Once again, it is a poem, and it explores the giving aspect of the human soul. Sometimes, when jealousy and undesirability dominate the heart, this giving aspect becomes very negligible. Here's a shot composition of a troubled man who has lots to give but backs away at the very last moment.
I have lots to give,
but do not know to whom and to what.
Love, caring, affection are there,
but it does not come from the heart.
I have lots to give,
Love for my parents,
Care for my friends,
Affection for the ones that i admire,
but it does not come from the heart.
I have lots to give,
I am good natured,
So I do not hurt anyone purposefully.
All these things are there in the soul,
but it does not come from my heart.
I am at ease with the people i meet,
I laugh, joke, chat and advice them all.
Everyone around me likes me, but I am not sure,
because my mind is doing the thinking.
The soul is caught between mind and heart.
Humans are advised to think from their head,
the heart is there for emotion and morals,
but, they are always in conflict.
I think from the head,
and my heart is not burdened with secrets.
But, it is not burdened with affection,
so, i am lonesome, for i use my head.
I am very lonesome,
My heart lacks genuine affecion,
i ask, "What can I give"?
There is only emptiness, and the soul
once again comes into conflict.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Why should we be Moral?
The incidences over the past few days, have reaffirmed by belief in one thing. I will hate Morality, i will hate people who enforce moral policing, and i am sure that certain sections of Indian society will continue to be in the Dark ages. In this age of technological and scientific reasoning, the issue of kissing in public is a fuss here. At a time, when Individual freedom should be celebrated, certain elements in society want to enforce moral policing and ensure the 'Purity' of Society.
The recent incidences of police arresting couples for kissing, on the grounds of Obscenity, sparked the debate on. Now, the breaking point has been reached, with local courts issuing notices to celebrities for kissing. The incident was pertaining to Richard Gere kissing Shilpa Shetty on screen. In another incident, a court in Bihar issued a notice to Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai for the kissing scene in the film 'Dhoom 2'. This conservative spark has been heating up over the past couple of months, and the fire started with the Marriage of Priyanka and Umar.
Why does Indian society consider kissing to be such an issue? One fails to understand that these kind of things are totally personal, and that the decision rests in the individual, and it is his right to do what he can. The courts should have considered this aspect. What is the defination of Obscenity? Although, it is a fact that there is a defination of Obscenity in the Penal Code. But, it ignores one important aspect. Obscenity changes from time to time, place to place. Hence, people will have multiple definations of Obscenity. At such times, how can the Law intervene?
The lines of personal, public, decent and Obscenity are completely blurred when an issue like kissig is brought to the fore. Even personal choices like Marriage are under the scanner, with the case of Priyanka and Umar. I think the law has to be very flexible when dealing with these things. It should make one thing clear. Personal things like kissing must NOT be considered in the broader aspect of scoeity.
I think Kissing can be considered Obscene, if and only if, the individual on the recieving end of the kiss percieves it as one. If the couples have no problem with kissing, then it is Not obscene. But, if one has a problem, then they can complain and report it to the authorities. It should come under the framework that No Third Person shall intervene under the guise of wider good or Society. Then, and only then, perhaps, these issues would not be a big fuss.
Voyaeuristic and Tabloid Media are also responsible for hyping it up big time. The Media channels should also be bought under this law, so that they too dont engage in hyping these things up for the sake of TRP ratings and for the Advertiser's Money. Proponents of Media freedom need to realize that if Media dwells into the personal life of common people, then they are not performing their duty.
Kissing and Marriage are all personal choices of the individual. If curbs are placed upon the individual, then he does not evolve into a well natured person. Anger and Bitterness towards society will stagnate his/her thinking, and thus society can never evolve. Personal things should be what they are, and respect the freedom of the individual.
The recent incidences of police arresting couples for kissing, on the grounds of Obscenity, sparked the debate on. Now, the breaking point has been reached, with local courts issuing notices to celebrities for kissing. The incident was pertaining to Richard Gere kissing Shilpa Shetty on screen. In another incident, a court in Bihar issued a notice to Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai for the kissing scene in the film 'Dhoom 2'. This conservative spark has been heating up over the past couple of months, and the fire started with the Marriage of Priyanka and Umar.
Why does Indian society consider kissing to be such an issue? One fails to understand that these kind of things are totally personal, and that the decision rests in the individual, and it is his right to do what he can. The courts should have considered this aspect. What is the defination of Obscenity? Although, it is a fact that there is a defination of Obscenity in the Penal Code. But, it ignores one important aspect. Obscenity changes from time to time, place to place. Hence, people will have multiple definations of Obscenity. At such times, how can the Law intervene?
The lines of personal, public, decent and Obscenity are completely blurred when an issue like kissig is brought to the fore. Even personal choices like Marriage are under the scanner, with the case of Priyanka and Umar. I think the law has to be very flexible when dealing with these things. It should make one thing clear. Personal things like kissing must NOT be considered in the broader aspect of scoeity.
I think Kissing can be considered Obscene, if and only if, the individual on the recieving end of the kiss percieves it as one. If the couples have no problem with kissing, then it is Not obscene. But, if one has a problem, then they can complain and report it to the authorities. It should come under the framework that No Third Person shall intervene under the guise of wider good or Society. Then, and only then, perhaps, these issues would not be a big fuss.
Voyaeuristic and Tabloid Media are also responsible for hyping it up big time. The Media channels should also be bought under this law, so that they too dont engage in hyping these things up for the sake of TRP ratings and for the Advertiser's Money. Proponents of Media freedom need to realize that if Media dwells into the personal life of common people, then they are not performing their duty.
Kissing and Marriage are all personal choices of the individual. If curbs are placed upon the individual, then he does not evolve into a well natured person. Anger and Bitterness towards society will stagnate his/her thinking, and thus society can never evolve. Personal things should be what they are, and respect the freedom of the individual.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Is this life?
Just was watching a report regarding the plight of the Adivasis and the villages in the Bastar region of Chattisgarh. This area is in the heart of the Red Corridor, the corridor that is dominated by the Naxal outfit. The naxals are the Maoist cadres who are against the setup of the state as well as the police machinery of the state. The region south of Chattisgarh has been troubled by the Naxals for the past 3 years. Looking at the plight of the people in that area, it makes the concept of comfort trivial to all those people who are in the comfort of their couches in a luxurious city.
A movement is underway in that region to counter the Naxal menace. It is called 'Salva Judum'. It is a movement carried out by the local tribespeople as well as the government to counter this naxal menace. Many tribals and their vilages are part of this movement, and there is a constant secuirty presence in those regions. The CRPF, and the police patrol the dangerous forests, where the naxals inhabit. Lots of tribal people live in camps, where they are protected from the naxals. But, in the recent year, this has proved to be just a watershed.
Naxal cadres have proven to be bolder, and have attacked police stations and CRPF camps in the region. Looting weapons, killing police officers, killing of tribals and other prominent villagers part of the Salva Judum movement are some of the actions. The attacks just keep getting bolder and bloodier, and each time, the police machinery is unable to cop up with the attacks. The naxals have stated from the very outset that they will eliminate the police machinery in the region, and thus, both Security personnel and the villagers live in a climate of fear.
The tribals have lost hope with the police, and now they abandon their villages to get away from the menace. Some villagers, brave enough to stay back, spend sleepless hours of vigilance, in the case of the next attack. A tortured living, without adequate security, and being hopelessly cut off from the mainstream, the tribal population wonders for how long will they have to endure it.
