tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7557803420899642322024-02-19T17:42:34.453+05:30Pratyush Gargमैं कलम का सिपाही, मेरी कलम मेरी तलवार। मेरी लेखनी में ऐसी धार, बाकी सारे वार बेकार।।Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-34615537308860491102017-05-23T07:25:00.001+05:302017-05-23T07:27:07.831+05:30Cricket and the Emancipation of India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">India is a fascinating place. The people, their thoughts,
their actions and their activities in general are affected by many external
factors which may or may not play any significant role in the lives of
non-Indians. Symbolism is one such factor. Be it political, or socio-economic,
or regional, or linguistic, they all define the general mind set of the masses
at a given period of time. The game of Cricket is one such symbol which has
been an important part of our lives for many years. It would be interesting to analyze
how this symbol affected us from even before independence to all the way today when
we are one of the fastest growing economy in the world.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The British introduced us to Cricket. We were under their
rule at the time, and pretty much only the Indian elite and the royalty could
afford to be associated with the game of Cricket. It was a matter of pride for
the young Indian princes who got the chance to rub shoulders with the
Englishmen and tried to match them in their own game. These princes would go to
England for the higher studies and there they would learn the nuances of the
game. But their stint in England would not necessarily be a pleasant one
because of the prevailing racism. Even if they were royalty in their own
country, they were not given an equal status outside. However, It was 1932 (15
years before we got independence), when India played its first Test match
against England and lost horribly. It was expected, as we the ‘slaves’ would
never have thought in our wildest of dreams to defeat our ‘masters’. Still,
people like CK Nayudu, Lala Amarnath, and Vijay Merchant etc. left their
indelible mark on the face of International Cricket even in that era.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Then came 1947 when India became independent but faced the
brunt of partition and another country, Pakistan was born which grew on to
become our arch-rivals in everything including Cricket. Such was the rivalry
(border-line animosity) that if either team on tour were to lose a test match
against the other team which were the host, the losing captain was sure to lose
his job as soon as he landed in his country after the tour, sometimes even in
between the tour. Thus, there was a time when Indian team played for a draw
from ball 1. They knew they couldn’t risk a loss, as they were not confident
enough that they could win. Hence it can be safely assumed that this period in
Indian Cricket was much like India’s political and economic policies of that
time i.e. making cautious decisions so as not to slip further rather than
taking risks and plan ahead of time to reap the benefits in future. The whole
idea of mediocrity was synthesized in this era.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In came Sunil Manohar Gavaskar or as later he was called ‘The
Little Master’. In the times when the West Indies pace battery comprising of
Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall and Colin Croft
was wreaking havoc and forcing the mighty opposition teams like Australia and
England to bite the dust, Gavaskar faced them without any protective gear or
helmet. His game was built around a near-perfect technique and enormous powers
of concentration. It is hard to visualize a more beautiful defense – virtually impenetrable
and it made his wicket among the hardest to earn. His everyday grind and
professionalism was an inspiration to everyone else in the team and together
with them he orchestrated many memorable test match wins overseas. Much like
the tough political and economic decisions taken during that time by the
incumbent government of India to keep a check on the prying neighbors like
Pakistan and China, and to successfully initiate the Green Revolution in order
to satiate the hunger of the masses. The message was clear – we are here to
stay and we are ready to work hard. We can no longer be ignored globally and it
was just the beginning.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">A young Kapil Dev’s team won the limited overs’ Cricket World
Cup in the summer of 1983. It was considered an anomaly, a fluke, a mistake.
But those who thought this way didn’t know better at that time. Beating the
two-time champions – the mighty Clive Lloyd’s West Indies and that too in the
mecca of Cricket at the Lord’s Cricket Ground was a like a fairytale for most
of the Indians staying in or abroad. But the dream did come true. Kapil Dev’s
team didn’t have big enough names to win a World Cup. It was just the right mix
of talent, grit, youth, able leadership and a tinge of luck. Much like the
hip/pop culture which had started to grip India during the 80s. Educated youth
of the country was finally opening up. They were looking towards the west for
inspiration. Some of them felt liberated, others felt frustrated. But at least
they were not content with the status quo like the previous generation which
came immediately after the independence. Cricket changed too – from all whites
to colorful clothing. From day games to playing under the lights. More money
came in, more media coverage, and glamor started to get mixed with the game and
as India hosted the 1987 Cricket World Cup, it was clear that this fever was
only going to increase with time to come.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Then ‘The God’ entered the Cricketing arena and soon He
enchanted the whole world with His brilliant stroke play, technique, work ethic
and masterclass. It was clear from His very first test match that He was not
going to get bogged down by the bouncers of the fiery Pakistani pace battery. He
retaliated in the same language. Much like his idol Gavaskar, Sachin Ramesh
Tendulkar took the Cricketing world by storm and challenged it head-on but His
methods were far more attacking than Gavaskar. Now we had our own master
blaster and the bowlers were terrified of him just like they used to dread Sir
Vivian Richards. Soon, He became synonymous to everything which was good and
perfect. Be it the game, or the multinational brands, or the sponsors, everyone
was benefited by His arrival. Today, it is hard to believe that at one point of
time the BCCI had to pay Doordarshan to telecast the Cricket matches Live. Now
it was an altogether different ball game. The 1996 Cricket World Cup just
completely transformed the way India was perceived in the Cricketing world. It
was not just a mere coincidence that the economic reforms of the 1990s took
place in the same time frame. It was an open market and now everyone wanted his
share of this never-ending Cricket carnival in India. Foreign investments, multinational
brands, cola-wars, advertising surrounding Cricket was recorded at its all-time
high during this era.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">But as they say, excess of everything is harmful. With more
money, came in more greed, which brought in more corruption in the game. It was
the same time when India was reeling under the pressure of policy paralysis due
to the incompetency of the coalition governments. The match fixing scandal
broke in the late 1990s and the then Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin and
many other players from the team were accused of sharing pitch and match
conditions to the bookies, sharing dressing room strategy which affected the
team selection, throwing away the matches and under-perform in order to make
enormous amount of money – as if they already didn’t earn enough from
legitimate means. It was the darkest phase of Indian Cricket which tainted
everyone ranging from players to the administrators to the match officials and the
opposition players. South African captain Hansie Cronje admitted to his guilt
and was sacked immediately. BCCI, facing the pressure to take some action
against the accused imposed a life ban on Mohammed Azharuddin and multiple
other players from the team. The people of the country were disappointed and
angry with their heroes. It seemed as if that this Cricket bubble was finally
burst and the only thing left were the pieces of the souls of the fans and the
game.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">But just like the Phoenix rises from its own ashes, the
Indian Cricket was resurrected under the leadership of one man – Sourav
Ganguly. His leadership, along with the abilities of his lieutenants in the
form of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman and later on Virender
Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, and Harbhajan Singh gave a new life to
Indian Cricket. Who can forget the 2001 Kolkata Test match win against
Australia which roughly divided the whole of Indian Test Cricket in to two eras
– before 2001 and after 2001. Ganguly had aggression, ruthlessness, a shrewd
cricketing brain and most importantly the belief that his team can win. After
the match fixing scandal, even the players who were not involved were having
self-doubt. What would happen now? How can I be sure that the 10 players playing
alongside me are in fact playing for my team, my country? Or are they playing for
the opposition just for the sake of some money? Ganguly made them believe that
there is no place for such thoughts in his team. Work hard, give your 100% on
the field and forget about what has happened in the past was his mantra. And
don’t take anyone’s bullshit on the field – be it the mighty Australians,
Pakistanis or the English. Be the bully to the one who tries to bully you.
Reply in the language they understand better. Basically, don’t let them
dominate you in your mind. Steve Waugh, Nasser Hussain and Wasim Akram, all can
testify to this fact that Ganguly was the toughest Indian captain they had
played against. This kind of attitude was never ever heard of in Indian
Cricket. These players were ready to die for their captain. And in the matter
of months, the weak and meek have been transformed in to the mighty. Much like
the Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA government of that time. Pokharan Nuclear
tests happened under the nose of America and Pakistan. India didn’t care about
the economic sanctions which were imposed by the West, because we knew that it
was the need of the hour. Kargil war happened during the same time which was
the reminder to our neighbors that it was not a good idea to poke the bear.
