The brightest flower wilted,
the deepest eyes cried…
and tears trickled down,
wailing the catastrophe,
as the love-filled season of the year
got blasted with terror and grief…
As every heart was preparing to welcome the much awaited Valentine’s Day, it got ripped apart yet again by a malicious blast. It is mourning the loss of its loved ones, contrary to its humble expectations of being one with them.
Fate had decided to act cruel with the purest emotion of love.
Had you ever wondered that buying muffins for your loved one could cost you your life?
Or that the soft and beautiful moments with your first date would possibly be the last ones you breathed? How could you not help yourself feel the urge to live forever when you closed your eyes before seeing your just born daughter?
The traits of humanity are swiftly evading the realms of human behaviour.
The mind of the miscreant embraces profanity and malice. He doesn’t think twice before slitting the throat of an innocent neighbour or even blasting a thousand merry souls enjoying the festive season.
It isn’t difficult to accept that the Intelligence is failing to give proper assistance to fortify the internal security system of our country time and again. This is happening as a fellow human has failed disastrously in his mannerisms. His violent streak has become blatantly hazardous. He has defied the norms of society and fraternity.
In such a scenario, all we can so is pray for the souls of the deceased.
Wish that the world gets the love it rightfully deserves; beseech the Almighty to cure it from the contagion of terrorism.
The world indeed needs to heal itself and breathe free in the air of love.
Let us join in this universal prayer to bring back the very abiding love which St. Valentine wanted to bring in for every living soul….
Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
In a state of agony
My truth lacks honesty,
and lie lacks deceit.
My smile lacks a purpose
as nothing brings me repose.
Despair seems beautiful
as my joy comes in pain.
And everything seems bleak to me
while my hope laments in vain.
My curse lacks an intention
and my care lacks the warmth.
I tread along the boulevard
in search of some solace...
Agony, pain and hurt,
I cuddle them all..
and amidst this weary darkness,
I struggle to stand tall.
Deep within my gentle heart,
cries with content;
Oh, troubled times!
You have really changed my face!
and lie lacks deceit.
My smile lacks a purpose
as nothing brings me repose.
Despair seems beautiful
as my joy comes in pain.
And everything seems bleak to me
while my hope laments in vain.
My curse lacks an intention
and my care lacks the warmth.
I tread along the boulevard
in search of some solace...
Agony, pain and hurt,
I cuddle them all..
and amidst this weary darkness,
I struggle to stand tall.
Deep within my gentle heart,
cries with content;
Oh, troubled times!
You have really changed my face!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Clichés!
Yes, that’s what CAT2009 can be termed as!
Known for its consistency in throwing surprises year after year, this year CAT had peanuts to throw at the aspirants.
As there was no hint of surprise…the candidates had no apprehensions pertaining to surprises, all they had was fanatical fear. Hence crashing of servers, shut down of the testing centres was all expected.
CAT2009 began with a declared surprise: that it was going online. There were no two ways about it. Now, after developments in disasters during the first 3 days, educational experts are suggesting a return to the paper-based format. So, this might be the most un/favorable surprise in store for us.
Mass cheating, blurring of screens, virus attacks are consistently being a part of this hysteria. Instances of questions being repeated in the 2nd and 3rd day sessions have also been reported. There has been no marking scheme released as yet. The entire process which garnered trust of students, the educational fraternity and the recruiters is far from being transparent and agog with discrepancies and ample mistrust. What big a question mark will this chain of events create on the IIM 2009-11 batch students is another issue for contemplation.
The CAT this year has generated more questions offline:
• How are the IIMs going to account for all these glitches?
• Are they even going to give a statement of assurance to the bewildered students??
• Was such great a reliance on an international firm justified, that the IIMs could allow them to conduct the maiden round of exams without any trials?
• Are they ever going to being questioned on having dared to mess around with a career defining exam for the elite class of students of India?
• Is a paper based re-test on the cards??
The entire episode is reduced to a farce. The credibility of the students going to enter the premier B-schools of India is on absolutely slippery grounds.
My sincere wishes to all the students taking this test. This year we are being tested for our patience. Intelligence; yes even that!!..it just got forsaken in this rut!
Known for its consistency in throwing surprises year after year, this year CAT had peanuts to throw at the aspirants.