The naxal menace needs to be looked at very seriously. The attacks are like shouts from a rooftop highlighting injustice. Wether it is against the tribals or against the naxals is debatable. On the surface, it may seem that the Naxal movement is a terrorist movement to destabilize the country. Attacking the Law as well as making the system dysfunctional are all trademarks of terrorist activities.
But, it can be viewed that the Naxals are also highlighting the flaws in the system. Maybe, the Naxals are highlighting the inequalities that this system dishes out to the people, and how the law manages to strengthen this inequality. The attacks on the police as well as on the Government machinery indicate the fact that the system is indeed very flawed. On what angles is the system flawed could be anybody's guess. But, one thing is certain, if the activities in the Red Corrider become more Crimson, then the Naxal movement might gain momentum, and perhaps it wont be long when the Red Corridor becomes the Red State of Terror.
A movement is underway in that region to counter the Naxal menace. It is called 'Salva Judum'. It is a movement carried out by the local tribespeople as well as the government to counter this naxal menace. Many tribals and their vilages are part of this movement, and there is a constant secuirty presence in those regions. The CRPF, and the police patrol the dangerous forests, where the naxals inhabit. Lots of tribal people live in camps, where they are protected from the naxals. But, in the recent year, this has proved to be just a watershed.
Naxal cadres have proven to be bolder, and have attacked police stations and CRPF camps in the region. Looting weapons, killing police officers, killing of tribals and other prominent villagers part of the Salva Judum movement are some of the actions. The attacks just keep getting bolder and bloodier, and each time, the police machinery is unable to cop up with the attacks. The naxals have stated from the very outset that they will eliminate the police machinery in the region, and thus, both Security personnel and the villagers live in a climate of fear.
The tribals have lost hope with the police, and now they abandon their villages to get away from the menace. Some villagers, brave enough to stay back, spend sleepless hours of vigilance, in the case of the next attack. A tortured living, without adequate security, and being hopelessly cut off from the mainstream, the tribal population wonders for how long will they have to endure it.
The naxal menace needs to be looked at very seriously. The attacks are like shouts from a rooftop highlighting injustice. Wether it is against the tribals or against the naxals is debatable. On the surface, it may seem that the Naxal movement is a terrorist movement to destabilize the country. Attacking the Law as well as making the system dysfunctional are all trademarks of terrorist activities.
But, it can be viewed that the Naxals are also highlighting the flaws in the system. Maybe, the Naxals are highlighting the inequalities that this system dishes out to the people, and how the law manages to strengthen this inequality. The attacks on the police as well as on the Government machinery indicate the fact that the system is indeed very flawed. On what angles is the system flawed could be anybody's guess. But, one thing is certain, if the activities in the Red Corrider become more Crimson, then the Naxal movement might gain momentum, and perhaps it wont be long when the Red Corridor becomes the Red State of Terror.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Time to leave
I am leaving my hometown soon, and it saddens me very much. It is in this time that i start to look back upon the memories from my stay here. Who knows, maybe these memories will be my antidote for survival in an Alien land and an Alien culture. This poem might get into those nuisances not holistically, but from an individualistic point of view.
It is time to leave,
and i go away from my house,
the mind is all emotinal,
and there are tears on my loved ones.
Friends and Family alike ask about the future,
but i cannot reply with certainty.
All this time, i cannot help but think about my own plight,
All this while, i am thinking about the past.
The Sunshine, the rain, and the chill is what i will remember.
Friends playing for long, talking about life, and admiring the garden,
all these images are replayed in my mind when i am leaving.
Taking a walk in the garden, talking about personal events,
all are impressioned in my mind when i leave.
I have already left,
but, in my mind, i carry the image of the lake.
I stop to see the Sun set and the dusk arrive.
Once again, an alien land beckons, and the start
of a new phase in life begins.
But, this new phase has promise, but will it have beauty,
that is the question that i will think.
Life as a grown up is really bitter,
because we need to think realistically.
I have already left,
but i will never leave behind the memories.
All friends, beauty and serenity,
is what an ideal life should be.
Perhaps, that can only be in our mind,
and with that we drift in the time of life.
It is time to leave,
and i go away from my house,
the mind is all emotinal,
and there are tears on my loved ones.
Friends and Family alike ask about the future,
but i cannot reply with certainty.
All this time, i cannot help but think about my own plight,
All this while, i am thinking about the past.
The Sunshine, the rain, and the chill is what i will remember.
Friends playing for long, talking about life, and admiring the garden,
all these images are replayed in my mind when i am leaving.
Taking a walk in the garden, talking about personal events,
all are impressioned in my mind when i leave.
I have already left,
but, in my mind, i carry the image of the lake.
I stop to see the Sun set and the dusk arrive.
Once again, an alien land beckons, and the start
of a new phase in life begins.
But, this new phase has promise, but will it have beauty,
that is the question that i will think.
Life as a grown up is really bitter,
because we need to think realistically.
I have already left,
but i will never leave behind the memories.
All friends, beauty and serenity,
is what an ideal life should be.
Perhaps, that can only be in our mind,
and with that we drift in the time of life.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Groupism sucks!!!!!
Indeed, Groupism sucks. I do not understand as to why individuals have to make groups. By doing so, the individuals tend to dominate over their friends. A rigid set of rules ensures that individuals do not do anything that is against the interest of the group. A factor of individual principals is compromised, and the group manages to survive only after certain hard compromises. In the case of small children, it results in their Oath of Friendship being tested over and over again. In the case of Teenagers, it is all a matter of dominance. In today's time, Groupism has being given serious legitamacy by the factor of Liberalization of the economy. Working in Teams is now the in-thing, although i might be the only one who might not agree with this factor.
It is perhaps very hard to gauge as to how individuals can remain adhered to a particular group. For it is very clear from the outset, that Individuality of an individual is compromised for the sake of the group. the very fact that a Group curbs indirectly, what individual says or does makes Groupism very dangerous indeed. If individuals stick to groups, then it creates an atmosphere of suspicion when the individual meets individuals outside of the Group circle. Interactions with other friends not belonging to the inner circle is curbed, and thus relationships sour.
If personal liberty is set aside, then the individuals manage to compromise it by the factor of security and comfort. An individual joins a group because he assumes to be safe from whatever threats he/she might face in the larger context. Whatsoever complexities might be faced by persons can be sorted out if in a group. This point is largely make-believe, and thus concludes to the fact that individuals need groups so that they can have something to fall back on.
Groups can be productive if they can be flexible and more understanding of individuals. But, in a conservative society, groupism indirectly suggests the termination of sociality with other individuals in the same society. In such cases, groups are primarily created so that they can withsatnd the social back talking done by conservative sections of society. Nothing is wrong with that , but unfortunately, it is practiced to the very extreme. Groups tend to go into their shell, and thus terminate all sorts of communication.
When Personal liberty and understanding is at stake, when freedom of movement and thought is restricted, the most important fact for Groupism is that individuals get complete security. The very fact that there is a presence to which individuals can fall back on is why Groupism will flourish and thrive forever. It is indeed a tragedy, for these things can terminate the process of communication, and give rise to the process of Suspicion.
It is perhaps very hard to gauge as to how individuals can remain adhered to a particular group. For it is very clear from the outset, that Individuality of an individual is compromised for the sake of the group. the very fact that a Group curbs indirectly, what individual says or does makes Groupism very dangerous indeed. If individuals stick to groups, then it creates an atmosphere of suspicion when the individual meets individuals outside of the Group circle. Interactions with other friends not belonging to the inner circle is curbed, and thus relationships sour.
