Dilemmas of today

   I hated Maths in school so I never even attempted the JEE exams and I knew how much ever my family and friends forced me I won't take up engineering. And I didn't. I am very happy. My friends often look at my schedule and see that I have no studies as such; they have monthly exams, I pity them. But I too have my own worries which they often neglect that is where they think that the grass is greener on the my side while actually it isn't.    My engineering and medical friends often have this debate over whose field is tough. The engineering guys say that the medical ones just need to mug up and write the answers where as the medical guys argue that the numericals aren't that difficult; let them perform the surgery. My only response is guys you both are important. If an engineer builds up a building and it collapses and kill people or a doctor kills people with wrong medicines and improper surgeries.     The husband, the bread winner goes off to wo...

  I have four generation of people around me. We try to have cordial relations to a certain extent but the difference of opinion is quite evident. The difference in thoughts, opinions, lifestyle is apparent. This isn't just in my house but in every one's, living in a joint family or otherwise. The older generation undoubtedly has a lot of wisdom that our generation can learn from but there are certain beliefs that have been passed onto us, which is now outdated. We are awake, aware of our surroundings. But there are a plenty of times when we find ourselves at the receiving end of "Hamare jamane me..." Your generation Vs Our generation lecture. (This blog may appear biased)    They say, "You don't respect elders." We say," The only criteria for respecting people cannot be that they were born before us."    They say," Your generation is so impatient." We say,"Yeah, we don't want to wait for days for a letter to be delivered b...

   Is it only me or does everyone get nostalgic when you go through the dozens of photo albums stuffed in the closet ? When you see your old birthday pictures or your school photos, don't you always say 'Those were the days'. The neat and sophisticatedness of today is nothing compared to the shabby but cuteness of those days. From the straight forward talks of 'I don't like you' and 'I hate this vegetable' to the diplomatic lives of today, we have come a long way.   Life has certainly changed in these twenty years as we have moved from the books to the Kindle, newspaper to the iPad, Sony Walkman to the iPod. While we begged our parents to go outdoors to have a good time, my cousins (even me) will barely look up from the screen unless the place was on fire. Yes, change is inevitable. We grow and we certainly grew alot.    Today is children's day. I remember in school we used to wear party dresses apart from the regular uniform(which was a huge relie...

    I lie about many things. Those who say they don't lie, are absolutely liars. Let me just put it this way, ' We are all liars'. I've made a list of some white and red lies that we all tell in order to praise some one or to be in someone's good books or to not feel embarrassed about ourselves.    How are you? I'm fine and what about you. This is the most common lie that we tell, may be unknowingly or may be you don't want to share your feelings with the one asking. But if you answer truthfully, you will surely have a wide range of answers.     Where are you? Aren't you supposed to be here half an hour ago? Oh shoot I forgot, why didn't the alarm ring?. "I'm on my way, it's a one hell of a traffic, I'll be there in 5 minutes."     Did you like the gift I gave you on your birthday? .... (thinking) which one was it, may be that book. "Oh yes, it's wonderful. Thank you so much! " Did you like the colour?" ......

Dear Dad,         I choose my words carefully when I talk to you, with Mom I can talk for hours, maybe it's ought to be that sons are closer to their mom and daughters to their father. Whenever as a child I wanted anything from you, I always told Mom to tell you, not because I was afraid but I was more in awe and respect. I love the way you appreciate me, boast of my achievements when you talk to the relatives assuming I'm not present. You are a role model to me, your conduct is inspirational. It pains me today that a man who once used to carry me on his shoulders to school is ill. If I was a child today I would have said "Superman never becomes sick".It's difficult to convey my love to you but all I have is words and I've tried it through a poem. Hope you like it. I remember when you gifted me a bicycle and taught me how to ride, then you removed the learning wheels and left me by myself and I cried. And you said 'You must learn.' I remember ...

