Wise Gems

Recently I was at a mall. Since Independence Day was approaching, there was an event at the mall. On a large canvas, they were encouraging people to put their thoughts on it. Some were painting our beautiful tricolor. Some were writing messages. I painted our flag along with the word UP signifying the direction our country is headed. I felt really proud. At the same time I felt grateful to God. I was born a free man in a free country. Felt grateful to all the people who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Many did not even see the free country they strived for.  Felt grateful to God for the beauty of this country. Our Country is truly blessed. Snow capped mountains to sun kissed beaches, flowing rivers to flower filled valleys, lush green forests to golden desert sands. Name it... India has it. Felt grateful for the opportunities and the superb education we get in this country. I can follow my religion without threats. I can speak freely. I feel responsible for my country. Fe

Couple of months ago my wife and I brought a money plant branch from a good friend of mine. With great enthusiasm we planted it in a pot. I watered it daily. One day I noticed a small, bright green bud appear in one of the nodes. But the next morning I saw the bud separated from the plant. Perhaps nipped by one of the pigeons that roost in the window. After this incident, the plant showed signs of giving up. To my disappointment, I noticed that the leaves became yellowish. Eventually these leaves dried and fell off. For a few days the branch stood, devoid of all leaves. We then noticed that the color of the stem started turning yellow like its leaves had done a few days back. Thinking that this plant had died, we removed it from the pot. A few days later, we were surprised to see a small green shoot rising out of the soil. Perhaps, a portion of the root had remained. This joy was short lived. Pigeons at work again. This small shoot must have looked like a worm. Half of this shoot wa