Happy Independence day...!!!

“Happy independence day”  “Proud to be an Indian” “ Jai hind..Jai bharat” salute to the sacrifices of the Jawaans who laid their lives for the nation..

Don’t get me wrong guys, these are not the sentences from my side; but the most popular status updates and the forwarded text messages that have already started up buzzing with the clock striking 12—with the onset of our nation’s independence day...and sorry for being so rude-but it irritates me..

I am not being unpatriotic- neither do I deny the genuine, much deserved respect we all should have for the soldiers who put their lives at stake for serving our nation---but this manner in which we all show our love towards nation seems hypocrisy to me.

 I have no other manner to express my anger or irritation-so I use my freedom of speech here; and you are free to read further or leave it incomplete, if you think the mindset I am about to present is too much for you “ patriots” to handle.

When all others are free to copy and paste the country praising messages without feeling them-the ever complaining ones being free to openly criticize the corruption or unemployment or poverty or illiteracy or any other sin and clearly blame the incompetent government and bureaucracy…when the morally uplifted people are free to boast about the developments and global contributions the country is making, and feel proud to be an Indian..I am free to tell why this Independence Day is not happy for me.

Because I do not feel free---though I can easily move wherever, whenever and however I want-though I can do anything that I wish for, though in my daily life the so called corruption, unemployment illiteracy etc do not affect me..I am educated- employed- never had to deal with corrupt people- nor lost someone dear in a terrorist attack or during wars. I live a safe stable and happy life, and avail all the facilities my fellow countrymen have. Sometimes I even think that had I been living the same life in any country other than India—it would have been just the same. So that’s my story and would like to ask you--are u really proud to be an Indian?? Or are you really in a position to blame someone for the country’s pitfalls??

Whether the country is doing good or bad- do you really have any contribution in it, or does it really matter to you?

Maybe the honest answer is “no”

We are free…but are we independent?

I don’t hesitate to say “no”.

Sometimes I can’t do what I feel like doing—because I fear what people will say…so my actions are dependant on the mindset of the people .i worry about gossips and rumors..

Sometimes when I go to the college canteen and am asked to pay 5 bucks extra for a chilled coke—I prefer not to argue—partly for the fear of being called a miser..and partly because of the desperate need of coke..i am dependant on these luxuries and my taste buds, and have to ignore the unfair moneymaking by others.

When I go shopping and cannot find a straight fit jeans and the shopkeeper suggests to get a narrow fit; which is in fashion—I have no other option but to follow his advice. I am dependant on the fashion trends, and have to ignore my personal choice.

When the teacher asks me to do some personal favor; I cannot deny him; fearing a negative impact on the internal marks. I am dependant on the impressions on teachers for getting good scores.

When I see the incidences of eve teasing-I cannot do anything. So I prefer avoiding the unsafe roads.

When I see a young girl working as a servant- I can give a good lecture against child labor, but am speechless when the girl tells about her poor financial condition.

When media presents nonsense as breaking news and silently ignores the genuine but less profitable issues—I feel helpless and still see whatever is available, or switch off the TV.

There are times when I feel helpless, when I choose not to react, when I sense wrong being done, yet can’t do anything about it.

I live a free life—but am bounded by many forces—some of them have been made by people like you and me. Some dictated by social factors, others by personal interests.

Talking about big things like corruption, poverty etc is very easy—but what are we doing about it? Shameful thing is that we do not work towards independence even in small daily issues, where we can contribute. So the big issues are better off in the parliament.

Just forwarding the patriotic messages on a single day, marked as a national holiday is not my definition of patriotism, nor do I feel proud to be Indian on just one day.

I have no right to be proud…coz I do not have any contribution in its development, nor do I have any right to complain about anything—because I am not doing my bit to improve the conditions..

I shall be truly happy and feel independent when I am in a position to feel free from within my heart- when I do my share towards betterment of the nation; which may not be a big jump- but a small step that will be for my country’s good.

And when each one of us realizes this..that very day we shall be free and independent.

 Together we can, and we will make a difference..

Ishita Bhown

Claiming 'I am what I am, easy to know and difficult to understand.', Ishita Bhown is a bubbly, talkative girl from Jaipur who is full of hopes and dreams. Her first novel  ToGetHer  is a story about a simple girl who enters the fascinating world of engineering with a lot of dreams and aspirations and experiences different shades of this new phase of life.

Born with a talent of different writing style her first book itself lets you unfold new twists and turns of life.

Happy Holiday!!

Happy holiday to all my country men! (Because I don’t know what else this day mean to all of you). In this article I am not going to talk of the great leaders who sacrificed their lives for "this" India, because this seems rubbish and insignificant to me (pardon my words). I know our country is developing (though I am clueless of why this development is not benefiting me and where does the billion dollars that our country is aided with go). But today I just have a wish “I wish that god would have made me mentally sick, dumb, blind and deaf at the same time!" Because what I see, listen and understand disgusts me. Though I am a good spectator and a brilliant commentator, because for every scam, forgery, murder case and rape case I learn about, I comfortably say "Is desh ka kya hoga"? And for every unbelievable tale of poverty and humiliation that I listen; I sigh “Why don't anybody help these guys". And then I get busy in texting my friends, thinking of what to wear tomorrow, which class to bunk for movie and is that girl really smarter than me?

