Rogue Ride

Bonjour everyone!

After a really long time huh! I know I know the boards and all. Now that they are over here’s a new story.

Long time ago there was a kingdom ruled by all the women. Wow! that would’ve been so cool. But no. Today, I have a story where I learn how to drive a bike through my own ventures. Let’s put the seat belts on and drive through it.

Last monsoon I went to my grandparents for the vacation. Though I had ridden the bike with my uncle sitting at the back it was a long time ago and the thought of being cinematic and on fleek pinned in my head I had to make it happen.

As a preface, my grandparents live in a beautiful village and there, driving from the age of 9 is most common thing. Not that I promote driving underage, it was just me being 17 and already feeling 18. I am the eldest and the only girl grandchild hence, they are very protective and also extremely loving. First born pros I guess!? Followed by some cons.

“Mama just explain it to me how does this work. I’ll learn immediately.” Urging my uncle after a tiresome day was no piece of cake. After days, my grandma gave me a green signal. “Tanu, you are smart enough why don’t you figure it out yourself? Practice here in the maidan (open ground in front of the house). Why do you have to wait for him?”

And so I did! With the amazing anonymous teacher on the Youtube my bike learning quest began. My first drive, with infinite failed attempts, was in the 20m radius. It was a bit hard due to the grainy surface and short distance but somehow I was able to ride in concentric circles without stopping. Here comes the next part where I wanted to experience the buttery roads and enjoy the breeze with a song being played in the background. Well it was not as filmy as it sounds.

My parents came one fine weekend to take me back to Pune. That night I kept thinking how incomplete it felt to not complete the task I had undertaken. So I decided to do whatever I could to reach the final line.

That day was like the usual. The daily chores were in process. My grandfather was meditating, my grandma was cooking while my mother helped her wash utensils. My uncle and father went out to buy some fresh vegetables from the market after denying my request to take me for the ride.

I saw the perfect moment and there I was starting the bike to my secret adventure. I told my mom I’ll be just round the corner and left. Little did I know that ‘round the corner’ was going to be soaked in mud and drenched in water till ankles. How was I supposed to turn on this messy 0.5m wide path? 

After multiple tries of not falling, half tilted, I struggled to straightened the bike with all my might. I put the stand on and here I was: with no cell phone, couldn’t go back for the fear of being scolded and stuck in this shamble, infinite (as it felt) puddle. My heart thudded out loud. I calmed myself and finally got the courage to gently accelerate and move forward. As I surpassed the hurdle, the thorny acacia nilotica (babul) trees welcomed me by scratching both my arms and legs. I continued and ended into another calf length muddy trench. My mind went numb as the bike won’t start and was covered in filthy mud. My pants looked wretched and all I could see were the red, outrageous faces. I felt dumb at the point coming so long in the middle of nowhere. I looked down and thought, “well now that I am already doomed at least I shall complete what I started.” 

(Google images resembling the actual place)

Once again, I sat on the bike and tried kick starting it. After 10min of shear leg work voila! It was a success. I raced and the mud spatter stained my jacket from the back. I then moved forward whilst trying to balance on the extreme rocky road. And finally there it was the silky smooth most awaited route. I took a long breath and the ‘Ilahi’ song played out loud in my head. I felt like the main character in a movie. The people on the streets, with tied sugarcane lumps on the back of their bike, rode by staring. 2 km in, I saw another bike follow me with some distant cries. I stopped as the man in shorts and a white undershirt (banyan) approached. “You idiot! Do you have any idea what you have done? You could’ve hurt yourself perhaps broken a bone or two. You can’t even change the gears well. Turn around right now!” (trust me it sounded really scary in marathi) he said pointing at the direction of home. There was my grandpa, following me in the mid village, all burning in rage.

He had heard the bike accelerate loudly and came out running few minutes later once I had left. He had searched all the possible places, asked my mother who had denied knowing my location. She might’ve not heard while washing the utensils.

