~ h u m m i n g l e a v e s ~

Lovely Himachal

2011-06-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Village life always enchants me, so I havn’t thought twice when I got an opportunity to visit a village near kareri in Himachal Pradesh. It is a long walk through mountains from the last bus point to reach the place, remote but green. It is enveloped by thick forested mountains as if to guard the tiny village. There was a wedding going on to which all villagers gathered at bride’s place. I was so warmly welcomed in my friend’s home and they did everything possible to make me feel comfortable. It was a delight to see the row of traditional Himachali house made of mud and wood. I barely felt cold inside the house though it was cold outside.

It is typical village where morning wake up with men readying for their daily cores as rearing cows and plowing fields, women with cooking roti(Chapati) and aloo(potato)in the traditionl oven. They display a fair amount of hospitality and are so curious like many of the Indians; you will be welcomed to every home with a sweet chai(tea). They live with limited resources, even TV is a luxury for them. I was so moved by the innocence and love of those simple inhabitants there, especially the lovely but shy girls. I think I do fall in love with Himachal Pradesh, her mountains, apple trees, snow and her lovely inhabitants.
As Gandhiji said, 'India lives in villages’ Indian villages are very slow to changes, modernity is too shy to embrace her, tradition and social law still decides the life of villagers. And this is perhaps the real face of India in her many other faces.

America's own Osama

2011-05-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare wrote, ¨Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" (Macbeth). Perhaps the sound and fury doesn’t stop at death!Osama bin Laden’s death seems more of a tale than life- we don’t know whether to cry, laugh or forget with all the horrific details of his death unfolds before us.I don’t know how significant is the death of Osama to the world, when he is only a name sake head of Al- Quida. But obviously this is a great news for US president Obama who is seeking re-election in 2012. To an extend, USA is responsible for the making of Osama bin Laden and the fanatic elements in Islam.They prepared a fertile ground for fanatics like Osama to grow and spread their sickening idealogy among ignorant masses. So it was necessary for them to get rid of him as he had grown out of their control!

USA acts unilaterally when it feels its interests must be served-Iraq invasion, Afgan war etc are a case in point. At the same time advice countries like India to keep restraint at the face of terror! We know well that the master mind of Mumbai riot(1992) and the master mind of 26/11 are having a royal life in Pakistan, but India couldn’t do anything about that till date. US always played its game well in this part and managed to isolate India surrounded by ‘enemies’. I think, now, it is too late when the US realized its past mistake of nurturing islamic fanatism in the guise of fighting communism or whatever.

Whenever required, USA used Pakistan like a tool to slow the Indian growth in the region, unfortunately, both this countries devote a major chunk of its economy for purchasing weapons from rich counries! Why? Both presuming a war between themselves! Strangely Pakstan(read its Army and ISI),
considers its very existence is based on anti-India rhetoric and invest their time and energy on propagating hate! While those fanatics do nurture the under privileged to fight their ‘war(jihad)’, they would be enjoying all luxuries of life in the comforts of their home.I am sorry for the ignorance of common men, and how they are being manipulated.

India and Pakistan have lot of people, living in extreme poverty, many of them do not have even basic amenities in their life. Yet both this countries compete to invest in weapons to fight their war to an ‘unknown enemy! I wonder why this Asian neibhours(I am not mentioning about China that invests a huge chunk of its economy for defence purpose) are not wise enough to understand that USA or west is not going to lose anything if they fight, but only stand to gain from it. Atleast in their country, their citizens are not starving, they have a good social support system and are well taken care of.

In this imagined ‘would- be war’, people of both this countries are real losers, this not only deviate us from the real issues, but affect the development of our countries also. So I just wish people of both this countries could wake up from their slumber and fight for their basic right to live as dignified human beings. Or am I just dreaming?

Scams everywhere

2011-03-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

Recently one of my friends asked me why I don't write about scams in India? It makes me sad, angry and upset to think about this-i weep for my great country.I don’t know where to begin and end with regard to this subject and I’m so tired of those new scams that mushroom everyday. Neither I do remember the names of those politicians and bureaucrats who are involved in scams nor wish to do so.( Finally am i getting cynic?)Those scamsters don’t deserve any mention of their names for they are the worst criminals in society.
But I was wondering about the tolerance of Indians towards corruption. For years, we are used to live with it and developed a kind of passive attitude about this social cancer. Whether there will be any day when Indians take to streets against our governments? India is not an autocratic country, but our democracy is nominal and is run by a bunch of political-bureaucratic-corporate mafia. Or Did the prophetic writer Kahlil Gibran put it correctly in his following words the painful truth that we live in?

“Pity the nation that is full of beliefs and empty of religion. Pity the nation that wears a cloth it does not weave, eats a bread it does not harvest, and drinks a wine that flows not from its own wine-press. Pity the nation that acclaims the bully as hero, and that deems the glittering conqueror bountiful. Pity a nation that despises a passion in its dream, yet submits in its awakening. Pity the nation that raises not its voice save when it walks in a funeral, boasts not except among its ruins, and will rebel not save when its neck is laid between the sword and the block. Pity the nation whose statesman is a fox, whose philosopher is a juggler, and whose art is the art of patching and mimicking. Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpeting, and farewells him with hooting, only to welcome another with trumpeting again. Pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years and whose strong men are yet in the cradle. Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself a nation.”
Kahlil Gibran

Binayak Sen and patriotism

2010-12-26T22:25:00.000-08:00

India is incredible for sure, a man who has devoted his life for the deprived got life term when criminals,corrupt politicians and rapists are roaming scot-free. The charge against Dr. Binayak Sen is sedition; waging war against state but in any way he was sentenced without ample evidence. He is a humanitarian to the core and has been working for the welfare of the poor leaving his lucrative career.
I end up asking myself what is treason If not looting the country by conniving with mafias and goons. What is the crime of Binayak Sen to deserve a life term in a country where politicians/beauraucrats/corporates etc have been exploiting India and her people for years? Much of our political class is so characterless and blind with greed so that they would even sell off the country if offered a handsome amount. So these people sit at the helm of affairs to judge our patriotism, it is pathetic to see even our judiciary is part of the problem.
Is that a crime if you know a Maoist or read their literature? Is that a crime if you sympathise with the plight of the tribals?
I don’t really connect to the violence of Maoist, and I feel both the state and Maoists exploit the helpless tribal people. We are really in a Kafkaesque situation under an oppressive state. I wonder when it would start to dictate even our though process.

Might is right for China

2010-12-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

China did it again in a perfect Chinese style by threatening countries of severe consequences if they attend Nobel peace prize ceremony for Liu Xiaobo(Chinese democratic activist). For me it sounds weired, when China asks other countries not to interfere in its internal affairs. Besides it shows the immaturity of Chinese administration- the kind of language it chose to express its anger is nothing but its incapability to cope up with criticism. So ultimately she allows herself to be laughed at among the world community.Though a fast growing economy(thanks to the cheap labour and a dictator regime), she doesn’t respect the right of others to choose, instead try to dictate their foreign policy. I feel it is a dangerous trend from a country as powerful as China.

China’s ambition to become the world leader and increasing influence on Asian and African countries made many succumb to her dictum. Interestingly democratic countries like South Korea , Japan and not so democratic Thailand decided to attend the ceremony. Most of the Asian countries are partially or completely under dictatorship. They themselves have problems inside with dissidents or freedom fighters. So they can connect to Chinese sensitivities much easier. This is applicable to countries in the Middle East and Africa also. And of course, Russia also is a semi-autocratic country that do not entertain any criticism of its Govt from citizens.(I remember one Russian told me that they will be in jail if speak against Putin).
The countries benefiting from US aid or those considered her close allies too chose to go the Chinese way. (eg. Pakistan,Afganistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Morocco etc). Obviously these are ‘marriages’ of convenience for both side, otherwise how can a country seek the help of countries who sponsor terrorism to fight that menace.

On her part China barely consider the sensitivities of other nations, a geo-politically weak India often get bullied by her. It is well known that how she conspire with dictators in Africa to loot their wealth and leave the impoverished in penury. I am happy this time India didn’t succumb to Chinese pressures and decided to send her envoy in Norway for the ceremony. Before aspiring to be a world power China must understand ‘might is not right’, and obedience out of fear is not real, instead respect must be earned.

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Remembering Mahatma

2010-11-09T23:37:00.000-08:00

Each time I read Gandhiji’s autobiography, it gives me new reflections of his life. He is the most discussed person in the modern world and his philosophy acquires more relevance today than ever. I must admit that we Indians know very little about him, and ofcourse ungrateful to our great son. I heard people often pass judgements about him even without caring to read his autobiography, or even without a little knowledge of his life. We often have a tendency to belittle his person, his achievements. I can only sympathise to those who are not able to understand a spiritually and morally elevated person like Mahatma.

