New Year Resolutions and much more...

Happy New Year to everyone! This blog was originally supposed to be called 'Year End Musings' and was to be published on 31st of December, however, couldn't even start typing it on it. Since I am writing this three days later, its the 'New Year Resolutions and much more'.

Resolution for this year aren't very different from last years, and I intend to follow through with them, unless the world comes to an end (which looks likely the way we are progressing). Career wise - its more company centric - turnover, expansion, new projects etc. Personally - Work life balance, to paint and write more, health and fitness, happiness, more travel is what I look for this year (Other micro stuff i did rather not mention). 2014 was an interesting year, managed to do stuff I hadn't thought I would, started something I thought I never could. Checked off a couple things off my bucket list, one of which is paragliding (what a wonderful experience) and the other is Shhh! from the secret bucket list ;).

One thing that I have noticed over time is how we all like to believe that we have evolved as a community/country, I believe we are still there. I am meaning to point at the very basic nature of being judgmental, I do that too sometimes. However, I try to, very consciously, not judge. We still judge, typecast, comment and basically dissect an individual and/or their act.

We keep thrashing the mindset of the older generation about how they judge us, how they judge what we do and what we say. But are we any different? Have we really progressed in our thoughts? Arent we still the same, maybe our playing field has changed. But we still stand there pointing fingers at anything that seems slightly any different from normal. I mention this as I read about the unfortunate suicide of a teen struggling with her identity, that of being a transgender. We judge people not only basis their sexual preference, we judge people on something as menial as taking an ice bucket challenge - 'She/he took the ice-bucket challenge, she/he is an attention whore.' We judge people on a whole plethora of stuff including religious beliefs.

As I always say, being modern isn't about wearing modern clothes or traveling the world, its about being more tolerant and open to people who are different from you. Who choose to do different things, express themselves differently. Modernization will truly happen when we open our arms and accept our differences, as people, as choices, as communities. The idea isn't to agree with someone or something, it is to accept to disagree and yet live in harmony. Well, the whole point of bringing this up in a post of New Year resolution, is to try and be less judgmental. Resolve to be tolerant. Resolve to be accepting.

Hoping for a brilliant year!! Wishing you all the best.

Innocence massacred!!!

Yesterday when I returned from work I was glued to the television set, watching the news of Taliban's' revenge against the Pak Army. It was a sight I never thought I would have witnessed, but I did, we all did. The mother in me cried watching the news, small innocent children were annihilated in the name of religion.

Which religion teaches you to kill unarmed innocent kids? None I believe. You want to fight for your religion? Fight with honour. Fight with equals. For centuries men have fought for they believe is righteous as taught to them through their culture and religion. But they have fought as equals. History tells us that the women, children, aged and unarmed were spared. They were allowed to live. What honour is it to kill people who can not even defend themselves.

That's what makes you terrorists, you are not fighting with honour, you are sneaking up behind the back of the most innocent people and murdering them. There is no honour, no respect in it. You are insulting your religion as well, although I haven't read it, but I am sure the Kuran doesn't tell you to slaughter children.

Many people believe what you sow is what you reap and since Pak is considered to be the terror hub of the world, they deserve what they got. But honestly did the children deserve it? The Pak Army fights for what their country and government believes in, they fought Taliban, but did their children deserve to die like this? Certainly not. The perpetrators of terror and terrorism deserve to die like this, but how many of those Army School students could be identified as one? None I believe.

My heart goes out to all those who lost their lives and all mothers who lost their children. No parent must be subjected to loosing their children like this. Although I am a patriot, but at this one time, I mourn the death of these innocent children who were targeted for religious extremism. I also mourn the death of innocence and childhood of all the children who are indoctrinated into religious extremism at a very early age. Inhuman. Irreligious. Evil.

Why I dont wear the same clothes everyday yet make it simple!

Ok so some of the most successful entrepreneurs/leaders wear the same clothes everyday. That is for two main reasons: One - cutting down on the time taken to decide what to wear and Two - creating a brand identity. I agree with both points and wish I wasn't conscious about clothes and shoes. (Not very 'fashion conscious' because I believe is wearing what is relevant and comfortable to what I do) Wearing the same clothes/style everyday for me would be pure blasphemy.

Women (and some men) would concur with me when I say it is a time taking and brain wracking decision to pick out what we have to wear everyday. So I have devised some simple rules to make the decision faster. Since I work in two distinct line of professions, I have style coded my clothes... For my business meets its formal wear (Western/Indian) and for art related events/meets its arty/boho chic (Western/Indian). For non work related days... its a jeans or shorts and a tee. Simple. 

