Jana 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.

जन गण मन रण है इस रण में,

ज़ख्मी भारत का भाग्यविधाता।

पंजाब सिंधु गुजरात मराठा,

इक दूसरे से लड़ के मर रहे हैं।

इस देश ने हम को एक किया और हम देश के टुकड़े कर रहे,

द्राविड़ उत्कल बंगा।

खून बहा कर एक रंग का कर दिया हमने तिरंगा,

सरहदों पे जंग और गलियों में फसाद रंगा।

विंध हिमाचल यमुना गंगा,

में तेज़ाब उबल रहा है|

मर गया सबका ज़मीर,

जाने कब ज़िंदा हो आगे।

फिर भी तब शबनम में जागे,

तव शुभ आशीष माँगे।

आग में जल कर चीख रहा है फिर भी कोई नहीं बचाता,

गाहे तव जय गाथा।

देश का ऐसा हाल है लेकिन,

आपस में लड़ रहे नेता।

जन गण मंगलदायक जय हे,

भारत को बचा ले विधाता।

जय हे या ये मरण है,

जन गण मन रण है।

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 !!

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.

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.