Having lived outside the country for over 14 months, I have realized that our language is sweeter than most. When you hear two people converse in Hindi, it seldom sounds like a catfight or like scratching surfaces. While I wouldn’t like to degrade other languages, neither is that an intention, and there would be an obvious bias, it does sound pleasant and non-offensive.
I sincerely believe a mind should explore in order to expand. Travels and adventures teach you a multitude of things whose presence/knowledge might have been previously ignored. I never thought I’d smell an envelope, which traveled all the way from home like they show in the movies and actually relish that smell!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Haven't been here in a while..
Aaah… Another rainy depressing day on the Island. The mind wanders far and wide and stumbles upon myriad things. Another prose another word… another life and another soul.
How does one start counting his/her accomplishments without ever having lifted a finger to do anything? The clutter outside, becomes the clutter inside and the space around envelopes the “distort”.
What will I miss the most? The nights of “dum maro dum”, the nights in the grid, the days of being called “Rasheeta”, the days of playing UNO like there is no tomorrow.. The last months of freedom before being thrown into the wheel of life to become another spoke, to be taken away to the distant land of sweat and the grind. The days of counting ducks, watching sunrise before calling it a “night”, Sunset at 4 to Sunset at 11… Changing clocks. Sending postcards back home… long quiet walks with myself thinking of what lies ahead?
It really doesn’t end here, and it shouldn’t
Cheers mate!
How does one start counting his/her accomplishments without ever having lifted a finger to do anything? The clutter outside, becomes the clutter inside and the space around envelopes the “distort”.
What will I miss the most? The nights of “dum maro dum”, the nights in the grid, the days of being called “Rasheeta”, the days of playing UNO like there is no tomorrow.. The last months of freedom before being thrown into the wheel of life to become another spoke, to be taken away to the distant land of sweat and the grind. The days of counting ducks, watching sunrise before calling it a “night”, Sunset at 4 to Sunset at 11… Changing clocks. Sending postcards back home… long quiet walks with myself thinking of what lies ahead?
It really doesn’t end here, and it shouldn’t
Cheers mate!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
One of those countless days…
Blue skies and winding road, miles and miles ahead to go...
One wrong turn, loss of time, impatience abound
A gypsy doesn’t know the meaning of home,
But the place he goes back to is where his heart lies...
One wrong turn, loss of time, impatience abound
A gypsy doesn’t know the meaning of home,
But the place he goes back to is where his heart lies...
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Another day, another life...
The little insanities in life which make it al so special, have all started to take shapes and sizes of different kinds. when u experience different highs and lows, and myraid emotions at one go, it all takes a new meaning.
u fight this feeling within u and u ponder aloud, when nothing makes sense, all that u've got it is urself. plans may not work out, schedules might not be followed, and the brain starts to sing a different song.
the grunge and the low, the high and the slow, the dark n the blue, all the black inside of you..
I am I, and you are you, there shall be no converging lines. there shall be no parallels and there shall definitely not be any compromise.
at the crossroads, take the way which looks the longest for it might be the most interesting and eventful coz u know u r together...
u fight this feeling within u and u ponder aloud, when nothing makes sense, all that u've got it is urself. plans may not work out, schedules might not be followed, and the brain starts to sing a different song.
the grunge and the low, the high and the slow, the dark n the blue, all the black inside of you..
I am I, and you are you, there shall be no converging lines. there shall be no parallels and there shall definitely not be any compromise.
at the crossroads, take the way which looks the longest for it might be the most interesting and eventful coz u know u r together...
Saturday, April 15, 2006
The bliss in ignorance
Why is that the mere mention of the topic of human rights to your contemporaries incites them to categorize you as a “jhola-kurta” type comrade or they instantly suggest you to join politics!Strange… At least the law students of the country should be sensitized and made socially responsible. Today, the “big” law colleges go about brandishing their moot court winners, not the activists. The young students would follow what’s glamorized to them.
Moving onto a bigger problem is the sheer apathy of educated people towards the problems plaguing the society. They lack the grassroots level knowledge and blame everything on the system. Little do they know that the very politicians they vote for run the brothels which treat sex workers as bonded labour, the big beggary rackets in which little kids are maimed in order to beg for alms. If we don’t do something then no one else would either and we can all live blissfully ever after in our little ignorant world.
Moving onto a bigger problem is the sheer apathy of educated people towards the problems plaguing the society. They lack the grassroots level knowledge and blame everything on the system. Little do they know that the very politicians they vote for run the brothels which treat sex workers as bonded labour, the big beggary rackets in which little kids are maimed in order to beg for alms. If we don’t do something then no one else would either and we can all live blissfully ever after in our little ignorant world.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Wonder years
"Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you’re in diapers, the next day you’re gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a place...a town...a house like a lot of houses...a yard like a lot of other yards...on a street like a lot of other streets. And the thing is...after all these years...I still look back...with wonder." -- Wonder Years (abc)
People my age from India and millions of Americans would remember these lines, forever. Growing up has been such an adventure. Triumphs, pitfalls, memories... A whole lifetime has gone by it seems...
People my age from India and millions of Americans would remember these lines, forever. Growing up has been such an adventure. Triumphs, pitfalls, memories... A whole lifetime has gone by it seems...
