utopianthots

Utopian thots

2011-04-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

Loads of people been coming up and telling me that supporting the bill may not be the brightest things and it may end up being even a bigger monster. So instead of explaining to each one I decided to put it down here. My guess is if you ask anyone what this bill constitutes, they wont have an idea-its the case with most mass campaigns and that's what happens with elections, create hungama and hysteria and you will have enough support. But in this case and I can atleast talk about myself, I support the movement because it tells the Government "I can't be taken for granted". I vote, but I still get idiots to "Govern" me, because the other idiots dont go and vote- I feel helpless. This is a platform for me to voice my opinion. Also, it atleast prevents the Government from passing a hogwash bill which is a bill "Of the Politcians, By the Politicians, For the Politicians".
The Jan LokPal bill is more vigilante in nature and it has it has drawbacks with serious repercussions. And protesting for it does not mean that it has to be accpeted in absolute. A bill to curb corruption does not have to be either that drafted by the Politcians or by the Civilians-it can be a middle ground.
I am surprised that people think it is either this way or that- I am sure even Anna Hazare would accept a solution of a bunch of people constituting the Government and the Junta sitting and drafting a truly effective and implementable bill.

The good thing here is that the people are not willing to take things as is.

Random thoughts

2011-03-02T02:40:00.000-08:00

After years of contemplating on what form of Self defense to take up-opted for Krav Maga a few months ago. This was more to expend the excessive energy (or nervous energy, if I may be candid). Apart from increasing the fitness levels and the confidence to deal with unpleasant situation it has taught me to look at life differently and deal with it differently. While teaching, Sensei tell us ways and means to improve our execution and technique. But, what I realized that a lot of it when applied to life works beautifully. Business deals, dealing with people everything becomes simpler.
One of the key things is to understand that combat is spontaneous and you can’ predict what the opponent would do, all you can do is react. This is what happens in any situation, human behaviour cannot be gauged or pre-determined, happens only in novels and films . All you can do is react and that reaction can lead to just three outcomes…
• Release- you escape
• Overpower the opponent: You can either finish the opponent or maim him enough claim victory
• The opponent gets the better of you
Which is why it is essential to control your actions…never let the opponent’s moves intimidate you. Never let him come in the way of what you want to do. Look forward…not back at this movements. Most people try and intimidate by raising voices, using tough language and the overall body language. The idea is to hold your calm and not let them pierce through what your next move is. Your move should be to thwart the opponents move in your favor. Use his strength, his strength against him. Also, remember there are no rules in a fight, everything is justified…when in life and death…choose your life over his.
But one of the most important lesson is to walk away from conflict, unless essential…don’t spoil for a fight. And, remember you are your only true opponent, you know what you are going to do and you know how to thwart it.
Masakatsu Agatsu. (True victory over one’s self)

Untitled

2011-01-28T01:11:00.000-08:00

mind's a blank, heart rate is quick..racing away...so much to do, but nothing to do... a sense of disquiet, a sense of non achievement...like something amiss...ensnared and trapped where trying to escape seems futile.
Lulled into a sense of complaceny, a falsified security...each day passes by with nothing different...all meshed into one with nothing to differentiate, but dates and days.

Three Cups Of Tea

2010-10-20T19:10:00.001-07:00

Read a real good book after ages, Three cups of tea. It’s just amazing how much of a mist clearer this book is. It’s about one man’s effort in educating the children of Pakistan and Afganistan despite all odds. Makes me feel there is so little we contribute to our own children. He nails the problem when he says that the war on terror cannot be fought with bombs but books. The other bit which he states and is really close to my heart is bit about educating girls and how essential it is to the progress of a community. What astounded me was his ability to get girls to go to school even in the most conservative areas of Pakistan and Afganistan.
It’s a must read!

The loss of innocence

2010-08-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Saw this picture of three kids in Kashmir not being more than 13 years old, with sticks attacking a burning police jeep- totally wrenched my heart to see the angst & frustration which would have led to such levels of violence and hatred at such a young age. In an age when they should be thinking of their career, passions..they were standing there waging a battle, waiting to be hit by a bullet. Can't even imagine what thier parents must be going through. The conflict in Kashmir has been there for over 5 decade, draining both India and Pakistan not just monetarily but also causing instability.
It's unimaginable how the people have survived in Kashmir which is always on the brink of war and violence. Every family must have lost someone.

The lines of history get diluted by the day....what the people want gets blurred each day. Probably all they crave now is peace, but it may just be too late to do anything.

If Kashmir is to get its autonomy it may just become a haven for radical forces spelling doom for India, not to forgot the poltical debacle it will be for the party in power. As for Pakistan, it's being claimed by its own monster, an idependent Kashmir will add to its exisitng cup of woes.

