Kadmanivasi. My Blog. Geeta Ramani

Who will become a millionaire? This programme aired on prime-time TV in India, provides some clues. ‘Kaun Banega Karodpati’ is a unique game show, a quiz contest, which pits contestants against an all-knowing computer. The host is truly the anchor, he provides stability and confidence during an uncertain situation. The show is driven by both, the contestants and the host. After watching a few episodes, I believe that none of the contestants come to the sets, wanting to become a millionaire. They have only one aim and that is to reach the hot seat. Some achieve this by chance or good fortune. Others get there by design, through sheer effort.  From here on, we get a peek into their lives -   enlightening, entertaining and often enigmatic! They keep the viewers engrossed.  And when they fail, the host Mr. Amitabh Bachchan takes over. He brings to the show, his own charismatic brand of energy, enthusiasm, and empathy, oftentimes, worthy of emulation.  ...

Having just read 'Open', the true and inspiring story and acclaimed autobiography of Andre Agassi, I felt re-assured, in my belief, that only effort carves one’s destiny. Andre worked like no other, single minded, pursuing his father’s dream which became his own. Although,  it is true, that not all effort is rewarded so abundantly, yet I believed that no destiny can be shaped without effort. The next book that I read, shook this core belief. Another poignant autobiography that made me rethink. I have just completed a marathon reading session of the book, 'A Long Way Home' by Saroo Brierly. It is the story of the author's life, who lost his way as a five-year-old and found himself in Kolkata. He spent several months roaming about in the city, until a good soul took him to the police station. From here begins his extra ordinary journey to a Children’s home and finally adoption by an Australian family. At 25, he writes about his search home, to...

                                                                  Rain, rain, go away! come back another day.         I need to fill my nut cache, Fall is on its way!         Beech, Hickory, Hazel.....Hurray!         The nuts in the garden, my buffet!          It was all good till the month of May,          When Grama and Gramp came on holiday.                                                                                    They watched over me .......night and day      ...