Sunday, September 11, 2011
Anubavangal: Jokesum Feedbackum
Anubavangal: Jokesum Feedbackum: ஒரு புத்தகம் படித்தேன் - பீட்பாக் (feedback) பற்றி. எப்படி ஒருத்தரைப்பற்றி கருத்துக்கொடுக்க வேண்டும், அதை எப்படி ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்று...
Friday, September 9, 2011
Paranormal
Energy balls, ghost, spirits... they don't always feature in my conversations, but sometimes they are fascinating topics. There are people who vouch for their presence. My mother-in-law told me years ago that she can sense suddenly something crossing her, but it has never bothered her. Then last week, my sister-in-law said the same thing. A friend has mentioned that she can feel their presence sometimes.
The worst was when my maid suddenly mentioned a death that had happened in one of my neighbouring flats. "There was an old man in that house. He died. Sometimes when I enter that room, I can see him sitting out there."
Then they talked of the house below mine. "My daughter was working there when suddenly she fell on the floor and her eyes started moving up. I called out to her, but she answered in a different voice."
I swallowed. I neither believe nor disbelieve. But sometimes, too much of such conversation can have my imagination galloping. Seeing my face, my maid assured me, "No no. Your house is clean. No spirits here."
I herded the mother and daughter duo out. I was happier not thinking about the presence or absence of spirits in the house.
The worst was when my maid suddenly mentioned a death that had happened in one of my neighbouring flats. "There was an old man in that house. He died. Sometimes when I enter that room, I can see him sitting out there."
Then they talked of the house below mine. "My daughter was working there when suddenly she fell on the floor and her eyes started moving up. I called out to her, but she answered in a different voice."
I swallowed. I neither believe nor disbelieve. But sometimes, too much of such conversation can have my imagination galloping. Seeing my face, my maid assured me, "No no. Your house is clean. No spirits here."
I herded the mother and daughter duo out. I was happier not thinking about the presence or absence of spirits in the house.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Anubavangal: Nizhal
Anubavangal: Nizhal: நேற்று ஒரு நடுத்தர வயதான தம்பதியரை சந்திக்கச்சென்றிருந்தேன். அவர்களுடன் பெசிக்கொண்டிருந்தப்போழுது சில பழைய நினைவுகளை அவர்கள் பகிர்ந்துக்கொண்...
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Mind Filter
It is strange,
The mind,
How it filters out
the unpleasant.
Remembering only
all that is best.
The past,
when it was
the present
Didn't it have,
of downs and ups,
its own share?
The future
which is
the present
throws a light
making the past
glowing and bright.
The songs one heard
The jokes one shared
The friends one had
Fights and struggles
Remembered only as
Wonderful days of the past.
The mind,
How it filters out
the unpleasant.
Remembering only
all that is best.
The past,
when it was
the present
Didn't it have,
of downs and ups,
its own share?
The future
which is
the present
throws a light
making the past
glowing and bright.
The songs one heard
The jokes one shared
The friends one had
Fights and struggles
Remembered only as
Wonderful days of the past.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Anubavangal: Agatthin Azhagu
Anubavangal: Agatthin Azhagu: அவன் நடந்து வரும்பொழுதே ஒரு தனி கம்பீரம் தெரிந்தது. தன்னையும் அறியாமல் அவள் மனம் அவனிடம் ஈர்ந்தது. காட்டிக்கொள்ள கூடாதென்று அவள் தன் குரலை க...
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Throwing Baby with the Bathwater
A year ago, when I was doing the book on Tiruvannamalai, I met weavers from Aarani, a place famous for silk. The chief weaver's wife proudly told us that her children were studying for engineering. Most of the next generation is now moving away from weaving. Who will carry the tradition forward, I asked. "Those who can't study, will," she said smiling.
I have heard of the Kanchipuram weavers struggling but never given it much thought.
In a recent interview with a leading textile shop owner, he mentioned a few things. The art of making Madurai sungudi is completely lost. "Earlier, women would do the tie and die during leisure time. But now, with TV taking up all that time, no one has the time to spend on this. Now what you find is only block prints."
He mentioned that the present day weavers could not produce very fine cotton weaves. Then he leaned forward and said confidentially, "Education for children is important. But in earlier days, the entire family would be involved in weaving. The children would learn from their fathers from a young age, helping them with small jobs then graduating to bigger ones. It was a way to build knowledge base and learn the nuances of the weaving skill. Today, that is getting lost."
It set me thinking. And then, another conversation with another weaver, and I am really wondering. This man has been weaving for the last 30 years. He says, "The government does not support weaving the way it does agriculture. As a result, we earn very less, and pay very high interest rates. We are unable to innovate or improve our equipment and techniques. People left this trade in the 90s and now don't want to come back because they earn better in the construction industries. Those who remained are those who know no other skills."
I remember another man I spoke to, who had pointed out that slums get created when local industries fail and people migrate to cities hoping to find livelihoods. Mr. Kughanathan of Geocare, who said this, has tried to identify local resources to provide alternative livelihoods in their own native villages.
My two bits on this. Basic education is important. But again, does one size fit all? Are all the engineers productively occupied today? Is it necessary to provide fodder to the engineering and professional colleges by making traditional industries look unattractive and old fashioned? If they are given access to the same facilities and standard of living, will they look out for other professions? Isn't dignity of labour to be valued? Isn't it important to make rural areas as attractive as the cities to live in?
Or, is it asking for too much?
I have heard of the Kanchipuram weavers struggling but never given it much thought.
In a recent interview with a leading textile shop owner, he mentioned a few things. The art of making Madurai sungudi is completely lost. "Earlier, women would do the tie and die during leisure time. But now, with TV taking up all that time, no one has the time to spend on this. Now what you find is only block prints."
He mentioned that the present day weavers could not produce very fine cotton weaves. Then he leaned forward and said confidentially, "Education for children is important. But in earlier days, the entire family would be involved in weaving. The children would learn from their fathers from a young age, helping them with small jobs then graduating to bigger ones. It was a way to build knowledge base and learn the nuances of the weaving skill. Today, that is getting lost."
It set me thinking. And then, another conversation with another weaver, and I am really wondering. This man has been weaving for the last 30 years. He says, "The government does not support weaving the way it does agriculture. As a result, we earn very less, and pay very high interest rates. We are unable to innovate or improve our equipment and techniques. People left this trade in the 90s and now don't want to come back because they earn better in the construction industries. Those who remained are those who know no other skills."
I remember another man I spoke to, who had pointed out that slums get created when local industries fail and people migrate to cities hoping to find livelihoods. Mr. Kughanathan of Geocare, who said this, has tried to identify local resources to provide alternative livelihoods in their own native villages.
My two bits on this. Basic education is important. But again, does one size fit all? Are all the engineers productively occupied today? Is it necessary to provide fodder to the engineering and professional colleges by making traditional industries look unattractive and old fashioned? If they are given access to the same facilities and standard of living, will they look out for other professions? Isn't dignity of labour to be valued? Isn't it important to make rural areas as attractive as the cities to live in?
Or, is it asking for too much?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Anubavangal: சுயகவுரவம் - Self Respect
Anubavangal: சுயகவுரவம் - Self Respect: "என்னால் இன்னிக்கு ஒன்ன ஆபீஸ்ல விட முடியாது," ரவி சொன்னான். "ஏன்?" மாலதி கேட்டாள். "மீட்டிங் இருக்கிறது, நுங்கம்பாக்கத்தில்," என்றான். "ஒங...