   Blind Faith or Superstition is any belief that is irrational. It arises from ignorance or a misunderstanding of science. They are practices surrounding luck, prophecy and certain spiritual beings.   'We' are superstitious. Everyone believes in good omen and bad. Everyone has a lucky tie, a ring or a bracelet. Many believe in horoscopes and dress accordingly, plan their day accordingly. Many have fondness of numbers. They buy phone numbers and number plates, suggested by a numerologist. Many wear gemstones. This is all fine to a certain level, until and unless it is overdone.   Then there are other Superstitions. Friday, the 13th, people stay at their houses. 13, in general is considered an unlucky number. Buildings don't recognize 13th floor or 13th house. Number 7 is considered lucky. When a  black cat crosses the road, people move a few steps back and then proceed. When a crow caws, it's said that guests will greet you. Broken glass is considered both goo...

       It was 2nd of September, I along with my friends visited Sahyadri School of Krishnamurti Foundation India located on the picturesque Tiwai Hills in Chas. This residential school is nearly 40 km from my house but I had never heard about it. It was some months ago when some of my friends visited the school and shared their experience over there. I wondered why were they so in awe of it. I even laughed off their praises and rubbished their talks. But yesterday I was wrong, I was in absolute awe of the school.    When we went by small rural roads, bumping on the speed breakers, listening to music. We entered in the huge and lush green premises of the school. We were greeted warmly by an elderly figure who welcomed us and told us about the Art Fest that was going on. He showed us the diner, where we had our food which was lovely and homely. All the veggies were grown in their school premises which added an authentic flavour to the food. Later we wen...

   The anticipation of the million eyes ceases today as the Ganesh Utsav completes its glorious 125 years amidst controversy about its inception. The 'Ganpati Bappa Morya ' chants, the aartis are heard all around. The markets are overcrowded and galore with Ganesh idols, the fragrance of the flowers, modaks and decorative items.   This festival finds its roots way back in history when Shivaji Maharaj established the Maratha Empire in the 16th century. Later the Peshwas kept up with the tradition and observed Ganesha as their family deity but the celebrations were only confined to their individual homes. It was in the year 1893 that the idea of public gala was initiated by Lokmanya Tilak. He installed his first Ganpati idol in Vinchurkar Wada at Sadashiv Peth in Pune. In the view to bring people of various stratas of society- educated, non educated, young and old together, to participate in the National Movement against the British. Tilak encouraged the Melas and also...

   "At the stroke of midnight, when the whole world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom." These words of the first Prime Minister of India - Jawaharlal Nehru have been engraved in our history. It's been 70 long years when the then PM hoisted the Indian tricolour at the Red Fort and declared India to be free, liberal, independent. But a question arises to me that are we really living in a free and independent India?   India is the biggest democracy in the world. According to our constitution several rights have been bestowed upon us. One such right is Right to Speech. We have the right to freely express our opinions whether good or bad and it can be in any form - films, books, paintings etc. The recent examples that come to light are the controversies caused by the movie 'Indu Sarkar' and the documentry 'The Argumentative Indian' based on the life of the Nobel laurette Amartya Sen. The CBFC ordered words like 'cow', 'Gujarat', ...

  Almost the entire, cricket crazy nation must have glue eyed their television sets not to watch Virat Kohli and his men play but to watch Mithali Raj and her women kick some butts in this so called gentleman's game. The question arises to me is how often have we actually backed, supported or cheered the women and  that too in a game like cricket? Have any of us even watched their complete game before? The answer is a big No! I might have seen the highlights of Harmanpreet Kaur's 171 in the semi finals against Australia but not a full fledged match. We watch men's games even if India isn't playing in it but not a women's game even if India is winning. I was stunned to understand that women's world cup started in 1973 whereas the men's world cup 2 years later in 1975. Then why such hipocrysy???     If you have watched today's game keenly there were very few advertisements in between the overs whereas there are dozens of sponsors in the men's games. A...

