Have a heart

As we see the images of Kashmiris asking for separation over and over again. It hits home that all this hullabaloo is actually because they find their homeland under threat. The threat is real or imagined can be a matter of debate however the fact remains that having your home turf under attack is not a easy feeling to live with.

So what am I trying to say?



Well just that the Kashmiris are not the only one clamouring to be heard through their many parades and leaders, some dumb creatures too are crying out and asking for our support.
The Olive Ridley Turtles are going to lose their breeding grounds soon thanks to a port that the Tata’s are planning at Dhamra, one of the last natural habitats of these endangered species.
I wrote a letter to Mr. Ratan Tata today through GreenPeace an organization which is fighting on behalf of the turtles and their right to live. Here is my letter:

Dear Mr.Tata,

It would be nice to know that apart from a lot of steel you also have a heart.
Money can’t be everything can it? Give the poor turtles a chance will you?

After all you wouldn't like someone taking over your home would you? As it is you and the Maharashtra police are being ruthless enough to these activists who speak on behalf of the dumb turtles.

Have a heart.
I am not denying we need the port, God knows it will mean many jobs and a better life for many of my fellow citizens but in the process dont kill the turtles please. Couldnt you relocate or something? You are so smart, you dreamt up the Nano...am sure you can do this too.
I have always respected and admired you as a man of principles its time you showed them.

Waiting eagerly for a Press Conference being addressed by you where you announce the relocation of the Port.

regards,




I alone can't make a difference but I am hoping you will add your voices to it, that is if you feel these creatures need to live, incase you feel the Port needs to be at the exact same area and nowhere else and the turtles be damned, that’s your opinion and you have every right to it.

My India, My Pride

Thanks all of you for answering the questions I put forward in the last post. Now here are my answers to my own questions:
Independence to me is the ability to grow as an individual and be responsible for my own life
The most important freedom, is free speech and the right to endeavor to make a better life for myself without reservations of any kind binding me.
For me my country is my greatest pride and I blindly love it. And my greatest moment of pride was when India's first man in space Rakesh Sharma answered while orbiting the earth, " Saare jahan se acha" to the question by then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi, "mera bharat kaisa lag raha hai?"
And the moment in my own life which best symbolises freedom is when I decided to write this blog and air my views on my own forum without fear.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ONE AND ALL!!!

Freedom to ask?

In a few days time it will the 61st anniversary of India’s independence from the British Raj.

We celebrate this day as a national holiday and thanks to multiple channels are not even bound to hear the speeches being made from the ramparts of the Red Fort if we happen to switch on the television. The fact that most markets are closed however is a nuisance since we can’t exercise our freedom to shop.

And even catching a movie is not always possible either because we didn’t book in advance or the shows are houseful or cause we live in a metropolitan city and are afraid of a terror attack on an important day such as this.

So what do we do?

We laze about at home, have something nice to eat and drink (provided we were smart enough to stash away booze beforehand, it being a dry day and all that). And if a neighbor or friend happens to drop by we discuss the completely pathetic state of affairs of the country. How it’s being led by donkeys and it can only lead to ruin. How we are planning to go abroad or are atleast hoping our kids will once they grow up.

We do all this and while away the day that is if we haven't been smart enough to book rooms at the nearest hill station or getaway and are not there already doing touristy things . In that case evening arrives when mercifully the malls open up and we take the family out for some shopping and dinner after all it’s a holiday isn’t it?

Since this is what the Independence Day finally boils down to, I thought I should ask you what does it all mean or does it at all mean anything anymore?

Do answer:
What does independence mean to you?
Which for you is your most important freedom?
When was the last time you felt great pride in being an Indian?
Which moment in your own life you feel best symbolizes freedom?

Do put down your answers in my comment box or take this up as a short tag if you please but please do answer one and all.

Shall the text book win or shall we?

Love, they said is pure and innocent.
Love, they said gives wholeheartedly, simply
Love, they said made you kind and gentle
Love, they said was sublime and subtle

What is this then?

This tumultuous sensation that fills me when I think of you
The jealousy I feel when I see you absorbed in anything but me
The fierce waves of pain and pleasure that you unleash in me

Are these then not love?

Love, they said happened when boy meets girl
Love they said was the first kiss, the first touch
Love they said was eternal

What then do we call what we share?

We met after meeting and loving others
Amongst our most precious memories are those that we don’t hold in common
Our temperaments are different, so is our world view at times

Yet inspite of it all we have dared to share dreams, hopes and desires
Yet inspite of it all we have decided to be co-travelers on the road of life
We have shed tears of joy and sorrow for each other; we have lived in each others smiles
But is that enough to call it love?

Shall the text book win or shall we?

A meeting with a blogger friend, correction two!

A well planned city, a lovely day, laughter and good hearted chatter for company. With people you have met for the first time but feel you know so well.

A wholesome lunch in the Punjabi tradition of ‘the guest must not lack for anything’.

A visit to the city’s beautiful lake side and the chance to quickly through snippets bring each other up to date on one’s life and plans.

A very upset young boy with strangers who are intruding on his time with Dad.

A young girl who doesn’t know what to make of a woman who is mom’s friend but behaves more her age.

Two husbands, amused participants to their wives latest crazy plan.

A meeting that ended too soon. A friendship I am hoping will survive and thrive.