March 6 2020
Last week I began to pen  down my thoughts to mark the end of winter and welcome the spring.

but had to keep my work aside.

As my grandchild arrived 

and sat along my side.

But then when I picked up my pen again the whole scenario changed.

See what I wrote before ------;;;

Bye bye winter, take your snowy winds along

Let the quilts and blankets 

take rest for nine months long.

It's time to say adieu to

Heavy attires,coats, sweaters,

Caps scarfs,socks and gloves.

Wardrobes filled with winter stuff

are tired of managing everything rough.

And now -----------

But oh no! winter has no mood to leave

It  has knocked the doors again

I can't easily believe.

Rain pours and winds blow hard.

Sun peeped a little while and hid behind a thick cloud.

The message from above

 is clear and loud---

 Enjoy the weather cool and winds strong

before the days that are tiresome and long.

Spring won't last long.

Then the Sun will shine 

with all it's might

From heat and sweat,

there will be no respite.

Days  too hot to move around

Noise of fans , ACs, all around.

During the evenings mosquitos hold the ground.

Green peas,red carrots won't be found.

So enjoy the prolonged winter 

 and  for prolonged spring we pray.

We l know nature will have it's own way.

My struggle with cancer

My struggle with Cancer

Till 2014 had devoted my time and attention wholeheartedly towards teaching. Being Examination incharge and HOD social Science I initiated innumerable innovations in teaching learning process. Change over to computerised system. Mock parliament, Mock UN, heritage walks etc.

Too much dedication to school when side by side with home management.

1914 I felt as a free bird to live in my own terms.Retirement brought much needed peace and joy. I had totally neglected my personal care till then. I began to plan for pursuing my hobbies.

Morning walk, enjoying morning tea in the balcony with lovely view.

There were hard times too in family

Specially my daughter, though very successful her professional life and as supporting joint family of in laws, suffered physical health problems and mental stress.

But then came in 2015 Aashvik who brought long awaited joy in our lives.

We thoroughly enjoyed the role of grandparents while she devoted her time in her professional career.

All were busy now looking after our hyper active bundle of joy.

1916 saw sudden and unexpected transformation in my life as well all my family members.

Everything is different since then

Thank God it all happened after retirement

October 2016, suddenly one day I noticed that whenever I went to fill water from RO I would rush to wash room. Then colour of urine began to change and I noticed,  blood in my urine. Tests revealed urine infection Ecoli .Antibiotics helped to deal with infection.

But other symptoms persisted and so further went for further tests and ultrasound,

Result- diagnosed stones in bladder.

urologist suggested cystoscopy

On the operation table I overheard doctor exclaiming and remarking 'Achha Aisa bhi kabhi hota hai'!

He explained later that large tumour instead of stones had been detected and had been removed removed.

Biopsy report revealed malignant carcinoma.

Further investigations through PET Scan diagnosed cysts in abdomen lymph nodes, illiac left lumbar and a little cyst in left lung too.In short stage 4 cancer.

My son who is replica of my attitude towards life said 'Mummy, thank God apka Dil air dimaag bilkul perfect hai'

 Dr.Geeta at Max Noida who referred to Oncology team Max Patparganj.

January 2017 began With FNAC and diagnosis of high grade malignant carcinoma termed as stage 4 cancer.

Then began my quiet Google search too which revealed about 5 years survival rate in top 15 percent patients.

That did not deter me from my positive attitude or my normal life activity.

The only apprehension in my mind was chemotherapy which was the only alternative.

Meeting with Dr. Meenu Walia and further chemo cycles in Info daycare started my new phase of treatment and gradual disappearance of the fear from chemotherapy.

It was comfortable and whole team daycare staff was friendly. Atmosphere was pleasing and comfortable.

At home I began thorough and comparative search of negative effects of chemo, alternative home remedies,diet, supplements etc 

On line purchases of nuts,seeds , berries, coconut water, sanitizers etc. Cancer began to change my lifestyle for better. Better diet habits, elimination of sugar , healthy food habits.

Faith in God strengthened.

Since 2016 I had to undergo  CT scans around 6 times , fnac, Four times TURBT after necessary tests followed by chemo cycles,and so many CBCs,KFTs,LFTs,

All this involved uber rides,OPDs, TPA formalties, and dependance on medicines for maintaining required CBC levels, blood(rare blood group ab negative)  and platelets transfusion .But all this was endured by us in good spirits

I became strong enough to for chemo all alone , complete formalities and return by midday.

Thorough googling for alternative diet change in food habits, maid for long hours, almost restricting my cooking ,baking experiments or physical activities around the house. Few tuitions dragged on till 2017 but then decided to discontinue.

