Redefining Horizons

What next? This is the question that I am confronted with, on a daily basis ever since I have received my retirement order. Each and every person I meet or who has known me for some time, comes up with this question as soon as they come to know that I am retiring. In the beginning, my reply was always, that I haven’t decided. To the very close ones I replied that, I am working on it. When it all began, it was just a question, like any other. As time pass by, the frequency seems to increase and the sincerity with which it is asked is also evident. This matter has assumed serious proportions and needs to be addressed with all the seriousness it deserves. Once this question is posed, it is not uncommon for my well-wishers to offer their advice without waiting for my answer. I am often advised to search for new jobs that fit my status and standing, or those jobs which give me a high on my esteem front. They somehow feel that I must continue to work. I have been instructed to w...

  It is often said that a movie is a reflection of the society. The narrative of a movie normally reflects the society’s beliefs, thoughts and practices. Thus the storyteller picks up something from the society and weaves it into a story, the limiting factors being the narrator’s skills and imagination. Each piece of the story, its characters and narrative along with all that is integral to it is picked up from the society. This helps every person at the movie hall, generally relate all characters to someone he or she knows. Those movies set in planes alien to the society were either science fiction movies or horror movies. But normally all movies told stories that were set in contemporary society and could easily be related to.      Movies are great catalysts for change. Trivial or worthy, films played a major role in shaping the opinion of the society. There are films that espoused nationalism and patriotism. There were movies that espoused faith to ove...

The phone rang as it does always. As always I picked up the mobile and mechanically accepted the call. As soon as I heard the name on the other side, everything changed. On the other side was my classmate from college telling me that they were planning a get together for the classmates. He wanted to know if I could make it convenient to attend. It took me no time to decide and I told him come what may, I shall attend the function dead or alive. It was an occasion that I  looked forward to. I was eager to meet my old friends, catch up with lost times and re-experience those beautiful moments of my youth, I had spend at the college in Kollam.  I was eager to be back, where I actually belonged to. It was with a great sense of gratitude and happiness I confirmed my attendance at the function proposed to be organized by my classmates. Glory to the Almighty, wherever He or She be, by whatever name He, She or It be called for any divine assistance rendered. My gratitude to thos...

We associate, recognise with the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrate Christmas. We do it every year. Our fathers and forefathers have done it every year. In fact the humanity has done it over about 2000 times . Is it just another birthday like every other that we celebrate? Is it just an occasion for Pomp and show, fun and frolic to be forgotten soon after wishing each other merry Christmas? Is there something more to it? Every nook and corner of the earth is beset with violence. Mankind is at war with itself. Man against man, brother against brother, merciless and cruel viciously differentiated by colour, cast, creed, religion, state, language and every other conceivable difference. Is Christmas relevant in today's world? If it is not , it ought not be there. If it is, then how is it relevant? How should it influence us? Is there something more to it than meets the eye? To find answers we must delve into the pages of Holy Bible. Lets us search from the beginning. T...

Where do they all go?           It was the question that intrigued me as I stood watching the casket of my grandma being lowered into the grave. I, as a child having lost my life’s only anchor, was crying my heart out. But as soon as this question gripped my brain I stopped crying. Surely, it is not possible for someone to come out of nowhere and go into nowhere. Surely there has to be a destination. Quest to solve this riddle, I learn has made saints out of men.  As I grew up, the question lost its sheen as I busied myself growing up. It was not forgotten. I didn’t know that it was lurking somewhere within me till it surfaced with its full intensity as I stood at the crematorium on a Sunday witnessing another customary 'send-off'. Where do they all go from here?           As I stood watching the near and dear ones of the departed, somber in sorrow, I also noticed few who m...

   O ne often hears the saying, " Justice delayed is justice denied " . It is often quoted in the corridors of law depending upon who wants to use it, where and when. Irrespective of who quotes it, the underdog stands to suffer the consequences. There were times when I wondered, how delay impacts the affected and afflicted but never actually gave much importance to it.. Not till now. Not till it hit me personally.      I shudder at the very thought of going to a police station or court. Like all law abiding citizens, I have tried my best to be on the right side of law. Such was life till now, I didn't have to get into a civil court room ever.  I have been to departmental courts where mostly I was presiding and so ensured speedy objective disposal with scant regard to positions, personality or influences. Consequently, I was entrusted either with complicated cases that guaranteed severe personal adverse implications either from the powerful or from th...

The intricacies of budgeting.. Those who have don't spend it.. Those who want it don't get it.. As i try balance cheese and chalk.. Lord, isn't this real life?? Why don't we know what to ask for!! Why don't we know what to do with what we have.. Why waste a life chasing name and fame That at best can be reached grabbed and stacked? How kind of Him.. he doesn't give all that we ask for How relevant the prayer.. Lord give me this day my daily bread.. so meaningful so beautiful.. As i look back at these 28 years of matrimonial bliss.. Of holding hands and walking the worlds weird ways.. Through thick and thin.. difficult days Making us grow more fond of each other Tough times sticking us closer together Each one holding the other dearer We built our life brick by brick, Against odds seemingly insurmountable in this life's perilous journey Her perseverance and patience come forth in shine i am awash in her love and care.. Free to...