Quick Hi!

Thank you my quirky reader. It does not matter who you are and where you from but my words sure are from the heart. You may follow, read at leisure and leave a comment. You may share the good word if you like a quickie note or even if you do not I am okay with you peeping here once in way ..there will always be something for you at Fortified Quickies from writingdoll. Some words may sting or bite but some may soothe your soul.
Quirky reading !!!
Cheers!
Mridual

Be warned against plagiarism. I take it seriously. (Do not cut, copy, paste any original content)

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Getting the BEST out of it!!

To all you Krantikaari Friends, 

If you are going to the MMRDA grounds to support the JAN LOK PAL BILL and Annaji please know that the BEST buses are plying every 15 minutes from both Bandra and Kurla station. Participants are advised to take these buses to reach the MMRDA ground. It is a very convenient way to reach the venue.

Please share this with as many people as possible. 

Monday, December 26, 2011

Be seen Be heard....Be a Krantikari


कुछ लोग दबंग्ग होते हैं वह ही क्रांति लाते है. कुछ लोग क्रांति लाना तो चाहते हैं पर डरते हैं. कुछ कहने से, कुछ करने से, क्यों कि उन्हें अपने आप पर भी भरोसा नहीं होता. पर एक बार क्रांति का बिगुल बज गया तो एक बात तो तय है कि क्रांति तो आके रहेगी. अंग्रेजों को भगा दिया तो भ्रष्टाचारियों की क्या मजाल है? देश को तबाह करने वालों से देश को बचाने वालों की गिनती अधिक है. अब डरने का समय नहीं है. चोरों से लुटेरों से डरा नहीं जाता, लड़ा जाता है. कल अन्ना जी मुंबई में अनशन पर बैठेंगे, आप उनका साथ तो दे ही सकते हैं , क्योंकि भारत का नया इतिहास लिखने जा रहा है. आज़ादी की इस दूसरी जंग में आप भी एक सिपाही हो सकते हैं. इतना खूबसूरत अवसर आप कैसे छोड़ सकते हैं? इतिहास के स्वर्णिम पन्नो पर लिखी जाने वाली दास्ताँ में इस क्रांति का  भी ज़िक्र होगा, तब जिस सकूं और देशभक्ति का सुखद अहसास आपको हर्शायेगा उसकी सिर्फ कल्पना मात्र से दिल भर आता है. 

To all my fellow Indians please be a part of this movement where ever you are. This is the time to unite AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE CORRUPTION. Share this and let every body know of it. Please talk to your Auto wala, your cabbie, your maid, your servant, your liftman, postman or just about anyone you meet. Educate them and bring them into the folds of IAC. You can be a Krantikari any where.

LETTER FROM IAC: PROGRAMMES
KRANTI 
IAC Mumbai Volunteers are charged as never before for the FINAL ASSAULT. Each day of the three day even will be packed energy filled events. Some highlights of the events are given here:
SAMUH RASHTRAGAN
Date: 27th to 29th
Venue: At andolan venue and across the nation
Every morning Annaji will start the day by addressing the supporters which would be telecast live through news channels at 9.00 am. Everyone will sing national anthem with Annaji. Wherever they are, office, at home or on the streets. At the end of the day, Annaji will sing the Rashtra Gaan. Each household will stand in their respective houses in front of their TV sets and sing along with him.

PERFORMANCE
Date: 27th
Venue: On stage at andolan venue
100 volunteers will march to the stage and give a small performance on freedom of speech
GHAR KI SAFAI
Date: 28th
Venue: At andolan venue and across the nation
“Ghar ki safai me hath gande nahi hote”. Taking this theme IAC volunteers will educate people to work towards cleaning our governance systems by actually sweeping the streets!

Sunday, December 25, 2011


Tis the season to be Jolly....
Merry Christmas darlings!!!

