Perspective

Untitled

2011-10-26T15:10:00.001-07:00

To care is to be naive,
To hold back makes me cold.
I cannot do either,
And yet I must do both,
For I know not what
You’ll make of
What I feel
For You.

I am not naive, nor cold.
And yet I must be both,
For love which goes
Untold, is in truth-
And in my heart-
Better than that
Which goes
For a fall.

The Fight

2011-10-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

A lot of people believe that the opposite of love is hate. It isn’t. It’s indifference.

Today, my mother asked me, “Did the both of you have a fight?” I didn’t quite know how to reply, so I pretended I hadn’t heard her and quickly escaped to the familiar confines of my room. I couldn’t tell her- “No, we haven’t had a fight. It’s just that... he left me... for someone else. But no, we haven’t fought.”

I know I don’t like confrontation. I try to avoid it as much as possible. Even when I know I’m right and I should stand up for myself, I choose to remain silent. The alternative is just too exhausting, and too ugly, to be worth it. It’s the reason why, when he said- his eyes on the floor, too ashamed to face me-“I’ve fallen in love with someone else,” I didn’t say anything. There were a million questions that I wanted to ask, a billion things I didn’t understand. Still, I kept my peace.

“I spoke to her about this... and she said... she loves me too.” That was interesting- I’d met her, for the first time three days ago, and she hadn’t said anything about this then. She’d smiled and mentioned how much she’d heard about me. Clearly, they’d been speaking of some other things as well. What a bitch. As for him- I have no words. They deserve each other.

He fell silent. He was waiting for me to react, but I didn’t want to give him that satisfaction. I prolonged the silence, taking sadistic pleasure in his guilt. “Well...?” he asked.

“Well... what? I don’t think there’s anything left to say.” And, really, there wasn’t.

“Don’t be like that. I know you’re angry. I know you’re hurt. It’s ok; I know I’m a bastard.” He was unbelievable. Not only did he presume he could analyse my feelings, now he was telling me how I was supposed to treat him as well? What did I ever see in him? I think I must’ve hurt my head when I said yes to him.

“Um... you like her, she likes you. I don’t think there’s anything I can say. I mean I could say you’re like a little kid in a toy store, but it’s completely pointless.” It was the ultimate barb- he hated being called a kid. He winced, and then said stiffly- “I’m really sorry...”

“Oh, you should be.”

He said nothing. I let it be. I knew he would feel a lot guiltier if I said nothing at all and I was enjoying that. I deserved that much at least- the cheap thrills. I left then, but over the past week I’ve been enjoying making him feel like the jerk that he is. I’ve returned his things, all of them- even the little gifts he gave me. I’ve enjoyed watching him wriggle and squirm.

The last time I saw him, I returned a napkin that he’d written a note on.

He was embarrassed- “You can keep it... or throw it away.”

”No. You gave it to me. You can keep it, or throw it away... or wipe your nose with it.” I loved the expression on his face. Silently, he folded it and kept it in his wallet. I am so petty.

It’s strange how- even though he was the one who chose this- he got hurt when I was flippant about it. It wasn’t put on though. I really don’t care. I’m even getting bored of seeing him squirm. He isn’t worth it.

I think I’ll go tell my mother that it’s over.

Because

2011-10-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

She was raped.
Because
She was dressed
like a Whore-

Rebellious Red
from top,
not quite reaching
Knee,

Feet clad
in dangerous Heels,
not quite covering
Painted Crimson Toe.

She was raped.
Because
She was at
a party-

Out.
Late.
At Night.
With them.

Not boys.
Not men-
Definitely. Not
Really.

She was raped.
Because
She was a girl
Who dared

To speak
Her mind
Out Loud.
To Break Out.

She was raped
Because
the Fingers:

Nosy.
Inquisitive.
Self-righteous.

Would point.
Accusingly.
Not at them.
But at Her.

She was raped.
Because
they said,
and everyone agreed,

She asked for it.

After a party.
On a deserted street.
In the dark.
Of course!

It was all her.

She was raped.
Because
the crime-
if it would be called that-
Was perpetrated

by

faceless faces,
nameless names,
And no body.

they raped her.
Because
they could.

An introduction

2011-09-19T02:36:00.000-07:00

I believe that to really truly know someone you don’t need to know what happened in the past, all you need to know is what they want to create for their future- what their dreams and ambitions are.

Recently, as I was going through some of my things, I came across a list that I’d made last November. It started off as a bucket list- a list of random, unconnected things that I wanted to do before I died. Later, though, a thread started developing and it became more than just a list. These are all of the things that I want to do with my life; this is what I want my life to be. Some of these things can now be crossed out, some things I haven’t even started. Some of these things may not be possible, some of them I struggle with on a daily basis- but this is what keeps me going.

