The rules of growing up are changing.
When Britney croons ‘I am not that innocent’ and gyrates to it or there is a constant bombardment of sexual images on our TV screens, these people tend to become role model for teens. With overt display of sexuality, is this generation losing childhood and innocence sooner?
And this question is not just for Indian teenagers but also in the west. The oh-so-forward-looking America which we see in ‘Sex and the City’ or any such show does not reflect the true middle class America which is quite conservative. And has equally worried parents. Read this.
Leaving aside morals for the moment, because morals are different for different people, I wonder what is the psycological impact on teenagers as they are growing up so fast. What about confused and conflicting ideals? Are we aping the 'west' without realizing the problems teens there are grappling with?
I am not here to talk about what is right and what is wrong. Because right and wrong cannot be defined by one and accepted by others. Neither do I take a moralistic stand as I believe in the adage 'to each his own'. But I still want to ask- are todays's teens liberated or confused?
I leave this open to debate.
Update: Bloggers take on the issue
Amar Says
I think its tendancy of grown ups to think that new generation is going wrong way and they have lost values. I agree that things have changed, I agree that they are exposed more to sexuality but at the same time we must accept that they are more focused about what they want. There is one section in each generation who are hard working and achievers. Maturity brings wisdom and trusting the child is important.
Maddy Says
I think the teens are ‘all there’ and know how to get what they want – little to early in their lives for anyone’s comfort and least of all their own. The reasons can be many – aping the ‘west’ / USA - which have no culture of its own, too much exposure at an early age, peer pressure, lack of proper guidance, etc. Reasons for ‘confusion’ are many but still the teens would like to call themselves ‘liberated’! Why? Guess maybe because being ‘liberated’ means to be seen doing all the IN things – following latest fashion trends, brand names, being seen at the correct places with the correct people, sex, alcohol, drugs, etc…
Raghav Says
I think if each of us learns to take responsibility for our actions, then there should'nt be any problem. But the reality is we dont take the resposnibility for our actions often blaming parents, friends, relatives etc. We have to understand that Life gives us choices. We only have the freedom of choice. But we dont have control over the consequenses. So if a 13 year old wants to experiment with sex, then so be it as long as she or he takes responsibility for her/his actions. If a model wants to throw off her clothes in a song sequence, it's her choice to show off. It's the media's choice whether to show it to public or not and ultimately its our choice whether to see it or not. Whether you like it or not, its a natural evolution of human being that you move from a controlled environment to an environment where you need freedom. Parents need to accept the reality.
Harshal Says
We are liberated and thus a bit confused since we wanted to do everything ourselves sometimes we get lost. True, the crap shown on TV these days does make the child lose its innocence fast. Hopefully they will realise it quickly. As far as the west being an influence, I say east meets west and all hell breaks lose. Why are we so hell bent in copying everything they do when they are trying to copy us? I prefer an american attitude with indian traditions.
Lostpatrol53 Says
The young today have greater pressures than their parents. Not to belittle the parent generation, who had their own struggles and chose to generally live in the future and foregoing personal bliss. This was easier in the absence of overt exrternal titillations. Today, coping with with the inernal demons is a lot tougher.
Bhushan Says
There's is no doubt that today children tend tend to lose their innocence much too early. I will attribute this to our wildly aping the US - I repeat the US and not he west. US has no history from which a culture arises unlike any other country. And it is observed that any culture which can balance itself beween traditions and modernism progress a lot. Instilling traditional values in new generation from begining will impart them an identity which they lack at present which creates confusion and they will be able to choose between right and wrong.
Nysa Says
When I was passing thru this age, I was told by my parents that everything is neither good nor bad - its upto you to decide what is good for u n bad for you. Ofcourse the media exposure was also less. About casual sex - it is statistically proved that today 11-14 yrs of children are no more bacchas. They want to experiment everything they come across, unaware of the consequences. Its quite alarming that todays teens are much more grown up mentally than us, aware of things, possess just half the knowledge , which makes them curious and later on regret.
Godolphin Says
These young adults cannot be termed exactly as confused..they know about everything and also dont value morality as much as we do.
Saumya Says
Not confused not clueless plain dumb is what I would say. In west, the parents are too bewildered or bored or on drugs and cant be bothered two hoots about their kids. As far as they are concerned rude kids, teenage pregnancies, teenage crime is all the governments fault – but IDIOT indians do not see that. Kids who are now over exposed to the western world only see the freedom an average teenager has but the opp side is not visible to them.
Rajesh (Kachra king) Says
Since the cost of living has increased, celebrities have started wearing less and eating less (being socially conscious), the people should follow them :D
Karan Says
I agree that teenagers and even pre-teens are losing their 'innocence' much too early with the rapid bombardment of pictures, shows and teen 'idols' thrown on them from the west. Closer home while the likes of Mallika Sherawat may not be an idol, her provocative behaviour, item numbers, do leave a wrong message in impressionable minds. The difference is our strong family and cultural values. It is these very qualities that make us the best but this 'MTVisation' of Indian kids will make us lose that critical advatage.
Chin Says
Well! I think now a days teenagers assume that sex is "the" right thing to do! Doesn't matter with whom they sleep with and how many times. I wonder why only sex,alcohal,money are associated with hip attitude? Cashing on the liberty being given they keep experimenting with life and hence fall pray to stuff like mms scandal! Its fine to have sex as its a personal choice however there are other things out there to experiment like one can concentrate on sports,politics,news and many other fruitful things. I don't really know what would be the "right" way to nourish and educate teenagers!
