My New Friend - ROMA

Yuppie finally I got a friend at Melbourne. Roma is colleague of Raji and he has been telling about Roma. She is from Mumbai and staying at Australia from past 10 years. I have insisted Raji to invite her for dinner. Once she did come over for dinner.

I was very glad to meet her. She liked our accommodation a lot. She was here with us for around 4 hours and we spoke so much about everything we can in that little time. I learnt many new things from her. I heard about Deepak Chopra for the first time while talking to her. She is a wonderful person and fun to be with.

One best thing is she also likes food just like me. Both of us like trying new foods and eating everything which is tasty. This taste of ours is so similar. I made my favorite ginger and cardamom tea that evening. She said that she is having it for the first time and liked it a lot. She liked it so much that next weekend she came to our home and we happily had ginger cardamom tea again.

She took me and Rajesh to a place called Port Melbourne we enjoyed that evening a lot together. We have seen a big cruise named 'Spirit of Tasmania' which came to its Port and we have seen it boarding and de - boarding the passenger and loading and unloading the luggage. We went by evening and we all stayed night till 9 or so and there we have seen 2 cruises full of lights and they were looking excellent.

Roma was telling so many things about Melbourne. She this weekend invited for dinner at her house at Epping. We went to her beatiful home yesterday. Wow! It was very beautiful. She have a good house. Her rooms were filled with such beautiful carpets and beautiful show pieces. She is very passionate about candles and so she lit an aromatic candle in her hall. Her selection is really very nice.

Now about the dinner, she is an excellent cook. She made rajma,paneer bhurji, raita and jeera rice. She cooked so well. She prepared all the dishes extremely perfect. Me and Rajesh enjoyed a lot. I like her company a lot. She has got a beautiful heart.

I am happy her as my friend.

Hill and Mountain

I watched Jab We Met movie in during my first year of MBA and I am a huge fan of it. I watched this movie many times in full or in bits and pieces. There is a scene in train in which Kareena Kapoor pesters Shahid with flow of words. In that flow of words, I noticed this "mujhe na aaj tak hill aur mountain ke beech farak nahi samajh aata". I think i remember these words because I also do not know the difference between hill and mountain. Now that I am alone and free and doing all types of timepass possible I decided to fine out the difference. Yipppeee......I found the main difference between hill and mountain. Well i read it all from wikipedia.

A hill is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain.

A mountain is a large landform that stretches above the surrounding land in a limited area usually in the form of a peak.

Well they were definition. Moutains are steeper than hills. That is mountains have peak and hills do not have peak. But still there are arguements going on about difference between mountains and hills. I am happy that I atleast found one difference between them.

new words i learnt

flu - an acute and highly contagious viral fever causing high body temperature
trig - neat and smart in appearance
dirge - a song or hymn of mourning performed as a memorial to dead person
ridge - a long narrow elevation, a long narrow range of hills, a long elevation on ocean floor
limbo - a state of being disregarded
limo - large luxurious car usually driven by a chauffeur
gore - wound by piercing with a sharp or penetrating object
coagulate - change from liquid to a thickened or solid state
gorge - eat immodestly or overeat, a narrow pass
brat - a very troublesome child
abet - assist or encourage usually in some wrong doing
stow - fill by packing tightly
fete - have a celebration, bestow honors or rewards upon
tiara - a jeweled headdress worn by woman on formal occasion
teal - of bluish shade of green
venal - capable of being corrupted
motile - capable of movement, one whose prevailing mental imagery takes the form of inner feelings of actions

PENGUIN PARADE

The world famous Penguin Parade is at Phillip Island of Melbourne. The Penguin Parade is a group walk by Penguins which are just 33 cms tall. Phillip Island is the largest colony of home for Little Penguins. Little Penguins are the smallest Penguins in the world. They are almost extinct now.

