The gift!

The year 2015 is ending soon. Here, I am thinking about the significance of 2015 in my life. "Lost, lose or Stolen" are the only words that can describe my memories of 2015 in my life till now. Losing something can affect in ways that can make a person lose one’s mind, emotions, health and whatever related to Physiological, Psychological and neurological aspects of human. Phone, camera, headphones, bag, pen-drive, money were not the only things that gets looted. (Actually, the above mentioned ones really got stolen in my case) But things like Opportunities, Chances, Self-esteem, Happiness, Satisfaction, Freedom, etc are also looted in the course of life. Nowadays, Criticism and Prejudice are more prominent than Appreciation and Guidance. 

So, in order to participate in something we need a great level of support and courage. After that, we need to overcome the worry, self-doubts about the decision, etc. Too many considerations are required in order to finish a task. For example: To ask a pen from a person, first we analyse whom to ask, when to ask, why should I ask, why not I just borrow it without asking for their permission, etc. When we are ready to ask the person, our brain calculates all sorts of unnecessary case scenarios some of which will be illogical and impossible in reality. That person would have left the place; by the time we finish the mental debate in our heads, whether to ask or not to ask for a pen. Still, there is a need for speed in this “modern world”. 

On the morning of Nov 26th, I was busy getting ready for college. I rarely read newspapers but that day I started reading and noticed an advertisement about Milk Moustache contest by Amul in newspaper. The occasion was National Milk Day and Birthday of Dr. Verghese Kurien who brought white revolution in India. It was about sending a Selfie with a glass of milk and a milk moustache. So, as a human I got curious to participate in the competition at the same time a mental debate of why should I participate? What if I waste time and reach college late because of a Selfie; What if I forget about it if I try to do it later. I realised Why not? Let’s give it a try.

So quickly, I take one fancy glass from kitchen cupboard which my mom inherited from my grandma’s glassware collection. The boiled milk was poured into it. Now arrival of the anxiety in the form of questions takes place: Should the milk be white in colour? (My mom adds maltova - Chocó flavoured malt powder), Should the background be in a peculiar way? Is the lighting good? Why the camera not opening in my dad mobile? (After my mobile and camera got stolen I was ended up with basic mobile. So no camera with me) why did the froth on my upper lip vanished so quickly? What if the glass slips from my hand and breaks? After the Selfie is taken: what if the mobile doesn’t connect with the Wi-Fi? What if my dad deletes the picture accidentally? What if the contest was a hoax? So, finally when all required stuff is finished. Usually I hesitate a lot before participating and also expect a lot. This time I just participated and remained satisfied that I am part of it.

When December begun, I totally forgot about whatever I did before the floods hit my house, stuff and lives. During afternoon of Dec 12, 2015, a courier guy came with a rectangular cardboard box with tapes and handle with care sign. And it seems he spelled my name as sunya and my mom couldn’t recognise anybody with that name. But luckily I did because my whole life people misspelled or mispronounced my name. (How my parents ended up naming me sunayana is another dramatic story) I sign the sheets to receive the mystery package. I saw the address it was sent from Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF). Still, I had no idea what the package contains even though it is wrapped with lots of duct tape and marked handle with care. 

Carefully I began to tear the tape and opened the box. There was CD, bunch of books and a red box. I pulled everything and saw a blue card which states that these goodies are for my participation in the contest which Amul conducted. I was so happy to know I received something for my participation. Even though the contest might be not essential part of life it did elated my happiness and appreciated the active participation. I suppose this is something the world lacks. People always hesitate or avoid appreciating each other. When everyone encourages each other the world becomes a better place to live. Goodies, objects, decorated items and many other materialistic things alone aren’t great gifts. Giving a piece of advice is a gift, making others happy is a gift, showing compassion is a gift, having a meaningful conversation is a gift the list goes on. When there are so many gifts in you, Please don’t hide them just share it. 

Hope everyone share and receive lot more gifts in your life!

Pictures!!

This was the selfie i sent for the contest. (I know, i look hideous)

The stuff inside the Mystery package from Amul

Contents of the package:

The blue card that congratulated me.

The Amar Chitra Katha book about Verghese Kurein. The start of Amul and the efforts associated with it was well described and illustrated in awesome way! A good comic book that can inspire many children in India.

I neither like nor hate old films. But i expected this movie would be good as the cover looked like about empowering women. as the movie was taken during 1976 the concept was too boring to watch even in fast-forward.

This book was amusing. It consisted of how the Girl in Amul's ads aided as a marketing tool. 

Yet to read this book. Its an autobiography about Verghese Kurien.

Last but not the least, the chocolates. I never knew Amul had this many range of chocolates. My personal favourite is dark chocolate.