I’ve posted it here. It is a bit long, but I hope it’s not very boring. More than anything, really, it’s an introduction to me. Happy reading! 

I want to:

1. Make a difference, so that it counts.
2. Write a book.
3. Sky- diving!
4. Bungee jumping.
5. Rock climbing.
6. Skiing.
7. Water skiing.
8. Parasailing.
9. Lose weight.
10. Learn to balance on a bicycle.
11. Learn to ride a bike.
12. Get a car of my own.
13. Climb Everest! Or any mountain really.
14. Fall in love.
15. Do a road trip around India.
16. Travel the world!
17. Work on a cruise ship
18. Get a tattoo
19. Learn Kannada and Bengali.
20. Learn Greek and Italian or French.
21. Learn one other language- Japanese or Mandarin or Korean.
22. Get blind drunk.
23. Get high.
24. Make a total stranger's day!
25. Get my nose pierced.
26. Learn yoga.
27. Connect with God and have faith.
28. Read every book I can lay my hands on.
29. Have a ball on my 21st birthday!
30. Do something really nice for my friends once in a while.
31. Shave my head once.
32. Go to the Wagah border.
33. Go to the Golden Temple
34. See the Taj Mahal.
35. Meet the Dalai Lama.
36. Take tuition classes for children.
37. Start a school where dreams come true and where everyone has the right to dream. A school where children will draw their dreams during Art, pen their dreams on paper during English, and maybe make them come to life during Science class! Somewhere where no child will lose hope, or believe that something is impossible.
38. Meet a ninth generation Balinese medicine man who'll read my palm and tell me where my fortune lies.
39. Go to a Greek fortune-teller.
40. Go to a Turkish fortune-teller.
41. Tell my bad fortune to go to hell and do my own thing!
42. Dance in the rain!
43. A romantic candlelight dinner at the beach with the person I love or with my dog/cat or just me.
44. Learn to play a musical instrument. Or at least to sing!
45. Challenge myself each day, every day to do something new; something I feel like I can't do.
46. Challenge myself each day, every day to do something someone else says I can't do, and to rock at it!
47. Learn to be patient.
48. Learn to be more compassionate and respectful.
49. Learn to forgive others and to forgive myself-especially myself, because I can't forgive others without forgiving myself.
50. Stop procrastinating and start living life NOW!
51. To be able to touch the moon and the stars.
52. To witness a miracle. Something no one else has ever seen before…
53. Witness a natural occurrence first hand and to live to tell the tale without any losses- volcano, tsunami, cyclone…
54. Learn to cook great food
55. And to cook amazing desserts!
56. To be an optimist.
57. To be a good friend.
58. And to be a good person
59. To have some principles.
60. And to live by them and stick by them.
61. To be the best I can be.
62. And do the best I can do in any situation.
63. Live life fully, in each and every moment.
64. To dream. To hope. To pray. To have faith. To love.
65. To imagine and to believe.
66. Walk the length of the Great Wall of China.
67. Scuba dive near the Great Coral Reef.
68. Go trekking on Mt. Vesuvius.
69. Every day try to make someone's life brighter, maybe just by smiling at them.
70. Experience the aurora borealis.
71. See Morichchjhapi
72. Hit an eve teaser where it hurts!
73. Find meaning in ever small or big thing I do. Find meaning in each day.
74. Learn salsa and jive.
75. To invent, or create or make something with my own hands and pour my soul into it.
76. Adopt a child
77. Win something.
78. To be able to wish for something and not lose hope.
79. Make a wish and have it come true!
80. Start a library. Or at least run it.
81. Work in a bookshop.
82. Make a meaningful film or video.
83. Learn to let go and stop hurting myself.
84. Be the person I want to be.
85. To accept criticism gracefully
86. To also think for myself and decide whether the criticism was valid or not.
87. To be able to make my own decisions.
88. To be able to differentiate between right and wrong.
89. To screw up sometimes and then get it right.
90. Learn to skate
91. Learn some bad ass martial art.
92. To be sure that my first kiss is with someone I really like, and not just because.
93. Above rule applies to all further kisses/relationships.
94. To have the courage to trust someone after my trust is broken, to have the courage to love someone after my heart is broken, to have the courage to put my faith in God even though my prayers haven't been answered, to dream even though things haven't quite worked out. Because that's all there is- courage, trust, love, faith, hope, and a dream.
95. To wake up after a bad day and have the strength to go through with it.
96. To wake up after a good day with a promise to myself that today will be better than yesterday!
97. I will fall, and I will get up and try again. And this time I will succeed. Period.
98. Who would've thought I made this list? Give them something to think about!
99. To have the courage to stand for what I believe in; to be free so that every action, every decision and every thought is the result of love and not fear.
100. To love, obey and abide by this list- for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow- for as long as I shall live.

