2008...I'm sure we are all looking forward for a peaceful year ahead.
2008 is supposed to be the year of the Rat according to Chinese Calendar...and that too 'Earth rat'. First in the cycle,the Rat Years begin the sequence and recur every twelfth year.The Rat Sign is characterised by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle....and hence 'Earth rat'.
A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. It is said this is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start.
And, according to the Chinese,the Rat is respected and considered a courageous, enterprising person.
Now,thats something interesting.
Do we smell a rat here?
Dec 31, 2007
Goodbye 2007.
2007 has been a year of many ups and downs on a personal front.
More importantly, it has been a year of self introspection.
The year has been a roller coaster ride of emotions....and having had to shoulder a few important responsibilities I suddenly felt I had to be emotionally very strong, which usually I am not.
But, this year has taught me quite a lot, on how to deal with people and to know where to draw the line. Like every passing year,I have stepped into the new year a learned person.But this time, I feel I am more capable now to face the year ahead with much more dignity and poise and ready to face any number challenges that come my way.
More importantly, it has been a year of self introspection.
The year has been a roller coaster ride of emotions....and having had to shoulder a few important responsibilities I suddenly felt I had to be emotionally very strong, which usually I am not.
But, this year has taught me quite a lot, on how to deal with people and to know where to draw the line. Like every passing year,I have stepped into the new year a learned person.But this time, I feel I am more capable now to face the year ahead with much more dignity and poise and ready to face any number challenges that come my way.
Aug 7, 2007
Jun 26, 2007
Jun 19, 2007
KALAM FOR PRESIDENT
Millions of Indians, I'm sure want Dr.Abdul Kalam to continue as our President.
How often do we get to see such a charismatic, down to earth, people-friendly and intelligent person in that post?
But, the reality is....the whole Presidential nominations and this whole issue has indeed become a joke, like how our dear "Amma" J.Jayalalitha put it.
When will the day come, when our beloved politicians would consider putting our country and its progress first(rather than their personal interests), before deciding on any issue??
Millions of Indians, I'm sure want Dr.Abdul Kalam to continue as our President.
How often do we get to see such a charismatic, down to earth, people-friendly and intelligent person in that post?
But, the reality is....the whole Presidential nominations and this whole issue has indeed become a joke, like how our dear "Amma" J.Jayalalitha put it.
When will the day come, when our beloved politicians would consider putting our country and its progress first(rather than their personal interests), before deciding on any issue??
Jun 17, 2007
Jun 12, 2007
The India We Live In
World Day Against Child Labour was observed today and it completely went unnoticed.
The television channels went on and on about who should or should not be the Indian cricket coach, why Ford rejected the offer of coaching Team India, later on about the ODI and Test squad selected sans our non-performing Sehwag, and much later about Bob Woolmer investigation which after weeks of speculation confirmed natural causes behind his death.
And ironically, all the 4 news items above are related to cricket which is the top most priority in our country.
Our Country India has atleast 13 million workers below the age of 14, which is the highest in the world.
What has the government done about it?
The road side tea stall employs a kid to clean the glasses; the street chaat guy we frequent, has a kid employed to wash the plates, we just enjoyed our spicy panipuri; the highway dhabas, we dont mind driving all the way to relish his dhaabewaale sabzis and rotis has a kid somewhere inside cleaning and washing; or even some small hotels where a young teen comes to clean the table and remove the plates. These are situations where children are employed ..... we see them and ignore.....this is because none of us are bothered. We seem to busy with our own lives.
There are places where these young, delicate fragile bodies are employed and no one will ever notice.....fireworks industry, match stick industry, leather industry, tanneries, and work in much more hazardous environments. Some studies have also shown that children are employed in mining. Even the lovely, expensive embroidery and zari work are mostly done by those tender hands.
Is anyone listening? Not at all.
As long as our work is getting done, we tend to carry on with our business. How selfish can we get?
Poverty, hunger and debt has driven these kids to work at a young age (when they must be playing and enjoying their childhood), so that he can earn two square meals for his family. Cheap labour and ease of training those young minds for the specific jobs has only helped the employers to take advantage. Our officials are in nexus with these employers and this issue is ignored.
We speak of an IT revolution, globalisation, knowledge explosion, communication breakthroughs, increasing economy, branded shoes, designer wear and helping a charitable organisation (funnily enough, even charity,is nowadays a fashion).
But why are we closing our eyes to such exploitations?
Why are we not highlighting their problems even on a day dedicated to it?
Too many questions, far too less answers.
