What's your idea on God?

"Tu hai ki nahi?" meaning Do you exist or not? This question often lingers on our head. We all have been in situations where we ask if God really exist. Sometimes, its not any situation but just our state of mind.

Its been a while since I started observing that I've now started disliking going to temple. I'm not against God. But, God doesn't solve my problems. Moreover, the class difference I see in society especially when some people are not allowed to go inside the temple is something I disapprove of. Yes, I'm a Brahmin and this modern day Brahmin has no airs about who is entering the temple or not or with whom I'm sitting and having a lunch with. So, why such discriminations. We must realise that time has changed now. Those cultures and traditions that I do not understand, what significance do they hold for me? Frankly, nothing. Null. Void.

 I had written in my older post titled "God a boundation or a belief?", that modern day living leaves me no time to read to religious texts and seek meaning of life or problems. So these days, I read more of quotes on social media or blogs or some Guru's quotes. When I read the blogs, I find them more meaningful. I can relate to what a blogger has written. Random quotes too sometimes makes so much sense to me. Sometimes, I'm struck with  a thought on my head and can't find answer to it. Like I said before, I don't read a religious books but it is these quotes and blogs that help me. It makes me think that I'm no different. It suggests sometimes the things are just the way they are. If I'm not feeling good, talking to a friend, watching a good movie, a nice drama, uplifting and soothing music and awesome food helps me feel better. These are the ways sometimes, I vent out my frustration and sad mood. I see "God" in people and these little things and in its creations.God has created all the things and even those which makes me happy and feel better.  

However, I still feel as I don't get answers from my God in the same pace as my life is building up. There has to be a new religion to which most of us can connect asap! By religion, I mean it may be an idea. Today we need the idea that connects us and not discriminates us. An idea of being good. An idea which holds relevance for the present and for the future. My idea on God, I've already shared. So, what is your idea? Please post your views. I will be happy to engage in a dialogue with you.

10 Charms of being a Hyderabadi

I've spent the two years of my life at the city of Nawabs known as Hyderabad. I've had some long lasting memories here with Hyderabadis and how they are fun, loving and cool. Lets talk about what stands them apart from the rest of the world:

1. Well, to begin with do everything hallu se. (slowly). Yes, its a city but here its a slow life with people telling each other "hallu se chal" (walk slowly), "hallu se khaa" (eat slowly).

2. Sentences of hindi are too short as there are no "hai, hain, hu etc." Hindi is like "Tu dekhi" (You saw?" "mai toh paper mei kuch likhich nahi" (I did not write anything in the exam.)

3. Here , if people get angry you will get to hear words like "Kya houla bnaya muje" (You made me mad".  "Kya baingan bnaya re tu" (You made me a fool).

3. Hyderabadis are really cool people. You will often find them saying "Light le in hindi or light tisko in telugu (meaning  take things lightly, Chill)

4. We have talked too much on the language. Lets talk about the city as such. So, to begin with, amidst the hustle bustle, the pollution in any city, here lies a big lake Hussain Sagar at the heart of the city built by the great Nizam of Hyderabad. The lake is beautiful. My friend tells me it keeps the city cool. The eat street on the sideways and the buddha structure in the middle of the lake are the ambience to vouch for.

5. Awesome resorts and restaurants to go for. Alankrita and Leonia Resorts are the one I've frequented to for meals. Apart from that, city offers some of the exotic restaurants like A La' Liberty, Indigos to mention a few. See my friend's blog: https://foodventurerz.wordpress.com/ and I need not say more.

6. Hyderabadis love biryani. Most of them do. Paradise in Hyderabad is famous for its biryani.

8. Ramoji Film City is another attraction here. Its a place to recollect your movies and serials that were shooted here. Its big and its good for a full day outing.

9. The beauty of Charminar is appeasing to eyes. The market is full of vendors selling accessories , food, juices etc..

9. The love that Hyderabadis have for Telugu movies, songs and their culture is interesting to see. One word against their favourite movie star and they will protect him/her like their family.

10. The best part of this place are its people. Most of the local friends of mine were so caring and loving and they love to invite you for food. Some of them even go out of their way to help others.

The list is not exhaustive. These are those few of the many things that I'm carrying away with me for the rest of my life. If you really want to know, what makes this city so special in its own way, you should visit this place. With a heavy heart, I leave Hyderabad in 3 days. Counting 3,2,1........

11 bitter sweet truths that have stayed with me

Since morning I've been thinking about the writing this article on the sayings of few people who have been part of my life. Their sayings have echoed in my mind since the day they said them. Some of them well, one might have read somewhere but when it was said by that person, it actually meant something deeper. I'm not mentioning their names but one fine day I would. I don't remember the conversation in some cases. But, lets hear to what they said:

1.  "I don't cry often like you to make my tears less valuable. I cry only once."-  a masters friend.

That was said to me on being too emotional about things. Next time, I'm going to think about it before I cry. I hope he'll be happy to hear this!

2.  "A manager's first trait should be to have stability of mind." -my brother

Now this was said to have a calmness effect on me.

3. "Be happy, for you will get nothing less or more than what is destined for you."- my mother

This was to let me know that being in a positive state of mind is more important than getting a good paying job.

4. "I do what I like. I like what I do."- a school friend who has left his career in which he was academically inclined to a career in which he is passionately involved.

The DWYL (the do what you love) syndrome. This quote have been said by many inspirational writers. But, it really doesn't count much unless it comes from a person whom you admire as a person. Well, it was said on being quizzed about his sleeping hours duration and why he sleeps so little?

5.  "You don't live for yourself. You live for others." - my undergrad friend

This was said to me when I told her that I don't keep in touch with most of my friends. It is difficult for me to make a conversation once we've left talking for months.

6.  "All men are selfish."-My English teacher of high school

She just said this in between the class. This saying has stayed with me because at that time, I felt a pain in her eyes while saying this. Now that I've met diverse individuals in my life, I don't beg to differ with this line.

7. "And this (Sky pouring with rain) is called divine intervention. No more class. Go out!"
- the same English teacher

This was said in one of those extra classes that we had in class 12th. It was such a hot weather in May and it started raining. Windows opened on their own, thanks to the cool wind. And, when my teacher said this, the whole class went to the open verandah near the library and got drenched in the rain. That was true liberation!

8. "It is okay to be selfish. Everyone is selfish. But, it is bad to be self-centred."
- one of my school friend

While there is little difference between the word selfish and self centred with both words being used synonymously, the meaning that I interpreted at that time is what matters. Everyone thinks about their personal benefit but only thinking about yourself is something that is really mean.

9. "We can't do something good for others. At least, we mustn't say something wrong."
- my school friend

The conversation was about how selfish people deserve to get bad consequences.

10. "I don't know when you get older whether you remember me or not. But I'll come to your wedding to see you as a bride even if I'm forgotten to be invited."
-One of my aunt in my neighbourhood with whom I stayed when my parents were away for their jobs.

She said this when I was a little child. Ofcourse, at that time I did not understand anything because in childhood, you are not acquainted with the truth that nothing lasts forever.

11. "Ignorance is such a bliss." -my school friend

- I was like "Bang on!"

These people, many of them I don't talk everyday. Many of them, I've talked after years. But, that doesn't mean, I've forgotten them and their saying which had the bitter sweet truths of life. I'm sure these people don't remember what they said. But to whom, they said, it meant a lot.