विरासत

ओढ़ लेती हूँ आज भी वो ग्रे वाली पुरानी शाल  महसूस करती हूँ उसमें  तुम्हारा छुपा सा गहरा प्यार  शाल तो अनेकों है मगर इस ग्रे वाली सम कोई नहीं  न यह पश्मीना, ना शाहतूश  न ओश्वाल, न कोई ब्रांड Sikiladi न ही महँगी कड़ाई, न लेटेस्ट ट्रेंड  फिर भी मन को भाती हर दिन उसे ओढ़ एक गर्म सी ठंडक मिलती  हाँ ठंड से बचाती प्यार की गर्माईश  ह्रदय को ठंडी राहत मिलती  आपके ममत्व की गर्मी मिलती  वहीं ममत्व जो आपने जाने कितनों को दिया  और उन कितने ही अजनबियों बीच  मैं, तुम्हारी अपनी, औलाद की औलाद  भाग्यशाली हूँ जो मैंने पाया आपका वह अनकहा सा प्यार  शाल तो केवल वस्तु निमित्त है  विरासत में पाया आपका दुलार व संस्कार  वह सेवा वाली तबियत Sikiladi  वह सत्संग वाली फ़ितरत  और वह सिमरन करने वाली वसीयत  आप कहतीं थीं न, आत्मा का भोजन है ज्ञान और सेवा, सत्संग, सिमरन में बसें हो प्राण  बस शायद वहीं कुछ कुछ मेरे हिस्से आया आपकी याद व सद्गुरू का साया Sikiladi इस गुप्त ज्ञान का रहस्य कोई विरला ही जान पाया  वह प्रात: अमृतलाल  उठ सिमरन करना वह तुम्हारा भक्ति रस के गीत गाना जिसका कभी मैंने किया उलाहना व मारा ताना वहीं सब आज बन गया है मेरे जीवन का ख़ज़ाना  इतनी सी दास्तान, इतना सा ही अफ़साना  शाल देना तो शायद था फ़क़त एक बहाना  उसमें बुन दिया था आपने संस्कृति का निभाना दादी अम्मा धन्यवाद करती हूँ आपका मेरी ही बेटी बन चुना आपने फिर मेरे जीवन में आना  कोई माने न माने, मैंने तो है यह जाना आपका मेरा नाता है सदियों पुराना सिकिलधी https://youtu.be/d_k0iR1ENrw?si=22vYKgCZT1vtydE0

Amma’s Birthday!

Amma!Tu Hi Nirankar! The divine soul who shaped the family’s thoughts moving them away from dogmatic rituals towards practicality of spirituality. A remarkable revolution: You can read a holy scripture in any state for doesn’t God reside within you at all states of being. Covering the head with a scarf may be a norm of … Continue reading Amma’s Birthday!

Sindhi Onion Pickle!

The article, featured in The Hindu Deep Annual 2023, reflects on the author's Sindhi heritage and the tradition of pickle-making. The author's grandmother, affectionately referred to as Amma, was renowned for her skill in creating diverse pickles stored in porcelain jars. The author shares a cherished pickle recipe from Amma, acknowledging that while their own attempts may not match her expertise, the tradition lives on. Monica Gokaldas' heartfelt narrative celebrates the cultural significance of pickle-making within the Sindhi community and the enduring impact of family traditions.

Jars of Pickles!

The ancestors of the kitchen shelf Converted to the new look ! In pleasing colors to woo the chef Pickles of sorts from grandma's book! Taking pride on Indian tables Tangy, sweet, spicy load of flavors! They found place in old time fables Young and old with meals find savors!

Invest In Our Planet

https://anchor.fm/sikiladim/episodes/Invest-In-Our-Planet-e1haqfr https://anchor.fm/sikiladim/episodes/Invest-In-Our-Planet-e1haqfr Published in The Asian Weekly Save Energy! Reduce the usage! Liberate our planet from polluted bondage We hear such advice, we read such wisdom! Yet, in our careless ways, we observe this seldom Save fuel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions Walk your way; paddle your way to lessen combustion Alight on the bus, commute … Continue reading Invest In Our Planet