Sunday, March 12, 2006
A thousand wishes like these…
One of the most beautifully made movies of its time is Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi. The movie has made many a fan of Sudhir Mishra. It draws the thin line between the murky politics of the emergency period in the late 70’s and the leftist movement in Bihar. Here’s a dialogue from the movie..
“(Comrade i have not given up...) main mass base mein izafe ki baat kar raha hun. Chote mote self defensive action ke khilaf nahi hoon, yeh aap bhi jante hain…”
Ponder over it…
“(Comrade i have not given up...) main mass base mein izafe ki baat kar raha hun. Chote mote self defensive action ke khilaf nahi hoon, yeh aap bhi jante hain…”
Ponder over it…
Saturday, March 11, 2006
The Forbidden Land- Tibet
Tibet has enchanted people for centuries as the forbidden land of Shangri-la which has been described in Buddhism as the “Garden of Eden”, tucked away from mankind where only those who are enlightened can have access to. This plateau called the roof of the world is surrounded by myth and mystery. One can only experience the beauty of the ancient land if one treads there.
However, somehow the plight of Tibet has gone unnoticed by the Western Media and in general, the whole world. After forced occupancy, human rights violations and violations of every fundamental right known to man, China continues to inflict torture on any person possessing even a picture of HH Dalai Lama. The ratio of Chinese: Tibetan in Tibet is 12:1. The Han Chinese have taken away trade and administrative responsibilities from the Tibetans and despite the fact that China is developing the region, its doing so for its own profitable purposes and none of this money ever reaches the locals. The tightened Media regulations and a lack of right to information law in China adds fuel to the fire.
When China destroyed the Buddhist Monasteries in Tibet and ruined their cultural and religious heritage, proclaiming to liberate the Tibetans from Lama-ism, the biggies kept quiet and so did everyone else. It’s not your problem till it happens in your backyard or worst still – your own house. The only country (and I’m proud to say this) which came to their aid was India who offered them political refuge.
I’m glad that something I was an integral part of for 3 years did something to further the cause of Tibet- check this, second posting about Human Rights Cell, Symbiosis Law College, Poona- http://www.friendsoftibet.org/indiahomepage.html
Buddhism is the most peace preaching religion in the world, and what does China call its war on Tibet? War on secessionists and hence war on terrorism. Jeez…
If you read this, make sure you pass it the message on…
However, somehow the plight of Tibet has gone unnoticed by the Western Media and in general, the whole world. After forced occupancy, human rights violations and violations of every fundamental right known to man, China continues to inflict torture on any person possessing even a picture of HH Dalai Lama. The ratio of Chinese: Tibetan in Tibet is 12:1. The Han Chinese have taken away trade and administrative responsibilities from the Tibetans and despite the fact that China is developing the region, its doing so for its own profitable purposes and none of this money ever reaches the locals. The tightened Media regulations and a lack of right to information law in China adds fuel to the fire.
When China destroyed the Buddhist Monasteries in Tibet and ruined their cultural and religious heritage, proclaiming to liberate the Tibetans from Lama-ism, the biggies kept quiet and so did everyone else. It’s not your problem till it happens in your backyard or worst still – your own house. The only country (and I’m proud to say this) which came to their aid was India who offered them political refuge.
I’m glad that something I was an integral part of for 3 years did something to further the cause of Tibet- check this, second posting about Human Rights Cell, Symbiosis Law College, Poona- http://www.friendsoftibet.org/indiahomepage.html
Buddhism is the most peace preaching religion in the world, and what does China call its war on Tibet? War on secessionists and hence war on terrorism. Jeez…
If you read this, make sure you pass it the message on…
Not made for winter sports!
The excitement of an unseen world is inexplicable. When you don the skates, and step into the Ice-Skating rink full of experts, you feel like you can glide around like them in a matter of a couple of seconds. Splash! There went my dreams in a fizzy. Barely being able to hold the railing, I tried hard not to fall and didn’t even venture out in the middle. After irritating the steward a couple of times and trying hard not to topple over with my back on the ice and the legs crossed over, I made the smart decision and off went the skates! Not cut out for this for sure!
P.S: Don't be fooled by the seemingly easy glides!
P.S: Don't be fooled by the seemingly easy glides!
Monday, February 20, 2006
McLeodganj
If you want to find calm and peace on this planet, you must go to Lhasa at least once in your life or at least to the Dalai Lama’s Monastery in McLeodganj (Himachal Pradesh, India). The quaint little town which nests in the Dhauladhar’s, 5 miles from Dharamshala, has been given to the Tibetan refugees by the Indian Government as a token of help to escape we all know what. As you reach the town centre (let’s call it that for the sake of convenience), you see German Bakeries, Tibetan artifact shops, Chinese Restaurants (the irony) and vegetable sellers, etc. The famed calm will hit you in the face as you walk about the market place, no noise, no pollution, and absolute serenity. The silver jewels, Tibetan precious and semi precious stones, and handmade wall hangings are nothing short of exquisite. And on the way you’ll come across spotless, ageless and beautiful monks- their skin aglow with health. The monastery seems like a microcosm of its own, and the big golden Buddha statue will hold you in its awe for quite a while. You can always pick up souvenirs and Buddhist books from the Temple Bookstore and Souvenir shop. To me it’s the most peaceful place I have been to yet.
