Just heard that Benazir Bhutto was shot dead this evening. Sad.
More sad is the thought that now Pakistan does not seem to have hope left at all. And sadder the fact that in Pakistan democracy will now be just a remote thought...
******************
Charismatic, attractive, dignified and extremely strong- especially in a country dominated by men, Benazir was a ray of hope that could have changed the history of Pakistan. And also possibly it's attitude, poverty, progress, development and much more.
I guess I have grown up on the politics of the Bhutto family, especially that of Benazir's... much like our own political first family, the Gandhis. I quite liked to hear her speak, she had a way of reaching out and communicating well. Truly an icon. And it was more of an interest to me because she was a woman, and I have often wondered what kind of sheer guts or absolute foolishness would make her want to leave the comfort of security, to come back to Pakistan and embrace the threats, uncertainty and danger. Especially being a wife and mother. Then again, I think it was the role of the daughter that was always dominant in her. And one she played with all conviction.
It is sad that she never got that chance to prove she was the perfect daughter of Pakistan.
Benazir Bhutto- may your soul rest in peace.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Chak De India!
Just got back from seeing Chak De India. And came back with many memories…
My family has always been into sports. I've grown up seeing four of my mamas (mother's brothers) play Table Tennis, of which two played for India. I remember going to the Gymkhana just to see my fave 'mama' in action. He was the youngest Junior National Champion during his time…only 13-14 then. And went on to be the National Champion in the Men's league many years later. He then represented the country in at least 5 World Championships and other international events. He used to play in a very particular style…he would lose the first round and then aggressively zoom and clinch the next two rounds so easily that the opponent never had time to realize what came into this cool, calm player. I used to watch him observe his opponent's every move with total concentration in that first round. Absolutely cool, nothing would faze him; nothing would break his concentration from his opponent.
It was then that I had decided I would be a Table Tennis Player. Never mind a lot of other people laughed saying Ping Pong was a kiddie's game, for me it was more than that. Only that, the day I was going to the YWCA to register for TT, I got put into the volleyball team and my life changed after that. My sister and I joined Volleyball for a summer camp, turned out to be good in the game and played on after that for a long time. My father being a wonderful sportsman himself, encouraged my sister, my brother and also me completely. Between us three, we have played volleyball, chess, football, cricket, tae-kwon-do and karate at school, district, inter-zonals, inter-districts and state levels. And most importantly, won.
This movie, especially Shah Rukh, reminded me of my mama. Especially of the time, when despite him being seeded 4th (despite being in his 30s which is considered an old age in TT), he was not taken for one of the World Championships. There was uproar in the TT Federation camp but none could withstand the might of politics that reached the Sports Ministry. Also of the times when the Federation had recommended only his name more than once for the Arjuna Award, but it was declined because of politics. Which acts in a funny way at times, because my other mama luckily was not as talented and was untouched by the politics that most Indian ministers play with our Sports. So he not only got the Arjuna Award, he was also the manager of the National TT Team till last year.
I used to hear a lot of stories of how players were treated. National level players that too. They would go to play for their country, but the new sports kits would never reach them. Instead the middlemen like the selection committee and also the ministers would embezzle that money or sell the kits. The staying conditions used to be deplorable. (They still are…look what the National Hockey Team had to go thru recently!). And bribery was the way to get into the game. The players who would not get 'gifts' like music players, expensive gadgets, perfumes, etc for these middlemen would be harassed or not taken for the next few games. The Sports Ministry was in cahoots with them. And didn't care a damn about the players or the country. Which is what happened to my uncle too. And I saw India losing one of the finest TT players of his time. I knew he had the capacity to win like no one else could and I'm not saying this because he's my uncle, but as a fellow sports person. And I saw that spirit being killed like slow poison. And I felt ashamed then of being part of this country.
