Author: Sunny Jaiswal

Nature’s Wrath Yatra

11 days and more than thousand feared dead since the Uttarakhand disaster occurred and still rescue operations are at run. One cannot even begin to explain the trauma and suffering the people there have gone through. Showing its fury, nature struck to suddenly stamp out hundreds in the name of maintaining balance. There’s no fighting the nature’s wrath.
 
As the attitude of a person during glee and glum day tells a lot about his character; similarly a country’s character is quite aptly observed during calamities and certainly my opinion this time is towards the positive side. The way the pilgrims have been helped and comforted by various-not-less-than-God-like Indian army personal directly and by relief funds’ accumulators indirectly has been too overwhelming to describe, especially when the early monsoon has been a constant opposition to the rescue operations. It has foiled many such efforts and the short windows it has provided in its absence weren’t of much help either.  
It makes me think how it’s kind of ironic that people believe that God is taking care of them and is watching over them; but here people are at unease, to say the least, due to a ritual that is supposed to keep God contented. Then I heard about a village close to Kedarnath that is determined to help victims by offering them food and shelter till their reserves end. Such vicarious compassion shown by villagers is truly shows the high spirited and giving nature that Indians have been historically known for. Then there is heroic Indian army best illustrating this quality. They have been on a constant alert to ensure the relief operations do not lax. Around 19000 pilgrims have already been evacuated and Uttarakhand government has promised to complete the evacuation within 72 hours.
 
Believe it or not, I believe, Uttarakhand calamity had brought Indians a little closer; the stories sharing the grief and pain of losing or being separated by the loved ones, the apathy by some poor souls, the helplessness mixed with fear….thanks to media for acquainting us with the condition about the stranded pilgrims and Indian Army for their hospitality shown to the rescued in their camps after saving them from the stranded lands, thanks to all the individuals who contributed to relief funds(especially CRPF and BSF jawans for cutting in from their salary)….this disaster has taught us a genuine lesson about humanity……hope we all keep that flame of humanity burning!!!

And let’s pray for those stuck in inaccessible areas that Indian Army reaches them soon!

 

Jai Hind!!!

Fixers’ future fixed!

Some days back while going through the newspaper, I was a little concerned about my nation when this piece of news relieved me of my concerns, ‘Spot-fixing in IPL-2013’.
While the monotonicity of ‘Comedy Circus’ kept on increasing, India desperately needed some new way of coping up with the pressures of daily chores. And as they nearly lost all hopes, IPL spot-fixing came to the rescue. Thanks to Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan’s party needs, we really found some entertainment. Also, Bollywood was feeling kind of left out, so Vindoo Dara Singh joined in for some ecstasy. Sreesanth was reported to have been searching for a heroin to cast her opposite to him-self. Now, his movie might be in jeopardy, but a movie based on him is definitely a thumbs-up. His journey has been one heck of a called-in, thrown-out kind of ride. Right from taking the decisive catch in the finals of T20 world cup or returning respect to Dale Steyn through a six or the controversy with Bhajji, he has never been shy of expressing emotions; perhaps a too ostentatious emotional show-off.
                Meanwhile Comedy Circus producers are surprised that how this controversy is collecting so much attention without much effort; while they have been up their asses working vehemently creating countless seasons after seasons, and still their major viewership is acquired by lazy teenagers who don’t want to get exhausted by working up their way to the remote. The producers are furious; even China’s little peek-a-boo at LOC gained better attention. The producers are now contemplating new dimensions for accretion of lost ratings even going as jejune as hiring Sunny Leone for the hosting or Navjot Sidhu for stand-ups.
                Dawood is also not happy on becoming a household name blamed for all illegal activity saying, “It’s not fair. Please cut me some slack. And for god’s sake can someone please explain to Mr. Kisu Kisaan that I had no hand in the robbery in his house.” This was a much awaited reply that was being anticipated from Dawood, after Kisu lodged an FIR last month against Dawood for kidnapping his two bulls.
                It really surprised and shocked everyone to the core, except for the general Indian viewers. Now you are surprised?? nSeriously, ask any paan-wala bhaiya in your locality and he will brief you about how he had a hunch that this IPL was fixed. Though he may not explain what spot-fixing exactly is….but neither can half the population of cricket crazy clique. Isn’t it true?
                The verdict is far from over; there are still names to be unfolded and more entertainment in line to be served freshly to the ever-cynic Indian-kind. Many startling revelations are just waiting to be unfolded….just wait for it!