My personal favourite glut place there is down the mall, across the veggie sellers, in a little hut shaped cake shop called “Chocolate Hut”. Living up to its name it serves old English style breakfast cakes, chocolates desserts and fresh bread, etc- it’s to die for, no kidding.
The option of trekking can be fully exploited there with the RMC (Regional Mountaineering Centre) just a couple of minutes walk from the German cake shop. They will take you to the highest peaks of Dhauladhar and even to two mighty glaciers alongwith a professional trekker. And group costs are economical. Not to forget that the temple of Bhagsu Nath is only a couple of miles away and with its stone lake with water coming out of lion statues' - is worth a decko. Looking forward to my next trip there!
My personal favourite glut place there is down the mall, across the veggie sellers, in a little hut shaped cake shop called “Chocolate Hut”. Living up to its name it serves old English style breakfast cakes, chocolates desserts and fresh bread, etc- it’s to die for, no kidding.
The option of trekking can be fully exploited there with the RMC (Regional Mountaineering Centre) just a couple of minutes walk from the German cake shop. They will take you to the highest peaks of Dhauladhar and even to two mighty glaciers alongwith a professional trekker. And group costs are economical. Not to forget that the temple of Bhagsu Nath is only a couple of miles away and with its stone lake with water coming out of lion statues' - is worth a decko. Looking forward to my next trip there!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Nostradamus and the WW III
I first heard about the bloke when I was 7yrs old, not an age for very intellectual discussions, but an older schoolmate actually told me about all the horrible things he had predicted and that some guy drank from his skull in his tomb and died. Bla bla… Ok that’s close enough for a kid his age. The French Revolutionaries who broke into his tomb in 18th century were ambushed and killed to the last on their way back, just as he had predicted. But what intrigues me and I’m sure people world over is the method used by him to get his predictions and the visions themselves. Some say he saw them in a bowl full of water, some say he saw them while watching a dancing flame of fire, and of the course the very popular one- that he used his knowledge of herbology to concoct a mixture which gave him his visions.
There is a massive confusion amongst the quatrain readers about the actual year of the next world war, but most say it should be between 2000-2012- the complete annihilation. Interpreters and critics strongly disagree on the quatrains due to the faux reports where words from different verses have been combined to give a new meaning. But, if one is to read the actual verses, he would see that the words seem to be coded. The actual vindication of the seers' prophecies is spread out over the history of last 400 years. However, I haven’t been able to digest the interpretation of his Century X quatrains- that a South Indian man will rule the world in a couple of years time!! Like that is ever going to happen.
So are we really going to live for another couple of years? That’s going to be a new excuse for being a spud.
There is a massive confusion amongst the quatrain readers about the actual year of the next world war, but most say it should be between 2000-2012- the complete annihilation. Interpreters and critics strongly disagree on the quatrains due to the faux reports where words from different verses have been combined to give a new meaning. But, if one is to read the actual verses, he would see that the words seem to be coded. The actual vindication of the seers' prophecies is spread out over the history of last 400 years. However, I haven’t been able to digest the interpretation of his Century X quatrains- that a South Indian man will rule the world in a couple of years time!! Like that is ever going to happen.
So are we really going to live for another couple of years? That’s going to be a new excuse for being a spud.
Blake
The epitome of creativity is one of my favorite poems- Auguries of Innocence by William Blake, a part of which I quoted while applying for a student post a couple of years back- “Every night and every morn Some to misery are born, Every morn and every night Some are born to sweet delight. Some are born to sweet delight,
Some are born to endless night”
For all these years, when you are bred on luxury and comforts, you stop and think… what about the people who are less blessed? Will just thoughts and posts on blog sites put an end to misery and suffering? While my counterparts think of lucrative corporate careers, the inherent wish remains to bridge the gap between have’s and have not’s, a cherished dream shared between 2 people. Too short a life and too many dreams to fulfill… Sigh
Some are born to endless night”
For all these years, when you are bred on luxury and comforts, you stop and think… what about the people who are less blessed? Will just thoughts and posts on blog sites put an end to misery and suffering? While my counterparts think of lucrative corporate careers, the inherent wish remains to bridge the gap between have’s and have not’s, a cherished dream shared between 2 people. Too short a life and too many dreams to fulfill… Sigh
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
The Big Brother
The two lectures I had today made me think a lot about WTO’s policies. The small farmers in developing countries who cannot even afford electricity and water have their subsidies cut at the hands of the very institution which is supposed to further their cause. The developing countries face the highest tariffs, are made to open up their markets to foreign products and given pitiful concessions. And adding to the pressure on the foreign aid starved countries are the other two biggies- IMF and World Bank. Notwithstanding these facts, the world trade share of developing nations is on a steady rise and according to some, “a bad deal is better than no deal”. But post-imperialism and colonialism, the least that the developed countries can do is indulge in reparation and help the third world grow faster, because some countries still get “no deal”. The tyrant called U.S took the baton from U.K, France, Spain and Portugal a long time ago as far as imperialism is concerned and loves to dictate to the world what it deems fit for the growth of its own economy even if it’s detrimental for its own society; a case in point being the Gun ownership laws in U.S (Columbine massacre, etc).
In fact one would be interested in catching the movie, “Why we fight”, to understand why U.S needs to go to war every now and then, to push its economy.
