Friendship is like a watch battery
It comes with a warranty for a specified time
Arguments are reconciled to few occasions
Once gone, it is gone forever
It has to be replaced by a new friend
No one bothers the whereabouts of the dear departed
The newcomer will play his part until the validity is over
Some friendship lasts longer and some shorter
Everything comes with a price, but momentary
It’s all how much we’ve invested our thought to that person
Proximity keeps the relationship ticking
Meeting eclipses the impending nostalgia post-disappearance of her
Togetherness adds the colors of friendship
Friends are for laughter and celebrations
As recluse is for sorrow and melancholy
But sacrifice our time for the other erodes its lifetime
The friend who says,
“I hope I am also among those who are very special in your life,”
Will be the one who leaves you first when you are in extreme need of her
When corrupted, it results to an immature end
Ego and misunderstanding kill friendship half-life
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Death of Paul
The FIFA 2010 World Cup is over, and the clubs desperate chase for the best players has already begun. Time for that record-shattering deal is not very far. It is that emotional time to see the reigning stars bid adieu and handover the throne to newcomers—little-known players just 30 days before—to rule for the next four years. Many star players who came to blast the dream tournament with mighty dreams returned home with dreams only. This World Cup witnessed for the first time in its history that the off-field players rocked the tournament more than the on-field players. It was Diego Maradona, the God of soccer fans all around the world, who ruled the tournament till the quarter finals. Blame Maradona for always being famous both in short and long pants, off and on field. Believe it or not, people glued on television to get the glimpse of this little man. Then entered the little-known little Paul like a thunderstorm, and the mighty little Maradona’s life cut shockingly short with his arrival. Questions erupted how the entry of the never-heard-before player marked the exit of the legend. It happens in sports—new heroes are born and records are broken. Every World Cup has some surprises and heartbreaks. Above all, Maradona is no match for Paul, simply because he has only two legs while Paul has eight legs.
Rise and Fall
Paul, the beautiful eight-legged oracle octopus residing in German aquarium, has become the sensation of the tournament after he correctly predicted the result of all seven games of Germany, as well as the finals between Spain and the Netherlands. He shot to international fame after he correctly predicted Germany win over Argentina in the quarterfinals. Then onward, the attention of the whole world shifted to the real hero of the tournament. He defeated his competitor Mani, a Singapore-based oracle parrot, who came at the tournament in the late stage and hanged him upside down on the goal post. Neither Messi nor Ronaldo got so much media coverage as Paul did. It was Paul and only Paul who made headlines of both newspapers and TV news channels when the tournament entered the crucial stage. Paul remained the true patriot and national hero of Germany until he picked up Spain over Germany in the semi final. All of a sudden, the national hero turned enemy of the state, and celebrated oracle octopus became psychic octopus. It is not uncommon that friends turn foes, patriots turn traitors, and friends turn lovers. From that moment, all those Germans who sang praise choruses for Paul have been busy tweeting the recipe of octopus. The whole world was in shock and awe when Paul appeared in the hit list of Hitler. Today, Twitter is flooded with Paul. Most of them are from Germany, the Netherlands, and Argentina. All these three countries are desperately pursuing Paul for the same mission—KILL PAUL. Germany wants to fry Paul, Argentina wants to beat him till death, and the Netherlands wants to hang him. Now comes the rescuer. The enemy of a country is a patriot for another country. No sooner had Paul become the Enemy No. 1 of Germany than he became the celebrated hero of Spain. Pressurized by its citizens, the government of Spain is pursuing to bring Paul in Spain and give the hero Spanish citizenship and re-christen him as Pablo. Having rejected its demands by Germany, Spain is now all set to send security guards to protect Paul in Germany. Also, they are seeking legal aids from the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) to bring the hero home. ICJ is not very cooperative with Spain as the Netherlands, where it is headquartered, is also pressurizing it to bring Paul there. Now, if Spain succeeds, Paul will get everything—love, protection, and fame—in the new land for the next 4 years until he picks up some other nation over Spain in the 2014 World Cup.
In India
Imagine the great Paul lands in our country. Can you even imagine how much media coverage he will get? If he thinks all the media coverage he will get is temporary, then Paul, you are underestimating the power of Indian media. Since cricket tournaments are held 365 days in a year both in and outside India, and India participates all the tournament, you will always stay at the headlines of both newspapers and news channels. Apart from cricket, you can put your hand in Bollywood also. Because of the absence of good soothsayer, most big budget movies bomb at the box office. You will be a big help for big producers and directors who make ambitious projects but end up making big flops and run heavy losses. A wise lady said that if she has Paul, she will gift it to the MET Department of India to provide correct weather forecasts. I think it is a very wise idea, particularly during the monsoon season when the MET Department officials are tired of coin flipping to predict weather.
The Hero Takes Retirement
Now, it’s official that Paul will take retirement. He said this in the award function where he was facilitated the Champion trophy and the Diamond Boot of the Year for being the most sensational player of the tournament. It was a very bleak and emotional moment for billions of people who glue on television watching their favourite star. Now, Paul will go back to his previous profession—playing with his handlers and children who visit him. Spain won the World Cup, but all the credits go to Paul. Kudos to Paul! You rocked the Cup of the World.
Rise and Fall
Paul, the beautiful eight-legged oracle octopus residing in German aquarium, has become the sensation of the tournament after he correctly predicted the result of all seven games of Germany, as well as the finals between Spain and the Netherlands. He shot to international fame after he correctly predicted Germany win over Argentina in the quarterfinals. Then onward, the attention of the whole world shifted to the real hero of the tournament. He defeated his competitor Mani, a Singapore-based oracle parrot, who came at the tournament in the late stage and hanged him upside down on the goal post. Neither Messi nor Ronaldo got so much media coverage as Paul did. It was Paul and only Paul who made headlines of both newspapers and TV news channels when the tournament entered the crucial stage. Paul remained the true patriot and national hero of Germany until he picked up Spain over Germany in the semi final. All of a sudden, the national hero turned enemy of the state, and celebrated oracle octopus became psychic octopus. It is not uncommon that friends turn foes, patriots turn traitors, and friends turn lovers. From that moment, all those Germans who sang praise choruses for Paul have been busy tweeting the recipe of octopus. The whole world was in shock and awe when Paul appeared in the hit list of Hitler. Today, Twitter is flooded with Paul. Most of them are from Germany, the Netherlands, and Argentina. All these three countries are desperately pursuing Paul for the same mission—KILL PAUL. Germany wants to fry Paul, Argentina wants to beat him till death, and the Netherlands wants to hang him. Now comes the rescuer. The enemy of a country is a patriot for another country. No sooner had Paul become the Enemy No. 1 of Germany than he became the celebrated hero of Spain. Pressurized by its citizens, the government of Spain is pursuing to bring Paul in Spain and give the hero Spanish citizenship and re-christen him as Pablo. Having rejected its demands by Germany, Spain is now all set to send security guards to protect Paul in Germany. Also, they are seeking legal aids from the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) to bring the hero home. ICJ is not very cooperative with Spain as the Netherlands, where it is headquartered, is also pressurizing it to bring Paul there. Now, if Spain succeeds, Paul will get everything—love, protection, and fame—in the new land for the next 4 years until he picks up some other nation over Spain in the 2014 World Cup.
In India
Imagine the great Paul lands in our country. Can you even imagine how much media coverage he will get? If he thinks all the media coverage he will get is temporary, then Paul, you are underestimating the power of Indian media. Since cricket tournaments are held 365 days in a year both in and outside India, and India participates all the tournament, you will always stay at the headlines of both newspapers and news channels. Apart from cricket, you can put your hand in Bollywood also. Because of the absence of good soothsayer, most big budget movies bomb at the box office. You will be a big help for big producers and directors who make ambitious projects but end up making big flops and run heavy losses. A wise lady said that if she has Paul, she will gift it to the MET Department of India to provide correct weather forecasts. I think it is a very wise idea, particularly during the monsoon season when the MET Department officials are tired of coin flipping to predict weather.
