It’s a story about a guy named Ted ( The Architect) who stays in NY and its about him telling his kids how he met their mother!
From episode 1 , this has been the most entertaining and hilarious series I’ve ever watched! Everybody spoke about Friends ….. but man! When you watch HIMYM you know, friends is exaggerated and after all not so funny! ( well! I never enjoyed the series!)
There are 5 main characters here- Ted who shares his apartment with his college best friend Marshall ( a law student) and Marshall’s college time girl friend- Lily( a kindergarten teacher)! Then there’s a new friend they make at a local bar named Barney ( He is legen – wait for it –dary) . (They always ask him “What do you do for a living Barney?” Barney answers (always) “Oh Please” - In short he never tells what his occupation is!) Now this character is what makes the show so cool! Barney always has different theories about life which are outrageous! And then there is this very pretty female called Robin who’s a journalist.
The story is inspired by the true life of Carter Bay and Craig Thomas who are the writers of this series- played by Ted and Marshall!
I am making a recommendation here- watch it!
Every Friday 8.30 pm on star world!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
About Sexuality
I don’t understand why the west makes so much noise about sexuality! They love to make it into a major issue!
Now that they are bored of (over) sleeping with the opposite sex, they want to try out something new! So what do they do?.......They invent the story of a man born with an urge to love another man and vice versa.
I wonder from when these gay- lesbian issues started? And while a part of me thinks I don’t want to interfere into people’s sexuality problems, the other part says , “ well! These gays and lesbians are messing up our lives!”
Today they say same gender sex is ok! Tomorrow some other class of people will claim to enjoy an adult and child sex, some third class will claim human being to animal sex as perfectly normal!
These un-natural relationships are not ok! And they will never be! Gosh I hope India at least will never legalize same sex marriages!
What kind of a “trend” are we setting for our kids here? Tomorrow when my girl grows up she will have a choice to make- whether she wants to marry a boy or a girl? This is ridiculous! We are confusing our species here!
Now that they are bored of (over) sleeping with the opposite sex, they want to try out something new! So what do they do?.......They invent the story of a man born with an urge to love another man and vice versa.
I wonder from when these gay- lesbian issues started? And while a part of me thinks I don’t want to interfere into people’s sexuality problems, the other part says , “ well! These gays and lesbians are messing up our lives!”
Today they say same gender sex is ok! Tomorrow some other class of people will claim to enjoy an adult and child sex, some third class will claim human being to animal sex as perfectly normal!
These un-natural relationships are not ok! And they will never be! Gosh I hope India at least will never legalize same sex marriages!
What kind of a “trend” are we setting for our kids here? Tomorrow when my girl grows up she will have a choice to make- whether she wants to marry a boy or a girl? This is ridiculous! We are confusing our species here!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wacko Jacko
Today morning I read about Michael Jackson in TOI that he was planning his next shows in great style!
I put on the TV and I read the ticker saying he's dead!
I know he's called the king of POP, and he was- he really was! At a time when I didnt understand or talk in English, everytime his songs would play on MTV, I would run to my TV just to watch him sing and dance to some of the most amazing tunes!
Ofcourse in recent times he's been a part of all the bad news, and the multiple plastic surgeries made him look like a ghost even before his death! ( I've heard he had some skin disease which caused his skin to change its colour and in ordet to correct it, he went through many surgeries!)
I've mixed feelings about this eccentric man, who's a Legend! He's called a "Wacko Jacko" for his maverick living habits- once he slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to slow the aging process, had a cleft put in his chin coz he wanted masculine features! There were various news about him involved in a child sexual abuse!
How much of what is reported in the news is to be believed is a question always unanswered! But its true that he had to let a Strip search done on him for the case!
Well! Let me keep the bad side of this man apart! When I heard of his death, (he was only 50)all I could think of was his amazing music and the great dance moves! He definately was my 1st experience of western pop music...... and till date I love it- Thanks to Michael Jackson! The world is going to surely miss him! and so will I!
I put on the TV and I read the ticker saying he's dead!
I know he's called the king of POP, and he was- he really was! At a time when I didnt understand or talk in English, everytime his songs would play on MTV, I would run to my TV just to watch him sing and dance to some of the most amazing tunes!
Ofcourse in recent times he's been a part of all the bad news, and the multiple plastic surgeries made him look like a ghost even before his death! ( I've heard he had some skin disease which caused his skin to change its colour and in ordet to correct it, he went through many surgeries!)
I've mixed feelings about this eccentric man, who's a Legend! He's called a "Wacko Jacko" for his maverick living habits- once he slept in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to slow the aging process, had a cleft put in his chin coz he wanted masculine features! There were various news about him involved in a child sexual abuse!
How much of what is reported in the news is to be believed is a question always unanswered! But its true that he had to let a Strip search done on him for the case!
Well! Let me keep the bad side of this man apart! When I heard of his death, (he was only 50)all I could think of was his amazing music and the great dance moves! He definately was my 1st experience of western pop music...... and till date I love it- Thanks to Michael Jackson! The world is going to surely miss him! and so will I!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The New English
For all of you English teachers. Hear is something for laughs
or shall we say lafs.
European English:
The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.
As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5-year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English".
In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c". Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k". This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome "ph" will be replaced with "f". This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.
In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where! more komplikated changes are possible.
Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.
Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent "e" in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.
By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" with "z" and "w" with "v".
During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from vords kontaining "ou" and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil
sensibl riten styl.
Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.
Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey
vunted in ze forst plas.
If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl .
or shall we say lafs.
European English:
The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.
As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5-year phase-in plan that would become known as "Euro-English".
In the first year, "s" will replace the soft "c". Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard "c" will be dropped in favour of "k". This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome "ph" will be replaced with "f". This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.
In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where! more komplikated changes are possible.
Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.
Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent "e" in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.
By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing "th" with "z" and "w" with "v".
During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary "o" kan be dropd from vords kontaining "ou" and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil
sensibl riten styl.
Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.
Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey
vunted in ze forst plas.
If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl .
Impact of job change
A taxi passenger tapped the driver on the shoulder to ask him a question.
The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on
the footpath, and stopped centimeters from a shop window.
For a second everything went quiet in the cab, then the driver said:
"Look mate, don't ever do that again. You scared the daylights out of me!".
The passenger apologized and said, "I didn't realize that a little tap
would scare you so much."
The driver replied, "Sorry, it's not really your fault. Today is my first
day as a cab driver - I've been driving a van carrying dead Bodies for the
last 25 years.......u can imagine what went into my mind when u touched my
back!!
The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on
the footpath, and stopped centimeters from a shop window.
For a second everything went quiet in the cab, then the driver said:
"Look mate, don't ever do that again. You scared the daylights out of me!".
The passenger apologized and said, "I didn't realize that a little tap
would scare you so much."
The driver replied, "Sorry, it's not really your fault. Today is my first
day as a cab driver - I've been driving a van carrying dead Bodies for the
last 25 years.......u can imagine what went into my mind when u touched my
back!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Life Is A CELEBRATION
It took me all this time to realize what this means, to really feel that way about life! And now when I have started enjoying life……I know it is true!
Throughout my life I’ve been a big fan of motivational books and speakers. Most of them say this statement repeatedly and I never understood it!
With stress, exam tensions, the thought of making a successful career, handling my personal expectations and at the same time the expectations of so many others……..and other 1000 things on my mind……. How can I treat life to be a celebration? How could I enjoy the small things as well as the big events….. I couldn’t!
Life stops to be a celebration the moment you get tensed about the different things you have to do to keep it moving! Worries about the past, the present and the future, self doubt, low self esteem and lack of confidence makes things worse!
Amongst the many experiments that I keep doing with my life……this 1 has been the most productive of all! And all I had to do was to get off the track, the bus, the race… whatever you call it…… the pace of life that keeps moving us upside down!
Just get off it!
Slow down!
Take a deep breath!
Think about no-one but yourself!
And suddenly after a few months, the roller coaster came to a complete stop! Ohh I was so uncomfortable with the slow speed and then a complete stop? It was insane!
As hard as I was trying to close in on my core, the world was trying to push in to know the why’s, the what’s and the how’s!
This was the 1st time I gave so much of thought to what my soul was saying, what was my heart beating for? As I shun the outside world , the noises reduced and suddenly I could hear myself clearly.
I realized that my soul has always been guiding me, telling me, stopping me…..but I never cared to listen to it attentively! There were too many things too many people were telling me! Backing their theories with stories of success, of making great money, of having a lot of material things in life.
Our head works so much , so cruelly……that we forget to listen to our heart!
Now I realize that all I need to be happy is myself! As long as I can hear my inner voice , there’s nothing to confuse me, nothing to doubt about myself.
Within me I’ve the music that my soul dances to….and that’s what I need to make my life into a celebration!
Ingredients that I added in my life:
Exercises: keeps the body fit and utilizes the energy well!
1. Yoga – it relaxes, takes off all the tensions from the body, mind and soul! Especially saying “ OM ” ..The sound vibrates in the body to give inner peace. Or listen to the sound of a shankha ( just close your eyes and let the vibrations touch your heart…. Its an amazing feeling).
2. A walk- ( preferably with music) : enhances my imagination, helps me think.
3. Dance: the ultimate way to celebrate life is to swing to the beats and let your body do the talking!
4. Music: a mood enhancer , provides me all the food for thought!
5. Drama, films: it’s a food for thought, there is a joy in enacting a character…in being someone else on stage and being appreciated by a live audience!
6. Travel: my choice is to go to forested areas where there is no much tourism. Just sit , close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the birds, the rustling of the leaves and different calls of the animal kingdom!
7. Swim: not in a swimming pool but a fresh water stream.
8. Keep the company of the right people , subtract those who comment and hurt .
9. Consciously try to make the atmosphere around you positive.
10. If there’s anger, frustration inside which you just cannot deal with…. Take your friend, go to a lonely beach/place and shout at the top of your voice. (Its not as easy as it sounds!)
11. Write a blog. Write about how you feel, let people know.
12. Fight for your right!
Ingredients to take off from life:
1. stop the activity that’s most giving tension, stress etc. ( in my case this meant an immediate career change)
2. If being with certain people or going to certain functions bothers you or gives you stress- stop it! Stop going until you are strong enough to deal with it.
3. Don’t listen to what your parents, friends and others have to say the whole time about what you are. Know what you are, and stand for what you believe in.
Throughout my life I’ve been a big fan of motivational books and speakers. Most of them say this statement repeatedly and I never understood it!
With stress, exam tensions, the thought of making a successful career, handling my personal expectations and at the same time the expectations of so many others……..and other 1000 things on my mind……. How can I treat life to be a celebration? How could I enjoy the small things as well as the big events….. I couldn’t!
Life stops to be a celebration the moment you get tensed about the different things you have to do to keep it moving! Worries about the past, the present and the future, self doubt, low self esteem and lack of confidence makes things worse!
Amongst the many experiments that I keep doing with my life……this 1 has been the most productive of all! And all I had to do was to get off the track, the bus, the race… whatever you call it…… the pace of life that keeps moving us upside down!
Just get off it!
Slow down!
Take a deep breath!
Think about no-one but yourself!
And suddenly after a few months, the roller coaster came to a complete stop! Ohh I was so uncomfortable with the slow speed and then a complete stop? It was insane!
As hard as I was trying to close in on my core, the world was trying to push in to know the why’s, the what’s and the how’s!
This was the 1st time I gave so much of thought to what my soul was saying, what was my heart beating for? As I shun the outside world , the noises reduced and suddenly I could hear myself clearly.
I realized that my soul has always been guiding me, telling me, stopping me…..but I never cared to listen to it attentively! There were too many things too many people were telling me! Backing their theories with stories of success, of making great money, of having a lot of material things in life.
Our head works so much , so cruelly……that we forget to listen to our heart!
Now I realize that all I need to be happy is myself! As long as I can hear my inner voice , there’s nothing to confuse me, nothing to doubt about myself.
Within me I’ve the music that my soul dances to….and that’s what I need to make my life into a celebration!
Ingredients that I added in my life:
Exercises: keeps the body fit and utilizes the energy well!
1. Yoga – it relaxes, takes off all the tensions from the body, mind and soul! Especially saying “ OM ” ..The sound vibrates in the body to give inner peace. Or listen to the sound of a shankha ( just close your eyes and let the vibrations touch your heart…. Its an amazing feeling).
2. A walk- ( preferably with music) : enhances my imagination, helps me think.
3. Dance: the ultimate way to celebrate life is to swing to the beats and let your body do the talking!
4. Music: a mood enhancer , provides me all the food for thought!
5. Drama, films: it’s a food for thought, there is a joy in enacting a character…in being someone else on stage and being appreciated by a live audience!
