During my times...

Salvation Seekers: Kumbh Part IV

2013-03-01T16:28:00.000+05:30

Sharing some moments of salvation seekers in Kumbh Mela...

Sadhus (saints) of Kumbh- Part III

2013-02-23T14:04:00.000+05:30

Sharing some more amazing photos of Sadhus (saints) of Kumbh shot by my friends...

Spectacular Kumbh- Part II

2013-02-16T20:44:00.000+05:30

Some more photographs of kumbh 2013 by my friends...

Kumbh 2013- Part I

2013-02-02T22:25:00.000+05:30

Here are some photographs of most spectacular event of our century. Will share more in coming days...

Kumbh Mela Sponsored Coming Soon

2012-09-11T18:55:00.000+05:30

What is the similarity between worlds's biggest religious fair 'Kumbh Mela' and a great football or a Cricket match? One must be wondering about this stupid question. Though there is no similarity but there is one great difference and that is sheer scale of commercialization. Football or Cricket lovers can watch their favorite match on a specific television channel by paying some amount to their service provider but they can't watch it on every sports channel as they are not free to watch and other channels are not permitted to cover it. On the other hand, everyone, every media print or television is free to go and cover it. There were no restrictions as such till now on this most world's biggest religious fair which attracts millions of people.

Kumbh Mela attracted largest number of people every 12 years and estimates say that in 2001 more than 40 million people gathered on a single day and this volume will even be greater in year 2013. Now, Uttar Pradesh government wants to generate revenue by auctioning advertising and telecast rights. That means only one channel will have the broadcasting rights of the fair and except few, other channels news or non news will be barred to cover it. This affair would seem to be just like any other live event where choice of viewing often limited to only one channel. With this sort of revenue generation drive Kumbh site will also be flooded with all kind of commercial hoardings and banners which will turn a holy site into a commercial spectacle.

This step has raised a lot of questions and the most important is who owns the Kumbh Fair in Allahabad? Is it the government of Uttar Pradesh who takes care of the administration during the fair, or the Akharas who often claim so or the people of this country who have been religiously participating since thousand years without any interference? This step seems completely illogical and it is also bound to stir controversy. What people expect from the state government is to provide them better facilities in sanitation, approach roads, policing etc but not to make money by selling the fair's telecast rights to one broadcaster.

Photograph Courtesy: http://www.mahakumbh.com/

Weak V/S Meritorious Students

2012-08-27T22:16:00.000+05:30

What could be more important for a parent to provide rightful atmosphere for study, sports and overall growth to his/her kid? When a child starts going to school a new chapter of life unfolds and a new beginning for his/her parents also takes place with happiness and so many sparkling dreams for great future. First time, child steps out from the security of their confined secure spaces and steps into a new world, they make friends for lifetime, play various games and start learning the books of knowledge. For the first time parents as well school notice the inclination of a student's mind. Over the years children develop their choice of area to grow be it sports, studies or any other extra curricular activities. Here comes the role of schools and parents to let them do whatever they want to pursue.

But an unhealthy trend has been noticed over the years that many grade hungry private schools often force weak students to leave after class IX so that a school can remain maintain a good percentage of meritorious students in board exams. It is a completely unethical practice and clearly denotes where our current education system is heading. Examples show us that only focusing on high marks in exams can in fact, hinder a child's overall progress. This unethical practice is in fact rampant in many private schools. For the first time Human Resources Development Ministry is coming with a legal proposal to term these practices as MALPRACTICE. HRD ministry is working on a bill in this regard (expulsion and transfer of weak students).

I hope this positive step by government will start bringing some smile on those student's faces that are not good in studies but always wanted to pursue some other areas of interest where they can excel.

Ek Tha Tiger: Review

2012-08-26T23:33:00.001+05:30

'Ek Tha Tiger' is a good time pass movie and nothing else. It is a pure entertainment movie with magic touch of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. 'Ek Tha Tiger' heavily rely on the shoulders of its leading stars. I will not say this is the best movie of Salman or this film completely exploits Salman's magic in the movie. Excellent promotion, timing of release, pairing of Salman and Katrina are few things which helped it to gain a super hit status and hence like three of Salman's earlier films (Ready, Wanted & Dabangg) this is his fourth film to cross 100 crore business barrier. Many trade pundits are in view that 'Ek Tha Tiger' will be first film to break every record.

