Today, there was a picture of Anil Ambani with marigold flower garland around his neck, standing in front of Tirupati temple, in the front pages of some popular English dailies. Similar pictures were seen of Mukesh, Amitabh Bachan, Abhishek Bachan and A few such newsworthy souls of India. I am sure, they all were there to please the deity who, they believe, will shower them with blessings (of course wealth in billions), for their offer of a few lakhs. Rich Indians, no matter their religion, offer hefty sums to deities of their choice.
A few days back, there was a picture of Mr. Gate who with his extra bills(wealth),(which keep swelling every moment), busy shaking hands with kids in a remote Indian village, for whose, health, education, up-liftment, he spare his extra wealth. His wife also join him in this act of worship.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
It was a very hot day of the month of May, I had taken a coke, and a bottle of mineral water to keep me cool. Put together it costed me 35 Rs., not bad, so hot, I have seldom felt this heat in Delhi. I had taken a Blue line bus to Dilshad Garden, almost 18 kms from ITO. It costed 15 Rs. But the journey was horrible. Heat wave from the side windows with glass panes missing. Crowd inside. I was lucky to get a seat. I decided no more Blue line ( I had made this resolution a few times before also.). Alighting at Seemapuri, I called a Rikshaw. Checked his charge for Shalimar Garden (2 kilo meters). Alas ! Cheater wants 20 Rs for that much distance. Cheater, I could barely resist my anger to this opportunist, leach… and whatever came to mind and boarded. He pedelled the distance, sweating, wiping his forehead, again peddling finally reaching my destination. I paid him and walked off. Hardly will I remember this guy who brought me home at a cost of course, at 2 p.m noon on a day considered to be one of the hottest of the season.
Reaching home, I recalled, if the rikshaw was not available at the place, I would be walking the two kms, might have consumed another bottle of cola, yet got exhausted, might also have the heat wave on me and jolly well could have fallen ill for a few days. I have paid Rs 20/- to the service that man – most probably from Bihar – whose face I would hardly recollect. Why only rikshaw even that Blue line was doing a service. That time of the day, DTC do not operate for reasons ranging from lunch break to change of duties. Even if there is one, it will skip you and speed away.
Reaching home, I recalled, if the rikshaw was not available at the place, I would be walking the two kms, might have consumed another bottle of cola, yet got exhausted, might also have the heat wave on me and jolly well could have fallen ill for a few days. I have paid Rs 20/- to the service that man – most probably from Bihar – whose face I would hardly recollect. Why only rikshaw even that Blue line was doing a service. That time of the day, DTC do not operate for reasons ranging from lunch break to change of duties. Even if there is one, it will skip you and speed away.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Believer's agony
So many Godmen make news for wrong reasons these days (thanks to Media) women abuse, child abuse, and in many other abusive activities. Such questionable characters amass wealth and fame. All these men and many before with such profile are leading luxurious life with followers flowing in from all over the globe. The saddest part is that the very promoters of these characters of darkness are the so called elite, educated and well informed people.
There is a sect of believers who engage their energy and time in sending chain mails to people with scary tales of calamities. These fanatics take up the case of some concrete structure survived in a devastating calamity and say “the Cross survives the Haiiti devastation”; “the statue at Velankanni has stood intact amongst the debris of tsunami” etc. and warn the reader that only the cross & statue survives, while the people die. So be a believer and send the mail to twelve believers. The irony is, the one who shed blood and gave his body to save the world, was busy in safeguarding his properties when his children were dying and getting perished all around.
I think these followers of Godmen and self promoters of God need to be told the fact that no Godman can guarantee immortality . No God will be glorified if He looks after his own concrete structure of cross and statue and let his folks die and their homes get shattered
There is a sect of believers who engage their energy and time in sending chain mails to people with scary tales of calamities. These fanatics take up the case of some concrete structure survived in a devastating calamity and say “the Cross survives the Haiiti devastation”; “the statue at Velankanni has stood intact amongst the debris of tsunami” etc. and warn the reader that only the cross & statue survives, while the people die. So be a believer and send the mail to twelve believers. The irony is, the one who shed blood and gave his body to save the world, was busy in safeguarding his properties when his children were dying and getting perished all around.