I remember my Volleyball coach, who made us run the four floors of our school as exercise, apart from the ground. And who fought for every girl in his team more than a father could. He would personally go and visit every girl's house and talk to the parents, especially those who wanted their girls to concentrate more on their studies than sports. "One can not make a career out of sports, especially those that are not popular!" And he would say, "Let your daughter play and win, and it will be popular!" This movie reminded me of my sir too. And I felt pride like never before. Because with every smash of the ball, and hurt of your body as you fell or got hit and bled, the win became that much more sweeter! And this is something that no corporate boardroom game can match…or even understand!
This movie, not only made me relive my past, but it gave me a new life too. It made worthwhile every drop of sweat; blood and tears of all those sports persons who played for their country (in sports apart from the so coveted cricket that Indians are obsessed with). It gave the dignity to those whose lives have been ruined because of 'one mistake'. It showed what team spirit and force can be. And it gave a renewed hope…to the future of sports in this country. And I truly hope that more parents encourage their kids to play for India.
So, Chak De India! (and thank you too.)
******************************
(ps: If we are talking of the movie- I think it was one of the best roles Shah Rukh has ever played and each of the girls were absolutely wonderful! A salut to them all!)
Friday, August 17, 2007
Mahatma Gandhi's quote.
August 15, 2007
"I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers."
Gandhi's this particular comment got me thinking....why would someone say that, especially at a time when democracy was being sought after and papers/press/media most wanted?! Then again, maybe it was because a lot of his life and of those he knew, was misconstrued by the press! A lot of those speculations are apparantly being said as the truth, but let that be...
It could also be that Gandhi believed in the total freedom of reporters and photographers. And wanted them above the law. We'll never know what he really meant, and can only guess.
Coming back to the Media and Press of the present. Today most media reporters, be it journalists or TV reporters, are insensitive to what they really do. Which does not make them disbelieve in their cause. Only that the cause has changed now, and differs from paper to paper. Ditto for the channels. Right now, I feel, with media houses, the only cause they have is to show themselves as better than the others. So a lil sensationalism does not matter much. The 'truth' be given to the world has its own version here. Three versions or sides, to quote something I had read sometime ago. The first side is that of the reporter. The second of the channel/paper he/she represents and third of what really happened. The witnesses or victims notwithstanding.
For example, the recent train blasts in Mumbai. People had died, were injured, needed attention and help, others were searching for their loved ones. Bodies were scattered, blood everywhere. And during that too, one saw mikes being thrust in front of relatives sobbing, cameras plundering their helplessness and people just talking incessantly of the ghastly way people died...the truth had to be told in all its glory,right? Maybe the country does really want to know, I wanted to know what happened too...because Mumbai is my city too, my family and friends still live there and also travel that way....but at what cost the truth be told? At the cost of a acidic break thru a numbness of grief and confusion? And more than being informative, we could only see the one oneupmanship between the tv channels who dug deeper in the melee of raw emotions as they sought to find out who really died and how.
I'm not saying all reporters are the same. I have friends who write, but like it or not, a job is a job is a job. And this when backed by the belief that the channel or paper should get the 'best news', often drives a person to do what he/she would not otherwise want to do. I'm hoping I'm right here. Then again, I often wonder, do they not have a choice? Or at least the decency to know when and what to ask.
In 1993, a series of bomb blasts rocked Mumbai. I remember being stuck between three of them, the one in Plaza, other in Shivaji Park and the one in Worli; and distinctly hearing all three. Passed damaged buildings, speeding ambulances and mayhem. Gaping holes were where people used to be. These bomb blasts had been preceded by the Hindu-Muslim riots that took place just few months earlier. Again, times when one was left wondering if we'd see any of our Muslim friends again. Families were displaced, people we knew disappeared. Yes, it was personal. For all of us.
Today, when after 14 years, 'justice' is supposedly being meted out to those involved in the bomb blasts, the media again has made a mockery of all the people who died then. Did any of us actually look back and see those families? No. All we saw was a certain Bollywood actor's sob story, his act then and punishment now. This became the 'real news'...taking precedence over the actual matter. All newspapers, journals, tv channels, websites and more only talked about him. Even now, on the 60th anniversary of this nation's Independence, papers are wondering how 'Baba' will celebrate the day at the Yerawada Jail !