Unfortunately, the Kashmiris will have to continue to bearing the brunt of this conflict, which community they belong to seems to be incidental

Miss you

2009-10-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Papa,
Its been almost 3 months that you have gone, but I still miss you as much if not more. I don’t know how people say time is the best healer-doesn’t seem to work in our case. You know I would have never put this up have always hated this blatant expression of grief, have learnt from you to internalize it-but didn’t know where else to put this. You were always my sounding board and strength and it seems difficult to deal with this without you. Though, you did prepare me in your own way. I need you more than ever, you know why, I try to hear your voice but I cant. It makes me feel alone.
You know its my birthday, I always looked forward to it and used to be super excited but right now it’s the bleakest day of my life. The other days are happier than this one. It pains me that the one person who truly welcomed me into this whose part I was is not there anymore, to wish me. Don’t get me wrong Pa, I have a great set of friends and Ma is there, J is there and so is Karan-but you are not there and it makes me unhappy. I know I should not be sad but I am & there is nothing I can do.
I know you would have told me “Learn to deflect” , “ Concentrate on your life”-but I cant Pa. You know I can’t express myself to anyone but you Pa and it makes it difficult.
It just doesn’t feel special without you Pa, just doesn’t. Miss you so much…

The Veto Power

2009-04-25T03:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, while I watched Dance India Dance when two girls were in the danger zone for the elimination process the hosts kept re-iterating that its been the third consecutive week since the voting process started that the girls are being eliminated. Well, I wasn’t surprised since all reality shows have harped on this and stated that the girls irrespective of talent levels are the first to get eliminated- fewer people vote for them.
Now, that shouldn’t be surprising since women’s cricket, hockey and women in general are ignored in India. Even in this day and age female infanticide, feticide are accepted evils, the lust for male child has only grown over the years. Education, literacy have done little to improve the situation for the female child-one study shows that India would have 25mn surplus males in India (I can already here the applause).
Anyway coming back to the show, a very disgusted Mithunda used his veto vote to save the girl-only if all used the veto vote to save the many girls who die even before they have taken their first breath.

Pass on the shoes

2009-04-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

The first thing that I struck me in the photos during the Dera Sacha sauda street violence in Mumbai were young Sikh youths wearing “Never Forget 1984”. The shoe throwing incidence has brought to light the simmering anger bubbling against an issue that has been swept under the carpet-the wounds are still raw.
The politicians are busy backing each other and saying it was an un-journalistic approach. I think its time they focused on booking the guilty than making speeches (I know it’s the election season). 1984 is a huge weight on the conscience of Congress and 25 years is a long time to clear the weight.
If it took a few years to bringIndira Gandhi’s killer’s to justice why should it 25 years to book the guilty of 1984?

Varun Gandhi- The new face on the dartboard

2009-03-24T23:59:00.001-07:00

Its been amusing to see Varun Gandhi taking up quite a bit of print space off late. At least its publicity I had completely forgotten about him since the last election, he has been so conspicuous by his absence. His claim to fame-he wanted to annihilate anyone who goes against Hindus. So someone files an FIR against him and everyone is up in arms against the boy. Maybe I sound patronizing, but the fact is I find the whole situation very funny. Poor guy, thought he would get away with it given our tolerance level- Bal Thackeray, Advani, Raj Thackeray, Muthalik to name a few have all gotten away with a lot more. Some of them were actually in power after their alleged involvements in riot. Raj Thackeray is moving about scot free and continues to make his “Hate speeches” with 91 cases against him, so I don’t blame Varun for thinking he will get away with it.
What’s even more amusing is that everyone is saying that he is so unlike the Gandhi clan, Priyanka wants him to read the Geeta. Everyone seems to have forgotten that even Congress has blood on their hands-1984 riots anyone? So this holier than thou act seems prudish.
My grouse against Varun just two- dude, how did you think that you will get away with a religion based agenda in today’s times. You are young, you should be trying to change the face of politics by looking at a development based agenda.
Two, if you have said it “Be a man and stand by the fact that you did”, you could try and apologize for it, but saying that its doctored is taking conspiracy theory to new heights.
In the meantime, Varun enjoy being the “New face on the dartboard”.

Are we turning into an intolerant, undemocratic country?

2008-11-05T02:14:00.000-08:00

Today America created history by electing Barack Obama as the first Afro American President of a white country. A country which has a history of bias against the Afro Americans. The Governor at Manhattan celebrates Independence Day by hoisting the Indian National Flag. Why am I blabbering about America? Because it amazes me that a Country can choose a President who is not born there and is of a different race, cause they celebrate another country’s Independence Day cause they have people from that country living there in large numbers and they don’t feel threatened. Even if they do, they don’t beat them up and kill them.
All this when we are busy killing and beating up people in practically every other State of ours in the name of language, religion, sub-caste- and we are supposed to be one race. We “Indian” who have always stood for tolerance, love and democracy.
What has changed in the last 60 years? Has freedom made us less responsible, more callous and lesser humans?