If personal liberty is set aside, then the individuals manage to compromise it by the factor of security and comfort. An individual joins a group because he assumes to be safe from whatever threats he/she might face in the larger context. Whatsoever complexities might be faced by persons can be sorted out if in a group. This point is largely make-believe, and thus concludes to the fact that individuals need groups so that they can have something to fall back on.
Groups can be productive if they can be flexible and more understanding of individuals. But, in a conservative society, groupism indirectly suggests the termination of sociality with other individuals in the same society. In such cases, groups are primarily created so that they can withsatnd the social back talking done by conservative sections of society. Nothing is wrong with that , but unfortunately, it is practiced to the very extreme. Groups tend to go into their shell, and thus terminate all sorts of communication.
When Personal liberty and understanding is at stake, when freedom of movement and thought is restricted, the most important fact for Groupism is that individuals get complete security. The very fact that there is a presence to which individuals can fall back on is why Groupism will flourish and thrive forever. It is indeed a tragedy, for these things can terminate the process of communication, and give rise to the process of Suspicion.
Monday, April 23, 2007
A Retaliation or realization!!!!!
Activists of a particular organization rioted outside Star News Office in Mumbai. They had smashed property, and they were aided by Police apathy, which was shattered after a couple of hours. The incident which sparked it all was a marriage that took place between a girl and a man. Now, looking at the context, one should normally view this as a fact that the Media has been targetted by more conservative activists of Society. But, the gut instinct this time is that Star News deserved it! Yes, being part of the media, i will say that the attacks on the Star News office have long been awaited.
The situation was that the girl who was getting married was a Minor. The law clearly states, that the eligibility of marriage for girls is 18, and she was less than that. Now, Star News goes overboard and keeps on replaying the news, and they, instead of highlighting the gross negligence of the law, went indepth with their reportage, without doing a thing. This is not the first account of Star News or any of the Hindi news channels doing this.
It has happened during the Aishwarya Rai-Abhisheik Bachchan wedding. The publicity attempt of a Movie extra, and with the attempts that she undertook to gain maximum mileage were indeed nauseating. Then, followed the Richard Gere-Shilpa Shetty kiss at an AIDS function. Instead of focusing on the main issue of AIDS, the Hindi news channels, most notably Star News went into overdrive and focused only on the kissing aspect. Very small protests had taken place regarding the incident, but Star News and other hindi channels went overboard to highlight and dramatize the protests.
Focusing on the trivial aspects of society, as well as seriously dumbing down news content has resulted in these channels becoming more of an Infotainment channel rather than News channels. There can be no other explanation, when a News channel devotes one hour to showing a re-run of a Soap Opera or countless hours of Jokes by Comedians. It is this triviality that has made certain sections of the Media wonder wether Tabloid Journalism is the order of the day or not.
The unfortunate thing with this is that the real problem wil be sidetracked, and that the attacks by these people will be covered as an attack on Media freedom. I wonder what has Star News done to really inform the people? Other than long hours of Celebrity and entertainment news, as well as footages of Celebrity Grooms riding a horse, and focusing on the Horse which has being getting ready!!!!! The Hindi News Media, barring a certain few (although that has to be checked) have made Tabloid Journalism their norm. These News channels have done nothing for Democracy or to inform the Citizenry of this country.
If certain sections of Society do not realize the above fact, then the Hindi News Media have seriously Dumbed them down. It is perhaps a blessing that this sensationalism has not spread to the Print Media. Publications like Dainik Bhaskar, Rajasthan Patrika are the only shining lights in an otherwise superficial Hindi Broadcast News. Next time, if a certain group attacks these outlets, then the whole country should look behind and beyond the attacks. A norm should be there, that News channels cannot play despicable content and sensationalize it for the Money. But, will they realize that, that is a question which needs to be answered soon.
The situation was that the girl who was getting married was a Minor. The law clearly states, that the eligibility of marriage for girls is 18, and she was less than that. Now, Star News goes overboard and keeps on replaying the news, and they, instead of highlighting the gross negligence of the law, went indepth with their reportage, without doing a thing. This is not the first account of Star News or any of the Hindi news channels doing this.
It has happened during the Aishwarya Rai-Abhisheik Bachchan wedding. The publicity attempt of a Movie extra, and with the attempts that she undertook to gain maximum mileage were indeed nauseating. Then, followed the Richard Gere-Shilpa Shetty kiss at an AIDS function. Instead of focusing on the main issue of AIDS, the Hindi news channels, most notably Star News went into overdrive and focused only on the kissing aspect. Very small protests had taken place regarding the incident, but Star News and other hindi channels went overboard to highlight and dramatize the protests.
Focusing on the trivial aspects of society, as well as seriously dumbing down news content has resulted in these channels becoming more of an Infotainment channel rather than News channels. There can be no other explanation, when a News channel devotes one hour to showing a re-run of a Soap Opera or countless hours of Jokes by Comedians. It is this triviality that has made certain sections of the Media wonder wether Tabloid Journalism is the order of the day or not.
The unfortunate thing with this is that the real problem wil be sidetracked, and that the attacks by these people will be covered as an attack on Media freedom. I wonder what has Star News done to really inform the people? Other than long hours of Celebrity and entertainment news, as well as footages of Celebrity Grooms riding a horse, and focusing on the Horse which has being getting ready!!!!! The Hindi News Media, barring a certain few (although that has to be checked) have made Tabloid Journalism their norm. These News channels have done nothing for Democracy or to inform the Citizenry of this country.
If certain sections of Society do not realize the above fact, then the Hindi News Media have seriously Dumbed them down. It is perhaps a blessing that this sensationalism has not spread to the Print Media. Publications like Dainik Bhaskar, Rajasthan Patrika are the only shining lights in an otherwise superficial Hindi Broadcast News. Next time, if a certain group attacks these outlets, then the whole country should look behind and beyond the attacks. A norm should be there, that News channels cannot play despicable content and sensationalize it for the Money. But, will they realize that, that is a question which needs to be answered soon.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Social Hypocracy
I was just watching a debate on Lok Sabha Channel. Unfortunately, i caught the debate when it was approaching the end. The subject was regarding the Unprecedented Boom in the Media industry, and how so many channels are now beamed in India. This growth might continue in the coming decades. But, one important point stood out. With all these channels, how viable and important will these channels be? The News media is already suffering because of Infotainment content.The amount of Soap Operas that are being broadcast on major channels here in India have provided people with an escape from reality route.
However, it is the one point of Social Hypocracy that stands out from this whole debate. We can continue to Criticize the Media for Dumbing down, but it is also very relevant that People watch this with much more interest. Let us open up and acknowledge the fact that nobody watches serious stuff on TV. The perception that still lingers on is that Television is a medium of entertainment. The liberty of the remote control is such that audiences, with a click of a button, change their choice. If there is anything that perturbes them, they can change the channel. Such is the liberty of this thing, that to argue for serious programming is a Farce.
India suffered in its quest to usher in serious programming. One, when Doordarshan was ushered in the 1960's, the reach of Television was very limited. Serious programming content was broadcast, but, in the end, it was hampered by poor distribution and production. Then ,when Liberalization set in, the demands and the mindset of the people changed. As liberalization was a western thing, people started looking west for their entertainment. So, in this case, the reach was there, but, in the guise of entrtainment, people ignored serious programming content.
Now, the problem is that, entertainment has penetrated so much into People's minds that Television Broadcasters are going overboard to fill the Audience's escapist venture. This impact is seen more in the News Media. Under the guise of News Channels, several Infotainment News like Star Plus and all are doing well! Media organizations in India, noably, the Hindi one, are Dumbing Down News to such an exent, that for them, TRP is the ultimte goal, not goodwill. Advertising Coffers are to be filled, rather than Information to the Citizen.