I personally like the colour yellow. To me it represents light, happiness, warmth, goodness...seen in turmeric we use, the rays of the sun, the sweetness of flowers, the fondness of yellowed pages of a book and more... But unfortunately, this colour is more synonymous with a shade that rules our country the most- cowardice. And sadly no one seems to want to report it.
"I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers."
Gandhi's this particular comment got me thinking....why would someone say that, especially at a time when democracy was being sought after and papers/press/media most wanted?! Then again, maybe it was because a lot of his life and of those he knew, was misconstrued by the press! A lot of those speculations are apparantly being said as the truth, but let that be...
It could also be that Gandhi believed in the total freedom of reporters and photographers. And wanted them above the law. We'll never know what he really meant, and can only guess.
Coming back to the Media and Press of the present. Today most media reporters, be it journalists or TV reporters, are insensitive to what they really do. Which does not make them disbelieve in their cause. Only that the cause has changed now, and differs from paper to paper. Ditto for the channels. Right now, I feel, with media houses, the only cause they have is to show themselves as better than the others. So a lil sensationalism does not matter much. The 'truth' be given to the world has its own version here. Three versions or sides, to quote something I had read sometime ago. The first side is that of the reporter. The second of the channel/paper he/she represents and third of what really happened. The witnesses or victims notwithstanding.
For example, the recent train blasts in Mumbai. People had died, were injured, needed attention and help, others were searching for their loved ones. Bodies were scattered, blood everywhere. And during that too, one saw mikes being thrust in front of relatives sobbing, cameras plundering their helplessness and people just talking incessantly of the ghastly way people died...the truth had to be told in all its glory,right? Maybe the country does really want to know, I wanted to know what happened too...because Mumbai is my city too, my family and friends still live there and also travel that way....but at what cost the truth be told? At the cost of a acidic break thru a numbness of grief and confusion? And more than being informative, we could only see the one oneupmanship between the tv channels who dug deeper in the melee of raw emotions as they sought to find out who really died and how.
I'm not saying all reporters are the same. I have friends who write, but like it or not, a job is a job is a job. And this when backed by the belief that the channel or paper should get the 'best news', often drives a person to do what he/she would not otherwise want to do. I'm hoping I'm right here. Then again, I often wonder, do they not have a choice? Or at least the decency to know when and what to ask.
In 1993, a series of bomb blasts rocked Mumbai. I remember being stuck between three of them, the one in Plaza, other in Shivaji Park and the one in Worli; and distinctly hearing all three. Passed damaged buildings, speeding ambulances and mayhem. Gaping holes were where people used to be. These bomb blasts had been preceded by the Hindu-Muslim riots that took place just few months earlier. Again, times when one was left wondering if we'd see any of our Muslim friends again. Families were displaced, people we knew disappeared. Yes, it was personal. For all of us.
Today, when after 14 years, 'justice' is supposedly being meted out to those involved in the bomb blasts, the media again has made a mockery of all the people who died then. Did any of us actually look back and see those families? No. All we saw was a certain Bollywood actor's sob story, his act then and punishment now. This became the 'real news'...taking precedence over the actual matter. All newspapers, journals, tv channels, websites and more only talked about him. Even now, on the 60th anniversary of this nation's Independence, papers are wondering how 'Baba' will celebrate the day at the Yerawada Jail !
I personally like the colour yellow. To me it represents light, happiness, warmth, goodness...seen in turmeric we use, the rays of the sun, the sweetness of flowers, the fondness of yellowed pages of a book and more... But unfortunately, this colour is more synonymous with a shade that rules our country the most- cowardice. And sadly no one seems to want to report it.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Rediscovering me.
