The Crisis Revisited- Who Is To Blame ?

  The world in mayhem again, the crisis has revisited after an apparent sigh of relief and hope.

The “contagion” bounced back with a vengeance, prepared with new weaponry, “Triple Mutant” – a real testing time for the custodian.

Short lived is the complacent smile – denial, blame game, and scapegoating.

Never before a chaos of such a magnitude endured by human.

Is it a behavioral lapse or the fury of Covid-19? Only the sensible mind knows where we stand in this adversity.

History repeats itself – from “Black Death” to COVID -19; humans forget to get primed.

Only when one sees the corpse, and when one dwells in ICU, the value of life and ferocity of the virus become apparent. Is it ignorance, negligence or hunger that has made humans arrogant and blind, resistant to warning?

The real answer lies in the mind of souls inside the ICU. Ultimately, apart from the loss of life that matters, it is our mindset that has lost its prudence and direction.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

Walk Away From Comfort Zone 

These COVID -19 pandemic days,

The contagion thrives on human errors – in the concrete jungles, in the crowded bazaars, in night clubs and beach resorts, high profile mass gatherings…

However, the virus will die a natural death– sans body, sans crowd.

The remedy to the malady – walk away from comfort zones, from AC rooms and crowd, from malls and cinema halls… Setting the mind is an uphill struggle, difficult in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, awesome at the end – a new lease of life, a whole new world.

In life, sometimes we need to learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable zone.

Does it mean –

Schooling  under  a Peepal  tree, that gives 24 hours of oxygen; examination of patients through mobile devices; hospital OPDs in open space for non-emergencies.

In pandemic days, the more we walk away from throng, the safer we will be.

The slogan of the day –

“Go not to the city, but to the Nature”,

The real solution to the pandemic lies in the pandemic itself; and social order in the chaos only.

What humans need is mindfulness and sensible approach and Covid-19 appropriate behavior.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

I Can’t Breathe! 

I can’t breathe!

It began with Mother Nature, the ocean, the woods, the air, the Earth, and the multitude in metropolis.

Only one voice, the same words –

“I can’t breathe,” the elixir of life, no longer secured.

I can’t breathe!

Also the last word of George Floyd, whose voice has left millions deeply pained and saddened, and reverberated across the world, the brutal reflection of mankind.

I can’t breathe!

Whispered again and again by millions in homes and outside hospitals as the doomed patients’ struggle to breathe, deprived of life-saving oxygen.

The truth remains –

People are dying in front of us.

When people die due to wrong policy decisions, is not it our patriotic duty to point it out – to fight and resist it – to force change?

The real question is –

When all the trees are cut down; when all the animals are hunted; when all the water resources are befouled, and when the air is perilous to breathe; can we eat money and gold?

– Dr Ranbir Laishram

Choke Not The Voice

 Choke not the voice of the masses, For, deep inside it,

Lies the reality of life;

And the panacea for the gruesome pandemic. It seems, there is bedlam inside the chaos.

Nay, creeping deep inside the chaos and inquest, The voice therein delivers the remedy to the malady.

– Dr. Ranbir Laishram

The Past Memory 

Every monk says –the past is gone, don’t dwell in it. But the fact is –

The past is within you, deep rooted – your inner self, your outer self.

You can’t ignore it; you can’t severe it.

For, deep inside you, it dwells in your library shelf; none can unlock it.

But you can retrieve it, revisit it – either enjoy it or torment yourself with it.

The way you handle it makes you or breaks you.

Reminisce the happy moments, enjoy to your heart’s content

– but none does it.

It is human nature to relive the sad moments, for they are easiest to retrieve.

The painful past moments will resurface in your conscious mind again and again, as if they had just happened yesterday, racking your gut till you can’t sleep anymore.

Ultimately as you age, as you learn to disregard and displace with courage, you learn to ignore.

Never lose yourself in them. The past is in the past.

If it doesn’t serve you well, then acknowledge that and move on.

For change is the constant law of life.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

A Cry And An Appeal To World Leaders

 Amid the Covid-19 pandemic and Nature’s fury,

the world family faces epidemics of armed conflict for power among its members.

The most vulnerable – women and children, people with disabilities, the neglected and the displaced pay the highest price.

The world faces today an epidemic of hunger, destitute, depression, man-made poverty and loss of health professionals, refugees and others displaced by violent conflicts.

In war-ravaged countries, health system has collapsed.

The fury of the virus demonstrates the folly of the war. It is time to call –

Lockdown on arms conflict and political infighting, and focus on the true fight of our lives.

It is time to –

Pull back from hostilities; put aside mistrust and animosity ; silence the guns; stop the artillery, and end the airstrikes.

This is crucial –

To help create windows for life-saving aid; to open opportunities for diplomacy and bring hope among the most vulnerable.

But we need much more –

End the sickness of war and fight the disease, stopping fighting everywhere; take inspiration from coalitions and dialogue among rival parties to enable joint approaches to Covid-19.

– Dr Ranbir Laishram

Surviving

 Amid the pandemic lockdown, the cry and lament of the weary souls, dishonor of the dead denied of religious customs and rituals, the corpse – the untouchable, thrown in barren places, drains and rivers;

Amid the eerie silence, empty streets of the concrete world, the clear blue sky, the birds singing melodies, Mother Nature

– enjoying the serenity, taking rest and recuperating  untouched by the contagion;

Amid the cries of the loved ones–whose own has been a victim of the unbearable health care costs, political opportunism and rivalry – cry of the health care workers for lack of infrastructure, manpower, drugs and vaccines – despair, agony, expectations and desperation of the patients and loss of unfortunate souls unattended and by self – medication;

Amid the scarcity, hunger and grievances, the greed of some can never be tamed, as if they are immortal; the weary starving souls come out desperate to earn one square meal, only to be caught by the dreaded contagion;

Surviving – a priority now, dwelling in a cage suffocated a new way of life, unwillingly accepted just to see another sunrise, although very hard to just survive, one must be resilient to the storm and be grateful for being still alive.

– Dr Ranbir Laishram

Waking Nightmare

 Away from home, away from loved ones, destined to be isolated in the ICU – only with gadgets and sounds of the monitors –consciousness blurred slowly, hanging between life and death earnestly struggling for life,

I am facing a reality in Covid -19 era.

Only yesterday, I was with you all sitting, chatting and partaking meals happily, enjoying with my loved ones under your love and care.

Today, I am untouchable!

You have abandoned me; you are scared of me.

I am contaminated, being torn apart by the contagion bit by bit.

Care givers are scared of me, I am being left to myself; my woes ever heightening, no one is there to talk to.

You know my plight in the ICU!

I feel scared, lost and alone, thinking I’m a different human being now.

However, I am the same like you all in need of care and support of my love ones. Your visits in the ICU being restricted, horrifying violent hallucinations haunt me to the verge of insanity.

Family members are not simple visitors – banning them from visiting me is not the solution.

To avoid this traumatic experience, I plead for patient – family-centered guidelines, to save me from this horrendous loneliness!

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

An Appeal And A Prayer From A Care Provider-On World AIDS Day

 From a mother’s warm and cozy womb, expectant of a life that is eager to bloom, comes a little child with a humble cry. Ignorant and unaware of what awaits, they are the same like you and me.

Just that – they are born with the virus; God loves them just as He loves us all.

Then, why are they driven to cry and suffer?

The few who are there to share their plight, are driven to helplessness and to fight with tears that overflow from their eyes; the discrimination and abandonment they meet – sometimes sweeps the ground off their feet.

Don’t trample their right to a happy life – educate them and give them a chance to survive.

Though the world may be tough and the road rough, guide them and lead them into the light, and awaken the angel that is hidden inside.

A humane touch is all that they need, a helping hand is what they plead; kind words to soothe their fears and worries, a chance to live like any other child, a tender touch and a gentle smile.

It is easy to say that we really care; but the fact remains that a few really dare– it is high time for us to walk the talk.

For, we can’t afford to stay aloof, our care for them must have its proof.

A clarion call to the young and old to let their dormant heart to unfold – as we enter the threshold of the New Year, let us make a pledge to do our share for an innocent victim of HIV/AIDS – to give them some hope and a future that’s fair to fight for their cause, I have pledged my heart.

-Dr .Ranbir Laishram

The Contagion We Failed To Comprehend…

 Amid controversies of its origin, the tiny dictator is in our midst unaware to many.

Known to few at the inception, the one who leaked was    butchered for knowing the most.

The ultra-microbe, with ever changing spikes like the ‘Ravana’, sagacious with an ability to morph at will, and

it’s IQ far greater than human robot is ready to throttle the humans with a sardonic smile.

Pandemic woes, everybody is in doldrums. Are we doing justice to ourselves?

Boasts of our capabilities, but blind in reality by self-worth, the contagion laughs loudly, making a mockery of our competence.

The chaos continues … research after research, vaccine after vaccines, new remedial drugs and herbs.