Actually I am so packed up that I hardly get time for philanthropy, but one day when I get old and will have lots of money I'll surely do something for the poor. This is me perfectly shameless and extremely ungrateful to my countrymen.

But there’s a part of me, which haunts me at night, which keeps me sleepless till 3 a.m., which chokes my throat, which asks me "what if you would have been at their place?" And force me to shed tears. I think; that’s humanity. Which knocks at the door of every heart but we refuse to listen.

There is a 10 year boy who begs in my locality I simply call him Chotu. One day I asked him what will he do if I give him all the money I have. I expected to listen that he will eat loads or buy toys, but after being quite for a while he said “I will give food, shelter and love to all the people who suffers from the lack of it". I was shocked to see that a guy who has nothing is ready to share, then why we who wear watches of Tommy and Rado, carry bags of Adidas and Fastrack, watch movie every weekend, drives Fazer and R15 wait for 'old age and lots of money to help the needy.

People, my grand father tells me that an individual should not be known by his caste, creed, religion or sex but by the amount of humanity that individual carries in his heart. So create your identity, make a mark and try to share.

Friends, this independence day; make your heart independent from the bondage of materialistic lusts and breathe in the air of brotherhood and sense of oneness.

Jai hind!!

Arushi A. Shukla

A 19 year B.Tech student who loves writing whatever comes to mind, dancing without any occasion, gossiping with a never ending list of friends, meditating (it strengthens me), watching movies and eating heavily. I am a typically religious girl having a 24*7 hotline with god. I am grateful to my nation and love my sweet family, I truly believe in simplicity and destiny.

Contact : arushishukla027@gmail.com

Book Review : Hilawi (Author : Ritu Lalit)

Hilawi, the story based on the ancient fable of the Ojha Clan is one greatly imagined by the author Ritu Lalit. The first glance of the book makes one curious to know what actually “Hilawi” is, which is revealed partially in the beginning. The author brings out adventure and thrill together in this novel with a catchy title “Hilawi”.

The author, Ritu Lalit, spent the first few years of her life in the north east of India, where she would lie on the grass and stare at the skies, convinced that she did not belong to this planet. And her desire to live in a dream world could not be suppressed, so now she writes fiction.
The story revolves around a twin pair, Yaduvir and Gargi, who are unprepared for the strange fable they were told and the adventure they were rocketed into. “Hilawi” is their protector as well as a good luck to both of them, struggling to complete the task for which they were born, constantly on a run. They do it for their bloodline in a fight with their own clansmen, for the strange thing they don’t even know the origin of. Throughout their journey and run to save the ancient lucky charm of theirs, they learn to survive in the worst situations and knew that life here isn’t that easy for them, than that they continued to live till now.

The book is engrossing and its fantasy seems to be true and alive once you start reading it. Still some would miss the descriptive writing and narrations. Author has sectioned the book in under a small descriptive title of each chapter, which is about just 7-8 pages. One will find the adventure burning more while going ahead through each of the chapters. The epilogue would bring out questions in one's mind. Storyline is wonderfully imagined and the end would keep a little of suspense in the readers mind, which in my opinion is the best part. This book may be a called the short and the ADVENTUROUS one.

On the whole, this story full of mysticism, fantastic writing and gripping narration would attract the readers. Once they start reading they will surely be interested to know the end, which will further thrill them to know more of it. Doesn’t matter you like love stories more, because this one has a thrilling love story instead which will interest you. Do read this wonderful attempt and you will surely like this.

Yes...Its Friendship Day!!! :) :)

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend."

Let's recapitulate the day.

Yesterday at night we all were awake until 12 to wish our friends . Over day our phone's inbox is poured up with umpteen number of friendship messages of all kind... Some being witty, some hilarious and some senti-wale. Till the end of the day, our wrists are all enveloped with cute bands. So many promises are made today. Get so many calls from the friends we haven't heard in a while. And we all know the obvious, it was THE FRIENDSHIPS DAY. The day observed to show friends that they are loved, remembered and cared.

Now back to the immediate future.

I have few questions to ask..

How many of us will contact or will be contacted by the distant friend who wished us so nicely today that made us wonder if we are still together? 

How many of us or how many of them will be there if former or later will needed by other?

Even though internet and social networking websites are in vogue, we barely talk to all the people in our so called friend-list.

I am not a crepe-hanger or something for saying such negative words but my main motto is to traject the idea that 'befriend everyone but don't forget to find your true friend from that everyone' through this article. Because they say "Friends are the part of your family you get to choose"(and they say it right ;) ). Even the anagram of the word FRIEND is FINDER. Finder of your happiness when you are low. Finder of your true self when you feel lost and thrown.

