Sunday
Thursday
Just for gags :-)
From a forwarded mail.....Very cute but.....Interesting!
http://info.org.il/irrelevant/may02-smilepop-soapbox4.swf
Now remove the Shock wave flash player application object.
You will see this page
http://info.org.il/irrelevant/
Now translate the page into English and you have this !
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Finfo.org.il%2Firrelevant%2F
Have fun!!!
http://info.org.il/irrelevant/may02-smilepop-soapbox4.swf
Now remove the Shock wave flash player application object.
You will see this page
http://info.org.il/irrelevant/
Now translate the page into English and you have this !
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Finfo.org.il%2Firrelevant%2F
Have fun!!!
Sunday
Haven't been able to sort this through yet...
Aren't we all perpetual victims of our own nature? From genetics to God and everything in between, people find it easier to blame their actions or reactions on something other than their own nature.
For years we have tried to understand human nature and its various intricacies. We barely have some answers. Cures?......Perhaps! But the answers......No, I do not believe we have any.
Yoga, some say, helps change people. It does help control certain natural behaviour. By 'natural' I mean physiological, psychological, biological et all. We can control fear, anxiety, depression so on and so forth....but can we erase it? Really erase it?
Do old habits really 'DIE'?
I once read a story of a saint called 'Vishwamitra'. Of the four castes in the Hindu societal system, Vishwamitra was born into the second highest or the 'Kshatriya' caste. He determined to ascend to the highest caste of the 'Brahmins'. He performed penance in its most severe and austere form. The magnitude of his penance scared the Gods. They sent a celestial concubine 'Menaka' to test his determination. Menaka of course did not have to try very hard to charm 'Vishvamitra' over. But eventually, 'Vishvamitra', realised he had been tricked. He 'divorced' from 'Menaka' & then went on to surpass all of his previous efforts attaining 'brahman'. The Supreme Lord 'Vishnu', was impressed enough to grant him sainthood. However, 'Vishwamitra' never qualified to 'brahman'.
As a kid, I found the decision unfair and unjust. As human, I still do. I would hate to be cheated of my goal when I really work hard for it.
Recently, almost on a whim, I determined to read the Gita. I have explained earlier in some of my previous posts, my (strange to many) affiliation to Krishna. Gita is essentially a collection of his words. The actual meaning of the words were not explained by Krishna. He cited examples, yes. He left it for us to figure out the myriad meanings of his simple statements. One of the most famous and well known of these is - "Let your actions determine the result and not vice-versa."
All of a sudden, I understood why 'Vishwamitra' never qualified to be 'Brahman'. He wanted something and worked hard for it. 'Brahman' is that state of mind which is beyond the scope of materialistic attractions/weaknesses. It has to be in your nature. You do not have to work hard for it. This was the basic point that 'Vishwamitra' had perhaps missed.
Our nature is inherent. We are born with it. It is as tangible and unique at birth as it is, after we grow up. Our nature is as unique as we ourselves , hence, no two people in the world can have the exact same nature.
For example: It takes a lot to anger me and equally long to pacify. That's my nature. My sister heats up real fast (almost functioning on a push-button mechanism ;-)) and forgets all about it within minutes. She is never vindictive & I have to consciously curb my Scorpio nature. We have both had similar premises & faculties in life (minus the differences in age) yet we are dissimilar.
No matter how hard we try, we cannot exchange our natures or them leveled.
I am sure a lot has been missed in this analysis. I am definitely no expert and have no answers whatsoever, to my own questions. Yet, I dare to think.
For years we have tried to understand human nature and its various intricacies. We barely have some answers. Cures?......Perhaps! But the answers......No, I do not believe we have any.
Yoga, some say, helps change people. It does help control certain natural behaviour. By 'natural' I mean physiological, psychological, biological et all. We can control fear, anxiety, depression so on and so forth....but can we erase it? Really erase it?
Do old habits really 'DIE'?
I once read a story of a saint called 'Vishwamitra'. Of the four castes in the Hindu societal system, Vishwamitra was born into the second highest or the 'Kshatriya' caste. He determined to ascend to the highest caste of the 'Brahmins'. He performed penance in its most severe and austere form. The magnitude of his penance scared the Gods. They sent a celestial concubine 'Menaka' to test his determination. Menaka of course did not have to try very hard to charm 'Vishvamitra' over. But eventually, 'Vishvamitra', realised he had been tricked. He 'divorced' from 'Menaka' & then went on to surpass all of his previous efforts attaining 'brahman'. The Supreme Lord 'Vishnu', was impressed enough to grant him sainthood. However, 'Vishwamitra' never qualified to 'brahman'.
As a kid, I found the decision unfair and unjust. As human, I still do. I would hate to be cheated of my goal when I really work hard for it.
Recently, almost on a whim, I determined to read the Gita. I have explained earlier in some of my previous posts, my (strange to many) affiliation to Krishna. Gita is essentially a collection of his words. The actual meaning of the words were not explained by Krishna. He cited examples, yes. He left it for us to figure out the myriad meanings of his simple statements. One of the most famous and well known of these is - "Let your actions determine the result and not vice-versa."
All of a sudden, I understood why 'Vishwamitra' never qualified to be 'Brahman'. He wanted something and worked hard for it. 'Brahman' is that state of mind which is beyond the scope of materialistic attractions/weaknesses. It has to be in your nature. You do not have to work hard for it. This was the basic point that 'Vishwamitra' had perhaps missed.
Our nature is inherent. We are born with it. It is as tangible and unique at birth as it is, after we grow up. Our nature is as unique as we ourselves , hence, no two people in the world can have the exact same nature.
For example: It takes a lot to anger me and equally long to pacify. That's my nature. My sister heats up real fast (almost functioning on a push-button mechanism ;-)) and forgets all about it within minutes. She is never vindictive & I have to consciously curb my Scorpio nature. We have both had similar premises & faculties in life (minus the differences in age) yet we are dissimilar.
No matter how hard we try, we cannot exchange our natures or them leveled.
I am sure a lot has been missed in this analysis. I am definitely no expert and have no answers whatsoever, to my own questions. Yet, I dare to think.
No *Aman for Aman
*Aman = safety or peace in Hindi
As if the constant pressure of studies & peer pressure were not enough, students (some fledgling like) now have to deal with the ragging menace as well. While browsing through a couple of sites that covered the recent news of the death of Aman (a young medical student) due to ragging, I came across some interesting misconceptions.
The Human rights website claims that "Ragging" is a "Western Concept". I vehemently disagree.
If by Eastern you mean India, then please go back to the epic stories of Ramayan and Mahabharat. Didn't the Kauravs rag the Pandavs? Weren't Luv and Kush ragged in Valmiki's ashram? The Mongols were most definitely never a peace loving race either.
Ragging is an age old concept. It is not a brain child of the west but as old as human nature. I cannot lay blame where it is not due, nor unjustly absolve the guilty. There is no harm in accepting our failures.
As children or even grown-ups don't siblings rag each other? We choose to call it 'leg-pulling'. How altruistic!
So how does one define ragging? If I am a couch potato and some friends force me to go out with them, I call it ragging. If my brother pushes me around to get his work done, I call it ragging. If my seniors in college ask me to address them as 'Sir' or 'Mam', I call it ragging.
"Any activity done by and to an individual per force by others (known or unknown) that lacks their express will or wish is ragging."
There is nothing healthy about it. No ragging activity can ever be called friendly. Any one who does not agree, should be flogged in public. Lets see if they come back and say, 'Thank you FRIEND for flogging me. let's have lunch together tomorrow.'
As a senior, if I want to make friends with my juniors, nothing stops me from holding my hand out and saying a simple, 'Hi, My name is Maitreyee. What's yours?'
If my junior gives a friendly response....I have a new friend...If not...I do not want such a friend! Why can't youngsters understand this simple logic? How can they presume to understand another human being by scaring or bulling them. How can you possibly expect their friendship?
Ragging in under-graduate colleges is not a new concept. What is surprising, is the lack of action around it. The anti-ragging bill has been pending since forever. Why?
I keep close contacts will young students to understand their ideals and motivations. I love their uninterrupted, sometime under-developed but always refreshing take on life.
In the convent I went to, we never encountered ragging. I recall on our first day, some 20 odd seniors got into a class of 120 juniors, closed the doors and went around asking for introductions. It perhaps took them an hour to finish all the introductions. In the end, neither party remembered much yet, we were welcomed into our sorority and that was that.
We were the freshers. The seniors worked hard to arrange our 'Freshers Party'. We were screened, groomed, & assisted to handle the pressure of a 'Miss Fresher' contest. We got sneak previews of the hep dance numbers being performed. We watched out for the exciting theater performances planned by the arts group. We had fun helping them plan our fresher party.
WE NEVER DID NOR WERE EVER ASKED TO SHELL OUT A SINGLE PENNY FOR OUR OWN FRESHER PARTY!
The actual party a month later, was an absolute blast! If you haven't been to a 'Girls Convent' "Freshers Party", you have no idea what you have missed. I never knew girls could scream and whistle so loud. Never thought girl rogues were possible :-P Hell, I never realized, I could scream so loud myself!!! If you thought contest questions on TV are tough, check out the questions we were asked. The food was not 'five star', but who cared. We were figure conscious 18 somethings & dressed in our finery on top of that. Food was most definitely not a priority. Even so, the burgers, cakes, chips and soft drinks, tasted amazing. Its was a different life. I wish I could show kids these days, what they have missed.
We still did not know all the names of our seniors. But one thing we did know, was that we wouldn't hesitate to arrange a grand 'Farewell Party' for them. That was true comradeship...without expectations.
- Today I hear, the juniors are asked to provide seniors mobile recharge coupons.
- They are forced to share lunch.
- They are not allowed to carry mobile phones.
- Even the canteen is deemed out of limits for the juniors!!! So what does a junior do when a senior has finished their lunch?
Are we still dealing with kids here? How can a human being (barely an adult at that), live with such a conscience? And these are called harmless ragging activities.
If all kids go through the same torture in their first years, how does their conscience permit them to inflict the same on their successors? How do they expect to cultivate an individuality when they perpetually follow the crowd?
- What trust can I invest in an 18-19 year old boy, who asks his junior girls, questions like "Which of the guys here would you like to sleep with?", during a Miss Fresher contest?
- What character can I attribute an 18-19 year old girl who asks from a junior boy 'tricks to kiss a girl on the lips on a first date'!
Such immaturity, narrow-mindedness, desperation and frustration is shocking. Can we do something about it? Is there a solution? Do these kids have an answer? The teachers definitely have none.
I did hear some of my contemporaries in engineering colleges suffered such ragging. They have barely any fun recollections of their freshers day. I feel sorry for them.
There are always anti-social elements in colleges. They are however, always the minority. So what is the majority doing? How is it that the youth, that talks of failure of their elders, society, POLITICIANS etc, has not been able to uproot its own demonic tendencies? And they are the future. Are you sure you want to share that future?
