Let my Country Awake...Rabindranath Tagore

Where The Mind is Without Fear

WHERE the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

Rabindranath Tagore

I remembered this poem today while reading about the current state of affairs in India. It is self-explanatory, apt and very touching.

Tagore - a Great man! Great Poet well ahead of his times! Although written during the Pre-Independence era it transcends boundaries of time and place and is suitable for Independent India too! He wants our country to become a place where many wonderful qualities exist: fearlessness, knowledge, unity, truth, useful work, reason, and progress. This is a journey not a destination and needs a lot of effort.

A small step by each one of us will take us there...

Moms or Super Moms - Part II

After a "particular" chat with my friend today I felt I needed to complete this series. Sometime back I wrote about Indian moms who seem to have turned Super moms in this era. I also mentioned that I haven't noticed many instances of Super moms amongst my western friends. Let's explore some of my observations on this.

Most Indian moms go out of their way to support their kids and give them the best. They do this unselfishly with a good intention. However, most also lose their own identities and their world starts revolving around their children. The sun rises and sets on the child and they cannot look beyond that world for what 10-15 years? Once the child/children start getting independent and want to explore the world on their own the moms suddenly feel at a loss. Either they continue the molly-cuddle and suffocate the child or get depressed that they are not needed. This is true even amongst some of the career moms - especially now when the one-Child @home concept seems to be taking over.

In all this who's at a loss? 1. The mom herself who has stopped viewing life beyond her kid. 2. The husband who might have wandered away or found his own entertainment - drinks or career or friends!

A generation ago this was more relevant with the molly cuddle extending well into the 20s and 30s for men. Most men in India are still pampered by their moms blinded from reality! That's another topic... In my generation women seem to be waking up but, not as much as needed, to look beyond the child. It's difficult to cut the virtual umblical cord which seems to tie one to the child. However, some independence is absolutely necessary.

Most of my western friends have a different approach to bringing up their children. The entire attitude moves from love to indepence. They give them space and do not compromise on their own lifestyles. That's a totally different culture. Is this good or bad? Nothing is good or bad until its comparative and I'm no judge!

So moms out there wake up and take a good look at yourselves. Check if you have your life's mission chalked out? What are doing for yourself? Do you have a couple of hours for yourself? Do you read - expand your knowledge - develop your skills? Do you have any idea what you will do after your children leave the house for further studies? Yes, to all these questions then continue the great lifestyle and encourage your neighborhood moms to follow you.

I also feel that the relationship with the spouse is something which should never be compromised. Never taken for granted - never underestimated - never overlooked. Marriage is to be together for a lifetime and that's the most important relationship for any human. If Indian moms can balance these two and help their children become independent responsible citizens then the next generation of Super moms will flourish too...What say?

Say "No" to Vacations!

That's quite a statement isn't it? How can anyone say No to vacations? This has nothing to do with the economic downturn or trends - it's a very sensitive matter amongst many NRI women.

I observed this first when I moved to Belgium - that most Indian women were reluctant to go home for the annual vacations. Back then I couldn't imagine what was wrong with them but on closer observation I've discovered the reasons. Most of them still dont have a choice but keep praying that they can say No to the next vacation atleast! Sad...

This is a specific case of women who have to go on vacations to India along with their husbands. They prefer going alone with their kids for a couple of months. So what's the difference? Well simple - if they go with their husband the short vacation will be spent entirely or majorly at their in-laws place and they dont get enough time to spend with their parents! I don't need to get into the details of how restricting that can be - it's obvious.

I never realised this was a major problem until I started a little research into this topic. I gathered that this was an opinion shared by most women across the globe. Most of the ladies return from their vacations and say they are dead tired and found it too tiring, disgusting, no time to do anything and overall sick! Poor things have to work more in India on their vacations. They return and fall ill and take sometime to recover from that mental and emotional exhaustion.

It will take another generation before Indian women can stand up to what they think THEY should do...doesnt seem to be happening yet in my generation. Surprising but true - Sad Facts! So most women still shut up or try to put their ideas across and get rejected. It's an age Old story yes! I'm trying to cope with the fact that it continues well into my gen! Real Bugging!

My story is different maybe just one of those few exceptions. Simply have to thank God for that and be content! I can't change the world nor can I help all these women who want to say No...it's upto them to take the step!

Weather Report from Belgium!

Hi! Afternoon Everyone (coz there's nothing good about the afternoon- it is just a plain greeting) and welcome to today's weather report from Brussels, Belgium and I'm Maria Leaeslies! (You may pronounce that at ur own risk.)

- This morning we woke up to the signature Belgian weather and were not surprised that it continues to be DULL, DARK and ofcourse the Chronic Rain never fails to disappoint.

-By noon the DULL weather changed and it became DULLER. Finally there was some change to look forward to and TALK about during the lunch hour.

- By Afternoon the clouds over Brussels moved into Paris so NOW we can see our Hands in front of our face - although trying to VIEW your Feet can still be a Dangerous task and to be avoided.

- The sun is predicted to set by 3.30 (did it RISE?) so kindly carry torchlights when you step out. Althought the streetlights and lamps are on throughout the day sometimes you might need to cough or sneeze and need the torchlight to search for tissues in your purse.

- The night is predicted to be chilly and cold so kindly turn on the heaters from 4pm to start heating the house.

