Sunday, March 29, 2015

"The Candle Light"

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.” Confucius.

Good evening!

It has been a very cool Sunday after a succession of warm weather since last week. I’m very blessed to be home listening to good music the entire afternoon after I had my breakfast. It is damn right to read good books in order to inspire ourselves every day, and books are bag full of knowledge. Presently, I really like to read the book “The Narrow Road to the Deep North: A novel” by Richard Flanagan. Unfortunately, the book was not available in Kwench, an online library partner of AonHewitt.

Anyway, I have requested another book “The Longest Ride” by Nicholas Sparks. I hope to get the book in the next few days. Nicholas Sparks is also one of my favorite authors and I really enjoy reading his novels. It necessarily doesn't mean I prefer girly novels; it is just that I also enjoy a good romantic novel.

I can still remember the whole night I spend on reading the book “Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown with a candle light in Hostel. It just gives me a smile on my face recalling that very night. In hostel, the light goes off after 10:00 PM and every one must go to sleep according to our hostel rule. At around 10:15 PM, our warden Fr. P.O. Sebastian will check in every room if every one of us are there and are asleep. Meanwhile, I have nearly reach the middle section of the book when the light was put off, and I have already map out a plan for the night that I will complete the book by early morning. I already bought three long candles and a matchstick. After the light was turn off, as usual I can hear the sound of Fr. Sebastian “Oxford shoe” approaching towards my room, and he enters and believes everything is fine in here and soon left.

Around 11:00 PM, when I was pretty sure Fr. Sebastian has checked all the rooms and asleep in his quarter. I lit up my candle and starts reading the book from the page I left. The interesting part of the book is that it plays with me like hide and seeks to get me turning the page one after another. Sometimes it even teases me to decide how the story will end but only to realize I'm not the one who wrote the book and I wasn't able decide the ending till I completed in the early morning. The ending was kind of unimaginable as well as very shocking and I really enjoyed the book.

I believed the Christian backdrop and the terms used in the book is to make the story more thrilling and provoking however it doesn't meant any insults or disrespect to Christian community. Only those who read the book completely knows the book is not offensive or meant any disrespected to Christian’s followers around the world. Whereas few people read some excerpts from the book and gave a conclusion the book is offensive and disrespect to Global Christian’s community. Also, I always believed if your faith in God is strong, there is nothing in the world that can stop you from believing in Him.

It is always the same for those who create a different version of story out of one or two statements. The headlines in major newspaper as well as in online news are rather attention-grabber. As a result, the same people who have not read the whole news article or content simply concludes with their own version of story as per the headlines. This practice is the hindsight we tend to forgo, and thereby creating chaos in our modern society. Therefore, it is always good to read the whole article or content of the headlines which has grabbed our attention especially and decide the conclusion by our self with clarity and the facts reported. Or else, we can just leave the conclusion of the news headline or any statements to those who have read the whole content completely. After all, we must not forget that our world is very diverse in culture as well as in language. And it is always good to have right amount of knowledge rather than be an ignorant joining the company of fools.

According to Denis Diderot, French philosopher during the 18th century, he said, “There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination.” If we can also apply his method in our everyday life, I'm sure the world will be a better place for us to co-exist as one. Instead most of us busy only with the experimentation without observation and reflection. In the end, we have to bear the inevitable chaos in our society we could have prevented.

Food for Thought: “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.” Plato.

Thank you. Have a good night!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

"Con-Art in Internet"

“Selling eternal life is an unbeatable business, with no customers ever asking for their money back after the goods are not delivered.” Victor J. Stenger.

Few days ago, I received an email from Yahoo Internet Lottery informing me I have won £ 1,000,000 lottery, an amount I have never ever dreamt of. I stared at the email hilariously because they wrote “One million United States Dollars” in words whereas the sign of dollar is showing as À£. And how comes I have just won a lottery when I have never ever purchase a lottery ticket in London or use any website by the name of Yahoo Internet Lottery? I knew about the present days email scams in order to extort money from unsuspecting internet user. Anyway, I took a screenshot of the email and save as wallpaper for my amusement. See the image below:


I’m sure any rational person will not reply to this kind of emails or follow up but many times I have come across in some news report when victims, especially old ones who have retired from work, are extorted from all their life time savings in return for the fake winning lottery amount. I can feel for the victims and it is not entirely their faults because they just got swayed away by the words “Lucky Winners” and also the jackpot amount. But yes! One has to rational and logic on this kind of email. First point, how can you possibly win a lottery when you have never purchase a ticket? No one has ever won a jackpot lottery without a ticket.

Second point, when a person wins a jackpot lottery in term of millions, it is big news but the scammer choose to communicate with you via your personal email address although you haven't provided your email address to anyone else except your friends, family and work related. Just think for a while before pumping our arms in happiness, why is the jackpot lottery I've won was not announce in any of the major news channels? Think about it and I'm sure most of us will conclude with the following phrase, "To hell with the email, and every day is not April fool’s day."

Third point, in order to convince the victims to the core and extort the amount by any means, the scammer framed the email in such a way it is believable as soon as we start reading. For instance, “You were randomly selected from World Wide Web site through computer draw system and extracted from over thousands of companies”. However, before reading all the content of the email, it is extremely advisable to visit: Google.com and search for World Wide Web lottery or whatever the lottery name is. The Google search results will be show the words “scam or lottery scam” in abundant on the 1st page. There and then, don't even bother to read the email completely, just delete it permanently. In fact, there is no organizer by the name of “World Wide Web lottery” or any kind of lottery committee communicating with you via email to claim your winning prize.

Fourth point, the scammer also tries to blackmail potential victims emotionally. In this kind of case, the email is different from the lottery email scam. The scammer framed an email with short unreal story about family inheritance and assets however the story can easily sway anyone with the tone used in it. And if the potential victim is sentimental, it just makes it easier for scammer. They will request a monetary loan from the victim with a promise to repay back with mouthwatering commission on the inheritance and assets. Honestly, who does a thing like this? It is really kind of funny to send random emails to stranger for the first time just to borrow money and to repay later on.

The points I have mentioned in this blog are few of the circumstances most of us came across while checking our email inboxes. Anyway, criminals are criminals; they are very confidence artist and ruthless with their execution of plan. Frank Abagnale said, “Technology breeds crime and we are constantly trying to develop new technology to stay one step ahead of the person trying to use it negatively.” Frank used to be con-artist but now he is FBI security consultant and entrepreneur. I believed the statement is not against technology rather the misuse of technology by criminals when we try to stay ahead. In the end, I really believed email/internet scams can be prevented only if we can just apply some sense and logic in our head.

Thank you. Have a good evening!

Friday, March 27, 2015

"Battle"

"The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations." Eli Khamarov.

Yesterday, at around 4 PM(Thursday), I was having lunch with my friend just opposite to my office and the surrounding looks quiet secluded unlike the usual scene of present days chaos. Of course, the cricket World cup semi-final match between India and Australia was going on, and most of my office colleagues were watching the live match on our office Cafeteria LCD. I didn't follow the match but it’s not that I’m not supporting team India. In fact, I do love the India Cricket team however starting from the opening match; I haven’t watched any of our team India matches played. 

In India, cricket world cup is a big event and it comes only once after every four years. And if I have to invest my entire heart and soul supporting our team India to win, losing is not the option for me. Therefore, I don’t want to get disappointed at the end especially after watching the match for 7-8 hours on T.V. Getting over from defeats is the worst hangover of all time. So this year cricket world cup has been casual for me.

