26th January 1950 as is widely all known marked the birth if the Republic of india. It was this day that the constitution of India, the highest document that dictates the law of our country, was adopted.
This is not about the Constitution nor is it about how blatantly it is abused even today. It happens to be the day when the magic of 'Mile sur mera tumhara' was tried to be recreated. 15th August 1988 was the day when a song was introduced to the Indian people that caught the attention across the country. The sheer passion and spirit of integration that the song was invoked, brought the whole nation together in unbridled awe of a great compilation. Nearly 24 years later the song upholds its admiration with the people of this country.
Come 26th Jan 2010, when the Republic Of India crossed the 60-year mark, hell broke loose when today's 'Artists' felt they would do better justice to the song. They were ready with a similar composition on identical lines trying to better its preceder. 'Phir Mile Sur' is a brave effort. The mere thought of gigantic task had the nation looking at askance for what was on offer. But alas! It did not sound more melodious than a hundred farting asses move donkeys braying and even more bellies burping.
The holy gospel of history cannot be recreated did not quite reach the producers of this wayward act. The participants of this sham are blessed and have brought laurels and recognition to the nation but why waste it on something that has etched in public memory as rightly said not less than an anthem.
Singling out individual performances of this rot would mean the others have done commendable job. Amitabh Bachchan's voice when limited to "hi this is Radio Mirchi... keep listening to it." sounds good not for something as gloriously significant as this song. Most found it to be just the right platform to introduce their young ones to the world gifting them a slice of history, which alas does not seem possible.
The pounding continues of 15 long minutes with all possible music genres. A bit of hip-hop here, a rap there and one mix for dandiya nights too. And the sporting heroes get a fleeting glimpse while the likes of Shankar Mahadevan and Sonu Nigam who rarely get to face the camera trade their acting skills for what seems like hours.
The song is worth watching only for Anouskha Shankar and she can play with the sitar too :) About the rest, the less said the better. 'Phir Mile Sur' almost makes one wish if this is what the fate of the original would be 22 years later, it better not have been made.
P.S Thanks Tushar for helping me out.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
HD TV
For all those who thought HD Deve Gowda is a dour and rather boring statesman considering what he has done when he was the Prime Minister of India, he showcased his resplendent side when asked for insights on what he was protesting against, a week ago.
Reporter: Good morning sir
HD: Yeddyurappa is a #$%%^$#
Reporter: Sir, what are you here for?
HD: Yeddyurappa $%#$%%*@
Reporter: What a pleasant morning sir!
HD: $%#$%%*@ Yeddyurappa
The colourful ex-PM could hardly keep his emotions in check that fateful day. The farmers whom he was protesting with against farm land being acquired for industry and infrastructure purposes., must have been pleasantly surprised with his command over the language. His son, another ex (CM) quickly got into damage-control mode and came up with the freshest alibi "he was misquoted". And so the reporters went back to quote him correctly.
So many 'Exs' in the family is sure to drive the 'head' crazy.
Reporter: Sir do you think you were misquoted?
HD: Yeddyurappa $%#$%%*@
Reporter: This was how it was quoted.
HD: you are a $%#$%%*@
.....and it continues.
The apologies later notwithstanding, the expressions itself are sure to make a lasting impression about the ex-PM. It remains to be seen now how Mr. HD is able to redeem himself from washing his linen in full view of the public.
Tongue- lashing is acceptable so long as one can come up with "I was misquoted. I am extremely sorry if my words have hurt anybody's sentiments. It was unintentional". HD's dreadful outburst is probably a result of the rug slipping much before its due date when he was the PM(not even a year). The poor man deserves empathy if anything for only he knows what has resided inside him for the last 13 years. The world got a glimpse of the larva moulded in Kannada that fateful day.
Shashi Tharoor has set a precedent for everyone vulnerable to such public mockery. 'I never said it, I am being quoted out of context, how can the press be so irresponsible?and the best is 'It as an attempt to vilify me by my detractors' one more suited to HD than Tharoor.
HD TV is full of life if one has the appetite for the right humour because Deve Gowda is just as exciting even when he is asleep(during swearing in, that is).
