Just Change in Twenty Ten

The New Year Twenty Ten rings my door bell,

Joined by luck, health, wishing All is Well.

With pomp and gaiety, into my den –

I merrily usher in the New Year Twenty Ten.

I smell freshness from the bouquet of flowers,

I feel the chilly breeze, enjoy drizzly showers,

As I sit down to verse, with my pen,

And merrily usher in the New Year Twenty Ten.

I also pen down my moments of anguish and despair,

In the year gone by, when life was unfair;

I shred the list to bits and pieces when done,

And merrily, I usher in the New Year Twenty Ten.

Hope – is How Optimism Pushes Everyone,

I too move on with a dream of only one resolution;

Let me Just Change – myself, my ways, then -

I merrily usher in the New Year Twenty Ten.

Dad, I saw you.....

A young lad got married and settled down gloating over his moral and disciplined up bringing. He was pondering on this, and he realized that he should pen his thoughts in the form of an epistle of gratitude to his dad. He started every sentence with; “You may not be aware Dad, but I was observing you…..”

Dear Dad,

I saw mum and you celebrate my first painting, which proudly adored the refrigerator like a master piece; and you encouraged me to paint another master piece of mine.

I saw you appreciating me for being what I am, never compared me with my friends and their achievements; thus inspiring me to improve myself by competing with self.

I saw you feeding the dogs, cats and birds every morning; and learnt compassion for all living beings.

I saw you pray to God for inspiration to be a better person and guidance to deal with worldly issues.

I saw you lending a helping hand to friends, relatives and neighbours, especially those in hospital for medical treatment; thus teaching me to support those near and dear to us.

I saw you keeping in touch with other family members; even if others were being reticent; and today, they love and respect mummy and you because you were genuine in your concern for them. I learnt how important it is to be one with the family.

I saw you completing all your responsibilities even when you were fatigued or debilitated; thus teaching me the importance of our responsibilities and duties.

I saw you lying down alone, with moistened eyes when you were deeply hurt or in grief; and remembered thereafter that shedding a tear in sorrow is not a sign of cowardice.

I saw you showering your love and affection to your ageing parents, my grand parents; gently placing your hand on their shoulder as a mark of reassurance and support to them. Today, my compassionate attitude towards my elders is appreciated, the seeds for which were sown by you.

I saw you sit through the night by the side of your ailing mother, and today, I too peep in once I a way during the wee hours of the night to see mum and you sleeping well. You may say history repast itself, if so, so be it, but thanks to you for this teaching.

I saw you appreciating mummy’s finger licking preparations, or even a simple cup of tea in the evening, as I was playing on my video game in the adjacent room. I remember to follow suit with my wife too as I see my son surfing the net in the room yonder.

I remember the day a toast got burnt, while mummy was busy packing me off to school and you quietly ate it without a complain; for you respected her preoccupation in taking care of me.

I saw you showering your love to mummy with an occasional hug or a peck on her cheek and now ensure that I take care of my wife likewise; for I learnt that there is no sin in being naughty or flirty with your wife.

I saw you maintain calm composure and silence when our neighbour came to fight with you over a petty issue. I saw you gently diffuse the matter without offending him or getting into a verbal dual or argument. I learnt that there is so much of peace in this attitude. Why trouble myself, when I know that we cannot change certain things and situations in life. I may not be having your tolerance and patience; but I must admit that remembering your tolerance and patience during difficult times, really inspires me today.

I saw you treating our driver and other workers with sweets and luncheons during various festivals, taking care of their well being all the time.

I saw you treat vegetable vendors and rickshaw drivers with respect and remember how they spoke gently and affectionately with you.

I saw you spending your free time in reading good meaningful books, listening to soothing music or attending a discourse. I would be busy with my toys and games as you would narrate your learning experience; but I did pick a few things despite my preoccupation. Today, when I ponder on those random thoughts, I realize the life’s lessons you were imparting to me.

I saw you maintain a positive attitude, I saw your encouraging words, I saw your body language when struck with misfortune and adversities. Today, my friends and relatives appreciate this trait in me.

I have friends who became addicts to tobacco over the years because in some cases their addicted fathers sent them to those petty shops to buy things for them. Fortunately, you never had any such addiction and now all my friends appreciate me for being free of all these addictions.

Dad, I promise to you that I too will live a similar life of being a good role model and set a good example to my children. I know that just as I was observing you, I am being observed by my children every moment.

Your loving son.

The gist of this aphorism is that what we as mummies and daddies preach and correct our children is of little consequence; because what really influences them is how we behave ourselves, how we lead our lives, how we present ourselves, how our actions can inspire them.