The Hero Takes Retirement
Now, it’s official that Paul will take retirement. He said this in the award function where he was facilitated the Champion trophy and the Diamond Boot of the Year for being the most sensational player of the tournament. It was a very bleak and emotional moment for billions of people who glue on television watching their favourite star. Now, Paul will go back to his previous profession—playing with his handlers and children who visit him. Spain won the World Cup, but all the credits go to Paul. Kudos to Paul! You rocked the Cup of the World.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010: Eats, Drinks, Waka Waka, and Paul
The month-long thrilling and gripping football saga has come to an end finally with style. Spain who came to the tournament as the favourite of bookies won the title for the first time in its history. Their skills, quick and magnificent passing, and unity among players proved indomitable to other teams. As predicted, this South Africa FIFA World Cup exceeded all. It is a blockbuster in every sphere: fun, crowd, action, vuvuzela, dance, drinks, warm hospitality, and inspiration—those who broke their hip while dancing Shakira’s “Waka Waka” are inspired by K’naan’s “Waving Flags” to dance once more. It got bigger and stronger than the joint effort of Japan-South Korea in 2002 and Germany 2006. Imagine how big the event could get if the two largest populations of the world India and China participated the game—I mean if they could qualify to participate. This World Cup made history for many reasons: the entry of new champion, hosted for the first time by non-developed nations, vuvuzela, and Paul. The gap between strong teams and weak teams has reduced. Significantly, the strong teams made an early exit, throwing the red carpet for novices and weak teams—marking the event of making sacrifice for the first time in the history of sporting event. Kudos to FIFA and mighty teams, particularly Italy and France (the defending champion and runner-up) and Brazil and Argentina, for taking this bold initiative. This World Cup also marked for the first time in its history that the coach rocked the tournament more than his players. Blame Maradona for always being famous both in short and long pants, off and on field. For Italy, it is a very emotional moment because not only its national team made a historic sacrifice but also the prime minister sacrificed his “playboy” tag. In the parliamentary session, the famous Silvio Berlusconi declared, “I am no longer a playboy, I am play old now.” Hundreds and thousands burst into inconsolable tears. A young reporter broke down, and she was rushed to ICU. Why did you do this, Mr Berlusconi? You have been hailed as the epitome of S.T. Coleridge’s famous lines:
“Life is but Thought: so think I willThat Youth and I are housemates still.”
Now, who will we adore as our youth icon?
Heroes and Zeroes
Expectations were so high on star players like Ronaldo, Kaka, Rooney, and Messi. They are the costliest players on earth, and every team competed to buy them before the World Cup. High stakes are riding to them, and the whole world is betting for them.
“THEY CAME, THEY SAW, AND THEY ARE CONQUERED”
Just like every World Cup, the FIFA 2010 World Cup also produces new heroes, but it was never expected that all the existing heroes will return zeroes. It was the not-so-known players who rocked the tournament. It was a delight to see emerging heroes David Villa, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Asamoah Gyan, and Diego Forlan, who eclipsed these big stars, in the field.
Complaints and Criticisms
No sooner than the beautiful event kicked off, the ugly controversies erupted—poor and dreadful Jabulani ball, noise of vuvuzela-blowing, wrong referee decisions. Coaches, players, goalkeepers, everyone was in complaining mood: The direction of the ball cannot be predicted; it is like someone guides the ball; its trajectory is unpredictable; it moves so much and makes it difficult to control; it is like the one you bought from the supermarket; and the list goes on. I agree the new ball might have got some problem, but guys you are not the only player or team who experience this. Each player, each goal keeper, each team plays the same ball. Also, FIFA gave this new ball to each team for practice months prior the World Cup. But, by the time the tournament entered quarter finals stage, the complaints for vuvuzela blowing and Jabulani ball have subsided. Because, in the battlefield the one who complains dies first. It is time to defeat the enemies and move on. Beyond belief, the popularity of vuvuzela had shot up. Brazil has already booked five vuvuzela manufactures for the next World Cup they are hosting. Even, Indian prime minister has asked his South African counterpart to supply vuvuzelas for Commonwealth Games. But there is a condition: vuvuzelas do not make sound if the crowd in the stadium in fewer than 10,000. So, the Indian Government is having a second thought. But the South African Government says there is no any conditions apply for supplying vuvuzelas for IPL.
The Age of Technology
Debate erupted why FIFA does not use technology to ward off wrong referee decisions. Every sport, be it cricket or tennis, uses technology. Pressure mounted on FIFA officials, yet they are still reluctant to adopt technology. I think there is a valid reason behind this. The truth is at the time of framing the Sports Constitution, football was given the rights to live only for 90 minutes, unlike unlimited lifetime given to tennis and cricket. Also, football fans don’t have whole day to watch the match as do the cricket fans. Football can’t afford the luxury to wait 5 minutes for the referee decision. Guys! It is not cricket that players can slower or faster the game at their will. Soccer means exact 90-min thriller from beginning to end, and there is not even 10 seconds to relax because it takes less than 10 seconds for the ball to reach from one goalkeeper to the other goalkeeper. That is why soccer is so gripping. It is not only soccer, in today’s fast and busy life everything small and short is famous and most-demanded. That is why Tweeter is so famous. Those days of writing beautiful and flowery letters are gone. It is a world of “C U 2moro” and “4 U I die.” Send this text messages to Chomsky; he will hang himself just like Isaac Newton committed suicide after watching Rajnikant’s movies. It is not only life that is busy, so is the road. That is why more and more automobile makers have produced small cars.
Image Transformation
The success of the event has changed the way how the world watches the host nation and Africa as a whole. So far, Africa is defined by poverty, AIDs, and crime. It is very heart warming to see the event brought togetherness and unity to the nation that is so riven racially. All those critics who slammed the host country for lavishing $5 billion for the event have been silenced by vuvuzelas in the middle of the tournament. They think that spending billions of dollars in airports, public transportation systems, roads, and stadiums for the game does not make sense when the country has so much social needs and poverty. The truth is otherwise; these lack-of-long-sighted-thinking critics could not visualize the improved infrastructures will bolster growth in the long run by attracting foreign investments and surge of tourism. Now, with the World Cup in its resume, it is no wonder that South Africa has emerged as one of the best destinations to host major sporting events. To South Africa's credit, not even a single crime against outsiders who came to watch the World Cup was reported during this month-long event.
Enter the Great Paul
When the tournament entered quarter finals stage, the attention of the whole world shifted to the real hero of the tournament. Paul, the beautiful eight-legged oracle octopus residing in German aquarium, has become the sensation of the tournament after he correctly predicted the result of all seven games of Germany, as well as the finals between Spain and the Netherlands. He defeated his competitor Mani, a Singapore-based oracle parrot, who came at the tournament in the late stage and hanged him upside down on the goal post. Neither Messi nor Ronaldo got so much media coverage as Paul did. It was Paul and only Paul who made headlines of both newspapers and TV news channels when the tournament entered crucial stage. Paul remained the true patriot and national hero of Germany until he picked up Spain over Germany in the semi-final. All of a sudden, the national hero turned enemy of the state, and celebrated oracle octopus became psychic octopus. From that moment, all those Germans who sang praise choruses for Paul have been busy tweeting the recipe of octopus. Twitter is flooded with Paul. Most of them are from Germany and Argentina. Germany wants to fry Paul, Argentina wants to beat him till death, and the Netherlands wants to hang him. Now, Spain has come for rescue. The government of Spain wants to give citizenship to Paul and bring him to Spain. Now, they are seeking legal aids from the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) to bring Paul in Spain. ICJ is not very cooperative with Spain as the Netherlands, where it is headquartered, is also pressurizing it to bring Paul there. Now, if Spain succeeds, Paul will get everything—love, protection, and fame—in the new land for the next 4 years until he picks up some other nation over Spain in the 2014 World Cup.
Paul in India
Imagine the great Paul lands in our country. Can you even imagine how much media coverage he will get? If he thinks all the media coverage he will get is temporary, then Paul, you are underestimating the power of Indian media. Since cricket tournaments are held 365 days in a year both in and outside India, and India participates all the tournament, you will always stay at the headlines of both newspapers and news channels. Apart from cricket, you can put your hand in Bollywood also. Because of the absence of good soothsayer, most big budget movies bomb at the box office. You will be a big help for big producers and directors who make ambitious projects but end up making big flops and run heavy losses. A wise lady said that if she has Paul, she will gift it to the MET Department of India to provide correct weather forecasts. I think it is a very wise idea, particularly during the monsoon season when the MET Department officials are tired of coin flipping to predict weather.
