Why I love continental breakfasts

I've just returned from a trip to Manali and while my friend went straight for the parathas and aloo puri on the breakfast menu at our resort, I was irresistibly enticed by the muesli, toast, omelettes, baked beans and hash browns. I've always loved a hearty continental breakfast and I think it all began with the childhood attraction to Kellogg's.

Kellogg's is to breakfast cereal what Maggi is to instant noodles. And while many preferred to Indianise their staple cornflakes, I loved it just like that, with milk and honey. Sometimes, I'd add some oats, chopped dates and almonds to spice things up. What reminded me of Kellogg's (apart from the wonderful muesli I had on my trip) is this new advert:

I was curious. What sort of recipes did they have up their sleeve? I went to their Facebook page to get a glimpse of the naashta options at Guptaji's place. I chanced upon coconut ladoos with their crunchiness enhanced by Kellogg's cornflakes, cornflakes with succulent flakes of sitaphal, a nutritious chivda made of cornflakes and chappati bits, delicious dessert balls made of cornflakes, cocoa powder and walnuts and a fresh, lovely salad with crispy cornflakes, vegetables and fruits. This was taking 'innovative' to a totally new level! I've seen a lot of brands employ the technique of inventing enticing recipes with their product as the main ingredient but I must say, I'm quite tempted to whip up a few of Guptaji's naashtas in my own kitchen. 

So, before you head over to check out some of these recipes for yourself, here's my favourite way to have Kellogg's cornflakes:

Rich cornflakes and oats melange 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/anaajkanashta

Ingredients

1 handful oats

2 handfuls cornflakes

5 dates, chopped

5 almonds, chopped

1 tbsp honey

2 cups warm milk

Method

1. Soak the rolled oats in one cup warm milk. 

2. While the oats are soaking, chop a few dates and almonds. 

3. In a bowl, pour the oats and another cup of warm milk. 

4. Sprinkle cornflakes, chopped dates and almonds and 1 tablespoon honey.

5. Mix lightly and serve. 

This bowl of porridge is tasty and filling and it's one of my favourite comfort foods for breakfast or teatime. The oats add bulk to keep you full and the cornflakes add lots of crunch to keep your palate interested. It's naturally sweet because of the honey and dates and thus makes for a slimming snack. 

So coming back to my love for continental breakfasts, it's obvious why I'm partial to a simple bowl of cereal. Here are my top five reasons:

1. It's quick.

2. It's healthy.

3. It's tasty.

4. It's adaptable. 

5. It's satisfying.

If you're creative, there's no end to what you can do with a bowl of cornflakes. And if you can't be bothered to concoct your own recipes, there's always #KellloggswaleGuptaji.

Making sense of life, together

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It's at those moments when we're feeling low in life that we realise what really matters - the ability to reach out to those with whom we share the mutual bond of love. For some it's immediate family and for others, it's their close circle of friends. For animal lovers, it's their dog or cat and nature lovers will often turn to their plants for solace. I could tell you about the way I tided over my teenage bouts of depression through long, soul-searching conversations with my mother. Or I could tell you about the intensely close bonds I formed on campus during post-graduation and the way we pulled each other up, when the other had lost the sheen of optimism. But I'll tell you something different - I'll tell you about the trees outside my house.

Throughout my growing years, I'd be incredibly fascinated by the trees outside our windows. Fortunately in those days, the foliage around the building was a lot denser than it is now. As a child, it stupefied me that while one could converse with humans and even animals via signs and gestures, one couldn't exchange a single word with a tree or a flower. And so after a fight or a trying day at school, I'd watch the asoka tree outside our bedroom window, wishing they'd talk to me. They'd rustle gently in the afternoon breeze, seemingly oblivious to my presence. But after a while, a strange sort of magic would occur. In spite of the breeze, the tree would cease to move. The leaves would be absolutely still; as though listening to me. Encouraged, I'd tell the tree about the friends who'd betrayed me at school; about loneliness, disappointment and disillusionment. These were heavy emotions for a child to bear and yet as we all know, childhood is not as hunky dory as it's painted out to be. Those of us who aren't sociable or popular sometimes have a hard time 'fitting in' and understanding the ways of the world. The tree would listen without judgement. And then I'd ask a question; usually a sort of reassurance. In my heart, I'd decide that if the tree began waving in the wind, it was a yes. It would also be a sign that it was my friend. And I kid you not, whether or not there was any breeze (often there wasn't), the dear asoka tree would begin waving and the breeze that wafted towards me was symbolic of the friendship we had forged.

At heart, I'm an optimist. But often, this outlook is shrouded by the daily discontent that I experience and sometimes, I forget that it exists altogether. I even wonder whether I'm actually a cynic. It is as those times that I turn to my best friends - the trees; both near and far. They have hearts far purer than people for they know no evil. I believe that these beings are perhaps more sentient than us and they have been around for many aeons longer than man. Trees are so different from us; as though carved from a different hand of creation altogether. But they embody many things that we are not - peace, oneness with nature and unconditional generosity.

I love the people who make my life worth living. But I was devastated when most of the asoka trees outside our bedroom were hewn to make space for more light. I shed tears every time I read about deforestation in favour of development. Nature is the ultimate embodiment of optimism for me and I hope I never have to face a world without her in it. 

My top 5 ways to de-stress

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Unless you're a Buddhist monk, you have been a victim of stress at some time or the other. Not only does it damage your health and decrease your productivity, it also hampers relationships. Because those around us tend to bear the repercussions of our stressed selves. Short of taking a holiday, what can you do in an hour or less, to beat the demon called stress?

1. Watch a cartoon

I don't mean the noisy, action-oriented ones. Pick a 1970-80 Japanese anime and lose yourself in the tragic yet happy stories of little kids in the Swiss Alps, Canada and London. Cartoons require less mind space than films and adult television shows. They are innocent and merry and they remind us of the selves we used to be.

2. Gaze at the world outside my window

The best way to beat stress is to be actively idle. That sounds like an oxymoron, right? But that's exactly what I do on quiet weekend afternoons. I perch by the window and sit still for a while, watching the sky, the cats and the pigeons and the strangers on the street outside. I watch the flow of the world and something about its lazy pace soothes the tempest within me.

3. Go for a walk

For me, movement is worship. Let your feet be your wheels or go for a random ride in the first bus or train you see. Of course in Mumbai, public transport is not all that relaxing. So your best bet is to go for a walk. I don't always prefer to walk in parks. I like to explore unknown streets and memorise the names of new shops and buildings. Behaving like a tourist in my own city is a unique stress-buster for me.

