Last week, during the festivities of Navratri, an incident of attempted rape by a 16 y.o Dalit boy, on a poor 5 y.o. Maratha girl came into light. The reason for mentioning the communities they belong to, is because that’s the core reason of the whole riot-like situation in Nashik district. The said incident happened in the Talegaon village, which became the main site of protests.
As the news spread like wildfire, through news and social media, thousands of Marathas hit the streets in order to show protest. Which once began as a peaceful rally, later turned into a violent riot. Places such as Talegao, Trimbakeshvar, Ghoti, Vilholi, parts of NH-3 (Mumbai-Agra Highway), Shalimar, Nashik Road, Jail Road, etc faced a lot of heat as members of the Maratha community showed up in hundreds, if not thousands, displaying violent acts. They burned down police vehicles, S.T buses, private vehicles, shops, etc. Many small incidences of attack on innocent people, vehicles, state property, followed in the next few days grouped up, accounted for the whole situation.
It wasn’t long before it was made a political issue. Attacks on political leaders, party members only proved to fuel the unrest. While the social unrest was nowhere close to shimming down, the political turn to it has caused even more rise in the over-all tension. Police forces from nearby cities of Aurangabad, Dhule, Pune, Mumbai have been roped in to try and control the situation. The police were seen sweeping the streets with immense force of hundreds and arresting trouble-makers, informing people to stay indoors and trying to chop down any suspicious incident.
Schools, colleges, offices were kept closed for a day (some, two) to avoid any problems to the common public. Public transport managed by the state were shut for a day, local transport was going on though. The worst (and the best) thing that happened, probably my first such experience like this – was that the cellular internet data service on all networks was blocked in the whole city and some parts of the district. It’s observed that social media, today plays an important role in making/breaking a situation or issue. Cutting off the people from the social media, cut down a lot of chances of spreading rumors which would make the case worse. It’s been 3 days so far the cellular internet has been blocked, although the local broadband connection’s still active.
The Police, The Commissioner, The Chief Minister, all have been actively involved in trying to make the situation under control. They’ve been informing the common public, via Twitter updates and timely text messages, that situation has been controlled and urging people not to start or trust in any sort of rumors. Four days later, some small incidents are still being reported, but it seems as if it’s alright now.
I agree you kidnapped someone else’s wife and took her hostage, not cool buddy. But you probably loved her; and you also gave the same woman more respect than even we give to our women in today’s age. You never touched her; instead gave her protection, good food, shelter, a better living than she had in her exile. I just want to say, I feel sad when they burn your huge effigies. People forgot those from the Mahabharata, who forcefully undressed Draupadi (her Vatstra-Haran). They forgot those who pose a threat to any woman, today.
Just hope, people would see the real evil, which lurks around even today and burn what’s necessary.
Schooling, is probably a factor that’s is common is almost every single child’s life. If I may, it’s the most important institution (after family) that prepares them for life. But do they really?
If you ever heard me talk about today’s schooling, there would be so many of “… oh don’t get me started about this!” or “… oh man this could’ve been done so much better this way.” Why do people, parents and teachers and authorities find it so difficult to understand that classic and standard schooling methods render “outdated” in today’s world. Textbooks, lessons, exams.. no, that’s not how it needs to be done anymore. It was okay years ago, when you barely gave shit about someone’s individuality. But not anymore. There are hundreds of people, who’re not even 18, doing such amazing, innovative things that are practically helping this world, our global community in some or the other way. And that never possible with 8 hours of school and semester exams.
A couple of days ago, I came across a video on a Facebook Page. How often do we hear that art or specifically speaking, Music touches hearts and souls beyond boundaries! You can never limit someone’s art in someone’s geographical area, and now more than ever with the explosive use of the internet!
Sometime in 2015, this singer from Pakistan named Asrar Shah released a ‘Selfie Song’ and it did exceptionally well. This year a non-singer (a filmaker) named Sachit Puranik along with his team redid the song as a tribute to the two sister nations. It just proves how ridiculous we are politically, but yet musically, if we see things in a different perspective, the world is a better place to live in…
P.S. – Both of these guys seems to quite literally ‘brother from another mother(land)’.
