I'm not going to start with a dictionary definition of integrity as is the pattern when writing about such topics. The reason is simple, if we need a dictionary to define the word integrity, then clearly the purpose of the post is served.
The other day I re-read one of my favourite books, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. The thing about the book is that people often dispute the ideology of the book and the author. Fair enough, there is no need for every individual to follow a philosophy, leave alone one that is quite contrary to the accepted ideologies and principles of the world. However, it would be unfair to dismiss every aspect of the book. There are qualities defined such as integrity, original thinking that surely need to be given importance. No?
I'm not talking about taking a moral high ground and behave like an orthodox person unyielding to the obvious and necessary changes the world has seen. The need of the hour is to think broadly and more importantly on your on, not to fall for the high drama that the current social media is all about. There is also an absolute necessity to avoid any influence on your thoughts once you have decided on the path that you chose for yourself. That is all the integrity I seek.
When you set a goal in life, its easy to sway, you either work towards it and fail or give up midway. Often you feel tempted to take the shortcut to success, pay a simple bribe at first or compromise on your morals once in a while. Its simple enough you think, I wouldn't repeat it once I reach my goal. However, before you know it compromises are routine and later you convince yourself (rather well too) that it is unavoidable. Later it becomes a part of life.
This is when you realise (if ever you stop to think at such a juncture) that you have lost your integrity.
To walk a path where you hold on to your ideals, unbending and unyielding will be difficult, life will not be easy, but you find that end of the day your conscience is clear, the fruits of your hard work seem so much sweeter and far more valued.
My lament is where are such people now? Every person in the public eye has a proverbial albatross around his or her neck, big or small, skeletons either out of their cupboards or waiting to tumble out. Its a sad state of affairs where role models do not exist and my only hope to provide an example is to resort to a fictional character like Howard Roark.
Where are the Howard Roarks of our times?
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
O Captain, my Captain!
Writer's note - India Won the Cricket World Cup and the euphoria still remains high in my heart! The Captain truly made us believe and this one is dedicated to MSD!
It took me about 20 days to finally write about the historic win ! India had won the Cricket world cup and the last time the same had happened was a good 28 years earlier! I remember being excited about the pictures I has seen of Kapil Dev holding the WC Trophy on the Lords balcony, almost ten years after the event actually occurred. I even remember my cousins having a poster of the Captain and World Cup hero of 1983, Kapil Dev in their room. I had read of some and heard of many stories of courage and bravery of how the captain had led a side that nobody had given a second thought to as probable winners of the prestigious world cup. Fascinated, I had wondered how it felt to watch such an historic moment! The first world cup final I remembered watching was the 1992 one, where again a captain, Imran Khan had heroically led his team, Pakistan, to its maiden win!
By 1996 world cup, I was a cricket maniac like more than half this country’s population. We were the host nation and had a great side, we had our hopes! The way it was shattered is something that any cricket loving person in this country will remember with more than a little shame! Again a great captain, Arjuna Ranatunga guided his team, Srilanka, brilliantly to a victory that cemented Srilanka’s place as one of the finest cricketing nations.
In 1999, Steve Waugh, the Captain of the Australian team, not only won the cup for his team by winning against a formidable South African side that was the firm favourite to win the cup, but also apparently told a hapless Gibbs when he dropped Waugh’s catch ..that son you just dropped the world cup. Immense confidence in that semifinal match did not go invain, as Australia managed to hold on to that trophy for a record 3 consecutive world cups under Rinky Ponting the next two times.
Though in 2003, under Saurav Ganguly, the first Indian Captain to bring aggression into the side and a self belief that we can be world beaters too, India managed to reach the World cup final, Australia were a far superior team with the likes of Gilchrist, Hayden, MCGrath, Warne – each legends in their own right – still playing at their best.
