A honourable (?) minister gave a call to all women to fill the pubs on valentines day, to show their opposition to ram sena. 'Pub baro' campaign it was called. But is this the real freedom of women? Am echoing a friend of mine, when I say "Do they consider themselves liberated, sitting on a couch and drinking the night away?". Well, in India priorities are always misplaced.
1. We have a band of hooligans, Ram sena, Hanuman sena, Vanar sena, and likewise, who hate westernization and the resulting deterioration in Indian culture, when they could have displayed the same vigour against corruption, bribery.
2. Our health minister targets the smokers of the nation, goes all out to fight them, when the more pressing need of the hour is Primary health care.
3. Glitzy IT firms and real estate companies, having the muscle bargain for sops and get them, when the leser known cousins like textiles dont. (Someone even asked for a bailout for Satyam)
4. Few of us support terrorist organozations (In Tamil nadu, atleast), take up their cause passionately, fight for them, create unnecessary ruckus (Am happy they were treated the way they were treated police), but comfortably ignore farm suicides.
5. The chief minister of Rajasthan is more concerned about young guys and girls, walking hand in hand than the numerous developmental issues in his state.
What else do we expect from a patisan media, with each of the channels and news papers being the mouthpiece of a political party? We certainly are a nation of misplaced priorities...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Munnabhai Part 3?
Daily I think, I should be more regular with my posts, and of course as you'd have guessed by now from the timing between my posts, that I miss it by quite a mile.
Off late there has been this stir caused by some rogue group called Ram sene, who take some pride in beating helpless women. I don't want to give them too much space here. But there is another movement that has taken roots against the sene, and interestingly its called The Pink Chaddi campaign. Its meant to revolt in a peaceful way by sending tons of love and of course pink chaddis to the sene on valentines' day. It remains to be seen though, how far they succeed. And, I thought gandhigiri was dead... (Do I smell a Munnabhai part III here?) Certainly, my best wishes with them. And though unable to make a contribution this time, hopefully next time I can play my part.
Off late there has been this stir caused by some rogue group called Ram sene, who take some pride in beating helpless women. I don't want to give them too much space here. But there is another movement that has taken roots against the sene, and interestingly its called The Pink Chaddi campaign. Its meant to revolt in a peaceful way by sending tons of love and of course pink chaddis to the sene on valentines' day. It remains to be seen though, how far they succeed. And, I thought gandhigiri was dead... (Do I smell a Munnabhai part III here?) Certainly, my best wishes with them. And though unable to make a contribution this time, hopefully next time I can play my part.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Some more Spirituality
Already tired and battered from the Tiruvannamalai trip, I was almost tempted to give Trupati a miss. But the only thought which prodded me on was that I'd get a chance to meet my Sister and parents, after a couple of months. Moreover I had opted out of an already organized fun trip to Yercaud and Hogenakkal due to the Tirupati trip (And that resulted in more people pulling out, and the trip getting cancelled eventually). Though, no one would have come to know my giving Tirupati a miss, I'd not be true to myself had I done so. So I dragged myself to Tirupati that sunday evening. Thank god, I got a A/C bus on the way.
My Sister, mom and dad were there waiting at the guest house entrance to welcome me. Truly, it feels so good to be welcomed after a long, tired journey. We chatted away most of the night, till 1. A small sleep later, it was 4 already. A good darshan later, I was back on the way to Chennai, and la voila, A/C bus again :)
4 hrs later, back in the office at 2 pm. Work calls. Its been a hell of a spiritual weekend.
My Sister, mom and dad were there waiting at the guest house entrance to welcome me. Truly, it feels so good to be welcomed after a long, tired journey. We chatted away most of the night, till 1. A small sleep later, it was 4 already. A good darshan later, I was back on the way to Chennai, and la voila, A/C bus again :)
4 hrs later, back in the office at 2 pm. Work calls. Its been a hell of a spiritual weekend.
Sprituality, lots of it...
Last weekend started on a spiritual note. The cell phone alarm went off at 0620 hrs and I was up in a jiffy. A refreshing cold water bath later, I was headed to Mylapore. Kapaleeswarar temple. That I had to rush back home after the visit is a different story altogether. You generally dont have too much to do on a Saturday morning at home, and that too when you have woken up early. Off to Triplicane, Parthasarathy temple. Its been a real long time, since I visited this temple. One more darshan later, I was happy that atleast few of my sins have been washed away, and that my spiritual meter is showing a higher reading. But wait, there is more to come.
My cousin had already invited me to the Tiruvannamalai girivalam to be done later in the day. Well the concept is simple, lakhs of devotees throng the temple town to go around the temple, and the mountain which is believed to be Lord Shiva himself. It is a 16 km walk, and supposed to a spiritually uplifting experience. I was in a dilemma whether to go, but then decided to, if not for the spiritual nature of it, for the boasting rights - Been there, Done that.