A Humane Cop Tale
I have been off thrillers for a while. They are nearly as fantastic as fantasy tales. The "never-make-a-mistake-except-to-take-story-forward" strategy bores me to death. The gore can be a put off too.
I picked a book by Ian Rankin - The Complaints. This was my first book by the author and for some reason I missed the "Number One Bestseller" on top - a sure sign that it probably wasn't. Then the summary behind also didn't tune me in to the fact it was a cop story and so a series of lucky breaks that pass off for brilliance.
As I do with all books, I decided to give it a chance. And I was hooked. Mainly because, the cop is a human being - surprise, surprise! He has a family - a father and a sister, and he is not lucky with women - unlike our thriller heroes who only have to look and have women falling at their feet. There is a setting, the good and the bad and the shades of gray. The hero is caught on backfoot, and he fumbles through. Of course, lucky breaks are a must but he is almost always caught on the wrong.
The overall story is told very interestingly. Of course, for a second, I also mistook this to be the original for the Old Fox series, since the cop is called Fox. But that is a German series, apparently.
Overall, my thumbs up for this one. Maybe I will read another of his.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Anubavangal: Vaakjaalam - The Word Trap
Anubavangal: Vaakjaalam - The Word Trap: என் மகள் தமிழ் படித்து முடிப்பதற்குள் எனக்கே தமிழ் மறந்து போய் விடும் போல இருக்கிறது. எழுத்துக்கூட்டி படித்தாலும், அந்த வார்த்தைகளே என்ன என்...
Old and New Bonds
My belief is that after a particular age, as we become involved in our professional life, and establish a relationship with our spouse and his/her family, old relationships start taking a backseat. We seldom have the time, even if the inclination is there, to keep up with old bonds. We make acquaintances but rarely friends. In the initial honeymoon period of our marriage and ascending career, this is all that we can manage, and the rest of the world seems redundant.
But as time goes, the new spouse becomes the familiar other half, we are suddenly left with some vacuum within us. Professional growth may be smooth, or may not be. Personal life may have become routine stuff. We discover that however close, there are somethings that a spouse can understand only so much.
And then we feel the need for friends - to let our hair down, to put our feet up, to chill, to pour out, or listen to stories other than our own.
Social media is a blessing in helping reconnect. But even then, no one can take the place of the people we grew up with - be it siblings or friends, and hearing their voices or seeing their faces.
Today is neither Friendship Day, nor Brother/Sister/Mother/Father Day. But every day is all of that. In forming new bonds, don't let go of the old. It is a struggle, but at the end of it, when you can talk to one of these for 10 minutes without worrying about being judged, it is worth that struggle.
But as time goes, the new spouse becomes the familiar other half, we are suddenly left with some vacuum within us. Professional growth may be smooth, or may not be. Personal life may have become routine stuff. We discover that however close, there are somethings that a spouse can understand only so much.
And then we feel the need for friends - to let our hair down, to put our feet up, to chill, to pour out, or listen to stories other than our own.
Social media is a blessing in helping reconnect. But even then, no one can take the place of the people we grew up with - be it siblings or friends, and hearing their voices or seeing their faces.
Today is neither Friendship Day, nor Brother/Sister/Mother/Father Day. But every day is all of that. In forming new bonds, don't let go of the old. It is a struggle, but at the end of it, when you can talk to one of these for 10 minutes without worrying about being judged, it is worth that struggle.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Anubavangal: Chakrvyooham - The Vicious Circle
Anubavangal: Chakrvyooham - The Vicious Circle: பெண் வேலை செய்ய வேண்டும் வேண்டாம், சட்டம் வைக்க நீ யார்? கேட்க துடிக்கும் நா திறமையை ஒளித்து வீட்டில் அடைத்து பூட்டி வைக்கவா பிறந்தாள் அவள...
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Celebrated Dancer
She sat through the program with great difficulty. The dancer had been written about in that morning's paper, which had worked its charm and attracted a lot of audience. The lady in question had talked at length about her artistic blood, the creativity that flowed through her when music came on. Nothing of it was evident in the performance. The crowd this article had managed to pull was more than some of the senior and better dancers got in this city of art and culture.
The music was out of the world, but her critical eye assessed the mudras, the posture, the arai mandi, and found everything lacking. That would have been okay if the artist had been engaging. There was a total disconnect. She looked around to see if only she was being so sore. No, the audience was busy trying to look interested, quoting from the article that morning, trying to justify their presence here.
As the dancer ended the main piece of the evening, the sabha staff placed chairs. "Oh god!" she groaned inwardly. "Why do they torture us with speeches!" she thought miserably.
When the chief guest, also a renowned dancer - spoke highly of the dancer, she got up and came out, nauseated at the undeserved eulogy.
She smiled at the familiar office staff who was standing near the entrance.
"How did you like the program?" the lady asked.
She smiled noncommittally. "Very well known abroad, is she?"
Now it was the turn of the other lady to smile noncommittally. "She has given a large donation," the lady added proudly. "They are very well to do there."
That explained it, she thought as she waved a bye and vanished into the night, trying not to let her dark thoughts affect her. If only she had that kind of money, she thought as she boarded the bus. Who cares how she performed, it was money and influence at the end of the day.
The music was out of the world, but her critical eye assessed the mudras, the posture, the arai mandi, and found everything lacking. That would have been okay if the artist had been engaging. There was a total disconnect. She looked around to see if only she was being so sore. No, the audience was busy trying to look interested, quoting from the article that morning, trying to justify their presence here.
As the dancer ended the main piece of the evening, the sabha staff placed chairs. "Oh god!" she groaned inwardly. "Why do they torture us with speeches!" she thought miserably.
When the chief guest, also a renowned dancer - spoke highly of the dancer, she got up and came out, nauseated at the undeserved eulogy.
She smiled at the familiar office staff who was standing near the entrance.
"How did you like the program?" the lady asked.
She smiled noncommittally. "Very well known abroad, is she?"
Now it was the turn of the other lady to smile noncommittally. "She has given a large donation," the lady added proudly. "They are very well to do there."
That explained it, she thought as she waved a bye and vanished into the night, trying not to let her dark thoughts affect her. If only she had that kind of money, she thought as she boarded the bus. Who cares how she performed, it was money and influence at the end of the day.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Anubavangal: Oru thaai pillai
Anubavangal: Oru thaai pillai: ஒரு தாய்க்கு பிறந்த பிள்ளைகள் ஒரே வீட்டில் வளர்ந்தவர்கள் கூட சேர்ந்து விளையாடியவர்கள் குத்துச்சண்டை போட்டவர்கள் தாய் தந்தையிடம் மாட்டி வைத்...
It is Everywhere
She was fed up of the fever. It had gone undiagnosed for more than a week, but tapered off after she swallowed some antibiotics.When it recurred three weeks later, she wondered if rather than suffer again, it wasn't better to just asphyxiate under the coverlet.
"Let's check out this doctor my friend recommended. He sees in the best hospital in the city," her husband recommended.
Reluctantly, she went to meet the doctor. He checked her, heard her case history and said, "Typhoid and Malaria can go undetected. We will also check for TB. All these can relapse if not treated properly. But we will anyway start treatment, IV this time."
When she found her fever under control, her optimism returned. And when the doctor's speculation was confirmed by the test reports, she felt her confidence in the doctor increasing. This was the third time in a month and a half she was getting all the tests repeated. But so long as she was healed, she didn't mind.
