The Gates I Entered, The Person I Became.......

 After completing twelfth grade, the next phase of my life was graduation—three years of studying, learning and discovering the subjects I loved from a much broader perspective. On the very day of my twelfth board result, I had to answer repeatedly , to my relatives and well-wishers as to which college I would be joining next. My elder brothers and sisters had only one piece of advice: “Enjoy these three years. They won’t come back again.” I didn’t quite understand what they meant back then but today, I do.

After 15 years of schooling under ICSE and ISC board, college hunting began. Very often my mom would share her student life adventures at Loreto Convent and my urge to join a convent college became stronger. Soon I explored almost every college in North Goa but South Goa was yet to be explored.

After a long search I finally reached Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women at Nuvem. On entering the college campus I could feel the positive vibes. The calm, serene atmosphere made me feel that I belonged to this esteemed institution. A week later, when again I returned to complete the formalities of admission, I was warmly greeted by the then Principal, Sr. Aradhana, holding the prospectus and an interim application form for me. Her soft spoken nature captivated my soul.

 Very soon, an email arrived confirming my admission.

With the roll number FYBA-2018-108, I walked through the gates of Carmel, ready to explore and fly high.

From dressing up as William Shakespeare for Ma’am Roxana’s birthday to participating in Bonderachi Passoi was a matter of great pride for me. I still remember reciting and enacting “All the world’s a stage”.For an English Literature student, that very moment brought out the Shakespeare that was within me.Perhaps my most significant discovery at Carmel was to unearth the writer within me.

Somewhere between précis, summaries and running notes, I often filled the last pages of my notebooks with scrappy pieces on random topics. It was none other than our very own, Sir Brian who discovered the hidden talent in me and motivated me to maintain a separate book and continue with my writing spree. That little encouragement became a turning point for me to start creating blogs. I am grateful that the writer’s bug in me was unearthed in those classrooms of Carmel College.

My first year at Carmels also brought about another memorable feat . I was selected to present a paper at an event called Epiphany. The topic was “Reviving the Ethos of Indianness: A Teen’s Perspective Through Indian English in Poetry.” Ma’am Glenis was and still is my biggest cheerleader, as without her guidance this feat would have been impossible. Looking back, presenting a paper in my first year was quite an ambitious beginning — clearly, I had decided early on that simply attending college was not going to be enough!

WordSup 2019 at St. Xavier’s, Mapusa, was another unique experience for me. Without the guidance of Ma’am Ashwini, I wouldn’t have been able to shine in the events I participated in. These experiences gave me the confidence to step beyond the classroom and discover how much more there was to learn, create and express.

The years that followed brought GALF, Pegasus, Mock Parliament, Carmelsparx, Carmelnite, excursions to Usgalimal, Chandor and Loutolim. Along with countless lessons and memories I even received my first-ever medal at Pegasus, where our team stood second at the Globe Theatre event.

And how can I forget Ma’am Rossie, who managed the co-operative store? That store was our go-to for anything, be it treats and munchies to ISA papers and stationery. It was, in many ways, our little student survival centre — because between classes, activities and assignments, one never quite knew what emergency the day might bring!

Then came our final year, shortened by COVID-19. Our batch became the first TYBA batch to experience online examinations, a rather unexpected piece of history.

Five years later, on 7 February 2026, I walked through the gates of Carmel once again. This time, I wasn’t a student with a TC in hand. I returned as a published author, as TROVE was released at the very place that had helped me grow and perhaps discover my true identity.

A lot had changed. But the welcoming spirit of Carmel had not.

As my alma mater celebrates 60 glorious years, I look back with immense gratitude. Carmel gave me more than a degree. It gave me memories, experiences, friendships and, somewhere along the way, a writer.

Once a Carmelite, always a Carmelite.

 

Stopping by the Sandy Bay on a Summer Evening...

  

 You are alone! said she.

Stopping by the paved road on a sandy bay.

Well, are you really alone? Look around you,

A sky painted with hues of pink, orange, and a dash of purple.

The retorting sounds of the migratory birds,

And all the quintessence of the natural world,

Are very much alive to keep you company.

