What, in God's name, is going on?
Shobhaa De 03 October 2010, 10:37 AM IST
The Times of India
Dear God,
This is going to be a really tough letter to write. I mean, the world has changed, dude. Most young people don't believe you exist. When in doubt, they google you, and you know what? Your PR guys need to be sacked for complete and total misrepresentation ; check out the rubbish thrown up by the search engine. Depressing stuff, man. Totally not cool.
It's about time you got smart and joined some social networking sites. Tweet away, darling. We want the real thing. Gyaan in your own words. And no special privileges for being God – 140 characters like everybody else, okay? Set up a Facebook account – don't you want to know how many ‘friends' you have on earth? Get your own interactive website and watch the fun.
Business first. Where were you when we in India needed you the most? I mean the country was holding its collective breath on September 30, waiting for ‘The Verdict' . Anything could have happened, who can restrain our hotheaded netas but your good self? But you were Missing In Action: nowhere on the scene, leading to much confusion as various groups fought over your official residence . Silly people! Every child in the world knows you prefer to live in the hearts of believers. What's the fuss over a monument? Do you really need one? Have you ever needed one?
As for the h a a l a t of those three judges, they were landed with the toughest job in the world. Imagine being asked to decide which grand abode is your personal preference – a new temple or a demolished mosque? Nobody thought of asking you. If the monument is meant to please you, surely you should have a say in the matter ? We're having an informal, friendly chat, we can always ask for an SMS poll later. Speak your mind while there is still time. The three wise men have suggested a three-month pause. Three months is enough, right? It's called a cooling off period and we're hoping those who are in such a state of agitation right now, will calm down and think this through carefully.
They'll say 500 years of thinking has already gone into this debate. So what? Let 500 years more pass. You'll agree that what's most important at this point is sanity and calm. Status quo is not such a bad option. We human beings can be so stupid; here we are frothing at the mouth and making all sorts of claims over 2.7 acres of land. Agreed, land prices are going through the roof, but this is ridiculous. Fortunately, young people are more in tune with sensible solutions. Not for them the futile exercise of proving that this is indeed your favourite hang out. This generation is pretty smart. To them it doesn't really matter whether they party in this disco or that. So long as they have a good time.
With fundas like these in place, they are laughing at all those old fogies hyperventilating on television and telling them, "Get a life, you guys." These kids are absolutely right. But will anyone listen? No. Because it suits netas of various hues, it keeps them in business.
This is your moment, God. Get up and do your thing. Strut your stuff. Throw attitude . Tell those feuding fellows, you'll have none of it. They may ignore you completely since in any case you are incidental to this manmade controversy. There are so many worthier issues that need immediate and urgent intervention . Our bachchas need schools, colleges and toilets. Mandirs and masjids do not help their cause, but temples of learning do. Drill some sense into the chaps preparing for Round 2. Advise them to open their eyes to India's new realities; our restless youngsters are not interested in the politics of religion. They'll settle for jobs and a better life, any day. Let the netas coopt the desires and dreams of the majority – India's youth – into their agenda before launching another legal battle that could go on 18 or even 80 years. This is really too much, and as everybody was chanting that dramatic day, "We need closure."
The verdict is out. Three judges had the unenviable task of decoding the sentiments of a billion-plus people. The judgment is apolitical and bold. Who can possibly please and appease almost one-fifth of humanity? Not even you. There is talk of ‘reconciliation' but nobody is saying what exactly that means. Besides, can there be a board meeting without the chairman , which is you? Better that we put this centuries-old issue behind us as quickly as possible before a foreign hand stirs up trouble. What say? Till then, you can chill.
What an idea, Godji! Your devoted bhakt, Shobhaa
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
To Do or Not To Do?
I have been away for a looong time,
And that says it All...
I had been caught up with lots of issues (thanks to my foolishness and procrastination),
but now I realise how much I've learnt in the last 6 months and I would always look back to this phase as my Best Teacher...
But, today, at this very moment something crucial is raging inside me...
