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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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!!
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!!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Leading nowhere
Lately I have been thinking a lot as to where my life is leading! All these years I was so much into building a good educational foundation that I never thought I would reach a stage which would make me question the same. It's of course necessary to get into a profession which gives "job satisfaction" and at the same time leaves you with good amount of time for your personal life. And I am sure most of us are held at the center of a tug of war between these two parts-personal and professional. One will have to compromise on one of these to a certain extent by setting priorities.
In fact, my thoughts see nothing at all in future for myself! I am simply not able to visualize anything coming! These 22 years were no doubt beautiful. But, how am I to make the rest of my life beautiful? (Yes, I don't know what to do!) Not that each moment should be beyond happiness. But atleast it should leave me with a sense of satisfaction and a smile when I look back. And I am definitely not willing to spend years on something for the heck of it! It is a gift that we are born as human beings (And I especially am glad that I am me :P). When you go by the convention of 'work to make a living' I feel.. Is that life all about? And pat comes the reply from within..NO! And the next moment 'then go get what you want!' And again comes the reply 'But I simply cant!!'..Why? One thing I want needs money as a resource and the other thing I want needs time! So.. back to square one! Its driving me nuts and leaves me blank.. totally, absolutely, completely B.L.A.N.K! For me fifteen to twenty years down the lane is imaginable. But right now.. I feel like I am in the midst of a disaster! Leading nowhere! However, thinking day and night about it will not give a solution. Am I to force myself to like what I do..in order to meet all the desires? Or sacrifice all the desires and do what I like? Chaos.
Only thing which gives me a moment of peace is the Geethasaara that I came across some days back:
Aadaddella olleyadakke aagide
aaguthiruvudu yella olleyadakke aagide
aagaliruvudu aduu olleyade aagalide
roodhisalu nee yenu kaledukondiruve?
naashavaagalu neenu maadiruvudaadaru yenu?
nee yenu padediddaruu adannu illindale padediruve
yenannu neediddaruu adannu illige neediruve
nenne beryaraddo aagiddiddu indhu ninnadaagide
maatthe naale innyaraddo aagalide
so very true :)
In fact, my thoughts see nothing at all in future for myself! I am simply not able to visualize anything coming! These 22 years were no doubt beautiful. But, how am I to make the rest of my life beautiful? (Yes, I don't know what to do!) Not that each moment should be beyond happiness. But atleast it should leave me with a sense of satisfaction and a smile when I look back. And I am definitely not willing to spend years on something for the heck of it! It is a gift that we are born as human beings (And I especially am glad that I am me :P). When you go by the convention of 'work to make a living' I feel.. Is that life all about? And pat comes the reply from within..NO! And the next moment 'then go get what you want!' And again comes the reply 'But I simply cant!!'..Why? One thing I want needs money as a resource and the other thing I want needs time! So.. back to square one! Its driving me nuts and leaves me blank.. totally, absolutely, completely B.L.A.N.K! For me fifteen to twenty years down the lane is imaginable. But right now.. I feel like I am in the midst of a disaster! Leading nowhere! However, thinking day and night about it will not give a solution. Am I to force myself to like what I do..in order to meet all the desires? Or sacrifice all the desires and do what I like? Chaos.
Only thing which gives me a moment of peace is the Geethasaara that I came across some days back:
Aadaddella olleyadakke aagide
aaguthiruvudu yella olleyadakke aagide
aagaliruvudu aduu olleyade aagalide
roodhisalu nee yenu kaledukondiruve?
naashavaagalu neenu maadiruvudaadaru yenu?
nee yenu padediddaruu adannu illindale padediruve
yenannu neediddaruu adannu illige neediruve
nenne beryaraddo aagiddiddu indhu ninnadaagide
maatthe naale innyaraddo aagalide
so very true :)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Belur
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Indian mythological epics and the related history/stories have no boundaries. It would probably take several decades to compile all of them and several years to read and remember them! There are also several moral stories like that of "The Buddha and Angulimala" which we were taught in school..there are many things to be learned from these historical stories. Hoysalas have provided all of it in the form of a compact(relatively) Belur temple. It stunned me! The intricate work, the depiction of stories from Mahabharatha, Ramayana; Bahubali; charm of Shilabalikas; sculptures conveying message; gods and godesses..and even fashion for that matter! (High heels, hair styles, attire that existed in their era etc) Not even an inch has been left blank on the walls of Belur temple! You name it, they have it! However, some parts are incomplete and many more damaged during attacks.
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Darpanasundari(Lady with the mirror)- she and the name itself has fascinated me ever since I came across a stamp on her. Elegance on stone!This picture below reveals a universal truth: When a man reaches adolescence, the ugliest of women (the sculptor uses a donkey's face in place of a woman's) look gorgeous and sensuous! There is an equivalent saying in kannada as well.(But again..I think Beauty is in the eyes of the person who sees it..it is a matter of perception). Also, I have realized that the persona and inner self of a human being are more important.
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Each one accepts the happier part of the other person. But, it is also equivalently necessary to accept their vices. Appearance and external beauty remains today, perishes tomorrow. Every decision we make today, we ourselves have to reap tomorrow- good or bad depends on individual's approach in life. There are numerous such minute sculptures that deliver immense reality.To end this article I would just like to add on that it is necessary to preserve heritage centers like these. Many parts of the temple have been damaged- some by the Mughal attacks and the rest by locals.
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This sculpture depicting Arjuna's archery skills..to shoot the fish's eye..focusing on the fish's reflection in a pool of water is damaged heavily. Reason- People thought that if they strike the strings of Arjuna's Dhanassu it would give out musical sound similar to that in Hampi! And so...plop! goes his bow!Superb architecture/craftsmanship and it probably needs a couple of visits to learn and notice all the intricate details of this temple.
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