Years of life and wisdom
1)Dignified living
Dear future generations,
Embrace the freedom to live life on your own terms, doing what brings you joy rather than what others expect of you. Set healthy boundaries to avoid letting the weight of others’ expectations crush your spirit, and remember that happiness comes from within, not from others. Everyone has a unique journey, so focus on your own growth without interfering in others’ lives, and be kind to yourself by releasing societal pressures. While caring for family is important, don’t lose yourself in the process, balance your responsibilities with self-care. Life is precious and limited, so value your time and independence by pursuing what truly fulfils you, not what others demand.
2) The importance of self-solution
Twenty-five years ago, during a family trip to Ooty, we decided to go for a boat ride. The ride turned out to be much longer than expected, and soon, we ran out of the water we had carried from the hotel. As thirst began to take over, I noticed a magnificent house on the shore, almost like a palace. Without hesitation, I told my family, “ I’m going to ask for some water”
My children, however, were apprehensive. “Bhabhiji, don’t go. Why would you ask them for water?” they protested. But I’ve always believed in the power of confidence, something I’ve carried since childhood. So, I insisted, “Just take the boat there. I need to ask.” Eventually, one of my children agreed to accompany me, and together, we approached the grand house and knocked on the door.
A polite staff member answered and asked how they could help. I explained that we were terribly thirsty and needed some water. To my surprise, they welcomed us inside. As I sat in awe of the home’s beauty, trays of refreshments appeared—tins of pineapple, ketchup, and other delicacies. The staff mentioned that the owner had offered them to us.
And then, the owner himself appeared none other than Vijay Mallya, the owner of Kingfisher. I could hardly believe it. His generosity and warmth left a lasting impression on me.
To this day, I remind my children that there is no harm in asking. People often hesitate out of fear of rejection, but the worst that can happen is someone says no. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as it’s better than letting shyness hold you back. At least you’ll know you tried.Every problem has a solution you just have to take the initiative to find it yourself. By thinking for yourself, you’ll discover that you have the power to solve your own challenges.
by Sudha Joshi ( Oberoi Springs)
3) Ego builds walls not bridges
When I was in the eighth standard, I faced a big change in my life I was shifted from a kannada medium school to an English medium one. I didn’t know a word of English at the time, but by mingling with my classmates, I gradually learned and adapted. Among my new friends, there was one girl whose name I still remember to this day. She had a strong ego and a certain attitude about her. One day, she came to school wearing a pair of black pointed shoes. Coincidentally, I had the exact same pair. But when someone pointed it out, she refused to accept it. “No, mine are different and much better than hers,” she insisted. I found it unnecessary to argue over something so trivial, so I chose to stay quiet. However, this small incident created an invisible wall between us we didn’t speak for four years. Even in college, though we studied together, we never interacted. Over time, she slowly started talking again, but I never felt completely comfortable being friends with her. The experience stayed with me as a reminder of how deeply ego can impact relationships.
To this day, I believe that ego can create unnecessary distance between people. It is important to recognize our own shortcomings and actively work on them. Change only happens when we accept that there is something in us that needs to improve. Instead of letting ego take over, we should learn to tolerate, accept, and grow. Holding on to pride only pushes people away, while humility brings us closer.
by Panna Kapadia ( Oberoi Springs)
4) A Moment of Fear and a Lesson for Life
Some moments in life leave a lasting impact, and this is one I will never forget. I lost my two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter, Sashay, in the crowded Lokhandwala market. The fear and helplessness I felt that day still haunt me.
I was coming from Bandra in a rickshaw with Sashay, heading to Andheri. On the way, my daughter asked me to check a recording appliance at a shop in Lokhandwala market. Instead of going home, I stopped at the store. As I went inside to inquire about the gadget, the shopkeeper brought out a recorder. I let go of Sashay’s hand for just a few seconds to call my daughter and confirm if it was the right one. It took me less than 30 seconds, but when I turned around, she was gone.Panic set in. I ran out of the shop, frantically looking in every direction. She was nowhere to be seen. I started asking people on the road, hoping someone had seen her, but instead of helping, many began scolding me for being careless. My heart was racing, my mouth was dry, and my hands were trembling. I checked every nearby shop and called her parents, who were in a meeting. Then I called my son-in-law, Manoj, and Deebshe, as they lived nearby.
To make things worse, a street vendor told me that a small girl had been abducted from the same area just a few days ago. My mind was filled with the worst thoughts. Just then, a man came running and said someone was looking for the guardian of a little girl. We rushed to the spot, and there she was. The relief I felt at that moment is beyond words. I was drained, but so grateful that she was safe.
