Monthly Archives: June 2024

Short Story: The Pink Spectacles

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Shivani was a curious and imaginative 6-year-old girl who lived in a small village near Ratnagiri, nestled in the lush green hills of the Konkan region. She loved to explore the winding paths and swaying coconut trees near her family’s modest home, often getting lost in her little world.

But lately, Shivani has been having trouble seeing things. When she tried to read the blackboard at school, the letters would become a blurry mess. And during playtime, she sometimes missed the ball when her friends tossed it to her, much to their amusement.

“Arre, Shivani, kai jhala? What happened to you? Can’t you see?” Her older brother Akshay would tease. Shivani would huff in frustration, wishing she could see as well as her brother. She didn’t understand why her eyesight had suddenly become so bad.

“Aai, I think there’s something wrong with my eyes,” Shivani would tell her mother, Meena, after school each day. “I can’t see things like I used to.” Meena would frown with concern, gently examining Shivani’s eyes. “Hmm, they do seem a bit strained. Maybe you need to rest them more, bala. No more reading in the dark, okay?”

But even after taking breaks, Shivani’s vision didn’t improve but seemed worse. She started bumping into furniture and tripping over rocks on the ground that she couldn’t quite make out. “Arre, look at our little Shivani, she’s turning into a chamgadar! Shivani the bat,” Akshay would laugh, flapping his arms around. “Flapping around, crashing into everything!”. Shivani would feel her face flush with embarrassment. She didn’t want to be a clumsy bat – she wanted to be able to see clearly and run and play like the other children.

One day, Shivani’s teacher at the village school announced that a team of eye doctors would be coming to the school for a special eye camp. Any student having trouble with their vision could get checked and receive free spectacles if needed. Shivani’s parents, Meena and Rajesh, decided to take her to the eye camp. They were relieved that Shivani’s eyes could be properly examined at the camp in their village.

When the day of the eye camp arrived, Shivani was both excited and nervous. She had never seen a real doctor, let alone an eye doctor with all their strange-looking equipment. The ophthalmologist, a kind older man with a warm smile, greeted Shivani and her parents. “Kaishi ahes,” he said, crouching down to Shivani’s level. “How are you? Let’s look into your eyes, shall we?”. Shivani sat patiently as the doctor shone a bright light into each of her eyes and had her read letters off a chart on the wall. After a thorough examination, the doctor turned to Meena and Rajesh.

“Well, it’s clear that your daughter has a case of myopia or nearsightedness,” the doctor explained. “Her eyes are having trouble focusing on distant objects. But the good news is that spectacles can easily correct this.” Shivani’s eyes widened with excitement. “Chashma? Really?” she exclaimed. The doctor chuckled and nodded, then led them to a table filled with different frames.

“Now, let’s find the perfect pair for you,” he said, gesturing to the selection. Shivani’s gaze immediately landed on a pair of frames with a sparkly pink design. “I want those!” she declared, pointing eagerly. The doctor carefully placed the spectacles on Shivani’s face, and when she looked around, everything came into sharp focus.

“Wow, I can see everything so clearly!” Shivani marvelled, her face lighting up with a huge smile. “The trees, the people, the blackboard – everything is so clear.”. Meena and Rajesh exchanged relieved glances, thrilled to see their daughter so excited and happy. “You look beautiful, beta,” Meena said, giving Shivani a warm hug. Shivani couldn’t stop grinning as she admired her new pink spectacles. She could hardly wait to show them off to her friends and family.

When Shivani returned to school the next day, wearing her new pink glasses, her classmates were instantly fascinated. “Wow, Shivani, your chashma is so chamak, so shiny!” exclaimed her best friend Priya. “Can I try them on?”

Shivani carefully handed the spectacles to Priya, who immediately started giggling. “Everything looks so big and close up! It’s like I’m a giant!” Soon, all of Shivani’s friends were lining up to take turns trying on the pink glasses, running around the schoolyard and marvelling at how the world looked through Shivani’s eyes. “Be careful, you’ll break them!” Shivani fretted, but she couldn’t help laughing at her friends’ antics. She had never felt so popular and special before.

