'Atlas' realizing dreams!

In our busy lives, there are bundles of struggle and sometimes failure that pop up for a sudden surprise. Your good friends come around and tell you “Don't be afraid…just be prepared…you know you can win over it!” They are there to tell you to never end your dreams…however tough it may seem because when you believe and you strive hard…you know you can WIN!

Falling, stumbling, collapsing, enduring suffering…one uses every strength from within, trying to play cautiously in the desperate game of life!

Slavery came to an end years back. But...did it really? Did you notice the domestic help in your neighbour’s house (and may be your own house) being beaten black and brown? Did you notice the young girl wearing loud make up and enticing clothes…did you notice the sexual advancement she made towards you with her eyes…did you also notice a series of cuts in her arm…and did you notice the man standing in one corner keeping a close eye on all her movements? Did you notice the little boy in the local restaurant, running around serving food, doing utensils and being badly beaten by the manager if something spills? Believe me…there are worst of such cases happening all around us.

Even today the wind is howling with cries of anguish, if one could hear…fields are being run red with the blood of bondage and commerce is thriving upon buying and selling of humans. Millions of families are suffering…divided, broken and displaced. This time it is not only the aristocracy…the kings…but everyone…just someone like you and me! This is the era of ‘modern slavery’!

Humans captured like animals for ill gotten ideals is the best business today. They are beaten, flogged, raped or worse…and ripped of all that they have.

Ever sat beside a victim of slavery to understand the pain they have suffered…you could hear their hopes silently muttered…dreams to be back with their family and live free as a bird then. Don’t we all have a responsibility…to give them their own freedom…Freedom at any cost!

I always wondered what success meant…Is success about money, name or fame? Or about winning life’s' survival game? I think I have got my simple answer to that. I’ll consider myself successful if I could help even one victim leave behind the past that has soaked within…help them forget the pain that burns through their skin…help them rebuild their lives…and if only I could manage to get a smile on their delicate faces.

Ever questioned…what future do we perceive for generations to come?
What would life be like in the next century?
Don’t we all want a world that’s ‘truly free’…for everyone?

Atlas Service Corps is helping me realize my dream of moving towards a slave free world. As an Atlas fellow, I have got the opportunity to work with Free the Slaves, a non – profit dedicated to end slavery around the world. Atlas Corps is in a contest to win $50,000 simply by getting the most number of people to donate $10 online before tomorrow, Thursday, January 31st at 3 PM EST. With 832 donors we are in fourth place. The top four will all win $50,000. Fifth gets nothing!

This contest ends in less than 40 hours. This is a sincere request, if you want to donate, then please do it now. Please go to www.atlascorps.org and donate $10. We need your support!

'Taare Zameen Par' - Every Child is Special!

Last week we experienced the snow fall in DC! Snowflakes soared down softly and swiftly – it was heaven gushing and splashing whiteness. The beautiful snow covered everything - so white, so pure, sparkling like glitter and shining so bright! It was magical white, a magical blur, something extraordinary and one of God’s most wonderful creations. As the snow began to melt, I realized I can never forget the beauty it possesses – the beauty that makes it such a wonder.

And when the nose gets red, hands get icy and feet get frosty, it’s time for something nice – yes, for a cup of warm tea/coffee!

‘Every Child is Special’, that’s the tag line of Aamir Khan’s directorial debut film ‘Taare Zameen Par’, which released a few weeks back. To me, it is one of the most unforgettable films that I have seen so far. I so agree with one of the reviews that I read about the movie “It is not a movie for children but more like a movie about children”. All in all, the target audience for the movie is ‘everyone’ - parents, brother, sister, teacher, all grown-ups - everyone would in some or the other way identify with the movie. The story revolves around an eight-year-old boy - Ishaan Awasthi who suffers from undiagnosed dyslexia and lives in his own dreamy world. Ishaan gets in trouble at school every now and then and his parents decide to send him away to a boarding school where he can be properly disciplined. (Ishaan’s stay at the boarding school took me back to my boarding school days). In his new school, Ishaan is discouraged to find that he's still a misfit and now he doesn't even have his parents with him. Later, Aamir Khan who plays the character of an art teacher - Ran Shankar Nikumbh understands that Ishaan suffers from dyslexia and decides to support him to realize his full potential and nurtures his talent. Darsheel Safary has done a brilliant job in playing the character of Ishaan Awasthy.