The tidal waves of the pandemic – does it thrive on our idiocy?

SOP voice everywhere – stay indoors!

Are we living merrily with the contagion inside our dwellings, disseminating the contagion?

Are we fueling the epidemic unawares?

A time to listen to the critics – time to observe and analyze, retrospect and introspect…through lessons learnt, we can see some light at the far end of the tunnel.

Someone asks –

Does the solution nest inside the Pandemic chaos itself ? Yes, it is indeed!

-Dr. Ranbir Laishram

Step Outside A Few Moments

 Oh, weary souls!

Step outside a few moments from the confines of lockdown to your kitchen garden, to pull out some weeds and to water the thirsty flowers and herbs, wilted by the scorching summer  heat to be with nature and the greeneries around– to refresh  your mind, to boost your immunity and to get a new lease of life.

Step outside a few moments in the open space too, from the confines of self-isolation to look at the sunrise, the giver of life.

Sit and expose yourself to its invisible rays to nourish your skin and bone, and to get some fresh air too.

Inhale and exhale deep to get positive vibes, to revitalize yourself with more energy and less anxiety.

Oh, City dwellers!

Step outside a few moments of the confines of the concrete jungle – go for a walk a little bit to ‘KANGLA’, the age – old sanctuary, to be with nature and notice its serene beauty, the Kangla moat, the greeneries and happy shoal of fish…

Dwell a moment near the old heritage, soak up nature to give yourself a boost, for it nourishes your body and mind to be in harmony with your heart.

Oh, caged souls!

Step inside your place of worship – sit alone there with your inner spirit, the gift of God, your true companion of life who guides and leads you to get some inspiration and advice; for it will rejuvenate your body and mind.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

As My Birthday Arrives- A Pour Out…

 One day, in the wee hours of April,

I was awakened by the buzzing of my cell phone, “Happy birthday, papa”.

‘Thank you my dear’…I said and dozed off again.

Another  ringtone, sounds of incoming messages– all happy  birthday wishes…from my grandchildren too.

On first March every year,

The same ‘Happy birthday’ Wishes from friends and professional colleagues; cos I was born on 1st March according to my school certificate.

In solitude, I sat down for a while. How funny it is!

Just reminding me of my birthday, which I hardly remember; for I have never celebrated in my life so far, nor my parents bothered in those days of yore, cos it was not on the menu.

Born many decades ago, amid the joint family chaos,

and brought up by neighbors and grandparents and in the wilderness of nature, where I dwelled happily swimming in the ponds and playing in the woods and only Mother Nature embracing me – hardly did I recollect my birth month.

I asked myself –

Was I really born on this day?

My mind says – ‘how does it matters to me now’?

Why people are celebrating birthdays with gifts, wishes, dinner and what not…

Is it that I am reborn again today? Yes, it could be.

Then, it is the first day of the rest of my life – the same today for me, a new day with a new vision, new opportunities

and new tasks to be accomplished.

My only prayer for today –

Oh God! lead me on to the place of solitude, at your feet I surrender to thee.

Let me dwell peacefully with your blessings; for it is the same today, my birthday, or some other day, the first day of the rest of my life.

Yes, it could be…I am reborn again today.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

Change Is Constant In Life – Why Lament.

 Change … as time goes by – things change, people change, the world continues to change.

We all face some changes in our lives.

Change is the law of the nature, a normal phenomenon of the universe – none can resist change.

Life’s changes –

Come in all shapes and sizes.

The unexpected turns and twists of life, happy and exciting,   messy and complicated, painful and sorrowful; a reality in everybody’s life.

Often, we fail to accept the unexpected.

Covid -19 pandemic has changed our lives. Amid lockdown, curfew, mask, social distancing, untold sufferings, and episodes of surging epidemic waves, everyone gets stuck inside the confines of the new normal life.

Accepting the life’s realities – a new mindset, a new behavior, a new attitude and practice, although difficult at first, it becomes easier as we continue to practice.

Stepping out of our comfort zone and making changes within our reach – only then our future can be changed.

So, despite the hardship accept the change and move forwards…

For, change is the only constant in life, and survival and comfort can’t co-exist in pandemic.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

At The Parting Hour…

As I Leave The Halls Of Ivy.

 Sheltering under your cozy home, I dwelled years under your roof like a child under its mother’s care through sun and rain, through fun and pain, in comfort and harmony – my love for you unbound!

At this parting moment, I bid you farewell, silence and tears – a well!

The memoirs of my stay with thee – a treasure in my heart it’ll be…

I miss your warriors so valiant, whose dedication and commitment engraved in the core of my heart!

Thee, me and we – all in peace and harmony to lead the management, an arduous task, a solemn undertaking, an unexpected responsibility.

I seek no recognition or cherishing…

It was just a responsibility entrusted on me, a promise made with trust!

My sullen upheaval out of disposition, forgive me without a  condition…

My last lap uncertain,

I have faith in my Creator–Hope is my vision. I leave everything to destiny.

My footprints on the sands of time –there with thee so divine, may not be worthy to reflect upon.

But, my effort to bring you up to new heights was the sincerest.

I have tried my level best…

Some mistook me, some betrayed me, some honored me, and still some other adored me…It is just a story now.

In retrospection, I feel, I did more good than bad. Remember me not for my doings, but as a messenger of the Creator destined to be with thee!

Farewell, farewell, Halls of Ivy dear…

At this parting moment, to my companions, here’s my message –

My deepest gratitude to you all for being very near. Continue serving our sick brethren through love and compassion– we can transform the earth into heaven. Cherish the roses, learn to shed off life’s thorns!

Every story must come to an end some day!

It’s time to close my pleasant stay now – Adieu!

And soon, I will be far away… though my heart and mind will be there forever with thee!

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

Just Survival Is Enough

 To be just survived in the midst of people with the loved ones, with our companions, and in amity with everybody –it is just ok.

To be happy and content with what I have, to be true to my loved ones and to my inner self – it is just okay.

To stay away from yesterday’s regret – to keep away tomorrow’s worry – to be in the present moment, my life – to talk to my inner self some time every day, and to be able to keep moving forward with positive vibes – it is just okay.

To be able to forgive others – to be able to forgive myself–to be in peace with myself and to be able to survive a scar–it is just ok.

The world continues to change for the better or worse. What matters is –

How well we live in our mind. Sometimes, even to live this moment requires courage, an audacity to adapt, a sensible adaptation to the change.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Sixth Sense Manifest

 Elders paved the way, intelligent and wise they were – a solution for survival, the same entrance, the same passage, the same exit; out from the exit, jubilant in the vast ocean of life – a means for self-survival and sustenance from generation to generation, the norms of career and society set.

Self-esteem and the road to a success story – as the wheel of life keeps turning, burnt the midnight oil to be the one who, the elders wish me to be– a life secured to everybody’s envy.

Dwelt my whole career and life to become a human robot – all perception lost, the God gifted intuitive mind being shut, the sixth sense left alone dormant never to open up.

Alas, what a life!

Whither the innate intuitive mind?

The foresight, divination, the sixth sense expression– the genius inside every soul deprived of  by putting in the same  route…

If left to one’s own self, it could’ve been a different story indeed!

An evening random thought to ponder over!

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

COVID- 19 Pandemic – If?

 If our struggle in combating the Covid -19 pandemic, all these days, weeks and months has been in the right direction;

If any breakthrough – vaccine or medicament against this virus works out, although it does not appear like it right now;

If we reinstate positivity for pessimism in our mind, from fear of death, stigma and discrimination to awareness, understanding and wisdom;

If our behavior changes at the population level too – the guidelines and preventive measures followed judiciously and practiced every moment by everyone;

If all the required infrastructure and equipment are made available to the Covid -19 warriors of the pandemic;

If love, care, trust and affection reinforced in every social unit and in Covid -19 care centers leads to social harmony;

If we continue our struggle with the hope and conviction that there are brighter days beyond the horizon;

I believe, the ‘Remedy’ for this Pandemic is not very far away.

-Dr. Ranbir Laishram

To Accept the Inevitable

 In the journey of life, try to focus on the positive side  and remember all the blessings God has showered upon us.

Changes are inevitable in the course of life – we have to accept it gracefully.

People come and go in life –the importance and limelight, that you get in life, all these are momentary.

They all fade eventually.

You should not hold it close to your heart. Society is a stage – actors come and go.

One day, the audience will applaud for one actor and when his limelight fades, they will applaud for the other.

When you have got your share of applause, step down and give way for others.

A time will come in life, when your reign comes to an end. When you have to give up on things, the things that you have lived your life for – it’s better to give it up with grace.

Let others rise and shine too.

But, if it breaks your heart in giving up, just tell yourself– “I had my fair share in life, and it’s time for me to sit back and relax”.

What ultimately matters in life is your own peace of mind and happiness.

