A little bit of this and that

It has been a while since my last post and for once I don't know what I am going to write about now. It has been a ride of varying uncertainties these past six years that I feel I have experienced 'Change is the only thing that is permanent'. Here I am lying on my diwan and trying to resuscitate my blog. Just looking at the paragraph above gives me a satisfaction that I have strung some words together to make three new sentences that I have not written before. Make it four :). 

These few years of life have been precious for me that I unconsciously preferred to live it rather than dwell on it from time to time to gain more traffic to this page. Why start again suddenly? I really don't know. But I know this is the time. My wife (Yes, I got married to Gowri and have a Toddler named Nila) has also been urging to write here (for completely different reasons) and finally here I am!

As all creations happen, this is ongoing in the dark sleepless night of a weird June in Chennai. The weather here has been unforgivably sultry without the promised heat showing up. Even that seems to mirror the quote that came up earlier. 

There is an uncontrollable need to share. I'm simply using this as a place to really express those thoughts, which are better on paper or in this case typed on screen. The flow of thoughts are not always in my control, but the speed of typing them is definitely slower than the stream that comes in. I toy with the idea of sleeping out in the living room (another change) for the night, but biting flying friends may not allow it. 

While I adjust my position to get comfortable, the sleep, threatening to overtake the completion of this post, looms dangerously. I pause to gather my thoughts and go blank, so registering that seems important. There is a certain lightness in living at this new place I moved to recently (yet another change). A joy of seeing greenery everyday outside your door.  A greenery that is neither imposing nor demanding but one that is self- sustaining and inviting to be cared and loved for. 

A worrying crease appears as I wonder about my readiness for the morning game of football. Planning ahead has always excited me. But how much of it is possible while 'living' with a family has been intriguing. There are so many things that are not in your control and you find that the more you try to hold on to them, the faster they slip out of your grasp. Going about with what you have and doing the next steps accordingly without regret or guilt of what could/should have been is an ongoing process. 

And finally (yes, I am at the end) I have decided to name it "A little bit of this and that" from my favourite fiction series.  This title is what comes to my mind as I go through the lines above. And yes, that's another change from the routine as I usually start off with the title.

Montessori and Me: Part VI Learning with FRIENDS

Disclaimer: I would like to clarify that by Montessori, I mean the philosophy that Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, put forth for helping the young minds of the world live in this World. I use the word live here because after all, quoting Dr. Montessori, education is a way of life.

Today I got to see the 'FRIENDS: The Reunion' episode, thanks to - an ex-colleague, a good friend and stand up comedian - and his friend :). The episode was a brilliant jog down the memory lane for the cast after 17 years. Some amazing tablereads, questions, guest stars, recaps, fashion walk, emotions, opinions and of course laughter. 

But this post is not about the FRIENDS, but my friends and well, Montessori. Watching the episode took me back to my college days. I remember huddling together at a mutual friend's (Yes, I am not naming anyone, so be ready for lots of 'friend's) room and getting introduced to this iconic series. College life, especially hostel life does that. 

But it was not only about TV series', that friends introduced me to. NIT Tiruchirapalli, for all the cursing that students gave about hostel toilets and mess food (we were from the 2009 batch), had some amazing set of extra-curricular student initiated activities. Be it Student run commercial/social clubs, the arts, literary, dance, music and theatre groups, cultural festivals, sports or  symposiums, or learning words like 'Mistress', 'Masturbation' there were plenty of opportunities to explore our interests apart from academics. 

Some of these, I got to know through a couple of cousins of my day scholar friend and majority of them through my peers. How did they know? From their seniors. The first years from other states and NRIs were very much in touch with their state seniors as 'ragging' was prevalent at that time. For me, the information that I was getting from these guys were opening new avenues to try. There were even times when I was 'sneaking' bread omlettes from snacketria or juices from our juicy for these friends of mine (ragging banned them from these treats) from the mixed group classroom. I was wishing that I had some department seniors to tell me more about what to expect. 

One of the toughest things that I realised for me was to say 'No!' (though there is one particular friend and my entire set of wing mates who think otherwise) to my friends. I really didn't want to travel back home from my new found freedom haven (though some of you may disagree). But the first few months, I couldn't say 'No' to my school and in turn college friends. There's one friend who was a day scholar and he would invite me home every other weekend initially and later, whenever he went home. Again, it took me some time to say 'No'. I even missed the one Club induction (which I eventually joined in my second year) that I wanted to get in because of my predicament. The point being, I was conditioned to satisfy others ahead of my own wish and found it hard to break it. 

Came the end of first year. We had two hostels to go to - Diamond (where I lived) and Jade (which became my nickname unwittingly). I was telling my 1st year  roommate and close friend from Sri Lanka, that we should get a room with two other fellows. We asked our third guy, who was from Maharashtra, but he had his own 'state' plans. On the last day of classes, I stumbled upon two other friends from my class, who were discussing the situation. They both were in a similar confusion, looking to get away from their own pulls. I jumped at the chance and they welcomed the offer to club with us! We ended up having a Sri Lankan, a Punjabi from  Baroda, a Kannadiga from Abu Dhabi and a TamBrahm from Chennai in the same room. 

We had some things in common - 2 of us were smokers (They were kind enough to step out each time), 3 of us were drinkers (I love that photo where it portrays the converse), 3 of us liked Lit events, 2 of us rushed for the morning paper's crossie (I was late always), 2 of us ended up in the same club - but still I got to play my cricket, meet MY friend and his family, occasionally travel back home and each of them got to do their stuff. I needed the space and time with myself and I was happy that I got it. But I had to pre-empt this setup before my school friends asked me, because I couldn't stand up for myself.

From my second year, I was much more sure of what I wanted to do (apart from not focusing on academics I mean). I knew I enjoyed what the college had to offer and I tried to stay entire semesters from third year I think. The third year, when we had to move hostels (single rooms) again, I decided to stick with the same lot (the Sri Lankan ditched us though :( ) and moved with them. We ended up in a wing with a Goan (Ece), an Indori from Pondicherry (Mech), the TamBrahm from Chennai (Ece), a Bong from Baroda (Mech), the Punjabi from Baroda (EEE), the Kannadiga from Abu Dhabi (CSE), a Mallu from Chennai (CSE), a Gujju from Pune (EEE), a Bong from Chennai (CSE), a Ghati from Pune (Mech), another Bong from Baroda (EEE), a Kashmiri from Pune (Mech), a Thambi from Pune (Meta), a Gujju from Surat (Chem), an UPite from Gujarat (CSE), a Gujju from Baroda (ECE), an Oddu from Trichy (ECE), an UPite from Kuwait (ECE), and 3 more Bongs (Chem, Prod and Mech). Quite a collection it was! Our wing was easily sanctioned by 'authorities' as it had 'diversity' already! 

