Dilemmas of today

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...