We as a fan have this very high expectation for every matches played by our team India. Knowing our team India has not lost any single matches played until yesterday defeats by Australia, we may have built a strong belief as well as fancy our chance of winning the World cup again. I’m sure for the die-hard cricket fans; the joy of watching our team India playing in semi-final must be exhilarating. Yet the expectation we set for our team India is unreal; and nothing matters unless the World cup is won or else criticising the players from head to toe just to overcome the frustration and disappointment. Unfortunately, India lost the match yesterday, and the critics as well as some idiot fans comes out with guns blazing from every side of media.

I thought the criticism of Virat Kohli does not appear professional rather very personal as reported in Times of India. Is there any reason to blame his girlfriend watching the match? He played a shot knowing the risk and got out, that’s it. We don’t need to treat the failed shot like a brain surgery. And it was not only him playing for the team; the whole team just had a bad day. I’m sure Kohli might have also hope to win the match like us but the opponent team was simply the better team yesterday. Our prime minister has even stated “defeat and victory are a part of life.” We should have at least tried to accept the defeat silently if we cannot graciously applaud the opponent team to get over with the defeat. The blame game criticism reported in major news medium like Times of India is just too low.

Please know that our team India has played well as a former champion throughout the tournament until yesterday defeats. Anyway, we must try applauding their courage and the efforts they have put in as a team. Dhoni, as a captain, with his head held high bow out from the World cup along with his players. It is pleasing to know Dhoni defending Virat Kohli when he could have easily avoided the question from the journalist. The lost was the result of collective failure as a team having a bad day at field. Anyway, Dhoni deserves the respect he has earned for himself throughout his career playing for India. And this time let’s get behind our team when they will arrive from Australia. After all, the players will be more affected emotionally from the defeats than us as very cricketers dream is to win the World cup.

Yesterday's the past, and what we can learn from the defeats could be helpful in future. We must never set high expectation from someone else unless it is from you. Most of the youngster like me are working in private MNCs, and we also kind of expect an increment in double digits by the end of the financial year. But 90-95 % of the time, we are left disappointed because the increment is below our expectation. However, we must never set low expectation from ourselves. Similarly, when we set a high expectation from our team India, we are building a bridge that can lead us straight to anguish, anger, disappointment, etc. We have to be realistic and know that when two teams are playing for a final spot, only one can win the match. Unfortunately, the other team has to lose. It necessarily doesn't mean that the team does not deserve criticism but it has to be professional.

Food for Thought: "Keep looking up! I learn from the past, dream about the future and look up. There's nothing like a beautiful sunset to end a healthy day." Rachel Boston.

Thank you. Have a good night!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

"Apathy"

"No matter who says what, you should accept it with a smile and do your own work.”

How many of us has walked pass when an accident happened on the road? Although I do not have an accurate answer on the question but I believed most of us would have avoided the situation because we do not want to get involve with police case or we have a prior important work to be done. I came across accident news reported on 15 April 2013 where a mother and child were both bleed to death as no passerby stopped for assistance. And the most horrifying scene captured in CCTV about the accident is that the husband was pleading for help from the passersby for more than 40 minutes and yet no one stopped to help/assist. One hour later, the police arrived and they took the mother and the child to hospital but both were declared death on arrival.

If there was assistance from the passerby, I’m sure the mother and child would’ve survived. Sadly, we've lost them both because of our fear or our apathy in helping accident victims not related to us. According to government report, during the past ten years, over 11 lakh people have lost their lives and 55 lakh seriously injured or permanently disabled. The figure is astronomical. If we have done our duty as a good citizen, the figure could have been 11 lakh lives saved. We may regret about our apathy to help others however it is not going to comfort our conscience. But we can change and we can turn this around. The least we can do to help the accident victims is to call the Ambulance and stay with the injured until the ambulance arrives. The earlier stereotype ‘if I help an accident victim, I will be prosecuted by the police and will be summoned to appear in court’ is gone.

The committee appointed by Supreme Court has recommended any person assisting the accident victims should not be subjected to civil and criminal liability. Also, the helpers shall not be forced to disclose their identity and shall not be called to appear for court hearings. This is very good news for us from the government. For details, please see the screenshot below which I have extracted from Times of India.

I hope the screenshot helps.

The quotes I have written in the beginning are the words of Mother Teresa. And I’m always inspired by Mother Teresa selfless service toward the sick, leper, poor, etc. in Kolkata when other people were scared to go near them. Yet, Mother Teresa defied all logic's and treats the sick and the leper like her own children. Her selfless service towards the poor, sick and leper of Kolkata was recognized by the Nobel Prize committee and she was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1979. The criticism she gets from people like Aroup Chatterjee, Christopher Hitchens and Tariq Ali did not deter her from helping the sick and the leper. And even after she passed away, it certainly did not deter her Mission of Charity foundation to help people.

Often, the bystander who just stood and watched turns out to be critic or else he/she would have help instead of just watching and digging out the reason on why the person is helping another person. Selfless service comes with sacrifice and love for one another. It just me or we all have this tendency of looking things in a negative perspective. I guess the first thought that comes to our mind when we see a street dog coming towards our direction, we think ‘the dog will bite me’ and then we simply shoo away the dog. Is it not possible the dog was happy to see you and was expecting a biscuit from you? Our negative approach is the factor which has claimed the lives of over 11 lakhs accidents victim we could have saved. And I’m equally part of it but we can change our attitude with positive approach right here and now. We can all join our hands together and helps one another like family.

Food for Thought: “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” Abraham Lincoln.

Thank you. Have a good evening!

"Curable Disease"

“Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn.” Miguel de Cervantes.

Every day on my way to office, there is one particular four way traffic light where I have noticed the same few beggars as well as the hawkers through the window glass of my office coach. The traffic red light paused for at least 55 seconds in the direction we used to reach office. During these 55 seconds, around 2-3 beggars start begging right from the first vehicle till the last. It amazed me on how they efficiently use the 55 second window. Similarly, there are also the hawkers selling strawberry, car window shades, flowers, etc. but it appears the 55 seconds window is too short for them.

It made me realize when you have something worthwhile to be done, time is limited. But for the beggars, it is abundant yet not worthwhile. I just cannot fathom the situation leading them to beg rather to do something worthy of time. The only possible factor according to me is “Begging is a profession” for them. However, does it worth the time of your life? And the most excruciating part of this profession is doing the begging in from of their little ones beside them as if it is patrimony. I really feared if they actually hurt their little ones in order to manipulate the appearance to gain more sympathy. It is complete madness; the least they could have tried is to prevent their children from begging in future.

I believed it may seem pointless to talk about the beggars when they do not hope for a better future by doing something worthwhile but my point in writing this blog is awareness so we can eradicate begging. The resource of livelihood is out there and if you don’t want to go for it, the resource just becomes a waste. Think about the malnutrition in Ethiopia where people do not have any viable resources to eradicate malnutrition. Ethiopia is a country with no resources with most people suffering from malnutrition generation after generation. Yet here our country, we have the resource but limited with some people who do not have the integrity to fight for it share.

Only God knows whatever they plan for their future or maybe they don’t have hope at all. I’m wondering if they enjoy the food bought with the money obtained from begging. Trust me; it is not that I don’t have any mercy for the poor and the weak but just beggars. And please correct me if I am wrong; begging is a social evil polluting our country image and portraying a negative mirror of our culture. I’m damn sure with confidence, begging does not even have place in the lowest food chain system. I rather respect a seasonal thief than a beggar who has all the attributes to work. 

I believed there are no hindrances when it comes to any kind of odd jobs around us. For example, there is mopping, cleaning, wiping, collecting, hawking newspaper, etc. where one can earn some amount although little less. But by the end of the day, with pride and integrity, one can buy a dinner for the whole family. By following this practice, it also conveys a message to everyone as well as their children the greatest lesson on how to live your life, i.e., work, self respect and the value of life.

