Lesson of the day,
that I learnt the hard way
Pack, squeeze, shut and lift
dust, swab, sweep and sift
Two bins full, and a broken shelf
This while I indulge, in pity for self
You have to move your kit
But none else gives a shit
I hate to sound whiny
But the boxes aren't tiny
Indifference. Anger it did provoke
Then a voice, from within thus spoke
Adam for Adam, and Eve for Eve
Gospel it is, then why the peeve?
I guess I expect much from friends
But it's fine. considering, well it all ends
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tagged I am, by Him -
Using only song *titles* from one artist, cleverly answer these questions
So here goes -
I choose: Pink Floyd
1. Are you a male or female: Empty Spaces
2. Describe yourself: Comfortably Numb
3. How do you feel about yourself: Us and Them
4. Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: Shine on you crazy Diamond
5. Describe your current boy/girl situation: Wish you were here
6. Describe your current location: The great gig in the sky
7. Describe where you want to be: Yet Another Movie
9. Your favorite color is: Eclipse
10. You know : One of these days...
11. What’s the weather like: Have A Cigar
12. If your life was a television show what would it be called: The Show Must Go On
13. What is life to you: High Hopes
14. What is the best advice you have to give: Coming back to Life
15. If you could change your name what would you change it to: Another Brick in the wall
I tag:
Gomes
Jedi
V
Venting Macha
Using only song *titles* from one artist, cleverly answer these questions
So here goes -
I choose: Pink Floyd
1. Are you a male or female: Empty Spaces
2. Describe yourself: Comfortably Numb
3. How do you feel about yourself: Us and Them
4. Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: Shine on you crazy Diamond
5. Describe your current boy/girl situation: Wish you were here
6. Describe your current location: The great gig in the sky
7. Describe where you want to be: Yet Another Movie
9. Your favorite color is: Eclipse
10. You know : One of these days...
11. What’s the weather like: Have A Cigar
12. If your life was a television show what would it be called: The Show Must Go On
13. What is life to you: High Hopes
14. What is the best advice you have to give: Coming back to Life
15. If you could change your name what would you change it to: Another Brick in the wall
I tag:
Gomes
Jedi
V
Venting Macha
Friday, February 27, 2009
9 AM, Andheri Station
Life's tough here they say
every minute counts they say
You don't stop walking, to look at a shop
there's a sea of people pushing from the top
Here, curses of all kinds are heard
expressing the collective pain suffered
You need to let your pain show
otherwise how would she know?
the high-heeled girl with a bow,
who just stamped on your toe
Bound to be hit at least once a day
elbowed, stamped on or pushed away
you scream, curse and let everyone know
that you are one of them now; and this pain- you know.
You stand out, by sticking in
You live on, by giving in
Where crowds float
and the trains gloat
Isn't it a hit
this Mumbai spirit?
every minute counts they say
You don't stop walking, to look at a shop
there's a sea of people pushing from the top
Here, curses of all kinds are heard
expressing the collective pain suffered
You need to let your pain show
otherwise how would she know?
the high-heeled girl with a bow,
who just stamped on your toe
Bound to be hit at least once a day
elbowed, stamped on or pushed away
you scream, curse and let everyone know
that you are one of them now; and this pain- you know.
You stand out, by sticking in
You live on, by giving in
Where crowds float
and the trains gloat
Isn't it a hit
this Mumbai spirit?
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Humdum
- By Gulzar
Mod pe dekha hai wo boodha-sa ek ped kabhi ?
Mera waqif hai, bahut salon se mein use jaanata hoon
Jab mein chhota tha to ik aam udaane ke liye
Parli deewar se kandhon pe chadha tha uske
Jaane dukhti huee kis shaakh se jaa paanv lagaa
Dhaad se phenk diya tha muje neeche usne
Meine khunnas main bahut phenke the pathar us par
Meri shaadi pe mujhe yaad hai shaakhein dekar
Meri vedi ka hawan garm kiya tha usne
Aur jab haamla thi 'Biba' to dopahar main har din
Meri biwi ki taraf kairiyan phenki thi isi ne
Waqt ke saath sabhi phool, sabhi patti gaye
Tab bhi jal jaata tha jab Munne se kehti 'Biba'
'Haan,usi ped se aaya hai tu, Ped ka phal hai'
Ab bhi jal jaata hoon. jab mod se gujarte mein kabhi
Khaanskar kehta hai, 'Kyo, Sar ke sabhi baal gaye?'
