Ten men walk into our lives nd destroy it in all possible ways. We kill nine & capture one! He is young, educated & quite presentable to be honest. Different stories surface via various news channels (All claiming it to be EXCLUSIVE & through a very reliable source); Few are worth reading while the rest seem to be a mere gimmick by the channels to increase the respective TRP ratings.
What happens next? ‘Indians’ around the country or for that matter around the globe start offering ‘THE SOLUTION’. Some say bomb Pakistan, some suggest a subtle action within the boundaries of UN nd then we have those who just don’t even give a fuck – not ‘cuz they dun care for the country but ‘cuz they have become immune to such attacks!
Our mobile phone is flooded with texts about the next ‘peace walk’ or some message to be forwarded to all Indians so that ‘WE’ can take things in our hands & solve things the ‘right’ way. Millions of emails are been pushed out by the second, so much so that the automatic system designed by email providers are identifying such emails as SPAM mail!! Do we have any solution?? Umm… NO!
Today all the newspapers are having a field day with the ‘one-month-anniversary’ of the gruesome attack. It provides for quite an interesting read simply ‘cuz we (Matured & Responsible Citizen of India) are still provided with different versions of the event. To be honest, if you were to read all ‘stories’ minus the headlines & character names; I am sure you would have mistaken it for various bollywood movies - Full of suspense, horror, action etc. It’s like the numerous versions of Bhagat Singh movies which were dished out in the last couple of years... Different directors, Different actors, Different budget, Different storyline – Just Different!!!!
Am I one of those who don’t give a fuck about his country? Those who have given up hope? Those who want a change but have no clue what it actually means? Those who know how to complain but are too fucking lazy to make anything happen? Maybe I am … Maybe I am not … Maybe you & I share the same feeling of anger, frustration, defeat, helplessness, hate … Maybe not.
Here is how I spent the last one month.
§ I watched the ‘Live & Exclusive’ coverage of the incident on about six channels!
§ Discussed the issue with my friend’s nd family for the next 3 days.
§ Chose not to be an easy target for another attack & opted out of the peace walk
§ Discussed the issue with a new bunch of friends
§ Zoomed off to attend my brothers wedding
§ Discussed the issue with my relatives from other state & shared there reactions from the Jaipur bombing (Do we have any answers for that?? Umm... NO! )
§ Laughed at the blame game played between our ever fascinating ‘leaders’
§ Got busy with the wedding & thoroughly enjoyed every moment
§ Discussed the wedding and the terror attack with few foreigners on my way back to Bombay & noticed that they cared more about the wedding!
§ Found no change in the security at the airport or police in general
§ Ignored the discussions carried out through emails & text messages
§ Conveniently forgot what happened at Taj, Oberoi, Trident, Leopold & CST
You will receive 903, 000 results in 0.07 seconds if you type Kasab on google search. Who the fuck is this man? Correction – Who the fuck is this boy? Pakistan has refused to recognize him even though it’s ex president has gone on national television commenting about Kasab’s family & village in Pakistan! If you view his photo’s, video’s & confessions (questionable), your brain is bound to work double time in order to figure out the most horrific death for him – knowing that it’s perfectly alright thinking about it ‘cuz its bout a guy who blindly shot a million rounds & wanted to kill everyone in sight. To make things even worse he even goes on record nd says ‘No regrets’. I’m no different from you; I have a list of ten possible ways of getting rid of this boy – Our ‘united’ government can choose one or decide to use all at once! Either ways it’ll send out a specific & strong signal to all those who plan to execute similar ‘duty’ in the future... BUT will it guarantee peace in our country? Umm... NO!
I wanna hold my neck out & pose few more questions. Maybe you have thought bout it …but then maybe not!
§ Has anyone tried to find out what made this teenager take liking to such high end guns & actually believe in the slogan ‘Kill till the last breath’?
§ What could possibly make a human sacrifice his/her own life – be it for another person, religion or any other cause?
§ How is he different from a child who might have seen his father getting slaughtered while his mother & sister were getting gang raped?
§ Does he deserve to live?
§ Is he actually alive?
I don’t have any of the answer & most probably will never have but I do know that I am a changed person. I no longer question the system or point finger at the corrupt leader. Not ‘cuz I don’t give a fuck about what happens us ‘Indians’ BUT ‘cuz I have realized that I cant keep pushing the problem on someone else & take the easy way out. I have been irresponsible & ignorant towards MY country & I am paying for it today. I am paying for it not through the taxes but through the loss of the secure feeling that I once roamed around in the city, through the lack of trust in the person sitting next to me in a train/bus/restaurant, through the lost hope for a better future for me & my loved ones.
