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
Saturday, February 23, 2008
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.
-------
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.
-------
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
Woman
Her boss doesn’t look at her face when he talks. He looks about 6 inches south and talks to a different body part. It doesn’t matter that her vocal chords and the brain aren’t situated there. She may be wearing a suit, decently covering her or a shirt. It doesn’t make a difference.
Or he coos to her, “Don’t call me sir. Call me by my name.” He brushes past her and pretends like it was an accident.
He calls her to his cabin or asks her to stay late. Then without any guilt, he asks her for ‘favours’ so she can get her well-deserved promotion.
There are times she keeps quiet and takes it all. At other times, she raises her voice. People say that maybe her character is flawed and she asked for it. The man is obviously allowed to get away with harassment.
Welcome to the workplace, girl. Your fight for dignity, equality and respect continues. It starts from the moment you are born and it continues throughout your life.
You can don any hat – of a daughter, mother, wife, sister, juggle housework with office work and yet be called the weaker one.
You forget your inner strength sometimes. Or are made to forget it.
This is for all the stronger sex aka men-
One last thing, be man enough to be labelled as the "fun-spoiling" guy (read Spark’s post for the reference to context).
To recognize Women's Day, a blogathon was being organized for Tuesday, the 7th of March 2006. Blank Noise is asking bloggers to put up a post about their opinions and experiences of sexual harassment - as a victim, perpetrator, observer or bystander - at work, at home or in the public sphere. Some of my fellow O3 bloggers Jitu, Maya, Sapphire, Savy, Surabhi, Smile Girl, Spark, Scarlett, Sumit, Wild Child, Techie, Tejbir, Sunny and Maxx have already done their bit. I tag everyone - man and woman to put up their posts.
Originally posted on Tuesday, March 07, 2006 11:38 AM
Or he coos to her, “Don’t call me sir. Call me by my name.” He brushes past her and pretends like it was an accident.
He calls her to his cabin or asks her to stay late. Then without any guilt, he asks her for ‘favours’ so she can get her well-deserved promotion.
There are times she keeps quiet and takes it all. At other times, she raises her voice. People say that maybe her character is flawed and she asked for it. The man is obviously allowed to get away with harassment.
Welcome to the workplace, girl. Your fight for dignity, equality and respect continues. It starts from the moment you are born and it continues throughout your life.
You can don any hat – of a daughter, mother, wife, sister, juggle housework with office work and yet be called the weaker one.
You forget your inner strength sometimes. Or are made to forget it.
This is for all the stronger sex aka men-
One last thing, be man enough to be labelled as the "fun-spoiling" guy (read Spark’s post for the reference to context).
To recognize Women's Day, a blogathon was being organized for Tuesday, the 7th of March 2006. Blank Noise is asking bloggers to put up a post about their opinions and experiences of sexual harassment - as a victim, perpetrator, observer or bystander - at work, at home or in the public sphere. Some of my fellow O3 bloggers Jitu, Maya, Sapphire, Savy, Surabhi, Smile Girl, Spark, Scarlett, Sumit, Wild Child, Techie, Tejbir, Sunny and Maxx have already done their bit. I tag everyone - man and woman to put up their posts.
Originally posted on Tuesday, March 07, 2006 11:38 AM
Monday, November 19, 2007
Jessica
Someone is shot dead in front of hundreds of people, witnesses dont remember this because of collective amnesia and the accused walk scot free. No its not a script of any Hindi masala movie.
Its reality.
Jessica Lal, a model was killed seven years ago, the witnesses turned hostile in the courts of this country, the judges said that there was ‘lack of evidence’ and all the nine accused have been acquitted.
It is not coincidental that the accused were politically well connected and powerful people. I cannot say anything against the judgment of the Court because I shall be held in contempt of court. But I can ask a few questions, hoping that someone can answer these-
If this is how the system works, the rich and the powerful can twist their way around, why the hell was the system created?
Does the common man stand a chance?
Can we rely on the system anymore?
How do the hostile witnesses and the alleged killers sleep at night? With no feeling of guilt?
What is this world coming to?
Imagine the kind of message it gets across. That it is acceptable to commit a crime because I can get away with it? That the system will 'protect' me. Loss of life is just a byproduct of the heinous crime and nothing more.
Since our childhood it is ingrained in our psyche that ‘Truth Shall Prevail’ and the law of this country makes sure that justice prevails. A judgment like this has left me disillusioned and pissed off.
