Of Hill stations with weird names and Animal cruelty that I can't comprehend!

The last weekend was a long one (surprisngly two long weekends in two consecutive months!! How awesome is THAT!!)
And we had Husband's cousin sisters over from Kolkata. Delhi is hot (and getting worse by the day), so it was decided that we shall take a trip to the hills. What was supposed to be a relaxing weekend for me and my husband turned out to be a super tiring affair.
In any case so we went to spend a night at Naukuchital and also saw the lake of Bhimtal. Naukuchiatal is a very very very small place, and to access it you have to drive via Bhimtal through a super narrow road! It is about 8 hours drive from Gurgaon, and the roads have become really awesome. I have of course visited the saat tals during my child hood and I was surprised that the usual stink that was associated with the lakes was not there any more.
We spent the night at small little 10 room boutique hotel called Spring Bird Hotel with an awesome staff and a cook who even though took 30 mins + to cook a meal would do an amazing job with the food!!
These guys (husband and the sisters) did para gliding and while I would have liked to attempt it, I just could not get around to do doing it. It may be because I was scared, or maybe because I thought that it was too much money and that it was not worth it.. or maybe because I just did not feel like it. So, these guys had a lot of fun gliding down while I sat down with some peace in sun and caught up on a few pages of my book. We then went down to Bhimtal and took a ride on the boat and visited their aquarium in middle of the lake, which was surprisingly very very well maintained!
Our lunch at the I Heart Cafe however  was the highlight of the trip before we returned home that night.

Next morning was brunch and shopping at Lajpat, the market was empty and it was eerie to say the least. Girls shopped like mad, and it was finally time to say bye to them.

In this entire trip I realised that these girls are sort of spoilt by their brother a.k.a my Husband and that when they say that they feel stifled at their house, it is their own fault. (This topic will require another analysis altogether, and I don't think that it will be appreciated, so I will leave it at this only!)
<3 11="" a="" absolutely="" affair="" amazing="" ambience="" american="" an="" and="" been="" bhimtal.="" breakfast="" but="" by="" cafe.="" cafe="" chill.="" conversation="" couple="" food="" for="" fun="" go="" great="" have="" heart="" hindi="" i="" in="" india="" is="" it="" just="" kids="" kind="" last="" menu="" nbsp="" of="" owners="" p="" pizza="" place="" read:="" regular="" run="" school="" speak="" staying="" the="" their="" to="" which="" who="" with="" years="">
On the other front, Shaktiman, the poor horse who got injured because at a protest organized by BJP passed away yesterday after battling with infections on his leg that was injured and later amputated. This was a police horse, and because the media really does need fodder they sensionalized it (which was good, otherwise the poor horse would not have received as much love and care as it got).
But everyday (and I am not even exaggertaing), on my news feed on FB, I see posts from the animal rescues and NGO's working towards the betterment of animals about how people just abandon their pets. Dogs are left on the roads and the people just drive away without even looking back. How in the world is that even fair?
Why are we as people so cruel towards these animals? Why can't we just let them be? If you don't like them then don't keep them. And for the sake of everything that makes you human, DO NOT hit them or instigate them.
Even human life has no big value any more (case in point that idiot minor who took his car out and ended up killing a 32 year old guy who was just walking on his side of the road), so it is impossible to even expect that they would be nice to voiceless animals who have nothing against them.
It is a weird world that we are staying in! 

Plain Truth!

I am not a huge fan of Amir Khan.
I seriously think that he is a very pompous mean guy.. (Yup, I am true blood SRK fan camp girl);
But Satyamev Jayate bowled me over.

It was honest to God, plain truth, put extremely plainly to us. The people who matter, the people, who ignore the every day truth that is reported in the newspapers not as "Breaking Stories", but in the corner somewhere, and not as a part of a statistics or a survey that randomly comes out, but about he people who have actually suffered.
There were tears, but, I am glad, that none of the women who came on the show broke down emotionally to get the TRP's high.. or stating controversial statements with a background score that makes the controversy larger than what it really is.

Of course, this particular episode touched a chord somewhere, because, after hearing what people had to say about having a girl child, I truly thanked my stars that I exist.

It is the sad truth that people as educated as doctors or professors or teachers believe in the whole "Beta khandaan ka chirag hai" funda.
No offense boys, but seriously, girls are prettier, they are like the cutest babies and above all they too are human, they have exactly two hands, two legs, one face with two eyes a nose and two years.. the only difference is that they have a vagina and a pair of breasts.

It is the woman who bears the children, imagine, if there is no woman, how are you going to have children? The so called "Khandaan" will only not be there.
And, if a male acts dumb in the family, the women of the family are not expected to encourage the practice of miscarrying because the pregnant lady is carrying a female child!

The truth really did hit the heart.
It was amazing to know that the literate act like the illiterates and rural and the poor act like intelligent human beings.

The Doctors should learn their lesson and clean up their acts, the giver of life, the ones equated to Gods, should not encourage let alone indulge in such practices!

If there is one thing that I am sure Amir Khan will be able to achieve is to hit the heart.. now I only hope that he is also able to stir the conscience of the people and actually help root out the evils that hold our society back!

Kudos to Satyamev Jayate!    

Defining Justice

For the last couple of days, our Judicial system has been the center of the storm.
Getting the ire of the media and the big corporate houses with respect to the judgment on the 2G scam, wherein the Supreme Court has been told that they have over reached the powers that are granted to them.
Then there is the Maria Susairaj case where again the judicial system was condemned, for releasing that girl for being an accomplice to the murder.
Then, there is the ever impending matter about Ajmal Kasab being the guest of the country.
The latest in the list being the reduction of a sentence of a low class laborer who sodomized a 10 month old girl. I came across the controversy on Bikrams' Blog.
I read the article in the Indian Express and finally, through my own research found the judgment that was pronounced by the Mumbai High Court.

This blog post specifically answers certain averments that have been put on the lawyer (s) who fought the case for the accused, and some of the general gyaan that the general junta should know about how the criminal justice works in our country.
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The Judgment, the text of which you can read online, simply states, that they have upheld the conviction of the Accused. The only thing being that, they have reduced the sentence from 10 years to 7 years, RI. RI meaning rigorous imprisonment.
And, just so that you all know, a judgment, unless there is no settled law or previous judgment do not give in to the bald arguments of a lawyer.
If you see the judgment, there is a previous judgment that is relied upon by the court to lower the sentence. Further, the reason was because of the 'perversity and deprivation' of the mind, and not because he was 'lonely' as alleged by the newspaper.
There is a difference between a submission that is recorded in the judgment and what the judgment really states. I am appalled that newspapers misquote like anything.
Further, it is imperative to note that the judgment records the fact that, the trial court was aware that the accused had a family back in Uttar Pradesh and that by no means it meant that it should have been the reason for a lenient sentence. But, it was important that a proper perspective be given while passing any judgments/ orders.
And he agreed with the position of law as explained in the case that was cited.

