बिन पाणि साबुन बिन, निर्मल करे सुहैये
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.
*****
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 !
Do you ask too many questions? Do you answer all questions that come your way?
Here, I do not refer to invasive and irritating, personal questions.
Time and again, people have tried to drill, unsuccessfully, into me, that asking questions is not the way to go.
Yesterday, someone went ahead and called me the "Torchbearer of Kyun".
Under normal circumstances, I would have taken that as a compliment. Yet, given the setting and the people involved yesterday, I took it as an insult.
Not just to me.
But to everyone with a brain. Everyone who seeks answers. All those who don't believe in blindly following instructions and are genuinely interested in knowing why we do, whatever we do.
Often people shun questions.
Some do it because they feel uncomfortable with the answers. Some do it because they cannot deal with people questioning their thought process and ideas.
But a vast majority dislikes questions, because, it is forced to think.
After all, thinking can be dangerous you see. It can make people realise how superficial and incorrect their beliefs can be.
Yesterday, I was reminded of all those school teachers who drone on for hours in class, not inviting any questions and punishing students who show curiosity.
It reminded me of a lot of bureaucratic, old world financial institutions, who banished voices of dissent and logic...which ultimately led to the current Financial Meltdown.
I also found time to curse our neighbour who is known to censor any information in the public domain and penalise citizens who seek information.
Finally, it rubbed in the point, yet again, how, not asking questions, is akin to showing respect to elders per Indian culture.
It's a miracle we could have an RTI Act passed.
About yesterday, I re-learnt an important lesson.
Never Give Up.
Finally, to answer my own question, it is never too much to ask. For if you fail to ask, think, explore and seek, you cease to exist.
Is idealism out of the window??
I think I fall into the minority who liked Me Shivaji Raje Boltoy...
Reasons why a lot of people didn't like it -
- Another Munnabhai MBBS ! No novelty...
- A lot of Non Maharashtrians felt that there was too much of "Me Marathi" in the movie. Not Good !
- A lot of Maharashtrians felt that the movie actually asked them to work?! What a crazy Suggestion !!
- Some others felt that the movie was too idealistic ! Just how can change of heart happen so easily?
- Some smarties felt... Shivaji? A 21st century Hero?? Ha..that's so ancient !
Or maybe I belong to the Dinosaur's era and am completely out of touch myself.
Aaj kal ek cousin ki shaadi ki baatein chal rahi hain...
Kaafi saare achhe rishte aaye...aur kaafiyon ko mana karna pada...
Reason being...this sis is a PG in Management and most guys the family has met are well settled in family businesses, yet, are plain graduates.
It's important for the behen that her guy be more educated and better placed than she is...she thinks this shall ensure that she gets a "broad minded" nau jawan...
This set me thinking too.
How much does a degree matter?
Does having an extra set of MAs/PhDs on your name plate make you broad minded?
Does it ensure marital harmony and lesser ego clashes?
Will the guy be any lesser interesting if he is only a graduate? Will he lack in intellectual chatter? Would he not be worldly informed and refined in thoughts?
Would he not want me to go out and work? Would he get upset if I were adorned with fancier degrees??
Will the age old and well known bharatiya sanskar not be enough in the face of globalisation and an MBA hungry world??
Most important, would he be himself with a wife having better degrees than him?
Where does an Indian guy stand on this one?
Have been wanting to get back to Yoga since ages now...
I used to practice Yoga while in college...but somehow got busier (with lesser important things) as days went by.
Swami Ramdev is someone I have come to like and appreciate. His idea of "getting the basics right" sounds very meaningful to me.
So this Diwali, (yeah Diwali again!) I went ahead and gifted myself couple of his DVDs !!
And guess what?! I have started practicing Yoga again ! :)
Now, this might sound absurd to a few. Ok, Started with Yoga. What's the big Deal??
For me, it is.
Overcoming my inborn love for laziness has never been easy !
Anyway, the reason for this post, apart from Self Praise is...when I exclaimed my happiness to a friend, he was surprised.
"Yoga? You? Why? Suddenly?? Err...Nothing...It's just that people our age don't practice Yoga...At least I don't know any !"
This set me thinking. As in, is there a "right" age for things "worth doing"?
From what I have known, anything worthwhile is worth doing now! Why do we have future dates set for the most important things??
A call to a friend...Kal..aaj thak gaye hain...
Play with your pet...baad mai....sir dard kar raha hai...
A hearty laugh with family...Oh No ! Project submission par kaam karne do !
I remember the words of a Chief Guest we had over in College. He had served in the Army and gave us some of the most insightful thoughts.
He said, people often set aside time for things that would evidently bring them happiness and peace.
Often, most Hindus would turn to reading religious scriptures like The Gita, Bhagvatam, Mahabharata only once they were well into their final years. Once they were ready to Bid Adieu to the world.
What most people failed to realise is that these scriptures taught us how to live ! So what good would they be if read when we are a few years away from death??
