Being awarded the Sunshine Award and passing it on

Normally, I shy away from awards, but when the lovely A.K. Andrew, nominated me for the Sunshine Awards, I took the plunge. I also wanted to share some of my favourite blogs.

A.K, as she is called, in our LinkedIn group, which is where I first met her, currently lives in Brighton in England and is busy penning a book - Under the Bed. It is her second novel and it juxtaposes the changing political climate of 1969 and 1950s Mccarthyism via Izzie, a young artist in NYC East Village and Midge, a wealthy, but broken middle-aged woman.

This book explores how how an individual’s lack of control over their fate can be in the hands of the government, even a generation apart. But ultimately the fight for survival and coming to terms with past mistakes is up to the individual. You can learn more about the book here

And before I forget of course, you must visit AK's blog


THE SUNSHINE AWARD

“The Sunshine Award is an award given by bloggers to other bloggers. The recipients of the Sunshine Award are: “Bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” The way the award works is this: Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them. Answer questions about yourself. Select 10 of your favorite bloggers, link their blogs to your post and let them know they have been awarded the Sunshine Award!”

I've tweaked the rules slightly. Don't fret, I am answering the questions about myself, but for now, I am selecting six of my favourite bloggers - others will follow.

I have also not nominated anyone from our LI group, but nominated others so that our LI group can visit some of my favourite blogs, which perhaps they haven't visited earlier.

ANSWERS ABOUT MYSELF

1. Favourite Time of the Year?

I live in Mumbai, a coastal city, and one of the world's most crowded cities. I love Mumbai, but the weather can be hot and humid and of course we have our long drawn out monsoon season (we can't do without the monsoon) but the traffic snarls aren't exactly enjoyable. I would say December is my favourite time of the year, it is the only time when there is a slight nip in the air. Tourists throng Mumbai during this time, the daily wage earners, right from the coconut vendor on the beach to the 'victoria' - horse drawn carriage driver near the Gateway of India, do brisk business and there is a spark of joy all around.

2.Favorite Festive movie?

Festivals are becoming increasingly commercialised, be it Diwali or Xmas. I would not term it as a festive movie, but Charlie Brown's Christmas is so touching. Linus rocks.

3. What is your passion

Making a tiny difference. By analysing policies and how they impact you and me, and what can be done, I hope to make a tiny difference. So yes, my other passion writing gels in well with the passion to make a tiny difference. I also love collecting story books for children. You can see details of the school, to which books can be sent on the side bar. I grew up on a diet of story books and I think all children deserve story books.

4. Favourite colour
I have two favourite colours, purple and white

5. Favourite time of the day
Well, I love the coolness and quietness of the night. I am an owl and work best at night.

6. Favourite flower

Wildflowers that I suddenly chance upon are my favourites. You find them growing against all odds, clinging to the sides of the busy road. That said, I also love daisies and sunflowers - they seem to have smiling faces.

7. Favourite non-alcoholic beverage
Pure and fresh, coconut water.

8. Favourite physical activity
Jogging or brisk walking by the sea shore. I love running on sand.

9. Favourite vacation
I love unplanned vacations. Just packing some things in a rucksack and taking off. I don't have a favourite vacation, but enjoy all my trips.

I leave you with some photographs taken by me in Mumbai over the past few years.

AND I NOMINATE THE FOLLOWING FOR THE SUNSHINE AWARDS

1) Annie of Blissful Bohemian


Annie inspires me a lot. She never gave up on her dream of being an artist. I've watched her over the years and her paintings are today even more beautiful. What is more she loves animals and nature, just like I do. Unfortunately I live in the city, so when I need a refreshing
change, I stop by Annie's blog. So can you.

2) Dilip Naidu

Dilip Sir, as I prefer to call him, is a blogger whom I've met in person. A LinkedIn recommendation cites Brigadier Dilip Naidu as being an officer and a gentleman and after having met him, I could not agree more. He has also been awarded the Vishist Seva Medal for rendering distinguished service to the Army. A retired vet, he now moulds young minds and teaches leadership at two institutions in Pune. His students are extremely lucky.

3) Relyn of Come Sit by my fire

Relyn is a school teacher. Her love for teaching and for her students come shining through her blog posts. She loves beauty, is an amazing photographer and has an amazing family. Do drop by and soak in her beautiful posts

4) Marianne Elliott

I deeply admire Marianne. It is people like her who renew my faith in humanity. She has served in the United Nations mission in Afghanistan and is focused on human rights and gender issues. You also need to check out her awesome book - Zen under Fire, Penguin, NZ, 2012. Back home in New Zealand, she teaches yoga online and continues to be a human rights activist in various fora.

5)Jules and her small stones blog

Jules and I first interacted when she came across my blog post seeking books for under privileged children in a school in Bangalore, South India. We have been in touch since then. Jules is extremely perceptive, and vividly captures everything through her 'small stones', which you will find on her blog.

6) Destination Infinity

And last but not the least, I'd like to nominate Rajesh K of Destination Infinity. Rajesh through his blog brings alive his city Chennai in South India and much more.

I look forward to these nominees passing on the awards.