4. Write a story

An even better way to beat stress than watching or reading a story is to create one. Put pen to paper and watch your thoughts refocus like magic. Once the process of ideation has begun, you will forget all about the stress-causer. You don't have to be a great writer and it doesn't have to be the world's best story. In fact, if writing isn't your cup of tea, you can even narrate a story to your child.

5. Bake a muffin

Elaborate cooking is not relaxing for all. For many, it may cause more stress instead of driving it away! But if you pick a dish that is simple yet aromatic, you are bound to feel calmer and rejuvenated when it's ready to eat. My favourite is a whole-wheat muffin. The aroma that fills the house when this simple dessert is being baked is like a treat for the senses. I adore baked products but I think I might enjoy preparing some lemon grass soup as well.

I am going to try a new quick way to de-stress & #SlowDownZindagi using Parachute Advansed Aromatherapy Oil in association with BlogAdda. Will you? Watch the new advert here:

I don't understand modern-day friendships.

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I don't understand modern-day friendships. I don't understand tagging people, sharing private conversations and declaring your fondness for special ones to the world. I don't understand the attribution of degrees like best and better. I don't understand the constant shifting of people under the tag of 'best friend'. I don't understand competing and kiss emoticons and 100 different 'close friends'. I simply don't understand Facebook likes (and the failure to do so) and keeping in touch with 50 different 'friends' over 10 different platforms every single day. I don't understand the baring of hearts to so many different people at different points.

Small talk, parties, dances with veritable strangers ('good friends' a day after meeting them), inclusions, exclusions (of those not 'cool' enough), back-biting (in the name of humour), flattery laced with malice, frenemies, compartmentalised buddies - all of it is Greek to me.

All I understand is this: loving a few and loving them truly; enjoying their company irrespective of Facebook status updates and Foursquare check-ins and boastful selfies on Twitter. I understand trivial conversations and philosophical arguments. I understand baring my heart to a special person or two. I understand cherishing the great moments and putting them up on the walls of my memory (not virtual walls). I understand the occasional post when you're truly overwhelmed; its specialness ensconced in its rarity. I understand friendship like I understand nature - silent and deep, with an occasional ripple.

Yes, I have only a few good friends and perhaps, that's my karma. Perhaps my folly lies in judging those with a 1000 invitees to their wedding. Perhaps, they have a lot more colour and fervour in their lives. But I'll never be them. They'll never be me. And never the twain shall meet.

A new life

When I was a kid, my favourite game was one I'd devised; and it was called 'New life'. My sister and I - we'd set a time for a 'secret meeting' in the veranda with snacks and drinks on the agenda. At the appointed time, we'd sit down with an ornate diary (for inspiration) and pencil and proceed to plan our 'new life'. We'd list the things we'd change; the habits we'd introduce and we'd lose ourselves in imagining this life of perfection. Solving 'mysteries' was almost always a major part of this new life. Why such an obsession with newness, you might ask. I don't really know. I think we used it as a way of brightening our moods and getting ourselves out of a 'funk'. Little did I know that I'd be playing this game for real, later on in life.

If I had to list the times when I embarked on a 'new life', so to speak, they' be the following:
1. When I left school and joined college
2. When I left home for my post-graduation
3. When I joined the workforce

So that's basically the life transitions that everyone goes through. The first one was particularly difficult for me because I was a diffident, introverted child who'd studied in a school with a dismal environment. Transiting to the dazzling, super-talented and uber cool world of St Xavier's was quite a shock and I did not cope as well as I should have done. I shudder to think of what my life would have been if I'd never managed to shake off that air of not 'being good enough'. But that's the thing about life - it ensures that the status quo never remains constant. This is both a good and a bad thing - because neither the good times nor the bad will go on forever. I do believe in some constants though - these are the pillars that stay with you through thick and thin. And a life well lived is a life with at least one solid pillar, in the form of a person, passion or initiative. So when I joined a new college to pursue my graduation in mass media, I decided that this time, I'd truly begin a 'new life' and I did.

It's simple really - all you have to do is imagine who you want to be, and then start acting like that person immediately. 

I wanted to be more confident, sociable and pro-active and there wasn't a single day at college when I wasn't doing something to strengthen one or more of these attributes. It's only the beginning that's difficult - eventually, the person you want to be, becomes an indelible part of you. Of course, you may need to prod yourself now and then to remember all that you're capable of, but that's an effort you have to be willing to make. Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk even wrote a novel titled 'The New Life'. The concept has obviously found favour in philosophy and I'm not surprised - there is something extremely attractive about wiping the slate clean. But in my dictionary, starting anew is not about letting go of everything you've been until this point. It's about taking control of yourself and directing yourself in the direction you want.

For that matter, even brands need to #startanewlife now and then. Sometimes, it's an essential aftermath of a crisis; at other times it's merely the need to shake things up and get rid of stagnancy. Here is how Housing.com did it:

Do you wish to #startanewlife? Tell me how you plan to do so as a comment below.

Optimism: The only way to face tomorrow

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There is in the cheer of birds

And the gleam of well-woven words

An unveiled ode to optimism.

I believe, we're all living two parallel realities at any given time - our limited version and the world's unlimited one. Even as we suffer setbacks and disappointments; sometimes as minor as a scuffle in the train; other times as major as a dismissal from a job; the world continues to generate breathtakingly lovely sunsets, rivers continue to flow their course; tiger cubs continue to grow to regal, fearsome adulthood and nature continues its unceasing, relentless creation of magic and beauty. Even as some people commit heinous crimes, others continue to strive to alleviate poverty and deforestation. The good and the bad - they run on parallel axes and both are ceaseless. Our tiny destinies and the universe's infinite one - they unfold; both at the same time. What does it all mean? It's a question that has bothered every human being at some time or the other; some more often than others. And the answer I have found acceptable is this - you can either choose to live as though your finite reality were the only one; allowing mistakes and failures to overwhelm you over and over; or you can choose to be aware of the greater reality at all times; drawing strength from it to find beauty and goodness even in the midst of the most impenetrable darkness. Victory is in the latter choice because frankly, optimism is the only way you can face tomorrow and be happy about it.