HD's dimwittedness is actually a ray of hope for everyone who thinks showing one's prowess in 'creating' profanities is a sheer waste of time. Who knows the next PM could well be the one whose battering abusals at you right now for being rubbed the wrong way.
Reporter: Good morning sir
HD: Yeddyurappa is a #$%%^$#
Reporter: Sir, what are you here for?
HD: Yeddyurappa $%#$%%*@
Reporter: What a pleasant morning sir!
HD: $%#$%%*@ Yeddyurappa
The colourful ex-PM could hardly keep his emotions in check that fateful day. The farmers whom he was protesting with against farm land being acquired for industry and infrastructure purposes., must have been pleasantly surprised with his command over the language. His son, another ex (CM) quickly got into damage-control mode and came up with the freshest alibi "he was misquoted". And so the reporters went back to quote him correctly.
So many 'Exs' in the family is sure to drive the 'head' crazy.
Reporter: Sir do you think you were misquoted?
HD: Yeddyurappa $%#$%%*@
Reporter: This was how it was quoted.
HD: you are a $%#$%%*@
.....and it continues.
The apologies later notwithstanding, the expressions itself are sure to make a lasting impression about the ex-PM. It remains to be seen now how Mr. HD is able to redeem himself from washing his linen in full view of the public.
Tongue- lashing is acceptable so long as one can come up with "I was misquoted. I am extremely sorry if my words have hurt anybody's sentiments. It was unintentional". HD's dreadful outburst is probably a result of the rug slipping much before its due date when he was the PM(not even a year). The poor man deserves empathy if anything for only he knows what has resided inside him for the last 13 years. The world got a glimpse of the larva moulded in Kannada that fateful day.
Shashi Tharoor has set a precedent for everyone vulnerable to such public mockery. 'I never said it, I am being quoted out of context, how can the press be so irresponsible?and the best is 'It as an attempt to vilify me by my detractors' one more suited to HD than Tharoor.
HD TV is full of life if one has the appetite for the right humour because Deve Gowda is just as exciting even when he is asleep(during swearing in, that is).
HD's dimwittedness is actually a ray of hope for everyone who thinks showing one's prowess in 'creating' profanities is a sheer waste of time. Who knows the next PM could well be the one whose battering abusals at you right now for being rubbed the wrong way.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Fourth Estate
A joint statement on terrorism by the Prime Minister invites as much flak as admiration of an initiative of a peace process by the Times of India. In both cases the other contributor being the 'bitter' enemy Pakistan. It took all of investigative journalism to 'unearth' the mystery of the Shopian murders in Kashmir. Though both cases seem different in context, each reflects the growing influence of media,both print and visual. One in prodding the government machinery into swift action and the other to lead public opinion.
Media today has emerged into a more proactive role. It does not limit itself to mere reporting of facts and statements. Today, it has taken upon itself the mantle of the political watchdog and claims itself to be the voice of the unheard.
Gone are the days when the old lady on DD said anything barely understood unless listened with intent and an even older gentleman giving the weather report. It is time now for the glamorous newsreader, read anchor, freshly out of a journalism school who can make anyone say what she wants them to , to creates some excitement in the dour lives of the viewers and what the 'experts' have to say on such a matter.
Gone are the days when the newspapers stated nothing except what the Prime Minister said about the reply of the Finance Minister to an issue raised by the MP of Tinsukhia for procuring more guns to counter who knows whom. It is more 'saucy' now with the likes of Shobha De and her columns on how to lead life. Entertaining news is the new order. Else who would be interested in what Shah Rukh Khan has named his dog or how many the Tiger managed
to tame in bed.
The unofficial fourth arm of the government is seldom subject to criticism, much less to ridicule to the content of 'news' that is on air and in print. It has come to be the omnipotent power that can raise to celestial heights or grind to dust careers. SPS Rathore can ill afford a smile even in the comfort of his home let alone in front of the camera. Such has been the impact of the 'media trail'. It remains unchallenged in its reach and ability to mould public opinion. This might invariably lead to the proverbial ‘fabrication’ of news.