How it feels...

2010-12-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

How does it feel to do something ‘crazy’?
How does it feel to not give a damn
About what anyone else says or thinks,
To just do what you want, without caring, without knowing!

How does it feel when you suddenly break into a sprint
In the middle of the street, with hardly a care in the world?
And when you stop after a while- panting and breathless-
Exhausted but so completely exhilarated!

How does it feel when you get caught in the rain
With no warning at all?
No shelter, no umbrella to defend you
Against this madness pouring in from the skies.
And when you let go of yourself-
Not rebelling, but revelling!

How do the raindrops feel? On your face,
Your eyelids and your lips- as you try
To drink them in
Joyously, thirstily, rapturously-
As though you were drinking life itself.

How does it feel to sing tunelessly,
That carefree song of freedom and joy
and surrender, your feet
To steps of wild abandon
And to go along with the music
That plays itself
In your mind!

How does it feel to get soaked through, get drenched,
So that you are drowning within yourself?
To take in the grass and the earth in the air,
Wholesome and good and, Oh so alive!

How does it feel to be free?
How does it feel to be alive?
Oh! How does it feel?
To lose yourself completely,
Just so that you could find yourself?

I used to know, once upon a time,
But it’s been quite a while!
You'll let me know, won’t you?
If you ever find out how it does feel...
To live.

Mirrors

2010-03-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry, this is actually the full draft...it was kind of an assignment actually

They reflect naught but the truth,
For they know not a language-
It is language that corrupts,
Teaches one to tell a lie.
They cannot, for they lack words,
They merely show that which is
‘Tis the perception that counts-

There is but a single image.
All is laid bare before the eye-
They judge, and They criticise you
And they do neither of these things.
You are the judge and the critic
And you could choose to be neither,
For yours is the eye that beholds
what is naught but a mere image.

Away, melancholy

2009-11-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

Just a short, inspirational poem I felt like sharing...

Away, Melancholy
by
Stevie Smith

Away, melancholy,
Away with it, let it go.

Are not the trees green,
The earth as green?
Does not the wind blow,
Fire leap and the rivers flow?
Away melancholy.

The ant is busy
He carrieth his meat,
All things hurry
To be eaten or eat.
Away, melancholy.

Man, too, hurries,
Eats, couples, buries,
He is an animal also
With a hey ho melancholy,
Away with it, let it go.

Man of all creatures
Is superlative
(Away melancholy)
He of all creatures alone
Raiseth a stone
(Away melancholy)
Into the stone, the god
Pours what he knows of good
Calling, good, God.
Away melancholy, let it go.

Speak not to me of tears,
Tyranny, pox, wars,
Saying, Can God
Stone of man's thoughts, be good?
Say rather it is enough
That the stuffed
Stone of man's good, growing,
By man's called God.
Away, melancholy, let it go.

Man aspires
To good,
To love
Sighs;

Beaten, corrupted, dying
In his own blood lying
Yet heaves up an eye above
Cries, Love, love.
It is his virtue needs explaining,
Not his failing.

Away, melancholy,
Away with it, let it go.

The Politician's Quack

2009-09-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I wrote anything on this space. I've been extremely busy what with studies and college applications. There were a few personal problems that arose, in the middle of this mess, as well. Anyhow I'm back...though I still won't be quite regular-something's better than nothing na? Below is a short, spur of the moment piece that I thought to share. Is laughter the best medicine?

Disease: Narcissism

Origin: Uttar Pradesh

Symptoms: Forcing an unsuspecting janta to pay homage to Her Highness by erecting massive monuments depicting Her Highness.

Particularly Susceptible: Politicians, politicians, local religious and/or political leaders and... some more politicians.

Effect: This disease causes victims to suffer a swollen head. In severe cases it may prove fatal when victims start to believe themselves immortal and, in some cases, God- or a re-incarnation of the same.

Side effects: The janta is susceptible to some side effects ranging from mild disbelief to unconsciousness and heart attacks. These side effects are the result of being forced to gaze upon their leaders' less than appealing visage for an extended period of time, also when they finally realise exactly where all their tax money is going.

