A key characteristic of Delhites (I mean people of Delhi and its satellite towns like Noida) is their penchant for calling people “uncle”, even when they are calling people who are at most 10-15 years older than them.
Now I am in my mid-30s. I came to Delhi around 8 years back, and soon found myself to be an “uncle” for people in the age group of 18-30. I understand that I already looked much older thanks to my (then) bulky physique and baldness. Nevertheless, it was shocking to find how smartly people of even 30 years of age were calling me “uncle”.
As my age increased, it also resulted in the “expansion” of the age group of my “nephews”. Now I find even people apparently in their 40s (including the ones in late 40s) calling me “uncle”. And now I have stopped getting shocked, as now I am used to it.
But the other day I simply could not help getting shocked again. In fact I was dumbstruck.
I was traveling by Delhi Metro Rail, and was about to get down at the Rajib Chowk station. The train was crowded, and I had somehow managed some space to stand just in front of the gate. There were many other passengers standing there, with a gentleman leaning against the door. When the Rajib Chowk station was about to come, a passenger requested that gentleman to move a little, as he was about to get down at Rajib Chowk. The jolly looking gentleman readily agreed, when he noticed that I was also trying to approach the door. He immediately asked me, very politely, “Aapko bhi utarna hai, uncle”? (You will also get down, uncle?)
And how old was he? Well, a man with a number of grey hairs, he appeared to be at least in his early 50s.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Druidry – Emergence Of A New Religion
On 2nd October 2010 the multi-religious human society witnessed the emergence, or official emergence, of yet another religion, viz. Druidry. On that day Britain gave official recognition to this ancient neo-pagan religion, and also decided to give charitable status to the same.
The decision was taken by Charity Commission for England and Wales, in response to a four years old application submitted by The Druid Network.
So what is Druidry? Well, it is a faith that its followers (called Druids) take on different forms of nature. The religion has its roots in Britain, Ireland and Western Europe.
In case one wants to know more about the religion, then he may visit the following link from Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druid
The decision was taken by Charity Commission for England and Wales, in response to a four years old application submitted by The Druid Network.
So what is Druidry? Well, it is a faith that its followers (called Druids) take on different forms of nature. The religion has its roots in Britain, Ireland and Western Europe.
In case one wants to know more about the religion, then he may visit the following link from Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Druid
Ayodhya Verdict – The Mature Reaction Of The Indian Muslims Is Really Commendable
Apart from the Commonwealth Games, the other most talked about topic in India as of now is the historic Ayodhya Verdict. While a huge number of people have found the verdict to be an appropriate one, there are ones who hold different perceptions. And there is constant discussions and debates across the country on the merits of the judgment.
However, more than the verdict itself, what I have found to be much more significant is the maturity with which the Indian Muslim community has reacted to the verdict.
It is a well known fact that a number of Muslims feel the verdict to be discriminatory against them, though probably in reality it is not so (at least I am one of those who feel that the verdict is an appropriate one). But despite being somewhat disappointed, the Indian Muslims have not resorted to any sort of unpleasant means to express their displeasure, something that many people had anticipated. In fact, they have consciously stayed away and virtually ignored instigations from a couple of so-called community leaders (like the honourable Imam of Jama Masjid) and non-Muslim “sympathizers” of the Muslim community (like Mulayam Singh Yadav). Rather than falling prey to their instigations, the Indian Muslims across the social strata have made it very clear that they are more concerned about practical issues like education, job, electricity, water, etc.
In a nutshell, the Indian Muslims have proved that while they are passionate and proud of their beautiful religion, they have equal respect for the Judiciary of their beloved country, and they are ready to respect the latter’s view on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue even if they are not fully satisfied with the same.
My hearty congratulations to all my Muslim friends, brothers and sisters from each and every corner of our dear motherland.
However, more than the verdict itself, what I have found to be much more significant is the maturity with which the Indian Muslim community has reacted to the verdict.