Further I have colour coded my days of the week, this reduces the choices I have and makes it easier to pick something to wear. How I arrived on the colours? My mom told me. Its also part of some ancient Hindu scripture and each colour has vibrations with each day that denotes a planet. Works as a great colour therapy as well.

1. Mondays - White/cream
2. Tuesdays - Red/Pink/Orange/magenta (That family and variations)
3. Wednesdays - Green 
4. Thursdays - Yellow/Lemon
5. Fridays - Blue (works wonderfully as casual Friday and blue denims)
6. Saturday - Black
7. Sunday - Whatever you want to wear man!!

For the footwear - if I have to walk a lot on that day, its flats and if the walking is lesser then heels. 

(Disclaimer - I am no Fashion editor or stylist, just a style conscious working mother who doesn't have much time to select what to wear in the morning!)

Women in India violated!

There is this latest article by an American student doing the rounds, about how she felt violated and traumatized during her study tour in India and how she ended up with the PTSD. Refer article here: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1023053

This post would seem like a continuation of my previous post about India. India is all about rich history, beautiful architecture (whatever is left of it), variety of cultures and all of that. I love this country no doubt, but the only way to be safe here is to rise above the 'common man' status. Which again would mean probably joining politics and other illegal means. Sigh. Coming back to what I really want to talk about here, women in India. Its not about having fair skin and coloured hair here. Its about every woman that gets out of the house.

I am born and brought up in India, with a fair share of exposure to foreign countries. I have been brought up in a fairly modern family in the armed forces. Majority of my childhood I lived in NOFRA, colaba, Mumbai. Very secured, very safe. And its nothing like the typical 'India' you experience outside. In my early teens, we had to move to this city of Indore, because dad had taken up a job there. Thats when the cultural difference gave me a heavy jolt. One incident where  had worn shorts and went for a walk with my dad in the colony attracted eve teasers and hooting calls. My parents had restricted me from wearing shorts, spaghetti tops, short skirts, anything that was 'inappropriate' as per the culture there. That's when I began hating the place. Any place or culture that objectifies women, doesnt let them be, isnt worth liking anyways. There were many such incidents following this one that only increased my disdain for the place.

Cut-to youth. The Real world. Back in Bombay. Working. I was back in Bombay and working. But no more in the security of Colaba. I was traveling in trains and meeting new people. I was scouring the common man's markets looking for work related things. When I connected with my Bombay again. It had changed. Although it is miles ahead of the cultural shock that Indore was. It was still different. I didnt feel safe. I had hit men at station for trying to grope me. I was reporting men for eve teasing. I was being stared at. Not only stared, there is a very crass term that men use when they look at women, its called 'chakshu-chodan'. I am sure all women here would have experienced that. There were men looking at women and pleasuring themselves in full public view. All this without any apprehension or the slightest of worry of being inappropriate. Sadly, in India only women are inappropriate, not the men.

Walking around in India with the common public, women feel like fresh meat, amidst hungry dogs. unless you are traveling in an AC car, doing rounds of an upper crust mall, and going back home, you will be subjected to everything that the article above says the student went through.

Again, I am not generalizing 'all Indian men'. But c'mon whom are we kidding. How many of Indian men are gentlemen. A fraction few in India. A very small percentage. Those men that wont eve-tease, that wont comment, that wont stare, that wont lust when they look at women. Men who would step aside when a woman is passing by, and not try to stick their elbows out so that it brushes her breasts. How many? Not many Indian men I am afraid.

The student also mentions attempted rape, that I agree happens in other countries as well, and not only in India. But what happens post rape is another story here. The women are further victimized, they let the men get away with it.

I would think all Indian women should have PTSDs cause we go through this every day, every bloody day. But we have grown thick skins now. We have learnt to hold our bags to our chests and walk. We have learnt to keep our head down and stare at the road, We have learnt to wear headsets listen to music and not hear the lewd comments. We have learnt to compromise and learnt to be victimized. We get sexually harassed everyday and don't even realize it to that extent. The saddest part is that, this has become second nature to us.  We are ok with it.

For women in India sexual harassment translates more into embarrassment, as we are made to believe time and again that its our fault and not the other way around.

I hope more mothers teach their sons to respect women. But then, will the labours, street and slum dwellers ever learn that? Maybe not. Maybe in some years the educated and learned people in India will stop existing and just move out. This co-existence is becoming more and more diificult.

Cheers to a new India. Sans the intellectual class.

No Kidding!