One should never sort out or clean the cupboard that one has not touched for some time now- especially if one's not prepared for what lies ahead... A busy day saw me clearing my old study table, since was transferring stuff from the old house to the new. And of course, since it was to be done asap, and I had no time really, I was thinking of just dumping the stuff in my bag.
Just then I chanced by old photographs. And couldn't help myself after that.
Thoughts tumbled out, memories peeked and laughed, faces smiled at me, time just stood still. Sat and smiled through some, felt saddened by others and many brought a misty look and few a wistful moment. Realised how many people have come in and walked out of my present life. And with 'present life' I mean the moment I am in. Old schools friends...I wonder where they are...junior college groups...why did the madness disappear? Architecture college group- boy, am I glad I still have them and their mad, sweet selves still as much a part of my present as my past. Work place colleagues... crazy times with crazier people those! Was seeing myself with my family...gosh how I've changed from that bubbly, carefree child to being a responsible, more 'wiser' person that I've become... all those birthday parties and cakes and fun times... some of the best parts of my life.
What was to be a ten minute activity, took an hour to say the least. With the photos came out old letters and cards, some notes, few postcards...things that I had collected and other stuff that I had been given and cherished... so much love and warmth! I rediscovered myself. And quite liked who I am. :)
We don't realise how lucky we are or have been unless we take a step backwards and really look at what we had and have. I am thankful for all those moments and the people who made those times special! And to you too, who've been on my journey of blogging and sharing my nonsense and some more.
Just then I chanced by old photographs. And couldn't help myself after that.
Thoughts tumbled out, memories peeked and laughed, faces smiled at me, time just stood still. Sat and smiled through some, felt saddened by others and many brought a misty look and few a wistful moment. Realised how many people have come in and walked out of my present life. And with 'present life' I mean the moment I am in. Old schools friends...I wonder where they are...junior college groups...why did the madness disappear? Architecture college group- boy, am I glad I still have them and their mad, sweet selves still as much a part of my present as my past. Work place colleagues... crazy times with crazier people those! Was seeing myself with my family...gosh how I've changed from that bubbly, carefree child to being a responsible, more 'wiser' person that I've become... all those birthday parties and cakes and fun times... some of the best parts of my life.
What was to be a ten minute activity, took an hour to say the least. With the photos came out old letters and cards, some notes, few postcards...things that I had collected and other stuff that I had been given and cherished... so much love and warmth! I rediscovered myself. And quite liked who I am. :)
We don't realise how lucky we are or have been unless we take a step backwards and really look at what we had and have. I am thankful for all those moments and the people who made those times special! And to you too, who've been on my journey of blogging and sharing my nonsense and some more.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Define Love...?
With a blog called Lovemarks, very often people think that it is easy for me to always talk of love or have a 'loving disposition' or am always this lovey-dovey creature... and one question I really cannot relate to is that of defining love. What kind of question is that anyway?!
I don't think love can be explained in a line or few words strung together...I cannot define or quantify love. Just cannot!
For how can I explain that feeling that makes me go beyond barriers, boundaries and beyond myself for someone else?
How does one explain what is that 'thing' that rises from within, consumes and then envelops you, before going beyond yourself for someone else?
What can one say of that feeling where one just wants to give everything of one's self whenever possible?
How does one express the confusion, ecstasy, madness, happiness, sadness, anger, frustration and so much more- all felt at one moment- one look- one touch- one harsh word- one betrayal?
Is it possible to explain why one so easily believes in fate and destiny, universal law and soul mates, the sun and moon, stars and planets- sometimes hopelessly praying or even begging them to consider your request?
What would one call that feeling that colours every thing around in one glowy warmth and transcends from yourself onto everything or everyone that passes by?
How does one describe the feeling that makes me believe in magic? And in fairies, moon dust, falling stars, walks in the rain, sitting by the beach and watching the sun go down, sharing a movie and popcorn, a long drive anywhere, a hug, a smile, a whisper, a wink, a look and thousand secrets shared then....
