Life is a great leveller. No one other than Pakistan should have discovered the true meaning of this phrase. The radical terrorist groups that it had invented are the ones that are hitting back at them on a daily basis.
Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad,the list is endless and is growing everyday. The common public of Pakistan is now experiencing the bloodbath and terror that severeal Indian cities have been living for the past many years. This would probably make them realise about who the real enemy is and how their country's leadership has been taking them for a complere ride by invoking fundamentalist emotions and projecting India as its sworn enemy.
1965,71, Kargil and numerous intrusions over the years. Yes, may be there is truth in the fact, when Musharraf says that since 1947, both India and Pakistan have not been able to come to terms with each others existence. RAW is doing what the ISI has been doing and vice versa. But the Indian Army has not been invading Pakistan? then why the constant confrontation?
May be the Pakistan Army has still not digested the humilating losses that it has faced in all three wars. It is true that Indian casualities have been very high in these wars, especially Kargil. India's intelligence network was at a complete failure in that war. We still managed to thwart the enemy intentions.
More than the people of both the countries, it is the opportunistic leadership of both countries that is responsibe for constantly maintaining this position of confrontation. To top it all, the North West province of Pakistan is such a sore wound on the face of this world, that it will be in world interest to annihilate that region completely.
There is a video on You Tube where a gentleman by the name of Syed Adnan Kakakhel speaks about the current situation of Pakistan to Pervez Musharraf. The young guys says that both India and Pakistan had started their journeys from the same date, but if not anything else, India has strengthened its civil society to such an extent that even if the Governemnt in power is completely useless, the Army of India does not come out of its barracks to overthrow it. Very well said.
But then again, is this our strength or our weakness. I would say strength, bcoz when the Government fails in this country, the ultimate power to dethrone the incumbent individuals lies with the public of the country, and not in any other power centre, i.e Army, etc.
We cannot change our geographical neighbours. Pakistan and China are a fact of life and we have to accept this. It is the spineless leadership of our contry which is a a matter of great worry. China objects to the visit of our PM to Arunachal Pradesh. China objects to the upcoming visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh. China continues to stake its claim on Kashmir as well. And our leadership does not react strongly, does not give a stern reply.
True, that our military might is not capable of countering China, but that in no ways means that we should tolerate this constant insult and downplaying by the Chinese. It is in times like these, that one realises the strong character, sterness and patriotism of our great leaders from the past. One should ask the communists today to respond to the Chinese claims..I wonder what they will say.
Oh God, I would only pray to you to give India all the strength, capability and most importantly unity that it so badly needs to counter the malicious intentions of our neighbouring countries.
Jai Hind
Friday, October 23, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wake up Sid
Divya was right. The movie moves at its own pace..i.e slow..but overall its a good package. I enjoyed it. Contrary to my initial thought, the movie was not just a celebration of youth, but it was surprisingly aiming to address the very common mindsets of young Sids of today.
What is striking in the movie is the stark difference that two sections of the society face. One, working hard to succeed every day which is another survival battle, and the other having no clue of that world and living in his own utopian world. But then, I guess thats what is destiny. Good karma of the past birth.
The most authentic moment of the movie was the few seconds featuring Sid's neighbour cuddling up with her son. There is no emotion more genuine and uncorrupted as the love of a mother for her child. Instantaneously, there was a wide smile on the faces of the entire audience, as they saw the mother on screen adoring her son. I am sure each one of us went back to our respective childhoods.
That apart, the progress of Sid's relationship with Konkana has been projected very maturely. No denying the fact that Bombay err..Mumbai is beautiful in monsoons. As Sid said, people complain about floods and jams, but he enjoys it anyways. Goes on again to show the perception difference between two different worlds within one city.
Perception is of course marred by the priority to earn a livelihood first. Once that responsibility is lifted, then I believe most of us will have the same perception. Another thing to which I completely agree with, in the movie is the fact that Marine Drive is beyond doubt the most beautiful place in Mumbai.
I just hope that jerks like Raj Thackeray and the gang does not rename it to Shivaji drive as they now plan to put the statue of the great warrior in the sea. Anyways, these things will never end in India, so no point fretting about it.