6. Travel: my choice is to go to forested areas where there is no much tourism. Just sit , close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the birds, the rustling of the leaves and different calls of the animal kingdom!
7. Swim: not in a swimming pool but a fresh water stream.
8. Keep the company of the right people , subtract those who comment and hurt .
9. Consciously try to make the atmosphere around you positive.
10. If there’s anger, frustration inside which you just cannot deal with…. Take your friend, go to a lonely beach/place and shout at the top of your voice. (Its not as easy as it sounds!)
11. Write a blog. Write about how you feel, let people know.
12. Fight for your right!
Ingredients to take off from life:
1. stop the activity that’s most giving tension, stress etc. ( in my case this meant an immediate career change)
2. If being with certain people or going to certain functions bothers you or gives you stress- stop it! Stop going until you are strong enough to deal with it.
3. Don’t listen to what your parents, friends and others have to say the whole time about what you are. Know what you are, and stand for what you believe in.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
WHY I AM A HINDU
(This is the most interesting mail I got about my religion! Its a must read. This mail says it all!)
Four years ago, I was flying from JFK NY Airport to SFO to attend a
meeting at Monterey , CA. An American girl was sitting on the right side,
near window seat. It indeed was a long journey - it would take nearly
seven hours.
I was surprised to see the young girl reading a Bible unusual of young
Americans. After some time she smiled and we had few acquaintances
talk. I told her that I am from India. Then suddenly the girl asked:
'What's your faith?' 'What?' I didn't understand the question.
'I mean, what's your religion? Are you a Christian? Or a Muslim?'
'No!' I replied, 'I am neither Christian nor Muslim'.
Apparently she appeared shocked to listen to that. 'Then who are you?'
'I am a Hindu', I said.
She looked at me as if she was seeing a caged animal. She could not
understand what I was talking about.
A common man in Europe or US knows about Christianity and Islam, as they
are the leading religions of the world today. But a Hindu, what?
I explained to her - I am born to a Hindu father and Hindu mother.
Therefore, I am a Hindu by birth.
'Who is your prophet?' she asked.
'We don't have a prophet,' I replied.
'What's your Holy Book?'
'We don't have a single Holy Book, but we have hundreds and thousands of
philosophical and sacred scriptures,' I replied.
'Oh, come on at least tell me who is your God?'
'What do you mean by that?'
'Like we have Jesus and Muslims have Allah - don't you have a God?'
I thought for a moment. Muslims and Christians believe one God (Male
God) who created the world and takes an interest in the humans who
inhabit it. Her mind is conditioned with that kind of belief.
According to her (or anybody who doesn't know about Hinduism), a
religion needs to have one Prophet, one Holy book and one God. The mind
is so conditioned and rigidly narrowed down to such a notion that
anything else is not acceptable. I understood her perception and
concept about faith. You can't compare Hinduism with any of the present
leading religions where you have to believe in one concept of god.
I tried to explain to her: 'You can believe in one god and he can be a
Hindu.. You may believe in multiple deities and still you can be a
Hindu. What's more - you may not believe in god at all, still you can be
a Hindu. An atheist can also be a Hindu.'
This sounded very crazy to her. She couldn't imagine a religion so
unorganized, still surviving for thousands of years, even after
onslaught from foreign forces.
'I don't understand but it seems very interesting. Are you religious?'
What can I tell to this American girl? I said: 'I do not go to temple
regularly. I do not make any regular rituals. I have learned some of
the rituals in my younger days. I still enjoy doing it sometimes..'
'Enjoy? Are you not afraid of God?'
'God is a friend. No- I am not afraid of God. Nobody has made any
compulsions on me to perform these rituals regularly.'
She thought for a while and then asked: 'Have you ever thought of
converting to any other religion?'
'Why should I? Even if I challenge some of the rituals and faith in
Hinduism, nobody can convert me from Hinduism. Because, being a Hindu
allows me to think independently and objectively, without conditioning.
I remain as a Hindu never by force, but choice.' I told her that
Hinduism is not a religion, but a set of beliefs and practices. It is
not a religion like Christianity or Islam because it is not founded by
any one person or does not have an organized controlling body like the
Church or the Order, I added. There is no institution or authority..
'So, you don't believe in God?' she wanted everything in black and
white.
'I didn't say that. I do not discard the divine reality. Our scripture,
or Sruthis or Smrithis - Vedas and Upanishads or the Gita - say God
might be there or he might not be there. But we pray to that supreme
abstract authority (Para Brahma) that is the creator of this universe.'
'Why can't you believe in one personal God?'
'We have a concept - abstract - not a personal god. The concept or
notion of a personal God, hiding behind the clouds of secrecy, telling
us irrational stories through few men whom he sends as messengers,
demanding us to worship him or punish us, does not make sense. I don't
think that God is as silly as an autocratic emperor who wants others to
respect him or fear him.' I told her that such notions are just fancies
of less educated human imagination and fallacies, adding that generally
ethnic religious practitioners in Hinduism believe in personal gods.
The entry level Hinduism has over-whelming superstitions too. The
philosophical side of Hinduism negates all superstitions..
'Good that you agree God might exist. You told that you pray. What is
your prayer then?'
'Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavantu. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,'
'Funny,' she laughed, 'What does it mean?'
'May all the beings in all the worlds be happy. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.'
'Hmm ..very interesting.. I want to learn more about this religion. It
is so democratic, broad-minded and free' she exclaimed.
'The fact is Hinduism is a religion of the individual, for the
individual and by the individual with its roots in the Vedas and the
Bhagavad-Gita. It is all about an individual approaching a personal God
in an individual way according to his temperament and inner evolution -
it is as simple as that.'
'How does anybody convert to Hinduism?'
'Nobody can convert you to Hinduism, because it is not a religion, but a
set of beliefs and practices. Everything is acceptable in Hinduism
because there is no single authority or organization either to accept it
or to reject it or to oppose it on behalf of Hinduism.'
For a real seeker, I told her, the Bible itself gives guidelines when it
says ' Kingdom of God is within you.' I reminded her of Christ's
teaching about the love that we have for each other. That is where you
can find the meaning of life.
Loving each and every creation of the God is absolute and real.
'Isavasyam idam sarvam' Isam (the God) is present (inhabits) here
everywhere - nothing exists separate from the God, because God is
present everywhere. Respect every living being and non-living things as
God. That's what Hinduism teaches you.
Hinduism is referred to as Sanathana Dharma, the eternal faith. It is
based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. The most important
aspect of Hinduism is being truthful to oneself. Hinduism has no
monopoly on ideas.- It is open to all. Hindus believe in one God (not a
personal one) expressed in different forms. For them, God is timeless
and formless entity.
Ancestors of today's Hindus believe in eternal truths and cosmic laws
and these truths are opened to anyone who seeks them But there is a
section of Hindus who are either superstitious or turned fanatic to make
this an organized religion like others. The British coin the word
'Hindu' and considered it as a religion.
I said: 'Religions have become an MLM (multi-level-marketing) industry
that has been trying to expand the market share by conversion. The
biggest business in today's world is Spirituality. Hinduism is no
exception'
I am a Hindu primarily because it professes Non-violence - 'Ahimsa
Paramo Dharma' - Non violence is the highest duty. I am a Hindu because
it doesn't conditions my mind with any faith system. A man/woman who
change's his/her birth religion to another religion is a fake and does
not value his/her morals, culture and values in life. Hinduism was the
first religion originated. Be proud of your religion and be proud of
who you are.
Four years ago, I was flying from JFK NY Airport to SFO to attend a
meeting at Monterey , CA. An American girl was sitting on the right side,
near window seat. It indeed was a long journey - it would take nearly
seven hours.
I was surprised to see the young girl reading a Bible unusual of young
Americans. After some time she smiled and we had few acquaintances
talk. I told her that I am from India. Then suddenly the girl asked:
'What's your faith?' 'What?' I didn't understand the question.
'I mean, what's your religion? Are you a Christian? Or a Muslim?'
'No!' I replied, 'I am neither Christian nor Muslim'.
Apparently she appeared shocked to listen to that. 'Then who are you?'
'I am a Hindu', I said.
She looked at me as if she was seeing a caged animal. She could not
understand what I was talking about.
A common man in Europe or US knows about Christianity and Islam, as they
are the leading religions of the world today. But a Hindu, what?
I explained to her - I am born to a Hindu father and Hindu mother.
Therefore, I am a Hindu by birth.
'Who is your prophet?' she asked.
'We don't have a prophet,' I replied.
'What's your Holy Book?'
'We don't have a single Holy Book, but we have hundreds and thousands of
philosophical and sacred scriptures,' I replied.
'Oh, come on at least tell me who is your God?'
'What do you mean by that?'
'Like we have Jesus and Muslims have Allah - don't you have a God?'
I thought for a moment. Muslims and Christians believe one God (Male
God) who created the world and takes an interest in the humans who
inhabit it. Her mind is conditioned with that kind of belief.
According to her (or anybody who doesn't know about Hinduism), a
religion needs to have one Prophet, one Holy book and one God. The mind
is so conditioned and rigidly narrowed down to such a notion that
anything else is not acceptable. I understood her perception and
concept about faith. You can't compare Hinduism with any of the present
leading religions where you have to believe in one concept of god.
I tried to explain to her: 'You can believe in one god and he can be a
Hindu.. You may believe in multiple deities and still you can be a
Hindu. What's more - you may not believe in god at all, still you can be
a Hindu. An atheist can also be a Hindu.'
This sounded very crazy to her. She couldn't imagine a religion so
unorganized, still surviving for thousands of years, even after
onslaught from foreign forces.
'I don't understand but it seems very interesting. Are you religious?'
What can I tell to this American girl? I said: 'I do not go to temple
regularly. I do not make any regular rituals. I have learned some of
the rituals in my younger days. I still enjoy doing it sometimes..'
'Enjoy? Are you not afraid of God?'
'God is a friend. No- I am not afraid of God. Nobody has made any
compulsions on me to perform these rituals regularly.'
She thought for a while and then asked: 'Have you ever thought of
converting to any other religion?'
'Why should I? Even if I challenge some of the rituals and faith in
Hinduism, nobody can convert me from Hinduism. Because, being a Hindu
allows me to think independently and objectively, without conditioning.
I remain as a Hindu never by force, but choice.' I told her that
Hinduism is not a religion, but a set of beliefs and practices. It is
not a religion like Christianity or Islam because it is not founded by
any one person or does not have an organized controlling body like the
Church or the Order, I added. There is no institution or authority..
'So, you don't believe in God?' she wanted everything in black and
white.
'I didn't say that. I do not discard the divine reality. Our scripture,
or Sruthis or Smrithis - Vedas and Upanishads or the Gita - say God
might be there or he might not be there. But we pray to that supreme
abstract authority (Para Brahma) that is the creator of this universe.'
'Why can't you believe in one personal God?'
'We have a concept - abstract - not a personal god. The concept or
notion of a personal God, hiding behind the clouds of secrecy, telling
us irrational stories through few men whom he sends as messengers,
demanding us to worship him or punish us, does not make sense. I don't
think that God is as silly as an autocratic emperor who wants others to
respect him or fear him.' I told her that such notions are just fancies
of less educated human imagination and fallacies, adding that generally
ethnic religious practitioners in Hinduism believe in personal gods.
The entry level Hinduism has over-whelming superstitions too. The
philosophical side of Hinduism negates all superstitions..
'Good that you agree God might exist. You told that you pray. What is
your prayer then?'
'Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavantu. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,'
'Funny,' she laughed, 'What does it mean?'
'May all the beings in all the worlds be happy. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.'
'Hmm ..very interesting.. I want to learn more about this religion. It
is so democratic, broad-minded and free' she exclaimed.
'The fact is Hinduism is a religion of the individual, for the
individual and by the individual with its roots in the Vedas and the
Bhagavad-Gita. It is all about an individual approaching a personal God
in an individual way according to his temperament and inner evolution -
it is as simple as that.'
'How does anybody convert to Hinduism?'
'Nobody can convert you to Hinduism, because it is not a religion, but a
set of beliefs and practices. Everything is acceptable in Hinduism
because there is no single authority or organization either to accept it
or to reject it or to oppose it on behalf of Hinduism.'
For a real seeker, I told her, the Bible itself gives guidelines when it
says ' Kingdom of God is within you.' I reminded her of Christ's
teaching about the love that we have for each other. That is where you
can find the meaning of life.
Loving each and every creation of the God is absolute and real.
'Isavasyam idam sarvam' Isam (the God) is present (inhabits) here
everywhere - nothing exists separate from the God, because God is
present everywhere. Respect every living being and non-living things as
God. That's what Hinduism teaches you.
Hinduism is referred to as Sanathana Dharma, the eternal faith. It is
based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. The most important
aspect of Hinduism is being truthful to oneself. Hinduism has no
monopoly on ideas.- It is open to all. Hindus believe in one God (not a
personal one) expressed in different forms. For them, God is timeless
and formless entity.
