Thursday, October 21, 2010

FIGHT YOUR OWN BATTLE – DON’T QUIT
Dear Friends,
Thanks for following my first blog and I appreciate your views on the topic. Your response makes a neophyte like me to write the second. Some took it in a perfect light, but I am afraid, some fail to understand the underlying theme. Never mind, friends. Hota hai….
‘SUICIDE’ – a word which makes some fearful, some shocked, some paranoid and what not. But for some it’s certainly a great escape – escape from the struggle of life, forever. May be the inner pressure, inevitable circumstances, death-frightening diseases ,in some cases love affair or may be the lacking energy to face the obstacles….. God knows what makes them commit suicide, leaving this beautiful world, beloved family and friends. Really is there no other way besides committing suicide ? More especially I am concerned and surprised at the student’s inability to go forth and confront the challenges.
Dear students, happiness is not a thing you achieve and store somewhere. It has to be achieved from time to time from some simple day-to-day events. E.g. some derive happiness out of helping somebody or preparing a dish in leisure and ‘make’ others eat. This , I am sure, not a great deal, is it ?Wise people say ‘ to be happy everyday is to be not happy at all’. You are unaware of the fact that you have not yet started facing the ‘music of life’. People generally are in the pursuit of happiness, but fail to realize this present is actually the state of happiness. Realizing too late is really wasting our life. I recently heard about an old man who says,” I have known so many troubles, but some of them never happened.” Your parents, your seniors will definitely proclaim they have left their golden era in their ‘alma mater’. No place in the world is more beautiful than your school. It’s not a prison. It will always remain in your memory and remember ‘memories are not only the lifeless thoughts, they come alive’. Worst of the worst school-mate or most – hated teacher during school life may prove vigor and vitality in your future life, mark my words.One of my colleague narrated a poem, in which the poet says, a student who is much depressed in the struggle of life and has lost all the courage to encounter the challenges in life, returns to his old school teacher and asks nothing but tells most modestly,”Guruji, mala tumchya kadun kahihi nako ahe, tumhi khandyavar hat thevun fakt ladh mhana.” That’s what I say is the true essence of a school and the school teachers.
Meek dullards, wake up ! Are the studies so boring and burdensome ? Do you know student scoring 60% marks in English would be the university topper ? The senior most English master in Miraj and a genuine learner even at the age of seventy-odd, Mr.Banda Phadke sir told me he was the recipient of a prize in English at Intermediate and guess what…. he was below 60% marks in English. Very rarely they got a first-class.Are you aware being a SSC was a herculean task before ? And people had to walk miles, through hilly terrains just to reach school or college ? They didn’t have the facilities which you care damn ? Now have a look at the scores at the SSC & HSC levels. It’s not the student’s skill and talent, (though there are exceptions) as you know well, but the scoring is certainly encouraging. Cherry on the cake, one can join junior college even after failing in two subjects. Amazing ! Have a look at Mathematics, one can opt lower level Maths, no D - level problems. You ask something and you have it. Goodness only knows what will be the fate of these students. Still, still we read everyday the student’s committing suicides. Now what more you want ? Do you expect your teachers and parents to appear for your exams ? Absolutely not a single reason is so strong to compel you to leave this world, without thinking about your parents and other intimates.
Have we really become so weak mentally ? Are the teachers failing in their job ? Do parents look indifferent about their children’s feelings ? Is the condition around too unbearable ? Countless questions surge in my mind, but no question is rhetorical. I find myself speechless. Whatever the answer is, in my view life is a great struggle- fight back – DON’T QUIT

Yours,

Gramopdhye Sir

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Dear friends,(friends, as I feel still contemporary)
As you know me better..... I still enjoy movies, the latest songs (even listen to Himesh also, sometimes), play and watch cricket,watch football, consume pizzas, burgers, mobile-friendly and have workable computer knowledge,very comfortable wearing jeans and spending time at ccd. I think this is sufficient qualification to be called a contemporary. Teasing you guys ..... as I feel you guys seem to be always after these things. I can't express the pangs when I see grounds empty even during summer vacations. Even after that I assume there is a gap between your generation and mine. Don't want you to hurt, but make me understand.
If any senior student comes to me and says so and so politician looks cute and that I vote him, I get irritated. You people only follow the chocolate heroes, ignoring all the acting skills. Shocking, isn't it ?
But one fantastic morning introspection came over me and made me rethink over this.... the generation gap. How can this generation be so senseless ? Why should I expect them to be like me ? Why should you think and act the way I do ? Why should I object you if you follow more Shahrukh Khan and not the great Amitabh Bacchan ? I had long sessions with my pals (believe me they do have their intellectual levels very high) and ever-respected Mr.Naik sir. We didn't get the satisfactory answers out of them. I even wonder whether i am talking my dad's language. He used to say they had not funds, they had to starve, didn't have proper educational facilities etc.( how typical). But I used to respect his wisdom and still I do. He would say I am very lucky to get everything so easily. In a way, it is passed on to the next generation. Most importantly I wonder what you will tell your next generation.You do not seem to be indulged in active sports, you don't know how to build clay fort on Diwali festival (that's also available readymade in the market), and so many childhood activities which are full of life and exuberance. Here is just an endeavour to know you better.Please feel free to comment on this.(my cell is 9763567831).
Frankly speaking, your generation is often targeted and our generation too underwent the same treatment. Therefore, I think nothing has changed except the persons, but as a teacher and a curious,sporty individual, I am eager to know from you. Do you really have ambitions ? Do you care your parents' labour ? Do you feel excited when your shortcomings are revealed ? Do you think you are open to accept success and failure in same fashion ? Can you imagine your home without Tv, computer and mobile phones ? Only you can clarify yourself better or should I expect divine intervention to solve this ever-burning issue ? Do you really feel responsible enough to try on new wings ? As I feel 'you' are truly the pillars of this nation.
With kindest of regards,

yours,
Gramopadhye sir.

youth

youth