Bihar and Biharis…

2008-10-24T02:59:00.000-07:00

A lot of water has flown under the bridge and this compels me to write this. Lets start at the very beginning, I am a Bihari and a very proud one at that. Often, I have been told that “ Oh! You don’t look like a Bihari” wonder what we look maybe ET I don’t know. But have often taken that in my stride. Bihar and Biharis have been at the receiving end of racist crimes and ridicule for a very long time now, all this on the basis of 30 or 40 years of exposure that people have had to it. They almost make it sound like it’s another Country. The recent spate of violence and killing of one of the students has compelled me to try and educate people about Bihar, because ignorance is not always bliss.
1. Bihar is the 12th largest state in terms of geographical size in India and one of the oldest inhabitated areas in the world with 3000 years of history
2. Around 6mn people visit Bihar each year for tourism
3. Mahabodhi one of the UNESCO world heritage site is a situated in Bihar
4. It is the key religious places for Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Hindus
5. Erstwhile Bihar gave birth to one of India’s first empire i.e.Maurya followed by the Gupta .This was called the Golden Age of India
6. King Ashoka, Vikramaditya, Chankya were all from Bihar
7. Two of the oldest and largest universities Nalanda and Vikramshila are a part of Bihar
8. From Bihar arose Buddhism
9. Mahatma Gandhi bridge which connects Patna to Muzzafarpur is one of the longest bridges in the world.
10. Vardaman Mahavira was also born in Vaishali
11. One of the most famous Hindi scholars Ram Dhari Singh Dinkar is also from Bihar
12. Music is not far behind in Bihar Bhart Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, the Malliks are also from Bihar
13. Patna University which was established in 1917 is the 7th oldest university in India
14. The longest road in India the Grand Trunk road was built in Bihar
15. It was in Bihar that Mahatama Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience movement the famous Champaran Satyagrah
16. The first president of India Dr.Rajendra Prasad was from Bihar
These are just some of the things that I could list down, am sure there would be much more. Then why is it that we are famously infamous, why is it that we are only know for Laloo Yadav? Why is that a place which has such a rich and cultural heritage and was prosperous for so long is now forcing people to seek other areas of employment? Why is it that even though there is very little focus on education and exposure and almost zero facilities available that students from Bihar have a large representation in IIT’s, IIM’s, AIIM’s and other civil services ? Am guessing that the place would have been conducive to some extent to have been a haven for Arts, Culture, Politics, Education and living. So what went wrong? Bihar lags behind in Economic development today because of the apathy of the Central Government and certain policies which resulted in its downfall such as the Freignt Equalization policy. There is no spokesperson for the State in the Assembly!
While one of the states was deteriorating and was going through its worst phase the rest of the country turned its face away since it was not connected to them. How does it matter it does not affect us? But if Biharis seek opportunity some place else, beat the hell out of them. Its worse than apartheid. For the first time I am ashamed of being an Indian and yes Maharatrians would be treated in the same way as Biharis in the US and UK cause you are Indians taking away jobs from them. Think about this the next time you try and beat up a Bihari.

India- Only a figment of our imagination?

2008-09-09T02:21:00.000-07:00

At the cost of sounding like a separatist I feel a deep need to raise this- Is India just a figment of our imagination. Does a national identity truly exist? How do you define an Indian? Besides the obvious that he belongs to India. When I was in school India had 26 states- vaguely remember there being a struggle for a split of Bihar into Bihar and Jharkand. But nothing more.
15 years down the line UP, MP, Bihar have all been split into halves. Kashmir is fighting for its identity, the Gorkhland agitation has gained momentum, the fight for Bodoland is still strong and now we have Raj Thackeray fighting for the Marathi Manoos. North East does not even get covered in the news not even weather updates, Assam get hardly any relief measures when struck by flood. The scene is Chak De beautifully sums up when the girls from NE come to register for the hockey camp.
With all this we still believe that we are one Nation-that must be a huge blind spot. To me it’s more like we are 35 countries tied by a fragile string which is ready to crack. Wouldn’t we be better off if we became like Europe-35 countries, one single currency, and no Visas required?
But maybe then we would find some other reason to fight…cause politics does not cease to exist.

Short Sighted Raj Thackeray

2008-09-01T02:33:00.000-07:00

While there are floods in Bihar, killings withinOrissa, chaos at Kashmir, violence in Bengal, an ever increasing inflation, a dipping GDP and dip in economy Raj Thackeray and his goons are busy fighting for Marathi being a local language. They are adding to existing woes by thereatning traders, blacking out boards-its all so ridiculous.
I am all for multi lingual sign boards and yes there should be boards in Marathi too, but is this the way to go about it or the time. But obviously the situation in the Country is of no concern to him he is so poltically motivated that he has no other agenda but this or maybe he is just incapable of taking up any other agenda.
BTW has anyone noticed how his goons just land up at Thane, Dadar etc? Guess they dont have the courage to enter a Bhindi Bazar or Crawford Market....So much for the cause of the Marathi Manoos and Marathi culutre..Tch