Just about a month in advance my younger daughter told me that I have to register and send her gift to the US Club so that Santa can give it to her. "But you know that its not Santa but we who buy the gift for you and leave it there. You are a big girl now," I told her because last year we had forgotten to register that in time. "I am not that big and I want a gift from Santa," she stated, a firm demand. Well, actually at 10 plus she is a baby at heart and so is her year and four months older sibling. So what if they are tall for their ages.

Hey, for that matter even all of us way past our childhood would not mind someone playing Santa for us. Isn't it? What's your wish? I may not become your Santa but I will wish that your dreams and wishes come true. S>>>M>>>I>>>L>>>E

Friday, December 23, 2011

Jailhouse Rock to rock the Parliament!!


Friends, 

Looks like the Government is adamant and disinterested in the common man's cause. They are behaving like cruel British Generals and think they can get away with it. This is neither Britain nor Italy and we are a free nation. We will not give up this fight against corruption. Even if it means going to the jails. We promise that we will, we will rock them. 

Get set for a jailhouse rock!


IAC LETTER
Venue
IAC volunteers were hopeful that the Chief Minister would give an exemption to AnnaJi and Mumbai’s citizens to hold a peaceful protest at MMRDA. However, we have been denied our right to protest and we have shifted the Venue to Azad Maidan.
We will hold the protest at Azad Maidan will look forward to Mumbai Police’s  support in providing security to AnnaJi and support to the visitors. 
Writ Petition
IAC Mumbai has filed a writ petition in Mumbai High court on the evening of 22nd December. The petition is against MMRDA and the State Government and the prayers are that citizens have a constitutional right to protest in a venue which is free of cost and has adequate infrastructure and this is being denied in Mumbai.
It will be heard at 11am in court number 49 by Justice Mazmudar and Justice Bhatkar.
Jail Bharo
On 30th we will begin the Jail Bharo Andolan. Registration for people who wish to join the Jail Bharo across India will begin on 23/12/2011. People can register via sms, phone or online. 
Sms to 575758 <JAIL>space<CITY/ZILLA>
Phone 07303150500
Register online on www.jailchalo.com
This will be a momentous new year for India as it will be brought in by desh bhakts in the jails of the country. Volunteers across the nation our charged and willing to overcome every hurdle that the vested interests may place in our way. 

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Will you get screwed and suffer in silence?


Hey Friends,

As you all are aware, the Government is hell bent upon sheltering the corrupt practices. A weak Lokpal Bil is a proof enough that politicians will keep putting spokes in getting a fair system. The people of India are not satisfied and are wanting to protest the weak Lokpal bill presented by the govt in the parliament, Just as they did at Jantar Mantar and Azad Maidan earlier. The govt in Maharashtra, which is also the Congress Govt, is acting on the behest of central govt and trying to ensure that people are not able to protest, in other words the government is resorting to all corrupt practices to stop the people of this nation to protest against them. One is refusing to grant permission to carry out peaceful protest at all popular public places such as Jantar Mantar and now Azad Maidan. WHY?? Everyone must question that. Is it because the  people's power has shaken the pillars of democracy..(read autocracy?) Is it because ANNA has supported a very strong cause of anti-corruption and it is the cause every Indian wants to support? Is it because the Government knows that its days are numbered just as Gaddafi's, before he got killed? 

Govt today, is like a mad dog. They bite in every possible way: by attacking those who protest, by stopping sanction to a peaceful protest at popular places, by planning to censor people's social media sites, by charging unprecedented exorbitant fee for staging a protest so that it becomes extremely difficult to gather resources for protesting against all those who have filled their coffers by the tax payers money and the budgets of poor people.

I have a copy of the letter of IAC>Indian Against Corruption pasted below for your reference and let me tell you that "NOTHING CAN STOP A PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT". If your heart beats for your nation, if you feel its time for correction, if you feel WE CAN CHANGE things for good, if you think we OWE this to our motherland, if you dream of a New India without the viruses in the government...please support this movement whole-heartedly. Wear an ANNA CAP where ever you are and show this Government that we want a strong JAN LOKPAL. 

