Recently a German professor alluded to rape problem in India as a reason not to offer internship to an Indian student at a German University. She is not companion-less in stereotyping an entire nation or a race; there are many people across the globe tend to frame images based on one or few things they watch or read and become judgmental.
I am not refuting that there is a serious issue of violence against women in India, oh yes there is, similar to serious issues of paedophilia and racism in the western world. Is women’s safety worse in India than the west? Most definitely it is! Can we blame Indian upbringing for this problem? In some cases may be but not in all. Can we call all Indian men misogynist rapists? Hell no! Just like we can’t name all priests as paedophiles or Germans as Nazis.
While it’s wrong to have prejudices, it’s a monstrous human rights violation to act based on those and harm innocent lives. I understand we all have our prejudices and these prejudices tend to affect our decisions and actions but we must do everything in our abilities not to let them hurt righteous minds. In my opinion, ignorant people are more prejudicial than others. It is not because ignorant people are bad people, that’s again stereotyping, but it is because they have limited knowledge about others and make opinions based on those. Partly media and unwillingness to learn yet judgmental people need to be blamed for stereotyping. If there were fair and balanced reporting on all aspects of all societies we would not be living in this divisive world.
Recently BBC has aired a documentary titled India’s daughter. In that documentary, one of the rapist accused that molested victim was responsible for the heinous attack he committed. And then it goes on to document about Indian men’s attitude towards women. I am not refuting any aspects of what was presented in the documentary and I think it is decent piece of reporting. For some obscure reasons Indian government wants to ban the documentary. I do not support any kind of banning however controversial may be the issue. Freedom of expression is absolutely vital for a vibrant society and in no way one’s views must be curtailed because those views may hurt some peoples’ sentiments. Having said that, there must be balance in every reporting; and it essentially becomes the responsibility of the media. When English Defense League organizes match against immigrants in the UK, government allows another protest march from liberals supporting legal immigration. In the same way western media should give equal time on how men in India are fighting for the rights of women, how they struggle to get help for women in patriarchal India and report about Indian women presidents, chief ministers and CEOs. I understand it would not be necessary had western media not been portraying India just as a land of hungry children, yoga, snake charmers, and elephants and as a rapist capital of the world.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Scientists have a life of their own likings:
“If I am not working, I am not happy” - Donna Tartt
India's new Primer Minister Narendra Modi used an analogy of ‘scientist obsessed with work’ when asked about his stretched working hours. In an interview with Fareed Zakaria CNN, he said “Work gives me relaxation too and I draw pleasure in governance”. Often people, who are passionate about their work, quote scientists when it comes to long working hours. But some people have a perception that if you are working longer hours than required either you are not efficient or you have no life. I have a disagreement with them: Life is labeled by ones own likings. For some life is about seeing and exploring the world, for some watching television day in and day out and for others helping the needy? Of course life is about doing some thing that you like or love. One needs to work to do some thing they love for monetary reasons. But some LOVE their work; as they are passionate about what they do, they do not count the number of hours they spend at their work places. Again, one can love many things and do not necessarily give preference one thing over other. For example, work and family life, both are equally important to some and if one is spending few extra hours at one place don’t mean he/she gives a second preference to the other.
Like in any profession, there are different kinds of scientists. Some people work diligently for how many ever hours they are ought to and they too are passionate about their work. These people would surely get annoyed if someone says they are not real scientists. By the same token scientists working long hours also get offended if some calls them inefficient or do not have a social life. I clearly understand when some people work long hours they place others in a predicament. But that should not be a reason to hold ill will against them. If you are pleased with your performance and working hours and you go by the rules you should not be bothered about others. Bottom line is let people live their lives however they like to and let them have freedom of choice, don’t impose your idea of life on someone else.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
What's the Right thing to do?
What’s the right thing to do? –Part I
I am a huge fan of TED. While I was surfing most favorite videos on TED.COM I stumbled upon Michael Sandal’s talk on Justice. It was quite an interesting talk; he talked about hypothetical moral dilemmas. I was curious to know more about moral philosophy, so I bought a book titled “Justice” by Michael Sandal. I loved the book immensely. Having read different views of various philosophers from Aristotle to John Rawls I summarize here my views on “what is the right thing to do”:
I am going to start with the issue of Equality. I believe Equality in our society is not a choice but necessity. And by Equality I don’t mean every household’s income should be similar, by Equality I mean all citizens should have access to basic essentials of good life. We can only achieve Equality by taxing the affluent. Some people think by taxing the affluent we are stealing their money i.e. their time thereby promoting slavery (working without getting paid). On the contrary I believe that by not taxing the rich we are promoting the slavery. Let me give you an example; Usain Bolt, world’s fastest runner earns 20 million dollars per annum. While I believe that he deserves to some extent the kind of monetary appreciation he receives, I feel it is total injustice to many others who live in poverty. I do not believe in the notion that Usain deserves his income because he works very hard; there are many runners out there who probably work as hard as Usain does. What perhaps make him stand out is/are his genes and/or his techniques? It is not in other peoples’ choice about their genetic makeup, so it is not fair that one lives in luxury while others suffers in poverty. Hence the question is how are we going to achieve the equilibrium? Simple and straightforward answer is by taxing Usain Bolt. I am not saying that Government should tax him in such away that his income matches rest of the community but to an extent that Usain Bolt still enjoys his success by living off well and letting ordinary citizens also enjoy the basic amenities we as human beings deserve.
Let me give you another example on why we should tax affluent. Let me take the case of Walton family who owns over 50% of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart profits are in billions of dollars annually. Millions of people who work for Wal-Mart pay almost next to nothing as tax to Government because they earn so little. But they all use Government provided roads or public transport to get to work. So indirectly Wal-Mart is making money by using facilities provided by the Government. Hence either Wal-Mart should pay more taxes or increase their workers salaries so that they pay their respective taxes. Either ways Wal-Mart has to shell out some of their profits.
One may ask why is it important to have equality in our society. As Prof. Sandal points out if we let the income gap grow any further, which is happening as of now, there will be a time when rich and poor will live in a separate societies. Then rich do not want to support public institutions as they no longer use them. There will not be any communication between these two societies and further increase in income gap leads to animosity between them that eventually lead to civil wars and loss of human lives.
I am a huge fan of TED. While I was surfing most favorite videos on TED.COM I stumbled upon Michael Sandal’s talk on Justice. It was quite an interesting talk; he talked about hypothetical moral dilemmas. I was curious to know more about moral philosophy, so I bought a book titled “Justice” by Michael Sandal. I loved the book immensely. Having read different views of various philosophers from Aristotle to John Rawls I summarize here my views on “what is the right thing to do”:
I am going to start with the issue of Equality. I believe Equality in our society is not a choice but necessity. And by Equality I don’t mean every household’s income should be similar, by Equality I mean all citizens should have access to basic essentials of good life. We can only achieve Equality by taxing the affluent. Some people think by taxing the affluent we are stealing their money i.e. their time thereby promoting slavery (working without getting paid). On the contrary I believe that by not taxing the rich we are promoting the slavery. Let me give you an example; Usain Bolt, world’s fastest runner earns 20 million dollars per annum. While I believe that he deserves to some extent the kind of monetary appreciation he receives, I feel it is total injustice to many others who live in poverty. I do not believe in the notion that Usain deserves his income because he works very hard; there are many runners out there who probably work as hard as Usain does. What perhaps make him stand out is/are his genes and/or his techniques? It is not in other peoples’ choice about their genetic makeup, so it is not fair that one lives in luxury while others suffers in poverty. Hence the question is how are we going to achieve the equilibrium? Simple and straightforward answer is by taxing Usain Bolt. I am not saying that Government should tax him in such away that his income matches rest of the community but to an extent that Usain Bolt still enjoys his success by living off well and letting ordinary citizens also enjoy the basic amenities we as human beings deserve.
Let me give you another example on why we should tax affluent. Let me take the case of Walton family who owns over 50% of Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart profits are in billions of dollars annually. Millions of people who work for Wal-Mart pay almost next to nothing as tax to Government because they earn so little. But they all use Government provided roads or public transport to get to work. So indirectly Wal-Mart is making money by using facilities provided by the Government. Hence either Wal-Mart should pay more taxes or increase their workers salaries so that they pay their respective taxes. Either ways Wal-Mart has to shell out some of their profits.
One may ask why is it important to have equality in our society. As Prof. Sandal points out if we let the income gap grow any further, which is happening as of now, there will be a time when rich and poor will live in a separate societies. Then rich do not want to support public institutions as they no longer use them. There will not be any communication between these two societies and further increase in income gap leads to animosity between them that eventually lead to civil wars and loss of human lives.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
My Blissful Experience With Pain – Part II:
My Blissful Experience With Pain – Part II:
Strolling down the memory lane, recalling when I ran my first marathon in Philadelphia I then wrote a blog post “My Blissful Experience with Pain” about my trials and tribulations. At the end of that blog-post I concluded, “Running can be an addiction”. It turned out to be right, at least in my case; I did Philly marathon again the year afterwards and several other races thereafter. Running, which I have eventuated as an avenue to raise money for charity (AID, India), has become my passion. I know I am not super-duper at running, but you do not have to be exceptional at any thing to enjoy it. I realized I was going rundamental (mental about running) when I signed up to do 40mile walk/run from Keswick to Barrow in the Lake District last year. I was precarious of my sound mind when everyone else from the institute decided to back out and I was still pining the race. And to my utter dismay I decided to join some random team I stumble on K2B facebook page and finished the race. I must say it was a great experience coursing through the nicest part of UK, although it could well be recommended to enjoy the spectacular surroundings by shunning the race. Weather, for the most part, was nice, met some interesting people, exchanged few conversations and it was fun. Although last few miles were a drag but I should be a bonehead to expect a smooth sail till the end, come on its 40 miles for crying out loud. Well, that was last year. I posted on my facebook wall “I have done IT, will do IT again, 40 miles in 7 hrs. 39 minutes! ’’
Keeping my word I decided to do K2B this year again. To everyone’s wonderment around 30 people from our institute decided to walk K2B. Unlike last year, I started steeling for the race this year. Its not easy preparing for a 40-mile race when you have to work on weekends, do house hold chores and go for a long run. But for the love of running, I chose to take up the challenge. My hopes weren’t high about my expected timing (7 hrs) when I read about the weather conditions on the race day. All weather forecast channels said the same thing; it was going to be cloudy all through out with some heavy rains. So I prepared myself for the bad weather, better safe than sorry, isn’t it? But I never know we can never be too prepared for English weather. We had dinner with the fellow walkers from the institute on the night before the race. I went to bed at around 10:30 and I could not sleep. I was too excited; like a kid in the candy store. I probably would have slept an hour or two. I wanted to get up early but did not want to disturb Koorosh with whom I was sharing the room. In the morning (3 am) I thought eating porridge would help during the run, so I forced porridge down my throat. Good heavens, why would human being eat porridge? It wasn’t palatable at all and I will never eat porridge again! I got on to bus to get to the starting point i.e. Keswick. Good lord, the bus ride was horrendous, I thought I was going to puke; may be it was the porridge doing! I controlled myself and was fine when I got down. Around 5:30 in the morning, off I started. It was drizzling; I did not put on raincoat thinking it is not so bad. Well, after 10 or 15 minutes, I realized I do not want to be soaking wet for the next 7 hours, so I put on my raincoat and took off. It was all right for the first 10 miles, I met Dr. Crispin Miller at the first support checkpoint Grasmere, got my energy gels and drinks and set off running. It was raining bit heavily by then but I turned a blind eye and kept on going.
