i seek no refuge
from the tug of exceptional guilt
i inflict it upon me
with as much truth
as the love i feel for u
of all the things that remain
is a feeling of tender calmness
and a sense of feary solitude
a desire deep within
for the bliss to remain
it never was like this
and it never will be
my affection is an abstract forever
the triumph that u seek
is a part mine ...
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Gandhi in todays world
Excerpts from a speech I wrote recently -
The name Gandhi inspires myriad images in ones mind. Some may associate his name with the freedom struggle, while some prefer to remember him as a smiling face on a five hundred rupee note. Contexts could be many but the name remains, atleast in our subconcious. He is as much part of our lives today as he was 60 years ago when India, on his behest, attained freedom.
Today, we live in tumultous times. Violence has become order of the day. Everywhere there are people being killed, embassies bombed, children orphaned. India stands testimony to the numerous bomb blasts that have rocked the country in recent past. Hate machinery is at work and hapless people stand a mute spectator of their own sufferings. Personally speaking, when I see the gory images of people lying in a pool of blood right after a bomb blast, I feel a surge of anguish and anxiety. If I had my way, I would have the perpetrators of these crimes sent to gallows. And I am almost sure, I reflect the opinion of many when I say this. In such a time, we often become critical of the ideologies that Mahatma Gandhi spread all his life. Socio-political mores have undergone a sea change since then. Do his teachings hold good in today's world?
Let us prod this a little further. Under what circumstances did Gandhi take up the cause of 'free India' and non violent struggle? He was professionaly a barrister. His income during those days in South Africa touched $15000. Something, still a dream for most Indians. He could well have chosen to lead a luxurious life away from the miseries that British were inflicting on Indians. But that was not to be. After arriving in Durban, Gandhi found himself treated as a member of an inferior race. He was appalled at the widespread denial of civil liberties and political rights to Indians. He was thrown out of a train because he was a black man. There were many other similar untold stories. Even then, people resorted to violence. There were widespread killings and armed struggle. It was their way to seek freedom. But Gandhi had a different way. He appealed to the masses to keep their calm and and practice satyagrah. Satyagrah, in essence means vindication of truth by inflicting sufferings not on your opponents but on your own self. Eventually, it was this doctrine of Gandhi that helped India attain freedom.
Today, freedom is something we take for granted. But we are held hostage to various other slaveries. Colonial ambitions have given way to religious extremism. Apartheid has given way to regional disparities. Forms have changed, but situation remains. Back then, it took the determination of this frail man to sort things out. Today, it requires our collective efforts. Gandhi, for me, is not a name. It is an idea, which is ageless. It transcends all political boundaries and timeframes. Let us all follow his ideals and make this world a better place.
The name Gandhi inspires myriad images in ones mind. Some may associate his name with the freedom struggle, while some prefer to remember him as a smiling face on a five hundred rupee note. Contexts could be many but the name remains, atleast in our subconcious. He is as much part of our lives today as he was 60 years ago when India, on his behest, attained freedom.
Today, we live in tumultous times. Violence has become order of the day. Everywhere there are people being killed, embassies bombed, children orphaned. India stands testimony to the numerous bomb blasts that have rocked the country in recent past. Hate machinery is at work and hapless people stand a mute spectator of their own sufferings. Personally speaking, when I see the gory images of people lying in a pool of blood right after a bomb blast, I feel a surge of anguish and anxiety. If I had my way, I would have the perpetrators of these crimes sent to gallows. And I am almost sure, I reflect the opinion of many when I say this. In such a time, we often become critical of the ideologies that Mahatma Gandhi spread all his life. Socio-political mores have undergone a sea change since then. Do his teachings hold good in today's world?