Lack of political will, social lathargy, lackadaisical attitude and complete carelessness on our part has only fuelled the increase in the number of child labourers in India.
Its high time now we all sit up and take notice.
How can these children who are freed from their employers be rehabilitated and given a decent life?
Its time we realise that children need education, freedom, joy at that age and not the burden of his family's debts.
Will we ever be able to give them their innocence or their childhood or atleast a smile back on their faces?
The television channels went on and on about who should or should not be the Indian cricket coach, why Ford rejected the offer of coaching Team India, later on about the ODI and Test squad selected sans our non-performing Sehwag, and much later about Bob Woolmer investigation which after weeks of speculation confirmed natural causes behind his death.
And ironically, all the 4 news items above are related to cricket which is the top most priority in our country.
Our Country India has atleast 13 million workers below the age of 14, which is the highest in the world.
What has the government done about it?
The road side tea stall employs a kid to clean the glasses; the street chaat guy we frequent, has a kid employed to wash the plates, we just enjoyed our spicy panipuri; the highway dhabas, we dont mind driving all the way to relish his dhaabewaale sabzis and rotis has a kid somewhere inside cleaning and washing; or even some small hotels where a young teen comes to clean the table and remove the plates. These are situations where children are employed ..... we see them and ignore.....this is because none of us are bothered. We seem to busy with our own lives.
There are places where these young, delicate fragile bodies are employed and no one will ever notice.....fireworks industry, match stick industry, leather industry, tanneries, and work in much more hazardous environments. Some studies have also shown that children are employed in mining. Even the lovely, expensive embroidery and zari work are mostly done by those tender hands.
Is anyone listening? Not at all.
As long as our work is getting done, we tend to carry on with our business. How selfish can we get?
Poverty, hunger and debt has driven these kids to work at a young age (when they must be playing and enjoying their childhood), so that he can earn two square meals for his family. Cheap labour and ease of training those young minds for the specific jobs has only helped the employers to take advantage. Our officials are in nexus with these employers and this issue is ignored.
We speak of an IT revolution, globalisation, knowledge explosion, communication breakthroughs, increasing economy, branded shoes, designer wear and helping a charitable organisation (funnily enough, even charity,is nowadays a fashion).
But why are we closing our eyes to such exploitations?
Why are we not highlighting their problems even on a day dedicated to it?
Too many questions, far too less answers.
Lack of political will, social lathargy, lackadaisical attitude and complete carelessness on our part has only fuelled the increase in the number of child labourers in India.
Its high time now we all sit up and take notice.
How can these children who are freed from their employers be rehabilitated and given a decent life?
Its time we realise that children need education, freedom, joy at that age and not the burden of his family's debts.
Will we ever be able to give them their innocence or their childhood or atleast a smile back on their faces?
Jun 7, 2007
Jun 3, 2007
Jun 1, 2007
Feels refreshed after a nice break that I had.
I should say that it was a 'forced break', but I'm glad I went with it.
First of all, I was going to my hometown and to top it, I was even going to spend a week at Ooty. I couldn't have asked for more.
Going to Bangalore after more than 6 months was motivation enough.
Each and every time I find a new eating place to go to, a new hangout, some additions and few old ones with a new look and some places brought down.
Its always new and different, but the best part is that it has retained its soul.
Thats whats enchanting about my place...namma bengaluru.
There are a few problems as is the case in any metro....increasing vehicles on the road,eternal traffic jams, pollution and the dirt...but its totally taken over by the warmth of the people, family and friends.
It has been a couple of weeks since I left Blore, but I'm already missing it.
Looking forward for my next visit.
I should say that it was a 'forced break', but I'm glad I went with it.
First of all, I was going to my hometown and to top it, I was even going to spend a week at Ooty. I couldn't have asked for more.
Going to Bangalore after more than 6 months was motivation enough.
Each and every time I find a new eating place to go to, a new hangout, some additions and few old ones with a new look and some places brought down.
Its always new and different, but the best part is that it has retained its soul.
Thats whats enchanting about my place...namma bengaluru.
There are a few problems as is the case in any metro....increasing vehicles on the road,eternal traffic jams, pollution and the dirt...but its totally taken over by the warmth of the people, family and friends.
It has been a couple of weeks since I left Blore, but I'm already missing it.
Looking forward for my next visit.
Mar 12, 2007
The Rich,Famous and the Show-offs.
The much talked about, the much hyped 'Liz-Nayar' wedding, finally got over.
Whoa! I can''t even imagine the money spent on the wedding celebrations.
First a wedding in England, then a week long lavish splurge in India.
