Wednesday, June 24, 2015

My first hero !

How can I repay my Dad for all that he has done for me? Even this thought, frightens me as I feel that I will never be able to repay him ever for all that he has done for me and continues to do. 

Nostalgic memories flood my mind when I think of those childhood days when my Dad used to come home, tired from the day’s work. He would diligently bring chikkis (sweet made of groundnut and jaggery) for us - his three daughters. Even if he missed to bring the chikkis on any one evening, he would go back and bring us the precious chikkis. And we used to wait eagerly for him and the chikki, as it always had a cartoon sticker, which we used to collect! 

As soon as he used to come, we used to pounce on him and fill him with our adventures of the day. He used to patiently listen to all our crazy and childish stories without shooing us off! I am now amazed at the patience he had with us, after a long and tiring day at work. He would always be there for us – listening to us, playing with us and guiding us in the correct direction. Many a times I used to run to him at midnight, whenever I was frightened, whenever I could not get sleep or whenever I needed reassurance that the world would not come to an end! And every time he would reassure me, irrespective of the odd hours, in spite of he being in deep slumber…

He was my hero – strong and invincible. Nobody else in my eyes was as strong as him. And he continues to be my favourite hero!

During my childhood days, I often used to catch a cold and fall ill. All those nights, he used to sit next to my bed and hold my hand. Can I return the warmth of this reassuring hand? Can I make up for the sleepless nights; he sacrificed by spending, beside my bedside?

As I grew up, and became a teenager, I started having mood swings and at times thought my Dad used to preach a lot. Many times he put up with my tantrums without getting angry at me. In spite of all this, he was always there to guide me with regards to my personal problems and career choices. Can I say sorry to Dad, now? Can I make up for my erratic behaviour, now?

Now I am a grown up person and working professional. My Dad still continues to mentor me with regards to my professional and general dilemmas. In spite of being, an adult I still behave like an immature child, at times. And he continues to forgive me and guide me, whenever required. Can I take back the immature words that I have uttered and which may have hurt my Dad?

I have a nice year old daughter, who dotes on my father and believes my Dad is God! Yes, her belief is true. I am lucky and glad that my Dad continues to guide and teach my daughter, the principles of life that he taught me and my siblings. The principles which we, siblings, live by and try to implement in our daily life: truth, kindness, sincerity, love, passion, tenacity, being happy and more!

I very much agree that a mother’s love is infinite for her child. At the same time a father’s love is equally important to instill faith, love and confidence in a child!


How can I repay my Dad for making me a better person, a kind and sincere human being? By no means, I can repay all what he has done for me. Except by living by his principles, being patient with him and by often giving him a hug!! 

“This father’s day, I am expressing my love towards my dad by participating in the #HugYourDad activity at BlogAdda in association with Vicks.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Cinderella

Every day, at bedtime, my daughter invariably wants me to read the story of ‘Cinderella’to her. She loves it!

She is a huge fan of Disney princesses (an avid collector of all sorts of Disney princesses merchandise), her favorite one, being ‘Cinderella’. Thus, I decided to treat her to the real ‘Cinderella’ movie, which was launched recently in India! An excuse to treat myself too….


My princess!

Thus, I took her to watch this movie alongwith her friends, last weekend.

The 'lil' gang

And lo, this was our first visit to the ‘Inox’ theater in Margao, which is the second multiplex in Goa, the first one is located in Panaji. We were lucky that this mutiplex was inaugurated, last month on March 31, 2015. Thanks, to its new location – now Margao movie watchers like us, can enjoy some good movies which are screened only at multiplexes. Or else, we would had  to travel for quite some time, navigating our way through Panaji traffic.

I loved every bit of the movie, especially the Victorian style - Cinderella’s house and the beautiful surroundings. However, my daughter felt that the animated version of the ‘Cinderella’ was better, as the characters seemed to be more beautiful. I guess perception matters!

The message I carried back with me from the movie was the advice Cinderella’s mother gave her. ‘Have courage and be kind’! And occasionally believe in magic!! This is a very powerful message and I truly believe in it.

On returning home, my daughter, Shreya asked me: what is magic? I tried to give all sorts of weird answers, like, how I was helped by a stranger etc. She pointed out that this was kindness. Magic is: you, yourself, your body! How very true. Children have a way to simplify!


My message to all the ‘lil girls and all the women is: go and watch the ‘Cinderella’ movie – to experience and relive the childhood fairy tale!


Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.
Wolfgang Von Goethe

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Pakoras - The Tasty Fritters!

Oh! Who can resist these? Definitely not me. I find it very hard to restrain myself from snacking on these crispy mouthwatering tidbits!

A variety of pakoras: Onion, cauliflower and capsicum.
Pakoras or pakodi's, as these are commonly referred to, are one of the famous street snacks of India. These finger foods are tasty and easy to make, which attributes to their popularity.Basically these are made with gram flour (chick pea flour), wherein a thick batter is made by mixing gramflour, water, salt and chilli powder. Sometimes, ajwain (carom seeds) is added to this batter, to ward off acidity.

Corn pakoras
Varied vegetables are dipped in this batter and deep fried in oil to make crispy pakoras. Some of the vegetables most commonly used to make these fritters are: Onion, cauliflower, capsicum, spinach and corn. Sometimes pieces of paneer (cottage cheese) are also used to make these crispy nibbles. Of these, onion pakoras are the most popular. I prefer the cauliflower version.

Paneer (cottage cheese) pakoras
Palak (spinach) pakodi's
It is interesting to know that in Japan, they have a similar dish with some variations called tempura.

Pakoras are indeed a perfect tea time snack, especially in the monsoon and winter season coupled with a cup of hot chai (tea)! Spicier the better!

The perfect snack!

More the merrier!
I was amused and happy to hear that there is a food joint called 'Pakodi Factory’ in Hyderabad, which serves a variety of pakoras. And plan to visit it some time soon….

Are you ready for these yummy snacks?

Note: This article was originally posted on my food blog: https://tangyreview.wordpress.com/

Monday, March 2, 2015

Pizza facts!

And here are some facts about the one of the worlds favorite fast food: Pizza. My daughter would certainly vouch for it!

Pizza Infographic