Over the last few days, the media has been crying hoarse about Ayodhya and exhorting everyone to be an Indian first and only then let loyalty on account of religion, region, caste, creed to play on their emotions. Honestly, as a common man, I'm confused and am wondering as to what the fuss is all about - doesn't this amount to incitement of a different kind?
I (and I bet) the brute majority also think so, that too much of noise is being raised over a non issue. By having a temple or a mosque at Ayodhya the reality is that it will neither alter the living conditions of the common man for good nor will it enhance the prestige of our country on the international firmament. Ofcourse, building a religious edifice with the consensus of all sections of society would be a different thing altogether.
Today, after 1500h, the verdict on the following will be pronounced by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court over the following, after 60 years of legal scrutiny:-
(a) Did Ram indeed live there?
(b) Was Babri Masjid really a mosque?
(c) When was it built and by whom?
(d) Was the mosque built after destroying a temple?
(e) Were idols placed in the night of 22/23 Dec, 1949?
(f) Is the claim time barred?
(g) What will be the status of the disputed site?
The three member bench consisting of Justices SU Khan, Sudhir Agarwal and DV Sharma have a great responsibilty and I'm sure they'd have applied themselves completely on the merits and demerits of the case while delivering the judgement. And I'm sure that by the end of it all, these difficult times shall also pass with no untoward incident.
Notwithstanding the outcome of the case, the common man realises that this country can remain strong and vibrant only when people of all religions and faiths, caste or creed co-exist peacefully, together. The requirement that he envisions is an all round development, wherein he can enjoy the best of infrastructural facilities and services, coupled with the latest technology.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
When sight is denied.
Last evening, I was watching the music reality show on the Asianet channel called 'Idea Star Singer - Season 5'. I've spoken about this programme earlier too and said that it's a step in the right direction as raw talent, drawn from a wide spectrum of contestants from malayalees the world over, who'd have otherwise withered away without getting due recognition, are getting a fantastic stage to exhibit their talent.
I was particularly impressed by Babu Padmanabhan of Kayamkulam, Kerala who sang an old melody 'Manjalayil mungi thorthi' which had catapulted the playback singer, P Jayachandran to fame. Babu sang with the right feel and intensity associated with the song. What made it all the more endearing was that the youngster is physically challenged in that he does not have the power of sight. What's astounding is that he feelingly explains the colours of life, through his rendition, without having seen them even once! It's definitely a gift that He has provided to the youngster.
And can anyone forget the fact that Beethoven, when he composed his best music from the 'Fifth Symphony' onwards, he was stone deaf. Imagine having to go through the disadvantage of not being able to hear one's own creation! But I'm sure that he must have 'felt and understood' his work in his own inimitable way.
And here, we curse our rotten luck when things don't go well in our lives without realising that we're much better off than many of our counterparts!!
May Babu Padmanabhan have a wonderful run on the reality show and I shall cheer him from the ringside!!!
I was particularly impressed by Babu Padmanabhan of Kayamkulam, Kerala who sang an old melody 'Manjalayil mungi thorthi' which had catapulted the playback singer, P Jayachandran to fame. Babu sang with the right feel and intensity associated with the song. What made it all the more endearing was that the youngster is physically challenged in that he does not have the power of sight. What's astounding is that he feelingly explains the colours of life, through his rendition, without having seen them even once! It's definitely a gift that He has provided to the youngster.
And can anyone forget the fact that Beethoven, when he composed his best music from the 'Fifth Symphony' onwards, he was stone deaf. Imagine having to go through the disadvantage of not being able to hear one's own creation! But I'm sure that he must have 'felt and understood' his work in his own inimitable way.
And here, we curse our rotten luck when things don't go well in our lives without realising that we're much better off than many of our counterparts!!
May Babu Padmanabhan have a wonderful run on the reality show and I shall cheer him from the ringside!!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Happy birthday, Lata Mangeshkar!
Today's Bharath Ratna Lata Mangeshkar's 81st birthday. Wishing her many happy returns of the day and many more years of good health and happiness. We, Indians, are proud to say that you are ours!
Why the frequent memory lapses?
Of late, I've found that I seem to be having frequent bouts of amnesia or memory lapses. I've always been absent minded since childhood and so, I did not give it a second thought, thus far. But yesterday, there were a few small incidents that had my friends pulling my leg and honestly, I wasn't under any tension during the period!
I shall enumerate the incidents, though trivial as they may sound and here I go:-
(a) Left my vehicle at the parking lot with the keys on the door.
(b) Sent a mail meant for a dear friend to another address.
(c) Completely missed another friend's special day whom I was supposed to call up.
It's said that these infirmities are sure signs of growing old but I refuse to subscribe to that point of view. Then, am I a sure case of Alzheimer's in the making? Or is it a case of selective amnesia, I wonder?