The media stands unbridled in its unity. A slip reprimanding the press for an invasion more than necessary is bound to invoke the ire of the entire media community. The protest condemning such 'inhuman' act makes one seek a dip in Ganga to wash him of this sacrilege.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra would second that. Careers built over years and decades of sweat, blood and tears fall off from the people’s grace were it for the whims and caprices of the media. The likes of Tiger Woods would vouch for it.
Our Prime Minister was at the receiving end of all public rebuke when he embarked on a joint statement condemning terrorism with his Pakistani counterpart (Sharm-el-Sheikh) . This , at a time when the wounds of 26/11 were still fresh in the minds of the public. And he 'deservedly' got a rap for exhibiting such 'bravado'. But when the print media initiates a regional peace initiative through cultural, art and philosophical exchange programs it draws applause from all corners.
The free hand of the media needs a rein of control, not an official one for, to impinge upon the 'freedom' of press would to be nothing short of blasphemy and it also goes against our principles and not to mention the hue and cry it is bound to raise and the call of the loom of another emergency. The control needs to be more from the very people who 'consume'
what it churns out. This kind of press can then rightfully stake its claim to the mantle it prides in, else it would be reduced to another source of entertainment dished out to people the way they want it than moulding opinions towrds the better.
Media today has emerged into a more proactive role. It does not limit itself to mere reporting of facts and statements. Today, it has taken upon itself the mantle of the political watchdog and claims itself to be the voice of the unheard.
Gone are the days when the old lady on DD said anything barely understood unless listened with intent and an even older gentleman giving the weather report. It is time now for the glamorous newsreader, read anchor, freshly out of a journalism school who can make anyone say what she wants them to , to creates some excitement in the dour lives of the viewers and what the 'experts' have to say on such a matter.
Gone are the days when the newspapers stated nothing except what the Prime Minister said about the reply of the Finance Minister to an issue raised by the MP of Tinsukhia for procuring more guns to counter who knows whom. It is more 'saucy' now with the likes of Shobha De and her columns on how to lead life. Entertaining news is the new order. Else who would be interested in what Shah Rukh Khan has named his dog or how many the Tiger managed
to tame in bed.
The unofficial fourth arm of the government is seldom subject to criticism, much less to ridicule to the content of 'news' that is on air and in print. It has come to be the omnipotent power that can raise to celestial heights or grind to dust careers. SPS Rathore can ill afford a smile even in the comfort of his home let alone in front of the camera. Such has been the impact of the 'media trail'. It remains unchallenged in its reach and ability to mould public opinion. This might invariably lead to the proverbial ‘fabrication’ of news.
The media stands unbridled in its unity. A slip reprimanding the press for an invasion more than necessary is bound to invoke the ire of the entire media community. The protest condemning such 'inhuman' act makes one seek a dip in Ganga to wash him of this sacrilege.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra would second that. Careers built over years and decades of sweat, blood and tears fall off from the people’s grace were it for the whims and caprices of the media. The likes of Tiger Woods would vouch for it.
Our Prime Minister was at the receiving end of all public rebuke when he embarked on a joint statement condemning terrorism with his Pakistani counterpart (Sharm-el-Sheikh) . This , at a time when the wounds of 26/11 were still fresh in the minds of the public. And he 'deservedly' got a rap for exhibiting such 'bravado'. But when the print media initiates a regional peace initiative through cultural, art and philosophical exchange programs it draws applause from all corners.
The free hand of the media needs a rein of control, not an official one for, to impinge upon the 'freedom' of press would to be nothing short of blasphemy and it also goes against our principles and not to mention the hue and cry it is bound to raise and the call of the loom of another emergency. The control needs to be more from the very people who 'consume'
what it churns out. This kind of press can then rightfully stake its claim to the mantle it prides in, else it would be reduced to another source of entertainment dished out to people the way they want it than moulding opinions towrds the better.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Of reflections and predictions
The last week of December invariably brings with it the indefatigable urge to reflect on the glorious past and predict the uncertain future. To add to the bursting excitement, this year is the turn of the decade too. 10 years of glory or the lack of it finds acres of space in televison, newspapers and every inch of space that can find an interested audience. It is that time of the year when no one is in the 'present'. It is either pondering over the past or predicting the future.