This incident taught me a valuable lesson. In moments of crisis, people need support, not judgment. Instead of blaming or lecturing someone in distress, we should step forward to help. Life is unpredictable, and kindness can make all the difference. Let’s teach the younger generation to be compassionate and supportive because one small act of help can change everything.
by Rita Kanwal (Oberoi Spring)
5) Valentine’s Day: A Lesson in Love and Remembrance
In recent years, the celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14th has become increasingly popular in India. Even young children are eager to take part in this tradition. My five-year-old grandson, full of excitement, was keen to celebrate Valentine’s Day. However, his innocent curiosity led him to ask why we were not celebrating it and why no one had wished him on this special day.
With a heavy heart, I explained to him that for us, February 14th is a day of remembrance, as we lost 40 brave CRPF soldiers in a devastating attack in Pulwama. While we honor their sacrifice, we also find ways to spread love and positivity. To keep his spirits high, I decided to create something meaningful a handmade card filled with my blessings and love, crafted especially for him. When he received it, his joy knew no bounds. He looked at me with bright eyes and said, “Nani, you promise me to give me your handmade card every Valentine’s Day.” His words brought tears to my eyes. At that moment, my two-year-old granddaughter, witnessing this exchange, chimed in, “Nani, you promise me that every year you will give a card to me too.” This heartwarming moment made me reflect on the true essence of love and the lessons we pass on to future generations. Love is not merely about grand celebrations or exchanging gifts; it is about thoughtfulness, kindness, and deep connections. While the world celebrates love in various forms on Valentine’s Day, let us also teach our children the value of remembrance, gratitude, and selfless affection.
by Manju Prakash (Oberoi Springs)
6) Embracing Positivity in Adversity: A Life Lesson
Every incident in life has two sides. When challenges arise, some people focus on the negative, questioning why they are facing hardships and feeling overwhelmed by adversity. On the other hand, those with a positive outlook find the strength to navigate difficulties with resilience and hope. This mindset can make all the difference in overcoming life’s toughest moments. I would like to share a personal experience that highlights the power of positivity and faith.
Exactly two decades ago, on October 5, 2005, at around 11:00 a.m., while preparing for Karwa Chauth celebrations, I was shaken by breaking news on television my husband had suffered a gunshot wound to his chest, perilously close to his heart. He had been rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and his chances of survival were uncertain. I rushed to the hospital, where he had already been taken into the operation theater. The surgery lasted more than nine hours, with a team of seven top surgeons working tirelessly to save him. The damage to his right-side organs lungs, pancreas, liver, and kidney was severe. The leading surgeon informed me that the next 72 hours would be critical for his survival.
While the operation was underway, I performed the Karwa Chauth Pooja before the Ganesh Ji idol outside the operation theater. This moment of prayer felt like the first sign of hope, reinforcing my belief that Lord Ganesh was watching over my husband. He spent a total of 83 days in the hospital, during which time I remained deeply grateful to the doctors and medical staff for their relentless efforts.
I am immensely thankful to the Almighty for my husband’s recovery. The dedication of the doctors played a crucial role, as did his employer, who covered the extensive medical expenses. Above all, it was my husband’s unwavering courage and determination to fight for his life that made his survival possible. Reflecting on this experience, I leave these words of wisdom for future generations: Always have faith in divine blessings.
Maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.
Trust the support and guidance of those around you.
Cultivate inner strength and resilience to overcome life’s toughest challenges.
In the worst situations, staying calm, positive, and faithful will guide you through. Life is unpredictable, but with determination and belief, even the most difficult trials can be overcome.
by Manju Prakash ( Oberoi Springs)
7) An unhappy incident in my school
When I was in the sixth grade, an incident occurred that I will never forget. I usually ranked first in my Malayalam language exams, but for the half-yearly exam, I came second by just half a mark. While reviewing my paper to find where I had lost marks, I asked my friend for help. At that moment, the teacher asked me a question loudly, but I didn’t hear it as I was focused on my paper. This upset the teacher, who angrily told me to leave the class. I went and stood outside. While I was standing there, the headmaster passed by and asked why I was outside. Unable to explain, I handed him my exam paper. After looking at it, he instructed me to go and ring the school bell. I was stunned because there were still 20 minutes left for the class to end, and typically, the school bell was rung by the attendant. The headmaster repeated his instruction, explaining that if I rang the bell, the teacher would leave the classroom, allowing me to return inside. Following his advice, I rang the bell. As expected, the teacher left the class, and I quietly went back inside. The headmaster’s quick thinking saved me from the situation, and this memory has stayed with me ever since.