Even Akshay, who usually teases Shivani, seemed impressed by her new look. “Hey choti, you look like a movie star with those glasses!” he said with a grin. “Now you can see all the mischief I get into!” Shivani rolled her eyes at her brother, but she secretly felt proud. She loved her new spectacles and how they made her stand out from the crowd. No more bumping into things for her!

With her pink, shiny chashma on, Shivani began to see the world in a whole new way. She noticed so many details she had never paid attention to before – the intricate patterns on the saris of the women in the village, the tiny insects crawling on the leaves, the wispy clouds drifting across the sky. “Aai, look at that bird up there!” Shivani would exclaim, pointing to the sky. “I can see its feathers so clearly!” Meena would smile and nod, happy to see her daughter so fascinated by the world around her. She was glad they had taken Shivani to the eye camp and that she was adjusting well to her new spectacles.

Shivani’s favourite thing to do was to sit on the roof of her house and gaze out at the lush green hills and swaying coconut trees in the distance. She could see for miles, watching the farmers tending to their crops and the cows grazing in the meadows. It was like a whole new world had opened up to her. At night, Shivani would lie in bed and stare up at the twinkling stars with wonder. She could not get over how she could see them so clearly now. She felt like she was floating in a sea of glittering lights, just like the ones on her frames. “I’m so lucky to have these glasses,” Shivani would whisper to herself. “They make everything so beautiful.”

One evening, as Shivani was sitting on the roof gazing out at the pristine beaches and crashing waves of the Konkan coast, her grandmother came up to join her. “Ajji, tell me a story,” Shivani pleaded, snuggling up to the elderly woman. Her grandmother, Radha, chuckled and nodded. “Alright, my dear. Have you heard the legend of the boksi witch that haunts these hills?”

Shivani shook her head, her eyes widening with curiosity. “Well, they say that long ago, there was a beautiful young woman who lived in these very hills,” Dadi began. “She was known for her kindness and healing powers, and the villagers would come to her for help with all sorts of ailments.” Shivani listened intently, captivated by the story.

“But one day, a jealous woman in the village accused the young healer of being a boksi – a witch who practices black magic. The villagers, filled with fear and superstition, turned on her and burned her at the stake.” Shivani gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

“They say that the young woman’s spirit never found peace, and now her boksi form roams these hills at night, seeking revenge on those who wronged her,” Ajji continued, her voice lowering to a whisper. Shivani shivered, glancing nervously at the shadowy trees surrounding their home. “But don’t worry, my dear,” Radha said, patting Shivani’s hand reassuringly. “As long as you have your chashma, you’ll be able to see the boksi coming from miles away!” Shivani giggled, feeling a bit more at ease. She knew her ajji was just teasing her, but the legend of the boksi witch had certainly piqued her imagination.

As Shivani lay in bed that night, she couldn’t help but wonder if the boksi was real. She stared up at the twinkling stars, wishing she could see through the darkness with her chashma. But alas, they were no match for the inky blackness of the Konkan night.

The next day, Shivani was so busy daydreaming about the boksi witch that she wasn’t paying attention to where she was going. As she was walking home from school, she became entranced by the swaying coconut trees and the crashing waves in the distance.

Suddenly, Shivani felt herself collide with something solid. She looked up to see an elderly woman glaring down at her, her wrinkled face twisted in anger. “Arre, you foolish girl! Can’t you see where you’re going?” the woman scolded, her voice raspy and harsh. Shivani felt her face flush with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, kaki,” she stammered. “I didn’t mean to.” “Bah, you children these days, always with your heads in the clouds!” the woman interrupted, shaking her head in disgust. “You should be more careful, or you’ll end up like the poor boksi witch, doomed to wander these hills forever!” Shivani’s eyes widened in fear at the mention of the boksi. She quickly apologized again and hurried home, her heart pounding.

When Shivani told her parents what had happened, Meena and Rajesh were concerned. “Bala, you need to be more mindful when you’re wearing your spectacles,” Meena said gently. “They are a gift, but you have to use them responsibly.” Rajesh nodded in agreement. “Your ajji’s stories may be just legends, but there are real dangers out there. We don’t want you to get hurt, Shivani.” Shivani felt ashamed of her carelessness. She knew her parents were right—she had to be more careful, both for her safety and out of respect for the gift of her glasses.