Are we a democracy?? Why are we lumping shit dished out to us? Why can't we protest at public places without a fee? The politicians are enjoying freebees at our expense because we are letting it. Question them. We are not bonded slaves to anyone. ANNA has exemplary courage at this age. We the young and the younger have to make the best of his leadership and come out in large numbers and express solidarity. Those in the government have to be shown their place.


यह सरकार जुल्म ढाह रही है और गीता में लिखा है की जुल्म सहने वाला जुल्म करने वाले से भी बड़ा गुनाहगार है.

SPREAD THIS MESSAGE WHERE EVER YOU ARE. WHICH EVER CITY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, STRANGERS, WORKERS. 

SHARE IT AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE.  I WON'T HAVE COPYRIGHT ISSUES..:)



IAC LETTER  Mumbai Andolan
The government has failed to provide a strong Lokpal Bill. Hence Shri Anna Hazare and IAC have decided to go on Andolan from the 27th across India. 
AnnaJi will fast for 3 days in Mumbai, 27th, 28th and 29th December. On 30th He has announced a Jail Bharo for 3 days.
Venue
IAC Mumbai has received permission from MMRDA for securing a 30,000 square meter ground. Our team is fully ready to secure all permissions and make all preparations required for the andolan
The cost of using the ground for 3 days of the andolan, and for one day each before and after for the arrangements, comes to Rs1,026,000. With service tax it is Rs.1,131,678. Over and above all this is a deposit of Rs.769,500. All this is immediately payable. MMRDA policy does not allow for any concession. 
AnnaJi has said that he is not ready to be party to this cost since it is a public andolan for and by the citizens, irrespective of who offers to pay it.
(A number of supporters have come forth to bear this cost.) He says it is our constitutional right to protest and the government must accommodate us.
IAC has appealed to the Chief Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan to waive off or reduce the charges at MMRDA. For example, Azad Maidan is provided free of cost, Ram Lila Maidan has a token charge of Rs.5000 a day. We will wait for a few days for the CM’s response.
Meanwhile are also being advised to move the court to secure our right to protest and will take a decision on that in a few days. 
As of now, we have decided to go back to the Mumbai Police and secure Azad Maidan for the coming Andolan. 
Jail Bharo
On 30th we will begin the Jail Bharo Andolan. Registration for people who wish to join the Jail Bharo across India will begin on 22ndDecember. People can register via sms, phone or online. 
Sms to 575758 <JAIL> <CITY/ZILLA>
Phone 073393159599
Register online on www.jailchalo.com
This will be a momentous new year for India as it will be brought in by desh bhakts in the jails of the country.
This movement has reached a national stature thanks to India’s vigilant and active media. Once again we citizens look to the media to help support this final assault against corruption.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Indian Navy Fleet Review...Pictorial

Panoramic view of "Illumination of Naval Ships in Mumbai Harbour"

 For the last few days Navy has been illuminating its fleet of ships at sunset till midnight. It was an amazing sight everyday.
Every day the sea came alive at night as if for the biggest party ever. And I was always there till midnight.
 These are pics taken from my balcony with my very ordinary camera. An SLR would have satiated my creative hunger. Nonetheless these pictures are taken by my lovely daughters and me. Delightful!!
 The tripod was kept handy for all these days and three of us were taking pictures as and when we felt.





 President of India reviewed the Anchorage in Mumbai Harbour, next to Gateway of India. I reviewed it almost daily for the last five days and how....:) Here's it.







TThe twilight and the half moon added charm to the already enchanting story on the sea. A wonderful experience. For me it was there right there, from all rooms and balconies of my house. Almost a part of my existence. Here are some pictures I wish to share with all of you. Enjoy!!

