Pictures often express more than words themselves.. Here are a few pictures of events that made this year so memorable.. Enjoy the pictures, for it will take you back to those nostalgic moments and make you re-live the year through them.. The last day of the year, what better day to think about the year that was.....
First team to win the World Cup at home..!
Man who led India's First War against Corruption
Hurricane Irene, which swept through West Virginia in the US..
The Egyptian Revolution at the Tahrir Square
Fall of the Last Arab dictator
Keenan Santos & Reuben Fernandes, the two brave hearts who lost their lives fighting against eve teasing.
The Face of Terror, finally saw his end..
The Final Frontier Tour of the Legendary Metallica
3 faces, hardly anyone will forget... The Harry Potter movies finally ended with the final movie this year..
the fatal Nuclear Reactor Leakage at Fukushima-japan
The song that went Viral all around the World
2011, was no exception for Terror's favorite Destination... 3 bombs that rocked South Mumbai this year..
Dr.Conrad Murray, MJ's doctor sentenced for 4 years in prison for MJ's Death
The continued Stock market crashes and falling of the ruppee..
Sharad Pawar, slapped hard by a common man..
The news that got the entire world to tears.. Legendary Steve Jobs Passed away..!
Wow! What a year it has been...! Time really flies... doesn't it?! I mean I still clearly remember what I did last new year's eve and within a blink of an eye, a whole year has passed...! I mean gimme a break, man! Are times really going so fast or am I the only one feeling this way? As we'are just a day away from welcoming a new year, let's just take a pause and rewind to the year that was....I mean it sure was eventful... I'm going to list down a few highlights of the year, which have affected the lives of millions across the globe....
First and foremost, is the death of Osama Bin Laden.. The famed and much celebrated leader of the Al-Qaida was finally hunted down by American troops... His death restored peace and justice to people all over the world, yes it is cruel to celebrate someone's death, but at the end of the day, What goes around, Comes back around, right!?
2011 was a special year for some of the African countries like Egypt, Libya, etc who saw the end of decades of dictatorship... It saw the fall of many powerful leaders and rise of the 'Common Man'. This year has been a landmark year for, it saw the independence and evolution of people, from being ruled to become the rulers of democracy!
This year saw one of the biggest anti-corruption movements of the world, witnessed in India, led by a Gandhian called Anna Hazare... The world is left awestruck when the largest democracy in the world carries dour such a big movement against its politicians and it's political system..! It was indeed a year to be ear-marked as the year, when the first war against corruption was fought...!
In the sporting world, one of the big things was Formula One racing making its pit stop in India... The innaugral Indian GP at the world class Buddh International Circuit, was a massive success and it showed the world, that India is ready for the big stage...! Truly, it was an emotional or rather proud moment for all Indians around the world...
India was on the place to be this year, with international Music greats having gigs around the country... The Legendary rock band Metallica, paid a final frontier visit to India, and drove the country mad with their ever green hits... Apart from Metallica, Prodigy, Karnivool, Lady gaga, Pitbull and many other international stars made the country dance to their tunes in 2011..!
An obvious highlight that most of us would have noticed is the death of many celebrated people around the world... 2011 claimed the lives of one too many.. I dont know, but it was something very mysterious, that legends were falling one after another... It was a year that saw immortals like Joe Frazier, Steve Jobs, Jagjit Singh, Amy Winehouse, Shammi Kapoor , Elizabeth Taylor, Dev Anand and many more, bound to the chains of mortality...
On the contrary, 2011 also saw many celebrities becoming proud parents, the most anticipated and talked about baby being 'Beti B'.. I wish all the lucky parents congratulations and hope their babies grow hail and hearty and someday make them proud..! It almost seemed as if the legends gave way to see the birth of these lovely little ones..!
On a personal front, the year was quite disapponiting for me.. It has been a year of heart breaks... Firstly, I couldnt accomplish my goal, I had worked so hard for.. I had given my all into something so important for me academically and professionally, but in the end i was left wanting for a little more.. Some call it fate, some call it Karma, I say, maybe a little more efforts from my side...! And secondly, a beautiful 2-year relation with a special girl came to an abrupt end, leaving me with scars that are still healing... Heart aches which are still paining and Memories which refuse to fade...
