world too

 The fog was still strong enough to prevent the sunlight from breaking in. The hazel shades of kitchen garden appeared to be still asleep under the blurry white covers. Through my window, I could see the freshly harvested Papayas kept on the porch by our Mali.

Out of nowhere, a bird appeared and sat on the stands next to the Papayas. It surveyed all directions for possible dangers. The movements looked perfectly choreographed. As it started pecking, the instincts wanted me to go outside and retrieve. But I simply couldn't move and just kept watching. It was a beautiful sight. This is their world too, I pondered. Hope the papaya was sweet.

De-clutter

 While the others blossomed, this one sapling was apparently shrinking. The tender leaves were folding inwards. The growth reversal made its shade of green dull and sombre. And it was hardly visible now with the overwhelming expanse of the weed circumscribing it.

As I carefully removed the invasive envelope, the sapling beamed vibes of hope. The sunshine could finally embrace the deprived surface. The succulent leaves welcomed the water droplets from the sprinkler. In due time, the sapling sprang back to life. It was that simple, to de-clutter, much like our lives.