The Hero Takes Retirement
Now, it’s official that Paul will take retirement. He said this in the award function where he was facilitated the Champion trophy and the Diamond Boot of the Year for being the most sensational player of the tournament. It was a very bleak and emotional moment for billions of people who glue on television watching their favourite star. Now, Paul will go back to his previous profession—playing with his handlers and children who visit him.
Spain won the World Cup, but all the credits go to Paul. Kudos to Paul! You rocked Cup of the World.
“Life is but Thought: so think I willThat Youth and I are housemates still.”
Now, who will we adore as our youth icon?
Heroes and Zeroes
Expectations were so high on star players like Ronaldo, Kaka, Rooney, and Messi. They are the costliest players on earth, and every team competed to buy them before the World Cup. High stakes are riding to them, and the whole world is betting for them.
“THEY CAME, THEY SAW, AND THEY ARE CONQUERED”
Just like every World Cup, the FIFA 2010 World Cup also produces new heroes, but it was never expected that all the existing heroes will return zeroes. It was the not-so-known players who rocked the tournament. It was a delight to see emerging heroes David Villa, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Asamoah Gyan, and Diego Forlan, who eclipsed these big stars, in the field.
Complaints and Criticisms
No sooner than the beautiful event kicked off, the ugly controversies erupted—poor and dreadful Jabulani ball, noise of vuvuzela-blowing, wrong referee decisions. Coaches, players, goalkeepers, everyone was in complaining mood: The direction of the ball cannot be predicted; it is like someone guides the ball; its trajectory is unpredictable; it moves so much and makes it difficult to control; it is like the one you bought from the supermarket; and the list goes on. I agree the new ball might have got some problem, but guys you are not the only player or team who experience this. Each player, each goal keeper, each team plays the same ball. Also, FIFA gave this new ball to each team for practice months prior the World Cup. But, by the time the tournament entered quarter finals stage, the complaints for vuvuzela blowing and Jabulani ball have subsided. Because, in the battlefield the one who complains dies first. It is time to defeat the enemies and move on. Beyond belief, the popularity of vuvuzela had shot up. Brazil has already booked five vuvuzela manufactures for the next World Cup they are hosting. Even, Indian prime minister has asked his South African counterpart to supply vuvuzelas for Commonwealth Games. But there is a condition: vuvuzelas do not make sound if the crowd in the stadium in fewer than 10,000. So, the Indian Government is having a second thought. But the South African Government says there is no any conditions apply for supplying vuvuzelas for IPL.
The Age of Technology
Debate erupted why FIFA does not use technology to ward off wrong referee decisions. Every sport, be it cricket or tennis, uses technology. Pressure mounted on FIFA officials, yet they are still reluctant to adopt technology. I think there is a valid reason behind this. The truth is at the time of framing the Sports Constitution, football was given the rights to live only for 90 minutes, unlike unlimited lifetime given to tennis and cricket. Also, football fans don’t have whole day to watch the match as do the cricket fans. Football can’t afford the luxury to wait 5 minutes for the referee decision. Guys! It is not cricket that players can slower or faster the game at their will. Soccer means exact 90-min thriller from beginning to end, and there is not even 10 seconds to relax because it takes less than 10 seconds for the ball to reach from one goalkeeper to the other goalkeeper. That is why soccer is so gripping. It is not only soccer, in today’s fast and busy life everything small and short is famous and most-demanded. That is why Tweeter is so famous. Those days of writing beautiful and flowery letters are gone. It is a world of “C U 2moro” and “4 U I die.” Send this text messages to Chomsky; he will hang himself just like Isaac Newton committed suicide after watching Rajnikant’s movies. It is not only life that is busy, so is the road. That is why more and more automobile makers have produced small cars.
Image Transformation
The success of the event has changed the way how the world watches the host nation and Africa as a whole. So far, Africa is defined by poverty, AIDs, and crime. It is very heart warming to see the event brought togetherness and unity to the nation that is so riven racially. All those critics who slammed the host country for lavishing $5 billion for the event have been silenced by vuvuzelas in the middle of the tournament. They think that spending billions of dollars in airports, public transportation systems, roads, and stadiums for the game does not make sense when the country has so much social needs and poverty. The truth is otherwise; these lack-of-long-sighted-thinking critics could not visualize the improved infrastructures will bolster growth in the long run by attracting foreign investments and surge of tourism. Now, with the World Cup in its resume, it is no wonder that South Africa has emerged as one of the best destinations to host major sporting events. To South Africa's credit, not even a single crime against outsiders who came to watch the World Cup was reported during this month-long event.
Enter the Great Paul
When the tournament entered quarter finals stage, the attention of the whole world shifted to the real hero of the tournament. Paul, the beautiful eight-legged oracle octopus residing in German aquarium, has become the sensation of the tournament after he correctly predicted the result of all seven games of Germany, as well as the finals between Spain and the Netherlands. He defeated his competitor Mani, a Singapore-based oracle parrot, who came at the tournament in the late stage and hanged him upside down on the goal post. Neither Messi nor Ronaldo got so much media coverage as Paul did. It was Paul and only Paul who made headlines of both newspapers and TV news channels when the tournament entered crucial stage. Paul remained the true patriot and national hero of Germany until he picked up Spain over Germany in the semi-final. All of a sudden, the national hero turned enemy of the state, and celebrated oracle octopus became psychic octopus. From that moment, all those Germans who sang praise choruses for Paul have been busy tweeting the recipe of octopus. Twitter is flooded with Paul. Most of them are from Germany and Argentina. Germany wants to fry Paul, Argentina wants to beat him till death, and the Netherlands wants to hang him. Now, Spain has come for rescue. The government of Spain wants to give citizenship to Paul and bring him to Spain. Now, they are seeking legal aids from the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) to bring Paul in Spain. ICJ is not very cooperative with Spain as the Netherlands, where it is headquartered, is also pressurizing it to bring Paul there. Now, if Spain succeeds, Paul will get everything—love, protection, and fame—in the new land for the next 4 years until he picks up some other nation over Spain in the 2014 World Cup.
Paul in India
Imagine the great Paul lands in our country. Can you even imagine how much media coverage he will get? If he thinks all the media coverage he will get is temporary, then Paul, you are underestimating the power of Indian media. Since cricket tournaments are held 365 days in a year both in and outside India, and India participates all the tournament, you will always stay at the headlines of both newspapers and news channels. Apart from cricket, you can put your hand in Bollywood also. Because of the absence of good soothsayer, most big budget movies bomb at the box office. You will be a big help for big producers and directors who make ambitious projects but end up making big flops and run heavy losses. A wise lady said that if she has Paul, she will gift it to the MET Department of India to provide correct weather forecasts. I think it is a very wise idea, particularly during the monsoon season when the MET Department officials are tired of coin flipping to predict weather.
The Hero Takes Retirement
Now, it’s official that Paul will take retirement. He said this in the award function where he was facilitated the Champion trophy and the Diamond Boot of the Year for being the most sensational player of the tournament. It was a very bleak and emotional moment for billions of people who glue on television watching their favourite star. Now, Paul will go back to his previous profession—playing with his handlers and children who visit him.