Again this group had lots in common (apart from almost one-third being Bongs - I really didn't know that until I listed it out!!) - lits, college cultural festival, art, design, theatre, film making, club management, cricket (IPL had arrived), smoking, smoking up (which means something different), drinking, wine tasting, tech festival, Puliancholai trek, dingo juice, TV series,  academics, preparing for CAT/GRE - while still not imposing anything on anyone. I remained a non-smoker throughout. I ended up missing out on almost all of the trips to Saarang, Unmad, MoodIndigo, Kodai, Ooty, Pondy or Kalpakkam, Bengaluru citing some work or the other. Third year end, I even stayed back for the vacation in the form of a project. 

These two (2nd and 3rd) years were the time when I really was seeded with the thought to become a teacher. A close friend of mine, told me once, that I continue to try to be unique and not go along with the crowd. Thinking now about it, each of us were/are already unique. I was simply trying to be myself. What I didn't realise was that instead of running away from what I saw as obstacles, confronting them could have been an option. For example, I could have simply told my dear school friends what I felt on their face and stuck to my decision even if they chided me. I didn't know that I could do that - is the best that I can think of. 

This is where Montessori comes in. Everyday, children in my classroom decide what activity they want to do, how they want to do that and whom they want work with. Dominance, camaraderie, frustrations, happiness, sadness, conflicts, teamwork, compassion, gregariousness, hurt, anger, cries or laughter are some outcomes of their decisions. Helping them learn to handle those situations without disrespecting others' choices is probably the biggest day-to-day challenge of every Montessori adult. As an adult, if you learn to be yourself, you will find it easy to facilitate young children objectively. But if one is limited by their own conditioning, then it is going to be a game of carrots and stick. How do we know what is coming out of conditioning and what is not? You will have to find it out for yourself - because after all each of us are unique.

Starting blues...

Warning: Readers above 18 years of age can read the post. Others please excuse! You can come back once you turn 18 though.

I hope you're agreeable to this new modality and will continue this arrangement as though we were meant to be. I hope this has satisfied your thirst and will continue to satisfy your thirst.

One of the beautiful things that I like about you is that you let me express without making me wet. At the same time, you are the best when coming out in a slow, steady manner. Mocking me all this while, you're continuing to come out smoothly and serenely. I wish you'd do that all the time when I touch you and not disappoint me. Do tell whenever you get dry and I shall fill you in with the right thrust and timely pushes. I hope you don't mind the dips through the necks of oblivious ecstasy.

This experience of using you has given me the greatest joy in recent times. It was a reconnection with an age-old tryst. A tryst that has put me in several spots and blots throughout life. Long after I forsake you, for short one-time affairs, you came back to run with me. Honestly speaking, I came searching for you and you gracefully kept by my side, finding a place close to my heart.

One of the biggest worries for me is that, I may have to part with you in light of recent events. There are speculations and questions around your origin. It is not the speculations that I fear, but I am afraid of your future. You are unique and truly one of the beauties that have come from beyond the highest of abodes. Though you may have come from eons away, there are a few who still yearn for you.

Catching everyone's eye is your gorgeous head that hides the sleek sharp figure within. People complain that you do not last long enough, but only the well initiated understand how to handle you. I am proud to say that I, though not yet a master, have understood the intricate nuances of welling you up sufficiently to keep me excited for hours and sometimes sparingly for days together.

The real trick lies in suspending you deep inside, poised at a right angle and then pushing through your navel repeatedly and tantalisingly long enough so that you are filled up to your utmost satisfaction. Knowing this secret is the key to managing you and keeps you happy. Practice makes perfect. The more your body works with me, the smoother and more enjoyable the experience.

Sometimes I feel that such an experience brings my heart out with love and tenderness wishing for the wells of joy to never dry as we etch this piece of future history.

Basing such meetings appropriately also matters. The softness and smoothness of the floor surely brings the best out in both of us. The ecstatic combination of all three is some thing really. Those are the times, when I feel I should hold you, caress you, stroke you along the curves for as long as you last.

Hoping for many many such journeys with you



Yours lovingly
The thumb, forefinger and middle fingers of my right-hand (together)
Holding a long unused HERO PEN, MADE IN CHINA,
Writing on the last pages of my classmate notebook.

Corona Chronicles - Casual Creativity Cruise

As the action abates

Bringing boredom and blade

Clinging to cards of creativity

Decided to detach this day -

Elegant entertaining endeavours

Finding far more freedom

Grinding great gospels

Heaping happy hours

I initiate in isolation this

Job of jest and joy

Kindling kind Knowledge

Ladling lovely lines

Making melancholic musings

Nesting nostalgic news

Of old or original

Piecing Poems Positively

Quelling quizzing questions

Reaping rousing rewards

Singing songs of Satisfaction

Telling tales to Treat 

Usurping unopened urges

Venting vulnerable verses

What would you weave?

'xtending 'xcellent 'xamples

Yielding yard and yards of

Zest Zeal and Zing

- Irah

One Sunday morning run

A warm-up walk to the shore,

Brought a cloud cover to my sight

A crimson tinge came fore,

As the sun peeped out slight.

I hit the shore front with the sun by my side,

Ready to make my morning ride.

Barefoot I was with the soft earth below,

Water kissing my feet every then and now.

A stump of history washed ashore;

A throng of red clad people by the temple shore;

Fisherfolk here and there attending nature's call;

Groups of friends, couples and all;

Parents with children, dogs with their masters;

Pro and wannabe photographers;

Were some of the pictures I could behold,

While the sun became a bright gold.

A short water break

With half the hour past

The return was at stake

Starting with a walk fast.

With my mind less troubled

The joy of running was doubled

As I identified a couple

Living far away in the country of maple

The run restarted after a quick catch-up

With lots of time to makeup

I found some spare to push

A catamaran with lots of fish

Back I reached the Bessie beach

Not far from the place I teach

Kilometres I covered around nine

My expectations and run totally fine.

-Irah

Montessori and Me: Part V The Elementary Course Experience

Disclaimer: I would like to clarify that by Montessori, I mean the philosophy that Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, put forth for helping the young minds of the world live in this World. I use the word live here because after all, quoting Dr. Montessori, education is a way of life.

The above disclaimer shall be repeated keeping in mind new readers who might chance through this blog :). So plough straight ahead the next time :).

While my first Montessori diploma was an eight month long Marathon, this Elementary course was a different race to be run. Spread over a scheduled four modules and 8 weeks of Observation/Teaching Practice, with ample breaks in between, the course was to run from September 2015 until November 2016. Alas! With floods in Chennai, the carefully planned schedule was sabotaged and we finally completed in February 2017.

Each module was a six week sprint. And not the kind of sprints that IT companies (well mine used to have one) have for targets. Every week was a hundred metre dash, with barely any time to breathe. Tuesdays were submission days by default and whatever happens from Monday to Friday in class had to be fair-typed (Yes - only typed :'( ) and submitted with appropriate illustrations. My tryst with computers had to continue and I had a tough time keeping up with the deadlines, thanks to -my procrastination, printer and well, the internet - in short me.