The war within

2008-08-13T01:43:00.000-07:00

The wounds of the 93’blasts and the riots that affected the country have barely healed, that the communal fires are being fanned eagerly. J&K has been held to ransom again and this time from within. Mehbooba Mufti by supporting the march to Muzzafrabad obviously had no idea that she was putting to the Country’s security to risk, or maybe that’s what she wanted. Praveen Togadia has the audacity to make an irresponsible statement like ‘Chalo Ayodhya’ may be repeated-is that a threat Mr.Togadia? If yes, who is it against? People like me-who don’t give a damn for Hindu-ism as perceived by you.
It doesn’t matter to you or to Mehbooba Mufti cause no one from your family dies, cause you don’t lose money, cause you are not inconvenienced. Who is the VHP to bring any city to halt? Will you resolve the situation like this? But the intention here is more to cause chaos than to stop it.
The issue has snowballed out of control because of inaction of the Central as well as the State Government. No one seems to know how to control the monster they have created. A little bit of effective communication would have prevented the loss of lives and property-but human live has no one value in our country. Each party has to own up and take responsibility for the situation today and each party is equally accountable.
We shall be celebrating our 61st Indpendence day in two days, but I don’t feel like celebrating cause we are still not a free country. Our minds are still shackled by hate, religious bias, class divide, gender bias and so many such evils and we are still slaves to people like Mehbooba Mufti, Togadia and the likes of them. It’s one of saddest chapters in the history of this country.

Violent Hindu Parishad (VHP)

2008-07-31T03:41:00.000-07:00

Been meaning blog about this for sometime. But just didn’t get around to. A bunch of colleges guys stage a Modern Ramayan during a college fest and one of the scenes depicted Sita grappling to take her mobile, while Ravana is abducting her-this obviously did not go down to well with the self-declared custodians of Hindutva, the VHP who stormed the college and staged a protest in the only way they know: VIOLENCE.
This is absolutely ridiculous who is the VHP to stage a protest on this. The fact that students could spoof Ramayana only shows that they know and understand it-which is something to be proud of. I don’t see any of the so called Hindutva party teaching the next gen our epics, mythological stories and other things, so what right do they have to protest.
A decently done spoof or dramatization or interpretation should not be objected to by anyone least of all a wing which does nothing to promote it. All they are doing is successfully alienating the younger bunch from our culture and religion (if Hinduism can be called that) by showing we are bunch of Neanderthal cave men.
Thank god for small mercy that when Kundan Shah made Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, the so called Hindutva parties were not strong or there would only two outcome :You wouldn’t have the classic Mahabharata scene with Satish Shah as Draupadi or the theaters screening it would be stoned, Kundan Shah’s office would be attacked etc etc

A bigot's view

2008-07-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

My husband has labeled me a bigot and which I think is true to some extent. Each time we are subjected to terror attacks and some more people get killed, theMr.Hyde in me emerges and totally dominates. There is not even an iota humanness in me then and all I can think of condemning an entire community. Thankfully, the Dr.Jekyll emerges soon and I am back to rational, humane person. Why am I telling you this? Been reading the comments of people on of the blogs and am amazed and amount of hatred and violence stored within a bigot. Given a chance they would be no better than the Terrorist who go about blowing up hospitals. I mean that must be an all time low- how anxious must you be to blow up ill people. That’s real below the belt. Wonder what religious texts they read which justifies killing of innocent.
If there is any one who is a part of these outfits and had been reading the comments they would be kicked and happy-they have finally succeeded in not just sowing seeds of hatred but creating an entire jungle filled with hatred, violence and venom.
And you know what we have political parties who feed on this like parasites , you will have the congress wooing the Muslims (vote for us or the BJP will levy POTA if they come to power), the BJP will woo the so-called majority (vote for us or you will continue getting blown up). Each of these parties will pray on our fear, will ensure that by election time the ‘BIGOT’ in us is alive and spewing venom. What better way to be in power without promising to do work. No one talks about a manifesto or doing time bound work- they still beg for votes on the basis of caste, creed, religion.
Even after 61 years we are still voting on grounds of religion and not on abolishing poverty, creating a better education system, and economic growth. Sad but true.

Serial Blasts rock Bangalore

2008-07-25T03:40:00.000-07:00

Today afternoon 5 low intensity blasts rocked the IT city of India. Not too sure how many lives have been lost or injured, but it has definitely shaken the nation. We have been reminded again, how vulnerable we are and just how easily our security can be compromised. Maybe if our political parties focused a little more on working on real threats instead of the perceived ones we may have been safer. Obviously the terrorist organizations also want to take advantage of the cat fights and political instability plaguing the nation.
I am sure BJP will jump on the cart provided by the terrorists to gain votes and am sure lot of people will be swayed, I too would have been a few months ago but not now. What has changed? Nothing but yet everything. Think it over guys why is it that we are the one country that gets attacked repeatedly . What makes us so vulnerable? Why are we such a soft target? Do we need to change our policies? Are there better laws required (not talking about stringent laws)? Quicker turn around times for accused in cases, No negotiation policies (irrespective of who it is).
A lesson to learn and beat the terrorists at their own game is to realize that we need a Government which takes care of all this and more-cause terrorists have no religion or community.

The Trust vote

2008-07-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

Like everyone else I have been waiting for the trust vote and am really really praying hard that it goes in favor of the Ruling Party. Not that I am a supporter of Congress or the UPA Government but just so the Left learns its lesson. The Left has is behaving like a child who has been denied its candy and is holding the entire nation to ransom. A responsible party who truly cares about its people, would not have behaved in such an irresponsible manner. The Country is going through a rough patch with inflation at its peak, companies slowing on recruitments and they want to add to the woes by forcing a mid-term election. Elections cost crores and its my money which is being utilized just because they want to throw a tantrum and try and teach Congress a lesson. Ridiculous!
The elections are due in less than a year and they could have continued to support the party at this stage, there are better ways to show displeasure. They could have tried educating the people about the deal if its so detrimental. And of course, not forged an alliance the next term if so required.
But the Left has always been a self obsessed party with no concern for the common man. The importance that the Left has in the eyes of the common man is clear from the spike in the stock market after the Left withdrew their support. High time they actually judged themselves on the people meter.

