TARE ZAMEEN PAR- A Lesson for Parents and Teachers

How can one not love a movie about children crafted with utmost compassion - children with special needs at that? But, is that the only reason I liked Tare Zameen Par? Maybe - maybe not. What I know for sure is that a strong one-line story is narrated extremely charmingly. It is truly uplifting when spirit wins and yet, it is not all about the spirit of winning.

Tare Zameer Par is about a child who suffers because no one around him recognizes that he is a slow learner. The beauty of the narration is that the message applies to all children - learning disability or not. How can creativity not deserve a place in academics? It also points a very subtle finger at how we build conformation in our system right at the roots.

The pace of the first half gives you time to think of normal children who are just not academically inclined. The resolution in the second half, however, comes by too quickly compared to the trauma shown earlier. But, I guess, if the point is to show that difficulties can be overcome, you don't necessarily want to show how difficult it is to overcome them.

About 45 minutes post-interval, Darsheel Safary (Ishaan) said a line which made me realize that he hadn't said a line in the last hour or so. There I was feeling sorry for Ishaan, feeling like yelling at someone to give him a big hug while I fought this lump in my throat that had been there for the longest time. All this based solely on Darsheel's expressions and body language!

Aamir Khan's entry into the movie seemed over-the-top and forced, mainly because it was in absolute contrast with the tone of the movie thus far. But after a little while you realize that you can't distinguish between the actor/director Aamir Khan and his character Nikhumb. They are both fighting the same cause. Passionately. The other characters serve their purpose as caricatures - stereotypical father, loving mother, understanding sibling, ruthless teacher, and jeering peers.

No matter who or what the focus of the camera is, the love it feels towards its subjects shows in each frame. And, in turn, you fall in love with what you see on screen. Compositions, lighting, angles, colors all work successfully together to engross you and very often to enchant you. The lingering camera might have added a good 10-15 minutes to the run-time. But you will be hard-pressed to point out exact scenes which the movie could have done without. Everything is building character or atmosphere or both.

Yes, that dash of seemingly inevitable melodrama exists. The side-characters transform for no apparent reason. The climax is exaggerated and is as unrealistic as it could get. However, the aim is to show not reality of life but reality of the condition that this child suffers from.

-TARE ZAMEEN PAR- A Lesson for Parents and Teachers

Embarrassing Moments: Oooopsss!!!

Your face is turning bright red. You want to hide yourself in shame. You've just done something totally embarrassing, and it feels like everyone is staring at you and giggling. Maybe everyone is staring at you and giggling. Hey, it happens to everybody.

            We've all found ourselves in humiliating moments where people point fingers, laugh, and make jokes. Take a peek at MINE.

LOOK! It's a Bird...It's a Plane...Noo..It's Superman. 

            This is the famous line for my super hero – Superman! It was like a mantra for me when I was five years old. At that age, I loved to imitate superman. I wear like him, pretend to help others like him and even cut my hair almost similar to him. I was crazy about him at that moment.

            We all got used to seeing red underwear over Superman's largely blue uniform. At that time blue and red were my favourite colours too. I used to bug my mother for a superman suit. My parents tried to find for the suit for me. Unfortunately, it never happen. I always cry whenever they say ‘NO’ to buy me a superman suit.

            That is the moment, where I decided to make my own suit! I searched for ble colour shirt and pants in wardrobe. I sneaked into my parents room and took their red towel. But, the red underwear was missing. I will be never complete without the red underwear. I don’t have red underwear. My wardrobe was full with the superhero undies. I was confused and disappointed because I couldn’t find the red underwear. I went and sat at the veranda in front of my house. My mother was hanging clothes to dry and I saw my father’s red underwear hanging and waiting for me to wear it. Once my mother went into my house, I quickly ran and took my father’s red underwear. I tied the towel on my neck and wore my father’s red underwear. I was complete suit!