2007 WC was the kind of disaster for the Indian team, that should be avoided mention if possible.
It was during this event that a promising and upcoming cricketer who had made an impression on the Indian psyche with his big hitting, powerful shots and long locks, had his effigies burnt and the foundation to his under construction house vanadlised by some fanatical fans swayed by extreme emotions. Strangely enough, this person was not the captain of that team nor was he the most important player of the team, there were other legends in the team. Yet the expectations from this individual was already sky high, the person was none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
When all the big weights of the Indian team like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble withdrew from the 2007 T20 first ever World cup held in South Africa. The Indian board sent a rookie team with a new Captain, MS Dhoni. Just like it was the case with Kapil Dev’s team in 1983, nobody gave this team the tiniest of chances to win the cup. Win, they did and in complete style, thus heralding a new generation of players into the Indian team.
The Captain, a small town boy with no connections, background or support had created quite an impression by his unconventional ways and cool approach. When he took over as the ODI captain and the test captain, nobody had reservations, as he had, by then, made quite an impression.
2011 World cup was special that way, India were one of the favourite teams to win the cup even over teams like defending champions Australia. With India playing host along with Srilanka and Bangladesh, the expectations were sky high. However as the tournament progressed, the lack lustre performance by the Indian team even in wins created quite an unrest in this cricket loving nation. MS Dhoni , by now an experienced captain was criticized for his team selection, poor strategies and lack of form.
The knock-out stages however brought hope, with India beating Australia convincingly and then winning against Pakistan comfortably though not comprehensively, still meant India had beat some of the best teams to reach the final. The final was to be against a very strong Srilankan side. Nothing less than a win and the hundredth International ton by Cricketing Legend Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was expected .
The Final itself was well worth a final, with the drama starting right at the toss, with both Captains thinking they had won the toss and a re-toss where MS Dhoni lost the toss, much to everyone’s dismay! However, though Zaheer bowled like a dream initially, the captain continued to receive flak for his team selection. Indian Team, not really known for its fielding were flying around the field stopping impossible to touch balls, especially, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli, the best fielders in the team. Some fluid batting by Mahela Jayawardane saw the Srilankan side make a decent 275 that was the highest target that needed to be chased in a WC final. Needless t o say, this had never been done before and nor had any home team won a WC before and no team had lost after a batsman had made a century. The history seemed to indicate another disappointment for India
While chasing, when India lost the fabulous Virender Sehwag, there was still hope as Sachin Tendulkar seemed to be hitting the ball well. However when Tendulkar nicked a ball for an easy catch and India were 32/2 there was a stunned silence in the Wankhade stadium where the deafening noise initially had actually been the reason why the match referee couldn’t even hear the toss call. It was not just the stadium that lost hope, it was also a nation full of cricket loving people and others watching from all over the world. As Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, held on and played some wonderful shots, the hope seemed to slowly rebuild, run by run. When Kohli got out to a brilliant return catch by Dilshan, everybody expected an in form and 4 time man of the match winner in the tournament Yuvraj Singh to walk in.
Much to everyone’s surprise, in walked Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.. there was ofcourse some strong cricketing reasons for this, he would later say, the left and right hand combination, his ability to play spin better and a better knowledge of Murali’s doosra. However at that time, absolutely nobody would’ve even raised an eyebrow had Yuvraj Singh walked in. Yet in taking a decision so brave, in the most demanding of circumstances, Dhoni had earned respect of not just the commentators but also of the entire nation. As the nation watched, Dhoni played with resolve and confidence, not an iota of fear or worry on his face. The commentators , who were earlier criticizing his decisions , couldn’t help putting into words what every Indian was feeling then, here is a captain, who does not evade responsibility , instead leads from the front, like a true leader!
When Gautam Gambhir lost out a well deserved century owing to one bad shot, India were still a little away from victory, but when Yuvraj singh walked in, there was almost a surety that yes, we were nearing that elusive World Cup win, because our captain had made us believe in him. Even when a physio came in to sort out a back strain, even when we saw him grimace in pain , we knew, this man would not leave the field without finishing the game. Finish he did and how, with nearly 10 balls to spare and yes with a magnificent last ball six. That Six will remain etched in the hearts and minds of every person who has witnessed it. A few seconds to watch the ball as it soared into the gallery and a bat twist in the coolest of fashion, a smile as an emotional Yuvraj hugged him . I, like many others that day, that moment became a fan of MS Dhoni, captain cool, captain courageous!
