Will we ever see more of such brilliant coverage in English media?
I know. Stupid question.
Btw, did I tell you that one of my many dreams has always been to become political journalist?
*****
On Gujarat : I absolutely love the infrastructure in the state. And we are not talking only about cities.
Small towns have been given equal importance and there is much to envy (especially for a Bombayite).
Btw, did I ever tell you that another of my many dreams has always been to work for the Urban Planning Commission?
I have a lot to share, so, combining everything at one go.
Godhra and ever after
I am very happy about Modi's appearance before the SIT. The past eight years have seen hundreds of allegations and counter allegations, unwarranted media frenzy and plain lies. Ofcourse, the country has been divided too.
Finally, we will know the truth.
The wait has been troublesome at a personal level too.
Anyway, if anything the incident has taught me - it is the media's role in forming public opinion and, how stong a pen really is.
The incident has taught me to look into facts.
No rhetoric. Or emotions. Just plain facts. However disturbing or non-compliant with your belief they be.
A friend recently reminded me and likened the media's role in Godhra and Gujarat to the following verse -
While we are still at this subject, I also recommend reading two excellent pieces each by Swapan Dasgupta and Ashok Malik.
They will make you appreciate, how responsible you must be as a reader and a consumer of the media and the Indian Government.
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History
Hitler reminds me of two movies I watched recently.
Inglourious Basterds and Invictus. Both, historical dramas.
While Inglourious Basterds is only the produce of a fertile imagination, Invictus carves out Nelson Mandela's presidency and his vision.
While "Inglourious..." has very good performances and a lovely soundtrack, Invictus has enough sincerity and inspiration to overwhelm you.
Both are "must watch" movies and maybe, Christoph Waltz's Hans Landa (Inglourious Basterds) should be included as a case study at every acting school.
*****
Partition and Sikh Riots
I am a sucker for all things historical and cultural.
A little difficult to explain, but I have always been attracted to the past.
Any family gathering or friends get-together, and I am all for anecdotes and experiences from the era gone by.
Recently, while having lunch at a school friend's place, we got talking about the Sikh Riots. The family is half Sikh and they had lots to share about what transpired before and after Operation Blue Star.
Village and small town men and women, just established themselves as heroes in my eyes !
I felt much respect for all those who protected their families, friends and neighbours and fought against armed terrorists, when the state police failed its people miserably.
We also spoke about our families, the partition and the 1971 war.
Some trivia was funny while others scared me enough to choke on the pav bhaji.
*****
Law
I also happen to have a thing for law and coutroom dramas.
All thanks to John Grisham.
So, if you find yourself captivated by the genre too, I recommend watching 12 Angry Men and The Verdict - both directed by Sidney Lumet.
In fact, 12 Angry Men is often shown to management students, with the intention of churning out better negotiators.
You can obviously ignore the above trivia. But do watch the movies - good content I say !
Also, Paul Newman is very handsome !
As always, Gujarat is a first again.
In a landmark move, the State Government passed the Mandatory Voting Bill, which will make voting compulsory in all local body elections. What the reports do not inform me, is, if there is an option of a "No Vote/No Suitable Candidate" option.
This was long overdue.
Infact, in my opinion, this move should be extended to the whole nation.
Now, Free Will Enthusiasts will definitely have lots to unload here.
Arguments like upholding basic human rights (of not to vote) will form the basis of coffee table conversations.
You might also add that not exercising this right may also show that you are satisfied with the functioning of the State.
Or simply, you are apolitical and care two hoots about who runs the nation and how.
However, if a Democracy needs to run, more so, if a Democracy like ours needs to run successfully, it becomes necessary that each one exercises this duty.
It's no more about a right, but about a civic duty.
The benefits are aplenty.
The move will ensure that the winning candidate is representative of a larger section of society.
It will demand that candidates take their responsibilities seriously and do not take voters for a ride.
We could also see a more informed and better placed electorate. Finally, people might just start doing their bit of research and making demands of unscrupulous representatives.
Though, it remains to be seen what kind of penalty would be enforced on non-compliant parties.
I say, we have something like x hours of community work in education, environment, rural upliftment or related fields.
Waah ek teer se do shikaar.
