"I am so proud of you", the Ira way

Ira celebrated Christmas at school today and it marked the beginning of her holidays.  Ira's vocabulary seems to have exponentially increased in the last few weeks and so her capacity to express herself very articulately. She wants to wear her own shoes,  carry her own bag, eat by herself, make up her own Rhymes and tell stories her way. She says she didn't realise that she was wearing her shoes ulta and that she recognises the alphabet on the book. Realise,  recognise and because are hands down her favourite current words.
As the year closes, it feels overwhelming to see how much she has grown and humbling to realise how much we have as parents learnt. So,  I guess it is fitting that one of my December blogs share all that Prashant and I have learnt so far in this parenting journey. A journey that has just been awesome... and tiring, fabulous and apprehension filled,  full of gawky moments and some perfect strokes.

"I am so proud of you"- a line that Ira tells Prashant and me out of the blue these days,  followed or preceded by, "I love you". This I guess is what is music to the ears,  for Mamma and Papa for sure.

Parenting is a hard task,  nail-biting,  tear my hair moments happen to all of us.  Do not go by the happy pictures and posts that we parents blog and brag about.  Of course,  there are those gem of moments.  But to get there, is a long tedious,  tear filled,  mental screeches filled journey,  multiple camera shots journey.  No complaints whatsoever.  What am trying to say is, like everything in life,  we have to work hard to make parenting work. We have to learn to let go,  we have to learn to let a toddler have their way,  we have to learn that a glass of spilt milk,  a tornado driven toys all over living room is a part of the deal. We have to listen to every little thing they say the way we would listen to another adult,  we have to patiently answer their same question a zillion times because that is what little inquisitive minds do.  There are times when you both are filled with pride that 'we created this'  and there are also times when you think,  'did we really create this!'.

Some things that Prashant and I learnt that has made parenting an even more kickass  a journey for us.
1. Being clingy is their birthright and it can happen anytime anywhere.
2. They are the most well behaved in the most unexpected circumstances.
3. They are riotous in the calmest of situations.
4. Some days their favourite food is all you need to make them happy.  For Ira,  this could be dates,  papaya or chicken leg :)
5. Some days you just have no clue what will work. And trust us,  it is fine.
6. They can read their favourite story book over and over again.  Mind you,  your intonations have to still be animated at the 20th reading in a single day and you dare not skip that para. Her current absolute favourite is,  "Are you my mother?" by P. D. Eastman.
7. They may want to drink milk with spoon,  eat idli with fork,  n pasta with hand.  Let them experience food the way they want to.
8. Mess is good.  Don't be paranoid (note to self). Playing with stick and stones,  throwing mud and cleaning the park is a good thing.
9. Falls,  hurts,  bruises are good and essential for growth.  And of course,  boroline is Ira's best friend,  along with the adage,  'no big deal'.
10. Teach them to love and appreciate people but there will be moments when your most huggy child will not want to hug the visiting friend.  Let them be.  Personal space is an early learning and an essential one at that.
11. You have to feed Bonny,  Leo,  Sophie, Panda and Snowy and shower them too with goodnight kisses,  when your little one takes them to bed with her.
12. Listen careful to their imaginative stories,  play with them,  drink that make believe buttermilk and eat that carrot sabji.  Enjoy that conversation when she asks Bonny to sit with legs crossed and use the activity mat to play.
13. They will be as brave,  as happy,  as adventurous,  as loving as we are.  They reflect what they see. They are our best mirror images.
14. Positive affirmations work wonders.  They need to believe they are smart,  strong,  brave,  loving.  They need to hear it from us.  Be strict,  be stern when needed but those little hands need that comforting hold.  They need to know we are proud of them for what they are.  And this pride is not just quantifiable through achievements or milestones,  this pride is that parental emotion that is ours to know,  experience and express.
15. Discover the child in you through your little one. Preserve that smile,  that memory. These will all be stories to be told and retold.

If you have actually read this long piece,  know for sure that,  "I am so proud of you", the Ira way.

