Salute to our Real Heroes

India watched in awe the last few days when our security men were fighting to save the innocent lives in Mumbai. It is really a shamethat country's heritage hotel Taj was attacked, our pride was shattered. Innocent unarmed civilians are targetted so often. But the brave security men restored our pride with their valiant act. The spirit of Mumbaikar is so much hyped whenever there is an attack; but that is just people's compulsion to survival.

We are hero-worshippers. People often line up even on street to have a glimpse of their film heros. Unfortunately we realise the real heros only after they lay down their life for us. The extreme devotion and strong will of the security men who fight against terrorists with a limited fecility and out dated weapons are remarkable. My heart reaches out to those great sons of India who laid down their life for us. They give me some hope when the politicians often letting down the people.

Have a taste of Bhutan

I had a very remote idea of Bhutan before I was going there. A land far away from modernity, not connected by modern means of communication, where much of the people are poor, but happy. So the GNH (Gross National Happiness) of which Bhutan is proud of, popped up in my mind always. 'Are you happy?' was the question I wanted to ask every Bhutanese I came across.

Much of my prejudices are gone when I reached Thimpu, the capital. I could taste Bhutanese hospitality the very first day when my taxi driver took extra pain to find me a room (even without me asking for that). Thimpu is quite and lovely, people are friendly, curious and like to be photographed. I really fell in love with its unique architecture, besides there is no sky scrappers to intimidate you. It has got the feel and taste of a city, yet it is not in the rat race for modernity.

Changes are evident with the introduction of TV and Internet in 1999. There are restrictions regarding certain channels and sites, still Bhutanese youth are quite trendy and up to date about fashion. They enjoy parties, dancing, liquors as any youngsters elsewhere in the world.

India is very important for Bhutan due to economic and geographical reasons. As a country hardly industrialised, Bhutan has to depend heavily on Indian products and India give military protection also. Hindi films and serials are very popular there, I was even surprised when some little girls enquired me about Hindi film actors. It is a common sight in Bhutan where girls glued into TV to watch sas-bahu serials. Most of the Bhutanese understand Hindi (thanks to films and serials). And my home state Kerala is very popular among Bhutanese due to the huge presence of teachers from there. 'Keralites make good teachers than Bhutanese' some youth confirms.

They are very proud about their country. Almost all the people answered in the affirmative to my question whether they are happy. Eventhough the country has voted for democracy, people aren't much bothered about that. But they love their king, probably no head of state earns that much love and respect in this world. 'In war like situations, our king lead the army in the front' a young forest officer says. The visionary king Jigme Wangchok's sincere efforts pay the dividents. Government tries the best to provide quality education to its people. It pays for higher studies in foreign countries to those students who are qualified. Beside, medical treatment is free to all in this country. 'We are lucky to be born here' says Karma Choeden, an young girl who works with an NGO. Young Bhutanese are not very keen to go abroad in search of greener pastures. Garab Dorji, an young IT officer with Thimpu corporation represents the spirit of educated young bhutan. 'I love to visit other countries, but not for work. I am happy here'.



Bhutanese girls are so elegant in their traditional 'Kira'. Though this dress is compulsory in offices, they are free to wear the dress of their choice outside. As crime rate is much lower, girls are safe and free in this country (serious crimes hardly occur here). In thimpu, I have seen girls running restaurants, shops etc.
Tsongs, where the main administrative activities are done, lend a special charm to this tiny Buddhist country. Religion is a major influence in all aspects of Bhutanese life. Eventhough they eat meat, animal slaughter is banned. Development without exploiting nature and culture is the mantra of Bhutan. So there are certain villages that is restricted for travellers (ofcourse in Bhutan you need special permission to go almost everywhere). With 80% land forested, ancient temples, traditional way of living, Bhutan is really a delight for the mind and the soul. I still fondly remember the smell of nature during my journey from Thimpu to Phunaka. Bhutan is a place where one love to get lost in nature's abundance. It is probably the last Shangri-la on earth as they say.

