CHRISTMAS TIME

 

LOVE GROWS AT CHRISTMAS TIME 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir 

(Song shared from the Choir's YT page.)

CHRISTMAS IS EVERYWHERE 🎶😊

When a singer, who we have been listening to for more than five years, gets an opportunity to sing a Christmas song, with many artists from different places, it makes us feel very happy for him. I've listened to this song quite a few times already, from the day it was released.😊 

So good to see Sheridan Brass in this video, by one of my favourite groups of brothers, who sing together.🎶💕

(Song posted from the 'Music Travel Love' YT page.)

CHRISTMAS IN OUR HEARTS 🎶💕

 

December is still a few days away, but I've been listening to Christmas songs already, over the past 3 or 4 weeks. New ones, which I haven't heard before; and others, which are always good to listen to every year, as the Christmas season draws closer.

I'm sharing two songs from my favourite Acapella group today, because I love so many of their Christmas songs.🎶

I am also sure, that I have posted these two songs before, some years ago; but it's always great to start the Christmas season, with tunes we enjoy hearing, repeatedly.😊

I love how each member of the band, has shared Christmas memories, from when they were children, in this video. Together with the lovely lyrics, that's what adds to the nostalgic element of the song.💕

(Songs shared from the Pentatonix YT page.)

THE PRITHVI FESTIVAL

 

The Prithvi Festival began on the 1st of this month. 

Yuki Ellias and Akarsh Khurana were two names that I recognised, from back in Xaviers, among the many Directors and Writers, whose plays were a part of the festival.

Yuki's play was about growing old, and how people slowly begin to lose their memory, as they age. I watched a promo of the play, in which Yuki mentioned how the play, brings out, the muddle in the mind of older people, especially if they are affected by 'dementia or other age related illnessness, that affect the memory'. She said, that she drew inspiration for some of it, by watching her own grandparents.

I couldn't make it for that one, even though I wanted to; but will hopefully watch it, whenever they stage the play, in the future. 

I heard some of the reviews after the play, and everyone mentioned, that it touched their heart. While it made them laugh, it also made them cry. So, this is definitely a play to watch, whenever it happens.

The Akvarious Productions play was about an environmentalist trying to be heard, in the midst of the climate crisis, which truly is a cause for panic and alarm. He happens to be unfortunately caught among people, who really don't think, climate change is that important. 

One of the reasons, why I went for this one, was because I heard, there was music in this play. Most of the performers acted and sang very well; and it was good to hear some musicians accompanying them also.

The play had quite a lot happening, right through, with the many satirical connections that the script made, to people and situations, which kept the audience thoroughly entertained. 

In my opinion though, the younger people in the audience, connected with the dialogues and the script, a lot more than the older ones; because you had to be aware of everything happening in the real and virtual world, to grasp the many references made in the play.

CROCHET COLLABORATION

 

If you're in Goa, this first of its kind crochet installation in Goa, by my friend Sheena Pereira and friends of hers, is something you could go and have a look at.  

An initiative of 'The Crochet Collective' Goa, it took 25 women, 3 months, about a thousand squares and a whole lot of love to put together. The tree stands 18 feet tall, as a testament to the love of crochet and the power of community.

It's currently a part of the Festivals of Goa exhibition, at the Museum of Goa; and is available for viewing, until the 18th of January' 2026. 

(Post shared from the 'Crochetwise' FB page.)

A FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE ✍️

It was good to be at the NCPA, for the 'Mumbai Lit Fest' for two of the three days of the festival, on the 7th and 8th of November. 

This is the 16th year of Mumbai's Literary Festival; and the programme for this year, included many varied authors, book launches, well-known presenters and moderators, young writers and poets, performances, awards, a book swap, workshops, a little festival for children and lots more.

I was at the festival on the first two days, and the second day, drew in very large crowds of people, who were there to listen to, some of the prominent celebrity authors and speakers. Even the large Tata Theatre couldn't accommodate, all those who had queued up, for an hour or two before the sessions; and so, there were quite a few people who were upset that they missed out, on sessions that they had initially wanted to listen to. 

Of course, since there were many other interesting events, happening at the other smaller auditoriums of the NCPA, they still got an opportunity, to enjoy the other speakers at the fest.

