Life in Technicolor

The world is coming closer, what with faster travel and technology, moving abroad either for further studies or for better work prospects is always an option. More and more are now opting to study abroad for a holistic learning experience, global exposure and for the thrill of living in a new country. Be it for furthering your education or for work, one has to list out all the challenges one might face before making the move. Speaking and being in touch with fellow mates, who've gone the same route you are planning, will definitely make the whole process easier. The visa norms, passport validity, university acceptance letters, English language tests, housing, finances etc. feature on all lists.  I recall the year when a friend was applying to universities abroad- with the sheer pressure of applications, deadlines, regulations, scholarships and finances, she was left with no free time before the course started. Pearson India, decided to make one aspect of this planning easie...

Being a nature lover, I like the lessons Mother Nature imparts to us every day. Observing and learning from these has helped me on numerous occasions. So, I thought, I'll capture some: Persistence- Go on,no matter what. The sun will always rise, despite the dark clouds, the thunder and the storm. You're unique in your own way, bloom! A flower will bloom when it has to, without bothering about the one next to it. Timing- There's a right time for everything. Neither late nor early, it'll happen when it has to. You cannot rush a sapling to grow into a tree overnight. It's okay to change- Seasons come- the colors change and each one is beautiful in its own way. Let go of the things, people, situations,thoughts you cannot manage. It's a process necessary for growth. Let the dead leaves fall, the tree will grow stronger.  Be vulnerable, it's okay! Autumn makes even the mighty oak be vulnerable and shed its leaves. Sometimes, after a terrible storm, you...

When was the last time, you postponed something you really wanted to do? Calling a loved one, craving your favorite chocolate dessert but waiting till the weekend to order it, painting, writing an email/letter to a friend you've lost touch with , the list goes on.. We always somehow, put ourselves second. Trying to squish the desire right out of our minds to another time in the future when you can give yourself some time.  Beginning this year, I decided to try it out! The tiny desires which I could treat myself to and get them right out of the way. That way, you're happy and there's no waiting. Who knows what the future holds? Think of a friend, call him/her immediately. Craving some Chinese food- why not? Want to catch the sunset- go for a quick walk and treat yourself. Aiming to be fit? Start today! Our social system teaches us to sacrifice self and cater to others. Yes, one should most times. But, I've also realized that, you've got to put yourself firs...

It's a warm Sunday afternoon in April. Most people are indoors, snoozing after a heavy Sunday lunch. Oscar sleeps on , in the cool verandah, swishing at flies, maybe in his dreams, cause I see none. The pigeon nesting in the attic, is cooing softly. It's been about half an hour and she goes on. Almost like a snore- rising and falling. The big Gulmohar tree across the road, is full in bloom, swishing merrily in the warm April breeze. The ground below is beautifully adorned with red & yellow petals. Reminding the passersby of the beautiful yesterday that was.  The afternoon is so still that even the squirrel on the mango tree is nowhere to be seen. Sunday lunches are always heavy, ending with sweet ripe mangoes. It's understood that one has to save some space for the juicy mangoes. You aren't allowed to refuse! Who says "No" to the king of fruits, after all? The evening might bring in a thunderstorm. A usual occurrence in Eastern India. When heavy,...