There has been anger in Maharashtra. The situation is tense in Gujarat and in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. There is an Old saying, "One Spark is enough to start a Fire." The saying has come literally true, and it is the Dalits who are furious with the state apparatus.
The spark was a series of Events. A Dalit Family was raped and Murdered in Khairlanji district in Nagpur. A Young Boy protesting that event was lynched by a Mob in Pune. The straw that broke the Dalit's back was the defacement of Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar's Statue. The ensuing Fire enveloping Maharashtra has bought back normal life to a Halt in the state. Buses, Trains were all set fire, while some Dalit mobs engaged in stone pelting, shutting down of shops and staging Rasta Rokos at various key points in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. The situation has once again highlighted also, the plight of the Dalit Community in India.
Following these tense developments, the Hunt is now on as to who is responsible for the defacement and the subsequent violence. The Poilice believe that an Underworld angle cannot be ruled out, in particular relating to Chhota Rajan. The hunt is also on for the individuals who carried out the defacement of the Ambedkar statue in Kanpur. Maybe the perpetrators may be captured, and they will be punished. Within a day or two, the Media might report the proceedings and they will move on to different avenues. But, can we, the Citizen afford that Luxury?
For far too long, we have seen the plight of the Dalits in this country. The treatment metted out to them has made some Social Activists believe that the Dalits should not be a part of India. In most places, they are fighting to even get entry into a temple. At a time, when we are all progressing as a Nation, will it be wise to isolate these group of people? They have been the victims of persecution for a long time, and their isolation and suppression over these years has resulted in the violence of today.
It has been observed that Nations achieve a sense of Social Tranquility when various Stratas of Society are assimilated into the mainstream, thus giving everybody an equal opportunity and creating an identity of their own. Years of Persecution upon a particular group can lead to shattering of that Tranquility.
The Violence of today shows us that it is time We, the Citizens look at the plight of these people and highlight their cause to the wider public. If a process of Assimilation is set into motion now, only then India can truly call itself progressed. The Title is not for the Dalits, but to us, the Citizens to awaken to their plight and help remedy it. Let us truly step into the age of Globalization and Progress by shunning away millenia old systems, which unfortunately still stand in this country. Let us Awaken, otherwise, an opportunity will be lost.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wake up, People. Whats Happening Here?????
After the detailed coverage of the Sanjay Dutt verdict yesterday on all the major news channels, it was assumed today that it normal programme broadcasting would resume. All news which is importance to us as the citizen would be shown. The problems which our country is facing would be highlighted. But, I was in for a surprise. Barring One news Channel, NDTV, which gave regular news updates, CNN-IBN and Times Now were covering a story which need not deserve that much merit. The period was at the Noon Time Between 12:00 and 1:00.
First and Foremost, I appreciate Cricket very much. But, under What Criterion can you classify Saurav Ganguly's return to the India Squad under "Breaking News"? After a gap of nearly 10 months, he comes back to boost the sagging moral of the team for the tests in South Africa. CNN-IBN and Times Now were relaying the news for close to one hour or more during the Noon Slot. NDTV, according to me, rightly kept away from this and included it as a Flash, while the anchor was telling other news which was meaningful.
By the way, some Breaking News did happen. NDTV relayed it on their Ticker that there was a Bomb Scare in Parliament. An unclaimed Bag was found and it was suspected to be a Bomb. During the period from 12:30 till about 12:45, the News of the Bomb Scare at Parliament was being relayed on NDTV. This whole thing again tells us a couple of things.
Firstly, the editorial choice doesnt take into consideration the people. According to me, half the public would not even bother wether Saurav Ganguly makes it to the team or not, because the team as a whole is performing badly. Second, what should be Classified as Breaking News. According to me, Breaking News is Hard news which affects a MAJORITY of the people Socially, Economically, Politically. The Saurav Ganguly retention will not make the country go standstill and make people Gasp and shudder in Horror.