Can one define the feeling for anyone who's in your mind the moment that begins with your waking and resting and all the time in between, in your every breath, thought and sometimes word?
And can anyone ever describe that deep plunge the heart takes wherein you can feel the ground beneath, and then suddenly surges high to take you amongst the clouds...all by one special look by a special person?
There's more... but then again, how does one express all that is within when all you do is be silent and hold it within?
............. nah! This is not some delayed post-Valentine post, but something that is always current...Was reading the quote for the day on my blog... kind of interesting and goes with the topic too...just in case you still want me to define love, here goes one definition:
"Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life". Leo Buscaglia
*************************************************************************************************
ps: Had disappeared into my own La la land (which is not my blog always) for a while... but am back, for good! ;)
I don't think love can be explained in a line or few words strung together...I cannot define or quantify love. Just cannot!
For how can I explain that feeling that makes me go beyond barriers, boundaries and beyond myself for someone else?
How does one explain what is that 'thing' that rises from within, consumes and then envelops you, before going beyond yourself for someone else?
What can one say of that feeling where one just wants to give everything of one's self whenever possible?
How does one express the confusion, ecstasy, madness, happiness, sadness, anger, frustration and so much more- all felt at one moment- one look- one touch- one harsh word- one betrayal?
Is it possible to explain why one so easily believes in fate and destiny, universal law and soul mates, the sun and moon, stars and planets- sometimes hopelessly praying or even begging them to consider your request?
What would one call that feeling that colours every thing around in one glowy warmth and transcends from yourself onto everything or everyone that passes by?
How does one describe the feeling that makes me believe in magic? And in fairies, moon dust, falling stars, walks in the rain, sitting by the beach and watching the sun go down, sharing a movie and popcorn, a long drive anywhere, a hug, a smile, a whisper, a wink, a look and thousand secrets shared then....
Can one define the feeling for anyone who's in your mind the moment that begins with your waking and resting and all the time in between, in your every breath, thought and sometimes word?
And can anyone ever describe that deep plunge the heart takes wherein you can feel the ground beneath, and then suddenly surges high to take you amongst the clouds...all by one special look by a special person?
There's more... but then again, how does one express all that is within when all you do is be silent and hold it within?
............. nah! This is not some delayed post-Valentine post, but something that is always current...Was reading the quote for the day on my blog... kind of interesting and goes with the topic too...just in case you still want me to define love, here goes one definition:
"Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life". Leo Buscaglia
*************************************************************************************************
ps: Had disappeared into my own La la land (which is not my blog always) for a while... but am back, for good! ;)
Thursday, February 01, 2007
aaaaaah Rajasthan.... a tourist's paradise!
Had an amazing experience as I travelled from Jaipur to Ajmer-Pushkar-Jodhpur-Bishnoi,Goda - Sardar Samand- Ranakpur- Nathdwara- Eklingji- Nagda-Udaipur and back to Jaipur. All in a week.
Am attaching some pics here. The rest can be seen, in better resolution, on: http://www.flickr.com/gp/75284714@N00/858UY3
Enjoy the experience and let it blow your mind! :)
Am attaching some pics here. The rest can be seen, in better resolution, on: http://www.flickr.com/gp/75284714@N00/858UY3
Enjoy the experience and let it blow your mind! :)
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Dad...
Since you've gone…
alone,
has learnt to fly.
All I have are memories
That I can call mine.
Since you've gone,
I've missed the comfort…
and the strength,
But I've managed fine.
Since you've gone…
Days have passed by
And this fledglingalone,
has learnt to fly.
Since you've gone,
You no longer remained you…
Now you exist in me
And I, as you.
©Lovemarks.
Wrote this poem for a friend who's doing a choreography on women, and having in the background pictures of mothers and daughters, but with all those mothers passed away. Could not think of how to word this, until I thought of my father... so this poem is dedicated to him.
**************************************************************************************************
Guru bhai aayo re!!!