            I ran around my neighbourhood wearing my own designed superman suit. My friends were amazed with my idea. They ran with me. But, once we ran across the girls, they laughed at me! My neighbor aunty complained to my mother about my superman suit. She scolded me in front of the others.

            I was the laughing stock for the rest of the week. That day was no doubt one of the most embarrassing days of my life.

People called it SCHOOL …we called it LIFE

                Recollecting memories of school days is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. School days, I believe, are the happiest in the whole span of human existence.

                I've have had a splendid school life! It starts from moving from class to class, meeting people from every nook and corner, having friends who belong to different ethnics of my country, dealing with teachers of different background and dedication and lastly having loads of wonderful memories to cherish lifelong!

                My endless list of memories which I wish to keep to the point and short; includes the moments of my early schooling days when it used to be pretty hard for me to sneak into my schools physical education store to use the sports instrument, then making new friends and playing in a tremendously huge playground with all of them.

                Moving to the further years I remember starting my journey with playing badminton for district and regional levels, how I learnt to be a debater, having an experience as the class monitor and being a dear student to my teachers.

                My school life was so innocent and there was happiness in very small things. Some of the best school memories were celebrating birthdays by distributing chocolates and sweets, running to playing grounds or home as soon as the bell rings, playing video games and watching cartoons were the best time pass, feeling rich having just fifty cents in the pocket and those innocent crushes with butterflies in the stomach just talking to the girl you like.

                Then, when it comes the senior years when during games period at times I had fun with boys playing volleyball while the rest of the times were spent with the girl gang singing and chit-chatting, then roaming with my best friend during the recess, being in a huge group with people of different character, behavior, attitude and hearts!

                All of this just adds to my happiness and makes me love my life a bit more than before! School will always be an enthralling experiences and beautiful memories that always remain in my heart! Currently, as a teacher I am spending most of my life in school. But, the enjoyment and fun is not there without my friends and teachers.

People called it SCHOOL …we called it LIFE

SCHOOL DAYS…..

My Hero, My Appa…

                If you happen to see an old man(who is still handsome for me) cycling around a small town called Sitiawan in Perak, that might be my father. He travelled everywhere by bicycle until now. Some said he can’t afford to buy a motorcycle or a car, but only ‘we’ know the truth.

My Hero, My Appa…

                There are always the people in our lives that can be the heroes in many ways, but my life’s hero  will always be my appa. He influences my life since I born until now and also sacrifice a lot in his lifetime to make my life and my sibling’s lives better. He love us unconditionally, I have become the person I am today because of him. I adore him very much, not just because he is my appa, also such an amazing person with gold heart, my best friend for life, an advisor, kind respectful and strong person. His life and thoughts towards life with great motivation and confidence on the road to success inspires me a lot.

                My appa is working as a civil servant. His salary is not as much as we think. However, he tried his best to raise us to be a better person now. When we were small, we always asked for many things. He never refused to buy for us even though he could have used it for his own use. My appa loves to eat egg, but when my mother cooks egg curry, he will give his egg from his plate to me. That time I will be happy to see two eggs on my plate. He sacrificed his food for me. Until now, he is practicing the same thing.

                The incident that gave impact to my life happened when I was 17 years old. I am very active in sports at that time. I never concentrate on my studies much. One day, appa brought me to a function organized by an Indian society. There they gave away prizes for PMR and SPM good achievers. A ‘Datuk’ came there as the VIP. When we were giving speech, he congratulated everyone, and told that children of a person who ride bicycle won’t go far in their life. He meant that we will not achieve much in our life. That is the moment, for the first time in my life; I saw my appa shed tears. I couldn’t take it. Once back home, I told to myself, ‘this is it!’. I stopped involving in sport. I concentrated on my studies. Only one this was in my mind – appa’s tears.

                He sent us for tuition classes by his bicycle. He will ride that bicycle around 7-8km just to sent us and fetch us back home. My friends to tease me because my father was using bicycle, but I know his sacrifices. Once I asked my appa, why don’t he is not interested in buying motorcycle. The reason he gave me shattered me. He wanted to use the money to pay for our tuition fees than paying for the installments. I was speechless. He is the best appa ever!