Perhaps, this is indeed Social Hypocracy. The demands of people for the creation of Serious Programmes at a time when these same people watch trivial, dumbed down programmes to escape from reality. I guess, this is the flip side of the Television boom. The Idiot Box has indeed made the Public Idiots and Hypocratical. Perhaps, the tide can be reversed, if Individuals acknowledge that their prior motive is to get entertained rather than getting informed. Only then perhaps, can People have real power, and not be Dumbed Down Idiots.
However, it is the one point of Social Hypocracy that stands out from this whole debate. We can continue to Criticize the Media for Dumbing down, but it is also very relevant that People watch this with much more interest. Let us open up and acknowledge the fact that nobody watches serious stuff on TV. The perception that still lingers on is that Television is a medium of entertainment. The liberty of the remote control is such that audiences, with a click of a button, change their choice. If there is anything that perturbes them, they can change the channel. Such is the liberty of this thing, that to argue for serious programming is a Farce.
India suffered in its quest to usher in serious programming. One, when Doordarshan was ushered in the 1960's, the reach of Television was very limited. Serious programming content was broadcast, but, in the end, it was hampered by poor distribution and production. Then ,when Liberalization set in, the demands and the mindset of the people changed. As liberalization was a western thing, people started looking west for their entertainment. So, in this case, the reach was there, but, in the guise of entrtainment, people ignored serious programming content.
Now, the problem is that, entertainment has penetrated so much into People's minds that Television Broadcasters are going overboard to fill the Audience's escapist venture. This impact is seen more in the News Media. Under the guise of News Channels, several Infotainment News like Star Plus and all are doing well! Media organizations in India, noably, the Hindi one, are Dumbing Down News to such an exent, that for them, TRP is the ultimte goal, not goodwill. Advertising Coffers are to be filled, rather than Information to the Citizen.
Perhaps, this is indeed Social Hypocracy. The demands of people for the creation of Serious Programmes at a time when these same people watch trivial, dumbed down programmes to escape from reality. I guess, this is the flip side of the Television boom. The Idiot Box has indeed made the Public Idiots and Hypocratical. Perhaps, the tide can be reversed, if Individuals acknowledge that their prior motive is to get entertained rather than getting informed. Only then perhaps, can People have real power, and not be Dumbed Down Idiots.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The Virginia Story
The most shocking thing to have rocked America. Just a few days back, i was discussing about the Future of America, as far as International things are concerned. Now, the killing of 34 students by a South Korean student in Virginia Tech College has left America shocked. A community stands together in Grief, while America is confronted with another serious problem, this time on their own Domestic front.
Unfortunately, two Indians were among the ones that were killed in the shootout. One Indian Professor and a student from India were among the 34 dead in the college, including the psychotic student. Whatever angles may be probed, wether it was a security lapse, or should the University have arranged for better Security, or was the student suffering from loneliness will come out in the next few days. However, two angles have been highlighted from this shooting. It will be very interesting if the People and American Lawmakers will push for this.
The shooting incident at Virginia Tech highlights the Flip Side of Gun Possession in the United States. This is not the first time that a shootout has happened in a College University in America. Several universities over the last three decades have witnessed shootouts, and some of them have been deadly. Stricter Gun Control Laws have always been on the Lawmakers Agenda, but they have not shown Interest in enforcing it. I do not understand the need to possess weapons by Ordinary People. Under the Guise of Self Defence, what is the guarantee that any Psychotic human being wont go on a shooting spree? Why must any American Citizen be allowed Guns and their licenses? From what i see it, the situation in America is not so bad that every second person is out to kill every other on the street in broad daylight.
If the Cowboy attitude of American citizens continue like this, then more shooting incidences anywhere will occur frequently. It is about time that Gun possession criterias be made more stricter. Gun Possession must not be found in Public Areas, and laws have to be passed that anybody above 25 must be eligible for the license in the first place. But, unfortunately, i am writing this at a time when the Horse has already bolted. Guns as a whole, for the Common man, are Bad, and the Virginia shootout highlights this fact.
What will the Indian Student Community do after this incident? Will the next new batch that will arrive in the coming years change their mind and try something out in India? Will the students give up the great American Dream? Is the incident that will jolt people out of the bubble that America is the perfect dream?
The answer for all that is NO. As part of the Diaspora in the future, I can say that this generaion of Indians will not let anything perturbe them. Many thousands of Indian students will make the trip to the US, UK or Australia to make a life for themselves. Inspite of threats like Racism, unsafe environment for Aliens, Second Class treatment, the motto for this generation is firmly, "Anything to do for a Living". I guess people have several strong perceptions about life in countries like America and Britain. They have fixed it upon their minds that whatever happens, life in the West is much better than the life at home.
But, most important, the shooting at Virginia Tech highlights the fact that Students who go abroad need support and not differentiation from their colleagues. If they are made to feel home, and they are also given equal treatment, then none of this might happen. But, in an era, where Stereotypes and Negative perceptions dominate, perhaps, sometime down the line, another Virginia might occur. At that time, the consequences could be deadlier.
Unfortunately, two Indians were among the ones that were killed in the shootout. One Indian Professor and a student from India were among the 34 dead in the college, including the psychotic student. Whatever angles may be probed, wether it was a security lapse, or should the University have arranged for better Security, or was the student suffering from loneliness will come out in the next few days. However, two angles have been highlighted from this shooting. It will be very interesting if the People and American Lawmakers will push for this.
The shooting incident at Virginia Tech highlights the Flip Side of Gun Possession in the United States. This is not the first time that a shootout has happened in a College University in America. Several universities over the last three decades have witnessed shootouts, and some of them have been deadly. Stricter Gun Control Laws have always been on the Lawmakers Agenda, but they have not shown Interest in enforcing it. I do not understand the need to possess weapons by Ordinary People. Under the Guise of Self Defence, what is the guarantee that any Psychotic human being wont go on a shooting spree? Why must any American Citizen be allowed Guns and their licenses? From what i see it, the situation in America is not so bad that every second person is out to kill every other on the street in broad daylight.
If the Cowboy attitude of American citizens continue like this, then more shooting incidences anywhere will occur frequently. It is about time that Gun possession criterias be made more stricter. Gun Possession must not be found in Public Areas, and laws have to be passed that anybody above 25 must be eligible for the license in the first place. But, unfortunately, i am writing this at a time when the Horse has already bolted. Guns as a whole, for the Common man, are Bad, and the Virginia shootout highlights this fact.
What will the Indian Student Community do after this incident? Will the next new batch that will arrive in the coming years change their mind and try something out in India? Will the students give up the great American Dream? Is the incident that will jolt people out of the bubble that America is the perfect dream?
The answer for all that is NO. As part of the Diaspora in the future, I can say that this generaion of Indians will not let anything perturbe them. Many thousands of Indian students will make the trip to the US, UK or Australia to make a life for themselves. Inspite of threats like Racism, unsafe environment for Aliens, Second Class treatment, the motto for this generation is firmly, "Anything to do for a Living". I guess people have several strong perceptions about life in countries like America and Britain. They have fixed it upon their minds that whatever happens, life in the West is much better than the life at home.
But, most important, the shooting at Virginia Tech highlights the fact that Students who go abroad need support and not differentiation from their colleagues. If they are made to feel home, and they are also given equal treatment, then none of this might happen. But, in an era, where Stereotypes and Negative perceptions dominate, perhaps, sometime down the line, another Virginia might occur. At that time, the consequences could be deadlier.