The last dose of IV over, she went with her mother and husband to meet the doctor. He checked her pulse, her BP, her chest and smiled. Then he got up and came up behind her. He touched the points under her earlobes. She couldn't see him now, but she could see her mother and husband, both seemed visibly shaken.
The doctor came around, looking obviously worried. "Swelling - normal during infection, but it seems too hard. Let's get it checked up."
Her mother looked panic stricken. Even without the doctor mentioning it, it looked like she was suspected of having cancer! When her mother opened her mouth to ask, he quickly dialled a number and asked for a doctor. As he waited on the line, he told the husband, "He is a leading oncologist." Then turning back to the phone, he asked, "What? He is not in town! Then get me the hematologist. No, I want this appointment right now!"
The three panicked. Not the C word! "You are lucky. He can see you tomorrow at 6."
"Is it that urgent?" she ventured boldly. From fire into frying pan! Her heart beat fast.
The doctor looked at her gravely. "The earlier the better, ma."
With a heavy heart, husband and wife went to meet the hematologist. The man frowned as he touched the points mentioned. The husband started to ask if it was serious when he was shushed. The doctor asked the wife for a series of symptoms. She had suffered those because of the fever, but how could she be sure now!
Seeing her doubtful, the doctor said, "Let's start with some tests and an ultrasound."
"But I got one done just last week."
The doctor quelled her with one look. "You can pay at the counter and then get the tests done. The moment you get the results... wait." He dialled a number and asked when the reports would be ready by. "Reach them to me directly." He looked at them and gave a date a week away. "Meet me then," he said and the couple noticed he put a star against her name.
The lady submitted herself to tests - which looked very similar to the one she had got done the week before - and then headed for ultra sound, the only new element.
The radiologist asked her for the reason and she said, in near tears, "I had typhoid and now... these nodes."
The man frowned. "This is swollen, no doubt. But that is normal during infection. Anyway, if the doctor has asked you to..." he shrugged. She looked at her husband with some hope.
They went a week later. The doctor looked up and said, "All clear."
"The nodes... do they swell during infection?"
"Yes, of course. Considering she suffered from typhoid and malaria, that was to be expected. But because your doctor suspected tumour, it was only right to eliminate the possibility completely."
A week of agony, uncertainty and futile expenditure. The doctor could have said this before, and waited for her to recover completely!
Little did the couple know that the two doctors received a bonus yet again for referring them!
"Let's check out this doctor my friend recommended. He sees in the best hospital in the city," her husband recommended.
Reluctantly, she went to meet the doctor. He checked her, heard her case history and said, "Typhoid and Malaria can go undetected. We will also check for TB. All these can relapse if not treated properly. But we will anyway start treatment, IV this time."
When she found her fever under control, her optimism returned. And when the doctor's speculation was confirmed by the test reports, she felt her confidence in the doctor increasing. This was the third time in a month and a half she was getting all the tests repeated. But so long as she was healed, she didn't mind.
The last dose of IV over, she went with her mother and husband to meet the doctor. He checked her pulse, her BP, her chest and smiled. Then he got up and came up behind her. He touched the points under her earlobes. She couldn't see him now, but she could see her mother and husband, both seemed visibly shaken.
The doctor came around, looking obviously worried. "Swelling - normal during infection, but it seems too hard. Let's get it checked up."
Her mother looked panic stricken. Even without the doctor mentioning it, it looked like she was suspected of having cancer! When her mother opened her mouth to ask, he quickly dialled a number and asked for a doctor. As he waited on the line, he told the husband, "He is a leading oncologist." Then turning back to the phone, he asked, "What? He is not in town! Then get me the hematologist. No, I want this appointment right now!"
The three panicked. Not the C word! "You are lucky. He can see you tomorrow at 6."
"Is it that urgent?" she ventured boldly. From fire into frying pan! Her heart beat fast.
The doctor looked at her gravely. "The earlier the better, ma."
With a heavy heart, husband and wife went to meet the hematologist. The man frowned as he touched the points mentioned. The husband started to ask if it was serious when he was shushed. The doctor asked the wife for a series of symptoms. She had suffered those because of the fever, but how could she be sure now!
Seeing her doubtful, the doctor said, "Let's start with some tests and an ultrasound."
"But I got one done just last week."
The doctor quelled her with one look. "You can pay at the counter and then get the tests done. The moment you get the results... wait." He dialled a number and asked when the reports would be ready by. "Reach them to me directly." He looked at them and gave a date a week away. "Meet me then," he said and the couple noticed he put a star against her name.
The lady submitted herself to tests - which looked very similar to the one she had got done the week before - and then headed for ultra sound, the only new element.
The radiologist asked her for the reason and she said, in near tears, "I had typhoid and now... these nodes."
The man frowned. "This is swollen, no doubt. But that is normal during infection. Anyway, if the doctor has asked you to..." he shrugged. She looked at her husband with some hope.
They went a week later. The doctor looked up and said, "All clear."
"The nodes... do they swell during infection?"
"Yes, of course. Considering she suffered from typhoid and malaria, that was to be expected. But because your doctor suspected tumour, it was only right to eliminate the possibility completely."
A week of agony, uncertainty and futile expenditure. The doctor could have said this before, and waited for her to recover completely!
Little did the couple know that the two doctors received a bonus yet again for referring them!
Monday, August 22, 2011
It Begins Early
"Finally I got admission for my child in the school I was trying!" Father said proudly to friend.
"Oh really! How wonderful! LKG, right?" asked the friend.
Father nodded. "Paid Rs 1.25 lakh."
The friend gaped. "Oh!"
"They have said the moment they have a seat free, they will give my daughter a seat too, in class II."
"And how much for that?"
"Oh, the school is very reasonable. The same Rs. 1.25 lakh."
The friend gulped. His child was eight months old. If he had to try for admission in this school two years down the line, he wondered how much he would have to pay!
When the daughter got through too, the father was ecstatic.
**
A year later, the father came to the friend. "Do you remember a school your sister mentioned - where they have mixed class groups for normal and borderline children?"
The friend frowned. "Yes..." he said puzzled. "Someone looking for such a school?" He noticed the care lines on his friend's face. "Why are you looking so down?" he asked.
The man shook his head. "My daughter... She is not able to cope with the syllabus. She is too playful, it seems, and doesn't pay attention in class. The teacher suggested I consult a counselor. The counselor did a test on her and she said my daughter may be hyperactive."
The friend frowned. The symptoms sounded just like the Father had been when he was a student. "Why don't you get a second opinion?"
"I did," the father said, dejected. "But that lady gave an inconclusive report and the school punched holes in that."
"So?"
"I don't want my daughter to struggle and feel she is a failure," the father said.
The friend felt that she had already been branded one. "So?"
"So, the school suggested I find another school for her. They had the best interest of the child in mind."
The friend inhaled deeply. Whose best interests, he wondered. The school would replace this child with another, and pocket another 1.25 lakh, if that was still the going rate. "So you want to go with their verdict?"
The father turned to him with a haunted look. "My wife is unable to cope with the complaints from school. We are so focused on her that we almost neglect our son."
The friend shook his head in sympathy. "I will find out," he assured the father.
The relief in the father's eyes when the second school accepted the child was so immense, that he didn't even mind paying Rs 50000 for getting admission in class 4 for his daughter.
"Oh really! How wonderful! LKG, right?" asked the friend.
Father nodded. "Paid Rs 1.25 lakh."
The friend gaped. "Oh!"
"They have said the moment they have a seat free, they will give my daughter a seat too, in class II."
"And how much for that?"