Friendship is not about the zillion friends you make every day. It's about a single friend you have for those zillion days...

A friend is someone who know your flaws and loves you anyway (read this somewhere over web). Pooh knew that Piglet is chicken-heart and Piglet knew Pooh is spacey, still they were best of friends. Best part is they understood each other and respected and accepted each other the way they were.

A lot has been written and heard on/about friends and friendship. From the stories of the friendship of Krishna and Sudama from our Dadi/Nani to latest add of airtel 'kyuki har ek friend zaruri hota hai'. Because friendship is one of those relations which exist on this planet since life barged in.

Try not to lose the innocence of true friendship because some friendship, no matter how hard you try, never recover the joy they once had.

Happy Friendships Day to all the readers on behalf of team The Adroits. Enjoy the few remaining hours of this day.

Mansi Jain

A bubbly yet emotional girl, who lives her life on her own terms. Love electronic gadgets, movies, music and chocolates. Troubling my head with programming as I am doing B.Tech in Information Technology from NIT, Raipur. I am amicable and I am truly in love with myself.
Contact : mansijain.nitrr@gmail.com

Thread That Binds...Happy Rakshabandhan...!!! ( A Dedication...)

Image Source:Google Images

Relationships are the most beautiful aspect of life. And in the garden of life, the relation that’s most refreshing and scented is that of siblings. Our culture provides us with this festival of ‘Rakshabandhan’  to  celebrate the most genuine and eternal bond of a brother and sister J.

Our custom says, a sister ties her emotions, love, respect and all her faith in the form of sacred thread ‘Rakhi’ on her brother’s wrist and in return the brother pledges to protect her and be the pillar of support all through the life. Thus, the name ‘Raksha (Protection)’ + ‘Bandhan (Bond)’

Being born and brought up in joint family, festivals have always been the source of togetherness and smiles for us. After this long day of getting pockets lighter and smiles bigger, this Rakshabandhan has a new meaning for me and my family. In life there always are few moments that give you realization of a life time.

Today, my two little cousins gave another meaning to this festival to us. They came and asked for my wrist so that they can tie rakhis. I told them it’s a sister who does that and from yesteryears it’s our culture. The reply I got left me fairly – STUNNED and the smile which had arose seeing their innocence had become wider…

“ Didi, Its always you who make us cross the roads packed with traffic, it’s you who bears all our anxiety and cries too, from getting us chocolates, our favorite cartoons to our studies you are always our savior. All the time you are protecting us than why should we also not tie a rakhi to you…??”

And we celebrated this day with a difference J.Now, when we are almost to finish off this day of Rakshabandhan and I count the numbers on my hand, I have 12 threads. These give me a different sense of responsibility that I am needed and trusted- an everlasting sense of love, faith and protection.

Further, in life, we come across many people who leave a hearty mark and we start adoring them as our brothers or sisters. That’s the beauty of this shade of life. Blood relations are not always the one that ties the bond of love. Some emotions and relations are beyond this bondage.

On this very special day, Adroits cherishes this beautiful bond of siblings and requests all the readers to not let any hand go vacant or without the sacred thread!!! Here’s a dedication to make you travel your journey so far with your brothers and sisters…J

Whispery giggles in the ear, fighting whole day till the last dropped tear.

Flowing secrets to share and protect each other stepping to every dare.

An opponent, a team-mate and at the same time a fan in the stands…

This relation can’t be changed even by passing grains of timeline sands…J

Siblings are someone you can’t replace; they are the ones to show you your real face.

Sisters remain your strength in every thick and thin,

And, brothers show you the life from deep within.

Whenever you are to break down or crash in, they are ones to forgive your every sin.

When no one in the world would understand, they are ones to hold your hands…J

From waking up in the morning and fighting for milk cups to waving goodbyes to parents and kicking each other to have hug first…

Catching bugs with plastic nets, having races and silly bets,

Playing Ice-Water, hide and seek , climbing up the hay,

Making life so simple and fun all through the day…J

Making paper boats, kitchen sets, office-office , talking in artificial phones,

Calling out each other’s names aloud in horrible tones…J

In life, circumstances never remain the same;

With time, sometimes, emotions get tamed.

Maturation comes and comes the new definition of unending trust with connection of hearts,

No matter wherever they go, they can never be drawn apart.

Misunderstandings, difficult times are always a part of life they know,

Life cannot be a smooth river in a flow…L

No matter what the age, what the time this relation is always filled with love;

So secured and trusted with serene beauty of a dove…

I conclude with words , “This relation of life is away from the touch of time…

Giving life the brightest of the shine…J”

Feel the love, cherish emotions…A very HAPPY RAKSHABANDHAN J

Parul Thakur signing off …

A girl at her teens, full of hopes and dreams.Studying Biotechnology in NIT Raipur. I don’t follow trends.My Belief – Neither I am best nor I wish to be   the one, but for sure, I am not like the rest.Law,Economics,Movies,Writing, prose, poetry, reading are my interests. Music resides in my soul. Have done Visharad (6-Years) course in Classical Music. I aim to achieve something worth in the new and challenging field of Biotechnology and make a small place in this big, bloomed world of writing.