'Subah se kaat rahe hain woh Kameti wale
Mod tak jaane ki himmat nahin hoti mujhko'
Mod pe dekha hai wo boodha-sa ek ped kabhi ?
Mera waqif hai, bahut salon se mein use jaanata hoon
Jab mein chhota tha to ik aam udaane ke liye
Parli deewar se kandhon pe chadha tha uske
Jaane dukhti huee kis shaakh se jaa paanv lagaa
Dhaad se phenk diya tha muje neeche usne
Meine khunnas main bahut phenke the pathar us par
Meri shaadi pe mujhe yaad hai shaakhein dekar
Meri vedi ka hawan garm kiya tha usne
Aur jab haamla thi 'Biba' to dopahar main har din
Meri biwi ki taraf kairiyan phenki thi isi ne
Waqt ke saath sabhi phool, sabhi patti gaye
Tab bhi jal jaata tha jab Munne se kehti 'Biba'
'Haan,usi ped se aaya hai tu, Ped ka phal hai'
Ab bhi jal jaata hoon. jab mod se gujarte mein kabhi
Khaanskar kehta hai, 'Kyo, Sar ke sabhi baal gaye?'
'Subah se kaat rahe hain woh Kameti wale
Mod tak jaane ki himmat nahin hoti mujhko'
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Kyunki...
Continuing with Ratlam Diaries
The objective of the trip was to study television consumption patterns. I went there to know what it was, that drove Indian women to watch the same old serials, which were clones of each other, with similar plots and characters, for years and years.
There was a Kyunki, there is a Balika Vadhu, there is a Bidaai. These three shows are the most popular shows on Television, with Kyunki ending its long 8 yr stint recently.
But I ended up being glad these serials existed.
Here's why.
Part 6: The Anonymous
Q: What are you?
A: Marwari, Jain, 30Yrs Old, Daughter of a trader, Wife of a Shop Owner, Mother of 2 sons, Bahu of Shri XYZ, also a trader.
Identity is hard to find in Indian women. Its hidden away under the thick layers of various roles she plays in other people's lives. Very little of her, after the age of 20, is about only her. Articulation of feelings, thoughts, ideologies are all governed by these roles, and the settings.The way they dress; the way they speak; who they speak to, who they don't; what they speak and what they don't; what they study, how much they study, where they study...
It seems like a different world.
I tried to imagine, if 10 years ago, I had been told that I can't wear my comfortable t-shirt and jeans, can't stay out of home after 8, can't speak to boys, can't go out of home town to study, can't study after graduation because it would be difficult to get me married off, etc etc.
I wouldn't have managed to become half the person I am today. I like what I am, and I realised, it's got a lot to do with the immense freedom Ive been given. Most of Indian women aren't that lucky.
Leaving out the extremely suppressed situations,
Even those of us who claim to be open minded, are comfortable with our contradictions and double standards.
We believe in educating our daughters, but not too much. We are ready to consent to a inter-caste marriage, but not an inter-religious one.
I'm sure strong logical reasoning are given to support these contradictions.
Simply, to us, Freedom comes with clauses.
In the middle of one of the research discussions, one respondent, Neeta, asked us, where we were from and what we had studied.
When we told her we have come from Mumbai and are MBAs, her face lit up. She suddenly had no interest in talking about her life. She wanted to us to give her career advise. When we promised we would gladly talk to her after the group, she reluctantly agreed to go on with her responses.
Part 7: Balika Vadhu
We were talking about the show called Balika Vadhu. Its a show about child marriage set in a traditional Rajasthani set up. Its a rage on Television.