Technology (primarily in the field of communication) boom, infrastructure boom,
industrial boom and 24x7 media coverage started during that time. It was an
exciting time to live in. India had changed at almost every front and it had
much to do with the way we changed our thinking. Now we had stopped playing the
‘victim of circumstances’ card and finally took control of our future in our
own hands.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Again a slump! 2007 brought Indian Cricket to a new low when
they were crashed out of the World Cup in the very first round. A new coach in
the form of Greg Chappell had joined the ranks in 2005 but that change had
created problems within the team. Sourav Ganguly was not performing well
personally and he was soon losing the respect amongst the younger teammates.
Chappell tried to took advantage of the situation by trying to oust Ganguly and
other seniors thereby creating chaos within the team. Apparently, he had
‘plans’ for the team but those plans didn’t involve the seniors. Also, he was supposed
to be the ‘boss’ in all his plans. Clearly, he didn’t understand Indian Cricket
well. However, his tenure was short-lived as he was sacked soon after the
50-Overs World Cup debacle.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">And like it happens all the time, with every adversity, a new
opportunity comes along. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who had been in the mix for
around 2 years now was given a young team to lead to the inaugural edition of
the T20 World Cup. T20 – a newer, younger, faster format of the game which
would completely revolutionize the face of Indian Cricket as well as project
BCCI as the new superpower of World Cricket in terms of money, power,
influence, everything – even bigger than the ICC! The young Indian Cricket team
won the T20 World Cup under the captaincy of Dhoni and he became the new poster
boy of Indian Cricket. Humble beginnings, hard work, a dash of luck and a lot
of support from people who matter. His story had everything. But it was
something else which changed that day. It was as if a switch went off somewhere
and a billion-dollar idea was born. Untapped resource of endless fortune. An
idea which will take Indian Cricket miles ahead of everyone else in the days to
come. The ‘White’ Supremacy in World Cricket was finally over. For the past 150
years, the English and the Australians were running World Cricket and although
the Indians had the potential to be the part of it, they were never truly given
any importance before. They were never considered the supreme ‘boss’ before.
But now, Indians had Indian Premier League – IPL.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The effect of IPL and the dominance of BCCI can be assessed
by the fact that the ICC had to clear its itinerary to make space for the IPL.
8 weeks of power-packed league cricket scheduled each year during the month of
April-May, every year for the past 9 years. There are cricketing leagues in
other countries as well. But not many care about them. Moreover, players from
all countries are welcome to participate in the IPL (barring Pakistan), but
Indian players are not allowed to be the part of any other cricketing league. To
retaliate, England barred their players to play in the IPL for some time. But
later on they had to give in too. Also, IPL has provided a great platform for
young Indian un-capped players to showcase their talent and earn a lot more
than they would have if they were just playing domestic Cricket. The condition
of Cricket stadiums have improved drastically in the past few years and new
venues have popped up because now the BCCI have enough cash surplus to provide
for these venues. The cash-rich IPL has generated better revenues with each
passing year and everyone involved has benefited with it. In the year 2015
alone, IPL contributed $11.5 Billion to the Indian GDP!</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">But then again, when everyone is getting blinded by all that
money, some people are bound to get greedy and start doing things which they
ought not to do. Allegations of illegal betting and spot-fixing were made
resulting in the suspension of franchise owners as well as players. Much like
Congress-led UPA government of that time during which the idea of IPL was
floated and became popular. It is fascinating to see that during the period
when the corruption in the government of India has increased, the corruption in
the game of Cricket has increased as well. So much so that this time, even one
of the sitting MPs from the government was involved in the wrongful auction and
procurement of the new IPL franchise. Later on, the honorable Supreme Court
ordered to set the things straight.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Everything said and done, we should accept that Cricket is
not just a game in India. It has become our identity. There may be many bad
things happening inside or around it, but the bottom line is that it is the
need of the hour. When there is a possibility to make money, one should make it
– provided it should not be made through illegal means. It’s a cycle – the game
brings in money, then that money helps build the game in a better way, which in
turn brings more money, and then it helps us to be emancipated from the
shackles of our ‘colonial masters’ who introduced us to the game at the first
place.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
</div>
Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-6773236583028153532014-05-19T06:58:00.001+05:302014-05-19T06:59:19.343+05:30An open letter to the Prime Minister-Designate, India: Narendra Modi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">D<span style="line-height: 115%;">ear Sir,</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">First of all, congratulations for that thumping victory for
your party which made May the 16th, 2014 etched in the History of India
forever. Never in my 27 years of existence had I thought that I would ever
witness something of this sort, given the dependency of the national parties
over the regional parties in our country and owing to the fact that the
electorate of India has given a chequered mandate in so many general elections
in the past. But this was not the case this time, as the BJP gathered 282 seats
on its own and the NDA under your leadership and constituting 29-odd parties
gathered 336 seats out of the total 543. As far as I am concerned, I am a
strong believer in the two-party system. In other democracies in the world,
wherever there is a two-party system, it has proven efficient and resulted in a
strong government as well as a strong opposition. But in India, this liberty of
having so many parties only create nuisance. Although I agree that for the time
being, it is a necessity here because we still have a daunting challenge of
providing social equality and there are certain sections of our society who
don't have proper representation among the national parties.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Now coming to the important thing. Sir, you are a Gujarati.
And everyone knows that Gujarati and Gujarat means business. So, I am sure that
you would have already started to work over who you want to be in your team,
and who will be appropriate in which department. As we wait for you to take
oath as the Prime Minister, and announce your cabinet, we expect some able
minds in your core team. Minds, who are in complete sync with you, who are
absolutely loyal towards you and who can understand what is best for the people
of this country. We cannot afford another PM who doesn't know what his
ministers are up to. We had enough of that in the last 10 years! Your past
record is the testimony of what awaits us and I am happy with that.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There are few things over which we need immediate attention
and action. The most important being the current foreign policy towards our
neighboring countries. With your advent, there is a feeling of shock and awe
among them, and we should make sure that they understand that it would be foolhardy
to do any funny business from across the border, now that you are the boss. A
tough exterior with a tinge of humanity is what is the need of the hour. They
should be made to realize that the <i>Nizam</i>
in India is changed now, and they should better behave accordingly.
Zero-tolerance policy towards cross border terrorism should be enforced with
immediate effect, and we should make it clear that until this nonsense stops,
there cannot be any dialogue.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Regarding the issue of corruption and black money stored in
foreign banks, we need action now. Many of your interviews and speeches were
filled with assurances that once you are in power, you will take steps towards
curbing corruption and bringing back the black money. Well, now nothing should
be stopping you as you own more than 50% of the house! Change policy, change
rules, do whatever it takes, but do this
and do this quickly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The stock market has soared with your advent, and the Rupee
has strengthened against the Dollar. That is a good sign. Everyone is expecting
you to bring reforms in India's economic policy which sends a good and
encouraging signal amongst the investor in and outside the country. With the
largest working population in the world, we must ensure that strong measures
are taken in order to tap this potential. I remember you once said that I want
to see an India wherein the Americans are lining up for our Visa. Well, this is
very much possible if we play to our potential.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Coming to my home state, Uttar Pradesh. Everyone is shocked.
I am shocked, and I am sure you are surprised too. Who would have thought? You
won 73 out of the 80 seats and the rest of the 7 seats going only to the family
members of the opposition political parties. Such was the impact of your
campaign, that the Uttar Pradesh which is infamous for choosing their
candidates on the basis of caste, creed and religion unified for you and
practically plummeted the opposition! You owe us now, Sir. You need to do
something to improve the standard of living of the people in Uttar Pradesh.
People are angry, they are hurt, and they want change. They want you to
personally ensure that things change there. We need roads, electricity, jobs,
security, social harmony, and someone to hear our plight. Two years ago, I
wrote a similar letter to the then elected Chief Minister of UP, Mr. Akhilesh
Yadav. I was hopeful that being a youngster himself, he will understand my
pain. He will bring change to the way things are being done in UP. But he did
nothing. On the contrary, whatever little we had was also taken away from us,
rendering us helpless. You are bound by the oath you took at the banks of River
Ganges in Varanasi, to bring change in our lives. Uttar Pradesh will never
behave the same way it did in this general elections, if we are let down. Please
don't let that happen. Not on your watch!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the end, I would sincerely wish you all the best for your
new role as the supreme leader of this beautiful country. I know that the
people of Gujarat have made a big sacrifice by letting you go, but you have a
bigger responsibility now. You have 1.25 Billion people to think about, even
those who didn't vote for you. Thank you sir, for providing us hope. Make Atal
Ji proud.</span></span></div>
</div>
Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-87793899204581004932013-11-16T18:26:00.002+05:302013-11-16T18:26:51.638+05:30Sachin - For the last time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the past two months since Sir Sachin Tendulkar announced
His retirement from all forms of Cricket, I wanted to write something which
could sum up my feelings about this fateful decision of His. So much has
already been shown/written/read that whatever I say/write actually doesn't
matter the least. And I am no writer, so it is all the more difficult to pen
down correct words to describe His greatness, not only on the field but off it,
and also what He has meant to me for over the past 17 years that I have
followed Cricket. But still, I am trying a make an effort in this direction as
He had always believed in giving one's 100% in whatever one does, and it
doesn't matter if he/she fails - the more important thing is that at the end of
the day one should not have this regret that his/her effort was not up to the
mark.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So let me clear this upfront - I didn't cry while He was
giving His farewell speech just a few hours ago at the Wankhede Stadium. It was
not my place, for who am I to cry at His departure? What have I done for Him
that I should take credit of anything He said or did today? We all saw Anjali's
eyes well up, and even Sara was about to cry, it was inevitable and rightly so.
