My Advice: View one picture at a time. Don’t rush, go slow! 

My Request: I have never asked for your comments. I have always left it to your discretion whether you want to comment or not. But for this one story, I would like to make a humble request to please comment, not to lengthen the comment thread but to learn a different lesson that my eyes might have missed.

How cute he is to imitate a human walk. Isn’t it!

Aha! He is a star I guess. Performing in a classroom, much to the kids’ delight.

And he knows how to look after his companions at home.

You still think he was entertaining?

Ah, that can’t be true! My heart goes out for him! Suddenly, I find my existence minuscule in front of his speechless doggedness!

He is welcomed everywhere he goes. The strength of his character is so uplifting.

Oh boy, let me take you in my arms!

At the right place, teaching determination!

A pat on the back for giving us a silent lesson on willpower.

This blog salutes one of our brightest star until now to become ‘STAR OF THE DAY’.

About 200 km north of Ranchi in India is a village called Dampara in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district, which is house to Kantha Singh’s orphanage where he is bringing up these kids. What’s more astonishing is the way he raises these deserted children of tribal communities. He begs to feed them!

This 45-year-old former car mechanic had to shut down his garage to convert it into a makeshift shelter cum school. So for the welfare of these children and more importantly to feed them, he now begs and offers free services in villages with a group of volunteers. “I don’t feel any humiliation begging for alms as I am carrying out God’s work,” he says. On occasions, however, such miniscule offerings are not enough. “At times, we just have salt and rice to eat. Some day, I hope these children get an education and go on to become government babus (officers),” says a hopeful Singh.

Singh’s care, love and concern for his kids echo in his statement: “Reckless alcoholism and the polygamy leave tribal children to fend for themselves. Once orphaned, these children either die prematurely or spend their childhood working as bonded labourers in farmhouses and fields.”

The destitute state of Kantha Singh and his adopted children, however, may soon be over. Hearing his soul-touching story, the President of India Mrs. Pratibha Patil invited him to visit her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s residence). The President’s office promised extended support to Singh in his selfless endeavor.

Neelkanth, Mamoni and Sonamoni are three of the 42 kids to whom Kantha Singh is a father figure. When asked of their father’s name, they promptly reply, “My father’s name is Kantha Singh.” That, for me, sums up the bonding between this God-like soul and his lovable kids.

I, on behalf of Star of the Day, call for as much support as possible for this man’s efforts. Those who wish to come forward can log on to www.hindustantimes.com and indicate their willingness to help in whatever way they can. Let’s help the efforts of Kantha Singh, our ‘Star of the Day’.

So beginning today, we have invited an eminent writer and reviewer of books – Rebecca Anne Emrich – from Canada to share her viewpoints on the ‘art of writing’. It was a stroke of good fortune that I came across her wonderfully enriching blog titled ‘Living a Life of Writing’, which gave me an in-depth knowledge about writing. Following her blog has become almost second habit for me and it gives me immense pleasure to be able to post her golden words on my blog. So without eating up more space, I would let her words take over. Read on!

WHAT’S CHALLENGING WHEN YOU WRITE? (Guest Post by Rebecca Anne Emrich)

That’s the one important question I’ve had to ask myself, how does one person get about 3,000 words done in a day and I’m happy if I get 750? It used be this way, but now I’m not.

It wasn’t until recently that I looked over my answer. Because I’m happy? No, no! I’m not! But that doesn’t make me want to write more. In fact often it makes me want to do the very opposite, stop writing, do something anything else. If it goes on to long, it can even become the excuse of the day. Some call it “priorities” some call it “breaking” some will call it more bluntly “lazy”. I call it the beginning of an art form that every profession and aspiring professional writer fears.

For me it’s the art of procrastination, the fine art, which I’m certain everyone has, and every write does to a certain degree.

Planning and dreaming of what you are going to do is one thing. While you’re planning and dreaming, you’re really not doing anything. While thinking and planning are good and I do this often, the commitment to writing id difficult. I can make some very convincing excuses. One of my friends, over an evening of discussing writing, (This is a guy thing… so the effect didn’t work as well on me) said writers should drop the “pro” and the ”ination” add a couple of letters and you will get: Castrate.

