Alive...

Life is outside,

Crying out loud my life is like,

Colossal mountains and raging rivers,

Swaddled in green, I go psyched.

Sparkling rain, silver clouds,

Foggy paths with misty vows!

I am falling for your beauty,

Falling from the mountains to the sea,

Green’s the color, privileged I am destined,

Moist is the touch, mischievously clandestine.

I’m learning to breathe,

I’m learning to fly,

It’s a season of love, a season of life,

Time to learn and reach the sky.

Intoxicated by your splendor,

I am lost in your eyes,

Inner peace is what everyone adore,

Your cradle is where it all lies.

This journey, this mystic point in my life,

Oh God! Let this not be a dream,

Let me be on cloud number nine.

How I wish to drink every single drop of it,

May I savor this and hold it tight?

I feel rejuvenated, I am high,

Is this how it feels to be alive?

Man-Of-War!

Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai! The term was coined way back in 1950s when Mr. Nehru was 'believed' to be resurrecting India from a disgraced, 3rd world country to something substantial. Since then we’ve come a long way; a long, long way. Today none of us would use this obsolete 'Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai!' phrase. We would rather clobber those who would dear this though. Why would we do that? What is this whole outrage is all about? What has happened in last 6 decades that has made, arguably, the two greatest nations of all times take different boulevards?


1991’s Economic liberalization, just a fancy phrase for economic reforms, could hands down be considered as one of the greatest things to happen post independence. Indian policy makers were adamant to open up the market for outsiders, but they had no other choice. India was sitting on a huge debt and no cash reserve to survive. The dormant volcano was about to get active. Socialist policies that Mr. Nehru held dear to were to be put off. The foundation was laid for what could be considered as biggest transition in the way we live, the way we think. The stage was all set to get socialist caterpillar out of its cocoon to transform it into a beautifully diverse capitalist butterfly.


Were we late to join the party? Yes, we certainly were. China understood the power of capitalism and the need for economic reforms way back in 1978. They were quick to introduce the aspects of a capitalist economic system. Before this, China was following the Soviet, Marxist-Leninists model of economic development. In mare 33 years, post reform, the PRC (People's Republic of China) enjoys the position of being called the world's second largest economy. Let's take a look at the facts here: In 1991 China’s GDP (Gross domestic product) was USD 409.165B with 10th rank while that of India’s was USD 289.362B with 15th rank; 2/3rd of China’s GDP. 'Meh! Great deal?! We didn’t lose anything despite showing up late.' You would say. But keep in mind the fact that India had just joined the race and it had an ample amount of opportunity and potential to give it a full throttle to out rank anyone in between. Check the latest figures: in 2010 India’s GDP stands at USD 1.5 Trillion at 10th rank while China has outperformed everyone else but USA with 5.8 Trillion of GDP securing 2nd rank. China has been growing at a rate of 10-11% for past decade. India, on the other hand just managed to hit 8-9% recently. You do the math. Flabbergasted?!


What happened? What wrong did we do? Or what is it that China did that we didn't? How come China grew by leaps and bounds and we barely managed to stay afloat? The answer is many fold, but things that top the chart are: Corruption, Political incompetency, mediocre economic policies, low literacy rate and democracy to some extent.* It is projected that India would outrank USA in GDP to hold the sliver by 2040 (by this time China would’ve secured #1 spot) and by 2050 India would be at the pinnacle of GDP race. In my opinion, for this to happen, India would have to go through huge reforms. Reforms in the field of Leadership, and by this I mean politics, economic policies and law.