It is not uncommon in a country like India where children experience the discredit of being self-ambitions and consider it their duty to fulfill their parents’ ambition while living their own life. ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is a genuine effort to demystify such thinking and encourages the idea that every child is special and has special talents within him/her. Grown – ups need to understand that, support them and cultivate that talent in their upbringing.

The movie has scenes which leave one deeply moved and moist-eyed. The movie has received an enthusiastic response and it truly deserves it. A must watch f you still haven't - GO NOW!

America's Giving Challenge!

Take the CHALLENGE and learn how simple technology can be a force for good and giving. Oh yes! I am talking about the America’s Giving Challenge. It encourages everyone and anyone with access to Internet, punch of passion and commitment, and belief in new and innovative ideas to take the challenge!

Parade and the Case Foundation, leaders in the area of online fundraising for nonprofits, are proud to partner with Network for Good and Global Giving to process donations made through America’s Giving Challenge. The Challenge reinforces the fact that good can be achieved when great people, great ideas, and great opportunities come together. The Challenge is at its near last and most interesting phase right now…with non-profits struggling to be on the top slot.

The Challenge has also come to prove what marketing and social networking can do for nonprofits. The idea is that through the use of charity badges, the eight nonprofit winners who manage to attract the largest number of unique donors will win $50,000 for their cause. This really is amazing! I surely see the need for e – philanthropy in India, which is so not known or may be put into use. The best thing about the challenge is that it has the potential to make "all donors feel equal in the eyes of philanthropy." Anyone can support a cause that he/she may be passionate about for as little as $10 and feel like an empowered donor!

I am sure most of us read the quote in the Washington Post article from GlobalGiving's Dennis Whittle: "It used to be that if you wanted to give and have an impact, people thought you had to be Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey. But because of the way the technology works, you can be an 'ordinary Oprah.' If you've got $10 or $100 or $1,000, you can come and find a school in Africa to support, and you can get updates from the field to get responses to your support." The Challenge has such a feel good factor and I can’t wait to see the final results.

I have also reached almost the last pages of David Bornstein’s How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas. The book profiles some twenty social entrepreneurs and their organizations; and provides insight into what makes a social entrepreneur special. It also inspires you to be one! The book has highlighted individuals across the globe; who took charge of social problems and could find innovative, even unique, solutions.

On work front…am damn busy with the FTS Freedom Awards 2008. Almost buried under the pile of nominations – reviewing, researching, analyzing and questioning…whoops! This surely is enriching my knowledge on organizations doing some exemplary work around the globe. There is just so much to learn.

On Sunday, I dressed up in my traditional dress for Shakranti (festival) prayers and Gargi gave me a surprise with a lovely home baked cake. This was to celebrate my belated birthday and my more than a month old marriage. I was so touched…thank you Gargi!

On a serious note, these challenges and awards are very popular right now, but I am interested to see what happens when the fanfare has died and the prizes have all been awarded.

And here’s an appeal – I am an Atlas Fellow and my sponsor organization Atlas Corps is moving strongly towards expanding its program. It is a great concept where non-profit professionals from developing countries are chosen to come and volunteer (learn & contribute) at some of the most prestigious non-profits in the United States. It is an organization that has been successful entirely because of public support. Atlas Corps is trying hard to maintain itself in the top slot in the America’s giving Challenge. A contribution of as little as $ 10 can make a difference - so please go to www.atlascorps.org and consider making a $10 online donation today!

Christmas, New Year's and the Cold!

As I step off the warm, heated house every morning, the freezing wind hits my face, working it's way down to my entire body. I wrap my jacket tighter around myself as I walk through the cold air, forcing each step to the bus stop and then to the metro station. Like ice cubes making their way up and down my spine, I keep shivering. From metro station, the warmth of my office building still a couple of steps ahead of me seems farther away from me...actually more than ever before! Cursing the weather, I continue with my daily routine.

Back from India, I could see the Christmas preparations all around DC. On Christmas eve, I along with Gargi and Yunus went to the National Mall to see the Christmas celebrations. Everything around the National Mall was lighted up beautifully and there were small Christmas trees all around the National Christmas tree, representing all the American States. Flashing lights, shining and gleaming as we made our way back to our house, I stared at all the wonders of Christmas and did hope that Santa's got a secret stocking for me.

Next day was Christmas, that day of the year when everyones smiling, everyones happy and it's great to feel the warmth & love in the air. Christmas cheer was everywhere and it was fun! As the evening came, dark and inviting, we went to bed with our heads pounding at all fun we had, celebrating Christmas in US this year (2007).