As for what happened during the course, I wrote it as a poem when we were planning our convocation. The major chunk of the course is for us to understand how, when, why to show the materials to the children, interspersed with theory on how we should prepare ourselves. This pattern, in essence, was very similar to the earlier course. But there was no order in which each of these subjects were presented, which is exactly how it will be with Elementary children as well. But within the subjects, there are certain progressions from one difficulty to another and that order was maintained throughout. 

(To those who are familiar with the Sun and Earth song, that was the inspiration.) Here is the poem I wrote:

Language, Math, History and Biology,
along with Geometry and Geography
All have a story and play their part
In the development of a child in Elementary

Math it starts with WHM
Winding its way down to Proportion
Be it any subject, Math remains
Causing us lots and lots of pains.

Language, its structure is intricate
Keeping every subject up to date!
With names of yore and lots of action,
Giving every Part including emotion.

History, it is old and new,
Even though civilizations have been few
Humans Satisfying needs all along
Helping each other for years at long.

Geography, it is short and sweet
With lots of charts and experiments in it
Showing how humans depend unaware
On sun and earth and water and air.

Biology is all about life
Starting with how lives at strife
Live with finding whatever their needs
And finding time for some good deeds.

Geometry is an abstract class
Starting way back even before Pythagoras
Relating lines back and forth
Leading shapes to what they're worth

Music and Art, they play their part

Inspiring the children to go far at heart.

The patterns and combinations flow

Always asking the question of how!

Theory it is for the adult to know

Helping him or her how to show

Observing the child at every stage

And pacing the ideas at any age.

(For those unfamiliar, WHM refers to Wooden Hierarchial Material - a material that impresses the idea of families of numbers.)

While each of these areas were being covered, the concept to be covered was already in my mind. But how Dr. Montessori meant for the children to arrive at it on their own was the most intriguing part. So, while the materials and lessons were shown, there were several 'Aha!' moments. The one that I vividly remember was one with division of fractions by fractions. Children are always familiar until then that division always refers to sharing equally and the answer is always what a single whole unit gets. This was beautifully materialized in the Fraction material that I exclaimed in joy while the presentation was being shown to us! I even had the perfect moment to present it to children during my teaching practice and was a wonderful, satisfying experience.

While the breaks were dedicated to my work at Jamunamarathur with RELIEF Foundation, the course otherwise kept me occupied full time. When I look back at the past year and a half and more, I still somehow found time to cook (thanks to my Dad as well who came in whenever he could), attend some close friends' weddings in several places North and South, attend the Mumbai Montessori Conference, run a full marathon and a couple of half-marathons all along this time. 

While we were being given the presentations, like our trainer Ms. Ann Dunne used to say, there were always unsaid things. It is those things or thoughts that the Elementary child can easily imagine, reason out and pick up. And the joy of picking them up on their own is what really cements the learning. It is always those thoughts to which we put our mind to work and execute, that retain as our experiences. Be it a mistake or a success, we surely learn from such experiences. The idea of Dr. Montessori again here is to maximize the possibility of having such experiences for the children of the second plane (6-12 year olds), and that is what we learnt we should be doing as an Elementary Director or Directress.

Freelancing for FirstPost: ISL 2016

Firstpost were willing to give me another chance to cover the Indian Super League for this year. I was not sure of attending all the home matches, but covering by watching on Television was still alright with them. So I began my second stint at Freelancing with a preview for Chennaiyin FC for ISL 2016.

Just before Chennaiyin FC had their first match, Firstpost asked me to pick some players to watch out for and I wrote on three players who could make a change to Chennaiyin FC this year. Soon the first Chennaiyin FC game was upon me. This was away at Kolkata. Chennaiyin came back from a goal down to take the lead and finally conceded a penalty to end the pulsating match in a draw. I wasn't happy with the Chennaiyin formation and actually wrote it as six takeaways. The headlines from now were not mine mostly.

My misgivings in the first game came true when Delhi Dynamos FC thrashed us soundly in the first home game. The Mendy-Riise partnership had to end. The defense, goalie and the manager were all under fire in the five takeaways that I wrote from the match. I couldn't make it to the stadium that day as I had some submissions to work on for the next day at my Elementary course.

Firstpost asked me to write on some early trends emerging from the first two rounds of ISL 2016. Initially I wrote it in a hurry and it turned out to be too short. So I beefed it up a bit and it came out after my analysis on Chennaiyin's home victory against FC Goa. I attended the match and was there at the press conference. Zico was flustered about signings made in his absence and was bullish about Goa's chances of recovering.

Marco Materazzi on the other hand, when I questioned on how Jeje and him felt about Jeje's omission, went on a tangent to explain some journalists all over the world aren't happy about team selections. It was a day when Chennaiyin, for the first time for any team in ISL, had Mehrajuddin Wadoo as captain and ended the game with 7 Indians. He later gave me a nose-cut when I called his formation a 4-2-3-1. It was a 4-4-1-1 apparently. Credit is due to him though for getting his formation right and I wrote my analysis praising him for the changes.

Then came two away matches. The first, a hard fought win against Northeast United FC for the first ever time in ISL history for Chennaiyin FC. The new found solid defense played a huge role and I had four more positives to write about from the match. Then came a 1-1 draw against FC Pune City. That match really emphasized that Chennaiyin FC can threaten with anyone really. This match saw the sixth different goalscorer from a sixth different assist provider  for what was Chennaiyin FC's seventh goal of the season in just 5 matches.

P.S: I will keep adding to this post as and when I write more.

Montessori and Me: Part IV Anecdote from Elementary Course.

Disclaimer: I would like to clarify that by Montessori, I mean the philosophy that Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, put forth for helping the young minds of the world live in this World. I use the word live here because after all, quoting Dr. Montessori, education is a way of life.

The above disclaimer shall be repeated keeping in mind, new readers who might chance through this blog :). So plough straight ahead the next time :).

I'm in the middle of teaching practice as part of the Elementary Montessori course. This Friday as on all Fridays, the class I was assigned to, had a writing workshop. This is conducted by the adult who is the assigned Montessori directress or 'class teacher' of that environment.

This week, the adult talked about words changing when we simply take out a letter from it. One of the examples she gave was 'Without the 't' train becomes a rain'. She gave few such examples and when she read them out again the word 'becomes', she pointed out, was repetitive. She gave a couple of suggestions as to how she can change them. 'Without the 't' train falls like rain' was a change she suggested. Soon the children, who by the way are all six to nine year olds, quipped several ideas.

One of the youngest actually suggested the reverse. He said owl becomes a bowl. More ideas started spilling. Once the adult felt the children got the hang of it, she quickly disengaged and asked them to pencil down their thoughts.

After half an hour we got to read several sentences like 'Without the 't' hair flies in the air'. Another wrote 'Without the 'b' it rains but with the 'b' I have brains'. The children were busy writing. Those few who can't write fluently also tried hard.

This was in several ways a typical elementary approach to a lesson. The adult stayed long enough to give the key aspects of the idea. The children's imagination then took over to exploring the Language. Their ever strong 'herd instinct' pushing them to try even when they may not be ready. We were probably writing several dictation tests when we were that age.