-Dr. Ranbir Laishram

Cry of the Nature

 A land of rich heritage and culture, scenic beauty all around, in this tiny dot on Earth, “The Jeweled land”– chaos after chaos– some are fighting for land, some for power and money, some for caste, creed and religion, forgetting that we are just brothers and sisters, descendent of the same ancestors.

And that we are just passing through this time and place, on the same path our forefathers travelled through.

The beauty speaks volumes of her pride.

She weeps in solitude thinking about the chaos, She says– “What not I have given you, my children!

Why are you so reckless? So selfish and arrogant! This land owns you all.

Live in harmony with each other; lest, there will be devastation beyond repair.

Leave behind ‘yours’ and ‘mine’, replace with ‘ours’– only then you will thrive.

You all are children of the same family”.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

Survival of the Fittest

 Covid -19 pandemic has changed the world–

a change fathomless rolling back hard-earned gains of the last few decades, shocking everyone round the globe.

And this change is here to stay for months and years unpredictable, afflicting the very existence of humanity.

Survival and sustenance – a serious concern for all, a wish for everybody!

Who are going to survive?? Is it the wealthiest?

Is it the most powerful?

It seems –it is not the strongest of the species nor the most intelligent, but the most sensible beings who are responsive and adaptable to the change.

In life, the only constant is change. The pandemic has caused a big change– accordingly one has to make changes, changes in one’s behavior towards our daily life based on the knowledge and wisdom.

A holistic approach –

Obeying and practicing the guidelines for Covid – 19 prevention with a positive mindset.

This is the survival of the fittest in the ‘Kali Yuga’!!

-Dr. Ranbir Laishram

The Search for Inner Peace

 Sitting alone in solitude in pursuit of inner peace, I wandered alone in my subconscious mind from my dwelling to the Mother Nature – the woods, the hilly terrain, rivers and lakes, the blue sky and the varied images of cloud, the scenic serene beauty all around.

Concerned about the happenings around –violence, hatred, greed, fight for power – all these thoughts occupied my small head.

The burden of it saddened me.

I once thought and asked myself–

“Can I change the world for the better”? What a great idea it was!

What a great dream!

A great fool I was indeed!

Now I realize –

I am alive in this universe, floating through the endless space in this mystery called life – full of awe and wonder, joy and sorrow.

In our arduous journey, we try to clean the world.

We also try to be somebody, never content with what we have, who we are, and where we are.

Longing for inner peace was a daunting task for everyone. At last, with courage I went for sub-conscious retraining.

I clean myself – a purification, amid the chaos of the world– accepting myself as a living being, as my own self, not as I think I should be in a world as it should be.

Closer to nature with meditation and self -satisfaction, I look  within, there in the core I find the inner peace.

I firmly believe, he who finds peace within his own self becomes the kind of person who can live at peace with others.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

Human Expectations

 In the journey of life, from the first cry till the last breath, someone always wants to be someone else; someone always longs to be somewhere.

It’s the saying –

“The grass is always greener on the other side”.

In the quest to be on the other side, they forget who they are, stopping to live their lives – always setting eyes on the far other side, never embracing who they are, and what they have, thus living a life of discontent.

The expectation is limitless. The want is endless.

He who is in power wants super power.

He who has super power dreams for supreme power.

Some, who managed to the other side learned the life lesson the hard way. It is only in our mind, our limitless expectations from life.

In life, one needs to be satisfied with what one is and what one has – accepting the reality.

The human ego and wants in small measure acts as a driving force in life.

If it conquers one’s conscious mind, it becomes a destructing force.

Life is a roller coaster ride with its highest ups and lowest downs. Nothing last forever, even the ups and the downs. As we walk farther down the journey, we should mould ourselves through experiences.

To make this journey more meaningful and enjoyable, one must accept the reality with lower expectations, while still keeping the inner spirit alive, inquisitive and committed.

-Dr Ranbir Laishram

Change for the Better

 The world is changing.

Yes! it will continue to change, for the only constant in this world is change.

Over the years, changes have occurred for our own comfort at the cost of our own lives and property; at the cost of Mother Nature, destructing and altering the very essence of life, disturbing the equilibrium.

Is this what we call prosperity, civilization?

Peace, a dream of many a people.

World leaders are perpetually pursuing; some putting all out efforts to bring in peace, to make this world a better place to live. Amid these, there is merciless slaughter, hatred, violence, war within kin and kith, hunger and refugees everywhere.

A divided world we live in– where we can’t agree on anything; where the whole of humanity meets with its own self-created calamity; where darkness has over shadowed the  good we have done.

However, the earth is the same old earth that has existed over billions of years.

This earth will remain, but will we remain as we are?

The more we try to bring peace, the more it drifts away from us.

Corruption, adulteration at its climax – we try to change the world– we make laws, rules and regulations, only to forget to follow, a mockery of the justice system!

A change for the better has to come from within our own self, not from outside.

A transformation of our lives through changes in our thoughts, attitude and behavior.

Will it ever become a reality?

-Dr. Ranbir Laishram

The Seed Of Justice

 Searching for Justice …in the crowded market, in the Halls of Ivy, inside the temples, in the hearts of the loved ones, in all the weathers and settings, I found her nowhere.

Justice!

Where has she gone?

Is she meekly hiding somewhere with no courage to fight for the right cause; or is she dead?

Yes today, Justice is dead; because she has no heart of truth, but only a kernel of stone.

She does not struggle for the right cause anymore.

Once a wise sage said–

“Sow a seed and reap the fruit. As you sow, so shall you reap”.

Dreaming to plant a tree of justice, I wanted to sow    a seed of justice.

I begged the Almighty for one such seed – that I could sow and see the sapling sprouting, and that I could nurture it till it blossoms into a beautiful towering tree, sky-high with its branches spreading far and wide, lush and green – its roots deep inside Mother Earth holding fast to the bountiful soil, its foundation strong – and the fragrance of its flower spread far and wide, and its fruits so delicious and plentiful – that I would like to feed the hatred-driven, greed- blinded humans to redirect their minds to make this world a better place.

“Oh, Human !’ God says –

“I heard your cries and concerns, but none I can help you with, for I am helpless too.

The world has been devoured by demons, This is the Era of ‘Kali Yuga’.

You have to wait – have patience, for justice is under my shelter, safe and secured.

I shall release her when an  opportune moment arrives”.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Empowering Woman Vendor

  In the sweltering midday heat, one Sunday,

while passing through the local market, I happened to see on the roadside a humpbacked street woman vendor, old enough, but with the will power and stamina of a young lass without a mask in Covid -19 pandemic days.

There she was with the day’s unsold vegetables, and a wooden stick, her constant companion.

I wondered!

Is she immune to Covid -19?

The day being holiday, alone she was with her three vegetables items, with no other vendor dotting the street. I decelerated and parked my vehicle, and I approached her and said,

“Grandma, I would like to buy all the vegetables. “Looking up at my face, sensing my word’s implication– she said, “You can’t buy all.”

I then requested her to give half of each vegetable item. She agreed.

Without asking the price, I gave her a one hundred rupee note.

I asked her to keep it, not to return.

She declined and returned me back twenty-five rupees.

Coming back to my dwelling, with many queries in my mind, I questioned my inner self.

Why did she come out on a holiday to sell her vegetables, when none was around ?

Is it driven by have-not, or old habits? Was she in her full senses?

Does she have a home? Is she living alone?

Doesn’t she have any children to look after her at this point of her life?

I consoled myself.

Yes, it is her enduring habit that has made her to venture out –a daily grind of her vending career, to leisurely sell her

vegetables to sustain her capricious livelihood in small ways, few hours a day, a life of her own to get internal solace without which her life would be worthless.

The life of a street women vendor – unique of her own in the ‘Jeweled land,’ a symbol of women empowerment.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

A New Year with A Difference

 Amid global uncertainties and restrictions, a ray of hope shone with Corona vaccines and drugs – another year is in our hand, God gifted a New Year with a difference dedicated to Janus, God of gateways and beginnings.

As the clock of life ticks giving way to the New year, flushing away the memories of grief and sorrow imprinted in our mind– the New year lies before us untouched and unblemished like a spotless tract of snow for us to tread on.

Yes, we have grief and sorrow for the loss of our loved ones. We have lived a new ‘normal life’ and learnt new life skills; thus becoming the ‘ideal self’ working from a place of restriction or abundance.

It is time though difficult to flush out old tiresome worn out thoughts, and to ponder on new creative thoughts filled with faith, love and goodwill.

A time to find inspiration and motivation to make our New year’s resolutions again, and then to follow it long enough to become a new habit.

With the promises made by world leaders, and consoling our minds which are filled with fear, grief and loss of faith, we all sail through this stormy transition with the hope and vision for a better world.

Yes, time has come to cleanse ourselves– to remove the stains of bitterness, hatred and jealousy, and march ahead with the hope for a better world and for a healthier and happier life.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Be One With Nature

 Pandemic days has taught me many invaluable lessons. One of them is – how to nurture one’s own self to fight loneliness and restlessness.