In fact one would be interested in catching the movie, “Why we fight”, to understand why U.S needs to go to war every now and then, to push its economy.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
The Gin Soaked Boy
No song has ever fascinated me more than the “Gin Soaked Boy” by Divine Comedy. The incredible combination of intriguing lyrics well permuted with soft lilting music gets you addicted.
I'm the darkness in the light
I'm the leftness in the right
I'm the rightness in the wrong
I'm the shortness in the long
I'm the goodness in the bad
I'm the saneness in the mad
I'm the sadness in the joy
I'm the gin in the gin-soaked boy
I'm the ghost in the machine
I'm the genius in the gene
I'm the beauty in the beast
I'm the sunset in the east
I'm the ruby in the dust
I'm the trust in the mistrust
I'm the trojan horse in troy
I'm the gin in the gin-soaked boy
I'm the tiger's empty cage
I'm the mystery's final page
I'm the stranger's lonely glance
I'm the hero's only chance
I'm the undiscovered land
I'm the single grain of sand
I'm the Christmas morning toy
I'm the gin in the gin-soaked boy
I'm the world you'll never see
I'm the slave you'll never free
I'm the truth you'll never knowI
'm the place you'll never go
I'm the sound you'll never hear
I'm the course you'll never steer
I'm the will you'll not destroy
I'm the gin in the gin-soaked boy
I'm the half-truth in the lie
I'm the why not in the why
I'm the last roll of the die
I'm the old school in the tie
I'm the spirit in the sky
I'm the catcher in the rye
I'm the twinkle in her eye
I'm the Jeff Goldblum in the fly
Who am i?
http://www.thedivinecomedy.com/home.htm (check it out for the video)
I'm the darkness in the light
I'm the leftness in the right
I'm the rightness in the wrong
I'm the shortness in the long
I'm the goodness in the bad
I'm the saneness in the mad
I'm the sadness in the joy
I'm the gin in the gin-soaked boy
I'm the ghost in the machine
I'm the genius in the gene
I'm the beauty in the beast
I'm the sunset in the east
I'm the ruby in the dust
I'm the trust in the mistrust
I'm the trojan horse in troy
I'm the gin in the gin-soaked boy
I'm the tiger's empty cage
I'm the mystery's final page
I'm the stranger's lonely glance
I'm the hero's only chance
I'm the undiscovered land
I'm the single grain of sand
I'm the Christmas morning toy
I'm the gin in the gin-soaked boy
I'm the world you'll never see
I'm the slave you'll never free
I'm the truth you'll never knowI
'm the place you'll never go
I'm the sound you'll never hear
I'm the course you'll never steer
I'm the will you'll not destroy
I'm the gin in the gin-soaked boy
I'm the half-truth in the lie
I'm the why not in the why
I'm the last roll of the die
I'm the old school in the tie
I'm the spirit in the sky
I'm the catcher in the rye
I'm the twinkle in her eye
I'm the Jeff Goldblum in the fly
Who am i?
http://www.thedivinecomedy.com/home.htm (check it out for the video)
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Religion and all that…
I started the day afresh with some good workout. Two hours of squash can be as invigorating as tiring! Phew... came back and slept off straight away. This island puts u to sleep at the drop of the hat and of course at the end of the day u have the weather to blame.
While browsing the BBC news site, I came across the whole fuss about the Mohammed’s caricature. Anyone would be offended; if someone pokes fun at my God I would be offended too. Islam doesn't allow for idol worship. Nor does Buddhism. However, can't we have peaceful demonstrations? Whether I will take up arms and cause mass shutdown is highly debatable. Whether I will kill thousands of people and call it the religious path is even more improbable. Back home when we hear news about break out of riots every now and then, we wonder why our fellow beings attach so much importance to religion. Yes, religion shows us the right path, lays down societal rules and of course gives us hope, but today the definition of religion has evolved to mean something that causes people to behave irrationally and radically; something that divides us as beings. I’m Hindu and you’re Muslim, and so on and so forth. If all religions teach the righteous path to peaceful coexistence then where does all the hatred and fear come from? I was too young when Punjab went through the horrible atrocities that the Khalistan terrorism brought to our land, but I was in the eye of it all when my doctor parents were posted with the Police in Amritsar. We have grown up watching the horrible news reports, hearing shots of gunfire at night, when our home and that of our neighbour- the Superintendent of Police, was attacked by the militants (in Ropar) who used local-made missiles and blew up the ground behind our home. Why the mass destruction in the name of religion? Who funds these terrorists and what’s their hidden agenda? Does God tell them to rape women and children, to kill people, cause mass scale devastation? And when would it end?
As the smart person I keep talking about often tells me, “we Hindu’s are more tolerant than those who have invaded our lands and ruled us”. I couldn’t agree more. The fundamentalism that Hindu’s involve themselves in seems miniscule in front of the mass scale conversions which the British did in their colonies and before that the Romans. In the Christian CM ruled Andhra Pradesh, why is that in the villages in some regions there are only churches and no other religious places of worship? Why don’t we all become more open-minded and live and let live?
