20.

Now I don't mean to sound strange or anything, but today it hit me, that its my last day as a teenager.
How did this happen, well a simple discussion about birthdays led me to realise, after today, I have to behave responsibly (*crap*). You know how some of us as kids always dreamt of growing up and being all responsible and stuff, I DID NOT!
However as one of the things that one tends to learn, is that any event or time, will occur when it has to. You cannot do anything about it. You must change according to it. It does however feel different.  imean the kid who till two days ago, was  playing on a swivelling chair has to be all responsible and mature. Not very confidence inspiring you know.I mean I get, it all this started when I was 18, but still the fact that now there is no turning back and no buffer. It gets like a battle from here. That hits.
I believe the age of 19 is like "Intro To Adulthood 101".
However from here on it gets all serious and stuck up. I'll have to be all cynical, and criticise whatever the government does, and pretend I know more about sports than the players themselves. Cry about taxes, and how inflation will be the death of this country.
Talk about a Peter Pan Problem.

The Window to a Dream.

To lie on my hammock is all I dream,
to see the stars and their pearly sheen.
To feel the cool wind on a grassy track,
to explore Narnia and the Shrieking Shack.
To follow my whims and spontaneity,
to be limited only by my imagination and creativity.


To see the tree stretch far out in the distance,
 To not face any animosity based resistance.
I strive  to reach a world ever so elusive, ever so green,
Where  ignorance is ignored, only knowledge seen.
Where one does not run after trivial pursuits,
Where everything  is appreciated for function, from science to soot..


Where work is done not for mean benefits or gains,
rather to cure the universe’s pains.
Where all life is with dignity and grace
where you get the choice to set your own pace.


An egalitarian civilization, with kinship not limited to blood,
for all my fellow beings, in a hope we trust.
To  know that this world in the present is a gift.
We must use it judiciously, without being too thrift,
for either is harmful, over or less
its better to stay out of this mess.


So I dream, of a place where the streetlights, shine as bright as life,
where the cool winter chill inspires  hope and not strife.
Where help doesn’t see profit or loss,
just and only the effect and cause.
Lend a hand to strangers and friends
so all that’s broken can be mend
Let us work for joy, and to let happiness abound,
for whatever good we do, surely will come around.

The Phoenix's Ashes

If there is anything you learn from television, movies , video games, and always life, NOTHING, and I mean absolutely nothing compares to a fresh start. I think all of us could do with one right about now. This country could really use one. The fall of 2012 was correctly called the end of humanity. In God’s own land, multiple instances of molesting a woman’s modesty, the fall of Democracy. The  almost symbolic  transition of the world’s largest “democracy” to an authoritarian,  unabashed, disgraced government.  Having our Tianmen  Square to boast about. That is what all of us saw. Though perhaps we should see this year in a different way. The crimes undoubtedly shameful did actively make the problem real.  The common man, finally realized the many instances of rape occurring in the country had reached a horrendous level. This is perhaps the nadir of our society. When no one, be it a  three year old infant is brutally assaulted and left disturbed emotionally and physically all the way to the aging. The thing is the apathy, people are finally realizing has to stop. I hope that at least. The usual comment “Iss desh ka kuch nahi ho sakta “ is faltering because,  everyone hopefully has had enough of it. Perhaps this is our own Jasmine Revolution. Maybe this is how it starts. With an epiphany that this country and its citizens deserve more. They deserve to be proud, and walk confidently.  They deserve a chance to LIVE, not just exist. For that they need a fighting spirit and chance. These declarations might seem pre-mature. My assumptions and hopes might be easily dashed in  the future, but I would like to believe every individual today witnessed first hand   why a Democracy is called a government of , by and( hopefully in the future) for the People.

People have talked about this being a fad like phenomena. About how it’ll just die down, and soon no one will care. So does that mean, now when we have a chance to make a difference we should be all resigned to  fate on the basis of past. As previous instances have shown there will be no success means that we shouldn’t even try? Every small action does move the wide force. Every little star that twinkles, makes up the galaxy. Every   small action due to its occurrence causes a consequence. So when a number of such actions occur I think logic dictates that they  will have a major effect. Anyway, its better than just being naysayer.

A country isn’t what defines a person. Rather the people define the country. A Democracy shows effort. So we have a choice. What do we want our country to represent? Do we want it to be a correct expression of the will of the people, or is it just better off being ruled by a plundering  political class and an apathetic, cynical body of citizens?
They say that politics will destroy this country and that there is nothing we can do about it. Well perhaps we can’t, but in the words which always send a chill through me ”we can damn well avenge it!” We need to show that its time for the change to happen, and if not then a long struggle as essential as that of our freedom lies ahead.
This is OUR country. It is embodies our hopes, faith and belief. We have left it to the mischievous  caretakers for enough time now.  We need to make it a better place. A place fit for its citizens.  A place deserving of its existence. A Democratic Country.   