Monday, December 12, 2011

"Khadi Kadhi" >There is PUN in Punjabi!

People often tease me that Punjabis know of only one type of culture, 'Agriculture'. Well, Pun is a part of 'Pun'jabis with large heart and large-tummies (read foodies). So, I am proud of my agriculture. I have no reason to mind that because we Punjabis are the best at it anywhere in the world. We can even make rocks fertile enough to grow something worth while. All because we love eating. We dream food, we grow food, we love food, we talk food and we offer food without asking and what more..we force people to have some more for our love's sake. Well, that is our culture.

Our telephone conversations begin with a hello, hi and 'khana kha liya' (had food?) or Ki chadiya..(what's cooked today?) Oh, our lives revolve around food so much that no matter what part of the world we live in we still give into the temptation of somebody bringing Saunth Gur (Jaggery with dry ginger and dry fuits), Shakkar (brown sugar) and Pinnies (ladoos loaded with Pure Ghee) all the way from our pinds...from Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Chandigarh, Amritsar or Batala or any other place in Punjab.

Recently a friend went to her home town and came back with red carrots, peas, shalgam (turnips), sugarcane, shakkar, gur, cooked sarson da saag and other regulars all the way to Mumbai and made me taste quite a few. OMG, just writing about these is teasing my taste buds. Why not? There is no place in the world where you can get sarson da saag like you do in Punjab. Not many people would know that in Punjab we use the 'gandlan', tender stems and not the leaves of sarson (Mustard) to cook the most delicious recipe. That too cooked on a slow flame and tempered with chillies and garlic with dollops of white butter on it. Mummmy.!!!!!!!!!

My mother is the ultimate cook and host. She never forgets to call me to tell what was 'chaadiya' (read cooked) every day. Even her phrases are laced with delicious Punjabi dishes. 'Khaadi Kadhi' is one such phrase she uses for "so be it". Now how it came into being is another blog. But here's a funny tale about her PUNjab travels. Once on arrival at Hyderabad she was caught for excess bagage on the railway station. Yes! Excess baggage on rail ticket. She was taken aback too and so was the young checker when he came to see a sack full of neatly cut sugarcane, fresh radish and some more. "Don't you get it here?", he asked bemused.

"No, this is from our fields, the farm in Punjab and it is special", she answered cutely. She paid half the fine...."Ganne mahnge pae gaye"..sugarcane proved costly. (LOL)

(Hey guys, think I can go on and on but then I promised to deliver quirkies...so next time!)

Friday, December 9, 2011

"FMG"-the deepest cruel cut on womanhood...

Female circumcision is NOT islamic - it is African ritual which only the Bohris follow in the subcontinent. It is cruel, inhuman and undemocratic. A girl's clitoris hood is cut off -without anesthesia in most cases. So her sexual desires are subdued . It is terribly unfair and painful and reinforces the stereotype that Islam does not give equal rights to women. Such a barbaric ritual has no place in a progressive community like the Bohras. So we pray to His Highness to ban this ritual.

http://www.change.org/petitions/hh-dr-syedna-ban-female-circumcision-ladkiyon-par-khatna#

Well, I too have just signed the petition to extend my support to my Bohra sisters and more importantly to a whole new generation of our daughters who could be saved from this cruel practice.  

Refer to this article for more info on FMG...the images could disturb you so beware
http://www.indianmuslimobserver.com/2011/11/uproar-over-female-genital-mutilation.html
IMO EXCLUSIVE: Uproar over Female Genital Mutilation: Bohra Muslim woman activist launches campaign...
http://www.indianmuslimobserver.com/2011..

I personally believe in the goodness of religious rituals and practices but any practice that traumatises a fellow human being has to be reviewed and dropped. 

So, my dear friends please support this cause and sign the petition and add a smile to the lips of millions of young Bohra girls who just might be dreading an ordeal of FMG.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Dutty Mama!!