Mahatma's(great soul) Christ-like saintliness and purity of heart are much talked about and is widely admired.
But through the pages of his life, one can find a Mahatma who is strong willed, curious, keenly interested in the world outside his sphere of action, besides he loved traveling. His reaching out nature is evident in the way he learned Tamil, Urdu etc to talk to Indians in South Africa. His selfless nature is appealing even to his enemies, that earned him lot of friends. Though a practicing Hindu, his religion is barely ritual-bound. He believed that ‘God could be realized only through service.’ As Gandhi himself admitted, Christian influence is evident in his life, even he read Bhagavad Gita(Hindu holy text)at the insistance of his Theosophist friends in England. He was keenly interested in studying about religion, debating and was sincerely tolerant towards all religious beliefs.
God is the strong force that controlled Gandhi’s actions and believes, obviously he was an immensely blessed soul. Though essentially an Indian at heart, he was influenced by Ruskin Bond, Tolstoy and HD Thoreau, and his thoughts were never confined to narrow nationalism.
His interest in sanitation and service inspired him to nurse those affected by contagious diseases, but surprisingly, he had been never infected by that deadly disease. Gandhi was definitely a mass leader, his charisma alone drove people to lend their service even to most demanding task, even without him asking for that. Gandhi was adamant about his ideals and it was impossible to influence him unless he let to be.

I feel his autobiography is a must read for all humanity, though not a Mahatma, at least it will make us a better human being. A great soul who wrote when the world was at war, ‘Soul-force is matchless. It is superior to the force of arms. Men who use physical force are strangers to the courage that is requisite in a passive resistance.’(Satyagrahi). He proved with his very life that Ahimsa(non violence) is the prerogative of the courage and achieved greatness not through power or status, but by not wanting that.

Kashmir: Lost Paradise?

2010-09-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kashmir is mostly in news for wrong reason, but is that what Kashmiries deserve?
Kashmiries are generally very enterprising and hard working people having a nomadic inclination. They are present in all touristic spots in India with their traditional handicrafts,shawls etc. The paradise as Kashmir is, I recollect memories of my visit to there few years back. As Kashmir is a boiling pot, a prime reason of dispute between Pakistan and India, I was curious to know the mind of the people. There are few people who create problem for Kashmir with Pakistan’s support, but I feel it is more or less a political issue. I hardly have seen any Kashmiri having feelings for Pakistan though they do not neccessarily feel as Indians. To be part of Pakistan is the last thing many Kashmiries wanted. (Of course we often forget about Kashmiri pundits who are mostly stay as refugees in their own country. Kashmir is their land also though some fanatics try to do an ethnic cleansing to make it a muslim place.)

But today throwing stone at security officers are considered a job in this beautiful valley, again, with the support of neibhouring country, poor youths are lured to score political mileage. I doubt to what extend this school boys are aware of freedom and India-Pak issue. Unfortunately those vicious minds behind this act, don’t aware of the impact of this on youth, their future. I wonder whether they want to build a ‘free Kashmir’ of some young illiterate stone-pelters?
Kashmiries are very friendly and not religious fanatics as they are being portrayed- They would invite you to their home with pleasure, feed you and make you feel at home. They have the ability to adapt to any circumstances that contribute to their good business skills.

Kashmiries are proud of their Kashmiriyat, many feel that free Kashmir can be more prosperous if independent, but there are some alien voices that are happy to be part of India. One Kashmiri fruit vendour in Mcloedganj told me, ‘If I see any terrorist, I will kill him, they are eating from Hindustan’s plate and spitting on it’. Another young Kashmiri is of the view that they can’t surive if Kashmir is free, ‘how we will survive just with dry fruits and Apple? We are indebted to Hindustan for rice, pulses,vegetable and other items’. He says. Anyways he is sure that Kashmir is neither going to be free nor going to be part of Pakistan, all in their life they may fight for freedom in vain’. ‘Hindustan isko chodega nahin(India will not leave it)’, he says with a glint in his eyes.

For India, it is an issue of prestige and for Pakistan it is an issue of water as many rivers origin from Kashmir. Indians generally feel that Kashmiries are pampered due to the separatist issue there. India pays a heavy price to retain Kashmir with her, she spends huge money of tax-payers on this valley. Though Ladakh is part of Jammu and Kashmir state, the peaceful Buddhist people there feel that they get a step-motherly treatment from govt. Some even say that they are ignored as they don’t throw stones at security forces.
Despite all this, Kashmir still burns and common people who struggle to meet both ends suffer, while those ignite violence enjoy luxuries and their children study in elite schools. Finally does that really matter which country you belong to?

In the midst of concrete jungle

2010-02-03T04:37:00.000-08:00

I was thinking of Jonathan Swifts ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ while walking through the streets of Hongkong. Among its giant sky scrappers, I felt like a tiny insect-size human of Lilliput who jumped into the pockets of Gulliver,or rather the tiny being trapped among the giant humans of Brobdingnag for whom Gulliver’s microscopic size is a source of curiocity. I hardly have seen such a huge flock of sky scrappers in my life, literally those buildings seem to aim the sky to kiss her. Hongkong is probably a synonym for concrete jungle. One can see modernity in every nook and corner of the city, it well deserves the name ‘international city of Asia’in all respect. Infrastructure- wise city is at par with any developed nation, besides it has got a very effective public transport system.

But as many Asian cities, Honkong too trapped in the mall culture of today; sadly, mushrooming malls are seen as the symbol of modernity though it is a web of consumerism. So it has all the trappings of a modern city, as the mad sale in the shops that drive people desperately to consume, fake or original brands, people flock to the shops in the mad rush of consumerism-indeed it is a shopper’s paradise. Even the Christmas is commercialized in a way that has painfully departed from its spiritual aspects. I was even surprised seeing the band of singers at the airport when I landed on 25 th of December. It seemed that you can’t hardly get away from the song ‘jingle bell,jingle bell’, wherever you go.

Everything seems organized and orderly, even people walk on street in a certain manner as if they are asked to do so. I don’t know whether wealth and hospitality has any connection at all, but I found the people less friendly. They look pretty reserved and stressed as if prosperity steal away the smiles. But it was always nice to have a stroll through the city that woke up from the slumber of colonial hang over. I have roamed around different parts of city as it is well connected by metro and sky train. If you are a vegitarian, you have to control your taste buds to adapt to the meagre choice of food. But to my relief I could find few vegitarian restaurants including Indian ones. The food I enjoyed really is a Pasta from an organic restaurant called ‘Life’. The restaurant welcomes you with Gandhiji’s quote ‘Be the change, If you want to change the world’.

The quite walk through the forest in the interior part of city was refreshingly inspiring-it was a jungle away from concrete jungle. While journeying through the solitary foggy path surrounded by trees, I regret for not being able to write like William Wordsworth. But I just repeated his verse to my heart’s delight.
‘To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.’

Though I wanted to see village in Hongkong, the one I saw hardly resembled a village, but looked like a little city. The re knowned Thousand Buddha temple was quite disappointing with its plastic Buddha statues. It looked like a Disney land of Buddha that is arranged for tourism; it lacks both aesthetism and spiritual depth. But the giant Buddha statue at Po Lin Monastery was magnificent with its huge presence. This 26.4 m high statue is the world’s largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha.

The island around Hongkong was quite interesting with its tropical forest and tranquil settings. I particularly enjoyed Lamma island with its clean beaches and lush green landscape.
Though considered part of China, Hongkong enjoys much freedom but not without restrictions. An old Malayalam film song goes like this: ‘hey Hongkong streets; you have opened doors of heaven for us’. But I just wonder doors of heaven and doors of prosperity look the same?

When i was a Communist...

2010-02-03T04:31:00.000-08:00

I was a co-traveller of communism as a dreamy teenager- may be I prefer to call me rather a romantic revolutionary. The place I was born is the cradle of communism in Kerala that caters to my ideal dreams of a paradise on earth by revolution, as many teenagers of my area. Like many communists I questioned God who distributed inequality, suffering and illness. And it was a fashion among communists to discard Gandhiji and hail people like Lenin, Stalin and Mao.

Probably you can’t be a communist all through your life, it is perhaps a temporary resort of a disturbed soul. Revolutionary ideas sprout where there is frustration, pain and sorrow. My frustration arose from the sufferings and pain in the society despite my personal pains. It is natural for any thinking teenager to get attracted to such ideologies that promise a world devoid of injustice. Besides in Kerala many intellectuals, artists and writers were part of this movement.

Violence and ugly side of campus politics was an eye-opener to my communist dreams. I realized that communism lack humanity and concentrate all energy on the material aspect of life. (Any idealogy based on pure materialism is hollow and thus lack the spiritual depth that is the very essence of existence.)
Young minds are used (even brain washed sometime) to celebrate and secure power and authority. I couldn’t digest my innocent friends turn to blood-thirsty animals incase of a fight with opposite group. That was when I mentally distanced from this utopian idealogy.

Now communism for me is a lost paradise that probably exist only in dream. History proved that communists were the worst massacres and dictators on earth. Any ideology that curtails the freedom of individual would die a natural death. It has to be reformed with time, otherwise communism may lose its relevance in modern times.

Kolkata Diary

2009-11-18T04:27:00.000-08:00

I had a romantic notion about West Bengal for its great cultural and literary tradition, besides as it is the place of Rabindranath Tagore, the person I adore, i have a special feeling for it. Infact Bengal gave birth to many erudite men as Aurobindo, Vivekananda, Sathyajit Ray etc who are very precious to my heart.

