What kind of patriots are we?

Men or women take birth in India, die in India, grow up in India, get education in India but do they ever think of serving people in India? Do they ever think of serving nationhood in India?

Today we were on our college assignment of collecting vox-pox of the people on the issue of ‘the extent of media coverage shown by media on the mumbai terror attack’. We took up this issue voluntary to know about the opinion of the masses as we ourselves felt curious about the variety of views we would be getting. Surprisingly to collect the vox-pox we went to India gate and we met people coming from various walks of life.
After talking to the military official (expired an retired), this thought pinched me a lot, that what kind of services are we offering to our country. We sit back at our homes and actually crib over the kind of things that are happening in our country. But do we ever make an effort to participate in this kind of effort. Forget about all other things but do we actually care about giving vote to the right candidate. We are very much aware which actress is playing a role in which particular movie but are we actually bothered about the martyrs who have sacrificed their life for the nation. Of course we don’t and we might be remembering a name or two. Don’t they deserve at least respect?

It is irony of the human mind that we hardly remember good things that we either do to ourselves or to others but bad memories always get retained in our mind. We remember our politicians and the work they do for us, but do we ever think of military soldiers that die fighting for us? It is hard to digest this fact but what I personally felt today after doing the assignment was that India is somehow giving a wrong message of a scared country rather than a generous and peace loving country. We really need to think again the way we had been serving the country.

(By Priyanka Mittal)

When a woman is beaten in public....

Ranking on the list of first-timers who had cast their vote in the recent Delhi elections, I was perhaps the only adult who had given her first vote at the age of 22. Although a big secret as officially I am just 19, thanks to the authorities for lessening my age. Had they increased my age, I would have ruined their days by taking repeated rounds of their office. Thankfully, this is not the case and I am not bothering anybody for showing me under-age.

The callous administrative system, poor security checks, party politics, election propaganda are certain issues that should be left with someone better to talk about, for I want to spare my thoughts on something unsightly that happened just outside the election venue.

After thinking hard on which party to choose and casting my vote in the favor of the same, I was merrily racing my way back to the car, when I found hordes of people standing before my car. Certainly, something was wrong, I feared it shouldn’t be my car hit this time, for there were so many cars parked neck-to neck on the busy road and traffic was continuously coming from both the directions thus creating a messed situation. And also my car is jinxed as fellow drivers always bang it in an attempt to drive their cars out of parking area. But, fortunately nothing happened to my car this time. On going little closer I found two girls sitting in a car, who were badly crying. While they were just raring to go, I discovered that the front glass of their car was poorly smashed as if somebody has deliberately broken the shield by throwing heavyweight stones. A few meters away from their car, I saw a group of men going while shouting, “hum congressi hain, congressi”. Still I couldn’t gather what all happened, people were trying to console those girls and I heard a man saying “mujhe pata hai ye gundagardi hai, magar abhi app jaao”.

While an old man just entered the scene scolding other people around for not taking any action, I asked a fellow standing there about what all happened. To my surprise, I found that while those girls were trying to take their car out of the parking, they just happened to hit a car parked nearby. Not much harm occurred, not even a single scratch found and owner started lashing out at those innocent girls, not just abusive words he started inflicting blows into her stomach and like usual, people around were passively watching. She pleaded, so did her family, only to find them in an ugly situation as he continued punching her. After finishing the job, while he was ecstatically walking away with his gang, people standing there started giving their advices, as if they were the ones who helped her pass through all this.

I am shocked to find this 21st century male who did not think twice before beating a lady, almost in front of the policemen. Powerful and wealthy, uncouth men (like him) grow large under the clout of power and paisa. They keep police in their pocket, law under their shoe and public in their fist.

At a time when men are advised to be “second” to a female, for now many laws are in the favor of them and even a false complaint could take them to imprisonment, that fellow didn’t fear at all. In fact, police was standing at an arm’s distance, had she called them, the case could have gone in her favor and he would have probably been behind bars. But, their presence was also of no avail, as she didn’t call them. The unexpected harrowing experience might have kept her away from taking a stern action, also when you see so many people witnessing your plight you tend to get discouraged.

The whole incident was so demeaning that I started cursing myself for being a female. I still don’t know, what to do and how to correct the system and society, but I know one thing that we should certainly do something now, as it is now or never. Even after coming so far, if we find ourselves an object of disgust in this male dominated society, we actually stand nowhere.

If we will keep relying on the system-police, law and politicians to bestow us a respectable status, they might end up giving us a list of rights and duties, because they alone cannot change the mind of a common man. Men would continue to set us at naught until we clear haze on their misconceptions. We can only change the society, be it of putting an end to rapes, physical torture, child marriage or any other evil, because they don’t fear law, police or government. Evidently, women have proved themselves time and again and will continue doing so till life exists on earth. This is how our tradition is and the time has come when we should take reign in our hands and fight for our position.

May be our intelligence and abilities were not enough to show them what we are capable of, for now even if we have to come to blows with men, we should not hesitate and defeat them in their own way.

Shruti Kakkar

SUZUKI HAYABUSA IN INDIA NOW

In spite of the bad roads, high fuel price and growing traffic Suzuki Hayabusa (GSX 1300R) is going to be launched in India soon.
The Hayabusa has a 4 cylinder, 1300cc petrol engine which propels the bike to a restricted maximum speed of 299 kmph.I would seriously suggest undergoing a superbike riding course before buying this one and also exploring the road you would be riding on beforehand to make sure you know where those potholes are.
Suzuki knows that India is not yet ready for such a bike in terms of road infrastructure but it wants to showcase it's bike manufacturing capabilities and join Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki in the 'show off' game. Moreover since these superbikes have been available through the grey channel, bike manufacturers do not want to lose out on the additional revenue. Suzuki would also launch the smaller engined GXR and expects both bikes to sell about 150 units per annum

by SUKET

WHY SHOULD I BELIEVE IN GOD?

Most of you people will not like but i would like to share my thoughts with you people about so called GOD.
Most of what we do is governed by whether there's evidence or not to prove it's existence. We claim there are no unicorns because no one has proof of them.We know the world is not flat because there is a proof to prove otherwise, someone proved by sailing around the world.In the same way, there's no way to prove that God exists, the burden of proof is on those who believe in him. If he is here prove that he exists, otherwise he simply doesn't. There's no empirical evidence, without that God believers are just living in matrix.
In some form or another, every civilization that we have records of, have had all forms of different gods or god.they all believed in something that came after they died. That's all gods and religion really are, humans not wanting to believe that it will end. I'm not necessarily saying all religions are scammers or liars, except scientologists of course, just that they are natural humans giving in to natural human behavior.
I dont understand that if God created the universe, than the universe must be an artificial but there is no evidence for claim.
In bomb blast at Varanasi, 12 Pandits died when they were performing havan. Those Pandits who spent their entire life in the devotion of God died leaving behind their children and wives. Gulshan Kumar was shot dead at the temple, where was the god? In the recent case of Mumbai attack on 26 NOV 2008 about 250 people died.i think most of them who died believed in God then why did God let them die, why didnt God save their lives
God is all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful and yet he permits the suffering of innocence. God knowingly, willingly, and purposely allows the suffering of innocent children on a daily and global basis.
There is a famous quote by ALBERT EINSTEIN "A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be."
I have not written this blog to hurt someones feeling and beliefs but to share what i think. If there is a God and he makes people believe in him then why not he try on me.

by SUKET

Pallavi Aiyer- a good journalist and analyst

I am a Hindu reader! Personally I like the columns of Pallavi Aiyer, who is a regular writer in the Hindu newspaper. She is the analyst of the INDO-CHINA RELATIONS, an Indian journalist based in China. For more details about her visit her home page http://www.pallaviaiyar.com/ .
I shall be analyzing two of her writing of-
(1) Another rounds of talks begins
Which was published in the month of the November 2007.
(2) Sino India trade: growing concern.
Published in the month of the August 28, 2007.
The analyst is a great writer. It is said that newspapers acts as a best source of information and a great book. The analyst fulfills the purpose of the reading and collecting the information both. She is the person who gives and supports her statement with the facts and figures at large. She focuses on larger areas like economic impact of the policies and framework formed by the governments of both the countries and constantly keeps the writing updated. She is a balanced writer. Maintaining flow of the sentences in her write up, she also makes the point that sentence remain short, direct and crisp. Use of the less adjectives and flowery writing which makes her audiences have wide receptibility and larger coverage. The Pros and cons are stated on both the sides of coin. This requires a lot of research and inner depth of the issues. Professional, academicians and scholar’s views points are also considered and fully expressed. In the end she concludes her statement on a positive note but a warning or statutory remark can always be found as a part of the writing.