I laughed, but the boys didn’t seem to be pleased with my sense of humor. The point is that when you’re happy with “just” what you are doing will be exactly that. Just. I believe it’s because we want to do better that is why we get angry, or upset, at the writers who won’t let excuses, and double thinking get in their way. Yes, I know you have kids, you only have twenty-four hours in a day, you need to work, you need to eat, you need to sleep, you need family time, you need time for yourself.

Do you NEED to write? 

Gotcha! 

See, many writers find a million excuses not to write or edit or do something we all dislike. But we lose in the end. It’s not easy to think of what we can do when we’re finding things not to do. I love writing, and it comes first, well second. I have two girls under the age of five. I still find time to work around this. Coffee or tea is great to drink while I type away. I don’t go to the latest movie or spend time reading the new bestseller. I have writing and creating to do. Each day I’ll work about 6 hours on my book. It’s on the final edit. My editor also thinks like a reader, and thank goodness for that.

Writing can be challenging, but it’s also fun. If you are committed to writing and publishing, there will be highs and lows and challenges and excuses. Commitment is vital and so is passion and love of writing. Challenge yourself and have fun. Each day is new and each day has its own rhythm but also a routine; use both to your advantage. Keep pen to paper and no excuses and you will succeed in your goal of becoming a published author or a better writer.

My Question for you is this: What are your excuses and why do you use them?

Thanks so much to JS for giving me this privilege to write on his blog. I hope you have enjoyed my perspective on the basic challenges every writer faces. JS is a wonderful writer, and I have no doubt he will be a successful published author soon.

Rani Verma is surviving on two limbs since the age of nine when she lost her arms to a pumping accident. Those eight years from the day her arms were completely amputated to today knit a story that gives me goose bumps. Surviving just on feet is no mean feat. Rani owes it to her late mother who made her believe that life doesn’t end here.

“Both my arms had to be amputated fully. Even though I was a girl, my mother Suryapati Devi – a teacher at a primary school – taught me to write with my toes,” says Rani. She found it disrespectful initially to touch the books with her feet. “Wouldn’t it amount to dishonoring the goddess Saraswati (Indian deity who gives knowledge)?” Rani questioned herself. Nonetheless, she had her mother by her side then who helped Rani overcome her reservations.

“My mother died of a stroke the day before my class 10 examination. On her deathbed, she told me not to give up my studies. I will definitely become an engineer and join the Indian Administrative Service,” a resolute Rani uttered. Her words are backed by evidence to show. This woman of substance from the Dallipur village in Varanasi, India, has passed the Uttar Pradesh Technical University entrance exam and is set to pursue her engineering degree at the RKGIT College at Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, India. “We will bear all her expenses. She is a brilliant girl,” said the college Chairman, D. K. Goel.

In a country where the girl child is still an unwanted lot, Rani’s father, Ramesh Chand Verma, has set an example for the rest to follow. Raising a child who has no arms and no mother by her side is no petty job. He is a smalltime farmer but never let the financial constraints come in way of Rani’s studies. He made sure that she got what she wanted when it came to completing her education and realizing her dream. “We never considered her a burden for being a girl. She changed her own destiny and one day will change ours too,” said a strong-hearted and hopeful father.

Rani is about to start the journey towards realizing her cherished dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. God willing, she will go on to become an officer in the Indian Administrative Services one day but she is already our ‘Star of the Day’.

I got a nomination for the Zombie Chicken:  I owe it to Rebecca Anne Emrich, a notable writer from Canada. Any amount of thanks is less for this honor Rebecca!

The Details:
The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.

My Nominations Are:

• Rebeccasbook: Rebecca Anne Emrich – a notable writer from Canada – shares a treasure of information with us on writing, publishing and printing. Thanks Rebecca for being so kind to let us learn from your experience.
• Bobbytalkscinema: Bobby Singh’s movie reviews on Hindi films and his knowledge about Hollywood cinema will bring you across movies one should see before dying
• Igiveyou: JP brings to the fore unsung heroes of our society… a truly commendable job.
• Doosraredux: Dileep Premchandran – a notable cricket writer working for cricinfo…I envy his knowledge.

