Back to School 🏫 -Part 1

Feb 2017


A Good Sit



It was only the third time in 31 years that I had walked the halls of my school...a place I remember as my own since I joined in grade 4 - where I realized the joy of having friends and the value of learning; from whose tall walls, on which hung portraits of pioneers of the time, the power of legacy and the strength that comes only from doing hard and honorable work; through whose dedicated teachers, the art of walking that almost invisible line that lay between instruction and inspiration, and within whose flexible confines, the facility to articulate the meaning and power of small freedoms.


Surely, the grand corridors needed upkeep and those tall walls a fresh coat of paint and some putty, but those were easy to ignore. The warmth with which I was received by the office staff, and the stars they carried in their eyes as they made conversation with an Old student who came back to visit just like that, was simply overwhelming. It had the same unrelenting quality of kind comfort that my purple tunic-clad self felt through her seven years at Keyes. Jayasree madam walked me through the mechanics of how the administration is doing its best to keep up with changing times, and Archana Salvi madam brought me up to speed on the use of technology. What was more, I got to meet the stars, the kids of today, whose talents and energies continue to make Keyes High School proud! I had the honor of meeting the quiet, gifted, Safa Manal who had just won first place in the twin cities math competition, and Suchitra, the school Head Girl with a ready smile, who seemed like the leader the rest of the gang loved. From what I could tell, everyone seemed super happy to meet me too and that just made my day!


As I walked out of the library/office in my red saree which made for quite a contrast to purple, I found myself quietly answering questions that seemed to be coming from so many intent young eyes...no sooner did I pass the assembly hall on my right, did one girl ask if I was a new teacher. 'I wish' , I heaved a mumbling sigh as a fleeting rumination on the career of my dreams caught me off-guard. 10 seconds later I was glad my thoughts crossed paths with my destination, 10 D. I left my disappointment outside the door of course, and walked into a sea of smiles. There was that irresistible quality of kind comfort again....I chatted with my next gen counterparts for quite some time about this and that. Only a few seconds in and I realized they shared the same sentiments about exam time as me! I always wondered if anything about exams was ever fun and suddenly I felt right at home. I had company! We never knew what the outcome of our ignorant minds paying homage to education would be or if there would any at all, but the thought of straying seemed far more scary. So, it was just something we attempted in all sincerity and got over with.. Thank God for opportunities and experience, and motherhood, I now know better than to shortchange the value of measurement.
That picture of me in the classroom that I have had for sometime on my timeline made many smile because it stirred up their memories and brought random incidents and unmeditated feelings to surface - stuff that made them hungry for a throwback to a time where they could enjoy a Good Sit in those worn out desks, peer over to sneak a joke or two during class, and just make a few more memories, wishing school days had dragged on a little bit longer and we never grew out of our school uniforms ...


"HAPPY is when you have a good sit in the chair against the cupboard in the last bench in class 10 D at Keyes High School chatting with a bunch of 15-year olds.....Life is Good when a walk down memory lane does not seem like it was 31 years ago! "


To be contd. in Part 2...

The Baker's Dozen on Strengthening Relationships

Do relationships matter? 

Ever imagined where we would be without the many ties that keep our existence meaningful? Whether the objective is strategic or mere commonplace, whether at home, work or any location where living in isolation is not a popular choice, fact remains that there is a need to nurture these relationships and strengthen them as we go about our lives.

Though simple, the tenets below require a solemn personal commitment and a desire to abide by it not just when convenient, but in spite of much inconvenience. It is only then that there can be a successful establishment of Trust and Rapport with all those that we care about. A little investment is sure to go a long way, and the results that follow are immediate and most gratifying.

Note that each tenet has an ACTION word (Verb). This goes to prove that the only place where Success comes before Work is in the Dictionary!

1. Approach people with a Smile. It is the one weapon in your arsenal with the greatest potential to turn things around, no matter how grave the given circumstance.

2. Arouse in the other person a desire to meet, talk and work with you. Show what's in it for them. From that desire comes motivation to consider, commitment to pursue, and determination to succeed. 

3. Address the person by name and use it often during your conversations. One's name is the sweetest sound to him/her in any language.

4. Ask about their interests. Know what they like. Understand the what and think about the why. Everyone has the need to feel significant, and your genuine inquiry may establish just that.

5. Admire a good listener. A conversation that you are motivated to entertain is bound to be two-way. When it's your turn to talk, you will have won a good listener over by being one yourself.