It is for this reason such wide ideas and thoughts can be read in newspapers. I guess this is the reason why newspapers will not perish away but will continue to remain and bloom day by day. Newspapers have a research value and library usage both and that is why they are considered at large.

(Priyanka Mittal)

Efficient India - Are we really becoming real superpower?

INDIA, a new upcoming super power.Sorry! is that real.But somewhere we all see it as a dream.I condemn the statement because of the kind of the state of affairs we are in.Great round of applause for our Politicians who are really keen on projecting India a secular, democratic,republic, economic country on the international front.

As far as I remember, our constitutional framer-forefathers developed our country democratic structure on the three pillars of democracy-Executive, Legislature, Judiciary. Fourth one as unsaid -Media ,also holds the task of now projecting a magnificent picture among our "foreign friends".

Thanks but no thanks!

Executive,the very branch which has been given the task of executing all the programmes, policies,initiatives etc.are implementing laws and regulations formed by the legislature branch very efficiently. So efficiently that terrorists like Afzal Guru has not been sentenced till date even after Supreme court pronouncing him guilty.So efficiently that about 34% of India still lives in malnutrition.So efficiently that 80% of the educated India lives below Rs. 2700/- of earnings per month.So efficiently that in last 10 months India saw 83 bomb blast all over the country.

Legistature has always been working so efficiently that in last 20 years there has been no stringent laws made to deal with terrorism.Not even that there had been no provision made to get the Federal investigation done in such cases.So efficient that police reforms are still pending.Poor hawaldars! bechare! jab samne terrorist gun se fire kara hota hai toh aap lathi se uska samna karte hain.So efficient that there is no Uniform Civil Code of law for Secular India.So efficient that Women Reservation Bill, in, India for Equality is still pending.So efficient that out of some 536 MP's about 348 MP's are having bad name and criminal offenses charges registered against them. Sorry let me ask - politician sir do you need anything more than money, fame, power, girls,oil reserves, bank accounts? We Indian can provide you .We know it is hard to find "GREAT PATRIOTS" like you!


Judiciary our third foundation stone has also worked so efficiently to maintain the law and order in the country that about 14,000 cases are still pending in our courts.The names goes on increasing,the list goes on multiplying.For every law in our country there is way to break it out.Fast Track Courts were to be made in order to resolve cases fast in our country but they are also under the influence of the rich and the money class.So efficient are our lawyers like R.K.Sharma who were fighting for the rights of Nanda's,another money spoilt brat.So efficient that our judicial gurus are involved in the bribary cases.

These 3 pillars of our democracy on which our forefathers laid our constitution has begun to shamble.Politicians are involved everywherer and how now media has also forgotten its principles. No doubt, education in journalism and education/work experienced gained in the pofession, the duo cannot match anywhere. There is serious dearth of good journalists.Media has forgotten the ethics which are ATLEAST expected out of them to follow. But what the scenario now!

Our economy has become capitalists plus materialistic.
Elite class used to trust NDTV for its comprehensive and correct ethical reporting. But sorry after the Mumbai terror attack, the series of the unethical reporting done by media has led the hopes of the lay man/ common man down.So what do you think Should be done? Are we really to become a superpower? Thank you but this title suites US only or say upcoming global power China wherein atleast people have the faith in government.Contention of the fact that whom so ever they will choose to govern will prove beneficial to them and their country.

NOW WE CANT TOLERATE

Waking up on a burning image of Taj is something which I had never imagined in my rarest of rare dreams and is something which I will never forget in my life.The rescue operations are over and we are reeling under the effects of immature statements made by our politicians and immature of handling of situations by the CM of Mumbai.The city’s security and crisis management measures were put to test and they failed the test…miserably…in front of the whole world. What’s more, politicians made their own mark by showing up at the scene to display their ‘publicity skills’ to the whole world.
After the unforgettable attack in Mumbai there is a big question mark on the security.
How could terrorist manage to reach to the city? What was the security doing? I think now we cant rely on the country's security. Despite of the knowledge that Mumbai will be the target of the terrorist, why proper measures were not taken? Forget about the citizen safety, even the police officer are not provided with the good quality bullet proof jacket which resulted in the death of few officers. We cant rely on the government for the safety of our life. The whole system is corrupted and is weak.Mumbai Terrorist attack, It is a biggest attack on India. And Still Indian Politicians are sleeping they don’t care. Pakistan keep taking advantage of these and day by day terrorist attack is increasing.Evey month there is a attack some where in India.But what our politicians are doing? They are busy in their low class politics.Now Where is those party. Who were shouting “Marathi manus, go away from Mumbai you bhaiyas” where are they who was doing riots in Mumbai and wanted to divide country in little pieces.. Where are they??? where they hide when these attacked happened??? Why they don’t come forward to SAVE THEIR MUMBAI??? It is another example of LOW class politics.We have to open our eyes and see what is happening to India. I salute the policemen who gave their lives for us.

by SUKET

My first ever bus ride

Far sitting in a swank car, I used to often witness the plight of many fellow Indians racing their way to step in a Blueline bus...knowing full well these callous bus drivers may take them to a different world altogether, it never used to deter the spirit of a regular lower-class worker to reach the site in an overstuffed bus.

“Poor people” I used to think, resolving each time I would do all what it takes, but never travel in these shanty buses. Though, just a learner, such sights would feed my imagination of driving a Honda to my college. In fact repeated requests of my mother to get issued a student bus pass, were also of no use, as each day, I used to return home with a new excuse.

After all, I can afford sparing pretty penny on an auto, but traveling in a bus with sickly drivers and passengers alike was way beyond my status and persona. I am rich, I can pay for thousand autos, why would I be an art and part of this downmarket drama (on being incognizant of some monsters in ambush conspiring their hearts-out, to dump me in such class-less situation).

But, I remember that day; it was actually past 5 o’clock when I wasn’t getting a single auto. It seemed as if India has gone back to quondam times where think tanks were contemplating to start public conveniences. Not a creative person otherwise, it looked as if I was in rendezvous with the world’s biggest imaginative mindsets. With each passing car, my anxiety was heightening, whether I will get an auto or not, how will I go? To top it all, my transient imaginative power was scaling heights; anyone behind the wheels was sensed as a devil in disguise, bogging me down for not having a car. And, I for that matter was putting the best defense, explaining them I also have a car indeed better than yours, it just that I have not brought one this instant. Honestly, I was fighting my own fears. I could see my impending action, of traveling in a shabby bus, but just wasn’t able to muster courage to walk down to the nearest bus stop.

Anyways, in a constant brawl with my inner self, several thoughts were tumbling over one another, “shall I take a lift?”, no, “Shall I call dad?”, “he might be busy”. Then, what? Feeling of helplessness was cracking me. Those vexing stares and ogles were just enough to inflict mental torture.

The realization dawned and I learnt that money cannot buy everything and importantly, my favorite idiom “everyone has their price” lost its sheen.

Time was marching on and I was left with no other option, frail and unaided, I tramped down to the nearest bus stop. Standing amongst dingy crowd, I stood with my back towards the road, for none of my known should see me there. Finally, the wait was over and a blue line bus stopped for passengers to pour in. The haunting nightmares were now becoming a reality, with me being a part of this so-called under-my-dignity drama. Finally, I elbowed my way to the bus. Like several others, I also spared few bucks, one-fourth of my auto fare, to the conductor.