Aashvik has been my lifeline, caring for me, playing and laughing with me and made life enjoyable inspite of difficult times.

Family stood by me like a pillar providing all possible support. My husband, my son, my daughter and son in law, sister and brother.

They too seemed to have emerged stronger psychologically facing challenged , balancing job and hospital rounds.

My sister and brothers gave support and their Good wishes kept me going.

One positive impact of the chemo sessions was my inclination towards writing down my thoughts during sleepless nights.

Poetry became my passion.

Interest in solving crosswords and sudoku revived. Lifestyle changed for better.God has been kind enough for  keeping me strong and dealing with problems positively.

Books authored by my schoolmate helped in reviving old memories. Knitting

All these months,I surfed Facebook and came in close touch with my schoolmates and University friends from Shimla and arranged get togethers. in NCR.

Unexpected meeting with old friends has worked wonders। Life has rejuvenated with revival of age-old memories.

March 2020 on one hand changed the whole world with Covid 19 as if God needed to quarentine the earth and rectify the behaviour of human beings who had started taking everything for guaranteed.

On the other had the PET Scan revealed the healing of basic trouble area in my body but spread of my disease in adjoining ares.

Chemo was delayed due to covid but then there were signs of growth and pain.

Thus again my struggle has begun. I am not a kind of person to get defeated easily.

The newly founded Shimla Group on Facebook had multiplied the joys in life.

But life is actually tough for me now. I have AB negative blood group a rare one. So I hope some miracles to happen  and help me in reviving my health completely.

For I have miles to go before I sleep.

 *I can see the change*

Yes there is wave
Of change all over.
The streets are much cleaner.
No more stinking  garbage heaps,
Early morning  I see workers in jackets green,
busy in sweeping the roads clean.
Trollies, garbage trucks with supervisors following up
Public utility and pink toilets have been built up.
The roadsides look beautiful
with paintings and gardens vertical .
making Noida clean and green.

Commuting is so easy with e tickets, Uber and Ola Cabs
 Metros, AC buses ,
Flyovers and underpasses,
expressways and fastags.

Online banking and
shopping , Swiggy and online food deliveries ensure life of ease,

Yes there is a change
Cloth bags are  now in vogue
suddenly pushing away polythenes from the back door.
 Men and women
carry huge bags and trollies in weekly markets.
Paying with paytm and Bhim to the street vendors.
Chaat wala wear gloves while serving yummy gol guppas

Yes there is a change,
People share responsibility
and give much more in charity.
They love to care and share.
Of and on there is free food langar.

Yes there is a wave of change

People are aware of their rights.
Poor kids enjoy going to school
They learn to follow the rules.

But amidst this
sea of change
 negative forces are working for narrow gains.

Be more rational,
beware of forces  anti national.
Beware of cyber fraud
Never forward  messages of hate
in the name of God.

Amidst this change
Have self discipline and control
and socialise more.
Find time to go out and walk
Take time with kids and old to talk.
All need care and have feelings to share.

Rainy days have their own charm
Though they are sultry and warm
Skies draped in thick cloud,
Pour rain with thunder loud.
Raindrops falling on the ground
Create a lovely musical sound.

Morning scene from my balcony
Is like a treat for the eyes
Leaves of different colours and size,
Borne by trees of various kind
refresh and rejuvenate my mind.

On these trees
with dark leaves
and branches strong,
variety of beautiful birds throng

Nesting together mynas,crows, pigeons and squirrels

Live together without quarrels.

Shades on grassy lawn
depict the daily dawn
Filled with energy

from the unrelenting sun

The radiant rays of the sun
shoo away the  mosquitos
While bees and  butterflies
get busy enjoying nectar
from the trees
with silent frolic and fun.

My opinion
May 2019

Just likeMahatma Gandhi emerged on indian politics in 1915. to steer the nation out of poverty and injustice and became an internationally acknowledged figure.
Similar is the case of Modi to have emerged on Indian political scenario when  matters are different.
We can call it the second phase of struggle.
It involves change via govt.policies,  genuine upward mobility away from caste and class politics.
It is well said, 'there are two classes.One the poor and uneducated and the others who will help these poor to steer out of poverty.
 Government has the task to empower both. The poor to be empowered to embrace change  themselves  with the support of entrepreneurs.
 The others_ get the support of govt.laws to implement their progressive plans inclusive of environment and human health issues.
Sudha

First Morning after Retirement

1st April 2014 at the dawn ,
life became so different for me.

Never had I felt so free

As a bird to venture in my own domain,

For the whole day at home I would remain.

Unbound by hectic time schedule ,

decided to live by my own rule.