Last year saw Munnabhai and Gandhigiri, this year sees Gurukant Desai and Dhandagiri!
Caught 'Guru' over the weekend, and was surprised to actually get tickets so easily...Had heard so much from others that I didn't want to miss a chance to see it. I was not totally disappointed. Am not getting into details or the storyline, but will make a few observations.
- Mani Ratnam has created a larger than life image and picture. Good for him!
- The setting and decor are well taken care of.
- Abhishek Bacchhan has done a good job. At times, his voice is so like Big B that I had to make an effort to realise this is the baby. But to give him credit, he has surpassed his father in this movie...
- Ash can't act! Period. She's a pretty, make that extremely pretty face...and even Mani Ratnam could not manage getting the best of her. Although her dancing skills have improved tremendously.
- Saroj Khan's choreography is the same ghisa-pita one...nothing interesting and I also felt that it let down the magic of AR Rahman's voice and song of 'Tere bina'. And there are too many songs in the movie, which take away from it's essence- also the reality of the characters.
- The heroine was Mallika Sherawat- was a pleasure to see her move! :)
- Gulzar (although I abs love that man!) is losing his touch- though there were few lines in some songs that were brilliantly put together.
- The movie is about Dhirubhai Ambani all the way, inspite of the disclaimer put right at the beginning of the movie. They made a hero and a martyr of him, by acclaiming his methods of business done at any cost!
All in all, a movie worth a dekko- at least once!
**************************************************************************************************
Guru bhai aayo re!!!
Last year saw Munnabhai and Gandhigiri, this year sees Gurukant Desai and Dhandagiri!
Caught 'Guru' over the weekend, and was surprised to actually get tickets so easily...Had heard so much from others that I didn't want to miss a chance to see it. I was not totally disappointed. Am not getting into details or the storyline, but will make a few observations.
- Mani Ratnam has created a larger than life image and picture. Good for him!
- The setting and decor are well taken care of.
- Abhishek Bacchhan has done a good job. At times, his voice is so like Big B that I had to make an effort to realise this is the baby. But to give him credit, he has surpassed his father in this movie...
- Ash can't act! Period. She's a pretty, make that extremely pretty face...and even Mani Ratnam could not manage getting the best of her. Although her dancing skills have improved tremendously.
- Saroj Khan's choreography is the same ghisa-pita one...nothing interesting and I also felt that it let down the magic of AR Rahman's voice and song of 'Tere bina'. And there are too many songs in the movie, which take away from it's essence- also the reality of the characters.
- The heroine was Mallika Sherawat- was a pleasure to see her move! :)
- Gulzar (although I abs love that man!) is losing his touch- though there were few lines in some songs that were brilliantly put together.
- The movie is about Dhirubhai Ambani all the way, inspite of the disclaimer put right at the beginning of the movie. They made a hero and a martyr of him, by acclaiming his methods of business done at any cost!
All in all, a movie worth a dekko- at least once!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
The edge of reason
Have you ever been on the edge
of being alive or dead...
wanting to cross over,
to the other side,
just to know what could lie ahead?
What was it that stopped you then?
The fear of knowing a fate irrevocable;
or a lack of courage...
that was greater
than the want so desirable.
Or was it a voice that called out to you?
That actually said nothing but you heard it somehow...
...a reassurance to your existence...
And maybe you stopped, only to turn to look at that noise
which seemed more exciting perhaps,
than to bear death's silence?
(C) lovemarks, 2007.
Have you ever been on the edge
of being alive or dead...
wanting to cross over,
to the other side,
just to know what could lie ahead?
What was it that stopped you then?
The fear of knowing a fate irrevocable;
or a lack of courage...
that was greater
than the want so desirable.
Or was it a voice that called out to you?
That actually said nothing but you heard it somehow...
...a reassurance to your existence...
And maybe you stopped, only to turn to look at that noise
which seemed more exciting perhaps,
than to bear death's silence?
(C) lovemarks, 2007.
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