West Bengal is considered the cultural capital of India, it is like France to Europe. Bengalis are proud of their brilliant culture and language.
When I landed at Nethaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport in Kolkatta, I was so overwhelmed with a strange happiness. The very name (we are used to names of Nehru family),the atmosphere all seemed quite fresh and soothing to me. At last I am in the land of Tagore- the poet, guru, an eternal inspiration to humanity. My heart starts humming in profound joy, ‘thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure’(the beginning lines in Gitanjali). Tagore is like god to Bengalis, those who are not into reading even adore him.

It was raining all the night and I found a place to stay near Chowrangee line which is one of the busiest area in the city. Kolkatta resembles other Indian cities in many ways-traffic,dust,pollution and people. Yet I feel Kolkatta is a city having care and concern. People are extremely friendly and accommodative, at least I felt so. I often visited a shop near my guest house to find some ethnic ornaments. To my pleasant surprise, one day the shop keeper gifted me a bracelet made by himself. I was so moved by this gesture and thus my heart got closer to the city. I often felt a good wave length with Bengalis at least with those who came into my contact. I have always something to share with them either literature or politics. One day while having breakfast in a restaurant, which is mostly frequented by foreigners, one young bright waiter recognized me as a Keralite! He says he can make out people of any region or language. Oh gifted man, I said to myself. I tried different Bengali cuisines especially fish, food is cheaper than other cities, but i found it spicy.

On my idle walks through the city, I came across with so many beggars, especially girls on the street. Some are pretty sophisticated who know the art of begging well. Some even speak English and would befriend you in the guise of guiding you to find bus or direction. I chatted with them for long by avoiding the stares from people walking beside me. They complained me about their misery, apathy of the system etc asif I am their saviour. Most of those beggars are from from Bihar and Bangladesh, few are from certain villages in West Bengal. My concerns caused me some money, but they were expecting more from me. On my way back I was disturbed by their struggle for survival. That reminded me of the absurdity of a socialist regime that rules there more than two decades.

Today’s Kolkatta is a pot-pourry of culture, povety,film, malls, books plus communism. I couldn’t roam around much of Kolkata except few touristic spots,but what saddedned me most was that I had to skip my cherished visit to Shanti Niketan, the brain child of Tagore. But I have a valid reason o go back to Kolkatta again, I consoled myself.

Yes, we are like this

2009-10-21T03:58:00.000-07:00

One more festival is over with lot of sound and fury. Deepavali is considered a festival of lights, but it seems a festival of noise (crackers). It is a nice festival with a great concept of light over darkness or victory of the good against the evil. But we, Indians love noise too much and burst crackers on each festival and each victory. I am not able to understand the psychology behind bursting crackers. If I express my anxiety to fellow Indians, many would n’t take that seriously. Because we are all used to noise and if there is silence, we will ask why? I remember how my relatives and friends surprised about my silent nature as a child. They always bothered me with a question, ‘why you don’t speak?’ Speak what? I never understood what they were asking and what I was supposed to speak. Now I know that we just want everybody to open their mouth and utter any nonsense.
Yes we are Indians, we love noise and we are waiting for any opportunity to make more noise :-)

Where is the mind without fear?

2009-10-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

I was shocked to see the picture of Joel Elliot, a US journalist the other day. His bruised face shows the dark side of our police force. According to his statement that is sent to IB and external Ministry, he was beaten up brutally by Delhi police for trying to prevent four police men beating up a man in the dark. Police version of the story(which I doubt for sure) is that Joel was trying to steal a cab in a drunken state and was behaving violently. Even though it is true, how can they treat somebody like this? If this is the treatment towards a US journalist, what would be a lay man’s chance for justice? I have seen immense of time how people who live in the margins of society are beaten up by police for petty issues. Once in Karol Bagh(Delhi), I witnessed police slapping rikshaw-pullers who encroached into the restricted area to fetch passengers. The riksha-pullers withdrew from the spot believing they deserve it !

Our basic problem in India is that most of us are either unaware of laws or afraid of authorities. We have been taught not to question parents and teachers as they are the first authorities while growing up. Since childhood we are conditioned to live in a way designed by parents and society. Later we are obliged to obey other forms of authorities as power and money. So naturally we end up as passive people who hardly raise voice against injustice. Here police represents the unquestionable authority to take law into their hands with the virtue of their uniform. Indians hardly question the police as Joel did. The ingrained fear of public coupled with a passive attitude make police force as well other authorities behave like our masters. Our education too doesn’t encourage free thought, let alone question the injustice.

We are all mortal humans having our bad sides as well. So it is unwise to think some are above vices and beyond questioning. Our police force has to be more humane, because they are here to safe guard common people, not to harrasse them. Above all our education must be to enlighten the students with wisdom and knowledge. Only true knowledge opens the way for a mind that transcends fear.

No room for Humour

2009-10-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

Are we a nation of humourless people? Or our politicians are just humourless hypocrats?This question popped up in my mind while reading the controversy over external affairs minister of state Shashi Tharoor’s comment on twitter. He tweeted that he would travel in cattle class to sympathise with the holy cows concerning the austerity gestures of govt. But politicians made a big issue out of this harmless joke.
The reaction of politicians shows their hypocrisy and how they take themselves so seriously. Besides our politicians definitely lack wisdom and maturity so that they make issue out of nothing. Shashi Tharoor is probably an odd man there, but I feel we are desperately in need of a wise and mature politician like him. Atleast Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is wise enough to see the humour in it. It would be better if politicians concentrate on good governance rather than waste time on mean things. Please, let us grow up.

Racism is in our mind

2009-10-07T04:40:00.000-07:00

In the wake of recent attack on Indians in Australia, people back home cry about Racism. Are we really not racist to point finger at others? Here light skinned Indians look down upon black Indians, rich look down upon the poor. It is a fact that Indians like many Asians are so obsessed with white skin. India is good market for fairness cream and if you glanze through the matrimonial classifieds in newspapers, you would surprise to see the love for fair skin. Racism is a universal evil and no country is perfect in this regard.

It is in our nature to portray all the attacks or remarks as racist. We still shoulder the colonial baggage of inferiority complex. Probably this attacks does have nothing to do with the skin colour of Indians. Criminal elements are there everywhere. Envy, greed and blind nationalism or regionalism is present in other places as well. We have seen the attacks in Mumbai against poor north Indians though nobody was ‘shocked’ then. Those north Indians have gone to Mumbai as they don’t have any other option. But those students in Australia is there by paying a huge fees often for a fake certificate. Yet political parties took their cause and protested. But no one was their for those poor north Indians.
Besides Indian must learn to behave in a civilized society. Most of the time we are the most noisy and undisciplined people on the planet. We are famous for littering and flaunting wealth in public. We must be more open to other cultures and societies. Our medias too sensationalise this news and add racist tone to every attacks.
So it is better to make our home livable and better, before pointing finger at other countries.

Happy Laos

2009-07-04T11:02:00.000-07:00

Laos? When I told some of my compatriots that I am going to Laos, they looked at me with a question in their eyes, ‘is that a country?’. Laos is hardly heard, but I was so surprised to see the amount of tourists in this land locked country. I had cherished pleasant feeling thinking that it might be a primitive country having virgin forests. Yes it is blessed with 70% forest -land but tourist friendly and much modern. And Laos is one of the less populated country in Asia.

After much unrest and civil war communism took over in 1975, and rule the country with a one party system. But that hasn’t affected their Buddhist way of life, though initially they were discouraged to become monks. In today’s Laos both Communism and Buddhism live together. One can see party flags and prayer flags, or monasteries exit side by side. Even today the prayers at certain monasteries are done in Pali language(language in which Buddha gave his teachings) When I befriended a monk there he invited me to offer prayers, thinking that as an Indian I would understand the language. Though I accepted the invitation, I conveyed my illiteracy in Pali language.
Pha Lak Pha Lam, or the Indian version of Ramayana is the most popular classic literature.

People of Laos are laid back and friendly and add flavour of fun even at work as they consider stressing too much is unhealthy for both the mind and body. Lao beer is the national drink and considered as pride of nation. As not an industrialized country, they have to depend heavily on neighbouring countries as Thailand, China and Vietnam for trade and consumer products. Capital Vientiane is a small town but clean and orderly that would slip into slumber after 9pm. Though not ‘modern’ in the strict sense of the term, you will get all the cuisines of world over there. I had some delicious Indian food from a restaurant own by a Bangladeshi. Lao cuisine lack the depth and delicacy of Thai food, but I tried some soup and sticky rice. Surprisingly life in Laos is costlier than in Thailand.

Luang Prabhang, the ancient capital is a mountainous place blanketed with lush greenery. It is on the banks of Mekong river, which adds charm to the city. Unesco listed it in the world heritage list. As a former French colony, the elegant wooden buildings bear the mark of French architecture. This sleepy town extends its calmly elegance to tourists lavishly. A ride around the outskirts of city is quite refreshing with its green landscapes and perfumes of frangipanis, which is a symbol of Laos.