This does not go to say that the story does not deserve attention. It should be devoted at least 3-4 minutes on the News Schedule and two paragraphs on a News Sheet of our Newspaper. The categorization of Saurav's Retention as BREAKING NEWS on some prominent channels is just simply a waste of time. Priorities of News people have to change, as well as the attitude of the public. Under the pretext that this news will sell, they should not shy away from the fact that there are more pressing and volatile issues that deserve as much as attention as the one by which Saurav Ganguly was simply included.
I would Like to end this post By quoting Leonardo Da Vinci's quote taking into backdrop the news which happened today.
"BLINDING IGNORANCE DOES MISLEAD US, OH WRETCHED MORTALS, OPEN YOUR EYES
First and Foremost, I appreciate Cricket very much. But, under What Criterion can you classify Saurav Ganguly's return to the India Squad under "Breaking News"? After a gap of nearly 10 months, he comes back to boost the sagging moral of the team for the tests in South Africa. CNN-IBN and Times Now were relaying the news for close to one hour or more during the Noon Slot. NDTV, according to me, rightly kept away from this and included it as a Flash, while the anchor was telling other news which was meaningful.
By the way, some Breaking News did happen. NDTV relayed it on their Ticker that there was a Bomb Scare in Parliament. An unclaimed Bag was found and it was suspected to be a Bomb. During the period from 12:30 till about 12:45, the News of the Bomb Scare at Parliament was being relayed on NDTV. This whole thing again tells us a couple of things.
Firstly, the editorial choice doesnt take into consideration the people. According to me, half the public would not even bother wether Saurav Ganguly makes it to the team or not, because the team as a whole is performing badly. Second, what should be Classified as Breaking News. According to me, Breaking News is Hard news which affects a MAJORITY of the people Socially, Economically, Politically. The Saurav Ganguly retention will not make the country go standstill and make people Gasp and shudder in Horror.
This does not go to say that the story does not deserve attention. It should be devoted at least 3-4 minutes on the News Schedule and two paragraphs on a News Sheet of our Newspaper. The categorization of Saurav's Retention as BREAKING NEWS on some prominent channels is just simply a waste of time. Priorities of News people have to change, as well as the attitude of the public. Under the pretext that this news will sell, they should not shy away from the fact that there are more pressing and volatile issues that deserve as much as attention as the one by which Saurav Ganguly was simply included.
I would Like to end this post By quoting Leonardo Da Vinci's quote taking into backdrop the news which happened today.
"BLINDING IGNORANCE DOES MISLEAD US, OH WRETCHED MORTALS, OPEN YOUR EYES
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Rain, Rain, Never go away
It is perhaps surprising that I am endorsing this season. Many people would prefer the winters or the Summers for various reason, but they have a common enemy in the Rain. But, i enjoy the rains. Not for the practical purposes that it serves us, but because of the sheer Beauty of it. People might think that other than the slush, dampness and disease, the rains does not create a good time during those 4-5 months. This post is simply my way of looking beyond all those mentioned factors, and highlight you on the finer aspect of the rains.
First thing is that I strictly hate Summer. The intense heat and the dusty surroundings makes an ugly picture. Hence, i eagerly await the Month of June, when Dark Clouds begin to accumulate and Nature gives us a natural freshwater bath. In the beginning of June, when thousands are scarred by the heat of the previous months, all their gaze turns skyward. Any signs that the summer season will leave is eagerly watched upon.
The days go by, and I feel that "When will the Rains Come"? Suddenly, in the afternoon period, the air gets muggy and the sky starts turning Cloudy. The Sun slowly is covered up and from the Eastern Horizon, Dark Clouds begin to accumulate. Slowly, but surely they cover the skyline. For one last time, i scorn at the Sun and wish it and the Heat Goodbye for sometime. The flashes of Lightening and the Roaring of Thunder delay the anticipation of the First rains. And then, it Begins and my heart opens up to experience the joy of the raindrops on my head.
The Beatles Music Band should have seen me at that time. I was the Embodiment of their Song "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head". I start to dance and lie around on the Wet Ground experiencing the Thrill of the rains. Around me, the trees and all the other structures are cheering with Joy as the rains fall on them too. It is also a good time to sing my childhood poem "Pitter Patter RainDrops". More than the freshness, the thing which captures me the most about the rains is the Smell of the Fresh Wet Mud. That gives you a feeling of being closest to Nature. Pitter-Patter, Pitter Patter and the Swoosh of the winds are the sounds which surround you, much better than a Dolby Digital System. The Happy Chirping of the Birds also adds in to the Surround Sound. I still wonder why people hate the rains inspite of all this.