2008-07-09T04:10:00.002-07:00

Have managed to watched both the episode’s of Mahabharata aired in the last two days. I grew up watching B.R.Chopra’s Mahabharata and was obviously curious to know how would Ekta match the epic. The whole household sat to watch it, it was the KBC of our times. Some of the characters like Mukesh Khanna playing Bhishma, Kiran Juneja as Ganga, Rupa Ganguly as Draupadi Nitish Bharadwaja as Krishna, Puneet Issar as Duryodhan have been etched in our minds forever. Was wondering how the current characters would live up to this.
So let me give you a low down on the good and the bad.

“The Good”
1.Well researched- loved the way the part about Ganesh writing the Mahabharata has been included.
2.The locations are beautiful
3.Excellent start-Very uncoventionally they started the episode with the game of chausar

4.The men look real hot –had no clue that Bhim & Yudhistra could be so handsome
5.The costumes are easy on the eye
6.Some good casting- Picking up Kiran Karmarkar as Shantanu was nice, just don’t remember who played Shantanu in the earlier version
7.Sakshi ‘Parvati’ Tanwar is good as Ganga- Understated and Elegant. Definite match to Kiran Juneja
8.Most importantly, the pace is fantastic it moves real quick, the mystery of Ganga would be sorted in just one episode.

“The Bad”
1.Some really bad animation-specially the when they showed the ‘Sudharshan Chakra’ during the ‘Chirharan’ bit
2.Sticking to the ‘Sudharshan Chakra’ it would have made just so much more sense to show Krishna than the image
3.Playing of ‘Om jai jagdish’ while the Chakra appeared to save Draupadi- definitely thumbs down
4.Shakuni is way overboard with his acting-sounds & looks psyched rather than a cunning and evil
5.Anita Hansadassani as Draupadi looks nice, but acting way overboard. Her shrieking would definately shatter the glass
6.Definitely needs to tone down on the jarring music and the facial expressions of some of the actors.
All in all I think I would definitely give it a 6/10 and keep my fingers crossed that sticks to the pace and doesn’t stretch it like her Saas-Bahu saga. Worth a dekho once.

Shame on the media!

2008-07-07T06:43:00.000-07:00

Centimeters and meters are wasted in tracking the Aarushi murder case, profiling of Maria Susairaj and hours of programming is created on Amitavbh sneezing, Aishwarya having German measeles and Ekta Kapoor reciting the Mahabharat Sholka, but not even ten minutes is spent on the Greyhounds being gunned down in Orissa.
Greyhounds are the elite anti-naxal force created in 1989 to curb the growing insurgency. Due to a tactical error the commandos of the greyhound force met a watery death and were gunned down by the Naxals. This is worst ambush since their formation and the guys used rocket launchers to attack them. They are still trying to look for the missing Commandos, but hell do we care. The rescue of Prince is more exciting and will get more eyeballs than a couple of Commandos.
Someone needs to remind them journalism was never about garnering eyeballs!

Ciggies OK, Hookas not ok….

2008-07-04T02:05:00.000-07:00

In another warped endorsement, the Bombay HC has supported the BMC’s claim that Hookah parlors are ‘Injurious to Health’ and must be shut down. Congratulations Mad-am Raul (pun intended)! So what if you didn’t succeed in getting the pot holes repaired, you definitely shut down one more place for people to socialize. Maybe this is another way for BMC to earn money, probably they will declare that you need a special license to serve Hookah.
Cigarettes are being sold at every nook and corner and contains more nicotine than what a hookah does. Why is the BMC and Ms. Raul not fighting to get them banned. I think it has more to do with the fact that the cigarette industry accounts for a large share of tax revenue. If I was in place of the hookah parlors I would have filed a case against the BMC and Ms.Raul for malafide intentions, discrimination. If these guys are going to keep getting their way then soon we will have no avenues for our entertainment and do what we want.
Please stop ‘Policing us’!

Hail Narendra Modi!

2008-07-04T02:02:00.000-07:00

Narendra Modi maybe a monster according to a lot of people, but he seems to be the only man with an intact backbone. Loved the way he decided to go against his party and not support the band. Gujarat was the most peaceful state yesterday with shops and schools remaining open. He knows that you don’t attract investment and confidence of people who want to do business with an unstable state. What makes it even more commendable is the fact that he stood by a rational and correct decision and not obey because his party decided to do something stupid.
On the other hand Mumbai which is being led by the Congress (its not a BJP strong hold) witnessed violence. Mumbai has become a free for all-MNS, Sikhs, RPI and now even the VHP and BJP can come cause chaos and get the streets to shut down.
Maybe Mr.Deshmuk should learn some lessons from Narendra Modi
Hat’s off dude!