But the question is how this movie is making so much business. I watched it today and was really surprised this is a completely average film full of all spicy stuff which often makes no sense. No, this is not a bad movie but it is not good either. 'Ek Tha Tiger' is basically good in bits and pieces. When one compares this film to Salman's earlier super hit movies like Dabangg or wanted, one can easily understand that it does not even exploit or play with Salman's histrionics.

Unconventional Cinema Is A Return Too

2012-08-22T12:49:00.000+05:30

I still remember Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt starer 'As Good As It Gets'. I watched this beautiful film in 1997 and was very impressed. But at the same time I was very keen to know why we do not make movies like this, why we are always stick to formula movies?

It is a good change Indian cinema is witnessing. New and experimental filmmakers are writing stories on subjects which were till now almost untouched or unexplored. Earlier no producer dared to make films like 'Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi'. Even lead actress Farah Khan who is playing heroine in the movie thought this film will never be a reality. But producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali and director Bela Bhansali Sehgal were confident. Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is comedy film about two 40 plus people falling in love. Though there were few attempts earlier but not too substantial and those films hardly made money. Multiplexes in the metros played a major role in providing a business opportunity in production of these kind of films. Producers are now confident that their money would be recovered and they will not make any loss if planned cautiously.

Olympic: Where Is The Gold ?

2012-08-08T17:54:00.003+05:30

It seems we Indians are very content people be it progress in life or advancement in sports. London Olympic is again a big disappointment and our sports person's repeated failures in big events simply denotes that how much we are lagging behind in every sports. It is the mindset and lack of passion which is responsible more than anything. It is also becoming a major hindrance in performance. I feel, we as a nation always feel that playing in the world's biggest sports event Olympic is itself a big achievement and our coaches, parents and even media say this over and over again to players. And when we say things like this, hunger for an Olympic medal also seems distant somewhere.

Indian Hockey team's poor show in Olympic again raised a lot of concern. But when you compare state of Hockey from the past events it was bound to happen. We lost every match. More than players it was our national coach Michael Nobbs who shattered with their performance and apologized for the zero performance in the Olympic. Insipid performance by Indian sports persons were not limited to only one sport. High hopes were with boxing, lawn tennis, archery, shooting but barring three medal winners (two bronze and one silver) every other fell like sand castle. Saina Nehwal did her best but her opponent in semi final match was way ahead in skills. She bagged first bronze medal in badminton for India and made everyone happy. Undoubtedly Saina was our best hope but Deepika Kumari was too.

Is it the approach towards the game which is letting us down or something else? Why we as a nation are so content with bronze and silver? Why we are not setting our standard for number one position? Why we are always full of praise? Why not we compare ourselves with legends like swimmer Michael Phelps who has won more medals India has ever won? There are so many questions and when there is a question lays answers too. I hope our sports policy makers, coaches and players too pay heed to these things and in coming years give us more heroes with more gold.

Movie Magic

2012-08-06T22:51:00.001+05:30

Movies are my passion. It is like food for me. It rejuvenates and fills a great energy inside me whenever I see a good film. I don’t remember how this passion for films developed but one thing I clearly remember that Since childhood I used to bunk classes and watch Bollywood movies at nearby cinema halls. At least one day in a week was fixed for movies. That particular day was safest day for movies because my parents had clearly no idea about school timings on Saturdays. They believed that like other government schools my school also runs full day on Saturday. But in reality those days it was for half day only. So throughout my school days I used to enjoy my movies every Saturdays without any questions. And that routine strengthened my passion which is still continued. Though my frequency of going to theater decreased over the years but watching them on DVDs or on small screen have increased many fold.

