WIC India Dehradun || Center Style February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

MAYA JOFYININD

MBATHaIyJaA Origami
SAKANA FEATURE
SPEAK
FEBRUARY
FROM THE EXPERIENCES
WRITER’S MIND
ZARA AND SATISH JOHN
WWHIESRHE ES
A LEAP OF FAITH - MY INHERITANCE FROM MY FATHER
COME WIC TALKS
TRUE
10 FEBRUARY 2018, SATURDAY
NEW YEAR BASH
AT WIC INDIA DEHRADUN JAYA JAITLY

BE GOOD OR MEMOIRS OF A WOMAN IN INDIAN POLITICS
AUTHOR INTERACTION AND DISCUSSION
SI WAILNL TTEAXT 17 FEBRUARY 2018, SATURDAY

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION NORTH INDIA CYBER SECURITY HACKATHON
AT WIC INDIA DEHRADUN INVITE ONLY EVENT
21 FEBRUARY 2018, WEDNESDAY TO 23 FEBRUARY 2018, FRIDAY
ONwanittehure NATYANJALI
KUCHIPUDI DANCE EVENT
IHNATRESRHVVIEAWNTWI BITIHSHT IN ASSOCIATION WITH SCHOOL OF KUCHIPUDI, MOSCOW
24 FEBRUARY 2018, SATURDAY
WICS002 RANGERS POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
MEMBERS ONLY
SEASON 2
24&25 FEBRUARY 2018, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
WORLD CINEMA AFTERNOON
FRENCH CINEMA SCREENING - LES SOUVENIRS
27 FEBRUARY 2018, TUESDAY

February Contents

PRESIDENT’S NOTE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Romance Returns to One with Nature
the Winter Garden Exclusive Interview with
Dr. Harshvanti Bisht
DECEMBER 2017
AT A GLANCE FEBRUARY 2018
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES
Be Good or I will Text Santa! A Leap Of Faith - My Inheritance From
Christmas at WIC India Dehradun My Father
WIC Talks with Zara and Satish John
Where Wishes Come True
New Year Bash 2018 Memoirs of a Woman in Indian Politics
Author Interaction and Discussion with
WIC FEATURE Jaya Jaitly
“The Call of Art”
North India Cyber Security
DINING EXPERIENCE Hackathon 2018

Origami, A Fabled Artform Natyanjali
Feature - Sakana A Kuchipudi Dance Recital

Find Joy in Origami World Cinema Afternoon
Feature - Sakana Les Souvenirs

Weekend’s Top Evening Gigs SPORTS BAR
Weekend Musical Evenings EXPERIENCES
at The Secret Garden Stars of Rangers Pool
Championship 2017
MAYA SPEAK Rangers Pool Championship
Maya Bathija - From The Writer’s Mind
This Month at The Sports Bar
THE ENCHANTED PLAYROOM Experiences & Game Nights
EXPERIENCES
Hey Kids! It’s Showtime
Kid’s Special Movie Screening

EDITORIAL

Chief Editor Management Editors Photographers Advertising
Manisha Dogra
Nazia Y. Izuddin Manisha Dogra Surbhi Malik Mansi Singh Amit Bhatia

Chief Designer Senior Editor Anurag Dhyani Shanub Jaleel

Shanub Jaleel Mansi Singh Ajay Chamoli

PRESIDENT’S
NOTE

RWROEITNMUTRAENRNSGCTAEORTDHEEN

Romance is the central theme of life at “I have drunk the night
WIC India Dehradun. The highs and lows and swallowed the stars.
of life, flow into an ebb of emotions. And I am dancing with abandon
for each emotion, there is a place of and singing with rapture.
solace or a place of celebration, and a There is not a thing I do not love.
drink to go with it. There is not a person I have not forgiven.
I feel a universe of love.
The year that went by had brought with I feel a universe of light.
it, several joys and several pains. What Tonight, I am with old friends
survives at the end is the human spirit, and we are returning home.
which thrives on hope and the ability to The moon is our witness.”
celebrate.
― Kamand Kojouri
Every night, at WIC, we see the young
and the old eating, laughing and making
merry. The night embraces all, and WIC
shines as a place to celebrate, romancing
the dark, the light and the grey of life.

Each time a member gets into his car
at the valet station to go back home, I
remember this poem.

