Virtually Emotional

We hail from the time when we have been pampered by family, surrounded by relatives' tender and care, neighbours' affection, and what not. Gradually nuclearity took over the feelings under the pressure of better living.

Technology compressed time and space, yet diluted human relations, as every access has a cost now. But it gimmicked its own limitations by itself. So, if one can't afford to travel overseas to visit a friend, or can't make a long distance call, can pay onetime for internet, preferably an unlimited plan and stay connected virtually. Pictures posted on Facebook and Instagram does not really let anyone miss the aging of a beloved. Feel the care in the voice and gesture by making a Skype call. No issues if you are not keeping track of the dates, fb would remind you of the birthdays and anniversaries. Internet suggests human interactions too: how to propose, what to gift, what to speak in the first date.. etc.

SMSes have a newer version too. Not only one can just text, but now also check whether the text has been read or not by the 'Seen' feature of Fb and the 'blue ticks' of WhatsApp, which though has both good and bad consequences. This doesn't stop here. To intense the feeling of nostalgia one used to get by looking through the old pictures, Facebook has come up with the cool feature of reminding one everyday the significance of the day in the past years: who met whom, what happened.. everything! Infact like hyper-reality takes over reality, we have hyper-concern now, or a reminded concern. Chains of earthquakes shook the Northern India and Nepal, and Fb searched for you who all among your 'fb' friends are located at the affected areas and also checked their safety for you.

Seems what the virtual world snatched from us, it's trying to compensate all , but its own way, virtually. So, no matter how much one prefers to stay busy, one can remain carefree too, as we have apps to take care of the emotional crap, on our behalf.

"Technology would one day overpower human interactions!" - Albert Einstein. 

Ur Lens for Dilli

PEEP INTO THE PAST:

1. Nehru Museum

Gandhi Exhibition @NEHRU PLANETARIUM

I initially went to Nehru planetarium. And realized there is another facet to it: the library and the Nehru Museum. Nehru's house, and every artifact possesses his memories.

 Read the letters of the colonial times by Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, and also Gandhi and Gokhale at the Gandhi Exhibition on the 1st Floor.

2. Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial, Janpath

This one was my personal favorite. It got me goosebumps when I saw the small steel glass Shastriji's wife used to drink milk from. As she'd promised Shastriji of taking care of herself, when he was in jail and the family was going through crisis.

3. Indira Gandhi Memorial

I was taken aback when I saw the torn bloodshed saree of her and the pavement where she was shot. It is still so intact as if a film running in my sub-conscious mind. Being a viewer, I desperately wanted the climax to be changed!

4. Humayun Tomb

When mind needs peace to 'think creative', such monuments definitely work. While walking around it made me think: if I had born hundred years ago as a human, I perhaps was part of this architecture, the lifestyle!

The must have Coconut Juice at HUMAYUN TOMB

HUMAYUN TOMB

5. India Gate

Walking close to the Amar Jyoti and the structure where all the martyrs names are inscribed, shakes the patriotic conscience.

6. Delite, Daryaganj

DELITE Cinema Photo Gallery, Daryaganj

 Delite is one of the oldest movie theater. Unlike other movie theaters, it still has the upper and lower stall and the magnificent balcony. Being made in the old times, the infrastructure is so strong, that the balcony that can accommodate about 300 people is only resting upon two side support and no middle pillars. Things have much changed though, but thanks to the gentle food vendor, I could still trace the marks of history: The marble-stone at the entrance hasn't changed yet ever since the theater was built. The photo gallery at the first floor takes back in the history with pictures of the late founder with the first President and PM as well as the classic actors who have visited the theater. The vintage chandeliers soothes the nostalgia.

 Watching a movie with the crowd that does all the hooting and all was a helluva experience. It made me realize that we are not alone watching the movie: such an ultimate fun that I might prefer it again over a multiplex, but for decent movies only. Since the tickets cost as cheap as Rs. 80, one can't watch all sort of movies here, because of the crowd that comes in. I was in fact warned by many friends to not to go there, but I am glad I took the chance; as a precaution, with a male pal though.

 The best time to watch a movie is the 6.30 pm show, neither too early nor too late, plus when you come out at around 9-ish, the unusual yet busy old Delhi street is amazing to stare at. I would recommend everyone to experience it once, since we never know when would this era vanish too with the advancing modernization.

7. Jantar Mantar

 Like me if anyone else is curious to know how our forefathers managed without a clock, this place can be of great help.

Do the Disabled lack Ability or Abled have Disability?