Sundays have replaced Saturdays now but the enthusiasm is still strong. Yesterday was Sunday and I watched Cocktail starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone & Diana Penty. It is ok for one time watch and do not offer much. Saif repeated himself and entire cast seems misfit in their roles. Saif is portrayed young and looks just opposite on screen. Diana Penty in her debut role is again a misfit cast who in the movie is a simple traditional Indian girl. Her accent in the movie is very English like and do not justifies the character she plays. But in her first movie she seems a confident girl and needs to choose right kind of roles. The only good thing in the movie is Deepika Padukone who is perfectly in command of whatever she does in the film.

Homi Adajania directed Cocktail is disjointed in first half but it catches up later and makes a little watchable. So my point of view is if you are a movie buff but also values your time then avoid it but if you do not have anything to do in the weekend just like me you can watch it for Deepika Padukone.

Team Anna & Road To Parliament

2012-08-03T19:03:00.000+05:30

Now India's biggest anti corruption movement for Lokpal is turning itself into a political party. And this is going to raise a lot of questions as well as hope. Today is the new beginning for team Anna who is leaving behind their 16 month long movement and heading towards forming a new political party who will contest 2014 general elections. Team Anna's hopelessness in transporting a change in the system by bringing Lokpal into reality ultimately resulting in fighting with the system by forming a political party. But how much this decision is right only time will tell. Those big words by Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal and other team Anna members are very catchy and impressive for public but in reality it is looking more like a mirage where goal seems always far.

It has been said and most of the time it was observed that face saving exercise for team anna forced them to take this decision of forming a political party. It was clear the real croud were not present at the venue when they started their hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Timing was not right for fast or people became disillusioned this time? Team Anna did not bring anything new with the pattern of the hunger strike (Anshan) and it became repeatative and many observed that their fast has become very predictable. Their fast at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai was almost a flop show. So what was much needed was a new pattern for this anti corruption movement like meeting people and building confidence in them by visiting every corner of the country and simultaneously creating an atmosphere for a bigger movement. That step would have a bigger impact than the previous one.

I am not against anybody with a clean image entering into politics which governs our life daily. In fact, I am very much delighted that team Anna is gearing up for a political party where good people are highly required to clean the system. But this is not an easy task and road to parliament is full of thorns. Political parties are not run only by big words but they also require ideology and money. By forming a political entity team Anna must clear their views on Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Naxalism, terrorism, foreign policy, price rise etc. issues. The biggest question is where they will arrange the funds for elections. Now it is not just about the movement but it is also about the entering into the system where they also have to prove that their images are clean and clear like mirror and they are away from any controvery. At last we can say with the end of team Anna's fast a new dawn is arising. Really... ?

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Anna On Fast Again

2012-07-31T19:33:00.000+05:30

Once again Anna Hazare and his team is fasting for Lokpal in New Delhi. But the mood is different and the momentum seems lost somewhere this time. Last year when Anna started his fast unto death everybody was enthusiastic about the cause but a lot happened since then. Team Anna has been targeted so many times by different agencies on different grounds. But they kept saying that they will come again strongly and won't bow their heads for fight against corruption and will push strongly for Lokpal.
But the biggest letdown happened when a nominal number of public was observed in their fast on Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. This type of movement draws its energy from the public. Last year's fast was historic which noticed great support from all over India in 13 days and compelled UPA government to take step towards anti graft bill. Electronic media also played a significant role in awaring people towards the cause in 2011. Public came from every nook and corner. But surprisingly they were almost absent when instead of Anna Hazare Arvind Kejriwal and Gopal Rai started their movement with fast. More volunteers were seen rather than public.
In first four days Anna was part of the movement but not fasting. And surprisingly electronic media which generated a lot of TRPs broadcasting Anna's fast in 2011 was not at all interested in round the clock coverage. How was this turnaround happened? The absence raised many questions. Though some relief came when Anna started his fast after first four days and Saturday and Sunday noticed greater participation by the public as well as by the electronic media. But whether one agrees or not team Anna seems divided and seems creating a lot of controversies on many fronts. Their remarks on media are now going against them.
I feel, Lokpal is such a big issue and everyone want to see this into reality but I also feel team Anna should conserve and concentrate their energy only to Lokpal and make people believe that they are on the right path. Once they get public's confidence they can bring a great change and I hope that will also change the course of the country.

Photograph Courtesy: Deepak Suryavanshi.