It was also nice to see the kind of friend circle that Sid had on screen. Everyday faces, everyday friends, makes us relate to Sid's world immediately.
Whatever said, even before Sid realised his shortcomings, he was great at one thing and that is to enjoy each day to the fullest. Even with time at our hands, not all of us possess this art.
Sid woke up for me at 2 A.M and left me with a split headache that subsided only with a Disprin..no no it was not due to the movie, but because of lack of sleep.
Good Morning Sid :)
What is striking in the movie is the stark difference that two sections of the society face. One, working hard to succeed every day which is another survival battle, and the other having no clue of that world and living in his own utopian world. But then, I guess thats what is destiny. Good karma of the past birth.
The most authentic moment of the movie was the few seconds featuring Sid's neighbour cuddling up with her son. There is no emotion more genuine and uncorrupted as the love of a mother for her child. Instantaneously, there was a wide smile on the faces of the entire audience, as they saw the mother on screen adoring her son. I am sure each one of us went back to our respective childhoods.
That apart, the progress of Sid's relationship with Konkana has been projected very maturely. No denying the fact that Bombay err..Mumbai is beautiful in monsoons. As Sid said, people complain about floods and jams, but he enjoys it anyways. Goes on again to show the perception difference between two different worlds within one city.
Perception is of course marred by the priority to earn a livelihood first. Once that responsibility is lifted, then I believe most of us will have the same perception. Another thing to which I completely agree with, in the movie is the fact that Marine Drive is beyond doubt the most beautiful place in Mumbai.
I just hope that jerks like Raj Thackeray and the gang does not rename it to Shivaji drive as they now plan to put the statue of the great warrior in the sea. Anyways, these things will never end in India, so no point fretting about it.
It was also nice to see the kind of friend circle that Sid had on screen. Everyday faces, everyday friends, makes us relate to Sid's world immediately.
Whatever said, even before Sid realised his shortcomings, he was great at one thing and that is to enjoy each day to the fullest. Even with time at our hands, not all of us possess this art.
Sid woke up for me at 2 A.M and left me with a split headache that subsided only with a Disprin..no no it was not due to the movie, but because of lack of sleep.
Good Morning Sid :)
Friday, October 2, 2009
National holiday
I quite agreee with Mr Tharoor as he suggests that instead of enjoying a holiday on October 2, we all should put in extra hours of work. Or I would say, at least get indulged in certain activities which are in sync with the Mahatma's teachings and his philosphy.
But, if not for a holiday, who would remember October 2 as the day for Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Thats what it has come to be today. As it is supposed to be a nation wide dry day, the enthusiastic and foresighted citizens stock up their pile of booze much in advance to enjoy the long weekend and say cheers to another reason for a fixed national holiday.
Actually,there is no point blaming any of these individuals or anyone else. In order to first understand the true importance of people who have made a significant impact on our country, the people of the nation need to build a strong character, which is linked to the welfare and progress of the nation.
But then again, the common man, people like me have responsibility of running their respective houses. It is easy to say that this is for the Government to ensure that the true values of great leaders like Gandhiji are communicated effectively to people.
Which in a way is happening. Children across the country have chapters in their NCERT books on the great man and many other great men of the country. But thats where it stops. This post is not aimed at accusing people for forgetting Gandhi, but it is definitely aimed at understanding that why the majority of the current generation does not either know about the great examples of our history or if it does, then why it chooses to ignore it.
It is now that I realise that there is no better read than history of the country and the world. A thorough understanding of the key events that shaped the face of a nation can only help build the much required character. Besides that, an individuals respect for a leader will also increase manifolds, once he realises the intellect level of that person.
Try reading the Discovery of India and one would get a first hand glimpse of the statesmanship of Nehru. Not only that..his tremendous knowldge of world affairs and moreover the respect that such leaders commanded from the super powers of the world, when India was not even independent, goes on to show their stature.
Practicing the values suggested by these leaders may not be possible in these times, but what is possible is a realisation of the historic past that our nation has had. This sense of pride alone will change the way we look at national holidays.
August 15, Januray 26 and October 02 will have a whole new different meaning.