Cure: As yet, unknown. Laughter is the best medicine, however immunity develops rapidly in the form of thick skin. Research is in process but has yielded little result. We can only pray.

Disclaimer: The article written above is purely for the purpose of entertainment and has not been written with a deliberate intention to hurt anyone's sentiments.

Desi Pundit Review

2009-04-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Dilli Che!

2009-02-24T02:55:00.000-08:00

Ayn Rand meets Arvind Adiga and a masterpiece is brought to life. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra suceeds in doing what Slumdog and the White Tiger couldn't; he creates a picture of Delhi, complete with flaws and imperfections and yet perfect, and breathes life into it, and carries it of with aplomb. Granted, the movie shows only a single facet of Delhi but it is a whole facet. The movie is less of an expose on the poverty in India and more of an effort to paint a complete picture that shows us what Delhi really is, indeed what India is. Despite everything Delhi still remains lovable and you still retain the feeling of apni Dilli.

The whole movie shouts "Dilli che!" which, in Maithili, literally means "this is Delhi". This golden nugget of information was passed down to me by Mama dearest, who was suffering from a terrible cold and failed to comprehend the meaning of anything beyond the title. It is easy to write off the movie as one without a significant storyline, definitely not for those who go simply to watch their favourite stars gyrate to raunchy numbers in raunchier outfits, but if one were to dig deeper you'd find a subtle and brilliant portrayal of various issues that are a part of India, even today.

The first scene is set in the U.S of A, where a terminally sick Waheeda Rahman professes her final wish- to go back home to her motherland. While the movie starts off on a classic Bollywood cliche it does improve further in. The audience is treated to the richness of Indian culture where everyone is related, Hindu-Muslim bhai bhai(or even behen behen na?), and this is further cemented by Rishi Kapoor's cameo as the Muslim friend of Roshan(Bachan Jr.)'s father.

From then on it is a whirlwind of strange new faces, sounds, and colours for Roshan, who happens to be the typical NRI kid. The Ram Leela, along with our politicians and policemen, is depicted in a hilarious manner with witty satire yet ROM manages to subtly bring to the forefront a true picture of India. Police brutality is nothing new, nor is stupidity, bribery or the kow-towing of politicians, yet Delhi still remains apna Dilli. The viewer, along with Roshan, starts to develop a sudden bout of nostalgic affection for the typical middle class India, and especially middle class girls with an obsessive desire to achieve something more from life, to fly-via Indian Idol as the case may be-courtesy Sonam Kapoor. In the middle of this cornucopia of feelings, emotions and experiences, the menace of the Kaala Bandar, who loots and terrorises the people of Delhi, is steadily growing. Growing, how? I believe it is a treat best left for you to watch and wonder at the human, or is it Indian, psyche. We also have fat landlord Lalas who continue to take from the poor, with demure wives less than half their age. Of course it is a different matter when the shy bride turns out to be not so demure after all!

While my Mama went acchoo, there was Waheeda Rehman scrubbing her grandson's hands with mitti because he happened to touch an "achoot"! Seriously, this movie brings out all the hypocrisies we, as a people, still entertain. There is so much meaning in this movie yet most of us are blind to it, just as we are blind to our own faults. The mad fakir who goes around with a mirror clutched in his hand, asking everyone to take a look, is perhaps the wisest among all. Or is it Jalebi, the "achoot" sweeper girl? While Shri Ram accepts ber from shabari, the very people who shun Jalebi in the daytime want to pick her up for the nights! And also shown is our intolerance toward anything different, the ability for neighbours to be the best of friends at one moment but turn into bitter enemies the next as roaming gurujis and politicians incite religious differences, all over the black monkey!

Abhishek Bachan seems to be rather lost as the communal fervour picks up, and Lanka goes up in red plastic(or was it crepe paper?) flame, since he does not belong anywhere. Ultimately he is the kaala bandar, shunned by everyone because he is different, and also because they conveniently use the concept for their own personal gain. The finale maybe a little too bollywood ishtyle with temples set ablaze(with real fire this time, of the matchstick/kerosene/lighter variety), bullets being shot and miraculous recoveries, not to mention a clear message to everyone to do some introspection which is not much in keeping with the subtle theme of the movie throughout. However I believe this was necessary as the Indian audience isn't generally known for the appreciation of subtlety. To each their own! Though the film shows Delhi, and India, as it truly is, it does not dwell solely on those aspects, nor does it attempt to deliver a moral statement. There is only one simple message-introspect. This is the way India is going, we've all seen it, now we need to reflect-does this make for a pretty picture? Maybe it is...but can it not be still prettier?

