Opinion and Facts

Both the above factors describe the base upon which Media operates. Facts are necessary to substantiate a story to the Audience, and Opinion is needed to involve the Audience in a story that concerns them. The problem with both is that they can be manipulated, but both are indispensable to the working of the media circus. If they are indispensable but open to Manipulation, can they shuned away?

The premise from this comes from reading Edward Hermann's "The myth of the Liberal Media". In his book, he contends that the mainstream Media takes into account the facts and the opinions of individuals and sources that cater to the power elite. In such scenario, Media does not operate freely, and it is cowed down by the money power of the Corporates and Advertisers. This puts the question into a larger premise. All this while, have we been misinformed about events? Is the real world something different then what we percieve in our bubble?

The answer to all this is a blurred one. The power of the visual, and the importance attached to officials, condition the human mind to accept the status quo. The human mind, nowadays, gets bored of serious oriented stuff. The Dumbing Down has been so thorough that Man cannot think independently on any event. Opinions now start to get blurred, and the poeple speak blindly about an event. Opinion now starts getting divided, and thus the whole process of Media contibuting to Democracy comes to a stalemate.

The Second Gulf War is proof of this. The Media, and in particular the Bush administration, constantly cheered for the War, by highlighting Saddam Hussein's Weapons of Mass Destruction, and also that Iraq was a front in the War against Al-qaeda. Opinions in several nations were so polarized, that once again, the normal public did not know what is right and what is wrong. The scenario continues even today. The difference being that Bush is toning down his success quotient for Iraq.

Facts are very manipulative. If there is something that goes against the interests of companies, then they put pressure on the media and the story dies a slow death. The case of the Coke Pesticide campaign in India as well as the Cadbury Worm incident are proof of that. Inspute of several environmental and quality experts comment that both were contaminated, the Media did not actively follow it up. So, even today, inspite of the clutter of facts, people go on as if nothing happened!

The Media is in danger of having the rug pulled out from underneath. Somewhere down the line, lots has been written about this. But, such seems to be the influence of the Advertiser-Corporate Nexus, that Opinion and Facts will continue to be taken for granted.

Standing all alone

I stand alone in the midst of Adversity.
Isolation, Ignorance, Bad treatment and all,
Adjusting to an Alien Land,
Trying to communicate with people of a different culture,
I stand alone in the midst of Adversity.

No protection of parents around,
No advice from your near and dear ones,
No dependance on others for your need,
I stand alone in the midst of Adversity.

Friends have been made old,
New friends emerge in a new land,
Look upon this land of opportunity,
understand its makeup, so the need not be,
I stand alone in the midst of Adversity.

Adversity makes you mature,
Makes you into an Adult man,
shatters the innocence of childhood,
and I emerge into a new world where,
I will stand alone in the midst of Adversity.

Absence of Television

The last time, i watched television, it was back in India. From the time of my arrival here in the UK, i have not watched Television at all. Many people in today's time will go mad without an hour of Television. But, i am quiet happy with this development. Fro nearly two weeks, i have not seen the Idiot Box making people into Idiots. I hope this trend continues, but as a Journalist, i am in conflict. If i have to be updated about News worldwide, i have to watch Television News channels. The TV, with its visuals and its audio bytes can mould a person's opinion on any event. Although, i am satisfied that the Internet is providing me with all this, the effect of watching a news on TV is not the same.

The Internet is a synergy of Audio, visual and text. That is the biggest plus point, but it is restricted by issues of Compatability. If you have a Broadband connection, only then will we watch uninterrupted Video coverage of an event. The issue of technical requirements as well as Broadband compatability is not available to all. So, fortunately, i can watch this until this facility is available.

But, I have noticed that the absence of Television helps people. I am now focusing on my writing and reading. I also have a clear sense of thinking, and without this distraction, i can do my chores regualrly and plan more effectively. I guess this is a blessing in disguise for me. I can now concentrate on my studies quiet effectively, and also enhance my planning skills and time management. Also, it can improve my writing and reading. People in the earlier days, say during the 20's and the 30's may have been the most well read, because there was no TV.

