Modern Art [wink] [wink]

It has been going on since long... All walls of the house by now are sketched, colored and signed off by two tiny tots that roam around their territory like a pair of majestic lions inspect their kingdom. Vasu is four and Darsh is less than two. Their artistic outbursts, however irritating and frustrating, must be relished. Therefore, I have captured all their renderings on this page one by one, explicating for you what it looks like to me and justifying myself why I think so... Bear with me! :D Over here are a pair of dancing peacocks sketched by none other than Vasu... Peacocks are his favorite creatures and whenever he tries his hands at drawing, a dancing one is what he sincerely attempts.. the third creature that looks like some sleeping ant form is actually a peacock too.. its just that it barely looks like one. And the last figure at the left hand side I would like to believe is a tree to make the picture look complete and meaningful. Next here is an imprint of Darsh's hand, which he made very innocently after dirtying himself to the hilt to leave an impression on the wall for good... Next artwork reflects Vasu's latest past time - to draw a rectangle and divide it leisurely with horizontal and vertical lines. The smiley he has given to himself to laud his work... he has learnt this from the school that a smiley around means 'job well done'. Take a look with another angle.. at the right hand side. Now here are few art pieces out of casual pencil strokes.... I purposely chose purple background to suit the mountains that Vasu drew... he likes the gable structures... He still does not know the difference between a mountain, a hill, a cliff and a massive mound of dump... all for him are mountains. The second one looks marvelously aesthetic to me, as it for me is purely an expression of a mood of Vasu by his hands, in sheer coordination and oneness thereof. The third one looks like a top view of a golfer to me who is trying to strike hard. The circles and spiral appear due to quick movement of his head bent downwards. If you are not able to see through my eyes, I can also help visualize a stunned cartoon of a parrot in this very picture. If you have different ideas.. please let me know. And then this is another stunning potrayal of a street match to me... a bush at the left, a well-dressed girl in the right with her her arm held high to throw the ball in her hand in the air... And of course, this one cannot be neglected at all... here Vasu has written his name on the wall .... V, A, S, U and somehow a R may be easily spotted in this picture on the wall.. Intriguing..isn't it? The following mindless pencil strokes (by Vasu) have some how given shape to a womanly figure clinging to the tree as if, reminiscing of the caveman's time for me... You do not agree? Look carefully. Now this indeed is scribbling without a thought by Vasu, but such scribbling is also a must for variety's sake. I can distinctly see five objects in this drawing... There is a chair at the left hand, a spoon or a broom thereafter, a crescent moon, followed by number '2' and at last a buttefly buzzing over a broken piano.. This one in bright blue looks to me like whale swimming over the deep sea floor. Precisely for this reason, I chose blue for tinting this mischief of my son Vasu... Take another look at the whale... If original colors are exaggerted..it looks like a big balloon in the air amidst a festive gathering ... Am I making sense? Doesn't it look like an atlas map, though understandably this is incomprehnsible... ? This drawing by who knows who has accidently imbibed a smiling face within.. you can see it hopefully.. :) Smile please.

Here... doesn't this red figure in the left looks like a rocket in the space and the other figure looks like a girl standing right in front of the roket on the verge of panic?

And this to me seems like a fairy god mother swaying her wand to realize innocent wishes of young children... The next drawing is simply good because of the outcome of colors, I feel. These 'shaitaans' (naughty boys) did not even spare the wood. This drawing of the ant-like alien from Lilo & Stitch invited my wrath on Vasu the day he sneaked the permanent marker from my purse without permission.

Who's the copy cat???

The tuning between my young ones often leaves me wondering who is learning from whom and who is copying the other... At a glance, anyone would concede that it is Darsh who follows Vasu like Lakshmana pursued Shri Ram... When Vasu says 'Wow!', Darsh has to say the word with equal excitment and emphasis... When Vasu declines to taste something, Darsh does not bother to touch it either... The other day Vasu was relishing his tomato soup and asked me,

"Mama...Is tomato soup healthy?" Darsh sitting beside him immediately looked around in my direction for my response...

"Yes, it is healthy.", I said.

