I am writing this from atop the World. Floating at 39000 feet above to be precise, provided the display is correct. I am flying to India from London for a month long vacation. This has been a very long day for me. Woke up at four in the morning and still up and flying. The time now is seven in the evening, of course GMT+1. I have never understood this mathematics with time zones. Nor am I interested.
I have witnessed the possible side-effects of invasion today. My British airways flight was from Terminal 5 of Heathrow airport, a newly built, well designed complex. As soon as I entered, there were Indians, everywhere. Not only the travelers. From desk to online check-in to security to gate, Indians, Indians and mostly Indians. I felt that I am already in India. I do know that there are specific areas in London, occupied mainly by Indians and its neighbors. But this is the first time in an airport, I see the dominance. I thought this is how invasion revitalizes itself with time in the other direction. It could be ‘the’ moment for proud Indians to take pride in their men who prove to be capable of ruling and disprove Churchill.
The moment lasts until you board the flight. Sorry, until you ‘try’ to board the flight. Our countrymen do not believe in reservations, at least in the ticketing though. Everyone tries to board the flight at once. I am sure of Usain Bolt losing if he wishes to try.
There was a typical south Indian family with more than a row of head counts aboard the flight. The key member of the family, who kept all the boarding passes apparently, was standing at the rear end of queue while others were almost at the counter asking the key member to jump the queue. Eventually he did. I imagined the railway stations of India. I realized that they feel at home. They had hand-baggage worth checking-in two. It took nearly fifteen minutes for them to settle down. We were all standing behind them waiting our turns. One of them even jumped from his window seat to the aisle ensuring that he doesn’t disturb the passenger at the center. It was funny to see because the passenger at the center was his wife. Very polite. The wife was indeed a step above him. She didn't consider sparing any of the cabin-crew. She always had something to ask for. At least biscuits. It seems, to her, it is a kind of ‘cash-back’.
My vacation has started from Terminal 5. How did I miss out all these fun for an year? Anyway, I don’t have to bother for one month from now.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
Technically, Mom!
I should confess before starting to write that I love my Blackberry and Apple.
Looking back. I could not even imagine how I survived without a mobile phone or an e-mail address from the day I was born until the day I secured one. How could have my contacts been in touch those days? I can only wonder.
Today, on the contrary, I can be in touch with anyone I like and avoid anyone I don't. I can talk or at least send a message to anybody I want from anywhere. The frequency of communication has risen to the level of saturation. There can be no other way of better communication than what we have today. On the other hand, relationships have taken its toll.
If I don't receive an e-mail or SMS today, I feel left out. The day leaves a void in my life. Does anyone care about me? I am depressed. Same thing when I call someone and my call not getting picked up. It paves way to suspect whether I am being ignored. I am sure this is not just me. There are many billions around who would agree unconditionally.
The height of technology abuse.
Today even to wish our moms on Mother's day we depend on technology. Buy flowers and gifts on-line. Ask for "gift wrapped – direct delivery" to her. No time even to look at what we bought. No more time left to present her the gift ourselves on that day. How fair is that? This year it is even 'better'. I read somewhere today, of course on-line, that people complain on recession for not able to spend on gifts for their moms. Miles to go before they realize what their moms actually need.
I was born intelligent; education ruined me first; now it is the technology!
Looking back. I could not even imagine how I survived without a mobile phone or an e-mail address from the day I was born until the day I secured one. How could have my contacts been in touch those days? I can only wonder.
Today, on the contrary, I can be in touch with anyone I like and avoid anyone I don't. I can talk or at least send a message to anybody I want from anywhere. The frequency of communication has risen to the level of saturation. There can be no other way of better communication than what we have today. On the other hand, relationships have taken its toll.
If I don't receive an e-mail or SMS today, I feel left out. The day leaves a void in my life. Does anyone care about me? I am depressed. Same thing when I call someone and my call not getting picked up. It paves way to suspect whether I am being ignored. I am sure this is not just me. There are many billions around who would agree unconditionally.
The height of technology abuse.
Today even to wish our moms on Mother's day we depend on technology. Buy flowers and gifts on-line. Ask for "gift wrapped – direct delivery" to her. No time even to look at what we bought. No more time left to present her the gift ourselves on that day. How fair is that? This year it is even 'better'. I read somewhere today, of course on-line, that people complain on recession for not able to spend on gifts for their moms. Miles to go before they realize what their moms actually need.
I was born intelligent; education ruined me first; now it is the technology!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
News
They were indeed news. I enjoyed while reading and felt while thinking about them.