P.S: I hope all the killers rot in Hell. Because in this lifetime they are walking freely on earth.
Also read Savy's post for more.....
Update 1: Sorry for not replying to comment on time. Just neck deep in work. Will reply soon. Till then cheers, take care and keep coming by and commenting ... hugs to all ....
Update 2: Someone mentioned to me in the comments section to keep quiet and accept this because its NOT going to make a difference if we raise our voice. To that person and everyone who thought that this was a lost cause, the case has been reopned. We the people of THIS country have done our bit, the media has done its bit. Now hopefully the government machinary will do its bit. So that we don't lose hope.
Originally posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 1:38 PM
Its reality.
Jessica Lal, a model was killed seven years ago, the witnesses turned hostile in the courts of this country, the judges said that there was ‘lack of evidence’ and all the nine accused have been acquitted.
It is not coincidental that the accused were politically well connected and powerful people. I cannot say anything against the judgment of the Court because I shall be held in contempt of court. But I can ask a few questions, hoping that someone can answer these-
If this is how the system works, the rich and the powerful can twist their way around, why the hell was the system created?
Does the common man stand a chance?
Can we rely on the system anymore?
How do the hostile witnesses and the alleged killers sleep at night? With no feeling of guilt?
What is this world coming to?
Imagine the kind of message it gets across. That it is acceptable to commit a crime because I can get away with it? That the system will 'protect' me. Loss of life is just a byproduct of the heinous crime and nothing more.
Since our childhood it is ingrained in our psyche that ‘Truth Shall Prevail’ and the law of this country makes sure that justice prevails. A judgment like this has left me disillusioned and pissed off.
P.S: I hope all the killers rot in Hell. Because in this lifetime they are walking freely on earth.
Also read Savy's post for more.....
Update 1: Sorry for not replying to comment on time. Just neck deep in work. Will reply soon. Till then cheers, take care and keep coming by and commenting ... hugs to all ....
Update 2: Someone mentioned to me in the comments section to keep quiet and accept this because its NOT going to make a difference if we raise our voice. To that person and everyone who thought that this was a lost cause, the case has been reopned. We the people of THIS country have done our bit, the media has done its bit. Now hopefully the government machinary will do its bit. So that we don't lose hope.
Originally posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 1:38 PM
Hot and Happening
If the title got you all interested and you think I am going to write about somebody hot then you are reading a wrong blog post.
Flashback to February 1990:
Its mid February. I mind wanders over to a decade and a half back when I detested winters mornings because I used to feel cold. Getting up early in the morning to a foggy day and going to school was nothing less than a torture. I used to feel very cold and remember wearing layers of woolies to protect myself.
Fast Forward to February 2006:
It so hot that leave alone wearing a sweater, I am wearing my summer clothes. Its not cold at all with temperature steadily creeping upto 23oC. Using a fan a decade back - even the thought of that would chill me to the bone.
I am deeply concerned with the weather change which has slowly but steadily taken place in the time being. ‘Global warming’ is something we have all heard about but never really thought or cared about.
The term simply means that the climate all across the world is changing and the world is becoming warmer by the day. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Earth's surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century, with accelerated warming during the past two decades.
The Asian region spans polar, temperate, and tropical climates and is home to over 3 billion people. As the climate warms, many mountain glaciers may disappear and the northern forests are likely to shift further north. Rapid population growth and development in India will put additional pressures on natural ecosystems and will lead to a rapid rise in the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere unless steps are taken to curtail emissions.
The Kyoto Protocol seems like a step in the right direction. It is an agreement under which industrialized countries will reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% compared to the year 1990. The goal is to lower overall emissions from six greenhouse gases. India signed and ratified the Protocol in August 2002.
I leave you with a thought:
Glaciers in the Himalayas are retreating at an average rate of 50 feet (15 m) per year, consistent with the rapid warming recorded at Himalayan climate stations since the 1970s. Winter stream flow for the Baspa glacier basin has increased 75% since 1966 and local winter temperatures have warmed, suggesting increased glacier melting in winter.
For our sake and the sake of future generations, I hope this phenomenon is controlled lest we end up having more natural calamities and drastic temperature change. I don’t want my winter to look like summer or fancy my home submerged in water!
Originally posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 5:41 PM
Flashback to February 1990:
Its mid February. I mind wanders over to a decade and a half back when I detested winters mornings because I used to feel cold. Getting up early in the morning to a foggy day and going to school was nothing less than a torture. I used to feel very cold and remember wearing layers of woolies to protect myself.
