The strongest emotion of all

 

 

I know someone who killed themselves
Not one, but quite a few
What terrible chances in their life
Did they so depressingly rue
That celebrity, who made you laugh
That friend, who joked, you thought
That unexpected person next door
Wonder what against he fought
What horrible demons did
Each of them everyday slew
I know someone who killed themselves
Not one, but quite a few

Loneliness sometimes hits hard. It often follows periods of frustration. Most likely when you are worried about things not happening your way. That’s when you get all philosophical. You ponder about the purpose of your life. You don’t see any. We all are going to die one day, why not now then? Endless failures look to cripple you. And more often than not you seem to be chasing the success that conveniently seems to elude you. You may have thought about it. Maybe not as dramatically as holding a kitchen knife to your wrist but you wonder just the same. What it is to slash open your wrist? To hang yourself from the ceiling fan? To jump from a tall building? To electrocute yourself in the bath? To lie down on the railway track? To gulp an uncharacteristic amount of sleeping pills? The methods are endless. The internet a handy source, the television a gateway into easy life-taking lessons. But most of us stop right there. Because we still, maybe deep down, but we still believe that better days are around the corner. And they are.

Just before the darkness swallows us whole, that tiny ray of light pulls us into the sunshine. We realize we are lucky. We are surrounded by our loved ones. That each failure was just a stepping stone to success. And we thank god for everything that is still ours. That time must have robbed us of countless possessions but it still spared us a few. We rue about all our dreams not getting fulfilled but aren’t we glad all our nightmares have not materialized either? Truth is for most of us, even when our life is staring down at the end of the barrel, we find in ourselves the strength to get back on our feet. Easier said than done, perhaps, but it comes to pass.

Now imagine all the darkest times in your life? When you have felt lonely even when loved ones surround you? Remember the scary moments and imagine being stuck in them for what seems like an eon. What is it to stare right in the face of the tiny ray of hope but yet being blind to the light on the other side? What is it to be enveloped in the arms of a loved one but not feeling the emotion? What is it to listen to the soothing words of encouragement whispered into the ear yet not being able to hear them? What it is to be perpetually frightened of our own shadow?

We read in books, we watch in movies and for ages we have been hearing that Love is the strongest emotion of all. We have experienced it in form of gentle scolding from our father, from the warm embrace of our mother, from the naughty smile of our child, from the friendly banter with our siblings, from the mock laughter of our friends, from the affectionate glance of our spouse. We cannot imagine a world in which they don’t exist. But we dread a world in which they do exist yet are unable to reach out to us.

We brand them cowards. Suicide, did you say? Why did he/she do it? They had so much to live for? Did not even think about his/her parents? kids? friends? family? We opine that lack of courage drives them to such an extreme step. But in reality, damn if it isn’t the most courageous thing you have heard of! What kind of exceptional strength does it take to denigrate our own life? When we come out of our occasional mood swings, we realize how trivial our problems actually were. It is only when we observe our life from a third person point of view, the silliness of our (in)action sinks in. But what if we ever lose the ability to observe it?

We are literate enough to know how a mental illness can be severely debilitating than a physical one. How stress and tension corrodes the body and mind. How significantly our psychological state can affect even the ones around us. How fleeting life really is. Did you now the pretty young girl, who used to stay around the corner, she did it! Did you know the smiling grandpa, who lived two stories below, he did it! Did you know the mischievous kid, who used to wave at you from across the park, he did it! We all have to sink into the oblivion one day but what if some around us have already sunk so low while alive that there seems to be absolutely no difference between life and death for them? Is depression the strongest emotion of all?

 

(If you find yourselves in a hopeless situation or you know someone who might be suffering from depression, don’t hesitate to get help. Talk it out. Don’t keep it bottled inside. There a lot of NGOs and help centers. If you don’t prefer them, reach out to a trusted friend. Remember, while taking your own life, in the process, you are destroying those of your loved ones too)

No Heroes or Villains, Only Mortal Men cloaked in Grey…

I sit with “It’s not about the bike” in my right hand, with my left one wrapped tightly over a recently read copy of “Every second counts”. I frown as I keep turning both the books and see the man on both covers; he is smiling. I am not.