I just saw an old man sitting alone at a roadside with his tools. Its post noon, yet he is hopeful that someone would come to appoint him, for some work at their house. Either he would get paid a half-day now, or he would have to keep coming daily until he fulfills the promise of few pennies that he must has been making everyday to his family.

 Everyday is a struggle for fitting our incompetency in the void, which is starving for perfection; in the world where ideally nobody is supposed to be perfect. Yet who cares of the increasing numbers in cases of depression or stress, nervous breakdowns, or the worse: suicides.

Amidst all these, we forget to think of the strata coexisting in our society with a significant percentage: the disabled, often called as differently-abled, for the sympathetic encouragement though. Shonali Bose's 'Margarita with a Straw' is a beautifully woven film where she has narrated every aspect of such lives that is although so common, yet or infact, hence gets unnoticed. One-hour and forty minutes to feel handful of the life. The film deals with all, not missing anything that I can think of. And the ending is the best justice that can be done to this film, and may be applicable for anybody. 'Until one can stay happy with oneself, can respect oneself: can expect others to do so too."

 The system now has developed the consciousness to provide the disabled the right to rub shoulders with others. Families continuously put in efforts to make them independent, so that even they can 'live' after them. But sadly, we do not yet have an infrastructure to give them access to go everywhere they wish to go. Perhaps because our narrow mindedness can't expect them to have a normal social life, forget about them hitting the bars, consume hard drinks, and dance (atleast move with the beats). Forget the society, ironically the families themselves haven't yet accepted their 'normal' desires completely. They have reluctance to take them out to avoid the hassle of handling them, slowing the pace, the continuous stare and the questions that follow.

 The last thing their caretakers can think of is getting them married. The search revolves around in perhaps looking for a disabled or someone who is economically weak, or can be settled in exchange of a handsome dowry. Sail the boat towards the edge and get rid of it. Not their fault- how many of us would love to marry them if ever a connection develops, putting the disability at a side? Those who still choose to discriminate, are they really sure that a disability can never hit a 'normal' individual anytime in life?

The discrimination affects their self-esteem, which nobody cares for. As per the society, they don't need motivation, but sympathy! How many advertisements that we see, have employed handicaps in the lead?

 As such individuals are taken care like a kid in their houses, the larger context of their lives often gets wiped off from their families' mind: their sexuality. How many of us have ever confronted of them acquiring a sexual desire, to flirt, feel intimate, to masturbate or to even have a 'natural' sex. I intentionally added 'natural' to signify how their non-denial or weakness can be an advantage to those who get enjoyment in exploiting.  If finding a partner for them has been a task, imagine how would we deal with the ones with different 'sexual' orientation- that perhaps is another disease for our society. So if we are not ready to deal with our own constructed apprehensions, whom should we consider as abled and whom as disabled? Since the system has already categorized who are 'disabled', what I can think of to categorize people with such mentality is 'SICK'.

I plead everyone to watch the movie, think about it, and post opinions and feedback (if any).

Hopes in Marshes

I have lived through the past
Lived phrases in phases
Looked into the mirrors of hopes
to change the Chapter,
or turn the Pages.

I became a book
Which seemed 'Open' to All
None could figure out
what was open, was the Thick cover-
with spectrum of light
and different walk of life;
with fewer pages inside,
which were hard to read,
even harder to explain-
Hence, remained unsaid!

Have developed Hate for Sentiments
As misconceptions can't let one Survive
Yet I am hopeful, to stay Alive:
Hopeful to be Loved, and Love
but may be in the next Life.
Its time to ask for salvation
Since I had no right in this Universe
I don't belong to this world,
nor does it belong to me..
I was sent to set an example;
Now let me go
to as far away as I can.
where I can close my eyes forever
surrounded with dense clouds of serenity
that would heal my injuries
recover my lost essence.

Whatever my deeds are destined to get..
oh Heaven or Hell
take me into your arms!

I would rise again
Would Wake Up at the Seaside
To Write on the Sand
the story of my Regime;
To Blow Shells for my victory
and to Build Castles of My Dreams,
independently, without fear of it being encroached.
I would Walk over the Tides,
Swim through the Fishes
ride the Dolphins
Sleep in the Breeze.
Run through the Woods
Would keep staring the horizon
the setting sun and the last rise
the glimpse of the sun-shy
Would sleep under the night sky
Naming the countless stars
narrating to them how my day have passed!
Would spread my Wings
to take a Flight of the vast Sky;
Up on the mountain so high
Shedding off the dew from my curls
would dance as a free soul.