But the influence of west can be seen in cities. Hip-hop, fashion- all they ready to receive from West. X rated films and drugs popp into the lives of younsters, despite ban. Some youth already feel the threat. 'Today's youngsters are not modernised, but westernised. So they are getting more arrogant', Dr. Choeden points out. I feel, it would be extremely hard for the authorities to hold the young in the fold of tradition and values.

Yet we have a lot to learn from this country about how to be modern without forgetting who you are.

Thoughts about Religion

I live in a society where all the major religions in the world have its presence. This enabled me to have a broader vision about religion and reach beyond its narrow frame. But what happens in Kandhmal (Orissa) in the name of religion make me think 'why religion'?

India is one of the few countries where there is no official religion - thanks to the enlightened view of the architechts of our constitution. If go by statitics, India has all the 'right' to be a Hindu state. But this land allows even certain special rights to minority communities in the area of education and minority interests are well guarded in the constitution. Until politics came into the scene, Hindus never were concerned of religious conversion or any activities of minority community.

When politics reared its ugly head, things got much worse. Politicians treat people as mere vote bank and religious leaders use them for their selfish motives. Politics and religion make strange bed fellows and together it exploit the ignorance of the mass. Religion is something so deeply rooted in Indian psyche, so people are quite 'vulnerable' in this regard.

All religions are responsible for the clashes in the name of religion. Probably it is the caste system and poverty that pushes many hindus to the fold of other religions that promise equality (but that is not true, a lower caste hindu converted to christianity remain a lower caste christain all his/her life – the complex indian social system is to be blamed for this).
Now with their political wing, hindus feel the need to protect religion and act against religious conversions. And it is not only Hindus who fight in Kandhmal, Christians also fight with the help of Maoists (what an irony, join hand with atheists in the name of religion). It is totally wrong to depict India as a place where minorities are not safe as certain western medias do.

I am against proselytism, it is just taking advantage of one's disadvantage. At the same time it would be nice if the protectors of religion have an insight about our society. So atleast they can find an answer to why conversions happens. Probably then they can turn their destructive energy to constructive one. That would contribute to the upliftment of underprivileged class. So conversions can be stopped forever.

Besides, I feel the mass should be educated against being used in the name of religion and politics. They must be taught to be compassionate and tolerant. After all religion is to purify oneself, not to fight with each other.

Living with Terrorism

Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture, at TSC - Dhaka University Campus.


We live in a world where everything in the rich countries make into headlines. We hear of 9/11 even today and the explosion in London and Madrid are being discussed in medias on and off. World started taking terrorism seriously only after 9/11. Before London was a safe haven for the terrorists from India and Pakistan.

We watch explosions in Iraq and Afghanistan with a blank face. India is a constant victim of terrorism for many years. Indians literally live with terrorism, we never know when and where terrorist would strike. But it doesn't make much news in the rest of the world. If it is in US or any western countries, the authorities might have crushed the terrorism at any cost.

I won't expect India to be harsh, but the absence of effective administration add to the menace. Terrorism and corruption is closely related. In India the whole system is corrupt from top to bottom. Politicians are not better than hooligans. 'Chalte hain' attitude is so deep in the Indian psyche. If look at Indian society, it is so chaotic and undisciplined. Politicians are so irresponsible and eying only at vote banks. Why we can't make a system where people as well politicians behave like civilized humans?

India is located among 'enemies'. There is hardly any nation in the neighborhood that supports India, besides it is learn t that Pakistan's ISI engineers most of the explosions in India. But why India is silent about that?

I feel extremely sympathetic to the victims of Bomb blast. The cries of little Yash in the hospital bed in Ahmadabad is heart breaking. The kid doesn't know why he is suffering, and where his parents are?(His father and elder brother got killed in the blast). It is a shame that we live in a society where some people invest their money and brain to kill innocent people.

