No strings attached

Scandinavian countries are top ranked for the liberty of women, not the US. India occupies a place somewhere in the end.
Despite being poorest of the poor, Cuba still fights the USA(not technically). It raises its voice against the USA. Cuba has consistently achieved 90+ percent education since its revolution. The medals it has won per Cuban exceeds that of the USA. One family gets only one soap per month for usage in Cuba. Fidel Castro has escaped death waged by the CIA for as many as 60 odd times, which includes poisoning his cigar, incorporating machine guns in the cameras, and also through Castro's shoes! During the much celebrated Cuban carnival, food crops in fields were poisoned. Children above 7 years do not get milk because of lack of money in treasury. People do not use vehicles because the country cannot afford fuel. It is amazing, that every citizen in this nation has contributed for the revolution. Cuban sports persons are discouraged by the US by denying them visa for participation in events. Clinton rubs off Castro during an International meet's dinner, during his reign. When the Vajpeyee government sent a ship filled with wheat, Fidel Castro received it at the harbor with "Thanks to India, I will feed my people with good quality bread for a week". The US awaits the death of Castro, like China awaits death of The Dalai Lama. Inspite of being such a small country and a struggling one, it fights sternly with dignity against the odds of its neighboring country just 90 miles away. And we, inspite of having the second largest army and rich human resource, nod for others' puppet hands. (I am not favoring a war here)

Daniel Ellsberg, after witnessing the horror during his Vietnam deployment brought out the "Pentagon papers" back in the 1969 which shocked the world and US citizens for the language used by the then President Richard Nixon regarding the Vietnam war. Nixon stepped down soon after, fearing his dismissal from office. In a conversation with an unrelenting army official, he states "You have to think big!" for dropping nuclear bombs during the Vietnam War, which thankfully didn't happen. 2 million Vietnamese and 58,000 American soldiers were killed. Hiroshima, Nagasaaki were devastated by US during World War. How could a decision of dropping a "Fat man" seeing the aftermath of the "Little boy" be made by a "Human Welfare and rights - fighting nation"?!

Newspapers and Media find it hard to cope with the increasing expenses they have to spare for the correspondents to be posted at various locations. They get the news for one-third the prices they have to otherwise shell-out directly from the sources- yeah, mostly manipulated ones. So, the news around the world are far from the facts. In fact, the top newspapers in the USA are claimed to work based on the governmental instructions (it doesn't happen in India alone!) This incident happened back when Hillary Clinton was the first lady. At some women rights meet held in China, Mrs. Clinton faced protests and despise in the form of Human chains from the audience after her arrival. The newspapers around the world described her arrival as a glorifying moment for the program! The Indian lady delegate present at the same program records what she factually witnessed on the day. This is the fate of authenticity of the media.

And the latest - Afghan war Wikileaks.

I have no disrespect for the American citizens. I have much heard that they are peace-loving. It is the government. And without scrupulous inspection of all the atrocities one nation forces over every other affair of the world, (for example, what was the necessity for Mrs.Clinton to be present when Pakistan and Afghanistan signed an agreement?! Was she bearing a witness? It is their job, why not just leave them alone!) we, Indians, have lost the war of finding our true selves. There are umpteen number of things to be learnt from so many nations! Like the Latin American ones, who fight and not show cowardice! I only hope more number of people deviate their attention from an attention-seeking nation and "LOOK" and introspect and give importance to what actually needs importance.

After learning more about Cuba, I think it stands as a role model for the rest of the third-world countries. There is a saying in kannada that the thoughts of philanthropic deeds you do from right hand, shouldn't even reach the left hand. That is called selfless service, which the Cuban citizens do for their motherland. No strings attached.

For all the followers of the West; and the casual followers of anything under the sun without close examination, below is a "Monkey see, Monkey do, Monkey remember" article :

There’s an experiment attributed to Harry Harlow. Five monkeys are placed in a cage, with a ladder and a banana hanging from the ceiling. Whenever a monkey climbs the ladder to grab the banana, all monkeys are sprayed with ice cold water. After a few times, monkeys know better and nobody tries climbing the ladder.

Then, one monkey is replaced. The new arrival wants to get the banana, but as soon as he climbs the ladder, the other four start beating him – they want to stay warm and dry. After a few attempts, the new monkey conforms to the group and stays down. Then, another monkey is replaced and the story repeats itself – when the monkey that was never sprayed with cold water joins the other three. And so on until there is no monkey left who was sprayed with cold water, but still the new arrival gets beaten when he tries to climb the ladder.

Now, the decision was made by team members long gone. There’s nobody on the current team who made the decision, and nobody knows why the decision was made. It just gets passed to the new team members, with no questions asked. It may have been a good decision when it was made, and it may still be a good decision now.

But if you ask “why are we doing this” and the only answer is “the decision was made before we got here”, form your own opinion and don’t be afraid to question the status quo.

Chinese Drag-on

2500 years ago, little did Gautama Buddha realize that his preaching would be a topic of ridicule by a power craving nation. That his high-held prayer abode would be a dump-yard of nuclear waste. The “Roof of the world”, whose main principles stood on non-violence, peaceful co-existence not only amongst human beings, but with all living entities, would be a super-power’s military base. Out of billions of people who exist in this world, when a several lakhs of people beg for help and dignity, was it not the moral responsibility of every religion, humanity or nation who boast of their invincible strength to pay atleast a listener’s ears? It is a shame that Tibet had to go through all the suffering it has gone through – probably the worst genocide in Asia – EVER! China – I was wrong about communism. With some superficial knowledge on the way it developed into what it is today in economic, military and industrial fields, I let go its social and civic ethics. No doubt with its Communism it is its own king. But in the end, for what joy? Are the Chinese citizens at peace? In the name of “People’s Liberation”, the crime it has committed is immense - be it Tibet or Tiananmen Square. Moreover, its shameless attempts to blame the suffering party for all of its atrocities, on baseless grounds, with an obvious fact that it is itself that is the culprit, makes it all the more eviler. What does any nation in the end achieve by this? Generations come. Generations go. Government comes. Government goes. The purpose behind the existence of the whole system called government is to have a good infrastructure, provide necessary way to have an organized social life. Development – what are we developing for? -To reach an ideal state. What is its end result? - Human comfort. From micro-technology, we have reached nanotechnology. But there definitely has to be an end to this somewhere! All the development - it is to bring the necessary changes that benefit the society. Like what Emperor Ashoka or King Krishnadevaraya did and nearly attained a Ramaraajya.

China’s crooked ways have been unbound! May be it’s a readers’ and writers’ perspective. But, the injustice it has done (and continues to do) with Tibet (and its own people) is much beyond brutality. The holy Potala palace holds no natural colors it had at the start of this century. It is surrounded by Chinese night-clubs and prostitute homes! Atleast 12 lakh Tibetans have been murdered in the name of Cultural Revolution. Millions of trees have been uprooted causing a great deal of ecological imbalance. A lot of questions flood within me as I learned more about the cultural and moral exploitation of the Tibetan Civilization. Is there no judicial system in the world to inspect such genocides? Why is still China let to be a member of the UN, when it does not serve the guidelines of the UN? Why is the UN itself not taking a firm stand on resolving this issue even after China has been proven guilty in the human rights strand? Tibet was the buffer nation that held three Asian giants – India, China and Russia within their boundaries. India should have realized the threat it was bound to face when a country whose main purpose is land-expansion gulped up a subtle, unarmed friend.

