Shower from the Nature " SNOW"

Morning i got a call from my Co-volunteer Shilpa, her voice mixed with lot of happiness and excitement she said " Aishu, please come out side, there is snowing". Immediately with all curiosity i ran out but there was no snow fall, Then only i realized that i was not in Bensheim but in Münster with my host sister. From the time we arrived Germany, the only question we four volunteers used to ask was "When it is going to snow?". Many of them said that it won't snow so early in the place where I live. But now breaking all these statements God showered snow for us. But unfortunately at that time i was not in my place,that was a big disappointment for me. The whole day with my host sister in Münster big Christmas market I was hoping that there had be snow. Since I never seen it before I kept saying to Rosa. Oh my God! It better to be snowing here also! I 'm going to be so sad and mad if i didn't see snow fall. But all the time she comfort me with hopeful words.

The same day evening i started my way back to Bensheim by train, all the way to my home I prayed to God when I reaching there some snows should be there. I started to push the time to run fast. But suddenly the train has stopped. All the passengers were seems like tensed, as I didn't understand the announcement which they made in the train as it was in German. I asked the girl who sat beside me. What she said was very shocking for me " One man crossed railway track while the train was running  (Committed Suicide)". I felt very bad to be there in the train, I felt like I am in the hell. They announced that after clearing whole track only they will start. It will take five hours. Oh my God! I can't explain my feelings through words. It was really a tragic journey. One side I had hard feeling for the man who committed suicide, other side I felt I m very unlucky that i couldn't see snow fall.

As it was midnight I didn't get any connection train to Frankfurt. My host mother talked with the girl who sat beside me in the whole journey. As she informed me that you can come with her till Zwingenburg I will be waiting there. A great thanks to my host mother and the unknown passenger. In the early morning I reached Zwingenburg. My host mother was waiting for me there. When I get down from the car Oh my God I can't believe that Yes its SNOWING!!! The scenery changed from green to pure white and I was filled with such bliss. To see something for the first time is to see something in its purest and most childlike form of beauty.

Having lived in south part of India all my life where there is sun and rainy season were covered me all year round, the only time that I have seen snow in the movies and n the theme park (Artificial Snow). As I never been in the north part of India in the winter season, I never experienced it.

The first fall of snow is not only a seasonal change, but also a magical event. When I went to bed last night where I experienced one kind of world and wake up in another. Quite different mesmerizing feeling. It was my first shower of snow from the God. Early morning when everyone were sleeping in my home I enjoyed the white beauty. While I m sitting in my garden at 3.30 am,the snow began to fall again, drifting against windows, politely touching earth and then falling with disappointment to the ground. It was really cold outside. Every step I take feel like I'm crunching the snow below my boots. That reminds me my boots are not good for snow, since the snow can seep in and melt on my feet. Then, after the first steps I realized how slippery it is and forced myself to remember to be really careful while walking. Everything was covered in white flakes, it was so magical. Within hours all vehicles had their first layer of snow. Everything was white streets, cars, plants. I was amused to see a couple of kids trying to slide down using the snow sled.

Myself and my Co-volunteers in Naturschuttzentrum spend our half of the day in the snow world. We were found a great joy by throwing snowballs at each others and by making snow man. I felt like I was five years old again.

Since it is the first snow of the winter, It is not a very thick snow and unfortunately , the snow didn't last too long and by the afternoon the snow fall has stopped and the white slowly melted away, mixing with dirt in the ground and becoming a brownish slush.

Snow clearing machines were soon out on the street, clearing the main roads and drive ways, pushing the snow aside. Vehicles were driving more cautiously than ever, to avoid skidding. 

Still waiting for seeing other day of white beauty......!!!

First Touch of the Snow

The snow I know is from the movies I watched or the cartoons I loved.  Seeing snow was always in my wish list but didn't know when it would be fulfilled. From the time we arrived Germany, the only question we use to ask was - 'when is it going to snow?  Will we be able to see the snow?'