Then came the much awaited end of year 2007 and beginning of year 2008. Yes, it was time to celebrate the end of those 365 days that passed with a blink. Another year gone by. On the night of 31st, me and Gargi went to see the New Year's celebrations at Baltimore Harbour. As the clock struck 12 and they began with the countdown - 10, 9,8,7,6...i thanked God for the past, for giving me the present, and most of all for allowing me to make a future and live life each day. With this, I opened my arms, welcoming new year and embracing the future.

With the coming of new year I realize, I am a little older but also a lot wiser. Wisdom surely has been added from the experiences of my previous year. Bitter, sweet or sour...whatever the taste of life may have been, I am grateful to life's education...it is life that inspires me to live each day and it has also taught me to smile at my own imperfections.

Let us with our smiles...sweeten this mundane world, drown all bitterness and add a little happiness to our lives!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

An 'affair' to remember!

Let me share with you a 'dream' that I lived for about 4 weeks. This dream was an 'affair' that i would remember all my life!

I couldn't sleep for all those 18 - 19 hours I was on the plane to India. A million thoughts crossed my mind and i kept telling myself again and again "Hey, I am getting married!". My friends (Dolly and Gautam) had come to receive me at the airport and the first thing that I said when I hugged them was " Hey,I am getting married!"

I left for my hometown Alwar the next day. When I met mumma and papa, and hugged them...for a moment I went back to all my childhood memories.

Right from the first day, the rituals and ceremonies took over. Preparations were on the roll for the 'D' day! I thoroughly enjoyed the royal treatment I got as a 'soon to be' bride. Here I am talking about the 3 hours long expert body massage everyday with milk, flowers, saffron, barley flour and what not!

Soon, the house was full with my cousins, friends, kids and others. I had the 'Sangeet ceremony' on the 1st of December. This was the 'fun' part before wedding - where me, my friends, family and others performed - the theme being 'My Wedding'. The hard worked parody - prepared & performed by Gautam (the man with the voice!), Dolly (my best friend!)and
Abhishek (the dancer!)stole the show. I too performed!

The next day, I had the Mehendi (Henna) ceremony - the tiring part of the wedding, where the mehendi artist takes 5 hours to complete the bridal mehendi. I had my arms and legs full with mehendi. That night, we all danced like crazies.

Next day was the 'BIG' day - the day of my wedding! I can't forget that look on my father's face that morning. He kept looking at me as his little girl who had finally grown up. In the parlour, while getting dressed for the most important day of my life, I was trying not to get too stressed...trying to keep from crying.

With my friends, I reached the venue. People were coming in, all dressed and waiting to see the bride and groom together. The fragrant petals in the wind were convincing. After some waiting - the groom arrived royally on the horse! There & then i knew - 'forever' was waiting for us, and uniting as one will be our new task. It was time we prepared ourselves to remove our fears, and overlook the past that ever brought us tears.

Under the beautiful flower net carried by my brothers, I made my way to the stage for the 'Jaimala' ceremony. 'He' gave his hand, we exchanged garlands up in the air and there we were standing together and being looked upon by a thousand people. This really was my happiest day...the most satisfying smiles and tears of joy spread all over. People, family, friends, kids - everyone and everything looked so beautiful and colourful.

It was time for the reception - food, fun, music and a series of pictures with everyone coming and blessing us.

It was midnight and we were ready for the 'Panigrahan Sanskar' - the ceremony where my parents would give me away (not literally) to Shatrughan. For this, i dressed up in another traditional dress. It was time for the vows and the "I do's and dont's". We took our seven rounds around the 'holy fire', praying for our lives to be filled with love, for God to bless us richly from above. We prayed for a happy life, for the two of us to find joy and hope and to help one another cope. We prayed for our lives to be blessed with unending laughter and happiness. We promised to walk life's road hand in hand and honor the red mark on my forehead. We prayed for our love to grow more and more each day and build a life based on faith and trust. Finally, there I was - married to the man I loved so dear with all my family and friends sitting near.

When I left my house, i cried looking at my father - who's eyes were filled with tears as he remembered my younger years. I could also see my mom's eyes filled with pride as she stood looking at me and 'him'. I hugged everyone and sat in the car, making my way to my 'new' house.

I know my parents knew that they did not lose a daughter that day but gained another son in a very special way!

As I write this today, I vow to almighty, the promise of our love through eternity, to never fade but to shine brightly.