From that day on, Shivani made a conscious effort to be more aware of her surroundings. She would take the time to carefully navigate the winding paths and crowded markets, always keeping her spectacles firmly in place. Shivani also started using her improved vision to help others. She would read signs and labels out loud to her illiterate grandmother, and assist her younger cousins with their homework by writing out the answers in big, clear letters. “You’re such a good girl, Shivani,” her grandmother would say, patting her on the head. “Your spectacles are a blessing, not just for you but for all of us.”

Shivani beamed with pride at her grandmother’s words. She felt like she had learned an important lesson – that her spectacles were not just about seeing the world more clearly, but about using her gift to make a difference in the lives of those around her. As Shivani sat on the roof, gazing out at the lush green hills and the shimmering Konkan coastline, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the spectacles that had opened up a whole new world to her. She knew that with her newfound vision, she could accomplish anything she set her mind to – even if it meant facing the legendary boksi witch that haunted these very hills.

In My Hands Today…

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So Fetch – Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

From the New York Times bestselling author of Seinfeldia comes the totally fetch story of one of the most iconic teen comedies of all time, Mean Girls , revealing how it happened, how it defined a generation, “like, invented” meme culture, and why it just won’t go away, filled with exclusive interviews from the director, cast, and crew.

Get in, loser. We’re going back to 2004. It’s been 20 years since Mean Girls hit theaters, winning over critics and audiences alike with its razor-sharp wit, star-making turns for its then unknown cast, and obsessively quotable screenplay by Tina Fey.

Fast forward two decades and Mean Girls remains as relevant as ever. Arguably, no other movie from the 2000s has had as big of an impact on pop culture. In So Fetch, New York Times bestselling author of Seinfeldia , Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, offers the first ever authoritative book about this beloved classic that shaped an entire generation.

Based off revealing interviews with the director, cast, and crew, So Fetch tells the full story of the making of Mean Girls , from Tina Fey’s brilliant adaptation of a self-help guide for parents of teen girls, to the challenges of casting Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and the iconic supporting players. So Fetch also explores the film’s lasting cultural influence, from its role in the rise of Y2K tabloid culture, impact on girls of all ages and lgbtq+ culture, to how we use it to define female relationships to this day. Timed for the 20th anniversary and the release of the new movie musical adaptation, So Fetch is the perfect companion for fans and anyone who understands that when it comes to Mean Girls ’ enduring legacy, the limit does not exist!

Festivals of India: Ganga Dussehra

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Ganga Dussehra is a Hindu festival that commemorates the divine descent of the sacred River Ganges, also known as Ganga, from the heavens to Earth. This annual celebration holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for millions of devotees across India, particularly in the northern regions where the Ganges flows.

The origins of Ganga Dussehra can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures and legends. According to Hindu mythology, the River Ganges is personified by the goddess Ganga, who is believed to have descended from the celestial realm to the mortal world at the request of King Bhagirath. The story goes that King Bhagirath, through intense penance and devotion, pleased the gods and convinced them to allow the Ganges to flow down to Earth. This event is said to have occurred on the 10th day or Dashami, of the bright half of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which typically falls between May and June. The descent of the Ganges is seen as a profound act of divine grace, as the river’s sacred waters are believed to have the power to purify the soul and wash away sins. Hindus consider it a great blessing to bathe in the Ganges on this auspicious day, as it is thought to bring spiritual liberation and prosperity. The festival also honours Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have descended as the River Ganges to help his devotee Bhagirath get rid of his sins after he sinned.

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According to the legend, when the Ganges descended from the heavens, the force of the river was so powerful that it threatened to destroy the earth. To prevent this, Lord Shiva is said to have broken the Ganges into twelve streams using his trident, allowing the river to gently flow down to Earth. The story of the Ganges’ descent from heaven to Earth is commemorated as Ganga Dussehra or Ganga Jayanti when people celebrate the arrival of this auspicious river on Earth.

The name Ganga Dussehra comes from the Sanskrit words Dasha, meaning ten and Hara, meaning to destroy or to defeat. The festival is called Ganga Dussehra because it is believed that bathing in the Ganges River during the 10 days of the festival can rid a person of ten sins or ten lifetimes of sins. So the full name Ganga Dussehra signifies the festival celebrating the descent of the holy Ganges River from heaven, during which devotees can attain purification by bathing in the river and ridding themselves of ten lifetimes of sins.

Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great fervour and devotion across various regions of India, particularly in the states where the Ganges flows, such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Each region has its own unique customs and traditions associated with the festival.

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One of the most prominent celebrations of Ganga Dussehra takes place in the holy city of Haridwar, located on the banks of the Ganges in the state of Uttarakhand. Haridwar is considered one of the most sacred places along the Ganges and is a hub for Hindu pilgrimage. In Haridwar, the Ganga Dussehra festivities begin on the Amavasya or new moon night and continue for ten days, culminating on the Dashami or tenth day. During this time, thousands of devotees flock to the riverbanks to take a holy dip in the Ganges, believed to purify the body and soul.

The highlight of the celebrations in Haridwar is the Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual where priests perform an elaborate ceremony of offering prayers and lighting lamps along the riverbanks. As the sun sets, the entire stretch of the Ganges is illuminated by the flickering flames of the lamps, creating a mesmerizing and spiritual atmosphere.

Various cultural programs, such as music and dance performances, are organised during the festival, showcasing the rich heritage of the region. Devotees also engage in chanting, recitation of sacred texts, and the distribution of prasad (sacred offerings) throughout the celebrations.

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Another significant celebration of Ganga Dussehra takes place at the Gangotri Temple, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This temple is considered the mythological source of the Ganges and is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus. During Ganga Dussehra, the temple complex is adorned with vibrant decorations, and elaborate ceremonies are performed by the priests. Devotees gather to witness the ceremonial aarti and partake in the festivities, which include the chanting of sacred hymns, the offering of prayers, and the distribution of prasad.

The Gangotri Temple holds special significance during Ganga Dussehra, as it is believed to be the place where the Ganges descended from the heavens to Earth. Pilgrims and devotees flock to the temple to seek the blessings of the Goddess Ganga and to purify themselves through a dip in the sacred waters.

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The city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is another important centre for the celebration of Ganga Dussehra. Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, as it is situated on the banks of the Ganges and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. In Varanasi, the Ganga Dussehra festivities are marked by grand processions, cultural performances, the lighting of lamps along the ghats, and the riverfront steps of the Ganges. Devotees gather to take a holy dip in the river, perform rituals, and offer prayers to the Goddess Ganga.

The Ganga Aarti, a captivating ritual where priests offer prayers and light lamps on the riverbanks, is a highlight of the celebrations in Varanasi. Thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness this mesmerizing spectacle, which is a testament to the deep-rooted reverence for the Ganges in Hindu culture.

Ganga Dussehra is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in other regions along the Ganges, such as Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. In these areas, the festival is marked by various cultural programs, religious ceremonies, and the lighting of lamps along the riverbanks.

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In some parts of Bihar and Jharkhand, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated alongside the Navaratri festival, where the goddess Durga is revered. During this time, large pandals or temporary structures are erected, and the deities are worshipped with great fervour.

The main rituals and customs associated with Ganga Dussehra include taking a holy dip in the Ganges River, with devotees believing that bathing in the Ganges on Ganga Dussehra can purify the body and soul, wash away sins, and bring spiritual liberation. An elaborate ritual where priests offer prayers and light lamps along the riverbanks, known as the Ganga aarti, is performed, which creates a mesmerising and spiritual atmosphere. This is a highlight of the celebrations, especially in cities like Haridwar and Varanasi. As the Ganges is personified as the Goddess Ganga, devotees worship and offer prayers to seek her blessings. In some regions, like West Bengal, Ganga Dussehra is celebrated alongside the Navaratri festival, where the goddess Durga is worshipped. The festival culminates with the immersion of the Durga idol into the river. In the southern states of India, Ganga Dussehra is also celebrated as the day to begin new educational pursuits, with the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning. A ritual in West Bengal where married women play with vermilion or sindoor, known as Sindur Khela, is performed as part of the Dussehra celebrations. In parts of Uttar Pradesh, people collect the leaves of the Banni tree and exchange them as a symbol of gold, as per an ancient legend.

