Of mistakes and learning

It is a common fact that people learn from mistakes. If this concept were not around, the world would not have progressed into the Modern age of today. But, sometimes, it makes one wonder as to whether Mistakes are necessary for people who want to learn about life. From simple tasks to the most complex of things, i often wonder as to how come a mistake becomes a stepping stone to greater success.

When an Apple fell on Isaac Newton's head by mistake, the theory of Gravity was formulated. There are several more cases like that, the only reason of not highlighting all is because this post is not a historical data on events of Science. The human mind is so fickle and sometimes so prone to lapses that human beings often make things very difficult for them. A simple task is made complex and vice versa. What can be that reason?

Perhaps one of the reasons could be anxiety. The urge to get work done without any hassles is one prime factor. Also, the fact that nowadays, people have no time to do many things makes this aspect more profound. Anticipation of Hassles and No spare time make the concept of mistakes common place. One of the reasons why this concept is more acceptable is because it is now widely acknowledged.

Many people say that we do learn from mistakes because down the way, we become more aware and make our mind take extra precautions. People become much more careful in what they do, and automatically, the mind creates time for these activities to be checked. All in all, mistakes might work in some cases, but this concept should not be looked on as a necessary observation.

The saying goes that Not all is same for people. Experience of one varies with that of another, leaving a million possible interpretations to this concept. However, for the common, average man, this could be a way of life, fortunately or unfortunately, it is upto deliberation

Away from home and Parents

The trip to the UK is a good 2-3 months away, but, i am already feeling lonesome here in Mumbai. Parents have gone out, and here i dont have friends like i have in Bhopal. Of course, my school friends may be here but to get in touch with them is difficult. To compound things furthur, my body has let go of me, and i have fallen ill. This could perhaps be the toughest phase yet. I am starting to wonder how it would be in the UK, where distances are more pronounced.

The difference being that perhaps i will be engaged in some activity or the other there. It is a new environement, and a chance to meet new friends of varying nationalities. It is this scenario to which i cheer myself to. But, the fact that distances between loved ones will be mre will keep tugging at the back of my mind, and the desire to return home will be huge.

Of course, it is easier said than done. There in the UK, i will have to up on my toes every single time. One wonders at this time for the situation in our country. If only things in India were more upto date with International Standards, then this scenario of Nuclear family would never arise, ironically. If things were better here, then the family could still be one. India has a tendency to saturate so many things, that to pursue something of quality here is a double edged sword. Lack of management of resources as well the unchecked magnitude of the population will be the bane of this country in the years to come. Growth, although visible only in a microcosm, has still not reached half the population.

Inspite of these bitter facts, we continue to love India, because we are born on this soil. No nation is perfect, people make it perfect. The people of India carry romantic visions of the motherland, but balk down when they have to execute this perfection. I only wish things were good in India, then i would not think of this situation of being away from Family and Friends.

The last lap

I have not been able to write anything for a few days. That is because i am in Mumbai going through the formalities for the Bank Loan and the Visa application. Although, i had expected it to be a tedious process, i never imagined that it would be so energy sapping. To combine with the humid May heat, the constant trips to the bank are not helping matters one bit.

I want to finish every pending work here in Mumbai, so that i do not have to come back later and do everything in haste. The stay in mumbai will be extended at least till Mid-June, so that gives me time to sort out important matters. But, what i would give if some of the so called procedures and formalities could be done away with. I have realized one thing though. Banks and everybody else will tell that they provide loans for education, but you will have to confront a mountain of formalities. The documentation involved in this process is tedious, and makes you feel that you are climbing Mount Everest, in this case, more aptly, Mount Papyrest.

In the heat of Bhopal, i searched for the loan, but it remained elusive. In the heat of Mumbai, there seems to be some activity, but it is very frustrating indeed. Marks and other skills matter nothing in this world, because afterall, everybody wants their money back. It is from this stage in life that people's mindset change for the worse. It is these very formalities which make people money-centric, and thus affect their outlook to life and to everything.

But, there are some bright spots. My Visa work is almost 85% complete, with only one or two documents pending, that will be complete in the first week of June. Fortunately, i still have time, but my only concern is that, i should spend the remaining time meeting my friends and enjoying with family. This is important because life has to start from scratch for me in August, so i want to cherish the time that i can get with friends and family. I continue to remain patient, hope things around me work out well.