Samy Says
I'd say they are confused and don't really know the true meaning of liberated. With the focus shone on sexuality in physical terms....young adults dont value their bodies or minds as much.
Max Says
Its wrong to be exposed to such influences at such an early eage when kids are easily impressionable, have lack of wisdom to decide whats right and whats wrong. The Role Models are are merely acting in the advertisement for money. What is shown on TV these days is porn and has an adverse impact on kids minds. Saying that morality and decency are subjective doesnt mean we take leave of our senses because kids are being influenced by the media. They are confused not liberated.
Rpramod Says
CONFUSED is my verdict. This is because the advent of western values require that things be looked at from better perspective and teens at their age are not mature enough to have the right perspective. As a result they end up doing too many things too early, thus reducing their childhood years and early burnout. The realisations dont come in time to remedy the flaws. Parents should fill in the gap by providing that much needed perspective through which their kids can decide.
Vrij Says
The result is 13-15 yr olds who are members of the following groups:
* Can u believe I never had a GF/BF ?
* Can u believe I never kissed?
* Can u believe I never had sex?
Tejbir Says
Sexuality was always there it was just that older generation was not open enough and they suppressed their thoughts and views, now its not suppressed and kids before maturity seem to be talking abt it which i think is being mature and will clear many misconceptions at an early stage but yes a wrong portrayal of the same is what is worrying! There is a difference between educating and tittilating
Skj Says
It is necessary to write and debate on these kinda important stuffs. Well, as per India's decades old policies - follow the mid-path.
Potato Says
Yes. We all have passed through our early vulnerable years and I often wonder what youngsters at the age of 13 or 14 think when they see so much on tv, read in newspapers, mags etc etc.. Many can be easily decieved into thinking that that sort of life is much more happier to live in..
Puneet Singh Says
I guess a bit of both. They are liberated because they are given a lot more freedom than their parents were, they now are no longer afraid to step outside their safe homes and match their wits against the best around the world. Confused - because when they meet other cultures, they want to embrace it as their own and then in the strain of maintaining decorum they are not sure to the extent of the embrace. It depends on an individuals preference and maturity level.
Frenchita Says
Everybody is learning from everybody ..west from east ..east from west. And cant keep down good comedy like " sex and...." down for long
Priya Says
Singers/actors will do nething to get publicity, n they have to keep "fresh" by changing their "image" from time to time (i.e. Britney going from being a doll to a sex kitten). Key is to teach the gurls to be able to differentiate between whats ok on TV is not really ok in real life. Magazines with airbrushed models have the same problem.
Savy the Supermom Says
I think they think they are cool only because of if "care a damn attitude"..it reeks all over. but more than them..the issues to be addressed are with the parents who have actually found their feet in two boats and are actually in the juggling act.. otherwise..i think the focus is there in the kids but priority given to personal needs to be addressed with them.
Sharad Says
They are partially liberated thats why they are confused.
Wise Donkey Says
I think kids today are just puppets whose strings are pulled by marketing giants. The role models are decided by cola companies. They have to be "cool" and cool is defined by what you eat, say and wear and not who you are. Kids are a reflection of the parents own insecurity. USA has become a symbol of what one should aspire to be, but the problems are not shown. If the Indian kids compare themselves with their western counterparts for freedom then they shud take responsibility and not expect their parents to sponsor their lifestyle and studies.
Bharati Says
I guess its "confused liberty" both from the from the parents perspective and from teh teenagers perspective. From parents perspective because they are confused abt the amount of liberty that is to be given and from teenagers perspective because they dont know how to make use of the partial liberty!!
Malini Says
Confused and clueless, and why only teens, its us too..guess in this "instant" age of changing ideals, what is true today will be a passe tomorrow...so we turn on to some other thing..endless quest for illusive goals.
Ghalib Fan Says
Todays the youth are blindly following the west....and a very much confused.. we should not forget our culture,whcih is far superior to them...... we should adopt their technologies but not their culture.......we should draw a line somwhere....
Originally posted on Monday, May 15, 2006 1:34 PM
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Didnt Think I Would. But I Did.
Fifty Posts. Eight Months. I didn’t think I would last this long.
When I started to write, I didn’t know what shape my blog would take. Will it be my personal diary or will it be an amalgamation of thoughts. I never though I would comment on political or social issues. But then I never thought I would be sharing my disjoint thoughts with people I had never met and with whom I have a connection!
This fiftieth post is turning into a personal journey which I didn’t think it would. I was going to write something political. Well that’s reserved for some other time.
I don’t know if 50 is a milestone. But when I read my older posts, I feel that I have grown so much as a person (figuratively and not physically :D). And at times I wonder if I really wrote what I wrote! And whether it would be a pleasant surprise or shock if people in my real life ever come across my blog.
Well the journey continues as this zephyr quietly breezes across O3!
On a parting note, I have been asked about my pseudo name many times. Here's a little poem to explain it.