Was it really required? I know love has no limit....but how much is it worth?
It was a complete show-off of their wealth. Ridiculous, I would say.
The media just went over the top trying to report something they weren't even invited to. Don't we have enough news to report, that all the news channels had almost dedicated half the air time to the guest list, the songs that would be played, the designers, their wedding attire...oh...the list is endless...is this stupidity or what?
So, whats next, A wedding in every country they've been to.
The whole meaning to the most sacred wedding ceremony has changed.
Now, the whole 'wedding thing' for the rich and the fame-starved, is to show the world their wealth and give the media their day in the sun.
The money (not all of it...maybe even one-fifth of their total expense)could have well been spent on something more fruitful, for the poor in this country, for the sick, for the old, for the orphaned kids, for the blast and accident victims....so many could have benefitted. But, no. That was not to be.
Our country is seeing, the rich getting more richer and the have-nots remaining have-nots.
Hope, there is a day, soon, when every single family in this country, can atleast afford to have a decent life and two meals everyday.
The much talked about, the much hyped 'Liz-Nayar' wedding, finally got over.
Whoa! I can''t even imagine the money spent on the wedding celebrations.
First a wedding in England, then a week long lavish splurge in India.
Was it really required? I know love has no limit....but how much is it worth?
It was a complete show-off of their wealth. Ridiculous, I would say.
The media just went over the top trying to report something they weren't even invited to. Don't we have enough news to report, that all the news channels had almost dedicated half the air time to the guest list, the songs that would be played, the designers, their wedding attire...oh...the list is endless...is this stupidity or what?
So, whats next, A wedding in every country they've been to.
The whole meaning to the most sacred wedding ceremony has changed.
Now, the whole 'wedding thing' for the rich and the fame-starved, is to show the world their wealth and give the media their day in the sun.
The money (not all of it...maybe even one-fifth of their total expense)could have well been spent on something more fruitful, for the poor in this country, for the sick, for the old, for the orphaned kids, for the blast and accident victims....so many could have benefitted. But, no. That was not to be.
Our country is seeing, the rich getting more richer and the have-nots remaining have-nots.
Hope, there is a day, soon, when every single family in this country, can atleast afford to have a decent life and two meals everyday.
Mar 8, 2007
Women on Top!!
Newspapers, news channels, entertainment channels, print ads, almost just everything
had one common thing today.....Women's Day!
Celebrating womanhood, women emancipation, women on par with men, women raring to go ahead in every walk of life....wow! its so nice to hear these jargons...but how many women are really enjoying it!
The fact is, not many.
If only this effort, time and money was put into benefitting many more deserving women, who aren't as lucky as many of us.
The very fact that I woke up today to read some disturbing news about attrocities on women, not one, but three different news articles, in the same newspaper which had a few pages dedicated to celebrating women's day!!
Thats the irony in today's world.
Its so easy to ignore the brutal reality and embrace a 'make believe' world, which sadly is a distant dream for many women who are silently suffering.
Happy Women's Day to all the brave,courageous women who are fighting a silent battle against abusive men somewhere.... who knows, maybe in a house next door.
Newspapers, news channels, entertainment channels, print ads, almost just everything
had one common thing today.....Women's Day!
Celebrating womanhood, women emancipation, women on par with men, women raring to go ahead in every walk of life....wow! its so nice to hear these jargons...but how many women are really enjoying it!
The fact is, not many.
If only this effort, time and money was put into benefitting many more deserving women, who aren't as lucky as many of us.
The very fact that I woke up today to read some disturbing news about attrocities on women, not one, but three different news articles, in the same newspaper which had a few pages dedicated to celebrating women's day!!
Thats the irony in today's world.
Its so easy to ignore the brutal reality and embrace a 'make believe' world, which sadly is a distant dream for many women who are silently suffering.
Happy Women's Day to all the brave,courageous women who are fighting a silent battle against abusive men somewhere.... who knows, maybe in a house next door.
Mar 1, 2007
My dear friend Shobs had written the following and I loved it so much, that I wanted to put it in my blog.
Hair today, Gone tomorrow
I can still recall the moment; I sprouted out on the vast expanse of Susie’s head. It was the first glimpse I had of what I had to brave to be called the crowning glory. The look on Susie’s face when she saw me for the first time will be etched in my mind for all eternity. I was her pride and joy and, was flaunted before every adoring aunt, uncle, and grandparents but, most important of them all was, the seemingly endless care that she bestowed on me. I was the first thing she laid her eyes on every morning and the last thing on her mind every night. She pampered me with the best and made sure that I shone like the stars. I had found Utopia but, as I would soon find out, that was not to be.