As he spoke in the presentation ceremony, like he did in every other match, admitting to making mistakes even when his so called bad judgements had worked well, I looked on in awe. Now he admitted to knowing the consequences, had his judgement gone wrong! Like the modest person that he is, he stayed on in the sidelines as the great man Sachin Tendulkar was paraded around the ground on the shoulders of the team mates who had all dedicated that win to this great man.
To think MS Dhoni had been criticized heavily for stating before the WC, that he wanted to win the WC for Sachin Tendulkar! It was then considered a sign of overconfidence! When the captain had proved his detractors wrong , he remained the same, living in the moment, not getting carried away nor making brash statements filled with arrogance. The mark of a true man lies in the way he behaves when he is at the pinnacle of success. Here is a man like no other, a true inspiration!
It took me about 20 days to finally write about the historic win ! India had won the Cricket world cup and the last time the same had happened was a good 28 years earlier! I remember being excited about the pictures I has seen of Kapil Dev holding the WC Trophy on the Lords balcony, almost ten years after the event actually occurred. I even remember my cousins having a poster of the Captain and World Cup hero of 1983, Kapil Dev in their room. I had read of some and heard of many stories of courage and bravery of how the captain had led a side that nobody had given a second thought to as probable winners of the prestigious world cup. Fascinated, I had wondered how it felt to watch such an historic moment! The first world cup final I remembered watching was the 1992 one, where again a captain, Imran Khan had heroically led his team, Pakistan, to its maiden win!
By 1996 world cup, I was a cricket maniac like more than half this country’s population. We were the host nation and had a great side, we had our hopes! The way it was shattered is something that any cricket loving person in this country will remember with more than a little shame! Again a great captain, Arjuna Ranatunga guided his team, Srilanka, brilliantly to a victory that cemented Srilanka’s place as one of the finest cricketing nations.
In 1999, Steve Waugh, the Captain of the Australian team, not only won the cup for his team by winning against a formidable South African side that was the firm favourite to win the cup, but also apparently told a hapless Gibbs when he dropped Waugh’s catch ..that son you just dropped the world cup. Immense confidence in that semifinal match did not go invain, as Australia managed to hold on to that trophy for a record 3 consecutive world cups under Rinky Ponting the next two times.
Though in 2003, under Saurav Ganguly, the first Indian Captain to bring aggression into the side and a self belief that we can be world beaters too, India managed to reach the World cup final, Australia were a far superior team with the likes of Gilchrist, Hayden, MCGrath, Warne – each legends in their own right – still playing at their best.
2007 WC was the kind of disaster for the Indian team, that should be avoided mention if possible.
It was during this event that a promising and upcoming cricketer who had made an impression on the Indian psyche with his big hitting, powerful shots and long locks, had his effigies burnt and the foundation to his under construction house vanadlised by some fanatical fans swayed by extreme emotions. Strangely enough, this person was not the captain of that team nor was he the most important player of the team, there were other legends in the team. Yet the expectations from this individual was already sky high, the person was none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
When all the big weights of the Indian team like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble withdrew from the 2007 T20 first ever World cup held in South Africa. The Indian board sent a rookie team with a new Captain, MS Dhoni. Just like it was the case with Kapil Dev’s team in 1983, nobody gave this team the tiniest of chances to win the cup. Win, they did and in complete style, thus heralding a new generation of players into the Indian team.
The Captain, a small town boy with no connections, background or support had created quite an impression by his unconventional ways and cool approach. When he took over as the ODI captain and the test captain, nobody had reservations, as he had, by then, made quite an impression.