Ripping of the social fabric

I have to go back on this topic time an time again. Because, if social relations are stable, only then can the country remain stable. If Inherent biases and stereotypes are kept in check by members of communities in society, only then will a society flourish, along with people and the nation. However, in order to maintain some kind of social tranquility, some hard decisions have to be taken, or rather compromised collectively.

All things said and done, ultimately certain things will be as they are. Looking at the conflict that is currently plaguing the Sikh community here in India, one wonders as to the personalization of religion and its concept altogether. For when expressed in a different way, then it leads to social tension. This tension highlights the conflict between Individualism and religionism, wether the time has come to personalize the latter.

I have to admit that curbing individuals religious sentiment is not easy, neither is it thought upon. But, looking at the societal dynamics of this century, it seems as if Nationalism, when expressed with the platform of religion, is a recipe for communal and social disaster. Ayodhya, Godhra, the Sikh conflict in the past and the present, are all signs that Religious sentiments of societies be under control. Propoganda and Stereotyping will flourish if this is bought under the scanner in a responsible way. With a nation already in the crossroads of what is right and wrong, this scenario is not what is needed at the moment.

For the moment though, the ordinary citizen can only watch helplessly as particular religious group battles out in the open. With an increased strain on the social fabric, one wonders as to when it will rip, because underneath the surface, there is anger and tension boiling over. If Indian societal psyche is something to judge by, then it wont be long before that tension spills out and there is bloodshed.

The Spectre of Disappointment

Today was a very disappointing and a sad day. It was a day when my future panned out as well as stalled for some time. On this day of ironies, changes for the future have been abundant. It is slowly sinking in, but wether or not it will be taken in a positive way is a different matter. I will just sum up these disappoint ments in this short passage.

It is a hot day in my hometown,
and i have just come home from a task.
The disappointment and sadness is sinking in,
and plans of the future seem distant.

The disappointment is too great,
and i cannot hide it.
All the work in the heat, coming to nothing,
is something which my mind and body could not take.

I wonder all afternoon what should be done.
What does the immediate future hold?
So, i begin to think positive, hiding the disappointment,
and things seem to brighten, like the Sun during day.

But, alas, news comes of leaving my home town in a few months.
The time span this time could be permanent,
and that i will never see my beautiful town again.
The sadness has now set in, and i start to think again.

When shall this vanish?
When shall things be the same again?
The answer to this is that it cannot be the same,
because that is how life is, on the move.

I have not thought of the memories,
of my friends and the peace and the quiet.
The coolness of winter, and the warmth of the people,
of the people whom i talked and also played.

I guess life is of disappointments and sadness,
the so called reality of life.
Happiness can be cherished only in bursts,
but real life will always test an individual to the limits.

The Dictatorship of the Law

Encounters have always been controversial. From the time when it reached its peak in the Mumbai Gangwars of the Mid 90's, to the fake encounters in Gujarat, the focus is once again on the dictatorship of the Law. When Human rights are violated in the face of Police Duty, the lines of duty and rights vanish. This seems to be the apparent trend that has set in. The spark to ignite this concept of Law enforcement has been the Sohrabuddin Fake encounter case in Gujarat. It highlights another aspect wether Law and human rights have always got to be on a collision course.

Human rights violations are common during these encounter killings, because ordinary people are caught in it. The police consider the Human rights Activists as detrimental to their casue, because the criminal is elavated to the position of a Martyr of society. The criminal becomes the symbol of the wrongs within the system. Now, in the Sohrabuddin case, it seems that the Police wrongdoing has been exposed by the vigilant Media. The Police system is being bought under intense scrutiny and the political bigwigs in Gujarat and several other states are feeeling the heat.

Nowadays, the spectre of Terrorism has given Encounter killings a legitamacy perhaps. Under the cloak of terrorist activities, innocent civilians are perhaps targetted by the police, in order to cover up their apathy. Although there is a lot of heresay about the connection of some police elements with the Underworlds, one thing is sure that there is just no accountability within the system. It will only be the truthful confession in front of the law that might help in reforming the system.

Is the Law supreme? It is not so when it crosses and grosly violates human rights. However, since details of all thse are so murky, there is no way of knowing what is really the truth and what is a lie. Sometimes, the Police have to act against Terrorist or anti-social elements of society. In that process, the scope of innocent human beings getting caught in the crossfire is unfortunate as well as inevitable, maybe. But, there has to be accountability within the system, otherwise, the dictatorship of the law can catch anybody unawares, as in the case of Sohrabuddin.