One of the sessions that I attended, was a conversation between Amrita Raichand and Luke Coutinho, in which Luke spoke about the 'importance of sleep and reducing stress', among other things, which are simple, yet necessary things to focus on, as lifestyle changes that everyone needs to consciously make. These were based on his book 'The Calm Prescription'.

During the process of my mother's long illness, of going through two Cancers, which lasted for close to 9 years, from 2010 to 2018; I have realised, that these are two big factors, that can help us live a healthier life, and that could possibly prevent chronic, life-threatening sicknesses. They are probably equally, or maybe even more important, than controlling our food intake, and focussing on nutrition and exercise.

It was really good to listen to Luke Coutinho in person, after many years of learning a lot through his online videos on health, nutrition and making healthier lifestyle choices.

This session was one that I attended, because I have personally gained, so much of well-researched information and knowledge, from listening to Luke's videos, for the last 10 years. 

His team of Doctors and Nutritionists, were also an unforgettable support to us, through the last few months of my mother's Cancer journey, back in 2018. So, I will always be Grateful to him and to them, for everything.🤗💕

Besides that, I also thoroughly enjoyed a very interactive conversation between Sumanto Chattopadhyay and Anuvab Pal.

I had discovered Sumanto's love for language through his weekly videos called 'The English Nut', back in 2020. It was great to meet this creative personality, from the world of advertising, and to get a signed copy of his book.

Anuvab Pal is someone, that I was hearing for the first time; and I can see why, he is known as the 'intelligent stand up comedian'. Together, these two made a conversation about the English language, very entertaining.😊

I was also pleasantly surprised to meet an old student, at the Kitab Khana book stall. I felt really proud to discover, that he was a winner of one of the contests, that was conducted on college campuses a few weeks before that, as part of the festival.😊

Marine Drive is much quieter in the afternoons, as compared to the evenings, when it is very crowded. Crossing the street, and standing there by the ocean for a few minutes, is something that I always do, whenever I go to the NCPA for an event.✍️

RESTING ETERNALLY IN HEAVEN 🙏🕊

On days like today, we all remember loved ones, that we have lost over the years.😔

But when your entire family is in heaven, you can't help thinking and talking about Angels, 24/7 and 365 days of the year. 

That's just how, I still try and hold on to my family, and to all the precious memories, even so many years, after they've gone.✨️💖

May all our family members, who have moved on from this earthly life, rest in eternal peace, wherever they may be.🙏🕊

(I found these songs on YT yesterday.)

ANGELS - FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS ✨️💖

 

(Was reminded of a memory from three years ago, posted on 2nd November '2022.)

'Somewhere up there', we all have 'Heavenly Angels', who constantly 'watch over us', from those bright blue skies. They'll always be a part of us, no matter how many years may go by, because 'Love Lives On'.🕯🕯🕯

'Somewhere out there', we all have 'Angels among us', who were probably sent to share this journey with us, and to fill our hearts with Joy and Love, like colourful rainbows of Hope.✨️❤️

'...And everywhere I am, There You'll Be'.

A lovely song 'For your Angels and mine'.😊

THERE YOU'LL BE ✨️🎶💖

- Faith Hill

(Song shared from a YT page.)

DISNEY AT 100 ✨️😊

 

If you have always enjoyed Disney movies, musicals and cartoons for years and years, you will enjoy these videos.😊

(Videos shared from the Walt Disney Animation Studios YT page.)

GRIEF TEACHES US LESSONS FOR LIFE ✍️

 

(Was reminded of this old post today. I wrote this 7 years ago, on 20th October '2018, just a little over a month, after my Mum passed away.

Maybe, it will help another person who reads this post, to find strength in times of prolonged sicknesses in the family; or help someone deal with their own tragic losses of loved ones, and with the unbearable pain that we all feel, during and after the death of people, who matter to us. Hopefully, it will just encourage us to try and be grateful anyway, even when it is very, very difficult.)

It's easy to have a positive outlook, when everything goes well, and when life is filled with joyful moments. 