"Oh, the school is very reasonable. The same Rs. 1.25 lakh."
The friend gulped. His child was eight months old. If he had to try for admission in this school two years down the line, he wondered how much he would have to pay!
When the daughter got through too, the father was ecstatic.
**
A year later, the father came to the friend. "Do you remember a school your sister mentioned - where they have mixed class groups for normal and borderline children?"
The friend frowned. "Yes..." he said puzzled. "Someone looking for such a school?" He noticed the care lines on his friend's face. "Why are you looking so down?" he asked.
The man shook his head. "My daughter... She is not able to cope with the syllabus. She is too playful, it seems, and doesn't pay attention in class. The teacher suggested I consult a counselor. The counselor did a test on her and she said my daughter may be hyperactive."
The friend frowned. The symptoms sounded just like the Father had been when he was a student. "Why don't you get a second opinion?"
"I did," the father said, dejected. "But that lady gave an inconclusive report and the school punched holes in that."
"So?"
"I don't want my daughter to struggle and feel she is a failure," the father said.
The friend felt that she had already been branded one. "So?"
"So, the school suggested I find another school for her. They had the best interest of the child in mind."
The friend inhaled deeply. Whose best interests, he wondered. The school would replace this child with another, and pocket another 1.25 lakh, if that was still the going rate. "So you want to go with their verdict?"
The father turned to him with a haunted look. "My wife is unable to cope with the complaints from school. We are so focused on her that we almost neglect our son."
The friend shook his head in sympathy. "I will find out," he assured the father.
The relief in the father's eyes when the second school accepted the child was so immense, that he didn't even mind paying Rs 50000 for getting admission in class 4 for his daughter.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Are We Really Against Corruption?
Am I a cynic? I don't know. I should join in the applause to the way the average Indian Middle Class has risen up to the occasion and joined in the anti corruption movement. But somehow, when I see some of the people joining in... I am not sure we even understand what corruption is.
I believe doctors and school students are part of the campaign. And yet, hospitals, the entire medical system, the educational institutions - are they ready to clean up their acts before pointing fingers?
And then, maybe 200 crores happens in the top levels. But the 100-200 happens at the bottom. It is people like the maids and the other with basic education that end up paying and taking money. Are they part of this movement? Are they aware? Will they want to be part of this movement since this is how they fulfill their aspirations?
Am I justifying bribes then? Or anti anti-corruption? Neither. I am just confused.
I feel it is not only about a change in the system, but also a change from within. Are we ready for this? Are we ready to wait patiently at signals, wait our turn in queues, abide by a law even if it is not in our favour, and not run after loopholes to our advantage? Are we ready not to go for the best hospital, best school, best seat, if it means paying money - whatever its name?
It is good, what Anna Hazare is doing. He is conscientious, and has high personal standards. His wants are minimal and therefore, his transgressions- if any - would be unwitting. I have no doubt about that, or what he is fighting for.
But I believe that even while we must congregate in large numbers to show our support for the movement, we must also stand up in our own small worlds for causes that matter. We must also say - if this is right, I must and will do it. I am not sure I have that courage still, that I am not prevaricating a decision simply because it may not be convenient for me.
I hope that even while raising the cleanliness level in the political institutions, this movement cleans us up as people and makes us assess our priorities and change them for the greater good.
I believe doctors and school students are part of the campaign. And yet, hospitals, the entire medical system, the educational institutions - are they ready to clean up their acts before pointing fingers?
And then, maybe 200 crores happens in the top levels. But the 100-200 happens at the bottom. It is people like the maids and the other with basic education that end up paying and taking money. Are they part of this movement? Are they aware? Will they want to be part of this movement since this is how they fulfill their aspirations?
Am I justifying bribes then? Or anti anti-corruption? Neither. I am just confused.
I feel it is not only about a change in the system, but also a change from within. Are we ready for this? Are we ready to wait patiently at signals, wait our turn in queues, abide by a law even if it is not in our favour, and not run after loopholes to our advantage? Are we ready not to go for the best hospital, best school, best seat, if it means paying money - whatever its name?
It is good, what Anna Hazare is doing. He is conscientious, and has high personal standards. His wants are minimal and therefore, his transgressions- if any - would be unwitting. I have no doubt about that, or what he is fighting for.
But I believe that even while we must congregate in large numbers to show our support for the movement, we must also stand up in our own small worlds for causes that matter. We must also say - if this is right, I must and will do it. I am not sure I have that courage still, that I am not prevaricating a decision simply because it may not be convenient for me.
I hope that even while raising the cleanliness level in the political institutions, this movement cleans us up as people and makes us assess our priorities and change them for the greater good.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Anubavangal: Kurangilirundu pirantha manithan
Anubavangal: Kurangilirundu pirantha manithan: மரம் தாவி . நொடிக்கு ஒரு வித்தை காட்டி ஒரு நிமிடம் நேரே மறு நிமிடம் தலை கீழே சாய்த்து இது குரங்கா, மனமா? குரங்குபோல் மனமா? ஒரு சிந்தனையில் ...
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
One Earth: Birds Drop Dead
One Earth: Birds Drop Dead: "'Birds began falling out of the sky' This is from a book on Iraqi Kurdistan, 'Love in a Torn Land'. The use of chemicals to kill Kurdis..."
Monday, August 15, 2011
All for Big Bucks
I am not a political writer, or too savvy about developments in the political world. My newspaper reading is cursory at best, and many a times, comics are the only things I read.
I received a mail today from an organisation that conducted a debate on the need for Lokpal Bill. The summary points further summarised - we already have laws to deal with bribes. Implement them. Lokpal Bill only adds a layer and can go the same way as CVC and the investigative agencies. It ends by lauding Anna Hazare for bringing the issue of corruption to the forefront.
Indeed, today he is in preventive custody. The government - the president and the prime minister - are playing with words. The government is finding excuses, digging up dirt just to weaken the movement. But the question is, to what end? Will the people of India, now coming together as India Against Corruption sit quietly if Hazare is removed? Well, in one way, the government has added teeth to the movement. Talk of cutting one's nose to spite one's face!
What shakes me up is the question - is the government so weak that it is scared to tighten its belt, take action and deal with corruption? Is it enough to put Raja and Kalmadi behind bars?
Again and again, only one image comes up in my mind... the dhoti clad Indian politician rolling in wealth and then dying amidst all that money in sheer joy. How will he transport it to the next world then! If we Indians believe in destiny and fate, weren't we also taught about karma - the other, bigger ledger maintained by Chitragupta? Maybe it is unfashionable to believe in gods these days, but at least that kept us in check to some extent. Now we neither believe in gods, nor our own conscience... It's all about money, honey.
I received a mail today from an organisation that conducted a debate on the need for Lokpal Bill. The summary points further summarised - we already have laws to deal with bribes. Implement them. Lokpal Bill only adds a layer and can go the same way as CVC and the investigative agencies. It ends by lauding Anna Hazare for bringing the issue of corruption to the forefront.
Indeed, today he is in preventive custody. The government - the president and the prime minister - are playing with words. The government is finding excuses, digging up dirt just to weaken the movement. But the question is, to what end? Will the people of India, now coming together as India Against Corruption sit quietly if Hazare is removed? Well, in one way, the government has added teeth to the movement. Talk of cutting one's nose to spite one's face!
What shakes me up is the question - is the government so weak that it is scared to tighten its belt, take action and deal with corruption? Is it enough to put Raja and Kalmadi behind bars?