In some of the tourist spots in our country, the government has put up the notice advising travelers to discourage begging. And we can make it a success by joining our hands together in eradicating begging, and that too, not only at the tourist spots but all over India. Only when we have stopped giving alms, they will be compel to work and widen their horizon. This is the best way to help them rather than to feed from hand to mouth. And when we have done it, we shall all be proud to say there is not even a single beggar in India because we have helped them to stand on their own feet. Anyone can do any kind of odd works but work always comes with a respect.

Food for Thought: “True compassion does not sit on the laps of renovation; it dives with an approach to reconstruction. Don't throw a coin at a beggar. Rather, destroy his source of poverty.” Israelmore Ayivor.

Thank you. Have a good night!

Monday, March 23, 2015

"First time, first day"

“The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” - Abraham Lincoln.

Good evening!

On 28 September 2011, I became an uncle for the first time after my nephew was born on that day. It is one of my happiest moments of my life which I will tressure it in my heart forever. And today is his first day in kindergarden. In the morning, he was really excited and eager for his first day in Kindergarten. I asked him, “What are you going to learn today in school?” He replied, “I'm going to play in school and learn ABC.” I’m very happy for him and I hope he enjoys learning starting from today.

He is 3 years and 6 months old and he is a smart kid. I'm just not exaggerating because he is my nephew... :) He knows how to download games from Google play store in Samsung tab. Somehow, I believe he has the idea of Wi-Fi connection because when the game doesn’t download, he will come running to me or my brother asking us to check whether the Wi-Fi connection is connected in the tab. Also, he can unlock his mom’s phone by entering the password. When I noticed him unlocking the phone for the first time; I was awe by his smartness. I tried comparing my childhood with his, and it’s hilarious even to think about it. One instance would be; I'd be still playing marble in the dirt with mucus dripping from my nose and my tongue doing the cleaning… :)

Now, here at my workstation, I am waiting for my shift to be over so that I can ask him whether he had a good day in Kindergarten or a sad experience missing his parents. I'm just hoping he had a good day. The only one thing I'm worried for him is that he does not know how to speak in Hindi. The language barrier is actually our fault. We hardly speak Hindi within our family boundary except for the Chiru and Meitei language. But I’m sure he will learn Hindi within 3-5 months. Everyone in the family was really proud and we wish him the best.

When he grows up, I hope he does not get into the pressure and stress our students nowadays are facing as the level of competition is like a rat race. But it is really hard to ignore the factual incidents of students committing suicide just because they didn’t get through the competitive examinations. The realities of students committing suicide are influence by society and families. Some of the parents are more worried about what the neighbors will think. And the society is eager to find out “who is” and “whose child” has failed the examination to gossip around. Therefore, parents should always stand by their children’s so they can rely on even if they failed, and encourage them to do better next time. They should be sensitive and sensible for their children future.

Otherwise, the students become more worried and pressurized themselves to make sure they clear the examinations. Gradually, the pressure of ambition caved in thinking whether they will be successful in future rather than learning. And when they failed, thus, they took the extreme measure by committing suicide rather than to face the disappointment of their parents as well as the society perception. The society factor is always perpetual in nature, and the best is to avoid the gossips and never give a damn about what they think. The stress on students is correlated to pressure. When the pressure builds up, the stress comes into play physically and mentally.

I believed the pressure of students from poor families is also enormous. And it is when the parents start telling their children, “You are my only hope”, “You have to get a job and look after us”, etc. The statements are huge responsibilities. Honestly, the student will be more pressurized about clearing the examination. However, believe it or not, the good children will always look out for their parents except for those uneducated even though they have the means and the knowledge. Education is not all about getting a lucrative job as soon as you are done with your college or Master degrees. But getting educated is a preparation unlike training, to be wiser in making decision, differentiate between logic and illogical and learning to live your life independently within our very own diverse world. And once we become educated, the possibility and opportunity to be successful will be out there.

Examination must be treated like a stumbling block we can easily overcome rather do or die situation. Whether we pass or fail, our future isn't decided on day of examination result. Even if we fail, we can always rise up like a fallen knight, and that’s our major strength as human. Our future is decided by our personality, attitude and how well educated we are. Knowledge is just a part of the education rather important but not at the cost of your life.

Food for Thought: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” – Henry Ford.

Thank you. Have a good evening!








Sunday, March 22, 2015

"Review on Manchester United performance V/S Liverpool, 2-1, 22 March, 2015"

"I can't stand Liverpool, I can't stand the people, I can't stand anything to do with them." Gary Neville (Former Manchester United player).

Woo Hoo! It is Manchester United versus Liverpool, the biggest rivalry in English competition!
United Starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young, Rooney. United subs: Valdes, Rafael, Rojo, Di Maria, Januzaj, A Pereira, Falcao.

Liverpool Starting XI: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Allen, Henderson (C ), Lallana, Moreno, Coutinho, Sterling, Sturridge. Liverpool subs: Jones, Johnson, Toure, Gerrard, Leiva, Lambert, Balotelli.

My review on the Manchester United team:

Confidence display from the United players with an intent to attack was the highlights from the first half play. Fellaini, again, was the focal point of attack from United leading to the Mata’s goal. His ability to win ball and hold on is his asset. Liverpool couple of times were threatening with their counter attacks but it was United first half. The win against Tottenham last week has laid the foundation for Manchester United to finish off the season in a high note. The goal in the 14th minute was the outcome of good telepathy between Herrera and Mata. What an assist from Herrera, and Mata guiding the ball to the very corner of the net? United leads 1-0 till the end of first half.

Ashley Young was quiet for most of match but some good interception in the defense shows he still contributes in the match. He was rightly substituted in the second half by Di Maria. But the curious case of Angel Di Maria will be delight for the entire journalist reporting for the match with his half hearted performance in the second half. Anyway the assist leading to Mata second goal in the 59th minutes was a class. But credit goes to Mata for his acrobatic left footed goal to make the score 2-0 for United. I'm pretty sure the goal will be top contender for the goal of the season.

Herrera was really good till the first half but the steam reduced a bit in the second half. And as Liverpool has nothing lose in the match with Gerrard already red carded for stamping on him in the 46th minutes; I thought he and Carrick were under pressure for most of the second half with the Liverpool players pressing high better than they were in first half with 11 players. Maybe, the saying is true, wounded tiger are more dangerous. He was taken off in the 81th minutes for Falcao, and he needed the rest.

Rooney did not contribute much as expected and was quiet awful with some of his passes. There was no communication between him and Di Maria when they both have the opportunity to finish the match. Missing the penalty in the final minutes of the injury time summed up his performance. I thought he could have given the chance to score from the spot to Mata who was on a hat-trick but I don't know why he didn't offer the spot to Mata. I hope he gets better in the upcoming matches because the spot for 2nd and 3rd in the table is wide open with the win for United today.

Fellaini deserved a standing ovation from the travelling fans as well as those watching from home. His offense and defense has a tremendous impact in the game. In the second half, when Liverpool got their first corner of the match and a couple of corners later on, he was always there to clear the ball from the danger area. It is nice see him contributing a lot in the match like this. For me, he is not far behind Mata for the man of the match trophy. We really need him to show his consistency for the upcoming difficult matches.

The defense duo of Jones and Smalling was better in the first half but it can still improve with much needed confidence in passing and control. But in the second half, it shows the lack of experience even though Liverpool was already down to 10 men. Unfortunately, Sturridge took advantage and scored in the 69th minutes to make the score line 2-1. They need a lot of improvement with the important matches coming up. But also, the good news for United is Marcos Rojo will be available for the next match after making a cameo in the end of the final injury time. De Gea, as usual was effective with his goal kicks and distribution. He doesn't have much to do with saving in this match except he was caught out for the Sturridge goal. Otherwise, always calm and composed in the match. That’s what we need as a United goalkeeper.