The malls that mushroom in Laos are flooded with cheap Chinese products. They have imitations of almost all the big brands in the world. The huge jewellery market, mostly sell imitation of gold and other jewelleries. Though considered poor country, I
havn't seen any beggars on the road. People seem quite content with their simple way of life.

Laos culture and way of living is slightly similar to Thailand. Women seem free and run many business at least in cities. Unlike in Thailand where girls are in western robes, I have seen many girls wearing their traditional dress. It was so lovely to see the girls in their traditional dress.
Though not a road less traveled, Laos still reminds me of a lost land in the mountains, which I would like to explore again.

Sawateeka (welcome) to Thailand

2009-07-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Thailand is considered the land of smiles. True people are easy going and welcome you with a warm smile. They never forget to say ‘kopun krab(Thank you)’ in return of even a slightest gesture from you. Bangkok is very touristic, yet it won’t disappoint you. You can easily melt into the crowd and become one among themselves. They hardly bother you with stares or personal questions. People are generally polite and courteous. I feel it is a strange combo of sky scrappers, sky train and smiles.

It is a paradise of food. If you walk around the street, you will get tempted by those varieties of food on the display. It seems street food is an inevitable part of their life. I enjoy Thai food and some dishes remind me of Kerala food as they too use coconut. I had a delicious banana flower salad made with coconut milk and different dishes made of rice noodle from a vegetarian restaurant run by few women ambassadors of vegetarianism. People are quite health conscious despite their love for food. I have hardly seen any overweight people there.

It is quite a modern and well- planned city though the traffic- jam at peak hours reminded me of Indian cities. Chao praya river, flows through the heart of Bangkok is the life line of the city. A boat trip around the river, watching those sky scrappers on the both sides is amazingly romantic. A shopper’s delight it is. You will get everything that satisfies your luxurious taste. Besides it is a land of orchids as well. The lovely variety of orchids in the flower market was a real feast to my eyes.
But our visit to floating market was disappointing. It was an area for tourists and seemed everything was ‘arranged’ for tourists, all goods are very pricy as well. I feel this artificial ‘make up’ is a bad aspect of tourism.
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Buddhism is the major religion, besides there are Muslims and Christians as well. It is believed that Buddhism reached there from Srilanka. There are many monasteries that mark the strong presence of religion, in Bangkok. I learned that they worship Lord Ganesh as well, for them it is ‘papi Ganesh’. And like Indian epic ‘Ramayana’, they have their own Ramayana, but it is slightly different from Indian version.

As in many Buddhist countries women are free as the society is much open. Thailand gave me an impression that the society is run by women. You can see the presence of women in all aspects of life especially in service industry and area of food is more or less controlled by them. I don’t know exactly about the status of women there, but Thailand impressed me as a country of women, unlike my strictly male dominated country. Thai king is the father figure of the nation. Everyday during the song that hails king, even those who walk on the road will stop to pay respect to him.
Our train journey from Bangkok to boarder of Laos was quite interesting. The train is quite clean and the sleeper berth was very comfortable.

There is sex market in Bangkok where you can see half naked girls dancing to the delight of tourists. But this is an ugly face of commercial tourism in modern era and Thailand is not an exception. The difference is that it is pretty open there.

The hosts at the guest house (Samsen 5 lodge) where we were staying, made us feel at home. They were so polite and generous. They feed us on delicious Thai food for breakfast. I left Bangkok with fond memories about the land of smiles.

Demographic Dividend and India

2009-05-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Demographic Dividend is the new term founded to show the population rise in a positive light. IT entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani’s book ‘Imagining India’ celebrates our population growth. The youth of India is an attractive investment in the future, he reasons. He says India’s population contributes to global economy as workers and consumers. But I fail to understand how an uneducated and unskilled youth can be an investment of future India. Our literacy rate is around 65% and population increases mostly among BIMARU(Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajastan, Uttar Pradesh) states which are most backward in India.

I feel the corporate czars are kind of arm- chair writers as they don’t see the real India. India’s growing population can be a worrying factor in the future. During my travels I have befriended poor workers from many parts of India. Many confessed to me about the humiliation they have to face. I have seen in Goa, how young boys working at restaurants are treated as lesser humans. But they don’t have any option as they are trapped in poverty. Nobody treats them as human beings, let alone with respect. Whether this youth, having no self- respect or education will fit in the demographic dividend?

Foreigners often get shocked seeing women work on construction sites and on roads. Many ask me ‘How can they do that kind of work?’
But this is a common sight in India, of which nobody bothers about. Often this women seem to work with little kids their beside. They are under paid and not even aware of their rights. This is an irony in a country where women goddess are worshipped and motherhood is celebrated. How those hapless women can be considered an asset in the Demographic Dividend?
Corporate houses, elite class, politicians and Bollywud industry, probably benefit from the population explosion. Many big Corporate houses employ boys on contract basis for a monthly wage as less as Rs-2000/- they can be out of job any time. Rich often find this uneducated poor as walking machines.

Ignorance is the main cause of population explosion. I often wonder why the authorities turn a blind eye towards it when I see many kids begging on street. As poor have more children, its impossible to control population without female education. The case of Kerala is a good example in this regard where family planning is implemented successfully. Because there every woman is educated.

Education and awareness is important any country to progress. Growing population in India will contribute more violence, unemployment, environmental disaster, if not controlled. And if not invested heavily on educating the poor, our population will be a real problem in the future. Family planning and education must be our top priority.
Demographic Dividend is a new term founded to put the population rise on

Maoist Threat

2009-05-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

By perpetuating violence throughout India, Maoist again proved that they can’t be ignored. If Terrorism can be blamed on external factors, Naxalism( this name derived from Naxalbari in West Bengal-the place where this movement begun) is more or less a home grown outfit, though certain external help can’t be ruled out. Maoism is an old wine in new bottlI don’t really know if it is something to do with Mao except the love of red among all those revolutionaries. But feel Maoist can’t be treated on par with terrorists even though I am not at all an admirer of Mao.

India’s poor states are the fertile soil for Maoists. Some areas are virtually under their control. Many are forced to obey their diktats out of fear. I think Indian political system contributed to a great extend to this menace. Tribals and poor are deprived of their fundamental rights for years. Political and bureaucratic apathy made this people vulnerable and desperate. Self -serving political class in India treat ‘aam admi’ as vote bank, except paying lip service during elections.

Financial situation is one reason though not the only, to the rising influence of Maoism. Most of the poor in India live on the margins of the society and don’t benefit from the economic boom of India. This exclusive growth is not something that can be proud of as we are made to believe. Prosperous states as Punjab, Gujarat, Hariyana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have hardly any presence of Maoism. But these state’s progress has nothing to do with politicians. Particular social situation and hard works of certain people made this possible.
Naxalism was very active in Kerala during 70’s and early 80’s. Even many educated and privileged youth were got attracted to it. Unlike Maoists, murder the rich and distribute money among the poor was the method adopted by them then. But they couldn’t even win the hearts of poor, instead left scary image of violence and bloodshed in the minds of people. Later Gulf money and the unique social system, made the journey of Naxalites very hard. Few Naxal leaders even turned to spirituality.

Today India is forced to fight her made- in India brand of violence and imported violence as well. Whatever the reason I don’t agree the method use by Maoists to achieve their means. Infact they don’t achieve anything in this way rather than garner bad publicity. Besides one can’t win hearts by violence, even though won, it may not be real. But before fighting Maoism, we must treat the root cause of it. I hope new govt. will handle Maoist threat more sensitively.

Forgotten Natives

2009-03-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

World celebrates Barrack Hussain Obama. True it is a great moment in the history that a black man is elected as President of USA. But I gave a second thought to it when my Italian friend asked ‘why a native Indian can’t be President?’ It is true world seems forgot about the plight of native Americans, about a a culture being wiped out from the history. It reminds me what Oscar Wilde told to his American host at a party, ‘You Americans are philistines who’ve invaded a sacred temple of art’. Native Americans never believed in possessing the earth as private property instead they worshiped the nature. They never exploited nature for material gain which begun with the invasion of Europeans. The ‘sophisticated whites’ considered native’s way of life and culture as primitive and uncivilized.
The real American culture and history is that of Native Indians. They are the original people of north America. But they are removed from the pages of American history. I learned in school that ‘Columbus discovered America’. We children repeated that on and off during my school days. Later I thought how Columbus can discover America that is already there. Now I view it as a cruel joke. Unfortunately history is that of ‘winners’, losers are forgotten foreve So today’s America is that of Europeans, Africans and Asians. Probbly Native Americans are a closed chapter there.

