The NaMo-logy : A Long Way To Go. [Guest Post]

Ahh... The NaMo. Swearing in as Prime Minister of the Republic of India today. India having an "Obama moment" of her own. 

Not just Narendra Modi but millions of Indians were dreaming of this moment for months now. And finally it's here. 

A day before the election results, my good friend Srijan echoed my sentiments on the current political scenario. Then two days later Namrata spoke for "her people" expressing the apprehensions in the minority communities about the alleged draconian style of Modi leadership. I am not sure if these apprehensions are valid but sentiments are understandable.

There shouldn't be an iota of doubt that Mr. Modi is pro-majority. But does that equate to Anti-minority? Was he REALLY involved in inciting the Godhara riots like so many us believe, even after being given a clean chit by Supreme Court itself? I don't know. May be he was shrewd enough to get away from all the scrutiny of so many people over the years. Sometimes justice is not served. 

I am really weak in understanding History and Politics, and everything in between. You know better and I am not going to argue with you on this.

But here's my truth : I voted for Modi (and note I didn't vote for BJP) just because I bought the dreams he was selling. Hopes of a Better India which is the only straw visible in this ocean of gloom and doom that's Current India.  

Will he be able to do justice to all the hopes that so many Indians have put on him, or will he work on his own agenda and prove to be the nightmare-came-true for certain sections of society? Only time can tell. Although, the kind of actions he has taken and the speeches he has given since election results, I am hopeful of the former.

I wanted to write more on Mr. Modi, but then another friend Akshita sent a great account of him. I learned quite a few things from it, so I have decided to put it on my blog (with her permission). This, of course, also allows me to be lazy too. 

I haven't done a guest post since a long long time, although I did a few crowd sourced posts last year. I don't really let anyone write on my 'personal blog'. But it's all about experimenting right? So, may be a few more guest posts in coming times.

Alright, enough chatter.

Over to Akshita Pal.

 

''NAMO'', doesn't seem to be a Name or a word one could be unfamiliar with.

I may Re-code this Nomenclature as,

N : Nationalist

A:  Administrator and Appallingly Determined

M: Mass Leader

O: Orator and Organizer.

Mr. Narendra Damodardas Modi, aka Namo/Modi/Modi Bhai/Modi ji,and now THE PRIME MINISTER of World's Largest Democracy, is the Man who not only me but, most of the citizens of India look up to. The only PM born in an Independent India till date, is here to stay. Probably, this streak of youthfulness is what makes it easy for him to read the pulse of A Young Nation. Does anyone remember, Mr. NaMo's recent Election Campaign was titled, "Vivekanand Yuva Vikas Yatra"?

Now, when He is just swearing in as the Head-Honcho of our country, I, on behalf of every citizen, would like to honour him with a Bouquet from my side; a bouquet full of Good Wishes, Hopes, Dreams, and Desires of a New-Age India.

Let's take a walk down the memory lane...

Modi ji, born in the small place of Vadnagar (U.P), on 17-09-1950 (now probably, even an 8 year old would know this), struggled hard, like most of the Successful Men do, to reach this place today. From being the Son of a Tea-vendor, to being a Tea-vendor himself, working in the Gujarat Transportation Corp. and joining the Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh, this Visionary, has never had an easy Route To Delhi. Seems, this prepared him to take future hardships head-on.

Not many of us would be knowing that Mr. NaMo at the age of 15, during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, used to serve the Soldiers while on a transit at Railway Stations, and had even volunteered to serve the Gujarat flood victims in 1967. He did come across as a Patriot since the early days of his life (that is visible while He gives Speeches too); However, a leading Daily had reported that Mr. NaMo sent troops to save only Gujaratis from the flood struck Uttarakhand in June-2013. Ohh! I must mention, the Tabloid later clarified that it was a 'mistake'.

Known for his Oratorical skills (that I personally am awed by) and Strong Determination, Mr. Modi, never seemed fazed by what people have to say (read allege and crib), about him and his 'Development Model'. There is no stopping him, when it comes to being a Workaholic, sleeping for merely Three hours a day, while many of us still complain of having just Twenty-four hours in a day. A prolific Writer and Poet, He, exudes Power and Dignity.

The 'Could be a Dictator', Mr. NaMo, gains his excellent art of mesmerizing the Audiences and his viewers, from the course He had pursued in Public Relations and Image Management in the United States. Undoubtedly, the outnumbering of male attendees by the female ones in a few of his Public-gatherings can be attributed to his Enchanting and Enigmatic Persona. Still doubt his magnetism? 

Adding Elegance to his Charisma,is his never failing Indian attire, preferably bought from his favorite store in Ahmedabad, Jade Blue (Remember? he was seen wearing a different set of clothes in every single appearance he made on his Victory Day: 16-05-2014).

Mr. Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, in his Biography,'Narendra Modi: The Man,The Times', had described Mr. NaMo as an Authoritarian, someone who doesn't pay heed to people's opinions, Least Democratic Leader and an Insecure Man.

Again, 'How come an Insecure man start the Victory Preparations well in advance of the Election Result's Declaration, and even speculate about Potential Cabinet formation?', is a debatable topic in itself.

A great Economist, and Nobel Laureate, Mr. Amartya Sen, termed him as a failure when it came to Gujarat's Health and Education Sector's Management. On the contrary,a British Economist, Jim O'Neil,applauded him by saying,

''Modi is good at Economics, that India desperately needs in a Leader''.

Its more than evident, Men like him, are like musical glasses, to produce their finest tones, they must be kept wet.

Battling all odds ,viz, 2002 Godhra Massacre, Accusation of being an Anti-privatization, and Anti-globalization person, 'Slaughterer', 'Merchant of Death' and most lately 'Tsunami', this Man surely knows how to build a Mansion off the bricks people have been throwing at him since years.

Not very long ago, in  2012, his Live Chat made him the First Indian Politician to interact with Netizens this way. Of course, #Modi Hangout, was not the Most Trending Topic on Twitter without a reason. And enemies are enemies anyway, not trailing behind, #VoteOutModi was the third most trending.