As if the constant pressure of studies & peer pressure were not enough, students (some fledgling like) now have to deal with the ragging menace as well. While browsing through a couple of sites that covered the recent news of the death of Aman (a young medical student) due to ragging, I came across some interesting misconceptions.
The Human rights website claims that "Ragging" is a "Western Concept". I vehemently disagree.
If by Eastern you mean India, then please go back to the epic stories of Ramayan and Mahabharat. Didn't the Kauravs rag the Pandavs? Weren't Luv and Kush ragged in Valmiki's ashram? The Mongols were most definitely never a peace loving race either.
Ragging is an age old concept. It is not a brain child of the west but as old as human nature. I cannot lay blame where it is not due, nor unjustly absolve the guilty. There is no harm in accepting our failures.
As children or even grown-ups don't siblings rag each other? We choose to call it 'leg-pulling'. How altruistic!
So how does one define ragging? If I am a couch potato and some friends force me to go out with them, I call it ragging. If my brother pushes me around to get his work done, I call it ragging. If my seniors in college ask me to address them as 'Sir' or 'Mam', I call it ragging.
"Any activity done by and to an individual per force by others (known or unknown) that lacks their express will or wish is ragging."
There is nothing healthy about it. No ragging activity can ever be called friendly. Any one who does not agree, should be flogged in public. Lets see if they come back and say, 'Thank you FRIEND for flogging me. let's have lunch together tomorrow.'
As a senior, if I want to make friends with my juniors, nothing stops me from holding my hand out and saying a simple, 'Hi, My name is Maitreyee. What's yours?'
If my junior gives a friendly response....I have a new friend...If not...I do not want such a friend! Why can't youngsters understand this simple logic? How can they presume to understand another human being by scaring or bulling them. How can you possibly expect their friendship?
Ragging in under-graduate colleges is not a new concept. What is surprising, is the lack of action around it. The anti-ragging bill has been pending since forever. Why?
I keep close contacts will young students to understand their ideals and motivations. I love their uninterrupted, sometime under-developed but always refreshing take on life.
In the convent I went to, we never encountered ragging. I recall on our first day, some 20 odd seniors got into a class of 120 juniors, closed the doors and went around asking for introductions. It perhaps took them an hour to finish all the introductions. In the end, neither party remembered much yet, we were welcomed into our sorority and that was that.
We were the freshers. The seniors worked hard to arrange our 'Freshers Party'. We were screened, groomed, & assisted to handle the pressure of a 'Miss Fresher' contest. We got sneak previews of the hep dance numbers being performed. We watched out for the exciting theater performances planned by the arts group. We had fun helping them plan our fresher party.
WE NEVER DID NOR WERE EVER ASKED TO SHELL OUT A SINGLE PENNY FOR OUR OWN FRESHER PARTY!
The actual party a month later, was an absolute blast! If you haven't been to a 'Girls Convent' "Freshers Party", you have no idea what you have missed. I never knew girls could scream and whistle so loud. Never thought girl rogues were possible :-P Hell, I never realized, I could scream so loud myself!!! If you thought contest questions on TV are tough, check out the questions we were asked. The food was not 'five star', but who cared. We were figure conscious 18 somethings & dressed in our finery on top of that. Food was most definitely not a priority. Even so, the burgers, cakes, chips and soft drinks, tasted amazing. Its was a different life. I wish I could show kids these days, what they have missed.
We still did not know all the names of our seniors. But one thing we did know, was that we wouldn't hesitate to arrange a grand 'Farewell Party' for them. That was true comradeship...without expectations.
- Today I hear, the juniors are asked to provide seniors mobile recharge coupons.
- They are forced to share lunch.
- They are not allowed to carry mobile phones.
- Even the canteen is deemed out of limits for the juniors!!! So what does a junior do when a senior has finished their lunch?
Are we still dealing with kids here? How can a human being (barely an adult at that), live with such a conscience? And these are called harmless ragging activities.
If all kids go through the same torture in their first years, how does their conscience permit them to inflict the same on their successors? How do they expect to cultivate an individuality when they perpetually follow the crowd?
- What trust can I invest in an 18-19 year old boy, who asks his junior girls, questions like "Which of the guys here would you like to sleep with?", during a Miss Fresher contest?
- What character can I attribute an 18-19 year old girl who asks from a junior boy 'tricks to kiss a girl on the lips on a first date'!
Such immaturity, narrow-mindedness, desperation and frustration is shocking. Can we do something about it? Is there a solution? Do these kids have an answer? The teachers definitely have none.
I did hear some of my contemporaries in engineering colleges suffered such ragging. They have barely any fun recollections of their freshers day. I feel sorry for them.
There are always anti-social elements in colleges. They are however, always the minority. So what is the majority doing? How is it that the youth, that talks of failure of their elders, society, POLITICIANS etc, has not been able to uproot its own demonic tendencies? And they are the future. Are you sure you want to share that future?
Friday
Some facts about marriage
The credit goes to my little sister who was browsing through some old photos today. I found one of her simple childlike observations absolutely hilarious & decided to immediately pen it down.
The BEFORE & AFTER of marriage or The Marriage Progression
Marriage Progression for MEN - SOMEBODY to NOBODY
Marriage Progression for WOMEN - NOBODY to SOMEBODY
Have any doubts...check some of your own family photos :-)
The BEFORE & AFTER of marriage or The Marriage Progression
Marriage Progression for MEN - SOMEBODY to NOBODY
Marriage Progression for WOMEN - NOBODY to SOMEBODY
Have any doubts...check some of your own family photos :-)
Wednesday
Monday
Audacious Sour Grapes
There are some people I know who are brilliant quizzers. They are also the heartthrobs of many. I am a great admirer but have successfully been able to safeguard my heart from the throbbing syndrome. It is a very tough job but consciously undertaken. When I hear others drooling over them, I wish I could be that carefree. I am brave but not a masochist.
After a lot of thought, I realized that certain genetic disorders run in the paternal side of my family and affects the women only.
- The women are as egotistical (if not more) than the men in the family.
- They are as accomplished in their chosen field (if not more) than their counterparts (not necessarily male).
- They are far too practical for their own good.
- They are far less emotional than is normal for any woman to be.
With no sense of pride, I accept inheritance of all the above disorders. I am as scared of giving up my independence as if I were a male. I cannot trust easily and the prospect of sharing my life with someone seems scarier by the day. Hence, despite the fact that the men (I spoke of in the first sentence), come very close to my own definition of the 'perfect man', I cannot drool :( Such is the bane of my life.
Getting back to the topic now. A friend of mine called this weekend and asked me to attend a quiz show, where these prime male specimens would be present. I decided to play sour grapes in front of her than accept the lame truth.
The lame truth was - I had oiled my hair, had no plans of going out and therefore no means either of traveling to the venue which was quite a distance away :-( That's the truth and nothing but the truth and its sheer lameness is evidence.
Now comes the interesting part. I started thinking on my feet to give her some audacious excuse for not wanting to go, yet not accept my serious case of 'sour grapes'. Here is what I came up with.
I asked her, "What's the point of attending? There's nothing much for us to do."
And she said, "Well for starters, xxxxx is going to be there :-)."
I discounted that as a very 'silly girly' observation. So I said to her, "Listen don't waste your time on dreaming. Such people do not bother about our presence or the lack of it. I know your xxxxx is super cool and super nice and super everything....but he will also want someone as superior. However, if you want to go, feel free, but I am not coming to waste my energy."
So she says, "You are so mean. Aren't you my friend? If I do not go that xxxxx will make sure she gets all his attention. As it is I am not that great a quizzer. You know I have a bad memory."
My friend is a really sweet girl and she is crazy about this guy. I wish he would notice, but I know him to be otherwise engaged. I tried telling her that, but she is hopeful and has a lot of excuses for being so. As a friend, I keep my mouth shut but I shall not aid in breaking her heart over someone so clearly different from the likes of us. Of course if fate intervenes, I shall be the happiest for my friend.
So I tried a different line of reasoning, because the normal truth has never worked. Here is what I said, "Listen, don't sell yourself short. Who says you aren't good enough? Infact, you are smarter. These guys might come on TV, have a huge fan following and intelligent and blah blah...but what is the point?"
She says "Huh!? I am confused. What are you saying? Do you know xxxxx and xxxxx are every woman's dream come true?"
Of course I know that! Had I been normal, I might very well be in love with one of them myself, but it was not the time to accept it in front of her. Especially now that I had started on a new thought process!!!!
So again in the best imitation of a wise-man voice, I could manage, I said, "Do you know what is GK? It is just 'Good to Know' knowledge. Basically it is about remembering a lot of history and that is such a waste! Yeah maybe to an extent to have to be aware of things going on around you...but it is all so mundane and boring!!! Now, what is interesting is the future. That is what you and I work for. We are the ones who do interesting stuff. We build futuristic fraud protection infrastructure!!!"
All the while I am thinking to myself, "What crap!" My friend seems lost, and all I get from her is another "Huh!?"
So I try again. I say, "Listen. Imagine you and xxxxx were asked to work on a project. Both of you had your own Google search facility. Now if I asked you both a question, the only difference would be, that xxxxx might answer immediately and it would take you about 15 minutes to find it on Google. 15 minutes! Its no big deal! Why waste valuable time and grey cells over something like that??? Do you see what I mean?"
Somehow, my friend understood all of this audacious crap & liked it too.
"Tell you what," she says, "that is the best reasoning I have heard so far, to not invest time on GK. Its so cool! You are brilliant! Thanks for being my friend. I love you! I am not going either. If he asks me, I shall say what you just said."
I felt euphoric for saving a dear friend some grief. I know xxxxx or xxxxx will never ask any of us why we did not turn up. They couldn't care less. But I still wonder how she understood all that ridiculous nonsense, I came up with. I cannot disown having said all of the above but pray that those men in question never read this... :-(
After a lot of thought, I realized that certain genetic disorders run in the paternal side of my family and affects the women only.
- The women are as egotistical (if not more) than the men in the family.
- They are as accomplished in their chosen field (if not more) than their counterparts (not necessarily male).
- They are far too practical for their own good.
- They are far less emotional than is normal for any woman to be.
With no sense of pride, I accept inheritance of all the above disorders. I am as scared of giving up my independence as if I were a male. I cannot trust easily and the prospect of sharing my life with someone seems scarier by the day. Hence, despite the fact that the men (I spoke of in the first sentence), come very close to my own definition of the 'perfect man', I cannot drool :( Such is the bane of my life.
Getting back to the topic now. A friend of mine called this weekend and asked me to attend a quiz show, where these prime male specimens would be present. I decided to play sour grapes in front of her than accept the lame truth.
The lame truth was - I had oiled my hair, had no plans of going out and therefore no means either of traveling to the venue which was quite a distance away :-( That's the truth and nothing but the truth and its sheer lameness is evidence.
Now comes the interesting part. I started thinking on my feet to give her some audacious excuse for not wanting to go, yet not accept my serious case of 'sour grapes'. Here is what I came up with.
