Review - Samvedna (By Atal Bihari Vajpayee & Jagjit Singh)

If I admire any one in Indian Politics, then that person is Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. He is the true Bheeshma Pitahmah of Indian Politics. And it is not just his political skills but the poetic skills as well which mesmerize me. And just imagine if you get to hear these poems in the divine voice of the Ghazal King Jagjit Singh, then it makes a perfect combination. This album "सम्वेदना" is the true example of two maestros of their fields blending together and producing a master piece. Although this album was released in 2002 but I got to hear it just now.

The speciality of the album and which makes it outstanding is the narration by Vajpayee ji. He narrates the incidents and reasons behind the creation of each poem. The period during the Emergency which was imposed on us in 1975 and later inspired quite a few poems and the former Prime Minister elucidates the reasons well before quoting a few introductory lines. The lines are simple and easy to understand. There is a sensitivity to each song and most of them are are thought provoking. And Jagjit Singh has tuned them melodiously bearing in mind the mood of each poem. Since most of them are stirred by real life incidents there is an element of melancholy and poignancy about them and Jagjit Singh's strains bring this alive. He, as usual, mesmerizes with his voice.

The first poem is "क्या खोया क्या पाया". The song contains a preface for the album by the legend himself Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The poem has a philosophical angle which highlights what one loses and gains in his life. And at the last when the death arrives, one opens the doors for it to come himself. क्या खोया क्या पाया जग मे, मिलते और बिछडते मग मे, मुझे किसी से नही शिकायत, यद्यपि छला गया पग पग ।

The second poem is "एक बरस बीत गया". This poem was written after an year of Emergency, when all leaders including Atal ji were jailed and all rights and independence of the people was curbed by the Indira Government. The poem describes the hardships and life led by the people at that tough time. झुलसाता जेठ मास, शरद चान्दनी उदास, सिसकी भरते सावन का अन्तर्घट रीत गया, एक बरस बीत गया ।

The next one is "चौराहे पर". This one is my favourite. The prelude is too loaded with meaning. जो कल थे वे आज नही है, जो आज है वो कल नही होगे, होने ना होने का क्रम इसी तरह चलता रहेगा, हम है, हम रहेगे, ये भ्रम भी सदा पलता रहेगा, सत्य क्या है? होना या ना होना, या दोनो ही सत्य है, जो है उसका होना सत्य है, जो नही है उसका ना होना सत्य है, मुझे लगता है कि होना ना होना एक ही सत्य के दो आयाम है, शेष सब समझ का फ़ेर, बुद्धि के व्यायाम है ।

The next poem is "जीवन बीत चला". This poem was written by him on one of his birthday. He confesses that due to lack of time, he didnot write much, but when his birthday comes, he do write on his past experiences. The opening lines of "Jeevan Beet Chala" reflects the years gone by. जीवन की ढलने लगी सान्झ, उम्र घट गयी, डगर कट गयी, जीवन की ढलने लगी सान्झ, बदले है अर्थ, शब्द हुए व्यर्थ, शान्ति बिना खुशिया है बान्झ, जीवन की ढलने लगी सान्झ ।

"दूर कही कोई रोता है" was inspired by the crying sounds of people heard by Vajpayee ji when he was admitted to AIIMS, New Delhi. This happened during Emergency when he fell ill in the Bangalore jail. In the opening lines he narrates that every morning, he woke up by the crying sounds of the relatives of the patients who died at the night. That was the time when thier dead bodies were handed over by the hospital authorities to their beloved ones. This scenario tore his heart apart and he expressed his pain by writing this poem.

After Emergency, all the parties except Congress united together to form Janta Party under the leadership of Jayprakash Narayan to contest the election and vowed to work together at Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, which marks the place of his cremation. But later, Janta Party broke up and the leaders couldnot keep their vows. This last poem "कदम मिला कर चलना होगा" brings out his sorrow at the breaking of the promise. क्षमा करो बापू तुम हमको, वचन भन्ग के हम अपराधी, राज घाट को किया अपावन, मन्ज़िल भूले, यात्रा आधी, जयप्रकाश जी रखो भरोसा, टूटे सपनो को जोडगे, चिता भस्म की चिन्गारी से, अन्धकार के गढ तोडगे ।

The album has to be heard in leisure, for each song to be enjoyed slowly. Every song has a deep meaning and overall it is a masterpiece. In the words of Vaibhav Sir... 5 on 5.

6th December, 1992: The Day India Changed

Sixteen Years have passed since the Ayodhya incident but for those who know about it or witnessed it, it seems as if it was yesterday. What happened that day, was never happened before in the history of India. The Hindu-Muslim relations in India have never recovered since then and are always under threat.

The incident was not anonymous, nor it was accomplished under some instantaneous rage. Rather, it was all previously planned strategy of some religious leaders and political parties. The communal tension was at its peak and the controversial site where Babri Masjid stood was barricaded and security was tightened to avoid any mishap. Under the influence of Hindu Dharm Gurus and certain political groups, around 1.5 lac people were gathered in Ayodhya for the inauguration ceremony of the site and to lay the first bricks for the Ram Mandir at the Ram Janma Bhoomi. The day before the D-day, there was a mass rally organised by Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Shiv Sena under the leadership of Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Mr. Lal Krishna Advani. Many speakers gave infuriating speeches about the alledged existence of the Ram Mandir at the place where Babri Masjid stood, and also that at the time of Mughal rule, the mandir was demolished by Babur and converted to the masjid. This further gave fuel to the fire already ignited in the hearts of ignorant public.

Despite the Supreme Court order, that Babri Masjid should not be harmed in any way during the process of the ceremony, angry mob stormed into the masjid premises and demolished it alledgedly by pelting stones, sticks and trishuls they were having. Within no time, the masjid was rampaged to dust. The police and the security personnels felt helpless at the hands of the mob as the slogans of "Jai Shree Ram" rocked the atmosphere.

The aftermath of this incident resulted in the worst communal riots occured in India since the time of Independence in 1947. The country was under chaos and over 2000 innocent people were butchered in various cities. Curfew was imposed in the sensitive areas and all schools and colleges were closed. Daily life of the people was affected to a greater extent. The Muslim community was shocked by the incident and this feeling of anger and dissatisfaction led some youth of the community to go against the law. The biggest and the most devastating example of
this was serial bomb blasts that took place in Mumbai (then, Bombay) on March 12th, 1993 which shook the whole world, and was considered as one of the most organised terror attacks till then. The blasts claimed more than 250 lives and injuring hundreds others.

The Pakistan supported Terrorism which is the biggest problem faced by Indians today, is the result of that day. Pakistani intelligence Agency ISI and also their government under cover have exploited the anger and dissatisfaction amongst Muslims in India and used it against Indians itself. They fund these igonorant Indians and infuriate them against their own country and cause havoc. The country which was once known for its peace and brotherhood, and also for the Unity in Diversity, is now facing such difficulties in controlling and avoiding these terrorist activities because of some insiders who do not want the people here to live a peaceful and happy life. The seed of hatred and terror, which was sowed then and irrigated by the blood of innocent citizens has acquired a dangerously big tree, filled with fruits in the form of terrorist activities, explosions, deaths, killings, massacres...

GOD SAVE INDIA !!

Aasteen Ke Saanp (आस्तीन के साँप)

Dedicated to all the martyrs of Mumbai Massacre. May their souls rest in peace.

उस रोज़ सुबह जब मैं जागा,
और अखबार में जो उलझा,
मैनें पाया फ़िर मायानगरी की हवा,
सर्द मौत के झोकों से तर हो,
सुर्ख लाल रंग में सनी,
सभी ओर फ़ैली है |

मैं चौंका, मैं झिझका,
सकते मे मैं फ़िर आया,
लगा सोचने आखिर क्यों,
फ़िर से ये तूफ़ान है आया,
मौत के सौदागरों का रुख,
इस ओर फ़िर हो आया ।

चीखों-चिल्लाहटों का दौर ये,
जो थमने का नाम न ले,
अपनों को खोने का ग़म,
जो फ़ूट-फ़ूट कर बाहर निकले,
ऐसा हमने क्या गुनाह किया,
जो फ़िर से ये दिन दिखलाया ।

इस मन्ज़रे-तबाही के ज़िम्मेदार,
चन्द आस्तीन के साँप हैं,
एहसान फ़रामोशी की ज़िन्दा मिसाल,
इनके कदम ही नापाक हैं,
ज़ख्मो को हरा करने फ़िर से,
यहाँ आने वाले गुस्ताख़ हैं ।

शेरदिल जवान अपने फ़िर से,
आखिरकार जीत ही गये,
उन साँपो को दोज़ख की राह,
बड़ी शान से दिखा गये,
पर कुछ अपने लोग भी,
इस आग में जा शहीद हुए ।

सवाल सिर्फ़ इतना है कि कुछ,
हासिल करने का ये कैसा तरीका है?
बेगुनाहों के खून से हाथ सान अपने,
जन्नते-हूर नसीब करने का क्या सपना है?