Is this Record too easy to beat ?

Now, back to the Present ...

Cut! To 16-05-2014, his (or NDA's) Historic Win in 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, leaves no room for other competing 'clan' to be even in the Opposition. It makes not only the Indian Stock Market bloom, but also makes Mr. Modi beat Salman Khan as The Most Re-tweeted on Twitter.

I must admit it, I am no Fan of Mr. NaMo, nor do I go berserk for any Political Leader at all. But Yes, The Candidate who promises me to make my country shine globally, makes the youth go gaga over him, runs a chill down the spine of the Opposing Parties, makes even Kids take interest in Politics, can JUST NOT GO UN-NOTICED.

The people who called him a Tsunami, may not be knowing that Sea, has always had the nature of being calm for years of atrocities we people do to it but, if just once it retorts, it sweeps away the dirt off the shores, sometimes also away from the catchments .

This could be the impact of 'Modi-Leher'...

Also,not to forget, if observed closely, 'Leher' i.e waves have a tendency to absorb what is worthy, and ebbing out, all the dirt and mud back to the coast.

An old Hindi Doha goes as,

"साधू ऐसा चाहिए जैसा सूप सुभाए ,

सार-सार तो गही लए, थोथा दे उड़ाए "

It sums up Mr Modi's character, i.e, gather just blessings and positivity, take criticism in your stride,and move on.

Certainly, might of the 'Leher' is greater than that of some regular tide.

Be it the release of Diamond Merchants from China, taking support for a 'Vibrant Gujarat' from Japan and Singapore, making his 'Gujarat Development Model' a rage overseas, this Man did go every mile to make his State recover from the loss it went through after being shook by a major Earthquake more than a decade ago. Certainly, he has strong reasons to back up his being chosen as Gujarat's Chief Minister for four consecutive terms.

But, most of us have a habit, to focus on the bad ones, and neglect all the good deeds one has ever done.

OK! He might be alleged as a Pro-Hindu, Communal, not so Secular, someone who invaded a Lady's telephonic privacy, refused to wear a Skull-cap offered to him by a Muslim Cleric, involved in extra-judicial killings... Just MAY BE...

Still!!!

Why not see how he observed serial fasts, solely to make a communal contact, in eight different cities?

Why not admire, how now even a Neighboring country like Pakistan, looks up to Gujarat's Solar Park, and Kalpasar projects to seek a solution to their internal Power crisis?

Why not appreciate someone who claims he would give us a Cleaner India??

Why can't we just ignore his 'Relationship Status' and rather focus on how good relations he lets India build with the rest of the world?

Why can't we forget to which community he belongs? Now, Who is being Communal?

Why not respect him, who gives us the hope of Employment, Development, Empowerment and Economic boost?

Why not trust a Man with the future of our Mother Land who, at 63, doesn't forget to seek his Mother's blessings before even the smallest moves of his life?

WHY NOT!!!

Yes, I agree, it's not only the King who makes the Kingdom win, it's the Kings-men, and the cavalry too. A Leader is briefed about his responsibilities, BUT, in order to execute it, De-briefing is equally essential, so say the Principles of Entrepreneurship. And who could do this better than a Man who commands Respect, A Man who is surrounded with the Aura of Simplicity, Authority and Gravity?

Believing not him, but the wisdom that made us Vote for him, I am hopeful that HE WILL give us all the Country Of Our Dreams.

And as Mr. Narendra Modi himself urges, giving this SEWAK a chance to serve and replenish India, reward it with a New Era and a New lease of life, like all those who have invested loads of trust in him, I, offer my ode to Mr. Narendra Modi ji.

Wishing him all the Luck in his journey,

With the Caution:

"Handle our Nation with CARE and SELFLESSNESS.

We would want to cheer ... NAMOSKAAR BHARAT!!"

.........

Why Sunny Bhabhi must be the Prime Ministerial Candidate for India

I am just fed up. I have stopped watching news now. When I wrote about AAP half an year ago, I was excited. Excited about where Indian politics was going. Hopeful that AAP was the real game changer as they promised to be. But alas they weren't. While I still support some off their leaders, I am disappointed with the way party exited from Delhi without proverbial warning.

And now when the only ray of hope seemed to be Modi (not talking about BJP here), every secular and non-secular Anti-Modi forces are working full time to discover any dead corpses from his closet. All of a sudden his wife has become more important than his vision and promises for a better India. Very recently a very wise leader of a very wise state said there shouldn't be death penalty for rapes because "boys will be boys. They make mistake". If only he was a stand-up comedian. 

So, please excuse me when I say I have become cynical of Indian politics and don't see it changing anytime soon. National depression compounded by my own personal depression; sometimes it's just too much to take. Sometimes I imagine the nation locked in a room full of utter darkness with no way out. Whoever tries to open that door for others, also gets sucked in (I am sorry you are getting beaten around AK, you don't deserve it). It's frightening.

But I find a small glimmer of light at the far end of the room. A little beam telling that may be, just may be we can find our way out. That name of the beam of light is : Karenjit Kaur Vohra, better known as Sunny Leone, and respectfully called Sunny Bhabhi from here onwards.

Now, I know half of you would be thinking "Meh" after reading the last sentence. Oh, it's another post on porn star. RavS just trying to be witty. But you have to believe me that I am writing this with utter seriousness. It's been 10 minutes of writing this, I am feeling thirsty but I won't get up until I finish this very important write up. 

I know it's hard to imagine how can an NRI pornstar be the leader of India. I have 2 words for that : Sonia Gandhi . She doesn't even have Indian roots but she became the bahu of India's first family and today she is one of most powerful personalities of India, virtually leading current Govt of India (Is what Sanjaya Baru proclaiming really true?). 

