Happy 5!

Five years back, in a Friday @dot 6:27 AM, my little son came into this big wide beautiful world.

Today, again a Friday, I got up @6:25 AM, saw my son peacefully sleeping alongwith his dad and felt blissful to the core. At 6:27 AM, I wished him and thanked God for all these wonderful moments.I really don't know what kind of mom am I, not a perfect one for sure, but I hope that "A" and I bring up this child wonderfully, just like the way our parents brought us up.We turned out to be fine, though I really don't know if I would have the same kind of patience which my parents, had during my teenage days...that reminds me that I should start meditating so that the clutter in my mind settles down by then.
Anyways, "K" : thank you for coming into our life and making our lives so wonderfully beautiful.
Happy Birthday my little one!We love you as ever, forever!

Mama to son!

He came quietly sucking his thumb

“Saapadaraman” said the doc smilingly

A quiet, sweet and nice baby

Who is going to be five year old, wonderfully

Don’t remember how life was before

This is definitely the life we yearn for more

He brought so much love with his smile

We are definitely ready to go that extra mile

Each day is a new beginning, each night has a wonderful end

Thank you so much for coming into our nest

Life is definitely at its best!

We are never tired to answer your 'whys'

Nor get bored playing the same games every night

Wish I could make times wait, and read out to you all stories again and again

Stories of Pepper, morals of  Bruno

Stories of Ganesha and naughty Krishna

With days, months and years passing by

I tend to crave the second goneby

Oh how I wish I remember … all of these details forever!!!

Thank you K for coming into our nest

Life is surely at its best J

Tress-Full Life: Healthy to Unhealthy to Healthy

Contest time...this post is an entry to the contest being sponsored by Dove damage therapy in IndiBlogger
http://www.indiblogger.in/topic.php?topic=58
Its the first time, I am entering a contest, so wish me luck :)

Journey of my hair/Tress-Full Life : Healthy to Unhealthy to Healthy

“If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.”
― Hillary Rodham Clinton

Are diamond every girls best friend, nah I think genuinely its our hair, beautiful hair!

We have good hair days and bad hair days, during good hair days we definitely feel on top of the world and so confident about ourselves, and on bad hair days, well lets not talk about it.

From the time I remember, I always had good hair days and bad hair days, but its now that I have started analysing each part of me. As I look back, I realize that I was never kind to my hair.

When I was a teenager, I changed shampoos like weather, based on all kinds of marketing gimmicks shown in the idiot box. I was still lucky that my curly locks were in good shape.

College days were the same, when I had enough pocket money I would try out the most expensive shampoos  in town, and when I was bankrupt, I used to used the cheapest sachets available...how mean could I be!

Work life began and life was challenging as I needed to prove myself in this rat race. During that time, hair was the last thing in my mind and was completely ignored. Once in two weeks, I used to the nearby parlour and get it washed, never bothered to check the brand as I did not have time for all that. Time was completely devoted to build knowledge, powerpoint presentations and excel sheets!

Soon I met my prince charming, we were crazy of each other and soon got married. We started travelling and for each weekend get away, the victim was my hair! My locks had to undergo temporary straightenings and different hair styles!Poor Poor Hair!

Life became busy and soon we were blessed with our wonderful baby, again I did not realize, that there was someone struggling quietly...my beautiful tresses.

Life was a juggle then, I had to balance my work and home and it was a mess. Forget about good hair days and bad hair days, I was in a mess my hair fall was bad, as and when my hair was falling and leaving me, I would say well I am under stress.

It was during those days that I introspected my life. I hated myself and decided to take care of me because until I dont love myself, I will never be able to love anyone genuinely!

My poor hair was then dry and almost lifeless but thankfully,mere ankhen khuli at the right moment. I decided to start off with the natural way and started using my Grandma’s techniques. I started using hibiscus flowers juice as shampoo, for six months. I used to get up early to make the juice and apply on my scalp. Soon I saw my hair regaining its texture, however, I knew that this cannot be a permanent solution as I had to travel to various places on office assignments, and I will not be able to make hibiscus flower juice in Brussels. Then I decided to be loyal to one product, I did my piece of research by talking to my family, friends and reading a lot 

I decided that my friend for life is going to be Dove range of products, it was easy to choose Dove as from the time I remember I have always been using Dove soap(thankfullly I was loyal to somethimg! J) 

So Dove was it. I started with Intense Repair therapy and soon switched to Daily shine range and yes, that was the end of my hair problems!

Today my hair is healthy, I always gets compliments from my friends, they keep asking me the spa I go to, for hair-wash, and I tell them its home sweet home J

Funnily today when I watch the idiot box and see the new reporter with wonderful hairstyle, I dont feel anything, infact I wonder whether they are taking good care of their natural hair. I am!

Experience is the best teacher!!!

Mujhe kya bechega rupaiya : Satyameva Jayate

Composer: Ram Sampath
Lyricist: Swanand Kirkire
Singer: Sona Mahapatra

Babul pyare sajna sakha re
Suno o meri maiyya
Bojh nahi main kisi ke sar ka
Naa majhdhar mein naiyya
Patwar banoongi, leharon se ladungi
Arey mujhe kya bechega rupaiya
Ho arey mujhe kya bechega rupaiya

Kal baba ki ungli ko thaame chali thi
Kal baba ki lathi bhi bann jaaungi
Amma tere gharonde ki chidiya hoon main
Daana lekar hi wapas ghar aaungi

Jiski fitrat mein hairat samaayi nahi
Jisko daulat se zyada main bhaayi nahi
Aise saajan ki mujhko zaroorat nahi
Naa kehne ka sun lo muhurat yahi
Akeli chalungi, Kismat se milungi
Arey mujhe kya bechega rupaiya
Ho arey mujhe kya bechega rupaiya
Ho ho ho..

Dil se dil ke taar toh jude nahi
Do rasmon pe daulat ye kaahe bahe
Hum toh pyaar ki khwahish mein rishte bunein
Do rishton mein lalach hum kaahe sahein
Kya shaadi ke aage zindagi hi nahi
Jo shaadi hisaabo ki keval hai bahi
Aise saajan ki mujhko zaroorat nahi
Naa kehne ka sun lo muhurat yahi
Subaha si khilungi, Ratiya si bharungi
Arey mujhe kya bechega rupaiya
Ho arey mujhe kya bechega rupayya

Ways of Life

Though they missed him, they breathed a sigh

As he left with a silent goodbye

Could not see his suffering anymore

Sometime life says cry no-more

Worry was his enemy in disguise

It was friendly to him somewhere closeby

He ached not for his wife or kids

But for his old mother who was very sick

She was the one who taught him to smile

She was the one who was always by his side

Today when she has forgotten everyone around

Why were her eyes craving for his sight

She was quiet and restless today

Distantly aware of losing someone she loved

Mother and son is a beautiful relation

How deep would be her hurt is no comparison

Tonight she said a silent prayer

Wished him rest in peace forever

She will be joining him sooner or later

She knew things are always for better

O re chiraiya!

Love this song and lyrics!!!Do you?

