A broken Dream

A broken Dream

Silhouettes of a broken dream
ache me like an unborn tale
I tried to pick
the shards of my dream,
but in vain.
It’s like a scattered frame.
Still, some images glow
like the shimmering fireflies.

The encroaching cold of a foggy hill,
the imperfect sketches of my dream home,
the dew drops kissing
the foliage over the slanted roof,
the tiny yellow flowers dancing
along the white fence,
the flute music waving through
the tender cool wind…
And I believe,
these tangled up images are nothing,
but, a euphoria of a broken dream!

5  October 2012

Gulmohar

Gulmohar

I sat beneath the shade

of a full- bloomed Gulmohar tree.                    
It sheltered me like
a red umbrella.
The withered flowers around me
rolled out  a red carpet.
I looked up to see
the tiny flowers sparkling
amidst the bitsy leaves.
A gentle breeze gifted me a flower,
a beautiful Gulmohar flower!

7 October 2012

A White Paper

A White Paper 

A white paper has nothing
No passion, no colour and no dreams
Except a pale smile for everyone
And waiting for its destiny
Sometimes for those scribbles
Sometimes for the dancing colours.

And at times…for the curves of a paper boat.
Paper boats, the slaves of the wind.
A white paper has no mind
But a frozen face and a faint smile
But it never dies.
How can it?
It has to be written
It has to be coloured
And it has to be moulded
Only to be thrown away at last. 

22 August 2012 

Beyond the Silence…

Beyond the Silence…

With eyes wet and overwhelmed with emotions, Hafsa fumbles for words. “My son can talk to me now.” Till he was three, Habil Babu, 7, couldn’t speak to anyone, let alone call Hafsa ‘mother’.

The four years that Habil spent at the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) in Thiruvananthapuram have brought him back to normal life.

“Now he is just like any other child,” says Hafsa from Malappuram. “NISH has given us back the joys of life. If we had not been to NISH, our life would have been different,” she adds.

Habil’s is one of the many heart-touching stories that you hear from parents who have taken their children with hearing impairment to NISH.

Hafsa and her husband, Bilal Babu, didn’t realise that their son was living in the world of silence until he was two years old. They were rather late in detecting his disability. When Habil was two and half years old, they came to know about NISH and sought admission in the pre-school. Now Habil is studying in 2^nd standard in Government LPS, Kanjiramukku, Malappuram.

NISH, a venture of Kerala State Social Welfare Department, is unique in many ways. On the banks of Akkulam Lake, it’s the only one of its kind in the state. The Baker style buildings amidst the verdant campus make the ambience of NISH more picturesque.

Established in 1997, the charity-based NISH was the brainchild of G Vijayaraghavan, the founding CEO of Technopark. His vision became a reality when Dr. Pavithran, a professor at the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, also joined him in the journey. Kerala government gave full support for the venture.  Thus the institute came into being with just three students and gradually proved to be a milestone of the Social Welfare Department.

Vijayaraghavan says: “EK Nayanar was the chief minister when the initial plans were going on. The government was supportive. We started the pre-school and it came out successful. Gradually we started the degree courses also. There are only a few institutes like NISH in India. But they are concentrating only on some sections of what NISH is doing altogether, and this makes NISH distinct.”

NISH is a multipurpose institution dedicated to the welfare and rehabilitation of the speech- and hearing-impaired children across the state. It offers a wide array of services to help build a normal life.  Audiological rehabilitation, pre-school and parent guidance centre, correspondence programmes, ENT unit, psychology unit, technology division, vocational courses, summer school, etc, are some of the services NISH offers.

Samuel N Mathew, Executive Director, NISH, says: “Anybody can walk into NISH and have a hearing test free of cost. This is the first thing we assure you. NISH is growing fast with new promising plans and projects every year. The sincerity and hard work of a group of people working here are the backbone of this institute.” 

