Sense of Independence

Yes, we are humans
We have the power of senses
Let’s add to it some sense
Sensibility, I mean
For once, make sense.

We have the sense of being heard
Let’s add to it the sense of sound
Whispers of help, I mean
For once, hear.

We have the sense of touch
Let’s add to it the feel of ignorance
Touch the untouched, I mean
For once, be touched.

We have the sense of smell
Let’s add to it the fragrance of dirt
The human dirt, I mean
For once, trash it.

We have the sense of taste
Let’s add to it the taste of life
Reality, I mean
For once, face it.

We have the sense of look
Let’s add to it some vision
Vision of independence, I mean
We have it already
For once, not misuse it
For once, use it.

Hear, touch, feel, taste
Visions create
Oh thy human
Please initiate!

Festive Season

The idea for this post came to me around a week or two back when I was sitting around reading a news paper and happened to come across an article. The article was about the high festive moods prevailing in the city for some time now and how they’re going to be around till the end of the year with many more occasions lined up.

The thoughts that passed by my mind at that moment were that, with all the diversities and castisim around, you can never differentiate a Hindu from a Muslim or a Christian at times of festivals. Every caste, every religion, every individual breaks his mental barriers and participates in celebrations no matter it be Gokul Ashtami, Eid or Ganesh Chaturthi or any other Indian Festival. India being a land of multiple cultures, it would be safe to say that we have some or the other festival almost every week of the year.

I happened to read a tweet by a famous personality regarding the same. He said and I quote, “It’s only in India that Eid is immediately followed by Ganesh Chaturthi (or Diwali) and everyone is seen participating alike in them.” It gave me a really good feeling about our country that even after being divided so much by some extremists, we aren’t divided. We are still all Indians!

But what I actually wrote this post for was to bring to your notice or rather discuss the not so good side of this topic. I know you must all have raised eyebrows at this point, thinking that I have gone crazy. But no, I’m not hinting at our unity being bad but what I’m hinting at is a much more serious and social issue. It is often seen that people celebrating festivals are always in high spirits (some rather literally). And those some are often seen losing their minds and performing acts that put each one of us to shame.

I don’t have any substantial records but I would not be wrong in saying that the amount of eve teasers and law violators increase considerably in such times. I have often seen people acting like actual desperate hooligans on the streets. Driving rash, passing lewd comments, taking advantage by forcefully feeling a female, throwing colors and water balloons at normal people, etc are just some of the acts I actually witnessed.  There could be so many more such cases and incidents. I personally know of people who are scared of going out doors at such times fearing that they might fall prey to such evil. Very recently I read another article where an 18 year old guy, part of a visarjan rally, raped a 3 year old girl, who came out to see the passing Ganesh Idols, near the Goregaon Bridge. If that wasn’t enough, he also ended up killing the girl just because she retaliated by crying. I was completely disgusted when I read this.

I am not denying that these incidents occur even without a festival around. We have all heard of love killings, eve teasers, rapes and stuff but neither can you deny that on such festive occasions, these monsters get out of their wardrobes and onto the streets endangering our safety. I really fail to understand why people behave this way! Do they have no moral values? Have they not been taught civic sense of living in a society? Worst come worst how do we even identify such people without an incident committed by them! Even if we rule out these extremists, I always see people staring away shamelessly at a passing by woman. Even if the woman is uncomfortable about it, what does she do? In the attempt of stopping one, ten others will stare back. How do we protect our mothers and sisters in such situations?

I titled this post as ‘Festive Season’, because such occasions are more of a festival for such monsters than our own. If you all feel the same too, then let’s think of a way to try and curb this together. Let’s try and make a difference that makes us feel safer in our own society. I hope to receive a lot of reviews and comments on this post and wish that this post in turn reaches a lot of eyeballs.

Despair

Dark is the hour
when happiness tends to flee.
Leaving behind a gaping hole,
absorbing all the glee.

Dark clouds on horizon,
threatening thunder and gale.
Where does one gaze,
searching hope should prayers fail.

The fading light mocks you,
taunting with cynical smile.
Nightmares come to haunt you,
bewitching with their guile.

Dreams torn asunder,
your descent's painful, slow.
The gaping abyss beckons,
to deal the fatal blow.