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Poison of Conservativeness
It is my general belief that a nation, whose very base is set on conservativeness, cannot progress. If Morality is allowed to dominate over Practicality, then the thinking of Society will never be progressive, let alone liberal. This fact has been highlighted by two facts: The recent Inter-religious Marriage between a Hindu Girl and a Muslim boy, as well as the Shilpa Shetty Fiasco with Richard Gere during an AIDS awareness campaign. Both these facts suggest that certain parts of India, predominantly, the Cow Belt, are still dwelling in Medieval times.
The most personal of choices like Marriage has been blown out of proportion by both the Hindi and English Media. If a Girl likes a Boy or vice versa, then they have the ultimate liberty to go ahead and marry. What right does Society have in determining the life of individuals? It is here that i will once again point out, that to view everything from a religious and moral point of view is detrimental not only to individuals, but also to Society. Measures adopted by some communities are literally curbing the freedom of movement of an Individual.
The Shilpa Shetty Fiasco is also a case in point. This time it regards to Richard Gere publicly kissing her in an AIDS awareness campaign. It prompted burning of effigies by people all across the Cow Belt. Now, the stupidity of this was that there were only about 100 people or more practicing these protests. The Media coverage, in particular that of the Hindi Media (the standout being Star "News"), was as expected unworthy. It is because of News Media like these that allow trivial things to get saturation coverage and put other issues on the side.
Both these cases highlight the fact, that Morality and Conservartism, are poisonous to the entire societal spectrum. To eliminate this Poison is also not feasible or easy. This, for the simple reason, that it is very hard to Define Conservatism. Individual minds have varied interpretations of this term. Each and every individual in this century has a strong knowledge, perhaps, of what is good and Bad in life. To dismiss Liberal values as Vulgar and Infiltration of Culture is only sidetracking the issue that Conservatism is indeed a problem.
Media, like some Hindi Media, has to now encounter Flak. I am not saying this because I belong to the English speaking public. But, if you look at the content of some of these News channels, it really mkes you wonder wether you are watching serious informative news or Infotainment. Both these cases, Publicity has been given to such an extent, that the people have ventured into their Jingoistic moods. The Jingoism shown by the people over these two incidents make you realize of the Medieviality of Conservative India. If India faces this scenario, in the coming few years, then society will never develop, let alone the country. I guess India is a country of Crossroads, where Liberal Society and Traditional Moral society are at loggerheads once again.
The most personal of choices like Marriage has been blown out of proportion by both the Hindi and English Media. If a Girl likes a Boy or vice versa, then they have the ultimate liberty to go ahead and marry. What right does Society have in determining the life of individuals? It is here that i will once again point out, that to view everything from a religious and moral point of view is detrimental not only to individuals, but also to Society. Measures adopted by some communities are literally curbing the freedom of movement of an Individual.
The Shilpa Shetty Fiasco is also a case in point. This time it regards to Richard Gere publicly kissing her in an AIDS awareness campaign. It prompted burning of effigies by people all across the Cow Belt. Now, the stupidity of this was that there were only about 100 people or more practicing these protests. The Media coverage, in particular that of the Hindi Media (the standout being Star "News"), was as expected unworthy. It is because of News Media like these that allow trivial things to get saturation coverage and put other issues on the side.
Both these cases highlight the fact, that Morality and Conservartism, are poisonous to the entire societal spectrum. To eliminate this Poison is also not feasible or easy. This, for the simple reason, that it is very hard to Define Conservatism. Individual minds have varied interpretations of this term. Each and every individual in this century has a strong knowledge, perhaps, of what is good and Bad in life. To dismiss Liberal values as Vulgar and Infiltration of Culture is only sidetracking the issue that Conservatism is indeed a problem.
Media, like some Hindi Media, has to now encounter Flak. I am not saying this because I belong to the English speaking public. But, if you look at the content of some of these News channels, it really mkes you wonder wether you are watching serious informative news or Infotainment. Both these cases, Publicity has been given to such an extent, that the people have ventured into their Jingoistic moods. The Jingoism shown by the people over these two incidents make you realize of the Medieviality of Conservative India. If India faces this scenario, in the coming few years, then society will never develop, let alone the country. I guess India is a country of Crossroads, where Liberal Society and Traditional Moral society are at loggerheads once again.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Future of America
Just when you wonder that things have quietened down in Iraq, Karbala has become a flashpoint of secterian violence. A Car bomb outside a shrine in the Shia Holy City of Karbala has once again set Iraq on fire. Now, this comes after several weeks when no major incident took forth in Iraq. And to top the tensions off, Iran is one step closer to becoming nuclear, thus widening the scope of the conflict in the Middle East. With the Israeli-Palestinian peace process not moving forward, it seems as if, the US is going to be in real trouble as far as its plan for the Middle East is concerned.
When American troops pull out, in say another three years or more, their psyche will have been disintegrated to Nightmarish proportions. Now, that the whole world views America as suspicious, it has lost the Legitamacy, wich it otherwise had during certain conflicts in the Cold war. This is the prime reason, that the US will suffer more for its conflict in Iraq then it ever did during the 15 or so years of Vietnam.
With US casualty figures increasing by every attack, the American administration is indeed worried. In fact, this war might result in the starting of the Decline of the Republican Party. Just as how the Civil War in the 1860's was detrimental to the Democratic Party, the Iraq conflict could be the for the Republicans. George.W.Bush might perhaps be feeling the ineffectivity that a Lame-Duck president has, because he is not able to go anywhere forward with his plans to end the Second term on a high.
Even on the Domestic front, the economy is slowing down, Warnings by the Federal Reserve Chairman suggested that the World's Richest economy could be heading for a slowdown, and thus the mood of the economies all over the world is depressing. Perhaps, the stresses of War and the risk of increasing inflation have contributed to another tough period for the people of America.
This has indeed, and without a doubt shown, that War can affect the economy of a nation, which in turn affects the people of Society, and thus leading to the disintegration of the psyche. It took a War in Iraq during 1991-92 to erase the wounds of Vietnam. Now, in the first half of the 21st century, will a War with Iran be the antidote to cure the wounds of the Iraq War? Perhaps, America might be the only country to wage a War in order to cure the wound of another War.
America might end up losing all legitamacy in the eyes of the world. Then possibly, in the coming decades, under the Democratic administration, the policy of Isolationalism might be advocated. But, if this happens, one wonders as to how America will conduct themselves come 2008-09, when a New administration takes over, thus New ideas. America has had Geniuses in the past to get them out of their own created mess. This decade desperately needs one, fast, for if not found, then the diminishing of America's Power might begin.
When American troops pull out, in say another three years or more, their psyche will have been disintegrated to Nightmarish proportions. Now, that the whole world views America as suspicious, it has lost the Legitamacy, wich it otherwise had during certain conflicts in the Cold war. This is the prime reason, that the US will suffer more for its conflict in Iraq then it ever did during the 15 or so years of Vietnam.
With US casualty figures increasing by every attack, the American administration is indeed worried. In fact, this war might result in the starting of the Decline of the Republican Party. Just as how the Civil War in the 1860's was detrimental to the Democratic Party, the Iraq conflict could be the for the Republicans. George.W.Bush might perhaps be feeling the ineffectivity that a Lame-Duck president has, because he is not able to go anywhere forward with his plans to end the Second term on a high.
Even on the Domestic front, the economy is slowing down, Warnings by the Federal Reserve Chairman suggested that the World's Richest economy could be heading for a slowdown, and thus the mood of the economies all over the world is depressing. Perhaps, the stresses of War and the risk of increasing inflation have contributed to another tough period for the people of America.
