” Through the unity of action we can be a veritable colossus in support of peace. No one can defeat us unless we first defeat ourselves. Every one of us must be guided by this truth. ” ~

” A true history of human events would show that a far larger proportion of our acts are the results of sudden impulses and accident, than of that reason of which we so much boast. ” ~

For a day spent in free air and nothingness, the above was the best I could do today. There were also attempts to write and return in short time, articles desired by Bharti Dubey of the Times of India about our sacred blog. She wanted 500 words I gave her over 700, but wanted really to have 7000 ! It will be impossible for me to tabulate our association in such paucity of space. Actually it would, but it would be incomplete. When and if it does come under print I shall be honored to share it with you and share with you too, Farhana’s questionnaire on my association with some of the greats of the Industry. This too perhaps for Filmfare, another TOI group magazine. When you patronize one the others rebel. This could result in a request from the others, or it could result in a stronger reaction - a retaliation ! Knowing my past and my media record, it will probably be the latter. So be prepared to bear it with a smile !!

The monsoon covers went off today and there was a sense of relief from the wife. Suddenly, she felt, she could breathe easily. And as is always the case, the moment they go off, it comes pouring down again ! That didn’t help too much did it ! But October sets in, the warmest month before the winter, if there is a winter in these parts of the country. And all the celebrations shall start in earnest - Diwali and Dushhera and the coming year and other festivities. In the North the expectancy of winter is more exciting. Temperatures start to fall appreciably, the woolies are pulled out and exposed to the sun out in the open, a nip sets in by the evening, the espresso coffee vapors invade restaurants and Hotel lobbies, flowers bloom in different hues, fire places start getting cleaned, the dry fruits adorn the street shoppers windows and there is an air of general happiness.

But for the poor and the pavement dwellers misery prevails. Waste material picked up from way sides form their material for a bon fire to keep them warm and the meagre clothing on them is scarcely the stuff to keep the cold winds out. Many a time have I wrapped a dweller with a blanket or a discarded woolly only to discover that the next day they are back in similar circumstances. When asked why, they retort that they sold the warmth to feed themselves ! Sad !

I stare in front of me at the grandchildren on my desk. Little and innocent at birth. How they have grown into confident and almost mature individuals. And it was just yesterday that they were this way - round and wondereyed. Kids, they are the joy of our lives. The reason we exist and work and explore ways to make them as comfortable as possible. To give them the best, to teach them all that needs to be taught and then to leave them in this wild world to face the rigors of life.

Many a time you wish that they are never put to discomfort. The desire to protect them from all evil and stress flows beyond normalcy. Others warn us that that is harmful. Excessive protection does not give them the opportunity to learn through mistake or trial. I know that they are right, but still I wish it were not so. We brought them into this world we must look after them. Debatable, but there !

As I nap on the couch this afternoon, Shanuk comes by and checks if I am actually asleep by pushing and sniffing his large mouth close to my nose. Then convinced, marks and circles an area not far and plonks himself down for his little 40 winks. I think he dreams a lot, for within minutes he is grumbling and moving his large body in sleep, convulsing at times as though he were chasing something. Then with the slightest alien movement outside he is up like lightenning and shouting his lungs out. Nap goes a fishing. So much for protective devotion !

Lost nap in afternoon gets made up now … its time to turn in !

Lots of love and more ..

Amitabh Bachchan