Express "Writely"

This August 15, we will be celebrating our 72nd Independence Day. We celebrate this day in order to remind ourselves, time and again, the way India struggled to finally get independence from the British. But we mustn’t misunderstand this word, independence - never. It’s often seen that this word independence actually cannot stand independently at all! Yes! The whole universe is connected. we fail to understand that Nature cannot tolerate anyone or anything to be completely independent-well, it’s not possible. And, if ever one tries to be completely independent, one is implicitly over-depending on oneself. We must accept that the world exists as an amalgamation of the thoughts and actions of every single person living on this planet. Though India has gained independence, it is nothing without other countries- we all are interdependent. Let there be no reason to over-priding our own existence and underestimating that of others. We must be independent in our thoughts and actions, bu...

When I was very small I remember… How you pulled my cheeks And showed your love so tender In evenings it was sitting  On your shoulders I discovered the streets And how we talked about places of wonder I remember once how I  Cried for a sweet at midnight And you, you immediately Bought me that for my heart’s delight! I never need to ask for anything You always know what I want  You are the dad of who  I can always flaunt! I always look upto you If ever I feel low I’ll never forget those handful of almonds and your words Before my exam “blows” Till now since I was one You’ve been always happy and calm Whatever situation you may face You’ve always taught me to be the positive one! Your dear hug And that loving smile Is the most comforting thing I will ever find I thank you so much On this fathers day I wish we always keep smiling, And all happiness comes your way!

I spent my last month on an exchange trip to Hungary. My experience is really difficult to be rightly described....so great it was! Getting acquainted with a different culture, different kinds of people and a new schooling system! Yes, the schools! If you think you know what schools are, you might want to wipe that smoke off your specs, because, education all around the globe is very different-- very, very different! Schools are not the same in Hungary. On my first day there, I quite felt like I was in I don't know... but honestly, not in a school! Students standing on tables, playing pop songs in their phones and sandwiches and cola-bottles-- as big as missiles-- seated proudly on the desks. It is not at all like the schools you see in India. An empty classroom might look like one, but not with the students! Few students "like" school. Some students might be exceptionally good at some subjects, but most don't like any particular academic subject. But then,...

Hope for the Flowers (pdf) "What happens when a caterpillar makes a cocoon?" my father asked. "Umm.. Metamorphosis. Yes, that is what it is called. It turns into a butterfly! We've been studying this since Grade 2! " "But are you aware, not all of them actually become that fluttering creature. Many just die without realising that they can actually become a butterfly."and he read me out a book. The book 'Hope for the Flowers' by Trina Paulus tells the tale of Stripe, a caterpillar and his journey towards becoming a butterfly. An inspirational book, guiding us, the caterpillars towards becoming a butterfly. I wondered 'bout the world There is somethin' more to see Whatever I see around  Doesn't seem what is really wanted by me Yes, it seems so fascinating That place, the crowd is heading to where I don't now what is at the end.... But, everyone says it must be good  So, I will follow, and t...

I was out, after exams were (at least, till then) over... when my phone rang. After a dead tiring and and seemingly never-ending round of tests, exams and continuous night-parties with my textbook friends, that day was kinda paradise for me. Yes, then I picked up my phone and it was my Mom. "Yes...Mumma?" "Ah.. Riddhi, your Maths paper was leaked. CBSE says you'll need give a re-test." The salsa flavoured nacho chip fell from my hand and I said, " What!... Umm.. Okay." I know that is not the expected reply, but yes, that is what I felt like! For the past two weeks, the newspapers had become "leak times" and the Google was feeding me only with "leak updates"... There was now nothing unusual in it. This leaking business has become so much prevalent that I couldn't help laughing at my situation. Okay, take another test, but please, be careful this time, we won't give another one then. Education shouldn't be di...

Waiting, waiting and waiting It seemed ev’thing was still The wind had stopped to blow  The time was as motionless as a hill The only things that moved  Were those hands of clock They say that time flies But that also then... had become a statue of rock My eyes were desperate To see something happening  My tongue tingling to speak But to whom will it be uttering? I suddenly moved my eyes To the corner of the room And found something fascinating  And new thoughts it started to loom A line of ants All crawling one behind the other What was silent world for me Was, for them seemingly inconsequential  I saw, they had their own world Much smaller though But enough for Them to know Then again I moved my head And looked down... In the form of a shadow A friend I found I moved my hand And so did she And I happily realised  How much fun these trifles can be! I nodded my head and She ...

Flipping through the language books, revising for my boards one evening, I came upon a thought—what if हिंदी and English met each other... Fair and young  With a jewelled crown Came she from somewhere, I think from some far-off town               “ पर यहाँ कैसे कोई और आए               यहाँ तो सिर्फ़ मेरा ही परचम लहराए               यहाँ तुम्हें कोई जानता नहीं                 चले जाओ , होगा वही सही ” “ Excuse me..  I’ve come from far-away west I was born of Anglo-Saxon,  brought up by German, caressed by Roman And now, I’ve come to rule the world, the rest “                         पुरखें तो हमारे भी कम नहीं                        संस्कृत ह...