The real challenge is to try and keep smiling,

- when there is absolutely no reason to,

- when the situations in life cause your world, to come crashing down all around you,

- when you don't know how you're going to get through, the long road ahead,

- and when your pain is so intense, that it leaves you completely heart-broken.😪

It's always a struggle to smile through the tears and hard times, when a family member is sick or when we lose them forever; because those are the times, when it is easiest to give up on everything, and to feel completely dejected, lost and upset.

Somehow though, that same God who created us and who knows every falling tear, is always there, in the form of people who care;

- to make sure that he fills us, with the courage and strength to face the future, 

- to keep moving ahead,

- and to keep living life, one moment at a time, without worrying about, what the uncertain future may have in store for us.

The greatest gift I ever received in life, was the 'Gift of a Family', and the struggles we faced together, all through our journey; because it was those very trials and difficulties, that taught me these important lessons, which will stay with me forever. I will always be Thankful to God for that.🙏😊

JOYFUL JOYFUL 🎶

 

I enjoyed listening to this song in the movie 'Sister Act 2'. Heard a choral version sung by a different choir and an acapella version by Pentatonix today. 

(Videos shared from different YT pages.)

A RAY OF HOPE, IN A HOPELESS WORLD 🙏🎶

 

I was just listening to a few Gospel based songs on 'Light', which speak about how, we can all be 'A Ray of Hope' to people, in little ways everyday.  

Here are a few of them. Most of these, are songs written for children; but can be enjoyed by anyone who likes Gospel music.

BE A LIGHT 🪔🎶

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE 🪔🎶

SHINE YOUR LIGHT 🪔🎶

(Songs shared from different YT pages.)

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 🪔

Festivals are a time to spread the light of Love, Joy and Kindness. 🪔

Diwali wishes to everyone.✨️

(Ads shared from different pages on YT.)

SING INDIA SING 🎼🎶🎤

 

(An old FB Memory from this day, 7 years ago, 13th October '2018. I watched this Musical at the Jamshed Bhabha, NCPA. It was a memorable experience.)

Sing India Sing! India's first original musical.🎶

It brought together so much talent in one Production. 

Lyrics, Music, Choreography, Graphics and so much more.

Some of the most talented and creative people from the Mumbai Music and Theatre Industry, were a part of this one.

Written by Rahul DaCunha and Bugs Bhargava, Music by Clinton Cerejo, Directed by Nadir Khan, and with performers like Suchitra Pillai, Brian Tellis, Kamashi Rai, Uday Benegal, Siddharth Basrur, Asif Ali Beg, Delraaz Bunshah, Sarosh Nanavaty, Naquita D'Souza and many, many more fabulous people who worked on this production, it was one power-packed musical.

Lots and lots of hard work has gone into the show; and I was glad I got a chance to experience India's first attempt, at an original Musical.👏👏👏

(Promo Video shared from the Aadyam YT page.)

TWO STEPS FORWARD, ONE STEP BACKWARD

 

An old friend asked me yesterday, 'Have you processed your grief? Have you got closure after your many life struggles, over all the pain and the loss of your entire family, at the young age of 38?  

Most people tend to think, that it is necessary to do this, in order to move forward in life. 

I guess, that is how everyone copes or deals with, loss and death in the family. Forget all about it gradually, cover it up by making new memories everyday, bury the pain underground, never to be seen again, enjoy every moment in life, because you haven't died yet, and you're still breathing.

That probably works, for a lot of people. But, I'm not one of those people. I could never ever, close the most significant chapters of my life, just because those people, are not physically present, on this earth anymore. 

A parent and a sibling, can never be replaced by anyone, even years and decades, after they are gone. It is absolutely impossible to fill in the gaps, left by the absence of a mother, a father and a brother.😪 From where do you get a new mother, a new father and a new brother, after they have died?💔...You just can't.😔

So, I will carry the memories of my parents and my brother with me, till the day I join them up in heaven. The happy memories, and the sad and difficult ones too. Those memories; even the painful ones, are what keep me connected to them...and I will hold on to every single one of them, 'Forever and Ever'.✨️💖

It's difficult to explain this concept to people. Even family and friends, don't really seem to understand. 

They may want to forget. I don't want to.

They may choose to move on. I never will.

...And that's how, I deal with Loss and Death.🤷🏻‍♀️

No two people process 'Grief' in the same way. Each one has their own methods. It doesn't make any one, the right or wrong way. They are just different people's 'unique techniques and coping strategies', of making sense of whatever situations, life takes them through.