Could we go back and undo our actions?
Now, had I been the person I was a few years back, I would probably have bored this friend to death with talks on morality, religion, on what's good and bad for him.
Not anymore.
I can only hope that if he is reading this, it registers in his head this time round... :)
Oh Wake Up You Lazy Bone...You have avoided this for tooo long now !
Yeahhhh...but....
No Ifs and Buts anymore ! Just what's happened to you? Just a few days back things were looking pretty good to me ! The Stats were good, the mood was upbeat, praises were being hailed ! So what's wrong now?
Ya, I will get back to it...for now just let me enjoy "Friends" ! You know how hooked I have got...! As in, its the first time I have started watching the series. I was soo wrong ! These are lovable characters...You know, the other day Chandler was...
Haan Haan baba....Don't bore me with your Friends Mania...This is no "real" reason !
Ok, I got your point ! But I need a BREAK ! I ain't no machine !
But you were always a chatter-box and have always liked doing this! No body's ever forced you, right?
Yes, no one ever has. But you know, right....?!
Know what?!
Umm...Errr...
Speak up you dodo !
Expectations !
But why bother lady? They have always been there and will always be ! Its rather good that people are expecting good stuff from you !
Yeah..but sometimes, just sometimes, it does get to you ! One reader said I should bring more humour to my blog (as if I am a David Dhawan), another wants me to cover "Grass-Root" issues (Why doesn't he just go to timesofindia.com) and another one feels I should get more personal and write about my dreams and ambitions and observations and blah blah...
So where does that leave me?
So what's this cribbing all about? Consider them as important ideas for your posts and get on with it.
But that's not what I want! It's MY BLOG and I ain't here to cover issues other people want me to.
I want to write when I feel like it and on what I deem important.
Yes, but what's wrong with pleasing your readers every once in a while?
Nothing wrong. But there has to be a line drawn somewhere. Every now and then there is a blogger who has fallen into this trap. I started blogging as an outlet for myself. So why please others?
Oh come on ! You do love it when these very readers read and comment. Don't You? Wouldn't you miss their critical inputs?
Ya. You are right...But..So..But you have seen bloggers fall into this trap ! Just coming out with fillers. Just to increase their "Hit" Count !
I don't want to do that.
How Profound !But do you realise that your past few posts are just that - Fillers !
No ! I have discussed some important issues in there !
Oh yaa...Diwali Dhamakas and your Tiny Winy Tidbits !! More important than Global Warming eh?!
Oh now that's being mean ! Aamir writes a "Hello, I am back" and whoa that's a post with 3062 comments !!
Wow ! Now the lady is comparing herself with The Aamir Khan ?!!
Noo. I mean yeah. Technically at least. We are both bloggers !!
What about your dream of a Blogatheon? You told me you wanted that very much !
Oh please, if you observe, there has been an increase in my monthly count !
You call this stuff Blogging? You might as well stop then !
No. Stop I won't ! I love it. It's just that I want it at my pace and in my way...
Stop whining. Just get your funda right lady. Blog, and blog more. To please yourself and sometimes your readers. Cover stuff close to your mind and heart. But every once in a while do give in to pleasing your readers.
Just see how you shall be rewarded :)
Hmm....Yeah...maybe I should practice "Detachment" and perform my Karma...You see as Krsna puts it...
Noooo !!! Don't start with another one of your philosophical bouts ! Just write ! ok??
Oh yeah...I am fine now ! In fact, I already have 5 posts lined up...all in drafts :)
So?!!! Why weren't you posting?
Oh just wanted to make my point...get it out of my system...you see...
Ok Ok...! I got it ! Now get back to posting, will ya?!
Amit's guide to losing a guy.
Made for an interesting read. Also gave me a peek into what goes on in a man's head.
Would love to hear from other guys and know their 2 cents on this...
PsW shared this ironical yet funny Tidbit about Uncle Sam.
Investment analyst and entrepreneur Dr. Marc Faber concluded his monthly bulletin (June 2008) with the Following:
''The federal government is sending each of us a $600 rebate. If we spend that money at Wall-Mart, the money goes to China. If we spend it on gasoline it goes to the Arabs. If we buy a computer it will go to India. If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. If we purchase a good car it will go to Germany. If we purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan and none of it will help the American economy. The only way to keep that money here at home is to spend it on prostitutes and beer, since these are the only products still produced in US. I've been doing my part.'
While reading on various topics of national importance in dailies and business newspapers, I always go through the comments by readers.
I like to see how many people think otherwise and also to understand the topic on hand with various arguments.
The comments come from people of all shapes and sizes, Indians spread out across the globe.
What's interesting to note is that most Indians staying abroad take active interest in various issues pertaining to the country.
Be it Kashmir, corrupt politicians, sensational media coverage on Aarushi or sky-rocketing interest rates, the NRI community often has lots to comment on.
