I have been going to orphanages and old age homes a lot in the past few years, and I must admit it has never been my initiative. I undertook a similar such trip to an orphanage in Trivandrum. I went there with nothing to give (unlike my previous such visits where I always took something to "distribute"). Since I didn't really have anything to give to these children, I sat in a corner trying to avoid the little ones who were craving for nothing but attention - anyone's attention.

After a lot of idling around, I was approached by a little girl who, I was told, was slightly mentally challenged. Personally, I don't think anyone would notice it unless specifically given this tidbit of information. So there I was sitting with this dirty, sloppy but beautiful little cudling who kept searching me for my cellular phone. I had my inhibitions at frst, but I eventually gave in and handed her my phone.

After a few minutes I realised that she just wanted the phone because the other kids had gotten similar such gadgets from other people like me who thought it to be amusing to give these little kids a toy that they could not keep forever. So, I did what I do with my phone all the time - I played a music file on it. This little act of playing music from my phone - which I have taken for granted for as long as I can remember - created such a wave of enthusiasm in her that the phone was instantly glued to her ears; and she was not resisting to get out of my lap to show of her new toy to her friends.

For the next hour or so she kept listening to music from the phone and swaying to it, changing the tunes based on her likes and dislikes no less! Now I have been an admirer of anyone who can really make or even enjoy good music - or anything else really - without a worry in the world. In this little, apparently "mentally challenged" girl, I saw what I want to experience every moment of everyday of my life.

Now, I can either get into writing a thesis lengthed article on the therapeutic effects of music on our subconcious minds, or even about how if you're not enjoying something its probably not worth your time. But all I wish is that everyone reading this - and everyone else not reading this - should experience the sheer bliss of the moment that I saw in that beautiful little girl that day. Its momemts like these when you think that if there is a God, He is looking down at you right now and beaming with pride that He created these beautiful moments, for you.

Love.

UTSAV 2009.
April 9th to 11th.

http://bmsceutsav.org

BMSCE is back with UTSAV....
In the days of recession, with sponsorship teams still running around picking up cheques DURING the fest, UTSAV is back.

It ain't just a fest, its a faith.

The night of fever-eve.

It was a feeling that made me heave
I had got fever-eve.

You know fever-eve, the feeling you have before you actually get a fever? I've had that for almost a week now. By all means I would blame all my distractions on fever-eve. After all it is human tendency to look for reasons of distraction from work!

Anyway,coming back to the 21st of February, 2009. The day started with a blood donation camp. There were 2 "blood banks" participating. The doctor form the blood bank one I was assigned, decided not to take my blood as he thought I might have a viral infection. Whereas my friend who was assigned the other blood bank (the greeedy one) was allowed to donate blood even though there definite chances of finding nicotine in his blood! Sometimes I wonder why we donate blood to "banks" who are most probably going to sell this blood...

So after getting my blood rejected (its not as bad as it sounds), I eagerly anticipated for sunset as we were supposed to leave for The Fireflies Festival of Sacred Music.
After waiting for everyone's whims and egos to be satisfied, we were finally "On the Road" by 9PM.

We reached at the same time as we did last year and the same Kabir/Sufi group was playing the same music as last year. Then began for the second time an amazing night with people who I have thought to be close friends...

Amidst the really good intoxicating music and atmosphere, it was easy to ignore the fever-eve and not let it get in the way!

A bunch of trustable friends and a tension-free life is hard to get only because we reap what we sow. The universe only gives us what we can handle.

I got that feeling, the one that doesn't leave...
I got fever-eve.

Love.






Driving directions:
i) Take Kanakpura Main Rd.
ii) Before reaching Kaggalipura Bus Stand you will come to a Ganesha Temple.
iii) Turn right at the Temple for village "Dinnepalya".
iv) Go 3.5 km to the Ashram (there are several signs on the road to guide you).
v) The Ashram is called "Minchula Ashram'' in Kannada (the local
language). This might be helpful when asking for directions.


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