City in Pink

                               

Living in Jaipur, the Pink City of India, gives a different perspective about Indians from those shown in Bollywood movies. India is a vast country with diverse culture, heritage and food. One life is never enough to understand this land. May be in the next life, I could understand it better but for now I wanted to share my Indian experiences. As I write these sentences down, I am stuck to where to start. Let’s start from something we are familiar with. Kites.

When was the last time you flew a kite? May be yesterday or may be years back, travelling back to our childhood. This ordinary thin piece of paper put together with sticks represents more than just thin piece of paper. In countries like India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, it represents freedom. In some it was used to communicate messages between to battalion. And now days, it’s a mere childhood entertainment for children or is it?

Few days back, I met with a group of kite enthusiasts on the occasion of special Indian festival called Maker Sankranti. This year, it was celebrated on 14^th January and in Jaipur, it is celebrated with kites. After offering their prayers, young and old join together to fly kites.  This festival represents the changing of season from winter to spring and is celebrated in different manner in different regions of India, Like for example, in the State of Punjab, they called it “Lori” and they celebrate it by dancing and singing around a big bonfire. It also marks the occasion of the changing of the position of the sun to the northern hemisphere which considered to be an auspicious occasion.

I was in this large stadium called Chitrakut Stadium with hundreds of kites soaring above my head. Large and small, wide and weird. All covering the skies with their attempt to show off the other. Some were even trying to cut each other strings which put fears into the minds of kite enthusiasts that have come from other countries. As I was browsing through all the great kites, I was wondering whether anyone from my country has participated.

                                  

As I scan through the crowd, I saw two ladies in white t shirts with “INDONESIA” written in red. They were busy trying to loosen the knots of their string. I approached them cautiously, not sure if they are Indonesians!  I greeted them in Indonesian and they at once recognize it. They smiled, greeted back by adding that they are glad to find someone from home.  They talked a lot about their families and their love for kites.

I was in awe at their enthusiasm at their age. They showed me their kites. It was unfortunate that I did not had the chance to take a picture of their kites as they couldn’t fly it as the wind conditions didn’t support the kites properly. And they were afraid that their kites might get spoiled. But they did tell their stories and their experiences in India.

Most of them started their journey in Mumbai, the Bollywood city of India, where they met their coordinator. They were not alone, there were others from 55 countries. Some moved up to Chennai while others went to Ahmedabad, Gujarat. For the Indonesian team, they just continue their journey from Gujarat to Jaipur, Rajasthan from where some will go back home via Delhi while others will continue to Goa. I was a bit unlucky as I came on the second day of the festival and most of the main participants were not present. But they entertained me with their surprise at how different India is from the films. They realized that Bollywood films don’t really represent the India they experience. It is far from the truth. How far? It is for the readers to judge themselves

As I ponder at their amazement, I was immune to it for I have lived here nearly my whole life. I may not have the best judgment about my own home country but I know this land that have fascinated many in the past and it still fascinates me every day, some time with extreme joys and on other times, with grave disappointment. Thus, one life time is just not enough.

                             

A Nocturne Experience

I have always known that I can express myself better in words on a paper (in this case a computer screen) rather in the midst of a conversation. But then again it depends on the other person is and if we can connect on the same intellectual and emotional level. And I am lucky to find a few who can understand the need of my isolation. I love the solitude in the quiet corner, somewhere in the world, I think this is the reason I am driven to travel in search of places where in the middle of the crazy buzzing, I find a glimpse of sane humanity in a crippled beggar feeding birds or a kind smile of an unknown stranger.

How funny the world is with stranger? How many times have I been warned about strangers but I find them the most fascinating and to certain extent, tempting. As I wonder about all my traveling, I thought to myself, in breaking that one rule of not talking to stranger, I learned a lot about the larger population around me. I do admit I have met some rather sick people also whose morality I question. But that’s their moral perspective and if doesn’t suit mine, doesn’t mean that they are wrong entirely also. I just accept that they are many who may not see the world as I want to be.

The pictures in the following were taken in February 2015 where my friend, Prity came with me to visit Choki Dhandi. It is advised to come at 5 or after 5. It was a wonderful experience to have, two girls, a night out in a strange place. I think the ticket is Rs, 500/- which included a Rajasthan style thali (it’s actually all you can eat buffet but due to my low tolerance level for spice, I avoid eating a lot). We enjoyed listening and watching Rajasthan folk music and dances. I was most curious about the musical instruments they were playing. I was always curious about musical instruments. If anyone who has seen my room will be surprised to see the funny instruments or devices that made interesting sound. And I accept that I have few addiction, books and music instruments. 

 We sat next to these Mauritian origin British folks during dinner. And Prity kept mentioning that they looked like Indians but had this British accent. I was amused at her comment and bluntly out loud, in front of them! And then I explained to her the history between India and Mauritius. And then she said then that would mean they were Indians. I was stumped to how to explain further but then most Mauritians were Indian origins and if they took up some other nation’s citizenship, who am I to explain this to her. So I left and let her think of what she wants to think. In time, hopefully people understand how complex we made the world by dividing it into nations based on culture when honestly we eat, drink and breathe the same air.

Though the pictures cannot justify the beauty of winter night along with soft glowing lanterns which was the favorite part of my evening. He picturesque, quiet and solace I found in the darkness led me to peaceful thoughts of God’s creations and no matter how bad days can go, one just need to stop and slow the time down, I know that it is stupid but that’s what we do when we are with our friends and family. We slow time down to drown in every bit of indulgence we can. And that is the everlasting impression printed in our memories.

