Half yearly report of the NRI life !

             Preparing for visa while running around for last-minute tasks on the wedding list ; receiving wishes from family,relatives and friends for the big journey ahead; packing up luggage with an attempt to carry each and every moment lived at home and finally traveling miles and miles to touch the 'foreign land'!
            While all these memories feel as fresh as a blooming flower,the calender certainly wants to share a different story. Announcing a half year long journey in a far away country across the globe, it amazes me how time chooses to do nothing else, but fly!  While this six month long stay abroad certainly does not qualify to be celebrated or marked as an anniversary of any sort (though I did try to convince my husband about this new form of anniversary), the blogger in me could not resist the thought of penning down a half-yearly report of this 'NRI' life!
            The excitement and nervousness that followed me as I landed, soon disappeared within no time. From a state of being amazed and surprised at every new thing or every new experience to a state of reality that life is based on a same plot everywhere,no matter where the story unfolds or where the characters live, it has undoubtedly been a useful practical lesson to last for a lifetime. While the initial days were marked with exciting observations and sharing details with people back home, the novel experiences soon blended as a part of the everyday routine.
              Learning tricks of the trade essential for survival, understanding the lifestyle of the dwellers, adopting useful local practices while keeping the roots of values and principles taught at home firmly grounded , the hope,wish and desire was and will always be to extract the best of both the worlds.
              Making new friends, reconnecting with the old ones, exploring places and trends around and watching serials and movies coated with local touch have been the highlights of this report. While experiencing any new thing of this place, a constant temptation of comparing it with the system back home kept me occupied. Factors bearing close resemblance with those back home brought in happiness and excitement making me realize how some things were dearly missed and simply irreplaceable. 
            Hunt for products and goods like the ones used at home while trying out the freshness offered by local, indigenous produce here, combine into an interesting cocktail of variety, diversity and a wide spread spectrum of experience. This hunt was nothing less than a victory when we were able to lay hands on our favorite mango pulp and it certainly continues till date as we keep filling our cart with materials that bring along numerous memories!
            While this place greeted me with chilling wind and freezing cold, the experience of first ever snowfall with pure whiteness everywhere was truly fantastic. Amazed at how life continued even when land was covered with layers and layers of snow, it soon became a part of normal weather condition and no longer attracted the excited audience in me. From extreme cold to pleasant climate, from ice covered land to water covered beaches, our coast-to-coast relocation within a few months of arrival was indeed amazing in every way. 
             Updating family back home with novel experiences of this new place, sending photographs as symbols of captured memories, wanting to know about any modifications and changes back in my city keep the channels of communication active and busy at all times. Adjusting the clock to a varied time zone was undoubtedly an adventure in itself.
           During this short stint of being away from home, the addition of a little hero in our lives has pulled my entire focus and attention, tempting me with a wish to install a 'live camera' ;) Watching his videos and photographs have been my best friends as I cannot wait to hold him :)
              This short experience so far has been wonderful in every way. While working towards making this place as a 'home away from home',there is still lot to learn, accept and implement.  Looking forward to the other half of this year to fill the annual report with happiness, adventure, excitement and joy. 
               Cheers to my husband who has been a patient companion throughout this process of my settlement in the new place, though the initial hiccups appear sorted, there is lots to trouble him about !

                

Fun in the sun ; a ‘celebration’ called summer ‘vacation’!

        Unlimited frolic, numerous holidays, hours of play, power-packed days, fun-filled evenings and relaxed nights – endless list to describe this childhood blessing that showers upon each child year after year. A most awaited period in one’s life, summer vacations mean limitless relief from a year long boredom! Though sun throws scorching heat and days stretch for long, this season is welcomed by every student with a hope and wish that the calendar stands still for a little more.

           In contrast to the schedule back home, summer has just started to spread its heat in this end of the globe; halting schools for a long, peaceful vacation while walking me through my own wonderful memories of summer vacation filled with fun, laughter, enjoyment and thrill of a lifetime.

