Amol Apte

I've stopped usually writing about anything that people might consider as a political view. The idea behind it is just to avoid all negativity that it brings along without any purpose. But today, I want to write. Write about an individual, his selfless and brave efforts in doing something that brings meaning to his life. Write about an organisation, which inculcates these values of Selfless Seva (Service) of humanity. "Nitin Tamhankar", a childhood friend, actually an year junior from school days. A person who comes across to me as a constant knowledge seeker, a person who constantly strives to do things that add value to the society and give purpose and meaning to his own life in return.  He has been a part of a volunteer organization which helps collate/analyse data that helps pridict landslides during monsoon seasons. This prediction helps government take appropriate steps to avoid accidents on various highways across the state of Maharashtra. Nitin is also a staunch R...

Oblivion 13th of December 2006, after all rituals of our marriage ceremony were almost over and we were preparing for the 'bidai' and subsequent 14 hours journey back to Indore, my sisters in law gathered and told that as per the customs, I will have to do something to impress the family so that they can allow their sister to go with me.  It could be anything. May be sing a song. I thought that would be easy. I mean it's just a song and they don't even expect me to be Melodious. At least that wasn't a condition. Story of we getting married was of course for some (including me) unbelievable in many ways.  I remember, I sang a couple of songs. Both of them my all-time favourites.  Two songs that came to my mind and which I sang are centered around the theme of being in oblivion (knowingly or unknowingly).  A few days back, in a moment sitting alone listening to one of these songs and thinking about that day when I look back at the situations in t...