Thursday, February 25, 2010

Horn OK Please


You spot this written at the back of all the trucks and tempos. The purpose behind it is very simple – if one wants to overtake that truck/tempo; they need to honk properly as an overtaking intention indicator!

But most of the people in Mumbai are way too amazing when it comes to assuming things! Be it for breaking rules; or contributing towards anti – Save the environment and our planet from the Global Warming. Actually most of the Indians are amazing at these things. But, I am not going to write about how we are and hurt a few more egos; especially when we all are in high spirits thanks to our Master Blaster. His inning was a treat to watch – 200 not out – phew! He didn’t even use any runner throughout his inning! Since he could make a double century he is brave. (Otherwise!?!)

And the best thing was that for the first time I watched the match live and still Sachin managed to score and India won. Those regular here will know what I mean; and for the rest of you, click here.


I had to mention this as this man has the power to create that stand still moment in the whole country.

Back to my topic now; we take this Horn ok Please slogan way too seriously; for, most of the times you see those behind the wheels honking even when it is not required. We all are in hurry to reach at some place; and the traffic plays its part; but does the unnecessary honking really help?

I don’t drive myself so I don’t know what must be going on in the mind of the driver; maybe he/she thinks that honking will help them move faster; or it will clear those hundred cars ahead of them the moment signal turns green; or maybe some fly button is installed somewhere at their car horns! Please help me with the valid logic.

And those frustrated heads that come out of car windows after the hands attached to their torso are tired of honking; their efforts of making non-stop noise is futile thanks to the stand still traffic; they take out their head and shout their lungs out asking cars to move fast! If the jam is due to a broken car; then God bless the poor soul behind those wheels. For, he gets so many curses and abuses by those stranded because of him; but very few help him.

Honking – a sign of getting late, an outcome of frustration or just a habit – it is for sure irritating for others if used consistently. But I guess no point in writing or blogging about it as we are not going to change. We will wake up tomorrow and start it all over again even in case of slow moving traffic in the silence zone; or our head will again pop out to abuse when we will see the cause of the jam.

Image source: Google Images

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Saving the Tigers...

....is one of the most dumb ideas one could come up with.

Disclaimer: This is a sarcastic (and rude) post about us. With explicit permission from the blog owner, am I publishing this on Neha's (too). Whoever has been finding some notions of Save Our Tigers Project ridiculous, please do not proceed. If you do, the blame lies with you and you alone. As certain Indians also, if you are offended, I can't help it. So proceed with caution. The author and the blog owner bears no responsibility for wounded egos and short tempers. If you can't take it, don't read it.

Who around us doesn't know, that the number of tigers in our country is pointing towards extinction? Someone with the most minimal knowledge is aware of it. So why the big deal out of it? Yeah, 1411 is a catchy number and we could have done without knowing it. Thank you. And also without the 'poor little thing' marketing gimmick for an ad.

Yeah, yeah I know tiger, actually the Royal Bengal Tiger (did you know?) is our National animal, but what can I do?

This sympathy organization just to fool the public, what can I call it but a publicity stunt? What happens if we join up? Nothing. If only, they can procreate and carry baby tigers into the forests, there's no hope for increasing that number.

I can join up. (Isn't it free?) But what good will it do? I'll do not one thing different. Oh yes, I can sympathize. Better yet, I can criticize.

What was the reason behind creating this huge furor over nothing? Make us feel guilty over something that isn't my concern anyway? (My concern extends only to myself, sometimes to my immediate family and mostly, to make people understand how great I am). 

So, I can snivel around and mark out pointers, enumerating the reasons why the makers of the group as well as the group are dumb. Why their ideas are trash, and nothing will ever actually work and how they are wasting our energy. 

Of course, however I am not available (usually disappear faster than when chased by a tiger) when it is to suggest an alternative to the "foolish ideas and ventures". It's not my job. Mine is to criticize what they do (though, however, it isn't something I could ever do). Actually, why are they making us talk about something in which we had no intention of putting any effort, taking away time from thinking about ourselves.

"Write to policy-makers" --- This is India, my darling! You gotta' be kidding! Who gives a damn (when the high-and-mighty me doesn't, you really cannot expect the berated-by-me-too policy makers to)! Actually, they are much like me, they do not like being poked in the eye about something that is obvious. And like me, they do not care. Like I won't ever care to take any initiative.

"Blog about it" --- As if my space is out for blogging about a public cause. Does it pay? Does it bring readers? Awareness in India through blogging? That's not really my priority. Yeah, may be there are Westerners in my readership, may be they could pitch in too, but they'd be foolish to care. So please, I'll save my effort.