Just when I thought I was going great guns, at around 18th mile, I started having my initial leg cramps (devilish things!). I was expecting cramps but not so soon for I have taken magnesium tablets to prevent them (Thanks to Dr. Bertram Kohler for that advice). I got food and drinks from Mrs. Roberts at Coniston (kind of her to support our teams) and decided to visit first aid, even if the visit takes up few minutes from my timing. My idea was that any aid to ease my cramps might save me some time in due course. I thought probably it was only time I have to pay them a visit, little did I know I will have to visit them at every checkpoint thereafter. First aid was not set up by then, so I waited for some time, they sprayed some thing on my legs and I was fine and dandy. I went about running for another 10 miles with occasional walks when ascending. I did not stop for lunch at 20th mile; I thought it’s a waste of time having lost some time during my first first-aid visit.
Amy was there at third support checkpoint with the welcome sight of my food and Gatorade; I thanked her and set off again. After a few minutes I stopped to spend a penny, that’s when I started having excruciating pain because of severe muscle cramps all over my legs and stomach. Went to first aid, the lady staff who was attending me tried to give me some massage (an euphemism for manhandling if you will), she was making me cry like a toddler (I wasn’t crying literally though☺), but I gave in thinking manhandling my legs might help. She said to me that I must be thinking she is a witch, I was saying to myself -Dear Madam you don’t want to know what I am uttering in my mind. I set off from that place, in about 5 minutes after that my cramps were so bad that I could not walk. After every minute of walking my both calves would cramp, I would just stand still for few seconds and then walk. Just about that time it was getting so cold and was raining like crazy. Since then I did not surpass anybody. To add insult to injury, kids as young as 10 years outdistanced me, and my moral fiber was weakening. I was walking at snails pace; walking probably not right word I would say limping along. Making things worse, there was a hailstorm for short period and it was brutal. At that moment I thought NEVER AGAIN, this is the last time. One kind lady (K2B angel perhaps!) offered me some hot beverage, some biscuits and a blanket. I thanked her immensely for I was freezing and I needed some thing warm. So I dragged my feet for the next 7 miles with a blanket over me; and it felt like month of Sundays. Many people offered me to sit and rest for a while in their vans sensing my predicament, but I decided I should not sit and rest else I would sit there for good. My cramps were going south, especially when I stopped walking for longer than a minute. At about 35-mile checkpoint, I paid my last visit to first aid. My pain was so agonizing that I was hurting the medical attendant’s hand, which I was holding. They did provide some assistance, which made things better; I walked next two miles all right.
At last, weather was getting better; I threw my blanket and was feeling ok. I started running a bit again and the last mail was much better, I ran most of it and finished the race. I was disenchanted as I took 8 hours 34 minutes but then I thought at one point I was planning on quitting so I gave myself a pat on the back. Went to hotel, took a long shower and then back to the finishing lane to see what my other colleagues from the institute are up to. I was glad to know all of us who started have finished the race. And we all were accomplished but limping souls for the next few days. Thanks to my running mate Colin for the ride back home, else it could have been a painful commute on bus for four hours. Now, if you ask me will do IT again? , I say YES, why the hell not! One must always learn lessons, next year I will be well prepared for the drudgery and probably take 10 hours to finish ☺.
Strolling down the memory lane, recalling when I ran my first marathon in Philadelphia I then wrote a blog post “My Blissful Experience with Pain” about my trials and tribulations. At the end of that blog-post I concluded, “Running can be an addiction”. It turned out to be right, at least in my case; I did Philly marathon again the year afterwards and several other races thereafter. Running, which I have eventuated as an avenue to raise money for charity (AID, India), has become my passion. I know I am not super-duper at running, but you do not have to be exceptional at any thing to enjoy it. I realized I was going rundamental (mental about running) when I signed up to do 40mile walk/run from Keswick to Barrow in the Lake District last year. I was precarious of my sound mind when everyone else from the institute decided to back out and I was still pining the race. And to my utter dismay I decided to join some random team I stumble on K2B facebook page and finished the race. I must say it was a great experience coursing through the nicest part of UK, although it could well be recommended to enjoy the spectacular surroundings by shunning the race. Weather, for the most part, was nice, met some interesting people, exchanged few conversations and it was fun. Although last few miles were a drag but I should be a bonehead to expect a smooth sail till the end, come on its 40 miles for crying out loud. Well, that was last year. I posted on my facebook wall “I have done IT, will do IT again, 40 miles in 7 hrs. 39 minutes! ’’
Keeping my word I decided to do K2B this year again. To everyone’s wonderment around 30 people from our institute decided to walk K2B. Unlike last year, I started steeling for the race this year. Its not easy preparing for a 40-mile race when you have to work on weekends, do house hold chores and go for a long run. But for the love of running, I chose to take up the challenge. My hopes weren’t high about my expected timing (7 hrs) when I read about the weather conditions on the race day. All weather forecast channels said the same thing; it was going to be cloudy all through out with some heavy rains. So I prepared myself for the bad weather, better safe than sorry, isn’t it? But I never know we can never be too prepared for English weather. We had dinner with the fellow walkers from the institute on the night before the race. I went to bed at around 10:30 and I could not sleep. I was too excited; like a kid in the candy store. I probably would have slept an hour or two. I wanted to get up early but did not want to disturb Koorosh with whom I was sharing the room. In the morning (3 am) I thought eating porridge would help during the run, so I forced porridge down my throat. Good heavens, why would human being eat porridge? It wasn’t palatable at all and I will never eat porridge again! I got on to bus to get to the starting point i.e. Keswick. Good lord, the bus ride was horrendous, I thought I was going to puke; may be it was the porridge doing! I controlled myself and was fine when I got down. Around 5:30 in the morning, off I started. It was drizzling; I did not put on raincoat thinking it is not so bad. Well, after 10 or 15 minutes, I realized I do not want to be soaking wet for the next 7 hours, so I put on my raincoat and took off. It was all right for the first 10 miles, I met Dr. Crispin Miller at the first support checkpoint Grasmere, got my energy gels and drinks and set off running. It was raining bit heavily by then but I turned a blind eye and kept on going.
Just when I thought I was going great guns, at around 18th mile, I started having my initial leg cramps (devilish things!). I was expecting cramps but not so soon for I have taken magnesium tablets to prevent them (Thanks to Dr. Bertram Kohler for that advice). I got food and drinks from Mrs. Roberts at Coniston (kind of her to support our teams) and decided to visit first aid, even if the visit takes up few minutes from my timing. My idea was that any aid to ease my cramps might save me some time in due course. I thought probably it was only time I have to pay them a visit, little did I know I will have to visit them at every checkpoint thereafter. First aid was not set up by then, so I waited for some time, they sprayed some thing on my legs and I was fine and dandy. I went about running for another 10 miles with occasional walks when ascending. I did not stop for lunch at 20th mile; I thought it’s a waste of time having lost some time during my first first-aid visit.
Amy was there at third support checkpoint with the welcome sight of my food and Gatorade; I thanked her and set off again. After a few minutes I stopped to spend a penny, that’s when I started having excruciating pain because of severe muscle cramps all over my legs and stomach. Went to first aid, the lady staff who was attending me tried to give me some massage (an euphemism for manhandling if you will), she was making me cry like a toddler (I wasn’t crying literally though☺), but I gave in thinking manhandling my legs might help. She said to me that I must be thinking she is a witch, I was saying to myself -Dear Madam you don’t want to know what I am uttering in my mind. I set off from that place, in about 5 minutes after that my cramps were so bad that I could not walk. After every minute of walking my both calves would cramp, I would just stand still for few seconds and then walk. Just about that time it was getting so cold and was raining like crazy. Since then I did not surpass anybody. To add insult to injury, kids as young as 10 years outdistanced me, and my moral fiber was weakening. I was walking at snails pace; walking probably not right word I would say limping along. Making things worse, there was a hailstorm for short period and it was brutal. At that moment I thought NEVER AGAIN, this is the last time. One kind lady (K2B angel perhaps!) offered me some hot beverage, some biscuits and a blanket. I thanked her immensely for I was freezing and I needed some thing warm. So I dragged my feet for the next 7 miles with a blanket over me; and it felt like month of Sundays. Many people offered me to sit and rest for a while in their vans sensing my predicament, but I decided I should not sit and rest else I would sit there for good. My cramps were going south, especially when I stopped walking for longer than a minute. At about 35-mile checkpoint, I paid my last visit to first aid. My pain was so agonizing that I was hurting the medical attendant’s hand, which I was holding. They did provide some assistance, which made things better; I walked next two miles all right.
At last, weather was getting better; I threw my blanket and was feeling ok. I started running a bit again and the last mail was much better, I ran most of it and finished the race. I was disenchanted as I took 8 hours 34 minutes but then I thought at one point I was planning on quitting so I gave myself a pat on the back. Went to hotel, took a long shower and then back to the finishing lane to see what my other colleagues from the institute are up to. I was glad to know all of us who started have finished the race. And we all were accomplished but limping souls for the next few days. Thanks to my running mate Colin for the ride back home, else it could have been a painful commute on bus for four hours. Now, if you ask me will do IT again? , I say YES, why the hell not! One must always learn lessons, next year I will be well prepared for the drudgery and probably take 10 hours to finish ☺.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Women and Religion
Women and Religion:
I believe I am right in saying religion is the root cause of many women’s miseries across the world. Yet it beats me to see women are more churchly than men in general. And when I say religion, I mean all major religions in this world without barring and they all treat women as second class citizens.
Few years ago, a right wing activist group in India called Sriramasena lambasted eight women for entering in to a pub. Those self-proclaimed kosher people believed men can drink alcohol but not women. Many of these Hindu god men/women and their allies are a DISGRACE to the nation and its people. The fact that several of Hindu practices are backbreaking to women is in the open. If you had the misfortune of reading one of the old Hindu scripture called Manusmrithi, you would understand how biased Hindu religion is towards men.
