A teacher may be deprived of promotions, awards, salary raises during her career, when she is more focused on doing her work diligently and does not find time to think about these accolades. But, these surely pale in front of the gratitude of students — a reward which comes late in life and wipes off in a jiffy any bitterness or regret one may have had about the downs of one career.

The great Indian philosopher-sage Madhvacarya states that one’s psyche can be uplifted from its present grade to a higher plane — either by listening to or through singing. What is astounding is the soul can choose its own melodies, because it is the master of its own destiny. Because, music spiritually upgrades the soul. For one who finds it difficult to chant mantras, singing soulful songs spreads vibrant energy all around, dissipating negative rhythms, and bringing in positive energy.

I am back in Norway now, and have filled the pots again. It has been several days and the sparrows have not returned. I wake up in the mornings hoping to catch a glimpse of a sparrow feeding on the food from the pots. Have they found an alternative? Are they safe and sound? Have they managed to scrape through the coldest part of winter? Will they back soon?

The best thing to do is to think of the New Year — differently. Consider a metaphor: “The grass is greener on the other side of the landfill, not hill.” Or, “I’m going to have a great year, and end up trumps over my fellow associates and a distant boss.” Or, “This year will be safer for me and my family.”

Is it right for Indians — the nouveau riche and the rising middle class — to adopt the herd mentality and add on to the fleet of motor vehicles which move on like a flock of lazy, straying sheep on what seem like tractable roads?

Guess whose spirit — if at all it’s possible — is cock-a-hoop at the present time? You got it right. Nostradamus, the famed mediaeval seer, the man who saw tomorrow… even before it came… never ever, and never after.

Little gestures of bonhomie and small acts of kindness leave lasting memories. They are what one takes back home and remembers while reminiscing about a given sojourn.

“Little Maestro” Sunil Gavaskar turns 60, this month. A tribute — to a legend.

Upsets, triumphs and defeats, have all been part of sports’ folklore. Men and women of outstanding variety have come and gone. From the jaws of defeat, teams and individuals have rallied to win, thanks to that one great human quality: steely brilliance, or never-say-die spirit.

Cricket’s Rembrandt turns 60, this month. A tribute to a great artist and his “lotus-blooming” willow genius…