Deepavali - The Lost Charm

Diwali has lost its charm. Yes, it is. These days Diwali is not like those which is used to be when I was a kid (PS. Still I'm a kid). In my childhood, the vibes of Diwali will be there at least for a month. When the Diwali month/before strikes on the calendar, the first thing I will be thinking is of new dress and crackers purchase. Before 30 days the Diwali dress will be purchased and will be stored in the cupboard. Every time I open it, I will be thinking of the Diwali day and will be counting the days to wear it. And then comes the cracker purchase. There will be demand from me and negotiations from my parents. The supply curve changes according to time. But it will be interesting and very happy to see all your demands have met on the day of Deepavali. And the best part is the next day school after holidays where we all will be in our colour dress.. That makes the festival very interesting.

But these days I can't find the charm of that Deepavali. Nowadays what comes to my mind about Diwali is 2/3 days continuous leave and I can go to hometown to be happy. Still, I feel the hole happiness as before but everything in a very different way. But that excitement and charm can't be seen on these days kids. Just thinking about all now, I feel they have lost the way of lifestyle and the happiness it brings. They consider as another holiday but with few additional joy. They are not so eager about new dresses since they buy whenever they go shopping with their parent. They go shopping frequently, at least a month. Thus they lost the happiness of a new dress. And for crackers and other things, kids directly get everything they demand, without any negotiations. They lost that happiness too.



But we still have many kids around us who don't get any of these and they struggle to lead a life.
So what's the way to bring back the charm in everyone? There are many other ways these festivals can be celebrated and I was very glad about one of them. I've seen some people take their family to ashrams and homes to celebrate their day with them. Many people spend their holidays with kids who need attention and they teach them the values of life. Many volunteer on NGO's and they bring the change. And I think this can bring up the lost charm and happiness in every one of our lives. So from this year lets pledge to help few, those who are in need. Let's celebrate a green Diwali and let us modify our old tradition. Maybe this becomes the meaning of your life and who knows what changes you bring to many? Let this festival of lights bring in hopes for all and Light in many darkened lives. Happy Diwali!!

Footnote:
So where & how to help and volunteer?
As far my knowledge, Here is two NGO's where you can help and volunteer for the needs.
Deepam is one of the best organization which serves unprivileged children in various localities for their  education
Bhumi, another great NGO and they help many kids by various programs in India. They have a big volunteer base and help many.

You can join these NGO and can help many in need. The WhatsApp link to both NGO operating at Coimbatore is attached. Else drop me a message and I will get you a contact for your location to volunteer.

Once again Happy Diwali, the festial of lights.

Few Hundred Steps!

It continued to rain heavy & heavy and we started losing our hopes and adrift. It was an epoch of love and courage to travel and nature was slowly degrading it down on that day. All started on a delightful evening when I was thinking about the next day which is a holiday. A holiday between the work gives an immense pleasure and I was strolling on the balcony thinking of how could I spend it. The whole day turned up with a ring from my phone.

Friend: Dai where are you?
Me: Where nowhere else except my room?
Friend: Tomorrow?
Me: Holiday :)
Friend: We are going to Velliangiri. Come fast. Book an Ola and reach Ramanathapuram.

Fast Fast Fast!!
Me: With whom? When? ....
cling.., Cling..,

Phone Hanged up.

Called him again, Doi how many of us are going and when should I reach there?
There is an Ola micro near, book it from your room and reach soon here. Already a batch is gone! Cling.., ing.,

Okay fine, I can't get any more answer from him. Bragging some things I headed out booking an Ola. As usual, when we are in need, we don't get them fast. Ater 15 mins it reached me and I boarded. It was my first time to Velliangiri and I even don't know where it is. Just heard stories about the 7 hills and the Lord Shiva idol at the top. With no more information about the trip or the people who are joining me, I was heading. After 10 mins of waiting in Ramanathapuram, he came and we started towards Velliangiri. It was around 8 when we started. Trailing towards the destination, in few kilometers trees started to wave their hands and chill breeze hit our splines. My heart recited "It's gonna be a lifetime experience" and I was thrilled towards the travel to the top.