Then Vasu succeeded the query, "Are chips healthy?" This time Darsh looked around at me and spoke, "Mama..Chis?"...

"No, they are not healthy.", I replied. Vasu asked yet again, "Is Maggi healthy?". Darsh immediately looked around to snap, "Aggi?" "No", I replied. "Ummnn... Choclate?" "Chocate?" "No..!"

"Horlicks?"

"Hollic?"

"Yes."

"Kurkure?"

"Kudku?" "No."

Each time Darsh who sat facing Vasu wheeled his neck around in my direction to pose me the same question as Vasu... A fine instance of how Darsh tends to copy Vasu and idolizes him. But what would we call it when Vasu learns a few tricks and tips from Darsh... There are many instances to this effect. For one, Vasu has learnt from Darsh to be more open and casual with people and enjoy his surroundings light-heartedly. Vasu had this hitch that has gradually diluted significantly eversince he has been having Darsh's company in a proper way. Recently at the New Delhi railway station on our way to Sonagirji, Bhanu instructed the two of them to stay behind the yellow line on the platform, lest they would be left at the station as a punishment. While Vasu instinctively stayed well behind the yellow line in strict obedience of Bhanu's instruction, Darsh went ahead to stand on the outer end of the yellow line such that barely touching it, yet could not be termed as violating the direction. Of course, Vasu learnt the tactic instantaneously and followed Darsh. Isn't it a fine instance of Darsh stepping outside the shadow of his elder brother and proving that he is not a typical mindless copycat?

Well for me this was one of those few occasions when Darsh illustrated that he does not always copy Vasu, and knows when to follow and when to lead.

Monsoon celebrations...

This monsoon Vasu was a part of a big school. He had a peacock party for which he had to dress up as a peacock. When I received the assignment in his diary, I was clueless how to accomplish it without overdoing it. I did not wish to go on a hunting spree for peacock feathers or hire peacock dress. I wanted it to be really original and subtle to go reasonably well with his school dress. I did not wish him to be a mess by the time he reached school.. Tough it was and I postponed the idea till late evening. By the time it was 7'O clock, I had to act or I was going to prove myself a non-performing parent. Well... I tried surfing the web... I tried asking for ideas... nothing really helped. Then I decided to make a big paper-fan for wings, pasting real peacock feathers on it that Vasu could carry along with him to the school and pose a peacock. I urgently set off for the stationery shop and there the child inside me woke up. I bought about a dozen colorful A4 size thick paper sheets under the pretext that I would use them for the wings. I bought two expensive hand-made papers, convincing myself that I needed them to make the peacock wings properly. By the time I started making peacock feathers, it turned out to be quite different than what I had planned... Honestly, I got carried away with my own inclinations. I ended up making many peacock feathers trying to use most of the colorful papers I had bought... I made a belt with paper and pasted those peacock feathers on the belt to tuck them around Vasu's waist. I assured myself that this way Vasu will not be bothered of carrying heavy paperwork around him. It would be quite convenient. My creative urge steered me further to make a mask with the deep navy blue hand-made paper that I had bought with much attraction. I pasted a beak made from one of the thick A4-size orange sheet, trying to be imaginative. I made eye holes on the mask and colored them with crayons. The end result may be made out from the photographs. Vasu loved his peacock mask and peacock feather belt.. though it did not receive rave reviews back at school for sure. I had to go to his school the same day, as Vasu had wet his white shoes in a puddle while boarding his school van. When I reached his class with a fresh dry pair of socks and black shoes, his paper peacock belt had curled outside at the edges and looked nothing like I had intended it to be. The mask was not worn properly either, rendering even me confused for a fraction of second whether he was at all dressed as a peacock. In short, I was a failure yet again. Disappointing it was beyond doubt that I always render Vasu counted among the average or even below average children of the class. Truly speaking, I did not mind the failure at school that I was. I feel quite blithesome that I took some good photographs just in time to show to Vasu, whenever he would be able to make good sense out of them.

Violence on his mind...

My eldest gives me a taste of the contemporary bad influence of media. In a very unintentional manner, he exhibits his natural attraction for violence…

A train of overlapping infatuations fixed by Vasu’s intrinsic whims and fancies discreetly reflect how he has grown fonder of action and arms with wearing oblivion.