It is a well known fact that a number of Muslims feel the verdict to be discriminatory against them, though probably in reality it is not so (at least I am one of those who feel that the verdict is an appropriate one). But despite being somewhat disappointed, the Indian Muslims have not resorted to any sort of unpleasant means to express their displeasure, something that many people had anticipated. In fact, they have consciously stayed away and virtually ignored instigations from a couple of so-called community leaders (like the honourable Imam of Jama Masjid) and non-Muslim “sympathizers” of the Muslim community (like Mulayam Singh Yadav). Rather than falling prey to their instigations, the Indian Muslims across the social strata have made it very clear that they are more concerned about practical issues like education, job, electricity, water, etc.
In a nutshell, the Indian Muslims have proved that while they are passionate and proud of their beautiful religion, they have equal respect for the Judiciary of their beloved country, and they are ready to respect the latter’s view on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue even if they are not fully satisfied with the same.
My hearty congratulations to all my Muslim friends, brothers and sisters from each and every corner of our dear motherland.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Got Hit By A Car, Thanks To My Cell Phone
Today (1st October 2010) morning I got hit by a car, while going to my office at Gurgaon. The cab I was traveling in had dropped me at a spot which was around 10 minutes walking distance from my office at Udyog Vihar, Phase-V in Gurgaon. I got hit while crossing a road, which had cars coming from both sides.
Thank got the car was not moving at a high speed, as it was not exactly a main road, and was also congested with traffic. I was back on my feet within seconds, and managed to reach my office myself. However, it could have been serious. I have got light injuries at my right arm and right hip, and both are paining a little. The bone at my right hand, a spot where I was hit, had started swelling. Thank god that swelling has stopped.
The driver is certainly to be blamed, as he came from the wrong side. The road is bifurcated into two one-ways, with traffic being one-sided in both the halves. While getting hit I was looking at the left side, from where the cars were coming, while that car came from the right side (which was the wrong side).
However, I cannot claim myself to be completely “innocent”. I also have to be blamed, at least to some extent. Why? Because I was talking over my cell phone while crossing the road. That made my mind to be distracted, and I was not adequately alert. If I were, then I would have certainly spotted the car even though it was coming from the wrong side. And could have averted even the little injury that I suffered.
Moral of the story – Please, for god’s sake, avoid using your cell phone while traveling. Even if that traveling does not mean driving a car, but just walking. After all, you are on the road, right?
Thank got the car was not moving at a high speed, as it was not exactly a main road, and was also congested with traffic. I was back on my feet within seconds, and managed to reach my office myself. However, it could have been serious. I have got light injuries at my right arm and right hip, and both are paining a little. The bone at my right hand, a spot where I was hit, had started swelling. Thank god that swelling has stopped.
The driver is certainly to be blamed, as he came from the wrong side. The road is bifurcated into two one-ways, with traffic being one-sided in both the halves. While getting hit I was looking at the left side, from where the cars were coming, while that car came from the right side (which was the wrong side).
However, I cannot claim myself to be completely “innocent”. I also have to be blamed, at least to some extent. Why? Because I was talking over my cell phone while crossing the road. That made my mind to be distracted, and I was not adequately alert. If I were, then I would have certainly spotted the car even though it was coming from the wrong side. And could have averted even the little injury that I suffered.
Moral of the story – Please, for god’s sake, avoid using your cell phone while traveling. Even if that traveling does not mean driving a car, but just walking. After all, you are on the road, right?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
If There Is A Plebiscite In Kashmir, Then…
If there is a plebiscite in Kashmir, to check whether Kashmiris want to remain with India or want separation from that country, then…
There should also be plebiscites in the Balochistan and Sindh provinces of Pakistan, to check whether they want to remain with Pakistan or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in Tibet, to check whether they want to remain under Chinese occupation or aspire for independence.
There should also be a plebiscite in the “Parbatya Chattagram” region of Bangladesh, to check whether they want to remain with Bangladesh or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in the Northern Ireland and Scotland, to check whether they want to remain with the UK or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in the Basque region of Spain, to check whether they want to remain with Spain or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in the Bavarian province of Germany, to check whether they want to remain with Germany or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in Chechnya, to check whether that region wants to remain a federal subject of Russia, or aspires for a full-fledged sovereignty.
