Redwood

Last few days, drove through acres and acres of lush green fields, meandering streams, massive lakes and majestic redwoods. Nature filled my heart.

It is very unlikely that I would be able to see such scenery for a stretch so long anymore, where I grew up. The loss of such aesthetic enjoyment is one of the sad side effects of over population.

I remember the amazing beauty of rain beating down on a stretch of road filled with red soil (which they market wonderfully well in Hawaii by the way), not a decade ago. Now the same stretch of road is paved with asphalt and lined with shops and neon lights.

Caltrain

I took the train to work today. No book, no newspaper, no chat with the person sitting next to me... I had to ruthlessly crush the juggler in me screaming of all the things I could do in half an hour - to let go. In between, I watched the passing scenes lazily, the man struggling to pick up the ticket and rush before the train left, the three senior ladies insisting on finding a seat that is facing the direction in which the train moved, the commuter immersed in his lap top.. Half an hour to idly follow the clouds and the roof tops and dream of something else. What luxury!

We Indians

Now that Dr.Kalam is in the news, I was re-reading his article. Though to some extent, more towards the later part, I understand, admire and identify with his visions, I was intrigued by his statements on vision of freedom. He says for 3000 years we have not conquered any other country. Who is this 'we'?

India, as this one entity is relatively modern. And there have been many wars - conquests, plunders, amongst the various empires, kingdoms of this region. It is rather simplistic and wrong to say these kingdoms didn't have any wars except for those inflicted upon them by 'outsiders'.

Even if we decide, for our convenience to consider this 'we' as the modern india, and deem the wars of kingdoms within - internal rife, there have been empires like those of Ashoka and Rajendra Chola whose boundaries have included modern day Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Ceylon etc. 'We' have grabbed their land, possibly their culture and we have propagated, if not enforce, our ways of live on them.

1857 is another story.

Love

Kishore's quote says "Love isn't about finding someone perfect; it's about learning to love an imperfect person perfectly". I have also often come across quotes in relationship advice columns and books about how you should not try and overhaul the other person and how you should learn to love the imperfections.

Though it doesnt quite say it, it sort of implies that tolerating your loved ones' imperfections is a virtue To me if I am tolerating a bad trait in someone's character it means I dont care enough about them or that I dont think they are open enough to deal with the change. Indeed love isn't about finding someone perfect. To me love is also to constantly endevour to make each other perfect, however hard it may seem at times

Parents

Unlike their American counter-parts, Indian parents are not big on showing baby pictures. Though they have other equally interesting traits. One classic line, mainly by parents of toddlers and mobile babies is - "Oh, if I just let him/her down, in one minute, he/she will explore and plunder this whole area". Delivered in a proud tone, this is often followed by a "At home she/he is very different", if the poor child sits quietly, shy of strangers.

I have often wondered what would happen, if, instead of politely smiling and admiring their child's research capabilities, I said something like, "Really? So you think you are failing as a parent by bringing up such a brat?"

Barred out of society, thats what will happen. Parents - funny creatures!