Labour of Love - Varun Rajput
In the hollows of bereft caves,
and the howling of abrasive winds,
In the smashes of untiring waves,
And the receding tired sand,
In the swaying of the grieving trees,
And the crackling of the dried separated leaves,
In the hills standing in endless wait,
And the eternal stillness of lakes.
In the ruthless currents of rivers,
And the river bed stones perennially parting self.
In all of these but more so
Life flows in the spaces between you and me
This poem has been authored by Varun Rajput.
Image Credits: Desert Canyon, Rochelle Blumenfeld, Contemporary Art.
A Ray of Light - Snehasish Ghosh
When you are alone,
When there is no light for you to move forward,
Even when it feels like everything is lost,
Have faith in yourself,
And you will see a bright ray of light.
When you have no one by your side,
When you just feel like screaming in the open,
When you know everything is your fault,
Even when you feel like you are done,
Have faith in yourself,
And you will find a bright ray of light.
When you are completely blank from inside,
When there is no one to support,
When there are no new goals to seek,
Even when you have no idea of where you are headed,
Have faith in yourself,
And you will receive a bright ray of light.
Poet's Bio: This poem is written by Snehasish Ghosh. He is currently a graduate student at Darrang College, Assam.
Image Credits: Still life, by Pablo Picasso
वेदाआधी तू होतास - बाबुराव बागूल
वेदाआधी तू होतास, वेदाच्या परमेश्वराआधी तू होतास,
पंच महाभूतांचे पाहून, विराट, विक्राळ रूप
तू व्यथित, व्याकूळ होत होतास,
आणि हात उभारून तू याचना करीत होतास,
त्या याचना म्हणजे ‘ ऋचा ’
सर्व ईश्वरांचे जन्मोत्सव, तूच साजरे केलेस,
सर्व प्रेषितांचे बारसेही, तूच आनंदाने साजरे केलेस
हे माणसा, तूच सूर्याला सूर्य म्हटलेस
आणि सूर्य, सूर्य झाला
तूच चंद्राला चंद्र म्हटलेस, आणि चंद्र, चंद्र झाला
अवघ्या विश्वाचे नामकरण
तू केलेस
अन् प्रत्येकाने मान्य केले, हे प्रतिभावान माणसा,
तूच आहेस सर्व काही, तुझ्यामुळेच संजीव सुंदर
झाली ही मही
- बाबुराव बागूल #BaburaoBagul
Translation
You existed before the Vedas, you existed before the Lord of Vedas
Witnessing the huge, monstrous form of the five elements
You were getting distressed, anxious
You raised your hands in the first plea
Thus was formed the first 'Richa' (Hymn)
You created the Gods and celebrated them
You created the apostles, and rejoiced with them
O my primordial man! It was you who called the Sun, “Sun”
And so it became the Sun
You called the Moon 'Moon',
And so it became the Moon
It was You who created this universe and named it so
It was You who validated everything in it.