Warnings:

1. The wind is Northerly (blowing from the North Pole maybe) and at 45 to 55km/hr. EVERYONE below 50 kgs weight is requested to carry HEAVY Luggage while walking on the street. AVOID going out if possible but those of you who have to get back home from office kindly hang on to your HEALTHY neighbors for support. CHILDREN are requested to peep out from the safety of their homes and not step out.

2. As there is a constant rain with heavy WINDS there is no point in carrying UMBRELLAS. It is HAZARDOUS and might blow onto oncoming vehicles. Try to wear jackets with hoods and pray that you survive!

Thanks - with that cheery note I shall sign off and meet you in another two hours for more weather updates!

Cheery TIP before I go: Anyone who is feeling depressed contact the Disgustingly Cheerful Soul - SP in Brussels for advice and tips on life!

Moms or Super Moms? - Part 1

As a child I was terrified of my mom or rather her super-efficieny. I used to be amazed at how she managed the house, career, school, events in school, family events, my sis and ofcourse ME. Everything seemed to be sailing smoothly through my awe-struck eyes - with no worries and only thoughts of mischief in my head. Whenever I fell down she used to clean, bandage, hug, kiss and later spank me for attempting to climb the tree and jump from it (ok! good sequence)! When I was the devil-incarnate teenager, she bore that with poise and strict control and simply asked me to go to my room and continue shouting if I wanted to. Wow! Now, she's my best friend, best confidante and we behave like girl friends when we communicate! Her age and retirement have not hampered her spirits and she is extremely busy as an advisor to the top schools in India, runs her own mini-establishment, helps my sister run her life (that's quite something), looks after dad, gives me long distance advice, teaches her grandchildren ethics to live in the society and the list goes on. A simple MOM cannot really describe her and anyone who knows her would agree that she's the top of the tops Super Mom!

The next story is about my sister - I'm younger to her but always had the protective role coz she was considered an innocent lil thing. The entire family was out to protect her from God knows what I dont know - she just inspired that kind of feeling with her innocent face and outlook towards life! However, once she had kids she seemed to progress leaps and bounds from this shell and transformed into a mini-typhoon of energy and activity! She runs her hospital and clinic with strict efficiency, manages the staff, is the center of her household, keeps upgrading her educational certifications, practices her music, teaches music, is the President of her residential block, organizes events and still manages to come back home on time to meet her kids when they come back from school and stuff them with healthy food. Gosh! Listing them has made me tired I really don't know how she manages. Taking after her mom she really has some great enthusiasm to encourage her kids to participate in all extra curricular activities and she dresses them up with care for every party and helps them prepare and win almost every activity. What's this called? Sibling love or super mom? Even with an impartial eye you can't deny that she's doing her best!

Now, that's family and I might be prejudiced and blinded by love. Off late I've been observing my girl friends (Indian origin) closely and getting to understand what's happening to them after they've had kids. AND Lo Behold! What do I observe? Each one of them seems to be excelling in her role as Mom and managing a warm home without compromising on their visions/missions in life! Oooh the examples are many I can't even quote. PP and EG my close girl friends manage their own establishments with a great entrepreneurial spirit while never compromising on the quality of life of their kids. Tradition, religion, ethics, values are all taught to the kids with interest. I was amazed when PP told me her lil kids can sing most religious songs and sit with her while praying - all this even after living in the US! Great reminds me of my childhood although I forgot most songs hmm...

Observing all this my conclusion is that women seem to gain a fighting spirit and seem to want to conquer the world once they have children. There is a marked change in their psyche - everyone talks of hormonal change and physical change but overlook this major change - their Spirit! Once they want to do their best for their kids they seem to develop super natural powers! I suppose with this backdrop the word MOM may safely be replaced by SUPER MOM!

Don't you agree? All Moms are Super moms!

P.S. I haven't observed this marked change in psyche amongst my non-Indian friends and let's discuss that later.

Agitate Before Employment!

This is the kind of language that I live amongst now! Just read that and try to guage what the hell it could mean. Out of context it could mean any number of things...agreed! Now imagine reading that on a can.

Direct translations can be pathetic or derogatory at their best! I'm sick and tired of listening to the beautiful English language murdered by various nationalities in Europe. Forget their MTIs - one can live with it what's worse is their direct translations and their sentence structures. Please bear in mind that when you speak with them you BETTER speak in similar sentence structures or they will give you a BLANK DUMB look!

An amazing feature here is that everyone wants to practice their English with me when I'm trying my best to speak in French. Immediately from my accent and pace they pick up that I might know English and switch over to various forms of English! Spare me!

So my interaction in English has reduced to include some of the following interesting phrases:

Agitate before Employment - Shake Well Before Use! Well ya right!

The rain is coming - From where and why the hell I dont know!

I him tell - Oh God!

My boom- boom in the microwave - Really how interesting (she meant something exploded while cooking)

Please give me forty five - What she really means is TAKE THIS CHANGE!

I reservations No! - Ok Sorry did I say something wrong? She meant they are BUSY in the restaurant.

My leg breaking - my head breaking - my hand breaking - my stomach breaking - THis is very common and almost ALL my friends (European) use this word very frequently to mean anything and everything. Most loved word!

Do u have any ID? - U BETTER know what this is or else it can lead to tons of confusion - ID is idea and NOT an ID card. (Ide'e in French = ID in English)

I was walking and a big shower fell on me! Hee hee this is the latest I heard and I'm still reeling!

Ok More updates as and when I remember them! Have fun for now!

Namaste - the best form of greeting ? !