The start itself was a bit of a setback. Reached the bus station to find a snaking long queue of devotees to board the bus. But atleast the government were proactive, and involved in crowd control. It took an hour and a half to board the bus and move off. Things were normal, we were 2.5 hrs into the journey, and another 1.5 to go. BOOM - the tyre goes bust. First point of delay. Half hour of loitering, the bus was showing no signs of getting back into shape. So, had to catch another local bus, but the next 20 minutes were spent holding on at the foot board, with the chilly wind numbing the senses. Luckily, got a chance to move in after some time. Spent near the driver, counting the passing milestones, and a reverse countdown. The driver was bothered the least in driving on the highway, and took all the village roads, but finally dropped us some way from the temple. Already we could sense the huge crowd, which had descended on this town. A short dinner later, we were on our way.
We joined the scores of devotees already on their way. We were maintaining a steady pace and our aim was to finish it in 3 hrs at the latest. It was pretty uneventful for most part, but the huge crowd did not make the job easier. Most people seem to be doing just out of compulsion and not with a sense of purpose. The conversations going around ranged from cinema to politics whereas I believed spirituality would be the unifying factor (I too was a culprit). The crowd was so huge that it made even walking at a brisk pace, difficult. The town was in throes, and the people were not helpful either. There was trash all around, found people answering the nature's call on the very hillock that they revered and were circumambulating. So much for a spiritual trip, and people's beliefs. We managed to complete successfully, with a single break and aching heels, in 2 hrs and 13 minutes.
And then the return journey. Our seats were right at the door, and the chilly winds blowing throughout the return journey hardly let catch up on some sleep. Thankfully, I anticipated and carried my sweat shirt. I was warm and cozy when I landed back in Chennai the next morning. And then I had to start off for Tirupati later in the day...
My cousin had already invited me to the Tiruvannamalai girivalam to be done later in the day. Well the concept is simple, lakhs of devotees throng the temple town to go around the temple, and the mountain which is believed to be Lord Shiva himself. It is a 16 km walk, and supposed to a spiritually uplifting experience. I was in a dilemma whether to go, but then decided to, if not for the spiritual nature of it, for the boasting rights - Been there, Done that.
The start itself was a bit of a setback. Reached the bus station to find a snaking long queue of devotees to board the bus. But atleast the government were proactive, and involved in crowd control. It took an hour and a half to board the bus and move off. Things were normal, we were 2.5 hrs into the journey, and another 1.5 to go. BOOM - the tyre goes bust. First point of delay. Half hour of loitering, the bus was showing no signs of getting back into shape. So, had to catch another local bus, but the next 20 minutes were spent holding on at the foot board, with the chilly wind numbing the senses. Luckily, got a chance to move in after some time. Spent near the driver, counting the passing milestones, and a reverse countdown. The driver was bothered the least in driving on the highway, and took all the village roads, but finally dropped us some way from the temple. Already we could sense the huge crowd, which had descended on this town. A short dinner later, we were on our way.
We joined the scores of devotees already on their way. We were maintaining a steady pace and our aim was to finish it in 3 hrs at the latest. It was pretty uneventful for most part, but the huge crowd did not make the job easier. Most people seem to be doing just out of compulsion and not with a sense of purpose. The conversations going around ranged from cinema to politics whereas I believed spirituality would be the unifying factor (I too was a culprit). The crowd was so huge that it made even walking at a brisk pace, difficult. The town was in throes, and the people were not helpful either. There was trash all around, found people answering the nature's call on the very hillock that they revered and were circumambulating. So much for a spiritual trip, and people's beliefs. We managed to complete successfully, with a single break and aching heels, in 2 hrs and 13 minutes.
And then the return journey. Our seats were right at the door, and the chilly winds blowing throughout the return journey hardly let catch up on some sleep. Thankfully, I anticipated and carried my sweat shirt. I was warm and cozy when I landed back in Chennai the next morning. And then I had to start off for Tirupati later in the day...
Thursday, January 08, 2009
"9/9 of Nemesis will come together. I will bring them together." - SC
Last week, I got a chance to catch up with very old mates from college, its been a real long time. It was 3/9 who were sitting at guzzlers inn in Bangalore and sharing stories, memories in fact. And, there one of the 3, promised that he'd unite all the 9 of the nemesis gang back again. Was it beer which prompted him to do the talking?? Nah, he should be able to pull it off, I too pray he succeeds. Doesn't the dwindling attendance at friend's marriages hint anything? Yes, it certainly is difficult, with each one sitting pretty at different locations. But then what grand would be the occasion when the 9 come together again...Just the thought of it is so nice. SC, may you succeed, and that too soon.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
How to spend 5 hours waiting
0411 hrs - Woke up and found the bus cruising on Ahmedabad's pothole ridden roads.
0420 hrs - Ahmedabad railway station, got down. Thought of exploring the area. Seven minute walk later, reached the main entrance. The entrance to the station is all nicely done.
0430 hrs - Bought the Times of India. 3 Rs.