Susie was now thirteen years old, and was convinced that I would suit her better if I were dyed red, with streaks of blue, and curled. It was just the curtain raiser for the myriad ways in which I would be styled and groomed and never one for complaining, I simply complied to her every wish. But, eventually the routine caught –up with me and the effect of all those different dyes, curling irons, and dryers began to wear me down. At this point, I assumed that my dear girl would stop and let me be, natural.
On a fine Sunday morning, Susie decided to walk into the best hair saloon and there I was, waiting to be pampered and groomed. But, then I felt the cold steel cut through me. Just as I thought that my tryst with destiny was over I heard the roaring of the electric shaver and knew that it was the end of me.
Hair today, Gone tomorrow
I can still recall the moment; I sprouted out on the vast expanse of Susie’s head. It was the first glimpse I had of what I had to brave to be called the crowning glory. The look on Susie’s face when she saw me for the first time will be etched in my mind for all eternity. I was her pride and joy and, was flaunted before every adoring aunt, uncle, and grandparents but, most important of them all was, the seemingly endless care that she bestowed on me. I was the first thing she laid her eyes on every morning and the last thing on her mind every night. She pampered me with the best and made sure that I shone like the stars. I had found Utopia but, as I would soon find out, that was not to be.
Susie was now thirteen years old, and was convinced that I would suit her better if I were dyed red, with streaks of blue, and curled. It was just the curtain raiser for the myriad ways in which I would be styled and groomed and never one for complaining, I simply complied to her every wish. But, eventually the routine caught –up with me and the effect of all those different dyes, curling irons, and dryers began to wear me down. At this point, I assumed that my dear girl would stop and let me be, natural.
On a fine Sunday morning, Susie decided to walk into the best hair saloon and there I was, waiting to be pampered and groomed. But, then I felt the cold steel cut through me. Just as I thought that my tryst with destiny was over I heard the roaring of the electric shaver and knew that it was the end of me.
Who doesn't desire for a carefree life....free from responsibilities...
We need to be in 'Utopia' to experience it.
(or do we?)
Every single day, every single moment we have some responsibility or the other to be fulfilled. Sometimes, we are just lifted from our secure surroundings and put in circumstances wherein we are forced into weird responsibilities.
But, the whole beauty of such situations is that we (effortlessly) do manage to fulfill them, ......most of the times atleast.
We need to be in 'Utopia' to experience it.
(or do we?)
Every single day, every single moment we have some responsibility or the other to be fulfilled. Sometimes, we are just lifted from our secure surroundings and put in circumstances wherein we are forced into weird responsibilities.
But, the whole beauty of such situations is that we (effortlessly) do manage to fulfill them, ......most of the times atleast.
Feb 24, 2007
Jan 31, 2007
AAYA AAYA GURUBHAI!
What can I say?
Its an incredible movie.
Although, saw the movie much later after its release, it was worth every rupee I spent on it.
Superb performances, awesome locales, amazing picturisation and above all, Mani Ratnam at his best.
'Dream and dream bigger' is the Mantra.
Sheer determination, will and gut and above all 'vision'.....
that is what one needs in life too...
I'm simply too impressed.
Its an incredible movie.
Although, saw the movie much later after its release, it was worth every rupee I spent on it.
Superb performances, awesome locales, amazing picturisation and above all, Mani Ratnam at his best.
'Dream and dream bigger' is the Mantra.
Sheer determination, will and gut and above all 'vision'.....
that is what one needs in life too...
I'm simply too impressed.
Jan 18, 2007
Have you any regrets in life?
I do.
I regret not having spent a lot of time with my paternal grandmother, not getting to know her........
I regret not having openly appreciated my maternal grandma for the way she cared for me, for the way she brought me up, and not having thanked her for all that she was for me, for not telling her how much I loved her.......
I regret not having told my maternal grandfather that he was everything to me, for not showing him my love, for not telling him that he meant more than anything that this life can offer, for not telling him that hes 'the best grandfather' in the whole wide world, for not thanking him for what I am today......
I regret not displaying my affection, for being a very shy person, for not telling them everyday that I am what I am now because of them.
I still regret....
I guess, we need to tell the people close to us, that we love them a lot, because of the uncertainty that persists....so that,later we needn't regret.
I do.
I regret not having spent a lot of time with my paternal grandmother, not getting to know her........