I shall see for how long i can stay away from this Idiot Box. The kind of programming content that i had watched on TV before coming here makes me happy of no TV here. The Idiot Box back home is truly making the whole Population Idiots. Glad to stay away from the Idiot bunch.

Alternate Media

This is one post in which i have to be sensible and expres outrage coolly. No longer can spontaneous bursts of outrage will work. If i have to be objective, and try to curb my inherent Partisanship, it has to come now. If rage is expressed instantly, and without thinking, then you do not get anywhere in the field of Journalism. Although reality may shatter this myth of objectivity, i want to adher to it. The only concern is that circumstances don't change me in the process.

I was just going through the Investigation conducted by CNN-IBN regarding the Bombay Blasts, and how several sections of the Police and Politicians were painted with Communalism. The Open Hate-Mongering in the system, as mentioned by Human Rights activist, Teesta Seetalvad, made me very angry. I look back upon previous instances and vindicate this by saying that the events of 14 years ago still make me bitter. When i watched the video again, i would have normally busrt into fits, but this time, i could only feel Anguish and take a rather detached view of everything.

When emotion, passion are coupled with the facts and visuals, it makes it very difficult for individuals to be neutral. But, i guess, being partisan also might not help. The factor of Propoganda wil thrive, and thus shatter the mould of independent thinking. All this has been said before by Media theorists, i am only emphasizing it again. But, i believe this period should be the end of Partisanship. It is a different thing altogether that western Liberal thought emphasizes on Partisanship. But, i look at Partisanship as the ultimate Propoganda.

What can be done? It is worth noting that alternatives for Partisan Media have failed miserably. I guess Independant News network, free of Corporate and Advertising hooks, must be encouraged. The funding has to be done by responsible Citizens, who genuinely want Information. It should be run by individuals, who have a clear and resolute conscience. It mjst reach through people who can break barriers of culture, language and other divisions. Why the People? It is because the People are Large in Number. The sheer size of the people, combined with resolute and firm individuals, can be an Alternative.

This suggestion has been tried, and it will work, critiques may argue. But, times have changed. With Technology, this can be achieved. Of course, its only death shall result from the people. If they do not want to put their efforts and open their mind, then they do not deserve Independent information.

Mainstreaming in an alien land

I have been obssessed with this aspect ever since i read Walter Lippmann. He was a true genius, proclaiming theories which have a bearing even today. But, i guess assimilation with the population in an an alien country is quiet hard. As i had mentioned in my earlier post, Lippmann might have taken this differently in the view of the Globalization and Liberalization of the 90's.

I am just a common man, with a simple opinion. i do not even have an Iota of ineelectual capability as Walter Lippmann, but I ask the question. Can Assimilation or Mainstreaming of an Alien Population in a New Land possible completely? Especially now, with the backdrop of Globalization, can it be achieved to levels desirable to any public?

I guess the answer to this is quiet muddled. The times have improved rapidly. From moving pictures, we now have 3-D pictures. Several technological innovations condition the outlok that man has of the world around. I come back to one point that Lippmann made about the Jews in the United States of the 20's. Lippmann had mentioned that it is because of the fact that Jews are what they are is the reason they are targets for Anti-Semitism. They will be what they are, inspite of changes around, and so make themselves potential targets.

However, if you ask the America or Europe of the 21st century, and the present, they will say that Mainstreaming is easy. Many in the US will agree to that. whoever touches down in the US gets assimilated into the population, and hence the aliens call themselves the natural born. The fact that America is the land of migrants does enough to boost this. Second, due to Liberalization, the US is called the ultimate dream.

But, i do not know whether an undercurent of Fundamentalism is creeping into this assimilation. Terrorism is the catalyst that has stalled assimilation for the time being. New migrants from Terror hotspots are viewed in a lower light, and many people now are potential victims of Racism. Competitiveness, Insecurity and fear now dominate, and hence, Mainstreaming has been tested.

I do not know what Lippmann would have said when he saw 9/11. Perhaps, he may have gone back on his ideals and retorted realistically that the challenge to assimilation comes in this new menace. This menace shall forever shatter the realms of Isolationism, and put things from anywhere under the scanner. It is becuse of terrorism that people who want to live a dream are treated like second class citizens, inspite of the love that they show.