“Hundreds of Afghan women jailed for 'moral crimes'.” I suspect most of the Afghan men should be incarcerated if the law was to apply for men and women likewise. Even women who had been through forced sexual assault are also put away for no foible of theirs. What kind of message Muslim clerics in Afghan and across the world are sending to their fellow believers when they say woman’s testimony counts half as man’s. School going girls are thrown acid on their faces, drinking water in girl schools are being poisoned. Women’s life is going south as we speak in South East Asia.
Conservatives in America believe it is a sin to go for family planning. Even if a woman conceives by the act of rape, she cannot go for abortion. If some brave lady stands up to these atrocities her character will be scrutinized, she would be called slut. There is legitimation of abuse of women in Christianity. “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” - How can anyone say, this is what Jesus believed in, but Christianity is not biased against women?
It gnaws at my vitals to see how we let half of our race to suffer despite our scientific and philosophical developments over the centuries. In all honesty, why any religion should have separate dictums for men and women? Why should religions treat women less than human? People say religion is abused by some egocentric minds for their own benefits. I agree to that partly, but why the man upstairs is letting people use its name for the wrong deeds. In my books, the main reason is that there is no God; it is invented by men to suppress the fairer sex. I hope women across the world one day understand this ruse and kiss religion goodbye for keeps, I am sure world will be a better place to live.
I believe I am right in saying religion is the root cause of many women’s miseries across the world. Yet it beats me to see women are more churchly than men in general. And when I say religion, I mean all major religions in this world without barring and they all treat women as second class citizens.
Few years ago, a right wing activist group in India called Sriramasena lambasted eight women for entering in to a pub. Those self-proclaimed kosher people believed men can drink alcohol but not women. Many of these Hindu god men/women and their allies are a DISGRACE to the nation and its people. The fact that several of Hindu practices are backbreaking to women is in the open. If you had the misfortune of reading one of the old Hindu scripture called Manusmrithi, you would understand how biased Hindu religion is towards men.
“Hundreds of Afghan women jailed for 'moral crimes'.” I suspect most of the Afghan men should be incarcerated if the law was to apply for men and women likewise. Even women who had been through forced sexual assault are also put away for no foible of theirs. What kind of message Muslim clerics in Afghan and across the world are sending to their fellow believers when they say woman’s testimony counts half as man’s. School going girls are thrown acid on their faces, drinking water in girl schools are being poisoned. Women’s life is going south as we speak in South East Asia.
Conservatives in America believe it is a sin to go for family planning. Even if a woman conceives by the act of rape, she cannot go for abortion. If some brave lady stands up to these atrocities her character will be scrutinized, she would be called slut. There is legitimation of abuse of women in Christianity. “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” - How can anyone say, this is what Jesus believed in, but Christianity is not biased against women?
It gnaws at my vitals to see how we let half of our race to suffer despite our scientific and philosophical developments over the centuries. In all honesty, why any religion should have separate dictums for men and women? Why should religions treat women less than human? People say religion is abused by some egocentric minds for their own benefits. I agree to that partly, but why the man upstairs is letting people use its name for the wrong deeds. In my books, the main reason is that there is no God; it is invented by men to suppress the fairer sex. I hope women across the world one day understand this ruse and kiss religion goodbye for keeps, I am sure world will be a better place to live.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Prostitution and Porn:
Prostitution and Porn:
What I believe in may offend few sensitive minds, I apologize to them. In my opinion, porn and prostitution are one and the same. If you watch porn (obviously you enjoy, that’s why you watch), you basically should not have any issues with prostitution. I am not saying one should become a prostitute, all I am I am saying is you should not judge prostitutes. Here goes my reasoning. Porn actors get paid for what they do in front of camera, so do prostitutes in their private space. Willingness to engage in these acts is questioned in both cases; they mainly do it for monetary benefits. I feel, if one thinks prostitution is immoral, then so is acting in porn movies. Now, if you watch porn and still think prostitution is immoral, you are being hypocritical. You cannot say prostitution is immoral and continue watching porn without a sense of guilt. I think it’s fair to compare it to paying money to get something done illegally and thinking you are free from blame. The reason I say this is because, you watch porn that means you are directly/indirectly promoting it, so you should have no issues with porn actors and subsequently prostitutes.
What I believe in may offend few sensitive minds, I apologize to them. In my opinion, porn and prostitution are one and the same. If you watch porn (obviously you enjoy, that’s why you watch), you basically should not have any issues with prostitution. I am not saying one should become a prostitute, all I am I am saying is you should not judge prostitutes. Here goes my reasoning. Porn actors get paid for what they do in front of camera, so do prostitutes in their private space. Willingness to engage in these acts is questioned in both cases; they mainly do it for monetary benefits. I feel, if one thinks prostitution is immoral, then so is acting in porn movies. Now, if you watch porn and still think prostitution is immoral, you are being hypocritical. You cannot say prostitution is immoral and continue watching porn without a sense of guilt. I think it’s fair to compare it to paying money to get something done illegally and thinking you are free from blame. The reason I say this is because, you watch porn that means you are directly/indirectly promoting it, so you should have no issues with porn actors and subsequently prostitutes.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Racial Prejudices
Racial Prejudices
That was a beautiful Manchester evening (really, believe me!) and I was on my way back to United States after giving job interviews in England. I must say my trip was successful for I have got the job and joyful as I have met my best friend whom I had not seen in a month of sundays. I was supposed to catch a flight from London Heathrow to JFK New York the following day. As there were no flights that reach London very early in the morning from Manchester, I had to take a bus from Manchester to London. The bus was to leave Manchester by mid night, so I had a nice and relaxing dinner, chicken ticka masala (apparently national food of Britain) for which I paid only 5 pounds. I was happy to know that Indian food is popularly priced in UK in comparison to USA. I reached the bus station sooner than expected. Having heard from people that Manchester is not very well guarded I did not dare to adventure in the city all by myself that late in the night. So there I was, waiting in the bus station, perusing “Is it just me or its nuts out there” by Whoopi Goldberg on my kindle (thanks to my wife for that!). Seated in front of me was a middle aged Indian looking man dressed to nines. After a while he looked at me and smiled, and I smiled back. He said in Hindi “aao idhar bhaito!”, I thought no harm in chatting up with a fellow citizen , so I accosted him and started making a conversation.
He introduced himself as an assistant professor working at Lahore University, Pakistan. I was delighted to know that for I had never met anyone from Pakistan till then in my life and I held no animosity against citizens of my neighboring country. We started talking about general things; much to my surprise began with weather (getting English habits even before I moved to UK). And the topic in cards came up in our repartee, i.e. RELIGION. I said I accede peoples’ faith in God and I have no qualms about it. I also told him about my atheistic views. He tried to argue with me, not about Allah but in general about God, how the presence of almighty God would make everything peaceful and calm, how solacing it is to believe in man upstairs and things alike. But when I took my weapons out he was not successful in putting up counter arguments. We were at logger heads about the subject matter and decided to give the slip. We then moved on to different aspects of our cultural history and politics. How bad politicians in both our countries are and how corruption is the root cause of our miseries.
Our focus suddenly shifted to getting bureaucratic work done in fair and simple way, with special reference to obtaining VISAs and also the way we are treated at airports. He started talking about how challenging it is for him and his fellow mates who truly believe in Islam. He said just because few people do something awful in the name of religion, everyone else has to suffer. I said I knew people who have gone through the ordeal. I agreed Muslims have tough time especially when in abroad. He proceeded to say he was doing some studies in France and he had hard time getting VISA initially. And when he finally got it French consulate refused to give VISA to his wife who was obviously wishing to join him. He was telling all agonies about not having his better half with him and how important it is for him to do the research in Europe. I said I know how he feels and I told him I am in the same boat. He continued to say it’s not fair to generalize things to which I agreed with him completely. I told him how awful it is to know just one thing about one community and treat everyone else in that community based on that one single idea. In fact I suggested him to listen to author Chimamanda Adichie’s talk on Dangers of single story.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html
After a while couple of Romanian girls were passing by. He immediately pointed them out to me and said be very careful when you are around them. I was puzzled having not known beans about them. I asked him “why must I be cautious?” He said Romanian girls are thieves and they have no moral values. I was slightly taken back and said surely not all Romanian girls are like that. And I told him we were just talking about stereotyping and he is doing the same. I also said he is doing the same thing that he was accusing others doing to him. I did not feel right in embarrassing respectful old man any further and tried to talk something else.
In reality I do not blame him completely for his remarks. It is instinctive to stereotype things. I am not saying it is right thing to do. All and sundry have prejudices against a particular race, religion, cast or nationality. Very few good people on earth probably do not generalize things. Majority of us consciously or unconsciously have presumption and prejudices but refrain from acting in any way that negatively affect others. Very few bad people do things that harm others, not because they are preyed upon, but pure rancor propels them to do awful things. Researchers have found that racist behavior is primary cause for many hate crimes. On the other hand racial prejudices, which many of us have, are mostly because of ignorance. It is not exactly racist to have racial prejudices. Racism and racial prejudices are different. Little learning about anything is dangerous, so it is very important to bring awareness about any prejudices, so that we do not become racists. As Chimamanda mentions it is important, very very important indeed, to learn about all aspects of a community, so that we do not judge people when we meet them.
That was a beautiful Manchester evening (really, believe me!) and I was on my way back to United States after giving job interviews in England. I must say my trip was successful for I have got the job and joyful as I have met my best friend whom I had not seen in a month of sundays. I was supposed to catch a flight from London Heathrow to JFK New York the following day. As there were no flights that reach London very early in the morning from Manchester, I had to take a bus from Manchester to London. The bus was to leave Manchester by mid night, so I had a nice and relaxing dinner, chicken ticka masala (apparently national food of Britain) for which I paid only 5 pounds. I was happy to know that Indian food is popularly priced in UK in comparison to USA. I reached the bus station sooner than expected. Having heard from people that Manchester is not very well guarded I did not dare to adventure in the city all by myself that late in the night. So there I was, waiting in the bus station, perusing “Is it just me or its nuts out there” by Whoopi Goldberg on my kindle (thanks to my wife for that!). Seated in front of me was a middle aged Indian looking man dressed to nines. After a while he looked at me and smiled, and I smiled back. He said in Hindi “aao idhar bhaito!”, I thought no harm in chatting up with a fellow citizen , so I accosted him and started making a conversation.