I rested myself on a seat and my roving eyes took notice of many fellow passengers, of which some were stinking of “desi tharra”, while others were chewing tacky "khaini". Given a chance, I would have definitely tossed them in a swimming pool, as all of them desperately needed a shower.

It was not only me who was observing them, they were also smitten by me. Ignoring all attention of shoddy people, who were gaping for nothing, I inadvertently had my eyes set on a nearby window, smeared by the traces of heave and retched food particles, as if this was the last thing to be seen on this earth. I shook my head to other direction but still couldn’t escape the foul smell of disgusting sight.

Having almost reached halfway, I was feeling contended. I knew I would reach home in next fifteen minutes. Amidst high hopes, there enters another man, this time a decent-looking gentle man who managed to take a seat next to me. When my destination was just few meters away, this man muttered, “ your beauty would be such a waste, if you don’t join my modeling agency”. Not again, I thought. What a sleazy pick-up line? Laughing it off, I thought if this dickhead is such a big shot, why is he traveling in a bus?

Anyways, it wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to reach my home as fast as I could. So, having turned a blind eye, I asked him to excuse me and jostled my way to front exit of the bus.

The moment I walked out of the bus, all apprehensions came to peace and a heavenly feeling floated through my body. After gagging all sprites, a casual thought popped out. I learnt yet another lesson, helplessness makes man do all what he never desired for, some things are not wished, they just come and change the way you are.

Just a positive outlook could have eased up my journey. Instead of flaking circumstances, had I taken everything for my best, I would have merrily raced my way to the home. A single testing moment is enough to change our perception for lifetime; hence optimism bloats us with courage to pass through a rough phase.


Oh! By the way did you ask how do I travel now? How long can a fish remain far from sea, I still go by auto and pray God that I get one each time. But now, I no longer wait for autowallas much and instantly board a bus, if they charge high.

Shruti Kakkar

Where animals hold judicial powers

INDIAN JUDGES may not mind picking up decades old pending cases from the dusty, shabby racks; but the general public detest being called to the witness box after several years. Even after condemning their procrastination act to the hilt, people are left with no choice than to hinge on the tardy Indian legal system.

However, here still reside few who had given up this arduous task of solving disputes completely to the will of god. It seems they sensed the load of impending work pressure looming on the judges way back some centuries and hence spelled out a bigot approach to solve their local disputes.

Call them maniacs or god-fearing people, the reality is India is still home to some lunatic fellows who sacrifice humanity to resolve criminal issues in favour of their so-called faith.

One such group of fanatics hails from Naggar, an age-old village in Kullu district. They negate the requirement of legal system, jurisdiction and lengthy litigation and indeed believe in instant judgment motivated by their unbound trust in the power of nature. Surprising enough, in Naggar, it is animal nodding that decides the culprit and the compensation of crime thereof.

The special courts there do not observe any particular type of architecture, their meetings are held at the heritage Jagatipatt temple, which is believed to be a meeting place of local idols and therefore perceived as a holy place to settle disputes.

The parties in question bring sheep or goats to the temple, leaving them untied, the priest starts chanting Vedic hymns and prayers. Whilst the holy process is coming to an end, priest takes the dust and heaves it on the animals, the one that trembles most is declared guilty. While the owner claims responsibility and accepts punishment, the animal is then sacrificed. For them, god is the ultimate judge and thus the judgment is his discretion. Animals are just messengers.

Besides solving such disputes, they often come to the aid of god whenever there is some natural calamity or they have to embark on a new project. An elder of the village, Kayasth suggests that the spirit of deity enters the body of Gur (link between god and people) and he pronounces the decision of god in the state of trance.

There is certainly no rhyme and a reason behind such heinous animal crimes, but for those practicing it, each drop of the animal’s blood is suggestive of divinity. Sometimes, it seems India should leave behind the critical issues of development and rather concentrates on such absurd practices, going on in interiors of the region. Evidently, going to moon is not bigger than these illogical beliefs, so people mistaking murders for loyalty and faith should be corrected at this hour.

Shruti Kakkar

SMS threat to english language

I LOVE taking shortcuts to reach home, learn for exams and perhaps to solve an issue, but shortcuts to convey a message apparently seem new to me. I mean, “wat does it tk 2 snd a msg”? Just mix numbers and alphabets and treat yourself with a refreshingly trendy lingo. And the easiest way to become a part of this happening culture is to observe people who were always bad with spellings. For those who want to master this art, the key is to wash away their English learning and take up the tricks of badly squashing words into their Lilliputian best. The viral of the crunchy language has strewn so far and so wide that people have even started mailing their bosses in the tightest sentences, so if next time you see something like “I wnt b abl 2 com 2mrw”, take it as a leave from your subordinate.

You may be a greenhorn in the discourse of SMS language, but you are popularly assumed as a maestro of crumpled words and therefore your friends won’t stop messaging you in the shortest best.

Paradoxically, foundation of the language that was built over years is now ruined in one go.Childhood lessons are forgotten, spelling tests have virtually lost their importance, since we all believe in compressing forms. Blame it on the speedy lifestyles or rising levels of impatience among youth, the reality is that we have lost to the medium and the language. But we certainly do not want the coming generation to know people by ’ppl’, like by ’lyk’ and when by ’wen’, we expect them to learn this in their pristine form.

Various studies suggest that children are the growing users of mobile phones and Internet, hence their exposure to such language makes them learn this faster than their conventional lessons in schools. Thus, the only way to keep them away from the eerie drift is by ostracizing the use of wrong language.

Metro life has already brought changes galore in the way we eat, dress and talk; let it not alter the way we write. The need of the hour is to backtrack ourselves to the sanctity of tongue. If the short language cult implicates literacy, I am better being illiterate.

Shruti Kakkar

The teen tattoo artist

There’s more to Kinley Tenzin than meets the eye. This shy law guy, hailing from Thimpu, Bhutan is a second year student of Delhi’s IP University. He enjoys what most regular students do – bunking classes, hanging out with friends- the usual.

So what makes him different?

It’s the fact that he is an extremely gifted artist. Not only does he draw on paper but on skin too. Kinley learnt the art of tattoo making from his friend some years back and felt a pull towards the art which set in motion the creation of his own apparatus.

“It wasn’t so difficult”, Kinley said. “I learnt how to make the instrument, bought the ink and started making tattoos.”

The technique Kinley uses is commonly called "stick and poke" and is used by green tattoo artists or ‘scratchers’. Here the tip of a sewing needle is attached to a motor which generates movement. The skin is pricked over and over by the needle, which is saturated with ink, and hence a design is created.

However, this talented teen wishes he had more time to indulge in his art. “Tattooing requires a lot of time and patience. It took me one whole night to make an intricate design (picture inserted) on a friend’s arm and I was exhausted by the end of it.”



And is his family aware of his talent? “No” comes the reply. “They know I enjoy sketching but they don’t know about the tattoos.” His friends on the other hand are a select few who know about his hobby and openly encourage him to take it up as a profession. Whether he does or not, one cannot deny that he is a gifted artist with raw potential.

Maasoom Dhillon

Muslims equal terrorists?

As the metro doors swished open, bringing with it the usual throng of jostling people, I singled out one man- a bearded Muslim -clad in white and carrying a black briefcase. A very inconspicuous briefcase and yet I couldn’t get my eyes off it and the man who it belonged to.

‘Terrorist’, I thought and then seconds later felt deeply ashamed of myself. Though ingrained in my mind that all Muslims are not terrorists, what were the chances of this man not being one? My thoughts tumbled over each other and refused to stop until finally at the next station the man in question got off the metro.

No blast took place. No bodies lay scattered. What remained was the sense of discomfiture I felt. I had just incriminated an innocent man because of his religion.

But am I entirely to be blamed for my thoughts? Haven’t Muslims become synonymous with terrorism? Newspapers and TV Channels carry stories of bomb blasts all over India by people who are incidentally Muslims. So if all Muslims are not terrorists how come all terrorists are Muslims?

The answer eludes me.

But what I realize now is that the average Muslim has more to worry about than I do. Not only are they subjected to prolonged security checks at metros and airports but a simple task of getting a visa seems more like an interrogation. However, they are not only incriminated as terrorists but also end up as casualties in terror attacks. Reason? Terrorism has no religion. What a paradox!