Neeta had heard about Child Marriage. She said its practiced among some of her relatives, those who live in villages. She tells us, Ratlam is a town, its much better than the villages. There are only 2 colleges in this town for graduation, and only one of them is good, with functioning faculty. Neeta is currently in her 2nd yr of graduation. She wants to study computers and wants to do an MBA. She wants to earn money to help her dad with his loans. She would have to travel to Indore for that(4 hrs away by road). Her parents have asked refused. They say Indore is too far and risky. They'll have trouble getting her married off, if she studies in a city. She said, rather apologetically, that she was the elder child, younger brother is only 10 now.
She carried a mobile phone, all her friends did too, apparantly. But they hide it in the bags. If they are seen talking on phone too much or seen giving it too much importance, it would mean she is a 'vaisi wali ladki'. A phone is supposed to be for emergencies, not to chat with people, she told us.
Though she was not married off at 10, she still identified with the lead character, Anandi (the 10 yr old bride on the show). She identifies with the suffocation, the continuous monitoring; the lack of freedom to do what one wants.
She said, the reason why so many people like the show is not because it showcases, albeit in an extreme situation, a very common social issue among women, Suppression.
She claimed suppression exists in varying levels everywhere for women, even in a big city like Indore, hence, every one likes the show.
She says she uses this serial to communicate. She makes sure her dad and mom watch this serial.She waits for the end titles, because they always end the show with a provocative question, which she always wanted to ask them.
This serial for her, then provides her with a companion, the one she meets every day at 8 PM. It also acts as a communication medium between her and her elders, the one that is used to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions.
Neeta ended her interview by saying, she is glad the show is on, she would miss it terribly if it went off air.
Part 8: Kyunki...
Hum Log & Buniyaad - Kyunki - Bidaai - Balika Vadhu.
Middle Class economics and values - Politics of home - Complexion and wedding matches - Suppression of freedom.
Thats why they work. Because they connect, they communicate for the audience, with the audience.
Kyunki, was big for a reason.
When Kyunki started, it was the story of a middle class girl marrying into a rich household. The story was about the life of a typical Indian bahu, surrounded by in laws who are hungry for power and authority. The fact that after about 2 years of its start, the show lost the plot and gave in to extreme melodrama, is another issue.
It was not the best show ever made, but it was an attempt, voluntary or by chance, to put up a mirror in front of us as a society. It questioned the automatically assumed power of the in-laws over the Bahu. It posed an uncomfortable question : who wins when the 'Right' is against the 'Powerful'. It shook a lot of things that were taken for granted in Indian families.
As it progressed, it also gave a sense of immense power to women. Women were doing everything in the show. Women portrayed the good, the bad and the ugly. Women kept the household united, faced challenges for the family, took decisions, did everything, while the men of the house did little on the show.
It made people connect, get involved and feel for the Tulsi, as she went about saving her family over and over again. Women spoke of Tulsi, as if she were a friend; some who met them everyday. I remember my grandmother sitting in front of the TV and giving Tulsi advice on how to deal with situations, also always trying to inform Tulsi of the evil plans of Mandira, and then complaining aloud that Tulsi is making a mistake by not listening to her. For my grandmother, and many women, Tulsi was real.
Its extremely fashionable to dis these soaps. Every one does it, for the right reasons too. But those who dis these soaps, the elite, educated, some what liberated citizens are not the audiences. But the rest of India surely is.
I hope serials go on and continue to be the support system, the companions, the friends, and the spokespersons. We don't have politicians worthy of challenging and changing the social situations. I am glad we at least have Television Characters.
Business sense continues to support these shows. Bottom of pyramids and all that jazz.
So like it or not, these shows shall go on.
The objective of the trip was to study television consumption patterns. I went there to know what it was, that drove Indian women to watch the same old serials, which were clones of each other, with similar plots and characters, for years and years.
There was a Kyunki, there is a Balika Vadhu, there is a Bidaai. These three shows are the most popular shows on Television, with Kyunki ending its long 8 yr stint recently.
But I ended up being glad these serials existed.
Here's why.