We reached home and that was the 1^st and I hope the last time I got scolded by him. Even my mother wasn’t spared. It was funny how we both giggled with a side eye look. My grandma too was oblivious to the drama. I did feel sorry for I had left him all worried. My father also showed his deep concerns with a shock on his face when he got to know.

I then had a talk with my mother who was not at all mad at me. She told her slice of the story: How, out of being protective, even she wasn’t allowed to learn the bike instead her younger brother was. But the passionate and the dashing woman she is, she bought a bike and learnt to drive it all by herself in the city.

Had they helped and taught me I wouldn’t have gone down the rogue route. Well that day all of us got a dose: One shouldn’t be restricted to a great extent and one should be safe and not go adventuring with no safety measures.

 Here’s how I learnt riding a bike. Anyone down for Kashmir to Kanyakumari biking? I hope to go someday. Let me know in the comments below how it was and any similar story of yours. See you on the roads!

Walking through the shadows

 "Hey! Stop....stop!" He went on and on.

A few years back I met with a situation faced by almost every girl/woman these days. It is said: whatever happens in life is for a reason; learn from your mistakes and become the better version of yourself. Well the the bookish quotes work different in real life but change is mandatory and you are the one to make sure it's a positive one. So here is an incident in my life that changed me as a person.

My world was a fun place it still is but  I never knew what was beyond hobby classes, school, my society people and family. It was a weekday during summer holidays after 7th grade and dance gathering practice was in full swing. I got ready in my red kurta, leggings, a jacket and a black dupatta around my neck. So excited to learn the new choreographies, I locked my door, put the music on and was on my way to the class. It was my regular route for past 4-5 years. The shadows of the trees covered the entire path and the sunlight parched the roads through the branches.  It was peaceful, typical Punekars' afternoon. As I was walking, I heard a bike coming near and the very instinct was to move to the extreme left of the road. But it kept on following me so I turned back to see and it suddenly stopped. The guy parked the bike and walked after me. "Wait...wait!" He shouted. I kept walking and he kept following. Once I was at a distance he then took his bike and parked it right in front of me. I had barely started liking word problems and indian history -  just passing grade 7th. So unaware of what was going on, I stopped stunned as he kept staring and started saying the most bizzare things. "I have been following you for past few weeks from various places (terrace, regular routes) and I love you. Answer me!" He went on in marathi. I had never seen him ever before: A total stranger in his early twenties wearing a white shirt and a pair of skinny blue Jeans. Who was he? My heart was racing at the fastest rate possible. My hands started shivering. Something like this can happen? I was still petrified. There was no one around and I didn't know what to do as he kept on blabbering. Speechless at the moment, I walked back a few steps as he came near and near. "Please leave." I said out loudly as my eyes widened and my voice filled with rage. He then shamelessly followed for some more time on his bike saying "Wait let me drop you. Wait!" I kept walking as my feet got heavier each step. All I could see was my class building. He didn't leave and instead drove near me until I reached my destination. I didn't know what to do anymore. I saw my tai sat there quietly for two minutes still in disbelief. A thousand things going in my mind. She felt the tension and when asked about my heavy breath I told her everything. After getting back home I told my parents. My father then searched all the CCTV cameras around but nothing was ever found. 

The vivid picture is still in my mind and the rush is still infuriating. There are lakhs of stories even more devastating and a thousand incidents that are buried in silence. That day I could've done so much: shouted out loud, hit him, called police etc. But I was blank. Whistling, road teasing, acid attacks and so much more have become a dreadful truth of life. If you don't decide to raise your voice no one else will. Be confident and vigilant. Had I kept a watch on my surroundings everytime I went out, I would've known who's been driving the same route time and again. These people, educated or not, known or not fail to understand individuality and humanity. We can't expect people to learn this in days for, the billions are still living and believing in the patriarchal world full of dominance. We can't change anyone's perspective but we can sure defend ourselves: learn self defence, learn to say no to anything you are against of, stand up against injustice, be so independent that you don't have to depend on anyone else for your survival, make sure your reflex are fierce so that these people don't dare to do such a thing again , make your children aware of the dangers in the world and report any crime you see taking place. These days we hear so many sexual assault cases and the most common thing said is that the clothes of the victim led to the incident. Women sure can wear whatever they want provided they can carry the outfit well. The world was and still is a messed up place with enormous beauty and at the same time hideous darkness. So stay vigilant, stay safe and fight back for the shadows are throughout and you are the firelight enlightening the dark.