This article about the trend where couples choose to remain childless for various reasons, triggered this post. You can refer to the article here:Why Indian Couples are not Having Kids

I have a few friends who have chosen to be child-less, mostly for not wanting to take the responsibility that comes with bringing up a child. I dont judge them. If they think they are not ready for a child then they should not go for it.

Here's my story. I got married very early. One thing I was very sure of was not to have a child immediately. But I did want a family eventually. I always hoped that I was in the family way before I hit the 30 mark, and the 'un'planning made sure of it.

Parenting isn't a joke. It takes a lot of patience and understanding to raise a child. If you think you need an active social life and need vacations and want to buy all those glossy stuff in the market, and you are not ready to give up any of the above, then my friend, you are not a parent material. There are times when the kids just drive you up the wall and you wonder why do people have progeny at all. But believe me, its worth it.

When you are vacationing in those snowy peaks, I am here changing diapers. When you are gyrating to the latest house number in the most hip-bar in town, I would be mostly cleaning sticky puke. And when you are ordering pizza after a hectic day at work, I am making garam garam phulkas and green veggies. I would happily give up all that you do to be with my child. Because that's how I think. One smile from him is worth giving up all of that. Its worth getting restricted to 'house parties' when you know the little one will doze off on your lap while you are discussing Indian Politics. Really, its worth it. You want to give the best and all that you can to your little one.

I lived the 20s the way I did. I have partied, watched movies, traveled to my hearts delight. Now is the time to make sure the kiddo gets the education he deserves, to make sure he is eating right and sleeping well. I have always wanted a family, and now that its there, my wish is fulfilled. I would gladly take the plunge and have a second one if I could afford to (time, attention and money).

Having said all of the above, and despite being a dotting parent, its essential that you balance your individual personality with that of being a parent. Because a happy parent, bring up a happy child and raises a happy individual. Also, being a parent needs a lot of commitment, take the plunge only if you know you can do it.

P.S. I used to role my eyes whenever a mother would say the sacrifices are worth it when the child smiles. If you are rolling your eyes right now, I will understand. I have been there.

India and all that goes!

Its been a while that i wanted to blog about this brilliant country I live in. India. However, a discussion on the school friends whatsapp group really pushed me to writing it.

I am not unhappy personally. I love this country. I love that I come from a rich culture and strong heritage. I love the fact that my family and friends are here. I guess I wouldn't like to live in any other country apart from India. The sheer diversity and easy-going pace of the country attracts me and keeps me glued to it. Also, coming from a fauji background the inherent patriotism is another reason.

Having said all of the above, I have serious concerns about the country. My unhappiness, or dissatisfaction stems when I open my eyes and look beyond home. I have complaints as a citizen. The infrastructure sucks. its bad. Really really bad. Monsoons is a nightmare in Mumbai. There are potholes everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Even on the so-called newly constructed roads. There is lack of emergency services. After an accident u will die bleeding on the road but no one will come to your rescue. The authorities will argue and bicker about jurisdiction. Even of u get an ambulance, the sheer lack of civic sense and laws will make sure it wont reach the hospital on time. And we have all seen numerable incidents to corroborate these statements. I dont need to tell you how ambulances are treated on road in India.

Talking of Civic sense. I am ashamed of Indians in general. They liter. They spit. They break traffic rules. They are basically ill-mannered. Then again you would think, y should one blame the govt for this. Because of lack of education. Literacy is one thing. Education is another. We lack both of these in our country. We need better schools, better teachers, better curriculum, stricter adherence to schedules etc etc. We need responsible representatives that dont kill children with mid-day meals.

We need Population control. For my reasons and concerns regarding this, pls read the previous blog: http://worldbeyondcolours.blogspot.in/2013/05/idiocracy.html.

Poverty is a concern yes. I can not say much about the rural sector, but in urban space it is more lack of will to rise than lack of opportunities. Having worked partially with NGOs as a volunteer I know how things move around. I realize I am not supposed to feel guilty to be privileged (thats what the 'well to do' are, right?). Infact, its our taxes that pay for a lot of these people. Not sure if that money is used correctly. There are more NGOs that are doing good work than, any govt. run/affiliated organization in the field of up-liftment of under-priviledged.

If you point at me saying what have I done as a citizen to bring forth change? Here's my list - I pay taxes, I don't litter, I don't riot, I use all govt provided (whatever minimal) amenities with care, I do community service, I am not party to Brain Drain. I don't have time to do much more cause the life here doesn't allow any more time.

