Hey, Dear Readers, let me share with you all a simply great feel. YES, our blog has crossed the magical 1,00,000 footfall, and in all humility, I would like to assert that the credit goes to You All.
When our blog crosses this wonderful threshold, I have a rather complex feel. Yes, I do miss Aai. The blog began as a tribute to her. She, and Papa, would have been happy with this small, little achievement of mine.
Oh, yes, my first Marathi article in 'Maharashtra Times', and later, after a few years, in 'The New Indian Express ', both were published on March 18, Papa's birthday. The coincidence had then mattered hugely to me because it made him truly happy.
Yes, we have instituted prizes in educational institutions to celebrate Aai-Papa's memories. To commemorate Aai's memory, we have an annual literary competition, on an established platform like the 'Menaka' magazine that has given a space and a name to good authors. The joy I feel each time all these results are declared, I share it today, though not on the same scale as it is tinged with a forever lingering sadness.
On this digital platform, I have shared with all of you memories, poems, acrostics, reviews, 'special day' trajectories, and oh, yes, jokes, too. Different genres, varied themes. I do feel a little proud that the 1695 articles on this blog that began on the Mothers' Day in 2021 has not ever been repetitive. Each contri is unique.
The response has been great, too. Imagine, Sanjeev Kohliji, Madan Mohan's son, shared my reviews of ' Dil Dhoondhata Hai',on a site dedicated to Madan Mohan, my favourite music director. The first time round, it was read by 1500 readers, though I have not recently checked back. Absolutely humbling!
It used to be a precious feel when Gokhale Madam, my colleague, would gently state that she might expect a review of a music programme by Shantanu, her talented son, or festivals organised by Mitra Foundation such as "Dil Dhoondta Hai' or of the BMCC 'Astitva'. Wow I used to feel when the next morning, I would get her trademark 'Beautiful'!
Oh, yes, my extremely reticent bro checked my review of his flute rendition. Quite some compliment coming from him! Yes, there are regular readers of my blog who do not miss a single entry whose absent presence is my solace. Oh, yes, I do get 'heart-y' responses, too, which are highly precious to me as they assure me of the relevance of good communion in today's era of short attention span.
I am rather happy that our blog does not use the new hieroglyphics of the twenty first century; namely, the emojis. Languages and literatures must survive, especially in the written form, given the technological onslaught by the AI, right?
Sure, mine is just a small little bit of an attempt. It, however, is absolutely original, un-opinionated and genuine, and without any proxy team. I am trying to explore the other avenues that the social media, used creatively, opens up for all of us. Will sure keep you all in the info loop. In the meanwhile, thanks a ton!
Pratima@
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