Mata is the standout player from the match for Manchester United. Efficient with the passes and clinical with his two goals summed up his performance in the match. Deserved a hat trick if only Rooney had offer the spot-kick won in the injury time by Blind after the 90th minutes. Mata exploited Moreno very well for his poor display and ultimately scoring the two goals for United. But the second goal was a absolute beauty and his confidence is really high at this moment which should benefit United for the remaining matches. Valencia was good by offering support to Mata in attack but I expect him to be more offensive from the width area otherwise Rafael can do the same job as him. With his pace, he could have made more impact in the match if he has few crosses with his counterpart Moreno clearly not at his best. Whereas his opposite partner Blind offer a lot from the width play when Young couldn't make enough crosses.

Tactical wise, Van Gaal’s philosophy of playing his style of football is starting to pay off. The formation of 4-2-3-1 is comfortable for the players to enjoy their natural game. It just need a little bit of more efforts from the players to challenge for the title next season or may be even this season if Chelsea loses 2-3 matches… :) For the Manchester United display, I will give 3 out of 5 stars. For Gerrard, it is still zero EPL and a sad ending to his Liverpool matches against Manchester United, their biggest rivalry... :)

The next upcoming match for Manchester United is on 4th April 2015 (Saturday) at 7:30 PM (IST) in Old Trafford, Manchester.

Thank you. 











"Same, look alike, twins, etc. !!!"

"I believe in God - not in a Catholic God; there is no Catholic God. There is God, and I believe in Jesus Christ, his incarnation. Jesus is my teacher and my pastor, but God, the Father, Abba, is the light and the Creator. This is my Being." Pope Francis.

“Body of Christ” says the priest with his suspicious eye staring at me, and I replied “Amen” after I took the communion. I was then 12 years old boy in Don Bosco boarding at Imphal, Manipur. To be honest, I’m born from a Baptist family, and I was not a Catholic boy who has been baptized right after birth and completed the communion class. But I always state myself as Christian. The question is, “How did the communion fracas happen with me?” It started with a bet with my friends who dare me to take the communion during the mass and, I was fool who wants to prove to them that I am also a Catholic and I can do it. What a rookie sin that I have committed?

Right after the mass, Fr. Scaria (our Rector) called me to his office and he started interrogating me if I am really from a Catholic family. Those memories in his office will remain intact with me forever and I will cherish it for the lessons I have learnt from it. Rightfully, Fr. Scaria canned me with his punishment stick on my buttock for my action deemed sinful, and I prayed if God has forgiven me for the rookie sin. Now whenever I think about those memories, it always make me questioned why are we so protective about the rules of our religion? In fact, God had never written those rules but mankind.

And here we are divided by congregations or denominations even though we, Christian, believe the same Jesus Christ as the savior of mankind. The most disappointing about these Catholic and Baptist rivalry I have experience in real life is that one congregation trying to convince another congregation that “My way of worshipping God is better and faithful than yours”. There is one thing we really should know as a Christian is that Jesus taught us how to pray to our Almighty father only in one way, i.e., Our Father who art in heaven……………..

Like I have mentioned in my earlier blog, I will not let myself define by my religion. It is easy to be critics rather than reform. Maybe it is because reformation starts from heart whereas criticism starts with mind full of perceived thoughts. Only if we realized my God and your God are same. Is it obvious not to understand the concept of one family prefers cheese whereas another family drinks milk? But it appears we are yet to realize both the source is from the same cow. There is no simpler way to convince ourselves believing the same God.

For those who are not Christians or an atheist, I hope I have not bore you with my blog for today. And I have never meant to bore you but just a reminder that no matter how different we are or the way we worship our own Gods or not believe in Gods; we come from the same human race and we shouldn't differentiate ourselves by our religions created by mankind or by our racial inclinations. Gravity is my witness, and in fact, it makes all mankind to stand by our own two feet rooted to our very own world.

I really admire Pope Francis. He is more of a reformer than a keeper. He have said, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge? We shouldn't marginalise people for this. They must be integrated into society.” He is truly the leader of the Church who preaches rationalization to all. For me, he is just not a Pope who preaches from Vatican City but also reforming society. He has spoken about the poverty, gay, media, etc. which clearly tells us that he is a reformer. About the gay, no other Pope has spoken like he has done so far. Here another excerpt of his answer on gay. “A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: 'Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?' We must always consider the person.”

For me, the approval of gay from the Church is another topic but Pope Francis approving of person being a gay is the positive aspect that has to be considered. I meant for centuries, Homosexuals has been condemned by the Church let alone speaking for it. A leader of Church preaching love is universal and people as same people; we should also try to learn from it. “Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.” This is not by me but Pope Francis… :)

Thank you. Have a blessed Sunday!






Saturday, March 21, 2015

"Daffodils"

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters.” Audrey Hepburn.

Have anyone of us heard of the line, “Get a dog! And you will be fine?” I thought about this line and it always make me smile from my heart like a fool. In today’s popular culture with relation to dog, I feel that the dog has just top over human when it comes to trustworthiness and loyalty. Funny nah! Nowadays, when you have just broken up with your girlfriend or boyfriend, your best friend may suggest you to get a dog because he or she cannot bear the sight of your emotional breakdown. 

Similarly, if you want to start a family, what did your childhood friend suggest you? Get a dog for trial if you are responsible enough to be a family man, says your childhood friend. Not only these, I'm sure we might have come across millionaires or billionaires leaving their fortune to their pet dogs.
I don't know whether these sorts of behaviors are sane or insane. Or have we become so incapable of trustworthiness and loyalty towards one another. May be we have lost our humanity on the pursuit of happiness we craved for. Our dream world of fantasy just stole our sanity like a daylight robbery leaving behind just hope and anguish. 

If you listened to the song “Demon” by Imagine Dragons, there is line in the lyrics stating “No matter what we breed; we still are made of greed” is very true. But I'm no one to judge; I'm just a commentator writing blogs about the things I see and the things that comes in my mind. It just saddened me see people losing faith in our very own humanity. This is no offence to dog, and I really do love dogs regardless. 

Enough of all these shitty things we go through but it seem definitely sane to go for a dog because they never complained nor whined. Dog just listen to your pain silently with his eyes fixated on your eyes, and if this is what we long for when we are really down with no one there to stand up for anyone and listen, it is wiser to have a dog who care and adore you.

The only thing that can make us happy is the doing the thing we enjoy. It is not the other way around to do things you don’t like for the sake of your happiness in later life. The world we live is not sort of probability without limitation. The phrase “What if?” is just a stumbling block. We can replace it with “Why not?” to make our life easier and stay happy. Easy said than done but it can always go hand in hand to make it easily done unless we complicate it. Happiness is everywhere; you can see it in the morning sunlight because you have another day to live. You can see happiness in a child because they don’t worry.

I really like the poem “To Daffodils” by Robert Herrick. I read the poem when I was in high school and I'm blessed with enough many days to still savor those memories unlike the daffodils that has only a day to live. This is one short poem which pierce straight to your heart that our life in this world momentary. I really want to share this poem here in my blog:

“To Daffodils” by Robert Herrick

Fair Daffodils, we weep to see
You haste away so soon;
As yet the early-rising sun
Has not attain'd his noon.
Stay, stay,
Until the hasting day
Has run
But to the even-song;
And, having pray'd together, we
Will go with you along.

We have short time to stay, as you,
We have as short a spring;
As quick a growth to meet decay,
As you, or anything.
We die
As your hours do, and dry
Away,
Like to the summer's rain;
Or as the pearls of morning's dew,
Ne'er to be found again.