I was sitting and listening to the adult and soon my pen wanted to try out a few lines. I thought 'Without the' was also repetitive and so started writing lines like that of a poem. And lo! When I re-read the first eight lines I thought of our favourite panda Po and finished the poem with him in mind.

Though, an endless thought
Read a mouldy bread
Prays to the rays of sun
Sways to normal ways.

Rides a cart to make an art
And grow a row of hair
Steep went step after step
To an abode that Bode well.

Ahead with a head on top
Came a pot, oh not! Po!
To fall in front of all
And they all bowed to Thy.

If this is what happened to a twenty-eight year old who didn't have such rich early experiences, I wonder what to expect off the intellectual explorers of six to nine when they grow up.

Freelancing for Firstpost: ISL 2015

Thanks to Vinayakk, I got an opportunity to write for Firstpost. I have added the links to the posts that were published. The posts mostly cover Chennaiyin FC's performance in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015.

The first one is a preview about Chennaiyin FC for the ISL 2015. Next, is the match report of the first match between Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata which Chennaiyin lost 2-3. I also wrote an analysis on the first game between Chennaiyin and ATK. I was all excited to get three articles published in a period of about four days.

I got a pass to cover all home matches and was expected to cover away games through television as well. But I didn't know that. After missing the first away game, I wrote eight takeaways from Chennaiyin's first win of the season against FC Goa. I watched the match at star sports website, which was delayed but still good enough.

For the win against Mumbai City FC, I saw the match, but couldn't write much about it. It was already being covered by Pulasta from Firstpost, so we decided to leave the report and analysis to him for this one. The next match I had slept off after my first major set of submissions for the Elementary Course, and caught up with the game only in the last few minutes.

I then finally wrote a tactical view after the second home game against Pune City FC which Chennaiyin won 2-1. This was also the first time I spoke in a post match press conference. It was an interesting experience. There were hardly a dozen guys at the presser, so looked weird with so much lighting and cameras.

The next game against Kerala Blasters was a drab draw and I could hardly think of anything to write. It was the first test to write something out of nothing and I failed miserably. The next match was a home game against FC Goa - the return leg. I wrote about four factors that handed Chennaiyin an impending loss.

The home match against Northeast United dovetailed with several things. The rain came down pell mell right from the start and lightning as well meant the match got delayed by an hour. My submissions due next day for coursework left me with no choice but to skip writing on the match in spite of spending three hours covering the match. The away match against Atletico de Kolkata gave me a chance to present this abysmal report card on Chennaiyin's performance just before the home stretch of the league.

Finally there was a swing of fortune. Three consecutive home wins followed. First it was Kerala Blasters who were thrashed 4-1. I wrote on what changed Chennaiyin's fortune. Next up, taken to the cleaners, were Delhi Dynamos who gave Chennaiyin their first ever home clean sheet. I picked five key players from the match and harped on why Mendoza can never be dropped. Then the final home game against Mumbai City FC was another blank for the visitors as Chennayin scored three in the pouring rain to knock on the play off spots. I picked three talking points from the match. The turnaround was complete with the win against Pune City FC and true to the manager's words it was a team performance. I wrote on the characteristics of that team performance. This after putting attendance at Avinash's reception (or atleast before it started).

Then came the heartbreaking news for the Chennaiyin fans that the first leg of the semifinals was moved to Pune in wake of the floods in the home city. More so because the Marina Arena was a major warehouse for relief materials. I lamented on what we'd all miss. Chennaiyin nailed the first leg 3-0 and Vinayakk was forced to cover the match in Pune. I didn't write on it. Then came the cracker of a second leg. I wrote about ten points of discussion after Atletico de Kolkata perfectly pulled a Chennaiyin of last season.

Then came the Grand Finale at Goa. The match lived up to the billing and was a cracker of a game. I finished off with the complete story of Chennaiyin this season. I thank Firstpost for the opportunity and would also like to thank Pulasta Dhar and Vinayakk for helping me along whenever needed.

To be or not to be, that indeed is the question.

Everyday we face a lot of questions. Whether to wake up now or later, whether to have breakfast or not etc These are more trivial and more pertained to the individual. Then come the questions at a social level. Whether to drop your mother at her work or not, to overtake the car in front or not, whether to overshoot a signal or not. How do we decide the answers to these questions?

While we are on the bed, we enjoy the comfort of the mattress and take the route of procrastination. The question of breakfast, even though it depends on whether we got up early enough or not, is decided by the time factor. Then the same applies to dropping our dear ones. Ultimately time seems to be the devil that presses us on the roads. We try to compensate by trying to beat the traffic, overshoot signals and putting all around us in danger. The funny thing is it all starts with an impulsive decision to simply sleep longer.

Once I said to myself I am reaching my workplace an hour early come what may. I did and the difference was striking. I found myself keeping calm and travelling the same route in the same time. This time, I kept my cool to let those in a hurry ahead on the road, wait for all the signals as required before the stop line and still spend the same travel time. What was so different this time?

The mere thought that we are in the comfort zone lets us be gracious, courteous and at the same time punctual. I also found myself calm in handling those questions pertaining to possible chores to be done on the way. So if this zone is so good, why can't we maintain things in the comfort zone? The problem I think is once we are in that comfort zone we soon start to get laid back in our approach. We push the limits of the comfort zone unintentionally for the worse and ultimately get back to that place where we blame time, time and again.

So flitting in and out of the zone - how does that work? Well, I used to work in a school. My timings are as fixed as they can be. I have observed myself that whenever I need to do something extra in the morning before school begins - could be something as simple as bringing few papers from the store cupboard - I consciously plan to leave early and even though I may not leave by the exact required time, I still fall in the comfort zone. The thing is this work has to be something absolutely urgent for the day and you really care about that being done. So you have to do something that you usually don't do,

So how often do these days occur? Again for me, these are days after long vacations where I need to be early to pull the covers off the shelves and fold them away neatly. These are more forced upon rather than self-motivated. so the right question would be "How often do you want these days to occur?" Even though the answer "Everyday" may escape our mouth, the difficulty behind that is not seen.

I mentioned that we tend to push at our comfort zone with regard to our travel plans. I think the pushing of our comfort zone is the key, but at a more broader perspective - the work we do at home or anywhere else (even travel is part of this work). We need to constantly think and do what is that one extra thing we can do to make whatever we did or are doing better. Working out of your comfort zone is an often used phrase. I've found that whenever I do that keeping in mind the capabilities I have and not worrying about the end result, the job seems to go on well enough. To be or not to be working out of your comfort zone - that is the question you need to answer for yourself!

Montessori and Me - Part II: The Montessori Course

Disclaimer: I would like to clarify that by Montessori, I mean the philosophy that Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, put forth for helping the young minds of the world live in this World. I use the word live here because after all, quoting Dr. Montessori, education is a way of life.

The above disclaimer shall be repeated keeping in mind, new readers who might chance through this blog :). So plow straight ahead the next time :).