Many would argue that though China is glittering it’s not all gold either. They, too, carry baggage, and heavy baggage at that, along. I couldn't agree more. China’s growth has been ostentatious if not outrageous. Reason: political perseverance in nation’s growth story. In China, 80 odd percent of GDP comes from SOE (State Owned Enterprises). Dictatorship is what has accelerated its growth. Though it's a spring time of growth in China, many investors would refrain themselves from frolicking! Why is that, exactly? Simple answer: China is a gray box. Almost all the huge enterprises in China are State owned, ergo, not answerable to the investors. They are spending more than half of their GDP on building infrastructure (take a look at this; the New South China Mall, apparently the biggest mall, is 99% vacant since it's opening in 2005). China's growth story owes a great deal to exports. This export-driven economy is shifting its gears to focus on domestic consumption. This, it seems that, would not happen anytime soon. What about demographics? Yep, you guessed it right. Screwed up! China’s most controversial one-child policy is taking a toll now. It is said that China is getting old, before it gets Rich! It is expected to hit 65% mark on dependency ratio by 2050 while India would be around 45%. When ranked based on per capita income, China stands at 12th position, which is derogatory in a sense that it holds second spot when GDP is taken into consideration. Yuan manipulation, human rights, freedom of speech, adamant government, rule by law…the list could go on and on and on… Gist: China is biting off more than it can chew!


Okey, China is in soup, but we are no good either. We are morbidly disgraced by puny policies, lethargic leaders, leprous law, corny casteism, sarcastic sexism, et al. We are, in fact, a warehouse of mess-acre… pun intended. Thing to ponder upon would be who finishes the gut wrenching job of repairing the system first? Would it be bearishly slow, sluggish and smothering India? Or would it be bullishly atrocious, assailing and assaultive China? Easier said than done! This is something only time will tell. Wait & Watch!


*Democracy is good, but its absence has been bliss for PRC. Let’s just face it that it is easier to get something done when dictated which could take ages to reach consensus. Nonetheless, India or any state, for that matter, is better off riding slob democratic elephant than opting for serpentine dictating dragon's ride for a fall!

An Ugly Truth!

Selfish! - Highly inflammable word getting into oblivion 'coz of the impact that it makes when used or used upon. It’s an unsaid truth that every one of us is selfish. Yes, you heard me alright. The only differentiating factor is the extent of it! We’ve got to be selfish; if not for ourselves then at least for those we care for. 'Wait, wait, wait… something doesn’t add up here. If I am doing something for others how does that make me selfish?' Fair enough of a question, but the fact prevails and it’s not always the way you like it to be seen. Hang on…


Since the day we were born, we've been fogged up with lot many
teachings. One of them: To be unselfish. We asked innocently: 'Paa, what is it to be unselfish?' To which we’ve got: Care for others, treat others as you would like to be treated yourself, don't be self-centered, etcetera. On which you say: 'Sounds good enough. I can do that. That's easy.' Let me ask you this, how often do you think of these stuff before you tag someone selfish? For me, it’s close to never. What we’ve seen hitherto in our life makes us what we are. Facts, beliefs, doctrine, some deeply rooted and acknowledge by our society and some we pick up during our journey to grave. We carry our own scale, calibrated with our own customized ideology, with which we judge every single person around us. May it be 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' scale or be it 'Selfishness' scale.


I asked myself for one thing that can be categorized under the hood of unselfishness. The irrational me came up with “Love”!

   'You gotta give me love!?' I reasoned irrationally.

   The rational me retaliated saying: 'Could you be so kind enough to give it a thought; would you then realize that there is nothing in this world more selfish!'

You love someone to make yourself feel good. You spend time with them to make yourself feel content. You share joy with them to make yourself joyous. You share sorrow with them to make yourself feel cared. The rambling can go on and on just to make the italicized “yourself” stand out prominently.


Someone might throw a gospel from Geeta right into my face which goes like…

"karmanyevaadhikaaraste maa phaleshhu kadaachana"

      Meaning: Your right is for action alone, never for the results.

I can’t resist myself but ask this question, rather bluntly; how many of us actually follow this? I wonder, with this unnerving, unceasing demand to outrival your opponent in the rat race, does this preaching even holds true? Besides, it does not even ask you to eradicate the phal (result part). Deferment is what all it asks for.


If you think about it, there is no such thing called "Selfless deed" in this universe of ours (and I highly doubt that the other way around is true in the parallel universe). Everyone has their own yardstick to categorize what can be called as an act of selfishness and an act of altruism. 'Can we not have a universal scale to define this?' NO, would be an obvious answer. Reason; the school of thoughts that we carry around are diverse. We are different! And may I take a privilege to say we are Selfish!

A Perception!