Gangs of Bollywood

2012-07-07T19:38:00.000+05:30

Indian Cinema is growing in almost every field. Be it subject, acting, characterisation, music, cinematorgraphy, art direction or overall treatment of the film, it seems movie makers are trying to experiment new genres. Recently I watched Anurag Kashyap's 'Gangs of Wasseypur' (GOW) based on coal mafia of Dhanbad. And I must say this film breaks a lot of barriers in filmmaking in India. It's a path breaking film in many ways and its commercial success denotes that those filmmakers who believes in good cinema must not give up and they must continue exploring in different subjects backed with equally good amount of research and yes they should also keep in mind the commercial aspect of it. After all movie making is a commercial form of art.
Let's come back to .'Gangs of Wasseypur'. I feel this film caters a specific set of viewers and not meant for all. A strong depiction of mannerism of coal mafia in Bihar is the high point of the film. For the first time a genuine effort has been put to depict the lingo and mannerism in Hindi cinema which was absent in earlier movies of Bollywood.
I feel movies which have a strong background of research and real life inspired stories from regional areas with a national appeal will do better in coming days. Though "Gangs of Wasseypur's" business is not extraordinary but one signal which comes out with this film is that without super stars any film can click on the box office and make money provided it is backed with a believable script and direction. I can't sum up this blog post without writing about this film's wonderful music. Though this is not the kind of the music which can appeal everyone but this has the strong regional flavor of Bihar and people who know this already enjoying it and most of all Sneha Khanwalkar's music has given GOW a rare authentic feel. A must watch for real movie lovers.

Politics And Social Media

2012-06-22T15:24:00.002+05:30

Its a power game and there is a constant need to always be in the news. There is a need to be always connected with the people who hold the power to cast the vote and elect. We have a population of over one billion and half of them are young. We have a strong work force to reckon with. These dynamic young people are the first ones to embrace new technology and they are very much active on social media.

Anna Hazare's anti corruption movement is hugely dependent on the power of social media to pull people on streets. Just take a moment and think how many people knew Anna Hazare one years ago. He was a regional icon not a pan Indian one. There was a strong social media campaign behind him. Many political leaders are admitting this very fact that social media can take them to innumerable people instantly and they can directly interact with them too. It is a direct and a huge public relation platform and every political leader wants a pie of it.

Shashi Tharoor, Dr. Manmohan Singh (PMO), Ajay Maken, Kapil Sibbal, Naveen Jindal, Narendra Modi, Sushma Swaraj, L K Advani, Shakeel Ahmed, Sharad Yadav, Omar Abdullah are some of the political leaders active on social media circles. latest in the list is Trinmool Congress's firebrand leader Mamata Banerjee who used facebook to show her campaign for A P J Kalam's name for country's presidential post. She posted Kalam's letter on the facebook. L K Advani also communicates directly with his followers and readers through his blog. In the coming days some more leaders are eager to explore this new area of promotion and as we know most mobile phones are now coming with pre loaded social media applications like twitter, facebook, google plus etc, the war for self promotion will be fought on these platforms. One estimate shows that by 2014 reach of social media will touch around 50 crore in India and don't forget there will be general election in 2014 too. Political parties are also gearing up to make their leaders more tech savvy to explore this crucial potential.

Water Sports In Goa

2012-06-20T21:56:00.001+05:30

Goa is famous for water sports in India. A good number of water sports activities are available on most of the beautiful beaches from Jet Skiing, Para Sailing, Scuba Diving, Dinghy Sailing, Fishing, Water Skiing to Wind Surfing. Recently I went there and enjoyed Jet Skiing & Para Sailing very much on Baga beach. I have one advice for people going for water sports is they must go for it empty stomach as chances of puking increases after full meal.

Vacation Time

2012-06-13T18:30:00.000+05:30

What could be more relaxing than a much needed vacation? It was a long due break and we headed for GOA. We never been there and I must say it is a most sought after destination for vacations in India. Though many people told me that this is not the best time to go there because of heat and humidity. But against all good suggestions we went ahead and enjoyed our time there.