Ancestors of today's Hindus believe in eternal truths and cosmic laws
and these truths are opened to anyone who seeks them But there is a
section of Hindus who are either superstitious or turned fanatic to make
this an organized religion like others. The British coin the word
'Hindu' and considered it as a religion.
I said: 'Religions have become an MLM (multi-level-marketing) industry
that has been trying to expand the market share by conversion. The
biggest business in today's world is Spirituality. Hinduism is no
exception'
I am a Hindu primarily because it professes Non-violence - 'Ahimsa
Paramo Dharma' - Non violence is the highest duty. I am a Hindu because
it doesn't conditions my mind with any faith system. A man/woman who
change's his/her birth religion to another religion is a fake and does
not value his/her morals, culture and values in life. Hinduism was the
first religion originated. Be proud of your religion and be proud of
who you are.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Policy of Non Interference
It simply means that you strictly don’t go to interfere in other’s life and expect the same from the others.
Ever since I remember, I’ve been a strict follower of this principal. When I started out practicing this theory, a few times I erred, but that was mostly cause I cared about the people I interfered with. And then I realized, see? That’s how it starts! Everybody is sane enough and big enough to handle their own lives. Until and unless they ask for help, you don’t need to step in!
Somehow this is a principal not at all liked and accepted in the society that I am a part of. I’ve had my small share of life in Metro’s and I’ve loved the life because everybody follows this principal of non interference.
Every place- small or big has its own problems. And “ interference” is a No. 1 problem in Goa. You can’t really predict who won’t interfere with your life cause by and large – everyone does.
“Why don’t you wear your mangalsutra? Aren’t you married? Or is it simply because of style and fashion? But I tell you, you should wear your mangalsutra otherwise any men will start eyeing you!”
This dialogue was from a man I didn’t know but who knew my family well! My 1st few reactions were ( in my head) , “ what the hell is his problem? Until his wife wears a mangalsutra , why does he need to interfere and advise other’s wives? Is he attracted to me? Must be a MCP!”
There’s a bhashan I can give him on my theories of “why not to wear a mangalsutra!” but the question is , will he ever understand? What is the level of intelligence that I am dealing with over here?”
Its worthless talking to some people, and so I give a faint smile which clearly states, “Who are you? I don’t know you! Get lost!” and walk away!
“ Janaki you have become so fat! You look like an aunty!”
This dialogue from a woman who herself is no bigger than a stick! Men joke on her calling her a matchstick, and as flat as an airport (for obvious reasons!). As for me- I’ve always been a “khate peete Gharane ki Ladki!” – not fat, not thin!
I have a 1000 comments lined on such people, but I choose only 1, “hey, long time! Where were you all this time? In Somalia?”
People call me rude and outspoken!
I am none of the above!
People fail to mention how rude they are to others, how their tongues waggle all the time- they never mention.
There’s a saying, “you don’t need to tell a balding man he’s losing his hair! He already knows!”
But in our society our people make it a point to remind others of painful truths, remind others of memories they most want to forget.
Recently one of my close friend lost her 10 month old baby to an accident that happened at home. When I went to see her, there were women who were talking about how the mother was careless and what she shouldn’t have done. They were also blaming a person directly responsible for the death of the child!
An accident is an accident! It’s an unfortunate sudden incident! Which mother and which person would want an innocent child dead?
I wanted to shut the mouths which were making things worse for my friend! Blames, what if’s are not things to discuss at such a delicate moment in somebody’s life!
What is it that makes people to interfere in other’s lives?
1. If its someone close to you- best friend, mother, father, sister- who’s asking personal questions- its because of love and care. Till an extent, they have a right to interfere but that doesn’t mean they keep eating your head with queries. Why’s, how’s, where’s……… come on- show some trust sometime! It’s necessary.
We don’t have all the answers all the time! We are as confused as the person questioning us! And at that point all we need from our loved one’s is support and faith in us!
2. Most people interfere through “comments”- that is the safest and sure shot way to hit the person where it hurts!
Such people deserve a back answer which is 3 times more rude then their comment so that the next time they think of commenting on you- they think a 100 times.
3. Enquiring questions, such as, “what are you doing now?” “Why are you not doing this?” “Where were you between so and so dates?”
If the person asking is not too close, my answer- “why do you want to know?”
They mostly answer, “just like that!” . Then even I say, “ just like that!”
If the person asking is someone close, then explain if you want to- but personally I feel its best to keep some things to yourself- especially if your ideas are a bit maverick!
But having said all this, even after using all tricks and all the ways to keep people at a distance…. I haven’t completely succeeded. When one understands and shuts his mouth, a new one appears out of nowhere!
Dealing with family members is by far the most difficult task. And especially if they are the kind who don’t understand mavericks then one is in a complete soup!
Of course, like every other theory this 1 too has its weak points.
1. “Non- interference” creates distances amongst close people if followed too strictly.
2. In societies too, it creates an atmosphere where nobody cares about the other. So while most of the times you really want to keep people at a distance, there might be a few delicate moments in your life when you need everybody!
3. Interference or rather care for others is what makes us human! If practiced positively and with a good intention then nobody minds such interferences!
Ever since I remember, I’ve been a strict follower of this principal. When I started out practicing this theory, a few times I erred, but that was mostly cause I cared about the people I interfered with. And then I realized, see? That’s how it starts! Everybody is sane enough and big enough to handle their own lives. Until and unless they ask for help, you don’t need to step in!
Somehow this is a principal not at all liked and accepted in the society that I am a part of. I’ve had my small share of life in Metro’s and I’ve loved the life because everybody follows this principal of non interference.
Every place- small or big has its own problems. And “ interference” is a No. 1 problem in Goa. You can’t really predict who won’t interfere with your life cause by and large – everyone does.
“Why don’t you wear your mangalsutra? Aren’t you married? Or is it simply because of style and fashion? But I tell you, you should wear your mangalsutra otherwise any men will start eyeing you!”
This dialogue was from a man I didn’t know but who knew my family well! My 1st few reactions were ( in my head) , “ what the hell is his problem? Until his wife wears a mangalsutra , why does he need to interfere and advise other’s wives? Is he attracted to me? Must be a MCP!”
There’s a bhashan I can give him on my theories of “why not to wear a mangalsutra!” but the question is , will he ever understand? What is the level of intelligence that I am dealing with over here?”
Its worthless talking to some people, and so I give a faint smile which clearly states, “Who are you? I don’t know you! Get lost!” and walk away!
“ Janaki you have become so fat! You look like an aunty!”
This dialogue from a woman who herself is no bigger than a stick! Men joke on her calling her a matchstick, and as flat as an airport (for obvious reasons!). As for me- I’ve always been a “khate peete Gharane ki Ladki!” – not fat, not thin!
I have a 1000 comments lined on such people, but I choose only 1, “hey, long time! Where were you all this time? In Somalia?”
People call me rude and outspoken!
I am none of the above!
People fail to mention how rude they are to others, how their tongues waggle all the time- they never mention.
There’s a saying, “you don’t need to tell a balding man he’s losing his hair! He already knows!”
But in our society our people make it a point to remind others of painful truths, remind others of memories they most want to forget.
Recently one of my close friend lost her 10 month old baby to an accident that happened at home. When I went to see her, there were women who were talking about how the mother was careless and what she shouldn’t have done. They were also blaming a person directly responsible for the death of the child!
An accident is an accident! It’s an unfortunate sudden incident! Which mother and which person would want an innocent child dead?
I wanted to shut the mouths which were making things worse for my friend! Blames, what if’s are not things to discuss at such a delicate moment in somebody’s life!
What is it that makes people to interfere in other’s lives?
1. If its someone close to you- best friend, mother, father, sister- who’s asking personal questions- its because of love and care. Till an extent, they have a right to interfere but that doesn’t mean they keep eating your head with queries. Why’s, how’s, where’s……… come on- show some trust sometime! It’s necessary.
We don’t have all the answers all the time! We are as confused as the person questioning us! And at that point all we need from our loved one’s is support and faith in us!
2. Most people interfere through “comments”- that is the safest and sure shot way to hit the person where it hurts!
Such people deserve a back answer which is 3 times more rude then their comment so that the next time they think of commenting on you- they think a 100 times.
3. Enquiring questions, such as, “what are you doing now?” “Why are you not doing this?” “Where were you between so and so dates?”
If the person asking is not too close, my answer- “why do you want to know?”
They mostly answer, “just like that!” . Then even I say, “ just like that!”
If the person asking is someone close, then explain if you want to- but personally I feel its best to keep some things to yourself- especially if your ideas are a bit maverick!
But having said all this, even after using all tricks and all the ways to keep people at a distance…. I haven’t completely succeeded. When one understands and shuts his mouth, a new one appears out of nowhere!
Dealing with family members is by far the most difficult task. And especially if they are the kind who don’t understand mavericks then one is in a complete soup!
Of course, like every other theory this 1 too has its weak points.
1. “Non- interference” creates distances amongst close people if followed too strictly.
2. In societies too, it creates an atmosphere where nobody cares about the other. So while most of the times you really want to keep people at a distance, there might be a few delicate moments in your life when you need everybody!
3. Interference or rather care for others is what makes us human! If practiced positively and with a good intention then nobody minds such interferences!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
“Beta you are already 26, how long will you wait? Then you will have problems in having kids. You should get married as soon as possible!”
These are the dialogues most single Indian women must be hearing every time they step inside their house.
I’ve grown up looking at women. Whenever their husbands come home from work, they serve him a hot cup of coffee; they immediately get to work to cook a dinner in spite of the fact that they’ve returned from work themselves.
As soon as you are married in a typical Indian home, your responsibilities go on doubling. Your 1st responsibility is the over grown kid- your husband. Their mothers treat them like total kids and expect you to carry on the tradition. He needs to be given his clothes, his breakfast, his shoes- he cannot do anything on his own! And his wife who’s a couple of years younger to him ( in most cases) has to play his mother’s role!
( I still don’t understand why men make a huge deal about getting married! It should be the women who should run away from marriages and enjoy their single lives!)
You hardly step out of the Mandap at your wedding and you hear an old grandma chirpily wishing/ suggesting- “we would soon see a grandson on your 1st wedding anniversary photograph!”
An Indian wedding is usually a call of bad luck to many Indian women.
Don’t we have wishes and aspirations?
Even we want someone to take care of us for a change! We want to be cared for and mothered!
We want to see the world with a mind free from tensions and responsibilities!
We want to fly!
We like to fly!
Financially, you start saving the moment you get married- for the child! It’s like living an entire life only for the children! It’s a life of a slave, wherein you don’t enjoy anything and keep the best for your children.
Loans for children’s education!
Insurance for children’s health!
You are indebted throughout your life to the people who took care of your kids at some point of time!
Search for schools!
Requests to big men if you don’t get admissions!
Thousands of visits to the temple praying for your child’s wellness!
So on and so forth!
And while you are busy slogging and working…..even before you know it, they’ve become big enough to get married! Then you are again tensed about their marriages, setting up their lives and families and the cycle goes on!
Is this all our life is made up of ?
Having children is the only reason we get married?
Aren’t we circling in loops for centuries and for generations? Our grandparents did it, our parents did it, we will do it and some day force our kids to go through the same cycle!
Perhaps this is the reason our soul needs moksha! To get out of this cycle of life- to get out of this boredom!
Can’t we attain moksha while we are alive?
Just break out of this cycle! Do something different! Attain a new high for human life- think differently! All this is only possible , if:-
1. You don’t get married
2 You don’t get married
3. You Do Not Get married!
These are the dialogues most single Indian women must be hearing every time they step inside their house.
I’ve grown up looking at women. Whenever their husbands come home from work, they serve him a hot cup of coffee; they immediately get to work to cook a dinner in spite of the fact that they’ve returned from work themselves.
As soon as you are married in a typical Indian home, your responsibilities go on doubling. Your 1st responsibility is the over grown kid- your husband. Their mothers treat them like total kids and expect you to carry on the tradition. He needs to be given his clothes, his breakfast, his shoes- he cannot do anything on his own! And his wife who’s a couple of years younger to him ( in most cases) has to play his mother’s role!
( I still don’t understand why men make a huge deal about getting married! It should be the women who should run away from marriages and enjoy their single lives!)
You hardly step out of the Mandap at your wedding and you hear an old grandma chirpily wishing/ suggesting- “we would soon see a grandson on your 1st wedding anniversary photograph!”
An Indian wedding is usually a call of bad luck to many Indian women.
Don’t we have wishes and aspirations?
Even we want someone to take care of us for a change! We want to be cared for and mothered!
We want to see the world with a mind free from tensions and responsibilities!
We want to fly!