Being a city-bred South Indian I've never used the term Namaste to greet anyone in my entire life. I've always felt it traditional and out of sync with the current gen X,Y,Z.

I didn't realise that this word would come haunting me when I started travelling. In the past three years almost every foreigner who meets me, says Namaste, in the course of our conversation once they realise I'm an Indian. I feel good that people know this great word and wondered why we dont use it more often.

Well! How much is it used now? I've never heard anyone use it in the corporate world . As far as I know it's still used in many parts of India to greet elders and show respect in the family or society. Recently, someone asked me to explain the importance of Namaste and whether it was used often. I hope I did a decent job of saying that India is a mix of the modern and the traditional, east and the west and etc.

That's one part of the story...

Now it's come up again in the context of the H1N1 scare. Many researchers have commented that Namaste seems to be the best form of greeting to avoid the spread of the virus. The other common form of greeting - the Handshake has been asked to be placed on the shelf atleast until the pandemic reduces. The European form of greeting is almost out of vogue now and governments of various countries are trying to ban the Peck. In fact Spain has gone legal with it as they greet strangers too with a peck on both cheeks (thats as traditional as u can get).

So why Namaste and what's it? A summary:

Namaste, Namaskar or Namaskaram simply means "I bow to you." When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest - The Anjali Mudra.

In the simplest of terms it is accepted as a humble greeting straight from the heart and reciprocated accordingly. Happy to meet and greet.

The whole action of namaste unfolds itself at three levels: mental, physical, and verbal.

Mental submission. It recognizes the equality of all, and pays honor to the sacredness of all.

Physical. Firstly the proper performance of namaste requires that we blend the five fingers of the left hand exactly with the fingers of the right hand. The five fingers of the left hand represent the five senses of karma, and those of the right hand the five organs of knowledge. Hence it signifies that our karma or action must be in harmony, and governed by rightful knowledge, prompting us to think and act correctly.

Verbal. The sonority of the sacred sound 'namaste' is believed to have a quasi-magical value, corresponding to a creative energy change. This transformation is that of aligning oneself in harmony with the vibration of the cosmos itself

Namaste is in essence equivalent to meditation, which is the language of our spirit in conversation with god, and the perfect vehicle for bathing us in the rivers of divine pleasure.

I'm totally humbled with this research and findings and hope to respect this form of greeting more and try to use it effectively.

Hope this summary inspires a few others too.

(detailed article on http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/namaste/)

Kopi Luwak - d Cat Poo Coffee!

Do you like coffee? Really? Well here's some news for you - the costliest cup of coffee the Kopi Luwak is made from cat Poo! It's the connoisseur's preferred taste and costs anywhere between 40 to 50 pounds per cup.

Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee is coffee made from coffee berries which have been eaten by and passed through the digestive tract of the Asian Palm Civet. The civets (cats) eat the berries, but the beans inside pass through their system undigested.

Civets consume the red coffee cherries, when available, containing the fruit and seed, and they tend to pick the ripest and sweetest fruit. Thus there is a natural selection for the ripest coffee beans. The inner bean of the berry is not digested, but a unique combination of enzymes in the stomach of the civet add to the coffee's flavor by breaking down the proteins that give coffee its bitter taste. The beans are defacted, still covered in some inner layers of the berry. The beans are washed, and given only a light roast so as to not destroy the complex flavors that develop through the process. Light roasting is considered particularly desirable in coffees that do not exhibit bitterness, and the most pronounced characteristic of Kopi Luwak is a marked reduction in bitterness. - Source Wiki and Rick Stein's Research.

The first time I heard of this was on a Rick Stein's show. He explored the process right from feeding the slightly aggressive civet, to waiting for the defacation and checking on the roasting. Being the true gentleman he tried not to make any face when asked to taste the fresh coffee. He closed his eyes and commented that it was the most exquisite cuppa coffee he had ever tasted and I take his word for it!

Is the coffee entirely safe? Devoid of bacteria? Yes it is and all u connoisseurs close ur eyes and enjoy the explicit taste!

Unfortunately (or fortunately)I'm not into coffee so I'll jst give this one a miss.

Burquini - C'est Quoi?

Wow what a word! It's hilarious and outrageous at the same time.

For those ignorant - The Burquini is a hybrid designed by Australian designer Ahead Zanetti. A cross between a burqa and the much smaller bikini, it's essentially pants with a long-sleeved A-line tunic (thigh or knee-length) complete with a head covering. Designed for muslim women. It's also very pleasing to the eye.

I question the designer's mental state and the customer's stability! On a serious note here are the pointers laid down for a Muslim Women's Dress code the Hijab:

1. Clothing must cover the entire body, only the hands and face may remain visible (According to some Fiqh Schools).
2. The material must not be so thin that one can see through it.
3. The clothing must hang loose so that the shape of the body is not apparent.
4. The female clothing must not resemble the man's clothing.
5. The design of the clothing must not resemble the clothing of the non-believing women.
6. The design must not consist of bold designs which attract attention.
7. Clothing should not be worn for the sole purpose of gaining reputation or increasing one's status in society.

Allah has stated in the Quran that women must guard their modesty. " Say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty ; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof. " [Quran : 24.31]

This is what is proposed and followed by most Muslim women. So, I wonder Why Zanetti ever came up with the idea of a Burquini when the very word Bikini raises testerone levels in Men. The situation gets crazier with some women claiming to follow the religion actually sport this at beaches and swimming pools.

