Bharat Mata Ki Jai

“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”

                                                                                                      -John F. Kennedy

Patriotism is probably one of the most abstract notions to be conceived.

Love for one’s country could take a wide variety of forms and could have different connotations when thought about by different people. On the other hand there are several people who reject the ideal as they attribute their country of birth to a quirk of fate.

Being a part of the younger generation, I often come across frustrated friends who cannot wait to leave the country at the first chance they can get. Having visited the shores of foreign lands on vacation, they have dreams of spending most of their lives in such countries, which definitely promise “a better future”. Most of these “runaways” will probably be forced to join a foreign college due to the boundless competition in India and soon, the effect snowballs into them staying away from home for a greater part of their life.

I have always been of the opinion that the motherland contributes a great deal to the development of an individual during his formative years. There may be those who scoff at this idea and say that the country is merely catering to their needs. However, life is not only about fulfilling one’s needs, it is the varied experiences we have – happy, sad, utterly frustrating or even relieving – which shape our mindset and mould us into who we are at the core. And this is where the country plays a major role.

India.

I would like to be able to say that I know everything about our country and on hearing her name itself strong emotions rise through me (which is often considered the benchmark for patriotism!). But, that would be a lie.

Being a shy child, I never sang the national anthem during the morning assembly at my school. I have probably never screamed “ Jai Hind” with vigor and vitality. But does that make me a poor Indian? Are we supposed to resort to these displays of nationalism a few days every year and then go back to cursing the country at every opportunity we can get?

Though we may refuse to admit it, for all those who have grown up here, India has shaped each and every one of us. We may have suffered at the hands of her corruption or been refused several opportunities due to her overpopulation. But isn’t there a great deal of satisfaction when one bites into a crispy dosa or a perfect kulfi? There are numerous individuals who believe that if we have a problem with the country’s situation, we should work towards improving it ourselves. Though this sounds easy in theory, and probably noble even, it is only logical that there is a limit to what a single person can do, however determined he may be.

All I am saying is that as the country has given us so much, shouldn’t it be our duty to give back to it as well, rather than having a parasitic existence?

Having seen him walk out in India’s customary blue all the time, it would be unimaginable to see Sachin Tendulkar don Australia’s green and yellow. Why are we so keen to bat for the other team then? Hearing women brag about how much they bargained and managed to reduce the price of their shopping items and simultaneously parading their rather expensive diamond earrings is one of the many contradictions that makes India.

Those older to me say that I am young, foolish and hence idealistic. When I see a bit more of life, my views about India shall automatically change.

All I know is that it’s home.

Grading Or Degrading?

Is change always a good thing?

Transition from one form to another heralds a new beginning. Often one’s lives are affected as a consequence of someone else’s decision. We are repeatedly led to believe that change shall eventually be beneficial. Wouldn’t it instead be better to continue down the same path with complete knowledge of what we shall encounter? There is a certain anger and resentment when change is thrust upon us, when the natural balance of things are affected.

A few years ago, there used to be fierce competition during the Class X Central Board Examinations. Tensions ran high, students got sick with nervousness, and parents were in even worse shape. When the results were announced, it was ecstasy for those at the top of the list along with a healthy dose of relief. For those left languishing at the bottom, it was heartbreak. An unfortunate consequence of this was a large number of teen suicides during the month of May.

Then along came a wizened old man named Kapil Sibal and the rest as they say is history.

He brought about the Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system of schooling reducing the pressure of the final examination. What this essentially means is that if a student performed well in the classroom, the burden of performing well in the exam was greatly reduced. But the most significant development Mr. Sibal brought about was to reduce the final calculation of the result to a Grade Point system (GPA). While earlier it was easy to differentiate between two students, now several students had the same GPA reducing competition greatly.

Lesser competition could only mean lesser stress right?

On the one hand it is undeniable that the new system has finally made students less wary of the Board Examinations. Under the earlier system, the month of March would be a torrid month for pupils. Now, even they admit to the lack of pressure.

But, isn’t it a well advertised fact that human beings work much better under pressure? Isn’t that the case with most of us? We seem to realize the gravity of the situation only when we are driven up the wall. There is no better remedy to boost one’s performance than a healthy dose of fear.

However, there is a vast contingent of students who have benefited from the change. They are those who are labeled as academically weak. Earlier, the gulf between the top students and someone who has not performed as well was so large that even discussing the child’s performance with others was a matter of shame for parents and others. Now, even these students are branded with a GPA, which is nowhere near as bad. But, the reduced competition translates into no defined topper. Those at the top have been adversely affected. Thousands of students made the perfect score of a 10.0 this year. I got a CGPA of 10 as well but there were 18 others along with me and that dampened the euphoria.