#Iraisms #Ira #Positiveaffirmations #Proudofyou #parenting #learning

Happy tummy, happy us

I love cooking.
Sometimes I can be a super enthu cook and sometimes, plain lazy.
One of the first things I learnt to make was omelette like ma and chicken curry like baba. I would add cheese,  tomatoes and anything that caught my fancy to the omelette. Most of the cooking I did at my parents was restricted to noodles,  pasta and some non veg starters.  Being married to a go foodie and a fabulous cook has only made cooking a more intriguing experience. It fascinates me to see Prashant read multiple recipes,  make complex masalas and then cook with the same enthu. Cooking for me is also destressing.
And I feel it is a skill that everyone must acquire. For days when you want comforting food, nothing works better than hot rice,  alu bhaate (bong mashed potato with mustard oil,  salt and green chilli) and moosur dal.
Since Ira has joined school,  there has been the effort to learn some new things and try variety of tiffin friendly recipes. The tiffin journey has now begun in true sense and have renewed respects for all parents who pack a wholesome homely lunch everyday.
Thursday morning enthusiasm saw palak parathas and alu bhaji being made. Happy tummy,  happy us.

For all of you

For all of you nursing a broken heart.
For all of you in pain, in a daze.
For all of you who are lost,  confused,  bitter.
For all of you suffering in health,
Physical or mental.
For all of you trying to break away from the shackles,
For all of you mourning the loss of someone close,
For all of you anticipating the worst.
Hang in there.
Time will hopefully heal.
Scars will remain. Memories will stay.
You will grow but stronger.
You will come out more resilient.
Embrace this moment, embrace the power within.
Life will go on.

#talkaboutwhatisbotheringyou #findthestrength #forallofyou

#microblogging 

I am no doll

Dear little girls,
I apologise on behalf of everyone who has ever called you a doll. Ofcourse it is said as a compliment and they mean well. Because,  "awwww... She is such a doll" is meant as a positive affirmation. It refers to being cute,  sweet and lot of other such descriptions accorded to little girls. But I am very conscious not to refer to a little girl as a doll because she is a living breathing person and I somehow find the compliment annoying. I may belong to a very small tribe who feels this. Because I feel positive body image is an essential part of a healthy growth and being a doll cannot really be an aspiration.
So,  this poem is for you all.
Love,
M

I am no doll
Am not porcelain made
Nor rubber or wooly stuffed one
Not hard wooden or silicone ware

I am no doll
Am real and here
Have thoughts and feelings
Likes and dislikes
Smiles and tears

I am no doll
Am no toy to play with
Am no puppet to discard
Am no whim and fancy playmate

I am no doll
I have questions
And curiosities
I have dreams
And aspirations

I am no doll
Stacked on a shelf
Lifeless and show
For people to buy and go

I am no doll
I ask, I want
I need,  I strive
I am here flesh and blood

I am no doll
I am no doll

#Ira #Iraisms #poems #iamnodoll #girlsaregirls #genderdescriptions #notacompliment

The 'First School' for your child - 10 Mantras to help you choose

December is here and with that parenting groups,  mommies groups and school groups are loaded with questions on playschool,  pre-schools, nursery, alternate schools,  montessori method and all discussions pertaining to schooling and school admissions.  It is in some sense a big deal because we need to start the hunt early and if we are choosy,  it makes the hunt even more tedious. While embarking on this search last year, I posted my query on Fb and got some very practical suggestions on how to choose the school. Thank you to everyone who wrote on this thread a year back.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153215440895796&id=675550795

Prashant left the initial groundwork to me. So, I started the way I know best. Made an excel sheet with details about the schools that is easily available and then another set of details got over the phone. Post that we took appointments and went and met the school authorities and saw the premises.

So,  here are the 10 mantras to help you choose a school.

1. The Methodology Followed
Today there are many options. The traditional playschool/nursery method, the montessori method, the Waldorf method, the Steiner method. Read up,  do your groundwork and decide which method will work for your child and you. Parents today have to complement the teaching technique at school with how they also imbibe those learnings at home.
We visited the IMTC website (http://www.indianmontessoricentre.org/schools-recognized-indian-montessori-centre),  did our research and felt that we would like the montessori method. A lot of schools and famous chains claim to use these methodologies but a shocker was that most of their teachers are not even trained or certified.  A very famous chain of schools we visited, the centre head told us we teach multiple intelligence to the children and follow multiple methodologies. So, when I asked her what she meant, she said, you know we use play technique, stories... You wouldn't understand. Yes,  we were actually told that. I was also aghast to see that the pamphlet said they teach kids existential intelligence, whereby teach them about life and death. When asked,  they said we teach them through play. Seriously, teach a two year old. The chain was off our list immediately. Often they rattle off terminologies and jargon,  and underestimate the preparation a parent may have made. I wish they were a tad bit more sensitive to this aspect.

