In an article of his, the founder of Isha asks why would Kids in India sing a rhyme to chase the rain away when rain is what we need . This shows our madness in following "english" culture irrespective of whether its applicable or not.. He also explains that English kids do have a reason to, cuz its very rare in their countries to see sunshine.. Why should it be the same here.. forget about rest of the factors.. even the countrys economy is dependent on the rains.TN has been in dark for quite sometime due to lack of rains at the right time and do we want our kids to chase rain away..
Right from childhood I have been warned not to get wet in rain.. when I dared to, I found out how much I had missed until then. Feeling the rain connects me to Nature and the Creator than ever and the bonding strengthens my love for them.Just like how the earth blooms on the receiving the rains.. so do we human beings.. It just that we have disconnected ourselves with nature so much offlate that we tend to miss the inherent beauty and wonder in it.
Rain has always been favorite to people related to art and entertainment. There are lots of lovely songs written on rain.. One of my favorite in terms of both lyrics and music( my Darlings of course) is "Sakkara Vaagamo" in En swasa Kaatre". Sadly, many movie makers have used the rain to either accentuate the contours of a scantily dressed female character in the movie or make her cling on to the hero on the strike of thunder.I dont know about the rest of the audience but it seems ridiculous to me.Rains evoke a lot more feelings in a person than just romance or lust. Its unfortunate that we have been focusing only on those.
I also remember reading this -The saddest quote by the funniest man ever born, Charlie Chaplins-“I love walking in the rain, so no one can see me crying”. Pain or pleasure be it whatever.. I usually sense my hidden and dormant emotions surface when I watch the rains or when I occasionally dare to get drenched . Rains bring out memories..they whisper a lovely song by your ears, they listen to your hearts cry, cajole and console you.While the rains usually evoke the spiritual side in you and make you realise your self as a part of the whole ..they also bring innocent smiles .. especially the ones in summer that come along with a rainbow and the sweet and unique smell. A real feast for your senses. Whenever I smell them.. I get this strong urge to taste mud(%&^&^%!!!) but my brains tease me and I stop with a steaming cup of tea and the hot tasty bajjis my mom makes. At those moments is when I realise that best things in life come free.. without demand..like the rain and Moms love. Thats when I wonder ..Can something be so simple yet feel so good..Why do we complicate our lives chasing things out of our reach.. chasing mirages and materials.. and the more we get the more we want..
Kids these days grow with an aggressive attitude. Survival of the fittest is the motto and they are required to destroy anything that comes in the way to get what they want. Parents teach their kids to dance, sing, swim, study only to compete and make money. How many teach values.. to "live" life and enjoy the beauty of the simple and sweet packages that come along with it. How many say.. " Kiddo.. here comes the rain.. Lets go get drenched.."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Mahathmas Mystery Monkeys and Movies
I had a strong urge to write about the movie Taare Zameen Par when I saw it first. I hadnt as I wasnt sure if my words could express what I felt and two.. I am not competent enough to review a movie. However I did suggest to whomever i spoke to( rather strongly.. I remember literally forcing the SlipTrip man) to watch it in the theaters. This is the first and only movie that I have watched thrice in the theaters.
What is making me write about it now? Well, I usually follow Saregamapa on Zee TV and this time the guest on the show was Aamir. I am not a person who confuses the reel heroes with the real ones.. But this man has become an exception. I would even vote for him if he chooses politics!! Until this happened, I have refrained from liking or disliking a person I haven't met or known in person except for one person.. the Darling of my heart AR Rahman.I am surprised to know that Aamir is close. Through out the show I found myself smiling at this man on screen either in appreciation or admiration. He didnt crack jokes..neither was he quick witted or spontaneous like Shah rukh or say Salman. Still there was a sincerity about whatever he said and did.
One another factor that I was able to relate to .. He seems to be a person who always looks at perfection and keeps doing a self assessment. To be able to do that.. he needs practice/rehearsals on everything he does, to improvise. He is not spontaneous enough to link to the participants quickly or even take compliments from them and react. Two participants mentioned very emotionally how they were able to relate to the movie and his reaction was hardly anything but a shy/happy smile . He was very conscious of his extempore performance. He played the drums on request from a Judge and sang Ay.. Kya bolti tu but did mention hat he might spoil the effect the song had on the audience earlier when the movie was released. I should rather be seeing this as a flaw.. (I was really upset with our Superstars stage presence at an Award function of NDTV, when he had to answer questions from Karan Johar and Shahrukh Khan) Surprisingly I wasnt able to in case of Aamir.. That is when I realised it was due to this movie he has given us.If this man can deliver something as good as TZP on his debut what more do we need to admire him.