We went to Penguin Parade at around 8.00 p.m. and were sitting with other audience on the steps built for viewing the beautiful natural phenomena. Here at Melbourne it is generally dark in the evenings around 8.30 p.m. So we were happy to see the sea in both evening and night time. The climate was just mesmerising. The waves were so loud that although the audience were all speaking we could listen to the clear flow of waves. The sky was blue and so was sea. There was cool breeze and curiosity raising every minute to see when the penguins are coming.

There was an announcement that the raft i.e. groups of penguins are found nearby but the penguins are waiting for the night as they are afraid to be noticed by sea eagles. We are not allowed to take pictures at Penguin Parade because if by any chance a Penguin is scared because of the flash or anything related to camera it may not come out for hunting and will starve to death. They also informed about the directions probably in which the Penguins will move.

Finally after a long wait we saw a Penguin. Ah! It was so cute. It was looking like a small, tiny soft toy. It was in black and white and was standing at the shore for other mates. Later on we saw that there were Penguins coming to shore in groups. They were all coming together. This happened all along the shore.

Every where in our vicinity there were Penguins. One or two would come to the shore first and wait for the group. If the group is a bit late they also go back into the water to check their mates. Once the group forms they start moving towards the colonies. They walk in an absolute discipline. While watching them, it reminded me of my school days when teachers were tired telling us to walk in line but we hardly did that. But then the Penguins were not like that
at all. They walked from sea to the colony slowly and steadily in groups.

I overheard someone telling that the groups are made in such a manner that young girl penguins are kept inside to be protected. The outer line of the group is all male penguins. As they neared the colony there are a few Penguins which came out of the colony and met the group of Penguins. We thought it was a may be a kind of welcome. Once they reach the colonies the group is separated and individually all the penguins started moving towards their dwellings.

We saw atleast three such groups moving. There was one large group of penguins which we could not see as it was too far and also dark. It was a wonderful experience seeing the Penguins move in such peculiar manner. Later we came to know that the peculiarity of Penguins walk is because of lack of knees. It is absolutely natural but the way they move so perfectly in groups is such that we feel its instructed. May be it is instructed by nature.

PROVOKED - A TRUE STORY

"My culture is like my blood flowing through every vein of my body. It is the culture I was born which treats the woman like the honor of the house. In order to uphold this false honor, izzat, she is taught to endure many kinds of oppressions and pains in silence. A woman is a toy, a plaything, broken at will and stuck together at will. For ten years I lived a life of beatings and degradations and no one noticed. I came out of my husband's jail and came into jail of law. It is here, atlast, that I have found kind of, freedom."

These were the lines in movie Provoked which I feel have an ability to move everyone's heart and definitely they tell the plight of women.

Provoked means incited, especially deliberately by anger. A movie with this name attracted me and I came to know its a true story about a woman I decided to watch it. The movie was definitely not a movie. It was a moving story of many women in the world. It starred Aishwarya Rai as the main lead and hats off to her performance.

Provoked is story about Kiranjit, who is from a small town of Punjab and goes to London after her marriage with Deepak Ahluwalia.

The movie starts with a scene of a man being set on fire and he comes out of his home full of fire and screaming to death. At hospital, severely injured Deepak allegates his wife Kiranjit Ahluwalia attempting to murder him. At home, his wife Kiranjit Ahluwalia is shattered and shocked about the situation. She sits with both her children in her arms. The police come and take her away for interrogation while the children were in custody of Deepak's mother.

Kiranjit, the youngest of 9 children and so most loved has stepped out of home for the first time to London with her husband. She could not speak much english and hardly had someone she knew at London. Within the months of marriage Deepak revealed his true colours. He was a sadist and suspected his wife while he was going around with an English girl. He used to beat her up almost everyday. Despite of having two kids, he used to commit marital rapes on Kiranjit
physically and mentally torturing her. He hardly felt responsible about the family and didn't give sufficient money for family.

Yet Kiranjit could not speak of anything because as an Indian girl she had to stay with her husband however he is.