Today what I am or what I have made is purely by sheer hard work. There is no govt. supported  infrastructure or financial framework that helped me. I bust my ass everyday to make things work around. All I ask from the govt is better roads, 24hrs water, Safety & Security and better medical/emergency services. Rest we will manage. We have been managing for donkeys years.

But Alas! That's not to be. Everyday new scams, new controversies, debates on voting points. The citizen of the country gets lost in between all of this somewhere.

I have hope, still have hope, that maybe, just maybe, things may get better.

PS. My personal happiness quotient is very high, cause that does not include any govt provided things. It includes family and personal well being which is in optimum condition. (Again! all private players not govt. support there ;))

Idiocracy!

I watched this movie 'Idiocracy' a 2006 Hollywood movie some days ago. The movie is stupid. Literally. But that's what its meant to be. From a movie stand-point not very interesting, and no surprise if it bombed at the box office. However, the movie stirred some thoughts in my mind.

I am a strong believer in genetics. We know for a fact that certain traits, talents, personality types, phobias, manias, intelligence and stupidity are all carried in the genes, from parents to children. The movie takes this basic fact and builds the story from there. What they show in the movie, the seed of which is starting in the US, in five centuries the whole of US will be dominated by stupid people and intelligence will be long gone. India is well on its way to this prediction. 

Couples in higher income groups, with higher education, better jobs, higher IQ are not having children. They either don't want any children or are delaying it to the point where nature may not support them anymore. On the other hand, couples in the lower income groups, when I say lower income here, I am referring to below poverty line, are having children till their women can bear them. 

The ratio of children with higher IQ is seriously dwindling as compared to lower IQ children. For a society, or country to run efficiently there has to be a balance of individuals, with whatever special skill sets they can offer. Even if everyone becomes a scholar then who would do the hard labour, or if no one is a scholar then who would lead/guide/manage/organize the labour.

Just imagine, for each couple who can provide better education, better medical facilities, better lifestyle to their children who are not having kids: there are many couples who are having 4 kids each on an average. I believe if things continue the way they are, in another few decades the ratio of intelligent people in India versus the lower IQ will seriously dwindle. 

Infact to think from another point of view, the situation in India doesn't purely depend on the genetics issue (though its a major influence), it is also influenced by the lack of administration in terms of providing education opportunities and awareness to the public with limited means.  Or maybe its a concoction of low IQ genes with lack of opportunities or will.

It scares me to think that people with low or no education will largely outnumber those with higher intelligence and proper education. And not to forget the issue of 'brain drain' that India faces. 

Adding that to the situation of the quality of population that is increasing, I wonder where our country will head in the future. 

Note: I do not support the Indian caste system, neither does this blog refer to India's caste system in any way. This is a note purely on what I feel about genetics and how it will influence the ratio of India's growing population. Although the ancient Indian system of caste was largely based on genetics, I strongly believe it does not apply anymore. My thoughts on that are reserved for another time.

Ego Trip!

Its amazing isn't it, that people with low or no credibility go on the longest and most expensive ego trips. I have had such several incidents around me recently where such individuals have amazed me, actually beyond amazed me. The recent one takes the cake.

So there is this gentlemen who has close to no knowledge of the subject in question and like one of those baffling unexplainable occurrences of the universe, has a rather commanding position without supervision. This individual goes on ego trips on an hourly basis, wanting people to 'recognize' his 'position'. Dude! If you are really worth the position or authority you command, you dont need to throw yourself around. Your knowledge, authority will command itself. But then, when you dont have it, you have to force people to think you do. And what best way to do it rather than go on a long and expensive ego trip.

Like they say in a Hindi Proverb 'Adh jal gagri chalkat jaye' literally meaning 'a half filled pot of water, splashes and spills the most'. Enough said!

How safe are we?

A friend pointed out that we should not blame the law enforcement and the law makers for not doing their jobs. However I feel that they have failed miserably, and are to be blamed for the sorry state of safety for citizens. The whole objective here is to instill fear in perpetrators, so that they think a thousand times before harming anyone. The fact that there is no fear of punishment, crimes are being done fearlessly! 

Our police force hasn't been sensitized towards sexual crimes; sexual crimes against children or women or men for that matter. They just don't know how to handle the victims or the families. The latest case is a live example of how casually such matters are handled and how they would rather push it under the carpet with no public attention to such a case. There is no SOP for tackling rape victims and even if there is one, it is not enforced within the police force. The wounds that such a crime inflicts on the victims are only deepened by the same people who are supposed to protect us. 