We like to fly!
Financially, you start saving the moment you get married- for the child! It’s like living an entire life only for the children! It’s a life of a slave, wherein you don’t enjoy anything and keep the best for your children.
Loans for children’s education!
Insurance for children’s health!
You are indebted throughout your life to the people who took care of your kids at some point of time!
Search for schools!
Requests to big men if you don’t get admissions!
Thousands of visits to the temple praying for your child’s wellness!
So on and so forth!
And while you are busy slogging and working…..even before you know it, they’ve become big enough to get married! Then you are again tensed about their marriages, setting up their lives and families and the cycle goes on!
Is this all our life is made up of ?
Having children is the only reason we get married?
Aren’t we circling in loops for centuries and for generations? Our grandparents did it, our parents did it, we will do it and some day force our kids to go through the same cycle!
Perhaps this is the reason our soul needs moksha! To get out of this cycle of life- to get out of this boredom!
Can’t we attain moksha while we are alive?
Just break out of this cycle! Do something different! Attain a new high for human life- think differently! All this is only possible , if:-
1. You don’t get married
2 You don’t get married
3. You Do Not Get married!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Best Films List
This is what I’ve watched and liked over all these years. I am sure I’ve missed many good films because I can’t remember them or their names. These all are sure shot good films, and a must watch. There could be many more films in “Strange Films” category, most of them I watched during the film festivals. But I don’t remember their names anymore, they were mostly foreign films.
If you know a good film and you think I should watch, please mention it in the comments section. The “Action” category needs a lot of study since I’ve not watched many action films. Also if there’s a new category you think needs a mention, you are most welcome to add it.
Hindi (old)
1. Mughal-E-Azam
2. Pakeeza
3. Sholay
4. Sangam
5. Chupke Chupke
Hindi (New)
1. Dil Chahta Hai
2. Rang De Basanti
3. Black
4. Satya
Small budget
1. Monsoon wedding
2. Hyderabad blues 1
Controversial
1. Water
2. Fire
3. Kamasutra
Strange films
1. Hazaron khwaishen Aisi
2. Johnny Gaddar
Best Directors (Indian)
1. Ashutosh Gowarikar – Lagaan, Swades, Jodhaa Akbar.
2. Mani Ratnam- Anjali, Bombay, Roja, Yuva, Guru.
Animated films
1. Ratatouiee
2. Wall E
3. The Incredibles
Hollywood
1. Sound of music
2. Casablanca
3. Titanic
4. A beautiful Mind
5. The Shawshank Redemption
Foreign Language
- Children of Heaven
- Bicycle Thief
Documentary
Global Warming- Al Gore
All Time Entertainers
- Amar Akbar Anthony
- Devil Wears Prada
Best Series
- How I Met Your Mother
- Friends
Romantic Comedies
1. Andaaz Apna Apna
2. Jab We Met
3. My Best Friend’s Wedding
4. You’ve Got Mail
5. Kate and Leopold
Pure Comedies
1. Hera Pheri
2. Plains Trains and Automobiles
3. Father of the Bride 1
Action
1. The matrix
2. Matrix Reloaded
3. Terminator 2
4. The fast and the furious Tokyo Drift and
5. Die Hard 4.O
6. Barrier 13 ( just for the chases)
7. Transformers
If you know a good film and you think I should watch, please mention it in the comments section. The “Action” category needs a lot of study since I’ve not watched many action films. Also if there’s a new category you think needs a mention, you are most welcome to add it.
Hindi (old)
1. Mughal-E-Azam
2. Pakeeza
3. Sholay
4. Sangam
5. Chupke Chupke
Hindi (New)
1. Dil Chahta Hai
2. Rang De Basanti
3. Black
4. Satya
Small budget
1. Monsoon wedding
2. Hyderabad blues 1
Controversial
1. Water
2. Fire
3. Kamasutra
Strange films
1. Hazaron khwaishen Aisi
2. Johnny Gaddar
Best Directors (Indian)
1. Ashutosh Gowarikar – Lagaan, Swades, Jodhaa Akbar.
2. Mani Ratnam- Anjali, Bombay, Roja, Yuva, Guru.
Animated films
1. Ratatouiee
2. Wall E
3. The Incredibles
Hollywood
1. Sound of music
2. Casablanca
3. Titanic
4. A beautiful Mind
5. The Shawshank Redemption
Foreign Language
- Children of Heaven
- Bicycle Thief
Documentary
Global Warming- Al Gore
All Time Entertainers
- Amar Akbar Anthony
- Devil Wears Prada
Best Series
- How I Met Your Mother
- Friends
Romantic Comedies
1. Andaaz Apna Apna
2. Jab We Met
3. My Best Friend’s Wedding
4. You’ve Got Mail
5. Kate and Leopold
Pure Comedies
1. Hera Pheri
2. Plains Trains and Automobiles
3. Father of the Bride 1
Action
1. The matrix
2. Matrix Reloaded
3. Terminator 2
4. The fast and the furious Tokyo Drift and
5. Die Hard 4.O
6. Barrier 13 ( just for the chases)
7. Transformers
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Vibes…. Of the rotten apples
There are some people I like just by looking at them, some I like when I talk to them and some I like just by being around them. There’s a comfort zone around such people, they let me be me, and they help me be me!
And then there are others……. I just don’t know why I get aggravated the moment I see them! The moment they talk to me, I get irritated! My heart wants to fight and insult them!
It’s all about the vibes different people give out. Positive attitude and a pleasing personality will always be accepted by everyone. Where as , a fake attitude, “I know it all” look will always repel others!
Recently I met up with some old friends from college! It had been a long time since we had met; there were so many misunderstanding by the end of the course that hardly anybody kept in contact with anyone. But I took a positive step by trying to resolve the old issues and giving it another shot, after all there were so many good experiences we had shared as classmates.
The meeting went very well and I realized by the end of it that not everyone is bad; it’s that one rotten apple that spoils the whole barrel!
A few minutes later, I met another of my college mate, he invited me for a coffee and I agreed.
Now here was the rotten apple!
I’d always kept safe distance from him for reasons unknown to me. He showed me he was caring and sweet but there was that fakeness in his smile, a double meaning to every question he asked. Some under-the –breath comments on my husband and my married life etc.
This time however I didn’t react to the vibes he was sending out, and all the negative energy that oozed out from him! On the other hand, I observed him, trying to find out what really is making this man send out all the negativity!
I came to the conclusion after watching him and people like him that these souls are actually frustrated with their own lives! Either that they crave for a girlfriend/ boyfriend (that’s the reason they laugh and comment on other’s private lives) or are frustrated with their career moves (the reason they question and show doubt towards other’s talent and skill). They love to laugh at other’s failures but fail to see the hard work behind that attempt that failed! They never give credit to anybody’s job well done, because it hurts them to acknowledge that fact.
So this time instead of arguing and getting angry with him, I felt sorry for him! I felt extremely sorry. For all this time after I passed out, I’ve been surrounded by only positive energy, it has given me the strength to stand by me and look at life positively. When I was in college, surrounded by these frustrated souls, their vibes were contagious- there was a time I was completely taken in by their attitude!
Lessons I learnt from my experiences:
1. Avoid the company of people with negative vibes. Even if the person is your best friend, get rid of the friendship before the negativity sucks you in!
2. There’s no point in arguing, explaining or justifying any of your actions to such people- it’s worthless!
3. Protect your loved one’s from such people’s backlash! I remember I’d taken my sis at a birthday party of my friend when a rotten apple lashed out at her without any reason. She was hurt and didn’t know what she had done to deserve that kind of treatment! The best thing at that moment was to leave the party and the people, but unfortunately we stayed on- we didn’t want to disturb the atmosphere!(a mistake)!
4. Put your foot down. It’s never too late. Stop : the conversation, the company and the relationship immediately!
I’ve strictly adhered to these conclusions and snapped out ties with immediate effect. The moment I know it’s a rotten apple; I throw it out of my life.
It requires a lot of courage as people around keep questioning such sudden behavior. But what is required is required! I’ve seen friendships dragged beyond the point of tolerance, just because the victim party doesn’t have the guts to stand up and say a firm “No”! What starts off by affecting only you goes on spreading- affecting your entire family.
And then there are others……. I just don’t know why I get aggravated the moment I see them! The moment they talk to me, I get irritated! My heart wants to fight and insult them!
It’s all about the vibes different people give out. Positive attitude and a pleasing personality will always be accepted by everyone. Where as , a fake attitude, “I know it all” look will always repel others!
Recently I met up with some old friends from college! It had been a long time since we had met; there were so many misunderstanding by the end of the course that hardly anybody kept in contact with anyone. But I took a positive step by trying to resolve the old issues and giving it another shot, after all there were so many good experiences we had shared as classmates.
The meeting went very well and I realized by the end of it that not everyone is bad; it’s that one rotten apple that spoils the whole barrel!
A few minutes later, I met another of my college mate, he invited me for a coffee and I agreed.
Now here was the rotten apple!
I’d always kept safe distance from him for reasons unknown to me. He showed me he was caring and sweet but there was that fakeness in his smile, a double meaning to every question he asked. Some under-the –breath comments on my husband and my married life etc.
This time however I didn’t react to the vibes he was sending out, and all the negative energy that oozed out from him! On the other hand, I observed him, trying to find out what really is making this man send out all the negativity!
I came to the conclusion after watching him and people like him that these souls are actually frustrated with their own lives! Either that they crave for a girlfriend/ boyfriend (that’s the reason they laugh and comment on other’s private lives) or are frustrated with their career moves (the reason they question and show doubt towards other’s talent and skill). They love to laugh at other’s failures but fail to see the hard work behind that attempt that failed! They never give credit to anybody’s job well done, because it hurts them to acknowledge that fact.
So this time instead of arguing and getting angry with him, I felt sorry for him! I felt extremely sorry. For all this time after I passed out, I’ve been surrounded by only positive energy, it has given me the strength to stand by me and look at life positively. When I was in college, surrounded by these frustrated souls, their vibes were contagious- there was a time I was completely taken in by their attitude!
Lessons I learnt from my experiences:
1. Avoid the company of people with negative vibes. Even if the person is your best friend, get rid of the friendship before the negativity sucks you in!
2. There’s no point in arguing, explaining or justifying any of your actions to such people- it’s worthless!
3. Protect your loved one’s from such people’s backlash! I remember I’d taken my sis at a birthday party of my friend when a rotten apple lashed out at her without any reason. She was hurt and didn’t know what she had done to deserve that kind of treatment! The best thing at that moment was to leave the party and the people, but unfortunately we stayed on- we didn’t want to disturb the atmosphere!(a mistake)!
4. Put your foot down. It’s never too late. Stop : the conversation, the company and the relationship immediately!
I’ve strictly adhered to these conclusions and snapped out ties with immediate effect. The moment I know it’s a rotten apple; I throw it out of my life.
It requires a lot of courage as people around keep questioning such sudden behavior. But what is required is required! I’ve seen friendships dragged beyond the point of tolerance, just because the victim party doesn’t have the guts to stand up and say a firm “No”! What starts off by affecting only you goes on spreading- affecting your entire family.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Confessions of a hurt Hindu Secularist
Narendra Modi- The X factor!
The media tries hard to pull him down!
Congress tries even harder to break him down!
But hey, he is the man with the mission! The poster boy of the saffron brigade, the winner, the fighter, the warrior....... MY Ultimate Hero!
There is 1 issue that he is always nailed on! Gujarat Riots!
1000’s of Muslims were killed.
Between, Why aren’t we talking about J and K?
Who’s the CM there?
Why are Hindu pandits dying- for decades? Being raped? Being butchered? Why?
Their life doesn’t count?
If you are amongst those who criticize Narendra Modi for Gujarat riots and amongst those who don’t say a word about the other killings happening at other places in India, then you are communal!
You must be thinking, the writer is also communal, so she supports him! But wait a minute..... who created this word communal? What is being secular? Supporting minorities and dividing the population on the basis of religion calling it a majority and a minority....isn’t that communal? And who does that? Which party woos people of a particular religion? And then lays the blame of communalism on BJP?
The answer to all the pseudo secularists in our country- and the best slap on them all is Modi!
Watch the news now a days, they will again , again and again only remind the viewers about the Gujarat Riots, what about the developmental activities happening in Gujarat? That doesn’t seem to be important.
Bomb blasts around the country killed a 1000 more people, but what is our media still reminding us? About the Gujarat Riots!
I was also amongst those who were anti Modi at some point of time. If you only go by what the media reports- then you are bound to think that way. In order to know the realities you need to see, observe below the surface.
A few months back, there were riots in Goa.(congress Govt) Goa- a peace loving state! What really happened in here to result in a riot? Do you know that congress Govt was still blaming BJP for it? If BJP is in power it is to be blamed, if its not in power also its to be blamed?
