An Unexpected Party.

Mistakes can be glorious. This happened during our district visit to Amaravati in January 2013. We were in Melghat, totally isolated from rest of the world except intermittent but weak mobile network signals. The trip was going really good, both on counts of academics and fun.

 It was a hectic day when we visited Bairagad which is on Maharashtra- Madhya Pradesh border. While returning we came across an indistinct milestone which showed a way to some village Katkumbh 3 km away.

                We were told by some friends to visit Katkumbh to study public health system. But the map showed we were on wrong location. Out of mobile phone coverage and totally disconnected from the world, we had no means to verify. Finally we decided to take the plunge and go ahead to that village.

               As we entered the village, our fears came true. We were in the wrong Katkumbh. A shy tribal woman told us that we were about 100 km away from the other Katkumbh.  We had two options: to return back on track or to explore the mistake. Fortunately, we chose the latter one.

        By now we had realized that we had an unexpected scene to welcome us. Almost the whole village was gathered at a place for some purpose and they were amused to see us. This added to our amusement too. Destiny was playing games with us!

       The gathering of villagers was not a coincidence. It was a party celebrating a tribal marriage that took place two days ago. We got to know about the tradition in Korku tribe where the would-be-bride elopes with the would-be-groom before the marriage, spends some time with him and returns to get married only if she finds him good enough. The groom’s family compensates the bride’s family with money- kind of reverse dowry.

      

          The whole village celebrated the marriage in their own way, completely oblivious to the traditions of the so-called educated world. Men and women of all ages were happy to be under influence of Mahua liquor- an essential ingredient of tribal culture. Women were merrily chirping songs and dancing in round with occasional rounds of liquor. The bride and the groom were in another room with a few people busy in some ritual.

                People outside were served with special meal- mashed boiled corn and lamb meat curry. Starchy corn and delicious but minimally spiced curry made everyone go crazy there. The tribals insisted us to taste the food. We were lucky to taste the simple yet mouth watering meal (and luckier to resist the insistence to taste liquor!).

                Then came the turn of the mandatory photoshoot. Everyone wanted to be captured in our cameras, though they knew they won’t see the photos again. An old lady had a special request to take a snap of her daughter. Till the time we left, all the attention was on us, the uncalled guests. Poor newlywed couple!!

                I am happy we made a mistake that day and went ahead to explore it. We would never have got such a close insight in the lives of the tribals had we returned back immediately. Mistakes teach us a lot. Not every mistake is a crime. Because as I said earlier, mistakes can be glorious….

Equilibrium.

This story comes from ancient folklore. There was a brave, powerful king. He had everything: invincible army, loads of wealth, happy and obedient subject. Time followed its own course and he became old. He anointed his son as his heir and decided to spend time for welfare of his people. He wanted to make each and every citizen a well versed, knowledgeable and wise.

                But soon he realized he himself was not wise enough to expect his people to be so. So he decided to learn all the wisdom. And to his credit he learned all the wisdom possible except Science. Even a curious learner like him started finding Science tough. So he ordered his knights to find a teacher to teach him Science. The knights launched a search campaign and found a teacher for their king.

                The teacher was an old man. He had knowledge, and more importantly, experience too. He taught all the science to the king. The king was deeply impressed. He thanked the teacher with the highest praise and the richest rewards. But he wanted something more from the teacher. He wanted each and every citizen of his kingdom to learn Science from the teacher.

                The teacher appreciated the intention. But he politely accepted his limitation that he might not be able to complete this herculean task. But he agreed to write down the crux all he knew in a book so that the subject could enrich their knowledge by reading it. The king gave his nod, but with a condition. The condition was that the book should be as small as possible, yet it should cover crux of wisdom. The king knew his subject were industrious and did not have much time. The teacher agreed. He was to revise the book and squeeze it until each and every citizen was happy with it.

                The scripting of the book started. First draft came up. It had 1000 pages. The citizens said it was too big to read. The draft was rejected. Second draft of 500 pages was then brought up. Again some citizens found it big and rejected it.

                Subsequently, more versions were prepared by the teacher having 300, 200 and 100 pages. Disappointingly for the teacher, all these were rejected. The teacher thought over the issue.  He spent days and nights to compress the basics of Science. Months of hard work paid off and he came up with a ten page version. He submitted it to the king with confidence that the people will accept it. The king was also equally confident about it. And it seemed the people too happily accepted it.