There is an inspirational anecdote from the life of Swami Vivekananda. Once, Swami Vivekananda was coming from a temple in Varanasi, when a chattering group of monkeys surrounded him with a menacing tone and threatening look. Panic stricken, he began to run, the monkeys chased him. A sage who was watching all this, asked him to stop and face the monkeys sternly. He did so. It was now the monkeys’ turn to panic. They fled. “If you ever feel afraid of anything, always turn round and face it. Never think of running away” – Vivekananda. India used the term “LoC” instead of “McMohan Line” in every public gathering and talks with Chinese envoy – definitely what the Chinese wanted. When miles and miles of Indian land were acquired by it, Indian PM described it to be “just a piece of barren land, filled with pebbles and stones!!” and that “It would have not done any good to India!” These words will fill any patriotic Indian with wrath! Motherland can’t be prioritized to be barren land or fertile land and let another person acquire the barren land! When China included Arunachal Pradesh to be its possession in its maps in 1980s, no explanation was demanded! When it republished its maps in 2004, with Arunachal Pradesh to be a state of India, it “thanked” China for giving it back!! Yes, there is no harm in extending a warm and friendly gesture, which India did. In spite of doing it repeatedly, when a hostile response is got, it should stand for its honor and dignity. It should have foresightedness that, it will be under attack too, sooner or later.

By offering generous warmth to The Dalai Lama, Tibetan government in exile and thousands of followers, India has proved that it looks up to humanity and morale. It still holds dharma to be the blood running in its veins of valleys and basins across its land. Athiti devo Bhava! It has time and again proved that the guests are given all amenities and are put at comfort first. Probably an end to all this can be put only with a revolution for free-will within China ignited by Chinese themselves. I hope the Tibetan culture holds on to the dismantling string till that D-day. Else, another rich heritage will disappear into the thin air by merging with other cultures.

Twisted forever

A politician's profession is just another profession. In any profession, when it comes to handling one's duty, the best is delivered and justice done to the job if no emotions come attached as strings to the post one holds. When he/she emotes in profession, it leads to personal prejudices, especially in politics. Evidently, we have all seen on television the maaramaari happening in the parliament sessions. When do we behave in a similar way? Sometimes within our family, within the four walls and with our dear ones; also, one takes to violence (say something like throwing the central government's chairs at opposition parties)when one is extremely angry, seething to revolt and take revenge etc. - which is as good as an animal's behavior. Outrageous! A few months back there was an article by Pratap Simha in a kannada paper on the language used by our politicians (Indians to be specific). A brilliant article! It would have been nice if a copy of that column was posted to every politician in state - Just as a reminder. (But yeah! like it would make a difference to them!)

The most frequently appearing space in kannada news is on "Opposition demands the resignation of the Chief Minister". Why? Because he stumbled on a stone?! Lets go to basic rule of resistance. Why opposition and criticism? - Results when what we think is right is not being done by the one who is actually supposed to be doing it(one with the POWER in hands). And it is not supposed to result in public and press meets just for the sake of doing it and with an intention to snatch the POWER! (Our politicians never give up on this! Every opportunity is well used). As Winston Churchill quoted “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” Criticism should always be healthy in nature and a thoughtful one; a step towards rejuvenating the system by pulling out the drawbacks. It should be such that the one facing criticism provokes within him the same thoughts and inspires himself to turn those thoughts into actions. What we see in the Karnataka government is nowhere close to these simple rules of criticism. Criticism for them is mere opposition. Opposition offered to root out the rulers. Verbally, it is called abusing. Abusing too is not the word. Vulgarity? Nope! I do not know what it can be called. In democracy, the role of the opposition party should be as a supporting entity; joining hands with the ruling government to attain the set goals in a stipulated period of time. Showing them and reminding them of their promises if they deflect from the actual path to be followed. Providing feedback, alternate solutions, plans, policies. Utilize the time for the betterment of their own party, so that they can achieve better than the present government in future. It plays a significant role in democracy and in many ways. What we see instead is a 24X7 attempt by the opposition to crush the ruling party; spy on their moves; create havoc in sensitive situations through the party workers to degenerate the ruling party's thoda bahut bacha hua reputation(remember when Dr. Raj Kumar was kidnapped or similar situation?). But, all of the available time is spent to bring out mistakes in every other move of the ruling party. Sheer waste of time!

With the instance of BSY shedding tears at every criticism he faces in picture -
It would be great if he takes it as a challenge and proves the critics wrong. Nobody is here to sympathize him or get carried away by sentiments. Because almost none of his subjects share a personal relationship with him. Do your duty, gain trust. Deliver your promises, get respect. Anyway, with the suo motto powers debate and the resignation of the Lokayuktha officer(to the exact point of 2 years "celebration" - it simply shows), I think it all reduces to "politics". Be it BJP or Congress or JDS! They all belong to the same class. The class of politicians, until death parts them. All these days I used to repent not casting my vote. It is the duty of every responsible citizen to cast his/her vote. And I was kind of ashamed that I had not. But, for the first time I did not feel bad for holding back my vote.

The city of Pondicherry

The year was 2008. And it was our(4 friends') first cross-border (state) venture. And it was Tamil Nadu. With our base station as Chennai, we had one day to discover Pondicherry. I was more keen on looking at it as a former french colony, and kept my eyes open to look for the influence they had left back.
In front of one such building:

Driven by these intentions and concluding that the best way to accomplish them would be to wander on its streets, we hired bicycles from a local cycle shop. And I was right! There was no better way it could have been done, with the time-factor ticking away. The good old buildings and amazing architecture urged us to lock the images within us - eternally.

Pondicherry - with a perfect blend of Old Tamil traditions, disciplined city structure and a spicy French touch provided a good day off. If you are the kind who likes French cuisines, you can probably relax and spend time at one of the French cafes there. And not to forget the famous Aurobindo ashram, which was founded by Sir Aurobindo Ghosh. The ashram has a good collection of books as well.

The best part of the times I'd spent here would definitely be
> cycling on the streets - with aged architectural splendors surrounding our ride; old governmental buildings, specifically French ones.
> admiring the immensity of the ocean, which by the way appears all of a sudden, out of nowhere in the city of Pondicherry.. like a door opening to salvation!

2 purposes - caught!

"I shed my inhi­bi­tions, my fears, I trav­eled light. I traded my stock options for a lonely planet, my cell phone for a com­pass. My brief­case for a back­pack. I took off. I wan­dered in the com­pany of tourists, rev­el­ers & a gui­tar as old as me. I learned that peo­ple are good. Strangers are fas­ci­nat­ing. And that every jour­ney reveals another. I’ve lost track of time. And per­haps my job, my apart­ment & my fiance. But I have my com­pass & I know its point­ing me in the right direction "
- Found this quote on one of my favorite sites by Anita Bora.

