Tina's handicraft : Rainbow Bracelet - free patttern

Tina's handicraft : Rainbow Bracelet - free patttern: Final result - Supplies -Yarn - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Dark Blue, Violet - Crochet Hook -Ribbon - Scissors Gather your supp...

The Truth of Two Decades: Slums, the System, and My Research

Pictures speak... if only one has the eye to listen. Today, while browsing through old files on my computer, this photograph suddenly appeared, and a caravan of memories began to unfold. This photo is from 2016, during a trip to Jaipur with 16 of my NGO colleagues. We had stopped at a farmhouse, where I met this woman. To me, it wasn't just a picture; it was a glimpse into the self-respect of rural life—knowing how to smile even amidst scarcity. However, as a researcher, my true destination was the slums of Jaipur. My connection with Valmiki Nagar began in 2001 when I first applied for my PhD at Rajasthan University under Dr. M. Kapur. The journey was far from easy. I faced a long administrative battle over the 'equivalence' of my B.Sc. degree. After three years of persistent effort, my admission was finally confirmed in 2004, and I officially immersed myself in fieldwork in 2005. During that 2005-06 fieldwork, I was deeply impressed by a woman in Valmiki Nagar who had completed 12th grade. Despite a lack of resources, her education had led her to live a very organized life. Seeing her discipline, I truly believed that education would transform the fate of these slums.

"A single photograph can hold a lifetime of stories. For me, this image is more than a memory—it is a window into a 25-year-old quest that began with a struggle for a PhD admission in 2001 and evolved into a deep study of Jaipur’s slums. From Nehru's vision of 'Eradication' in 1952 to the stagnant reality of 2026, here is a glimpse into the two decades of my research journey." But when I returned in 2016-17 for a 'Decadal Change' study, the reality disappointed me. That same woman had become an 'Anganwadi worker' in the same slum. While the administration might view this as progress, I saw it as a stagnant shift. This brings to mind Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's visit to the slums of Kanpur in 1952. Distressed by the subhuman conditions, he remarked: "These slums should be burnt to the ground and replaced with decent houses for human beings." His vision was 'Eradication'—to lift people out of squalor and settle them in planned townships. Unfortunately, we shifted from 'eradication' to making these slums 'permanent.' By 2016, the system focused on providing minor facilities like Anganwadis, effectively institutionalizing their stay there. Now, in April-May 2026, I am preparing for my third visit. I want to observe this full cycle from 2005 to 2026 to see if we have truly progressed, or if we have simply given 'disorder' a new, permanent name.This journey from 2005 to 2026 is now taking the shape of a book and research papers XOXO

Tit bits of today

my inspiration today

Blog da Fá - De tudo um pouco: Algumas fotos da festa de 1 ano da minha filhota Blog da Fá - De tudo um pouco: Algumas fotos da festa de 1 ano da minha filhota: Oi meninas como vão? Na foto acima, fiz as lembrancinhas com caixas de leite, acho que fiz em torno de 30 lembrancinhas, peguei a caixa ... xxx

Through the Lens of Memories: An Engagement, Boundless Love, and That Precious Blessing

Date: March 2, 2026 This morning, while cleaning for Holi, I happened to pick up an old photo album. Time and dampness had left their mark on it, and a few loose photographs slipped out. Among them was this picture from my son’s engagement, dated April 2, 2012. In the photo, my son, daughter-in-law, daughter,my niece and me all are seated together, sharing a smile. While it looks like a simple family portrait, it holds within it a profound story of service and respect that touches my heart even today.