 Now, I know you won't be convinced so easily. But think for a little while : 

- In this age of doom and gloom, there isn't a better way to make people happy than mentioning the word "Sunny". Sorry Deol and Gavaskar Paajis but Sunny Bhabhi is the real "Sunny" today. Now think when people get so happy just by hearing this 5 letter word what would happen when they would get to see this 5' 4" figure of flesh and bones everyday damn day. Happier workforce is equivalent to productive workforce. What can be more useful for a dwindling economy like ours?

- If Bhabhi reaches parliament, I can guarantee 1000% increase in the viewership of Lok Sabha TV (I hope she contests elections rather than going the nomination route. More on this in a while.). Whatever be the cause, people will take interest in politics. Which means there will be high pressure on our politicians to deliver with so much limelight on them. Sunny Bhabhi doesn't even have to take part in any debates of the parliament. She can be as non-vocal as our last PM (hard to imagine but still). Her presence itself would have the same effect as Sachin had on Indian Cricket team. I miss you Sachin.

- A few years ago, it was hard to imagine a person indulging in hardcore porn to be the face of mainstream Hindi movies. But here we are with Ragini MMS 2 being considered a 'hit'. This shows the progressive mindset of India. Now, imagine where we can take Indian politics with people like Sunny Bhabhi entering the foray.

- We have had only one lady PM since Independence. And she is also the most memorable one (for good or bad reasons, that's debatable). Just shows the impact a woman can have on a country. It's time that we get another lady to hold the topmost position in Indian governance system. I would also argue that watching her as the PM would also inspire thousands of other women to take up politics. Who needs a 33% reservation bill when you have Sunny Bhabhi to take care of all that?

- No one wants Congress, no one really likes BJP either (forget Modi for a second), AAP's leader is getting slapped around. I would argue that this is the best time for the secular third front to come together and stop the Corrupt and Communal forces to come to power. The problem with third front is that they don't have a common unifying factor, so it keeps dissolving again and again. With a leader like Sunny Bhabhi, they would get the tonic they need to keep up the fight instead of fighting among themselves. 

Now the question arises, why not just an MP? Why PM? I say why not? I mean just look at Sunny Bhabhi - 

- Clean WYSIWYG Image. 

- Secular Credentials.

- Hardworking (no pun here).

- Charming Personality

- Ability to turn crowds on (slight pun here)

- Good orator (I assume, because she is an actress. I am yet to see her in an interview)

What else do you need in your PM? 

Ahh... I can go on and on. But what's the use? It's really unfortunate that even Sunny Bhabhi won't be aware of her political potentials. I hope someone gives her this sane advice. There's still time to file nomination in UP (Why from UP? Well that's a different post altogether).

At this hour, India needs her more than ever. If she decides to contest elections, I would take a sabbatical and would personally campaign for her from wherever she stands. I am pretty sure some of my friends too would join me in this noble cause. I am yet to do community service actively, and what better way to start than this. 

I got up early today. My head hurts now. Let me go listen to watch my Baby Doll. 

(मेरा) झंड लोकपाल बिल!

आज कल हर कोई अपना बिल ले के आ रहा है| कल हमारी पार्लियामेंट में उन सभी की चर्चा होनी है| तो आनन् फानन में मैंने भी एक बिल तैयार किया है:

मेरा बिल भी लाओ! (Taken from Flickr under CC license)

१. प्रधानमंत्री को जनता के दाएरे में लाया जाए| बल्कि मैं तो कहता हूँ की पडोसी देशो के प्रधानमंत्री भी हमारे दायरे में होने चाहियें| उनका ईमेल और ट्विटर/फेसबुक अकाउंट सार्वजनिक किया जाए| २ दिन के अन्दर जवाब न मिलने पर उन्हें तकनीकी रूप से सक्षम ना होने के कारण हटा दिया जाए| राहुल जी को जल्दी से जल्दी पीऍम बनाया जाए|

२. लोअर ही नहीं लोएस्ट ब्यूरोक्रेसी भी लोकपाल के अन्दर आये| वो गेट पर खड़े चोकीदार अंकल और डॉक्टर की दूकान पर कंपाउंडर  अंकल भी कई बार हीरो बनने की चेष्टा करते हैं| टीचर ही नहीं लैब अस्सिस्तंत की भी झंड होनी चाहिए|

३. बिजली वाले अंकल जितनी देर बिजली काटें उनके घर भी उतनी देर की बिजली कटौती होनी चाहिए, तब उनकी भी झंड होगी| साला, जब मन करता है बिजली उड़ा देते हैं X(

४. ये इन्टरनेट वाले अंकल भी कई बार बहुत ही झंड स्पीड देते हैं| १० मिनट में प्रॉब्लम सही ना होने पर उनकी घर के कनेक्शन की स्पीड हमें मिलनी चाहिए (और पाईरेसी पूरी तरह वैध करार दी जानी चाहिए)|

५. जोइनिंग डेट जल्दी ना मिलने पर आधी कंपनी हमारे नाम कर देनी चाहिए|

६. सारी अदालतें लोकपाल के घेरे में होनी चाहिए| इससे अगर फैसला हमारे हक़ में ना आये तो उन अदालतो को भ्रष्ट बता कर उनकी भी झंड कर दी जाए|

७. देश के हर एक धर्मं, जाति, पंथ, लिंग, क्षेत्र आदि का प्रतिनिधि लोकपाल में शामिल होना चाहिए| और कोटा तो हर हाल में लागु होना चाहिए (चाहे कट ऑफ कितनी भी गिरानी पड़े, परवाह नहीं)|

८. बीसीसीआई भी लोकपाल के दायरे में आनी चाहिए| अगर वो आने इनकार करे तो जबरदस्ती करनी चाहिए| जिसने देश की क्रिकेट के शोषण किया हो उसका खुद भी तो शोषण जरूरी है?