I shouldn’t be talking about a particular religion... no sorry! I mean, I shouldn’t be talking about Hindu religion. Because anything related to Hindu, Hinduism is communal, isn’t it?
A few months back I heard about an incident of vandalism. A statue of mother Mary was broken down. It was made into a national headline, an issue! I am not against it, make it into an issue, definitely- someone did a horrible act !
Do you know, my dear reader, that for the last couple of years a number of Hindu temples have been vandalized in Goa? Just 2 days back- 12 statues! I repeat, 12 statues were vandalized~! Did you hear about it? Why not? Why wasn’t this made into a national issue? Who is communal now?
Why? I don’t get hurt when my faith is made fun of by M F Hussain? In the name of art he painted a Hindu goddess nude! Doesnt that hurt me? Why only hindu religion? Have we become so cheap, that we allow anything that happens to us?
Hamari koi ijjaat nahi hai kya?
I am not a Hindu fundamentalist! I am a regular, balanced headed individual- who likes to think for myself! I am a proud Hindu too, I love my religion. Yes, there are a few fault lines here and there, but then, which religion is perfect?
I am fed up of my religion being targeted every now and then and being stamped as communal if I say , “ I go to a temple and pray everyday!”.
I get extremely angry looking at my goddesses being painted nude!
And i cant control my temper when i see my idols vandalized time and again.
I won’t keep quiet!
To hell with your politics- whether for votes or for whatever reason our politicians are dividing our country-
we are sitting on a time bomb!
Sooner or later, it will blow!
I am ready to fight!
For my religion- for my identity- for my survival- for my country!
The media tries hard to pull him down!
Congress tries even harder to break him down!
But hey, he is the man with the mission! The poster boy of the saffron brigade, the winner, the fighter, the warrior....... MY Ultimate Hero!
There is 1 issue that he is always nailed on! Gujarat Riots!
1000’s of Muslims were killed.
Between, Why aren’t we talking about J and K?
Who’s the CM there?
Why are Hindu pandits dying- for decades? Being raped? Being butchered? Why?
Their life doesn’t count?
If you are amongst those who criticize Narendra Modi for Gujarat riots and amongst those who don’t say a word about the other killings happening at other places in India, then you are communal!
You must be thinking, the writer is also communal, so she supports him! But wait a minute..... who created this word communal? What is being secular? Supporting minorities and dividing the population on the basis of religion calling it a majority and a minority....isn’t that communal? And who does that? Which party woos people of a particular religion? And then lays the blame of communalism on BJP?
The answer to all the pseudo secularists in our country- and the best slap on them all is Modi!
Watch the news now a days, they will again , again and again only remind the viewers about the Gujarat Riots, what about the developmental activities happening in Gujarat? That doesn’t seem to be important.
Bomb blasts around the country killed a 1000 more people, but what is our media still reminding us? About the Gujarat Riots!
I was also amongst those who were anti Modi at some point of time. If you only go by what the media reports- then you are bound to think that way. In order to know the realities you need to see, observe below the surface.
A few months back, there were riots in Goa.(congress Govt) Goa- a peace loving state! What really happened in here to result in a riot? Do you know that congress Govt was still blaming BJP for it? If BJP is in power it is to be blamed, if its not in power also its to be blamed?
I shouldn’t be talking about a particular religion... no sorry! I mean, I shouldn’t be talking about Hindu religion. Because anything related to Hindu, Hinduism is communal, isn’t it?
A few months back I heard about an incident of vandalism. A statue of mother Mary was broken down. It was made into a national headline, an issue! I am not against it, make it into an issue, definitely- someone did a horrible act !
Do you know, my dear reader, that for the last couple of years a number of Hindu temples have been vandalized in Goa? Just 2 days back- 12 statues! I repeat, 12 statues were vandalized~! Did you hear about it? Why not? Why wasn’t this made into a national issue? Who is communal now?
Why? I don’t get hurt when my faith is made fun of by M F Hussain? In the name of art he painted a Hindu goddess nude! Doesnt that hurt me? Why only hindu religion? Have we become so cheap, that we allow anything that happens to us?
Hamari koi ijjaat nahi hai kya?
I am not a Hindu fundamentalist! I am a regular, balanced headed individual- who likes to think for myself! I am a proud Hindu too, I love my religion. Yes, there are a few fault lines here and there, but then, which religion is perfect?
I am fed up of my religion being targeted every now and then and being stamped as communal if I say , “ I go to a temple and pray everyday!”.
I get extremely angry looking at my goddesses being painted nude!
And i cant control my temper when i see my idols vandalized time and again.
I won’t keep quiet!
To hell with your politics- whether for votes or for whatever reason our politicians are dividing our country-
we are sitting on a time bomb!
Sooner or later, it will blow!
I am ready to fight!
For my religion- for my identity- for my survival- for my country!
Anjali ( 1990)
Ask my family members and they will tell you my craze for this film. Till date the film remains fresh in my memory. I think I must have watched this film when I was in 1st std, that makes me around 6 years old. Now I am amazed at myself for understanding it at such a young age. I loved the film, the cast, the music- everything! It is a must watch!
The lead Anjali was played by a girl called baby Shamili. I think I must have been her greatest and the youngest fan at that time. It was difficult to get movie posters at that time, especially south film posters. My aunt finally got me some posters from Mumbai I guess, or was that Chennai? I don’t remember. The posters are still stuck on a cupboard in my house.
I also remember writing my very 1st letter to her. And my father wrote back to me saying it was Shamili. I believed him till I was in 8th std! I’d actually shown that letter to every soul in my school! Gee!
It was because of films like these that I’ve grown so fond of films. Many thanks to Mani Ratnam- his Anjali, Roja and most particularly Bombay have taught me what a complete film is! I use these films as study material, for its direction and cinematography, and story ,screenplay ofcourse!
I tried searching for the DVD, still haven’t found 1, I also did a search for a movie download, the 1 I got right now is a Tamil version, and I need a Hindi version to really enjoy the film. I hope some day soon, I’ll get the original DVD of the film.
Recently , by fluke, I came across Shamili’s current photograph on google search. It was a satisfaction of some kind to see her grown up! It was like finding a lost friend! The snap that I saw she looked very plain , thankfully not all made up with make up that our heroine’s wear now a days. I also read that her film “Oye” opposite Siddhartha will be releasing this year in 2009. It’s a Tamil film and I sure want to watch it, just for her sake, just to watch her!
I would have liked to say so much more about the film, but I need to watch it agai! From age 6 till date- it’s really been a long time!
Facts about the film:
Anjali is about a dying autistic child, and the emotional trauma experienced by her family.
Written and directed by Mani Ratnam
Music by Ilaiyaraaja
Cast: Raghuvaran, Revathi, Tarun, Shruthi and Shamili.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Give me the wings to fly
Maa, give me the wings to fly!
Maa, let me touch the sky!
Let me have a dream of my own!
And some day in life, its light will be shown!
I only need you by my side ,
Every second, every moment, every tide I ride!
Praise me for my difference,
Please try and see why I am different!
Don’t pull me back, don’t complain, don’t be afraid!
I am too weak now, this is 1st step I just made!!
Without you maa, this struggle is so hard on me.
Every twist, every turn- I fall on my knee.
Help me stand maa, help me fight !
If you stand by me, my destination will be soon in sight!
Give me the wings maa,
The wings of your love! Your faith in me and your support!
Give me the wings,
Let me spread it out and we shall sing,
The sweetest song of success and a dream fulfilling!
You have been my angel always guiding and protecting!
Don’t be shy,
Maa, give me the wings to fly!
Maa, let me touch the sky!
- written by me!
After long long years, i thought i would never write 1.
its basic, no complicated words, but i had to start somewhere!
if you have the inspiration, the thought then words are just the medium to help you write and express!
Maa, let me touch the sky!
Let me have a dream of my own!
And some day in life, its light will be shown!
I only need you by my side ,
Every second, every moment, every tide I ride!
Praise me for my difference,
Please try and see why I am different!
Don’t pull me back, don’t complain, don’t be afraid!
I am too weak now, this is 1st step I just made!!
Without you maa, this struggle is so hard on me.
Every twist, every turn- I fall on my knee.
Help me stand maa, help me fight !
If you stand by me, my destination will be soon in sight!
Give me the wings maa,
The wings of your love! Your faith in me and your support!
Give me the wings,
Let me spread it out and we shall sing,
The sweetest song of success and a dream fulfilling!
You have been my angel always guiding and protecting!
Don’t be shy,
Maa, give me the wings to fly!
Maa, let me touch the sky!
- written by me!
After long long years, i thought i would never write 1.
its basic, no complicated words, but i had to start somewhere!
if you have the inspiration, the thought then words are just the medium to help you write and express!
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Party Kid
please click on the link below to read the full news!
The gandhi's no doubt always have fun at the cost of India!
SHAKAL PE MAT JAO, APNI AKAL LAGAO!
The gandhi's no doubt always have fun at the cost of India!
SHAKAL PE MAT JAO, APNI AKAL LAGAO!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Law regarding Arrest of Woman
An incident took place in Pune - a young girl was attacked by a man posing as a plain clothes officer; he asked her 2 come 2 the police station when she & her male friend didn't have a driver's license 2 show.
He sent the boy off 2 get his license and asked the girl to
accompany him to the police station. Took her instead to an isolated area where the horrendous crime was committed.
The law [which most of us are not aware of] clearly states that between 6 pm and 6 am, a woman has the right to REFUSE to go to the Police Station , even if an arrest warrant has been issued against her. It is a procedural issue that a woman can be arrested between 6pm and 6am, ONLY if she is arrested by a woman officer & taken to an ALL WOMEN police station..
And if she is arrested by a male officer, it has to be proven that a woman officer was on duty at the time of arrest.
He sent the boy off 2 get his license and asked the girl to
accompany him to the police station. Took her instead to an isolated area where the horrendous crime was committed.
The law [which most of us are not aware of] clearly states that between 6 pm and 6 am, a woman has the right to REFUSE to go to the Police Station , even if an arrest warrant has been issued against her. It is a procedural issue that a woman can be arrested between 6pm and 6am, ONLY if she is arrested by a woman officer & taken to an ALL WOMEN police station..
And if she is arrested by a male officer, it has to be proven that a woman officer was on duty at the time of arrest.
Why go to the Temple
A 'devotee' goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and
complained that it made no sense to go to the Temple .
'I've gone for 30 years now, he wrote, and in that time I have heard
something like 3,000 mantras.
But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I
think I'm wasting my time and the Gurus are wasting theirs by giving
services at all.
This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column,
much to the delight of the editor.. It went on for weeks until someone
wrote this clincher:
I've been married for 30 years now.
In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life
of me, cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.
But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I
needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would
be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to the Temple
for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!
When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees
the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!
Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
complained that it made no sense to go to the Temple .
'I've gone for 30 years now, he wrote, and in that time I have heard
something like 3,000 mantras.
But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I
think I'm wasting my time and the Gurus are wasting theirs by giving
services at all.
This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column,
much to the delight of the editor.. It went on for weeks until someone
wrote this clincher:
I've been married for 30 years now.
In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life
of me, cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.
But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I
needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would
be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to the Temple
for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!
When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees
the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!
Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
School life
school life is a memory of so many 1st's.....
1st friend
1st best friend
1st crush
1st shouting from a teacher
1st fight with a friend
1st time facing a failure- whether by losing a competition, scoring less marks or making a wrong decision.
1st time tasting success- my 1st play which i wrote and directed and became a big hit with the students, scoring full marks in maths ( this is a once in a lifetime achievement!)
1st heart break!
1st team games
1st stage performances
1st dance
what were your 1st's?
1st friend
1st best friend
1st crush
1st shouting from a teacher
1st fight with a friend
1st time facing a failure- whether by losing a competition, scoring less marks or making a wrong decision.
1st time tasting success- my 1st play which i wrote and directed and became a big hit with the students, scoring full marks in maths ( this is a once in a lifetime achievement!)
1st heart break!
1st team games
1st stage performances
1st dance
what were your 1st's?