American feather: The news that captured the front page of all leading newspapers couple of weeks ago. It was neither about economic policies nor war strategies. Not even the well criticized bail-out plan. What else was that? It was about the new 'first' dog, Bo. I was unaware that even a dog would get such a media attention. Either media has nothing else to report or the dog is unusual. Anyhow, it gives us a reason to 'Boo' Mr Obama!
Indian feather: The height of verbal assault by two of the leading Indian statesmen at each other. Petty bickering. They abused each other in public without realizing that it is not too far away from turning against them. Mr Advani and Dr Singh, please think about yourselves. Think about people too, when you find time!
Another Indian feather: Mr Karunanidhi, an octogenarian and a chief minister of one of the states in India, went on a fast against Srilankan government for man-slaughtering Tamil population in Srilanka and yet not ceasing fire. Mr Karunanidhi, the following are FYI. Marina is a tourist place not your bedroom. If something 'unfortunate' happens while fasting, Mr Rajpaksa would not be held responsible. Considering your age, it would have been clearly natural. Then why this drama? Before I forget, where were you when your son burnt alive three in Madurai for your own family reasons? In Srilanka?
One more Indian feather: Mr Narayana Murthy, chief mentor of Infosys. Ltd. He is well known, at least of late, for his exceptional 'foot-in-mouth' remarks. This time: "In India, articulation is mistaken for accomplishments". He stands as a perfect example for his statement. This is not the first time though. Mr Murthy always exposes his ignorance through interviews. Competitor to Mrs Palin.
I have all feathers now. But where is my hat?
American feather: The news that captured the front page of all leading newspapers couple of weeks ago. It was neither about economic policies nor war strategies. Not even the well criticized bail-out plan. What else was that? It was about the new 'first' dog, Bo. I was unaware that even a dog would get such a media attention. Either media has nothing else to report or the dog is unusual. Anyhow, it gives us a reason to 'Boo' Mr Obama!
Indian feather: The height of verbal assault by two of the leading Indian statesmen at each other. Petty bickering. They abused each other in public without realizing that it is not too far away from turning against them. Mr Advani and Dr Singh, please think about yourselves. Think about people too, when you find time!
Another Indian feather: Mr Karunanidhi, an octogenarian and a chief minister of one of the states in India, went on a fast against Srilankan government for man-slaughtering Tamil population in Srilanka and yet not ceasing fire. Mr Karunanidhi, the following are FYI. Marina is a tourist place not your bedroom. If something 'unfortunate' happens while fasting, Mr Rajpaksa would not be held responsible. Considering your age, it would have been clearly natural. Then why this drama? Before I forget, where were you when your son burnt alive three in Madurai for your own family reasons? In Srilanka?
One more Indian feather: Mr Narayana Murthy, chief mentor of Infosys. Ltd. He is well known, at least of late, for his exceptional 'foot-in-mouth' remarks. This time: "In India, articulation is mistaken for accomplishments". He stands as a perfect example for his statement. This is not the first time though. Mr Murthy always exposes his ignorance through interviews. Competitor to Mrs Palin.
I have all feathers now. But where is my hat?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Circus Begins
This time, not for kids but grown-up citizens. Most of us witness the magnificent clowns jumping, here and there, trying to cover-up a billion audience. Few of us applaud. A deck of cards with more than fifty-two jokers. Jokers alone. It is the time for India to choose better among worse. We proclaim it democracy.
I see many NRIs, in countries around the globe, taking pride in Indian democracy. Yet, they do not vote. It takes their time and money. Just for a vote. On the other hand, I am not proud at all and therefore. It is against the constitution to complete the sentence. But the constitution itself allows ineligible candidates to run for the top-job. How fair? By ineligible, I mean, a well learned-yet-powerless and an equally learned-yet-fanatic. Remember, we have only two options as we always had.
Experience alone governs; Not Age but vision matters. My ears are tired of hearing these conservative clichés. How do one experience when not given a chance? How can an octogenarian or a 'soon-to-be' lead India better? Do those conservatives, at all, know the reason for McCain's defeat.
Today's need is someone who thinks; not those who are tired of it. How often have you seen your grandfather taking a bold decision or act quickly? I would say, never, at least not under pressure. This being true, why do we elect ineligible candidate to lead, let alone contest. Three reasons. One, mere lack of candidates. Two, our dream of manifestos, though words only on paper, becoming real. Three, our love towards celebrities.
