Dial 182 for RPF - will it work?

I came across a news article about dialing 182 for RPF. While I have no idea if this will actually work, I do appreciate the initiative.

In India, unfortunately, I have had bitter experience with RPF (Railway Protection Force) in the year 2000. The nightmares just were refreshed once I read about this news. I recall writing to a prominent daily about the incident as well, but it was not published. Not that I care, as I have this wonderful platform to reach out to the world.

So, it was 16 years back when this incident happened. My parents and I were traveling in Kanchenjunga Express traveling from Sealdah to Farakka. We were traveling in a chair car, reserved seats. The travel started well and we boarded on time. The journey was eventless till the train reached the Bardhaman station.

At the Bardhaman station, there was a sudden rush and many people entered our compartment. It was suddenly too crowded around us. Once the crowd thinned, we suddenly noticed that our main suitcase was gone from the overhead bin! Gone! Disappeared, without a trace! The moment we noticed it, my father and I ran frantically towards the exit trying to see who took it. The people around us did not even care. No one had noticed anything! (Of course!) I even saw few people smiling at our tragedy, which shocked me. One of them was a junior guy from the school where I studied. (I hope he has developed some sense of empathy in all these years. If he is still a moron, all the best to him.)

Anyway, we descended from the train and went to register a complaint with the RPF posted there.

When my father politely narrated the incident to them, their first question was - "Are you making this up?" We said - "No". Then we requested to have the complaint registered, to which they said, "There are no pages left in the complaint book. You have to bring a page and write it down." We got a page and then I asked for a pen. None of the officers had any pen. Would you believe that?

At this point, I am not sure how my father felt, but I was filled with a mix of myriad emotions ranging from anger, disbelief, sadness and anxiety! We understood pretty well that it would not work out as the people we were dealing with were potentially hands in gloves with the criminals.

Our thoughts transcended to the fact that my mother was sitting alone in the train crying her hearts out and the train could get started any moment. We decided to leave the matter and get back in the compartment.

I suddenly remembered the incident thinking if RPF has really changed. I am still filled with disbelief. I have seen the system. I did not like it. Have India progressed in 16 years? Really? Can someone confirm?

Well, 16 years on, dial 182 in case if you face any issues in an Indian train. Consider yourself lucky if someone responds.

Jai ho!

The dream that "was" Air India - an experience of a life time

Hi friends

Been away from my blog for some time...

But I have to write again.

This is about India's flagship carrier Air India which provided me with my worst travel experience till date. 

Day 1 - June 1' 2013
I began my journey on June 1' 2013 from the JFK, New York airport, USA bound for Kolkata, India. I was scheduled to reach on June 2' 2013.

I shall start off with my experience at the baggage counter. My baggage were overweight and had to be trimmed down. At the end of it, I ended up with a set of four check in luggage instead of three that I had initially planned for. I handed out 400$ to the Air India desk to pay for my 2 extra pieces of luggage. 

Exhibit 1: Receipt at the JFK airport for extra 2 pieces of luggage

Anyway, I had it done and after the needed security checks I boarded the flight. I took my window seat and found the headphones to be broken. The towels were clearly unwashed and had hair on them.

I settled down and surrendered to my destiny with no idea that the worst part was yet to surface.

After a part of my journey, I decided to relieve myself and went to the washroom. The basin had hair and water clogged in it. There were hardly any napkins, some were strewn on the floor. The toilet bowl was difficult to use given the amount of dirt on it, but I shut down my senses and forgot about it.

Anyway, the food was okay. The flying staff were courteous.

Day 2 - June 2' 2013 - Delhi Airport
After a long journey, I finally reached Delhi Airport. At the Delhi Airport, I had my immigration done and proceeded to pick up my baggage from the carousel. Three of my bags arrived fine, but one did not. This had never happened to me before and I was at my wit's end as I stared blankly at the empty carousel revolving again and again with no bag on it left. The staff of Air India started inquiring of me if I was expecting another baggage to which I nodded a nervous yes! 

I took out the 4 luggage claim tags provided to me at the JFK Airport and provided them to the Air India desk so that they could file the PIR (Property Irregularity Report) on my behalf. 

Exhibit 2: Property Irregularity Report (PIR) copy

I was told that this was a normal phenomenon and that I should expect my bag to arrive by the next flight.

At this time, I was worried, but was taken by the assurances and proceeded with my journey.

I was supposed to take the Air India flight from Delhi at 5PM IST, but found out that it had been rescheduled at 6PM IST. 

I boarded the flight and this leg of the journey was event less. The food was good and the flying staff were courteous. I did not need the washroom (thankfully).

Day 2 - June 2' 2013 - Kolkata Airport
I landed at the Kolkata airport and immediately started waiting at the carousel for my bags to arrive. The ones I received at the Delhi airport arrived fine, but the one that was missing was still missing.
I checked with the Air India person who was on a call at that time. He seemed to be more interested in his call than about speaking with me. Anyway, I finally received a dry reply that I would have to call the following day at a land line number if I needed any information.

I was happy about reaching home but my happiness was marred by this sad incident.

The next few days were spent in endless calls and emails with the Air India baggage services team based in Delhi. Finally I was told that the bag was still at JFK and found in tagless condition in the Delta premises!!!