              The excitement of approaching holidays would begin as soon as the schedule of final examination entered our books. It was followed by numerous plans and discussions to spend the days with thoughts of enjoyment constantly ringing in the mind. Questioning parents about outdoor trips, hopefully waiting to get a response, secretly monitoring the ticketing process and waiting to know the confirmed itinerary marked all the days before exams. Though pile of books and heap of studies replaced this excitement instantly, repeated thoughts and reminders of the vacation just about to follow, brought smiles and cheer.  

               Last day of exam and start of vacation resembled nothing less than a day of freedom. As birds flying away from a trapped cage, running away from school to extract maximum happiness out of every single moment of vacation feels absolutely humorous, as I think of it today. Announcing unrestricted access to watch television and unopposed acceptance to stay away from books was like a declaration to celebrate victory over long battle of hard work, sincerity and dedication.

             While waking up in the morning resembled a tough form of punishment during school hours, these same eyes opened up quickly to start a day filled with adventure, fun and games during the holidays. With no interest in eating food or sitting quietly at home, the entire day was occupied with lot of activities. Playing outdoor in the building compound under a strong, shining sun till forcefully pulled for lunch, spending time in indoor activities with friends at home, continuing the session of morning play back in the evening and enjoying with family at night while sleeping for a next wonderful day formed the unstated time-table of every vacation. Fights, arguments and disagreements over plans of the day or rules of the game did dominate some sessions, but quick settlement and instant patch-up ensured the continuous flow of fun.

           Travelling to native place through a wonderful train journey, meeting relatives, playing with cousins, getting pampered with enormous love of grandparents while enjoying delicious food formed memories of a fantastic trip every vacation. While sharing experiences of school, learning new games from cousins, visiting places around and enjoying each single day marked our time in the native place, the journey ended with huge luggage of enjoyable moments and amazing memories. Having stayed in apartment of tall buildings, the open courtyard and individual houses of our native place attracted us to be there every passing year. 

          With company of so many cousins, every daily task was completed quickly with a hope to be rewarded for the best behavior! During the encouragement to read books and practice cursive writing, our hunt for reasons to avoid it ,certainly kept us occupied ! Mangoes, ice creams, cold drinks and candies kept calling us every now and then, forcing us to think of ways to achieve them.

          Certainly the best period in anyone’s life, summer vacation must be spent to develop memories that last forever. Those are the days to learn things beyond the control of school books and explore opportunities for an all-round development.

          Grateful to my parents to bless us with a memorable summer vacation every year, I am busy chalking a way to demand such holidays from them again and again!

           

            

Shopping right now..... shopping back then !

             Filling bags till they overflow, holding as many as the hands allow,spending money till the pocket agrees, wandering around till the energy sustains - a stress buster for many, a stress creator for a few; a recreation for some while a bare necessity for most - shopping has been with us right since the paper named 'money' commenced to spread its value. With an aim of providing goods besides happiness and satisfaction, in exchange of our hard earned wealth, shopping entered our life as a necessity for survival.
          Though a self-confessed 'non-shopaholic', much to the joy and big,broad smiles on my husband's face, the changing trends of 'shopping' in recent times and the various manners back in the past indeed draw one's attention to the different developments in this section of life.
          Shopping in our childhood meant staring at different attractive items displayed in the shop and silently creating novel plans in the head to convince parents for the same. Be it an ordinary grocery store or a stationary shop, be it cloth market or a colorful,gift shop, no shopping session could be declared successful without leaving the place with something in hand;  it was treated as an achievement to be shown around to others. With a hope that the shopkeeper too joins in the plot of convincing parents, shopping back then meant designated stores for each kind of requirements.
         Enthusiastic sales people assigned with a compulsory job of sending the buyers back with numerous bags and no money, stern owner seated behind the cash counter with eyes glued to the income flow, number of selves with well organized goods and neat and tidy place with a humble name plate characterized the experience of shopping. Labeling a shop as 'the best' for the variety of goods displayed and enormous patience portrayed by the shopkeeper while rejecting a shop as 'bad' for not offering any options were the means to rate their overall performance.
         Salesmen and women knocking at our door meant one of the ways to sell back then, but with increasing risks of disturbing privacy and safety, this style certainly declined for the good.
         Though local grocery stores next door extend the convenience of being closer while providing the service of free home delivery, shopping in a supermarket by filling up the cart has become a favorite hobby for the entire family! With so many things all around, the efforts of framing a list go in vain as lot of items gain an entry into the bill.
         While many bags walk into the house, stocking the cupboard with unnecessary things and going out of budget are the most common complaints of today! Kids of this generation definitely have an advantage, while we could only point our figures to demand for a thing, they quietly fill the trolley with what they need! Though parents do discard the demand during final check at the counter, at least some things from the many luckily gain an acceptance.
                As shopping malls and supermarkets offer a complete end-to-end shopping experience, it is necessary to define our requirements before losing away to the color, glamour and lights.Training children to value money and respect needs is essential as easy accessibility undoubtedly spoils the game.
        The trend of Tele-shopping had gained momentum some years back, though this shopping style over television and telephone is prevalent even today, the latest form of online shopping over the internet has restricted tele-shopping to only those few not wanting to be 'live' on the net! Dramatic advertisements and users' experiences decorate every product sold over the television.
           Feature of credit and debit cards along with online money transaction have introduced a novel style of online shopping. With shopping as convenient as clicking of a button and receiving the products right at the doorstep, it certainly offers a lot of advantages.
         Though this online style of shopping is gaining popularity worldwide, the real experience of shopping cannot be enjoyed; unless one walks for miles in the sun or shade; unless one leaves the house in the daylight and returns back late at night; unless a woman spends hours in deciding while a man complains with bags in hand; or unless kids get bored and demand for things to keep themselves occupied.
         Be it shops of olden time or multi-taste shops of today, be it shopping over telephone or shopping over the internet, every style has something exciting,unique and interesting to offer. Though they differ in experience and conduct, they all ultimately unite to lower our bank-balance while increasing their own :)