There is no where, where he has said that, what the accused did was right. Just because he set off the sentence with the amount of punishment that the accused had already under gone does not make this judgment wrong.

Of course, if the family is not happy, they can always go in appeal. But just so that you know, that poor baby was 10 months when this happened to her. She would now reasonably be almost 7 years. Through the entire proceedings, she must have been traumatised, considering she wouldn't have really remembered what happened to her then. So just remember you are not fighting for a 10 month old baby.

Here is the thing about our Criminal Judicial system:
1. It is largely based on the principles of Natural Justice, wherein, a Criminal is not considered is always considered to be a non criminal till proven otherwise.
2. The reason why the laws are so strict about the criminal justice system are, so that, an innocent is not put behind bars *YES, there are n number of cases wherein, an innocent is behind the bars*
3. And, there is the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system that we have adopted in India, wherein, if it is the first offence, the punishment should be such that it does not end up hardening the criminal, but instead makes him realise that he has done wrong and that he has to reform. *I hope you all remember that Tihar is one of the major models for this system*

And lastly, whenever we are wronged in any way, we cry ourselves hoarse preaching about the fundamental rights.
The same fundamental rights guarantee that, each and every accused has the right to be represented through a lawyer. And in case he cannot afford a lawyer or doesn't know of any, then it is the duty of the State to provide a lawyer for that person to ensure a fair trial.

To answer you, Bikram, if you read the judgment from the top, you will see that the lawyer for the appellant was appointed.
And, when we get ourselves enrolled as Lawyers, we are governed by the 'Advocates Act' wherein it is our duty to do any and every case that comes to us. We are NOT allowed to say NO to it unless there is a conflict of interest. *By conflict of interest it means that, if you have appeared for the other side before, you can't appear against them.*

Just like it is the duty of the doctor to save lives, irrespective of the fact that the person on his table is a serial killer, similarly, a lawyer irrespective of the moral turpitude that may go inside him, he has to do his duty. And mind you, we cannot sabotage the case of our Clients. That goes against our ethics.
Believe it or not, all lawyers in their lives defend criminals and fight against them too. You cannot take a case based on your emotional assessment, it has  to be assessed based on the facts of the case. Whether, morally you approve of it or not.

We lawyers are called by various names, including being called as crooks, but just like everyone else, who sit on their desks and type codes, attend meetings.. we do our duty bound by more rules and regulations than what you can imagine.
We ADVOCATE, we put forth what a person has to say based on the laws of the land.

And as far as a judge is concerned.. they are highly educated and people with more experience in the field of law than what you cant even imagine. They too cannot go beyond the certain jurisdictional restrictions and above all the restrictions placed on them by the laws itself.

The Courts of our Country our bound to serve the society, but there are the laws of the land that have to be followed, because no one in our country is above law, not even the PM. And, these courts are also the custodians and protectors of the Constitution, that helps running the Country. It is the bible on which the laws are made, and a place to look when you require interpretation on ANY law.

Saying what I have said, that does not mean that I endorse what the accused has done. I think that the quantum of punishment for such offenders should be very severe, but that does not mean that a trial be done with biased heads and punishment be awarded without weighing the pros and cons and putting the entire thing in perspective.

It is even more appalling, that, we Indians, have no faith in any system. At least have faith in the Judicial System of our Country, wherein the Courts, ONLY think about the benefit of the society at large.

And you know, why this judicial system is clogged, because, of certain strata of the society who keep appealing every order that comes against them.

Justice never only means punishing the accused. There is a lot more involved in it.

In the end, I would like to iterate what I have said before, that, if the parents are not happy with the order of the Mumbai High Court, then they can go for a appeal to a larger bench and then to the Supreme Court. And, you all should remember that, that 10 month old baby is a 7 year old girl, and thanks to all the hue and cry, even if she is over the incident considering that she is was just an infant then, she will be forced to live through a hell that she never knew. 

RE: Don't Spread Rumors, they cause- Fire! And Panic!

In response to my previous post *Which I shared on Google + also*, a dear friend of mine Souvik, who was kind enough to take time to write his views on my post! :) 
PS: I have posted the whole comment, as is, verbatim! :) Thanks, Souvik, for the food for the brain! :)
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Hey.....nice post. But I beg to agree AND differ simultaneously. I agree what we are seeing on the streets now is, to put it harshly, mob culture. This CANNOT be the way laws are formulated in a country;least of all, our country.
But, having said that, does the government really want me to believe that every political/apolitical agitation that is normally held in this country, is bound by the conditions of 3 days and 5000 people? I hope the government will be able to stand by its claim through proper documented proofs. The issue, right now, is not whether the bill proposed by Hazare is good or bad. The issue is...are people in this country allowed to protest peacefully? The government, including the PM, seems to be bypassing this very question.
I have read the article that you linked, that states why the Jan Lokpal Bill is unconstitutional and unnecessary. I'd request you to also read through the analysis of that bill that they have put up on their site.

http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.org/downloads.html
(download the detailed analysis given here).

Finally, it may be true that today, we, the people of this country, are a major reason why corruption refuses to go. I am willing to pay my fine when I'm stopped by the traffic police next time, but can you, or ANYONE, please guarantee to me that I'll get my driving license done in a time bound manner following all rules and regulations, without having to go through a tout? Can anyone guarantee me that if I complain against a government official to the CBI, the agency will indeed investigate my case with all earnest and sincerity that it deserves, and the guilty will be brought to justice WITHIN A DECENT TIME FRAME? Can anyone guarantee me that if I complain, I'll not be subjected to backlashes from the government? Can you guarantee me that when a police officer from the local PS comes to my place for Police Verification before issuing me a passport, he'll do his work without me paying him a bribe? (When you answer this question,kindly consider the situation that I may need a passport with some urgency, and that the police may decide to neither pass my case nor fail it).

The problem, as I see it, is this. The existing system HAS NOT dealt with corruption in any effective way for so many years. Why do I believe that now, with the same set of people at the helm, something effective will be done? Yes I'm sceptical, I'm being pessimistic,, but this system hasn't given me much to be optimistic about either.
Give me an effective bill to deal with this. What this government is doing, is simple time-wastage. That will not do. Tell me a practical way to force this government (not idealistic ones...please) to bring an effective anti-corruption law, and I'll stand with you and....if the need be...against Mr. Hazare.
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I ADD:
I agree, that most of what I may have said sounds impractical. But there are checks and balances that have been provided in our Constitution. And, honestly speaking, when we talk about Democracy, it is the power of the people. And, because, there would be chaos and anarchy in the country, if every one speaks together, there is the thing about sending your "representatives", to the assembly to speak on your behalf. The day that we start treating them, like they are on our mercy and not vise-versa, all shall be solved.