Khuda ka raasta khula hai! May be this is what it means to just hit the road. And MOVE. Simply MOVE, meet new culture, be one amongst them, learn and explore. Appreciate and admire at creation and the manipulation of these creations. Take an unknown road, a bus or a rail whose destination is strange. Stop, drop and mingle. For, the best is felt and learnt when one mingles; living fully and by becoming one with his/her environment.. like the inseparable fragrance in the flower; the colors in paint. Ultimately, colors bloom in nature. So, does a human being. This alone gives the best experiences in life and once into the world, nothing is to be left unexplored. Because you wouldn't want to repent when you reach 60 years' milestone. "Into the wild" as Christopher McCandless in the name of Alexander Supertramp experimented with the Alaskan wilderness. Everything else is hottegaagi, genu battegaagi (which of course is important). But, the ultimate purpose of life would be to never stop exploring what it holds in it's navel. Desha sutthu, kosha oodhu. In my experience gained in years, I have found these two alone to be the prime purpose of life. The rest can rest! - i.e., On a broader perspective!

Another travel account

Bylakuppe

It’s a mini Tibet out there. Monks of age as small as 6-7 years can be found. The monastery is also a home for aged monks. This is one of the regions provided as shelter to the fleeing Tibetans. The Namdroling Monastery. Neatly maintained, you feel like you are in Tibet (minus the Himalayan ranges). When we arrived at the place, pleasant sounding prayers were in full swing, with monks chanting. Also, all of them equally astonished to look at us (– the visitors) as we were to look at them!

Many parts of the temple is built by gold, for which it is known as The Golden Temple – includes a massive statue of The Buddha and 6 other monks. The walls of the monastery are filled with beautiful and colorful paintings mostly depicting the life and stories of The Buddha. I tried to look around to find someone to get an explanation. But could not. Their dedication is worth an appreciation when it comes to preserving and propagating the teachings of Buddha to followers.

Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta

It was surprising to feel a sudden decline in temperature as we moved up the Gopalaswamy hill, which is located near Gundlipete in Chamarajanagar district. It is the home of Lord Gopalaswamy (do observe the idol - is very divine and different, full of life). Water trickles down at the entrance of the garbha gudi for which it is prefixed “Himavad”, it is worshiped as the holy water. On one side of the hill, you find plain land and villages and the other side with mountains resembling the tea plantations of Munnar, with sun rays piercing the clouds onto the hills.

Talacauvery
Located in Brahmagiri, it is the place where River Cauvery (worshipped as a goddess - Lopamudre) takes birth. Talacauvery is a neatly maintained religious and tourist spot.

With the bit of gyan obtained from the pujaari – “Lopamudre was the wife of Agasthya muni. Like all sages, he set out on journeys for Loka-kalyana, with a nirbandhana on Lopamudre that she should stay at Brahmagiri. And somehow, with time, she decides to move forward and does. People around in Brahmagiri plead her to stop. So, during this time between her start of flow and stop by the local people, it is not known where she flows or how she flows – and is thus known to flow as Guptagaamini. After a distance, Cauvery reappears in Bhagamandala”. There is a small temple of Agasthya muni within the premises of River Cauvery’s origin.
Brahmagiri amidst the clouds holds with it, a breath-taking scenic view and it gave me a second chance to be a part of the clouds! Bhagamandala has a temple of Lord Bhagamandaleshwara. Temple's architecture is influenced by Tibetan style. “Triveni Sanagama” – the sangama of rivers Cauvery, Kannika and Sujothi can also be seen here. It was all dried up with very less water.

Kodagu

Well, what can I say about this part of the world! Words can’t describe and colors can’t paint! The smallest district in Karnataka, but tremendously huge in beauty - with misty mornings and drizzles at least once per day! There is no particular place that I can describe, but the city of Madikeri was not very impressive. It is the surrounding towns that catch you. One aspect to look out for – the towns and its people close the day as early as 8 – 9 pm (you will not find a single shop open, nor a house that has burning lights). Each patch of land is beautiful and green with coffee estates. Those who are passionate about driving (and don’t mind the road curves) will have a great time here. Just start your engine and move – anywhere! Reward – Fresh air and nature’s best looks!
If you get a chance, you can visit the neatly maintained estates. The place gives a hard time for school-going children who live here. They commute everyday on foot to attend schools and colleges.
A great break from the city’s buzzing life; I missed it for almost a week. Coorg holds my hometown (though this was only my second visit in life till date) and that makes me a proud Coorgi! (not those native Kodavas)

One Love

China (also the rest of the eastern countries) amazes me. I have literally fallen in love with this nation and its ways. The name “China” has Indian origin (from Sanskrit Cheena). I wholeheartedly wish India and China get together and form what has been known as Chindia lately. It will be the dawn of a super power. Both nations show tremendous growth in economy (though India is way behind China) and the recent President’s visit seems to have set a new start in the bilateral relations. May be things could have been sorted out with much care immediately after Independence. Nehru’s lack of introspection when it came to political diplomacy, appointment of his kin Krishna Menon, who triumphed at the same, ruined a possible chance to avoid enmity. Tibet and Dalai Lama only formed one of the inevitable causes for deteriorating the relations further. It will forever hurt that the then President, Nehru was so complacent when it came to handling a frenzied situation, put a regiment at stake with a neighboring country, with his mind lost in visiting (rather touring) countries across the world (while his own lay burning). He paid no heed to the compromising conditions (which was supposed to be a reasonable deal) put forth by the Chinese (in an attempt from their side to save further destruction caused by war), and he openly declared to “teach China a lesson” (Haha!) with seldom knowledge of the inadequacies faced by his own army! I can’t recall the numbers accurately; in the final encounter, each Indian soldier (with tattered clothes, famished because of lack of appetite, eye sight blurred because of a false promise from the government to provide them with sunglasses for protection against the harsh sunlight reflections in ice-capped mountains) had to fight several (5 I think, not sure) fresh, energetic, well-equipped, brisk Chinese soldiers. The end of a once glorious troop with its brigadier captured and taken to China. I would suggest the book Himalayan Blunder. The author (brigadier) describes that there is no humiliation for a soldier greater than being captured alive, set free in his home country after term served, and then being a target for the doubts and questions raised on his patriotism by his own country – which he had to go through. The book awakens and provokes every emotion present in you. The plight of Indian soldiers – no matter how much I describe here, I’ll hugely fall short from conveying its intensity.

“Not everything from the west is good” - was the remark that my Chinese born-brought up in Canada-USA citizen-visiting India boss put in front of our team when we were discussing some social issue. I’d say, nothing from the west is good! (not referring to South America) One of the worst feelings (or the best - depends) for a person is when he does not want to be himself anymore - which is the driving factor for him to change. Change is the rule of life - change in persona, an individual human being or the change/evolution seen in a set of people-forming a civilization - as I have elaborated in my previous post. We do live in a civilized society. But present Indian way of living – I do not understand. Is it some kind of a hybrid model of the Eastern world meeting the western world leading to a renewal and replacement of our good old traditions and customs? If yes, why the change? Or, is it that the customs and our way of life have been forgotten because we do not have enough time to ponder over it? Why do we think the west is good? (When I say “we”, I mean the changing lot of us, the changing aspects and who think the west is the best) I am referring it to be thought of as being “good” by us, because, you wouldn’t change or favor it, had it not been good. Or, is it because our way of living was “not so good”? (Phew! I am complicating it!)

