PETROL AND COMMON SENSE !

Hello everyone! Let me tell you upfront that, this post is a spontaneous reaction to a breaking news that appeared on TV last night! "Historic hike in petrol price" No doubt that, this was a shocking news for almost every Indian middle class family which included me..but to be frank,i was not at all surprised to hear this news! Simply because,i expected this! You need proof? :)

Here it is http://sachindinesh2210.blogspot.com/2011/12/tomato-ram-and-mrj.html
and i'm wondering why people are blaming the government,the oil companies etc for this uncontrolled price hike..Is it really about this politics and the global market? Well..it's not..at least in my perspective..and may be i'm sharing the same view point with many of the nature lovers :)

Petrol is generally regarded as a non-renewable energy resource and i hope that this fact is not so popular among the consumers! If people were aware of this fact,how can they expect the price of a non renewable resource to remain constant throughout their life time?!! That too under this exploding population growth! I just don't understand the logic behind such blame games..Population explosion is a major contributor to this scenario..that alone has led to the increased consumerism..and what about our choice of vehicles? Priority is clearly for the luxury..not for the planet's future..or in other words,not for your future! One retarded rich man once said " I pay for water..so,i can waste it..why do you care? " Same is the attitude here..not just in this case..every aspect of our life..such individual attitudes can destroy the whole world..

Sustainable development is now just a topic for debates and discussions..and when it comes to real life,nobody really cares to contribute..and i had made my attitude very clear about this in my last post on this issue..I don't think we can replace bikes or cars with bicycles and carts..it is an impossible suggestion! It would be great if people can do that..but,we have nothing to do with "if" here. Practically,what can we do to control the situation? That deserves more importance. That's why,as i mentioned earlier,our choice of vehicles becomes a significant decision. Why should you spend more money on style and luxury just because you have money..or to satisfy that innermost desire of yours or just to feel 'big'..Why do we ignore the fuel efficient vehicles which can change our destiny? Because,we still haven't understood the importance of being simple!

Dear youngsters! Are you planning to buy a bike or a car? Your parents will be happy to grant your wish (and i guess,i know what you are wishing for!)..and no common man would naturally think or discuss environmental issues while buying a vehicle! Am i prejudiced? I would be the happiest man on earth, if you can prove me wrong :) So..the petrol prices will go up again an again..and the time will come when the less fortunate section of the society will have to depend on cheaper means of transport..this is inevitable. It is high time that we start finding solutions to our current crisis instead of blaming and protesting. Common sense can tell you that petrol can only get costlier in future..no matter how much you protest! It is a limited gift from mother nature..

Leading a simple life is a really challenging task! Sacrificing your personal comforts and desires for a universal cause! It can't be simple..i  know :) But that alone gives you the eligibility to blame anyone..during the next price hike :D

" Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need,not every man's greed "
   
                                                               - Mahatma Gandhi




    

A CONVENIENT TRUTH!

Today,let's celebrate Global warming! And did you observe earth hour yesterday? To be frank,i couldn't..i just completely forgot it, during that 1 hour..and none of my neighbours reminded (i mean,they too failed to observe it) I felt so bad about missing such a wonderful chance to be part of this fantastic concept..and now,i have to wait for one year! So,i decided to compensate for this loss :) I thought of an extended idea..streching this same concept to get more results! If we can observe this 'earth hour' once in every year,why not five minutes daily or even a couple of minutes daily?!!

We all have learned and discussed somuch about global warming,its causes and the possible ways to fight it. It was 3 years back when, the nature club of my college arranged a study tour to a nearby forest..and that was the first time ever, that i was going to experience a forest..because,major part of my life was inside concrete jungles and i never had a chance to visit a real forest! And this forest was more special than the usual ones for a particular reason! And what makes it so special? It is a man made forest! Mr.Abdul Kareem,an old man from kasaragod district in Kerala has done something unbelievable..he has turned his 32 acres of  barren land into a bio diverse forest..and to witness the result of his years of hardwork, was amazing..for the first time in my life,i saw something superhuman :)