No wonder some countries who are trying to ban the Burqua completly based on "laicite" (secularim) and rights of individuals are confused whether Muslim women are in favour of this Ban or Not as some of them wear Burquinis AND Burquas! - Like the famous confused Sarkozy!

Poor confused souls I must say! I feel we should first decide on the ban of Burquinis and then talk of the burqua.

(Note: These are quotes from reputed newspapers and the Quran. I put it together purely as a thought and reflection! )

D Half Blood Prince - let's review!

I know this is very late and the internet is buzzing with tons of reviews from all and sundry ranging from horrible to the best film ever made. However this review is different coz I'm trying to view it practically being a die hard fan.

For first time viewers (like Viv who went nuts)

Whats In- The picturisation, the special effects, the sound effects and the unknown suspense and ofcourse the romantic twist in this new movie.

Whats Not - Obviously they wont understand a damn thing ni the story ni the subtle humor ni the relationships! They would think the world has gone mad watching such a baseless movie.

For the Middle Path Viewers (like my husband who knows some and wants to watch it for the heck of it)

Whats In - The thrill that they have watched all the movies and can compare them, the special effects which seem to improve with each movie and the new romantic humor included in this movie.

Whats Not - NO Lord Voldermot such a disappointment, what the hell is happening and why isnt there any connection, less drama than the Sorceror's Stone and boring.

For Die Hard Fans (like me)

Whats In - The wonder of translation, amazing capture of the reaching the fake Horcrux, watching the child Voldermot and his expressions, the thrill of knowing the connections in each movie and book and last but not the least the grown up protagonists!

Whats Not - Missing out on parts of the book (practically impossible to capture the entire book I guess although disappointing), changing the END (Harry was standing idle while Dumbledore was killed), actually witnessing Dumbledore's death (that was heart breaking) and the actual play down of the title - where's the grasp of who's the Half Blood Prince and why is it important?

I guess overall it's worth watching once or twice. I dont' think I'd watch it more than that and that says quite a lot!

(P.S. I thought Hermoine looked real cute in this movie no wonder my teen - nephews are great fans!)

Radio City Hyderabad AND Me!

Radio City is almost like a lifeline for me like the 911 or emergencey numbers - it gives me a great sense of security!

It's on throughout the time I'm at home and I feel absolutely thrilled to hear the Time Check, news on the Traffic Jams, the weather and the lil tidbits of news I get about Hyderabad. I feel as I'm back home and commuting to work listening to the radio in the car. Great connection!


Sometimes when I speak with mom I keep telling her news about Hyd and she's gets surprised that I'm so up-to-date! Thanks to Radio City!


Apart from the lifeline it provides, it's great FUN too living upto its slogan - Whatte Fun! In the recent past I loved the Navvula Don and the silly jokes and narrations. There aren't too many stupid ads like some other channels and its got a good balance of programs. The DJs of this channel are mature and highly energetic keeping the audience on their toes, interested.


To top it all this channel has my best friend as a prominent DJ! The world famous Anna the one and only Vamsee Anna (only for the guys!) Ha ha!


(P.S. - Dear Vamsee this blog-post is dedicated to u! I might write more soon...)

Googling...

Don't know if this has become an official word in the Oxford dictionary but I'm sure everyone uses it.

Just an example on how addicted I've become to Googling...One HOT (warm) Sunday afternoon when I was bored I started googling on things to do when you are BORED! Oh God! And that got me thinking that I've become a real pathetic addict to the net. It just kind of follows me everywhere....

God knows how I manged to survive before the internet but it sure seems difficult now even for 10 minutes! Connected to it 24 hours...if my laptop and my mobile could speak probably they would abuse me for no holidays!

What about you'll do you feel the same?

A Size Zero Namita!

After mentioning her in my previous blogpost I simply had to comment on this article!

I'm sure the news that Namita is going to the gym, probably to compete with Kareena Kapoor's size Zero image, must be shocking most of her fans. She's considered one of the hottest belles of the South Indian film industry (for the unfortunate ignorant lot!).

I saw this lady in Paris in 2006 and I have to say that she was really quite something - charming. Bumped into her in the Christian Dior showroom on Champs Elysees. She was wearing a cute lil mini frock and was quite a stunning picture in that dainty shop. She had some insignificant guys around her and was clinging onto one of them but as I said they were all insignificant. She bought a crate of perfumes, charmed the salesmen and walked down the famous road to her parked limousine. It was almost as if a path had opened up for her on the road - royal treatment on the busy road. People just stopped walking and kept staring - I suppose there's some air about these film stars which is really captivating.

I've met many film stars since my childhood but I've never seen this kind of appreciation on foreign streets! I need not say what my hubs reaction was - spellbound - I remember he called his best friend B in India right away to convey the news.

She wasn't the Namita of the Billa kinds - back then she was quite slimmer and prettier. Well, I'm sure the gymming will help her get meatier meaningful roles than the cheapster roles she's been getting into!

All the best to her!

The Media Overdose!

Everyone nowadays seems to be complaining about the Media and the exaggerated information that is conveyed regularly by them.

Look at it within the backdrop of the economic recession and every Tom, Dick and Jane (sorry Harry got lost) starting new media ventures. What will they do? They have to repeat every damn newstelecast and invent or create news.