O omnipotent man, you are everything
And it is because of You that
This universe is alive, beautiful
Image Credits: Adam and Eve (Marc Chagall)
कुछ बचपन सा रिसता है
यही कुछ बारह बरस का है।
रोज सुनता है वो स्कूल की घंटियां,
बच्चों के कहकहे,
ऊंची आवाजों में पाठ,
वो सारी प्रार्थनाएं उसको ज़ुबानी याद है।
बड़ी हसरत से तकता है वो उस पाठशाला को,
जो उसके पास होकर भी कभी जद में नहीं होती,
कुछ बाप का डर रोक लेता है उसे घर पे,
कुछ लाचार मां का चेहरा कि घर कैसे चलेगा,
दो छोटे भाई बहनों का सूखा हुआ ढांचा,
उम्मीदें लील जाता है उसके स्कूल जाने की,
कहने को तो गली भर का फासला है
पर उस एक गली में न जाने कितने समन्दर है।
हाथ जिनकी उंगलियों में पेन्सिल होनी थी,
अब छाले दिखाई देते हैं ,
कान जिनकी लोरियां सुनने की उमर थी,
उन्हें सुनाई देते हैं किस्से फसादों के,
सांसों में कोयले की राख के टुकड़े
सीने में धूल होता है, गुबार होता है,
आंखों में कालिख का आलम है इस कदर,
कि रोशनी का दीदार भी दुश्वार होता है
उम्र भी पकने लगी है अब उसकी,
उसके घावों की तरह,
कोई ख़रोंच लग जाए तो
कुछ बचपन सा रिसता है।
थोड़ा समझदार हो चला है वक्त के चलते,
अब जिद नहीं करता कभी काॅपी किताबों की,
चुपचाप बैठा एक सुलगती भट्टी के आगे,
जलाये जाता है लकड़ियां अपने सूखे ख्वाबों की,
हां कभी जाने अनजाने जो पड़ जाती है नज़र,
बैग टांगें,स्कूल जाते बच्चों की तरफ,
एक ठंडी कसक भीतर तलक को बींध जाती है,
पर उसने ये हुनर भी वक्त रहते सीख लिया है,
वो अब सपने नहीं लेता,उसे बस नींद आती है।
उम्र भी पकने लगी है अब उसकी,
उसके घावों की तरह,
कोई ख़रोंच लग जाए तो
कुछ बचपन सा रिसता है।
कवि परिचय :
भुवनेश राजस्थान के एक छोटे से शहर सीकर से आते है तथा जिंदगी की सच्चाइयों को कविताओं के जरिए उकेरना पसंद करते है। खुली आंखों से ख्वाब देखने के हिमायती भुवनेश की अधिकांश कविताएं जीवन के छोटे- बड़े पहलुओं को उजागर करती हैं।
Rock-a-bye Baby
"Rock-a-bye baby in the tree top
when the wind blows the cradle will rock",
she whispers, lulling her baby to sleep.
Alas, no cradle was ever mine to keep.
Never known the touch of a mothers doting affection.
Or her careful tending, striving for perfection.
But truly mine are my musings and dream compilation.
Since you'll never know me, meet my imagination.
I’d imagine: you holding me close to your heart,
long tresses smell of jasmine after your bath .
Their wavy wet ends tickle my bare stomach,
you brush off the cold drops while we laugh amok.
I’d imagine: you reading me magical stories,
my dreams animated with elves and fairies.
You tying my pigtails before I run off to school
lest I am late again, breaking yet another rule.
I’d imagine: us dancing to the rhythm of the rain,
two frenzied pals, thoroughly jaded of being sane.
Your umbrella hops off after the capricious current,
unnoticed by us, in our abandoned excitement.
I’d imagine: you looking over me beaming with pride,
a mere replica of you dressed as a bride.
I imagined my whole life waiting for it to start,
when our hearts beat in synchrony, before being torn apart.
I stopped imagining because something felt awry.
You decided not to have me without batting an eye.
Being a girl deemed me cursed or imperfect with flaws?
In a promising moment i had imagined a life that never was.
Why didn't you keep me? Let me blossom and bloom?
You tired of me after a little while in your womb?
I'd forsake my dearest dreams to be held just once by you,
to lie by your side, even in a room that was painted blue.
Supriya Kamat is a freelance writer from the charming state of Goa. She is enamored of Goa and its harlequin complexion, and tries to epitomize it through her writing. When she’s not exploiting her creative writing proclivities, you can find her devouring a good book, handcrafting fashion jewellery, hypothesizing about what could have been or dreaming of gourmet food that she’d like to eat.
Picture Credits: Mother and Child, Mary Cassatt, Impressionism
पहाड़ों की चढाई
हम बहुत रह चुके यारों, शहरों के कारागारों में,
बसे भीड़ में, धक्के खाते, खड़े रहे कतारों में!
करे घोंसले बहुतेरे, महलो में, परिंदों की भांति
थोडी देर जियें गरुडो सा, चट्टानों की दरारों में!
उत्तुंग शिखर मुस्काते हैं, जो आनन छूए अंबर का,
शिवलहरी को आमंत्रित करता, ये आवास दिगंबर का;
चिडियों की चें-चें, कर के अंत, चीखेगी चील पहाड़ो की-
और मन को करेगी उत्तेजित, रणकारे शेरदहाडो की!