Raining memories of Mumbai monsoon.....

               Excitement on hearing about rains back home, requests to view photographs of the pouring shower, updates by friends about the fantastic weather, listening to mixed experiences as the monsoon casts its wet spell - aspects like these make me realize that there is something magical about the Mumbai monsoon! While rains do greet us with drops of happiness and freshness here, the pouring shower of Mumbai is different in every way. An identity to its name, it is truly loved by the dwellers of the city.

            Boredom in hot and long, humid months of summer; eager wait for the relief of rains from scorching heat, happiness to get wet in the first shower of June, being grounded for days due to heavy downpour in July ,perfect blend of rains with sun in August and final departure in September mark the four long months of monsoon. Though the rains choose to play around with this schedule, the overall sequence is well rehearsed in everyone’s mind.

          Hope for rains when sun throws heat and long for sun when rains throw water is undoubtedly a confusing request for the clouds up there! The heavy showers create wonderful memories during every phase of life offering happy moments to each one. Reopening of school, meeting old and new friends, buying bags, books, umbrellas or rain coats and hoping for a fresh, new start decorated the phase of childhood school life. As days progressed with increasing load of studies, sudden holidays due to heavy rains made this monsoon totally exciting.

           Be it making paper boats in the puddles or playing in the mud, be it running around in rain coats or watching the heavy shower, this monsoon could never go dry without punishment from parents for purposely getting wet or a warning from teachers for not paying attention!

          As elders, the thought of heading for a monsoon trip and enjoying scenic beauty of long drives keeps each one occupied with calendar in hand, hoping to make the most of the pleasant weather. Though heavy rains disrupt the daily commute with delay in local trains and traffic on roads, the sight of boiling tea and taste of delicious hot food work wonders to calm those irritating nerves within less than a minute. Enjoying a spicy meal with family at home, while watching heavy rains through the window, on an unexpected holiday from work coordinate into a perfect plot of happiness, fun and joy.

           These rains definitely fill the atmosphere with energy as water is life in itself. Lush green cover of plants and freshness in the air are amazing gifts that only rains can offer. Though it used to rain with the same intensity even years ago, recent cases of water logging, floods and chaos on the streets point towards the unacceptable modifications made by us on its land. It is nature's way of warning us towards the harmful effects of inappropriate garbage disposal and cutting down of trees. While it is difficult to contain these troubles within a really short time, small steps towards improvement will indeed make a big difference. Continuous news clippings of  old cases of traffic and water logging by media offer little help as they only target to spread around fear making it difficult for family members back home or those residing in a different location.