"The Government" --- And of course, living in India, we always have a ready-made excuse. Our government. After all, everything is their fault. And bashing and abusing them easily hides the fact that we rarely do anything for the country we proclaim to love. Oh, what would have we done if our Government wasn't so corrupt and lazy? It would have been terrible! It would have been obvious to the most even casual onlooker that we, the people are also corrupt, lazy, all talk-no action, worthless and selfish schmucks who only know to belittle others and do nothing that has no profit in store for them. 

None of us will ever put up money, or take an active role. We'll not talk about the ideas that are actually achievable, because we won't shift from our comfortable life-style to implement or even accommodate them. This is not just about Tigers, it extends to everything that requires us to stand together. We have forgotten Aesop's Fables as children's stories. "Unity is might" has been lost in the dredges of personal gain and others' losses. In case of saving tigers, we refuse to stand together, refuse to commend the initiative, just because me, in my all pompous glory about myself is above it all. Because being noticed becomes easier when I'm standing apart from the crowd questioning or ridiculing what others stand together for and of course, it makes me feel I'm smarter than the rest of them. And all for a cause, I don't even spend two moments of my day.

The Government, any government has a thousand and one issues (is the number I have used too high?) to resolve. Even if they know the catchy number of '1411 only', documented on a sheet of paper, it just can get lost under a mountain of pending more-important work. Is creating a single voice, loud and clear, demanding something be done right away has any bearing towards saving our tigers from extinction? I'm thick-headed, near-sighted or politically correct enough to ignore that possibility. It goes against my strategy, and my brilliant criticism, you see. Of course, all we have to do is make them, force them even, to create reserves and sanctuaries. That's it. With the protection that comes with that concept, our tigers will have their own habitat, and no fear of surviving into the next generations.  Ever been to Kanha National Park or Corbett National Park?

But we don't really care about standing together or talking about issues and causes. It has no profit in store for us. We can criticize and can point out what a futile and lame attempt this is. Why do we care if it succeeds or fails as long as it doesn't concern us directly? What are we, fools? 

(And we hit closer to home with this last statement, and blissfully remain unaware about it)

N.B. It is always easier to criticize and pick faults, than commend one or several for their actions and initiatives. Learn to live beyond yourself, and support an attempt, a greater cause. And if you cannot agree, cannot support and yet, provide no better solutions than the ones existing, keep shut.

