Reshmi 's memoirs jotted as events- to be refreshed by the writer if required

There is nothing innately wrong when one appears to be 'grave' looking but one is not. It all depends on the company you keep. I feel deeply indebted to two of my friends at college - Shyamala and Mandira. The former, a born joker, blessed with big, bulging, roving eyes. Of course, that never let her be wayward. She was a good student, less noisy, never giggled but left us giggling and somersaulting (mentally) with laughter. How can you somersault in a crowded local train in Mumbai - impossible! Mimick specialist Shyamala was a keen observer in class and in trains - as these two were venues for us to be together. She mimicked all our professors and delightfully walked out of the class as she was a perpetual disturbance in the class. In the train it was not possible to shut her out of the compartment as trains are too crowded and always moving. Once she mimicked a perpetual 'sneezer' for which she had to pay a heavy price. The 'sneezer' happened to be a tick...

Vajreshwari (Ganeshpuri) used to be one of the hotspots chosen by cousins as a picnic spot.The place known for its ashram and hot springs was a crowd puller from nearby towns and villages.But to think of it today adds a 'squirm' in the spine and goosebumps. Being much younger to the cousins.the up and down drive and the bathing at the hot springs still linger in my memory. The cousins who led us were more prone to dating there and we kids hardly felt that 'dating' was forbidden. Then one day a boy and girl were found smooching behind the wall that protected the pooja room of the Swamiji. The young couple was admonished and supported (?) for the bold act. Few hours in the lock-up The couple ----close friends of a cousin went hiding throughout the stay. We kids got panicky. Then, all of a sudden we few kids with an elderly man went in search of a police station. The station was manned by a cop (constable) whose tobacco-chewing outsmarted his listening skills. Ult...

Well, if you are imagining that this piece deals with only politics - then 'No'. 'Clout' dates back to the primeval times even before Darwin was born. Earth was just conceiving for millions of years and then was born the first organism which was 'innately' built with a driving force to survive. That living organism evolved to become forests and primeval animals.All things 'refined' pop up late. Then came MAN, looking like a grizzly bear who hunted for 'food' and 'mate'. Life blessed to perish Any organism can be termed a colony of atoms upgraded to molecules then to matter and shape. The last feature depends on terrain and food. Then comes the urge to look for similar creatures. Thus they formed a group. Now groups wished to distinguish themselves with a 'colour', 'attire' and 'mannerism'. If one group (oldest) wished to be an outstanding CLOUT becomes a privileged facilitator to reach the core group. Swatti...

I am lying if I say I am not exactly a newspaper freak but headlines these days are freaked out. Some are so categorical that if they refer to politicians or political parties they just astound to the extent eyes ogle out or ears grow out of proportion that's obviously bad even for a caricature.  "For women more degrees mean less pay" means women should shun education or women are underpaid? "......hoopster..........jewellery con means basketball leads to conning or vice versa? "......6 killed in factory fire" sounds better than placing "Factory fire kills 6.  "Election forecast - AAP plays spoilsport for Cong & BJP" Cutting costs make a sports reporter a political expert. When were Congress or BJP on the 'high five" list to be 'bulldozed' by a popular party. As a matter of fact all three are quizzically placed now in Delhi. Those three strong women are alive and kicking   Woman 'A'  well past her...