The dividing line between sanity and insanity is very, very thin. And one's also aware of the fact that everyone comes into this world on a pre-ordained script, written by the master script writer.
And Kris Kristoffereson had sung,
"Yesteday's dead and gone
And tomorrow's out of sight".
So why me worry? Will take it as it comes. But is there a problem in the first place?
Why the frequent memory lapses?
Of late, I've found that I seem to be having frequent bouts of amnesia or memory lapses. I've always been absent minded since childhood and so, I did not give it a second thought, thus far. But yesterday, there were a few small incidents that had my friends pulling my leg and honestly, I wasn't under any tension during the period!
I shall enumerate the incidents, though trivial as they may sound and here I go:-
(a) Left my vehicle at the parking lot with the keys on the door.
(b) Sent a mail meant for a dear friend to another address.
(c) Completely missed another friend's special day whom I was supposed to call up.
It's said that these infirmities are sure signs of growing old but I refuse to subscribe to that point of view. Then, am I a sure case of Alzheimer's in the making? Or is it a case of selective amnesia, I wonder?
The dividing line between sanity and insanity is very, very thin. And one's also aware of the fact that everyone comes into this world on a pre-ordained script, written by the master script writer.
And Kris Kristoffereson had sung,
"Yesteday's dead and gone
And tomorrow's out of sight".
So why me worry? Will take it as it comes. But is there a problem in the first place?
Monday, September 27, 2010
Happy Birthday!
I would like to wish 'Google' many happy returns on its twelfth birthday. You've indeed enlightened millions of people all over the world by being the 'means' to improve communications on the touch of a button. Here's wishing you an exciting teenage!
Yamuna has Agra floating.
The flood waters of the Yamuna have badly inundated Agra. People have been subjected to untold misery and I'm amazed as to how people can continue to smile despite the hardships they've to go through! Yet another point to show that Indians are made of sterner stuff.
Jang Bahadur is back.
After having attended his wife's funeral and connected ceremonies, my man Friday's back. His children have been put under the care of their grandmothers - his mother and mother-in-law. The tragedy has taken its toll on him and one look at his sorry plight, I did not have the heart to give him that tight slap that I'd promised to deliver for causing misery and the untimely end of his wife.
But I can see another danger looming large. There'd now be a clamour for him to get married again - for the sake of bringing up his children - and he's gonna succumb to that call. I've warned him against that possibility as I'm sure he'll end up producing more children, increasing his agony!
Yamuna has Agra floating.
The flood waters of the Yamuna have badly inundated Agra. People have been subjected to untold misery and I'm amazed as to how people can continue to smile despite the hardships they've to go through! Yet another point to show that Indians are made of sterner stuff.
Jang Bahadur is back.
After having attended his wife's funeral and connected ceremonies, my man Friday's back. His children have been put under the care of their grandmothers - his mother and mother-in-law. The tragedy has taken its toll on him and one look at his sorry plight, I did not have the heart to give him that tight slap that I'd promised to deliver for causing misery and the untimely end of his wife.
But I can see another danger looming large. There'd now be a clamour for him to get married again - for the sake of bringing up his children - and he's gonna succumb to that call. I've warned him against that possibility as I'm sure he'll end up producing more children, increasing his agony!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Arzoo is now mine!
This evening I was on my customary walk, when Arzoo and her parents were on the reciprocal. I had written earlier about this beautiful girl who has Down's syndrome coupled with a bit of disability. I was biding my time to see her on her walk so as to make friends with her. And after a long wait, I have achieved what seemed to be impossible or very slow in coming! And I want to describe those exciting moments.
I'd crossed them as I was engrossed in my thoughts when I was distracted by a conversation coming from a group, across the road over a dark patch of the road and it was then that I saw the threesome - Arzoo with her parents! I ran across to them and took permission from the parents to allow me to make friends with their daughter. However, much as they coaxed her to wish me, she remained quite reticent and turned away from me onto her mother's shoulder. I knew that I did not have much time and couldn't afford to keep all of them waiting till I'd my way. And at that precise moment, when I'd decided to turn away from them sad at the botched chance, Arzoo turned towards me, wishing and threw a dazzling smile - I really felt weak in my knees, honestly! The little one's indeed very beautiful and she'd made my day, nay evening and I felt on top of the world!!
Girls still find me irresistibly charming, eh? Jokes apart, to me, befriending Arzoo was a very special moment and the highlight of the day.
Another day with Dev Anand.
Earlier, this morning, on the programme 'Rangoli' on national television, there was yet another instalment of songs picturised on Dev Anand. And all the selections were simply wonderful.
Of course, my favourite 'Itna madir, itna madhur, tera mera pyaar' from the movie 'Prem Pujari' is yet to come by and is eagerly awaited.