I read about Monsieur Gaston Leroux of the Phantom of The Opera fame who created an entire civil war story during the pre-WWI era. He had overslept through a station that he had to get off at and invented a whole new story of the military's deception in that country. He sent it to the UK and US creating discord and changing history once and for all for an X country.

So inventing and exaggeration has been in existence for almost a century now. We poor unfortunate readers sometimes simply get carried away with all this.

For instance my homepage is AOL and I keep getting harassed by completly unnecessary pieces of information ranging from Michelle Obama's undergarments brands to President Kgalema Motlanthe's rapist tribal backgroud to Namita going to the gym! Yes, I would die without these pieces of information - thanks very much!

The worst info I read recently which brought on this media tirade was the Air France crash - Ok fine all of us know there's been an accident, we've sympathised with the victims, I've shed many tears prayed for their souls and Im at peace now - but the media didnt want to leave me alone! I had to be harassed with information on how the jet blew up in the air and why the recovered bodies had multiple fractures and the technical details and pictures and diagrams explaining it.

I have a choice to close my eyes but unfortunately once you are educated words just jump at you and your mind automatically reads them even if you DON'T want to!

If anyone finds a solution to this kindly let me know...

(P.S. Anu - nothing to do with u or ur style of writing - just a general observation - I'm sure u'll agree with me!)

From the Sublime to the Ridiculous!

From the Sublime to the Ridiculous is the way to sum up the world - the wheel of fortune and the lifecycle ...No! I'm not getting philosophical it's just a thought.

My writing seems to have gone through one of those cycles reaching the peak (number of posts) in April to the lows over the past 2 months. Rather from the Zenith to the Abyss! I think I jump through extremes without any middle paths must be something to do with being born in June (Cancerian).

I think I'm getting back to some sensible/insensible/creative/ funny any and all types of writing. How do I know this? It happens when I start dreaming of words and topics, when ideas keep flitting across my brain at all odd times and places. I've started carrying a notepad in my handbag for the odd scribbles and it gives me my own mean pleasure!

Ok let's just read on and write on...

Our friendly Neighbourhood!

I'm talking of India and the friendly neighbourhood it finds itself in right now. It's extremely worrying and the sudden interest the US has had trying to turn Indian into an ally says it all!

Between the Taliban neighbour and the LTTE clashes India seems to be between the devil and the deep sea on quite the literal basis. One can't miss out on the Bangladeshi and Tibetian protests over some piece of land which belonged to them in 500 BC! None of the internal situations in each neighbouring country stops their folk from immigrating lock stock and barrel legal or illegally into India!

I always felt that the Indian govt. and the total Indian attitude to such situations has been kind of laid back. I've never seen an aggressive stance on any issue. It's either the dead bat approach or the cat which closed its eyes approach. This is a sure shot method to promote insurgency.

The situation is outright scary in the current scene of elections where the govt has turned selfish to gather votes rather than maintain some stability and security. You cant blame the govt officials as they might easily say its upto the army to maintain the security. But even the armed forces require some assertive leadership and their leadership looks to the govt for directions so its a confirmed mess.

One might wonder how all this affects NRIs. But I feel it affects them more as India is the anchor for them- the greatest source of stability and security. Any and every news about India is keenly followed and greatly magnified and thoroughly analysed. Patriotism is at its peak in all desi groups abroad and at its best. Overall the situation India faces, with its terrifying neighbours is more frightening than all these stories about recession and job losses!

When will India come out of this - Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you - peaceful approach?

This is SP expressing her deep set fears...

The IPL Mania - the current scenario

Everyone's got something to say about the IPL. It seems to have overtaken the election discussions. Although May 16th still looms like a predicted earthquake most Indians are fed up discussing the future of Democratic India.

Here are some interesting points I've collected about IPL from across the globe:

• Delhi Daredevils are the hot fav for the title this year - they really have the best opening pair of the world. Definite place in the finals.
• Deccan Chargers are suprised with their own success - with a poor support from the world Hyderabadis and Andhrites you need not be surprised with their lack of spirit. I've decided to ask all my friends who declare themselves as Pakka Hyderabadis to wake up and post some support on the DC blogs. I've started a mini campaign for the DCs after listening to Gilchrist's awestruck tone - 'We didnt have this score after an entire series last year'! They might just make it to the semis if they keep it up!
• Punjab XI are doing well but retain their headstrong attiude - We were surprised to have lost - attitude of 2008. With this kind of attitude it won't be a big surprise if they lose this year too and again in the Semis. They don't have to mind too much because Ms.Zinta is always there to hug and console each one of them.
• Chennai Super Kings keep mustering enormous support from all over the world. They act as if they are the BEST. I say they have the BEST man DHONI that's all. But their dress code sucks Yellow for heaven's sake is not too pleasing to the eyes. Can they win? They have a good chance if Dhoni takes up his role seriously. Semi-finals is a must - Mind it!
• Rajasthan Royals poor guys again this year they have a poor batting line up and a poor team. Shane is their outstanding performer and the best captain. With their new trump card(Khan) they might just manage till the semi-finals. Don't know what's Shilpa upto - nothing except her banana smiles and lots of giggling with her younger sister!
• Mumbai Indians have some good players and great support but as a team don't seem to be making it great. Sachin is in top form and may help push them till the Semis.
• Banglore Royal Challengers -quite a fancy name and nothing much apart from that. I don't see any great stuff happening there and with Dravid on 'paternity leave' some of the runs might reduce too! Sure elimination!
• Kolkota Knight Riders or Khan Knight Riders(renamed) seems to be in dire straits. Inspite of the dynamic SRK supporting it on all non-cricketing terms the team seems to be faring miserably. Saurav seems to be the only consistent performer and most of the team spirt seems to be missing after he was removed from the captaincy. He doesn't mind it but excuse us - the rest of the world including his team seems to really feel it! They are on the royal path to elimination.