0432 hrs - Realized that the guy cheated me, Ahmedabad Mirror was not present.
0435 hrs - bought the Ahmedabad mirror, 1 Re.
0445 hrs - Settled in the nicely lit waiting area of the station, and started reading the News paper. Stimulus package details. More updates on the terror attacks. Article about how security can be breached at the Ahmedabad airport (Sometimes I feel, these news channels and the papers themselves, provide terrorists with ideas). Staring at the girls and the costly cars passing by once in a while.
0550 hrs - Finished the Times. Started reading the Ahmedabad mirror. Realized that the rupee I spent on this was a waste. The news was crap anyways.
0600 hrs - Finished the mirror. Interrupt by a voice, a lady voice at that. Asking for time. 0600 I reply, and she takes the seat nearby.
0610 hrs - Again the same voice, asks me where am I going. I reply airport and start looking at the pictures again. One more question and I was thinking whether I should talk. After some deliberation I decide otherwise.
0630 hrs - Hunger strikes. Exit to the nearest tea-shop. The tea tasted great. But the 'gaatiya' that he served for the snack was horrible.
0655 hrs - Entered the restaurant for a proper serving of breakfast. But, the Idli sambar served there was horrible. Re-iterated my belief about having south-indian stuff elsewhere.
0710 hrs - Auto to the airport.
0725 hrs - Ticketing and Security check. The wait starts. My flight is at 0900.
0840 hrs - Boarding call.
1000 hrs - Land at Mumbai.
1255 hrs - Chennai
0420 hrs - Ahmedabad railway station, got down. Thought of exploring the area. Seven minute walk later, reached the main entrance. The entrance to the station is all nicely done.
0430 hrs - Bought the Times of India. 3 Rs.
0432 hrs - Realized that the guy cheated me, Ahmedabad Mirror was not present.
0435 hrs - bought the Ahmedabad mirror, 1 Re.
0445 hrs - Settled in the nicely lit waiting area of the station, and started reading the News paper. Stimulus package details. More updates on the terror attacks. Article about how security can be breached at the Ahmedabad airport (Sometimes I feel, these news channels and the papers themselves, provide terrorists with ideas). Staring at the girls and the costly cars passing by once in a while.
0550 hrs - Finished the Times. Started reading the Ahmedabad mirror. Realized that the rupee I spent on this was a waste. The news was crap anyways.
0600 hrs - Finished the mirror. Interrupt by a voice, a lady voice at that. Asking for time. 0600 I reply, and she takes the seat nearby.
0610 hrs - Again the same voice, asks me where am I going. I reply airport and start looking at the pictures again. One more question and I was thinking whether I should talk. After some deliberation I decide otherwise.
0630 hrs - Hunger strikes. Exit to the nearest tea-shop. The tea tasted great. But the 'gaatiya' that he served for the snack was horrible.
0655 hrs - Entered the restaurant for a proper serving of breakfast. But, the Idli sambar served there was horrible. Re-iterated my belief about having south-indian stuff elsewhere.
0710 hrs - Auto to the airport.
0725 hrs - Ticketing and Security check. The wait starts. My flight is at 0900.
0840 hrs - Boarding call.
1000 hrs - Land at Mumbai.
1255 hrs - Chennai
Friday, December 12, 2008
Alone around Udaipur
Atul made his exit to kota, early on the morning of 8th. Sankha took the late morning cab to Ahmedabad. My bus to Ahmedabad was late in the night. So that left me alone and pretty much with the whole day to roam around Udaipur.
Udaipur is a nice quaint little city. I thought that roaming alone would be the most boring thing to do, but yes, It lets you observe what's happening around you, take in the scenery without any intervening thoughts. I hired an auto, the driver promised to show me the sights of Udaipur for 250 bucks. We started off with a park, moved on to the famous lake pichola, the zoo at Udaipur. Then headed to the City palace, which was a musuem of the mewar heritage. It was quite beautiful, and well maintained. An hour there and it already was 430. Then we headed to a garden and a small science museum inside it. Once out, the driver took me to a crafts store. There i ended up spending a lot to buy quite a few things. Exit and straight to Brijwani's house.
Small nap and dinner later, headed out to catch the bus. A nice little trip comes to an end.
Udaipur is a nice quaint little city. I thought that roaming alone would be the most boring thing to do, but yes, It lets you observe what's happening around you, take in the scenery without any intervening thoughts. I hired an auto, the driver promised to show me the sights of Udaipur for 250 bucks. We started off with a park, moved on to the famous lake pichola, the zoo at Udaipur. Then headed to the City palace, which was a musuem of the mewar heritage. It was quite beautiful, and well maintained. An hour there and it already was 430. Then we headed to a garden and a small science museum inside it. Once out, the driver took me to a crafts store. There i ended up spending a lot to buy quite a few things. Exit and straight to Brijwani's house.
Small nap and dinner later, headed out to catch the bus. A nice little trip comes to an end.
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