I am not good at analysing a movie at all angles -talk about its techincal superiority or directorial touch.. still I can say that TZP is the best by all means of the movies I have seen offlate. The story, cast, music n lyrics( simply superb),dialogues, the script, the colors, the costumes - the lady who play Aamirs pal looks fresh as a flower with beautiful same time decent attire..Even the names chosen for the characters are unique and thoughtful. You cry and laugh and react to every single action of every character in this movie. I happened to watch it with my Parents once , with my my friend and her husband and then with my sis and mom again. All of them enjoyed it. There is no age limit or range for liking this movie. I have seen Mothers shed tears on watching or hearing this wonderful song Maa.. and so have I though I am not one yet. It brings out the Mom in every woman and what else can stand proof for the movie being good. Than anything else it highlights the positive side, speaks about the forgotten values of human bonding and emotions in this fast competitive and materialistic world
I have always felt that a movie has to portray all the good things in the world .. and deliver implied messages in a pleasant manner as against those that show violence and are sleazy and shocking in the name of reality, especially the psycho movies. It brings out the hidden emotions and the animal in people who otherwise see it as uncommon and try to suppress them. We are what we see hear and say. Isnt that what our Father of the Nation suggested through the Three monkeys.. that if we do not hear, see or talk evil, we ourselves shall be spared all evil.Its time that the entertainment industry took some responsibility for the societys wellbeing and not cleverly use the chicken egg concept to say we are showing what is there already and what is liked..Few of them claim that they leave it to the audience to take what is good and leave the bad behind.. If all a max percentage of human beings are capable of doing that.. the world wont be what it is today. If not all atleast a percentage of movies that each person makes, does and distributes should belong to a socially responsible or atleast pleasant and decent category- movies that are good to hear see and talk about and not evil.
I was really happy to hear that TZP is Indias official entry into the Oscars. This movie has proved wrong that a good decent make devoid all the regular conventional masala wont be a commercial success.. I am not sure if it will win an oscar but it already has according to me.
What is making me write about it now? Well, I usually follow Saregamapa on Zee TV and this time the guest on the show was Aamir. I am not a person who confuses the reel heroes with the real ones.. But this man has become an exception. I would even vote for him if he chooses politics!! Until this happened, I have refrained from liking or disliking a person I haven't met or known in person except for one person.. the Darling of my heart AR Rahman.I am surprised to know that Aamir is close. Through out the show I found myself smiling at this man on screen either in appreciation or admiration. He didnt crack jokes..neither was he quick witted or spontaneous like Shah rukh or say Salman. Still there was a sincerity about whatever he said and did.
One another factor that I was able to relate to .. He seems to be a person who always looks at perfection and keeps doing a self assessment. To be able to do that.. he needs practice/rehearsals on everything he does, to improvise. He is not spontaneous enough to link to the participants quickly or even take compliments from them and react. Two participants mentioned very emotionally how they were able to relate to the movie and his reaction was hardly anything but a shy/happy smile . He was very conscious of his extempore performance. He played the drums on request from a Judge and sang Ay.. Kya bolti tu but did mention hat he might spoil the effect the song had on the audience earlier when the movie was released. I should rather be seeing this as a flaw.. (I was really upset with our Superstars stage presence at an Award function of NDTV, when he had to answer questions from Karan Johar and Shahrukh Khan) Surprisingly I wasnt able to in case of Aamir.. That is when I realised it was due to this movie he has given us.If this man can deliver something as good as TZP on his debut what more do we need to admire him.
I am not good at analysing a movie at all angles -talk about its techincal superiority or directorial touch.. still I can say that TZP is the best by all means of the movies I have seen offlate. The story, cast, music n lyrics( simply superb),dialogues, the script, the colors, the costumes - the lady who play Aamirs pal looks fresh as a flower with beautiful same time decent attire..Even the names chosen for the characters are unique and thoughtful. You cry and laugh and react to every single action of every character in this movie. I happened to watch it with my Parents once , with my my friend and her husband and then with my sis and mom again. All of them enjoyed it. There is no age limit or range for liking this movie. I have seen Mothers shed tears on watching or hearing this wonderful song Maa.. and so have I though I am not one yet. It brings out the Mom in every woman and what else can stand proof for the movie being good. Than anything else it highlights the positive side, speaks about the forgotten values of human bonding and emotions in this fast competitive and materialistic world
I have always felt that a movie has to portray all the good things in the world .. and deliver implied messages in a pleasant manner as against those that show violence and are sleazy and shocking in the name of reality, especially the psycho movies. It brings out the hidden emotions and the animal in people who otherwise see it as uncommon and try to suppress them. We are what we see hear and say. Isnt that what our Father of the Nation suggested through the Three monkeys.. that if we do not hear, see or talk evil, we ourselves shall be spared all evil.Its time that the entertainment industry took some responsibility for the societys wellbeing and not cleverly use the chicken egg concept to say we are showing what is there already and what is liked..Few of them claim that they leave it to the audience to take what is good and leave the bad behind.. If all a max percentage of human beings are capable of doing that.. the world wont be what it is today. If not all atleast a percentage of movies that each person makes, does and distributes should belong to a socially responsible or atleast pleasant and decent category- movies that are good to hear see and talk about and not evil.
I was really happy to hear that TZP is Indias official entry into the Oscars. This movie has proved wrong that a good decent make devoid all the regular conventional masala wont be a commercial success.. I am not sure if it will win an oscar but it already has according to me.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Happiness- where to find it?
Nothing can ever be right for you.. this is what one of my best friends told me during a heated argument. It could have come out just at the spark of the moment but there was hell a lot of truth in it. Its not that I am happy to hear that from a friend.. it cant come from someone who is a true friend still I just looked back to see what had gone wrong and why. I probably lost the friend in that process but found myself back..