It is because of terrorism that people who want to live confidently in a new place get shattered with the first attacks of racism. I guess man has to carry on these inconsistencies and be strong willed. Lippmann said it 70 years ago, and now i once again reaffirm. Only by the strength of Man's mind can he forge ahead and conquer adversity. If he does not do it, then Adversity will conquer him, and threaten the future race.

A minor realization perhaps

I came to the UK for a mission, and i thought that i could shed my Indianness and become part of the place where i will be in spirit and culture. I think i am glad that i did not succumb to this temptation, although i have said that the idea of a global patriot inspires me. Maybe, we should never be what we cannot be, even though our locations may change. Maybe, the process of assimilation and mainstreaming may prove difficult.

Walter Lippmann said that Jews are a target for Anti-Semitism because of the fact that they are distinct from the rest in everything, and so thy are targets. Nowadays, this can be applied to any Asians who settle abroad. People from the subcontinent and the Middle east who live in Europe or the US are facing this dilemma. On the one hand, you are a victim of Anti_semitism and racialism if you are distinct, and you are treated like a Second class Citizen if you try and be like the people where you are living.

What then should the common man do in an Alien Land? Build a microcosm of his unique culture and be content with it or just shed who you are and be like an alien, regardless of consequences. The dynamics of this time may dictate the second option, but for me both these options are not worth it.

The first option primarily regards our own culture but with the backdrop of Isolationism. It is hard to progress in an Alien country if you choose to be isolated. Sooner or later, you will want to break out of this isolationism, but till then it will be too late. i won't advocate people living in the same groups to retain identity. For me, that is the very detriment of personality development and open mindedness.

The second option will tend to alienate your roots as well as your new foundation. Residents in your alien land will keep on highlighting your roots, and in then end will lead to cultural and personal isolationism. That is quiet hard to get out of, and thus it is important to be who you are. i guess that is the only way to function in an alien land.

If Individuals can take things as they come to them, maybe they will lead lives safely in a foreign land. If people can maintain their identity, but show good intellectual and practical capabilities, combined with open communication, then success can come about. If individuals in an alien land come to terms with the factor of open and diverse communication, not expecting multiple success, then he might carve a niche for himself, without isolation. But, it takes strong mental strength, and for that Man must condition himself.Time sof today call for strong and unwavering minds, and its about time majority of men became strong minded.

Bad news from home

I thought that in the time that I am away from India, no bad news will be heard from that place. But, unfortunately, this has been shattered with the twin bombings at Hyderabad. When I checked the news yesterday, 36 people had died, and once again showed that terrorism is clawing its way into my country.

Let us not talk about how did it happen. i am wondering as to what should be done. The major point has been overlooked many times by the sheer emotion of the event. The reason why Terrorism is so dangerous because it may prompt liberal and democratic states to become anarchic in their setup and outlook. Terorism affects communities innumerable, and that's why any action that is taken may be bumpy from the outset.

Once again if someone is implicated, then that particular community may come into the scanner again. But, now, the governments must realize that the threat of terror, especially from Al-qaeda and other militant groups of Pakistan, is indeed real. Acknowledge that and take concrete actions, without pressure from no political party or religious group. For me, Terrorism can only be curbed if the state honestly analyzes the threat through its intelligence mechanism and take steps.

But, that is easier said than done. Since Terrorism affects people, it will be impossible to rule out emotional demands. At the heat of the moment, people will take the Law into their hands and proclaim action under the garb of Self-Righteousness. That is why it is important for the government and police to act quickly, so that Credibility is intact.

I guess tackling Terrorism was never going to be easy. we definately cannot sit back now. At least America is better, they have taken action, in spite of world opinion being against them. The US is DOING something, and its about time India DOES something. Terrorism strives on the Apathetic, and it is about time, folowing Mecca Masjid, 7/11 Mumbai and now Lumbini Park, that we do something. Even if it controversial, so be it.

Global Citizen

A far fetched thought, i must admit. The factor of a global citizen has been on my mind since i arrived in the UK. Many opponents of Pacifism will deride me on this aspect, but i feel globalization, as far as human relations and cultures are concerned, is a good thing. But, the more i think of it, i get resistance on the wider level.