On Wed, Jun 5, 2013 at 11:15 AM, DEL BAGSVCS <DEL.BAGSVCS@airindia.in > wrote:

Dear Sir,

This has reference to your mail below.

At the outset please accept our sincere apology for the inconvenience caused.

We wish to advise you that the bag is traced with Newyork Delta without tag but same has your 

name and address on it.We have requested Delta airlines to forward this bag to India but unfortunately

no forwarding details  are advised so far.

We are requesting our Newyork office to laise with Delta and revert on priority basis.

We shall keep you advise the status.

Regards

Harminder Kaur

Baggage Services Delhi

I was unable to understand how an Air India checked-in bag could be found in tagless condition. This took another few days just to get Delta re-deliver this bag to Air India JFK to move it to India and this email probably helped.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: DEL BAGSVCS

Date: Thu, Jun 6, 2013 at 4:06 PM
Subject: AHLDELAI49953/OHDJFKDL14329
To: Donald.h.ricker@delta.com, Chiranjib Mazumdar
Cc: JFK Baggage Services , Riwo Norbhu


Dear Mr Ricker,

Greetings !

This has reference to the trailing mail.

We wish to bring to your notice that the above OHDJFKDL14329 is definite match for our
AHLDELAI49953 favour Mr Chiranjib Mazumdar.

Despite our ROH requests/PXF messages/TELE typt msgs to forward the above OHD on firav to Delhi on 03JUN/04JUN/05JUN,
the same was forwarded to HDQDL on board DL1731/03JUN under rush tags DL051929/DL282723.

We need your urgent intervention in the matter as baggage contains very important documents and required by
passenger on urgent basis.It has become very difficult for us to explain the passenger regarding delay in
getting the bag from Delta.

Regards
Harminder Kaur
Baggage Services Delhi

JFKAI-You are also requested to liaise with Delta and revert with forwarding details.

Finally I was told that the bag would reach on June 10' 2013. I was happy about it and even appreciated the person who had put her effort in getting the bag delivered.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chiranjib Mazumdar
Date: Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Subject: Re: AHLDELAI49953/OHDJFKDL14329
To: DEL BAGSVCS

Hi Harminder

Thanks a lot!!!

Really appreciate your hard work on this.

Please let me know when the bag is boarded for Kolkata!

Thanks again!

Chiranjib


On Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 11:31 AM, DEL BAGSVCS <DEL.BAGSVCS@airindia.in> wrote:

Dear Sir,

Greetings !

This has reference to mail below.

We wish to advise you that bag is received in Delhi just now.

We shall clear the bag from customs and advise you the forwarding details for Kolkatta.

Regards

Harminder Kaur

Air India Kolkata finally delivered the bag to me on June 11' 2013. But my happiness was converted to doubt the moment I had a look at the lock.

My TSA lock was intact but the hooks were opened. The lock had been broken! It was temporarily sealed with a yellow tape. The person who delivered the bag asked for tips and I replied back - "I would have, had the lock not been broken."

Picture Notes: Please observe the TSA lock intact, but one hook has been tampered and displaced from its base, so it is dangling by the lock. The other end is fixed as usual, but of course this helped the thieves steal.

I could not wait to check my bag after I returned home with it and yes, my worst fears had come true!

This is what was missing -

Wrist Watches - Count 4
Macbook charger - Count 2
Commemorative 50 states of USA quarter set - Count 1
Portable 2TB Seagate hard disk - Count 1

Apple IPad Charger - Count 1

Dolica Camera Tripod - Count 1

The loss, more than monitory, was of emotional value as some of the items were intended for gifts and even the others have to be purchased by me all over again! 

I got in touch with Air India and notified them about this loss...

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Chiranjib Mazumdar
Date: Tue, Jun 11, 2013 at 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: AHLDELAI49953/OHDJFKDL14329
To: DEL BAGSVCS

Cc: baggageservicesccu@gmail.com, CCU BAGSVCS , ER CustomerService


Hi - Please find below the updated list of missing items -
Wrist Watches - Count 4
Macbook charger - Count 2
Commemorative 50 states of USA quarter set - Count 1
Portable 2TB hard disk - Count 1
Dolica tripod - Count 1
Ipad2 charger - Count 1
Sorry, if I knew that my items will be stolen from your "esteemed" carrier, I would have listed everything down prior to boarding my aircraft.
I shall update my list as I remember stuff I had.
Please let me know what you can do!


On Tue, Jun 11, 2013 at 4:36 PM, DEL BAGSVCS wrote:


    Dear Mr. Mazumdar,
    
    This has reference to our telephonic conversation and your trailing mail regarding some items alleged to be missing from your mishandled baggage delivered by our Kolkata Office today.
    
    At the outset, please accept our sincere apologies for all the inconvenience caused to you due to the above.
    
    Further, please be advised that as per procedure, the Station which delivers the mishandled baggage, is required to conclude any claim which may arise post-delivery of the same.  Since the mishandled baggage was delivered by our Kolkata Office, we request you to liaise with them.  This mail is being marked to the Kolkata Office also for their necessary action.
    
    Thanking You and assuring you of our prompt attention at all times.
    