With my spirit broken most of the time, I often sit alone quietly and look through the open window – the serene beauty of nature, the meadow, the greeneries around –the plants and flowers dancing merrily in the morning breeze, the different birds singing in different tunes – a merry symphony.

Being with nature has taught me how to be forbearing and resilient, a chicken soup for my soul – an experience, I never had before.

Life is an endless maze!

The self is a mystery – from innocence to maturity, from ignorance to wisdom, from ego to self- realization confronted with unending struggles, blessings and misfortunes – inevitable ingredients of life’s broth.

We tend to forget our Great Mother, but a few moments with Her is soothing to our mind– it drives all worries away.

A life’s reality – from nature through nature and to nature, humans travel from womb to tomb, the short journey of life

–a truth to ponder.

We often forget, we are totally dependent on Nature for our existence like a fetus to its mother, inseparable.

Living closer to Nature we get healed inside, help us to put our senses in order.

And our spirit is not shattered by the strongest emotional deluge – no more restless minds and lonely thoughts.

Ultimately, how we regard and cherish Nature will determine the future of the ‘living world’.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Wound, The Scar And The Road Ahead

 Humans have suffered a wound, a bitter one inflicted by a tiny contagion.

Hidden and localized in the beginning, then spread far and wide touching every corner of the globe affecting millions of families– a health and humanitarian crisis–the world is thrown into a helpless disarray.

The wound is dreadful– the contagion has no mercy and ruthless in its behavior, millions have succumbed to it. The worldly activities have come to a standstill, and the economic breakdown – still going downhill.

Everyone is being trapped, caged like the desperate zoo animals.

In search for a healing touch, the Global family members have stood in unison from drugs and vaccines to plants and herbs, from yoga to immunity boosters…

The wound is healing, the scar is being formed; some superficial, some deep leaving a permanent mark hard to erase from our hearts and minds.

Yes, we had an ordeal– a reminder of our hurt, our struggle  to heal, our triumph, the pride of winning the battle.

We have learnt new lessons from the injury, struggle to survive the scar not to loathe and conceal.

It is just a story now written in the annals of this century.

We sense that ‘normal’ isn’t coming back – that we are being born into a new era, a new kind of society, a new relationship with the Nature Mother and a new experience of being human.

Keeping our spirits high, let us be prepared with compassion to undertake our onward journey to a better tomorrow.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Teacher in Me

 Through an arduous journey, I toiled months and years to become who I am now, a teacher in a medical college.

From chalk and blackboard, writing and lecturing aloud to bedside clinics, we struggled over the years to teach our students imparting the knowledge and expertise which

we acquired over the years by the means we had.

A different story now – the immense advancement in technology achieved through the years, from overhead and slide projectors to the new era of internet, we all continue to learn for the better.

As we travelled in our journey as teachers over the decades, our students have become our colleagues, my children patients whom I treated and cured ended up as my students, who now become my treating physicians.

As we travel farther, we have pride in our students who have spread far and wide, and whose commitment and sincerity carved them to who they are now, armors of health and well-being.

Those old hard times are gone – thanks to the visionaries, inventors of modern technology.

But deep in the core of my heart, I still adore those sweet memoirs, the lessons taught and learnt on chalk and blackboard, time tested traditional method used through the generations.

A doctor continues to learn till his last breath; his life, a continuous learning experience, researching new ideas and inventions – learning from our own patients, our own work companions destined to be born and live in the service of humanity.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Inner Adviser

 In life’s journey, a time comes when one does something, people will always judge him.

It seems he is always at fault.

What he thinks right and correct, he is considered wrong. When they do it wrong, they are considered right.

He is always wrong and they are always right.

What a life, he thinks!

What he thinks rational and sensible, others think irrational and senseless.

But, keep going, keep doing things; stop caring what others think.

Follow your heart, start doing what you love to do and listen to your inner voice–the voice of truth.

In today’s hectic life, one often forgets his inner self, the pivot of infinite, a God part of self.

Whenever in a quandary, we should not ignore this secret creative force – pause a while, have a discourse– listen to the inner voice, seek advice and follow its directive.

Dr. Ranbir Laishram

Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow…

 In everybody’s life, one has a past, a present and a future. Whilst dwelling in the past and worrying about the future, we often forget to live in the present moment.

Wise old sages said:

“Never regret the past – it is just a lesson, a story and forget, but remember the lesson.

Don’t dwell in it, because past can’t be changed”.

The sensible question is – Was he able to do that?

Was he telling others to do what he himself couldn’t do? Yes, he also had a past, dwelt on it– being unable to forget it and its memoirs torment him–is it that he is giving advice to others…

It is just a fact of life, a reality that can’t be ignored!

The present moment, every sensible mind says – is a gift of God.

The future lies what we do today–keep yourself busy all the time.

Work in such a way that you get a past to be proud of.

To forget the past, it is crucial to remain mindful of the present, do whatever you can with what you have, not allowing other people’s limited perceptions to define us.

The future depends on what we do today –never give up.

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.

The future is a mystery.

Dream as if we will live forever. Vision without action is useless. Having a dream, an ambition is good– but one without a plan and follow up action is as good as no vision.

In life, we all are busy. The agony is – drowning ourselves in the dilemmas and chaos of the present day world, often one’s self is somewhere leaving behind what we should do.

However, we all should continue to learn from the past, prepare for the future, and be mindful of the present moment.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Positive Affirmation

 I’m in love with my life; I’m fully aware of the good and the flaws in me; and I’m in harmony with my past, with the path now and ahead – for I’m just a transit traveler in the wheel of life.

As I grow older, sitting alone in solitude, I started loving myself, my body ignored over the years– some bruises with pain tells the story of my life– the wounds in my mind, the bleeds in my heart, all healed with scar.

As I continue to travel along, I love my life much more now, valued much more, for I’ve traversed afar.

My eyesight is weak; I hear badly – my wrinkles and my grey hair not touched by the paint brush.

I take life as it is– my iron legs are getting rusted, but everything’s fine in my mind.

Although my heart weeps on some days, I know now how to  console.

My priority is to keep my smile intact, although an arduous task it is.

Whenever good sense prevails, I try to enjoy.

I acted morally and without regret. Being young is a state of  mind–it doesn’t depend on one’s body.

I still feel young.

The spirit inside me is imperishable. So far, I’m lucky to be in your midst.

I’ve a huge desire to live a few more years. I firmly believe, we will continue to meet each other again.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Human Inside Everyone!

 However great he is in life, be he a king, a man in power, every human is mortal; he lives only once.

The flame of spirit burning inside flickers eventually and comes to a halt.

Every man has three characters:

One he exhibits, One he has,

And one he thinks he has.

Character is what one is in the dark, when he is alone.

It is the home of all virtues: righteousness, truth, conduct, power and prosperity.

Every man tries to be somebody; but the truth is –

no matter how hard he tries, he can never escape from what he really is inside.

We all look so different; we all have our ways.

However, inside we are all human –feelings of sadness, grief, joy and pain.

No matter where we are in our lives, we all long for someone to care.

Conflict and strife are inevitable in life; coming out of the bubble of illusion of immortality and superpower, and accepting that we are all only human will make this world a better place to live.

Dr. Ranbir Laishram

 Contentment of Life

 As birds chirp at daybreak, another day has arrived. Today was yesterday’s tomorrow, yesterday’s tomorrow has become today, today will become another yesterday when

tomorrow arrives at our doorstep – merely transcending as the past.

Today is God’s precious gift; we all have a dream for tomorrow.

But, tomorrow may never come for some – the bare truth for some.

So let us live this day, this moment called Life to the fullest, like it’s our last…

Managing the gift of life – some self- help in the morning, justice to the soul with some prayer and meditation,

justice to our family with some helping hand in the morning chores, justice to our profession where we dwell nearly two

third of our life, and service to humanity by helping someone in need.

At the end of the day, talk to our inner self once, the most important person – the various organs of our body supporting our life, our real companions of life.

Know the purpose of life, assigned to us by the Almighty God.

And lastly, a thanksgiving word to God that we are still alive and breathing and for all the assets we have, and complacent that we have lived the day to the fullest of spirit and wisdom. For ultimately, what matters most is our peace of mind and a good sound sleep.

Dr. Ranbir Laishram

The Chaos

 Scanning the pages of day’s paper – headlines, editorials, and politics – often chaotic state prevails in my mind.

But I wonder, is it a condition of the mind or of the world? Distancing myself from the scene, a few miles into the mesosphere– drooling over the beauty of this planet, a tiny speck in this universe and acting as an external observer,

I ultimately console myself – Chaos merely is an orderly entropy.

Looking deep into the chaos, I can see light, truth, peace and finally the solution–the enemy of chaos – order.