He introduced himself as an assistant professor working at Lahore University, Pakistan. I was delighted to know that for I had never met anyone from Pakistan till then in my life and I held no animosity against citizens of my neighboring country. We started talking about general things; much to my surprise began with weather (getting English habits even before I moved to UK). And the topic in cards came up in our repartee, i.e. RELIGION. I said I accede peoples’ faith in God and I have no qualms about it. I also told him about my atheistic views. He tried to argue with me, not about Allah but in general about God, how the presence of almighty God would make everything peaceful and calm, how solacing it is to believe in man upstairs and things alike. But when I took my weapons out he was not successful in putting up counter arguments. We were at logger heads about the subject matter and decided to give the slip. We then moved on to different aspects of our cultural history and politics. How bad politicians in both our countries are and how corruption is the root cause of our miseries.
Our focus suddenly shifted to getting bureaucratic work done in fair and simple way, with special reference to obtaining VISAs and also the way we are treated at airports. He started talking about how challenging it is for him and his fellow mates who truly believe in Islam. He said just because few people do something awful in the name of religion, everyone else has to suffer. I said I knew people who have gone through the ordeal. I agreed Muslims have tough time especially when in abroad. He proceeded to say he was doing some studies in France and he had hard time getting VISA initially. And when he finally got it French consulate refused to give VISA to his wife who was obviously wishing to join him. He was telling all agonies about not having his better half with him and how important it is for him to do the research in Europe. I said I know how he feels and I told him I am in the same boat. He continued to say it’s not fair to generalize things to which I agreed with him completely. I told him how awful it is to know just one thing about one community and treat everyone else in that community based on that one single idea. In fact I suggested him to listen to author Chimamanda Adichie’s talk on Dangers of single story.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html
After a while couple of Romanian girls were passing by. He immediately pointed them out to me and said be very careful when you are around them. I was puzzled having not known beans about them. I asked him “why must I be cautious?” He said Romanian girls are thieves and they have no moral values. I was slightly taken back and said surely not all Romanian girls are like that. And I told him we were just talking about stereotyping and he is doing the same. I also said he is doing the same thing that he was accusing others doing to him. I did not feel right in embarrassing respectful old man any further and tried to talk something else.
In reality I do not blame him completely for his remarks. It is instinctive to stereotype things. I am not saying it is right thing to do. All and sundry have prejudices against a particular race, religion, cast or nationality. Very few good people on earth probably do not generalize things. Majority of us consciously or unconsciously have presumption and prejudices but refrain from acting in any way that negatively affect others. Very few bad people do things that harm others, not because they are preyed upon, but pure rancor propels them to do awful things. Researchers have found that racist behavior is primary cause for many hate crimes. On the other hand racial prejudices, which many of us have, are mostly because of ignorance. It is not exactly racist to have racial prejudices. Racism and racial prejudices are different. Little learning about anything is dangerous, so it is very important to bring awareness about any prejudices, so that we do not become racists. As Chimamanda mentions it is important, very very important indeed, to learn about all aspects of a community, so that we do not judge people when we meet them.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Lessons learned from Indian Philosophy
Lessons learned from Indian Philosophy:
1. Do not find a reason to be Happy
2. Give 100% in whatever you do
3. Do not delay Important-No urgent things so that they become Important and Urgent
4. Sing happily
5. Do not find intentions in others’ mistakes
6. Take people as they are
7. Do not be a football of others’ opinions
8. Give more, expect less
9. Good idea is to implement a good idea
1. Do not find a reason to be Happy
2. Give 100% in whatever you do
3. Do not delay Important-No urgent things so that they become Important and Urgent
4. Sing happily
5. Do not find intentions in others’ mistakes
6. Take people as they are
7. Do not be a football of others’ opinions
8. Give more, expect less
9. Good idea is to implement a good idea
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Life, Love and Largesse
Life, Love and Largesse
Is success more important than living your life?
Is living your life more important than being loved?
Is being loved more important than loving your beloved?
Is loving your beloved more important than helping the helpless?
Is success more important than living your life?
Is living your life more important than being loved?
Is being loved more important than loving your beloved?
Is loving your beloved more important than helping the helpless?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Hollywood Vs. Bollywood
Actors (from hollywood and bollywood) have vast impact on general public. The influence can be both positive and negative, and it does not just stem from the way actors portray their characters in films, but also how the actors lead their lives. For once let me talk about all positive impressions these actors have on common man. What I want to present in this post is try and juxtapose the philanthropic nature of hollywood and bollywood actors.
Keeping aside how woebegone the personal lives of hollywood actors are, in all honesty I feel that they bequeath to the humane society more than their counter parts in India. Do not get me wrong, I love Hindi movies as much as I love English movies besides the fact that both industries compete in producing second-rate movies. Bollywood produces more movies than Hollywood and more people watch bollywood movies than hollywood movies. And it is only fair to say actors from bollywood have more influence on Indians than hollywood actors on Americans.
Hollywood uses its power to up-hold social justice around the globe where as bollywood uses its potential for self-indulgent pleasures. Hollywood actors not only donate their money but also their time. Oscar winning actor, Sean Penn, spent almost a year in Haiti looking after people who are the victims of earthquake and try to bring some solace in their lives. You name any successful hollywood actor, he/she surely is associated with philanthropy. Even 16-year-old pop singer Justin Bieber is known for his charity work. You rarely find such a gesture from bollywood actors. Our very famous Khan-trio are seldom in news for their philanthropic acts. It may not be fair to universalize as there are few philanthropists in bollywood, but in general philanthropy is off the wall in bollywood.
While Hollywood actors care about the whole world, Indian actors would not even look after their own fellow citizens. Angelina Jolie is not in lime light just for her kinship with Brad Pitt or for her lesbian past but equally reputable for her humanitarian efforts. She is UNHCR good-will ambassador. In 2006 alone, 8.5 million dollars was donated by Brangelina. I am making no bones about it in saying not even one bollywood actor come close to her humanitarian accomplishments.
Actors have engaged themselves politically in both film industries, more so in India. While Hollywood actors proved themselves to be good public servants, our very own actors are making a mint. For example, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proven to be a great politician, and our very own member of parliament Govinda did not even care to attend parliamentary proceedings 10% of the time. Govinda spoke only twice in parliament for less than 2 minutes in his entire political career. Again it’s hard for me to compare Indian politicians and bollywood actors; I simply can’t choose lesser of two evils.
It is not just actors, it’s also businessmen, sports person contribute positively to the world in the west where as in India sadly but truly philanthropy has fallen byway side. When we compare Bill Gates and Warren Buffet to our businessmen, they have done nothing for common Indian, let alone whole world.
I understand cinema is the only source of entertainment to our middle and poor classes in India. But I think bollywood actors are given undue importance. They only take and don’t give back. And I also completely understand how one is not obliged to do charity or philanthropy. My argument is they should be treated just for what they are. But in our country we build temples for those selfish morons and treat them like demigods. In totality we Indians lack community consciousness.
P.S. Having said all I am sure there are benevolent bollywood actors and people from other arenas strive for common good, I respect them, but lot more should be done from our communities for the love they receive from us.
Keeping aside how woebegone the personal lives of hollywood actors are, in all honesty I feel that they bequeath to the humane society more than their counter parts in India. Do not get me wrong, I love Hindi movies as much as I love English movies besides the fact that both industries compete in producing second-rate movies. Bollywood produces more movies than Hollywood and more people watch bollywood movies than hollywood movies. And it is only fair to say actors from bollywood have more influence on Indians than hollywood actors on Americans.
Hollywood uses its power to up-hold social justice around the globe where as bollywood uses its potential for self-indulgent pleasures. Hollywood actors not only donate their money but also their time. Oscar winning actor, Sean Penn, spent almost a year in Haiti looking after people who are the victims of earthquake and try to bring some solace in their lives. You name any successful hollywood actor, he/she surely is associated with philanthropy. Even 16-year-old pop singer Justin Bieber is known for his charity work. You rarely find such a gesture from bollywood actors. Our very famous Khan-trio are seldom in news for their philanthropic acts. It may not be fair to universalize as there are few philanthropists in bollywood, but in general philanthropy is off the wall in bollywood.
While Hollywood actors care about the whole world, Indian actors would not even look after their own fellow citizens. Angelina Jolie is not in lime light just for her kinship with Brad Pitt or for her lesbian past but equally reputable for her humanitarian efforts. She is UNHCR good-will ambassador. In 2006 alone, 8.5 million dollars was donated by Brangelina. I am making no bones about it in saying not even one bollywood actor come close to her humanitarian accomplishments.
Actors have engaged themselves politically in both film industries, more so in India. While Hollywood actors proved themselves to be good public servants, our very own actors are making a mint. For example, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proven to be a great politician, and our very own member of parliament Govinda did not even care to attend parliamentary proceedings 10% of the time. Govinda spoke only twice in parliament for less than 2 minutes in his entire political career. Again it’s hard for me to compare Indian politicians and bollywood actors; I simply can’t choose lesser of two evils.
It is not just actors, it’s also businessmen, sports person contribute positively to the world in the west where as in India sadly but truly philanthropy has fallen byway side. When we compare Bill Gates and Warren Buffet to our businessmen, they have done nothing for common Indian, let alone whole world.
I understand cinema is the only source of entertainment to our middle and poor classes in India. But I think bollywood actors are given undue importance. They only take and don’t give back. And I also completely understand how one is not obliged to do charity or philanthropy. My argument is they should be treated just for what they are. But in our country we build temples for those selfish morons and treat them like demigods. In totality we Indians lack community consciousness.
P.S. Having said all I am sure there are benevolent bollywood actors and people from other arenas strive for common good, I respect them, but lot more should be done from our communities for the love they receive from us.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Who is responsible?
Who is responsible?
It drives me to the wall seeing the way media and Indians (residents and non-residents) reacted over the seemingly failure of Indian government’s initial attempts to organize Common Wealth Games (CWG). I am partly despondent because of the corruption, lack of organizing skills from the government officials but what disheartens me most is the attitude of common Indians. I know it’s not news to any one of us, either about corruption or the mindset of Indians in general.
I have been keeping abreast of how the games are being organized over the past 1 year and I reckon we are making cogent progress in several fronts. Rome was not build in a day; and I accede to the fact that we ought to do lot better. But that “WE” include you, me and the government, not just the government. Over night one cannot expect all citizens and politicians of India to be genuine, honest and law abiding; it is not happening; so why expect unblemished CWG preparations?
NDTV showed a picture where one security officer, who is supposed to shepherd CWG preparations, was relieving himself in front of a big CWG poster. Who is responsible for that demeanor? Delhi chief minster Sheela Dixit or shameless security officer? I would not be surprised if the same security officer accosts the media and sells few more awful pictures that he had captured in the interest to make some money. More than half of the volunteers had dropped off after receiving expensive free kits; doesn’t it speak of our attitude towards the issues and then the very same “US” grumble about everything that is not done properly.