That day,by the time we reached the destination,it was almost noon..and the sun was at his scorching best! We were all melting, literally! And i think,the temperature was almost touching 40 degrees. And it gets worse when you are in a very humid region like this. We were introduced to Mr.Abdul Kareem and he was a thin man dressed in white and white :) After having a short chat, he took us to his forest..and i still remember that particular moment in which i stepped in to the shade of the first tree..it felt like,there was a sudden change over in climate! I no longer cursed the sun for being so hard on us..I should say that, i felt the soothing touch of mother nature as i walked through the forest..the sounds of birds,insects and the fresh cool air that filled my lungs..and i took special efforts to take deep breaths! (May be, i thought that i would never ever get a chance to breathe such fresh air in my life again) Later, he took us to his small home which he built inside his forest..and there was no fan,air condtioner,but just a CFL bulb for providing light during night.

I can't live through a summer without a fan..and i don't think you will differ too..and it is strange to note that, the middle class families have also started to invest on air conditioners. Earlier,these air conditioners were just another luxury..an added comfort..but,now the scene has changed. It is more or less inevitable. That clearly depicts the harsh reality about climate change. We could have avoided this situation..but,we didn't. But,it is still not late to write off the possiblity of a total restoration of climate. We can still give it a shot. Atleast, prevent the situation from getting worse.

I already suggested some very practical suggestions in my earlier blogs..like using bicycles :) There is a lot more to add to this list..I'm thinking of writing specifically on each topic in my future posts..because, i really wish them to be implemented in our lives. And the last thing i want is, this post to be just another discussion! So,for the time being..keep thinking about my proposal of that 'extended' earth hour concept :) Can you switch off everything for 5 minutes daily? That is a total of 1825 minutes of power saving in a year..and that is 30 hours of power saving per year per home! These are not silly figures when you think about the global population and global power consumption..so,think about it,and start today itself..let this be a part of your life's routine..and be proud about living a meaningful selfless life of 5 minutes!

I leave you with this link so that you can read more about Mr.Abdul Kareem :) Or you can google about this man and his forest.



http://www.theweekendleader.com/Nature/248/Green-Dreams.html

No words will prove sufficient to descibe the amazing endeavour carried out by this man..and i know that i haven't tried my best to project him in this blog..it is just because,the following video speaks more than i can! So,watch it and realise for yourself :) When we are proud of owning a car,a laptop,an iphone..imagine what a feeling that would be to own a 32 acres forest!

Before leaving,let me remind you about the potential 30 hours that we can contribute towards a greener planet! Let me know if you have decided to do this..so that i can thank you :)


" The least movement is of importance to all nature..the entire ocean is affected by a pebble "

                                                  - Blaise Pascal

I 'WAS' A HYPOCRITE..

Finally,this day pushed me to break the ice inside..and i'm writing after a long long break..it wasn't an intentional hibernation..but a mere confusion over what i'm supposed to write..too many issues to be addressed..majority of them related to the pathetic picture of my nation..and i didn't really have a choice about being specific..because,i don't wish to isolate issues..they all form the bigger picture..and this blog is about some recent news headlines which touched my heart..since my blog is not after 'sensational' topics..

Last month,on january 26th,the nation celebrated yet another republic day..two weeks before that day, the news papers and the news channels aired a news about a mother,who died in the pavement giving birth to her baby..she was denied admission to a hospital despite possesing health cards..the reason? They are investigating (till we forget this)...what a great moment for the republic India..I couldn't differentiate the emotions that rushed inside me..was it anger?sadness?helplessness? Whatever..it was a moment of realisation..that,my nation is now a sinking ship in terms of morality and humanity..but that wasn't a pessimistic moment..rather, an optimistic,over powering thought that motivated me..hope it is the same with every young indian..or so be it..i wish..

baby Falak in AIIMS

Remember Falak? The 2 year old girl child who was bruised and battered..who was admitted to the AIIMS with severe head injury, both her arms broken, bite marks all over her body and her cheeks branded with hot iron..the media celebrated this for a week as usual and left it when they got something more 'sensational'..and all i can do is to raise her name through this blog..so that you won't forget her without meditating on the issue..