That, chaos is merely order waiting to be decoded. One man’s idea of perfect order is another man’s chaos.

Order and chaos are two sides of a coin, an ingredient for long run triumph – for sustainability.

No one can escape from it.

And I have to come down now back to the entropy, to embrace life, to embrace chaos.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

 Surviving the Storm

 Having ignored as a mere microbe, the contagion is back again.

Humans are facing wearily the tyrannical onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A tragedy, unprecedented –Um. What does it mean to be alive!

Only the soul inside the ICU can tell – being alive is a blessing in itself.

AThe pandemic has revealed the fragility of our existence.

It has taught us a lesson, that we are not the real masters of this green planet, for the fury of nature has shown its strength questioning mankind’s power.

Together the world has come despite the enmity to combat the calamity, making all efforts to address the global needs. But we must also know some day another ferocious test will come and that we shall survive until the end of time.

Dr. Ranbir Laishram

Life

 Life goes on through difficulties and obstacles, between winter and summers, between joy and sorrow inseparable, two sides of the same coin– that which brings joy also brings sorrow.

The deeper one’s agility to experience joy, the deeper is the ability to experience sorrow.

Between victories and setbacks, through sadness and happiness, chaos and peace – roller coaster of life – we keep sailing as life goes on till the heart fires it’s last beat, and no music is left in the soul.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Peoples’ Medical Practitioner

 Available all the while, accessible to everyone with the armory of a doctor, there he is in the service of humanity – a healer.

Known to the masses as a reputed doctor, he examines and prescribes medicines.

People make a bee line at his door from morn to evening, from pediatric to geriatrics.

He seems to know everything, treats all patients, a pan- specialist.

His profile –

Once in a part-time job in a health care facility –managed to treat himself, his family members and neighbours.

Knows it works – he becomes a self- made physician.

Owns a medical shop, somehow –keep all arsenals of being a doctor, a healer of known recognition, a social status accepted by everybody.

Is he really a healer? Yes, he is! Is he a doctor?

Yes, everybody says he is! Does he cure ?

Yes, it works and cures. Is he a quake ?

Yes he is, says the man in the vicinity.

Is he entitled to practice medicine?

Yes he is, accepted by common people. The ethical and legal issue?

Who bothers? Nobody!

What is being allowed and accepted by society is also permitted by ethics and law!

A reality in life, accepted in resource limited settings. Yes, he is also a savior.

Dr. Ranbir Laishram

A Lesson From Covid-19 Lockdown…

 Awakening in the cheerful morning, taking the first breath, my inner soul asks my body.

Are you okay?

My conscious mind scans my whole body to see, if everything is ok.

Happily, my body says –okay.

No visitors, no expectations, no outing, no hurry and no tension – my mind says –take it easy, relax and rejoice.

All of a sudden,

I need a bare minimum… an almirah is full of clothes,

But my requirement being very less, I now open it hardly in a week.

Only one or two dresses suffice–no need for a wrist watch as time has no value!

Nobody bothers what one wears and when.

In solitude, I often sit down disoriented about the date and day, thinking of the ever – entangling chaos, thinking of the realities of life – my greed, my self-worth, my needs.

Me, a minute unit of the society, only now I realize my requirements.

Yes, I came naked crying; I will leave this world alone, empty handed leaving my loved ones mourning, and also leaving behind the heavy luggage I used to carry all day long.

The harsh pandemic days has taught me what my needs are

– the purpose of my existence!

Are we just passengers of a time machine to this place? Our purpose is to live, love, and help each other while we are here, and also leave behind the library of our wisdom, experience and invaluable life skills to our progeny.

Dr.Ranbir Laishram

Why Curse The Demon- Is It Our Own Making?

 What we choose, we get; what we sow, we reap. We produce the demon; the demon lives with us. We then curse the demon.

We do what we shouldn’t do; we live together with what we aren’t supposed to live with, and we eat what we aren’t supposed to eat.

Our greed has hurt us.

Why then curse the demon?

We invent arsenals of mass destruction.

We explore from fathomless sky to the core of earth. We utilize all precious resources for our comfort and we think we are omnipotent.

We all fight for power and wealth; we target our own beloved sibs.

Why then we condemn ourselves!

We destroy our own cozy home – the Nature – our savior relentlessly in the name of civilization, not knowing when we harm the nature we are harming ourselves.

Going beyond the limit of her tolerance, we venture and destroy what we shouldn’t.

Unable to bear the assault, Nature responds with a vengeance.

We think we are masters of this universe.

Nature says – Nay, we, the arrogant humans aren’t the masters!

Someone is there, right inside our homes, right besides everybody, enjoying the feast and trying to teach us a lesson. Whose fault is this?

Yes, slowly we are coming to our senses.

If only we had known our follies earlier, life on Earth could have been different.

Will human ever learn any lesson from this Apocalypse?

Dr Ranbir Laishram.

 Pandemonium Inside Covid-19 Chaos

 Amid –

Chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic, the surge of epidemic waves fueled by the arrogance of wise people, life on Earth continues…

Amid–

Natural disasters: earthquakes, cyclones, floods, raging fires, inferno in forests…

Coup, war crimes, and crimes against humanity and human right violations, we continue to sail through hard times … Are there not chaos in these ?

Amid –

Deafening sirens of police and ambulances, fines of curfew and hunger – Survival! Haves rest with abundance, have- nots toil to make ends meet.

Market shifted to wee hours of the morning–every poor deplorable soul in doldrums, life continues…

Alas!

Whither new normal life? Inactivity is death; activity is life… Can any engine work without fuel?

Should we accept the pandemic chaos as natural calamity occurring every moment on this earth!

My inner soul asks me –

Is chaos the order of the Nature? For everybody accepts it as it is.

Life goes on for centuries with chaos everywhere; why then there is a pandemonium inside Covid -19 pandemic?

Dr.Ranbir Laishram

One Morning in My old College

 Several decades after – one fine morning, I visited my old college.

My memories slightly faded, I dwelt a few minutes there, where we sheltered as pupils on way to our future career –a transit, difficult to manage.

The few months we spent there in the pre-graduate course decided our life’s career, a formidable task indeed.

Blinded by youthful self-esteem and peer pressure, we sweat to be the one who we are right now…

In my Alma Mater, I saw the remarkable changes brought by the passage of time –the deep woods, the serenity full of scenic beauty, the fading facial profile, the age old complex buried inside the greeneries like a heritage monument now. The new establishment – the up gradation of college to

University with new structures coming up, another remarkable milestone…

Oh, My Alma Mater! You still stand tall there.

Under your care, our academic foundations were laid down. Visiting your abode, I now pay my tribute, a treasure in my heart – reminiscing the good old days!

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Amur Falcon (Akhuaipuina – local name in Tamenglong district of Manipur , India,)- A thanksgiving !

  Oh, Human!

My home is the Mother Nature.

Anywhere, I choose to stay wherever it suited me –in the open forests and grasslands, roosting on exposed perches or wires, and in the fathomless sky.

With the change of climate, I travelled far and wide from Siberia and China – my summer breeding grounds – touching the shores across the continents to my wintering abode in South Africa.

For centuries following the path of my ancestors, I visit your “jeweled land”, a few weeks every year for food and shelter. I thrive on termites, locusts and other insects, which destroy your verdant crops.

But your heartless falconers captured and slaughtered us mercilessly for a good meal and small market.

You never understand my love for your resourceful land, a sanctuary of my forefathers, unaware to many of you.

Lately, having recognized my incredible awe – inspiring migration and invaluable service, you take great care of my life in times of my stay here.

You radio – tagged me, a decoration –I don’t mind carrying the load – your deeds in good faith for getting some vital information of my travel route, my long exhausting journey. You also named me with the names of your river and land. Celebrate annual festivals in honor of my visit and created awareness of the need of my protection.

How happy I am now, for the hospitality you have shown me.

I assure you, I shall come and stay here every October.

But on one condition–protect me from the ruthless poachers

–for I symbolize wisdom, vision and protection for your community

Dr Ranbir Laishram

My Trusted Friend

  In this journey of life, along the way I met you blooming into a friendship.

Closer you came to my heart, the more you made me believe, a trustworthy friend that you are, I gave you my brotherly affection.

Down the lane of our journey, you swindled me. You have gained, I have lost.

You left me dangling in the mid, wondering relentlessly. Could it be interim or enduring??

It haunted me.

But my friend, late at night in solitude, I forgave you for my own inner peace, and myself for my ignorance.

A life lesson never to be forgotten, I have grown in spirit and wisdom.

But my friend, before retiring to bed at night, please stand before the mirror once and just look at the person in front of you.

If you can cheat that person, well I accept my defeat.

But ask one question to that person in front, who is with you right there and who will be with you till your last breath – Are you doing justice to that person?

Will that person ever forgive you??