Even (self proclaimed) unbiased new channel CNN reported quoting “hard evidences of child labor in CWG preparations”. Any sane Indian (photographer is an Indian!) who has seen the photographs would understand that the kids shown those photographs are not child laborers but the kids who are too young to go to school and loitering around with their parents. Does that mean that India does not have child laborers; no there are millions of them. But the way the western and Indian media has pointed child laborers in India in this very particular instance is not justified.
We have been dragged through mud many times by our fellow Indians and foreigners. We handled it in the past and we continue to do the same. If India, as a nation, attempts to do any thing, whole world (including fellow Indians) will look through lenses to find faults. Does that mean we should bow our heads and stop progressing ourselves? Hell NO, we will learn, just like we have been learning ourselves in various fields and we shall progress, sky is the limit. Some might say cake is not worth the candle, may be it is true, but there is beginning for everything; this is just the beginning in one front, which lays foundations to our greater deeds.
Being critical about government or any thing for that matter is good to an extent. I am not carrying water for the government but our quibbles should also be accompanied by ventures to solve the problems and it is not just by preaching what should be done but rather by doing / aid in facilitating what should be done. There could be few people who have put their selfless efforts to make CWG a success. If we keep looking for what has not been done properly and blame the entire team, the genuine guys would lose interest eventually and by mere fault finding we will never be able to achieve any thing as a whole country.
In my books, it is not solely Sheela or Kalmadi or MCD who is responsible for the mess; it’s the proclivity of Indians that is failing us. I am not saying that every one should join politics to clear up the mess, what I am saying is, just be a perfect citizen. What might also get us to the destiny soon will be the change of callous attitude that has been deeply ingrained in our minds over decades.
It drives me to the wall seeing the way media and Indians (residents and non-residents) reacted over the seemingly failure of Indian government’s initial attempts to organize Common Wealth Games (CWG). I am partly despondent because of the corruption, lack of organizing skills from the government officials but what disheartens me most is the attitude of common Indians. I know it’s not news to any one of us, either about corruption or the mindset of Indians in general.
I have been keeping abreast of how the games are being organized over the past 1 year and I reckon we are making cogent progress in several fronts. Rome was not build in a day; and I accede to the fact that we ought to do lot better. But that “WE” include you, me and the government, not just the government. Over night one cannot expect all citizens and politicians of India to be genuine, honest and law abiding; it is not happening; so why expect unblemished CWG preparations?
NDTV showed a picture where one security officer, who is supposed to shepherd CWG preparations, was relieving himself in front of a big CWG poster. Who is responsible for that demeanor? Delhi chief minster Sheela Dixit or shameless security officer? I would not be surprised if the same security officer accosts the media and sells few more awful pictures that he had captured in the interest to make some money. More than half of the volunteers had dropped off after receiving expensive free kits; doesn’t it speak of our attitude towards the issues and then the very same “US” grumble about everything that is not done properly.
Even (self proclaimed) unbiased new channel CNN reported quoting “hard evidences of child labor in CWG preparations”. Any sane Indian (photographer is an Indian!) who has seen the photographs would understand that the kids shown those photographs are not child laborers but the kids who are too young to go to school and loitering around with their parents. Does that mean that India does not have child laborers; no there are millions of them. But the way the western and Indian media has pointed child laborers in India in this very particular instance is not justified.
We have been dragged through mud many times by our fellow Indians and foreigners. We handled it in the past and we continue to do the same. If India, as a nation, attempts to do any thing, whole world (including fellow Indians) will look through lenses to find faults. Does that mean we should bow our heads and stop progressing ourselves? Hell NO, we will learn, just like we have been learning ourselves in various fields and we shall progress, sky is the limit. Some might say cake is not worth the candle, may be it is true, but there is beginning for everything; this is just the beginning in one front, which lays foundations to our greater deeds.
Being critical about government or any thing for that matter is good to an extent. I am not carrying water for the government but our quibbles should also be accompanied by ventures to solve the problems and it is not just by preaching what should be done but rather by doing / aid in facilitating what should be done. There could be few people who have put their selfless efforts to make CWG a success. If we keep looking for what has not been done properly and blame the entire team, the genuine guys would lose interest eventually and by mere fault finding we will never be able to achieve any thing as a whole country.
In my books, it is not solely Sheela or Kalmadi or MCD who is responsible for the mess; it’s the proclivity of Indians that is failing us. I am not saying that every one should join politics to clear up the mess, what I am saying is, just be a perfect citizen. What might also get us to the destiny soon will be the change of callous attitude that has been deeply ingrained in our minds over decades.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Confuzzled
Confuzzled:
If there be God please forgive me. I have been experiencing a “crisis of faith” on and off for many years and strained every nerve to have faith in God: but in recent past my endeavors to have faith in God had gone astray. The vicissitude of my views is certainly not because my wishes have been rebuffed or world has been unfair to me but for the very reason that I see the world around me and try to think through my mind.
I have been a fervid Hindu all through out my life and like most of the Hindus I am receptive of other religions. I am not skeptical about the veracity of any religion, but the very existence of the man upstairs. I understand the solace one gets by feeling the presence of God in one’s life and appreciate the importance of religion in keeping up the morals of people. But, I am a law abiding citizen, I surely know what is right, what is wrong and definitely do not want “men or women of cloth” preach me (often they don’t follow themselves) what is righteous. Truth of the matter is my resentment towards these God men/women exacerbates when the very existence of God is oppugned.
My common sense and little knowledge in evolution biology mock me every morning when I keep the sacred mark on my forehead. “Do you really have to fool yourself Kiran? Your mother is not here, she would not know whether you are praying every day or not, why do you care? ” is what I hear my mind saying. The answer is I am at logger heads about the existence of God and to which I can no longer turn a blind eye.
I think it is perfectly normal for every adult to have this crisis of faith, whichever religion he/she inherits from parents. It has not spared Mother Teresa, who was a sacred cow and an epitome of compassion and humanity. In one of her letter to a reverend she writes
“as for me, the silence and emptiness is so great that I look and
do not see, listen and do not hear”
In the later half of her life she claims that she felt no presence of God whatsoever. Although I do not agree with atheists who say she was sailing in false colors by proclaiming herself pious, but I reckon what probably she did not know was that even the reverend must have had the same crisis of faith. She had the strength and courage to convey her feelings about God, where as the reverend had not.
A posteriori argument is that humankind has witnessed so many atrocities being committed in the name of religion. If there is God, who proclaimed to have mighty powers or these phony-baloney religious leaders bestow God to have these powers, what was it doing all along? My Hindu friends would bring in the concept of karma, a self fulfilling prophecy. Pardon me my dear brothers and sisters, how does it matter to me what I did in my past life (if there was one). If I helped out someone in crisis, I want to be bailed out when I am in trouble----in this very life. I have swallowed many good things all religions says hook, line, and sinker, but you do not need to scare the daylights of me in the name of God; what world needs is the moral fiber and humanitarian attempts to love and respect fellow human beings.
In all honesty, just because I have crisis of faith does not mean God does not exists, for me he does not seem to exist; but if you feel the same way as I do, think about it, you are doing no favor to yourself by living in the religious world of fabrication.
If there be God please forgive me. I have been experiencing a “crisis of faith” on and off for many years and strained every nerve to have faith in God: but in recent past my endeavors to have faith in God had gone astray. The vicissitude of my views is certainly not because my wishes have been rebuffed or world has been unfair to me but for the very reason that I see the world around me and try to think through my mind.
I have been a fervid Hindu all through out my life and like most of the Hindus I am receptive of other religions. I am not skeptical about the veracity of any religion, but the very existence of the man upstairs. I understand the solace one gets by feeling the presence of God in one’s life and appreciate the importance of religion in keeping up the morals of people. But, I am a law abiding citizen, I surely know what is right, what is wrong and definitely do not want “men or women of cloth” preach me (often they don’t follow themselves) what is righteous. Truth of the matter is my resentment towards these God men/women exacerbates when the very existence of God is oppugned.
My common sense and little knowledge in evolution biology mock me every morning when I keep the sacred mark on my forehead. “Do you really have to fool yourself Kiran? Your mother is not here, she would not know whether you are praying every day or not, why do you care? ” is what I hear my mind saying. The answer is I am at logger heads about the existence of God and to which I can no longer turn a blind eye.
I think it is perfectly normal for every adult to have this crisis of faith, whichever religion he/she inherits from parents. It has not spared Mother Teresa, who was a sacred cow and an epitome of compassion and humanity. In one of her letter to a reverend she writes
“as for me, the silence and emptiness is so great that I look and
do not see, listen and do not hear”
In the later half of her life she claims that she felt no presence of God whatsoever. Although I do not agree with atheists who say she was sailing in false colors by proclaiming herself pious, but I reckon what probably she did not know was that even the reverend must have had the same crisis of faith. She had the strength and courage to convey her feelings about God, where as the reverend had not.
A posteriori argument is that humankind has witnessed so many atrocities being committed in the name of religion. If there is God, who proclaimed to have mighty powers or these phony-baloney religious leaders bestow God to have these powers, what was it doing all along? My Hindu friends would bring in the concept of karma, a self fulfilling prophecy. Pardon me my dear brothers and sisters, how does it matter to me what I did in my past life (if there was one). If I helped out someone in crisis, I want to be bailed out when I am in trouble----in this very life. I have swallowed many good things all religions says hook, line, and sinker, but you do not need to scare the daylights of me in the name of God; what world needs is the moral fiber and humanitarian attempts to love and respect fellow human beings.
In all honesty, just because I have crisis of faith does not mean God does not exists, for me he does not seem to exist; but if you feel the same way as I do, think about it, you are doing no favor to yourself by living in the religious world of fabrication.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
My take on Homosexuality
My take on Homosexuality:
Like many of us, I was also a part of polemics over homosexuality, all right and wrong things about it. Despite the fact that many of my colleagues carry either a Ph.D. degree or at least a master’s degree, there is always 50-50 split on both sides of the debate. This tells us that presumptions on homosexuality does not always stem from philistinism and ambiguity over naturalness of homosexuality.
The exact meaning of “Naturalness” is beyond our ken; in my books as long as a thing is not genetically manipulated everything is natural, for example altruism, criminal behavior and homosexuality. I am not allegorizing these three things in any sense save the fact that people who possess these behaviors are generally in minority. While altruism is admired and applauded, criminal behavior needs to be treated cognitively. Regarding homosexuality, there is no silver bullet for it; one has to decide how it should to be taken. Since homosexuality poses no threat to any section of society, I reckon people who like same sex should be given a fair crack of whip.