Somehow I feel that how much ever women pose to be or want to be self reliant or independent its tough for them. I might be wrong in generalizing but this is how I find it. I see that my happiness is mostly built around others.. their acceptance and acknowledgment. Please don't read this as "sacrifice" or being " selfless" cuz its still " my" happiness. All the time, I expect others to keep me happy and it
has never come from within except for very very rare instances. Right from childhood its been that way. I do a painting..I need that nod from my Dad to feel good about it be it the best or worst of my paintings. Its another thing that my Dad loves me too much to say anything bad about it. This way.. he has pampered me and kept me away from what is the real world. when he got tired and let me to face it.. it threatened me and I was almost lost for sometime. I kept running from one to another be it my work.. me singing or painting, writing.. sharing a joke.. expressing love and affection .. For both the simplest and most complicated things I needed acceptance from others. Few of them are fortunate enough to get it from one or the other all the time. Few like me, who wish to be self reliant in few matters and dependent in other situations find it difficult because of the conflicting interests. When things that I do for others, ignoring the pain and hardship involved
expecting nothing in return but acknowledgment for the love ( not even reciprocation), goes unnoticed and worst.. is thrown back at me saying its of no use or never expected.. I feel hurt.
Women happiness is mostly built around people near and dear to them... which is why most of them are unhappy. I wont say this is as nature.. its in the way we are brought up. Its changing these days..Unlike those of my age or my Moms generations, girls these days are changing. They know what they want for their own self, have likes and dislikes of their own and know how to demand or get it. Earlier I used to despise them.. felt they were selfish. over smart or cunning. However then I realise that there has been lot of times when I have belonged to that category ..Even while I am sitting here writing this, my Moms out in the kitchen washing dishes.. I could have opted to help her but didn't as I am selfish.. Still, I cant but feel guilty about it which is why I chose to help her whenever she asks me to though not voluntarily. She would be really glad if I do it voluntarily but I chose not to pay for her helplessness.. her leniency with others.This makes me realise another fact all of a sudden. I actually try to please people whom I want to.. who arent easily pleased while I completely ignore those ( like my Mom) whom I take for granted..
What you give is what you get back. This seems to be a cycle. You ignore people who love you, care less for them and run after those who dont care for you as much as Why? I wish I could answer that.Back to the topic of happiness being built around others.. I learnt this lesson the tough way. Its exactly when I look for support and love from others, I find them missing. When I find myself lonely in a crowd and see how even the near and dear ones have gone that extra mile or compromised to find happiness for their own self.. I realise that I need to change. I feel this every now and then and I try to change but somehow end up getting back to being my older self... wish I change someday and things tend to being right for me...
Somehow I feel that how much ever women pose to be or want to be self reliant or independent its tough for them. I might be wrong in generalizing but this is how I find it. I see that my happiness is mostly built around others.. their acceptance and acknowledgment. Please don't read this as "sacrifice" or being " selfless" cuz its still " my" happiness. All the time, I expect others to keep me happy and it
has never come from within except for very very rare instances. Right from childhood its been that way. I do a painting..I need that nod from my Dad to feel good about it be it the best or worst of my paintings. Its another thing that my Dad loves me too much to say anything bad about it. This way.. he has pampered me and kept me away from what is the real world. when he got tired and let me to face it.. it threatened me and I was almost lost for sometime. I kept running from one to another be it my work.. me singing or painting, writing.. sharing a joke.. expressing love and affection .. For both the simplest and most complicated things I needed acceptance from others. Few of them are fortunate enough to get it from one or the other all the time. Few like me, who wish to be self reliant in few matters and dependent in other situations find it difficult because of the conflicting interests. When things that I do for others, ignoring the pain and hardship involved
expecting nothing in return but acknowledgment for the love ( not even reciprocation), goes unnoticed and worst.. is thrown back at me saying its of no use or never expected.. I feel hurt.
Women happiness is mostly built around people near and dear to them... which is why most of them are unhappy. I wont say this is as nature.. its in the way we are brought up. Its changing these days..Unlike those of my age or my Moms generations, girls these days are changing. They know what they want for their own self, have likes and dislikes of their own and know how to demand or get it. Earlier I used to despise them.. felt they were selfish. over smart or cunning. However then I realise that there has been lot of times when I have belonged to that category ..Even while I am sitting here writing this, my Moms out in the kitchen washing dishes.. I could have opted to help her but didn't as I am selfish.. Still, I cant but feel guilty about it which is why I chose to help her whenever she asks me to though not voluntarily. She would be really glad if I do it voluntarily but I chose not to pay for her helplessness.. her leniency with others.This makes me realise another fact all of a sudden. I actually try to please people whom I want to.. who arent easily pleased while I completely ignore those ( like my Mom) whom I take for granted..
What you give is what you get back. This seems to be a cycle. You ignore people who love you, care less for them and run after those who dont care for you as much as Why? I wish I could answer that.Back to the topic of happiness being built around others.. I learnt this lesson the tough way. Its exactly when I look for support and love from others, I find them missing. When I find myself lonely in a crowd and see how even the near and dear ones have gone that extra mile or compromised to find happiness for their own self.. I realise that I need to change. I feel this every now and then and I try to change but somehow end up getting back to being my older self... wish I change someday and things tend to being right for me...
