Truth is stranger than fiction

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=f52f476c-9a4a-4e7a-9b26-4565d4bc2db8 Often to present something on the pretext of novelty, the same product is utilized and painted with a different shade entirely. Yet the authenticity of its true flavor cannot be ignored especially with its roots carrying the original aroma. To make matters worse, extensive marketing is mixed to dilute this ‘new’ product leading to the ‘maker’ winning a reward and an award eventually. The standing ovations, accolades and ‘globe’ trotting become the price tags. It tends to make one wonder if the same would be attained when the product is unadulterated and presented with its original roots and ethnicity. Such is the case of the movie with 10 Oscar nominations, leading to a mad rush of jubilation despite the fact of the sub continent portrayed as a land of poverty and snake charmers still. Strangely when progression rate is even faster than the space shuttles and the local trains ...

Its been two months since the massacre in Mumbai leading to terror and bloodshed. It is a tribute to the bravehearts who fought a valiant war and died a martyr's death. It is that valor which makes them well deserving of being recipients of the Ashok Chakra today. May their souls rest in peace. Jai Hind!!!

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=8131298d-cc3d-4c8d-840b-646149fe5ccb It isn't every phone conversation usually on a casual basis that leaves one in contemplation about life. While one side of it portrays colors of vivacity, it certainly doesn't hesitate to show its shades of grey many a time. To an extent where its bonded souls ponder over the unfair treatment meted out to those who in the least deserve it. It was on the way back home after an arduous day at work, that I punched the numbers furiously to catch up with my mom after ages. Our busy schedules often trespass our ability to communicate often. It was a quiet hello that greeted me which I assumed to be a result of a taxing corporate drone. On exchanging our usual banter, a sudden spurt of news jolted me out of my wits. "Do you remember my friend?" As I carelessly stated a yes, glancing out of the window at the passer by folks, little did I realize that I would be met w...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=20750d14-a7e7-487a-8f24-e2f977fb7288 He swam furiously through the unusually hazy waters looking frantically for Leonard-his one and only son. He flapped his fins, each which depicted an unmistakable anxiety as his search grew vigorous with every passing moment. Never could he leave his little one alone, he thought as a puzzled octopus sleepily looked at him in bemusement. “Has anyone seen Leo”, he asked every passer-by as they shook their heads in amazement. Darcy will never learn they thought. Laughter and squeals were soon heard in the vicinity. It seemed to come from the amusement coral park nearby as he turned sharply in that direction. There he was-dear old Leo, his nine year old son who was found in the company of his fellow mates-the sea horse and the notorious turtle. Embarrassment followed suit along with the pursuit of a sound scolding for wandering off carelessly as Leo hung his head. Partly due to be...

By Swetha Amit http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/retreat_waves_20090113.html We have often wondered what life under the sea would be like and were always curious to find out. Our trip to Mauritius gave us an opportunity to find out and we headed out for what promised to be an adventurous trip. Mauritius is known as the star of the Indian Ocean. When we set foot on this paradise island we realized that it more than lived up to its name. Our exciting expedition began with a visit to the lle aux Cerfs (the Isla nd of Deer) situated towards the east of Mauritius. As we drove down the smooth roads, we couldn’t help but admire the lush green sugar cane fields on either side. Before we realized it, we had reached the ocean bay from where we took a speed boat to the Miniature island. On the way to the Miniature island we stopped for parasailing. Riding on a high ! This 20-minute flying high in the air is a must for those seeking a thrill. Gazing down at the ocean from high above enhances th...

-By Swetha Amit http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=4c5e76f4-f0d7-4af0-a754-fd89f7db58ab “Good job. I trust that this presentation will go well with the clients. Good luck in your venture Saahil.” The words acted as a stimulant like his morning cup of tea which would jolt him out of his lethargic mode of the morning daze. Nothing like your boss’s encouraging statement which feels like you have emerged as a winner even before the job is done. The last five years since he moved to a new city spelt a different him as his growth spurt shot up like Jack’s beanstalk. As he packed his bags to go catch his flight to his hometown, thoughts reflected to and fro between his past and his present. After his graduation he migrated to a new city to start afresh. Indeed it had turned out to have been a lucky charm in terms of his career and his personal life as well. So much had happened that he viewed life in an entirely different light unlike the starry picture he had back then...