One evening Deepak and Kiranjit had a row about money. When Kiranjit raised her voice Deepak threatened to burn her face with domestic iron with which she was ironing clothes while on row. She was extremely frightened and felt severe grudge in her heart. She decided to show Deepak how bad does it feel when someone threatens and is abused. Two hours later she took some petrol from the battery and with a candle in hand she proceeded towards the bedroom. Deepak
was fast asleep when Kiranjit poured petrol on his legs. Deepak suddenly moved to see Kiranjit and accidentally the candle dropped. This lead to an unintentional murder.


Her husband was in hospital for 10 days. Kiranjit is allegated for murder attempt on her husband but a few days later her husband is dead and now she was allegated of murder. Kiranjit's lawyer puts in all her efforts to release her from jail. But she has hardly any grounds to plead. Kiranjit's lawyer persuaded her to talk about the long suffering she underwent on 10 years of her marriage life. But Kiranjit feels its a shame to speak about family matters outside. Also there were two wrong evidences from her mother-in-law and a constable made the case of her being guilty stronger. She is sentenced to life imprisonment.

But the case is still being fought by Southall Black Sisters, an organisation working for abused Asian Women at London. The coordinators of Southall Black Sisters help Kiranjit in meeting her kids at jail. At jail Kiranjit learns English from her jailmate Veronica and also he earns money. She feels happy being in jail. Veronica then requests her lawyer brother,Edward, with whom she had on off relationship, to take up Kiranjit's case. He understands the importance of Kiran's case to Veronica as she never asked him for her own appeal and hence takes up the case. Southall Black Sisters conducted a rally for bringing public support to Kiranjit Ahluwalia.

Edward then wins the case on 3 grounds. One, on the basis of long term provocation which she suffered for 10 years. Second, on the basis of Depression syndrome which provoked Kiranjit to threaten her husband. Three, on the basis of diminished responsibility for the action.Thus it was not a murder but a man slaughter.

The court released Kiranjit Ahluwalia accepting her 3 years and 4 months term as a full term. She was united with her children and now she is living happily with freedom and self respect.

The movie is directed by Jag Mundhra and it is based on the novel by Kirajit Ahluwalia named Circle of Light. Kiranjit Ahluwalia wanted her book to be translated in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi so that everyone understands what does it mean to live in silence.

The life of Kiranjit Ahluwalia or even the worst than that are found still in many parts of world despite of the technological, social and educational developments we have made. How many of us actually stand against it? How many women are living a life just to satisfy men's ego?

Its a woman who gives love to whole family without any boundaries. She is one who sacrifices everything for her family.One should learn how to respect women. While her love can bring extreme joy to the family, her anger can destroy the same.

A HEART TOUCHING SCENE

Well I firstly apologise and feel very sorry that I am not able to upload such a lovely rather I would say a heart touching scene in my blog. But I want you all to please click on the below given link and definitely watch this scene.

It is from a telugu movie named Stalin. The scene is only for around 2.42 minutes but its impact I feel is life long. Although the movie wasn't a box office hit and things like that this scene was always in my subconcious mind because there is a lot to learn from this scene.

One will accept why I am using words like "we have a lot to learn from the scene" after you watch the video. I am sure everyone will like. I want you to write some comments on the scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PdqD3AbQmg

HOW BLESSED ARE WE!

How blessed are we!
But still we don't realise that. We dont realise that god plans so many things for us. We don't realise he is the one who know what is the best for us.

He has given us power to think. He has given intelligence to invent, discover and create various things which makes our life happy and lovable. He is the one who writes our destiny. Everything would be very happy if we go according to our destiny.The problems starts when we go against what god has given us.

When we are in problems we don't accept the problems think and cry about the problems. We cry "Oh God what did you do to me". That day we feel that despite of our efforts to be happy god is not giving us happiness. When we are happy we forget to say "Thank God" and start feeling that its because of our efforts that we are happy.