Punekar: people living in Pune are called as punekar. It is generally at the afternoon that the people here take nap. Whilst the shops are closed and there is barely anyone on the streets.

Abyss

Opening eyes in guilt 

Questioning Whys and Wrongs

Waking up on the damp pillow

With the burden of flaws

Yesterday stabbed in deep

Today scraped the scars

Tomorrow don't wanna breathe 

Just fade away in the endless dark

Walking with quivering red hands

And a broken heart

Hold me will you 

cause my world seems to fall apart

Take me out faar away to the land 

With nothing but peace and love for who I am.

                                           -Tanisha

To all the beloved parents who are always there for you through the thick and thin.

 

सहर

 

Believe

Standing on a junction,

Not knowing where to go

To the right, where the birds sing.

Or to the left, where the tigers growl.

Confused, I take a step back

Afraid to choose one

For paths can be deceiving 

Wondering what if I lose myself in the maze and couldn't return?

Footsteps approach me

as I stand bewildered 

I ask, "how was the journey u took?"

"All paths are arduous darling." she says

"And only the venturesome make it through 

by believing in one."

                                                                     -Tanisha

कुदरत

 

Being stereotypical.

 Disclaimer: The following is a very sensitive topic. It doesn’t mean to hurt anyone’s sentiments and is based on my opinions and observations and thus the categorization is entirely done by me. Kindly read the entire thing before stating your views.

So let me introduce you to the word I met a few years ago. I am sure you must have too but if not here’s it: STEREOTYPE

The 10 letter word has more than half the population of the world running after it. So, what are stereotypes?

Let me give you an example:

“I like ‘Math’ sir.” Raghav said.  

“So do I.” added Swara.

“That is a good thing Raghav but I am truly intrigued Swara!” said sir.

Well, Math is a subject which is all about logic and application. Men are usually said to be the ones being logical and women the ones being creative. The cool part is that: we get to decide what fascinates us the most. Ultimately, it is the will to dive deeper into the subject and fascination towards it that makes one like it. One can be logical and creative at the same time. As a result, saying men should like Math and be good in it and vice-a-versa for women is just an exaggeration of an opinion from the observations in the past.

This is what a stereotype is: A misconception or an exaggerated opinion from the past incidences/false observations that are passed along from one person to another.

So why are these stereotypes in a way humorous yet harmful? They have started affecting the minds of the people making them not give a second thought about the possible reason for it. They have made people think in a specific way. Let’s categorize them.

1)     The forefathers’ theories

·                     If a woman gets educated then the alphabets she has learnt will turn into worms and enter the husband’s plate.

I see no worms in my Dad’s plate! As we go back in the history, we all know- be it for man or a woman struggle and evolution is a huge process. But comparatively for woman it has been a walk on path of burning coal. They were deprived of education and even if they tried seeking it people came up with these kind of stereotypes. That was a time when there were child marriages and the girls being young and illiterate believed these stereotypes. The people thought that if a girl learns who will do all the household work and serve the family members? Now the things have changed a lot. Even our maid’s all the three girls have received primary and secondary education.

 

 Woman worshiping the gods during catamenia is a misdeed

Well! I have used a word that is disguised. But I found it important to tell. Why do we worship god? That’s because we think there is a creator and its god. We are alive because of him. He is the light in the darkness, the hope we get from and so it goes. All have their own reasons to worship god and it’s a person’s choice. There is no right or wrong in it. But when you consider the god as the ultimate creator then why would god want you to stay away from him for a week every month. Ask yourself: Are you the cause of catamenia? Can you cease it till it’s no more? And what’s that is dirty about it when you take care of all the sanitation? Try it once- being fearless, strong and carefree of these stereotypes you’ll feel a sense of inner happiness. In the previous times, there was no proper sanitation and hence women were kept in isolation but are there any such reasons now? No! Then why deprive them of the basic freedom to touch things and to worship?