Goa is in two parts: north and south Goa. North part is very happening with all type of recreational activities, water sports and night life. This time we confined ourselves on this side of Goa and enjoyed every activity. Though we adventured to Colva beach in south Goa on a rented scooter (Rs. 250/day) which was almost 45-50 KM from our hotel near Candolim beach. Peaceful Colva is the biggest beach in entire Goa and it is quite clean and if you love to walk on the beach with holding your partner's hand then this is the sea side you must visit. I have made a promise to myself that next time I am going to stay in south Goa to experience it's serene beauty and old nostalgic charm.

Let Me Play...

2012-06-03T12:59:00.000+05:30

Though I live in a metropolitan city but I often remember my small hometown in eastern part of the country. We were a bunch of friends...good friends bonded with a lot of playful activities. Summer break was a great moment of joy as schools were closed and there were no routines to be followed. From morning to night we used to play most of the times. There were three playgrounds, two big and one small in the vicinity. Morning was for football and evenings were exclusively reserved for Cricket or Badminton. Ah! We had a lot of fun. Sometimes, apart from going to the playground we used to play kabaddi in the gali (Lane) with all boys and girls.

Those were golden days. After completing my schooling we moved to Delhi for graduation and post graduation. Delhi was a big culture shock for all of us but bigger shock was when we observed that children playing in the small colony parks rather going to the nearest playground. And the park was also not meant for their playful activities as per the municipal corporation. After the school hours and in the summer breaks children had very less open spaces to go for recreation. Some good playgrounds were very far and taking children there daily was not easy for parents. Apart from the little time for outdoor recreation most of the children were used to confine in their homes watching television. This was a dangerous situation and it still is. We are in fact on the brink of making our children couch potatoes and now after the internet revolution net junkies. This is indeed not a proud situation but an alarming one. Most of the metros are developing on a rapid pace and hence shrinking the playground space for our children.

Recently union Sports Minister Ajay Maken urged Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath to ensure mandatory use of playfields that have been alloted by the Delhi Development Authority to the Delhi's schools during non school hours. This is indeed a very good thought as schools run by private institutions and by the government are everywhere in the capital. But such a noble thought must extend to all over country especially in the metros where open spaces are shrinking at an alarming pace due to unplanned urbanization. This step can create a lot of open spaces for recreation in school's huge playground which often see no activity after school hours. These vacant spaces can be utilized by the children and hence promote a healthy sports culture in the country.

Facts About Indian Tea

2012-05-10T12:21:00.000+05:30

Few days ago I wrote about deputy chairman planning commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia declaring tea as a national drink of India. It is time to take a look at some interesting facts about Indian tea. Readers of this post can include some more facts in the comment box.

1. The most common word for tea in India is 'Chai' (चाय) or 'Cha' (चा). Like many words in Indian dictionary Chai has too come from Persian language which is derived from Chinese Mandarin Language. So Many people who think Chai is an India word or never had payed attention about this fact that it is actually a Persian word where tea is known as 'Chay'.

2. Most commonly used spices for masala tea are ginger, cardamom, cloves, fennel and basil leafs.

3. Except southern India where coffee is very popular rest of India enjoys variety of spice tea.

4. India used to be largest producer of tea few years ago. Now China has taken number one position. China and India produce more than half of the world's tea leaves.

5. First Indian tea from Assam was sent to England for public sale in 1838.

6. Darjeeling tea enjoys the geographical indication status for its unique 'muscatel' flavor which is not found anywhere in the world.

7. Tea is being cultivated in mainly three areas in India: Darjeeling (West Bengal), Assam & Nilgiris.
There are some more tea cultivation areas in Bihar, Odisha, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand etc.

8. Chai time or tea break is now a tradition all over world and according to United Kingdom Tea Council tea break has been with us for approximately 200 years.

9. Each day one person can drink maximum of four cups of tea for optimum benefit. Tea is a good source of fluoride which can protect against tooth decay.