Have we justify corruptions?

This the year of scams and scandals. No one can refute me on that. From the millitary to the oil mafia. No wonder why the public is simply agitated. But how did we get this far and why?

Have we somehow justified corruptions? Has our values reach so low that we agree to agree corruptions?
Many who reading will say this is bull or that's not true or they will say Yes. Why?

Because we know within our heart of hearts that we had let a crazy monster loose for a long time and we really don't care of the mess it was making. But now when we realized that the mess is neck deep, we start to give a damn about it.

The Lying Growth

India was among the few countries that survived the recent economic crisis. So they say. Yes India did had positive growth rate but that is just a fascade of the muck hidden way down below. Economic growth is necessary as it is the indicator of the country's performance and many comes here with the investment and hopes for big profitability. My main focus is not growth but lack of development. Yes we had been living shelter life but  the recent events has brought bitterness to every one's mouth.

Growth is not so significant if the welfare and development of the people are ignored. The inflation, price rises and corruption is just bringing us shame and shambles. I am still wondering how are we going to survive this. And this me, sitting in an air condition room infront of the computer screen and having the leisure time to talk bull. What about the people who are not so lucky,who are actually facing the may heat head on. Their pockets are pinching more than mine at the moment. Is this the right way to achieve economic growth? where is the development in the whole equation? so people suppose to know that there is economic growth. What's the point in that? Only an economist would appreciate but for the lay man,all this growth means nothing if it can't help a man in making and living a respectful and decent life.

Securalism versus Security

As France imposes the first few fines for wearing niqab in public, many muslim women took to the streets to protests against such imposition. For such women, the niqab is a sign of their belief,their principles and to take that freedom to believe is by all means is a violation of human rights. But for a country that believes in freedom,equality and fraternity, it is facing an identity crisis. A country cannot define what belief or faith to follow, we choose that and pray that we are able to live in harmony with that faith. What is more important to France, security of the country or religious harmony?

If France prides over their three pillars of these social ideals, they must understand that by such an imposition they are calling on the ire of the thousands of people from different communities that France plays hosts to. What France and its European friends are doing are some thing that the Romans did ages ago, impose laws that targeted the freedom of specific communities, think Jesus Christ. Haven't they read enough history as yet, targeting a specific group or community as never brought humane results but only blood shed, think Hitler or the Gujarat riots. 

We understand that terror has been on the upsurge and many have used the holy niqab as a tool to do their bloody deeds. That being said, I have to mention that there has been many terrorist groups that have been using Islam as their Holy Grail of so called crusade. No religion spills blood, only humans interpretation do that. My religion, Islam, never spoke of taking another man's life, only He has the power to that. And this has been the believe of many others and hopes of many other that the World  understand this. But there are those who are desperate and confused where they take extreme steps by voicing their angst and frustration through blood. Many called them terrorists, some called them jihadis, but I called them lost. 

They are lost souls who are not able to live in peace with God and his other creations. So they take Islam as their sole agenda, not knowing that they are hurting their own people more as we have to fend ourselves and our beliefs against the World due to their selfish thoughts and ideals. And this imposition is just tip of an ice berg. There will be more action done with unwanted reactions from the world, peacefully or in blood unless their is some consensus in belief, faith and governance. 

France can't imply such ban without trying other measures. With the evolution and revolution of technology, there must be another way to tackle terrorist groups that uses niqab or religion as a reason to terrorize because in a way, they are terrorizing innocent people who wants to follow their faith with sincerity. Why should the people suffer both side, from their own people and the government? As a state that believes in Science, Religion and Social ideals, they must not bow down to the extremists without fighting, without discussing these issues with the community itself in much consensus manner. Because for many, religion is just part of their identity and not definition of themselves. Muslims are like any other people who feel, thinks and have sensible opinion. We are not barbaric as the Western World deemed us to be. We understand the security problems and most of us are ready to give assistance and help in issues that are sensitive to our community. We understand that by saying this we have to compromise some where but all we ask of the World and its governments is that we cannot compromise on our beliefs.

Downplay politics please

Not many are interested in politics,after all who wants to be on the opposite side of BJP who loves blaming  but refuses to look into their own problems(Oh wait a sec,its their job). Although Congress has some serious issues but over hyping the problems will not win votes. The BJP should ask themselves is why is Congress winning despite their attempts of destoying them? Because amidst the corruption,they actually did some work done and we acknowledge that. And we can't blame our PM for not being agressive and what is the word doing the rounds,"A lame duck". For God's sake he is an economist first and politcian second. Get that order right. And Deraest Mr. Manmohan Singh, i will give kudos for the efforts you have made but I would like to see the Manmohan sans his restrictions(Soniaji,are you reading this?). But then again,Manmohan is not a politician nor does he has the heart of one. And he needs people in his side who knows how play the game. But i guess he lost his judgements when choose the wrong people for SOME posts, So as long you can steer us towards development and growth,my vote is with you,,,,

An introduction

Reflection is what we think of ourselves and others. We reflect happiness and sadness,our sorrows and joys. We can talk politics,social issues and business or just how we see life but the beauty of reflecting is that it is not some science structured process,some may understand and some may be confused...its an art and its interpretation depends...So here are my reflections.