Monsoon sights-5

This is a wild variety of croton plant which grows on its own and need no attention even during dry season. Its brilliant colours remain through all seasons. It protects itself in the summer by dropping its leaves partially and revives back to its full life even with the first rain. Obviously its roots might be  spreading out to places where it can draw its moisture from !  Its capacity to adapt is remarkable.

We too are gifted with the capacity of residence! It is portrayed in the life and mission of Jesus of Nazareth. The father in the story of the prodigal son displayed it most! Let us grow in grace to be patient and generous at al times!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Monsoon sights-4

This was my mother's favourite plant! She had planted them all around the front yard and we have scattered them even more in the garden. This orchid variety is easy to grow and can stand even adverse heater conditions! But whether it is summer or winter or monsoon the colour remains almost the same. 

As humans we go through different moods...but we are called to be joyful all the time because we are blessed with the 'joy that passes all understanding'!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Monsoon sights-3

I do not remember of having seen this type of Mushroom anywhere! They remained like for three days and faded away! A sight that capture your attention because of its rarity!

Nature has concealed  many surprises in the soil. Our environment is rich and bountiful because it is the Creator's handiwork!

M.C.Mathew( text and photo)

Monsoon sights-2

The Anturium plants at our cottage date back to 1980, when my father collected their shoots from a family friend and planted them around the house.  Some grow in the ground and others in pots where  he planted. So the plants have a history of 25 years.

Every time I watch them I am reminded of the care my father took in tending these plants. These plants are slightly temperamental, because they require a right proportion of moisture, shade, sunlight, humidity and manure. The flowers appear through the year if this proportion is maintained. We are still experimenting with this proportion. 

For a surprise, we have some flowers all the time during the last six months!

Does it not tell us about the value of caring even when immediate benefits are not visible!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Monsoon sights-1

Sights in the garden of our cottage- Lilies in full bloom. Anna have tendered these plants for over 15 years. We have had these plants bloom twice a year over these years.

My only regret is that Anna was not here to see these flowers herself as she was away in Ludhiana with Ethan, Amy and Arpit. Anna was back this week after a most fulfilling experience. These flowers remind us the story of our life at Vellore, Pondicherry and now here!

I return to post my reflections in the blog after a break of a month- during this season of monsoon, I have had erratic internet connection! I hope it would be better form now on!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)

Generation Z -new brand ambassadors !

I found this article in THE HINDU on 24th June, interesting and informative. The sub-caption of the article that 'in the next three to four years they will march in to our work place in huge numbers..' caught my attention. 

We have a techno-savy generation of young people who are gadget driven with considerable skills in accessing information, managing it and pursuing a leisurely approach to work culture. All the formality associated with work- working hours, dress code, office space, etc are all changing. The Z generation would prefer flexible working hours, casual wear all the time at work and formal occasions and a lounge like setting for the office space. The central theme of the work culture is gadget dependence and using the social media in work execution.

I see its reflection among health care professionals in a variety of ways. 

Let me suggest that the health care planners ought to consider an inevitable reality that they would have a floating work force from now on. The Z generation would seek after what suits them. So the work culture ought to change to accommodate their aspirations, where the emphasis would have to be  on person centred approach rather than a policy driven work ambience. 

It was a historical moment for CMC Vellore yesterday, when a decision was made to allow part time work for women as a first step towards its openness to change!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)      

Doctors in a carpentry session!

I was pleasantly surprised to watch these doctors doing an almost professional level carpentry work to make a garden bench for a new garden which the first year medical students were creating in the Big Bungalow premises at CMC, Vellore campus, as part of their foundation course.

I like the way the carpentry club started to promote interest in carpentry among students and faculty has already become an hub of activity with valuable creative contribution. I happened to see a recently made logo of a clinical department carved in wood with a mat finish polish, which I thought was an art piece of high quality in aesthetics, craftsmanship and imagery.  

I happened to visit the carpentry club room recently. I was amazed to observe the professional touch to its set up with advanced facilities with relevant machinery and equipment for easy start for any one for a learning journey in wood work. Whether it is for leisure or for developing into a hobby, the facility offers much prospects.

I remember the words of St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, when he exhorts us to '..work with your hands..'! There is a fascinating journey of contentment when we design and create something in wood!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)