The groggy mind responsible for the host of emotions and thoughts, that one feels is constantly reminding you about past incidents, and present and surprising you by giving a mini curtain raiser to what’s to follow.

Your very existence in the given surroundings with all the other elements merge as a complete entity mesmerizing and surprising you always.

You are not alone, says I.

 

 

                         

Stopping by The Window on a Rainy Afternoon…….

  Stopping by the window on a rainy afternoon with a cup of coffee. As many admirers feast their eyes on yet another marvel of nature, a soul just has an Aha! moment.

  What’s that one might ask, well it ain’t any rocket science. You see well precipitation and coffee, the perfect blend of warmth and tranquillity. In this state of Zen, each sip acts as an eye-opener to cherish the simplest of joys amidst the soothing murmur of the falling rain on the window pane.

HAIKU CORNER.......

 

Free Mind

 A poetic form that caught my heart,

A syllabic pattern of five, seven, five,

Experimenting with this gives me joy.

 

 

Digital Ballet

 Narratives spun in a digital glow,

Tales woven in pixel-light

World dance in our minds.

 

Highly Spirited

Sunday’s regal light,

Whispers of peacefulness and calmness in the air

A royal delight.

 

Drops of Happiness

 Droplets anew fall,

Nature’s song on parched land calls,

The first rain unleashes new beginnings.

 

Changing Hues 

 Foxy grey, peaceful white,

Streaks of golden playing with the changing sky,

Bound by blue and bright.

 

Harmony

 The city of joy hums,

Ancient tramlines telling their stories.

That’s this city’s heartbeat.

 

 Tranquil Peaks

 Blue – Capped mountains;

as seen from a distance

A traveller’s delight.

 

Nature’s Reverie

 A peacock dances,

In the middle of the jungle

Under the setting sun.

IF LIFE WAS A BOOK

If life was a book,

Each new day would be a different chapter filled with unbelievable sights and adventures. The pages wouldn’t be just ordinary ones but strewn with interactions and meetings that ensue with new acquaintances or occasional catch-ups with friends and one’s familia.

Each new season would be a different volume comprising unique plots and characters. These volumes would be further enriched with multifarious themes such as sadness, fear, suspense, and tons of other themes. Amidst all the hullabaloo there might be certain elements that could be an escape route the forms of which are plenty be it solitary or nature’s exquisite therapy.

It may seem surprising or rather unusual to some as this book would be devoid of a prologue and a contents page. This book would be like a Hercule Poirot mystery filled with multiple twists and turns.

The ride however would undoubtedly be an adventurous one as this individual has miles to go before it sleeps and multiple fancies to chase and reap.

EDUBLISS

 

“Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world” ~ Nelson Mandela

 A dictionary or the Google website will define education as the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. But if you ask me about my perception or definition of education, I would perceive it in this manner

E ~ Enlightenment

D ~ Dream

U ~ Upliftment

C ~ Creativity

A ~ Awareness

T ~ Training

I ~ Imagination

O ~ Out of the box

N ~ Newness

  Education does not comprise only of textual and bookish knowledge. It has much more wider horizons. Education is not reflected in a person’s outward appearance but in his behaviour and attitude. The core integral values like respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion which have been ingrained by our parents, teachers, and elders since childhood are a vital part of education. These values are gems that are prized and aren’t printed in any guide or textbooks.

    Parents are our first teachers before we start our journey of formal schooling. The best predictor of a child’s success is the degree of involvement of parents in a child’s education. Some parents are super supportive and invest maximum time in their child’s holistic development. Such kids are fortunate. The underprivileged are neglected as their parents are preoccupied with their modest earnings or daily workload which ain't an easy feat. A strong parent–child bond provides a sense of security and stability that help children navigate the challenges of life.  

Hailing from a family of working parents, I proudly proclaim that what I am today is because of my parents. They have given me the extra push which is much needed. Believe me right from my nursery class till the 12th I have been tutored by my mother. I do not possess the knowledge of what “private tuition” is. My mother despite being a working lady makes it a point to cook all the meals and not rely on Zomato or Swiggy deliveries. Honestly, I cherish the homemade delicacies of my mother more than any 5-star/7-star restaurant meal.