                But after a month, a poor farmer came in the king’s court. He said even the ten page summary was too much for people of his age. The king was surprised. He immediately summoned the teacher. The teacher came and understood the situation. The court was holding its breath to see what the teacher would do next. All were expecting an expression of disappointment from him. But to everybody’s surprise, the teacher smiled. With the same enigmatic smile on his face, he started talking.

                “Oh great citizens of a great kingdom, I was initially amused by your demand of having the principles of science compressed in a very small text. I thought how it will be possible to retell the wisdom acquired by mankind over centuries in such a short version. For Science is not the easiest of the disciplines. I was relieved when you people accepted my ten page crux. But even after that, my conscience was searching for the even shorter crux of Science. I had expected someone to come up and demand even more compressed version. I was myself in search of a shorter crux. So I kept on working. And now I have come up with the shortest version possible. I have summed all the wisdom of Science in two words.”

                There was pin drop silence in the court. Only two words? Was it really possible? People thought the teacher was irked with their demands and was replying them sarcastically. But the mysterious smile on the teacher’s face gave them a feeling of assurance. They held their breath. The teacher sensed the anxiety and eagerness of the subject. He smiled and uttered those two words: “NATURE EQUILIBRIATES”.

 Everybody was amused. It was so simple, yet so difficult. Smiles on the faces of the king, the knights, the soldiers and the common people reflected that they had truly learned the crux of science. Balance is the natural instinct of this universe. Everything in this universe happens to achieve the state of equilibrium.

While the public was busy admiring the wisdom of the teacher, the teacher was thinking of that innocuous moment when he himself realized the crux of Science. He was roaming in the lush green jungles thinking of the crux. Suddenly he stumbled across a person sitting on banks of a lake. That person was a tribal, sitting and trying to catch fishes from the lake. But the lake was not having much water as it was a dry year. So there were not many fishes in the lake.  Yet he was smiling, whistling, singing the songs of the woods. The teacher was amused to see that person’s happiness. Unable to hide his surprise, the teacher asked why was he so happy. The man said, “Because I don’t have a reason to be unhappy!” followed by a whistle.

                The teacher was impressed, he replied, “But you don’t have enough fishes to catch. Isn't that a reason to be unhappy?” The tribal was unmoved. He said, “Not at all! There might be less fishes because of less water in lake. But due to the same reason, it becomes easy for me to hunt the wild animals when they come for water here. Nature takes our care.” The teacher further inquired, “And what if it rains heavily and it becomes difficult to catch fish?” The reply was unfazed, “In that case, I can get many type of animals as catch like crabs, birds, different fishes. If Nature gives a problem, it whispers the solution in man's ears. Nature balances everything, you know Sir.” And the stunned teacher realized, this was his Eureka moment. He learnt the crux of science: Nature equilibriates.

All the laws of science basically focus on equilibrium. In Physics, Newton’s Third law of Motion states the same thing. The Le Chatelier’s principle in Chemistry or Homeostasis in Biology talk about a system trying to attain a state of equilibrium. Even the basics of Humanities talk about equilibrium. For instance, the turmoil in a society caused by arrival of new values leads to stabilization of the society with acceptance of a new value system. Here all the societal forces of diversification and unification lead to balance in society.

To conclude, the universe moves on to attain equilibrium. Then some event disturbs this equilibrium and again the system tries to move towards stability. So how can human being, who is also a part of this universe, stay aloof from this phenomenon?

Kahani poori filmy hain!!

We Indians are deeply attached with movies. We like to watch movies, follow them and inculcate that cinematic dynamism or filmyness in our lives. Its fun entering our own house uttering “Maa, mai aa gaya!” Movies in India go beyond entertainment. They have become our habit, our lifestyle.

                I doubt which of the following influences is more profound: The influence of films on society or that of the society on films. For time being let us focus on impact of films on society. People like being influenced by cinema. They are normally tired of their routine lifestyle and want some relief. And cinema provides them this relief. People want to forget all their worries while watching a movie. This is a prime reason why people favour populist cinema rather than art or realistic genre.