The ‘FORCED’ Nationwide Bandh:

2008-07-03T02:44:00.000-07:00

Just read this and am totally livid- How can anyone bring this country to a stand still. You shut shops, forcibly, stop trains. Do the BJP guys understand that they are disrupting the normal life of people who have a life beyond the ‘Amarnath Issue’ –they need to earn their living. Lot of people live on daily wages and a shut down deprives them of it. People may be travelling for interviews; visit relatives who are ill-people have responsibilities and a tough life. Who the hell do you think you are to take up the bastion of a non-issue?
Two things, sure hope the Government has the gall to fine them for the damages. Remember Shiv Sena only supported it ‘morally’. They have been burnt once, stops them from the senseless bands.
Second, I a staunch follower of the BJP will not vote for them, dude this one vote could cost you the government.
I don’t vote for goons who hold people like me to ransom to gain a little bit of print space.

A mountain out of a mole hill

2008-07-03T02:40:00.000-07:00

"Making a mountain out of a mole hill" is a proverb that we are all familiar with, but the only ones who seem to be practicing it are the politicians. The communalization of the ‘Amarnath land issue’ is the latest addition to it.
The controversy reared its head over a month ago when the Government handed over 100 acres of land to the Amarnath Shrine Board to create a temporary shelter for the pilgrims who travel each year for the pilgrimage. This land happened to be a forest land and supposedly any construction on this land could cause environmental degradation of the forest. This I am prepared to believe and if the land transfer was analyzed under this it would make logical and rational sense.
But this issue has now been communalized and politicized at the cost of the common man. Separatist party Hurriyant says that this a ploy to settle non-local Hindus into the state. How ridiculous can we get? Kashmir is still a part of India and anyone can settle anywhere. The issue is now a Hindu vs. Muslim issue or Kashmiris vs. Non-Kashmiris issue.
Every party worth its salt has jumped onto the bandwagon and is claiming their pound of flesh, the BJP, VHP have call for a nationwide strike. People, do you know how much we will lose in revenue with this strike? But obviously it doesn’t matter.
The one head which will be sacrificed is that of the Governor who decided to hand the land back to stop the senseless violence. I mean, how can someone take a rational decision and stop violence and contain instability. Don’t they understand that there wont be any reason to ask for votes.
The fires have been repeatedly stoked by forces who want to ensure that Kashmir stay volatile and instable. The militants are both from within and outside India- the politicians are no less than militants. They all thrive on instability, that’s where they get their votes from. If the Kashmir issue is resolved, what’s the plan for asking for votes, if the animosity ceases to exist between Hindus and Muslims, how will the Congress and BJP survive.
Pity that sometimes we cant see through them. The only thing to do is wait and watch how many lives are sacrificed at the altar of this non-issue.

Euthanasia-"To do or not to do"

2008-06-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

With the India Supreme Court ruling that attempted suicide cannot be treated as crime, it has opened up a debate on Euthanasia. Personally, I don’t think the two are the same and can be compared or meted equal treatment. What I am going to attempt to do is dissect the two and make some sense of it
Suicide: Suicide originate from the Latin word ‘Suicidium’ meaning to kill oneself. It is the act of taking one’s own life. The reasons for suicide could be many like depression, hurt, pain, anger, and frustration, real or perceived difficulties in life. Suicide can be attempted or it can be a gesture or it can be ideation. What this means is that an one can attempt to kill oneself and may have been unsuccessful for various reasons, a gesture is a try with the hope and thought that one will ultimately be rescued and ideation is the thought of suicide which plagues a person’s mind- this thought can be vague or detailed. There are about a million people who die of suicide each year and about 10 to 20million who attempt it.
A lot of Religions like Islam, Christianity and Hinduism which consider it a dishonorable act and condone suicide. The reason behind it could be to help people or prevent people from taking their lives and not use it as a tool to threaten them.
People who attempt suicide are ill mentally and are crying out for help. To try these people for attempt to life and treat them like criminals is the worst possible punishment that can be meted out. What they need is healing, treatment and help which is why I think the Supreme Court’s decision should be hailed and put into practice immediately.
Euthanasia: Euthanasia originates from the Greek words ‘EU’ and ‘Thanatos’ which mean means ‘Good death’ or ‘Dying Well’. To understand euthanasia and the implications of legalizing or not legalizing the same, we need to understand the different aspects of Euthanasia-medical, legal and social. Euthanasia can be voluntary, involuntary, passive, non-aggressive or aggressive. Voluntary Euthanasia refers to a situation wherein a person has given his consent for the same, involuntary euthanasia refers to a relative or close associate taking a decision on behalf of the person who is rendered incapable of deciding. Passive, aggressive and non-aggressive are the various means by which euthanasia can be carried out.
Medically a lot of doctors may not be in favor of euthanasia since it goes against the Hippocratic Oath. Legally, there is always a case of misuse which is possible. In a world where everything is for sale, wont be to difficult to get someone euthanized for material gains, revenge etc if legalized. Socially, it ruffles a lot of feathers since many relegions believe it to be a dishonorable act.
Everyone has a right to die with dignity- to let some whose bones can crack with just a hug continue living for long when every breath itself is a punishment. I think the best way would be to allow euthanasia for those who can give voluntary consent. WRT cases where voluntary consent is not possible it is best to have mix of guidelines to help reach a decision.
There can be no absolute answer for it, euthanasia cannot be viewed as just right or wrong, black or white-just like life it is grey.

