Kultar’s Mime – A Voice to Experience.

I love watching, working, reading, in a nutshell, I love anything that has to do with theater. It brings me close to stories, characters, perceptions and ideas that are dared to be lived/relived. Storytelling is an art, mastered by many, but felt by few. I’m no judge or critic but, the writer/ director of Kultar’s Mime knows how to feel the unfelt. You would not know till the end, how the details are related, and how the director’s vision in characters would grow. The told/untold stories of 1984 Delhi Riots are gravely horrifying. And for someone like me who have just read about this mind bending political massacre, would not even have a slightest of idea what the people, particularly the Sikh Community, went through during those madman’s days. Hence, came Kultar’s Mime, the plot just said, based on 1984 riots.

With no expectation I came to see the performance. We were introduced to the artistic depiction of story, or shall I say the poem on which the play is based on, with a backdrop of 8 penetrating paintings. And then was mesmerized by the soulful performances of such poignant performers. The riots, though were politically triggered but, were against one religious group in particular. And hence to reach a wider audience the director has skillfully endured the human element from every performer. The poem Kultar’s Mime, drew upon eyewitness accounts of Delhi massacre, is a true story of four children who faced the 1984 riots head on, and till now faces its aftermath. The portrayal of each character was fumingly heartfelt. I sincerely thank the writer of the poem, and of course the writer - director of this play Sarbpreet Singh for bringing such painfully violent event, in such a creative way.

The prologue and one of the scenes of the play was drawn from Hayim Nahman Bialik’s poem ‘In the City of Slaughter’. Which fore played a similar account of barbaric eruption against the Jewish population is the small city of Kishinev (Russia) in 1906.

These are just four stories that melted our hearts, and stunned our core. There are countless back then, and there are millions now. I don’t know who has to come down from heaven to fix us, but I know if I do one thing right a day I make a difference. And hence can everybody.

As an audience, I’m grateful to Sikh Research Institute for promoting Kultar’s Mime, which has been performed in 3 continents and various countries. And Enacte Arts www.enacte.org for bringing fabulous Theater to life and to us. Kultar’s Mime is on the road, for their upcoming shows go to https://sikhri.org/ and mark your calender.

First Step - Wishing the Wonder

It's an extremely important aspect to enter the vivid world of Parent Trap, to know yourself, understand the inner calling of becoming a mother. It is easy to get pregnant, but to know if you are ready raise a child that's the biggest question. It's a feeling that will come to you, either you have it or you don't.

A springy day in Yosemite.

Not far from the bustling life of silicon valley, is the George Clooney of National parks (as said), Yosemite. Amidst the Eastern Sierra range, is this beautiful valley surrounded by upright stone mountains. It is a popular tourist destination in California. Raved for excellent camping sites, and breathtaking trails sites, the valley is a complete family adventure spot. The splendid rock mountains of Yosemite are gloriously photographed by many famous photographers.

We missed on reservations for stay, but we wanted to visit the valley in early spring, when the bloom and falls are at their best. So we decided to make a day trip out of it. We started early, around 7, and with only one

View of the Valley, Yosemite National park, California

coffee stop, we steered into the valley via Merced.
We decided to take this route as the drive itself is very beautiful. With river Merced riding beside, the way to the valley is blooming with variant of lush green trees, and beds of flowers. We were fortunate enough to witness the magnificent of the spring season.

Once you enter the park, the park map, which is given at entrance, will guide you pretty much everywhere. The valley is a loop, which will take you to all the picturesque locations. And down under all the waterfalls. With the like of Yosemite falls to Bridal Veil Falls, and the magnificent Upper and Lower Falls, the valley is flushed with water flowing from melting snow. Waterfalls are at their best in spring. And their formative names suits the nature of their drama. And don’t miss a family portrait at the View of the Valley.

Another way through the valley takes you to the famous Glacier point, from where you can absorb the dramatic view of the Half dome watching over the gorgeous valley.

We took a day trip so there wasn’t much we could cover, so we decided to stay in the lavish green abode of the valley. Our 2 year old enjoyed every bit of running around in the plush fields, and pounding, the swelled but calm, waters of the Merced River with pebbles.

The place is picturesque in every season, so don’t forget your cameras and extra set of batteries. The memories are unforgiving. Take lots of water, and as much food options along, as there aren’t food options available, except the entries in the hotels and lodges. But of course with toddlers you won’t take any chance. I took his favorites along and he was more than happy.

To stay there, in peak season, and of course there is rarely a dull season there, book way – way in advance. The staying options are unlimited, from hotels to lodges, and even BnBs .

Wear comfortable clothes and super comfortable shoes. The valley is famous for its beautiful trails. Explore them while you can. The trail to Half dome is a test of your fear and strength.  You could bike the valley trails with your kids in tow, or could just sit and admire the profound exuberance of this place.

A perfect day spent. You can find more details at the park’s site.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm