It is not that I don't have anything to write. But these are days when you start to write two lines and then you think you are giving too much of importance to a thing and erase it off.
I was contemplating for few days on writing about the two episodes of Oprah's Next Chapter. This is a 2 part episode that was telecast last week on TLC. Well, my first reaction was "Another American stereotyping India" I don't mean to be harsh; in fact I thought Oprah was an intelligent lady. Sad!
She visited a 10x10 feet house in a slum and asked insensitive questions to the kids. "Dont you feel cramped?" She visited a filthy rich house and was offered Indian thali and exclaimed "You STILL eat with your hand!" And more insanity as this.
Anyway, I don't intend to write on it and start off a flurry of views which I think I already can guess. But her conclusive statement was "India is a paradox" Quite a true statement I must say after all those nonsensical tryst. So is India a paradox? We are a land of billion plus people from all walks of life. Few countries would hold as much promise as India holds for its people. At the same time, few would face the enormous challenges as India's.
The country was/is seen as a cushion to deteriorating to world economy along with China. We know the state of it internally, price raise, inflation, red tapes, corruption....At one side we show a glamorous India Shining whereas the other side we have the ever gloomy problems. Can this economic growth keep up with the ever growing demands?
Paradox it is in many other ways. We are confused whether to embrace and be proud of our culture or to ape the West. Thinking about it; I don't think we have any other geography of people who have been as contradictory as us. Some one would not like a political party biased on religion but wont allow his own child an inter-religion marriage. You can preach as long as you don't have to participate in washing off the dirt. It is that way at all levels from individual to the nation.
It is chaotic and yet in harmony. It's a mess and yet its a smooth sail. How long?
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Society. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
What it means to Die
Oh yeah! How inappropriate. How would one know what it means to die until one dies and how can the aftermath be expressed :)
Well, what I am going to talk here is the hearsay. Death means an end to problems, events, situations, freedom from all. "Go die!" is something we say to an irritating person. So in short death means peace? I think I am close even if I am not right.
This evening at around 5:15 PM, I left office so that I could escape the traffic. I am commuting by scooter since 2 weeks; with all these fuel hikes and the irate attitude of the auto drivers; I decided enough is enough. Anyway; today there was a pile of vehicles on the road, moving slowly feet by feet in snail's pace. The traffic was piled for a km.
My fingers were aching by applying frequent brakes. It was so frustrating; to make matters worse a Mallu guy driving a Volkswagen Vento behind me was constantly honking!!! How do I know he was a Mallu? The car was KL registered. Anyway, it was not that I was having a party on the road. The road was choc-a-bloc, where will I find a path to move? After few minutes, I thought I should do something about it.
I turned behind and asked gestured what was the problem? That guy gave a smile, loser! I just asked him to wait and continued at snail's place. So after those horrible pushing the vehicle for one km, noticed flowers strewn on the road. Not another party procession! But the HC ruled out any party meetings within the city radius! So this must be something else. Any festive procession? What's special today? No festivities. Then I see a policeman helping streamline the traffic. A hearse van ahead of him.
It was the final procession of a dead person. As in some of the customs, they were celebrating his/her final journey. Bulbs of flowers strewn on the road, music band playing the standard music, a couple of drunk men dancing while remaining oblivious to the traffic pile up they created. The road is busy from 5 to 8; there are 2 major Business Parks hosting around 30+ MNCs having 50,000+ people working. Everyone rushes home during these peak hours.
My thoughts were about the dead person. How would he/she have been? Quality? Would that person have liked celebrating any event at the cost of causing trouble to others? Or was that person a trouble all the time that he/she is living(dead) up to the expectations?
Die in peace but leave others in trouble? I hope whoever that person was would have hated the trouble this event has caused; poor thing was helpless.
Well, what I am going to talk here is the hearsay. Death means an end to problems, events, situations, freedom from all. "Go die!" is something we say to an irritating person. So in short death means peace? I think I am close even if I am not right.
This evening at around 5:15 PM, I left office so that I could escape the traffic. I am commuting by scooter since 2 weeks; with all these fuel hikes and the irate attitude of the auto drivers; I decided enough is enough. Anyway; today there was a pile of vehicles on the road, moving slowly feet by feet in snail's pace. The traffic was piled for a km.
My fingers were aching by applying frequent brakes. It was so frustrating; to make matters worse a Mallu guy driving a Volkswagen Vento behind me was constantly honking!!! How do I know he was a Mallu? The car was KL registered. Anyway, it was not that I was having a party on the road. The road was choc-a-bloc, where will I find a path to move? After few minutes, I thought I should do something about it.
I turned behind and asked gestured what was the problem? That guy gave a smile, loser! I just asked him to wait and continued at snail's place. So after those horrible pushing the vehicle for one km, noticed flowers strewn on the road. Not another party procession! But the HC ruled out any party meetings within the city radius! So this must be something else. Any festive procession? What's special today? No festivities. Then I see a policeman helping streamline the traffic. A hearse van ahead of him.
It was the final procession of a dead person. As in some of the customs, they were celebrating his/her final journey. Bulbs of flowers strewn on the road, music band playing the standard music, a couple of drunk men dancing while remaining oblivious to the traffic pile up they created. The road is busy from 5 to 8; there are 2 major Business Parks hosting around 30+ MNCs having 50,000+ people working. Everyone rushes home during these peak hours.
My thoughts were about the dead person. How would he/she have been? Quality? Would that person have liked celebrating any event at the cost of causing trouble to others? Or was that person a trouble all the time that he/she is living(dead) up to the expectations?
Die in peace but leave others in trouble? I hope whoever that person was would have hated the trouble this event has caused; poor thing was helpless.
Monday, March 12, 2012
UP Engineer who also knows Kannada
The twitter world is abuzz with tweets screaming "An engineer from a college in Mysore", "CM who knows Kannada" and such.
ET screamed an article with headline "Cyber world hails UP Engineer who also knows Kannada". I would have left it at that had I not been provoked to comment about this.
First, surprised that ET's article header screams UP Engineer who also knows Kannada. Is there hidden sarcasm? If not, is being an engineer or knowing a south Indian language an added qualification?
Well, I think I am reading too much into this. But here are my views.
I hope there will be no jugads or Swalpa adjust madi
ET screamed an article with headline "Cyber world hails UP Engineer who also knows Kannada". I would have left it at that had I not been provoked to comment about this.
First, surprised that ET's article header screams UP Engineer who also knows Kannada. Is there hidden sarcasm? If not, is being an engineer or knowing a south Indian language an added qualification?
Well, I think I am reading too much into this. But here are my views.
- Its not usual to come across a person from the north who knows a south Indian language...Hmm I don't think so.
- Or because they claim he has not forgotten the language even after leaving the state of Karnataka - maybe as this is very unusual.
- Its more unusual for an engineer who knows Kannada getting into politics (Why not a nice techie job in somewhere in Silicon Valley :-P)
- Celebrating the spirit of Bangalore because Akhilesh understands "Swalpa adjust madi"
I hope there will be no jugads or Swalpa adjust madi
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
What NOT to ask
Well, you do have overly concerned relatives and colleagues who are your well wishers. You get advices in abundance and suggestions galore. The session of suggestion or advice starts post few queries. You are shot with questions in full view of the public; without even a wee bit of sensibility; you are so garishly embarrassed that you would love to have a flying carpet to vanish from there or just wish the person's head blew up and the pieces just flew out in all directions!
Has it ever happened to you? Zillion times eh?
Its not just about marriage or salary. Its more than that. An aunty with a sweet smile will inquire "How many kids?" "A straight face - "Not yet". Lips pressed tight, gives such dirty look and says "Oh! Why? Worried about losing your beauty huh?" If not the beauty its about the money "How much do you want to earn? No one is going to ask you how many cars you have or what property you have. They will always ask how many kids?" And then an age old proverb and then blah...blah...blah.....
Or see a seasoned techie and exclaim "Oh! you are not a manager yet!" It happens only in India. If you have for 7+ years in software and if you are not a manager; all hell breaks loose. You are deemed incompetent, unfit...Any amount of explanation about you not inclined towards management goes unheard. There is a twitch, a smirk! and then whenever you show up in a gathering, you can hear whispers and odd looks.
Similarly ONSITE opportunities. A baggy trouser-ed bespectacled uncle will ask you "Your company didn't send you to Amrica?" If you are in software field and have not gone to America on work; boy! oh boy! you are so unfit!!! My mom's biggest work off late is explaining why I chose not to go to America for work to her sisters. She gets snubbed by her sister that I (that's me) don't have it in me to work in USA. My mother is disappointed and she calls me. I have a hearty laugh! Most of them don't realize that the skilled ones remain in homeland because what really happens onsite is this.
Anyway how to deal with it? Just look into their eyes and say "None of your business" and follow it with a sweet smile :)
Has it ever happened to you? Zillion times eh?
Its not just about marriage or salary. Its more than that. An aunty with a sweet smile will inquire "How many kids?" "A straight face - "Not yet". Lips pressed tight, gives such dirty look and says "Oh! Why? Worried about losing your beauty huh?" If not the beauty its about the money "How much do you want to earn? No one is going to ask you how many cars you have or what property you have. They will always ask how many kids?" And then an age old proverb and then blah...blah...blah.....
Or see a seasoned techie and exclaim "Oh! you are not a manager yet!" It happens only in India. If you have for 7+ years in software and if you are not a manager; all hell breaks loose. You are deemed incompetent, unfit...Any amount of explanation about you not inclined towards management goes unheard. There is a twitch, a smirk! and then whenever you show up in a gathering, you can hear whispers and odd looks.
Similarly ONSITE opportunities. A baggy trouser-ed bespectacled uncle will ask you "Your company didn't send you to Amrica?" If you are in software field and have not gone to America on work; boy! oh boy! you are so unfit!!! My mom's biggest work off late is explaining why I chose not to go to America for work to her sisters. She gets snubbed by her sister that I (that's me) don't have it in me to work in USA. My mother is disappointed and she calls me. I have a hearty laugh! Most of them don't realize that the skilled ones remain in homeland because what really happens onsite is this.
Anyway how to deal with it? Just look into their eyes and say "None of your business" and follow it with a sweet smile :)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Girls and Machines
Gadgets, Motorcycles, Cars.......
Somehow for reason unknown to me; I was and still am drawn towards sleek gadgets and mean machines. I would devour information on latest bikes and cars in town. I have been a regular reader of automobiles supplementary that comes every Thursday along with the newspaper; I do not miss single episode of The Auto show and similar kinds on TV. I am always up to date on new arrivals, their specifications, price and performance and such.