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Why should God exist
I personally don't know or cant prove whether God exists or not. Irritated by those who take God as an excuse for their inability, I have chosen God to be related to all those good and nice things that exist, good deeds done, unconditional love, anything and everything good within and around us.I see God even in music.. in its healing power.This not only seems to be rational ( others usually don't attach logic to God) but always helps me refrain from hurting others or my own self in the name of God.. ex.. few traditional beliefs demands life sacrifice,breaking coconuts on your head etc..
There are people who ruin their life with their own stupid choices and wash their hands off later when their decisions fail blaming it on Gods will.These are people who give love to some unknown unseen power called God than sharing it with fellow humanbeings who suffer and rot everyday in this mean materialistic world. God, according to these people, will take care of those people who are actually their responsibility.
The way people treat God, if they treat their fellow beings, life would be better off for them and those around them.They dont blame God if something bad happens to them, they spend time with God, they offer him gifts, they love him unconditionally, they
confide in him. Isn't this what all human beings need or crave for from their loved ones?
Now, whether we believe or not, having faith/fear in God always helps.I am not sure how many of those who claim to have faith in God really believe in his/her( well, there sure IS a probability of God being Her.. isn't it.. though conventionally its been otherwise) existence. Faith has a condition attached to it. Not to question. It has to be unconditional. For, when you are really lonely, desperate and helpless
with no one to look up to, you have God! And you always have him unlike those people around you who claim to love and care for you but are not there when you actually need them. To top it all, God is conveniently invisible. The omnipotent God is someone who needs to be felt, not seen. Now how favorable that can be to a desperate soul. He doesn't need proof.. he just has to believe that there is someone. It gives a lot of help, relief and peace.On the other hand, if its fear as against faith, that helps too. It forces people to be good, stay away from the bad.
It all depends on the perspective. We always have a choice.. to see the good from bad, to chose to help than ignore, to smile instead of sulk, to see light in darkness, to believe in the goodness in us than feeling unworthy and desperate, to put the devil to sleep and awaken the Godliness within.. Its in all these and more that God exists..rather should exist. Todays world needs him.
There are people who ruin their life with their own stupid choices and wash their hands off later when their decisions fail blaming it on Gods will.These are people who give love to some unknown unseen power called God than sharing it with fellow humanbeings who suffer and rot everyday in this mean materialistic world. God, according to these people, will take care of those people who are actually their responsibility.
The way people treat God, if they treat their fellow beings, life would be better off for them and those around them.They dont blame God if something bad happens to them, they spend time with God, they offer him gifts, they love him unconditionally, they
confide in him. Isn't this what all human beings need or crave for from their loved ones?
Now, whether we believe or not, having faith/fear in God always helps.I am not sure how many of those who claim to have faith in God really believe in his/her( well, there sure IS a probability of God being Her.. isn't it.. though conventionally its been otherwise) existence. Faith has a condition attached to it. Not to question. It has to be unconditional. For, when you are really lonely, desperate and helpless
with no one to look up to, you have God! And you always have him unlike those people around you who claim to love and care for you but are not there when you actually need them. To top it all, God is conveniently invisible. The omnipotent God is someone who needs to be felt, not seen. Now how favorable that can be to a desperate soul. He doesn't need proof.. he just has to believe that there is someone. It gives a lot of help, relief and peace.On the other hand, if its fear as against faith, that helps too. It forces people to be good, stay away from the bad.
It all depends on the perspective. We always have a choice.. to see the good from bad, to chose to help than ignore, to smile instead of sulk, to see light in darkness, to believe in the goodness in us than feeling unworthy and desperate, to put the devil to sleep and awaken the Godliness within.. Its in all these and more that God exists..rather should exist. Todays world needs him.
Friday, July 18, 2008
SlipTripSmokeEngine
Check this mans orkut profile and you will have all his friends talk about his flipping tripping and slipping episodes. Healthy by all means, though he abuses it by constantly smoking, this man needs no reason to slip and trip.. not even a banana peel. He will be walking right in front of you and the next moment he is gone..if you look for him, you will find him on the floor either with a sheepish grin if he isn't hurt much or writhing in pain if hurt. He tries to put up a brave face but being fair skinned, there is no way he can hide the pain as all the blood in his body rushes to his face and people easily can spot it. He falls so often that people get used to it over time. If someone is standing next to him and laughing out loud looking at him, the spectator assumes that Humpty Dumpty has had his big fall again.
Though the above portrays a very funny picture, he is the most intelligent, understanding and friendly personality I have ever come across. Sometimes I feel that he deliberately makes others laugh at him to make them feel comfortable. Same time there is this dignity level he maintains and no one can cross the boundary or take him for granted.
There is also this sincerity with which he does things that you might find him replying "Glad to meet you too" when someone in the church seated to his left/right shakes his hands and says "Peace be with you".Well, our man is hard of hearing( or shall I say poor listening skills) at times and that was his first visit to the Church.
He owns a mobile but uses it like how someone uses the landline. And whenever he dares to keep it mobile he loses it . You give him a call he returns it after ages. But call it coincidence or miracle, he is always there to cheer you up when you desperately need a friend.