2011 World cup was special that way, India were one of the favourite teams to win the cup even over teams like defending champions Australia. With India playing host along with Srilanka and Bangladesh, the expectations were sky high. However as the tournament progressed, the lack lustre performance by the Indian team even in wins created quite an unrest in this cricket loving nation. MS Dhoni , by now an experienced captain was criticized for his team selection, poor strategies and lack of form.
The knock-out stages however brought hope, with India beating Australia convincingly and then winning against Pakistan comfortably though not comprehensively, still meant India had beat some of the best teams to reach the final. The final was to be against a very strong Srilankan side. Nothing less than a win and the hundredth International ton by Cricketing Legend Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar was expected .
The Final itself was well worth a final, with the drama starting right at the toss, with both Captains thinking they had won the toss and a re-toss where MS Dhoni lost the toss, much to everyone’s dismay! However, though Zaheer bowled like a dream initially, the captain continued to receive flak for his team selection. Indian Team, not really known for its fielding were flying around the field stopping impossible to touch balls, especially, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli, the best fielders in the team. Some fluid batting by Mahela Jayawardane saw the Srilankan side make a decent 275 that was the highest target that needed to be chased in a WC final. Needless t o say, this had never been done before and nor had any home team won a WC before and no team had lost after a batsman had made a century. The history seemed to indicate another disappointment for India
While chasing, when India lost the fabulous Virender Sehwag, there was still hope as Sachin Tendulkar seemed to be hitting the ball well. However when Tendulkar nicked a ball for an easy catch and India were 32/2 there was a stunned silence in the Wankhade stadium where the deafening noise initially had actually been the reason why the match referee couldn’t even hear the toss call. It was not just the stadium that lost hope, it was also a nation full of cricket loving people and others watching from all over the world. As Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, held on and played some wonderful shots, the hope seemed to slowly rebuild, run by run. When Kohli got out to a brilliant return catch by Dilshan, everybody expected an in form and 4 time man of the match winner in the tournament Yuvraj Singh to walk in.
Much to everyone’s surprise, in walked Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.. there was ofcourse some strong cricketing reasons for this, he would later say, the left and right hand combination, his ability to play spin better and a better knowledge of Murali’s doosra. However at that time, absolutely nobody would’ve even raised an eyebrow had Yuvraj Singh walked in. Yet in taking a decision so brave, in the most demanding of circumstances, Dhoni had earned respect of not just the commentators but also of the entire nation. As the nation watched, Dhoni played with resolve and confidence, not an iota of fear or worry on his face. The commentators , who were earlier criticizing his decisions , couldn’t help putting into words what every Indian was feeling then, here is a captain, who does not evade responsibility , instead leads from the front, like a true leader!
When Gautam Gambhir lost out a well deserved century owing to one bad shot, India were still a little away from victory, but when Yuvraj singh walked in, there was almost a surety that yes, we were nearing that elusive World Cup win, because our captain had made us believe in him. Even when a physio came in to sort out a back strain, even when we saw him grimace in pain , we knew, this man would not leave the field without finishing the game. Finish he did and how, with nearly 10 balls to spare and yes with a magnificent last ball six. That Six will remain etched in the hearts and minds of every person who has witnessed it. A few seconds to watch the ball as it soared into the gallery and a bat twist in the coolest of fashion, a smile as an emotional Yuvraj hugged him . I, like many others that day, that moment became a fan of MS Dhoni, captain cool, captain courageous!
As he spoke in the presentation ceremony, like he did in every other match, admitting to making mistakes even when his so called bad judgements had worked well, I looked on in awe. Now he admitted to knowing the consequences, had his judgement gone wrong! Like the modest person that he is, he stayed on in the sidelines as the great man Sachin Tendulkar was paraded around the ground on the shoulders of the team mates who had all dedicated that win to this great man.