Dr .Ranbir Laishram

The Plight of Unsung souls! – A Write of 2020…

   Travelled far and wide from parental dwellings, driven by penury with a dream of better life, months and years of hardship to meet both ends meet;

Anywhere, anytime in every possible way, robbed of their rights of citizenship and abused mercilessly;

Tens of thousands of daily-wage migrants are rendered workless and worthless over night following sudden ‘Covid- 19 lockdown, leaving them between hunger and survival.

That they are the invisible class – their only crucial role, keeping the country’s economy engine running – only their absence tells the woes.

Being pushed to the extreme –hungry, unheard sobbing in despair and grief, all means of transport deprived –they are forced to begin an arduous journey back home by whatever means available, under scorching sun with hope in their eyes.

For many, walking was the only option, few hundred kilometers to a thousand.

Sheltered between the sky and Mother Earth, exhaustion, hunger and starvation their only companion – hundreds have lost their lives being mowed down by train, lorries and bus accidents.

Some are showered mercilessly with disinfectants like the dreaded ‘Contagion.’

Babies are being delivered on the lap of Mother Earth, inside buses and trains.

Alas! reaching home is not a happy ending.

Home after home coming is a quarantine center   after arrival.

Who is to be blamed – Corona virus or poverty?? Is it destiny or manmade disaster??

Are not they humans like us?? One humble soul said –

“I wish I had never started the journey… I wish I was not poor.”

I have understood one thing now – “I will never leave my village; I will make less money, but at least I will stay alive.”

Dr. Ranbir Laishram

Whither Homeland…

 Where there is no fair play, we’re seeking justice; Where there is no rule of law, we are seeking for court order;

Where there is chaos in society, we are searching for order and harmony;

Where there is dictatorship, we are looking for democratic alliance;

Where truth has been buried, the wrong has taken the center stage;

Where lawlessness prevails far and wide, might has become the law;

Where there is no playing field, cell phone had become play area;

Where there is no recreation, brown sugar has become the candy;

Where humanity has been replaced by tyranny and cruelty; where love, generosity have been replaced by hate, greed and vengeance; where the sensible minds hide in disgust and their hearts weep in silence; where good deeds are not encouraged and evil dominates goodness; where curse replaces blessings and God has hidden in the corner;

Where overseas products are loved more than home made goods; where the traditional practices have been ignored aside and organic foods are replaced by chemicals and poisons;

Let the seed of humility be sown in the minds of the able men.

Let the candle of love and hope be lighted in the hearts and minds of the masses and let it lit every soul of our homeland and wipe out the darkness….

Let our brethren wake up and arise to a brighter tomorrow. Oh Lord! give your children enough courage to fight and make changes.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Plight Beyond The Contagion

 In the vast realm of maladies and chaos…of the ‘Covid-19’ pandemic lockdown, unaware and unconcerned to many, underneath the surface lies a company of souls with tears of fear and pathos waiting desolately for the healer’s touch.

Are we doing justice to this bunch??

Distrust due to the ‘contagion’ everywhere– dispel and repudiate access to care– many a soul left for heavenly abode prematurely to nobody’s concern.

With timely healing touch, many could have been still with us!

What offense they have done?? Is it destiny or karma?

Are we doing justice to these souls??

Covid- 19 pandemic– a menace to humanity!

One soul’s demise with the ‘contagion’ an unforeseen misery, all hue and cry…but another without it, a natural death destined to be…

Critical is the Covid-19 containment – can we shun these weary souls?

For they are also humans, a cognizance coming too late…at a time so bleak– the belated echoes, may be unbearable …

Somewhere, someone asks Whose responsibility is it??

Dr. Ranbir Laishram

My Teacher- I Salute Thee!

 Oh, my teacher!

In the core of my heart, forever you dwell.

Long ago you taught us, but still fresh as if yesterday.

Please behold from above –your pupils struggling with life…

Your priceless knowledge guided us in times of confusion, nurtured our sprouting minds.

Today, we are all grown up living our fruitful lives.

But you remained as your own self while in service and thereafter, never begrudged other’s life

With your simplicity, same dhoti and kurta, I still wonder! How could you be so simple and self-satisfied?

I vividly remember – every evening, on your daily walk

on the same road we would meet– you never looked up and saw me.

Unable to overtake you in the narrow by lane, I slowed down my vehicle’s speed and bowed to you with gratitude.

We, your pupils with rapacity and envy toiled day and night always wanting more, never appeased with enough.

Oh, my great teacher!

Teach me the essence of life which we failed to learn.

Dr .Ranbir Laishram

The Winter of Life

 In the journey of life, between birth and death,

while surfing through the tides the winter of life is finally here.

Half of me still mystified.

I wondered, how the years have passed? How I am here right now?

My youthful college days seem to be only yesterday. With hope and ambition, I toiled to be the person I am today.

Going through my memory lane where, I dwelt the most, I both rejoiced and regretted.

Joy, for things I have accomplished, regret for things that I   could not do and things I should have done.

Years after, I met my old friend on the way.

Reminding each other of our good old days, we laughed and enjoyed.

When we parted, I was still struggling to remember his name.

His hairs were grey, face mapped with wrinkles– the reality of my reflection.

Through the years, I thought the winter of life was far away from me.

But here it is.

I never thought it would come so soon.

To my younger folks, sometimes I feel I should tell –

“While your spirit is still high, never let it down, for life goes by quickly faster than you think. Things you like to do, do it now.

And any compassion that you like to show to any human being, show it now. Don’t defer it.

For before you are aware, the winter of life will be there.”

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Cry of A Health Care Worker!

 She gets lost from dusk to dawn in the service of humanity. Every time, everywhere, she is always there as all anticipate her availability; everyone’s high hope as all yearn for a remedy –sleep or no sleep.

It is her job; and she must serve amidst all the tragedy.

A far cry for inner peace!

As morning starts with pandemic distress, amid safety concerns and limited facilities, her solemn conviction remains

– service for fellow humans, a daunting task it is.

But her good deeds and kind words –only few remember. None ask how she is!

Loss of such a brave soul will be loss of a savior and a healer, and a lifetime torment for her near and dear ones. Her contribution to society is a void impossible to fill up.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

A Trip Down the Memory Lane

 Sipping my evening tea, I go down the memory lane of several decades back, still vivid as yesterday.

That was a fine Sunday afternoon.

Walking few miles with my friend, reached our destination the cinema hall a bit late.

The ticket counter was crowded –people one over the other. What a sight from a distance!

Back then –might was the only way–no first come first serve. Being the small boys that we were, could not fight our way ahead.

With a little push and pull our turn came finally.

With a hope to get the ticket, I requested for two tickets of 25 paise.

The counter man said – “all sold out”.

Only 50 paise coin in my hand, I asked for one 50 paise ticket with an idea to share the single seat.

With one ticket in my hand, as fast as we could we hurried to the front door.

I requested the gatekeeper, if we could sit together with one ticket.

The gatekeeper hesitant to accept, smiled and took pity on us.

He allowed us to enter.

The movie had already started.

I made my friend to sit on the seat.

I sat on the floor in front of everybody –right in front of the screen.

After a while, the ticket collector saw me –he offered his chair to me near the door.

We enjoyed the afternoon show of the movie “Anarkali”. All thanks to the generous ticket collector.

That was the life we enjoyed seven decades ago. What a simple beautiful life we had!

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Ima Market (Mother’s Market) – A Lament …

 A symbol of women’s power, here I am standing tall since 16th century – Asia’s largest all-women market –more than a market, herein, I allow you to sell, debate, trade and protest.

A commercial center, a hub of socio-political discussions – I am a unique motif, representing the life and ethos of

Manipur –a symbol of cultural identity and gender equality – a sign of women empowerment.

As an affectionate mother, I hear your cries – my daughter vendors, bread earners of families, your belongings in disarray –means of livelihood for countless women deprived of by Covid – 19 pandemic.

Over the decades, I endured hardships.

You made me remodeled to my pride and to the people. On my lap and with my two arms, I used to caress you all. My pavilion was full of life.

Now, absolute stillness prevails everywhere, waiting for recuperating.

A recreational center with a small earning for my elder daughters, they shelter here for decades.

For generations they thrive in this sanctuary.

Now, in my humble abode with a feeling of mute and shut, I am waiting for you all.

When will you come my affectionate heiresses? It has been months I haven’t seen you.

Never before in my life I felt so lonely.

I am still waiting for the day with you all, full of life and joy.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Change for the Better

 The world is changing.

Yes, it will continue to change; for the only constant in this world is change –change for the better or for the worse.

Over the years, changes have occurred for our own comfort, at the cost of our own lives and property, at the cost of Mother Nature – destructing and altering the very essence of life, disturbing the equilibrium.

Is this what we call prosperity, civilization?

Peace, a dream of many – world leaders are perpetually pursuing; some putting all out efforts to bring in peace to make this world a better place to live.

Amid these, elsewhere there is slaughter, hatred, violence, war within kin and kith, senseless killings, hunger and refugees everywhere.