The First Rains Refresh you in a serene way. Rejuvenates Nature and Refreshes the very air which you breathe. The beauty doesnt end there. Watching from your Balcony, a cool breeze sweeps by you, which makes you calm. There is Mist everywhere, which adds a special sight to the already Fresh environment. No wonder, that when Painters decide to apint anything about the rains, they look at the sights of the First rains for their inspirations.
As I write this Post, it has rained in my Hometown. There will never be a time of Contentment, to see Rain falling on the ground, making it look alive in front of this. I suggest to people to discard this poem "Rain, Rain, Go Away", because if it indeed goes away, none of the mentioned things will ever happen again. The Rains teach us to be Fresh and Rejuvenated in all walks of life, and we as Humans can adher to that, afterall we are from Nature, Aren't we?
First thing is that I strictly hate Summer. The intense heat and the dusty surroundings makes an ugly picture. Hence, i eagerly await the Month of June, when Dark Clouds begin to accumulate and Nature gives us a natural freshwater bath. In the beginning of June, when thousands are scarred by the heat of the previous months, all their gaze turns skyward. Any signs that the summer season will leave is eagerly watched upon.
The days go by, and I feel that "When will the Rains Come"? Suddenly, in the afternoon period, the air gets muggy and the sky starts turning Cloudy. The Sun slowly is covered up and from the Eastern Horizon, Dark Clouds begin to accumulate. Slowly, but surely they cover the skyline. For one last time, i scorn at the Sun and wish it and the Heat Goodbye for sometime. The flashes of Lightening and the Roaring of Thunder delay the anticipation of the First rains. And then, it Begins and my heart opens up to experience the joy of the raindrops on my head.
The Beatles Music Band should have seen me at that time. I was the Embodiment of their Song "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head". I start to dance and lie around on the Wet Ground experiencing the Thrill of the rains. Around me, the trees and all the other structures are cheering with Joy as the rains fall on them too. It is also a good time to sing my childhood poem "Pitter Patter RainDrops". More than the freshness, the thing which captures me the most about the rains is the Smell of the Fresh Wet Mud. That gives you a feeling of being closest to Nature. Pitter-Patter, Pitter Patter and the Swoosh of the winds are the sounds which surround you, much better than a Dolby Digital System. The Happy Chirping of the Birds also adds in to the Surround Sound. I still wonder why people hate the rains inspite of all this.
The First Rains Refresh you in a serene way. Rejuvenates Nature and Refreshes the very air which you breathe. The beauty doesnt end there. Watching from your Balcony, a cool breeze sweeps by you, which makes you calm. There is Mist everywhere, which adds a special sight to the already Fresh environment. No wonder, that when Painters decide to apint anything about the rains, they look at the sights of the First rains for their inspirations.
As I write this Post, it has rained in my Hometown. There will never be a time of Contentment, to see Rain falling on the ground, making it look alive in front of this. I suggest to people to discard this poem "Rain, Rain, Go Away", because if it indeed goes away, none of the mentioned things will ever happen again. The Rains teach us to be Fresh and Rejuvenated in all walks of life, and we as Humans can adher to that, afterall we are from Nature, Aren't we?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Greg Chappell in the Hot Seat
Ever since Greg Chappell took over the reins of the Indian Cricket team, nobody would predict that such stormy times would await Indian Cricket. The very first storm that Chappell had to face was in the beginning when Sourav Ganguly was unceremoniously sacked and stripped of the Captaincy after the Zimbabwe tour. Following that Fiasco, the Indian team started performing exceptionally, winning 6-1 against Sri Lanka, 5-1 against England, 4-1 against Pakistan and holding Soth Africa 2-2. Chappell's experimentation with the Batting and Bowling seemed to yield the results, and the Men in Blue were begining to look like a very strong team.