As there was no hint of surprise…the candidates had no apprehensions pertaining to surprises, all they had was fanatical fear. Hence crashing of servers, shut down of the testing centres was all expected.
CAT2009 began with a declared surprise: that it was going online. There were no two ways about it. Now, after developments in disasters during the first 3 days, educational experts are suggesting a return to the paper-based format. So, this might be the most un/favorable surprise in store for us.
Mass cheating, blurring of screens, virus attacks are consistently being a part of this hysteria. Instances of questions being repeated in the 2nd and 3rd day sessions have also been reported. There has been no marking scheme released as yet. The entire process which garnered trust of students, the educational fraternity and the recruiters is far from being transparent and agog with discrepancies and ample mistrust. What big a question mark will this chain of events create on the IIM 2009-11 batch students is another issue for contemplation.
The CAT this year has generated more questions offline:
• How are the IIMs going to account for all these glitches?
• Are they even going to give a statement of assurance to the bewildered students??
• Was such great a reliance on an international firm justified, that the IIMs could allow them to conduct the maiden round of exams without any trials?
• Are they ever going to being questioned on having dared to mess around with a career defining exam for the elite class of students of India?
• Is a paper based re-test on the cards??
The entire episode is reduced to a farce. The credibility of the students going to enter the premier B-schools of India is on absolutely slippery grounds.
My sincere wishes to all the students taking this test. This year we are being tested for our patience. Intelligence; yes even that!!..it just got forsaken in this rut!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When the air smells of flu
You don’t have to be attractive to make heads turn in a crowd. One untimely sneeze and you became the epicenter of public attention!! Some eyeing you with suspicion, some praying to god to disallow the air-borne virus from entering his/her system and a few benevolent souls praying for your health and vitality.
Gone are the days when one would swell in pride announcing the arrival of their NRI relatives to homeland for a vacation. Now, they are better off in their foreign abode. Indian hospitality now includes not just the ‘tika’ and ‘arati’; but also screening and frisking in its antecedent levels. Amidst the bleak picture, one finds solace as the awareness of personal hygiene is steadily rising in the city.
All this, thanks to one pig that got it all wrong for itself and the rest of the world!
So, what does one do when he/she sneezes? (besides praying-an option invalid for an atheist)
1. Do not press the panic button and declare yourself as an unfortunate victim of swine flu.
2. Realize that common flu and common cold is still in vogue; and so sneezing is not that off-seasonal.
There are other things to worry about. With hospitals circulating mismatched reports, it makes sense to first consult your family physician than just rush to Kasturba. People are selling the N-95 masks at twice or thrice the amount of its listed maximum retail price. Indians that we are, making the most (profits) in every situation, adversities included. I am no medical practitioner to advice people on the current pandemic. But common sense tells that it is better to understand and identify the symptoms of the disease. These include high fever and difficulty in breathing. We also need to take the preventive measures (listed by newspapers, internet portals and TV news channels) and consume a wholesome diet. Nutritionists have said that an intake of Vitamin C can be effective in building immunity. Using masks, which necessarily need to be sterilized after every usage; strictly eating home-cooked food should be a routine exercise.
The flu is here to stay for atleast two more months and a complete reliance on government measures can prove to be fatal. A preventive vaccine can be expected in future, but at the same time we must realize that the projected number of swine flu victims will be showing a steep rise in the subsequent months.
Swine flu has probably come as a respite to Pakistan’s bureaucracy, as Indo-Pak peace talks take a relative backstage. The PM’s B-statement also seems to be forgotten. Pranab’s efforts to dilate the tax slabs are less appreciated. As Indians, and moreover as students, we have a platter full of worries; swine flu just adding to the same.
At this juncture, all we can do is, take care…
Gone are the days when one would swell in pride announcing the arrival of their NRI relatives to homeland for a vacation. Now, they are better off in their foreign abode. Indian hospitality now includes not just the ‘tika’ and ‘arati’; but also screening and frisking in its antecedent levels. Amidst the bleak picture, one finds solace as the awareness of personal hygiene is steadily rising in the city.
All this, thanks to one pig that got it all wrong for itself and the rest of the world!