If I had put myself in the place of the man carrying the black briefcase I would have known exactly how it felt to have people shooting suspicious (maybe even hostile) looks at me. He, most likely, has to face many challenges everyday and overcome many fears-fear of being looked upon as a fanatic, fear of losing his job because of his faith, fear of becoming a casualty… the list is endless.

We in India consider ourselves to have a better understanding of the Islamic faith as we live in a culturally diverse country. But what about Muslims living in other countries? How do these countries treat their Islamic populace?

Take America for example: post September 11, there has been a considerable amount of prejudice against the Muslim community. Consequently, many American Muslims have denounced terrorism and have formed online forums and held rallies not only to make their voices heard but also to create awareness amongst those who see Islam as an evil.

People with limited understanding have severely tarnished the image of Islam all over the world. That Islam is a religion of violence – is a huge misconception. Even though Muslims are implicated for various terrorist plots, one must not judge all by the actions of a few. When terror strikes, everyone suffers regardless of religion.

Maasoom Dhillon

Why aren't we human?

A recent article in a newspaper shockingly found out as to why people are losing their temper and are not just giving their fellow citizens not only tongue lashings but also physical assault . It is a well known fact that temper ruins more things than fixes it. But we really care little about it. When a person is born, he often bangs into things that really irritate him and depending on the ability to hold on to the same; he sometimes ends up making things worse.

There was an article that was recently published in the newspaper that some unknown assailants stabbed a cook to death at a hotel as he had not served papaad. Then there was another article which said that a shop owner was set on fire over a Rs 100 phone recharge. There was one more story published in the newspaper which said 14-a year-old boy killed a nine-year-old girl for an I-pod in a West Bengal town. Besides these usual stories that have grabbed space in the newspaper, there are still many that we usually see all around like people fighting on streets if they accidentally bang into other person’s vehicle trying to reach office early.

It is really hard to understand as to why people have lost their patience over a period time. What is the ultimate thing that is actually making them do things that are not only morally unacceptable but also a crime? It is really hard to find what tensions actually helps things blow up. We cannot find things going the way we want them to and in this frustration we end up banging into people coming our way. Why can’t we just keep our frustrations aside instead of gifting them to people coming our way?

A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. It is really a pity that we fail to accept the common human error and instead of making things right we tend to blow them. It is like an infectious disease that is killing the very basic requirement of being a human. There is a steep decline in our social dispensation.

(Shikha Garg)

Humanity is the best religion for mankind

SINCE MOTHER Earth was created, she has seen herself being divided both naturally (into sub continents) and then selfishly (into countries). She must have never thought that a day would come one when she would be divided by her own children in the name of RELIGION. When a child is born, he has no conscious knowledge about himself or about the environment around him. He is an alien, an innocent soul. His body is made up of the same elements as that of Mother Nature. They have the same two hands, two legs; a heart to love and not to hate and even the colour of blood is the same. It is really hard to digest that people forget themselves as in the direct gift of the Creator and fight for land, for power and for little things that hardly matter in life. We all pray to Him to give us all these things. We forget the purpose of our life, for what we have been created.

Man cannot create a leaf or a fly, though he is free to tamper with God’s creation to the extent he wills. He cannot prevent himself from getting hungry and thirsty, he does not decide what time or country he will be born, he is not free to choose his parents nor physical structure, nor does he know when and where he will die. When so many things cannot be decided by him, he has no right to decide which religion is the best. There is no point in fighting with each other or in instilling fear in other people.

There is a lot of hue and cry in this world- people are starving, they are craving for love, they are molested for some or the other reason. It is high time we rise from the petty issues of religion, fighting over ‘my religion is better than others’. We need to understand that we have to rise above the boundaries of caste, colour, creed, nationality, the conventional religion. Though we are living in the 21st century with all the technical innovations on one side yet we are still fighting over religion. Every human being must be treated with respect.

We Indians have always been boasting of our ‘unity in diversity.’ But do we practise it or it has just turned into a phrase.? Each of us must ask ourselves this question.
People need to understand that when they will die, they will be reduced to something that will be de composed. Neither the power nor the money will remain with him. Humanity should be the biggest religion for each and everyone.

A society can be served in this way thus making earth a better place to live in. We have to remember that we are all children of nature and we cannot go on fighting with each other. We need to decide what we are going to give to our next generation- hatred or love- the choice is solely ours.

(Shikha Garg)

Say no to crackers on Diwali, save kids from misery

DIWALI IS round the corner and everyone is busy preparing a welcome for Goddess Lakshmi in their homes. They are cleaning up their homes, white-washing, painting, buying new clothes and of course, stocking deadly crackers. Crackers are like the spice of Diwali without which the our food would taste bland.

But have you ever thought where do these crackers come from or who makes them?
We all agree to this statement that no poor child chooses to work in firework factories or take up other horrifying work in coal mines by will but they are either forced by people or destiny itself. They work in congested, dusty and horrifying environment that severely impair their health. The young innocent children are considered as the source of cheap labour by their bosses. Children also give more output than input and that also without creating any fuss. They can be easily manipulated into overworking and paid less.

They work in difficult environment for long hours as compared to adults. They face both verbal and sexual abuse. We feel pity for them but after some time we move on in our lives.

It is really difficult to understand how people can be more sensitive to their own children and totally insensitive to other’s children. Just see your children in place of them and then you would realise how painful it gets.

Not only Goddess Lakshmi but do you think any God of any religion would be actually happy about this idea of celebration that involves misery for children.
Before buying crackers this year just think that we may be contributing to their exploitation by buying products and services, which actually involves young children. This is not the real picture of true India where the future of it is itself so brutally moulded.

I would like to salute the spirit of those people who voluntary don’t burn crackers and who would pledge not to burn crackers after reading this article. Children are like soon to be made earthen pots that will be moulded the way we want them to. We would surely not like to see India’s future moulded this way, as this way we are only teaching them to be slaves.

(Shikha Garg)

Safer UP Roadways now

Do you think twice before boarding a UP Roadways bus because of traffic accidents? If that comes under your worry list, then you should throw it out of your mind. UP state transport, authorities have finally decided to install speed governors in all state roadways buses. The speed governors will now monitor the speed limit in all buses. The speed limit on highways will be now 60km and in cities, it is limited to 40 km. The passenger safety will now improve. 50 per cent buses are already fitted with speed governors while remaining 50 per cent will be installed with this facility soon.
Every month on an average, around 50 buses of UP Roadways meet with accident on roads. Some of them are severe accidents causing severe damage to human property and lives. In a survey it was found that in most cases over speeding is responsible along with the drunk driving.
UP Roadways Authorities are planning to counsel these drivers on a regular basis and if found that their condition is not stable, their duty charge can be terminated for that particular day so that safety parameters are not violated. Stricter action will be taken by authorities against the violators.
Drivers are now being sent to Delhi and Kanpur so that they can hone their driving skills on latest buses. Apart from this they are learning the art of evading the accidents and minimizing the loss of life and property in accidental cases. They are also learning how to evade accidents and to minimize the result of the accidents causing loss of human life and damage to the buses.

Saurabh Das

Have you ever spent time in a police lockup?

Have you ever spent time in a police lock up? How was your experience? Was it scary? Well I had a unique and exciting experience of a police lockup. I was in my Graduation second year, pursuing Bachelors in Tourism Management from IITTM, Gwalior. I was 19 years old and had a very casual attitude towards life. I was staying with my friends Manuj, Ankit, Ankur, Anish and Ajit in a rented flat.My friend Ajit was very influential in my college. He made close contacts with some of our college officials and faculty members. We often used to get benefits for his contacts. My other room mates were also actively involved in college politics; as a result I was always in thick of action whatever the case maybe.