To think MS Dhoni had been criticized heavily for stating before the WC, that he wanted to win the WC for Sachin Tendulkar! It was then considered a sign of overconfidence! When the captain had proved his detractors wrong , he remained the same, living in the moment, not getting carried away nor making brash statements filled with arrogance. The mark of a true man lies in the way he behaves when he is at the pinnacle of success. Here is a man like no other, a true inspiration!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Bitter bitter people!!
Everywhere you go - on the internet that is, you see people commenting enthusiastically on topics of importance , no importance et all... Like always I read through the comments about a young Bollywood actor getting married. He's been with her for 8 years..so when is the divorce the comments went. The other comments were along the same lines. I wonder, what is it that make people so bitter. Every comment you read on any issue makes you want to rethink your views. No not your views on the subject, but on the people all around you. As much as you would like to think the majority are democratic, forward thinking and intelligent people..every comment seem to say otherwise..
Bitterness is all I see. Everybody seems bitter. Some are just plain sarcastic but the bitterness in their voice(words) is hard to miss. Maybe they are tired of the routine, celeb link ups break-ups, marriages, re-marriages, patch ups, insults and praises they shower on each other, everything seems fake to them. Same goes for the political parties, when you have to decide on who to vote based on whose corruption was the least harmful to the people, we are indeed living in "bitter" times. Take sport, its no more fun. You want your team to win, no matter what, you hate the opponent, you suspect your own players of having taken money..or you see your favourites being auctioned like cattle in a cattle market. No fun, just that bitter feeling creeping in, why do I not make as much money..I work just as hard..ah bitter bitter very bitter.
So in a country (can I add not just the country) that is fast filling up with bitter people, there is no role for genuine people? Genuine people are doubted, questioned and branded as unintelligent, not fit for the current times. You are nice? Then you are not fit to live seems to be what the message is!
Ah you what bitter people...I have a message for you.. The bitterness gets to me as well, but I try and look at things without my own myopic view of things affecting things.. well most times..atleast there is something nice left in the world ..and I'm only too glad I see it. Take a look, you wont mind it too :)
PS - Happy New year!!
Bitterness is all I see. Everybody seems bitter. Some are just plain sarcastic but the bitterness in their voice(words) is hard to miss. Maybe they are tired of the routine, celeb link ups break-ups, marriages, re-marriages, patch ups, insults and praises they shower on each other, everything seems fake to them. Same goes for the political parties, when you have to decide on who to vote based on whose corruption was the least harmful to the people, we are indeed living in "bitter" times. Take sport, its no more fun. You want your team to win, no matter what, you hate the opponent, you suspect your own players of having taken money..or you see your favourites being auctioned like cattle in a cattle market. No fun, just that bitter feeling creeping in, why do I not make as much money..I work just as hard..ah bitter bitter very bitter.
So in a country (can I add not just the country) that is fast filling up with bitter people, there is no role for genuine people? Genuine people are doubted, questioned and branded as unintelligent, not fit for the current times. You are nice? Then you are not fit to live seems to be what the message is!
Ah you what bitter people...I have a message for you.. The bitterness gets to me as well, but I try and look at things without my own myopic view of things affecting things.. well most times..atleast there is something nice left in the world ..and I'm only too glad I see it. Take a look, you wont mind it too :)
PS - Happy New year!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
My Name is Khan!! (not a movie review)
IS this for Real? I cant believe my eyes!! A movie titled My Name is Khan...is being vandalized by the noble souls who run their politics in the dirtiest manner possible! The irony of it? The movie has a Khan in it !! SRK, though I'm no great fan of his, has been victimised to such an extent that I feel an urgent need to do something drastic.
Film fraternity, please wake up!! This is the time to unite and act!!
Has freedom of speech been discontinued in this country? Are we not allowed to speak anymore ..about anything sensible lest we be called anti nationals? Pakisthani players should have been taken for the IPL, valid n logical statement, how does that make Mr Khan a desh-drohi ? I would love to know that? We are not at war with Pakisthan and even if we were, cricket and politics should never ever be mixed.. Also, the players in question are not terrorists. How dare anybody- political outfit or otherwise ask Mr Khan to leave the country? What have these people done for the country ? Other than divide it along regional lines. Sena with its Mumbai for Marathis agenda is even more ANTI National that all the traitors of the country put together.