Again and again, only one image comes up in my mind... the dhoti clad Indian politician rolling in wealth and then dying amidst all that money in sheer joy. How will he transport it to the next world then! If we Indians believe in destiny and fate, weren't we also taught about karma - the other, bigger ledger maintained by Chitragupta? Maybe it is unfashionable to believe in gods these days, but at least that kept us in check to some extent. Now we neither believe in gods, nor our own conscience... It's all about money, honey.
Anubavangal: Porulaathaaram irunthum manathil ethu thaaraalam? ...
Anubavangal: Porulaathaaram irunthum manathil ethu thaaraalam? ...: "நான் நமது நாட்டு தலைவரின் சுதந்திர தின பேச்சை நான் கேட்கவில்லை. ஆனால் ஹிந்துப்பத்திரிகையில் தலைப்பு படித்தேன். லஞ்சத்திற்கு எதிரான போராட்டத..."
Friday, August 12, 2011
One Earth: Social Entrepreneurs
One Earth: Social Entrepreneurs: "They are highly educated, have worked in MNCs, and have a high earning capacity. Continuing in their professions would no doubt give them a ..."
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Anubavangal: Poo Malarattume - Let it Blossom
Anubavangal: Poo Malarattume - Let it Blossom: "ஒரு போர்வைக்குள் மூடப்பட்ட அந்த பூ காற்றுக்கும், வெளிச்சத்திற்கும் மன்றாடிய அந்த பூ ஒரு அன்புப்பார்வைக்கு ஏங்கிய அந்த பூ தன் மணம் பரவ அல்லா..."
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Inner Space
I stretch my hand
To reach out to you
But away you step
Leaving me to rue
I look up and smile
See you look away
A knife twists in my heart
Unsteadily I sway
Others hand me a bouquet
Clap and pat and say
How wonderful! Good job
Keep it up always
You smile wanly
Amused at others
And me for being thrilled
As if I had done wonders!
When I slip and fall
And look to you for help
You clap your hands
As if this is what you expect
This space between us
Love fills it, I thought
Clutching it with both hands
Not seeing there is naught?
Is it the mind
That plays this trick
Making me feel love
Making me tick?
I turn inward
Breaking all contact
Find love has seeped in
Filling up my heart.
To reach out to you
But away you step
Leaving me to rue
I look up and smile
See you look away
A knife twists in my heart
Unsteadily I sway
Others hand me a bouquet
Clap and pat and say
How wonderful! Good job
Keep it up always
You smile wanly
Amused at others
And me for being thrilled
As if I had done wonders!
When I slip and fall
And look to you for help
You clap your hands
As if this is what you expect
This space between us
Love fills it, I thought
Clutching it with both hands
Not seeing there is naught?
Is it the mind
That plays this trick
Making me feel love
Making me tick?
I turn inward
Breaking all contact
Find love has seeped in
Filling up my heart.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
One Earth: Energy Conserving ACs
One Earth: Energy Conserving ACs: "Two Sundays back, an article I had written Star cooling, trim bills , appeared in The Hindu Retail Plus. Someone called me and pointed out ..."
Monday, August 8, 2011
Anubavangal: Vithiyin Vilaiyattu - The Conspiring Destiny
Anubavangal: Vithiyin Vilaiyattu - The Conspiring Destiny: "அது எப்படி? சில நேரங்களில், சில கேள்விகள் நம் மனதை பாதிக்கும் பொழுது, நம்பளையும் அறியாமல் நமக்கு பதில் கொடுப்பவர்கள் நம் எதிரே எதேச்சியாக தோ..."
The Power to Hurt
Though it is the turn of my Tamil blog, the comment on my previous post on sealing the breach made me think. "Friendship means never having to say sorry." But that's for the person who feels hurt to say! I was thinking about it and I felt it means something else. Friendship means never doing something for which you have to say sorry.
A friend is one whom we trust with our secrets, our emotions, our thoughts, plans...etc. Therefore, the person has a tremendous responsibility towards us. If this sounds ego-centric, let me turn it around. A friend is one who trusts us with his or her emotions, secrets. It is our responsibility therefore to preserve and protect the trust and the person. The hurt happens when one breaks that trust. A stranger does not have the ability to hurt us. Only a loved one can. Therefore, I feel any break of trust causes even deeper hurt than otherwise.
Therefore, to say a friend does not have to say sorry doesn't fit in right. What it may mean is, when they genuinely regret it, probably we would be the first to realise and forget. But that prerogative lies with the person who has been hurt. If one realises that one has caused a hurt, to realise what it means to the person and apologise right away would be very important. I believe all those who have experienced being hurt by a friend would agree.
A friend is one whom we trust with our secrets, our emotions, our thoughts, plans...etc. Therefore, the person has a tremendous responsibility towards us. If this sounds ego-centric, let me turn it around. A friend is one who trusts us with his or her emotions, secrets. It is our responsibility therefore to preserve and protect the trust and the person. The hurt happens when one breaks that trust. A stranger does not have the ability to hurt us. Only a loved one can. Therefore, I feel any break of trust causes even deeper hurt than otherwise.
Therefore, to say a friend does not have to say sorry doesn't fit in right. What it may mean is, when they genuinely regret it, probably we would be the first to realise and forget. But that prerogative lies with the person who has been hurt. If one realises that one has caused a hurt, to realise what it means to the person and apologise right away would be very important. I believe all those who have experienced being hurt by a friend would agree.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sealing the Breach
I loved Rock On for the most part. Farhan Akhtar was cool, and Arjun Rampal a darling. But somehow, the way their friendship breaks and the way they meet after years and just move on as if nothing had happened left me feeling dissatisfied. The hurt had gone deep, especially affecting Arjun's life. Would just a hug have been enough, I wondered.
Then came Luck by Chance, where Konkana Sen sends FA off. Though startling since in Hindi commercial movie that's a difficult call for the heroine to take, it was believable but again, dissatisfying. Shouldn't the hero get the girl in the end? (No satisfying us, is there?)
Then came Luck by Chance, where Konkana Sen sends FA off. Though startling since in Hindi commercial movie that's a difficult call for the heroine to take, it was believable but again, dissatisfying. Shouldn't the hero get the girl in the end? (No satisfying us, is there?)
And now comes Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and though at the obvious level, this is not what the movie is actually about, I think this getting hurt and apologising were handled best here. Just saying sorry is not enough. Meeting after years does is not enough to overlook the past. There is a mindset that is needed in both the persons - the one who causes the hurt and the one who was hurt. Till both are ready, the seeking and bestowing forgiveness cannot happen.
Of course, all three movies, and FA's first venture with Dil Chahta Hai establish him as a great story teller. He seems to linger around this theme of making mistakes and forgiving, forgetting at least a part of the story. There are two-three story lines running parallely, and each handled well.
I will def watch out for more of his movies.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Asterix - Timeless Magic
Picked up one after a long time. Asterix and The Banquet... Despite the distractions of family life, enjoyed the puns immensely. "Why are thanking him. It is we who took him on a ride," says Obelix, literally and figuratively as the duo hijacks a boat a Gaul is holidaying in, in Nice, and Obelix rows it like an express.
"I am not fat! I have a powerful physique, that's all" he protests. That's a good line we can use :)
And the names, of course - Unscupulous, Nervus who runs a breakdown service, Cesar Drinklikafix who runs a pub...
