January 23, 2009

The pain of painless-ness

Any painless objective is painful. Sounds contradictory? Well, think of it. A hurting tooth needs extraction, a broken bone needs surgery, any pain mental or physical must go through more pain to eradicate the pain completely. Makes sense to me. So any pain in any measure is controlled by more pain in the beginning followed by no pain. I have gone through much pain and my good friends would know what I m talking about. I am now going through the peak of pain phase and then shall perch onto painless-ness. Again my belief. It almost sounds like a formula but if you go back and look at your life and pain associated with it, in most cases you will be able to connect to my pain-formula. Life is one big dream and it’s painful to realize it all without going through the pain of trying. This is written at 11.50 pm and is a result of the insomnia, mixed thoughts and my faith in my painful delight.

Posted at 12.18am
January 23, 2009

January 21, 2009

Hats of to Patriotism

I was up late watching the swearing-in-ceremony of President Barack Obama. His inaugural speech was marvelous even if it was written by someone else...He delivered impeccably. The first ever African-American president of the USA. A first of many, first time black President of the United States of America. Let’s hope it’s all for the good.

The grandeur of the ceremony could have been curtailed in this time of recession was my initial opinion but now I think it’s was worth the magnificence. I realize, in our country, most politicians are corrupt because they are under-paid and not given the dues of a leader. In the International system not only are you paid well but you are welcomed in such a fashion that you will want to thrive to prove yr mettle. The welcoming and swearing in was focal and of great magnitude. Top American Soul singer Franklin sang songs, followed by swearing in of President and Vice-president.

The grand luncheon followed which incidentally was the mostvisited link on the presidential election page. Amusing. In the open-air seating area, the cold was a chilling 21f. Old people, aspiring young people, people on wheelchairs all thronged to be a part of the greatest ceremony that comes once every 4 years. Obama followers, America lovers, all braved the weather and cheered on. Their love for the country is what makes America.

Would I do it? I doubt. I blame myself for being a reckless citizen but it was never driven into me to be proud of our country because over 50% of the population including me unhappy with our judiciary, political, governmental scenario. There have to be reason to feel proud. I felt so very proud of what I encountered at the Wagah Border in Amritsar and I know the reasons perfectly. It did not stem out of the fact that the soldiers and border security forces looked great and looked well-dressed. I was in awe of them because they put that faith in me that they are our protectors or armament, they gave that air of chewing up the GREEN enemies alive across the border.

We need to believe in our people for that respect to come. Today I am a fan of Major Unnikrishnan and not some of the famous names looming around the vital seats in the parliament for the same reasons. We need to respect our leaders even if we belong to another political party. Leaders make a country but in our case our country chooses all the wrong leaders for all the wrong reasons.

This situation of guilt affects me. I as an individual would love to get out of my country for better prospects and right now I’m feeling guilty of feeling this way but will it change my opinion? No. Our country leaders have done nothing to grow fondness. It does not come in one day, it needs to be nurtured. I almost thought I was apolitical but I am greatly affected by another country’s deeds, why couldn’t we be as serious, as enthusiastic as any other country’s union, and feel proud about our doings?

Over 1 Million little American flags sold in one day? Not even 100000 flags are sold in a single city during our independence day. Why? Highlight and the tender moment was when President Obama had taken daughters, Malia and Sasha to the Lincoln Memorial a few nights ago, where they looked at the statue, and read Lincoln’s second inaugural address inscribed on the wall to which Obama’s younger daughter Sasha asked if her Dad’s speech was going to be as long to which her sister Malia, 10, replied, 'First African-American president, better be good’. Awareness from inception is what we need to imbibe.

January 20, 2009

Reality TV Shows

Reality Television – You cannot hate it anymore. The live, on-the-face unedited version of television appeals to many and especially so because it makes the audience a part of the program literally.

When I was a radio jockey way back in 1992 during my high school summer / winter breaks, I would be awestruck at the way our senior Radio - Jockey’s started handling live calls and request for songs. We are racing ever since with newer, more fascinating innovations and swankier studios. Television reality shows have become a rage even if it causes sensational, emotional and sometimes social predicament. Reality TV shows have arrived in India with a big pomp and it is here to stay for a long time now.

Reality television in India go back a long way when Channel V came into our homes with their hunt for forming the first all-girls musical band ‘Viva’. I personally am game for reality shows if it does not involve children. There are many popular segments of reality shows in India today some of which may be categorized under music challenges, dance challenges, fear factor, comedy role-play and childrens’ talent shows.

Whether it is a singing competition or an activity show like Big Boss, there is a tremendous pressure on the participants. However, from viewer's point, it is all right as long as it entertains without hurting anybody's sentiments. Where kids are concerned we have to keep one thing in mind that some shows that take child artistes as participants should maintain some restraint while commenting on these tender talents. There have been cases where a dance participant had been deeply traumatized by a judge’s comments that she had to be rushed to the hospital. In fact, The Working Group of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) will finalize its guidelines relating to participation of children in television serials and reality shows soon.

Every new technology or a new sphere of entertainment has its pros and cons just like reality television but it is really up to the producer and the director of the show to make believe the reality aspect of the program. We are still in the nascent stages of making good reality shows. It won’t be long before the finesse is achieved and reality shows become a real rage. Till then, let’s sit back and watch television, real or not.

January 18, 2009

Uncertainty

Uncertainty
It’s like an abstract painting.
Sometimes you don’t even know what you are painting. Uncertainly is a lazy word. Not tagged or attached to anything. It hangs and looms over till the right time.