  Tea time with a cup of freshly brewed Darjeeling tea and of course dinner time is something I look forward to every day. In the evening after returning home from a tiresome day’s work, the first thing my mother asks me without fail is “How was your day at work today?” This gesture of hers may seem trivial but it is meaningful for me. This reflects her concern for me, though I am an adult now.

    I am the only child of my parents, both of whom are working. We make it a point to have at least one meal together on weekdays irrespective of their unforeseen delays. It is here at the dinner table that multifarious topics are discussed. The relationship that prevails between me and my parents is more of friendship.

  One doesn’t have to be a scholar or attain the best marks at an examination to prove how educated you are. Even a small step can work towards empowering and strengthening for a better tomorrow. Learn to value things. Involve yourself in some sports or nurture your hobbies.

  This century is a digitalized one. With the induction of internet classrooms, the grandeur and respect for teachers can be seen dwindling. The job of teachers and educationists is pretty challenging as they have to undergo several trainings and workshops to make classroom learning more fun-filled and unique. We owe a lot to our teachers who have given so much to us selflessly. At this juncture I would request everyone to remain humble and respect our teachers as they polish the ladders to our point of success. A smile or a hello is all they seek from us.

    Fossil fuels are incredibly very dense and so is education. Do what you aspire or what your heart tells you to do. Never be compelled to trample your dreams by external forces. Education should be considered as a door of creativity as nothing other than good education works towards the goal of prepping an individual for a new tomorrow. After all understanding the enigma of nature is made easier by education.

               Chill! Be happy and Remain Merry.

PICTORIA.....

Chilling indoors on a peaceful rainy Thursday afternoon might set a different mood or feel altogether. Inspiring for a few and a lazy one for some.

Here’s presenting “PICTORIA” ~ SMALL THINGS IN LIFE BRING IN A SHOAL OF HAPPINESS

 

 

EVOLUTION & EVOLVING

 It’s pretty quaint and strange when we as individuals get accustomed to a particular mannerism of going about with our daily routine and over time, it just spaces out into a different ethos altogether.

Time can be both one’s friend and foe. Some believe that time is the best healer of all scars and wounds. Some consider it to be an invisible connection as it joins or rather strengthens the bond between alls that prehistoric and all that’s current. But still, the larger cosmos of mankind has the notion that time is their worst enemy as it doesn’t snooze or take a chill pill as we do. It’s always on the go, compelling mankind to leave behind many things and adapt to all that’s newer and fresher.

Along with living entities even surroundings evolve unknowingly. Things that at one point of time were prime during their age have now either lost their value or maybe their entire existence has been wiped out altogether amidst the presence of the modern GenZ.

The only medium of communication of the good ole days was either a telegram or a letter enclosed in an envelope beautified with a postage stamp. Collecting postage stamps was a frenzy at that time. The techno world has revolutionized this and given forums to email and other platforms to make communication a hassle free biz. People have drifted from collecting postage stamps and are now keen on maintaining the holders of max likes and followers.

  Being a resident of this tech frenzy I do marvel at this wonder but the thrill of listening to the jingle of the postman’s bell, the faint sound of the envelope being slid into one’s mailbox or be it through the small gap of the doors is timeless and evergreen.

Who doesn’t like to get updated with the early morning daily news in fine black print as one sips into  their piping hot cup of either tea or be it strong coffee, accompanied by everyone’s fav tea partner Britania Marie biscuit, Parle G or be it the healthy smart choice Cream Cracker. These prints of joy are either delivered from door to door or in rare cases are properly targeted to have a smooth landing on the patio or the verandah. Such sights are soon fading away as the dominating presence of E-papers have now ruled the world.

Sitting at your favourite spot or your study space, the sight of a case-bound box with a pen, pencil, or fountain pen is nothing but a rare spectacle as is the sighting of a splendid meteor shower.

Inspiration is a very fickle entity in my defence as it has no specific time and place. It just shoots up like a chartbuster. This at times can be scary for a person who has just started to strew a barren sheet with the choicest bunch of words the mind entails. At such times a little wonder of plastic and glass comes to the rescue. The five fingers tend to give out silent cries but the ending is a happy one as the mind of the creator is now in a state of ease with the blueprint safely nestled in the magical wonder.