    Yours faithfully,
    
    R.R. Khurana
    Dy. Manager- Baggage Services/INTL.
    
    -----Chiranjib Mazumdar wrote: -----
    To: DEL BAGSVCS



    From: Chiranjib Mazumdar
    Date: 11/06/2013 03:06PM
    Cc: CCU BAGSVCS
    Subject: Re: AHLDELAI49953/OHDJFKDL14329


    Hi - I received my bag today, but regret to inform you that I found the lock to be broken and temporarily sealed with a plastic fixer. I mentioned this fact in my "receipt note" from the delivery man. When I came home with the bag and I opened it, I found several items missing. List below -
    Wrist Watches - Count 4
    Macbook charger - Count 2
    Commemorative 50 states of USA quarter set - Count 1
    Portable 2TB hard disk - Count 1
    These are the ones that I can remember at this point in time.
    I am deeply saddened by this loss, as I did pay extra 400$ just to bring in 2 extra pieces of check-in luggage.
    I wish to know what steps you can take to compensate me for this loss, because I have travelled with Lufthansa, Emirates, American Airlines in the past and this is the first time this happened to me!
    This was be my last trip with Air India, I promise you!
    I would wait for your response...
    Thanks,
    Chiranjib
The Delhi baggage services told me to get in touch with Kolkata as they had delivered the bag to me. The Kolkata baggage services told me to get in touch with Delhi and none of them had a clue on what could be done.

The Kolkata Air India duty manager called me up one afternoon (June 15' 2013) and told me he was sorry about the loss and that he had seen my emails but he reiterated that he had delivered the bag the way it had been received. He did not wish to take ownership of the loss. When I insisted that I was not the person responsible for the loss, he said he would connect with Delhi on this, but after that no response was received.

Since then I have tried to send multiple emails to get a response from them on any sort of compensation, but no positive responses were received and today I found out while replying back that my email to them had been marked as "spam"!  

Air India, being India's flagship airline carrier - Can we not expect greater initiative to provide for customer satisfaction? Do we board international flights to have stuff stolen from our bags? Who is responsible for the fact that my check in bag was found like an orphan in tag less state? Who is responsible for affixing tags to bags? 

IF CUSTOMERS' EMAILS START GETTING MARKED AS SPAM INSTEAD OF RECEIVING APPROPRIATE RESPONSES, WELL, I CAN ONLY SAY...

GOD HELP AIR INDIA!

And finally, I wrote my last email to Air India yesterday and they did not respond, as I expected...

From: Chiranjib Mazumdar
Subject: Attn: AIR India Head Quarters, AIR India Customer Services or anyone from Air India who cares about customers!Date: June 24, 2013 11:28:02 AM GMT+05:30To: Sangeeta Vaidya , DEL BAGSVCS , HQ TFCSVCS , ER CustomerService , CCU APT , CCU BAGSVCS , del.reservationmanager@airindia.in
Attn: AIR India Head Quarters, AIR India Customer Services or anyone from Air India who cares about customers!
Hi - I need a reply from you to conclude this conversation.
For the aforesaid details mentioned (File reference: AHLDELAI49953/OHDJFKDL14329), given the fact that I incurred a loss of the items below after I received my lost baggage in lock broken, temporary sealed condition, is your airlines liable or able to compensate me?
A simple yes or no will help me.
Please do not send me standard customer communication templates (we are sorry blah blah). I need a simple "Yes, we will provide compensation" OR "No we will not provide compensation." [I assume you do not have the capability to retrieve stolen items]
Can you KINDLY do that PLEASE?
List of items stolen -
Wrist Watches - Count 4Macbook charger - Count 2Commemorative 50 states of USA quarter set - Count 1 Portable 2TB Seagate hard disk - Count 1Apple IPad Charger - Count 1Dolica Camera Tripod - Count 1[There may be more items, but sorry, I did not list them down before packing my baggage]
I incurred an estimated loss IN EXCESS OF Rs. 25000 plus harassment / agony for this unforeseen delay and eventually loss!I paid 400$ for 2 extra pieces of baggage at the JFK NY Airport.
I shall take no response from you by end of day tomorrow (June 25' 2013) as a negative response from your end and I will understand that you will not provide me any sort of compensation!
Based on your response or a lack of it, I shall think about next steps to take.

-- Best regards,Chiranjib Mazumdar

I do not plan to travel with this airline in future based on my experience and readers, based on what you have read, I shall leave it to you to decide what you would like to do!

Update (July 30' 2013) - Air India provided me with some compensation.

     

My email to Justice Verma

From: Chiranjib Mazumdar
Date: Mon, Dec 31, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Subject: Reference to public notice - suggestions on amendments to criminal laws relating to safety and security of women
To: justice.verma@nic.in


Dear sir

This is with reference to the public notice given by you on Indian newspapers "inviting suggestions on amendments to criminal laws relating to safety and security of women".

Please note that I am a simple citizen of this nation and am shocked beyond words seeing the brutal nature of the crime and the horrific after-effects. No wonder it has generated the attention, it has.