While most comics have great nostalgic value though we tend to outgrow, this is one that anyone from teens to old age can enjoy. I think very young children may miss the puns.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Anubavangal: Oru Ekkam - The Longing
Anubavangal: Oru Ekkam - The Longing (sirukathai): "சூரியன் அஸ்தமிக்கும் நேரும். அந்தி வேளையில், ஜன்னல் அருகே நின்ற நான், ஏதோ ஒன்றை தேடினேன். ஒரு இனிய ராகம், மெல்லிசையாக என் மனதில் ஓடியது. அல..."
The Wait
At the window of life.
For a whiff of fresh air
For an exciting sight
For fragrance sweet
For golden light
For showers blessed
For visitor awaited
For changes to life
For love destined
For exciting youth
For comfortable old age
Something, anything
Different and bright
At the window of life
The wait, eternal wait.
Monday, August 1, 2011
The Turnaround
I greeted it with warmth
Making sure it was all there
After all it had grown
With so much love and care
Fed on delicious sweets
And luscious oily fare
Making sure it was all there
After all it had grown
With so much love and care
Fed on delicious sweets
And luscious oily fare
All the wrong foods
And exercise rare
And then one morning
Clothes refused to cover
Stretching tightly across
Making me shiver!
Has this come to this then?
The thought made me tremble
And disgusted I thought
I saw it also quiver!
Ambitious and determined
I put on my shoes
Walking long stretches
In the faint hope
That what I had nurtured
I can now undo
So that I can wear
All the pretty dresses
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Anubavangal: Tharaasaippola vaazhkkai - The Beam Balance
Anubavangal: Tharaasaippola vaazhkkai - The Beam Balance: "தராசைப்போல் வாழ்க்கையும் போகும் மேலேயும் கீழேயும் இதைவிட தாழ முடியாது என்று வருந்தும் பொழுது திடீர் என்று ஒரு மாற்றம் வானை நோக்கி ஒரு ஏற்ற..."
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wholesome Venture
I met her for the book 'Pathbreakers'. She had wanted to make it big in the IT world, but circumstances made her take a break, and then husband encouraged her to become an entrepreneur. She runs Jute Emporium, a shop that deals mostly with jute related products, and has other eco-friendly products too.
An article also appeared in The Hindu Retail Plus - Say Jute. I was amazed when my editor told me about the response to the article - several calls with people wanting to know more about it. There is awareness, we only need to know where to source alternate products from.
I liked the way she said - most people have to make extra efforts in CSR. I am glad my venture itself is socially responsible.
There are many like her, and many who would like to use products from people like her. I am glad I am at least getting to meet such people and write about them
Anubavangal: Naduvaantharam - Middle Man
Anubavangal: Naduvaantharam - Middle Man: "உலகத்தில் எவ்வளவோ பேர் எவ்வளவோ உருப்படியான வேலைகளை செய்து வருகிறார்கள். சிலர், மற்றவர்கள் காட்டும் வழியை பின் பற்றுகிறார்கள். சிலருக்கு எந..."
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Keeping a Watch Every Moment
Today Hindu Metro Plus has an article on Child Sexual Abuse. As the writer rightly points out - Nov 19 is not World Day for Prevention of CSA, everyday is.
Educators, parents, all adults have a responsibility towards every child to give them a peaceful, stress free life, most importantly, one that lets them grow up learning only those things appropriate to their ages. There is sense in our traditional system which does not encourage unmonitored mingling between the sexes - it reduces the possibility of abuse. Making children aware so that they do not become victims is important.
But here, I also want to stress - bringing them up in a way that they do not become perpetrators later is also important. Though for every parent their child can do no wrong, it is children who grow up to be adults who perpetrate such beastly acts. And I think, it happens when they have been exposed to wrongs themselves. Giving them respect as children, and teaching them to respect others are important. Giving right priorities, teaching them to focus within and find peace there will help maintain emotional balance.
Similarly, while dealing with those around us, I think we should keep that respect. Many acts like stealing, cheating and abuse of the vulnerable can happen with a desire to take revenge. Be it a driver, the maid or anyone from economically backward segments, treating them as human beings is important.
Educators, parents, all adults have a responsibility towards every child to give them a peaceful, stress free life, most importantly, one that lets them grow up learning only those things appropriate to their ages. There is sense in our traditional system which does not encourage unmonitored mingling between the sexes - it reduces the possibility of abuse. Making children aware so that they do not become victims is important.
But here, I also want to stress - bringing them up in a way that they do not become perpetrators later is also important. Though for every parent their child can do no wrong, it is children who grow up to be adults who perpetrate such beastly acts. And I think, it happens when they have been exposed to wrongs themselves. Giving them respect as children, and teaching them to respect others are important. Giving right priorities, teaching them to focus within and find peace there will help maintain emotional balance.
Similarly, while dealing with those around us, I think we should keep that respect. Many acts like stealing, cheating and abuse of the vulnerable can happen with a desire to take revenge. Be it a driver, the maid or anyone from economically backward segments, treating them as human beings is important.
We cannot eradicate this overnight. But if we reduce the propensity to offend by creating a positive atmosphere around us and increasing awareness, maybe we will go back to days when we do not have to keep a hawk's eye on our children all the time, do not look at every casual interaction with suspicion.
May we find peace in this lifetime.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Anubavangal: Santhi Nilava Vendum - May Peace Reign
Anubavangal: Santhi Nilava Vendum - May Peace Reign: "கீழே போய் விளையாடு என்று சொல்வதற்குக்கூட தாய்மார்கள் பயப்படுவார்கள் என்று நான் நினைக்கவில்லை. சில பிரச்னைகள் மேற்க்கத்திய நாடுகளில்தான் நடக்..."
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Beast Emerges
Godzilla, he is not
Neither ugly nor fearsome
Not emerging from deep seas
Nor from the belly of the earth
He walks this world
Looks like you and me
With a friendly smile
With a similar gait
Angry one moment,
Behaviour at his best
With similar fears
Similar feelings
He is one of us
The same love and lust
Watch out!
For there lurks
Under the skin
A beast evil
Ready to snatch
Our babies away
To hide in corners
And have its way
Tearing their innards
Killing them easy
Dumping them
Walking away freely
Sated, and yet not
Looking for the next lot
To feed the inner beast
With the smile of a human
Gaurd well,
Be a hawk
Let them not stray
Though it is day
And there is light
In his mind
It is night
His shadow falls
Causing blight
Killing the innocent
Shutting out light
In this modern age
Of science and progress
Lust throws up
A Beast, a Monster.
Note: Two stories within a week in the newspapers - an 8-yr-old boy and a girl, in two separate incidents, molested and killed. Two of many that go unreported?
Neither ugly nor fearsome
Not emerging from deep seas
Nor from the belly of the earth
He walks this world
Looks like you and me
With a friendly smile
With a similar gait
Angry one moment,
Laughing the next
Dining and winingBehaviour at his best
With similar fears
Similar feelings
He is one of us
The same love and lust
Watch out!
For there lurks
Under the skin
A beast evil
Ready to snatch
Our babies away
To hide in corners
And have its way
Tearing their innards
Killing them easy
Dumping them
Walking away freely
Sated, and yet not
Looking for the next lot
To feed the inner beast
With the smile of a human
Gaurd well,
Be a hawk
Let them not stray
Into the dark
Though it is day
And there is light
In his mind
It is night
His shadow falls
Causing blight
Killing the innocent
Shutting out light
In this modern age
Of science and progress
Lust throws up
A Beast, a Monster.
Note: Two stories within a week in the newspapers - an 8-yr-old boy and a girl, in two separate incidents, molested and killed. Two of many that go unreported?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
One Earth: The Gender Imbalance
One Earth: The Gender Imbalance: "The thought of surgical modification of the gender of the child from female to male in the womb gave me the shivers. A friend posted this on..."