For joining the Roar to Save Our Tigers, or just for a look-see visit the site here.


~~~~~~~

This is a guest post by Guria.  

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Our (lovely) Neighbours



A bright Sunday morning; you are sipping a hot and refreshing cup of ginger tea; sun rays are giving you the warmth you really need in winter; those small conversations with your husband - a perfect day and a perfect way to spend some quality time with him. Just when you are enjoying yourself thoroughly; your doorbell rings. You open the door, spot another smiling face that says:

"can I get a cup of sugar please?"

Sigh!

Just because your neighbour does not want you to think that she is here only for some work, she will start talking to you. Your five minutes are gone, husband has a newspaper in his hand and your sink awaits for your ice tea.

We usually associate neighbours with either gossips or our SOS when we do not have some ingredient that's is essential for cooking. We count on them for a tomato, or a cup of milk, or a needle; but we do need them.

But they needing us? - hmmm, that can be a bit frightening; especially when they leave their kid with us for a few hours; who has a tendency to break anything and everything he touches; or when we have to take care of their dog when are are away on a few days trip; and the dog loves to pee on the carpet.

We loathe them when we happen to be a teenager; parents are out of town and there is a party at our place. Few guys and girls are about to enter when Mrs. Sharma opens her door; looks at you and gives you that "I know what you are upto" smile.

Zynga Company - the makers of farmville game - has studied the behaviour of neighbours pretty well; for, they have made sure that you have to ask for something or the other all the time from your farm neighbours.

Real world or virtual world; neighbours do matter to us all the time.

Sometimes we are jealous of them when they upgrade themselves; we compete with them just to prove our point to them; we stand by them when a tragedy has struck them; we dance with them if there is a wedding in their family.

We need them as much as we run away from them.

The great cliche applies here about our neighbours:

"You love them or you hate them; but you cannot ignore them"

Image Source: http://www.digitalrampage.com/images/neighbours.jpg

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, 2010 - Part 2

Hello,

The Disqus comment form for my last post was just an experiment which most of you did not like. I am re-posting my latest post - the only way to change the comment form back to default.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF); as people say; is an experience you cannot easily forget. It stays with you for a long time. Those who missed reading the first part, can click here.

KGAF is all about Arts. Artist from various fields showcase their talent here. Various musical shows, plays, films etc. is performed on this stage.



I was unfortunate to be there in the afternoon; and the shows started by 4 pm; I could not see a single performance thanks to my so called busy schedule. But few amusing things made the visit quite an amusing one. For instance; this huge bell:



And the artistic nest made of golden wires:




Apart from such artistic beauties, there was a dedication to our ancient beliefs about Mannat (wishes). A young couple is spotted there. The guy is tying the thread to the wish board while the girl is all smiles.


In the Hinduism, it is believed that tying a thread to the tree leads to fulfillment of wishes. Since the trees are scarce now, people are satisfied with a wooden fence which is made of that auspicious tree.

There was one stall that offered small children to showcase their talent too. They were given a brush, colours and plain white T-shirt. They drew mountains, birds, sun, flowers, rivers and such. Some simply stroked the brush randomly; while others copied them and trying to do better.

The same stall offered hand made sketches too - the real one and not the computerized one that looks like a hand made sketch. I got mine made too. Though it does not resemble me much, but I still like it.



There are many things to be shared; many photographs to be displayed; but I do not want to bore you people. Hope you enjoyed this virtual journey as much as I enjoyed the real one that had ragda patties too with the Arts.



Ragda Patties Image Source: http://jugalbandi.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/ragdapattice1.jpg

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, 2010 - Part 2

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF); as people say; is an experience you cannot easily forget. It stays with you for a long time. Those who missed reading the first part, can click here.

KGAF is all about Arts. Artist from various fields showcase their talent here. Various musical shows, plays, films etc. is performed on this stage.



I was unfortunate to be there in the afternoon; and the shows started by 4 pm; I could not see a single performance thanks to my so called busy schedule. But few amusing things made the visit quite an amusing one. For instance; this huge bell:



And the artistic nest made of golden wires:




Apart from such artistic beauties, there was a dedication to our ancient beliefs about Mannat (wishes). A young couple is spotted there. The guy is tying the thread to the wish board while the girl is all smiles.


In the Hinduism, it is believed that tying a thread to the tree leads to fulfillment of wishes. Since the trees are scarce now, people are satisfied with a wooden fence which is made of that auspicious tree.

There was one stall that offered small children to showcase their talent too. They were given a brush, colours and plain white T-shirt. They drew mountains, birds, sun, flowers, rivers and such. Some simply stroked the brush randomly; while others copied them and trying to do better.

The same stall offered hand made sketches too - the real one and not the computerized one that looks like a hand made sketch. I got mine made too. Though it does not resemble me much, but I still like it.



There are many things to be shared; many photographs to be displayed; but I do not want to bore you people. Hope you enjoyed this virtual journey as much as I enjoyed the real one that had ragda patties too with the Arts.



Ragda Patties Image Source: http://jugalbandi.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/ragdapattice1.jpg

Monday, February 15, 2010

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, 2010 - Part 1

The roads of Mumbai have huge hoardings of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF). Name of the sponsors are more evident than the name of the event. Black and White theme of the posters with a colourful surf excel logo look quite interesting.


My numerous visits to Colaba and none at KGAF has left me curious - space management is the question I have been thinking about; which is answered as soon as I reach there. Whole place is transformed completely. Shops and restaurants have moved two steps backward to make space for the colourful stalls; each corner has something to offer - from food to eco-friendly Tees, bags, wall pieces, paintings, artifacts, jewelleries and such.

Among these colourful stalls, we find the Kala Ghoda (Black Horse). This Black Horse has a different story to share altogether.



The Drought

I am tired.