But according to me the fact is it is in hands of both God and us to make our life beautiful. Life is beautiful when we have both problems and happiness.Like the classic saying goes "the beauty of rose cannot be seen if there are no thorns to it". The meaning of real happiness is seen only when there are problems.

All we can do in our life is to work hard and put in our best efforts. We should always the results to God. I am sure he will give us what we deserve.

First Time we saw the Cutest Teddy Bears in Real: KOALAS

We have always been hearing the name of Koalas. We get pictures of cute little creatures which look like teddy bears. But to see them was a far away dream for me as they are not found in India. But thanks to my husband and his project at Melbourne because of which we had a chance of visiting Phillip Island.

It was at Koala Conservation Centre we have seen some really cute Koalas. We were surprised to see that they resemble so close to the brown teddy bears. We haven't touched them but they look so soft. They have long and sharp claws. Koalas are often misunderstood as bears but one most obvious difference is bears are omnivorous and Koalas are herbivorous.

We have seen more of Brown Koalas than the Black Koalas. Their color is said from the color of their fur. We have seen Koalas with brown fur. The fur was long.

These are some interesting facts which we learnt about Koalas during our trip -

1. The main differences between male and female koala are the heavier head of male Koala and scent gland found on chest of male Koala.

2. The child of Koala is known as Joey who stays in mother's pouch for 6 months. They are not born with eyes, ears, and fur. Joey develops them in these six months.

3. Koalas are herbivorous animals and live mostly on eucalyptus leaves. It eats almost all the species of eucalyptus and there a few non eucalyptus species it eats.

4. Koalas spend 20 hours of a day sleeping. This is because it needs a lot of energy to digest eucalyptus leaves and sleeping saves a lot of energy.

5. The mating between them is generally during summer. Male Koala is supposed to be very dominant in mating.

Koalas are native to Australia. However they are extinct now. Australian government is taking lot of steps for saving the species. One more interesting fact which our tour guide said us was that touching Koalas is prohibited and anyone who does that is arrested. We had to be very careful while taking pictures.

It has been a very pleasant experience seeing them. Many people have hunted Koalas for fur. They also die in bush fires. Some die hit by car on the country side. This way they are becoming extinct to the world.

As citizens of world I think we must do something to save these teddy bears from being extinct.

-tent

persistent - never ceasing, continually recurring in the mind, stubbornly unyielding
consistent - in agreement with what is already known, same throughout the structure
advertent - giving attention
inadvertent - happening by chance, unintentionally
appetent - marked by eager desire
existent - occurring infact, in actuality, having verified presence
coexistent - occurring at the same time
content - everything that is included in a collection, what a communication is about,satisfied with
things as they are
discontent - dissatisfied
potent - having great influence, having strong physiological and or chemical effect


hey all please tell me some more words which end with - tent

new words i learnt today

git - a person who is deemed to be morally reprehensible
trivial - of little importance,of little substance or significance
mite - a small but appreciable amount
vex - cause annoyance and irritation,disturb the peace of mind
bunk - flee,cut and run,something that makes no sense or meaning
nag - bother persistently with trivial complains
torment - unbearable physical pain, extreme distress of body or mind
doe - a female deer
imperial - relating to associated with an empire, befitting or belonging to an emperor

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

- Mahatma Gandhi

This was the first Poem I wrote for my husband when we were lovers....

Every morning when I listen your voice waking me up, wishing me a pleasant good morning I find a new meaning to my life

From the day you entered my life I fail to understand what do I pray God when he has already given me the best gift in your form

Everytime I think about you my heart skips a beat

Whenever I feel lonely I close my eyes and there I find you assuring me that you are always with me

The immense strength you provide me with your presence in my life gives me confidence to achieve anything 'we' desire

You mean a lot to me than words can express and heart can feel

I just can say, I left the world of 'I' and formed and new beautiful world of 'WE' which has 'I & YOU'

and 'WE' is always incomplete about 'I & YOU'

I LOVE YOU