९. लोकपाल को स्विस बैंक से काला धन वापस लाना चाहिए| काला धन ना मिले तो गोरा वाला ही उठा लाना चाहिए| अगर वो भी ना मिले स्विस बैंक का खुद का धन उठा लायें| हमें तो भाई धन से मतलब है|

१०. सारी फ़ोन कंपनियों के सीइओ के फ़ोन नंबर सार्वजनिक किये जाएँ| जिसेस जनता उनकी कंपनियों से आने वाले फालतू फ़ोन और मेसेज उनके खुद के नंबर पर फॉरवर्ड कर पाए| तब उन्हें पता चलेगा की खुंदक क्या चीज़ होती है|

नोट: इस बिल का किसी भी पार्टी विशेष से लेना देना नहीं है| यह पूरी तरह से काल्पनिक है|

अन्ना जी की झंड करने के उपाय (व्यंग)

ये अन्ना जी आज कल कुछ ज्यादा ही हीरो बन रहे हैं| उन्होने सरकार की वाट लगा के रक्खी है| मुझसे ये बर्दाश्त नहीं हो रहा (गर्रर...)| इसलिए मैंने अपनी सर्वलोकप्रिय सरकार के लिए काफी गहन अध्यन के बाद १३ सूत्री फ़ॉर्मूला तैयार किया है:

1. अन्ना जी ने सरकार को आतंकित कर रखा है| इसलिए उन्हें आतंकवादी घोषित करके पोटा जैसा कोई छोटा-मोटा कानून लगा दिया जाए| नॉन-स्टेट एक्टर तो वो पहले से ही हैं!


2. क्यूंकि अन्ना जी ने देश की जनता को भ्रष्टाचारियों से अलग करने का प्रयत्न किया है इसलिए उन्हें अलगाववादी बताया जाए| ऐसा करने से हमारी "अनेकता में एकता" के सदियों पुरानी परम्परा पर गहरा घाव पड़ा है|


3. सरकार अन्ना जी से भ्रष्टाचार की स्पेल्लिंग देश की हर भाषा में पूछे| जिस जिस भाषा में ना बता पायें उन्हें उस भाषा के लोगोँ के खिलाफ बताया जाए|


4. परमपूजनीय मनीष तिवारी जी को अन्ना जी के खिलाफ रैली निकालने को कहा जाए| जिस तरह से उन्होने अन्ना जी को भ्रष्ट कहा है, मुझे लगता है की पूरे भारतवर्ष में उनसे ज्यादा साफ़ दिल नेता कोई है ही नहीं| जनता अवश्य साथ देगी|


5. अमरीका और संघ परिवार से तो जनता मानी नहीं| अगर हम ये कह दें की अन्ना जी के पीछे पाकिस्तान का हाथ है तो मुझे पूरा भरोसा है की जनता जरूर मान जायेगी| हमारा पडोसी मुल्क और कब काम आएगा?


6. सरकार अपने बिल का नाम "जन लोकपाल बिल" रख दे| फिर नाम को कॉपीराईट करवा ले| इस तरह से सरकार का काम भी हो जाएगा और लोगों को जन लोकपाल बिल भी मिल जाएगा!


7. सरकार हर टीवी चैनल द्वारा हर समय सास बहु की जगह अन्ना की रसोई कार्यक्रम दिखवाये| इस तरह इस देश की आधी जनता वैसे ही अन्ना जी के खिलाफ हो जायेगी|


8. सरकार अन्ना जी को पंजा लड़ाने का चेलेंज दे| जो जीत जाए उसका बिल पास हो| मुझे ज़रा भी संदेह नहीं है की ७ दिन भूका आदमी हार ही जाएगा (बशर्ते हमारे प्रधानमंत्री मैदान में ना उतरें)| अगर सरकार को पंजा लड़ना पसंद नहीं है तो गुल्ली डंडा, खो-खो, कबड्डी, कुश्ती, कंचे जैसे अनेको खेल हैं| अगर सरकार चाहे तो मैच फिक्स भी कर सकती है!


9. सरकार (मुझ जैसे) बेरोजगार लोगोँ को नरेगा के तहत अन्ना जी के खिलाफ बोलने का काम दे दे| मैं पक्के तौर पे कह सकता हूँ की इस देश में बेरोजगारों की संख्या इमानदारों से कहीं ज्यादा है| हम अन्ना जी के साथ खड़े लोगोँ से ज्यादा बड़ा मोर्चा निकालेंगे|


10. सरकार अन्ना जी का समर्थन कर रहे लोगोँ का राशन कार्ड रद्द कर दे तथा अन्ना जी का समर्थन करने वालोँ का भी भूख हड़ताल पर बैठना अनिवार्य कर दे| इस तरह से आज कल के नौजवान जो आज कल ज्यादा उछल, कल परसों में अपने आप शांत हो जायेंगे|


11. सरकार अन्ना जी को वादा कर दे की अगर वो अपना अनशन वापस ले लें तो सौ-एक दिनो में सरकार उनका बिल ले आएगी| सौ दिन हो जाने पर सरकार वादे से मुकर जाए और फिर से अन्ना जी से सौ दिन का वादा करे| ऐसा करते करते सरकार अपना कार्यकाल पूरा कर लेगी और लोग भी बार-बार प्रोटेस्ट करके बोर हो जायेंगे|
    


12. सरकार अन्ना जी के साथ ही मिल जाए| फिर अन्ना जी किसके खिलाफ आवाज उठाएंगे| हेहेहे|


13. इससे भी बढ़िया सरकार अन्ना जी को अपने में मिला ले| जनता वैसे भी हर मंत्री के खिलाफ है ;)

मुझे पूर्ण विश्वास है की अगर सरकार इसे पूरी "इमानदारी" से अपनाएगी तो अन्ना जी की हम जरूर झंड कर देंगे (अगर न कर पाए तो हमारी झंड हो जायेगी :( )

Taken from Flickr under CC license

(नोट: इस पोस्ट के पीछे सिर्फ मेरा हाथ है)

Corruption: A Different Perspective

Taken From Flickr, under CC License

Corruption: (from Google Dictionary)

• Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery
• The action of making someone or something morally depraved or the state of being so

Corruption is a hot potato right now in India. Dozens of scams are being unearthed and investigated. Some of them date years back. While I am tempted to comment on them or say how Indian govt and bureaucracy and everything in between has become corrupt and how there doesn't seem to be any way out of it etc. etc. Because it is really easy to shoot a hurt goose!