Hypnotizing fancy for Harry’s wand overtook his enthrallments for elephant images in his toddler years only. Ever since, the idea of owning a wand had been overshadowing just about everything else, till recently he displayed more excitement for bow & arrow and sword.

His fascination with Krishh's oomph, Harry's sky-scraping broomstick rides, Lakshman's impulsive vehemence and Ravan's roars explain his definite liking for power and the powerful. The marked contribution of ‘Nick Jr’ (a cable TV channel for children) in his inclinations cannot be ruled out. He enjoys watching Ninja Hathori and Perman the most, which are least educating and emphasize on (super) power quotient only.

Of late, Vasu has been demonstrating his keen interest in posing valiant, facing grand phony enemies (like the thundering clouds), trying out various stunts and enacting poor imitations of Taekwondo steps. Following is an account he made up for me, as he told me about how he taught his bullying Junior Nursery classmate a lesson.

"दिल्प्रीत ने मुझे धक्का दिया और मुझे बहुत ग़ुस्सा आया। मैंने अपनी तलवार निकाली और दिल्प्रीत डरकर भागने लगा। मैंने उसका पीछा किया और उसे तलवार से मारा।" (Dilpreet pushed me like this… (action) and I became very angry… I took out my sword from my back. Dilpreet was frightened and he started running॥ I ran after him… I ran fast after him with the sword in my hand… and then I caught Dilpreet and hit him with the sword)

Now isn’t this account bothersome to listen to from a just turned four year old? Well, I tried to reason it out with him without showing any evident aversions on his account. I just told him that we should live amiably with each other. Let's see how it goes...

Meanwhile, there are some positive sides that are solace to my heart. His fascination for peacocks sustains life with uncompromised zeal and enthusiasm over time. He may be hooked to Perman and Ninja Hathori whenever, he is equally interested in Peppa Pig and The Lazy Town. He finds CBeebies more cool than Nick Jr nowadays and prefers to watch Teletubbies, Tweenies, Big Cook Little Cook, Boogie Babies and TikkaBilla anytime. Teletubbies in specific is a favorite of both Vasu and Darsh, which is basically for toddlers and kindergartners, absolutely nature friendly. In fact this is one program that has stood the test of time and still manages to hold Vasu's 100% attention. Otherwise, Vasu has periodically loved Pogo,Disney, Nick Jr and gotten bored of them in due time. I keep telling myself that it is just a phase of growing years and there is nothing to be hyper about.

Sure Answer to Global Enviornmental Challenges

Lets fight Global Warming menace, together...

अपने जन्मदिन के उपलक्ष्य में

वासु ने आवंले का पेड लगाया ...

A SORCERER AT LARGE?

He is dashing! He is innocent! He knows how to charm the toughest of hearts! He just turned six months old this 3rd of June! Vaibhav has grown even more cute with time... his complexion fairer, his eyes bigger, his attitude friendlier. He smiles when you act amusing. He tries to touch and thump anything that captures his short span of attention. Mobile phones, laptops and remote controls fascinate him in specific. Now he can sit on his own, though for a fewer minutes. Though his mom has expanded his diet to include solids, water and fruit juices, he relishes his since-birth menu item only. What he loves the most are outdoor outings! He simply goes ecstatic as his dad takes him out for a stroll every evening. He makes all kinds of funny loud baby sounds whilst, leaving most of the neighbors curious to learn the origin of the peculiar noises. The celestial universe of his mom, he fills his dad's heart with delight. He is steadily outpacing infancy in favor of toddler-hood, much to the pleasure of his parents, as they are pervasively left awe-struck by his charmer ways!

A good lesson learnt early...