           Being far away from the happiness of this magical Mumbai monsoon makes me realize that it meant so much to me while I was right there, experiencing it all,  under those thick, dark clouds. Though it starts to restrict movements and spoils many outdoor plans, this love-hate relationship that each Mumbaikar experiences is difficult to pen down in words. Every person of the city does complain about the rains in one way or the other, but they are the first to share stories of joy and bonding when someone else points a figure at the happily falling drops of life.

          With a hope that rain god continues to bless every place on earth with showers of water in future and Mumbai monsoon sustains its magic forever,it is necessary that our kids too get an opportunity to frame stories of rains while their paper boats float away in happiness......

'Add' to sales, 'meant' for promotion .......the big world of 'ADvertiseMENTs'

                  They appear in between, breaking our show for 'a short commercial break'; they greet us with illustrations as we turn the newspapers; they stand tall on hoardings across the city; they occupy webpages in small,corner spaces - the world of 'Advertisements' is indeed huge, following the prospective customers, attracting the future consumers. They play a major role in the success of sales, drawing attention with novel concepts while pulling crowd with unique ideas.
                While travelling along straight roads of a desert,barren and deserted in true sense,the only sight of hoarding boards that met my eyes drew my attention towards the presence of advertisements everywhere around the globe. They knowingly follow us while unknowingly demanding a follow up!
              Working hard towards capturing audience, advertisements are the instrumental tools to build faith, trust, belief and loyalty of many consumers worldwide. As a first impression of the products being endorsed, creators of advertisements have to ensure this impression lasts forever. Though some advertisements have been successful in holding faithful consumers for a long time since their first appearance, few latest trends demand endorsements that keep pace with changing time. Recent additions in market require attractive commercials that appeal the eyes in the hope of appealing the pockets.
              As 'out of sight, out of mind' is a natural human tendency, the plot of a commercial has to ensure memorable influence.Advertisements that break into our television are greeted with irritation as they play around with our show time. Though a few do enjoy our attention as they convey a wonderful meaning. In an attempt to garner customers, some advertisements pass a useful message or teach a valuable lesson,gaining an entry into our memories. Though they appear as unwanted stop on our screen, these meaningful advertisements influence us in their own unique way. Brands and products across the world engage celebrities to endorse with a hope to be heard and seen. Exciting set-up,interesting characters, wonderful location and a lot of hard work team up to avoid being hit by the 'mute' button.
              Some interesting advertisements on small screen enjoy popularity and the honor of being everyone's favorite. Attracting ,engaging, convincing and selling all within a minute of screen space is undoubtedly a big task in a short time. Colorful pictures and matching lines of an endorsement decorate the pages of daily newspapers, weekly newsletters or monthly magazines, though at times they take up the space offering little text to read, advertisements through this form have been the oldest and most efficient of all times.
                Designing unique advertisements that speak about the appropriate product- be it in print, on screen or on a hoarding certainly calls out for brain storming sessions. As advertisements are the only tools of marketing, their presence is indispensable for the success of any industry. Growing varieties, increasing competition and innumerable options in every possible products and services have converted this world of advertising from a provision to a necessity. Besides the conventional manner of advertisements, there are many different styles and ways that take birth each passing day, after all grabbing eye balls and pulling attention is the ultimate motive of this 'AD' world.
               Impossible to ignore, these advertisements will continue to fulfill their responsibility while keeping us engaged. As customers, consumers and audience, we have little choice while being forced to bear "..... a short commercial BREAK!!"

A fun-filled 'FAIR'.......

                A celebration that offers enjoyment to all those around , an event that spells out loads of happiness, an occasion to experience an array of activities , an age old affair that has been popular forever – words that define the magical event called ‘FAIR’. For years, this fun-filled activity has been entertaining us with variations and options that match with the changing time. From an age old affair with swings and sweets to modern world fair with games and candies, this concept of fun- fair on an open, huge ground has lived to offer unique, memorable experiences to each one rejoicing in its ambience.

              Fairs have been known for their power to engage people of all age groups. Though designed for kids as they enjoy in an open environment and play around freely , the tempting feature of stalls and shops in fairs of recent time attract the adults too.