While browsing the BBC news site, I came across the whole fuss about the Mohammed’s caricature. Anyone would be offended; if someone pokes fun at my God I would be offended too. Islam doesn't allow for idol worship. Nor does Buddhism. However, can't we have peaceful demonstrations? Whether I will take up arms and cause mass shutdown is highly debatable. Whether I will kill thousands of people and call it the religious path is even more improbable. Back home when we hear news about break out of riots every now and then, we wonder why our fellow beings attach so much importance to religion. Yes, religion shows us the right path, lays down societal rules and of course gives us hope, but today the definition of religion has evolved to mean something that causes people to behave irrationally and radically; something that divides us as beings. I’m Hindu and you’re Muslim, and so on and so forth. If all religions teach the righteous path to peaceful coexistence then where does all the hatred and fear come from? I was too young when Punjab went through the horrible atrocities that the Khalistan terrorism brought to our land, but I was in the eye of it all when my doctor parents were posted with the Police in Amritsar. We have grown up watching the horrible news reports, hearing shots of gunfire at night, when our home and that of our neighbour- the Superintendent of Police, was attacked by the militants (in Ropar) who used local-made missiles and blew up the ground behind our home. Why the mass destruction in the name of religion? Who funds these terrorists and what’s their hidden agenda? Does God tell them to rape women and children, to kill people, cause mass scale devastation? And when would it end?
As the smart person I keep talking about often tells me, “we Hindu’s are more tolerant than those who have invaded our lands and ruled us”. I couldn’t agree more. The fundamentalism that Hindu’s involve themselves in seems miniscule in front of the mass scale conversions which the British did in their colonies and before that the Romans. In the Christian CM ruled Andhra Pradesh, why is that in the villages in some regions there are only churches and no other religious places of worship? Why don’t we all become more open-minded and live and let live?
Friday, February 03, 2006
Music for Soul… and the new breed of politicians
After a day of making food (bhindi), doing pranayam’s, the much needed laundry, attending the amazing Prof. Botchway’s inspiring and informative class, making some calls in the sub zero temperature, I came back to the room to the soothing voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Was listening to the Night Song and Saanu Ikk Pal Chainn Na Aave… It’s like soul food, his music that is. Every word, every note tugs at the heart making it swell with joy and cry with pain alike- it’s pure spiritual ecstasy. It was started as soul music by fakir’s singing at dargahs and mazaars to connect their soul to the God as they traveled through Sindh, Punjab, Rajasthan and the surrounding areas; with different places having distinctive versions. We had our own Baba Fakir and Bulle Shah from Punjab. Whoever has heard “hun utth gaye ne gawandon yaar” by Bulle Shah will know what a real stress-buster is.
Moving on, there was a bit of news that I came across that lifted my spirits even more. Most of my seniors and peers just talked gas, and only a handful are really doing what they believe in (reading Priyanka and Vikram?). People like Tanmay Rajpurohit don’t join politics. An aeronautics engineer from IIT-Bombay, holding two Masters Degrees from the US, Rajpurohit should by now be a global citizen, shuttling between countries in a high-profile MNC job. Instead, he and five of his IIT’ian friends have started their own political party for ‘‘the Bharat of the 21st Century’’, and called it Paritrana (the act of relieving someone from distress). It includes Ajit Shukla, Amit Besseen, the brain behind the party, which also includes Chandrashekhar, S Vasudev and Dheeraj Kumbhat—all graduates from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Kanpur. On the party’s website, www.paritrana.org, Rajpurohit is more elaborate. He came back, he writes, ‘‘due to the current plight of India and the grim future facing the country...to do whatever is necessary for the Land’’.
I got this from a news website- A few months ago, Rajpurohit, who worked with in the tribal belt of Udaipur, was picked up and roughed up by Udaipur police. The illegal detention and the brutal treatment by the police seemed to have further fueled his discontent with the system. Chandrashekhar started out as a social worker but says he decided to join politics as he felt ‘‘betrayed by those who appeared to be the most enthusiastically concerned about the problems of the Land’’. Only if a few more of us think on the same lines and put our thoughts to action. Let’s start another party or join theirs… Any takers?
Moving on, there was a bit of news that I came across that lifted my spirits even more. Most of my seniors and peers just talked gas, and only a handful are really doing what they believe in (reading Priyanka and Vikram?). People like Tanmay Rajpurohit don’t join politics. An aeronautics engineer from IIT-Bombay, holding two Masters Degrees from the US, Rajpurohit should by now be a global citizen, shuttling between countries in a high-profile MNC job. Instead, he and five of his IIT’ian friends have started their own political party for ‘‘the Bharat of the 21st Century’’, and called it Paritrana (the act of relieving someone from distress). It includes Ajit Shukla, Amit Besseen, the brain behind the party, which also includes Chandrashekhar, S Vasudev and Dheeraj Kumbhat—all graduates from IIT-Bombay and IIT-Kanpur. On the party’s website, www.paritrana.org, Rajpurohit is more elaborate. He came back, he writes, ‘‘due to the current plight of India and the grim future facing the country...to do whatever is necessary for the Land’’.
I got this from a news website- A few months ago, Rajpurohit, who worked with in the tribal belt of Udaipur, was picked up and roughed up by Udaipur police. The illegal detention and the brutal treatment by the police seemed to have further fueled his discontent with the system. Chandrashekhar started out as a social worker but says he decided to join politics as he felt ‘‘betrayed by those who appeared to be the most enthusiastically concerned about the problems of the Land’’. Only if a few more of us think on the same lines and put our thoughts to action. Let’s start another party or join theirs… Any takers?