I had preliminary talks regarding the fellowship around December 2012 and was advised to get started with the books on Montessori which are published by Kalakshetra Foundation. I started with “The Child in the Family” and later “Education for the New World” before moving on to the heavy ones - “The Absorbent Mind” and “The Secret of Childhood”. Frankly, at the beginning, I was too skeptical if I'll get through even a single book. I somehow hadn't read much of non fiction books by then and I used to find it difficult to complete them. But with these books, I hung on to them from day one. My reading was protracted as it was confined to train journeys (I still had to work you know). So I found myself flipping back interestedly every time I restarted. I figured that I could relate to many of the thoughts and examples mentioned in the books in my own life. I found myself nodding along at many a point. The more I read, the more I was convinced of doing the course and the fellowship.

The books talked about the need for the child in a family should be treated as an individual working at his own self development. They spoke about the amazing powers that children have at an young age which helps them to adapt to this World into which they are thrust upon. They also dwell on the Sensitive Periods that children have, which when harnessed methodically, can enhance the child's development manifold. But all these together drove down the truth that children learn by themselves. All adults can do is help them in the process by providing a conducive environment. The child is very similar to a seed which when given the appropriate conditions at the appropriate time and in appropriate amounts can grow into a fully blossoming tree.

The fellows had an orientation in June 2013 through book reading sessions and also certain preparations needed for us to work with children of the 3-6 year age group. The preparations predominantly focused on how we need to be humble and let the children always have the spotlight in the environment. The mantra was to always “Follow the child”. We also had sessions that helped us to be conscious of our own movements which will be always watched by the ever absorbent children. We brushed up our language skills and also were given tips on prioritizing which helped us later during the actual course.

All geared up for the Mumbai leg, three of us fellows began the actual course there. The first few days of the course was spent on the aspects of children that I spoke about earlier and how children change physically and emotionally as they grow up. We also had lectures on the human needs and tendencies that drive and help the children in their process of self development. Then more particularly, we understood the characteristics exhibited by the children of the three to six year age group. Once this foundation was set, we proceeded towards how the environment needs to be prepared for the children to develop. The usual materials that form the part of this environment were broadly classified as Exercises of Practical Life, Sensorial and Culture. Culture included Language, Math, Botany, History etc. The major part of the course was covering these materials on why they are used, how they were designed, how they are to be shown to children, the major aims of them and when we should show them to the children. The reinforcement of the earlier theory can be seen in the designing of these materials and this can be felt only by our practice with them repeatedly.

During the course, I slowly realised how things that I liked to do came in handy. I had to juggle between travel, cooking, running to schools, attending lectures, running a marathon, reading, loads and loads of writing, illustrating, material making, painting and some football as well. I used to be an active participant in the Craft classes in school – ever enthusiastic to paint or stitch. These were called for during illustrating or material making. Running was a wonderful time to listen to your body and gave me the calmness that was needed to live in the moment. This helped me greatly to think and consciously act. My tryst with ink pens was re-ignited through the need to write my albums worth a 1000 pages. My constant obsession to plan or organise helped me manage my time and energy during the course. The ever constant craving to live away from parents on my own made me cook as well!

It was towards the end of the course that we had to write the essay on Indirect Preparation. But I had seen it coming all along that like I predicted there wasn't any lecture on that. This was the essence of Montessori according to me. The cherished experiences in life at one point will come back in your life at the hour of need later. These past experiences, if they were ones that were underwent willingly and with concentration, serves you as a boon. You seem to do things that you never considered you will do, but seem to be always prepared to do it. It was a coming together of several seemingly unrelated things. The Montessori environment for the children is based on this very essence. When the children are probably in the environment you may or may not see the changes happening, but when they do blossom out, it seems a miracle.

Our trainer always used to say, the Montessori course is just the First Period – an introduction, to understand Montessori. The Second Period – period of association, is much much longer. The Third Period is the one of mastery. I have just stepped into the second period...

Montessori and Me - Part I: How it all Started..

Disclaimer: I would like to clarify that by Montessori, I mean the philosophy that Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, put forth for helping the young minds of the world live in this World. I use the word live here because after all, quoting Dr. Montessori, education is a way of life.

The above disclaimer shall be repeated (hoping against hope that this will be a first of many posts) keeping in mind, new readers who might chance through this blog :). So plow straight ahead the next time ;).

I have been repeating myself over the past year and half as to what I am doing with my life, so I plan to dedicate this first post to try and explain myself and how my tryst with Montessori began.

It was my second year in college when I was all enthused and very eager to attend my first lectures on Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at the fabled National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli. I hung on to every word (that I could make sense of) the first  few weeks. But soon I found my interest slipping away. One of the things I am proud (not all times though) of inheriting from my parents is I think too much. So with one such retrospection, I wondered how I could not like the lectures I so wanted to be in (getting into ECE there is another story).

The cross examining of myself led to the fact that my seed of interest was probably not brought up in a conducive manner. I have to admit. I was not one to read books on my own to learn something new. Maybe, I never cultivated the habit or maybe I didn't realise I had to. So school passed, thanks to all the wonderful teachers I had at Bhaktavatsalam Vidyashram and the last two years at DAV, Mogappair (not all at DAV). But now, I was all at sea in college. The lectures seemed droning, barring one or two (there were more in the later years, but it was too little too late). I was barely clinging on to my interest. It was hard to self-learn when the interest passes away. But somehow, I scraped through the year (and the later ones as well for that matter).

The other line of thought focused on the lecturers. They hardly seemed to care about what they were lecturing on. They had certain things to say and they said that, but not with any kind of passion or the will to pass on some knowledge. (More on this can be found here at my earlier post.) I started to think how difficult it would be to actually say what you knew in a manner that was liked by the rest.

Opportunity presented itself in the form of C++ (Oh! I love C++ from school days) classes for juniors through a club in college. I tried my hand, though with only few juniors to listen. I thought it went ok. (it was only for 3-4 days though as we had a very low response towards the end)

The other opportunity was through SPIRIT-ED which was more of a challenge. Handling 30 enthusiastic 6th to 9th graders once or twice a week to pass on knowledge about computers in about 45 minutes, was a lot about planning and managing time. Again the children seemed to respond well (which was more due to the fact that it was about computers and not because of me).

The experiences felt good for me and so the idea of a teacher got stuck. But three years of scraping through meant I hardly knew about ECE. Predictably my GATE results fell flat. (Also, thanks to my desires for voluntary work in innumerable situations). One thing was sure. I should not be a lecturer in ECE department in any college, if anyone else should not suffer what I did. The idea temporarily shelved I joined Athenahealth.

Then, I looked for more such opportunities once I started working. Then MAD (Make A Difference) and Bhumi happened. I took up teaching English rather than Math (which is always my favourite) as I believed my favouritism to Math was in-born, thanks to my parents -both working in banks. I always was naturally attracted to numbers and geometry and I never can recall how I learned them or imbibed the interest in them. But English was different. I had to struggle to improve my vocabulary, my speech and general conversation. Having fairly overcome this, thanks to innumerable opportunities at Bhaktavatsalam Vidyashram and NIT Trichy, I could understand some of the difficulties, if not all, that young minds faced with regard to learning English.