2. Distance between Home and School
These days our toddlers begin schooling very early.  It helps if the travel involved is not much. For them, it is a whole new routine.  Waking up earlier than usual. Getting ready to go to a new environment and meet new people there. Less distance to travel is one less strain avoided. For some parents,  the deciding component would be the distance from their work place to school,  depending upon their arrangement to drop and pick up their baby. See what works best for you. Look at options both near home and work.

3. The Physical Space
The school should have a natural play space. Good ventilation is also essential. Added benefit if they have a ground or garden, have sand-pits and trees. Lot of schools have artificial play spaces, no trees and boast of indoor gyms. We were finicky about this aspect and many schools were struck off the list on this criteria. A word of caution would be that do not go by their photo gallery on their website  or Facebook. Very deceptive to say the least. Some of them looked like they had long corridors and huge halls but later you realise they are small spaces shot smartly and distance between gate and building is few steps. Lack of ventilation is also a concern in many of these playschools. With almost 20 children crammed in a small space, it seemed nightmarish. The school doesn't have to be fancy, it has to be utility friendly for children. One important point is that they must have children friendly toilets with small pots and low level handwash basins. It is a safety requisite. Some schools also had an overboard of cartoons all over. At one place Ira went to the wall and rattled off names of some of the things she recognised- lion, apple, monkey, tree.  While the parent in you feels triumphant,  it is essential to understand if the sensorial element is too much, seems forced. Some plain walls would be good,  you know. Let the children imagine what can cover those walls.

4. The Teaching and Support staff
As parents, we are fiercely protective when we are sending out our children into this big world. One of the ways to maintain sanity is to talk to teachers and also the support staff and see how comfortable you are. While teachers can have qualifications to show, it is essential that they come across as gentle and disciplined and open to understanding that each child is different. The support staff help the children with their toilet time and snack time and helps to talk to them too.

5. Teacher Student Ratio
This honestly is a luxury. Ideally, 10-12 kids per teacher maximum. But this we will know more by observing the space than by asking, because everyone claims to have a very beneficial ratio. One of the big schools kept telling us every class has a teacher and  a help. On close observation, realised that each class has 35-40 kids.  It was a big premises and close to 120 kids at any point of time with just 4-5 help and about 7-8 teachers.

6. Day care
Some of us may be also looking at the Day care option. In such a case, hygiene of the place, the support staff post the school hours and the timings is an important criteria. We were also open to the idea of day care in some time and so kept this in mind.

7. Audio visual component
Why is audio visual component a point here,  you ask? Well,  most of the schools had TV which they claimed they used for edu-infotainment sessions. This meant they showed things that were educational,  informational and entertaining. Honestly,  we didn't see why a school needs that.  We are outliers in the fact that we don't have a TV at home for years and Ira has only recently been introduced to the concept of YouTube and Rhymes or stories online. Unfortunately, two of the places we visited had chota bheem and some other cartoon running loudly and kids sitting very close to the TV. On probing a bit,  a help told us that they put TV during day care time. Exposure to electronic gadgets and TV is a personal choice that parents make and this while was a criteria for us,  may not be a big deal for many.

8. Food /Snack provisions
Some highend playschool provide a curated meal to the children.  While doing your search,  also see if this is a criteria for you.  We were not particular about this facility. But what we were on the lookout was what type of food or snacks is allowed by the school.  Most schools these days do not allow junk of any kind and prefer home cooked meals. This is surely a good thing we see.

9. How they see your Child?
This while an important criteria,  may be difficult to gauge in a single visit. It is interesting to see that behavior ranges from over friendliness to hard selling. Some places make the effort to let the child be, while guiding them to the play area or an interaction space during the first meet. Also,  some schools make us fill a basic form while others ask a lot of questions about the child,  their preferences,  social interactions etc. While a detailed form may seem a tedious thing to fill,  I surely appreciate the effort taken by the school.