The past is a shrewd teacher, for nothing is better understood than something learnt the hard way. What better teacher than experience itself! The month of December is more blessed in this regard than its lesser endowed cousins for this is the time generally devoted to reflection, ponderings and deep contemplation. The act of contempaltion if taken up with the right rigour and more often could probably end up being more beneficial. Events of relevance crop up according to their chronological order by the month. News reports dusted, dumped and fading into the oblivion suddenly get leverage unforeseen till after sometime after they made 'sensational' headlines. As the decade draws to an end there are questions of the events, personalities, places that had a significant impact. Is Phelps a better swimmer or Bolt a better Olympian? Should Zidane have head-butted Matterazzi or let his inflamed sentiments dour for his nation? And everyone has an opinion of renewed vigour on every inanity.
The greatest achievemnet for the year undoubtedly must be the Copenhagen summit. The initiative to bring the entierity of mankind in unison against a common evil ought to deserve an appauld. The proceedings of the meet though left a lot to be desired but there still recides a hope to see us being polarised in the right manner purposefully different from petty partisan leanings.
They say thinking about the future cannot change your past, it can only ruin your present. But when we are blessed to share an era with the greatest numerologistis, its nothing short of a crime to let the opportunity go by to have a 'glance in advance'. Most are busy deciphering what 2010 adds up to and what it has in store for the bebefit of each one of us, of course for a paltry price. The stars are about to change and are to take an entirely new course, only a fool would ignore the celestial call and to his own peril. If you are thinking its just the last column changing when you write a date, you are just blissfully ignorant of the signaficance of an auspicious ocurring. The Chinese with their calendar would vouch for it.
New year resolutions is one the greatest display of grit and determination that December witnesses. Unfotunately the novelty for most does not stand the test of time and 2nd jan sees a meek surrender of the resolute many. It is really painful when you have to wait for 364 more days to decide on what to take up next, resolutely. Just how long the new year be able to sustain its newness is remained to be seen.
But the best thing about the 'new' year is undoubtedly the reason it gives to party and rejoice! Faced with the plethora of problems that surround us in the growing complexity of life, the occasions are fast fading and the new year's eve gives it a fresh lease of life. Nothing gives more pleasure than to drink and dance away in the night and usher a change with a belief of having put up a year long's industrious efforts. It is earned afterall. This year due to an astonomical phenomena the eve is a 'blue' moon night. The sky has decided its time to conjure a blue moon on new year's eve. Partying and making merry once in a blue moon certainly does not harm anyone.
The 'new' year does have an aura with it that makes us all do the same. It is time to bid the now stale 2009 adieu and welcome the now new 2010 in the best way we possibly can. Drink, dance and making merry. Thats the best way to usher in something new than be involved in anything bland to the refined tastes.
Happy new year :)
The past is a shrewd teacher, for nothing is better understood than something learnt the hard way. What better teacher than experience itself! The month of December is more blessed in this regard than its lesser endowed cousins for this is the time generally devoted to reflection, ponderings and deep contemplation. The act of contempaltion if taken up with the right rigour and more often could probably end up being more beneficial. Events of relevance crop up according to their chronological order by the month. News reports dusted, dumped and fading into the oblivion suddenly get leverage unforeseen till after sometime after they made 'sensational' headlines. As the decade draws to an end there are questions of the events, personalities, places that had a significant impact. Is Phelps a better swimmer or Bolt a better Olympian? Should Zidane have head-butted Matterazzi or let his inflamed sentiments dour for his nation? And everyone has an opinion of renewed vigour on every inanity.
The greatest achievemnet for the year undoubtedly must be the Copenhagen summit. The initiative to bring the entierity of mankind in unison against a common evil ought to deserve an appauld. The proceedings of the meet though left a lot to be desired but there still recides a hope to see us being polarised in the right manner purposefully different from petty partisan leanings.