Please Refrain from Celebratory Gunfire.

 

If there is anything that helps a writers block, it has to be a nose block. Funnily it makes me at least more philosophical. Like being faced with my own mortality (yes  I am a bit of a drama king). Today’s post focuses on what is one of the major pillars of our country’s diversity, festivals. Numerous author’s, have told us that India is the land of festivals. Plus we all must have memorized essays in hindi which begin with the same statement. However in the past one year I have started feeling a little disillusioned by this phenomenon. I mean yes we celebrate all our festivals with great joy and devotion, but a majority I feel do it as a farce, or just because “Mrs. Sharma next door is  planning to.” It is sad. There is no other word for it. Agreed our generation might not be the most religious, but that doesn’t mean we have any less faith. Similarly if someone chooses to celebrate a festival like Diwali by folding their hands in front of God and just saying a prayer I don’t see why it should raise any eyebrows. Bursting crackers is now a lost tradition, in fact how it came into being in the first place baffles me. I mean I am pretty sure pyrotechnics was not such a big thing when Lord Ram returned to his kingdom. Why are people more busy with following medieval traditions rather than actually  doing something spiritual and noble?

Why is it more important to have a session of cards rather than go out and do some charity work? How does it make sense to invite the neighborhood  and burst crackers rather than try to clean up a little bit. People look at festivals to be a time when they can be closer to God. Shouldn’t every day be like that? Festivals are to propagate a sense of common belief and community, so is it not better to do something  which does good for society in general? Something memorable. I mean ok, bursting crackers  makes you feel happy, who wouldn’t derive fun from being in close proximity  to deafening sounds and blinding sparks not to mention the constant risk to burns and the pollution being caused. But shouldn’t a festival be defined by something more than such juvenile activities? Like even during Holi instead of just playing mass water fight all over the country how about trying to work at shelters? During Dusshera instead of having everyone destroy a “Ravana”, how about destroying the actual evils plaguing our country like dowry deaths, female infanticide, child abuse, corruption?

Its not that I have never burst crackers, I have. It’s not like I am stopping you from bursting crackers. All I am asking you to do is, just think  how should a festival be celebrated, by loud chants, show, temporary instances of religious piety and other such facade. Or by doing something beneficial for the less fortunate/the environment or perhaps working against the poisons in our society? We always will have time for celebrations, why not try to make the world a better place to live in and pass on to our future generations? Will that not be a better testimony to our beliefs, hopes, and our religion itself? I think the brightest light we can light is in our hearts, to diminish the darkness of ignorance, and cynicism. The loudest  impression we should make in is the heart of society by restoring belief in humanity and goodness in the world (Mom’s cooking can do that too though), by striving to make sure that a festival is not defined by kiddish activities rather by the benefits it gives to society, our tribute to society, to humanity, to mankind.
Cheers to that!   

The Season of A Lifetime!

Delhi Winters.

There is something about this city in winters that connects with me the way no other season, in any place world over can.Is it the fact that I have stayed here for the longest duration? Perhaps, not really. Being an army kid you tend to realise "Home is in fact where the heart is". Perhaps its a sort of unspoken bond which gets forged over years.Why is Delhi important to me? Well, first of all I was born here. Secondly both my immediate maternal and paternal side of famly reside here but that is still is not it. My attraction to this place stems not only out of fondness for relations, but also out of something deeper, which funnily I cannot describe in words.Its in the cool temperatures of the afternoon.In the cold temperatures of late night and early morning.

In the fact that sometimes you need two layers of clothing. In the fact that you sleep by the glow of a halogen heater, slightly creaking but giving you warmth nonetheless. Snuggled under your blanket at  temporary  peace. Perhaps THAT is the thing about it! The feeling of being in your own bubble.
Other than that when I think of winters I see a montage play in my mind. Beginning with school annual day(s), progressing to exam fevers, hanging out in front of the school canteen drinking coffee  and laughing over something we called a "problem".Then growing up and travelling in the weather.Being in the airport line at a time when it is still dark, covered in your jacket  and in a semi-conscious state. The mad rush of humanity at Rajiv Chowk. Flashing images of Om Shanti Om and Delhi 6. Walking in H block while a cold gust blows in your face. The feeling of the warm sunrays being just perfect enough to make you bear the cold and proceed through the day with a crazy level of optimism.