I was impressed with the curriculum and training at offer at the NGOs and how they were supposed to help the children initially. I was a regular, saturday 10 am to 12 noon teacher at centers in Chennai for the first two years. I was fairly able to execute my lesson plans during the first two years and again the children seemed to reflect the effort - a proud moment then being one of my class children winning a spelling bee contest across all centers we were handling. At the same event the first seeds of doubt were sowed with regard to the needless competition we seemed to have created. Some tears were being spilt while I was proudly looking at my child.

The third year at a center, I took up friday evening classes, thanks to some volunteer shortage. Man, that was challenging. Children who were knackered after school had to be taught English and our lesson plans were to be executed. First two weeks I remember closing classes at 7 40 pm (scheduled being 7 pm) simply because they had come late. I knew soon, it wasn't working. I had to re-invent myself to keep their interests and needs in mind and in class. I found Mosquito bands that were a need and converted them as an opportunity to get them to class early. But children showed me even better. I used to limit the bands to five to reward early birds. But halfway through the class, they naturally began to share. I was amazed. Meawhile, I started to find out each of their interests and tried to work the class around them, trying to give individual attention and group attention at the same time. It worked to some extent. More importantly, I finally seemed to have caught their attention. They actually looked forward to my class. But I felt that was still a work in progress. That year end I just made sure we did not have any competition but just a workshop from which all who attended (budget constraints meant we had to choose only a few per class) benefited.

A long time ago, a friend of mine had mentioned in passing about the Montessori philosophy in a CRY volunteer meeting. On further questioning him then, all I came to know was that it was a philosophy that avoided competition and arouse the interest of the children naturally. The organisation which he was working with then threw open a fellowship in December 2011. I saw it the first time and was interested on the outset and my eyes lit up when it mentioned a year is to be spent on Montessori training, but failed to grab the opportunity then. My third year at the NGO (2012-13) turned out to be the last nail that spurred me onto apply for it in December 2012- January 2013. And that is how it all started...

Those Tendulkaresque Moments...

2003. In two days' time I had my tenth Social Science exam. I was easily among the toppers in the 150 odd batch of students in the subject and was expected to be in the 90s atleast. But there was this minor thing on March 1st, the epic India v Pakistan match at the World Cup. A stiff target of 270 odd. My dad who had actually taken off a week or two I think to coincide with my study holidays didn't even have the heart to stop me! Both us being cricketers, atleast at a local club level, enjoyed THAT scintillating six over point and we both knew that that signalled an end of day's study for me! I, unsurprisingly to me, ended up with an 85 but Tendulkar got the 97 for me ;).

Same year. Same WC. March 23rd 2003. The final. Tenth board exams over. Time out! Everyone of my cousins had gathered at my house for the day. The pasting we got all over Johannesberg not withstanding, we still wanted to see India fight. We geared up for the chase and the first over began. That not-so-convincing pull for four. Hope. Next ball the caught and bowled. Shattered!

1998. Midnight. Damn power cuts. Sharjah. Missed the 143 during the sand storms. Sat down the next day for some glorious batting on his 25th birthday! The cup was ours. Period.

1999. Day 2. At chepauk for the India v Pakistan test. 3 balls played. Caught at point trying to play Saqlain with the spin. Disappointed. Missed the second innings marathon 136. The tears. The shame.

2001. Again at chepauk. Day 3. India vs Australia. Perfect day. The Dravid six of Gillespie over long off over the MCC stand right after tea and the Tendulkar six of Miller over D stand vividly in my memory!

Finally 2013. February. Last test at Chennai. At chepauk. Went there only for three hours of play. The perfect three hours. I enter and soon we were two down. Cometh the man. Three balls - three exquisite fours. Worth every second I spent getting fried in the chennai sun. The next day couldn't go. He couldn't make the 100 as well.

Now though I have loads and loads to write and study for my Montessori diploma, I take these few minutes to remember that one man who I grew up watching. I may not get to bid him farewell even though am in Mumbai (thanks to everyone who gets those complementary tickets), but here's to that one wonderful ray of hope even in the deepest of darkness through twenty odd years of Indian cricket. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

P.S: This blog was inspired by a Sidin Vadukut's tweet!

A Redonkulous Day

Mumbai. The previous times I had been here, my ventures out with my cousins mostly have been in private vehicles and not much of public transport. Now that I am here for a year on my own, public transport had to play an important role. Being from Chennai, I have an aversion for autos! I hardly used to use them there (save that one month in Feb 2010 which led to this post). Naturally, here too I avoid them in spite of the meters. But then there was this one day...

The day began at a nominal 6:30 am. The morning rush to get ready with some ad hoc cooking meant I left only by 8 10 am. I had to be in a Santacruz school by 9 am and I stay at Charkop, Kandivali. Had to take an auto to the station if I had any sense. Took one. Reached station by 8 25. Paid around 50. I had the necessary money though I thought I'll be short.

The station is were I had an absolute brain fade to catch a fast train rather than a slow which would take me direct to Santacruz. My reason being, already it was late, I would get something from Andheri. The plan went alright till Jogeshwari, but just past, the train was shifted to the fast line and was halted at a signal. A slow train went past. Then my train ambled to the station. Clock read 8 45. I fought my way out. Ran to the slow train platform to find the train that just came in leave. Screwed! I ran to get an auto just fed up!

The exit I took led me to a one way that went opposite to santacruz side. Wretched luck. I had only 50+ in my pocket (after finding a few hidden notes later and scrambling all coins) and I calculated that if he went round about I'm gonna be short. I ran towards SV road and managed to get an auto. With my eyes pleading with the meter, I reached my school by 9 15 @52 bucks. My directress was chill. Saved!

12 15 I leave. With only 5 bucks going to Santacruz station with no ATMs on the way was pointless. So caught an auto to Bandra, telling autowala that I need to go to an ATM if he is to be paid. He took me to the first ATM on the link road. Just as I was getting down, he braked hard and I banged my knee on the edge. I thought it was alright until I reached the ATM. Inside, as I typed to get my money, I felt a shooting pain on my knee. I touch and feel drops of blood on my off-white pyjama. The ATM on cue beeps saying no 500s only in 1000s. Without thinking I typed a 1000 and got it. The moment I stepped out I realised no autowala is going to give me a change for 1000. Damned!

So I ask him to stop at a chemist, so that I can get something for my knee and get change. The wonderful people there said no change but offered their band-aids for credit! Stunned! I haven't even seen them before. I gave them the 5 bucks I had and got two. But still no change for my 1000. I suggested to the autowala to go to a super market. He had a better idea or so I thought - petrol pump.

So we went to the Bharat Petroleum outlet on link road close to Bandra. Auto had to stop opposite side. I slowly cross the road and ask the first cashier. He says NO. Next cashier said ask someone inside. Then I go further in where a cashier is counting the collections and ask him. He said NO on the face. Flabbergasted!

