The word is Dee!

Conversations brewing and I hear someone quoting a word I had coined in the literary world, terming our locality as Kammanahatton. True to its glocal title, this area seems to be burgeoning every day and sometimes totally unrecognizable. From the days of pot hole ridden roads, bare development, this area has seen exponential growth with the mushrooming of new joints for food, drinks, entertainment and social conversations. It’s almost synonymous with Bangalore, the pub culture is raging and here is one more that is making some noise. While I review selectively, this one is special, as I have grown to be a patron of this place that has seen changing hands, yet has retained its culinary perfection and charm. The owners thrive on warmth, personal service while they keep their research updated to ensure they have the best on offer. This is Firehouse Bar & Kitchen, where conversations peak while your plate of soulful food is served with some...

I stood there looking at him. He wasn’t aware I was there. The sounds of the ICU, the sight of a ventilator made my heart sink as memories came back. In a sorry moment I knew how he felt. The doctors were struggling to keep that monitor ticking. They tried but without much hope. He was calm but tired. He had blessed us with his presence for 80 plus years and now it was time to go to a better place. The family had gathered.. everyone assuring each other with theories of peaceful death and no suffering. As I paced, my eyes glanced my 2 nephews and 1 niece who waited there. They were waiting to say goodbye to their grandfather – their loving thathu. One was old enough to understand and reason, other was too young to comprehend. But the 7 year old gripped my heart as I saw him stand by the window in silence. His mother stood by him, perhaps not sure what were the right words. I was told he was in silence through the day. He is our bundle of sweet energy who has been my best guest too...

One nation. One vision. One identity. No nation is perfect. It needs to be made perfect. - MK Gandhi Its one day for independence and other to mark a document. Well, the way I see this, it’s all year round marking India’s democracy and what we must actually stand for – integrity, respect, safety, progress, value system, culture, thought leaders and more. Generations have seen different variations of India shining and with every passing year we hope for a better tomorrow. While progress has been remarkable, mindsets are yet to be impacted. The never ending debate over safety continues, but still the pride with which we stand for the national anthem gleaming at the tri colors of our national flag is remarkable. There is simplicity yet there is advancement. There is modern yet there is tradition. There are western influences yet there is culture. There are complaints, yet there is pride. There is interest, yet there is initiative. We are made for India, so let’s make more i...

Here’s wishing you all that is better and more…in 2017 The year passed me by, not in silence, but with a mix of emotions. While everything is just normal, felt blessed to experience the calm that I have always yearned for. With health coming back to track and gaining gradual clarity on my words, it’s a cherished time. Like everyone around me, I have aspirations, but I dote on contentment. I yearn for memories, with a record of my choices. I will share with all my heart, and hope not to demand anything in return. It’s a huge task to hope for selflessness, so that’s not for me. I am a year older and wiser but thrilled with my madness and willingness to get excited. With every passing year, my kids become their own beings and friends in little sizes. Let their size not fool you, because they do more justice to that equation than many I know. And for that, I am truly blessed to have begun this experience, in such an unconditional relationship. As a daughter I continue to be blessed w...

Tanaaya ... her big 6 today.... Our Lil precious one has everyone doting on her. Tamara 's favorite and one she is clearly possessive about, she manages to boss and friend her sister all in one breath. Six years gone by and there is always something entertaining every day. In the most stressful situation she is able to lighten our minds. She has seen my best and my worst... yet she will not judge. I learn about unconditional from my girls who place family at such a pedastal. Clear to speak as is her thoughts, open direct responses, loves with all her heart, quick to decide, bold with dance, singing and some drama, asks questions that has us perplexed and happy to share especially with Tamara. She is confident and caring, evaluates every situation and will not accept everyone blindly. Her energy, games and ideas in role play balance between what both boys and girls would like, so her friends are a fun mixed group. She can be a leader and follower all in a passing mome...

We all dawned roles in the parody of Ramayana. We all had to act and embrace our parts with a lot of practice. But there was our ‘Suparnaka’ who glamorized a Helen and stole hearts as she kept the beats and created a character who no one would want to forget. While that was her role, in life too she has made the impressions that matter. She lives in hearts and showers joy. In sadness I write, as I know I will miss her, its been a privilege to have  a friend in you – Kanchan. She is the birthday star today! The room sparks up as she walks in. She radiates humor and calmness that gives an everyday boost. She has an understated glamor that she carries with so much poise. Western or Indian, she has a smart elegance. She is not the one who pretends, she keeps every moment real. She has her battles, yet she smiles her worries away. A friend to all, she keeps no sides, it’s ‘true character’ that makes her admirable. In her heart and her home, there is a system to her madness....

One nation. One vision. One identity. No nation is perfect. It needs to be made perfect. - MK Gandhi Its one day for independence and other to mark a document. Well, the way I see this, it’s all year round marking India’s democracy and what we must actually stand for – integrity, respect, safety, progress, value system, culture, thought leaders and more. Generations have seen different variations of India shining and with every passing year we hope for a better tomorrow. While progress has been remarkable, mindsets are yet to be impacted. The never ending debate over safety continues, but still the pride with which we stand for the national anthem gleaming at the tri colors of our national flag is remarkable. There is simplicity yet there is advancement. There is modern yet there is tradition. There are western influences yet there is culture. There are complaints, yet there is pride. There is interest, yet there is initiative. We are made for India, ...