But, the grading system is essential for the greater good of a large percentage of the student population. What should also be remembered is that such competition at such a young age is probably not needed in the first place anyway.

It would be wrong to label change as black or white. All that must be retained is that change is inevitable.

And one must adapt or risk being left behind.

'Andar-Bahar' Card

The fact that we as Indians are obsessed with the West is something none of us can deny.

Their style of dressing, their attitude, their technological supremacy, even their movies are followed with keen interest. But when aping the West has a positive impact then why would anyone complain?

Who hasn’t heard about Social Security numbers? It is a unique code assigned to every American resident. Several Hollywood films regarding identity theft have also been made on the subject. So when the Indian government announced ambitious plans to start an Aadhar card along the same lines, I thought to myself here we go again.

 Our population of 1.2 billion is a statistic we flaunt proudly, possibly because it means we are finally at the top of some list atleast, but even there we come 2^nd. The task of bringing these people to come and register for the card was the first roadblock they faced. The government forgot that there is nothing that unites our country like cricket and war. Not very difficult to imagine since they have so much in common. Maybe Mr. Nilekani should have organized India- Pakistan matches all over the country and then registered everyone at the stadium itself.

Instead government offices became the apex of the registration process with normal life thrown out of gear as people were called upon at odd times, usually during a weekday. Mine is a very meticulous family. The date of registration was written on a white-board serving as a reminder that all necessary documents must be in place before the appointed date. I thought we would be out of the office in no time, especially since we had everything ready. The peon at the office asked us to take a seat, he could have added “Aana jaana toh rahega hi, apna hi ghar samajhna”.

Unfortunately, the workers had decided to take their lunch-break a little early. Like any good Indian citizen would know, lunch-break in a government office is more dangerous than a contagious disease, not only because of its potency but the alarming speed with which it claims victims. We were left alone in the room as lunch rolled into a paan session and then a few good burps and probably a relaxing siesta.

Dejected and disappointed, we returned home determined to make it work the next time around. Mine is an indomitable family. The following time we would make it happen. My parents will probably not put as much effort to endear themselves to my wife’s parents in future, as they did that night, our second call for the registration. If the last time had been deserted, this time, one could really appreciate the extent of India’s population. If you fell down there, you would be trampled, squished and crushed just like the way your chaatwaala demolishes a lemon. 

My mom told us it wasn’t our fault, she had checked this morning; our stars were not in the correct positions. However my mother had skills other than reading planetary charts and she had resolved to finish this chapter. She went over to the nearest clerk and gave him one of her widest 100-watt smiles; the poor bugger had no clue what had hit him. After all, my dad had fallen prey to the same charm 20 years ago, what chance did this man stand? His legs moved off their own accord, he was her slave. In the next 15 minutes, we were made to take fingerprint and iris scans, the whole nine yards. But we had done it!

A few days ago, there was news that the Government had decided to scrap the program and start afresh owing to the poor manner in which the process had been carried out resulting in lack of information. The symbol of the Aadhar card is an abstract image of a rising Sun. To me it looks more like a half-cooked omelette, ready to be thrown into the trashcan.

One can only hope that we manage to overcome our silly preoccupation with the West and devise solutions that are tailor-made for our country.

Till that happens, ready to smile again mommy?

To Tweet Or Not To Tweet?

Living under the constant glare of the media can at times prove to be utterly frustrating and can also induce a feeling of claustrophobia. Cameras follow your every move, light is thrown on all of your activities and every move of yours is scrutinized, analyzed and dissected for a public which is waiting to lap it all up.(This is the author's imagination as he has never been showered with attention except for the adulation he receives from his mother)

Actors, politicians and sportspersons are not only assessed in their respective fields but we examine their personal lives a great deal as well.

Having achieved a great deal of fame and success, it is only understandable that the public would like to know more about them. Hence, eminent personalities must always adopt a cautious approach in their social dealings as any misdemeanors could result in a great deal of backlash.

Recently, an incident involving Shah Rukh Khan at the Wankhede stadium made headlines. We can go on about who was the guilty party and whether the ban on SRK is justified. However, the truth remains that despite the fact that Shah Rukh might have been the victim; the incident has tarnished his image  and shown him in poor light. Being a celebrity of his magnitude, he should have immediately realized that no good was to come from an altercation with the authorities and should have quietly accepted rather than abusing everyone in front of his children and causing hurt to his wide legion of fans.

We often assume that those who have studied abroad would have a greater knowledge of the working world and hence, be in a better position to interact with the media than the rest of us. However, we forget that India is one of the most unforgiving places on the planet and the Indian media and the public unrelenting.

The alleged molestation of a tourist by an IPL player has brought great shame to all those involved with the event. But there is a certain protocol to be followed in amicably resolving such sensational issues.

