One Year After Attacks, Have We Moved On?

In another 4 days, the dreaded terror attack on Mumbai will complete one year. A night when a handful of gunmen from across the border held the city at gunpoint will be remembered again. It was an incident, which changed the life of many people. But has any thing really changed otherwise?

As an after effect we saw both CM Vilasrao Deshmukh and Deputy CM & Home Minister R R Patil being removed from their posts. The ruling Congress party was flayed, the intelligence agencies were questioned, other political parties were criticized, Raj Thackeray was ridiculed. The people of Mumbai gathered together for a solidarity march at the gateway of India. The protests arose, the cause was raised and gradually every thing died a slow painful death. Is it an irony? I don’t think so…

The only terrorist captured alive is still living in the Arthur road jail without much discomfort. The perpetrators and conspirators are freely roaming around in Pakistan. We are (still) waiting for US to help us.  Congress came back to power both at the centre and state assembly. Vilasrao is enjoying his stint as the union minister for heavy industries, R R Patil is back at the helm of home ministry, Raj is back and busy fighting for the Marathi ‘language’ rather than the people, conducting gheraon and angry protests on issues as trivial as debating on ‘Why Hindi is not a national language’. Shiv Sena, now led by a much mellowed Uddhav Thackeray is criticizing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar because he put India ahead of any one else. It looks like they are coming back to the vandalizing best. The men who could have, should have and must be protecting us from the possible attacks, the Police are busy pointing fingers at each other, one year after we were attacked.

Nothing has changed for a normal Mumbaikar like me… and nothing ever will. Terrorism, in my opinion, is a secondary problem for us. We are battling more than that every day, every month… the ever increasing population on roads, trains and buses, the sky rocketing property prices, the water and power crisis, substandard infrastructure and a slowly retreating ghost named recession. Every day journey to the office seems like a solidarity drive.

I think Mumbai is ready for another attack. Any takers?

Check out my idea at WagonR Smart Ideas contest

Remember my post on Consultancy retail? I need your votes here folks.
Link–> http://gotaf.socialtwist.com/redirect?l=-538885975781358906011

Where the hell is Rakhi?

In case if your memory is too short, let me remind you that few months ago, the self proclaimed bollywood bomb shell Rakhi Sawant had organised a Swayamwar and had also engaged herself with the NRI Elesh Parujanwala. Now you get it? Remeber that sick Rakhi? Well the news of her breaking off the engagement is old now. Although there was a mild ‘hoopla’ in the media about it (although our poor gal Rakhi tried her best), it is now history. They did appear in another reality show, ‘Pati Patni aur Woh’ together. But the news is, they are NOT getting married for sure.

Didn’t we know this already? Poor Rakhi. We already knew about her ‘future’ problems with Elesh darling. We care about her. So we had declared the outcome of this ‘relationship’ long back. The question is, ‘Where the hell is Rakhi now?’ Oh, sorry… better question is, ‘What is she up to?’   

I think the whole ‘Wedding related’ reality shows have gone sore. It is really sad and sick to witness such crap being run on Indian Television. Perfect bride was another stupendous example of the depths to which Indian Television can fall. It all looked stupid, sheepish and scripted. And if you thought we had had enough, there is more to come. The wicked-son-of-a-great-man Rahul Mahajan is coming soon with his version of Swayamvar. WTF! I have heard some soon to be free inmates are going to take part in the show. Guys….

Even if I decide to ignore the television, some one else will switch it on. Duh! Some one please save us from them. Oh, by the way, ‘where the hell is Rakhi?’ 

A Good Friend…

… is always around the corner.

I’m here.

Where are you?

POW: Dear Deer

Location: Jim Corbett National Park. Time: 7am

Movie Review: 2012

I’m pretty damn sure of the kind of movies the Americans make. They have just the two types of ends. America saves America or America saves the world. Have you seen any other end? 2012 is very much like that, albeit they have shown the American politicians to be bad. Probably because of the fact that the director Roland Emmerich is a German and producer and writer of the movie Harold Kloser is an Austrian. They are not native Americans.