HATS OFF to the MAESTRO

Sir Alex Ferguson retires. Citing health reasons, he said, “The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I gave done so. ”
Well, I am not a great fan of Red Manchester, but I do respect this man. I have always appreciated his composure, intensity on the pitch. The way his sheer presence inspires his team and the respect he incurs from adulating fans is one that only greats can achieve and he is no exception.
For the 27 years that he served the club, not once did the United administration must have thought about installing a new manager. He has been calm, unruffled and dedicated in making a team that is balanced in every sense, be it age-wise, or position-wise and stardom-wise as well.
He has been a solid inspiration to the young crops of managers that take cues from him in managing their respective clubs. The large numbers of good-bye messages on Twitter reflects so.
He joined Old Trafford in 1986 from Aberdeen and never looked back as the Red Devils have dominated not only the English but European scene as well. His tally includes 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups and 2 Champions League titles. The 71-year Scotsman will join the team’s board members and will serve as ‘Ambassador’ in the upcoming season. Till now, United have two games left and one of them is a home game against Swansea where we may expect some emotions from the not-so-much expressive coach.
                Well, talking about replacing him is a contentious issue. United never had to think about the position of manager, it was already in very capable hands. It’s always hard to replace a veteran; plus the void left for the first time in 27 years, is a thought that United administration would always have dreaded. But it’s time to answer that. Rumour has it that Everton boss David Moyes may be stepping in his shoes, but before the confirmation from the official website; it’s going to be a matter of fierce debate. Former Chelsea and current in-charge of Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho is also a sought-after name by the grim fans. The administration is also in pressure to declare the new name, as Manchester United are listed on New York stock exchange, so any change in administration will have to be reported back to its shareholders. So, the secret can’t and won’t be held long.
                Whoever is chosen as a manager, he will have a tough time handling the pressure but it would not be so gruesome on the pitch considering Sir Alex has left his team in the strong possible shape.
#RESPECT and good luck on your future endeavours Sir Alex!

 

LEARN TO SAY ‘NO’

We are social animals, we tend to form groups, everyone has a group of friends where he’s comfortable and can hurl as much abuses as he is capable of. Also, no matter how much creepy the teasing gets, one has to imbibe every bit of it. Groups can’t be completed without that person who gets teased the most, the guy with the best relationship advices (but oddly he’s still single), the guy who gets virtually-raped every year at holi…
                The sort of person that I am going to talk about is the mix with shades of a sycophant and a person with a clean image. This person is not bad per se; has a decent level of self-respect, may connect with you with ease, and may be the most talented…..but one thing’s for sure; he’ll be sanguine and charming as hell in his conduct.  I am sure you all have one or two acquaintances possessing these traits. As common as this trait is, as such, it is also not tough to demarcate such qualities in a person.
                When given a task, this person takes on the responsibility with utmost sincerity even if the task is not his cup of tea. Saying ‘NO’ to something wouldn’t cost him anything, but for him, saying no is the only one thing he can’t do. He may fail the task, but renouncing the task is the last thing on his to-do list. I believe that quitting the task and honestly accepting the truth is much better than having to give explanation later. That’s why I look upon such persons with a little caution. There is no shame in relinquishing a little control.
Another scenario where presence of such individuals hurt most is when the person is at some higher position and one seeks help from him. Instead of just clearing his stand, he would give a false impression of trying to help; but instead, in reality, he’s just making you visit him over and over again. It seems as if their motto is “Promise today, equivocation tomorrow”. In India, the babus are infamously popular for such acts. Be it the kutcheris, banks or any ‘Sarkari Suvidha Kendra’, wherever you go, you are queued to be victimised. Indian governance system isn’t un-swayed by this.
                Then there are individuals who can’t deny a favour to a friend on face but try to gain sympathy of randoms by talking behind his back. C’mon yaar, Be a MAN (or Be a wise woman), I strongly suggest you to talk about why you can’t grant him the favour, or why you can’t do his work,; may be he’s a better person than you and he might understand your situation. It’s better to be strong first and say no than having to make efforts to placate the lost friendship and be off the hook later.
                I have seen some girls who don’t quite enjoy the company of certain individuals around her, but she can’t get rid of them, because she can’t have ‘the conversation’, or in simpler terms can’t say NO to them.
Thereby, I am running a collective request to such individuals to please understand what I am trying to say and think about how easier your life can be after you work on the advice.