Watched the school bus drive past 

for a while waiting for me,

While I sipped my tea morning tea 

sitting with the newspaper in my balcony.
I wasn't there to meet the lively  tiny tots
wishing- 'good morning ma'am' in the school bus

No more morning assembly, no more attendance
but watched the birds chirping and butterflies dance.
Instead of moving up and down the stairs  to reach the classes
I was engrossed in solving crossword wearing glasses.

So many years had gone by in the company of the young
and now the time had come to care for those who cared for me when I was young.

Childhood : A unique and unforgettable phase of my life. At Melrose Cottage

Childhood : A unique and unforgettable phase of my life.

At Melrose Cottage

During my early childhood days 

Spent in Melrose Cottage, Life was different.All siblings lived together.These were the days of our schooling and education, playing, teasing,laughter and enjoyment.

We grew up with Arya Samaj system of thought and of course a life of discipline associated with it. For  everyone, elder or younger we used the suffix ‘ji’ .This tradition still continues.

Pitaji the head of the family was too busy with his legal profession to care for the household chores with at least 8-12 members including relatives.But still ensured perfect control.

Mati ji was a very dedicated and hardworking woman .

To ensure division of household labour each member was assigned duties according to his or her abilities.

The extraordinary or unique feature of our family tradition was the family meeting on Sunday evening.It began with a prayer 'Ab saunp Diya is jeevan ka sab bhaar tumhare haathon mein', and the Gayatri Mantra.

I being the youngest , insisted on standing on the table for singing.

It was a meeting with an agenda and all reporting to pitaji as presiding person.Maiji as vice President and if I am not mistaken Navin ji as the secretary who would note down the minutes.Non performer of duties was taken to task.All important matters were reported and discussed.

The Arya Samaj Tradition : 

Every Sunday morning there was hawan and chanting of Vedic mantras hymns for which we had small booklets.The aroma of hawan samagri filled the surroundings and there's purification of air too as offerings were available in pure form.

Daily Life:

Life was enjoyable together. Since there was very less sunlight on our side  we went to a ‘pahari’ (as we called it) on the opposite side to dry clothes and basking in the sun.

Every morning  a bread Wala would come with a tin trunk on his head.It contained loafs of bread and bakery products.

I relished his milk biscuits, taste of which still lingers on in my taste buds.Since I was the youngest he jokingly scared me with his lond knife with while he made slices of bread in our presence.

Few incidents of Melrose life I recall quite often:

• Annandale ground / helipad was visible from our window.So annual Dussehra celebration we enjoyed watching from our home.Crowds of people went down the road below our house.They returned in the late hours with burnt Rawan ki lakdi.
• There was a steep slope below our house leading towards Kaithu.During winters we enjoyed and laughed at the people skidding and falling down on snow..(Of course it was morally wrong)
• Sledges were also used there.
• We used to play with snowballs.Navinji was quite adventurous and naughty. Once his snowball hit a respectable old person,Tiwari ji who reported to pitaji who had reached home .
• On holidays Bhupji and me also went to a pahari opposite State Bank with bhuna chana and makki ke dane.We collected banakshe ke phool ( Which were used as an ingredient for herbal cure for cough and cold)
• Once Rakshaji and her neighbourhood friends like Bhuma collected in an empty building opposie to our house for a get-together.They prepared halwa but if I am not wrong it was like what we named and teased as (leti)As ingredients were not properly cooked.
• We were quite close to Sharma family. Bhuma,Radha Ramesh?and Babbi the youngest friend of ours.
• We played cricket with the bat (dabotni) the equipment for washing clothes.Ball was made out of scores of old socks.
• Rakshaji and Bhupji studied in Lady Irwin school just above our house.we could hear the prayers etc.in our house.I was in St.Thomas.
• Others studied in Sanatan Dharam School.
• Once in the rainy season I wore a raincoat and forgot my schoolbag at home.
• Since it was a Christian missionary school, I would sing loudly my Christmas Carols and all others got chance to tease me.
• I remember Dev ji usually came to my school for payment of fees.On request there was double promotion in class one.
• Once I got less marks and out of fear I didn't get my report card signed from Pitaji
• (A confession) I think I tried to sign myself and was then teased by Navinji.( He was quite intelligent as well as naughty)
• I am told (though I didn't remember) that once I ate lot of sweat purus( I was fond of sweets) and jumped on the pile of quilts.(sugar rush?)Then fell down.
• Another confession of a secret which me and matiji knew.
• I also remember going often to school teachers lodge where I played with my friend Lata Ratnam.I had be called back home.

Now I would  invite inputs by my elders for their memories about Melrose Cottage.