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Ganga Dussehra holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus, as it represents the divine connection between the mortal world and the celestial realm. The festival is a celebration of the Ganges River’s descent from heaven, which is believed to have the power to purify the soul and bring about spiritual liberation. For Hindus, the Ganges is not just a physical river but a sacred embodiment of the Goddess Ganga, who is revered as a source of life, fertility, and divine grace. The act of bathing in the Ganges on Ganga Dussehra is seen as a means of cleansing oneself of sins and attaining spiritual enlightenment. The festival also holds deep cultural significance, as it reflects the rich heritage and traditions of India. The various rituals, customs, and celebrations associated with Ganga Dussehra showcase the diversity and unity of the Hindu faith as people from all walks of life come together to honour the divine river.

Ganga Dussehra is a time of community and social harmony, as the festivities bring people together, transcending religious, social, and economic boundaries. The shared experience of celebrating the descent of the Ganges fosters a sense of unity and collective identity among the devotees. The festival holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus across India. The celebration of the Ganges’ descent from the heavens to Earth is a testament to the deep-rooted reverence and connection that the Hindu faith has with this sacred river. The festival’s ability to bring people together, transcending boundaries, is a testament to the unifying power of faith and the shared cultural heritage of India. As the Ganges continues to be a vital lifeline for millions of people in India, the celebration of Ganga Dussehra serves as a reminder of the river’s sacred significance and the importance of preserving its sanctity for generations to come.

2024 Week 24 Update

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One of the most prominent literary figures of the 20th century, American novelist, short story writer, journalist, and Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winner, Ernest Hemingway’s quote emphasises the importance of personal growth and self-improvement over competing with others. Hemingway suggests that true nobility and worth are found in striving to improve oneself rather than in trying to be better than others. It encourages focusing on one’s development and progress. The quote underscores the value of self-reflection and continuous improvement. It implies that real success and honour come from overcoming one’s past limitations and becoming a better person than one was before. Hemingway’s words highlight the importance of intrinsic values and personal achievements, promoting the idea that self-betterment is a more virtuous goal than external recognition or superiority over others.

BB has been coming home daily this week and we have enjoyed having him in the evenings. It reminds me just how much we missed him while he was in basic military training and this current training. He will move to his unit next week and then it will be back to coming home over the weekends.

This week we got some respite from the heat with rains in the afternoon. I did not feel so hot, but the heat has not been kind to many across Asia. In India, temperatures have soared to nearly 50°C, marking it as the longest heat wave in the country’s history. Singapore experienced its fourth warmest year on record, with May’s scorching temperatures reaching 37°C. Meanwhile, South and Southeast Asia have been grappling with intense heat, with temperatures climbing up to 45°C in some regions. This extreme weather has been attributed to a combination of factors, including climate change and urban heat island effects, raising serious concerns about public health, labour productivity, and the environment. Well, as for me, I look forward to the daily downpour so it can ease the heat a little bit.

That’s all from me this week. Stay safe and keep smiling!

In My Hands Today…

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Who Sought to See the Future – Peter Moore

In 1865 Admiral Robert FitzRoy locked himself in his dressing room and cut his throat. His grand meteorological project had failed. Yet only a decade later, FitzRoy’s storm warning system and “forecasts” would return, the model for what we use today.

In an age when a storm at sea was evidence of God’s wrath, nineteenth-century meteorologists had to fight against convention and religious dogma. Buoyed by the achievements of the Enlightenment, a generation of mavericks set out to decipher the secrets of the atmosphere and predict the future. Among them were Luke Howard, the first to classify clouds; Francis Beaufort, who quantified the winds; James Glaisher, who explored the upper atmosphere in a hot-air balloon; Samuel Morse, whose electric telegraph gave scientists the means by which to transmit weather warnings; and FitzRoy himself, master sailor, scientific pioneer, and founder of the U.K.’s national weather service.

Reputations were built and shattered. Fractious debates raged over decades between scientists from London and Galway, Paris and New York. Explaining the atmosphere was one thing, but predicting what it was going to do seemed a step too far. In 1854, when a politician suggested to the Commons that Londoners might soon know the weather twenty-four hours in advance, the House roared with laughter.

Peter Moore’s The Weather Experiment navigates treacherous seas and rough winds to uncover the obsession that drove these men to great invention and greater understanding.