Ofourse one's safety is in one's hand yet, what is the police force for? How do we make sure our children are safe, they cant take care of themselves. How do criminals understand that they just cant go around harming children. There is no separate law in the country against pedophiles. They should be butchered, stoned, hanged. There just isnt any forgiveness for violating children. Its a sickness of mind, which can only be treated with stopping such a mind from existing.
 
I am constantly on guard for my kid. I am scared as a parent. He goes to school, I am scared every moment when he isn't with me. I don't trust anyone with him. But that shouldn't be the case right. We should be able to enjoy our children's childhood. We should feel protected. We should feel safe.  
 

Stree 2012 5th Annual All India Women Artist Art Exhibition

'Stree-12' is the 5th Annual All India Women Artist Art Exhibition organized by Bhiku Ram Jain Foundation & Art Mall. The art exhibition will be inaugurated by some noted senior eminent artists, art critics, art historians and other celebrities, as has been done in previous years. Art works of  women artists from  all over India will be on display and sale till 20th March 12. In this art exhibition, artists will have an interaction with eminent artists which would develop a better and long term relations to benefit all. Art Mall and the Foundation are working endlessly for the benefaction of the upcoming artists in India and are providing them an unparallel platform to display their art works on a regular basis in the gallery. On this event an annual art catalogue having work images of the participating women artists will also be released on the same day.

Time : 10th March : 6:00 pm - Opening

11th to 20th March : 11:00 am - 8:00 pm - Exhibition on View

Entry : Free

Place : Art Mall, 5, Shivaji Marg, Moti Nagar, N. G. Road, New Delhi - 15

Website : http://www.artmallonline.com/  | Nearest Metro Station(Green Line) - 'Satguru Ramsingh Marg' &'Ashok Park'

One of my paintings will also be displayed at the exhibition. So if you guys are in Delhi then please visit.

Cheers!!

Money Management

'Money Management' 'Household Budget' 'Expenses' 'Bills' 'Savings'... all these terms are troubling for me. I am not really the very 'spend your money carefully' kind of person. Until now, I and my husband would spend more and save almost nothing. It was just the two of us. We had already bought our house and that was the biggest saving that we did. Pretty much satisfied with it. I mean, who buys a house at 26 and that too in Bombay. How we bought it, makes a good story for another blog post, so more on that later.


But now that I am a mother, I have an added sense of responsibility . I have to save for my child, to make sure he gets a secured future. 


So to keep a track of our expenses and make sure we save something at the end of the month after investing, I came up with this excel sheet tracker. I intend to update it every week, so that would be about 4to5 times a month, which I think is fair. This will make my life so much easier.


The intention of making this tracker is not only to track the expense but to identify any 'unnecessary' spend and try to curb it the next time.


So here is the tracker for you all. Use it if it suits your lifestyle, amend it. Also, if you have any suggestions for changes or additions, please let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjfGqaNj_aLddDh0X0NOMWlMLXlwcUM4RFVaTnA4X1E#gid=0

Please note: there are four categories where we could specify the expense weekly as you scroll down and i have added a formula where the weekly expense will be added in the main table.

Perception

I have received the below mail many a times before as well, however, every time it makes me think. Are we really missing out on the beauty around us. The small moments that make life and fill us with Joy. 


Today we are being bombarded by Brands and Media (I am a victim myself), have we stopped realizing and paying attention to whats available at no cost around. Things to ponder...

Perception

THE SITUATION

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.


About 4 minutes later:


The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.


At 6 minutes:


A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.


At 10 minutes:
 A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.


At 45 minutes:


The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.


No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

This experiment raised several questions:

*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?


One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . ..

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

Akanksha Come Alive 2011

I will conduct a 2 hour art workshop with all the participants for Art. Below are the details of the event. Please join us and Come Alive!!!

Dear all,

It’s that time of the year when you can do the one thing you always wanted to do but never found the time, when you can connect with people you never thought you will meet, when you can set yourself free from the inhibitions you might have… It’s time to ‘Come Alive’ with Akanksha again!

The Akanksha Foundation invites you to kick start the ‘Joy of Giving Week’ with the annual event on Sunday, the 2^nd of October 2011.

For details and to sign up please refer to the attached document.

Looking forward to hearing from all of you.

Thanks and Regards,

Mansi Shah

Manager – Social Leadership Programme

The Akanksha Foundation

Email – mansi.shah@akanksha.org

Website – www.akanksha.org

Carryapoly Campaign

I read an article about a cleanup drive in Mumbai yesterday that was reported by Mumbai Mirror. The article started with something, that I have experienced many a times.