I sit thinking, deeply disturbed about the USADA’s decision to strip Lance Armstrong (follow @lancearmstrong) of his 7 Tour de France titles and ban him for life. And why shouldn’t it be disturbing? It’s not easy seeing the man you admire caught up in a controversy that embarrassing. It breaks my heart. This is not how I want to see my hero – frustrated, tired & finally giving up without a fight! He refused to give in to cancer, then why the hell is he refusing to fight now? Some, feel for him. Others think, his refusal to contest against the USADA’s decision is a testimony of his guilt. By now, in 2 days, you might have seen several of these stories doing rounds. The world is understandably divided. Fans are supporting him, critics are demeaning him while others on the sideline are just going with the flow. I don’t know whether Lance Armstrong is guilty or not. It’s a question that will be best answered by him. People might speculate a thousand things but in the end what we feel for him in our hearts is not going to change. Can you erase the memories of all the times he won those titles? Can you erase those smiles he put on peoples’ faces? Can you erase every word you read from his books? And can you forget what his foundation Livestrong represents?

This isn’t a stigma on a normal sportsperson. It is a stigma on a hero, on the sport and above all on the rosy picture we create around ourselves. So, suddenly, is Lance Armstrong the villain now? The cheat, The bad egg, The liar?

You have seen this cricket’s bad boy number of times. But as all bad boys, there is something irresistibly sexy about him – the tattooed arms, lean body, messy haircut and smoldering hot attitude. And although he would not be the guy you would normally like to bring home to meet your parents; he certainly is the one for late night bike rides. Kevin Pietersen (follow @kevinpp4) is all that and much more. Lately, he has been under a lot of flak from the ECB, team-mates, coaches for sending smses to his South African counterparts. Makes you wonder, since when did sending smses became such an unpardonable crime.

2011 was the year of the English cricket team. They created records, topped rankings, won cups and Pietersen had a large role to play in England’s rise. In the recent series against South Africa, England lost and had to give up their “No.1 team” title. However, that didn’t discourage them from sending KP packing off in wake of the final test. England lost, as expected. The one dayers’ also are not their best bet. South Africa just have to win one match to topple the rankings once more. And so they will, as expected. And although, England does have a lot of quality players in their side, it will be a miracle if they are able to defend the T20 Championship title next month.

Some say, KP’s career is over. Some say, he still has an outside chance. Some say, the ECB will keep him out of the team long enough to teach him a lesson & then take him back. But, who is an expert on the English pride? KP did make a sincere video apologizing for his behavior. But, bad boys never look the part of a “meek apologizer”. Who would expect that of them? For the authoritarian English people, this certainly must have sounded hollow & phony. It is difficult being a bad boy!

From purely cricketing point-of-view, keeping all the moralities aside, you would be a fool if you don’t admit the fact that when you have seen Mr. Kevin Pietersen batting, you have seen one of the best batsmen batting on the current international scene. As a fan, this fiasco deeply saddens me again. There will always be this looming dread that we might never see KP bat again for England. (Thanking IPL at this point). KP’s switch-hit – it became a rage earlier this year in IPL, KP’s sixes – something to die for, KP’s effortless batting – a treat to watch. The way he carries his 6 foot 4 inches frame, proudly flaunting his biceps, that cool look on his face, that cocky ‘too-sure’ attitude suits him perfectly right down to the confident swagger of his walk. You never want to be on the opposite team when KP’s batting. You just want to gaze from afar and be mesmerized. A hero or a villain? A hooligan, you say…

Two larger than life Heroes. People I have looked up to. For different reasons, yet for the same purpose – inspiration!

Even if you keep the cancer part apart, Lance Armstrong’s story in itself is a perfect storybook material. An ordinary boy with extra-ordinary talent went on to win 7 Tour de France titles and became the master of cycling. You come across thousands of such examples. People from a humble background making it big on the basis of their unquestionable determination and talent.

Now add to it the fact that, here was a guy who got testicular cancer that had metastasized to his brain & lungs at the young age of 25, he fought it, emerged victorious, came back to race again and win Tour de France. With this, the story has the making of an international bestseller. It is a story that makes you cry, that makes you smile, a story that tells you hope’s never lost. A story that gets etched on you brain and on your heart without any extra effort.

Cancer is not only a disease, it is also a curse. A curse so profound that it drags the person suffering from it to the depths of hell, while still alive. A curse so profound, that it condemns not only the unfortunate person, but also his or her loved ones as well. Cancer attacks one person, but destroys families! Still, many people fight it and survive. But Lance Armstrong was your no ordinary survivor, he was a ‘winner’ – through & through. His foundation – Livestrong today inspires and uplifts so many cancer affected people. In him, we found a hero who was much worthy of genuine accolades & love than the mere on-screen ones.