It's claws grabbing at you,
rending you beyond repair.
Always warring blissful happiness,
is the omnipresent despair.

On a rainy day...

Rains - to most of us - are harbingers of joy. When the heavens open to let through a downpour of relief, they inevitably herald visions of lush, sparkling greenery, rich white, flowing water, and monsoon trips.

Living in a city however, means muddy roads, potholes, dirty sidewalks, and of course increased density of traffic. This short piece was a result of being caught in traffic during heavy rains.

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Pouring down in sheets,
splattering against the road.
Caring not for the earth beneath,
the heavens opened and roared.

Confined in the three-wheeler,
a haze covered the sight.
Like a phoenix rising from ashes,
imagination took a flight.

To the lush green farmlands,
savoring the touch of life.

Dancing in the sweet nectar,
filled with heavenly delight.

To the high and mighty mountains,
dressed in lush green coat.
The canopy of wispy clouds
caressing as they float.

To the tall steep falls,
nestled in mountain's womb.
Water daring the heights,
yet not meeting its doom.

To the angry roaring river,
shackles broken, set free.
Sweeping away one and all,
who dared not to flee.

To the rambunctious childhood,
danced away in first rains.
Feet splashing in the puddles,
not bothered by the stains.

Blaring horns and pungent smells,
clear the mist that led astray.
Leaving behind a smile on lips,
on a dank and muddy rainy day.

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My views on the movie - Fast 5

I saw Fast 5 AKA Fast & Furious 5 last night. Yes, I went to the paid preview of the movie and it was totally worth it J I simply loved the movie! ;)

Fine, the movie has gaps; Fine, it's predictable; Fine, I couldn't place it between the first or the fourth movie of the series and couldn't even place it after the fourth. I spoke to a couple of people and the movie fits best in the sequence: 1 - 2 - 4 - 5 - 3 (I wonder how that happened but this is how it is)

But the movie was fun, exciting. It kept me on my toes and even after being awake for over 24 hours, I didn't feel sleepy while watching the movie. That's got to mean something right.

It's a must must must must watch.

P.S: A smile doesn't suit Vin Diesel. He looks like a dufus when he smiles

Also, if you are going to watch the movie, do watch the end credits because it is followed by a Post-credit scene ;) (which is very very interesting) I am already waiting for the next sequel.

Enjoy the movie guys!!!!

Gone is the real Tiger of Ranthambhore

A world-renowned man with an equally famous moustache and the hunter’s hat, who “was” known more as the Tiger Man of India, passed away on March 1st after a battle with cancer. The first thing that comes to the mind of a person who knew Fateh Singh Rathod is, the person who brought a revolutionary change in the history of Tigers is no more amongst us. But it takes more than just knowing him to actually feel the loss of the Tiger Man. You need to meet him at least once to feel the exuberance, zeal, energy, and compassion he had towards life. Owing to which, I guess, he was so sensitive towards the plight of Tigers in India and beyond that, the ecosystem as a whole.

I had one such chance to experience Fath-ji’s (as people at his Maa farm lovingly addressed him) compassion and knowledge about the biodiversity and ecosystem in the April of 2008. As a part of a Wildlife Conservation Camp organized jointly by Sprouts and Tiger Watch, I travelled to Ranthambhore, all the way dreaming about interacting with Fath-ji, whom I guess, we all watched on Discovery or Nat Geo at least once in our lives. The moment I reached Maa Farm; Fath-ji’s home and Tiger Watch’s office, I was greeted by peacocks, which roam and flit around the farm and the house without any fear. If you took a close look around, you could spot a monitor lizard, paradise flycatchers, and sometimes, even a jackal. This tells us, how comfortable and safe the wild felt being around him.

I had to wait for 2 days to finally meet him one evening, just when he was about to take a few people for a safari in the park. The twinkle in his eyes even at his age and with his medical background was remarkable. He was a person who would invite anyone who came to his farm, for dinner and stay at his place. Such was his nature, down-to-earth even after being so famous and sought-after by the likes of the Queen of Britain. He greeted me but said nothing much, which disappointed me a bit, but before driving away, he turned around and promised meeting again to have a chat. Yippie, I felt so lucky!

