The one less travelled by

People have strong views about "tradition" or "being normal"; they religiously stick to it and resist any semblance of change. Sometimes they encounter others who stray this "right path". If their response was motivated towards "correcting" these "abnormal people", then it probably would spur a healthy debate which helps them understand if or why such a "correction" is necessary, and perhaps even reach a consensus. Instead, they seem to respond with incrimination...

"I remember how the meaning of words began to change..... I remember how 'different' became 'dangerous'. I still don't understand it, why they hate us so much."

From 'V for Vendetta'

Struggle

From Lost, S01E07:

Charlie: You hear what I said? I want my drugs back! I need them!

Locke: Yet you gave them to me. Hmmm.

Charlie: And bloody well regret it. I'm sick, man. Can't you see that?

Locke: I think you're a lot stronger than you know, Charlie. And I'm gonna prove it to you...I'll let you ask me for your drugs three times. And the third time...? I'm going to give them to you. Now. Just so we're clear. This was one.

Charlie: Why-- Why are you doing this? To torture me? Just throw them away -- Get rid of 'em and be done with it!

Locke: If I did that, you wouldn't have a choice, Charlie. Having a choice, making decisions based more than instinct... (indicates the boar) ...is the only thing that separates you from him.

---

(later)

Charlie: I want my stash, Locke. I can't stand... feeling like this.

Locke: Let me show you something...(He leads Charlie to a tree, points out a cocoon on its trunk.) What do you suppose is in this cocoon, Charlie?

Charlie: (not in the mood) I dunno. Butterfly, I guess.

Locke: No. It's much more beautiful than that. This is a moth cocoon. (smiles, then) Ironic. Butterflies get all the attention. But moths? They spin silk. They're stronger. Faster..

Charlie: Yeah. Wonderful. What's the --

Locke: See this tiny hole? This moth's almost ready to emerge. It's in there right now, struggling, digging its way through the thick hide of the cocoon. Now I could help it, take my knife, gently widen the opening... And the moth would be free. But it'd be too weak to
survive. (looks at Charlie) The struggle is nature's way of strengthening it... (He pulls the baggie out of his pocket...) This is the second time you've asked me for your drugs back...Ask me again and it's yours.

---

Charlie: Give them to me

Locke: This is the third time, you know. Are you sure you really want--

Charlie: I'm sure.

(Locke nods, pulls the baggie of powder from his pocket. Hands it to Charlie. Charlie regards the grimy bag in his hand -- then tosses it into the fire)

A tribute

Years ago, she was a little girl who would never speak to anyone else. It was so easy to play a joke on her since she would believe everything I said. Not any more! Today she is a mature lady waiting to change the world. And it is almost impossible for me to pull her leg now! I still see the child in her every time I talk to her. She however knows she can take care of herself; though she no longer sees her father in me, she does see a friend. I remember once going to a restaurant with her and some of my friends. When the bill arrived, there was a funny little brawl between two of my friends on who would pay the bill. My daughter looked at me and said, "Pa, when we grow up and I take you to some hotel, will we also fight like this?". I replied, "Not at all! I'll shamelessly let you bear the charges all the time." It has been a pleasure seeing her grow up. Happy birthday, my dear.

"Pa... Our team didn't get selected for the class culturals this year."
"Oh! ... It's okay dear, happens."
"Ya. I spoke to the teachers today and they told us why we didn't make it. I didn't agree with some points, but it doesn't matter now. Guess there were lots who did better work... I am terribly disappointed... but I know they would have been fair.""
"Hmm. I'm glad you are taking it well. There is always next time."
"... yes, there is. Lets see."

Life in a bubble

The journey was long and painful. They finally reached the gates and were a few yards away from viewing the marvel. Those behind rushed inside to get a glimpse. They waited near the gate. To experience it with all their energy, they waited patiently. After they were up to it, they slowly stepped towards the arch making sure they were not hasty. And they were there.

They spoke not a word. They were in a trance for hours and in completely amazement. It was ecstatic and they savoured every moment. The Taj was spectacular.

Insight

For the first time I experienced some insight; it was like looking at a solid rock and somehow, very clearly, seeing the sculpture sitting inside.

Maturity

The initial spell of a research student is usually checking if ideas work or not. Often it is the advisor who comes up with ideas and you try and get a proof of it, or show a counter-example. The latter isn't always encouraging but still does give more insight into the problem. But somewhere down the line, one should start coming up with new ideas; one should gain maturity.

Passion

As a kid, I used to be passionate about things that I knew, or was told, I was reasonable good at it. On most occassions, it loses its charm after a few weeks or months. Recently, I found an exception; I'm pathetic at it but have somehow held on. There were numerous occassions when I was bogged down but I made sure I don't quit. As Randy Pausch said, "The brick walls are to prevent those, who don't want it badly enough, from getting it".

So close, yet so far...

My stint at CMI is over and I'll be on my way back to Kanpur tomorow. The last few months at Chennai have been exhilarating. I wish I could have added "I was closer to home". After about 3 weeks I came back home; to just say 'Bye'.

"...and not, when I had come to die, discover that I had not lived."

-- Henry David Thoreau

RP

Phoenix

I was fascinated by fire when I was young. I loved setting things ablaze and watch them slowly burn. I knew it was destructive, but it was just a lot of fun then. I once watched one of our rose plants reduce to ashes. My grandmother was furious, and more so when she realised that plant in that pot had stopped growing. I had no sense of guilt in the beginning , but as I saw her return from the balcony everyday disappointed seeing the barren pot, the incident became indelible in my memory. The earth in the pot that wasn't replaced helped me realise my mistake the hard way.
After a couple of months, my grandmother stopped checking the pot, and so did I.

A few days ago, I suddenly noticed that the pots were not empty anymore. My grandmother then pointed out to the one with the full bloomed roses;this is the pot i am referring to here. I have been seeing this plant for quite a while but since that day it seems so much prettier. The pot is no more a memory that haunts me, it is evidence that I changed.

RP