In September 2006, our college was instructed by the Ministry of Tourism to celebrate tourism week as a part of a global initiative taken by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO). Our college for that purpose constituted an organizing committee in which I was also included as a member. My role was to make available the required costumes, accessories, equipments for various cultural events to be performed by the students of my college throughout the week. One day I was watching a dress rehearsal of a group dance on ‘Vande Mataram’ by A.R.Rahman. Suddenly my friend Sumedha who was also a participant in that group dance, asked me to find a sword as they needed it. I lethargically started my search but a sword was not a very common object, so I was having a tough time searching it. I asked the local shopkeepers, my neighbors, my seniors, juniors and every one I knew but all of them were clueless. Now the day of performance was also approaching fast and I was notching my hair in complete despair. Then out of nowhere I came to know about a place called ‘Char Sahar Ka Naka’ near Gwalior fort where I could find the sword.

I immediately set out for that place and that too very enthusiastically. I found the store and hired a sword. Finally my problem was solved I was happy but I did not realize that very soon another unwanted problem would emerge out of nowhere. I safely stacked the sword in my bag and started my journey back to college in an auto. I was sitting like a gentle man from beginning to the end of the journey. As soon as I reached my college area, I paid the money to the auto driver and started walking towards my college. Suddenly I brought out the sword and started waving it as if I was fighting a battle. I was deeply immersed in my play, imagining myself as a Rajput prince killing all his enemies. My play was ended when a police jeep screeched to a halt besides me. A constable jumped out of it and in typically Jat accented Hindi said “Uthao saale ko”, and put me in that jeep. I was terrified by the fact that now I have to be in a police lockup because of my foolishness. I was presented in front of the SHO who asked “bta kis ko maar ne jaa raha tha” I was speechless. I had never dealt with a police man earlier in my life and I always feared them. Somehow I gathered courage and said “uncle do I look like a killer?”. He said, “ I don’t know but now you will spend the entire day in this lockup.” Shocked, I called my friend Manuj and was further shocked to get his reply “we have just opened a full bottle of Royal Stag so please don’t disturb us.”


I was in big trouble, my trusted friends were not coming to my aide, family leaves in Delhi and I had no local guardian in Gwalior. I wanted to call my dad but realized that if he came to know about it he will disown me completely .I laid on my back on the floor of that lockup and started wondering what would happen to me, my career or my reputation etc. I did not know when I dozed off. I woke up when I received a blow of a lathi on my back. I jumped being completely stunned. The same constable who caught me was staring madly at me and in typically Jat accented Hindi said “saale apne mama ka ghar mai aaya hai kay tu” and “nalayk kuch to sharam kar le” I was actually happy seeing his frustrated face. Then the SHO called me and instructed me to write 25 times on a paper that I will never wave a sword in open area. After this I was dropped in my college with the sword. When I entered my college auditorium I saw that all my friends were aware of my foolishness and I was the buzzword in entire college. I quickly moved to the green room, found Sumedha and gave her the sword. The performance was brilliant and I was called on stage as a part of the team and was given credit for my important role and was acknowledged for my troubles. Even today whenever I recalled the incident, I laugh at my foolishness but it also make me realize that police man are like us, human being so there is nothing to worry unless you don’t commit a crime.

Saurabh Das

Empathy for the four legged

While watching a street play performed by students of a university, a certain sight made me smile. Two small puppies were curiously watching the street play from a safe distance! Fascinated with the dramatic act unfolding before their eyes, they were inching closer to the performers.
A boy got up from where he was seated and slowly walked towards the puppies as unobtrusively as possible. I presumed he was going to shoo them away before they became a nuisance. He did but not in the way I had imagined.
The moment he reached the puppies, he kicked the closest one hard in the stomach with the tip of his shoe. The puppy howled loudly and scurried away as fast as it could, still bent over with the pain, while the other one just managed to get away.
It was appalling to see that the whole episode stirred mild interest only. The spectators simply turned back to the street play where the group was turning blue shouting out the inefficiency of the government in tackling the Mumbai terror and the violence committed by the terrorists.
Isn’t this violence too? Someone ruthlessly harms an innocent and walks off coolly.
The difference between humans and animals is only this: humans have a voice and can speak of the atrocities committed against them. They can blame, fight back, and complain (things they usually do) while animals can only lick their wounds and bear the brunt of what life has inflicted on them.
So who can these voiceless creatures turn to? Does anyone have an answer?

(Maasoom Dhillon)

Media loves unethical and rich !!

In a recently released research and analysed report of the BMW hit and run case and Shivani Bhatnagar murder case by the http://www.newswatch.in/research/1758 wherein the court verdict came out pronouncing respective cases accused as criminals. Print and online media unnecessarily hyped the accused and to some extend did the job of collecting the sympathy for the accused of the cases. Writing the points stating what Nanda (prime accused in the BMW hit and run case) wore to the court and R.K.Sharma (main culprit in the journalist Shivani Bhatnagar murder case) does in the jail, makes no point.

Hello! Is anyone interested in such frivolous issues, guess no? Media seems to work for the rich, gets operated by the rich and creates sympathy for the rich. No point talking about degrading standards of the media ethics, where in they repeatedly reported the name of the poor nun, rape victim of the Orrisa violence clashes. Talking, debating, analyzing media might be of some help but actually talking in numbers and cases media standard are going to hell.

One can always revert back to the report published by World Press Freedom Index 2008 of Reporters sans Frontières (RSF) where in India holds the position 118 in the list. The fact that monopolization of media has eaten away the ethics that are taught in the media schools giving way to lot of discrepancies in the practical scenarios.

Somebody please suggest some policy iniative to help these ‘media retail outlets’ to rise above their financial crisis and do some healthy work for the better future of our country.


Priyanka Mittal

The Noida Nightmare

After staying in Noida for a whole month, I vowed never to come back again. At that time, I was interning with a TV channel in sector 63 and stayed close by in a flat with friends and fellow colleagues to make commuting easy. Compared to the hustle bustle of Delhi, Noida seemed like an unorganized, impersonal city with long lonely stretches of road and poor connectivity.

The actual nightmare was the every day commute to work. Though it took only 20 minutes to reach (a marvel by anyone’s standards), those 20 minutes were the worst. From cat calling, haggling with callous auto-wallas to almost being run down by lawless drivers (while crossing roads); it truly was a teeth gritting experience, more so for my Manipuri friend who was constantly bothered with calls like ‘chinese’ and ‘chowmein’.

To go out anywhere on our off days, we walked, changed buses, vikrams, rickshaws and walked again. Moreover, we envied anyone and everyone who owned a set of wheels. In short commuting was a pain.

Four months later, I’m back in Noida, in a different sector with a different firm but the same problem. What’s worse is that this time I have to commute from Delhi and the best and the most economic way to do so is by bus. In these 3 days I have learnt a lot.

There are a lot of blueline buses that go to Noida from ISBT provided you’re ok with literally hanging out of the bus or being cramped in with people who desperately need a shower.

The few Noida Authority buses that run are the most sought after as they take the shortest route possible. However traveling in these is far from comfortable. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat and a partner who ignores you, the one and a half hour ride can even be called pleasant. If not, stand close to a window for fresh air and start elbowing your way to the bus doors a stop early. Ignore offers for modeling, voice modulation etc. In any case, how fantastic can the offer be if it’s coming from someone who travels in a bus?

After all’s said and done, the fact remains that Delhi-Noida and inter Noida connectivity is dreadful. I, for one, am looking forward to the metro which will run from June 2009. Till then, I’ll just have to pluck my courage and carry on or work really hard at my job, get a raise and hopefully, cab service all the way to the office and back!

Maasoom Dhillon

Morals Questionable

Recall when you were a kid in 5th grade. I said about 5th grade because that is the age where one starts understanding things around him. There is a thick line drawn at that time in the MORAL SCIENCE class as to what is good and what is bad. He starts understanding those things and grabs them. Thereafter he starts implementing on it. Yet there is still a major childishness as everything beyond his vision and sight is a fantasy and hence he starts questioning about them.

So if you could recall, the things that were taught to us at that time were help the poor and the needy, do not talk to strangers, wake up early in the morning, respect elders and be truthful and do not steal things and help people whenever they need them.