This is SP reporting from Brussels - opinions collected from friends all over the world and summarised.

Kamran Kiri-ket Khan!

There are a lot of youngsters in this IPL who might not know the 'C' of the word 'Cricket' but surely know whats a long hop, leg by, first slip, middle order, yorker, dot, etc.!

IPL as it designed to do HAS actually promoted tons of talent in India. Many youngsters whom we would never have discovered are being discovered and some have gone to SA this year without ever having played a first class cricket match or spoken a single sentence in English!

For example consider this dynamite Kamran Khan an 18 year old - a discovery of the season! Introduced as the trump card by Shane Warne he is a little dynamite who has a major language barrier (but no performance barriers) with the captain. As Yousuf Pathan said - 'There are a lot of expectating from Khhaamraann and Sane has got him into the Zaipur team'.

Once they get more experience all these fine cricketers surely get some fine coaches to fine tune their language skills. For now they are dealing magnificently in mixed teams with international players on an international platform with just one common love and language - the language of cricket!

Let's respect them for this spirit and encourage them to Play their best games ever!

The Invincible Modi!

Been hearing tons about him but, after listening to his inaugural address of the IPL -2 yesterday I should admit that I was quite impressed.

Lalit Kumar Modi, (born November 29, 1963) is the Chairman and Commissioner of Indian Premier League, Chairman of Champions League, President and Managing director Modi Enterprises, former President of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, Vice President of BCCI, Vice President of Punjab Cricket Association, Executive Director of Godfrey Philips India and Director of Various Modi Group Companies. - Wiki

With that impressive list to back him up obviously he would be the aggressive, sharp, brash, ruthless and reviled leader as he is often fondly described as. However he DID manage to MOVE the IPL lock stock and barrel from India to the SA in under a month thanks to THIS attitude. The Move overall is very impressive and commendable - a mammoth achievement.

Maybe a loss to many advertisers, brand managers and event managers in India and ofcourse a pinch on the purse for the IPL owners but everything is not lost YET! Some profits may arise after all - after the successful launch yesterday.

Some of the salient features that bowled me over:

- The overall MOVE fighting the bureaucratic government policies and going against the norms of committees and fundas of reporting.

- Direct and immediate decision -actions must have taken place for the massive MOVE

- Proper security Measures in place

- Impressing the SA govt. into QUICK action - imagine impressing a foreign govt. to ACT fast

- Venue Management - proper grounds, entry tickets and security management

- Retaining the good will of the international players - convincing them to re-join their teams - although the money factor would have played a key role, people like Kevin Pieterson needed some goading to join in this year - (goading to go home?)

- Organising the inaugural function - the entire show and I'm sure the closing ceremoney is planned too.

- Back up plans to fill in the on the rainy cricket days! Wow today we saw some Three Tons of Fun sisters singing to the galley...

- The BOLD decision to ban the Pakistan players from playing in the IPL - almost a death statement as it turned out but nobody concerned seems to be batting even an eyelid!

The easiest thing for Modi would have been to block flight tickets and ferry the cricketers from all over the world to SA! Well thanks to him we have loads of cricket for the next month to watch and enjoy!

Three cheers to IPL and Kudos to Modi!

The 'SPIDER MAN' -IA Boys!!!

It could very well become a global phenomenon - this Spider Man - ia! Atleast all the kids(the male species) I've met seem to be crazy about this Super Hero.

Peter Parker and his mysterious webs and his ability to fight off the evil-est of the villains have captivated minds. He's a definite competition to the other super heroes Batman and Superman. You don't see kids,boys or men as crazy about the other two now-adays. Maybe it's got something to do with the web creating techniques or impressing the women techniques which are different with this hero. Or maybe its the Macho Spidey's Power thrills and his powerful dialogues thrown in to impress - "With great power comes great Responsibilities"! Whatever it is, he has managed to thrill the men-folk - young and old alike. (3yrs to 90yrs?)

If you are young then you can still afford to sport a spiderman tee or squirt webs all over your friends with the web shooter. If you are old you can still play the Spiderman games online in secret or own the Spiderman game series, DVDs and the gear. Most boys would also have the spiderman outfit.

After a lot of talk about the boys - it really makes me wonder why the girls are not really obsessed with this Super hero. It's just a matter of the genetic make up maybe - girls loves Barbies and boys love Cars and Spiderman! That's a dialog I recently heard from a three year old! What logic and some excellent philosophy...

If you'd like to realise the impact of the phenomenon simply look around and observe what the kids around you admire the most! It's The Friendly Neighbourhood Spiderman all the way...

The Belgian Partyholics!!!

The word conjures up some youngsters with long hair, sporting funky earrings and haridos, high on dope and into heavy metal or jazz, rock, etc...

Well you've got it totally wrong in this case. I've been busy these last two weeks and unable to write because I've become a Partyholic (actually a part of the Belgian Partyholics Society- BPS) - not as described above but in various other ways.