I think these followers of Godmen and self promoters of God need to be told the fact that no Godman can guarantee immortality . No God will be glorified if He looks after his own concrete structure of cross and statue and let his folks die and their homes get shattered
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Kerala Pride
The admirably handsome former Minister of State Shashi Taroor, who, despite being born and lived outside Kerala, stand for an applause from the proud Malayalees, for holding his head high for Kerala.
The fact that the who is who from Kerala, in spite of holding very powerful ministerial positions in the cabinet could not make a niche worth noticeable for the state and its people, therefore, are the strongest adversaries (jealousy – what else) of the globally acclaimed writer – diplomat who got backing from none other than Kofi Annan for his bold stand. Shashi Tharoor has actually stepped in the shoes of V.K. Krishna Menon, gem of a Malayalee reined in Delhi’s power corridor, notwithstanding the contribution of late Shri K R Narayanan. I have a list of prominent Malayalees in Delhi on top of which is Mr. Prakash Karat, who sails another boat.
Having said this, I do not endorse the controversy, Mr. Tharoor got embroiled in —it was un-matching of his stature — although he made this move for his love for Kerala and the youth of the state in mind. Any how different people think differently. I join (rather intrude) the mass of young Malayalees all over the world in extending an unconditional support to Mr. Shashi Tharoor. In his exit speech as a Minister He quoted Vallathol’s famous lines.
“Bharatham ennu kettal abhimana puritham akanam antharangam, Keralam ennu kettalo thilackanam chora namukku njarampukalil.”
(One should be proud of a mere mention of Bharatam but on hearing the name of Keralam, blood should simmer through the veins)
Let’s join him !
Jai India !
Jai Kerala !
The fact that the who is who from Kerala, in spite of holding very powerful ministerial positions in the cabinet could not make a niche worth noticeable for the state and its people, therefore, are the strongest adversaries (jealousy – what else) of the globally acclaimed writer – diplomat who got backing from none other than Kofi Annan for his bold stand. Shashi Tharoor has actually stepped in the shoes of V.K. Krishna Menon, gem of a Malayalee reined in Delhi’s power corridor, notwithstanding the contribution of late Shri K R Narayanan. I have a list of prominent Malayalees in Delhi on top of which is Mr. Prakash Karat, who sails another boat.
Having said this, I do not endorse the controversy, Mr. Tharoor got embroiled in —it was un-matching of his stature — although he made this move for his love for Kerala and the youth of the state in mind. Any how different people think differently. I join (rather intrude) the mass of young Malayalees all over the world in extending an unconditional support to Mr. Shashi Tharoor. In his exit speech as a Minister He quoted Vallathol’s famous lines.
“Bharatham ennu kettal abhimana puritham akanam antharangam, Keralam ennu kettalo thilackanam chora namukku njarampukalil.”
(One should be proud of a mere mention of Bharatam but on hearing the name of Keralam, blood should simmer through the veins)
Let’s join him !
Jai India !
Jai Kerala !
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A Different Pilgrimage
Suddenly in January it occurred to me that I must make a trip to Kerala, where I was born sixty years ago. Having said so, I owe a clarification. By virtue of birth I do belong to Kerala, the land Malayalees and others fondly call “God’s own country”. During the last forty years, I have been making sorties to Kottayam and back to Delhi, shuttling between relatives. This time too we visited relatives, but only as a ‘Edathavalam’.(Midway)
It was a cozy Jetlite trip to Nedumbassery, where Lata and Premkumar received us. We were taken to their home ‘Savitri Bhavan’ in Elammkkara. They both and Naryanan Sir(Velliachan) made that evening a warm, memorable one. Nothing to compare the yummy Appam and Fish Stew treat managed by none other than “Satyechi”. Mouth watering Crab curry was a first time delicacy. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. By opening a scotch, Velliachan made us feel VIPs.