A Memorable Afternoon and the Warmth of Relationships My mother was a part of our joy that day. Since she could not walk without support, my son and his friend manually assisted her to the hotel room in Delhi, which had been booked by my son’s in-laws. The room was arranged with tea and refreshments for us. Soon, it was time for lunch in the hotel hall. Since my mother had a very light appetite and the struggle of moving with support remained, we decided to let her rest in the room, thinking we would return quickly for the engagement rituals after our meal. However, when we returned, what we heard from her—and the sheer joy and satisfaction we saw on her face—won our hearts completely. An Exemplary Display of Values and Service My mother was exceptionally happy. She told us that in our absence, my daughter-in-law’s brother took immense care of her. He visited the room repeatedly, serving her juice, snacks, and lunch. Beyond that, he had even stationed a lady attendant there specifically to assist her with the washroom or any other needs. It was a beautiful beginning to a new relationship, where the focus was not just on the rituals, but on the comfort and dignity of the elders. A Priceless Legacy and Farewell On January 9, 2013, my mother left us forever. I remember those days vividly; I used to work on my computer with her sitting right next to me in another chair. I would feed her small bites with a spoon every few minutes. That day, while sitting there, she couldn't quite swallow a morsel, and she simply closed her eyes. My son, who had come home from his showroom for lunch, immediately moved her to the floor and tried to give her artificial respiration, but she looked as if she had drifted into a peaceful, blissful sleep. Her breath did not return. The doctor arrived within ten minutes, but she had already passed away. During those final nine months of her life, I stayed by her side like a 24-hour nurse. At night, my niece, who was then studying Computer Engineering, performed her duties beautifully by assisting her with the washroom and other needs. My daughter was living in Delhi at the time of her passing. Today, this picture is not just a reminder of an event; it is a testament to the love, service, and respect that binds our family together.

"That priceless blessing, which stays with us through every joy and sorrow." Closing Note: As I look back today, I realize that relationships are built not just on rituals, but on the profound respect and care we show for one another—especially in times of need. My mother is no longer with us, but her values and that satisfied smile remain the greatest legacy of our family. Do you also have a cherished memory of your elders that has touched your heart? I would love to hear your stories in the comments below.

The Sky of Memories: A Brother’s Anniversary and the Debt to a Forgotten Heroine

February 28, 2026 Today, my heart inevitably wanders back to that tragic moment in 1995 when my younger brother bid farewell to this world. He was a promising Mechanical Engineer in the Indian Air Force (IAF). After completing his engineering from Tambaram, Madras, he served brave machines like the MiG-21. Today, on his anniversary, as I turn the pages of an old album, three photographs bring an entire era to life before my eyes. These photos are not just my family history; they are witnesses to a time in the IAF when bravery and human compassion walked hand in handं

The MiG-21 and My Younger Brother In this photo, my late younger brother stands proudly in front of his MiG-21 fighter jet. This aircraft is a symbol of his technical mastery and unwavering commitment to the Air Force. The pride he felt as an engineer, keeping his planes ready for flight, is clearly visible on his faceं

My Father and Dr. Chanda (Agra Runway, 1966-67) In this photo, my late father (who was an IAF Police Officer) stands on the runway, to the right side of the aircraft. And, in that same photo, to the extreme right, stands Wing Commander Dr. Gita Chanda (Ghosh) in her dignified IAF uniform of a light blue blouse and navy blue sari. This photo is very special to me because it depicts the woman who not only created history but also rescued my family from a deep crisisं

source(internet) Dr. Gita Chanda: An Unheard and Forgotten History It was July 17, 1959. A Dakota aircraft was flying over North India. Standing behind three instructors was a young, fearless trainee—Dr. Gita Chanda. As soon as the signal came, she jumped fearlessly into the air. That historic 40-second journey gave India its first female paratrooper. Today, it is a matter of great pain and regret that the dust of time has blurred her courage. People often do not even know her nameं Before the Historic Flight This is a solo photo of Dr. Gita Chanda, taken just before that historic flight on July 17, 1959. She appears fully prepared in her parachute gear and helmet. To witness this historic moment, Air Marshal Arjan Singh (who later became Marshal of the Indian Air Force) was personally present in Agraं The Debt to a Savior and Guide In 1966-67, when my brother was only three years old and very ill, Dr. Gita Chanda was nothing less than an angel to us. My father was transferred from Agra to Jorhat (Assam). During that difficult time, it was Dr. Gita who used her medical authority and influence to cancel that transfer. I was 13 then and used to sit by my brother's bedside. I still remember how sweetly she talked to us about my brother's health during her rounds. Because of her compassion, our family could stay together in Agra and my brother's treatment was possible at the Military Hospital (MH)ं Today, when I remember my brother, my head bows in respect to that great paratrooper, sensitive doctor, and warrior. It is an irony that the woman who made history by jumping from the sky and helped countless families on the ground has no one to remember her today. This is my small effort to revive her kindness and her historic courageं