Contact : pupsway.thakur@gmail.com

Satyamev Jayate...

It was a very nice morning. Clouds were in good mood after a long time and surprisingly I woke up early to enjoy the morning drizzle without realizing that it was a much awaited Sunday. Having completed my studies and having no job in hand everyday seemed to be like Sunday. Only difference between Sundays and other weekdays was watching Satyamev Jayate, a talk show based on social problems in India. After a long time any television show has had such an everlasting impact on Indian audiences. In past, only Ramayana and Kaun Banega Crorepati (season 1) had such a huge impact.

Being unaware of the day’s topic I switched on my television set correctly on time and was pleased to know that the show was based on caste system and classism, a problem which I had encountered numerous times in my life. I was in complete support of what was being said on the show by the host and the guests until a woman, who was a professor of Delhi University, claimed on the show that a house that she rented was whitewashed after she left that house. She also claimed that this was done because she is from a lower caste.

During rest of the show and even after the show I kept thinking about what she said. If I correctly remember, the room I rented during my studies in Raipur was whitewashed after I left that room. I feel sorry to mention that I am not from any so called lower caste. Before that day I had never thought that whitewashing of house can be taken as an act against any particular caste.

I decided to cross-examine my action towards different people in my surrounding to just check weather my behavior is biased or not. I found that I, my family, my maid and my gardener drink water from the same source and we drink water in the same glasses but obviously the glass is washed after anyone drinks water from it. Did my maid or my gardener was hurt by watching that glasses were washed after they drank water from it? We never intended to show them that they are any lower to us in any of the matters. This situation is same as that woman’s room being whitewashed after she left it.

I do not want to conclude anything through this but certainly the people who claim to be effected by other people’s rude behavior due to their caste need to cross check their own mentality of questioning every other activity based on caste division. I am worried that in future if a judge gives a sentence against a dalit he would be claimed to be from a dalit virodhi mindset. It’s a sincere request to my entire fellow Indians to be unbiased while judging anyone.

Jai Hind

Satyamev Jayate

Ketan Manek

Young man with sparkling dreams in his eyes, an Electronics and Telecommunication graduate, a blogger and a Hindi poet who loves to connect with people and is a big foodie. He will be soon working with Cognizant Technical Solution as Programmer Analyst Trainee.

Contact : ketan.123manek@gmail.com

Read his creations in Hindi at ketanmanek.blogspot.com

Be the Coyote...

It was an awkward feeling when a friend asked me to write for this blog. I was skeptical because I had no clue what should I write in a blog where other good writers exist and also this is a different space from my own blog.Sharing my thoughts here will be something that I am not used to.

             

Ever since I got a mind that started working properly, I aspired to become someone who would have freedom in life, in his work. Well, creativity cannot be taught to anyone, but I believe that if one is open to learn new things in life, he will be able to do things beyond his capacity. I hate the environment where a person is not given the freedom to think or when he does, his thinking is not appreciated.

           

Indecisive nature has been my nature from childhood. This kind of nature has led me to imagine myself in various situations, professions, lifestyles. Problem lies when I face the reality. Reality is different from what I have imagined so far. Am I creative or not? I have no answer for it. Am I creative enough to sustain in any industry? No answer for it again. Am I brave enough to face the consequences of the decisions I make? No clue again.

           

By now, you would have realized that I wasn’t lying when I said I was indecisive in nature. It’s not that I fear the end, but I fear what I’ll miss out due to my decisions. This has resulted in less risk-taking in terms of my career. I speak and advise people that they should get involved in work that they love doing. Call me a hypocrite! But I don’t follow it. I am walking on the conventional path of making career, which may give me the monetary happiness I desired for but may not give me inner joy of doing something original, creative, crazy, funny.

              

Like me, there are many people who would be going through the same situations in life. People have their own perspective which I have no intentions of changing.  I like one of those people who are doing something, yet waiting for a miracle that would make them walk on the path we have always wanted to. I want to be the Coyote who never gives up running behind the road runner.

              

Only thing, I can say to everyone who is in the similar situation as mine, who feel suffocated in their work, in their surrounding – Be the coyote. Yeah he never gets the road runner in his life, but at least he doesn’t give up. Coyote is imagination, but you and your dreams are real. If you chase them, you will achieve them. I will also try to follow what I say this time.

Siddhant Hota

Confused dreamer, witty, awkward philosopher.
A hotel management graduate, working in a bank and aspiring to be an author. (Do not judge his decisions) 
Read his articles on philosophy of his life, beliefs, confusions and thoughts on 
http://weirdbrains.blogspot.in/

A Tribute To Admired Personas...

