The Story of the Butterfly

This is one of the most inspiring stories that I have come across..

The Story of the Butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole. Then it stopped, as if it couldn't go further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon. The butterfly emerged easily but it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch it, expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge
and expand enough to support the body, Neither happened! In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around. It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand:
The restricting cocoon and the struggle required by the butterfly to get through the opening was a way of forcing the fluid from the body into the wings so that it would be ready for flight once that was achieved.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us. We will not be as strong as we could have been and we would never fly.

Agar Hum Kahen Aur Wo Muskura Dein - Jagjit Singh

Agar hum kahen aur wo muskura dein
Hum unke liye zindgaani luta dein

Har ik mod par hum gamon ko sazaa dein
Chalo zindagi ko mohabbat bana dein

Agar khud ko bhoole to kuch bhi na bhoole
Ke chaahat mein unkee khuda ko bhula dein

Kabhi gam kee aandhee jinhen choo na paaye
Wafa ke hum wo nashe-man bana dein

Qayaamat ke deewaane kehte hain humse
Chalo unke chehre se parda hata dein

Saza de silaa de, bana de mitaa de
Magar wo koi faislaa to sunaa de

- Jagjit Singh

She Walks This Earth

She's a soulfull
flower in the garden
She's bobbing in the sunlight
and flirting with her eyes
The way she walks by,
I see a wave of color
moving like an angel
trailing butterflies

Give me water
give me inspiration
I want to speak now
but I can't find a word
So unforgiving is my infatuation
Now that I know
she walks upon the earth
she walks this earth

I am restless burning with desire
And every other heartbeat
I beat just for her
I see her smiling
full as my emotion
This is no illusion
but how can I be heard?

Give me water,
give me inspiration
I want to speak now,
but I can't find a word
So unforgiving is this infatuation
now that I know
she walks upon this earth
she walks this earth

She walks this earth

Give me water,
give me inspiration
I need to hold her
like no one else before
So unforgiving is my infatuation
now that I know,
she walks upon the earth
she walks this earth

She walks this earth
She walks this earth

- Sting

Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar..

jhuki jhuki si nazar beqaraar hai ke nahin
daba daba sa sahee dil mein pyaar hai ke nahin

tu apne dil ki jawaan dhadkanon ko gin ke bata
meri tarah tera dil beqaraar hai ke nahin

wo pal ke jis mein mohabbat jawaan hoti hai
us ek pal ka tujhe intezaar hai ke nahin

teri umeed pe thukraa raha hoon duniya ko
tujhe bhee apne pe ye aitbaar hai ke nahin

- Jagjit Singh

Chivalry is not Dead

as told by Charlotte Wechsler in the book "Small Miracles: Extraordinary Coincidences from Everyday Life"

That year, winter in New York City lingered lazily into late April. Living alone and legally blind, I tended to remain indoors much of the time.

Finally, one day, the chill was gone and spring stepped forth, filling the air with a penetrating and exhilarating fragrance. Outside my backyard window, a merry little bird kept chirping persistently, beckoning me, it seemed, outdoors.

Aware of the capriciousness of April, I clung to my winter coat, but, as a concession to the change in temperature, discarded my woolen scarf, hat, and gloves. Taking my three-pronged cane, I stepped out cheerfully onto my open porch leading directly to the sidewalk. Lifting my face to the sun, I gave it a welcoming smile in acknowledgment of its warmth and promise.

As I walked down my quiet dead-end street, my next door neighbor called out a musical "Hello" and asked if I wanted a lift to where I was going. "No, thank you," I called back in return. "These legs of mine have been resting all winter, and my joints are badly in need of an outing, so I think I'll walk."

Reaching the corner, I waited, as was my habit, for someone to come along who would let me walk across with them when the light turned green. It seemed to take somewhat longer than usual for the sound of traffic to cease, yet I had no offers. As I stood there patiently, I began to hum a tune that returned to me from somewhere in the back of my head. It was a "welcome to spring" song I had learned in school as a child.

Suddenly, a strong, well-modulated masculine voice spoke up. "You sound like a very cheerful human being," it said. "May I have the pleasure of your company across the street?" Flattered by such chivalry, I nodded, smiling, whispering a barely audible "Yes."

Gently, he tucked his hand around my upper arm and together we stepped off the curb. As we slowly made our way across, we talked of the most obvious topic...the weather...and about how good it was to be alive on such a day. As we kept in step together, it was difficult to determine who was the guide and who was the one being led.

We had barely reached the other side of the crossing, when horns impatiently began blasting forth again at what was assuredly a change in the light. We walked on a few more paces to get away from the curb. Turning to him, I opened my mouth to thank him for his assistance and company. Before a single word had left my lips, he spoke up. "I don't know if you realize," he said, "how gratifying it is to find someone as cheerful as you to accompany a blind person like me across the street."

That spring day has stayed with me forever.

Castles of Dust

He plays with the sand, romances the waves,

In castles of dust his kingdom reigns

 

He sings with the stars, dances in the rain,

In moonlit nights his dreams engrain

 

Little does he know that I envy his life,

His childhood talks, his innocent thoughts

 

He chirps with the birds, chuckles with the flowers,

A garden of roses blossoms his heart

 

He plays with the sand, romances the waves,

In castles of dust his kingdom reigns

Happy New Year!

