I have to reach that magical figure and found 5 more yesterday - got 5 smiles. Though one was hidden and I guessed she may have smiled. Near this garden that I frequent for my walks, yesterday I noticed a woman hiding behind the fancy bus stand. She was arranging the empty water bottles she had gathered. Every two minutes, she di that. Arrange - deranged perhaps. I stopped and asked her something and she just went behind the bus stop and hid. I extended some money and she immediately grabbed and… Continue

My best friend Bulbul who is a foodie and a cook book author arranged a food walk in Old Delhi and I tagged along to enjoy the delights of the day. At the first stop an old Jain mandir, I was intrigued by 2 boys, one handicapped due to polio in both legs, the other a naughty urchin. They chatted me up asking for food. It so happened at that precise juncture that in a place FULL of food, there was no food vendor to be seen. I walked for a bit along with them looking for food when they confessed,… Continue

I have earlier said that I have adopted "sort of" a family on the pavement at the garden I go to for my walks. This Diwali, I purchased some food items such as dates, sweets, chocolates and clothes and gave it to the family. I also have decided that this week, will make atleast 100 people smile especially rag pickers, old women beggers and handicapped beggars. Dates, sweets, ten rupee coins...all work well. Have thus far succeeded in getting back "23 smiles' and will continue to reach that 100 m… Continue

In order that I CAN bring awareness to a large group of students and school community; I have become the Ambassador for TSUNAMIKA- Doll made by the women who lost their family to the ocean during Tsunami. Tsunamika is the the tribute to the spirit of these women who are creating an avenue to express and change their lives.

… Continue

Vivek as always as some of the most amazing ideas to bring smile to peoples faces. So a day before Diwali he called me to check if I would like to participate in distributing diwali sweets to people who would otherwise not get Diwali sweets. I was very interested and I checked with my friends as well if they would be interested in participating in this.

So finally Rajani Singh, Jamal, Shruti Saxena, Shruti's Mom and Aarti Prasad, and Amit Kapoor agreed to chip in. Vivek also managed to get some… Continue

"To give service to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer." - Can't remember who said it Tagore or Gandhi? Either ways, great words.

Shiva is the society manager’s assistant today. He joined this complex as an office boy 10 yrs ago and has grown to become an indispensable employee and member of our colony. From all the society office bearers to residents, everyone runs to Shiva for help of any kind. He collects the monthly maintenance cheques from each apartment – all 175 of them, delivers bills, reminders, notices, collections etc.

He has been paying our utility bills since 6 yrs now. My dad has been utilizing his help for… Continue

In March this year, my dad was hospitalized for a week or so after he had a fall and hurt his head. He has quite a few health problems and has been unwell since a year now. Dad’s sister and family live at the other end of town and could not visit us at the hospital more than once. My uncle arranged for his factory employee Arun to visit the hospital and help Mom and I for errands etc. Arun came almost all days and helped us in many ways – as an attender so that Mom and I could take turns to reli… Continue

In August 2009, I spent 2 weeks at a yoga and meditation retreat. Every morning after asana practice we had coconut water and coconut pulp to refresh us and have a healthy, nutritious start to the day. I missed that after my return home and mentioned it to Mom. She said there is a chap who sells the same and comes to our apartment complex often. She sent word and he came one day. We bought some and enjoyed it and requested him to come every week as often as possible.

Many weeks later he showed… Continue

Here's wishing all at 7 Days 7 Days a very Happy Diwali. May you continue to Give to all as you always do.

Regards