10. Let your Child decide
This is the trickiest point in my opinion. How do we know? What could appeal to a toddler?  You will be surprised at how your child reacts to the environment. You will be taken aback at the first things they go and touch at the school -  could be a pebble in the garden,  a colour set or some wooden blocks. Look for their comfort level, how they are able to move around in that space and how they fit in. How they interact with the adults and the other children. A bit of this is what you see,  and a bit would be your intuition about the place. So,  take a step back with your check list,  your excel sheet with highlighted boxes (yes,  I did that too) and just observe.

**Fees is an important criteria but I am keeping it outside this list. Today,  schools depending on the facilities they provide charge fees that does seem exorbitant. So,  the thing to do is while we are deciding on the school,  also see if we can afford the fees and are comfortable with it. Have clarity on what you are paying and what are your expectations from the school.  Understand why schools with special methodologies or alternate schools charge higher than traditional schools. Do your homework so that you feel that you are getting the value for the money you are spending.

Goodluck to all parents and the little adults who are about to make an entry into a whole new world. 

The Birthday Gratitude List :)

I love November. Why? Because am born in November and no harm in being narcissist once in a while. I am doing something new today. It shall be a Gratitude List. For the uninitiated, like me a few months ago,  what does it mean. It is a list of things or people or event you appreciate and are thankful for that have happened to you.
So,  as I ring in my birthday, I share 10 things am grateful and immensely thankful for. This is like that masterchart with multiple layers and hues.

1. The place I was born at. As a child, Batanagar for me was synonymous with summer holidays,  relatives and cousins.  But with time,  I associate it to a bond that I feel when I go there. I feel happy.  The visits are rare. Some relationships have stayed strong and some don't exist, and then some new. But Batanagar will always have some fond memories - the fruit cake my dadubhai bought me during our walks,  the mallik bajaar,  the chop near Bata theatre, falling off the cycle with my fulda, watching movies with my mashis, dipping my feet in the home ponds and the fish.

2. The parents I was born to.  We don't often get around to telling them how much we love them. But love them, we do. The banters,  the arguments, the disagreements as we grow are due to multitude of things.  But what matters is while we may crib,  parents will always be parents. They will be selfish about you and your wellbeing. We don't see it sometimes but there are times when it makes sense. My parents are my mentors,  my friends and the devil's advocates. What I am today is thanks to my ma's nagging,  which is I guess is a mom's birthright and my baba,  being my biggest supporter and my critique at the same time. They taught me to dream and supported my dreams all through.

3. 1.35pm, 6th May 1988 is a moment I will always be grateful for. Joy came into my life (selfish and possessive didi).  Over the years,  my little brother has always had my back and given me sound advice when I needed it the most.  He is my 3am friend and we both are equally senti and hopeless. I can fight and argue with him and know that he understands and always will.  Am proud of the young man he has grown up to be, though I don't say it often.

4. The man I met,  married and am living my life with. We are opposites in many ways and very similar in few ways.  We met while volunteering for an NGO.  Prashant has taught me to be resilient,  adventurous (still not as mad as him) and accepting. He has taught me how sarcasm works, though I still don't get it.  He has been a friend and a participative partner every moment, been my critique and confidante. Today,  my heart swells with pride as I see him being a fabulous parent. The last few years, we have taken unconventional decisions and have had the courage to live it together. It is this courage and madness that I will always be grateful for. And ofcourse, the fact that he is a fabulous cook.

5. Friendships happen to us (this needs a whole new blog, I swear). I have friends whom I know for almost 30 years now and some friends, I made in the recent months. My life would be incomplete without them.  There is the family friends, school, college and insti friends, the ditchers, the chai partners,  the movie friends,  the bus stand besties,  the karmic sisters, the chrysalis friends, the random discussion friends, the foodie friends, the mommie friends and also the friends, who are family (You all know who you are). Each of them are wonderful and accomplished men and women. I am proud to have them in my life and despite geographical distances with many, time has only brought us closer.  Discussing the most bizarre thoughts and aspirations,  talking about our fears and hopes,  sharing our joys,  crying over our pains... Life is colourful and tolerable in the difficult times, thanks to friends.