I'm sharing a few videos that I've watched recently. I liked listening to these. Hopefully, they may help another person, to deal with their own challenging situations, one day at a time; even if it is, two steps forward, one step backward. 🙏

(Videos shared from various pages on YT.)

THANKSGIVING DAY 🎶

 

While the American Thanksgiving is celebrated towards the end of November, the Archdiocese of Bombay celebrates 'Thanksgiving Day', on the first Sunday of October, every year.

It's a day on which, we give thanks for the harvest, and also for the many other blessings, that we receive constantly.

GRATEFUL 🎶

THANKFUL 🎶

(Songs shared from different pages on YT.)

A PRAYER IN SONG 🙏🎶

 

(FB Memories reminded me today, that I have shared different versions of this song, on the 4th of October, over the years.)

Right through my life, I have always felt blessed that I was born on the Feast Day, of the person who wrote this beautiful prayer.🙏 

So many great lessons to learn, from St.Francis of Assisi.

If more people become instruments and channels of peace each day, in their own little corner.🕊🤍

If more people care for creation, think about the environment and make a few changes, every day. 🌳🌿

This earth would soon become, a better place.😊

MAKE ME A CHANNEL OF YOUR PEACE 🎶

(Videos shared from different YT pages.)

ON THE WINGS OF A DOVE 🕊🤍

 

The 2nd of October, which is the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is also the 'International Day of Non-Violence'.🕊

A few years ago, I discovered this beautiful song sung by one of my favourite singers, Olivia Newton-John and her daughter. 

If only every nation around the globe, would find ways in which to dialogue with one another, stop the violence and end the mindless and meaningless wars, our world would be a more peaceful and a happier place.🤍

I thought I would share this song today, at the start of the month of October.

WINDOW IN THE WALL 🎶

- Olivia Newton-John and Chloe

I also saw this video today, where the Pope prays for collaboration between different religious traditions, to help people realise that we are 'One Human Family'; and that we need to work together, to bring about peace and unity, in our fragmented world. 🙏

(Videos shared from the different YT pages and I found this picture on the Internet.)

ANYTIME YOU NEED A FRIEND 😊💕

 

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME 🎶

- Randy Newman

Another one of those very sweet Disney songs about Friendship. 

When people are still listening to a song, even 30 years after it was composed, it means they wrote a good song.😊

(Song shared from a page on YT and the pictures are from the Disney page.)

BEAUTIFUL LIKE A RAINBOW 🌈

 

The rainy season has just been endless, this year. Much longer than the usual 4 months. The unseasonal showers began in May, and we're almost in October; but it doesn't seem to have finished, pouring down on the earth. It almost feels like we've been sitting under a waterfall, non-stop for so many months.🌧☔️

While we're so 'Grateful', for a more than adequate supply of water, for the year ahead; we can't help smiling, every time the sun peeps out, from behind those gloomy clouds, which are still visible.🙏

But very soon, as the monsoon ends and the weather changes again, we'll be grumbling and complaining about the October heat.🌞 

I guess, our human nature makes us behave like that.🤷🏻‍♀️ We forget to be 'Thankful for the many Blessings', which we receive in abundance, every single day.

The end of the rains, is usually the time, to look out for rainbows. I haven't seen one yet, this year. But I did think of two songs that talk about 'Rainbows', sung beautifully by Eva Cassidy.🌈

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW 🎶

- Eva Cassidy

TRUE COLOURS 🎶

- Eva Cassidy

(Songs shared from the YT page of the singer and the pictures are from the internet.)

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR ✨️🎶

 

I've always loved the Disney songs. More than half the 'wonder and magic' of a Disney movie, is because of the memorable songs, in almost all their films. I have lots of favourites among them.😊

I found this lovely version, of one of the Disney songs that I like, today. 

- Leslie Odom Jr. 🎶

Also sharing a duet of the same song.

- Kelly Clarkson and Cynthia Erivo 🎶

This is another lovely version of the same song, which I enjoy listening to, sung with an entire orchestra.

- Sara Bareilles 🎶

(Songs shared from various YT pages.)

