I am Back at Last

Hi Folks,

It's been really long since I posted a blog. First, we were overtaken by the visit of our kids in December- Jan, which was lovely. Then the pace at work picked up . A few among my Blog readers( they aren't many) reminded me over email and phone. So here I am again. And it does feel good.

I think Delhi has witnessed one of the mildest winters, which followed one of the wettest summers in many, many years . The way it started warming towards end January, it seemed that the cold weather had disappeared altogether.However, following a brief rainy and cloudy spell early Feb,the nip in the air has thankfully returned. It won't last very long though, as all Delhiites know.

The winter annuals have begun to bloom. The Chrysanthemum's ( called Mums in the US)having bid adieu, the Calendulas, Dahlias, Marigolds, Pansies, Nustrutiums, Cinenarias, Stocks, Primulas have begun spreading their cheer with their glorious variety of colors and hues. I have named only the varieties that are in bloom in my home garden, though I am sure many more are adorning other gardens. A lot depends on how early or late in autumnn these are planted. Carrying a few sample pictures of these from my own garden for your viewing pleasure.

It is also the peak time in Delhi for hosting garden lunches, bar- be -cues . As the days become warmer, the lunches shall give way to outdoor dinners, while the evening cool breeze lasts, leading inevitably to only dinners indoors in AC comfort starting April.

The Wedding Season, which continues to follow the Hindu calender for auspcious months/ dates/times ,and periods when weddings just can not take place, has also descended. It me amazes me how, despite rapid westernization and modernization of the affluent and middle classes in India, we are clinging to such beliefs! Is it the centuries-old shackle-hold of Pandits over Hindu society, or superstitions, or do cosmic conditions really impact life? It certainly impacts plant and animal life .So why not humans?

As to auspicious times and dates for weddings, I was informed today by a dear friend that his wife is unrelenting to change the " auspicipus" timing for their son's wedding from 3 AM in end April! Feel sorry for the young couple, though, while admiring their regard for traditions and parents.

Saw
"Billoo Barber" today. I give it just 2 stars out of 5. No story , poor music and direction and make it a movie very well worth passing by. It left me with an impression that SRK and his wife have put it together to try to boost his stardom, which they know is not going to last very long.

While on movies, how can I end without my comments on " Slum Dog Millionaire" which has been released in India after a cosiderable gap after the US, and possibly the rest of the western world, where it took audiences by storm. This is not surprising, since I feel (after having read " Q & A" on which it is based and watched the movie) that it caters mainly to western audiences. Ok here is my own take on the movie, which every one believes will bag a number of Oscars soon:-

• The book is better than the movie.
• The movie focusses entirely on our country's underbelly- forced begging accompanied by blindings, prostitution and other forms of child abuse, slums, and criminal sub culture.
• Not that it does not exist, like in other parts of the world.
• But it totally ignores the positives in Indian society like the fellow citizens willingness to help out others .
• This may be fascinating stuff for the developed world, but not for those of us who have seen it from closer quarters.
• Even Rehman's music in this movie ,which has recieved much media hype, is uninspiring. And quite frankly, a rehash of his earlier scores for a number of Indian movies.
• ARR is capable of much better.

I would like to end by thanking the Almighty for having given me more than my rightful share of happiness and well being.For the lovely family that I have.
And wishing all those who believe, not only in becoming richer, but also better human beings, the best in ther lives.

Desi Maali