Music Composer: Ram Sampath
Lyricist: Swanand Kirkire
Singer: Swanand Kirkire

O Ri Chiraiya
Nanhi si chidiya
Angnaa mein phir aaja re

O Ri Chiraiya
Nanhi si chidiya
Angnaa mein phir aaja re

Andhiyara hai ghana aur lahu se sana
Kirno ke tinke ambar se chunn ke
Angna mein phir aaja re

Humne tujhpe hazaro sitam hain kiye
Humne tujhpe jahaan bhar ke zulm kiye
Humne socha nahi
Tu jo ud jaayegi
Ye zameen tere bin sooni reh jaayegi
Kiske dum pe sajega mera angna
O Ri Chiraiya, meri Chiraiya
Angnaa mein phir aaja re

Tere pankho mein saare sitare chadoon
Teri chunar thanak satrangi bunu
Tere kaajal mein main kaali raina bharu
Teri mehandi mein main kacchi dhoop maloon
Tere naino sajaa doon naya sapna

O Ri Chiraiya, meri Chiraiya
Angnaa mein phir aaja re

O Ri Chiraiya
Nanhi si chidiya
Angnaa mein phir aaja re
O Ri Chiraya

Better India Better World

12 things I hope to see in India during this lifetime

1. Common man should have access to better healthcare facilities through the government (Healthcare spend should be at-least 3 to 4 percent of GDP)
2. Education should be a must for all kids below 14 years old and kids should have access to all kinds of school; each school should have students from each class of society
3. Every job should be respected by everyone, let it be a job of a maid or a security
4. Every marriage should be based on love and not by caste, religion, color or class
5. Every person should be treated equal in India and not based on caste, religion or class
6. Education should be revamped in India, Practical knowledge should be given an upper hand and kids should decide what to take in future based on their interests and not their parents
7. Road infrastructure should improve and there should be no Traffic
8. Society should genuinely not practice Dowry in India
9. Ekta Kapoor serials should be banned in India, they are a curse to Indian homes
10. Every person should give back to the society, based on what they can. One should always give back to the society, that thought should be ingrained by parents
11. Women should be educated and independent by all means, I know there is a large section of women who love being home makers, but even they should spend sometime in a day for the society. 
12. There should be a point until which one can make money, some limit and yes we should have a corrupt free government!!!

Action Immediate, Satymeva Jayate!!!

Three days after actor Aamir Khan's TV show Satyamev Jayate on female foeticide was aired, the Madhya Pradesh Health Department has suspended the licences of 65 Medical Termination of Pregnancy centres for not submitting their reports on the prescribed form.

The suspension will be revoked if the centres submit their updated forms by Monday.

For more on this, please click the link below: 

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/satyamev-jayate-effect-mp-acts-against-mtp-centres/256288-3.html

Yes action has started but hope this fire continues and doctors get punished as well for their folly!

Hope it does not turn out like Rang de Basanti...after watching the movie everyone had fire but after a month of  the movie release, everything turned thanda!!!

Happy Fifty fifth Anniversary!

Today is grandma and grandpa's fifty fifth wedding anniversary, you heard it right 55th!!! Wow, in today's world when I hear couples separating in first year of marriage, here is an example of a couple who have lived 55 years together. I love them!!! :)

Well we have seen them love, fight, bear,enjoy and grin with each other and they are amazingly amazing (touch wood!). When they have a serious fight, boy its very serious, it seems like one of them will leave the place now, I always used to wonder how did they solve their tiffs when they were young. But their love is amazing, you can see their respect and love towards each other shining in their eyes.
To me, they are my idol couple on earth.

So here's wishing them loads and loads of love, life and happiness and hope to celebrate more anniversaries of theirs in future!!! 

Love you Ammamma and Ammachan :)

Thank you!

I am in my thankful senses and so here’s the list of people, things without whom I would not have had a great live till date!

Thank you God for this wonderful world and life, you have provided me with!

Thank you for my wonderful wonderful parents who have supported me in all major decisions of my life. Without them I am nothing. Without their love, encouragement, support and also scolding’s, I would have never understood the value of life!

Though we never had a car, while I was growing, or a telephone, when all my friends were yapping to each other, or was taken to the movies, as education was my priority, or had any vacation, the only vacation we used to have was our visit to hometown, which always depleted our finances completely, I still think that that I had a great childhood. Yes, during growing years, I used to look at my friend’s lifestyle and think as to why I didn’t have that sort of life! That was my immaturity, today as I look back, I have no regrets of my childhood, in-fact I love it, I love it from my heart. I did have loads of friends, I did play a lot, I met people from all parts of India! And that exposure helped me to stay grounded and also helped my vocabulary, both Hindi and English. Even today when people listen to me speaking Hindi, the first question they ask is, your Hindi is so beautiful, how can a South Indian speak such shudh Hindi…I love that comment :)

And because of that exposure, I am able to adjust and survive today, no matter what the condition or situation is, and yes with a smile :)

There were days in the month, I remember, when Mom used to shell out paises from various purses to buy a biscuit packet and sometimes we did not even have that. But God always visited us, in the form of my grandparents and in the form of my Aunt (U). How much ever I say Thanks to them, it would, always be less. He also came in form of my Uncle (M), without whom, I would have not thought of doing B.Pharm. Thanks “M” mama, you are the best! Your confidence in me helped me to complete B.Pharm and then go for M.Pharm in one of the best institutes of India.

Thank you God for giving me such a wonderful and wise son. All I know is that he gave birth to a mother; I love him so very much and hope to be a good parent to him always :). Now how would one define Good, well to each its own. To me, I hope he turns out to be a good and genuine human being, who would help people unconditionally and be passionate of whatever he does in life. He should be independent, confident and should live completely at the present moment, well If he turns out to be like this, then I would consider myself a good parent :)
Thank you God for giving me a wonderful hubby, he's wonderful, I could not have asked for more,thank you :)

Thank you God for my wonderful office. My friends in office are absolutely nice and have always been kind to me. Thank you so much for making me a part of this wonderful and intelligent team.

Thanks you God for great in-laws. Yes my thoughts and theirs are so different but yes at times being ignorant helps…Ignorance is bliss during those times :) Thank you God for making me part of their wonderful life! Thanks a lot God for my wonderful extended family!

Thank you God for always supporting me emotionally, financially and spiritually. Thank you so much!

Thank you God for this wonderful blog, it’s more like a friend to me, a friend who would not question my thoughts, who just quietly accepts me the way I am. Thanks a lot Indi Chabber, thanks for reading my posts and commenting then and there…I know you are doing lot of good stuff for the society, would love to meet you someday :)

Thanks to all other bloggers and my dear friends, who once in a while pass my blog, stop there and read one or two thoughts penned by me. Do give me your feedback, as that will help me improve my thoughts

And yes thank you God for me being me, may not be perfect but I yes I like myself, eventhough I am so inconsistent, I think I am still a nice person! Thank you :)

Dance in the rain!!!

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

- Unknown

All time successful Veggie Pulao

So couple of days back, I chatted with my favorite cousin, when I say favorite,it doesn't mean that we speak or are in touch with each other, every now and then...nah...thats sooo not us...we tend to speak once in 6/7 months, we are so used to being like this...but the best part of our friendship is that even if we have nothing to say to each other, we aren't bored of each other...atleast I am not...we are so different in our thoughts, still we manage to bear each other :), and we never forget each others b'day...that is something which baffles me!!!
One thing which is common is our struggle to live life the way we want!And now I have found out one more thing and thats our love towards cooking...well as he said, "thats in our genes"!
Again I am sure we will have load of differences in cooking, I am sure he will be trying out all exotic dishes, so unlike me :)
Anyways, now let me jot down my new recipe, which is dedicated to my talented cousin :

Its a simple recipe but whenever I make it, I get loads of praise(ahem, who doesn't love getting compliments!)...recently my grandpa and grandma had visited us and they completely loved it...its simple, easy and yummy!
It doesn't require ghee and suits health conscious group also

So here's my version of Mushroom-Veggie Pulao
The only thing I make sure is all veggies are fresh...I don't store veggies in my refrigerator, I love buying and making them on a daily basis.
Its my perception, but I genuinely feel that anything made with fresh veggies and fresh oil is good for health and absolutely yummy!