I regret not having openly appreciated my maternal grandma for the way she cared for me, for the way she brought me up, and not having thanked her for all that she was for me, for not telling her how much I loved her.......
I regret not having told my maternal grandfather that he was everything to me, for not showing him my love, for not telling him that he meant more than anything that this life can offer, for not telling him that hes 'the best grandfather' in the whole wide world, for not thanking him for what I am today......
I regret not displaying my affection, for being a very shy person, for not telling them everyday that I am what I am now because of them.
I still regret....
I guess, we need to tell the people close to us, that we love them a lot, because of the uncertainty that persists....so that,later we needn't regret.
Jan 17, 2007
It was love at first sight.
Peaceful, yet full of life....simple, yet had a very strong character......neat, yet had an earthy feel....
That was Mhow....a village near Indore.
I had the opportunity to visit that place and stay there for 2 months. I relish every moment I have spent there.It was not just another place....it made me feel what we all, brought-up-in-the-cities-type, miss in the big cities. Peace, Pure air, greenery, and warm people. I met a lot of people, made some great friends, "gossipped", experimented with new recipes, enjoyed early morning walk like never before, and played a lot of snooker.
Mhow has one very well stocked,modern market which stretches to about 2km,with its lanes and bylanes buzzing with activity. The Poha (beaten rice dish-usually eaten for breakfast) there is the best I've eaten and Bhavrilal has the best sweets and savouries. The kachoris, gulab jamuns, gajar ka halwa and dry fruit laddoo is yummy. The fruits and vegetables were so fresh and, the way it would be displayed,it looked so colourful and inviting. Everyday, my friend and I would walk upto the vegetable 'mandi',buy fresh vegetables and cook. Most of the vendors and shopkeepers in the market recognised us and gave us concessions ,since we were such regulars.
The most interesting feature of that place is the Mhow paintings. Every lane in that place has a minimum of 2 art galleries with superb artists. There are a lot of framed paintings,and even imitations of famous ones to choose from, or one can even place an order to get their portrait done. Every person who visits that place does take back a few paintings. I was fortunate enough to have met one such great artist, Mr. Dwivedi. He owns an art gallery, and teaches art, and that too free of cost for girls and boys from nearby villages. I requested him if he could teach me and to my surprise, he agreed. Although,I met him quite late, with just 2 weeks of stay there,
I did utilise it well. He taught me the nuances of sketching and making portraits. I was myself surprised with the result. Due to lack of time, I could not learn oil painting, but I'm sure the next time around,when I get an opportunity to visit Mhow, I would utilise it properly.
Now,I'm back in Kolkata, but not a day passes by without me thinking of Mhow.
Peaceful, yet full of life....simple, yet had a very strong character......neat, yet had an earthy feel....
That was Mhow....a village near Indore.
I had the opportunity to visit that place and stay there for 2 months. I relish every moment I have spent there.It was not just another place....it made me feel what we all, brought-up-in-the-cities-type, miss in the big cities. Peace, Pure air, greenery, and warm people. I met a lot of people, made some great friends, "gossipped", experimented with new recipes, enjoyed early morning walk like never before, and played a lot of snooker.
Mhow has one very well stocked,modern market which stretches to about 2km,with its lanes and bylanes buzzing with activity. The Poha (beaten rice dish-usually eaten for breakfast) there is the best I've eaten and Bhavrilal has the best sweets and savouries. The kachoris, gulab jamuns, gajar ka halwa and dry fruit laddoo is yummy. The fruits and vegetables were so fresh and, the way it would be displayed,it looked so colourful and inviting. Everyday, my friend and I would walk upto the vegetable 'mandi',buy fresh vegetables and cook. Most of the vendors and shopkeepers in the market recognised us and gave us concessions ,since we were such regulars.
The most interesting feature of that place is the Mhow paintings. Every lane in that place has a minimum of 2 art galleries with superb artists. There are a lot of framed paintings,and even imitations of famous ones to choose from, or one can even place an order to get their portrait done. Every person who visits that place does take back a few paintings. I was fortunate enough to have met one such great artist, Mr. Dwivedi. He owns an art gallery, and teaches art, and that too free of cost for girls and boys from nearby villages. I requested him if he could teach me and to my surprise, he agreed. Although,I met him quite late, with just 2 weeks of stay there,
I did utilise it well. He taught me the nuances of sketching and making portraits. I was myself surprised with the result. Due to lack of time, I could not learn oil painting, but I'm sure the next time around,when I get an opportunity to visit Mhow, I would utilise it properly.
Now,I'm back in Kolkata, but not a day passes by without me thinking of Mhow.
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