Did I not yap about how a Z4 gets it life at the Bavarian workshop? Now; it so happens that people either think that I am bluffing away or they think I am abnormal. These are all GUY thing huh? Thats what I am told time and again. I am not going to complain or crib about 'whoever enforced this conventional rule". I am going to share an incident that happened while in 12th grade.
That was when Bajaj introduced Pulsar; that period when Indian motorcycle market was bumped with small capacity bikes; bigger capacity motorcycles didnt exist except for Bullet; and the CBZ hit the market couple of years earlier. I read about that bike and also watched a couple of shows featuring the new bike in town.
I had this girl who initially was my commute mate; we belonged in the same class and eventually became good friends.One such day while going home after class; we got started talking about mopeds, motorcycles, cars and the likes. I mentioned about this new bike in town and its specificity. We had a healthy discussion. A couple of days later; this girl comes up and says that her dad warned her to maintain a distance from me. I did not understand initially; I asked her what was the reason. This is what she had to say
"I was telling my dad about our conversation the other day on bikes and cars. He asked me how you knew so much about them. He added that you might have a boy friend and thats where all your knowledge on bikes and cars are coming from. So he asked me to maintain distance from you"
My reaction? Nothing; just a smile at their ignorance :) Oh by the way; new addition to my gadgets - a MAC. I am thoroughly enjoying it.
Somehow for reason unknown to me; I was and still am drawn towards sleek gadgets and mean machines. I would devour information on latest bikes and cars in town. I have been a regular reader of automobiles supplementary that comes every Thursday along with the newspaper; I do not miss single episode of The Auto show and similar kinds on TV. I am always up to date on new arrivals, their specifications, price and performance and such.
Did I not yap about how a Z4 gets it life at the Bavarian workshop? Now; it so happens that people either think that I am bluffing away or they think I am abnormal. These are all GUY thing huh? Thats what I am told time and again. I am not going to complain or crib about 'whoever enforced this conventional rule". I am going to share an incident that happened while in 12th grade.
That was when Bajaj introduced Pulsar; that period when Indian motorcycle market was bumped with small capacity bikes; bigger capacity motorcycles didnt exist except for Bullet; and the CBZ hit the market couple of years earlier. I read about that bike and also watched a couple of shows featuring the new bike in town.
I had this girl who initially was my commute mate; we belonged in the same class and eventually became good friends.One such day while going home after class; we got started talking about mopeds, motorcycles, cars and the likes. I mentioned about this new bike in town and its specificity. We had a healthy discussion. A couple of days later; this girl comes up and says that her dad warned her to maintain a distance from me. I did not understand initially; I asked her what was the reason. This is what she had to say
"I was telling my dad about our conversation the other day on bikes and cars. He asked me how you knew so much about them. He added that you might have a boy friend and thats where all your knowledge on bikes and cars are coming from. So he asked me to maintain distance from you"
My reaction? Nothing; just a smile at their ignorance :) Oh by the way; new addition to my gadgets - a MAC. I am thoroughly enjoying it.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Me and the Anna movement
A colleague asked me if I wanted to participate in the Anna Hazare movement when it was in full swing. It was being held at Freedom Park, Bangalore where many took part. I told him that I wont join as I was not really sure if it was the right way.
My response was met with "Here is another unpatriotic techie!" kind of look. We went for tea and a conversation followed. I asked him if he knew the reason behind the fast and the movement. He said "I have a cheat sheet where they have explained in a simple way about the entire thing. I will forward it to you". But he did not explain himself the intent. He added "If so many people are supporting it; its right". I asked "Forget about others. Do you feel it is logical?" He did not respond; he was not sure. It was merely a case of following the herd. Techies came out in groups and they formed a 17 km long human chain.
I did not wear the Topi, neither did I fast. I did not even buy our flag. I did not feel bad or sad because Anna was fasting. I did not tweet nor did I write on my wall. In short; I did not jump into the bandwagon. I did shun corruption - then, now, tomorrow. I did not even tune to news channels to know the status. They were riding on the Anna wave and making hella lotta money for themselves. I definitely cannot digest Burkha Dutt talking about morality and corruption!! I did not want the Anna thing to intrude my normal life; some Tom, Dick, Harry and Mona, Sona and Reena giving expert suggestions on what should be done to curb corruption.
I did pose a question to myself if I was less patriotic than those who bunked classes to attend the rally, than those who made statements, than those who left their day to day work to fast and join the protest; than those who wore "I am Anna" topis. Were they all brave hearts willing to make sacrifice or were they finding solace in this while trying to escape their day to day problems?
"I can make a difference" attitude was welcome, it was nice to see people from all walks of life garnering support for a cleaner system. But participating in a rally and swaying your national flag is all the difference that you can make? Honestly no one likes corruption which brings us trouble yet we will harbor them. Do you need a Anna for you to start? What if tomorrow you dont have Anna? What next? Would the movement just stop?
Can we abolish corruption by having an organization to curb? What if the organization in future is bought by the corrupt? How long does that take? We are not fighting corruption at each step; do we really believe Lokpal bill will put an end to it? Yes, this is just THE beginning. Beginning of what? Beginning of a newer you who wont bribe anymore? Who will be transparent in every step? Who will behave with integrity?
This is not against the supporters or the movement. In fact, its interesting as to what motivated people to support the movement who did not actually think about doing something on their own in day to day life. We were all WAITING for someone to take the lead? We cant step up and speak out. We cant stand for what we believe and stand against what we dont.
For me, the bill will not curb corruption or Anna's movement wont be fruitful unless we resolve to end the corruption in our life as we go about our daily chores. By the way; I dont see 'patriotic' messages anymore on Facebook or Twitter :-)
P.S These are my personal opinion. No brickbats please :)
My response was met with "Here is another unpatriotic techie!" kind of look. We went for tea and a conversation followed. I asked him if he knew the reason behind the fast and the movement. He said "I have a cheat sheet where they have explained in a simple way about the entire thing. I will forward it to you". But he did not explain himself the intent. He added "If so many people are supporting it; its right". I asked "Forget about others. Do you feel it is logical?" He did not respond; he was not sure. It was merely a case of following the herd. Techies came out in groups and they formed a 17 km long human chain.
I did not wear the Topi, neither did I fast. I did not even buy our flag. I did not feel bad or sad because Anna was fasting. I did not tweet nor did I write on my wall. In short; I did not jump into the bandwagon. I did shun corruption - then, now, tomorrow. I did not even tune to news channels to know the status. They were riding on the Anna wave and making hella lotta money for themselves. I definitely cannot digest Burkha Dutt talking about morality and corruption!! I did not want the Anna thing to intrude my normal life; some Tom, Dick, Harry and Mona, Sona and Reena giving expert suggestions on what should be done to curb corruption.
I did pose a question to myself if I was less patriotic than those who bunked classes to attend the rally, than those who made statements, than those who left their day to day work to fast and join the protest; than those who wore "I am Anna" topis. Were they all brave hearts willing to make sacrifice or were they finding solace in this while trying to escape their day to day problems?
"I can make a difference" attitude was welcome, it was nice to see people from all walks of life garnering support for a cleaner system. But participating in a rally and swaying your national flag is all the difference that you can make? Honestly no one likes corruption which brings us trouble yet we will harbor them. Do you need a Anna for you to start? What if tomorrow you dont have Anna? What next? Would the movement just stop?
Can we abolish corruption by having an organization to curb? What if the organization in future is bought by the corrupt? How long does that take? We are not fighting corruption at each step; do we really believe Lokpal bill will put an end to it? Yes, this is just THE beginning. Beginning of what? Beginning of a newer you who wont bribe anymore? Who will be transparent in every step? Who will behave with integrity?
This is not against the supporters or the movement. In fact, its interesting as to what motivated people to support the movement who did not actually think about doing something on their own in day to day life. We were all WAITING for someone to take the lead? We cant step up and speak out. We cant stand for what we believe and stand against what we dont.
For me, the bill will not curb corruption or Anna's movement wont be fruitful unless we resolve to end the corruption in our life as we go about our daily chores. By the way; I dont see 'patriotic' messages anymore on Facebook or Twitter :-)
P.S These are my personal opinion. No brickbats please :)
Monday, September 5, 2011
Inactive on Facebook
"Why arent you active on Facebook?" A question of confusion if Bindu has gone back in time or was it a question of serious concern if I was sane yet. Or was it a question due to disbelief that someone can actually have nothing interesting in life to share it among 'friends'.
I am a tech savvy person; grabbing the latest gadgets in town to exploring latest technology. But the concept of social networking has always puzzled me; maybe due to the fact that I am reserved by nature. The idea of flaunting yourself to the world - virtual world where you dont know 99% of the folks indeed intrigues me. I still remember sometime in 2005 when I asked a group of friends at office pointing at an application on their monitor "whats this?" I still recall that shitty stare I got from everyone around. This is Orkut, havent you heard about it?
"Uh..huh yeah, sorry I did not take a proper look" response never helped me. That very day; I logged onto gmail to create an orkut account. It remained dormant for a very long time; until I saw others posting pictures and my kindergarten classmates requesting for friendships. Oh great! Orkut brought us together again.
Well, I am a late entrant to Facebook as well. Joined as recently as 2 years ago; very discreet; rejected every other friend request from people I didnt know. I mean, why should I be friends with someone out there in some corner of the world? The answer was "to know each other better". Heck! let me get to know myself better first. It was overwhelming to see folks having 1000+ friends; were they really friends?
What is a friend? Facebook seems to have changed the very meaning of friendship. I can be friends with anyone - my mom, dad, husband, teacher, peon, maid, maid's daughter's boyfriend. You can be friends with your mother-in-law as well, can you believe that? Isnt it amazing? I can create a fan page of myself; ask people to 'Like' me. Just like; they cant 'dislike'. Facebook is just for human beings you thought? :) No! cats and dogs and cows and rats have a profile page and they update them regularly.
Hey whats for dinner today?
I have posted the menu on my wall. Go check
is not far off......
Strange are the ways. My classmates who didnt speak a word with me while in college send me FRIEND request. Manager sends friend request and request for farmville so that they can continue the game. Being an agrarian economy; if only our real farmers were as dedicated as our virtual farmers; we would be prosperous.
Anyway; that question got me thinking. I replied "My blog posts get updated as I post". He snapped "yeah thats ok, but why are YOU not active". Well, what do I write on the wall? As soon as I login, the WALL yells at me "Whats on your mind?"