Well, what this year has taught is that, anything can happen anytime... you never know what is gonna happen tomorrow.. One fine day everything seems all right, and then all hell breaks loose within a matter of days.. that has been the story of 2011.. So don't postpone anything for tomorrow, you have to do it, the time is now... Life is not about the number of breaths you take, it is about the moments that take your breathe away.... So let yourself go.. life, death, happiness, sadness, worries sorrows, joy, grief, defeat are all part of life.... Life is not fair, but still it is beautiful..
I wish everyone a Happy New Year, hope this new year brings in new joy and happiness to your lives.. Learn from the past, and make the present a happy jouney.... After all, one life, why give others a chance to rule it....!!
Anna Hazare-The young man who rocked the nation earlier this year, demanding a Jan Lokpal Bill, in a bid to clean the 'gutter' at the highest level is back again.. 74 year old Anna, had gone on an indefinite fast, to demand a Lokpal bill, which brings all government officials including the prime minister under one umbrella, and which would enable any civilian to question the actions of the officials at the highest authority in the government.. Lokpal Bill, is an optimistic first step to end corruption in the country!
The inefficient Government panicked at Anna's 'satyagraha' which became viral throughout the nation and which was gaining increased international media coverage.. Even as the nation united in demand of a transparent system, all the government cared was to somehow suppress the issue and stop Anna. Hence, to end Anna's protest, the government made false promises to pass a strong Lokpal in the next session of the parliament..
Well, Little did the lousy government know that, Anna isn't going anywhere.. Anna's mantra seems to be 'Stop me if you can!' Anna hazare is back at doing what he is best at.. making the government run for their lives.. The Lokpal Bill should have been passed till now, and obviously, it hasn't been yet..! (when have we ever kept our promises)
Anna Hazare who stoked public anger at India's scandal-prone leaders earlier this year, threatened to renew protests on what he sees at watering down of the Lokpal bill, a move that could blight the government's New year election drive..! The Gandhian said that he will gather greater support to picket the homes of party leaders like Sonia and Rahul Gandhi and he aims to get arrested to highlight demands for a powerful, graft-fighting ombudsman, the Lokpal..
The government is losing its respect and credibility in the eyes of its people.. A strong Lokpal should be tabled as soon as possible.. Most of us today have not seen Gandhiji, but i guess, Anna Hazare is our Gandhiji of today.. His non-violent antics has rocked the government, and he is fast becoming a nation's chant..
Connectivity! that is the first word that comes to my mind when i think about internet. Internet is a global system, which interconnects and unites the world to make it into one global village.. I guess, our Indian politicians have to be reminded about the use of internet and how actually it works... A Right to use the internet is as important a right to an individual as anything else.. The importance of uncensored internet is recognized by the UN and has duly recognized it as a basic Human right..
Recently, a senior minister in the government( name withheld to protect identity) had made a public statement to restrict internet usage and to screen the content posted by public in social networking sites like facebook and twitter. He went on to say that, most of the content published by the people, causes unwanted rumor and panic among the people, and hence, the content should be edited or screened.. I mean, what level rubbish is this?? Does the freedom of expression have no meaning to him?? Is he talking about, imposing government control over the media?? or, is he hiding some big skeletons in his closet?? kyu minister saab, Why fear about a rumor when you have nothing to hide?!!
Socializing on facebook and twitter, helps you keep in touch with your friends, be updated in the happenings of your loved ones and the world at large... For a lot of people, these popular sites are newspapers with a variety of news and updates... Cmon, you cant even think of censoring such stuff... I mean most of the content is a highly personal opinion of the individual.. People arn't stupid to follow any stupid status update or a tweet, so i don't think there should be even a discussion of screening the content, for if it has some concrete stuff, it is sure to go viral, i don't think a million people can be tricked by any false alarm or intended panic as our minister here thinks.. C'mon sir, what do you think the audience is..?!
Our minister's statement may just manage to qualify to be the most nonsensical statement by a statesman in the modern era.. Where the intent is right in the minister's thought, the idea is stupid, i mean, you are removing the idea of a freedom of thought, freedom to speak and express what you feel like, and freedom is everyone's birthright, yea, following one's expression is a choice, but you can't disallow anyone from expressing their thoughts... Right to Internet and Socialize in a basic Human right, and everyone is entitled to it..
Billions of people have died, Billions, are struggling with it, Billions fighting it, and Billions born with it...
Today, the 1st of December each year, the world remembers them all...