KP’s story still does not have a concrete ending. It is left to hang in uncertainly, poised in between unsure & undecided. A South African who felt intimidated by the quota system back home, migrated to England and earned a place in the national squad. Relinquished captaincy for a short while, faced critics audaciously, yet never compromised his game. Who cares if KP is not a team player? Who cares what he is as a person? One thing is true, what he is – is right there out in the front. No pretenses! He doesn’t wear those fake masks. Do you believe every other person in the English dressing room is a saint of magnanimous proportions? Or for that matter – are all players currently playing the game, crusaders of kindness, virtue & morality?

There are so many good players all over the world today. But, KP is something that only a few of them are – Entertaining!!! His batting can best be summed up as hypnotizing. OK, so we don’t have a hero with the best attitude in the world but we do have one with an attractive reckless streak.

The problem with us is that we always have believed that world could be divided into good and bad, right and wrong, yes and no. We, who are swathed into blankets of everyday frustrations search for heroic figures to look up to. Pure genius they say is something bestowed upon few. God might be generous in squandering talent around but when it comes to giving the brains & a hardworking will to utilize those talents, God is cruelly stingy. So, some of us, who are the unlucky lot look up to the one’s in the lucky lot.

Ever since humanity came into existence, it has taken upon ‘worship’ as it’s ultimate redemption tool. Any person, however conceited needs an idol to look up to. A seemingly perfect figure that serves as a benchmark for attesting self-achievements. A revelation, a motivation, an influence.

But, blind are we to the faults of the ones we deem as great. We do not realize that these people are mortals like us, living breathing mortals who drink & eat to live. When I wrote, Heroes are People too 3 years back, I expressed similar sentiments regarding the unusual predicament common people always find themselves in.

Heroes are people with their own past – none too different from your own. A past; that has regrets, embarrassing situations, mistakes, lies and secrets.

I have a friend who is allergic to eggs. Now you know as a general fact, that eggs are a rich source of proteins. Doctors, health professionals will recommend it as a part of our daily diet. Yet, if a person allergic to them happens to ingest some, they could be life-threatening. Are the eggs bad then???

How do we decide what’s good or bad? Based on the age-old moral values that we have been following all life? How do we know for a fact what is true and what is false? What is right or what is wrong?

Should we condemn Lance Armstrong now if tomorrow he admits his guilt? Should we abhor KP, just because he isn’t a team player?

Will we ever realize that people cannot be divided as Heroes or Villains? Will we ever realize that we cannot categorize every person between two extremes of black or white?

Will we ever realize that the best of men, famous or infamous, are always cloaked in subtle shades of grey…

 

 

(This is a personal account with no intention of causing harm. It is my view on two people that I greatly respect & like. For further insight into my life, I can be followed on twitter here @pillya)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOD

Somebody: Hey, are you an atheist?

Me: No, I am a believer!

Somebody: You mean, you actually BELIEVE in GOD?

Me: Yeah, whats wrong with it?

Somebody: How can you believe in something that you have NEVER seen???

Me: Who said that I have not yet seen God?

Somebody: You mean you HAVE?

Me: Yup!

Somebody: Are you kidding me?

Me: Nopes!

Somebody: You have actually SEEN GOD in FLESH & BLOOD?

Me: Thats what I said!

Somebody: How? Where? When? What?

Me: I HAVE SEEN MY GOD.

I have seen him dedicating his life to something he believes in for 20 long years.

I have seen him opening the batting for India and the Mumbai Indians year after year.

I have seen him hitting centuries and centuries in tests and one day internationals.

I have seen him when he went to become the first and the only player so far to hit a double century in one day cricket.

I have seen him accepting countless “Man of the Match” and “Man of the Series” awards.

I have seen him hitting boundaries like never-stopping missiles

I have seen him exuding talent in all forms of the game.

I have seen him turn things in to gold just by touching them…..

Somebody: Hey, wait. I know what you are talking about. You mean that Tendulkar guy! He is the one? He is YOUR god? Baah!

Me: Yes, he is!

Somebody: But how can he be a God? He’s human!!!

Me: Whats wrong in worshiping a human? As far as I know, the Christians do the same! Jesus was the son of God, not god himself.

And so do Hindus? Don’t we worship, Lord Rama?