The trend that i am observing nowadays is more to the contrary. The more people and the media highlight on the aspect of globalization, the more there is an undercurrent of Isolationalism. In the UK, this is the trend i am observing, although it could be premature, people tend to mingle less outside their group than with others. Under what circumstances does Globalization operate? Is Globalization only an ephemeral phenomenon?

Many critiques of Globalization might say Yes. Because of the diverse setup of continents, cultures and nation states, Globalization might seem impossible. Also, to break down the stereotype might be very difficult, and it will be even more now that Terrorism is dominating.

The idea of a global Citizen is very welcome indeed. But, it might not be a desired one. I guess with the current mood of the world, it may seem very difficult. But, it very appealing, this idea of a global citizen.

Network Conection problems

The first big headache in a new place, more than anything else is the Communications. It can take place at two stages. One can be with Interpersonal communication, if you do not know the language the local people speak. The other is one of Technology, and this is something which will really pose a headache to new arrivals.

When I arrived in the UK, i was primarily concerned about the Internet connectivity and the mobile phone connection. The Internet has been sorted out with reat difficulty (I got access only two days ago). The only other connection problem that i am tackling now is one of the mobile. The UK, according to me, has a very complex communications network. I guess that is the situation everywhere outside India, where we have gotten used to a certain type of communication functioning.

Although the servies are cheap on the surface, they may be expensive in totality. Only time will tell, because unless and until you do nnot have a part-time job here, life could be very very difficult indeed. I am still awaiting a reply for that job opportunity but have not recieved it, so the anxious wait continues.

It is quiet a challenge on the personal communications front also. I am interacting with Chinese, Japanese, English, Malaysians, Spanish and Germans, and so gain a valuable communication experience from them. If i manage to get through them, i guess i communicate very well with them. But, the real communication will begin once the course starts and also when i enrol on the Job market. Till then, Communication hurdles, both interpersonal and technological will arise unexpectedly at each and every turn.

The first week of my challenge

As i had mentioned before, the trip to the UK is more of the new beginning for me in my life. This is a chance to show that I can indeed rise to the chalenge and create a niche for myself without the direct support of my parents and my peers. The first week has gone by, and now is the time when the challenges begin to get difficult.

All of whom i know are now settling down to the place. Each have found their groups, their countrymen and are now getting acclimatized to the place quiet nicely. The fact that I do not join a particular group could prove to be my downfall, but I guess you learn to adapt to these circumstances. Each and everyday, some new thing happens, and we have to take it as they come.

The Idea of a Global patriot appeals to me the most. i know it is Far fetched and this tests the Extremes of Idealism in the world of today. But, i now strongly feel that it is only by Globalization that the Individual can move ahead in life. Of course, do not give Globalization a political twist, but rather, through the effective means of communication, you can talk to people who are diferent to us.

This is the strongest reason as to why I do not prefer to stay in groups. In a group, the same idea runs around, and day in day out, there is this familiarity of dynamic functionings. I have already written a post about "Groupism Sucks", it is because of this familiarity. Groups might perhaps provide an obstacle to a globalized development, because groups are based on Isolation.

The conflict of Globalization and the urge to stick to groups and Isolate themselves from the rest is more pronounced in this Alien Land. This will form the basis ofmy challenge for the remainder of the month, and subsequently, to the whole year. I think i have handled the first week of my stay here quiet well, and i now have to go ahead and continue the good work that lies ahead.

Gettin used to

A new place throws up its own set of challenges. The people, the setup of the place, the weather and of course a different culture. This is going to be the new challenge here for me in Preston when i spend the next one year. This journey to the UK is also about how much adaptable i can be in a diverse environment.

The place is very quaint, like an English town written in the folklores. The place is bustling with students and activity, and thus it is given the title of Student's city. A very young population, this place has so far been good to me. However, weekends tend to be a bit boring here. Everything in this place shuts down at 3. So, for the rest of the evening, we are left to to with nothing.

I guess i will come to know more about the place in the coming weeks. Maybe, weekends are not all that bad. Maybe, as the months go by, the hustle and bustle of a place might come, and i will have a diferent version to tell. But, one thing, the place is blessed with scenic beauty, grenery and peace and quiet. I must have done something good in the past that wherever i have gone, i have good places to stay.

