Back to Blah Blah...

Its been pretty long since I babbled anything here.Its not that I have nothing to rant. Like everyone, I too have many things to prattle.My mind hardly works these days ;-)rather my mind has stopped working.So no posts in Workings of Mind :D (ST,I am trying for a PJ.You know whose influence it is!)

But why the blog remains prattle free these days? Oh! Its not any kinda 'block'(The excuse bloggers place very often) Mine is sheer Laziness.Nothing more Nothing less.Let me put it in another way;I lack self motivation.I can make others read and write. But I rarely does the same.

During my vacation in Kerala,I made an attempt to revive my reading 'The Argumentative Indian', 'Deterring Democracy' by Noam Chomskey and 'India after Gandhi' by Guha.As usual,couldn't finish :D For the time being all the three are enjoying their vacation in my book shelf :D

So friends.. I am back! Back to blah blah...

Classes,Courses and Craps!

I was talking to a friend over the phone.Seems she was sending her kid(6 years) to cricket coaching and skating.Though she wanted to pack  off her kid to swimming classes,she couldn't..because the classes  begun already.I was carefully listening(of course with interest and enthusiasm)to her.Then a question popped up from her side.."Are you sending your kid to any classes? My mind muttered in spontaneity..Oh!yes, I'm sending him to attend humanitarian class'!I think that is the need of the hour.

We particularly the Indians, have become obsessed with stuffing the blooming buds with a lot craps..In the race,we are leaving our humanitarian culture in a trash box...We,the elders are miserably failing to read the mind of the children.Without trying to depict their mind,we impose our interest on them,leaving them shattered.Vacations are meant to enjoy the little pleasures and happiness around life.Yes,Of course,we need to pursue other creative ventures too.For everything,there is an appropriate Time&Age.Unfortunately,we ignore the both.

Hereafter if someone 'asks' me about vacation courses and classes..I am gonna give my 'Humanitarian' reply!Howzzz it??;-)

Realities Beyond Three P's

Pub bharo,Pink Chaddi,Pink Condom,Muthalik,Minister…. are the latest happenings in our country.Even a kindergarten kid may be aware of the pub bharo&muthalik&pink chaddi campaigns!No room for the justification of muthalik's Taliban thoughts.After all ,anyone who is above the age of 21,is legally permissable to visit pub.Molesting the girls are more horrendous than the pub culture.It was quite surprsiing to see nation wide 'pink chaddi campaign"...virtual world was enriched with this discussion.In between came our honorable minister's 'slogan' 'Pub Bharo'(Definitely,the UPA must have felt embarassed at minister's statement..they might have thought Minister is a spokesperson of pub owners!)finally things went calm.No chaos or confusions on valentine's day!Group of women leading a campaign,several men joining it later on,the campaigning caught a national level attention(i doubt whether any other movement have caught this much of popularity!)Media,Pub Owners,Muthalik&Minister emerged victorious!!They all received nation wide publicity.A sort of free marketing for alchohol companies!The question remains..who fell into the prey?Undoubtedly our society!Particularly Indian Women!

The enthusiasm taken by the women in pink chaddi campaign,the initiative taken by our honorable minister in pub bharo andolan was “commenable”!But it is disheartening to see that no 'proper measures' are initiated for resolving livelihood issues of women in rural areas.Unfortunate to say that,issues that requires national attention are swept under carpet!Quiet usitative for we,the Indians!But are we aware?Or is there any campaign or andolan to tackle such issues?Society is more bothered about people going to pubs and discos.Minster too much concerned about the urban upper class life style.No doubt about that.If we have had a glance at the few of the basic issues..sure,women would have abstained from such worthless revolution or we would have focussed our attention on realities.

An official study done in 2007 has revealed some shocking information on child abuse,particularly sexual abuse.According to the study, 53.22 per cent children reported having faced some form of sexual abuse. Nearly 22 per cent child respondents reported facing severe forms of sexual abuse and 5.69 per cent reported being sexually assaulted. Children on streets, at work and in institutional care also reported the highest incidence of sexual assault.