Somebody: Puh-leaze! Thats different. Those were mighty men with extraordinary powers. Why would anyone want a human god who is as ordinary as you and me? I mean, even Superman and Spiderman are supposed to have miraculous powers never seen on earth!

Me: Really? So, the prerequisite for worshiping someone is that they have alien powers and the ability to fly and glide over tree tops and mountains? Ridiculous!

Somebody: Why ridiculous? What about cricket then? Its just a game, right? Its not as if winning a world cup is going to make India a super power or just bcoz a guy name Sachin Tendulkar lives here, The floods are going to stop and it will rain plenty but in control, and there will be no earthquakes, no bomb blasts, not any other natural calamities either…..

Me: Well, these things have happened anyways even when Gods walked upon this earth.

It doesn’t count through what amount of burden and trials and tribulations we are put through; what counts is our willingness to get back on our feet!

Why wouldn’t I worship Sachin Tendulkar? What cricket-loving fan wouldn’t?

Whats wrong in worshiping the dedication that guy exhibits. The sheer patience and ample of self-control for 20 long years.

Whats wrong in worshiping a guy who never utters a bad word on field? Who maintains so much poise and dignity even when the opposite person is ridiculing him or cursing him. So much so that the person opposite gets embarrassed with such an open display of humility!

Whats wrong in worshiping genius in its purest form? The unaltered talent and the untarnished brightness that drips from him.

Whats wrong in worshiping an unbelievable display of hard-work and sincerity where most of us youngsters get bored even to walk a few steps to the supermarket?

Whats wrong in worshiping the lavish praise for other players that he is never tired of giving?

Whats wrong in worshiping the selfless guidance that he provides to upcoming players and fans?

Whats wrong in worshiping a dedicated family man who finds time for his wife and kids?

Whats wrong in worshiping an unselfish donor who donates countless money to the charity anonymously?

Whats wrong in worshiping the insatiable hunger he has for improving himself, correcting his own self, competing against his own self, beating his own records, bettering his own natural game?

SACHIN RAMESH TENDULKAR is not a lesson in cricket, my dear. He is a lesson in life itself.

It takes both Gods and Humans to make this earth, my friend.

The only difference is –

We bring some Gods to the level of Humans AND

We take some humans to the level of Gods.

(And I have one such God in the form of Sachin Tendulkar. On his 37th birthday, this is a post right from the heart.

Wishing you loads of success, happiness and a very happy birthday, Sachin……)

HEROES ARE PEOPLE TOO

(Michael Jackson’s death on June 25th, 2009 came as a shock to people all over the world. Never had I thought, that the person whose tunes I grew up on, can die someday, so suddenly, so unexpectedly. I thought him as timeless, as eternal, as interminable….. So did his millions of fans all over the world.

His death, makes us think…..that in reality, death is not partial even to one so famous. All people those we worship in life, be them ordinary ones or even great celebrities, all; all of them are mere mortals. And one day, like us, they will die too.

Yet what will be different about their death is that, they will still continue to live; in our hearts, in our soul, in their talents, their work and in all those people whose lives they have touched.

And this will inspire us that we can be like them too…..

To, Michael Jackson, a person who was our idol, our hero; I dedicate this poem, straight from the heart……….)

We look up to them & are in awe

For they are something different & nice

We love them with all our heart & soul

And follow their all advice

Yet sometimes we are confused

as to what is false & what is really true

How easily do we forget that-

Heroes are people too!

Their successes are our own

Their wins fill us with joy

They are revered as they are

Whether aggressive, sweet or coy

Their downfall is a wound

That never heals in us

Their failures a bad dream

That makes us badly cuss

Its as if our life is attached

To their very existence

No reason justifies our love for them

Be it logic or great distance

Yet sometimes we hate them

Why; we don’t have a clue

How easily do we forget that-

Heroes are people too!

For us, they are an open book

We expect they have nothing to hide

For us, we want them to move ahead

Leaving their personal life aside

When they give us happiness

We lift them up & worship them so

And their mistakes give us sorrow

Its like being struck by a blow

We pry in to what they are

We discuss their all affairs

But we still love their mannerisms

Those high-fi graces and airs

Yet sometimes, they seem so plastic

Like some entity new

How easily do we forget that-

Heroes are people too!

