On the 15th of July, I had completed a year in rediff iland . When I had taken my 1st tentative steps into the world of blogging, I was clueless about what to expect here. I had no idea of the enormous amount of affection and acceptance that I found from my fellow bloggers, some of whom have even become friends for real. Today iland family, somehow, has broken barriers of being a virtual world and has become a part of my life The pattern of life replicates it self so well on this iland. Some friends go away, new friends join in, yet each one has a place in our hearts that is unique. One can never replace the other. Each goodbye leaves a vacuum that echoes with the absence of a friend; each hello also makes us aware of a niche within our conscious mind which was, until that moment, unknown to even us. Yes, I had my share of disagreements too but I was very lucky to have detractors and critics who behaved in the utmost dignified manner and our differences got solved without any nastiness. I wish to thank them for helping me develop more as a person and a writer. I am sorry I cannot mention each and every one of you by name as it would take multiple blogs to fit in the contribution each of you have made to my development as a blogger and in strengthening my confidence . However, I wish to make a special mention, of Pradeep, my first friend on iland, who almost bullied me into writing this piece. I had happily given the 1st anniversary of blogging a miss, but his incessant reminders that I was being ungrateful to the iland by ignoring my friends made me write this post I wish to dedicate the following poem to all of you .the poet's name is not known to me if anyone knows , please do let me know . Just One One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream. One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring. One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul. One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom. One step must start each journey. One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what’s true, One life can make a difference, You see, it’s up to you!
#1 by ANKIT SRIVASTAVA
Sarita Ji …keep blogging we just loved the posts….thx
#2 by Sharath gowda
Hey Happy blogday.
#3 by rajeshkumar rai
congratulations! and thanks for the poem! You made rediff rich by your so well written posts!
#4 by Think Tank
Such a nice poem! And wish you all the best! You are here only since a year! I thought as if you were always here
Keep writing.. (Rahul)
#5 by DM
I found a few good friends - You are ONE….Sarita
#6 by Tarun Singh
“Mein akela hi chala tha - Log milte gaye aur kaarwan banta gaya ” … Keep wriiting … hope the next genrtn - GenY- reads a post titled FIFTY by their beloved “SS aunty” and GenZ reads CENTENARY by” Maata Ji SS ” … And i hope i m able to read ur posts by that time thru my motiya-bind and thick glasses infected eye-sight
#7 by songbird
congratulations……keep writing!
#8 by febin joy
congrats sarita… carry on with the good work… and thanks for being a friend…
#9 by Manojkumar Nair
hi sarita..first of all thnks to pradeep that we came to know about this special moment. it is special for me. i always found ur comments..to the point..and amazing without much efforts.. and above all ur blogs are a treasure to read. people like me..who are not much read must read saritas blogs….i am becoming rich for sure by reading ur pieces. May ur blogs flows forever. also read my blog on indian films.
#10 by plastic poet
congratulations Sarita, it is a blogger’’s world here! have a great future too!
#11 by waseem n
very heart warming post sarita . may u have many many happy moments on this iland.
#12 by tanuj neogi
Happy 1st anniversary! Many, many happy returns of the day. Let the water flow in the direction it chooses & u”d grow with it in course of time..
#13 by Laxmi
haapy anniversary ma”am……………………pradeep’’s blog and to add to that ur blog……………..reminded me dat its long since i hv completed a year on iland……………..and indeed it has really helped us in growing as a person ………and a major part of our life…………..keep enjoying this journey…………..best wishes to u
#14 by ranjit singh
One of the most sincere and dedicated bloggers..Sarita, you have capacity to take the readers with you and you write on varied topics which renders your blog a treasure of knowledge…your account of past events really appears a true depiction of readers” own experiences–so engrossing are your write ups. You have mastery over poetry as well as prose..a warm hearted friend, inspiring and motivating …hearty wishes for success in all your future endeavours…
#15 by rajeshkumar ram
Congratulations……..your friendship is very precious to all of us!
#16 by Buddha
hey wish you many more years ahead.way to go lady. You are definitely THE best blogger on rediff. Someone who is passionate about a cause. I feel that warmth in your posts, comments or a mail you send. No flattery words but i get a closeness akin to having a sister, whom i havent even seen a photograph. But does that matter? what bonds us the passion for writing. keep going Sarita. All the best.
#17 by rakesh tiwari
happy birthday dear……..nice post
#18 by Pradeep
So finally long awaited post of yours came….waise i thought of reading the real account of all your friends on island but i guess u had taken a more balanced approach of thanking all in general, rightly so perhaps becoz u have many friends and it is not possible to mention about all in one post
… The one thing i like most in your writing is your inherent quality of addressing even a most complex of issues in very simplistic manner… Apart from that i am sure all those friends who knows you will agree with me on all account if I say that you are not only a very popular blogger on island but also a very nice friend to know and to interact with ….. keep the good work going …… best wishes
#19 by Pradeep
Congratulations for successful completion of one year on island…… i wish you many more years to come the same way…. Best wishes
#20 by sanat
best wishes.
#21 by anamika r
A big Congratulation…. Sharmila ne bilkul sahi kaha…aur aisi hi quality writtings aur likhti raho..iland ko rich karti raho… abhi kai aur aisi anniversaries manana hai tumhe yaha…God bless you dear…
#22 by p k
congrats on iland anniversary…chal akela…chal akela hi mantra hai aaj ka…isiliye hum sab dweep jaise hain….jude huye…fir bhi juda….ikitne door kitne paas style mein..congrats on a beautiful blog.
#23 by sharmila m
Gr8 way of thanking all ur frnds who have been with u these days.d poem was d cherry on the cake.we all luv u saritha for being such a gud frnd.
#24 by Anonymous Poet
congrats for the one year buddy!!! and one year..you are all over here…the power of one! a beautiful and lovely poem! like a jingle and that too a perfect one!!!! thanks for sharing this, may god bless you and may u always continue to write and write and write
wish u loads of luck and success in life!
#25 by Pradeep
…So finally the long awaited post of yours came …… waise I thought of reading the real account of all your friends on island but I guess u had taken a more balanced approach of thanking all in general, rightly so perhaps becoz u have many friends and it is not possible to mention about all in one post
…. The one thing I like most in your writing is your inherent quality of addressing even a most complex of issues in very simplistic manner….Apart from that I am sure all those friends who knows you will agree to me in totallity if i say that you are not only a very popular blogger on island but also a very nice friend to know and to interact with …. keep the good work going
#26 by Pradeep
Congratulation for successfully completion of one year on island, i wish you complete many such years on this island … best wishes
#27 by songbird
wish you a smooth journey ahead!
#28 by songbird
congrats…