Bucket tote bag

This crochet pattern contains instruction with step-by-step on how to make the bucket tote. This pattern includes written pattern with instructions for each rows with foto and link to video 2 hours 42 minutes. All the instructions are made in English (US). Level: intermediate. To create such tote bag you shall know how to make: ✔ chains ✔ slip stitch ✔ single crochet ✔ increase MATERIALS and TOOLS you will need to women market bag: * Paper twisted rafia yarn, 200-210 gr (about 440 yards (400 m)); * 4 mm and 5.5 mm hook; * 2 round handles, diameter 6 1/2 – 7 inches (16-17 cm); * 6-8 markers; * Felt for the lining, 2 mm thick, 2 pieces 18*12 inches (45*30 cm); * Plastic needle with large eyelet; * Sewing thread and needle; * Any yarn for pompom. For example, YarnArt Jeans; * Scissors. Finished bag from the specified materials: length – 16 inches (40 cm), height – 10 inches (25 cm), width – 2 inches (5 cm). Gauge: 12-13 stitches and 23 row = 4*4 inches (10*10cm). Step-by-Step Instructions: Step 1: Create the Base Start by making a foundation chain that matches the desired width of the bottom. Crochet in rounds (single crochet) around both sides of the chain to create an oval base. Increase stitches at the curves to keep the base flat. Step 2: Build the Body Once the base is the desired size, stop increasing. Continue with one single crochet (sc) in each stitch. This will make the sides grow upwards, forming the bucket shape. Step 3: Shaping the Curve To get that specific crescent (half-moon) look, you will need to adjust the height of the stitches or reduce the number of stitches at the top edges as you reach the final rounds. Step 4: Attaching the Bamboo Handles Place the bamboo handle against the top edge of the bag. Use the crochet hook to work single crochets around the handle and into the bag's stitches simultaneously. This secures the handle firmly to the body. Step 5: Adding the Pom-Poms Make four large pom-poms using black, pink, yellow, and orange yarn. Tie them securely to the base of one handle using a piece of raffia or matching yarn. Pro Tip: Since raffia c Adventures in Decorating: A Little Valentine Decor

Adventures in Decorating: A Little Valentine Decor: Happy Thursday, friends! How are we already into February ... this year is flying by!  Before Valentine's Day comes and goes, I wanted t...

Bhagavad Gita: My Morning Inspiration

Bhagavad Gita: My Morning Inspiration My morning is incomplete without the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. Its verses possess a unique power that fills the entire day with positive energy. Today, as I sat at my computer, the 3rd verse of Chapter 9 kept resonating in my mind: ashraddhadhana: purusha dharmasyasya parantapa | aprapya mam nivartante mrityu-sansara-vartmani || 3 || This verse teaches us that 'unwavering faith in oneself' is the solution to every difficulty in life. When we clear the clouds of doubt and commit ourselves to our goals with a pure heart, only then the path to true peace and success opens up.

As Swami Vivekananda famously said: "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached. Have faith in yourself!" Today is a day to dedicate ourselves to our goals. Good morning. xoxo

बे ऑफ फायर्स, CROCHET EARINGS

कंप्यूटर खोलते ही यह तस्वीर देखकर मैं मंत्रमुग्ध हो गई और इस स्थान के बारे में जानने की मेरी उत्सुकता बढ़ गई।

शोध करने पर पता चला कि यह 'बे ऑफ फायर्स' (Bay of Fires) है, जो ऑस्ट्रेलिया के तस्मानिया के पूर्वोत्तर तट पर स्थित एक अत्यंत सुंदर क्षेत्र है। "कंप्यूटर खोलते ही यह तस्वीर देखकर मैं मंत्रमुग्ध हो गई और इस स्थान के बारे में जानने की मेरी उत्सुकता बढ़ गई। शोध करने पर पता चला कि यह 'बे ऑफ फायर्स' (Bay of Fires) है, जो ऑस्ट्रेलिया के तस्मानिया के पूर्वोत्तर तट पर स्थित एक अत्यंत सुंदर क्षेत्र है। आपकी जानकारी के लिए बता दूँ कि यहाँ की चट्टानों पर दिखने वाला यह गहरा नारंगी-लाल रंग कोई पेंट या आग नहीं, बल्कि 'लाइकेन' (Lichen) नामक एक वनस्पति है जो इन ग्रेनाइट पत्थरों पर उगती है। इस जगह का नाम 1773 में कैप्टन टोबियास फर्नोक्स ने रखा था, जिन्होंने तट पर आदिवासियों द्वारा जलाई गई आग देखी थी। अपनी दूधिया सफेद रेत, कांच की तरह साफ नीले पानी और इन अनोखी लाल चट्टानों के अद्भुत संगम के कारण इसे दुनिया के सबसे खूबसूरत समुद्र तटों में से एक माना जाता है।" MY INSPIRATION TODAY IS ....THIS YOUTUBE Susan's Hippie Crochet: My Crochet Jewelry Pattern Set is on Amazon - free... Susan's Hippie Crochet: My Crochet Jewelry Pattern Set is on Amazon - free...:   This crochet jewelry pattern set is a simple and fun set of projects you can wear! You can find it on Etsy here , or on Amazon (both vers... xoxo