This morning I woke up around 9 am (I was sick) and I opened Whatsapp only to see I have over 500 msgs, all said but one thing – Happy Independence Day! It’s the 70th Anniversary this year in 2016, of Indian Independence Day. Some 70 year ago, Jawaharlaal Nehru, gave a spine-chilling speech, at the stroke of midnight that created a surge of immense feeling of happiness, proud, victory and most of all Freedom! From that day onward, we were termed “free men” & about three years later (1950) India was termed “The Democratic Republic of India”. Probably the proudest moment in a long history of our country, and to this date we still feel goosebumps every time we think of it.
But today, my question is – What did we do with that freedom? First of all, we didn’t ‘win’ our freedom, it was merely given to us. Anyone who’s learned even a little bit of world history would have realized this fact. That doesn’t mean all the efforts of those freedom fighters went in vain, of course they didn’t. It helped us get our freedom sooner than the other surrounding countries, that’s all. You probably might think what sort of an India I am, you’d probably even hate me. But re-think before you get ‘offended’. I’m not writing this to criticize India, I’m over that stuff. So coming back to my original question – What did we do with the freedom?
We took it, for granted. We took it and we framed it, and we forgot all about it. In 1950, when our Constitution was to be formed, we were helped by the last Viceroy of India – Lord Mountbatten (I wish he’d helped better). All said and done, we were a republic in 1950. We had our own government, our own constitution. And after these many years, we find our inner patriot surfacing only on two days a year – Aug 15th and Jan 26th. Why? Is your country not yours for the rest of the year? What’s so important about these two days, except for some iconic event?
We cry all year, our government didn’t do this, didn’t do that. We have to blame the government for every shitty reason we can find. Potholes? Government! Water shortage? Government! Power cut? Government! Corruption? Government! I mean are we a kid? When will we start taking responsibility on our own? When will the contractors stop with the scams and do their job honestly? When will we start being responsible for the rules we broke and stop giving 50 or 100 bucks every time we’re caught by a cop? It takes but ONE person to start with. People are sheep, in honest sense. They literally follow without using their mind. Why not use ours for a good cause and let the sheep follow for good? There’s always gonna be a million who’ll be okay ‘Chalta hai!’ Until the problem reaches their doorstep. Why wait till then? Why not kick and kill the problem, the glitch when it first arises?
Fine, in today’s date money matters the most for many. But how will money ever ‘solve’ any of our actual problems unless used wisely. To this day money has been used to ‘suppress’ a problem, not solve. People shouting against corruption, shut em up with ridiculous amount of money – but did that solve the problem? We ought to stop blaming other, especially the government for everything that’s wrong. The government is not India, we are! We’re the present and we’re the future. We need to stop being so dependent on our government to do things for us! It is as simple as starting from one person – yourself.
Make a resolution with yourself today that when you wish someone Independence day next year, you really are independent.
DISCLAIMER : This post is slightly (a lot) subjective. If you can read it till then end, it’s gonna change your perspective (at least for a while). You can thank me later. 🙂
Ever since we were little, our parents made sure that we listened to everything they told us. “Don’t play with your food!”, “Don’t play with that power socket!”, etc; while some were actually meaningful and probably kept us from dying due to stupidity, some other were stupid in themselves. Such as “Go study, until you’re totally depressed by it!”, “Don’t talk to girls/boys” (depending on whatever sex you belong to.) Then as we grew older, our parents were replaced by our relatives, the society, and of course ‘the spouse’. Well let’s get to it, sit back and enjoy this!
Here’s 5 things you can relate to and what you should know about it.
1. Chaar log kya kahenge? (What will the people say?)
One of the biggest and most stupid fear, our parents fill us up with. Growing up, regardless of any culture everyone has at some point in time fallen pray to the social norms. Keeping your hair short, dressing ‘decently’, talking politely, etc tec… I’m not saying any of this is bad, but don’t you feel sometime that being just like everybody else, being ‘socially acceptable’ kind of takes away your individuality, doesn’t it? Maybe as a kid you loved playing with sand on the beach, making those little silly mud castles. But today, you’re 20-something or 30-something and you stop yourself from doing it when you go to the beach. Why? Because log kya kahenge?
I’m sorry to break the bubble, but seriously stop worrying about other people! Stop it right now! Look, no matter how many millions of times we were told that the people in the society matter and what they think about us matter; but to be honest, NO. Not all the people matter. Yeah there are our friends, family, etc the people in our immediate social circle – these matter. Everyone else can go take a dip in the Ganga. Have you ever listened to a song featuring Rajesh Khanna? ‘Kuch toh log kahenge… Logon ka kaam hai kehna…’ It makes so much sense doesn’t it? If you keep thinking about other people before doing anything you’ll basically end up being a rat in the rat race, that’s it! Make an effort to do things that you want to! (Except if you want to rape, then don’t do it. Really not cool.)