Their illnesses is a cause of concern

They begin residing in our prayer

One so talented should have a long life

Eternal should be the person so rare

And when they die, their death is a shock

Ordinary, what their life seems

For we thought them to be invincible

The rulers of our dreams

But they are mere mortals

Who live like us & die

But between their life & death

Give such a good try

That their ordinary life

Is much more than what ours is

Talents they learn to put to use

Thats what makes them a whiz

And so even when death takes them away

They still live within our heart

They house a particular corner in our mind

And never do they depart

So what they inspire us to do is that

We can be immortal too

They live their life with just a little difference

Otherwise, Heroes are people too!

VOTE EARTH

How many of us really care about our beloved earth?

How many of us want to see it flourishing?

How many of us wish not to see it dying?

How many of us want it to be a better place to live in for the future generations?

This is not a blog post. It is an appeal.

An appeal for the “Earth Hour”; a global initiative by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in the year 2007 when 2.2 million people and businesses switched off the electricity for one hour.

In 2008, it achieved a more global platform where, all major monuments of the world got consumed in darkness, just to save the earth.

And now, in 2009, Earth hour wants to achieve a more active support and aims at involving 1 billion people in this unique campaign. Over 74 countries have pledged their support for voting for the earth. You can provide your own individual share.

This data is then going to be presented at the Global Climate Change conference at Copenhagen in December 2009.

Why Earth Hour?

We are in a delicate environmental situation. Its about time that countries all over the world understand the problem of climate change and do something to tackle it. We have to take the pressure off global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emmissions and this can only be done via an internattional event that is here to stay for better.

Date and Timing:

Earth Hour begins at 8:30pm on March 28, 2009.

It is just like New Year’s eve with New Zealand going in darkness at 8:30pm local time and likewise, will move from one country to another.

This is why Earth hour is held around spring equinox so that countries both in the northern and sourthern hemisphere have equal sunset times.

For more information, you can visit the Earth Hour website

http://www.earthhour.org

From there you can choose a location and move to your country’s earth hour page.

Sign up and spread awareness among your family and friends.

It is my humble request to all. Please join the Earth Hour campaign. It will make a lot of difference. Whether your country is a part of it or not; that does not matter. What matters is your responsibility as a global citizen to save this earth…..to vote for this earth.

You vote for leaders to rule your country but just once stop and think what do you want the leaders to rule? Barren lands, dying nature, sick people OR green pastures, flourishing nature, healthy and aware people???

Don’t vote earth just because someone tells you to; neither do I want you to force others. Don’t just understand but realize the consequences. There will be many appeals from world leaders, film personalities, other celebrities and even from common people like me. But, ultimately, it will be your individual fight. When each person realizes what he/she has to do, only then there will be a meaning to the “Earth hour” and a giant leap towards a welcome change.

VOTE A BETTER LIFE! VOTE AWARENESS! VOTE EARTH!

WAKE UP CALL

(Pakistani chopper air-lifting all Sri Lankan cricket players to Dubai)

It is the first time in my life, that I saw a terrorist attack scoop on a sports news segment. I pray to God, this is the last time.

The recent attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan can’t help but raise some questioning points—

1. With 3 similar buses present, how is it that the terrorists knew which bus to target i.e which bus contained the S.L players?

2. Security concerns demand that both the teams leave the hotel at the same time to reach the ground. Yet, why did the Pakistani captain asked his team to leave later? (Was it just a coincidence?)

3. The Sri lankan team bus route was changed at the nth hour just because of an anonymous phone-call to the police. Are the Pakistani policeman really so stupid or gullible?

4. 12 terrorists! Yet, they couldn’t catch or at least injure a single one. Hows that?

5. S.L team was supposed to have Z security (One that is given to the president); yet why were the security measures so lax?

6. According to recent CCTV footage; not even one security personnel was seen pursuing the terrorists and they calmly escaped on motorcycles or walked away. Match referee Chris Broad and others said that it was as if the entire security for us had vanished and we were left vulnerable to the attack.

Now, was this deliberate?

PAKISTAN HAS NO ANSWERS, ONLY EXCUSES!

[Keep watching the news to get shocking revelations by S.L players, umpires and match referee. And also, the childish replies of Pakistani officials.]

The S.L team was lucky. Had the hand grenade blasted under their bus, not one player would have escaped alive!

I shudder to think, that if India was touring Pakistan and a similar incident might have occurred; that would have been a devastating day for us. Thank God, the Indian government refused to let the players go. We were openly criticized that we have been mixing cricket with politics. But, in the wake of what happened on March 3rd 2009, I think, that it was a right decision.

