Maithily's Scribblings

This was an invite from my friend's friend!!! I was literally in tears after reading it! ABC- My friend XYZ- Friend's Friend _____________________________________________ Hi Maithily, This is XYZ i m ABC's friend .. i think u know me.. ! And the reason for the mail is.... This saturday ABC is celebrating her birthday i think u too know... i thought of giving her a surprise... i planned many things but I couldn't find anything that would make her happy!!! But I have found one thing and thats YOU!!! Every time she is speaking about u only.. whenever she happy she will speak about u only .. how u were and how ur friendship is and its all about only "YOU". Some times I myself admired about your friendship .. so my only request is can u please come to meet her on this Saturday??? if u come and meet her on saturday really she will be so happy .. so please.. Please spend a day with her.. ?Or at least an hour.. please.. i will wait for your re...

"Passion without action is of no use" is the quote that inspired me a lot! I love tigers and as an Indian citizen thought of doing something to save our nation's Pride. Tiger awareness at Sri Sankara Matriculation Higher Secondary School: Visit the link: http://yocee.in/show.php?table=schoolbuzz&id=140 At Lakshmipuram Children's Club: Visit the link: https://sites.google.com/site/lcsquaresite/events/saveourtigers-showtime

https://sites.google.com/site/lcsquaresite/events/saveourtigers-showtime LC Squares, a club for children, located at Royapettah was my target to spread awareness about tigers!!! 24th Sunday evening around 5.00 I showed the movie "The Truth about Tigers". After the movie, there was a fun activity! I conducted a small quiz for the children and they enjoyed it. The function ended with the National Anthem.

I joined my new office, WNS, on 14/10. The first day was fine—writing my name and address n number of times and finishing all the formalities. The next day, I reported for my shift at 12:00 PM and had absolutely no work to do! So, I took a break for a while and had coffee. My friend and I started chatting, and before we knew it, it was 1:30 PM—time for lunch! After lunch, we went back to chatting and discussing the process, the nature of work, and other random things. At 4:30 PM, we took another coffee break, had a sandwich and samosa, and continued chatting. By 8:00 PM, it was dinner time. After dinner, we went for a walk and explored what was in and around the office. Finally, at 9:30 PM, our shift was over, and I headed home—having done absolutely nothing useful at work! Working continuously for hours is tiring… but sitting idle for hours? That’s even more exhausting! Originally posted on 16-Oct-2010 Edited on 09-Feb-2025

I am not a science expert. In fact, I’ve always been scared of physics and chemistry. I had a tough time learning chemistry. My teacher and my mom used to tell me, "Anything learned practically will stay in your mind for a long time." So, I thought of learning physics and chemistry practically. I started experimenting with everything I could get my hands on—a screw, magnet, water, salt, spoon, egg, and even nail polish! One fine day, I was trying to apply nail polish, but it had dried up. I couldn’t get the polish out, so I decided to heat it because I remembered that we heat wax to melt it. I assumed nail polish must be made of wax too! Since my mom didn’t allow me to play with fire, I secretly stole a matchbox and went outside to experiment. I lit a matchstick and dropped it into the nail polish bottle. The flame went out instantly! "Ah! I discovered that nail polish doesn’t have oxygen! What a great discovery! I’ve become a little scientist!" I thought proudly. I...

I’m working the night shift, and my shift timing is from 2:30 AM to 11:30 AM. I usually go to the office by office cab, which picks me up from my home at 1:30 AM. Every day, I get a wake-up call from transport at 12:30 AM, but I always wake up early at 12:00 AM. One day, unfortunately, I overslept and missed my cab! I was so tired that I snoozed my alarm and fell back asleep. My mobile was on silent mode that day, so I missed the wake-up call too. At around 1:48 AM, I suddenly woke up and saw three missed calls. I was really shocked. I called the transport team, but they informed me that the cab had already left. Hmmm... I spoke with my team lead and the transport supervisor, and finally, I managed to reach the office at 5:30 AM. Fortunately, I didn’t get scolded by my TL! It was my first experience missing a call and a cab! Since then, I’ve made sure that my mobile is never on silent mode while sleeping, and I’ve also been advising my friends to do the same. Originally posted on 06-Se...

I strongly believe that no one in this world is perfect. Everyone—young or old, rich or poor, literate or illiterate—commits mistakes. But what truly matters is what we learn from those mistakes. As human beings, we should make mistakes, learn from them, and grow. I’m proud of being who I am because every mistake I’ve made has taught me something about life and the people around me. Try and experience everything in life, whether it’s a good habit or a bad one. If it’s good, keep it. If it’s bad, let it go the next moment. I’m truly happy being myself because I’ve dared to test life. I would encourage everyone to do the same. Make lots of mistakes, but never repeat the same one twice. Life is ours to live. Play with it, explore, and always make new mistakes! Originally posted on 25-Aug-2010 Edited on 09-Feb-2025

There was an audition for an English play Chakravyuha in my final year of college. My friends wanted me to participate, so I volunteered. The play coordinator narrated the story and gave us the freedom to choose our roles. I was late and didn’t listen to the story, but I was very eager to choose a role since I wanted a female character! Why a female role? So that I could wear a gorgeous costume and lots of bangles! (I’m crazy about bangles!) "Sumitra!" I said in a loud voice, thinking it was a female role. (Extremely loud to grab everyone’s attention, so no one else would choose it.) All the roles were finalized. I was so happy, already dreaming about my gorgeous dress and bangles. I was the first one to agree to my role, and I was very content with it. The play coordinator then started narrating the story to each individual. Since my role only appeared in the third scene, I was idle all day, watching everyone else practice their roles—all boyish characters. Finally, the day...