A wanderlust lies in everyone. The strong desire to soak in all the wonders , offered by the different places. is a magical feeling. Innovation has made travel a much more relaxing endeavour. How u might ask? Well, the answer is pretty simple the requirements are quite handy. Virtual Reality is the solution as it enables oneself to travel that extra mile without the hassle of extra luggage, passport renewals or long check-in queues. This is a unique invention but yet again nothing compares to bearing witness to the live action of the roads'  beautiful sights and scents intercepted by the sensory organs.

The art of communication is the most beautiful art of all time. Powerful expressions, thoughts and feelings have now been reduced to mere yellow emoticons. These do bridge the communication gap but in the long run, it does detach too. The world has braved and recuperated from two crucial years that have taken a toll on everyone’s life. The pandemic has succeeded in instilling a sense of togetherness and maintaining ties with each other. It has also managed to reconnect the disconnected.

 

Our brain is a supercomputer as innovations are being made daily in almost every arena. We have evolved and are still evolving but we must also bear in mind to retain all the ancient elements that have brought joy at one facet of this remarkable journey called life or else they will be reduced to mere rare collectables.

Pinacolada

 

Slightly ovalish and reigning supreme with a green crown adorned with a spikey body might seem a bit intimidating for a selected few. But if one sets their gaze closely on the calm soothing hues of orange with tinges of green a sense of relief is sure to pave the way into your mind.

A strong aroma lingers in the room and the nostrils try to trace the source of it then at one point it comes to a halt and all the wee eyes can see is a sudden flash of fiery orange and cool green. Then this quaint being paves its way to the place where culinary magic is created filling our minds with many mouthwatering thoughts.

A shiny blade encased in a black handle is sure to be one’s first grab to bring the soft juicy yellow flesh guarded by its firm core into the spotlight. On completion of this elaborate ritual, the whole atmosphere changes as the eyes feast on it and the mind goes for a jog to come up with an exciting maneuver for a total makeover.

 

The fingertips are at their best as the soul now takes the help of its trustworthy sidekick which is known to all as Firefox or Chrome to garner the most exotic transformation for the juicy sun-yellow slices. Infuse them with walnuts and let the oven do its magic. Whip up some cream cheese and let it embrace these slices for a sweet treat that is sure to elevate one's tastebuds and soul.

 

It's a funny thing to think that something that appeared to be so intimidating at its first meeting has now transformed into treats that suit everyone’s palette in all unique ways possible.

An Azure Gateway

 

      It's just another day the same old routine nothing new. But my dear friend it is up to us to make this day a one full of adventure and new experiences wherever we are, our mind is the most complex thing as an individual is never fully quite aware of the exact moment for inspiration to write about something and post it online for a varied audience of readers.

 

   Pearly white with spikes on it having a huge opening is one that bought me solace. As I held it close to my ear I could get the sound of the frothy saline waves as they hit the sandy bank. The whole air bubble around me was engulfed by the salty air. I could revive that blissful feeling of walking on the soft shelly path of gold. I would feast my eyes on the Streamliners and commercial ships as they rule the salty sea. The sound of the birds as they head home is sure to add a thrill to the mind of a nature enthusiast.

      Soon this silence is broken by the happy sounds of children as they make mud pies and sandcastles and fill the entire atmosphere with a sense of jubilation and good spirits One might ask where’s the peace in that? I would simply say avert your gaze and look around you and admire these young kids having the time of their lives which undoubtedly and unknowingly turns you into a kid picking up shells of different sizes having different patterns on them which truly enhances their beauty.

               The final curtain call is the moment when the horizon slowly engulfs the tangerine ball of heat leaving a mirage of gold on the calm saline sea and an array of vibrant colors in the vast canvas of the far-fetched sky.

              There is no reason to be disheartened by the closure of this gateway. Look around and give the eyes and mind the space and freedom to intercept the wonderful artifacts or objects that enwrap oneself. these things may be inanimate but if looked at with a fine-tooth comb they too have a marvelous story waiting to be unearthed and embrace the phenomenal feeling it withholds.

