Celebrating life!

Having read the novel on which the movie is based, many years ago, I like the rest of the world had thought this would be an impossible movie to make. But what expected was certainly not what I ended up viewing: a classic movie. Life of Pi has you in its thrall from the first. Considering that even the Booker-prize winning author of the original book (2001) Yann Martel approved, it is hard not to like the film.  While the 3D version has been highly acclaimed, the regular 2D version is also great to watch and watch you must, movie buff or not. The film begins with the haunting voice of Bombay Jayashree, which had the North Indian in the seat next to me wondering if it was a Malayalam movie. With the initial, captivating shots of the animals in the zoo the movie will have your undivided attention for the entire 127 minutes. The movie takes place in early twentieth century Pondicherry. The protagonist is a sixteen-year old boy Piscine Molitor Patel, named after a swimming...

(This is poem was written on one of my many train journeys where I contemplated my experiences in Iran with fond thoughts). Warm, welcoming, beautiful country with palaces I only read about in Kubla Khan 1 , I came as a stranger into your home and you accepted me with outstretched arms. Despite our differences, irrespective of similarities, you treated me an honoured guest. As I visited your haunts and splendours you explained to me their magical past. As I tasted the scent of your ‘polo 2 ,’ You mesmerized me with your charming faces and told me of your love for Shahrukh Khan. I, lounging back, filled to the brim With pistachios and saffron, pomegranates and carpets, heard you whisper to me through Hafez and Sa’adi stories of your once glorious Persepolis and the not-quite-forgotten legendary Cyrus the Great. You then also told me of your dreams of returning to who you were 30 years ago. After seeing your palaces, treasures, history and se...

I am convinced of it! Right after what happened yesterday. Yes I'm absolutely sure. India's and probably even the world's worst bus conductors are right here in the Land of Letters aka Kottayam. Why, you ask me, am I so convinced? Sample the following: 1. The conductor of a certain bus insists on brushing against me till I finally learn evasion. He loses interest of course once I get my thali. 2. Another conductor found out that I could speak English well and would use it remarks against us several times my friends and I got on that bus. (This guy also went to jail later for running down someone). 3. When the conductor of the bus I got on yesterday found out I had no change for my ticket he asked me to get off the bus! Hail Kottayam bus conductors! P.S: There are also some nice ones here. So I won't say all of them are bad.

You call yourself the Malayali Manga- the epitome of all that is good in your homeland Kerala, dressing prim and proper. You wear only gold, which the elders approve and cook and clean like a "good" wife. You smile eternally, never out, you're every Malayali mother-in-law's dream come true. You never shout or scream or embarrass and cover your ears when I mention 'sex' or 'taboo.' You frown on my unorthodoxness and my I-don't-care-if-I-fit-in attitude. You're the flawless, God-fearing, splendid woman that some of us can never aspire to be. Yet I hear you fiercely discuss on the train with our carbon copy friends (in the ladies compartment of course, when men are not around) whether Gigi/Beena/Shymol? some other God-forsaken woman could quite possibly be able to flaunt her stomach revealed, in a sari while still staring at my non-conformity. (This poem was the result of an actual conversation overheard on a train, between...

I am the Indian woman: docile   sweet    vulnerable good-natured   spritzy insipid   floundering   mild bee-like   tepid uncomplaining Gangatic-tears   silently-accepting . I too am the Indian woman: ruthless   greedy   steely sophisticated   astute   lustful harbinger   bold   grrl contemptuous    obtuse   up-in-arms uncompromising   firm   determined . I am she - the power and the future in my hands. Let me live.

Come to Citiphones one and all Experiences galore in every call The costume party's on this Friday provided no nagging customers all day. You''ll hear of a customer who called in to say "I thought my accounts were closed today" because he saw on his statement received 'Closing balance' - what a weed! There'll be customers calling you on April 4 "My card hasn't reached, please tell me more." Then they'll realize in the blink of an eye the card says '04/04' - my o my! There'll be Italians, Spaniards, French, Japanese, but you'll soon learn to grapple with ease. Whining old ladies, snappy gentlemen, watch agents' faces slowly sadden. Marked improvement in performance they say - on the flip side there's a cut in pay. Newcomers on the floor we have seen, adieu to old buddies, on it we're not keen. Someday in Chennai Citiphones may be gone but till then - Come to Citiphones one and all Ex...

Finally! they will say when I tell them: after one whole year you have finally finished that gas cylinder. We were wondering when you would do it. Don't you even cook anything? Or do you always buy your food? No wonder you have put on such weight. But now that it is over we can give you a new one. You better finish this in 3 months time. What? Doesn't matter if you have a microwave or an induction cooker. Who uses them to cook anyway! Cooking must be done the old-fashioned way on a gas stove with heavy pots and pans. Too much oil you say? Use olive oil - no health problems. O that research must be by some Indian people who haven't been acknowledged; Sesame oil & coconut oil will cause cholesterol even if you say that it doesn't cause heart attack. Of course I know many people who died of cholesterol! Better to stick to the olive oil that Western countries promote. Never mind if its too expensive for you. Use sunflower oil then. Forge...

In a world driven by sense & sensibilities where speed and accuracy count to the last nanosecond, it struck me that a bird might in fact have more civic sense than people, when I noticed at the railway station, waiting for my morning train, a crow pick up from the tracks a discarded, crisp, paper cup in the hopes of a quick breakfast, and sitting on the bridge realizing that there was little hope of his free coffee, swiftly flew back and deposited it where it had been found, while the office goer on the next platform  dredged his cup and threw it on the nearest track, as the train approached. (Photo : Jain Cyriac Babu)

When I saw your casket lowered into the earth I realized that I would no more see that lovely smile that would light up a dozen faces hear that voice that comforted so many feel that joie-de-vivre that pushed many a face forward know that if I called your mobile I would never again have a friend waiting there. Though they will never compensate your presence I have the memories of my cherished friend which I will hold close to my heart and relive every time I want to be with you again. I pray you find that elusive peace and happiness in your new home. Peace my friend.

Last night many of us may have heard the shocking news of the demise of a former colleague and beloved friend of mine Reena. Her accidental death has left many of us unable to believe the news and some of us in tears. Reena was indeed a good friend to those of us who knew her. It is terribly hard to visualize that we will no longer hear that chirpy laugh or be unable to see once more that vivacious, fun, open-minded, sweet young woman. She always lauded creativity and enjoyed a stimulating intellectual discussion. I know we clicked the instant that we met up when I first stepped into the portals of my alma mater as a teacher. Reena always expressed her desire to sit in one of my more creative classes and now that will never happen. Even now, if I listen closely, can hear her voice in my head affectionately calling me. Reena, you are no more and it saddens me that I will never have a chance to hug you or see your smile again. I miss you very much but I will take heart in the fac...

One uttered word a brief glance 1 momentary smile oru silent prayer ek patient ear un quick touch can make all the difference in balancing life and death.