Crochet jewellery

Tina's handicraft : Ball stitched vent rocaille: Material  beads regular size of about 2.5 g (in this manual pink and gray Japanese TOHO beads vel. 11) Wooden bead 14 mm (e-...

गुलाबी सॉफ्ट कोरल

यह गुलाबी सॉफ्ट कोरल है, जिसे गॉर्गोनियन या समुद्री पंखे के नाम से जाना जाता है। ये समुद्री जीव हैं जो समुद्र की गहराइयों में पाए जाते हैं। इन्हें कभी-कभी आभूषणों में इस्तेमाल किया जाता है, खासकर 'स्पंज कोरल' के रूप में, जिन्हें स्थायित्व के लिए रेज़िन से भरा जाता है। हालाँकि, यह उस कठोर 'लाल मूंगा' रत्न से अलग होता है जिसका उपयोग आमतौर पर ज्योतिषीय उद्देश्यों के लिए किया जाता है। ज्योतिषीय मूंगा इटली और जापान जैसे देशों से आयात किया जाता है क्योंकि भारत में प्राकृतिक कोरल की कटाई और व्यापार वन्यजीव (संरक्षण) अधिनियम, 1972 के तहत पूरी तरह से प्रतिबंधित है। भारत में मन्नार की खाड़ी और कच्छ की खाड़ी जैसे समुद्री संरक्षित क्षेत्रों में मूंगा भित्तियाँ पाई जाती हैं, जहाँ उन्हें कानूनी सुरक्षा प्राप्त है। ये मूंगा पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र पर्यावरण के लिए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण हैं क्योंकि वे लाखों समुद्री प्रजातियों के लिए आवास प्रदान करते हैं, तटीय सुरक्षा के लिए प्राकृतिक अवरोधक के रूप में कार्य करते हैं, और स्थानीय अर्थव्यवस्थाओं के लिए मत्स्य पालन और पर्यटन का समर्थन करते हैं। दुर्भाग्य से, वे महासागरों के गर्म होने (विरंजन का कारण), अम्लीकरण, प्रदूषण और अत्यधिक मछली पकड़ने जैसे गंभीर खतरों का सामना कर रहे हैं। इन खतरों को कम करने के लिए भारत सरकार सख्त कानून, कृत्रिम भित्तियाँ और सामुदायिक भागीदारी जैसे विभिन्न संरक्षण प्रयास कर रही है। भारत में, लाल मूंगा रत्न से जड़े आभूषण व्यापक रूप से उपलब्ध हैं और भारतीय ज्योतिष में महत्वपूर्ण माने जाते हैं। इन्हें अंगूठियों और पेंडेंट में जड़ा जाता है, और इन्हें पहनने से साहस, आत्मविश्वास बढ़ने और मंगल ग्रह के दोषों को दूर करने में मदद मिलती है। असली और प्रमाणित मूंगा रत्न की पहचान के लिए, हमेशा एक प्रतिष्ठित लैब से प्रमाण पत्र लेना सबसे अच्छा है। आप सतह पर प्राकृतिक बनावट और बुलबुले न होने का निरीक्षण करके भी पहचान कर सकती हैं। उचित देखभाल आपके मूंगा आभूषणों की चमक और दीर्घायु सुनिश्चित करती है क्योंकि यह एक जैविक (organic) रत्न है और काफी नाजुक होता है। इसे साफ करने के लिए हमेशा हल्के साबुन और गुनगुने पानी का उपयोग करें और एसीटोन, परफ्यूम या अन्य कठोर रसायनों से संपर्क से बचें। मूंगे को सीधे धूप, अत्यधिक गर्मी या अल्ट्रासोनिक क्लीनर के संपर्क में न रखें, और खरोंच से बचाने के लिए इसे नरम कपड़े में अलग से संग्रहित करें। My inspirational blog today Memories and Musings II - Life in Pondicherry: MEDA Memories and Musings II - Life in Pondicherry: MEDA: A month back Raja and myself were proceeding to Pradeep’s Khet for a lunch gathering. His farm is located in Haryana, beyond Gurgaon, n... XOXO