Then, unfortunately, the Problems returned. After the victory against the West Indies at Jamaica in the ODI's, Chappell remarked that the West Indies team had forgotten to win. From that point on, the team has had a slump. Even a first test series win over the Windies in 35 years could not take away the public's distraction of losing the ODI series. Then, the consecutive disasters in the DLF Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy and the South African series has resulted in India coming back to Square One.
The problems now have gotten worse. MP's in Parliament have asked for Chappell's resignation and the public are beginning to lose faith in the team. Coach Chappell stirred up another Controversy by saying that the MPs are paid to say that, reacting to which some MPs of Parliament are trying to move a privilage motion against Coach Chappell.
This is certainly an unwanted distraction for the team already under fire from fans. It would be interesting to note wether the MPs would have raised a similar issue had it been any other social, economic or national problem. By using the platform of the appeal which Cricket generates, they have sought some publicity for themselves. It is because of the uproar by the MPs that has resulted in Cricket being Politicised. They have forgotten the basic fact that this is a Sport, and ups and downs do happen. By the way, the MPs uproar should leave nobody surprised. When something has been said about their pay or something, they will kick up a storm and bark for a while, then will forget about it.
Greg Chappell and the team would appreciate if the Public showed patience as well as a fanatical sense of belief for the team. The public should realize that this thing is afterall a Sport, and ups and Downs will happen. Of Course, Greg Chappell can take some time out and listen to Elvis Presley's Crying in the Chapel in order to ease his and the team's problem.
Then, unfortunately, the Problems returned. After the victory against the West Indies at Jamaica in the ODI's, Chappell remarked that the West Indies team had forgotten to win. From that point on, the team has had a slump. Even a first test series win over the Windies in 35 years could not take away the public's distraction of losing the ODI series. Then, the consecutive disasters in the DLF Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy and the South African series has resulted in India coming back to Square One.
The problems now have gotten worse. MP's in Parliament have asked for Chappell's resignation and the public are beginning to lose faith in the team. Coach Chappell stirred up another Controversy by saying that the MPs are paid to say that, reacting to which some MPs of Parliament are trying to move a privilage motion against Coach Chappell.
This is certainly an unwanted distraction for the team already under fire from fans. It would be interesting to note wether the MPs would have raised a similar issue had it been any other social, economic or national problem. By using the platform of the appeal which Cricket generates, they have sought some publicity for themselves. It is because of the uproar by the MPs that has resulted in Cricket being Politicised. They have forgotten the basic fact that this is a Sport, and ups and downs do happen. By the way, the MPs uproar should leave nobody surprised. When something has been said about their pay or something, they will kick up a storm and bark for a while, then will forget about it.
Greg Chappell and the team would appreciate if the Public showed patience as well as a fanatical sense of belief for the team. The public should realize that this thing is afterall a Sport, and ups and Downs will happen. Of Course, Greg Chappell can take some time out and listen to Elvis Presley's Crying in the Chapel in order to ease his and the team's problem.
Swabhimaan to Apmaan: India in South Africa
When the Indian Cricket Team arrived in South Africa in November, they were already in the middle of a slum. From a 4-1 thrashing in the ODI's in West Indies, knocked out of the League stages in the DLF cup in Malaysia which featured Australia and the West Indies, and getting knocked out of the league stages of the Champions Trophy. After India's performances in the first two ODI's in Durban and Cape Town, the slum is here to stay for a while.
The situation has deteriorated where in the MP's in Parliament are calling for the resignation of Greg Chappell, the Indian Team Coach. Even on the field, India have lost their only in form player Rahul Dravid for the rest of the ODI series due to a finger injury. The Batting woes continue for the Indian team, and their bowling has also not being great, as Justin Kemp showed in Cape Town. So, with the problems both off-field and On-field for the Men in Blue, two questions are worth asking. One, will the South African tour turn out to be a complete Rout for the Men in Blue? Two, should the team give up any hope of trying to win the World Cup?