I was poisoned to insanity
So, let me sleep now
to wake up with testimony.
I leave this upon you to assess
whether I conquered surrender
or lived the death
I will rise aside the Seaside!

To hear back my story

of surviving the dying dreams!

#SupportAlcoholProhibition

Yes, being a Liquor consumer myself, I strongly support Kerala's decision on prohibiting Alcohol! Not on the basis of culture (as that will be Hippocratic), but for the matter, that it will encourage a more productive & healthier lifestyle; and will promote a regulated state environment, by curbing the local nuisances to some extent. 

I am startled to see the basis of the arguments against the motion, and here is my response to them:

• "Rs. 9,000 cr loss of revenue to the State"
  The so-called economy-experts are worried for the loss of hundreds of crores to the state, that the prohibition may incur. Like seriously! A state that is also called as the 'God's Own Land'', and being enriched for its natural asset: should it like really rely on the revenue coming from ALCOHOL, which lays the foundation for Domestic Violence, heinous Crimes, Accidents, Addiction & other abuses. And is money more important than a qualitative living? Then let us allow Marijuana and other drugs too.
• "It's availability in 5 star hotels only, would make it non-affordable for the lower middle-class"
  That's a Good way to encourage few to take out money from what is supposed to meet the daily 'necessary' expenses, and spend them for some leisure. Shouldn't Govt. start adding 'Alcohol' into ration card? Oh yes! I need a getaway every 2 months & an international trip every 6 months. But I can't afford it! I have the liberty to be Happy, even when I can't bear the expenses, so what? Let the Govt. run a Subsidised Airline! Btw, is Govt. giving away Mansions or Bungalows too? I am in the Queue!
• "Prohibition Exaggerates the Urge, thereby giving rise to the Bootlegging, like in Gujarat & manufacturing of Poisonous Alcohol!"Okayzz.. So possession of arms is restricted, but we know many illegally possessing it. So? Uhhmm.. Lets lift the Rule! When the legal apparatus is so ineffective to implement the Law, why to have it? Let arms be available in the Superstore! Also, as few policemen ask for bribes, and are often violent and inactive, so let the Govt. remove the 'Police' system too! What say?
• "What we need is Awareness, NOT prohibition"
  So, how many of you could quit Cigarettes, ever since they started posting those hideous pictures on the packet? How many of us can encourage remotely rural areas' individuals to encourage education, family planning etc.

• "Knife that cuts vegetables, Kills Humans too! Can we ban it?"
  That's the most amazing one I've heard & to my surprise, was appreciated a lot, indeed. So, is alcohol as necessary as a knife, without an alternative to it? Considering the not-so-cold climate of Kerala.

The only challenge I foresee is the easy-to-prepare toddy. Hence, only prohibition can certainly not improve the predicament, we need both awareness campaigns & a strong vigilance to keep an eye on the execution and the loopholes. Also, self-moral policing, discussion in families, frequent counselling programmes for not drinking beyond moderation, is of primary importance. 

I live in a territory that has more Liquor shops than Drinking Water taps. I honestly wouldn't have any problem in not drinking anymore, if Delhi someday opts for this decision. And I would openly support it for the sake of the alcohol abuses it would curtail, even if by 0.00000000001%. For me, 'something is better than nothing'; & change has to come from somewhere, even if from a small Initiative! As I always say, 'it is chaotic while constructing or renovating houses, but that's what led to a peaceful, beautiful & strengthened  HOME!'

Please feel free to post any arguments that you may have, I will be happy to answer!

Let's be Tri-Colored & We are Done!

Wearing tricolors on a particular day sounds very 'Koool' as a theme, right! Forget the significance of each color, I would not even be surprised to see people still considering the combo as ORANGE-White-Green. To top it, the temporary tattoo of the tri-color should be clean, no matter if after that, we throw trash or spit on the roads. Also, hang Gandhi's photo on the wall, and get the right to draw hair & beard to his photo n the currency notes, and do not hesitate to post it on fb; and why not, until we have LIKERS! Another fun is visiting India Gate to post a check-in, even if that takes to violate the traffic rules! Telling the foreigners there, about our treasured monuments & history is a moment of pride, but let's prefer keeping mum when they are over-charged or exploited by our fellow citizens.

Shouting for raised bills or to demonstrate on the roads, blocking traffic is our fundamental right, but saving electricity & water sounds 'melodramatic', isn't it? And planting a tree is equally low standard, even though we look for shades to hide ourselves from the scorching heat. And yes, you are not masculine if you haven't yet indulged yourself in a fight, even if for an unknown or illogical reason, and not punched or kicked atleast once! Or you better simply pass away to avoid the hassle, but helping the beaten one or even to call the police or ambulance should not be an option.. Naah Naah! And may be it's okay to not respect women, or abuse on mothers & sisters, until we are marching with candles & saying: 'Bhaarat MATA ki Jai' (Hail Mother India).

