Two Trees, One Life Lesson

I knew that my life was going to change the next day. I was about to quit a life in biophysics. And one Indian summer day in October, I walked out of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bombay, and walked into the offices of Society, looking for a job. After an interview of sorts, Suma, the editor, said “join tomorrow.” I still ask her what made her gamble on a kid who had no prior experience as a journalist. And I still am deeply indebted to her for that break. She was and will always be my first mentor.

When Suma asked if I would write an article for her in Life Positive, I said yes, without batting an eyelid. And I knew it would be about trees. After some procrastination (I’m lazy by nature when there are no deadlines) I sat down one night to write. What came out was almost cathartic and deeply personal. This is that account. A scanned PDF of the article that was published in Life Positive last month. 

 

10 Responses

  1. sundararajan (@Scribb140)

    just downloaded the article. let me read it ( abhi time nahi yaar. aaj shaam padenge) and will come back…Cheers

    September 13, 2011 at 3:30 am

  2. Ramya

    Arati,

    Very nice article. Hope to see these beauties sometime. I like your writing and photography and have been following your blog since the time I read your article on Borneo in Outlook Traveller. Beautiful piece.

    Your choices and spirit are inspiring. I have similar interests and they remain passive! Keep traveling and keep writing.

    All the best!

    Ramya

    September 13, 2011 at 7:49 am

  3. This is a beautiful post, a gift to whoever reads it. Just the pictures are enough too.
    Thanks for sharing.

    September 13, 2011 at 10:26 am

  4. Thanks Ramya, Natasha ~ glad you liked it.
    Ramya: dont let it remain passive, do what you love, do it often!

    September 13, 2011 at 11:41 am

  5. Chetan Krishnaswamy

    Arati,
    Very passionate, personalised and intense. The pics are simply gorgeous. Keep up the mood, attitude and zest for life. Hope to read more…Best wishes

    September 13, 2011 at 3:21 pm

  6. sundararajan (@Scribb140)

    felt very nice to read a good blog after a long time. Awesome photos and loved your narrative style

    “water plunged a few feet to meet more water”
    “tree boughs wove themselves into a tangle, much like earphone wires”

    these are just should I say best samples.

    Cheers

    September 13, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    • Glad you liked it, please do stop by often.

      September 17, 2011 at 1:52 am

  7. Dilip Chacko

    Arati, as usual I just loved the photos and what you wrote – as I have said in the past I wish I could write a millionth as well

    Keep writing and waiting for the next instalment

    October 12, 2011 at 4:30 am

  8. rekha v kumar

    Honest,true writing-Arati, I never write on facebook when I stroll there occasionally but am moved to do so this once.More strength to you, your pen and camera.

    December 15, 2011 at 3:33 am

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