Our next destination was Vagamon, a less popular location, but a princes amongst the hills, Vagamon is approximately 40 kms up Erattupetta. Though we had a plan to make it to the Kurisumala where the stations of cross being held. We could not make it as it consists of an hour’s steep climb. We reluctantly skipped. We visited the pine forest (This did not fascinate us as we are just a month down our visit to Mukteswar). The “Mottakunnu” (Egg shaped mountains) reminded the small mud mounts made of coconut shells in our childhood. There were no trees but grass on the mounts . Is n’t it surprising that in perpetually raining Kerala a natural marvel exists without trees or bushes. Perhaps nature has its plans differently. But that is it. Perhaps the most surprising and scenic place in Vagamon. Another interesting place of visit in Vagamon is the Paultry farm managed by the Franciscan Missionaries. The Swiss breed cows milk the entire valley of Pala, Bharananganam, Erattupetta. The Campus, so meticulously planned, resources and wastes used and reused, and managed for decades was established by a foreigner Franciscan missionary. Management students must make a serious visit to this place to learn things in detail. Bravo, Father, you climbed the hilltop when Vagamon was not heard of by outside world and for making that ‘conversion’. Vagamon still need to be visited. Next time. On our descend, we passed through Bharananganam, but could not alight for “the St.Alphonsa’s” tomb.
Our Good Friday at Kudamaloor was an experience. Nothing has changed. The Neenthu Nercha(crowling on knees) from the Cross (Black stone)till the altar (a quarter Km) continues to attract thousands from far off places as it used to be forty years ago and before. We did not go to any other places in Kottyam, though Kumarakam was only a few miles from my place. Here we visited all the family oldies, some of whom may not be there till our next visit.
Easter was at Punalur, all near and dear ones from Bangalore and Delhi gathered and was a very pleasant day. The four hour holy mass in ‘Malankara rite’ was as if I have had my quota for the whole year. I confess I could not control my nap during the service. Sorry Lord. On Monday after Easter we took a visit oldies mission. Take it from me, we visited six elderly people past their eighties, all women. None of them has her life partner in this world.
Our next destination was Thiruvananthapuram. The most beautiful capital city of all the Indian States (I am serious). Next two days we visited Kovalam and Shankhumukham. Having heard a lot about the beaches, no need to mention we were thrilled. We enjoyed the roaring waves in Shankhumukham and the romantic sands in Kovalam. Kingfisher brought us back in style. The illuminated Bombay (I dare to call) from above sky was marvelous, and another sight of splendid Delhi (my city) again from the Sky was Wow!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnote, Sorry to mention, Kerala, the most advanced Indian state lacks basic human facilites. The state of public lavatories is pathetic, especially Bus Stands, and wherever you may be lucky enough to find one, it hardly has a women’s toilet. Hope the KTDC and ITDC takes care. Untill then, please be prepared.
It was a cozy Jetlite trip to Nedumbassery, where Lata and Premkumar received us. We were taken to their home ‘Savitri Bhavan’ in Elammkkara. They both and Naryanan Sir(Velliachan) made that evening a warm, memorable one. Nothing to compare the yummy Appam and Fish Stew treat managed by none other than “Satyechi”. Mouth watering Crab curry was a first time delicacy. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. By opening a scotch, Velliachan made us feel VIPs.
Our next destination was Vagamon, a less popular location, but a princes amongst the hills, Vagamon is approximately 40 kms up Erattupetta. Though we had a plan to make it to the Kurisumala where the stations of cross being held. We could not make it as it consists of an hour’s steep climb. We reluctantly skipped. We visited the pine forest (This did not fascinate us as we are just a month down our visit to Mukteswar). The “Mottakunnu” (Egg shaped mountains) reminded the small mud mounts made of coconut shells in our childhood. There were no trees but grass on the mounts . Is n’t it surprising that in perpetually raining Kerala a natural marvel exists without trees or bushes. Perhaps nature has its plans differently. But that is it. Perhaps the most surprising and scenic place in Vagamon. Another interesting place of visit in Vagamon is the Paultry farm managed by the Franciscan Missionaries. The Swiss breed cows milk the entire valley of Pala, Bharananganam, Erattupetta. The Campus, so meticulously planned, resources and wastes used and reused, and managed for decades was established by a foreigner Franciscan missionary. Management students must make a serious visit to this place to learn things in detail. Bravo, Father, you climbed the hilltop when Vagamon was not heard of by outside world and for making that ‘conversion’. Vagamon still need to be visited. Next time. On our descend, we passed through Bharananganam, but could not alight for “the St.Alphonsa’s” tomb.
