Search for a Stranger

                                     This true short story, purely autobiographical by Dr.Gordon Livingstone is one that moved me very much among the hundreds of short stories read by me in the recent years.The impact was so great that it led to two or three readings .The story packed with passions,emotion and anxiety with the subtle element of thrill seemed to echo in my memory for a couple of days.A few touching sentences could be quoted with ease from memory. The story would be indelible in my mind or ever.

                             A Tamil movie which became a hit, directed by Mr. Maniratnam
might have its roots from this story or a similar one.

                              After reading the story, one cannot be free from the reflections, that counselling, guidance or advice may be good,easy and soothing as long as the giver is outside the issue; once he or she becomes a part of it,acceptance is not immediate.
                            To quote the writer,
    "------- were no longer theories, absractions: they were real problems-they were mine !"

                            Later on googling about the writer, it is known that, besides, being a ssuccessful psychiatrist, Dr. Livingstone is the author of several books including some best sellers.
               The text of the story has been inserted for reminiscence.
                          

                              
                                
                                                                  

Know your city

                           Most of us dream and desire to go far and wide to explore Nature or to visit the places of historical, religious or commercial importance , just ignoring the hidden treasures of the city or the town, where we live.The reason is either procrastination or their value is overlooked just because of their close proximity.
                       It is often humorously remarked that the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world is rarely frequented by the local population of Agra ; the enchanting  Falls of Courtallam attracting hosts of tourists from across the state may not be of any interest 
 to some of the residents of the township.
                       This truth seemed to enlighten me as a vacation of two weeks was nearing in the month of May. That enlightenment may also be an outcome of the awareness about the thronging of the tourists to the hills stations like Ooty or Yercaud during the vacation, being the places, we had planned to visit.
                        The Botanical Gardens of The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, the Gass Museum of The Forest College , Marudamalai, Kasturi Srinivasan Art Gallery , Anaikatti and the recently developed Baralikadu became our choice.Already some of them had been visited by me ; yet I decided to rediscover them.