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Paving the road ahead…
When I stood for the Staff Student Liaison Committee Elections, it wasn’t just another go at student politics; but it was to give a voice to the issues that lie underneath the skin, that seldom get heard as they should. The driving force of a good educational institution is a combination of its administrators, academic staff and its pro-active students. Its foundation is made stronger when a democratic platform is provided to the students that make up its very structure and body to voice their opinions and more importantly- their grievances. And we all know that no educational institution is perfect.
At the meeting today, which I chaired, as we spoke about the issues concerning us and the fellow coursemates, I felt extremely satisfied because I got the Academics present there to think about the issues concerning us and to try and resolve the same. The issues were far more serious and consequential than the last term and hence, had to be put across as tactfully as possible. Paving the road ahead for the next batch to come... How I wish that our seniors would have taken some drastic measures to fix the holes in the walls!!
My dear little cousin had come visiting to check out the Maths department in my Uni and we had a great time together. Drove down to the little Punjabi dominated area of Foleshill and picked up spices and bhindi and seekh kebabs. The best thing about staying in the U.K is that India is never too far. You’ll find your countrymen just around the corner. I heard that Leicester has even got some gol-gappa vendors!! (I won’t even mention Southall)
At the meeting today, which I chaired, as we spoke about the issues concerning us and the fellow coursemates, I felt extremely satisfied because I got the Academics present there to think about the issues concerning us and to try and resolve the same. The issues were far more serious and consequential than the last term and hence, had to be put across as tactfully as possible. Paving the road ahead for the next batch to come... How I wish that our seniors would have taken some drastic measures to fix the holes in the walls!!
My dear little cousin had come visiting to check out the Maths department in my Uni and we had a great time together. Drove down to the little Punjabi dominated area of Foleshill and picked up spices and bhindi and seekh kebabs. The best thing about staying in the U.K is that India is never too far. You’ll find your countrymen just around the corner. I heard that Leicester has even got some gol-gappa vendors!! (I won’t even mention Southall)
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Judgement error as always !!!
As someone way smarter than anyone I know said once, “Colleges should examine the number of words spoken in a minute by a Prof before hiring him”… yawn… The sleep still lingers around; such was the effect of slow talk in a class.
The sumptuous chicken made my day, food helps “you see”.. he he he.. for those who know what this means, laugh on loud.
For anyone who thinks that all racquet games are similar, it’s time to do some serious reconsideration. After taking squash classes for the last 4 weeks now, I think if I don’t play tennis well in the future and respond to every down-the-liner by a lob, I would know whom to blame.
For myriad reasons unknown to the mankind (maybe with the exception of psycho-analysts), women do what they want even if they know it isn’t the best for them. I tried reading for the IP seminar in the Humanities porters lounge area when the Library was a minute’s walk from there. Whatever incited me to do that! 6 women of different shapes and sized descended precisely 4 minutes after I started feeling comfortable and starting chatting about all things I categorize as irksome- which member of backstreet boys gave up dope, which celebrity got divorced, how Ms. Jolie had her lips operated upon and so on and so forth. JEEZ!
At the seminar, I managed to get my words out and tried to make some comprehensible shit about something I was not so well versed with, thanks to aforementioned incident.
Hit the bed the moment I entered the room. Is it the cold, is it the seminar, who can tell!!
The sumptuous chicken made my day, food helps “you see”.. he he he.. for those who know what this means, laugh on loud.
For anyone who thinks that all racquet games are similar, it’s time to do some serious reconsideration. After taking squash classes for the last 4 weeks now, I think if I don’t play tennis well in the future and respond to every down-the-liner by a lob, I would know whom to blame.
For myriad reasons unknown to the mankind (maybe with the exception of psycho-analysts), women do what they want even if they know it isn’t the best for them. I tried reading for the IP seminar in the Humanities porters lounge area when the Library was a minute’s walk from there. Whatever incited me to do that! 6 women of different shapes and sized descended precisely 4 minutes after I started feeling comfortable and starting chatting about all things I categorize as irksome- which member of backstreet boys gave up dope, which celebrity got divorced, how Ms. Jolie had her lips operated upon and so on and so forth. JEEZ!
At the seminar, I managed to get my words out and tried to make some comprehensible shit about something I was not so well versed with, thanks to aforementioned incident.
Hit the bed the moment I entered the room. Is it the cold, is it the seminar, who can tell!!
Monday, January 30, 2006
Good food for the happy soul…
All the foodies in the world will tell you how good food is the way to heaven. I couldn’t agree more. And what’s better than well cooked Indian food. I’m glad I can cook and not just to save my life! Good food should never be underestimated, especially when it is authentic home food in a foreign land.
It being a Sunday, I decided to indulge myself a bit, a lot in fact. The 2 hrs invested in making the Dum Pukht Biryani and Raita don’t seem like a waste at all. The mouth watering aroma and the scrumptious yummy bits in my mouth did for me and I had a great day. It was followed by another treat- I saw the Underworld Evolution. I would say the original was better coz it was something new and different but the sequel did nothing to disappoint.
