Saturday, August 23, 2008

A new beginning on Janmashtami


Muslim women carry their children dressed up as
Lord Krishna to participate in Janmashtami celebrations
in Pune. Looks like someone's taken the first steps to
understanding another religion. Hail the spirit! Way to go ladies.

As published in Deccan Chronicle, Chennai (23 August, 2008).

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

And now!

Orkut says "I'm a person of culture". Phee, Phee! But only today :(

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Lead by example, will you?

Mr. Bal Thackeray thinks we should have Hindu suicide bombers to counter the threat posed by Islam extremists.

Least expected from a person in such a responsible position like him! Least expected from a person who has been part of the political mainstream and someone who knows the pulse of his people. It is shocking, disappointing, irresponsible.

How could he say that? Does he realise how damaging that statement could be, among the party cadres who are waiting for a gesture to turn absolutely violent. I sometimes wonder what leads to the kind of mass hysteria and violence the Shiv Sena indulges in. Leadership, no doubt. The problem with mob mentality is that there is no thinking, no individual responsibility, and of course, no reasoning or rather, there is no need for it. But once out of the mob, an individual is an individual. 99% won’t have the same aggression, won't set vehicles on fire, throw stones or go on a rampage. That’s the human side.

Now while dozens die on either side, hundreds of families are destroyed, lives are ruined, minds scarred and the world community stands shell-shocked, where is the leadership?

And one question over your comment Mr. Thackeray, will you lead by example please? On the suicide bomber front? Well?

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Res-ERR-vation

Here’s it again. And this may not be the last time we are hearing about this.

Rajasthan just joined the list of states with maximum percentage in caste based reservation. From 49% to now 68%. Wow. And we are talking equality. And also democracy.

What are we aiming, for those under this system now? Better education? Better jobs? Better lives? What kind of a society are we working towards? A society that is knowledgeable and common sense rich or just “quota rich”?

What do we want our future to be?
What do we want for our kids?
What do we want to pass on to the generations that follow?
Is this all that we can do?
Is this what it should be?
What?