I asked her, "What's the point of attending? There's nothing much for us to do."
And she said, "Well for starters, xxxxx is going to be there :-)."
I discounted that as a very 'silly girly' observation. So I said to her, "Listen don't waste your time on dreaming. Such people do not bother about our presence or the lack of it. I know your xxxxx is super cool and super nice and super everything....but he will also want someone as superior. However, if you want to go, feel free, but I am not coming to waste my energy."
So she says, "You are so mean. Aren't you my friend? If I do not go that xxxxx will make sure she gets all his attention. As it is I am not that great a quizzer. You know I have a bad memory."
My friend is a really sweet girl and she is crazy about this guy. I wish he would notice, but I know him to be otherwise engaged. I tried telling her that, but she is hopeful and has a lot of excuses for being so. As a friend, I keep my mouth shut but I shall not aid in breaking her heart over someone so clearly different from the likes of us. Of course if fate intervenes, I shall be the happiest for my friend.
So I tried a different line of reasoning, because the normal truth has never worked. Here is what I said, "Listen, don't sell yourself short. Who says you aren't good enough? Infact, you are smarter. These guys might come on TV, have a huge fan following and intelligent and blah blah...but what is the point?"
She says "Huh!? I am confused. What are you saying? Do you know xxxxx and xxxxx are every woman's dream come true?"
Of course I know that! Had I been normal, I might very well be in love with one of them myself, but it was not the time to accept it in front of her. Especially now that I had started on a new thought process!!!!
So again in the best imitation of a wise-man voice, I could manage, I said, "Do you know what is GK? It is just 'Good to Know' knowledge. Basically it is about remembering a lot of history and that is such a waste! Yeah maybe to an extent to have to be aware of things going on around you...but it is all so mundane and boring!!! Now, what is interesting is the future. That is what you and I work for. We are the ones who do interesting stuff. We build futuristic fraud protection infrastructure!!!"
All the while I am thinking to myself, "What crap!" My friend seems lost, and all I get from her is another "Huh!?"
So I try again. I say, "Listen. Imagine you and xxxxx were asked to work on a project. Both of you had your own Google search facility. Now if I asked you both a question, the only difference would be, that xxxxx might answer immediately and it would take you about 15 minutes to find it on Google. 15 minutes! Its no big deal! Why waste valuable time and grey cells over something like that??? Do you see what I mean?"
Somehow, my friend understood all of this audacious crap & liked it too.
"Tell you what," she says, "that is the best reasoning I have heard so far, to not invest time on GK. Its so cool! You are brilliant! Thanks for being my friend. I love you! I am not going either. If he asks me, I shall say what you just said."
I felt euphoric for saving a dear friend some grief. I know xxxxx or xxxxx will never ask any of us why we did not turn up. They couldn't care less. But I still wonder how she understood all that ridiculous nonsense, I came up with. I cannot disown having said all of the above but pray that those men in question never read this... :-(
Sunday
Talks sans logic
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi died on 30 January 1948. India was independent. Gandhi was Bapu or 'Father of the Nation'.
In his 1940 will he said, “anything which by social convention or in law is considered mine, anything movable or immovable, books, articles etc. I endow to the Navjivan Institution whom I hereby declare as my heirs.”
James Otis - Private US collector
Public statement - "I have other Gandhi belongings. I would like to donate more items to the people of India to raise money for the poor."....Question : Whose poor? America's???
How the heck did Otis get Gandhi's possessions (not all gifts) unless (bloody well) aided by some insider! I leave you to draw your own conclusions, of the profile of someone who could aid the sale of priceless 'National Property'.
Antiquorum Auctioneers - An Auction house in New York
Signed a legal contract with James Otis that prohibited him from an abortive bid to withdraw his collection (of International significance) before the auction!!!
Can you believe this Bullshit!!!
Vijay Mallya - Chairman of the United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines
In 2004, placed the winning bid of £175,000 for 'The sword of Tipu Sultan'in London. Four years later, it still remains in London. Find out why, yourself.
In March 2009, placed the winning bid of US$1.8 million for the Mahatma's belongings.
Good Job! Lets forget your other financial evasions in business for now, shall we?
Though not a Gandhi fan, my anger towards this blatant mockery of India knows no bounds. If all the auction items genuinely belonged to 'bapu', how was 'INDIA' not privy to the fact of their existence?
While I completely trust the 'result' of the Mukherjee Commission (which is 'no result'), I no longer trust any of the crap that was fed us, by some so called statesmen. I have decided not to malign my blog by mentioning names of such tainted individuals or their descendants. Everyone already knows.
For more info, check this - http://www.ivarta.com/columns/OL_060603.htm
In his 1940 will he said, “anything which by social convention or in law is considered mine, anything movable or immovable, books, articles etc. I endow to the Navjivan Institution whom I hereby declare as my heirs.”
James Otis - Private US collector
Public statement - "I have other Gandhi belongings. I would like to donate more items to the people of India to raise money for the poor."....Question : Whose poor? America's???
How the heck did Otis get Gandhi's possessions (not all gifts) unless (bloody well) aided by some insider! I leave you to draw your own conclusions, of the profile of someone who could aid the sale of priceless 'National Property'.
Antiquorum Auctioneers - An Auction house in New York
Signed a legal contract with James Otis that prohibited him from an abortive bid to withdraw his collection (of International significance) before the auction!!!
Can you believe this Bullshit!!!
Vijay Mallya - Chairman of the United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines
In 2004, placed the winning bid of £175,000 for 'The sword of Tipu Sultan'in London. Four years later, it still remains in London. Find out why, yourself.
In March 2009, placed the winning bid of US$1.8 million for the Mahatma's belongings.
Good Job! Lets forget your other financial evasions in business for now, shall we?
Though not a Gandhi fan, my anger towards this blatant mockery of India knows no bounds. If all the auction items genuinely belonged to 'bapu', how was 'INDIA' not privy to the fact of their existence?
While I completely trust the 'result' of the Mukherjee Commission (which is 'no result'), I no longer trust any of the crap that was fed us, by some so called statesmen. I have decided not to malign my blog by mentioning names of such tainted individuals or their descendants. Everyone already knows.
For more info, check this - http://www.ivarta.com/columns/OL_060603.htm
The Coke and Blogger controversy
Call it what you want. I say this is one of the most brilliant marketing tactic I have seen in the digital world to date. i9 or no i9...Coke got the mind share it wanted in the first place anyways.
I call this Intelligent advertising. The picture above is not a blaspheme...its COKE
Kudos!!!
Common craft Videos - Simplification at its creative best
I suggest everyone to go through as many related videos as possible. Some amazing ideas on simplified learning. If you know a child or someone who does not understand technology much, or have doubts yourself, check out these videos.
Following is just a fun video.... enjoy!
Following is just a fun video.... enjoy!
Blessing 100^100 and counting....
"Vidya Vinayam Dadati"
An age old Sanskrit verse which simply means "Knowledge invokes humility."
The truly knowledgeable never profess their knowledge. They strive to learn as much possible and have a childlike curiosity about everything despite their expertise. Such people respect not only the equally knowledgeable but also the less enlightened. That is wisdom. Such is the hallmark of wise men.
Knowledge is not a factor of education alone. Education is necessary. It plays an important role but has limitations. True knowledge is a combination of education, curiosity, a zest to learn, real hard work and experience.
Having said that, wisdom is not restricted by age. A combination of all the above factors can sometimes take years and sometimes just a while
Intelligence however, is different. Every living creation on earth is born with intelligence - designed, programmed & conditioned by perhaps some super intelligent system (the magnitude of which is well beyond human comprehension) - to help sustain itself. The degree of intelligence varies depending on basic creature needs. Perhaps better termed as 'Survival Efficiencies' - for the more scientifically inclined. 'Reaction to stimuli' for example, falls in this category.
Intelligence therefore, is not a factor of demographics & is a variable. It is also a relative quantity and need/role based. A homemaker has sufficient intelligence to smoothly run a house. A working woman possesses intelligence of a different kind as she has more complex roles to play. It is unfair to judge who among the two is more intelligent.
Education creates literacy. It exposes us to vast opportunities for learning and growth. It enables easier/faster comprehension processes. But its value ends here. Intelligence and Education come together to create an 'Intellect'.
Intellect is the individual capacity to decipher, assimilate, disintegrate and eventually create something qualitative (at the very least) or quantitative from every learning/observation process. Qualitative process can be as simple as a thought. Quantitative can be an action.
Again we see that Intellect has nothing to do with religion, region, caste, creed, sex or race. While 'formal' education can be limited/controlled by external factors, knowledge and Intellect is one's own.
Education can be had from teachers, parents, nature, schools, colleges and so on. Intellect however, depends on the individual alone. Therefore, if institute 'X' is deemed a premier institute, it does not mean that 'X' can create Intelligence. It does not mean lower intelligence transforms into higher intelligence simply by institutional association/guidance. Premier institutes only choose candidates with higher intelligence and groom them to tackle future challenges better. They only facilitate access to more knowledge & education.
Simply put, this means, Intellect is not a monopoly of a select few. Also, as stated earlier, intellect may develop early or naturally over time. Not even all 'premier' facilities put together, can claim to own every truly intellectual in its entirety.
An institution that equates knowledge or education to monetary equivalent, does not deserve its place in history. Price tagging knowledge is demeaning its entire premise. Google and Wikipedia are perhaps the only institutions till date, that qualify to be deemed an 'Universal University.' They are perhaps the only two modern day inventions that have honored and understood the meaning of true knowledge. They do not attach propriety to knowledge and therefore, are the true disciples of the religion called 'wisdom'.
I am lucky to have associated (from the very onset) with people of extremely high intellect & some really wise as well. Please note, not everyone was termed wise, as I intend to preserve the sanctity of every term I have described above. I assign myself in the category of average-to-moderately-high intelligence with enormous room for development. Therefore, not even all the knowledge I had at my disposal, helped me reach the pinnacle. It perhaps failed to percolate my intellect or more likely, is my personal failure.
During my professional life so far, I have had the opportunity to come in contact with people, whose mental faculties can give a super-computer some serious complex. This is an absolutely honest statement delivered without any sarcasm, humour or attempt at levity. Frankly I cannot thank my lucky stars enough for all of the above. I do however, have reservations against the elves, that foxed me to challenge several thoughts of almost all of these people :(
I wish, all wise and knowledgeable people received a trademark stamp from the heavens above, so people like me had lesser chances of embarrassing ourselves. Again, please note, that the wise will never laugh/ridicule you. You will ridicule yourself on overstepping your mark in front of the wise.
Hopefully I have learnt my lessons. Some of the people I spoke of above, I would love to have as my guide/mentor/teacher....or any role that will help me learn from them. It is perhaps too much to hope for but is a dream nevertheless.
I also know people who need the stamp of a 'premier' institute to prove their intellectual prowess to the world. They live in the shadow of that stamp and are forever relegated to proving their worth to themselves. I pity them and am glad to not suffer such complex. There are definitely some refreshing examples from such institutes who do justice to the word "premier".
