THE UNCLAIMED ART!
I was out of station, when my cousin and his family visited home. His daughter saw the empty white board in my studio and started drawing lotus. My younger brother clicked her, she did get disturb, looked back curiously i

n search of the source of flash which kept coming every time she drew a line.She could not find anything in my brother's hand and continued sketching.
At her age, I don't think that i could have made better lotus than her.
Though, she left the marker open and it dried and when i returned i did not even see anything on the white board. But, on seeing her stills while sketching, made me learn small small joys which i used to experience during my childhood.

THE GREAT HUMAN REVOLUTION

The other day, I went to Gandhi Smarak Bhawan at Chandigarh. My journey right from the entrance was memorable as I was reading Mahatama Gandhi's quotes placed on the sides of the pathways and enjoying the site of lush green surrounding.I was moved by the profound meaning of every message.

In the memory of the Father of the Nation "Mahatama Gandhi". It is important for us to understand why is 2nd Oct, 15th Aug, 26th Jan considered National Holidays. The Significance today of these 3 days is nothing but rejoicing on the fact that these holidays relieve us from the boring routine of work & study.We can spend sometime with the family, may be buried in the bed, watching TV, going out for shopping and movies.

Do we stop and think the relevance of these days in our lives as individuals as fathers, mothers, vital organ of the society or largely as the citizen of our country or the world. As I think of this day, I realise that A GREAT MAN was born to change the destiny of our country and take charge of many lives. A man who was extremely sensitive, compassionate, sincere, diligent & responsible. If this one man wouldn't have been born, India wouldn't have been breathing in the air of freedom.

One Japanese Thinker has described 20th century as the century of regrets.

Technology has, of course made extraordinary strides and the distances has become short. Knowledge floats in the air.The world has become small. We are bombarded with information and learning facilities. We have not yet freed ourselves of all that creates differences between parents & children, neighbors, bosses & employees, exploitation of the week & innocent, the law of jungle prevailing in outstanding proportion in comparison to what we carry as a heritage of faith and spiritual abundance.

What was the role of Mahatma Gandhi in Independence?

Freedom from Britishers?   or 

Freedom from our conditioned mind which makes us feel helpless and we crib about situation and blame others?

Do we need to change the definition of Freedom?

Do we need to change something in ourselves which we always felt, is outside somewhere or created by someone else ?

Who is to be blamed for Eve-Teasing (the media subject of last week at Chandigarh) ?

Who can empower us?

Can our parents, friends, colleagues, boss empower us, free us, make us happy ?

When the answer & solution lies within. Then what are waiting for.

Mahatma Gandhi Ji used to sit silent for hours to contemplate, realise & reflect.

His actions redefined the way Indian Ideologies were practiced and the revolution which we will remember for eternity was the initiative of ONE MAN.

"A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and further, will enable a change in the destiny of humankind" Daisaku Ikeda

Today, the contribution of Dr. Daisaku Ikeda in empowering people all across the globe as a Buddhist Philosopher is immeasurable. He followed the footsteps of his mentor " Josei Toda" and showed the highest potential that can be attained by a Great Human Revolution.

Gratitude!

Today, Looking back at the board in our studio. Apart from my work,what brings smile on my face is the sketch from Sara, a 2nd Class Student (Vinita Mam's Daughter, future designer for sure). It also reminds me about my experience with professional mentors like George Mathews,Sunil Sudhakaran, Usha Gergan, Sapna Behar & the entire Icarus team.

Unlearning 'n' Learning at every step @ NID. With Ups: b'day parties, dating, interaction, bhangra, sleeping, night outs, movies, poster war, work, fun, group modules & Downs: mistakes, fights, emotional attayachaar, viral, bla bla bla.  

After academics, I started with research in the schools and culminated into Wellness Games for Kids. Our initiatives (with recipe queen Nidhi Nikhanj) at NID specially the launch of healthy sandwiches "Aahaar". Interesting projects with NGOs & Corporates as well.

I take this opportunity to thank all my near dear ones, friends at NID, that includes Faculty at NID. My heartfelt gratitude to all of you, for knowingly /unknowingly making me learn so much with your every gesture, support & presence!

The Creative Compass

Dear Friends,

Wishing everyone "Happy Teachers Day."

We all learn from each-other and that's a healthy co-creation.But,We also keep advising each-other what to do / what not to do. We find ourselves worried about our kids, friends and families.Alot of stress builds up for Parents when their children are studying in 9th,10th,11th and 12th. Ever heard Mother's whispering "Bhagwann, Bus Mere Bache Ka Future Bann Jaye" (Oh God, I wish to see my son's bright future).

In India, alot of stress evolves in the minds of parents. If you ask so called trouble makers (children), they don't understand any bit of parents' concern. They are happy watching TV, movies, playing games and...... Some hate school and tuitions, some like studying, some can balance, some are just flowing with the wind.

Are you wondering, Why am I getting into it?

Well, As I shifted to the TriCity. I am back home and my younger brother has 6 months to finish 12th and simultaneously gear up for Entrance Exams in 2013. As a bouncing ball, I come right in middle of  the Parent/Kid meta-communication. Unlike Chinese Whisper, the communication get elaborated and enhanced with every person entering into the chain. My work starts with making my brother aware about his graduation options as per his interest and skill set. He is already occupied with school, tuitions, basketball, TV, FB, PC games and friends. Here, I used little bit of professionalism and started counselling and preparation sessions for him. Gradually, Children increased and now they are enthusiastically preparing for NID Entrance.

This was the inception of THE CREATIVE COMPASS, an educational initiative which guides children to learn creative skills to become responsible youth, equipped with three virtues of courage, wisdom and compassion. We don't use terms like teacher/student.We are facilitators to strengthen their own potential.

We intend to dye them with creative colors, to validate "Blue deeper than Indigo".

Pankaj Sehjowalia

The Creative Compass Team
Nidhi Nikhanj, Leena Khaneja, Mallika Khaneja, Aritik Sehjowalia & Pankaj Sehjowalia.

Wellness

Wellness : The Oneness of Self and Environment

"Saving our natural environment" .Everyone is debating, discussing about reducing pollution of land, sea and air which is increases at an alarming rate.Soical Problems, too, are on the increase: homelessness, unemployment, drug abuse and the breakdown of the family, to name but a few.

Wellness: It is a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well‐being. Wellness is more related to preventive methods rather than curative methods. There are different stages where a wellness products and services can be used. Wellness services are more eco‐friendly and close to nature

Present Scenario:

India is a land where Ayurveda and Yoga originated. The historical literature reveals the mystic way of curing the impossible ailments and diseases. But over the years, Indian life‐style has gradually changed by the foreign influence. With so much of disposable income, Indians are copying Western life‐style which is deteriorating their healthy way of life. The consumption of fast food with fattening ingredients and artificial flavors in carbonated beverages e.g. cold‐drinks, is not a healthy consumption trend for people.

Few organisations have been promoting wellness services whole-heartedly, are not successful in making hold of a bigger market share as there is a huge population which is ignorant and resistant to the usage and benefits of wellness products and services. There is a need to incorporate wellness in our daily lives, which will happen by introducing a sustainable wellness education service in the society.

I am researching and finding out ways to incorperate wellness at an early stage of childhood.It is very important to upbring a new generation having wellness in mind and can turn poison into medicine by living a healthy life-style and banning current unhealthy practices.