The camp came to an end and on the last day, Fath-ji invited all of us to his home. It was while looking around his place that I realized, he had a thing for hunter hats. His collection included hats in all sizes and material, be it fake leather, wood, clay, or wrought iron miniatures. Although he was known as a hunter to many, he never hunted! In fact, he was the first to identify the man-tiger conflict and provide solutions to avoid it. It was he who recognized what apart from hunting was a cause for the dwindling number of Tigers in India. And not just did he provide solutions, he implemented those against all the odds, which came in the form of politicians, babus, local Moga tribals, and even the international racket for tiger skin and parts smuggling. So much so was the opposition, that to save him from being killed, as many say, Fath-ji was released from the duty as the Director of the park. But he led the battle despite all the hurdles with help from like-minded people, such as Madhu Bhatnagar, a Delhi school teacher; Dr, Dharmendra Khandal, a botanist and Conservationist, and Jay Majumdar, a writer, documentary film-maker, and journalist from Kolkata.

After a group talk and pleasantries, all of my other camp-mates left for home at night itself, leaving me alone at the camp. I was sitting at Tiger Watch’s office flipping through the numerous albums and newspaper clippings when Dr. Dharmendra Khandal, the heart and soul of Tiger Watch, asked me whether I would like to stay at the farm with the volunteers who worked for Tiger Conservation. I grabbed this opportunity and was least bothered about how the remaining hours would pass when Dr. Khandal suggested a night-safari, of course not inside the park, on permission from Fath-ji. It was he who suggested that if the girl dared to stay back just to interact with me and get a firsthand experience about the wildlife, take her for a night safari, when the wild actually awaken and do their things without any interruption from humans. It was a once in a lifetime experience as Fath-ji promised, with the howls of jackals, hyenas, and distant calls of a river-owl.

Fath-ji always had a broader perspective about conservation, which included relocating hamlets from inside the park to other locations; provide the villagers with a source of income and their children with state-of-art educational facilities. He believed that only then would the man-tiger conflict reduce, which in turn would help reduce the number of tigers being poisoned or killed. Before I left for Mumbai, Fath-ji asked me very casually, “Humare school me bachhon ko computer sikhane koi nahi hai. Tum sikhaogi?” (We don’t have anybody to teach computers at our school. Will you teach?). And he gave off a booming laughter when he saw the look on my face. Such was the man, so casual, who threw opportunities to work with him when least expected. He said, “Tum khoob padho, apni life banao aur jab bhi chaho, jaise bhi chaho, yaha aana apna yogdaan karne” (Study well, make your life better and do come here to contribute your share whenever you feel like). Just before leaving, he asked me, “Since you are a maharashtrian, what is your native place?” His expressions when I told him I was from Konkan left me puzzled. As if an answer to the puzzle, he said, “Send me Devgad hapoos this season!”, which I did send. From then, he named me Aam-wali, asking me for mangoes every season. And I was more than glad to send him those! For the Tiger Man of India, that was one thing he loved most after the Tigers and wildlife. It is very sad to know that the man who inspired the likes of poachers, tribals, kids, school teachers, journalists, and so on, to spread awareness about nature and its importance for the survival of mankind, is no more. Adios to Fateh Singh Rathod, the Tiger Man of India.

-Shrutika Kalgutkar

Stubby: The only Dog I am not scared of.

I hate dogs. No, they have never done anything to me, I am just too scared of them. They bark, growl, pounce, fight, poop and they are just everywhere no matter where you go. But lately I have changed, someone, something changed my attitude towards them, or rather to be more specific, I changed my mind only towards him. He's my friends 4 year old Black Labrador. The first time I met him, he just kept barking. I was petrified and locked myself in my friend’s car for half an hour (as if he was going to open the door and jump on me). When I met him the second time he was just wagging his tail with a toy in his mouth (the usual) and entertaining all the guests at the party. I was glued to my chair and didn’t move an inch. The third time I met him, I got used to him, a bit. Since then there was no turning back. Every time I go there I discover something new, a new habit of his, a new trick. I miss him when he doesn’t welcome me, I talk about him to my friends, I think about the way he lights up my day whenever he’s around me, dancing and playing with me. You take his name and there he is, wagging his tail at its best. How he eagerly awaits and doesn’t go to sleep till everyone is home. He can even put Shakira to shame with his vigorous hip-shakes. His energy is contagious and makes me forget all my worries. But why? Why do I love him so much, or why everyone loves him so much? He's just a dog after all. I think I know the reason. He's the most selfless being I have ever seen or met. He doesn’t see you for what you are but will shower you with his love nonetheless. You give him love and all you get is love that is pure and unconditional. The world is filled with people who are always ready to pull you down, tell you how incapable or bad you are and make you feel worthless. But he has that knack of making anyone feel extraordinary. He welcomes me with the same energy when I put on some weight or when I am dressed at my worst, or when my cheeks get chubbier. In time, we forget who we really are; the child within us is lost. Maybe, because of the mundane lives we live every day, but he knows the exact way to bring out that child in each one of us. I like to be that child again with him, and for once just be MYSELF.