Today, We mourn for those fighters who died after fighting a stiff battle,
Today, We pity those, foolish people, who threw away their lives to chase the two minutes of erotic pleasure,
Today, We feel sorry for those, who were victims of used needles,
Today, We cry for the cursed few, who were born to a life, awaiting death..
Today, we look back, and think,
What if, Condom was not perceived to a socially undesirable word
What if, people were faithful to their partners,
What if, we had good medical aid for everyone,
What if, poverty never existed
What if, everyone is alert and aware
What if, people for once act like 'Human Beings' with a Heart
Probably, then, AIDS would not have been the Worst catastrophe of the Medical world..
Among those suffering from AIDS, a large number of them are women, who go on to pass it to their babies during delivery due to lack of awareness... And thus the chain is in a never ending loop, where a husband or a partner gives to the wife, who eventually passes it to their babies, hence, this virus is unstoppable if people aren't educated to take the necessary precautions...
One really wonders, as to why the hell aren't people aware of this virus, when there is extensive measures taken for its awareness and education? the answer to this may be, because, of lack of interest or fear of knowing.... about this medical condition and the dramatic effect it may have on their present lives... Yet, isolated voices have much to ask, but often these loud-less cries of help gets lost in the noise of the surrounding...
Our society is a coward lot... and it is by our very nature of the way we are brought up, makes us scared and weary of small things, and adding to this, the dreadful tag to the HIV virus, our society, more often than not, isolates people suffering from this virus.. They don't understand that it is not by choice, but my fate that are suffering this.. A normal person can be with the HIV infected person, work with them, hug them, kiss them, eat/ drink with them WITHOUT getting infected yourself.. HIV is transferred only through the medium of blood.. So, guys, don't hate, but Appreciate... Fight the Virus, Not the People with the Virus...
Homelessness, Increased violence, Unemployment, Poverty, Lack of good Medical treatment for all, are the OUR problems, and together WE can make a difference.....in the lives of numerous fathers, mothers, babies, friends, brothers, sisters, Together, We can Fight this! Together we can Win this, Together we can live! Today it is them, Tomorrow it can be you, or me! Spread awareness, educate, evolve, sooner or later, we will be telling tales to our grandchildren about how we fought a war, to have a safe world for them.. Wake up! An uncountable number of people have died, people are dying even as you are reading this,
check out this documentary on AIDS Awareness, which tells you the stories of the forbidden ones, maybe then you will understand the real picture....
Love Chemistry by Shubham Arora is a short & sweet book.. The plot is set in a high school atmosphere where the story revolves around the lives of young 17 somethings, Advaita Rahul Manu, Parv and their respective girl friends..In a typical school scene, the young boys are rebellious for studies, and like all boys at their age, love is in their heads too... So the story goes, that these guys meet at school, and turn out to become the best of friends, and what follows is an exiting and enthralling 150 pages of the love chemistry and its associated reactions ofcourse...! It is a pleasant read, takes you back to the time you were 17 and in love...
However, the negative aspect of the book is, the story is very predictable, and the English is ordinary.. Accepted that it is the first book of the author, but, somewhere, the words lacked the punch in it.. The Author has a long way to go, and i sure hope, he comes up with something more exiting in the future... Overall, My Review.. Love Chemistry- Average... but go for it.. for some nostalgic moments awaits you... you can order the book from http://www.flipkart.com/books/8183520898
I won this book in the 'Author in Talks initiative of Cupid Speaks- An Online Youth Magazine... Cupid Speaks is an online youth Magazine, acts as a platform for the youth to showcase their talent in appreciating and recognizing their work... The Author in talks initiative of Cupid Speaks is one of its kind way of promoting the work of upcoming authors.. The Author is interviewed by Cupid, and then, there is a contest organised by Cupid for its 'cupiders' and a hand picked few get a chance to win a copy of the book.... I think Cupid Speaks is setting benchmarks in its activities, which is creating waves in the industry..I wish them the best of luck, may they grow to become something phenomenal...
breathe for a moment for all dats left never know what the future might just bring in this world full of murder, rape and theft we try to believe but we are left falling
sons are lost and children are dead for the good of the country all dats said but it wont be forgotten and wont be forgiven for in the name of war mothers lost their children
lonely nights left cold and weak hardly enough breath left to speak not a morsel for days and hes in the streets life for this kid is indeed very bleak
we pray to god everytime we desire sumthn we need what about those kids who cant find enough food to eat tonight i'll pray for those who know what has been tonight i'll pray for a change in the world we live in..