They say thinking about the future cannot change your past, it can only ruin your present. But when we are blessed to share an era with the greatest numerologistis, its nothing short of a crime to let the opportunity go by to have a 'glance in advance'. Most are busy deciphering what 2010 adds up to and what it has in store for the bebefit of each one of us, of course for a paltry price. The stars are about to change and are to take an entirely new course, only a fool would ignore the celestial call and to his own peril. If you are thinking its just the last column changing when you write a date, you are just blissfully ignorant of the signaficance of an auspicious ocurring. The Chinese with their calendar would vouch for it.
New year resolutions is one the greatest display of grit and determination that December witnesses. Unfotunately the novelty for most does not stand the test of time and 2nd jan sees a meek surrender of the resolute many. It is really painful when you have to wait for 364 more days to decide on what to take up next, resolutely. Just how long the new year be able to sustain its newness is remained to be seen.
But the best thing about the 'new' year is undoubtedly the reason it gives to party and rejoice! Faced with the plethora of problems that surround us in the growing complexity of life, the occasions are fast fading and the new year's eve gives it a fresh lease of life. Nothing gives more pleasure than to drink and dance away in the night and usher a change with a belief of having put up a year long's industrious efforts. It is earned afterall. This year due to an astonomical phenomena the eve is a 'blue' moon night. The sky has decided its time to conjure a blue moon on new year's eve. Partying and making merry once in a blue moon certainly does not harm anyone.
The 'new' year does have an aura with it that makes us all do the same. It is time to bid the now stale 2009 adieu and welcome the now new 2010 in the best way we possibly can. Drink, dance and making merry. Thats the best way to usher in something new than be involved in anything bland to the refined tastes.
Happy new year :)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Food for thought
Pizza, burger everywhere not a morsel to eat. The growing 'boom' of the service indusrty is not without an influence on matters of choice of food of their paymasters!
The pleasure of a pizza and the lure of a burger accompanied by the atrocious prices of a normal balanced diet has resulted in desolate desperation of those who depend on the market for their basic necessity for subsistence, food.
The lull of an Indian thali seems deceptive for a simple wholesome diet which countryfolk make do throughtout their lives costs so dear now that one can think of relishing it only once in a lifetime. Fancy a Maharashtrian thali for 250/- or a buffet for 500!! More the price more upmarket and authentic is it made to sound and most end up cherishing it for a fleeting sense of nostalgia. "This is what my father ate when he was 13 and my grandmother made it with such skill!!" This is probably what you end up paying for what your father had for not more than 10 rupees and this rough estimate would be true after considering the inflation. Straight from grandma's kitchen causes the heart to melt. "Let me go back in time and see how it was then" is another of the cliched reasons for ending up at "Unlimited @ 500."
Good eating joints are few and far between. Most are hidden are from the privy eyes of their 'franchised' counterparts. Their cry in wilderness isl ost somewhere in the buzz of hovering flies all over. Fast food is here to stay. So long as there are deadlines are to be met it does not matter what you eat to keep the lifeline running. A quick bite of a subway subs is nothing less than elixir to a dying man seemingly in a hurry to meet his deadline.
Its not surprising to watch food which do nothing more than satiate your hunger sell more than the proverbial hotcakes. And it is notsurprising either to witness the declining health standards, specially amoung the urban crowd. Forking 100 rupees for a vada-pav kind ofsandwich with fancy vegetables put in garnished to suit an individuals taste which aniway seem all the same might seem outragoius to the thought but the urban herd has its own psyche and the subways of the world contnue to prosper. The peak hours makes the host wish he had more hands to make the 'subs'.
Places offering a Gujarati thali or a Maharashtrian thali or a South Indian meal which provided a complete package of entertainment and a value for money cuisine are breathing their last. Gone are the days when sethiji yelled young Raju "7 number saaf kar aur teen number pe 1 rice-plate laga." And the ganji clad cook dutifully obliged for he heard it directly from the saab. Its not too different now, Rocky has replaced Raju and instead of "kya chaiye" its "how may I help you sir". A svelte, smooth and sophisticated glorifed 'waiter' with a hundred thank yous is enough for making one pay 100 times more.