   My last blog 'Brotherhood and Rival ry' got great appreciation but there were also a few who didn't agree with my thoughts - which is always welcomed. Also I want to thank those who gave their valid inputs, suggestions regarding the same. I wish to continue and add on the last topic with a bit more research. Those who haven't read the last blog please read that and then continue with this one.    Ever since Earth was formed it has naturally been divided into continents, selfishly into countries and foolishly (if I may say so) into religions. The major religions in the world includes Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. All these religions or religious groups  reside in India. We Indians have always been proudly boasting of our 'Unity in Diversity'. But do we actually practice it or is it just a phrase to be kept in a closet and used when the need arises. Each one of us must ask ourself this question.     People living in Maharashtra c...

   Last Sunday we all witnessed India's excruciating loss to arch rivals Pakistan in the Champions trophy held in England - the very country that ruled the two warring nations for almost 150 years. Post Pakistan's victory some people in India celebrated and were soon arrested. An immediate and reflex question occurred to me was what was their crime? Is celebrating a victory of another country their crime? I beg to differ. Then people should also get arrested for supporting and cheering and celebrating victories of European countries in football where India haven't even qualified. A popular commentator made a comment that India is the father and Pakistan is it's son then immediately one person commented to check their birthdays. I rofl'd because it's true Pakistan got it's independence on the 14th of August​ 1947 while India's Independence is a day later.         I don't get this bitterness towards them. I can only compare this bitterness t...

     In my neighbourhood there is a couple. There are always loud quarrels between them. One day out of frustration I decided to ask the husband. "Whats wrong with you and your wife?" Poor husband quickly began telling me as if I was his best friend. He told that they were a newly wed couple and that his wife is a bad cook. Early on in their marriage when she started to cook even though the food was bland or outright bad, he would eat it with delight and praise her. As days passed she became annoyed as his lunch box would never be empty and one day in a pique of anger he insulted her. I wasn't able to give him any advice but I thought rather than taking a jibe at her he could have handled the matter days ago but with 'diplomacy'. He could have suggested her to add some spice or salt or even refer some cookery shows and books.    Diplomacy is an art these days. Its the ability to assert your ideas or opinions, knowing what to say or how to say without damaging ...

    When my 10 year old cousin asks me for my phone to log into his Instagram account, I am amazed! When I was 10 I didn't have Instagram infact I used to request my dad for a new bat, not a new and personal mobile phone. If I recollect correctly, I was in IX STD when I joined Facebook. It's been eight years. Back in school it had become a fad. Friends used to make fake accounts and send friend requests. That was hilarious. It was fun back then but today it seems quite a bore. But it's become a routine to check the notifications and browse through the news feed no matter how busy you are. Right from my siblings, my parents, uncles and aunts, even my grandfather is on FB. It has actually trapped everyone in its maze.      Today there are 'n' number of social networking sites which offer nothing but the same and most of the times it's copied from each other. There is WhatsApp, Hike, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, LinkedIn to name a few.    We ...

   It's 10 in the evening, I'm chilling out with my friends and my phone rings. Even before I slide my hand into my pocket and take out my mobile phone, I know it's who. It's my mom calling because it's her daily routine. She might forget to watch her daily soaps but she will always remember to check on me, whether I'm in college or wandering with my pals. Her questions are fixed. Where are you? With whom? When are you returning home? Have you had something to eat? and there are endless of these questions to which I only answer in yes or no. And God forbid you tell her I'm coming at 'x' time then the whole menu card of dishes is repeated in that call and if I don't come at that exact time I said to her, she will call me a minute later and ask where I was. To which I always reply chill mom I'm on my way. She doesn't have food until I'm back so we can together dine. Sometimes I get angry at her, sometimes it embarrasses me but when I lo...

    'Intolerance' is such an overused term these days. Anyone out of the blue rises and starts giving opinions and takes jibes at the current situation that we as 'Indians' are in. Hell yeah! I believe, intolerance was always there in which ever era you lived but today it's on a rise that too to an extreme level.   India is a diverse country with a 1.2 billion people of various religions, castes and stratas of society. The Hindus form the majority of the population whereas the others form the minority. I am neither writing against any religion nor in support of any. I'm just giving my opinion as we supposedly live in a free country and have a right to speak.    Sonu Nigam recently took to Twitter to speak about the Azaan that troubled him. Well its true what h e was trying to say that one shouldn't use loud speakers but isn't it true while Ganesh Utsav or Navratri.    The ban over beef in the country is also one of the most controversial issu...