To an extent I take pride in the fact that I do not need an institute to prove my worth. I only pray for more opportunities to help better myself.
An age old Sanskrit verse which simply means "Knowledge invokes humility."
The truly knowledgeable never profess their knowledge. They strive to learn as much possible and have a childlike curiosity about everything despite their expertise. Such people respect not only the equally knowledgeable but also the less enlightened. That is wisdom. Such is the hallmark of wise men.
Knowledge is not a factor of education alone. Education is necessary. It plays an important role but has limitations. True knowledge is a combination of education, curiosity, a zest to learn, real hard work and experience.
Having said that, wisdom is not restricted by age. A combination of all the above factors can sometimes take years and sometimes just a while
Intelligence however, is different. Every living creation on earth is born with intelligence - designed, programmed & conditioned by perhaps some super intelligent system (the magnitude of which is well beyond human comprehension) - to help sustain itself. The degree of intelligence varies depending on basic creature needs. Perhaps better termed as 'Survival Efficiencies' - for the more scientifically inclined. 'Reaction to stimuli' for example, falls in this category.
Intelligence therefore, is not a factor of demographics & is a variable. It is also a relative quantity and need/role based. A homemaker has sufficient intelligence to smoothly run a house. A working woman possesses intelligence of a different kind as she has more complex roles to play. It is unfair to judge who among the two is more intelligent.
Education creates literacy. It exposes us to vast opportunities for learning and growth. It enables easier/faster comprehension processes. But its value ends here. Intelligence and Education come together to create an 'Intellect'.
Intellect is the individual capacity to decipher, assimilate, disintegrate and eventually create something qualitative (at the very least) or quantitative from every learning/observation process. Qualitative process can be as simple as a thought. Quantitative can be an action.
Again we see that Intellect has nothing to do with religion, region, caste, creed, sex or race. While 'formal' education can be limited/controlled by external factors, knowledge and Intellect is one's own.
Education can be had from teachers, parents, nature, schools, colleges and so on. Intellect however, depends on the individual alone. Therefore, if institute 'X' is deemed a premier institute, it does not mean that 'X' can create Intelligence. It does not mean lower intelligence transforms into higher intelligence simply by institutional association/guidance. Premier institutes only choose candidates with higher intelligence and groom them to tackle future challenges better. They only facilitate access to more knowledge & education.
Simply put, this means, Intellect is not a monopoly of a select few. Also, as stated earlier, intellect may develop early or naturally over time. Not even all 'premier' facilities put together, can claim to own every truly intellectual in its entirety.
An institution that equates knowledge or education to monetary equivalent, does not deserve its place in history. Price tagging knowledge is demeaning its entire premise. Google and Wikipedia are perhaps the only institutions till date, that qualify to be deemed an 'Universal University.' They are perhaps the only two modern day inventions that have honored and understood the meaning of true knowledge. They do not attach propriety to knowledge and therefore, are the true disciples of the religion called 'wisdom'.
I am lucky to have associated (from the very onset) with people of extremely high intellect & some really wise as well. Please note, not everyone was termed wise, as I intend to preserve the sanctity of every term I have described above. I assign myself in the category of average-to-moderately-high intelligence with enormous room for development. Therefore, not even all the knowledge I had at my disposal, helped me reach the pinnacle. It perhaps failed to percolate my intellect or more likely, is my personal failure.
During my professional life so far, I have had the opportunity to come in contact with people, whose mental faculties can give a super-computer some serious complex. This is an absolutely honest statement delivered without any sarcasm, humour or attempt at levity. Frankly I cannot thank my lucky stars enough for all of the above. I do however, have reservations against the elves, that foxed me to challenge several thoughts of almost all of these people :(
I wish, all wise and knowledgeable people received a trademark stamp from the heavens above, so people like me had lesser chances of embarrassing ourselves. Again, please note, that the wise will never laugh/ridicule you. You will ridicule yourself on overstepping your mark in front of the wise.
Hopefully I have learnt my lessons. Some of the people I spoke of above, I would love to have as my guide/mentor/teacher....or any role that will help me learn from them. It is perhaps too much to hope for but is a dream nevertheless.
I also know people who need the stamp of a 'premier' institute to prove their intellectual prowess to the world. They live in the shadow of that stamp and are forever relegated to proving their worth to themselves. I pity them and am glad to not suffer such complex. There are definitely some refreshing examples from such institutes who do justice to the word "premier".
To an extent I take pride in the fact that I do not need an institute to prove my worth. I only pray for more opportunities to help better myself.
Something I came up with today
"The Internet has empowered us to choose to make informed mistakes."
***An original. Copyright laws apply !!!
An Observation that made a lot of sense to me
"Some people have so much respect for their superiors they have none left for themselves"
***I do not claim ownership to this but salute the person who gave words to a sentiment I strongly share.
Things that I HATE!!!
Why choose a topic like this? Shall explain that in a different post. For now, I have decided to run an acid test on myself. Can I speak/accept the truth about myself.
I have never claimed to be the best example of the human specimen - female at that. Society (for what it is worth) at large expects of us certain standards by virtue of our role in life - human, male, female, employed, self employed, unemployed, studying....and so on. Over a period of time we get adept at hiding our true self and projecting an image (sometimes vastly different from the truth) that others would like (we presume).
If only all mothers took time to understand the real person behind their child and let them be. Only a child can fearlessly and upfront make a face at anyone on being unjustly punished. Only a child can freely accept their dislike for a bath, baked beans or even a person. I am not asking to let them grow into disrespectful people. But allow children to choose and modify their tastes to suit themselves as well as others.
Instead of controlling their innocence, help channelize their emotions. Instead of an outright rejection of their guilelessness help them mature with love. Help them grow up into mature, sensitive individuals who also feel liberated enough to pull a face at a stupid boss.
Getting back to myself. I am in a very I-ME-MYSELF mood today. So thought why not indulge? And what better place than a blog to do so? I know - sounds pathetic.....but who cares :-)
So.... in no particular order, here are some things I HATE ;-)
Getting up early in the morning
---------------------------------
No normal person should ever be asked to wake up before 8.00am in the morning.... period.
If someone called me earlier than that (especially on a holiday) and asked, "Sorry were you sleeping? Hope I did not disturb you", My first instinct would be to say, "Go ************* " and several such choice adjectives. However, considering the sensitivities of people around me, I
am bound to say, "Yeah...was asleep, but its ok...no problem". No problem!!! My foot.
A sad fact though is that, I have to be in office by 7.00 - 7.15 am. It takes a minimum 30 minutes to reach office. Therefore, I have to wake up by 6.15 - 6.30 am every working day!!! :-(
My father and sister love to wake up early in the morning. They derive some insane & inexplicable (will forever remain unknown to me) pleasure by waking early. More irksome is that, my father - fully aware of my hatred for "an early morning tryst with the world" - loves to ask the same question everyday - again fully aware that I no longer have the option to choose a negative (unless I am virtually dying) :-(
The question is, "Do you plan to go to office?" :X I choose not to respond. I need about 15 minutes to sit up and convince myself that I am indeed awake. Only then can I set foot on the ground. Also, everyone close to me knows, I do not like to say "GOOD MORNING" immediately upon waking . I feel nothing good about it.
The reason my father seldom gets a negative is because I love my job and the sense of independence it brings. So..... I am reduced to perpetually doing what I hate to do, almost everyday. :-(
Following procedures and policies over and over again
---------------------------------------------------------
Everyone gets good at a job when they do it regularly. You develop an instinct over time. However, stupid laws and legal complications, necessitate that you follow all procedures and policies over and over again. What a waste of time and energy.
I fully empathize with "GOOD & HONEST" law enforcement officials. I understand their limitations. At least, my directives are from people who try to abide by the laws and not otherwise.
Here's a really mean thought that just struck me -
Organize an event - Lots of food + wine + free goodies + automated fun and frolic - Invitations restricted to only politicians, lawyers and criminals (of any capacity) from all over the world!!!! When everyone of these entities are in, lock all doors and windows and blow up the place :-D. All other marginally bad people would automatically resolve themselves (as there would no longer be any protection available to them). What a clean, free and pleasant world we could then look forward to. :-p ;-)
Jokes apart, lets get back to me!
I hate to brush and bathe as soon as I wake up on holidays!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------
I have said this before and I reiterate - I do not beleive that something is good purely because the rest of the world says so. It might have its merits and I am not contesting that. However, I like to choose what/when I want to do a particular chore. For starters, I like to first have tea/coffee before brushing my teeth :-) The world will not come to an end if I bathe at 12.00 noon or later instead of by 10.00 am....will it???
I am a decent cook (when in the mood)...however, I am sure, I would hate to do it regularly
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its not the cooking per se, that I hate. I hate the before and after of it. It takes away the charm when you have to clean, cut, dice, chop, grind all neccessary ingredients first. The actual process of cooking is interesting. But before you are even done relishing the food (you spent so much time making), it is time to clear the table and do the dishes. :-(
I would enjoy cooking and feeding a permanent someone who would help in sharing the before and after processes. :-)
I hate grocery shopping! Especially veggies and meat :-D
------------------------------------------------------------
I do manage to drag myself along for a trip to the supermarket. But I dread and almost abhor having to tread to the 'sabji market' and the meat and fish stalls :-( Unfortunately here in India, I still do not see the value-add of buying frozen perishables at an illogically higher cost when the fresher and cheaper options are available almost down the street. While it seems hypocritical, I attribute it to the fact that I am (and hopefully will always remain) an Indian at
heart. I want all modern facilities but at the barest minimum cost - A socialist come to think of it.... WoW....No wonder Kolkata has been on my mind so much lately. I guess penning this down is helping me discover some hidden traits about myself too.
Trust me when I say, Indians (especially in the socialists states) are the most intelligent and happy people on earth. But I cannot be a true blue socialist either, as the democrat in me screams for freedom of choice.
I hate people who hop into bed wearing outside clothes
-------------------------------------------------------------
To an extent I am particular about general cleanliness. I do not push others for it as long as they do not dirty my space on purpose. But when it comes to the bed, I am a stickler for cleanliness. Don't ask me why. It is just who I am.
I hate dirty washrooms
--------------------------
I remember cleaning my washroom myself ever since I could manage it. I do not let anyone else do it (unless they share the same views on cleanliness as I). I guess it runs in my family and almost all relatives . Hence, is an acquired trait. I do not gel well with people who portray
superficial cleanliness bur maintain unhygienic toilets.
I hate spicy food --- I mean chillies only!
------------------------------------------
My constitution does not support it :-P My tastebuds are super sensitive to chillies. Consuming any thing spicy makes my eyes water and nose run. I feel embarrassed & hence prefer admiring chillies and its other substitutes from a distance. :-)
I hate slim people :-( .... Correction... I admire them....But am jealous :-(
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hate snobs.
---------------
I shall not qualify them with further comment.