Part 6: The Anonymous
Q: What are you?
A: Marwari, Jain, 30Yrs Old, Daughter of a trader, Wife of a Shop Owner, Mother of 2 sons, Bahu of Shri XYZ, also a trader.
Identity is hard to find in Indian women. Its hidden away under the thick layers of various roles she plays in other people's lives. Very little of her, after the age of 20, is about only her. Articulation of feelings, thoughts, ideologies are all governed by these roles, and the settings.The way they dress; the way they speak; who they speak to, who they don't; what they speak and what they don't; what they study, how much they study, where they study...
It seems like a different world.
I tried to imagine, if 10 years ago, I had been told that I can't wear my comfortable t-shirt and jeans, can't stay out of home after 8, can't speak to boys, can't go out of home town to study, can't study after graduation because it would be difficult to get me married off, etc etc.
I wouldn't have managed to become half the person I am today. I like what I am, and I realised, it's got a lot to do with the immense freedom Ive been given. Most of Indian women aren't that lucky.
Leaving out the extremely suppressed situations,
Even those of us who claim to be open minded, are comfortable with our contradictions and double standards.
We believe in educating our daughters, but not too much. We are ready to consent to a inter-caste marriage, but not an inter-religious one.
I'm sure strong logical reasoning are given to support these contradictions.
Simply, to us, Freedom comes with clauses.
In the middle of one of the research discussions, one respondent, Neeta, asked us, where we were from and what we had studied.
When we told her we have come from Mumbai and are MBAs, her face lit up. She suddenly had no interest in talking about her life. She wanted to us to give her career advise. When we promised we would gladly talk to her after the group, she reluctantly agreed to go on with her responses.
Part 7: Balika Vadhu
We were talking about the show called Balika Vadhu. Its a show about child marriage set in a traditional Rajasthani set up. Its a rage on Television.
Neeta had heard about Child Marriage. She said its practiced among some of her relatives, those who live in villages. She tells us, Ratlam is a town, its much better than the villages. There are only 2 colleges in this town for graduation, and only one of them is good, with functioning faculty. Neeta is currently in her 2nd yr of graduation. She wants to study computers and wants to do an MBA. She wants to earn money to help her dad with his loans. She would have to travel to Indore for that(4 hrs away by road). Her parents have asked refused. They say Indore is too far and risky. They'll have trouble getting her married off, if she studies in a city. She said, rather apologetically, that she was the elder child, younger brother is only 10 now.
She carried a mobile phone, all her friends did too, apparantly. But they hide it in the bags. If they are seen talking on phone too much or seen giving it too much importance, it would mean she is a 'vaisi wali ladki'. A phone is supposed to be for emergencies, not to chat with people, she told us.
Though she was not married off at 10, she still identified with the lead character, Anandi (the 10 yr old bride on the show). She identifies with the suffocation, the continuous monitoring; the lack of freedom to do what one wants.
She said, the reason why so many people like the show is not because it showcases, albeit in an extreme situation, a very common social issue among women, Suppression.
She claimed suppression exists in varying levels everywhere for women, even in a big city like Indore, hence, every one likes the show.
She says she uses this serial to communicate. She makes sure her dad and mom watch this serial.She waits for the end titles, because they always end the show with a provocative question, which she always wanted to ask them.
This serial for her, then provides her with a companion, the one she meets every day at 8 PM. It also acts as a communication medium between her and her elders, the one that is used to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions.
Neeta ended her interview by saying, she is glad the show is on, she would miss it terribly if it went off air.
Part 8: Kyunki...
Hum Log & Buniyaad - Kyunki - Bidaai - Balika Vadhu.
Middle Class economics and values - Politics of home - Complexion and wedding matches - Suppression of freedom.
Thats why they work. Because they connect, they communicate for the audience, with the audience.
Kyunki, was big for a reason.
When Kyunki started, it was the story of a middle class girl marrying into a rich household. The story was about the life of a typical Indian bahu, surrounded by in laws who are hungry for power and authority. The fact that after about 2 years of its start, the show lost the plot and gave in to extreme melodrama, is another issue.