Look at the where the politicians hit you the most, at the places, where it hurts the most. The educated middle class, who refuses to vote or comment on anything, needs to shed it's "Who cares, they are politicians... blah" attitude and start giving their opinions. Mobilize. Your Thoughts! And the politicos have understood that the middle class uses the power of the internet. The moment, you highlight the cause, and move forward, saala koi mai ka baap, aakar apni akar nahin jhaad payega! 

Don't Spread Rumors, they cause- Fire! And Panic!

The views expressed in this Post are purely of the Author. And since, this post is all about politics and,democracy and raising hell, I \ have the constitutional freedom to raise hell in my own way, a.k.a. express my views. That is exactly what I am doing. This is not a personal attack on any one, or their idealism. 

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I have tried to keep myself away. I have been commenting on lots of statuses on FB and sharing my views on twitter. But, then, I just can't answer everyone! It's too many against a handful of us *Or so I am assuming*
who do not support Anna!

Now, before, you get ready to spit fire on me, and before you shut down my blog page in disgust, you may want to hear me out. And in case you don't want to, then, well, the country is any which ways going to the dogs, you are just going to be another breed that is gonna rip it apart *Its a pun, please do not take it personally*.

So, as I write this, Mr. Hazare, has refused to get out of the jail. There are people at Chattrasal Stadium who refuse to leave. And then there is the mayhem outside the Tihar Jail that refuses to subside, earlier because Anna was arrested. Now, because, he refuses to come out!

Does that mean, that I am supporting corruption? Or that, I am a secret spy from the government side, who is trying to influence her mere 50 *now again 49* followers?
No. Neither of it is true. And, I do not want it to be true.

Who doesn't want a corruption free nation, where your work is done by the virtue of the fact that, it is the duty of that official to do your work because that is what he is employed to do. I mean, I would love it, if for once, I do not have wait like a five million years to get my phone line back in order.

But, in this case, where Anna is spreading the fire of the cause of rising against the plague of corruption, does the end truly define the means? Today, he is holding the entire government, all the political parties at their tether ends, by what? By the power of sheer black mail. I am going to go to the extent of calling it pure extortion.
Tell me, who starts this vicious circle of corruption? Who.. the babus, who take the money, or we, the people of India, who will pay some hari patti, for the short cut! The day, we put our foot down, and tell the babus, Dude, nothing doing, this is a part of your duty, your KRA, and in case you do not do this, because you want money *Bribe* from me, then I think that I will see you in Court.
Oh, you all do know that there is a Prevention of Corruption Act (PoCA) in our country, that lets you complain to the CBI for any act of Corruption that is done by any government official? And do you also know that if a departmental inquiry is started against an employee, his career is as good as finished.
But, tell me, would you rather go to the authorities with a complaint against a babu for bribery or pay him some money and get your work done?
My guess, is that you won't.

*And if you do, and need a lawyer, you know where to contact.. right?*

Extorting the government, to bend to your demands is not a way to protest. This makes you no less than a terrorist, who would want it his way or boom. Isn't that the basis of the terror attacks, that the government does not listen to them , therefore the innocents get killed!?
Anna is doing exactly the same thing. Of Course, thank God, there has been no super violence, else innocents would have lost their lives here too.
Supporting a cause is not wrong. But, when the focus shifts from the Cause, and moves into the territory of an ego battle, that is the time, we should be thinking, what to support!

Most of the people who are out there right now, have no idea, what the Jan Lok Pal Bill is all about! They just know one thing, that this legislation will fight corruption. Half Knowledge is more dangerous than no knowledge at all! And that is what is happening on the streets out there.

*You remember how in Rang De Basanti, that staunch party worker, finally realised that the cause has been lost in midst of the power game? I fear, that is exactly what is happening!*

The Jan LokPal Bill that team Anna is so keen to get implicated, says that all the power will be vested in one body, that will look after the corruption cases. In short, there is no provision for an appeal against for whatever Team Anna says. They thus, are putting themselves, even above the Supreme Court, the Guardians of our Constitution. And, the Constitution itself was drafted in a way, so that one does not become all too powerful. *There is a reason, why the Supreme Court, can rattle the government * And because, the team sitting in the LokPal panel, would any ways be of the pre conceived notion that all those in the government or in government jobs are corrupt, *that is what they are claiming right?* how would one expect a fair trial?
Now isn't that killing the democracy? 
If you are here, and reading this blog post I request you to please read this article, and analyse the legislation yourself!

Support the Cause. We are a Democratic Nation! We have been given a choice to select the people we want up there in the Parliament! Why is it that, when ever we are asked to exercise, this one right, we make the most DUMB decisions? Either we don't vote, or we don't know who to vote for and end up voting for some random guy! Read the manifestos that are given to you. Question the candidates when they come to ask for your votes! Almost all the Candidates, come in their constituencies for election campaigns! And they organize interaction sessions, use it. Vote. Encourage people to vote.

And whenever, you are supporting a cause, don't support it or follow it blindly. Make a decision, through information. Especially because you are a literate *I am assuming that you are* because you are reading this. You have the right to make informed, and educated decision. Use this right well.

And, if you are supporting the cause of India, free of corruption, then start doing your bit. Accept your mistakes, and next time a traffic cop stops for a fine, don't bribe him to get out of it. If you are wrong, pay the fine. Bear the punishment.
Get your passports and Driving licenses, done through your own efforts and not through touts!
To clean the system, We have start by cleaning our own-selves first. Support the cause, not the ego battle that this is turning out to be.
Be wise!
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PS: I would really like you all to also go through these Posts:


Post 1, Post 2 & Post 3

And we are going to start the Blame GAME!

Again.
This is what the nth time that our country has been attacked?

It is Mumbai again. After the ordeal of 26/11, just when the calmness was returning to the city, the terrorists decide to blast off again.
There is nothing that you and me can do in such a situation, except pray that all our loved ones are safe, and pray for the souls who unknowingly become pawns in this game of power.

Soon, the investigation will start. The buck will be passed, maybe, some terrorist will be caught, more likely, a terror outfit by tomorrow morning take the responsibility of the blasts.
And the what?

Investigation. Case. The blame game, where public will blame the government, the opposition will blame the government, the government will blame someone..
But will that really solve the problem?

Correct me if I am wrong.. Had there been ANY government- would they have been able to prevent what has happened? Would, any government take a stance against our troubled neighbours, put its foot down and say, enough!
Will any government do that?
No.
Because, lessons in Political Science do not encourage war. An unintended war as a rash decision will only leave more wounded than healed...
Then what can we do?

Yes, the government should send a very STRICT message across the border.. and that would be hanging Kasab ASAP.
It should put its foot down and say, that as long as the neighbours want co-operation, they should stop sending unfriendly, uncouth visitors to our doorstep. Else, stop ALL aid to our dear neighbours. No more operations or medical treatment to any one across the border. No more aid to their flood affected areas... and no more of being friendly with them.. at ANY level.
Yes, I know, I sound like an autocratic ruler, but when they have no measure of remorse in their hearts or intentions about killing/injuring hundreds of innocent people, why should we?
All the humanity of the world is only in an Indian?