- प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg
३०-११-२००८ 30-11-2008

Koi Deewana Kehta Hai (कोई दीवाना कहता है)

This poem is written by renowned Hindi poet of our time Dr. Kumar Vishwas. I really liked it, so I decided to share with all of you. So, here it is.

कोई दीवाना कहता है,
कोई पागल समझता है ।
मगर धरती की बेचैनी को,
बस "बादल" समझता है ।
मै तुझसे दूर कैसा हू,
तू मुझसे दूर कैसी है ?
ये तेरा दिल समझता है,
ये मेरा दिल समझता है ।

मोहब्बत एक एहसासो की,
पावन सी कहानी है ।
कभी कबीरा दीवाना था,
कभी मीरा दीवानी है ।
यहा सब लोग कहते है,
मेरी आँखों मे आँसू है ।
जो तू समझे तो मोती है,
जो ना समझे तो पानी है ।

समन्दर पीर का अन्दर है लेकिन,
रो नही सकता ।
ये आँसू प्यार का मोती है,
मै इसको खो नही सकता ।
मेरी चाहत को तू अपना बना लेना,
मगर सुन ले ।
जो मेरा हो नही पाया,
वो तेरा हो नही सकता ।

भ्रमर कोई कुमुदिनी पर,
मचल बैठा तो हन्गामा ।
हमारे दिल मे कोई ख्वाब,
पल बैठा तो हन्गामा ।
अभी तक डूब के सुनते थे,
सब किस्सा मोहब्ब्त का ।
मै किस्से को हकीकत मे,
बदल बैठा तो हन्गामा ।

कोई दीवाना कहता है,
कोई पागल समझता है ।
मगर धरती की बेचैनी को,
बस "बादल" समझता है ।

- डा० कुमार विश्वास

10 Things To Do Before I Die

Today I watched Dasvidaniya movie and it made me realize that I have never given a deep and precise thought of doing things that are really important in my life. Then I discovered my extreme desires which I always have wished to fulfill. Here are the ten things which I have to do before I leave this world.

1. Buy a new big car.

2. Own a place which I can call home.

3. Find the love of my life and marry her.

4. Have a baby named Pratyaksh (प्रत्यक्ष) (if boy) or Pratiggya (प्रतिज्ञा) (if girl).

5. Attend the Live-in concert of Jagjit Singh.

6. Visit New York, Paris, and London.

7. Run an Indian restaurant with all the delicacies.

8. Contest any election from my Constituency (Bareilly).

9. Write and publish a book.

10. Hear "Son, I am proud of you !" from Papa.

Review - Monsoon Wedding

Ahh!! A new post after a hell lot of time. I just didnot catch the mood every time I started writing about something. Anyways...

Monsoon Wedding was a much talked about movie but I was not able to watch it at its release in 2001. And when atlast I got the chance of watching it, I just couldnot resist. Mira Nair at her very best. I wonder how well she grasps the characters of the story and mould all the actors to perform them to perfection. Very few directors have this talent if we talk of Indian Cinema.

The movie potrays a typical arranged marriage in India. Troubled and stressed out father of the bride (Naseeruddin Shah), who just want everything to be perfect and trying to organize an enormous, chaotic and expensive wedding. Like all other brides' parents he is willing to spend more than his capabilities. The mother of the bride (Lillete Dubey) tries to blow off her stress by smoking in the toilet. The soon-to-be married bride (Vasundhara Das) who is not over with her affair with her ex-boss who is married, now feeling guilty and reluctant to marry a handsome young NRI (Prawin Dabas). The older cousin (Shefali Shah) of the bride, who is unmarried and tries to give an excuse of higher studies for the delay, but the actual reason is revealed later. The father's(Naseer) brother-in-law (Rajat Kapoor) and the family patriarch sexually abused her in her childhood but she didnot speak out until she witnesses his attempt to do the same with another young girl of the family. An event planner (Vijay Raaz) hired for the wedding, falls for the maid servant (Tillotama Shome) who is just too beautiful to be a maid (she understands English as well). And as is common in the weddings, young and beautiful relative (Neha Dubey) flirts with the Australia based cousin (Randeep Hooda) of the bride. The bride's brother (Ishaan Nair) struggles with his father's disapproval of his longing to be a chef, and the father is also doubtful of his son's sexuality (the boy is more of in trademark girlie activities like dancing, cooking). In all, every character is disturbed in some or the other way, providing the viewers a very comic situation to laugh about.

The tangling and untangling of the sub plots goes on until finally, every concerned person comes to know his part of the secrets and the wedding takes place with full pomp and color. Unlike Mira Nair's other movies, this one has a happy ending with two weddings completed (watch the movie to know about the other wedding) and the another two waiting in the pipeline.

Goddess turns 35

The ever gorgeous, ever charming, former Miss World, and the most beautiful woman alive, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan turns 35 today.

Born to a middle class family (as Aishwarya Rai) in Mangalore in 1973. She first rose to fame in 1994, when she was crowned Miss World, 94. It was a proud moment for every Indian. After her feat, she stepped into Indian Cinema. Soon, she was an established star in Bollywood. Many of her movies are considered to be evergreen classics and all-time hits. She lived each character to the fullest and made it look alive on the screen. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Taal, Mohabbatein, Devdas, Chokher Bali (Bengali), Guru and Jodhaa Akbar are some of the gems in her kitty. Guess it was all; she acted in many Hollywood movies as well like Bride And Prejudice, Mistress Of Spices, Provoked and The Last Legion which were all acclaimed globally. Now she is popular and praised around the world and her wax statue in Madame Tussaud's Museum, London is a proof of that. She is linked with many charitable organisations and also spearheaded the eye donation campaign in India.

And as it happens to every celebrity in India, she was often framed in controversies. The rumours of her affair and later on a violent break-up with fellow actor Salman Khan, and also with Viveik Oberoi were frequently flashed in the media. Her on-screen kissing sequence with Hrithik Roshan was also much hyped. And if that was not all, the speculations over her marriage with Abhishek Bachchan after they got engaged were the daily dose for our prime time news channels for months.

But now, she is happily married to Abhishek and she is now the part of the biggest celeb family of India, the Bachchans. The frequency of her movies dropped low ever since she married in 2007, but currently she is working in some renowned projects. May the beauty of her blue-green eyes live for ever. She is undoubtedly the uncrowned Goddess Of Beauty.

History (Un)Revealed

This story was told to me by one of my teahcers, Mr. Ajay Pratap Singh. I could not remember all the finer details but I can recall the gist of the story and which I think is worth telling.

Once there was a very learned man. He was a genius in every field. He had very keen interest in history and thus was always engrossed in it. The history of mankind was his favorite field but unfortunately that time the sources of history were dispersed and were not easily accessible. So our historian decided to compile the whole history of human race from the scratch. He studied and researched over every possible evidence and document he could find, and compiled them in order. He worked late nights and whole days for nearly thirty years. He published scores of volumes of his fine work, but as the time passed he realized that he has covered just a part of the whole lot. His zeal towards revealing and compiling history increased crest and folds with time.

One evening, he was preparing for his supper, when he heard unusual shouts and cries coming from across the street. In curiosity, he swiftly wrapped in his robes and rushed to see what exactly has happened. He saw there was a huge mob surrounding his second door neighbour's house. Now he was dying to know the exact situation.

Quickly, he reached near the mob and pulled out one onlooker and asked, "Bloke ! what has happened? Why all of you are gathered here? Why these sounds of shouting and crying coming from this house?". The young man gasped and answered, "There has been a murder committed by somebody. Your neighbour's son has been stabbed by someone. The murderer was seen running towards the woods". The historian heard and nodded. He further penetrated inside the crowd and again asked the same questions to another onlooker. The man replied, "There has been a murder. Your neighbour's son has been shot by a gang of dacoits. They looted your neighbour and escaped". The historian was taken by surprise. Just now, someone was telling that the boy was stabbed to death. Nevertheless, he moved further and asked the same questions to an elderly gentleman. He replied, "There was a scuffle between the father and son. In anger and fury, the father killed his son by drawing his sword right into the son's heart. And now the father is on the run". The historian was really pissed. But he thought of coming out with the exact truth. So he asked another person. That person too had a different story to tell. "The father and the son had a heated arguement over the illicit activities the son has been involved into. The father threatened his son to stop his activities or else he will complain to the police. The boy, after hearing his father silently returned to his room, where in disappointment and depression, he hanged himself to the roof. Now he is dead and the father has gone with the sheriff to record his statement".