So, what does one do when he/she sneezes? (besides praying-an option invalid for an atheist)
1. Do not press the panic button and declare yourself as an unfortunate victim of swine flu.
2. Realize that common flu and common cold is still in vogue; and so sneezing is not that off-seasonal.
There are other things to worry about. With hospitals circulating mismatched reports, it makes sense to first consult your family physician than just rush to Kasturba. People are selling the N-95 masks at twice or thrice the amount of its listed maximum retail price. Indians that we are, making the most (profits) in every situation, adversities included. I am no medical practitioner to advice people on the current pandemic. But common sense tells that it is better to understand and identify the symptoms of the disease. These include high fever and difficulty in breathing. We also need to take the preventive measures (listed by newspapers, internet portals and TV news channels) and consume a wholesome diet. Nutritionists have said that an intake of Vitamin C can be effective in building immunity. Using masks, which necessarily need to be sterilized after every usage; strictly eating home-cooked food should be a routine exercise.
The flu is here to stay for atleast two more months and a complete reliance on government measures can prove to be fatal. A preventive vaccine can be expected in future, but at the same time we must realize that the projected number of swine flu victims will be showing a steep rise in the subsequent months.
Swine flu has probably come as a respite to Pakistan’s bureaucracy, as Indo-Pak peace talks take a relative backstage. The PM’s B-statement also seems to be forgotten. Pranab’s efforts to dilate the tax slabs are less appreciated. As Indians, and moreover as students, we have a platter full of worries; swine flu just adding to the same.
At this juncture, all we can do is, take care…
Thursday, July 2, 2009
All’s GAY that ends well!
All’s GAY that ends well
Times are changing for sure. So, the age old-sayings need some alterations. Alterations that will definitely lead to altercations.
The Delhi HC ruling comes as a respite to gay activists fighting a legal battle for over 8 years now. Discrimination on the basis of sexual preference is depriving a person of his/her basic civil right, and the verdict has rightly put an end to it. Now we can expect more people ‘coming out of the closet’ and boldly declaring that we are ‘Gay and proud’; incidentally at the same time. Yet, in a multi culturist society, a state of acceptance is more important than mere provisions. If the professed gays are shunned by the ‘normal’ people, then their freedom becomes too limited. So that calls for another law to be passed which terms ridiculing or disrespecting the gays of the society, a punishable offence. Hence, the acceptance of certain people showing an ‘unnatural’ sexual orientation by the society at large will be reflective of the success made by the latest judgment.
The conservative religious and cultural groups term this verdict as an unfortunate. But the government cannot please all the sections of the society at the same time. Nevertheless, this historic amendment which is bound to have far-reaching implications is a laudable gesture by the government taken towards establishing a state of utopia.
Jai ho!
Times are changing for sure. So, the age old-sayings need some alterations. Alterations that will definitely lead to altercations.
The Delhi HC ruling comes as a respite to gay activists fighting a legal battle for over 8 years now. Discrimination on the basis of sexual preference is depriving a person of his/her basic civil right, and the verdict has rightly put an end to it. Now we can expect more people ‘coming out of the closet’ and boldly declaring that we are ‘Gay and proud’; incidentally at the same time. Yet, in a multi culturist society, a state of acceptance is more important than mere provisions. If the professed gays are shunned by the ‘normal’ people, then their freedom becomes too limited. So that calls for another law to be passed which terms ridiculing or disrespecting the gays of the society, a punishable offence. Hence, the acceptance of certain people showing an ‘unnatural’ sexual orientation by the society at large will be reflective of the success made by the latest judgment.
The conservative religious and cultural groups term this verdict as an unfortunate. But the government cannot please all the sections of the society at the same time. Nevertheless, this historic amendment which is bound to have far-reaching implications is a laudable gesture by the government taken towards establishing a state of utopia.
Jai ho!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Name-Game
The name-game
Finally, the Bandra-Worli sea link opened to commuters. And what better way to celebrate this than to fire a controversy over the ‘naamkaran’ of this ‘setu’!
It is indeed an engineering marvel which took about 4 more years or some couple of hundred crores more, than the stipulated period and amount. As India struggles with its first sea-link, China in the same period is said to have come up with 6 sea-links. So, this scenario presents the Indian bureaucracy with a subject for contemplation as to what caused the delay. Can the delay be attributed to the fisher folk and the Green lobby only? Is Rs. 1200 Cr not an alarming figure which has been taken out from the pockets of the city’s tax payer? A city which has to necessarily rely on its share of tax payers only as it gets no relief funds from other states or unions; but is known to have been shifting its monetary resources to the centre for years together (and then reclaiming it later in form of Developmental Funds/Grants from the capital). Now, that the sea-link has emerged after a 10 year battle with the Indian administrative system, we have the politicians debating on topics like: in whose regime (NDA or UPA) was the tender for the project signed and what on the earth should this engineering wonder be called!!