And the latest addition to this topic..the porngate scandal in karnataka assembly..three members of parliament were caught red handed while watching porn inside the temple of democracy..and the worst part..one of them happened to the minister for welfare of women & children..haven't heard of a better irony in my life! It was the most shameful day for the indian democracy..and thanks to the media for conducting some interesting debates on the issue of double standards of indian society..the best word to represent the modern india seems to be "hypocrisy"

I was quite surprised when some of my classmates once spoke against Mahatma Gandhi..and it was not restricted to that single experience..i kept hearing this several times after that particular day..what is wrong with the indian youth? i know that these minority doesn't represent the youth of india..still,what made them speak against that great soul? Now i'm reminded about the famous movie  'inception' ! Those who have watched the movie must be remembering that famous dialogue by Dicaprio.."An idea...Resilient... highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain it's almost impossible to eradicate.." The movie went on to win 4 oscars but certainly missed out for the best script..coming back to our topic..it looks greatly relevant..

Nationalism is displayed during cricket matches..inside social networking sites..but where is the true spirit? I have seen many modern student 'revolutionaries' who speak against america..but he wore a Levi Strauss jean! I have seen them drink Pepsi and Cola..and the same guys talk against Mahatma..People talk against corruption..they fight against corruption..but imagine how many of you would prefer to bribe an official just to get things done quickly..to skip the long queue in government offices..don't think i'm prejudiced..i have seen people do that when it comes to ensuring their comfort..why this double standards?

Can we ever wipe out terrorism from this world? You won't say 'yes' if you have understood the gravity of the dialogue i quoted from 'inception'! The problem with terrorism or any other social evil is that, it is just an idea inside someone's mind..it is born,grown and should die inside the mind..no other way out..you can't influence someone's thinking without his/her permission..that makes the whole process quite an impossible one..but that doen't give us the license to stay irresponsible..but these days,our reactions are short lived..they evidently lack the power to sustain the movement till meeting the end..let us be honest with ourselves..and cease to be hypocrites..

I realise the truth that Falak is my sister..the mother who died in the pavement was my mother..the ministers who watched porn inside assembly were my servants..now it's your turn dear indian..


"A republic is a form of government in which the people, or some significant portion of them, have supreme control over the government and where offices of state are elected or chosen by elected people."

THE LION OF VEDANTA

There is something absolutely wonderful about history..it celebrates only the time tested..be it individuals,books or great moments in history..nothing which fails to come through that rigorous process of time,will be given the throne of eternity! And that is exactly the reason why this great man from India is living even now,as if he never really died! He is Swami Vivekananda..

Any attempt to explain the greatness of Vivekananda would prove futile,since,he is beyond such man made language and expressions..Still,i found a great account on his biography in a website written with unbelievable brevity,yet with clarity..i'm sharing that with you..

"A spiritual genius of commanding intellect and power, Vivekananda crammed immense labor and achievement into his short life, 1863-1902. Born in the Datta family of Calcutta, the youthful Vivekananda embraced the agnostic philosophies of the Western mind along with the worship of science.

At the same time, vehement in his desire to know the truth about God, he questioned people of holy reputation, asking them if they had seen God. He found such a person in Sri Ramakrishna, who became his master, allayed his doubts, gave him God vision, and transformed him into sage and prophet with authority to teach.

After Sri Ramakrishna's death, Vivekananda renounced the world and criss-crossed India as a wandering monk. His mounting compassion for India's people drove him to seek their material help from the West. Accepting an opportunity to represent Hinduism at Chicago's Parliament of Religions in 1893, Vivekananda won instant celebrity status in America and a ready forum for his spiritual teaching.

For three years he spread the Vedanta philosophy and religion in America and England and then returned to India to form the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Exhorting his nation to spiritual greatness, he awakened India to a new national consciousness. He died on July 4, 1902, after a second, much shorter sojourn in the West. His lectures and writings have been gathered into nine volumes.."

The birthday of Swami Vivekananda (January 12th) is declared as national youth day by the goverment of India..and how great a decision was that..why? It was just 39 earthly years that Vivekananda lived..but that makes no sense when you study his life filled with great actions and thoughts..Attention youths! How many of you feel that you have accomplished atleast 10% of what He has done during his 39 years..? I don't think there can be a single claim for that..To be frank,i feel ashamed at this moment..to feel the hollowness of the life we live in..with no real purpose,moving along with the drift..and yet calling ourselves, the future of our nation..do we deserve to be called so, atleast at this point of time?