Please find below my suggestions -
1. Rape cases need to be solved decisively within a month. If needed fast track courts should be established with eminent judges and jury as panel members. Women representation is a must in the panel.
2. Simple imprisonment and fine for the culprits who are proven guilty, is not enough, simply because in India, there is a social stigma attached to a person who undergoes such trauma. Punishment should be exemplary so that it serves as a deterrent and makes prospective criminals think a thousand times before committing such crimes.
3. While I think death sentence should be the minimum punishment awarded, chemical castration may be a more apt form of punishment that would remind the criminal of the guilt for the rest of his life.
4. There should be adequate provisions to ensure that any changes in existing law are not misused and innocents do not get trapped.

5. In case of the victim's death, death penalty should be made mandatory for the culprits.

6. If juveniles are involved in the crime, they should still be treated as adults.

7. The victim's family should be provided with all support and protection as needed, to prevent them from being harassed and blackmailed.

As I mentioned earlier, I am a member of the civil society and bear no connections whatsoever to the Lawyers' association, so my suggestions may be perceived as crude, but I hope I do echo the voices of millions of Indian citizens who are equally shocked as I am, with the recent incident.

It is high time that a strong stand is taken to prevent such incidents, because, for all you know, this has brought down the reputation of India in front of the whole world. I see tourism industry clearly getting affected with the negative publicity this incident has generated.

I sincerely hope that among the millions of emails you might receive, this email does get 2 seconds of attention.


--
Best regards,
Chiranjib Mazumdar

The sweet-as-sugar guys

The sweet-as-sugar guys

There are various kinds of people in this world and today, I am tempted to write about one type. The type that is the most dangerous.
Well, these people are generally average built, have a calm disposition, always put down their heads and listen to superiors without as much as a word. But within, they curse them with all their might.

Friends, you should be particularly aware that these people can really stab at your back and make your life miserable if they get a single chance. Diplomatic to the core, they know how to appease men in high ranks. But look out for that scratch which you suffered.. still wondering, how it happened? Be assured, it's the work of that same average looking guy who smiled at you and gave a rose!! You saw the rose, you did not see the spike!!

But they have a BIG shortcoming. They think none can understand their true motive. They think they can fool all.

THEY DO NOT KNOW THEY ARE WRONG!!

A reason enough

A thorn, a prick and then, the blood
The connection is ethereal
And yet, I chose the thorn and the prick
The reason: Pain is sweeter than surrender and injustice!

Are we heading towards the dark ages?

My office was attacked by hooligans of the Bloody Jammers' Party today during the 12 hour strike!
Do we have any hope of a secure future?
Read the article here. You decide!
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Politics/Nation/BJPs-Bengal-strike-gets-partial-response-activists-run-amok/articleshow/5284933.cms

You are lucky you are only reading it. My friends faced it!

Sample these:
1) A doctor going to a hospital was not spared the agony. His car was badly damaged and he was verbally abused with the choicest of slang.
2) The DLF building (which houses my office) was attacked by bloody hooligans! Employees were not allowed to get in, even when they stressed the importance of the kind of work we do.. involving 24*7 support. Never before had the IT industry come under such an attack! Think about the kind of impression it gives to our prospective clients!
3) Patients being taken to the hospital were checked thoroughly. They almost had a 'pre-health' checkup in the hands of uneducated, brute, 'lathi' wielding 'doctors', prior to the actual medical checkup.
4) School buses were emptied of children and burnt.

At the end of the day, one of the leaders proudly announced on TV..."Ah... it was a successful strike.." So true. Isn't it?

Are we heading towards the dark ages? I am tired of criticizing politicians... Come on, someone give me a break!

A strike is supposed to be a tool to gauge voluntary people support on a particular issue. But here we saw petty hooliganism by criminals and musclemen, with no regard whatsoever for anyone. In a democratic country like ours, this sort of force and display of muscle power cannot and should not be supported.

Jago India, jago...
Rise India, rise...

Where is Peace?

One year on... remember?
Of course you remember, on this day, one year back, Mumbai was torn apart with violence, hatred, bloodshed. Today Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive is still grinning inside his cell of his, toggling between a volley of statements and enjoying the loopholes of law and order. As per unofficial estimates, an amount in excess of 31 crore Indian rupees have already been wasted on his trial!! If you ask me Ajmal will face one of the following:
1) A death after 30 years owing to old age and natural causes.
2) An escape to Pakistan, like the way Maulana Masud Azhar escaped after the Kandahar hijack!
...worst, by that time, we would have lost many more crores while facilitating his survival!

Everyone is preparing evidences against everyone. And once one set is published, another set is prepared. Years lost in preparing evidences. What about the sufferers?

None is really bothered. Innocent lives are being lost in a hurry.

Babri - Mumbai (1992) - Godhra - Gujarat - Kandahar - Kargil - Parliament - 26/11 Mumbai(2008)

...not in chronological order

Were any of these really required?

What did we gain out of these? Satisfied our bloody egos? My religion is bigger than you or vice versa? - oh really?

Pakistan and India - these two nations badly need money in order to uplift the economically backward classes and see, what we are indulging in! More and more money invested in military, in arms and ammunition...

Friends, I am an Indian. But I strongly believe there can be a solution to the historical 'problem', but somewhere the ego should be left aside! We have seen enough blood, enough dead bodies... please... we do not want to see more...