Community EXCLUSIVE
Experiences INTERVIEW

ONNAETWURITEH

Interview with Dr. Harshvanti Bisht

By Mansi Singh

What made you take up mountaineering?
Mountaineering was a hobby; I just wanted to know what mountains are. How the mountains can be used to produce
or say, create employment for the local people. How the mountain tourism can be promoted and just because of
that I went to the mountains and I stopped my Ph.D and continued my mountaineering for a few years, this is how it

started.

Being a woman what all hurdles you had to face when it came to climbing?
Certainly, right from the very beginning nobody wanted me to go for climbing. Once they saw that I am really mad af-
ter that, my parents said ok. Even in the society people thought I am mad, earning money and not going to the cities,
not going to film and all these places. Instead of that whatever vacations I was getting, I was going to the mountains.
Physically I was very thin, so that too was a problem. Initially when I went to NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering)
the senior instructor said “You are underweight, how can I allow you to go for climbing”. I said, “You test me and if you
don’t find me up to the mark, then you can send me back”. Family, social and all types of problems were there. Later

on everything was ok and I continued my mountaineering.

“MOUNTAINEERING WAS A HOBBY
I JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHAT MOUNTAINS ARE”

What is your biggest inspiration in life? environmental conservation. because Indian philosophy is a
My mother, very determined lady philosophy which says co-existence
she was, who inspired me for A message that you would like to of man and nature, we have
my mountain climbing later on. convey to today’s youth in terms of forgotten that we have become
Determination, I got from her. conservation? very commercial and consumerism
She was determined and she did In our times, mountains were has spread. But for the sake of our
everything for the family. So I thought beautiful. Ecologically they were very survival, forget about religious
if I am determined even I will be sound but after 40 years when I went preaching of the people that we
able to do. For mountaineering, to the same place where I took my should worship the nature. But
mountains and this tourism industry training, I saw the vegetation going atleast for our own survival we have
for the local people inspired me. up and up. So the global warming to respect nature. We have to
After my mountaineering, I switched is taking place. It is very fashionable conserve nature; we should be
towards environmental conservation. to talk about that, but it is difficult to friendly with nature. And youth, if
For that I fully credit Sir Edmund do something. If really we are serious, they start doing it right now, the
Hillary, because in 1984 when I went not because we want to conserve practice will continue. So for the
for Everest climbing, I saw his great the mountains or the Himalayas youth, I request them that they should
work over there that inspired me for or any other part of the earth, but think about it.

HARSHVANTI BISHT

WIC FEBRUARY 2018
Experiences
SCHEDULE

community experiences

WIC TALKS

DATE: 10 FEBRUARY 2018
DAY: SATURDAY
TIME: 3:30PM to 5:30PM
VENUE: WORLD STAGE, WIC INDIA DEHRADUN

SPEAKERS:

Dr. P. SATISH JOHN

Dr. P. Satish John is the Founder and wherever there is a need. Educated both
Director of Himalayan Torchbearers, a in India and abroad, his field of education
well known Charitable Trust based in includes Biblical theology, Sociology,
Kuthal Gate, Dehradun. Under his able Political Science, Philosophy, Religion,
leadership and vision Himalayan Philosophy and Journalism. He also holds
Torchbearers serve the community a Ph.D in Biblical Studies and has served
through spiritual education (Seminars and as the Vice Principal of Capernwray Bible
Leadership courses), education for the College in Australia till 1991 before
poor and underprivileged (5 schools in returning to India to serve his own people.
Uttarakhand, UP and Delhi), free medical He is on the board of directors of
care for the poor, rehabilitation and relief several social service organizations and
of the affected in the natural calamity educational institutions and actively
in Uttarakhand and vocational training involved in bringing a social change in our
center for the physically handicapped country. He is also the founding Chairman
and many other social welfare activities of ‘Cancer Concern Society’, Dehradun.