I often utilize Vasu's fancies and fascinations to my advantage, and ensure his dietary intake to be in order. Like, I would make him eat uninteresting food or drink rather undelicious fruit pulp by reminding him of the glory of Harry Potter or Krrish, including any mortal soul, basically whomsoever fitting the bill at that given point of time. Driven by his yearning to be as strong or magical as his idol, he mostly obliges. Of course, it works only in conjunction with some mother to son butter and sugar coated earnest requests and a bit of command. Today, however, I used my tactic for a wrong cause I gather. I tried to convince Vasu to sleep in the afternoon, as Krrish also does it to keep himself active and kicking all the time. " Mujhe Krrish nahin ban-na hai. (I do not wish to be Krrish)". said Vasu in a mature and confident tone. Blaming myself for the wrong selection of the hero figure, I tried to evaluate my options, "Okay. Then do you wish to be like Lakshmana or Mahavir Bhagwaan?" The reply caught me off-guard. "Nahin! Mujhe koi nahin ban-na hai. Mujhe Vasu aur sirf Vasu ban-na hai. (I do not wish to be anybody else. I wish to be me, myself only)". It definitely did not seem a childish display of irritation or a blind attempt to show off wits. His body language and tone reflected that he meant it. Cool, collected and clear-cut was what he looked like, as he left me alone after replying. I must say, he has learnt a very important lesson of his life, very much WITHIN time.

UNASSUMING DELIGHTFUL MOMENTS...

Today when I returned back home after office, Vasu and Darsh greeted me as usual. Both were a cheerful lot. Vasu entertained me with his unarticulate but amusing stories in English... - He spoke so low that I could hardly hear him most of the time. Only when he narrated his pet favorite Harry Potter stories, I could get what he meant to say. Still I cannot claim I heard the stories properly. Yet, it was by all means pleasant to spend time with Vasu, as I had dinner. Persuading Vasu to get ready, I hinted I intended to take him and Darsh to the park. I do not really know why, but Darsh started taking out shoes from the shoe bag, sprung open the cloth closets and started pulling out clothes haywire. Vasu complained as he witnessed the ransack,"Mama look! Darsh kya kar raha hai.. woh mere kapde almari main se nikal raha hai! Usse roko!" As I responded to Vasu's urge,"Darsh! Vasu ke kapde mat nikaalo!" Vasu objected and said, "Bolo 'Bhai' ke kapde mat nikalo Darsh! Mujhe bhai kaho!" I was very pleased to find an individual before me who knew what's more respectful for him.

PALPABLE CONCERNS

Running in his twentieth month, Darsh treats himself as an equal adult to us and understands the normalcy of our life style already. He himself initiates for the portable water tank at temple to wash his hands, successfully tries to put on his pant/ knicker. Both Vasu and Darsh started early with trying to put on their shoes on their own. Still, Darsh's pace of growth is clearly faster than Vasu in certain ways. He certainly shows plenty of attitude and anger already. Vasu leads him by all means in terms of attitude. He does not like to be ordered around. He obliges only if he is requested. He defies authority more often nowadays and stands brave to face the aftermaths of violation of authority. His personality is undergoing apparent changes as he has already started idolizing violence and power. He shows a clear disregard for orders and gives a deaf ear to advices, unless in a better mood. Finally his craze for Harry Potter’s wand is subdued, but only to be overtaken by the fancy for (Ramayan's)Lakshman’s bow and arrow!!! To my horror, he prefers Ravan over Shri Ram. I know it is because of the relative show of power quotient between the two legendary mythological grand characters of Hinduism. His obvious choice is also aided to a great extent by the tele serial ‘Ravan’ on Zee TV that glorifies the character of Ravan as the hero.

My insecurities are growing graver with such developments, as I witness Vasu and Darsh growing fonder of concepts and things that I would not like them to follow. At times, I loose my cool as I see my self incompetent to proceed with my plans and goals. I cannot achieve it alone as I have limited capabilities and comprehensition power.

May Jinendra Bhagwan aid and assist me on my warpath!

Sshshsshs...pass it over please!