His family has sacrificed so much, and the thought that He is finally done and
dusted with Cricket will obviously be overwhelming.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then there is Vinod Kambli - an old 'friend' and a 'Cricket
expert' who never missed a chance to spew venom against Him in the past few
years, just to get some footage on his stupid TV news show. He was 'seen' crying
on that show today; I don't know why? Either they were just crocodile's tears
or just the thought that now as Sachin is retiring, he will not be getting
similar air time after this whole retirement carnival gets a rest.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ram had Lakshman to accompany him to the forest during their
exile. His younger brother, his aide and shadow. Well, Sachin had Ajit, His
older brother, His friend, philosopher and guide. Ajit never married, so that
he can give his full attention to his younger brother's career. It was because
He had Ajit is why we have Him today. Kambli also had talent, but he didn't
have someone like Ajit. So he faded into oblivion, and today we all just know
him to be a clown on a terrible TV news show. That is the power of family, and
family values. So, if Ajit wants to cry today, he deserves to do that.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The whole point I am trying to make here is, that success has
many fathers and failure is an orphan. Today, Sachin is synonymous to success,
so everyone wants a piece of Him. I mean, Siddhu cannot just stop reminding us about
how, back in 1994 in New Zealand, he had a stiff neck and thus Sachin got
promoted to the opener's position and there we found the best ODI batsman the
world has ever seen. What the hell man! What the hell is wrong with you? Not
many people know that you were in a night club the night before the match and
got your neck bruised in a scuffle. And it was Sachin who came to the team's
rescue and took additional responsibility as an opener. Thereafter, His talent
and hard work made Him the best in business, not your stupid break!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We Indians are very emotional people. We get moved very
easily. I am not saying it is a bad thing, as I too am very emotional. I only
have a problem with emotions which are not genuine. God knows I cried when we
lost the 1996 World Cup Semi Final to Sri Lanka, or when we lost the 1999
Chennai Test match against Pakistan, or the 2003 World Cup Final defeat against
Australia, or 2009 Hyderabad defeat against Australia when Sir Jadeja was not
able to make 18 runs off 3 overs after He made 175 out of the required 351! I
can recall countless instances of sorrow as well as happiness. Who can forget
the desert-storm innings of 143 at Sharjah and again the swashbuckling 134 two
days after? Or 241* without a single cover drive in the whole innings lasting
some 10 hours. Or 200* when He broke the most coveted ODI barrier. But then I
cannot just forget the headline 'ENDULKAR?' from The Times of India in 2004. Or
Sanjay Manjrekar's jab after jab in 2007. Or Kapil Dev's rants since the 2011
World Cup win.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People, I am no expert, but I am very clear over one thing.
If I support something/someone, I go with that thing/person till the end. It is
not like an 'add salt to taste' approach with me which is with most of the Indians.
Please try to understand what I am trying to explain here. Not taking away
anything from the fans, I just want to highlight that it was us who have been
the most cruel to Him over the past many years. We were cruel to Him when He
was injured, but He said nothing. We constantly questioned His integrity on our
'prestigious' primetime TV shows, but He responded with His bat. We,
practically, were sucking His blood during the period from 99th to 100th
century, but He didn't show that on His face. The only time something was
visible was a sigh of relief after that 100th century. It was neither joy, nor
happiness, but relief - because we couldn't just let go!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don't know what will be the readers' reaction to this post,
but that is how I feel. I bid Him farewell, and hope that He finds some way to
remain attached to Cricket, because even I know, He just cannot live without
it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">#ThankYouSachin #BharatRatna #TakeABowMaster #GodOfCricket</span></span></div>
</div>
Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-80516930693234703552013-10-05T15:24:00.001+05:302013-10-05T15:35:26.485+05:30Am I against the USA?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been brought to my notice
recently that every time when I post anything related to the USA, I become
overly hurtful, dramatic and biased; and apparently it seems that the post is
being written in a bad taste. Well, I just want to clarify that I believe that
the USA is a great place to live and work in and Indians who are talented and
fortunate enough to make their way all the way to America are definitely in a
better place than India. Not even in a hundred years from now, India can catch
up to what the USA has achieved today - not because we don't have the resources,
or the capability to do so, but because we are still not ready to change ourselves.
Even if someone tries to do something different around here in the positive
direction, we have forces working continuously towards dragging us behind even
farther from where we actually started. The way things are, we can never
provide a level playing field to our next generation and this is the biggest
reason why the USA is better than any other country<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the world, because they give their kids an
equal opportunity to thrive and succeed, and any kid can dream of becoming the
President of the most powerful country in the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I begin with stating that I
have nothing against that nation. My anger and frustration is towards those who
undermine the importance of other people, places, races, communities and
incidents. A person dies in America due to a terror attack, and suddenly everyone
is reporting it, talking about it, condemning it, lighting candles in his
memory, and doing what not. But no one gives a shit when scores of people die
all around the world by the same bullet, bomb or tank. No one cares - not even
their own people, media or government; so how can we expect Americans to care
about that?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They made an African American man
their President, but when an Indian American girl wins a stupid beauty pageant,
she gets racially abused on the internet. And if I raise my voice against this
nonsense, I am wrong?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They have the power to invade anyone
around the world for no apparent reason, and I, who chooses not to be the part
of their mission, am wrong?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their companies flood the markets
world over, with depleted and dangerous products which have been banned in
their own country or tough guidelines have been set for their sale and
marketing, but they don't care squat about people using those products anywhere
else. All they care about is how to generate revenues, and I am wrong?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">India has thousands of flaws of
its own, and I am a vehement critic of that, but the USA is not perfect either.