Fresh Mushroom Veggie Pulao

Cooking time: 25 mins
If you have the paste ready, then its a lot lesser!

Ingredients
1cup basmati rice...I have made this with normal rice as well, and even that turns out to be good
1 cup carrot grated
1 cup fresh beans
1 cup chopped fresh capsicum
1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
Jeera/Cumin seeds-1 tsp
Garlic: 4-5
Ginger: 1 inch
2 green chillies
1 cup pudina/mint leaves
1 cup coriander leaves
1 cup finely chopped spring onion leaves and stems
(Never throw the stems!)
1 medium sized onion: sliced
Garam Masala-4 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Oil as required (I use olive oil for this recipe...one can also use Sunflower oil)

I make Garam Masala at home: Once in a week, usually on Sundays, I grind 3 tbsp of fennel seeds, 3 anises, 7 to 8 cloves, 2 to 3 sticks cinnamon and 8 to 9 cardamoms to powder, in a mixer. I store it in an airtight container and use it for the week.


Take 1 cup of rice in a bowl, add 1 drop of oil and required water to it. I usually add 2cup water and microwave rice in the oven for 12 mins, at 320 degrees centigrade. This makes the rice almost cooked
Since you have added oil, once the rice is cool, you will see that it doesn't stick


Step 1: Marinate mushroom with salt, pepper, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp of curd, 1tsp garam masala and 3 drops of lemon juice
Step 2 : Make a paste of ginger and garlic
Step 3: Make a paste of coriander, mint and green chillies with a little amount of water
Step 4:
Take the cooking vessel. Place it in the stove and switch on the gas. Add 2 tsp of olive oil, Once it heats, add cumin seeds. As they crackle, add sliced onion, capsicum and ginger-garlic paste. Fry the above till onion turns transparent. Now add chopped carrot and beans and cook them for five to seven minutes
Add spring onion stems, leaves and mushrooms. Mix them well until veggies are almost cooked
Add salt and pepper as required and  1tsp of Garam Masala.  Mix them well
Add the almost cooked rice and mix it well with all the veggies
Add coriander-mint-chilly paste and again mix them well.You willl get a nice aroma once you mix them
Add 1 cup of water, 2 drops of lemon juice and sprinkle 1tsp of garam masala
Close the vessel with a tight lid and keep the gas in minimum
Once the water has evaporated completely (it would take 15 mins), switch off the stove but let the rice remain closed in the vessel for atleast 1 hour

There you go...fresh mushrooms and veggie pulao is ready to be served with a nice simple raitha
For raitha, I grate cucumber and onions. Add curd with a dash of salt and pepper...
Hmm...how simple could that be :)

You can also replace mushrooms with eggs...you need to boil eggs, once boiled, remove the shell and slice it into two...the marination remains the same, but make sure that the eggs are marinated for a longer time, Roast them in oil and they are mixed at the end, while serving.

Go ahead and please try out and do let me know your feedback

P.S-You could add 2 drops of soya sauce after adding chilly-mint-coriander paste, it gives a tangy twist! :)

Keep it Simple! Who believes in it?

How many of us believe in simplicity?
We shifted couple of months to a nice place, it does not have a brand but yes its wonderful. Its apt for us
Earlier we used to stay in a plush apartments, I never felt home there, I could never accept the place as mine
But this place...I just belong here
Yes there are differences in both places, as the earlier place was crowded with upper middle class, the middle aged segment with one child,who had lived in US and UK for years and were back to India for good!
This place again has upper middle class families, however there is a difference, they are people from the defence sector, who always belonged to India and have come up through hard work. I always wanted my son to be brought up in such an environment.
While growing up, me and hubby have seen our parents struggle and hence understood the value of education and money earlier in life. Do we regret those times?Not at all, as today because of those values, we are able to differentiate between right and wrong, we are able to mingle with people from all classes in an equal manner!

In my earlier apartments, as I interacted with more parents, there was something common about them
All of them said that they never wanted their child to struggle and hence succumbed to their demands. Kids were demanding play-stations at the age of 4, their b'days had themes and parents paid a bomb to fulfil all their wishes. Cant blame them, they had been living in wonderful US and UK and now they had moved so that their children do not imbibe the videshi culture and hence were always feeling guilty about it!

I guess, "To each their own" :)

Me and hubby are weird. We don't believe in fulfilling all wishes of my son. We want little "k" to understand what hard work means not when he grows up, but as he grows. Well we are not bad, whenever he has asked for a toy we have got him one, but when he had asked for an expensive car, we would say that getting him to school took our money, so he will have to wait for atleast a year. He has always agreed to it, which makes me emotional at times. Are we doing something wrong?Are we setting examples of bad parents...no clue
I guess its rightly said, Parenting is a life long commitment!!! :) 
We could have lived in our earlier place, but I kept thinking that little "K" would be influenced as he grows and how long could we make excuses
Isn't it easier to live with like-minded people than making excuses to little ones as they grow!!!
But many of our friends and family members have questioned this decision of ours and that makes me think...well.kya kare in today's world there are very few who believe in keeping it simple :)

One state many differences : Gods own country

Please note that these are my perceptions and any resemblance to fictitious person is purely coincidental :)


Kerala-God's own country is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India...to me its a country on its own. Each part of Kerala behaves and thinks absolutely differently!

Kerala has three major regions : North Kerala, Central Kerala and South Kerala
North Kerala is the malabar area, Central Kerala comprises of Thrissur and South Kerala is from Allapuzha onwards
North and South Kerala are like India and Pakistan...they cant see eye to eye...Central Kerala love themselves so much that they do not like to support either part...most of the characters of Central Kerala would be inclined to North or South Kerala...however North and South Kerala's characters are distinct

There are things which are common through out but the objective of each is different, such as importance of education, traveling out of Kerala for work purpose and celebration of festivals which exists from North to South Kerala. Thnakfully objective of celeberating festivals are similar throughout, thanks to one God :)

Below are some facts and yes there may be exceptions to each but I am representing the major chunk of middle class Nair families

North Kerala men are considered to be spineless : Well I will never call them spineless, but let me tell you why this perception is made:-
In North Kerala, custom of Dowry is not practiced. Hence women are respected here..when she gets married, she is not supposed to bring anything from her place and has equal rights in a relation,hence even the man of a family treats her very well and hence she has the right to voice her opinion during any family discussions
In North Kerala, the objective of education is to gain knowledge and hence become self sufficient and run a family smoothly
Objective of traveling is for better career prospects

South Kerala : Money,money and money is what defines them...its the only priority of this region, objective of education over here is to make money!Objective of travelling out is to make money!
Dowry is practiced in a huge manner and you will see grooms working in TCS/IBM, flaunting the brand to make more moolah out of a marriage....the boy would be having high degrees to his credit, but that education does not make him wise at all, infact he uses those degrees to get a richer bride.
Its a normal custom here to boast the kind of car which a bride brings in. So you see a girl is always considered a burden in all class of this society, as after marriage one needs to send her, all draped in gold alongwith materialistic stuffs...She is the money spinner for the groom and hence is expected to keep quiet in front of others
By the way, gold is yesterdays terminology, today in South Kerala, diamond is what rules!