                Recently, my previous primary school invited me to give a speech to the small kids over there.  That was the moment I waited for came. The ‘Datuk’ came for the event as well. During my speech, I told that the person who made my appa in tears is there too. (I never mentioned the name).I thanked him for that. If he didn’t uttered that words in front of everyone, I wouldn’t be the person who I am now.

                My appa is happy now and I am happy to see him such. He is still cycling his old bicycle but without any burden in his heart. I am living the luxuries life because of you appa! Thank you for inspiring me. I love you!

My Hero, My Appa…

 

Happy face of Appa! Our recent trip to Cameron Highlands. 

P.I.L.O.T

            I climb into the cockpit and sit on the metal seat of the Russian made Sukhoi-27, one of the best fighter jets that ever invented. I run a routine check on all the aircraft's dials as well as the weapon systems through the heads-up displays.

            The run way officer gives me the thumbs-up sign from the far run way, indicating that all the external parts of the plane are in order and functioning well. I return the gesture to indicate that all internal systems are working well and that I will be taking off.

            I pushed the start button and feel the vibration begin. I hear the sound of the pure power. I feel the acceleration of the plane taking off the runway and into the air.....

            This was how I dream when I am sitting on my bicycle. I have always wanted to be a fighter pilot. My dream began when I was about 5 years old. One day, my father took me for an air show near my hometown. It was a momentous experience for me! I sat in the cockpit and I knew that I would never want to do anything as much as I wanted to fly.

            As I grew older, I began to read books on aviation and air adventures. My favourite book is ‘Take Off’. My father specially ordered it for me from UK. I learnt about plane parts and their function through reading these books.

            The requirements for fighter pilot candidates are many and difficult to fulfill. Among them are academic excellence, a fit body, and quick reflexes able to with stand pressure. I constantly started to work towards my goals. For that, I have always made time for exercise since my childhood. I play badminton regularly and I go for jogging at least 5 times per week. To be a fighter pilot we must keep our body fit. A pilot should be able to withstand the high pressure.

            In school, I concentrate on my study properly. I made sure I qualified for the science stream in upper secondary school. As a pilot must have a good understanding of physics and mathematics, I gave more focus to those particular subjects.

            But, my dream burst like a balloon when I was doing my Form Six. I couldn't see what my teachers writing on white board in classroom. I tried to focus on it, but my eyes failed to help me. That is the moment where my dream to be a fighter pilot came to an end. A fighter pilot must have perfect eyesight with any viewing aids. Full stop – that is what I did for my dream.

            Currently I am working as a teacher. I want to create fighter pilots for our nation. Fingers crossed! 

‘The Thing’ #telukrubbiah

                Did you ever seen something white and flying in front of you? The feeling is totally different. I had several paranormal experiences when I was a teenager but I am not confident that those are real. This is the first surreal experience that I ever had.

                I was 18 at that time and was selected as one of the participants to join the first ever national service for 3 months in 2004. I was sent to Teluk Rubbiah camp. For the first month, we were required to stay in a camp of 10 people which consists of 5 bunk beds in one camp. My camp number was 25. There were over 250 participants in the same batch as mine and 90 over camps in the campsite. There was nothing really special in the first 3 weeks. I usually sleep on the top bunk of the bed.