I do not understand politics. It is something that I have not specialized in. But I dislike violence. Probably, I can handle the computer games like Quake3 Arena, but only till that! Never ever in reality.

Think... why do people kill each other? What is the ulterior motive? The day we die, our souls will part our bodies. No gold, no riches, no money, no relationships will ever stay except our deeds. Our deeds will indeed stay.

Friends, never ever be remembered for a bad reason. A terrorist will not be remembered for the "fidayen".... though wrongly motivated people may think so. He will be remembered as a killer... a person who took away a baby from a wailing mother, a wife from a loving husband, a mother from a 8 year old daughter.....

And why did he do it? From a terrorists' perspective? For revenge? An eye for an eye... leaving the world blind? Blind, we are... blind are the politicians... blind is our ego... So what is the difference of a savage animal with a human being! Why do we educate ourselves? Why do we read religious scriptures? Do they teach us to ill-treat our fellow human beings? Do they teach us to beat them up?

No... I am not supporting any religion here. But yes, I do have a religion. Everyone does. But the point is we should be adaptable to others. A sin committed by a group of individuals should not be taken as that committed by the community. Am I making sense?

Temples, Mosques, Churches, Gurdwaras are all holy places. We should respect each of them. All are paths to the God - the almighty. We as children, were always taught the same as per Indian customs. But there are bloody politicians who ruined these holy thoughts.

See the result. We fight and nations who produce ammunition are laughing their way to their bank balances. Naturally... who are their customers? We... India and Pakistan!!

Kasab - a mere pawn in the whole game! The sad part is, he still has no remorse for what he did.

And finally, the personnel who laid down their lives in the service of their motherland, performing their duty... my salutes to them.. or else the attack could have taken the lives of many more!

But... is 26/11/2009 much different from 26/11/2008?

Before I end this post, listen to this song from the Colonial Cousins album, sung by Hariharan and Leslie Lewis:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0gDqUvceCY





Here is the lyrics:

Krishna Ni Bhe Gha-Ni, Baroo !
Krishna Ni Bhe Gha-Ni, Baroo !

Darkness coming around,
And every body fight with the brother
Every body wants control,
Don't hesitate to kill one-another

So come back as Jesus
Come back and save the world
Bless all the future of every boy and girl
Come back as Rama,
Forgive us for what we've done
Come back as Allah,
Come back as anyone


Religion is the reason,
The world is breaking up into pieces
Colour of the people,
Keeps us locked in hate please release us

So Come down and help us,
Save all the little ones
They need a teacher,
And you are the only one
We can't rely on,
To build a better world
A world that's for children,
A world that's for everyone



Time is healer, and time moves on
Time don't wait for any one
So, Tell me you'll be back
But that will take some time
I m waiting aaa I m waiting ,wating
I m waiting

I'm waiting, yeah yeah

Come back as Jesus
Come back and save the world
We need a teacher,
and You are the only one
Come back as Rama
Forgive us for what we've done
Come back as Allah
Come back for every one

Krishna Ni Bhe Gha-Ni, Baroo
Krishna Ni Bhe Gha-Ni, Baroo

Come back as Jesus
Come back and save the world
Bless all the future
OF every boy and gal

Come back as Rama
Forgive us for what we've done
Come back as Allah
Come back for every one

Govinda bolo hari Gopala bolo
Govinda bolo hari Gopala bolo
Govinda bolo hari Gopala bolo

AMAZING... ISN'T IT?


Image source: http://naturaloilcandles.com
Reference: http://www.lyricsmasti.com

The silence before...

Have a look at the article below:
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091124/jsp/sports/story_11778161.jsp

I am sad... very sad... why?

Am I sad because the iconic Sachin Tendulkar did not get any support from BCCI?
Am I sad because the separatist elements are looming large in this country?
Am I sad because the way the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, the right to free speech is being curtailed???

Come on... we are living in free India!!

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!!

My question to you Indians, how can a group of men rule over millions? Voice your disgust!! Show your discomfort!

The last day I spoke to a friend of mine and she did not take the name as well. As if Lord Voldemort of Harry Potter fame (he who must not be named!!!).... so invincible?

I ask you people: When? When will this end?

I urge you Indians: Defeat the separatists!! These are more dangerous than the terrorists!! They can cause irreparable damage to our motherland!!

Mumbaikars: I understand many of you may be secret admirers of the "God", but take my word, all of these are for petty political gains. The day his ambitions are met, you will all bear the brunt. Believe in yourself, in your abilities, in your talents. No talent goes unrecognized. Compete and show everyone what you can do! Regional political parties have no hope of making a mark in this country until and unless they play the 'region' card. Our forefathers made a gross mistake by allowing infinite number of political parties to be floated. If you have Rs 500, you are eligible to stand in elections!!

And thus, these formed.

But friends, think about it! All of these can change! The power of the people is infinite, boundless! Show your power. Voice your opinions! In every blog, in every newspaper, in every nook and corner of this country, let the opinions flow freely.

Show the tricolor of India - the country of unity in diversity, the country which is home to people of every nationality, the largest English speaking nation.

Friends and fellow Indians - We can do it! Can't we?