But, I instead choose to focus on the corruption closer to me, because unlike the multi-thousand crore scams being talked about right now, I can actually relate to the acts of corruption happening all around me.

Corruption in Services

• I have got a medical certificate made bypassing long queue by giving money to the compounder of doctor.
• I have got a few Original certificates attested after giving money simply because all the gazetted officers I went to were either not available or didn't have time to do such "stupid small thing". My other option was to attest it myself using fake stamps!
• When I got my MTNL telephone connection for the first time in 1999, the technicians asked for money by themselves before proceeding any further. Not only that, since the telephone connections were a rarity at that time, they behaved as if they were doing us a favor by giving us a connection.
• Recently I applied for a passport. And it was almost granted that the verifying officer would have to be given "his share" if the the process needs to go without hiccups.
• I believe a lot of traffic officers are morally sound, but every time you see them stopping someone, you can't help but assume they will ask for bribe (just notice people staring at the officers!).
• Of course, (almost) everyone knows about ticket checkers in trains/buses.

Corruption in studies

• You give donations and you can get admission in a hi-fi engineering / management college under "management quota"; never-mind your qualification and capabilities.
• I have experienced teachers doing favoritism both in school as well as in college (sometimes based on gender!). And I won't mind saying, I have gaining party many times because of that (but have been on loosing side even more!). Sometimes I appealed, sometimes I didn't; but I have never been in favor of favoritism.
• I am not really a great cheater, so I don't cheat during exams (thankfully most of the times I don't need to), but I have been guilty of helping friends sometimes. Now, we can debate all day about whether it is OK or not; but I feel there is no exam in the world failing in which will end your life.

Corruption in me

• I have copied assignments/files a lot of time. But, when you find that your hard work is not rewarded you can't help but feel that spending hours digging out answers is not worth it. Having said that, corruption is corruption and nothing justifies it.
• I feel procrastination is a form of corruption too. You have got mountain of work in front of you. You feel overwhelmed and chicken out and instead spend whole day watching TV series. The guilt at the end of the day vindicates that it was after all, an act of corruption.
• There have been so many times, where I have broken promises, to myself, to friends and to family, most of the times due to avoidable reasons. If mind is pure and honest, we can save ourselves of these types of embarrassment.

Of course, one has the right to feel hurt and angry when we see that deserving are not getting enough opportunities. When the hard earned money gets drained by inept officials or gets stashed in the accounts of greedy ones, the temperature automatically rises, no doubt. So, when one Anna Hazare rises to fight it, it is not just a choice but an obligation to support him in every way possible. 

But the biggest contribution to this fight that we can make is keeping ourselves and our surrounding (friends, loved ones) corruption free and do our duty with full zeal. Because if you are corrupt and call any one else a corrupt, you are just a hypocrite. Because there is nothing like small act or big act of corruption. Corruption after all, is just corruption, that's it.

Jai Hind!

Happy? Independence Day

The Indian Tiger. Sleeping.. or Defeated?

Few days back, I was having a "free country vs dictator-ruled country" debate with a friend on Twitter. I of course, being a proud Indian, was on free country side. But, she surprisingly said "I would prefer to live in a Dictator ruled country". Of course, I didn't agree with the arguments she gave but after what I have experienced in recent days, it got me thinking if India was really the country to be worth living in?

After the recent terrorists attacks in Mumbai, sentiments were really (and naturally) high. I got to read an article from DNA, where someone named Swami had given his "esteemed" views on how to eradicate the "Islamic" terrorism from this country. Well in the first few lines itself, he started talking about Hindus and stuff, and I really couldn't stand that. Because for me, terrorism has no religion. If you catch a Muslim terrorists, he is a lunatic. If you catch a Hindu terrorist, he also is a lunatic. I don't see any difference. So, I just skimmed the article to see if there is any sense in this madness. At one point the guy talks about, Muslims can join the fight if "they acknowledge with pride that though they may be Muslims, their ancestors were Hindus."

Well what the heck is that? I don't know much of about 'that' history. So what he said may or may not be true. But does it matter? To me it was purely provocative piece without much point of tackling the real issue. The matter could have been closed there. But to me, the real problem started when the article and the guy started trending on Twitter. I thought people will trash him and his article. Some people did, but to my surprise a lot of people even supported him! Some said he had the right to speak whatever he felt like, while a few even found merit in his article (please do read it and tell me where is the merit, I may be mistaken).

So, now my question is, why does it matter so much that if I am a Hindu or a Muslim? To tell the truth I have my own version of God, but I do respect all the religions. I visit temples, churches, shrines, gurudwaras without any bias because I find solace/peace/bliss there. People say all religions teach love. I wonder if they also teach respecting others' sentiments.

Last week, I was checking out a bollywood song video on YouTube. Nothing to talk about video, but when I saw the comments, I was shocked. Instead of trashing/praising the song, people were abusing each other (apparently it was India vs Pakistan going on there) for no foreseeable reason.

India has experienced quite a few riots since Independence (shamefully even in this 21st century). We have developed hatred towards other countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh), heck we even hate the people of our own country. We may have abolished untouchability, but I still see people thinking someone as lower than them just because they belong to the so called "lower caste". We still haven't been able to give equal rights to half of our population. We are still neck deep in corruption, just trying to fill our own coffers.

Of course, India is progressing and I enjoy it becoming a superpower, inch by inch everyday. But it really hurts to see that we are suffering from so many of these problems which are rarely heard of in majority of countries of the world. I believe for any country, people living happily and peacefully is all that matters, not how much economic progress we are making.

So, I wonder if India would have been better served without Independence? Now, please thrash me for making such a statement, because I want people to come forward and tell me how is India better in its current state. I know we have a high sense of patriotism, but I still feel that we are divided. So much that some bloody bastards cause some random explosion and make us start to suspect each other. Instead of catching them, we start to spew venom against each other.