It takes magnanimity and humility to confess that the life you're living may not be all-important; that the misfortunes that befall you aren't exactly having a monumental impact on the planet. But once you attain this mindset, you realise that there is always something to be happy about; something to be grateful for; even if it's just the air you breathe or the sunshine warming your wintry toes. You start deriving positivity from people and phenomena that aren't directly connected to you - such as a wayward flower or a stranger child. Your spectrum of happiness widens to encompass so much more than your immediate surroundings and events; and eventually if it widens to encompass the whole wide world, don't you think your cup of joy would overflow for all eternity? This is my definition of optimism - the unwavering capacity to find joy in that which doesn't directly affect you; the ability to derive pleasure from undiluted expression of the spirit; be it a birdsong, a work of art or a joke that someone cracks. Then, even if you had not a cent to your name or a person to call your own, you'd still be happy. Because there is so much in this world that's good and beautiful and pure. We are all immeasurably wealthy for we can smile; every single moment that we please. We can feast our eyes on colourful flowers and innocent babies; play invigorating games; run, dance, skip and jump as often as we please! And even if our abilities are impaired such that we cannot do all of this, there is still so much that we can enjoy; so much we can find pleasure in! Optimism is in fact the only logical way to be; any other attitude is but woefully short-sighted and blinded.

It would be hard to pinpoint one favourite story of optimism; because everyday, I come across marvellous tales of superhuman courage, benevolence and creativity. So I'll simply tell you the most recent one that made an impact on me - this is about a girl in Orissa who was born to poor parents with no hands. Suryakanti's parents were dismayed at the prospect of a fresh financial burden but as time progressed, the young girl displayed a passionate thirst for knowledge. Unable to send her to school, her mother began teaching her at home. Eventually, our determined young woman learnt to write expertly with her toes and she went on to become a school teacher. Today, she is employed with a primary school as a teacher and is responsible for taking care of her whole family consisting of her ageing parents and teenaged brother. Suryakanti could have abused her fate for denying her what almost everyone had - the use of her hands. She could have borne grudges against her older siblings for saddling her with the duty of looking after her parents and sibling. Instead, she surmounted all odds to overcome her disabilities and took on the onus of taking her care of her family selflessly. If this is not optimism, I don't know what is. I am certain that despite everything, Suryakanti faces every day with a smile and the hope that it will turn out well. My life is not even half as difficult as hers. Is yours? Then, let us take a cue from her and discard the weighty rags of needless negativity and pessimism. Let's #lookup at the sky and find something to be glad about, in it's limitless expanse. 

Ramayana: The Game of Life

Source: www.amazon.in

Earlier this month, BlogAdda delivered a copy of the second volume of Shubha Vilas' translation of India's favourite epic story: The Ramayana. Titled 'The Game of Life', book two in this trilogy is ominously called 'Shattered Dreams'. Yet, it is not a tragic story. It is a story that exemplifies duty and honour over everything else; at the cost of anything else. That doesn't seem too practical in today's times; yet the story has lessons that are timeless in their relevance. I have read numerous versions and translations of this mega epic but this particular series stands out for its painstaking listing and explanation of spiritual and life lessons, drawn from the experiences and actions of the lead characters. Sometimes, the footnotes come in the way of the story but then, the Ramayana was never meant to be just an entertaining story. It was always meant to be an example of how we must ideally think, behave and live.

In terms of writing and flow, I have absolutely no complaints with Vilas's translation. Since the story is spread across three parts, there is ample time to dwell over every single dialogue and turning point in the story. I don't remember reading the tale in such detail before. In fact, I'd like to get my hands on the first volume of this trilogy as well. The third is yet to be published. However, the way I viewed the story as a child differed greatly from the way I see it now. Now, as an adult, there are certain aspects that do not appeal to me. For instance, why are all the chief Gods and characters male? Why are the female characters only assigned the status of secondary Gods or cohorts? Additionally, how can God, an attribute-less entity be ascribed with such human qualities? Indeed, I've always found Indra's depiction to be lustful, egoistic and a lot of other things that God definitely doesn't stand for. There are a lot of facets I admire in Hinduism; at some points in the tale, I got goosebumps as well. But to accept every teaching and word as the Gospel truth - that would be alien to my character and unacceptable to my logical capabilities.

My advice to you as the discerning reader, is to accept those parts that resonate with you and make peace with those that don't. The story reeks of the inequality and patriarchy of those times; at some points one wonders, isn't this taking the principle of sacrifice too far? Isn't it equally important to have self-respect and fight for one's rights? After all, women have suffered for centuries because they allowed themselves to be subjugated. What victory can there be in bowing to injustice? These questions did plague me when Rama and his faithful retinue of Lakshman and Sita calmly proceeded to their exile of fourteen years. If indeed such events actually took place and God actually descended on this planet, I wonder why He can't pull a repeat performance now, when the world is mired in the destruction of nature and morality.

The other major issue I have with The Ramayana is the clear demarcation of people as good and evil. Humans are built in shades of grey and every one of is capable of exceeding greatness as well as unscrupulousness. This truth when fused into literature; makes for a believable and relatable story. In the Ramayana, people are either perfect to the point of giving up their own lives to honour another's word or promise; or so utterly evil that they would be unaffected by the death of their spouse. I can neither sympathise nor despise characters who are so clearly unreal. I understand that it is easier to deliver certain lessons when there is no doubt about which side to support but I think the Mahabharata paints a much more realistic picture of man's desires, failings and redemption. In fact, the portrayal of self-sacrificing and angelic individuals suffering at the hands of plotting, scheming demonic ones reminds me in an unsavoury way of today's soap operas that thrive on drama and tear-jerkers.

Nevertheless, my problems are with the story itself'; and not with the content of this particular book. As far as versions of the Ramayana go, this one scores really well and if you're looking to refresh your knowledge of this massive saga, go for it by all means. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't know at least the basic plot line of the Ramayana. It is after all more a part of the Indian ethos than a religious text or sermon. If you've always wanted someone to extract the wisdom out of the tale and present it in an easily consumable format, Shubha Vilas's Ramayana will certainly do the trick. 

Craving new wheels? Try Quikr NXT

Source: www.indiblogger.in

This month, my dad managed to find a buyer for my sister's old bicycle through Quikr. He told me how he didn't have to give our his contact details and talk to prospective buyers on the phone. I asked him how that was possible and he told me about Quikr NXT, a feature that allows you to chat with buyers and sellers via the website itself! So only when you've clinched the deal do you have to share actual contact details.

I remember this one time when I posted an ad to sell a book. Seconds after the advertisement went live, I got a random message from a creepy guy I didn't know. I then realised the pitfalls of sharing one's personal details even for the purpose of trade. Back then, I had intimated Quikr about the same and advised them to introduce a platform wherein people could communicate through the website itself. I didn't get a response that time but I think, they were already working on this model because within a month or two, they had launched Quikr NXT.

