Exactly four years ago I left Ottawa to come back to India. It has been four years of intense engagement in the field of ICT4D. There are have been many highs and many lows.
I have travelled, met new people, worked very very hard, even at the cost of my health, and actually lost out on the personal front of keeping myself in the fittest of health.
As a new expat back home, four years ago, it was with a lot of hope and expectation that I returned. One thing was certain. I needed to focus more on myself, and to do my bit for the country.
As I reflect on the four years spent, there has been not a moment that has been boring. Tiring, yes, but boring, no.I am also sure that the next phase of my life is going to be the final innings of my working life, before I plan and retire to enjoy the fruits of my hard work, and do the things I want to do..
What are those things that I want to do?
- Attend live concerts - western jazz, instrumentalists, classical maestros (hindustani or carnatic).
- Complete the cookbook that I am working on, and enjoy hosting friends and family over at my place.
- Socialise and network (which I still love doing).
- Travel to the beautiful Kashmir Himalayas (the one bit of Himalayas that I have not travelled much to, except to Srinagar, that too in the middle of strife).
- Relax and read books.
- Write a novella/ short story book
- Become Debt Free!
I will be looking out for new opportunities to further the skills that I have acquired, and also to move ahead with the zeal and enthusiasm that has always kept me going. Certainly a change of pace is on the cards. More to take on a role that will give an edge to the quality of the work, and one that gives adequate value for money that we deserve.
Surely to keep with the inflation, unless there is an average increase of 25% in the wages earned, one cannot cope with the rising prices. That will be high on my cards.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Geeta Kohli is waiting to become a grandmom
There comes a cool bonus for being a sis of Geeta Kohli, my wonderful eldest sister. Both her kids Juni and Mini are waiting to become proud parents anytime in February/March 2008. What a wonderful bonus for Geeta, and an opportunity to shuttle between USA where Mini lives with Sarvesh, and India (between Delhi/Motihari in Bihar) where Pratibha and Juni (Mohan PS Kohli) lives.
Mohan, my fabulous nephew is currently on a national mission mode programme with the WHO's National Polio Surveillance Project. He is a medical doctor who has specialised in public health administration from National Institute for Health and Family Welfare, and for the past two years dedicated his life in the most vulnerable pocket where Polio virus still continues to attack the kids, despite massive immunization efforts of the government.
Poverty, traditional mindset, interiors of Bihar with little or no development, superstition all cause problems for the polio programme to take full effort. But the dedicated doctors and mission members have not given up. They are all at it. Kudos to Juni and the team members for serving the nation, and putting the family next to service.
Geeta is my dear sister, and my guardian angel. She has been there for me during my thick and thin. She is a wonderful soul, who does not hesitate to call a spade a spade. She is also the greatest mom, who has nurtured two wonderful children, and dedicated her life to her family, her extended family, and all her younger siblings (we are eight kids in the house, and she is the senior second!).
Geeta's ability to communicate, her encyclopedic knowledge of many things, her sensitivity to people, emotions and her own frail emotional self are all to be admired. The trio sisters, Geeta, Raji and Jaya (self) all have pledged to be by each other's side, and to be an emotional support. In the picture taken on the beaches of Calicut are from left to right - Geeta (with the bag), Jaya (with the mobile phone hanging), and Raji (in a cheerful bright dress).
I am going to be the happy beneficiary of Geeta's new awaited status - Grandmom. Wow! I will also become a younger grandmom of her kids' children. She always blesses me and pours love, and I am sure she will be as loving a grandmom, as she has been a wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, mom, dear sister... the list of relations that surround her goes on and one.
The best thing, she always has time for people. Love you Geeta, and best wishes for the new role that awaits you!
Mohan, my fabulous nephew is currently on a national mission mode programme with the WHO's National Polio Surveillance Project. He is a medical doctor who has specialised in public health administration from National Institute for Health and Family Welfare, and for the past two years dedicated his life in the most vulnerable pocket where Polio virus still continues to attack the kids, despite massive immunization efforts of the government.
Poverty, traditional mindset, interiors of Bihar with little or no development, superstition all cause problems for the polio programme to take full effort. But the dedicated doctors and mission members have not given up. They are all at it. Kudos to Juni and the team members for serving the nation, and putting the family next to service.
Geeta is my dear sister, and my guardian angel. She has been there for me during my thick and thin. She is a wonderful soul, who does not hesitate to call a spade a spade. She is also the greatest mom, who has nurtured two wonderful children, and dedicated her life to her family, her extended family, and all her younger siblings (we are eight kids in the house, and she is the senior second!).
Geeta's ability to communicate, her encyclopedic knowledge of many things, her sensitivity to people, emotions and her own frail emotional self are all to be admired. The trio sisters, Geeta, Raji and Jaya (self) all have pledged to be by each other's side, and to be an emotional support. In the picture taken on the beaches of Calicut are from left to right - Geeta (with the bag), Jaya (with the mobile phone hanging), and Raji (in a cheerful bright dress).
I am going to be the happy beneficiary of Geeta's new awaited status - Grandmom. Wow! I will also become a younger grandmom of her kids' children. She always blesses me and pours love, and I am sure she will be as loving a grandmom, as she has been a wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, mom, dear sister... the list of relations that surround her goes on and one.
The best thing, she always has time for people. Love you Geeta, and best wishes for the new role that awaits you!
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