Right now; I need to rush to the loo!!! Thats on my mind. Up next; what am I going to cook for dinner. Thats on my mind. I need to pay my credit card bills. That IS on my mind! Do you want to write on the WALL??? This wall is stronger than the Berlin wall.
Well, its kinda nagging; suggesting me to try this game or add a probable known person. Its just not just facebook; I was being emailed "Do you want Google+ request?" There were folks cribbing they didnt get request. Thats another maze I am still trying to figure a way out; I keep getting updates; spamming my mail box.
But its real entertainment if you look carefully. You get to know which flavor of ice cream your friend had or that a friend just came back from a parlor and feels her skin silky smooth after a facial or any event happening in your area or worse! your boyfriend broke up with you and your relationship status ought to be changed!!
The idea of friendship, privacy is lot changed, isnt it? Am I not adapting faster enough? Am I still living in iron age? How much is too much? You are not in if you dont have a social networking account. I told my husband; he chuckled and just commented "What a cheap life!!" only to join the bandwagon and guess what?
We are friends with each other now :-D
I am a tech savvy person; grabbing the latest gadgets in town to exploring latest technology. But the concept of social networking has always puzzled me; maybe due to the fact that I am reserved by nature. The idea of flaunting yourself to the world - virtual world where you dont know 99% of the folks indeed intrigues me. I still remember sometime in 2005 when I asked a group of friends at office pointing at an application on their monitor "whats this?" I still recall that shitty stare I got from everyone around. This is Orkut, havent you heard about it?
"Uh..huh yeah, sorry I did not take a proper look" response never helped me. That very day; I logged onto gmail to create an orkut account. It remained dormant for a very long time; until I saw others posting pictures and my kindergarten classmates requesting for friendships. Oh great! Orkut brought us together again.
Well, I am a late entrant to Facebook as well. Joined as recently as 2 years ago; very discreet; rejected every other friend request from people I didnt know. I mean, why should I be friends with someone out there in some corner of the world? The answer was "to know each other better". Heck! let me get to know myself better first. It was overwhelming to see folks having 1000+ friends; were they really friends?
What is a friend? Facebook seems to have changed the very meaning of friendship. I can be friends with anyone - my mom, dad, husband, teacher, peon, maid, maid's daughter's boyfriend. You can be friends with your mother-in-law as well, can you believe that? Isnt it amazing? I can create a fan page of myself; ask people to 'Like' me. Just like; they cant 'dislike'. Facebook is just for human beings you thought? :) No! cats and dogs and cows and rats have a profile page and they update them regularly.
Hey whats for dinner today?
I have posted the menu on my wall. Go check
is not far off......
Strange are the ways. My classmates who didnt speak a word with me while in college send me FRIEND request. Manager sends friend request and request for farmville so that they can continue the game. Being an agrarian economy; if only our real farmers were as dedicated as our virtual farmers; we would be prosperous.
Anyway; that question got me thinking. I replied "My blog posts get updated as I post". He snapped "yeah thats ok, but why are YOU not active". Well, what do I write on the wall? As soon as I login, the WALL yells at me "Whats on your mind?"
Right now; I need to rush to the loo!!! Thats on my mind. Up next; what am I going to cook for dinner. Thats on my mind. I need to pay my credit card bills. That IS on my mind! Do you want to write on the WALL??? This wall is stronger than the Berlin wall.
Well, its kinda nagging; suggesting me to try this game or add a probable known person. Its just not just facebook; I was being emailed "Do you want Google+ request?" There were folks cribbing they didnt get request. Thats another maze I am still trying to figure a way out; I keep getting updates; spamming my mail box.
But its real entertainment if you look carefully. You get to know which flavor of ice cream your friend had or that a friend just came back from a parlor and feels her skin silky smooth after a facial or any event happening in your area or worse! your boyfriend broke up with you and your relationship status ought to be changed!!
The idea of friendship, privacy is lot changed, isnt it? Am I not adapting faster enough? Am I still living in iron age? How much is too much? You are not in if you dont have a social networking account. I told my husband; he chuckled and just commented "What a cheap life!!" only to join the bandwagon and guess what?
We are friends with each other now :-D
Friday, June 17, 2011
Let's swap jobs
Yeah, such a simple statement - innocent and serious.
More often than not, I get into a conversation with the auto drivers when I commute to office. Its the usual ordeal, bunch of guys chatting away to glory, you are at their mercy and the look on their faces when you approach them makes you feel so awkward that I dont want to describe the gross visual I have on my mind right now. You dont even get a disapproving look; they just behave as if you didnt exist.
Anyway, the other day, this driver just demanded "meter mele 20 rupayee" - 20 bucks extra on meter charges. I did not have any other go so had to budge. He put forth a question - Why do you have to be at the mercy of others? Get a 2 wheeler. Made sense! To which I said, I sold off my 2 wheeler and I have a car which I am scare to drive in this chaos. Its so scary to see people lacking traffic sense.
So thats how the conversation progressed and their usual Compooter Engineeru have their life so easy that everything is served on a golden platter to them. I always wonder how did these auto guys get the opinion that IT folks get truck loads of money and they 'can' afford to do some generous charity by parting with their money. "You might get some 80,000 Rs per month, what goes if you give us 40 Rs extra". Such statement calls for a detailed explanation about the kind of work we do, our job environment, the pressure to perform and the hefty tax amount we part with at the end of the year and more than anything else, the salary assumption is way too exaggerated.
But there is no use to provide that justification, there is no way I can change the mindset of the herd by explaining to just one guy isnt it? Yeah, we debated about whose job is better or worse - there were the usual - sit under a fan or a AC, tap random keys or sign some documents and you get wads of money while we sweat it out; you never even have to use your brain or think! Then the invite for job swap - you take my job and I take yours. Now! I just thought it was wiser to keep my mouth shut than try to explain in vain.
My thoughts wandered to how I started my career in IT - how everyone else starts - just as me. While in college - you have an ambiguous aim - to be a software engineer and we all know just one profile - programmer. I want to be a programmer - the GEEK GOD. Then you are absorbed by some cool and famous 'blue' organization who are out there in most countries and they have R&D operations in India outside USA. Thats freaking cool isnt it?
You are not sure what is your domain - systems? network? storage? or some banking? You are also not sure what would be the profile? Is there anything else other than 'THE programmer'? If so, are they good enough as the programming? Analyst...tester...developer...build engineer...tools developer...duh!!
Beggars cannot be choosers eh! You either take the MNC offer or regret for life! Your first few months as a freshmen is super-cool; free beverages, health drinks, fruits, snacks, outings, lunch....Then you get your actual domain of work and the profile. You WANTED to be a PROGRAMMER! but lo! they put you to TEST a product! I wanna fix bug and not find one!!Weep! Yell! the world is doomed. Was I not good enough to be programmer? What was it did I lack? Later you accept the fact and try to do your best.
Image at http://netgautam.com/tumblr/post/1104/
Until someone explains you how important each role is and how intelligent and equally skilled you must be as each has its own important role to play in the software business. The freshmen are still delusional, they are still not sure if what they are doing right now is what they wanted to do....but for others .......
They are Software Engineers minting easy money and having good life :-)
Anyone wanna swap jobs eh?
More often than not, I get into a conversation with the auto drivers when I commute to office. Its the usual ordeal, bunch of guys chatting away to glory, you are at their mercy and the look on their faces when you approach them makes you feel so awkward that I dont want to describe the gross visual I have on my mind right now. You dont even get a disapproving look; they just behave as if you didnt exist.
Anyway, the other day, this driver just demanded "meter mele 20 rupayee" - 20 bucks extra on meter charges. I did not have any other go so had to budge. He put forth a question - Why do you have to be at the mercy of others? Get a 2 wheeler. Made sense! To which I said, I sold off my 2 wheeler and I have a car which I am scare to drive in this chaos. Its so scary to see people lacking traffic sense.
So thats how the conversation progressed and their usual Compooter Engineeru have their life so easy that everything is served on a golden platter to them. I always wonder how did these auto guys get the opinion that IT folks get truck loads of money and they 'can' afford to do some generous charity by parting with their money. "You might get some 80,000 Rs per month, what goes if you give us 40 Rs extra". Such statement calls for a detailed explanation about the kind of work we do, our job environment, the pressure to perform and the hefty tax amount we part with at the end of the year and more than anything else, the salary assumption is way too exaggerated.
But there is no use to provide that justification, there is no way I can change the mindset of the herd by explaining to just one guy isnt it? Yeah, we debated about whose job is better or worse - there were the usual - sit under a fan or a AC, tap random keys or sign some documents and you get wads of money while we sweat it out; you never even have to use your brain or think! Then the invite for job swap - you take my job and I take yours. Now! I just thought it was wiser to keep my mouth shut than try to explain in vain.
My thoughts wandered to how I started my career in IT - how everyone else starts - just as me. While in college - you have an ambiguous aim - to be a software engineer and we all know just one profile - programmer. I want to be a programmer - the GEEK GOD. Then you are absorbed by some cool and famous 'blue' organization who are out there in most countries and they have R&D operations in India outside USA. Thats freaking cool isnt it?
You are not sure what is your domain - systems? network? storage? or some banking? You are also not sure what would be the profile? Is there anything else other than 'THE programmer'? If so, are they good enough as the programming? Analyst...tester...developer...build engineer...tools developer...duh!!
Beggars cannot be choosers eh! You either take the MNC offer or regret for life! Your first few months as a freshmen is super-cool; free beverages, health drinks, fruits, snacks, outings, lunch....Then you get your actual domain of work and the profile. You WANTED to be a PROGRAMMER! but lo! they put you to TEST a product! I wanna fix bug and not find one!!Weep! Yell! the world is doomed. Was I not good enough to be programmer? What was it did I lack? Later you accept the fact and try to do your best.
Until someone explains you how important each role is and how intelligent and equally skilled you must be as each has its own important role to play in the software business. The freshmen are still delusional, they are still not sure if what they are doing right now is what they wanted to do....but for others .......
They are Software Engineers minting easy money and having good life :-)
Anyone wanna swap jobs eh?
Monday, May 9, 2011
Smile Please
When God created Eve from a rib he took off Adam's; it sure would not have been the funny bone. Why else would women be glum; be the butt of jokes cracked by men? Indian women cannot comply and unable to have a laugh. Why? Witnessing Sonia G clapping her hands and punching her fists in the air while grinning when India won the semi-finals against Pakistan in the World Cup was a Haley Comet phenomenon.