ZARA JOHN

Mrs. Zara John was born and raised in that focus on reaching children in remote
Dehradun. She completed her schooling or backward areas where there are no
from Woodstock School in Mussoorie. schools. Along with the schools, the
From there she went on for religious organization serves as a retreat and
studies in Germany after which she did her training center for NGO’s across India.
Bachelors in Sociology and Child Mrs. Zara feels passionately about
Psychology from Ouachita Baptist University education and has a heart to see children
in the USA. She is pursuing further receive quality teaching regardless of
education along with her current job social or economic background, which
as an administrator at Himalayan is why she chose to work alongside her
Torchbearers. Himalayan Torchbearers father at Himalayan Torchbearers.
is an organization started by her parents She is also wife to Mr. Dave Fair and in her
Mr. and Mrs. John. The organization has spare time loves to bake, try her hand at
5 schools in Uttarakhand, UP and Delhi interior decoration and read.

MEMBER
Experience

DATE: 7 FEBRUARY 2018 - 14 FEBRUARY 2018
DAY: WEDNESDAY - WEDNESDAY
VENUE: WIC INDIA DEHRADUN

LOVE STRUCK

Valentine’s week at WIC India Dehradun

WIC FEBRUARY 2018
Experiences
SCHEDULE

community
experiences

DATE: 17 FEBRUARY 2018

DAY: SATURDAY

TIME: 3:30PM to 5:30PM

VENUE: WORLD STAGE, WIC INDIA DEHRADUN

AUTHOR:
JAYA JAITLY
Jaya Jaitly is an Indian politician and to share their skills and assist in capacity
former Samata Party president, an activist, building.
author and Indian handicrafts curator. She has authored and published books on
Jaya is the promoter and expert in field of the Crafts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh,
India’s arts and crafts cottage industries. the Craft Traditions of India, Viswakarma’s
Dastkari Haat Samiti was founded by her Children, a socio-economic study of crafts
in year 1986, to enable rural artisans of people, and Crafting Nature. A selection
traditional Indian crafts to gain of her articles on politics, social issues,
confidence in the marketplace through women, human rights, foreign affairs, etc.
many innovative strategies. Her work was compiled into a book titled Podium
brings together artisans of India, Pakistan, on the Pavement. She has been deeply
Vietnam, Africa, Asia and has been involved in heritage issues at all levels and
taken up by the Indian government as an has received awards from PHD Chamber
instrument in diplomacy to bring together and FICCI for her work in culture and arts
crafts practitioners from all over the globe and as a role model for women leaders.

Community
Experience

ENTRY BY INVITATION ONLY

DATE: 21 FEBRUARY 2018 - 23 FEBRUARY 2018
DAY: WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY
VENUE: WORLD STAGE, WIC INDIA DEHRADUN

Learning Links Foundation (LLF), in cyber security and build capacity among
collaboration with the US Embassy, New youth in this field by encouraging them
Delhi is organizing a “North India Cyber to build innovative solutions for cyber
Security Hackathon”. The aim of the security issues.
program is to promote awareness on

Community
Experience

DATE: 24 FEBRUARY 2018
DAY: SATURDAY
VENUE: WIC INDIA DEHRADUN

Led by Padma Ragini Puttu, Natyanjali distinct performing art showcases nuance
is a display of vigorous and vivacious of sensitivity of technique and enticing
exponent of Padma Bhushan Guru exuberance of the promising artists.
VempatiChinna Satyam’s style of Endowed with a rare blend of intuition
Kuchipudi dance. It features a devoted and intellect, this art form has evolved
and disciplined troupe of dancers who over the years.
are endowed with an artistic footing. This









Member DECEMBER 2017
Experiences
A GLANCE

TBOEERXGTI OWSAOILNLDTA

Feature By Mansi Singh

CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT BEING GOOD,
AND EVEN IF YOU ARE TOO LATE IN BEING
GOOD, WE HAVE A PLAN FOR YOU.

Right at the sparkling pavilions variety of creamy cakes baked
of WIC, the feast was laid of
delicacies. The shimmering only for Christmas were the ones
Christmas lights, wreaths and
colorful tinsels caught the eyes. that no one could resist.
With the carols playing in the
background, it seemed nothing Celebrating this wonderful
less than a dream. Yes! This was
an experience at WIC. time of the year with family

To capture fondest memories and friends was altogether a
at Christmas, there was a Photo
booth that stayed teeming with memorable experience. It
children and adults. The magic
show and the movie screening was all about love, joy and
for kids was again an amazing
Christmas delight. Apart from merriment, and also everything
all the decorations, banquet
and choir, bakery made the one could possibly wish for.
occasion a lot more special. A
So don’t worry about Santa,
You can be good all the year,
Ok most of the time,
Once in a while,
Never mind!
We are here to gift you the most
extraordinary Christmas each
year.