Kai Po Che- Movie Review

First of all, let me clear out the meaning of this phrase most of us heard for the first time; it’s a Gujarati phrase for ‘I have cut’ used when one cuts the kite of someone. The title couldn’t be 3 mistakes because there is no 3rd mistake committed by the protagonist to reminisce about.
Based on Chetan Bhagat’s third novel ‘3 mistakes of my life’, which I rate worst of all Bhagat’s work owing to its uncanny climax, where Ali and Ishaan make the riot and irate environment into their cricket field.
Although the novel was a bestseller, and did receive some polite reviews in some department, and I did learn about the so-called and implicitly understood ‘Bro code’ from this story for the first time, when Omi warns Govind of his ill-adventures with Ishaan’s sister Vidya; Chetan is currently on 1-1(Hello: a flop, no one said hello & 3 idiots: currently an epitome of bro-hood) and will be hoping to have the odds to himself. And it will not be a surprise if the trio of Sushant, Amit Sadh and Raj Kumar Yadav steal the limelight from upcoming releases. They inhabit the characters wholly and have done full justice to their roles.
The portrayals, especially by Sushant and Raj Kumar really make you glue to the screen. While this chemistry does wonders for the movie, Raj Kumar also succeed in making the awkward chemistry between Govi and Vidya look believable and at times gives the only string to hold on for the romantic.
The story, as expected imbibes beautifully, the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat, the Godhra Kand, and the communal riots between Hindus and Muslims, while relating their after-effects on the three protagonists’ lives.
The ending does gives the audience a surprise, but it doesn’t seem inept considering the history of our bollywood movies. Abhishek Kapoor deserves his part of credit, especially after he was initially snubbed by the big names of Bollywood.
In all fairness, a one-time watch, a pure entertainer and another portrayal exemplifying friendship….I watched it with friends and I hope you do too. 

 

Ronaldo vs. Messi battle- My take

 A common debate encountered between football fans is: Who is better??
Ronaldo or Messi
When it comes to hardcore fans, opinions don’t concord. Messi sure has the lead with his 4th Ballon d’Or but it isn’t enough when he has a fierce competitor like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 made them stand head to head and pit against each other. The rivalry between their clubs fuelled up the comparison talks between them. While Messi was product of a brilliant product of Barcelona academy that they exhibit ostentatiously, Ronaldo was brought at Bernabeu on popular fan appeal.
Although both have different roles, different positions, different methods at their respective clubs, but the comparison between them is inevitable owing to the fact that they have shared last 5 Ballon’dor amongst them. Both give 100% to their clubs.
Ronaldo has an unflinching pace that takes defenders with surprise; his sharp acceleration helps the cause.  Messi likes to take defenders one-on-one while inching closer to the opponents’ goal-line.
                Well, I am not taking any sides, but every individual has a right to have an opinion, so in order to facilitate that I have garnered some points that can ease you into making your judgment.
  1. Pace and acceleration: Ronaldo has a pace like a leopard, out-beating his markers is a walk in the park for him. Messi has sufficient pace to do the out-pacing and he puts his dab body in good use by making low profile supporting runs.
  2. Ball control and Dribbling: Dribbling is the Magnus opus of Messi. Infact most of his goals are the result of his gifted supremacy in dribbling. On the other hand, Ronaldo though has a supremacy in the step-overs (or the scissors), but he has been seen a little shy of perfectly executing at times.
  3. Assists: I consider both players selfless, though Ronaldo is often touted as a selfish player, but having played at winging position myself, I know that wingers don’t get many chances to prove their selflessness.  
  4. Strategy: Both players are good at crafting clear-cut opportunities for their teams. They are not only great cool finishers but are equally expert in engineering opportunities that literally beg for finish.   
  5. Shooting: Shooting from a distance is what has made Ronaldo a priceless treasure. His thunderous shots are a scary sight for even best of the goalkeepers. Messi hasn’t been seen much with the long shots but he can’t be underestimated for that.
  6. Acrobatics and weak foot ability: Messi has been termed weak in this particular department, and it is quite true owing to his meager 5’7” height, but in recent seasons, he has been making constant progress to subdue such allegations. Statistically speaking, he scores a fair amount of goals with headers. Ronaldo leaps over jumping defenders is a constant sight in Real’s game and its quite clear that there’s no dearth in his aerial abilities. Weak foot ability is a thing, though isn’t a necessary quality but is a great quality to have when bailing out from a compromising situation. Both wizards have excellent weak foot ability, which helps them to gain extra points and fan appreciation.
Another quite impressive quality to consider is free kick taking ability. But I believe when you are in a 5-star team, it isn’t a much needed one. Generally such teams already possess a free kick genius, for example Barcelona has Xavi while Madrid had the services of Beckham and Roberto Carlos.
The discussion will not end, and may never end, but one thing’s for sure that the duo will keep us entertained in the years to come.