And, I reiterate - That NO religion, whatsoever, talks about killing of innocent men, women or children! All religions of the world preach only Love and Humanity. And, someone really needs to get this message across to the estranged men and women, who in the name of upholding their Gods, kill people.
It is time, that the World unites to stop any & all violence that has origin in the name religion.
But First,
Let India stand united in the face of adversity, and Indians, leave behind the facade of being a Hindu/Muslim/Sikh/Issai/ Parsi/Naga...etc.. and start Being a Human first!

I pray for all the injured for a speedy recovery and pray for peace for the families who have lost their loved ones!

A special applause to Twitter & Facebook, instant updates and help was being offered while the city of Mumbai was in panic. See, there is still some sensibility left in us.. lets spread it! 

Our Walk- For Dignity!

There is enough said on the web about the ‘Slut-Walk’; that is going to be organized in the rape capital, a.k.a. Delhi!

The media, the netizens,.. almost everyone has had their take on it. I also have a take on it. Actually I have been meaning to write for the longest time, but, my state of mind has been such, that I just could not formulate anything in my head to write a post that makes some sense.

But today when I read the post at Bohemian Rhapsody, I just could not stop myself from typing my thoughts out.

So, Ms. Seema Goswami thinks, that if we dress up the way we dress up, we should be ready to face the consequences of it. Therefore, if we do take her advise on this issue, we should dress up like idiots and go to work. But there is just one problem here, madam Goswami, that, even when we women are dressed up like idiots, or as a matter of fact, even if we are dressed up in Burqua’s, sarees or even bloody Salwar Kameez (with a dupatta mind you), we are sneered upon. Then what should we do?

Stop working, is what you or rather most of the people would say, but tell me, is that practical? Won’t that mean that India will be pushed back a couple centuries behind.. and you too happen to work, just that you are a media person and have all the money and wealth to afford it, the aam junta, can’t really afford that.

Why is it that, every time there is a question of women safety, it always comes down to the way we are dressed. Of course, we know what we are wearing. But, my question is, why the fuck can’t we wear what we like? Why should I be made to think twice if I have to wear a nice dress or a nice top?

Why can’t for a change, the mentality of the men be questioned? Just because you can’t tangibly measure it in the terms of whether it is dirty or not? Every time a woman whether dressed conventionally or provocatively walks in front of a man, if he is of a filthy mind, he will undress her, in his imagination, and rape her there and then. But, it doesn’t matter, because, by the virtue of being a woman, we invite it. Is that it?

The MEN will never change their mentality.. will they? The day they start truly respecting a woman, they will not be just innocent by standers to an incident of eve teasing. But no, they are males, and they have feelings too [read: EGO] and therefore to ‘protest’ against the Slut-walk, there is also a Stud-walk that is being organized… they basically are protesting against stereotyping of Delhi Boys as Jaat Boys who are rapists!!

How ridiculous is that?

Again the whole purpose of the Slut-Walk is lost on them!

And then, we are told, that we call it upon ourselves, when we dress the way we dress!

We have said it umpteenth times, but they don’t listen, do they? It is the menial mentality of the male that needs to be changed. And the first change that needs to be done is; to teach them by hook or by crook, that Women are human beings, not just a pound of flesh or a sex toy! And NO it doesn’t hurt your darling ego, if you mind your own business instead of leching over the next woman that passes by you! 

Who is at Fault?

Delhi is helpless.

And it needs help, from the psychiatrists and Councilors. One part of the education budget should be kept aside for educating the men, old, young and even kiddos, to manage their anger and their Ego. And then there should also be a fund for tutoring the people of Delhi to have and to hone a sense of humanity. The most recent incident involving the shooting of a 20 year old in broad daylight on one of the busiest streets of Delhi, shows the callousness that the people of Delhi have rather than having a heart.

Yes, the people will protest for sometime, as a matter of fact they are doing that as per the recent news reports.. but then what happens in the long term?

What is it with men? I mean, call me totally lame, but really, what kind of a sadist pleasure is derived from insulting the woman.. especially in cases where it is often claimed that the boy was in love with the woman, and therefore, when that love is rejected by the girl for any reason whatsoever- she is either raped, or acid is thrown on her face so that she remains scarred for life or as per the recent trend that has come by, shoot the girl. 

Shayon talks about the personal rights and as a matter of fact, talking legally we do have a fundamental right to live with all the dignity... then why is it that when it comes to being jilted, you can go to such an extreme level of anger and what not???

Yes, there are some people who are mentally ill.. but then, looking at the statistics of the number of women getting raped- have most of the men lost all sense of treating the other gender with any any any any Respect, or dignity!!! 

Who is at fault?? Because if such a heinous crime is taking place at large in the society- then, there has to be someone at fault.. and there has to be a solution to this problem. And trust me, confining the women at home and telling them wear a burqua is no help.. because women in burqua have also been raped...!!!

Please help me understand, WHY in a country like India, where Goddesses are worshiped, are the women raped and treated like toys?? 

I am sure that everyone is aware of the incident of the 20 year old beiug shot in broad daylight

Where there is a Will..

There are no property disputes! *Yeah that was my attempt at bad humour!*

I am not going to give any legal gyaan.. but talk about the, THE most important event that made India shine, the Commonwealth Games 2010!!!!!
Yeah, we pulled it off, and in what grandeur and style. I must say that, it was a success story truly written by the Volunteers, the athletes and the Police...
When I saw the Opening Ceremony on my Television I was mesmerised I was watching it with my mouth hanging open all the time. And all through out the Ceremony  kept thinking, "Jab agaaz itna dilkash hai toh anjaam kiasa hoga?"
I went for the Cultural events that were being organized all over the city, and I was taken aback.. *I was of course expecting superb performance by all the Artistes, but it was the audience that left me in amazement* because, last I remember, the Delhi wallas, did not really had the taste or the patience to sit in plays, in dance recitals, unless they had someone of their own performing.
But, all the places were jam packed. That was the enthu that the people of Delhi had!

I also had gone for one of the Athletic event at the JLN Stadium, and I was lucky enough to be there on the day when the Discuss Players (Women) won all three medals for India. The crowd went mad, everyone sang along the National Anthem.. it was one of the kind moment to experience in your life time to see the Tri-colour waving three times over. And after that, the celebration music was 'Maa Tujhe Salaam' and OMG we sang like, we are the next Indian Idols!
And then there was the Closing Ceremony- And, I dunno how my mother managed it, but she got a couple of passes and I saw it live at the Stadium.. and I have never hooted so loud in my life! Of course the Closing was not as big as the Opening, but it was wonderful, and the last half an hour when all the Singers came and made Delhi go mad was total Paisa Wasool!