And we should be the ones to make sure that the truth comes out. But we choose
to be politically correct. Well, I am different and am always ready to show
them the mirror.</span></div>
</div>
Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-47024792547381508822013-09-27T23:51:00.004+05:302013-09-27T23:51:51.317+05:30The Charade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rahul Gandhi’s opposition to the ‘tainted’ ordinance is nothing but a charade. When the President of India himself questioned the credibility of the ordinance and sought for a clarification, this was the only option left for Gandhi to save some face. This was nothing but a desperate act of damage control (which happened because of the questions raised by the President), by sacrificing whatever little respect our dear PM had left of. I think Gandhi got this idea from some old Hindi movie wherein the hero is not really a hero until he comes from behind and sweeps the stage by doing something unexpected, thereby getting applause from the audience and the tag of ‘Angry Young Man’ from the critics. But believe me this is not going to happen in this case.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">As for our PM, he must be uttering, “Et tu, Brute?”<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
</div>
Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-40695505536296433252013-09-13T08:36:00.000+05:302013-09-13T08:36:15.335+05:30मोदी बनाम आडवाणी - कौन जीतेगा?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
आज भाजपा के प्रधानमंत्री पद के उम्मीदवार के तौर पर नरेंद्र मोदी के नाम की घोषणा होने की संभावना है। इस खबर से आडवाणी और उनके कुछ समर्थक बड़े व्याकुल हैं। ८५ पार आडवाणी, पार्टी हित और देश हित से आगे अपना हित साधने की कोशिश कर तो रहे हैं, पर उन्हें ये समझ लेना चाहिए कि उन्होंने ये हक उसी दिन खो दिया था, जिस दिन वे पाकिस्तान जाकर जिन्नाह की तारीफ़ों के पुल बाँध कर आए थे। उनकी भलाई इसी में है कि अब वे राजयोग की उम्मीद छोड़ दें, और उम्मीद करें कि २०१७ के राष्ट्रपति चुनाव (अगर तब तक वे जीवित रहे तो) के समय उनके नाम पर आम सहमति बन जाए। और जहां तक रही सुषमा स्वराज की बात, उन्हें आडवाणी की अंध भक्ति त्याग अब दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनावों की तैयारी में मन लगाना चाहिए।</div>
Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-33655630559109371612013-09-05T12:25:00.005+05:302013-09-05T12:25:14.860+05:30Teacher's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After all these years, I have realized one thing about
teachers. In order for the student to be a better person in life, a teacher
should be strict with him/her. This modern day nonsense of ignoring their
mistakes in the name of American style of schooling is nothing but BS. Tough
Love is what is required. The motto of my alma mater Hartmann College, Bareilly is 'He
who loves knowledge, loves discipline', which, in the long run, is possible
only if the student understands that if he/she knowingly does anything wrong,
it will only make his/her teachers' head held low in shame. An element of
respect should be there, and fear of letting your teachers down is required for
all of us to do the right thing, all the time. And then, once you have achieved
something in life, go back to them, greet them and seek their blessings,
because they were the ones who actually felt bad for themselves when they
scolded you for your misdoings, as they thought that they had failed as a
teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">P.S: Nowhere here, I support corporal punishment. That is the
worst thing which could happen to a child’s self-esteem.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">P.P.S: Happy Teachers’ Day!</span></span></div>
</div>
Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-75490648686998681542013-08-20T21:35:00.001+05:302013-08-20T21:39:31.712+05:30Dark Is Beautiful - A Nandita Das initiative<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbV_ajapbnI-_uOemjI3_9zNqK234YWN2wZNp5DOcyPfFlYm3kj4eFWNokdk2PhPFl2B4ptYwyc25Ta7-L6kO_b1-u6hC-HEZrBIRUORmM4UkOGnIkrP2DxVUPpqhvQ4XQV3RaKT9Zva_/s1600/1149004_141102232766421_757215048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbV_ajapbnI-_uOemjI3_9zNqK234YWN2wZNp5DOcyPfFlYm3kj4eFWNokdk2PhPFl2B4ptYwyc25Ta7-L6kO_b1-u6hC-HEZrBIRUORmM4UkOGnIkrP2DxVUPpqhvQ4XQV3RaKT9Zva_/s320/1149004_141102232766421_757215048_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was a kid, no girl in my
class wanted to sit beside me, or talk to me, or share their things with me. I
was confused why in the world this happens to me. Slowly I realized that their behaviour
towards boys with fair complexion was entirely different. The girls found those
boys cute and behaved normally with them. This made me feel sad for myself and
it created a feeling of insecurity in my mind about the colour of my skin. I
seldom complained about this discrimination to my parents and taunted them that
because they were dark skinned, I had to face the wrath of this world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Later on
when I was sensible enough, I decided that one day I will be someone where this
divide will not matter, and then I will show to these people that skin colour
is not important, and had they spared a minute to explore the inner me,
probably I would have proved to be a better friend than those 'cute' boys. But
to my utter disbelief, I still find some advertisements aired on TV that in
order to bag a good job, or a beautiful girl friend, one should<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>be fair skinned. And in order to become fair,
you should use this specific fairness cream. This disgusts me! So basically
what they are trying to imply is that your skill, talent and confidence doesn't
matter a bit when it comes to corporate world. All they want is 'cute' people
working for their company. God damn this senseless mentality. I am proud of the
colour of my skin and like being 'unfair'. At least I am not pretending to be
someone who I am not. Thanks, Nandita Das for this campaign, now I love you
even more. #darkisbeautiful</span></div>
</div>
Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-57976509178630411862012-03-23T22:01:00.002+05:302012-03-23T22:06:13.991+05:30Life and Death - An ode to the Shahadat Diwas<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I always believed there were two kinds of men in this world – men who go to their deaths screaming, and men who go to their deaths in silence. And then, I met the third kind. – </span></span></span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Excerpt from the film </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rang De Basanti</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (2006).</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am sure every hot blooded Indian who watched this film was moved by it. The feeling of patriotism got rejuvenated inside everyone. Even I felt the same way. But today, I don’t want to discuss that. Because that illusion of false patriotism soon withers off in most of us as soon as 15</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> August or 26</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> January is over, so there is no point talking about something which comes and goes so often.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I want to talk about fear of death. Everyone has it. I too have it. But, it is said that the three men who died on 23</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">rd</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> March, 1931 didn’t have that fear. It is believed that the pride in dying for the cause of Indian independence was so humungous that it wiped away the fear of death from the minds of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru. They, among others had a single point agenda throughout their life – Freedom of India from the shackles of British Raj, which made them who they were – fearless youth who could do anything to achieve what they wanted.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I wish I could think like they did – not in the exact sense though, as we live in different times. I want to live a life which is free from any kind of inhibitions caused by fear of death. We all know that eventually everyone has to die. But what we often forget is that we have a sufficient amount of living to do before the moment of death arrives. We live under a constant threat of the unknown, and never let us unleash in the way we always wanted to. If somehow that sense of fear is suppressed, I believe living would be a whole different experience altogether.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fear is a great driving force which could lead people to do stuff contrary to their will. I mean, insurance companies are booming these days just because they could tap this inherent human tendency. The more fear they can inflict upon their customers, the better it is for their business. But ever gave a thought about one small thing – is life so dull that it requires the fear of death to live?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I think I myself am confused about what I want to convey. Nevertheless, the following </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">she’r</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is written by a fellow comrade of those three fearless men.