Many said it won't snow so early in the place where we stay. I didn't loose my hopes as I thought if snow doesn't reach our place then I will surely reach where the snow falls. But not less than a miracle, the first advent for me began with seeing the snow. Sitting in my bathroom when I watched out, to my shock there was snow falling down.  I felt like God switched on his machine and sprayed his showers of blessings on us. 

I got ready for church and went out of the house to experience my first touch of snow. I truly didn't even feel the cold as I was overheated inside with joy. No words could express my happiness. After the church was over,  the snow was all around like the world around me became white. The next thing I did was calling everyone in India especially my family and friends to show them too the snow that I see.  Selfies, pictures and videos were the only thing I was taking on the way back home.

Then I decided to go to the zwingenburg family (where two of the volunteers stay) and that was the beginning of doing all the things I ever wanted to do in the snow.  I got my partner, Paula (my four year old friend). She taught me to make snow angels and together we build the snow man. The best part was while building the snow man, the only song which was running in my mind was "Can we build a snow man" from the movie Frozen and was imagining Olaf while building it.

The next part was having a snow ball fight in which I and Paula made a team against her Mumma and Evelin Akka (my Co -volunteer). I cannot express the happiness I gained doing every single activity.

From childhood the only white thing which I knew in a Christmas tree was cotton and today when I see snow on the trees, it's truly a treat for my eyes.


We four have different experiences from the first touch of snow and indeed this was my story.

Why do some Indian people paint a red dot on their forehead?

First of all, I should say sorry for this post because its purely related to a Hindu Cultural aspect. But it has been a topic that i had on my mind constantly  for the last 7 months in Germany. Many times i came across by this question from German people. So i just thought about sharing this too through my blog. 

That question was "Why do you paint a red dot on your forehead ?" , " Sometimes you have this point on your forehead but sometimes haven't, Why?"

Don't be wonder all my Indian friends, for all my German friends its like a point so i really want to share what does it really meant for all Indians who belongs to Hindu religion. Sindoor or Vermilion holds lot of importance in Indian society among the people who belongs to Hindu religion. That point is called as "Bindhi" or "Pottu". And it has many other names too (Tilak, bottu, Kumkum, Sindoor etc).  First of all i am not a big fan of this Bindhi. . Basically i did not wear this everyday. In my young ages i also used to wear this but i never tried to think about the meaning for this that much. But now of course Yes! As i am representing India in Germany i should be aware about all the aspect of Indian livings it may be cultural, traditional,economical,educational or political. 

First i would like to share the scientific aspects behind this Bindhi and how it connected with religion belief. According to Hindu religion, on one hand bindhi is used to cover or protect the Third Eye of insight within the soul. This notion of the "Third Eye" is predominant in Hindu religion. One of the God Lord Shiva's third eye is located on his forehead, is capable of intensity and power. At the same time the spot on the forehead between the eyebrows is an important nerve point called a chakra. A chakra is major nerve of spiritual, psychic and bodily forces in the human body. There are seven chakras, with the forehead being the sixth. The chakra is called the Agna and it symbolizes command and wisdom. The people belongs to Hindu religion believes that the bindhi or kumkum dot retains the energy of the body. This third eye is used for seeking concentration by Lord Shiva so the followers also doing the same with this auspicious dot. 

The scientific reason behind bindhi is quiet interesting, On the forehead between two eyebrows is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The bindi is believed to prevent the loss of energy, the red kumkum between the eyebrow is helps to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying bindi the points on the mid brow region and Adnya chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles achieves self realization or reaches a higher level of spirituality.  

But how the customs of  Indian society consider Bindhi?

In the earlier days women wearing the bindhi as an auspicious sign of marriage and guarantees the social status and sanctity of the institution of marriage. If women are wearing bindhi in between two eyebrows it means that they are Unmarried. If women are wearing on the top of the forehead and in between eyebrows then it indicates they are married. The real colour of bindhi is Dark Red (Which is made out of Kumkum). It represents the life long commitment to her husband and is often times removed once if she becomes a widow. But of course in this modern world this culture also got some changes.  