A divided world we live in – where we can’t agree on anything; where the whole of humanity meets with its own self-created calamity; where darkness has over shadowed the good we have done.

However, the world is the same old world, the same earth that has existed for billions of years.

This earth will remain, but will we ever remain as we are?

The more we try to bring peace, the more it drifts away. Corruption, adulteration are at its climax.

We try to change the world without changing our own inner selves. We make laws, rules and regulations only to forget and ignore to follow.

A mockery of the justice system!

Every change has to come from within, not from outside. The golden age can only come through transformation of our lives.

A pledge to first change our own self– a change in our thoughts, attitude and behavior can only lead to a meaningful change.

One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.

Dr. Ranbir Laishram

Darkness in Life

 In the irreversible journey called life, while moving from the cradle to the grave, every human experiences desperate moments, which often shake the core of his existence; darkness looming like a stuffy veil – without a straw to clutch– without a beacon at the end of the tunnel.

Moments of despair and hardships are gifts from life itself. For it is these darkest moments, that preaches the true meaning of life.

Being human is to experience life in it’s fullest and purest form–wins and losses, health and sickness…

Every setback is a test of life,

For it helps us to discover the power within our inner selves;

to kindle that tiny spark to search for the light – to delve deeper into ourselves and find the treasure within us.

Overcoming such obstacles and tragedies, we are reborn stronger and wiser.

In the journey of life, we may encounter many defeats. But we should not let our defeats continue to defeat us.

For it helps us to know who we are, where we stand at times of adversity – what we can rise from and how we can still come out of it.

What humans need to know :

It is only through darkness that light comes –through fear comes courage – and jubilation comes only through pain. Strength and victory of every human – it is in everyone’s inner soul; we can reincarnate to whom we choose to be.

Life never sets situations that are beyond our ability to handle.

How we approach an eventuality determines our destiny. Whosoever we are – wherever we are– whatever darkness we face in life – we must seek that light within our inner self.

And this will enable us to move gracefully onwards our life’s journey.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

My Best Friend

 In life’s journey, stepping out from mother’s comfort from childhood innocence and curiosity to fun and fantasy of adolescence, we all make friendships.

Friends inside out, true and virtual friends, they come and leave…

As I walked through wilderness, career made me parted from my bosom buddies.

Friends of varied nature came my way – some trusted ones deceived me, presumed lifelong associates left me bewildered.

Those I shared my grief betrayed me.

Yet some genuine ones remain as old wine.

Still, some unexpected ones came and stayed with time…

Life is a mysterious game!

Everyone has a different story; every friend teaches us a lesson.

Experiences that are varied and complex – with many more such lessons one becomes a sane person.

Approaching my destination, friends become fewer, true friends a rarity.

In solitude I learn to –cherish and rejoice old memories, endure the hurts and pains on my path, forgiving myself and the dishonored friends for my own peace of mind.

The twists and turns of life’s events – the lessons learnt make me resilient and self-contented – and a realization that on some days I will have no hand to hold on, no shoulder to lean, but to my own self my only companion, my best friend.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Why cage ourselves?

 Amid Covid -19 pandemic woes, dwelling in a caged life, inactivity is death, activity is life.

Living with fear is no less than death, feeling like dying every day. Having seen the daily wagers surviving even without masks on, I ponder over…

Gathering my inner strength, I brush aside the fear and move around freely all alone with my inner self, with all possible precautions in the empty streets and parks and into the deep woods, and dwelt in the beauty of nature where peace prevails.

I inhale the serenity, exhale my fear and tension to my heart’s content.

Empowering myself, imbibing the nature’s gift, the inner positive vibes, I rejoice again and again.

Mastering my thought, I overcome the panic inside me. Amid the crowd where one doesn’t know what’s in store in the next moment, the mere survival is in itself a boon.

Yes, I am so lucky that I am still surviving.

I now realize – to be more alive, I have to be less afraid and I did it. Empowering myself, I lost my fear and I found my life being fully alive.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

 At the Crossroads

 Where the mind’s full of fear and grief, and the head’s low and spirits lose belief;

Where there’s lockdown, sirens and beatings, and no dearth of chaos, uncertainty and misunderstandings;

Where brutality abused are the frontline warriors, and the healers succumbed to the unseen fear;

Where the imploring patients stopped breathing, a miracle drug was their only craving;

Where every giant infirmity was teeming, the needs of the victims ever brimming;

Where the weary traveler walks miles and miles for a meager loaf and that homely smile;

Where death overhangs the head of the ‘have- not’

and everything stands on a low note;

Where the eyes of daily wager’s streaming, their bellies – a storm, their minds sobbing;

Where the fetus dare not  leave its cocoon;

Where all races converge for the first time, as a mammoth family to fight this time;

Where the noble health care workers are at a CROSSROAD;

Where for the first time in forever Mother Nature in a tranquil slumber; the tiny enemy unseen, it’s mighty scourge we’ve seen –

Let life flow as it is – the answer may be in a hidden oasis. Let Mother Nature and the Almighty bring the judgement and verdict mighty.

“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

If the catastrophic Covid-19 pandemic comes, can the revival of the Nature and humanity be far behind?

This harrowing pandemic – a spring high tide! But alas!

Life will take a different course, though Mother Nature will smile without remorse.

Is the world coming to an end?

Hope, it will slide down to a wormhole’s happy end.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Yes, Homecoming with a Difference

 Yes, homecoming with a difference!

An unprecedented experience– a lifetime memoir for the present generation.

Driven to the extreme by the contagion – despair, frustration, starvation and discrimination – ostracised  aliens       of the largest democracy –only the mind knows and the heart feels the journey endured is of perils.

A reunion of many known faces, busy everyday segregated  them for ages.

The long-awaited day has dawned in the beautiful frontier, they showed.

The horrendous journey seeing its end– at the outskirts of their homeland after miles and miles of fatigue, days after days of hopeful intrigue.

Only one hope in mind –‘Home’ only one destination to find –‘Home’.

Alas! halfway the road ahead to their destination most beloved, sternly greeted by stigma and suspicion, for they’d come from the land of the ‘CONTAGION’.

Short lived are their smiles frail, the next few weeks not a smooth sail.

Love and care, and those merrymakings – now a care with a difference!

Any reckless move awaited by an offence–a different history of the young and the old, that time, destiny, and the contagion have told.

Written clearly in one’s mind, etched vividly in the anecdotes of mankind, the weeping story of our motherland “COVID -19 Pandemic” – an epic, an apocalypse.

Social distancing, quarantine after quarantine –trending terms of the recent times – fear and hatred by some,

love and affection by kin forbidden by the contagion like sins, a heroic arduous journey ended safely at the horizon of one’s dreams slowly; a homecoming – meant to end in mirth and harmony – denied and deprived by the contagion uncanny; what destiny has for one’s tomorrow– happiness, joy, grief or sorrow, only the Almighty knows.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

As I see the World in One Page

 Wherever I go, whosoever I meet, wherever I set my eyes on, I find the same, a human with a digital phone.

An era of digital technology, an irreversible fact of the world today, the whole power is in one’s fingertips!

A powerful teacher, it is emotionally tied with captivating smart capabilities.

From Vedanta to philosophy, from politics to religion, the melodious songs…the best of every specialty, therein lies a whole plethora of the virtual world.

God gifted brain cells are often overfed with digital information and knowledge.

Many a people are so consumed, often the self is getting lost in the fool’s paradise of the virtual world far away from reality.

Drowned in its realm, distracted driving and walking, millions lost their lives every year.

For the users, a choice tempted, for the whole universe is there in one page.

What an invention!

What a boon! What a tragedy! In a second, it can go either way.

Is this a life for the better and for the worse? Every invention has its merits and perils.

Every user is facing a dual challenge.

One need to mitigate the harms, maximize the benefits.

As I continue to see the world with the tip of my index finger through this small page, I often get myself lost in the vast ocean of eternal uncertainties.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

 The New Normal

 Where the world has come to a standstill with lockdown and curfew;

Where birth is not celebrated and death is not honored; Where the very survival of human beings is at stake; Where trust is just a mere word in a thesaurus;

Where the gap between the people is so wide;

Where every living being is considered as a ‘contagion’; Where the common sense is not so common anywhere; Where social distancing and isolation is the new way of life; Where depression and unemployment are creeping in faster than the virus itself –

Let the sanity, love and humanity be reawakened among humans;

Let the people come out of their slumber of ignorance, and fear of death–and follow the new norms and learn to live with Novel Corona virus; for this is the ‘reality’ we have to live with.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Live One Day at a Time

 Live each day as it comes to the fullest, as if it’s the last. Be with who nurture you positively.

Don’t just bask under the sun, dreaming about the dream. You never know what tomorrow holds.

Get up and get going.

Manifest your dream, for opportunity knocks but once. But only those who seize right rise and shine.