I rarely travel by train. But when I do, I have seen educated well dressed women litter, and I am talking of first class compartment. So essentially I am referring to educated career women. I am not limiting this behavior to train commuters. The other day I was traveling with this rather well to do, career woman in her car. We stopped to take some take away from McDonalds, finished our meal in her car while we traveled. To my utter horror, she very conveniently rolled down her window and threw her wrapper and paper cup on the road. I didn’t even get time to react and she was done with the waste. I then told her she was wrong in doing so. She was indifferent.

Whenever such offenders are told that they shouldn’t litter or what they are doing is wrong, I get scorned at. Well, at the risk of getting into arguments I have time and again chided people (known and otherwise also) against littering.

I personally, always carry a polythene bag in my purse to collect any liter, wrappers, waste papers etc.  Once at home or office I dispose off these in the dustbin.  I then started offering to collect others liter in this polythene and keep in my bag so it could be disposed off in the trash can. That is the basic way of handling this. I have realized that people follow action more than words. So maybe we need to show them what to do and do it for them to begin with and then hope that they follow.

So, here is my idea to start a campaign called #Carryapoly, where the participants can carry a polythene always, and when they see anyone about to litter, they may offer the same to collect such litter. Some of my friends suggested that we should use recyclable polythenes. That’s a good idea. We could do that. We can urge people to use and re-use the polythene bags that they get home for #carryapoly. We can use:

1.       Smaller garbage bags

2.       Zip bags

3.       Branded shopping bags

4.       Recyclable white polythene bags

Lets start small, then maybe this drive will grow big eventually and something may come out of it. Those who are interested in this campaign please use the #carryapoly hashtag in your tweets related to the campaign. Please give-in your suggestions. This is just a very nascent idea. We need to be together to make this work.

Ciao till the next update.

Sustainable Hopes

Below is the critique of "Windmills of Hope" by Art critic - Johny ML

Two things cannot be missed out while watching the latest painting series by Srushti Mandar Rao; the vibrancy of lines that reminds anyone of the rhythmic fusion of body, movement, music and light created by a dancer and a heightened awareness of environmental issues. Srushti being a trained painter, dancer and a serious trekker, this pronounced fusion of concerns in her works comes quite naturally and the style that she has developed over a period of time has a characteristic of its own and has got strong art historical affinities with the American Optical Art experiments of 1960s. The new series titled, ‘Windmills of Hope’ brings forth the artist’s idea about a future, which should depend on sustainable development and environmental protection.

The distinct style of painting, which Srushti fondly qualifies as ‘Line-ism’ explores the possibilities of lines and their tonal gradations on a pictorial surface. The planar division of the surface through vertical, horizontal and zigzag lines, as well as through the specific distribution of tonal intensities generates at once the feel of a colorful spectrum and the illusion of a solid image. Srushti invests her energies in the creation of abstract values of colors and lines as a musician focuses on ragas. The works demand the viewer to make physical adjustments so that they could enjoy both the abstract and figurative elements embedded in them.

The present series, ‘Windmills of Hope’ took shape when Srushti visited Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, where she witnessed a series of windmills erected for the generation of alternative power/energy. Windmills, despite their economic and investment values, within their physical appearance and purpose carry an aesthetical appeal (seeing them against the horizon or along the roads that you travel is a thought provoking as well as meditative experience) and a futuristic vision. As an alternative energy resource, windmills, to certain extent assure the preservation of environment in its actual state. Windmills, aesthetically speaking, represent an alternative icon of contemporary times. These icons of our times embody human dignity, mobility and freedom; one could feel it along with the artist.

Interestingly, Srushti in a very subconscious way connects her new series with the way the Impressionists of the late 19th century France had painted their surroundings. It is not just that the Impressionists had painted windmills and today Srushti does the same, but Srushti too like the Impressionists captures the mood of the windmills as per the change of light and time. Windmills are identical with one another. However, in Srushti’s works each one of them carries a distinct personality and a deeper look would reveal that Srushti gives attention in producing the effect the ‘time’ through the selection of particular lights of the day; for instance she sees them like persons walking towards you, or someone seen under moonlight or a cloudy sky. She captures the speed of the rotating blades the way a minimalist like Brancusi would produce the effect of movement in his sculptures.

Rhythmic movements and changing moods of light and time are palpable in the works of Srushti. Though she does not attempt at the actual representation of the landscapes within which these windmills are distributed, through the creation of textural fields and suggestive minimal symbolism Srushti Mandar Rao vivifies not only the physical values of the windmills but also of the landscapes.