But, if not for a holiday, who would remember October 2 as the day for Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Thats what it has come to be today. As it is supposed to be a nation wide dry day, the enthusiastic and foresighted citizens stock up their pile of booze much in advance to enjoy the long weekend and say cheers to another reason for a fixed national holiday.
Actually,there is no point blaming any of these individuals or anyone else. In order to first understand the true importance of people who have made a significant impact on our country, the people of the nation need to build a strong character, which is linked to the welfare and progress of the nation.
But then again, the common man, people like me have responsibility of running their respective houses. It is easy to say that this is for the Government to ensure that the true values of great leaders like Gandhiji are communicated effectively to people.
Which in a way is happening. Children across the country have chapters in their NCERT books on the great man and many other great men of the country. But thats where it stops. This post is not aimed at accusing people for forgetting Gandhi, but it is definitely aimed at understanding that why the majority of the current generation does not either know about the great examples of our history or if it does, then why it chooses to ignore it.
It is now that I realise that there is no better read than history of the country and the world. A thorough understanding of the key events that shaped the face of a nation can only help build the much required character. Besides that, an individuals respect for a leader will also increase manifolds, once he realises the intellect level of that person.
Try reading the Discovery of India and one would get a first hand glimpse of the statesmanship of Nehru. Not only that..his tremendous knowldge of world affairs and moreover the respect that such leaders commanded from the super powers of the world, when India was not even independent, goes on to show their stature.
Practicing the values suggested by these leaders may not be possible in these times, but what is possible is a realisation of the historic past that our nation has had. This sense of pride alone will change the way we look at national holidays.
August 15, Januray 26 and October 02 will have a whole new different meaning.
Friday, August 14, 2009
China is threatened
China wants to break India. Break it into 20-25 different countries by taking support of Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and by supporting ULFA in Assam. The article on a Chinese website is enough to enrage any patriotic Indian, including me. However when one delves deep into the key reasons that would drive China to pursue such path, the anger levels come down as all China is trying to do is maintain its supremacy in the Asia region.
While India is still lagging far behind from China in most aspects including economy and infrastructure, the Chinese still are aware of India's true potential and have been keeping a close eye on the slow but steady progress that India has been making. China went on war with India in 60's to teach India a lesson and to show them their true place as compared to China. The war was a huge success for China and an even bigger wake up call for India.
While in today's scenario, China cannot wage a direct war on India to show its true place, it surely can resort to breaking the true strength of India, which lies in its diversity. There is barely any nation on this planet where language, soil, landscape, culture and food changes every 1000 Kms. The article on the Chinese website says that Hinduism is the only religion which is the main common factor between all states and besides that there is no other factor that unites the country.
It is true that oppression of minorities and the weaker sections of the society was and is rampant in our country, and is one of the main reasons for our under development yet. This is a fact that the Chinese think tank understands very well and is hence making progress in implementing its plans.
History, today I believe is the most important tool that can come to India's rescue. A reminder of how our country has emerged from the ashes and threats of our neighbours in the past 100 years, will go a long way in waking the conscience of the average Indian and make him realise his duty towards our nation. By nature, most of us are patriotic by heart and get goose bumps whenever we listen to the National anthem, but that is not enough and we all know that.
Upholding the basic values of humanity and the progress of our society, both civic and morally, is the contribution that each one of us can make. This alone will form a society that will thwart the efforts of any China which clearly is threatened by the progress that India is making and by the significance that it has achieved on the global map.
The nation has once again called its children to stand up to this proxy war and building a national character is the need of the hour.
While India is still lagging far behind from China in most aspects including economy and infrastructure, the Chinese still are aware of India's true potential and have been keeping a close eye on the slow but steady progress that India has been making. China went on war with India in 60's to teach India a lesson and to show them their true place as compared to China. The war was a huge success for China and an even bigger wake up call for India.
While in today's scenario, China cannot wage a direct war on India to show its true place, it surely can resort to breaking the true strength of India, which lies in its diversity. There is barely any nation on this planet where language, soil, landscape, culture and food changes every 1000 Kms. The article on the Chinese website says that Hinduism is the only religion which is the main common factor between all states and besides that there is no other factor that unites the country.