The North American continent (which forms the prominent part of the” West”) - have we noticed has no age-old civilization of their own? A bunch of European people followed Christopher Columbus’s discovery –English, Dutch, French, Spanish and so on formed colonies and it is their descendants that form “The West” now. The very first line in wiki on American History -“The first residents of what is now the United States emigrated from Asia over 15,000 years ago by crossing Beringia into Alaska. Archaeological evidence of these peoples, the ancestors of the Native Americans, dates to 14,000 years ago”. The natives of that land are the Indians or the Red Indians. Even if you browse, its history starts with Columbus (1493 AD)! The so called “western civilization” formed because they got a vast, never-inhabited land (almost a continent), started from the scratch, applied and implemented all the success of Industrial revolution and the boon of newly emerging technology and made it what it looks today. Yelli namma centuries old traditions and civilization, and where the recently emerged set of burger-eating civilization! (Pizza is again Italian) No match whatsoever! Australia also comes under “The west”. The British sent prisoners to Australia (mainly Irish) and the formation of colonies again. The Aborigines of Australia are the native Australians.

So, with all these in mind, why is it that we do not want to be us anymore? What is it that the west has that entices the “changing us” so much!?! Are we so vulnerable to change that we are putting no efforts at all to resist the change? Or let me put it as - changing in the streams one necessarily has to, to keep in pace with the world is acceptable. But, it does not mean one has to give up what forms his roots’ identity. To give up our culture, heritage, (worst – some of them even despise it) is not agreeable. If this continues, there will be nothing of our Indian Civilization left for the future generations to dwell on. It will probably settle down to Graduate course on "Studies of Indian Culture and Heritage" by the Universities that exist in the West.

The Indian peninsula and the South-East Asia are rich with culture and heritage that the West cannot attain even after billions of years. Every custom Hinduism – Sanatana Dharma (includes Hindus, Buddhists, Chinese, Jains, Sikhs etc), Islam follow has a reason behind it (superstitions exempted). We have had great mathematicians like Aryabhata and Bhaskaracharya. Aryabhata – inventor of zero. To imagine the mathematical world without zero is itself scary (at least to me!) What would the poor infinity (1/0) do!! How would the metric system take birth! Bhaskaracharya’s renowned mathematics treatise “Leelavathi” – is the name chosen for a prestigious International math award. Chanakya – a great administrator and politician, a shrewd observer. I happened to flip pages of the Arthashastra at a book store and I directly landed on the page which gave “Ways of torture” (The description itself sounded torturous!) What a keen observer! The Buddha and his principles. Epics of Ramayana and Mahabharatha define Dharma, inculcate morals and values. We gave the world Nalanda University – where the affluent from across the world came to study. What happened to our way of living?! At least it deserves reminiscence, recognition and respect - and today’s generation aren’t even aware of how great a civilization they are born in! Swami Vivekananda - with his speech in Chicago caught the world mass back in 1893. Every other aspect is changing, ranging from no Akbar – Birbal stories, no Tenali Rama, no gilli danda and kuntepille for children to HARIKATHE, YAKSHAGANA – which might vanish within 5-6 decades. Vedas – I myself don’t know wholly what it is actually about. Yes, we have to change with time. But, not to the extent of letting go all that should be held on to.

Back to relations with China, if media leaves the two countries’ diplomats alone (stop forecasting China war 2012!), they would settle down to form a close relationship. http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/10/stories/2010061062390800.htm I loved the last line in the article - A top member of the Indian official delegation summed up India-China relations in terms of “pengyou” and “zhengyou.” “Pengyou” is a superficial friend. “Zhengyou” is a serious, real friend who will frankly admit to problems and work at overcoming them: “We have a zhengyou relationship with China.” Great!

M - factor

How is it that practices change over years in a civilization? Indus, Incas, Mesopotamia, Egyptian and the rest no longer exist. It is the traces of their practices that remain in today’s era of globalization. Change is the rule of life. And it is the same rule everywhere, in every country. Diversity in ways of living that once existed across the globe is fast disappearing; it is as well converging towards a common “way of living” and lifestyle. Evolution - Biological evolution, ecological evolution and the evolution experienced by a civilization. Biological evolution is driven by the necessity for creatures to adapt themselves to the environment. Early human hand was long enough to reach his knees when he stood erect. It is getting shorter with years as a result of evolution. (I am however not very sure of this as I vaguely remember coming across it several years ago) Ecological evolution is how the ecology along with its contents (living and non-living) change, as it gets old. Global warming must be a by-product of forced evolution. It is the evolution in civilization that has kept me preoccupied lately. Changes in individuals cumulatively result in the change of that civilization over the years. Symptoms can be as minute as how you dress-up your child or eating etiquette or even the kind of music a generation listens to.

Indians are evidently not the same they were in early 1900’s or centuries ago. Things have changed. Yes, and they should change. I have always believed that there will be something or the other to be learnt from every individual or even a nation! One has to take the best and leave the rest. MNCs came as a boon to India which held (and still holds) a “developing” tag. One of the results of globalization is the growth of MNCs in India. And one of the consequences of this growth of MNCs is the heavy financial package they offer (not post-recession). This has in a way brought-up the standard of living of people. After all, Dollars' and Euros’ worth are much more than rupees. These companies get a fair trade to use human resource from this part of the world. One such Indian couple worked for MNCs. The man earned around 80k-90k and the wife 60k-70k (approximate figures). After 2-3 years of marriage they got a child. After child-birth, its mother was not to be found in the hospital while the infant was very much there. Two pair of happy, welcoming (for the grandchild) grandparents panicked and looked for the mother. I don’t know what happened after this..until after 2-3 months from the child’s birth, grandparents insisted they will not hand over the child to the parents. The parents moved the court and the grandparents’ justification was that the infant’s parents planned to sell the baby. The court’s decision favored the young couple and a couple of months after the verdict, the infant was sold by its parents for 20 lakhs! This was an article in a local newspaper. And it shocked the hell out of me! When asked why they sold the infant – They did not have enough money to buy a house and that they planned to have another baby for the real “baby-purpose”! I thought the under-developed, uneducated, born in rags India did all this business and the reason is - to make a living. But, this is just so unethical! Can this be termed human trafficking as well? Looks like giving birth to off springs and putting them for sale will be the booming industry in the coming days! Simple rule (if emotions deducted) Get-together, Generate, Sell!! What about that woman? How could she even think of committing such an act! There is an old saying - There can be a bad son in this world, but never a bad mother. I need not elaborate more on this. Money is prioritized more than human relations in these days. It is better to revise the adages for this “modern civilized society”.

“Experience is almost always a greater determinant of happiness than things are. We want the new car and believe it will bring us happiness. Meanwhile, the vacation seems like a splurge. But if you’re going on vacation, odds are somebody’s going with you. And when we’re connected well to others, we feel most happy. A vacation also creates lasting memories. A car? It sits in the driveway, gets old and rusts, looks worse than the neighbors, and starts causing you dissatisfaction rather than satisfaction”— David Hochman.
I do agree that money plays a significant role and the world runs on this M-factor. But, obsession to it leads to madness and the insanity will leave us with an immoral civilization. In the end, none will be benefitted - not even the one who craves for money and earns it.