 

  

    

          

  

Bold & Furiously Famous

 

 Being on a writing spree at present a thought which might seem vague to some has just sunk into my mind.  Letting my mind do the thinking and the pencil in my hand do the talking was possibly the best thing to do. It is this dashing yellow and black graphite pencil that has kindled a spark within me to give thanks to this wonderful invention by combining graphite and wood to ease the life of humankind. After the advent of the pen and the emergence of tech-savvy gadgets in our day-to-day robotic lives, the grandeur and the importance of the pencil might fade away in time but the pencil reigns supreme in the lives of a certain group of people and even in rookies such as me.

 

 Whenever any inspiration or thought haunts and seeps into my mind I start fumbling for something to write the basic idea at once as it’s a herculean task to recollect the same idea once it fades away. In such cases, the good Samaritan turns out to be a yellow and black cylindrical tool with a peak of graphite jutting out lying on my table. This dashing yellow and black pencil just lures me to pick it up and transform a once-white, blank smooth page into a page filled with rustic and humble thoughts and emotions. The pencil may be simple or even fancy but the purpose of both remains the same.

 When the powerful tip loses its grandeur the esteemed and proud owner gives it a new life with the help of its trustworthy sidekick the sharpener of course. With each gallant wordplay and restoration, the pencil reduces in size. When it has reached the brim the owner repents as it is a truly touchy and solemn moment to bid adieu to a marvel that has helped in the creation of works that may have led the reader to think on a completely different level of introspection.   

The life of a pencil may be short-lived but its memories of it are always fresh when one has a glance at the snippets of literary works created with it. It may be a meager thing but in times of need, it truly emerges as an uprising blogger’s savior enabling one to take the reigns of words, thoughts, and social and uprising events that have either shaken the balance of the community or have proven to be beneficial to all of humankind not forgetting the immense edits and re-edits which is an integral part. 

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what medium one uses to write and express their views and ideas. The main thing is the synchronization of thoughts and emotions felt by the writer as well as the reader.

Mishtir Jogot ( World of Sweets)

                                  

 

   Hailing from the food capital of India has many added benefits. But being away from it and getting to experience a similar feel is quite thrilling.

    A place always pulsating with life and busy roads that are never devoid of the hubbub of man, trams, ambassador taxis, and the cry of the sellers to purchase their goods just flashes in front of my eyes like a short film.

   One thing that tops up the charts of this place is the variety of sweets. Which are unique in their quintessential way and are sure to let the smile on one’s face prevail and never let it fade away.

    Lanes of shops laden with trays of uniqueness and a queue of people to get their share is a regular sight to the natives but an interesting one for a traveler who sets foot on this sweet heaven.

    People normally associate “Potol” oh confused right so to spare you I’ll translate it and call it peer gourd. It’s a soft pointed vegetable with green stripes and is used in the creation of classic and yet original Bengali cooking. “Potol Posto” (Peer Gourd and the perfect blend of Posto- Poppy Seeds Paste” “Chingri ar Potoler Torkari” (Chingri- Prawns. A typical Bengali dish made with prawns and peer gourd) “AlooPotol” (A combination of peer gourd and potatoes cooked with a perfect blend of spices). The list is never-ending.

    Never did I wonder that a sweet made with “Potol” (Peer Gourd) could bring a whole lot of joy to a foodie. Soft and tender on the outside with a faded green hue with tons of sweetness. The real surprise is inside as a layer of thick mawa infused with pistachios nestles inside this soft and faded green covering. One bite and a burst of sweetness and delight just lightens up your mood urging you to grab another one and relish this happiness for as long as you want.

      

Being away and experiencing such unique sweets is what I live for as it somehow keeps me connected and in sync with the whole ethos of those lanes laden with uniqueness.

                                                                                                                 

         

                                                                                                            

                    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                    

                                                                       
                                             

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                     

    

 

                                      

                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

A Naturalist's Concave..