Readers.. you are wrong if you feel I got only good things to say about this man.. but guess what.. today is his Birthday. I wouldn't have mentioned this in my blog if not for his suggestion that I need to keep my blog bit more personal. Happy Birthday buddy!!!!!!! and quit smoking yaar.. I don't think you want a sequel to SlipTripSmokeEngine highlighting the other side.. lol.. Enjoy your day and continue bringing smiles to all those near and dear to you. May you be blessed with a
long life full of fun, happiness, love and peace.
Though the above portrays a very funny picture, he is the most intelligent, understanding and friendly personality I have ever come across. Sometimes I feel that he deliberately makes others laugh at him to make them feel comfortable. Same time there is this dignity level he maintains and no one can cross the boundary or take him for granted.
There is also this sincerity with which he does things that you might find him replying "Glad to meet you too" when someone in the church seated to his left/right shakes his hands and says "Peace be with you".Well, our man is hard of hearing( or shall I say poor listening skills) at times and that was his first visit to the Church.
He owns a mobile but uses it like how someone uses the landline. And whenever he dares to keep it mobile he loses it . You give him a call he returns it after ages. But call it coincidence or miracle, he is always there to cheer you up when you desperately need a friend.
Readers.. you are wrong if you feel I got only good things to say about this man.. but guess what.. today is his Birthday. I wouldn't have mentioned this in my blog if not for his suggestion that I need to keep my blog bit more personal. Happy Birthday buddy!!!!!!! and quit smoking yaar.. I don't think you want a sequel to SlipTripSmokeEngine highlighting the other side.. lol.. Enjoy your day and continue bringing smiles to all those near and dear to you. May you be blessed with a
long life full of fun, happiness, love and peace.
Ads ads everywhere
One of my ex managers at work used to say that promoting and using products like Fair and Lovely is equivalent to spreading racism. . He has no need to take it out on those fair skinned people as he doesn't need it anyways. Everyone adores him for his intelligence and also for the way he carries himself. He hasn't said this out of frustration but with a sane mind and good reasoning
Except for such people who can think logically, most of the dark skinned population is lured towards using such products in their desperateness to gain attention and become beautiful/ lovely/handsome forever. But can how can beauty be related to the color of your skin??
The business world selling such products was targeting only women earlier. Now its the mens turn. Only difference is that a guy rejected because he is dark will not accept the girl after he becomes fair on using the beauty product however a girl shall always be happy to accept the guy who rejected her earlier as she was dark.. like a dignity less punk ..even someone as beautiful as Asin or Priyanka Chopra.. Ridiculous. I am surprised how even actress who are known for their dark but dusky and lovely complexion promote fairness. They aren't being fair.. are they?
Forget ads, comedy tracks in movies are based on the color of the skin. I have even heard certain objections, faintly though, being raised for mocking people who are physically/ mentally challenged but this is equally worse. Even comedy actor Vivek whose tracks usually tries to evoke some social awareness and thinking , makes fun of the the two daughters of the dark skinned Solomon Paapaya( a renowned scholar and a very popular and influential person) and for who.. on behalf of our Super star Rajinikanth.I personally am a huge fan of his but is this the message he is trying to convey to his fan following? Tamil cinema accepts heroes who are dark skinned,not conventionally beautiful but scripts stories where "beautiful" heroines fall for them after identifying their inner beauty. The vice versa never happens. I guess in reality its different. I know of lot of my friends who like, adore, respect and love women not for their external beauty but for certain characteristics, behaviour and inner personality.
I understand its difficult for everyone to be too good to say that they see beauty in everyone and its the beauty within that matters. But how can we be so conveniently( but unfortunately in reality) ignorant and give up to the gimmicks played by those promoting consumerism some way or the other. In this age of reality shows, glittery glossy ads and movies,its difficult for the youth to identify what is actually "real" and they are so vulnerable.
For those who have some patience and want to gain some inputs on why we are seeing such changes, who is gaining and who is losing, a must read/ watch is http://www.thestoryofstuff.com. Though not completely in relation to what we are discussing here, this video is an eye opener for those who are asleep and those pretending to as well. Thanks to one of my friends who shared the info ( http://erramya.blogspot.com/)
Except for such people who can think logically, most of the dark skinned population is lured towards using such products in their desperateness to gain attention and become beautiful/ lovely/handsome forever. But can how can beauty be related to the color of your skin??
The business world selling such products was targeting only women earlier. Now its the mens turn. Only difference is that a guy rejected because he is dark will not accept the girl after he becomes fair on using the beauty product however a girl shall always be happy to accept the guy who rejected her earlier as she was dark.. like a dignity less punk ..even someone as beautiful as Asin or Priyanka Chopra.. Ridiculous. I am surprised how even actress who are known for their dark but dusky and lovely complexion promote fairness. They aren't being fair.. are they?
Forget ads, comedy tracks in movies are based on the color of the skin. I have even heard certain objections, faintly though, being raised for mocking people who are physically/ mentally challenged but this is equally worse. Even comedy actor Vivek whose tracks usually tries to evoke some social awareness and thinking , makes fun of the the two daughters of the dark skinned Solomon Paapaya( a renowned scholar and a very popular and influential person) and for who.. on behalf of our Super star Rajinikanth.I personally am a huge fan of his but is this the message he is trying to convey to his fan following? Tamil cinema accepts heroes who are dark skinned,not conventionally beautiful but scripts stories where "beautiful" heroines fall for them after identifying their inner beauty. The vice versa never happens. I guess in reality its different. I know of lot of my friends who like, adore, respect and love women not for their external beauty but for certain characteristics, behaviour and inner personality.