by Valsamma (Vicinia)
8) Once, there was a kind-hearted woman who, after marriage, dreamed of holding a child in her lap. She longed to raise and educate her child, imagining that one day, the grown-up child would take care of her in return. Time went by, and her dreams seemed to come true when she gave birth to twin sons. Determined to give them a good life, she worked hard to educate them so they could stand on their own feet. One son became a doctor and went abroad for further studies, but eventually, he settled there, far from home. The other son, unfortunately, fell into bad company and became the black sheep of the family. Despite countless efforts to set him on the right path, nothing worked. One day, he left home without a word and disappeared, leaving his family heartbroken. This loss took a toll on the woman. She began to lose touch with reality. Every young boy she saw reminded her of her missing son. Often, she would bring strangers home, convinced they were him. Any news or rumours about her son would send her into a frenzy. Her husband, though deeply hurt by the situation, tried to stay strong and hold the family together. His dreams, too, were shattered, but he kept his emotions in check for her sake. One day, a sadhu appeared at their doorstep. It was her lost son, who had returned after years of wandering. Her failing vision, clouded by years of grief, didn’t allow her to recognize him. But as the sadhu embraced her, tears filled his eyes, and he revealed the truth. He narrated his story, expressed deep regret for his actions, and begged for her forgiveness. A mother’s heart, full of love, forgave him without hesitation. She held his hand and asked him to support his ailing father. But as she did so, her tired body gave way, and she collapsed to the floor, passing away peacefully in her son’s presence. I often wonder if things would have been different if she had been able to guide her son better in his younger days. Perhaps her story wouldn’t have ended this way.
by Yashbala (Vicinia)
साल बदला तो क्या खास हुआ
खुद को बदलो तो कोई बात बने।
ईश्वर से हमेशा धन सुख शान्ति माँगने वाले
गरीबी और दुख मे भी मुस्कराओ तो कोई बात बने
साल अच्छा हो या बुरा ये तो तुम बनाते हो
हर दिन कोई अच्छा काम करो तो कोई बात बने।
इस साल भी सूरज चांद तारे वैसे ही चमकेंगे
तुम किसी का जीवन रौशन करो तो कोई बात बने।
हाथ पे हाथ धरे बैठे रहने से कुछ नही होगा
उठो पूरे मन से काम मे जुट जाओ तो कुछ बात बने।
अपने काम के पूरा होने की उम्मीद क्यू पालना
तुम दूसरों के काम भी आओ तो कोई बात बने।
सुख से जीवन जीने की कामना से कुछ नहीं होगा तुम जीवन जीने का ढंग सुधारो तो कोई बात बने।
बीते कल का दुख और अगले पल की चिन्ता से क्या मिलता है
बस इस पल को खुशी खुशी जियो तो कोई बात बने।
प्यार दिखाने और प्यार की बातें करने वाले तो बहुत मिल जाएंगे
कोई मन से प्यार करने वाला मिले तो कोई बात बने।
साल बदलने से कुछ न्ही होता
अपनी सोच बदलो तो कोई बात बने
हां तब कोई बात बने।।
साल बदला तो क्या खास हुआ
खुद को बदलो तो कोई बात नहीं बनी।
by Virendra Jain (Vicinia)
लोग कहते है कि ..औरतें
बहुत मेकअप करती हैं
सच ही तो है ..
औरतें सिर्फ चेहरे पर ही नही..
बल्कि घर, परिवार, बच्चे, पति, समाज,
सभी की कमियों पर हमेशा
मेकअप ही करती रहती हैं
दोस्तो की गलतियों पर मेकअप
बेहतर शिक्षा न् मिलने पर
माता – पिता पर मेकअप
शादी होने पर ससुराल वालों
के तानो पर
मेकअप
मायके की कमियों पर
मेकअप
रिश्तों की बदनीयती पर
मेकअप
बच्चों की कमियो पर
मेकअप
और उनकी गलतियों पर
मेकअप
बुढ़ापे में दामाद के द्वारा किया
गए अनादर पर
मेकअप
तो बहु की बेरुखी पर
मेकअप
पोता – पोती की शरारतों पर
मेकअप
और आखिर में..
बुढ़ापे में परिवार में
अस्तित्वहीन होने पर
मेकअप
एक औरत जन्म से लेकर
मृत्यु तक
मेकअप ही तो करती रहती है
सिर्फ एक ही आस में कि उसे
“”तारीफ के दो बोल मिल जाये””
तभी तो कहते हैं..
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