Preimage

Today I am going to talk about a disease I like to call preimage.
Making out a person just by his first impression is a habit nearly every person has…be it the person working in an MNC, be it the neighbour, be it the shy girl at school, the glass half full guy, 
We all are the victims of this malpractice, and the evil users too…
The first impression of a person (especially a bad one) is stuck so strongly to our minds that even loads of positive work is not conducive of changing that clinging preimage. They don’t realize that humans learn from their mistakes and are worthy of a second chance.
Another common disorder that people have and that’s even gross is making a preimage on the basis of looks of a person.
When God, in his infinite wisdom created us, he wouldn’t have thought that the outer package that he is giving us, would heed so much of importance in the society…the better the outer package, the better the preimage.

A person who may have been your biggest foe may turn out to be gregarious at a later time of your life.
Your best friend is the one that you spent most of your time with and not the one that had the best outer package.

Considering and being aware of what all stupidity, humans are capable of; this one marks out as the most stupid and illogical.

Being on the receiving end sure sucks, and I can tell you by experience, that being on the other end (let’s call him Mr. X) doesn’t bring you any awesomeness either.
The biggest damage is done when you have a day-to-day interaction with the other person. Instead of keeping aside the feelings, X colludes his clandestine emotions with workplace ethics. The first impression image affects his judgement, polluting the thought process, and ultimately leading to inevitable fallout between the two, affecting both individuals. Why restrict this discussion to individuals? Infact forming preimage to a group, company, politicians etc, is a common practice that we all see around quite often. Although the image against present-day politicians is a vicarious feeling backed up by clichés, but it’s still similar to the point that I am focussing in one way or the other.
The solution…ha…well avoiding such an experiment and practising discretion is the first advice and secondly, remember the saying:
                                
                                     “Judging a person doesn’t define who they are;
                                                   It defines who you are” 

Bummer!


A girl was arrested on Sunday, for commenting against the bandh observed in Mumbai. Her statement was “People like Thackeray are born and die daily and one should not observe a ‘bandh’ for that.”
Are we living in anarchy? How ridiculous can Maharashtra government get, acting crazy in the wake of Thackeray’s loss. The matter just doesn’t closes here; a friend of hers who liked the comment was also arrested and though they got bailed out in few hours after apologizing, this incident reflects about the methodology of working of the police department in Mumbai. Till I wrote this article, the PD didn’t took any notice of the girl’s uncle condition whose office was ransacked after this incident by a Shiv Sena mob whose major pastime is taking voluntary measures at slightest of provocation. Well done Shiv Sena for yet again proving that nothing can get past you unharmed.
                Some rumours speculate that police deliberately arrested the girls to protect them from getting matter worse. If that’s the case, then congrats to PD for devising a new way to control things around. It’s like buying ten pairs of defective jeans to cut the cost of buying one branded one or getting a plastic helmet for a steel one. A temporary solution can’t waver their adamence.
The suit filed against them was hurting religious sentiments. Seriously??? I am sorry but I don’t see her statement anyway near touching a religious sentiment let alone hurting them. You arrest this individual over a social networking comment and you don’t pay heed to the violence put up by the Shiv Sena workers; this is your discernment. This is the height of illogical judgement.
                Isn’t it written quite clearly in the Constitution of INDIA that every citizen has the right to Freedom of Speech? What do we have to do to exercise our rights without being hampered by a political party whose leader was known to change his political ideologies to suit the mood of the day. Our leaders especially the Shiv Sainiks have such low tolerance that using them to organise riots and bandhs is a walk in the park.
                If the conditions are to be improved, it has to start from this virtual core, the leaders needs to inculcate some tolerance towards religious, emotional and critical remarks. A sound mind, healthy thought process and ability to take criticism (tolerance) are the biggest quality of a leader and we need to see those in our present leaders. I respect Bal Thackeray as a political leader (may his soul rest in peace) and I know his party were bummed by his loss but burning houses and ransacking shops isn’t the solution. Its time to stay calm and build a Mumbai that everyone wants to live in.

Life at Kota!

Well, Kota is one of the few places that I got an opportunity to visit and it certainly is a place that blew my mind away effortlessly with its energy, aura and the way of living. And believe me I am not alone who felt that way.

The students who studied at Kota share a special bond among themselves that reminds them of the golden days they spent at the temple of study. The city is like a honey to the ants for coaching institutes, a way of unstoppable profits to the residents and a treat for the overcharging shopkeepers. But still life can never be more fun…if you have been in Kota once. The streets filled by the students, the air containing the freshness of youth, the institutes bearing tonnes of expectations from the parents are just some of the highlights why it stays not only in the brains but in the hearts. Seriously, if you are a youth and want some flavour in your life, then Kota is the place to go.