It was not the best show ever made, but it was an attempt, voluntary or by chance, to put up a mirror in front of us as a society. It questioned the automatically assumed power of the in-laws over the Bahu. It posed an uncomfortable question : who wins when the 'Right' is against the 'Powerful'. It shook a lot of things that were taken for granted in Indian families.
As it progressed, it also gave a sense of immense power to women. Women were doing everything in the show. Women portrayed the good, the bad and the ugly. Women kept the household united, faced challenges for the family, took decisions, did everything, while the men of the house did little on the show.
It made people connect, get involved and feel for the Tulsi, as she went about saving her family over and over again. Women spoke of Tulsi, as if she were a friend; some who met them everyday. I remember my grandmother sitting in front of the TV and giving Tulsi advice on how to deal with situations, also always trying to inform Tulsi of the evil plans of Mandira, and then complaining aloud that Tulsi is making a mistake by not listening to her. For my grandmother, and many women, Tulsi was real.
Its extremely fashionable to dis these soaps. Every one does it, for the right reasons too. But those who dis these soaps, the elite, educated, some what liberated citizens are not the audiences. But the rest of India surely is.
I hope serials go on and continue to be the support system, the companions, the friends, and the spokespersons. We don't have politicians worthy of challenging and changing the social situations. I am glad we at least have Television Characters.
Business sense continues to support these shows. Bottom of pyramids and all that jazz.
So like it or not, these shows shall go on.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Being Single
Red Wine, Jazz & Romance. Excitement. Companionship.
Vs
Whiskey, Rock & books. Routine. Narcissistic existence.
An age old argument, I think it’s totally pointless though. There is no real contest between which life is better.If the hangovers from previous relationships, and anxiety about sudden changes were to be kept aside, I bet most people I know would any day prefer to be in love. So do I.
The point of concern, however, is when singledom is forced upon you, due to lack of choice, what do you do?
Here’s a redundant analysis of the situation faced by me and many of my single friends.
Given that you want to, how do you get out of the situation (Singledom)? Yes... by finding some one. But how does that happen? By keeping eyes open and looking at every single person around you with a magnifying glass? That seems highly unromantic.. isn't it supposed to be spontaneous? Whatever it is, it just seems unnatural.
Compared to7-8 years ago, scripting brand new stories from scratch seem less probable today.Teenage has gone past. I guess with age, comes experience, and with it, wisdom. And wisdom breeds fear.
There are too many self created conditions, constraints, barriers. It’s become more of a convenience deal. Everything has to fall in to the set criteria; Age, geography, mindset, frequency, eating habits and favorite TV shows. The idea of romance seems to have been crushed by cynicism. It was so much easier to fall in love when we were 18. Boy! Did I compromise on my ‘criteria’ then!
Now, after taking some hits, some extremely painful ones at that, the whole condition of being in love seems, like it invites vulnerability. It's definitely not an encouraging sign. Your history comes and stares at you in the face every time the thought crosses the mind.
I am not cynical. Not entirely. Not yet. But I see this definite change. Forget the part about asking some one out, the whole process of convincing yourself about your interest in some one is stressful. Everything has to be perfect even before you find out that person’s interest in you.
To add to the trauma of all this internal complicated thought process, are the committed friends and relatives.Its not that you go green when you see a couple, you really are fine with your life and you are quite indifferent to theirs. You really don’t care how they are perfect for each other or are a disaster together. Either ways, you just take it as a fact of their lives and unfortunately yours too.Singledom, on the other hand, is often seen by these committed friends as some sort of an ugly disease. The disease that needs urgent prescription from those blessed souls who have nailed this thing called life, by being in a relationship, however good/bad it might be.
I really have nothing against being around couples. But I do get annoyed with those of them who constantly prick you with the ‘Hehe loser! You are single, we are not’ type of look in their eyes.