Source: www.indiblogger.in

Let's walk you through Quikr NXT using an example of a car. Many of us would not want to shell out several lakhs of rupees for a brand new car, especially when you have the option of buying barely used cars at a much lower price online. So, let's log on to Quikr and look for a car that fits our budget. I'm going to earmark 2 lakh rupees for this purpose; double the price of a Nano. The first thing that you have to do is register yourself on the website. Once you do that, you can see a tab called 'My chats' on the dashboard. When I open mine, I see the messages that I sent to dealers of memory cards, hard disks, headphones and portable chargers as I had purchased a few of those items last year. That worked out pretty well, btw.

Now let's go through the listings in the cars section and shortlist a few, based on filters like price, used/new, car models and brands, etc. Earlier, when I sent a message to a seller, it would be a static affair and I'd have to wait for hours or days at times for the seller to check his inbox and respond. But now with Quikr NXT, a chat window pops up when I send a message and if the seller is online, he can respond at once. This is communicating in real time! With this feature, one can clinch a deal in mere minutes. I don't think car buying has ever been this easy or quick. What's more, if you have the app installed, you'll get a notification instantaneously, making the process even smoother.

Personally, my heart is set on this i10 for 2 lakh rupees. It was purchased in 2010 and the seller claims that it is in excellent condition. I decide to ping him and ask him if it has any dents or scratches and voila, he replies within minutes! I've also messaged another seller with a Maruti Wagon R for the same price. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have my new wheels on its way by Monday. Are you going to get cracking as well or not?

Does India have a green conscience?

Taken at Aarey Colony last year

This whole Aarey Colony business has left me feeling tired and hopeless. When I visited this cocoon of greenery last year, I was astonished that such a place had been allowed to exist in a commerce-driven city like Mumbai. I should have known it was too good to last. After all, we are talking about a city where the BMC sneaks behind our backs to chop acres of trees by night; where 90 per cent of the populace does not hesitate to chuck wrappers into the lap of nature and most trucks and vans have never had a pollution check done in years. This is a city whose authorities don't care about anything except 'development' and commerce. I have begun to think of development as a bad thing; because it almost always means the death of thousands of innocent trees and the birds and creatures that have their homes in them.

It beats me as to why such a religious country has so little reverence for the environment. Appreciating the world we live in is not philanthropy; it's a logical homage to the ecosystem that allows us to breathe fresh air, rejuvenate ourselves in beautiful places and reap the benefits of rich natural resources. Yet it seems that our government does not understand this simple truth and is only invested in hastening the collapse of the planet in the name of development.

They say they are going to build a park in Aarey Colony, on the lines of international landscaped gardens. Well I don't want your stupid manmade parks. I want glorious wilderness; so much more welcoming, free and pure. I want to ask the officials who drew up this soulless plan - have you never enjoyed a quiet evening surrounded by hills and endless patches of unmown grass? Would you really prefer spending your weekends in the midst of scalding grey concrete? Is that the kind of world you want to create for your children? But I'm being naive, am I not? It's all about generating more and more revenue and filling up the coffers until more houses can be bought; trips taken and cars ordered. It's all about material gains and golden words like employment and GDP.

I went to Europe for the first time last year and I was struck by the quality of the air they breathed; the parks around every corner and the absence of unseemly fumes from the oldest and the cheapest vehicles on the streets. Compare this with my gruelling bus ride yesterday from BKC to Kurla station; a distance of just 3 KM but it took me one hour in the evening thanks to the unyielding traffic. And I spent the entire time inhaling noxious fumes from my own bus and the surrounding vehicles. I don't know how much damage I did to my lungs in that one hour but I hardly had a choice in the matter.

These days, when I visit a beautiful natural spot, I commit it to memory, I take as many pictures as I can and I write about it in minute detail because I cannot be sure that I'll be able to visit that spot again, in a few years time. This is a country where natural beauty is a disposable commodity and why shouldn't that be the case when we have wonderful, 'educated' citizens who use the world beyond their windows as a vast garbage bin? How many more fights should I pick up with people in the local train for teaching their children to throw orange peels on the floor? How many more instances where the tea tastes bitter after reading a report of more trees being murdered? Even if we do save Aarey this time, what when another heartless, brainless fool comes up with an even more lucrative plan to commercialise the area?

I don't know who deserves more condemnation - the government or people like you and me, who are content to witness the ruin of our city and eventually, the ruin of the country and the planet. It is a hopeless and a Godless world where people don't have a green conscience.

The top 5 wishes on my bucket list

Watch this video and take a moment to reflect over whether you're prepared for all the years that lie ahead of you. Will you be living your later years worrying about how you're going to rake up money for the next day or will you be travelling the world and doing everything that you've always wanted to do? The latter obviously requires some planning, because a restful future is not easily attained.

Do you have a bucket list full of things you wish to accomplish before you die? Isn't that the defining factor of a wish list - that there's a clock ticking on them? And yet, living life with the thought of an imminent death simply robs it of its zest and spontaneity. Wouldn't it be great to live as though you'd be here forever? What if you could truly be #BefikarUmarBhar?What would your bucket list constitute? Here are the top five picks from mine.

1. Travel the world with my beloved

I know everyone says this but by travelling the world, I don't mean a hectic world tour with no time to breathe in between. It means that I want to do a leisurely trek of the globe, pausing whenever I want, staying in places for weeks together and absorbing newness everyday, in the company of the one I love the most. Things mean so much more when you can share them with someone you love. I discovered this while travelling solo and I know that if I ever pack my bags to be a nomad, I wouldn't want to do it alone. Loneliness can be tiring.

2. Write novels that people love to read

When I no longer have to do a nine to five job, I'll have all the time in the world to put pen to paper and record all the stories that have germinated in my mind and heart, over the years. These will be stories I've experienced and imagined; stories that make the reader feel something they wouldn't have otherwise. I don't want to be a bestselling novelist or someone who sells their books for 99 each. I want to be the kind of author people remember fondly years on, as someone who affected their lives with insightful writing.

3. Involve myself in saving the environment

It always burns my heart to read about trees being hewn to make way for more soulless 'development'. I've been involved with Greenpeace in the past but it wasn't the same as actually petitioning for local issues and ensuring that I'm doing my part in conserving what little green cover we have left. My heart aches to think of a dry planet with just a few sorry remnants of the majesty of nature. I've wondered if I couldn't turn back time and return the world to a time that was far kinder and more aware of the need to be attuned to all the beings of the Universe,

4. Learn to play the piano and violin

I already own a piano but I haven't made much headway in learning to play it with finesse. If I could live #BefikarUmarBhar, I'd definitely invest time and money in learning my favourite musical instruments. I've always loved to sing and it brings me deep pleasure to lose myself in the tunes of a soulful melody. How wonderful it would be if I could create the accompanying music myself, without waiting for karaoke tracks or a kind guitarist who'd be willing to play along? How wonderful it would be if I could recreate the classical legends of yore through my own fingers?