Fast Forward to February 2006:
It so hot that leave alone wearing a sweater, I am wearing my summer clothes. Its not cold at all with temperature steadily creeping upto 23oC. Using a fan a decade back - even the thought of that would chill me to the bone.
I am deeply concerned with the weather change which has slowly but steadily taken place in the time being. ‘Global warming’ is something we have all heard about but never really thought or cared about.
The term simply means that the climate all across the world is changing and the world is becoming warmer by the day. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Earth's surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century, with accelerated warming during the past two decades.
The Asian region spans polar, temperate, and tropical climates and is home to over 3 billion people. As the climate warms, many mountain glaciers may disappear and the northern forests are likely to shift further north. Rapid population growth and development in India will put additional pressures on natural ecosystems and will lead to a rapid rise in the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere unless steps are taken to curtail emissions.
The Kyoto Protocol seems like a step in the right direction. It is an agreement under which industrialized countries will reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% compared to the year 1990. The goal is to lower overall emissions from six greenhouse gases. India signed and ratified the Protocol in August 2002.
I leave you with a thought:
Glaciers in the Himalayas are retreating at an average rate of 50 feet (15 m) per year, consistent with the rapid warming recorded at Himalayan climate stations since the 1970s. Winter stream flow for the Baspa glacier basin has increased 75% since 1966 and local winter temperatures have warmed, suggesting increased glacier melting in winter.
For our sake and the sake of future generations, I hope this phenomenon is controlled lest we end up having more natural calamities and drastic temperature change. I don’t want my winter to look like summer or fancy my home submerged in water!
Originally posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 5:41 PM
Dalits: Also A Part Of My India?
After spending a great evening reasserting my independence and spending time with friends, I woke up today only have my friend call me up early in the morning.
During our conversation we talked about two incidents which happened in the past 24 hours and triggered me to write this post.
In one part of the country a Dalit girl was paraded naked by Upper castes in a village for no fault of her’s and in another part, Upper caste men tried to rape another Dalit girl, weren’t successful in the attempt and so cut her arm cut off, taking it away with them.
As I write this, another story trickles in. A nine year old girl this time.
I have one grouse with the mainstream media. It isn’t doing enough to highlight this. Why can we have specials on Valentine’s Day or length of Sania’s skirt but no talk of issues which ail this county? Is there an unspoken code where we don’t talk about the ‘caste divide’?
In my knowledge, the only person writing about Dalit issues in the mainstream is Chandra Bhan Prasad. Though it is an issue close to his heart because he belongs to that community but are enough opportunities been given to this community to rise? There are other issues pertaining to Dalits which I haven't touched in this post which I may in later posts.
We talk about communalism being a problem but casteism can’t be ignored either.
Obviously the caste divide is very wide. When the Indian constitution was been formed, it was B R Ambedkar’s dream that the constitution should give equality to one and all. He also added, “Rights are protected not by laws, but by the social and moral conscience of society”.
In letter we have equality but in spirit we don’t.
For more, read this
Originally posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 6:08 PM
During our conversation we talked about two incidents which happened in the past 24 hours and triggered me to write this post.
In one part of the country a Dalit girl was paraded naked by Upper castes in a village for no fault of her’s and in another part, Upper caste men tried to rape another Dalit girl, weren’t successful in the attempt and so cut her arm cut off, taking it away with them.
As I write this, another story trickles in. A nine year old girl this time.
I have one grouse with the mainstream media. It isn’t doing enough to highlight this. Why can we have specials on Valentine’s Day or length of Sania’s skirt but no talk of issues which ail this county? Is there an unspoken code where we don’t talk about the ‘caste divide’?
In my knowledge, the only person writing about Dalit issues in the mainstream is Chandra Bhan Prasad. Though it is an issue close to his heart because he belongs to that community but are enough opportunities been given to this community to rise? There are other issues pertaining to Dalits which I haven't touched in this post which I may in later posts.
We talk about communalism being a problem but casteism can’t be ignored either.
Obviously the caste divide is very wide. When the Indian constitution was been formed, it was B R Ambedkar’s dream that the constitution should give equality to one and all. He also added, “Rights are protected not by laws, but by the social and moral conscience of society”.
In letter we have equality but in spirit we don’t.