I literally begged him and told him my auto was waiting and am coming straight from an ATM. He thought hard before giving me ten 100s. I thanked him and got onto the auto. Autowala then explained that petrol pump people have been conned to give change for fake notes, so the hesitation. I got to Bandra without any further hitches reached my institute. Relieved!

An environment day special!

It was the month of December. The Chennai autumn was unusually chilly and I needed some more warmth. Warmth in my mind and not the physical warmth. A satisfaction of taking care of something. Something of my own. Something that depends on me, that lives with me but cannot live without me. The sense of responsibility. The sense of a routine.

That's when I met Pari. She lived in a packet hanging onto dear life. She was budding and young, ready to sprout into a matured and beautiful adult. It was friendship at first sight. I decided it has to be her. I got her a new home. A bigger home. With all the support that she needed. I carried her away from her foster home and adopted her to be my own.

She promised a lot to me as well. The friend who listened to me in all adversity, silently and patiently. Swaying away from side to side understanding my worries and concerns. The mentor who showed me the patience required to make every budding idea into fruitful results. The tutor who taught me that in every branch lost in life is a firewood gained to kindle new thoughts. The teacher who instilled in me the value, every breath of air lived to help someone else adds more life to oneself. The big sister who provided me the shade required when scorched by the heat of this world. The mother who took care of me, fed me and never asked me a why or a what.

All this for some water in exchange everyday. She was the best. The spring was impending. She was blooming and bursting. There could be nothing that goes wrong. Or so I thought.

Then they came. The swarming worms who just cannot stand looking at somoeone who gives something to them. They wanted more. More and more. Pari, was willing to give. She gave and gave. Gave and gave. But one cannot keep giving forever. She had to take back something or die. Sadly, the worms never understood this, nor could she tell them. Her demise was a great blow to me. But even in her death, Pari just told me "Life is short dear. Live it to the fullest, the way you can".

A Story to Tell (continued)...

He was climbing and climbing. Non-stop. Relentless. Inch by inch. Foot by foot. The summit was in sight. With that final spurt of energy, he pushed himself to the top. There he stood, bathed in happiness of reaching the peak. The glow within him seemed to have oozed out. He then realised that the sun was just coming out on the east. He turned east to witness that red ball bounce out of the horizon, like it does every other day. The glory and splendour of this 2-D circle was simply marvellous at this early hour. He was simply fortunate to be there.

Meanwhile, behind him, there fell a gloom. While he took in the morning rays on his body, there were clouds gathering thick and fast behind him. He turned around to see the gathering mists of water ready to collide with each other and spill out their content on him. It was a sight to behold too. Who doesn't love to get drenched in a rain? Especially after all the climbing and hiking!

He was confused, though. On one side, there was this beautiful sun with all its energy ready to shower him with Vitamin-D. On the other side, there was respite from the all sweat and grime gathered in the wee hours of the morning. He was confused which one he wanted. The glory of the morning or the gloom of the rewarding rain. He decided he'll close his eyes and decide.

It was then, that he wished, how nice it would be to ask someone to choose for him! While his mind cast around finding who that someone could be, his eyes simply created the answer for him. He opened his eyes and saw her. She was draped in green matching the wonderful background, with those eyes, buzzing like honey bees, that could pull him in like an iron to a magnet. She was smiling and she radiated energy like the sun to him. She was welling up in the eyes, at the same time, ready to throw herself on his shoulders and drench him completely. He was immobile. Stunned. Thrilled. She was walking. Slowly. Towards him. Closer and closer. Closer and closer. He could hear her footsteps now.

Dhoom! Dhoom! Dhoom! Did the rain start? Are the thunders striking? She was very near him. He could see the flutter of those eyelashes. DHOOM! DHOOM! DHOOM! The thunder was almost upon him. He realised there were pellets of water hitting him. She was barely a foot away from him, but somehow not drenched by the rain. And with one final DHOOOM he heard his brother calling out "What the hell are you doing in the bathroom for so long?".

He opened his eyes, turned off the shower and stepped out into reality.

P.S: I am back :D

BPL - The World Cup Hangover!

India won the World Cup to our immense joy on Saturday, the 2nd of April 2011. The Marina in Chennai at midnight was jam packed. Parties all over the city (and nation) went well into the night. It was a sin if you slept before 2 am! Inspite of all this there were this manic few who managed to get up early on the morning of Sunday, the 3rd of April 2011 and make it to BPL! BPL? Is it the Barclays Premier League? Oh no! It is the Bhumi Premier League, the cricket tournament held between the volunteers of various projects of Bhumi!

With a week's notice time, each of the four teaching projects of Bhumi came up with a team and a team name. The Dynamites from Dronacharya and Eklavya (DnE), the Kalakkal Kanini team, the GhiLE from the Little Einsteins (LE) and the MAD Madrasters XI were all set for the biggest cricket extravaganza of Bhumi! The Kalakkals and the Dynamites were the most punctual teams in that order and hence were blessed to play the first match when the sun was just about rising!

The first match proved to be an absolute run feast with the Dynamites sending the Kalakkals on a leather hunt. With a stiff target oh 120+ in 8 overs at hand, the Kalakkal Kanini went about their chase nonchalantly. Just when we thought the Kalakkals will be the runaway winners, a final over come back by Dynamites meant the game was tied and a super over was called for. It proved second time lucky for Kanini as they emerged winners!

Conversely, the second match witnessed some disciplined bowling from both GhiLE and MADrasters XI. MADrasters, batting first, set a modest target of 85 in 8 overs. The chase by GhiLE started of sluggishly, but picked up momentum past the halfway mark in their innings. With 11 required of the last 2 balls, two stunning sixes proved to be the clincher in this humdinger.

While the boys sweated it out in the sun, the girls split themselves to prepare refreshments and also cheer the teams on! The refreshments included the standard bread butter jam, fruit juices and a certain special drink which no one knows the name for. The drink's recipe was rumoured to have been trashed as soon as the drink was made. Nevertheless, most of us had second helpings and enjoyed it. Moving on, the finals between GhiLE and Kalakkal Kanini turned out to be a one sided affair. GhiLE with its continued disciplined bowling restricted Kalakkals to a modest score of 70 and knocked off the same with an over to spare and emerged comfortable winners of BPL. The biggest winners though were the HR team that put together this gala event which turned out to be a wonderful get together for the hard working volunteers. Three cheers to them!!!

Farewell my dear!

At the ripe old age of twenty one,

Began my affair obvious to everyone.

Through sweltering heat, sweat and grime,

I fought for her to be always mine.

She grew upon me, as time went by

And none could take her place, thereby.

Attention she drew, wherever I went,

A boon she was, that man didn't have to invent

They said she was soft, they said she was shiny.

They said she was cute, they said she was curly.

At times she went wild upon me,

And an hour begone, tame became she.

Until this day, I am happy to say,

I let my beloved be happy and sway.

But today! All the very best I wish you,

For, Oh my dear hair! I am going to miss you!!