- Planning - WHY - Organising - WHAT
- Shopping (now thats more like it) - ITALL
- Delegating
- Implementing
- Clicking Snaps - uploading and distributing the links - lemme tell u its no mean task!
- Cooking (almost forgot that!!!) - designing menus to suit the themes - delegating and finalising --- ooff!
- Total MASTI
- Dog Tired - with all the above

With the Easter vacation on and all the shops at Mid-Season Sales and ALL the Kids at home most MOMS have been running close to MAD. So a group of us designed a total back to back schedule for these two weeks to avoid ending up in asylums at the end of the holidays.

We've had to plan parties to include the bountiful energies of the kids and the dying energies of the moms. It's been a challenge and also extremely interesting for me - the observer(all times) and conductor(sometimes). This season we've tried to get inventive changing venues - indoors and outdoors, making themes, inventing games and most important get everyone involved (that can be daunting!). It's been a hell of a ride till date and we still have 5 days and 4 events left till schools reopen! Sleep well seems to be the only TIP for now!

All these are parties are mostly in the DAY - and the evening parties continue as usual - Ofcourse!!! Maybe I should start a Party Consulting website soon...

Until then you go ahead and listen to this song from Vengaboys - We Like to Party

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oldctNEsJLk


(Please feel free to contact me for any suggestions or advice for your parties ! Note - it may be Free only until I start those web services...)
(This is dedicated to all the masti gang in BPS!!! Kudos to the future...)

The Touch Wood Talismans!

The range of the Evil Eye extends beyond all boundaries and instills fear across cultures. "The Evil eye is a belief that the envy elicited by the good luck of fortunate people may result in their misfortune." - Wikipedia

This week I was invited to a beauty parlor opening ceremony where I observed new methods to ward of the evil eye. The owners were Syrians settled in Germany and finally moved to Belgium. I dont know which of these cultures influenced them to break wine bottles by hitting them against each other as a symbolic gesture to ward of the Evil eye! I've heard of clinking glasses but this was something new to me and obviously lots of fun especially when we all got very dirty with the wine and champagne flowing all over the place and spilling onto us. Later, all the close friends were also asked to break some more bottles. I understood that the more noise we made there were better chances to drive away the evil - whoever or whatever that was! This was followed by lots of singing and dancing and shouting and general masti.

Reminded me a lot about the Indian house warming ceremonies where we break tons of coconuts, invite friends and pray to Ganesha and do Vasthu Shanthi puja followed by Satyanaryana Vratam! Man that's a lot of work and sure shot means of getting dog tired! But it's considered a MUST to drive away the evil.

Some interesting and other common methods to ward off an evil eye are - Apotropaic Talismans - Greece, Nazar Talismans - Turkey, amulets, Blue concentric cirlces on the Hamsa Hand - Middle East, Cornicello in Italy, The fish of the Jews, The Arthi by the Indians, The Eye of Horus in Egypt, 'Mashallah' by the Muslims, and many more jewelry and trinkets, etc. The easiest way is to say Touch wood after you say something which might invite the evil eye!

These have been used over centuries and are followed religiously for all events and situations where its felt necessary to ward off an evil eye. It might sound illogical in this Modern scientific world and some of us may laugh it off by calling them traditional superstitions. However, the fact remains that 95% of the world still follows THESE very same rituals and traditions. (source Wiki).

Knock on wood my attempts to research and write continue...

Elections in India - Death by Boredom for the NRIs!!!

Chatting with friends across the globe I observed that their energy levels seemed to be in Recession! For the past six months due to the global economic changes most NRIs have been really down and depressed. This month it has reached its peak due to the elections in India.

How's that? Mostly there are 3 common sources of entertainment in the week for NRIs:

1. Read the newspaper - Indian news, regional news and anything remotely related to the city they come from to feel connected.

2. Watch cricket and more cricket and even more cricket if its possible - to feel the Indian spirit.

3. Watch every damn single movie released or not released in India to while away an evening. If its in the mother tongue then its better or else atleast in Hindi.

Now translate that into the current situation:

1. Every single newspaper or article is about the depressing Politics in the Elections. No clear cut mandate about the results. No single party majority. Every single politician's gory history is dragged through the mud. Overall sounds like a hopeless form of government led by crooks and criminals.

- Offers no sense of support to a person seeking a connection to his homeland.

2. Cricket - with the IPL moving out of India (due to the elections!) we've lost out on the biggest chunk of entertainment series. We cannot see the massive crowds, turnouts cheering every single match and cricketer and the frenzy that only an Indian crowd can achieve is unmistakably lost. About the interesting cheerleaders of last year's matches - well they probably will be shipped to South Africa - but thanks we've seen enough of them in our baseball and football matches out here! Sniff sniff...Now watching the matches will be a passing event - to be watched but not to live through it.

3. Movies the biggest ever hit - a combination of the final exams times and the elections period has seen a slump in the releases. I suppose the recession has affected it too. Overall there's nothing entertaining to watch nothing to look forward too. The movies online are pathetic and there are absolutely nothing we can do about it.

With every other NRI either packing up and going back to India or unemployed the levels of uncertainty have risen. With the three main sources of entertainmet drying up I can only call the situation a dead-end! Weekdays are long and boring and the psychiatrists may have a field day with the Stressed NRIs. Weekends can be even more pathetic coz no one is spending much to be on the safe side in 2009.

Overall its Death by Boredom out here for most NRIs.

What keeps us alive, what allows us to endure?I think it is the hope of loving or being loved. - Meister Eckhart. (Loving here symbolises stability and some connection to the homeland which inspires this stability! )

Dheeraj Rakho! Himmat Rakho!