I am just counting down the hours for the weekend to get over. Unles and until i don't completely settle down, i may get bored during weekends. But, a new day brings about new possibilities. Let's hope that things move ahead and i settle in a much needed routine very soon

The New beginning

At last, after months of documentation and palnning, i have reached the UK. The new life and a new opportunity now beckon me in Preston, UK. Never will i get a better opportunity than this to polish my skills, develop into a self-reliant individual, save Money and then be good to everyone and everybody.

I surprisingly did not shed tears when i left bhopal. I guess it is just like what my mother said, "You are going to the UK to do what you want. Go ahead with confidence and don't regret anything". I have taken her advice to the word, and i am feeling better about myself in the UK.

Preston is a beautiful town, almost similar to Bhopal. This town is run entirely by students, and so it is a young and vibrant town. It is Wi-Fi town, and hence Internet facilities are available at any point of time. But, in the place where i am staying, there is no Wi-Fi. So, i have to depend upon the Universityu service to communicate. The food is good, the motto being large quantity at a reasonable price, juist what the doctor ordered.

Activity will pick up in the coming weeks, and i will know who are my colleagues and my professors in the Journalism course. In the absence of Newspapers and TV, i will have to keep on writing, so that my skills dont rust up. Here's to the beginning of the New life, and hoping to come out with flying colours

Testimonial for Bhopal

Testimonials are an appraisal of an individual or friend. However, i am taking it one step ahead and writing a testimonial for a place. A place that has given me so much, a place which i am staying for only a day now, after which i might never come back. The time to say a last painful goodbye is coming close, so it is about time to write a testimonial about Bhopal, the place where i have stayed for four and a half years.

When i first came to Bhopal, it was not such a pleasant experience. The cultural setup, the laid-back pace of this place was all too alien for me. To come from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai to a town like Bhopal, it was indeed a cultural shock. But, as time moved on, the appreciation for the place i live in grew. The reason being that it offered me stability, more importantly peace of mind and happiness. It also gave me time to highlight my weaknesses and also i developed ways to become a decent human being. The fact being that the place was so laid back, made me feel as if Time is at a premium here, but that's not to say that there were tensions around most of the time.

I made friends, never got into fights or arguments with them, never abused them, hence fulfilling a dream of mine where in i would never tarnish my image in a particular place. The people of this place are simple, lovable, but sometimes quiet Orthodox and conservative, and this is perhaps the only negative flaw that is there in this place. A place is made memorable by the people, and their behavior and outlook, which unfortunately most people here lack. The conservativeness of the place can choke you up, and you would want to break free from it. But, i guess that is the fact in every society maybe. It perhaps teaches us to take it in our stride and move on and build a better platform.

The beauty of this place shall be ever lasting in my memory. Open fields and gardens, Lakes and its beauty, Small hills and green sceneries, quiet locations and a minuscule population ,thus giving you plenty of free space. I guess it is this memory and its people which shall make my farewell very painful indeed. For me, my lasting impression of Bhopal will be the lush green sights of the city when i saw from the plane. The rain had just fallen, and the sun had just broken out from the clouds. The orange dusk was visible from the horizon, and thus giving it a feeling of a dream world.

Bhopal has given me everything in life what i desired. Success, Happiness, Friendship, Love and other good things which an individual desires. It is going to be a very tearful and a painful farewell, because i am leaving a town that i have loved so much. I guess in this case, a saying has to be said, "If you have to gain some, you have to loose some". Thank you, Bhopal, for whatever you have given me. I shall never forget it. I won't make promises, but i will try my best to come back here, and relive those good times.

Independence with the facts

15th August is almost upon us. It is the day when our country became independent. From that time on and 60 years later, our country has made great progress. Economic conditions are far better than what they used to be in the earlier period. India is enjoying Prosperity and success in Industries, Business as well as attitude. The last point being that Indians are now almost intellectual role models in the world, quiet a development from the time when we were considered the Land of Snake Charmers and mystics. But, along with independence celebrations, the country has several problems and bottlenecks. Two instances in the recent past have highlighted this, and they will continue to be in the coming independence day celebrations.