                In past 100 years of Indian cinema, films have showed varied aspects: entertainers, pot-shot takers, comic capers, thought provokers etc etc etc. But there is no denying that people want cinema as a relief-giver. We want the hero or heroine to do all those things that we can’t do. We want our own story on screen, with twists and turns and all the Masala. And somewhere at the back of our mind, we also want our real life story to be ‘Filmy’. It’s just what Ramadheer Singh says in Gangs of Wasseypur, “Jab tak Hindustan me ’saneema’ rahega, log aise hi ‘Ullu’ bante rahenge. Sabke dimag me apni apni  picture chal rahi hain…” And ironically, this dialogue got popular due to the ‘Saneema’ itself!!

Sham aur Raat.

As we bid adieu to 2012 and welcome the 21st century to its teenage, I have something to ponder upon.
This perpetual dilemma was penned by Kapil.

Visit his page for more poems. 

http://guptakkapil1988.blogspot.fr/ 

Raat apni jawani pe kuchh yun itrai;

Apni mast rawani pe kuchh yun itrai.

Sham se kuch yun boli,

Tuzhse zyada tawajjo wo hame dete hain;

Tera nahi, har baat me hamara naam lete hain.

Sham bus halka sa muskurai, aur boli,

Yun na itra is kadar, kyunki,

Gar rasta na ho khoobsurat,

To manzil kaha aasan hoti hai;

Aur sham jab tak na dhale

Raat kaha jawan hoti hai.....

-KKG.

 

But what about the Psychological Rape???

This is not merely a piece of write-up. Its the angst whole nation is expressing after the Delhi bus incident. My friend Mrunal Jadhav has given a way to this angst through words. Her views about the patriarchal fabric of society, abuse that women face and the psychology of women related crimes are worth consideration.