On man , the Tilak takes the form of different lines, indicating his religious affiliation. Usually this Kumkum is of more than one colour although normally it is vermilion. Each color denotes worship towards particular Hindu Gods. Red, Yellow, Saffron, White, Grey and Black are the normal Tilak colour. 

" Sometimes you have this point on your forehead but sometimes haven't, Why?"

Writing this post makes me realize how little Hindu I am. I am not an atheist. I believe in all Gods. I believe they are all the same but at the same time we used to call them by different names. Although i do not follow these traditions everyday. So there is a lot of reasons which made me to wear the bindhi. But for me the society fact or customs is enough reason not to wear it. 

Now in this modern society Bindhi become a part of beauty aspect. It doesn't symbolize religion or social status but only used as a beauty spot. So sometimes i also used to wear it not in the aspect of indicating religion but as a beauty spot and of course for scientific reason. 

     

Glow of Lights in Naturschuttzentrum !!

Naturschuttzentrum, announced Litcherfest on 19 November from 1.00 PM to 7.30 PM. Every year Naturschuttzentrum have celebrated this Festival of lights. Two weeks before we (Naturschuttzentrum team members) started our preparation for Lichterfest. We tastefully decorated and equipped rooms with numerous light and outdoor where children and family can enjoy their maximum level. 

The ultimate motto of Naturschuttzentrum by organising this lichterfest, Here the season comes the time of REST. Animals, plants, beings and human beings are preparing for winter. Nature giving darkness to all beings to take some rest after all these busy schedules of life. Some hibernate  to come back again with new and high strength for the new season. In this context, Naturschuttzentrum wants to thank each and everyone of the earth for their concern towards us. And through this fest we are welcoming a new world where dark should be hidden and lights should be glow. 

Above all we organised a fantastic work station for the children in the campus. Where the children can come and engaged with many creative works. Each workstations are leaded by the specialized experts of Naturschuttzentrum. 

When darkness fell, many parents and children found their way to Naturschuttzentrum to welcome the Lights for their life. 

At 1.30 pm all desks were filled up with small angels and their parents. That was a priceless moment. All children seems busy with different activities. Some children are made stars out of twigs, some were busy with coloring glasses, Some children showed interests towards carving little Gnomes, Some were busy in making angels out of woods and some were making lanterns.Each one of them chooses their perfect workstation for the evening. Within short time the visitors room was crowded by future Generation and their well wishers.

We also arranged a place for the families where they can have a social talk with the tastes of different cakes. 

The children were able to spent their time with various priceless activities. All in all it was a successful and nice evening with glow of lights.

When time started to run very fast, with the twilight the light conditions also changed. It felt like a billion stars lying on the ground. That atmosphere was special and many people enjoyed in the dark with a glow of lights. Many people found a good place to warm themselves by the fire. Around the small campfire they did barbecue with social talks.

As the clock ticked by it was time to say good bye. That was when i felt the pain in the eyes of children to depart from Naturschuttzentrum at the same time a sense of satisfaction in their heart. I was sure that everyone could take something from Naturschuttzentrum not in the sense of things but in the sense of thought or may be good experiences. 

Thanks to my co-volunteers from India for their active participation throughout the event. 

When Indian Mehandhi touches German Hands!

Whenever events took place in Naturschuttzentrum there will be a place for "Indian Mehandi Art". Once i showed Mehandi Designs to my mentor Veronika Lindmayer. She liked that very much. She asked me to do this with the children. But unfortunately we didn't get Indian Mehandi. I decided to do it with the Natural Colours. That means all colours are provided by nature. Green out of plants, Black out of fire, Gray out of ashes and so on.

I tried once in the small hands of children who are coming for different events of Naturschuttzentrum. They all liked it very much. From that day itself i always getting this amazing platform to promote our Indian Art. A big salute to Indian Mehandhi.

