The Whispers Of My Heart

 A former Chief Minister of Bihar, famous for his antics, came from a poor family.  But instead of making the lives of penurious better, he misused his position and amassed lot of unethical money.  Although most of our government officers, politicians had humble origins, sadly they have become megalomaniac, callous.  They ensconce themselves in air conditioner rooms, amidst all the luxuries and have lost touch with the commoners, ground realities.  The following write-up of mine is dedicated to a dutiful bank officer.  With the death of my father in law - an Indian Air Force Officer, my mother in law was entitled to the family pension.  I prepared the required documents and submitted them to the appropriate authorities.  Once, in connection with some rectification in the fixation of pension, I went to Mr. Rahi, a young officer with the State Bank Of India, Air force station branch, Chandigarh.  I pointed out the goof to him, requested him to ...

 Some people leave lasting imprints on one's life, mould one's personality.  Memories of such persons refuse to fade away.  Professor. K. L. Virmani taught us English at D.A.V. College, Chandigarh.  He was not only an erudite teacher, but also a renowned poet.  A handsome, simple, straight forward, he never shared his griefs with anyone.  Instead he chose words to vent his feelings.  His collection of poems titled "Springtime Raptures" became enormously popular.  Though he interacted with his colleagues/students, he was basically a loner, savoured his solitude.  I was fortunate to spend considerable time with him, gained his insights about life.  Once I met him at the Indian Coffee House, Sector 17 where he gave me an invaluable lesson, "Son, it is only by keeping oneself far from the madding crowd that one can attain something worthwhile."  While pursuing my post-graduation from Panjab University, I often had my lunch at G.C. Chatt...