BETRAYAL

'Pon the cliff he stood so proud,

bethinking glories in the days gone past.

Victories won with blades flashing hard,

smiting all who dared to waylay his path.

Riding with the valorous, more brothers than comrades,

honoring the mortals immortalised by their deeds.

Fair he was, to foes, broken and defeated,

winning over hearts with kindness unseen.

His foes vanquished and kingdoms conquered,

he dreamt of ballads sung to honor their deeds.

Thus stood he, lost in glories achieved,

looking over his lands stretched beyond mortal sight.

The hand laid on his shoulder, to a brother belonged.

Alas! T'was too late, to know the purpose of the hand.

One hand fastening on his shoulder,

the other driving in the blade.

Grief overwhelmed him, driving away the pain,

As the blade pierced his heart ringing his death knell,

his eyes seeking answer, met with the betrayer's.

Regret he saw first, overcome by jealousy.

'O my brother!' said the King, 'may you be blessed and live a life long!

Remember though that jealousy is unworthy of a king to be.

I beseech to thee to leave it be, for a mighty heart befits a king.'

And then he fell down the cliff, plummeting down helplessly,

till he was but a speck of sand, lost in the dunes of eternity.

HEIGHTS OF FRENZY!!

It has been really long since I have posted anything here let alone access our own blog (embarrassed smiley!) I found this to be the apt moment to write one when one cricket match has captured the imagination of people around the world and not just the participanting nations in the match!

The bitter sweet Cricketing rivalry of India and Pakistan in can cause an instant rise in the population of butterflies in our tummies :) And that is even before the match actually being played out! The anticipation causes such furore that today in the morning, it took me extra effort to handle all the hyper-energetic pushing and pulling in the local train :D People have been so vocal about their views for the last few days (compare that to the nervousness which led to excessive talking during the appraisal :D).

On the point of being vocal about views, we have come across amazing chatter from all forms of social media communication leading up to this match. Most of the chatter has been in good humor (read: downright abusive! :D). I am recounting some of the most entertaining (and clean) parts here:

• MTVIndia on FB: 1lakh for a 10k ticket, 17lakhs for a 10 second TV commercial, 22k for a one- way flight to Chandigarh, productivity down to 75% in the fastest developing nation in the world, that too on the final day of the financial year!!


• Afridi: We won't let Sachin make a century in this match! We will be 93 all out!!


• Teams qualified from Group A: Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka. Teams qualified from Group B: India. Moral of the story: Lions walk alone!


• 1:7 bet between Dr. Manmohan Singh and Asif Ali Zardari - If India wins, Pakistan hands over Dawood Ibrahim. If Pakistan wins, India hands over Mayawati, Raja, Jayalalita, Kalmadi, Mamta, Mulayam and Lalu!!


• FB status from Pakistan: Beware of the green TSUNAMI!! - Comment: Tsunamis are BLUE you idiot!!

ENJOY THE MATCH EVERYONE!! :)

Graffiti called ‘Memory’

Pop a little bubble, spread a cute smile
The stupid mind draws a graffiti called memory
Whether good or bad
Don’t dare wipe it off, just let it flow around
As you see a buttlerfly, merge the colours of isle
See the dolphin dance, vanish your worries in a glance
Hug the warm breeze and smell the sweet flower
Let the nature spring in galore
As the vibgyor shines over you
Remember this wherever you are
Look above and stare at the twinkling star
Oh my dearie
That’s what you are!