Our Good Friday at Kudamaloor was an experience. Nothing has changed. The Neenthu Nercha(crowling on knees) from the Cross (Black stone)till the altar (a quarter Km) continues to attract thousands from far off places as it used to be forty years ago and before. We did not go to any other places in Kottyam, though Kumarakam was only a few miles from my place. Here we visited all the family oldies, some of whom may not be there till our next visit.
Easter was at Punalur, all near and dear ones from Bangalore and Delhi gathered and was a very pleasant day. The four hour holy mass in ‘Malankara rite’ was as if I have had my quota for the whole year. I confess I could not control my nap during the service. Sorry Lord. On Monday after Easter we took a visit oldies mission. Take it from me, we visited six elderly people past their eighties, all women. None of them has her life partner in this world.
Our next destination was Thiruvananthapuram. The most beautiful capital city of all the Indian States (I am serious). Next two days we visited Kovalam and Shankhumukham. Having heard a lot about the beaches, no need to mention we were thrilled. We enjoyed the roaring waves in Shankhumukham and the romantic sands in Kovalam. Kingfisher brought us back in style. The illuminated Bombay (I dare to call) from above sky was marvelous, and another sight of splendid Delhi (my city) again from the Sky was Wow!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnote, Sorry to mention, Kerala, the most advanced Indian state lacks basic human facilites. The state of public lavatories is pathetic, especially Bus Stands, and wherever you may be lucky enough to find one, it hardly has a women’s toilet. Hope the KTDC and ITDC takes care. Untill then, please be prepared.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A Himalayan Memory
It is almost a month now, we have been driven up and down the ‘Almora’ ranges of the mighty Himalaya’s. Credit goes to my SIL, who despite being infected with some mountain bacteria, drove us up the 8500 ft. high and made all arrangements for a memorable two days. The panoramic views we enjoyed of the mighty mountain ranges was absolutely stunning and refreshing. The lines of pine trees recall the rubber grove of Kerala High Ranges. The rubber has diluted the scenic beauty of Kerala country sides, but the Himalaya’s yet manage to sustain. Thank God, for HE has preserved some place for his most loved (so we claim) creatures The beautiful picturesque valleys looked as if they are paintings on a vast canvas created by the most acclaimed artist. The living things like pines, the red mountain flower (no name) the ash coloured (black faced) langur families all so fascinated.
How can we forget the two boys who served us with everything with smile, we inadvertently forgot to click their photos. I have not forgotten to get photographed with ‘Haridas’ err Jagan.
How can we forget the two boys who served us with everything with smile, we inadvertently forgot to click their photos. I have not forgotten to get photographed with ‘Haridas’ err Jagan.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Earlier they, in Delhi, called me a ‘Madrasi’.
Now they call me a ‘Mallu’
Neither ways I am happy
Then I went to the Malayalee welfare
There they advised me for my identity
They sent me to the Christian Quota,
When I reached there
I was directed to the Catholic section
Then, when I reached there, they directed me to identify myself with
Syrian OR Latin
I fell on the Syrian line
Then they segregated me with Syro Malabar & Syro Malankara
I was thrown into the Syro Malabar wing
Then they looked for my badge of Knanaya Or Others
I stood with the Others, then came if I belong to which diocese…
Tired …. I went back to my Origin, where I had friends from all sections… But then
They kept me at a distance with the title “Delhi wallah”
Now they call me a ‘Mallu’
Neither ways I am happy
Then I went to the Malayalee welfare
There they advised me for my identity
They sent me to the Christian Quota,
When I reached there
I was directed to the Catholic section
Then, when I reached there, they directed me to identify myself with
Syrian OR Latin
I fell on the Syrian line
Then they segregated me with Syro Malabar & Syro Malankara
I was thrown into the Syro Malabar wing
Then they looked for my badge of Knanaya Or Others
I stood with the Others, then came if I belong to which diocese…
Tired …. I went back to my Origin, where I had friends from all sections… But then
They kept me at a distance with the title “Delhi wallah”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