I hope you all enjoy the Zombie Chicken, it is yours to enjoy and pass on! You can nominate your favorite five blogs/sites and pass on this award to them. I thank the readers of this blog and above all the ‘Stars’ featured on this site, without whom this recognition would not have been possible.

Joginder started his workout regime when he was 13, ignoring all the advice cum warnings of his near and dear ones. “I used to tell him that his legs were weak and he shouldn’t take any risk as he had barely started walking after nine surgeries,” says his mother Jaswant Kaur.

Very few knew what Joginder had in my mind when he started working out. Having experienced the anguish of polio disability, he wanted to bring smiles on the faces of similar individuals. To fulfill his desire, he opened up a gymnasium – Workout Wonders – in January 2009 in New Delhi, India, to provide an opportunity to the differently-able to work out free of charge, while he charges from others to maintain his dream project.

Not only does he allow free use of the facility to the differently-abled, he also trains them for body-building competitions. “You should first show the muscles of your right arm as a surprise and then flaunt the triceps of the other arm. Do this with a disarming smile,” he instructs.

Joginder takes the support of crutches to walk but that doesn’t stop him from driving his “customized” car using a hand-operated rod to control the accelerator and brake pedals. His fortitude does rub off to others, as in the case of Amarjeet Singh, one of the polio-affected contestants, who saw Joginder at an arm-wrestling championship and got inspired to follow in his footsteps. “That was the time when I aimed to become as macho as him,” says Amarjeet.

An alumnus of the SGTB Khalsa College of Delhi University, Joginder helps physically-disabled students at the time of college admissions every year. He lends a helping hand to those students in completing admission formalities and choosing the right college for themselves.

Joginder’s hardships have not yet ended. To fund his dream project, he took a loan that needs to be repaid. Besides, he is the one who feeds his entire family. A government job is what he aspires to get to ease off his financial burden.

Evidently, he is a tough nut and not ready to give in to adversity. Nowadays, he is preparing himself for the trials of Asian Games in 2010. God bless our ‘Star of the Day’!

This middle-aged man has contributed 20 books to Hindi literature, spanning over 37 years. “I have been sitting outside Hindi Bhawan for 15 years now but have never been invited to any literary function there,” says Rao in an ironical tone. The author lays before us his pity by saying that the Delhi’s writing fraternity knows him more as a chaiwala than a writer.

With his treasure lying bare beside him, Laxman Rao tells us about the rare feat he achieved recently by way of his latest novel titled Renu. It was read by none other than the President of India, Pratibha Patil, who got so impressed that she sent an invitation for the writer to come and meet her at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The twinkle in Rao’s eyes was evident as he narrated the honor bestowed upon him. “Unse milkar aaj mere kaam to recognition mil gayee (my work got recognition today after meeting her), he said ecstatically. He thanked the efforts of a group of intellectuals called Vidharbha Mitra Mandal who presented his work to the President.

He forayed into writing as an 18-year-old, when he wrote his first novel, Ramdas. It was based on a true story of a boy who drowned in the river in his village and sold 2,200 copies. However, it was not before he had to toil hard after landing in Delhi in 1975 from Maharashtra’s Taregaon Dashasar village. He worked as a laborer and did dishes at local restaurants before setting up his roadside tea stall. All this while, he kept pursuing his BA degree from the Delhi University.

Since his first novel, he has touched topics related to politics, social issues, people and life in general. “Most people can’t believe that a chaiwala can write books. Initially I could not even find publishers,” laments Rao. That, however, didn’t hold him back. He set up his own publication called Bhartiya Sahitya Kala Prakashan and published 8 of his 20 books, with four more ready to go to press. “You don’t need a decorated office. Just compile your work and give it in any press for printing. Publishers have started coming forward now but I can handle everything myself,” Rao says with determination writ large over his face. What more, he markets his work himself, cycling to schools and colleges in and around Delhi besides selling his work alongside his tea stall.  