Feel me caress your cheeks
Or as I play with your hair
Let my warmth envelope you
Try not to control me
As not in a bottle can I be held
Neither in the fist of your palm
Let not this zephyr become a storm untamed
An elusive enigma let me remain
Originally posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 4:32 PM
When I started to write, I didn’t know what shape my blog would take. Will it be my personal diary or will it be an amalgamation of thoughts. I never though I would comment on political or social issues. But then I never thought I would be sharing my disjoint thoughts with people I had never met and with whom I have a connection!
This fiftieth post is turning into a personal journey which I didn’t think it would. I was going to write something political. Well that’s reserved for some other time.
I don’t know if 50 is a milestone. But when I read my older posts, I feel that I have grown so much as a person (figuratively and not physically :D). And at times I wonder if I really wrote what I wrote! And whether it would be a pleasant surprise or shock if people in my real life ever come across my blog.
Well the journey continues as this zephyr quietly breezes across O3!
On a parting note, I have been asked about my pseudo name many times. Here's a little poem to explain it.
Feel me caress your cheeks
Or as I play with your hair
Let my warmth envelope you
Try not to control me
As not in a bottle can I be held
Neither in the fist of your palm
Let not this zephyr become a storm untamed
An elusive enigma let me remain
Originally posted on Tuesday, May 09, 2006 4:32 PM
Pigeon Factory, A Maternity Ward And A Song
There’s a pigeon factory in my home! Now now… it doesn’t mean that I make pigeons. It means that many pigeon couples live in my balcony. After been evicted many times, they have unfailingly returned here. Just like the encroachment on Delhi streets. May be I need a Supreme Court stay order or will it be a fly order?
And these pigeons reproduce @ speed of light! I think they compete with other couples who will produce more kids. Hence the pigeon population keeps increasing. Is it an Indian phenomenon which has trickled down to pigeons or does it happen everywhere? The ‘maternity ward’ as called by my family, is doing brisk business these days.
Oh the babies are actually adorable. They are yellow in colour and look like chicks (and chicks here doesn’t mean hot looking women). One little chick got my attention. So I sang Nelly Furtado’s ‘I am like a bird’ to it everyday. A few days later the baby died and I was heart broken. I hope I didn’t kill it with my singing. I just wanted to motivate it to fly.
And here’s one couple who has made a home at my window sill. If in the night I switch on the light, they think that morning has arrived. Invariably they start flying and end up crashing on the grill. Bird brain, they are!
Alright, enough of pigeon tales for now. Gotta go and pretend to work now!
Originally posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 1:31 PM
And these pigeons reproduce @ speed of light! I think they compete with other couples who will produce more kids. Hence the pigeon population keeps increasing. Is it an Indian phenomenon which has trickled down to pigeons or does it happen everywhere? The ‘maternity ward’ as called by my family, is doing brisk business these days.
Oh the babies are actually adorable. They are yellow in colour and look like chicks (and chicks here doesn’t mean hot looking women). One little chick got my attention. So I sang Nelly Furtado’s ‘I am like a bird’ to it everyday. A few days later the baby died and I was heart broken. I hope I didn’t kill it with my singing. I just wanted to motivate it to fly.
And here’s one couple who has made a home at my window sill. If in the night I switch on the light, they think that morning has arrived. Invariably they start flying and end up crashing on the grill. Bird brain, they are!
Alright, enough of pigeon tales for now. Gotta go and pretend to work now!
Originally posted on Wednesday, May 03, 2006 1:31 PM
Forest Gump: Reel to Real
As I heard that four and a half year old boy called Budhia had created a world record I suddenly remembered Forest Gump.
This kid was discovered when he was told to run around a ground as a form of punishment. The punisher forgot all about it and when he came five hours later, this little boy was still running around the ground!
I wonder what made him run so much?
After that, he was trained by a coach for about an year. And now after running 65 km in 7.2 hours, he gets to be in the limca book of records.
Read the news story here
Update: Oh.. and here is an interesting counter view
Originally posted on Tuesday, May 02, 2006 3:40 PM
This kid was discovered when he was told to run around a ground as a form of punishment. The punisher forgot all about it and when he came five hours later, this little boy was still running around the ground!
I wonder what made him run so much?
After that, he was trained by a coach for about an year. And now after running 65 km in 7.2 hours, he gets to be in the limca book of records.
Read the news story here
Update: Oh.. and here is an interesting counter view
Originally posted on Tuesday, May 02, 2006 3:40 PM
Forest Gump: Reel to Real
As I heard that four and a half year old boy called Budhia had created a world record I suddenly remembered Forest Gump.
This kid was discovered when he was told to run around a ground as a form of punishment. The punisher forgot all about it and when he came five hours later, this little boy was still running around the ground!
I wonder what made him run so much?
After that, he was trained by a coach for about an year. And now after running 65 km in 7.2 hours, he gets to be in the limca book of records.
Read the news story here
Update: Oh.. and here is an interesting counter view
Originally posted on Tuesday, May 02, 2006 3:40 PM
This kid was discovered when he was told to run around a ground as a form of punishment. The punisher forgot all about it and when he came five hours later, this little boy was still running around the ground!
I wonder what made him run so much?
After that, he was trained by a coach for about an year. And now after running 65 km in 7.2 hours, he gets to be in the limca book of records.
Read the news story here
Update: Oh.. and here is an interesting counter view
Originally posted on Tuesday, May 02, 2006 3:40 PM
Wake Up Call: Revisited
As I predicted. The name has changed. This time its Suryanarayana.