Now the thing is, are all these morals relevant in today’s time? For reference I would like to recall the latest incidence when the entire Delhi was shook by the serial blasts. The one bomb blast among the many in the capital had one thing in different. N September 28, a nine-year-old boy, was killed on the spot as he innocently picked up a black polythene bag containing a Tiffin box bomb, as it exploded in his face. If he wasn’t taught the moral values of helping people on streets who by chance (read deliberately) dropped a bomb near him.

At the end of the day, it is our honourable ministers asking people to maintain peace and calm in the face of this adversity. The meeting to beef up security system immediately lands on the first seat. But as some time passes, the things seem to be done with a cold shoulder. Why our system can’t stands boldly on the issues like this. Besides what do they think we should teach children as in the moral values? Should we start teaching them what the real world is like? Should we fill them with so many negatives about the world that they make their own life negative? Should we tell them that, ‘sorry kid, learn a different lesson because the moral that you had been taught, no longer survives in the world today’. The morals seem to be a decayed history today as the child had to pay for it by giving away his life.
(Picture courtesy-www.granitegrok.com)

Shikha Garg

How safe is Delhi’s metro?

Picture this. A young woman enters the metro station’s security check point at Kashmere Gate, carrying a rucksack, and is airily waved off by the security guard who, after a quick glance at her, flips a page of her novel. This was months before the September 13 blasts.

After the blasts, security was supposedly strengthened. At the Dilshad garden metro station (post September 13 blasts) a number of security guards stand together while only a few of them search purses and bags. No body search is conducted on women. . Nearly 2 lakh people travel daily by metro and to physically check each one of them is an arduous task.

DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) has now installed X-ray Baggage Inspection Systems at prominent stations including Kashmere Gate. However, the DMRC spokesman Anuj Dayal said that other Metro stations will also be equipped with similar machines in a phased manner. The public transport system is already under high alert. Why weren’t X-ray scanners installed much earlier and how long will it take for all the metro stations in Delhi to have a foolproof security system?

Sadly, for reasons unknown, the X-ray Baggage Inspection System, at the Kashmere Gate Metro Station remains unused. One can see the presence of sniffer dogs and increased personnel at the stations but the question of safety still remains at large.

Maasoom Dhillon

Is there any way out?

Recent bomb blast has again shaken the faith of the people in the government and its security measures. Perturbed by the fact people are always distressed to find answer to the question- how to end terrorism?

Two ways that usually come to mind is either killing the people who are involved into this heinous crime or simply follow the policy of building confidence among them. Personally, I see no way out.

Killing such people will make them martyrs among the upcoming generation of the society who are entrapped into the same theology. Suicide bombing or killing people will project them as great people who will reach paradise. There after life would be sweet with rivers of honey and wine and the company of seventy-two virgins. Is it not sad to find religion above humanity?

Considering another way of making them understood of the fact terrorism will cause nothing only an end to a glorious civilization. Diplomats and politicians are always cribbing on frivolous issue of ignored and marginalized people. There are more serious issues that need to be dealt at this hour. Global warming, food crisis, safe potable drinking water that are the basic needs to the human kind. Some body has aptly said that if ever the third world war occurs it will begin with the issue of the food crisis and global warming.

Terrorism, which links its roots to fundamentalism in all the religious traditions, is impervious to suppression. The more one tries to squelch it, the stronger it becomes. Counter it with cruelty, and it gains adherents. Kill its leaders and they become martyrs. Respond with despotism, and it will become the sole voice of opposition. Try to control it, and it will turn against you. Try to appease it, and it will take control.

Terrorism has become a big nuisance. Killing or making confidence building measures will not cause any timely measures. Isolation and barring unnecessary media coverage to terrorism may help us to some extend. Giving indefinite coverage to the militant and terrorist activities leaves a mark on the audiences mind. Apart from that democracy should project to the militants that communalism and democracy both are compatible. But fundamentalism has no way out. It will and has to fade out as the time passes.

Priyanka Mittal
(inputs from NO GOD BUT GOD by Reza Aslan)

FIAT LINEA EXPECTED IN OCTOBER 2008

Hello Friends. Fiat is going to launch its new car in October 2008 called LINEA. It is going to give a tough competition to Honda City, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna and ofcousre Maruti SX4.

However Fiat has not done well in India. Italy marque tried its hand on Petra and Siena but it failed to achieve success.The Fiat Linea has been designed from dot by Fiat Style Center. The main objective was to design a sedan which would appeal to all.

An array of engines are there in Fiat’s kitty that it could offer the Linea with. A 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel that already powers the Swift could come in as an entry-level diesel option which will be complemented by a 1.4L diesel and petrol option too. It is our personal wish that the Linea be powered with a 1.6L petrol motor in addition to the 1.9L diesel. Giving another petrol option might be a 1.4-litre, 78bhp engine.

The car is designed so well that it gives a uniform look from nose to tail. As far as safety and luxury is concerned Linea has ABS, Airbags, climate control, leather upholstery etc. The price qouted for this car is between 7 lakhs to 9 lakhs.

Seeing the previous records of Fiat, the customer wants something good from them now. Will it able to give a tough competition to other cars??? Will Fiat Linea achieve success in impressing the customers of India? Lets wait and watch.

SUKET KUMAR SINGH

Consequences of Global Warming

Our earth is facing various problems like Terrorism, Poverty, Population explosion, Climate changes,Environmental changes, Global warming etc. But we are least aware of the effects of global warming here is some facts and figures related to our environmental degradation.

Do you know that number of category 5 & 4 hurricanes has almost double up in last 30 years US set up all time record of 1,717 tornadoes while Japan set all time record of 10 typhoons. The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active, repeatedly shattering previous records. . The impact of the season was widespread and ruinous with at least 2,280 deaths and record damages of over $128 billion USD . Of the storms that made landfall,five of the season's seven major hurricaness—Dennis, Emily, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma—were responsible for most of the destruction.total storms in 2005 is 28,hurricanes 15,major hurricanes(CAT3) -7.

The current year also saw powerful hurricanes - Bertha, Dolly,Gustav, Ike, Hanna.
Malaria has spread to higher altitudes in places like the Colombian Andes, 7,000 feet above sea level.

At least 279 species of plants and animals are already responding to global warming, moving closer to the poles.More than a million species worldwide could be driven to extinction by 2050.

Heat waves will be more frequent and more intense.Year 2003 saw all time records in deaths resulting from Heat waves. 15,000 deaths in France, 1,400 deaths in Netherlands, Portugal 13,000 deaths, Italy 20,000 deaths, UK 900 deaths, Spain 100 deaths. India saw 1400 deaths in 2003. The flow of ice from glaciers in Greenland has more than doubled over the past decade.The Arctic Ocean could be ice free in summer by 2050.Global sea levels could rise by more than 20 feet with the loss of shelf ice in Greenland and Antarctica, devastating coastal areas worldwide.Droughts and wildfires will occur more often. Severe droughts in West Africa and in many other parts of the world will simply increase. Wildfires have also drastically increases
We all must do something about it before its too late.

Saurabh Das

YAMAHA FZ 16 : A MACHO STREET FIGHTER

Yamaha is going to luanch a 153 cc bike in October named Yamaha FZ16. We had a first look of FZ 16 at Auto Expo January 2008. According to the company, Yamaha FZ 16 is the best bike for Indian road in its segment.

The Yamaha FZ 16 motorcycle boasts of a 153 cc air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder high torque engine, single-axis balancer and mono-cross suspension. Other feaures that come with bike that sports street-fighter looks include 5-spoke die-cast alloy wheels, brakes of 267mm single cross-drilled ventilated rotor with 2-pot calipers and 130 mm drum and a fuel tank with a 13-litres capacity. Due to all this features the company has use the name 'Macho Street Fighter' for this bike. The top speed of this bike is 120km/hr which is more than any of the bikes in its segment.

The Yamaha FZ 16 is being offered by the company in three colors, Lava Red, Midnight Black and Flaming Orange. The petrol tank, silensor, the yellow-gold plated rear shock absorber and fat tyres give enough clues to the true strength of the Yamaha FZ 16 motorcycle - torque that is a bit higher than the 160 Apache RTR and tuned for acceleration and mid-range than outright top speed. Unlike the YZF R15, the Yamaha FZ16 motorcycle is more a city bike, tuned for aggressive city riding than for pure top speed.