This attack cannot be compared with India’s 26/11 because, no country goes on giving Z security to common people and the attack on Mumbai was totally unexpected; while in this case in spite of  Z security to the players, the terrorists managed to injure almost all the top international S.L players. How?

Samaraweera, the hero of the tests in Pakistan was grievously injured. Was he specifically targeted?

Do we have any answers?

Now, terror even rules cricket!

There could be more such questions raised along with more broad ones like—

“When will Pakistan stand up against terrorism?”

But then, its not just Pakistan…its the entire South-east Asia that is being brutally wounded in these terror wars.

And, Why hasn’t America reacted?

However, Pakistan should keep in mind that there is no smoke without fire. Why would the entire world be targeting them? They should reflect upon this. If Pakistan doesn’t want to end up as a quarantine state, this is the final wake up call to them. Its time, they fight against their own personal demons.

Not only Pakistan, I think, each of us, should get together and fight. Love is not the solution! The time has gone to conduct peace talks with terrorists. We have to retaliate.

Why is it that the terrorists kept in prison and not shot dead when it is clear that they have performed such heinous crimes?

Why is Ajmal Kasab still in custody? Why is Abu Salem still in custody? Hell with those guys!

I think, the law in every country should be changed and altered to address terrorism. The terror groups should know that even we mean business now! I know, every criminal has the right to appeal. A right to get a lawyer.

BUT, terrorists should be denied this right. Can you call this person a human being when he doesn’t even value the life of his own countrymen???

They should be shot dead. Hung up before public. They should be fed alive to hungry man-eaters. And this event should be shown live all across the globe, so that others will be dissuaded.

If we have to fight; Enough of being “Gandhi”, its time to be “Bhagat Singh”!

I dedicate this post to the never-dying spirit of cricket and humanity. To all people who have suffered from the hands of this cruel beasts. Bcoz we will rise again as ONE.

I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Being the grand-daughter of a political leader, politics has been a fairly discussed word at home. However, after grandpa, no one in the family turned to politics.

While growing up, I never had any political ambitions and I detested the way politics has been in India and anywhere else in the world for that matter.

The never-ending corruption of the political leaders, their false promises, incomplete knowledge and open disregard for the constitution and law has always been abominable for me.

So much so, that even 3 years after turing 18, I still have to cast a vote….

In the wake of recent Mumbai terrorist attack, I however, feel very ashamed.

What right do I have to critisize the leaders when I myself have failed to perform my duty as the citizen of India.

In failing to vote, incompetent leadres have been gaining ground.

While my one single vote is very insignificant, it still can make a difference if combined with several other “single” votes.

How come none of us thought about it???

I think its high time to wake up and watch where we are heading to.

All of us are special and can certainly make a significant difference.

I, YOU and WE.

I recently registered on the website Jaagore. It is a really cool one, explaining about voting myths and registering Indians as electoral candidates.Its easy and essential.

Imagine, our ONE vote turning things over…..

All of us are so cynical.

We want things to change but don’t want to do anything about it.

Its easy to say, India is in dumps, there is nothing left in this country and fly away abroad. But no one wants to do something about it. No one wants to dirty their hands in picking up this garbage.

Are we a good citizen of India???

I know, I am NOT.

But I know one more thing. And that is, I CAN CHANGE. I WILL CHANGE.

Because I have realized, you first need to change yourself to change others.

Once I modify my outlook, I can modify that of others too. They  in turn can alter the outlook of million others.

Once you accept the reality, it automatically becomes easy to adapt to it….learn from it……grow from it….

Who knows, there are competent leaders hidden within us. Together we can make sure that this country gets its due. India has the capability to become a super-power and we can help it to reach that pinnacle.

When are YOU going to change?

When are YOU going to make a difference?

When are YOU really going to be an Indian?

AND WE CRIED RIVERS OF BLOOD….

(Articles on Terroris: My own, Dance of terror on November 25th last year and the recent one I came across

on Ninad Bhangle’s blog, We seek Peace )

Being an Indian, terrorism is nothing new to us. Every single day, we witness the violence in Kashmir. Every month, we hear of bomb blasts either in Bangalore or Mumbai or Delhi or Ahmedabad or some metropoiltan city. It has become such a common place thing.

We witness the ripped out bodies, the pools of blood, the charred remains of people and vehicles; broken homes, wailing loved ones, lost hope, undying spirit…

We witness the gunned down terrorists, the captured ones, the ones running scott free after a disappointing court trial….

We only witness….