When Maniappan Kutty was brutally murdered, I had written a blog post and asked the Government to wake up. I asked if anything would be done to stop something similar from happening in the future. Obviously asking the Government to protect its people is something I shouldn't expect.
When Hamid Karzai came to India a few days ago, he talked about working on the issue of terrorism. But talk without action will bear no fruits.
The official line says that a team of negotiators was sent to Kabul but before they could reach, Suryanarayana was beheaded which means that Taliban was in no mood to negotiate.
It also adds, the Government of India is appalled by this dastardly and inhuman act of terror on the part of the Taliban and its sponsors, which has resulted in the tragic and untimely death of an innocent Indian citizen.
By saying this, can the Government absolve itself of all responsibility- past and future?
The official statement (in italics) also says:
Several measures have been taken in the past few months to increase the level of security for Indian nationals working on Indian Government-aided projects in Afghanistan.
If that is the case then why did this happen?
Private companies employing Indian personnel had also been advised to put in place comprehensive security measures.
Weren’t the Private companies advised after Kutty’s death. If so, then why this lapse? And if they weren’t advised then, what was the Government doing?
These measures would be further reviewed and strengthened and the special team now in Kabul has been mandated to make any further recommendations to Government after consulting Afghan authorities, our Embassy and the companies employing Indian citizens.
Review and strengthen them? Why do it when tragedy strikes? Why not take pre-emptive measures?
I am waiting for the answers. Again.
Weren’t the Private companies advised after Kutty’s death. If so, then why this lapse? And if they weren’t advised then, what was the Government doing?
I am waiting for the answers. Again.
Originally posted on Monday, May 01, 2006 10:48 AM
When Maniappan Kutty was brutally murdered, I had written a blog post and asked the Government to wake up. I asked if anything would be done to stop something similar from happening in the future. Obviously asking the Government to protect its people is something I shouldn't expect.
When Hamid Karzai came to India a few days ago, he talked about working on the issue of terrorism. But talk without action will bear no fruits.
The official line says that a team of negotiators was sent to Kabul but before they could reach, Suryanarayana was beheaded which means that Taliban was in no mood to negotiate.
It also adds, the Government of India is appalled by this dastardly and inhuman act of terror on the part of the Taliban and its sponsors, which has resulted in the tragic and untimely death of an innocent Indian citizen.
By saying this, can the Government absolve itself of all responsibility- past and future?
The official statement (in italics) also says:
Several measures have been taken in the past few months to increase the level of security for Indian nationals working on Indian Government-aided projects in Afghanistan.
If that is the case then why did this happen?
Private companies employing Indian personnel had also been advised to put in place comprehensive security measures.
Weren’t the Private companies advised after Kutty’s death. If so, then why this lapse? And if they weren’t advised then, what was the Government doing?
These measures would be further reviewed and strengthened and the special team now in Kabul has been mandated to make any further recommendations to Government after consulting Afghan authorities, our Embassy and the companies employing Indian citizens.
Review and strengthen them? Why do it when tragedy strikes? Why not take pre-emptive measures?
I am waiting for the answers. Again.
Weren’t the Private companies advised after Kutty’s death. If so, then why this lapse? And if they weren’t advised then, what was the Government doing?
I am waiting for the answers. Again.
Originally posted on Monday, May 01, 2006 10:48 AM
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Kitney Sawaal They Kalia? Sarkar...Pachees
Tagged Again :D :D This time by the two S's - Sumit and Savy
Q.1 Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4.
Chancery: 106, Jor Bagh,
It’s a directory of Foreign Diplomatic missions in India. The above is an address of Cyprus Embassy :D
Q.2 Stretch your left arm out as far as you can.
In which direction am I supposed to stretch my arm??
Q.3 What is the last thing you watched on TV?
News report on the political situation in Nepal
Q.4 Without looking, guess what time it is?
Must be something around 11.30 A.M
Q.5 Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?
It is 11.08 AM :O
Q.6 With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
A car alarm somewhere close by
Q.7 When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
I last stepped outside to come to office :(
Q.8 Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
I looked at the computer screen…obviously :D :D
Q.9 What are you wearing?
Clothes…. I have an aversion to leaves and body paint :D :D
Q.10 Did you dream last night?
Weirdly enough I remember yesterday night’s dream. I remember a job interview and the interviewer taking me to a big ground and asking me to shop for clothes in a HUGE market :D :D
Wow…if real life interviews were like that!!!
Q.11 When did you last laugh?
When I spoke to my friend on the phone today morning
Q.12 What is on the walls of the room you are in?
A calendar, lots of telephone numbers and post-it notes
Q.13 Seen anything weird lately?
Yeah…this question :D :D
Q.14 What do you think of this quiz?
Inane!!! And still I am answering it :D :D
Q.15 What is the last film you saw?
Some Brittany Murphy movie on Star Movies… Don’t remember the name
Q.16 If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy?
Air tickets to travel across the country and the world, homes in many countries, a library, creature comforts for family, donate some, then save some and then invest some…phew I feel that the money wont be enough to fulfill all my wishes :D :D
Q.17 Tell me something about you that I dunno.
I have a split personality :D :D
Q.18 If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Intolerance
Q.19 Do you like to dance?