             While I always believed that it was an activity decorating land of our home country,  an amazing experience of fun-filled fair on foreign soil completely transformed my view. Spending an entire day with fun,frolic and enjoyment in a different continent made me realize that it is universal indeed!

          United by a human nature to experience variety, colors, fun and taste, this fair brought in people from different walks of life. From little kids in the arms of parents to children running around, from young friends in group to adults exploring around, it certainly kept each one happy. As we walked around to visualize food, games, rides and exhibits, I could not resist to notice the similarities between the fair here with the ones back home.

        While I entered with a clear slate, ready to explore all the novelties it had to offer, the sight of pink candy floss and a giant merry-go-round greeted me with the warmth and ambiance of a traditional fair. Food stalls serving fried delicacies, baked varieties and spicy wonders attracted each one towards the tasty aroma. Ice creams and cold drinks pulled little kids as they cried for more. Swings, roller coasters, slides along with adventurous rides added to the excitement quotient of the event.

           Stalls selling household items, kitchen utilities, decorative products, fashionable clothes staged the similar, global plot of women engrossed in shopping while men walking miles and miles away! The atmosphere was filled with happiness, joy, delight as every family and every individual grabbed in moments of togetherness.  Besides the typical activities of fair, this event also hosted flower and fruit show, stage performances, talent contests and pet shows that served as attractive magnets for all.

           Efficient management, excellent organization and noteworthy co-ordination ensured this fair to be a huge success. A month-long event on a huge spaced ground, it truly deserved the title of being the biggest fair in the county of this state . Drawing a large crowd to experience the fun, sunshine of the afternoon and  bright lights of the evening worked together to make it a wonderful affair!

          Though a small experience that lasted for a few hours, moments like these in a different country with different people indeed leave a long lasting memory. It makes one celebrate the gift of life with the realization that we all are ONE under this big, huge sky. Glad that my husband partnered in this amazing adventure, it was certainly a fun-filled 'FAIR'.....!

        

                

Inches of household entertainment.....TV for TP !!

                A companion while alone, a friend when bored, an entertainer for family, an informer with updates, a screen that shines, a box that glows; this all-in-one entertainment package called 'television' has been with us for years and years, appealing our eyes while engaging the ears.
              With an aim to screen a big picture within the four walls of house and telecast the entire world into a small black box, TV entered the living room to be our guest forever. While it fulfills its duty of keeping us entertained, this television has transformed from being a luxury to a necessity within a very short while.
               What started as a source of information and recreation, soon turned into an addiction when small kids stayed glued for hours; soaking in their daily dose of entertainment.Troubles like these renamed our friend to be an 'Idiot box' imposing rightful instructions on its usage. Television has embarked many stages of development during all these years so far, from a black and white display to a colorful spectrum, from a big, fat CRD mechanism to flat plasma screen, from dish antenna to cable wires and from smart applications to live internet, it has traveled a long way serving faithful and loyal viewers all this while.
              While I have been fortunate to enjoy this electronic wonder since childhood, I realized the true worth of  TV during a brief period of absence at a new location in a different country. It felt like a painful phase of separation from a dear,close friend only to be reunited shortly. Though it features new channels and offers a novel style of entertainment that differs with the one back home, it is fun to explore variations and experience the local spice and flavor.
              An unlimited stock of serials,movies, reality shows and live events provide various options for its viewers. Channels in different languages render a local,regional,national and international touch to its contents. With a live coverage of news from far and wide, television shrinks the world into an accessible entity reducing distance,narrowing borders. It has lots to offer to each one,as people from every age group can tune into a channel of their choice.
             Television has served as a medium to deliver information and messages that influence the entire nation as a whole. Creating awareness and spreading knowledge have been the useful sides of this box. It has acted as a platform to showcase talents, encourage skills and build a conducive environment for arts and entertainment.With television reaching every house, every town or every village, it is indeed a useful means of overall development.
              It has become an integral part of our life providing an excellent solution to boredom and an amazing way of relaxation. It fills up an empty house with voice,pictures and people. Though a certain level of censorship is necessary for healthy,beneficial viewing ,our remote in hand does this job with perfection. With increasing inches ,flatter screens, high definition vision and sound quality; the experience of watching television is proceeding closer and closer to that of a theater.
             United with a motive to entertain , this TV is a gift across the big,round globe. It surely helps us to pass our time with a perfect blend of knowledge, information, entertainment and fun making it a TV for TP!!!!

