~ Reflections ~

The whole world seems to be preparing for the G20 summit. From US to China, they are all harping about what Modi is planning to do, or atleast that's what our media wants us to believe.. Anyway, the best by product of hosting the G20 is the sprucing up of the city that is being done. Suddenly the MCD cleaners are sweeping all the visible scraps of plastic on the road (something they should've always done but never did), all dividers and flyovers are being painted, all signages are up and erect, all street lights are functioning... the list is endless... and it is amazing how perfect we wish to be when we have visitors, yet how shabby the original condition still is..  But the biggest realization is how nice and functional every civic amenity would be, if they all did their job properly !  So the next time you clean up your house when you have visitors, don't feel bad... that's what even countries do :) :D

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,...

In today's world, we seem to take our freedom, our democracy for granted... Maybe it's because our generation hasn't fought for it.....  or maybe, we haven't seen the other side...  That's why, Polling day has just become another Holiday,when most of us just unwind, and don't bother to Cast the Vote.. the reason why we have been given a day off in the first place.... The other worrying part is the total ignorance on the part of the voter, as to what is happening all around us... We are ever-ready to crib about the corrupt politicians, misbehaving cops and pathetic civic amenities, but won't open our ears to be aware about what is happening, or lift a finger to vote... This combined ignorance and laziness will cost us our freedom someday. Please Vote !!! It is one of the few chances we get as citizens to express our opinion !

I am a patriot.  I am proud of what our country has achieved so far, and think we have great things going for us.  But if the biggest factor going for us is people... the biggest factor going against is also the people of the nation. If we have the likes of Ratan Tata & Dr Anji Reddy, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw & Verghese Kurien, to name a few, who have showcased the ability of what an Indian is capable of... we also have a flip-side.  Whether it is corruption, illiteracy, female infanticide or crime, India figures among the few countries on top.  We never seem to think twice before strutting with pride on the mention of Tata or Kurien at any international forum. Then why does it take us so long to accept that we are the ones responsible for the worst as well. That WE need to take the initiative to move things towards the better...  That WE take it on ourselves to stop paying bribes, to educate everyone in our circle of influence, to be brave enough...