निकला था नचिकेता यहीं से अमरद्वार तक जाने को,
और युधिष्ठिर, इसी मार्ग से, सदेह स्वर्ग सिधारने को;
बाकी पांडव यहीं गिरे, और गिरा जटायु यहीं कहीं -
लगता है, यह जगह बड़ी पावन है,... प्राण गवाने को!
सुन ली बहुत बड़-बड़, अब ‘जय जय’ के, बोल लगाने हैं ,
सीने में ताज़ा पवन के आलिंगन भर कर लाने है!
अंजलियाँ भर ली नदियों की, अब छूएंगे सावन को
लांघ लांघ इन शिखरो को, अंबर से हाथ मिलाने हैं।
कवि परिचय :
नीरव एक छोटे शहर में पले-बढे लेखक हैं जिन्हें सुनहरे सपनों से मुहब्बत है । वो दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय (एसएसी) के पूर्व छात्र हैं और वर्तमान में केपीएमजी ग्लोबल सर्विसेज में कार्यरत हैं। वो 'वर्क हार्ड - प्ले हार्ड' दर्शन के साथ अपना जीवन जीते हैं- पढ़ते हैं, लिखते हैं और यात्रा करते हैं। उनके लेखन में भारतीय पौराणिक कथाएं, शिक्षा और यात्रा शामिल हैं। इसके अलावा वो एक बेहतरीन चित्रकार हैं.
Picture Credits: Les Alpilles, Mountain Landscape, Vincent van Gogh, Expressionism
The Mountains Have A Memory
A memory of silence, slow rain,
Of a damp violet, unwritten poems,
A shepherd’s call, the laziness of the falling snow,
And a wind taking birth among sleepy pines.
The mountains seem to have swallowed
Of a damp violet, unwritten poems,
A shepherd’s call, the laziness of the falling snow,
And a wind taking birth among sleepy pines.
The mountains seem to have swallowed
The cry of every dawn, a soldier’s bones
And the distance between a falling leaf and the ground.
Yet they are calm as if you were absent
Like nothing has walked past their burning valleys
and no one has wept
Not even a black bird for her unborn child.
Sometimes, suddenly they come alive
The mountains breathe through wandering horse trails,
Wet honey bees and the faint bleat of a lamb.
No sooner they get quiet like a cemetery
Than they drown their solitude in my tiny palms.
Perhaps someday they will wake up on my breasts
And remember that they too have a heart.
Poet's Bio:
Dr.Reshma
Ramesh is a bilingual poet writing in English and Kannada. Her poetry book
‘Reflection of Illusions’ (Writers Workshop) has been presented in the
International Read and Share Conference attended by Asian Countries in Malaysia
in April 2017. She is a member of World Congress of Poets and has
presented her poetry in the 37th World Congress of poets Mongolia
and Pulara 7 International Poetry and Folk Song Festival Malaysia. Her poems
have been presented in World Poetry Radio Show in Vancouver also have appeared
in many international anthologies, journals and have been translated into
Bengali, Turkish, Albanian and Mongolian. She has been a speaker at the
Bangalore Literature Festival 2017. She is a distinction holder in BFA
Photography KSOU and practices Dental Surgery in Bangalore
साँवले होठों वाली: एक सिगरेट से ज़्यादा कुछ थी ही नहीं
माचिस की तीली से
जब चाहा सुलगाया
फूकते रहे
होठों बीच लगाते-हटाते
कभी आधी जलाया
कभी यूँ ही बुझाया
थाम कर ख़्वाहिशें
धुएं संग उड़ाया
एक सिगरेट से ज़्यादा
कुछ थी ही नहीं
जानते थे तुम
अच्छी नहीं मैं
जमती जाउंगी
गहरी काली रेत जैसी
फिर भी काली स्याही से
कुछ बनाते रहे
कहते रहे अच्छा है ये कालापन
दर्द, दोस्त, हमदर्द
मिटाते मोम वाले रिश्ते
बेदर्द फरिश्ते!