Looking at the performances of the team so far, the first question might turn out to be true. Barring Rahul Dravid, and to a certain extent MS Dhoni in the 2nd ODI, no other Indian Batsmen looks to intimidate the South Africans. The fielding has been pathetic on the Indian Side, dropping a number of chances, while the South Africans have held on to their chances. The catch by Bosman of Kallis to dismiss Dhoni as well as the cach to dismiss Sehwag was indeed the difference between the two teams. The Bowling has not been penetrative and aggressive, with South Africa rallying from 76/6 to post 274/7. The South Africans have promised the Indians more tough times ahead in the coming two matches as well as the ensuing Test Series. Hence, chances of India emerging winless or having to face a complete Rout are looking possible.
Should the Indian Team forget about winning the World Cup? Inspite of the current slump, the team does have time to bounce back. It only needs one or two good outings, both with Bat and Ball for the team to attain the highs in the 2003-04 season. A little bit of Passion, garnished with confidence and a strong mental outlook, is the perfect recipe for a team to do well. It also needs a lot of patience from the public, which has still not forgotten the Ganguly Fiasco.
Overall, the main aim of the team should be the World Cup. The team will also benefit if the 'Blue Billion' really stand up. They should back the team even in tough times and also encourage the players. Inspite of the debacle which may shape in South Africa, the public should not despair. Once again, we should not despair. Instead, we have to Believe, have an absolute Belief that the team can do good.
The situation has deteriorated where in the MP's in Parliament are calling for the resignation of Greg Chappell, the Indian Team Coach. Even on the field, India have lost their only in form player Rahul Dravid for the rest of the ODI series due to a finger injury. The Batting woes continue for the Indian team, and their bowling has also not being great, as Justin Kemp showed in Cape Town. So, with the problems both off-field and On-field for the Men in Blue, two questions are worth asking. One, will the South African tour turn out to be a complete Rout for the Men in Blue? Two, should the team give up any hope of trying to win the World Cup?
Looking at the performances of the team so far, the first question might turn out to be true. Barring Rahul Dravid, and to a certain extent MS Dhoni in the 2nd ODI, no other Indian Batsmen looks to intimidate the South Africans. The fielding has been pathetic on the Indian Side, dropping a number of chances, while the South Africans have held on to their chances. The catch by Bosman of Kallis to dismiss Dhoni as well as the cach to dismiss Sehwag was indeed the difference between the two teams. The Bowling has not been penetrative and aggressive, with South Africa rallying from 76/6 to post 274/7. The South Africans have promised the Indians more tough times ahead in the coming two matches as well as the ensuing Test Series. Hence, chances of India emerging winless or having to face a complete Rout are looking possible.
Should the Indian Team forget about winning the World Cup? Inspite of the current slump, the team does have time to bounce back. It only needs one or two good outings, both with Bat and Ball for the team to attain the highs in the 2003-04 season. A little bit of Passion, garnished with confidence and a strong mental outlook, is the perfect recipe for a team to do well. It also needs a lot of patience from the public, which has still not forgotten the Ganguly Fiasco.
Overall, the main aim of the team should be the World Cup. The team will also benefit if the 'Blue Billion' really stand up. They should back the team even in tough times and also encourage the players. Inspite of the debacle which may shape in South Africa, the public should not despair. Once again, we should not despair. Instead, we have to Believe, have an absolute Belief that the team can do good.
Monday, November 27, 2006
My First Posting
This is my first posting on this blog. I have mainly created this blog for three reasons:
1.) To improve my writing skills as well as prepare for my future Journalistic career.
2.) To keep myself updated on issues which matter to me as well as the General Public.
3.) To provide me with a base of knowledge from where i can expand upon and single out things which will help me in my later career.
1.) To improve my writing skills as well as prepare for my future Journalistic career.
2.) To keep myself updated on issues which matter to me as well as the General Public.
3.) To provide me with a base of knowledge from where i can expand upon and single out things which will help me in my later career.
There will be an Attempt on my behalf to provide you the Web readers with links to the particular story. But, i should also tell you that this blog is also being used by me to give my Own Personal Interpretations. So, in a way i am creating this blog to fulfill my aim. One to provide you with news as events as they come and also giving in my opinion on that issue. So, my journey begins from here.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