I understand its difficult for everyone to be too good to say that they see beauty in everyone and its the beauty within that matters. But how can we be so conveniently( but unfortunately in reality) ignorant and give up to the gimmicks played by those promoting consumerism some way or the other. In this age of reality shows, glittery glossy ads and movies,its difficult for the youth to identify what is actually "real" and they are so vulnerable.
For those who have some patience and want to gain some inputs on why we are seeing such changes, who is gaining and who is losing, a must read/ watch is http://www.thestoryofstuff.com. Though not completely in relation to what we are discussing here, this video is an eye opener for those who are asleep and those pretending to as well. Thanks to one of my friends who shared the info ( http://erramya.blogspot.com/)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
So when did u know its love ???
That is the punch line or story line of the movie Jaane thu ya Jaane na. I am not going to talk about the movie here other than that its a cute, fun filled, commercial but decent movie where most of them have done justice to their jobs and roles. Its the story line that caught my attention. Excellent timing and apt for the generation
The group especially ones born after 1980, has this major problem seeing the line between Friendship and Love and puts itself thru a lot of trouble.I have seen both guys and girls go thru this.The permutation and combination of relationships that come out of it is really amazing but funny at the same time.
Few combos include -Its only the girl or guy who thinks its love or who thinks its friendship... Or both the girl and guy think its friendship but its " actually' love( like in Jaane thu)... or they both think its love but its friendship in reality.. or the guy/ girl thinks its love but prefer to continue it as friendship as Love leads to complications.There is also this lot that sacrifices love to retain friendship and so on..( like in Kadhal desam) Good Lord...this can be endless. poor youth of today.. they have so much to get confused about..on top of that we have the Parents.. who are also confused as to what extent they need to control or decide with respect to this fact.
There are a lot of movies made on this subject... Add external inputs to the theory like a another guy or girl other than the lead, which forms a triangle love story, or Parents, then the variety is endless. Common factor is the confused state of mind and the pain.
Whats the solution? Honesty I would say. People here are so much used to having something in mind and saying something else( for intentions good or bad) be it in official or personal life. Everyone tries to be diplomatic and wants to be nice to everyone though in reality they don't want to. As time passes, reality bites and there are heart burns,blame games, manipulation, indecisiveness, and depression. When someone really likes/dislikes someone or loves/hates someone they hesitate speaking about it. Other hand, they speak about something which isn't true just because its the trend. A guy " needs" to have a girl friend and I guess
the vice versa is also true these days else they stand alone in a crowd.
"I love you" has been so commonly used that you say it to anyone right from your doggy to your spouse. Its actually good to express your love...if the relationship is already well defined then there is no confusion but in other cases it causes problems. "I meant I like you not love you, I said I love you but not in those terms, I said I love you but not that I want to marry you.." - could be certain manipulations
So.. Guys and girls.. when you know its love..say it.. whenever you really love someone.But dont... when you actually dont..
The group especially ones born after 1980, has this major problem seeing the line between Friendship and Love and puts itself thru a lot of trouble.I have seen both guys and girls go thru this.The permutation and combination of relationships that come out of it is really amazing but funny at the same time.
Few combos include -Its only the girl or guy who thinks its love or who thinks its friendship... Or both the girl and guy think its friendship but its " actually' love( like in Jaane thu)... or they both think its love but its friendship in reality.. or the guy/ girl thinks its love but prefer to continue it as friendship as Love leads to complications.There is also this lot that sacrifices love to retain friendship and so on..( like in Kadhal desam) Good Lord...this can be endless. poor youth of today.. they have so much to get confused about..on top of that we have the Parents.. who are also confused as to what extent they need to control or decide with respect to this fact.
There are a lot of movies made on this subject... Add external inputs to the theory like a another guy or girl other than the lead, which forms a triangle love story, or Parents, then the variety is endless. Common factor is the confused state of mind and the pain.
Whats the solution? Honesty I would say. People here are so much used to having something in mind and saying something else( for intentions good or bad) be it in official or personal life. Everyone tries to be diplomatic and wants to be nice to everyone though in reality they don't want to. As time passes, reality bites and there are heart burns,blame games, manipulation, indecisiveness, and depression. When someone really likes/dislikes someone or loves/hates someone they hesitate speaking about it. Other hand, they speak about something which isn't true just because its the trend. A guy " needs" to have a girl friend and I guess
the vice versa is also true these days else they stand alone in a crowd.
"I love you" has been so commonly used that you say it to anyone right from your doggy to your spouse. Its actually good to express your love...if the relationship is already well defined then there is no confusion but in other cases it causes problems. "I meant I like you not love you, I said I love you but not in those terms, I said I love you but not that I want to marry you.." - could be certain manipulations
So.. Guys and girls.. when you know its love..say it.. whenever you really love someone.But dont... when you actually dont..