Gulaal in Belgium!!! - The Inverse Proportion

It's not about Holi in Belgium - it's about the movie Gulaal and the concept of "Privy purses" and the inverse relationship with "Dole money".

The movie does not have any stance to make it to even a C grade/category. However it made me ponder about the mind sets of the Kings and the Princes who might have lived or suffered in more than one way when the Republic of India was formed in 1947. And a basic similarity between this style of living to that of the immigrants in Belgium.

So what's this all about - the basics:

* privy purse - allowance for a monarch's personal expenses after seizing his property and title by democratic governments.

* dole money - social security allowance paid out to the unemployed/ or poor people in Belgium (and many other countries)

The Nawabs of Hyderabad (for example) were asked to give up their titles, land and money in 1947 and the Govt of India metered out some dough in proportion to their previous estates and incomes. Obviosuly this was a huge difference of lifestyles leading to severe heart burn and depression for many. The true story of riches to rags! In 1970's the Indira Gandhi govt abolished the concept of Privy purses too and asked them to go and live in the real world - earn their own money. Finally they became paupers in their own land.

Look at this contrast -

Here in Belgium dole money is very popular. People have no qualms of being 'chômage' (unemployed) infact they thrive on it. Belgium's immigrant policies are very flexible and it provides asylum to many of the East European immigrants and how do all these people survive? The main problem is that the unemployed are entitled to the dole without limitation in time and can only lose it if they refuse too often to take jobs that the National Organisation for Employment (ONEM) proposes to them. An unemployed person in Belgium receives in average 723 euro per month (in 2005), but sometimes over 1000 euro for married people with chidlren. Through organizations like CPAS this amount can go up. Well who will work when such luxury is given on a platter! Finally they become richer in foreign lands. Rags to Riches?

Maybe this is what they call the Circle of Life - The Wheel of Fortune or whatever! So, whether you are rich or poor now doesnt matter as we dont know what the future holds. Until then let's just enjoy each Day!

"Shopoholism" - Impulsive or Compulsive?

Anything from window shopping to spending some great time at the mall with your girlfriends can be the best moments of a woman's life.

For most women, shopping can be a compulsive or mostly an impulsive decision. Compulsive is a regular - HAVE TO shopping binge, a much needed emotional counterpart, an adrenaline high and something to talk about. Impulsive shopping is when you accompany someone and have no particular reason to buy something but still pick it up for the heck of it - because it entered your line of vision.

Both types bring a smile to anyone's face as long as they are under control. There's a simple OLD saying - Excess of Anything is BAD.

Here are some easy ways to check if your shopping is bordering on the danger zone called SHOPOHOLISM.

- Spending over budget.

- Compulsive buying - the have to keep buying syndrome

- Hiding the problem as in hiding your purchases

- A vicious circle - you feel guilty about dumb purchases

- Impaired relationships - you keep fighting with your partner over the shopping

- Clear consequences - guilt, fights, low finances, etc.

Some of these might be true for most people - but if 3 or more are TRUE then Lady or Gentleman you HAVE a real Challenge! Check THIS and you can get back to some happy shopping.

Happy Ugadi Shopping - I just started mine today (and thus some realistic checks on my shopping personality). I'm safe for now - hope you are too!!!

Coup de grâce - EXIT mercifully?

In other words Mercy Killing or Euthenasia! I know this is an old and quite a sensitive topic. I'm not going to get into whether it's Right or Wrong.

I have a neighbour, a very old lady living alone, who suffers from time to time with various ailments. Yesterday the ambulances and the nurses were all over the place trying to strap her onto the stretcher, while she continued talking to me. She kept alternating between prayers and some delirium and said it would be better to die in a dignified manner. That got me thinking about the laws and I was shocked to discover that I'm living in a country which has many pro-Euthenasia laws. I must have read about it earlier but it has to hit you to make you realise it!

Some basic thought provoking facts:
- The term euthanasia comes from the Greek words "eu"-meaning good and "thanatos"-meaning death, which combined means “well-death” or "dying well".
For me, "Dying well" means being remembered with love by friends and family and having made that tiny little mark in the world.

- This term was very loosely used by the Nazis for their famous acts of Genocide. Wiping out a complete race may have effectively helped them find their way to Hell!

- Euthenasia can be Voluntary or Involuntary. It can be Passive, Non-Active or Active. It can also be in the form of 'Assited Suicide'.
Choose your style and move to a country that supports it. It's SIMPLE! What a choice!

- Most religions in the world support forms of Euthenasia mostly the Passive form. Some call it Charity, some call it God's Call. Some Samurai rituals are akin to the active euthenasia techinques.

Now who can really believe there's God if our scriptures say we shouldn't prolong life unnecessarily - hanging on by a bare thread is supposed to be Insulting as per most religions!!!

The Belgian law allows 'assisted suicide' form of euthenasia and it was the second country in the world to make euthenasia legal. Allow people to Live in Dignity and to Die in Dignity is the motto. Some people here actually believe that it allows them to sleep happily knowing that they have this CHOICE.

I don't know whether we are aiming at relieving the Body or the Soul in these contexts. It's a humbling thought to realize that Death is inevitable but accepting that it's the Cycle of Life makes it easier to live - I feel!

Today I heard from the hospital that the old lady is better and might come back home soon. Let's pray for her and may God help her with her choices...