PS. These are my personal views and by the universal Human Right of Freedom of Expression, I have every right to voice my opinions. If you have other views, feel free to share.

Image source: http://www.cricfield.com

Untouchables

Drops of dew on the leaves

Blue bubbles in the air

Do not touch either

As that would end their existence

Let them be as they are

Let them float unabashed

Unscathed

Unobstructed

Let the dews sparkle beautifully on the sunny mornings

Let the bubbles render an aura of bliss to the air

Look at them from a distance

Do not touch either

See that child playfully prick a bubble

Or touch a dew

And there it vanishes

There it drops off

The child looks on... sad...

It was there... but now it's no more...

And oh, look there's another one...

Wonderful, thinks the kid!

Goes after yet again

And history repeats itself

And one day, the child realises....

"Drops of dew on the leaves

Blue bubbles in the air

Do not touch either

As that would end their existence

Let them be as they are

Let them float unabashed

Unscathed

Unobstructed

Let the dews sparkle beautifully on the sunny mornings

Let the bubbles render an aura of bliss to the air

Look at them from a distance

Do not touch either"

My khichdi life

Has been quite some time since I last scribbled on this blog. Thanks to my poor BSNL broadband connectivity, thanks to my mood swings and also, thanks to my new addiction, this blog felt neglected. The blogs which find me as a regular visitor missed me as well and I am sorry for that.
But, all said and done, I am back! ...as promised. :)

By now many of you must be thinking over... mmm... addiction??

Don't worry! It's just a game - the mafia wars! For those who are wondering what it is - it's simple to explain.
1. Get an account on facebook
2. Check out the applications available under the category 'Games'
3. Find 'Mafia Wars' and start playing!

I am sure, many of you know about it. For those, who do not, check out once! :)

On a separate level, I am over my emotional downswing at the moment and back at my lively best.

In the meantime, there were few incidents I really felt bad about.

1. In Kolkata, few days ago, three people lost their arms while jutting them out of the window of a running bus. Overtaking is a syndrome that Kolkata drivers will forever embrace, notwithstanding the amount of accidents their reckless behavior cause each year. They are fearless in a true sense and whom should they fear when they have so many dadas and union leaders and the who's who of politics at their arm's length! Pity those people who lost.... I even shudder to think...
But, lesson for all of us, "PLEASE DO NOT EXPOSE YOUR HANDS (OR HEADS) OUT OF THE WINDOW OF A RUNNING BUS" until and unless, you plan for a suicide!

2. A friend of mine lost his elder sister. It was a 'suicide', as per the note available. It was an 'accident', others say. But only the poor girl's relatives know what it was! It was sad... very sad...
Powerful people always tend to get away, don't they! That is one thing, that has not changed over the years.

3. I am reading Linda Goodman's "Love Signs" at the moment. A very interesting book - I must say. I am not a bookworm by any remote stretch of imagination, but even a guy like me has got hooked on to it. No plans to write a review any soon - until of course I am through with reading the whole of it.

That more or less sums up what I have been doing in the secret chamber of mine! ;)

Chao guys and gals. See you some other time... Gosh, I have a lot of other blogs to read and comment on...

***am coming friends...am coming***

Until next time..

Back to the drawing boards

jeevan ke din chhote sahi
hum bhi bade dilwale
kal ki humein fursat kahaan
soche jo hum matwale

Remember this famous song of kishore da? If you do not, well, here it is on youtube!



The last few days were disappointing for me. Expectations! Hopes! Dreams! Aspirations! and then, folly! Disgust! Disappointment!

No, am not down and out, no way! It's just a temporary setback, to which I do not want to give a permanent status!


I was listening to a wonderful song this evening on 104 Fever FM, courtesy RJ Arvind! Superb lyrics... another classic from Kishore da... Check this:


aaye tum yaad mujhe gaane lagi dhadkan
khushbu layi pawan, mehka chandan
jis pal naino mein sapna tera aaye
us pal mausam par mehendi rach jaaye
aur tu ban jaaye jaise dulhan
aaye tum yaad mujhe gaane lagi har dhadkan
jab main raaton mein taare ginta hun
aur tere kadmon ki aahat sunta hun
lage mujhe har tara tera darpan
aaye tum yaad mujhe
gaane lagi har dhadkan
har pal man mera, mujhse kehta hai
jiski dhun mein tu khoyaa rehta hai
bhar de fulon se uska daman
aaye tum yaad mujhe
gaane lagi har dhadkan
khushbu laayi pawan
mehka chandan
aaye tum yaad mujhe
gaane lagi har dhadkan


I became nostalgic again, thinking of the ever fresh morning dews on the leaves, the mist on the winter mornings, the flowing ganges.............. and so many other memories....


However, life happens just like that!


My take away:
Life gives you setbacks, disappointments! But have a 'never say die' attitude. Failures are the pillars to success.


ps. This post was a whole mumbo jumbo for many, but that's exactly how my thought processes are working at the moment! I would be back in my normal self.. yes.. pretty soon!

Strikes - Keep them coming?