Anyway, I guess so you already know the story. 2012 is all about the judgement day, how it has come to us, how it gets discovered, how we all get engulfed in the fury of nature and how a handful manage to survive to start the new era. Would you like to know a bit detail? Alright… So we have a Dr. Adrian Hemsley (Chiwetel Ejofor), an American scientist who, on his India trip, discovers that the earth’s core has been behaving really strange. An Indian astrophysicist played by Jimmy Mistry is the one who actually discovers the fact that the doomsday is near. They predict that the world is going to end on 23-12-2012. The white house is moved, so are the heads of state at the G8 summit. They all come together and decide to build a ship in China, a large vessel that will take all the impacts of the unruly nature on the doomsday and will survive in the new era. The ship will only be able to accommodate a few thousands. So they decide to let the few genetically superior (by their own admission) people who can then evolve and produce a new world.

But Americans, as you know, are very shrewd and weird. They sell the tickets on the ship to wealthy billionaires in order to fund the expedition and leave every one else tottering, even their own country men. Hmmm… finally only a handful of them manage to get on the ship and they survive the doomsday. The ship actually reminded me of the old-time mythological stories. It says when the ‘yug’ or the era ends, god sends the big ship on earth. It accommodates all species and humans who are good willed and pure. So that they can start the new era. I guess Roland Emmerich wanted to show that to us. So thats the movie about.

Oh yes, I forgot Jackson Curtis, played by John Cusack. He doesn’t have any significance, though he enjoys the highest screen presence. Jackson Curtis manages to save his family and some how takes them to China, where the ship is located.

All in all it is a good movie with great special effects and wonderful picturisation. Roland also scores a winner here in the story narration. A must watch if you are an action freak. Just dont get scared of the destruction shown.

I Have a Dream

This a children’s day special post.

Yes I know I am late in putting up this post here by a day. But the cause for underprivileged children doesn’t die in a single day. So here it is. By the way I’m not trying to tell you the how and what of the cause. This is only a piece of communication I had with 3 children who were/are/can be deprived of a fair chance. I asked a few questions to them and I’m putting their answers here. You are intelligent to note my point.

—————-

1) Hey, what do you do (for living)?

Arun: Kay Saheb maskari kartay ka? Meaning , what sir, are you joking? (Arun worked as an office boy at my old employer’s office. He is 19 years old)

Manjeet: Aapko to malum hai na bhaiyya. Meaning, you know it already, brother. (Manjeet is the daughter of our house help. Often she does chores at the homes of people like us. She is 15 years old)

Chutki: I play, I eat and I go to school. (Chutki is the daughter of our maid cum cook. She is 7 years old).

2) So do you go to school to study/ Have gone to school to study?

Arun: Yes. I appeared 10th. But left after that. I dont know if I passed. (When I asked why?) We are poor people sir. We dont have big college in our village. My father couldn’t afford to send me to big city for studies. So I decided to work myself and study. But it is not possible, because I have lot of work here. So I have now left it all.

Manjeet: Yes. I studied till 5th. But left. (When I asked why?) What do I study for? My mother says, my sister is a metric (10th) pass. Even she works as a house help. She says at my age I’m earning, which is good. She says I should learn things that will pay.

Chutki: Yes. I go to school. I learn ‘A’, ‘AA’ ‘Eii’ (Marathi vowels and alphabets), also A, B, C, D… I play also.

3) Do your parents help you in matter of studies/ Do they teach you/ Encourage you?

Arun: No. Even they are not educated. My father wanted to educate me. But he had no big money. You need donations to go to a big college. We cant afford that.

Manjeet: No. And why should she? She is helping me to earn money. I can use it to fulfil my dreams.

Chutki: No.

4) What is your dream? What do you want to achieve in life?

Arun: I wanted to be a pilot. But you see, I’m not educated enough. I dont know if I have any chance.

Manjeet: I wanted to become a fashion designer. But I know the course fees and other expenses are very high. So I have decided to be a beautician. I also go to a parlour where I learn all these things. Once I save enough money (by doing chores), I will open my own.