Let us prod this a little further. Under what circumstances did Gandhi take up the cause of 'free India' and non violent struggle? He was professionaly a barrister. His income during those days in South Africa touched $15000. Something, still a dream for most Indians. He could well have chosen to lead a luxurious life away from the miseries that British were inflicting on Indians. But that was not to be. After arriving in Durban, Gandhi found himself treated as a member of an inferior race. He was appalled at the widespread denial of civil liberties and political rights to Indians. He was thrown out of a train because he was a black man. There were many other similar untold stories. Even then, people resorted to violence. There were widespread killings and armed struggle. It was their way to seek freedom. But Gandhi had a different way. He appealed to the masses to keep their calm and and practice satyagrah. Satyagrah, in essence means vindication of truth by inflicting sufferings not on your opponents but on your own self. Eventually, it was this doctrine of Gandhi that helped India attain freedom.
Today, freedom is something we take for granted. But we are held hostage to various other slaveries. Colonial ambitions have given way to religious extremism. Apartheid has given way to regional disparities. Forms have changed, but situation remains. Back then, it took the determination of this frail man to sort things out. Today, it requires our collective efforts. Gandhi, for me, is not a name. It is an idea, which is ageless. It transcends all political boundaries and timeframes. Let us all follow his ideals and make this world a better place.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
You held my hand
And came in a guise
I saw the world
With a twinkle in my eyes
Black meant nothing
Neither did white
You gave me the meaning
And made me polite
You lived my fears
And gave me strength
You wiped my tears
I could feel no pain
The world seems better
My life is a cruise
It would never be like this
Had it not been for you
Thou art my teacher
Thou art my God
I bow in gratitude
Please bless my soul
Dorothy maam, wherever you are, this one's for you ..
Happy teachers day !
And came in a guise
I saw the world
With a twinkle in my eyes
Black meant nothing
Neither did white
You gave me the meaning
And made me polite
You lived my fears
And gave me strength
You wiped my tears
I could feel no pain
The world seems better
My life is a cruise
It would never be like this
Had it not been for you
Thou art my teacher
Thou art my God
I bow in gratitude
Please bless my soul
Dorothy maam, wherever you are, this one's for you ..
Happy teachers day !
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Pride & Prejudice
Even as Raj Thakrey's men were holding mumbai to ransom, a piece of news caught my eyes in The Times Of India . It read - Indian students a victim of hate crimes on Australian campuses. Significance of this news in the wake of mumbai violence could not be missed. I wonder how Raj Thakrey would react to this news. Would he be concerned only about the marathi manoos there whose asmita is at stake. Or would he worry about the Indians in general?
The desperation of Raj Thakrey to rake up an emotional issue is understandable. What with assembly elections round the corner and his inability to establish a political clout as yet. While the 'apparent' pertinent question being raised by him and his likes is the crumbling infrastructure of mumbai, the larger question remains unanswered. Are the north indian migrants really responsible for the crumbling infrastructure? This is largely a debatable question. And I am afraid it will elicit biased arguments from people to show allegiance to their respective 'regions' (a new entrant in the already existing divide of caste,creed,sex,religion etc).
What is disturbing is the way whole episode unfolded over a period of two weeks. It is not new for politicians to twist public conscience to suit their selfish ends. When a man is in position of influence, albeit undeservedly, he should not utter anything that might breed hatred. This is exactly what has happened in the past few days. The fallouts are many.
Nashik-Pune industrial belt is the hub of steel rolling mills,electrical and automobile industrial units. Industries in the area have suffered a combined loss of upto Rs 4 billion (approx $100 million) in the past fortnight due to huge exodus of the north indian workers. So you see Mr. Raj, the relationship is largely symbiotic. Ebbs and current of economics will take its own course. Please do not try to disturb it for your own good.
Young impressionable minds have formed their prejudices, if not strengthened them. Next time they come across a UP ka bhaiya or a Bihari, they are going to feed their egos by feeling superior to them. This will certainly not help either of them or the great indian growth story. Ironically, a casualty of the violence unleashed by MNS activists was a maharashtrian man. Little did family of Ambadas Haribhau Dharrao know that he would be a victim of his own identity. The very next day Raj Thakrey aplogised with folded hands in a marathi daily and even went on to suggest that it was not the work of any MNS activist. This piece of news made me grow sick in the gut. He was canny enought to realise that it could impart a small dent in his new founded glory as the saviour of marathi manoos. He did not even leave the tragic death of this man to further his vested interests.