"My mom is 'dutty'"...this is what my little one wrote on a page of her school diary when she began joining letters into words, many years ago. Though now in her class six and graduated from sentences to writing her own poems, yet for her I am forever a dutty mother, barring few exceptions when she is at peace with me. No matter what I do or not do, I have quite a reputation among both my brats. Hitler, cruel mom is what they call me behind my back for waking them up from their sleep, dragging them to Golf, sending them Taekwondo classes. They wake up and do what I 'state' albeit with some noise.

But my worst nightmare is trying to teach my younger daughter some maths. I become the most 'dutty' because I try to force the 'duttiest' things on her. Every time I ask her to bring her Maths notebook she laments," Oh, I knew it,  you will spoil my day and my plan."

So today was again one such day when 'Dutty' mama spoilt her day and dashed her plans. The house seemed like a battlefield and I truly behaved like Hitler. I may not have won any territories but I made her calculate the area of few plots. :)

So, friends if I am off my blog or FB it is clear that I am playing a Dutty role at home. As it is when my daughters have a holiday, I have a double shift, working overtime.

Too tired...off to sleep..Sayonara!!!

(will post that scribble also soon, right here...in her little words...let me dig it out in a day or two)

Monday, December 5, 2011

Are you free on 11 December?? Lets meet up.



FINAL ASSAULT - THE CALL FOR THE LARGEST PEACEFUL AGITATION IN INDIA
IAC Mumbai has begun its Satyagraha again, to demand a strong, comprehensive and effective Lokpal bill.
On 11th December 2011 all Mumbai volunteers will observe a one day fast to support Anna Hazare’s anshan. 
Mumbaikars have decided to have their support to the Jan Lokpal Bill being promoted by their leader Anna Hazare heard in a resounding way. Volunteers and various citizen’s groups are planning India’s largest Car-Bike rally from Shivaji Park at 10.30 am on 11/12/2011.
Cyclists, bikers, private cars owners, taxis, buses, and transport vehicles will join this rally in large numbers to show their solidarity for a corruption free India. The rally will progress from Shivaji park via Worli, Opera House to Azad Maidan. This never before event will showcase the ordinary citizen’s resolve to change the nation.
At Azad Maidan, volunteers and citizens will present speeches, street plays and other novel ways to register their support throughout the day.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

God is the REAL *Jewel* Thief.

Steve Jobs. Shammi Kapoor. Jagjit Singh.. Bhupen Hazarika. Dev Anand. God is the REAL *Jewel* Thief.........
Someone wrote. It is so good that I have retweeted this. I may risk sounding silly but I must tell you that today I looked for Dev Anand on twitter and then clicked to 'follow'. Don't ask me why. I sat listening to many of his evergreen melodies playing on the radio. And while sitting on my rocking chair, I stared into nothingness thinking about his old movies. There was one I had seen..... Paying Guest...at some one's place, on their Television, a black n white. The hero was handsome and I loved the way he moved his eyes. That was Dev Anand! 


Deewana mastana hua dil jaane kahan ho ke bahar ayee.....Bambayee se aya hai babu salona...loved these songs and the movie is one of my favourites....Yes, Bambayee ka Babu.  I remember I had cried so much in the end. Did I say cry? Oh, I am a sucker for sob stories. Sad movies, always successfully extracted tears out of my eyes.


So while a rocked myself to his lilting melodies played on the radio, I wondered what happens to all those Facebook, twitter, Orkut, Google and all other social networking accounts after people are gone? Perhaps these should stay. Perhaps we can still send messages. Perhaps it will reach them. 


 The real Jewel thief would know the answer. Perhaps!!



»

 Faking News 

@ 
Dev Anand. RT : He wasn't 88. He'd turned 22 for the 4th time.
Retweeted by 
 May your soul rest in peace. You will always be loved.


Saturday, December 3, 2011

Creator of River God: Wilbur Smith is here!