I know you must have read such sceptical/negative articles before also. And you may have rubbished them (I have), ignored them, but there is a reason why a few people "genuinely" write such stuffs: for us, to think about it for a moment. We are just clinging on the hope that tomorrow we will progress, we will become better. But what about making today better?

Happy Independence day everybody!

Kill me... So I don't feel terrorized

This is going to be another blog post written in a fit of rage. And I have reasons to feel this way. Because once again I feel like crap. Yet another terrorists attack in an Indian city and as it usually happens yet another failure on part of us to stop it.

Well I just don't know what to say at this moment. I haven't had (God forbid) a first hand experience of a terrorist attack, so I don't know how that feels. But I still share the pain and anger of so many Indians who are suffering today and or have suffered before. Because I know how it feels when a loved one is taken away from you without warning. In my case, it wasn't unnatural but still untimely death and even after 2 years I haven't been able to come on terms with it. So, on some level I do understand.

And along with pain, there is anger and frustration. And there is tonnes of it. Because year after year after year, we get attacked by some bloody lunatics, sometimes in the name of "Jihad", sometimes in the name of revenge against "Jihad seeking people", sometimes in the name of not getting their "rights". And every time we are able to do nothing (except of course "condemning" the attacks and feeling sorry).

Attack happens, then people volunteer to help each other, there are RIPs and condolence messages sent, blogs (like this one) are written, opposition parties blame the ruling party, central Govt. blames state Govt., everybody blames failure of intelligence, TV channels sensationalize the issue and the so called debates go on for days to find out what went wrong, and then we let the police investigate the issue for months until it's forgotten. Then we get busy with our lives; until next time. But I don't blame people for that, because we don't have time to stop and feel terrorized. 

But the simple fact is that slowly and slowly the terror is creeping in. When I was a kid, I didn't know anything about terrorists attacks (even though a few had happened at that time). But as I grew up in the last decade, the terror network and the rate of terrorists attacks has grown up with me. And today the situation has become so worse that, even though I won't say that I feel terrorized to go outside, the fear of getting attacked is there somewhere in the mind.

And that leads me to suspicion; I feel suspicious of my fellow passengers, the way they behave, the things they are carrying etc. I imagine what would happen if "this" bus full of passengers gets blown up and the catastrophe afterwards. You can call me anything you want for doing that, even a coward if that suits you. But the simple fact is that I value my life, because there are people dependent on me, and will become even more dependent as I grow old. If something happens to me, they get brutally affected.

And I think I don't deserve this experience, neither do my fellow citizens. Why can't we be like people of so many other countries who are living a may be little more miserable but a terror free life? 

So how do we get out of this mess? I don't know. I am not the policy maker, I am not the judiciary. I am just an ordinary citizen ratting out, demanding his right to travel freely anywhere in his country, without any fear. They tell women not to roam in cities at late night, because "it's dangerous and stupid". I am waiting to see when they declare getting out of home at any time of day "dangerous and stupid" for ALL the citizens.

I don't know how to stop the terrorists attack or how to deal with these kinds of situation. But I tell you one thing, if someone tries to hurt my family in anyway, I won't take it lying down. I won't negotiate with them; I will retaliate with all my spirits (never mind if I fail/get beaten down in the process). I will let them know Loud & Clear that I am there to protect my family, so they feel terrorized the next time they think of doing something like that. Because if I can't do that then I don't deserve to be a part of my family.

Not Your Wife’s Daughter

“A newly-born baby girl was found abandoned behind the Ram temple near a garbage depot in Dehu Road on Saturday around 7 am.....”

This is the news I read today in TOI newspaper. And I was really-really disturbed after reading that gruesome news, thinking about that tiny little heart, and wondering what could she possibly do in less than 24 hours that her parents decided to just leave her to rot in garbage. I am filled with pain for that little girl who isn’t even aware of where in the world she is. And there is furious rage for those uncaring and soulless bastards who had the heart to just dump their little daughter, literally like a piece of trash, letting her die a slow and painful death.

Sadly this is not the first time I am hearing this kind of story. I have heard and read about several such instances, where girls are choked to death, buried alive, burned, given sedatives, thrown in burning oil and what not.

I was left wondering how can someone do such a thing their own child. I could only think of these 3 reasons (would like to know if you have any other theory):

1. She was an ‘illicit’ child (like the above report suspects) who would never get accepted by our so called “Indian” society with its “moral culture”; so she was conveniently thrown away. But an abortion would have been even more convenient; unless the parents just wanted to enjoy the pregnancy phase and then kill their child in the name of “honor”.

2. Her parents were so poor that they couldn’t afford to feed her 3 times a day. Well then if you can’t afford to raise a child, go get those free condoms that govt. distributes. Can’t you afford those also?

3. The child was a GIRL. I presume most likely that was her ‘fault’. That she was not yet another male in this male dominated society.

I don’t give a shit, what those so called women oriented TV serials and films try to portray. To me they seem more drama and less reality. They seem to be actually glorifying these kinds of events and such people should be sent behind bars.

But when I hear and read about such sinful acts in real life, I really worry if we are really progressing as a nation? We say that we are way better than Pakistan, Afghanistan and other such countries where women are still treated as slaves to men. But when the same mentality and partiality is seen in here, I don’t find our great nation to be that great. These are some moments I don’t feel that proud to be an Indian.

“But not everybody is like that.”... Yeah, that’s right probably. And we should be thankful, these people who let their girl child live! But is it any good? They still impose their choices about the clothes to wear, people to talk to, places allowed to go. She is still treated 2nd rated to her male sibling, still not given all the facilities provided to a son. She won’t probably go to the same school, she won’t get the same kind of fancy clothes to wear, she will be expected to do the house hold chores (like a servant) and get scolded/beaten mercilessly for not “obeying orders”.