And this was it !! The historian had lost it by now. He couldnot bear it any more. He returned to his house dejected and annoyed. He drank too much wine that night and thought in despair, "For thirty long years, I have been trying to compile the history of mankind, where as today I am not able to reach the correct conclusion to the murder which is committed couple of hours ago in my locality. How can I figure out what happened thousands of years ago was correct and authentic, when I am not able to figure out what is the truth about the incidence which took place couple of hours before from now !" So at last, finally he came to the conclusion for himself after much thinking. He piled up his work of last thirty years and put it on flames. He had never felt so relieved and satisfied before in his whole life.

Its My Birthday... Just Another Day

Ahh... Am 21 today. What's the big deal? Umm... I am just another common human being on this planet whose existence doesnot matter much to anyone. Often people ask me why I don't celebrate my birthday? What should I reply? I am in a fix.

I try to ignore the question. Because the answer which is in my heart will not be palateable to them. Will the Sun rise from a different direction on that day? Will the wind change its course? Or will the Electricity Board will announce a "No Power Cut Day" in the city? Obvious answer, NO. So why hype so much? Its just another common day. Now, some will say that it should be special to me. Why? Will anything change in my life before and after the day? Will anything change around me before and after the day? All the due project submissions will remain as it is. Financial crisis in the family will remain the same. Relationship rifts involving me will be as wide as ever. So, what's so special about that?

I am sure by now many readers must be thinking I have lost it. "Is this bloke gone crazy?"; "What the heck is he talking about?"; blah blah... But my dear friends all these things apply to all of you as well. Whether or not you accept it. The difference is that I have realized it and some haven't. Now let me be more precise.

Consider my example. After 7671 days of existence I can barely remember few days on which I did something which is really considerable. The days when I lived to the fullest in order to do something which was significant for others. Everybody lives for one's own self. Just give it a thought and count the number of days you lived for others. Sounds crazy again? Why care for others? "Apni problems kam hain kya yaar? Baat karta hai !!" and yup... Its also true. But ever thought?... Even animals live for themselves. Then what's the difference between them and us humans? There is no end to this ordeal within oneself. Their conscience (if they have any) screams its heart out but people do what is best for them. Others go to hell. Who cares?

But I think the day I help someone, the day I bring back smile on someone's face, the day when I take away someone's pain and suffering, the day when somebody's lips chant a silent prayer for me, the day when I can proudly say that "Yeah !! Today I did something for someone for which that person will remember me for ever", that day my dear friends, I will celebrate my birthday. Beacuse that day will mark the moment which I want to cherish for the rest of my life. That day will be added in my list of considerable days. That day will make my life and existence worth it.

किसी की मुस्कुराहटो पे हो निसार,
किसी का दर्द मिल सके तो ले उधार,
किसी के वास्ते हो तेरे दिल मे प्यार,
जीना इसी का नाम है ।

Half Centenary Post

This post is dedicated to Vaibhav Jain Sir.

And LOL !! Finally my blog has 50 posts. Its a great feeling. I never thought that the past time which I am taking up to kill spare time after I quit LAN Gaming will become a daily routine for me. Its been precisely three months and six days since I created my blog. Knowing practically nothing about it, Vaibhav sir helped me to know the basics of creating and maintaining the blog.

And there I was, on the doorstep of a new world. "The World Of Bloggers". For the first time, I saw my name in the search results of Google. Awesome feeling !! If felt great to be a part of the huge Internet. Within no time, the hobby became an obsession. The day I didnot write something, I felt as if a part of mine was incomplete.

A fresh and new Pratyush was born breaking the shackles of the old one. A new Pratyush... who can think, feel, observe, discuss and write. To observe something very closely and pen it down in your own style is a difficult job. I tried, failed. Again tried, failed until succeeded to draw the attention of atleast some people.

And changes began to happen. People started appreciating the work. Some suggested their view point. Some criticized mine. Some were impressed. And there I was, once desperately trying to find something meaningful in life, which I got in the form of my blog.

I can remember countless lectures of PU and MGO, trying to think and write on something, in which otherwise I would have fallen asleep as those lectures were damn boring. I know it sounds weird and unethical not to listen to the teacher in the lectures but the ground reality is that one cannot understand a word even if one try to. So, better do some constructive work.

Its been more than three months since its inception, but it feels as if it was yesterday. Every new post, article, poem, song, story, fact, personal experience rejuvenates my will to write more. I really consider myself successful if I make atleast one soul on this earth moved by my writing.

The time was not always good. A period came when I thought of quitting as I was getting no good response. And at that time one person stood by me and told me that whether or not anyone reads what I write, he will always be there to guide me, support me, appreciate me, criticize me, and will do anything what it takes to help me continue to pursue my passion. That person is Vaibhav Sir. Thank you sir for always be there with me.

And now I wish to take my passion to a greater and tougher level. Surely in the future, I will try to write and publish a book. The theme of the book will be related to my personal experiences. Lets see what is in store for me and my passion in future.

Taraazu (तराज़ू)

मुहाने पर ज़िन्दगी के,
हाथों मे तराज़ू लिये,
सबका हिसाब करने को,
कोई इंतज़ार में है ।

इस पल से बेख़ौफ,
यहाँ लाखों की भीड़,
करोड़ो पाने की इस
जद्दोजहत में मशगूल हो,
सब कुछ भुला के,
कुछ भी करने को
बेकरार दिखती है ।
पर अपने कर्मों से
जो निशान पीछे छोड़े,
उसकी फ़िक्र ना है
किसी को ज़रा भी ।

कुछ हैं अभी भी,
जो नहीं भूले कि
जो किया है उसे,
तौलने वाला दूर कहीं है ।
शायद इसीलिये अभी भी
दुनिया मे कहीं कहीं,
इंसानियत के कुछ नमूने
नज़र आ जाते है ।

मुहाने पर ज़िन्दगी के,
हाथों मे तराज़ू लिये,
सबका हिसाब करने को,
कोई इंतज़ार में है ।

-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg
२०-१०-२००८ 20-10-2008

The Circle

In our childhood days there was a very famous question which I think almost everybody had faced. Does the egg came first or the chicken? And I am sure to answer that question will be difficult to some people even today. Anyways, I think now I know the answer. It can be answered in a philosophical way as "There is no corner in a circle". The meaning is clear.

The same analogy is true for life and death as well. Life and death are the ONLY two eternal truths in this whole Universe. No one can stop life and same is the case with death. You must be thinking why I am so philosophical today. Am I high or taken some booze? Well, sometimes in your life you tend to realize some reality which in a normal course you don't want to think over it. The "death" issue is the same. Normally, people wish to see the bright side of the life, and death is considered to be the dead end where everything finishes, stops and terminate. But if one observes closely, the former may not be true. Infact, death is a beginning of a new era for the individual. A new journey of the soul into the unexplored world, where one has not entered before. And I feel that the other side of the world is full of light and brighter than ever.

One should realize that the death is inevitable. If one has taken birth and has life, one day the course of death will also start. And at that point the living part in oneself will be eliminated. The circle will be completed by all means. If one accepts the fact and mould oneself accordingly then many every day problems and misfortunes can be avoided.

Let me give you one example, though it is fictional. When I was young I saw a movie "Jurassic Park". I am sure many of you would have seen it and may have liked it. It is shown that the scientists created the extinct species of Dinosaurs from their remains of their DNA. So as to monitor and control the birth(life) they created only the female members of the species and left them in their natural habitat. But against all their theories and assumptions, new life took place and bamboozled the scientists. "Life finds its own course and cannot be stopped and so does death". Or else how can those mighty creature died millions of years ago?

The gist of whole discussion is that one cannot fiddle with these issues. One should not think what going to happen in the future as it is not in one's hands. One should try to live life in a good way as it is a gift and don't worry about death as according to Albus Dumbledore (now please don't ask who is Albus Dumbledore) "Death is a next great adventure for a person with a well-organized mind".