Week 5 has started in the Uni, which means it’s the Week 4 for us which means the much dreaded result for at least the first exam we took way back in Dec should be out soon. Waaaaa!!
That’s that..
It being a Sunday, I decided to indulge myself a bit, a lot in fact. The 2 hrs invested in making the Dum Pukht Biryani and Raita don’t seem like a waste at all. The mouth watering aroma and the scrumptious yummy bits in my mouth did for me and I had a great day. It was followed by another treat- I saw the Underworld Evolution. I would say the original was better coz it was something new and different but the sequel did nothing to disappoint.
Week 5 has started in the Uni, which means it’s the Week 4 for us which means the much dreaded result for at least the first exam we took way back in Dec should be out soon. Waaaaa!!
That’s that..
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Its all BULL
No no no! That’s not what I meant! This is with reference to the epitome of the greatest leisure pursuit of womankind, i-e shopping, i-e the Bullring. Sitting in the middle of Birmingham is the “Bullring”, the largest shopping mall in U.K, which is a house to 160 odd shops. May God bless all the women who get sores walking about the grand mall. In my second visit to the place since I’ve been in the grey land (which was surprisingly sunny albeit windy today), I’d little to shop (strictly for folks) but ended up buying nothing for them, raison d'aitre- lack of sufficient number of sales.
Anyhow, miraculously I found an extremely cheap pair of boots for myself (wicked grin). The whole day spent with Anna (da doll) was a welcome break from the brown lakeside and the beige uni. Big wok welcomed us strictly for 1 hr for lunch – 40 unlimited food items for 4.99 quids. The “strictly for 1 hr” factor arose from the fact that it was Chinese New Year and the weekend, so we had to stand in queue for a while and asked to gobble up the delicacies in limited period of time, which obviously didn’t deter our feminine spirits, we being not the glut pigs that men are. (giggle giggle).
The piercing North Atlantic wind welcomed us back to Coventry. Whatever happened to the silly BBC weather forecast of impending snow?
Aah… another day in the brown room with the lappy, all by myself… and not to mention the depressing amount of reading which is pending.
As the Brits say “Cheers mate!”!!
Anyhow, miraculously I found an extremely cheap pair of boots for myself (wicked grin). The whole day spent with Anna (da doll) was a welcome break from the brown lakeside and the beige uni. Big wok welcomed us strictly for 1 hr for lunch – 40 unlimited food items for 4.99 quids. The “strictly for 1 hr” factor arose from the fact that it was Chinese New Year and the weekend, so we had to stand in queue for a while and asked to gobble up the delicacies in limited period of time, which obviously didn’t deter our feminine spirits, we being not the glut pigs that men are. (giggle giggle).
The piercing North Atlantic wind welcomed us back to Coventry. Whatever happened to the silly BBC weather forecast of impending snow?
Aah… another day in the brown room with the lappy, all by myself… and not to mention the depressing amount of reading which is pending.
As the Brits say “Cheers mate!”!!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Paint it Yellow
We Indians are the most indolent creatures around. We can talk about the despicable situations enveloping our society today; endlessly condemn the politicians, other countries, other communities, the “system”, but how about taking a look in the mirror? 59 years after Independence, we have scant regard for laws and choose apathy over activism. What will happen to us if we don’t take up arms against corruption, red-tapism, social evils (casteism, female foeticide, widow burning) and communalism? Will we rot till the end or can our generation make the difference? Someone I know very well thought he could make a difference too, when he was in college back in the 1970’s (reading Dad?:). He even joined the revolution started by Jai Prakash Narayan in Bihar, but despite being a successful administrator today and winning accolades in his field, I don’t know how much he has achieved by the way of “system change” all on his own… That’s because we need a revolution, a systematic de-rooting of all the weeds in our political/administrative system and no one person can achieve that. Our nation which prides itself in its culture and integrity needs to revolutionize these two very things.
I saw “Rang de Basanti” today, or as its being called in its Anglo version- “Paint it Yellow”. Yellow in my homeland is the color of sacrifice. It ignited the same feelings in me as “Yuva” did… maybe more intense this time. Made me wonder, what I’m doing here in the country which colonized and terrorized us for 300 years. The land of General Dyer, the land because of which a thousand people died in the Jallianwala Bagh (Amritsar was home for me for 2 years) and innumerable atrocities in the face of economic gains for England- I often kid that India funded the biggest event in the history- the “industrial revolution”. Maybe we did… We can’t hold the present generation responsible for the bygones, but how about some reparation? How dare they show off the ‘kohinoor” in the Tower of London? Shouldn’t they return what is rightfully ours?
The movie made me sit up and remember that before I’m me, before I’m Punjabi, before anything- I’m an Indian. What have I given back to the soil to which I belong? Its payback time and I refuse to join the countless, faceless countrymen who sit and hold everyone else responsible for their misery and disappear into the night unknown and unheard. The spark is their within, when will we all ignite it?
I’m going to do something substantive and will not be another part of the waste in the place our generation calls a “dump”… A big promise to myself.
Jai Hind..