It's all about living your life by knowing its worth! I have listed few truths about youthhood..this list, as always, is incomplete..:)

• this is the best period of human life! (ask any old man!)
• abundance of energy and creativity (channelise it..you can do miracles!)
• heard health is wealth? then know that, it is a golden reality!

Do you really wish to do something?!! Then,this is the moment to follow your heart..this is the moment to chase your passions and live your dream..but,the real question is a bit ironic..do the modern youth know about,what to dream and what to chase?!! Or is it just that they are pushed into a rat race by the society?..whatever! It's your life and you are going to live it..not the society..so,be selfish! (only to take this decision!)

When the whole world remembers Vivekananda for vedanta and the famous speech he made at the Parliament of religions,i would say that there are much more simple and important things that often go unnoticed about his life..the foremost being the topic which i discussed earlier..about living the youthhood in the best possible way..being productive beyond proportions..and ultimately contributing to the nation building and to oneself..

What made Vivekananda unique among the saints? A woman follower in America once recalled her experience of meeting him..her observations were remarkable.."when we heard that a saint from India is coming,we had the picture of a lean,sickly man in saffron robe..but when Swami Vivekananda entered the room,we were stunned! Head held high,with a robust physique and lion like looks..!" That explains it all..:) He redefined the term 'saint' in his lifetime..he taught us that real 'sannyasa' or renounced state isn't about inaction..but,full of action! It's not about meditating in caves or jungles..but,living for the poor and suffering..and he preached that purity of heart can be easily attained through selfless service to the society..no doubt,he continues to inspire millions across the globe even now..

Finally,i'm dedicating this blog for all the young,wonderful,supertalented youths(including me!) of this world...the world awaits you!

"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life..think of it, dream of it, live on that idea..let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone..this is the way to success.."
                                                   ~ Swami Vivekananda

 

WOMANHOOD, STILL A BURDEN?

For the last few days,i was haunted by a little girl..I met her last month, during a train journey to my home town..She was seated opposite to me and looked dull,tired and worried about something..i really didn't care at first,since,her brother was sitting next to me (i picked this from their conversation) So,i decided to leave it to them and let my mind loose..

But,how long can you keep your eyes off from what's happening infront of you? Just five minutes before the train reached my destination,i found the reason..she was abused by an old 'man' (i don't think he qualifies to be called a man) sitting next to her..I was shocked and hurt to see this..but,it was too late for me to respond as the train stopped and i had to get down.. i just had one choice left..i gave her my seat..she looked so relieved and thankful to sit next to her brother..i still can't believe how that criminal managed to do this in public, without being noticed..and i felt really sorry for the girl who suffered it for more than two hours.. :(



Life is not easy for a sexually abused child..especially a girl child..it ruins the whole system of mind..you are no longer a happy child after being abused,since you face an inevitable depression after you experience this..and don't wonder how i'm commenting on this topic with somuch authority..i'm also a victim..not once,but several times..but,thats not going to be the highlight of this blog..i'm more concerned about the level of deterioration of our modern society..i'm not sure about the global picture on this issue..but here in india,it is a silent evil,spreading like a virus..but often covered up and none gets to see the real magnitude..

India is a country with rich tradition..and unlike the western culture,india is known for it's strong foundations in spirituality and morality..a place where women is worshipped as the divine incarnation of universal mother is no longer the same for the last few decades..sexual crimes against women and children are shooting up with every single year..and at the same time,the laws to protect women & children are also being introduced every year..but in vain.With a population hitting 1.2 billion..i do understand how easy it is to break laws which are weakly implemented or not implemented at all..

According to our scriptures,women deserve an inevitable position in determining the destiny of a family.society,country and ultimately the world itself..Hindu sriptures declare them to be the foundation of a good social setup..and it warns of a great disaster that could spring up when women are mistreated..and why? Because, women have a greater role to play..and being a mother is one among the many amazing things that a woman can be proud of..and i don't have to list out other facts..just think about your mother!

I don't advocate equality of men and women..since,i find it absolutely senseless(personal opinion,for clarity,please read on..!) Why do we shout for equality and why don't we accept men and women as two special beings..! I always found them equally special and not equal! Man is blessed with a stronger physique so that he may protect woman & a woman is blessed with a great emotionl strength so that she may support man! That's the way i see things..and it's all about mutual respect than equality..i don't think feminists do any good to a woman than a loving husband,father or a caring son..