Well, its premature to mention only Indian women. A Japanese-American colleague of mine shared an incident that happened during her first visit to Japan. Having born and raised in the USA; she could not quite grasp the tradition of being prim and proper. She laughed out loud during a family gathering and the entire group went aghast. She was later coached by her mom. After that incident; she always closed her mouth with her palms while laughing and the noise never came out. We were sharing such similar stories and practices that went beyond geographical boundaries.
To talk about women and humor is an oxymoron. I studied in a girls convent run by Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. I dont remember having seen the sisters smile or laugh. They seemed dour and pale. I often used to wonder if no-smile was their prerogative. It also sort of fueled in ideas that nuns have had bitter experiences in their life and thus they chose nun-hood and that earlier life has deemed them sullen for the rest of their life :-| I know I was so innocent then.
Politicians - as I am talking about women here; women politicians in India deserve a special mention. Will they have the heart to laugh if someone made a mockery of them? Women in power believe they are in control of everything and hence remain stern.
How often does one hear fearless uninhibited laughter in public? I would think twice before doing so myself. Its a serious matter as men in our society who see women laugh so easily is an easy catch. Almost every other lady would wish for a man who can make her laugh. Why not wish for a man who can laugh at her jokes? Men do not accept a smart women cracking intelligent jokes either; they get intimidated.
Now this does not mean women never laugh. Dont we erupt into a wicked laughter when we hear the neighbor's car had a break down? Our tele-serials have such scenes every other day. This is an ugly trait. Do we lack the lightness to laugh at ourselves? Is our humor hackneyed? Will I laugh it off if someone makes fun of my restless behavior? Is it that we are not comfortable with ourselves?
Seems so....
Well, its premature to mention only Indian women. A Japanese-American colleague of mine shared an incident that happened during her first visit to Japan. Having born and raised in the USA; she could not quite grasp the tradition of being prim and proper. She laughed out loud during a family gathering and the entire group went aghast. She was later coached by her mom. After that incident; she always closed her mouth with her palms while laughing and the noise never came out. We were sharing such similar stories and practices that went beyond geographical boundaries.
To talk about women and humor is an oxymoron. I studied in a girls convent run by Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. I dont remember having seen the sisters smile or laugh. They seemed dour and pale. I often used to wonder if no-smile was their prerogative. It also sort of fueled in ideas that nuns have had bitter experiences in their life and thus they chose nun-hood and that earlier life has deemed them sullen for the rest of their life :-| I know I was so innocent then.
Politicians - as I am talking about women here; women politicians in India deserve a special mention. Will they have the heart to laugh if someone made a mockery of them? Women in power believe they are in control of everything and hence remain stern.
How often does one hear fearless uninhibited laughter in public? I would think twice before doing so myself. Its a serious matter as men in our society who see women laugh so easily is an easy catch. Almost every other lady would wish for a man who can make her laugh. Why not wish for a man who can laugh at her jokes? Men do not accept a smart women cracking intelligent jokes either; they get intimidated.
Now this does not mean women never laugh. Dont we erupt into a wicked laughter when we hear the neighbor's car had a break down? Our tele-serials have such scenes every other day. This is an ugly trait. Do we lack the lightness to laugh at ourselves? Is our humor hackneyed? Will I laugh it off if someone makes fun of my restless behavior? Is it that we are not comfortable with ourselves?
Seems so....
Friday, May 6, 2011
We Serve
Our country and our people are known for hospitality and service. Few smart men realized how this innate quality of us Indians can be transformed into an entrepreneurial opportunity; thus the birth of service industry which we are so proud of and has been fetching us money; market growth and helping many of us to lead a decent standard of living.
The service industry started with IT and spread its horizon across medical, knowledge, biotechnology, banking, finance, law......Are we really hospitable? Are we service oriented? Indians are known to be polite, understanding and serve with care. Well, take another look Maybe the commercialization has ripped our quality of its sheen.
No one has time and the resource to channelize; at least in the after sales/service sector. Its all candy and honey when you first try to acquire a new product - be it internet service, a new car or a telephone connection. You are promised freebies, assistance at any hour of the day and other sweet-nothings. The marketing guys must be spending time in grooming their communication etiquette and learning the art of charming.
Once the money reaches their hands; thats that. You are at their mercy to get things working. "Sir, I am just sales, I dont know technical things. My customer service will get back to you". Numerous calls to the customer service, each time talking to a different person and trying to explain your problem beginning with history is sure going to wear you out. When 'they' trust their computer database history records more than the trust on fellow human beings, its more of walking on nails.Numerous follow-ups before you buy a product and not even a corpse to care after you have bought them! They behave as if they are doing you a favor and you dont have a choice but at their mercy.
Its obvious that the chunk of their funds goes in hiring famous celebrities to market their product. When it comes to customer service, it takes a U-turn. Incapable agents, poor communication, commitment less and more. Raise a complaint and they raise a ruckus! The service person attending to you is going to take it personally and try to convince you with a "Mistakes do happen". I wonder if such lax attitude is allowed when Indian service companies serve offshore clients? I have heard of stories when these executives get abused by clients at the first chance of knowing they are being attended to by Indians.
An after sales service is as important as selling a product. Its not a favor or a charity but part of business. You not only pay for the product but for services as well. Not to blame the executives but the policy of companies have to be changed. Why are these companies not giving importance to service as they give it to marketing?
There are reasons. We are not taken seriously. The "I'll adjust" attitude - they can get away. The service policy is not defined and if defined not adhered to. Mistake is not theirs alone. How about us? Give us a penny and we rob the bank!. Dont we take advantage of anything free?
Imagine having a 90 day return policy as in USA? What would we do? Each one knows the answer. Somehow its ironical that the best service industry is in India and we cater to the world when we cannot cater to our needs.
The service industry started with IT and spread its horizon across medical, knowledge, biotechnology, banking, finance, law......Are we really hospitable? Are we service oriented? Indians are known to be polite, understanding and serve with care. Well, take another look Maybe the commercialization has ripped our quality of its sheen.
No one has time and the resource to channelize; at least in the after sales/service sector. Its all candy and honey when you first try to acquire a new product - be it internet service, a new car or a telephone connection. You are promised freebies, assistance at any hour of the day and other sweet-nothings. The marketing guys must be spending time in grooming their communication etiquette and learning the art of charming.
Once the money reaches their hands; thats that. You are at their mercy to get things working. "Sir, I am just sales, I dont know technical things. My customer service will get back to you". Numerous calls to the customer service, each time talking to a different person and trying to explain your problem beginning with history is sure going to wear you out. When 'they' trust their computer database history records more than the trust on fellow human beings, its more of walking on nails.Numerous follow-ups before you buy a product and not even a corpse to care after you have bought them! They behave as if they are doing you a favor and you dont have a choice but at their mercy.
Its obvious that the chunk of their funds goes in hiring famous celebrities to market their product. When it comes to customer service, it takes a U-turn. Incapable agents, poor communication, commitment less and more. Raise a complaint and they raise a ruckus! The service person attending to you is going to take it personally and try to convince you with a "Mistakes do happen". I wonder if such lax attitude is allowed when Indian service companies serve offshore clients? I have heard of stories when these executives get abused by clients at the first chance of knowing they are being attended to by Indians.
An after sales service is as important as selling a product. Its not a favor or a charity but part of business. You not only pay for the product but for services as well. Not to blame the executives but the policy of companies have to be changed. Why are these companies not giving importance to service as they give it to marketing?
There are reasons. We are not taken seriously. The "I'll adjust" attitude - they can get away. The service policy is not defined and if defined not adhered to. Mistake is not theirs alone. How about us? Give us a penny and we rob the bank!. Dont we take advantage of anything free?
Imagine having a 90 day return policy as in USA? What would we do? Each one knows the answer. Somehow its ironical that the best service industry is in India and we cater to the world when we cannot cater to our needs.
Friday, April 15, 2011
They deserve dignity and respect
What if a a group of people raid your home, hijack your space, beat you up and take control over you and deny any basic right? What if someone snatches your food and shoos you away from your home where you have grown up and hold sweet memories of your home and your people? And then, someone comes in and decides you must be beaten up and thrown away so that the person can live thence in peace. When all this is happening, imagine that you do not have any means to communicate to express your anguish and helplessness and that you are being tortured in a living hell.
Few weeks ago on a lazy Saturday noon, my mom called me up. I sensed that her voice quivered. She told me that few of her neighbors beat up a group of monkeys which ventured into the neighborhood in search of food. She recently relocated to an area which had newly constructed apartment blocks. The jungle there was cleared to make way for this concrete jungles. The animals had lost their natural home and nowhere to go. The monkeys came each noon in search of food, few good souls offered them food and thus got habitual and would visit the neighborhood every noon. The others in the surroundings deemed these monkeys to be a menace and so one day just decided to beat them to death. That noon as these monkeys came for food as usual, few men beat them up with iron rods; bleeding them. My mom said few of them were fractured and baby monkeys were running helter-skelter helplessly. One of the baby was yearning for some food - in my mom's words "The baby is begging me for care and food. I cant stand this scene"
My mom seemed very disturbed and did not know what to do. She was abusing those guys who committed this heinous crime. I am a very sensitive person who has more affinity to animals than humans. I could hear no more of that and disconnected the call. But I was deeply disturbed and decided to do something about it. I searched for organizations for animal rescue and such other groups on internet and got some contacts. Private organizations informed me that they dont tackle monkeys as they are wild and asked me to contact Bangalore's municipal authority. I begged and somehow got contact numbers which didnt go through; even if I was able to reach them; the response was not encouraging.
Finally I got through an executive who gave me the contact number of the head for department of forest. I called him and explained the situation and pleaded him to rescue those monkeys. He even seemed to be supportive and mentioned how humans encroach their natural habitats and then shoo them away; denying them their rightful place. He asked me to email my complaint with contact details. When I asked him his email id he shared his gmail id. I was apprehensive as to why should I email to his personal id and why not his official id. He promised to look into this matter. Even when I was in doubt about his response, I went ahead and lodged a formal complaint and mailed it to his id. NO RESPONSE. Tried calling him and no response.
We talk lengths about discrimination, racism and all that crap. Is this not racism? Why are we inhuman and prejudiced? What happened to our moral values? Is that a life worth living by destructing someone else's home? We take pride as the superior beings; are we not responsible enough for weaker species? Maybe animals are not on par with this "superior beings"; but they do suffer; they feel pain, sorrow, joy just like the way we feel.