Although his first love is writing, it’s the tea he sells that runs his family. He is there at 9 in the morning every day and leaves for home at 9 in the evening, with earnings anywhere between Rs. 100 and Rs. 150 daily. However, he made sure that his two sons didn’t get robbed off the gift of education. The elder one, Hitesh, studies chartered accountancy and the younger one is completing his graduation.

While there is nothing that can match the efforts and fortitude of Laxman Rao, it surely is a lesson for those who feel aggrieved due to lack of opportunity and resources. We can write our own destiny, as did this ‘Star of the Day’.

She was a toddler when the lightning struck in the form of an infected injection. “I was born a healthy child in Ahmedabad and even started walking when I was one-and-a-half-year-old but I developed a fever and the doctor administered me an injection infected with polio. I was completely paralysed and was able to gain mobility only after several physiotherapy sessions and rehabilitation but my lower limbs never recovered,” narrates Jyoti.

Jyoti went through arduous times but had a strong heart inside. Parents’ support is something such children look up to and she was never short of that. She completed her masters in computer science but God seemed to have written a different script for her.

Her life took a destined turn when she landed up at an NGO working with differently abled children. “I joined the NGO to teach computer basic and professional courses to disabled children from rural villages. What struck me the most was their enthusiasm and courage to move on with life despite the difficulties they faced due to their disabilities. That’s when I realised what my calling was. I counselled disabled girls who are the worst affected,” she said. Her job involved gathering data related to employment and legislation problems faced by disabled and then fighting for their rights.

Her moment of truth arrived in 2003 when Mobility International in USA conducted a leadership programme for women with disability and she was invited to be part of it. Since then, it has been a story of success and service to the society. A Heinz fellowship for a year in Pittsburgh in 2005 for a masters programme in rehab and disability is a testimony to that. “During that course, I was introduced to assistive technology and how it can be used to increase the functional capabilities of the disabled.”

On her return to India, she joined hands with Institute of Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC). She heads the Department of Assistive Technology there. “Initially I went into depression when I joined the centre. I realised how parents of young children having cervical paralysis also suffered with a false hope that their kids will walk out of the centre but I found strength in the famous saying – ‘I stopped complaining about not having shoes when I saw a man with no feet.’ It is now the motto of my life.”

The work Jyoti does and her attitude towards it has left me in awe of this selfless soul. She has received an invitation to address the audience at UNESCO’s Leadership Programme at the University of Connecticut in the US in August and share her experience at a global stage.

At the end, I find it hard to find words of praise parallel to the work done by this magnanimous ‘Star of the Day.’

Michael Jackson

Visited this planet from

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Tarun Dhillon is just 12 and he is visibly different from others, not because of his disability but his ability to overcome it. He was 8 when he met an unfortunate accident that seriously injured his right knee. His movement got restricted and ultimately the knee had to be operated upon, twice.  Though the first surgery was unsuccessful, the second seemingly went well. “The second surgery was slightly more successful as I regained movement, but my knee was still jammed,” Tarun clarifies.

It was a year later, at 9, when he turned to badminton. “I picked up the racquet because it exercises every part of your body. My coach Rajiv Mehra has helped me a lot. Although my movement is comparatively slower than the rest on court, I just love the game,” Tarun said.  His tenacity echoes in his statement: “I constantly like to challenge myself against those with no disability. It should never stop somebody from doing what they love.”

His resolve is there for everybody to see in his achievements as he began making his mark at the school and junior levels. At 11, Tarun was crowned India’s number one shuttler in the physically challenged category for juniors. Along the way, he became a gold medalist in the national championships in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.

With success touching his feet, he landed into the hands of Prakash Padukone (former Indian international) at his academy to train for Asia cup for the disabled last December. While he finished third in the doubles event, he lost to a 35-year-old Malaysian veteran in the singles.  

“When I first saw Tarun, I realised that he wanted to prove to the world that his disability is only physical. I have been coaching him since he picked up the sport. I have been training him mainly on his movements but his courage, skill and determination are extraordinary to say the least,” says Rajiv Mehra, his coach.

The World Championship qualifiers are slated for later this year in Bengaluru, and it won’t be a surprise if we see Tarun wear his heart on sleeve to display the courage that has become synonymous with our ‘Star of the Day’.