Catharsis

September 2016 After a decade of major life events - CA final examination, job search for an out-of-this-world role, working at World Bank; desire to learn something new, MBA application process, roller-coaster year at ISB; massive job hunt for that amazing & elusive role, joining Biological E; World war III regarding search for the needle (aka suitable boy) in the haystack, whirlwind courtship, dhoom dhaam se shaadi (marriage); setting up home in Hyderabad, debating next course of action and relocating to Mumbai - I said:  (Source: Google) I decided to take a much deserved sabbatical, whilst travelling, reading all the books I could get my hands on, fulfilling my long pending wish of writing a blog and in general contemplating the higher purpose in life ;) The sabbatical started on a wonderful note - traveling to my dream destination Austria; and though I am enjoying this phase like there is no tomorrow; taking this step comes with its fair share of bouque...

September 2016 (Source: Google)  I like this quote by Nicholas Boileau-Despreaux mentioned in Bartlett's popular 'Book of Familiar Quotations,' "Every age has its own pleasures, its style of wit, and its own ways." And in the thrilling 30's, one might add, recruitment consultants and of course, discussions about parents 😉. These discussions are with my cousins and close friends - just like my sister and I, all of them share a close bond with their respective parents. We discuss about how they are aging, their health issues, their on & off finickiness and their little tantrums;) As I mentioned earlier, I believe in the nurturing power of sharing; and these conversations are not at all about cribbing, but about finding comfort and solace by talking about it. So on those off days when parents are freaking out or experiencing a morbidity bout or are just being stubborn, I think of the 'Kids to Kiddos graph': (Source: Google an...

August 2016  (Source: Google) I burst into laughter watching the latest John Oliver segment on the absurdity of Trump insinuating that Barack Obama was the founder and Hillary Clinton was the co-founder of ISIS; John Oliver, host of HBO's popular show Last Week Tonight, is redefining comedy and journalism in profound ways ( Time has termed it the John Oliver effect ) - the show is a satire that covers politics, news and current events. While I was watching this, hubby returned from work and even before the poor guy could say "Hi", I started animatedly telling him about this episode. To recreate a picture perfect image of this moment in your mind, imagine a person walking 🚶 being suddenly hit by a torrential rain of words☔ and waves of laughter 🌊 - its on these days that hubby feels he has married a blizzard 👰😜😇! At that exact moment, I suddenly had an uncanny feeling that I had "been there, done that"; and lo behold, rewinding my memory reel a c...

August 2016 I recently attended a webinar on 'Careers in Impact' conducted by my alma mater, wherein people in the development sector talked about taking the 'road less travelled', work and interacting with different stakeholders. Having been a part of this sector (my first job was with the World Bank) and having faced all kinds of queries (including, and I am not joking, how to open an account at World Bank!) it was heartening to see the high level of interest in this sector. Excepts from the webinar - interesting perspectives shared by a panelist, Srikrishna S, Co-founder and CEO of Sattva: 1. Bunker Roy remarked that the driving force behind many iconic movements during 1970-80's was anger, and not passion. The key question was "What issues and problems do you see around you that make you angry and pursue it and tackle it full time?" 2. The Head-Heart-Hands equation: The decision to join social sector should be a perfect balance of ability ...

August 2016 (Source: Google) Growing up, like so many other millennials, I did not fully comprehend the patience, time and effort in managing a household - two kids who surprisingly turned out fine (even though I say it ;) and a husband (who I guess will always be the oldest kid on the block requiring adult supervision :P). Mom was a wonderful orchestrating magician; and obviously when things function smoothly, it does seem like a wonderland production - delicious steaming delicacies that make an appearance even before hunger pangs appear, used plates and crockery that magically travel to the wash basin:P, a closet brimming with freshly laundered clothes & Dad being the genie who used to get the groceries and household supplies ;). And a maid who had been with us for more than a decade completed the setting. Even in this background, I must say that there were clear ground rules - simple ones that unfortunately seem non-existent nowadays - for instance, just because the m...

July 2016 (Source: Google) I diligently followed the recent episode between Priyanka Chopra and an AIB member, whose BMF (Brain to Mouth Filter :P) is possibly non-existent (unlike mine which atleast is partly functional ;) consequently making AIB the roast of the nation :P. An AIB member made fun of PC's American accent, and was trolled mercilessly by all and sundry. Surprisingly, his 'knight in shining armor' turned out to be PC herself, who ended the debate by saying "Guys it was a joke!! From me and him!! Comedy is the smartest form of entertainment!!" Kudos gal...Way to go girl 👍 In the daily course of life, we all come across people who are offended by everything under the sun (and the moon, and the clouds) -- the co-worker who looks daggers at me because I went for my cuppa coffee after she specifically told me to go on as her work would take time (hell, what was I supposed to do - hound her like a stalker); the bus mate who believes that t...

July 2016 (Source: All images are from Google) Over the past few days, I have been inundated with calls and messages about how people have identified with part or parts of my recent short story. And now I begin to understand the quotes by my favorite author Agatha Christie in her Miss Marple series "Everybody is very much alike, really. But fortunately, perhaps, they don't realize it. Human nature, is much the same everywhere". Either in my immaturity or hubris that I was unique, I didn't quite grasp the profound truth in these statements. When I mean human nature is similar, I am not talking about generalizing or stereotyping; the problem with such prejudice is that it results in unfair treatment of individuals. For instance, when I casually mentioned to an acquaintance the other day that I did not change my surname after marriage (keeping aside the feminist aspect, the practical difficulties of having one's name changed on every...