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.