Boot Polish

It was yesterday when I was heading towards Noida in a train. It was an awkward feeling returning to the Karmabhoomi after being spending a weekfull of leisure time at home with the family, friends and amidst various festivals. Nevertheless, the tension of pending projects also creeped in. So, to lessen the guilt of not studying at all at home, I tried to read a research paper to pass time which we have to study for the OS term paper.

As the time passed and more and more passengers boarded, my compartment was jam packed when the train crossed Moradabad. It is a regular scene in the Indian trains where many vendors try to sell their stuff to the passengers. That day was no exception. The packaged drinking water man, tea and coffee man, chips and biscuits wallah, chaat wallah and many others roamed about the compartment from time to time.

Then came a little boy of around 6-7 years of age. Wearing a shirt torn from n number of places and was dirty as hell, the shorts which were just managing to cover his necessary parts. It seemed his face and hair had not touched water for months. He was carrying an old, outworn bag and was desperately searching for something on the floor as he moved on. He stopped infront of an elderly gentleman and then I came to know what exactly he was looking for. He asked the gentleman to let him polish his leather shoes. The man like a true businessman inquired what he will charge for that. The boy replied Rs 5 for a pair. The man told him that he didnot have change and so the boy moved on sadly only to return after half an hour and again asked him to let him polish the shoes. The boy told him that he had earned enough to return the change in case the man gives him a bigger note. Reluctantly, the man gave him his shoes and the boy, with his full heart and skill, polished them. After a lot of effort the shoes were polished and the boy handed them to the man and asked for his money. The man, looking at one of the shoes and pointed in an offensive and abusive language that it was not polished proplerly and demanded to repolish it in order to get the money for his labour. The boy with a sad and desperate look on his face took out his brushes again and was back to work. Finally after much hassle, the man paid him his due and the sad expression changed to the feeling of satisfaction.

Now the question is, all this labour, hard work and humiliation just for Rs. 5? Is it not unfair on the part of that little boy? In the age of attending school, and gaining knowledge he was forced to work and that too in such inhumane conditions. I was really startled to observe that. We all know these incidences happen on a regular basis in India but I realized it yesterday for real. I am not able to forget that sad and hungry look on the face of that little kid. Is this what we have achieved after 61 years of Independence? Only managed to offer lives of poverty, desolation, and humiliation to our next generation. I will not be surprised if that boy grow up and become a gangster and kill people for little money, or become a terrorist and plant bombs in the dustbins, or get killed in the tender age while falling from the train while attempting to remain stuck to the door. Can anybody give me the answer?

Comments invited.

Indian Idol 4... The Legacy Continues

It has started again. This time with newer flavour and colour as two new judges are introduced. Anu Malek and Javed Akhtar who featured in the third season continue to rock the show and with the inclusion of Kailash Kher and Sonali Bendre Behl. They say that their quality and expectation bars are raised this time around and they will allow none but the best. And this was exhibited during the auditions when many good-looking voices were rejected and not given the chance to perform in the theatre round.

This time Indian Idol goes International. The auditions were also held in Great Britain and in Dubaim apart from several Indian cities. Thousands of young, enthusiastic and talented people participated in the auditions and exhibited their skills. And thats not all. The participants of final Gala round from Indian Idol 3 shared hands with the judges and chose the deserving voices from various small cities through mini auditions. Those selected were further invited to the main auditions in the nearby big city.

And their efforts clearly show that this time they are not leaving any stones unturned. They are trying to bring more and more genuine talent which resides in the Indian masses and is desperate to unwind their wings and fly in the glamorous sky of stardom and fame. Although I didnot have any objection on the judgement of Javed Saab and Anu (but Alisha Chinay in Seasin 3 was just for time pass showpiecing), this time true and sincere comments from Kailash and Sonali (she is here for personaltiy judgement) further scrutinize the voices.

They invited 157 out of thousands for the theatre round and after that 76 out of them were shortlisted for the next round(till date). The competition goes tougher and tougher as the show progresses and by the time it ends, many hearts will be broken, many eyes will be filled with tears and many hands will be pleading for one more chance. But the ultimate reality of this "Mother of all reality shows" is that it has given a chance to some people to see and live their dreams, those otherwise would never dare to even think of pursuing their dreams in the ugly world out there.

Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai (बस इतना सा ख्वाब है)

Singer: Abhijeet

जो भी चाहू वो मै पाऊ
ज़िन्दगी मे जीत जाऊ
चान्द तारे तोड लाऊ
सारी दुनिया पर मै छाऊ
बस इतना सा ख्वाब है
बस इतना सा ख्वाब है

यार तू भी सुन ज़रा
आरज़ू मेरी है क्या
मै क्या बन जाना चाहता हू
मै कहा खराब हू
मै तो लाजवाब हू
मै ये मनवाना चाहता हू
मान जा ऎ खुदा
इतनी सी है दुआ
मै बन जाऊ सबसे बडा

मेरे पीछे मेरे आगे
हाथ जोडे दुनिया भागे
बस इतना सा ख्वाब है
बस इतना सा ख्वाब है

शान से रहू सदा
मुझपे लोग हो फ़िदा
हसीनाये भी दिल हो खोती
दिल का ये कमल खिले
सोने का महल मिले
बरसने लगे हीरे मोती
मान जा ऎ खुदा
इतनी सी है दुआ
मै ज़्यादा नही मागता
मै ज़्यादा नही मागता

सारी दौलत सारी ताकत
सारी दुनिया पर हुकूमत
बस इतना सा ख्वाब है
बस इतना सा ख्वाब है

Welcome to the Stock Market

Once upon a time in a village, a man appeared and announced that he would buy monkeys for Rs 10 each. The villagers went out to the forest and started catching monkeys. The man bought thousands at Rs 10 and as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped their effort.
He further announced that he would now buy at Rs 20. This renewed the efforts of the villagers and they started catching monkeys again.
Soon the supply diminished even further and people started going back to their farms. The offer rate increased to Rs 25 and the supply of monkeys became so little that it was an effort to even see a monkey, let alone catch one.
The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at Rs 50. However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would now buy on behalf of him.
In the absence of the man, the assistant told the villagers, "Look at all these monkeys in the big cage (that the man had collected from the villagers itself). I will sell them to you at Rs 35 and when the man returns from the city, you can sell it to him for Rs 50."
The villagers squeezed up with all their savings and bought all the monkeys. Then they never saw the man nor his assistant, only many monkeys everywhere!
Welcome to the Stock Market.

This story is still incomplete.This happened in another village.

Replace the monkey with GOATS.
Though the Man and assistant never came back, the goat is a useful animal,though the villagers purchased it at higher rate, it gives milk and when goat becomes old it can sold for meat.

Moral of the story: When you get into stock market make sure you buy goats, not monkeys.

Celebrating 1st Anniversary Of India's T20 WC Win

Its been an year when on 24th September, 2007, a bunch of young Indian lads created history by winning the first ever Twenty-Twenty (T20) Cricket World Cup (WC). And the icing on the cake, the team that lost was the arch rivals Pakistan. Matches between these two nations are something more than just matches. The pride and honour of both countries are at stake and loss means facing humiliation back home. And this was even bigger. First ever WC Final between these two teams.

The shameful exit of both teams from 50-50 WC left the fans and the followers in the state of shock and anger. Criticism flew all over and the national heroes became national villians in one night. Media was behind them and the team members were scared even of making a public appereance. So after few months, when T20 WC started, nobody took them seriously. India, in particular made heavy changes as all the senior players were left out from the final 15. The captaincy was on the shoulders of the new, young and dynamic wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

India had a bumpy ride initially in the tournament match against Scotland was washed off due to rain forcing them to divide the points. Then came Pakistan in the league match and it finished as an nail biting tie. Although, India was this time lucky scrapping the match in the bowl-out.


India lost the first match in Super 8 to New Zealand and was facing the danger of elimination. But then came Yuvraj Singh as the saviour and butchered England resulting in our emphatic win. His record 12-ball 50 and 6 sixes in a single over will never be forgotten by Indian fans as well as Stuart Broad. Hosts South Africa was also defeated convincingly because of exceptional bowling performance by Indian boys.


And now we were in the Semi-finals and the furious Australia was between India and the berth in the Finals. Yuvraj again showed his class and heart with a blistering 30-ball 70. Bowlers also did a good job. Australia succummed to the defeat and a page in the history books was ready to be written as India and Pakistan were in the Finals.