मैं चुपचाप साथ रिसती
यूँ ही मिटती
तुम नज़्म सुनाते
गुनगुनाते
उन बोलो में
मेरा जिक्र नहीं
एक सिगरेट से ज़्यादा
कुछ थी ही नहीं
आदत बन आई तो
कहते हो पीना ठीक नहीं
जल जल कर जीना
ऐसे जीना ठीक नहीं
दूरियाँ बनाते हो
मुद्दत से जलाते नहीं
एक सिगरेट से ज़्यादा
कुछ थी ही नहीं
...या बस एक लत
जो छोड़नी थी
सो छूट गई
Picture Credits: Man and Woman, Edvard Munch, Expressionism
Game of Thrones Meets Dushyant Kumar
उनके लिए जिन्हे गेम ऑफ़ थ्रोन्स या हिंदी कविता से प्यार है.
हिम और ज्वाला का गीत, दुष्यंत कुमार के शब्दों में
Things That Make Your Day: The Elder Brother
No words can describe this...
The most heartwarming thing I've even seen pic.twitter.com/zRPd1RF7P2— Perfect Babies (@perfectbabies) September 1, 2017
अब पैंन्ट में जेब ही नहीं बनवानी
जो पैंन्ट से मैने पर्स निकाला
हल्की हुई जेब ने सोचा
बाहर निकलूं
हवा ही खालूँ
साथी ढूँढूँ
दुःख सुख गा लूँ
पहले तो कुछ लोग मिले
भरी जेबों के पीछे भागते
औरों की जेबों को ताकते
साथी की जेबों को काटते
ज़रा दूर सकुचाई एक जेब मिली
चंद सिक्के ही पास बचे थे
इसलिए बहुत घबराई थी
फिर एक खाली जेब मिली
जिसने मुंह भी नहीं दिखाई थी
देख ज़माने की चतुराई
जेब बेचारी बड़ी घबराई
ईर्ष्या, लालच और बेईमानीसुन कर जेब से यही कहानी
मैंने भी है मन में ठानी
अब पैंन्ट में जेब ही नहीं बनवानी
["अब पैंन्ट में जेब ही नहीं बनवानी" लामया द्वारा लिखी "साँवले होठों वाली" संग्रह की कविता है. और पढ़ने के लिए देखें saanwale hothon wali ]
[Picture Credit, Max Ernst, Untitled, Dadaism]
Being Dunkirk
It is impossible to not think of perspectives after walking out of a Christopher Nolan film. In fact Nolan, has mastered the art of non-linear narration. Dunkirk is no different. Except perhaps we can say that in this case the dimensions were: the land, the waters and air. More than a week after the breath-taking experience of Nolan’s Dunkirk, I am left thinking about a possible fourth dimension to the movie- of Dunkirk herself. What could it have been, ‘to be’ Dunkirk during the tragic yet notable period between 26th of May and 4th of June 1940 marking the early years of World War II?
One is forced to contemplate- without the miracle of Dunkirk, what is the soul of Dunkirk-the city? To be honest, I did not know much about Dunkirk before the movie. The first striking feature of the city is her name. It has a West Flemish origin which means “the church in the dunes”. Unfortunately, a city that literally means church has been host to one of the most terrible assaults in the history of war. The repeated assaults on her, aerial ambushes and underwater torpedoes, during the unfair course of war, is an appalling contrast to her name. To balance it all was the heart-wrenching courage exhibited by the soldiers and the rescuers. I ponder, was it her? Was it Dunkirk steadying herself and her children, looking at the enemy in the eye fearlessly and holding up in the face of inescapable danger? Was it her spirit that fought alongside her daughters and sons, and saved them, in fact even more than what their prime minister expected.
One cannot miss the spectacular visuals in the film thanks to Hoyte van Hoytema. I was almost moved to tears to see the beautiful beach city being subjected to mutilation. But on the deeper side it was more like watching a warrior queen charging ahead, of all her soldiers and leading by example almost as if to say, ‘Be proud of your wounds, my dears!’ At the end of it all, she was definitely ‘persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.’ Another thing that moved me was the embrace of the Dunkirk spirit. I was enraptured by the love shown to her by her protégés- the people of the city. In the final scene when a soldier fearing disrespect from his fellow dwellers cowers in shame as the train chugs in, is taken for a surprise when they are given a warm welcome- just like the warm comfort of a mother’s lap that nurses her child’s broken heart.