 

    I’m not against the forces of nature. They all have a stipulated time to occur even though they are a bit irregular at times. But having nothing to worry and tax myself with at the present moment I have surrendered my mind and soul to be calmed by the pure balmy breeze of the world outside my window.

 

    For some days I’ve been keenly observing that the rain clouds seem to go a bit easy on us giving immense amount of dazzling sun to refill the diminished content of Vitamin D. The golden tinge seems to adorn the bluest of sky with fluffy white bales of cotton floating freely in its vast perimeter. Everything around feels so fresh, alive but most of all it seems   so exuberant these days.

 

     Having being truly mesmerized by the works of nature enthusiasts such as Ruskin Bond and William Wordsworth has given me an added boost or you can most aptly say an upper edge to appreciate the wonders and marvels of the green world by which I’m enwrapped with. Their works have enabled me to create precise observations which without a doubt is completely in sync with my stream of consciousness at the spur of the moment.

   

  I’m just a simple and happy soul who other than marveling the grandeur of nature also has to do occasional tasks to keep her cozy cone in tip top shape. If you seem to have the urge to pry into my source of solace its nothing grand and fancy but a small corner sheathed with glass and metal overlooking a powerhouse of fresh O_{2 .}

 

     As I sit on my easy chair and stretch my legs a faint streak of sunlight just peers from the cotton bails giving a soothing warm feeling on my toes. The gale outside seems to admire my curly locks as it ruffles them all over my face. I don’t seem to bother much but embrace it with a broad smile across my face.

 

    In cases of days of muddled weathers such as this there is nothing much an exuberant soul can do. If you want you can part ways with your earphones for a brief span and intercept nature’s orchestra starring the call of the peacocks, the bubbly chirrup of different unheard species of Aves and an awesome closing performance rendered by the buzz of the busy bees.

 

 

     I’m a nobody I tell you but if you have some doubts about my identity, I’ll let them prevail. All you need to do is condition your mind with the thought of a living eyewitness taking sips from her morning energizer of lemon juice infused with ginger ale and the perfect dash of honey who is making rough notes to be then compiled to update a scopia on the world wide web left to be interpreted by all of humankind.

  

 

Disney With A Twist

 

When most of us were young and fantasized about the magic of  Disney we would often jam to the tunes of some notable Disney movies. But now that we are older we are expected to delve into the depth of things and analyze them through the lens of an adult. It’s quite impossible to completely irradicate our childlike whims.

  The current ongoing pandemic situation could not be better as the box which was once considered to be an idiot  has now become smart, brainy, and surprisingly informative as it has now succeeded to attract a whole lot of enthusiastic audience to keep their eyesight fixated on the shimmering screen. We can’t help when the graph of death tolls and the rate of positivity soars. We are aware of the situation and the preventive protocols I hope so I shall spare you from the wraths of it.

   It truly is a Tale as old as time when we could go on to different places and see unbelievable sights, galavant in the sun and have the time of our life clicking selfies for Instagram stories, Facebook posts, or just a simple Whatsapp status. But now it is true as it can be as we have become prisoners in our own home trying to devise some in house means of entertainment. It's time to go digital for everything be it catching up with old friends or attending family events virtually.

Now I see the light it seems as if the fog has unveiled a brand new awakening as everything seems different and in this one moment all those days we spent daydreaming for some respite and living in blur seems to be getting a new dimension as now tiny vials of antidotes have arrived to save us from this misery administration of just two shots is sure to do us good. But now there is a twist the more u delay for your second jab the better it is as the warriors get more time to create a shield for us to combat accordingly what a perfect strategy.

Don’t worry but just go by the simple philosophy Hakuna Matata as it’s called. Wear your protector not with remorse but with happiness and take pride in every strut with your liquid life savior in your pocket, backpack bag, or purse. Take your jab not with the hope of dying but with the hope of survival and an added resistance. Don’t be foolish and lend an ear to a piece of information from some x y or z mediums but just abide by the protocols laid down by the health departments.

If we emerge victorious then there is a whole new world waiting to be explored with fantastic views and unbelievable sights without the presence of anyone to direct us as to where to go or even tell us No. Our actions are pretty simple and well-engrained in our minds. All we need to do is be the change to break this tormenting chain.