And the end of the two weeks, I got thinking, that there was not a single day when I got stuck in bad traffic, or for that matter of there was anything out of the ordinary that we do not see in Delhi. As a matter of fact, I found that the Delhi drivers were actually following the lane restrictions and there was lane driving happening. The crowd which always gathered for some event or the other, was never badly handled, the people were actually talking politely.. and there was a certain calm in the city. A sense safety that surrounded the who atmosphere.
But then, as soon as the games were bid bye, Delhi was back at being the brat that it is. I mean, why can't we the people of Delhi, be the way we were all through the games? Why can't the Police do its job the way it had done all these days. These are just the MOST little of things that we have to do, like, using the public transport, being polite, respecting the Rules of the Road, driving properly and being polite to each other. And, no one can stop Delhi from being a world class city.

I give the entire credit of the Success of the CWG 2010, to all of us, who made sure that the Games make us Shine, and the values of Atithi Devo Bhava are followed to the fullest!
The moral of the Story is that 'Where there is a Will, there is a Way', now that we know the way, and the result of following that way, we have to find that will in us!

PS: Chandni gets the credit for this post, I was not gonna brag about the success of the games, but after reading her, I could not resist!


PPS: Before I forget- Prosperity, Love, Health to all from Maa Durga! and Shri Ram! Happy Durga Pujo & Happy Dusshera to all of You!
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In the other news, me and my current partner in Dance Class have been wowed too many times for our connection etc! I am all dancie dancie about it! :)

The Devil's Advocate

There is always a flip side!
To every situation that is there, there are two sides. And if there are no two sides to a situation, then well, I feel it is nothing but a fact. Straight forward fact.

And even though I had vowed that I would stay away from the controversy because I am a little biased, and I have been called as Kalmadi lover and what not, and I think I have a twitter friend who hates me because I am being a Devil's Advocate!
Yeah, I am talking about the Common Wealth Games!!
Which have nothing common left in them.. and which have probably enraged not only the citizens of Delhi but all over India.
AND NO!
I do not say that the end defines the means. As a matter of fact, I think that Kalmadi and all the corrupt politicians should be punished and should be made answerable for all the misery that they have caused to the aam junta of the country.

But, right now, I also say, that since the games are on our head, and CWG is NOT only a Delhi exclusive event, it in a way represents what our country truly is to the entire world, we should reign in our horses a little bit.. and should peacefully and with all the baahvnaa of "Atithi Devo Bhava" open our arms to the world and welcome them!
Just imagine the embarrassment that not only Delhi, but our entire nation will face, if the games are not held here. Delhi after all is gearing up for the games only? Right?
I mean, just imagine, that right now, thanks to the Games, we have the Metro, that is running, there are flyovers that have come into existence and there is a overhaul to the entire thing. The best part being, that these projects HAVE to be completed before the games.. thus, they will be completed and done with FOR once!
And, now in a situation when games are not being held, thanks to a million inquires, the work will be stalled and Delhi will forever be dug up and will be in a mess.
And, I seriously believe, that  Sheila Dixit did see some potential in our city and thus she worked so hard to get the games here. Unfortunately, the colour of money makes so may people blind. And, I wobt be surprised if all this hoopla may be cheap tricks of the opposition. What they forget is, that when they opine on something that has international importance then they should think of nation as a whole and not just a city!

I know, I am being overtly optimistic, but, like I always say, that our country run on the million Gods that we worship- Positivism may just help us sail through the fourteen days of games too!
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PS: Yup, three posts are off. No explanations.

I am an Ostrich

No, this was not my past life character as per the numerous surveys of  Facebook world. Neither is this any new type of astrology.. or for that matter of fact this is nothing but a plain simple observation by me of me.

I know being a lawyer *Now I am an ENROLLED lawyer not just a law graduate* my deduction skills have to be sharp. Yeah, so being in the court, you have to be observant, and you have strain your ears to understand what the judge is saying. *Its a freaking FISH market inside the court room* and like I have already said in one of my earlier post, being a trainee you are not allowed to carry your cellphone, thus, my phone is switched off and inside the purse. And, so, I sit and I observe. I observe the advocates around me, who run from one court to the other trying to make it in time from one case to the other, I observe the security guards posted outside each court room... *Some of them are really nice, others extremely rude* , I observe the judges inside, who are old and so many times, so cranky that they would actually tell a designated senior advocate *An advocate who is been practising for like ages and who charges minimum a lakh of rupees for an appearance is a designated senior advocate* to shut up and leave the profession if they try to act smart.

But most of all, I observe the poor litigants. Yeah, some of them might not be literally poor, but yeah, they surely are the MOST harassed lot... and I truly feel sorry for them. There are widows who have been fighting for the right of her children with her in laws, then there are old men and women, who are fighting to get that pension, or to get their own house back from their children. I see them, patiently come to the court at 10 am sharp, stand in the line to get their pass made and then go and sit. Sit for the turn of their case to come. Sometimes, if they are lucky, the case would come and something substantial would happen. But then, if you are not lucky, then, you have to wait the whole day, your lawyer gets stuck at another court, you take a pass over *When you ask the judge to hear your case after he has heard all the cases in the list* and by the time your turn comes up again your whole day is gone, finished. And you may or you may not have gotten the relief that you had come for. And then, when you are leaving, you talk to your advocate and talk to him like he is God *I have actually seen clients folding their hands and bowing their heads*... and this is where I lose it.

For the last one month that I have been going to the court, I have been trying really hard to like litigation, to like running from one court to the other, putting your point across to the judge... but I just cannot like it. I cannot like it because, I shudder at the very thought to telling my client that the matter did not come up because of whatever reasons... or that he has been given the next date because the other party did not show up. It is this stark reality of my profession that I cannot take, or understand. And, that is the very reason that I shy away from litigation. I see the litigants, trying so hard to battle for their rights and nothing happening, and it it breaks my heart.
No, I do not hate my profession, I love law. It has been given to me as my birth right, but I can't go into the court and fight. I can draft, I can give opinions... and I can do everything sitting in the office, as long as I don't have to face the judge. Not because I am scared of him, but I am scared of me shouting at him telling him, that he should hurry up and give a decision and not just make the damn thing go on forever and then get kicked out of the court room for contempt.
I know, most of you will think that this is stupid, but then that is the way I am. I am trying to shy away from the very basis of the legal profession... and expect people to understand.
Like I said I am an OSTRICH
*When an ostrich sees danger, instead of running away she would bury her head inside the earth thinking that since she can't see trouble, trouble can't see it either.*
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I picked up this really cool idea from Banu's blog. But instead of doing a whole series of 7 days of positivity, I am going to twist it a little bit, and add one positive thing (More than one if the day is such) at the end of each blog post, so that everytime I navigate away from my blog page, even after I have written a sad post- I would go away thinking positive. I hope that you too navigate away thinking nice things whenever you go away from my page.
Positive of the Day:
I had this wonderful conversation with this guy today, who made me realise that there are nice people in this world. And today, he filled my lil world with a lil hope.