I hate people who pretend innocence
---------------------------------------
A common occurrence in North-Indian and Bengali women. They can give western women a run for their money when trying to ensnare eligible men. Most are amazingly desperate for marriage by the end of their teens. Attraction towards the opposite sex starts much earlier. Most of their conversation revolves around men. Ask them why you need a three phase electrical connection at home and you will surely get blank looks. But mention even a Mills and Boon let alone Harold Robbins and they will choke as if the Anti-Christ just visited them. Doesn't the concept of procreation never enter their heads when they spend hours discussing men!!!
Be who you are. It is ok to not know. Just because some over powering, loud, macho males ( with egos as big as an elephant and mentality of a rat) have deemed these as bad books for young women to read, does not necessarily mean they are bad. I am not saying these books are good (neither will I join their marketing team). I would just like these women better if they could accept that they are not as innocent as they would like me to believe.
I hate people who say Sidney Sheldon books are bad.
------------------------------------------------------
They are adult books!!! Some say.
At 21, if someone does not consider themselves adult enough, I wonder when they will grow up (if ever). While I just about fall short of calling myself an SS fan, he is most definitely one of my favourites. Some of the most gripping plots I have read were by SS. I love his close to reality and sometimes quite logical approach to fiction writing. If one calls an SS novel 'racy' it means they only looked at the racy tidbits and hence, the remaining plot passed them by. I am sure I read my first SS while still in my teens.
You do not become bad by reading a so called "Adult" book or stimulating content for that matter. Shying to talk of something natural means the problem is within you and your perception. Don't blame a book if you can't control your senses and are unable to differentiate fiction from reality.
The choices you make, make you your own person. It is sometimes extremely tough to choose the right over wrong. As long as you have faith on yourself and your heart is in the right place, you cant go too wrong. Stop blaming books or authors. Delve deep into yourself and weed out the inherent darkness first.
I hate people who do not respect their parents
------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer - The purview of my hatred does not extend to those who unfortunately had sorry examples for parents.
For the rest, who choose to disrespect and ignore those very parents who tried their best to give you as much as they could...."May you live a happy life."
I know parents seem like a burden to many. I wish they could see what their lives would be if their parents had given up on them - while they were still kids - because kids are most definitely a handful.
The number of such retards seem to be on the rise and no matter how much I try to ignore the fact....deep down I feel aggrieved. Educated women (especially in the cities) who bemoan the lack of financial security for being a home-maker do not qualify for my sympathy either. Let me not elaborate anymore or I shall go on forever.
I hate people who act like they know it all when they really don't.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Some choice examples are pass outs of certain institutions who consider intellect as their monopoly. They trip over themselves to prove it to the world and anyone who is willing to listen. More coming up later.........
And then there is another variety. People from institutions with a glorious past. They live in the shadows of the institute and its past glories, while contributing nothing worthwhile themselves. Several specimen from this variety can be found in Bengal. These weeds have for years contributed to the downfall of my hometown and unfortunately will continue to do so. I wish there was a broom that could selectively sweep them out of this world to a different planet
altogether.... :-P
I hate cold and damp weather
------------------------------
Summer is the best season :-D. I have no wish to ever live anywhere that is cold. Thanks but no thanks US, UK & the like.
And lastly the most important of all.....
I hate those without faith. I hate those even more who have the audacity to question my faith
===============================================================
I pride myself for my patience and tolerance (even religious tolerance to an extent). My religion is a factor of birth. Faith and belief however, are my own. I was never forced by anyone to bow my head in prayer. I was free to choose my direction in life as long as it did not lead to choosing a change of religion.
My early visits to the temple (with grandparents) had nothing to do with force. I would just tag along with the usual persistence that children usually have. As well as the fact that, there weren't too many options for daily outing in a tiny district town.
My love for Krishna (Madhav) had nothing to do with the Bhagwad Gita or Mahabharat. The blue, smiling idol was just a cute looking boy who I thought of as a friend. In his house (temple) his father (the priest) always gave me the juiciest mango pieces, amazing bhog prasad and
payasam worth dying for. Gopal's smile never faltered. I felt mean for enjoying such tasty treats at his house everyday but couldn't help tagging along. I would stand in front him. Tell him I was sorry for being so mean. Share with him the details of what I did the whole day. Share my woes (at having to learn to read Bengali), grievances (Dad's postcard said I got the first rank but the bad teacher had given me 95/100 in maths) so on and so forth.
I cannot recollect when that friendship evolved into respect and then faith. I am a fan of Krishna. I do not qualify to be called a devotee yet.
He is a friend, a guide, a helping hand and my safety net when I want one. He is my God and someone who in a human incarnate I can easily fall in love with,
Those who only understand the dictionary definition of God, I have nothing to explain. Those who think they are over and above the scope of God's benevolence, I feel sorry for them. Those who take pride in calling themselves non-believers/atheists or other fancy synonyms, may your
strength never fail you when you need it most. And those who question the rationale of my belief, may Krishna save you.
I have never claimed to be the best example of the human specimen - female at that. Society (for what it is worth) at large expects of us certain standards by virtue of our role in life - human, male, female, employed, self employed, unemployed, studying....and so on. Over a period of time we get adept at hiding our true self and projecting an image (sometimes vastly different from the truth) that others would like (we presume).
If only all mothers took time to understand the real person behind their child and let them be. Only a child can fearlessly and upfront make a face at anyone on being unjustly punished. Only a child can freely accept their dislike for a bath, baked beans or even a person. I am not asking to let them grow into disrespectful people. But allow children to choose and modify their tastes to suit themselves as well as others.
Instead of controlling their innocence, help channelize their emotions. Instead of an outright rejection of their guilelessness help them mature with love. Help them grow up into mature, sensitive individuals who also feel liberated enough to pull a face at a stupid boss.
Getting back to myself. I am in a very I-ME-MYSELF mood today. So thought why not indulge? And what better place than a blog to do so? I know - sounds pathetic.....but who cares :-)
So.... in no particular order, here are some things I HATE ;-)
Getting up early in the morning
---------------------------------
No normal person should ever be asked to wake up before 8.00am in the morning.... period.
If someone called me earlier than that (especially on a holiday) and asked, "Sorry were you sleeping? Hope I did not disturb you", My first instinct would be to say, "Go ************* " and several such choice adjectives. However, considering the sensitivities of people around me, I
am bound to say, "Yeah...was asleep, but its ok...no problem". No problem!!! My foot.
A sad fact though is that, I have to be in office by 7.00 - 7.15 am. It takes a minimum 30 minutes to reach office. Therefore, I have to wake up by 6.15 - 6.30 am every working day!!! :-(
My father and sister love to wake up early in the morning. They derive some insane & inexplicable (will forever remain unknown to me) pleasure by waking early. More irksome is that, my father - fully aware of my hatred for "an early morning tryst with the world" - loves to ask the same question everyday - again fully aware that I no longer have the option to choose a negative (unless I am virtually dying) :-(
The question is, "Do you plan to go to office?" :X I choose not to respond. I need about 15 minutes to sit up and convince myself that I am indeed awake. Only then can I set foot on the ground. Also, everyone close to me knows, I do not like to say "GOOD MORNING" immediately upon waking . I feel nothing good about it.
The reason my father seldom gets a negative is because I love my job and the sense of independence it brings. So..... I am reduced to perpetually doing what I hate to do, almost everyday. :-(
Following procedures and policies over and over again
---------------------------------------------------------
Everyone gets good at a job when they do it regularly. You develop an instinct over time. However, stupid laws and legal complications, necessitate that you follow all procedures and policies over and over again. What a waste of time and energy.
I fully empathize with "GOOD & HONEST" law enforcement officials. I understand their limitations. At least, my directives are from people who try to abide by the laws and not otherwise.
Here's a really mean thought that just struck me -
Organize an event - Lots of food + wine + free goodies + automated fun and frolic - Invitations restricted to only politicians, lawyers and criminals (of any capacity) from all over the world!!!! When everyone of these entities are in, lock all doors and windows and blow up the place :-D. All other marginally bad people would automatically resolve themselves (as there would no longer be any protection available to them). What a clean, free and pleasant world we could then look forward to. :-p ;-)
Jokes apart, lets get back to me!
I hate to brush and bathe as soon as I wake up on holidays!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------
I have said this before and I reiterate - I do not beleive that something is good purely because the rest of the world says so. It might have its merits and I am not contesting that. However, I like to choose what/when I want to do a particular chore. For starters, I like to first have tea/coffee before brushing my teeth :-) The world will not come to an end if I bathe at 12.00 noon or later instead of by 10.00 am....will it???
I am a decent cook (when in the mood)...however, I am sure, I would hate to do it regularly
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its not the cooking per se, that I hate. I hate the before and after of it. It takes away the charm when you have to clean, cut, dice, chop, grind all neccessary ingredients first. The actual process of cooking is interesting. But before you are even done relishing the food (you spent so much time making), it is time to clear the table and do the dishes. :-(
I would enjoy cooking and feeding a permanent someone who would help in sharing the before and after processes. :-)
I hate grocery shopping! Especially veggies and meat :-D
------------------------------------------------------------
I do manage to drag myself along for a trip to the supermarket. But I dread and almost abhor having to tread to the 'sabji market' and the meat and fish stalls :-( Unfortunately here in India, I still do not see the value-add of buying frozen perishables at an illogically higher cost when the fresher and cheaper options are available almost down the street. While it seems hypocritical, I attribute it to the fact that I am (and hopefully will always remain) an Indian at
heart. I want all modern facilities but at the barest minimum cost - A socialist come to think of it.... WoW....No wonder Kolkata has been on my mind so much lately. I guess penning this down is helping me discover some hidden traits about myself too.
Trust me when I say, Indians (especially in the socialists states) are the most intelligent and happy people on earth. But I cannot be a true blue socialist either, as the democrat in me screams for freedom of choice.
I hate people who hop into bed wearing outside clothes
-------------------------------------------------------------
To an extent I am particular about general cleanliness. I do not push others for it as long as they do not dirty my space on purpose. But when it comes to the bed, I am a stickler for cleanliness. Don't ask me why. It is just who I am.
I hate dirty washrooms
--------------------------
I remember cleaning my washroom myself ever since I could manage it. I do not let anyone else do it (unless they share the same views on cleanliness as I). I guess it runs in my family and almost all relatives . Hence, is an acquired trait. I do not gel well with people who portray
superficial cleanliness bur maintain unhygienic toilets.
I hate spicy food --- I mean chillies only!
------------------------------------------
My constitution does not support it :-P My tastebuds are super sensitive to chillies. Consuming any thing spicy makes my eyes water and nose run. I feel embarrassed & hence prefer admiring chillies and its other substitutes from a distance. :-)
I hate slim people :-( .... Correction... I admire them....But am jealous :-(
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hate snobs.
---------------
I shall not qualify them with further comment.