Then the D-day came and as expected the heat and crunchness reached its peak. India finished off with a low score on a good looking pitch and it seemed as if the dream of 1 billion Indians will be shattered. Pakistan had a shaky but blazing start. Wickets fell on regular intervals but runs also came in plenty. After all the drama, Misbah-ul-Haq miscued a paddle sweep looking shot and Sreesanth made no mistake at the short fine leg. And YESSSSS !!!! we were the first ever T20 WC Champions. It was party and champagne all night and days to come for Indians. After all, everyone was proved wrong. Hats off !! to our heroes.

TZP in race... An OSCAR in line?

Taare Zameen Par (TZP) has been named as the official entry from India for the Academy Award (Oscars). The legacy of Aamir Khan continues as its the second time after Lagaan (2001), his film has been nominated to compete for the honour. Last time Lagaan lost to the competitor by a whisker. Some allegations of pre-fixing and that Asian movies are not given fair space and consideration were also heard.


This time, I think, there is a strong chance of TZP to win the award in Foreign Language Film category. A theme which is generally overlooked and considered off-beat, a superb script, exceptional screenplay, and the small wonder Darsheel Safari's acting are some plus points which can give the movie an edge over other competitors.


If somebody has observed the Indian education system and society build up carefully, one can easily tell that TZP is a very common experience within the masses. These days, the fad to leave others behind and be at the top is imposed on the kids right from early childhood. How can everyone be a topper? Secondly, Dyslexia is such type of disorder which is not easily diagnosed by any layman. The children suffering from Dyslexia require special counselling and care. Dyslexic children can also be the part of the mainstream society if taken care of delicately.


Regarding the movie TZP, I don't think there is anything to describe about. The perfectionist nature of the director cum actor Khan is visible from a mile. He had not left any stone unturned. Every aspect of the movie was taken care of and nothing was below perfect. An off-beat movie with grand commercial success is not India's cup of tea but TZP was an exception. Cities, big or small, multiplexes or the simple theatres, it was a big hit. A person with an average intellect can imagine himself in any of the characters of the movie (Ishaan's , mom's, dad's, teachers'). Such was a charisma of the movie as no one was left untouched by it. Personally, I cannot remember any movie other than TZP after Deepa Mehta's "Water" which brought tears to my eyes.


I will be pleased if this movie is acclaimed at the International level and wins the Oscar as it was acclaimed at the National level and swept almost every Filmfare award. Waiting for the results eagerly.

The Gift Of The Magi

Today, I watched a music video " Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein " featuring Pankaj Udhaas as the singer, and Sameera Reddy as the actor. I was delighted to observe that the stroy line was loosely based on short story " The gift of the Magi " by O. Henry, which we read as a part of our syllabus book in class 10th. It was, by far at that time, the most romantic story I had ever read.



A young couple who were very much in love with each other, but can barely afford their living due to their very bad economic condition. For Christmas, the girl decides to buy her husband a chain for his prized pocket watch given to him by his father. To raise the funds, she has her prized long hair cut off and sold to a wig maker. Meanwhile, the boy decides to sell his watch to buy his wife a beautiful set of combs for her lovely, knee-length hair. Although each is disappointed to find the gift they chose rendered useless, each is pleased with the gift they received, because it represents the other's love for them. O. Henry ends the story by clarifying the metaphor between the characters in the story and the Magi (Three Wise Men, said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts).

In our hindi adaptation as a music video, Sameera plays the girl-next-door who is attaracted towards a boy in the locality. The boy is passionate towards the bike accessories, so the girl decides to present them but falls short of the money. Then she sell off her beautiful hair to fetch the remaining money, only to know that the boy, in order to gift her a beautiful saaree and a necklace, has sold off his most beloved bike.

The moral of the story is that physical possessions, however valuable they may be, are of little value in the grand scheme of things. The true unselfish love that the characters of the story share is greater than their possessions.

Ajeeb Dastan Hai Ye (अजीब दास्ता है ये)

Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Lyricist: Shailendra
Actor: Meena Kumari


अजीब दास्ता है ये,
कहा शुरू कहा खत्म ।
ये मन्ज़िले है कौन सी ?
ना वो समझ सके ना हम ।

ये रोशनी के साथ क्यो ?
धूआ उठा चिराग से ।
ये ख्वाब देखती हू मै,
कि जग पडी हू ख्वाब से ।

मुबारके तुम्हे कि तुम,
किसी के नूर हो गये ।
किसी के इतने पास हो,
कि सबसे दूर हो गये ।

किसी का प्यार ले के तुम,
नया जहान बसाओगे ।
ये शाम जब भी आयेगी,
तुम हमको याद आओगे ।

अजीब दास्ता है ये,
कहा शुरू कहा खत्म ।
ये मन्ज़िले है कौन सी ?
ना वो समझ सके ना हम ।

Myths and Realities About Blood Donation

There are many myths and rumours spread about the blood donation, about the procedure and about the donors' health after donation. Here are some realities about the same.

Myth #1: Someone else will donate all the blood that's needed.
Reality #1: If only it were true. More than 10 million units of blood are required annually in the country against which only half of it is being procured. Lakhs of people, including accident victims, those suffering from various ailments and women during the childbirth, are dying annually in the country for want of blood.

Myth #2: It hurts.
Reality #2: Okay, maybe it does a little just like the mosquito bite. Far less than getting body pierced or tatooed, though, and only briefly. And remember that donating blood hurts a lot less than having someone you care about need blood and not get it because it's not there.

Myth #3: I don't have time.
Reality #3: It doesnot take long: about 30 minutes in all from arrival to departure.

Myth #4: They ask embarassing questions.
Reality #4: Okay, some of the questions are personal, but they have to be. The screening personnel are very professional and are not judgmental. Their only goal is to ensure a safe blood supply for the patients and a safe donation experience for the donors.

Myth #5: I might get some infection from donating.
Reality #5: In the standerd blood banks and donation camps, donations are drawn using sterile equipment that is disposed of after a single use, and the professionals who draw your blood wear sterile latex gloves that are disposed of immediately after use on a single patient. At no time will you come in contact with any piece of equipment or material that has had contact with someone else's blood or body fluids.

Myth #6: I take medication, so I can't donate.
Reality #6: Maybe you're right. Maybe you're not. Because the screening personnel asks about all the medications you are taking beofre hand. And if he feels that you are inappropriate for donation you are informed and blood is not taken.

Myth #7: I'm too old or I'm too young.
Reality #7: There is no upper age limit for donation. So long as you are healthy and weigh at least 45 kilogrammes, you can continue to donate as a lifelong contribution to the community.
Maybe you are too young, if you are under 18. But once you turn 18, if you're healthy and weigh at least 45 kilogrammes, you can make a real grown-up contribution to the community.

Myth #8: They will take too much of my blood and and I will feel weak.
Reality #8: The truth is that the amount they take is fixed to mere 450 mL. In general, no feeling of dizziness aur weakness is experienced by the donors. Also, new blood forms in the body very quickly and recovered in 2-3 days.

So the next time you get the opportunity to donate blood, feel free to do so. Be a regular donor(You can safely give blood every three months) and save lives. After all, sitting, talking and thinking about something doesnot help, if you didnot do anything for the same. Go, change something around you.

Self-satisfaction... The root of all downfalls

Note: This post can hurt one's ego, so reader's discretion is adviced.

Self-satisfaction (आत्मतुष्टि) is a term which means "a feeling of fullness and complacency within oneself". The feeling normally surrounds one, when one acheive a short-term goal, and stops craving for the ultimate aim. In other words, the process of self-destruction starts budding then and one stops working hard in the same direction. This period of pseudo-fullness seem to be very pleasing and relaxing but is seldom short lived. After some time, when much water has passed through the bridge, one realises that now he (not gender specific) is left behind others who were with him before and couldnot cope up with them. And then the disasterous vicious cycle is created and one gets dipressed thinking that he is left behind others which further leads to lesser efficiency and again more depression creeps him.

This feeling is more prevelant in Indian subcontinent than in other rich parts of the world. I can post number of examples from the celeb sphere. You can pick any Indian cricketer who has done extremely well in the past and now he is failing in every form of the game. You can consider any movie star who was at the peak some time but now is out of the frame. But leave the celebs, poor they are always under our axe of scrutiny.

Just consider yourself, when you were preparing for the engineering or medical entrance exams. For few days or months, everything was pretty well and you worked very hard. But after some time everything changed. You became complacent and there she goes... landing up in some or the other private engineering or medical college with no guaranteed and promising bright future ahead.