A SONG FOR PEACE 🕊🤍🎶

 

The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy has been encouraging Choral Music for a few decades now, by giving different Choirs, an opportunity to sing at their various concerts. Lots of people, have always enjoyed the Stop-Gaps concerts, over the years.🎶

About six years back, they also began organising a 'Children's Choir Festival'. Every year, this event gives us a chance, to listen to the voices of children, blending together in harmony. The groups that participate, are from schools, parishes, and other choirs as well. 

Listening to the children singing, some days ago, made me remember the time, when we used to also sing in groups at various school events, as kids. The difference though, is that while we would mostly just sing the melody and some simple seconds, back then; now, children are learning how to sing three and four part harmonies, at such a young age...and I think, that's so wonderful.👍  

I love how so many schools especially, have gradually started introducing their students, to the joy of singing in harmony, by bringing in music teachers, who have the ability to train children, to sing different voice parts, in a choir. 

A few of the choirs, that participated in this year's festival, had very tiny, young children; and I was really amazed at their ability to sing harmonies, so melodiously and effortlessly, even though they are so little. Hearing them sing so beautifully, made everyone who was there, smile.😊💕

The songs chosen were all related to this year's  Theme - 'A Song for Peace'.🕊

The concert happened, just two days before the 'International Day of Peace'. So, the meaningful songs, also brought out that message of 'Peace', which is so relevant, at a time when so many places in the world, are being devastated by war and disharmony.🤍

LEAVE A LIGHT ON ✍️🎶

Many years ago, a student of ours, took his own life, when he was in Class 10. He had been sitting in my classroom, earlier that morning; and in the evening, we received news that he was gone forever, just like that.😪

I will never forget what I felt on that day, and in the days and weeks after that. How much I wished, that I had spoken to him; if I had only known, what he was going through. How often I asked myself, why I hadn't been more observant, or noticed, any visible or invisible signs, or changes in his behaviour, which may have indicated, that he was troubled.

There have been a few other instances too; when I have known young people, who have taken this extreme step. And whenever, the person is someone you know, you always end up wishing, that you could have done something; just anything at all, to prevent them, from ending their life.🤷🏻‍♀️

Unfortunately, a lot of times, there are no visible signs of deep anguish, or of emotional distress or pain; because people can be extremely good at disguising, how they really feel, behind a cheerful face or talkative chatter.

Maybe the signs are there; but friends, family and people around a person like this, need to care and listen enough, to notice minor changes in behaviour, mannerisms, and to the things they say, or maybe don't even know, how to express. 

But sadly, in this world of 'Over-Connection', people are more 'Disconnected', than ever before. Everyone is so caught up, in living their own lives; that no one really takes the time to notice, when someone begins to slowly fade away into the darkness, quietly.😔

I saw the poster below, a few days ago; and discovered that the International Association for Suicide Prevention, collaborates with the World Health Organisation and the World Federation for Mental Health, to observe a day every year, on the 10th of September, called 'World Suicide Prevention Day'. 

So I thought, that I would write something about it today, just to create a little more awareness.✍️

I'm also sharing two songs, that speak about this. 

LEAVE A LIGHT ON 🎶

(Talk away the dark) 

- Papa Roach and Carrie Underwood

YOU ARE NOT ALONE 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir

(Videos shared from various pages on YT.)

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OVER ME ✨️💖

 

Seven years today, since that final farewell,

How quickly the days and months, have turned into years.😔

But at every step of the way, each minute of every day, 

Your presence and affection, this daughter's heart longs for, through her tears.😪

Miss you Always and Forever.🤗❤️

A MOTHER'S LOVE ✨️💖🎶

- Jim Brickman (One Voice Children's Choir)

LULLABY (GOODNIGHT MY ANGEL) ✨️💖🎶

- Christina Perri

(Songs shared from different pages on YT.)

MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS ✨️💖

 

No one could ever take the place of a 'Mother', in the life of her 'Daughter'.😪

In a week, when there is an absolute fruit salad of a million flashbacks and questions, floating around in my mind; these lovely 'Mother-Daughter' songs, made me smile, for a little while.✨️💖

FOREVER MY LITTLE GIRL 🎶

A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER 🎶

A MOTHER LIKE YOU 🎶

(Songs shared from various pages on YT.)