Dr Pavithran, who was the executive director of NISH from 1997 to 2010, says: “Apart from all other achievements, what I feel to be proud of NISH is its dedicated staff. Each and every person working there is sincere and attached to the disabled children. When I stepped out after completing my 13 years in NISH, I was glad that the institution would soar higher and higher even in my absence.”

There are three stages of training here. The first and foremost is the pre-school in which children of six- months to three- years are admitted. The earlier we detect the disability, the easier it can be overcome. So the pre- school has a vital role in the NISH campus.

“In the pre-school, only four students are admitted in a class. So each kid gets adequate care and training to overcome its disability. We insist on the presence of parents along with the kids in the classrooms. It is the dedication and hard work of parents which bring their child to normal life. We can guarantee that every child, after completing its pre-school here, can join a normal school,” says Samuel.

Many parents are grateful to the pre-school at NISH for helping their children to lead a normal life.

Abdul Gafoor, an employee at Kerala University and parent of Amal Gafoor who has completed his pre-school this year, says that his gratitude to NISH is beyond words. “My son was admitted in the pre-school when he was three years old and he is absolutely normal now. We are excited that he has got admission to 1^st standard in Jyothis Central School, Kazhakuttom. It is the hard work and care of the teachers at pre-school which brought our son a new life.”

Degree courses

NISH is the first institution in the country to start degree courses exclusively for the hearing-impaired. They offer degree courses in BSc Computer Science and in Fine Arts (BFA-Bachelor in Fine Arts). Both courses were started in 2008-09. Those who pass Plus Two with 50 per cent marks can apply for the degree courses.

The first batch of BSc Computer Science students completed their degree in 2011 and the result of 99.9 per cent was a proud achievement for NISH.

WIPRO (Mysore) conducted a campus selection at NISH and adding one more feather to the NISH family, four students were selected. At first, the company thought of ‘some help’ for better communication. But within a few days they came to know that their apprehensions were baseless and the children were not in any need of help.

The BFA students are completing their degree this year. As part of it, a degree show (Hues of Silence) was conducted in the campus from May 14-19 in which their paintings, handicrafts and sculptures were exhibited.

In 2002, NISH also started another degree course—Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP)—for normal students, which has won an award from Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Its post graduation course, MASLP, was also started in 2006.

Dr Suja, HOD, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, says: “Every year, we have results of above 95 per cent, and those who pass out the BASLP and MASLP, get attractive placements.”

“We started an autism clinic four months ago and many parents, even from abroad, bring their children. Autism, if detected earlier, can be cured to an extent,” she adds.

The government has also decided to start detecting centres in selected hospitals to identify the problems of hearing, visual, mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, etc, through various tests right from the neonatal stage. Testing earlier and doing follow ups may reduce the degree of disability.

“The government is supporting our innovative measures and projects. Planning Board has approved Rs 40 crore and ADIP Scheme has granted Rs 51.57 lakhs for wheelchairs and hearing-aids, etc,” says Samuel.

“Of course, we do have a few challenges. Some children, who come to join the degree course from normal school without proper training in communication, find it difficult to follow the teachers. To resolve this, we have decided to start a pre-degree language development course for the children who seek admission for the degree courses,” he adds.

From the first class of three students 15 years ago, NISH has grown and expanded, realising their short-term goals and constantly working on their vision.

The creativity of the Fine Arts students makes the NISH campus colourful and lively. The brushes dipped in silence evoke wonders. The sculptures and paintings convey their emotions and perceptions.

(Vibrant Keralam) 

SPARKLING PAST

 SPARKLING PAST

Kerala has always been unique in many ways. Be it the verdant landscapes, soothing climate, blended cultures and tongue-teasing, spicy food. And, of course, in its traditions too.

No matter how far we go with the modern trends and concepts, certain things remain the same; tradition surely is one of them.

Traditional jewellery reflects the aesthetic sense and craftsmanship of the people of a land. Along with the verdant beauty of the landscapes, Kerala’s traditional jewellery, with its beautiful and elegant patterns, has gained worldwide acceptance.