2) Science, Commerce or Arts?
Taking up an educational stream after 10th in another controversial topic in India. Still even in 2016 parents force their kids to take up Science stream because there’s either Engineering or Medical, no other profession is respectable. I know that this scene is changing now, but it’s pace is slower than a snail. I personally know more than 10 parents who’d rather push their kid into Science stream rather than asking him/her what they want to do. At the same time, I also know a few parents who’d respect and acknowledge their kid’s choice and interest, like my own.
That’s not how it should be, okay? It is completely cool and important that you choose to do what you like. And no stream is any less respectable than any other. If you want to go for Arts, happily do so! If you love commerce, the go for it! Our parents, although they think and want only the good for us, are covered neck deep in the ‘social acceptance’ shit. Because it was a lot powerful in their days. Today the world, the times are changing and so should you. So find your voice, take a stand and make your own choice. Just be sure you’re passionate about it. trust me, when they see you happy a few years down the line, they’ll stop bothering you.
3) Understand Individuality.
I know you must’ve heard a lot of this ‘Be yourself’ over and over again. But that’s because it is so important! There are about 7.5 BILLION people in this world, as of 2016. In so much of an ever increasing population, what’s the most unique thing about you? It is that you are YOU! In all your big and small and sweet and quirky and stupid way, you’re YOU. No one can be you, thus you don’t need to be anyone else either. Stop trying to imitate other people – your friends, neighbors, celebrities, etc. There are certain things that only you can do, or certain ways to do things. Find it in you and cherish it. Fuck what people think, they’re not you. They don’t know your story, they haven’t been in your shoes. Let their opinion about you, not bother you.
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The same goes for other people. Stop telling them how to behave? What to do? What not to do? It’s their damn life, and let them live it. Unless of course they’re trying to do something stupid, then please tell them what to do; that’s what friends are for.
4) Offense & Intolerance & Hype.
I just couldn’t not include this one in the post. It has been so talked about and discussed and debated over lately. Everyone seems to get it, yet no one really does. Well not no one, some do I agree. We really need to chill the fuck down about a shit load of things – starting from the Khans. Why do we even care so much what they say? I mean half of the things they say are meaningless, and we get offended by that shit, why?
We have so much and so many better things to do and places to be in your life. So many other important people who’s comments do matter. We have to and need to ignore petty comments by stupid people and really focus on what’s worthy. Of course don’t ignore completely, do react where & when it is necessary. I’m not asking you to get bullied verbally but we should know who and how to ignore and let go of things. That’s what we need to inculcate in life. The society is full of fucking hypocrites, don’t be one! Here’s a video for a lil fun and learning at the same time.
5) Love.
Ah, love. Well here are some of my thoughts of love, if you feel bored you can skip it, but it’s worth a read. Love someone for who they are, and that includes their anger and weirdness. Learn to acknowledge other’s feelings and thoughts. It is easy to say “You’re ignoring me” or “You’re spending less time with me”, but at least try and find out a reason behind it. Maybe there’s genuinely some problem, or yes maybe they really are ignoring you. When there are problems, fights, don’t be Chandler; talk it out. I swear you can overcome so many problems by merely talking it out. Most of them, you’ll realize were caused by a silly misconception by you or the other person. Your parents are most probably gonna be against it if you’re young, but don’t give up because of that. It’s easy to fall in love, hard to only keep it going.
If Ross and Rachel can make it, you definitely can.
She walked down that alley as the first sun rays of the day shined.
She had a long night, the blood was still dripping from places on her body and from the baseball bat she held.
It’s been a few days that I’ve been reading several posts and reports about the #ToleranceIntoleranceDebate. I think I have gathered enough information to actually say something about it. So here goes…
First of all let’s calm down a bit. Really we Indians have this shitty habit of getting offended at the drop of a hat. Really just chill the fuck down, think and then respond / react. We’re so blinded by things, beliefs that we just can’t take anyone’s different opinion on it, right? Someone say one word against something and everybody loses their mind and asks them to leave the country; like what the fuck? How his/her leaving the country is gonna make any frickin’ difference in anyone’s life? You just pick up your tongue and start blabbing.
Following is an excerpt from the report on website ‘firstpost.com’
The 50-year-old Amir Khan spoke at an award function on Monday evening where he said, “When I chat with Kiran at home, she says ‘Should we move out of India?’ That’s a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day. That does indicate that there is this sense of growing disquiet, there is growing despondency apart from alarm. You feel why this is happening, you feel low. That sense does exist in me.”