When I look at present day images of Dunkirk I cannot help but feel a tranquility that seems to surround me through the photograph. To think of the incongruity between the city now and that of 77 years since. But there she is… still providing the shore to the new generation with the same vigour. Everybody talks about patriotism and love shown by people to their country. Dunkirk – the movie, has made me aware of the love that a country shows to its citizens. The story of this tiny city in Northern France which even now has less than a hundred thousand inhabitants, who protected her citizens and lived to tell the tale has made my belief in the universe stronger. The spirit of Dunkirk, is a testament to Buddhist tenet: What you think you become, what you feel you attract, what you imagine you create.
[This Article has been authored by Avanthika Nityanand]
Picture Credits: Photograph published in: "Dunkirk: Fight to the Last Man'', by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore ISBN-10: 0141024372 ISBN-13: 978-0141024370 Penguin Books Ltd, 2007. Photographer not identified
The Anti-Adoption Squad
Adoption. I have had some interesting yet most insane conversations on this topic with my folks and friends (let us refer to them as “Squad”) over the past years. So, the gyan women in our society receive from the time they get married; “Do not postpone the ‘baby’ plan; if you do not take it when God gives it to you, He will punish by not giving it to you later”. Makes me wonder, if that is a priority of God that He (if it is a He) is keeping a track of a million women’s fertility cycles and busy fixing deadlines so that He can brutally punish by not giving them a baby. Like really? Every time the squad comes up with the ‘Oh-My-God’ questions “What will you both do if you cannot conceive? What are your plans for later? What if it is too late by the time you guys want to have a baby?”, my fed-up spontaneity takes over and the reply is “Will adopt a baby. Duh!” (That is, if my husband & I develop some paternal/maternal instincts ever!). And then the Kathakali mudhra faces around us with extreme expressions. “Pucham” (abhorrence) we call it in Malayalam.
The Biological Barrier
And the most popular ‘reason’ the squad comes up with “Why should you adopt when you can reproduce one?” to the religion and social background of the adopted child. The arguments can be quite ridiculous, especially when they are themselves not sure about the authenticity of these arguments. “The blood relation” at the helm. If people are so obsessed with blood; please donate some than accumulating it.
For the sake of the squad, let us quickly glance through the blood relationships in the history of religions. Jesus and Joseph. Oops. Pass. Lord Krishna (born to Devaki and Vasudev, but adopted by Yashoda and Nand). Socially unacceptable or embarrassing act? Parents adopting a child and nurturing them are equally or sometimes more respectable and lovable than the ones who have given them birth.
If you need more examples from a modern point of view? Augustus Caesar, Steve Jobs, Rajesh Khanna, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Marilyn Monroe, Leo Tolstoy, etc. So if the so called “blood” the squad talks about really mattered, would these people achieve what they have in life? On the contrary, the mythology and reality and full of ‘biological children’ nurtured in negative environment or under a negative legacy who perpetrated the same in the world around them.
The Bloodline Question
Assuming one passes the ‘biological’ barrier, it leads to the next phase, “How do you know what sort of “criminal” blood these kids might be carrying? They might just stab you and leave with all wealth.” Yeah, the statement that usually leaves the sanity dumbstruck. Do you ask this question when you meet with an accident and take blood from a donor/blood bank? Oh, you just need to save your life; be it criminal blood or pure blood. This sort of arguments or school of thoughts are rather stopping us as a society to embrace the immaculate children who might have been dumped or have been a victim of fate. Don’t these kids deserve love and affection? They are being kept away from a life which they can avail but are unable to because of the social taboo being created about adoption and the backlash the parents have to face who have been bold to sail against the social tide. Trust me, all that matters is the upbringing of the child. The religion or social background of the child does not matter – what matters is how they are brought up, the values which are instilled in them, and the change these little ones will make in the future generations.