I am paying very dearly & yet I am trying to find some new and easy way out! But is running away from such issues in life an option? Umm… NO!
Pardon me for not saluting the “Spirit of Bombay” … Its does not exist! The only thing that’s keeping an average individual going despite the traffic, corruption, pollution, diplomacy, floods & terror attacks is the NEED to earn money to satisfy the everyday necessity of his family. Which sane person would want to live in this city? But do we want to contemplate that choice? Umm… NO!
I come in Peace
Vish
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Once in a lifetime...
It’s been almost a month since we got married. I don’t want to make this post sound like a diary entry, forgive me if it does; I haven’t blogged since quite sometime. I miss being the bride…I miss all the madness. The intent however remains a KT to “Would be” brides and to the ones who already walked the road and will nod while reading this.
Come to think of it, I always wanted the “Great Indian Wedding”. Not as magnanimous as the show on NDTV, but then great in its own stride of greatness. When it really, more so “Finally” was happening, I was overwhelmed by the entire process. A bride definitely gets terrified at least a week before the D day. It happens and is inevitable. On the female graph, I would put the irritation levels above PMS. People, who ordinarily wouldn’t have taken so much shit, begin to. It’s cuz of the trump card, you really are the Queen.
There is this weird memoir of the day, while I was walking down the aisle. I was extremely nervous, actually quite scared. It was cuz this was the first time I was wearing heels. I had had horrific dreams of falling off, while walking. I heard some aunts saying things like “Oh..how sweet…kitna sharma rahi hai dulhan…”
I could have puked in my mouth. I walked down fine, I kept looking down…people would now know why. The only time I lift my eye lids were for Arun – the photographer. The pictures are brilliant by the way….
The wedding was a 7 course meal and it was spread across 5 days.
There were “oh-so-many puja’s”, “the mehndi”, “ladies sangeet” “a cocktail” etc etc
It was a lot of fun, for the guests of course. My dad’s pockets were burnt, my mom was crying again n again, my sis was running around and I was jittery. The guests (especially the ones who didn’t really matter) were having a gala time.
Coming to the handy tips:
If you are organizing this all by yourself, the Indian brides usually don’t get to do this all by themselves. But then we do have a say. All that for independence.
This section is very “Sadi Dilli” specific, cuz I got married in that city, and I personally feel that is the only place in India where it is such big a deal. Other cities are still evolving when it comes to turning it into a Broadway musical. Delhites are veterans….
It is one of the greatest and easiest (well not anymore) ways to earn money. A project manager is a must, and we both felt that what we needed the most was a PM. We have self proclaimed ourselves as wedding planners the next time there is a wedding in the family. More on that later….moving on….
Photographer / Videographer:
Prem Studio
Photographer: Arun
One may find them irritating while they are at it.
But the results later on are phenomenal.
But it would be really great, if the old school of an Indian wedding photo session went through some evolution. The couples nowadays look for moments, fakeness that looks natural and video’s which could be documentaries.
Nevertheless, Prem studio would evolve. As of now, they simply are the best!
Make up: Ambika Pillai
The successful Delhi based entrepreneur doesn’t do it herself now. She has even stopped administering the process. But then pick up any of her senior artists and after that just leave it to them. Too much of meddling in their business, isn’t helpful – a lesson from the engagement.
An advice here would be, when leaving for the salon, dress very plane Jane’ish. The transition is extremely overwhelming. This is D day, you couldn’t have looked prettier. That’s a fact!
Mehndi vaala:
I have forgotten his name. But he sits in the Alaknanda market. All the GK-1 M block fella’s are good as well. These guys are true artists. This one was particularly strict, but then all worth it. Few traces of the mehndi still remain…..
Another flashback: People especially uncles getting sloshed in the evening and then dancing. It wasn’t joyous for anything specific. It was just joyous….I miss the frolic!
De Chuda:
Should be brought from Lajpat Nagar. More importantly, it should be worn…They do appear cheesy when you see women in bikinis wearing them on their honey moon. The worst part is. Why post them on the social networks! That’s where it just doesn’t match. They completely go with the wedding attire. They are considered auspicious (why leave a stone unturned?) and you can always have a shortcut of a 11 day time frame.
Cards:
Build a wedding website. It’s fun. There is:
Firstphera.com
Ewedding.com
Create event reminders on Face book. The e-way is really the best way to reach out to people. And then, there are always emails.