Their behaviour is quite stunning. Combined with that look, there are classic statements made on a regular basis:
‘You are hot only. You are smart also, can’t understand why you are still single’ –
A lot of times, this, sounds to you like:
‘You are decent looking, you have managed to pass PG, and even then, no one is asking you out, what’s wrong with you? Must be something really terrible that would put off people – body odour, acne, fat, god knows what else’.
What this does is, makes a supposedly innocent sounding compliment turn into a pathetic mystery, for which the friend pities you.
It seems then that, it’s not about finding a match anymore, it’s about being chosen by some generous god, who would be willing to date you..yes in spite of you being YOU. Its about seducing the Mr. Perfect, there are so many of them running around no?
Retorts like the following pop in my head immediately:
“Thank you for recognizing my hotness and smartness, but don't you think you are forgeting on little detail? It’s not enough that I am ‘good enough’; I would need to find some one who is ‘good enough’ too."
Most of the times, life goes easy. You don’t want to take this painful conversation any further, so you smile and let it be. You pretend like it indeed was a compliment, you don’t respond at all and all is well.
And you get back to the comfortable state of being 'single and happy about it'.
Vs
Whiskey, Rock & books. Routine. Narcissistic existence.
An age old argument, I think it’s totally pointless though. There is no real contest between which life is better.If the hangovers from previous relationships, and anxiety about sudden changes were to be kept aside, I bet most people I know would any day prefer to be in love. So do I.
The point of concern, however, is when singledom is forced upon you, due to lack of choice, what do you do?
Here’s a redundant analysis of the situation faced by me and many of my single friends.
Given that you want to, how do you get out of the situation (Singledom)? Yes... by finding some one. But how does that happen? By keeping eyes open and looking at every single person around you with a magnifying glass? That seems highly unromantic.. isn't it supposed to be spontaneous? Whatever it is, it just seems unnatural.
Compared to7-8 years ago, scripting brand new stories from scratch seem less probable today.Teenage has gone past. I guess with age, comes experience, and with it, wisdom. And wisdom breeds fear.
There are too many self created conditions, constraints, barriers. It’s become more of a convenience deal. Everything has to fall in to the set criteria; Age, geography, mindset, frequency, eating habits and favorite TV shows. The idea of romance seems to have been crushed by cynicism. It was so much easier to fall in love when we were 18. Boy! Did I compromise on my ‘criteria’ then!
Now, after taking some hits, some extremely painful ones at that, the whole condition of being in love seems, like it invites vulnerability. It's definitely not an encouraging sign. Your history comes and stares at you in the face every time the thought crosses the mind.
I am not cynical. Not entirely. Not yet. But I see this definite change. Forget the part about asking some one out, the whole process of convincing yourself about your interest in some one is stressful. Everything has to be perfect even before you find out that person’s interest in you.
To add to the trauma of all this internal complicated thought process, are the committed friends and relatives.Its not that you go green when you see a couple, you really are fine with your life and you are quite indifferent to theirs. You really don’t care how they are perfect for each other or are a disaster together. Either ways, you just take it as a fact of their lives and unfortunately yours too.Singledom, on the other hand, is often seen by these committed friends as some sort of an ugly disease. The disease that needs urgent prescription from those blessed souls who have nailed this thing called life, by being in a relationship, however good/bad it might be.
I really have nothing against being around couples. But I do get annoyed with those of them who constantly prick you with the ‘Hehe loser! You are single, we are not’ type of look in their eyes.
Their behaviour is quite stunning. Combined with that look, there are classic statements made on a regular basis:
‘You are hot only. You are smart also, can’t understand why you are still single’ –
A lot of times, this, sounds to you like:
‘You are decent looking, you have managed to pass PG, and even then, no one is asking you out, what’s wrong with you? Must be something really terrible that would put off people – body odour, acne, fat, god knows what else’.
What this does is, makes a supposedly innocent sounding compliment turn into a pathetic mystery, for which the friend pities you.
It seems then that, it’s not about finding a match anymore, it’s about being chosen by some generous god, who would be willing to date you..yes in spite of you being YOU. Its about seducing the Mr. Perfect, there are so many of them running around no?