“But that usually happens in rural areas”.... Really? Because I live in a metro, and I see that happening all the time in my own neighborhood. The above mentioned incident happened in a city. And according to the latest census, the sex ratio of urban areas is way lower than rural areas. Still think it's a rural phenomenon?

“So, what’s the solution, you suggest”... I honestly have no clue. I am not writing this as an article to get marks in some kind of competition or test, where I will give magic suggestions and everything will be OK. I honestly feel disgusted and shamed by such acts. And things won’t change until this society’s bias towards a girl child doesn't change.

I frankly laugh at us Indians’ hunger for a son; one who can take their clan/family legacy forward, who can help the father in his business... my ass. I have seen instances in real life where the parents will go on conceiving 3-4 times, in the hope that they at last get a son.

A daughter is the greatest gift someone can receive. I have always believed that girls are stronger and better than boys in so many areas. Everybody deserves a fair chance. Nobody should suffer because of their gender.

And yes, I just so wish that the butcher parents of that child die the same painful death they chose to give their little daughter.

The Unforgettable Clash

I deliberately stay away from topics such as cricket, politics etc. because I believe there are much better pundits and gurus out there and we can do without having yet another. But what transpired today has literally forced me to write it here. I would like to capture the moment today.

For the last one week, media especially Indian media has been super-hyping today's Indo-Pak Cricket World Cup Semifinal clash. It was ridiculous the kind of theories that were put forward last few days. Each and every move of the players was being analyzed and deliberately misinterpreted to add spice. And when you have the PM of the Pakistan visiting your country on the invitation of our PM to see the match, it becomes that extra special.

Had to bunk (I like to call it 'miss' since it seems more polite) the afternoon lab and rush home to see the match today. But exactly as I anticipated, there was a big crowd returning home in the searing afternoon.  There was abnormally high amount of rush on the road (for the afternoon) and I could see that everyone was trying to speed up. And there was an insanely high amount of calls and messages being exchanged on the route. The buses were so crowded that I had to miss a few of them and as a result reached home 10 mins after the match started. Everybody and their dog seemed aware of what's gonna happen today. One could sense the tension reaching its boiling point. It was as if pushed a bit more, some volcanoes will erupt.

In the quarterfinals against Aussies, I had an electricity blackout for more than 10 hours, which meant I could only catch up the last 20 overs of Indian innings in that match. I was a little bit worried about that repeating today and there were a few more like me, who were making sure on phone that there was still electricity at home.

For all that was going to happen, I knew one thing for sure; that it was not going to be a dead rubber. It will live up to the hype that was created. And how well it did. And it was kind of predictable too:

Sachin-Viru doing the initial assault. Pakistan coming back from the blue with some smart bowling; but also dropping catches whenever they got an opportunity to do so. India's famed batting not living up to its potential. The fightback from the tail-enders. The explosive start from the Pakistan batsmen, but one wicket after, such an inspired fielding and bowling performance from Indians. Pakistan loosing wickets at the regular intervals, at times that were least expected. Shahid Afridi playing a suicidal stroke. The match not being over until the very end. And the fire crackers at the end.

It was as if it was all scripted. That's classic Indo-Pak key clash for me. If anything that was missing, it was lack of clashes on the field (there were some minor ignorable moments though) and no run-outs (where did you go Inzi :)

It really was a roller coaster ride emotionally. There was euphoria, there was pride, there was hopelessness, there was hopefulness, there was desperation, there was worry, there was prayer, there was fun, there was sadness. Finally India won the match. The last 8-9 hours have now become an integral part of cherished memory section, just like a few more India-Pakistan matches.

What cricket does is that it unites this nation. It even unites families. After a really long time, I spent so much time with my grandfather (watching the match on system through Internet streaming) and dad (watching the match on TV downstairs). I actually had to juggle up and down a few times, so as to spend equal time with both of them. Even the ladies in the family weren't complaining about not seeing daily soap today and were showing interest in the match. And of course, sharing comments with friends, throughout the match made it all the more enjoyable.

Next up is the big final against Sri-Lanka. And that is certainly not going to be easy, because Sri Lanka is one of the most clinical side in this tournament. But I still hope and wish that India wins the cup. That would mean, Sachin will say good bye to the biggest platform on a winning note, I would see India bringing the cup in my lifetime (live). Certainly don't want a repeat of 2003, just like Sri Lankans won't want a repeat of 2007.

The CommonMan Games: Part 2

Venue: Major Dhyanchand Stadium Date: 07.10.2010 Time: 4 PM Event: Hockey 

We were a 'small' bunch of 7 8 friends who - after much some brainstorming the night before - decided to reach near the stadium over 100 mins. before to avoid last minute rush. We had to meet at Rajiv Chowk Pragati Maidan Metro Station at 'exactly' 3.30 2 2.30. I left home at much, much before 2.10 (promising to be home by 9.30), picked another friend en route and we were there 'exactly' 'before' 2.30. But as it usually happens, someone had to get late, and someone did get late. Started from there at around 4.15 3.30. And now it was race against time. Since we didn't know about the location of the gate we were supposed to enter the stadium, we DID NOT ask a few volunteers for direction. Amazingly no one told us a different direction (since everyone was so sure about the one direction they were heading!). As a result we didn't had to run from pillar to post (quite literally!) marching for < 2 kms, taking wrong right gates and going through a rather strict security checking. 

So, here we are. Its 5.15 4.15 (what the event.. had already started) and we could see the stadium from outside. And how fine 'jhand' it looked. I mean it looked pretty ordinary to be called a National Stadium. But wait, we aren't inside the stadium yet. So, again we started asking didn't ask the volunteers but they forcefully told us to go in some direction. Anyway, at last we reached our section of seats. We searched for a suitable row and gave our bums some rest. I looked at the watch and it was 'exactly' 5.30 4.30 (my watch was working properly). 

