Anuradha Sridharan

Continuing the tradition of 2005 and 2006 , it's time to work on the exercise of looking back on the year 2007. There were some areas where I focused upon very well and other areas where my focus has reduced. 1) Got enrolled to PGSEM course at IIMB this year. My dream to study in one of the best institutions has come true. The past six months have been eventful and a wonderful journey has just begun. 2) Worked on many projects at work that kept me busy throughout the year and has been a very good learning experience as well. 3) Was part of the Dream Newsletter team at Dream a Dream for three months. Took interviews of volunteers who were part of other programmes such as art, drama and summer camp. It was fun to take notes while asking questions and then creating an article out of the interview. Since my Saturdays are occupied by PGSEM classes these days, I couldn't contribute much to Dream a Dream this year. 4) Visited Kodaikkanal and Vythiri,Wayanad (first time to the N...

My contribution to Totally Optional prompts - Road signs redux A journey on a road called life mysterious signs are intuitions crossings and speed breakers around guiding directions are values option to stop and relax or take the highway and zoom past traffic signals to regulate, recognize and not stop aghast Pristine beauty all around A smooth ride it is! Potholes and bumps abound A rough ride it could be! excited and energetic dull and dragging, continue the drive the journey is the destination

My contribution to 3WW Words for this week - clumsy, fire, overlooked A posh car driving down 4th lane, RC Nagar in a misty morning is not something new. Ravi goes to the nearby park for a jog, parking his car right outside the main gate. Though it's hardly a kilometre from his villa, he prefers to drive down to the park and then start his jog. Switching on the heater, his fingers tapping the steering wheel for a Bryan Adams song, he feels the warmth of air swooping past his face. The rustling noise of the broomstick from the sides of the road doesn't reach his eardrums. Or does he purposely overlook the actions of people from the rest of the society? Muthu wonders. He is an employee of the Municipality and his daily duties are to sweep the roads and streets of RC Nagar and the neighbouring areas. His sweeping of the 4th lane and observing Ravi's car taking a turn towards RC Nagar has become an everyday affair happening at the same time in the early mornings. As a sweeper,...

My contribution to Monday Mural A universal language no words spoken, no pleasantries exchanged no adjectives needed intrigues every living being the presence of a companion hearts to share willingness to care realization of the soul that someone is mine, time stands still a message from the divine A sparkle in the eyes when soul mate is around, the magic of love spreads peace abound No moribund state in its life cycle pure bliss in eternity an unexplainable miracle

Immerse in fresh air smell the bloomed red roses admire the smile of an infant feel your breathing patterns Not a roller coaster ride that starts and ends in a few seconds, a graceful ballet is life that has its own twists and turns Reality not an ultimatum Embrace inevitable changes, focus not on the momentum but every step towards the ranges Target not the summit as new horizons appear, but the stones and sand that glitter in the near Slow and steady says the turtle, the rule that works against every hurdle

My contribution to Writer's Island - "This season" "Ma, where is my blue bag?", shouted Sheela from her room. "I don't know, search in the cupboard" Rathi answered in a not-so-interested tone from the living room, watching a reality show on TV. Sheela didn't mind her mom's unresponsive attitude. She has been used to such responses since her childhood. She has all the comforts in the world, a 15 year old teenager could ask for. A room of her own, a personal computer, the top-notch school that she goes to and all the books and gadgets every child would dream of. Although born on the New Year's eve, her birthday was never special. It was just another day but with a huge cake party with her parents' friends and colleagues. When Rathi was expecting a baby, she hoped and prayed fervently that her baby would be a boy. But to her utter disappointment, it turned out to be a girl. Who says gender discrimination prevails only in low incom...

My contribution to Sunday Scribblings - #89 Dance A culmination of music and soul so enchanting, so pure I sway in a trance tapping my feet shoulders move to the beats hands swing to the rhythm the enthrallment has begun, transporting to a whole new world I jump and rejoice, expressions now flowing I feel the emotions Grateful, it's drizzling A cool breeze to give me company, My palms filled with raindrops so many The nature's concert, to all six senses I dance like a little princess

My contribution to Totally optional prompts - Birds and bonds Gliding into the clouds flapping the wide wings, Exploring the distant lands A life so unbound Roam around the world Reach for the distant skies No boundaries, no limits A life not to belong Love and care for the nestlings, snuggling in its cozy nest A harbinger of growth A life so worthwhile Vast blue oceans, New unknown territories flying with no measure Experience meant to treasure.