Two reports recently, one regarding about the poverty level and increasing corruption have once again stolen the headlines. More than 80% of the population of India live on 20 rupees a day, that is equivalent to 600 rupees a month. In dollar terms, this comes to approximately to 15$. Time and time again, we are confronted with these reports of the widening economic divide of the country. Can an Ordinary Citizen believe this fact, when so many news channels blare about the strides that India has taken?

Another report spoke about how by paying a particular sum, anybody can become an Indian. By paying an agent, all required documents which constitute an Indian Citizen proof can be furnished. Fake identities can be issued almost as if it is a day to day activity. The mindset of citizens, including even me, unfortunately, is that we overshoot the rules and the law to get our work done. The normal and correct procedure for acquiring government documents comes by standing in government offices for long hours on end and then submitting it to the direct authorities concerned.

Both highlight the threats that our country is facing from becoming a great one. The problem of corruption is manifest in every nation, but it is upto people to change their attitude. It is upto Citizen activism to promote greater transparency. There is a lesson for the government institutions themselves. Laws and procedures have to be made in accordance with time. The world today moves technologically, and hence Bureaucratic holds have to be shattered, so that technology can come in and minimize corruption. Only if sustained and immediate technological development is undertaken in this field, only then Transparency can set in. In order for this to work, Citizens need to follow rules and submit adequate documents and also shatter their Apathy in getting it done.

This can also become a deterrent for terrorists who seek to sow chaos in our country. The second problem is quiet complex. The reason being that many sections of society are polarized on it. Some refuse to even see it, while others go to the other extreme that there are a lot of problems and that development is a blindfold for the real problems that are present in this country. What, as a common man, should i believe in? Is the 80% irrelevant or is India really on the path of development?

I have argued a number of times that development in India has not been all encompassing. Now, on the 60th year of Independence, i am wondering whether to highlight these flaws and become a pessimist citizen who anybody can accuse of not being patriotic; or become an optimistic citizen and turn a blind eye to the 80% poverty fact. This is one independence day celebration which is quiet confusing, because i cannot be pessimistic but at the same time, i cant be optimistic also about the future.

I guess, once again the people of this country will leave these issues upon time, and go on with the prosperity that is available in this country. No doubt of the fact that Giant strides have been taken, but in accepting this fact, are we turning a blind eye to all the other host of facts in this country. I am left in a limbo as 15th August dawns nearer.

Goodbye Again

One more post about my final few days in India. And it is once again that time when i have to say goodbye to certain things as well as to people whom i know or have interacted. Time is indeed running out, and for once, i shed all my rational bases and hope against hope that the remaining 5 days go s slowly as possible.

I am talking about the lack of time that is available with me, but the irony is i was listening to a song which talks about a lot of time. Louis Armstrong's golden song "We have all the Time in the World" is something which has put me in a limbo. The brilliance of the man and his music aside, the portrayal of time in this is indeed very interesting. I am really going into a filmy scenario in here, because as i leave, i recall songs of going away and of golden memories. John Denver's song "Goodbye Again" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane" fit my mindset perfectly. To get into that situation really is now hurtful, because you really feel bad about the lack of time and the separation from your loved ones.

I just went to a hotel today. Noor-Us-Sabah hotel, which is a grand hotel in Bhopal, is one of my favorites. It has a Chinese restaurant Dynasty, with Chinese decorations and good quality food. When i got out of the hotel, i saw the beautiful sights of Bhopal itself. Since the hotel is perched on top of a hill, you can see the entire city and its lights. Looking at the sight, i was so overwhelmed that this fact sank in that i might never see all of this again.

It was this thought that hit me the hardest, in spite of the fact that i had prepared for this. Some of the things that i now do in Bhopal will have a finality about it. I guess it is this feeling of finality which makes saying goodbye so bitter and heartfelt. The possibility that we might do things or see individuals for the last minute may be the reason why Goodbyes are so emotional.