Guys ! Hold your heart because Yamaha FZ 16 is going to shake the entire two wheeler market.

Its going to give a tough competition to Apache rtr 160, Pulsar, Hunk and CBZ.

SUKET KUMAR SINGH

Violence prevails silence...

We have been very efficiently taught about the use of keywords by our faculty to search relevant information but then, due to my layman searching, I just happened to read an article on a much unknown website. I was searching for a song from ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ on google when I accidentally landed on this website gandhigiri.org. The article on this website (http://gandhigiri.org/gandhigiriarticles/display_article.asp?article_id=20) motivated me to write it. The day a girl is born she eventually becomes a victim of violence. Violence against women, dalits and minority takes many forms. It is not only against dalits but whole of women community. They are killed in the womb, they are traded for sex and labour, they are also burnt for dowry and also face molestation and sexual harassment. They are also not allowed to take part in decision making. Most of the cases are unreported due to social stigma.

It is said that as more of the people are getting education crime against women has decreased. But according to the statistics in the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) crime annual report 2007, instances of crime against women in the last year were on the rise. There is 3.51 per cent increase in the number of cases filed under the section of ‘crime against women'. According to the report, 20 per cent reported molestation, 9 per cent registered complaints of rape, 8 per cent filed cases of abetment to commit suicide, while 3 per cent were cases of dowry deaths. Around 2 per cent of women have complained of human trafficking; and there was a one per cent incidence of women murdered for dowry and attempt to commit murder for dowry.

Even female living in big cities, irrespective of age, single or married, faces the same problem. Women are advised to avoid dark and lonely spots, move in groups, it is good to have a male member accompanying the female, not talk back if somebody passed lurid comments and most popular advice is to dress decently and so on. Women, especially working, have to go out, and have every right to do so. They cannot always choose their routes or timings. Shouldn't we, instead, go for an alternative line of action: Take strong action to make every place safe?

Things will change only when women are encouraged to speak up and express. As long as they remain victims, the crime will carry on. An average Indian woman is socially, politically and physically weaker than men. It has become very important that if a girl motivates herself to report about a crime, she should be helped and not laughed on. Training in verbal as well as physical self-defence helps. I think protection of women matters a lot. We, as the youth of India need to come out with more solutions to make India a better and peaceful place to live in. What do you think guys?


Shikha Garg

Condemned for what?

For past few days I was just thinking of a news that went unnoticed in a leading newspaper. It was about a girl Pratyusha from Wrangal who died of AIDS because of contaminated blood at children’s hospital. Why the doctor did not check the blood before giving it to the poor 7 year old child is a different issue. My major concern here is aftermath of the girl’s death.

The family was boycotted from the village as soon as the villagers came to know the reason behind her death. The life of her parents and siblings has become worse than the hell after this incidence and they now wish that they too have died. The family tried to convince the villagers and went through the blood test but all of their appeals to prove their innocence went unheard. According to them the family had done a major crime for which they will be convicted and punished.

Here again comes the question who is to be blamed for this? The villagers cannot be fully held guilty for whole of the situation as there are less number of initiatives taken from the side of the government and NGOs to educate the masses that it does not spreads by touching or eating together and the like. This story is particularly important as legal battles surrounding rights of positive persons are bound to be few and far. Its simply because often the high risk groups are also the ones that already inhabit the peripheries of the social system and HIV only entrenches this isolation.

We need to tell the people are also human beings. When environment- earth, water, wind does not distinguish them then who are we to abolish them? Besides that what is the mistake of the family? Life is a gift for everyone by the almighty and we are no one to take it from them. There should be vast awareness programme on the AIDS related issues that can help them more. Wake up Guys! It is an issue that is really a taboo in many parts of India as of its diversity. Both the lack of information and abundance of misinformation are at the heart of the continuing discrimination faced by positive persons both in terms of access to health care and social exploitation and victimization which denies them and their families even basic human rights.

Shikha Garg

Politicians should be their next target

September 13, 2008- Five serial blasts in less than half an hour left 30 people dead (toll likely to rise) and many injured. Where corridors of the hospitals are clogged with wailing kins of the victims, the Indian government is playing with words, saving its reputation and consoling them spuriously. Think of the survivors of the blast, their lives have met a fag end. They forever have to live with the scars of the mishap which could have been forestalled. Had government beefed up the security measures and made stringent law policies, several families had been living happily in their homes, people would have been milling around the markets freely and going to work tension-free.

The terrorists are on a loose because of our handicapped anti-terrorism policies and weak administration. The inner framework of our country is inoperative and frail. Though, we should take preventive measures and take our security in our own hands, the ultimate power is in the hands of government who safely abide in their Z-security zones. These politicians should be thrown out of their well-secured homes to the bumpy streets and shall be asked to lead a life of a normal Indian citizen. Apparently, this could only make them realize the problems faced by us-poverty, terror, hunger and more. Their bank lockers crammed with crores of green notes and their properties in abounding number have blindfold them, hence they do not realize what we go through everyday.

The right time has come, Indian government has proved its inefficiency time and again, it can neither take care of our security nor of our hunger and needs; therefore we should take command in our hands. What do you think? Shall we move to streets and demand our inevitable right to live safely, eat sumptuously and reside respectfully or just sit back and crib about the sad state of affairs in our country? wake up guys its our country, our nation, we have to condemn the unnecessary government domination and live life our own way. These tainted politicians are just raking-in moolah and stuffing their own pockets. In the light of the unfortunate Saturday and for the relatives of the casualties, let us make authorities realize that we will not take things lying down. . Where are we secured? lets ask them.

Shruti kakkar

Can we hit back?

September 13, Saturday, powerful explosion rocked Central park, Connaught Place and then explosion followed in Barakhamba Road, Greater Kailash M block market and in Gaffar market. Live bomb found & diffused in India Gate and Regal building. Result 21 dead and 110 injured. Our people lost their lives in this dastardly attack but are we capable of hitting back? Are we capable of inflicting maximum damage to the terrorist?

Delhi blast showed us once more that we are becoming a week nation and anyone can use our vulnerability to do whatever they want, in lieu we will regret, mourn, and discuss how to prevent these attacks. Our politicians will bring a beautiful statement like Mr. Shivraj Patel and will urge us to maintain communal harmony and peace. Government will give compensation to the affected people. But do we have the capability of getting united and take revenge of this terrorist attacks.

In countries like USA and Israel, the reaction of a terrorist attacks proves very costly to the terrorist groups as the government of these countries severely crackdown on terrorist. In Israel, terror strikes are followed by counter strikes by Israeli government which proves effective and send clear message that they are not going to take things lightly. The case is bit different in our country, our government spend huge amount of money in creating and maintaining highly trained, world class special forces. These Special Forces are capable of carrying strikes deep inside Pakistan, POK and Bangladesh hitting them in there own ground and destroy infrastructure.

But our government will not permit these forces to do so and terrorist will be happier to realize this weakness of our country. If USA or Israel would be in place of India they would have bombed terrorist camps spread all over POK, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Our army, navy and air force are renowned for brilliant fighting capabilities, why don't our government authorize a counter strikes or if conventional warfare is not possible then use CIA style covert, overt operations, subversion and sabotage deep inside Pakistan, POK and Bangladesh. Destroy the camps; inflict maximum damage to human and material resources. This will be a great revenge for all these terrorist attacks and will send clear message to terrorists, that you may hit us but we will not spare you either.
Saurabh Das

God's own children

Child labor is really becoming a concern for Indian society. We talk about how children are being exploited by various means. We all know the things concerning child labor in India but there are few areas in our world where things are very different.

Africa is one continent where child mortality rate is the highest in the world. According to UNICEF report, more than 9 million children die before they attain the age of 5. The average Infant Mortality Rate of Africa hover around 110 to 140 deaths per thousand children. About 29,000 children under the age of five – 21 each minute – die every day, mainly from preventable causes. 70 per cent of almost 11 million child deaths every year are attributable to six causes: diarrhoea, malaria, neonatal infection, pneumonia, preterm delivery, or lack of oxygen at birth.