The prohibition of manual scavenging Act came into force in 1993.Still there are 13 lakh manual scavengers in our country,out of which more than 90%are women..Activities of manual scavenging are evident in metros as well.Its ironical to see that, in spite of crores of rupees earmarked for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers...these oppressed class continues to depend on foul smell for their livelihood.So the existence of variance is crystal clear.where does the money goes?

Victims of natural calamities sell their kidneys (for livelihood) via brokers..and they are not paid fully for the 'transaction'.Moreover the post surgery health problems has prevented these women from taking other domestic jobs.Many women sell their kidneys to earn a regular income by setting up small busines..but for few others,wedding expenses of their daughters are met by the kidney sales.Whatever the reason ...everything ends up in a disaster..at the cost of women's health!The most shameful part of these kidney episodes are, there is a huge demand for the same from the urban area..and these poor folks are being cheated by offering lucrative rates!

Till today,none of our commission has been able to put a check on the spurt of sex rackets.Victims of the sex rackets are eventually transformed as sex workers(prospective prostitudes!)Very often girls enter their teens with a lot of hopes about their future.Unfortunately all their hopes are nipped in the bud once they are being targeted by the unscrupulous people who runs the racket.Political Police Baron nexus favours the smooth functioning of the rackets.Victims of sex rackets are always treated as accused!

Indian society feels ashamed to talk about prostitudes,scavenging and sex rackets in public..Perhaps,that could be the reason as to why we are helpless to wipe out these malignant activities.Its ironical to see that people don't hesitate to do these shameful acts!Women in our country fight for equality,reservation in parliament...but they forget to bespeak on behalf of the neglected women.Worst part is the discourteous attitude towards the isolated class.

In India, despite its growth, women depend on primary health centres — most of which lack proper facilities — for child birth..THe infant mortality rate during child birth are very high.Lack of proper medical facilities is the root cause for such unfortunate incidents.


Besides these scavenging,sex rackets...there are innumerable issues that affect the existence of a woman..from female foeticide to rape.Thousnads of girls are missing every year.Most of the girls fall into the trap of agents(Both job&pimps)Alas! we take an indifferent direction towards the same.What caught our attention(particularly women) was Pub Bharo&Pink chaddi...and our society ensured their honest support towards such movement!

Various laws has been enacted for the upliftment and security of women from time to time.Lack of proper channels to ensure the effective functioning of those laws and absence of stringent action has lead to the growth in the violence against women.Instead of making a hue and cry over petty issues,it would be worthwhile if women conjointly makes some serious endeavours for the effective functioning of laws for the protection of women.


Why the pink chaddi campaign gathered this much momentum?is it coz its all about educated upper class?or the issue is about the 'right of a woman to go to pub'?or is it due to the campaign sprouted in metros and urabn areas?or that we are left with no other issues to deal?

Pink chaddi campaign has proved that urban women enjoys considerable amount of freedom and voice to make their choices.Yes,educated urban women can tread a path for a change.Powerful voice,freedom and inclination of women ,if channelised properly ,can mitigate many of the adversities of neglected class.Besides mitigating,such powerful voice can illuminate the lives of millions of women suffering in our country.The collective and constructive thoughts if shuffled properly,can bring a difference not only in the life of rural women,but also can create a significant change in the development of our society.

Lets make a sensible choice!Pub Bharo or Protect Women?

Look At The Board!!

Couple of days back,my kindergarten kid was playing with his small board and a marker.At home,he always wants to take teacher's seat!A harassed mother i'am!..don't have any other option!I obey his orders..else the outcome will be a long face and frowny eyes with full of anger!

Suddenly he said"Look at the board"..At first i didn't heed to his instruction.Then came the second call! STUDENTS...Look at the board I SAY! An unnecessary punch on Students &I say(instead of look at the board!)I asked him...who taught you to say 'Students'? Within a fraction of second,came his innocent reply.."At school my teacher tell like this only"

Again i asked..Tell me Baby,.."whether your teacher addresses you and your classmates as Students or children?
Without any hesitation,he answered 'My teacher calls us Students and not Children"

I pondered..why these blooming buds are treated and addressed as students?why can't the teachers impart the language of Love and affection?Is it possible for the elders to put an end to their rusty narrow thoughts?