10. More than 95% people take their tea with milk.

11. To lure domestic & international tea lovers to the country government of India is promoting tea tourism aggressively in the country. Tea tourism include walk around tea garden, accommodation in the tea garden's heritage bungalow, tea tasting sessions, trekking etc

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Satyamev Jayate: The Truth

2012-05-08T17:25:00.000+05:30

Everybody is talking about it, everybody is raving about it. Aamir Khan's show 'Satyamev Jayate' created a lot of buzz everywhere. Though the format of the show is not new but talking on female foeticide by a superstar on national entertainment channel is the real differentiator. It has started a nationwide debate on social evils and also raised many question.
We all have experienced and seen that Aamir does not do things just for the sake of it. He puts his heart and soul in the project. Satyamev Jayate is no exception. Promotion of this show is also phenomenon. Every media is talking about it and everybody is saying that it has redefined the nature of entertainment channels. Ok right, not going to raise doubt on this. But is 'Satyamev Jayate' or Superstar 'Aamir Khan' really going to take social issues further? Or 'Satyamev Jayate' will become one more programme like others? When the show finally gets over what will happen? A new show will replace the space, people will start watching it and at the end of the day they will forget it. This is how television industry works. After the show gets over who will take forward these social issues? Will Aamir do that? No, he said already. Aamir heavily focuses on unique way of promotions to enhance the curiocity of his endeavours. He always moves on from one project to another.

Undoubtedly, Satyamev Jayate is a very brave attempt and at least, people have started talking on social evils at every front. But at the same time, it is very logical not to expect much from it as this is only for raising valid points and awareness sake. Issue like female foeticide which was raised on the first episode is still a bare truth in many parts of the country. Many true social workers are still fighting against it. A job meant for newspapers and news channels is being done by entertainment channel and a superstar himself raises many questions denotes the shallowness of powerful media.

The Versatile Blogger Award

2012-05-05T15:42:00.004+05:30

Thanks Ravi Akula for making me a part of this Versatile blogger award. I am delighted.

http://chroniclesofraviakula.blogspot.com/2012/05/versatile-blogger-award.html

Now there are certain rules to be followed:
1. Create a new post
2. Thank the lovely person who nominated you for the award
3. Pass it on to the fellow bloggers
4. State 7 random facts about you
5. Claim and post the award pic

Now I am passing the versatile blogger award to my dearest fellow bloggers,
1. Raghav
2. Magiceye
3. Bhavana
4. Time River
5. Himanshu Rajput
6. Ramakant Pradhan
7. Tatsat Banerjee
8. Geetali
9. Andy David
10. Deeps Paul

Now the random 7 facts about me:
1. Presently I am in Delhi NCR and working with one of the leading news channel
2. Love good music of every genre but do not a die hard fan of any singer or composer.
3. Crazy about movies and try to watch one film a day. Sometimes it is possible and sometimes...my hard luck.
4. Always open for suggestions
5. I love to travel. Photography is one of my hobby
6. Not a debate person but a good listener
7. Love to watch food and travel shows on tv. My favorites are Highway on my plate & Chakh le India on NDTV Good Times, Zayaka India Ka on NDTV India

Wow...I have never written random facts about myself anywhere. What do you think fellow bloggers.
Thanks, once again Ravi Akula.

National Drink: Tea

2012-04-24T17:14:00.001+05:30

I don't remember clearly when I started morning tea and when tea became a habit in my life. Most of us do not remember this fact but one thing they are sure about is they can't live without their first cup of tea in the morning. My taste for good tea has grown gradually over the years. I started with Masala (spice) chai (tea) and enjoyed every bit of it. In fact, I am still enjoying it as my first cup of tea in the morning.

In 1987 I first saw tea plantation and processing unit in Darjeeling, West Bengal with my parents. My father is very fond of leaf tea and since I was always keen to know how things happen, my father explained everything about it. I was excited to see the plantation and processing. It was a new type of cultivation for me. I don't remember the name of the tea estate but it was beautiful and filled with small green leafy plants, women laborers were plucking tea leaves and throwing them in the basket at their back was fascinating. Darjeeling Tea has a distinct aroma which is unique and different from rest of the tea produced anywhere in the world. Darjeeling Tea enjoys the geographical indication under international law where its quality, other characteristics is essentially attributable to its geographical location.