6. a. Grateful to all my teachers.  They have taught me some of the most valuable lessons and most of all to be a kind and loving person.  Academic accomplishments are just one chapter in your life.  Without humility, hardwork and perseverance,  education doesn't have much meaning. I will always be grateful for the institutions I studied in and I strongly believe,  we must all as alumni, give back to our educational institutions in whatever capacity we can.
6.b Grateful to all the doctors and other people in my life, who have made my life comfortable. Grateful to the household helps I have had who have helped maintain my sanity.  Grateful to the support systems around. Life would not be the same.

7. Grateful for all the interests I pursued. Drawing and sketching,  writing poetry and prose , English and Hindi theatre were some of my strong interests growing up. In 10th, I actually wrote a poem dedicated to my classmates, with a line for each and recited it proudly.  Doing a project on radio,  participating in national fests, organising events at school, college and later at insti. At IISc,  I often told my friends,  that along with the PhD, I must get a degree in event management. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I got, and ofcourse emceeing all those events during the centenary year attended by the then president and prime minister. The work we did and the people I met at Voices,  the IISc Student Newsletter will always hold a special place in this list. My current interest that keeps me sane is blogging ofcourse:)

8. My career has been a motley mix of research based work,  teaching,  working with newspaper in education,  NGO, being a founding partner of a start up and now an independent consultant. I am grateful for each of these experiences because they have made me stronger, taught me skills and taught me to value myself and the worth I bring to the place of work.  We are too busy criticising ourselves or gloating in small victories. But while we build our careers,  we are also working to build our character. Often the most rewarding experiences are intangible. They have been some happy experiences and some hurtful moments , but am glad that every time, I have learnt, picked up the pieces and I have moved on to newer experiences.

9. The friendships,  relationship and bonds; the decisions,  the struggles and the choices that didn't work. Yes,  am grateful for my failures because they led to the successes. Am grateful for things that didn't work because they keep me grounded and treasure the things that worked. The fact is when we're make a choice or take a decision,  we do it because it seems the right thing for that time and place. So,  regret and retrospection while can help us learn, should never take up too much mindspace . Am also grateful for all my accidents and falls. They always remind me how precious life is and how we need to love and live it every moment. This suddenly sounds like a Dear Zindagi hangover.

10. The thread has to close with my most life changing moment. Being a parent to Ira Pramadh. I will always be grateful for this. Motherhood has been a rewarding roller coaster ride and I look forward to the years to come because I know that in that smile, those naughty eyes and inquisitive questions; our world will always rejoice.

So,  I guess Happy birthday to me!

Having fun, doing just nothing

19th November, 2016
Sports Day
Olympiad 2016 at Jackfruit House

As the school year progresses,  it presents new experiences to both parents and the toddlers. Ira was to attend her first sports day ever and needless to say, Papa and Mamma were equally excited.  The children were given a dress code and asked to bring pompoms. Colourful streamers, shiny papers and gift wraps came to the rescue and Ira was headed to sports day carrying her colourful homemade pompoms.

 The day began with us getting badges that designated us to a particular group and we got the green group.  The first  activity was pompom dance and Ira held on tightly to hers and just stood for a long long time. The wonderful thing was that parents also had to partake in the activities.  Mandatory selfie,  videos being shot and constant clicking of the camera. The air filled with the shrieks of parents encouraging their little ones to play the games.

We played treasure hunt where Ira had to search for shells and she stood after finding one.  We then had to make straw towers, build and dismantle paper cup towers using the rubber band sling, played golf too.  One of the track events we had was one where the children had to crawl through hoops which the parents moved. Ira just stood and didn't run through hoops. So,  P moved the hoops,  picked her,  put her in the hoop and moved it again. And our world filled with her cackle.

That moment represented the sports day, where it was about having fun, having a good time and doing it your way. After every sport, the enthusiastic hifis, the cheers was just contagious. Every child was given a cup which they posted with proudly and pretended to drink milk,  juice etc from it.  It is her first cup,  it is precious just like that moment when she stood in the garden and cackled loudly.

It was a Saturday morning well spent and we drove back home with beautiful memories, the pompoms almost intact and the precious cup that she held on to. We adults at times forget how simple things can make us happy, jumping in a sand pit,  playing with straws, throwing water and having fun doing just nothing. Time to find those simple moments for ourselves and live them. 

10 Mantras of Effective Networking

Some lessons on Networking learnt as a PhD student and a professional.  Happy to share them on #ClubSciWri. The article was originally published on 13th November, 2016 at http://www.sciwri.club/archives/1689.