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">तुझ</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">को</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ज़िंदगी</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">बाद</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ए</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">फ़ना</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">मिलेगी</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">अश्फ़ाक</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">तेरा</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">मरना</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">तेरे</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">जीने</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">की</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">बदौलत</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">होगा</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">... - </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">अश्फ़ाकुल्लाह</span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">खान</span></span></span></i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height:115%;Mangal","serif"font-family:";font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-33222655512012089212012-03-13T20:51:00.003+05:302012-03-13T20:56:59.442+05:30A letter to the CM-elect, Uttar Pradesh<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dear Mr. Yadav (Junior),</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height:115%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I would like to congratulate you for securing a clear majority in the recently concluded Assembly Elections in Uttar Pradesh and on the verge of becoming the youngest Chief Minister of the state. I am sure, not even you would have thought that your party will secure 224 out of 403 seats. Nevertheless, your hard work and the social engineering which you undertook more than three years ago finally paid off well. It was an empathic win indeed.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height:115%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But now back to business. I want to highlight my concern and seek your attention towards the needs and wants of the people of UP. I, a software engineer working 2000 kilometers away from my hometown, feel that there is a need to overhaul the existing system which was rampant during the tenure of your predecessor and even before that when your father Mr. Yadav (Senior) was the CM. I did my engineering in order to serve my people, and to have a better lifestyle for myself. But after four years, when I looked towards my options I found that if I wanted a job which was synonymous with my qualification, I would have to leave my hometown and would have to come to a place where nothing suits me right. I would not be able to eat what I am used to, I would not be able to celebrate my festivals which I had been celebrating since childhood, and moreover I would have to listen to the rants and taunts of the native people of that place, and would be the subject of their whimsical attitude towards me. Here I would like to mention that perhaps it’s not their fault altogether. If I were at their place, perhaps I would have done the same thing because then my subject of whimsical attitude would have been ‘odd man out’.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height:115%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am neither complaining about them, nor I am trying to gain sympathy for my miseries. This was what I chose for myself because it was the best option available in front of me. Had there been a job in my state, which suited my academic qualification, I would never have chosen to move out of my comfort zone, even if that paid me lesser than what I am getting right now (not that I am getting millions, anyway). I want you to understand that you are about to become the Chief Minister of that state which boasts of its highest population in the country. It has ample resources to fulfill its needs, but the problem lies in the fact that those resources are not being used properly to fulfill the need of all. I can assure you that if you strive towards making UP a better place for young educated budding professionals like myself, no one would be tempted to leave his/her state in order to seek jobs in other states.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height:115%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My dear </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bhaiyya Ji</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, no one wants to live away from their families and friends. We all want to be there, to help each other out in times of need, to celebrate festivals in which we believe in, to enjoy the delicacies which we like since childhood. But we can’t. Because people like you, who have the power to change things and make UP a better place, don’t do anything. People like you just want to enjoy your tenure doing nothing, and time and again just want to gain political advantage so that you can extend your tenure.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height:115%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But now, the face of UP politics has changed, since you are the CM-elect and not your father. People like me are hopeful that people like you would do something different in order to make life easier for people like me. I am not a very optimistic person and I seriously don’t expect that you would somehow just wave a magic wand and the face of the state would be changed in one night. That doesn’t happen. Even your father’s comrade from past took five years to change few things in the neighboring Bihar. What I expect is for you to try and work towards development. I can guarantee that if you are willing to move one foot in the positive direction, there will be a million other feet which will help you reach there. Think about it!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height:115%"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yours,</span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height:115%"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A homesick Software Engineer</span></span></span></p>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-14909883226305456372010-07-01T18:23:00.002+05:302010-07-01T18:28:49.178+05:30Adieu...Hi...<div><br /></div><div>I guess I should officially declare this now. I'll not be blogging any more. It's been a nice long journey which came to a halt as soon as I joined Infosys in January this year. I came back home but I guess I have lost touch now. So now I think I should say it a good bye. I'll not be writing any more. Perhaps this is one of many costs of doing that work one does not like.</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-36933374851677813052010-05-27T19:12:00.001+05:302010-05-27T19:15:21.853+05:30Aaj Tumhara Janmdin Hai (आज तुम्हारा जन्मदिन है)<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(202, 202, 202); font-family:'times new roman', georgia, serif;font-size:13px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज वो दिन आया है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">जिसका सभी को इंतज़ार था,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज का दिन तुम्हारा दिन है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज तुम्हारा जन्मदिन है।</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">खुशियों से भरा ये लम्हा है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">चारों तरफ़ एक रौनक है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">मुबारक हो तुम्हें ये हसीन पल,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज तुम्हारा जन्मदिन है।</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज तो जश्न की रात है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">तुम्हारे लिए कुछ खास है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">संजो के रखना ये पल,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज तुम्हारा जन्मदिन है।</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज तो मस्ती में खोना है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">संग तुम्हारे झूमना है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">साल में सिर्फ़ एक बार है आता,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज तुम्हारा जन्मदिन है।</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">सोचा तुम्हें क्या दूँ,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">ऐसा मेरे पास क्या है,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">ये कविता है तुम्हारा तोहफ़ा,</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">आज तुम्हारा जन्मदिन है।</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">-प्रत्यूष गर्ग</span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">२२-०३-२०१०</span></div></div></span>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-84836061534833326382010-05-27T18:49:00.001+05:302010-05-27T18:52:47.623+05:30Bojh (बोझ)<div>उम्मीदों के बोझ तले दबे ये कंधे,</div><div>और उन पर टिका ये मस्तक,</div><div>जिस पर गहराती लकीरों के पीछे से झांकती मायूसी,</div><div>शायद यही बयां करती है कि कुछ ठीक नहीं है।</div><div><br /></div><div>अनसुलझे प्रश्नों के भंवर में फंसा ये मन,</div><div>जिसमें चिंतन की लहरें उठती तो हैं,</div><div>परंतु तट तक पहुँचने से पहले ही,</div><div>दम तोड़ देती हैं।</div><div><br /></div><div>गर्म रेत की चादर पर फैली,</div><div>पथरीली चट्टानों सी घबराहट को इंतज़ार है,</div><div>पश्चिम की उस बयार का जो अपने साथ बादलों का झुंड लाए,</div><div>और प्यासी धरती की आग बुझाए।</div><div><br /></div><div>तरसता हूँ मैं आज उस मासूम मुस्कुराहट के लिए,</div><div>जिसकी खनखनाहट सुन कभी मेरा सवेरा होता था,</div><div>अब तो जूझता हूँ मैं अपने ही आप से,</div><div>कि शाम ढले किसी तरह अपने डेरे तक पहुँच जाऊँ।