In Kerala, right from the historical ages, gold has been considered an auspicious metal and Keralites have an instinct fascination for gold ornaments.

'Mullamottu maala', 'pichimottu maala', 'Paalakka maala', 'pavithrakkettu'…

Yes, many more in the list, for a Malayalee to boast of the artistry of his land.

‘Pichimottu’ and ‘Mullamottu’ mean ‘jasmine buds’ in Malayalam and the designs, as the name denotes, resemble the shape of the buds. Even at this modern era, these ornaments have an eminent space in bridal collections.

'Palakkamaala' – its green stones remind one of the lush greenery of the land and the graceful design appears quite enchanting. 'Palakkamaala' gives a sort of elegance to the costume when it is worn with the traditional Saree.

'Palakka maala', with its elegance, is the queen among the traditional ornaments.

According to the designs, this green-stoned ornament appears in three more versions.

‘Nagapadathali’- the green stones look like the head of a ‘Naga’ (snake),

‘Manga maala’, in which the stones resemble the shape of a ‘Manga’ (mango) and in ‘Pulinakham’ the stones are in the shape of the nails of a ‘puli’ (tiger).

 ‘Kaashu maala’, which looks like a garland of gold coins, is an example of the fascination of the ancient Keralites for the yellow metal.

Suresh R, General Manager of  Bheeema Jewellers, Thiruvananthapuram,  says, “Throughout the 87 years of journey in jewellery business, Bheema has always given special importance to our traditional jewellery. We have a unique collection of antique jewellery.”

“Traditional ornaments are always in vogue in spite of the changing generations and fashion concepts. Nowadays girls are keen to include at least one item of our traditional jewellery in their bridal collection.  Many North Indians also come here to buy these ornaments,” says Suresh.

There was a one week exhibition in Bheema on antique jewellery from 4^th to 11^th of April.

“Among the traditional jewellery, 'Palakka maala', 'Mullamottu maala' and 'Kaashu maala' are the hot movers,” says Sajeesh, supervisor, Bheema Jewellery.

“Earlier, 'Palakka maala' was made of only green stones. But now, it’s adorned with different colour stones to go with the costumes. 'Palakka bangle' and earring are also in demand now,” adds Sajeesh.

'Jimki', one of the traditional earrings, with its delicate designs, radiates the grace of a rich heritage. The trend of 'jimkis' has come back again among the youngsters. Nothing matches more with the traditional costume than 'jimkis'.

‘Pavithrakkettu maala’, a traditional necklace, has a knot at its end instead of a pendant.

In 'Ashtalakshmi maala', eight idols of Goddess Lekshmi are carved in the chain and in 'Dasavatharam', we can see the ten incarnations of God Vishnu.

'Sarapoli maala', 'Thalikkoottam', 'Manonmani'maala'…the list goes on…

The magnificence of history is interwoven in every design you come across.

“Earlier, traditional ornaments were comparatively heavier but, nowadays people go for lighter ornaments,” says Ajay Ghosh, a goldsmith in Thrissur, the hub of jewellery in the state.

Ghosh works on designs for gold jewellery. He says that the new generation is tradition conscious.

“I’m from a traditional goldsmith family and I started doing gold works when I was ten years old. I remember during my childhood days we used to get many orders for traditional ornaments. As time and generations changed, these traditional designs have been modified to an extent without losing the conventional beauty,” says 37-year-old Ghosh.

“Palakkamala, 'Kaashu maala' and 'Lekshmi mala' are the all-time favourites among chains. Among bangles, 'Ashtalakshmi' and 'Dasavatharam' are moving quite well,” he adds.

Kerala’s traditional jewellery has worldwide market.

“Many foreigners come to our showroom asking for the traditional ornaments. They buy these ornaments as a gift for their friends and relatives back home,” says Roy, salesman, Kairali Jewellers, Varkala, one of the main tourist destinations in the state.

As many significant ports in ancient India were situated in Kerala, the land was the hub of many trades. People from different parts of the world used to come here for trade purposes. No doubt, they had a wide impact on our tradition and culture.

Arguably, our traditional ornaments might have had influences from these different cultures. However, there is no striking evidence.

Kerala traditional jewellery offers an enchanting beauty coupled with a cultural elegance.

 Yes, nothing can replace tradition.

(Vibrant Keralam)

Mehndi lagaake rakhna….

Mehndi  lagaake rakhna…..

Sameera’s red-stoned chandeliers twinkle as she talks and her bangles jingle. She blushes as her friends whisper innuendo jokes. She is in her final touch ups for her mehndi function. The bridegroom’s sisters have arrived to apply the mehndi on her hands. They bring dress and ornaments for Sameera. Girls make the function lively singing ‘mehndi songs’. Looking at her beautifully designed hands, Sameera begins to dream of a new life…

Mehndi…a word, weaving bliss and hopes, evokes images of happy weddings and colourful festivals.

An auspicious and traditional wedding ritual, mehndi has many legends behind it. It is believed that the darker and brighter the mehndi gets in the bride’s hands, the more she would be loved by her in-laws, and that a bride should not do any domestic chores in her spouse’s house till her mehndi fades away.

In North India, there are no festivals or weddings without the colour of mehndi. They put mehndi during festivals like Eid, Karvachoth and Diwali. The mehndi ceremony on the eve of the wedding day is celebrated with much gusto. The youngsters sing and dance and make the event unforgettable. We see many ‘mehndi ki raath’ and mehndi songs in Hindi movies. The popular song ‘Mehndi lagaake rakhna’ from Dilwale Dulhaniya Lejayenge shows their passion for mehndi ceremonies.

Mehndi is prepared by the leaves of a plant called ‘henna’ which is derived from the Arabic word ‘hinna’. Historians say that the Mughals introduced mehndi in the country, while some others insist that the origin of mehndi is India itself. Mehndi applying is popular also in South Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Mehndi designing is truly a form of art. The most popular designs are of Arabic, Indian and Pakistani. Over the years, many improvisations have come into the designs. Anila Joseph, a renowned beautician in Trivandrum, says: “We do mostly Arabic and North Indian designs for brides. Nowadays girls demand instant mehndi which fades off in a day, especially for receptions and parties. Glitters are also used for better effect.”

“But Muslim brides are conservative. They still cling on to the traditional designs. They need the conventional patterns,” she adds.

Among the fashion-conscious youngsters, mehndi, apart from a traditional ritual, has become a body art or a fashion accessory. Now it’s not just palms and feet that are embellished with mehndi but also neck, arms, shoulders and belly.

Glittering mehndi is quite popular with the young generation these days. The traditional designs are highlighted with gold and silver colours which give a glistening effect to the designs.

John of Variety Fancy, a leading fancy shop in city, says, “Glittering mehndi is also in vogue now. According to the colour of the dress, silver and gold glitters or jerries are used to fill the minute gaps within the designs.”

Though there are several methods of applying mehndi, the most popular one is by using cones. These are convenient to use and are less expensive also.

Anna Najim, a fresh engineering graduate and an amateur mehndi artist, describes herself as an ardent user of cones. “We friends used to go college with beautiful mehndi designs on our hands. Though there are many types of designs, I love the Arabic pattern,” she says. “I think the cones are the easiest way to draw mehndi designs. Its well-honed tip makes it easy to do minute designs.” 

Mariyam S Hameed, a bank employee from Kollam who is recently married says: “I chose Rajasthani design for my mehndi as I’m fond of that particular design and I preferred natural brown  to the dark  mehndi which is a trend now.”