  Before reading this blog you must read the last one, "Loopholes in the Indian education system." Also one question that arises in my mind is the education system that the Britishers left for us, for creating more robots and lesser of humans appropriate for today's time? The unanimous answer is a big NO! Redesigning, revamping, restructuring of our education system is the utmost need and must be done on a priority basis.    I'll give you an example of Finland. Finland is considered as one of the top most countries in the field of education according to a recent survey and it is seen that they have changed the system altogether. There in Finland compulsory education starts at the age of 7. They say children learn better when they are ready, why stress then out at such a small age. Elementary students in Finland often have the same teacher for up to six years. The same teacher cares for, nurtures and tends to the education of the same group of students. Teachers spen...

What is education? Wikipedia answers it as a process of facilitating learning, the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits.    If you look at today's education system, it does not cover any of the above mentioned points. Nor it facilities learning nor it helps in imbibing habits, values and beliefs in a child and if I say about knowledge it's not knowledge that's provided it's information that's given to the child which if he understands and acts upon it, then it becomes knowledge. Today, more impetus is given on the marks a child scores in his exams and for gaining marks, the child's thumb rule is to mug up, to memorise the answers fed to him by his teachers. And in this process he has absolutely no clue of the concept of that particular topic. So here we aren't facilitating a child we are making him a slave, a rat caught in a rat race in a tryst to obtain marks.    In this rat race and mugging up a child has no analytical skills, he...

     On March 12, an accident victim with a serious head injury was brought to the District Civil Hospital in Dhule. He was examined by an orthopaedic surgeon Dr.Rohan Mhamunkar. He informed the patient's family that the CT scan reveals a brain injury and the patient would require the opinion of a neurosurgeon and they would have to shift him to a bigger and better hospital as they didn't have one. The patient's family responded by slapping, beating and tearing his clothes. The video showed a mob punching him till he collapsed on to a metal cot. Following this several other incidents were reported were doctors were treated terribly by the patient's families.      Last week, some 4000 doctors in Maharashtra went on a strike to protest against assaults on resident doctors. The doctors demanded a safe working environment primarily and the medical equipment and facilities is still a very big concern in the government hospitals. But the chief justi...

      Today, we all are celebrating the auspicious festival of colours - Holi. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil. Also it is the arrival of the spring with the end of winter. Holika Dahan is on the previous night but people are always eagerly waiting for the next day which is the actual play. Balloons, Tanks of coloured water are prepared in advance, the music is all set and then its a splash of colours. There is no age or gender or caste differences on whether who should play Holi its a festival for all alike. There are all colours sprayed around today so I decided to give you a list of colours that we use in the English language to make it colourful. 1. When someone is in the best of health, we say the person is in the pink of health. 2. When something happens suddenly, we say it happened out of the blue or whether we want to tell  about an action that we do very rarely we say once in a blue moon.   3.   When something is no l...

   We all make plans to do for a day, week, month, year or years but very few of us execute it. It's said in Forbes that there are many important qualities that contribute to a person's achievement and happiness but there is only one that begets sustainable, long term success in all aspects of life : Self Discipline.   Whether in terms of your diet, fitness, work ethic or relationships, self discipline is the number one trait needed to accomplish goals, lead a healthy lifestyle and ultimately be happy.   Self discipline cannot be taught, it comes from learning. It requires practice and repetition. To improve your self discipline, firstly removing of all temptations and distractions is most important. For example if you want to to lose weight, the biggest temptation is junk food and you must remove it out your sight and mind and concentrate on eating healthy stuff. If you want to score well in exams the temptations are social networking and many more. Also self disc...

   By mere definition 'communication' is the imparting or exchanging of information by various means. Writing is my form of communication, painting, sketching, singing, dancing are also some forms of communication. But the most important form of communication is speaking or may be texting has overtaken it, for sure. The reason why I titled it the 'art' of communication is because it's actually an art, not everyone can master it. It's just like any other art form like singing, dancing, painting - not everybody can master them. You have to definitely take lots of efforts. Communication is just like our handwriting - it reveals a lot about our personalities.     Our first communication began when we communicated with our mothers, which we don't even remember, when we couldn't even speak. Speech isn't the most important thing for communication, it's the eyes. Our mothers understood what we want through our eyes, because of our crying. Hence while co...