My contribution to 3 word Wednesday Switching off the headlights , parking his four wheeler Closing the front door he walks towards the lonely trail A dark, muddy, less-trodden path Spooky, freaking noises Carefully taken footsteps Wandering, fearful eyes Destiny unknown Direction unclear Lands in a virtual land at the end of the world No armor to shield faces the worst fear brainwaves at the fastest speed peaceful death so near

My contribution to Writer's Island prompt - The moment A sunny morning an anxious beginning Will I get through? to be part of software crew To make myself stand out prayers chanted loud, Shutting down other choices Ruling out external noises The deciding moment no room to repent, heart pumps fast adrenalin flows aghast no reason to sob, I got my first job The offer is mine, pay myself to dine freedom to stand on my own feet, the turning point a memorable feat

Another interesting, light-hearted fiction in the lines of "Five point someone". This time, it's not about the IITs but the IIMs, specifically IIM Bangalore. As a present student of IIMB, I could relate to many of the instances and characters. But it would be more appropriate for full time PGP students/alumni since it reflects on one of the important phases of their lives. This story captures the exact emotions and ambitions of a typical middle class family and the relatives' pressures, how a kid's life turns topsy turvy with the board exams and engineering days, how the peer pressures impact one's daily life etc. The subtle humour is really good at some places. The storyline is very easy to relate by someone who has passed school in the late 1990s like me. This is definitely one interesting book to read on a lazy Saturday afternoon. The protogonist Shekhar Verma and his adventure in various places in UP on account of his summer placements is very well narrate...

My contribution to Sunday Scribblings #88 - Competition A benchmark to accomplish, A horizon to reach A milestone to target, A landmark to set Doesn't end there, Compete with full spirit The bar set high, There is no limit Takes you to new heights and achieve new targets, Healthy competition creates a perfect mission Realize your full potential with a never-give-up attitude Challenge your self today for a better tomorrow for without competition, Minutes are dragging Days are boring Life is never soaring Aim for the pinnacle and way around obstacles, If it's worth a fight Never let go off your sight

My contribution to Cafe Writing - December project (Option six) I would like to relate the word "tradition" with the different festivals that we celebrate throughout the year. 1) Diwali (festival of lights) is our favorite festival that we look forward to every year. We buy new clothes for everyone in the family, put a small mark using vermilion on the edges and place them in the Pooja (prayer) area, on the eve of Diwali. It's a traditional way to thank God for the new clothes. 2) Another special festival is Saraswathi (Goddess of wisdom) Pooja, the ninth day of Dussehra (a 10 day festival in October). We keep our textbooks, pens, pencils and other tools in the Pooja area and then offer prayers. The textbooks remain in the Pooja area for the whole day. As kids, we loved this tradition because of the fact that we don't have to study the whole day. 3) Bhogi is an interesting occasion in the month of January. During childhood, I used to love celebrating Bhogi with my gr...

My contribution to Cafe Writing - December project (Option five) I loved this challenge. I wrote this poem in 9 minutes (between 10:01 AM and 10:10 AM) and haven't edited it. I know this is not a good one but I hope I will get better at it soon, with more practice. Tradition not something that you follow not something that you crib not something you adapt not something you adjust Tradition a binding love force a proud realization, turns monotonies into fun and laughter Tradition celebrating festivals family time together, meals and delicacies on a certain platter Tradition something to remind for years to pass by, something to carry forward for generations to come Tradition defines one's character with principles and values, designs a game of life with expectations and surprises Tradition loved by everyone but rare to accept, will to follow but lazy to admit Tradition Converts diversity into unity Converts singleton into groups

My contribution to Cafe Writing - December project (Option four) "Sumi, where's my coffee?", Shyam's first question in the morning as always. "On the dining table", replied Sumathi, his wife. He savours his coffee with another of his can't-live-without habits, reading newspaper ofcourse. Shyam has always been an early riser. Sharp at 5 AM, he is awake and bustling with energy. His next course of action is to walk to the nearby CM Park and jog along with his friends. He likes to observe the different people who visit the park and their mannerisms - some prefer to walk briskly while some others prefer to take a lazy stroll. Being a regular for the past 28 years, many of them recognize him and offer a smile. He quickly gets dressed up after coming back from the park. He heads straight to the Pooja (prayer) room to offer his daily prayers. "Breakfast ready", Sumathi's voice echoed from the kitchen. After a sumptuous breakfast, Shyam leaves for...

