Unity in Diversity.. Really?

It’s the month of India’s 65th Independence Day and everything is turned upside down by a few rumor mongers who took it upon themselves to make an issue out of an event which they had no relation or connection to. And, then started a mass exodus. People leaving, for the north eastern parts of the country, in hordes, railway stations in major cities clogged as people running for the fear of one thing necessary for everything else, their LIFE.

Even after the panic started and railway stations in major cities were besieged with thousands of passengers heading to northeast cramming the platforms, staircases, booking counters, waiting lounge, waiting for the elusive special trains and other trains, while no satisfactory action was taken. Other than a few pacifying and comforting words and assurances of security, where was the action? The government was trying to put the blame on our neighbors and social networking sites, while in the states they were giving assurance of protection whereas nothing was forth coming.  One fact everyone missed was that the government was giving assurances of protection on one hand, and on the other it was putting up Special trains after Special trains. If that didn’t give a mixed message I don’t know what did. Then came the news (blow for some) of banning bulk messages and restricting the limit to 5 sms’s/day. In the age of Whatsapp, Blackberry messenger and Android phones one can only wonder of kind of impact that would have had on people who were “allegedly” behind this(#Clueless). 

Now that everything has been said (not done), the D-Day came and went and nothing major(other than a few incidents) has happened (hopefully won’t happen). But instead of first seeing that order is restored in the country everyone has been blaming everyone else for everything. We Indian’s are really masters when it comes to blame games. And now comes the big question, Will these people come back? What will be the action taken? Will they safe after they are back? Will be miscreants be booked? We can only hope. 

This exodus shows us what we truly are. We proudly say “Unity in Diversity”, but how many of us truly believe in this. Isn’t it time we remove the mask and say that we only believe and relate to people who are from our state, speak our language, eat the same food and blah and blah and blah. In a previous post I asked this question, do we really have an “India for Indians”? At present the answer seems like a big bold NO.

Disclaimer: These are just my views and opinions. Not trying to hurt any sentiments - regional, personal or otherwise. Peace.

Bangalore Autowallah's

Every time I step out of my place in Bangalore to go somewhere, it might invariably lead to a war of words with an auto-wallah for the exorbitant amounts they charge for a ride in their precious(read made of gold) auto's. Having been here for almost two years now, it now comes as second nature to argue with an auto-wallah. Some of the reasons that that they give are downright funny and it’s sometimes hard to maintain a straight face while arguing with them.

A few years back Star One used to air a game show, "Family Fortunes". In the same format I give you "Top 10 stupid reasons given by Autowallah's for charging high"(arranged from most common to rarer)

10) Mujhe akaele aana hoga(I've to come alone)
9) Meter nahi chalta hai(Meter doesnt work)
8) Bahut traffic hoga (Traffic will be high at this time)
7) Mein wahan nahi jaata (I dont go that way)
6) Petrol ka daam bad gaya, jante ho?(Petrol prices have increased)
5) Mein Wahan se akele aaya hoon. (I've come alone till here)
4) De do saab. 10 baaje ke baad one half lega(Give sir. After 10 we charge one and half (meter) (this at 9, when he is almost asking double))
3) Meri gaadi naayi hai.(My vehicle is new)
2) Kya saab, aapke paas toh paise hai. (Why (are you penny-pinching) sir, you have money)

The last and the one that takes the cake along with the icing and also the box that it came in...
1) Bahut thand hai saab.(Its cold)

Got any more?

I've some very sarcastic replies(and i know you have too) for all of the above, but will save that for some other time. In the meanwhile keep arguing, lest the autowallah's swindle you of your hard-earned money..

Adieu 2011.. Things i learnt from You..

Its been a bitter sweet year, more bitter than sweet. But as every year goes by you grow wiser and I'm no different. This year has made me learn a lot of things, a few of them the hard way.

-> dear can move to a land of no return when you least expect it to happen. So cherish their company while they are there.

-> Never believe your superior, no matter how convincing they sound, until you have seen the results.

-> If you have something on your mind, say it out, rather than let it stay in you and mutilate your mind.

-> Not everyone is interested in helping you in your troubles. Some are just curious(straight from a SMS).

-> If you did something you always wanted to do, but didn't end up well, have no regrets. Atleast you gave it a try.

-> Being physically fit and staying fit actually makes you feel good, even if it required a lot of effort.
-> Learn to say "NO". A "YES" doesn't sound nice every time.

-> When you cook you realise the amount of effort mom puts in every dish.

-> Its good to have many friends, but sometimes all you need is sometime with yourself.


So goodbye 2011.. Roll in 2012..