Also, not all adopted children are a second choice. I've personally never had any desire to be pregnant or give birth till date. I also feel that with nearly 7.5 billion people on the planet already, I would be a lot more comfortable adopting someone who's already here than adding another to that huge number. And the couples who genuinely cannot conceive are directed to expensive medical treatments and even religious retreats by the amaze of intelligence of this “squad”. And is the child guaranteed?
Adopting a Girl
When I talk about adopting a girl child, I do not mean to discriminate between a boy and a girl, or value a boy lesser than a girl. People, including myself, always talk about equality, and if we value a girl more than a boy, or vice versa, technically it would be sheer hypocrisy. But if there is an emphasis more on adopting a girl child through various campaigns or documentaries, then it is probably because there is seriously wrong with the mentality of common people who build this society. As simple as that! As a child, my dad was raised in a kind of environment where girls weren’t given privileges like getting higher education. But such environment didn’t change his basic self. He grew even sensible and believed exactly opposite. He believed so true in his girls that he fought all odds to make sure that both of us have something that no man can take from us; Education and good values. So it boils down to this; either you adapt to your environment or you revolt against it. Fortunately for me, my ‘Superhero’ chose the latter setting major parenthood goals for people around.
Let us accept the simple fact that in India it can be true that families favour sons over daughters. Because, unfortunately, these people have put the ludicrous norm of the ‘family line’ passing through the son. When the son marries, his wife becomes part of the family, but when a daughter marries, she becomes part of her husband's family (leaving her family, symbolically or in actuality). Many Indians do not have retirement pensions or plans, and so rely on their sons, who will always remain part of their family, to care for them in their old age. And wives’ parents, well if the husband has a good enough heart or if the girls’ parents have saved enough sensibly, they are saved from a disastrous old age.
The future
Let us have the perspective in place and stay a little away from all the ‘squads’. Also, the adopting parents must not get caught into self-exultation. You are not 'saving' the little one, and do not expect the little one to be grateful. He or she is just a part of your family. An adoptive child looking for their first family has nothing to do with whether or not the adoptive parents are good parents-- it is natural for the child to want to find out facts and see people to complete their story. And they should be able to do so with your loving support.
Slowly but surely, things are changing. More women are financially independent. The youth is more sensitive to the need of individual space and thought. The two genders have become more equal than before. So, we are headed towards a brighter future (fingers crossed).
Along with a big salute, I dedicate this piece of my writing to all those ‘parents’ who have stood against the social tide and are giving all the love and values to their kids, adopted or otherwise – loving them, nurturing them and making them into responsible adults. Please, guys, let’s grow up and stop social tabooing of adoption.
“Perhaps there is no greater miracle than finding a loving home for a child who needs one” - Bill Clinton
Pic Credits: "Mother and the children" by Gustav Klimt.
This article has been authored by Ninitha George.
|
5 Interesting Things to Do in Trivandrum
 |
| Vivekananda Rock Memorial Photo by Premnath Thirumalaisamy, CC BY 2.0 |
Trivandrum (Or Thiruvananthapuram (Thiruvaṉantapuram, Malayalam: തിരുവനന്തപുരം), the capital city of the coastal state of Kerala on India’s south-western coastline, is bountiful in numerous tourist activities. Picnics, races, trekking, reading, dreaming- you will be in delightful confusion in picking out what to indulge in!
Located within the spice bowl of India, Trivandrum is a land of aromatic herbs with healing powers, rivers, beaches, mouth-watering cuisines, gardens and whatnot. Its location makes it loaded with various activities for entertainment and edification.
Top 5 Things to Do:
Selecting the best activities won’t be an easy selection for the excited traveler, as is so often the case! Listed below are the best of the lot, chosen solely for your enjoyment and merriment:
1. Healing Ayurveda
The ancient healing science of Ayurveda is not only for the sick and afflicted, but serves to de-stress and rejuvenate any regular person you pick out from the crowd. Explore the various ayurvedic clinics and centers for a refreshing and soothing experience. Ayushmanbhava Ayurvedic Center provides both short and long term treatments and programs which have promising and lasting results.