Spain won the World Cup, but all the credits go to Paul. Kudos to Paul! You rocked Cup of the World.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Mangalore Air Crash: Time for Aviation Authorities to Take Action
One fine morning, Roshan wakes up in jolly mood with eyes open wide and smile all around. His mother is coming to stay with him to give company to his lonely life in Delhi. Now onward, he will not force himself to wake up and prepare breakfast before rushing to office. When he returns home, he will find all those mouth-watering dishes and foods that he has been missing for months in front of his eyes. She will be busy the whole day thinking what to prepare for her child to eat when he returns from office tired. The smell of home food and the warmth and love of the mother, he will not ask for more to God for at least a month. He has been impatiently waiting for this day since the day he booked ticket for his mother. After quick shower, he rushes to the airport in ecstasy and stands in front of the wide LCD screen, checking the flight status. Minutes after minutes, flights arrived and departed. Every time he keeps looking at his watch, and impatience makes him feel if his watch has stopped ticking. Now, he starts wondering whether the flight will ever arrive. All of the sudden, life rewinds to those youthful days of those wild and never-worry-for-anything days. After many years, he remembers how impatiently he waited his first love for the first date. Those days when his world rotated only around her, but who already left him today when he is in dire need of her to give company in his solitariness and self-exile in quest of making career and earning money. All loved ones also disappear along with the waning youth. But today he has all the reasons to forget those melancholic thoughts but instead rejoice once again for being stood by the eternal love—the love that never lessens for anything and anywhere. Loneliness and distance have already taught him the love and care of parents for their children. At one side endless thoughts and joys flooded his mind, and on the other hand flight never arrived. By now he is tired of watching both LCD monitor and sky for the flight. Finally the watch strikes 10:30 am, and both heartbeat and impatience get stronger. He can see the same curiosity and happiness in the eyes of others who are also impatiently waiting for their loved ones. After 5 minutes, chaos and noise erupted inside the airport. Policeman and fire brackets start running amok. In no time, the eyes that bore impatience and curiosity turn into fear. The word “plane crash” spread like wildfire. The next few hours follow a state of disbelief, screaming, crying, and wondering amid lifeless bodies strewn all over. Many of them are charred beyond recognition. After wondering over here and there unconsciously, a half-charred body lying near a thick bush returned all his every-over-here-and-there-wondering senses to him. She is calmly waiting for her son. But this time, she does not smile at him and opens her wide arms to embrace him.
Now, change “Roshan” to “I”. Hasn’t your world shattered yet? What will you do with the lifeless body of your mother in a land that is thousand miles away from your home with no one to assist you? WARNING! Don’t even try to imagine how it will feel like. Every plane crash left untold miseries and heartbreaking stories. Accidents do happen, but the accidents orchestrated by human errors and negligence deserve punishment. The recent Air India plane crash at Mangalore airport that killed 158 of 166 passengers on board was a national tragedy. Along with grief sparks a fresh debate on how unsafe the Indian sky is for airlines.
If we look at the developments in the Indian aviation industry in the last few years and the daily near misses, the recent air crash can only be termed as “unfortunate,” not “unexpected.” It was just the culmination of negligence and innumerable near misses that make newspapers and news channels headlines from now and then. The aviation industry has expanded tremendously in the recent years with the mushrooming of many new commercial airline companies. Because of the inclusion of many low-cost airlines, the number of domestic passenger has shot up more than three times in the last 5 years. Today, Indira Gandhi International Airport handles more than 700 flights a day; the same airport handled only 77 flights daily in 2002-03. Similarly, Mumbai Airport today handles more than 600 flights daily, although it handled only 96 flights a day in 2002-03. So, the big question is “Do the present infrastructure and safety standards keep pace with the alarming growth of passengers and flights?” The answer is big “NO”.
Whenever any air crash happens, the first report that comes out is it would have been caused by pilot error. Investigation in the number of cases and incidents that would have caused accidents has found most of them are related to pilot behavior. Investigation on the recent 15 near misses and other cases has found pilots reporting drunk for duty. There are also other factors that cause near misses, such as lack of communication between pilots and air traffic controller, poor training, infrequent inspection, difficult location of the airport, and of course the congestion of flights in major airports. Expanding airport, adding runways, and building new airports will take both time and money. So, the immediate step that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as a regulatory body for civil aviation and is responsible for ensuring safety and monitoring pilots, has to take up is to take disciplinary action on those pilots and crew members who report duty drunk. There must be zero-tolerance approach to alcohol-related behaviors. Pilot drunkenness has direct impact on the safety of the flights. The DGCA has revealed that in the last 1 year, a total of 42 alcohol positive cases related to pilot were detected. However in response to RTI reply, the DGCA reveals neither the names of the airlines nor the names of the pilots, whether the pilots were detected before they boarded the flights, whether the pilots were stopped from flying, and the nature of action taken against them. Such information should be made transparent to the public.
Today when I woke up, my blood was boiled by the front page headlines of the Times of India “VIP flights force 3 jets land with no fuel to spare.” According to the news, the Indira Gandhi Airport was closed due to President Patil’s departure for China. Because of these, more than 10 flights were diverted and many were asked to fly around. And the worst of all, three unlucky flights ran out of fuel when they landed to Jaipur. Who will be responsible for the 450 plus passengers on board if any of the flights were not that very lucky—the president, civil aviation minister, pilots, or the DGCA? Not only this, just 3 days ago there was a narrow escape in Mumbai airport when an Indigo flight landed on the same runway where a Jet Airways flight was ready to take off. The precision of the pilot averted the tragedy. If these near misses are the order of the day, there is really no surprise when there is air crash. The lesson to learn is “You can’t get lucky everyday.” And, safety measures and precision must be taken on every moment and operation. We cannot afford innocent and valuable lives pay the price for the negligence of the higher authority. VVIP movements are synonymous to public inconvenience. Whenever our leaders decide to travel, the common men have to suffer all the inconveniences, be it a 3-km-long traffic jam, late in the office or call it a day, or landing flight at the destination 3 hours behind the schedule, and so on. A plane carries extra fuel only for hovering half an hour for the destination airport and some more for the alternative airport when emergency arises. Airline companies have requested aviation authorities a number of time to let them know about the VVIP movement in advance so that they can carry more than 30-minute hovering fuel. But their pleas are rejected for security concern. Yes, it is true that top security should be given to the movement of our leaders. It is also equally true that hundreds of people should not be left stranded on air in the process. BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN’T WALK ON AIR!!!
Now, change “Roshan” to “I”. Hasn’t your world shattered yet? What will you do with the lifeless body of your mother in a land that is thousand miles away from your home with no one to assist you? WARNING! Don’t even try to imagine how it will feel like. Every plane crash left untold miseries and heartbreaking stories. Accidents do happen, but the accidents orchestrated by human errors and negligence deserve punishment. The recent Air India plane crash at Mangalore airport that killed 158 of 166 passengers on board was a national tragedy. Along with grief sparks a fresh debate on how unsafe the Indian sky is for airlines.
If we look at the developments in the Indian aviation industry in the last few years and the daily near misses, the recent air crash can only be termed as “unfortunate,” not “unexpected.” It was just the culmination of negligence and innumerable near misses that make newspapers and news channels headlines from now and then. The aviation industry has expanded tremendously in the recent years with the mushrooming of many new commercial airline companies. Because of the inclusion of many low-cost airlines, the number of domestic passenger has shot up more than three times in the last 5 years. Today, Indira Gandhi International Airport handles more than 700 flights a day; the same airport handled only 77 flights daily in 2002-03. Similarly, Mumbai Airport today handles more than 600 flights daily, although it handled only 96 flights a day in 2002-03. So, the big question is “Do the present infrastructure and safety standards keep pace with the alarming growth of passengers and flights?” The answer is big “NO”.
Whenever any air crash happens, the first report that comes out is it would have been caused by pilot error. Investigation in the number of cases and incidents that would have caused accidents has found most of them are related to pilot behavior. Investigation on the recent 15 near misses and other cases has found pilots reporting drunk for duty. There are also other factors that cause near misses, such as lack of communication between pilots and air traffic controller, poor training, infrequent inspection, difficult location of the airport, and of course the congestion of flights in major airports. Expanding airport, adding runways, and building new airports will take both time and money. So, the immediate step that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as a regulatory body for civil aviation and is responsible for ensuring safety and monitoring pilots, has to take up is to take disciplinary action on those pilots and crew members who report duty drunk. There must be zero-tolerance approach to alcohol-related behaviors. Pilot drunkenness has direct impact on the safety of the flights. The DGCA has revealed that in the last 1 year, a total of 42 alcohol positive cases related to pilot were detected. However in response to RTI reply, the DGCA reveals neither the names of the airlines nor the names of the pilots, whether the pilots were detected before they boarded the flights, whether the pilots were stopped from flying, and the nature of action taken against them. Such information should be made transparent to the public.