                It all started on the 3^rd week. We were sent to forest to stay there for four days. I don’t remember which day precisely it happened. But, at that time, I had gotten used to the place. We made a temporary camp in the forest. That night I got jolted awake in the middle of the night. That was the first time ever I woke up in the middle of the night since we were in the forest. I looked around. Everyone in my camp was sleeping. I went to the nearby tree to pass urine. Then, I just closed my eyes and continue my sleep. My body was facing upwards. About a few minutes after I closed my eyes, I felt another jolt above me. I tried to open my eyes but failed this time. I can’t even move my body. That is the moment I started to panic. I knew something was wrong there. Anyhow, I tried to open my eyes with my force. When I was able to open my eyes, I saw something white in front of me. I looked like a person flying above me. My eyes went blank and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Without knowing, I started reciting my prayers inside my heart. I had no idea why it was flying above me. I forced myself to sit. I was finally able to sit up. ‘The Thing’ was not there. I was gone. I wanted to wake up my friends, but I didn’t dare to do it. Finally, I sat down facing my camp mates and eventually slept.

                When I woke up in the morning, there were blood stains on my white tshirt. I told my friends but they refused to believe me. After that incident, there were several years where I wouldn’t sleep with my front facing upwards.

Uniquely Singapore!

If you like us, when we only have a short time somewhere, you probably wanted to visit as much places as you can. That’s what we did when we went to Singapore for a night trip.

One of my friend said that the park in front of Marina Bay Sands is something that we shouldn't miss if we are there on Saturday night. The cool breeze welcomed us once we reached the river side park.

When we were walking around the park while mesmerized with the Marina Bay Sands structure, my wife spotted the river side cruise counter. And off we went to the waterfront, to find the tickets.

We had a little time look around while we waited for the tour boat to return to dock. This was a really intriguing area with colouful laser show, live bands and plenty of branded shops.

After we departed, we sailed upriver to Fullerton Hotel. It is a five star luxury hotel and is s grand it’s impossible to miss. *sigh* This is the type of hotel I would like to stay in. Sure someday.

Next, we saw the Esplanade - Theatres on the bay. During in daylight, we can see the structure of the building clearly. It is actually a glass building with aluminum shades.  Not for us, when we saw it in the night, we say it looks like the fruit that Malaysians love and hated by foreigners -  Durian!

Then, we cruised to Merlion Park - the Singapore’s mascot and icon. A place that you must go when visits Singapore.

I was quite surprised because I couldn’t find even small rubbish in the river. The river was well preserved. The old ware houses were repurposed to be a business center with large restaurants and night clubs. I admired the way they transformed a smelly river side to and business and entertainment hub.

#Note to myself: Must. Come. Back! 

Hitched!

On 7^th December 2014, I woke up in a state of nervousness, yet there was happiness because that day will be the most memorable day in my life. Wedding is always a nerve wracking experience. Mine was Indian marriage which was performed with great funfair. All people whether rich or poor want it to be a memorable occasion. My wedding day was the most joyous day of my life. Since then, I have learned that such moments do not happen all the time. It is important to enjoy them.

                 My wedding day was fulfilled with many emotional including happiness, sadness, excitement and fear. My wedding has been the most blissful moment in my life. It all happened very quickly, from the moment we engaged till the moment we walked around the sacred circle on our wedding day.

                My wedding filled with big moments like tying the three knots, emotional, hugs from friends and family and also the first kiss! But there are some moments on my wedding day that I can’t erase it from my memory.

                 I had not seen my wife in her nice glittering saree and had no clue what it would look like. I waited for her arrival on the stage of our wedding ballroom. The priest was keeps on disturbing my view towards the ballroom door with his huge body and the smoke from the sacred circle in front of me. Best part I remember is seeing the hotel ballroom open as I stood there, looking at her all dressed up for the first time. I thought "goddamn my wife is hot”. She wore a reddish pink saree.  When she was walking down the aisle, and suddenly I was only able to see her, and her face had a huge, stupid grin on it, just like mine did. I still can't tell you who was sitting by the aisle as she walked up it. It was all a blur except for her. She was looking like a glittering star that moment.

                On my wedding day, about two hours after the reception ended, my wife and I went to a photo studio to snap our portrait photo. While waiting for the photographer to get ready, we had been talking, catching up as we had a little time to talk in the day or two leading up to a wedding and suddenly there was a moment of silence. I was toying with my toe ring (Indian Hindu men wear toe rings, called Minji in Tamil, to signify their marital status like a wedding ring) and out of nowhere I said, "These are some of the greatest hours that a decent man could ever expect to have." My wife hugged me and said “I LOVE YOU” for the first time after we tie the knots.  That was the unforgettable and happiest day in my life.