I hope everyone likes the poem. Our life here in this world is momentary but have we not engorged our time in the pursuit of happiness where it is just in front of us? Only if we knew the value of time in this world, we won't have to worry the thought of losing our humanity. Of course, we are capable of living our life where we won’t need the dogs as our life companion rather protecting your home and loved ones.

Thank you. Have a good evening!




























Friday, March 20, 2015

"Luck!!!!"

“An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.” Emil Zatopek.

Like every normal Thursday, I was on my way to office and strangely I noticed there was few traffic jams. I was surprised because usually the route my office cab followed is jam-packed most of the times. I checked my phone monthly calendar to check if there is government holiday or other Hindu Puja. But there was none. Then, the driver asked one of my colleagues in the cab, “What’s the score?” The driver tuned in to Radio and I heard the commentary of India vs Bangladesh cricket World cup match at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne in Australia. Then only, I realized the reason for the open road.

It’s World cup cricket match for India and I asked myself, “How on Earth could I not know such a big match and that too, India cricket match?” Well, I used to be a cricket fans when I was growing up but with the introduction of Twenty20 cricket, I hardly watch the 50 over game except for the 2011 World cup final when India won it for the 2nd time. I can still savor those memories and the best is the moment when Dhoni hit the winning SIX. Wow! That moment was a fitting end to 2011 World cup held in our own cricketing nation! But this World cup has just passed over me like a slippery eel.

Once I reached my office and settle down at my workstation, I started browsing the internet for the updates on the ongoing World cup news and I’m really happy to know India performing very well till date. They haven't lost a single world cup matches played so far in this edition. I'd say that’s a good run as a defending champion. And still proving “we are champions” until a new champion is decided on 29 March 2015! I believe the India cricket team has not let down the fans this time around like it was in 2007 West Indies in an overseas World cup. Win or lose, it doesn't matter for me. They are still champions in my eyes. However I have an inkling feeling that India will win again, and the victory might just top among my sweetest memories.

I have always believed that Team Spirit is an ENGINE, and it can even outrun Usain Bolt… :). And with Dhoni as driver, the Indian cricket team is good condition to go all along. Some fans have commented that Dhoni is one of the luckiest captains in the history for Indian cricket. Of course, you need that luck on your side to be a champion. Not every good mountaineer conquers the Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. But few mountaineers have conquered the Mt. Everest because they are lucky backed by their grit and perseverance. Although I am not a fan of Dhoni but to be lucky, you have to have those strong instincts you can trust to change the game. And only when players trust him, the plan work or else kaput.

Even if his luck as a captain is going to win us another World cup, I won't neither comment nor complain. After all, the name India team winning the World cup again is all that matters to me. I hope we will win the World cup again and my best regards and prayers to the team representing our nation proudly. I’m going to end my blog for today with a quote from Tennessee Williams, “Luck is believing you're lucky.”

Thank you. Have a good night!




Wednesday, March 18, 2015

"Lamb"

"You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else." Albert Einstein.

Good evening!

Has anyone of you felt like you've been treated like a lamb to the slaughter? If so, never ever fear the situation because that’s how scavengers thrive and they are best known to snatch the kills of other animals, and shamelessly to fill their stomachs. The reality of our present environment is; either you are among the pack of scavengers or among the group who can scare off the scavengers. To scare off the scavengers, all you need is your patience and your integrity to hold on your values or else they will let you in to be their lamb and will slaughter you when the famine starts.

In a game involving a team, say football, there are 11 players playing against the same number of players with the opponent side. It doesn't matter even if you have the best manager or the best player in the world if the players are playing for themselves. But when the player plays as one team, amazing victories are always achieved. In fact the history of football has proven the best team has always won the big tournament or the renowned league titles. The team spirit is the “ENGINE” that keeps the players momentum going at one direction. That one direction can always lead the team to victory.

Losing and winning is the part of the game. Sometimes, the best team also loses. When these happen, everyone starting from the fans to journalists started to analyze the players’ performance under microscope. This is the time when the true character of a player is revealed. Seldom, have the fans and the journalists realized there behavior are comparable to scavengers. The players just become a lamb to be slaughtered piece by piece. I think this blame game is an art we have embraced within our culture as well as work ethics.

Whether it is work or anywhere, the blame game tactics never resolves the issue because it is easy to point finger than to take ownership in order to resolve the issue. We are very good with the blame game tactics; and ultimately we have become so good to avoid the blame by becoming smart worker. Honestly, are we really that smart by avoiding the responsibility just because you don't want to take the blame? I believe most of the executives working in a MNC often mistook the success ladder of corporate hierarchy. Because when they mistook the ladder, more or less, it just discloses their nature of scavenging on the weak. That’s not how success is defined. Even in a hostile environment like big MNCs, the honest and the hardworking are always noticed. All it need is grooming your confidence and personality where you can learn easily from your manager.

I’m also those one of the executive who tries to learn the best from your manager. Now that I have learned the environment of my workplace, I thought I should share it here on my blog. And I will always stand by my statement written here because this is the nature of environment we experience and I am way better person to be scavenging on the weak in order to succeed but rather it make me feel good when I help. No human is born perfect.

Errors are part of the job and you have to learn from the errors, otherwise there will be no learning. Because when you made an error, you learn the way how errors are committed. Once you know the road that leads to errors, you are unlikely to take that road again. Remember Thomas Edison, the man who invented electric bulb. I believed his invention was not the success of the bulb rather the failure of the more than thousands of experiment leading to the working electric bulb.

Thank you. Have a good night!






Tuesday, March 17, 2015

"Pawns"

“Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” Sun Tzu.

Good morning!

Recently, we have started to play chess during the recreation time in office. It used to be carom and suddenly the attention has shifted to chess. I have always enjoyed playing chess but with one particular person who is a friend of my father. He plays very well, and in fact I have learned an ample amount of crucial moves in order to build up the game strategy and gain advantage over my opponent. But not even for once, I have defeated him. And it always bugged me and I had to challenge him again and again.

For me, I always believe the pawns are the most powerful piece in the game of chess. Many times, we don’t take the pawns seriously during the course of the game. Only when the dawn of the game finally arrives, you'll start to contemplate the pawns you have lost, sacrificed and have not protected well. The pawn may lack the power of Rook, Bishop and Knight but if you protect the pawns with the help of the other pieces, it will always give you an upper hand in the end. Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the greatest commanders in history said, “Soldiers generally win battles; generals get credit for them” and it's true even in the game of chess. 

I think the nature of the chess game is also similar with our country democracy. We got to accept the fact, with huge power comes a great responsibility. In my opinion, the politicians are the pieces which have the power whereas the pawns are the people. The pieces of King, Queen, Rook, Bishop and Knight (evidently politicians) represent the government. The people are often neglected and mistreated by the government though they have the power to do something worthwhile. But by the end of the term, the government gradually starts to lose power but will still want to retain the power. Atlas! The government remembers the importance of people again. Do you think we should return the favor of their treatment by voting for these politicians again?

It is simple and clear, and like gravity, for every action there is an equal reaction. If the government has known its responsibilities which comes with the power, i.e., to protect and serve us well, people will likely to vote for the same government for another term. The perfect example will be the 2014 General election. The Indian National Congress party was completely annihilated winning just 44 seats out of 543 seats. The number of seats lost by Indian National Congress party from last election held in 2009 was 162 seats which is a huge difference. Point to be noted; the seats lost by the Congress party represent the power of the people or just pawn. Lo and behold! The pawns have won the battle.