Personally, I am neither a radical nor a stick in the mud, but again I am not sitting on fence in this case. If my son or daughter comes out as gay, I would not disown, would not love any less, would give all comfort he/she needs but the “very fact” would gnaw at my vitals. I would not want my kids to go through the tribulation and endure that they are different from most of us. Being a biologist, I totally understand the naturalness of homosexuality and have nothing against it, but given a chance (I know there isn’t one) I would not my kids to be homosexuals.
While promiscuity of homosexuals is often questioned, I reckon if they are treated the way they should be treated, it will not be an issue. I do appreciate the importance of monogamy but that is applicable to all sections of the society equally irrespective of religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Old guards would proclaim that the very idea of marriage would be lost, if homosexuals were allowed to marry. I do not find any ratiocination in that remonstrance. Marriage is not just exchanging rings; it is more of an understanding between two human beings and their wish to live together for life time. If two adults would want to live together they should be allowed to marry irrespective of their sex.
Some people’s argument that “by accepting homosexuality you are promoting it” is fallacious. A person is what he/she is; one might squeeze blood out of turnip but cannot change a person’s feelings. By accepting homosexuals, you are in no way changing a heterosexual to homosexual. Straight from the shoulder, by accepting homosexuality world will not come to an end, so accept people as they are!
P.S. As my title says, this blog is just my take on homosexuality. I could be wrong. If any one is offended with the content I sincerely apologize.
Like many of us, I was also a part of polemics over homosexuality, all right and wrong things about it. Despite the fact that many of my colleagues carry either a Ph.D. degree or at least a master’s degree, there is always 50-50 split on both sides of the debate. This tells us that presumptions on homosexuality does not always stem from philistinism and ambiguity over naturalness of homosexuality.
The exact meaning of “Naturalness” is beyond our ken; in my books as long as a thing is not genetically manipulated everything is natural, for example altruism, criminal behavior and homosexuality. I am not allegorizing these three things in any sense save the fact that people who possess these behaviors are generally in minority. While altruism is admired and applauded, criminal behavior needs to be treated cognitively. Regarding homosexuality, there is no silver bullet for it; one has to decide how it should to be taken. Since homosexuality poses no threat to any section of society, I reckon people who like same sex should be given a fair crack of whip.
Personally, I am neither a radical nor a stick in the mud, but again I am not sitting on fence in this case. If my son or daughter comes out as gay, I would not disown, would not love any less, would give all comfort he/she needs but the “very fact” would gnaw at my vitals. I would not want my kids to go through the tribulation and endure that they are different from most of us. Being a biologist, I totally understand the naturalness of homosexuality and have nothing against it, but given a chance (I know there isn’t one) I would not my kids to be homosexuals.
While promiscuity of homosexuals is often questioned, I reckon if they are treated the way they should be treated, it will not be an issue. I do appreciate the importance of monogamy but that is applicable to all sections of the society equally irrespective of religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Old guards would proclaim that the very idea of marriage would be lost, if homosexuals were allowed to marry. I do not find any ratiocination in that remonstrance. Marriage is not just exchanging rings; it is more of an understanding between two human beings and their wish to live together for life time. If two adults would want to live together they should be allowed to marry irrespective of their sex.
Some people’s argument that “by accepting homosexuality you are promoting it” is fallacious. A person is what he/she is; one might squeeze blood out of turnip but cannot change a person’s feelings. By accepting homosexuals, you are in no way changing a heterosexual to homosexual. Straight from the shoulder, by accepting homosexuality world will not come to an end, so accept people as they are!
P.S. As my title says, this blog is just my take on homosexuality. I could be wrong. If any one is offended with the content I sincerely apologize.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Mind Matters: Gossip in the Lab -- Proceed with Caution
Mind Matters: Gossip in the Lab -- Proceed with Caution
- Irene S. Levine
1. Avoid gossip if you can.
2. If you must gossip, gossip judiciously
3. If you hear gossip, exercise discretion
4. Don't believe everything you hear, even if disbelieving requires, well, a willing suspension of belief.
5. Only gossip among people you know and who know you.
6. If you're a manager, assess whether gossip is symptomatic of a paucity of communication
7. Know when and how to draw the line
8. The problem with gossip is that one day it will be about you.
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2010_01_29/caredit.a1000012
- Irene S. Levine
1. Avoid gossip if you can.
2. If you must gossip, gossip judiciously
3. If you hear gossip, exercise discretion
4. Don't believe everything you hear, even if disbelieving requires, well, a willing suspension of belief.
5. Only gossip among people you know and who know you.
6. If you're a manager, assess whether gossip is symptomatic of a paucity of communication
7. Know when and how to draw the line
8. The problem with gossip is that one day it will be about you.
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_magazine/previous_issues/articles/2010_01_29/caredit.a1000012
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Gandhi and Nehru at “Rakhi ka Swayamvar”
Gandhi and Nehru at “Rakhi ka Swayamvar”
Prologue:
Gandhi and Nehru were rewarded with free passes to visit earth for their exceptionally good behavior in heaven.
Day1:
Gandhi woke up early in the morning, like he does always, finished his morning prayers and made tea with goat’s milk for Nehru and himself. Nehru thanked Gandhi for savory tea and asked about his plans for the day.
“Oh. All in a day’s work, I shall saunter around Sabarmathi ashram and maybe then I shall go for Ram Bhajan and spend my rest of the day.”
“You have not come here to do the same quotidian things that you have been doing in donkey’s years. Let’s do something different, let’s go for a movie.”
Gandhi had to grin and bear it. Both of them went to watch “Lage Raho Munnabhai” and loved the movie from beginning to end.
Nehru said “I wish I were also a tenant of the old age home where Vidhya Balan stays. Then I would get to see her every day. She is so beautiful!”
“Was it so inexplicable for you to assimilate what the movie was all about? Have you not perceived how Gandhian ways of life are revered and complied? All you could see was the pretty little lady in the movie”
“Revered, yes, complied, I don’t think so. Whoever follows your principles will be treated as screwball. That’s what happened in the movie, isn’t it? Your doctrines do not work any longer Gandhi"
“You are talking out of your hat. How can you say such churlish things about my ways of life? Do you not acknowledge that we got our independence from British through my way?”
“Huh, gone are those days and your ways, now no one would turn the other cheek if you slap, rather you will lose your 32 teeth if you attempt to do so”
After a brannigan about Gandhian principles both of them agreed to the bitter truth that Indians and people around the globe do respect what Gandhi said and followed, but it is just that very few people believe in practicing.
“Now that we have seen the movie, let’s go and find Vidhya Balan. May be we should visit some studios; those are the places where we may have better chance of finding her” said Nehru.
“You are away with fairies; you will not stand a chance before her.”
“I have been there Gandhi. Don’t you belittle my credentials, I fare much better than that ostensibly bald hero, ah…What’s his name, Sanjay Dutt. And, have you forgotten about my shenanigans with Lady Mountbatten? If I could win a Caucasian lady’s heart, why not Vidhya’s? By the way, speaking of white women, my grand children and great grand children are also good at this job. We all are fast workers Gandhi; got my drift?”
Gandhi had to agree with what Nehru said and instead of going to Yashraj studios, by mistake they ended up going to NDTV studios.
The place was well lit and adorned with various colored flowers. Poles of the frames were enswathed with bright colored silk drapes and strings of flowers. Everyone was dressed so colorful, and it appeared as if they were in a wedding ceremony. That’s when a big billboard caught their attention, it’s written with big letters “Rakhi ka Swayamvar”.
“Wait, are these people behind times? How do you mean by Swayamvar? Is it practiced in India nowadays?” asked Gandhi.
“Apparently so, I reckon it should be the same way that it used to be. In Sathyayug it was ‘Sita ka Swayamvar’, now in Kalyug it is ‘Rakhi ka Swayamvar’. Oh. Dear Rakhi! I now remember watching “pardesi yeah hai such hai piya” song in heaven, oh man! I tell you she has got the best. Even Lord Indra agreed that Ramba, Urvasi and Menaka are nothing in front of her. I want to try my luck.” said Nehru.
“So would I” uttered Gandhi without thinking twice.
“How will we go about participating, since we are only souls and can’t be seen?” asked Nehru.
“Ok, let’s get in to some of the competitors’ bodies. Looks like we are lucky, we arrived at finals of the Swayamvar. It’s a competition between you and me Nehru.”
Nehru chose a seemingly well built and smart looking guy and entered in to his body. Gandhi, to Nehru’s surprise, chose a half bald, who is an NRI from Canada.
“Why are you making this competition easy for me by choosing the loser” asked Nehru.
“We shall see who will be the loser” replied Gandhi.
Competition began, there were three finalists, and two of them were of course Gandhi and Nehru. After a round of elimination, Gandhi and Nehru stood as two finalists. In the final round Rakhi has to decide whom she is going to wed.
Rakhi: “Oh Dears, I am so glad that you both have made it to the finals. You both fared well in relationships round and won my heart but as you understand I want to choose someone who is bright as button. Now it is the final test, I shall ask three questions related to English, Mathematics and Science.
Here is the 1st question related to English:
If Ram’s mother has five sons and their names are Rama, Rame, Rami and Ramo, what is the last son’s name?”
Both Gandhi and Nehru knew the answer is ‘Ram’ but Gandhi chose to answer it as “Ramu” and Nehru said “Ram”
Rakhi congratulated Gandhi for the right answer and looked at Nehru and asked him to go back to kindergarten.
Before Nehru recovered from shock, the second question related to mathematics was asked.
“2,4,5,1 and 3 what is the middle number?”
Nehru immediately said ‘5’ even before he was asked to answer. Later Gandhi coolly said ‘3’.
Rakhi announced Gandhi as winner of the second round and gave a odd look at Nehru”
Since there was no need of third round Gandhi was announced as winner of Rakhi’s heart. They exchanged garlands. And the ceremony was over in few minutes.
Later Nehru asked Gandhi “how you can win her by giving wrong answers?”
Gandhi replied “I gave the answers which she thinks are right. I came to know her fatuousness when she said the first question is related to English. Then I realized what kind of answer she is expecting.”
Although Gandhi refused to leave Rakhi and go back to ashram, when Nehru explained the repercussion of staying back with Rakhi, he was ready to leave. Both of them left the bodies of the competitors’ and headed towards the ashram.
Courtesy: NDTV, Times of India and Google of course.
Prologue:
Gandhi and Nehru were rewarded with free passes to visit earth for their exceptionally good behavior in heaven.
Day1:
Gandhi woke up early in the morning, like he does always, finished his morning prayers and made tea with goat’s milk for Nehru and himself. Nehru thanked Gandhi for savory tea and asked about his plans for the day.