2. Aqua Leisure in Rivers and Beaches
 |
| Photo by Roberto Faccenda, CC BY-SA 2.0 |
Indulge in a boosting shot of adrenaline and endorphins as they course and throb through your veins in various water sports and activities. Beaches are in plenty and you can enjoy long walks or ride speed boats according to your taste. Kayaking can be both an exciting and refreshing sport, and quiet gentle boat rides will lull your senses to relaxation.
3. Search Your Soul
Trivandrum is infused with spiritual history as evident from the impressive ancient constructions and mighty temples and tall churches. Survey the timeline of the art of building and creating massive structures, all made for the wandering and hungering human soul. Seek comfort in the solitude and devotion that exude from these spiritual sanctuaries. Whether you happen to be a believer or non-believer, it is undoubtedly a sight to behold devotees immersed in devotion and soulful trances.
4. Sightseeing, Shopping and Spice
Whether you embark on your own or book a tour through KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation), there is plenty to see and enjoy inside the city. You can drive to Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, and watch in awe at the long stretch of sand and sea. You can also book a short tour of the city in small groups and take time to investigate interesting corners that appeal to your curiosity. Do make sure to explore spice gardens and get your hands on the organic produce of the state. Reasonably priced and free of adulterants, it is a great way for pampering yourself to various oils, spices, soaps and eatables. Plan a trip to Neyyar Dam to get even closer to nature and take time to treat yourself to the magnificent sights of the Western Ghats. From Agastya Mala, you will feel like you have travelled to a land between parallel time zones as the clouds and sky seem to merge together in a cerulean canvas.
5. Be Fighting Fit
If you possess interest or have experience in martial arts, this is a big plus of Trivandrum. Kalarippayat, one of the most highly developed arts of self-defense with spectacular demonstrations, can be learnt if you happen to have some extra days planned into your trip. CVN Kalari Sangham offers lessons and trainings to willing and dedicated participants and regular classes are held on all days of the week except for Sundays.
More to Do, More to See:
Make it a priority to try out the various cuisines, especially the delectable Kerala Thali, or “plate of Kerala”, which consists of multiple curries and sauces served with steamed rice. Trivandrum Zoo is a good educational treat if you have kids on your trip as it is well-maintained and clean. Be sure to get your hands on some handicrafts and locally made artifacts as they can be appealing as well as interesting. Coffee is a much-favored beverage and there are many cafeterias and coffee houses where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee as well as spiced teas.
This is a guest blog by Rohit takes pleasure in gifting the world with wonders and awareness about many fascinating nooks of India and captivates his readers with his journeys to the different corners of this peninsular nation. He blogs regularly at http://www.transindiatravels.com/.
साँवले होठों वाली: सोचा, कोई गीत लिखूँ
आशा तकिये में छिप रोती
ढूंढ रहे सब सीप में मोती
इस दौर भाग में
एक नवल प्रीत लिखूँ
सोचा, कोई गीत लिखूँ
होड़ है, शोर है
जोड़ है, तोड़ है
गुणा-भाग में
खोया एक राग लिखूँ
मुस्काता एक बाग लिखूँ
पर कलम बेचारा, क्या बतलाता
जो भी लिखता, व्यर्थ ही पाता
धुएें के बाजार में
अनसुनी एक गुहार लिखूँ
कैसे कहो फूहार लिखूँ
माटी है, ये बोल नहीं
हाँ, बातों का मोल नहीं
ऐसे कोलाहल में
सरहद है बेहाल लिखूँ
या विधवा का श्रृंगार लिखूँ
सोचा था एक ख्वाब लिखूँ
साकी और शराब लिखूँ
क्या हार लिखूँ , क्या जीत लिखूँ
उचित नहीं मैं गीत लिखूँ
उचित नहीं मैं गीत लिखूँ
["सोचा, कोई गीत लिखूँ" लामया द्वारा लिखी "साँवले होठों वाली" संग्रह की कविता है. और पढ़ने के लिए देखें saanwale hothon wali ]
Picture Credits: Self Portrait, Oscar Kokoscha, Oil with hand