5. Spend time with my grandkids

And by spending time I mean taking them on camping trips and teaching them the nuances of speaking French, I would want to relive the passions of my youth in their innocence and spiritedness and I know my life would have meant something when I see them smile at something I say or do. It is our duty to leave a positive legacy in whatever way possible so that we may not have lived in vain. Our lives may be transient but they can mean as much as we want them to because their meaning is defined by our actions and intent. And if I work towards living #BefikarUmarBhar, I know I can fulfil every item on this bucket list.

This post has been written for the Indiblogger and IDBI Life Insurance activity

Moral science for adults

A week ago, I was asked to review this book called 'Back to Basics - Transforming Life' by a first-time author, Murali Nandula (his thoughts have however been penned down by Anuja Surve). Now there are three main genres of self-improvement books: moral science/religious, spiritual/mystical or self-help/transformational. This book tries to draw upon insights from major works and authors in all three genres and present a handbook of kinds, for living one's life well.

The author has identified six 'universal principle's based upon his study and experiences of various theories and writings and according to him, these principles govern every stage of life, and reflecting upon them can provide a solution to any of your problems. These principles are:

• Design and purpose
• Order and rhythm
• Abundance
• Freedom
• Oneness
• Responsibility

Apart from this unique idea that the author has propounded, the book also contains cursory descriptions of known psychological theories such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Freudian psychoanalysis. Additionally, one chapter is devoted to rituals and ideas associated with major religions. If you are already well versed with these subjects, then these chapters will not add much to your knowledge base. However, the six principles are an interesting read; whether or not you are familiar with theology and spirituality.

'Back to Basics - Transforming Life' reminds me of the moral science textbooks and workbooks we had in school because many of the chapters ask you to answer numerous questions and fill in boxes. Now, this kind of guided introspection may work for some people but I prefer to reflect on concepts in my own way. However, one is free to ignore the exercise sections of the chapters or perform them mentally if that suits them better. Nevertheless, this technique makes me regard the book as a sort of moral science textbook for adults.

The author has targeted all age groups and segments with this book; with advice pertaining to children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. This means that you may want to skim over sections that are not entirely relevant to you (such as the child rearing section if you're unmarried and single). I believe the book may come in useful for a reader who is new to the genre of spirituality and self-improvement and does not have the time or inclination for reading several different books and forming conclusions of their own. Basically, the author invites you to benefit from the conclusions he has himself drawn from his studies and research.

According to Nandula, going back to the basics; that is the six universal principles of life can help transform your life easily and effectively. Whether this is true or not can only be known upon long-term application of the principles. If you'd like to try, you should pick up this book. The writing style is conversational and cites the author's personal experiences at times. Incidentally, Nandula is a senior management executive at a financial services conglomerate. Stephen Covey's seven habits of effective people make a frequent appearance in the book as well.

The book offers broad-spectrum advice on a variety of subjects which is both a pro and a con. If you're looking for in-depth advice on one particular subject, you will be disappointed. But if you want generic advice that you can apply in various areas, then this book may be helpful for you. A bonus chapter at the end of the book offers inspirational affirmations that you can repeat during your meditative sessions at the start of each day. The author also narrates stories that may benefit MBA aspirants and working professionals.

The simplistic nature of the writing may appeal to a wide section of readers; especially those who do not prefer verbose tomes. There is also a definite Indian perspective to the ideas; which is refreshing at a time when most of the bestselling self-help titles are by foreign authors. However, the price of the book is a little steep, unless you're buying the Kindle edition.

The citations and quotes are sometimes more inspiring than the ideas in the book itself! For instance the poem 'Crabbit Old Woman', written in 1966 by a nurse named Phyllis McCormack provides a touching perspective into the psyche of an old person who only has memories of a youth well lived. Masculine and feminine characteristics also make an appearance in the book. The author provides examples of how to relate the six universal principles to different scenarios to aid the reader.

The author would have done well to expound further on his own principles and minimise references to existing religions and theories; much of which is common knowledge to those who are fond of reading. Nevertheless, this is a decent first attempt at a motivational guide and I can imagine that writing it must have been a spiritual exercise for the author as well.

Details for purchase:

Title: Back to Basics - Transforming Life
Author: Murali Nandula and Anuja Surve
Publisher: Patridge India
Pages: 212
Price: Rs 414 (paperback) | Rs 873 (hardcover) | Rs 161 (Kindle edition)
Buy it on Amazon or Flipkart

Create.

When I hear a really beautiful song, I want it to sing it too. As when I read a truly lovely book, I am inspired to write as well.

The truly great works of art inspire emulation. Creation begets creation. As we were created, we too create. And our creations are not inanimate either - they create laughter, tears, happiness, pain and all the rainbow of sensations, emotions and experiences in the senses of the recipient.

So what will you create today? A smile, a poem, a report? Remember that you hold in your hands a power akin to that of God, and treat it with the reverence it deserves. Be an architect of magic; not emptiness.

Spurned the bookmark.

Wikimedia Commons

Yet another time

That I spurn the bookmark

Wander, lost

Amidst the pages of my tome

Searching for the word where I left off

The word where I decided -

That reality was more pressing than fiction.

And so I read and reread

Words that already passed

The corridors of my mind.

I run my fingers along well-loved lines

While the one I seek

Waits mischievously on the sidelines. 

No, the book isn't done with me yet

Not done reprimanding me

For choosing Life over Literature

For abandoning mid-way

What I ought to have finished

Or at least marked with my presence. 

Label yourself.

Today, I read an excellent article about hypersomnia and by the end of it, I was really eager to find out who had written it. There it was at the bottom of the page - Virginia Hughes, science editor. Those two words 'science editor' stood out like a beacon in the dark. I was intrigued. Who exactly is a science editor? Is she a scientist or a journalist? I Googled Virginia Hughes and found that she had an impeccable profile - a bachelors in neuroscience from no less than Brown University (an Ivy League institution) and a masters in science writing from The John Hopkins University. Did you even know that one can get a masters degree in 'science writing'? I didn't. Her professional record was even better, spanning names such as Discovery and National Geographic and displaying a steady ascent up the corporate ladder. How does someone achieve such an exceptional level of what I define as success? (I believe one is successful when one is the best or one of the best in one's field). No doubt, Hughes must be really intelligent but what sets me thinking more, is how certain she must have been on what she wanted to do in life. She liked science. She was a good writer. There were a million options before her. But she had the knack of bringing a passion and a skill together to produce a career that would probably never ever bore her. Can you say the same about the profession you're engaged in? Me, I am where I want to be, but I guess I'm too much of a generalist. Maybe you are, too. And so, say what you will, but labels are so intoxicating. And if you can't label who you want to be, how can you even get there?