Like?? Love to dance :D
Q.20 George Bush.
How can someone be so dumb and yet become the president of USA?
Q.21 Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Iti or Itika
Q.22 Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
Haven’t really thought as yet…
Q.23 Would you ever consider living abroad?
Yup!
Q.24 What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
Now that you are here, heaven’s a good place to live in ;) :D :D
Q.25 5 people who must also do this in their blog.
I don’t wanna torture just 5 people so its an open tag for anyone who visits my post and hasn’t been tagged as yet… This is especially for all the newbies on O3.
Originally posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 11:58 AM
Q.1 Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4.
Chancery: 106, Jor Bagh,
It’s a directory of Foreign Diplomatic missions in India. The above is an address of Cyprus Embassy :D
Q.2 Stretch your left arm out as far as you can.
In which direction am I supposed to stretch my arm??
Q.3 What is the last thing you watched on TV?
News report on the political situation in Nepal
Q.4 Without looking, guess what time it is?
Must be something around 11.30 A.M
Q.5 Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?
It is 11.08 AM :O
Q.6 With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
A car alarm somewhere close by
Q.7 When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
I last stepped outside to come to office :(
Q.8 Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
I looked at the computer screen…obviously :D :D
Q.9 What are you wearing?
Clothes…. I have an aversion to leaves and body paint :D :D
Q.10 Did you dream last night?
Weirdly enough I remember yesterday night’s dream. I remember a job interview and the interviewer taking me to a big ground and asking me to shop for clothes in a HUGE market :D :D
Wow…if real life interviews were like that!!!
Q.11 When did you last laugh?
When I spoke to my friend on the phone today morning
Q.12 What is on the walls of the room you are in?
A calendar, lots of telephone numbers and post-it notes
Q.13 Seen anything weird lately?
Yeah…this question :D :D
Q.14 What do you think of this quiz?
Inane!!! And still I am answering it :D :D
Q.15 What is the last film you saw?
Some Brittany Murphy movie on Star Movies… Don’t remember the name
Q.16 If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy?
Air tickets to travel across the country and the world, homes in many countries, a library, creature comforts for family, donate some, then save some and then invest some…phew I feel that the money wont be enough to fulfill all my wishes :D :D
Q.17 Tell me something about you that I dunno.
I have a split personality :D :D
Q.18 If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Intolerance
Q.19 Do you like to dance?
Like?? Love to dance :D
Q.20 George Bush.
How can someone be so dumb and yet become the president of USA?
Q.21 Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Iti or Itika
Q.22 Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
Haven’t really thought as yet…
Q.23 Would you ever consider living abroad?
Yup!
Q.24 What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
Now that you are here, heaven’s a good place to live in ;) :D :D
Q.25 5 people who must also do this in their blog.
I don’t wanna torture just 5 people so its an open tag for anyone who visits my post and hasn’t been tagged as yet… This is especially for all the newbies on O3.
Originally posted on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 11:58 AM
Slice Of Life
Nepal Diaries
Like bloodhounds, 'they' are coming to Nepal. A whiff of news and they arrive in packs. The situation is tense as the people's movement is picking up. Suddenly at 8.00 PM curfew is announced in the ring road area. It starts at 3.00 AM. Big demonstrations are planned for the next day. Quick thinking and 'they' move out of the hotel which is inside the curfew area, in the dead of the night.
-------
And in that night, it is ironical that everything is so quiet. Because everyone is awake- the government machinery; the armed forces who are planning what action to take against the protestors; the rule breakers and the protestors who are planning how to defy the curfew and the rules; the scribes. It is the calm before the storm.
200 meters from the line of curfew, the army tanks assemble and so do the police.
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Next day thousands of demonstrators demand for a democracry. They raise their voice, their flag. Violence erupts. People clash with the police. Tension can be cut with a knife. Three people are killed. They become statistics. Smell of death hangs in the air.
Yet another time, police uses tear gas and a wave of demonstators run in the directon of a person called X but X stands there with the cameraperson. News has to be sent. The world needs to know what is happening here.
The snow clad white mountains are dotted with red - of communism, of blood.
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Every evening someone or the other (people belonging to X's tribe) comes back thinking today I was almost done in, almost knocking on heaven's door. It's a job fraught with risks.
Another time X is caught in the midst of protesters. A battery of arms and body parts hits X before X can run to safety. A few aching body parts, no broken bones, X is back in action.
Everyday is a new experience.
-------
Suddenly there are bullets flying around. X and team members have run in different directions to take cover. In 10 degree temperature, X sees beads of sweat on a colleague's face. A person watching everything from her home gives shelter to them. A few minuters later they are back on the job while an army helicopter hovers overhead.
There is news to send.
-------
X is a person, any journalist, who has worked/is working in a situation of turmoil. This is a small documentation of that person's slice of life. And there is no time for emotions.
Originally posted on Sunday, April 23, 2006 5:47 PM
I Dont Wanna Title This...
I got bored of seeing the same old wallpaper (read : post) and so this new post. Though there isin't much to write... More than paucity of time, it looks like this is a writer's block as well. Anyway, a few lines which came in my head @ this moment and there they are on my post :D :D
Like a river which flows, I am
Or am I the air which which you feel
There stands a mountain
Will I find a way?