वह असाधारण माँ जिसने बराक ओबामा को गढ़ा

मुझे टाइम मैगज़ीन पढ़ना बहुत अच्छा लगता है। आज पुरानी पत्रिकाओं को देखते हुए यह पत्रिका मेरे सामने आ गई। जब बराक ओबामा संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के 44वें राष्ट्रपति चुने गए और टाइम मैगज़ीन में उनके बारे में छपा, तो मैं उनकी माँ और उनके जीवन के बारे में जानकर बहुत प्रभावित हुई और मैंने पत्रिका में उन पर आधारित लेख को बार-बार पढ़ा।

यह कहानी केवल बराक ओबामा के बारे में नहीं थी, बल्कि उनकी माँ, स्टेनली एन डनहम, के उल्लेखनीय जीवन पर केंद्रित थी। एक स्वतंत्र और बौद्धिक मानवविज्ञानी के रूप में, उन्होंने हवाई में बराक को अपने नाना-नानी के पास छोड़ दिया था ताकि वह अपनी पढ़ाई और काम जारी रख सकें। एन डनहम ने बाद में इंडोनेशियाई व्यक्ति लोलो सोएतोरो से शादी की और बराक को लेकर इंडोनेशिया चली गईं। जकार्ता में, उनकी एक बेटी, माया सोएतोरो-एनजी, भी हुई। उन्होंने इंडोनेशिया में ही अपने मानव विज्ञान में पीएचडी की पढ़ाई पूरी की और बाद में ग्रामीण महिलाओं के लिए माइक्रोफाइनेंस प्रणाली विकसित करने में महत्वपूर्ण काम किया। XOXO

महात्मा गांधी:

एक देह का अंत, एक विचार का अमर होना आज 30 जनवरी है। आज ही के दिन 1948 में बापू की पार्थिव देह हमसे छिन गई थी, लेकिन उनके विचार आज भी उतने ही जीवित हैं जितने सात दशक पहले थे। गांधी जी को याद करना केवल एक व्यक्ति को याद करना नहीं है, बल्कि सत्य, साहस और संयम के मूल्यों को याद करना है।

- गांधी जी का मानना था कि अगर हमारा लक्ष्य महान है, तो उसे पाने का रास्ता भी उतना ही नेक होना चाहिए। उन्होंने सिखाया कि गलत रास्ते पर चलकर कभी सही मंजिल नहीं पाई जा सकती। - अक्सर लोग अहिंसा को कमजोरी समझ लेते हैं, लेकिन बापू ने दिखाया कि बिना हाथ उठाए भी दुनिया के सबसे बड़े साम्राज्य की नींव हिलाई जा सकती है। यह कायरता यह कायरता नहीं, बल्कि आत्मिक बल है। - उन्होंने चरखे के माध्यम से आत्मनिर्भरता का जो संदेश दिया, वह आज के 'Self-reliant' भारत की प्रेरणा है। xoxo

Crochet Dreamz: How I Organize My Crochet Stuff

Crochet Dreamz: How I Organize My Crochet Stuff: All we crocheters love our crochet supplies and love hoarding them for future use. But too much of it and things go out of control. You d...

Barahmasa, Ritusamharam

Glancing at the amaranth’s blossoming sprays
Glowing in exquisite loveliness just-revealed
Loveliness that rightly belongs to the beloved’s face
How can a responsive heart not flutter in pain
Stung by proud Love’s flying arrows, my love?

These radiant, finely crafted, lines might come from Kalidasa’s classic work, the Ritusamharam, but, reading them, come rushing into mind, instantly, miniature paintings, made in Rajasthan or the Pahari area, centuries later. The setting is always intimate, romantic: lovers seated in a balcony or on a marble terrace, gazing into each other’s eyes while the beauties of the seasons

....the sun eventually came out late in the day, I love late afternoon light, it was a gorgeous day.