the problem of gratitude

Gratitude. The biggest problem with being an atheist is what to do with it, whom to direct it at. But I feel it all the same. And acknowledge it.

is she cool or what

(Seen at the reception of Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.)

एक छोटी सी कविता आद्या के लिए

blogging life

So I'm back to reading China Mievelle, the perpetrator of weird fiction. I had read 'Perdido Street Station' and it was a rewarding read by the end. 'Iron Council', now, is supposed to have heavy political undertones. It is also a cross between science fiction and cowboy western. Having said that, the book does have a tough skin that's hard to sink teeth in. Reading it on mobile doesn't make the task any easier.

Also reading 'The Castle of Crossed Destinies' by Italo Calvino. But that's for another post.



The hectic affair of getting the child delivered, the to and fro hospital trips, the long vigils by Himani's bed, all that's over. Both Himani and Aadyayani (आद्यायानी)are back home. Of course, it will take her at least another month to leave bed and resume normalcy. But that girl o' mine has always been a tough one.

Oh, and a proper post after such a long time does deserve a mention of Miyazaki, this wonderful and much celebrated Japanese animator that I've discovered only recently. In fact, he deserves a separate post as well. However, if you have been seeking extraordinary storytellers, you must check him out. And the perfect starting point to capture the magnitude of his talent would be 'Spirited Away'. However, each of his works stands on its own, dealing with subjects as varied as coming of age, war, ecology, childhood and fantastic flying machines. (Oh, and that's Yubaba in the picture below, my favouritest witch in the whole wide world, probably a nod to Baba Yaga of the Russian fables by Miyazaki)



And if I manage to post this, it would be a first, my first post from a mobile device.

So I guess I will see you later. And if this mobile posting works, perhaps sooner.

the teensy weensy goddess

Born on the 14th of October '09, her name is Aadyayani(आद्यायानी). It's an extension of Aadya (meaning the ancient one), one of the many names of Shakti, the feminine deity, the mother Goddess. I had to go through several Sahasranamas (Collections of a thousand names of Gods and Goddesses) of Durga, Parvati, Saraswati, Lakshmi to arrive at this one. Even then it had to be a truce between my choice (Katyayani) and Himani's pick (Adya).

She looks delicate and fragile, her wails are almost melodious, and her temper is prodigal. I do believe I'm gonna spoil her silly.

अपनी नाक के छोर का पीछा करते एक और दिन बीता। ठीक ही था। अब घर जाना है। बच्चा सवाल करने लगा है- पापा, देर क्यों करते हो रोज़?

new hindi poem alert

river, me

New Poem alert

life in a snapshot

Currently reading: 'A Woman of the Iron People' by Eleanor Arnason. It belongs to a genre (that I did not know about) called anthropological science fiction. The story narrates the first account of a space traveller called Lixia (a woman) from near future making contact with a new sentient race on an alien planet. The new race is intelligent, humanoid, furred and somewhat primitive. Lixia studies and narrates the customs and lifestyle of this race through a woman called Nia who's her companion on a journey they have to undertake. I haven't finished yet, so more later.




Currently listening to: A Heavy Metal band called 'Lamb Of God' that belongs to the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Their style is Metalcore/Grindcore with elements of progressive metal. The songs are frantic-paced and aggressive, with post-grunge growling vocals that characterise so many new bands. It's a first for me, and I'm enjoying it.



Currently thinking of: An offsite for my team. Inspired by this visioning exercise that I recetly attended for a client, I think I'm gonna hold something similar for August.

currently reading...

'Man Plus' by Frederik Pohl, and am once again struck by the ingenuity of sci-fi writers' imagination and thoroughness of their detailing. Perhaps, its closer to forecasting rather than mere story writing. 'Man Plus', a 1976 Nebula winner, is the story of an astronaut who is engineered into a cyborg for the purpose of living on Mars. It also reminds me of 'Spin', yet another story that deals with Mars (terraforming, different time zones, good shit).

ode to leela

I was only 12 when I fell in love with her. Such was the power of her performance in Anuradha. Even in a Black and White film, (the much revered) Leela Naidu could express every shade of gray through her portrayal of this very real, timeless woman. And her beauty was ethereal, her grace- divine. No wonder I was smitten. And now she's gone. May she rest in peace.