This has indeed, and without a doubt shown, that War can affect the economy of a nation, which in turn affects the people of Society, and thus leading to the disintegration of the psyche. It took a War in Iraq during 1991-92 to erase the wounds of Vietnam. Now, in the first half of the 21st century, will a War with Iran be the antidote to cure the wounds of the Iraq War? Perhaps, America might be the only country to wage a War in order to cure the wound of another War.
America might end up losing all legitamacy in the eyes of the world. Then possibly, in the coming decades, under the Democratic administration, the policy of Isolationalism might be advocated. But, if this happens, one wonders as to how America will conduct themselves come 2008-09, when a New administration takes over, thus New ideas. America has had Geniuses in the past to get them out of their own created mess. This decade desperately needs one, fast, for if not found, then the diminishing of America's Power might begin.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The People's Land and their Choice
First it was Singur, then it was Nandigram, and now the effect seems to be spreading over to Kalahandi in Orissa. The setting up of a Multi-National Aluminium Industry in that Area has once again given rise to tensions. This proposition has resulted in the displacement of tribals forcefully, as well as posing an ecological threat. The region is abundant in Bauxite, and the constant mining will result in the devastation of the ecology of that place.
India, now, is apparently seeing these problems repeat itself. Are these events indication that Capitalism is indeed evil for the People of India? Are these the fallout of uncontrolled and selfish development? I, for one, do not want to know in depth about the nuiances and possibilities of Capitalism and Marxism. From what i see here, the fact of the matter is People are being forcefully evacuated from their lands, and that is indeed a Cardinal Sin.
I would like the Indian Citiizenry to put themselves in the place of the tribals. How would they like it if they have been evacuated from their land all of a sudden and without any backup? The tribals are indeed paying a price for being so isolated, and now, only the right recourse of Justice can save them.
The Government also cannot be trusted. Any Ideological Party also cannot be trusted, for they have also backstabbed the people. The Communists, as well as any other so-called Secualr parties have let down the people, let it be the Communists in Nandigram or the Biju Janata Dal in Orissa, or the BJP in Gujarat.
This is proof that Development, unless not having any backup provisions for the people, is indeed evil. Now, for how long can the conflict between Capitalism and Peasantry will continue, with the Peasantry losing out all the time, is to be seen. The Hypocracy of Capitalism and the greed of Money is all too evident here.
Now, another event is there which has shown the Hypocracy of the Indian Moral Society. A Hindu Girl eloped with a Muslim Boy, thus evoking Taliban like voices from certain communities here in Bhopal. The High Courts in Mumbai and Jabalpur have already passed off this as Legitimate. The VHP, Bajrang Dal and the RSS have made an entirely Private affair a Public one and threatened the lives of these two people.
Now, Marriage as a whole is a personal choice of the individual, and it is only they that can decide. If a person chooses to marry out of her caste or religion, it should be encouraged. India, as a whole, is Secular only on Paper. In reality, India is just not tolerant to this fact. The VHP, RSS and the Bajrang Dal represent the Taliban of India, and if sections of society continue to encourage these 'parties', then India will be in trouble.
The conclusion that can be drawn from this is that in India, doing something Right and Loving somebody is a Crime, resulting in possibly playing with lives. If such is the scenario of present day India, then it wont be long, until Fascism reaches its peak in a so-called Democratic India. Perhaps, the Democratic foundation will be tested in Uttar Pradesh. Perhaps, hopefully not, is the spark of Fascism that this country will experience
India, now, is apparently seeing these problems repeat itself. Are these events indication that Capitalism is indeed evil for the People of India? Are these the fallout of uncontrolled and selfish development? I, for one, do not want to know in depth about the nuiances and possibilities of Capitalism and Marxism. From what i see here, the fact of the matter is People are being forcefully evacuated from their lands, and that is indeed a Cardinal Sin.
I would like the Indian Citiizenry to put themselves in the place of the tribals. How would they like it if they have been evacuated from their land all of a sudden and without any backup? The tribals are indeed paying a price for being so isolated, and now, only the right recourse of Justice can save them.
The Government also cannot be trusted. Any Ideological Party also cannot be trusted, for they have also backstabbed the people. The Communists, as well as any other so-called Secualr parties have let down the people, let it be the Communists in Nandigram or the Biju Janata Dal in Orissa, or the BJP in Gujarat.
This is proof that Development, unless not having any backup provisions for the people, is indeed evil. Now, for how long can the conflict between Capitalism and Peasantry will continue, with the Peasantry losing out all the time, is to be seen. The Hypocracy of Capitalism and the greed of Money is all too evident here.
Now, another event is there which has shown the Hypocracy of the Indian Moral Society. A Hindu Girl eloped with a Muslim Boy, thus evoking Taliban like voices from certain communities here in Bhopal. The High Courts in Mumbai and Jabalpur have already passed off this as Legitimate. The VHP, Bajrang Dal and the RSS have made an entirely Private affair a Public one and threatened the lives of these two people.
Now, Marriage as a whole is a personal choice of the individual, and it is only they that can decide. If a person chooses to marry out of her caste or religion, it should be encouraged. India, as a whole, is Secular only on Paper. In reality, India is just not tolerant to this fact. The VHP, RSS and the Bajrang Dal represent the Taliban of India, and if sections of society continue to encourage these 'parties', then India will be in trouble.
The conclusion that can be drawn from this is that in India, doing something Right and Loving somebody is a Crime, resulting in possibly playing with lives. If such is the scenario of present day India, then it wont be long, until Fascism reaches its peak in a so-called Democratic India. Perhaps, the Democratic foundation will be tested in Uttar Pradesh. Perhaps, hopefully not, is the spark of Fascism that this country will experience
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Non-Awakening
The citizens of the world are fully aware of the Wars that plague society. From the battle fields in Iraq, to the civil wars in the continent of Africa, to some conflicts in Asia, the whole world knows of the struggles between nations. However, human beings are completely unaware of a war in which humans could suffer devastating losses. Information given by Media and other sources ar barely negligible. This War is Human beings against Mother Nature. The latest report filed by a team of scientists predicts dire scenarios as far as the environmental position of the palnet is concerned.
The same factors, melting of the Polar Ice Cap, Deforestation, Climate change, extreme natural conditions have all been part of ecological hazards. However, this time around, the alarm bells are sounding much louder than ever before. The caostal areas of the world will all be inundated with the rising Sea Waters. With extreme climate change, food and living conditions will be altered for the worst. Already, the world is experiencing extreme climate conditions, and many say that by 2050, the earth could commit ecological suicide.
But, though, the alarm bells are ringing loudly, countries and the people just dont seem to care. Countries like China and America continue to be the largest polluters in this planet. The common thing between them is that they are economic superpowers with a Hungry and Rapid developmental plans. In particualr, China and the United States are using exhaustible sources of energy so rapidly, that the earth will ultimately not have any of these in the next century.
The above paragraph shows that Development compromises ecological security, and that Global Warming is a certainty. Development has not at all been sustainable in the world. Despite several environmental declarations by the United Nations, the countries have largely not followed up. Industrialization and development are so much ingrained into the psyche of humans, that environmental destruction is almost considered trivial.