I think, these days, people are too concerned and worried about their inner circle, that more often than not, they get confined to their self set limits. So that is where their thinking also ends, and their inner circle is all they care about and live for. Their life is all about, me and the things that affect me..
Its funny how, 2000 rupees looks inexpensive while buying a new pair of shoes, and 2 rupees is so valuable when it comes to giving to a beggar Its funny how, people cry at the pain of their friends and family, and barely a look of sympathy to people whom they don't care about Its funny how, food is wasted in your households, where half the world is dying of starvation Its funny how, people bargain to save 50rupees to eat n drink junk, to eventually spend 5000 on medicines to bail them out of their health issues. Its funny how, apparently 'old fashioned' clothes are thrown away in the dustbin or used as cleaning cloths, where children in the street have none to cover their body.
I want to live in a world where people are dancing and playing in the rain in unity, without any class, cultural, racial or social divide. I want to live in a world where people take the world as their home, and not just their apartment I want to live in a world, where, there is equality, brotherhood & friendship I want to live in a world, where there is no religion, no boundaries, no country I want to live in a world. where there is love I want to live in a world, where there is no God I want to live in a world, where people see the 'God" within each other, and respect and fear that, and not any external source of power I want to live in a world where people are happy!
I want to live in a world, where people are living as human beings and not some blood hungry hounds chasing money, power, post or whatever. I just want to live in a happy & content world. It maybe a just a dream, but this is what i wish for, and i will do my best to do my bit to change the world i live in at the moment. And i am not the only one, who is taking an oath like this, check out the following video, to see the effort of this insirational man, who wants to create a change in the society. And to him, I salute..! Sir, you are truly an inspiration and a big motivation.
So, i urge my readers, please look beyond your lives.. Expand your circle, Think big.. Don't categorize people are friends and 'others'.. Feel for everyone.. Wake up to social issues.. Don't just talk about the change you want to see, rather as Gandhiji said, Be the change you want to see.. And even the smallest of effort can take flight to provide a big impact..
A day when two guys or should i say two HEROES Keenan Santos & Reuben Fernandez stood up to protect their friends..They stood up against something they cant tolerate. They stood up for what is right... and what did they get for it? DEATH..! They were stabbed to death in cold blood!
Is this what happens to people who stand up for something good? What kind of a democracy are we living in?
Its been more than a week & no action has been taken against them! Police started taking this case seriously only after the youth of the nation has ignited.
Why does it always happen that the police & the government start the work only when they're pushed by the 'aam janta'? Why don't they start investigating as soon as the crime takes place? There are so many questions unanswered.
Women are still not respected in this male dominated country. Any random guy walks up to a girl & pass lewd comments. These men just think that women are weak & always target them. Keenan and Rueben were the MEN who couldn't tolerate such non sense..
Are you supporting the 'No Tolerance' campaign? http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/zero-tolerance-campaign.html Or Are you simply staying back only because it didn't happen to you? Life is unpredictable. You never know what's coming your way. Keenan always said, "ladne ke liye jaan ki nahi, Jigarr ki zarrorat hoti hai.."
Let us find that jigarr in us that our friend Keenan always talked about..Let us stand united and fight for Keenan & Reuben. Let us stand united and fight for justice. Just like all of us showed solidarity in the Jessica Lal Murder case, we need to do something similar to get these ruthless hooligans behind bars for the rest of their lives... Cmon guys, lets show the country, what miracles young blood can achieve..! i for one, solemnly swear, I WILL FIGHT FOR THE JUSTICE TILL THE END.. have you taken the oath yet?? Join the ZERO TOLERANCE campaign, and be a part a voice in this nation's scream for justice!
Keenan santos, and Reuben Fernandez, u have lit a spark and we will turn this spark into a rage fire, which will burn the legal system down to ensure that you rest in peace..!
METALLICA -The God of every metal head in the world, finally decided to set foot in India.. It was the most awaited event of the year and expected to be a maddening experience for the 25000+ crowd gathered at the Leisure Valley in Gurgaon. But what a rude anti-climax it turned out to be for the huge mob at the venue, as Metallica failed to perform..