India, I believe, more than a country is a celebration of diversity. By pegging one culture against another, one can influence a political mandate but not the ethos that India has been for ages now. The financial capital of India cannot be reduced to anybodys fiefdom. I do not have the slightest doubt that we will tide over this non issue. Mumbai will continue to be the cultural melting pot and hold on to its idiosyncrasies.
The desperation of Raj Thakrey to rake up an emotional issue is understandable. What with assembly elections round the corner and his inability to establish a political clout as yet. While the 'apparent' pertinent question being raised by him and his likes is the crumbling infrastructure of mumbai, the larger question remains unanswered. Are the north indian migrants really responsible for the crumbling infrastructure? This is largely a debatable question. And I am afraid it will elicit biased arguments from people to show allegiance to their respective 'regions' (a new entrant in the already existing divide of caste,creed,sex,religion etc).
What is disturbing is the way whole episode unfolded over a period of two weeks. It is not new for politicians to twist public conscience to suit their selfish ends. When a man is in position of influence, albeit undeservedly, he should not utter anything that might breed hatred. This is exactly what has happened in the past few days. The fallouts are many.
Nashik-Pune industrial belt is the hub of steel rolling mills,electrical and automobile industrial units. Industries in the area have suffered a combined loss of upto Rs 4 billion (approx $100 million) in the past fortnight due to huge exodus of the north indian workers. So you see Mr. Raj, the relationship is largely symbiotic. Ebbs and current of economics will take its own course. Please do not try to disturb it for your own good.
Young impressionable minds have formed their prejudices, if not strengthened them. Next time they come across a UP ka bhaiya or a Bihari, they are going to feed their egos by feeling superior to them. This will certainly not help either of them or the great indian growth story. Ironically, a casualty of the violence unleashed by MNS activists was a maharashtrian man. Little did family of Ambadas Haribhau Dharrao know that he would be a victim of his own identity. The very next day Raj Thakrey aplogised with folded hands in a marathi daily and even went on to suggest that it was not the work of any MNS activist. This piece of news made me grow sick in the gut. He was canny enought to realise that it could impart a small dent in his new founded glory as the saviour of marathi manoos. He did not even leave the tragic death of this man to further his vested interests.
India, I believe, more than a country is a celebration of diversity. By pegging one culture against another, one can influence a political mandate but not the ethos that India has been for ages now. The financial capital of India cannot be reduced to anybodys fiefdom. I do not have the slightest doubt that we will tide over this non issue. Mumbai will continue to be the cultural melting pot and hold on to its idiosyncrasies.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A bright morning
Waking up early in the morning is very gratifying. Today is one of those rare days. It gets even more gratifying when you cook and treat yourself to a lavish breakfast of toasts, omlette and down it with a large glass of orange juice. Just perfect ! I am spirited and ready for the day.
Lets get on with the happenings of the year gone by as promised. I wont yet sign off on my list of good movies. Cant afford to without talking about Taare Zameen Par . Premiered towards the end of year and swept the nation with a wave of emotion. Aamir has been my favourite always. But with this movie he has gone a notch up. This kind of cinema is like a whiff of fresh air. So purposeful and relevant. I have vowed to gift the DVDs to any obscure parent I know personally. We have always wondered why a country with more than a billion people cannot get that one coveted olympic medal ? Well people, here is the answer. Go watch this movie. Its because they are all nipped in the bud. No one wants their children to pursue a path that will not earn them respect of that neighbouring aunt with a big nose. How good will it be if a childs interestes are identified and they are groomed for it for the rest of their lives. We could have lots of gymnasts, painters, swimmers around. We could compete in the football world cup. Come to think of it. We would be a country of people who are good at what they do. Our economy will soar and the world will be our oyester.
Other than the noble message it imparts, Taare zameen par also takes you on an emotional sojourn. While watching the movie, I had so big a lump in my throat that it started to hurt. Eventually I let go. Tears were just flowing. Especially when Ishaan says bye to his mother on his first day at the boarding school. It took me back by 17 years. I relived that evening when I said bye to my parents.