Some serious facts :
In a typical family discussion :
In North Kerala, though women are able to voice their opinion during family discussions, men usually make their own decisions after consulting the women. In South Kerala, even though you will not see women giving any opinion during discussions, at the end of the say its the women's decision which a man makes :)...some use of the dowry brought!

If you borrow money from a North Keralite and South Keralite, say Rs 11.50, when you give them back, NK will not bother about 50 paise but SK will make sure to get it back, if you have forgotten,he/she will remind you about that :)

When you go to a temple, NK will give money without looking at the value...but SK will surely see how much he/she is spending on God :)
Again I am sure this may vary by their class (low/middle/high), but in NK, the custom is give to God with all your heart
In SK the value is considered and if someone donates a lump sum, then he/she is considered to be great, even if he is a criminal
I have seen lot of NK's make huge donations, but they do not like to hog the limelight because of that donation

In NK, once you have a job, in the family as well, except for the elders, no one will ask you your exact salary : that is considered to be a personal thing but in SK, even an acquaintance will ask you your exact salary to the last digit

In NK, if a lady is travelling by train/bus;you will see men getting up to give her the seat, in SK, if a lady is travelling by train/bus;you will rarely see men getting up to give her the seat.
The attitude in SK is, I have paid money for this seat, why should I ever give it to someone else

Its funny, when a typical SK family has a girl child, they will try their best to marry off her to North Kerala, so that they don't have to give dowry and when the family has a boy child, they make sure that he is married off to a SK family, so that they receive good dowry :)

Language: Again there is so much of difference in one language of Malayalam...North Kerala malayalam is very polite, its like Lucknawi Hindi, Malayalam of South Kerala is completely opposite..its like Mumbai hindi, full of slangs!Again districtwise language differs.

Guess I am placing SK in poor light, but there are good sides to them also : for e.g.: they save loads of money, they follow rituals better than NK in terms of religion.The food culture is better in South Kerala, as there are loads of varieties in their cuisine.

Again when you look at North Kerala, there are different districts like Palakkad, Calicut, Kannur etc
By the way, for a Calicut person, Palakkad is a strict No-No...they consider Palakkad people to be very stingy and attitude wise similar to SK, and Palakkad people are brainy and hence consider themselves superior!
In South Kerala, you have districts like Kottayam, Ernakulum, Trivandrum etc...each one considers them to be superior.Central Kerala considers themselves most superior as they have the best temples and jewellers...hehehe

Imagine one state has so many differences, what would be the case of others....hats off to India to remain United!!!

The Great Indian Railgaadi Tamasha!!!

It was shocking to see the drama unfold on Railway budget 2012. India is a democratic country: what does that mean?
Government formed by the people, of the people and for the people
“By the people” and “of the people” definitely suits India today, but “for the people” sucks
For once someone thought “for the people” and he got sacked the very next day because of “of the people” :)
If Indian railways (world's fourth largest railway network), which is home to more than 1.4 million employees, and connecting 65,000 kilometres and 7,500 stations meet the same fate as Air India or HMT, then it would be the biggest shame we Indians, would have to face in future,we will not have the government or opposition to be blamed, as that will be our biggest folly…folly of “BY THE PEOPLE”
We all realize this folly and yet, we do nothing about it…at such times, weird thoughts come to my mind, why don’t we all unanimously just stop paying taxes, until things are sorted!
The Indian railways requires better services and amenities and if that calls for increasing the fare by few paises and rupee, so be it…it’s definitely for the betterment of people!
It weird we all see the drama happening, how the government is in a super mess, with regions trying to show their power in center…And when we look at the opposition, they are in equal mess…situation in Karnataka is just one example…
In such cases what happens to an aam aadmi like you and me…what happens to “by the people”?
Whom do we vote next for betterment of INDIA and INDIAN PEOPLE???

P.S : Its hilarious, at one end, the eleventh planning commission says that Indian poverty line has dropped and at the other end, a minister is sacked due to a small increase in rail-fare...India as usual a land of contradictions!!!

Basic Brownie!!!

So I just completed my first project with "S" and it turned out be quite well, the client was very happy with the information we had sought on biomarkers...slept so peacefully yesterday
Since the call was at night, I had the evening to myself, thought of making quick brownies...they are so easy to make
Little "K" is not much into cakes, but one bite of brownie and he says "Mama, these are very nice"

So here's is the recipe for a basic chocolate brownie

Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/4th cup butter
1/2th cup vegetable oil
One slab of dark chocolate
2 eggs
Cocoa-1/2 tsp
Pinch of cinnamon
Sugar : Granulated sugar is supposed to be good...I had taken normal sugar and powdered for only a sec
So result is not very fine sugar but coarsely ground
1 tsp of baking powder
Milk if required

I took the butter and half slab dark chocolate seperately and melted them in the microwave.
Take the eggs and seperate the white and yolk in seperate bowls
Beat each of them till the egg white turns white in color and fluffy...beat the yolks as well seperately
I dont have a blender and hence used an egg beater
This is the only time consuming process...it would take 15-20 mins
Butter the brownie cups
Once thats done preheat the oven in 180 degree celsius

Now sieve the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and cocoa together

Take a bowl, add the whites and yolk of eggs.
Add melted butter and melted dark chocolate and mix well
Add oil and then add the sieved dry ingredients and fold the mixture
Please do not mix hard, keep folding the mixture
If the batter is very thick, then add some milk but make sure that the batter is not very thin
Now pour the batter to brownie moulds. Make sure that you fill only half of the cup, as brownie would rise
Take the remaining dark chocolate and grate them on top of each brownie cup
Now take the cups and bake them for 25-27 mins
Keep checking after 21 mins. insert a toothpick and check if the batter is sticking on to it
Switch off the microwave when you see batter does not stick to the tooth pick
Keep the brownies inside the microwave for 15 mins and then take them out to cool
Brownies are ready to be served :)

If you dont have brownie moulds, then you can use normal baking vessel as well

Hope you enjoy making them as I did!!!

Happy Women's day???

Isnt this over hyped???
Even today in India female foeticide exists to a large extent
The lower class practice this after the girl is born and the highly educated and rich Indians travel to Dubai and Malaysia to check the gender and if its a girl, abortion is done immediately
SAD SAD SAD
Domestic violence, now that's not restricted to India...its a universal issue which is very common
Just read that Womens day is celebrated in Pakistan...what about the women who were attacked by acid in Pakistan???
Its also celebrated in Afghanistan..we all know how are majority of women treated in Afghanistan!!!

In India, as well its the same scene, we should remember that for every Kiran Mazumdar, there are 1000's of Shipra...i was touched by her story of ill treatment by her hubby and in-laws (http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/television/winner-of-masterchef-india-from-downtrodden-housewife-to-celebrity-chef#full)
For every Dr Kalpana Chawla there are 100's of baby falak
Statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau of India reveal one dowry death in India every 77 minutes and one case of cruelty by husband and relatives every nine minutes!!!