Religion always embarrass me with its soulless rituals, but lack of spirituality. All religion desperately need a spiritual leader like HH Dalai Lama who is a living example of compassion and love. People who 'fight' in the name of religion must listen to him. So that we can build a more compassionate world.

At the end, we can't take this act of terror lightly as usual. We need an effective system and sincere politicians to tackle terrorism.

Green Sikkim

Nature is spectacular everywhere. When you travel to a new place, its mountains and oceans may remind you of the last one you have seen. It is my first visit to Sikkim, or any north east state of India for that matter. This hill state reminds me of Mcleodganj with its mountains attired in green. But there ends the resemblance. India is the abode of many cultures, languages and religions, and north eastern states are as different as four southern states in many respects. I feel it is the people that bring the real charm to any place. Here also I met a couple of nice souls.

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is a well planned city and clean compared to other Indian townes - may be the cleanest and greenest in India. People are friendly and disciplined; I was so relieved here as I come from chaotic places. This state is the most peaceful in India, here communal violence, quarrels or shouting don't disrupt the tranquility of the place. I haven't seen any single beggar here and foot path vendors too are alien to this place.

Buddhism has got a huge influence on the society. Buddhist monasteries are the landmark of this green state. There are many monasteries as well monks also. The graceful architecture of this monasteries are real feast to the eyes. Buddhism came here from Tibet and Tibetan influence can be seen in the cuisines and attires. There are quite a few Tibetan origin Indians here.



Women also are more empowered than in the rest of India. I have seen young girls in modern outfits, selling flowers and vegetables in market. They were not stared while buying liquors - in fact I haven't never seen any girl buying liquor in any part of India. Kavita, the student convener of SDF (Sikkim Democratic Front) says she feels proud of Sikkim as women are more free and there is no dowry system here. Her parents are supportive of her political activities and there is no parental pressure to get marry, she says with a warm smile.

But as an independent kingdom till 1975, many here don't feel like Indians. It is evident when they say, 'Indians speak loudly'. When I asked about this to my friend who is an engineer with Sikkim govt, he responded, 'Have you seen anybody in the parliament who look like me?'. Sadly, Indian politics is controlled by politicians from hindi belt where even literacy is below the national average. And Sikkim has only one parliament seat! So is other north eastern states also.

I will leave Gangtok tomorrow, but I will miss the greenery and the warm smile of the people in this little green state.

Hypocrisy at its worst

Too many things have been writen about Scarlette kneeling (British teenager who was raped and murdered in Goa), about her character, her mother’s character.All the reports are too eager to portray Scarlett (poor girl, they won’t even let her soul in peace) and her mother in a bad light.
Her murder case is sensationalised so much as she is a girl, it well serves the purpose of a pulp fiction that readers would ‘enjoy’ with their morning tea.

It is the norm in our society to dig out the background of a girl even in tragedy. But nobody bothers to inquire about the back ground of the criminals, the cops and politicians who helped them. They say she is a drunkard, into sex and drugs, besides her mother was irresponsible - may be true. But what about the men who drugged and raped a minor girl? Where our 'civilized' society place them? Why nobody wants to dig out their past? Why nobody bothers about the irresponsibility of their mothers?

All medias divert attention from the tragic death of a girl to her character. Are they indirectly convey that you would be raped if you are not careful? Or if you have not taken care of your girl, she well deserves a rape and murder? Sad, how apathetic the 4th estate in our country.
In reality women are unsafe in this strictly male dominated country. Indian men (I am sorry but I hope all the gentlemen who read this would agree with me) lack good education. I am sorry to say, but most of the men have no respect for girls, they just view them as commodity. And they feel western women from an open society are easily available.

I travel alone often, I have witnessed the sorry state of our women. I know how a woman will be treated when the ‘circumstances’ are favourable. Our society dwels on hypocrisy; a society that doesn't respect its women has no right to judge her.
Rape is the most heinous crime against woman - it is against her very soul and self-respect.