</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-प्रत्यूष गर्ग</div><div>१२-०२-२०१०</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-32144183089157862952009-11-16T12:37:00.002+05:302009-11-16T12:44:52.218+05:30Baazaar (बाज़ार)<div>देवियों और सज्जनों,</div><div>आइए आइए यहाँ पर बाज़ार लगा है,</div><div>जहाँ सब कुछ बिकता है।</div><div>चमकीले लिबासों में सजा,</div><div>यहाँ सब कुछ मिलता है।</div><div><br /></div><div>यहाँ हर चीज़ की कीमत है,</div><div>बस चुकाने वाला चाहिए।</div><div>दिल को बड़ा कर बोली लगाइए,</div><div>फिर कीमत चुकाइए,</div><div>और घर ले जाइए।</div><div><br /></div><div>यहाँ इंसान बिकते हैं,</div><div>और उनके अरमान भी,</div><div>ज़मीर खरीदे बेचे जाते हैं।</div><div>कीमत मिलने का वायदा मिले,</div><div>तो जज़्बात भी बिक जाते हैं।</div><div><br /></div><div>ये बाज़ार बड़ा ज़ालिम है बाबू,</div><div>जो दिखता है बस वही बिकता है।</div><div>यहाँ जंगल का कानून है लागू,</div><div>जो गिरा पड़ा है,</div><div>वो रौंद दिया जाता है।</div><div><br /></div><div>इसकी हवा में एक नशा है,</div><div>जो यहाँ आता है,</div><div>वो धुत हो जाता है।</div><div>संयम और समझदारी से ही,</div><div>इस से बचा जा सकता है।</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg</div><div>१६-११-२००९ 16-11-2009</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-20965074424073562542009-11-14T18:14:00.004+05:302009-11-14T18:22:57.390+05:30Pagli Ladki (पगली लड़की)<div>This poem is one of the earliest and best written by our own renowned Hindi poet Dr. Kumar Vishwas. Enjoy...</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>अमावस की काली रातों में, दिल का दरवाज़ा खुलता है,</div><div>जब दर्द की प्याली रातों में, गम आँसू के संग घुलता है,</div><div>जब पिछवाड़े के कमरे में, हम निपट अकेले होते हैं,</div><div>जब घड़ियाँ टिक टिक चलती हैं, सब सोते हैं हम रोते हैं,</div><div>जब बार बार दोहराने से, सारी यादें चुभ जाती हैं,</div><div>जब ऊँच नीच समझाने में, माथे की नस दुख जाती है,</div><div>तब इक पगली लड़की के बिन, जीना गद्दारी लगता है,</div><div>और उस पगली लड़की के बिन, मरना भी भारी लगता है।</div><div><br /></div><div>जब पोथे खाली होते हैं, जब हर्फ़ सवाली होते हैं,</div><div>जब गज़लें रास नहीं आतीं, अफ़साने गाली होते हैं,</div><div>जब बासी फीकी धूप समेटे, दिन जल्दी ढल जाता है,</div><div>जब सूरज का लश्कर छत से, गलियों में देर से जाता है,</div><div>जब जल्दी घर जाने की इच्छा, मन ही मन घुट जाती है,</div><div>जब कालेज से घर लाने वाली, पहली बस छुट जाती है,</div><div>जब बेमन से खाना खाने पर माँ, गुस्सा हो जाती है,</div><div>जब लाख मना करने पर भी, पारो पढ़ने आ जाती है,</div><div>जब अपना मनचाहा हर काम, कोई लाचारी लगता है,</div><div>तब इक पगली लड़की के बिन, जीना गद्दारी लगता है,</div><div>और उस पगली लड़की के बिन, मरना भी भारी लगता है।</div><div><br /></div><div>जब कमरे में सन्नाटे की, आवाज़ सुनाई देती है,</div><div>जब दर्पण में आँखों के नीचे, झांई दिखाई देती है,</div><div>जब बड़की भाभी कहती हैं, कुछ सेहत का भी ध्यान करो,</div><div>क्या लिखते हो लल्ला दिन भर, कुछ सपनों का सम्मान करो,</div><div>जब बाबा वाली बैठक में, कुछ रिश्ते वाले आते हैं,</div><div>जब बाबा हमें बुलाते हैं, हम जाते में घबराते हैं,</div><div>जब साड़ी पहने लड़की का, एक फ़ोटो लाया जाता है,</div><div>जब भाभी हमें मनाती हैं, फ़ोटो दिखलाया जाता है,</div><div>जब सारे घर का समझाना, हम को फ़नकारी लगता है,</div><div>तब इक पगली लड़की के बिन, जीना गद्दारी लगता है,</div><div>और उस पगली लड़की के बिन, मरना भी भारी लगता है।</div><div><br /></div><div>दीदी कहती हैं कि, उस पगली लड़की की कुछ औकात नहीं,</div><div>उसके दिल में भैय्या, तेरे जैसे प्यारे जस्बात नहीं,</div><div>वो पगली लड़की मेरे खातिर, नौ दिन भूखी रहती है,</div><div>चुप चुप सारे व्रत करती है, पर मुझ से कभी न कहती है,</div><div>जो पगली लड़की कहती है, मैं प्यार तुम्हीं से करती हूँ,</div><div>लेकिन मैं हूँ मजबूर बहुत, अम्मा बाबा से डरती हूँ,</div><div>उस पगली लड़की पर अपना, कुछ भी अधिकार नहीं बाबा,</div><div>ये कथा कहानी किस्से हैं, कुछ भी तो सार नहीं बाबा,</div><div>बस उस पगली लड़की के संग, जीना फुलवारी लगता है,</div><div>और उस पगली लड़की के बिन, मरना भी भारी लगता है।</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>- डा० कुमार विश्वास</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-76040479422150728062009-11-11T22:08:00.005+05:302009-11-12T16:34:33.901+05:30Jana Gana Rann (जन गण रण)This song 'Jana Gana Rann' is from an upcoming Ram Gopal Varma's movie 'Rann'. The lyrics is striking and I was shaken when I first heard it. It shares a distinct similarity with our National Anthem which makes it so appealing. I will not be surprised if there are objections raised over this song and the movie in future. Have a look and please do listen to the song before they ban it.<div><br /></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">जन गण मन रण है इस रण में,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ज़ख्मी भारत का भाग्यविधाता।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">पंजाब सिंधु गुजरात मराठा,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">इक दूसरे से लड़ के मर रहे हैं।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">इस देश ने हम को एक किया और हम देश के टुकड़े कर रहे,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">द्राविड़ उत्कल बंगा।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">खून बहा कर एक रंग का कर दिया हमने तिरंगा,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">सरहदों पे जंग और गलियों में फसाद रंगा।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">विंध हिमाचल यमुना गंगा,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">में तेज़ाब उबल रहा है|</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">मर गया सबका ज़मीर,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">जाने कब ज़िंदा हो आगे।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">फिर भी तब शबनम में जागे,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">तव शुभ आशीष माँगे।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">आग में जल कर चीख रहा है फिर भी कोई नहीं बचाता,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">गाहे तव जय गाथा।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">देश का ऐसा हाल है लेकिन,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">आपस में लड़ रहे नेता।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">जन गण मंगलदायक जय हे,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">भारत को बचा ले विधाता।</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">जय हे या ये मरण है,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">जन गण मन रण है।</span></div></div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-66357722608284114252009-11-09T08:27:00.002+05:302009-11-09T09:11:38.331+05:30Aaj Vo Dukhi Hai (आज वो दुखी है)<div>आज वो दुखी है,</div><div>उसका दिल टूटा है,</div><div>उसका कोई अपना,</div><div>आज उस से रूठा है।</div><div><br /></div><div>आज रिश्तों के कुछ,</div><div>मज़बूत बंधन टूटे हैं,</div><div>पुराने कुछ धागे उसके,</div><div>हाथों से छूटे हैं।</div><div><br /></div><div>क्या करे वो कहाँ जाए,</div><div>किसको अपनी पीड़ा बतलाए,</div><div>घर उसके खुशी की दस्तक हुए,</div><div>आज एक अरसा बीता है।</div><div><br /></div><div>नादान था वो,</div><div>अभी तक बच्चा था,</div><div>सही गलत पहचानने में,</div><div>अभी थोड़ा कच्चा था।</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जिसे अपना समझ,</div><div>ताउम्र झुलसता रहा,</div><div>वही दगाबाज उसे,</div><div>हमेशा ही डसता रहा।</div><div><br /></div><div>पर अब इंसानी फितरत को,</div><div>उसने बखूबी भाँप लिया है,</div><div>और संभलने का प्रण कर,</div><div>वो दोबारा चल पड़ा है।</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg</div><div>०९-११-२००९ 09-11-2009</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-1865916851993747342009-10-25T14:53:00.003+05:302009-10-25T18:30:26.355+05:30An Unforgettable Night<div>After that night, I told to myself that I’ll never share that experience with my readers on my blog. Actually it was a very depressing period of my life and I was at my weakest. I seriously thought that night that I’ll not be able to see the next morning sun. Nevertheless, after around one year, I finally decided to break those mental shackles and write about the darkest night of my life. And which better place to write about the experience than the place from where it all began, the train from Bareilly to Ghaziabad by which I returned to college today after Diwali vacations.</div><div><br /></div><div>I should start from the morning of 5th January, 2009, or otherwise the whole situation will not be clear. It was a chilly winter morning and I boarded the train from Bareilly to Ghaziabad, to resume college for the 6th semester. Mom insisted on wearing a jacket over the thin sweater I was wearing but I had a tendency to act like ‘Phantom’ in winters, so I refused. And then the journey started, which changed my life for ever.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was allotted a window seat and despite all my efforts to keep that damn thing closed, it repeatedly unlocked itself and let the chilly breeze in. And as predicted by mom, soon I was shivering like hell. After three hours of journey, I felt some relief when the sun was finally out from. But it was still cold.</div><div><br /></div><div>Around noon, I reached the college campus and was glad to be back. I took a nap as I was tired after the journey. It was not until in the evening around 6pm, I felt something is wrong within. I had started to shiver and was feeling weak. In addition, I felt some fever too. So, after dinner, I took a Paracetamol and hoped that I’ll be fine.