I fail to see how people take this lying down, especially people with power, authority and money !!
Please fight back people before we are taken over by some fanatics who are brain-washed and paid into believing things for increase their vote base by a party that is not even in power!!!!
Film fraternity, please wake up!! This is the time to unite and act!!
Has freedom of speech been discontinued in this country? Are we not allowed to speak anymore ..about anything sensible lest we be called anti nationals? Pakisthani players should have been taken for the IPL, valid n logical statement, how does that make Mr Khan a desh-drohi ? I would love to know that? We are not at war with Pakisthan and even if we were, cricket and politics should never ever be mixed.. Also, the players in question are not terrorists. How dare anybody- political outfit or otherwise ask Mr Khan to leave the country? What have these people done for the country ? Other than divide it along regional lines. Sena with its Mumbai for Marathis agenda is even more ANTI National that all the traitors of the country put together.
I fail to see how people take this lying down, especially people with power, authority and money !!
Please fight back people before we are taken over by some fanatics who are brain-washed and paid into believing things for increase their vote base by a party that is not even in power!!!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Jai Ho...!
Now that Rahman's won the OSCAR everybody has something to say about him (All of it - from nice to great..!). I've my Rahman story too! This was way back, I dont even remember the year, it was before Roja for sure and when the TV was full of ads that had wierd music that went Washing powder Nirma, washing powder Nirma ...One day, I saw the most beautiful commercial, I dont remember what they showed in it, but I sure remember the music, it was classic. I thought wow thats great music. I din't know who made it, I din't find out until much later. Till date, that remains one of my favourite music tracks. Wow, did I really know then that a great talent was waiting to explode into Indian movie history, into the hearts, minds and souls of millions of listeners!
Then Roja happened and rest as they say, is history. So from winning the National award for his very first film, to winning the BAFTA, Goldenglobe and finally an Academy award seems like a dream. A dream, in which millions of listeners like me have lived for nearly 2 decades.
What is it that Rahman has that the others don't have? (ok, ok, not the oscars- besides that?). It could be his talent, his modesty inspite of his incredible fame and adulation. I clearly remember Rahman's 1998 show in Dubai. It was only his second stage show and was being touted as his biggest and most ambitious till date. Everyday, I would wistfully look at full page ads in newspapers advertising the show. Only a few days back I had had an argument with my dad about songs of Taal. I had said rather defiantly that the music is so god-damn awesome that no one could ever have made anything so beautiful. He had carelessly commented that now a days there's less of music and more of noise. So, watching some of my friends get tickets for the show I had cribbed to my mum as to how lucky they were to be going for 'the ARR concert' . On the day of the show there was little I could do to keep my spirits high! I was morosely doing homework when my dad suddenly comes home early and asks, what? You are not dressed? Don't want to go to the Rahman concert, waving 3 tickets wildly. I was gobsmacked (:))for want of a better word). My dad had bought tickets weeks earlier just to surprise me, was it super cool or what! The concert itself was way way beyond anything seen before and like everything Rahman touches, a grand success! That remains one of my all time favourite life-time experiences & yeah, my dad was completely bowled over by the charm, music, magic, melody, modesty and simplicity of the man called A R Rahman! To me, that day defined ARR, reaching out to even those far away from his music. That's true success..Jai Ho..!
Then Roja happened and rest as they say, is history. So from winning the National award for his very first film, to winning the BAFTA, Goldenglobe and finally an Academy award seems like a dream. A dream, in which millions of listeners like me have lived for nearly 2 decades.
