The Green Fields of Haryana

 

I zip along the highway,

And see the green fields pass by.

The green fields of wheat and yellow of

Mustard greet my eyes. I wonder if,

The greenness of the fields could,

Refresh a tired mind!

 

The yellow of mustard remind me of

The bright colour of Autumn. The fresh air of

The fields assault my senses,

The bounty of mother nature teaches

That one should appreciate nature,

For she is bountiful and mature.

 

To be one with nature is my dream,

Haryana, you are the land of my dream!

The farmer on the tractor chugs through,

He is lost in green thoughts through and through!

I am lost in green thoughts of what my future will be.

Will I pass into a place where life fruitful  may be!

Are we tired of despots, tyrants and dictators?

 

The recent turmoil in Egypt and the growing unrest in North Africa including Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, and Tunisia are all indications that the common Man is becoming tired of despots, tyrants, and dictators! The twenty-first century has become an era where the common man’s voice is heard, and respected! The advent of the Information Technology Age has empowered the common man to make his voice heard.The Internet is the mouth-piece of the common man. Incidentally, the Egyptian leaders attempted to switch off the Internet, so that the outside world could be kept in the dark about the events in Egypt! The firewalls however couldn’t shut down internet traffic on cell phones, it was only cables that were shut down!

The discontent of the citizens of the countries close to Egypt Geographically was manifested in Bahrain, on the 17th. of February where the protestors were dealt with a harsh hand. The days of the Desert Lion, also seem to be numbered, and the people of Libya seem to be preparing for, “A day of rage”. People in India often wonder how events in Egypt,Tunisia and Libya could affect them. Globalisation has meant that today we are living in a Global Village, and what happens in a far away country has a ripple effect.Thus, if there is instability in West Asia, or North Africa then oil prices are bound to shoot up, and of course, the Sensex goes into a nose dive, the market becomes rather nervous and jittery!

In an already delicate global environment, it has become important to introduce reforms at a fast pace. Centralisation of powers should be done away with. The need of the day is to introduce de-centralisation, a system of appointing leaders, presidents, and prime ministers where the common man has a choice or a say! It is pertinent of the Honourable Prime Minister to say that that Egypt cannot be replicated in India, because India is a Democracy where Indians can change the Government if they choose! However being a democracy doesn’t mean that we should be complacent. Change is inevitable, it is a fact, a reality, and it is there to stay. We have to steer away from a dictatorial style of Leadership, and instead adopt a more democratic style of Governance.

Lone Rider-A poem

I crank the engine and wait for the steady throb.

Then I put her into gear and pull out on the

Tarmac, the hiss of wheels and the thrum of

The motor transport me to another world.

Out on the free way, I put her in top and,

Steadily follow the snaking tarmac, my bike,the

Road,  the wind, and I, the only ones in the

World! The tarmac beckons to a world beyond!

Oh, is it ecstasy to ride on two wheels with the world,

All to yourself! The symbol of Freedom, and

Enterprise, the vehicle of Discovery, and the favourite

Steed of Che Guevera on his journey of discovery.

I have a car, but any time give me a bike, and oh,

would I settle for a bike! To be one with the

Environment, to see, hear, smell the light caress of the

  Wind on my face, like a lover's  lips on my cheeks!

The scent of the exhaust, the throb of the motor,

The rush of thrill, the glide, and the sense of freedom

Are what draw me into being a lone rider. For to be one

With nature, and  display a streak of wildness become me!

Dhanpatmal Virmani Annual Day Function 2011

 

The Dhanpatmal Virmani Senior Secondary School celebrated its Annual Day on the twenty-ninth of January 2011. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Professor Satish Chander Parasher, an old boy of the school and the Principal of the College of Architecture at Cheheru, Phagwara, Punjab. Mr. Anil Virmani, the Chairman of the school was also present on the occasion. Also present on the occasion was Mr.V.K. Palta, ex-Vice Principal of the school.

                                                      

A colourful and scintillating cultural programme was presented by the students of the school, these included: Ish Vandana,Folk dances, and Hip Hop dances and Jugalbandi which enthralled the Audience.

 

                                                      

                                                      

                                                                   

  

The prize distribution ceremony was an important part of the function. Prizes and certificates were given to meritorious students by the Chief Guest, Professor Parashar, Mr. Anil Virmani, the Chariman of the School, and Dr.Dharmbir Singh, the Principal of the school.

                                                      

                                                                         

The function was anchored by Miss Archana who made the occasion lively with her comments and introductions. The Chief Guest spoke a few words to inspire the students, and Dr.Dharambir Singh read the Annual Report detailing the progress made by the school. Mr.Anil Virmani read the vote of thanks. The function ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

  

                                                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                                            

The Dhanpatmal Virmani Senior Secondary School is grateful to Professor Parashar for sparing some of his valuable time for his old school!

Using Zoom in Photography

I enjoy using the zoom function in photography. It helps you take photographs of animals, birds and insects without disturbing them! This is what I got with a Nikon Coolpix L 100:

                                                                      This Pigeon is the King of the Roost. He is the bully and he frightens all the other pigeons off!

                                                     

This squirrel frequents my uncle’s watering bowl. He seemed rather confident of himself

 

This squirrel seemed to be giving me the frontal pose, being confident about himself!                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                            

                                           

The Pigeon seems to be rather ruffled by the fact that I was taking a snap!

And, this is the photograph that I got with my Nokia Mobile phone :     

The Butterfly seemed to be resting before a long journey!