JohnyML
art critic, writer, curator
May 2011
New Delhi

And the NGO is - Ishaan Foundation

It was a humongous task to identify and finalize the NGO that I would support from the sale of my paintings through the exhibition "Windmills of Hope". 


The idea was to have an NGO that works in the field of education for under-privileged children. Alongside me fire-fighting with preparation for my exhibition I was deliberating on which NGO to support. 


I had this huge support of Chandni Parekh (@Fundacause) for this task. She not only would answer all my annoying queries right from what should we do? to how can we finalize now? but also went through each and every application that we received for this and added her experienced comments to it. Chandni, a huge thanks to you for your support.


There were essential 3 criteria that I used for selecting the NGO

1. The NGO shouldn't be a very big one - Larger organisations get a lot of support from corporates and other businesses, my minuscule contribution would not have made much difference to their existing revenues (although it might have added I am sure).
2. The NGO needs to be working in Children's education - You can read my reasons for this on my previous blog here.
3. The NGO needs to be in or around Malad - I wanted more involvement than just giving money one time. I wanted to be able to visit the place and have a more human involvement. It is not a short term relationship that I am looking at with the NGO. It shall be longer, i want to see what more I could do with the NGO and be involved in a deeper manner.

One NGO that fulfilled all these criteria is ISHAAN HOPE Foundation for Education & Training (Social benefit & non—profit organization). 

A little about their Project that I have decided to support - 

Educational help to Orphanage: I am in touch with Dr Hema Kulkarni of the Ishaan Hope Foundation who is looking after the project, an orphanage situated in Mudh Island which houses about 65 children varying from 3yrs to 17 yrs. This orphanage does not have government aid as it does not have enough space as well as other infrastructure. Last year 11 students were enrolled in a nearby school. From June 2011, 9 more will be enrolled. The annual fees per student is Rs, 7000/-. This does not include uniforms & textbooks. In fact, Mrs. Buthello (who runs this orphanage) wishes to send 10 more children to school. Although they were unable to undertake this responsibility because of lack of funds.

Until now the children were getting education through National Open School system. However there were no regular trained teachers to educate them. Dr Hema Kulkarni visted the orphanage in 2009 and suggested that it was better for these children to go to nearby regular school. This will not only help them get regular education & training, but also have an opportunity to meet & interact with children from society. This suggestion was accepted by the president of the orphanage. In June 2010 they enrolled 9 young students in Sir J. P. School, Malad (West) as the school principal insisted that the children should have proper documentation. Three other older students were enrolled on Holy Mother English School in Malawani as they did not insist on documentation. Annual fees per year per student is Rs. 7000/- (Seven thousand) which includes bus fare, but not uniforms & text books. 

Eight other students were sponsored by donors from the neighborhood, but they backed out after six months & the foundation had to support these eight students as well for last 6 months. The total expenditure last year on this project was 112000/- (One Lakh twelve thousand). From June 2011, the foundation has to support all 20 students & fees expenditure would be Rs. 140,000/- (One Lakh forty thousand). The principals of the schools have accepted our request that we will pay the fees on quarterly basis. There are more students in the orphanage who need to go to school but because of pausity of funds are unable to. 

The foundation also wishes to help them by providing uniforms & text books but have not been able to do so till now. Mrs. Buthello who runs the orphanage has got permission to start pre-primary school. She wishes that the foundation help her establish this project too. 

In addtion to above, Mrs. Buthollo wishes that more than 10 students who have passed 10th std need to undergo vocational training so that they become financially independent & may be able to move out of the orphanage.

I do hope that I am able to pitch in a substantial amount to help this Orphanage.

I also urge my readers to please see if some more funds can be collected for this orphanage. 

My only endeavor is to make a small difference through my exhibition "Windmills of Hope" and give hope to these children by giving them the gift of education.

Invite to my Exhibition

Help me find an NGO

Previously I had blogged about the new series of paintings that I am working on and how I would donate 20% of the sale proceeds to an NGO of my choice. You can read the blog here.

There have been developments on that front, I have finally managed to get a gallery for the exhibition and I would have the exhibition in May. I will be exhibiting at the Bajaj Art Gallery at Nariman Point in Mumbai from 18th May to 24th May 2011. The exhibition will be called "Windmills of Hope" - an apt name for an exhibition that supports a cause of education for underprivileged children.

While most of my paintings are moving towards completion, one of the major things to be decided upon is selection of the NGO. I have taken help from my friend @fundacause for this task. In response to an earlier post that she had written on her blog, I received many responses from NGOs. However, the task of selecting the appropriate NGO was easier said than done. After wracking my brains for some time on this, I request for help from all my readers. 