There is 'Times of India Literary festival' happening in Mehboob studio in Bandra. I registered myself to go there but it does not seem happening..my plan. And all of you into books and reading, here's a bit of news for you. Wilbur Smith is in town and is gonna be there at Landmark, Infinity mall on 3rd Dec at 7pm.

Wilbur Smith is one of my favorite authors. His books are worldwide best sellers and right here he is promoting his newest....Those in Peril. My personal favorite is his book called River God. It is gripping tale set in Egypt. Read it way back in Jan 1996 and still remember it vividly. There after I was compelled to read a Wilbur Smith. 

How I wish to see him...the master narrator of fiction. Anybody coming along???


Friday, December 2, 2011

Silk touched my soul!!

Just came back from watching this oh-so-talked-about film about Silk. Actually I am speechless, I am overwhelmed by the powerful performance of this woman. Ah, I told you I am going to see the live reactions. Well, the men drooled, cat-called and whistled to the sizzling hot Vidya Balan and I was amazed at her guts. It sure need lotsa guts to pull a role like this.

I loved her expressions and effervescence. Love the dialogue writer for giving her those powerful lines which she compliments to create a very good cinema. The first half is actually titillating and she really is a fantasy for the men...in the movie and outside. When you see her Silk sans makeup, you fall in love with the vulnerable beauty, the innocence that she has portrayed. Silk says bye and forever and something tugs at your heart..a tear wells up. Overwhelming!

Go, let a piece of SILK touch you too....


Everyone is talking Dirty today..

Forget inflation, recession in economy, FDI issues, scamsters getting out on bail or slap-stick comedy videos on politicians the entire media is talking DIRTY...oh, the Dirty Picture and Vidya Balan. The movie which was screened for a select audiences has received rave reviews. Vidya Balan, who started her career with a Balaji serial Hum-Paanch has been critically acclaimed for portraying Silk Smitha in her DIRTY PICTURE. 


The film is given a high four star rating by the Industry biggies and critics and today when it releases in theatres, there will be a riot at the box-office for tickets. I too, am catching the flick, FDFS..first day first show. That's the way to check out a potentially good movie. 


There is THUNDER THIGHS CONTEST happening in Mumbai. The winner would go to Thailand. It is a celebration time for the voluptuous women out there. Not that they ever went out of vogue but they had surely vanished from the magazine covers. Thanks to Dirty Picture the curvaceous sex godess is a 'delight-full' sight. A feast to eyes for the men..and women??..perhaps(Chuckles). The Dirty Picture posters are not at all dirty but a work of art just as those apsaras carved out of stone on the various archeological wonders. 


I have to rush out to get my dirty ticket. I am waiting to see reactions of a live audience...I mean right there. :)

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Fortified Quirkies U/A

I spent at least three hours trying to decipher the meaning of some blogging terms and laying out a decent spread of a blog. Still I am open to suggestions from all of you. So please follow and write back.

When my settings asked if it had Adult Content, I paused and thought about it seriously. No it actually does not. There is more objectionable content available via cinema, TV, mobile phones and print media. And it is right there into your face...unsolicited. Bigg Bosses Salman and Sanjay together could not do to TRPs what Porn star Sunny Leone dancing on pole could. Is there a censor rating to it?

Innuendos and cuss words are everywhere. I am not indifferent to all these. I don't pretend that I don't understand. WTF..has lost its dirty feel and sounds just a cute little phrase because I have overheard young people using it...for fun. People swear just to add that punch over there. Even lyricists felt inadequate without certain vocabulary and needed Bose DK to bail them out.

I write what I see and hear, and a reaction to it. 'Reality' is pretty screwed up. And "fuck-ups" keep happening. If the proud parents can let their underage children watch a Delhi Belly...this is a very uncorrupted piece of writing. Still it may have those strong reactions, sometime. So I have renamed my blog...FORTIFIED QUIRKIES U/A...

So Young Adults can read it too!!!