Yeahhh We are Indians, we ought to show it off!! Be it my phone or my fb page.. it's all loaded with Flag pics & slogans these days! Heights is when my folks have themselves changed their DP to Indian Flags & are convincing me to do the same! Isn't it strange to post a tri-color outline map of India, when your mind is still not ready to accept North-Easterns a part of it? Dear Mr./Ms. Indians, have you 'ever' taken interest in knowing history of our flag? Or are you even aware of the customs of hosting it?

January & August: these are the only months I see patriotic spirits loitering around, everywhere. Those who take less than a second to change the channel playing patriotic song or movie, these days have their caller tunes set on National Anthem, or may be 'Bhaarat humko jaan se pyaara hai' (India is precious than our lives). Even if, they have never read the entire anthem, or perhaps, are not even aware of an extension to those two paragraphs! Would they even know the writer?

Then post-independence or Republic Day, we would say we were better during the colonial era. Now it's time to look for visa or citizenship to settle abroad. After all what has the country done for us. No time to think, what we have done for Her!

Wish I, She or He could Change Her Destiny

Alone she has worked
Alone she has Raised us
Alone she struggled
Alone, she has done it all..

Being from a small village
Yet she wanted to grow educated
Used to wake up early, and even at dark
To quickly treat her lands and cattles
So, nobody objects her schooling, or stops her to depart.
Her mother threw her bag
And locked her books permanently
So She escaped to her Aunt's city to earn and to study
But destiny had, else in-store
In the city, she Discovered the selfishness of her step Aunt
Who made her wash dishes at the riches'
And to work as a domestic help.
She was made to sleep on the floor
In the winters of Delhi's 80s
Was supposed to sew clothes
Under the lamp shade of the streets.

Came back to find, the demise of her father
In a while she lost also, her mother
Elders, never considered to recall that she was mere
Younger ones never bothered, to Love her as an Older

Went back to the city
Where to study was no more the Option
She still had to earn
for herself, and the younger ones!
Although she had been sending money
After every sometime
She never got an acknowledgement
Or a letter to check, if she is fine!
Not being heard from her relatives
For years and years
Soon she realized,
It was only her parents who were Dears

And she apparently moved on
Fell in Love, but one sided
with a Loser and womaniser
Who left her amidst
When she delivered a daughter
And when she accepted her destiny
Here came a guy to take the Faith
And their responsibility
Assuming that Life will again be normal
She brought an Angel to Life
But he was gone too
To leave the Three to Strive!

She has learnt the skills
Managed to go out and work
She has ran the house herself
Afforded the Girl's studies, food and demands
To her apathy, she came to know
That the little girl is not Usual
Yet she accumulated Courage
To also make her life Full.

She preferred walking miles
To save two pennies
She preferred wearing old
To be able to purchase for kids
From working at day
To wave fan all night, for her kids, when load sheds
She did everything possible
To meet the ends

She managed to buy her house
At last, she got rid of the frequent shifting
Indeed she got a source to earn
By offering rooms on renting

Won a Respectful position
Promising to work in the favor
But she too became political
Misused to rule over neighbour
Instead of showering love
She reciprocated the hatred.
Despite being proud of her kids
She didn't even spare the beloveds.
She preferred imposing the orders
'Cause explanation was illogical
She became the best guardian
But never a successful mother.

Today, She murmurs herself
Doesn't have anyone to talk to
Recalls her childhood, village and the cots,
Also Her mother telling her:
"You talk so dense, chatter box".
She has always been praised,
 for possessing the remarkable brain
Today I sympathize
As mostly she Forgets.
Today she is alone again
That's what her kids even prefer her to be
She has earned respect, not love
Her mother added once: "like this, you'll soon be crazy"
Be it her destiny or her deeds, or the bitterness she has got all life
The way she has become
I wonder, further, how will she survive!
She hardly has few decades left
And she got to see or suffer a lot
I wish I was not this helpless
And could help her, Oh Lord.

Today, I ignore her cruelty
I prefer silently growing
Tomorrow, I might prefer ignoring the many Tyrannies she has put me through
Or the abhorrence, I have had for her
As helpless she is...
But I will forever complain,
 to the Almighty
Why didn't You ever send
 A Counselor or a Healer!