Now come the turn of hunger and malnutrition. More than 300 million children go to bed without having food. 90% of them are suffering from long term malnourishment and macro nutrient deficiencies. Every year more than 20 million low-weight babies are born. These babies carry the risk of dying in infancy or other lifelong physical and cognitive disabilities.

To worsen the case a vast number of children across the world have become HIV infected and without treatment thousands die of AIDS. According to various health agencies at the end of 2007, there were 2 million children living with HIV around the world. An estimated 3,70,000 children became newly infected with HIV in 2007.Of the 2 million people who died of AIDS during 2007, more than one in seven were children. Every hour, around 31 children die as a result of AIDS.
Not only these other factors like clean & safe drinking water, access to education and health services, proper sanitation and a lack of good healthy life are equal contributors in worsening the condition of children in Africa.

More over in certain countries of Africa, particularly Somalia,Sudan,Congo And other politically in stable countries, children are being trained to fire AK47s, handle grenades and are often used in raids, arson and terrorist activities. Imagine children who should have pens,notebooks and study materials in their hand are actually getting AK47, grenades, and drugs. We often hear that children are a gift of god, I wonder is it a gift of god????????????????


Saurabh Das

Is our future bright?

Have your ever thought about where your shoes or crackers for your children on Diwali were made or who made them. Whenever you go in any city in India, one thing that you would distinguishly notice besides the huge population and busy streets is children working at various places. Today there are about 90 percent child labourers who are into this profession either by force or by some unfavourable circumstances who end up doing begging, prostitution, domestic helpers and other odd jobs. One thing that is ideally expressed on anyone’s face is an expression of pity and sorry for these children and then we move on in our lives.

Every single situation has its own contribution to this head high problem. A solution to this urgent problem is desperately needed because most child labourers work under abusive and horrific conditions. The young innocent children are put to work in gruelling circumstances. These workers often toil for twelve to eighteen hours a day in congested, dusty, dangerous environments that severely impair their health. They face verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse from their bosses. According to the International Labour Organization, a workers’ rights alliance, there are at least 250 million workers between the ages of five and fourteen in third world countries.


Child labour issue can not be dealt until and unless concerned organizations influence appropriate Governments to re- evaluate the economic policies and rural economic growth. Target set for 2015 to eradicate poverty may not be achieved until we understand roots and real causes of poverty. This is what in my opinion Governments need to understand and bring policies in accordance. Besides it is one of those important duties that need to bring out a volunteer from each one of us as a responsible citizen of India. We need to make people aware about this issue and report against people involved in it to the concerned authorities. For this purpose our legal system needs to be strong enough to take actions against them.

A law which is not implemented is a sheer waste of time and energy Child labour is like a fast growing disease which needs to be eradicated before it has its roots in India. By buying products and services which actually involves young children, we may be contributing to their exploitation. As shoes show how rich a man is, children are mirrors where we can actually see how India will be in future. We need to change this ugly part of mirror.

Shikha Garg

Indian mother and her children

Really! Children have become self-independent; after all they now want to have a separate home. Distinguish identity, autonomous control, independent culture and their own land, their demands are quite high, though. Sadly, they also long to have a no-interference guarantee from their mother. Effacing their mother tongue use, they even want to talk in their own language. Pursue their own interests and do all things. The worst part is that the Indian children are egged on by few poor Indian mindsets. Though all of them don’t want it, but the influence of mighty people is so high that they give away to big decisions. Doesn’t this aptly explain the current situation India is going through? Protests, terror, rebel in Assam, Andhra pradesh and J &K aptly questions Indian mentality. The half-joined bandwagon by Maharashtra also wants its residents to speak only Marathi. At least this is what a political nobody, Raj Thackeray wishes to propagate. According to him, if we reside in Bengal, we should better speak Bengali, Assam, should ideally speak Assamese and while in Gujrat, please speak Gujarati. His profound pro-marathi Sentiments negates the requirement of Hindi in Maharashtra.

Politicians like these are actually worsening the Indian Mentality, breaking people in different groups, thereby striving hard to cause a great Indian Divide. Speaking Hindi is our religion, our culture; practically it is our national language. Now, do we have to miserly use it, depending on the place we reside in? The cutting comments on the Biharis made few months ago, well suggest that Indian people are born through different mothers and hence should go back to their own mom. Is this the same Indian culture we all are born with? Respect for mankind, admiration for other religion, values and ethics seems to have wiped out of the Indian minds by some filthy and corrupt politicians. Immoral people and their inhumane acts are constantly pricking the Indian fabric, leaving us wondered whether the situation would ever get better.

When will people stop fighting over miscreant acts and live peacefully. Think about it, it is our own country and we are impelled to live our own life on the terms of other people. Our ancestors gave their blood to this country, their sacrifices are unforgettable and so are their values and beliefs, but who thought the coming generations would take their efforts to the drain. Forget foreign terror outfits, the biggest threat to India is from its own rabble-rouser politicians. Therefore, the reigns of the Indian Kingdom should be in the hands of young, educated and civilized people.

Shruti Kakkar

India,needs dedicated disaster management agency

The recent floods in Bihar and Assam have shown us the need of dedicated disaster management organization. The ongoing relief work are carried out by Indian army,air force and navy and coast guard teams and other paramilitary organisations.This relief work are poorly managed, and is improperly conducted. Time has come that we all realized we need a central body like rescue 911 and federal emergency management agency of USA.

Hurricane Katrina and Gustav, which affected Florida and Louisiana respectively saw very well coordinated effort in rescue and relief work. This works are carried out with surgical precision and was very well managed. While if we compared this with our own case we will find out that in Bihar and Assam, relief works are not coordinated at all. Army and Paramilitary forces are doing a good job. However the relief work are still not properly implemented because of lack of planning, human resource management and lack of proper resources like Inflatable Boats, Medicines, Blankets , Food items and Chlorine tablets. Every time a natural calamity happens in our country we always see poorly conducted relief and after every disaster we felt that we need a proper centralized and autonomous body but no work is going on in this regard however there is one disaster management body present in India also but it exists only in mere paper form. In the coming time we are going to see many more disasters in future as our earth's environment is changing and we are going to see many more disasters, we only need to prepare ourselves.

Saurabh Das

Blood shed in the name of religion

Hey folks i got this fact from a book 'jihad juggernaut'.This is based on ongoing struggle based on religion.check this out.

On going significant conflicts around the world, year of origin and religious overtones

Iraq vs Kurds ,1961, Muslim vs Muslim
Iran vs Kurds ,1961, Muslim vs Muslim
Israel vs Palestinians , 1948, Jew vs Muslim
Afghanistan: coalition forces vs Al qaeda , 2001, Mix vs Muslim
India vs kashmiri separatists, 1948, Mix vs Muslim
Indonesia vs Aceh separatists ,1969, Muslim vs Mix
Indonesia vs Irian jaya separatists, 1969, Muslim vs Muslim
Kyrgyzstan vs Islamic militants, 1999, Mix vs Muslim
Philippines vs Moro Islamic liberation front, 1971, Mix vs Muslim
Philippines vs Abu Sayaf(Sword of God), 1999 ,Mix vs Muslim
Tajikistan vs Islamic militants, 1997, Mix vs Muslim
Uzbekistan vs Islamic Movement, 1997, Mix vs Muslim
China vs Uighur, 1996, Mix vs Muslim
China vs Tibet, 1949, Mix vs Buddhism
Algeria vs Armed Islamic Group(GIA) ,1991, Mix vs Muslim
Somalia vs rival clans ,1991, Muslim vs tribes
Sudan vs Sudanese people,s liberation army, 1983, Mix vs Muslim
Russia vs Chechnya separatists, 1994, Mix vs Muslim

source: The Jihad Juggernaut

This are the ongoing bloody struggle in the name of religion,which will carry on till the infinity

Saurabh Das