Recently I came to know about Makaibari tea estate in Darjeeling which is well known worldwide for its amazing aromatic tea also known as Makaibari tea. It's fragrance is unique and after sipping first time Makaibari tea I quickly became addicted to it. Tea lovers in

India

must taste this unique tea. In fact, there is one more reason for tea lovers to rejoice. Recently, deputy chairman of planning commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia announced that tea would be accorded national drink of

India

by next April. Though I will not indulge myself into any sort of debate whether tea or milk should be national drink of our country but this little piece of new is a great matter of delight for tea lovers.

A Positive Signal: A Better Future

2012-04-13T11:00:00.000+05:30

When you move to Delhi roads you can easily notice many children begging with their parents. It is a bare fact we all come across everywhere in the country which is very sad too. These children do not go to school; they do not enjoy two meals a day like other children. Most of the public take a look at them once and move forward. But these children stays there and their hope for a better future too.

Though literacy rate in

India

improved significantly over the last one decade but we have a long way to go. Over the years after liberalization and privatization Indian economy has shown remarkable growth signs but at the same time it has been noticed that poor have become poorer and rich people have become richer. That means a great divide is building slowly in the country. To check this we need to improve some aspects at the grass root level and one of those things are inclusive education.

Every child has the right to study and government must facilitate this. Supreme court recently uphold the Right to Education Act, 2009 which says provision for 25 per cent free seats to the poor students in all schools except unaided minority schools across the country. This is the biggest positive and remarkable sign for inclusive education till date. This step will hopefully remove those barriers which a child from a poor family face while seeking admission.

A Humble Man: A Positive India

2012-04-06T18:01:00.000+05:30

Every day brings a new kind of experience and insight. Some days ago I met a man who left a deep impression on my mind. He was in his fifties with hollow eyes and cheeks. His structure was bony and reminded me one of the characters from great Hindi novelist Premchand's novels. Yes, he is a daily wages laborer working almost 12 hours a day and earns around Rs. 250-300 per day. But one thing differentiates him from other people is his positive will and conviction.

He has four sons in his native village nearby Basti district of Uttar Pradesh. All his sons are studying and he is the sole bread earner of his family. In one hour conversation he kept saying that he has only one desire left and that is his children must study and fulfill their dreams. As long as I am alive I will make sure from whatever meager income I have I will support them, he said firmly. His conviction to provide the best of studies he can for his children is rare.

He made a promise to himself long time back to send some amount of money regularly to his family and he is still doing this religiously with a dream in his deep hollow eyes that the hardship he is facing his children must not confront. They must do better in life. Though he is a content man but one thing pinches him continuously. The on going price rise has made his life nowadays a little difficult. Instead of taking a city bus to commute he started to walk for six kilometers daily to save money. But he is not able to save much for his family. And his struggle for better life continues...

What A Ride?

2012-03-24T17:23:00.000+05:30

Workers returning from a construction site. They made this huge road roller as their vehicle and everybody has taken a unique place.

Indian Cinema: Coming of Age

2012-03-18T22:43:00.001+05:30

India is the largest producer of feature films in the world. Despite this fact, very few films are world standard. Though Indian film industry has become a biggest film industry but very few movies are innovative or very few filmmakers dare to innovate. Most of the producers stick to the formula films which can give them quick return money without much pain. That’s why film lovers often don't have choice for good films. There was a time when in the name of good and meaningful cinema some directors made so called ‘art movies’. These movies had good story lines but pathetic and super slow treatment kept viewers away from cinema halls. Art movies died their own death. But their intellectual impact and liberalization of Indian economy heralded a new breed of filmmakers who believe only in good cinema. Money is not taboo for them. After all film making is a commercial art and if it makes money while essaying the massage then nothing like it. These young directors are experimenting with every kind of story backed with great research. They are not hesitating in picking up new and bold subjects. Last one decade new filmmakers have given us wonderful films like Lagaan, Chak De India, Paan Singh Tomar, Kahanni, Rockstar, Dhobi Ghat, Bheja Fry, Chillar Party, Satya, Maqbool, Shor In The City, I Am, I Am Kalam, stanley Ka Dabba, Dil Chahta Hai, Haasil, Dev D etc.