Anyway, the first match was between England and Canada, which was already under way and we weren't much interested in it. Since it was a smaller stadium, crowd/seat ratio was good and crowd kept pouring for the 'real' match. The match ended at around 5.30. It remained a 1-1 draw in the end but Canada celebrated it like a moral win. But now there was a 30 minute before the next match (holy shit). Anyway Australian team arrived soon after and started practicing. Watching them practice, it looked like they were here to win. Just after Indian team also arrived with the biggest of roar from the crowd. By this time empty seats became a rare sight. 

The game started and as I knew/feared the Aussies did 2 early goals and got the lead. But from there on Indians tried their heart out. Every time they went near the opposition goal posts we jumped on top of our seats (now I know, why all the seats were dusty!). The anticipation, excitement, disappointment, all were moments to savour (well, its difficult to get the same excitement alone watching TV even if its cricket). And when India did score a goal, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electrifying, you could sense the adrenaline gushing inside the veins (that moment was worth more than the price of ticket). Who said hockey can't be exciting? Oh, sorry, it was me! But I was wrong. 

After half time, Australian again attacked hard, but this time Indians could reply properly. As a result they faced goal after goal. It was amusing to see spectators starting to cheer Aussies after the 4th goal. Once they scored the 5th goal, a section of crowed applauded and immediately started heading back home. But, we decided to watch the match fully (we should be good losers also). At the dying moments India finally got a penalty corner. Though the time got over, referee allowed to complete the penalty corner. And India scored a goal!! Well, we lost 2-5 but then it wasn't surprising, Australians are no. 1 in Hockey. We still had a good time and that's what it mattered. 

So, this day was certainly more exciting then last one. We danced, jumped, clapped, sang our heart out. That's exactly what I wanted when I made the plans. And the last 2 days wouldn't have been as memorable sans friends. So thanks friends! Only shameful thing was that none of us could tell the names/recognize more than 2 Indian players (out of all, at least I was expected, since I do follow some of Hockey). 

After that it was routine, ate lunch dinner, checked mails/buzz, made a few didn't make any calls and crawled to the bed. 

PS: The security guy at the stadium told me something that I won't forget for the rest of my life. But lets keep it secret. 'Purush Prasadhan' at both the stadiums were top class. Thankfully it wasn't 'Sulabh', it was free. Now, I know where so much money was spent. 

The End

The CommonMan Games: Part 1

We are having CWG in India this time (now thats Breaking News!) and there was no way I was gonna miss being a part of it. After all these games are being organized for me(read an Indian) by My country (that's India stupid). I got the opportunity to be at 2 different stadium, on 2 different days, for 2 different events (with 2 slightly different sets of friends!). So, how was the experience? There you go: 

Venue: JLN Stadium Date: 06.10.2010 Time: 5.30 PM Event: Athletics 

We were a 'small' bunch of 7 friends who - after much brainstorming the night before - decided to reach near the stadium over 100 mins. before to avoid last minute rush. We had to meet at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station at 'exactly' 3.30. I left home at 2.10 (promising to be home by 9.30) and was there at 'exactly' 3.30. (I still can't believe I reached at 'exactly' 3.30!). But as it usually happens, someone had to get late, and someone did get late. Started from there at around 4.15. And now it was race against time. We kept on hopping from one train to another. Since we didn't know about the location of the gate we were supposed to enter the stadium, we asked a few volunteers for direction. Amazingly everyone told us a different direction (and everyone was so sure about their direction!). As a result we had to run from pillar to post (quite literally!) marching for about 2 kms, taking wrong gates and going through a rather strict security checking. 

So, here we are. Its 5.15 and we can see the stadium from outside. And how fine it looked. Had seen JLN from outside before, but this time it looked something else (majaak majaak me kafi paisa kharcha ho gaya). But wait, we aren't inside the stadium yet. So, again we started asking the volunteers and again they started giving wrong directions (If volunteering means misguiding, try me, I can do a better job). Anyway, at last we reached our section of seats. We searched for a suitable row and gave our bums some rest. I looked at the watch and it was 'exactly' 5.30! (was my watch not working properly?). 

Well this was my first experience to be inside a stadium of any kind (I have been to cinema, lecture & examination halls!) and the scene was mesmerizing. A big steel stadium, blue streaks of seats all around, brownish track and green field, darkening sky, white flood nights, and colorful athletes in between. Oh yes, there was some local (read mawaali) crowd, men with guns all around, dusty seats, rubbish strewn around the stadium, all kinds of insects over flood lights etc. too! But its all right, after all its My country (Welcome to Incredible India!)

Only regretful thing was that the stadium wasn't even half full (half full?). I mean, I went there to see whats it like when 60000 odd crowd cheers for India, but had to settle for around 15000 or so. And that can be attributed to fact that the event was Athletics which isn't much popular in India (confirmed by only handful of Indian participants), that too qualifying not finals. But it felt good to cheer for the odd Indian participants that came to give their all. 

There was 100m heats for men and women, and it was quite easy to predict who was going to win just by seeing the country of participants (Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana). Indians sadly remained at 4th, 5th places. There were hammer throw and shot-put events also that were going on at the same time but none of the attempts was close to Games/World Record (was it because it was qualifying or was it because the quality of participants wasn't top class?).

The event was till 8.40, but half of us decided to leave at 7.25 (though I wanted to stay) since we had to reach home before it was too late. The journey back home was also sort of an adventure. The food at the stadium was world class (read obscenely expensive), one place we decided to eat said no food available. So hungry, feeling tired, I hopped into the metro back home (good bye mates, see u tomorrow). But the trains were jam packed. The place I got to stand turned out to be a nightmare. Someone's travelling bag behind me, and surrounded by three young paajis who were discussing all sorts of things, standing at an angle of about 105 degrees. Lets not relive the nightmare, OK. Anyway, I reached home at 9.31 (promise kept, brilliant!!) 

After that it was routine, ate lunch dinner, checked mails/buzz, made a few calls and crawled to the bed. 

PS: Why was every time I was getting out of stadium, there would be huge noises inside? Was it because people were relieved I left the stadium or was it because Indians were too shy to perform before me?