I believe that every day should be celebrated as Women's day and yes more power to women everyday coz we have a long way to go...we will reach there someday :)

Life returns in full swing

So after a weekend of being jobless, went yesterday to my new workplace...it was such a wonderful feeling
I mean they are just a handful of employees..just 5 of them...hahaha, I will be the sixth one, but they were at peace
I admire them so much, they would never know that..."S" company has always been my dream firm, even a GE could not change my view towards them
Its so funny, I had everything to me, had an awesome workstation, could travel by flight anyday, handsome paycheck,great office, also had a great cafeteria and food court...the scene is so different here, there are just handful of workstations, no cafeteria and one has make his/her own tea/coffee but the peace here is AWESOME, somehow life always teaches me that materialistic stuff never gives happiness in the long run!!!
Most importantly, the group is so genuine, that why I love them so much...its always nice to work with honest and good people..It was nice to meet old friends and it seemed that they were also happy doing what they like the most

So this is to my future with "S" :)

2012 Oscars vs. Filmfare

The much awaited Oscar night is done..not that I am a huge fan of it but yes there is so much to learn. Oscar night is hosted with so much dignity that I feel that Indian awards have a long way to go.

Take for instance, Filmfare awards, supposed to be the baap of Indian awards...what has happened to its quality?

This time these awards were hosted in such a cheap and vulgar way. I could not believe that the SRK could get so bad, his jokes were atrocious.Ranbir was equally bad. Just couldn't watch the entire show. The best part is the way Indian actors and actresses laugh out on such bad jokes, there are so fake!!!They just convince you that at the end of the day there are just mere "Jokers". So for all those jokers, please learn something from the Oscars, behave yourselves!!!

Well there was one common thing in both awards and thankfully that was quite dignified. None other than AR Rehman...its so good when a person like ARR is representing India...he definitely makes India proud :)

Getting idli/dosa basics right

My dearest cousin has just shifted to Aussie land. She just asked me the recipe for idli dosa batter. So this is for you madam

Ingredients :
Rice- 2 cups
Urad dal/Uzzhunu-1 cup
Fenugreek seeds/ Uluva seeds - 1 tsp

Soak rice and urad dal separately for at-least 3-4 hrs. Add fenugreek seeds to Urad dal.

After 4 hrs, pour the water out

In the mixie jar, grind both rice and urad dal separately.
Grind rice to a fine coarse consistency adding water if required. Don't add much water
(You can also add 1/2 cup of cooked rice or leftover boiled rice)
While grinding urad dal, use minimum water, As you grind, it will be come very soft and you will see traces of bubbles on top, the more the bubbles, its always better for the batter, as you will have soft idlis. Mix both and keep it for fermentation,overnight.
(Remember that the batter should be thick)

In the morning, take the batter out, it would have increased in volume.
Now divide the batter into two vessels
In one set, add salt and then prepare idlis
In the other set, add salt and water to get batter consistency for dosas
You will be able to make crispy dosas

Kitchen secret : Adding 2 teaspoons of rava flour in dosa batter makes dosas very crispy :)

Above was a shortcut batter to make both, idlis and dosa
However, if you want to make only dosa, you can follow the above process making a slight tweek to the measurements
You can take 3 cups of rice and 1 cup of urad dal. This is only for dosas, you will not be able to make soft idlis with this proportion

Quick Jhatpat Khana

I was busy yesterday morning, had couple of meetings and conference calls
By the time all got over, it was 2 PM...poor my little "K", even though I was giving him nuts and bread in between, I knew that it was time to give him rice and he was longing for it
So here's what I made in a jiff..."K"loved it, guess he was hungry as well

Jeera Rice-1 cup
Onion -1 medium sized, slice it well
Cabbage-1 cup
Carrot- Grated 1/2 cup
Garlic 3 pods
Capsicum- 1/2 capsicum which is well chopped
Green chillies- 2 : make a slit
Pepper to taste
Garam Masala : 1/2 tsp: lightly roasted
Mixed herbs-a pinch
Flaxseeds powder-a pinch
Lemon juice
Salt to Taste
Water - 1+3/4 cup
Oil- 1 tsp

Garam Masala: Combination of Fennel seeds, Star Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves and Cardamoms
The proportion may vary depending on the taste
My proportions are 1/2 cup fennel,5 cinnamon sticks of 2 inches,3 Star Anise, 12 cloves and 6 cardamoms
I grind them in the mixie and before using I slightly dry roast them for 3 minutes

Fist take a glass bowl. Add 1 tsp of olive oil or oil of your choice. Add sliced onions and place it in the microwave in high for 1 minute. Add chopped ginger,garlic,green chillies and chopped capsicum onto the bowl and microwave in high for 50 secs. Add pinch of homemade garam masala, and microwave in high for 30 secs.Now add cabbage, carrot.salt, flaxseeds powder,mixed herbs and pepper to the mix and microwave in high for 2 mins. Add rice and water to the same bowl.Squeeze lemon juice, Mix it well and microwave in high for 21 mins.Add remaining garam masala and garnish with coriander.
Serve it with pappad and raita
Since I was running late. For raita, I took curd, added grated cucumber,salt and pepper

Thankfully "K" loved this simple dish

Funny side of "Theeyal"

"Theeyal" : well this dish in my life has a funny background...I have to share with you those details before coming to the recipe

Well I come from North Kerala and hubby from South Kerala...these two places in Kerala are like India and Pakistan. It always surprises me as there could be such differences in the same state
When I told my parents that I was in love, they were quite ok with it, coz they always  knew that I never understood the concept of arranged marriages (I still don't!)...but drama began when they came to know that he is from South Kerala...oh my god, they said it would have been better if you had brought a north indian or a foreigner...can you beat that?here I got them a nice sweet malu nair boy and this is what I had to hear...life is funny!
But then thanks to god grace, families met and finally we tied the knot
Today my parents love "A" more than me and he is the star of our family. My grandparents adore him. Touch wood, I was lucky and so was he!
In "A's" case also the same thing happened, not that they wanted any north indian or foreigner but yes they preferred someone from South Kerala
However lady luck kissed us and we are together

I never used to cook before my wedding..well I used to but was not into regular cooking
So in our initial days of marriage when "A" told me that he felt like having theeyal...I was in my wit's end
I had never heard of this dish (its a south Kerala dish)
That time I did not have a laptop and after coming from office, when "A" said this, I kept pronouncing Theeyal Theeyal...and then I thought to myself, "well it sounds like a dry sabzi! So I asked him kiska theeyal, and he said ladies finger..well I thought oh he wants okhra sabzi, maybe thats what they call in Thekku (South Kerala)
I made the sabzi in a jiff and had other dishes like Rice, Sambar etc
So "A" sits in the dining table and I serve Rice, Sambar and then he says where is theeyil, I tell him its next to him, he looks at bhindi ki sabzi and says that I dont have theeyal, its some sabzi...I asked him, doesnt theeyal look like this? and then he laughs, laughs and laughs...this is one of the incidents which he and his family still pulls my legs with :)
When my amma (mother in law) visited us for the first time, first thing she taught me was theeyil. But somehow I never liked this dish and because of that even after preparing for so many times, I never got it right and so avoided this dish for a long time
Only when amma (my mil) used to visit our place, was this dish prepared at home
Well this year, since I have stopped going to office and am working from home...I have started spending more time in the kitchen and to me cooking is a stress buster, especially when I have loads of projects to complete.After living with "A" for six years, I have started liking dishes from South Kerala
This year for a change I prepared theeyal once in a week and waited for "A's" reaction, he would have and saw Wow but last week he gave the best compliment. he said I can safely say that your theeyal has reached Mavelikara and immediatly called up amma. She was very happy to hear that
Phew...I was soooo happy...Finally I have done it...it took me so many years but better late than never!
So here I am sharing with you this dish named Theeyal!
Special thanks to Amma for teaching me this recipe