On being single

2009-03-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Being single is not very interesting in India. You have to answer even to strangers ‘why you are not getting married’? I don’t like somebody asking personal questions, but this is the way we are. Indians, probably everybody in the sub continent, are curious to know about you. If you are a single woman and travel alone, you have to deal with lot of silly questions. They don’t mean anything bad, but they are not used to women traveling alone. And of course marriage is considered a sacred institution in India. We are supposed to move through a track that is drawn by society. Indians don’t generally accept rebels ,or they don’t feel the need for privacy. It is quite usual , people to interfere in your affairs.
I am not against marriage, but against getting married just for the sake of it. I often wonder how people get marry to a person who is a stranger as it happens in the arranged marriages here. I am pretty choosy about a life partner. I think one needs to have certain compatibility with the person who would be your life partner. Besides I feel it is absolutely an individual choice whether to get marry or not to. But this kind of ‘individualism’ doesn’t exist here. And you have no choice or power to decide on your life in the conservative social system. Perhaps I think too much about every little thing. However I find myself quite unfit in this way of life.

People will start find their own reason if you don’t give them reason for your single status. At least they will warn you of the consequences of being single. I must say that I enjoy my single status though it can be boring sometimes. I crave for a company while traveling, particularly to help me with my luggage and other stuff. But being single is better than being in an unhappy marriage.

Indian political thamasha

2009-03-23T00:21:00.000-07:00

Indian politics is a great thamasha. 'Mein prime minister banna chahtha huin’is the mantra of even chota political leaders. Everybody from Sharad Pawar to Mayavati and Deve Gowda to Jayalalita wants to become Prime Minister. Some flirt with other parties, even while stay ‘married’ with Congress or BJP. They joined in the third front formed at the behest of left parties, whose agenda is anti-BJP and Anti-congress govt. But the parties who joined with Left don’t even have a national vision, let alone a national agenda. An alliance with regional parties having too many Prime Minister aspirants is a vain exercise. NCP leader Sharad Pawar has already said that this time people want a Maharashtrian to be Prime Minister. I feel it is quite a narrow perspective and an Indian Prime Minister should be above regionalism as well religionalism.

Left is known for their ‘antism(read anti-America, Anti- development, anti-BJP )though blind at Chinese aggression. Besides left parties hardly have any impact in other states except Kerala and West Bengal. Some of their allies in the newly formed third front is infamous for non reliability and some face even corruption charges. I think this ‘love affair’ is not going to last.
What we lack here is a charismatic leader having devotion and sincerity. There is no way for sincere and intelligent people to enter into the political system. Only means to enter into politics is the primitive way of rallies and protests that is certainly not appealing. Hope this political thamasha won’t end with the election, but it is probably the beginning. This may result in marriage of convenience and divorces.

Mumbai meri Jan

2009-03-05T06:54:00.001-08:00

Mumbai slum life is romanticized by Robert Gregory Davids in his book ‘Shantaram’. Now ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ adds glamour to its slums. But there is a Mumbai beyond its slums and poverty, beyond bollywood and sky scrappers. Glamour, penury, beauty, dirtiness, dreams, frustrations - all stay hand in hand here. But one must probably find that by oneself.

When I decided to move there, my friends discouraged me saying it a dustbin of Asia. They told me that you can’t cope with the fast life of the megalopolis. As someone from a small place in Kerala, life in Mumbai seemed quite scaring for me. Underworld rivalry, riots, bollywood, crowded local train - Mumbai was a mix of all in my imagination. Besides, I never lived in a big city before. Yet I thought better to explore by myself than seeing things through somebody’s eyes (I have a tendency to take decisions by myself eventhough I respect others advices).

But Mumbai changed my perception, my attitude and I found out myself in the faceless crowd. I found myself in a brave, confident and young Mumbai. I became a more confident person. I met bhayyas, bongs, mallus and Gujjus (local term used for people of different languages) there. In my office there might be a Bengali sitting one side, and a Parsi opposite (those who are from Persia). But there we are all ‘Mumbaikar’. This cultural mix was so appealing to me and an opportunity to learn. Mumbai opened the door of a new world before me.

There are prostitutes and bar girls who land in this city to make a quick buck. There are pimps around you in railway stations and at crowded places to trap those helpless girls who run away from home to evade violence or poverty. When I travelled in the crowded local train among smelling fisher women, I would regret for being there, when I saw people shitting on road I would chose to shut my eyes and nose against this city. When I saw beggars follow you like an illness I would curse our poverty.

Yet I would wake up with a new hope next morning, I would go to south Mumbai and buy an export quality dress at a cheap price, I would go to a road side book vendor to buy even the latest book at a lower rate. What not, there is drama, dance, music, painting to feed your mind and heart. If you are still hungry, you can relish on Mumbai Burger (Vada Pav). It won’t cost you much. Street food culture is very active in Mumbai. Besides Vada pav, there are Sev Puri, Pani Puri, Dahi Puri and different kinds of chatts to make you feel the taste of Mumbai. On sitting at the sea side near Gateway of India, you can dream of Taj. Mumbai is charming even in her dirtiness, She is like a bewitching woman who beckons to you even when ugly. She has a caring soul, and there is life in Mumbai.

Mumbai survived riots, terrorism, underworld blood bath. Many build up their business empire here from nothing. Many became rich and famous. Mumbai is the back born of Indian economy. Everything is possible in this city of opportunity. There is a local joke about Mumbai that ‘you can buy anything here except your parents’. Rich and poor alike pour in here insearch of a better future. Whether it is a fugitive from Australia or a beggar from a remote village of India; she receives all with an open arm. she reminds me the words of one small business man from UP that ‘In Mumbai nobody die of hunger’. They say Mumbai is blessed by Mumba devi(Goddess Mumba).

Many faces composes Mumbai: this is the city of ivory tower dwellers and slum dwellers alike. City of celebrities and road side vendors. City of those employees who ran faster than fast train. Here nobody asks you questions about your home, parents or religion. Nobody interfere in your affairs, even house maids maintain a dignity in dealing with you. It is a place where you can have your individual space in the crowd, and besides safer to women than any other Indian cities. I am happy I chose to come to Mumbai. I always love you Mumbai.

With hatred from Pakistan

2009-03-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

When world fights with global economic melt down, India is forced to fight with Terrorism. But it is extremely unfortunate few foreign leaders as British foreign secretary David Milliband connect Kashmir issue with terrorism. Many countries in the world faces separatist issue, even UK had problem with IRA. China faces many separatist issue, but world doesn’t have any idea what is happening inside communist China. So it is natural a multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and multi-religious country like India has to live with too many problems. Whether one supports separatists or not is a different issue, but how many govt. will be ready to part with its land? It would be better to check their own backyard before issuing statements about other countries.

Besides Kashmir was never part of Pakistan. I really don’t understand what is the basis for their claim on Kashmir despite the fact that it is a muslim majority area. But we have muslims in all parts of India, she has the 2nd largest muslim population in the world after Indonesia.
But western leaders and medias are myopic in their understanding about India. For example after 26/11, BBC kept on reporting that ‘the many Hindu terror attacks that had taken place in recent times…’ when it give a Hindu tag to terror, it never mentioned ‘Islam terror’ in its reporting. I feel BBC is too eager to air anti-hindu sentiments in its reporting. I don’t say Hinduism is without flaw, it has got fanatical elements in it. Despite the oldest religion in the world, it doesn’t have a history of bloodshed as Christianity or Islam does have. India’s tolerance is essentially Hindu. When I say Hindu, I differentiate between Hindu fanatism and true essence of Hinduism.

When it comes to Indo-Pak conflict US too has her contibutin in it. Washington supported dictators and used Islam fanatics to counter communists (Soviet Union). It encouraged Pak army’s stand on India as a bully. The tragic climax is Osama bin Laden any many other militants. Obviously it is India who suffers worst through the insane policies of US in the past.

Today democratically elected Pakistan governement is a joke, the reality is that they are controlled by army and ISI which is more or less Talibanised. Even a liberated lady like Benazir couldn’t do much about that. The governement can’t trace the assassins of Benazir Bhutoo, but it is everybody to know that ISI is behind that. My friend in Pakistan told me sometime back that governement is afraid of Army and US controls it. I know common public left with no choice. There is good feeling among people of both the countries. There are instances that some shop keepers and taxi walahs refused to accept payments from Indians when they visited Pakistan. But unfortunately we have less chances to interact and to know each other.

Pak Army and ISI‘s India bashing is quite baseless except jealousy towards its rather successful neighbhour. A section of them do seem to share the mindless hatred in the words of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (Lakshar-e-Taiyaba), “there can’t be any peace while India remains intact. Cut them, cut them, cut them so much that they kneel before you and ask for mercy”.
Obviously he is dreaming India to kneel down. India is tested many times of her patience. Yet she didn’t push herself into war as US did after 9/11. That is why India is a reality with all her limitations. That contributes to the success of India as a strong democracy while her neibhours are toiling with internal problems. I feel India can show the world that is already torn with violence, that Peace is not the option of a coward, but it is the choice of the strong and dignified.

Whenever Pakistan is accused of terror strikes in India, they would lament ‘we are also victims’. True, but victims of their own breed of hatred. So I suggest them to set their home right instead of shedding crocodile tears about terrorism.

An Angel without wings

2009-02-27T05:26:00.000-08:00

I met her at Ponta Sahib (a small town in Himachal Pradesh) during Tibetan march. They were having rest at a Tibetan monastery when got arrested. I was so tired after a long journey from Macloed Ganj and was trying to find a place to rest. But she approached me with a bright smile and offered all the help to rest at her place. Obviously the place is not very spacious, but I found her presence so comforting. She is not fluent in English, but managed to convey through a translator that there is lot in her heart to tell me, but can’t express. It was the beginning of a great friendship between us.