What is a blog
why do we blog? why is each blog different then the other?
are the blogs a continuity or the reflections of 1's personality?
if i take my blog, i write about all the things tht matter to me, my blog is a reflection and a continuity of my personality.
so is di's and sharvani's.
isnt a blog a place to share ideas? if it is used that way, then definately that's a positive use. but i wonder how many really use a blog for the right reasons?
i never knew blogging would be so much fun. i dont understand why i kept myself away from this medium for so long! for some time i wasnt really sure whether i should let myself be free on the web, knowing my style of writing- a bit too free, a bit too revealing! but hey, that's what makes each writer different!
i like this hobby.....i really cannot do without putting something up these days. not necessarily big ideas and big posts with big thinking, even small day to day passing thoughts like this one which i would usually put in my diary makes for a good post!
its so much easier to connect to people this way.
its so much easier to be heard!
so much easier to be creative- nobody to stop you, nobody who'll choose which articles are better and worse.
every school student should be given a project to maintain a blog. wow! if i had that sort of a project i would love it! :)
are the blogs a continuity or the reflections of 1's personality?
if i take my blog, i write about all the things tht matter to me, my blog is a reflection and a continuity of my personality.
so is di's and sharvani's.
isnt a blog a place to share ideas? if it is used that way, then definately that's a positive use. but i wonder how many really use a blog for the right reasons?
i never knew blogging would be so much fun. i dont understand why i kept myself away from this medium for so long! for some time i wasnt really sure whether i should let myself be free on the web, knowing my style of writing- a bit too free, a bit too revealing! but hey, that's what makes each writer different!
i like this hobby.....i really cannot do without putting something up these days. not necessarily big ideas and big posts with big thinking, even small day to day passing thoughts like this one which i would usually put in my diary makes for a good post!
its so much easier to connect to people this way.
its so much easier to be heard!
so much easier to be creative- nobody to stop you, nobody who'll choose which articles are better and worse.
every school student should be given a project to maintain a blog. wow! if i had that sort of a project i would love it! :)
Friday, May 1, 2009
My Rags
My entire family- somewhere around 15 of us, were leaving for Ganapatipule. I was around 6 years old then. Mamma dressed up Di and turned to me, she had some brand new clothes for me. “ I want to wear the yellow dress!”
There was this yellow skirt and a blouse that I got as a gift from pasakaka- He’s my favorite uncle, and what he got for me was like heaven sent gifts! The said yellow dress was at least 3 years old, I wore it at home, and mamma had discarded it! She had announced in front of the entire family that it’s the latest rag that she will be using for cleaning up the floor!
“ Baa, I already told you its torn and its not meant for wearing anymore!”
“ Noooooooo…I want the yellow dress!” wehhhhhh aaaaa I threw up a tantrum!
Mamma had enough, “ Then sit at home wearing your yellow dress, I am not taking you anywhere!”
I happily waved a goodbye to my family wearing the yellow dress. I was left behind with my grand parents!
Through all these years, the oldest of my clothes remain my favorites! They give me the best fit and the best comfort. Some of them belong to me, that I had worn in 8th std, and some I inherited from my Maushi, Di etc.
Through the years, people have become much more particular about their clothes and looks! But I feel no shame in wearing my Rags! I do the honors not only at home, or at camps but even when I have to go to the market and to restaurants. Women stare, some laugh and some comment- to hell with them! I am on top of the world when I am in my Rags!
Not just old clothes, shoes too are my favorites! I have so many new pairs of shoes, sandals- but I still enjoy wearing the sole torn , old, dirty looking amongst them.
I’ve always tried doing something new with the old stuff- like painting my old jeans with fabric paints, cutting and pasting stuff here and there- making a skirt out of a trouser ( yes! I did that!) ….. I jus love the feel of the old material- it reminds me of the good and the bad old times- makes me nostalgic!
I do not know if I have some sort of a disease, but I am myself in my rags!
I know I don’t look the prettiest, but I am at my best!
I JUST LOVE MY RAGS!
There was this yellow skirt and a blouse that I got as a gift from pasakaka- He’s my favorite uncle, and what he got for me was like heaven sent gifts! The said yellow dress was at least 3 years old, I wore it at home, and mamma had discarded it! She had announced in front of the entire family that it’s the latest rag that she will be using for cleaning up the floor!
“ Baa, I already told you its torn and its not meant for wearing anymore!”
“ Noooooooo…I want the yellow dress!” wehhhhhh aaaaa I threw up a tantrum!
Mamma had enough, “ Then sit at home wearing your yellow dress, I am not taking you anywhere!”
I happily waved a goodbye to my family wearing the yellow dress. I was left behind with my grand parents!
Through all these years, the oldest of my clothes remain my favorites! They give me the best fit and the best comfort. Some of them belong to me, that I had worn in 8th std, and some I inherited from my Maushi, Di etc.
Through the years, people have become much more particular about their clothes and looks! But I feel no shame in wearing my Rags! I do the honors not only at home, or at camps but even when I have to go to the market and to restaurants. Women stare, some laugh and some comment- to hell with them! I am on top of the world when I am in my Rags!
Not just old clothes, shoes too are my favorites! I have so many new pairs of shoes, sandals- but I still enjoy wearing the sole torn , old, dirty looking amongst them.
I’ve always tried doing something new with the old stuff- like painting my old jeans with fabric paints, cutting and pasting stuff here and there- making a skirt out of a trouser ( yes! I did that!) ….. I jus love the feel of the old material- it reminds me of the good and the bad old times- makes me nostalgic!
I do not know if I have some sort of a disease, but I am myself in my rags!
I know I don’t look the prettiest, but I am at my best!
I JUST LOVE MY RAGS!
lateral thinking
1. There is a man who lives on the top floor of a very tall building. Everyday he gets the elevator down to the ground floor to leave the building to go to work.Upon returning from work though, he can only travel half way up in the lift and has to walk the rest of the way unless it's raining! Why?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
2. A man and his son are in a car accident. The father dies on the scene, but the child is rushed to the hospital. When he arrives the surgeon says,
"I can't operate on this boy, he is my son! " How can this be?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*
3. A man is wearing black. Black shoes, socks, trousers, lumper, gloves and balaclava. He is walking down a black street with all the street lamps off.
A black car is coming towards him with its light off but somehow manages to stop in time. How did the driver see the man?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *
4. Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *
5. A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of poisoning. Why did the man not die?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *
6. A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a gun and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you' and walks out.
(*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
SOLUTIONS
1. The man is very, very short and can only reach halfway up the elevator buttons. However,if it is raining then he will have his umbrella with him and can press the higher buttons with it.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
2. The surgeon was his mother.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
3. It was day time.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
4. A square manhole cover can be turned and dropped down the diagonal of the manhole. A round manhole cannot be dropped down the manhole. So for safety and practicality, all manhole covers should be round.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*
5. The poison in the punch came from the ice cubes. When the man Drank the punch, the ice was fully frozen. Gradually it melted, poisoning the punch.
^*^*^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*
6.. The man had hiccups. The barman recognized this from his speech and drew the gun in order to give him a shock. It worked and cured the hiccups-so the man no longer needed the water.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
2. A man and his son are in a car accident. The father dies on the scene, but the child is rushed to the hospital. When he arrives the surgeon says,
"I can't operate on this boy, he is my son! " How can this be?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*
3. A man is wearing black. Black shoes, socks, trousers, lumper, gloves and balaclava. He is walking down a black street with all the street lamps off.
A black car is coming towards him with its light off but somehow manages to stop in time. How did the driver see the man?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *
4. Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *
5. A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of poisoning. Why did the man not die?
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *
6. A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a gun and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you' and walks out.
(*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
SOLUTIONS
1. The man is very, very short and can only reach halfway up the elevator buttons. However,if it is raining then he will have his umbrella with him and can press the higher buttons with it.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
2. The surgeon was his mother.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
3. It was day time.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*
4. A square manhole cover can be turned and dropped down the diagonal of the manhole. A round manhole cannot be dropped down the manhole. So for safety and practicality, all manhole covers should be round.
*^*^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*
5. The poison in the punch came from the ice cubes. When the man Drank the punch, the ice was fully frozen. Gradually it melted, poisoning the punch.
^*^*^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*^* ^*^*^*^*^ *^*^*^*
6.. The man had hiccups. The barman recognized this from his speech and drew the gun in order to give him a shock. It worked and cured the hiccups-so the man no longer needed the water.
A Reminder
My own people say this about our beloved country…
“My my! Its so dirty here!”
“There are slums everywhere! India is so unorganized!”
“Have you seen the public transport? People are like mosquitoes , crowding in those trains and buses!”
“ Indians ko to ‘class’ hi nahi hai yaar! Thoda to ‘class’ hona chahiye!”
Whenever I’ve had the chance to talk and interact with some foreigners, I’ve found they never put down their country- especially the whites! On the other hand, their curiosity about my country is like, “why are things still so bad in India?” and I laugh and say, “You know, the politics and the corruption here is really bad. Most politicians are illiterates and have come from poor backgrounds!”
“That’s so sad!” The white answers. I can read his mind, inside he is feeling a lot of sympathy for me – POOR INDIANS! And over all this time, I and all my fellow Indians have started loving this sympathy we get from the whites!
I know it’s bad to generalize! All whites are not bad!
But I cannot forget and forgive what they did to my country!
Stripping her off all her riches and giving her the poverty she doesn’t deserve!
Their ancestors are thieves, they robbed her!
They raped my motherland! For centuries!
And I have a moral right and responsibility to hate them!
Now the British might be beating drums about peace, and supporting anti terrorism activities, but we do know what their blood is made up of! Their crooked brains gave us our most precious gift of partition- and we are still paying the price for it! Be it our legal system, education system – our life is still chained – thanks to the British!
All our vedic ways of life, the education system ( gurukul) were perfect and are still perfect to solve our problems! But our intelligence is chained!
We must not forget Thomas Macaulay:he said, "We must do our best to form a class who may be interpreters between us and the millions whom we govern, a class of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, words and intellect."
As the architect of Colonial Britain's Educational Policy in India, Thomas Macaulay was to set the tone for what educated Indians were going to learn about themselves, their civilization, and their view of Britain and the world around them. An arch-racist, Thomas Macaulay had nothing but scornful disdain for Indian history and civilization.
"It is, no exaggeration to say, that all the historical information which has been collected from all the books written in Sanskrit language is less valuable than what may be found in the most paltry abridgments used at preparatory schools in England".
Please do not trust the school history books for the true reference of our glorious past. All the books were and still are manipulated. We are taught the wrong history- the one that only goes to show how India was beaten time and again !
Our young minds are trained not to love and respect our country!
So my brothers and sisters, before throwing dirt at your motherland, please remember- its falling on you!
Be proud of what our India gave us, rather than what we got from west!
unfortunately, that includes, the english language too!
“My my! Its so dirty here!”
“There are slums everywhere! India is so unorganized!”
“Have you seen the public transport? People are like mosquitoes , crowding in those trains and buses!”
“ Indians ko to ‘class’ hi nahi hai yaar! Thoda to ‘class’ hona chahiye!”
Whenever I’ve had the chance to talk and interact with some foreigners, I’ve found they never put down their country- especially the whites! On the other hand, their curiosity about my country is like, “why are things still so bad in India?” and I laugh and say, “You know, the politics and the corruption here is really bad. Most politicians are illiterates and have come from poor backgrounds!”
“That’s so sad!” The white answers. I can read his mind, inside he is feeling a lot of sympathy for me – POOR INDIANS! And over all this time, I and all my fellow Indians have started loving this sympathy we get from the whites!
I know it’s bad to generalize! All whites are not bad!
But I cannot forget and forgive what they did to my country!
Stripping her off all her riches and giving her the poverty she doesn’t deserve!
Their ancestors are thieves, they robbed her!
They raped my motherland! For centuries!
And I have a moral right and responsibility to hate them!
Now the British might be beating drums about peace, and supporting anti terrorism activities, but we do know what their blood is made up of! Their crooked brains gave us our most precious gift of partition- and we are still paying the price for it! Be it our legal system, education system – our life is still chained – thanks to the British!
All our vedic ways of life, the education system ( gurukul) were perfect and are still perfect to solve our problems! But our intelligence is chained!
We must not forget Thomas Macaulay:he said, "We must do our best to form a class who may be interpreters between us and the millions whom we govern, a class of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, words and intellect."
As the architect of Colonial Britain's Educational Policy in India, Thomas Macaulay was to set the tone for what educated Indians were going to learn about themselves, their civilization, and their view of Britain and the world around them. An arch-racist, Thomas Macaulay had nothing but scornful disdain for Indian history and civilization.
"It is, no exaggeration to say, that all the historical information which has been collected from all the books written in Sanskrit language is less valuable than what may be found in the most paltry abridgments used at preparatory schools in England".
Please do not trust the school history books for the true reference of our glorious past. All the books were and still are manipulated. We are taught the wrong history- the one that only goes to show how India was beaten time and again !
Our young minds are trained not to love and respect our country!
So my brothers and sisters, before throwing dirt at your motherland, please remember- its falling on you!
Be proud of what our India gave us, rather than what we got from west!
unfortunately, that includes, the english language too!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Dont lie to your mother
Mom comes to visit her son Kumar for dinner.....who lives with a girl
room mate Sunita. During the course of the meal, his mother couldn't
help but notice how pretty Kumar's roommate was. She had long been
suspicious of a relationship between the two, and this had only made
her more curious.
Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she
started to wonder if there was more between Kumar and his roommate
than met the eye.
Reading his mom's thoughts, Kumar volunteered, 'I know what you must
be thinking, but I assure you, Sunita and I are just roommates.'
About a week later, Sunita came to Kumar saying, 'Ever since your
mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the silver plate. You
don't suppose she took it, do you?'
Kumar said ,'Well, I doubt it, but I'll email her, just to be sure.'
So he sat down and wrote :
Dear Mother:
I'm not saying that you 'did' take the silver plate from my house,
I'm not saying that you 'did not' take the silver plate.. But the
fact remains that it has been missing ever since you were here for
dinner.
Love, Kumar
A few days later, Kumar received an email from his Mother which read
Dear Son:
I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Sunita, and I'm not saying
that you 'do not' sleep with Sunita. But the fact remains that if she
was sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the silver plate by
now
under the pillow...
Love,
Mom.
Lesson of the day:
Don't Lie to Your Mother...... .....especially if she is Indian !
room mate Sunita. During the course of the meal, his mother couldn't
help but notice how pretty Kumar's roommate was. She had long been
suspicious of a relationship between the two, and this had only made
her more curious.
Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she
started to wonder if there was more between Kumar and his roommate
than met the eye.
Reading his mom's thoughts, Kumar volunteered, 'I know what you must
be thinking, but I assure you, Sunita and I are just roommates.'
About a week later, Sunita came to Kumar saying, 'Ever since your
mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the silver plate. You
don't suppose she took it, do you?'
Kumar said ,'Well, I doubt it, but I'll email her, just to be sure.'
So he sat down and wrote :
Dear Mother:
I'm not saying that you 'did' take the silver plate from my house,
I'm not saying that you 'did not' take the silver plate.. But the
fact remains that it has been missing ever since you were here for
dinner.
Love, Kumar
A few days later, Kumar received an email from his Mother which read
Dear Son:
I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Sunita, and I'm not saying
that you 'do not' sleep with Sunita. But the fact remains that if she
was sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the silver plate by
now
under the pillow...
Love,
Mom.
Lesson of the day:
Don't Lie to Your Mother...... .....especially if she is Indian !
We all are blind, we all are deaf
I was attending a yoga camp next to my house. Constantly I could hear the cry of a pup. It was disturbing me so much, I couldn’t concentrate in any of the asanas. Some old ladies shouted at me for turning to look hear and there. I told them about the cry, they said, “are you hearing it for the 1st time or what? There are a 100 dogs out there!”
I got up that instant and got out of the class.
I saw a pup- around a month old, at the road side, perhaps hit by a car. He was lying down, unable to move, ants eating his ears and nose.
Call me an emotional fool, but I’ve never seen anything dying a slow death before. And this was just a month old pup! I just burst into tears! I ran to him, my mere touch sent a wave of pain in his body. I went home and got a plank of wood and put him on it, so that there will be minimum movement and pain for him.
I rushed him to the veterinary hospital, the doctor was not there ( as always). The assistant gave the pup some injection and said he would be just fine. I was carrying the pup home in my car, when he started to shudder, shiver and within 15 minutes, he was dead!
I wanted to go back and question the assistant, but I was just tired! How blind and deaf has our society become?
I’ve tried to save a few dogs and cats as and when I saw them in trouble. A neighbor, was throwing new born kittens ( eyes not even opened) in the dustbin next to our house. I picked them up and gave them back to the owner, asked him to keep them till their eyes open and then I promised I’ll take away the kittens! The same neighbor came around asking for a male cat a few days back- said there were too many rats in his house.
I see people hitting , kicking animals the whole time. Many times I tried to stop- occasionally even falling in trouble!
I’ve seen cases when a big rich family kept a big breed of dog in a cage, and left him there without giving him anything to eat for days- to his slow death!
We are no doubt the most selfish species on this planet!
And no matter how many times I’ve tried to tell and convince people to have a heart towards the animals, they only laugh at me and tell me some nonsense!
I urge everyone to do just 1 thing- when you have kids, please give them the right values so that they turn into responsible citizens with fully functional eyes, ears and brain!
I got up that instant and got out of the class.
I saw a pup- around a month old, at the road side, perhaps hit by a car. He was lying down, unable to move, ants eating his ears and nose.
Call me an emotional fool, but I’ve never seen anything dying a slow death before. And this was just a month old pup! I just burst into tears! I ran to him, my mere touch sent a wave of pain in his body. I went home and got a plank of wood and put him on it, so that there will be minimum movement and pain for him.
I rushed him to the veterinary hospital, the doctor was not there ( as always). The assistant gave the pup some injection and said he would be just fine. I was carrying the pup home in my car, when he started to shudder, shiver and within 15 minutes, he was dead!
I wanted to go back and question the assistant, but I was just tired! How blind and deaf has our society become?
I’ve tried to save a few dogs and cats as and when I saw them in trouble. A neighbor, was throwing new born kittens ( eyes not even opened) in the dustbin next to our house. I picked them up and gave them back to the owner, asked him to keep them till their eyes open and then I promised I’ll take away the kittens! The same neighbor came around asking for a male cat a few days back- said there were too many rats in his house.
I see people hitting , kicking animals the whole time. Many times I tried to stop- occasionally even falling in trouble!
I’ve seen cases when a big rich family kept a big breed of dog in a cage, and left him there without giving him anything to eat for days- to his slow death!
We are no doubt the most selfish species on this planet!
And no matter how many times I’ve tried to tell and convince people to have a heart towards the animals, they only laugh at me and tell me some nonsense!
I urge everyone to do just 1 thing- when you have kids, please give them the right values so that they turn into responsible citizens with fully functional eyes, ears and brain!
26/ 11 The Blame Game
i read this on www.indiatime.com,
Man Mohan Singh, the prime minister
In his speech to the nation, PM Manmohan Singh mentioned ‘foreign powers’ without naming any. Sure, he is reticent about making direct accusations, but what is stopping him from standing up for his countrymen and let the rest of the world know what they already know. Even newborn babies would tell you that militants backed by Pakistan’s spy agencies are responsible for most terrorist attacks against India.
And while asserting his forceful stand on fighting terror, why did Mr. Singh have a bust of Mahatma Gandhi behind him? Did he mean to convey that India will advance another cheek if slapped on one?
Shivraj Patil, the home minister
His response to yesterday’s attacks was a classic cover-your-ass (CYA) response in which he kept insisting nobody knew if the attacks would come from sea, land or air. If Patil and his people cannot figure it out, they should just let someone else do the job.
LK Advani, the great Hindu hope
Until yesterday, Lal Krishna Advani was blasting the ATS chief for his investigation of radical hindu outfits. Today, everybody knows what a patriot and a braveheart Hemant Karkare was. Speaking to the media, Advani blamed intelligence failures. If the politicians keep involving intelligence agencies in politics, how will the ATS people have time to investigate? But of course, it’s the Hindu vote banks Advani has his eyes on.
Lalu Yadav, Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh - the rock stars of Northern skies
The influential trio of North India’s politics has sometimes advocated support for Islamic terrorist suspects and one of them has actually been busy garnering support for legal defense funds for those terrorist suspects. But of course, it’s the Muslim vote banks that they have their eyes on.
Bal Thackeray, the monarch of Hindu hearts
The monarch of Hindu hearts, and the only politician of any real influence in Mumbai, is quiet for a reason. His tiger’s den has been exposed to be a defenseless playground for terrorists. After 40 years of ruling Mumbai, Sena leaders and their followers have not succeeded in making this city any safer. In fact, Thackeray’s son and nephew lately diverted the law enforcement attention a little away from terrorism by bringing the Marathi-non Marathi issue back into limelight.
Other Maharashtra State politicians:
Their stature is so insignificant that they cannot influence anything either way.
Defense minister:
Anybody know who the defense minister is?
Man Mohan Singh, the prime minister
In his speech to the nation, PM Manmohan Singh mentioned ‘foreign powers’ without naming any. Sure, he is reticent about making direct accusations, but what is stopping him from standing up for his countrymen and let the rest of the world know what they already know. Even newborn babies would tell you that militants backed by Pakistan’s spy agencies are responsible for most terrorist attacks against India.
And while asserting his forceful stand on fighting terror, why did Mr. Singh have a bust of Mahatma Gandhi behind him? Did he mean to convey that India will advance another cheek if slapped on one?
Shivraj Patil, the home minister
His response to yesterday’s attacks was a classic cover-your-ass (CYA) response in which he kept insisting nobody knew if the attacks would come from sea, land or air. If Patil and his people cannot figure it out, they should just let someone else do the job.
LK Advani, the great Hindu hope
Until yesterday, Lal Krishna Advani was blasting the ATS chief for his investigation of radical hindu outfits. Today, everybody knows what a patriot and a braveheart Hemant Karkare was. Speaking to the media, Advani blamed intelligence failures. If the politicians keep involving intelligence agencies in politics, how will the ATS people have time to investigate? But of course, it’s the Hindu vote banks Advani has his eyes on.
Lalu Yadav, Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh - the rock stars of Northern skies
The influential trio of North India’s politics has sometimes advocated support for Islamic terrorist suspects and one of them has actually been busy garnering support for legal defense funds for those terrorist suspects. But of course, it’s the Muslim vote banks that they have their eyes on.
Bal Thackeray, the monarch of Hindu hearts
The monarch of Hindu hearts, and the only politician of any real influence in Mumbai, is quiet for a reason. His tiger’s den has been exposed to be a defenseless playground for terrorists. After 40 years of ruling Mumbai, Sena leaders and their followers have not succeeded in making this city any safer. In fact, Thackeray’s son and nephew lately diverted the law enforcement attention a little away from terrorism by bringing the Marathi-non Marathi issue back into limelight.
Other Maharashtra State politicians:
Their stature is so insignificant that they cannot influence anything either way.
Defense minister:
Anybody know who the defense minister is?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Book That Made Me
I was never fond of reading as a child. My mother bought loads of books- with illustrations, without illustrations, cartoon series- but to no avail. My sister finally handed me a Noddy when I was in 7th std, she said it was high time I start reading something. Noddy is made for KG students requirements. It has around 20 pages, half a page is full of pictures. I came from a Marathi medium school, so I could be excused for reading this book- my sis re assured me. I wasn’t enjoying reading this book- but at least I was reading all the pages and finishing the book.
In the holiday’s of 7th std, I saw a fat book on my father’s table- Sidney Sheldon “Tell Me Your Dreams” . I’ve been very fascinated with dreams, and I thought this might be something dealing with that. So I picked it up. My sis came around, she giggled, “see the size 1st. see the size!” I banged the book on the table and went out to play.
That night, I secretly got that book and opened to read the 1st page. In comparison to Noddy, the font was extremely small, and since I was hiding and reading it- it made things even more difficult for me. But the 1st page itself was so interesting, I read on.
Pages turned into chapters and minutes turned into hours- the plot moved damn fast and it wasn’t like I was reading a book, it was as if I was watching a film. My mom and sis did tell me books are more interesting than films but I never paid attention to them. My imagination, coupled with the words of the author was better than any film I had watched!
It was late, somewhere around 3 am, I could hardly sleep, and I was already through half the book.
Next morning, my sister was surprised to see me sleeping with a book in my hands. When she woke me up, I hurriedly brushed and got back to reading. Within a few hours I had read that fat book- and was left completely awestruck!
That year, I read all his books.
Sidney Sheldon has had such an impact on me- I always thought I loved his books, until recently when I realize a lot of my thought process is a result of his books and plots. His protagonist always is a woman, and a woman who is hurt by someone- and she hits back with vengeance!
Today, when I am hurt- the 1st reaction is to take revenge! Tit for tat! An eye for an eye!
My values have been always to learn to forget and to forgive- but I find myself in a confusing state of mind. Life really works the way Sidney says in his books. There have been incidences when I was back stabbed by my closest pals, people I trusted so much! Nobody talks about it- but Revenge- everyone takes! It simply feels good!
But now I want to rise higher, get out of this Sidney effect and learn to live life in a peaceful manner- I am sure it has to be a book again which will teach me a new way of life. And I am in search of it!
In the holiday’s of 7th std, I saw a fat book on my father’s table- Sidney Sheldon “Tell Me Your Dreams” . I’ve been very fascinated with dreams, and I thought this might be something dealing with that. So I picked it up. My sis came around, she giggled, “see the size 1st. see the size!” I banged the book on the table and went out to play.
That night, I secretly got that book and opened to read the 1st page. In comparison to Noddy, the font was extremely small, and since I was hiding and reading it- it made things even more difficult for me. But the 1st page itself was so interesting, I read on.