My Hero

2008-06-27T01:59:00.000-07:00

As a child everyone asked me who do you idolize, well I said nobody. That’s true, but I had a hero-maybe a little unusual for most people but I adore him- Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw. Why am I stating it today? My hero died last night. The man took seven rounds of bullets in his stomach and but continued to fight so his men were not left leaderless in the 1942 world war. He was the architect of India’s Victory against Pakistan in the 1971 war which lead to the creation of Bangladesh.
He was no stranger to controversy and managed to rub a lot of politicians and Bureaucrats the wrong way-it seems his outspokenness and refusal to toe the line landed him in serious trouble with Defence Minister V K Menon. Gouhar Khan son of Former Pakistani President Ayub Khan had insinuated that Sam Bahadur had sold India’s war plan of 1965 to the Pakistani Army- shame that even then Pakistan couldn’t win. No surprises that he released his father’s biography a few months later of making the statement. From whatever I have read and heard about him he was a task master, but very humane and had a wry sense of humor.
Wish I had written to him to let him he was my hero. Maybe you could try reading Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Soldiering with Dignity.

Violence-Not the last resort

2008-06-23T01:34:00.000-07:00

Violence is not a last resort anymore to getting yourself heard, instead its become a stepping stone into pushing your demands in the limelight. The minute you stop trains, hold the common man to ransom it brings the entire circus out-the cameras, the media, politicians everyone.
The Gujjars, stopping the train, MNS breaking cars, the Ambedkar supporters taking to the street and the new kids on the block-the Sikhs attacking trains, breaking vehicles and what not. The Gujjar agitation cost us Rs.7000 crores, does anyone care? Its my hard earned money going down the drain and I care-but the government doesn’t. The Gujjars got what they wanted. What has it lead to? One of the Sikh leader on the news channel declared that if Baba Ram Rahim was not arrested by 24th June, they would start Rail Roko. How’s that! The Government has shown everyone the way-hold common man to ransom, stop trains, destroy public property and you will get what you want.
Every doctor says that when a child throws a tantrum ignore him or you will be succumbing to their demands forever-maybe someone needs to remind the Government of this. If the Government and State machineries don’t take a tough stance, we will always face a threat from groups within India and also terrorists always. Was thinking maybe I should try a rail roko to get this point across… Any volunteers?

2008-06-17T02:37:00.000-07:00

Another example of how badly the reservation policy is impacting the system and individuals. 12 students expelled from IIT-D for poor performance. They state its a case of discrimination since they belong to the SC/ST category. If they are right its a shame, but it just shows that you can't force institutions and people to adopt policies they done believe in. If the students are wrong, it's a bigger shame that the students can use the 'discrimination' plank to continue occupying seats they may not deserve.
For all those who fight for reservations, remember you need to learn to live with discrimination-sometimes in your favor, sometimes against you.

Side-effects of reservation

2008-06-13T04:44:00.001-07:00

Times of India carried this piece of news that two more people tried to get a house in MAHADA (for all those not aware MAHADA is an initiate by the Maharashtra Government to provide low cost housing)on the basis of a false caste certificate. They must have been the unlucky one who would have been caught, am sure there are score of people who have been seeking housing, education and maybe jobs on the basis of false certificates but have been lucky not to get caught.
Am not really surprised considering politicians have been very happily fighting for reservations in all aspects of life, without understanding the impact or fall out of mass scale reservations. Looking forward to see the effect of reservations in jobs and then again a stupendous proposal by our Social Justice Minister (incidentally I think the ministry should be renamed, Social Inequality and Injustice Ministry) who thinks cash incentive should be provided to people opting for inter-caste marriage. I can see the potential of a lucrative business here :)

2008-06-09T02:28:00.000-07:00

Someone sent across this really beautiful poem by Khalil Gibran on relationships. Really loved it, so wanted to share it with everyone. Here goes...

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow

Be Kind Rewind

2008-05-28T02:11:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday went to see Be Kind Rewind on my husband’s insistence, who must see any and every Jack Black movie. Well, I loved Jack Black (remember School of Rock) till I saw Nacho Libre which put me off him for life. With a lot of reluctance and trepidation I agreed to watch the film. It tries to deal with too many issues and ended up doing justice to none.
The film starts off real slow and feels like all the characters have been picked from different areas and strung together. It begins to get real tedious trying to watch Danny Glover trying to keep afloat an old VHS shop in time of the DVD era, Jack Black trying to sabotage a power plan which he believes is taking over their minds and voila the movie picks. A magnetized Jack Black manages to erase the entire VHS collection and they start shooting their version of the films. They call it SWEEDE-loved it!
Some real cool work here. Wish they had done some more of it; they just glossed over the rest. The film has its moments like when Danny Glover walks is doing his research on what makes the DVD parlors click and makes one of the key points as ‘No real knowledge required’. Absolutely phenomenal!
There are some force fits like the raid from the IPR division of the studios so it could lead to the making of the Fats Waller movie. I thought that’s one bit they could have done without. The film ends a little to abruptly-just didn’t know what to make of it.
How was it? A strictly decent flick which has it moments but falls short of being a classic it could have been.