In every breath we gain, we lose.

In every year, we gain, we lose.

2009,

You gave me the opportunity to know myself better,

You gave me the opportunity look at myself and my life,

You gave me the opportunity look ahead and dream,

2009, I bid you goodbye.

2010,

I resolve to rise every time I fall,

I resolve to be a better man, a better friend, a better son,

I resolve to pursue my dream,

2010, I welcome you.

Kuch Na Kuch To Zarur Hona Hai

kuch na kuch to zarur hona hai

saamna aaj unse hona hai

todo phainko rakho karo kuch bhi

dil hamara hai kya khilona hai

zindagi aur maut ka matlab

tumko paana hai tumko khona hai

itana darna bhi kya hai duniya se

jo bhi hona hai vo to hona hai

uth ke mehfil se mat chale jaana

tumse roshan ye kona kona hai

- Jagjit Singh

The Bucket List

1. Watch Chelsea play at the Stamford Bridge

2. Sky Diving

3. Scuba Diving

4. Trekking and Camping under the Stars

5. Bungee Jumping

6. Back-pack and Bicycle tour in Europe

7. Trip in a hot air baloon

8. Build a Snowman

9. Act in a Play

10. Give flowers to a complete Stranger

11. Ride a Gondolla in Venice

12. Visit the Great Wall of China

13. Visit Disneyland

14. Visit Pyramids of Egypt

15. Visit all 7 Continents

16. Visit atleast 50 countries before I turn 50

17. Holiday in Mauritius with Parents

18. Build a Tree House

19. Learn how to play the Violin

20. Organize a Surprise Party

21. Take a Helicopter ride

22. Visit Leh, Ladakh, Kashmir

23. Candlelight Dinner on a Beach

 

Maybe the List will be continued or updated later!

 

Cheers!

Dard Ke Phool Bhi Khilte Hein Bikhar Jaate Hein

Dard ke phool bhi khilte hein bikhar jaate hein
Zakhm kaise bhi hon kuchh roz mein bhar jaate hein

Us dariche mein bhi ab koi nahin aur ham bhi
Sar jhukaaye huey chupchaap guzar jaate hein

Raastaa roke khadi hai yahi uljhan kabse
Koi poochhe to kahen kyaa ki kidhar jaate hein

Naram aavaaz, bhali baaten muhazzab lahje
Pehli baarish mein hi ye rang utar jaate hein

- Jagjit Singh

Writers Block

For oft I have a writers’ block,

When there is silence, there is calm,

Just like the moment before a storm..

When the clouds are high, the winds are fierce,

But the drops of rains cease to appear..

When I want to sing, you want to dance,

But the music leaves us in trance..

When I want to speak, you want to hear,

But silence reigns and the words disappear..

‘Coz oft I have a writers’ block..

Parakhna Mat - Jagjit Singh

Parakhna mat parakhne mein koi apna nahi rehta

Kisi bhi aaine me der tak chehra nahi rehta

Bade logo se milne mein humesha fasala rakhna

Jaha dariya samader se mila dariya nahi rehta

Tumhara sheher to bilkul naye andaaz wala hai

Humare sheher mein bhi ab koi humsa nahi rehta

Mohabbat ek khushboo hai hamesha saath chalti hai

Koi insaan tanhayee mein bhi tanha nahi rehta

Small Miracles..

Miracles happen and when they do, they ignite an endless smile that can only suprise others watching you.

 

In my quest to absorb the spirit and beauty of my city, Mumbai, I decided to take a bus to Colaba from Tardeo via Marine Drive. Having spent little time in Mumbai over the past year or so, I just enjoyed the ride, looking at the roads and streets that I have been travelling ever since I remember.

 

While I was so lost enjoying the city, I did not realise that I left my glasses in the bus when I had to get down. I did not let the loss disappoint me and carried on. An hour later I was ready to head back home, and wanted to take a bus ride again! I declined an offer to get dropped home and looked for a bus on the same route to return home.

 

A sight of Marine Drive from far, and I could not resist getting down from the bus and taking a stroll despite the afternoon sun! I sat down to look at the Scorpios on the famous rocks on Marine Drive. Over the past couple of years, the Scropios have become quite a regular sight and it complements the feeling that the place brings you.

 

After half an hour, I returned to the bus stop and hopped in the first bus that I got. In a crowded bus I spotted a familiar face in the TC. After confirming from him that he was the TC in the bus that dropped me to Colaba, I asked him if he spotted my glasses. He declined saying that he checked the bus after all the passengers got down, but did not find any items.

 

While the crowd receded, I started checking if I could find my eyes, and struggled. As the miracle would have it, the TC spotted my glasses next to a couple and I could not stop smiling at my luck! I could have got a new pair, but still, the incident was pretty amazing!

Life Moves Around In Circles

Its been sometime since I last wrote.. My lethargy has rusted my writing skills so I decided to finally key it in..