Ingredients :
Grated Coconut-1 cup
Coriander-1 tsp
Red chilly powder-1tsp
Turmeric Powder-1tsp
Fenugreek Powder- 1pinch
Vegetable Pieces or Kashnams could be Shallots//Cherriya ulli sliced- 10-12 or or Ladies finger-1/2 cup or Beans- cut into long pieces, 1/ 2 cup
You could choose any one of the above, my personal fav is small onions :)
Tamarind - Small lemon sized, place it in 2 cups of water
Oil as required
Salt to taste

Methodology
Take a dry pan and roast grated coconut for sometime, till it turns brown. and very crisp
Keep the stove in minimum so that you don't burn the coconut
Add all masalas, namely, turmeric, coriander and red chilly powder and keep dry roasting until the raw smell of masala goes off
Then take a dry mixer, please make sure that the mixer doesn't even have a drop of water
Blend the above in the mixer.
The paste will become thick and pasty and would be blackish browin in colour...you wont get this texture if there is even a drop in the mixie
Now taken a kadai, add 2 tsp of oil
Add the vegetables, fry them in low heat
If you are using shallots, then wait till it turns transparent
Add tamarind water to this. If you are using any other vegetable, wait for the vegetable to be done
Add salt and then a pinch of fenugreek powder
Now add the ground paste which you had prepared sometime back
After add the paste mix it well and simmer for 5 mins. You will see the gravy thickens
Switch off and serve it with hot Rice :)

I have got feedback that I should add photos of the dishes, as that helps so I promise, I will post the snaps of this recipe for sure in sometime :)

Cookies Mama!

Well just read out a Bruno series story to my little one...he loved it and then he asked," Mama, Bruno had cookies, even I want cookies"...so now that he is sleeping , I am checking out for the quickest and tastiest cookie recipe :)
Any recommendations?

Kerala : Some great facts

Hmm now that I am done with the irritating facts, let me jot down some great facts of Kerala!


Temples of Kerala : Superneat and Superbest
Go to any part of India, you will not get the same feeling of visiting temples as, in Kerala. They are the best, you know that the poojaari are the neatest. Something which is not prevalent in a Tamil Nadu or Karnataka.
Unnikrishnan is definitely there and watching us in these temples :)

Water of Kerala : Wow purity at its best
One bath and you feel that you have lived you life completely. The water is so pure here and so fresh. You need not worry of hair falling, as its purest water, you can drink water, straight from the well, I so love it

Having an early shower and visiting the temple here just makes the day. This is a feeling which I crave for and absolutely enjoy it, when I am at home :)

Green Green Greenery
As you travel through towns of Kerala, the sight of fields and farms are so wonderful and you just feel to Thank God immensely for his generosity!!!

Wonderful cuisine
Oh yes, as a state, Kerala is home to a variety of dishes and some of them are heaven :)

Weekend getaways:
If you live in Kerala, the are loads and loads of places to visit, so if one ignores the Kallan part, then this place is wonderful for weekends!

Autos
The autos are very cute in Kerala, it looks different, and I crave for the auto ride, and yes the autowalas are also very honest, unlike Bangalore and Chennai!!!!

Movies: Much better that Hindi or Tamil ones!
Though they dont make wonderful movies every now and then, but yes atleast there are few movies in a year which are masterpieces! Even though old movies were made beautifully but cannot write off the new directors. Movies like Salt and Pepper, Pranayam, Thanmatra are sooooo beautiful...can watch them zillions of times!


Yes Jewellary would be everyone's favourite but since I am not much into it, its not in my list!

Well I am thinking hard hard and hard, but am unable to find any more great facts :( Me bad!!!

Thank you Ladies!

There are some women who have unknowingly helped me so much and I really want to thank them today
I believe in saying it than just keeping it in my heart
Well biggest thanks, without any doubt goes to my mom and mom-in-law, they have always been supportive...they are smart, independent and  level headed. I have so much to learn from them..ahem at times they are stubborn but I just ignore that part of theirs :)
Thank you Mummy for bringing me up in such a wonderful way, we do have our share of arguments and love our spaces, but at the end of the day you are the best!...and amma (my mil)- you are so perfect, thanks for accepting me and sharing with me your kitchen secrets and signatory recipes such as theeyil, pulliserry etc. Both of these ladies makes friends so easily..something I am so bad at! After marriage, whenever amma visited us, she used to make friendship with our neighbors and that's how me and "A" used to get introduced to them..thank you amma!
I want to thank Sudha Murthy who is such a wonderful person..she helps people in simple ways and her books are so nice and honest. I just adore her and would love to meet her once in this lifetime...she is the only celebrity I would ever like to meet. I want to thank her because she makes me realize that one can do so much good in their lifetime!
I want to thank Kitchen Mishmash blog (http://kitchenmishmash.blogspot.com/) : well does she know that whenever I want to try out some new Malu cuisine, its her blog that I scrutinize...I have tried most of her recipes, and most of them have turned out supergood. Thank you!
I also want to thank aayisrecipes site (http://www.aayisrecipes.com/), again I have kept my family happy with her snacks. Thank you :)
I want to thank Oprah Winfreys show. I always thought that my family was one dysfunctional one...well the show allows me to sneak a peek into different kinds of people/lifestyles across the world and each time I realize that I am in heaven :)
I want to thank my new readers and thank you-Rhonda Byrne, your "The Secret" keeps me sane :)
And needless to say all my girlfriends, we may not meet or talk on a daily basis but just to know that I can call them in times of crisis, make me feel glad :):)
Special thanks to my Aunt Usha..she is my inspiration and hats off to her achievements!!!
Also thanks to my dear Ammamma..she is my inspiration of being a wonderful wife :)
Also thanks to my sister and cousins..you guys make me realize my age! :)
There is always so much to learn from all of you

Kerala : Some irritating facts

I am in Kerala now, and yes let me jot what I like and hate about Kerala land...Let me first jot down what I hate, so that I am out of those yucky feelings!Will give you examples for each

1.   Invasion of Privacy,Invasion of Privacy,Invasion of Privacy!

Hate it to the core, why are everyone bothered about everyone else's life???

In my in-laws place, one of their family person is worried about my second cousin who is not married yet! Hulo??? Go get a life!

Marriages and Funerals are wonderful to them, as they can meet long lost friends and find out if that cousin of theirs got married!

2.   Fair vs Dark

Oh yes being fair, both for men and women. Someone being fair is equivalent to beautiful. I have seen so many dark people here who are so beautiful, but nah for junta is fairness which counts!!! 

3.   Serialaaya Namah

People adjust their work from their 7 to 10 slot. During these times, unlike other part of India, where we go out or meet friends, in Kerala, majority of people are shut behind doors to watch SERIALS...Serials which represents men domination and women stupid!In fact there was a discussion at my friends place yesterday

Friends grandma : Do you think she will commit suicide?

Friends Grandpa : Hope not, afterall she has always made decisions with her mind

I am clueless and my friends sheepishly says, "Well, they are talking about a serial"

By the way even kids have no choice in such cases, they also watch those serials with terrible and dirty language. There are no parks in Kerala and hence they don't have this concept of going for walks in the evening, the excuse they give is arre, the roads arent good and there are so many thieves...its unsafe. Poor kids they are always glued to Television,laptops and play stations and the perception is Kids in metros are addicted to Television!!!