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Gender bias
With just about 7 years since I started to work, I have been “successful” in building a excellent career in terms of position and monetary benefits. I am single and my Parents support me a lot when it comes to work .They don’t mind if I work odd or late hours despite belonging to a rather conservative family, society and city. Mom does occasionally crib about my “lack of interest” in cooking and other house hold chores
Within such a short span of time and with as much favorable climate around, there have been so many problems and difficulties that I have faced at work and at home ( caused because I work) the root cause being my gender. There are a lot of questions that I have raised to myself every now and then but ignored as need of the hour then would have been to face another problem and not analyze and/or find answers. Few include
1. Do working women have more freedom and independence than those who are house wives ( women who actually do more work at home than us)
2. Do women face more challenges at work than men?
3. Given a choice, how many of us would resolve to be at home and look after husband and kids than otherwise. Which is easier and suitable?
4. Have we landed out there in the deep blue sea because we didn’t want to face the devil. If yes, how good are we at swimming and how equipped are we to face the tsunamis and the sharks?
5. How many of us would drop the job once the need had been fulfilled though the passion towards work still remained?
6. Do hikes and/or promotions become a nightmare than being a cherished moment, because of comments from colleagues that it was easy because of the gender
7. How many have faced complete insubordination from your team member or complete non co operation from your peer because of “why should I listen to a lady” types of opinion
8. How many of you have been branded as “dominating” though you have been as flexible and nice as possible?
9. How many of you found it easy to get the tasks done because you are a woman
10. How many have been ridiculed for inability in understanding electricity and hardware ? or for not being able to change gears in your vehicle as easily and efficiently as men do?
11. How many of you had to face the frown from elders and relatives because you couldn’t attend a function or a gathering because you had to be at work that time?
12. How many of you got laurels at work and love from family without you having to sacrifice one for other?
13. Why is that after a point all those women prefer to “work from home”?
In short are women working because they want to or is it because the men out there alone couldn’t manage it all by themselves in this fast world. How many are working because your family and society “allows’ you to work or “needs” you to work? Till date I feel that if there were no financial need in the family at the time I started I might not have stepped out to work, either because life is smooth and easier ( in conventional terms) otherwise or because my family may not be that happy with that option.
Within such a short span of time and with as much favorable climate around, there have been so many problems and difficulties that I have faced at work and at home ( caused because I work) the root cause being my gender. There are a lot of questions that I have raised to myself every now and then but ignored as need of the hour then would have been to face another problem and not analyze and/or find answers. Few include
1. Do working women have more freedom and independence than those who are house wives ( women who actually do more work at home than us)
2. Do women face more challenges at work than men?
3. Given a choice, how many of us would resolve to be at home and look after husband and kids than otherwise. Which is easier and suitable?
4. Have we landed out there in the deep blue sea because we didn’t want to face the devil. If yes, how good are we at swimming and how equipped are we to face the tsunamis and the sharks?
5. How many of us would drop the job once the need had been fulfilled though the passion towards work still remained?
6. Do hikes and/or promotions become a nightmare than being a cherished moment, because of comments from colleagues that it was easy because of the gender
7. How many have faced complete insubordination from your team member or complete non co operation from your peer because of “why should I listen to a lady” types of opinion
8. How many of you have been branded as “dominating” though you have been as flexible and nice as possible?
9. How many of you found it easy to get the tasks done because you are a woman
10. How many have been ridiculed for inability in understanding electricity and hardware ? or for not being able to change gears in your vehicle as easily and efficiently as men do?
11. How many of you had to face the frown from elders and relatives because you couldn’t attend a function or a gathering because you had to be at work that time?
12. How many of you got laurels at work and love from family without you having to sacrifice one for other?
13. Why is that after a point all those women prefer to “work from home”?
In short are women working because they want to or is it because the men out there alone couldn’t manage it all by themselves in this fast world. How many are working because your family and society “allows’ you to work or “needs” you to work? Till date I feel that if there were no financial need in the family at the time I started I might not have stepped out to work, either because life is smooth and easier ( in conventional terms) otherwise or because my family may not be that happy with that option.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Job hunt
When I read articles published on how corporates are aiming at using the net resources to pool in candidates I did believe that probably they are finding it too difficult or that they are trying to make the most of the resources available. Moving from job sites like Naukri or Monster companies were trying to source people from Orkut!!! I don't have an account in Orkut and for a moment I felt bad for not being a big fan of online social networking. For the first time, I decided to do little bit more than a glance at Hindu opportunities. I registered myself in few well known job sites and vigorously put in applications. Response - almost nil except for a few auto response. After waiting for about three to four weeks I decided to call those whose numbers were published on either the job posting or on their website. Invariably, all of them asked me to forward my Resume again and to a different email id. Why on earth do they post online then. I was also surprised to see that there can be as many as 1250 applicants for a particular posting.
Mistake can be at either sides. Applicants hardly see the relevance of jobs and go for "easy apply" options the moment they see an opening. This might mean that out of 100 resumes that a company might receive only 2 or 3 might be kinda relevant. This having been the trend, posting a vacany on the job site might have become just a ritual for the employers with no actual effort taken to reap its benefits.