Retorts like the following pop in my head immediately:
“Thank you for recognizing my hotness and smartness, but don't you think you are forgeting on little detail? It’s not enough that I am ‘good enough’; I would need to find some one who is ‘good enough’ too."
Most of the times, life goes easy. You don’t want to take this painful conversation any further, so you smile and let it be. You pretend like it indeed was a compliment, you don’t respond at all and all is well.
And you get back to the comfortable state of being 'single and happy about it'.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Mumbai
Every one has something to say about this. I do too.
I was walking back home last night. It was 1 AM. I saw a man coming towards me. He was wearing a blue t-shirt and a jacket with the hood on. He had long hair and was well built.
There are about 20 terrorists roaming around in Mumbai, free and carrying AK 47s.
I quickly figured, in case of a possible assault, I won’t be able to beat him.
I saw him pass me. We both stared at each other and moved on. But I looked back; just to check if he was taking out an AK 47 to shoot me.
I live in a housing society, which has a decent security system.
I was surprised at what happened. The pacifier was not the faith in the stranger but the faith in the security of the society. Isn’t this very strange?
I can’t understand the rationale behind some reactions I have heard.
Some say we are making a big deal out of it just because its Mumbai, Kashmir has seen terror for decades now.
For all that its worth, a 100 people dying for no real reason, is a tragedy, wherever it is. The horror in one situation cannot lessen the other. Whether its Kashmir, Iraq or Mumbai, dead people are dead people, aren’t they?
It seems like the most obvious thing, why deny it? To sound cool and fearless? In front of whom?
Some said the media is hyping things to sensationalize and spread fear. It’s the same monotonous thing they show every 10 mins.
Sensational or not, it is news. It’s information coming in spite of extreme danger in the areas. I don’t really agree with the tone of some of the reporters, but over all, I’m glad some one was there doing it for me, and I got to see it.
Then the most annoying ones and also the biggest in number are those who harp about ‘Mumbai spirit’. These people claim that the aim of the terrorists is creating fear and we shouldn’t give in. hence we should carry on with our lives like it’s any other normal day.
First of all, to think that these fidaians, who volunteered to kill and die so that they go to paradise, would have a motive it self is giving them immense respect.
A news channel showed a couple with a 6 month kid taking a family walk along chowpathi. The journalist asked them why they were out and why did not staying in doors, to this, they responded, that they wouldn’t want to sacrifice their enjoyment because of terrorism, then the terrorists’ motive would be achieved. If they had been shot then and there, the reason for their death would be stupidity. The army and Navy are in the city for gods sake, that means situation is not normal. Is that so difficult to understand?
I have no clue who did this and for what reason. I know this; there are people with guns roaming around in police jeeps randomly shooting at people. The police and the army are trying to catch them. In the middle of all this, the civilian public is not the focus of the situation. No body cares at least while the battle is still on, whether you give in to fear or not. The only focus right now would be keeping everyone safe.
I’m sitting in my office today. I’m here to work on a presentation that NEEDS to be finished. It’s a red coloured template, with a big ‘[V]’ written in the right hand bottom corner. I’m trying to establish the habits of the core TG, so that the channel can be more relevant.
I give two hoots about it right now. So I am pretending to work. Typing furiously, staring at me monitor.
It seems like just another day, people ordering for omelets and discussing GRPs, but its strange sitting here pretending like it’s just another day. There is an excitement and curiosity all around, to see the story unfold further. More action, more news.
Every one is a little worn out though. Two days of continuous NDTV coverage can do this to anyone, where Barkha Dutt is telling us that we must remain stoic.
I was walking back home last night. It was 1 AM. I saw a man coming towards me. He was wearing a blue t-shirt and a jacket with the hood on. He had long hair and was well built.
There are about 20 terrorists roaming around in Mumbai, free and carrying AK 47s.
I quickly figured, in case of a possible assault, I won’t be able to beat him.
I saw him pass me. We both stared at each other and moved on. But I looked back; just to check if he was taking out an AK 47 to shoot me.
I live in a housing society, which has a decent security system.