NEWS FLASH
*Mr. Shayon Pal, the co-contributor of this blog page and the love of my life, is moving back to the city i.e Delhi! And he is going to join Mint, its a sister concern of WSJ. The thoughts from the Horses' mouth are here. Please wish him luck in his newest career move. And my lovely readers who stay in this city, he needs a house to stay, so please please help us out finding us a decent place for him to stay. Thanks a ton*

I am Sorry!!

Here is a quick update:
Life is MAD!! Work is Madder.
I have been reading the posts, but not commenting, because, I am accessing the net through my phone. And it is a lil tiresome to read and post comments *tiresome on my eyes*
So, I have loads to write, and I will be commenting also on posts soon.

Don't get angry with me.
Love you all!!!

Love, Sex aur Dhoka

I have not yet had the chance to go see this movie. Anyone willing to take me out to watch a movie, this or any other are more than welcome. And, yeah so this post is not about the movie or the various controversies surrounding the movie.
It seems that our little blog-o-sphere is itself headed for quite a lot of heated discussion and opinions about, Love, sex aur Dhoka.
The string started at this post by Uncle J, which was later picked up by TBG, and since most of the comments on TBG's post turned steered the conversation around these three words, Shayon came up with something of his own, and then Uncle J came up with another post combining TBG's and Shayon's views and putting in his own thoughts into it. And, to add more heat to the fire, we have Suruchi giving us more insights and then Shayon with his questions...
And that leaves me so confused. I know, my dear reader, this is loads of hard work for you navigating soooo many links to try to make sense here. But trust me all of them are worth a read, they invoke such extreme reactions in your head that you can't even imagine.

Yeah, so, now that you all familiar with, the basis of all the Love, Sex aur Dhoka that we are discussing, I have a couple of things that just struck me as soon as I closed my eyes, and I woke up again to ponder over em, and then decided to make you a party to moi thoughts.

I have been crying hoarse saying that all I have seen are love marriages around me, and such that even after years and years of being married these couples a still so much in love that, I am normally embarrassed around them. But, then, I have also seen friends breaking up in the nascent stage of their relationships because of either partner falling in love all over again.
Here, lets just put the 'Love affairs' aside.
And think of Just marriage, and lets be demographic here, and only think in the Indian Society Scenario, where love marriages are still looked down upon.
I have a certain friend (oye, owe up to this statement) who says, 'Sakshi, this is India, here, one falls in love after marriage.'
This is true, most of the marriages are arranged by the elders of the families, and two completely unknown entities are put together to spend their entire lives together. Now, even if there is respect and understanding by the way of compromising and by the fact that they are in holy matrimony.
What is the guarantee of actually forming that emotional bond? Of falling in love. Of course, you do get habituated to that person, he being your life partner, you have sex, have children and  lead a normal life. But, how does that justify you being in love. And what happens, when you find that emotional connect with someone, say in office or that neighbour... then where do you go from there? You have a family, and responsibilities, and then, you start feeling suffocated in your marriage and then you end up living a life of compromise.. Or do you?
I know we can have a La KANK scenario here, but then again, KANK was completely based outta USA, how many of us know of 40 year olds with proper families walking out of their marriage because they have found someone with whom they can really connect.

I say that a relationship based on mutual trust, and understanding is great. But, I also believe, that love by way that special bond, where you know that he farts after dinner, or that she has a compulsive habit of digging her nose don't bother you, and you still sleep on the same bed minus the children between you. And that you can actually talk to each other, about your true feelings and not just about children, finances and parents. And, when the relationship is like this, you can't really go wrong.

Infidelity is a different ball game all together.
Even in relationships that are air tight, there are chances that one can go wrong. And we cannot really preach anyone or tell any one what to do in such a situation. I have always maintained my stance on a very simple fact, that, The best people to make a decision in a relationship about a relationship is no one but the two people involved in that relationship. It is completely their call. It is they who know what the other person went through, when he/she took that step, and what made him/her do that.

No one can really predict, where and how would you connect with another person. In the internet generation we have love stories coming out of twitter, my own was thanks to a social networking site.
Love is love.
It can happen to anyone, any where, and You can't control it. It controls you.

With a Lil Luck..

I hope that things work out for the best.
My family and I are in the ' Bad Luck' phase. Individually.

My life is any ways in such a mess with the admissions and the what not happening in my personal life. My SOP for the college admission is still stuck at one point. I can't seem to add anything at all to it. NOTHING. NILL. NADA.
The heat is not doing anything to help. It has already ruined my skin. All I can feel is rough skin on my face. My arms are ruined coz of the allergies and summer gets me itchy itchy scratchy scratchy all over. So, am mostly covered in red scratch marks in the heat.
Add to that double batch of dance classes, and tutions that I have started taking. And there is a certificate program in a subject of law that I have enrolled myself in has started. Oh, and then well, I had gone to get a draft made in the bank today and it it took like hours, and as I sit and type the post, the draft is not ready. I will have to go and collect it, IF the systems are up again.
Stupid banks, and stupid systems which they refuse to streamline.

I seem to have SO much on my pate, that instead of digesting it, I am going to puke everything. I am getting angry at people like there is nothing in this world that is right.
DAMN, I am a MESS.

And, my parents are having a hard time too. Their cars are a mess. My poor mom has already been stuck in the middle of the road twice in the span of two days once her car got punctured and the today, dad's car's radiator decided to go for a toss, when my mom was in the car on her way to meet her friend.

Oh and did I add, that, the fan in my room was not working for almost the whole week.. so I was sleeping in a fanless room.

And, well, the world has gone mad and crazy. That is it. BLAH LIFE.

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THE EARTH HOUR IS TOMORROW- LETS DO OUR BIT AND SWITCH OFF OUR LIGHTS BETWEEN 8.30 PM TO 9.30 PM.
DO YOUR BIT, SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT. 

Advice for free, any takers?

Oh, you are looking for a shop are you? Well, there are enough in everybody that you really don't need to go to your district shopping centers to look for the above sale.

I belong to a country where the person in front of you may not have a single penny to afford his next meal, but he will always have advice ready for you. Indians are a bunch of opinionated people. (Had I not been one myself, I would not have been writing this post or blog). And somewhere in between all the free advices we forget the concept of personal space and liberty.
It is still okay if it comes from friends, certain well wishers, relatives, parents.. but when it comes from complete strangers who do not value any feedback, you get THIS. (Please click to know the issue first hand).

Most talked about, or rather the most controversial bit of free advice that is thrown around is when people talk about sex in open.
The moment this three letter word is uttered even in gender sense, the eyes go rolling, tongues go wagging, and the eyebrows are raised. Obscenity in the form of lip pecks in Bollywood movies, and small small clothes of our actresses and the usual gali galoch, they all are against our morals.
And, anything in real life... well, ohkay wow... We have the entire moral police up in arms.