Let us be compassionate atleast to Scarlette's mother who fights alone against a corrupt establishment.

Tibetan Woes

Now Tibet is in the news. Tibet has been suffering silently since CIA withdrew support to the armed resistance against China in 50’s. Nobody paid any attention when a country was invaded, when its people are forced to live as second class citizens. America’s fight was only against communism, it dumped Tibetans on the way. Later there was never an armed resistance from generally peaceful and friendly Tibetans.
Last year during my visit,I interacted with many Tibetans who live in Dharamsala. There was one boy who escaped from Tibet and traveled all the way to India on foot. He told me his motherland is rich in natural resources and China eyes on that. All the Tibetans I met are unhappy about Chinese authorities and the way things are getting in. Proud Tibetans are sad of their unique culture is being wiped out slowly and silently from the universe in the name of 'development'.

They say, there is nothing common between yellow race of China and nomadic Tibet, even their language is similar to Sanskrit which is an Indian language. They are closer to Mongolian race, probably. But ask any Chinese, they would say it is all about development. They are brain washed effectively by Chinese authorities. (May be it is not only China which brain washes its own people. We have seen how George Bush made Americans believe that Saddam posses WMD-Weapons for Mass Destruction.)

India, home of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, hardly speaks out against this ‘cultural genocide’ as Dalai Lama himself put it. India views every movement with suspicion due to its problem in Kashmir and fears of a plebiscite there.. And there is possibility of people opt for an autonomous rule there. But Tibet and Kashmir is altogether different issues. India neither invaded Kashmir nor denies the religious, cultural and political rights of the people. China, on the other hand denies basic human rights and crushes any kind of opposition in a characteristic ‘Chinese way’- the harsh way. Whatever is the reason India’s neutral stand is nothing but shameless cowardice. China is always trying to bully India, it supports Pakistan in Kashmir issue, claim Arunachal Pradesh- besides it may claim all north east states of India. We all know how the greedy nation invaded Tibet and annexed to it. Yet India act like a nation having no self respect!

But it is again business for all nations as to China. Nobody really wants to be an enemy of China. Even US is afraid of China as its market is flooded with Chinese made goods. It is pathetic to see the world, except certain isolated voices, stand as a mute spectator in all atrocities and invasions. I doubt whether we live in a world where still the mighty wins and gets things done with all treacherous means. It is an irony that China hosts 2008-Olympics, the very sport that celebrates humanity and universal brotherhood.

A Place for All

A place belongs to nobody, yet it is for everybody. This is the concept behind Auroville, International community near Pondicherry. I always dream of a place where we are not asked too many questions about caste, creed, colour, nationality etc. When the concept of nationality melts into one, one would see the other just as a human being. And It is graceful to see people live there without harming nature. Thus Auroville is very close to my dream land.

It is an ideal place where the local population and the 'outsiders' live in complete harmony without disturbing the indigenous culture. You never feel the atmosphere of a touristic spot despite the huge presence of foreigners.



On arriving at Auroville, one would feel the taste of fresh air and pure nature. I am like a free bird when I go for a 'dream drive' through the length and breath of auroville (Public transport is prohibited in Auroville. But cycle and 2 wheelers are available for personnel use. But as I dont know driving It was my dear friend Mat who took me around this time). We were laughing and shouting like children during the ride. But beneath this, we felt very peaceful with the lush greenery and solitude envelop the surroundings.

I forgot to mention the potpouri of food items there. You will get varities of dishes at a couple of eating outlets inside Auroville. I have eaten some of the best dishes over there (Visitors center, center guest house etc).

I was quite impressed by the activities ranging from organic farming to women empowering programms that aurovillians implementing with the participation of local population.

After one week of Auroville exploration, I didn't really want to leave that place. I couldn't say adieu to Auroville, I thought of Aurobindo, Mother, the inspiration behind this great concept and said to myself, ' There is something that connects me to this place, wait I will come again'.