I was surprised at what happened. The pacifier was not the faith in the stranger but the faith in the security of the society. Isn’t this very strange?
I can’t understand the rationale behind some reactions I have heard.
Some say we are making a big deal out of it just because its Mumbai, Kashmir has seen terror for decades now.
For all that its worth, a 100 people dying for no real reason, is a tragedy, wherever it is. The horror in one situation cannot lessen the other. Whether its Kashmir, Iraq or Mumbai, dead people are dead people, aren’t they?
It seems like the most obvious thing, why deny it? To sound cool and fearless? In front of whom?
Some said the media is hyping things to sensationalize and spread fear. It’s the same monotonous thing they show every 10 mins.
Sensational or not, it is news. It’s information coming in spite of extreme danger in the areas. I don’t really agree with the tone of some of the reporters, but over all, I’m glad some one was there doing it for me, and I got to see it.
Then the most annoying ones and also the biggest in number are those who harp about ‘Mumbai spirit’. These people claim that the aim of the terrorists is creating fear and we shouldn’t give in. hence we should carry on with our lives like it’s any other normal day.
First of all, to think that these fidaians, who volunteered to kill and die so that they go to paradise, would have a motive it self is giving them immense respect.
A news channel showed a couple with a 6 month kid taking a family walk along chowpathi. The journalist asked them why they were out and why did not staying in doors, to this, they responded, that they wouldn’t want to sacrifice their enjoyment because of terrorism, then the terrorists’ motive would be achieved. If they had been shot then and there, the reason for their death would be stupidity. The army and Navy are in the city for gods sake, that means situation is not normal. Is that so difficult to understand?
I have no clue who did this and for what reason. I know this; there are people with guns roaming around in police jeeps randomly shooting at people. The police and the army are trying to catch them. In the middle of all this, the civilian public is not the focus of the situation. No body cares at least while the battle is still on, whether you give in to fear or not. The only focus right now would be keeping everyone safe.
I’m sitting in my office today. I’m here to work on a presentation that NEEDS to be finished. It’s a red coloured template, with a big ‘[V]’ written in the right hand bottom corner. I’m trying to establish the habits of the core TG, so that the channel can be more relevant.
I give two hoots about it right now. So I am pretending to work. Typing furiously, staring at me monitor.
It seems like just another day, people ordering for omelets and discussing GRPs, but its strange sitting here pretending like it’s just another day. There is an excitement and curiosity all around, to see the story unfold further. More action, more news.
Every one is a little worn out though. Two days of continuous NDTV coverage can do this to anyone, where Barkha Dutt is telling us that we must remain stoic.
Flashbacks Of A Fool
V wrote this for me:
May 15, 2007
Incandescent Metaphors
An angel stopped at my door step
Give me a little of your tomorrow
without cabs with neon lights honking
without screens with virtual windows blinking
Write me down in pieces
of incandescent metaphors
How do I dress her up in words?
She has found a home in some lazy moment
or maybe, is still scouting for one,
in pieces of yesterdays & tomorrows.
There are always so many.
She flows along turbulently
wearing reflections of the sky.
The sky does not understand;
she does not explain.
She flows down truculently
with banks on either side, dawn & twilight.
The banks-
are they wings
or are they anchors?
Naive, she forgives mirages
for being abhorrent & arrogant;
but follow them, she does.
There is so much to her
& just too little that one can know.
How do I make her up
& let her out of herself?
An innocent angel
still waits at my doorstep;
or is she a conniving witch?
------
And I responded:
May 17, 2007
Witches Can Rhyme
What would the sky know
Of hot fire and cold snow?
How can the banks see
The violence below the sea?
What’s hidden; what’s shown
Can’t dress up the unknown
A themeless hollow tale
Gets boring and pale
So put away the pen
Think and maybe then
You would actually write
With all your might
I’m neither a witch nor an angel
Its all perspective and angles!
Yeah right Buzz off!!
----
Now when I look back, this is what the essence of it all was;
Some poetic and vague rendezvous, which had seemed like everything then.
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