I'd crossed them as I was engrossed in my thoughts when I was distracted by a conversation coming from a group, across the road over a dark patch of the road and it was then that I saw the threesome - Arzoo with her parents! I ran across to them and took permission from the parents to allow me to make friends with their daughter. However, much as they coaxed her to wish me, she remained quite reticent and turned away from me onto her mother's shoulder. I knew that I did not have much time and couldn't afford to keep all of them waiting till I'd my way. And at that precise moment, when I'd decided to turn away from them sad at the botched chance, Arzoo turned towards me, wishing and threw a dazzling smile - I really felt weak in my knees, honestly! The little one's indeed very beautiful and she'd made my day, nay evening and I felt on top of the world!!
Girls still find me irresistibly charming, eh? Jokes apart, to me, befriending Arzoo was a very special moment and the highlight of the day.
Another day with Dev Anand.
Earlier, this morning, on the programme 'Rangoli' on national television, there was yet another instalment of songs picturised on Dev Anand. And all the selections were simply wonderful.
Of course, my favourite 'Itna madir, itna madhur, tera mera pyaar' from the movie 'Prem Pujari' is yet to come by and is eagerly awaited.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Heartiest congratulations ONV sir!
The illustrious poet lyricist from Kerala, Mr. ONV Kurup and the noted Urdu poet Mr. Akhlaq Khan Shaharyar have won the coveted Jnanpith Award for their outstanding contributions, for the years 2007 and 2008 respectively. The country, as a whole, salutes these geniuses for their outstanding work.
Shaharyar saab shall always be remembered for that soulful number, 'In aankhon ki masti' in the movie 'Umrao Jaan'.
On a personal level, my heartiest felicitations to ONV sir(as he's fondly known in Kerala) for this achievement of his. He's an ardent admirer of my Muthachan and always makes it a point to attend all the functions of the Foundation and render his classic touch. And that aspect makes sir's achievement very special for each and everyone back home as they consider ONV sir's achievement as their very own!
The 79 year old ONV sir is a communist at heart and sincerely believes that the thoughts of Marx and Lenin, if followed to the letter, would indeed bring about the classless society that they'd visualised. His lyrics have a rare texture impregnated with meaning, a sense of purpose and a charming simplicity in thought.
Here's wishing ONV sir and his gracious wife many more years of togetherness coupled with fond memories and may there be more poetic offerings from that blessed pen!!
Shaharyar saab shall always be remembered for that soulful number, 'In aankhon ki masti' in the movie 'Umrao Jaan'.
On a personal level, my heartiest felicitations to ONV sir(as he's fondly known in Kerala) for this achievement of his. He's an ardent admirer of my Muthachan and always makes it a point to attend all the functions of the Foundation and render his classic touch. And that aspect makes sir's achievement very special for each and everyone back home as they consider ONV sir's achievement as their very own!
The 79 year old ONV sir is a communist at heart and sincerely believes that the thoughts of Marx and Lenin, if followed to the letter, would indeed bring about the classless society that they'd visualised. His lyrics have a rare texture impregnated with meaning, a sense of purpose and a charming simplicity in thought.
Here's wishing ONV sir and his gracious wife many more years of togetherness coupled with fond memories and may there be more poetic offerings from that blessed pen!!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
From a babe-in-arms to a lady onto matrimony!
Today, we got our invitation card from my friends, Murali and Radhika, to attend their daughter, Sharanya's wedding on the 3rd of November. A simple but elegantly made card with the right aesthetics, yet again affirming the simplicity of the family.
I remember the little girl as a babe-in-arms who was a very well behaved child and have carried her around a number of times. She was born with a cleft lip and I remember her parents going through considerable agony during those times, over the issue. Anyways, right medical management coupled with a corrective surgery made the problem a past history. The little girl did well in her studies both in school and college and has grown up to be a smart young lady. She has just graduated from an air hostess academy in Bangalore and is to join an airline shortly.
The young lady is to wed a young, dashing engineer from the navy and the ceremony will take place at Kochi. And we're surely going to attend the wedding to wish the young couple the very best on their life's journey.
Just ruminating about how time has flown and suddenly get this feeling that I've piled on a lot of years and have graduated to being a 'buzurg' nay, 'Kaarnavar'!
I remember the little girl as a babe-in-arms who was a very well behaved child and have carried her around a number of times. She was born with a cleft lip and I remember her parents going through considerable agony during those times, over the issue. Anyways, right medical management coupled with a corrective surgery made the problem a past history. The little girl did well in her studies both in school and college and has grown up to be a smart young lady. She has just graduated from an air hostess academy in Bangalore and is to join an airline shortly.
The young lady is to wed a young, dashing engineer from the navy and the ceremony will take place at Kochi. And we're surely going to attend the wedding to wish the young couple the very best on their life's journey.
Just ruminating about how time has flown and suddenly get this feeling that I've piled on a lot of years and have graduated to being a 'buzurg' nay, 'Kaarnavar'!
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