The fight between Human rights and imposition of Law will continue. Who is right and who is wrong is perhaps as blurred as this fight. One thing is clear, if there is accountability and vigilance, only then there can be a clear distinction between Democracy and a Police State. This is one thing that should never be blurred, for the sake of the state atleast.

At the last minute

This is somewhat of a prelude to the future. I have a feeling that the coming week will indeed be very chaotic. I can only hope for the best, but time is seriously running out. Here's a glimpse of the week to come.

A trip is on the horizon,
but so much work is pending.
I think of delaying this work,
but it needs to be done.

I now pay the price,
for all the laziness and the comfort,
the indulgence which made this work incomplete,
and so I sow the seed of chaos.

Everything is done at the last minute,
everything in hurriedly and haphazardly,
and i wonder of things which could have been smooth,
had i not indulged in laziness

A distraction is needed,
so that i can do something.
The days look very hazy,
just like the morning mist on the ground.
I am amazed at the sheer passage of time.

Time flies when things are done,
So, i have to be patient in all this.
This is not good for the future,
but it can be prevented if realized.

Regret and the Pigeon

It is a hot and quiet afternoon. The birds have stopped chirping. I am peacefully sleeping in my Air-conditioned room. But, somewhere, in my mind, i am missing the steps of the pigeon, its rolling voice. After so many days, the Pigeon no longer comes, because today morning, i cleaned up the nest. For close to a month, the Pigeon tried to build a home centered outside the Air Conditioning Power supply. Four attempts at it, and everytime, members of my family cleaned up and broke the nest. Now, during the fifth time, the pigeon succeded. The pigeon and his wife built a nest and hatched two eggs. Out came the kids and they were growing up, creating a lot of noise which disturbed all. Today morning, we took the two kids, stuffed them in a plastic bag, and gave it to the watchmen to ensure their safety.

It is now a very peaceful scenario, but now there is regret in my heart for doing this. The pigeon afterall was building a home to protect his family from nature. They needed space for their children. The regret comes out of the fact that we broke the nest, and took the two kids away right in front of the pigeon's eyes. It could do nothing, but just stare and wait. Although, deep in its heart, it must be suffering from anguish.

This is the time i take to reflect it from a humanistic point of view. As kids, our parents and close ones beared up with our constant wails and cries through nights and days. When we grow up, we go out in search of avenues and residence, and choose one which is all suitable to our needs. This is considered normal behaviour in the life cycle of man, and nobody creates a hue and cry about it.

How will human beings take it if their houses are demolished or broken? The unfortunte thing is that very few human beings are filled with abundance of patience and level headedness, and thus cannot rebuild life from scratch. How will human beings react if some of their children are given away to somebody else for safekeeping? Will the parents watch with anguish as their children get taken away by others? The fact, in reality is, that human beings need to learn a lot from the pigeon, who attempts to build life from scratch at all times.

I guess, this regret will always remain. Why cannot I adjust to someone else other than human staying beside me? We are getting so obssessed with private space that to have anybody in our midst is considered as an intruder. Hence, because of this, trust among humans is reduced, but, more shamefully, our compassion and our mutual love is also getting destroyed. Why did i destroy the Pigeon's nest? I did so because I could not bear up with its constant disturbance. I guess, at a deeper level, i represent Selfish motives, because it was ME who wanted private space and peace. It will be regretful, and history might judge me by this, that i did not look at the plight of the pigeon in this.

Things I have not focused on

There is a simple explanation for the heading. April and May have been the months were a lot of events have affected World History. History being one of my favourite subjects, i chose to ignore these events. April witnessed the end of a tyrannical regime like Adolf Hitler, and in May, World War 2 came to an end. This also is an important month for Indian history, because this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Sepoy Mutiny.

Several reasons are there as to why i did not focus on these events. For one thing, there are thousands of sites and sources which have chronicled these events. For me to write on something, it has to be something New. Focusing on the same event, without presenting any new angles will just be a waste. I was in conflict wether to write about this or not, but in the end, it proved to be a wise decision.

The Indian Mutiny is a sort of double-edged sword. Nothing has been said much about it, except for few passages in History books, and one or two documentaries on Television. Other than these small incidences, nothing much has been written about the Sepoy mutiny. The first war of Independence is viewed as a failure, but in my mind, this kickstarted the chain reaction of events all the way till 1947. More than the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, more than the entry of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the Sepoy Mutiny was the beginning of the end of british rule in India.