First reason is genuine. Most of us are away from India. Yet, we are very proud. We always talk about Indian politics and try hard not to do anything for it. Second reason, poor man's dream. It stops just there soon after waking up the morning after polls. At least for the next five years. Third reason is obvious. It is called democracy. In my words, ignorance.
Ignorance and dream are mere the side-effects of lack of leadership. I want the change. I remember, if you need a change, be one. Yes, I can be the change.
You know,
I have a dream!
I see many NRIs, in countries around the globe, taking pride in Indian democracy. Yet, they do not vote. It takes their time and money. Just for a vote. On the other hand, I am not proud at all and therefore. It is against the constitution to complete the sentence. But the constitution itself allows ineligible candidates to run for the top-job. How fair? By ineligible, I mean, a well learned-yet-powerless and an equally learned-yet-fanatic. Remember, we have only two options as we always had.
Experience alone governs; Not Age but vision matters. My ears are tired of hearing these conservative clichés. How do one experience when not given a chance? How can an octogenarian or a 'soon-to-be' lead India better? Do those conservatives, at all, know the reason for McCain's defeat.
Today's need is someone who thinks; not those who are tired of it. How often have you seen your grandfather taking a bold decision or act quickly? I would say, never, at least not under pressure. This being true, why do we elect ineligible candidate to lead, let alone contest. Three reasons. One, mere lack of candidates. Two, our dream of manifestos, though words only on paper, becoming real. Three, our love towards celebrities.
First reason is genuine. Most of us are away from India. Yet, we are very proud. We always talk about Indian politics and try hard not to do anything for it. Second reason, poor man's dream. It stops just there soon after waking up the morning after polls. At least for the next five years. Third reason is obvious. It is called democracy. In my words, ignorance.
Ignorance and dream are mere the side-effects of lack of leadership. I want the change. I remember, if you need a change, be one. Yes, I can be the change.
You know,
I have a dream!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Relic returns
"Prime Minister has directed me to do whatever possible....the bottom line is to procure the memorabilia" – Culture Minister Ambika Soni
Reading carefully the above statement by a cabinet minister, the word "whatever" signifies how desperate we were to take ownership of Gandhi's belongings. They were indeed the need of the hour for Indian Government, this week.
What made Dr Singh, a Cambridge educated Economist, to focus his efforts on this bidding? In other words, to become irrational?
At this point, I could only take a guess on Dr Singh's beliefs:
Let us all believe too, like Dr Singh, that India wakes up tomorrow in to a new era; peace and prosperity.
Today all of Gandhi's belongings are safe in the hands of an "Indian" liquor tycoon. Sounds amazing. Honestly, I do not know whether Gandhi deserves this. Slumdog versus Academy awards. But good for me, I realized Gandhi's value. It is US$1.8m. I cannot afford it anyway.
Increase of material comforts, it may be generally laid down, does not in any way whatsoever conduce to moral growth – Mohandas Gandhi
who needs moral growth, after all? Gandhi is dead already!
Reading carefully the above statement by a cabinet minister, the word "whatever" signifies how desperate we were to take ownership of Gandhi's belongings. They were indeed the need of the hour for Indian Government, this week.
What made Dr Singh, a Cambridge educated Economist, to focus his efforts on this bidding? In other words, to become irrational?
At this point, I could only take a guess on Dr Singh's beliefs:
- Gandhi's sandals should take the 'privileged' priority over people of India due to approaching polls.
- India's vision will undoubtedly improve through those pair of steel-rimmed eye glasses.
- His watch brings good times in spite of recession and scams.
Let us all believe too, like Dr Singh, that India wakes up tomorrow in to a new era; peace and prosperity.
Today all of Gandhi's belongings are safe in the hands of an "Indian" liquor tycoon. Sounds amazing. Honestly, I do not know whether Gandhi deserves this. Slumdog versus Academy awards. But good for me, I realized Gandhi's value. It is US$1.8m. I cannot afford it anyway.
Increase of material comforts, it may be generally laid down, does not in any way whatsoever conduce to moral growth – Mohandas Gandhi
who needs moral growth, after all? Gandhi is dead already!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Paradise Lost
This post has nothing to do with John Milton's work.
I just signed off from a chat window. It was a little chat between my college friend and me. Nothing special about the chat itself. But something has driven me back in time. Those precious four years between 1997 and 2001 inclusive. I myself cannot define these years without losing its essence and hence I had to steal from Milton. Hope he would excuse.
I enjoyed those years like any other one in my batch. I made real good friends. Today's chat was not even about the college days. Still I am forced to think about the past. I cannot say those years were the best as there are miles to go still. But whenever someone asks me for my valuable years, I would not forget to mention those four.