Even in organization, the employees are the pawns. As much as the higher management is important to the employees, the employees are also equally important for the growth of the organization and to achieve the goals. Many organizations try hard to avoid huge attrition rate but seldom have the higher management realized the goals they pursue to achieve may not shield or secure the employees. The employees need the protection and job security from the higher management in order to achieve the end goals of the organization.

It is just that the action initiated in the beginning will have a say in the end.
 
Food for thought: “Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head.” Euripides.

Thank you. Have a good day!

Monday, March 16, 2015

"Review on Manchester United performance V/S Tottenham Hotspurs, 3-0, 15 March 2015”

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." Heywood Broun.

United XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Blind, Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young, Rooney. United subs: Lindegaard, Rafael, Blackett, A Pereira, Januzaj, Falcao, Wilson. 

Spurs XI: Lloris (c), Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose; Bentaleb, Mason; Chadli, Eriksen, Townsend; Kane. Spurs subs: Vorm, Chiriches, Davies, Dembele, Lamela, Paulinho, Adebayor.

Bravo! What a privilege match to watch and to end my weekend with a smile! I was dreading a result of draw or losing by single goal but instead the match excellently exceeded my expectation by the half time. The spirit of the team was fantastic and it really looks like the old good days of Sir Alex but the credit goes to Van Gaal. The standout player from the match was Fellaini once again. He is enjoying his better form of his career and deservedly the man of the match for me. While Rooney, Mata, Carrick, Ashley Young were not that behind Fellaini performance in the match. De Gea as always is the best player from the backline. Besides his goalkeeping talents, his accurate passing and distribution of the ball from goal kicks are comparable to Scholes style of passing.

The defense is also gaining confidence day by day and it will be really beneficial if it keeps on improving with 9 games to go. Once Rojo returns, the defense should be fine with Valencia as right back. Valencia gave a committed performance running up and down the flank. He is growing better and better as an alternative right back who can also join attack with his pace and crossing ability. With the kind of performance he displayed in the match, Van Gaal will start him again in the upcoming match versus Liverpool without any doubt.

The importance of Michael Carrick to the team was instantly noticeable. He has that genius moment in creating assist with his accurate passing and distribution. His position as central midfielder gives a lot of protection to defense. The 9th minute assist from him leading to the Fellaini goal was simply beautiful. Fellaini left footed shot of on the ball was angled perfectly cruising into the corner of the net giving no chance to Lloris. Tottenham’s under Pochettino have been performing well since the end of 2014. Today, the Tottenham’s player in the field looks like one of the club from the bottom of the table fighting for relegation. But the credit should go to Manchester United players pressing high as soon as the match started.

Again Fellaini played a part with the second goal coming from Carrick header in 19th minutes after the corner kick was taken. Since the day I started reviewing Manchester United matches played, I have stated that Fellaini is always a threat in the box. His aerial ability in the center as well as in box gives advantage to the team in holding on the ball. Rooney, it is a simple fact, he is a natural goal scoring striker. He has the strength, pace and tenacity of British forward players but the only difference with the other strikers is he is a winner and an unselfish leader. Once he defeats the opponent defenders, Rooney rarely miss a shot on the goal. And that was it! The third goal came from him in the 34th minute after playing the ball through the two defenders.

Mata gave a performance deserving the standing ovation from the fans in Old Trafford. He played very well in the absence of Angel Di Maria. The upcoming match against Liverpool will be a litmus test for both the players Angel Di Maria and Mata on who will be on the starting eleven till the end of this season. Injured Persie have been a blessing for the team to change it strategy by building up attack from the backline and central midfielder to Young, Mata and Rooney. It has also benefitted by Herrera who is also playing well from midfield position. Herrera physical appearance may look small as a footballer but he is not afraid of going for the challenge and tackle. He is like a lemon rather a technically talented player.

In the second half, the team comfortably controlled the match. The substitute appearance from Pereira, Rafael and Falcao in the 2nd half has nothing to offer as the match was already won in the 1st half. In the final minutes of the match, Tottenham’s Harry Kane goal bound shot was beautifully saved by De Gea keeping another clean sheet to his name. This guy concentration throughout the match is very admirable. As a fan, I just hope a new super-duper contract is offered to him.

I’m rating 4 out of 5 for the solid performance from the team. The next upcoming match for Manchester United is on 22 March 2015 against Liverpool FC to be played in Anfield, Liverpool. The match will start at 7:00 PM (IST).

Thank you. And have a good night sleep!

Sunday, March 15, 2015

"ytinummoc ym fo tesb ehT"

“We have the capacity to function our brain at 100% but circumstances have denied the passage to 100% usage of our brain.”

Attention! Disclaimer: This is the sole thought of my alter-ego and the name of the community as well as the incidents mentioned in this blog is not fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely intentional. Please do know that this not a policy or a memorandum to change your priceless values. ***It is a mockumentary from my alter-ego mind directed towards my community which I cannot keep as secrets.***

The fact is I belong to Chiru tribe, one of the smallest tribal communities in Manipur. You can take us the wrong or the right way because we are the most stubborn and ego-centered tribal community. We do not believe in coherence system. I am not denying that I do not belong to these groups. Well, I'm also part of it. We believe, I, alone can change the world with the mentality of “I don't need your f**king advice.” We may come across working together in MNC or Central Government or State Government but you will not see us sitting together for breakfast or lunch because we placed pride above people. We think everyone doesn’t deserve respect unless one from his family is an Indian Administrative Service officer or Gazette Officer or medical professional. We may be closely related however the closer ones are our biggest enemy because we believe in the saying “Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer” literally.

It took us more than 10 years to complete the Bible translation to our own dialect, and that too, only New Testament. When the translated Bible was launched, we did very well to criticize the translation as if the Bible has been translated to another dialect. Our main reason for our proactive criticism is because we want the Bible in own family version of mother tongue. And it is going to take us another 20 years to translate the Old Testament because like it has been mentioned earlier, we are not coherence in bringing out our ideas and our dialect vocabularies. But we will rap out dozens of vocabulary like vomiting at full throttle after the translated Bible is printed. That’s how we do things.
We don't make eye to eye communication rather we are very good communicator from back, popularly known as backbiting. We never care about our villages because we believe in the mantra there is a better life outside whereas our villages are not good enough for better people like us and the truth is we are never ashamed of our origin. We switch our sides like a chameleon changes it colors every now and then. In fact, the reptile “Chameleon” and “Chiru” appears to be like siblings as both the word starts with “CH”.

Further, when we are back to our villages, we tried hard to avoid anyone with low standard of taste and fashion even if the person used to be our childhood friends. Now that we think we are better than everyone, we expect our level of standard should also followed by others. We also don't give a damn on our villages’ authority administration because our respective villages’ chiefs are all f**king clown and ignorant who doesn't have education like us. We do not take initiatives unless it is fed to us by spoon because they don't deserve our educated mind “ideas” and “innovation”. We believe the village authority did not pay for our education, and why the heck do we need to return the favor of helping develop all our villages? We are Christians and go to Church every Sunday but we least respect the pastors because their sons and daughters or relatives also party with us.

We are really good at cracking jokes with reference to every village of ours. We think there is nothing funnier than cracking jokes on the accent of our dialect which is differ from village to village. We also nicknamed our villages, like we called Dolang village as “To-Jang”, Charoikhullen village as “Shei-ek char”, Nungsai as “Thairam”, Langdangmei as “Lung-mo”, etc.

