Gerald D'Cunha

  “The only real prison is fear; and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.” Aung San Suu Kyi                                               Y esterday was the last day for my twelfth-standard batch (HSC). Even though my students get my daily dose of pepping – call it inspiration or pravachan – during every session, every day, all through their academic year, on the last day, when they go away from me, I have something spontaneous and special to tell them, always… Yes, that is when I truly feel the power and the privilege of being a good teacher: How much, willingly or unwillingly, my students realize they have received from me… And, how much I have received from my students! For some students, it may have been months and months of daily dosage… and, for others, it may be a single dosage… It’s just a little spark that sets a massive forest on fire, we kn...

  “You may always dream; and, sometimes, they will even come true.” Martin Hurkens   L ast evening, my friend, Rekha, shared the inspiring story of Martin Hurkens. I don’t think many of you have heard about him. At least, I hadn’t, till I read his incredible story. The story tells us, that Martin worked for over thirty-five years as a baker. He was, always, passionate about singing and possessed a natural tenor-voice. He sang the popular songs as he went about his baking work and delighted his customers. Then came a day, when he lost his job and was left with nothing to fall back on for his livelihood. He had a family to fend; but he was too old to seek a new job. Faced with this challenge, he decided to hit the streets of his city in Holland and sing with all his heart… The onlookers dropped small coins in his hat. But, a new leap of faith had been taken… Martin’s destiny was on its way to unfold! His young daughter, without his knowledge, sent his entry form for th...

Pic.: Aparna Khanolkar Sheth “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” - Neale Donald Walsch “ I t is so difficult to get a job, but it is even more difficult to leave one. It, really, needs guts my dear... Enjoy life the way you like!” This was how Indrani  responded to her near-and-dear Tandra, on reading what Tandra had just written on her FB status: “YES,  I am on a job sabbatical... and here's what its like: My house gets all the sunlight for most part of the day... because, I am there to draw the curtains when needed... My culinary skills seem to have come out of the dormancy or weekend mode... My voice [speaking/singing] is no more embarrassing.....in fact, my karaokes are splendid... Most gadgets and things are fixed and are not waiting for a weekend Mom and dad - and, for that matter, my spouse - can call me anytime....esp in need to speak Some old friendships have got a new life... Vacations nee...

The other day, when somebody used the word - 'Compromise', I was quick to respond: "Let us not use the word - 'Compromise'... That is a 'cheap', rather, ineffective word. Let us use the word - 'Peace'." I went on, "Peace comes straight... with out any conditions, with no strings attached." There was no discussion on that. There was silence... It was profound. That evening, I found myself speaking fervently, with all my passion and strength... but, it was all a monologue, rather a soliloquy. I was telling them - the fighting parties, the parties who were unable to find a breakthrough - this. "A compromise comes with doubt, with suspicion from the mind; peace comes with complete trust, straight from the heart. Compromise means, I am ready, but I still don't trust you... I may not honour my promise, in case, you... Peace means, I am ready... and I trust you fully... I will keep my promise, and you too will, I know. I know. I...