Leave alone the entrance exams, most of the students here in JIITU, who come here with many plans for the new semester, but ending up screwing everything by the end of T-1. The feeling that "I have scored enough to clear the subject" creeps and then blows off everything.

Consider the general public who lives in our cities. They all are so fed up with the anarchy in the 'dead' system and feel shity every time the car bumps on the pothole, the electricity goes and leave them with the final delivery of the match to be bowled, the water supply disconnected amidst of a hearty bath and many other such incidences. But they will not even try to do something for all these discomforts they face the whole day, because they are preoccupied with the feeling of self-satisfaction. Have you ever tried to move an application for any complaint? Nopes will be the common answer... But believe me, I have tried and with some strong will and determination, it works !!

My whole point of discussion is: Why are we so flexible from inside ourselves? Why we mould ourselves for every discomfort that easily? Why the " भेड-चाल " is prevelant and we don't use our conscious to take our own decisions and stay rigid with them? This feeling of self-satisfaction is deteriorating the condition of our country from bad to worse. Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam (when in office as President of India) was tired of asking his countrymen to work hard in order to achieve their goals but a very few took him seriously. As a result, we ended up at the same place we started. It is high time when we start believing in ourselves, leave complacency and strive hard for perfection.

Comments Invited.

Additional Note: My ego was also hurt while writing this post so no offences.

Beer Blues... :)

Pakistani Masood, Bangladeshi Irshad & OUR Indian Sardar Santa Singh are in a bar one night having a beer.

Masood drinks his beer and suddenly throws his glass in the air, pulls out a gun and shoots the glass to pieces, says "In Pakistan our glasses are so cheap that we don't need to drink from the same one twice."

The Irshad (obviously impressed by this) drinks his beer, throws his glass into the air, pulls out his gun and shoots the glass to pieces, says "In Bangladesh we have so much sand to make the glasses that we don't need to drink out of the same glass twice either."

OUR Santa Singh, cool as a cucumber, picks up his beer and drinks it, throws his glass into the air, pulls out his gun and shoots the Pakistani Masood and Bangladeshi Irshad, exclaims "In India we have so many Pakistanis and Bangladeshis that we don't need to drink with the same ones twice." Balle Balle!!!!

Ardh Satya (अर्धसत्य)

Hindi poem by Dilip Chitre, spoken by Om Puri towards end of the film Ardh Satya, summarising the entire theme of the film, of feeling impotent, when one finds oneself part of the system, which one once revolted against.

चक्रव्यूह में घुसने से पहले कौन था मैं और कैसा था, यह मुझे याद ही ना रहे,

चक्रव्यूह में घुसने के बाद मेरे और चक्रव्यूह के बीच सिर्फ जानलेवा निकटता थी इसका मुझे पता ही नही,
चक्रव्यूह में घुसने से पहले कौन था मैं और कैसा था यह मुझे याद ही ना रहेगा,

चक्रव्यूह में घुसने के बाद मेरे और चक्रव्यूह के बीच सिर्फ जानलेवा निकटता थी इसका मुझे पता ही नहीं चलेगा,

चक्रव्यूह से बाहर निकलने पर मैं मुक्त हो जाऊं भले ही फिर भी चक्रव्यूह की रचना में फ़र्क ही ना
पड़ेगा,

मरूं या मारूं, मारा जाऊं या जान से मार दूं इसका फैसला कभी ना हो पायेगा,

सोया हुआ आदमी जब नींद में से उठ कर चलना शुरू करता है तब सपनों का संसार उसे दुबारा देख ही ना पाएगा,

इस रोशनी में जो निर्णय की रोशनी है सब कुछ समान होगा क्या?

एक पलडे में नपुंसकता, दूसरे पलडे में पौरुष,

और ठीक तराज़ू के कांटे पर अर्धसत्य ॥

Warren Buffett... A CEO with a difference

Warren Edward Buffett (born August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska) is an American investor, businessman and philanthropist. He is regarded as one of the world's greatest investors and is the largest shareholder and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. With an estimated net worth of around US$62 billion, he was ranked by Forbes as the richest person in the world as of February 11, 2008 surpassing Bill Gates who reigned for 13 years. His annual salary which he gets from the company is a mere $100,000. Buffett announced in June 2006 that he would gradually give away 85% of his Berkshire holdings to five foundations in annual gifts of stock, starting in July 2006. The largest contribution would go to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:

* He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!

* He first filed his income tax return at the age 13.
* He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.
* He still lives in the same small 3-bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, that he bought after he

got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a outer wall or a fence.

* He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.

* He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.

* His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year.

* He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis. He has given his CEO's only two rules.

Rule number 1: Do not lose any of your share holder's money.

Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.

* He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch Television.

* Bill Gates, the world's richest man (until 2007 according to Forbes) met him for the first time only 8 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.

* Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

* His words of advice to young people: "Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself and remember:

A. Money doesn't create man but it is the man who created money.

B. Live your life as simple as you are.

C. Don't do what others say, just listen them, but do what you feel good.

D. Don't go on brand name; just wear those things in which u feel comfortable.

E. Don't waste your money on unnecessary things; just spend on them who really in need rather.

F. After all it's your life then why give chance to others to rule our life."

Seven Stages Of Love

Today, browsing through internet I came across an interesting topic i.e. The seven stages of Love. Never thought of Love that way before. Basically, these stages are classified on the basis of the course of incidents which happen in one's life who falls in love. These stages in order of appereance are-

Urdu / Hindi / English

हब / आकर्षण / Attraction
उन्स / मोह / Infatuation
इश्क / प्रेम / Love
अकीदत / श्रद्धा / Reverence
इबादत / पूजा / Worship
जुनून / दीवानगी / Obsession
मौत / मृत्यु / Death

The satges can be described like this...

1. Attraction - It is the initial stage which occurs when one first see/meet the other concerned person. Normally, it happens in one's early life, i.e. in childhood or teenage. It is very common and most of the time it dies before maturing.

2. Infatuation - The budding period when attraction slowly transforms into this stage. The stage is accompanied by intense passion for someone. This can be short lived or long lived depending on the mental condition of the person.

3. Love - Stage where Infatuation transforms into strong feeling of affection, interest and pleasure. It is often linked with physical attraction. The relationship between two individuals is romantic and offten sexual.

4. Reverence - Love, when attains the feeling of intense respect, is the stage of reverence. The lust element dissappears and is not there any more.

5. Worship - The stage of reverence, when attains its saturation point, leads to worship. The feeling of great admiration and devotion for someone is what worship is all about.

6. Obsession - The 'grey' stage where the thought (for someone) dominates all other thoughts. It is disturbing and often leads to destruction.

7. Death - It denotes the end of everything. The end of love, relationship, life.

The description is purely on the basis of what I think it to be. Different individuals can have different opinions about the same. Comments invited.

Remembering BABA…

13th September, 2003. The day when Baba left us. A never filling void was created in my life on that day. Generally, in Indian society, grand parents are the ones who build the character and generate the feeling of morality in the hearts of their grand children. He was no exception.

I remember, the daily visits to the nearby temple in my early childhood with him and when I started attending school, it was only the Sundays and the holidays when I got that privilege. It was him who generated the feeling of religiousness and spiritualism within me. On the contrary, today I don’t remember when I last visited the institute temple.

In my earlier days, if I had any query or problem related to any topic whether academic, historical, religious or any general problem, he always had an answer to it. After all, he was the gold medalist graduate from Roorkee University (now IIT, Roorkee). He was the top ranker at that institution where I always dreamt of getting admission. Tried real hard but could not get into it.

He instigated in me the habit of reading newspaper everyday. It may not look any extraordinary thing but I really think that it helped me gaining whatever little command I have on Hindi and English language.

I can never forget the daily Re.1 he gave us as our pocket money. Again, it was not a big thing but I remember how he advised me to save all of them and buy something significant and worthy at the end of the month or year.

It’s been five years since he left us, but it seems as it was yesterday. The life after that catastrophe was never the same. I wonder if he lived, then many events that took place in my life would not have been the same. Anyways, what he did for our family cannot be expressed in words. He was, and still is, my idol, my mentor, my life. I miss him. May his Soul rest in peace.

Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai (जीना इसी का नाम है)

Starring: Raj Kapoor
Singer: Mukesh

किसी की मुस्कुराहटो पे हो निसार,
किसी क दर्द मिल सके तो ले उधार,
किसी के वास्ते हो तेरे दिल मे प्यार,
जीना इसी का नाम है ।

माना अपनी जेब से फ़कीर है,
फ़िर भी यारो दिल के हम अमीर है,
मिटे जो प्यार के लिये वो ज़िन्दगी,
जले बहार के लिये वो ज़िन्दगी,
किसी को हो न हो हमे है ऐतबार,
जीना इसी का नाम है ।

रिश्ता दिल से दिल के ऐतबार का,
ज़िन्दा है हमी से नाम प्यार का,
कि मर के भी किसी को याद आयेगे,
किसी के आन्सुओ मे मुस्कुराएगे,
कहेगा फ़ूल हर कली से बार बार,
जीना इसी का नाम है ।

I Just Called To Say I Love You

No new years's day
To celebrate
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
No first of spring
No song to sing
In fact here's just another ordinary day
No April rain
No flowers bloom
No wedding saturday within the month of June
But what it is
Is something true
Made up of these three words that I must say to you.

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

No summer's high
No warm July
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
No autumn breeze
No falling leaves
No even time for birds to fly to southern skies
No libra sun
No Halloween
No giving thanks to all the Christmas joy you bring
But what it is
Though old so new
To fill your heart like no three words Could ever do.

I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

-Stevie Wonder

Happy birthday... "Someone very special"

९ सितम्बर । एक ऐसा दिन जो मै शायद कभी नही भूल सकता । और कुछ भी भूल जाऊ परन्तु ये दिन... कभी नही । ये जन्मदिन है उस खास इन्सान का, जो मेरे जीवन के चन्द हसीन, खुशनुमा पलो के लिये ज़िम्मेदार है । वो इन्सान, जिसने मेरी ज़िन्दगी के मायने ही बदल दिये ।

कभी सोचा नही था कि मै उसका जन्मदिन उसे बिना देखे, बिना उसकी आवाज़ सुने, बिना उसे महसूस करे मनाऊगा । पर आज मै यहा, उसकी यादो की गठरी के सहारे, उसे अपने मन से देखकर, मन से ही सुनकर और महसूस कर, उसके जन्मदिन का जश्न मना रहा हू ।

विडम्बना ये कि उसे पता भी नही कि मै ऐसा कुछ कर रहा हू । उसको इस बात का ज़रा भी इल्म नही कि वो मेरे लिये कितनी खास है । मेरी हर सान्स पर उसका नाम है, परन्तु उसे तो शायद मेरा नाम भी याद नही । मै हर पल उसे याद करता हू, परन्तु उसकी यादो मे मेरे लिये कोई स्थान नही । वो मेरे लिये सब कुछ है, परन्तु मै उसके लिये कुछ भी नही । वो मेरा ब्रह्मान्ड है, परन्तु मै उसका शून्य ।

जो भी है, जैसा भी है, परन्तु मुझे किसी बात का कोई रन्ज नही । शायद किस्मत को यही मन्ज़ूर था । और वैसे भी सबको सब कुछ तो नही मिलता । इसीलिये जो है, जितना है, उसी मे खुश रहना चाहिये । और मै अब खुश हू । सन्तुष्ट नही, तो दुखी भी नही । सान्सारिक बन्धनो से मुक्त । उसकी यादो के सहारे । उज्ज्वल भविष्य की आस मे । खुशनुमा पलो के इन्तज़ार मे...

"She was the nicest thing, that ever happened to me."

I Want It That Way ... (Backstreet Boys)

One of my favourite songs.

********************

Yeah-eh-heah...

You are, my fire, The one, desire,

Believe, when I say, I want it that way,

But we, are two worlds apart,

Can't reach to your heart,

When you say,

That I want it that way,

Tell me why, Ain't nothin' but a heartache,

Tell me why, Ain't nothin' but a mistake,

Tell me why,

I never wanna hear you say,

I want it that way...

Am I, your fire?

Your one, desire,

Desire, it's too late,

But I want it that way,

Tell me why, Ain't nothin' but a heartache,

Tell me why, Ain't nothin' but a mistake,

Tell me why,

I never wanna hear you say,I want it that way...

Now I can see that we've fallen apart,

From the way that it used to be, Yeah,

No matter the distance, I want you to know,

That deep down inside of me...

You are, my fire, The one, desire,

You are (You are, You are, You are...)

Don't wanna hear you say,

Ain't nothin' but a heartache,

Ain't nothin' but a mistake,

(Don't wanna hear you say),

I never wanna hear you say,

I want it that way.

Tell me why, Ain't nothin' but a heartache,

Tell me why, Ain't nothin' but a mistake,

Tell me why,

I never wanna hear you say,

(Don't wanna hear you say),

I want it that way.

Tell me why...

Ain't nothin' but a heartache,

Ain't nothin' but a mistake,

Tell me why,

I never wanna hear you say,

(Never wanna hear you say it),

I want it that way,

Coz I want it that way...

********************

Dreams (Un)limited...

Technically, a dream refers to "a series of images and feelings occurrings in a person's mind during sleep" courtesy Oxford Reference Dictionary. There are some other meanings of this word as well but my consideration for today is the one mentioned above. Sometimes, in common parlance, people say that "Eyes see dreams", but let me tell you that totally blind people by birth also see the dreams of the same intensity and quality just like any other normal people. So, that remark is discarded. So a safer remark can be that "Mind see dreams".

But my point of discussion is some what different. I am talking about the dreams which one sees and remembers, and then comes to know that the incident has happened. Normally people take it as a coincidence. I shall give you a latest example to explain the above thing. Days after India won their first gold in Beijing Olympics, 2008, three of our boxers, Akhil, Jeetendra and Vijender were in the quaterfinals in their respective categories. They were going to have their matches at the same day. I was really excited and so preoccupied with these thoughts that the night before I dreamt of Akhil losing and India finishing off with 1 gold and 2 bronze. Following day, Akhil and Jeetendra lost their matches but Vijender reached in the semifinals. Also, Sushil Kumar, the unknown wrestler won the bronze. Also, Vijender lost in the semifinals and end up with a bronze. Now, if we carefully analyze the scenario then my dream was kinda true. I saw Akhil losing and India finishing off with 1 gold and 2 bronze, which was what exactly happened. Although no reference of Sushil winning was there, neither of Vijender winning and Jeetendra losing.

Somebody can doubt of my authenticity, its his/her wish. I cannot really produce a proof of it. Somebody can say it was a coincidence, to which I cannot deny, because these type of things donot happen to me on a regular basis. But for sure, this incident compelled me to think over and write this blog, which is a good thing.

Anyways, a recent study in some university of California claims, that an average person can see upto ten thousands of dreams in a single night of sleep of eight hours. But this can vary person to person. Many of those dreams, one cannot recollect or remember, but a very few, are remembered by them and can be examined if they go right or wrong. Some scientists also claim that one only sees the things and places where one has visited before by any medium, i.e. in reality or through television. But then how can a blind person see and recollect those things. This question remains unanswered. Some scientists talk of the subconscious mind working in these cases, which can be considered true to some extent but this subconscious thing also explains the whole thing.

The conclusion to which I am upto is that, this thing (ability) of one to really predict the future can prove to be really fantastic if it can be controlled and nurtured. Many catastrophes can be predicted and the destruction of billions can be avoided. Although this seems to be a giant step today. But we should accept that the human mind is a very strong entity and capable to produce results which even cannot be imagined. The only thing is to control our mind and then do things which people call "MAGIC".

Pseudo-intellectualism

Before starting, let me tell you the meaning of "Intellect". According to the Oxford Reference Dictionary, it means "the power of reasoning and understanding objectively". So, an intellectual is a person who has this quality. Therefore, a pseudo-intellectual is the one who fakes to have this quality. The trend set up by these people is now often stated as pseudo-intellectualism.

First up, the most common places to find these people: the next seat in the bus, the next berth in the train, a bunch of lads standing near a tea shop, teenagers sitting infront of a TV and many such places where people normally go for killing time. Yes, basically the motive of these pseudo-intellectuals is to kill time and at the same time impress some people (often of opposite sex) who don't seem to know much about the topic. They feel really thrilled to win some conversation with guys who are not smart enough. Interestingly, our "heros" generally back off to avoid humiliation and embarrassment if they sense that the listener is smarter than themselves.

The technique they generally practice is to make up facts and figures of their own. Normally, humans are obsessed with numbers, and if they are fed up with the right amount at the right time, they easily believe the shit. This property of the "Homo Sapiens" is very well exploited by our heros. Another thing they use are the stunning punch lines and self-made quotes, which they make the listeners believe, are from famous personalities, and try to mesmerize them. The most interesting part of all this is that if somebody from the audiences ever demand for the proof of what they are referring, these filthy people don't have one. But such incidences are really rare.

