Happy Dusshera, Happy Vijay Dashmi

The picture was taken in 2009, in Delhi, India.  This is just the head of a possible 50 feet or taller effigy made of paper and filled with crackers to be lit on Vijay Dashmi--the victorious tenth, symbolising the victory of good over evil.   The festival comes in autumn when summer is behind us and we are moving into the colder season, whatever that could mean for Delhi (global warming has changed the seasons).  For about 6-8 weeks there is non stop celebration of life and culture---!!  Life in India.

I had meant to write a longer piece, but may be later, this month will be slightly busy, so, either quick posts or no posts will grace the site.  But will be back about a month later. 

Till then, here is an article from last year on various messages sent on this day on social media. My favourite one is the Goddess in red, riding a lion (Sher--remmeber Sherkhan in Jungle Book, that is where it comes from--Hindi word for Lion is Her)--killing the demon of ignorance!!  May you all have wisdom shine upon on everyday, so you may choose what is right, not just for you, a 'right' that will help the world at large, even if it means a small sacrifice for us individuals...

http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/happy-dussehra-2016-smses-wishes-whatsapp-messages-and-facebook-greetings-to-celebrate-the-victory-of-good-over-evil/  

Enticing the Audience

Popcorn anyone?  Well, we are all showing a movie--this way please!!

Young volunteers, by the popcorn to welcome the audience. Their T-shirts say, 'Engineers Without Borders'

I had just finished teaching when I saw two young girls rush into the room.  

'But its lunch time' I thought. 

Are you showing a film here, I asked, as I saw them setting up the computer and bring down the screen in our most 'technoloigized room in the university.'  Simply known as the Egg.

Yes, the movie is about Corals, we are engineering students, and this is a club called 'Engineers without borders'.

Oh nice.

I spoke with them for a few minutes, and left, since I was tired from the morning's 3 hr class.

As I walked out, I was greeted by the smell of freshly made popcorn. 

Ah, is it for the movie goers?  

Yes, giggled the girls.

'Bribe?'

They smiled.

And I walked out, thinking, these simple things is what makes college life. It does not happen very often at this university, because most of the students live near by and go home early, so come to the university on a very tight schedule.  This is one university where there is hardly any action in the evening. I remember being afraid in Fiji my first semester and my students had said, 'The campus is abuzz, till 2 am, you have nothing to worry about.'

Here it is deserted post 5 pm, and in winters, long before that. 

As I was walking home, --I live only 7 minutes or less walk from the Egg building, a student who had just attended my class, turned around and said, 'Thanks for today's class, I enjoyed it very much.'

I was so touched and it was then that I was reminded, that only a few minutes ago, at the end of the class, students had clapped, to show their appreciation.  

Or, a cynic would say, may be they were just happy that the class ended.

But this one student, brightened my day by affirming and thanking me.

Very important for a teacher, some days.

I came home with a warm glow in my heart.  And felt a calm the whole day.

As if I was living the life of a purpose.