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!