Chutki: I want to be Kareena Kapoor. (Understandably so. When asked why?) She is very beautiful and she is famous. Then I will also act in movies.

—————-

I’m sure all of you go to multiplexes and watch movies, dine out, buy expensive clothing every month. I’m sure your expenses are in thousands. It only takes about 75 rupees per month to educate a child. We are a great country. The greatness in size now has to become greatness of minds. Think about it.

L26: Raqeeb

Late July afternoon makes it the most sweetest spot in Nainital. But not for Mahi. A wait for half and hour at the ‘other’ side of the lake was troublesome. There were these occasional visitors passing by on the walk way. And there was this threat of some one known spotting her around this cozy place and letting her father know about it. Moreover it was not only about some one spotting here there. It was also her dress. Born to a Brahmin, she was standing there as a burqua clad woman. Juzer was late again… this time by 30min. It made her even more restless. Mallital other wise is a beautiful place to be, especially with the accompanying rain.

Some one’s watching, she thought. She frantically looked around. There was an elderly couple who had come for an afternoon walk. She glanced her watch, it was about 4:30 and beginning to get dark due to the rain threat. A couple of small droplets settled themselves on her delicate palm. Suddenly there was a sound, as if some one roared. Mahi got a feeling that some one was asking her to go home. But who? there was no one on the path way. The clouds roared again. It was probably the sign for Mahi to head home. She quickly wet behind the bushes, removed the burqua and stuffed it inside the polyethylene bag. The rain droplets had now double in frequency. Mahi decided to rush towards the temple. It was a good 5-10 min walk before she could reach the first shelter, one of the shops near the Naini Devi temple. The intensity of the rain increased and Mahi matched it by walking faster, jogging and then running to the shop. “Stop following me…” She yelled at the skies. The clouds responded with another roar.

On reaching the shop, first thing she did was to call Juzer.

“Hello… where the hell are you? … What are you doing in Haldwani when we had decided to meet? (pause) …What do you mean (pause) … Listen Mr., I have had enough. So either it is me or you know what I can do. (pause)… No you listen to me, ok wait lemme put another coin… Yes. See nothing more can be done now. We will (in a low voice) We will have to run. Yes I know the plan you made last time. Yes I’ll get the money… okay. (pause)… ok this is my last coin. I have to call my father… huh? Juzer!!! You are such a… such an adorable guy… hmmm… hmmm… I get it. Listen I’ll give you a call from my father’s cell phone late night. Then we’ll freeze every thing. … okay cya… yes love you too my baby… muuuwwaaaah! ” and the line went dead. The clouds had now started roaring fiercely. Although it was just a drizzle. But they were probably letting the girl know that they were not happy.

But it didn’t matter Mahi. She was happy. She almost ran on the road like a small child enjoying the first rains of the season. She lived with her father in a small but a heritage house overlooking the Manu Maharani Palace. Her father was already home when she stood at the door, soaked from head to toe. “Bauji… I’m going to my room upstairs… and please dont ask me why I didnt carry my umbrella.”  Her Bauji was sitting on the tarmac trying to get a feel of the rain. He only nodded in dejection. Mahi was old enough to know basics. And she had never been irresponsible. But these days it was different.

Mahi went straight to the Balcony. The rain, as if waiting for her to come out, became even more fierce. As if they had been keeping a watch on her. As if they knew every thing about her plans and they were showing resentment. The rain drops were piercing her  body, dripping through her bare hands, landing on the cheeks and sliding down her neck onto her bosom and further. As if the water was trying to wash her off the perceived sins. But Mahi was unperturbed. She already had her plans drawn out. A train started at 08:50am from Kathgodam to Delhi. They had to catch it. So she would leave the house at 6am, with some clothes bundled and some cash from her father’s chest. She would then meet Karim, Juzer’s friend who will drop her to Kathgodam station. Juzer will join from Haldwani and they will both move to Ghaziabad at his friends place. They will get married next day and then inform their parents. Plan looked simple and straight. But Mahi had a notion that some one was keeping a watch on them. But who?