On the other side I came across few job posts ( from reputed institutions and big names in the industry) that were quite funny. One asked for candidates who have " experience in all call center training activities including ACTION TRAINING" I didn't know that Call centers needed stunt masters in addition to accent trainers for their employees
If this is the case with job sites, here is my experience when I attended an interview through a consultant for a reputed BPO in town. After filling all information thats available in my Resume once again in a form that was given by the Interviewer, I sat for the first round with an HR Executive. I had applied for a position in Quality and probably it was the company norm that the HR executive ask some questions relevant to the role. " What Matrix have you used in the previous organization" was one question that was thrown after the conventional " tell me something about yourself " type of questions. The only Matrices that I was aware of were the ones that I learned about arrays and structures in my 8th standard math and another one which is the famous movie . At that point, I felt there might have been some method to measure Quality using a Matrix or that such a structure is deployed in the process. I accepted my ignorance. I saw the smile on her face - satisfaction coupled with sarcasm and also a proud look that implied she knew much better than me and probably I am not fit enough for the role or worse,a conclusion that the experience that I have claimed to have in quality isn't reliable. Further questions from her revealed that she had meant " Metrics" and not "Matrix". Well, I am to be blamed. Having applied for a position in call center I must have had good listening skills and an open mind that will help me see variations on account of pronunciation accent and jargons.
who is the loser? First I felt it was me however later I convinced myself that my job would have been really difficult at such places. Still, Shouldn't corporates focus on what impression they want to create on candidates during Interviews and be a bit careful about it.
Mistake can be at either sides. Applicants hardly see the relevance of jobs and go for "easy apply" options the moment they see an opening. This might mean that out of 100 resumes that a company might receive only 2 or 3 might be kinda relevant. This having been the trend, posting a vacany on the job site might have become just a ritual for the employers with no actual effort taken to reap its benefits.
On the other side I came across few job posts ( from reputed institutions and big names in the industry) that were quite funny. One asked for candidates who have " experience in all call center training activities including ACTION TRAINING" I didn't know that Call centers needed stunt masters in addition to accent trainers for their employees
If this is the case with job sites, here is my experience when I attended an interview through a consultant for a reputed BPO in town. After filling all information thats available in my Resume once again in a form that was given by the Interviewer, I sat for the first round with an HR Executive. I had applied for a position in Quality and probably it was the company norm that the HR executive ask some questions relevant to the role. " What Matrix have you used in the previous organization" was one question that was thrown after the conventional " tell me something about yourself " type of questions. The only Matrices that I was aware of were the ones that I learned about arrays and structures in my 8th standard math and another one which is the famous movie . At that point, I felt there might have been some method to measure Quality using a Matrix or that such a structure is deployed in the process. I accepted my ignorance. I saw the smile on her face - satisfaction coupled with sarcasm and also a proud look that implied she knew much better than me and probably I am not fit enough for the role or worse,a conclusion that the experience that I have claimed to have in quality isn't reliable. Further questions from her revealed that she had meant " Metrics" and not "Matrix". Well, I am to be blamed. Having applied for a position in call center I must have had good listening skills and an open mind that will help me see variations on account of pronunciation accent and jargons.
who is the loser? First I felt it was me however later I convinced myself that my job would have been really difficult at such places. Still, Shouldn't corporates focus on what impression they want to create on candidates during Interviews and be a bit careful about it.
Better late than never
I have always been slow in picking up with the pace of technological advancements, in using/abusing or exploiting the options offered by it. I was the last one to buy a cell phone, to get a PC and a net connection amidst my circle of friends, companions, relatives and colleagues. I
still "write" letters to few of my friends than choosing to email them. Like after a point of time you got to sail along with the tide when you get tired swimming against it for no obvious reasons (or just because swimming against the tide is your nature)... I change my ways but only after some time. I have offered lots of lectures on change management to my team but who says you need to practice what you preach...
Well, one of the main reasons why I finally have chosen to blog is that I have ample of time in hand and dont find anything better to do. I do respect bloggers and there are many atimes when I have found what I wanted in the blogs than anywhere else on the net. Catch here is, there might not be anything as useful in mine. However, I do see it as a way to share my thoughts and experiences and let people know that they are not the only one in the world going thru such circumstances.. if not for a "social cause" a place where you can vent out, go jab jab or ramble with no one to question.
What I am going to write about? thats still a question.. probably I will speak aloud, write few things which I might share with a friend of mine whom I meet after a long time or just about anything that can be shared without hurting others and hurting my own self. I dont have strong opinions or advice to offer ( there are lot others who do it for free and voluntarily these days). There might be lot of complaints as I am an excellent fault finder and I am known for being pessimistic.
still "write" letters to few of my friends than choosing to email them. Like after a point of time you got to sail along with the tide when you get tired swimming against it for no obvious reasons (or just because swimming against the tide is your nature)... I change my ways but only after some time. I have offered lots of lectures on change management to my team but who says you need to practice what you preach...
Well, one of the main reasons why I finally have chosen to blog is that I have ample of time in hand and dont find anything better to do. I do respect bloggers and there are many atimes when I have found what I wanted in the blogs than anywhere else on the net. Catch here is, there might not be anything as useful in mine. However, I do see it as a way to share my thoughts and experiences and let people know that they are not the only one in the world going thru such circumstances.. if not for a "social cause" a place where you can vent out, go jab jab or ramble with no one to question.
What I am going to write about? thats still a question.. probably I will speak aloud, write few things which I might share with a friend of mine whom I meet after a long time or just about anything that can be shared without hurting others and hurting my own self. I dont have strong opinions or advice to offer ( there are lot others who do it for free and voluntarily these days). There might be lot of complaints as I am an excellent fault finder and I am known for being pessimistic.
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