It happened yesterday evening only. Vasu, Darsh, mom, dad and I were fortunate candidates for 'darshans' at the neighborhood mandirji (Jain temple). Vasu was as usual in no mood to pray or even pretend. Darsh following the suit was all naughty and restless. As soon as I left him on the floor, he ran his way to the baskets of holy tiny utensils of Mandirji. Tiny spoons, miniature bowls and small plates – all unfailingly attracted him beyond control. Compelled, I was carrying Darsh in my lap as Mom prepared ‘aarti’. As soon as mom lighted the oil lamp, Vasu started making hush sounds to hint that the oil lamp must be given to him for performing aarti. By consensus only an agreeable activity for him, he was given the oil lamp, which he moved clockwise and pendulum-like almost to his fill. Then it was forced taken away by me to be given to mom. Vasu started hushing all over again, stretching out his right hand towards mom, his fingers working in coordination to indicate that he wanted the lantern back.

Inspired, Darsh broke the silence with his own hush sounds, his hand also stretched out, his fingers moving in and out of the fist, as if virtually saying, "Sshshsshshh...pass it over to me instead please!"

Mom and I simply could not control a brief mirth in between the ‘aarti’ recital.

CAN YOU WILL ...

It was one of the Saturdays of October’ 2006. I was sitting across the table to the principal of ‘Blessings'. I was attending a PTM and she was gratifying me with her valuable feedback on Vasu. Vasu joined Blessings in February the same year. The domineering principal of 'a truly English-medium playschool' told me with a distinct hint of frustration, " Your son is an absolute Hindi speaking kid!" She distorted her face to drag her lower jaw even lower and swelled out her lower lip to act out one of Vasu’s innocent remarks to her," Ped pe chidiya baithi hai m'am!" Her face sprung back to its normal contour as she added, “He just does not speak in English. Well... at least he understands all of us as we speak to him. You should speak to him in English at home." Months have passed by ever since. Today, Vasu is at least seven months elder. He understands and speaks English reasonably well. His sentences have grammatical errors, but he has grasped the basic fundamental of sentence formation - something I learnt only when I was well versed with how to read and write. He amuses me when I call him up from office and he makes it a point to reply me back in the foreign language on preferential basis. He makes very to the point conversations over the phone. I guess he does not like talking to the instrument, even if a voice is audible from the other side and even if it is recognizable as belonging to an acquaintance. Rarely does he hold a conversation with me over the phone... I do not know whether I unintentionally exerted pressure, or was it the play school, but whenever he needs to speak to me about something or tell me about something consciously, he uses English. Nowadays he frequently asks English translations of Hindi words that he cannot translate himself. In the middle of telling me something, he would ask, “Mama! ‘ladne’ ko English main kya kehtein hain?” As I reply, “Fight.” He would instantly continue, “Mama! I don’t fight with my brother.” He would ask me to rebuke Darsh when he opines his conduct objectionable. He would command me courteously,” Mama! Please tell Darsh, don’t hit me!” When I oblige him instantly in a rather feeble tone by his expectations, he commands, “Mama! Say faster!” I correct him, “Do you mean louder?” He answers back, “Yes! Say loudly to Darsh!” I oblige with finesse this time to suit his criterion and am let off with approval. Then he reiterates the censure in a louder tone of voice, and thus exercises and proves that is he (Vasu) is elder to him(Darsh). Nowadays, his languages, both English and Hindi, are facing their worst days. Be it in terms of fluency or making sense, neither language helps him express himself adroitly. May be he is experimenting with the languages too much. Or may be he has unlearnt all mugged up lessons.. His pet dialogue nowadays is, “ Can you will …?" - "Can you will give me water?”, “Can you will push my swing?”, “Can you will give me a pen?” I would correct, “Vasu either use will or can. They are not used together.”, as if he will learn thus. Now I have started correcting him by telling the right way to say it. “Vasu say, could you please push my swing?” It is a tried and tested formula with Vasu… I gather he has learnt most of his present understanding of English by listening to such corrections or norms of speaking from me, and of course his teachers and even Harry Potter/ Polar Express/ Finding Nemo/ Ice Age I movies to some extent. Now, it does not matter whether and when would he refine his grip on the languages. All that always mattered to me was overcoming the initial hitch that impedes most of us in progressing with a new language, specifically English. Once that is overcome and the child finds the language no big issue, the job is done according to me! Love you Vasu! May one day you overwhelm me by surpassing my parameters of superlative excellence and make me too proud to handle! May true knowledge, true conduct and true ideal find home in your heart and mind very very very soon! Amen!