World of Concerts

Being in a different country is really an unique experience. Each day i am earning new experiences, each one of that is entirely different from other. This is my 7th month in Germany still something is very special and unusual for me. One of the special thing which i noticed in Germany was "CONCERTS". Within this 7 months we four volunteers attended en number of concerts. 

Germany is famous for the Concerts. Practically everyday in the whole year and can be sure we can find some Concerts within the country. Germany had most renowned concert halls. We attended small open air concerts and also big level concerts too.  All concerts are too lively.  

My Best Concert Diary 

We four volunteers attended many concerts within this short period. Still always our best Concerts are "Tanzania Concert" and " Istanbul Concert". 

Musical treat by Tanzania Choir, the best traditional music. It brings a lot of boost among the audience. This concert made everyone to step up with them. Music of Tanzania stretches from traditional African music to the string-based taarab to a distinctive hip hop known as Bongo Flava. 

Istanbul Concert is quiet different from other concerts. They sang German classical song along with the German group. Its goes like a Musical competition between Germany and Istanbul. 

Looking forward for more and more CONCERTS....

Oh my God ! Is this Tea?

One of my favorite drink is tea, i cannot imagine a day without Tea. I already brought some Indian tea bags with me but after 3 months all my tea bags finished. No other way , i decided to try German tea but after that i never turned back to German tea. Oh my God! i can't believe that was a Tea!? It is a trivial difference.

Coming from South Indian Family, for me Tea and Coffee meant,

Yes, It will be a combination of Milk, Tea dust and Sugar. Coffee means, Filter Coffee with milk and sugar.

Where as in German tea means,

Here normally tea and coffee is plain without milk and sugar. And variety of flavors also there for tea.I was sure that i cannot survive with these type of tea. My host family knows that my love on tea. They brought some Indian tea bags from their Indian friend. A big thanks to my host family.

Still its not like tea from my Grandma. Longing for Indian Tea....!!!

Educational System of Germany

Generally the education system of Germany is to be applauded and it has always been known for the good quality of higher education. Irrespective of the nationality, focus on quality education has been a top priority. Public universities of Germany providing free education to all students including international students. Universities only collecting administration fee at very low cost. Everyone is equally treated by German Government when it comes to education and jobs. But learning German is kind of must but that's expected when you are in Germany.

The entire educational system of Germany is basically a three tire system that divides students into three different tracks. It involves General secondary school or Hauptschule (grades 5-10), The intermediate secondary school or Realschule (grade 5-10) and The academic high school or Gymnasium ( grades 5-12 or 13). The children are assessed by their teachers who decide which school best suits a particular student based on their performance.

Pre-school Education (Kindergarten), before the period of compulsory schooling begins children aged 3 to 6 can attend preschool institutions. Unlike schools, preschool education is not free and attendance at kindergarten is voluntary one.

Primary level (Grundschule) Normally, schooling for all children begins at the age of six in the first year of a Grundschule. Children attend the Grundschule for four years. After which they transfer to one of four different types of secondary school.In Grundschule teachers recommend their students to a particular school based on the special criteria such as academic achievement, potential, confidence, personality, ability to work independently and so on. However,in most states the parents has the final say as to which school their child will track to following the fourth grade, and some parents go against teacher's recommendation because they believe higher level tracks of education for their children's future.     

Gymnasium is the most sought after or preferred school. The dream of every parent for their kids to be selected for Gymnasium.  Don't be fooled by the common word "Gymnasium" in English and German. Gymnasium has nothing to do with physical education.It is a college preparatory high school which is attended by students from grade to 5 to 12 or 13. Yes! of course 13 grade does exist here. Only few students are picked up for Gymanisum, who continue through the final grades. The mandatory requirement for the Gymnasiasten is to take a rather challenging exam known as Abitur in order to secure their diplomas. This diploma paves their way to university.