(Image Source : Dainik Bhaskar Newspaper)

I woke a bit late this morning and the moment I opened eyes my mom said, “Dara Ji chal base”. It was not a big shock (with news of his declining health we somewhere inside knew this was coming) but still it was saddening news. Neither was Dara Ji close to me nor me and my family knew him personally but there always are a few public figures that we can always connect to as part of our lives and Dara Ji was one such persona. He was a person who is admired by the whole nation.

By writing this article, it’s not intended to shed tears about his death. Everyone who comes has to go someday but some people leave such footprints that are cherished forever. People like him, although not being involved in our lives directly, play great roles in our lives. Loss of Dara Ji makes me remember some of those legends who still rule our hearts.

I still remember, winters 1997, we had a color television at home ( it was very rare in those days in small town like Korba, my hometown) and only available channel Doordarshan was to showcase Mera Naam Joker on the eve of 26^thJanuary , The Republic Day. Dara Ji had small role in that movie which still has an everlasting impact on my life. His role was of a strong ring master, who used to handle lions and tigers like puppets. Since then I always wanted to be as strong as Dara Ji. Well, he is all over the news and he is being pictured as Hanuman Ji, but actually I could never recognize him in the role of Hanuman. That’s the essence of his persona.

From morning I have been thinking about Dara Ji and I cannot stop thinking about Raj Kapoor, the showman of millennium. Few days ago I saw new trailer of the movie, Barfi, and his grandson and very fine actor Ranbir Kapoor just reminded me the golden era of Indian film industry. I just wish I could just be hundredth fraction romantic as he was and could sing “Pyar hua ikrar hua” with my girlfriend on a rainy day under the large umbrella.

I was in same mood last year when I heard of our very own Dev Saheb. I wonder, if there exists any man who is more handsome than him. I wish I was as handsome as him or as cool as Shammi Kapoor, who left us last year. Very few people know that Shammi Ji was one of the first few Indians to had an e-mail account.

And then, Kishore da and R D Burman came to my mind whose music has been a life saver at times when I have broken down into pieces.

I just wanted to share how important is the role of film stars, movies and in whole public figures of different domains in our lives and with death of Dara Ji a part of our life has also ended. This was my little tribute to the people (especially Dara Ji), the legends who hold the place of inspiration in our hearts. May all the souls be blessed and Rest In Peace.

Ketan Manek

Young man with sparkling dreams in his eyes, an Electronics and Telecommunication graduate, a blogger and a Hindi poet who loves to connect with people and is a big foodie. He will be soon working with Cognizant Technical Solution as Programmer Analyst Trainee.

Contact : ketan.123manek@gmail.com

Read his creations in Hindi at ketanmanek.blogspot.com

Vision To Horizon...

Once during a casual talk with my teacher she said, “During my school days, if a girl was seen sitting behind a boy or a man on a bike or scooter people would think that he would be either her brother or father… but in today’s so called modern world if she is with her brother or father she would be taken otherwise..”

It’s been 6 years since she said that and amazingly it is found to be true that our desire to tag women with unsocial titles has become an ever increasing trend among modern men.  Recently, in a very famous case, a famous police officer of Mumbai police raided a bar and arrested two women who were found to be consuming alcohol, and they were claimed to be “Randis”. I feel ashamed of calling myself citizen of a country where constitution provides me Right to Equality.

If we ask ourselves, we would find it true that we have made it more difficult for women and girls to come out of their houses. They are being raped, kidnapped, murdered, teased and assaulted every-day and every-night. Even if women go out with protection (going out with men is typically supposed to safe for women in our country) in form husband, father or brother, what happens with them was correctly told by my chemistry teacher.

It is not intended to claim that women have suddenly become unsafe in India but it cannot be denied that overall respect for women in our country, which is known for respecting women in form of goddesses, have gone down drastically in past one decade. Although, in past ten years Indian women have achieved what has never been achieved by Indian women. Athletes like Dola Banerjee, MC Mary Kom, Deepika Kumari, Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal and many more (sorry, if I am leaving any athlete unmentioned, there are just too many to be mentioned here) have gone on to show that they are world best athletes. With first ever women President, a woman being speaker, a woman being head of political party which has highest number of seats in parliament, a woman being leader of opposition and women like Indra Nuyi and Nanda Kocher leading major business houses and financial institutions of country, respect for women has gone down. May be, ever dominating Indian men have found new way to maintain their dominance by disrespecting and discrediting women.

Only blaming men for this new trend of disrespecting women won’t be justified. With success, women have come out boldly and many times difference between vulgarity and boldness has been overlooked. It’s hard for a young person to find a television show or a Bollywood movie which he can comfortably watch with his parents. Women, themselves will have to define a line between being free to be chosen and being showcased as vulnerable and “available”. Although, It is not intended to say that new trends in women dressing is reason behind increased crimes against women, there must a demarcation line between being bold and being vulgar at least in public places.

However, India is going through a major cultural change and there can views and counter views about what is correct and what is not but crimes against women like rape, eve teasing cannot be justified on any grounds. We have to be broad minded enough to accept all the changes that are taking place and that are about to come along our way. By the way, they say, “Change is the only permanent thing”.