Back to the tag...

2009-02-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

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A shadow in the distance...

Lal Bagh!

Bangalore!

The Palace

Epitome of womanhood!

2009-02-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

I just received a comment where it is stated that Renuka Choudhary posing in a two-piece would be considered-by certain people, including myself-"the epitome of womanhood". I'd like to ask one and all about their definitions/symbols of the epitome of womanhood. Please do send in your comments, thoughts and definitions(or even pictures)! I eagerly await them.

This is a link to Roop's post which gives her ideas clearly; I thought it was very relevant, and made a whole lot of sense!
http://roopscoop.wordpress.com/2009/02/06/human-first-woman-later/#comment-2871

And this is a link to the original post with S.K.A's comment

Broken

2009-02-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

How do they expect you to soar,
from within the cage they bind you in?
How can they expect you to fly,
when themselves they clipped your wings?
How can they expect you to run,
when themselves they broke your legs?

A very pretty cage it is indeed!
Gilded, and glittering with sparkling stones,
Filled with food and filled with water
And, every luxury on offer.
“What more do you want, what else do you need?”
They question with obvious impunity,
Oblivious, entirely, to the folly of their deed.

The shears gleam a bright silver,
As they snip methodically away
At my wings, at my dreams.
The shears are sharp, and my dreams are dear,
Yet, they stand there, deaf to my pleas, asking
“What more do you want, what else do you need,
Save food and shelter?”

The track is long and wide,
Stretching beyond the horizon,
Racing with infinity, and the tide.
They crushed my bones, and
With them they crippled my soul.
And now, they want to know,
“What more do you want, what else do you need?”

How do they expect you to
Go on with life as though
Nothing happened, nothing went wrong,
When, in truth
Themselves they crushed your hopes,
Themselves they destroyed your desires.
And, in so doing
Themselves they broke your spirit,
Themselves they murdered You.
How dare they expect?

More additions to the tag...

2009-02-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

Favourite piece of clothing:

A pair of jeans! They're comfy and they look good...what more can you ask for?

Favourite song:

Dil Hai Chota Sa, from Roja.

Favourite TV Show:

This show is guaranteed to make me smile!

ATTENTION hudugas and hudugis!

2009-02-06T01:44:00.001-08:00

ATTENTION fellow Bangal-oops so sorry...Bengaloorean huduga hudugi!

This is for every couple whose families vehemently oppose their union; or those who are expected, but unable, to marry with great pomp and splendour. Do not fear for Sri Sham Sena is here! This Valentine's Day, the Sri Sham Sena-a secular outfit that calls for a progressive India-has decided to break the record for the greatest number of marriages in a single day; the Guiness Record Office has declined to comment. So all hudugas and hudugis, what are you waiting for? They will marry you absolutely free of cost, with haldi and all, and will even go to the pains of registering your marriage! Such good Samaritans deserve our salute. The leader of the Sham Sena, Mr. Armoured Megalomaniac, was unavailable for comment when this correspondent checked. However for more news on the Sham Sena's philanthropic ways please visit http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Sep152008/state2008091490030.asp

Statutory warning: Please note that this offer is for those couples who are belong to different genders and are above 18 years of age only. Minors and same-sex couples will be "counselled" by the Sham Sena on how their relationship is a severe blot on the country's image as a secular developed progressive democracy with freedom of speech, thought, and action for all; and parental consent doesn't matter!

Disclaimer: This article is a piece of fiction and resemblance to any group or individual is purely coincidental.

Valentine's Day

2009-02-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

As the day draws nearer we're hearing more and more people either protesting against it, or speaking for it. That's quite a surprise because ever year I'd hear my friends saying things like "why should love be celebrated on a single day?" or "the whole concept of Valentine's Day is just a commercial gimmick by card companies". All I can say is, "congratulations Mr. Muthalik, because you've brought Valentine's Day back in fashion!" I used to spout such comments too, but recently Mr. Muthalik's Mob has forced me to do some introspection.

Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th of February every year, throughout the world, when love is celebrated. This festival has been originally celebrated as a dedication to St. Valentine. The history of Valentine's Day is very vague but theories, legends and explanations continue to flourish. My personal favourite is the legend that speaks of Roman Emperor Claudius II ordering young men to remain single, with the belief that married men did not make good soldiers. The story goes that Valentine, a priest, defied the law and secretly performed marriage ceremonies. When Claudius became aware of this he had Valentine arrested and sentenced to death. Some versions of this story also suggest that Valentine had befriended the jailer's daughter and cured her blindness and, on the eve of his execution, sent a note to his 'beloved' which read "From your Valentine". This phrase has endured till today, becoming a popular term.