Today when I woke up, my blood was boiled by the front page headlines of the Times of India “VIP flights force 3 jets land with no fuel to spare.” According to the news, the Indira Gandhi Airport was closed due to President Patil’s departure for China. Because of these, more than 10 flights were diverted and many were asked to fly around. And the worst of all, three unlucky flights ran out of fuel when they landed to Jaipur. Who will be responsible for the 450 plus passengers on board if any of the flights were not that very lucky—the president, civil aviation minister, pilots, or the DGCA? Not only this, just 3 days ago there was a narrow escape in Mumbai airport when an Indigo flight landed on the same runway where a Jet Airways flight was ready to take off. The precision of the pilot averted the tragedy. If these near misses are the order of the day, there is really no surprise when there is air crash. The lesson to learn is “You can’t get lucky everyday.” And, safety measures and precision must be taken on every moment and operation. We cannot afford innocent and valuable lives pay the price for the negligence of the higher authority. VVIP movements are synonymous to public inconvenience. Whenever our leaders decide to travel, the common men have to suffer all the inconveniences, be it a 3-km-long traffic jam, late in the office or call it a day, or landing flight at the destination 3 hours behind the schedule, and so on. A plane carries extra fuel only for hovering half an hour for the destination airport and some more for the alternative airport when emergency arises. Airline companies have requested aviation authorities a number of time to let them know about the VVIP movement in advance so that they can carry more than 30-minute hovering fuel. But their pleas are rejected for security concern. Yes, it is true that top security should be given to the movement of our leaders. It is also equally true that hundreds of people should not be left stranded on air in the process. BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN’T WALK ON AIR!!!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Muivah, Terrorism, Lawlessness, Unemployment: Manipur Is the Victim of Center’s Negligence and Step-Motherly Treatment
The defiant Muivah’s, the chief of a banned outfit NSCN (IM), unwillingness to back off his proposed visit to his birthplace Somdal in Ukhrul district, Manipur, and Manipur Government’s firm resistance to let the rebel leader fulfill his mission have brought a complete economic turmoil in Manipur, opening once again a debate on how much the Government of India (GOI) cares the Northeast states. The news of rebel leader homecoming after 49 years had made headlines and spread like a wildfire, setting Manipur on fire along with it. But what is shocking to me if why it does not attract the attention of the Center to act to ebb the ongoing situation.
Both NH 39 and NH 53, the lifelines of Manipur, have been blocked by Naga Students’ union for more than 2 months, pushing the state into severe economic and food crisis. This students' union wants greater autonomy for the hill districts and their leader Muivah be allowed to visit his birthplace. The economic blockade that was originally meant to press the state government for greater autonomy for the hill districts was intensified when Chief Minister Ibobi Singh refused NSCN chief to enter the state. And, it turned into indefinite blockade following May 6 mayhem in Mao gate in which two Naga students were killed in police firing while trying to control the protesting crowd who gathered to welcome Muivah. Manipur is facing acute shortage of foods and life-saving drugs. For now, foods, fuel, and medicines are airlifted from Guwahati to Imphal, yet it can’t meet the requirements. The price of petrol rose to Rs 150 per liter while LPG cylinder was being sold for Rs 1,500. Also, the price of rice and local produce has skyrocketed. Worst of all, most of the hospitals are forced to stop routine surgeries due to the lack of oxygen and life-saving drugs.
Muivah has said the refusal of his visit came as a big surprise to him since his homecoming is meant for peace, love, meeting friends and relatives, and not to disturb anyone. However, if we look deeper, the truth is otherwise; he plans to hold a series of meetings during his stay in Ukhrul. His visit to his birthplace is not exactly a homecoming; it is political move to break the territorial integrity of Manipur. There is no problem for Muivah to visit his birthplace. Everyone has got the right to visit his birthplace, and Muivah is not an exception. However, he can’t do so as a leader of a banned outfit and that too with hidden agenda. The people of Manipur view NSCN (IM)-related issues seriously and are strongly against the outfit’s ambitious “Greater Nagalim” concept of forming unified Naga homeland by merging Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar in the territory of Nagaland. We do not have any problem in the peace talk between NSCN (IM) and the government of India. However, any plan to disturb the territorial integrity of the state will result into complete chaos and upheavals. No one wants to repeat the June 18, 2001, uprising in which many innocent lives were sacrificed and state assembly house brought down to cinder—its root cause “the extension of ceasefire between GOI and NSCN (IM) without territorial limits”. Not only this, Muivah had orchestrated the 1992 communal riots between Nagas and Kukis in Manipur, in which more than 900 Kukis were killed and above 1 lakh rendered homeless. I was very young then, but I can’t forget the tears-rolling picture of those helpless brothers, sisters, and mothers who went door to door begging for food and clothes with those heartbreaking stories. Muivah should be dragged to court for genocide.
The government of Manipur has every right to stop Muivah from entering the state. One, he is the leader of a banned revolutionary outfit. Two, the ceasefire between the Center and the NSCN (IM), which entered in August 1997, does not extend to Manipur. And, it is the duty of the Center to lift the highway blockade and normalize the situation arising out of it. In a snub against state government, the defiant leader has already arrived the state frontier and stationed in a village that is just few kilometers from Mao gate. Some 50 plus vehicles, mostly members of Naga NGOs, NSCN (IM) soldiers, and Nagaland police, escorted the 75-year-old rebel leader in his attempt to enter Manipur.
The ongoing situation and the crisis faced by the people of Manipur are all because of the step-motherly treatment meted out to Manipur by the Center. How can the Center give green signal to Muivah to enter Manipur without having a consultation with the government of Manipur? Why can’t the Center lift the highway blockade imposed for more than 2 months by some students union when the people in the other state are dying and starving because of the blockade of their lifeline? Can’t the Center provide security forces to ensure that the goods-laden trucks reach Manipur safely, or can’t they use paramilitary or state force to crush a tiny warring students union? Because of this negligence and step motherly treatment, today Manipur is on the verge of collapse. It is a lawless state today where human rights are found only in the political science book. Today, there are more than 40 insurgent groups in Manipur. Except for the few leaders of these groups, there is no any ideological commitment among the militants. They are just extortion groups running extortion racket to support both their families and activities. In Manipur, every government employee is paying to these insurgent groups for survival. And the mode of payment is very systematic; the contribution is deducted just like income tax deduction. No one is spared, including Chief Minister and DGP. Only the governor and the chief secretariat are exempted from this. The insurgents reach their hand everywhere¾politics, administration, recruitment, and so on. They are the real watchdog of the state. It may sound exaggerated but it is true¾a schoolteacher who wants to take one-month medical leave writes application to the militant, not to the school principal. Imagine how awkward it sounds. Most students unions are the overt group of the militants. There is a nexus between militants and ministers. Unlike NSCN(IM), table discussion is not possible with these militants because they don’t have any constitution for sovereign Manipur; they know only how to threaten people and pull trigger. The militants have equal share in any government contracts and recruitments. Monies come from extortion are siphoned to their leaders who stay in foreign countries enjoying foreign locales and luxuries; they are least bothered by what is happening at home. Despite having above 60 percent educated people, unemployment poses an easy target to desperate and employed youths for these insurgent groups. The Indian government should not delay anymore to revive its erstwhile desperate efforts of bringing Manipur into mainstream India¾this time in building economy and maintaining peace before it collapses. The Center should start by removing the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 first¾the mother of all ills, lawlessness, and problems in Manipur¾the very Act that killed many innocent people, the very Act that deprives human rights, and the very Act that deprives the family of the deceased to seek justice in the court for the dear departed.
Both NH 39 and NH 53, the lifelines of Manipur, have been blocked by Naga Students’ union for more than 2 months, pushing the state into severe economic and food crisis. This students' union wants greater autonomy for the hill districts and their leader Muivah be allowed to visit his birthplace. The economic blockade that was originally meant to press the state government for greater autonomy for the hill districts was intensified when Chief Minister Ibobi Singh refused NSCN chief to enter the state. And, it turned into indefinite blockade following May 6 mayhem in Mao gate in which two Naga students were killed in police firing while trying to control the protesting crowd who gathered to welcome Muivah. Manipur is facing acute shortage of foods and life-saving drugs. For now, foods, fuel, and medicines are airlifted from Guwahati to Imphal, yet it can’t meet the requirements. The price of petrol rose to Rs 150 per liter while LPG cylinder was being sold for Rs 1,500. Also, the price of rice and local produce has skyrocketed. Worst of all, most of the hospitals are forced to stop routine surgeries due to the lack of oxygen and life-saving drugs.