How often have I been selfish (I mean not using people or being egoistic or nastily diplomatic) but a genuine concern of how much I get caught up in my own circle of friends and family, my problems, their problems, my achievements, their achievements. How often do I really think about making my society, my city, my country, my world a better place?
Just saw a documentary on the Mumbai Railways and was really amazed to know about how Slumdog Millionaire is for real! A runaway kid, Balu followed all the jobs that could be done at the Thane Station and now that he is happily married with 3 kids and enough money to be safe and secure for the rest of his life, he has gone back to the Station.
He is now helping the hundreds of runaway kids to be independent and protect them from crime and exploitation, to save them from dangers he once faced. He is truly taking care of his own past.
On the other hand, I have graduated and starting a new phase of my life very soon.
Everythings perfect and with important lessons learnt I dream bigger and bigger.
But what do I dream about my fellow people? I dont want to become a billionaire while thousands still die of hunger outside. Something has to be done!
And I know, there is a smarter way to do it. And searching it is the new mission.
The new question is:
To Do and How To Do It?
Please help me find a way out :)
And that says it All...
I had been caught up with lots of issues (thanks to my foolishness and procrastination),
but now I realise how much I've learnt in the last 6 months and I would always look back to this phase as my Best Teacher...
But, today, at this very moment something crucial is raging inside me...
How often have I been selfish (I mean not using people or being egoistic or nastily diplomatic) but a genuine concern of how much I get caught up in my own circle of friends and family, my problems, their problems, my achievements, their achievements. How often do I really think about making my society, my city, my country, my world a better place?
Just saw a documentary on the Mumbai Railways and was really amazed to know about how Slumdog Millionaire is for real! A runaway kid, Balu followed all the jobs that could be done at the Thane Station and now that he is happily married with 3 kids and enough money to be safe and secure for the rest of his life, he has gone back to the Station.
He is now helping the hundreds of runaway kids to be independent and protect them from crime and exploitation, to save them from dangers he once faced. He is truly taking care of his own past.
On the other hand, I have graduated and starting a new phase of my life very soon.
Everythings perfect and with important lessons learnt I dream bigger and bigger.
But what do I dream about my fellow people? I dont want to become a billionaire while thousands still die of hunger outside. Something has to be done!
And I know, there is a smarter way to do it. And searching it is the new mission.
The new question is:
To Do and How To Do It?
Please help me find a way out :)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Invictus!
Invictus...the Unconquered!
yes I just saw the movie and there are just too many things I loved about it that I couldn't wait to blog (brag :P) about it
Its a heart-rending story of how one visionary...a messiah so to say stitches together the pieces of a country broken by apartheid, fear and violence. How one man's devotion to his people turns a anarchic region into one of the greatest nations of modern times.
Its sooo hard to believe that South Africa (officially the Republic of South Africa..and rightly so) went through such troubled times just about 16-17 years ago. Today it has been host to so many international sporting events...a true warrior for peace and global harmony.
And could this happen without the vision of one man...Nelson Mandela
The movie explicitly shows how he takes over bureaucracy and a widespread sense of vengeance to show light to the people...to unite the oppressed and the oppressors...to come together, forgiving the past...and look forward to a bright future
I could go on and on (thanks to wiki and many other sources :P).
But one of the most important things is how amazingly Sports binds people together. How 5-9-11-15 players giving their 100% make millions smile...
And this couldn't be more evident than Indian Cricket itself!
I don't really need to tell you again of how important Kapil Dev, Gavaskar, Kumble, Dravid, Ganguly and ofcourse the Master have been for modern Indian society. Everyone forgets his religion, caste, creed, occupation, grievances and what not when Sachin scores a double.
And thats what makes him different from sportsmen...the ability to handle pressure of a billion expectations...the responsibility of a billion smiles. And so has been the case of many more inspirations...Bobby Fischer, Vishwanathan Anand, Dhyaan Chand, James J. Braddock, Muhammad Ali, Don Bradman and many many more. The purpose of the Greek Olympics 2 millennia ago is now well served :)
I hope we get to see much much more of great sporting feats from all over the world, all sports of all countries...