Make the most, toil solemnly. Sing and praise for the worthy. Tune to nature’s music.

Do things that spark joy.

Compassion for humanity –blessed will be your inner soul, for the world is a reflection.

This moment is past, present and future in itself.

Whilst still in this page, my present has become my past, never to come back again, and the then future, my present. Thus, present moment well lived is a life lived well.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Epiphany of  Life

 Older we grow – our skin, a crisscross of wrinkles,

our shoes, worn and in crinkles telling the eventful saga– clearer our outlook of life of the journey traversed so far– a bittersweet symphony as it rhymes.

Did we age too fast, or the wisdom come too late? Agony and anguish, is it all in our mind?

Farther we trend, greater is the irony of life.

What hits the hardest – the life’s imperfections or the bitter truth!

Sagacity we gained, had we in earlier time, a different story it would be.

Drowned in the mayhem of life, replete with regrets and remorse,

Wish there was a reverse gear!

But, it’s too late to muse about the thought. Life waits for no one.

Pace forwards…

Bogged down not by the setbacks; hold not the baggage of grudge, but to glide along with the tide and live this moment, this day, like there’s no tomorrow.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Aging with Grace

 As we age with a baggage, packed with life’s realities and woes, the moans and groans grow louder of the God’s gifted body parts.

I now feel more for the feeble and vulnerable. For I failed to fathom them in my heyday.

A new tenderness and warmth sprouted like a mom who worries and cares more for her weak child than the rest. The more peaceful we will be in life, if one cares more for the weak body parts.

For we all have lived together ceaselessly decades long and will continue to do so in the times to come.

Forget not dear friends your real companions of life, for they are part of your journey.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Good Old Days –A Memoir

 Sitting alone in a pensive mood,

I saw the neighbor’s kids in the balcony giggling and playing.

In a flash, I walked down the memory lane of my childhood days.

Life was slow then – serene beauty of nature untouched, the open spaces and the greeneries, pure and pious it was.

We wandered and played with our siblings and friends in the limitless open fields, fought with each other sometimes – no grudge, no reprisal.

The story teller, our grandma instilled her knowledge and life skills on us– her folk tales still fresh in my mind.

We enjoyed the beauty of sunrise and sunset, clear night sky with the twinkling stars, and the refreshing morn with birds chirping in the horizon, and the ponds and rivers, their water fresh and clear.

The ritual of catching fish every holiday was a joy of no boundaries.

We walked miles to school and back, all books and note books in God’s gifted hands.

Having a school bag was considered a treasure back then. Only pencils and ink pen and no ball pen.

We respected our teachers like our parents.

Discipline was tight; a smack for any wrong doing We didn’t raise any voice.

The forgotten good old days resurfaced vividly in my mind. Those were the days, we closely hold in our hearts.

Oh, I wish I were a child again!

Dr Ranbir Laishram

The Voice inside Me

 You dwell inside me as inner sense of right and wrong – a guiding force for my thought, my mind and action thereof – to lead on my life in the right direction.

I salute thee, my savior, my life’s constant companion.

My wrong doings, out of absurdity and nescience swept away by ego and pride, greed and temptation– a constant hailing by life’s travelling companions.

I ventured naively, forgive me my savior!

Through my youthful days, I ignored your presence, being carried away by the worldly ‘Maya.’

Life’s responsibilities deafened me to your words.

I often failed to sit with you, I hurt you unforgivably and you ignored me.

It has cost me dearly.

In solitude, sitting alone with my inner self, you often appeared in front of me prompting me for my mistakes and flaws to get them corrected.

You tried to help me.

Blinded by ignorance, I resisted and neglected you. And you left me in self-pity and despondent.

I ventured into what I should not have–I wanted to achieve what was not required for me–I did what I should not have done.

Realizing my folly too late in my life’s journey, the life’s lessons become a forgone story.

As the years roll by – and as I become closer to my life’s destination, in solitude, I remember you every now and then, for flashbacks hurt me immensely.

Help me to heal the wound in my heart and mind through this time and place – a transition of my life’s journey with peace and harmony with my own self with your enlightened succor.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

 The Paper I once Valued most

 Toiled day and night through years together to get a piece of paper, a paper with my name on it.

How happy I was then with the paper in my hand–my degree certificate –the pride of my family –a ticket to my dream.

With many more years, came many more such papers– a life, a career and a dream– an earning to comfort my family.

Relentlessly served as a care provider, ignoring myself and my loved ones in the service of humanity and the diseased.

With the time, I climbed up the ladder of success.

With hope and pride in my eyes, I ventured forwards to the place of my dream with others’ eyes on me.

Reaching the very place, once thought my pinnacle, suddenly, a vast emptiness engulfed me.

In the endless realm of darkness, I started questioning my own life, the ‘Realities.’

For I have just lived a mere life, the so called “success story.”

I wondered –

Was it worth all the efforts and sacrifices?

Toiled years to earn a degree, a position, a living!

Ultimately what we have become – a human robot, caught in the web with no peace of mind.

With no time for my own, my loved ones felt neglected. Recalling my life, I feel dispirited.

For the papers with my name prove to be mere papers just to enable me to live a life in this illusion called ‘Time,’

the same life that everybody lives, the poor and the wealthy live – a shelter, two square meals a day, peace of mind and a sound sleep.

That is all we as humans need.

Ultimately, it’s only in one’s mind that makes the difference and not the wealth and fame.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

We are All Human!

 However great he is in life, be he a king, a man in power, every human is mortal.

He lives only once; the flame of spirit flickers eventually and comes to a halt.

Every man has three characters:

One he exhibits; One he has;

And one he thinks he has.

Character is what one is in the dark; when one is all alone. It is the home of all virtues: Righteousness, conduct, truth, prosperity and power.

Human of ‘Kali Yuga,’ masked man in public, a different story behind the wall; but the truth is – no matter how hard he tries, he can never escape from what he really is inside.

In this journey of life, to satisfy his self- esteem, his needs and desires, he gets lost amid all the worldly chaos..

When the time comes for him to leave, only then he realizes, nothing can be taken along.

Empty handed he comes, empty handed he goes. Conflict and strife are inevitable in life.

Accepting that we are all only human– coming out of the bubble full of illusion of immortality will make this beautiful world a better place to live.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Ushering the subconscious mind in Covid -19 Era 

In the midst of the heart-breaking tragedies, chaos and controversies – that the enormous impact the global information has on our subconscious mind, and our subconscious mind wanders far and wide beyond anybody’s imagination – sometimes beyond the horizon of life – care of our subconscious mind becomes a new priority in our day to day life.

For once, it harnesses our conscious mind during this period of transition– “Covid-19 pandemic,” rational thinking and prudence are often jeopardized, resulting into many unexpected, uncanny events against the backdrop of Covid – 19 as witnessed by all of us.

The most heartbreaking irony being – self-annihilation by health care providers– who have been tormented by their impending demise and their work shifts knew no recess – depression and fatigue their only remuneration, their hope of cure only a mirage!

And untold stories of human rights violation in the delivery of service to humanity.

At this juncture, the formidable task at hand is to nurture our mindset; for what we think, feel and believe is the essence of our mind and body; and what we feed to our all – powerful subconscious mind is the cardinal point of our sustenance.

For it’s the realm where we dwell most of the time – the gatekeeper of our comfort zone, where thought, hope and desire are all stored.

Our conscious mind is just the tip of an iceberg; if it yields to the repetitive dictation of subconscious mind – any irrational thought may lead to irreparable damage and self- destruction.

We need to talk time and again to our subconscious mind to keep our self- composure, and to keep our hope alive.

Coz,  hope is the only beacon for humanity–the only thing that can make the difference is our “mind”.

Dr Ranbir Laishram

Welcoming the New Year 2021- A message from Mother Nature 

Yes, my children–this past year, I know you had a hard time combating the tiny contagion, your own making.

Your perception calling the contagion my revenge is evocative..

All through the ages, I embrace you with all humility– young and old, good and bad.

What not I gave you!

Whatever you do, did I do ever resist?

You should realize my children, I have existed without you ever since this planet was formed.

I don’t need you; but I’m indispensable to your survival. It is your own sib –egocentric, arrogant ones who are going for self-annihilation making this planet unlivable–

exploitation, exploration and destruction, and man-made constructs.

You have wounded me beyond recovery, but I have no spite. Despite my various distress signals, you continue to destroy your own habitation. It is time to call it a day; for I have got my right too.

Yes, my children!

Amid global restrictions and chaos I know, you carry with you a baggage full of grief, worry and despair.

But I tell you my children– it is our own world, the same Earth which has existed over generations.

If you accept your mistakes, learn lessons, make amends, conserve, preserve and protect my ecosystem, I forgive you all. Cos I remain as a mother, a savior for you all.

I welcome you all to this New year, different from previous years, and I bless you all with peace, prosperity and good health.

Dr. Ranbir Laishram