I hate people who pretend innocence
---------------------------------------
A common occurrence in North-Indian and Bengali women. They can give western women a run for their money when trying to ensnare eligible men. Most are amazingly desperate for marriage by the end of their teens. Attraction towards the opposite sex starts much earlier. Most of their conversation revolves around men. Ask them why you need a three phase electrical connection at home and you will surely get blank looks. But mention even a Mills and Boon let alone Harold Robbins and they will choke as if the Anti-Christ just visited them. Doesn't the concept of procreation never enter their heads when they spend hours discussing men!!!
Be who you are. It is ok to not know. Just because some over powering, loud, macho males ( with egos as big as an elephant and mentality of a rat) have deemed these as bad books for young women to read, does not necessarily mean they are bad. I am not saying these books are good (neither will I join their marketing team). I would just like these women better if they could accept that they are not as innocent as they would like me to believe.
I hate people who say Sidney Sheldon books are bad.
------------------------------------------------------
They are adult books!!! Some say.
At 21, if someone does not consider themselves adult enough, I wonder when they will grow up (if ever). While I just about fall short of calling myself an SS fan, he is most definitely one of my favourites. Some of the most gripping plots I have read were by SS. I love his close to reality and sometimes quite logical approach to fiction writing. If one calls an SS novel 'racy' it means they only looked at the racy tidbits and hence, the remaining plot passed them by. I am sure I read my first SS while still in my teens.
You do not become bad by reading a so called "Adult" book or stimulating content for that matter. Shying to talk of something natural means the problem is within you and your perception. Don't blame a book if you can't control your senses and are unable to differentiate fiction from reality.
The choices you make, make you your own person. It is sometimes extremely tough to choose the right over wrong. As long as you have faith on yourself and your heart is in the right place, you cant go too wrong. Stop blaming books or authors. Delve deep into yourself and weed out the inherent darkness first.
I hate people who do not respect their parents
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Disclaimer - The purview of my hatred does not extend to those who unfortunately had sorry examples for parents.
For the rest, who choose to disrespect and ignore those very parents who tried their best to give you as much as they could...."May you live a happy life."
I know parents seem like a burden to many. I wish they could see what their lives would be if their parents had given up on them - while they were still kids - because kids are most definitely a handful.
The number of such retards seem to be on the rise and no matter how much I try to ignore the fact....deep down I feel aggrieved. Educated women (especially in the cities) who bemoan the lack of financial security for being a home-maker do not qualify for my sympathy either. Let me not elaborate anymore or I shall go on forever.
I hate people who act like they know it all when they really don't.
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Some choice examples are pass outs of certain institutions who consider intellect as their monopoly. They trip over themselves to prove it to the world and anyone who is willing to listen. More coming up later.........
And then there is another variety. People from institutions with a glorious past. They live in the shadows of the institute and its past glories, while contributing nothing worthwhile themselves. Several specimen from this variety can be found in Bengal. These weeds have for years contributed to the downfall of my hometown and unfortunately will continue to do so. I wish there was a broom that could selectively sweep them out of this world to a different planet
altogether.... :-P
I hate cold and damp weather
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Summer is the best season :-D. I have no wish to ever live anywhere that is cold. Thanks but no thanks US, UK & the like.
And lastly the most important of all.....
I hate those without faith. I hate those even more who have the audacity to question my faith
===============================================================
I pride myself for my patience and tolerance (even religious tolerance to an extent). My religion is a factor of birth. Faith and belief however, are my own. I was never forced by anyone to bow my head in prayer. I was free to choose my direction in life as long as it did not lead to choosing a change of religion.
My early visits to the temple (with grandparents) had nothing to do with force. I would just tag along with the usual persistence that children usually have. As well as the fact that, there weren't too many options for daily outing in a tiny district town.
My love for Krishna (Madhav) had nothing to do with the Bhagwad Gita or Mahabharat. The blue, smiling idol was just a cute looking boy who I thought of as a friend. In his house (temple) his father (the priest) always gave me the juiciest mango pieces, amazing bhog prasad and
payasam worth dying for. Gopal's smile never faltered. I felt mean for enjoying such tasty treats at his house everyday but couldn't help tagging along. I would stand in front him. Tell him I was sorry for being so mean. Share with him the details of what I did the whole day. Share my woes (at having to learn to read Bengali), grievances (Dad's postcard said I got the first rank but the bad teacher had given me 95/100 in maths) so on and so forth.
I cannot recollect when that friendship evolved into respect and then faith. I am a fan of Krishna. I do not qualify to be called a devotee yet.
He is a friend, a guide, a helping hand and my safety net when I want one. He is my God and someone who in a human incarnate I can easily fall in love with,
Those who only understand the dictionary definition of God, I have nothing to explain. Those who think they are over and above the scope of God's benevolence, I feel sorry for them. Those who take pride in calling themselves non-believers/atheists or other fancy synonyms, may your
strength never fail you when you need it most. And those who question the rationale of my belief, may Krishna save you.
To be continued......
The Mumbai attack and the ensuing madness is being avidly followed by the masses. In India, revolution occurs only after a trigger event. We do not believe in a gradual progression. It has to be sudden or nothing at all. The quintessential "We are like that only" and 'Chalta hai chalne do' syndrome.
I have followed the attacks and the other associated events but with a little less interest, coz "I am like that only". On a serious note, I have always believed in hearing both sides of the story to be able to form an unbiased opinion. I am not God and hence I suffer from the same frailties as the rest of us - namely fear, anger, ego and bias. But I try to think with my mind and not my heart. My heart bleeds for the death of innocents. My heart is angry and mad at the callousness displayed by the politicians and media the world over. My blood boils at being let down due to a systemic failure of the country I love so much.
Yes the media played a great role in galvanizing prompt action. However, somewhere down the line it has started acting as the jury and the judge. I do not want to listen only to them. I want to think too.
Mumbai - The economic capital of India was under siege by terrorists for over 72 hours. It was a war we witnessed. A war that was fought at different levels - Personal, political, military as well as psychological. To each of us it meant something personal. It either forced us to wake up and realize our own failures and weaknesses or strengthened our convictions for or against certain notions.
The majority of the population was divided into 2 groups -
1. Who condemned the attacks and started planning/debating on what to do next (Godspeed to u) &
2. The war mongers who just happily went ahead bashing certain societies, countries and communities (with enough facts as far as they were concerned) - the callous (I will refer to them as such going forward).
Of the minority again there were 2 groups -
1. Who did/said nothing and enjoyed themselves by just watching the 'tamasha' that was being played out by the callous (may God bless them) &
2. The cowards (like me) who sat back and tried to perceive the whole picture by analyzing and linking long forgotten facts (may God be with us).
The callous bitched, cribbed, read and forwarded stupid emails and videos and created a tense atmosphere of restless energy and negativity everywhere with no scope of release. They ended up frustrated and confused more than anything else. Their confusion reached a level where they started doubting even those who were the only constructive force in all of this - The NSG, Mumbai Police and the Firemen! This was exactly the reason I chose to be a coward. At least I am sure who my heroes are. I will not stand in judgment of these brave/selfless men.
Coming to the cowards. We determined to not cast aspersions or blame (no matter how tempted we were) on any specific societies, countries and communities without sufficient proof. Yes we blamed the terrorists, their entire organizations and heads. But somewhere deep down there is a hesitation to blame it all on one side. I personally have a reservation seeing the quick action force that was brought in by the FBI. I am not doubting their actions. I am skeptical of their presence. Can America really survive and sustain its economy and military superiority without waging a war? Will the multi-billion dollar arms industry go down quietly, now that they are short of a weapons testing ground? Some questions are scary if u contemplate their answers. The callous do not understand this. They choose to remain blind to certain 'in your face' facts. But it is their choice.
The terrorists to me are God's orphans. Disowned by their own Gods, they belong nowhere and to no one. Justice has already been served in part to them in life. The rest they shall endure in hell.
I have followed the attacks and the other associated events but with a little less interest, coz "I am like that only". On a serious note, I have always believed in hearing both sides of the story to be able to form an unbiased opinion. I am not God and hence I suffer from the same frailties as the rest of us - namely fear, anger, ego and bias. But I try to think with my mind and not my heart. My heart bleeds for the death of innocents. My heart is angry and mad at the callousness displayed by the politicians and media the world over. My blood boils at being let down due to a systemic failure of the country I love so much.
Yes the media played a great role in galvanizing prompt action. However, somewhere down the line it has started acting as the jury and the judge. I do not want to listen only to them. I want to think too.
Mumbai - The economic capital of India was under siege by terrorists for over 72 hours. It was a war we witnessed. A war that was fought at different levels - Personal, political, military as well as psychological. To each of us it meant something personal. It either forced us to wake up and realize our own failures and weaknesses or strengthened our convictions for or against certain notions.
The majority of the population was divided into 2 groups -
1. Who condemned the attacks and started planning/debating on what to do next (Godspeed to u) &
2. The war mongers who just happily went ahead bashing certain societies, countries and communities (with enough facts as far as they were concerned) - the callous (I will refer to them as such going forward).
Of the minority again there were 2 groups -
1. Who did/said nothing and enjoyed themselves by just watching the 'tamasha' that was being played out by the callous (may God bless them) &
2. The cowards (like me) who sat back and tried to perceive the whole picture by analyzing and linking long forgotten facts (may God be with us).
The callous bitched, cribbed, read and forwarded stupid emails and videos and created a tense atmosphere of restless energy and negativity everywhere with no scope of release. They ended up frustrated and confused more than anything else. Their confusion reached a level where they started doubting even those who were the only constructive force in all of this - The NSG, Mumbai Police and the Firemen! This was exactly the reason I chose to be a coward. At least I am sure who my heroes are. I will not stand in judgment of these brave/selfless men.
Coming to the cowards. We determined to not cast aspersions or blame (no matter how tempted we were) on any specific societies, countries and communities without sufficient proof. Yes we blamed the terrorists, their entire organizations and heads. But somewhere deep down there is a hesitation to blame it all on one side. I personally have a reservation seeing the quick action force that was brought in by the FBI. I am not doubting their actions. I am skeptical of their presence. Can America really survive and sustain its economy and military superiority without waging a war? Will the multi-billion dollar arms industry go down quietly, now that they are short of a weapons testing ground? Some questions are scary if u contemplate their answers. The callous do not understand this. They choose to remain blind to certain 'in your face' facts. But it is their choice.
The terrorists to me are God's orphans. Disowned by their own Gods, they belong nowhere and to no one. Justice has already been served in part to them in life. The rest they shall endure in hell.
Think the thought through
A friend of mine had a very interesting message displayed on her messenger client. Made a lot of sense to me . I took her permission to pen it in my blog as well. Hope it helps some of you out there too.
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!!"
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind!!"
Indicolors
I am amazed at the sheer multitude & abundance of colors (I mean colour) India has been blessed with. Everywhere you look you see varying shades of life. ABCD'S, half baked non residents of no man's lands, and pseudo critical eyes may look down upon the seeming disarray and apparent dishevelment. The bleached variety of our species are dumbfounded when they see a cow or a bull nonchalantly crossing a street or clogging up traffic thoroughfare. They start clicking photos of the same as if these innocent animals were aliens. I am sure the animals in western countries have stopped roaming on the streets for fear of being caught and gobbled up (just kidding!).