But nothing ever prepared us for the cruel attack of terrorists in Mumbai on November 26th 2008!

Compared to what has happened recently, I think, bomb blasts were easier to cope with. After the initial trauma, we have been left to deal with clearing of the mess, helping out the injured, supporting the victims families, nabbing the accused…….we have seen a fresh morning.

We have NEVER witnessed an ONGOING terror attack……until NOW…..

WE CRY RIVERS OF BLOOD, for people at

……CST railway station

……Cafe Leopold

……Cama hospital

……Metro Cinema

……Hotel Taj

……Hotel Oberoi

……Hotel Trident

……Nariman House

and other such places in South Mumbai.

There are thousands of sources that will provide you the entire information about the terror attacks.

But is knowing enough???

Have you seen the terrorists who have been shot dead and caught……they are mere teenagers! What kind of hatred are they holding in their hearts to commit such atrocious acts of inhumanity? What religion compels them to take such extreme steps of terrorism? What exactly is their jehad ?

NO. I don’t think, terrorists have a religion.

NO. I don’t think, they follow a God.

NO. I don’t think, they even have hearts.

They are machines.

They are made up of immense fanatical hatred; that which has no boundaries.

We see brave cops laying down their life for common people. Common people still held hostages. Amidst the chaos, we see the vulnerable human life fighting against these inhuman beasts.

WE CRY RIVERS OF BLOOD, for people

…..all foreingners who came to enjoy a holiday

…..commuters who died at the railway station

……hotel guests

……families of dead cops, hotel staff

and all those who were affected.

It is easy to deal with criminals who have demands. Demands of a ransom, of release of some fellow prisoner, of ammunition, of any thing in particular.

But, how the hell, do you deal with people, who’s only intention is to terrorize, to kill without reason, to injure without an aim, to just create fear.

People? Can you even call them people? They don’t even deserve to be called as animals….

What can be worst?

Yet the spirit of the people is undying.

The love for fellow-beings in us eternal.

Not only the commandos but even ordinary human beings have been working ceaselessly throughout the night. They are donating blood where needed.

Every single human soul is making at least a tiny contribution to ease the pain.

Even as I write this, do you know, what video is being viewed constantly on Youtube? The CNN Irony! Check this out!

Even in a grave situation like this, it sure feels funny.

What we need, is not ignorance.

We need support.

People all over the world are pitching in their help.

It doesn’t matter where in the world you are.

You do not need to contribute your money or donate blood or be here in person to make a difference.

Just do ONE thing.

Do not shy away from the television reports and sympathize.

Instead Empathize and PRAY.

PRAY for the brave souls of Mumbai.

PRAY for India.

For what can deafeat terrorism is not ammunition and hatred;

But unconditional LOVE, undying HOPE and oodles of FAITH!!!

(I dedicate this post to people all around the world who have faced terrorism. The fact that you acknowledged the presence of terrorism in your lives and fought it in your own speical way, makes you victorious. Together we can make a difference. And we will. May God bless the departed souls and give the remaining ones courage to move ahead….Amen)

SPECIAL IS AS SPECIAL DOES

(courtesy: http://www.chester-le-streetrotary.co.uk/hughesbk-1.jpg)

I was born OK.

I could see. I could hear. I could talk. I had no physical handicap. No mental one too. I went to school. I could even read and write well. No learning problems either.

So, I was NOT special. Not special as the many many children we know. Some who are blind, some dumb and/or deaf. Some physically handicapped. Some mentally retarded. Some otherwise normal but having serious learning disabilities.

How do we feel for such children? Sympathy is common and so is pity. We look at them and thank God that we aren’t like that. Our children aren’t so and also anyone else in the family. We are ready to help financially. We become self-proclaimed social workers. We give huge donations, in form of money, clothes, books, toys etc..

I am not saying that it is not important. But, truly, just how many of us “empathize” ? How many of us actually feel their pain, their discomfort, their helplessness, their sorrow…..? How many of us actually give them our love, care and most important, our time! The very things they are actually hungry of!

Material things are very easy to give, because they don’t come with emotional attachments. But, hope, affection, trust are the rarest ones. We ourselves are so short of it that we think if we give them away, we will be left with nothing. What we don’t realize is that, these sentiments double on sharing. That love has absolutely no boundaries. That we can care for anyone else in this world. That blood ties are no different from any other relationships…

How many of us think of helping such people? How many of us actually volunteer to do something for the society. Children are the future of every country. What matters if they are normal or not? AND what exactly do we mean by “normal”? Does normal mean, kids who disobey their parents, don’t study and become big bullies. Does normal mean, teenagers who drink, smoke, drive rashly and party all night?

