~ Reflections ~

All of us talk about India being a progressive society. That we are catching up the "modern" world.  That women are now treated equally... or atleast will be. It is a good thought to pursue, since India is one of the few nations in the world where we have the existence of a matriarchal society, where the woman of the house has the right to property, money and business. Don't get me wrong, it is not about the money, but more a sense of power and rights, and the notional symbols attached to it by our society. Needless to say, in most cases, the woman is forced to fight for this right, despite being the care giver towards the later parts of life. And again, by woman, I don't necessarily mean daughter... it could well be the daughter-in-law who has been doing what it takes. But what good is all this power, when the same woman is beaten, raped in wide open streets, and then is told that she is at "fault" and is tainted... ironically due a crime committe

Ever since BJP has come to power in the centre, there seems to be too much discussion by the paparazzi and the Fourth estate about how the decisions are swinging from the center to the right... progressively towards the extreme right. This recent article by Gurcharan Das in The Sunday Times on Patriotism versus Nationalism brings back the same thoughts.  Strangely, if you look at the dictionary meanings to the two words, they seem almost identical... both referring to a patriotic feeling. nationalism. [ˈnaʃ(ə)n(ə)lɪz(ə)m] NOUN 1.patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts. "an early consciousness of nationalism and pride" patriotism. [ˈpeɪtrɪətɪz(ə)m] NOUN 1.the quality of being patriotic; vigorous support for one's country. "a highly decorated officer of unquestionable integrity and patriotism" Then why is it that the media seems to be equating nationalism with jingoism, and patriotism with something more controlled. Both emotions are strong,

We think a lot... assess... analyse... Try to be logical in our approach towards everything... Because we see great merit in logic... We assume that we need to give everyone an explanation... Even to those who don't deserve one... Is it really needed... Why should I have to explain every action and thought... To justify that there is no malign intended... Somehow acting on things is not as tiring as giving explanations for what has been done...  The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology.  ~ Red Auerbach

We look ahead in life... we plan for what we want it to be like... In hope that it will all work out... In confidence that we would be able to control the way things pan out... But what we are merely doing is hedging our risks....  Because we don't seem to have control at all...  On when it is time to come... and when it is that you drop dead... So play all you want... Eat what you like... Live the moment... Dance on the streets.... Because you never realize this is the last.... till it is too late..