Valentine's Day is celebrated on the anniversary of St.Valentine's death, every year, commemorating his sacrifice and the triumph of love. Even though this festival originally celebrated the love among couples the day has gradually started to mean just a celebration of love. For me, now, Valentine's Day is a celebration of love. The survival of love is all that keeps this world going. A quote from the movie Stardust-"the only thing that made your world bearable was love." It is true that love should be expressed and celebrated everyday but in the conventional Indian society who does it? How many people have lost their loved ones before they got a chance to express how much they cared for them? So what harm can this one day do where you can tell your loved ones how much you care? I, for one, am going to send flowers, cards, gifts and wishes to family and friends. And I believe everyone else should as well. There's nothing wrong in spreading a little more love and happiness in the world is there? Also it's an effective means to battle the recession!

And while I'm at it I think I'll also employ a little Gandhigiri and send a bouquet of roses to Mr. Muthalik and his mob, along with a leeetle information on the history behind Valentine's Day and why Christians are as much a part of Indian Culture as Hindus are-with translations in Hindi and Kannada, just in case he won't read anything written in English because it's too 'Western' or, better yet, too 'Christian'!!! ;-)

Favourite colour combination

2009-02-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

The colours of the Sea...

Your favourite pet

2009-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Isn't he darling? Well, I'm actually a little scared of dogs ever since this mad bunch of dogs chased me when I was 10(more later). However my friend's got an adorable cocker spaniel; and now I love that dog-his name's cookie by the way. So if I could have a pet, it would definitely be a cocker spaniel because they're sooo loving...

The month in which I'll be a legal adult

2009-02-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

My zodiac!

2009-02-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

Leo-ness!

Favourite place

2009-02-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

My Room!

A place you'd like to travel to

2009-02-03T06:18:00.001-08:00

I think I should just stop now...This one pic could have said it all, but couldn't help adding the other pics- they were so beautiful...

A place you'd like to travel to

2009-02-03T06:13:00.001-08:00

The Falak Numa Palace in Hyderabad!

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Greece...

A place you'd like to travel to

2009-02-03T06:09:00.001-08:00

Paris!

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A place you'd like to travel to

2009-02-03T06:07:00.000-08:00

Australia!

A place you'd like to travel to

2009-02-03T06:05:00.001-08:00

The Seven Wonders of the world and...

In the name of culture

2009-02-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

The entire hullabaloo created by the pub incident leaves one question foremost in the mind of every individual; what exactly is Indian culture?

According to the standard Oxford dictionary, 'culture' refers to "the customs, institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people or group", while Wikipedia defines the word as "the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterises an institution, organisation or group."

What is this culture then; this culture that we blather on about, placing it on a pedestal as the foremost authority that is supposed to dictate our values, morals, beliefs and behaviour?

Indian culture in the true sense of the word, in accordance with the aforementioned definitions, therefore is not just about an individual group’s attitudes, values or goals; though the values and goals of the group can, regrettably, be said to be constituent of a separate culture- in this instance that culture would be the Sri Ram Sena culture a.k.a the Goonda culture. Anyhow, I digress, to get back to the issue at hand, India is a nation of diverse cultures that unite together to form this one Indian culture, which has evolved in accordance with all the outside influences that have pervaded our country throughout the centuries. Ours is a culture that has evolved alongside, and been influenced by, many others, imbibing the values of all these cultures to form a completely new, whole, culture- our Indian culture.

This is the land of the Kama Sutra as well as public nudity, on the walls of our temples no less! What other term would you apply to the figures of Goddesses and Apsaras that adorn the walls of most temples in half clothed voluptuous glory? If ancient India had no qualms about celebrating a woman’s sexuality then why do we? When alcohol has been drunk in India for centuries, then why launch a tirade simply because the women are also doing it now?

In this secular land, political parties first used religion to divide the people, then they cited region, and now they have stooped to gender and culture! Culture stems from the Latin word “cultura” that means “to cultivate”, therefore it is imperative that very culture progress and evolve because a stagnant culture would mean the collapse of that culture.

“Pramod Muthalik’s army of goondas objected to the girls mixing with boys of other faiths”. At this point I would like to specify that Islam is as much a part of Indian culture as Hinduism is. Please do not forget that it was the Mughals who united India and gave us the Grand Trunk Road, not to mention an emperor who was more far-sighted and secular than most of our political leaders today.

