footprints of ppl...

I was reading a write up about socialising and that made start this blog. Everyone have certain principles and values that are consciously or unconsciously influenced by the people around. And there are many people who influenced mine. And I thought I d dedicate this blog to all those people…

We were first living in the housing board apartments. And in the whole street there were around five girls I guess. we were there till I was 13 years old. One of the five girls, durga, she was my best friend then. But coming to think about, she was the only friend I had in my old neighbourhood. She was very sick and she couldn’t attend school. But her wisdom and maturity s beyond wat any education could give. Never once has she demanded or complained, silently bearing all her problems, yet standing up to what she feels is right, criticising me whenever I had to be criticised, praised me whenever I deserved. Such open criticisms and praises, I ve never got from anyone. If I am so straight forward and considerate it is because of her… I sincerely hope she gets well soon cos she never updates me on her health and never shows that she s sick. Well, that s another thing I learnt from her. Never fuss.

And then we moved from that house to another apartment. For the first time I was with a group of people my own age. It was so exciting. With so many friends in my apartments I learnt to be a part of a group, to socialise with people. And I found myself having a big group of friends in school too. May be I was old enough but still.. the fine refinements and tuning cant be ignored. Till then I never had the interest to dress up nicely. But with so many girls in my floor it almost became a necessity that now I am so obsessed at times… started reading books and I even started studying seriously. And slowly everyone moved out of that place but the change is almost tangible.


And by that time I had written my 12th and I was awaiting my results. (my cousin’s wedding on the day of the result) so I was in kerala. I was all worked up and tensed so I was outside, in the lobby. (our weddings are very long and tat day I dint even realise wat was happening) my parents were busy with the functions and so were everybody. My mum all tensed but still had to take part in the function. My uncle’s friend who was there was talking to me soothing my nerves. Now i can hardly remember his face (but still remember his mush) n of course I remember his light sense of humour. And wen I got my results he was so happy for me. He took my bro and me to the shop to get cake for the couple. And secretly he gave money to bro to get me a cake and he threw surprise party for me! It was the first time I actually celebrated my success!!! And then I decided that I would take up economics and write my civil services exam. He was probably the first person not to laugh at my decision n took me so seriously and give me three books on preparing for civil services.(all 3 were in Tamil n I dint read them yet!) but the gesture itself was such a motivating factor. At times we get the push to dream big from people u don’t even know. U succeed in ur dreams or not u will always remember them…


My uncle, a source of constant inspiration to me. We often hear about old people having a great interest for further knowledge, people with skills in various fields. Well he is one such person. He sings, appreciates music and movies, so well read. He is constantly pushing his horizon, welcoming changes, travelling and willing to learn. He s also writing few stories now. Jus started. He worked in Gulf and now retired and settled in a village. there he s teaching English, communication skills and conducting programs for the kids all free of cost. He is my inspiration to help the people around you without expecting returns out of it. I have such a wavering mind and he s so patient in listening to all my carrier plans and advicing me and at the same time treating me lik an adult. His opinions are so straight forward and to the point tat u will never feel like he s advising (a gift I would say)

My college lecturers, Dr.Chris, Ms.Betty, Dr.suganda. its because of them that I have an interest in teaching. Betty ma’am, she always has a smile for every person, a kind word for every student. Chris ma’am, (my advisor in the final year) maintains a clear difference between fun and responsibility. They treat the students lik adults giving us the freedom and responsibility. And the best part is they don’t treat students lik a bunch of ignorant adolescents but lik people who have ideas and knowledge that only needs to be fine tuned. They don’t believe in lecturing but they believe in sharing ideas, moving from known to the unknown world. U can always find them in the campus among the girls, having a good chat. they are always loved by all the girls and admired by all. I am glad to have been their student...

For all that I have got I owe a great deal to my family! My mum, balancing the office and work load, she constantly makes me feel that all the pressure that I am having now s nothing and I never get stressed. My dad, he s the personification of patience and kindness. I have never seen him shout at anyone. He has a laugh for everyone and a joke even at the worst situations. My bro who is always sweet enough to run errands, giving up things for me… takes pride in every competition that I win and proudly tells everyone about all that I win and do. Its still hard for me to believe that he s so innocent. Cos I don’t remember being such an angel wen I was 13.
and my gran, she s my role model. Even at this age she s capable of cooking a three round meals for the entire family. (she would even scub the floor if v let her) she was born in a very rich family, a big house with plantations in front of her house.(the likes I ve seen in movies only) after marriage she gladly accepted the change. From a big house in kerala she came to a small house in Tamil nadu. She dint know the language or the place yet she successfully ran the household, with the minimum education.

And finally, all my frnds in school. Janu, sai, apee,verti,Vicky, giri, ajay. My group of friends. we are jus like any other group of friends you would see. Full of fun and laugh. Teasing each other and helping each other. They were and they are still with me everyday. Scolding me when I was wrong, teasing me when I behave lik a fool, happy for me even for the smallest success. and so many things I could add on to their list, I don’t know where to begin (I know its so clichéd but still…)

I know I have a long way to go and many more ppl to meet and learn from, but all these ppl have made an everlasting impression in my mind…