 

 

2)     Definition of intelligence and a good human

·        The people with higher grades are meant to take science.

 My classmate got 95% in 10^TH and he took Arts stream and people kept saying, “Agh! Another boy wasting his intelligence by taking arts.” Unfortunately we categorize people on the basis of their marks. Let’s take the famous e.g of Albert Einstein he never scored a 99% but his talent took him where we see him now. If Zakir Hussein would have never followed his passion, talent, we won’t have known him today. Sounds so cliché! But the fact is people still haven’t understood this. Considering the job opportunities and other aspects they restrict their children. But little do they understand that if we work towards our goals, perfection, talents and passion, success is the ultimate outcome. And where there is success why worry about income. It follows us as we make way to the success.

 

·        A studious person doesn’t like dressing up, getting into the outside world (introvert) or shop

This is a funny one! Close your eyes and think about a studious person.90% of the time it is about a person wearing simplest possible clothes with spectacles on, talking just about scientific things and bag full of books lying beside. Well, this isn’t true. All have their own likings apart from studies. Some might like making craft, watching series, dressing up, cooking etc. As long as you aren’t wasting money on the unnecessary and doing these things for a specific amount of time makes you happy then why not? At the end of the day it’s the happiness that helps your mind work efficiently and makes you more productive.

·        The person going to the worship places (e.g temples) is very well cultured.

Why do people go to the temples? To worship god, to meditate, to get mental peace and happiness. As I said, everyone has their own reasons to go there. We are all humans yet all 7 billion people are unique in their own way. But I find it perplexing when it is expected from almost every individual to find happiness, mental peace by worshiping: Follow the stereotypes. If you want to be a good person be excellent in studies, worship god in every way possible. Not all are good in studies (getting excellent marks) but make an exceptional career when they follow their dreams. Worshiping is a choice not a mandatory thing that makes a person well cultured. Being spiritual and being devotional are two different phenomena and are every individual’s choices which cannot be forced on to them.

 

3)     So am I beautiful/ handsome?

·        A fair person is beautiful.

नरस्याभरणं रूपं रूपस्याभरणं गुणाः ।

गुणस्याभरणं ज्ञानं ज्ञानस्याभरणं क्षमा ॥

The above is an extract from Sanskrit literature that states that a human is beautiful in true sense when he/she has good nature, moreover knowledge and importantly has the quality of forgiveness. The literature is as old as a thousand years. Since then the people believed in the inner beauty then what made that change now? I still remember being bullied because of my brown, dusky skin colour. I genuinely felt bad at the time. But now that I surpassed that phase instead of feeling inferior to others, I feel pity for the people who discriminate on these (the racists) and that’s because they have an image formed, a sheet that is blindening them to see the true human colours and its beauty. Imagine a dog being extremely fluffy and pretty but if it bites you, you start running away from him in contrast to this when the dog saves you from a threat (e.g starts barking when seen a snake). You become alert and thankful to it. Does the way the dog looks matters here? No! It is the quality that makes the creature adorable. As a result, it depends on how you chose to see the world: as it is or what lies beneath it.

4)     My gender rocks! Does it?

·        Men shouldn’t cry and be strong always (crying makes them look weak); women are cry babies not being strong.

Is it? According to the recent data, death caused by suicide of men is far more than that of women. Why so? These stereotypes of men being strong prevent them from expressing themselves. Like every other expression crying is also important. It helps one to release the toxins and hormones that cause stress levels to rise. So there is nothing wrong in it. Just cry and get over with it. Think rationally and sort everything piece by piece. Rather than sticking to the problems being faced run towards the solutions. That’s it! It’s that easy.