For more, read this
Originally posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 6:08 PM
The Day I Landed On Planet Earth
At mid night the phone calls began and the SMSs started flowing in. Till 4th I wasn't feeling too excited with age catching up and I don't even look that old :D
But the phone calls and the messages got me all exicted. My friend had come over on 4th night and we spent some time doing what girls do best. Don't get any ideas, we were catching up on girlie talk, taking about our teenage years (and the crushes, tution, school, college) and bitching about bosses and colleagues.
Finally I went to sleep but kept getting calls and missed calls from my friends till about 4 in the morning. Messaged my one of my friend in my sleep. I have no idea what I wrote! My friends were coming over to spend a lazy sunday at my place (all working people can't afford to stay up late on Sunday night) and they were excited. Got up at 9.00 in the morning with more wishes from old school and college friends. Was pleasently surprised that so many people remebered my b'day :)
By 10.30 we dragged ourselves out of the bed and were roaming around in the home in our payjamas, unruly hair and sleepy eyes :D :D Got threatening calls from friends that they are landing up at my place in half and hour so decided to take a bath coz I didn't want them to get scared.
Checked out my blog and read comments by some of you. It was kinda sweet. Told my family about it. The feel good mood began by this time.
By 12.15 people started trickling in. By 1.00 everyone including assorted relatives, child hood friend and college friends had turned up. The young people sat together and the oldies were chatting amongst themselves. We all sat, taking in the sun, eating paranthas, butter, dahi, pulao, paneer, choley and stuff... (no non-veg at my place) courtsey mommy.
My friends had got the cake for me. The icing on the cake(and I mean this literally not metamorphically) read:
Dear Banput,
Wishing you Happy B'day
Now my name is not banput. I am half baniya and half rajput, hence the nick name banput. Not to say my parents had a hearty laugh on reading it. As for me? I got my photo taken with the cake :D
Then we listened to Bryan Adams (the next best thing) after I told everyone to buy me plane tickets and ticket to his concert as b'day present. Which by the way, no body got for me. We all chilled out and since I don't know how to make tea, one of my friends made it for all of us. By late evening the party broke up. But I was in a feel good state for a long time after that and today I am in no mood for working :D :D
Hope the boss doesn't decide to chuck me out....
Update: Happy Valentines day to all you people :)
Originally posted on Monday, February 06, 2006 12:45 PM
But the phone calls and the messages got me all exicted. My friend had come over on 4th night and we spent some time doing what girls do best. Don't get any ideas, we were catching up on girlie talk, taking about our teenage years (and the crushes, tution, school, college) and bitching about bosses and colleagues.
Finally I went to sleep but kept getting calls and missed calls from my friends till about 4 in the morning. Messaged my one of my friend in my sleep. I have no idea what I wrote! My friends were coming over to spend a lazy sunday at my place (all working people can't afford to stay up late on Sunday night) and they were excited. Got up at 9.00 in the morning with more wishes from old school and college friends. Was pleasently surprised that so many people remebered my b'day :)
By 10.30 we dragged ourselves out of the bed and were roaming around in the home in our payjamas, unruly hair and sleepy eyes :D :D Got threatening calls from friends that they are landing up at my place in half and hour so decided to take a bath coz I didn't want them to get scared.
Checked out my blog and read comments by some of you. It was kinda sweet. Told my family about it. The feel good mood began by this time.
By 12.15 people started trickling in. By 1.00 everyone including assorted relatives, child hood friend and college friends had turned up. The young people sat together and the oldies were chatting amongst themselves. We all sat, taking in the sun, eating paranthas, butter, dahi, pulao, paneer, choley and stuff... (no non-veg at my place) courtsey mommy.
My friends had got the cake for me. The icing on the cake(and I mean this literally not metamorphically) read:
Dear Banput,
Wishing you Happy B'day
Now my name is not banput. I am half baniya and half rajput, hence the nick name banput. Not to say my parents had a hearty laugh on reading it. As for me? I got my photo taken with the cake :D
Then we listened to Bryan Adams (the next best thing) after I told everyone to buy me plane tickets and ticket to his concert as b'day present. Which by the way, no body got for me. We all chilled out and since I don't know how to make tea, one of my friends made it for all of us. By late evening the party broke up. But I was in a feel good state for a long time after that and today I am in no mood for working :D :D
Hope the boss doesn't decide to chuck me out....
Update: Happy Valentines day to all you people :)
Originally posted on Monday, February 06, 2006 12:45 PM
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