“I HATE IT!” was the phrase that would flash every time I’d hear the name. Damnation! ‘That’s how it was and that’s how it’s gonna be!’ was the attitude. People called me inane, callow for putting that face, but I never budged, never gave in to what others had to say. Being adamant was all that I could be. Never understood why would somebody hail it? ‘What the heck is in it?’ I use to wonder. Little did I know that the subject’s beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Mumbai – The City of Dreams! I am 25, have been in Pune for almost 8 long years now. Laid-back, peace loving specie; euphemism for lazy some might say. And that’s the reason why I’d loath Mumbai. Thought of setting my foot in Mumbai would give me goose bumps. I was always afraid of its fast paced life. No time for yourself; let alone for others. Sleep with your sneakers on so that you could catch your “local-train” to the Dreamland (if you can afford one); always running. Folks roaming around callously! Never giving a tiny rat’s arse to what other people think or do. Perception is what could take you off guard sometimes. It takes only a push or two to change the college of beliefs. In my case just one!

My cousin lives Mumbai. He’d been expecting my visit since long. So I finally made up my mind, got my sack and booked the ticket. The MSRTC’s Shivneri was supposed to leave for the destination by 7pm IST. As expected, it was late and no damn person (so called authorities) knew the whereabouts of it. “You can’t scream in public! Count till 10, take a deep breath...” I consoled myself and drank all my vexation. Finally the bus showed up after 1:30 long hrs of swearing and yawning! I aboard my ride and got comfy; and thus the journey began.

It was 12:30am when the driver killed the engine. I’d reached Mumbai on cold and windy evening of winter. I was all sleepy and frustrated by traffic jams (Yes, that’s the thing with Mumbai, traffic jam @ midnight). I got off the bus and after 5 complete minutes of enquiry I realized that I am at the wrong place. Fuming with anger I told myself 'you shouldn’t be here'. I was missing my cozy bed back home. Again, unfortunately, can’t scream in public. Revisited the “calm-down” drill, got back my senses and I was ready again. My watch posted 12:45am on its face. Now comes the hardest part; post midnight you actually have to plead “auto-walas” to take you to your destination. I pulled myself with all the energy that I was left with, dragged my bags to the rickshaw stand, took out the piece of paper which had the address written and asked the Rickshaw wala bhaiya - 'Chaloge?' To my utter amazement he said 'Chalega na!' Unexpected answer, but who gives a darn! Now is the time when your bargaining skills pay you off. Asked him, 'Kitana Loge?' and that’s when the lightning struck me. His answer - 'Jo bhi meter se hoega.' Dumbstruck! In Pune you’d have to shell out a fortune past midnight for any kind of service. Had it been Pune, this guy would’ve asked me 'How much do you earn monthly... lets settle this for half of it!' Fortunately, that was not the case and I was beaming and delighted with the answer. Without uttering a word I threw my bag inside and hopped in.

This guy was full of energy and joy at that ungodly hour. Awe-inspiring! Throughout the 10km run he introduced me to the city: the industries, the malls, the slums, the factories, et. al. He told me everything that I needed to know. The city lay bathed in the light. I guess that’s what they meant when they say “Mumbai - A city that NEVER SLEEPS”. I stole a glimpse of myself in his rear view mirror and I don’t know why but I found myself smiling. Suddenly, I felt rejuvenated. I was enjoying it to the core. Must I admit the SPIRIT and ENTHUSIASM of city got me! He dropped me to my destination - safe and sound - around 1:15 am. I handed over the fare with a smile and I wished him good-night. I usually don’t offer my courtesy, but that was not usual!

It was 10 am when my niece and nephew, 5 and 2, couldn’t bear any longer and came to wake me up on lovely Saturday morning. Cup of tea was ready and that’s how the day began. Took shower and got ready for a drive with my cousin. Intended destination was around 1:30 hrs from home, give that we do not meet head-on with any traffic jams. I hopped in, dropped the window glass and took off where I left yesterday – Mumbai Darshan! Serene Ocean, bizarre traffic, uncanny lanes, clumsy slums, eccentric railway tracks… B-E-A-Utiful! I thought to myself. I was lost in thoughts all along...Towering structures reminded me the 26/11 savage killing, Ocean: the Mumbai floods, railway tracks: the bomb blasts. And that’s when it hit me - RESILIENCE! Mumbai has always come back rather strongly after all the down falls. One line to sum it all up: “You can keep knocking, but you won’t knock it down!” – Eminem/Lil Wayne. INSPIRATIONAL!