4.   Thieves,thieves and Thieves

This concept is exclusive to Kerala.....people stay in huge houses, whether they can afford or not and then never go for vacation as there are kalamaars uff thieves everywhere!!!

Dont sleep near the window, your necklace will be snatched!

Dont go for early walks you necklace will be snatched!

Dont keep the terrace door open, things will be snatched!

Even if they go for a trip they will make sure to come back in a day or two, so going out during weekends is a strict no-no

5.   Lack of kids : well innocent kids

I fail to speak to kids who are innocent in Kerala. Cant blame them, since they are exposed to violent movies and serials, they speak the same language! They say a Poda and shit frequently and when they say such sick stuff, instead of getting a slap, everyone in the family smiles, as though he has achieved something!

And yes these kids are very very indisciplined!miss innocence in kids!

Kids : Taking care is a burden

You will see kids on their own, they grow up on their own. During holidays, they will be in front of tv or laptops. They will be placed in some school for some hours as at home, elders don't have the strength, mum,if she is a housewife, she has to cook and if its a working women, then its just not possible, so who is going to take care of them. By the way if the house has a fulltime maid then the reason given is lady cant cook and look after  kids na!

6.   Only secrets can make/break a relation!
My cousin knows a secret about her friend...so whats the big deal, she wants to share with me. I told her that I dont care and dont want to know but she still spilled the beans, it was a silly thing which cannot even be called a secret. Now she doesn't want me to share with anyone...hahaha, why doesnt she understand that I really dont care about that friend, she is not anything in my life!When I told her that she said but my friend stayed in your place for a day...so what whats the big deal, they are many acquaintances who have stayed in our place, that doesnt mean each of them is my bumchum!!!And then she says what if you meet her somewhere in life...why doesnt she understand she is just an acquaintance to me!!!"Grrr"

7.   Sex deprived?

Most of the ladies, I meet, seems to be sex deprived, or why would would they tell me about their sex life and their fascination towards manly and hairy men..ugh...please remember, I would not even had broached the subject. "Poor me..Sigh". 

8.   Men dominating : Ladies please stay @home!

Yes men in this part are theee MAN of the house. Heights is when there is a family, husband has gone to Australia for an onsite project, Wife is working and they have a son, say who is 9 years old. Typical remark of elders are Thank God they have a son to look after her. Its hilarious, is he the one buying veggies or submitting bills, he has no clue about all that, then on what account are such remarks made!Yes because of his gender.

In a typical family life, man can leave the house and come back anytime, but a lady cannot walk after 7...well it is scary, in Bangalore, I would go for shopping at 7 but in Kerala even when I go for a walk with my hubby, it give me jitters, as you see people drunk and staring at you and all you can think is, "tere ghar me maa behen nahi hai kya?"

9.   "Status" is the word!
Even if the child has no clue of M.B.B.S, he or she has to get this degree, not because of a noble career but for the status of parents. There are only two kinds of career recognized in Kerala : Engineer and Doctor. Only a handful thinks of a career beyond them. By the way, the maximum nurses are because they could not make it through M.B.B.S degrees. Those who have opted for other professions would have faced criticism from people atleast once.
A huge house, a grand wedding, even a microwave oven is bought for the status of the family.Poor microwave, it will be lying in one corner of the kitchen, and if its used, its used only for warming stuff...hahaha
By the way, even doing something for the poor is marketed here, I have never understood as to why an elephant in gold is donated to a temple, and when its given the family makes sure that eveyone around knows it...well what will the gods do with it!No clue
Even if they are giving something to the poor, they make sure that everyone is told so..you see thats their STATUS!!!

10.   Finally the worst : CRIB,CRIB AND CRIB

Typical scene in Kerala : son is a doctor, daughter is an engineer, daughter is getting married to a doctor,they live in a big independent house...but the family is cribbing, as they don't have enough money. Excuses they provide are they bought the MBBS seat for 40 lakhs, engineering seat for 30 lakhs and now have to give dowry to the doctor son-in-law!

Oh by the way, in Kerala there is nothing beyond doctor and engineer, you will get a match if you are one of them, no matter how you look and whether you are employed

Any house you visit is cribbing either about the past or about future!!! I am talking from a day to day life!

Yes in special occasions, like a marriage in the house, there is enjoyment, nahi tho they are just blaming their life!!!I pity them!

This factor is the most irritating part of a typical Kerala family, very few of them have feelings of gratitude in life!!!

10.   Other irritating facts:

• When they meet a NRK kid, first thing they will ask is Malayalam ariyo? If he/she knows, then the parents are safe, if not thenm tho gaya, you will get all sorts of lectures to learn mother tongue and the funny part is these lectures will be given by people who would have forced one to get out of Kerala!!!
• Its a perception in Kerala that NRK's are enjoying their life, well they have their weekends off but they don't see the hard work which goes behind a NRK life. Well what I see is attitudewise,  NRKs are better off
• They distinguish NRK of India and NRKs outside India :) hahaha...for them being a NRK outside India are more distinguished 
• If you are living in places like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,they may not tell you  on your face, but they feel that Kerala is a class higher then these places, though they may have put their children for MBBS/Engineering in these places, afterall you can buy seats in these places na...oh by the way Chennai and Bangalore is an exception to this perception
• And they crib crib and crib!!!

P.S-When we come to visit Kerala, first two days, my hubby would say its too hot, then third day he would say, lets shift to Kerala, say Cochin, it isnt that bad, and after 5 days he says, lets go back to Bengaluru and I say a silent prayer of Thanks to someone up there :)

Chauvinism : To be or not?

I have been toying of writing this entry for quite sometime...its on the species from Mars
But until, it doesn't go out of my system, I will not be in peace, so finally decided to pen down my thoughts

This is not for all men in this world but most of them I have seen come across in this genre

These thoughts are based on true events...any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely intentional :)

I have never understood real meaning on male chauvinism :

Wikipedia defines it as a term used to describe the belief that men are superior to women. It is often used interchangeably with "sexism" and is closely associated with misogyny and perceptions of women as inferior to men, especially intellectually

Well what I don't understand is Indian or South Indian male chauvinism behaves in a different way
If one is a chauvinist, then one should be a chauvinist always and should never change their chauvinism according to their convenience
My best friend was telling me the other day, that she was in a rush in morning hours to go to office, as usual she told her hubby, if he could iron her clothes, he had never said No before this day, but that day he said a stern No, she was surprised by his reaction and guess what was the reason, because his friend was at home and he did not want to show that he irons his wives clothes!
Gosh I really wanted to know what was he trying to prove
I have come across many men of this sort,its  they will shamelessly accept dowry, car,salary etc from their wives, but still they try to show that they are superior...lets be honest, do they really feel superior?I doubt!
Its ridiculous, how can you be superior after accepting all materialistic gains from your wife?
I think men should come out of this ego...that is when the world will be a better place to live

Things like keeping the plate in the dinner table,they cannot think of cleaning it...its a small thing, but this doesn't express love for a woman, all these tactical stuff keeps proving that women are indeed treated badly in India!
Its funny that even if a women is well educated, inside the four walls of a house, she succumbs to such treatment...sometimes I wonder, will such a house ever be a home?