Exorbitant Parking Fees at BIAL

The BIAL charges Rs.60/- as the barest minimum-parking fee for four wheelers; which all commuters feel is a rip off. The free parking at P4 allots only 10 minutes, which is too short a time, especially if you have a senior citizen to be escorted and assisted and again return to car. It is time that BIAL comes up with a viable solution of either free parking of at least 20 to 30 minutes or reduce overall parking fee to Rs. 30/- per hour; because the fee of Rs.60/- for minimum 2 hours is highly impractical. No visitor to the Airport must be spending more than 30 minutes under normal circumstance. So, on an average, 20 to 30 minutes is more than sufficient and to pay Rs 60/- for that much time seems preposterous.

As a matter of fact, parking of vehicles is a facility that BIAL is supposed to offer to its commuters; but they are charging exorbitantly for a facility that they are otherwise supposed to provide.

It is also to be noted here that vehicle parking fee apart, they are already collecting a massive User Development Fee of Rs.260/- per passenger, which by itself is a substantial income, besides of course all the rentals from various shops and establishments in their premises.

Considering all these aspects, I am sure they can consider giving a parking lot with first 20 to 30 minutes free or reduce it overall to Rs.30/- per hour rather than the existing Rs.60/- per 2 hours.

Akruti Bhatia case - School Princiapal being victimised

This is with reference to the death of a student Akruti Bhatia of Modern School, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. In the moments of grief, sentiments and emotions run high and the anguish of parents is understandable. I offer my sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family, May her soul rest in peace.
In instances like these, parents, quickly pounce on to attack the school authorities and do not want to take the blame on themselves; they want to pass on this onus on the school authorities - this is not fair. Going by the statement of Ms. Goldy Malhotra, the Principal, she has done the best she could for the child. It is announced that an enquiry is being made, till then parents should behave properly and await judgment. However, my point here is that it is easy to say the negligence is on part of school authorities, what about the negligence of the parents?
A point to consider is that Asthma is a long term ailment, and this is not the first attack that Akruti Bhatia has had, there have been many previous instances. On that particular day too, she must have had discomfort from morning, then too she was sent to school. The normal tendency of parents is that however sick a child may be, the parents insist on sending child to school, they feel the child will be better off at school rather than sit at home. The same thing probably applies to this case too. Parents cannot take the school to task, without accepting their own responsibility.
Another point to note is that instances of this nature are very stray and rare, for which no school in the entire country or may be in the world too would be equipped to handle such a situation, and putting the blame grossly on school authorities is not fair. Teachers are not medical professionals.



Parents should consider the future of other asthmatic children and if they become too unruly, then the future is bleak for asthmatic children to get admission into schools. Parents will ask for medical history and the moment, there is a problem child; schools may refrain from admitting such children. It is a probability.

Sindhi Movie Pyar Kare Dis screening in Bangalore

On 28th Mar 09, Sindhi Federation of Bangalore, along with National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language, conducted a one day acting workshop and talent search for Sindhi Channel for Sindhi artistes, which was conducted by the famous director Shri Kamal Nathani, actors Shri Jiten Lalwani and Shri Prakash Ramchandani. More than 60 participants from all over Bangalore participated in the professionally organized work shop, which was well appreciated by all participants. This was one of the first of its kind on an experimental basis and the success of this has encouraged them to conduct many more all over the country.

For Bangaloreans, who are waiting for such an exposure, this work shop was a great treat.

Since its inception, only 19 movies have been made in Sindhi language in India , though there are several artistes in Bollywood and Gujarati drama, cinema and theatre, who are originally Sindhis, but due to non availability of a State to showcase their films, the audience is too scattered for dedicated screening. Pyaar Kare Dis, one of the best Sindhi movies made by Shri Kamal Nathaniji in 2007 was screened in 800 seating capacity Sindhi auditorium of Sindhi School and College on two days 28th and 29th Mar as a part of Sindhi week end celebrations and attracted record crowds. The screening was in the presence of the artistes of the movie Shri Jiten Lalwani, Shri Prakash Ramchandani and director Shri Kamal Nathani

Sindhi Federation of Bangalore and NCPSL celebrate Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year