Her name is Kunchok Lhamo, she is an Angel without wings. She came to India with her old father on foot. She was accompanying him who had to leave Tibet to escape Chinese army. He was tortured in prison for many years due to his political activities. On their way, the Nepalese guides never helped her old father to cross the mountains, instead they were giving a helping hand to beautiful girls, she says.

I was so moved by the kindness and love she shows to everybody, she is a girl who is devoid of any worldly vices. An innocent wild rose who doesn’t aware of her beauty, but spreads her fragrance to all around her unselfishly. She has a big house in Tibet, but she has to live in a tiny room at Macleod Ganj. Sitting in her little place, she dreams of the peach fruits, apple and wall nuts in her garden in Tibet. She desperately wants to be in her beautiful home with her affectionate mother.

When in Macleod Ganj, I am a regular visitor to her home. Probably nobody take care of me as they do. I learned from them the art of giving more than you have; loving more than you get. Sometimes her father says I am his elder daughter. I can’t hear her father’s story without tears in my eyes. What moves me is the amount of kindness in him despite the inhuman tortures he had gone through in Chinese prison. He surprises me with his knowledge about India and world at large, though he had never been to school. They are so close to my heart, may be that existed long before I met Lhamo.

Rahman and Slumdog Millionanaire

2009-02-27T05:19:00.000-08:00

Everybody in India celebrates Alla Rakha Rahman. Oscar award is sure a recognition for his genius and he well deserves that, eventhough I don’t feel oscar is the best award in the world. Probably it is more about glamour and glitter. But this gave a chance to west and US to get to know Rahman’s musical talent. Otherwise our musicians are not much exposed to western world. But Rahman composed wonderful songs right from the beginning of his career way back in 80s. I prefer to listen to the Tamil version of his songs to Hindi ones, it is more musical to my ears. For me it is a spiritual experience too. Rahman himself admitted that music composing is a spiritual journey to him. What is attractive about him is his humility. Born hindu who is converted to Islam he embodies the true spirit of Sufism - to surpass one’s ego.
And for sound Engineer Resul Pookutty, oscar award is a great honour and achievement. They both represents a bright and talented young India.

Slumdog is a well made film though commercial one, and I particularly liked the way director experiment with non-actors. He could tap the talent of slum kids that made them perform like seasoned actors. This film made slum kids dream a world beyond their limit, beyond their little shanty. There are many negative views in India about the success of this film. True it get noticed because of the British director. India had rags to rich stories in the romantic idealistic eras of 70s and 80s. But we don’t need to get upset about somebody show casing poverty. Instead we must get upset by the amount of poverty we have in India. Personally it stir my conscience whenever I see people live in abject poverty. This is one side of India which is poor and abandoned. And bad things get good publicity, but this is true of any nation. I feel we must take this criticism positively and work towards eradicating poverty.

But I do feel that Slumdog, Rahman and Resul got Oscar mainly because director knows oscar market well. it is all about marketing.

Macleod Ganj Diary

2009-02-27T05:12:00.000-08:00

Macleod Ganj is as charming as any part of Himachal Pradesh. I am pretty fascinated by this mountain state. Macleod Ganj was my first stop in Himachal Pradesh, later I have been to many other places in this state and would like to visit again and again. Dalai Lama, monks… it was all about a spiritual aura in the beginning. The monks are the friendliest people I have ever seen. They are approachable and always ready to help you.

It is more or less a Tibetan area. So it is no surprise that whenever I write about Macleod Ganj, it happens to be a Tibetan story. I feel proud of Tibetans who made a living here without forgetting their root. I feel so sympathetic to the Tibetan refugees who had to give up their homeland. I heard stories of Chinese Army snatching away all their valuables and literally made them poor during the invasion. Probably as they live in an alien land, here in India they have a strong community feeling and help each other.

What surprises me is the kind of unseen wall between locals and Tibetans. There is hardly any interaction among them. After many years in India, Tibetans live as separate community here. Maybe locals feel threatened of their presence? But I find Tibetans are more keen to interact with westerners, one could feel that if pay a visit to any of Tibetan shop. For many young Tibetans, India is a temporary resting place before their destination to USA or Europe. It is funny to see many Tibetans youth rubbing shoulder with western girls, struggle to speak with an American accent.

A large part of Tibetan youthness is trendy and fashion-conscious unlike the locals who seems to have other preoccupation. During my many visits to Macleod Ganj, I realized that beyond Buddhism and spirituality, Tibetans look at west and imitate them.

Locals Indians don’t have much sympathy for Tibetans. Initially it was bit astonishing to me. When I asked about this to some Indians they told me ‘we know them as we live with them’. I didn’t really get what they meant, but thought better to leave that there. Besides they feel Tibetans have many well wishers abroad, they get fund, one even put it like this: ‘They have Richard Gere, who is there for those Indians who beg on street?’
However I have always sympathy for Tibetans and I particularly support their non-violent freedom struggle. In all their protest marches they carry the picture of Mahatma Gandhi. It is heartening to see Gandhi is ‘enliven’ through them when we forgot the great son of India. I feel India must be grateful to them also as they preserved the Buddhist religion and culture. It is through Tibet Buddhism spread to its neibhouring places
But with all its draw backs, I still love to be in Macleod Ganj, I love the freedom and safety of a woman here, I love to see the variety of people from all over the world here, I love the different cuisines here. Last but not least I cherish a walk to Dalai Lama's Temple when I feel lost and lonely.

Spiti - a lost Valley

2009-02-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

Spiti is a lost valley sandwitched between perennial snow capped mountains. Cold, remote and dry - it looks like another country inside India. The sight of huge mountains that appears as if to kiss the blue sky is so spectacular. The valley is not much exposed to tourism though blessed with unique features.

Reaching there is a real adventure. The muddy, zigzag road from Manali to Kaza (head quarters of Spiti) can be scary at times. It was dry and sunny in june when we set out for Kaza. Everybody at the Himachal Pradesh state bus we were traveling seemed so tired when it stopped for lunch at Rohtang pass. There was only one little dhaba on that deserted way. The simple food consists of rice, dal and a vegetable appeared so delicious.

The red soil of Kaza reminds me of the Mars surface's pictures. Kazans are friendly and greet you with a warm hello ("jooley"). Their world is so small and simple and without much ambitions. I could read a kind of tranquility and innocence on the face of every Spitian I came across. I wanted to take into my arms the muddy faced children who looked at us in awe and curiosity.

Their culture and food habits are similar to that of Tibetan. Spiti is a 100% buddhist valley where people hold Dalai Lama in high regard. One of the ancient Buddhist temple - Tabo monastery, build in 996 of our era, is situated here.
Due to the extreme weather and location, life is hard for Spitians. They are literally away from much of the modern amenities. There is neather means for higher education nor opportunity for job. Only few can afford to send their children for higher studies.

Bollywud and cricket connect India well. Here also I have seen people thronging before TV to watch hindi films and Cricket. Before leaving, me and my friend Mat were invited to the house of a local Spitian whom I befriended in the bus.
The house is made in a traditional style with mud and straw. As everybody knows hindi I could communicate with them well. They didn't have any idea of Switzerland where my friend Mat belongs to. For them he is just an 'angrezi' (English man, but tried to include him also in conversation).

Everybody in the house sat on the floor mat to chat with us. They were so eager to speak of their place and culture. We have been served tea and different snacks. While leaving, our host told me that their house will be open to us anytime we go there. With all their limitations, Spitians are rich at heart, I thought.

Life in the time of Moral policing

2009-02-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

We don’t have any dearth of publicity-hungry parties or groups in India. The latest avatar is Sriram Sena that began its ‘public life’ by attacking women at a pub in Mangalore. Unfortunately they claim to be warriors of a person who is considered a perfect man in the epic Ramayana. These groups emerge from nowhere as mushrooms after the rain and get all the media attention though for wrong reason.

I don’t know whether it is post modern face of intolerance as medias put it. Because as a society India is conservative despite the mask of modernity it wears in the cities. So naturally section of the society cannot stand the increasing freedom Indian women enjoy today. Our society has a tendency to blame and control women. Of course it views woman through the male eye. Indian society is terribly male dominated.

Even after attacked and abused by bad language, none of the girls or their parents came out in the open with complaint. Parents try to play it down by blaming their girls. It is always men who decide how women must behave, what they must do, wear and think. The attacks on girls in Mangalore, Hariyana and other places are nothing but an indication of male arrogance and chauvinism. It has nothing to do with valentine’s day celebrations or Indian culture. Sadly, this moral police never react when women are being raped and molested.

Other factor is probably jealousy. The fact that somebody is enjoying things which is denied to the underprivileged. Those who take into the streets in the name of moral policing are less educated and less privileged ones. I wonder what would be their answer if stop and ask about Indian culture. Those who manipulate them are the real beneficiaries in this deal.