Muivah has said the refusal of his visit came as a big surprise to him since his homecoming is meant for peace, love, meeting friends and relatives, and not to disturb anyone. However, if we look deeper, the truth is otherwise; he plans to hold a series of meetings during his stay in Ukhrul. His visit to his birthplace is not exactly a homecoming; it is political move to break the territorial integrity of Manipur. There is no problem for Muivah to visit his birthplace. Everyone has got the right to visit his birthplace, and Muivah is not an exception. However, he can’t do so as a leader of a banned outfit and that too with hidden agenda. The people of Manipur view NSCN (IM)-related issues seriously and are strongly against the outfit’s ambitious “Greater Nagalim” concept of forming unified Naga homeland by merging Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar in the territory of Nagaland. We do not have any problem in the peace talk between NSCN (IM) and the government of India. However, any plan to disturb the territorial integrity of the state will result into complete chaos and upheavals. No one wants to repeat the June 18, 2001, uprising in which many innocent lives were sacrificed and state assembly house brought down to cinder—its root cause “the extension of ceasefire between GOI and NSCN (IM) without territorial limits”. Not only this, Muivah had orchestrated the 1992 communal riots between Nagas and Kukis in Manipur, in which more than 900 Kukis were killed and above 1 lakh rendered homeless. I was very young then, but I can’t forget the tears-rolling picture of those helpless brothers, sisters, and mothers who went door to door begging for food and clothes with those heartbreaking stories. Muivah should be dragged to court for genocide.
The government of Manipur has every right to stop Muivah from entering the state. One, he is the leader of a banned revolutionary outfit. Two, the ceasefire between the Center and the NSCN (IM), which entered in August 1997, does not extend to Manipur. And, it is the duty of the Center to lift the highway blockade and normalize the situation arising out of it. In a snub against state government, the defiant leader has already arrived the state frontier and stationed in a village that is just few kilometers from Mao gate. Some 50 plus vehicles, mostly members of Naga NGOs, NSCN (IM) soldiers, and Nagaland police, escorted the 75-year-old rebel leader in his attempt to enter Manipur.
The ongoing situation and the crisis faced by the people of Manipur are all because of the step-motherly treatment meted out to Manipur by the Center. How can the Center give green signal to Muivah to enter Manipur without having a consultation with the government of Manipur? Why can’t the Center lift the highway blockade imposed for more than 2 months by some students union when the people in the other state are dying and starving because of the blockade of their lifeline? Can’t the Center provide security forces to ensure that the goods-laden trucks reach Manipur safely, or can’t they use paramilitary or state force to crush a tiny warring students union? Because of this negligence and step motherly treatment, today Manipur is on the verge of collapse. It is a lawless state today where human rights are found only in the political science book. Today, there are more than 40 insurgent groups in Manipur. Except for the few leaders of these groups, there is no any ideological commitment among the militants. They are just extortion groups running extortion racket to support both their families and activities. In Manipur, every government employee is paying to these insurgent groups for survival. And the mode of payment is very systematic; the contribution is deducted just like income tax deduction. No one is spared, including Chief Minister and DGP. Only the governor and the chief secretariat are exempted from this. The insurgents reach their hand everywhere¾politics, administration, recruitment, and so on. They are the real watchdog of the state. It may sound exaggerated but it is true¾a schoolteacher who wants to take one-month medical leave writes application to the militant, not to the school principal. Imagine how awkward it sounds. Most students unions are the overt group of the militants. There is a nexus between militants and ministers. Unlike NSCN(IM), table discussion is not possible with these militants because they don’t have any constitution for sovereign Manipur; they know only how to threaten people and pull trigger. The militants have equal share in any government contracts and recruitments. Monies come from extortion are siphoned to their leaders who stay in foreign countries enjoying foreign locales and luxuries; they are least bothered by what is happening at home. Despite having above 60 percent educated people, unemployment poses an easy target to desperate and employed youths for these insurgent groups. The Indian government should not delay anymore to revive its erstwhile desperate efforts of bringing Manipur into mainstream India¾this time in building economy and maintaining peace before it collapses. The Center should start by removing the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 first¾the mother of all ills, lawlessness, and problems in Manipur¾the very Act that killed many innocent people, the very Act that deprives human rights, and the very Act that deprives the family of the deceased to seek justice in the court for the dear departed.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Television Reality Shows: Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega
Just as reality and fiction, although two separate things, are always fused together for debate and controversy, reality shows always draw ire from the public. It always remain questionable up to what extent these reality shows are real. The recent reality show Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega has caught the attention of both media and many women rights activists/organizations right from the beginning. They are crying for showing women in indecent manner in the show. Generally, viewers have doubts regarding reality shows, particularly swayamvar, thanks to Rakhi Ka Swayamvar—the first television swayamvar in the country in which our famous controversy’s best friend Rakhi Sawant was going to marry one of the contestants—which turned out to be fake. Viewers are doubtful whether Rahul Mahajan will really marry one of the contestants or end up doing what Rakhi did. Despite this, such shows win the heart of millions of viewers, ensuring the TRP rise. So, there has been a mushrooming of reality shows across television channels.
From the very beginning, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has asked the information and broadcasting ministry to stop showing this program stating it portrays women in an indecent manner. These young girls find beautiful all these glamour and fashion things. And the most important one—appearing on the television. They are least concerned what is waiting ahead in their life, and no one ever imagines the impending effects of long-term trauma and depression they will undergo after this short stint of bubble glamour.
The show started promising. Rahul romances 15 beautiful girls who are short-listed from more than 16,000 applicants. Rahul said there is no any restriction on the basis of caste, religion, color, education, and age for the participants. It is right; the youngest participant is 19 and the eldest being 34. Wow, that’s sound great! Isn’t it? But, I wonder how there is not even a single widow or divorcee in the swayambar of a person who himself is a divorcee. Now and then, girls are eliminated. To make the show more interesting, two NRIs also have come to participate. I don’t know exactly how they came to know about this swayambar, whether they participate from their own end or were paid to participate. Let’s forget it.
Each episode shows Rahul wooing the girls in exotic locales. Sometimes, he will take the girls to boating in lake, sometimes on cable car, sometimes a drink on yacht, and sometimes on palace. The hearts of millions of viewers started beating stronger each day when the show is about to be over. There is no wonder when very few girls are left, those who gave only adjectives to Rahul from Day 1 left infinite negatives while bidding adieu after being eliminated. Wait, luxury and romance are not over yet. When the three finalists come to Mumbai to meet Rahul’s mother, he takes each of them for Mumbai Darshan—this time on the jet. This one is really romantic. Romance on the air! It makes Rahul join the league of Hollywood couple Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nair. Then, Rahul pays a visit to the home of each girl. By now, the curiosity of the viewers rises up, including me. Rahul got the best designers of the country to dress up these three girls. Also, he got the famous choreographer Saroj Khan to train them dance for the sangeet day. Things become larger than life each day. Eventually, Rahul Mahajan’s swayamvar becomes a really most-talked and big affair.
The judgment day arrived. The three brides along with their parents and relatives arrived the hotel where the wedding will be solemnized. They all are dressed up with their traditional marriage gown, and all pujas done. Here is the climax of the three-week-long bride hunt. Rahul will choose his life partner. Only one of the three girls will get lucky and be a winner. She will get all the attention of media and will become a celebrity kind.
But, what will happen to the other two. They set out from home telling everyone, “Today is my wedding day.” How will they cope up with the depression, shame, and the gossips of the society? The final day showed the three finalists standing together, and Rahul with a garland at hands to garland one of them whom he is going to marry. Imagine you go to fish market and taking time to decide which fish you will buy for dinner. Nothing can portray women more indecently that the way it does.
Most of the reality shows are women-centric—about love, marriage, and relationship. The objectification of women is rampant in these shows. It is not possible to go and ask everyone to stop screening of such shows, because they will talk about freedom. Spreading awareness across to highlight the consequences and pitfalls of such shows is a must. There should be a self-regulation, and the government must act on this now. It takes 14 years to clear the Women’s reservation bill after it was first tabled, that too amid stiff opposition and protests from male brigade. So far, the highest number of women participation in the Lok Sabha is 12 percent. So, 33 percent quota means 21 percent male politicians out of office. It is a real threat to male politicians, particularly who rely on caste and minority vote banks. It is no secret that we are a country where women are perceived physically, mentally, and practically inferior to men. So if some women help objectification of themselves just for the sake of glamour and money, then gender equality will remain a dream that will never enliven. It takes more than 60 years for the Indian women to secure one-third of seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies. How many more decades will we wait to see this figure become 50:50?