FIRST OF all, on behalf of all my Bangalore members, I thank NCPSL for giving us an opportunity to host a programme in Bangalore for promotion of our Sindhi language. With the grace of Jhulelal and the support of all our local volunteers, as also the participation of various dignitaries from all over the country, not to forget the support of NCPSL, the programme was a grand success.
I herewith give a small write up on the details of the two-day programme, which may be shared with our brethren all over the country through various newsletters and print and electronic media.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion:
Suresh Keswani, Chairman Linguistic Minorities,
Justice (Retd) I.S. Israni
Dr. Manohar Kalra,VC, University of Kota,
Manohar Matlani, Director, NCPSL
Parmanand Khattar, Former Gujarat Minister,
Baldev Matlani, Lakshmandas Khubhandani
Lachhmandas Keswani, Renu Idnani
Shyam Jumani, Dr Ravi Tekchandani
Durga Thavrani, Srikant Bhatia
Prof C J Daswani, Veena Shringi
Hasso Dadlani, Ramesh Warlyani
Amar Daulatani, Sudesh Sachdev
An exclusive acting workshop in Sindhi for Sindhis, by Sindhis, was organised to find talent amongst our Sindhi youngsters. The workshop attracted as many as 60 aspirants. The workshop was inaugurated by I D Israni, with Dr Manohar Kalra and Manohar Matlani as other guests of honour. The workshop was conducted by Kamal Nathani, Jiten Lalwani and Prakash Ramchandani. In his inaugural speech, Shri Israni, urged the youngsters to consider the option of serving the country through various State and Central Administrative posts. Many youngsters were inspired by his speech and were later heard of seeking administrative services as their future career option. The workshop was followed by an audition judged by eminent delegates, and three people were awarded special recognition and ten others were among top performers. Certificate of participation, along with a small memento was presented to all the workshop participants.
The venue was Golden Jubilee Hall and Sindhi Auditorium of Sindhi Seva Samiti, the sponsors of Sindhi Schools and Colleges; and on this occasion, Suresh Keswani inaugurated the additional school block, built to expand the school capacity.
Lunch was provided for all the delegates and participants. This was followed by a movie show of the movie “Pyaar Kare Dis”, which was again well appreciated by the audience.
The annual Cheti chand celebration by Sindhi Federation of Bangalore, was special this year for three specific reasons:
a) There were a host of dignitaries from all over the country b) Local lad Khel Ratna and Padma Pankaj Advani was to be felicitated and c) Musical programme of Sindhi songs by world famous singer Kajal Chandiramani.
Considering these aspects, the participation was greater than usual. The programme began with the house offering their condolences to the Saint of Bangalore Pujya Shri Dada Amar, who breathed his last earlier this month and President of South India Sindhi Federation Shri Lalchand Nichani, whom we lost during the year.
I S Israni along with other dignitaries from NCPSL felicitated Pankaj Advani and appreciated this youngster for becoming the Ambassador of Sindhis at such a young age; he was indeed youth Icon for Sindhis. The Past Presidents of Sindhi Federation of Bangalore and current year Sindhu Ratna and Sindhu Achiever awardees were honored on this occasion.
This was followed by the entertainment programme by Kajal Chandiramani. This was a treat to Bangalore Sindhis, who were glued to their seats from start with dedication to Jhulelal Saheb to the conclusion of about two hour programme with Pallo.

Local singing sensation Satram Amarchand pitched in with a couple of numbers on this occasion. At the end of the programme, Suresh Keswani briefly addressed the house, appreciating the efforts of Bangalore brethren for putting up this grand show.
This was followed by lunch and thereafter the brethren reassembled for the screening of the movie Pyaar Kare Dis.
The highlight of the two-day programme was that the programme was compered entirely in Sindhi by the Master of Ceremonies - President of Sindhi Seva Samiti and Hon. Secretary of Sindhi Federation of Bangalore, Prakash F Madhwani. All speeches including the welcome by Rajkumar L Kukreja, reception committee chairman Biharilal H Menda and host committee chairman Madan Doulatram, besides those by the dignitaries from NCPSL was done in Sindhi. Finally, the excellent teamwork of Bangalore brethren in organizing the stay, conduct of programme, transportation and all other amenities, was highly appreciated by one and all.
Some of the delegates who stayed back, visited the heritage city of Mysore on the next day.

Terrorist attack on Sri Lanka cricketeers

Dear Sir,



The attack by terrorists on Sri Lankan cricketers confirms all the claims from all corners of World that Pakistan is the breeding ground for terrorists; there are no two ways to it. Whilst Pakistan on one hand wants to negate and deny the truth; the terrorists on the other hand have displayed their power of destruction of peace, on their own soils, under their very nose - to make their presence felt. Its high time global action is initiated to condemn this ghastly act.



As far as South Asian countries conglomerate SAARC, NAM and other such International bodies are concerned, they have been proved ineffective in bringing about peace, because the single point agenda of terrorists is disruption of peace, anywhere and everywhere in the world; and spread fear, panic and terror amongst the ordinary citizens. SAARC had not yet found solution to Pakistan – India military rivalry, and now with this attack they have one more fresh issue of Pakistan – Sri Lanka rivalry is bound to brew post this attack, and it is to be seen how they handle this issue. The cancer of terrorism has its genesis in Pakistan, is being nurtured in Pakistan and the cure for this also has to come from Pakistan; until it doesn’t firm up itself, nobody in the world can help them.



With this attack, they have severed their relationships for sports fraternity, because no country would now want to send their sportsmen to Pakistan for any type of sports and risk their precious lives. Sportsmen are ambassadors who bring fans together through their chosen sport; these types of ghastly acts will seal all such avenues of togetherness and brotherhood.



Yours sincerely,



Prakash F Madhwani