Corporate writer. Travel blogger. The second I embellished my profile with these labels, I felt better. I felt more purposeful and clearer about who I was and where I was going. If you want to achieve a goal, you have it to be able to put a label on it. Award-winning novelist. Does that sound pretentious? It does to me too, but it also absolves me from wasting my time on penny press fiction. Because I know that's not what I'm aiming at. If I'd said I want to be a best-selling novelist, the direction of my efforts would vary. I've been writing travelogues ever since I began travelling. But it was only when I felt confident enough to call myself a 'travel blogger' that I actually realised how much I enjoyed the activity and how committed I was to it. As a bonus effect, associating myself with the label increases my commitment to it even more. No you can't be an 'avid reader' if all you read is one book in three months. Label yourself but find a label that really means something to you; find one that aptly defines the person you dream of being. Find it, and do your very best to make it your own. Be someone.

P.S.: Labelling yourself on the basis of your beliefs and preferences (such as religion) will do little to make you a success. We're talking about action-oriented labels here.

I write on travel at Trail-stained Fingers. Feel free to get in touch through the website or connect on Facebook or Twitter.

Let's play the game of love

If I had to propose to my crush on Valentine's Day, how would I do it?

Source: http://cupidgames.closeup.in/play

Let me approach this question the other way round. How would I want someone to propose to me on Valentine's Day? Well for starters, no public displays around people I know! No, I don't think it's cute or romantic. It's just plain embarrassing! What I'd like is for my crush to tell me what it is that he loves about me. Ah yes. Isn't it always nice to know what people like about you? Besides, I ought to be convinced that the guy has concrete reasons for the crazy move he's decided to pull! But here's the thing - guys don't think the way women do. So I think I'd do just the opposite of what I'd like, if I had to propose to my crush on Valentine's Day.

Inspired by Closeup's new initiative, 'Cupid Games', I think, I'd propose to my crush on Valentine's Day with a game. I mean, which guy doesn't enjoy playing a game, right? I imagine that we'd have a few common friends if I know him well enough to have a crush on him. So for Valentine's Day, I'd propose a 'Single's Party' - all singles invited. Who knows, maybe along with me, a few others might rustle up the courage to ask their dream dates out as well!

On the D-Day, I'd have an array of games and activities ready, one of which would be the infamous 'Truth or Dare' game. I'm sure you know how that world. You have to spin a bottle or other elongated object while all the players sit in a circle around the object. When the bottle eventually stops, whichever person it's pointing at has to choose between 'truth' and 'dare'.  Now here is the secret - I'd pre-inform all my other friends, that whenever it's my turn, they are to ask me to perform a specific dare - I'm sure you can guess what it is. Since it's a game, if the guy (let's call him Mr X) refuses, it's all cool and if he agrees, hurray, I hit the love jackpot! So when the time comes, say friend A decides to dare me, he or she will tell me, "Your dare is to ask Mr X out for Valentine's Day and it's considered successful if he agrees!" You may say that Mr X will think I'm only doing it to stay in the game but trust me, my words and my expressions will lay all his doubts to rest. And if all goes well, I'll have a hell of a date this year!

So are you ready to play the love game? Go on, propose to your dream date this Valentine's Day. If you're going to do it with a game like me, be sure to be armed with an excellent speech that lists all the person's virtues in the most romantic and sincere way possible. And along with all that flattery, make sure your heart is reflected in your eyes, because that's what will make the difference in the end!

This post has been written for the Cupid Games 2015 activity by Indiblogger

Acne-free skin? Challenge accepted.

Hello, I'm Rakhee and I'm a researcher for Garnier. Everyday, I'm besieged by acne complaints. One day, I decided that enough was enough. This is my story.

Source: http://www.nopimplesnomarks.com/

Name one woman who has never had a break-out in her life. What do I hear there? Silence? Then you can imagine what my life is like, as a Garnier Pure Active researcher. A single day doesn't pass without hearing something like -

"I hate my skin! Why can't it look like the models in magazines?"

"Oh my God I have an interview tomorrow and I have a zit between my eyebrows!"

"It's that time of the month again when I feel like a teenager with a zillion pimples."

Today was a special day. It was my birthday eve, and as I donned my lab coat, I felt proud of having achieved this much at the age of 29. Life as a beauty and medical researcher for Garnier Pure Active was a dream come true for me. Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to enter the medical field and help people with problems that bother them everyday. Unlike illnesses, beauty is a constant concern. And when are we ever completely satisfied? With problems like acne to plague us, the quest for perfection can never end. So I had joined Garnier after completing my MBBS and masters in cosmetic science. I find my work immensely satisfying because I get to create products that satisfy people's innermost desires. When you look good, you can take on the world. And I've had a hand in making that happen for my lovely customers, more than once. I had only a few hours to go however, before I completed 30 years on this planet. 

Source: http://www.nopimplesnomarks.com/

I looked into the mirror to see if I had bags under my eyes as a result of the strenuous schedules I'd subjected myself to, over the last few days. But what I saw was even worse. There was an ugly pimple on the right side of my lips, mirroring my beauty spot on the other side! 

Now I understood what all my 'patients', friends and family went through. So far, I've been lucky. I get pimples very rarely and I've certainly never been attacked on a birthday. But this was a disaster. The one day when I wanted to look perfect - there was a blemish on my face. And trust me, there's where people look the most. People seldom notice your feet or what you're wearing. But your face? That never escapes their notice. I was done for. 

Neem leaves (Wikimedia Commons)

I got through that birthday somehow, but I resolved that midnight, that I would put a stop to the world's pimple woes - once and for all. Yes, it seems like a tall goal but I had some ideas. Over the last few years, many cosmetic companies have been admitting that going back to nature may be a better idea than resorting to harsh chemicals that end up causing more damage in the long run. I recalled the times when my mother had insisted I bathe in neem-infused water, to keep itches at bay. What if, the same herb could be the answer to the question that confronted me day and night?