We fight for women's rights, children rights, rights for minorities. Is this not applicable to dogs, cats, cows, monkeys, snakes? Religion says God created man out of his own form, does that mean we are superior and so we can dominate? We do have a greater degree of reasoning capacity and hence more responsible towards our actions. What prevents this superior being to act sensibility with morality? Every other species on earth lives in harmony but humans. We are digging our own grave.
I strongly believe we have snatched their rights and freedom and living as if we are worth it. We are a species of uncivilized heartless rogues. Shame on us!
Few weeks ago on a lazy Saturday noon, my mom called me up. I sensed that her voice quivered. She told me that few of her neighbors beat up a group of monkeys which ventured into the neighborhood in search of food. She recently relocated to an area which had newly constructed apartment blocks. The jungle there was cleared to make way for this concrete jungles. The animals had lost their natural home and nowhere to go. The monkeys came each noon in search of food, few good souls offered them food and thus got habitual and would visit the neighborhood every noon. The others in the surroundings deemed these monkeys to be a menace and so one day just decided to beat them to death. That noon as these monkeys came for food as usual, few men beat them up with iron rods; bleeding them. My mom said few of them were fractured and baby monkeys were running helter-skelter helplessly. One of the baby was yearning for some food - in my mom's words "The baby is begging me for care and food. I cant stand this scene"
My mom seemed very disturbed and did not know what to do. She was abusing those guys who committed this heinous crime. I am a very sensitive person who has more affinity to animals than humans. I could hear no more of that and disconnected the call. But I was deeply disturbed and decided to do something about it. I searched for organizations for animal rescue and such other groups on internet and got some contacts. Private organizations informed me that they dont tackle monkeys as they are wild and asked me to contact Bangalore's municipal authority. I begged and somehow got contact numbers which didnt go through; even if I was able to reach them; the response was not encouraging.
Finally I got through an executive who gave me the contact number of the head for department of forest. I called him and explained the situation and pleaded him to rescue those monkeys. He even seemed to be supportive and mentioned how humans encroach their natural habitats and then shoo them away; denying them their rightful place. He asked me to email my complaint with contact details. When I asked him his email id he shared his gmail id. I was apprehensive as to why should I email to his personal id and why not his official id. He promised to look into this matter. Even when I was in doubt about his response, I went ahead and lodged a formal complaint and mailed it to his id. NO RESPONSE. Tried calling him and no response.
We talk lengths about discrimination, racism and all that crap. Is this not racism? Why are we inhuman and prejudiced? What happened to our moral values? Is that a life worth living by destructing someone else's home? We take pride as the superior beings; are we not responsible enough for weaker species? Maybe animals are not on par with this "superior beings"; but they do suffer; they feel pain, sorrow, joy just like the way we feel.
We fight for women's rights, children rights, rights for minorities. Is this not applicable to dogs, cats, cows, monkeys, snakes? Religion says God created man out of his own form, does that mean we are superior and so we can dominate? We do have a greater degree of reasoning capacity and hence more responsible towards our actions. What prevents this superior being to act sensibility with morality? Every other species on earth lives in harmony but humans. We are digging our own grave.
I strongly believe we have snatched their rights and freedom and living as if we are worth it. We are a species of uncivilized heartless rogues. Shame on us!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Glitzy Polls
"Amul baby" - new nick name given to Rahul G. This infantile humor is the outcome of the poll war that is being waged in few states.
It does not get nastier and dirtier than this. Polls in few states and the drama is for all of us to see. Those who have been tuning to these popular Tamil channels can understand what I am talking about. There is glitz, glamor and polls!
Tamil Nadu politics and the Tamil movie industry have been associated with each other from time immemorial. No other place in the world would boast movie stars becoming head of states, every other movie actor wanting a piece of the coveted chair - villains, comedians, support stars, television stars......
The eligibility to contest in election - the responsible position to serve the people is to be able to dance well, fight well and crack cheap jokes on screen. Any guy who crosses 50 movie mark is eligible to start his own political party; go on a rally for trivial issues and stand for election. Acting seems to the only qualification to contest in an election.
People are foolish, with short term memory. They believe what they see on screen as true and idolize the movie stars who don paint and dances on screen to make a living. People go to the extent of building temple to these stars. Political parties sought the service of these actors to glamorize and attract these innocent folks. If a candidate cannot speak for himself during canvassing but hide behind a glamorous actor who milks vote for this candidate; what capability one could expect from such candidates? Is it not that simple and straight forward. But people seem to be in their fantasy and fall for cine artists who mouth dialogues from their movies. Its impossible to think of it - what you see on TV. People throng just to get a glimpse of these actors and actresses without realizing that these movie stars would be laughing all the way to the bank.
If this one story; another ridiculous act that is doing the rounds is freebies - laptops, color TVs, cows, goats, ration.......what not? Are they ensuring to eradicate poverty this way? Its only giving rise to laziness and dependency. There was a recent report stating how Karnataka was facing shortage of laborers who generally hail from Tamil Nadu. These poor men have fled to their villages in search of these freebies the political parties are offering in the wake of election. Where are they getting the money from? Election funds? From whom? Or is it the taxpayer's money? Instead why not build free schools, hospitals and educate people.
People just dont seem to realize the scams these political parties have indulged in. One side they are being charge-sheeted and accountable and imprisoned; the other side they are confidently contesting in elections and holding massive rally (canvassing)fooling people around. The party in power in the Central is playing double games by supporting an octogenarian in one state and opposing against another octogenarian in neighboring state. What more evidence do we need for parties to adopt such double standards?
Fame, power and money are so addictive. Common man suffer unless they wake up.
It does not get nastier and dirtier than this. Polls in few states and the drama is for all of us to see. Those who have been tuning to these popular Tamil channels can understand what I am talking about. There is glitz, glamor and polls!
Tamil Nadu politics and the Tamil movie industry have been associated with each other from time immemorial. No other place in the world would boast movie stars becoming head of states, every other movie actor wanting a piece of the coveted chair - villains, comedians, support stars, television stars......
The eligibility to contest in election - the responsible position to serve the people is to be able to dance well, fight well and crack cheap jokes on screen. Any guy who crosses 50 movie mark is eligible to start his own political party; go on a rally for trivial issues and stand for election. Acting seems to the only qualification to contest in an election.
People are foolish, with short term memory. They believe what they see on screen as true and idolize the movie stars who don paint and dances on screen to make a living. People go to the extent of building temple to these stars. Political parties sought the service of these actors to glamorize and attract these innocent folks. If a candidate cannot speak for himself during canvassing but hide behind a glamorous actor who milks vote for this candidate; what capability one could expect from such candidates? Is it not that simple and straight forward. But people seem to be in their fantasy and fall for cine artists who mouth dialogues from their movies. Its impossible to think of it - what you see on TV. People throng just to get a glimpse of these actors and actresses without realizing that these movie stars would be laughing all the way to the bank.
If this one story; another ridiculous act that is doing the rounds is freebies - laptops, color TVs, cows, goats, ration.......what not? Are they ensuring to eradicate poverty this way? Its only giving rise to laziness and dependency. There was a recent report stating how Karnataka was facing shortage of laborers who generally hail from Tamil Nadu. These poor men have fled to their villages in search of these freebies the political parties are offering in the wake of election. Where are they getting the money from? Election funds? From whom? Or is it the taxpayer's money? Instead why not build free schools, hospitals and educate people.
People just dont seem to realize the scams these political parties have indulged in. One side they are being charge-sheeted and accountable and imprisoned; the other side they are confidently contesting in elections and holding massive rally (canvassing)fooling people around. The party in power in the Central is playing double games by supporting an octogenarian in one state and opposing against another octogenarian in neighboring state. What more evidence do we need for parties to adopt such double standards?
Fame, power and money are so addictive. Common man suffer unless they wake up.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Medical Ethics?
Hospital is one place where you and me would definitely don't want to bid farewell with a "See you again". The mere mention of it would surely give you a pang. The whiff around it; the sick people; the sober mood and the seriousness makes it eerie and fearful.
Few months ago, when I had to visit my doctor she greeted me with "Hey there, long time no see!" I was happy that she remembers me among hundreds of patients she consults everyday. But at the same time, a twitch and my mind asked "Is she actually asking you to visit the hospital quite often? Does that mean I must be sick quite often?"
I have always been uncomfortable with the idea of visiting hospital even when sick. I always thought they make my condition worse. The pungent odor of the phenol, the prickly injection, the serious look on the nurse's face while measuring your pulse, those bitter tablets; there is no one good reason to feel cheerful about the hospital.
Well, I had to go to the hospital to visit a relative of mine who has had a surgery. Walking in with laptop to the hospital was a bit awkward; the nurses were quick to figure out I was educated bit among the lots there. Being invited with painful faces and medicinal odor was what I was prepared for. As I was chatting with my relative, a nurse came by and placed the medical history report beside his bed for the doctor in visit.
I have a habit of picking up anything that has words and would start reading it. My inquisitive nature quickly grabbed the report and I was turning the pages to read the history. Prior to that; my relative showed me the MRI scan report and other miscellaneous stuffs. I was reading this report which seemed like a neatly and legibly written essay in a examination answer sheet. I was just appreciating the fact how "doctor's" writings have improved and is now readable when a nurse walked to me and said
Chechi, padikkanda. Doctor vazhakku parayum
The nurse requested me not to read the content as the doctor would scold them. I was perplexed. I did not argue with the lady or bother asking her anything further because I realized that it was not the staff's fault. She further went on to say that doctors don't approve even the nurse reading the report. I just smiled back at her and diligently closed the report and kept it aside; which she stealthy removed it from the bed and took it along with her; so that I do not prod again.
Why would the doctor stop anyone from reading the report. My relative mentioned that even he is not allowed to read it. What is so secretive about it that even the patient and his close relatives/guardians are not allowed to read it? Professional ethics? I doubt it. Trust the doctor. Yes we do, but why stop someone capable of reading and understanding a medical report.
Those few lines I could read of that one page summary were not difficult to comprehend at all. I dont believe it is at doctor's discretion. It somehow seems to me that such instructions might have come from the highest level - from management to doctors to nurses to support staff. Be it education organizations, hospitals, charity organization; they all seem to be driven purely for business reasons. It is sad and helpless situations for these support staff to kill their ethics and morality to cooperate with these money-minded sharks.