I saw “Rang de Basanti” today, or as its being called in its Anglo version- “Paint it Yellow”. Yellow in my homeland is the color of sacrifice. It ignited the same feelings in me as “Yuva” did… maybe more intense this time. Made me wonder, what I’m doing here in the country which colonized and terrorized us for 300 years. The land of General Dyer, the land because of which a thousand people died in the Jallianwala Bagh (Amritsar was home for me for 2 years) and innumerable atrocities in the face of economic gains for England- I often kid that India funded the biggest event in the history- the “industrial revolution”. Maybe we did… We can’t hold the present generation responsible for the bygones, but how about some reparation? How dare they show off the ‘kohinoor” in the Tower of London? Shouldn’t they return what is rightfully ours?
The movie made me sit up and remember that before I’m me, before I’m Punjabi, before anything- I’m an Indian. What have I given back to the soil to which I belong? Its payback time and I refuse to join the countless, faceless countrymen who sit and hold everyone else responsible for their misery and disappear into the night unknown and unheard. The spark is their within, when will we all ignite it?
I’m going to do something substantive and will not be another part of the waste in the place our generation calls a “dump”… A big promise to myself.
Jai Hind..
The sweet Prof
Thursday, 26th Jan, 2005- Republic Day:)
One sweet day. A little acknowledgement from Prof. in the class today for getting after Jen's life and having the classroom changed to a more convenient location, made me all smiles.
The most worth-it part of pursuing a PG degree is when you have a great Prof who can not only keep the interest of the entire class alive, but also impart something invaluable. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would find something called "International Business Transactions" interesting and contemplate pursuing the options that it offers..
Came back to watch the latest LOST episode. Routine stuff.
One sweet day. A little acknowledgement from Prof. in the class today for getting after Jen's life and having the classroom changed to a more convenient location, made me all smiles.
The most worth-it part of pursuing a PG degree is when you have a great Prof who can not only keep the interest of the entire class alive, but also impart something invaluable. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would find something called "International Business Transactions" interesting and contemplate pursuing the options that it offers..
Came back to watch the latest LOST episode. Routine stuff.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
There and then..
I have decided to be a little more regular with the updates. 3 posts in 7 months underline laziness.
The day started with the core module class, the seminar that followed and a wonderful haircut later, Aman and I headed to the Cafe Library (cheaper than the rest 12 resto's).. Spoke to the old man Will about LLM in U.S, he was taken aback. He did his best, told me where all to apply, which states go easy on foreigners, bla bla. It's just an idea, why not explore our horizons when we have the opportunity- young, brave and willing to experiment! (a little moneyless, but then well..)
Something tells me that this is only the beginning of the adventure called life!
More later..
The day started with the core module class, the seminar that followed and a wonderful haircut later, Aman and I headed to the Cafe Library (cheaper than the rest 12 resto's).. Spoke to the old man Will about LLM in U.S, he was taken aback. He did his best, told me where all to apply, which states go easy on foreigners, bla bla. It's just an idea, why not explore our horizons when we have the opportunity- young, brave and willing to experiment! (a little moneyless, but then well..)
Something tells me that this is only the beginning of the adventure called life!
More later..
Today tomorrow and forever
After spending a year of my life to my committed decision of pursuing LLM in U.K, I got into my choice of Uni. Like all educational institutions, it has got its upsides and downsides. But it's giving me something new, something I used to crave for- a multicultural experience and global knowledge on going-ons.
The heart still yearns for the carefree, funfilled, and soul enriching days of Poona, but then that's the phase of our life which we will always cherish. The bike rides to see the sunset at NDA, the innumerable movies (late nights shows at E Square, Alka and the ilk), the chicken biryani at Sai (yummmmm) and the endless star gazing.. the HRC meetings, the activism, the boiling of blood at the mere sight of atrocities (some things will never change)...
I have loved it so far here in the lil grey island (a little bigger than our Punjab). Excellent faculty (at least the one in the first term, second one just started.. too soon to comment) and a very mixed class. Getting to learn new things everyday. However, the biggest kicks in life have been to hang out at Rootes Bar, the Learning Grid (Rachita Bansal finally learns the lesson of hard work, spoke to soon maybe!), to watch trashy hindi serials online (which I wouldn't give a second look back home- anything in the name of entertainment), to see the lake frozen and yes, the biggest of them all- sunlight! People, don't ever underestimate the power of the yellow blob. Sincerely waiting for the summer, when it apparently stays out till 9pm! woooohooo!
Later ya all..
The heart still yearns for the carefree, funfilled, and soul enriching days of Poona, but then that's the phase of our life which we will always cherish. The bike rides to see the sunset at NDA, the innumerable movies (late nights shows at E Square, Alka and the ilk), the chicken biryani at Sai (yummmmm) and the endless star gazing.. the HRC meetings, the activism, the boiling of blood at the mere sight of atrocities (some things will never change)...
I have loved it so far here in the lil grey island (a little bigger than our Punjab). Excellent faculty (at least the one in the first term, second one just started.. too soon to comment) and a very mixed class. Getting to learn new things everyday. However, the biggest kicks in life have been to hang out at Rootes Bar, the Learning Grid (Rachita Bansal finally learns the lesson of hard work, spoke to soon maybe!), to watch trashy hindi serials online (which I wouldn't give a second look back home- anything in the name of entertainment), to see the lake frozen and yes, the biggest of them all- sunlight! People, don't ever underestimate the power of the yellow blob. Sincerely waiting for the summer, when it apparently stays out till 9pm! woooohooo!
Later ya all..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
