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)
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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
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
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
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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)
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.
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
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
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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
Monday, December 1, 2008
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.”
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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
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