The unfortunate news of physical rape involving heinous actual penetration is making news but my question is what about daily psychological rape females are subjected to every now and then??? I feel, basically its not always about rape. It ranges from periodic episodes of eve teasing, dirty comments, domestic violence, physical and verbal abuse, doubts about capabilities, psychological trauma , emotional blackmailing in varied strata of our social hierarchy, right from slums, mediocre families to so called educated , highly profile families living in corridors of power. As it is aptly said;" Prevention is better than cure" so taking self defensive alert steps is utmost necessary for girls to protect themselves in any kind of unfortunate emergencies. It is really shouldn't be misinterpreted by girls as attempts of compromising their liberty. Many times what happens teenagers or college going young girls are still not able to judge people around them or to differentiate very basic difference between good touch and bad touch. These girl stay under false impression that whole world is as innocent as them .But in reality when it comes to any society, there is mixture of positive and negative attributes. we cant generalize any goodness or wickedness. Neither we can stay gender biased.Not all men are bad, personally I too have many of my male friends with whom I can interact very frankly. Still considering increasing monstrous and violent tendencies , prevention is always good for females from their side. This is one side but is this the only solution???? Certainly not.
     This problem lies much deeply embedded in our very patriarchal nature of society and tendency of objectification of female sex, aggravated by superficial mass media.Yes yes we talk of Government, law and order , amendments, woman commissions , equality and that well rubbed and favourite word- Empowerment!!! come on people, come back to the basics. All these laws will protect but they are much farther and much like post mortem solutions so lets first introspect ourselves at basic unit of society - our families. I will put down two very ordinary incidences. Last summer I was coming back to Pune from Mumbai by Shivneri, I came across one well dressed lady around 50' s right beside me. She was having fractured hand and some of scars on face, neck so I helped to accommodate her luggage at her place. Initially I thought injuries may be because of any accident so I kept mum. She asked me about my profession. I replied , " I am a Dentist and now a days preparing for civil services". she just smiled and asked why I have chosen choosing civil services. I answered all obvious reasons behind this most expected question. To my surprise she happened to be wife of very high ranked class 1 police officer . so my sudden question to her was," Mam, it must be so good and proud feeling for you being wife of officer contributing to society by battling with criminals??" She laughed more loudly this time and replied, " Yes indeed.very proud.( quoting her own words)- Jya belt ne baher hantat tyach belt ne mala pan roj hantat.senior bhadkala..don fatke..junior aikat nahi..don fatke..political pressure..de malach latha..yes he is nice officer talking of big things for other people..pan mazya sathi tar haivan ch aahe..vardi cha maj maj mhantat to mala vichara.." (The same belt he brandishes outside is used for beating me. For any stress on duty, he comes home and whips me. He might be a nice officer outside but for me, he is a demon!). I was shocked; absolutely speechless..:-(:-(. Till today I don't realise why she shared her family issue so easily with stranger like me.we both were females. was that a connecting link? or sometimes opening up ur emotions to strangers are safe and easy? That may be the reason. while stepping down she advised me, "Marry with a person who can respect you rather than marrying just high profile person".
     When I read renowned book ' Br' by Kavita Mahajan, there were incidences where Adivasi , pada ; illiterate women hit back to husband when they are beaten up. This kind of retaliation seems still not possible in our white collared society.In marathi ; I remember one quote- " Sansar sansar mhanje kaay asto, ekane udhlala tari dusaryane sawaraycha asto." (What is marriage all about? If one partner disturbs it, other one should restabilise it.) I felt this good initially but as I grew up I realized harsh reality that most of the times- " udhalalela...pasaralela...viskatlela sansar gharaylya stri nech savaraycha asto.":-(  (Only women are expeted to restabilise a marriage in turmoil.) Other common dialogue in many families- Daughter: Dad, I want to buy this this ..that that... Dad: as u like beta...whom else I am earning for? Daughter: Oh Daddy...I want this stream..and want to go abroad for specialisation. Dad: sure my girl. take education Wat u wish.we Will be always there to motivate you for your career.Have we ever discriminated between you and your brother? Daughter: Daddy...I want to marry this guy of my choice but he is not of our caste and has time to get well set...but he is trying hard... Dad: Actually beta we have always dreamt best for you. You don't have that much maturity to take such decision.we are there to take best care of that baby.so forget that at earliest. Daughter: but Dad...I think I will be very happy with him.money may be less or caste may be different but trust me we will make a good couple...Its fine na dad? After all its my life na.... Daddy: So you will be okay when all people will condemn your dad. Our family prestige will be in danger.will it be fine when me and your mom will be in pain just because of you? Tell me, for this is what we brought you up ???????????????????????"
     Personally I feel be it you mother or wife or daughter or sister or female coworker, don't always try to over protect them considering them symbol of dignity of your family or vulnerable species.Rather all they need is motivation, trust, respect and consideration and freedom in decision making. Let them cherish their own mettle and confidence. I am not gender biased person to totally blame males. on the other front, I strongly protest girls or women who unnecessarily projects their God gifted beauties to take undue advantage. There are many ex of putting forward of female coworker by many businessmen to get the deal or putting forward girls by their friends in queue to get early tickets or seat, just by using female charm.Mind It girls, until you yourself respect your feminism none else is going to respect that. Sternly oppose for such gender based favours, sympathy and displaying yourself as showpiece in showcase of your male counterparts.It is the mother more who inculcate family values in her next generation so try to become physically, emotionally, financially independent first. Above all women of substance are always more adorable than mere natural beauties!! Problem is horrible....Its deep and at various fronts...but definitely solution lies within us!! What is needed is thinking and changing for becoming good human being and treating other as human beings first....!!!




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Kuchh Ghazalein...

We friends had a wonderful habit on hostel. We would pick up certain line of a sher and expand it (Kaafiyas and Misras in Shaayari).
Here is a glimpse of it. The original line "Kuchh ghazalein to bas seene me ulazhi achchhi lagti hai" was taken from Twitter.

Kuchh ghazalein to bas seene me ulazhi achchhi lagti hai,
Alfaz to gumsum rahe ashko ki nami sacchi lagti hai...
Parindo jaisi nadan hai ghazalein, ye bhi udna chahe,
Par shayad aaj bhi unhe ye dillagi kuch kachchi lagti hai.....

Kuchh ghazalein to bas seene me ulazhi achchhi lagti hai,
Yun hi mere ghazalo si ulazhi hui teri nasamazhi achchhi lagti hai...

To Malala....

This poem is written by my friend Ashutosh Gupta addressed to Malala for her valour.

In the war there would be lonely you,

You might fall and be tired too....

But have the zeal,

And the fire,

Because that's what you need to fly higher,

People would mock,

People would comment.

Half may frown and the others foment.

And I know that words hurt,

And they do sting.

So, flex your muscles and spread your wings,

See thy goal, fly….

And take an up soar.

Look!!
There awaits the joy and the much more........

You can convey feedback to Ashutosh...

http://www.facebook.com/ashutosh.gupta.3975?ref=ts&fref=ts