6. Acknowledge that the other person is important to the relationship. Establish the connection and gain trust before moving forward. It takes two to tango!

7. Admit when at fault and do it quickly. The longer you take to admit a mistake, the more irreparable the damage. Time to call truce is now. 

8. Allow failure. It is an option, and the only means to learn and grow. Fail 'out loud' to reinforce lessons learnt, and move yourself and others forward. 

9. Abandon criticism. If you must critique, bring it on like rain, to nurture, not destroy. 

10. Avoid arguments. Generate light if you can, not heat. Think Win-Win and know when to let it go.

11. Appeal to the Idealist that exists within each of us. Speak of virtue and let the other person examine, understand and come to terms with reality based on their notion of the ideal.

12. Advise only if you must. Think hard before you dispense it.  It may be unwelcome at best, and a slate wiper of relationships at worst.

13. Abide by the 'All opinions count' policy. You do not have to agree, but make the opinion count. Afford the other person the same allowance you expect when you express an opinion.

And lastly, the crucial one that's often missed:

14. Answer the question, 'According to who'? 
Place yourself in the other person's shoes. Understand his/her point of view. Our perspectives are what make us unique - in this respect, we are all in classes of one.

Back to Blogging!

In the last 5 years, I have thought, done and written more than I ever have in the years that came before. Yet, not on my Blog.


I am reviving my blog....


I hope to write often - thoughts, ideas, feelings and just random observations that forge their way into my days, less meditated or deliberate.


Please take anything I say as advice at your own risk :)


Cheers!
Sravanthi

Reunion

by Sravanthi Vallampati

Just times that make you happy....

REUNION

Drinking with mine eyes, the joys of reunion,

drowsed with mirth of brewing memories,

seeking to unravel the mystery that bonds,

this fabric of my life, so soft, yet firmly so!

Sprinting as though making up for lost time,

whilst drowning in dreams for tomorrow,

bidding time to stand still, an hour, a trice,

to fill my cup o'er n take swig, just for this day!

Praying as I blot, no thoughts withholden,

that time not us do part, in this plan divine,

In small measures, I'll savor my life-perfect,

for, who's to tell what tomorrow holds!!

Diwali ki Yaaden

Aayi hain Diwali dekho, laayi hain niraali
aasha, kaanksha, man ki, tan ki
aayi re Diwali !

Lagi hain sunehri deepon ki, yeh sulagti maala,
Naacho, gaao, dhoom machaao, aala Diwali alaa!

Bandhu-mitr, parivaar sameth, gaao lakshmi gaatha
Dhanye hain maata suprasanna, teko apna maatha!

Bbolo prem ki bhasha nirantar, bin, oonch neech ka antar
Prem ki sada ek hain boli, barsaao ab preet ki holi!

Jabhi lagti deep maalika, mujhko aate hain woh pal yaad
Thi main jab ek nanhi baalika, karti vaad vivaad!

Amma kehti dekh pyaari, yeh hain woh tewhaar
Sab ki jeet hi jeet hain aaj, na honi kisi ki haar!
Maa ki choli pakde chalti, deep sajaate aangan paas
Aankh michowni khelte hum sab, hothi jab raat amaavas !

Kaate laddu, peda, jalebi, masti karte saara din
Chedte sabko, chan-chan-chan; Haste hasaate pal gin-gin!
Aaj hain meri bhi ik bitiya, use sunaana hain vistaar
Kyon manaate hum yeh din, kyon hain yeh aparampaar!

Ho adhron pe prem ka ras, aise beethe aaj diwas
Chalo manaaye jhoomte bas, aaj na hon hum niras !

Aayegi phir agle saal, Deepavali bemisaal
Tab tak rahen sab khush haal
Yeh hi hain mere aaj khayaal!

Diwali - A Point in Time essay

Here's an essay to recollect all the beautiful memories that went down in my book of family celebrations and the very reasons behind why I remember them so vividly after all these years. A submission that I recently made to a contest that got some attention... Sravanthi Vallampati

No Essay contest during my school days would be complete without an entry in my name. Head-down and determined, I’d prepare, giving what it took. The goal was to win, technique was rote and arsenal, a time-tested selection of quotations and heavy-duty phrases that never failed to keep wanna-shines like me in good stead. In contrast, today’s unrehearsed exercise is a chronicle of my recollections as I saunter in rewind-mode, along the corridors of my home where growing up with family and friends was just plain jolly, especially at Diwali, glimpses of which I am only too thrilled to share!