They celebrated Heavy metal band from America's maiden concert in India failed to kick off, triggering chaos and anger among thousands of eager fans waiting to catch a glimpse of their Gods.. When the fans were announced of some technical glitch in the sound system at the venue, instead of holding on to the rising adrenaline, they showed the power of their pumping energy and 'enthusiasm' all over the place, leading to extreme chaos and stampede. The crowd breaking the front barricade near the stage, and doing what no Indian is alien to.. Vandalism.. Disappointed fans climbing on the stage, smashing speakers and sound system, tearing down and burning posters, etc were a rather grave picture! Guess this is the exact dirty secret of our country, we would have prayed to hide in front of such international legends..! Dilli walo, kahan gaya aapka bada dil??
We did or rather i did lose pride, after today's shocker..To showcase this side of our country to an international media, is a shame..! This shouldn't affect other artists to coming to our country.. It is a big disappointment and a shame.. is there so much unrest and intolerance in the youth of our country??
Or Is Dehli too inspired by it parliament where similar antics are seen from time to time..? C'mon guys, are we still such an immature audience?? Are we not ready yet?? Seeing such extreme scenes, i hope Metallica doesn't cancel Bengaluru atleast.. Go for it Banglorians... Show the Dilli wale some manners!!
Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi, more commonly known as Muammar Gaddafi was killed in his hometown Sirte yesterday. Many of us may not think this to be a very big thing.. So what if this man died? So many people die everyday, why does this man's death a breaking news? For those of you, who think like this, just close your eyes for a minute and imagine the lives of people whom he has ruled for 42 long years... We all may be well versed by the phrase, "One life, why give others a chance to rule it..." well, the innocent people of Libya, had no other choice.. Gaddafi's death is the dawn every Libyan wanted to wake up to... And that finally happened.. The Last Arab Dictator finally fell...
Gaddafi's lust for weapons of mass destructions was known to the world and he kept gathering and improving his 'toys' from time to time.. However, he could not avoid the sand storm of revolution that swept through the Arab world. This sand storm saw the end of many dictators and their seemingly endless rule.. He should have know then itself that, his time has come! The merciless man that he was, opted for war and used deadly force against his own people who were revolting against him.. This forced foreign countries like the US and France to aid the rebels and plot the downfall of the Arab leader.. Gaddafi never showed mercy in his life, nor did he get any in his death.. He was dragged out of a drain and killed by the very Libyans he once scorned as 'rats'.
His rediness to take on western powers and Israel, through words and actions earned him a certain respect among some in other Arab states. For most of his 42 year rule, he held a prominent position in the World's gallery of international rouges, while at home, he maintained a vacuum tight control by micro managing every aspect by abolishing the constitution, eliminating dissidents and refusing to name a successor.
He took over Libya in a bloodless military coup in 1969, and ruled it ever since with an iron fist.. 20-10-2011 is Libya's new Independence day.. War is finally over. Now it is time to swap bullets for ballots.. Jockeying for power among Libya's well -armed and fractious new leadership after the death of the deceased autocrat Muammar Gaddafi, an anxious, and for many,joyous moments in a country hungry for stability and impatience to swap the bullet for the ballot box..
For almost a year of battle to overthrow dictatorship, and over 4 decades of a life lived without dignity, this country can finally heave a sigh of relief.. As the night of celebrations has passed, there is a screaming silence in the country, a silent cry for help from the world to repair, renovate and rebuild... And India, being one of the first to offer aid and assistance.. Not only India, but the World at large will definitely help this desert land to get back to its feet and ensure that the sun is out and shinning bright to mark the end of dark days for the Libyans and their homeland.. May God bless Libya....
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when u hear 'Apple'?? If Steve Jobs or any of his product came to your head first, well then you aren't any different than are a billion+ crowd, who would have thought the same thing...!
A dreamer, a thinker and a remarkable innovator, the more you think of him, all the adjectives wouldn't be enough, Such was the life and times of Steven Paul Jobs! He was such a fine person, even his foes and fellow competitors mourned along with friends and family.. Actually, the entire world at large mourned that day! It was indeed a BIG loss to the technological world.. I wouldn't be surprised if death anniversary would be remembered as 'World Technology day' or 'World innovation day' or something like that..