Monday, March 8, 2010
वंदे मातरम |
First of all...
Happy Women's Day to everyone!
(even the guys...and heres why!)
Over the weekend there has been lot of written, read, said and debated about the importance of a Women's Day and there are some opinions that its not worth it...why should girls have all the fun?
theres no similar Men's Day for sure!
During such a discussion I simply stated it as an initiative for an awakening against gender bias, for the women who still don't go to school...who still have no say in the households...for those who still are beaten up for no reason...
And I couldn't be more wrong!
Today, just out of habit I smsd "Happy Women's Day! :)" to every girl I know...you know who...friends...classmates...school friends...
And suddenly there was a shift!
Just a small action...typing a msg and sending it to people but it felt really really good! And then I realised why its an important event...
We are surrounded by women all our life...d first person we saw in the world...our mother...is a woman...and at every stage of our life it has been a woman who is closest to our heart...mother, sister, spouse, daughter...
Women's Day is not a protest against sexual discrimination...but a humble chance to be sincerely grateful to the Divine Goddess...to enrich our lives by the care...the love...the trust...the support of every woman in our life...
Its stupid to even think we can clear the debt...but we can always be grateful...not always can we express our love, our care and such days give us a chance...
Forget about the social impact...just take some time out and wish every woman you know...be grateful that they came into your life and showered you with infinite motherly love!
If every man/woman/child on the Earth does this even for a day...we wouldn't require another Women's Day for social reasons...
P.S. : this blog post was also inspired by a girl...one of my Best Friends...she has just started blogging...and inspired me to start again :)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
श्री सचिन तेंडूलकर आरती |
अविस्मरणीय खेळी तुझी द्विशतकाची !
सर्वांगी सुंदर उधळण चौकारांची !
आकाशी झळके माळ उत्तुंग षटकारांची !
जय देव जय देव जय तेंडुलकरा !
तुझ्या चरणी माझा मानाचा मुजरा !
जय देव जय देव ..
१४७ चेंडू खेळपट्टी वरी उभा !
सर्व गोलंदाजांची दिसे दिव्य शोभा !
मदतीला कार्तिक पठाण धोनी आले गा !
धावांचा डोंगर उभा राहिला बघा !
जय देव जय देव जय तेंडुलकरा !
तुझ्या चरणी माझा मानाचा मुजरा !
जय देव जय देव ..
दुमदुमले मैदान झाला जल्लोष !
थरथरला गोलंदाज मानिला खेद !
कडाडली बॅट चेन्डुचा शिरच्छेद !
असामान्य अद्भुत शक्तिचा शोध !
जय देव जय देव जय तेंडुलकरा !
तुझ्या चरणी माझा मानाचा मुजरा !
जय देव जय देव..
घालीन लोटांगण वन्दिन चरणं !
डोळ्याने पाहिले द्विशतक तुझे !
पोस्टर लावूनि, आनंदे पुजिन !
भावे ओवाळीन, "सचिन" नामा !
त्वमेव ब्रॅडमन, बॉर्डर त्वमेव !
त्वमेव गावसकर, लारा त्वमेव !
त्वमेव फलंदाज, गोलंदाज त्वमेव !
त्वमेव क्षेत्ररक्षक, ऑलराउन्डर त्वमेव !
गुड लेन्थ टाकले, यॉर्कर टाकले !
बाउन्सर टाकले , व्यर्थ सारे !
ड्राइव्स तू मारले, पुल तू मारले !
फ्लिक्स तू मारले, सार्थ सारे !
हरे सचिन, हरे सचिन, सचिन सचिन हरे हरे
हरे तेंडुलकर, हरे तेंडुलकर, तेंडुलकर हरे हरे !!
थरथरला गोलंदाज मानिला खेद !
कडाडली बॅट चेन्डुचा शिरच्छेद !
असामान्य अद्भुत शक्तिचा शोध !
जय देव जय देव जय तेंडुलकरा !