From the very beginning, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has asked the information and broadcasting ministry to stop showing this program stating it portrays women in an indecent manner. These young girls find beautiful all these glamour and fashion things. And the most important one—appearing on the television. They are least concerned what is waiting ahead in their life, and no one ever imagines the impending effects of long-term trauma and depression they will undergo after this short stint of bubble glamour.
The show started promising. Rahul romances 15 beautiful girls who are short-listed from more than 16,000 applicants. Rahul said there is no any restriction on the basis of caste, religion, color, education, and age for the participants. It is right; the youngest participant is 19 and the eldest being 34. Wow, that’s sound great! Isn’t it? But, I wonder how there is not even a single widow or divorcee in the swayambar of a person who himself is a divorcee. Now and then, girls are eliminated. To make the show more interesting, two NRIs also have come to participate. I don’t know exactly how they came to know about this swayambar, whether they participate from their own end or were paid to participate. Let’s forget it.
Each episode shows Rahul wooing the girls in exotic locales. Sometimes, he will take the girls to boating in lake, sometimes on cable car, sometimes a drink on yacht, and sometimes on palace. The hearts of millions of viewers started beating stronger each day when the show is about to be over. There is no wonder when very few girls are left, those who gave only adjectives to Rahul from Day 1 left infinite negatives while bidding adieu after being eliminated. Wait, luxury and romance are not over yet. When the three finalists come to Mumbai to meet Rahul’s mother, he takes each of them for Mumbai Darshan—this time on the jet. This one is really romantic. Romance on the air! It makes Rahul join the league of Hollywood couple Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nair. Then, Rahul pays a visit to the home of each girl. By now, the curiosity of the viewers rises up, including me. Rahul got the best designers of the country to dress up these three girls. Also, he got the famous choreographer Saroj Khan to train them dance for the sangeet day. Things become larger than life each day. Eventually, Rahul Mahajan’s swayamvar becomes a really most-talked and big affair.
The judgment day arrived. The three brides along with their parents and relatives arrived the hotel where the wedding will be solemnized. They all are dressed up with their traditional marriage gown, and all pujas done. Here is the climax of the three-week-long bride hunt. Rahul will choose his life partner. Only one of the three girls will get lucky and be a winner. She will get all the attention of media and will become a celebrity kind.
But, what will happen to the other two. They set out from home telling everyone, “Today is my wedding day.” How will they cope up with the depression, shame, and the gossips of the society? The final day showed the three finalists standing together, and Rahul with a garland at hands to garland one of them whom he is going to marry. Imagine you go to fish market and taking time to decide which fish you will buy for dinner. Nothing can portray women more indecently that the way it does.
Most of the reality shows are women-centric—about love, marriage, and relationship. The objectification of women is rampant in these shows. It is not possible to go and ask everyone to stop screening of such shows, because they will talk about freedom. Spreading awareness across to highlight the consequences and pitfalls of such shows is a must. There should be a self-regulation, and the government must act on this now. It takes 14 years to clear the Women’s reservation bill after it was first tabled, that too amid stiff opposition and protests from male brigade. So far, the highest number of women participation in the Lok Sabha is 12 percent. So, 33 percent quota means 21 percent male politicians out of office. It is a real threat to male politicians, particularly who rely on caste and minority vote banks. It is no secret that we are a country where women are perceived physically, mentally, and practically inferior to men. So if some women help objectification of themselves just for the sake of glamour and money, then gender equality will remain a dream that will never enliven. It takes more than 60 years for the Indian women to secure one-third of seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies. How many more decades will we wait to see this figure become 50:50?
Friday, February 12, 2010
Shah Rukh Khan–Shiv Sena Face-Off: Wake up Bollywood, Wake up India
Our news channels have been completely devoted to Shah Rukh Khan and Shiv Sena face-off for the past more than a week. In the country where film stars are worshipped as deities, the face-off between the country’s top movie star and an attention- and popularity-hungry sectarian group makes a great dish for the media and the public. Although the same news airs on every news channel 24 x 7, out thirst for more never dies down. This very same news has transformed a chartbuster that we love to listen over again and again. It is no secret that the popularity of Shiv Sena has waned and reached a new depth in Shiv Sena-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) popularity competition. The last few years have witnessed the rise of MNS and the subsequent falling down of Shiv Sena in popularity. As the bankrupt banks finally resorted to government help for rescue following financial crisis, Shiv Sena has been waiting for the right time and right target to attack that will help boost and shoot up its popularity to a new height. Both the Senas champion Marathi manoos and do everything to lead in this competition by turning unconstitutional—promoting violence, boycotting government recruitment examinations for making open to every Indian, beating couples for holding hands while sitting in the park, beating taxi drivers for speaking Hindi to passengers, and pelting stones to lovers who celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Before, they targeted India’s sporting icon master blaster Sanchin Tendulkar. They were hopeful to gain political mileage by taking on the country’s biggest and most-respected sports person. The whole country hit back Bal Thackeray in unison in support of Sachin. Contrary to what they presumed, their popularity hit the bottom line. Once bitten, twice shy. Then, they took on country’s richest person Mukesh Ambani. This time, they were very hopeful, but their hopes came crashing down on the mountainsides yet again. The two icons are targeted for being an Indian first. Their being an Indian first by living in Mumbai irks the Senas and their statement, “Mumbai belongs to every Indian,” does not digest well to the Sainiks. Then, the father-son duo took on to our future prime minister Rahul Gandhi. The battle of words ensued; Rahul came to Mumbai and dared the father and son. Shiv Sena could not digest well the very fact that Rahul Gandhi derailed them in its own soil.
Now, Shiv Sena is threatening the release of SRK’s most-awaited film My Name Is Khan until the latter retracts his statement supporting Pakistan players in the coming IPL-3. SRK sticks on his stand why he should apologize and what he will retract when he did not give any anti-national statement and hurt anyone. The whole country is eager to see who will back off first. Bal Thackeray is very hopeful that SRK will apologize since 35% of all India business for his movie will come from the Mumbai territory. The unexpected opposition and staying away of long-time partners the RSS and the BJP following this drama has left Shiv Sena more isolated. The Sena does not want this big opportunity give them a miss because the success to stop the screening of the year’s most-awaited film of the country’s biggest star will do half of their job. This will help them revive their political prospects. On the other side, why will Shah Rukh apologize when he is the youth icon and every Indian adores him as a role model? That too, when he did not do anything wrong. It is not new that celebrities have been the soft target of politics in our country to get political mileage. It is also equally true that film stars are wooed by political parties to help win election. Although film stars enjoy deity position, they go for lone battle when they are targeted. The film industry can’t face the threat of political parties due to the lack of leadership.
As a citizen of India, I have few questions in my mind: Is Mumbai not a part of India? Who is the real leader of Mumbai, ruling government or Shiv Sena? Of all the businesses run in Mumbai, how many percentage of them are run by Maharastrians? How many Mumbaikars support the Senas? Why does MNS remain keep quiet in this whole drama, even though both Shiv Sena and MNS champion Marathi manoos? Is there a taboo for the celebrity to exercise the freedom of speech, a right given by our constitution to every Indian? Will the marriage of politics and sports help improve the country’s impoverished state of sports?
As every liberal Indian to whom caste and religion do not matter much, I stand by the statement of SRK. When he said that Pakistani players should have got a slot in IPL-3 because they are the best, I find nothing unacceptable and derogatory in this statement. There is no denying that Pakistanis are the best T20 players because they are the defending champion. They should have been treated well. Now, we can ask: Why did not SRK bid for Pakistani players during the auction? Why was there a consensus among IPL teams not to pick up even a single Pakistani player? Were IPL team owners asked or threatened not to allow any neighbor’s players? I smell a rat in the last question. Shiv Sena showed displeasure to allow Pakistani players in Mumbai following the last year terrorist attack in Mumbai. It is the responsibility of the team owners to provide security of the game. Since most of the games will be played in Mumbai, it is quite natural that any franchise will not be ready to take chances when there is a question mark on the security of the game because millions of dollars are riding on the game. Are we never going to talk to our neighbor? Is sports meant to intensify friendship, cooperation, and love or to divide and yield hatred.
