Ways to Make your Child's Camp Memorable

"Camping" is just another word for fun.Well, at least for kids! Most
kids are excited about their first camp and have every reason to be.
Camping can give a kid some real life-changing experiences. If you are
going on your first family camp, here are a few things that you can do
to make it memorable:
1. Choosing the right camp for your child is the first step in making
the experience memorable for him or her. Sobefore making any
decisions, sit down with your child and ask him/her what he/she would
like to do during the vacations. List the options in front of your
child and then let him/her choose. Do not force them into doing
anything they don't like. Memories are made while doing something you
love and that's what your child should do.
2. Have a theme dinner night during the camp. Dinner at home with the
whole family is always great, but a fun theme dinner in the outdoors
is a unique bonding experience!
3. Keep a track of all the items you are packing and label them. After
all, you don't want your kid to lose his favourites on a camp.
4. Carry mosquito repellents with you- you never know whether the
camping site is safe from thesemenacing insects. Carry outdoor
repellents like Goodknight Fabric Roll-On and Goodknight Patches.

Just apply 4 dots of the Fabric Roll-On on your child's
clothes and in case of the Patches, simply stick them onto the back of
your child's T-shirt so that he/she doesn't take them off.
Both these are 100% natural and paediatrician certified. The best part
is that these repellents need to be applied on your child's clothes
and/or prams, cots and strollers, eliminating any contact with the
skin. These revolutionary products ensure that your kid gets all-round
protection from mosquitoes outdoors for up to 8 hours.
4. Get your kids involved right away by letting them help set up camp.
They can help establish areas for cooking, cleaning, tents and
garbage, or complete tasks like setting up their tent. It's all a part
of the experience and a great way to pass on skills onto the next
generation.
5. Telling stories around a campfire might be a cliché, but it's a
great time to share family memories of camping during the past years
or your own childhood. One day, your kid might be reliving the
experiences with his or her own family, continuing the tradition.
Follow these tipsand your kid will have an amazing first camp!

An ode to Saqi Faruqi sahab

I just got the news that prominent #Urdu and #English poet #SaqiFaruqi sahab has passed away. He lived in #London and was a close friend of Abba. He was born in #Gorakhpur, his family moved to #Bangladesh, then #Karachi and finally to #London where he lived all his life thereafter. I met him during my childhood. He was discussed at our home regularly. His pictures at Taj Mahal (with Abba) flash before me as I write this. 

The reason why I also write this is because of a qissa that Abba and Ammi often narrated to us. It was a qissa that Saqi Faruqi sahab had told them and it has a highly notable life-lesson. 

This is what Saqi sahab said: 

"I had two plants in my house in London. I spoke to one plant everyday, was particular about watering it and looked after it with a lot of care. The plant flowered and the leaves were always fresh. As if they were smiling and happy. I watered the other plant too. There were times when I forgot too. I didn't talk to it. With time, vo paudha murjha gaya. If plants can react to personalised care and attention (or the lack of it) then imagine how crucial it is for human beings."

I have always remembered this. I often tell this to my friends and acquaintances during my interactions.

I'd end this post with a Urdu couplet written by Saqi sahab

Ek shola Meri avaaz mein lehraata hai

Khoon mein lahar, khayalon mein lalak paida ho

Rest in peace Sir!

Trust, Credibility and Mutual Respect is everything!

As I am ready to head for the neighborhood swimming pool, I'd like to share a thought that came to my mind a short while back. In the week gone by, I managed to conduct exclusive interviews with Mr Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ali Abbas Zafar and an exhaustive 50 minute exclusive with #TigerZindaHai director Ali Abbas Zafar. I also spoke at length to Mr Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor on their upcoming film #Padman. Mr Kumar showed me exclusive excerpts from Padman that he must have shown to very few people. Actors Varun Sharma, Pooja Chopra and Angad Bedi came to my office for interviews and extended a lot of warmth and respect which was overwhelming. In other words I had a great week as a professional.

It's not easy to get interviews with superstars like Mr Salman Khan, Mr Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif or Sonam Kapoor. The reach of my chat show #TalkingFilms is immense but it's not about the reach or popularity. What is most important is that you as a Journalist should exude Trust, Credibility and Respect so that celebrities, filmmakers or even fans open up before you. What is most important is to be conscious that you shouldn't rub people the wrong way. The biggest of stars or even rank newcomers, if they are worthy of being hosted on your show, then they deserve respect. They deserve an assurance that they won't be misrepresented, that they won't be used as a cheap fodder for gossip or milked for overzealous commercial gains.

I always say, I am willing to come second but I won't resort to silly click baits to win (momentarily) but lose in the long run.

Now off to swimming :)

Have a great Sunday! 

A scattered smile

A scattered smile 

A Poem by Faridoon Shahryar

Fear tapped on my shoulders

A sinister stare followed

Snowstorm knocked 

On my window

An unnerving restlessness,

Parched throat 

Quivered in the cold 

The night was 

Darker and longer 

Than the usual,

I fiddled with my mobile 

Diverting attention

Hesitantly I decided 

To look beyond 

The curtains of doubt 

The mountains 

Gleamed through the clouds

A scattered smile

Winked at the sunlight

It was time to 

Make the tea

Dip the biscuits 

Hit the gym

Plan the breakfast

Even the dreams are chirping 

Time to deceive 

Ghosts of the mind 

Arrange the bed properly

And just open 

The door of freedom 

To walk out 

Into the sun.