Usha Philip Koshy of Eves Beauty Parlour, one of the popular beauticians in Trivandrum, says: “Nowadays brides prefer fully covered designs, but earlier most of them were hesitant to do this, because  most part of  the designs would hardly be shown under the bangles. But now the trend has come back. Arabic mehndi has also become a trend recently. But more than the brides, her friends and relatives are applying this design for the ceremony.”

Saying that glitters are used for an exotic look, she adds: “ We use imported cones for bridal mehndi to make the designs brighter. Dark mehndi is also available in market now. It would look better if  the designs are bordered with the dark mehndi.”

“Applying mehndi is not an easy job. Normally it takes 3 to 4 hours to finish the bridal mehndi. We charge from Rs 1000 to Rs 3,500 depending on the design,” adds Usha.

Mehndi cones are one of the best moving products.  John of  ‘Variety Fancy’ says, “ Mehndi cones are moving well. Stick-on mehndi which is very convenient and reusable is also popular now. You don’t have to waste time on designing when the stick-on mehndi is around. Just stick on and remove after the use. The stick-on mehndi or the tattoo mehndi is mostly imported from Jaipur and Kolkatha. We make bridal and normal cones in our own factory. Different colours of cones are available these days. The dark and the natural brick colour are going well.”

 Many improvisations may have come into the mehndi designs, colours and types as time and generation change, but mehndi, as an auspicious icon remains the same in hearts.

Let the chandeliers twinkle and the bangles jingle along with the designs blooming in hands…

Brides….mehndi lagaake rakhna….

(Vibrant Keralam) 

Wings... Flying High

Wings... Flying High

Some times her eyes appear blank, and lethargic too. It makes me guilty. She, more than a friend to me, was not like that until she was thrown into an unwanted married life.

I have to use words like ‘unwanted’ or ‘unnecessary’ to describe her marriage.

Because it was so...

She had to be the victim of the conventional outlook of marriage; a girl has to be married off in her twenties itself, about a decade ago. Everyone including herself knew that the man she was going to marry was not at all of her wavelength at any point.

Yet, she had to.

She had to because she was too naïve and loving to hurt her parents, relatives and friends.

Her parents, with their limited financial background, couldn’t ‘buy’ a man of her aptitude or calibre. They were helpless indeed.

She, an ardent lover of literature and writing, stood bewildered at the hard phases of life. She began to know that life was not a beautiful love story she used to read.

Her story is not complete yet, as she is on the threshold of a divorce.

It’s true, marriage and motherhood make a woman complete.

No doubt about that.

But is there any point in marrying off girls just for the sake of a conventional unwritten rule or to complete a parental duty before they are prepared for a married life?

I think, no.

In our society, by the time when girls step in their early twenties, the parents begin to face questions about their marriage. No wonder, they become anxious about daughters. Three things appear before them, higher education, job and marriage. In most cases, marriage weighs more and parents go for it. They do not even bother if their child is mature enough for a nuptial knot. But have to admit one thing; there is a noticeable change in the attitude within the last decade.

Daughters are precious; everyone knows.

But at the same time, they are the weightless baggage for their parents.

Though weightless, they have to be kept somewhere safely.

The duty of parenthood…

It’s despairing indeed, no one thinks about the sacrifice the girls are doing to make their parents and society happy.

  

Let them too have a role in their life, at least in deciding the right time for their marriages. Be it at twenties...thirties…forties.

One of my friends, in her mid thirties, is still unmarried. I couldn’t find any shadows of regret in her eyes yet. She hasn’t told anyone the reason behind and she seems to be happy with her life. When I met her recently, she told me that her relatives are very suspicious about her. They might be burning their brain thinking what could be the reason. She was laughing saying this.

I’m not advocating that she is right or wrong. It’s her life, let her choose the path.

Why others are too bothered to find the reason behind her spinsterhood? It may be the natural tendency of human beings to peep into others life.

It’s merciless to cut off the beautiful wings of a butterfly before it starts to fly.

Instead of crushing the dreams, be proud to see it flying high.

High in the air fluttering freely through the charming beauty of nature...