The trip to Europe was fantastic to say the least sans an incident when I ate Salami in ignorance! I visited Amstedam, Volendam, Rotterdam, Brno, Pardubice, Prague and a few other cities in Czech. While the whole of Czech was eagerly waiting for Spring, I enjoyed the last bit of winter, snow, and rain that the weather Gods had to offer - anyone would if they came from 30-35 degree celcius!

The three days of exhibition were more than hectic, and good food was a luxury that I never had. It was only in Prague that I found an Indian Restaurant, where my mind was hungrier than my stomach and I did justice to both. :) The Prague Castle and the Charles Brigde were very beautiful indeed. Travelling through the country was another great experience.

The last month has been really challenging and things have attacked me from all ends. Unfortunately, I have not been the Gladiator, but I know I will come out strong and there is light at the end of the tunnel. At this moment though, I really wish I could laze around under the shade of a tree in a garden or park and listen to the birds chirp, or lie on a beach listening to the waves, or perhaps on top of a mountain and listen to the wind.. Yes, they all speak a strange language that reminds one of what life should actually be..

There was a very beautiful line in the play "Crab" I saw a couple of years back.. It said "While you are walking relentlessly in a straight line, life moves around in circles"..

Cheers..

Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2009

Amsterdam 2009

Rotterdam 2009

Main Aur Meri Tanhaayee

Awaara hai galiyon mein main aur meri tanhaayee
Jaayen to kahan jaayen har mod pe ruswayee
Main aur meri tanhaayee main aur meri tanhaayee

Ye phool se chehre hain hanste huye guldaste

Koi bhee nahin apna begaane hain sab raste

Raahen bhee tamashyee raahen bhee tamashaee

Main aur meri tanhaayee main aur meri tanhaayee

Armaan sulagte hain seene mein chitha jaise

Qaatil nazar aati hai duniya ke hawa jaise

Roti hai mere dil par bajti huyee shehnayee

Main aur meri tanhaayee main aur meri tanhaayee

Har rang mein ye duniya sau rang dikhaati hai

Rokar kabhi hansti hai hanskar kabhi gaati hai

Ye pyaar ki baahen hain ya maut ki angdaayee

Main aur meri tanhaayee main aur meri tanhaayee

- Jagjit Singh

Safar Me Dhoop To Hogi - Jagjit Singh

Safar me dhoop to hogi, jo chal sako to chalo

Sabhi hain bheed mein tum bhee nikal sako to chalo

Kisi ke waaste raahen kahan badalti hai

Tum apne aap ko khud hi badal sako to chalo

Yahan kisi ko koi raasta nahin deta

Mujhe gira ke agar tum sambhal sako to chalo

Yahi hai zindagi kuch khwaab chand ummeeden

Inhi khilonon se tum bhee bahal sako to chalo

- Jagjit Singh

dushman ko bhee seene se lagana nahin bhoole

dushman ko bhee seene se lagana nahin bhoole

hum apne buzurgon ka zamana nahin bhoole

 

tum aankhon ki barsaat bachaaye huye rakhna

kuch log abhi aag lagaana nahin bhoole

 

ye baat alag haath qalam ho gaye apne

hum aapki tasveer bananaa nahin bhoole

 

ik umr huyee main to hansi bhool chuka hoon

tum ab bhee mere dil to dukhaana nahin bhoole

 

-      Jagjit Singh

kabhi ek neev laga kar to dekho..

kabhi ek neev laga kar to dekho..

usse zameen ki god mein chipa kar to dekho..

usse pyaar se paani pila kar to dekho..

usse surya ki roshni mein khila kar to dekho..

 

woh neev kaise paudha ban jaata hai, ye dekho..

woh kaise zameen se nikhar aata hai, ye dekho..

woh kaise paani se fal ban jaata hai, ye dekho..

who kaise apni mahek failata hai, ye dekho..

 

kabhi ek neev laga kar to dekho..

 

Himmat Karne Waalon Ki Haar Nahi Hoti Hai..

लहरों से डर कर नौका पार नहीं होती

हिम्मत करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती...

नन्ही चींटी जब दाना लेकर चलती है

चढ्ती दीवारों पर सौ बार फिसलती है

मन् का विश्वास रगों में साहस बनता है

चढ़ कर गिरना , गिर कर चढ़ना ना अखरता है

आखिर उसकी मेहनत बेकार नहीं होती

कोशिश करने वालों की हार नहीं होती....

डुबकियां सिंधु में गोताखोर लगता है

जा जा कर खाली हाथ लौट आता है

मिलते ना सहज ही मोती पानी में

बहता दूना उत्साह इसी हैरानी में

मुट्ठी उसकी खाली हर बार नहीं होती

हिम्मत करने वालों की हार नहीं होती....

असफलता एक चुनौती है स्वीकार करो

क्या कमी रह गयी देखो और सुधार करो

जब तक ना सफल हो नींद चैन की त्यागो तुम

संघर्षों का मैदान छोड़ मत भागो तुम

कुछ किये बिना ही जय जयकार नहीं होती

हिम्मत करने वालों की हार नहीं होती....

- Poem by Suryakant Tripathi "Nirala"