I do not know how many others do this. But I have the habit of reading though my Diary-2001 at least once in every two months. It is where I learn about myself. My friends wrote their opinions on me; few good and many bad. I read through the lines every time and console myself of having quality people around me who bothered enough to point-out my negatives to me.
If I ask any of them today, they'll be polite in their opinions. Life teaches politeness and how to be good to others. On the other hand, life over-shadows perceptions. They may not reflect what they think. They are, to some extent, bound to say good things. But, in those four years, they were what they were. The diary is my treasure. The magical book that teaches me how-not-to-be rather than how-to-be.
All of us know that sand castles are to be washed away by the tides any time. No ones stops building one. I built mine too. The tides could not wash it away. I still cherish the way it was built not in hours but in years.
I just signed off from a chat window. It was a little chat between my college friend and me. Nothing special about the chat itself. But something has driven me back in time. Those precious four years between 1997 and 2001 inclusive. I myself cannot define these years without losing its essence and hence I had to steal from Milton. Hope he would excuse.
I enjoyed those years like any other one in my batch. I made real good friends. Today's chat was not even about the college days. Still I am forced to think about the past. I cannot say those years were the best as there are miles to go still. But whenever someone asks me for my valuable years, I would not forget to mention those four.
I do not know how many others do this. But I have the habit of reading though my Diary-2001 at least once in every two months. It is where I learn about myself. My friends wrote their opinions on me; few good and many bad. I read through the lines every time and console myself of having quality people around me who bothered enough to point-out my negatives to me.
If I ask any of them today, they'll be polite in their opinions. Life teaches politeness and how to be good to others. On the other hand, life over-shadows perceptions. They may not reflect what they think. They are, to some extent, bound to say good things. But, in those four years, they were what they were. The diary is my treasure. The magical book that teaches me how-not-to-be rather than how-to-be.
All of us know that sand castles are to be washed away by the tides any time. No ones stops building one. I built mine too. The tides could not wash it away. I still cherish the way it was built not in hours but in years.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Globally Asymmetric
Believe it or not, every Indian citizen talks about culture today. I thought, why not me? I have the eligibility. I am Indian.
With overflowing patriotism, I referred Oxford dictionary. To my surprise, I found the word. How can such a 'conservative' Indian word present in Oxford dictionary? I reassured myself in a typical conservative way, English must have stolen it for their dictionary. Anyhow, my findings lead to the following:
culture• noun
1 the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.
2 a refined understanding or appreciation of this.
3 the customs, institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
4 the cultivation of plants, breeding of animals, or production of cells or tissues.
5 a preparation of cells grown in an artificial medium containing nutrients.
I am little confused. I thought culture is something like Creationism, by which I mean, should not be questioned. Just to be followed blindly.
Seriously, which of these are we referring to?
1 Certainly not this one as it clearly is an abstract idea of human intellectual achievement. I would not have been discussing this today had we accomplished intellectually.
2 The problem itself is a cause of no understanding at all, let alone refined.
3 We have 28 states/7 union territories. Every state has 'n' number of political groups where 'n' is large and cannot be counted. The only achievement of our country is that we are still together. And this can never be the 'culture' others are referring to.
4 There is food scarcity everywhere and farmer suicides are growing every year. If there is no food for us, breeding animals?
5 I don't quite understand this. And I am sure about others too.
Again, which one of these are we referring to? Please don't tell me 'culture' is a verb.
What is our problem with this imaginary noun 'culture'? Honestly, I do not know. I can afford only this much time to waste on culture. Further discussions might end up in uncultured comments. In my opinion, everyone has the right to have his/her own culture. Culture is an exceptional way of life. It is globally asymmetric.
To sum up:
Live simply, and let others simply live!
With overflowing patriotism, I referred Oxford dictionary. To my surprise, I found the word. How can such a 'conservative' Indian word present in Oxford dictionary? I reassured myself in a typical conservative way, English must have stolen it for their dictionary. Anyhow, my findings lead to the following:
culture• noun
1 the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.
2 a refined understanding or appreciation of this.
3 the customs, institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
4 the cultivation of plants, breeding of animals, or production of cells or tissues.
5 a preparation of cells grown in an artificial medium containing nutrients.
I am little confused. I thought culture is something like Creationism, by which I mean, should not be questioned. Just to be followed blindly.
Seriously, which of these are we referring to?
1 Certainly not this one as it clearly is an abstract idea of human intellectual achievement. I would not have been discussing this today had we accomplished intellectually.