If you have visited such special schools or institutions, you will realize the tremendous potential these kids have. They may not be scholars in studies, but their mind is brilliant and sharp. They are good at making handicrafts and also at beautiful arts such as weaving, painting, pottery etc.. Some sing and dance well. Some are really intelligent and master their handicap to excel even in the field of education. They have a tremendous self-confidence. They have the courage to overcome their difficulties and move ahead positively. AND, what about us? Do we have the decency to ignore their physical form and identify them as people? Not to ridicule them or make fun of them, but give them the respect that they deserve just like us….

Have we ever done something for them from the bottom of our hearts? Volunteered to teach them or help them with things. Don’t be ashamed. Even I am one of you. I make big plans of helping them and doing something for them. I know I have the utmost desire to do so. But those plans never actually materialize. But, some day, they will. I know, before I die, I will do something that will really contribute to their upliftment. It’s my mission in life.

Can you vow to take such a mission? Or at least plan a short-term goal? To look beyond mortal differences and do something on a very basic yet spiritual/ social level?

There are thousands of NGOs working for this cause. You can find a couple in your own town. Even the UN has a volunteering website, where you can volunteer online and complete some tasks. At least it will better than whiling your time away chatting with friends or doing time-pass. It will be worth it.

All of us are normal. Ordinary. But, there is something in us that is extraordinary. And, we can make a difference. Perhaps, a slight one, but that which will be the beginning of an ever-lasting change!!!

(I dedicate this post to, all the “special” children with any kind of physical / mental disabilities. May God bless you always. And may all your dreams come true, for you deserve much more than mere “normals” like us…..)

THAT’S WHAT I CALL HUMANITY….

All of you might have seen many social workers. The very fact of giving your life for total strangers, giving them unconditional love, makes us think, just how wonderful these people are.

Some work for underprivileged women, some for orphan children, some for the old, some for cancer patients, some for the mentally-handicapped……

Have you ever come across someone who has worked for the ones with “Leprosy” ???

Murlidhar Devidas Amte, better know as “Baba Amte” was one such man. He passed away on the 9th of February 2008 at the ripe old age of 94.

94 seems too old but I wish that he should have lived for yet 100 years so that the next generations would have appreciated the mettle of this great great man!

If you have seen a leprosy patient, you might know their plight. And if you are one of the many who snub and scoff at even normal people, leprosy ones might give you jitters.

What can you make of, of a man who spent his entire lifetime working for them. He could have become anything else he wanted to be but without ever worrying about that he might be contracted the disease, he just kept working selflessly.

Anandwan was one of three ashrams he set up for the leprosy affected people. It got a 250 acres land grant in 1951 and still continues to harbor more than 5000 people. Today not only does it have a university of its own but also two hospitals, an orphanage and a school for blind. Anandwan is a small village in itself.

For years, leprosy has been associated with social stigma. Where the families of the patients themselves abandon their loved ones, I think, its hats off to this amazing man.

What is even more appreciable, is the support he received from his wife, Sadhana-tai. In a time of wife nagging their husbands about little little things like not coming home early or not bringing them  gifts; the support Sadhana-tai gave him was very commendable.

And also, who could have asked for more wonderful sons. Both his sons, Vikas and Prakash are doctors and have selflessly dedicated themselves just like their father for service to these leprosy patients. They actively participate in causes similar to that of their dad, running the ashrams, hospitals and schools in Maharashtra.

I do wonder, how can someone be so selfless. In today’s world, people cannot give unconditional love to their near and dear ones. And here was a man who dedicted his entire life so easily for such a noble cause.

Sometimes, I feel proud to be an Indian for this reason. But, what’s the use? Question is can I do the same? Like millions of other youngsters I would naturally want to have fat-money job in some Multinational company, a handsome husband and a beautiful home. It’s so normal but so ordinary. What will set me apart is the intense desire to work for my people, to forget my own desires, to come one step closer to god, to do that which is extraordinary yet take no credit…..

But then, it takes a lot of courage. I doubt , whether I have it. I doubt, whether most of us, have it.

For millions, Baba Amte will be remembered as a great social activist, as a wonderful person, but for Anandwan residents, he has been a “mother”.

And for me, an inspiration……