Networking is a skill. A skill that some of us may inherently have and some of us have to work hard to develop. I have always been an extrovert. I love people, I can strike conversations, I am comfortable with new people and new settings. However, as a research student I learnt that networking is not all about being an extrovert. Networking is something you have to learn and work very hard at.

My PhD professor would take us along when he attended networking meets or he was giving a talk at an institution. He would introduce us as his student and then leave us to it. While throwing us into the big-bad world of business networking, he inadvertently gave us the required push and set a good example. He encouraged us to get visiting cards made which came very handy even when we networked as students and during the course of primary data work. Being a research student in the management domain, we attend both academic conferences and the business summits and networking is equally important at both. Over the years as an academician, an entrepreneur and a consultant, I have realised that networking skilfully can make impressions and build careers.

I love observing people and for me the gender differences in networking often strike at events. Studies have shown how men are more aggressive at networking and women are shy in a mixed gender group. Also, very few women proactively attend networking meets. Interestingly, in an all women networking event, the conversations steer very differently.

The observations shared henceforth are solely mine and based on my experiences.

1. Networking types There is usually a ‘type’. Some people network aggressively and some assertively. This is often a result of personality types. I have seem assertive networkers do fine, begin on the right note and close conversations well. Personally, aggressive networking is a put-off. I have seen people nudge to get into a group conversation or even interrupt the flow of conversations between two other people. Completely unacceptable.

2. The essence of building a conversation.

It is essential to move from the hello, to an introduction and come to the point of why you want to connect. However, due to the stress of networking, some people have a verbal diarrhoea and some choke. Essential to tell about self, but even more important to listen what the other person does and is interested in.

3. Closing the conversation

Often in large networking groups, you will notice flippant networkers. They move or hop from one person to other. What is important is to ensure that you close the previous conversation well. With some people, you may want to take the dialogue offline and with some, you may see no further benefits. Either case, a polite ‘nice to meet you’ goes a long way, along with closing the conversation track.

4. Following up on the connect established

Send an email to the people thanking for their time and stating a bit of your interest in being connected. Some may fizzle out and some connections may become strong bonds. While this is courteous, it also makes the networking more fruitful.

5. Networking etiquette Some things have to be followed, irrespective of time, space and your eagerness to impress. Do not hog the limelight; listen, appreciate and respond. Be proactive in stating interest in what the other person does. Do not make judgemental statements on community, language or religion. Do not get argumentative. A networking meet is not a place to prove yourself and your thinking as the only right thing. At a networking meet recently, I was asked where am from and a flippant statement about women researchers followed. I understand that people have strong opinions, but that may not have been the best time. I steered clear of that person the rest of the day.

6. Gender differences I personally always find it interesting how women network differently. What I have seen is women invariably ask about spouse or children or place we are from. These often become starting points of discussion. I have rarely seen men talk about family.  But yes, men do ask women about their families. This is just an observation.  I at times like the no nonsense thing of just talking work and work interests. But that is me. I also am allergic when women dumb themselves down to fit in social networking situations.

7. Networking in silos
Even at networking events, people end up networking in silos. This beats the entire purpose of networking.  So, leave that comfort zone and venture out.

8. The appropriate and the inappropriate

We have to be very cognisant of the fact that we do not make statements that are politically incorrect.  Jokes or comments on religion, community, and gender are not ice breakers. Also, there is a fine line between being witty, sarcastic, humorous and being obnoxious.

9. Glass of wine, plate of snacks and intermittent conversations

Nurse that glass of wine, one sip at a time.  Networking events are not for drinking binges.  Try not to be caught with a stuffed mouth, full of chicken tikka or greasy hands from the paneer starter.  This can surely be a put off. 

10. 3 Ps Preparation, Perseverance, Pragmatism. Always prepare.  If you know who you have a chance of meeting at the networking meet, read up about them and their work.  Be persevering.  You may not be able to connect with them in the first few minutes that they join the event.  Take your time.  Be Pragmatic. Networking can't be done at the pace of speed dating. So, be focused, yet relaxed. There is no ideal networking style or moment or outcome.

Networking is a skill that we all are learning along the way.  So keep that smile ready and let the rest follow. Happy networking!