I decided to speak to my boss, the head of cosmetic research for Garnier Pure Active, Dr Maneka Sharma. "Hey Maneka, want to get a cup of tea?" Dr Sharma was more than happy to accompany me to the chaiwala outside. One needed a break from the sterile atmosphere of a lab at times. "Maneka, I was thinking, shouldn't we come up with a product that targets the root causes of acne?" The chai was strong and sweet, just like I enjoyed it. "But we already have the Blackheads Uprooting Scrub and Pore Unclogging Facewash," Maneka pointed out. Those had been the products of our hard work as well, but I felt that there was still room for a more 'desi' product. "I agree, but I don't think everyone is comfortable with chemical-based products, even if they do work." Maneka realised that I had something up my sleeve. "Tell me what's cooking in that head of yours." "Neem!" I burst out. "It's a time-tested remedy for all skin woes - especially acne. You know it works! But who has access to real neem leaves any more? What if I worked on a formula for a neem-based face wash?" Maneka looked interested. "That's true. Neem has been an Indian staple remedy since a long time." She finished her tea and paid the chaiwala, who was now busy making a new batch of piping hot, cutting chai. "All right. You have my permission to work on this. But it better be good." She was smiling as she said it, so I wasn't too worried. 

Source: http://www.nopimplesnomarks.com/

Over the next few weeks, I worked without a pause. During my research, I was elated to discover that neem extracts combined beautifully with tea tree oil and both together appeared to offer formidable benefits against the causes of acne. Of course, I would have to test the product several times before I zeroed in on the perfect formula. It wasn't just what went in it - I also had to consider the texture, consistency, smell and colour of the face wash. "Do you like your face wash creamy or runny, ma?" I asked on a Sunday afternoon. My mother was glad that I was home for a change. "Depends on what kind of face wash it is," she replied. "For a moisturising, winter facewash, I'd prefer a creamy consistency. But if the focus is cleansing and freshness, then it would have to be thinner." "That makes sense. My facewash will fight germs and pollution and ensure freedom from excess oil and dirty pores." Ma always came to my rescue with regards to doubts like these. 

Source: http://www.garnier.in/face-care/beauty/garnier/pure-active/neem-face-wash

The very first time that we tested the product, we had seven out of ten acne-prone participants tell us that their skin felt much better after using the facewash for a week, along with abstinence from oily foods and other acne triggers. "That's always key - combining beauty aids with the right lifestyle choices. You can't expect one thing to work miracles if you're going wrong everywhere else," Dr Sharma told me. It had been her suggestion to have the participants follow other rules while they were a part of the test. "That's true. I'm so glad they rated the product four on five." One participant said, "I tried it at the end of a long work day and after a quick wash, it felt like my skin had never been subjected to all that smoke and dust." I had tried it myself, and the light green colour and thin consistency felt just right. A few months later, we got the green signal to launch the product! "I am so proud of you Rakhee. Your very first pet project will soon be in stores," Maneka told me and gave me a hug. I had tears in my eyes myself, as I saw the advertisement campaign for Garnier Pure Active Neem Face Wash go live. Do people ever think about all the years of work that goes into their favourite creams and lotions? I doubt it. But maybe you will, the next time you pick up a shampoo or a face wash. :)

(The content above is completely fictitious and has been written as a part of an Indiblogger and Garnier activity)

I scored 90% and I opted for Arts.

I scored 90 per cent in my tenth grade and I opted for the Arts stream. This may not raise that many eyebrows now but back then, quite a few of my peers and teachers were surprised that I wasn't opting for what they believed were 'better' options (science and commerce). This is the same mindset that the stereotype about women being suited for certain professions (and not being suited for others) stems from. When I was a child, I knew nothing of such biases and I really believed that I could do whatever I wanted. I still believe that, but I am more than aware of the obstacles that I might (and almost surely will) face.

It's strange but apart from external appearances and my romantic preferences, I don't feel like my gender is my primary defining factor. I am first, a living being. Then, a human being; with desires, opinions and aspirations. I'm not always exactly the same person and my likes and dislikes are subject to change. They are not slave to what society expects of me and I know I don't owe it to anyone to live a life they think I should be living. I'm a writer; an artist; a singer; a daughter; a friend; a sister; a girlfriend and a traveller. I am many things and I can be any number of things. Being a woman has nothing to do with any of it. Then why does it make headlines when a woman excels in what is considered a 'man's profession'? While we're on the subject, why does the vice versa also make headlines? Why are male fashion designers perceived to be 'sissies' or worse, homosexuals? Since when did we become so jaundiced and bigoted? Since when did our tolerance for off-the-mill run so low? I don't know who decided to make these rules but I'm definitely not going to follow them. And neither should you.

When I was in my teens, I believed the world would be a different place by the time I grew up. I was surrounded (fortunately) by people who never made me feel any lesser than a man or anyone else. But today I find that at the workplace, a lot of men are more comfortable working with other men. They feel women don't really 'get' them. I also find that when a beautiful woman succeeds, it's often attributed to her looks. Sadly, that is often true, because mostly, women are judged first on their appearance and then on their abilities. Yet, I have hope, that if we continue to plough on, one day, the winds will change. And what can hasten their speed is campaigns like these. More voices equal more noise. And if it's loud enough, the world is bound to take heed.

This post is a part of #UseYourAnd activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette Venus

She's a success story of many 'ands'.

Wikimedia Commons

I will write about a woman I've never met but I know her story intimately well. I'm sure many of you would, too. Because she is the writer of one of the most popular children's book series in the world. Yes, I am referring to J K Rowling, writer of the Harry Potter series and one of the richest women in the world. We all know her rags to riches story and I admire her for the fact that she found inspiration to be so amazingly creative at a time when she didn't have enough money to feed herself and her child. She is a mother and an author and she excels at both! Opting for and instead of or doesn't mean that you have to do a shoddy job of both. Rowling proves that excellence is possible in varied areas of your life.

I identify with her particularly because I'm a writer myself and while professional success is certainly important to me, I would not give up on a family for that. One of my teachers during post-graduation is a successful media professional but her personal life is in shambles. That is not a choice I want to make. As a writer for a newspaper, I keep encountering readers who have trouble balancing their personal and professional lives. Sometimes, it's the in-laws expecting the woman to stay at home and prioritise housekeeping over a salaried job. At other times, it is society itself and organisational restrictions that prevent women from aiming for the sky.

Rowling lost her mother; she lost her husband; she lost perhaps the naive idea that a perfect state of affairs could last forever. But in spite of it all (or perhaps even fuelled by it all), she crafted for herself, a miraculous story of overnight success and adulation. My childhood wouldn't have been the same without Harry Potter's coming of age, the life lessons and the arresting new world that the books allowed me to slip into. I had my own periods of darkness, as did Rowling and the character she wrought. Although women are often praised for their multitasking abilities, when push comes to shove, they are expected to be a stellar homemaker or a ladder-climbing professional. Women who settle for lesser jobs post marriage and motherhood, often get nods of approval from family members, friends and society while those that fight for opportunities equal to their abilities are seen as 'wanting too much'. Rowling emulates the #UseYourAnd spirit and I believe the time is right for many more women to follow her example as well.