Ketan Manek

Young man with sparkling dreams in his eyes, an Electronics and Telecommunication graduate, a blogger and a Hindi poet who loves to connect with people and is a big foodie. He will be soon working with Cognizant Technical Solution as Programmer Analyst Trainee.

Contact : ketan.123manek@gmail.com

Read his creations in Hindi at ketanmanek.blogspot.com

Big Bang Bollywood...!!!

WARNING: Using brain and having logical approach while reading this write-up may prove harmful for your senses!!!

DISCLAIMER: Read at your own risk! This piece is directly from the heart of a Hindi movie maniac. Keep your brains aside and read like a perfectly insane bolly-fanJ. This article is aimed just to convey, ‘Smile suits you well…’J

Indian Cinema has completed a century of success. Yes, yes, yes…100 years!!! For the century, it has remained our companion, making us laugh, cry, learn, dance, sing, love, celebrate and has made us feel every aspect of life to its fullest. I,one of the craziest followers of silver screen wishes to take you to a small journey of glimpses – Magical Bollywood… J

Rooting to its definition let’s discover what actually defines Indian Cinema? Our critics and bolly-intellects say, “Broadly speaking, Indian Cinema can be divided in four streams -Mainstream, Parallel, Diaspora and Regional.” Did you get this??

No??Ohh…same-pinch..neither did I ! Chuck that… for me watching a movie means three hours of fun, excitement, enjoyment, the time to  be cheerful and with the evolution of message giving movies, I do learn loads of things emotionally, practically, nationally , and all the ‘allys’  J .

We know Indians are experts in two things – politics and movies. (Sarcasm: Though politics is now no less than a full fledged entertainment, anyways, we won’t go into that. It’s time to relax) .In our dish of life, 21^st century automatically gifts us diseases, tensions, pressures, money-name-fame ambition and a lot more to snatch away the real essence of life. This dish would be tasteless without the spice and salt that our movies provide us. Thus, in this petrifying world, movies hold the key to bring smiles in faces.

Think about it, where in the Earth one would find fans viewing films on a screen made out of jute!!Or on a white screen being viewed from both the sides? ---- It happens only in IndiaJ!

TIME RULES...and with time, trends and perception changes too. Bollywood has transitioned from black & white to big silver screen, from mythological, simple stories, romance hidden behind cuddling of two flowers to something as raw bedroom scenes, item numbers, or highlighting the bold and taboo topics of AIDS, sperm donation, homosexuality, etc. Action sequences have become more realistic and excitement has reached to its peak with the introduction of 3Ds, 4Ds, 5Ds, and many new technologies have knocked our gates. Reel life is inspired by Real life and the films of today purely believe this statement.

‘Language’- the most raised topic for debate at present. Many say that present trend of abusive languages are ruining the youth. I do agree there has been degradation of language and this is hampering the culture of nation as a whole. But, statistics are proofs that movies with these languages have been tremendous chart breakers same as the movies that are free from this ‘so called’ toxicity of languages. And what in life doesn’t have its positives and negatives both? Even the watch without battery shows right time twice a day J. Sometimes, it’s better to come out of fantasy world because there’s a lot more to life than living in a well built home and day dreaming…

Further, we are not in a sheep walk to let anything spoil us. We have the power to analyze things and we very well know how to keep our senses alive. So, these were the glimpses of the changes that our movies saw. But, I love Bollywood for the things that can never be changed about them.  J

“If you find hatred all around you, there’s not even tinge of love left…go and watch a typical bolly movie. They are the store-houses of love. And also, whenever you face a fight or clash in the first meet with someone…be aware..you have 99.99% of chance that it might turn into LOVE…J “

“It hardly matters to us if in every movie there’s seeding of love only after a rain-dance. We are going to love it. Let the one of the two duplicates be good and other be the ‘don’, we would still watch it with all the curiosity. Put the item numbers, we would dance our hearts out with loudest of the whistles and welcome them. I wonder, these girls are the only ones who never mind getting Badnaam and get jawaan with all the pomp and show and also tell their names with all the hip movements and seductive looks- naaaaaaaaam jalebi bai J.That’s the everlasting fever of Bollywood and I just love it. Don’t you?? “

“Always remember one slogan- Hero is the SuperheroJ. Don’t ever question the strength of the hero in the movie. Songs------ these can make the floppiest from the lot to top the charts. Few months in different country gives us a 5min song that make every bolly fan redefine his/her life. I still wonder, where from the sky do hundreds of dancers appear when lovers dance!! It has always been a mystery to me!! J Oh! Crazy Bollywood and crazy me. “

I hope this piece, which is the result of my stupidity and paranoid nature, gave you slightest of the smile. I did mention not to use brain while reading and I kept my wordJ. Cherish the movies you see, spread the love. Life is full of difficult times, don’t complicate it more. Have time to relax; you’ll find things around you much better and more beautiful than ever. Sometimes, let heart govern your brain.