MEMORIES ARE ALL WE HAVE TO HOLD ON TO 🎶

 

Weeks like these, make me think of songs like these.😔

REMEMBER ME 🎶

- Coco (Disney)

WHEN YOU ARE GONE 🎶 

- Jim Reeves

PLEASE REMEMBER 🎶

-LeAnn Rimes

(Songs shared from various pages on YT.)

SONGS OF HOPE AND PEACE 🤍🕊🌈

 

The Stop-Gaps brought together many amazing choirs and performers, that we all enjoy listening to, in their Concert 'A Call to Peace', which happened at the Tata Theatre, NCPA yesterday.

'Bridging the World with Song' - That is what Alfred D'Souza and 'The Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy' have been doing for many, many years, at every concert they do. Each Choir and Soloist who sang last night, chose very meaningful songs, that brought out the message of 'Peace, Love, Harmony and Brotherhood'.🤍

In a world that is constantly tattered and torn by violence, disharmony, bloodshed, negativity, irrational thinking and the completely illogical loss of innocent lives; an evening like this, filled with melodious songs, that calm and soothe the heart and soul, is like 'A Rainbow of Hope'.🌈 🕊One that reminds all of us, who love music, that the joyous 'Melody, Harmony and Rhythm' of beautifully written songs, filled with positive thoughts, can truly 'Heal the World and make it a better place, for the entire human race'.🎶

It was wonderful to have a choir from Borivali 'Symphony Voices', conducted by Allan Rodrigues, performing in this concert also. They made us feel so proud, with their wonderful harmonious singing.👏👏👏

The best part about an evening like this, besides enjoying all the beautiful songs, sung by every choir and soloist, is getting an opportunity to hear many of my favourite choirs and singers on one evening, and to meet lots of music loving friends. 

A chance to listen to lots of old friends, singing in, or accompanying various choirs, to hear some amazing soloists, to feel proud of a few ex-students who were performing, and to meet many, many friends, who were in the audience too; made last night, even more special.😊💕

WHAT FRIENDS ARE SUPPOSED TO DO 🎶

The One Voice Children's Choir just shared this song, a few days ago on their YT page. I like this Choir and have been listening to their cover versions of songs, for many years.

COUNT ON ME 🎶

- One Voice Children's Choir 

If you ever forget, how much you really mean to me,

Every day I will, remind you.

You can 'Count on Me', like 1 2 3

I'll Be There;

Cause that's what 'Friends' are supposed to do.😊💕

I'm also sharing the lyric video of the original song.

- Bruno Mars 

(Video shared from the YT pages of the singer and choir.)

THE BEST SONGS THROUGH THE YEARS 🎶

 

(Another memory from 3 years ago, written on this day, 28th August '2022.)

If you've not yet been for a Musical Production by 'The Vishaal Asrani Institute of Performing Arts' (VAIPA), you should keep a look out for their next show and make sure you don't miss it. I think they are just amazing, at the way in which they showcase an entire evening.

I made a last minute decision, to go for their show 'Legends and Divas' at the Royal Opera House today; and very happily ended up singing along with the performers, from the beginning to the end of the show.😊 

It was a Tribute Concert to many, many different singers, both past and present, that almost everyone loves. Their song selection had many, many favourite songs; and you could hear lots of people in the auditorium joining in and singing too, which was so great. 😊🎶💕

I tried to keep a track of which singers and songs they had picked; but they packed so many awesome artists into the show, that after a point I stopped trying to remember.😂 Those of you who love music, see how many you can guess from the pictures.😊 

A few people sitting behind me, were wondering whether there were 5 or 6 or more singers; because the 4 awesome performers changed so many costumes and wigs in that two hour show, that a lot of people must've thought there were more than just four people singing. Vishaal Asrani, Delraaz Bunshah, Sarosh Nanavaty and Sparsh Korde were simply amazing. 😊💕

The lovely backdrops, the great choreography and the lights only added, to making the show look as good as the singing sounded. 

Mithil Shah is a really, really good host too; and whoever put together all the 'trivia' about each singer and the songs, did a really good job.

Jiji Subi, the Producer and Vishaal Asrani, the Director of the show; another awesome production.👏👏👏