Exaggerate a sickness, recommend unwanted tests and charge exorbitantly. Another thing I noticed was each tests recommended to my relative was charged 20 times more just because his was a cashless hospitalization and his insurer would take care of it. This seems to be the norm off late. I once visited a clinic which also had a diagnostic lab. The physician was prescribing all kind of tests even for a mere high temperature. Not all are bad. I have had really good experience in terms of service and hospitality as well. But this business minded (dis)service is becoming a fad.
Someone has rightly come up with a concept in a medical insurance advertisement being aired off late. Better be rich if you want to get sick!
Few months ago, when I had to visit my doctor she greeted me with "Hey there, long time no see!" I was happy that she remembers me among hundreds of patients she consults everyday. But at the same time, a twitch and my mind asked "Is she actually asking you to visit the hospital quite often? Does that mean I must be sick quite often?"
I have always been uncomfortable with the idea of visiting hospital even when sick. I always thought they make my condition worse. The pungent odor of the phenol, the prickly injection, the serious look on the nurse's face while measuring your pulse, those bitter tablets; there is no one good reason to feel cheerful about the hospital.
Well, I had to go to the hospital to visit a relative of mine who has had a surgery. Walking in with laptop to the hospital was a bit awkward; the nurses were quick to figure out I was educated bit among the lots there. Being invited with painful faces and medicinal odor was what I was prepared for. As I was chatting with my relative, a nurse came by and placed the medical history report beside his bed for the doctor in visit.
I have a habit of picking up anything that has words and would start reading it. My inquisitive nature quickly grabbed the report and I was turning the pages to read the history. Prior to that; my relative showed me the MRI scan report and other miscellaneous stuffs. I was reading this report which seemed like a neatly and legibly written essay in a examination answer sheet. I was just appreciating the fact how "doctor's" writings have improved and is now readable when a nurse walked to me and said
Chechi, padikkanda. Doctor vazhakku parayum
The nurse requested me not to read the content as the doctor would scold them. I was perplexed. I did not argue with the lady or bother asking her anything further because I realized that it was not the staff's fault. She further went on to say that doctors don't approve even the nurse reading the report. I just smiled back at her and diligently closed the report and kept it aside; which she stealthy removed it from the bed and took it along with her; so that I do not prod again.
Why would the doctor stop anyone from reading the report. My relative mentioned that even he is not allowed to read it. What is so secretive about it that even the patient and his close relatives/guardians are not allowed to read it? Professional ethics? I doubt it. Trust the doctor. Yes we do, but why stop someone capable of reading and understanding a medical report.
Those few lines I could read of that one page summary were not difficult to comprehend at all. I dont believe it is at doctor's discretion. It somehow seems to me that such instructions might have come from the highest level - from management to doctors to nurses to support staff. Be it education organizations, hospitals, charity organization; they all seem to be driven purely for business reasons. It is sad and helpless situations for these support staff to kill their ethics and morality to cooperate with these money-minded sharks.
Exaggerate a sickness, recommend unwanted tests and charge exorbitantly. Another thing I noticed was each tests recommended to my relative was charged 20 times more just because his was a cashless hospitalization and his insurer would take care of it. This seems to be the norm off late. I once visited a clinic which also had a diagnostic lab. The physician was prescribing all kind of tests even for a mere high temperature. Not all are bad. I have had really good experience in terms of service and hospitality as well. But this business minded (dis)service is becoming a fad.
Someone has rightly come up with a concept in a medical insurance advertisement being aired off late. Better be rich if you want to get sick!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
FOR SALE! - God's blessings
I am a passive worshiper. When I say this, its that I believe I don't have to go to a temple to pray to God. I believe God is all around us, within each of us. God is omnipresent and omniscient. I don't even give a form to the spiritual being, that's why I cant say if God is a HE or a SHE. Another belief of mine that has welcomed criticism and disapproval especially from my mom is that when I say God knows what my needs are, so I wont ask for it while praying. My prayer are just thanks to God for what I have been bestowed upon, what I would be bestowed, for giving me beautiful people and this beautiful world.. God knows best, why ask, just thank. It has not been easy for me coming from a traditional family, my mom doesn't approve my ideas even a bit.
Yeah, but there are few unavoidable situations/pressure from elders when I have to go to temple to appease the Gods :-) Its not that I don't like going to temples; in fact I really like that peace one gets; what I dont like is the experience with people. Yes, the drama and the business put forth by the priests and the sevaks.
Its really disheartening to see Gods as mere exhibits to milk money from the devotees. I have either experienced it or witnessed it each time I have visited the temple. Right from the special darshans, VVIP queues; the funda seems to simple. More the money, sooner the God's darshan. More the money, more blessings, more closer proximity to the diety, more longer time you can spend chanting hymns.
So, does it all boil down to money? Is God only for those who have money? It would seem too hard to believe when I say that nowadays temple management have professionally qualified MBA gurus to set up strategy for earning. Few months back, I visited a famous temple and opted to donate a meager sum of money to sponsor lunch for 2 kids for an entire year. The sevak who doubled up as marketing and sales consultant was trying to sell me a 'package' where I could gain closer access to the main deity of the temple, chant hymns as long as I wanted on one day every week, savor tasty prasads, gain backdoor entry, closer access to the deity and get special VIP invitations on festivals and special puja days in addition to sponsoring lunch for 2 kids for a year. All this, hold your breath fellas, for 25000/- ONLY
It took me too much of an effort to explain to that gentleman that my main intention was sponsoring the lunch and nothing more. I had to firmly tell him that I have no interest in getting special invitations or gain any special status. Is he asking me to buy God's blessing for 25000/- per year?
At another temple, right after the pooja, a priest came by with the aarthi and as tradition goes, I dropped Rs.10 in the plate. It seems that it was another priest's turn to carry the aarthi plate. So now, he lost his 'earnings' to this guy who had his turn already. To the shock and dismay of the devotees, this guy started blaming him and the other shot back and later these 2 guys started yelling at each other. Priests yelling at each other in the sanctum sanctorum. How do you expect devotion?
Not to forget the fees for numerous darshans, offerings, miraculous wishing ponds, strategically placed donation boxes and cups and yeah! a poor helpless elephant which begs!
I tried lot, but I cannot comprehend why the level of accessibility to God depends on how much money I can spend. Anyone of you have any idea?
Yeah, but there are few unavoidable situations/pressure from elders when I have to go to temple to appease the Gods :-) Its not that I don't like going to temples; in fact I really like that peace one gets; what I dont like is the experience with people. Yes, the drama and the business put forth by the priests and the sevaks.
Its really disheartening to see Gods as mere exhibits to milk money from the devotees. I have either experienced it or witnessed it each time I have visited the temple. Right from the special darshans, VVIP queues; the funda seems to simple. More the money, sooner the God's darshan. More the money, more blessings, more closer proximity to the diety, more longer time you can spend chanting hymns.
So, does it all boil down to money? Is God only for those who have money? It would seem too hard to believe when I say that nowadays temple management have professionally qualified MBA gurus to set up strategy for earning. Few months back, I visited a famous temple and opted to donate a meager sum of money to sponsor lunch for 2 kids for an entire year. The sevak who doubled up as marketing and sales consultant was trying to sell me a 'package' where I could gain closer access to the main deity of the temple, chant hymns as long as I wanted on one day every week, savor tasty prasads, gain backdoor entry, closer access to the deity and get special VIP invitations on festivals and special puja days in addition to sponsoring lunch for 2 kids for a year. All this, hold your breath fellas, for 25000/- ONLY
It took me too much of an effort to explain to that gentleman that my main intention was sponsoring the lunch and nothing more. I had to firmly tell him that I have no interest in getting special invitations or gain any special status. Is he asking me to buy God's blessing for 25000/- per year?
At another temple, right after the pooja, a priest came by with the aarthi and as tradition goes, I dropped Rs.10 in the plate. It seems that it was another priest's turn to carry the aarthi plate. So now, he lost his 'earnings' to this guy who had his turn already. To the shock and dismay of the devotees, this guy started blaming him and the other shot back and later these 2 guys started yelling at each other. Priests yelling at each other in the sanctum sanctorum. How do you expect devotion?
Not to forget the fees for numerous darshans, offerings, miraculous wishing ponds, strategically placed donation boxes and cups and yeah! a poor helpless elephant which begs!
I tried lot, but I cannot comprehend why the level of accessibility to God depends on how much money I can spend. Anyone of you have any idea?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Compliment Please
"Compliments. Give us some compliment"
This is the usual hullabaloo in any store after the final billing and packing of the things bought. Its the colloquial word for "complimentary gifts".
This concept might not be native to India, but the way the gifts are demanded is. :-) Generally, complimentary gifts and take-aways are given off in stores as a token of appreciation for the business and also that customer loyalty remains. But we here take it to a different level, anything FREE is not spared; even be it consuming acid if its available for free :-P
Its our constitutional right to demand 'compliments'; whether they are being given or not. And to think of the manner in which people demand it, its somehow incomprehensible to me. I mean, you shell out thousands of rupees to buy a diamond necklace; get some discount after much persistence and everything is done. Now after the billing, you fight with the sales person about the choice of your compliment.
"Such a small purse? I need that bag. Why dont you give? I bought a lakh worth of jewelry!!" - you can hear such grumble. At that precise moment, the diamond necklace is so trivial in value compared to that bag that the salesman is refusing to give as a compliment.
Buy a washing machine and fight for complimentary washing powder, buy a sleek smart phone and fight for complimentary free talk time.....
We fight tooth and nail unless we get the 'compliments' we want. We forget where we are, who is looking at us, whats the circumstances. Well, I just caught myself on time yesterday trying to fish for a compliment at a store. I paused, looked around and saw people staring at me; for the way I was close to fighting,
This post is the result of self-realization and got me thinking.
How about complimentary gift at a dentist - "Buy a service of filling one tooth and get a complimentary gift of getting a healthy tooth pulled out. Our complimentary package does not include anesthesia"
Complimentary gift in a salon - "Pay for trimming beard and get a complimentary gift of tonsuring head"
Complimentary gift at a cold storage store - "Buy 1 kg of chicken and get 1 egg free"
Complimentary package with a lawyer - "Take counseling service and get service for divorce as complimentary"
Complimentary with a software product - "Buy our latest technology and get bugs free"
All that we are concerned is the 'compliment'. But any takers for the above?
This is the usual hullabaloo in any store after the final billing and packing of the things bought. Its the colloquial word for "complimentary gifts".