During my first year of college, I had a scary yet funny experience—not once, but twice! It was my first seminar, and I was a little nervous because I wanted to do my best. My topic was "Digital Devices." I still remember the content! I started my speech, and suddenly, a bat flew into the classroom. Oh. My. God. I was terrified! Screaming at the top of my voice, I quickly found a safe spot under the table to hide. The bat flew away, but I was still crouched under the table. My friends joked, "Your seminar was so good that even a bat came to listen!" I couldn’t help but laugh, though I was still a little shaken by what had just happened. A few days later, I had another seminar. Everything was going perfectly until a monkey entered the classroom. Oh no! I jumped onto the table and ran around the class, trying to escape. I finally settled down after the monkey left. From that day on, every time I gave a seminar, I always made sure to check the doors and windows for any...

I'm crazy about tigers. Recently, I visited the website www.truthabouttigers.org , created by Mr. Shekar. I was immediately drawn to the website—not just because I’m crazy about tigers, but also because it has a lot of valuable information about tigers and how to save them. Shekar is a wildlife conservationist and recently directed the documentary The Truth About Tigers . I requested a DVD and watched it. It was an excellent movie! It explains what a tiger needs, how we can protect them, and what steps we, as citizens, can take to help save our national animal. Inspired by the documentary, I decided I must create awareness about tiger conservation. After all, "Passion without action is of no use." So, I took the initiative! It was a long-term plan that finally succeeded on 31st July 2010. People need to be informed that tigers are becoming extinct. I spoke with the principal of Sri Sankara Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Thiruvalluvar Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, and...

Have the amusement parks and theaters bored you? Wish there were a different place you could visit. If the malls and hotels are too expensive for you, lose heart not. Here is a quiet nook around the Chennai’s map. Located on the east coast road (ECR) near MGM, a sign board reading DhakshinaChitra guides you in to a steep path with greenery at one end and traditional crafts at the other. DhakshinaChithra (started by Madras Craft Foundation MCF) was opened on December 1996. The place looks different from the other recreation centers and amusement parks. The place is known for playing host to many foreigners who want to learn about the culture of the diverse people of India. If you are a person who loves culture and heritage, peace and calmness, the place will interest you too. There are two storied house built of laterite and timber representing the 18th century middle class homes in Kerala. The Merchant’s house, the Potter’s house, Mud houses, Basket weaver’s house, Agricu...

Last April, I finished my final year of graduation and joined a company through campus recruitment. I love my job since this is my first work experience. I’ve seen a lot of changes between my college life and my career. When I was in college, my mom used to say, "How long will you sleep? If you sleep like this, you’ll become fat!" But now, she says, "If you don’t sleep, you’ll become fat!" Since I work night shifts, my mom advises me to sleep well. When it comes to eating, back then she would prepare something I didn’t like and force me to eat it. Now she cooks according to my wishes. As for chocolates and snacks, it used to be, "How many will you eat? This is more than enough for the day!" But now it’s the opposite— “How many will you eat? Take a few more and eat whenever you get time." In college, the advice was, "Don’t sleep in class, even if you have free time." Now it’s, "Even if you don’t get free time, ask for it and sleep!...

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of the earthquake that recently happened in Chennai. It was on June 13th at 1:00 AM! It was quite an experience... 7.7 on the Richter scale. I was at the office. Everyone was busy with calls, and I decided to take a 10-minute break. I sat down on my chair, relaxing... Suddenly, the chair started shaking. I thought my friend was messing with me, but when I turned around, no one was there. I could feel the shaking, and my chair started moving from its original place. The whole building was shaking—an earthquake! We all rushed out through the emergency exit. Wow! I couldn’t believe it—the entire building shook for 10–20 seconds. It was fascinating to witness nature’s rare act! Originally published on 19-Jun-2010

Since I am working, I have to pursue my higher studies through distance education. In the last week of April, I had my first day of classes. I was curious because, after a long gap, I was back to studying. I wore my new dress, packed my bag, and went to the college. I attended the first session—it was quite interesting! However, my name wasn’t on the attendance sheet, even though I had paid the fees on time. I checked with the supervisor and got my name added to the attendance sheet. Three successful sessions were over. I made a few friends, and we exchanged contact numbers. Before the final session, we got a chance to meet our coordinator. While I was complaining to him about the attendance issue, I was shocked by his response. He smiled and said, "You don't belong to this class. Your classroom is in the next building." I gave him a big smile and walked out of the classroom, feeling a little ashamed. After coming out, I had a hearty laugh. Ha ha ha... I’m so silly! Origi...