2 The problem itself is a cause of no understanding at all, let alone refined.
3 We have 28 states/7 union territories. Every state has 'n' number of political groups where 'n' is large and cannot be counted. The only achievement of our country is that we are still together. And this can never be the 'culture' others are referring to.
4 There is food scarcity everywhere and farmer suicides are growing every year. If there is no food for us, breeding animals?
5 I don't quite understand this. And I am sure about others too.
Again, which one of these are we referring to? Please don't tell me 'culture' is a verb.
What is our problem with this imaginary noun 'culture'? Honestly, I do not know. I can afford only this much time to waste on culture. Further discussions might end up in uncultured comments. In my opinion, everyone has the right to have his/her own culture. Culture is an exceptional way of life. It is globally asymmetric.
To sum up:
Live simply, and let others simply live!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inauguration
Loud and clear.
There cannot be any other inaugural speech as loud and clear as this. I am not an American myself. Still, I was awaiting this day just to hear Obama address not just the United States of America. He is pragmatic, charismatic, and magnetic. In less than twenty minutes of his inaugural address, he was able to summarize the entire eight years of Bush's pitfalls. Even Bush has to try hard to summarize better.
I am not supporting Obama because he's black or half-black. I am not even bothered about his color. In my opinion, he has a brain and he knows how to use it at least. During the crisis, people need hopes. They need someone to say that they can. They do not need their President to disclose his plans to save the economic downfall in his inaugural speech. Obama came out with hopes. Those who heard him were charged completely in twenty minutes. And remember, Obama's speech has driven not just the USA. In fact, it is too early to rate Obama. But one thing is for sure, he can do nothing to worsen the current situation in America.
My European friends think the other way. To them, a white can lead better. I asked them to take Bush as an example. One of them went to the extent of saying "Obama's mother was white and he was brought up by his white grandparents". And hence he may lead better. I still say, so was Bush and he proved it wrong today.
The actual issue.
Why am I talking more about Obama? I am not yet another guy who blindly admires his audacity of hopes. But there's something more to it and something that makes me think about India.
In these sixty-two years, India had never produced young charismatic leaders. Except for Rajiv, I don't remember any other younger face in power. He came to the throne only because he was the then assassinated Chief's son. Looking at Indian politics today, we are far behind. I have a unresolved question from the day I saw the movie "Ayudha Ezhuthu" or "Yuva" (in hindi). A question that dwells in me for a long time now.
Is it possible for me to indulge in politics and become a Chief someday when I'm fifty?
To be clear, I am not thriving here for power. In my opinion, a lot more can be done with power. A lot more good. The generation of today can heal the pain of grief. I am ready to do at any cost following the hopeful words of Obama:
If I can do it, anyone can!
There cannot be any other inaugural speech as loud and clear as this. I am not an American myself. Still, I was awaiting this day just to hear Obama address not just the United States of America. He is pragmatic, charismatic, and magnetic. In less than twenty minutes of his inaugural address, he was able to summarize the entire eight years of Bush's pitfalls. Even Bush has to try hard to summarize better.
I am not supporting Obama because he's black or half-black. I am not even bothered about his color. In my opinion, he has a brain and he knows how to use it at least. During the crisis, people need hopes. They need someone to say that they can. They do not need their President to disclose his plans to save the economic downfall in his inaugural speech. Obama came out with hopes. Those who heard him were charged completely in twenty minutes. And remember, Obama's speech has driven not just the USA. In fact, it is too early to rate Obama. But one thing is for sure, he can do nothing to worsen the current situation in America.
My European friends think the other way. To them, a white can lead better. I asked them to take Bush as an example. One of them went to the extent of saying "Obama's mother was white and he was brought up by his white grandparents". And hence he may lead better. I still say, so was Bush and he proved it wrong today.
The actual issue.
Why am I talking more about Obama? I am not yet another guy who blindly admires his audacity of hopes. But there's something more to it and something that makes me think about India.
In these sixty-two years, India had never produced young charismatic leaders. Except for Rajiv, I don't remember any other younger face in power. He came to the throne only because he was the then assassinated Chief's son. Looking at Indian politics today, we are far behind. I have a unresolved question from the day I saw the movie "Ayudha Ezhuthu" or "Yuva" (in hindi). A question that dwells in me for a long time now.
Is it possible for me to indulge in politics and become a Chief someday when I'm fifty?
To be clear, I am not thriving here for power. In my opinion, a lot more can be done with power. A lot more good. The generation of today can heal the pain of grief. I am ready to do at any cost following the hopeful words of Obama:
If I can do it, anyone can!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