Money bring trouble with it they say. Even our 'aunty ka mess' is on life support now. Aunty herself has given in to the pressure of the 'outside' world. She has started dishing shit and charges exorbitantly for it. "Its no longer a mess beta, it's a haatel now. "You know na its the only authentic food in the city.
The Food and beverage industry is just the place if one has loads of money and no ideas on how to double it in not more than 30 days. A healthy investment in an upmarket place, a make-do cook and a scum who does not shy from a hundred thank yous and a million thank you and most importantly"why dont you try our....., today's special is......" is all it takes to divert one from the food itself. A recipe to get rich.
The rice plate is bleeding itself to death. The imposters are flooding the market. Raju is out on the streets, nobody would hire him without a degree. Its time to realise the virtues of a balanaced diet and revive the ancient meal. This would surely make even one's grandmother proud.
P.S Thank you Insen for suggesting a topic to write on :)
The pleasure of a pizza and the lure of a burger accompanied by the atrocious prices of a normal balanced diet has resulted in desolate desperation of those who depend on the market for their basic necessity for subsistence, food.
The lull of an Indian thali seems deceptive for a simple wholesome diet which countryfolk make do throughtout their lives costs so dear now that one can think of relishing it only once in a lifetime. Fancy a Maharashtrian thali for 250/- or a buffet for 500!! More the price more upmarket and authentic is it made to sound and most end up cherishing it for a fleeting sense of nostalgia. "This is what my father ate when he was 13 and my grandmother made it with such skill!!" This is probably what you end up paying for what your father had for not more than 10 rupees and this rough estimate would be true after considering the inflation. Straight from grandma's kitchen causes the heart to melt. "Let me go back in time and see how it was then" is another of the cliched reasons for ending up at "Unlimited @ 500."
Good eating joints are few and far between. Most are hidden are from the privy eyes of their 'franchised' counterparts. Their cry in wilderness isl ost somewhere in the buzz of hovering flies all over. Fast food is here to stay. So long as there are deadlines are to be met it does not matter what you eat to keep the lifeline running. A quick bite of a subway subs is nothing less than elixir to a dying man seemingly in a hurry to meet his deadline.
Its not surprising to watch food which do nothing more than satiate your hunger sell more than the proverbial hotcakes. And it is notsurprising either to witness the declining health standards, specially amoung the urban crowd. Forking 100 rupees for a vada-pav kind ofsandwich with fancy vegetables put in garnished to suit an individuals taste which aniway seem all the same might seem outragoius to the thought but the urban herd has its own psyche and the subways of the world contnue to prosper. The peak hours makes the host wish he had more hands to make the 'subs'.
Places offering a Gujarati thali or a Maharashtrian thali or a South Indian meal which provided a complete package of entertainment and a value for money cuisine are breathing their last. Gone are the days when sethiji yelled young Raju "7 number saaf kar aur teen number pe 1 rice-plate laga." And the ganji clad cook dutifully obliged for he heard it directly from the saab. Its not too different now, Rocky has replaced Raju and instead of "kya chaiye" its "how may I help you sir". A svelte, smooth and sophisticated glorifed 'waiter' with a hundred thank yous is enough for making one pay 100 times more.
Money bring trouble with it they say. Even our 'aunty ka mess' is on life support now. Aunty herself has given in to the pressure of the 'outside' world. She has started dishing shit and charges exorbitantly for it. "Its no longer a mess beta, it's a haatel now. "You know na its the only authentic food in the city.
The Food and beverage industry is just the place if one has loads of money and no ideas on how to double it in not more than 30 days. A healthy investment in an upmarket place, a make-do cook and a scum who does not shy from a hundred thank yous and a million thank you and most importantly"why dont you try our....., today's special is......" is all it takes to divert one from the food itself. A recipe to get rich.
The rice plate is bleeding itself to death. The imposters are flooding the market. Raju is out on the streets, nobody would hire him without a degree. Its time to realise the virtues of a balanaced diet and revive the ancient meal. This would surely make even one's grandmother proud.