Member DECEMBER 2017
Experiences
A GLANCE

WCHOERMEEWTIRSUHEES
Feature By Mansi Singh

“WE ALL HAVE OUR LIFE TO PURSUE, OUR
OWN KIND OF DREAM TO BE WEAVING…
AND WE ALL HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE
WISHES COME TRUE, AS LONG AS WE

KEEP BELIEVING.”

This reminds me of Enid Blyton classic tales, “The Magic Faraway Tree
Collection” that was a set of fascinating children’s books. Transporting
one to the enchanted forest, where grew a magical tree, whose topmost
branches seemed to reach the clouds. The wishing tree has always had

countless stories attached to it that are great to read out loud.

Going by the numerous legends, one realizes that something is truly magical
about a whishing tree. A symbol of prayers the tree remains inundated with
countless wishes. Colorful sticky notes rippling in the air seem to pass on the
wishes high up to the skies. It is said the wishes placed on the top are more
likely to come true. Well it’s all about your belief, if you keep on believing,

wishes do come true.

Wishing tree, where wishes comes true has always been a fictitious yet
miraculous thing that once existed. Giving you endless reasons to keep

wishing, we love to carry forward this tradition only at WIC.







DINING

EXPERIENCES

EXPERIENCES

FIONRDIGJOAYMIIN
Feature By Mansi Singh

“Square sheets of delicate paper, folding corners with nimble fingers.
Each crease signifying a moment in time”

Paper folds turned into petite butterflies, swans and boats catch your attention
in the blink of an eye. Placed beautifully on every table they look absolutely
charming. Discover the distinct paperfolding tradition at Sakana and experience
the ecstasy. Sakana will not only win you over by its oriental bar and kitchen but will

also enchant you completely with its art of Origami.
Featuring an extraordinary combination of dining with art, this flawless space is an
epitome of refinement and sophistication. Swig your choice of drinks with luscious
victuals, Sakana is sure to pamper your tastebuds and gratify your soul. Realize a

new taste and find joy in Origami amidst divine décor.

EXPERIENCES

ORIGAMI,
THE FABLED
ART FORM

Feature By Mansi Singh

One of the most intriguing forms of art created about 2000 years ago, Origami first
originated in China and later in Japan. Shaped into numerous animal forms, every
figure is symbolic and carries a meaning of its own. Origami is true art which not
only boasts of its intricacy and subtle charm but also its mindfulness.

How Symbolic are the Origami Forms?

Swan – One of the most popular forms of paper art, swan in Japanese is a symbol
of long-standing eternal love. A sign of celebration, it is often used as a
decoration during ceremonies likes weddings and anniversary parties.

Butterfly- Butterflies represent freedom, just as a caterpillar undergoes
metamorphosis and turns into a butterfly, in origami a butterfly is emblematic to
happiness, free will, beauty and grace.

Boat – Paper boat in origami symbolizes adventure, a will to sail across deep
waters and endless places. Kids love to make colorful paper boats on rainy days.

Crane- Based on Japanese folklore, cranes are said to live a thousand years. A
symbol of good luck, they represent long and a healthy life. Crane also signifies
peace.

THE REAL SPLENDOR OF THIS FABLED ART FORM IS TO TAKE IT FORWARD
AND THIS IS WHAT WE EXACTLY DO AT SAKANA. DROP IN SAKANA AND
DISCOVER THE CHARM OF THIS CREATIVE EXPRESSION OF BEAUTY.

Entertainment
Experiences

WEEVEGETKONIGEIPNNSDG’S

EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

VINIT R. RAI

2&3 FEBRUARY 2018

Loved and head banged on by thousands of listeners, Vinit R. Rai aka VRR’s music
continues to tear up the rule book. This 31 year old singer, songwriter, composer and a
mountaineer from Jodhpur (Rajasthan), travels around different nooks and corners of
the country, playing music. During his journey VRR has played with bands like
‘Bhramm’ (Pune), ‘Psy O Circle’ (New Delhi), but later decided to take things in his
own hands and go solo. That’s when he released his first independent album,
“Aaghorii’’, in the year 2014 which gathered a lot of praise. The league was followed
by another single, ‘’Sikander’’, which was a tribute to, ‘’Alexander the Great’’.