Human beings are tying the noose of death around their own necks casually, and no one seems to care. Inspite of warning signs around us, with regard to devastating magnitudes of natural disasters, we do not seem to be taking action. In conclusion, Global Warming seems to be an irreversible trend, and within the next century, we will all be living in a very dire environment, and we will have no-one to blame but ourselves. Human beings have not awoken to this danger, and it looks as if the slumber will continue for quiet a while
The same factors, melting of the Polar Ice Cap, Deforestation, Climate change, extreme natural conditions have all been part of ecological hazards. However, this time around, the alarm bells are sounding much louder than ever before. The caostal areas of the world will all be inundated with the rising Sea Waters. With extreme climate change, food and living conditions will be altered for the worst. Already, the world is experiencing extreme climate conditions, and many say that by 2050, the earth could commit ecological suicide.
But, though, the alarm bells are ringing loudly, countries and the people just dont seem to care. Countries like China and America continue to be the largest polluters in this planet. The common thing between them is that they are economic superpowers with a Hungry and Rapid developmental plans. In particualr, China and the United States are using exhaustible sources of energy so rapidly, that the earth will ultimately not have any of these in the next century.
The above paragraph shows that Development compromises ecological security, and that Global Warming is a certainty. Development has not at all been sustainable in the world. Despite several environmental declarations by the United Nations, the countries have largely not followed up. Industrialization and development are so much ingrained into the psyche of humans, that environmental destruction is almost considered trivial.
Human beings are tying the noose of death around their own necks casually, and no one seems to care. Inspite of warning signs around us, with regard to devastating magnitudes of natural disasters, we do not seem to be taking action. In conclusion, Global Warming seems to be an irreversible trend, and within the next century, we will all be living in a very dire environment, and we will have no-one to blame but ourselves. Human beings have not awoken to this danger, and it looks as if the slumber will continue for quiet a while
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
It is a Beautiful World
Or is it???? Several indications are there that the world might not be a better place to live in. With War, Sickness, Natural calamities, the scope of beauty just decreases in the world. Nowadays, there are only individual instances of beauty being recognized. This post wont be a long theoritical piece, but rather a poem which summarizes, in a nutshell, what is there in the world of today.
I read in books,
the world is a beautiful place,
The Mountains, the scenary, the flowers,
Nature's sights, peace, tranquility,
all are what man desires.
But, in this age, things are different.
No-one cares for Mother Nature, for if they did,
Trees would not be cut, animals wont be xtinct,
Waters wont be polluted, the Air would not be toxic,
Calamities wont claim so many lives.
No one cares for Mother Nature, for if they did,
Nature's essence would not have been tampered.
Floods, diseases, drought and famine tell us loudly,
that we continue to destory the essence of nature.
No one cares for humans, for if they did,
Wars might not get legitamacy, they wont get backing.
Weapons of all kinds destroyed man in years, months, days,
and now man's psyche produces weapons that kill in seconds.
No one cares for humans, for if they did,
The world would not practice ignorance and fanaticism.
Under the guise of followers of a Supreme being,
Man kills fellow man, and the rest of its kind practices isolation.
Nobody cares for anything now-a-days.
Many say that the age of reason is upon us,
but all humankind have become irrational,
they have forgotten that All are the Same.
Animals, Man and Plants have very limited time,
for in this age of so called reasoning,
their life will be limited, and they will be extinct,
It is not a Beautiful world out there anymore.
It is all in the mind,
the beautiful world is in our mind.
Trust only whats in the mind, and man
risks extinction very soon.
So much for the Beautiful World!!!!!!!!!!
I read in books,
the world is a beautiful place,
The Mountains, the scenary, the flowers,
Nature's sights, peace, tranquility,
all are what man desires.
But, in this age, things are different.
No-one cares for Mother Nature, for if they did,
Trees would not be cut, animals wont be xtinct,
Waters wont be polluted, the Air would not be toxic,
Calamities wont claim so many lives.
No one cares for Mother Nature, for if they did,
Nature's essence would not have been tampered.
Floods, diseases, drought and famine tell us loudly,
that we continue to destory the essence of nature.
No one cares for humans, for if they did,
Wars might not get legitamacy, they wont get backing.
Weapons of all kinds destroyed man in years, months, days,
and now man's psyche produces weapons that kill in seconds.
No one cares for humans, for if they did,
The world would not practice ignorance and fanaticism.
Under the guise of followers of a Supreme being,
Man kills fellow man, and the rest of its kind practices isolation.
Nobody cares for anything now-a-days.
Many say that the age of reason is upon us,
but all humankind have become irrational,
they have forgotten that All are the Same.
Animals, Man and Plants have very limited time,
for in this age of so called reasoning,
their life will be limited, and they will be extinct,
It is not a Beautiful world out there anymore.
It is all in the mind,
the beautiful world is in our mind.
Trust only whats in the mind, and man
risks extinction very soon.
So much for the Beautiful World!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
My regrets
So far, my life has gone on well. Life is going from strength to strength, and the future looks good ahead. However, along this path, there have been several bumps, and there have been some which have been very regretful. Some personal regrets will not be highlighted in all this, but some incidents have really shook me, and i wish that this had not hapened.
My first regret has been that my life in school was extremely bad. Majority of this regret is because of me, for i was very immature. In school, i never was confident, and i always thought from the heart and not from the head. For all this, i was in the recieving end of all bad jokes from my school colleagues. To add to all this, i was a very average student, never challenged anybody both intellectually and Sportingly, thus i was considered a useless person. I was never happy, never made another people happy, i was a complete wreck. They say that the best days in the life of an individual comes during school days, i never had that privilege. This is perhaps the biggest regret that I had, and it was all my doing.
The second is a spillover of the school days in the College days. Junior college semed to be an extension of those bad days in school, and even here i suffered from an inferiority complex. I never made a lot of friends, this too was all my doing. It seemed that life had hit rock bottom, and i was now in the heart of a long, dark tunnel.
Then, somehow, things started looking up. I secured admission in a field that was suited to my liking, and then i was a changed man. I made friends, lots of them, and i could speak up confidently on anything. No longer did i suffer from Inferiority complexes, i was finally the person that i wanted to be. I was Myself.
However, another incident occured that i regret even today. While coming home from college, i met a man who was lost. He asked me some money to direct him to a Bus Stop. He said that he is a stranger and that he is lost in this city. I first dismissed him as a beggar and someone very untrustworthy. But, then, he started crying, and said, "Please do not consider me a beggar. I am lost in this City and i have also lost my money. Please help me". But, i had no money. Just a few minutes back, i had spent the remaining money in stuffing myself with food. Now, i had none to help him out. I replied that i had no money and then he just left.
It is perhaps this incident that I have the maximum regret. I should have saved the money, so that i could have at least helped the poor man. The second thing is that i allowed myself to distrust the man. If only, my mind was open and sensitive to the man's plight, i would have not left him like that. It was then i realized that it is just no use to be suspicious. Like Elvis Presley said, "We can't go on living, with Suspicious Minds", i agree with this.
The only way i can overcome this regret is when i meet someone similar and help out. Only perhaps will i achieve sensitivity and understanding, and alow my mind and heart to shatter this bubble of Suspicion.
My first regret has been that my life in school was extremely bad. Majority of this regret is because of me, for i was very immature. In school, i never was confident, and i always thought from the heart and not from the head. For all this, i was in the recieving end of all bad jokes from my school colleagues. To add to all this, i was a very average student, never challenged anybody both intellectually and Sportingly, thus i was considered a useless person. I was never happy, never made another people happy, i was a complete wreck. They say that the best days in the life of an individual comes during school days, i never had that privilege. This is perhaps the biggest regret that I had, and it was all my doing.
The second is a spillover of the school days in the College days. Junior college semed to be an extension of those bad days in school, and even here i suffered from an inferiority complex. I never made a lot of friends, this too was all my doing. It seemed that life had hit rock bottom, and i was now in the heart of a long, dark tunnel.