It is true that oppression of minorities and the weaker sections of the society was and is rampant in our country, and is one of the main reasons for our under development yet. This is a fact that the Chinese think tank understands very well and is hence making progress in implementing its plans.
History, today I believe is the most important tool that can come to India's rescue. A reminder of how our country has emerged from the ashes and threats of our neighbours in the past 100 years, will go a long way in waking the conscience of the average Indian and make him realise his duty towards our nation. By nature, most of us are patriotic by heart and get goose bumps whenever we listen to the National anthem, but that is not enough and we all know that.
Upholding the basic values of humanity and the progress of our society, both civic and morally, is the contribution that each one of us can make. This alone will form a society that will thwart the efforts of any China which clearly is threatened by the progress that India is making and by the significance that it has achieved on the global map.
The nation has once again called its children to stand up to this proxy war and building a national character is the need of the hour.
Time for Karma
It is only in times of hardships and challenges, when an individual finds himself not sailing through smoothly, one realises that its time for him to rise up to the occasion himself. Many of us, all through our lives have been lucky or blessed enough to have been rescued to safety in dicey situations and all our lives we live with the knowledge that no matter what, we will be taken care of, we will not be made to suffer.
But even for the most staunch believers, there comes a time when the feeling seems to drift and the realisation of facing the issue head on dawns on the individual. Its as though God himself is telling him to make that effort, face the situation in the best way he can. I guess this is the call of Karma that a human must accept in order for him to put to test his very faith, to which he has clung on to for his life time.
Besides realising the urgent need to make amends and take things in one's own hands in troubled times, it is also important to not lose faith in God and keep attributing all actions to him and wait for the tide of time to turn.
But even for the most staunch believers, there comes a time when the feeling seems to drift and the realisation of facing the issue head on dawns on the individual. Its as though God himself is telling him to make that effort, face the situation in the best way he can. I guess this is the call of Karma that a human must accept in order for him to put to test his very faith, to which he has clung on to for his life time.
Besides realising the urgent need to make amends and take things in one's own hands in troubled times, it is also important to not lose faith in God and keep attributing all actions to him and wait for the tide of time to turn.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Leaving home
Why do people travel far and wide? Leave away their homes, acqaintances, familiarity that has bred from childhood? I guess as Pi Patel said..in search of better life. Better life? What does better life account for? Money, facilities, glitzy surroundings? I guess this pretty much accounts for it. But these are things which are importnat to anybody's life, me being no exception. But as is the rule of this universe, you gain some and you lose some. These things come at a price and that price is the far distance that one must travel from his home.
Hefty price some might think, for some may be not.There are people, however who would travel far away in search of that peace in one's life, that he so desperately seeks.
We have eaten what we love to eat, we have seen what we love to see, we have met who we love to meet. Hopefully all of this amounts to a holiday spent well, time well utilised. This vacuum however, I guess is meant to stay and it seems rather difficult for it to be fulfilled with any of these things. In fact another vacuum which always come into force, whenever I am leaving my home is very difficult to cope with. The effect stays for quite some time in a dominant fashion, then in a subdued manner..but it stays..always does.
The urge to remain with home for as long as possible, as delayed as possible is I believe not very uncommon. Most people with an extra dose of emotional juices would know of this feeling. It is so strange..the attachment with the land of one's origin, with place alone, completely non living things is almost as strange as the one that you feel with your loved ones. Does this atachment have to do with a particular bond with the place or a familiarity that breeds into an individual due to his association that started from his birth.
May be it is the change in these familiar surroundings that upsets the human being once he travels far and wide. Man is a social animal and it is typical of animals to feel upset and disturbed once their surroundings are tampered with. As Pi Patel educates us..an animal will do anything to defend its territory. What about us though? We will do anything to leave our territory. And for what? For a better life.
For people whose very existence is challenged and resources mandatory for survival are hard to come by, it probably makes sense to leave one's territory. Just like migratory birds..hopping from one comfort zone to another. But there is a stark dissimilarity here. Birds migrate with their entire flock to all the places..that is their strength. We humans, leave our flock far behind and keep migrating in search of what? A better life.
Hefty price some might think, for some may be not.There are people, however who would travel far away in search of that peace in one's life, that he so desperately seeks.