</div><div><br /></div><div>But by the time the clock struck 9, I knew that it is not just an ordinary fever. I was shivering uncontrollably. My limbs were numb, my forehead was burning, was having fits of cough with sputum, was unable to breathe, and there was no way I could fell asleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>After three hours of suffering, I decided to repeat the medication as it was obvious that the previous dose had no effect. I took a Vicks Action 500 in order to get some relief from cold apart from fever. But nothing seemed to have been working that night. After an hour or so, I was now spitting blood! At this moment, I wished that God should take my life away so that my suffering could end.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was 4am and I hadn’t slept a bit. My condition was worse than ever, and the constant shivering was making my life miserable. I am not a religious person, but at that time, I was thinking that if there is God somewhere, He is taking into account for all the sins I have committed in my entire life. All my memories were flashing in front of me, as I waited for the morning sun. Meanwhile, I took another tablet, although I knew I should not because there should be enough gaps between doses.</div><div><br /></div><div>At 7:30am I some how moved to the mess, so that I could have something for breakfast, because all the medicines I took were not required to take on empty stomach. With utter difficulty, I had a bowl of <i>dalia</i>. And now I had to wait for the campus doctor to come to his clinic.</div><div><br /></div><div>After 10am, when the doctor arrived, I told him my symptoms, and not to my surprise, he was baffled and immediately referred me to Fortis hospital with number of blood, urine and sputum tests. Later in the afternoon, finally, I was diagnosed of Acute Bronchitis and was put on heavy medication for 7 days.</div><div><br /></div><div>These two days and the night between them were pretty hard on me. The more I try to forget them, the more they haunt me. The only positive came out of all this fiasco was that I started valuing and respecting life which God has given me. Today, I strongly believe that there was some invisible force, some power, which despite of all my miseries, helped me to pass out that period of agony and suffering and gave me a sort of rebirth in this beautiful world. May God don’t let this happen to anyone what happened to me that night.</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-68136630561469326762009-10-13T13:26:00.002+05:302009-10-13T13:31:50.841+05:30Madhushala (मधुशाला)<div>Madhushala is an epic work of late Shri. Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Consisiting of 135 <i>rubaai</i> (verses of four lines) and 4 were added later, the poet tries to explain the complexity of life in a highly metaphorical way. When first published, it met criticism from many people for its apparent praise of alcohol, but later when the hidden meaning of the verses were understood, it was an instant hit. Below are the few <i>rubaaiaa</i> which are my favorites. Enjoy...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>धर्मग्रन्थ सब जला चुकी है, जिसके अंतर की ज्वाला,</div><div>मंदिर, मसजिद, गिरिजे, सब को तोड़ चुका जो मतवाला,</div><div>पंडित, मोमिन, पादिरयों के फंदों को जो काट चुका,</div><div>कर सकती है आज उसी का स्वागत मेरी मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>एक बरस में, एक बार ही जगती होली की ज्वाला,</div><div>एक बार ही लगती बाज़ी, जलती दीपों की माला,</div><div>दुनियावालों, किन्तु, किसी दिन आ मदिरालय में देखो,</div><div>दिन को होली, रात दिवाली, रोज़ मनाती मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>सूर्य बने मधु का विक्रेता, सिंधु बने घट, जल, हाला,</div><div>बादल बन-बन आए साकी, भूमि बने मधु का प्याला,</div><div>झड़ी लगाकर बरसे मदिरा रिमझिम, रिमझिम, रिमझिम कर,</div><div>बेलि, विटप, तृण बन मैं पीऊँ, वर्षा ऋतु हो मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>दुतकारा मस्जिद ने मुझको कहकर है पीनेवाला,</div><div>ठुकराया ठाकुरद्वारे ने देख हथेली पर प्याला,</div><div>कहाँ ठिकाना मिलता जग में भला अभागे काफिर को?</div><div>शरणस्थल बनकर न मुझे यदि अपना लेती मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>मुसलमान औ' हिन्दू है दो, एक, मगर, उनका प्याला,</div><div>एक, मगर, उनका मदिरालय, एक, मगर, उनकी हाला,</div><div>दोनों रहते एक न जब तक मस्जिद मन्दिर में जाते,</div><div>बैर बढ़ाते मस्जिद मन्दिर मेल कराती मधुशाला!</div><div><br /></div><div>छोटे-से जीवन में कितना प्यार करुँ, पी लूँ हाला,</div><div>आने के ही साथ जगत में कहलाया 'जानेवाला',</div><div>स्वागत के ही साथ विदा की होती देखी तैयारी,</div><div>बंद लगी होने खुलते ही मेरी जीवन-मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>मेरे अधरों पर हो अंतिम वस्तु न तुलसीदल प्याला</div><div>मेरी जीव्हा पर हो अंतिम वस्तु न गंगाजल हाला,</div><div>मेरे शव के पीछे चलने वालों याद इसे रखना</div><div>राम नाम है सत्य न कहना, कहना सच्ची मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>मेरे शव पर वह रोये, हो जिसके आंसू में हाला</div><div>आह भरे वो, जो हो सुरिभत मदिरा पी कर मतवाला,</div><div>दे मुझको वो कान्धा जिनके पग मद डगमग होते हों</div><div>और जलूं उस ठौर जहां पर कभी रही हो मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>और चिता पर जाये उंढेला पत्र न घ्रित का, पर प्याला</div><div>कंठ बंधे अंगूर लता में मध्य न जल हो, पर हाला,</div><div>प्राण प्रिये यदि श्राध करो तुम मेरा तो ऐसे करना</div><div>पीने वालों को बुलवा कऱ खुलवा देना मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>नाम अगर कोई पूछे तो, कहना बस पीनेवाला</div><div>काम ढालना, और ढालना सबको मदिरा का प्याला,</div><div>जाति प्रिये, पूछे यदि कोई कह देना दीवानों की</div><div>धर्म बताना प्यालों की ले माला जपना मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>शांत सकी हो अब तक, साकी, पीकर किस उर की ज्वाला,</div><div>'और, और' की रटन लगाता जाता हर पीनेवाला,</div><div>कितनी इच्छाएँ हर जानेवाला छोड़ यहाँ जाता!</div><div>कितने अरमानों की बनकर कब्र खड़ी है मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>कितनी आई और गई पी इस मदिरालय में हाला,</div><div>टूट चुकी अब तक कितने ही मादक प्यालों की माला,</div><div>कितने साकी अपना अपना काम खतम कर दूर गए,</div><div>कितने पीनेवाले आए, किन्तु वही है मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>मैं मदिरालय के अंदर हूँ, मेरे हाथों में प्याला,</div><div>प्याले में मदिरालय बिंबित करनेवाली है हाला,</div><div>इस उधेड़-बुन में ही मेरा सारा जीवन बीत गया -</div><div>मैं मधुशाला के अंदर या मेरे अंदर मधुशाला!</div><div><br /></div><div>जितनी दिल की गहराई हो उतना गहरा है प्याला,</div><div>जितनी मन की मादकता हो उतनी मादक है हाला,</div><div>जितनी उर की भावुकता हो उतना सुन्दर साकी है,</div><div>जितना ही जो रिसक, उसे है उतनी रसमय मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>कुचल हसरतें कितनी अपनी, हाय, बना पाया हाला,</div><div>कितने अरमानों को करके ख़ाक बना पाया प्याला!</div><div>पी पीनेवाले चल देंगे, हाय, न कोई जानेगा,</div><div>कितने मन के महल ढहे तब खड़ी हुई यह मधुशाला!</div><div><br /></div><div>स्वयं नहीं पीता, औरों को, किन्तु पिला देता हाला,</div><div>स्वयं नहीं छूता, औरों को, पर पकड़ा देता प्याला,</div><div>पर उपदेश कुशल बहुतेरों से मैंने यह सीखा है,</div><div>स्वयं नहीं जाता, औरों को पहुंचा देता मधुशाला।</div><div><br /></div><div>- हरिवंश राय बच्चन</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-31813170098223548862009-10-10T00:03:00.002+05:302009-10-10T00:10:00.567+05:30How To Live A Happy And Satisfied Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyuIh7JrKxjYfBJhdUROuzxf7hc74gdMUZSrrbrAa1m9sp-O-8d1x7ze0OLbzZwA0OAqk8Pw4S_ZMN-Pmfss2mk6vdWOdKJifFqpycYizQ6mEbTqhpGHQPjEZ4q2ggqCbtJOuPkRfwhGN/s1600-h/Happy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyuIh7JrKxjYfBJhdUROuzxf7hc74gdMUZSrrbrAa1m9sp-O-8d1x7ze0OLbzZwA0OAqk8Pw4S_ZMN-Pmfss2mk6vdWOdKJifFqpycYizQ6mEbTqhpGHQPjEZ4q2ggqCbtJOuPkRfwhGN/s400/Happy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390671254077738274" /></a><div>This article is courtesy: <a href="http://www.enotalone.com/article/2295.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">http://www.enotalone.com/article/2295.html</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></div><div>I found it interesting so I'm posting it here on my blog.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In each day that passes by, we stand by and witness how our lives are being lived without the full happiness and satisfaction we crave and need. Most people spend their time stressed out, worried and on a constant panic about what needs to be done for their futures, raising their children, wired up over work, school, along with everything else. Does this sound familiar? Well if it does, it is because so many people live with this style and pattern. When you can start living that fully happy and satisfied life?</div><div><br /></div><div>The only way you can live a happy and satisfied life, is when you start doing things that make you happy and satisfied. Sure, it sounds easy, and can be easy if you just remember to make yourself one of your top priorities. Too many people neglect themselves, feeling that it would be selfish if they took any time out to focus on their own being. While it is good to take care of others and other important things going on in your life, it is mandatory that you never forget about yourself. Discover who you really are and what matters most to you. Living a great life does not just happen. It requires, planning and following those plans to a life that reflects who you truly are.