So cry and express cause why not!  

Women have higher EQ (emotional quotient) than men. The reason being they let out their feelings take time to cry out their sorrow and then back to work! Talk-cry-sort things step by step (find solutions)/get over it and you are happy again!

I guess this states well that who is stronger: the one who expresses, moves on and gets over the hardships by working on it. So, are you?

·             Women are poor drivers

I am still thinking about who came up with this stereotype? 70% of the woman don’t even start driving without license. With a fear of being hurt, a helmet, seat belt are most of the time used. There is a difference between driving safe and driving fast. According to the experiments conducted across the world more rules are broken by men than women. Let us look at an example: since the ancient times, women have been cooking. It is now that the men have started taking interest in the same. Few have mastered the art but the vast amount of population (men) is still struggling with the basics. In the same way, women started driving just a few decades back. In fact, in some countries they haven’t even thought of driving a vehicle. At the end of the day it is a matter of practice. But we also can’t deny that the evolution has some impact on it.

 

Rising from the ashes

 

I have been walking on the burning coal.

Nothing hurts,nothing being felt.

The winds passing by.

The heaven is calling out loud,

While the doors of hell beneath lie.

The sky: a pink blanket of roses,

The ocean: a blue mattress with golden laces.

Sun entering the ocean land,

I feel sudden touch of soft sand.

With water washing the coal burns.

This is how life is

A fiery path to blaze the hardships,

And stronger from the ashes you stand.

                                    -Tanisha Raskar

Arangetram - Never give up!

Ever witnessed the joy of reaching to a top of a mountain and looking at the breathtaking view after a rugged climb? It is so satisfying. But no hard climb is complete without obstacles. And so was my journey of dance. ‘Arangetram’ is a prodigious performance which is done after years of training. It is the perfect example of hardwork, dedication and willpower. At the end, it is the journey what teaches us and what we enjoy the most. So here goes mine!

My journey started in 2018 when Tai* first announced that you are ready for ‘The Arangetram’ after 9 years. My parents and I had decided to do Arangetram alone instead of a group since there was no one ready enough to perform with me. I was so happy to hear that it was finally my time to perform Arangetram but the next thought that crossed my mind was ‘now I have to work my fingers to the bone. Huh!’ The thought scared me for a second. But now there was no turning back.

My first day of practice was so tiring that my legs shivered while getting down the stairs. My practice included a routine diet of beetroot, cucumber some fruits, two large bottles of energy liquids and regular lunch with increased chapati (wheat bread) which were to be finished during the practice. Believe me that’s a lot! I still remember the Christmas vacations when the practice was in full swing starting from 9am till 9pm. Throughout the day I’d practice, eat lunch, watch performances of previous Arangetrams, take power nap and then back to practice. Well, that was hectic! During this time Tai has been our mother throughout; right from making kadha* if anyone was unwell to taking the practice at her own house daily.  

The fun part was when we had a trip to Shri shri Ravishankar ji’s Markal ashram. Every batch of Arangetram is taken to a trip for bonding with each other. And so was this trip. We slept under the stars in the tent, meditated, did a photoshoot, adventure activities and a lot more. After the trip, we were relaxed, refreshed and back to practice.

Photoshoot (Lord Vishnu position)

After months of practicing there was a time when I couldn’t even sit in the basic position of Bharatnatyam (Ayatamandalam). That’s when I realized that the pains resembled the ones which had taken place when I jumped while playing a few weeks back. My right knee would hurt to its worst possible. After visiting the doctor I found out that I had partial ligament tear. I still remember his words, as he said, “You can’t dance any further”. I was speechless. I held my tears all the way home and that night I couldn’t resist and let it all out. That was a nightmare. You can’t tell a dancer that she can’t dance especially when it’s time to give the most prestigious performance of life. Thus, there was a long break of almost 9 months. But as elders say, the hard times passes quickly if you stay strong and fight back. I did the same. I did the recommended exercises, physiotherapy sessions followed the prescriptions and rested as much needed. And that’s how I overcame this hurdle and was more than ready to continue with my journey after doctor’s consent. I would literally perform an item from the margam* and then use an ice pack. In a way it did feel good!