Why do I question
Coz I know, once a fighter, always a fighter I shall be
Originally posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 5:37 PM
Like a river which flows, I am
Or am I the air which which you feel
There stands a mountain
Will I find a way?
Why do I question
Coz I know, once a fighter, always a fighter I shall be
Originally posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 5:37 PM
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
This One Is For Vincent
The moment I stepped my foot in Amsterdam, the only thing I wanted to do was visit the Van Gogh museum. A city famous for its canals, windmills and Anne Frank’s home. But everything else could wait.
I can’t explain the fixation with Van Gogh. I feel a connection with him. A friend calls it ‘romanticism’. As I said, I can’t explain it.
I dedicate a post to him because it is his birthday today.
Those were the pre historic days of no Internet when the fascination began. A twelve year old me was channel surfing and stopped on a channel showing a film on Vincent the painter and Vincent the man. Years later when I saw a documentary of his, I was taken in.
I think it is something to do with the fact that he was misunderstood and he wasn’t perfect. Its the imperfections that draw me to him. If you ever check out the potato growers painting, you'll see the perspective and the angles quite wrong. I feel what’s the point of copying a beautiful scene exactly as it is and not have your creative inputs? Your interpretation is your individuality. And Vincent wore it on his sleeve.
Moving to France, his art started to change. And change is the only thing constant in our lives. The point is art never stagnates. It grows, changes, influences and is influenced by what is happening around it. It evolves. So do human beings. So did Vincent.
Over the years, many physiatrists have tried to pin down his mental illness to from schizophrenia to bi-polar disorder, none been able to reach a conclusion which satisfies all. He was an enigma.
After fellow painter and friend Gaugin refused to stay with him, his illness started to magnify. But when his brother got married, he blamed his sister-in-law for taking Theo away from him. It is ironic that after his death, his sister-in-law worked tirelessly to bring glory for his work.
A mystery called Vincent van Gogh lives. Happy birthday Vincent, wherever you are.
Song lyrics: Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) by Don McLean
Originally posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 5:04 PM
I can’t explain the fixation with Van Gogh. I feel a connection with him. A friend calls it ‘romanticism’. As I said, I can’t explain it.
I dedicate a post to him because it is his birthday today.
Those were the pre historic days of no Internet when the fascination began. A twelve year old me was channel surfing and stopped on a channel showing a film on Vincent the painter and Vincent the man. Years later when I saw a documentary of his, I was taken in.
I think it is something to do with the fact that he was misunderstood and he wasn’t perfect. Its the imperfections that draw me to him. If you ever check out the potato growers painting, you'll see the perspective and the angles quite wrong. I feel what’s the point of copying a beautiful scene exactly as it is and not have your creative inputs? Your interpretation is your individuality. And Vincent wore it on his sleeve.
Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Moving to France, his art started to change. And change is the only thing constant in our lives. The point is art never stagnates. It grows, changes, influences and is influenced by what is happening around it. It evolves. So do human beings. So did Vincent.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.
Over the years, many physiatrists have tried to pin down his mental illness to from schizophrenia to bi-polar disorder, none been able to reach a conclusion which satisfies all. He was an enigma.
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen,
they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.
After fellow painter and friend Gaugin refused to stay with him, his illness started to magnify. But when his brother got married, he blamed his sister-in-law for taking Theo away from him. It is ironic that after his death, his sister-in-law worked tirelessly to bring glory for his work.
For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life,
as lovers often do.
A mystery called Vincent van Gogh lives. Happy birthday Vincent, wherever you are.
Song lyrics: Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) by Don McLean
Originally posted on Thursday, March 30, 2006 5:04 PM
The Journey So Far
The journey so far has been wonderful. I started blogging on O3 because of Anant (of Anant Rulz fame) happened to read my blog on rediff and suggested that I join the O3 community.
Curosity got the better of me and I came here and bloghopped reading blogs of Anant, Taira, DTE, Godo, Pramod, Pesh, Samy, Savy, Sunny, AF, Konfi, Max and Wise Donkey, getting hooked on to them. The easy camaraderie that they all shared was something I hadn’t expected in a virtual world. I jumped from one blog to another, getting fascinated by the minute. I kept coming here for more.
With baby steps, I tentatively shifted bag and baggage to O3. I can say that I don’t regret the decision at all!
And after coming here I met some more wonderful people along the way. I shall not name anyone with fear of missing out on someone.
I would like to thank all the people for listening (rather reading) to my view points and commenting. The feedback just gives a kick!
As you all know, I have been infrequent on O3 since the last month and a half. The work load means I get to write fewer posts and reply to comments on my posts very infrequently.
I am not sure if I’ll be posting anything new in sometime. But it doesn’t mean I shall be leaving O3. I shall be here leaving my foot prints in the sands of O3 in form of my comments and post something, once in a while as well.
I would also like to thank my fellow bloggers for voting for me in the O3 awards and making me win which, by the way, led to incessant teasing by family members because I don't discuss the serious issues with them (me being the baby of the family :D).
-----
Update 28th March: My friend's mother passed away yesterday. She is devastated. Pray for my friend to give her strength. Her father is still in the ICU. I won't be replying to comments for some time. Kindly Adjust.