His-story

It sure is a time for celebrating Kasab’s death sentence, though the implementation looks to be way ahead in the time machine. It also definitely is a verdict any judicial body of a sane civilization that respects humanity would give. But, who knows! With the mercy petitions, may be by the time he gets executed (will he?), the world might end as well! Yes. It is a crime to kill other human beings. Killing of the innocent – History has mega-tons of stories on this. The twin nuclear bombings on Hiroshima & Nagasaki during World War ll, where people were literally burnt on a clear morning with the heat radiations ripping their skin and flesh off, within a fraction of a second, miles away from the epicenter. Jallianwallah Bagh massacre – innocent Indians fighting non-violently for a cause were fired at by General Dyre (that too by sealing the area without leaving anyone, not even women and children to escape). Africans, were made slaves and brought to work in plantations in South America and were similarly shipped across to other continents, mainly Europe. As I read somewhere, they were chained to form a line, made to walk miles (killed then and there if one of them got tired or fainted under the scorching sun) and transported in what were designated to be slave ships. They were put in a particular enclosure in the ship – naked - men and women alike, with no escape from all the remnants a human being leaves at the end of the day (within the same enclosure in the ship) – This lead to epidemic and killed several. On reaching the destination, they would parade naked and the lords would buy the ones that interested them. The Lords’ rank in the society would be set based on the number of slaves they owned. Only after the slaves fought back in unison were some reformations brought in locally. The Inca king was murdered in the capitol square by the Spanish explorer Pizzaro in 1533 AD. Spain, back then, was shattered by drought, natural calamities and was also deprived of riches, as a result of which a born-in-poor-family, hungry-for-power Francisco Pizzaro sought after the much heard riches in the land of the Incas. Incas’ riches and innocence were exploited and was shipped to their home country for the first time by Pizzaro (similar to Vasco DaGama’s ’discovery’ of India). The Incas never for centuries knew the existence of wheel. They built their civilization site as we it see today by commuting to places on foot, even built the renowned Machu Pichu by travelling tough paths and steep ranges on foot! Their Engineering skills were simply amazing to exist in that era! How brilliant! How innovative to cultivate with Terrace farming! And sheer hard-work to do so even without iron/alloyed tools for digging up the steps to form terraces, without any contact with the outside world! (They mostly used sharpened wooden ends). Added to that, no wheels to transport themselves or materials! Wheel is the best invention and fire - the best discovery in the history of mankind till date if you ask me. Gold was the main material in use – for ornamental purpose; the mummies were fitted with gold sheets molded to form Masks. The Spanish described the land to be a land of riches, which was the sole motivation for the conquest of the Incas. The Spanish invasion and the capture of the Inca King, Atahualpa (who was considered to be a descendent of the Sun – their god, by its subjects (Inca civilians)) led to the civilians’ and the administration’s exploitation, who were not well–advanced in war technology when compared to the Spanish. Thousands who rebelled against Spanish’s forced conversion to Christianity were killed. All this in turn led to the destruction of a great civilization. The killings go on either in the name of religion or for land. The Kalinga war by Ashoka and the Mughals‘ exploitation are more examples for land. Europe’s domination and formation of colonies is another. Each era has had its set of sources and elements which caused evitable killings. Ours is terrorism.

Back to Kasab’s deeds - It is a sin which can gain no redemption ever - yes. Barging into the political boundary of another country and showering bullets on the unaware, innocent and its least expecting natives is no doubt brutal. We all live in tomorrow’s History. What we witness today will be probably read, analyzed and even blogged by the next generation (like I am doing now) to be history. All these have been happening since the time civilizations across the world took birth – only called by different names. A couple of months ago, there was a cover page article on the miseries and the circumstances that people who form terrorists and their family are surrounded in. As a friend of mine always says – Everyone is a product of his environment. Kasab would definitely not be the same had he been brought up in a conservative South Indian family of the same caste as his or a nomad in the Austrian ranges! The environment and inculcation of values, urge to earn money to look after an over-flowing family, poverty, resilience to other’s ideas and fickle-minded approach all could possibly be the reasons. . If you had asked me a couple of days after 26/11, I would be fuming and probably said he deserves to be shot in the head - immediately! But now, I actually feel a little sad for the guy. He is a person with no formal education. No knowledge of the outside world during his upbringing. Somewhere in his hometown, his mother may be awaiting his return, like a Kashmiri mother awaits her son, with no clue on his terrorist links and whereabouts (not even if he is dead or alive). A terrorist’s wife will not even know if her husband is alive or dead. The article mentioned a woman who married for the second time after her husband (alleged terrorist) did not return, with much opposition from her first in-law’s family. It also illustrated a dozen more women who are still awaiting the return of their better-half and that their husband’s memories are enough to emotionally spend this life. Small children are given heavy guns, forced into terrorism and trained. How well is a small child of 10 or 11 years old, without (or even with) schooling, supposed to judge what is right and what is not! The root cause is elsewhere. The master-minds behind all these are elsewhere – those people have all the education necessary and beyond. They may be the known terrorist associations or the governments themselves! (The 9/11 was claimed to be a conspiracy by the US government itself). Matters and people to be revealed will not be revealed, because of the power vested in their hands. Kasab and his associates formed only a tool and means of achieving what was to be achieved by a much elated terrorist or terror-supporting body’s conspiracy. Like Morgan Freeman tells in The Shawshank Redemption – “The guy who committed the crime then, was a stupid boy, who didn’t know what the outside world was..But, there is no way this old man can go explain that boy..the ways of the world”. May be Kasab is feeling the same or would probably feel the same if left to grow old. But, in vain. What has been done, cannot be undone.

A link between Indian tigers and Indian female infants

Number of talks over saving Indian tigers around. Only "talks" and "extended heart-felt support". Does it really matter? Everyone sure does "feel" for the soon-to-perish specie. I'd say, stop sympathizing! Those poor creatures don't even have a developed brain (like we do!) to understand that their Cat family is awaiting a full stop in the near future. And our "warmth" will not save tigers in anyway. It all finally rests in the hands of Forest department officials, Zoo authorities and poachers. Even as I express my concern over the matter here, nothing is going to change. So, stop sympathizing. Deforestation and taking away their natural habitat from them will definitely not leave them with an ideal environment and home to flourish!! It's a fact that everyone was aware of and will be - eternally. Also, it is an obvious and expected outcome and are only the consequences of what all of us have done together - knowingly or unknowingly. "Haavu saaybeku, koolu muribaardu" is impossible to be reached. It is like pinching a baby hard and asking it to shut it's mouth from crying. Necessary steps to preserve sufficient part of the land as reserved forest and natural habitat for these animals should have been strictly enforced - which has not been done and will not be done!

Future? No big difference.
We studied in our school days - "Dodo was a beautiful flightless bird that existed in the Andaman and Nicobar, Mauritius and around the Indian Ocean islands."
Our children will study (or rather, we will teach them) - "Tiger W...A...S the national animal of India with majestic appearance and wonderful stripes! You know kid..I had seen it at the circus when I was in kindergarten! You gotta have a look at it's picture! Affsooos! You are not lucky enough to see it alive!" Circus - That reminds me of animals exploited for entertainment (which in turn reminds me of Maneka Gandhi and that movie Kaal - which had neatly gained itself a red-eye from animal activists and the illegal department for tiger - torture) Now, wait..I am reminded of a lot of things - some Hollywood actress who draped herself with fur ; Salman Khan who was behind bars for hunting Chinkara (endangered again) and many more.
What a pity! Ahaan! But, don't sympathize! As long as we continue to consume their natural habitat and continue to hunt them for pleasure, skin, fur, tusk or whatever! - There is no way that they will increase their population numbers.