If these changes in current movies would not have been accepted than Anarkali would have been in the walls forever and would never have gone to DiscoJ, ‘Papa kehte hain bada naam karega’ and then’ Daddy mujhko bola tu galti hai meri’ both songs would not have hit the chartbusters of same Bollywood…!! No matter what happens, Bollywood will keep on providing people like me-a new perception and zeal to life.

Hope you had a happy and light reading and aren’t cursing me for wasting your time!!!

This is Parul Thakur saying ‘Keep Smiling …J’

A girl at her teens, full of hopes and dreams.Studying Biotechnology in NIT Raipur. I don’t follow trends.My Belief – Neither I am best nor I wish to be the one, but for sure, I am not like the rest.Law,Economics,Movies,Writing, prose, poetry, reading are my interests. Music resides in my soul. Have done Visharad (6-Years) course in Classical Music. I aim to achieve something worth in the new and challenging field of Biotechnology and make a small place in this big, bloomed world of writing. Contact : pupsway.thakur@gmail.com

Is India really facing a MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE? (My Panoramic View Of India)

“Even as the political community is engaged in an internal battle for presidency, the world views India as a case of a sort of a multiple organ failure. It is obvious to the world that India has failed itself through a massive and collective failure of its head (cognition), heart (emotions), and hands (action). India also faces an ‘awkward combination’ of slow growth and elevated inflation, surrounded by structural challenges in its investments in the form of corruption and inadequate economic reforms “

Above five lines is a report by a global agency about India and its credentials. The moment I ended up with this article, I was lost in deep set of questions- about myself, about you and our country. Next to this article was a small advert saying CELEBRATE WORLD CAMERA DAY on 29^th June, 2012 – Capture your live moments and win prizes!!!

Neither do I wish to win any prize nor do I intend to tell you to celebrate this day. But, yes I would request you to please have a look at my Panoramic View Of Our Country through the lenses of my camera – My eyes, mind and soul.

Okay…Starting with, India- the land of unity in diversity, the land of culture, colour, customs and festivals. India- My country, your country, our country...

Is this all about India? We- the people? Ask yourselves…

India- where…

•  Almost 40% of people are below poverty line; do not get their square meal. (Recent Declaration: Any person earning Rs.32 or more is not considered below poverty line and is deprived of the privileges for the same). I ask you, what will you have with Rs.32 a day?
•  In every next hotels and restaurants we find a 12-year old child cleaning utensils and tables, serving food and making tea.
• We bring daughter-in-laws with all the pomp and show but a major portion of the society forget to respect their emotions and women are forced to end-up in kitchens. Some suffer aggressive domestic violence or are killed for the sake of dowry.
• Everyday infanticide takes place, just to have a baby-boy, an innocent life of a girl is taken and is deprived of all the rights.
• Some industrialists have house of millions just for a family of four and our news channels telecast every bit of it 24*7 but in the same nation we have asia’s largest slum DHARAVI and you have the answer of my next question – How many of us took a note at it ? Be honest to yourself! (Friends, just making a mere movie over slums, winning Oscars for it and then rejoicing, feeling proud… I don’t think it’s the solution. )
• Administrators and policy framers work on communal basis. So called mirror of society, media- work for TRPs, that nation can’t be considered as a democratic one.frt

These were just six captures of our present scenario. We have lot more. And, we say we are Incredible Indians!!! Yes, for sure we have Incredible India! Is this the reason why we call ourselves a developing nation as we have all the multistory malls, pubs and firms?. If development means filling up the pockets of rich, then I give a damn to such development. What we need is progress i.e. increase in the number of smiling faces and satisfied countrymen. We often take these two words as synonyms, but they aren't.It’s the progress that would make us share a common goal, embrace a common ideal, regardless of all the differences in the country, make us strive shoulder to shoulder and face the truth, confident in one another’s faith, trust and commitment in the end. Yes, vision of people makes the nation proud.

Coming to our Government and democracy.  At present, I find every second person abusing our Government for petrol prices hike and what not so!! I agree we do have loop holes in our administration and faulty practices do exist.  But, the question is how many of us know about inflation, deflation, repo rate, demand-supply theory, market mechanisms? Answer is a handful of people from the lot of lakhs. There are many who support Anna’s movement, but hardly a few know the main agenda. This is the reason why we are lacking. Why do we run away from problems? Why do we leave everything in the hands of politicians even after knowing the fact that those hands are corrupted? Public participation is the need of the hour. It’s not only the politicians who live in this country. We also owe some responsibilities to our nation. Inspite of all these, I still believe, our nation had been a potential , is one and will be one. We just need to explore properly.