I was watching Rang de Basanti for the 5th time the other day. It was being aired on UTV. The film gives me something new to think about each time I watch it. Even this time, I thought, is India in safe hands? No, I am not campaigning for a political party here. Rather, I am trying to give an overview of what the scenario is before I move to the main topic of discussion. As per news figures, 150 of the newly elected MPs have criminal cases pending against them. Of them, 73 MPs face serious charges. And, lets say, there are quite a few who have been involved in criminal activities, but were never caught. So that enhances the figures even more!

Now, the main topic of discussion: Bengal is having a 12 hour strike yet again! The issue? Political rivalry leading to blood stains. The sufferers? The common men. Time and again, I have hinted that strikes do not solve problems, rather they paralyse the nervous system of the city. But I am nobody. So nobody listens to me. And since nobody listens to me, everybody thinks he or she can call a strike and get away with it. And wait, do you want to know what happened the day before the strike would take place? Have a look at this article. I was watching live video clips of the incidents. The people were smashing the window panes of vehicles with whatever they had in their hands, ultimately setting the vehicles on fire. I was wondering if the 'non-living' buses had any idea what it was all about and what had been their fault! I could derive only one possible benefit. For quite some time now, the government had been trying to take aged buses (more than 15 years old) off the road, but the drive has been facing serious protests from the bus syndicate owners as well as various groups. Today, the number of such vehicles got reduced - thanks to their mass cremation! But apart from this 'derived' benefit, I could really not see any other gains. As is expected, one ambulance was staggered in the traffic jam created because of this on the Howrah bridge. The patient had a tough time and the relatives were anxious (to say the least).

There will be eternal debates on the fact that strike is an weapon of non-violence used to educate the mass and gain support and also as a tool to create pressure. But one is compelled to think, what is it that we are gaining out of it? If you ask me, I gained just one thing. Guess what!

THIS BLOG POST! What else!

Cheers to strikes! Keep them coming! *sarcastic eh!*

A hot afternoon collage

I looked at the sky
A gamut of blue with a golden tinge
The Sun shining brightly
A hot sensation

I looked at my hands
Drops of pseudo-dew
Emanating an uncomfortable smell of my body
I am accustomed to it

The heat taking its toll
There, I see that naked little boy
trying to have a few drops of water from the corporation tap on the road-side
Poor him, all he gets is a drop
And then there is no more..
He looks at the sky..
Thirst written all over his face
His little body smeared with perspiration
The shabby old linen pant now only a discolored image of what it had been...

There's a crow perched high up on the tree
She has a piece of 'chappati'..
which she does not feel like having..
Every day, she waits for her partner
But today, he had not arrived
She wonders why..
Looks here and there
Tiny eyes search frantically

And yet, no signs whatsoever for him to return
She keeps the 'chappati' on a high branch
Held in position by her claws
Oh.. the weather is unbearable..

I observe all of these and more..
An unpleasant feeling all around..
Amongst all species..
As the day slowly goes from morning to noon..
There's an increasing feeling of 'no respite'

As I move down the small alley towards my house
I notice something on the road..
Oh.. a bird.. a crow..
he had fell off while in flight
Unable to survive the pain...
The heat being unbearable...
I am appalled at its plight..

I take him in my hand..
He stares at me with a blank expression
Probably trying to utter a word or two
For me to pass on to someone?
Someone?
Oh is she the one perched high on that tree?

But, oh no, he is no more..
I take him on my hand and move towards the tree
Where his partner (?) had been waiting for so long..

As soon as she notices me..
She flies away!
The 'chappati' falls off to the ground
Still intact in its round shape
Still untouched

As I bow down to take a look at the round piece..
Suddenly there is a loud groan above my head
The clouds begin their rambling
The drops flow
I close my eyes and feel the cold damp sensation

Finally, the monsoons begin..
Finally, the pain ends..
That naked boy dances in the rain *jai ho*

The ground is wet..
And wet are the eyes of that tiny little bird who lost her partner not so long ago!

Its time!

The Indian students were peacefully demonstrating in Melbourne, when the cops out there actually dragged and beat them out. Check out this link from Reuters. Imagine this happening in India for Australian students. Can you imagine?

Somehow the Australian Government is adamant on not labelling the whole issue of abuse as Racial. Understandably, there are far reaching implications, not really beneficial for their nation's image. 

But, in one month or so, there have been 7 incidents already where the victims have been Indians, apparently for no substantial reason. If this is not racial, then what is? One is left wondering...

And now, the brutal behaviour of the Australian cops. 

Lets get this straight! What the hell do these people think they are!

We will wait for few more days and see what is being done to solve the issue. If this does not stop, then there would be a huge campaign in the whole of the Indian Blogging community which would be termed as "Stop Racism. Boycott Oz!"

Let the world witness, "Pen is mightier than the sword". 

The countdown begins now!!! 

All my friends from all over the world, "Are you with me?"

PS. No political speech will pacify the burning souls. We want action! Are you listening, Mr. Rudd?

Racial abuse must end

This is a shame for the world. What I am referring to is the increasing racial abuse, especially on Indians. What with all this skin color stuff!!

In the world we find people with various skin colors: White, grey, brown, reddish, black and so on and so forth. There could actually be a hundred further combinations with the colors I stated. And science tells me that it's all because of the variation of the skin pigment melanin present in our body. 