Alas, the Ram Sena qualifies as a culture under the definition given by Wikipedia; however I believe that any act of violence aimed at dividing the country and disrupting the secular environment of the nation is tantamount to terrorism, and in my book the Ram Sena do not deserve to be treated any better, and terrorists have no religion, faith or culture. If they believed in God, they would believe in love. If they believed in love, they would not hate those who do. Ironically these deluded souls have branded their cause with the name of a revered Hindu God; one can only marvel at the mockery these ruffians are making out of culture, God and, faith.

At this stage Indian culture is undergoing a phase of rapid transition and development, as a result of globalisation. English poet and essayist Matthew Arnold used the word "culture" to refer to an ideal of individual human refinement, of "the best that has been thought and said in the world." Similarly, we need to accept change in our cultures and move on with that. Some might argue that pubs, drugs and the like are harmful influences of the West, to which I can only reply by saying that it is time to let individuals make their own decisions about some issues. This isn’t about acceptance or rejection of any one culture; it’s about the evolution of a culture where individuals have the freedom to choose.

My own definition and perspective of culture is quite vague and a hotchpotch mix between “traditional Indian customs” and “modernized Western ways”. I believe that values are a simple matter of principles; principles based on humanity. I have faith in a single benevolent Guide, and this helps me to retain hope. Being a minor, I believe that minors have rights and no adult should be allowed to infringe upon my rights. I will respect elders, if I believe them to be worthy of respect. I don’t believe in arranged marriages, or in marriage at all-why is there the need for an institution that ‘legalises’ love? However I do believe that love is sacred and the physical aspects of a relationship come after you are sure of that love. I definitely don’t think unwed mothers, or their children, are detrimental to the society in any manner. I do not drink or smoke but I do party with my friends; I can go partying in the evening and go to the temple the next morning without a single qualm because I do not believe it is a crime to dance, hang out with friends and/or have fun! I believe that a woman should be able to go where she likes, in whatever attire she chooses to don, at anytime of the day or night, and still feel secure- that, truly, is progress.

Regarding the Mangalore incident, I’m extremely upset over the way the Government has handled the issue and I’d like to ask everyone to join the fight for the basic right to freedom. On Valentine’s Day please do visit pubs, restaurants, lounges, parks, etc. with a loved one; be it your spouse, partner, family or friends. This is a day that celebrates love and relationships, which happen to be a part of the Indian culture that I embrace; the Ram Sena is launching a hate campaign, which is definitely not part of any culture or society, so speak out in your own small way!

Most of all, Indian culture does not advocate intolerance and violence, whether they be in the guise of Ram, Shiva or, Allah. Freedom

I might not agree with all of Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s philosophies but this is one I can certainly relate to: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I will have it!”

Tagged!

2009-02-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

Your age on your next birthday

Some questions for Mr.CM to answer

2009-02-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

Some of the questions I would like to ask the CM include:

What law were the women breaking? Repeatedly we've heard statements from the CM that say "nobody should be allowed to take the law into their hands", my question is what law were those hooligans taking into their hands? And, who, actually, was breaking the law here?

We've all heard the allegations that the girls were taking drugs and were dancing with "nude clothes", where's the proof? And even if it is true then I do believe it's obvious that the girls wouldn't have indulged in these activities alone, those who accompanied them, therefore, were not wrong? Also, if there were such activities going on then, was the police sleeping? I believe the Karnataka Police has an anti-narcotics cell. As for the issue of clothes, I did think India was a democratic country but it seems that Karnataka is the exception after the BJP came to power.

The CM believes that 'pub culture' should be stopped. My question is, does he know what a pub is in the first place? Has he ever stepped inside a pub at all, or is he just speaking from a preconceived notion? "Girls and boys walking hand in hand into pubs should be stopped"- is it okay if only boys walk into the pubs, is that what you're trying to say? I'd again like to assert that India is a democratic country and the CM should clearly read up the Constitution as well as the IPC before he makes such statements. In this age of globalisation the CM should not talk about the Indian culture, by which he refers specifically to Hindu culture.

"A ban on Mutalik is out of the question right now, we will consider it if he continues to create such disturbances in the future." Mutalik has more than 45 cases pending against him, he has also been known to make statements that support the Malegaon bombings stating that they "were just the trailer", and with the most recent incident is also known to be a mastermind behind a planned attack in which a group of around 30 men barged into a pub and assaulted and molested women; do you really need any other reasons to ban the Ram Sena and put its leaders behind jail?