The hot topics, such people in India choose are Bollywood, Cricket, Music (preferably English), Girls, Sex, latest Technolgy, Medecine, Religion, Terrorism and everyday Politics. Once they start with a topic, believe me, they can extend their debate to any level possible and when that discussion finally ends, audiences don't know why and about what they actually began. Such is the "Charisma" of our heros.

So, next time you feel somebody is proving to be the pain in the a**, just try to vacate the place
immediately or else be prepared to loose your precious time.

If you think otherwise about anything mentioned, comments are invited.

Review - " Mumbai Meri Jaan "

In India, still, there is no scope for Off-beat films comercially. "Mumbai Meri Jaan" is another such film which went unnoticed because the public here prefer to watch the 'Mallika Sherawat' and 'Rakhi Sawant' stuff. Anyways, this film portray the life of its characters during and after the serial bomb blasts that rocked our Business Capital, Mumbai on 11th July, 2006. The bombs were placed in the lifeline of the city i.e. the local trains and within eleven minutes, seven bombs exploded. The death toll crossed 200 and hundreds of others were left injured and crippled.

There are five main characters in the film. Soha Ali Khan is a reporter in a TV Channel. R. Madhvan is a software professional in one of the MNCs. Irrfan Khan is a tea-vendor. Paresh Rawal is an elderly policeman who is going to retire soon. Lastly, K.K. Menon is an unsuccessful computer salesman.

On the D-day, Soha's fiance is killed in the bomb blast, leaving her broken. The otherwise shrewd reporter who can do anything to raise the TRPs of the channel is so traumatised by the incident and the fact the that her boss wants to exploit her situation and wants to cover a programme on her tragdey (which indeed she was also doing before she came to know that she is also being victimised).

Madhvan, a person who thinks that Mumbai can be made a better place if he doesnot use a personal vehicle and prefer to travel by train, escapes a near life threatening blast when he travels in II class and his friend loses his right hand in I class where the bomb exploded. After this incident, Madhvan is afraid of travelling in the train but is forced to travel because his wife is in labour and the taxi driver refuses to take him to the hospital because of traffic.

Irrfan Khan, a poor tea-vendor is thrown out of the mall with his family because he tried one perfume. Feeling insulted, he makes several hoax calls to the police stating that there are bombs in different malls, creating chaos among the public and the police. Due to this chaos, an elderly person suffers acute cardiac arrest and is being hospitalised. Later on, Khan realises his mistake and goes to see the old man and presents him a flower.

Paresh Rawal is an experienced policeman and knows that the system is so tangled up that one should be realistic and not idealistic in dealing with it. A junior fellow (an idealistic one) is pissed of the system but Rawal explains him from time to time to be calm. Later on, because of blasts and the junior, Rawal also realises that his thirty six years of department service is a waste as he has not done a single big thing in his career.

K.K. Menon is a hardcore hindu and thinks that every muslim is a terrorist. After the blasts, he even chased one muslim lad in suspiction. His encounter with Rawal(who has changed by now) forces him to rethink on his agenda and then he realises that there is nothing correct in hatred. Thus, he ends up in friendship with that suspected guy.

The film basically describes that the people are really fed up and terrorised by these terrorist activities but are so helpless, that they cannot stop living their lives the way they were living before the blasts. Their helplessness is often mistook as the "Spirit" of the city but in reality it is not so. It is often said that "Life doesnot stop for anybody" and "The show must go on", but seriously, people should give it a halt and rethink about the whole scenario. It is portrayed in the film in the end as all of the Mumbai pays homage to the killed by keeping silence for two minutes. The film ends up with the famous song "Aye dil hai mushkil jeena yahan, ye hai bombay meri jaan" in the background.

Vo (वो)

"उस" को समर्पित ।

जीवन के किसी मोड़ पे,
मुझे "वो" मिली थी ।
हमसफ़र बन कुछ दूर तलक,
साथ "वो" चली थी ।

उसकी हर हरकत सुनहरी,
हर अदा मस्तानी थी ।
तन का सौन्दर्य तो था अनुपम,
मन की बात ही निराली थी ।

उसकी मुस्कुराहट में नशा था,
जिसे देख मैं उस पर फ़िदा था ।
उसकी बोली में थी ऐसी मिठास,
जिसे सुन मैं बावरा हो चला था ।

उसकी आँखों की चमक, उसकी साँसों की महक,
उसकी पायल की खनक, उसकी ज़ुल्फ़ों की लटक ।
उसके कानों की बाली, उसके होठों की लाली,
बिन उसके दिन थे सूने, मेरी रातें थीं खाली ।

एक पल को थी वो यहीं,
न जाने फ़िर कहाँ ओझल हुई ।
मुझे लगा जैसे मेरे,
जिस्म से साँसें अलग हुई ।

कल ही सपने में आयी वो,
मैनें पूछा तुम कहाँ गयीं ?
उत्तर में अपनी आँखों से,
वो कुछ आँसू गिरा गयी ।


-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg
२३-८-२००८ 23-08-2008

Dard-e-Dil (दर्द - ए - दिल)

मोहब्बत के इस मौसम में,
तकदीर का ही सहारा है ।
वर्ना नाकाम आशिकों का जनाज़ा,
बड़ी धूम से सजाना है ।

मौसिकी भी अब पुरानी हुई,
साज़ो-सामान का अब क्या काम ।
हमारी आवाज़ भी उन्हें नागवार लगे,
कैसी बेवफ़ाई का ज़माना है ।

अब हमसे कुछ ना पूछो,
कि आखिर क्या खता हुई ।
शायद हमारा जीना भी उनकी,
नापसंदगी का निशाना है ।

कभी मुलाकात हो तो पूछेंगे,
आखिर हमने क्या गलत किया ।
मोहब्बत ही तो की थी हमने,
नफ़रत का क्यों नज़राना दिया ।

-प्रत्यूष गर्ग Pratyush Garg
२०-८-२००८ 20-08-2008

Michael Phelps - The Greatest Olympian Ever

For those who STILL don't know who Michael Phelps is, let me tell you that he is a 23 year old lad from Baltimore, USA. His family history is not great like that of Abhinav Bindra, for whose one gold medal there is so much hue and cry all over the country (No offences please). Phelps comes from a broken home in Baltimore. His policeman father Fred and school teacher mother Debbie separated when he was only seven. Elder sister Whitney, also a swimmer, has written that she used the swimming pool as a refuge from the yelling. Michael Phelps was just eleven when his coach Bob Bowman called in his parents for a serious talk about their son's future. He told them the boy could become an Olympic champion if he just applied himself. Now, as a result, his career Olympic tally goes to whopping 14 gold medals (5 more than anybody else) and 2 bronze medals. (6 gold, 2 bronze in Athens, 2004 and 8 gold in Beijing, 2008).

The thing which makes this achievement even bigger is that, before landing in Beijing for the Olympics, he claimed that this time, unlike Athens, he will bag all 8 gold medals in every category he will take part. Mark Spitz, the legend from USA, currently having the record of 7 gold medals in one Olympics (total of 9) mocked his claim as "It is impossible for any living being to even equal my record of Munich, 1972". Now the same Spitz, after Phelps' feat exclaimed "Epic Performance!".

"It's been nothing but an upwards rollercoaster but it's been nothing but fun," Phelps said at his moment of triumph. "The biggest thing is nothing is impossible ... With so many people saying it couldn't be done, all it takes is an imagination.". What a sportsperson he is. All theories failed infront of him.

Now, let me tell you the secret of his success... In order to fuel his body for a gruelling six-days-a-week, five-hours-a-day training regime, the 23-year-old devours a whopping 12,000 calories per day, six times the recommended intake for a normal adult male. He claimes that he has not even taken a break from the training schedule even for Christmas for 10 years now. Same schedule for the last 10 years... and Yes !! it has paid off well to him. Evidently, Phelps recently told NBC that all he does is, "Eat, sleep and swim," he wasn't lying!

Atlast, for all those chaps who think the main reason for Indian Athletes not bringing home any medals, is that they don't have rich fathers (like Abhinav Bindra), Michael Phelps is a living example. Hats off to this young legend, and he is only 23. No one knows how many Olympic golds are waiting for him in future. Lets wait for the next Olympics... :)