I guess to focus on all History would be time consuming, because so much has been chronicled over the years. To find something new to write about a past event, perhaps needs some introspection. I guess, individuals have to dwell thenselves into that event, to present a different angle to the rest of the world. All this while, the issue of what to focus on and what not to focus on will be present. But, i guess we can take that much liberty with History, and choose what events we can write on. Because to write anything heresay about History will be damaging, and that is something we definately cannot focus on

You gotta do what you gotta do

It is a hot and blistering summer in bhopal. The temperature goes upto a scorching 43 degrees, and there is hot air blowing all the time. It is the month of May and June which people dread, because the heat is at its most severe during these times. Common sense would tell us to stay indoors and put on the Air conditioner and drink some cool juices. This is the kind of life people crave for in the summer months. But, there are some people who have to do without all this. Some people have to stay out, because it is their duty. It is these people which carry on against all odds, and they dont even recieve the Thanks for it.

I was just talking to the security guards in our complex. They have a shift of close to 8 hours, by which they have to guard the main security gate. In the gruelling heat, they have to sit, guard and make a note of all the people who visit the society on a daily basis. I had just gone to a nearby shop and i could not bear the heat for 5 minutes. But, these guys have to sweat it out for close to 6-7 hours, and yet there were no signs of people talking to them about their hardships.

It was this one statement that really shook my conscience. The guard mentioned that he has to do this, because there is no other way for him. The hardships that he has to endure is not really appreciated by most people. This fact highlights the fact that the hot summer heat has melted our awareness to the problems that are faced by ordinary poor people. To earn a sum that by which they can live on a daily basis, they have to resort to tasks by which they land up in a lose-lose situation.

I will not go into the symbology of this event by highlighting the rich-poor divide. I guess, looking at the trends, the gap is bound to widen in the coming decades. But, if these people have to do what they gotta do, then we also can help in our own way.

The ideas that i suggest will be termed utopian or rubbish. So, to outline them for the wider public will not make sense. I guess it is upto the power of the lone individual to think of ways to ease their plight. It needs three steps. Realization, Implementation and Understanding are the three main steps not necessarily in the order prescribed. The concept of understanding and selling of this thought to them will be crucial. But, to write about this is easy, but to implement it will be very tough. But, one thing is certain, something has to be done, because they too are humans, just like each of us. And it does not go for the Security alone. It applies to all people who work behind the scenes to make the society workable. Only hope people realize it sooner rather than later.

Why is it difficult?

I live in bhopal, which is the heart of conservative India. This is in terms of societal behaviour that certain people have towards another people. To establish friendship with everybody is almost the ultimate challenge here. The individuals here have a preconcieved mindset of suspicion, if friendship is established here. Gossip, scandal and morality thrive in places like this. It is in this backdrop where understanding and friendship take a backstep.

One really fails to understand this concept. If friendship is considered a universally good thing, why is it in conservativeness that the same thing is sinful? Things which are viewed with a narrow mindset is the main reason why people view others with suspicion. It has been proven that back talking and gossip are all because of an unstable and unsatisfactory mind. Why is the mind so unstable in conservativeness? Is it because of the fact that in Conservative societies, Morality is considered the benchmark of a character?

Perhaps, this could be true. Morality mixed with a narrow mindset makes Conservative societies hard to live. The fact highlighted here is that societies which view everybody through a moral framework will never develop. People cannot be expressive with their ideas, nor be confident individuals. The realities of a more open and understanding world will be too much for them to take. These scenarios lead to the situation of extremes for the individual, and thus stagnates his development.

I go back again to the point that Morality should be flexible in dealing with certain aspects of life. Morality and narrow mindedness should not come at least in Friendship. But, the unfortunate thing here is that the conservativeness is part of the human system much as the heart and the brain. Each and everone of us is conservative in our own way; the difference here being that the levels of expression vary.

All things said and done, one wonders as to how people who tend to be confident live in such societies. I guess you live for the moment, and that you have a hands off approach to many trivial things that happen around. The answer to the heading might never be found, because it involves the complexity of predominantly heart and mind. Once people start to think from their mind, will things in closed societies be easy, but till then, it will always be difficult.

The Spirit of Varanasi

The first impression of Varanasi for people in India is that of holiness. The city on the banks of the river Ganga is the oldest city in the world. It is also in Uttar Pradesh, where people are divided along religious and casteist lines. Looking at the communal sensitivity on which the country is undergoing, it will be no surprise if Varanasi becomes the battleground of a bloodier riot than Godhra.