For me its not just a season, its a time to  reminisce and reflect. A time to  call upon the fond memories that I cherish and hold always on to dearly, as with time they are the only witness to life itself and the only gossamer thread that ties you to what made you and gives you an inkling as to who you are (THE million $ question).

So why do I write this post? Basically, for the same reason that this blog started. Recording memories and thoughts and trying to give a small tribute to essentials yet ignored simplicities of life.
Cheers!Happy Winters!:)

Engineer's Day

15th September.

Today I write not about some rousing cause, or about some idea/emotion. Rather todays post is to honour a profession, like no other.
Why did I take up Engineering? Well because I took science. That might be the most honest reason I can give. I took science so it made sense for me to take engineering. However, now that
I have completed 25% of my course, regarding my decision I really don't regret it.

All said and done Engineering is not a way to get a job, rather it becomes a lifestyle. Analysisng, critical thinking, appreciating the importance of simple changes giving tremendous changes in results. Engineering is an outlook to life. It’s the best way for anyone to know existence. Engineering marvels all over the world are like time capsules, preserving in them the thought process and working of some of the brightest minds of their time. It lets you challenge yourself, and helps you realise the simple logics of life. It helps you define what the world is, what power thoughts and thinking actually have.

I don't want to sound like an elitist, or something, all professions have their function, purpose and importance. Why I praise this particular one is in fact the second reason as to why I chose it in the first place, proof. Slightly vague? Yes, let me elaborate, anything in engineering works on proof. All claims backed up and justified, no funny business.
 
Engineering is a trove of knowledge, giving you a set of skills no other stream can.
People often change their stream after doing engineering, if you see it actually makes sense.
Engineering is a way for people to acquire knowledge and hone in themselves a “way of thinking”, so they do that and then proceed to do something else. With a thinking mind comes an active mind hence its no surprise these stream shifters tend to do quite well. Of course I am sympathetic towards those who don't want to do engineering in the first place but are forced to do it. It’s like being forced to appreciate a work of art you cannot understand!

So towards the end I would like to wish all past, present, future, engineers and those who appreciate the contributions of this invaluable stream, a very Happy Engineers Day!

Tryst With Destiny Revisited

15th August 1947,

India gains the status of being an Independent country. Having broken the bonds of slavery and finally gaining the control of their own destiny.

The times are Tumultuous. Uncertainty hangs over the head of the country having a population of 350 million. What is in the future? No one knows, but what every  person shares then is the feeling which has no substitute, which can never be faked, which can not be given  partially, which when a person desires it, there is no stopping them. Freedom.  The status of finally being able to call themselves, an Indian.  
Cut to 65 years later. Present day India, far from what anyone at that time could foresee , from a country taking its first steps, to what is now a soon to be super power in the world. Don’t think that I do not know about the problems our country is facing. The corruption, the apathy, the ignorance has definitely reached a breaking point, but what we really need to appreciate today is the fact that we can voice our opinions. We have the liberty to demand accountability. We have a right to be creators of our own destiny. We do not have to imagine “What if..” or wish for “If only..” we have the opportunities and the shot. I am not praising our present government in any way. If anything I  think they should know that this freedom which we have has a potential for making or marring the destiny of our "political masters" and not the other way round. I praise the spirit of this beautiful country. I praise the people. I applaud the independence that  drives us as citizens to support our country. I  praise the liberty assured to me by the will of this country, that makes me want to be known as a native of it. The constitution is but a piece of paper, it is the ideals on which it is based that truly assures me of freedom. Unlike the leaders or paper, ideals can never be killed, and can never be lost. Ideals cannot be destroyed, subdued at the most but never crushed, as to destroy an ideal would mean to destroy every believer of it, which by far cannot be done by anyone. This day I ask you, not only Indians, but all people who reside in a free  nation, to give a minute of your time to acknowledge the freedom which you have. To embrace it. To love it. To cherish it. To fight for it and to protect it, for without our freedom we are nothing but  puppets. Nothing but subjects. Nothing but mindless drones not seeming fit to mind themselves.
So today, for our country, for its civilization, for the ideals, for the principles, but most importantly for you and for me let us remember  the importance of this   right we have, and vow to defend it and justify it to the best of our abilities. Even though I don’t don the uniform  of a government official/ armed force member, today as a citizen of this country I say the following phrase with utmost belief, hope and courage because I believe in freedom. I believe in India  
Jai Hind!