What is it that Rahman has that the others don't have? (ok, ok, not the oscars- besides that?). It could be his talent, his modesty inspite of his incredible fame and adulation. I clearly remember Rahman's 1998 show in Dubai. It was only his second stage show and was being touted as his biggest and most ambitious till date. Everyday, I would wistfully look at full page ads in newspapers advertising the show. Only a few days back I had had an argument with my dad about songs of Taal. I had said rather defiantly that the music is so god-damn awesome that no one could ever have made anything so beautiful. He had carelessly commented that now a days there's less of music and more of noise. So, watching some of my friends get tickets for the show I had cribbed to my mum as to how lucky they were to be going for 'the ARR concert' . On the day of the show there was little I could do to keep my spirits high! I was morosely doing homework when my dad suddenly comes home early and asks, what? You are not dressed? Don't want to go to the Rahman concert, waving 3 tickets wildly. I was gobsmacked (:))for want of a better word). My dad had bought tickets weeks earlier just to surprise me, was it super cool or what! The concert itself was way way beyond anything seen before and like everything Rahman touches, a grand success! That remains one of my all time favourite life-time experiences & yeah, my dad was completely bowled over by the charm, music, magic, melody, modesty and simplicity of the man called A R Rahman! To me, that day defined ARR, reaching out to even those far away from his music. That's true success..Jai Ho..!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Into the depths of fear...
We may call it India's 9/11, war on Mumbai or 26/11 or by any other name..the truth remains that it is the most heart-breaking event that this country has witnessed in a long time. The attacks were not just in the Taj or the Trident or the Nariman house, it was on the collective pshyche of this country and its people. I was not in Mumbai when it happened, I haven't been to the TAJ or Oberoi where the attacks happened, but I feel as affected as I would feel if it were to happen in my own house. The scale of devastation is unbearable, almost unreal. Being glued to the TV for 3 continuous days, not sleeping at nights, checking every single news item in the internet has invaded my heart so much that my nightmares are filled with fire, bullets, corpses ..a collage of survivor's stories. How can things be ever normal again? Ever? Can we just go back to our lives and even for a second imagine things would be just fine?
We have gotten so used to a kidnapping here, a murder there, some riots somewhere and yeah, a bomblast out there- scenario that nothing seemed to affect us any longer. We refused to change our routine for these. Well.. we thought, why let the terror affect us and let the terrorists win? Now, things are different ! if things have come to a state where there is no guarantee of returning home safe after a dinner or movie, then surely it is TIME TO ACT??? How long can we blame others, evade responsibility and expect to be taken care of? Who will take care of us? IF we can move out of our parent's shadow get ourselves a job and support ourselves then why are we not independent when it comes to the country. Why the blame game? why the pointing of fingers? When are WE going to do something?
We have gotten so used to a kidnapping here, a murder there, some riots somewhere and yeah, a bomblast out there- scenario that nothing seemed to affect us any longer. We refused to change our routine for these. Well.. we thought, why let the terror affect us and let the terrorists win? Now, things are different ! if things have come to a state where there is no guarantee of returning home safe after a dinner or movie, then surely it is TIME TO ACT??? How long can we blame others, evade responsibility and expect to be taken care of? Who will take care of us? IF we can move out of our parent's shadow get ourselves a job and support ourselves then why are we not independent when it comes to the country. Why the blame game? why the pointing of fingers? When are WE going to do something?
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Religion? Cast(e) Away...
My thoughts on Religion
Religion is a personal decision, an individual's path to connect with god.
Here's what I believe to be my religion...
I believe in the concept of one power to whom I pray. Name of the power is not important to me. Rather, its impossible for me to differentiate one 'God' from another. This could be mainly because I believe in faith rather than a concept of God. Many would say its one and the same and I'm indifferent to the idea of it being same or different. I also strongly believe that every individual has a right to practice a religion of his or her own choice. Also, that no other person should in any way influence that individual's decision.
I accept all faiths with all fairness and equality and do not believe any religion is better or worse than any other. In fact, my thoughts are that if you believe in god, then there is god & if you do not believe that there is god, then that is true as well. We have been given sufficient intelligence to decide for ourselves what is good for us, without imposing it on others. Preaching about a religion is acceptable if it gives facts, views and values of the religion but if its meant to degrade other faiths, then I do not favour such preaching.