Moral policing is against the freedom of individual. But surprisingly many in our closed society support this menace. At the same time society changes rapidly on one side - more westernized and shallow. Anyways I feel the moral police should immediately take lessons of Indian culture.

Salute to our Real Heroes

2008-11-30T04:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-09-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-12T01:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-20T01:21:00.000-08:00

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'.

Balkan Blues

2007-12-31T08:55:00.000-08:00

I am a fan of Balkan Movies. I have been seeing films from Balkan region (mainly from the small nations belonged to former Yugoslavia) during all the film festivals. This year too during IFFK (International film festival of Kerala) I watched many Balkan films (I have a very good reason to participate in Kerala Festival. Because I havn't seen such an enthusiastic audience who are so passionate about good films anywhere in India).

Balkan films have something unique about that. Many films portray the war traumas and individual sufferings, but underneath there is a quest for life, love and happiness. After 12 years of war, Balkan nations are recovering from the wounds and going through a period of transition. As films are the effective medium of cultural expression, Balkan films too poetically take us to the Balkan lives.
This time I have seen as many films from Balkan region as I can. I liked most was 'Mirage' and 'Kukumi'.

'Mirage' was the quest of a child for the love and warmth of a home. 'Kukumi' was the quest for self realisation of 3 people from the lunatic asylum. But what they witness in the 'real world' only embarass them and returns to the asylum.

Kukumi (the title character) asks 'why are this people running after me?' The magical flute of Kukumi silences even the soldiers. This film is a surreal portrayal of the contemporary Balkan lives, but it has got a universal appeal. It has beautifully woven the melancholy and absurdity of normalcy in the society.The music is simply superb. Kudos to the young film makers emerging from this countries.

Balkan films make me think of myself, society, the traumas of war...Ultimately human feelings and sufferings don't have any boundaries. It reminds me again and again that let never a war happen, let never innocent people suffer of somebody's quest for power and money.

My Blessed Village

2007-11-29T06:25:00.000-08:00

After living many years in cities, I enjoy going to my tiny village in Kerala as desert longs for prairies. I havn’t never enjoyed being in my native place when I was a child as my eyes were accustommed to those lovely landscape blanketed by lush greenery; blessed with a tranquil river called ‘Thejaswini’. But I explore the wild beauty of this virgin land of late - ofcourse away from the mosquito bites, dust and dirtyness of Indian cities.

My home is not in a village in its strict sense of the term as such villages hardly exists in Kerala. It has got many ‘vices’(sophisticated communication system, fashion and people far from being naïve) of a city but without losing its conscience. It is a place where one would like to lose her soul and be one with nature as Wordsworth sang in his poems.

There are few things that make me proud of Kerala (forgive me if I sound parochial, that is not my intention) though I don’t really support ‘isms’(read regionalism, religionism, communism, etc.) of any kind or prefer myself to be called a citizen of the world by rooting firmly on the soil where I belong to.

One can’t think of Kerala without its women population. Let me quote the words of famous painter M.F Hussain, ‘If Kashmir is all about Men and Mountains, Kerala is about Women and Nature’. I hardly seen any little girl begging around or doing house hold works, as happens in many parts of India, without going school. Even poor will toil hard to give their girl children good education. I feel Kerala is one among few states(I hope there is atleast one more)where female infanticide is not reported. Of course the educated women of Kerala make all the difference.

Keralites are politically aware and generally well read. Writers like Pablo Neruda, Marques, Thela etc. are like house hold names. Issues as Iraq invasion and American imperialism are widely discussed and protested, often that justifies the saying about communist party here, ‘they open umbrella when it rains in Russia’. But public is generally interested in what is happening around them and always sympathise with the underdog.

Communism and many social reformation movements contributed to her social development and intellectual growth. I do remember the good old days when we in Kerala used to get books of all Russian masters like Tolstoy, Dostoïevsky, Chekhov, Turganev etc, from Russia (former Soviet Union) at an incredibly lower price-thanks to Communism. But I must admit that too much politicisation is pulling the state backwards. ‘God’s own country’ witnesses hartals (new incarnation of bandh as Kerala high court banned Bandh)and too many strikes as part of ‘political game’.

But I am happy that God still dwells in this land!
And true, my blessed village in north Kerala sail in my mind more often…

Politics in the Time of Terror

2007-11-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

It is really unfortunate that India is a victim of Terrorism. It seems there is a bomb blast on every other day in India. But sadly it is the time for politicians to ‘celebrate’ asif they are waiting for that! Every time after a terrorist attack, they would indulge in blame game to take political advantage of the incident. That appears to be a clownish act to serve some ‘fun’ to the grief sriken mass, to say the least.
We are keen to imitate everything American or West (especially bad things) and our politicians tour abroad on and off using public money. But I wish they could emulate the good aspects of American Politics and stand united against Terrorism as US does after 9/11, leaving all political enmity aside. Yes I feel Indian Policians must learn a lesson or two from their US counterparts.

India at 60

2007-09-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

India celebrated her 60th year of Independence on august 15th. But when I read about cholera epidemic, death of flood affected people and starvation deaths in many places, I doubt whether we live in free India.
It is a shame to India that her children still dwell in penury and ignorance after 60 years of Independence. Many of the Indian villages are a synonym for poverty and illiteracy. India has progressed in the area of science and technology, has got big cities, malls, big buildings, big dams and big fly overs. But failed to take care of her hapless children. What does freedom means to these children of a lesser God?

Politicians are concerned about people only at the time of election and prefer to leave them in ignorance. They happened to be the weapons in the hands of politicians and are being exploited for years. Even Medias are not really interested in the real issues of rural mass; they are lost in the glamour and glitter of city. Our GDP growth or sensex index also is of any help to the down trodeen mass.
Many Indians found place among the word’s richest people and Indian media celebrate their success with prominent coverage. Is that a deciding factor of the development of a country? In what way it is going to help a nation unless and until the rich Indians are ready to share the surplus money among the unfortunate children of India? It is against humanity to accumulate wealth more than needed when more than half of the world starves.
But who will bell the cat? India needs sincere politicians, strong and transparent leadership to take bold initiative to include those dwell on the edges of society, into her growing economy.

Silence and Violence

2007-09-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Violence is beyond my understanding. I never understand why people are fighting or why they are killing each other? Sometimes I would try to figure out their mental state, I don’t know may be they are just blind and live in the darkness. I don’t understand what drive one to take arm against the other? We are mortals and will leave the earth one day, what is the need to kill?
I really feel pity for the perpetures when I hear of a bomb blast or a riot. What force somebody to kill innocent people? What they achieve through this soulless act? I feel violence is an act of a mean mind, an act of a thoughtless head that has no respect for the self or others.
We have immense of examples in history of violence and bloodshed. We have traveled a long way forward in the area of development. We landed on Moon, explored space and make possible things that are considered impossible few years back. But our minds are not grown at par with our development. We are still the same (even worse) human beings who commit savage acts.
Violence is there in every society. Sophisticated west can hide that under the carpet unlike other societies where life is a constant struggle. We are forced to see violence in our drawing room in the form of riots, ethnic wars and explosions around the world.

Can’t we get away from violence? I have seen many times police beating up defenseless people; I don’t know what their crime is. I witnessed even the public handling the petty criminals in the same way. But I hardly have seen anybody raising voice against this inhuman act. This silence about violence is a dangerous trend than violence itself.

President of the hearts

2007-09-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Now Abdul Kalam is not president of India. And I am unhappy that the man I hold in high esteem was denied a second chance discarding the opinion of millions of Indians. I was wondering with my naiveness, why he was denied a second chance! I don’t know the crooked ways of politics and I don’t really understand whose interest politician serve. I find it a blow to the values and intergrity he represents. But as usual, he was the right man in the wrong place.

I am not interested in politicians though I am ineterested in politics. Kalam is not a politician, but still has got all the ingredients of a good politician. He is a good orator, writer, visionary and above all a man of magnetic personality. He is a man of high ideals and simple living. He wasn’t carried away by the power and comforts he enjoyed during his tenure. He made it a point not to misuse his position for any personal advantage. I feel our politicians should learn certain basic things from this man of flawless personality who inspired immense of tender hearts in this country.

When Pratibha Patil’s name figured from nowhere, many were trumpeting about the chance of first woman President in India. Politicians were segregated between the narrow considerations of Maharashtrian and non Maharashtrian blood. But what does it matter to a country, which was ruled by a woman Prime minister as early as 60’s? And Indira Gandhi did nothing extra ordinary to emancipate women.

His stepping down pained me for sure. I don’t know him personaly, I havn’t ever seen him in person, but I look up to him as a father or as a Guru (teacher). I feel not only Indians but all humanity should draw inspiration from his life and should imbibe from his noble ideals. APJ Abdul Kalam is a great son of India and was a great President. He will dwell in millions of hearts as the President of the people.