Yet, history shows us that people have forever seen skin color as a primary determinant of the person's intellect or background or whatever. The human race has seen thousands of years of slavery for the Africans, who were made to work under inhumane conditions and were made the laughing stock of their 'so-called' masters. The women were treated with cruelty and exploited in every way possible. Later they were left to die a painful death. The 'masters' would laugh about and say, "Oh! Its all because of the Dark Ages! Africa would remain like this forever, our slaves..." 

Today, the situations have improved. South Africa, once marked as the haven of racial abuse has undergone a total shift in outlook. I am not sure if there are undercurrents still, but, at least outwardly, the people out there seem to coexist happily irrespective of race. Thanks to people like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Nelson Mandela who helped bring about a paradigm shift. Today, we have the most charismatic Barack Obama leading USA. Situations have really improved. Common sense has taken over.

But, why does this occur? Why are Indian students being attacked in Australia? I am well aware that this question has been asked by all and sundry. Yet, I can't resist myself! Is it because of:

• A different skin color?
  
• Are Indians inferior in some sense to the natives?
  
• Are Indian students criminals?
  

This message goes out to all of you westerners who are still smitten by the racist bug:

Indian students go out to study away from their home only because they dream of making it big in their future. And guys like Shravan literally beg for money from kith and kin to go there. Indians believe in "atithi devo bhava", meaning here, guests are treated like gods. And we strongly condemn any incident where our international guests have to face trouble or are harassed. But, we expect the same for us as well. It pains to see, young students being attacked with screwdrivers and cabbies being hit brutally. Remember, we are not inferior by any remote stretch of imagination. And... 

THIS IS NOT EXPECTED OUT OF A DEVELOPED NATION LIKE AUSTRALIA.

Indians do not deserve this.

If there are unruly drug addict alcoholic criminals loitering freely in your nation, I have serious doubts about the law and order situation prevalent out there. Do not call yourself 'developed' then! Probably you can learn a thing or two from our Bihar, which at least knows how to treat its guests. 

I am sure there are people with wisdom. I have myself dealt with Australians a number of times on professional assignments and they were perfect gentlemen. But a drop of ink spoils the milk. So, we the people, who have conscience, should work towards greater harmony amongst ourselves and ensure that 'ink' stays put inside the 'inkpot', do not 'spill over'. 

There are bigger, far worse challenges for humanity. Why don't we devote our attention towards them? When will we stop fighting amongst ourselves? When will Indian students feel safe in Australia?

Can someone answer me please...

  

The feat of the Indian Navy

Wow... another of those incidents when the Indian Navy showed its class. Most of you must have read about the recent incident when the air borne marine commandos saved the Liberian merchant ship MV Maud from the hand of Somali pirates. Those who have not, here is the link. Go through it and feel proud.

Well, the Indian Navy has really come a long way since the day of its inception in 1612. Today, the navy has an enviable fleet of warships and destroyers which are capable of disarming any potential threat. And the most potent of all is the crew of naval staffs and officers who have taken every pain to guard the Indian coastline.

But, it was not all roses for these maritime warriors. The Indian navy came in for a lot of flak for their inability to detect and stop the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai massacre, when the terrorists hijacked the fishing trawler Kuber and entered the metropolitan through the sea route.

But their marine commandos, better known as the MARCOS did a fabulous job along with the police and NSG in eliminating all the terrorists, except the only one captured.

All in all, the scar of the Mumbai attacks and other atrocities on India shall remain forever, but, to the men who brave all odds to save our life and property and protect our motherland, we salute and bow with deep gratitude!

Image source: en.wikipedia.org

The Sins

Came across this post, as I was blog hopping. I was shocked!
No amount of contempt is enough to condemn the incident. Look at it closely:
A 17 year old girl is made to lie on the ground and beaten with a rod brutally all over her body as hundreds of people look on. After the 'punishment', the girl is taken away.
Sad. Very sad.
But I am against condemning a particular community for this, simply because, such incidents are common everywhere in all communities, the only common factors being illiteracy, poverty, frustration and primitive behavior and yes, a subtle criminal intent.
Here are a few examples:

• Lynching is common across all races in all time lines. Check this link. It shocking, shameful and sad.
• A 55 year old woman lynched in Bihar by 5 girls. Here is the link.
• Check what the Maoists did here.
• Remember Abu Ghraib prison cell? Check Wikipedia here.
• And then the famous beheading by Taliban militants. I don't think there is a need to share the links.
• Do you know about the SriLankan atrocities on either side?

So? My point is: It's the case of mass illiteracy, cruelty, lack of moral behavior and ethics and the biggest of all: THE LACK OF HUMANITY, OF UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD.

We typically like to group people based on Nationality, Race and what not! But as all Indians are not snake charmers, all .......s are not terrorists or brutal creatures who commit sins like what was described as the first incident of this post.

But, it goes without saying that all these fundamentalists, terrorists and .... need to be dealt with severely, if we want to make the world a safer place to live. All those people who think they are God (read Satan) and have the authority to give punishment to other people without the verdict coming through an established court of law deserve TO BE HANGED TILL DEATH.

But, please, let us not pin point a particular group! May common sense prevail.