    Before reading this look into the mirror and try to understand the emotion that you are feeling at the very moment. You might be happy, you may be sad, you could be tired of the hectic day or just outright frustrated or you might feel a combination of many emotions. It's very difficult to fathom the emotions, the feelings. These things cannot be articulated, they can neither be measured. But then look at an infant you can easily determine what emotion he/she is having. Either the baby may be crying or laughing with joy. That is because the child doesn't have to deal with the tyranny of the world that we live in. A child behaves in a similar way both with elders or with children his own age unless he is taught to behave in a certain manner. Till this point the child is innocent but once a child goes to school he starts to realise that I must respect my elders, my teachers even though he likes or not that's when he first learns to wear a mask, a face. Wearing faces me...

    26th January 1950 - Republic Day - the day on which Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar - the architect of the Indian Constitution handed it over to the then president of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. This day marks the 'change' in the way the government in our country functions. For nearly 2 and a half years after independence the government was still following the structure and the procedures presided by the British government but this day was that 'change.' Today, on this day, the President of India hoists the national flag at Rajpath in New Delhi and is sung along with the national anthem, followed by the parades, cultural programs and also giving away of the prestigious Padma awards. Likewise in schools, colleges, societies also this day is celebrated and the flag is unfurled.     For some including me this day is nothing more than national holiday, a DP change on WhatsApp or a post update on Facebook or a pic in white kurta on Instagram indicates my patriotism ...

   After hard hitting last couple of blogs I am taking a breather with this one. This one seemed to be an easy topic at first but gave a tough time to finish. Yes, it's my birthday week. But I don't know whether to be happy celebrating my 21st birthday or to be sad at loosing my innocent ages too soon. I don't know whether this happens with everyone or not but leading to my birthday each year my family, especially my mom, aunts and grandmothers discuss about me all day. How naughty I was in my childhood, where and when was I born, how I used to cry at night and not let anybody sleep, how I used to throw everything away preferably on my neighbour's roof, how I used to never walk and needed someone to pick me up. I get completely amazed as I can't obviously remember my naughtiness, I blush when my relatives tell me that you've changed drastically.      Well, this year was all the same. The same relatives visiting, me chilling out with my friends, 12'o clock ...

{Before reading this blog, read the last one "No means No" because this is a continuation of the that one. }     I read somewhere it is hard being a woman. You must think like a man, act like a lady- well mannered , look like a young girl- naive and beautiful and work like a horse - hardworking and relentless. On the other hand nobody expects anything out of a man other than being himself. Well according to science it's just the difference of the genotypes XY for males and XX for females, just a difference of one chromosome. But NO, there's a huge difference. This blog is to do a comparison between the freehand that the men are given whilst the women are judged for the same.     The culture of our country is the oldest one and the traditions are well known. Also people willingly worship the goddesses and on the other hand treat the women as indifferent. Yes, we live in a patriarchal society, where the man of the house is the most important person even if ...

  From time immemorial we've seen women been the pawns of the men's games, even our mythological stories tells the same tale be it Draupadi in Mahabharata who was forced to marry five brothers- the Pandavas and later was assaulted by the Kauravas while the Pandavas remained the bystanders. Similar is the case of Seeta from Ramayana. She was abducted by Ravana but Ram fought against him and won the war and got his wife back but later she was forced to give the 'Agnipariksha.'    Yesterday I saw this trending video on YouTube. It was a CCTV footage of a young girl in Bangalore - the IT hub of the country. She was walking past a lane in the middle of the night, probably to her home, suddenly two men on a vehicle drove past her. They saw her and returned back. The one sitting on the back got down and groped her in the middle of the road, she started fidgiting, the man held her fiercely and grabbed her towards the vehicle. When she resisted even more he jolted her to the gr...