“Oh. All in a day’s work, I shall saunter around Sabarmathi ashram and maybe then I shall go for Ram Bhajan and spend my rest of the day.”
“You have not come here to do the same quotidian things that you have been doing in donkey’s years. Let’s do something different, let’s go for a movie.”
Gandhi had to grin and bear it. Both of them went to watch “Lage Raho Munnabhai” and loved the movie from beginning to end.
Nehru said “I wish I were also a tenant of the old age home where Vidhya Balan stays. Then I would get to see her every day. She is so beautiful!”
“Was it so inexplicable for you to assimilate what the movie was all about? Have you not perceived how Gandhian ways of life are revered and complied? All you could see was the pretty little lady in the movie”
“Revered, yes, complied, I don’t think so. Whoever follows your principles will be treated as screwball. That’s what happened in the movie, isn’t it? Your doctrines do not work any longer Gandhi"
“You are talking out of your hat. How can you say such churlish things about my ways of life? Do you not acknowledge that we got our independence from British through my way?”
“Huh, gone are those days and your ways, now no one would turn the other cheek if you slap, rather you will lose your 32 teeth if you attempt to do so”
After a brannigan about Gandhian principles both of them agreed to the bitter truth that Indians and people around the globe do respect what Gandhi said and followed, but it is just that very few people believe in practicing.
“Now that we have seen the movie, let’s go and find Vidhya Balan. May be we should visit some studios; those are the places where we may have better chance of finding her” said Nehru.
“You are away with fairies; you will not stand a chance before her.”
“I have been there Gandhi. Don’t you belittle my credentials, I fare much better than that ostensibly bald hero, ah…What’s his name, Sanjay Dutt. And, have you forgotten about my shenanigans with Lady Mountbatten? If I could win a Caucasian lady’s heart, why not Vidhya’s? By the way, speaking of white women, my grand children and great grand children are also good at this job. We all are fast workers Gandhi; got my drift?”
Gandhi had to agree with what Nehru said and instead of going to Yashraj studios, by mistake they ended up going to NDTV studios.
The place was well lit and adorned with various colored flowers. Poles of the frames were enswathed with bright colored silk drapes and strings of flowers. Everyone was dressed so colorful, and it appeared as if they were in a wedding ceremony. That’s when a big billboard caught their attention, it’s written with big letters “Rakhi ka Swayamvar”.
“Wait, are these people behind times? How do you mean by Swayamvar? Is it practiced in India nowadays?” asked Gandhi.
“Apparently so, I reckon it should be the same way that it used to be. In Sathyayug it was ‘Sita ka Swayamvar’, now in Kalyug it is ‘Rakhi ka Swayamvar’. Oh. Dear Rakhi! I now remember watching “pardesi yeah hai such hai piya” song in heaven, oh man! I tell you she has got the best. Even Lord Indra agreed that Ramba, Urvasi and Menaka are nothing in front of her. I want to try my luck.” said Nehru.
“So would I” uttered Gandhi without thinking twice.
“How will we go about participating, since we are only souls and can’t be seen?” asked Nehru.
“Ok, let’s get in to some of the competitors’ bodies. Looks like we are lucky, we arrived at finals of the Swayamvar. It’s a competition between you and me Nehru.”
Nehru chose a seemingly well built and smart looking guy and entered in to his body. Gandhi, to Nehru’s surprise, chose a half bald, who is an NRI from Canada.
“Why are you making this competition easy for me by choosing the loser” asked Nehru.
“We shall see who will be the loser” replied Gandhi.
Competition began, there were three finalists, and two of them were of course Gandhi and Nehru. After a round of elimination, Gandhi and Nehru stood as two finalists. In the final round Rakhi has to decide whom she is going to wed.
Rakhi: “Oh Dears, I am so glad that you both have made it to the finals. You both fared well in relationships round and won my heart but as you understand I want to choose someone who is bright as button. Now it is the final test, I shall ask three questions related to English, Mathematics and Science.
Here is the 1st question related to English:
If Ram’s mother has five sons and their names are Rama, Rame, Rami and Ramo, what is the last son’s name?”
Both Gandhi and Nehru knew the answer is ‘Ram’ but Gandhi chose to answer it as “Ramu” and Nehru said “Ram”
Rakhi congratulated Gandhi for the right answer and looked at Nehru and asked him to go back to kindergarten.
Before Nehru recovered from shock, the second question related to mathematics was asked.
“2,4,5,1 and 3 what is the middle number?”
Nehru immediately said ‘5’ even before he was asked to answer. Later Gandhi coolly said ‘3’.
Rakhi announced Gandhi as winner of the second round and gave a odd look at Nehru”
Since there was no need of third round Gandhi was announced as winner of Rakhi’s heart. They exchanged garlands. And the ceremony was over in few minutes.
Later Nehru asked Gandhi “how you can win her by giving wrong answers?”
Gandhi replied “I gave the answers which she thinks are right. I came to know her fatuousness when she said the first question is related to English. Then I realized what kind of answer she is expecting.”
Although Gandhi refused to leave Rakhi and go back to ashram, when Nehru explained the repercussion of staying back with Rakhi, he was ready to leave. Both of them left the bodies of the competitors’ and headed towards the ashram.
Courtesy: NDTV, Times of India and Google of course.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Telangana
The name “Telangana’’ strikes a chord with every Indian by now. I am neither a schismatic nor against furtherance of downtrodden, who have been denied most basic amenities in a coons’ age. I am sorry that people of Telangana have been neglected with all forms of development. Government and political parties must strain every nerve to emulate the situation in Telangana. But I reckon splitting the state based on region would be like robbing Peter and paying Paul. A misstep to cover up a blunder is not the ‘solution’. It might give respite to the people of Telangana for some time, but after that they will be left high and dry.
“Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS)”, headed by KC Rao, who wrapped himself in pink flag, proclaimed to fight for the people of Telangana. Having seen TRS and KC Rao over 10 years, even dogs in street know by now what that party is all about and what it’s leader actually cares for. After losing miserably in state assembly elections and in center, the party has decided that they have to do something. And here you go; you get up in the middle of the night and decide that you want to do justice for people of Telangana and the next morning you are on fast. Come on; give people of India and Andhrapradesh a break. Few hundred people are good enough to create brouhaha and make it look like a freedom fight. All the party needed to do was throw few bucks and their job was done. Comparing Potti Sriramulu (who once fought for separate Andhra state from Madras) with KC Rao would be a Himalayan blunder. Late Mr. Sriramulu struggled for a noble cause and became a martyr. KC Rao, no one thinks so. You never know, we may have another Madhu Koda in making in the form of KC Rao.
Our political system is so corrupted that nothing constructive would be accomplished by the political parties without looking for personal benefits. They are all mouth and trousers. I support Gandhian style of protest by fasting, but not when fasting is also associated with so much of violence against public property. Gandhi did it for Indians and now TRS politicians are doing it for themselves. In my book Congress, TDP and PRP are no less evil than TRS.
Student leader of Osmania University went on record saying separate Telangana is his birth right since he was born in that particular part of the state. That’s the most irrational and incongruous thing I would imagine from a student leader. Tomorrow I will say oh! I was born in Visakhapatnam; separate country named ‘Visakha’ is my birth right. Come on; wake up and smell the coffee and do your part in clearing up the mess. I am sure the student movement in Osmania University is fueled by political motives as well.
You do see acts of humanitarianism, compassion and amity, like when students of Andhra University went on protesting for ‘United Andhra’. As I see it, those people who went on protesting for United Andhra, would not lose a penny if separate Telangana state is created. But they want to have united Andhra; it’s the feeling of brotherhood.
I anticipate that the rank and file of Telangana would be cognizant of egocentric motives of crooked, dishonorable and unscrupulous politicians and act wise by repudiating the separationists. I hope and pray for once central government would think through its head before it starts portioning the states.
“Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS)”, headed by KC Rao, who wrapped himself in pink flag, proclaimed to fight for the people of Telangana. Having seen TRS and KC Rao over 10 years, even dogs in street know by now what that party is all about and what it’s leader actually cares for. After losing miserably in state assembly elections and in center, the party has decided that they have to do something. And here you go; you get up in the middle of the night and decide that you want to do justice for people of Telangana and the next morning you are on fast. Come on; give people of India and Andhrapradesh a break. Few hundred people are good enough to create brouhaha and make it look like a freedom fight. All the party needed to do was throw few bucks and their job was done. Comparing Potti Sriramulu (who once fought for separate Andhra state from Madras) with KC Rao would be a Himalayan blunder. Late Mr. Sriramulu struggled for a noble cause and became a martyr. KC Rao, no one thinks so. You never know, we may have another Madhu Koda in making in the form of KC Rao.
Our political system is so corrupted that nothing constructive would be accomplished by the political parties without looking for personal benefits. They are all mouth and trousers. I support Gandhian style of protest by fasting, but not when fasting is also associated with so much of violence against public property. Gandhi did it for Indians and now TRS politicians are doing it for themselves. In my book Congress, TDP and PRP are no less evil than TRS.
Student leader of Osmania University went on record saying separate Telangana is his birth right since he was born in that particular part of the state. That’s the most irrational and incongruous thing I would imagine from a student leader. Tomorrow I will say oh! I was born in Visakhapatnam; separate country named ‘Visakha’ is my birth right. Come on; wake up and smell the coffee and do your part in clearing up the mess. I am sure the student movement in Osmania University is fueled by political motives as well.
You do see acts of humanitarianism, compassion and amity, like when students of Andhra University went on protesting for ‘United Andhra’. As I see it, those people who went on protesting for United Andhra, would not lose a penny if separate Telangana state is created. But they want to have united Andhra; it’s the feeling of brotherhood.
I anticipate that the rank and file of Telangana would be cognizant of egocentric motives of crooked, dishonorable and unscrupulous politicians and act wise by repudiating the separationists. I hope and pray for once central government would think through its head before it starts portioning the states.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
My blissful experience with pain:
I am sure, all and sundry must have heard about people savoring their pain in achieving their dreams. I endured the same when I ran a full marathon a week ago. I rejoiced from start to end of 26.2 miles long run.