Among the best, the Youth society in each of our villages is still run like dictator government. If you raised your voice and instead of providing the explanation, they will counter you back with, “Where is your manner?” If you politely questioned the system, they will say, “The system worked for us; and anyway you are going the leave the village again for studies or work, so why change it?” And if you are not good with guitar, they will say, “You are not like Christian” and continues to conclude with “Just seat in the choir bench and sing the Hymnal songs.” This is great! **N.B. The “you” refers to a person who does not belong to Chiru communities and he/she is an idiot. **

Our parents are our biggest fans in the world. Their best advice is, “Do not be like them, they are bad people and you will never gain anything from them.” And our parents don’t give us the time to know a person better rather pre-judged or condemned the person which we believe it is right. We all still believe the story about witch-hunt prevalent in all our villages even though we are very faithful Christians. And we don’t eat in the house of those who have been declared witch; otherwise we will also turn into witch, and thanks to our parents and elders for the efforts on fingering out the witches. The best part is we still expect a place in heaven because we do not want learn to live with our own neighbors or love each other.

Some of us live in major metropolitan cities, but you will not find us together except once in a monthly basis and the advent Christmas celebration in early winter, and that’s awesome. As we work our ass off like we are the only one working here in Delhi and contributing the most in Indian economy, it’s a relief. We also think we are the best among the students in Delhi University. And we tried multiple competitions examination continuously for 3-4 years without getting through. Once we gave up, we are right blaming the examination authority and for the unfair treatment meted to us by the larger communities, and for taking away our position because we belong to smaller communities.

With reference to our working environment and growth, we are absolutely right to treat our status in line with the elites like C.E.O., C.F.O., M.D., Board of Directors, etc. The fact is “We are better people.” We genuinely believe we will be like one of these people if we were not born in Manipur as Chiru. We believe the curse of being born as Chiru is that “We have the brains to function at the maximum 100% but circumstances have denied the passage to 100% usage of our brain.” We believe, even with only 10-15% usage of our brains, we have already make a huge contribution in the knowledge chapter of our human history.

NO thank you. Have a bad evening! This is my alter-ego signing out.









Saturday, March 14, 2015

"Art"

“I respect the fact that people have worked hard all week and want to go to the movies on the weekend and be entertained.” Michael Moore.

Good afternoon!

The difference between weekends and weekdays is the latter let your hormones inactive as if you are going through a divorce whereas the former automatically upped your Testosterone like it is your wedding night.  I’m not sure if anyone feels these two levels of changes like the way I do. I guess it is just a psychological phenomenon. Anyhow, I had productive week and I am hoping to take these two days to indulge myself with movies and read some articles accompanied by music. With the only football match I’m interested is to be played on Sunday at 9:30 PM, I have today to watch some good movies and read some articles randomly to hunt for ideas.

I have the movie “The Fault in our Stars” since the last week of February. My friend Akash gave it to me but I haven't watched the movie yet. Those who have watched the movie told me it is a very good romantic movie and emotional. However the word emotional tripped me as I do not enjoy watching a movie which has very sad ending like Romeo and Juliet tragedy. May be I have perceive the movie will have a sad ending or the fact is that I do not want the drain myself in tears…  Lo! What a crime if a man shed tears after watching a sad move? But today, I'm going watch the movie.

Most of us will say it’s just a “movie” but I think the present generations like us are influence by popular culture. After watching the movies starring your favourite stars, it can influence you for a couple of days, or more. We have seen the hairstyle of Jack’s character in the movie “Titanic” was copied all over the world by his fans. When it is comes to our own Bollywood, the hairstyle of Salman Khan in “Tere Naam” created a frenzy mania where the fans started copying the same hairstyle of Salman Khan. Last but not the least, there are also some idiots trying to replicate the impossible bank robbery scene in movie in reality.

Besides the fun parts, there are also good movies like P.K., Pursuit to Happiness, Rocky, Damini, Mother India, etc. These movies are some of the few good movies which offer inspiring characters and personalities, fight against all odds, combating social evils and wider outlook on religions. I can assure you if you watch the movies I have mentioned, you will sense a change in your heart as well as your mindset. And when you felt the change, that’s what we called “art”. My definition of “art” is the creative way to touch your heart with sensibility and clear perspective on the subjects.

Thank you. Enjoy your weekend!




Friday, March 13, 2015

"Indian Penal Code"

“A woman's guess is much more accurate than a man's certainty” Rudyard Kipling.

Good morning! 

I was thinking of writing about movies and music with the weekend approaching. But I had to change my mind when I read the news of 14 years old girl raped by his teacher in Bhandara, Maharashtra. The rape incident happened inside the school premises. I’m very saddened and appalled by the act of the teacher on his students who revered him. I really don’t know “what’s wrong with this people?” Do they really deserve to live among us?

With the recent controversy surrounding the documentary film “India’s Daughter”, it has brought us to our attention again the government does not really care about rape issue and its victims. My sympathy and prayer is with the victim including her family. I can’t imagine the trauma and the psychological effect on the girl is currently going through. Will she enjoy going to school again? I thought even the word “school” will haunt her now. The memory of the rape incident is simply not going to disappear like it was a dream. I always believe ‘rape’ is the worst crime prevalent in our society. I don’t even have a better word to describe this crime.

What is it going to take for the government to amend the drawbacks with our Justice system? Under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, a convicted rapist is sentenced only for 7 years (which can be extended to 10 years) of imprisonment is a very light punishment compared to the victims pain, trauma, and in-erasable memories. But let alone the convicted rapist serving the 7 years in imprisonment, the rapist will be Scot-free within a year waiting to pound on another victim. The loophole in our justice is such that a defense lawyer is able to get a light verdict for their client with ridiculous theory and explanation in spite of the grave nature related to the crime.

The current rape case, the teacher raping the minor 14 years old student, I’m afraid if the defense lawyer comes up with a theory saying the girl was wearing a skirt in school which has no place in our society. In fact, I'm not able to digest the statement made by the defense lawyer of the 5 convicted rapists of 2012 incident. He said, “There is no place for women in our society.” I know why they are bringing up all sort of ridiculous explanation because they know the very ridiculous explanation can tweak the loophole of Section 376 of Indian Penal Code. Once a rapist is convicted with the supporting evidence, there should be no ground for retrial or appeals unless the verdicts in the cases come after a grossly unfair trial in which the judge did not review evidence or allow the defense to cross-examine.

Take the example of Jessica Lal murder accused Manu Sharma reports of hanging out with his friends in a pub in 10 November 2009 despite he is serving life time imprisonment in Tihar jail. Every now and then, I see in the news where the accused is requesting parole for this and that reasons. Is it this is not the loopholes in our Justice system where it need amendment? Or is this the justice the victims and their family deserved?

The victims has spoken, the victims family has spoken, the people has raised their voice, the issue has been tweeted, shared and blogged in every channels of media, etc. However the attitude of government is appalling who does not want any changes to better our life and provide a safe environment for our women population in spite of voting for them to lead us to brighter future. For God sake, we owe our existence to woman. Is it really difficult to realize the importance of women in our life? They are our mother, wife, daughter, friend, and whatever I’m today, it is because of my mother. One day, I am also going have a family. And it is not possible without a woman I love. 

But I'm afraid we have a Police administration failing to provide safety and security to woman in a large scale. The politicians doesn't give a damn about women safety and security. No offence but I regard all politicians as Authoritarian male ego-centered with no respect to woman. In fact, there are currently 499 males Member of Parliament sitting in Lok Shabha out of the total 543 seats. I highly doubt if they will amend the law regarding rape unless we all fight, fight again, and keep fighting for it, for only then evil be kept at jail for lifetime or sentence to death, though never quite eradicated. Anyone reading my blog please share with your family and friends so we can fight together for better tomorrow.

Thank you. Have a great day!







Thursday, March 12, 2015

“Sensibility over sentimental”

“Whether the knife falls on the melon or the melon on the knife, the melon suffers” African Proverb.

Good morning!