CARDAMOM

9&10 FEBRUARY 2018

Never afraid to evolve, Cardamom is a music band featuring a collective of some of
the very talented musicians. A Dehradun based band, it charms its listeners by playing
Jazz, Blues and Country music. Sing along and tap to the rhythmic beats of this band
and bring out the music lover in you.

HIMANSHU GROVER

16&17 FEBRUARY 2018

This melodious music addict considers himself as one of the luckiest beings to be doing
music in life. The only thing that connects him to his inner self and to the universe is
music. Himanshu currently works as a music teacher at the Asian School in Dehradun.
This ardent singer has been performing for many years in different cities and with many
bands. One of his bands called ‘Kaivalya’ gained much popularity in Dehradun and
cities around. His soulful music is surely going to bind you.

DEEPAK MEHAR

23&24 FEBRUARY 2018

Best in putting up a fascinating show, Deepak Mehar is a small town singer/music
producer with the big world dream of taking Garhwali music to a global level.
Dedicated as he is, Deepak has put in his years and paid his dues to reach where he is
today. Being a talented singer since his early years, Deepak participated in the
popular national television contest “Fame Gurukul”, making it to the top 14. Not
forgetting to mention, in 2009, he had the honor of performing with Mr. Daler Mehndi
in “Hindustan Ki Awaaz”. Listen to his heartfelt lyrics and feel overwhelmed.





EXPERIENCES
GAME NIGHTS

PARTIES

RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES

WORLD CINEMA AFTERNOON
RANGERS POOL



EXPERIENCES

ARAMTIHT ORE

He is a fine break-builder and is
renowned as the best tactical player at the
Rangers Pool Championship. His games are
always in good shape and that he is battle-
hardened, so certainly he is the player
others have to beat.
WINNER
Rangers Pool Trophy - July 2017
WINNER
Pro8 Rangers Trophy - August 2017
WINNER
Cue Master Championship
Rangers Pool 2017

IASHHUAJNA SJOUMLLEYET

Ishan has a fine all-round game and is now A deadly long potter, prolific when among
one of the most experienced players at the the balls and possibly the most tactically
Rangers Pool Championship series. But his astute player at the Rangers Pool
greatest strength is the determination that Championship, He certainly starts as one of
means there is never a lost cause audiences’ favourites.
RUNNER UP WINNER
Rangers Pool Championship 2016 Rangers Pool Championship 2016
WINNER WINNER
Rangers Pool Trophy - June 2017 Pro8 Rangers Trophy - July 2017
RUNNER UP RUNNER UP
Cue Master Championship Cue Master Championship
Rangers Pool 2017 Rangers Pro8 2017
WINNER WINNER
Rangers Pool Championship Rangers Pro8 Championship
November 2017 November 2017

EXPERIENCES

AJO.CS.HI

WINNER
Rangers Pool Trophy - August 2017

NGIUTIPNTA TKAHNAVNIR

WINNER WINNER
Cue Master Championship Pro8 Rangers Trophy - June 2017
Rangers Pro8 2017

GTAANUETJAAM

RUNNER UP

Rangers Pro8 Championship

November 2017

KDHEEAPNANKA LSAALINITI

RUNNER UP 2nd RUNNER UP
Rangers Pool Championship Rangers Pool Championship 2016
November 2017

EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCES
GAME NIGHTS

PARTIES

TTHHEISSMPOORNTTSHBAATR

DATE: 24&25 FEBRUARY 2018
DAY: SATURDAY & SUNDAY
TIME: 5:00 PM ONWARDS
VENUE: THE SPORTS BAR, WIC INDIA DEHRADUN

COMMUNITY WIC WORLD MOVIE
Experience
Talkies CINEMA SCREENING
DATE: 27 FEBRUARY 2018 HD AFTERNOON & DISCUSSION
DAY: TUESDAY
VENUE: THE SPORTS BAR,WIC INDIA DEHRADUN
ENGLISH NAME: MEMORIES
LANGUAGE: FRENCH
SUBTITLE: ENGLISH
DURATION: 92 MINUTES
A FILM BY JEAN-PAUL ROUVE
WITH MICHEL BLANC

Twenty-Three Year Old Romain Learns That His Grandmother Escapes
From Her Retirement Home. When He Receives A Postcard From Her To
Visit Normandy, He Decides To Join Her.