Recently, a top police official was targeted for his remark about the reason why crimes against women are on the rise..what he found was this "provacative and obscene dressing"..and i still don't understand what is so wrong about his remark! Of course,it is up to each individual to choose what he or she should wear..but,criminals don't respect your individuality and are driven by baser insticts! So,why deny the fact that you are putting yourself in the risk zone while expressing yourself? Morals and codes of conduct are not to be compromised while holding up individuality..and that can cause instability to society..those who disagree shall reflect on the social evolution..which would show you why the world looks so insecure at the moment..

Debates and discussions can only take the society so far,but not further..that's why i believe in individuals..you and I can make a change..restoring moral values and injecting the same to the social stream through effective ways, can bring about a social revolution..it should start from every home..be devoted to your mother and wife..and respect womanhood..show them why men are special!

Though i don't totally agree with this quote,i found it funny enough to share it with you..:)
"Sure God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece! "

         -anonymous (lacked guts?!!)

WHY THE WORLD REALLY NEEDS A SUPERMAN!

Does the title remind you of a man in red underwear? (or is it 'outer' just in his case!) :) But,i'm sure that nothing will come to your mind, if you aren't a great fan of superhero movies! Infact,you are supposed to remember the title 'WHY THE WORLD DOESN'T NEED SUPERMAN' from the movie superman returns..a pulitzer winning editorial written by heroine Lois Lane in the movie..the film didn't make it big in the box office..but,i am happy that i got inspiration to write this prose from Lois Lane..:)

It's newyear :) 2011 is gone and 2012 is making it's way in to our lives..(i'm happy that we all are still alive,i was really haunted by the movie 2012!) 2011 was a great year for somany good reasons..and it was equally bad for somany contrary reasons as well..listing out the issues would make this more a newspaper than a blog..but,i should tell you this..i am really looking forward to a great year ahead..personally,2012 will be the most important year for me as im trying to bounce back in my life..and so am i concerned about this world..

As the crime rate shoots up,pollution is on the high and the natural calamities disturbing the sleeps of millions..i'm seriously reminded about all the superheroes of the screen,who are always there to save the day..but what about the reality? Well,i'm going to point my fingers at you..Can you be the superman/superwoman for this world?!! It has nothing to do with all those flying,crawling and dangerous combats with bad guys! But..ofcourse, i'm talking about some superhuman skills such as:

• super love to your fellow beings
• super attitude towards your life
• super actions to make earth a green paradise

the list is evidently incomplete and you can add any number of skills to the list..! i stressed about love,attitude and action..just because,it forms the foundation of a great character..unless you have a great character,you aren't ready to take up the greatest responsibilty..

What is so special about love? Only love can bring about the peace that can heal this wounded world..no terrorsim can grow where there is love..love alone heals every wounded heart..beware when i say the word love..i'm talking about the divine or unconditional love that you should radiate to every living thing around you..unconditional love is bliss..:)

Attitude towards your life is important beyond words! I can't explain to you,how important your life is..I can't show you how much it is worth..i can just tell you one thing,this world needs you..very badly! Feel that you are important..and understand that a selfish living is nothing superior to an animal way of life.. you should equip yourself with the best of education,morals and attitude & live for the welfare of the world..use your talents for this world..make this a better place to live in..before you say good bye..leave a legacy!

Actions do speak louder than words..and always let your actions to speak for you..there is no bigger advertisement to your visions than living that visions for yourself..:) Don't do too much talkng,just be silent and be immersed in your work..i read an interesting tweet last day "a seed grows in to a tree silently...but a falling tree creates a lot of sound..creation is silent,destruction is noisy.."

2012..let's make this a wonderful year for all those suffering people around the globe..when nature plays havoc,let's accept the truth that, we are responsible for every change in nature..& at the same time,choose to be a superhuman..who can save this world..:)
This is superman...signing off, from planet earth!


"Be a love bomb..not to break,but to heal the broken hearts..."
                                                                 
                                 -Sister Anila of Avila (from my autograph book)