As for conversions, I have nothing against them, conversion is an individual's choice. Sometimes its unfortunate that a individual is born into a faith, he does not find satisfaction in, so its upto the individual to choose a way in life, his or her religion. Its the collective mentality that I fail to understand in religions, if you are born into a certain religion then you must follow it all your life. Isn't this stand quite unfortunate? What about an individual's right to choose? It does help me that my feelings are not biased based on religion
or I would be worrying about my religion disappearing! Then I would fall into the trap of extremist thoughts and would end up doing acts that can lead me to be termed a fanatic..
Some say, we must practice tolerance of all religions, Its not tolerance that I practice, I practice open- hearted
acceptance.
My thoughts on Caste...
Much as I say this, I do have a grouse, the caste/creed distinction that are a part of many religions. Under the umbrella of a common God (since atheists are not part of this distinction!), the intolerance breeding is what makes it intolerable for me. What is caste? Like religion, something that you are born into, Unlike religion, one cannot embrace the caste that suits you best. You are burdened with the unwanted customs and practices that you have no interest in following. You may or may not follow the customs of the caste, but you are still forced to fill in the caste in any important document. Much as you may have abandoned caste, it haunts you all life. Why cant a human being
be accepted for what he or she has become as against what his or her ancestor practiced centuries earlier? Sometimes I find the most compassionate of people fall into the trappings of caste based distinctions. All individuals have the right to choose the way to live, so why not let them be? This society would be a much better place if rid of outrageously backward ideas such as caste
Religion is a personal decision, an individual's path to connect with god.
Here's what I believe to be my religion...
I believe in the concept of one power to whom I pray. Name of the power is not important to me. Rather, its impossible for me to differentiate one 'God' from another. This could be mainly because I believe in faith rather than a concept of God. Many would say its one and the same and I'm indifferent to the idea of it being same or different. I also strongly believe that every individual has a right to practice a religion of his or her own choice. Also, that no other person should in any way influence that individual's decision.
I accept all faiths with all fairness and equality and do not believe any religion is better or worse than any other. In fact, my thoughts are that if you believe in god, then there is god & if you do not believe that there is god, then that is true as well. We have been given sufficient intelligence to decide for ourselves what is good for us, without imposing it on others. Preaching about a religion is acceptable if it gives facts, views and values of the religion but if its meant to degrade other faiths, then I do not favour such preaching.
As for conversions, I have nothing against them, conversion is an individual's choice. Sometimes its unfortunate that a individual is born into a faith, he does not find satisfaction in, so its upto the individual to choose a way in life, his or her religion. Its the collective mentality that I fail to understand in religions, if you are born into a certain religion then you must follow it all your life. Isn't this stand quite unfortunate? What about an individual's right to choose? It does help me that my feelings are not biased based on religion
or I would be worrying about my religion disappearing! Then I would fall into the trap of extremist thoughts and would end up doing acts that can lead me to be termed a fanatic..
Some say, we must practice tolerance of all religions, Its not tolerance that I practice, I practice open- hearted
acceptance.
My thoughts on Caste...
Much as I say this, I do have a grouse, the caste/creed distinction that are a part of many religions. Under the umbrella of a common God (since atheists are not part of this distinction!), the intolerance breeding is what makes it intolerable for me. What is caste? Like religion, something that you are born into, Unlike religion, one cannot embrace the caste that suits you best. You are burdened with the unwanted customs and practices that you have no interest in following. You may or may not follow the customs of the caste, but you are still forced to fill in the caste in any important document. Much as you may have abandoned caste, it haunts you all life. Why cant a human being
be accepted for what he or she has become as against what his or her ancestor practiced centuries earlier? Sometimes I find the most compassionate of people fall into the trappings of caste based distinctions. All individuals have the right to choose the way to live, so why not let them be? This society would be a much better place if rid of outrageously backward ideas such as caste
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