Sublime and Silly

2007-08-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

When I thought of writing, many things that bug me cropped up in my mind. There are range of issues from dirtiness to poverty, from silliness to cheating. Later when I showed some of my writings to my friend in Kolkatta, whom, I turn to have an opinion sometime,suggested, ‘not to write too many bad things about India, what a foreigner would think if he/she reads this’. He is right, I thought, we are the ambassadors of our country,so we should keep certain restraint from criticizing our country. Yet I can’t overlook the complaints I hear from my friends abroad about the poor infrastructure in my country, I can’t shy away from the ‘reality’ I am encountering in my day to day life in India. There may be poverty in every country, pollution and corruption... no country is an exception of this fact. But what has taken me aback many times, is the cheating attitude ingrained in Indian psyche irrespective of the social respectability or financial status.

Many times I was cheated by fruit vendors(they are very cleaver at handing over the rotten fruits by keeping aside the good ones you select) and was forced to argue with shop owners who take extra money for keeping the milk in freezer. Again this is the same with auto walahs and taxi walahs who try to over charge.While travelling in trains I witnessed many times the open bribery of TTEs for allotting berths to those who are in RAC list. I feel honesty is completely disappeared from our society with very few exceptions.

Seeing all this an optimist like me would feel very low and would say to myself , ‘Yes nothing will change in India’.
I do wonder why we cheat ? What prompt us to cheat others ? I don’t think it is financial troubles that force one to cheat. But this attitude is there generally in Indian blood. Evenif they are rich these cheaters would keep on cheating. So I want everybody to do a soul-searching before blaming the politicians or bureaucrats, because this very same society compose of them too. It is very sad we are from the land of a great man who devoted his whole life to truth- a man who preached high thinking and simple living. Yes he has been vanished from the heart of Indians, may be long back. He is the man whom Indians failed to understand, he is beyond an ordinary Indian can think of. I would like to quote the words of Tolstoy who was inspired by this great soul called Gandhiji, ‘A scoundrel doesn’t realise greatness’.

Love at first sight

2007-08-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

Some people and places attract you at first glance. It was my love at first sight! Love by instinct. The very first day when I landed in Macleod ganj, the hill station near Dharamsala, my heart was leaping with an unknown joy. I felt a sense of belonging even before seeing the place. The sight of little monks jumping out of the big van caught my eyes. They were happy and smiling, their innocence coupled with seriousness in the glittering eyes conveyed to my heart. I felt an innate attraction towards the place as to Tibetan Budhisam. I looked around with a child’s curiosity, the mountains seem hiding a beautiful mystery behind the dancing fogs, nature was as fresh as a new born child.

Macleod ganj looked like an International centre in India and it was the charm that place carries. I felt happy to be away from the staring and intruding people from the rest of India!

The place seemed like a ‘mini Tibet’, with all the Tibetans there. The land looked like blessed by divine grace. In that small place Tibetan refugees try to retain their culture, their art, handicrafts etc. It was great a souvenir roaming around Macleod ganj, the Tibetan Temple, where Dalai Lama resides, and the surrounding area look so majestic with the presence of monks in maroon robes. I relished on Tibetan dishes like veg shabri, momo, and variety of soups and salads on everyday till my departure.

For Tibetans, spirituality is part of existence, a way of life, they do believe and adore their spiritual leaders as they do believe in Budhism. With the monks all around, one gets an air of divinity around you. During my stay there, I never have seen a Tibetan shouting to anybody or staring at others. They smile from their heart, they are untouched by pretensions and hypocrisy. I was really moved by the warmth and affection of this people.

‘Tibetans escape to India every year in search of freedom, their life in Tibet is stooped to the level of second class citizenship. They are not even allowed to speak to foreigners'; one Tibetan Masseur says. He narrated how he was caught by the Chinese police for the ‘crime’ of giving cherries to foreign tourists! In Tibet, Tibetan’s are always been spied. I felt deeply grateful to India particularly to Nehru for giving asylum to this people.

Tibetans who are born in India have never gone to their mother land, because they fear of getting caught by Chinese authority. As one Tibetan guide jokingly put it, ‘ incoming is free, but out going is impossible’! But this simple peace loving people still live here in the hope of getting back to their mother country one day. They don’t resort to any kind of violence, they don’t shout for their freedom, but just wait with patience. But will Chinese authorities wake up to the reality?

Recently China claimed Arunachal Pradesh as the next incarnation of Lama is born there and try to control the Tibetans elsewhere. Again it is sad to remember what mighty does to the fragile. What harm a nations greed can does to another nation. As America’s Iraq invasion, Tibet invasion also is all about money. Fortunately(or unfortunately ?) Tibet is a blessed land with abundant natural resources and minerals. But again, as always, world watch in silence when a culture is being crushed, when her peace loving people are haunted away from their mother land.

I really felt sad seeing this people who are being fated to live as refugees in another country with none of their fault. I asked myself why this simple people are suffering?

' Thum Alla ka Bacha Hain'

2007-08-16T23:52:00.000-07:00

My first visit to Kashmir in last June changed my perception about that place. When I landed, Srinagar airport resembled of an ‘army barricade’ ,with all men in uniform around. I couldn’t find any traces of people in the airport. I was vainly searching for the person who was supposed to receive me at airport in the midst of staring glances of army men. I made a call to that I could hear only my host’s voice saying ‘I am here come out’.
Then I realised unlike in other airports visitors are not allowed anywhere near the premise of airport. I was under the impression that Kashmiri’s are living under terror.

With a kind of anguish and anxiety I left the airport with my host, but on the way I could find lush greenery and misty mountains all around Srinagar. I haven’t seen such amount of greenery in any cities of India. The gigantic and elegant ‘chinar trees’ stand everywhere as a representative of Kashmiri pride. The people seemed bothered about nothing other than their daily cores, life seemed flowing as usual.

The lovely place and her smiling beatiful people captured my heart. I was clean bowled by the hospitality of the people of Kashmir. Wherever I have been to, they made me feel at home. They serve ‘ Kashmiri kawah’ (a delicious drink made of cinnamon, saffron, cardamom and green leaves) as if treating someone very close to you. I never felt like this anywhere in India, except may be in Dharamsala among Tibetans.

I could see hope in people’s eyes during my stay there. They are just like any others struggle to make a living, ordinary people having ordinary dreams, hopes. And every Kashmiri complained me of how media portray their land in a bad light. ‘They don’t write anything good about Kashmir, but keen to write bad things’. One Kashmiri Business man told me. I even wondered are we too much interested in negative things? Bad things get good publicity.

It was a refreshing experience to watch the dal lake from the house boat in the early morning when the foggy mountains were pampered by the mild sun rays. The cool breeze around me lend fresh air and I would like to be in that feeling again with a hot cup of Kashmiri Kawah. The sight of boats moving through the lake in the morning itself was so enchanting to my soul. Dal lake is like a town in itself. Everything from vegetables to dresses and jewels to handicraft items are available inside the lake.

I left Kashmir with a hope to visit again, with so much wordless emotions stored in my heart. The kind words of an old village man at my host’s bunglow rebounded towards me, ‘Thum Alla ka Bacha Hain’,(You are child of God). I couldn’t hold back my tears when he murmured that to me while putting his hands on my head.

Withering Leaves

2007-08-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Well known journalist Pritish Nandy writes that ˜Mumbai is taken over by builders’(Times of India). It is extremely pathetic to see the city is being bowed down to builders and speculators. Mumbai is the city where we feel a sense of belonging even though you don't belong to it.

But sadly this sky scrappers don't serve the purpose of our basic need, a shelter to cover over us.
A recent survey showed that 50% of Mumbaikers are homeless and 60% of its population live in slums. Not a single place is left without being bulldozed away by the builders.But who owns this buildings ? Despite all this buildings why people find it extremely difficult to get a place to stay ?

The beneficiaries of this soulless constructions are politicians,building mafia and speculators.
They say Mumbai is second to London in terms of house rent ! But whats the average income and living standard of a Mumbaikar when compared to a Londoner ? What contribution it can give to the development of a city ?

I wonder why we don't take this issue seriously ? Why we cant check this mindless construction where lurks the slow destruction of our environment.

Riches and Rags

2007-08-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

Indian cities are a perfect example of how luxury and poverty dwell on face to face. On its one side there is an abundant display of huge buildings and big cars and the other side it is crowd, filth and penury.

The poor sewage system, beggars, mushrooming slums make make city life horrible. I feel Indians learned to live among the dirt,bettal spits and smell of urinals. And as if this is not enough, people are being punished with, roaring vehicles, jammed buildings and loud speakers.

As usual the authorities are least bothered about all this ‘public issues’.
I often do a lot of traveling in India,but its always difficult to find a hygienic restaurant and clean toilet at a reasonable price here. I dont know why generally public is not much concerned about cleanliness. I feel as our politicians, we ourselves lack sincerity.

Its of course a Himalayan task to keep cities clean when it is crowded with people. But many times public seem to be really an undisciplined mass and behave as if roads and public places are to spit and to use as urinal.
So I feel public should be educated before encouraging tourism, before beautifying certain parts of city, before building fly overs and airports. No tourist wants to visit a dirty place. I do remember how my friends abroad used to complain about dirtiness in India.

Why not we begin it now? Why not we begin to teach about environment and to keep our surrounding clean, at school level?