But, if a report on NDTV is to believed, Varanasi has remained insulated from events that have occured in Uttar Pradesh. Recent riots that had engulfed Gorakhpur a few months back threatened to spill over into Varanasi. But, fortunately, it did not and the city remained calm. A test of its social fabric occured in 2006, when two bombs ripped through the Sankat Mochan temple, killing and injuring people. The whole nation was tense of the aftermath, but nothing happened. In fact, the temple resumed services the very next day.

So, what makes Varanasi so insular from these events? Could it be that the people are active in preventing troublesome elements from engaging these activities? Varanasi could be the case study where-in the people have taken steps to ensure that the social fabric is not ripped. Perhaps, the fact remains that people of various religions live closeby and have been together for quiet some time. It is perhaps this closeness, which has enabled people to block out trouble at most times.

Could this be the answer for the rebirth of Secularism? Society should consist of diverse cultures, through which interaction and understanding is high. This mutual understanding can stand firm against elements that want to destroy the exisiting fabric. The only thing that society needs to guard against is the Politics that might be played to gain mileage. Politics and certain other misunderstandings could sour relaions, otherwise Varanasi follows the simple and overlooked fact of life. Muslim or Hindu or anybody else, everybody is human.

But, a short report or the barrage of visuals might make anybody see the positive aspect of Varanasi. Maybe, underneath the surface, there is trouble brewing perhaps. Maybe, the spectre of Hindu Nationalism might establish itself in Varanasi. The people, in the hope of a better life, do something foolish. The elections in UP and the results shall determine that. But, we need to have more of Varanasi in India. Not necesarily for the Holiness, but for Secularism and Humanity. I will not consider the fact that Varanasi is the heart of conservative India. But, if humanity can succeed and throw out the troublesome elements in Society, then India can be saved. Let us forget the holy aspect of the city and the Ganga, but rather focus on the spirit of humanity rather.

The Flip Side

I have always maintained that there are two sides to everything that happens in this world. Today, a news item on CNN-IBN reafirmed this belief. This was relating the plight of the extras in cinema. These extras, who take up difficult tasks on behalf of the main character in the film, are almost unnoticed by the audience. In Reality, these extras and their stunts are not appreciated, whereas the hero who poses in front of the Camera becomes a heartthrob for millions. For far too long, these extras have been in the background, and there are few attempts to highlight their plight.

The occasion is right. Today is May 1st, the day of the labourers. It was celebrated as a festival during the Cold war times, in nations where the ideology was Marxism. Today, the significance of May Day is diminished, but, looking at the negativity that is spreading in Capitalism, it is interesting to look at the plight of labourers today.

An ideal platform would be the extras in the glamourous world of bollywood. Glamourous for a certain few who share prominence on the 70mm screen, but for these people, survival is the order of the day. The fact that their desperation and their desire are exploited by all the bigwigs of Indian cinema shows the flip side of this glamour. For all the stunts that they perform, for each drop of blod that they shed, for all the hits and the punches that they take from the lead, for their continuing toil, it is a wonder as to who is the real hero in these films.

The main character wil be given prominence on screen, on media channels, as well paid in lakhs or in Crores. What does the extra get? Not a single mention on channels baring certain days like this, and a sum of only 800 rupees per day. This is just about enough to manage their living expenses. While the Stars live in posh bungalows and go around in fancy cars, these guys have to live it out in slums.

The foolishness involved is that, i the case of an extra getting hurt, he is not insured!!!!!! The film industry does not insure these extras, while the film stars, even if their ankle is twisted, the media goes into a panic mode and highlights their suffering. The extras have to suffer alone, and they have to heal their own wounds. This is the flip side of the coin, and one which has been there for years to come.

A bold attempt to highlight the negative aspects in the glamour of film industry was done in the Mid-70's. Hrishkesh Mukherjee directed a film named 'Guddi', which shattered the illusions of glamour in one girl. Unfortunately, nobody remebers that message, and extras stil get exploited by the industry to rake in more profits.

I guess, Glamour wil never consider the human aspect of life. This kind of industry is only concerned with the manufacture of nothing but glamour and money. In all these cases, Stars will occupy centre stage, while the extras wil be lonesome, with no one paying attention. This thing will be silenced much more in the coming years, because afterall, Indian Cinema is making an impact on Western Culture as well. No one will want to highlight this negativity, because the money will be lost.

The workers in this film industry wont cry out May Day, May Day, which is also a call for help. They are ready to suffer this pain, because it is all for the money.