Here is the deal, we come from the land of Kamasutra, we are the people who had 'kothas' and a rich tradition of royalty that has always been polygamous in nature.
This is the part of our rich culture, something that foreigners are very fascinated by, and we are ashamed off. (Oh yeah, we totally believe in double standards)
Then there are people like THESE who would say that, Hindu Religion and Lust, and crap crap crap.
You know, I am surprised, at the amount of moral policing that happens in the name of Religion.
Poor God must also be thinking and wondering, in which factory did he make such moronic defected, demented minds.

The first lesson in being a good citizen of a country is to respect its heritage , culture and past. Because that is what makes the future. And, in the 21st century when, we are in the process of actually finding and knowing the exact moment when earth came into existence thanks to the scientific advancement, talking about sex, and making love, one of the most natural desires of being a man in open should not be a taboo. AT ALL.
Apart from the fact that what you talk about in your personal space is your own prerogative, today we are in different times.. and no amount of development, modern cars, english/american accents can help us move forward as people unless we change our mindsets, our perspective, and come out of the era of antenna televisions into the era of Digital Televisions.
Change in mind is something that can't be forced upon a person, but a person can only be expected to open his mind to everything that is around him... and ofcourse, there is knowledge. Knowledge can well open your eyes.
I am no one to lecture, but, I do feel bad, when people, young people make flaws in their judgement because of lack of knowledge and perspective.
Time to really grow up.

Belan in the Parliament...

So, the much celebrated, and the much controversial bill about the reservation of Women in the Parliament has passed.
As of Now.
The poor bill has gone back to its original state again. That is, more and more stormy weather, before it actually becomes a reality. But, as soon as the the bill was passes in the Rajya Sabha, reactions came in with such extremities that, I got really scared. I was not surprised when the reaction came from fellow bloggers also. After all blogging is the only community wherein you know that the other person is not being paid to write, especially on your personal blog.
So, back to the topic- Chanz did this post, which prompted me to write this post.
Chanz, what Mrs. Gandhi meant was, that, it is an opportunity that has been given to all women at large. Anyways, the one reaction that I have gathered is, that, the women feel that, now parliament will become more of a puppet show with the better halves directing the women in the parliament.
Another interesting thought that came in my mind was, that now, apart from kholapuri chappals, chairs etc, there will designer sandals and belan also flying all over the parliament house.
I know its not a good picture at all.
I am woman myself. And, I would be a cynic too, when it comes to reserving stuff for us. I mean, why, arent we equal in the society.
Yes, we are. But- (Yeah, there is always a BUT... ) we have been suppressed too long. There are women in this country, who are well educated, being married to rich men, who get beaten up every night by their husbands and they do nothing about it. They know everything but still choose to stay mum. That is because, they were always taught that they are the women.
I think, that this opportunity should be utilized by the women and they should actually break the shackles and he myth, that a woman cannot think or act independently. And we as voting women, of course can make sure that when ever the election happens, we vote for those women who have a brain where it is supposed to be, and a mouth that opens, when required.
I know, tough task. But, lets give them a chance, maybe, just maybe, instead of a belan, we have a disciplined session of the parliament...
Yeah, I know, we all are cynics when it comes to our Sarkar. But have faith in God, he has done his bit thus far, he will do it in the long run too.

I am the Woman

I am the womb that gives life to earth,
I am the heart that beats,
not only for me,
but for all , who are connected to me.

I am the one who bears the pain,
not only the one I have,
but also,
the one you have.

I start from being a daughter,
then go on to become,
a sister,
then the wife,
and then, The Mother, who,
brings about the light and the life...

Love comes naturally to all of us,
the unconditional part,
He gave only to us.

I have been beaten,
killed even,
murdered more like it,
even before I open my eyes to this world,
burnt for money...
raped for pleasure...

I am the Woman,
What is it that I expect from the world which I have made?
A little respect,
in return for all the love I have given you,
till date.
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Happy Women's Day to all the Women in this world. This little poem is my way to say, that Yes, I a woman, and I love you, for all that you are, but, all I ask from you, is a little respect in return. Its a shame that we have to fight for our rights and have a special to celebrate the woman in us. Especially in a country, where, Goddesses are worshiped. 

What is India?

I have been restraining myself from giving out any commentary on the recent hoo hoopla of SRK, Shiv Sainiks and Rahul Gandhi.
The reason is simple- I totally love SRK and Rahul, and I totally abhor Shiv Sainiks and the likes of em. I hate the fact that, they divide India into their own turf, like its not a country but a piece of bread. It hurts- Yes, it does. It hurts to see, that India, today is at such a position that every step that we take is gauged by the world, but instead of taking this opportunity to make our country strong, to really accelerate our market value, our politicians leave no stone unturned to embarrass India at the world level.
We have the Thackreys - and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and RSS, who will go to any length to make sure that normality of life is not an option with the common man.
I agree, that, to support Pakistani Players, and their cause by SRK, was a tad bit taking things to an extreme level, because, his team also did not take any players from Pakistan. But, this was a small issue that was supposed to finish off at a point- but no- it has to be stretched like a chewing gum... there is a mandatory destruction of property-    PUBLIC property. And, ofcourse, display of power politics.
Is this India?
If this is- Then who is responsible for it? No darling, its not the politicians, It is US. There is a very simple rule- that says- No one can exert power on you- unless you let them exert power over you.
That is where we lose points.
We the people... has simply become a phrase out of our constitution. Oh, no- We are always so ready and willing to take to the roads for all the wrong reasons.
How many times have we taken the road and have actually taken a stand for a real reason? How many times have we protested to the government against the increasing rape cases? Or, how about asking them to put sensible forward laws in place?
How many times have you done your bit to stand up against a wrong? And by wrong I do not mean, going ahead and damaging the public property, for discouraging Valentine's Day celebrations, or making a hue and cry over that fact that-
Jaya Bachchan prefers hindi over marathi...
There are villages who have no electricity, water, or sanitation... there are farmers who are suiciding and there is a education system that is age old... there is a judiciary who has a huge backlog, the public transport system is not perfect ANYWHERE in our country...
But- We are in India, it is so much more important to fan what SRK has to say, about Pakistan. It is very important, that the Fundamentalist parties do everything against the basic ideals of democracy and still get away... because the people instead of using their brains to think, just follow blindly. Blind faith on a  Politician is the sure shot way to getting a one way ticket to the no brain land.
I am not saying not follow your political religion, All I am trying to say is, that- Please start using your brains, start questioning the authorities on their mis use of power and position.
India- is US- You, me and the common man.
In the era of sensational journalism, we have forgotten the very reasons why India was enslaved for over 200 years- We all were divided, and therefore we were being ruled. Let us try to put behind the pettiness of being an Indian, and let us start cherishing the 'Golden' past, the heritage, that makes India, the unique country that it is!!
Please!!