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people avoid planning goals and dreams in their lives because they may have a fear of committing to it or failing. They feel that by officially writing it down, they would actually have to go through with pursuing it. This is where you need to rate the importance of your life missions. What is most important to you? Is it losing a certain amount of weight? Getting your degree? Spending more time with your spouse or children? Whatever the reason or reasons may be, just write all of them down. You may feel that making a mental note of your goals and dreams is enough, but you could very well be setting yourself up for disappointment and failure. By writing it down, you will become a visual witness of those goals. Try writing them in an organizer, with a little reminder written in each day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Setting deadlines for these goals would be a great way to assure they will be accomplished. Avoid disappointment by setting realistic deadlines. For example, if you wanted to lose 10 pounds, do not give yourself a week to do so. You will only torture yourself and become depressed when the week is over and see that you did not come even close to losing the 10 pounds. In fact, you may give up losing weight altogether because of the failure you experienced, simply because your deadline was unrealistic. Take some time everyday to look over your goals and remind yourself of how important they really are to you. Ask yourself why they are important to you too. Knowing that something is important is not enough. You must know the reasons behind the importance of the dreams and goals you have, so that your mind can see it more clearly and understand exactly why it is so necessary to go through with your missions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Excuses are demons you must learn to fight off if you wish to start living a happy and satisfied life. Most people claim to have many dreams, but say they just do not have the time to approach them. Stop making excuses! You are the only one who holds the power to make a real difference in your life. Sure, we all have busy lives with our careers and families, but nothing takes up 24 hours of your day. So if something is truly important to you, you will be sure to make the time to work on it. You can do this by replacing it with something less important. For example, if you claim you do not have the time to work on the other important goals in your life, perhaps it is time for you to start making close observations on the way you spend your time. If you spend several hours of the day working, studying, and then several hours taking care of house chores and family, what else are you doing with the rest of your day? If you spend a good portion watching television, then you need to cut back on that and use that time to begin and follow an exercise plan you have been thinking to focus on for a long time (or whatever goal it is you have).</div><div><br /></div><div>Making yourself one of your first priorities is not selfish. It actually is obligatory to do so in order to succeed in the other subjects of your life. Without a happy and satisfied you, there will be no happy and satisfied life, because you will be stressed out and unhappy. You might be consciously ignoring your needs and desires, but your subconscious mind has not forgotten about you and will constantly remind you through stress, anger, sadness, insecurity and feelings of failure.</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-34435880122017168212009-10-03T12:42:00.003+05:302009-10-03T12:44:41.288+05:30Mrityu Ki Godd Mein (मृत्यु की गोद में)<div>एक दिन ऐसा आएगा,</div><div>जब ये सब कुछ नहीं रहेगा,</div><div>रह जाएगा तो बस एक पिंजर,</div><div>और उसमें कैद एक रूह।</div><div><br /></div><div>रूह भी इस ताक में कि,</div><div>कब मौका मिले तो फुर्र हो,</div><div>और पिंजर का क्या है,</div><div>उसे तो ख़ाक में ही मिलना है।</div><div><br /></div><div>मुद्दा ये नहीं कि क्या किया,</div><div>मुद्दा ये कि क्या करना रह गया,</div><div>ईश्वर द्वारा दिए गए सीमित समय में,</div><div>कौन काज संवरना रह गया।</div><div><br /></div><div>हे बंधुजन, ये सुनो!</div><div><br /></div><div>मृत्यु की गोद में समाने से पहले,</div><div>अपने मकसद को पहचानो,</div><div>और उस दिशा में आगे बढ़ो,</div><div>क्या पता कल हो न हो।</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg</div><div>०३-१०-०९ 03-10-2009</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-66129743377039497732009-10-01T01:02:00.004+05:302009-10-01T01:07:18.978+05:30Safar (सफ़र)My friend's parents are celebrating their 25th marriage anniversary this week and he asked me to write a poem for that occasion. So here it is, my first "On Demand" poem.<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>वक्त अपनी रफ़्तार से चलता रहा और हम मंज़िल की तलाश में भटकते रहे,</div><div>इस बीच एक हमसफ़र मिला तो सोचा साथ चलेंगे तो राहें आसान होंगी।</div><div><br /></div><div>पता ही न चला कि कब मंज़िल से ज़्यादा राहें प्यारी हो चलीं,</div><div>क्योंकि इस बहाने हमसफ़र के साथ चलने का बहाना मिल गया।</div><div><br /></div><div>ज़िंदगी है ही ना खत्म होने वाला सफ़र,</div><div>जिसमें गर कोई साथी मिले तो मज़ा ही कुछ और है।</div><div><br /></div><div>आज मुड़ कर देखते हैं तो सफ़र के निशां दिखते हैं,</div><div>हमारे साथ के गवाह हमारे अपने साथ दिखते हैं।</div><div><br /></div><div>सैंकड़ों खट्टी मीठी यादों के सहारे हम,</div><div>२५ सालों के इस ठहराव पर आ पहुँचे हैं।</div><div><br /></div><div>अब बस यही दुआ है खुदा से कि इस ठहराव को मंज़िल का नाम न मिले,</div><div>और जब तक चल रही हैं साँसें या खुदा ये सफ़र भी यूँ ही चलता रहे।</div><div><br /></div><div>-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg</div><div>०१-१०-०९ 01-10-2009</div></div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-6627471169551052652009-09-28T10:01:00.002+05:302009-09-28T10:05:36.739+05:30Ravan (रावण)<div>Today is Dussehra (Vijay Dashmi). So, I thought to celebrate it by writing a poem.</div><div><br /></div><div>कहते हैं कि आज के दिन,</div><div>श्री राम ने रावण का वध किया था।</div><div>घोर बुराई का अंत कर,</div><div>संसार को पाप मुक्त किया था।</div><div>दस सिरों वाले राक्षस की,</div><div>नाभि भेद उसका संहार किया था।</div><div><br /></div><div>तब से लेकर अब तक हर वर्ष,</div><div>हम ये प्रथा निभाते हैं।</div><div>कागज़ का रावण बना कर,</div><div>उसे हम फिर जलाते हैं।</div><div>और इसे बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत</div><div>समझ कर हम खुश हो जाते हैं।</div><div><br /></div><div>पर कब हम अपने भीतर पलते,</div><div>सहस्त्र सिरों वाले रावण को मारेंगे।</div><div>नाभि भेद उस राक्षस की अपने,</div><div>अंतर्मन को पावन करेंगे।</div><div>जिस क्षण ऐसा कुछ हम करेंगे,</div><div>उस क्षण दशहरे को हम चरितार्थ करेंगे।</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg</div><div>२८-०९-०९ 28-09-2009</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-64482060835600477832009-09-25T20:08:00.003+05:302009-09-26T17:09:06.625+05:30Ardhangini (अर्धांगिनी)<div>This poem is dedicated to my mother, Dr. Shashi Gupta.</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जो हर पुरुष की पूरक है,</div><div>करती उसके लिए व्रत है।</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जो ममता का सागर है,</div><div>वही जो प्रेम की गागर है।</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जो गरिमा की मिसाल है,</div><div>वही जो ज्ञान का भंडार है।</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जो कहती कुछ नहीं,</div><div>वही जो सहती सब कुछ है।</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जिसे खुद कुछ चाह नहीं,</div><div>पर उसे सबकी चाहत का ख्याल है।</div><div><br /></div><div>वही तो परिवार चलाती है,</div><div>हर मुसीबत से भिड़ जाती है।</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जब दबी-कुचली जाती है,</div><div>तब वही रण-चंडी बन आती है।</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जो करोड़ो में एक है,</div><div>वही जो सबसे नेक है।</div><div><br /></div><div>उसकी उपस्थिति मंगलमय है,</div><div>वही जो सर्वप्रिय है।</div><div><br /></div><div>वो जो समाज का आधार है,</div><div>वह और कोई नहीं अर्धांगिनी है।</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg </div><div>२५-०९-०९ 25-09-2009</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-755780342089964232.post-31918954531158907962009-09-06T19:02:00.004+05:302009-09-06T19:08:42.453+05:30Maine Use Kavi Bante Hue Dekha Hai (मैंने उसे कवि बनते हुए देखा है)<div>I feel delighted to present to you all, the poem which is written by my dear friend Aishwarya Gupta. He wrote this poem keeping in mind my life incidences and described them in a very beautiful way. He gave this poem to me as a present for completing 100 posts on my blog. I could not resist to post this poem here. Thank You very much Aishwarya for such a wonderful present.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>एक समय था जब वो भी सबकी तरह,</div><div>वक्त की ओखली में पिसा करता था।</div><div>बहुत डरा करता था आने वाले समय से,</div><div>अपने मन के खिलाफ़ सारे काम किए जा रहा था।</div><div><br /></div><div>भ्रमित हो रखा था वो अपने जीवन के लक्ष्य से,</div><div>नहीं मिल रही थी वो राह जिस पर हमेशा के लिए चलता रहे।</div><div>मतलब की चादर ओढ़े दुश्मन रूपी दोस्त दुश्मन बनते चले गए,</div><div>अपने विचारों के साथ वो अकेला रह गया।</div><div><br /></div><div>धीरे-धीरे उसी अकेलेपन में मिल गई उसे वो राह,</div><div>वो चाह जिसे ढूँढने वो अकेला हो चला था।</div><div>एक सुबह बनी उमंगों की ऐसी ’<a href="http://kavyaagni.blogspot.com/2009/08/blog-post.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">इमारत</span></a>’,</div><div>टूट गया उसकी कलम का व्रत।</div><div><br /></div><div>आज चेहरे पर दिखती है संतुष्टि,</div><div>मुस्कान में एक गौरव, आने वाले जीवन से बेफिक्र,</div><div>वो लिखता चला जा रहा है,</div><div>उसकी कलम का असर किसी और पर ना सही उस पर दिखता जा रहा है।</div><div><br /></div><div>मैंने कीचड़ में उगते हुए कमल को नहीं देखा पर,</div><div>मैंने उसे कवि बनते हुए देखा है।</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>ऐश्वर्य गुप्ता</div><div>०६-०९-०९</div><div>जेपी विश्वविद्यालय</div>Pratyush Garghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04136857458272842736noreply@blogger.com0