Yesterday, I was travelling in the Metro from Dwarka Mor to Noida Botanical garden on my way to office. In the Metro, I saw two Punjabis and noticed both of them were carrying a small knife respectively.  I was wondering, “Why are they carrying a small knife in a Metro train and how’s this possible?” As soon as I reached my workplace, I typed the words ‘Punjabis carrying small knife” and searched in Google. Thanks to internet, I learned the small knife usually wore or carried by Punjabis is known as “Kirpan”.
A brief history on how it led to the birth of Kirpan was from the conflicts between the Punjabis and the Mughal Empire leading to the militarization of Sikhs followers under Guru Hargobind in the early 17th century. I believe it the rights of every man to defend his own tradition and culture during that era. And I still do believe but through the channel of dialogues and negotiations without the need of weapons. Of course, Kirpan are carried with good intention by Sikh followers as their expression of faith, self defense and to protect those weaker people around you. But I fear if someone misuses the Kirpan.

Under Article 25 of the Indian constitution, carrying of Kirpan is deemed legal for the followers of Sikh religion. Also, a Sikh passenger and traveling in domestic flight in India as per the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (See: http://www.bcasindia.nic.in/link1travel.html). It mentioned the size of Kirpan should not be more than 6 inch blade and 3 inch handle. In my opinion, I completely perceive the legal status of Kirpan in Airplane as a domestic security threat. Please note that I’m not criticizing Sikh religion but rather the legal status which I believe is a loophole in Airplane security as well as in Metro.

Can you imagine if terrorists disguised themselves as Punjabis and carries Kirpan or small knife in an Airplane with the sole purpose to hijack? We are living in India whereas our friendly neighbor country Pakistan extremist is breeding terrorists to sabotage our normal life. We do realize that terrorists can even cross a sea to attack Mumbai in 2008. However, the legal status of Kirpan is like a wedding invitation for any terrorist organization to our country. I still remember the hijackings of four Airplanes on 11 September, 2001 which unfortunately brought down the Twin World Trade Centre and attempted plane crash in Pentagon, touted as one of the most secured place in United States.

But the question is how the hijacking of four planes was possible on that day. Simple, the hijacking of four planes was carried out with knife. And this can also happen in India but easily!
With all due respect to Sikh beliefs, I always believe the safety and security for all the people of India is more important than the teachings of any religions. In fact, we are well passed the 17th century Mughal Empire of India which led to the birth of Kirpan, and we are living the 21st century. I’m not sure how the government of India should approach on the legal status of Kirpan. However, do you think whether our government needs to review the Article 25 of the Indian constitution before it’s too late?

Thank you. Have a good day!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

"Journey"

Good morning! 

I cannot remember the last time I were not scared of sitting in the front seat of my office cab for home drop. Truth be told, I’m really afraid of speed and this might be the factor that I’m still unable to learn driving till now. Anyway for the past two days, I’m having a pleasant experience sitting at the front seat next to the driver for my home drop.

I can stand up for that driver if the award for best office cab driver is on the card. And I hope there is one because this can motivate all the other drivers for service excellence. There are times when you want to reach home early if you have a prior commitment or you want to reach office early because you do not want to miss the scheduled meeting with onshore client. These are the moments when you can identify the professionalism of a driver.

A professional driver will not care about your scheduled meeting or your prior commitment in your personal life… :) He will only care about the traffic rules and your safety till the destination. Couple of times, I have instigated driver to drive faster so I can catch up with my office coach or not to miss the movie show. But that’s my bad and carelessness for not getting ready on time. Anyway my point here in highlighting the role of driver is to appreciate his professionalism and efficiency who for the past two days have make my journey back to home from office the most pleasant experience.

After all life is also a journey and we all wanted it to make it a pleasant experience till the end. And the great thing about this journey is you are your own “driver.” But when we break the traffic rules on our way, we do know we are going to be paying a fine by the end of the journey. The journey of life is not how we planned before we start, like the old Chinese saying: “as long as you’re planning a journey, you own the journey. The minute you embark on that journey, the journey owns you.” But you are still the driver of your journey and you can steer to make your journey a success.

Thank you. Have a great day!


Tuesday, March 10, 2015

"Review on Manchester United performance V/S Arsenal, 1-2, FA cup Quarter Final, 10 March, 2015"

(Pre-match) It's 12.55 AM and I'm waiting to watch the FA quarter final match between Manchester United and Arsenal. The match will start at 1:15 AM IST. 

 Manchester United starting eleven are: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Herrera, Di Maria, Fellaini, Young, Rooney. Subs: Valdes, Rafael, Jones, Carrick, Januzaj, Mata, Falcao. 

Arsenals starting eleven are: Szczesny, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Sanchez, Welbeck. Subs: Martinez, Gibbs, Chambers, Ramsey, Giroud, Walcott, Akpom.

(Review log time: 4:00 AM) The match has ended and I hope most of you have also enjoyed the match although United lost 1-2 with the winner goal scored by former United player Welback. The first half display was one of the best first half since the 5-3 lost to Leicester City in September 2014. The intensity and pace of United attack in the first half was good. And right after the Arsenal first goal by Monreal, the goal from Rooney was absolutely one those United moments hitting back immediately.

But all the attacking display of first half was undone by the substitution in the second half. Ander Herrera replacement by Carrick was not a smart move from Van Gaal. With Carrick, you can hold the ball in centre effectively but it affected the pace of United attack. I thought if United were leading then Carrick introduction would have justified. Herrera is one kind of midfielder who lurks behind the forward players assisting the attack. Losing Herrera position in second half benefited the Arsenal defensive midfielders as they can focussed more on Fellaini movement.

Obviously when you are playing attacking football, the opponent will always go for the counter-attack. And that was the only real threat from Arsenal. The cautious approach from Van Gaal in second half definitely change the tempo of the match favoring Arsenal. In addition, the sending off of Angel Di Maria was a stab right through the heart with 20 minutes to go. And I do not think he was diving desperately although it was a needless yellow card from the referee. Of course, there was some slight contact from Ramsey but not substantial. But the reaction of Maria against the referee at that moment was definitely uncalled for. I’m really sorry for him and I hope he will come back stronger.

Valencia did well monitoring in Alexis Sanchez movement and he comfortably kept Alexis at bay throughout the match. In fact Van Gaal was right to say Valencia was the best player in the field except for the error. It was just a terrible back pass leading to Welbeck scoring the winning goal for Arsenal. This is the very reason why the fans are right in booing the back passes. David De Gea, as always kept United in the game till the last minute. The saves of Cazorla and Sanchez are definitely world class and he is already one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now.

Game after game, Fellaini is proving to be a good signing for United. For me, he is back to his best and also the deserving man of the match even though United lost. Every time when the ball is in the air, I always see him winning and holding on to the ball pretty good. He would be really disappointed with the result. However, his compatriot Adnan Januzaj still needs to improve a lot as a winger. He was ineffective from the width play and deserved the booking for stimulation inside the Arsenal box when he could have gone for the shot.

Rooney did OK and scored the equalizer in first half although I still think two strikers up front would have change the game with Fellaini playing just behind them. Ashley Young and De Gea are the only consistent players whereas the defenders needs improvement and they pace up their performance to defend as one unit. The good news is the players are gelling as team when passing the ball and starting to play the attacking football we as a United fans enjoy.

Although disappointed with the quarter final lost as a fan but we can still finish better than Arsenal in the Premier League table and qualify for the Champions league 2015-16. I'm always optimistic as a fan and I'm sure the players will not let down the fans.

I will give the team performance 3 stars out of 5 despite the lost. The next match is on 15 March 2015 (9:30 PM IST). Manchester United V/S Tottemham at Old Trafford.

Thank you.