      Not exquisitely a place for tourists, but a resident or a student who has there been for long, knows how to use the place for fun…and I know for sure, my fellow students know it pretty well. Be it spending the evening after the exam for a game, be it watching movies, be it strolling the mall, checking the ‘flavours’ at newly opened outlets or any activity that I haven’t tried (I would love to know some more), there is something for almost everyone; nerds, foodies, jazzy, nonchalant, romeos (and ofcourse female romeos), rowdies; everyone finds his/her‘s. The fun never ceases and you’ll never feel enervated even if it has been a long, hard day.

            It’s like if you have cherished your life at some point, you must have visited Kota at some stage of your well-planned life. It may be an overstatement but there is a lot of feelings and time gone in writing this article and I enjoyed it as if I was reliving my Kota days again. Every day stood out from the previous day in fun, academic learning, girls etc.

            Enter the city at first and you think ‘How am I going to survive in this unknown city’ and after few weeks, it accepts you like a fat kid accepts a candy from a stranger. At this time your mentality is like ‘Dude, I am never leaving this place’. From being cynical at first, then slowly imbibing and catching up, you become one of the many individuals struck by its cordial hospitality and taken gradually into its welcoming arms. You melt away in the arms like you have been craving for this warmth for all your life.

            The favorite pastime of a Kotan resident is the movies at the cyber-cafes which are sprouted at every nook and corner of the city for the ‘good’ of students. Trust me, there are movies and movies in every folder of every computer of the café. You can go for a never ending spree of great movies one by one and still end up with entirely new collection at another café.

Talking about the highlights; there is a breakfast of fresh ‘pohas’ or ‘jalebies’ to give your morning a brisk start. Sometimes, for a change, tea with ‘pakora’ does the same magic. Since, I had my classes in the noon, so I had the luxury of cherishing these delights even more leisurely.

Then there is the new attraction, the mall. The new outlets included some fancy restaurants, MacD, Fun cinemas and a large space for celebrating specific festivities. Remembering the photo-sessions we used to execute with our hostelmates from time to time makes me nostalgic.

Playing cricket at the roof, flying the kites with hundreds of accomplices at Basant Panchami, visit to parks, really cherishing the holidays are some of the things in my experience that really stands out.  

And yes it was Kota, which among lack of topics, inspired me to write and continue my blog.

            I am thankful that I got a shot at being a denizen of the city and I would be really glad to know if I inspired someone to try the same.

Wake Up!

Recently read this news that Women and Child development ministry has come up with a proposal for making it compulsory for a husband to give half his share of income to his wife. This news brings a smile on your face, isn’t it? Now the women will have better freedom, free from hassles of husbands, maybe improved savings (eh?), no more dependencies on husbands for buying ‘your things’. Has the smile widened??? No!!! More kitty parties, incessant shopping sprees, more friends to join in the leisure-time activities, more to do in their occupied lifestyle etc. The smile must have reached at the max at both ends.
                If yes; then wait! Have you ever given a chance for this thought to reach your brain? Or you just crushed the part of the thought that was reaching for the brain under your larynx. Give it a little thought and you will realize that it’s a sort of reservation again, the same ominous thing that a simple, innocent and non-special general categorized Indian has always dreaded. The previous reservation scheme (General, OBC, SC and ST) still had some logic, but this proposal is like annexing our wallets for a reason that is beyond explanation. I am not saying this because I may be a future victim of this practice, but just because of a simple reason…… it’s ABSURD.  Women Empowerment can’t be achieved at the cost of rendering men penniless.
                It doesn’t just feel right to be deprived of the hard-earned money on the 1stday of the month. If you do not understand my concern, just imagine yourself in the shoes of the man parting with his half share of income. Applying it to the families where the husband drinks or assaults her wife is 100% justified but thrusting it to every household is largely superfluous.
Besides, there are other factors to look upon; what about the house-husbands? Do they get a share too?
And what about the families that have both partners working; are they too in consideration?
I don’t understand what is actually happening under the banner of gender equality. I doesn’t feel right; I mean fighting for what is right is one thing but fighting for the right thing that compromises someone’s way of life is wrong and needs to be checked upon. The sweet days when men used to work and wives stayed at home and wait for their spouse to return home have already long gone. They started working, we backed them; they needed shares in property. we complied with them; but now this! I strongly disagree. This step is the result of limited point of views in the committee. The ministry needs to brainstorm about the pros and cons of this proposal before handing it out in public. This is a big proposal and may cause tension in otherwise stable Indian households and so demands a lot of discernment.