When he launched the first Apple Macintosh, he was in his Twenties! Hardly did anyone imagine at that time, Apple would spread like a virus among the people.. A man of few words, Jobs, gave a new meaning to the word Imagination.. With every product, he expanded the thinking and imagination of the common man! He challenged and mocked us by asking how far could we imagine, and the next product would be something more than we imagined.. That extra ordinary he was.. Just like, Issac Newton discovered the concept of gravity with the apple falling on his head, Steve Jobs, Changed the world, by his brand 'Apple'.. Clearly he can called the 'Newton of Apple'
Everyone would have heard his farewell speech at Stanford, I have added the video here for the 1% who haven't.. This speech has changed the lives of millions across the world, and continuing to do so.. It gives me goosebumps, when i hear it... and believe me, i have seen this video a LOT of times...He gives us the biggest lessons of life, and inspire us to follow our heart, which is what is lacking in today's world..
A college drop out by choice, a choice he had made as a young teenager to follow his heart, to go against the flow, and travel the path, less travelled. Today, all we see teenagers follow their heart is for their boyfriends/girlfriends! What a pity! True that most people say, Another Steve Jobs has to be born to take his place!
Words fall short at times, when you want to talk about the people who inspire you... Hundred talks to one, The world has just lost one of the best and one of the most inspirational persons to have ever lived. And I am truly and greatly honoured to have shared space with him and when I am old, I can tell my grand kids some day that, I lived in the period of the Great, Steve Jobs! May you find peace wherever you are, for you are immortal in our hearts....!
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when i say ghosts or spirits?? Most of us would think of some scary face, or a horror movie or something... Its not quite the same in Vietnam u won't..This month's issue of the Economist had an article on Vietnam.. I didn't pay much heed to it, thinking it just another random article.. just when i was about to flip the page, a line caught my eye... "Visa for the dead".. I didn't understand it initially, but later when i did, i flipped... i want you all to know this rather bizarre thing happening in Vietnam..
The Science and Technology Union of IT application office is a four storey building, which is by far the most busiest "embassies" in Vietnam.. But unlike normal people, the visitors, to this consulate are however all DEAD.. The office gives Visas to Dead people, to come here and talk to their relatives... Each day, this organisation helps about 100 people to find the bodies of relatives died in Vietnam's bloddy 20th century wars...
Most Vietnamese believe, it is vital to give a proper burial to the dead ancestors to ensure they become a guardian angel rather than a tormenting ghosts to the descendants.. Nearly, four decades after North Vietnam, defeated the American backed south, the bodies of the fallen Vietnamese soldiers are still missing..causing anguish and (many say) bad luck to the family..
Growing prosperity in this country, is fuelling demands for the services of spirit mediums and telepaths claiming to be able to locate the body of the fallen... Centres purporting to use spiritual powers to find remains have sprung up, some charging hefty fees..
Such activities are forbidden by core communists sating it to be " Backward superstitions", however, growing inequality, and social stratification in the country, are prompting those at the bottom of the heap to adopt to these traditional beliefs, and turn to the spiritual world fr solace..
As it is the case everywhere, there is always a fake for every original... in this case too, a sting operation by leading tabloids found a majority of fake spiritual rackets, there are only about 20 real spirit mediums in Vietnam, and hundreds of fake ones..! they locate about 5000-10,000 bodies every year free of cost..
The government has however asked the families to go for DNA testing to determine the origins of the remains they find... It has also launched a website "Honouring Martyrs" which lets users exchange information about possible location of fallen family members.(a rare example of govt endorsed crowd-sourcing in a state which often blocks social networking sites like Facebook)
Guardian Spirit or tormentor?
However, other than this, most people still are looking for spiritual help to locate the bodies of their families... Truly amazing, how in today's world of science and facts, people still hope and believe in spirits helping them in an hour of need.... Left me awe struck.......
This article is written by the same girl who appears in my previous articles "The Last Night" & "Trust... Really???".. Today being Daughter's day, she writes a letter to her dad, with a hope that he reads it wherever he is right now.. If you have read, "The Last Night", you will understand the emotion behind this small and sweet letter by this girl to her dad! If u haven't read "The Last Night", please do, before you read this.....
Dear Dad,
Its Daughters' Day today. That's why I thought of writing a letter to you.
Its been a year & things have changed a lot. I'm using devices that distract me from studying, sometimes. (Blame mom for that :p) But I'm studying & changed my college too. The same college where you wanted me to go since the 11th grade. The college is okay, but I'm usually with my BCom friends. They're mad fun to be with. If you go to see, then I'm just surviving on luck in that college. (I'll give you the details some other time ;))
I've many wishes that I want you to fulfill.