Please help me select an NGO by reviewing requests that we have received for this cause on @fundacause's blog.

Your comments and feedback will be appreciated. Looking forward to your support.

Happy Women's Day

Today is International Women’s Day. I wished my friends and acquaintances. Some replied back, some didn’t. Some men and women alike don’t even pay any heed to this day. They say it’s a farce. Well, to each his own.

However, I would also like to put the record straight that Women’s Day isn’t a gimmick that’s started by some greeting card company to sell their cards. It’s real. It is acknowledgement and celebration of the Women who fought for their rights. Women were denied the basic right to vote. Some women had the courage to stand upto the self-righteous governors of this Patriarchal world. They won. Women could vote. We celebrate this day for their victory. For every battle that women have to fight daily to prove to be equals.

I have been blessed to be born in a family where the man and woman divide was not so pronounced. It was there nonetheless. Though I would not call it oppression. But I was always reminded that I was a ‘Girl’ and my brother was a ‘Boy’, and that’s why he could do some things and I couldn’t. Through the years the divide was narrowed. Today I and my brother are looked upon as individuals.

Having said that, this gender inequality is prevalent in our society and country. It is not limited to India alone but also exists in other patriarchal societies.  Having lived in Africa for a while, I have heard horror stories of the way women are treated.  Women have been oppressed for centuries, world across. Not being treated as equals is one point, atrocities against this gender takes it to another level altogether. But why?

Women are a pillar of strength, but that doesn’t imply that we be barraged with abomination. The Hindu text gives Women a place as the extreme power (Shakti) and yet men suppress women. They want them to mould in punctilious roles with no individual identities.

I advocate Women’s rights. It’s not the right to wear what I want or drink what I want or go where I want to. It’s the right to ‘Be’. To be me, as I am.

Basic Education for all

New Series by me

I am working on a new series of paintings. I have decided the donate 20% of the proceeds to an NGO of my choice. Currently, I am working on finding a way to make this auction viable online either host it on my website (which can be tedious task for a one time exercise), or make it available on my FB fan page (http://www.facebook.com/srushtimrao) or use a third party auctioning website for this particular exercise. There is so much push and pull to make this possible.

I have always believed in giving back to the society in whatever way I can. I have associated with many NGOs intermittently, if not time, I have contributed money. I have also tried to be a good citizen by adhering to my basic civic duties.

"Basic Education for all" is one of the issues that has been foremost in my mind. Although there are a myriad of issues within the society that can be addressed like atrocities towards women, children and animals etc. I believe that education will help solve a majority of these issues as most of the social issues arise from the lack of education. Literacy being a different expanse altogether. By basic education people are taught many things alongside reading and writing. One is taught self-respect, from that originates respect for others, starting from family and eventually extending to other elements like society, animals, country.

People who are from privileged families take education for granted, including me (at times I feel appalled at people lacking basic civic sense). However, it is a constant battle for the underprivileged to get even basic education. Probably people who have grown up on the streets and are now adults are beyond any scope of persuasion; nonetheless, their children can be educated and can have a hope for a better life. This is the force that drives me to believe in educating children.

Here is my small drop in the large ocean that needs to be created to encompass the huge need of education system and organizations that can support the under-privileged for education. It will not only benefit the needy furthermore benefit every individual and the society as a whole. Lowering crime rate, increasing sanguine individuals. It will eventually impact the country’s many growth hurdles, will help out balance population, and help permeate positivity amongst people.

Amen to the right of Basic Education for everyone!!!

Client Vs. Vendor

I am a client now. Yes, for the last two years that I have been with this company my Job Profile conveniently puts me in the clients position.  But my company is a vendor for its clients and that’s how my company makes money.

I have been in the Business Development profession prior to this, long enough to understand how it is to sell and not only sell but take rebuttal if the customer is not content. We are all customers and vendors at the same time in life. My clients may be the employees and the top management for whom I strive to deliver the best possible solution.

It’s despairing to see some people derive pleasure at oppressing vendors. They have pure disdain for them, for reasons best know to these ‘clients’. Yes, I as a client will appreciate timely and quality delivery. Yet, I would also appreciate genuine impediments. However, just delaying payments or refusing to acknowledge good work because someone is a ‘vendor’ is appalling. This only in-turn puts the vendors off such clients and they would never get a vendor who would work with them for the sheer pleasure.

May such a ‘client’s’ soul rest in peace.