Then, somehow, things started looking up. I secured admission in a field that was suited to my liking, and then i was a changed man. I made friends, lots of them, and i could speak up confidently on anything. No longer did i suffer from Inferiority complexes, i was finally the person that i wanted to be. I was Myself.
However, another incident occured that i regret even today. While coming home from college, i met a man who was lost. He asked me some money to direct him to a Bus Stop. He said that he is a stranger and that he is lost in this city. I first dismissed him as a beggar and someone very untrustworthy. But, then, he started crying, and said, "Please do not consider me a beggar. I am lost in this City and i have also lost my money. Please help me". But, i had no money. Just a few minutes back, i had spent the remaining money in stuffing myself with food. Now, i had none to help him out. I replied that i had no money and then he just left.
It is perhaps this incident that I have the maximum regret. I should have saved the money, so that i could have at least helped the poor man. The second thing is that i allowed myself to distrust the man. If only, my mind was open and sensitive to the man's plight, i would have not left him like that. It was then i realized that it is just no use to be suspicious. Like Elvis Presley said, "We can't go on living, with Suspicious Minds", i agree with this.
The only way i can overcome this regret is when i meet someone similar and help out. Only perhaps will i achieve sensitivity and understanding, and alow my mind and heart to shatter this bubble of Suspicion.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Not at all happy
This month has not got off to a good start. Over the past couple of days, i have not been in the mood to write. But, today, somehow i am managing to collect myself and contribute something on my blog. But, to think concretely on one particular topic will not be easy. So, i will just give a sumup of some topics in a Nutshell.
Firstly, i am not happy with my stay here in Mumbai. In addition to the uncomfortable heat, we are facing 4 hour long power cuts, from 11:30 to 3:30. We are lucky, the rest of the suburbs have powercuts varying from 5-15 hours. In spite of all this, people in mumbai are bearing it out, and still say that Mumbai is the best place to live.
Either the people are absolutely stupid, or they are extremely patient, or they have resigned themselves to the factor of Apathy. I guess all three are correct to describe them. How can people continue to wallow in such uncomfortable scenarios and be silent? When the situation facing them will not improve for at least 10-15 years, how can they remain aloof and sweat it out literally? I guess these things can never be explained.
Looking at Mumbai's pitiable infrastructure, the rest of India is not faring well. Bangalore's Water Crisis, the Red corridor extending from Andhra Pradesh to Bihar, the secession of the North_East in the near future, the absolute meltdown of the democratic system in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the ruin of Agriculture in Punjab, Fractured Communal Harmony in Gujarat, economic stagnation in West Bengal, all these are problems that face India. This is just in a nutshell.
Yet, inspite of all this, many news organizations say that India is shining. India is booming unprecidently in the world, and wil soon be a superpower. But, when Merit is thrown out of the window and there is no backup, it might lead to stagnation in the democratic foundation of the state. Still, all this will be swept under the rug and covered.
Sports culture has stagnated, but yet people do not want to watch quality to improve. This is with reference to the decline of viewership of the Cricket World Cup. With India's exit, viewership has declined. It is this mentality which is very irritating, that with the home team's exit, interest wanes completely. If the public watch some quality cicket that some teams play, then the sport here will improve. If administrators of the game here take note, then the game might be boosted.
So, as you can see, i am not happy with what is happening. Both personal, national, sports, it is quiet a depressing time to be here. But, it seems that we are part of a tide that has gone low, maybe it might not take much time to bounce back to happier times.
Firstly, i am not happy with my stay here in Mumbai. In addition to the uncomfortable heat, we are facing 4 hour long power cuts, from 11:30 to 3:30. We are lucky, the rest of the suburbs have powercuts varying from 5-15 hours. In spite of all this, people in mumbai are bearing it out, and still say that Mumbai is the best place to live.
Either the people are absolutely stupid, or they are extremely patient, or they have resigned themselves to the factor of Apathy. I guess all three are correct to describe them. How can people continue to wallow in such uncomfortable scenarios and be silent? When the situation facing them will not improve for at least 10-15 years, how can they remain aloof and sweat it out literally? I guess these things can never be explained.
Looking at Mumbai's pitiable infrastructure, the rest of India is not faring well. Bangalore's Water Crisis, the Red corridor extending from Andhra Pradesh to Bihar, the secession of the North_East in the near future, the absolute meltdown of the democratic system in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the ruin of Agriculture in Punjab, Fractured Communal Harmony in Gujarat, economic stagnation in West Bengal, all these are problems that face India. This is just in a nutshell.
Yet, inspite of all this, many news organizations say that India is shining. India is booming unprecidently in the world, and wil soon be a superpower. But, when Merit is thrown out of the window and there is no backup, it might lead to stagnation in the democratic foundation of the state. Still, all this will be swept under the rug and covered.
Sports culture has stagnated, but yet people do not want to watch quality to improve. This is with reference to the decline of viewership of the Cricket World Cup. With India's exit, viewership has declined. It is this mentality which is very irritating, that with the home team's exit, interest wanes completely. If the public watch some quality cicket that some teams play, then the sport here will improve. If administrators of the game here take note, then the game might be boosted.
So, as you can see, i am not happy with what is happening. Both personal, national, sports, it is quiet a depressing time to be here. But, it seems that we are part of a tide that has gone low, maybe it might not take much time to bounce back to happier times.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
100th Scrap
The financial year of 2006-07 has come to an end. I had originally intended to write my 100th scrap on April 1st, the day of the Fiscal New year. However, lack of available resources, including lack of Internet connection and non-availability of a computer has made me write on 4th. However, it is better late than never, and so my 100th scrap will be an evaluation of my writing skills.
WRITING TECHNIQUE: 7/10
I have maintained my level of consistency. Sentences have been kept short, and there has been a conscious effort to avoid Jargon. Still scope for improvement, by better punctuation.
KNOWLEDGE OF TOPICS: 9/10
This is one area of mine which has more credibility. The completion of 100 scraps in the space of 3 months is proof of that. Topics covered in the Blog range from Sport, Politics, Media, Poetry, Films, hus giving a diverse picture to the blog.
PRESENTATION OF IDEAS: 6/10
One area which needs dramatic improvement. The better presentation and organization of facts and ideas relating to the topic has to be polished. It is this area which poses a threat to the Blog. Although the range of topics might vary, the ideas have to be leading into one another, and not get muddled.
OVERALL SCORE: 7.5/10
This is a good score, but not a very good one. The scope for improvement is huge, and organization of ideas is something which needs to be worked on in the immediate future. Writing techniques can improve. Awaiting more topics in the future, and putting out a nice finished product till August.
WRITING TECHNIQUE: 7/10
I have maintained my level of consistency. Sentences have been kept short, and there has been a conscious effort to avoid Jargon. Still scope for improvement, by better punctuation.
KNOWLEDGE OF TOPICS: 9/10
This is one area of mine which has more credibility. The completion of 100 scraps in the space of 3 months is proof of that. Topics covered in the Blog range from Sport, Politics, Media, Poetry, Films, hus giving a diverse picture to the blog.
PRESENTATION OF IDEAS: 6/10
One area which needs dramatic improvement. The better presentation and organization of facts and ideas relating to the topic has to be polished. It is this area which poses a threat to the Blog. Although the range of topics might vary, the ideas have to be leading into one another, and not get muddled.
OVERALL SCORE: 7.5/10
This is a good score, but not a very good one. The scope for improvement is huge, and organization of ideas is something which needs to be worked on in the immediate future. Writing techniques can improve. Awaiting more topics in the future, and putting out a nice finished product till August.
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