P.S Thank you Insen for suggesting a topic to write on :)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Balkan state of India
Does more of state ensure development or more states lead to progress? A vehment demand for a seperate state of Telangana has cropped up in India and not for the first time since it was formally formed.
Our ambitious plans to become an economic superpower when the whole world is set to become one and show our might by shedding the ignominious tag of 'developing' country cannot see the light of day unless we set our house in order first.
The word 'seperate' has caught the fancy of all Indians alike. Maybe its time we realise we all are the same in being uniquely different. If every cultural identity, language and ethnic distinction warrants a state, there would be more states in India than the millions in Koda's bank account(this does not necessarily mean the rest of the politicians are God sent). This is all the more true in a country like ours where all these factors change in no more than 100 mts. But sadly, 'India' and its unity and a pride in being born here never finds mention in any of the vociforous demonstrations.
With the demand for a seperate state of Telangana causing tectonic shifts, the head that wears the crown of thorns has a real problem in his hand now and ignoring such a call is sure to spell the political doom of the powers to be. How is that for chossing the lesser of two evils?
And it is but a perfectly natural as human beings to cash in on every act of benevolence that is bestowed upon mankind. A circle of high intelligent men with immense capacity for thought are now demanding Andhra Pradesh itself be divided in 3s tates and Hyderabad be declared a union territory. Has Make hay when the sun shines ever been more true?
We proclaim 'unity in diversity' as an exclusive attribute of our country. We pride in being united inspite of the difference that seemingly divide us. Probably no country has ever seen more programmes on national integration. In this mellee of redrawing the state borders and more demanded from 5th class students in memorising the states and their capitals, where is 'India'?. The sad demise of Potti Sreeramulu and consequently Andhra Pradesh being granted the status of a state in India has set a dangerous precedent. Maybe a wrong message was sent. One can always have their way if one has the right muscle and the and the will and patience to fast oneself unto death for a cause, however ludicrious it might sound.The government in matters of grave importance needs to lead public opinion than trail its least common denominator.
Regionalism poses a potential threat to national integration and its time to stem the rot before it threatens to hinder our foray into the world, lest it sees us as tribal and primitive in our demands and be able to compete with the highly modernised on an equal footing.
'Balkanisation' seems a passe now. The number of times people of India have shown an intent to divide and divide further,Indianisation seems more suited to fit the the expression.
Our ambitious plans to become an economic superpower when the whole world is set to become one and show our might by shedding the ignominious tag of 'developing' country cannot see the light of day unless we set our house in order first.
The word 'seperate' has caught the fancy of all Indians alike. Maybe its time we realise we all are the same in being uniquely different. If every cultural identity, language and ethnic distinction warrants a state, there would be more states in India than the millions in Koda's bank account(this does not necessarily mean the rest of the politicians are God sent). This is all the more true in a country like ours where all these factors change in no more than 100 mts. But sadly, 'India' and its unity and a pride in being born here never finds mention in any of the vociforous demonstrations.
With the demand for a seperate state of Telangana causing tectonic shifts, the head that wears the crown of thorns has a real problem in his hand now and ignoring such a call is sure to spell the political doom of the powers to be. How is that for chossing the lesser of two evils?
And it is but a perfectly natural as human beings to cash in on every act of benevolence that is bestowed upon mankind. A circle of high intelligent men with immense capacity for thought are now demanding Andhra Pradesh itself be divided in 3s tates and Hyderabad be declared a union territory. Has Make hay when the sun shines ever been more true?
We proclaim 'unity in diversity' as an exclusive attribute of our country. We pride in being united inspite of the difference that seemingly divide us. Probably no country has ever seen more programmes on national integration. In this mellee of redrawing the state borders and more demanded from 5th class students in memorising the states and their capitals, where is 'India'?. The sad demise of Potti Sreeramulu and consequently Andhra Pradesh being granted the status of a state in India has set a dangerous precedent. Maybe a wrong message was sent. One can always have their way if one has the right muscle and the and the will and patience to fast oneself unto death for a cause, however ludicrious it might sound.The government in matters of grave importance needs to lead public opinion than trail its least common denominator.