Hauptschule is primarily a remedial education. Hauptschüler leave school after the ninth standard, mostly such students don't receive a diploma and thus end up taking menial job.

Realschule sees the influx of more average students. Realschüler also take an Abschluss or term end exam before they leave school after 10th grade, after which they begin apprenticeships in different fields. The brighter ones may also get transferred to Gymnasium to finish their studies.

Gesamtschule or Comprehensive schools, enroll students of all ability levels in the 5th through the 10th grades. Students who satisfactorily complete the Gesamtschule through 9th grade receive the Hauptschule certificate, while those who satisfactorily complete schooling through the 10th grade receive the Realschule certificate. 

Berufsschule is an upper secondary school form which students may enter to pursue part time academic study combined with apprenticeship, following the successful completion of either Hauptschule or Realschule . The successful completion of apprenticeship program leads to certification in a particular trade or field of work. 

This is the pattern in which the entire German school system operates, obviously it differing in each state.

According to me this complex three tier school system is sentencing many many brilliant children to a life of uttermost frustration, and a future of obscurity. I think fourth standard is not an age to judge the true talent of a child.Its hard to imagine, but this is how the whole schooling structure is built up here. So according to their intelligence, they are filtered out and shown direct educational tracks that best suit their caliber. I am wondering that how can a teacher judge a child as young. There are many children who show their real talent at later age. So if any child couldn't perform well for some reason in the given slot of time, then they would be deprived of Gymnasium and thus their future options are brutally narrowed down. There could be decent reasons for the lack of performance of a child, they might be very intelligent in real life, what if they got nervous during their examinations? That means they has no chance of getting into a good school. Educational Pragmatism can solve many problems in this context. 

Qualitative education is a tool which can use by all Countries to create a Good Citizen. ! 

Daylight Saving Time Ended in Germany

It was really a different experience to live in Germany with two different time zones. When i arrived in Germany i was very happy that because the daylight was lasted till 10'O clock. When the days passes the daylight also started to dim very soon. Before 5'O clock itself its started to darken.

When local daylight time was about to reach Sunday, 29 october 2017, 03:00:00 German clocks were turned backward 1 hour to sunday, 29 october 2017, 02:00:00 local standard time instead. Sunrise and sunset were about 1 hour earlier on 29 october 2017 than the day before. There was more light in the morning. also called Fall Back and Winter time. 

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting the clocks forward 1 hour from standard time during the summer months, and back again in the fall, in order to make better use of natural daylight. Daylight Savings Time was first introduced by Germany during the Great War and later so many other countries and many other European nations were started to follow it. 

Now the gap between German and Indian time is 4.5 hours. 

My Birthday in Deutschland

I was born on 23rd October 1992, the past 24 years I celebrated this special day with my family and my friends In India. First, I felt that I will be missing my family, but this year, this day is very special for me. When the clock changed to 12'O clock the role plays started by Shilpa, she said that her health is not OK, she wants to Vomit. I also trusted her words and I took her out. Suddenly she closed my eyes with cloth. I realized that something is going to happen. Really I was super excited. But by crossing all my expectation my friends and host family gave me a great surprise. Without informing me the other two friends were waiting for a long time in my home. When the clock bell rang at 12'O clock they opened my eyes, Really precious moment for me. By singing Birthday song Evelin, Shilpa and Abhilash standing in front of me with their Big Birthday Cake. This cake specially baked by them. Really yummy cake special thanks to my friends who comfort me with the showers of love. The night was endless one because many tasks awaited for me created by my friends. Next day the morning began with special surprises from special persons. My host family arranged a great celebration for me. The day started with the German Birthday Song sang by host family. The second Chocolate cake from my family was waiting for me.

My mentor place of assignment also took me out to her home and later on to a coffee shop. The whole day I was covered with huge piles of gifts. The day ended by having  a great spicy dinner with the host families and my friends. Thanks to each one of you for making my birthday an unforgettable one.