There should also be a plebiscite in the Aceh region of Indonesia, to check whether they want to remain with Indonesia or want separation from that country.
There should also be plebiscites in the Kurdish dominated regions of Iran and Iraq, to check whether they want to remain with those countries or want separation from them.
And yes, one more thing I would like to add. There should also be a plebiscite in the so-called “Azad Kashmir”, to check whether they really feel themselves to be independent or whether they find themselves (and their puppet government) to be a pet dog of Pakistan.
There should also be plebiscites in the Balochistan and Sindh provinces of Pakistan, to check whether they want to remain with Pakistan or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in Tibet, to check whether they want to remain under Chinese occupation or aspire for independence.
There should also be a plebiscite in the “Parbatya Chattagram” region of Bangladesh, to check whether they want to remain with Bangladesh or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in the Northern Ireland and Scotland, to check whether they want to remain with the UK or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in the Basque region of Spain, to check whether they want to remain with Spain or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in the Bavarian province of Germany, to check whether they want to remain with Germany or want separation from that country.
There should also be a plebiscite in Chechnya, to check whether that region wants to remain a federal subject of Russia, or aspires for a full-fledged sovereignty.
There should also be a plebiscite in the Aceh region of Indonesia, to check whether they want to remain with Indonesia or want separation from that country.
There should also be plebiscites in the Kurdish dominated regions of Iran and Iraq, to check whether they want to remain with those countries or want separation from them.
And yes, one more thing I would like to add. There should also be a plebiscite in the so-called “Azad Kashmir”, to check whether they really feel themselves to be independent or whether they find themselves (and their puppet government) to be a pet dog of Pakistan.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ecotourism – The Call Of The Day
Ecotourism – A great way to use tourism for generating grassroots level employment
While also strengthening the conservation of the local culture, natural resources and environment.
Ecotourism – A fantastic tool to enhance an area’s economic development level
By strategically using the passion of people who love to travel.
Ecotourism – Which ensures that tourism does not destruct a spot’s socio-cultural and natural richness
But is rather channelized to further strengthen those jewels of that place.
Ecotourism – A concept that every government of the world should seriously consider
Make no mistake. Ecotourism (aka Sustainable or Responsible Tourism) is an effective means to make this world far better.
While also strengthening the conservation of the local culture, natural resources and environment.
Ecotourism – A fantastic tool to enhance an area’s economic development level
By strategically using the passion of people who love to travel.
Ecotourism – Which ensures that tourism does not destruct a spot’s socio-cultural and natural richness
But is rather channelized to further strengthen those jewels of that place.
Ecotourism – A concept that every government of the world should seriously consider
Make no mistake. Ecotourism (aka Sustainable or Responsible Tourism) is an effective means to make this world far better.
I Wish I Could Die
I wish I could die, so that my problems would come to an end in no time
I desperately want to get rid of my pains and sufferings that seem to have reached their prime.
I wish I could die, as for me good time appears to be permanently elusive
And I am so frustrated that despite a constant effort I have failed to bring luck within my grip.
I wish I could die, as I can no more struggle with my misfortune
Which appears to be so scorching like the Sun of the mid noon.
I wish I could die, as all my hopes are lost, and all my dreams are shattered
It is such a harsh reality, coming to terms with which is so hard.
I wish I could die, as I am tired of waiting for a better future
And so now I seek a completely new life through a rebirth, which I hope to be at least a bit better.
I desperately want to get rid of my pains and sufferings that seem to have reached their prime.
I wish I could die, as for me good time appears to be permanently elusive
And I am so frustrated that despite a constant effort I have failed to bring luck within my grip.
I wish I could die, as I can no more struggle with my misfortune
Which appears to be so scorching like the Sun of the mid noon.
I wish I could die, as all my hopes are lost, and all my dreams are shattered
It is such a harsh reality, coming to terms with which is so hard.
I wish I could die, as I am tired of waiting for a better future
And so now I seek a completely new life through a rebirth, which I hope to be at least a bit better.
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