Numbers Rule The World

The numbers rule the world!

Yes from the time you step into this world the numbers take charge of you. A record of time, date and weight is the beginning and these are your constant companions through your life. The time, numbers on the clock that decide your fate, your horoscope. The date, the number you celebrate throughout your life in the particular month with the candles on the cake. The weight , a number which tells you what a healthy baby you are and the number that increases as you grow big but after a point either the number keeps growing or which you struggle your entire life to reduce.

The numbers decide further of your height and your dimensions, yes it decides on how you dress and how you look. Numbers that attract you to get those perfect numbers on yourself so that you can walk on the ramp of life in style.

Numbers that tell you of progress that you make in life. These keep changing with the class you are in but though the numbers of your class take a year to change, the numbers on your papers speak about you . The increase on the papers is mandatory to make yourself look useful in life. The more the number,  more choices and opportunities, failing which you struggle to pen the doors of destiny 

The numbers that speak of age and decide how old you are getting or how young you look when you maintain yourself. Now starts the real number game with the records of steps taken on your smart gadgets, the heart rate or the blood pressure or sugar . Numbers that decide your fitness level and health. No matter how fit you are the number decides when you need to work, a number to retire, even though you might be experienced and capable enough to still handle all. Numbers that increase in digits in your bank balance that decide your lifestyle. A number that you are always hesitant to spend even when most required. It looks good to you if this number adds on and you live in stress and worry not to lose it ever in life.

Numbers buy happiness and it is true. Happiness that can only be explained through material things as what is valuable and immaterial numbers cannot buy. Numbers speak of achievements and of failures, of accomplishments and of strife. It is the number game that decides your status in life.

As you come of age, that is also a number, you realise you were running behind numbers who were here to chase you. From the first candle on the cake till the last count of your breath it is just numbers that are left behind telling people of the numbers when you did enter and the numbers when you exit the world bidding everyone goodbye.

By

Mansi Chaturvedi

(She is published writer of the book Shades Of Solitude who being a homemaker has used her time for her passion for writing. She has had her work published as Co author by Exceller  and Oxford  Publication,  Shubharambh  Publication and her very own book as author by Writersgram  Publication. She is active participant on platforms like StoryMirror  and has her own blog Pennedconnections.wordpress.com  where she connects with the world by her words.)

Who Moved My Cheese?

In "Who Moved My Cheese?", Spencer Johnson crafts a charming and insightful tale about adapting to change and finding success in an ever-evolving world. This concise and easy-to-read book captures the essence of change management in a relatable and memorable way.

Johnson introduces readers to four characters - two mice named Sniff and Scurry and two little people named Hem and Haw - who navigate a maze in search of cheese, which symbolizes their desired goals and happiness. As the cheese moves unexpectedly, the characters respond differently, offering valuable lessons on how we react to change in our own lives.

The strength of this book lies in its simplicity. Johnson employs a straightforward narrative and uses animal characters to represent human behavior, allowing readers of all ages to connect with the story. Each character's distinct personality serves as a mirror, reflecting our own responses to change and our willingness to adapt.

The author's key message resonates deeply: change is inevitable, and resisting it only prolongs our suffering. "Who Moved My Cheese?" prompts us to question our fears, beliefs, and attitudes towards change, urging us to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and success. It emphasizes the importance of being proactive, flexible, and open-minded in the face of uncertainty.

While the book may lack in-depth analysis or elaborate strategies, its brevity serves as a strength for those seeking a concise and accessible guide to navigating change. "Who Moved My Cheese?" offers valuable insights and practical wisdom that can be applied to various areas of life, including personal relationships, career transitions, and even organizational change.

However, some readers may find the book's simplicity too elementary or wish for a more nuanced exploration of the topic. Additionally, the use of animal characters may be overly simplistic for those seeking a more sophisticated analysis of human behavior and change management.

In conclusion, "Who Moved My Cheese?" is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that uses a delightful story to convey profound lessons about adapting to change. It serves as a gentle reminder that embracing change with a positive attitude can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply navigating life's challenges, this book offers a valuable perspective on the importance of flexibility and adaptation in an ever-changing world.

By

Dr. Arwa Saifi 

(Dr. Arwa Saifi has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature. She has been a Career Writer for the past 15 years. She has worked with Education Times - A supplement of India’s leading newspaper "The Times Of India". She has also been the editor of various school and college magazines in Mumbai and has authored the books titled "Happiness Lies Within" & "Buttercup”)

An honest cop lays waste to life's frustrations through dance in the off-kilter short film 'Taandav'

Released in 2016 and currently available via YouTube for free, the short film 'Taandav' primarily caught my attention as a fan of the National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, who stars in it as the titular character- Head constable Tambe, who isn't really having the best day of his life. After facing a cunning private school principal who refuses to enroll his daughter into her school without a bribe, and later the mumbled ire of his own corrupt staff who bad-mouth him at the station for his firm and honest methods of policing, one can only imagine that Tambe eventually transforms into a desensitised and miserable individual, closed off from the world and to the situations that are unfolding around him... Until a colourfully loud 'Ganpati visarjan' procession passes by on the street, and allows the frustrated cop to unabashedly 'unleash the inner animal within him', thus immersing himself in life's pleasantries in a musical fashion instead.

Occasionally an individual needs a seratonin boost to recharge their batteries, break through the monotony of their life (or of adulting in general) or more specifically, break free from a mental burnout, and the climactic event that unfolds in the last few minutes of Indian filmmaker and writer Devashish Makhija's short but sweet film effortlessly provides the same. However, simultaneously it also serves up a slice of life and a bitter aftertaste that leaves one to ponder over the many existing corrupt and aggressive practices prevailing at most establishments that have led to such mental or physical hardships too- Be it the unlawful activities persisting behind closed doors at an institution such as a police station where one expects the bare minimum of the law to be upheld, or at seemingly prestigious centres for knowledge and education such as schools, or God forbid, even openly at places of worship!

As far as performances go, it is a one-man show by Manoj Bajpayee through and through! The actor has proven time and again rather meticulously that sometimes less can be more and in a niche short film that doesn't require too much of 'dialogue-baazi' , he utilises just his eyes to convey the stern, almost deadpan demeanor of the sincerely fed-up head constable Tambe in the first half when he is at his lowest and thus maintaining his stoic and silent demeanor, but also manages to capture the character's momentary bliss simply by closing his eyes as he transitions into an unmasked and unhinged childlike 'phase' once the stressed Tambe enters into a trance at the last minute. And the possibly improvised choreography of the aforementioned dance number only further elevates the delightful and explosive nature of his performance (yes, I'm referring to the actor's surprisingly on-point twerking!).

Rest assured, this 11 minute short film with minimal cast and dialogue but maximum impact is a must watch and a simple treat that will lighten up a dull day too. If nothing else, at least the funky background score and the memorable hyper energy of Manoj Bajpayee will leave you grinning from ear to ear!

By,

Vidal D'Costa

(Vidal D'Costa is a self published author in scifi and romance in both print and digital on major platforms. A blogger who was bit by the writing bug at age 15, she has since branched out as a freelance content writer as well as a film critic/journalist who occasionally moonlights as an indie filmmaker herself. Her work as a poet has been featured in a plethora of anthologies and her short films have been showcased at various global film festivals)