            

Games we grew up with.....

               Hiding far away so that seeking was difficult, running around in every direction so that getting caught was impossible, racing with every bit of energy so that finishing first was achievable,  throwing away the ball in random manner so that catching it back was troublesome - few unforgettable features that marked the huge stock of games played as kids! Games that worked to build, develop,sharpen and brighten a truly wonderful phase of childhood.
          Born at a time when the web of internet was not completely woven and virtual world had little influence over those around, it feels wonderful to have infinite memories about the wide variety of games played, won, lost and yet enjoyed to the core! Childish strategies, novel tricks, flexible rules and convenient adjustments delivered unlimited enjoyment and fun in every game ever played.
        Each session had its own expected share of arguments, fights or disagreements over the player that won or the team that emerged victorious, but now as the mind halts to contemplate, they feel like precious moments that taught lessons of togetherness,sacrifice,compromise, honesty and opportunities of fun beyond anything else.They inculcated values of trust, care, kindness to build friendships that last forever.
            Different type of games gained an entry in the register of life. Be it those played under hot sun or those within walls of house; a few to be played in the playground of school or some within boundaries of the building. Every hour of the day had game under its own name. Holidays,vacations, trips opened the hidden treasure box as opportunities to learn new games, new styles and new variations were shared between friends, cousins and acquaintances.
            While some games were loved by all and in demand always; they earned the tag of being 'the most popular' and played universally; their naming style did differ but playing manner remained the same. To state a few, 'Hide and seek', 'Catch and cook', 'Ball throw and catch' were some of the examples that dominated this category. As local language and regional touch decorated the life back then, games like 'Kho-Kho', 'Sakli', 'Langdi', 'Lagori' added amazing fun and color to life. Comfort of home and participation of elders offered great joy as  'Snakes and ladders', 'Carom', 'Ludo', 'Chinese checkers' and deck of playing cards were enjoyed with fun and frolic.
           Slides, swings, see-saw and merry-go-round always waited to be a part of the happiness. Memories of dolls and mini-kitchen set still linger in my mind as they were the best gifts of life. Falling down, getting hurt, crying yet running once again were the unstated chain of activities as playing with friends generated energy that could never be replaced with any other source. Innumerable games played as kids indeed helped us grow and enjoy the fun of life. Playing outdoors and being one in the team is necessary for an all-round development that no other form can ever offer.
          With a hope that little kids enjoy the sun more than the shade and grown ups too keep the child in them alive forever, it's time to ask aloud...... READY????
 ......after all there is more to dusty hands, dirty clothes and muddy shoes, they reveal the laughter,smile ,fun and enjoyment hidden deep within!

What is your name?

             An identity, a meaning, a representation, a possession ! Name defines each one with a unique title that belongs to the person forever. Such is the magic of name that its legacy continues to glorify the character, even after one departs from life. The first gift that a child can ever receive from his parents, name is indeed a valuable treasure that remains the same throughout. The color of this essential possession can never ever fade away!
           It makes us what we are, throughout the journey of living. Though just a word that labels us as an individual, its significance is felt at each and every stage as we proceed ahead in this path called life. As discussions about a name for my new born nephew are still raw and fresh and while his parents have donned their thinking hats for this task called naming, the entire process of picking a name feels exciting,adventurous and colorful. It is an intense brain storming process that continues till one good name is finally agreed upon.
           As name defines one, it must carry a wonderful and meaningful essence that speaks about the person. Though we never get to choose it ourselves,each one of us love our name from the moment we understand it is ours. While our ears acquaint themselves with the sound of this name, it unknowingly occupies an irreplaceable space in our life. With that begins a bond of a lifetime; a bond with our name, a pact with our identity, a relation with our existence!
           It represents us along the way and stands to be ours forever.The first aspect of our personality that reaches out to others, it is a start to the further course of action. Hearing a different, unique name increases our curiosity as we bombard its bearer with questions about the meaning. Name has the power to define a personality as the mention of a person's name paints an image in our mind,though never seen or known before.
        The only characteristic that never changes, it speaks about us before we begin to speak! The start to our introduction or the end to our written conversation, name is definitely the start to end of every single aspect in life. While the sight of our name printed on certificate or convocation degree radiates pride and happiness, it adds an irreplaceable weight-age to our existence. The fact that a famous celebrity shares our name fills us with lot of excitement and joy making us one with stardom that unfortunately lasts for a little while ;)
           With a variety of endless names, each of them are inspired by some thought or the other.The beauty of its meaning add grace and charm. While some names are picked from nature, they are either inspired by the beautiful flowers,plants or numerous components that decorate it. Names based on qualities and virtues add unique flavors to personality while names drawn from history or mythology celebrate richness of our tradition. Some names have their roots in happiness and cheer that bring in joy,luck and positive aura.
         Every name does have a story of its own, while few names are common and have been enjoying many long years of existence, a few others are rare and live in recent phases. As many new names will continue to make a place in this world, the life of names will certainly never end. Cheers to the wonderful name we all possess!