As for our honourable leaders talking about how their deadlines have helped to stop crimes, all I have to say that crimes are in fact on the rise in many parts of Karnataka. A ban on alcohol can be implemented, if needed, but a deadline on nightlife or a ban on pubs just does not make sense. That is equivalent to saying that crimes will not happen if everyone locked themselves up in their houses. Is this the next directive that's going to be issued by the BJP? It's certainly easier than protecting the citizens isn't it?

Perspective: Stop this from happening!

2009-01-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

http://ofsongsforthesoul.blogspot.com/2009/01/moral-police-ladies-and-gentlemen.html

Stop this from happening!

2009-01-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

As the Taliban is inching closer to Indian boundaries we have our very own Taliban at home. Who are these people you may ask? That would be considered a facile question by most, in light of the recent events in Mangalore. These groups, the Ram Sena, the Shiv Sena, the RSS, the MNS, the Bajrang Dal, KRV, etc., though they claim to act in order to preserve culture and tradition are the real terrorists.

In the beginning we had the Thackerays protesting against the immigration of North Indians to Mumbai, now we have this recently founded extremist right-wing organisation trying to enforce morals by assaulting and molesting women. Bal Thackeray got his face well and truly rubbed in the mud when, after the Mumbai attacks, it turned out that many of the brave policemen at CST, who fought with only their lathis were in fact North Indians. However the Sri Ram Sena is a different case; it's doubtful if the hooligans are going to get punished in any way for their misdemeanour.

Pramod Muthalik, the founder of the Ram Sena-previously associated with the Shiv Sena and the Bajrang Dal-and a man with around forty-eight cases pending against him, seems to find nothing objectionable about the whole incident. According to him, "some good boys found the behaviour of the girls objectionable and therefore ended up at the pub to stop these girls". When pushed he did admit the means was wrong but fully condoned the motivation behind these actions.

Now I need to get a few points clarified. In Mr. Muthalik's opinion it is okay if boys are dancing, whoring and drinking but "when women start drinking it symbolises the end of the world?" Also women going to a pub to relax and hang out with friends, during the daytime, is indicative of the collapse of culture, tradition and(possibly) civilisation but when 40 young men storm into that pub, assaulting and molesting the women(around 10 of them), in order to stop "indecent" behaviour that is Hindu culture? Who gave them the right to start poking their intolerant, illiterate, deluded noses into others affairs? The girls are perfectly capable of leading their lives without these people's interference, thank you very much!

If you are shocked, or horrified, don't be. The worst is yet to come. In his statement to the press Karnataka CM, Yeddyurappa, stated that people should not take law into their own hands and that the customers of a "bar" were assaulted. He also gave the police a free rein to act. There are so many things wrong with this statement I don't even know where to begin. Maybe I should start by advising the Chief Minister to prepare his speech in advance so that he doesn't feel the need to consult his papers on every second sentence, or it might just be appropriate to ask him to wake up to the difference between a bar and a pub-not that this act wouldn't be as heinous if committed in a bar, just pointing out technicalities. The fact that the Ram Sena activists did not actually take the law into their hands seems to have escaped our honourable leader's perception; no one was committing a crime in that pub, at least not until our self-styled moral police arrived. In fact, if the girls are brave enough to give evidence in court, these psychopaths may face charges that range from eve-teasing, harassment, disturbance to molestation- I certainly hope that happens. As for giving the police a free rein- what police? The same police that stood by and watched these atrocities, or those that did these shameful things?

The latest update is that Muthalik has been arrested, but on another charge which was pending against him. After all the BJP cannot afford to touch someone who was instrumental in their rise to power. Anyone could predict what's going to happen next; Muthalik will be in custody until the hue and cry over this issue blows down, after which a bail can be conveniently arranged so that he is free to go on terrorising women, all in the name of God and culture.

This nation is a democracy only in name. We're all actually being ruled by the Goonda Raj which is constituted by hoodlums like these who are in power and so think they can get away with anything, including oppressing weaker people and dominating their authority. These goondas are the real terrorists, if we aren't united as a country how is it possible for us to defend ourselves against outsiders? In my opinion a woman has the right to dress however she wants, go wherever she wants and whenever she wishes to, with the expectation of being safe at all times. Just because a woman has a womb it is unnecessary for people to expect them to barricade themselves inside their houses. As for the Mangalore incident; even though it has been in the spotlight for a couple of days and is becoming worn I'd still wish people to read this and understand that if we let go of it then the perpetrators and masterminds will walk freely while restricting the freedom of others. So, it's my sincere request that you follow it up and keep the memory fresh in public minds because that's the only way we can prevent this from happening again, and also ensure that such hooligans never come into power.

She will be loved

2009-01-26T05:42:00.000-08:00