Originally posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 5:29 PM
Curosity got the better of me and I came here and bloghopped reading blogs of Anant, Taira, DTE, Godo, Pramod, Pesh, Samy, Savy, Sunny, AF, Konfi, Max and Wise Donkey, getting hooked on to them. The easy camaraderie that they all shared was something I hadn’t expected in a virtual world. I jumped from one blog to another, getting fascinated by the minute. I kept coming here for more.
With baby steps, I tentatively shifted bag and baggage to O3. I can say that I don’t regret the decision at all!
And after coming here I met some more wonderful people along the way. I shall not name anyone with fear of missing out on someone.
I would like to thank all the people for listening (rather reading) to my view points and commenting. The feedback just gives a kick!
As you all know, I have been infrequent on O3 since the last month and a half. The work load means I get to write fewer posts and reply to comments on my posts very infrequently.
I am not sure if I’ll be posting anything new in sometime. But it doesn’t mean I shall be leaving O3. I shall be here leaving my foot prints in the sands of O3 in form of my comments and post something, once in a while as well.
I would also like to thank my fellow bloggers for voting for me in the O3 awards and making me win which, by the way, led to incessant teasing by family members because I don't discuss the serious issues with them (me being the baby of the family :D).
-----
Update 28th March: My friend's mother passed away yesterday. She is devastated. Pray for my friend to give her strength. Her father is still in the ICU. I won't be replying to comments for some time. Kindly Adjust.
Originally posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 5:29 PM
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
India In The Eye Of The Storm
India is a unique country because of its rich cultural diversity, ethnicity and amalgamation of different religions. This country epitomizes what religious tolerance means. How many times have we heard the above lines, read them in our textbooks and essays or described this while explaining to someone what our country is like.
The intricate fabric of life which gives life to this country is unravelling and we have taken the easy way out - either watching it with detachment or lashing out with misplaced frenzy.
Islamophobia has not just seeped into the psyche of the common man, it has gripped us and paralyzed us to an extent where rational thinking is disappearing only to be replaced by us looking at our countrymen with mistrust and asking them to prove their loyalty to us.
The common refrain I hear all the time is let the liberal Muslim rise and speak out and the mullahs didn’t condemn it (the cartoon protests, the Bush visit, the blasts – a list which is ever growing).
When the liberal Muslim speaks out and condemns it, we look at him and say, “He has to say this if he has to live in this country. How do you know he’s not happy from inside?” And when the mullahs condemn it, then it becomes a page nine story in an obscure one coloumn box or a 20 second sound byte in 1.40 minute news story in an 11.00 am bulletin which no one watches.
When a fatwa is passed saying no religious monument (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Parsi, Christian) should be a target, somehow we push this ‘news’ to the back burner. But when a fatwa about Sania’s skirt is passed, we have special programs on it. I remember Aaj Tak doing a graphic and visual of what Sania would be wearing if her head was covered or if her legs were covered. Without deviating further and driving my point forward, I shall talk about the political parties.
Political parties and politicians have gained mileage and will continue to do so by whipping up emotions of people. We are nothing but pawns in their game. To be remembered when we have to vote or to keep the vote bank intact and to be forgotten all other times. Just like Yaqoob Quereshi, who desperately wanted a political upheaval and his ticket to the big league. The pawns took to the bait.
And then we cry hoarse that the Muslims are destroying our country. I agree, there are snakes amongst us but putting everyone on the same pedestal is acceptable? Why can’t we address the roots of the ‘snakes’? Unfairly bracketing every person from the Muslim community as a terrorist or a terror loving, hindu-hating, anti nationalist person is myopic. Oh! And we have brackets for Hindus who write posts like is, they are called minority appeasing pseudo liberal secular people.
Err…Did I just throw myself out of the frying pan and into the fire?
Also read this and this
Originally posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 1:52 PM
The intricate fabric of life which gives life to this country is unravelling and we have taken the easy way out - either watching it with detachment or lashing out with misplaced frenzy.
Islamophobia has not just seeped into the psyche of the common man, it has gripped us and paralyzed us to an extent where rational thinking is disappearing only to be replaced by us looking at our countrymen with mistrust and asking them to prove their loyalty to us.
The common refrain I hear all the time is let the liberal Muslim rise and speak out and the mullahs didn’t condemn it (the cartoon protests, the Bush visit, the blasts – a list which is ever growing).
When the liberal Muslim speaks out and condemns it, we look at him and say, “He has to say this if he has to live in this country. How do you know he’s not happy from inside?” And when the mullahs condemn it, then it becomes a page nine story in an obscure one coloumn box or a 20 second sound byte in 1.40 minute news story in an 11.00 am bulletin which no one watches.
When a fatwa is passed saying no religious monument (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Parsi, Christian) should be a target, somehow we push this ‘news’ to the back burner. But when a fatwa about Sania’s skirt is passed, we have special programs on it. I remember Aaj Tak doing a graphic and visual of what Sania would be wearing if her head was covered or if her legs were covered. Without deviating further and driving my point forward, I shall talk about the political parties.
Political parties and politicians have gained mileage and will continue to do so by whipping up emotions of people. We are nothing but pawns in their game. To be remembered when we have to vote or to keep the vote bank intact and to be forgotten all other times. Just like Yaqoob Quereshi, who desperately wanted a political upheaval and his ticket to the big league. The pawns took to the bait.