1. Ask mom not to force me to eat.
2. Tell her that I'm responsible now!
3. Explain her our rule of 'Sleep & Let Sleep' on holidays, she makes me work! :(
4. Ask her to give me extra money for shopping! :p
5. And come back wherever you're! We need you.
6. If you're not coming, then don't ever let mumma fall. Although you know she's strong. :)
7. But no, I'm more adamant. So you've to come back.
RESPECT!! that is the first thing that comes to my head, when i hear the the name Mansoor Ali Khan 'Tiger' Pataudi.. One of India's finest captains, an enduring and yet so charming individual, passed away yesterday at Shri Ganga Ram hospital in New Delhi yesterday.. A sad day for the country, since, cricket is a religion, and Tiger was one of its God..!
At 21, MAK Pataudi was the youngest person to captain India, and under his unique leadership, India won its first series away from home..Out of the 46 tests he played overall, he captained India in 40.. Indian spin bowling became a strong weapon under his leadership.. The likes of Bishan Singh Bedi, S. Venkatragavan, were first introduced by Tiger.. The Indian team of that time, would be happy to salvage a draw, and would wish for the 5 days to pass..But with Tiger it was different. He taught the team to play for a win.. His charismatic approach rubbed off on the team, and that was the beginning of what would be a revolution in the coming times..
Nawab's carrier hit an early road block in the tour of West Indies.. A lethal West Indian pace battery launched a series of bouncers targeting his body. One such bouncer, hit him in the face and he lost complete vision in one eye.. Who would have known, at that time, a man with one eye would mark his comeback and rock the world and with such elegance and grace... He once said, after his return.. " I have only lost an eye, not my vision..." My god, i got goosebumps when i heard this.... He did something, that even God would be proud of.. What a great man, what an enchanting personality. what an ambassador of sport, and a what a great human being....
Even though, i haven't seen him play, or ever met him personally. i am just happy to have shared space in the world with him, in his era.. His story, is such an inspiration to the youth like myself.. A man, born in a royal family, a Nawab himself, gave up his family business, and followed his heart to his passion... And this burning ambition, made him one above the rest, and took him to heights, few people have seen.. having lost an eye, he still dint give up.. Guess, that is how he got the nick name 'Tiger'. A never say die attitude, and an endearing personality, made him retain his aura even after retirement..
His dashing looks and his aristocratic leneage, gave him a heartthrob status... His then love interest and eventually his wife, Sharmila Tagore, was the inception of 'Cricket weds Bollywood".. The much celebrated love gave birth to three children, Saif, Soha and Saba... And MAK's fans still believe, he is a bigger and brighter star than son Saif...
His sad demise came as a shocker, since he was seen in the recently concluded India England series, where he looked hail and hearty.. My condolences to the family, for he was indeed the Romance of Indian Cricket...... Nawab saab, you will be missed......... May you find peace....
This article is coming up after a while. Sorry, had been tied down, due to busy schedules..
I have been travelling a lot these days, it was interesting to observe different people, their lifestyles, the way they talk and behave.. The recently concluded Ganesh utsav had restored a sense of faith and a dream of a ray of hope for better times... At least that is what most would have prayed for to their favorite God. But i guess, Inflation was too much for our Bappa to take care of.. Inflation rose, so did the fuel prices.. Probably, the Government is playing a game of its own!
The other day, i saw this kid, begging on the street, while a rich kid in a BMW, watching him and having a hearty laugh. It was such a pitiful sight. A clear show of the rich-poor divide. The so called great heritage of this country couldn't solve this age old problem. Two kids of the same age, one begging to salvage a meal, and the other, spoilt for choices over the variety of food.. That sight Almost brought tears to my eyes..!
This song by Simple Plan comes to my head, which says about, how people are going crazy and how, the lifestyles of people are changing. The lyrics of the song are so damm true and this is how the world is changing and falling to pieces. Traditional value system doesn't hold good anymore. People are too busy starring into their iPad and blackberry to spend time with their children. It looks like, all they care about is money.
The pace with which the world is degrading, i guess, we all are falling in a big dark pit. And the fun part is, we are actually enjoying the ride...