 A question that has always greeted us and will continue to do so,

"What is your name?"

The 'lifeline' over tracks.....

           For years they have been with us, for years they have taken us to places far and wide, for years they have been the life of the city, for years they have connected each one alike. Undoubtedly much more than just a means of transportation, they truly deserve the title of being the 'LIFELINE'. An identity of the city, an asset for its people, a core of its layout, a necessity for its development, local trains of Mumbai have been the heart and soul from the time of its foundation.
        Over the years, it has encountered numerous changes, be it addition of more trains or creation of more routes; be it expansion of platforms or improvement of the infrastructure, what continues to remain same is the ability to shrink a large city into a small accessible land for all. Local trains have become an indispensable part of this place. It is impossible to talk about the city without a mention of these trains,the rush that they accommodate, the time-table that they follow and the convenience that they offer.
        With the benefits of excellent frequency, absence of traffic and ability to link stations far and wide, they are definitely chosen as the fastest and most convenient of all the ways of transportation. From a college student to an office employee; from a vegetable vendor to a fisher-woman, from a tourist to a visitor, each and everyone experience this journey over the tracks atleast once in their lifetime. While commuting by train is an unavoidable necessity for the dwellers of this place, it draws attention and excitement from even those located far and wide.
       A regular,committed passenger for almost ten years, I feel a strong bond connects us till today even though miles away from the action sight. While crowd on the platform and rush inside the train greet each one day in and day out, they become an essential and inseparable part of one's life. Though complaints about the hardships are made by commuters almost every single day, they regard these trains as their own; defending,protecting and justifying any faults pointed out by those beyond the tracks.
        With three major local routes connecting various places in city, any location or area is identified by the station it belongs to. The schedule of departure of these trains define the time-table of those around. Plans about any activity or daily routine work revolve around the time of trains and that eventually programs the watch on hand. Fast city life runs much faster to be able to catch the desired train while maintaining the planned schedule ahead.
       Journey in the local train delivers variety of experiences with diverse nature of passengers. From kind,humble people who help if needed to unkind people who refuse to understand; from silent people who stay calm throughout the distance to people waiting to initiate a fight, each and every person has a different trait to exhibit.Daily routine in train helps to make wonderful friends as the same commuters accompany each passing day. With people from different walks of life travelling together in the same coach, trains are indeed an excellent location for networking,sharing and receiving information over a wide range of topics.
       Indeed a lifeline that equates everyone, these trains do not differentiate between anyone. Born with the purpose of connecting people and places, they keep moving over the rails with undefined sincerity and obedience. Every person behind the wheel and each one who strive to maintain the dynamic schedule of trains deserve to be applauded and appreciated for their dedication and hard work. Innumerable accidents due to crossing of tracks,fighting over seats or over-crowding in train must stop as these trains never intend to take lives away or play with them.
     With a very strong history, colorful present and hopeful future, local trains of Mumbai will continue to be a part of it forever; witnessing the highs and lows ,celebrating its achievements while promoting its progress. This rich wealth of local railway is indeed precious as it happily moves over the tracks year after year.