At time I feel all this is due to the species from Venus only
When one has a son, if he is treated similar to a daughter, then he would never have an ego, but I have always seen that boys at a young age itself is treated like gods by their mothers, and that's how they develop their superior ego..sad very sad...What a waste of Education to such women!!!

I know things are changing and I have seen men who treat women very well, they do not believe in keeping the plates in the dining table or do not accept dowry...but they still make a smaller pie...Hats off to them...YOU GUYS ROCK!Let your tribe grow!
But the other segment : Well all I can say is SHAME ON YOU!!!GROW UP :)
It sad when the latter segment (chauvinist) meets someone of former segment (non or less chauvinist), do you know how do they perceive?...they call them spineless...sad they are never ready to embrace goodness in life!

P.S : Please "men" who belong to the latter segment, don't take it personally, its just that someone should tell you guys, what a lady feels...and women who succumb to this segment, same goes to you...Shame on you!

Cook in me Part II

So I was left with Banana flower, which was given by "A"'s friend
Banana flower is malayalam is vazha koombu/Vazha Poovu

During my childhood, whenever we used to visit Kerala, my grandma used to make this dish...I was always told that its very good for health and hence used to have it for the sake of good health
Now when I have a child today, I have developed this taste of liking towards these dishes which are good for health and thank my grandma to give this experience

I called up my grandma and mother in law for their inputs...its funny because both are from opposite parts of Kerala
I belong to North Kerala and hubby belongs to South Kerala...so whenever I make a recipe, I get ideas from both sides and try to make the best of both worlds

So let me share my version of Vazha poovu.thoran

Ingredients
Chopped Banana flowers
Moong dal-1/2 cup
Urad dal-1 tsp
Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
Curry leaves-1 sprig
Dry Red chilly-1
Oil-1 tbsp
Salt to taste

For coarsely grinding
1 cup Coconut
1 green chilly
2 garlic pods
1/2 tsp Jeera(cumin) powder/1 tsp Jeera (cumin) seeds
2-3 shallots (small onions)

First of all you need to peel layer of petals, under each petal you will find a set of flowers.
Take out the flowers and remove the black head which is found in the middle of each flower. Pull out this entire thread and discard them
Cleaning is the only time consuming part of this dish, trust me its worth it :)
Now chop the flowers and as you chop, put them them in a bowl filled with water and turmeric
Once all flowers are chopped, wash the chopped flowers with water

Take a pan, add some oil. When the oil is hot add mustard seeds,urad dal, dry red chilly, curry leaves and saute
Once seeds are spluttered, add chopped banana flowers and moon dal. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and some water. Add salt and close the vessel until both are cooked well
Make sure that moong dal does not get mushy

In the meanwhile, coarsely grind the ingredients below "For grinding" section

Once banana flowers and moong dal mix is done, make sure that water is evaporated completely
Add the coarsely ground mixture, mix it well and increase the heat level and mix them for 2 minutes and switch off gas.
Immediately transfer to a bowl and add some more curry leaves
Dish is ready to accompany rice and curry :)

Little "K"

Two days back, we were called by a good school for Interaction process..it was "K's" interview day to lower kindergarten...we told little "K" that teachers will be asking you questions
He was so excited..we reached and in the first round we were taken to meet his teacher
She kept on asking him questions and this fellow was just waiting to answer..it was cute and surprising because me and "A" had never taught him anything...and then the teacher told him to tell a story
It was so so funny coz I always tell him one story before sleeping in Malayalam.He told the teacher the complete story in English, she was quite happy...me and "A" were baffled!

This was his way of translation

Once there was lion who told all animals that Come to my den and I will eat you everyday
First day he ate the donkey, next day he ate the horse.Then rabbit came very late, lion was hungry and shouted at the rabbit...Why you coming late?
Rabbit said sorry but I saw another lion...lion said there is no another lion in this forest. Rabbit said Come I'll show you. Rabbit look the lion to the kinarra...(hehe we laughed at that one :) ) and said look down
Lion looked down and saw his face..because of mirror(he meant reflection). He growled at the other lion and fell down. All another animals said Thank you Rabbit :)
That was my little one's story in his own words

I could not believe that my little one has grown so much..he is now all set to face the world!!! :)

Cook in me Jagaa :)

Yesterday "A" went to collect a parcel from his frens place. His fren had just been to Kerala and gave him the parcel alongwith a long Kappa and a banana flower
Wow that was a good change..sine for lunch, I had prepared typical kerala curry, kappa reached just at time
I quickly puzhingyafied kappa and oolalala it was yummy time!
Here's the recipe

Kappa : Cut big pieces : 10 big pieces
Turmeric Powder-2 Pinches
Red Chilly Powder-1 pinch
Salt to taste
Water : 11/2 Cup

Cut big pieces of kappa(tapioca)
Places the pieces inside the pressure cooker alongwith turmeric,red chilly powder and salt
Pour water, just enough for the kappa/tapioca to boil
Close the cooker and let the pieces steam well
I waited for 5 whistles to blow

While the kappa is getting steamed, get the next set of ingredients ready

Grated coconut-1Cup
Small Onions/Shallots-4/5 in no.
Green Chillies-4 in no.
Cumin seeds or Cumin Powder-1/2 tsp
Curry leaves-2 Sprigs

Grind coarsely the above  ingredients

Now once Kappa is done, take out the pieces and mash them well, add the coarsely grinded ingredients and  finally add a drop of coconut oil to the mashed Kappa
Hmm yummy naadan kaapa puzhukka is ready :)
"A" helped me in mashing Kappa, he was excited to have Kappa and Meen Curry
However I also made coconut chutney without water, as even that goes well with Kappa

To Quit or not?

I have been thinking of switching for sometime and finally have made the decision
I have been working in worlds top MNC, its a brand which is famous across the world and known to almost everyone!
I have been here for two years now, am in a very responsible position, as the numbers which I publish is considered as final market share...its great because even the CEO of such a firm looks forward to my mails
But honestly, I don't enjoy a bit, experience wise, its been great but at the end of the day, I don't have any emotional connect to the firm and mua being an emotional person, feel that any employee should have an emotional connect as that motivates him/her to work better!
Maximum time is spent on meetings as there are number of agencies to work for each project
Anyways coming back...I have been toying with this idea of quitting for sometime
I have been tired of the dialogue-"how can you think of quitting such a firm?
To everyone, they see the rosy pictures like the brand name,the flexibility of working from home,the perks etc
But issue is that my work starts @6AM and ends at 11PM...I am not exaggerating
Even though I am at home, I am always in calls
And I have to go to office when there are meetings, funny part is that there are atleast 3 full day meetings in a week and during those days, when I go to office, I reach office at 9AM and come back by 12 PM
Last one year, I have hardly spent time with my little one...I am on full day meetings even during weekends
I genuinely don't think that for a brand name, one should compromise with life and hence have finally taken the step
I am in state where right now brand name has no value, all I want to do is have a life!
Am I asking for too much? I am a simple person with small wishes..when I die, I just want to be remembered as a wonderful wife, mom,daughter,daughter-in-law,relative,friend and human being!
When I die, no-one will remember me as the person who had made that great presentation hehehe :)
I am so thankful that God brought clarity into my life and I took the decision of quitting!
Thankfully "A" is also fine with my decision but convincing my parents and in-laws was the tough part...but I have been always like this...
I have always made my own decisions in life coz I believe that we just have one life, and we should be responsible for our actions, we should never blame anyone else for the situation we are in :)