We have eaten what we love to eat, we have seen what we love to see, we have met who we love to meet. Hopefully all of this amounts to a holiday spent well, time well utilised. This vacuum however, I guess is meant to stay and it seems rather difficult for it to be fulfilled with any of these things. In fact another vacuum which always come into force, whenever I am leaving my home is very difficult to cope with. The effect stays for quite some time in a dominant fashion, then in a subdued manner..but it stays..always does.
The urge to remain with home for as long as possible, as delayed as possible is I believe not very uncommon. Most people with an extra dose of emotional juices would know of this feeling. It is so strange..the attachment with the land of one's origin, with place alone, completely non living things is almost as strange as the one that you feel with your loved ones. Does this atachment have to do with a particular bond with the place or a familiarity that breeds into an individual due to his association that started from his birth.
May be it is the change in these familiar surroundings that upsets the human being once he travels far and wide. Man is a social animal and it is typical of animals to feel upset and disturbed once their surroundings are tampered with. As Pi Patel educates us..an animal will do anything to defend its territory. What about us though? We will do anything to leave our territory. And for what? For a better life.
For people whose very existence is challenged and resources mandatory for survival are hard to come by, it probably makes sense to leave one's territory. Just like migratory birds..hopping from one comfort zone to another. But there is a stark dissimilarity here. Birds migrate with their entire flock to all the places..that is their strength. We humans, leave our flock far behind and keep migrating in search of what? A better life.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Mind is restless
Concentration or focus is probably one of the most fragile intangible things that will ever be known to mankind. Sustaining a thought for a very long time, I guess demands an extra psychological strength than ordinary human beings possess. Building upon that thought I guess holds the key to a lot of greater stuff that we can achieve on a more regular basis. May be not questioning the initial spark as it occurs or not pursuing it due to some or the other reason has become more of a norm.
But who is seeking greatness here. This is an answer to the horde of thoughts that just keeps flooding the head..clearly a reflection of an untamed, undisciplined mind, that either does not know how to stay fixed on a particular thought or more importantly is not sure of what that thought is? May be this is the case with most of us. This uncertaininty..not being sure of what is needed is linked to the restlesness factor.
People who are committed to certain tasks in their lives, beyond work..do they ever feel the vacuum which has been bothering me? Could it just be the perusal of a particular task in a disciplined manner that could fill this vacuum? May be it could or may be it again is just a frivuolous question, which is a resultant of the restlessness or the uncertainity.
I am being cautious of the fact that I question each and every notion that is striking me, to ensure that may be it could be true that all of this is just crap and an outcome of....yes, not being sure, or simply put restless. 'All I want is to be happy' said Agastya Sen. A statement which will strike a chord with may be the entire human race, has remained with me for so many years now, but like all of us I do not know if I will ever be able to figure out, that what exactly is going to make me truly and eternally happy.
How can happiness be a permanent state of mind? Calmness of mind seems to be directly linked to the state of hapiness. The word calm sounds so peaceful in its pronunciation. I can only imagine , what it will be like in real.
But who is seeking greatness here. This is an answer to the horde of thoughts that just keeps flooding the head..clearly a reflection of an untamed, undisciplined mind, that either does not know how to stay fixed on a particular thought or more importantly is not sure of what that thought is? May be this is the case with most of us. This uncertaininty..not being sure of what is needed is linked to the restlesness factor.
People who are committed to certain tasks in their lives, beyond work..do they ever feel the vacuum which has been bothering me? Could it just be the perusal of a particular task in a disciplined manner that could fill this vacuum? May be it could or may be it again is just a frivuolous question, which is a resultant of the restlessness or the uncertainity.
I am being cautious of the fact that I question each and every notion that is striking me, to ensure that may be it could be true that all of this is just crap and an outcome of....yes, not being sure, or simply put restless. 'All I want is to be happy' said Agastya Sen. A statement which will strike a chord with may be the entire human race, has remained with me for so many years now, but like all of us I do not know if I will ever be able to figure out, that what exactly is going to make me truly and eternally happy.
How can happiness be a permanent state of mind? Calmness of mind seems to be directly linked to the state of hapiness. The word calm sounds so peaceful in its pronunciation. I can only imagine , what it will be like in real.
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