The paper card was quite classy and was ordered from Rajinder Nagar. But running around distributing cards, is no fun!
Venue:
Delhi has so many options, since weddings are quite an industry there.
Eg. Claremont, Farm houses, Lutyens, Tivoli etc.
Bangalore is limited to hotels and kalyan mantaps.
There is so much more that I would have forgotten. I would write more entries about the most important day of my life in months to come.
I miss all the madness now. I really do…
Wish a bride would realize it then, and not when she skims through the albums. WB’s…I urge you all to at least try.
Come to think of it, I always wanted the “Great Indian Wedding”. Not as magnanimous as the show on NDTV, but then great in its own stride of greatness. When it really, more so “Finally” was happening, I was overwhelmed by the entire process. A bride definitely gets terrified at least a week before the D day. It happens and is inevitable. On the female graph, I would put the irritation levels above PMS. People, who ordinarily wouldn’t have taken so much shit, begin to. It’s cuz of the trump card, you really are the Queen.
There is this weird memoir of the day, while I was walking down the aisle. I was extremely nervous, actually quite scared. It was cuz this was the first time I was wearing heels. I had had horrific dreams of falling off, while walking. I heard some aunts saying things like “Oh..how sweet…kitna sharma rahi hai dulhan…”
I could have puked in my mouth. I walked down fine, I kept looking down…people would now know why. The only time I lift my eye lids were for Arun – the photographer. The pictures are brilliant by the way….
The wedding was a 7 course meal and it was spread across 5 days.
There were “oh-so-many puja’s”, “the mehndi”, “ladies sangeet” “a cocktail” etc etc
It was a lot of fun, for the guests of course. My dad’s pockets were burnt, my mom was crying again n again, my sis was running around and I was jittery. The guests (especially the ones who didn’t really matter) were having a gala time.
Coming to the handy tips:
If you are organizing this all by yourself, the Indian brides usually don’t get to do this all by themselves. But then we do have a say. All that for independence.
This section is very “Sadi Dilli” specific, cuz I got married in that city, and I personally feel that is the only place in India where it is such big a deal. Other cities are still evolving when it comes to turning it into a Broadway musical. Delhites are veterans….
It is one of the greatest and easiest (well not anymore) ways to earn money. A project manager is a must, and we both felt that what we needed the most was a PM. We have self proclaimed ourselves as wedding planners the next time there is a wedding in the family. More on that later….moving on….
Photographer / Videographer:
Prem Studio
Photographer: Arun
One may find them irritating while they are at it.
But the results later on are phenomenal.
But it would be really great, if the old school of an Indian wedding photo session went through some evolution. The couples nowadays look for moments, fakeness that looks natural and video’s which could be documentaries.
Nevertheless, Prem studio would evolve. As of now, they simply are the best!
Make up: Ambika Pillai
The successful Delhi based entrepreneur doesn’t do it herself now. She has even stopped administering the process. But then pick up any of her senior artists and after that just leave it to them. Too much of meddling in their business, isn’t helpful – a lesson from the engagement.
An advice here would be, when leaving for the salon, dress very plane Jane’ish. The transition is extremely overwhelming. This is D day, you couldn’t have looked prettier. That’s a fact!
Mehndi vaala:
I have forgotten his name. But he sits in the Alaknanda market. All the GK-1 M block fella’s are good as well. These guys are true artists. This one was particularly strict, but then all worth it. Few traces of the mehndi still remain…..
Another flashback: People especially uncles getting sloshed in the evening and then dancing. It wasn’t joyous for anything specific. It was just joyous….I miss the frolic!
De Chuda:
Should be brought from Lajpat Nagar. More importantly, it should be worn…They do appear cheesy when you see women in bikinis wearing them on their honey moon. The worst part is. Why post them on the social networks! That’s where it just doesn’t match. They completely go with the wedding attire. They are considered auspicious (why leave a stone unturned?) and you can always have a shortcut of a 11 day time frame.
Cards:
Build a wedding website. It’s fun. There is:
Firstphera.com
Ewedding.com
Create event reminders on Face book. The e-way is really the best way to reach out to people. And then, there are always emails.
The paper card was quite classy and was ordered from Rajinder Nagar. But running around distributing cards, is no fun!
Venue:
Delhi has so many options, since weddings are quite an industry there.
Eg. Claremont, Farm houses, Lutyens, Tivoli etc.
Bangalore is limited to hotels and kalyan mantaps.
There is so much more that I would have forgotten. I would write more entries about the most important day of my life in months to come.