This concept might not be native to India, but the way the gifts are demanded is. :-) Generally, complimentary gifts and take-aways are given off in stores as a token of appreciation for the business and also that customer loyalty remains. But we here take it to a different level, anything FREE is not spared; even be it consuming acid if its available for free :-P
Its our constitutional right to demand 'compliments'; whether they are being given or not. And to think of the manner in which people demand it, its somehow incomprehensible to me. I mean, you shell out thousands of rupees to buy a diamond necklace; get some discount after much persistence and everything is done. Now after the billing, you fight with the sales person about the choice of your compliment.
"Such a small purse? I need that bag. Why dont you give? I bought a lakh worth of jewelry!!" - you can hear such grumble. At that precise moment, the diamond necklace is so trivial in value compared to that bag that the salesman is refusing to give as a compliment.
Buy a washing machine and fight for complimentary washing powder, buy a sleek smart phone and fight for complimentary free talk time.....
We fight tooth and nail unless we get the 'compliments' we want. We forget where we are, who is looking at us, whats the circumstances. Well, I just caught myself on time yesterday trying to fish for a compliment at a store. I paused, looked around and saw people staring at me; for the way I was close to fighting,
This post is the result of self-realization and got me thinking.
How about complimentary gift at a dentist - "Buy a service of filling one tooth and get a complimentary gift of getting a healthy tooth pulled out. Our complimentary package does not include anesthesia"
Complimentary gift in a salon - "Pay for trimming beard and get a complimentary gift of tonsuring head"
Complimentary gift at a cold storage store - "Buy 1 kg of chicken and get 1 egg free"
Complimentary package with a lawyer - "Take counseling service and get service for divorce as complimentary"
Complimentary with a software product - "Buy our latest technology and get bugs free"
All that we are concerned is the 'compliment'. But any takers for the above?
Thursday, July 22, 2010
What is REAL?
How far can we go to seek entertainment? Scoops, sensations, undercover operations, gossips, controversies, reality shows.....
All these and more to satisfy disloyal audience who could change their loyalty more quicker than our politicians changing their parties, and to increase the TRPs of television channels.
There is absolutely no reality in the reality television, except for the name. The dialogues, the moves, the actions every bit is planned, designed and orchestrated as if they were impulsive and natural. Tapping the fact that human nature being curious to something illegal or unsocial or sinful like extra-marital issues, sex, love, treachery; these shows go on to create nationwide sensation.
They preach wrong ideals, are fiercely competitive, those who can survive the competition by hook or by crook are the winners; and what they claim is the act of survival; self help and sheer boldness. Does calling names, using cuss words, bitching, seemingly voyeuristic advances etc qualify for boldness? It is to such an extent that the participant tends to forget the real self.
These participants are mere commodities who just want 15 minutes of fame and little money. Its tragic that they lose their identity forever and later are in pangs trying to identify their original self. The extreme pressure to perform outstandingly good, competition with the best, the consciousness of being seen live by millions of people and the constant appraisals and criticisms by the judges in the name of advice and suggestions - all these take a toll.
But the most pathetic tragedy in these reality shows are employing kids. The kids have no idea of what is being asked from them. They are not aware what a pelvic thrust they do in the name of dance would suggest. Little girls as paired with adults and are expected to dance in a sensuous and provocative manner. The clothes and gestures are inappropriate, total mismatch to these kids age. They are made to use filthy languages and behave offensively. Boys as young as 3 years are made to mouth lengthy dialogues and made to mimicry film artistes. Parents want to show that their kids are smart. What would these kids know? Why are they subjected to such torture? Is anyone bothered about the impact in the long run? Does anyone realize that this trauma can leave a scar and make these kids doubt their ability forever and lower their self confidence?
They are trained to perform and they become just performing creatures with manufactured antics, they are trained to look provocatively at the camera, they are trained to talk sensuous, they are trained to walk, to laugh, to see......they go about their trained rituals as if it were natural. They have so much pressure to succeed, else they have to carry the guilt of letting down their parents, friends and mentor and losing their respect and prestige.
Its a disaster, the participants suffer from harsh realities of grueling routines, constant verdicts from judges, expectations and fear of losing. This is REAL and is tragic.
All these and more to satisfy disloyal audience who could change their loyalty more quicker than our politicians changing their parties, and to increase the TRPs of television channels.
There is absolutely no reality in the reality television, except for the name. The dialogues, the moves, the actions every bit is planned, designed and orchestrated as if they were impulsive and natural. Tapping the fact that human nature being curious to something illegal or unsocial or sinful like extra-marital issues, sex, love, treachery; these shows go on to create nationwide sensation.
They preach wrong ideals, are fiercely competitive, those who can survive the competition by hook or by crook are the winners; and what they claim is the act of survival; self help and sheer boldness. Does calling names, using cuss words, bitching, seemingly voyeuristic advances etc qualify for boldness? It is to such an extent that the participant tends to forget the real self.
These participants are mere commodities who just want 15 minutes of fame and little money. Its tragic that they lose their identity forever and later are in pangs trying to identify their original self. The extreme pressure to perform outstandingly good, competition with the best, the consciousness of being seen live by millions of people and the constant appraisals and criticisms by the judges in the name of advice and suggestions - all these take a toll.
But the most pathetic tragedy in these reality shows are employing kids. The kids have no idea of what is being asked from them. They are not aware what a pelvic thrust they do in the name of dance would suggest. Little girls as paired with adults and are expected to dance in a sensuous and provocative manner. The clothes and gestures are inappropriate, total mismatch to these kids age. They are made to use filthy languages and behave offensively. Boys as young as 3 years are made to mouth lengthy dialogues and made to mimicry film artistes. Parents want to show that their kids are smart. What would these kids know? Why are they subjected to such torture? Is anyone bothered about the impact in the long run? Does anyone realize that this trauma can leave a scar and make these kids doubt their ability forever and lower their self confidence?
They are trained to perform and they become just performing creatures with manufactured antics, they are trained to look provocatively at the camera, they are trained to talk sensuous, they are trained to walk, to laugh, to see......they go about their trained rituals as if it were natural. They have so much pressure to succeed, else they have to carry the guilt of letting down their parents, friends and mentor and losing their respect and prestige.
Its a disaster, the participants suffer from harsh realities of grueling routines, constant verdicts from judges, expectations and fear of losing. This is REAL and is tragic.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Tring Tring
When was the last time you heard a TRING TRING.....
Tring...Tring....old fashioned bulky telephone's ring tone. No...just like your unique hair style, attire, your style, ring tones are unique and defines your personality. Now its as unique as your signature and expresses your personality.
Well, why not? Isn't your cell phone indispensable and intricate part of our life, which actually shows who you are. Are you a geek? A choooo-chweet girlie girlie kind? A moron? Whatever, it freaks you out, brings a smile on your your face, makes you hide your face under your pillow....however they are inseparable...the notes of high and lows...music...The Ring tones and the caller tones.
My observations again, heard a wide range of ring tones, few feeble and soft, few jarring and loud, few sing-a-song manner, few animal cries and few abuses. :-)
Few species that stand out. First things first. I cant wait myself.
The GIRLE tones
Awwww.....chooooooo chweeet....chhhhoooooo cute, sweetie pie kinda tones. Babies laughing, or a 'I am a little tea pot....short and stout' rhyme. Girls find it awesome, excuse me but its AWW-SOME. Would anyone ask them to PLEASE GROW UP!!!
The all-time BHAKTI/Spiritual tones
Few folks would always be surrounded by GOD, hymns, singing in his praise. You call one such phone and it goes
Om Jaye Jagdish Hare, Swami Jaye Jagdish Hare
Bhagt Jano Ke Sankat, Khshan Mein Dur Kare ...
Boy!! And what happens? You forgot the purpose of your call and dive into spirituality and start singing HIS praise along.
The PETA tones
These are the tones an avid animal lover has as his ring tone. Dog barking, donkey braying, cock crowing are the most famous ones. Either you like animals or that you consider you as one among the species your ring tone has :-P But the low side is that you might actually mistake your ring tone that really the animal is crying and end up missing the calls. If it were your spouse who had been constatnly calling you..........GOD save you.
The WACKY tones
These are the metal heads' choices. Loud jarring pop, rap, metal. Imagine sitting in a meeting and one such person gets a phone call. You would want to stop the discussions right there, let your hair down and start banging your head to the tone of heavy guitars and drums :-)
The FREAKY tones
A Mogambo type 'Huuuuaaaaaahhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa" wicked laugh, Windows banging sort 'dapa tab...dapa tab.....dapadapa tab.....". A women shrieking "Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh", or a door opening "crrreeeeaaaaaaakk......crrreeeeaaaaaaaaaaaakkkk" followed by a "wwwhhhhhhhhhhooooossshhhh"
If not for anyone else, you are gonna wet your pants one day for sure with these tones.
The FILMY song tones
"Volume kam kar....Papa jag jaayega"......or
"Tan ta daaaaaann....aaja aaja dil nichode, raat ki matki tode..........."
or the melodious "Khuda Jaane ke....Mein fida hoon.....khuda jaane ke....mein mit gaya......"
can instantly tell you that the person is a movie maniac and is an updated movie database.
The Drama tones
"Kitne Aadmi The....." Gabbar Singh questioning.......and it continues.
"mere pas aaj bangla hai....gaadi hai....bank balance hai....tumhare pas kya hai"............kinda ones.
Are you in mood for some drama and tamasha, well go ahead!!
The BOOSTER tones
These kind are not particularly of any rap, pop or metal. But it somehow boosts up the ego of the person whenever he/she receives a call. With ring tones set as the Mission Impossible theme music or the James Bond theme music, energy level peps up sooner than imagined.
The REGULAR tones
Last but not the least, the ever green regular and old fashioned TRING-TRING or the TURAAAN-TURAAAN ones.
Folks having these as tones don't want to join the bandwagon or happy with the TRING-TRING so much so that their latest iPhone would have TRING-TRING as the ring tone.
Do you folks have any more types to add? Welcome :-)
Monday, April 26, 2010
My world?
In my post Its fine...You Nut!!, i had asked 2 questions....
Have you tried unlocking your house door by showing or swiping your badge and wonder why the door has not opened?
Were you trying to increase the TV volume with your cell phone?
Most of us proudly proclaimed that we did it and that we ARE nuts. But reiterating on the same, are these to be dismissed off as an aberration? Isn't it that it needs some thought?
One could say, What big deal? I was just pre-occupied or engrossed in some thoughts. Even so, isnt that your first instinct relies on technology? At the switch of a button, your AC is turned on, at the swipe of a card; money at your disposal. Don't you feel empowered?