Time for some gags. I read this somewhere (funny but a hard-core fact) which caused me to write this post :
"Save girls!...

Only 824 per 1000 men left
........

Just saving Tigers will not help!!
........

We can't take a tigress on a date!"

Yep..Female infanticide. Personally, I think, the whole process of reproduction in all animals is the most magically spectacular thing in the history of biological evolution! It's simply a masterpiece created by whoever it is...sheer beauty! Giving life - Sounds as good as the concept of Sanjeevini to me. But, tigers and wild animals are not the only ones who get into the hands of poachers. Human beings themselves hunt human beings, moreover their own offsprings (especially female ones - as good as killing the essence and origin of life. Forget humanitarian grounds, such "poachers" don't even realise that they are in this world only because of another female!). India and China are well-known for female infanticide and the practice still exists. And I'm not left with any words (to express concern on this murderous deed), but sympathy. Sympathy not only for those infants, but at the ignorance and lack of moral maturity in these "poachers". And like I said, nothing is going to change at the end of this post.

Kasturi

A sweet frangrance in musk deer is Kasturi. Kasturi - kannada magazine has served it's kannada readers since ages spreading the fragrance it desires to. While I picked up the latest copy lying on the table in my house to flip pages, something caught my interest. An article on the death of Chandrashekar Azad. An unbudging man to the British, a martyr at the age of 25 - with such an impact on the British that they feared and thought twice before even nearing his dead body! It is said that the then officer NatBauer fired Azad's feet under the tree where his body laid motionless, fearing he might come to life to wage an attack anytime. Years later, the same officer shows his bullet wound marks caused by Azad with pride to a journalist.

His ashes (the chita bhasma) preserved (more than his life - through deep illness and solitude in personal life) by a relative of Azad was taken on freedom marches and anniversaries at the Alfred park, Allahabad, after his death to invoke a sense of need for freedom. A part of it was used for the Brahman rituals and another part was put in the Allahabad Museum along with all the memorials of Azad. And now, the catch - it went missing! - says the article. Gone are the days when youngsters like Azad and Bhagat Singh offered to offer and also offered their lives for the nation's struggle. Yes, there is no need for a revolution now, because we live in the post-independence period. Everyone is happy and gay with his life and enjoying his freedom of speech, expression, equality and corruption..and the presence of hedonistic political system!! Now are the days where youngsters offer their lives for a love failure and exam failure! In fact, my very own classmate committed suicide after PU exams by setting herself on fire..even after securing a first class. Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel medal and important citations got stolen! Where? How? In a bank burglary? From a bank locker? Ah..let me think..from a University Museum! (reminds me of Dhoom-2) Yes, it happens only in the Indian system. Anybody else would have preserved it like he preserves a gem in his life. He would have loved it like he loves his family. But, on the other hand, there are businessmen like Vijay Mallya who, though out of a flair for flamboyance, (but still) patriotic and a proud Kannadiga does appreciable work (apart from breweries) and brings back - specifically to Karnataka, the sword of Tippu Sultan from London and to India, Gandhiji's belongings from New York.

The same experience with historical monuments - several parts of carvings at Belur, Halebidu being severely damaged..most of it out of intended harm and experiments. And nowadays, many historical monuments depicting sagas of local love stories..I mean, 'carvings' like Nanda loves Nandita (Sorry, bad example). Individually, it does not take much to respect what is our own and in maintaining our belongings to keep them in good shape. Not littering - that's a different issue altogether. I am referring to preserving what we have, what has been passed on and holds great significance of our culture and heritage; places and things of National significance. We definitely cannot protect it from natural erosion, but let's not harm them from our side. Kasturi, the fragrance resides in our ways, like it resides in the musk deer. Hope everyone identifies his/her share present within him/her.

Towards better

"Thousands of years ago, the first man discovered how to make fire. He was probably burned at the stake he had taught his brothers to light. He was considered an evildoer who had dealt with a demon mankind dreaded. But thereafter men had fire to keep them warm, to cook their food, to light their caves. He had left them a gift they had not conceived and he had lifted darkness off the earth. Centuries later, the first man invented the wheel. He was probably torn on the rack he had taught his brothers to build. He was considered a transgressor who ventured into forbidden territory. But thereafter, men could travel past any horizon. He had left them a gift they had not conceived and he had opened the roads of the world.

That man, the unsubmissive and first, stands in the opening chapter of every legend mankind has recorded about its beginning. Prometheus was chained to a rock and torn by vultures--because he had stolen the fire of the gods. Adam was condemned to suffer--because he had eaten the fruit of the tree of knowledge. Whatever the legend, somewhere in the shadows of its memory mankind knew that its glory began with one and that that one paid for his courage.

Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision. Their goals differed, but they all had this in common: that the step was first, the road new, the vision unborrowed, and the response they received--hatred. The great creators--the thinkers, the artists, the scientists, the inventors--stood alone against the men of their time. Every great new thought was opposed. Every great new invention was denounced. The first motor was considered foolish. The first airplane was considered impossible. The power loom was considered vicious. Anesthesia was considered sinful. But the men of unborrowed vision went ahead. They fought, they suffered and they paid. But they won."

-Howard Roark (borrowed from Fountainhead - Ayn Rand)

A star

Birth and death are the two extremes of life. Man comes unarmed to this world; makes his mark- some reach great heights, some normal, some never put efforts to raise and some rise negatively (no efforts necessary). His deeds and actions will solely be responsible to create the person he seems to be in the intellect of people around him. In the end, leaves the world leaving behind his everything.
“Woman’s Day” is a “cause to celebrate womanhood and their achievements in political, economic and social backgrounds and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and St Valentine's Day”. O..h…h Yeah! One whole day in 365 days! (Unbearably too much of love showered on us!! :D) Anyway, this piece is not to take a stand on Woman’s day celebration. I am here to shower my whole-hearted appreciation on a Keralite woman who lives in my lane. Keralites are well-known for their humanitarian deeds and service to mankind. This woman in picture, married a widower 7 years ago. His profession is in another continent altogether and I have no idea how often he visits home. She lives here. The man has a physically challenged, beautiful (and I mean beautiful!) daughter from his first wife, who needs assistance in every other activity. What amazed me, is the pride that this step-mother shows about her daughter; the care with which she looks after her daughter. I have heard that it's hard to explain in words the feeling of motherhood. Hats-off to this mother who word-to-word has given her everything for the well-being of her daughter (I do not want to use the word ‘step’ anymore) I have always wanted to write about this wonderful young woman (who is almost of the same age as her daughter) from the day I met her. Such grace and simplicity; least expecting anything more from life. This is what should constitute stardom and celebration. And I know there are millions across the world who go unnoticed.