Have you ever noticed the absolute innocence in the eyes of a buffalo or the unsteady gait of a calf trying to keep up with its mother? Have you noticed the sheer bravado of a stray pup shouting at a bull (perhaps in an attempt to show off to his girlfriend) and the total disregard on the bull's face? Have you noticed the kinship of stray dog with a child of the streets? Have you noticed how an aging stray dog stands guard over an infant playing on the streets? It is foolish to try and capture such beauty in print. It should leave a mark on one's conscience. You do not need time to observe such things. They are a way of life in India where life means a colorful blend of joys and sorrows.
I do not question why we celebrate so many festivals every year. I love to celebrate all of them. They might be pointless and at times costly but atleast they give us something new to wake up to every morning. Atleast I do not spend my hard earned money in the pubs and nightclubs and contribute to make some low lives richer everyday. I do not pretend to understand the fascination the west holds for the youth today. All I know is that, I wouldn't trade my motherland for any other place on earth.
Have you ever noticed the absolute innocence in the eyes of a buffalo or the unsteady gait of a calf trying to keep up with its mother? Have you noticed the sheer bravado of a stray pup shouting at a bull (perhaps in an attempt to show off to his girlfriend) and the total disregard on the bull's face? Have you noticed the kinship of stray dog with a child of the streets? Have you noticed how an aging stray dog stands guard over an infant playing on the streets? It is foolish to try and capture such beauty in print. It should leave a mark on one's conscience. You do not need time to observe such things. They are a way of life in India where life means a colorful blend of joys and sorrows.
I do not question why we celebrate so many festivals every year. I love to celebrate all of them. They might be pointless and at times costly but atleast they give us something new to wake up to every morning. Atleast I do not spend my hard earned money in the pubs and nightclubs and contribute to make some low lives richer everyday. I do not pretend to understand the fascination the west holds for the youth today. All I know is that, I wouldn't trade my motherland for any other place on earth.
Misplaced intellect
Why do we call the western world developed? Most of the population there have anti-depressants as their staple diet. They pop a pill if they lose a partner, when they watch tv, when they see their offspring, if they gain a little weight and sometimes they pop a pill just for the heck of it. These people are the loneliest of the lot. They have no roots and when they are done trying to get over the fact, they start trying to find them. They live dual lives. On the surface and to the outside world they hide behind a confident & superior than thou facade. On the inside they are plagued by loneliness, rejection, fear of rejection and insecurity. Their lives according to me is the perfect example of materialistic existence. Unfortunately, we too are headed there.
What does development mean to us? We have stopped noticing the little things in life. All our living breathing moments revolve around silicon variants, Wasn't it meant to be the other way round? We find it easier to question our values and morals without for once thinking as to what we are without them. Are we bigger and better individuals today than our ancestors?
If we are indeed living a more developed life than our forefathers, shouldn't we in turn possess more good qualities than them? Shouldn't we be more hardworking, wiser (without google search), sacrificing, honest and blah, blah, blah?
Why are we so fascinated by everything that carries the western tag? Don't all religious texts proclaim that life started in the east? Why are we all trying so hard to end it in the west? The sun still rises first in the east. I am not saying that we have nothing to learn from the west. They are a hardworking lot. But their hard work is motivated by just one ELEMENT - MONEY.
We are STILL perhaps lazier in comparison to our western counterparts but with good reason. We can laugh out loud, we have families where we shout at & disagree with each other yet gather together at the dinner table without hurting our egos. We can scold our children without fear of imprisonment. We do not need psychologists and psycho analysts to set our kids right. Yes, we have our hangups. Yes, we are not open with our affections in public (I do not have such hangups but do not see any point in questioning them either). We are sufficiently independent (in the cities) to make our own choices (if we want to) without the burden of a moral baggage.
What does development mean to us? We have stopped noticing the little things in life. All our living breathing moments revolve around silicon variants, Wasn't it meant to be the other way round? We find it easier to question our values and morals without for once thinking as to what we are without them. Are we bigger and better individuals today than our ancestors?
If we are indeed living a more developed life than our forefathers, shouldn't we in turn possess more good qualities than them? Shouldn't we be more hardworking, wiser (without google search), sacrificing, honest and blah, blah, blah?
Why are we so fascinated by everything that carries the western tag? Don't all religious texts proclaim that life started in the east? Why are we all trying so hard to end it in the west? The sun still rises first in the east. I am not saying that we have nothing to learn from the west. They are a hardworking lot. But their hard work is motivated by just one ELEMENT - MONEY.
We are STILL perhaps lazier in comparison to our western counterparts but with good reason. We can laugh out loud, we have families where we shout at & disagree with each other yet gather together at the dinner table without hurting our egos. We can scold our children without fear of imprisonment. We do not need psychologists and psycho analysts to set our kids right. Yes, we have our hangups. Yes, we are not open with our affections in public (I do not have such hangups but do not see any point in questioning them either). We are sufficiently independent (in the cities) to make our own choices (if we want to) without the burden of a moral baggage.
Define Brahman
In one of my usual browsing sessions today, I came across a wiki article that raised a very elemental question.
What is the authenticity of the rituals that we follow today in the name of religion (Hinduism in particular)? More precisely, who is a Brahman?
There are copies of the Bible and Quran in certain museums but a complete collection of the Vedas/Shrutis is unheard of. Online archives of the same are of dubious authencity. Perhaps it is largely owing to the early origins of the same. However, the question remains as to the validity of our rituals and ceremonies.
Is a Brahman caste a result of heredity? Or was it meant as a class/distinction granted to meritorious students in the gurukuls? It is a known fact that not all Brahman children are brilliant and vice versa. Therefore, how is it fair to deny the right of our scriptures to our meritorious counterparts simply because they are not conferred the Brahman caste?
The learning of the Vedas was a closely guarded secret for ages. The same has been passed from one generation to the other mostly by word of mouth. Granted that such individuals were learned men of the highest order. Questioning their integrity is definitely a no brainer but what about the interpretation of the shrutis from one generation to the other?
It is an accepted fact that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. If Brahman is a product of heredity, why then were Brahman women denied the right to scriptures by the so called brahmins? We know for a fact that women like Gargi, Maitreyee, Khana and others were conferred the Brahman title and elaborate thread ceremonies were performed for them by the rishis. So where did it all change and why? If Brahman is a result of an unbroken line of male descendants and progeny which undoubtedly is a factor of two (of which one is deliberately kept ignorant), what is the guarantee that the resulting gene will be of the highest order?
Coming from a "unbroken" Brahman family where women are treated equal if not superior to men, I have had the privilege to question our roots. I find it depressing when people are rejected as proper alliances in our family simply bcoz of their caste. I am a devotee of Krishna and find myself increasingly being drawn to the teachings of Sanatana Dharma. Is there a clear answer to all my questions which will resurrect my complete faith in the caste system?
What is the authenticity of the rituals that we follow today in the name of religion (Hinduism in particular)? More precisely, who is a Brahman?
There are copies of the Bible and Quran in certain museums but a complete collection of the Vedas/Shrutis is unheard of. Online archives of the same are of dubious authencity. Perhaps it is largely owing to the early origins of the same. However, the question remains as to the validity of our rituals and ceremonies.
Is a Brahman caste a result of heredity? Or was it meant as a class/distinction granted to meritorious students in the gurukuls? It is a known fact that not all Brahman children are brilliant and vice versa. Therefore, how is it fair to deny the right of our scriptures to our meritorious counterparts simply because they are not conferred the Brahman caste?
The learning of the Vedas was a closely guarded secret for ages. The same has been passed from one generation to the other mostly by word of mouth. Granted that such individuals were learned men of the highest order. Questioning their integrity is definitely a no brainer but what about the interpretation of the shrutis from one generation to the other?
It is an accepted fact that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. If Brahman is a product of heredity, why then were Brahman women denied the right to scriptures by the so called brahmins? We know for a fact that women like Gargi, Maitreyee, Khana and others were conferred the Brahman title and elaborate thread ceremonies were performed for them by the rishis. So where did it all change and why? If Brahman is a result of an unbroken line of male descendants and progeny which undoubtedly is a factor of two (of which one is deliberately kept ignorant), what is the guarantee that the resulting gene will be of the highest order?
Coming from a "unbroken" Brahman family where women are treated equal if not superior to men, I have had the privilege to question our roots. I find it depressing when people are rejected as proper alliances in our family simply bcoz of their caste. I am a devotee of Krishna and find myself increasingly being drawn to the teachings of Sanatana Dharma. Is there a clear answer to all my questions which will resurrect my complete faith in the caste system?
English is easy
I am lucky to have a father who is a convent educated walking-talking dictionary of the English language. He created the basic platform for me to learn accent free English. I was lucky again in my schooling where my teachers spoke excellent English. I have often been complimented on my English by people of different races. Not all of us are that lucky I know, yet....
How difficult can it be to speak fluent English? Why do most Indians have a mother tongue influence only while speaking English but can converse like a pro in other regional languages? What can be so difficult about speaking accent free, grammatically correct sentences in ENGLISH???
I have nothing against those who choose not to learn English. In fact I am proud of them and think of them as true Indians. At least they have an identity. I love all Indians who travel to foreign lands knowing just their mother tongue and force foreigners to decipher their signals. But what about those who choose to learn half baked stuff and cannot even carry it off?
Why then do we get angry when a white skin mocks our accent yet choose to keep quite when he speaks ridiculous Hindi (and do not give me the cultural values crap). Why do we at all respond to foreigners who do not even bother to bring a language dictionary along on their trips to India? Meet the same foreigner in Spain or Italy or Russia or for that matter in Afghanistan and he will have invested in a local language dictionary.
Meet a Russian or an Israeli and u know he/she understands perfect English, but will not speak the same out of sheer pride for their own language.
Are Indians greedy? Do we really still nurture a slave mentality? Questions like these result in heated arguments in the so called "intellectual" communities. When will we face up to reality? How long will it take for Indians to discover their true individualities?
How difficult can it be to speak fluent English? Why do most Indians have a mother tongue influence only while speaking English but can converse like a pro in other regional languages? What can be so difficult about speaking accent free, grammatically correct sentences in ENGLISH???
I have nothing against those who choose not to learn English. In fact I am proud of them and think of them as true Indians. At least they have an identity. I love all Indians who travel to foreign lands knowing just their mother tongue and force foreigners to decipher their signals. But what about those who choose to learn half baked stuff and cannot even carry it off?
Why then do we get angry when a white skin mocks our accent yet choose to keep quite when he speaks ridiculous Hindi (and do not give me the cultural values crap). Why do we at all respond to foreigners who do not even bother to bring a language dictionary along on their trips to India? Meet the same foreigner in Spain or Italy or Russia or for that matter in Afghanistan and he will have invested in a local language dictionary.