This world is far from equal but it has definitely become more tolerant towards the non-conformists. We do have the occasional success story of a women who did it all (and well) and with this campaign, I hope the number will multiply and society will shun unfair expectations and limitations.

This post is a part of #UseYourAnd activity at BlogAdda in association with Gillette Venus

Bangalore, here I come!

Mangoes at a market in Bangalore

I clicked this picture when I went to Bangalore a year ago to visit one of my best friends, along with a common friend of ours. The three of us had an absolute blast, exploring the theatres, eateries, shopping nooks and famed pubs of India's very own garden city - Bangalore. Oh, the very second I entered the city, I felt like I had entered a magical place with natural air-conditioning and I knew I was in love. So if I had an opportunity to say, join my newspaper in its Bangalore branch (and my boyfriend also got a job in the city - it's very likely since he's in IT), it would be nothing short of a dream come true!

Now, a little while ago, while I was purchasing a hard disk, headphones and memory card from India's best online marketplace Quikr, I was surprised to find that the website had much more than just consumer products. One could even find houses, tutors and pets through the website! So if I had an opportunity to move to Bangalore, the first thing I would do is check out the 'apartments for rent' section on Quikr. The rent is just 8000 rupees for a good 1 BHK flat in Whitefield, a homely area of the city! That's incredibly cheap, compared to the ridiculous rates in Mumbai. I can sort the results as per their price and date of posting, which would make my task easier. After all, who wants to waste time on a dated advertisement?

Next, I'd need my own vehicle. Public transport in Bangalore is not as great as Mumbai and besides, a Nano should be well within my budget. So I'd trot over to the Cars and Bikes section, where I see the listings as per brand and type of vehicle. When I click on Tata, the very first listing is a Nano! Is that providence or what? I see that I can pick from brand new vehicles and used ones. Used Nanos are available from one lakh, which is something even I can afford! Quikr would come in handy indeed. Else, I would have to put in hours of physically scouring through showrooms and then poring through tons of newspaper ads to find the car I wanted!

But what if I didn't have a job in hand before I decided to make the brave decision to live on my own? Guess what, Quikr would have come to my rescue in that respect as well! Sounds unbelievable I know. I didn't know you could find jobs there either. until I stumbled upon this page. Ah yes, I now recall that posting ads on Quikr is absolutely free! No job advertisement website is going to offer that kind of a deal. It's not surprising then, that so many recruiters have chosen to post their requirements on Quikr. I spot a client servicing job opening with a leading advertising agency. That looks good. The ad tells me everything from the compensation, the work timings to the amount of on-field work required. That's quite thorough! I might have applied to that job if this move was for real (who knows, it might be).

Job? Check. House? Check. Car? Check. What would come next in my beautiful journey to being a true-blue Banglorean? If I was single, finding a boyfriend might have been on top of the list. But since I'm not, I think my next stop would be the nearest pub because all this hard work would have definitely made me thirsty for a drink!

This post has been written as a part of an Indiblogger and Quikr activity.

Would you give up anything for love?

By Jasaya on deviantart.com

It's a humbling feeling when you realise you'd do just about anything; give up the things you hold most dear and adopt that which you never identified with, to be with the one you love. Yes, you scoffed at people when they did it for the ones they loved. You said they were weak and lacked individuality. You said no one should bow down to such demands - even for love. And you were certain, you'd never be so pathetic. You'd never put another person before your own needs and you'd never choose anything over your own desires. Me first. That was your motto. Yet, now you humbly accept, that nothing would mean anything without your soul mate. And with them in your life, even the things that meant nothing - they suddenly add joy to your life. Yes, it's sad that the world is built such that you have to make all these sacrifices. But truth is, you do them quite happily. Because what you get in exchange is just too sweet - sweet enough to temper the pain of what you have to lose.

Sachin Tendulkar for a day!

I'm lucky - I get to live my dream and be a writer. My boyfriend on the other hand, has had to give up much of his passion for cricket in his quest to bring happiness to his family with professional success. He is a SAP consultant (a specialisation in IT) and cricket is now the furthest thing from his lifestyle. Nevertheless, it's still the leitmotif in his thoughts and a persistent theme in his nightly dreams. How do I know? I know because it's all he talks about, for at least 90 per cent of the day. When he gazes into the distance, it's because he's recalling the last match he saw. And if there's anything he gets wistful about, it's his days of captainship during graduation and the inter-departmental cricket tournaments that happened in his last job. It's the time when as a child, his parents reluctantly agreed to let him go for cricket coaching classes in exchange for a promise that his studies wouldn't suffer (and they didn't). And it's the time when he travelled to Goa for the first time in his life for a cricket championship. Be it as a player or a viewer, his devotion to this game has never wavered. But right now, the thread that binds him to cricket is very tenuous and I'd like to change that.

A perfect day for my guy!

It doesn't get better than this for a cricket lover. If I could have any super power in the world, I'd turn my guy into Sachin Tendulkar for a day. He'd get to play the world's best games, meet all the awesome people that Sachin knows and experience firsthand, what life is like for the master blaster.

If I could make anything happen, I'd have my boyfriend meet the Indian cricket team, talk to them, spend time with them, play with them and learn tips from them on playing better and making it big in cricket. I'm sure he would be ecstatic at the opportunity to feel like a part of Team India!

A cricket extravaganza would be incomplete without an epic match against the world's best cricket team (after India of course :P). So I'd make sure my boyfriend was on top of the batting order in an exciting match against the Australian team. And post-match, I'm sure he would enjoy interacting the stalwarts of Team Australia as well!

Although Sachin is considered as the God of Indian cricket, my boyfriend's favourite cricketer has always been Rahul Dravid. He looks up to this elegant player for more reasons than one; his impeccable character and track record being one. I would organise a private tete-a-tete where my bf gets to know Rahul on a personal basis and I'm certain that they will spend hours discussing the nitty gritties of their favourite game!

Good cricket bats don't come cheap and ever since we met, my bf has been begging for a really fine one! So if I had alll the super powers in the world, I would gift him the world's best cricket bat and what's more, I'd have Virat Kohli do the honour. Perhaps if my super powers included superhuman magic as well, I'd infuse the bat with the ability to ensure that my bf always got to play cricket, at every stage in life, in some form or the other.

So this is how I'd make it the most memorable day in my guy's life. I'm sure if this happened, he'd never forget a single moment of it for the rest of his life.

This post has been written for Baggout's Blogging Contest on Valentine's Day. Baggout provides awesome deals on Flipkart, Myntra, Jabong, Snapdeal, Amazon and 100+ online stores.