P/S: Thanks my dear wife. 

The Lowest Place On Earth

                I'm not much of a traveler. I like my home. But since having passion with photography, I have felt myself begin to like the whole idea of a holiday. I wanted to go to places that not many people knew about it.  As a person who loves to go to exotic places, I often browse the net just to look for beautiful pictures from all over the world. There are no other images that I love than the images of The Dead Sea, a lifeless salt lake at the lowest point on earth.

                The first time I saw one of the photographs capturing a person doing meditation while floating on the surface of the sea! Wouldn’t that be great to be floating on the sea because I am not a good swimmer at all. I couldn’t help but thinking how it’d feel like to be really there.

                I have never been there, but I have browsed so many good things about that place.  Surprisingly enough, not many people of whom I’ve conversed with have actually ever heard about this place. Some know of Jordan but they know nothing about this salted heaven.

                The Dead Sea is made up of 33% salt, that’s ten times the normal amount found in the ocean. It is labeled the Dead Sea because nothing grows in it. Because of its salt content you can float in it with ease, read a newspaper, lift your legs and arms high out of the water, anything. Well, almost anything. The important thing about the Dead Sea is how much it has actually receded past a few years. Experts believe that within 30 years, unless something is done, it will no longer even exist. This would be awful, but since the water no longer flows from the Sea of Galilee and the droughts have stopped any rivers from the desert there is no way the Dead Sea is being naturally refilled. Before it receded, I wanted to soak myself in it. I fall in love with the simplicity and beauty of it so much that not even the night lights of Hong Kong the designer shops in Paris or seaside of Bali can tempt me with. Some people might favor Paris or Bali for its romantic atmosphere but it is the Dead Sea that really captures my heart all the time.

                I am still pondering about this Sea most of the time over this idea. My ‘Canon’ is waiting to capture you.

Someday, I’ll get there.

If you're cooler than me, does that make me hotter than you?

                I am a person that has big dreams in life. Each step and moment in my life mold me to the person who am I now. Every experience in my life makes me stronger. It is filled with happiness, sorrow, joy and heartbreaks.

            Who am I? My name is Porshothman. Others used to call me Puru. I am currently 29 years old. I am part of a family with five members. My father is a government servant.  My mother, she is a housewife. I am very close to my family members and consider them as my best friends. They've always been there to back to me up and support me in whatever I do. I live in a town called Kuala Pilah. I am working as a teacher. I am presently studying at University Putra Malaysia to further my studies.

            After some soul searching, I found something unique about me that could be funny for others. Before I watch a movie, I always watch the first 10 minutes and then the last 10 minutes of the movie. The introduction and climax must be interesting or eye catching for me. My friends used to ask me why I am watching the climax before watching the whole movie.  I enjoy the movie more if I know how it ends and can watch events develop throughout the story.

            I often don’t remember names, especially my students or if I see the person in an unfamiliar setting. This can be and has been embarrassing. I do always remember one name, MINE!

            I love to get fever. That makes me feel happy and excited. I think it’s because when I was small, fever would usually means no school! Mum will be with me and take care of me as a baby.

            I am very much in love with music. I love to listen to various kind of music. Even though I love music, I can listen to music while studying. It interferes with my thoughts.

            I am a marvel cartoon fan, especially superman. I love and wanted to be like superman if I could. When I was small, I used to imitate superman’s character like helping people in need. My family always laughs at me if I act as superman in front of them, because I wear underwear on to my pants! That was embarrassing though, but superman is always my super hero.

My life motto: I don't look back (Unless there's a good view!) :-)

I will end my introduction here. See you all in my next post.

Ps: will be back with an interesting topic.