Hug a Vegetarian

If I look back at my life and ask why I feel lucky or what am I proud of in myself - I have nothing else but my Veganism to lean upon. Yes, I could take no credits as it is just by chance that I am pushed down to this earth in a very strict vegetarian family. Again, though I could be proud of being able to maintain a no fish no meat diet for three and half centuries, that pride is punctured here and there by the moments of egg diet I had years back.

As this last Friday of September rolls up in the International circuit as Hug a Vegetarian/Vegan Day, I feel more resolved to look at myself and move towards a more Spartan lifestyle. It is time now not just to be a Vegan but to slowly start taking out the need for taste from my tongue.

It is deliberate. But it is needed. It is time to hug the real taste of life.

One last time savoring their taste buds before they end up among our taste buds

Mangalyaan

24.Sep.2014, 8:15 am IST: The radio in the bed room is reading the Morning News. In the drawing room, my morning prayer is in progress. In the background of japa, the radio news said:

"India's Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan has successfully entered the Martian orbit a short while ago."

The prayers continue -

for my Nation,

for our World -

"Lokasamastha Sukhino Bhavanthu"

Aha! Atham

When that Atham Day of Chingam hits the Kerala coast every year it unfailingly brings with it some sort of magical energy which those close to this coast can sense in their souls. This year too it is not different. A cleansing rain early in the morning, a quaint feel at Poornathrayesa Temple, the overwhelming feel of Tripunithura town - gearing up for Athachamayam procession - was just the right starter for this festive season! And for me the thought of the day started when my wife quoted on a article by Dr.V.P.Gangadharan - 

"Onam is now celebrated competitively ! Pookalam (Floral Carpet), which adorns every household during Onam representing its simplicity has now transformed into a fierce competition factor - Look at the schools, colleges, clubs - all are spending so much to import flowers from neigbouring states simply to compete against each other - all for a festival which itself resonates the harmony of humanity!"

Yes. In one way this thought really makes some sense. isnt' it ?! As I look around there is so much of competition - apart from the struggle and competition for livelihood which we Indians are unfortunately destined to, we are competing uncompromisingly against each other during our festivals too. Festival is the time for cooperation and not confrontation - But I look again and I find only chaos - chaos of competition.

Here, I dare to dream from the confines of my room, an Onam - calm with natural coherence, traditional simplicity and with that characteristic festive chaos! As I slip into my dream, I listen to the chorus of rain outside corroded by the chaos of competing cars.