Truth is stranger than fiction

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=7298ae6f-d90a-45f5-bfbe-45bd95e7cef3 It may be surprising to note the unique sources of learning that we humans can acquire lessons from. A keen observation of certain species of the animal kingdom can inspire us to draw morals which will help us emerge as wiser beings. One such living being is a frog. Frogs are those creatures which do not get noticed or cared for by humans due to their unattractive appearance. They are often found doing a little jig on their own or hopping around happily in the lush green gardens or fields. And they render their useful services to the hard working farmers by clearing the unwarranted pests away from the flourishing plantations. Their presence is especially felt as the spell of showers descends from above. With the pitter patter musical rain drops one can hear their eager croaks trying to contribute to nature’s orchestra. At the same time they try to gain a competitive edge over t...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=8409608d-977a-4a28-a738-810ebc9629ef All endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at that time.” This book depicts the above saying. Eddie felt it was the end of everything when he lost his life at the Ruby Pier while he was trying to save a girl. As he lands in heaven, surprises go beyond what he would have imagined. The five people he met in heaven taught him the lessons of life after he faced death, ironically. There are some individuals whom you meet in life’s uncertain journey. It’s amazing to note what you learn from such beings irrespective of the time spent with them. The strange aspects of destiny take you through that phase of existence, unknown to the mortal and imbibe such teachings during your sole (soul) existence. This brings about a renowned realization of how learning is indeed a continuous process even after you leave the world behind you. It has taught me that no matter what, there is...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=3d43da8e-223c-4b21-b468-b4ba496c3dfe Dear Dr.Kalam I would like to take this opportunity to express my little token of appreciation. Our country is indeed proud to have had one of the finest presidents in you. Your concern for people, society and their considerable well being is much admired. There are very few who show compassion towards humanity in today’s world. You being the epitome of humility and intellectual power inspires each one of us learn these magnificent qualities from a revered person like you. You have made our nation shine with immense pride by setting an excellent example for the next generation and your vision for India 2020. Your ‘wings of fire’ has ‘ignited minds’ of millions. As you bid farewell to all of us from your office, I would like to say that you will always be remembered fondly by us humble folks who are drawing inspirations from a noble soul like you. We look forward to continue to...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=9627eccf-ff32-496c-93a1-cc2d620d2109 With the growing trend of numerous job opportunities in various fields, it’s indeed pleasant to see its extension even to the visually challenged. Apparently a call centre aptly named ‘Dhrishti’ has been set up for the blind in Mumbai by the NAB (National Association for the blind) and Tata Indicom. Such employees are reported to indulge in the usage of two telephone instruments. One which enables them to talk to the clients and another to get voice based data on the customers. The operation has proved to be sucessful, where such individuals are acclaimed to be as punctual and efficient in their performance, as a normal being. It is indeed a delight to see this novel expedition in the BPO sector which hopefully should catch up in other fields as well. It not only provides scope but also enables such people to forget and overcome their shortcomings. Wavering feelings of being i...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=9627eccf-ff32-496c-93a1-cc2d620d2109 July 11, 2006, Mumbai: It was like any other normal evening bustling with a crowd of folks waiting to rush back home to their near and dear ones, especially after a tiring day at work. Little did they realize that the friendly train whistles would be followed by a fatal explosion that echoes like death bells even today? Who would have thought that they may never return again only to leave sinking hearts behind along with the sinking sun? The prime time between 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. was mercilessly targeted as the death zone. The series of blasts that occurred in Mumbai’s most sought after commutable transport flabbergasted millions. Panic, commotion, running helter-skelter, helplessness, and shock accompanied the people. The smiling faces a little while ago were converted into a barely recognizable state of being as death ruthlessly tore them away. After 26/7,2005, this was yet ...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=9627eccf-ff32-496c-93a1-cc2d620d2109 Time has metamorphised itself into a progressive stage in comparison to several years ago. However, it is sad to realize that this advancement has not yet progressed in certain sections of the society. Dowry is one such issue that prevailed as a social evil and unfortunately continues to do so in several parts of the country even today. Despite the ‘Development’ that has supposedly taken place, it certainly has not extended into the narrow minds of people. The recent incident of Pooja Chauhan in the conservative state of Gujarat has stirred a lot of commotion. Taking a bold stance, she just walked in her bare minimum on the streets protesting against the injustice towards her. It must have been a horrifying sight for the onlookers to watch an unusually semi clad woman. Apparently her in laws have been harassing her for dowry on a continuous basis. Many may dispute this atrocity...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=b7ab149a-5f35-4861-8859-6a890ddb71fe Loneliness often propels one to longingly seek a friend. Times like these often push us into a solitary stance or we find our solace in the road to spirituality striking an unspoken friendship with God. My friend Ganesha is one such film which depicts this divine friendship between a child and the elephant faced God and takes you down the mythological lane. The movie revolves around a family consisting of Ashu, his parents, aunt and the maid Gangubhai who places her sincere devotion in Lord Ganapathy. Ashu is a lonely child devoid of any friends and to top it all he is bullied by his counterparts at every given opportunity. To make matters worse, his parents who are caught up with the corporate lifestyles hardly spend time with him. One day he ends up saving a little mouse from the harsh rains. On sharing this with the maid, leaves her enthralled enough to tell him of being the...