Triviality of Life

A friend of mine who is currently in the internship stage of medicine shared with me and another friend of mine, the experiences she gets to witness in the government hospitals. Having pronounced 11 people dead in just a month, she drove all of us into the “triviality of life” mood on a Sunday evening, exclaiming “Why is Tendulkar running between wickets!? There is so much more to life than running on the field!” (I have always disliked biology in my life! Those terms I still find hard to register and remember. I looked back to find out the path and source of this dislike towards the subject; and bingo! It was Chloro-Fluoro-Carbons! Panicked to have not signed in a sheet every student was supposed to (in board exams), which I had not done, I had forgotten to answer a 2 mark question on CFCs! (Not an issue of marks. C’mon! After all CFC’s, How could I forget!! ) Blaming my fate for the day and my stupidity to have panicked; then and there - it started. To this day I feel like running out to my answer sheet and scribbling CFCs on the booklet!)
With the triviality of life in focus:
One kannada TV channel aired a program, with its host offering to resolve problems, family disputes (etc) and the rest of the channels followed with the same theme. Kathe alla…and some similar ones. According to me, it is one of the worst things the media has done or will ever do when it comes to broadcasting reality show category programs. Filming all the distress a family is going through and exploiting the plight of children of that family and airing it for commercial purposes is an awful motive. There are several organizations to serve the same purpose. If the genuine intention is to resolve the issue, people who seek their help can as well do so with such organizations. I end up feeling they approach these channels just to go on air. A difference between two people is natural. But, is it not in our hands to resolve it and move on for the better without letting it out to the public? Next one is - Art of living. Someone else has to equip me with an art to live my life? It scares me, the way today’s society approaches to make a living - both spiritual and worldly. Control over mind and actions cannot be taught by anyone. The very realization to gain control would suffice. With such rapid changes in lifestyles, I have lost hopes that the coming generation will do any better as it is a responsibility of these people (also) to make a tomorrow.

Medication

Improper medication and consequences/side effects of proper medication are the third major cause of death in the USA. Pharmaceutical industry is not a life-saver always, rather a steady step towards death (can be a rapid step as well) and detriment of health. The most recent example would be that of Michael Jackson and the farthest away in history I can recall is that of Marilyn Monroe. It is hard for a person like me to accept the fact that some people do not live on food and greens but on chemicals! A couple of years ago, I had read a book named “Death by prescription” by an American doctor, Ray D Strand where he clearly illustrates with instances the long-term effects of drugs(“medicines”) very much approved by the FDA(Food and Drug Administration-the US department for health and human services). Wiki states-The FDA is an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting and promoting the nation's public health. A drug which was released (approved by FDA) with short term experimentation resulted in severe side-effects eight years after its consumption. I would suggest everyone who resorts to allopathy (especially) for trivial illness to read the book. It is also important to realize that doctors and physicians themselves learn with time. For instance, they would experiment on the dosage of the medicine to be administered on the person. And a small miscalculation can take a U-turn in the way the body responds to these chemicals and end it all.
When a person consults a doctor, he is entrusting the functioning of his body henceforth into the doctor’s hands. One needs a prescription to undergo medication. As soon as people resort to the products of the pharmaceutical industry based on advertisements or even because of a word of mouth, they put their health and life in the fatal zone. Many tell-“Doctor is no more a noble profession” and is driven by the money factor. But, I do believe that some genuinely dedicated, service-minded ones still exist. My point is-Chemicals are always harmful. Be it from air/water/soil pollution or in the form of medication. Pollution in air? - Organizations go on rallies; create awareness; urge people to use lead-free petrol etc. Fine-to save earth and to hence save ourselves. What about the chemicals that are consumed with eyes wide open and all senses alert?
Everything from the west is the best is the Indian Philosophy. There is a saying in Kannada- Hiththala gida maddalla. That which can be cured with a cure available at arm’s length, is unnecessarily taken to unwanted consequences. But, I do not rule out the necessity of going to a doctor in case of extreme illness (I personally appreciate Ayurveda in this regard). Prevention is better than cure. I do not want to list the to-be-consumed-for-good-health and to-be-kept-at-bay eatables here. Everyone is aware of it. The only three significant parameters that can judge one’s health would be - Good sleep, Hunger and Digestion. As long as these three flourish in you and me, there should be no room for worries.

Here's the book overview I found:
Book overview
Did you know?|#xD; #xD; The leading drug problem in the U.S. today is not the use of illegal drugs-it is the use of legal drugs. #xD; The fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. is properly prescribed and administered medication. By adding improperly prescribed medication to that equation, it becomes the third leading cause of death. #xD; There are over 2 million hospital admissions and 180,000 deaths each and every year in the U.S. due solely to adverse drug reactions #xD; When the FDA approves a medication for use by the general public, less than half of the serious drug reactions are known. You-the patient-become the final clinical trial. #xD; #xD;If you aren't aware of these facts, and you don't have the tools and information to counter them, you are at risk. #xD;Experienced family doctor Ray Strand writes his patients prescriptions every week, but he also believes that prescribing drugs should be a last resort in most medical cases-not a first choice. In Death by Prescription he provides simple guidelines to help readers protect themselves and their families from suffering adverse reactions to prescription medication.

What's in a name

Juliet:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Beautifully put..

It sure does not matter what the name of the person is. In the end, it is only an addressing mode! However, when I witnessed a mother calling out her son (a small kid) as Loose Maada in a hospital(!!)(not a nick name either), I realised,(and taken aback!) these names do happen in real life. The impact that the off-late kannada movies are having on the 'easily-vulnerable and influenced by all class of movies; readily capable to adopt the WHATEVER depicted in the movie into our lives' is huge. Be it violence, eshtyle or saas-bahu soaps on TV. Probable reason-lack of self examination. In one of the episodes of Ravi Belegere's program yendu mareyada haadu, he remarked on the quality of movies the industry is producing (In his words(movies)-Long uu, Macch uu, Kencha etc)..an exponential fall from the quality that existed in the times of Puttanna Kanagal and his contemporaries (Bhutayyana maga ayyu, Manasa sarovara, Yedakallu Gudda.., Upaasane, Naagara haavu, Mane mane kathe and many more) It is with regret I admit that the current kananda film industry has absolute ZERO innovation and creativity when compared to the neighbouring tamil, telugu and malyalam movies..inspite of bearing the tag of giving out veterans and laureates in literature/theater such as Girish Karnad, Master Hiranniah, S L Bhairappa, Triveni.

So, what's in a name? It sure reflects on the quality of life the person is living. And it is also told that a person lives upto the meaning of his/her name..i.e., the meaning of the name fits well/describes the character of the person possessing that name. If Shakespeare (in 2010) were to know Kannada and were to hear to Loose Maada kind of names, he would probably consider revising his subsequent editions.

Princess of Wales

Diana, alone the Princess of Wales had--has--will capture everyone. And I am no different from the rest of her admirers. One thing I repent even to this day is to have "donated" a wonderful stamp by the United Kingdom to a friend when I was 8 or 9 years old..that depicted the royal couple..which was released on account of their wedding..an '89 stamp as far as I can recollect. It clearly showed the simplicity that Diana was well-known for. I always fall short of adjectives when I make an attempt to describe her. The moment I think about her or her works, it fills my heart with joy-such should be a person's contribution to the society. I am yet to come across another human being who is more beautiful than her-in appearance, taste, class and insight.