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Anubavangal: தன்னம்பிக்கையே சுய தொழில் செய்வதற்கும் அதில் வெற்ற...
Anubavangal: தன்னம்பிக்கையே சுய தொழில் செய்வதற்கும் அதில் வெற்ற...: "தன்னம்பிக்கையே சுய தொழில் செய்வதற்கும் அதில் வெற்றி பெறுவதற்கும் வழி காட்டுகின்றன. ஐம்பது சுய தொழில்களை ஆரம்பித்த முதலாளிகளை சந்தித்தப்பொழ..."
Sunday, July 17, 2011
An Eye-Opener
I was commissioned to interview 60 entrepreneurs in less than a month. July 17 was to be the book launch. And we did it. Yesterday, the book was released and appreciated. A compilation of stories of 50 entrepreneurs, titled - Pathbreakers, Scintillating Stories of Steadfast Entrepreneurs.
While meeting/talking to the 50 was a journey in itself, the book release function gave me a sleepless night. The high cannot be described, but the thoughts shared on stage by the likes of Mr. S. Gurumurthy, Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Mr. Ashwani Mahajan - Prof in Eco at DU, and a Dr from Bangalore - Dr. Shivakumar, were definitly worth contemplating on.
And to think I was on stage with them!!!
Will try to publish a photo if I get it... Yet another cherishable evening.
Anubavangal: Iru Mugangal
Anubavangal: Iru Mugangal: "ஒன்று வெளியுலகம் பார்க்கும் சிரிக்கும், பொலிக்கும், யாவையும் கண்டும் காணாமல் ஒன்றும் அகாததுப்போல் நடிக்கும் இன்னொன்று உள்ளிருட்டில் தத்தளி..."
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Sizzling and Hissing
Yet another shaft
Finds its mark
In the heart's centre
All hopes shatter
As the arrow
Pierces the armour
Only a tiny pain
No blood?
I think
Turning inward
Looking for answers
In wonder
A mail, a post
Timely reminders?
That in God's altar
There is a purpose
Hidden and obscure
But future secure
The wheel of time
Taking its course
Natural, unhurried
Marching to its beat
Driving us on roads unknown
Using us to achieve its goals.
Not ours,
It has no use
In the scheme of life
It serves no purpose
Driven by time
And not the mind
Mind control
Is all pure drivel
An illusion
That we fear
To break and see
The truth within
And yet we strive
To prove otherwise
Can we pause
The flow of time?
Change the course
This nature of mine?
Can I stop
The flow of words
Sizzling and hissing
Like oil on skillet?
Waiting to pour out
On paper white?
Write then
Till the fount dries
For maybe a purpose
Unheard cries
Like a glowworm
Meant to die.
The purpose, the purpose!
You well ask
But is this outpour
Really a task?
Just the joy of creation
Isn't that why this inspiration?
Take heart
Keep faith
There is a reason
Why you fail
Only to learn that
There is another way.
Finds its mark
In the heart's centre
All hopes shatter
As the arrow
Pierces the armour
Only a tiny pain
No blood?
I think
Turning inward
Looking for answers
In wonder
A mail, a post
Timely reminders?
That in God's altar
There is a purpose
Hidden and obscure
But future secure
The wheel of time
Taking its course
Natural, unhurried
Marching to its beat
Driving us on roads unknown
Using us to achieve its goals.
Not ours,
It has no use
In the scheme of life
It serves no purpose
Driven by time
And not the mind
Mind control
Is all pure drivel
An illusion
That we fear
To break and see
The truth within
And yet we strive
To prove otherwise
Can we pause
The flow of time?
Change the course
This nature of mine?
Can I stop
The flow of words
Sizzling and hissing
Like oil on skillet?
Waiting to pour out
On paper white?
Write then
Till the fount dries
For maybe a purpose
Unheard cries
Like a glowworm
Meant to die.
The purpose, the purpose!
You well ask
But is this outpour
Really a task?
Just the joy of creation
Isn't that why this inspiration?
Take heart
Keep faith
There is a reason
Why you fail
Only to learn that
There is another way.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Anubavangal: Arakkargalin Rajyam
Anubavangal: Arakkargalin Rajyam: "ஒரு இலட்சியத்திற்காகத்தான் நாங்கள் பாடு படுகிறோம் என்று அவர்கள் நம்புகிறார்கள். ஆனால் லட்சியம் இருந்தால் நல்ல வழியை தானே காட்டும். காட்டுமிர..."
The Parking Ticket
She was late to pick up her children. She rushed out with just her her wallet and her car keys.
On reaching the school, she found the road clogged with vehicles and people. She circled the school and parked in the first spot that was available.
She was fuming - at herself and the state of the roads. Her meeting at "Clean India" office had stretched beyond the scheduled time, and she had left behind the team discussing an article on how to avoid paying the traffic policemen the bribe.
"Madam," one boy had said softly. "One option is to go pay in the court. But when someone is rushing to work, late for an appointment or an equally valid reason..."
She had shaken her head vehemently. "That's no reason why! The process can be automated and the details noted down. The license number is there, and the registration plate. So the person can be let off then, but can pay later. If he does not within a day or two, the vehicle can be confiscated."
The idea found some supporters while others demurred on the cost of administration. She had had to leave then.
She walked into the school and saw her tiny tots near the gate, sulking. "All our friends left," they complained.
"Sorry babies," she hugged them and walked them to the car. The big lock in the front wheel infuriated her. She saw the traffic policeman talking to another owner whose car had been locked too. She walked up, her children in tow. She managed to swallow her anger and said, "My car..."
The man turned. "One minute."
He finished with the previous owner. As the two walked towards her car, she complained, "There is no No Parking sign here."
"There madam," he showed her one a few feet ahead, "and there," he pointed one behind.
She blushed. "But where is the parking space?"
He shrugged. "With minimum two cars per family, where can we find so much parking space?"
She stood uncertainly.
"License madam?" he asked politely.
She peeped into her car and remembered that it was in her handbag. And her handbag was in the office. One of her tiny tots started crying. She looked at the man, unable to meet his eyes. "It is in my bag at work."
He turned away. "I need it to punch it for receipt," he said, pointing to an POS billing device. She stood silently. "Ok, pay 150," he said.
She looked at him shocked and was about to protest. But the man was already on to the next defaulter, handing him the receipt. She reluctantly pulled out the money. "I can show the license in the police station later," she tried bargaining, her mind protesting against paying the man and encouraging bribery.
He shook his head. She knew he had no way to trust her. She handed it and wondered how "clean" she was.
On reaching the school, she found the road clogged with vehicles and people. She circled the school and parked in the first spot that was available.
She was fuming - at herself and the state of the roads. Her meeting at "Clean India" office had stretched beyond the scheduled time, and she had left behind the team discussing an article on how to avoid paying the traffic policemen the bribe.
"Madam," one boy had said softly. "One option is to go pay in the court. But when someone is rushing to work, late for an appointment or an equally valid reason..."
She had shaken her head vehemently. "That's no reason why! The process can be automated and the details noted down. The license number is there, and the registration plate. So the person can be let off then, but can pay later. If he does not within a day or two, the vehicle can be confiscated."
The idea found some supporters while others demurred on the cost of administration. She had had to leave then.
She walked into the school and saw her tiny tots near the gate, sulking. "All our friends left," they complained.