I recently went to my native place, my dad's birthplace, along with my dad and relatives. It’s a small village near Thirunelveli. Since we rarely go there, we didn’t have enough items to prepare breakfast at home. So, we (8 of us) planned to have our breakfast in a nearby village. Our village has no hotels! I need to mention, we don't get food like noodles, pasta, pizza, or burgers. We had ordinary dosas (no paper roast, no masala dosa), idlies (of course), vada, and finally tea. Do you know how much the bill was? It was Rs. 120 for 8 members!!! I was really shocked because the food was so homely, yet we paid so little. At that moment, I was thinking about how much I usually spend on breakfast in Chennai. City life is always expensive… Originally published on 06-April-2010

25-March-2010 Is there anyone who doesn’t like babies? Their beautiful smiles, tender hands, and soft toes? Yes! It’s me. I don’t like babies. People think I’m arrogant and cruel. Am I cruel just because I don’t like babies? I want to be different. I like what others don’t like. But that doesn’t mean I’m arrogant! The sound of a crying child irritates me. A child pestering their mother for chocolate irritates me. A child fighting over a doll irritates me. I get angry at a baby who refuses to eat her food. So, I don’t like babies. It’s just my point of view. No one’s character can be judged by the things they like. I don’t like others commenting on my character. My character is made for myself, just like everyone else’s is for them. Am I cruel? Or am I arrogant? That doesn’t matter. I’m happy being MYSELF! 6-February-2025 Today, as I write this, life has come full circle. I am now a mother to a beautiful little girl, and my perception of babies has completely changed. Every cry, every t...

25-March-2010 We all have friends at all stages of our lives. But how many of us keep in touch with them forever??? I always wondered why 99% of friendships break at every stage. I was very close with one of my friends in the 5th class. We used to say we’d never be separated. But now, I don’t even know where she is… Then came my 10th-class friend. We were like flesh and nail—we wore the same dress, ate together, and hung out everywhere. But now she is far away from me. We talk only twice a year—once on her birthday and once on mine. And then, my college friends. Not just one, but 13 of them. Very close to me. We ruled the class! Everyone was jealous of our friendship. But how long would it last??? It was nice to hear my friends say that we’d meet once a year and have fun. But practically… is it possible? Friendship is like a train. It starts at the source station and ends at the destination. It stops at every station along the way. Friends are like passengers—they board the train of fr...

I went to Cochin on a college tour with my friends, classmates, and staff. We were a gang of 11—the biggest group in the entire tour! We got three separate rooms to sleep in. But even though we had three rooms, we all gathered in the same one, chatting, playing, dancing, singing, and teasing each other. Our tourist guide asked us to be ready by 6:00 AM the next day, so he told us to sleep early to avoid getting tired. We finally went to bed around 11:00 PM. I’m usually very punctual and always have been. So, I told my friend to wake me at 4:30 AM so that we could all get ready on time. My friend woke us all up, but I still felt very sleepy. I dragged myself to the bathroom, turned on the tap, and found the water ice cold. I called room service and asked them to turn on the hot water. The staff told me, "Ma’am, hot water is available only from 5:00 AM." I waited for half an hour, then turned on the tap again—still cold water! I started getting tense and angry because we all ha...

I rarely go out with my friends, even though they get together very often. But every time I do, they make sure it’s an unforgettable day filled with surprises and fun. The most memorable one was when I went to VGP Universal Kingdom (an amusement park) with my friends. Ten of us went there to enjoy the day. The park had many rides and thrilling attractions waiting for us. We had already planned that every one of us would try all the rides, no matter how scary they were. I wasn’t too comfortable with this plan because I’m terrified of the giant wheel, merry-go-round, and similar rides. Still, we had a great time—until the scary ride came. I was so scared of that ride and begged my friends to go without me. But they insisted and forced me to get on it. I was shouting and yelling at the top of my voice out of fear. When the ride slowed down, I felt a huge sense of relief. Everyone got off, and it was finally my turn to get down. But to my shock, the ride started again, gradually picking up...

Break the rules. It’s the favorite sentence for youngsters. I’m no exception either… Break the rules at home, school, college, and where not? I was just an ordinary girl. If there was a rule to eat spinach at home, I would surely break it. At school, I never finished homework on time. College??? That’s where rules are completely shattered! It starts with punctuality—college begins at 9:00 AM, but I would reach campus only at 9:10 AM. It was fun… Everyone would look at me and think how gutsy I was. I would show off my heroism. If there was a dress code requiring traditional wear, I would turn up in jeans. It was really fun breaking the rules. When helmets became mandatory, I never wore one while riding. I’ve gone triple riding with my friends more than three times on my bike. Ah… how much fun it was! But one incident that happened to me a few days ago taught me a big lesson. Oh… please, never ever break the rules!!! It was a fine evening when my dad and I went shopping. It was one of th...