The marathon kicked-off about 7 am on a cold winter morning. There were about twenty thousand people, from all over United States, took off from Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. I was in penultimate coral to begin the run as I opted the estimated finishing time about 4:30 to 5 hours. I was wearing black under-armour and a white T-shirt with a caption ‘SMILE’ on it. I chose this T-shirt especially to bring out the smile in my fellow runners; for we all know how much of an effect smile has. I really felt invigorated listening to the cheering from spectators. I must say true act of altruism was shown up there. May be most of the spectators have had someone running in the marathon, but the way they were cheering all the runners was truly amazing. Several people were holding placards saying keep running, run strong, looking strong, keep-up the good work, you’re kicking ass! , personal messages for their beloved, and so on. While I was running I felt as though I was watching some sort of parade. There were several old men and women running at a good speed, looking at them running I felt even more enthused and ran faster (although I felt bad passing them). Some of the runners cheered for the fellow runners, as I heard from one of them saying “he cheers himself by cheering the fellow runners”. People made fun, said things, and laughed out loud. I heard several anecdotes as I ran along. Small kids were giving high fives to the runners. Several people ran for their Mothers to show much they love her. Volunteers were saying encouraging words to the runners. The total event was like traveling a long journey in train with enthusiastic fellow passengers and spectacular scenery outside the window.
Even though I was in pain in the last quarter of the marathon, the cheering from spectators kept me running. Having seen the kick-off, I decided myself that this is only the beginning of my marathon series, and the decision had not changed at the end of the marathon. I reached my destination in 4 hours 15 minutes although I could have done little better. My next target will be less than 4 hours. One thing I learned from this experience is “Running can also be an addiction”.
The marathon kicked-off about 7 am on a cold winter morning. There were about twenty thousand people, from all over United States, took off from Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. I was in penultimate coral to begin the run as I opted the estimated finishing time about 4:30 to 5 hours. I was wearing black under-armour and a white T-shirt with a caption ‘SMILE’ on it. I chose this T-shirt especially to bring out the smile in my fellow runners; for we all know how much of an effect smile has. I really felt invigorated listening to the cheering from spectators. I must say true act of altruism was shown up there. May be most of the spectators have had someone running in the marathon, but the way they were cheering all the runners was truly amazing. Several people were holding placards saying keep running, run strong, looking strong, keep-up the good work, you’re kicking ass! , personal messages for their beloved, and so on. While I was running I felt as though I was watching some sort of parade. There were several old men and women running at a good speed, looking at them running I felt even more enthused and ran faster (although I felt bad passing them). Some of the runners cheered for the fellow runners, as I heard from one of them saying “he cheers himself by cheering the fellow runners”. People made fun, said things, and laughed out loud. I heard several anecdotes as I ran along. Small kids were giving high fives to the runners. Several people ran for their Mothers to show much they love her. Volunteers were saying encouraging words to the runners. The total event was like traveling a long journey in train with enthusiastic fellow passengers and spectacular scenery outside the window.
Even though I was in pain in the last quarter of the marathon, the cheering from spectators kept me running. Having seen the kick-off, I decided myself that this is only the beginning of my marathon series, and the decision had not changed at the end of the marathon. I reached my destination in 4 hours 15 minutes although I could have done little better. My next target will be less than 4 hours. One thing I learned from this experience is “Running can also be an addiction”.
Vaishnava Janato
The English translation of "Vaishnava Janato “ -Poet Naris Mehta
One who is a vaishnav,
Knows the pain of others
Does good to others, especially to those ones who are in misery
Does not let pride enter his mind
A Vaishnav, Tolerates and praises the entire world
Does not say bad things about anyone
Keeps his/her words, actions and thoughts pure
O Vaishnav, your mother is blessed
A Vaishnav sees everything equally, rejects greed and avarice
Considers some one else's wife/daughter as his mother
The tongue may get tired, but will never speak lies
Does not even touch someone else's property
A Vaishnav does not succumb to worldly attachments
Who has devoted himself to staunch detachment to worldly
pleasures
Who has been addicted to the elixir coming by the name of Ram
For whom all the religious sites are in the mind
A Vaishnav, Who has no greed and deceit
Who has renounced lust of all types and anger
The poet Narsi will like to see such a person
By who's virtue, the entire family gets salvation
For those who are interested in listening to the actual rendition of these verses in Gujarati
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2qeHKVqh2w
English translation by Unknown
One who is a vaishnav,
Knows the pain of others
Does good to others, especially to those ones who are in misery
Does not let pride enter his mind
A Vaishnav, Tolerates and praises the entire world
Does not say bad things about anyone
Keeps his/her words, actions and thoughts pure
O Vaishnav, your mother is blessed
A Vaishnav sees everything equally, rejects greed and avarice
Considers some one else's wife/daughter as his mother
The tongue may get tired, but will never speak lies
Does not even touch someone else's property
A Vaishnav does not succumb to worldly attachments
Who has devoted himself to staunch detachment to worldly
pleasures
Who has been addicted to the elixir coming by the name of Ram
For whom all the religious sites are in the mind
A Vaishnav, Who has no greed and deceit
Who has renounced lust of all types and anger
The poet Narsi will like to see such a person
By who's virtue, the entire family gets salvation
For those who are interested in listening to the actual rendition of these verses in Gujarati
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2qeHKVqh2w
English translation by Unknown
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Trying to be Indian
Last weekend I was a part of Diwali celebrations coordinated by a group of non-resident Indians at State college. You might be wondering if it was too early for us to celebrate the forth-coming Diwali; the answer is yes, but actually we were celebrating Diwali that should have been celebrated last month. Never mind, everyone and their uncle was there to rejoice the event. Despite the prolonged delay in the festivity, what strikes with awe was the ‘verve and gaiety’ people showed in facilitating and celebrating the event. There were several stage-shows related to Bharathanatyam, Bollywood, Hindustani music, Yoga and others. All acts were performed by the residents of state college and most of them were some way or other tie in with Indian culture.
I want to talk about one particular act named “Twinkle with the stars”. Although the main theme of the play was taken from a youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DssSpNqbc64) by Revathi Sankaran , the way the program was enacted by performers was stupefying. Every one of us would have sung “Twinkle Twinkle little star” when we were wet behind ears. In this program, a group of women, who were dressed to nines, personated as if they are from different parts of India (actually some of them really are!). It was really a sight for sour eye as we watched one by one singing “Twinkle Twinkle little star” and dancing in their native style. I would say it was very comical without mocking any culture or language and am sure everyone and jack must have enjoyed. Apart from the fun, one can easily learn something from this program about India. Undoubtedly, “Unity in Diversity” that many Indians always feel proud off. It also portrays the way we Indians take anything that is as foreign as this song and makes it our own. As Swami Viviekanada rightly said we belong to a culture where we welcome everyone and everything with our open arms.
Coming back to the event, for once I felt that the Indians over here feel more Indian than the Indians who are residing in India. I don’t know why, may be absence makes the heart grow fonder or maybe we feel that we owe something more to our nation. In any case most of the non-resident Indians feel their roots with India by celebrating all events, even if they have very remote connection to India. Although we celebrate the festivals at the end of the week, we celebrate it irrespective of the fact that whether our parents or grandparents have/do not have the tradition of celebrating that particular festival back in India. We try every possible thing that makes us feel Indian and do everything to make India a better nation.
I want to talk about one particular act named “Twinkle with the stars”. Although the main theme of the play was taken from a youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DssSpNqbc64) by Revathi Sankaran , the way the program was enacted by performers was stupefying. Every one of us would have sung “Twinkle Twinkle little star” when we were wet behind ears. In this program, a group of women, who were dressed to nines, personated as if they are from different parts of India (actually some of them really are!). It was really a sight for sour eye as we watched one by one singing “Twinkle Twinkle little star” and dancing in their native style. I would say it was very comical without mocking any culture or language and am sure everyone and jack must have enjoyed. Apart from the fun, one can easily learn something from this program about India. Undoubtedly, “Unity in Diversity” that many Indians always feel proud off. It also portrays the way we Indians take anything that is as foreign as this song and makes it our own. As Swami Viviekanada rightly said we belong to a culture where we welcome everyone and everything with our open arms.
Coming back to the event, for once I felt that the Indians over here feel more Indian than the Indians who are residing in India. I don’t know why, may be absence makes the heart grow fonder or maybe we feel that we owe something more to our nation. In any case most of the non-resident Indians feel their roots with India by celebrating all events, even if they have very remote connection to India. Although we celebrate the festivals at the end of the week, we celebrate it irrespective of the fact that whether our parents or grandparents have/do not have the tradition of celebrating that particular festival back in India. We try every possible thing that makes us feel Indian and do everything to make India a better nation.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Top ten things that Biologists WOULD NOT want you to know
1. We claim that we work for 10-15 hours per day. In actuality, considering the down time that we have, our working hours do not cross 8 hours per day.
2. Sometimes we intentionally do not present our negative results, which would compromise the quality of the journal we are about to publish or down-play the significance of our work.
3. Many a time our motto is just to publish research papers and do not care a straw whether or not our research directly/indirectly aids in enriching the human lives.
4. Like in politics, in Science also ‘connections’ are very important for scientists to succeed.
5. In the name of attending conferences and exchanging ideas with fellow scientists, we travel around the world and have the pleasure of visiting places.
6. Success in Science is not always positively correlated with Intelligence/Creativity. Serendipity and Zemblanity play their part in grooming scientists’ future.
7. We strongly believe in Evolution, and make fun of theists when they say god created this world in 7 days.
8. Some of us do consider research just like any other job, and work very professionally without having an iota of passion for Science.
9. Doing Science is a rat race, so unfortunately sometimes unethical paths are chosen to achieve the desired goals.
10. In general, hypothesis precedes observations. But in Science most of the times we do experiments first. And having obtained interesting results, we beguile fellow scientists by saying that we had a hypothesis and we verified that by performing experiments.
P.S. I reckon some Scientists do not practice or believe in any of the ten things (let alone all) I have mentioned. I sincerely respect and salute them.
2. Sometimes we intentionally do not present our negative results, which would compromise the quality of the journal we are about to publish or down-play the significance of our work.
3. Many a time our motto is just to publish research papers and do not care a straw whether or not our research directly/indirectly aids in enriching the human lives.
4. Like in politics, in Science also ‘connections’ are very important for scientists to succeed.
5. In the name of attending conferences and exchanging ideas with fellow scientists, we travel around the world and have the pleasure of visiting places.
6. Success in Science is not always positively correlated with Intelligence/Creativity. Serendipity and Zemblanity play their part in grooming scientists’ future.
7. We strongly believe in Evolution, and make fun of theists when they say god created this world in 7 days.
8. Some of us do consider research just like any other job, and work very professionally without having an iota of passion for Science.
9. Doing Science is a rat race, so unfortunately sometimes unethical paths are chosen to achieve the desired goals.
10. In general, hypothesis precedes observations. But in Science most of the times we do experiments first. And having obtained interesting results, we beguile fellow scientists by saying that we had a hypothesis and we verified that by performing experiments.
P.S. I reckon some Scientists do not practice or believe in any of the ten things (let alone all) I have mentioned. I sincerely respect and salute them.
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