Diwali brings back memories of good weather (summer and monsoon were finally over!!) where we would have at least 10 days to stay away from school and surprisingly the elders in the family, unlike other times, actually enjoyed us kids’ company around home. Part of that good spirit may have been due to pleasant weather where it's easy to be calm and contemplative, but as I think back, I'd more likely attribute it to the fact that we had plenty to keep our merry selves busy and out of their hair....countless cousins to visit and host, goodies to eat, shopping, new clothes, movies to go to and most importantly, no homework to worry about! Fresh coats of paint, bright lighting and colorful floral decorations adorned each home and the whole neighborhood seemed like it had undergone a transformation overnight. Sometimes I wondered if people had even forgotten to frown, scream or get mad, but I knew enough to not bring that to anyone’s attention. Music blared from temple walls, the air was infused with the fragrance of incense, and street corners became party stations where young and adult congregated to have a go at assortments of fire crackers while gorging on delicious sweets and savories late into the night through the 5 days of festivities. While there was endless excitement outside, what I most fondly remember about Diwali is the time we shared as a family. Time where I’d sit by my grandmother and marvel at her story-telling abilities. She and my mother took it upon themselves this time every year, to ensure that they were doing their part in getting us oriented with the cultural, mythological and moral significance surrounding festivals and rituals. After lunch, we’d gather either on the ‘verandah’ (porch) outside or the kitchen floor, setting ourselves up for a mini project. While our little hands worked on decorating lamps of clay or helped with rolling, cutting or folding dough for the sweets and savories that they so lovingly (and willingly) made year after year just for us, our minds craved for what was to fall upon our ears. Day one invariably started out with grandma asking us what the word 'Deepavali' meant ('Deepavali' is another name for 'Diwali'), to which yours truly, the good listener would waste no time in chiming in: "Deepam - light, aavali - row-- Row of Lights". Silly as it sounds now, I was always eager to gather an extra titbit of information to show-off and impress my teacher with my journal once school resumed. If I did not mention my brothers and their teasing with regards this attitude of mine, it is for a good reason. They were, let's just say, not very eager. Treats got passed out to all as incentives for future participation and the munching and murmuring continued as though creating the perfect battlefield soundtrack. We’d get excited, each vicariously living the characters of our choice, slaying the demons with one hand while showering blessings upon humankind as Lord Rama himself, with the other. Boys fought over who would play the mighty ‘Narakasura’ while the girls diligently finished their projects. As we wrapped up, key points were made a couple of questions asked. Unable to resist the temptation to instruct to a rapt audience, uncles and aunts took the liberty of throwing in an anecdote or two as they went about their chores. There was always a moral behind those stories, as I recall now, and their beauty lay in how subtly it was conveyed, in words we understood and deeds we could easily fulfill. The essence was in seeing, doing and being good. As day contemplated night, I felt like I could not wait for the following day to begin……

Learnings in the years following my first impressions, have no doubt come in more formal packages of the written word, and my motivation to listen has somewhat matured now that I have little ones of my own to relay the message to, but the theme around Diwali and its exuberantly colorful picture of hope, joy and goodness has stayed the same. To me, Diwali will remain the biggest and the brightest of festivals whether its significance be expounded upon as a passage from darkness to light or triumph of good over evil, what is true and constant is that it’s a celebration of life and its abundant joy and goodness that illumine our homes and hearts, bringing us that much closer to divinity!

AUTUMN - Acrostic

by Sravanthi Vallampati.
Much as I love Spring and Summer, there's a certain magic in the air as Autumn negotiates that last turn around the corner to present itself !!! As days become shorter, blooms turn into berries and each leaf into a flower fluttering through a perfectly situated autumnal day, whistling under my breath, I stand gazing into the trees in my yard, wishing I was a bird or a butterfly with abundant opportunities to get up close with the maiden of Autumn, laden in the golden load left behind by summer past.....thinking not so much of the harshness of winter but a time to prepare for the spring to come!

As trees turn color, Crimson, Cherry and Gold, I soak
Under showers of falling leaves, watching Geese fly South
Taking a deep cleansing breath of crisp Autumn air, gazing
Undeterred by the winnowing wind into fading light, sipping
Mild Apple cider, with Cinnamon warm and tart just right!
Not a place on earth I'd rather be, than in my neck of woods!