If you actually think of how the conversation went on, I can bet every single person has said this at some point in his/her life. Tell me that I’m wrong. Who wouldn’t agree that they don’t think India is a safe place for kids and women? It’s only factual with the ever increasing incidences of rape and kidnap. Which dad would let his daughter stay outside till late hours? Which mom would let her child play in unknown places? Once you leave home in the morning, there’s no guarantee of you coming back home safe. It’s only hope that keeps people going.
True Story
How many Indians dream of going abroad for higher studies or jobs? C’mon, how bad does it hurt to just face the fucking fact? It does, doesn’t it?
“You can’t call names to my country!”
“You can’t say things about my country!”
“Even though I’m doing nothing to better the situation,
I will get offended!”
“Fuck you! Freedom of speech
and expression bitch!”
So how about lending your hand in helping the country develop and make it a better place to live, so people don’t think of it this way? Nahh, that we won’t do now, would we? We love name calling and mocking; that’s what we’d do.
Tolerance or Intolerance is a personal thing, I won’t say ‘bout that. But how about this? Have a rational mind! Just because someone’s a celebrity doesn’t mean you have to give it so much importance and start a fucking debate about it. Don’t you have anything better to do? Really, if only the people of India stopped giving fucks like it was food in a ‘bhandara’, this country would be a better place. Focus on more grave things that need attention.
I was in an auto-rickshaw (a shared one) heading to meet my friend, across the city. Here, in Nashik, the rickshaw-walas stuff at least 6 passengers in the ride (which is made and supposed to seat 3 passengers at the most). I sat on the front side next to the driver, as the rear seat was full. Four ladies, probably in their 50’s were adjusting themselves trying hard to sit a little bit comfortably. (Which was obviously not possible as none of em was on the skinnier side.) Anyway, somehow after accommodating me inside the auto, we set off. It took the living mechanic hell out of the rickshaw to pick up some speed. Slowly though, gathering some speed now, we hit the main road. It was a 20-25 minute long ride now.
Being ladies (and to top that, friends/relatives which I deduced in moments), I didn’t expect them to stay shut. They didn’t stay so either. Three of them were advising the fourth woman to hire a Help for a few days. From their talks, it seemed like there was a wedding ceremony at one of them’s place. Probably the fourth woman, I mentioned above. She was a little reluctant, as Helps these days cost a lot. And especially even more when you hire them for a lesser time, like maybe a week or so. The other three women were telling her that it’s okay as it’s just a matter of a few days. Once the wedding is done, you won’t need to hire a help, as you’d have one forever. They laughed, deviously.
I wondered what they meant by that. Later it struck me, they were talking about her daughter-in-law (D.I.L.). As if she’d be the maid from now on and so there would be no need to hire any Help. I thought they might be joking. But as I thought, I realized that it was true. Most of the Indian housewives aren’t really the ‘Woman of the House’, they’re more like a maid of one. Often cracked as a joked amongst married housewives, ‘At least the maid gets paid on a monthly basis, while she works barely for 20 mins a day in one house. Whereas here I am, working full time; in my own house. And what do I get in return? Barely anything. Sometimes, not even satisfying sex.’ I wonder which part of it do those ladies take as a joke. I find it depressing.
So, coming back to the incidence. Those ladies were now talking about the fourth lady’s DIL. The other three asked her how she looked, etc. She said, “She isn’t that tad beautiful. Just a regular ‘bi*ch’, with a dark wheatish complexion. I don’t even like her. And her brother? He thinks they’re from some modern family. He refused to give ‘Hunda’ (Dowry). If his father hadn’t stopped him, I would’ve broken up the relations with them.” To which, the other women replied as if she said something so idealistic. They seemed to support her. They also advised her not to hold grudge against the in-laws, at least until the wedding is done. “Once the girl is home, she’s all yours. Do whatever you want.”, one of them said. They laughed again, deviously.
I could just sit there, listening to their idiotic cruelty. I felt sorry for whoever the girl was, who’d be getting married. I felt angst for those women who were having the talk. I felt a little good about the girl’s brother who stood up against the Dowry but also felt despicable for her father, who stopped him. I wonder when people would rise above such cheap and immoral thinking. Let go of the past, it’s rituals. They don’t mean now what you think they do.
Adi Pandit 