Siddhartha Mallya, the owner of the team for which the player played, posted a rather insensitive and careless tweet disregarding the power his words hold. Mallya’s tweet earned him criticism from women’s groups all over the country. The tweet not only showcased his poor attitude but also attested to the fact that the young tycoon is not ready for the media coverage and attention he receives on a daily basis. He has a lot to do before he can imagine filling the very large shoes of Vijay Mallya. In due course of time, he may prove himself and leave behind a legacy much greater than those who preceded him. But till such a time, he would do well to protect his father’s reputation and be wiser in choosing his words.

Being an ardent moviegoer and a die-hard sports enthusiast, I would be greatly disappointed if one of my heroes acted in a manner, which was absolutely uncharacteristic of him. Though this might actually be an insight into his true character, I would prefer that he conducts himself in such a way that he does not embarrass himself or his fans.

Celebrities in India enjoy a demi-god like status with the public hanging on their every word, trying to incorporate aspects of their lifestyle into their mundane lives, copying their looks and trying to be closer to them in any possible way.

Stars enjoy this kind of fanfare and love to know that their actions matter a great deal to those watching them. Then they must also accept the flipside to this where they are expected to be on guard at all times and be prepared to be assessed at all times. Personalities often ask for privacy. When they enjoy the benefits the media coverage offers, they must also begin to accept that such demands are unreasonable. It is the price they pay for the line they work in.

Celebrities often throw a fit when they are not shown adequate ‘respect’. Well, it’s time they earned it.

After all, with great power comes great responsibility.

The Charm Of The IPL

Summers in India generally follow a predictable pattern.

We complain about the heat, say it’s much hotter than last year, despair over the pathetic condition of water supply and feast on the ripe mangoes that flood the markets during this time. The past few years have been no different barring the addition of another craze, the IPL.

The Indian Premiere League is akin to a B-grade Bollywood movie scripted to blockbuster perfection. And so it should be, having the support of so many actors on and off the pitch. Tales of betrayal, treachery and shifting loyalties are not uncommon and adds to the spice of the event.

During one of the seasons of the League, an incident involving Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth garnered great publicity. The former had slapped the latter after a disappointing loss and the rest as they say is history. Media channels played the incident over and over again, from different angles, taking a cue from our good old Hindi serials. Following a public apology and several attempts at reconciliation, the two had become ‘Bhai-Bhai’ once again.

Sourav Ganguly has had numerous ‘hits’ at the IPL Box Office. Recently, when he played in Kolkata as a part of his Pune Warriors team, it was touted as the return of the prodigal son. Who says youngsters have no idea of culture? They welcomed Ganguly as if he were Ram returning from exile. And who better to play Raavan than one of the most sought after actors in the country today?

And when there is so much sinister afoot, it’s only logical to imagine love lurking somewhere as well. Several team owners turn up for matches with pretty actresses in tow, which ensures that at least now they are shown on television. Apart from this we have cheerleaders (a first for sporting events in India) and several women analysts as well. It’s obvious the directors had no ulterior motives, they were simply practicing gender equality, the kind where women are kept as skimpily clad as possible.

The mania is not restricted to the teams alone. Even the administration knows how to cook up a masala story. The removal of Lalit Modi from the top post would have made even the Mughal rulers proud. The ensuing power struggle serving to entertain us after we got back from a tiring and frustrating day at work.

But let us not forget that in the midst of all this hullaballoo, surprisingly even some cricket is played. Last ball finishes; nail biting thrillers and the adventure that is T20 has made for great viewing. However, even these have now been brought under the cloud of suspicion. The recent suspension of 5 players for being involved in match fixing, spot fixing and receiving pay above their bracket has done nothing to improve the image of a faltering institution.

The League in its fifth edition now has registered a downward spiral in TRPs, the three all-important letters in Indian television. Stadiums are filled to a certain degree but the thought of probably witnessing a scandal they can relate to their grandchildren is what draws the gullible public.

Being from Hyderabad, I have always been a die-hard Deccan Chargers fan. I must admit every time Cameron White hits a six or Dale Steyn manages to take a wicket, it brings a smile to my face. (I won’t say every time we win because we haven’t been able to do that a lot this season.)  And in a world where we are plagued with so many worries, I am thankful for that moment of pure joy.  

Chris Gayle recently announced that he would love any opportunity to work in a Bollywood movie. Would someone mind telling the poor chap that he’s been part of one ever since he took guard on a cricket pitch?

Board Exam Result

10.0, 9.8, 9.6……….   I am less than 24 hours away from receiving my Class X Board Examination results. The countdown has begun.

