Please support Kerala!

Dear Friends,

As you may know, Kerala (a state in south India),   is badly affected by heavy rain and flood. There are already 8 out of 14 districts are on RED alert. Many of the dams are opened due to the rising water levels. This also worsened the situations of its nearby areas. A huge number of people are affected and struggling to survive. They need our support to face & cross this testing phase.

Various organizations, govt institutions, NGOs and volunteers are tirelessly working to support the people affected. If you know any of these, you can provide your support through them. Kerala CM’s distress relief fund is another genuine and faster way to support for this cause. Adding the details of the account below. [Verified from CMO twitter handle, national news dailies, news channels and also personally done my contribution to the below account.]

CMDRF Account Details:

Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund, A/C No : 67319948232, Bank: State Bank of India, Branch: City Branch, Thiruvananthapuram, IFS Code : SBIN0070028

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Note: You may please do a google search on “Kerala Flood” to get all the current details & the level of impact in the region.  Adding a twitter link which gives a glimpse here

Thank you for understanding and supporting people in Kerala when it is really needed!

 

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കാർമുകിൽ വിരഹം തുടരുമ്പോൾ…

The below lines are written in continuation of my friend Akhila’s poem. It is a long pending agreement from me to add to her poem….Just an attempt. Not sure, how much justice to her beautiful poem. So please read her poem at  http://wordsandnotion.com/2016/09/30/കാര്‍മുകില്‍-വിരഹം/  before reading these lines….. Thank You!

Sailing

……..

കിളിപ്പാട്ട് തട്ടിയുടയുമീ വനാന്തര നിഗൂഢതയിൽ,
എന്റെ കർണ്ണങ്ങളിൽ ആരോ കാത്തിരിപ്പൂ,
ഉടയാത്ത താള വർണങ്ങൾക്കായി……!
അപ്പോഴാ മഴവില്ലിന്റെ ഓരത്ത്
കാണായി ഒരു സ്നേഹസൂര്യന്റെ
കൺചിമ്മും കിരണബിന്ദുക്കൾ…

നിന്റെ പ്രണയം പെയ്തൊഴിയാതെ
ബാക്കിയാവുന്നു…!


എങ്കിലും പാതികൂമ്പിയ മിഴികൾക്കു
വെളിച്ചത്തിന്റെ വെള്ളിവീഥിയിലും
കാണുവാനാകുന്നില്ല്ല, സത്യം…!
“നിന്‍റെ മാര്‍ഗ്ഗം പ്രണയമോ പ്രതികാരമോ,
എന്തിനെന്നെ നീ കൊല്ലാതെ കൊല്ലുന്നു”
ഇവിടെ ഈ വിരഹവേദിയിൽ
ഞാൻ ഒന്നുകൂടി കണ്ണടച്ചോട്ടെ…!

I will be back for sure!

He walked fast. He could not find anything interesting. He just wanted to get out! He just rushed.

“Papa, did you read the quote of Captain Vikram Batra?” Elder son anxiously asked him.

“What is so special about it?” He asked his son.

“It moved me, Papa!” His son looked serious and pointed to a poster.

His son’s face pushed him to read it!

“Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolor, or

I will come back wrapped in it,

but I will be back for sure.”

– Capt. Vikram Batra.

He looked at his son. His face was still illuminating!!

Captain Vikram Batra, PVC (9 September 1974 – 7 July 1999) was an officer of the Indian Army, posthumously awarded with the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest and most prestigious award for valour, for his actions during the 1999 Kargil War in Kashmir between India and Pakistan. He led one of the toughest operations in mountain warfare in Indian history. He was often referred to as ‘’Sher Shah’’ (“Lion King”) in the intercepted messages of the Pakistan Army.

Courtesy: wiki. Details: Capt. Vikram Batra wiki page.

This story note is derived based on our visit to Lalbagh Botanical Garden for Flower Show 2018.

Please visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden for “208th Lalbagh Flower show ” during August 4th to August 15. This year, flower show is dedicated to Indian armed forces. The theme for this year is  ‘Sevege Guvravarpane’ (showcase the freedom fighters), & has been chosen to inculcate patriotism and inspire children. (News)

Next Train…

emptyrailwaystation

He sat on the floor, behind the cargo carriage. He did not want to be seen hiding!
“Next train….?” He was just anxious to see it entering the station!

She sat on the floor, beside her daughter’s body! She did not want to be seen crying!
“My kids…..?” She was just anxious seeing her remaining two kids!

“Yes!” The train entered the station. He got into a hiding corner.

“Finally..!” She blinked to see her tender face. She grasped to kiss!

The train continued on its journey. He did not know where to! He just wanted to escape!

Her body was carried away. She knew where to! She grabbed the crying kids tightly. All three felt secure!!

People dispersed. Someone told someone: “She is a mom, she will live for those two kids, even if he ran away!”

Photo courtesy: Google Free license.

Claim..!

cyclelifting

He kept his silence for his father’s question…

“Did your mom claim hers?”
Waves continued strongly…

Why did I shout mine?!
“Last 5 years I have been working hard and taking care of you! Don’t you see?
Now I came by flight, only to see you! Don’t you understand??”

He continued to look at her still eyes…still sparkling…!
He kept his silence!

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
 -Abraham Lincoln

A Day at Sneha Care Home, Bangalore

We just returned after a week-long vacation in Ooty (will add a travelogue soon!:). It was a refreshing break for all of us.  However, the drive back was a bit tiring. Reached late evening. Soon we all realized – the next day the lil one is becoming 6 years. Within another 2 days, the elder will turn 13yrs…Birthday days ahead! 😉

Quickly we decided to have time with some of our friends in Sneha Care Home. Father Jaison was more than happy to welcome us! We reached there by lunchtime; even if the boys were really tired, they could make it happen! 😉

Though the number of kids was less due to vacation, they arranged a lovely surprise for both the boys!  A cake and lovely flowers! The group birthday wish was icing on the cake. I noticed a shining light on birthday boys’ face when they heard the group song for them!  🙂

At times, very small things can make a very big impact in your life!

BirthdayCake_SnehaCare

Thanks to Father Jaison for making it really heartful birthday for our boys…We felt blessed.

BirthdayCelebration

We had lunch with them and later went to see their candle making unit. They were busy in the process of completing 1000 numbers of special gift candles for a marriage. Father Biju showed us the process of candle making. They are trying to market it better so as to support inhabitants with an earning from their skills and work.

CandleUnit_SnehaCare  Candles_SnehaCare

There was another cool surprise for the boys waiting! Father Biju and Father Jaison quickly arranged very nice birthday gifts for the boys….beautiful fragrant candles!!

BirthdayGift

Later we spent some time in the garden and the boys enjoyed plucking mangoes! The birthday became very special this time, a blessed one! 🙂

Rather than saying bye, we said see you again…..!

Keep Smiling, Keep Shining!

Photos: Self, mobile(Honor 8 Pro)

About Sneha Care: Link: http://www.snehacarehome.org/Home.aspx

SnehaCareHome-School

It is a residential programme for children living with HIV, within the age group of 5 to 13 who have lost their parents or parent and their normal growth and development seem to be difficult in their home or community. They also take care of old people who do not have any other support for medicine and care. Both together, Sneha care home provides care and shelter for around 140 people.

We have been associating with Sneha Care for 2+yrs…

Please read the website for more information. Also if you want to support or know more, please contact Father Jaison-+917259605008 or Father Biju-+918050785674 (esp for the requirements for fancy fragrant candles for any occasion.)