And then we cry hoarse that the Muslims are destroying our country. I agree, there are snakes amongst us but putting everyone on the same pedestal is acceptable? Why can’t we address the roots of the ‘snakes’? Unfairly bracketing every person from the Muslim community as a terrorist or a terror loving, hindu-hating, anti nationalist person is myopic. Oh! And we have brackets for Hindus who write posts like is, they are called minority appeasing pseudo liberal secular people.
Err…Did I just throw myself out of the frying pan and into the fire?
Also read this and this
Originally posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 1:52 PM
Disjoint Thoughts II
Feeling low coz one of my friend's Dad was struggling for his life since the last month in the ICU and now her mother got injured in an accident, causing 75% burns and she is in the ICU in another hospital. I hope my friend will get through this tough time.
----------------
And in an unrelated event,
WHY cant men ask for directions?? I mean if you are lost, why can't you just ask? Aaargh!!
----------------
Another thought...Why do we have politics everywhere? School, College, Office, Inter-personal relations? Why can't people be not-malacious, gossipy and be straight forward? Its a vicious cycle and we are trapped in politics for the rest of our lives.
----------------
Originally posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 4:24 PM
----------------
And in an unrelated event,
WHY cant men ask for directions?? I mean if you are lost, why can't you just ask? Aaargh!!
----------------
Another thought...Why do we have politics everywhere? School, College, Office, Inter-personal relations? Why can't people be not-malacious, gossipy and be straight forward? Its a vicious cycle and we are trapped in politics for the rest of our lives.
----------------
Originally posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 4:24 PM
Disjoint Thoughts
If you peak in my head, these are just some things you will find scrambling across the brain of this eccentric twenty somebody at this point of time. Wonder if they make sense :)
Nobody said that moving on is easy.
The eternal optimist that I am, I believe that what happens, happens for the best.
Sometimes things don't happen the way you plan them and when you are caught unaware, your life turns upside down.
But there is order in chaos.
Moving on and running away are two different things. Sometimes we think that both are same. If you don't differentiate, you can't move on and get stuck in a time warp.
When you want to live your our safe world (the cocoon) and not venture out, something has to happen which will force you to come out. And turn everything upside down. Like a ship in stormy seas. And till the calm prevails, you will be fighting to get a semblance of life. Once you touch the shore and feel the ground beneath your feet, everything will be alright.
I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate said Vincent van Gogh. I second that.
I read somewhere that some people come into your life for a reason and when their job is done they go away.
The pain always fades and then comes a time you don’t feel it anymore.
---------
Originally posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 12:08 PM
Nobody said that moving on is easy.
The eternal optimist that I am, I believe that what happens, happens for the best.
Sometimes things don't happen the way you plan them and when you are caught unaware, your life turns upside down.
But there is order in chaos.
Moving on and running away are two different things. Sometimes we think that both are same. If you don't differentiate, you can't move on and get stuck in a time warp.
When you want to live your our safe world (the cocoon) and not venture out, something has to happen which will force you to come out. And turn everything upside down. Like a ship in stormy seas. And till the calm prevails, you will be fighting to get a semblance of life. Once you touch the shore and feel the ground beneath your feet, everything will be alright.
I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate said Vincent van Gogh. I second that.
I read somewhere that some people come into your life for a reason and when their job is done they go away.
The pain always fades and then comes a time you don’t feel it anymore.
---------
Originally posted on Monday, March 13, 2006 12:08 PM
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Do They Make This Kind Anymore?
This post is dedicated to a friend. Somehow after participating in the blog-a-thon and reading experiences of so many women and men across the board, my thoughts flew to you.
It seems appropriate that I dedicate this post to a guy, who at the risk of been a social outcast would not disrespect women. He would not be the part of the 'cool gang' or try to 'fit in' with the rest of guys because these so called cool people would do ‘cool’ things like disrespecting women. Because sometimes words, roving eyes and the vibes can be as violating as a dirty physical touch.
I have called you ‘uptight’ at times. Asked you why you can't gel around with people. But you just shrugged it off saying you have better things to do.
I have respected you for being that guy who would not succumb to peer pressure. Whose one look would quiet anyone. Who practices what he preaches. Who respects women the old fashioned way. Yet treats them like an equal.
You may not be the chivalrous man, always teasing that since men and women are equal, I should pay for our meal. This been the only argument I have ever lost. I can proudly say today that I know a person like you.
I wonder if they make ‘em like you anymore.
Orignally posted on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 4:31 PM
It seems appropriate that I dedicate this post to a guy, who at the risk of been a social outcast would not disrespect women. He would not be the part of the 'cool gang' or try to 'fit in' with the rest of guys because these so called cool people would do ‘cool’ things like disrespecting women. Because sometimes words, roving eyes and the vibes can be as violating as a dirty physical touch.
I have called you ‘uptight’ at times. Asked you why you can't gel around with people. But you just shrugged it off saying you have better things to do.
I have respected you for being that guy who would not succumb to peer pressure. Whose one look would quiet anyone. Who practices what he preaches. Who respects women the old fashioned way. Yet treats them like an equal.
You may not be the chivalrous man, always teasing that since men and women are equal, I should pay for our meal. This been the only argument I have ever lost. I can proudly say today that I know a person like you.
I wonder if they make ‘em like you anymore.
Orignally posted on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 4:31 PM
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