GET NAUGHTY NOT DIRTY. SHHHHH...

DIRTY????

Dirty Pictures has made DIRTY the most searched word on the net. I am sure film buffs are waiting eagerly to have a dirty day out. What is dirty? It is highly subjective. I, too am wanting to see the movie because I love this girl called Vidya Balan. She may have been branded for her bad dressing sense but she has that extra something..the X factor that men love and women envy.

Some may find talk about AIDS dirty but you can't help it. Its so mammoth a problem and into our faces that we have to dedicate a day as WORLD AIDS DAY.

Sex is most searched word on the net. Sexy could be the most innocuous because these days kids find even their moms sexy. Hell, they even find some foods sexy. The problem is when they begin searching a song with sexy in the lyrics. The sea of options are just too scary. Similarly dirty has taken a whole new meaning even for the kids. They know what is 'A' movie and what is 'U/A', may be they don't understand the why in it.

Desi Boyz talked about themselves on all TV channels and imparted the knowledge about 'Male Escorts' The female escorts are all over the pages of Newspapers which make way into our homes early mornings. This is all in the open...without censors. Sex even gets talked about on the radio channels.

So guys, sex happens and 'shit happens' all the time, anywhere. Today is World AIDS Day. GET NAUGHTY NOT DIRTY. PLAY SAFE AVOID AIDS.

Reminds me lines from a street play...on Kamasutra.
"Try 64 positons with 1 partner than 1 with 64".....think about it. Makes lotsa sense.

Mr. Pawar..kutton ki jagah bhi chahiye??

http://www.savelila.in/online-petition/comment-page-19/#comment-473


This is the link I had to post. My blood pressure shoots up and I fail to understand the rising greed and falling standards of Indian Politicians. They are in fact an organized Mafia. Check this website, this land scam is also the courtesy Pawar.

Have a heart Mr. Pawar..kutton ki jagah bhi chahiye?? Every dog has a day... Please understand the meaning and act.

STOP CRUELTY....

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Half Ticket...in Hindi

Namaskar!!

This Saturday last I had taken my girls out and while coming back we boarded a BEST bus in Colaba. I asked for 'do adha' and 'ek poora' ticket from the conductor. He was completely taken aback as if I spoke some Greek. I repeated twice and seeing the lost expression on his face I said," 2 half and ek full ticket" and said,"Sorry bhaiya, ajkaal Hindi bahut kam log bolte hain."

The fact is that Hindi is becoming like a foreign language in our own country. Parents hate it when their kids speak Hindi with their friends and so it is little surprise that our children loathe it and feel it is forced upon them in their school curriculum.

Banks and other Government offices proudly display..Hindi mein baat kijiye...hamara aaj ka shabad hai...aabhaar. Well, it is limited to that board. Try giving an application or complaint in Hindi....they will make you look like a ganwaar. Our armed forces take the cake when it comes to following everything British. Hindi is scripted in Roman English and that too for Jawaans. Official work happens only in English.

The importance of Hindi is highlighted on Hindi Diwas, once a year. When is that????

Bye...I will let you know..when it comes.

40 and done...no way!

'40 and done, f..k' that's what most job ads made me feel when I wanted to end my long sabbatical after bringing my daughters up. I was scared and felt as naive as a fresher out of college. So I dropped the idea of looking at some monsters for jobs. I decided to blog and micro-blog. I don't quite fit into the description of a bored housewife as my freelancing kept my bylines appearing off and on in various national newspapers and journals all these years. When not writing I paint and draw. When I am doing neither of those, I play golf.

Suddenly I feel FORTY-FIED......
I write from the heart, uninhibited, fearlessly. At forty, you have nothing to lose except weight, which you actually wish to. I promise I will not write long boring blogs. You will enjoy reading my blog and ask me for more.

With love to my readers,

writingdoll ...

Dolly is my nick name and writing is what I do..