Celebrating life!

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...