For the moment though, i am left with only vanishing time. But, along this path, there will be plenty of wonderful, unforgettable memories. It can be a scenery, an individual or a place, but as Nat King Cole sings "Unforgettable", i guess my final time here could just be that. Somewhere in these two or three days, i will write a testimonial about Bhopal, because this place has given me lots, and i will never forget it till the day i live

Memories and situation of the times

August seems to be the time when something or the other seems to be happening in India. First, we have Independence Day to look forward to, and furthur testimonials on the phenomenal growth that our country has taken. There will be scrutiny of security issues that threatens to pull back India, and the challenges. This is the common ritual during the preceding weeks leading upto I-Day. But, however, in the time that i could not write, two things have taken place. One which cannot be ignored even if I try, and the other keeps recurring back and puts me off.

The first one is obviously the final part of the Mumbai Blasts. This involved the sentencing on One Sanjay Dutt. The actor has attained Cult figure status following his performances in the Munnabhai Series. So, Media was scrutinizing his each and every moment, with the backdrop appropriately being the Blasts. The moment when he was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for the illegal possession of Guns stunned everyone. At the moment, he is in Jail and has appealed in the Supreme Court for bail.

With so many Media outlets giving him Saturation coverage, and also highlighting his jail life, it may not come as a surprise if he gets bail. This is the true test of the Judiciary now, whether they can set an example and not grant him bail for something which he has done wrong. This is the right time for the Judiciary to show that the Law in this land is indeed equal, and that no citizen is above it.

There have been Petitions and several Sanjay Dutt Fan clubs holding candle light vigils for his release. This is indeed a ridiculous act and one which has been thoroughly uncalled for. If someone has committed a wrong act, then he should be punished. Everybody who were convicted in the Mumbai Blasts suffered for the same time as he did. By highlighting only Sanjay Dutt's plight and ignoring the rest, the Media have ushered in Favoritism and manipulated Public Opinion. The unfortunate thing is all this is blanketed under the Golden Umbrella of Democracy.

Sanjay Dutt is a very good actor, and also without doubt, a fine human being. But, he can't be shown Favoritism just because he is a film star. If a common man had committed this same offense of illegal gun possession , the Media would not have highlighted his plight. In fact, they would have called for stricter punishment. The scenario in Mumbai following the blasts was indeed troublesome. But, that does not give Sanjay Dutt the right to possess weapons. If that is the case, then every citizen would take the law for granted, and he would possess arms under the garb of self-protection.

We wait and watch what this case will lead to, and furthur show whether India's Judiciary is indeed progressing. For me, there is no more waiting, only the fact that time is ticking away, and it is time to leave behind memories. Some that will be left behind, while some will be carried forward in an Alien Land faraway.

My trip to the UK is only a week away now. All the preparations have been completed, with only some minor things left remaining. But, it is perhaps becoming more and more difficult for me to go there with a happy mind, because here some things arrive which puts everybody on Pins and also the unbearable Money Factor.

I now solemnly proclaim that I HATE MONEY. It is the root cause of problems between Families, loved ones, Friends. If you have Money. only then you are made to feel comfortable. I wish i can shout out the line in the Beatles Song, "I DON'T CAR TOO MUCH FOR MONEY". In spite of all that, our whole life is oriented around this peace of crap. The preparation for this UK trip has cost my family the Bone. The cost is in six digits, so i wont elaborate the amount. I go to the UK with a furthur proof that abroad education is very expensive, and that people in the Middle class go there begrudgingly and also with a lot of guilt.

What they want to pursue is marred with the availability of money, and constant running from Pillar to post about Documents, Bank statements and other financial documents. Additional expenses is scorned upon, and the very fact that a watertight budget has to be maintained diminishes the very idea of having a good time in a foreign land. Of course, there is a silver lining here where in individuals become more serious and they lay the path for Prosperity in later times. But, if only Money is not made the central issue, then dreams can be realized and people go in with an Aura of confidence.

I of course will also buck the trend. I have decided that i wont give a damn as to the expenses. If they happen, they will happen. If something involves a lot of Money, so be it. I only hope that i don't measure people by money, because this thing molds people into calculating rotten souls. for the moment, i am left to grapple with the guilt of too much money spending, and also sadness from going away from Family, Friends, and also the inability to Compose the Wonder Years of my life. If ever i compose something about my past, it will be unique, and not a ripoff of something.