If I was of the spiritual kind, I would tell you that God will take care of everything; if I were one of the ‘cool’ types, I would tell you that my result makes no difference to me; if I had a calculating bend of mind, I would accurately be able to tell you where I have lost marks and predict my result even before it’s posted. But being just another 15-year-old, all I can tell you is that, the same time tomorrow, I will be a happier person irrespective of my result.

It is probably true that the result of this examination will not have a significant bearing on any student’s life. There are several more exams to be written and numerous hurdles to be crossed. However, the GPA I receive tomorrow shall serve to be my identity and be branded on my forehead, at least till the time I go to University.

While preparing for the exams, I had told my mother that these results would not affect my life in any way, and had jokingly added that the Board had even stopped failing students from this year. The Dairy Milk punch line “Pappu pass ho gaya” immediately coming to mind. My mother was obviously shocked at the off-hand manner in which I was speaking, as any concerned parent would have been. She then told me that during her school days, such questions never took form in her mind. The fact that an exam was being conducted and she was writing it meant that she must perform well irrespective of what the consequences were.

Parents often associate a great deal of meaning to the Board exam result.

It is considered a culmination to one’s high school years and performing well is like finishing on a high. Obviously, all’s well that end’s well. In fact some may even say that doing well in the Board Exams shall absolve you of your poor academic results in the past. All the poor results shall occupy a small, dark, insignificant corner of your closet; a certificate of excellence in Class X will be framed and given a position of importance.

If one’s result is not as good as expected, parents may say that this should serve as a lesson to perform better in the future and make the necessary changes required.

So it would be wrong to say that these exams are unimportant, one way or the other they will have certain repercussions on a student’s life, however insignificant they might be.

The feeling of euphoria on finishing the last exam is something I wish I could have bottled up and used at a time like this. The past month has been spent in meeting friends and mindlessly enjoying a shallow reprieve till we are forcefully brought back to reality.

I would be lying if I told you I’m not nervous. I would also be lying if I told you I’m curled up in my bed, scared and terrified of tomorrow. I shall take whatever I get tomorrow with a smile, grateful for an end to the uncertainty, thankful for the conclusion of an ordeal.

But one thing is certain, Pappu toh pass hi ho jayega!

Satyamev Jayate

It is not often that we get to see an act of true selflessness. And when we do see it happen, the cynic inside us questions whether there might have been an ulterior motive in mind.

Celebrities today often devise innovative ways of garnering greater support for themselves. This may occur in the form of social networking sites, blogging or maybe starting their own television show. But the aim is clear- to prominently advertise oneself. So when I happened to watch Aamir Khan’s project “Satyamev Jayate”, I thought Mr. Perfectionist had found the perfect means of promoting himself. As the show drew to a close an hour and a half later, I recognized just how mistaken I had been.

How would one like to spend a Sunday? Get up late; have the satisfaction of not having to shave, happy that on atleast one day of the week we do not do what society expects of us; have an elaborate brunch; an afternoon siesta and then practice the art of being skillfully unemployed. Watching a hard-hitting documentary on a socially relevant issue would probably not feature on anyone’s list.

As I settled onto the couch and the opening credits played, the theme song was cut short. Cries of plagiarism had tainted the catchy tune and I was inwardly sniggering, ready to be taken for a royal ride. My mother finally coaxed me into watching the episode.

The agenda for the episode was child sexual abuse and the mood in the room suddenly turned serious. The thought of watching the show in the presence of my parents was mortifying. But such inconsequential things were quickly pushed out of my mind, Aamir had begun.

The show traversed the length and breadth of the country, alongwith interviews of victims and a variety of shocking statistics. Despite tackling such an important issue the mood of the show was surprisingly light hearted and yet managed to deliver the killer punch. Being rather unaffected by sensitive issues, I was surprised that the show had affected me on an emotional level as well. The only time I loathed were the commercial breaks, where my parents would question me on whether anyone had tried to ‘harm’ me.  “Beta, tumko kuch nahi huan na?”

Ah, parents.

The fact that Aamir Khan has gone beyond what someone in his position is expected to do is undeniable. Yet, in a country like ours where we very often see movements fizzle out, it would be disheartening to see the same occur in this case as well. His unique style of approaching the issue in as professional a manner as possible adds to the appeal of the show. It fills viewers with confidence, almost as if he were holding your hand assuring you that Aal Izz Well even when reports confirm the exact opposite. One can only hope that he follows up on all his promises otherwise this endeavor shall only add to a large list of “could-have-beens”

To a certain extent, some ideas have been lifted from The Oprah Winfrey Show but the manner in which the two unique hosts connect with their audience is what sets them apart.

As is often said, it’s not over till it’s over. Mr. Khan must finish what he has started and all we can do is provide him the support he needs.

Till then, Satyamev Jayate.