Happy Children's Day the Ira way

Every pebble is a story untold
Shared with enthusiasm multi-fold
She slips and falls
Stands and says, "No big deal"..
Climbs spaces,  crawls on the ground,
Strides like an adult,  uses words newfound.
Every moment in her world,
Is happy children's day unbound.

#microblogging #Ira #Iraisms

A Perfect Sunday the Ira way

We are all early risers including our 29 month old toddler! For us a perfect Sunday more often than not includes a visit to the Cubbon Park, where at times we catch up with friends.

We love the fact that Ira loves nature and animals.  Whether it is searching for a centipede with a stick, patting the dogs, sitting and watching the parakeets with Papa or playing hide and seek around the banyan tree. Even while taking a break on a bench  and munching an apple,  she continues to narrate all that she did with all the toddler excitement. A perfect Sunday with perfect memories!

#microblogging #perfectsunday #nature #Ira #Iraisms

Delhi Diaries- a visit to heaven, a lesson in history and a heartfelt dhanyawaad.

My last visit to Delhi was 15 years ago and a very very short one,  less than a day,  which was spent with friends.

The 60 hours in Delhi this weekend has actually been about seeing the famous places in this beautiful city and eating the famous things.  I,  of course was there for work.  I was attending an expo at Pragati maidan and ensured I didn't miss the Delhi bhel or the Chole kulche. The kulche reminded me of khaboos somehow. Eating from a stall is surely fun,  as trickles of sweat make their trail on your face.

I visited India gate early in the day,  and there was so much crowd.  Families with kids,  couples,  large group of friends and lot of tourists. Everyone seemed more busy  taking a selfie rather than seeing the place.  There were those young photographers who walked around with fancy dslr and an album to show you how they will click fancy pictures of you.  I was travelling solo and got asked by few of them if I would avail the service.  I said no because,  well,  I would also resort to taking a selfie! The place fills you with a sense of pride and the magnanimous structure has such a humbling effect.  There were hawkers selling toys,  chai,  snacks and more.  At 11 in the morning, I decided it was time to try the Delhi golgappas. They put cubes of alu with chat masala instead of mashing it.  I proudly conclude that phuchkas are any day better than golgappas or pain puris. There is something about the mashed alu that is magical. Post work I had decided to also visit Humayuns tomb. Am glad I did so because it brought back memories of my history classes.  My best friend became my Redmi 2 and it did a fair job of taking good pics of the tomb. 


Being in Delhi,  I did the most obvious trips.  One to Sarojini Nagar market and the other to Delhi haat. Sarojini Nagar market reminded me of the hawkers at Gariahat in Kolkata. Felt like a college girl taking immense pleasure in bargaining,  buying chut put stuff and also falling prey to the line,  "Madam,  boni nahin hui (haven't sold first fare of the day)". You walk and walk till your legs feel like dead... almost dead. The loot here has to be all the colourful earrings. I went to Delhi haat where a women's craft mela was happening and this instantly reminded me of Dastkar.  Lot of similar artisans and their work. The significant other rarely asks for anything to buy.  This time there was a request for the Panipat pachranga pickle and I did finally find it.  While shopping was fun,  seeing Ira flaunt the Sarojini Nagar market goggles was priceless!

I love food and while I  travel,  I like to try local food.  Was told that I must try the Paranthas and so,  a holy visit to Moolchand Parantha was made and mind you,  I was in heaven and I sinned happily.  The aloo pyaaz parantha was to die for and the meal was complete with the sweet matka lassi that had an inch of cream on top.  The melting butter,  the Green chutney and the green chilli pickle just added to the sinful experience. I also tried the famous sweet potato with nimbu and chat masala. Yummyness!

The city has a vibe about it that is intriguing.  The old parts of the city,  the institutions,  the crowd and the rush.  I also had very helpful taxi bhaiyas.  One Tiwari Ji took the pain to tell me a bit about all the roads we travelled through.  He told me about the colleges,  high Court,  hospitals,  malls,  how some colony roads are not meant for aam junta, how the political regimes have changed the face of Delhi .. Just about everything.  He was from Bihar and had made Delhi his home.  A storyteller, who also worked on a Sunday because his boss asked him to. When I thanked him end of day,  he said,  "aapko bhi dhanyawaad".