Response to Reporter's Obambulating In Indian politics

Before reading this please go through Reporter's Diary

Reporter...Put forth Your question like this!
“Can the congress leaders think of nominating a person other than from Nehru dynasty for the post of prime minister?
Will the BJP led NDA can endorse an individual who does not belong to the Advani coterie?
Is it possible for the SP to nominate a person other than duo’s favourite?
Does Mayawati posess all the capabilities to become a PM?
Question towards Public
Are we ready to support an’ independent ‘individual’ if she or he has all the political,moral & intellectual credentials,to be the country’s head?
Secondly..
Suppose if a Dalit has all the above credentials….shall we endorse him/her for PM’s post?

Past

The pre- independence era& early 50’s witnessed a boom of Obama’s(with respect to capability) in India’s socio-political environment.Sardar Patel,CR,Jagjivan Ram,.JP Narayan….all were great personalities!Particularly,CR initiated innumerable number of reforms for the upliftment of untouchables and encouraged their participation in national politics.JP Narayan’s contributions are also praiseworthy in this matter.Jagjivan Ram..served as a defence minister,deputy PM(twice) .Regrettable to say that..the media carried an unwanted ‘discriminative’ headlines on KR Narayanan’s death.You are also committing the same mistake by highlighting the ‘untouchable’ elementin your question(Even though you sound to be positive for their upbringing)I feel you should have refined the question in the first place.Our SC chief justice?Hence,you cannot be neck and crop in your question.

But yes,there are certain ‘elements’ inherent in our political system…that prevents an independent (intellectual with all inclusive qualities) from becoming a PM.

Past&Present

Indian politics is full of paradoxes!We jog on to brag..the world’s largest democracy”.Alas!till this moment,we are following Caste,Clan&Regional politics.

In the early twenties,Gandhi publicly acknowledged CR as his successor..and wrote a letter to CR
“You are…perhaps the nearest to me.My innermost being wants your approbation of what I’m doing and thinking. I cannot always succed in getting it,but it craves for your verdict…”
Nonetheless,in early forties,owing to the ‘regional’ pressure,Gandhi took a different stand.Hindi speaking population(vast majority) preferred a northie to occupy the PM’s place.Thus Pandit Nehru was chosen.Of course like his contemporary mates..Nehru also had his own charm,which pulled the public towards him.

Under the existing scenario,its very tough for an individual with all political, moral and intellectual credential to be the country head..the reason is” politrical barrier”
Consider the internal elections held in each and every political party in India.The coterie vested with highest powers hold the ‘absolute’ authority and their pampered darlings enjoy all sorts of patronage.The liegemen are not supposed to question the functioning of higher authoritie..even if they questions,they will be thrown out .For this matter,all the parties weigh equally.

Caste,Clan&Region remain as a bottleneck .Unless and until we wipe out the 3 barriers from our’thinking’..it is unlikely for us to weave a dream for ‘Indian Obama’(even though we have witnessed Obama Boom in the past)in the near future.Mankind comes first,followed by gender,region…If we succeed in applying the ‘theory of mankind’ and calibre..we will be blessed with the best Prime Minister.

Concluding my comments with a Passage from CR’s diary(which was wrote during his days behind the bars in 1921)

“We all ought to know that Swaraj will not at once or,I think even for a long time to come,be better government or graeter happiness for the people.Elections and their corruptions,injustice,and the power and tyranny of wealth and inefficiency of administration will make a hell of life as soon as freedom is given to us.Men will look regretfully back to the old regime of comparative justice,and efficient,peaceful,more or less honest administration.The only thing gained will be that as a race we will be saved from dishonour and subordination”

Rest In Next ;)

My Personal History- Published in Tehelka(Issue dated 16th Aug 2008)

‘Talent and creativity were ruthlessly buried. Only rote learners survived’


I AM OVERTAKEN by repugnance whenever I think of my school days. The reason is quite simple. I was crippled mentally during high school. As I pen this essay, a couple of questions pop up. What is the purpose of education? Why are children always treated as students?

I was raised in a joint family, which included a grandfather and a paternal uncle. My mom, a homemaker, was a lady of high calibre and she nurtured the passions of her loved ones. Like any other mother, she too had dreams for her children, wanting them to be confident and fearless under any circumstance.

