‘This the season for nostalgia and wishes, marked by the annual tradition of hanging a red Christmas stocking on the bookshelf, a humble substitute for the fireplace absent in Mumbai’s warm winters. The AC hums softly, providing the closest semblance of chilliness. The stocking, maroon and modest in size, bears the embroidered ‘M,’ a thoughtful touch from someone who knows the value of personalized magic.
In this moment, memories of childhood resurface, a time when belief in Santa Claus created a bubble of pure happiness, untouched by worries, responsibilities, bills, or promises. The only weight on young shoulders was the hopeful anticipation of discovering desired gifts within the stocking on Christmas morning.
Now, with beliefs and hopes transformed by the passage of time, the small maroon stocking serves as a vessel for wishes that transcend material desires. The fervent hope is for a touch of magic, a Christmas morning filled not with tangible gifts, but with intangible blessings. A yearning for good health and genuine happiness to permeate lives, harmony to reign in the country, and peace to flourish with neighbors. A wish for religious tolerance among communities, a reduction in crimes against women and children, a robust stock market, and a thriving economy. The desire extends to fairer elections and a government that genuinely cares for its people.
In contemplating the contents of such a small stocking, now laden with expectations that echo societal aspirations, the question lingers – can Santa Claus, the harbinger of joy and goodwill, fill this diminutive vessel with the collective dreams of a better world? The anticipation, much like that of a wide-eyed child, remains, and in that wonder, the spirit of Christmas perseveres.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. He has interviewed almost every famous person in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
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