'What a day!', I thought. I met a lot of people. Everybody greeted me with same ardor. Feeling of warmth and love was commendable. UPBEAT outlook is what I was introduced to. I was worn out and torn apart

It was 10 am when my niece and nephew, still 5 and 2, couldn’t bear any longer and came to wake me up on lovely Sunday morning. Cup of tea was ready and that’s how the day began. It’s time, I told myself, time to bid adieu. Packed my sack, had my lunch and took their leave. As expected, the MSRTC’s Shivneri was late, this time only by an hour. It was beautiful atmosphere. So I decided to treat myself with a stroll. I roamed clueless, without any sense of direction, for an hour. My ride was ready when I got back, only this time, I was not happy. Weird, I thought to myself. Anyways, I got into the bus with heavy heart. Conductor did the final headcount. Bus engine came alive, driver gave it a full throttle and I left…

Having a wrong perception is not bad, getting glued to one is! Only a push, a different point of view, is what all that is required. Mumbai trip was an unforgettable experience. She welcomes you with all that is good and pure. This city never ebbs in darkness. Metaphorically, sun never sets in this city. Motherland has a Kohinoor diamond in her royal crown and it is the financial capital of India. LOVE is all my heart is filled with for this larger than life playing turf. And you know the phrase I’d NOT use again…

An Attempt - Finally!

Finally!

I’d been thinking a lot about writing my own blog since ages now. Couldn’t find a topic compelling enough to get the lazy me up and about to write something. Lots of themes swung by, each of them had something that held me back. First idea to cloud was “The Cricketing God – SRT”: I found myself novice of a blogger to write something on a subject with such a magnitude. Chucked it! Or should I say deferred it?! Then came along Indian Economy: technically not capable enough to scribble. Deferred! Politics: dirty business to get my hands around. Scraped!
Now I was left with one of my two favorite pastime; Books And Movies. Same feeling when you fall in a creek with rock on one side and mountain on the other. Finally made up my mind to write about a book just done and dusted with called ‘Absolute Khushwant’!


Ever came across something you feel close enough to be indifferent to? Something so lucent not to get bothered deciphering? Something so truthful, uncompromising, moving and straight from the heart, you can’t help yourself but appreciate? This was one such experience! Mr. Khushwant - an agnostic by nature, controversial by his deeds - in his new venture has depicted LIFE and the various colors that it comes in. This venerable 95-something has discussed various topics; some of them considered Taboo, some are bound not to be discussed, some are considered uncultured if talked about in our hypocrite society. The issues touched upon ranges right from politics (Bapu, Nehru and Gandhi dynasty), barbaric partition of 1947, press, sex, marriage, worship, religious indifference and finally death.


Generally I don’t welcome the books where the writer keeps rambling about stuff and try to make you walk his/her shoes. But this – in some way or other – was DIFFERENT! This is a kind of self-help book for you to learn from, but at the same time you wouldn’t find it monotonously preaching. I was awestruck with the vividness with which he’s compiled this book. One of the various “take-away” from this book is ‘Be Honest’. Its due his honesty he is referred as a ‘dirty old man’ that sees ‘the world in a grain of sand and beauty in a wild flower’.


It is one of those write-ups which you’ve to experience. Its mesmerizing how a 95, scotch loving agnostic - who says he’ll continue writing as long as someone does not invent a condom for the pen - can be so refreshing. You would be moved with the command that this old man has got on languages, be it English, Hindi or Urdu for that matter. A nice read may I say. Deserves a shot!


Phew!!! Okey, it feels good now. Satisfaction and Content are the words to describe the feeling. It’s good when you are done with something which has been there in back of your mind since like ice age, relentlessly nagging. Done and Dusted!

Finally!!!