"Sorry babies," she hugged them and walked them to the car. The big lock in the front wheel infuriated her. She saw the traffic policeman talking to another owner whose car had been locked too. She walked up, her children in tow. She managed to swallow her anger and said, "My car..."
The man turned. "One minute."
He finished with the previous owner. As the two walked towards her car, she complained, "There is no No Parking sign here."
"There madam," he showed her one a few feet ahead, "and there," he pointed one behind.
She blushed. "But where is the parking space?"
He shrugged. "With minimum two cars per family, where can we find so much parking space?"
She stood uncertainly.
"License madam?" he asked politely.
She peeped into her car and remembered that it was in her handbag. And her handbag was in the office. One of her tiny tots started crying. She looked at the man, unable to meet his eyes. "It is in my bag at work."
He turned away. "I need it to punch it for receipt," he said, pointing to an POS billing device. She stood silently. "Ok, pay 150," he said.
She looked at him shocked and was about to protest. But the man was already on to the next defaulter, handing him the receipt. She reluctantly pulled out the money. "I can show the license in the police station later," she tried bargaining, her mind protesting against paying the man and encouraging bribery.
He shook his head. She knew he had no way to trust her. She handed it and wondered how "clean" she was.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Anubavangal: Maadu pola manithan - kavithai
Anubavangal: Maadu pola manithan - kavithai: "கழுத்தை நெருக்கியது வேலை அது இல்லை என்றால் மட்டும்? சொல்லுவோமா, நல்ல வேளை? ஓடி ஆடி திண்டாடி இங்கும் அங்கும் வேலையை தேடி அலைந்து திரிந்து மன்..."
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Toothbrush in the Bathroom
This is in public interest. Since I have noticed this in many houses, I am making a post of this (and escaping thinking too deep).
Whether true or false, this is one thing that I am not debating. Since most of our washbasins are placed alongside toilets, please make sure your toothbrushes are kept closed within a shelf or in a case. Within six feet of the commode, everything is vulnerable to infection by the germs around it, and I believe even the flush splashes enough muck in microcosmic proportions to pollute whatever lies around it.
Another old world wisdom? Keep toilets separate from bath/wash areas? Yeah, but till architects and designers do it, or we start demanding it, let's make these small adjustments.
Whether true or false, this is one thing that I am not debating. Since most of our washbasins are placed alongside toilets, please make sure your toothbrushes are kept closed within a shelf or in a case. Within six feet of the commode, everything is vulnerable to infection by the germs around it, and I believe even the flush splashes enough muck in microcosmic proportions to pollute whatever lies around it.
Another old world wisdom? Keep toilets separate from bath/wash areas? Yeah, but till architects and designers do it, or we start demanding it, let's make these small adjustments.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Anubavangal: Ippadiyum Silar
Anubavangal: Ippadiyum Silar: "என்னடா இன்னும் ஒரு முறைக்கூட நான் வேலைக்காரியைப்பற்றி எழுதவில்லை என்று நினைத்தீர்கள் என்றால், கவலை வேண்டாம். இதோ, எழுதப்போகிறேன். ஆனால் அவள்..."
Friday, July 8, 2011
Inheritance
"Where are you going?" mother asked.
"Don't keep nagging him!" father intervened. "Where are you going?" he asked. The tone was different, the purpose different too.
Promptly, the boy came closer and said, "I need some money, babuji."
The man smiled indulgently. "How much?" He dug into the pocket and handed the boy two 1000 rupee notes. "Go," he ruffled his boy's hair.
"Tch, baba! Don't spoil the style," the 16-year-old boy complained.
He laughed indulgently. All that he was earning was for the boy.
"Can I take the car, baba? Just this once?"
His mother tried to say no, but father overrode her objections. "He drives well," he pointed out.
"Is that wise?" mother asked, only to be dismissed peremptorily. Shaking her head in dismay, she walked in to her room.
He followed her and said reasonably, "I am earning for him only, after all."
"But 2000 at this age? And the car?"
"When I was a kid, my father would count every pie he gave and count it again when I returned the change. I don't want to penny pinch. Are we going to take this money to the next world? It is all for this boy only."
Mother rolled her eyes. "You have to teach him the value of money too," she pointed out.
He pooh-poohed it. "Don't worry. He will. When he spends, he will understand the value automatically."
It was getting on to be midnight and the mother became uneasy. "Isn't it late? He has been gone five hours now."
"They must be at a theatre! Stop nagging," he said angrily. "There," he said as his cell rang. "That's him."
It was an unknown number. He became numb. It was a stranger. His son had met with an accident. Drunken driving.
His son wasn't taking all the money to the next world either.
"Don't keep nagging him!" father intervened. "Where are you going?" he asked. The tone was different, the purpose different too.
Promptly, the boy came closer and said, "I need some money, babuji."
The man smiled indulgently. "How much?" He dug into the pocket and handed the boy two 1000 rupee notes. "Go," he ruffled his boy's hair.
"Tch, baba! Don't spoil the style," the 16-year-old boy complained.
He laughed indulgently. All that he was earning was for the boy.
"Can I take the car, baba? Just this once?"
His mother tried to say no, but father overrode her objections. "He drives well," he pointed out.
"Is that wise?" mother asked, only to be dismissed peremptorily. Shaking her head in dismay, she walked in to her room.
He followed her and said reasonably, "I am earning for him only, after all."
"But 2000 at this age? And the car?"
"When I was a kid, my father would count every pie he gave and count it again when I returned the change. I don't want to penny pinch. Are we going to take this money to the next world? It is all for this boy only."
Mother rolled her eyes. "You have to teach him the value of money too," she pointed out.
He pooh-poohed it. "Don't worry. He will. When he spends, he will understand the value automatically."
It was getting on to be midnight and the mother became uneasy. "Isn't it late? He has been gone five hours now."
"They must be at a theatre! Stop nagging," he said angrily. "There," he said as his cell rang. "That's him."
It was an unknown number. He became numb. It was a stranger. His son had met with an accident. Drunken driving.
His son wasn't taking all the money to the next world either.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Two Drops, One for Each
It is strange
The eyes are wet
Not a cross word
Has passed the lips, yet
Just the thought
Of those little ones
Struggling to learn
To face the world
Making friends
Making enemies
Challenging work
That test their abilities
Will they be able
To cope with them all?
I wonder if I have
Prepared them well.
When to intervene
When to step back
When to be firm
When to be slack
Who gives training
To mothers to deal
With the day-to-day
Upbringing ordeals
To be the god
They are made out to be
Hiding their feet of clay
Under the wings
That keep their little ones
Up in the air
Till they sprout
The wings to fly.
The eyes are wet
Not a cross word
Has passed the lips, yet
Just the thought
Of those little ones
Struggling to learn
To face the world
Making friends
Making enemies
Challenging work
That test their abilities
Will they be able
To cope with them all?
I wonder if I have
Prepared them well.
When to intervene
When to step back
When to be firm
When to be slack
Who gives training
To mothers to deal
With the day-to-day
Upbringing ordeals
To be the god
They are made out to be
Hiding their feet of clay
Under the wings
That keep their little ones
Up in the air
Till they sprout
The wings to fly.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Anubavangal: Urugum Manam
Anubavangal: Urugum Manam: "அலை எழும்பி ஓய்வது போல் நிலைக்கும் அந்த மௌனம் குழந்தைகள் கிளம்பி போன பின்னே திரும்பும் வேளையில் கலக்கும் நெஞ்சம் எல்லாம் சரிதானே? சிரித்த..."
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