WIC
FEATURE

“TOHEF ACRATL”L
Feature By Mansi Singh

“LIKE A BULBOUS GIANT, IT ATTRACTED A SWARM
OF FIREFLIES TOWARDS ITS BLAZING LIGHT, THAT

FELL IN LOVE WITH THE VERY LIGHT, FOR LIFE”

It has rightly been said that “Art when known.
touches transforms everything”. It Good art is not what it looks like, but
calls you from the deepest corners what it does to us. “The creation of
to pour your soul and breathe the air art is not fulfillment of a need but the
of freedom. It is unique, a personal creation of a need. The world never
passion that serves as a vessel needed Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
through which our souls can speak. until he created it. Now we cannot
True happiness is found by filling it,
and purpose is fulfilled by pouring live without it.”
it out. Hear the call of Art and paint your
An undeniable phenomenon, own story, as in this world that
art is something that just doesn’t make much sense, art is
happens to you. It enables the only sanity.
you to find yourself and lose Carrying forward ‘Kolam’ the
yourself at the same time. If you folk tradition of drawing Kolams
haven’t felt it yet, it’s time you with coarse of rice flour, WIC is
reciprocated to the call of art. Art a call of art that draws countless
when heard speaks out volumes
where words fall flat. artists and lovers of art from places
Art is the only way to run away far and wide. Just like Kolam that
without leaving home. It is a shelter, invites birds and other small
like a burning coal on a cold creatures to eat it, WIC invites other
winter night; it warms you not just beings into one’s home and
from outside but from the inside. everyday life. Each Kolam, though
Art is the most intense mode of part of tradition is expressive to its
individualism that the world has maker. Similar to this age old
tradition, WIC is expressive to each of
the art forms and its possessor.









EXPERIENCES

HSEHYOKWIDTSI!MITE’S

TURBO

3&4 FEBRUARY 2018

Watch Turbo the funniest animated movie teeming with utmost fun and adventure.
Featuring a streetwise snail crew, it’s a story of an underdog snail Turbo and his friends
who embark upon the biggest challenge to make their dreams come true. An
extremely vibrant movie, it is sure to keep kids glued to their seats.

HOME

10&11 FEBRUARY 2018

Comic and heartwarming, the movie Home is created by the makers of How to Train
your Dragon. Featuring amazing voice talents of Steve Martin, Rihanna, Jim Parsons,
and Jennifer Lopez, this movie is totally amusing. The movie brings to you a tale of
an adorable misfit from another planet that happens to land on Earth and meets a
teenage girl. It’s a gripping journey of the two “to home” that keeps the eyes of the
kids stuck to the screen till the end.

MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN

17&18 FEBRUARY 2018

If you have watched The Croods and How to Train your Dragon, Mr. Peabody &
Sherman will again turn out to be a total entertainer. A scientist, a genius and an
inventor, Mr. Peabody is a dog who along with his adopted son Sherman sets off for an
extraordinary journey. Filled with adventure and unimaginable fun, they race against
time to revamp history and save the future. This movie is again a great pick for kids.

WRECK-IT-RALPH

24&25 FEBRUARY 2018

A hilarious movie, full of action and adventure, Wreck-it-Ralph is a Walt Disney
Animation Studios production. Watch out for Ralph who plays the bad guy in his
popular video game and takes a bold move to prove everyone that he is a true hero
with a big heart. Together with him and his unlikely new friends explore exciting new
worlds. Stay tuned till the climax when an evil enemy threatens their world, it’s then
that Ralph realizes he holds the fate of the entire arcade in his massive hands.



Maya

SPEAK

A column coming to you every month, expressing the writer’s views
on different subjects, however the views are only hers and are
meant to entertain the discerning reader

