Happy new year 2011

Here is wishing all a very Happy New Year 2011.

Let's all hope and pray for a peaceful and a prosperous year.

There has been a long gap due to frequent travels and family weddings.

Hope to catch up and post regularly.

Salutations to the CRPF Jawans

My heart bled when I read about the massacre of more than 75 jawans of the CRPF.

As the nation went gaga over IPL, euphoric over sensex touching a new height, munched the impediments in Sania Shoaib marriage, common man sweating under the heatwave, the dutybound CRPF men went ahead and laid their lives for the nation and 76 valuable lives were lost

Whatever may be the reason for this massacre, as many families have lost their sons/ husbands/, fathers/, and probably the only bread earning member.

Let us pray for the souls to rest in peace and may god almighty give courage and strength to the families.

World Autism Day

Hello! Count your blessings -all who are not special.

Today is world autism day. I had an opportunity to be a part of the meet organized by Sri Prashanthi academy here at Coimbatore.

My heart went to out to all those who were putting in all their efforts to make the life of an autistic child a near normal one.

There is no known cause or cure for autism. However, early detection coupled with right therapies can make the child self sufficient.

It is sad that in India, the awareness towards autism is negligible and mostly limited to urban areas. The social stigma attached to any kind of such disorders discourages parents from accepting the fact and going in for early corrective measure. Acceptance is the first step.

The disability act in India does not include autism under its list. The autism society is fighting for the same. This will help in getting many benefits under the act.

As an individual, you can help by volunteering for story telling, music, or any other skills you may possess. The toys and books that you might have stored in your attic can be given to these children.

Let us understand, spread awareness, support and make a difference.

Paa

Last Saturday, inspite of the hectic travel and visits, I managed to see "paa" at chennai.

A laughter riot from the first reel to the last. The introduction of the cast and others itself was a novel idea and was a soothing change.

The title clearly says "introducing amitabh bachchan". While you watch the movie, you forget that "Auro" is the great legendary actor.

Every actor has contributed their best and Illiaraja's melodious background is a feather on the cap.

The backbone of the film is the hilarious dialog. Kudos to Mr. R Balki for having thought of a serious concept and put it across without tear jerking drama.

The concept "progeria" itself is new and I wish the introductory text in the beginning last a few minutes longer for the audience to read. A pictorial description could also have been added.

The promos did not give any indication what the film has in store. Many thought it would be similar to "taare Zameen par" a movie about a dyslectic child. This could be one major reason why the theatres were not occupied to their capacity.

I am sure, as word spreads, more would see and enjoy "paa". After all word of mouth is the best form of advertisement.

Better late than never!!!

A number of personal commitments and frequent travel for pleasure and peace kept me occupied for long. So long that it is almost a year since I last blogged.

As days go by, I plan to put my travel experiences one by one.