Multiplex Madness

2008-05-27T03:20:00.000-07:00

Read this interesting bit on Multiplexes offering freebies to consumers. Multiplexes are offering people a slew of offers to come & get themselves entertained. From discounted tickets to holidays at South Africa and Disneyland everything is on offer for watching a movie. Just wanted to actually try and understand the reason for this sudden promotional boom. One possible reason for this could be that majority of releases happen during school vacations and most blockbusters are lined up for release to name a few, Krissh, Da Vinci Code, Fanna,Superman etc etc. With the increase in number of multiplexes and the software (movies) remaining the same there is intense competition across Multiplexes to fill up the maximum number of seats. Since, this would not just affect their profitability or ROI but also impact their ability to procure movies at effective prices in future. One possible differentiating factor would be the range of discounts, offers, freebies, or the most relevant offers. Relevance of offers could be the key to capturing people attention and that could explain the merging trend of co-branded cards, women specific cards.So what happens when Multiplexes of Movie releases? You have live screening of the soccer world cup, cricket world cup, film festivals, privilege cards, special screenings and the works.Maybe soon enough you Multiplexes would offer Babysitting services, so you have no reason to not watch a movie....

2008-05-27T03:18:00.001-07:00

Finally the word on the Big Q is out and all the protests in the world did not hold any water. So, I tried to think and think really hard why was I so angry. I am not anti-reservation, I certainly belive that everyone has the right to education and an equal oppurtunity. But I fail to understand how could granting reservation at institutions of higher learning amount to equality- you are granting favors to one section and not to the other, that by itself is inequality.Currently there is reservation at primary and secondary level of education which ensures and equal oppurtunity to all right at the base. There has been no study or research conducted to know or understand wether reservations at that level have benefited the truly deserving or needy. There is absolutely no tracking mechanism for it. Why is it then that we believe that reservations at institutions of higher learning will help or reservations in jobs in the private sector will help. Has reservation in government institutions helped in efficient running of the machinery- I wouldnt think so. People are complacent in the knowledege that special treatment would be accorded irrespective of their efficiency levels. On the other hand a lot of good guys belonging to the so called reserved category may not like to divulge it because their perception in the eyes of people would undergo a drastic change. Soon you will have women demanding reservations, what happens to women upliftment remember they are also for the weak section of the society and the minorities- that's a lot of reservations we are talking about. If the governments manadate is to provide access to knowledege then reservations at higher levels of educations is by no way the means. If we are to make the leap to the 21st century then our 19th century mindsets have to change. Even, Dr.Ambedkar had advocated revervations only for 10 years. Why cant the government look at different ways to provide equal oppurtunities to all.You could possibly have a rule wherein you can choose to avail of the reservation only once in your life. You could have scholarships or sponsorships for the deserving students. The only way you can let an individual grow is not by providing him crutches but by providing a helping hand.We need to let go of populists measures and take a tough stance if want to survive the competition in the global market.

2008-05-27T03:18:00.000-07:00

2008-05-27T02:33:00.000-07:00

I have been following the Aarushi & the Grover murder case closely and realized that these are not the first of its kind, we have had Nithari, double murder in Punjab, Kaushimbi Layek and I am sure so much more.
Crime from the streets seems to have spilled into our home. Its not a domain of gangsters, politicians and the poor (which it was supposed to be), its now creeping into middle class homes, so called white-collared workers.
Both the Aarushi & Grover murder case have some similarities in them, let me try and clarify that.
-Little or no value for relationships
- Pride, jealously, anger
- Lack of control
- Not too sure if I can call it lack of remorse or should I say indifference to the act.

Are we getting intolerant as a people? Are we getting so self-centered that nothing beyond us matters? I won’t call it the corruption of value systems or erosion of the moral fabric- not too sure what they stand for. I think each family is unique and has its own value system, I also believe that every family is dysfunctional to some extent-but they have a formula which probably helps them get through life. I wish I could term these cases as aberrations but the frequency at which they are taking place don’t make them seem like aberrations.
We are focusing on the reasons instead of the cause. Technological advancements have shrunk the world, we have more means to communicate but we now talk and don’t communicate. We have moved from nuclear families to isolated families. There is so much loneliness surrounding us. Best friends today are computer games, websites and chat-rooms, no more family get together, granddad stories, playing with cousins. Parents in a rush rewarding kids with whatever they want, making kids intolerant to failure, wanting quick success. It’s a crazy topsy- turvy world out there.
When I read about Aarushi or Neeraj Grover I see two kids who have everything but lonely in life no one to share their worries and fears with. Maybe Hemraj was the quintessential Ramu Kaka of Hindi films for Aarushi. But one thing I am sure of is that maybe its time we went back to our roots, to our families.