A huge shout out to Dehradun, a city of warmth and a hurry has other consequences.
culture and soon becoming a smart city. I am honored
to be writing my column- Mayaspeak in the So I decided that this year the same could be done
Wonderful World Integrity Centre- Style, to share with at a slower pace and perhaps with a fine tuning. A
you my thoughts and feelings and current events, headless chicken never looked good in any form. To
books and the like. Here’s hoping you get my drift and ease the beat- the -clock jitters requires absolutely no
enjoy talking about happenings, experiencing them skill, no expertise and no commitment, perhaps just the
and sharing them..in a circle of camaraderie and joy. intent to do so. I decided then in the moment that I
would clear up my days to ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’.
I used to enjoy making endless lists, like I know most
people actually do, but learnt through trial and error Happy in the thought of ‘decisions’- I learnt to whistle,
that most lists do not go beyond the first stage, most take a much needed nap, take longer than needed
times. Inspite of that I still do. The very act of having the baths, watch the sun set in slow motion, basically forced
thoughts, listing them and fancifully putting them down. myself to unwind, without feeling guilty. Smell the roses
We are indeed creatures of habit. So it’s the beginning so to speak.
of the year and I am committed to assessing my life,
making definite changes if need be and doing a little Slowing down does take time. To be in the state of
gig about it. doing nothing is like being on the outer edge- a kind of
an impossible dream, the ultimate luxury. A nice way
I have grown up in a culture of overachievers, where to understand this would be-understanding that peace
people like us make things happen and we make of mind is not a rare and exotic flower. In actuality,
them happen fast. But with that the days just seem to relaxation is merely a native plant that grows in one’s
disappear and we realize that too much has happened backyard. One just has to cultivate the seeds of
much too soon. Not adding that wanting to achieve in serenity.

So how did I do that, I learnt how Maya
to breathe all over again for
starters, learnt to listen with intent, SPEAK
learnt not rush to catch a plane, or
lose a heartbeat while trying to beat in the Gym.
a deadline. The mind in turn cannot This whole idea of making money
ever be threatened but cajoled in
harmony with the conscience. is a relatively new invention... How?
Well, it is known to be something that
Procrastination is an art form, for feudal lords stumbled on some 800
instance it can take one from years ago when they discovered
meandering to places you might quite by chance that their idle
have missed, like instead of going servants looked a lot happier when
crazy trying to pay one’s bill, one can they had less free time, more work to
decide to just clean maybe a sock do and of course a few more gold
drawer. Or perhaps start writing their coins as reward. A sort of a new
first novel instead of fixing the garage money economy in the 12th century
door. It has nature’s way of tidying started the modern age.
up messes and cleaning up unseen
corners. So do try wasting time. Meditation- I didn’t start with
A prime example would be that, because it’s been done to
vagabonding between 4 walls death. But I think meditation and I
before going outside of them. think- Cat. They really know
Get sanguine…Make your hour of everything that there is to know
procrastination equivalent to an hour about it. And we are so busy using

LEAVE SOMETHING UNSAID, DO NOT SHARE EVERY
DETAIL, AND MAKE ROOM FOR MYSTERY ALWAYS!

meditation as an attempt to tame creative one. It’s the chiseling of the it may sound, dropping off the edge
this wild and crazy creature we mountains that creates mountains, of consciousness always proved
call- the Soul. Quieting down mental carves canyons and makes sand the best way to react for me. What
activity is not the easiest thing in the dunes. better way to battle impossible work
world, but we all know that some of schedules, mixed up agendas and
the best thinking happens when the Somebody once told me- The all kinds of headaches. Ten minutes
conscious mind takes a sabbatical. moment that you think that you have and nobody even missed you.
Wearing down our restlessness is too much to do- break the anxiety by What feels and looks like inertia has
what helps as we pull our minds back taking a ten min nap. As ludicrous as magically healed you instead with
to earth. Isaac Newton figured out firing neurons. So take that Gourmet
the law of universal gravitation while nap.
sitting undisturbed under a tree,
Ben Franklin invented the lightning And lets never forget the subtle art of
rod while casually flying a kite, and listening, the hardest of it all. We hear
Sir Thomas Edison came up with a because our ears crave sound bites.
light bulb filament while one day idly Do you know that whoever listens
rolling kerosene residue between his most is the one who actually controls
fingers. Talking of cats, Albert Einstein the situation, even though what
pondered on the riddle of the actually passes between a speaker
Universe with a cat on his lap. and a listener goes way beyond a
mere sharing of words. To listen well,
Just letting our thoughts go back and is to turn your body into a sounding
forth over the odds and ends of the board for another’s thought emotions
day helps us in the wear and tear of and ideas. But I do believe and
our thoughts and feelings. Erosion is I suspect a lot of you know that-
known to be a slow process, albeit a ‘Silence is Golden”

- Maya Bathija