And the song -
Main Kabhi Batlata Nahin
Par Andhere Se Darta Hoon Main Maa
Yun To Main,Dikhlata Nahin
Teri Parwaah Karta Hoon Main Maa
Tujhe Sab Hain Pata, Hain Na Maa ...
These are not mere words. These are a thousand stories told at one go. Thank you Aamir for making a movie that will remain with me forever.
Lets get on with the happenings of the year gone by as promised. I wont yet sign off on my list of good movies. Cant afford to without talking about Taare Zameen Par . Premiered towards the end of year and swept the nation with a wave of emotion. Aamir has been my favourite always. But with this movie he has gone a notch up. This kind of cinema is like a whiff of fresh air. So purposeful and relevant. I have vowed to gift the DVDs to any obscure parent I know personally. We have always wondered why a country with more than a billion people cannot get that one coveted olympic medal ? Well people, here is the answer. Go watch this movie. Its because they are all nipped in the bud. No one wants their children to pursue a path that will not earn them respect of that neighbouring aunt with a big nose. How good will it be if a childs interestes are identified and they are groomed for it for the rest of their lives. We could have lots of gymnasts, painters, swimmers around. We could compete in the football world cup. Come to think of it. We would be a country of people who are good at what they do. Our economy will soar and the world will be our oyester.
Other than the noble message it imparts, Taare zameen par also takes you on an emotional sojourn. While watching the movie, I had so big a lump in my throat that it started to hurt. Eventually I let go. Tears were just flowing. Especially when Ishaan says bye to his mother on his first day at the boarding school. It took me back by 17 years. I relived that evening when I said bye to my parents.
And the song -
Main Kabhi Batlata Nahin
Par Andhere Se Darta Hoon Main Maa
Yun To Main,Dikhlata Nahin
Teri Parwaah Karta Hoon Main Maa
Tujhe Sab Hain Pata, Hain Na Maa ...
These are not mere words. These are a thousand stories told at one go. Thank you Aamir for making a movie that will remain with me forever.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
The pursuit of happyness
Let me start off with the movie that made a lasting impact on me last year. Its called - The pursuit of happyness. It tells the story of a struggling single father who later goes on to become an investment banker.Chris has a tough time trying to pay taxes and secure a job for himself even as his wife leaves him. Amidst all this he enrolls for a trainee program with a popular Broking firm which gives job to only one from the class of 20. He makes a little money for his meagre needs by selling a machine to doctors that gives a slightly darker image than an X-Ray. A vagrant on the street thinks it is a time machine which Chris uses to travel in the past. Chris is not amused. Nevertheless, when he is kicked out of his house by his landlord, he uses this illusion to sweet talk his 5 year old son into spending a night in a public toilet by saying, ' This is a cave and we are taking shelter from the dinasours outside.' You can only relate how the world is like a dinasour for the lesser mortal. Chris performs exceptionally well in his program and is awarded with the job of a stock broker at last. Thats when he says,' This part of my life is called happiness.'
The movie has moments that stays with you and lingers in your thoughts. When Chrish mutters to himself while watching smiling faces on a busy street, ' They all look so happy. Why cant I look like that? '. Then there is this scene where he is talking to his son the night after his wife leaves him ,' Don't let anybody tell you, you cant do it. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. Period!' as if more to himself than to his son.The part that got me thinking (again??) was when he wonders how Thomas Jefferson managed to put in the word pursuit before happiness in the declaration of independence. As if he knew it so very well that happiness is something that can only be pursued. One can never actually have it. Someday, I would love to think otherwise ...
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year !
From amongst the few new year resolutions I have made, being regular on the blogging circuit is one of them. Though I have become wary of forging new relationships, I hope I can live up to this one and post atleast a blog a month.
Beginning of a new year prompts one to take a look back at the year gone by. Year 2007 has been interspersed with many highs and lows. Over the next few days, I am going to try and capture the year gone by through my own small world. For now, I will have to take leave as I am not at my best. Here's wishing everyone out there a very happy and prosperous new year..
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