Regionalism poses a potential threat to national integration and its time to stem the rot before it threatens to hinder our foray into the world, lest it sees us as tribal and primitive in our demands and be able to compete with the highly modernised on an equal footing.
'Balkanisation' seems a passe now. The number of times people of India have shown an intent to divide and divide further,Indianisation seems more suited to fit the the expression.
Monday, December 7, 2009
17 years later
It has been 17 years since secularism, one of the founding principles of our land, was smeared with an indelible scar and the wait to bring to book the hatchers of the conspiracy which shook one of the fundamental pillars of India continues with agony giving way to despair and now a complete hopelessness.
The Justice Liberhan Commission's findings though delayed and long drawn have been a bold step forward and at best could only act as another precedent but a deterrent to anyone with such vile intents? This should take some time getting an answer to, lest there is another commision set up to look into the findings of the Commision set up to report on the demolition of the Babri masjid.
Taslima Nasreen aptly depicted the plight of hindus in countries where they were in minority. That Sangh's ideology did not care about their fellow devotees from lands afar is another farce of their beliefs. This has led to a series of 'fundamentalist' tussels resulting in great lose of lives and national property. And the Sangh still blatant in their denial of any wrong doing, in fact claiming their demand to be in sync with 'modern' India with their outworn ideas, does cut out a sorry tale.
On the 6th of Decmeber the state of UP awoke to Hindu fundamentalism, a phenomena hitherto,associated with extreme Islamists. A havoc created, which has been proved now to be 'meticuluosly planned'. The rath yatra that led to a destruction of such magnitude that shook the entire country was led by 'leaders' who were to be donned with the impending responsibility of running the countryand fortunately the country has been saved of the ignominy of its continuance.
17 years on and we are not anywhere close to justice than where we had started from. The 'indicted' leaders are leading a cozy and luxurious preparing for a life post-retirement from active politics and at best a perhaps little miffed at not being at the party's helm till now. Now that they have been away from the public eye, their antics in Ayodhya have perhaps faded in the long list of undoings that have happened in the more recent past. Lets hope law does have long memory and the acts that make a mockery of what our country's principles are appropriately punished.
Justice delayed is justice denied is probably the oldest juducial cliche. Let this not be delayed further else people would lose faith in law being the paragon 'leveler' and the guardian of our constitution.
The Justice Liberhan Commission's findings though delayed and long drawn have been a bold step forward and at best could only act as another precedent but a deterrent to anyone with such vile intents? This should take some time getting an answer to, lest there is another commision set up to look into the findings of the Commision set up to report on the demolition of the Babri masjid.
Taslima Nasreen aptly depicted the plight of hindus in countries where they were in minority. That Sangh's ideology did not care about their fellow devotees from lands afar is another farce of their beliefs. This has led to a series of 'fundamentalist' tussels resulting in great lose of lives and national property. And the Sangh still blatant in their denial of any wrong doing, in fact claiming their demand to be in sync with 'modern' India with their outworn ideas, does cut out a sorry tale.
On the 6th of Decmeber the state of UP awoke to Hindu fundamentalism, a phenomena hitherto,associated with extreme Islamists. A havoc created, which has been proved now to be 'meticuluosly planned'. The rath yatra that led to a destruction of such magnitude that shook the entire country was led by 'leaders' who were to be donned with the impending responsibility of running the countryand fortunately the country has been saved of the ignominy of its continuance.
17 years on and we are not anywhere close to justice than where we had started from. The 'indicted' leaders are leading a cozy and luxurious preparing for a life post-retirement from active politics and at best a perhaps little miffed at not being at the party's helm till now. Now that they have been away from the public eye, their antics in Ayodhya have perhaps faded in the long list of undoings that have happened in the more recent past. Lets hope law does have long memory and the acts that make a mockery of what our country's principles are appropriately punished.
Justice delayed is justice denied is probably the oldest juducial cliche. Let this not be delayed further else people would lose faith in law being the paragon 'leveler' and the guardian of our constitution.
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