My homeland is not for my baby

Sad but that it the truth. I am a scared mother.

I always thought I'd return one day, back to Kerala, Home Land, Gods own country. I was quite loud about it too. So when one asks us about settling here in this cold weather, my husband used to laugh and say, 'she doesn't want to settle here, she wants to go back to harthal, her rain, power cuts and vayikku ruchiyulla (yummy) language'. 


Bought a house, new friends, new job, better living conditions, more transparent system, nothing prevents my mind. But the news coming back from homeland turned from just another front page news to shocking ones. In my teen days, front page 'news' were most often political or about accidents. From what I have seen, the change of stories to abuse, atrocities, corruption are falling into the category of 'trending items' they are no longer 'news', it became something common, something happens every now and then. Something happing in your nearby vicinity.As a society, We started falling into a more open system, and that transparency revealed how prejudiced we are, how insecure we are, how vulnerable we are. Now many of the floating 'I and their 'ideologies' are grouping together to exhibit their 'power'. And they are dictating social norms. Earlier through time and experience new norms were settling in society, but now this group is dictating them, from what to wear to what to think, and how. Before my trip to India last year, this change is only visible among certain section of society. 

But I was WRONG, the attitude is changing. I can see that with my mother, our neighbours, my friends who are employed and unemployed in India. It is everywhere, from street to life's inner circle. 

Obtaining another citizenship was one of the heartbreaking things I have done, looking back, I feel yes, this is the right option for my child. He may be subjected to racial abuse, he may be an outsider for his peer group, he may face cultural identity pressures, but at least there is a legal system in place. He can breath fresh air and eat good food. He can think they way he feel and that is important. I don't regret now.

Tears of gratitude

     

 It is so hard to see your toddler crying. It is heart breaking for any mother. But today when my toddler gave that emotional out break. I was happy. Yes of-course I was in tears, after the initial shock and what to do now emotions I decided to stay calm, irrespective of tears in my eyes. 

       It was another usual afternoon for me and my 14 month old son. After his normal afternoon nap, we decided to play, as he is interested in music, I play a few of his favourite songs on my PC and connect it to the TV screen. He is in that progression-stage; coming forth as a toddler from baby, unwrapping new things, springing up his own little unique personality and I can see it is shining through different things he does, like showing affection, do something comical ( if he finds we are laughing at it), show a kind of empathy by joining me during my mood swings especially if I am sad, dancing to some tunes he likes and the other regular baby behaviour.Before I go out to the kitchen for a glass of water I have seen Angu (my son) playing music on his cycle and dancing. THE HAPPY KID. After a few moments I came back to find out my son sitting idle, looking at the television with eyes filled with tears and he is almost having an emotional breakdown. Oh, what have I done wrong? He looks at me, then in his baby language said something weeping and then pointed out to the television. What is going wrong there? By accident, in the you tube loop I played one of  ITV's Britain got talent video where they are showing clips of a 9 year old boy crying during his performance and tears of that boy made my little man cry. It may be a usual child's behaviour to copy others, but I really, really hope it is not just that, it's MY BOY understanding and learning the much required skill of empathy, stand with (and for) others during their hard times, understand others, being compassionate and kind, acquire a non judgemental outlook towards life; those grater good one needed in life to live and exist as a human being. LEARN To become HUMAN.

Life is an every day dance.

It is an old image, taken few snowy seasons back. I don't know this girls, but I still remember the moment I met them. How cheerful they were, how enthusiastic they were and how happy they were? I often wonder what make people happy? Wealth? Health? Friends or Relationship? My answer is happiness is all about how we treat our life. How we take care of the moments we got. But is it an easy task? Live our days with out negative thought. Don't know about you, but it is very hard for me. Negative thoughts are like tangled wire, from one thought to another it form a mess we can't easily untangle. But there are few simple steps I often choose to over come these negative thoughts.

1. Smile 

Smile is the best way to feel good. Look at the mirror and remember a complement you get from a dear friend, recollect those moments and smile. If you are working or at home go for a small walk, get some fresh air and smile. For me smile is a confidence booster. Don't you remember all those facebook smiles we use. Yes it is a better way of communication a confidence booster.

2. Music

Do you sing? If yes sing as much as you can, all those romantic songs. Don't worry about tune or lines. Just sing. Or if u cant sing put on some music. It will ease of your pain and more sense of control for sure. Now music therapy is the new norm even in modern medicine. I always use my imagination and picturise those wonderfully written lines. Music has a profound effect, it not only improve our imagination but give as more concentration.

3. Spoil yourself with a favourite dessert:

Yes, a simple bar of chocolate can do wonders not a sugar addict then go for a favourite fruit.

Last but not least appreciate the life you got.

Keep smiling,
Yours
Deepa 

Child Labour Law Amendments a back lash on child labour :(

Indian cabinet recently through an amendment ban child labour below the age of 14, with an exception of working in some family businesses, entertainment and sports activities provided it shouldn't affect their health and education . I strongly believe this ban is not going to work because of the existing poverty. Many children are working in pathetic condition because of their poor circumstances.This legislation may also result in future exploitation of children. This will force many children under the age to continue working for their daily bread and the law is in fact diluted here in favour of child labour. Children are more vulnerable to exploitation they will continue to remain as low paid workers and exploited further.

Reference:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/changes-in-child-labour-law-acceptable-if-children-work-with-parents-kailash-satyarthi/articleshow/47436139.cms?from=mdr