You don't have to walk to the switchboard to control the AC, you don't have to run to the bank, wait in queue to withdraw money. Your favorite songs are all loaded into your ipod. Your contacts are all at the flick of your finger tips, imagine jotting them down in a diary and carrying that book around everywhere you went.
You have created a virtual world around you. If you have a problem, tweet it and just watch how many advices, support and sympathies you get. So many virtual shoulders to cry on huh!....If you feel alone, just pick your phone, choose, call and connect.Technology lets you keep connected emotionally and mentally with one another, empowerment.
But is it really what it sounds? Are your online friends really friends? Do you really get peace of mind after sharing your sorrows online with a virtual entity. Are those smileys real emotions? Are we not creating a distance with those physically present around us? How awkward it is to be frowning at your spouse but smiling at your laptop!!!!! Is it not weird?
You get irritated when the door bell rings, but you are glad when your cell phone rings. You wait for those calls which never come, keep looking for the messages that was never sent. We create our own little kingdoms, keeping the friends we need, play the games I want....in silos. You are glad when your online friend sends a message but peeved when your spouse wants to have a chat with you.
So while you tweet, your spouse scraps. Instead of sharing the thoughts with each other, its tweeted and scrapped!!!
But when its a hassle to keep away people who are physically with you, isn't it just a click of a button to shoo away those who are part of your virtual world? No expectations, no complaints. Click away your relationship :-P
Have you tried unlocking your house door by showing or swiping your badge and wonder why the door has not opened?
Were you trying to increase the TV volume with your cell phone?
Most of us proudly proclaimed that we did it and that we ARE nuts. But reiterating on the same, are these to be dismissed off as an aberration? Isn't it that it needs some thought?
One could say, What big deal? I was just pre-occupied or engrossed in some thoughts. Even so, isnt that your first instinct relies on technology? At the switch of a button, your AC is turned on, at the swipe of a card; money at your disposal. Don't you feel empowered?
You don't have to walk to the switchboard to control the AC, you don't have to run to the bank, wait in queue to withdraw money. Your favorite songs are all loaded into your ipod. Your contacts are all at the flick of your finger tips, imagine jotting them down in a diary and carrying that book around everywhere you went.
You have created a virtual world around you. If you have a problem, tweet it and just watch how many advices, support and sympathies you get. So many virtual shoulders to cry on huh!....If you feel alone, just pick your phone, choose, call and connect.Technology lets you keep connected emotionally and mentally with one another, empowerment.
But is it really what it sounds? Are your online friends really friends? Do you really get peace of mind after sharing your sorrows online with a virtual entity. Are those smileys real emotions? Are we not creating a distance with those physically present around us? How awkward it is to be frowning at your spouse but smiling at your laptop!!!!! Is it not weird?
You get irritated when the door bell rings, but you are glad when your cell phone rings. You wait for those calls which never come, keep looking for the messages that was never sent. We create our own little kingdoms, keeping the friends we need, play the games I want....in silos. You are glad when your online friend sends a message but peeved when your spouse wants to have a chat with you.
So while you tweet, your spouse scraps. Instead of sharing the thoughts with each other, its tweeted and scrapped!!!
But when its a hassle to keep away people who are physically with you, isn't it just a click of a button to shoo away those who are part of your virtual world? No expectations, no complaints. Click away your relationship :-P
Sunday, February 14, 2010
You Poor? How lucky!!!
Sometime last week, there was one more report about Indians being targeted in Australia. That's no news!! I know!! I am up to date Ladies and Gentlemen!!. What caused an uproar was because of one Mr Overland, the Chief of Police, Victoria. His advice to the great Indian diaspora caused quite an uproar among Indians in Australia. He asked the Indian students to 'look poor'. No display of gadgets, no jewelery, try looking as poor as one can. To deter attacks, transform yourself to tramps and beggars!!
Whats the big deal? Common!! why take the man's statements wrong? Don't you all know being poor is the new hip thing around town nowadays? Just look around you. It is cool to be poor!! Everyone is endorsing it. Wealth and poverty are not the same as you think, anymore.
A friend of mine invested around 10000 INR in a bicycle; to commute to work. The humble bicycle once used by postmen and milkmen is being used by CEOs and elite rich to commute. My milkmen has got a cool 120 cc motorcycle now!!
With our politicians chanting 'austerity' as their new mantra, trains and buses have become their favorite mode of transport. And if they fly, its the 'cattle class'...ooops!!! I mean the economy class.
And yes, does anyone remember cotton or khadi being a symbol of working class? Just go try buying a pure cotton dress. I bet you can't measure how big it makes a hole in your pocket. And yeah, not to forget the extra money you need to splurge to maintain the cloth. It costs Rs 25 to wash, starch and iron a cotton Saree!! Its better to leave cotton alone for the rich!
And how does a millionaire want his house to be? House made of bamboo, thatched roof....Nah!! not such houses where the ceiling would look if it pours!! With cooking utensils being earthen wares, made of clay! Don't believe me? Walk into a posh high-end restaurant and see what they serve the food in. The earthy earthen utensils, which are cheap to afford; have been transformed as a substance of sophistication and projected as an affectation.
My grandma had large collection of brass and copper vessels which she used to cook. Off late, I don't see them being used by any poor folks, but is a display which decorates designer homes and bathrooms! They are sold at exorbitant prices as antiques.
And the food? Gruel; the humble food made with coarse grains only; staple food of the poorer folks are the staple health food of the rich and the swanky. Unpolished rice, grains, cereals.....are all packed in glamorous packets and sold in super markets as health food.
Image from www.catskillarchive.com/rrextra/tramps.Html
Hmmm....so all typical characteristics of poverty has become a symbol of status and suave for the elite. So are you not lucky if you are poor? Think!!
Whats the big deal? Common!! why take the man's statements wrong? Don't you all know being poor is the new hip thing around town nowadays? Just look around you. It is cool to be poor!! Everyone is endorsing it. Wealth and poverty are not the same as you think, anymore.
A friend of mine invested around 10000 INR in a bicycle; to commute to work. The humble bicycle once used by postmen and milkmen is being used by CEOs and elite rich to commute. My milkmen has got a cool 120 cc motorcycle now!!
With our politicians chanting 'austerity' as their new mantra, trains and buses have become their favorite mode of transport. And if they fly, its the 'cattle class'...ooops!!! I mean the economy class.
And yes, does anyone remember cotton or khadi being a symbol of working class? Just go try buying a pure cotton dress. I bet you can't measure how big it makes a hole in your pocket. And yeah, not to forget the extra money you need to splurge to maintain the cloth. It costs Rs 25 to wash, starch and iron a cotton Saree!! Its better to leave cotton alone for the rich!
And how does a millionaire want his house to be? House made of bamboo, thatched roof....Nah!! not such houses where the ceiling would look if it pours!! With cooking utensils being earthen wares, made of clay! Don't believe me? Walk into a posh high-end restaurant and see what they serve the food in. The earthy earthen utensils, which are cheap to afford; have been transformed as a substance of sophistication and projected as an affectation.
My grandma had large collection of brass and copper vessels which she used to cook. Off late, I don't see them being used by any poor folks, but is a display which decorates designer homes and bathrooms! They are sold at exorbitant prices as antiques.
And the food? Gruel; the humble food made with coarse grains only; staple food of the poorer folks are the staple health food of the rich and the swanky. Unpolished rice, grains, cereals.....are all packed in glamorous packets and sold in super markets as health food.
Image from www.catskillarchive.com/Hmmm....so all typical characteristics of poverty has become a symbol of status and suave for the elite. So are you not lucky if you are poor? Think!!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Freedom!!
Happy Independence Day to Ya All Ladies and Gentlemen.
Hope each of us did think about our forefathers who struggled for independence, sang a couple of patriotic songs, watched some patriotic stuff on TVs which compete for TRPs, attended flag hoisting ceremony and ate sweets!!!
I was going to my office the day before yesterday. At a traffic signal, a shabbily dressed, hairs ruffled, cute kid aged about 4 came to me. She was carrying a board with the about 20 tricolor brooches pinned to them and a bundle of plastic tricolor flags; coaxing me to buy. She was so young that she was not even able to talk properly. She told the flag just cost 3 Rs in her innocent baby talk. I started a conversation with her. I tried Hindi and then Kannada.
"Don't you go to school?"
"Yes, I do"
"Are you not going to school today?"
"Its a holiday" (It was Thursday and there were no school holidays. I doubt if she ever saw a school)
I searched for some coins in my bag and gave her 4 Rs and bought a flag. She didn't seem to know math good enough to know she has to return me a rupee. The auto rickshaw driver asked her how much was it? Was it not Rs 2? She told it was 3 Rs. He asked for the change. I said it was OK and let her have it. And asked her -
"Do you know what this flag is?"
She was clueless and kept looking at me. The signal was about to clear and I told her to go. The flag is adorning my cubicle at office.
The parents of that girl have sent her to sell the goodies on the heavily crowded road knowing the psychology of people well. They would of course buy from that cute little girl. The girl was tender, her speech not developed well enough for her to sell things!!
We have attained independence. But have we really?
Hope each of us did think about our forefathers who struggled for independence, sang a couple of patriotic songs, watched some patriotic stuff on TVs which compete for TRPs, attended flag hoisting ceremony and ate sweets!!!
I was going to my office the day before yesterday. At a traffic signal, a shabbily dressed, hairs ruffled, cute kid aged about 4 came to me. She was carrying a board with the about 20 tricolor brooches pinned to them and a bundle of plastic tricolor flags; coaxing me to buy. She was so young that she was not even able to talk properly. She told the flag just cost 3 Rs in her innocent baby talk. I started a conversation with her. I tried Hindi and then Kannada.
"Don't you go to school?"
"Yes, I do"
"Are you not going to school today?"
"Its a holiday" (It was Thursday and there were no school holidays. I doubt if she ever saw a school)
I searched for some coins in my bag and gave her 4 Rs and bought a flag. She didn't seem to know math good enough to know she has to return me a rupee. The auto rickshaw driver asked her how much was it? Was it not Rs 2? She told it was 3 Rs. He asked for the change. I said it was OK and let her have it. And asked her -
"Do you know what this flag is?"
She was clueless and kept looking at me. The signal was about to clear and I told her to go. The flag is adorning my cubicle at office.
The parents of that girl have sent her to sell the goodies on the heavily crowded road knowing the psychology of people well. They would of course buy from that cute little girl. The girl was tender, her speech not developed well enough for her to sell things!!
We have attained independence. But have we really?
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