Am I in the 21st Century?

Let me try and figure that out-

1. The date says that its 2010.
2. I have broadband connection at home.
3. I have a mobile phone and a Laptop.
4. Well, gay marriage has been given a sanction atleast by the Delhi High Court.
5. Oh, social networking has changed the definition of finding play mates in a play ground, now we have Farmville to play and plough with.
6. India, is being recognized in all spheres, be it movies, music, book- The world really cares for what India has to say.
7. Hmmmm, what else, oh yeah- Did I talk about the open economy and blah blah, or the western world coming here!!!
 But are these 7 points (you all are more than welcome to add more points) more than enough to say- That India is truly coming of age? Is internet, laptop, and cheap technology more than enough proof of a New Age India?? 


We are a nation of TRUE HIPPOCRATES. I think, I have never come across, anybody, as double faced as We The Indians... 
Yeah, you did not know that? That!! 
That we have Most of the Goddesses in EVERY religion who is a female, but, NONE of the male specie would consider that fact before staring at our breasts, trying to grope our ass in a highly stuffed public transport.
I am not going to go in the stats at all. There is no point. I just know, that- I am a Girl. And, I hate sitting the bus, when some one or the other, tries to close in on to me.
I just know, that, when our politicians make such statements,
“You can’t blame the locals; they have never seen such women. Foreign tourists must maintain a certain degree of modesty in their clothing. Walking on the beaches half-naked is bound to titillate the senses,” New Delhi’s Mail Today newspaper quoted Pamela Mascarhenas, Goa’s deputy director of tourism, as saying Friday.


EDITED TO ADD:
There was a time in India, that in the coastal regions, the women never covered their breasts up. They used to wear just a lungi, that is it. And this woman, says that Indian have not seen such kind of women.
EXCUSE ME: Women are women. They have boobs and a vagina. What are the various kinds though? Please Enlighten.




It hurts my heart. Because, bloody hell, IT IS NOT MY MISTAKE THAT I LIKE TO BE A LIBERATED YOUNG WOMAN, WHO LOVES TO WEAR CLOTHES THAT MAKE ME LOOK NICE. GET THE MEN TO CLOSE THEIR EYES!!! I AM HUMAN AND NOT A SEX OBJECT.
But no, no would stand up for me, when, I start shouting in the bus, that this man is trying to touch me. The scenario is so scary that, I fear, that I might get raped if I provoke the man. So, I just have to move away. (Yes, I am ashamed of myself).
I feel sorry for myself, and then angry at myself and then sorry for myself. Because, I happen to be  a law student, I cannot even raise my voice against the injustice that happens to me. 
The worst of course are the politicians, who, make statements like above, and they know, that there would only be a section of people who will react to it, and then the tide will blow over.
Then, there are people who are making all the effort, to make sure that, people are mobilized and that something can happen.  There are bloggers, who are spreading the word, why can't we also join the gang?
We forget that, We are a democracy. The politician CANT do anything that is against us. But, only if we stand united, and actually make them notice. We forgot THE basic lessons, from our freedom struggle. What Gandhi was able to do was to UNITE the people of India against the evil of the oppressive rule. We are being suppressed again. And, we do not realize it.


Its not only the issue, of women and little girls being raped. Its also, about, how unimportant issues take a bizzare shape, when being misled by a handful of mean politicians. Its about how you, me- The youth is being played at by their hands.
I do not need to remind anyone on the blogsphere, especially the young and in in love, that The Valentine's day is round the corner, and that we should all brace ourselves to more acts of mindless violence... because the politicos do not like our culture being 'westernized' ... the fuckers should first get their priorities right. Instead of working hard in making sure that the youth of the country has a progressive thinking, they make sure that- They push us to such a limit, that, we pack our bags and run away from the country. 
It is such a sad state of affairs, that at times I doubt, if the calendar is showing me that right dates.
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PS: Please do visit each of the link that has been provided in the post.
And, spread the word about- The Blank Noise Meeting on the 27th of February in New Delhi. 


And PEOPLE- React- Only our reaction together can spark a movement and make the government to take an action against such people who think that they cab get away with anything.
Thank you for the patient reading.

Unity in Diversity?

Disclaimer: These are the sole views of the author. And, in no way are they intended to hurt the feelings of anyone.

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Have you ever wondered as to why is it that we such a HUGE parade on 26th of January? And that be it cold, or foggy or whatever- Almost the entire country is wide awake when the 'Chabees Janwary' parade is aired. I think this is one of the very few days that Doordarshan, has TRPs!!!

The reason is simple- The entire world waits for this parade- Because this parade is the 'Show of Strength' to the other nations. It is an exercise of propaganda for country.. yeah we are very humble people, but it is ok to show off sometimes.

61st Year of being a Republic, was also marked by the auspicious release of the Newest, and the most talked about Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara... on Youtube, it has been posted as a reply to the Old Video of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.

And boy oh boy- Has it created some ripples on the blogosphere and on twitter. I must say, that, I thought that I would not give my opinion on this. But then, I saw both the videos, and I couldn't resist the temptation to give my opinion on the same. Actually, thanks to Mr. Bald Guy, I was directed to this post which prompted this post.

Ohkay, the views are going to be biased, for sure... after all I have grown up watching this video. What the heck- I was 7 years old when DD2 was launched... and I had to actually eat extra food to see some decent Television.

So, here goes-

The moment that video comes on air- You feel a sense of tranquility, as sense of being the Indian that you are. The old video, shows the Unity in diversity. It shows it when MithunDa, Jitendra and Amitab Bachchan stand together and sing... the new video unfortunately is simply a show of strength. It just shows, frame after frame- nothing but the actors.... Individually... The poster boys.

Has India, got nothing more to offer than Indian Actors?

The new video opens with A.R. Rehman, and ofcourse we applaud at his achievements and are proud of him, but trust me, not having The Nightingale of the Music industry in the video makes it for a sad watch. Ms. Padokune should've had more sense to wear.... I dunno, lets not comment on the clothes... we should just be talking about the spirit.. which is also missing in the new video. The New video, does not inspire- It just makes me sigh, and feel, 'Yeah India has progressed... but...

The most important aspects of the old video were- That it was the video of the common, the common man... the new video missed that- It totally has nothing to do with the common man- the one which has risen.

The future the children, which made up the flag in the end of the old video... well, the only one I saw in the new one were dancing with the stars.

The thing that irked me most was-

That the video looked a like total propaganda to impress the MNS. Look closely at the video- There is no Delhi Metro, or any mention of the commonwealth or the T20 world cup that we won. You can see the Taj, the Bandra-Worli sea link, and mostly that entire stretch of Mumbai.

The essence of India, missing in the new video. And that is what I think.

If India is nothing but bollywood, and stamp from the Oscars- Then, well, can I say that, I want to be a part of the broader and the new India? The India- That truly is... United, despite the Diversity.