I miss all the madness now. I really do…
Wish a bride would realize it then, and not when she skims through the albums. WB’s…I urge you all to at least try.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Go Obama!
All these days while a friend of mine was busy campaigning for Barack Obama, my mind wandered everywhere but to this topic. It was floating in the lands of love, anxiety and nervousness.
As I made my way to spend my last day in office,the radio blared declaring Obama's victory. I will never forget the look in my dad's eye which told me "I-can't-believe-i-missed-it". I was told to log in to cnn.com in the car...as he couldn't believe the crazy Delhi RJ's who might have misinterpreted the leads as the result. I didn't want to argue and I started logging in, somehow the page took unexpected time to load and the usual patience in him had started turning around.
When I told him, "It's true dad...he really has won. It's announced." He grabbed my phone and made sure. I could have been offended but I wasn't.
We congratulated each other and that was the moment I knew, that this was historic. That this was something I would never forget and that this was the "change" that had been accepted the world over. As soon as I got down the car, the big LCD at the entrance of Vatika Towers showed visuals of the US president graciously delivering his victory speech. There was no voice, the visuals spoke to me.
I would never forget it...It was my last day after all.
In the evening when I got back home, my sister and mom told me that they are fans and that they are floored. I had to watch all the video's now. Yesterday morning was spent on http://www.bbc.co.uk/ , if any of you have missed these moments, I suggest you don't.
The world has changed.
The times of global crisis will change.
The face of the new world has arrived.
The foreign policies that has been bothering us, might bring us good in disguise.
My favorite parts in the speech :
"It's not about the red states and the blue states anymore....It's about the United States of America"
One of the best captured moments of his victory speech was when people started mouthing"Yes we can" with their newly chosen leader.
A very unlike US president has won, someone who is so fit and lean. The fourth youngest US President,he is someone who is not white but will definitely fit in the White House.
He leaves people completely inspired, motivated and passionate.
Go Obama!
As I made my way to spend my last day in office,the radio blared declaring Obama's victory. I will never forget the look in my dad's eye which told me "I-can't-believe-i-missed-it". I was told to log in to cnn.com in the car...as he couldn't believe the crazy Delhi RJ's who might have misinterpreted the leads as the result. I didn't want to argue and I started logging in, somehow the page took unexpected time to load and the usual patience in him had started turning around.
When I told him, "It's true dad...he really has won. It's announced." He grabbed my phone and made sure. I could have been offended but I wasn't.
We congratulated each other and that was the moment I knew, that this was historic. That this was something I would never forget and that this was the "change" that had been accepted the world over. As soon as I got down the car, the big LCD at the entrance of Vatika Towers showed visuals of the US president graciously delivering his victory speech. There was no voice, the visuals spoke to me.
I would never forget it...It was my last day after all.
In the evening when I got back home, my sister and mom told me that they are fans and that they are floored. I had to watch all the video's now. Yesterday morning was spent on http://www.bbc.co.uk/ , if any of you have missed these moments, I suggest you don't.
The world has changed.
The times of global crisis will change.
The face of the new world has arrived.
The foreign policies that has been bothering us, might bring us good in disguise.
My favorite parts in the speech :
"It's not about the red states and the blue states anymore....It's about the United States of America"
One of the best captured moments of his victory speech was when people started mouthing"Yes we can" with their newly chosen leader.
A very unlike US president has won, someone who is so fit and lean. The fourth youngest US President,he is someone who is not white but will definitely fit in the White House.
He leaves people completely inspired, motivated and passionate.
Go Obama!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Falling in Love?
What is love?
Is it a just a feeling like hunger? Is it a necessity like breathing? Is it a style statement like your mobile? Is it a hobby like cricket? Is it a passion like life? Is it everything yet nothing at all?
Anyone? Everyone? No one?
This is probably the most common four letter word in the history. You may associate it with the individuals close to you; your parents, your partner, your pet, your confidant, your poison, yourself! But can anyone actually define Love? Yes? I will pay you if you can satisfy my curiosity & give me a definitive answer to all my questions. I’ll pay you in kind.. Maybe shower you with Lurrve!!
When do you know that you are in love?
Is it when you forget all about yourself & spend 30 hour a day visualizing yourself with your Significant Other (SO)? Is it when you can’t stand anyone speak wrong about the only ‘perfect’ person in your life? Is it when your blood boils if your SO gives more importance to someone else? Is it when you feel empty in their absence & spring to life with a mere sms? I wouldn’t say that I have spend an enormous time trying to figure this mystery, but I surely have experienced the ups & downs that it brings with it. Its strange how all the cliché & filmy dialogues don’t seem funny anymore when you are a part. Things that defy common sense suddenly occupy your mind & you actually start believing in its occurrence. “I’ll get the stars & moon for you” – YA RITE!!!!