My contribution to Cafe Writing - December project (Option three) Sun rays at dawn piercing the skin awakening the senses touching the soul Bird flock from the nest aiming for a new horizon The blooming white jasmines adorning my flower garden A cool breeze through the window the wafting aroma of fresh coffee Gift of a new day not a mere ritual, but a miracle of hope microcosm of peace

Winter at its full bloom, Nothing better than a warm room Distant fields in complete mist Only the clock ticks in the wrist Time stands still welcoming the festivities, Colours of Christmas and a hope for a new year Time to dream Moments to relish, with loved ones hours to cherish This beautiful month has lots to offer, Everyone's waiting for the cool December!

My contribution to Cafe Writing - December project (Option two) I have the power to face boldly the commanding heights, the worst fears A small stature but a larger than life image one single move can make the enemy rage Not to be ignored I trip the opponent I initiate the first move I win close contests Arsenals of attack can become useless So many options at my defense One step at a time, my king in his prime in the life game of chess I'm the impeccable pawn

I hope all those rash drivers who only know to honk and cause chaos on the roads because of their impatient and arrogant attitude are reading this poem. பொறுமை இழந்த மனிதா எதற்காக இத்தனை அவசரம் இரவுநேர அமைதிப்பொழுதில் எதற்காக ஒலி எழுப்புகிறாய் நடந்து சோர்ந்த கால்கள் ஓய்வு கேட்கவில்லையா? வேலை செய்யாத கைகள் சுறுசுறுப்பாகி விட்டனவா? பகுத்தறிவு இழந்த மனம் கல்வியால் மாறிவிடாது எறும்புகள் கடைபிடிக்கும் குணம் எக்காரணத்தாலும் மறைந்து விடாது பொறுமை ஒருநெல்லிக்கனி அதன் விளைவுகள் ஒரு நிமிடத்தில் கறைவதில்லை ஒரு நொடி வேகத்தால் ஒரு வாழ்வை இருட்டி விடாதே! ஒரு அலை கோபத்தால் உன்னை நீ இழந்து விடாதே! A rough translation in English The one who has lost patience Why you are in such a hurry? Is there a reason to honk in this quiet, peaceful night? Doesn't your swollen feet demand you for some rest? or does your inactive hands want to be busy? Your mind with no common sense will not change with your education The discipline followed by ants will never change for any reason Patience is like a gooseberry I...

My contribution to Cafe Writing - December project (Option one) Does her effulgent smile claim that she has the whole world's happiness? One might ponder. Her glistening eyes and the joyful look on her face might reemphasize that she is the happiest person one has ever met. She is returning home with lots of stories to tell her dad. Her new friends, her class teacher, the black board and the different colour chalk pieces, the school bell, the text books and pencils - she wonders where to start. A new experience for the 3 year old, Shrishti. It's her first day at school. Her dad, Prakash is a postman and wants the best for his daughter. Shrishti is his only source of happiness in his struggle to get ends meet. He has faced many twists and turns in his life but today, the turn he takes towards RC Road prove to be a bad twist in little Shrishti's happiness. The speeding car, with no respite for traffic signal hits his bicycle and he collapses in the middle of the road. His...

My contribution to Sunday Scribblings #87 - Walk free steps swaying hands relaxed shoulders gentle motion I walk towards my destiny I smell red roses Fully blossomed on either side with dew drops stay abide blushing towards the reddish sun blossoming in serene beauty My legs rejoice my heart enjoys my eyes glisten my face brightens birds in harmony reciting a symphony, "morning's here fly with no fear" The woods feel fresh I dance and relish my best buddy offered by nature, my everyday walk on this green pasture