-Irah

Venkatagiri Trek - Part II: 'CHEER UP! The worst is yet to come!'

It was a pleasant morning. The camp fire was dying down slowly and the sun raising up the horizon. With a very comfy sleeping bag I enjoyed a warm night's sleep with my pullover's hood doing its part in keeping the cold away. After a quick refreshment, we trooped to an amazing view, near the camp, of the peak we set out to conquer. After a quick photo session there, we started packing out things and were set to leave the comforts of our camp by about 8 am.

After a small confusion on the trial to be taken we hit the right path for the steep climb down. I should mention here, that thoughts of reaching the peak was aborted and everyone were set to enjoy the return. Slowly in batches we climbed down the steep trial back to the cross-streams and by 11 30 am we were all down, except for two. The first thing everyone did after coming

down was to jump into the pools around

and take a long dip. The small cascades of water nearby were too inviting to skip. It was a wonderful refreshment after the demanding climb down.

Meanwhile, the more senior members of the trek, curbed their instincts to set up the cook pots for some soothing tea and tasty soupy noodles. Thanks to them, all the hungry souls who emerged out of the pools had a wonderful and filling lunch. After enjoying ourselves till about 1 30 pm near the cross-streams we began our retreat. The two missing members came down through another trial while we were about to leave. It was decided that while some (which turned out to be half) of the others will stay back give those two company, the others will proceed with the villager in the lead.

The old villager led the lead pack at a flat dead pace, that was well kept up by the group. With breaks twice every three hours and one long break to make sure our fellow group of trekkers caught up with us at a major crossing, we still made it to our base camp without any delays as dusk set in at about 7 pm. Then began the long wait for the group that followed us. With little or no communication about them until about 9 pm, we were sure they were lost.

Two of the group that already reached decided we will need to head back and find them. They wanted a third and I volunteered. And so began the rescue mission.

Trekking in the night is so much different from that in the day. The obvious trial that we followed a day ago in broad sunlight was not so seemingly obvious in the darkness of the night. We had one off the trial detour which was enough to tell us that we could not do this without more help. We called up the remaining guys at the base camp and told them to get some villagers for help.

Meanwhile, as suggested by Nagin (who was one of the other 2 rescuers) we started laying markers to mark our trial. Soon, we hit the right trial and were on our way. We reached a point on the trial where none of us could predict the right path. So we decided we'll wait for more help at a known location than get lost ourselves. We waited for about 15 minutes at the dirty stream crossing. Help, in the form of 4 energetic villagers, soon arrived. They led us at a sure pace through the forest to our friends in another half hour. Finally the entire team of 50+ trekkers reached the base camp safely by midnight and back to Chennai in the morning. All along in my mind, I thought the T-shirt I wore that day said it all: 'CHEER UP! The worst is yet to come!'. Thus ended the trek that I enjoyed and learnt a lot.

New Year's Eve

It was 3:45 am in the morning. Masoom and me had missed our stop at Sulthan Bathery. We got down at a place called Kalpetta and the night still cold and unrelenting. Ambling across the road we seated ourselves at the bus stop to re-track our way back to Sulthan Bathery. After a 15 minute endurance wait we got into a bus that will take us to our destination in what we thought would be an hour's time. We were wrong. It took us only 30 minutes. Welcome to Kerala - God's own country!

We soon met up with Justin, who had found a room for us to crash in that unearthly hour. After reaching our dorm, we killed time chatting or sleeping (in my case) until about 7 am. A quick bath and a refreshing breakfast @Indian Coffee house, we were ready for the Chembra peak, the highest peak in Wayanad District. Passing through the winding, twisting and scenic lanes of Ambalavayal, Vaduvanchal, Meppady (where we quickly shopped some fruits and grub for the trek) towns in Justin's Swift, we reached the base camp of the peak by about 9 30 am.

The peak, 2100m above sea level, was nestled among the protected forests of Kerala. We had to obtain a pass of Rs. 500 (valid for a group not more than ten in number) for a trek to the peak. What was more surprising is that the forest officer demanded Rs 200 as deposit against the plastic bottles we were carrying uphill. We happily paid the deposit. It was really heartening to

know that atleast one state in India cares about its tourist spots and reserved forests (as we saw the trend continued throughout our trip). We also got a guide, one Mr. Mohan Raj, father of two girls, who led us up the trial.

We were allowed to drive another four plus kilometers before we pulled into a parking area and began the trek at about 10 am. Initially we hiked for about 2 km to reach the watch tower, after which the real trek began. The trek basically consisted of crossing 6 peaks and a lake before reaching the actual peak. Ten minutes into the climb, we were soon panting. The incline was as such, and the inclination further was relentless. Half way up the first of the peaks, we found a trickling stream of water that was cold and refreshing! Rejuvenated, we reached the first peak in good time and had a quick photo session.

We had a brief respite in the form of some flat terrain after the first peak. But that was just a teaser. The climb got steeper and tiring. Two more peaks past, we reached what was called the Hridayasagar lake (so named for its heart shaped bank). The lake lives up to its name and serves as a perennial source of drinking water for the wildlife existing in the forest. We also got to see the now prohibited camping area near the lake. Unfortunate that camping there was banned since a forest fire broke out few years ago, destroying some part of the forest and the wildlife.

Soon we were back up the trial in quest of the peak. We passed, what our guide knowledgeably guessed as elephant and leopard trials, but never came across the owners of the same. Maintaining a steady banter and pulling each other's legs we reached the peak at about 1 pm for some of the stunning views. It was peaceful and breath taking. We just couldn't stop clicking on our camera! And in about 15 minutes we were soon covered by mists on almost all sides. More reason to take out the camera! We were snapping away for sometime and lo! it was time to start the descent.

The climb down was surely faster but the incline was such that, we (at least I) felt our knees taking in a lot of pressure. So after a steady and slow one and half hour climb down we were back at the parking area. Justin with his 'mallu' bonding with Mr. Mohan Raj got us to enjoy a refreshing dip at a stream flowing near the base camp.

The water was super clean and super cold! After splashing around for sometime, we were off. We caught a quick bite on the way at Meppady.

Our next stop was at Ambalavayal to get some food packed for the night. By 7 pm, we met up with the owner of our to-be camping site for the night and by 7 30 pm we were at the place! Our campsite was to be a rocky area covered by a forest on one side and an upcoming resort (which the owner is yet to complete) on the other side. Masoom and myself quickly set about setting up the tent at the campsite. Justin meanwhile, helped the owner and the caretaker set up the bonfire. By eight we were all set!

The night was cool, the fire blazing and pitch darkness all around us. The tent set sturdy, just a few feet away from the fire with comfortable sleeping bags waiting for the occupants. It was a perfect new year's eve for the three of us! We settled around the fire chatting and munching, on and on, on and on. In between we did our best to keep the fire ablaze until midnight.There was enough firewood and oil to last two nights! Soon it was time for the countdown and out came the cake we bought on the way. 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...Welcome 2011!!