Now, we every Indian should stand by SRK and should not allow the sectarian groups to take the law of the land at their hands. Don’t assume but know the fact why MNS does not break silence and come out in open to support Shiv Sena when both of them believe and pursue for the same cause. It is time to wake up and say “NOT ANY MORE” to these sectarians who have been befooling innocent people to meet their selfish ends by promoting mayhem and violence. The time when criminal factors play a major role to win election is coming to an end. Bogus voting and booth capturing are also fast disappearing. Take anti-north/west/east/south Indian rhetoric as undemocratic and anti-Indian. The real loser of all these political maneuverings and chauvinistic agenda are common man. Today, people are more educated than before, and they want competent leaders---san crime records and black marks---to rule the country. The leader who can protect the minority but champions for the cause of India.
Before, they targeted India’s sporting icon master blaster Sanchin Tendulkar. They were hopeful to gain political mileage by taking on the country’s biggest and most-respected sports person. The whole country hit back Bal Thackeray in unison in support of Sachin. Contrary to what they presumed, their popularity hit the bottom line. Once bitten, twice shy. Then, they took on country’s richest person Mukesh Ambani. This time, they were very hopeful, but their hopes came crashing down on the mountainsides yet again. The two icons are targeted for being an Indian first. Their being an Indian first by living in Mumbai irks the Senas and their statement, “Mumbai belongs to every Indian,” does not digest well to the Sainiks. Then, the father-son duo took on to our future prime minister Rahul Gandhi. The battle of words ensued; Rahul came to Mumbai and dared the father and son. Shiv Sena could not digest well the very fact that Rahul Gandhi derailed them in its own soil.
Now, Shiv Sena is threatening the release of SRK’s most-awaited film My Name Is Khan until the latter retracts his statement supporting Pakistan players in the coming IPL-3. SRK sticks on his stand why he should apologize and what he will retract when he did not give any anti-national statement and hurt anyone. The whole country is eager to see who will back off first. Bal Thackeray is very hopeful that SRK will apologize since 35% of all India business for his movie will come from the Mumbai territory. The unexpected opposition and staying away of long-time partners the RSS and the BJP following this drama has left Shiv Sena more isolated. The Sena does not want this big opportunity give them a miss because the success to stop the screening of the year’s most-awaited film of the country’s biggest star will do half of their job. This will help them revive their political prospects. On the other side, why will Shah Rukh apologize when he is the youth icon and every Indian adores him as a role model? That too, when he did not do anything wrong. It is not new that celebrities have been the soft target of politics in our country to get political mileage. It is also equally true that film stars are wooed by political parties to help win election. Although film stars enjoy deity position, they go for lone battle when they are targeted. The film industry can’t face the threat of political parties due to the lack of leadership.
As a citizen of India, I have few questions in my mind: Is Mumbai not a part of India? Who is the real leader of Mumbai, ruling government or Shiv Sena? Of all the businesses run in Mumbai, how many percentage of them are run by Maharastrians? How many Mumbaikars support the Senas? Why does MNS remain keep quiet in this whole drama, even though both Shiv Sena and MNS champion Marathi manoos? Is there a taboo for the celebrity to exercise the freedom of speech, a right given by our constitution to every Indian? Will the marriage of politics and sports help improve the country’s impoverished state of sports?
As every liberal Indian to whom caste and religion do not matter much, I stand by the statement of SRK. When he said that Pakistani players should have got a slot in IPL-3 because they are the best, I find nothing unacceptable and derogatory in this statement. There is no denying that Pakistanis are the best T20 players because they are the defending champion. They should have been treated well. Now, we can ask: Why did not SRK bid for Pakistani players during the auction? Why was there a consensus among IPL teams not to pick up even a single Pakistani player? Were IPL team owners asked or threatened not to allow any neighbor’s players? I smell a rat in the last question. Shiv Sena showed displeasure to allow Pakistani players in Mumbai following the last year terrorist attack in Mumbai. It is the responsibility of the team owners to provide security of the game. Since most of the games will be played in Mumbai, it is quite natural that any franchise will not be ready to take chances when there is a question mark on the security of the game because millions of dollars are riding on the game. Are we never going to talk to our neighbor? Is sports meant to intensify friendship, cooperation, and love or to divide and yield hatred.
Now, we every Indian should stand by SRK and should not allow the sectarian groups to take the law of the land at their hands. Don’t assume but know the fact why MNS does not break silence and come out in open to support Shiv Sena when both of them believe and pursue for the same cause. It is time to wake up and say “NOT ANY MORE” to these sectarians who have been befooling innocent people to meet their selfish ends by promoting mayhem and violence. The time when criminal factors play a major role to win election is coming to an end. Bogus voting and booth capturing are also fast disappearing. Take anti-north/west/east/south Indian rhetoric as undemocratic and anti-Indian. The real loser of all these political maneuverings and chauvinistic agenda are common man. Today, people are more educated than before, and they want competent leaders---san crime records and black marks---to rule the country. The leader who can protect the minority but champions for the cause of India.
A Standstill Part of My Life
The time clock continues ticking
Caring no one around.
Looking nothing what is happening
As a dutiful and strict Master
Counting how much time has gone and left for each one.
While you are performing your strict duty
Even without stopping for a moment,
My life has become standstill.
Somewhere my own clock stops silently.
Suddenly, I was awaken to …
Love came and gone,
Good friends came and bid adieu.
Infatuation developed and disappeared.
Everything seems temporary.
And everybody came just to play their part,
No difference between dear ones, friends, and good friends,
Once done, they disappear without a trace.
We had many fun parts and enjoyed many good moments.
Those moments will become a memory,
Some shorter and some longer ones.
But one day, you will wash them all.
The fun parts will reduce each day
Until nostalgia and loneliness replace them all.
Only reminiscence and solitude will remain my company.
This is reality, and there is no escape from it.
Some have gone to the right place,
Some are struggling,
Some have surrendered to destiny.
And, I am hanging still in the middle,
Still searching my identity
Although I have lived more than one-third of my life,
I still continue dreaming that I started a decade ago.
While dreaming, I put labor aside,
Dreaming got complete freedom to prevail for decades,
There are many things that we don’t get even if we wish to,
So are many things we can’t turn into dreams if we wish to,
And can’t start everything afresh as new ones.
Now I am wise,
Have learnt what it takes to live,
And what it tends to leave in life.
Dear ones will come again once more,
There will be spring all over again san everlasting,
And will depart someday making life more nostalgic.
I will continue dreaming,
May be it will enliven someday.
Caring no one around.
Looking nothing what is happening
As a dutiful and strict Master
Counting how much time has gone and left for each one.
While you are performing your strict duty
Even without stopping for a moment,
My life has become standstill.
Somewhere my own clock stops silently.
Suddenly, I was awaken to …
Love came and gone,
Good friends came and bid adieu.
Infatuation developed and disappeared.
Everything seems temporary.
And everybody came just to play their part,
No difference between dear ones, friends, and good friends,
Once done, they disappear without a trace.
We had many fun parts and enjoyed many good moments.
Those moments will become a memory,
Some shorter and some longer ones.
But one day, you will wash them all.
The fun parts will reduce each day
Until nostalgia and loneliness replace them all.
Only reminiscence and solitude will remain my company.
This is reality, and there is no escape from it.
Some have gone to the right place,
Some are struggling,
Some have surrendered to destiny.
And, I am hanging still in the middle,
Still searching my identity
Although I have lived more than one-third of my life,
I still continue dreaming that I started a decade ago.
While dreaming, I put labor aside,
Dreaming got complete freedom to prevail for decades,
There are many things that we don’t get even if we wish to,
So are many things we can’t turn into dreams if we wish to,
And can’t start everything afresh as new ones.
Now I am wise,
Have learnt what it takes to live,
And what it tends to leave in life.
Dear ones will come again once more,
There will be spring all over again san everlasting,
And will depart someday making life more nostalgic.
I will continue dreaming,
May be it will enliven someday.
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