She is the only royal-being I have known in the recent years who lived up to the meaning of serving people - not only her subjects, but whenever the needy cried out for help. She amazes me and I get a chill down my spine when I think about her life history. There are a number of videos (on you tube) which she secretly documented with a reporter in her last days with an intention to let know the public-the royal secrets and also her husband's betrayal. And almost half an year ago, History channel paid a tribute to her covering the same. A woman (most of them..I mean normal people) gives the best she has when it comes to relationships; she makes more sacrifices than the other half. I do not know why it is so. Probably one of the laws of nature. She will be ready to take in anything, accept all odds, just gulp it down when it comes to her loved ones. I have experienced it myself and it makes me feel good. She gives herself the least priority and everybody important to her would come first. You would want the best for them and not for yourself..and you would be all set to give your world away for their happiness. And Diana was no different. I learn that she suffered from Bulimia, for which the Prince would mock at her publicly. Quite obviously, it hurts when the person she loved the most did not live up to her expectations. Worst of it all-if he had his mind and heart on somebody else, why did he have to make a wrong choice! (May be that's why they tell..a woman should tie the knot with the one who chooses her and not the one she chooses) One of the deaths I have deeply mourned and have been deeply hurt by. How I wish the world could have her for a longer time! The proximity to people's heart she has achieved in such a short span of time shows how perfect a woman and a human-being she was.

One man stood up (Continued)

Alright..After so so so much of feedback regarding this blog of mine..from almost all the people I have known..online and offline..I thought I will make some points clear from my side.

Gandhiji- was firstly a freedom fighter who fought for India's independence. He is also the one who held up humanity in South Africa. I agree that things would have been different and difficult had he not been born..or if he was not what he made out of himself..he was definitely one amongst those who shook the British rule and who robbed them of their peace. And I, as a 1987 born person, respect him wholeheartedly for playing a part in my life, for being a part of the freedom I am enjoying today, for upholding humanity across the world. Where I disagree is when it comes to exaggeration of his principles (then and now) and its implementation in history. It is just that as an individual, I do not find the things that happened inevitable. Some things could have been handled in a better way..along with driving away the British rule. There is a lot of difference between being humble and being the kind of person who accepts every other thing another person tells you. A humble and down to earth person is what he is because he respects others views and is empathetic. He has the ability to place himself in the other person's shoes and evaluate. And also is capable to judge between what is right and what is not; what could possibly be the consequences and takes a decision whats best for himself and the other person in picture. This does not mean he has to budge to every other demand another person puts in front of him just for -"uske dil rakhne ke liye" . He can as well subtly and politely disagree and do nothing about it. So, with all respect to Gandhiji and his ways, I consider some of his principles-not very appropriate to have been enforced on one nation (which later became two or more I do not know) :)

I thought I will not elaborate more on this the last time I wrote..because there are a lot of discrepancies associated when it comes to Gandhiji and Nathuram Godse. But yesterday my thought intensified when I read - "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood" - Marie Curie (Thanks to the supplementary newspaper copy distributed in bus :D Sometimes things fall into place so well! Leaves me speechless!) Rather than interpreting it as lack of consideration to Gandhiji, I would like to interpret it as my admiration for Godse. And I am happy that just now my grandfather at least agreed absolutely with my views in this regard, admitting that he has been going through the same disagreement since ages!

Bus day

I appreciate this initiative taken by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation to observe a "Bus Day" on the 4th of every month. The first being today. A call to travel by bus and to pool in for a day in a month is a very good step towards creating awareness to preserve the fuel deposits as much as possible and to reduce congestion as well.

One main reason for traffic jams as I have observed-One..only ONE person driving a 4-wheeler to work! As far as 40-50 kms per day! Of course..its his/her preference and a matter of comfort. But atleast if an effort is made to pool in people coming from the same region of the city working in the same office..it would be a great added advantage. Both a stress-buster, a check on the money spent and also on fuel. I know..one fine day all the fuel deposits will get exhausted and the consequences can't be predicted. Transportation is only one of the domains that runs on fuel..for local transport, cycles will probably be used (Good if this happens! People will get better health! And lesser fatal accidents..and its the best feeling to move with your own efforts) Wind, Solar, hydro (only if reservoirs are filled) and others will be the only sources left..which are not really reliable as one cannot predict its availability. I have grown-up with the dams of Karnataka..and trust me..the scenario is simply hopeless! The reservoirs of dams which flourished 14 years ago..when people used to get scared to go near the overflowing ferocious water..where roads between two colonies would be blocked leaving no other way to reach the other end of the bridge between the reservoir and the river..2 years ago stood dry..with as less as 550 meters from the mean sea level in the month of june-july!(rainy season) Back when I was a kid..I used to see the same dam's reservoir full to the fullest..and the turbines running like they would loose an Olympic medal if they stopped! (Ah! How I miss those days! Glad I got to experience them! Not everyone gets to grow up in the remote parts of western ghats! Except wild animals of course ;)) It was a feast!

Anyway, with the Volvo buses replacing the old BMTC buses gradually..comfort does not come into picture. So, it would be a wholesome goody package if everyone commutes keeping the future in mind. Day by day.. the president of USA is also getting scared that India will reach a peak..outdoing everyone else. I'd say.. Go on!!! I see my city growing tremendously and at a speedy pace..the ever-beautiful Namma Bengaluru! So must be the rest of my country! Hereafter..There is no looking back!!

Northeast India

Probably the most rugged parts of the Himalayas are found in the Northeastern part of our nation. Its wildness I kind of experienced when I read a book written by a soldier who fought in those ranges back in 1960's during the China war. It is beauty with beast brought to earth in a simple package of brilliance. And of course the beautiful lands of Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya and the rest. I am writing this blog to remind myself and the others that all these are very much a part of India! Now, don't think- Whats wrong with her! Of course we know that it is a part of India! I, honestly, have almost forgotten that these states exist in India!

An ex-colleague of mine who happened to be from Manipur, shared with me some customs they follow in their tribal systems and nuptials. She jokingly remarked, that people don't identify them to be Indians wherever they go, because they seem to be from a different race. Somewhere inside, it bothered me. We also do not get to hear much of the happenings in this part of the country..once in a while I have heard about Sikkim, Assam..There are two possibilities- either what I am assuming is true or I do not keep myself updated with news channels. I will continue assuming that my first assumption is right. I really wish I could spend more time with her to know more about the wonderful Northeast.

In relation to this, I had watched a coverage by CNN-IBN a few months ago. They had covered the real Northeast and the miseries the citizens experience there. It also literally showed the maniacal persona of the police and the administrative class.. who, carried away by the power vested in their hands, abuse every other layman for no reason..even to the extent of shooting them to death in public. It was horrifying! The laugh a particular policeman sported in the coverage reminds me of Ravana. When people are not let to live by themselves peacefully, when justice is not delivered to the needful, when an RJ calls a singing competition winner to be a gurkha, when the central government pays no heed to the cries of its citizens and the state itself, I see no point in bifurcating land and fixing boundaries. And the plight of women there..I better not go into it. In short, whatever is happening, is not pleasant at all! When I look at all of these, I am very grateful for what I am and where I am. To imagine yourself in their shoes is itself terrifying..forget witnessing it!

I pray their needs be met and also hope justice prevails. Man is born to live his life..in accordance to his wish and will. Northeast is the best part of India-with many tribes being present, its scenic beauty and also the patriotism they show is appreciable. It has given great significance to the image India carries globally. I hope we give them back at least what every human being brought to this world deserves..as a token of gratitude and respect.