Someone please tell me how is it a happy feeling?
Research tells us that ‘Love’ is the main cause for suicide. I mean take for eg. an icecream. You like your lips that changes color with every lick, you like the soft yet frozen feel on your tongue, you like the way it feels as it makes its way from your mouth all the way to your stomach – But would you harm yourself once you are done enjoying it? No! At max you will order one more. You will relish it for sometime BUT you will surely not bang your head against the wall till you can’t feel it any more, blood starts gushing from your nose & get a sick feeling in your stomach!!!!
Everything in this world is an option for every individual; be it choice of food, clothes, work, friends & the best part is that its given that you don’t have to stick to one option in any choice. Your are allowed to eat a Chinese pizza with a pudina chatni, wear om kurta with denims & Italian shows, live in Indian home with Romanian interiors equipped with Korean technology BUT its not acceptable to love two individuals at the same time!! It’s against the society & termed as cheating!!
Why??????
I don’t think society by itself has anything against loving two people or at least if you consider ancient, the first forms of civilization, back then man was very comfortable with the fact that the human race is not meant to be monogamous. It was understood that one would have multiple partners. Even Indian mythology has proof that polygamy was very much the way of the society back in the start of time as we know it. It really depends on whether your partner has it in her/him to understand that love can happen with two or more people. Sadly most people don’t... because with love comes possessiveness & territorialism. Many people aren’t secure enough in themselves to give in to free love
Note: Part of this blog has been influenced by Indian next best selling author Sim Chan.
Is it a just a feeling like hunger? Is it a necessity like breathing? Is it a style statement like your mobile? Is it a hobby like cricket? Is it a passion like life? Is it everything yet nothing at all?
Anyone? Everyone? No one?
This is probably the most common four letter word in the history. You may associate it with the individuals close to you; your parents, your partner, your pet, your confidant, your poison, yourself! But can anyone actually define Love? Yes? I will pay you if you can satisfy my curiosity & give me a definitive answer to all my questions. I’ll pay you in kind.. Maybe shower you with Lurrve!!
When do you know that you are in love?
Is it when you forget all about yourself & spend 30 hour a day visualizing yourself with your Significant Other (SO)? Is it when you can’t stand anyone speak wrong about the only ‘perfect’ person in your life? Is it when your blood boils if your SO gives more importance to someone else? Is it when you feel empty in their absence & spring to life with a mere sms? I wouldn’t say that I have spend an enormous time trying to figure this mystery, but I surely have experienced the ups & downs that it brings with it. Its strange how all the cliché & filmy dialogues don’t seem funny anymore when you are a part. Things that defy common sense suddenly occupy your mind & you actually start believing in its occurrence. “I’ll get the stars & moon for you” – YA RITE!!!!
Someone please tell me how is it a happy feeling?
Research tells us that ‘Love’ is the main cause for suicide. I mean take for eg. an icecream. You like your lips that changes color with every lick, you like the soft yet frozen feel on your tongue, you like the way it feels as it makes its way from your mouth all the way to your stomach – But would you harm yourself once you are done enjoying it? No! At max you will order one more. You will relish it for sometime BUT you will surely not bang your head against the wall till you can’t feel it any more, blood starts gushing from your nose & get a sick feeling in your stomach!!!!
Everything in this world is an option for every individual; be it choice of food, clothes, work, friends & the best part is that its given that you don’t have to stick to one option in any choice. Your are allowed to eat a Chinese pizza with a pudina chatni, wear om kurta with denims & Italian shows, live in Indian home with Romanian interiors equipped with Korean technology BUT its not acceptable to love two individuals at the same time!! It’s against the society & termed as cheating!!
Why??????
I don’t think society by itself has anything against loving two people or at least if you consider ancient, the first forms of civilization, back then man was very comfortable with the fact that the human race is not meant to be monogamous. It was understood that one would have multiple partners. Even Indian mythology has proof that polygamy was very much the way of the society back in the start of time as we know it. It really depends on whether your partner has it in her/him to understand that love can happen with two or more people. Sadly most people don’t... because with love comes possessiveness & territorialism. Many people aren’t secure enough in themselves to give in to free love
Note: Part of this blog has been influenced by Indian next best selling author Sim Chan.
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