Meet a Russian or an Israeli and u know he/she understands perfect English, but will not speak the same out of sheer pride for their own language.
Are Indians greedy? Do we really still nurture a slave mentality? Questions like these result in heated arguments in the so called "intellectual" communities. When will we face up to reality? How long will it take for Indians to discover their true individualities?
Rooted
I am a probashi (non resident) Bengali. Born and brought up entirely in Hyderabad.
Until about 3 years ago, if someone criticized Kolkata for its impoverished conditions, I would have supported their views wholeheartedly. But not any longer. I agree, that in comparison to other metros, kolkata is sadly lacking on several counts, especially infrastructure!!!
However, there is absolutely no way in which any other city in the WORLD can be "THE CITY OF JOY" other than kolkata. And these are not my words, they are DOMINIQUE LAPIERE'S.
To understand the dilapidated condition of this historical city, u must first read up its history. U talk of expansion, infrastructure malls, industry, maintenance.....Remember the number of times, this very city was chosen as the capital city by different rulers time and time again?
Remember the time when this little city had to accommodate an exodus of refugees from Bangladesh and Pakistan? Remember how this glorious city of ours provided food, shelter, clothing, work and prestige to our homeless brothers and sisters?
U complain of lack of space!!!! Answer this question first - where would any of us b today, if Kolkata had not given our ancestors space then???
U want to know of industries here!!!! Kolkata houses the largest and possibly the best leather industry in the country!!! It has jute and cotton industries as well. And why wud u want to build industries in a city where every inch of land is cultivable!!!!
Check out the week magazine article of June 2006. It has an article on the rising industrialists of Bengal. From leathers exports to jute mills, from packaged food to cutting edge technology, we have it all!!!! AND NO THEY R NOT MARWARIS. They r very much "BENGALIS"
There was a time when I too complained of the such things as dirt, ill-maintenance, potholes, open drains, dingy roads, pollution, rickety buses, dark alleys....so on and so forth....
I was loathe to visit that beautiful city every summer. Never understood its beauty before. Never saw the beatific smile of the poor child, bathing on the road side.
Today I know what I have missed! Don't go by first impressions, they are not always right! Look around the city on foot if possible and u'll simply fall in love with Kolkata.
Despite all that apparent disarray, Kolkata is a shopper's paradise. A unique city that houses the filthy rich and the sickly poor with equanimity. Why do u think, that despite such under development, the richest Indian "Mr. Laxmi Narayan Mittal" celebrated his wards marriage there?
Show me one other city that can match up to Kolkata's variety of sweets and delicacies!!!
Show me just one more city where u get to eat a stomach full of "Bhaat, dal and Macher Jhol" for just Rs 8!!!!! Show me one other city where u actually get merchandise below the prescribed MRP (which is as it should b).
Show me one other city where the entire community comes together to celebrate one single festival on the scales of our DURGA PUJO. Not even Mumbai can come close to it.
I request u to read the novel "shei shomoy" or "THOSE DAYS"(in English) by Sunil Gangopadhyay before ur next visit to kolkata. It will possibly help u to understand Kol better. It certainly did help me. Remember, there is more to kolkata than meets the eye. Don't blame the lack of infrastructure on the city. The blame lies with incompetent old fools who used to pass by as politicians earlier.
Check up on the development of the city in the last couple of years and u'll b proud to b a part of the city.
Of course, non-resident Bnegali's like me will probably choose Hyderabad or other metros over kolkata, but we have absolutely no right to criticize this splendid city.
Until about 3 years ago, if someone criticized Kolkata for its impoverished conditions, I would have supported their views wholeheartedly. But not any longer. I agree, that in comparison to other metros, kolkata is sadly lacking on several counts, especially infrastructure!!!
However, there is absolutely no way in which any other city in the WORLD can be "THE CITY OF JOY" other than kolkata. And these are not my words, they are DOMINIQUE LAPIERE'S.
To understand the dilapidated condition of this historical city, u must first read up its history. U talk of expansion, infrastructure malls, industry, maintenance.....Remember the number of times, this very city was chosen as the capital city by different rulers time and time again?
Remember the time when this little city had to accommodate an exodus of refugees from Bangladesh and Pakistan? Remember how this glorious city of ours provided food, shelter, clothing, work and prestige to our homeless brothers and sisters?
U complain of lack of space!!!! Answer this question first - where would any of us b today, if Kolkata had not given our ancestors space then???
U want to know of industries here!!!! Kolkata houses the largest and possibly the best leather industry in the country!!! It has jute and cotton industries as well. And why wud u want to build industries in a city where every inch of land is cultivable!!!!
Check out the week magazine article of June 2006. It has an article on the rising industrialists of Bengal. From leathers exports to jute mills, from packaged food to cutting edge technology, we have it all!!!! AND NO THEY R NOT MARWARIS. They r very much "BENGALIS"
There was a time when I too complained of the such things as dirt, ill-maintenance, potholes, open drains, dingy roads, pollution, rickety buses, dark alleys....so on and so forth....
I was loathe to visit that beautiful city every summer. Never understood its beauty before. Never saw the beatific smile of the poor child, bathing on the road side.
Today I know what I have missed! Don't go by first impressions, they are not always right! Look around the city on foot if possible and u'll simply fall in love with Kolkata.
Despite all that apparent disarray, Kolkata is a shopper's paradise. A unique city that houses the filthy rich and the sickly poor with equanimity. Why do u think, that despite such under development, the richest Indian "Mr. Laxmi Narayan Mittal" celebrated his wards marriage there?
Show me one other city that can match up to Kolkata's variety of sweets and delicacies!!!
Show me just one more city where u get to eat a stomach full of "Bhaat, dal and Macher Jhol" for just Rs 8!!!!! Show me one other city where u actually get merchandise below the prescribed MRP (which is as it should b).
Show me one other city where the entire community comes together to celebrate one single festival on the scales of our DURGA PUJO. Not even Mumbai can come close to it.
I request u to read the novel "shei shomoy" or "THOSE DAYS"(in English) by Sunil Gangopadhyay before ur next visit to kolkata. It will possibly help u to understand Kol better. It certainly did help me. Remember, there is more to kolkata than meets the eye. Don't blame the lack of infrastructure on the city. The blame lies with incompetent old fools who used to pass by as politicians earlier.
Check up on the development of the city in the last couple of years and u'll b proud to b a part of the city.
Of course, non-resident Bnegali's like me will probably choose Hyderabad or other metros over kolkata, but we have absolutely no right to criticize this splendid city.
My friend revisited
Summer holidays always meant a trip to my mother's hometown. It is a quaint district town in West Bengal and has a charm all its own.
There is a little temple nearby that my grandparents would take me to everyday. The deities (3 of them) in the temple are actually our family deities which we could no longer maintain owing to financial reasons.
My favorite amongst the three, ever since I was a toddler, was a life sized, blue colored little child who stood with his legs crossed at the ankles, holding a flute at his lips.
Granny would tell me several stories about that child who did a lot of mischief when he lived in our home.
Sometimes the child would go out early in the morning and steal fresh peas from a Muslim farmer's crop and sometimes just hide our belongings and return them only when he was offered a pack of salt!
Being a quite child myself, I enjoyed listening to such mischievous activity of someone who I thought was my age.
Today I no longer have the time to go to my hometown and gaze at that lovely face. I console myself with a little golden idol gifted by my father. I keep my Gopal/Krishna at my desk and offer him all sorts of goodies that I personally like. My Gopal loves chocolates, biscuits, chips, cold drinks too, apart from the usual fruits and sweets.
I wonder why we restrict our offerings to God to and sweets only. Don't we get tired of eating the same kind of food everyday? Why then do we restrict God from eating tasty food when it is he who provides us with the means to eat tasty eats?
I learnt sometime back that in Iskcon they feel the same way as I do. Perhaps someday I shall be able to bring my little friend to some temple in Iskcon where he will no longer have to make mischief to eat better stuff.
Meanwhile, just hold on Gopal.
There is a little temple nearby that my grandparents would take me to everyday. The deities (3 of them) in the temple are actually our family deities which we could no longer maintain owing to financial reasons.
My favorite amongst the three, ever since I was a toddler, was a life sized, blue colored little child who stood with his legs crossed at the ankles, holding a flute at his lips.
Granny would tell me several stories about that child who did a lot of mischief when he lived in our home.
Sometimes the child would go out early in the morning and steal fresh peas from a Muslim farmer's crop and sometimes just hide our belongings and return them only when he was offered a pack of salt!
Being a quite child myself, I enjoyed listening to such mischievous activity of someone who I thought was my age.
Today I no longer have the time to go to my hometown and gaze at that lovely face. I console myself with a little golden idol gifted by my father. I keep my Gopal/Krishna at my desk and offer him all sorts of goodies that I personally like. My Gopal loves chocolates, biscuits, chips, cold drinks too, apart from the usual fruits and sweets.
I wonder why we restrict our offerings to God to and sweets only. Don't we get tired of eating the same kind of food everyday? Why then do we restrict God from eating tasty food when it is he who provides us with the means to eat tasty eats?
I learnt sometime back that in Iskcon they feel the same way as I do. Perhaps someday I shall be able to bring my little friend to some temple in Iskcon where he will no longer have to make mischief to eat better stuff.
Meanwhile, just hold on Gopal.
Am I fallback from a different era?
Never been much of a TV person however, watched a documentary playing today. Have been feeling really depressed ever since about the condition of our society at large.
Why is there such duplicity and selfishness amongst the young generation today?
We are the first to criticize our parents when they fail to provide for some of our needs. Towards the end of the their lives when they need us most, we happily send them to old age homes and consider having done our duties!!!
Why does marriage between two individuals not result in a happy union of two families as well? Why are we so selfish these days that we marry someone thinking only of our selfish needs and forget all about our parents?
Why are women unable to treat their in-laws with the same love and respect as her own family and vice-versa? Why do men feel burdened when reminded of their in-laws?
We talk management mumbo-jumbo like - "Take responsibility of your actions", "Owe upto your responsibility", "Be responsible", "Take up more responsibility" - and all of that crap without ever understanding the meaning of the word responsibility.
Where are we headed with such escapist & materialistic attitudes?
Why is there such duplicity and selfishness amongst the young generation today?
We are the first to criticize our parents when they fail to provide for some of our needs. Towards the end of the their lives when they need us most, we happily send them to old age homes and consider having done our duties!!!
Why does marriage between two individuals not result in a happy union of two families as well? Why are we so selfish these days that we marry someone thinking only of our selfish needs and forget all about our parents?
Why are women unable to treat their in-laws with the same love and respect as her own family and vice-versa? Why do men feel burdened when reminded of their in-laws?
We talk management mumbo-jumbo like - "Take responsibility of your actions", "Owe upto your responsibility", "Be responsible", "Take up more responsibility" - and all of that crap without ever understanding the meaning of the word responsibility.
Where are we headed with such escapist & materialistic attitudes?
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