What cannot be ascertained though, is how involved these people were/would have been if in India?
Would they have shown similar interest in e-governance, riots, Kashmir issue, pollution levels and the slackening economy?
While I look at people my age, most wouldn't talk fervently about a Kashmir or the problems plaguing N/E.
Yet, when such topics plop up during conversations with friends working/studying abroad - almost all of them have an opinion on such issues. Most of them follow national events and are actively involved in debate with the Desi Junta.
Now, either they are not well read OR they believe in status quo OR they are plain dis-interested OR I am blind and have missed such souls :-)
I have friends who know more about road accidents in Mumbai than I could ever know. A few cousins are probably more tuned in to Shlokas from the Bhagvad Gita than I can ever recite in this lifetime. Most have strong opinion on our Financial policies !
Not to forget, uncles and aunts who know more about "Sindhiyat" than most of my clan residing here.
So why would an Indian staying in California keep track of MIG crashes or an Indian working in Sydney keep track of Indo-Pak peace initiatives?
What keeps us from participating as a community and solving our problems when we are in the country? Conversely, what changes within us when we step on foreign land?
Reasons I can think of for their participation are -
- Staying away from the homeland, they are plain homesick !
- Residing in a foreign land, enjoying freedom and getting a taste of superior civic sense, makes them aware of what we lack here. Thus, wanting to bring about positive change
- A desire to always be counted as "one amongst us"
- Staying away from the epicentre probably helps them get a detached perspective. And allows them the luxury of such talk
Whatever the reasons, it's sad that we as an intelligent people are "all talk and no action" when it comes to doing our bit for our motherland.
My work requires me to put in long hours. Sometimes these hours
stretch into late nights.
Now this is enough to give my parents sleepless nights and lack of
appetite (Lo..yeh bhi koi baat hui khaana na khaane ki??)
They keep telling me..."Zamana Kharab hai...sambhala kar...Bhai aaye tujhe office se lene??..achha yeh nahi toh kisi dost (read "Guy") ke saath aane ki koshish kar.. (haan ab saare ladke velle baithe hain na??)
Anyway, just the other day, reading one of those gloomy stories about eve-teasing (euphemism intended) my Mom almost got a minor attack! She kept harping about my lack of safety & security. All my attempts to placate her only added fuel to fire...the conversation later took a point of no return where I found myself being blamed for being a careless traveler, an irresponsible girl...a kid who couldn't take care of herself...
Suddenly, her eyes widened.. I knew her mind was up to something...and I felt like smothering the newspaper editor for spoiling my day !!
My mom rushed to the kitchen and came out with a "Potli"...The potli had a "deadly combination" of laal & kaali mirch...
"Tu aajse apne saath yeh leke jaayegi..."
Now this was too much....!
Notwithstanding protests from people who know me...I would like to think of myself as a fairly confident traveler..Not that I hold a Diploma in Judo or have a Dara Singh look alike as my BF... But I have always "Felt" sure about myself while traveling...
"Lekin mamma...." All my protests died in my mouth when I saw her bloodshot eyes... Fearing another round of her emotional outbursts...Idecided to carry the potli... anything to avoid the battle !
That Night was the scariest in the History of my traveling !!
I donned my best "Don't Mess With Me" look and undertook what I can call the longest journey I have ever taken...Throughout the ride back home, my eyes kept finding their way to the rear view mirror...trying to assess what the driver was thinking...
Did he look sleepy? Was he fancying a drink...a smoke maybe?
Would he rather be someplace else than drive? A bar...home maybe?
Home...Family? Did he have one? Kids? A daughter maybe..?
The thought of light chat crept into my mind. I dismissed it immediately not wanting to give away the unease i felt...
I reached out for the magical "potli" in my purse...my dukh ka sahara...Somehow it failed to provide me with any solace. All I wanted at that moment was to be home, tucked in my bed, listening to Himmesh songs (Yes..even Himmesh sounded bliss to my troubled mind then !).
"Agar isne koi bhi battameezi karne ki koshish ki...toh I won't leave him...For his own sake he better behave..!"
After what seemed like ages, I reached home. I muttered a "Thank You" to the driver, he smiled and left.
Finally!Home...Bliss...
Feeling Safe...? Maybe.
Exhausted...? Definitely !
Strange...All these months I had been traveling without any scissor/knife/spray and other such accessories which other regular travelers claim to carry... I had felt no need for them...
Yet today, even after being armed, vigilant and "almost" ready for combat I did not feel comfortable.
My "Saviour" did not make me feel safe or secure...
I had ended up feeling uneasy, suspicious, sceptical, doubtful, jittery and all too aware of my vulnerability.
For all I know, maybe the driver too wanted to be home and tucked away in his cozy bed...
Phew! Is this how most women felt while traveling late? How did they deal with it?
Uff...sleep and exhaustion were taking over and I could not think straight...
However, one question needed to be dealt with immediately...
Should I carry my "Bodyguard" again??