Hope you know about Velliangiri. If not read about it here. It's the par compared spiritual place next to Mount Kailash.

Okay, We 10 people, my 4 friends and 5 friends of friends gathered at the bottom of Velliangiri hills and was preparing for our travel. No one had ever thought that it could happen. We don't even have a clue. Everyone grabbed a bamboo stick which may help in climbing. With a great belief in myself, I rejected having a stick (maybe due to laziness to carry it throughout the journey).
Velliangiri Trip


Happily started with the blessings of Lord Vinayaga and Shiva at the bottom, we started climbing. One by one, Step by step we started moving. It's usually said that First mountain and 7th mountain are toughest while 5th is the easiest. I personally enjoyed the climbing. Decomposing leaves, aged trees, creaking branches, beetles squeaking, insect music, the soil smell and here and there small openings on the roof where moonlight reaches the ground, everything fascinated my travel towards high rises. When almost the first mountain is going to end, it happened.

The clouds started crying. It started slowly and it was a drizzle. And this is the point where the second thoughts on travel started arising in everyone's mind except me. I believe its (Rain) a blessing by God for us. Slowly we moved up and up and the clouds started pouring high and high. As soon as I reached the third mountain I was fully drenched and it started shivering. We all were separated and I was with my three friends. One wants to return back and we tried to move him up. But at last we failed and he returned down. Continued my journey from the 3rd mountain. Reached the 4th one and the rain was heavy and almost everyone returned who were climbing before us stating the path was very slippery.

Almost half past the 4th mountain, my hope disappeared and the questions of surveying started to hit. Of my four friends, only two continued with me and we started thinking more practical and we are questioning ourselves on every next step. Few hundred steps already crossed. Half past I am standing. But with no hope! The climate continued to stay as it is and I forced myself to return back. Everyone who came with us returned back. I fell down two to three times on return due to slippery path

It was one of the nicest experience in my life. Even though I am adrift still I am happy to visit that place on that day at that time. It was morning 6.15 when I returned. Almost spent 7 hours in the hills and reached an altitude of about 3500 ft. Lifetime experience!! Few Hundred Steps!!!

The Year of Reading

I believe this year is going to be very rememberful. Yes, I think some miracles are going to happen this year. Many things are awaiting! With all my passages for higher education has been closed indefinitely, but I think this year is gonna be the best reading year. Never felt like this before..

Rakesh Shanmugam Blog


Whatever you read, it doesn't matter anyway. Ultimately what you get from it, what is your resultant thoughts from your reading are going to make the change in you. Yes, the change! In you means in you and around you.. This change makes you learn, grow, and subtly make you great. Yes, I feel it and it's just not words from me. After 4 years of observation over various classes of people, I came to a conclusion of this. Just look back. At present, you can't find a change in you. But when you look back you can learn the values you gathered in your life. The life values!! So what matters to you most? To me, my ambition, helping others and Humanity.  Ask this question to yourself. These kinds of questions will help you acknowledge your needs to yourself. And finally, believe in you!

With all those questions and beliefs I am on my way. Started January with Wise and otherwise, February with Lovely Bones, and March to be with Testimony!! But before all this, I think I must thank a special soul in my life. She involuntarily, unknowingly dragged me into the world of books. Yeah, she doesn't know this till now. She ignited the lying love of books in me. With a small spark, now its flamming over!! Thank you Arunalakshmi Ramu, a cousin different from the whole family which is the best attraction towards her.

So if you have any recommendations for reading, just hit it below on comments and I will sure try to read it.. Happy reading!


#Footnote
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Best reads #2


We suffer more often in Imagination, than Reality.
- Seneca 

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No one was owner of money. You are only trustee of money and it always changes hands!

Let me Fall



The soul that waits
eager to present
the wave of love 
to the one who's deserved!!