Juzer didn’t pick up Mahi’s call that night. But Karim ensured that if Juzer had promised, he would keep it. And that their train tickets were also done. The next big task was to get some money out of Bauji’s chest. Mahi struggled as strangely, Bauji remained awake for long time, looking at the heavy rains. “It is raining very heavily” he said to Mahi. “I heard there was a possibility of a land slide near Aryabhatta institute.” Oh shit! That is on the way to Kathgodam, Mahi thought. But she dismissed it, thinking it was common to rain so much in July. What she was worried about was Karim to honor his commitment. Bauji slept after some time, giving Mahi a chance to steal some money. The chest was heavy and Mahi was scared. But she managed to pull out two wades of notes and slipped them in her polythene bag. The clouds roared the highest now. Yes they were following her.

When Mahi woke up next morning, only to look the lawns and the pathways of adjoining Manu Maharani Palace hotel completely flooded. The waiters were frantically trying to save as much as they can from the lawns and the store room outside. He went down and saw her father looking at the news on a local channel. The highway was flooded and there was no contact between Nainital and Haldwani. The roads were blocked leaving many passengers stranded. There was no way Mahi could make it. Knowing that her father’s mobile was still with her, she quietly slipped back to her room and dialled Juzer’s number.

“Hello… HelloJuzer? Sorry who is this?… Inspector who? (pause) … Sorry I think I have dialled a wrong number. (Pause)… Okay. No I dont know him as such. He was my tour guide once. We had been friends but nothing in particular. (pause)… no… no… alright. It is flooded outside. I’ll see if I can come” … and Mahi almost wanted to throw the phone out of the balcony. The water was now drenching her cheeks, mixing with the tears rolling down. The rain had mellowed down and was keen to take Mahi in his embrace.

Juzer had been arrested in Haldwani last night on charges of forgery, polygamy and in connection with a sex racket in New Delhi. The ‘raqeeb’ had done its job. Mahi was safe and at home.

Thank You Phyan

Yesterday the whole of Mumbai was under the terror of Phyan, the dreaded cyclone. It was believed that the Phyan cyclone will hit the costs and create havoc. However nothing of that ever happened. In fact I have a strong belief that whatever the Met department says, it never happens. Anyway.

I’m indeed thankful to Phyan for the beautiful weather. It drizzled whole day yesterday. It meant that October heat has now dissipated and the greens are back again. A warm sunlight has been gracing the city since morning. The temperature is around 25 degrees. A steady breeze is blowing. All in all, it is a fantastic weather today.

Thank you Phyan! Thanks to You…

Well Done Raj Saheb

Maharashtra has witnessed exceptionally grand swearing in ceremony yesterday. We have had fire crackers that could beat the best of hooliganism from Bihar and UP. 4 MLAs from the coveted Maharashtra Navnirman Sena created ruckus in the house by stalling the swearing in procedure and actually beating Samajwadi party MLA Abu Azmi. Reason? He was taking an oath in India’s national language.

Who were they? Ramdas Kadam- he had been arrested earlier for disrupting the electoral procedures on the polling day. Shishir Shinde- The famous man who dug up the Brabourne stadium pitch as a Shiv Sainik before an India Pakistan match. Ramesh Wanjale- a former NCP guy who had nothing to do with the ‘Marathi Manoos’ agenda, but changed factions just for a ticket to contest. Vasant Gite- one who lead to the revolt against north Indians in Nasik.

Best… nothing like it. This is how a ‘troubled Marathi manoos’ will be thoroughly honoured. This is how all his problems will vanish. And Raj Thackeray has congratulated his men for doing so. Wonderful! Well done Raj saheb.

Yes we ought to respect the language. Yes we need to care about our people. But no… a complete NO to hooliganism and utter stupidity. Raj Saheb, I think the ideology needs to change. Please work for the betterment of a Marathi Manoos, not to bereave him from respect and harmony.