There is a change happening around me, which has speed. There is a drought of pure and honest thoughts. Creativity has dried up, relationships are breaking apart like hollow branches, responsibilities are too heavy to sustain. Minds are lost in the dry jungle with no freshness; only dry creepers entangling everything around. Humans have the power to change it, but the power is in DROUGHT. We are waiting for our wills to act, to break the shackles and free our self. Waiting for the shower of freshness which is only possible if we are greener from minds and hearts.
I am tired.
There is a change happening around me.
Which has speed.

I am fast. NO. I was fast.

- Yuvraj, Dipali, Rishi and Santosh

There are many messages about saving our earth. Many images that move your heart; leaving you wondering about what we have done with our planet and what we still are doing.



Extensive use of plastic will soon take over our trees too; if at all there will be any remaining then.




Domnic Anthony insists on installation of the earth with this unique concept!



Plastic is a demon..



Save the Earth..

And the image that left me really curious. I spotted it when I entered the KGAF. I do not know the meaning behind it. If any of you has visited KGAF and know the meaning behind it, please let me know.



Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Hidden Identity


This strange world of blogging!

Here, people call themselves lonely heart, crying eye, running skeleton, stupid character and what not. And they all are proud of these names. Call them by this in real life and see their reaction! Don't sue me if they beat the hell out of you.

There are few who have a decent names too. They don't want to reveal their identity or they can relate to that term really well. Few of them become really popular bloggers too. But people know the pseudo name of the person. Popularity is yours but the name isn't! Hmmm.

I was a geek when I joined this blogworld. (I still am, reasons best known to me!) I did not know how things work here, how one starts a blog; or anything. I created my account with my name and surname as the url, uploaded the coolest looking picture of mine (the current one is cool too), named my Blog as Neha. I was not even aware that people have a name for their blogs too! I told you I am a geek!

When I realized this, it was too late. My blog was popular (?) as Neha, I was popular by my name and photograph. I could not change anything. Dumb me! But I am fine with this arrangement (like I have any other option); now there is a feeling of "my own space" as I use this name.

Hidden Identity is not a common phenomenon only on blogs. It is common at chat rooms too. Nah, not those chat rooms where you speak with cool dude, sweet girl or adorable puppy; but our personal chat list where the name of your friends do not change to attract you-know-who! But the nature of hidden identity changes here.

My friend Prikant Shednekar (name changed for security purposes), who happens to be the co-author of my other blogs (oops, I revealed his identity, but I am sure he will not mind); he has downloaded a new kind of a messenger, where the idle status is one of the options along with busy, available, invisible etc. He says, it is very easy to avoid people on your list. Just set your status as idle and decide whom you would like to speak with. Rest will not bother to ping you after seeing your status. Hmmm, interesting!

Then there are those who always remain invisible. They either want to avoid people or work in peace. Or maybe concentrate chatting with one (or more) person only! God knows what is the logic behind this; but yes, they are perpetually invisible. Oh I forgot to mention one thing; I am one of those invisible souls too.

All identities accepted; but have you ever wondered, how many 007's are around this virtual world? You even tend to forget which cuppy cake you spoke with last evening.

But I guess people are happy with hidden identities! They will remain neglected creature even after 50 comments; lonely tree after 100+ followers and invisible even after blocking 50 people!

Image Source: Google Images

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Kyun Phir Sur Mila?

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST IS A WORK OF FICTION. I REQUEST YOU NOT TO TAKE THE POINTS MENTIONED HEREIN BELOW SERIOUSLY. WE LOVE OUR CELEBS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. I AM SURE ONE POST WILL NOT MAKE YOU HATE THEM (OR ME).
It was the grand occasion of celebrating the Success of “Phir Mile Sur mera tumhara” and I had the pleasure to meet the celebrities who have done so much for our country that they were made a part of this legendary song. Though we could ask only a few of them few questions; nevertheless, it was a great honour to interview those celebs.

AR - Rahem Man

Me: It is the greatest pleasure to meet you in person sir. I am your big fan. Tell me sir; what was the idea behind tweaking the original tune a bit (?) and coming up with a new one altogether?

ARR: It has been my speciality to do so. Remember our National Anthem that I made for Fame Cinemas? It should ideally be of 52 seconds; but mine is much longer than that! Still people love it. People love me. Anything I make works; so will this. In fact, I may use my part for a Hollywood movie. Another Oscar you see.

Amit Bechain

Me: You have given your voice for this song. What inspired you to do so?

AB: I have given my voice for almost all the songs of various genres. When the makers of this video heard me singing Himani Boro Plus song – that Swaha! One; they immediately contacted me to sing something similar. I had only one condition – I should be the first one to be featured. They agreed (like they had any other option); and there I was!

Shanky, Ehsy and Lyo
Me: your trio is playing altogether a different tune there. What do you have to say about it?

SEL: We wanted our part to stand out. People say ARR is the best; but we rock. You listen to his part and listen to ours. The national pride song was the best platform to prove that ARR is overrated.

Dipick a Padhu kone

Me: D, i must tell you; you are looking gorgeous in that video. How were you approached for this song but?

D: (Giggling) they did not approach me; I approached them. I asked them to feature Ranbir and me; so that they will get a bit more publicity. Now this is a secret ok – since i am single at the moment; I am hopeful to find somebody for me. There are so many sportsmen, actors and musicians around. I will spread the rumours of my link up first and then break up. It is a great idea to remain in news for a month you see when your movies don’t work.

Shia-mak Dee war

Me: Shia-mak, good to see you after so many years buddy. You are the only person I can ask a direct question to. What is this video all about? And what are you doing there?

S: The makers wanted a bollywood version of this song; that’s the reason all the big names were roped in. But the choreography has turned out amazing. The original song was missing that; and i have successfully created a fusion of classical dance and the western one.

Shah-no-ruk Kahn

Me: SRK, your part in the song – isn’t it your favourite pose?

SRK: Oh they used it in “Phir Mile Sur” too? No wonder I was invited for this party. I have around hundreds of copies made of that pose. Whenever somebody asks for a guest appearance; I send them a copy. So it is difficult to keep a track. I am sure technology took care of lip sync part too; if there was any.




I could not ask any further questions to anybody.