If, for instance, we agree politics is full of corrupt people then I ask you- are you ready to stand up and take their places? Will you leave your career and enter into that world of politics? Do we have guts to study every aspect of our constitution, amendments, economics, from devaluation of our currency to frame policies? My answer is NO…I can’t. And where in world 'only' good people live?  If this was possible, then why we have heaven and hell both? We never miss out sitting in groups and cursing the politicians. And on the day of elections we shamelessly prefer family outings and movies over voting. It sounds so ridiculous. But unfortunately this is what we actually do. It’s high time now, and we need to have some sensible reasons to talk about and make logical decisions on our parts. Enough of blaming the politicians. It would be better if we first mend our ways and then shoot words of blame to others.

Further, I know alone a Parul like me or someone like you can’t save our nation from this continuous degradation. Every element of society is required to play their bit. You or I can’t take the responsibility of millions in our country. But, we can take a firm pledge on our parts as individuals and then, that day would surely come when there’ll be smile in every face and not the fear of losing lives.

Today, I take little pledges on my part to improve myself and work for the betterment of my mind , surrounding and my nation as a whole. Let’s not just think about our own pound of flesh.  If every single person brings even a spoon of positive reforms inside themselves, this place would become a much better place. It’s said ‘Umeed pe duniya kayam hai’ and hope is the word behind every failure. So, I end up my panorama on this positive note to see India of my dreams- a reawakened and reformed one. 

Our nation is going through a critical stage in its evolutionary growth.Divisive and destructive forces are on increase.If this infection continues soon our nation would suffer severe organ failure and that day would be more shameful than ever.Rise above commenting on pictures and status updates.We have means, use them the way they should be.

Let every aspect of life be given its own thought and space to have a place full of prosperity and happiness. I don’t know how many are going to read this.If my effort influences even a single person out there, I would be happy that I played my bit.

Parul Thakur signing off...

Parul Thakur A girl at her teens, full of hopes and dreams.Studying Biotechnology in NIT Raipur. I don’t follow trends.My Belief – Neither I am best nor I wish to be the one, but for sure, I am not like the rest. Law,economics,writing,prose,poetry,reading are my interests.Music resides in my soul. Have done Visharad (6-Years) course in Classical Music.I aim to achieve something worth in the challenging field of Biotechnology and make a small place in this world of writing. Contact : pupsway.thakur@gmail.com

Half Baked Religion...

When you are 11, have first time stepped into a metro city and have absolutely no scuttle to reach your relative's abode; you never hassle that how many signals have snatched away your time. You simply get pleasure from the entirely new scenario- the crowd, the roads, the greenery along the road side. On one such signal I was busy with a new video game that my cousin has bought. Suddenly I got a knock at the glass window of the cab that we hired; I raised my head in response to the stimuli. My eyes got jammed with the person standing on the other side of the window. A young man with a crown on head, face painted in blue, a bow in one hand and a bowl with few penny's into it stood bare footed in front of me. I was surprised to know that the person in attire of lord ram was actually a beggar!

He disguised himself as the hero of the nation- an ideal son and a promising king. As I keenly observed him from head to toe, a nasty smile took over my face. After waving for money for a few seconds he moved on to the car next to us. My ogle moved in synchronization with him, the suited man in a Mercedes with a tilak on his forehead lowered his automatic glass window,  dropped a coin or two,  folded his hand, bowed his head and with deep respect yelled "Jai siya ram" and to add to my surprise the disguised man blessed him! The Richie rich pulled up the window back. The entire scene made me giggle my cousin saw me with disgust. He thought that I was laughing over the poverty on road but, to me the incident was hilarious rather than being upsetting. Two things were very strange to me. Firstly, the man in the Mercedes would have been a CEO, manager or director of a firm but, felt no shame to bow down in front of a beggar, to this I can consider that the man actually saw his god in the beggar then secondly, contradicting his deep rooted faith the man who would have been earning millions or billions per annum spent just two coins for his so called lord ram, it's because may be subconsciously he knew that he was just 'a beggar'. He sacrificed his ego but not the currency.

May be the man was a sheer idiot or just confused that whether the man in front of him is a beggar or lord ram!

But to me it was very clear - it was another tight slap on the face of religion where lord ram was begging on the traffic signals of Mumbai for a ten-ner!

Why do we run to temples when result or exam dates are around the corner? Why do we talk of culture and religion only when we are required to conceal the decline on our nation? Why do we pray only when we want something, can't we remember the almighty without any specific occasion? Why do young girls fast without knowing its significance? Is it just to impress their boyfriends portraying an image of a traditional girl?

 I ask why? Why? We tangle religion with our selfish needs.

Be it Ramayana, Bible or Quran every epic teaches us a way of living. It has unmatchable content of wisdom and knowledge. But in a world where everybody is busy making a wish list, who has time to introspect?

People, there’s a lot more in this world other than name, fame and money game. Please open your eyes and find the reason of your existence.

Arushi A. Shukla

A 19 year B.Tech student who loves writing whatever comes to mind, dancing without any occasion, gossiping with a never ending list of friends, meditating (it strengthens me), watching movies and eating heavily. I am a typically religious girl having a 24*7 hotline with god. I am grateful to my nation and love my sweet family, I truly believe in simplicity and destiny.

Contact : arushishukla027@gmail.com