Certain ‘visionaries’ see this bridge to not only ‘bridge’ the gap between Bandra and Worli, but also between the NCP and Congress. Whether it will really solve Mumbai’s traffic woes is a question that less bothers the politicians. Yesterday the polls conducted by the Marathi news channels showed that a majority of the maharashtrian public wanted this bridge to be named after an honorary person belonging to the state. Surely, Rajiv Gandhi was a visionary, but the state is not deprived of the same. While every fourth turn on Mumbai’s roads is dedicated to the Gandhis and ports and sanctuaries named after the Nehrus ; a christening of a different kind for the bridge will go about to show that the country does have great men who belonged to a dynasty other than the Gandhi or the Nehru.
The commuter is well aware of vote-bank politics. It’s the time and cost of fuel that bothers him more than the name of the bridge on which he may go for a drive. The vernacular news channels have given the verdict as to what the local population desires. . It must be remembered that the sea-link is one of its kind not only in the city but also in the country. Hence, a special sense of belonging felt by the Marathi population is thoroughly justified. It’s up to Sonia and Pawar saheb, to take a call. Though the Congress has recorded a historic win at the Lok Sabha elections, they will definitely not like to lose ground in the state by hurting the sentiments of the Marathi voters, with the assembly elections just round the corner.
While the controversy continues, let us hope that we have more of such infrastructure projects to add a global dimension to our beloved city.
Finally, the Bandra-Worli sea link opened to commuters. And what better way to celebrate this than to fire a controversy over the ‘naamkaran’ of this ‘setu’!
It is indeed an engineering marvel which took about 4 more years or some couple of hundred crores more, than the stipulated period and amount. As India struggles with its first sea-link, China in the same period is said to have come up with 6 sea-links. So, this scenario presents the Indian bureaucracy with a subject for contemplation as to what caused the delay. Can the delay be attributed to the fisher folk and the Green lobby only? Is Rs. 1200 Cr not an alarming figure which has been taken out from the pockets of the city’s tax payer? A city which has to necessarily rely on its share of tax payers only as it gets no relief funds from other states or unions; but is known to have been shifting its monetary resources to the centre for years together (and then reclaiming it later in form of Developmental Funds/Grants from the capital). Now, that the sea-link has emerged after a 10 year battle with the Indian administrative system, we have the politicians debating on topics like: in whose regime (NDA or UPA) was the tender for the project signed and what on the earth should this engineering wonder be called!!
Certain ‘visionaries’ see this bridge to not only ‘bridge’ the gap between Bandra and Worli, but also between the NCP and Congress. Whether it will really solve Mumbai’s traffic woes is a question that less bothers the politicians. Yesterday the polls conducted by the Marathi news channels showed that a majority of the maharashtrian public wanted this bridge to be named after an honorary person belonging to the state. Surely, Rajiv Gandhi was a visionary, but the state is not deprived of the same. While every fourth turn on Mumbai’s roads is dedicated to the Gandhis and ports and sanctuaries named after the Nehrus ; a christening of a different kind for the bridge will go about to show that the country does have great men who belonged to a dynasty other than the Gandhi or the Nehru.
The commuter is well aware of vote-bank politics. It’s the time and cost of fuel that bothers him more than the name of the bridge on which he may go for a drive. The vernacular news channels have given the verdict as to what the local population desires. . It must be remembered that the sea-link is one of its kind not only in the city but also in the country. Hence, a special sense of belonging felt by the Marathi population is thoroughly justified. It’s up to Sonia and Pawar saheb, to take a call. Though the Congress has recorded a historic win at the Lok Sabha elections, they will definitely not like to lose ground in the state by hurting the sentiments of the Marathi voters, with the assembly elections just round the corner.