Soon was my first practice with my vocalist. And to be honest it was pretty awful. I was so nervous. I messed up with the beats, with the sequence and was technically poor. That’s when I knew I had not given my 100 percent. There were times when I would say that I am done! But then there was my mother, who would just end the conversation by saying ‘you have to complete what you have started’. That’s what kept me going. My dad was my driver throughout. He would leave his office just to pick up and drop me. I am so grateful towards them that they were ready to do anything possible to make the performance a success.  

My first 3 months of 10^th standard were all about dance. Revising the beats while teacher is teaching was all I would do and the songs kept running in my head all day. And trust me, not understanding a word and getting ready for an exam which is just round the corner is a deadly feeling!

I still remember that we were once practicing and were almost done with the choreography of the margam but lacked of a perfect end since there was nothing that could match my theme of ‘Lord Krishna’. When my Tai’s guru Smita Mahajan tai learnt about this, she herself composed the song and provided it within few hours. I was astonished and was feeling so blessed. Who would have ever thought that a person like her would compose a song just for me within few hours? Cause it’s a tedious task. I am so thankful to her. After all these months, I gave my best at the final practice with my musicians, which was really memorable. The photograph above is taken after this final rehearsal where i am totally sweating. It is so fulfilling when you give your best and get appreciated. Right?

Left to right- Parimal Choudhary (chief guest), Guru Smita Mahajan, Tanisha Raskar, Guru Snehal Phtak-Kalamkar.

After few days, my costumes and jewellary arrived and were ready to be used. According to Indian tradition, one has to seek blessings from the god Shiva and perform a short pooja* before the performance for it to go well.  

(Photograph) Here is Tai tying ghunguroos* on my feet after pooja.

The Next step was photoshoot which was few hours long but was definitely one of my cherished experiences. Soon the invitations were out and everybody was excited and eager to see the program.

 My Tai has been the most dedicated and an inspiring woman. She has two children- One a 6 years old girl and the other 2 months old baby. Yet she never let them affect my practice. Her patience is just commendable. She has helped me all this way to make it up to my goal. I often wondered why doesn’t Tai ever say that I did well even though all the others did. ‘You have to do better’ is all she would say. After all the practice, it is acknowledgement from your teacher that matters the most. Isn’t it? My Arangetram was the place where I first heard the words of appreciation from my Tai and it was the best moment ever. That’s when it hit me that all I wanted was to please my guru and in this process of pleasing her, her every ‘you can do better’ resulted in me doing the best possible. And my final performance made me that worthy to receive her admiration. That was the best gift ever!

 My first stage performance alone for 3 hours was more of fun because now I was able to enjoy dance and was lost in it completely. My mother, was, I think the happiest woman on the Earth. She literally was so emotional while giving the speech while expressing herself. The auditorium was filled with emotions and the air with happiness. Ultimately, the performance, the appreciation, the love that you receive forever and the satisfaction of giving your best is all that matters. This journey of mine has taught me life lessons and would always be preserved in my treasure chest of memories.

Kadha*- a Mocktail consisting variety of herbs and other ingredients like cumin seeds to stay healthy.

Margam*- List of all the dances in a particular sequence.

Pooja*- Indian ritual performed to seek blessings from god before any good deed.

Ghungroos*- anklet bells (literally)

Tai* - used for calling elder sister. Here (to address a teacher)

Missed the program? You can now watch the entire program on youtube from the links below. In sequence.