Pages turned into chapters and minutes turned into hours- the plot moved damn fast and it wasn’t like I was reading a book, it was as if I was watching a film. My mom and sis did tell me books are more interesting than films but I never paid attention to them. My imagination, coupled with the words of the author was better than any film I had watched!
It was late, somewhere around 3 am, I could hardly sleep, and I was already through half the book.
Next morning, my sister was surprised to see me sleeping with a book in my hands. When she woke me up, I hurriedly brushed and got back to reading. Within a few hours I had read that fat book- and was left completely awestruck!
That year, I read all his books.
Sidney Sheldon has had such an impact on me- I always thought I loved his books, until recently when I realize a lot of my thought process is a result of his books and plots. His protagonist always is a woman, and a woman who is hurt by someone- and she hits back with vengeance!
Today, when I am hurt- the 1st reaction is to take revenge! Tit for tat! An eye for an eye!
My values have been always to learn to forget and to forgive- but I find myself in a confusing state of mind. Life really works the way Sidney says in his books. There have been incidences when I was back stabbed by my closest pals, people I trusted so much! Nobody talks about it- but Revenge- everyone takes! It simply feels good!
But now I want to rise higher, get out of this Sidney effect and learn to live life in a peaceful manner- I am sure it has to be a book again which will teach me a new way of life. And I am in search of it!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Each 1 has a special talent Part 2
This experience has only taught me a simple truth- all of us- educated class has this habit of under estimating other people who are less educated then us, perhaps who are involved in a low paying job and a skill.
God has given a special talent to each and every person- there is absolutely no need to feel that I am superior to someone else. Its times like these when we go to ponder in other fields that we come to know about the hidden talents of others. There were some 7th std girls with me, they’d failed their exams thrice, the school had already asked them to drop out. These 3 girls had a beautiful talent for tailoring, hand and machine embroidery. The stuff that they had done was marvelous for their age!
I took a residential camp for some village kids a few days back. The principal of 1 of the school which was participating had warned me about a few boys who were extremely naughty and were black listed twice, but not suspended because their parents had urged him to give them a final try.
These boys gave me such a hard time through out the camp- but when it came to activities like dramatics – they were too good! Some of them were excellent singers, some were excellent cooks and some were experts at playing football.
I wonder why we don’t have schools that help a child to learn the activity of his choice?
Why should all learn the subjects that are taught in school?
Just because a student is a failure at maths and science and even at languages, does it mean they are dumb? Some parents even wonder if their child is abnormal!
Why are we still stuck with a system which abuses a child off his creativity and talent?
I feel sorry for these numerous children who have to bang their heads on empty futures.
Through the camp, I could give them an opportunity to realize what are areas of their interest! I hope in future, with the help of more resources and more experienced people- I’ll be able to take to our villages and schools the best of creativity , and give them a chance to flourish and excel and make a name for themselves!
God has given a special talent to each and every person- there is absolutely no need to feel that I am superior to someone else. Its times like these when we go to ponder in other fields that we come to know about the hidden talents of others. There were some 7th std girls with me, they’d failed their exams thrice, the school had already asked them to drop out. These 3 girls had a beautiful talent for tailoring, hand and machine embroidery. The stuff that they had done was marvelous for their age!
I took a residential camp for some village kids a few days back. The principal of 1 of the school which was participating had warned me about a few boys who were extremely naughty and were black listed twice, but not suspended because their parents had urged him to give them a final try.
These boys gave me such a hard time through out the camp- but when it came to activities like dramatics – they were too good! Some of them were excellent singers, some were excellent cooks and some were experts at playing football.
I wonder why we don’t have schools that help a child to learn the activity of his choice?
Why should all learn the subjects that are taught in school?
Just because a student is a failure at maths and science and even at languages, does it mean they are dumb? Some parents even wonder if their child is abnormal!
Why are we still stuck with a system which abuses a child off his creativity and talent?
I feel sorry for these numerous children who have to bang their heads on empty futures.
Through the camp, I could give them an opportunity to realize what are areas of their interest! I hope in future, with the help of more resources and more experienced people- I’ll be able to take to our villages and schools the best of creativity , and give them a chance to flourish and excel and make a name for themselves!
each 1 has a special talent part 1
I’ve been fascinated with clothes only for a couple of years!
My 1st love is saris and jeans- personally salwaars don’t figure out anywhere in my favorite list. These days even on traditional occasion’s women gift each other salwaars, I so wished I was rather given a sari!
Anyway, there was so much material that I thought I’ll go and get some tailoring lessons. No skill ever goes a waste anyway.
I never really thought about the sewing machine which is such an important part of tailoring. I’d never handled or operated it before. How bad can it get, I thought? There were so many girls in the class, much younger to me, stitching comfortably on the machine. I’ll learn in a few days- I told myself!
1st day- the wheel was going reverse.
2nd day- wheel was going in the right direction, but the thread was getting stuck.
3rd day- thread still getting stuck.
4th day- needle breaks
5th day- 2nd needle breaks
6th day- 3rd needle breaks, almost misses getting in my right eye.
7th day – my teacher sits with me the whole class, the machine is now operating as if there never was a problem.
8th day- teacher thinks I’ll be fine- but the sewing machine still refusing to co operate with me.
9th day- other girls who started learning with me are stitching their own salwaars, am still stuck on a baby dress.
10th day- I tell the teacher I’ll stitch the whole dress by hand- I’ll do the entire course with my hand stitching, she says, “ have patience!”
11th day – wheel going backwards, needle breaks, the bobbin is rolling around the machine!
All the girls turn and look at me as I bang my hands on the machine table.
“ I’ve had enough!” I declare.
I storm out of the class.
There has been no skill that has taken so much time for me to learn. The last thing I remember which really tested my patience were the math sums. I’ve had absolutely no problems operating any machine so far- I learnt driving a car in mere 4 days! And now I can drive any automobile- be it a track, a bus or a truck!
And this little thing called a sewing machine is not co operating with me?
The next 2 weeks I don’t show up in class. The teacher calls up home, and I go to meet her. After talking about what’s really pissing me off, she mildly says, “Ok, take a break. If you have a machine at home, try your hand on it a couple of times, get comfortable with the idea that its you who is tailoring your own clothes, nothing is impossible! You just need to learn a couple of tricks.”
I come home, totally disappointed with myself, feeling like a total failure!
I don’t like myself not knowing to do anything!
So far I’ve learnt many skills, all with ease!
Be it swimming, dancing, singing, dramatics, or driving!
My 1st love is saris and jeans- personally salwaars don’t figure out anywhere in my favorite list. These days even on traditional occasion’s women gift each other salwaars, I so wished I was rather given a sari!
Anyway, there was so much material that I thought I’ll go and get some tailoring lessons. No skill ever goes a waste anyway.
I never really thought about the sewing machine which is such an important part of tailoring. I’d never handled or operated it before. How bad can it get, I thought? There were so many girls in the class, much younger to me, stitching comfortably on the machine. I’ll learn in a few days- I told myself!
1st day- the wheel was going reverse.
2nd day- wheel was going in the right direction, but the thread was getting stuck.
3rd day- thread still getting stuck.
4th day- needle breaks
5th day- 2nd needle breaks
6th day- 3rd needle breaks, almost misses getting in my right eye.
7th day – my teacher sits with me the whole class, the machine is now operating as if there never was a problem.
8th day- teacher thinks I’ll be fine- but the sewing machine still refusing to co operate with me.
9th day- other girls who started learning with me are stitching their own salwaars, am still stuck on a baby dress.
10th day- I tell the teacher I’ll stitch the whole dress by hand- I’ll do the entire course with my hand stitching, she says, “ have patience!”
11th day – wheel going backwards, needle breaks, the bobbin is rolling around the machine!
All the girls turn and look at me as I bang my hands on the machine table.
“ I’ve had enough!” I declare.
I storm out of the class.
There has been no skill that has taken so much time for me to learn. The last thing I remember which really tested my patience were the math sums. I’ve had absolutely no problems operating any machine so far- I learnt driving a car in mere 4 days! And now I can drive any automobile- be it a track, a bus or a truck!
And this little thing called a sewing machine is not co operating with me?
The next 2 weeks I don’t show up in class. The teacher calls up home, and I go to meet her. After talking about what’s really pissing me off, she mildly says, “Ok, take a break. If you have a machine at home, try your hand on it a couple of times, get comfortable with the idea that its you who is tailoring your own clothes, nothing is impossible! You just need to learn a couple of tricks.”
I come home, totally disappointed with myself, feeling like a total failure!
I don’t like myself not knowing to do anything!
So far I’ve learnt many skills, all with ease!
Be it swimming, dancing, singing, dramatics, or driving!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Being Indian
Different people have different notions about what makes a real Indian!
Like some people think, followers of Indian traditions and culture are the true proud Indians.
Some others think Hindus –or the original inhabitants who settled on the banks of the river Indu are the only real Indians!
There are others who do not know what being Indian is, but they say- those who follow and worship too much western concepts are not Indian!
There are different religious and political groups claiming to be more Indian than the others. It is like children of the same mother fighting amongst themselves.
The truth is, anybody with an experience of living in India has a different sensibility than others. Even foreigners who’ve spent some considerable time in India will have a different angle of looking at life- perhaps more spiritual!
So logically- it’s not our faith, dress code and our ideology that makes us Indian.
Perhaps the soul basis of determining a true Indian should be “how much 1 has done for his country- forgetting the other petty issues we so much give importance to!” – I guess that would bring an end to all arguments and silly fights!
Like some people think, followers of Indian traditions and culture are the true proud Indians.
Some others think Hindus –or the original inhabitants who settled on the banks of the river Indu are the only real Indians!
There are others who do not know what being Indian is, but they say- those who follow and worship too much western concepts are not Indian!
There are different religious and political groups claiming to be more Indian than the others. It is like children of the same mother fighting amongst themselves.
The truth is, anybody with an experience of living in India has a different sensibility than others. Even foreigners who’ve spent some considerable time in India will have a different angle of looking at life- perhaps more spiritual!
So logically- it’s not our faith, dress code and our ideology that makes us Indian.
Perhaps the soul basis of determining a true Indian should be “how much 1 has done for his country- forgetting the other petty issues we so much give importance to!” – I guess that would bring an end to all arguments and silly fights!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Roadies and TV
This is 1 show I never miss, I don’t watch anything on TV, but roadies. I don’t like the people who participate nor am I fond of maghu, but definitely they’ve got the formula right- to attract the youth. Maybe it’s their tasks, the politics and the battle for survival- the show of raw human nature that is highly exciting!
I’ve watched almost all their seasons, except 2 and 3- which I just got to watch half way. It freaks me out to see the auditions and the way youngsters of our country are so desperate to make it big! Why are all of us wanting a short cut? Why all of us want the glamour world? Are we ready to do something only if it gives us recognition?
All of us have become so shallow! In thinking and in all our actions. I sometimes hate myself for liking the show cause I am watching all fools! Have you seen those girls? That Nhambhavi and PAnmol o whoever of last roadies? What the hell do these girls think of themselves? Asmaan se tapke ho kya? Cheap- that is the word to describe them!
Why can’t we have youth shows where we get to watch young individuals working in making our country a better place?
The same goes for Page 3 reports! So much about those half naked dumb girls! Not a word about hard working, striving people! Why have we become so cheap? We want to see the entire wedding of Abhi- Ash on TV , but don’t care to switch on “The big Fight” of NDTV or some nature related knowledgeable shows of discovery.
And about those K serials? Is this what we want our children to watch and grow up with? I’ve seen so many households watching those 3rd grade serials with their youngsters! Do we care about our future generation or not? We can’t even choose our entertainment- and here, we are expected to choose the right government!
God bless this country and its people!
I’ve watched almost all their seasons, except 2 and 3- which I just got to watch half way. It freaks me out to see the auditions and the way youngsters of our country are so desperate to make it big! Why are all of us wanting a short cut? Why all of us want the glamour world? Are we ready to do something only if it gives us recognition?
All of us have become so shallow! In thinking and in all our actions. I sometimes hate myself for liking the show cause I am watching all fools! Have you seen those girls? That Nhambhavi and PAnmol o whoever of last roadies? What the hell do these girls think of themselves? Asmaan se tapke ho kya? Cheap- that is the word to describe them!
Why can’t we have youth shows where we get to watch young individuals working in making our country a better place?
The same goes for Page 3 reports! So much about those half naked dumb girls! Not a word about hard working, striving people! Why have we become so cheap? We want to see the entire wedding of Abhi- Ash on TV , but don’t care to switch on “The big Fight” of NDTV or some nature related knowledgeable shows of discovery.
And about those K serials? Is this what we want our children to watch and grow up with? I’ve seen so many households watching those 3rd grade serials with their youngsters! Do we care about our future generation or not? We can’t even choose our entertainment- and here, we are expected to choose the right government!
God bless this country and its people!
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