While the controversy continues, let us hope that we have more of such infrastructure projects to add a global dimension to our beloved city.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Black or White
Black or White…
THRILLER passes into HISTORY. A disturbing headline to start the day, which unfolded to reveal that death can’t be less devastating. Yesterday it was news; today every fan of this musical genius terms it a personal loss. Michael Jackson, the virtuoso, spent 40 golden years of a short span of 50 years of his lifetime as a beloved performer.
His life remained a mysterious saga of sordid affairs, so does his death. His life was haunted by lawsuits and controversies; and death unveiled a massive debt of over $500mn. Multiple face surgeries, alleged vitiligo, child abuse and now death as a result of misuse of prescription drugs, were all a part of his bizarre lifetime. Yet, the artiste prevailed over all other antics. As an entertainer, he was impeccable. 750mn record sales are just a testimony to the same. It is wisely quoted that ‘he was precocious as a child and childlike as an adult’.
He screamed “I’m Bad”, yet the fans never stopped loving him. He exhorted to ‘Heal the World’ and even seductively suggested ‘Don’t stop 'till you get Enough’. Remember the Time, Thriller, In the Closet, Billie Jean, The way you make me Feel, are some of my personal favourites. It has been a long journey for MJ. From Jackson 5 to Thriller, to Dangerous and Bad, he created HIStory and seemed INVINCIBLE. His rage was infectious and awesome.
He showed the world how a video looked with 50 people dancing in the background, a trend which still lives on in Bollywood. He redefined smoothness when he effortlessly MOONWALKed. One is at a loss of words while trying to define him. What will you call a singer, a dancer, a music composer and a lyricist? Let’s term him a ‘perfectionist’. An entertainment package, so multidimensional is made once in a millennium at God’s mercy.
It hurts to learn that he spent his last days in depression and anguish. An early death just led to curtains falling on the final world tour of the legendary artiste. A death which prevented his global audience from gasping and crooning as they watched the ‘King of Pop’ perform for one last time. Yet, what we have bequeathed is an immortal musical legacy; just goes about to prove that a legend has so much to give even in his death; that death is just another act of philanthropy. Let his soul rest in peace. As I pray, I assure myself that dear MJ will continue to live for years; in form of memories, in form of his music; reminding generations to come of the HIStory he once created…..
THRILLER passes into HISTORY. A disturbing headline to start the day, which unfolded to reveal that death can’t be less devastating. Yesterday it was news; today every fan of this musical genius terms it a personal loss. Michael Jackson, the virtuoso, spent 40 golden years of a short span of 50 years of his lifetime as a beloved performer.
His life remained a mysterious saga of sordid affairs, so does his death. His life was haunted by lawsuits and controversies; and death unveiled a massive debt of over $500mn. Multiple face surgeries, alleged vitiligo, child abuse and now death as a result of misuse of prescription drugs, were all a part of his bizarre lifetime. Yet, the artiste prevailed over all other antics. As an entertainer, he was impeccable. 750mn record sales are just a testimony to the same. It is wisely quoted that ‘he was precocious as a child and childlike as an adult’.
He screamed “I’m Bad”, yet the fans never stopped loving him. He exhorted to ‘Heal the World’ and even seductively suggested ‘Don’t stop 'till you get Enough’. Remember the Time, Thriller, In the Closet, Billie Jean, The way you make me Feel, are some of my personal favourites. It has been a long journey for MJ. From Jackson 5 to Thriller, to Dangerous and Bad, he created HIStory and seemed INVINCIBLE. His rage was infectious and awesome.
He showed the world how a video looked with 50 people dancing in the background, a trend which still lives on in Bollywood. He redefined smoothness when he effortlessly MOONWALKed. One is at a loss of words while trying to define him. What will you call a singer, a dancer, a music composer and a lyricist? Let’s term him a ‘perfectionist’. An entertainment package, so multidimensional is made once in a millennium at God’s mercy.
It hurts to learn that he spent his last days in depression and anguish. An early death just led to curtains falling on the final world tour of the legendary artiste. A death which prevented his global audience from gasping and crooning as they watched the ‘King of Pop’ perform for one last time. Yet, what we have bequeathed is an immortal musical legacy; just goes about to prove that a legend has so much to give even in his death; that death is just another act of philanthropy. Let his soul rest in peace. As I pray, I assure myself that dear MJ will continue to live for years; in form of memories, in form of his music; reminding generations to come of the HIStory he once created…..
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