1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zClLnwPT0cY

2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWJIBpog5iE

3.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usIbRBHQ2MM

4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJkyzpDwz2c

5.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glkCzWnujVA

6.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMJiSIrKwAc

7.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=032QqIhX56E

8.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjc-CqTeUnY

9.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko7KxCUzfKc

My Journey of Dance

                      What is the beauty of dance? The expressions, the bodily movements, the elegance and so the list goes on. That’s how an Indian classical dance 'Bharatnatyam' gets its basic essence from. Right from the beginning music always had a special place in my heart. I would dance my heart out for hours. I still have the recording of me dancing on an Aarti* with red dupatta* on my head: considering them as my long hair and assuming ‘audience’ on the chairs. Truly! Childhood is filled with so much of innocence. So, that was my 1^st, imaginary stage performance.

                My mother loved to see me so engrossed in dancing. And that’s why we decided to join a dance class. I still remember a woman standing on the door to welcome the newcomers. Her face was lightened with a broad smile; her large dark eyes were glittering as she called us in. She was my Guru (teacher): Snehal Phatak-Kalamkar. We call her ‘Tai’*. That day she held my hand and has not left ever since.

                  The dance class was like a Gurukul* always filled with girls rehearsing, seniors teaching juniors, girls practicing the taals* and learning. It was my favorite place to go; and seeing me enjoy dance, was my mother’s favorite thing to do so, she too joined dance with me. Coming from the village region they (my mother and her siblings) were deprived of the art related amenities and so, the joy on her face of ‘better late than never’ was so satisfying.

                Stage fright is one of the many fears that children now-a-days have. Tai used to arrange entire class program once in a year. And so even the children would overcome the stage frights and the parents would enjoy watching them on stage. The practices for the program would begin months before.  Like every other 9 year old kid, I had this fascination of being in a lead role. And at that time the theme was Shiva- Parvati*. I had got the role of lord Bramha* yet I yearned for the role of king Daksha* who had comparatively more importance and time on stage. I did get the role but after so many years I realized that it is not about how much time you play the character but about how beautifully you can convey it to the audience.

Dance has taught me a lot. It has helped me grow into a better person.

                 “Taiyya- tai. Sit more in the ayata* position. Keep your hands straight.” were the words of Tai trying to perfectionate every step. Everyday same instructions to which I just used to neglect. As I exalted from a junior to senior dancer there came a time when once I had to take the class. I was so excited with the thought that the girls would dance as per my instructions. How cool would that be! The class began with the first batch of the youngest girls. And to be honest that was the hardest one. Teaching every step again and again, making them listen to you, explaining everything in the simplest way possible and controlling rage when every time they go wrong. Then it struck me that being a teacher is all about having patience and how did Tai managed to have patience straight away for 4-5 hours? That’s an amazing value teachers have which actually takes years to build up and is taken for granted by us. That day teaching them I realized what patience is and also the importance of perfection. Tai always says “when we teach others, we learn twice and also try to perfectionate ourselves.” True, right?

It is difficult for us to be completely perfect, but doing what we love to do perfectly, is a step that we take towards making ourselves perfect.

              Then after 10 years of perseverance came the time of Arangetram which is the most prestigious program where a dancer displays her skills for 3 hrs. But no journey is easy and so wasn’t mine. Want to experience this journey? Do stay tuned for the next blog.

 This blog is specially dedicated to my guru Snehal Phatak-Kalamkar (Tai).

Aarti*– Indian recitation of holy verses.

Dupatta* – long piece of cloth like a stole.

Tai* – used for calling elder sister. Here (to address a teacher)

Gurukul* ­– Ancient boarding schools where disciples used to stay with their teacher work for them and earn knowledge.

Taal* – Rhythmic beats given my hand to ensure the accuracy in dance steps.

Shiva-Parvati* – Indian god and goddess.

Daksha* – Indian Mythological character.

Ayata* – Basic Bharatnatyam position

Mysterious Skies

Dark nights tell a different story right?

Blue canvas painting pink horizons,

The sun waving goodbye to the constellations.

City lights winking at the sky,

As the chilled night enters by.

Blank space with studded heavens,

Crescent moon hiding its craters,

Looking up, I see a fairytale,

With stars elves and the universe they made.

I hear them calling out to me 

"The universe is vast my dear" I say

"I have got one life and I need ten more to see!"

-Tanisha Raskar