This one is very personal to me... Recently, my girlfriend of 2 years broke up with me.. V had a relation, which people to idealize.. A dream relation of 25months and 10 days, came to an abrupt ending, when she dumped me sighting various absurd reasons.. Well, i guess, if this beautiful relation had to end, this was how it could... I miss her at times, but i guess, life has to move on... This is a small poem about my break up..!
i wanted to write the entire story, but i don't want people to hate her by knowing every event of the break up...
He met a girl, thought she was different,
She loved him, he did too, Everything was grand for a year and two,
Then it all, came unglued..
Things getting blurry
The picture was turned
She started acting absurd
And everything got weird
He asked her about this
But she couldn't explain And hence she asked Not to complain..!
So he took it all inside
Coz he'd do anything
To keep it alive
He didn't want it to die
He tried, tried & tired,
but in the end
He just gave in, and cried
He was all alone
Waiting for her again,She wanted to talk,And he wanted to too,
She called him, to their favorite place, Asked him not to be late, He reached there earlier, jus to curse his fate, He stood there for an hour, hoping she'd come, but, she was just sleeping, and that was not done..!
If only she could hear those 3 words
Even if it was outta the blue
If only he could tell her
I LOVE YOU!
Now, Things are not how they used to be, He played his part, and she played her game, They don't talk, not do they meet, That's his story, as you see, He Learned his lesson, and so did she, Now its over, and he's glad, cause he's a fool for all he's said...
Religion? well, when people hear this word, the first thing that flashes in their head is GOD.. Religion, after all, is a man made set of rules to be followed if u worship a particular person, or a divine figure, some call them God, some prophets, some they just call him a savior... So, GOD? who is he after all?? where is he??
I am born and brought up in a Tamil Bhramin family. By nature my parents are very religious, very spiritual, and very methodical and precise while doing their daily poojas to the periodical havans (a ritual using fire) and donations to temples and places of god's worship.. Naturally, they have inculcated this virtue in me as well.. And being an obedient boy, i have always accepted what ever they want me to learn n practice. So this childhood habit has become a value for life for me.
But, i always thought to myself, what the world would have been, if the boundaries of religion not existed.. Countless people have died and millions are still fighting over this limitless boundary called Religion and God.. When all that religion says is Love one and all.. Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Allah, all came to this land, and all of them got the message of love..Yet, fanatics spread terror in the name of God.
Sometimes i wonder, how many lives would have been saved and how many could have lived another day, had God not Existed at all....?!!! i also think, is God blind to all the misery in the world.. 25000 people dying of hunger EVERYDAY in the world..! what is God doing??? the so called 'cursed' land of japan, Tsunamis and earthquakes have claimed billions and billions of lives there.. The nuclear bombing on Hiroshima Nagasaki, killed not only a million people, but also deformed their future generations. In India, more than half the population is below the poverty line. People are so poor, they have to eat their own feces for a meal..how pitiful is that Innumerable suicides, babies, infants, being killed, women being raped, child killing his mother, mother murdering her daughter, countless divorces.. Now tell me, WHERE IS GOD??????????????????
Every morning the headline of a tabloid is corruption, arrest, rape,death,loss in business etc... i don't even remember, when was the last time i read something happy or that brought a smile to my face in morning headline. corrupt government officials who loot the general public, the gangsters and burglars who roam the streets, the bureaucrats and politicians who cheat people to accumulate their personal assets, the terrorists causing mayhem are all living life king size...!is this your GOD?????????
Give all that u can, to the biggest scoundrels, let them live their lives so royally and on the other hand, give nothing but more and more pain and suffering to the poor and modest class.... Even if these rascals are brought to justice some time in the future, they have already lived their lives so happily, any punishment would look small for them, on the contrary, the other class of people, they would be praying to never take birth in this planet with such a cruel God..
I being so religious from childhood, and a strong believer in god, needed his help or rather his grace in a defining moment in my life... And guess what, God was apparently absent that day... The land beneath my feet slipped...i was in a state of complete shock... in my conversation with God, i told him,"i gave u all that i had, believed in you, worshiped you,never lost faith in you, then why didn't you help me??" i never got an answer from him..! And since that day,i have been losing my faith in him... i am losing my religion...! I want a few answers to my questions....
People say, whatever is to happen will happen.. it is not in our hands etc...well, i don't really understand, what good in this misery? can the world get any worse?? will the sun ever rise in this world?? Will i get what i deserve? will the world be a better place? will our children too suffer the same fate??If there is any God up there.... ANSWER ME..!!!!!!!