तुझ्या चरणी माझा मानाचा मुजरा !
जय देव जय देव..
घालीन लोटांगण वन्दिन चरणं !
डोळ्याने पाहिले द्विशतक तुझे !
पोस्टर लावूनि, आनंदे पुजिन !
भावे ओवाळीन, "सचिन" नामा !
त्वमेव ब्रॅडमन, बॉर्डर त्वमेव !
त्वमेव गावसकर, लारा त्वमेव !
त्वमेव फलंदाज, गोलंदाज त्वमेव !
त्वमेव क्षेत्ररक्षक, ऑलराउन्डर त्वमेव !
गुड लेन्थ टाकले, यॉर्कर टाकले !
बाउन्सर टाकले , व्यर्थ सारे !
ड्राइव्स तू मारले, पुल तू मारले !
फ्लिक्स तू मारले, सार्थ सारे !
हरे सचिन, हरे सचिन, सचिन सचिन हरे हरे
हरे तेंडुलकर, हरे तेंडुलकर, तेंडुलकर हरे हरे !!
P.S.: this is not my original work
this poem courtesy of Sakal newspaper
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Something Special!
Well its been a really long time since my last post...and not without a reason!
I was just waiting for "Something Special" to come up...and here it is (pun intended :D)
The last 3-4 months have been really like this...and today I suddenly realized that its foolish waiting for something special to happen...I have to make it happen!
Events and time will pass by as always...but its upto me to make them count...to explore the reason they are there, and to fulfill the Plan!
And somehow, it takes me back into times where I had just chosen to wait...and the more I waited, the more the opportunities I lost...and more I pinched myself in regret! But now its so clear...
Nothing Special will happen until I act to make it happen!
Ofcourse this has been the case so many times...doing things in a quicky when I actually got down to do it, instead of just planning! Planning can be dangerous too :)
This is just one aspect of it...the more beautiful fact of life is...
everything IS Special in itself, whether I perceive it or not!
Its just what one needs to realize...Life is a dream, just an amazing flow of events that are too wonderful to comprehend, its an expression of Love and Joy that fills me up within...a travelogue of something in me that has never changed, and never will...
These words always keep me smiling...
"Life is Complex...
to Understand it, is even more complex...
but to Live Life is so Simple!"
why then do we need to constantly monitor our actions, our thoughts, our goals, or achievements...just relax! Theres sooo much more to life than just setting goals and achieving them...its so simple and efficient to achieve things happily...to enjoy the road and still reach the destination...that is the essence of this beautiful journey...
Its time to Stop Calibrating Life...
Its time to Start Celebrating Life!
I was just waiting for "Something Special" to come up...and here it is (pun intended :D)
The last 3-4 months have been really like this...and today I suddenly realized that its foolish waiting for something special to happen...I have to make it happen!
Events and time will pass by as always...but its upto me to make them count...to explore the reason they are there, and to fulfill the Plan!
And somehow, it takes me back into times where I had just chosen to wait...and the more I waited, the more the opportunities I lost...and more I pinched myself in regret! But now its so clear...
Nothing Special will happen until I act to make it happen!
Ofcourse this has been the case so many times...doing things in a quicky when I actually got down to do it, instead of just planning! Planning can be dangerous too :)
This is just one aspect of it...the more beautiful fact of life is...
everything IS Special in itself, whether I perceive it or not!
Its just what one needs to realize...Life is a dream, just an amazing flow of events that are too wonderful to comprehend, its an expression of Love and Joy that fills me up within...a travelogue of something in me that has never changed, and never will...
These words always keep me smiling...
"Life is Complex...
to Understand it, is even more complex...
but to Live Life is so Simple!"
why then do we need to constantly monitor our actions, our thoughts, our goals, or achievements...just relax! Theres sooo much more to life than just setting goals and achieving them...its so simple and efficient to achieve things happily...to enjoy the road and still reach the destination...that is the essence of this beautiful journey...
Its time to Stop Calibrating Life...
Its time to Start Celebrating Life!
Friday, July 10, 2009
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