I was inclined to music, so my parents sent me to music classes when I was 10 years old. I was an average student, although I had a penchant for current affairs, quizzing and debates. My parents were content with my scores, which ranged between 65 and 70 percent. Little did they know that one day, their daughter would be demoted and devastated.

My turmoil began when I was in class seven. The school headmistress, who had exceptional teaching skills, heard of a fight that had broken out between me and another friend. She sought an explanation from our parents. After this, occasional taunts aimed at me became a regular feature of her classes. This made me an object of ridicule among my classmates. Day after day, my anxiety and fear grew, but I couldn’t reveal my feeling to others including my mom.


Illustration:Uzma Mohsin
In class nine, my anxiety grew further, because of Math and the Math teacher. She used to place the weaker students in one corner of the classroom so she could focus more attention on them. This created a negative impact on me. I started feeling targeted and cornered and felt that my independent thinking was suppressed. My inability to draw perfect maps or figures was used as a pointer while making scathing comments and this added fuel to the fire.

An extended hell! That is how I describe class nine. Did they ever make a single effort to point out my strengths? They denied me an opportunity to grow! At the end of the year, I was demoted. Later, I realised that 36 other students also suffered the same fate. The reason the school authorities gave was “filtration” before promotion to class 10. A few students joined other schools while others registered for a re-evaluation of their papers. I lacked the mental courage to fight. I repeated class nine, completed the 10th with 72 percent marks and thus my journey through the tunnel came to an end.

Today I ask — who were the losers when the library hours and physical training sessions were hijacked for extra classes and revisions? In the race for achieving high results, talent and creativity were ruthlessly buried. Only rote learners survived.

For my pre-degree years, I opted for commerce at the Government Victoria College in Palakkad. With just 72 percent, getting admission was difficult but I managed to snag the last available seat. This marked a rebirth for me. In college, I found that independent views were encouraged, I could actually explore life while learning. Each day, I found a new me within myself. The support I got from the teachers helped build my self esteem. In the second year, I joined the college cricket team and represented my college in matches. Resuming music lessons under the guidance of a renowned musician added to my happiness. In the first year, I had actually topped my class and was soon among the top five at the university. A student demoted in class nine occupying a place at the top! My teachers felt a little disappointed as I missed the overall top rank by a whisker. But for me, the results were a morale booster. It was a turning point for me.

I went on to do my masters, and was elected to the college union. Canvassing, meetings and elections were fantastic experiences. A timid, neglected school student elected to the college union!

Soon I was on stage, addressing the college, attending cabinet meetings, interacting with students and the principal, leading the college in inter-collegiate festivals, forming an association exclusively for girls to encourage them and ensure their participation in campus activities. The scared introvert in me had gone forever.

Failing a class in those days was — and is, even now — humiliating, primarily because teachers and the larger society make a child feel that way. It is seen as a scandal, a blot from which one can never recover. I left school with a heart filled with fear, depression and diffidence. My college faculty changed all that. To them, I was just one among the thousands of students they teach. They are my idols, because they changed my destiny forever. •

Something To share About Tarnished Feminity

Friends....This year on women's day...i wrote a poem 'Tarnished Feminity".My idea behind penning those verses was to spread the message..rather..to throw light on the deprived women(often termed as Sex workers)..Now this poem has found a place in a collection of poetries..and will be released in january 2009.


Women Hails!
The dawn of march 8
With a tone of Sameness
Joy&happiness all over.

Alas!Feminity-A curse
For alot unseen girls
Who can neither puff
Nor toast women's day.

Born as pure like you and me
Fluttered like butterflies
with dreams and hopes
Reasons of livelihood
Sinful acts of society
Made them impure and isolated

Dwelling in the dark
Leading a life of constant submission
Fear,shame&muted agnition
Nobody to share their pain&grieves
No machine to animate&elevate them,
Not a soul to wipe their tears
And propel their desires..
Withal,they yawn for solace!

Gaging the body
Burrying the sorrows
Bearing the stigma
Folding the wishes
The worthless life continues...

Can they erase their tainted mark
And hope for a better tomorrow?
Do we care to remove their stains?
Shall we spread lights in their lives
By accepting them ingenuously?