(not the music group) but chronicles of a shamelessly self-proclaimed writer through reading, reflection and experience. Passionate about India, the nonprofit sector and the tiny role I get to play in this so-called Philanthropic ecosystem. My journey is about 'doing good' and sometimes getting it right! Living in the DC-metropolitan area with dear husband and two sons.
With the on-going discussions about Mumbai attacks, I had a rather interesting conversation with a colleague who wanted to know more about India and why I wanted to go back. While the latter was pretty easy, what took me aback was the fact that I was not able to succinctly describe what my own country is all about. For a moment there, I was embarrassed (and quite ashamed) of not being able to talk with eloquence of the nation I am so attached to, whose roots have been nurtured for long and the one I deeply care for. Of course, we did babble about stuff like Unity in Diversity, Vedas, Religion, Culture, Family and Cricket. And then there was Gandhi too. But really, those were not my first flashes of India during the chat. I frankly do not know why I was unable to articulate what India is really all about but then again, the concept of India itself is nebulous enough that cannot be justified in one obvious answer. One may call that an excuse for me to not describe this entity, but how else could I lucidly substantiate a country with one-billion people of varying regions, practices, languages and even modes of communication among varied others? So this reminded me of a long list of contributions that India have, till date, made towards global development since ancient times.
We all have our own interpretations and definitions that permeate the other. One of my favourites though is the way Rabindranath Tagore describes India in 'Mind Without Fear' from Gitanjali:
Where the Mind is without Fear and the Head is Held High; Where Knowledge is Free; Where the World has not been Broken up into Fragments by Narrow Domestic Walls; Where Words come out from the Depth of Truth; Where tireless striving Stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action - Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake!
If you have any of your own, do share the same. As I get set to revisit my roots, and seek more answers to the same, I wish you all Happy Holidays - one with peace, love and hope.
Here's to the year that has gone by.... and to the one we would all wake up to!
I used to hum to the tune of Rabbi Shergill’s latest song Bilqis everytime it would play on my Itunes. Like most of his previous songs (remember Bulla?), it takes a keen ear to comprehend the lyrics and when I would hear Bilqis, the only lines I could understand clearly are:
Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par, Who Kahan The (Where were those who are proud of India?)
Just a while ago, I heard this song, yet again and somehow, got totally haunted by it. That’s because I only realized it now that this is not a song per se but an account of sorts, to pay tribute to four heroes of our country! Isn’t it a remarkable concept to narrate injustice in a way that it actually hits us? And while Rabbi is popular with his Sufi songs, this one goes to a different a level altogether. In a melodious yet inspiring note, Rabbi sings out emotions of four of our unsung heroes in the quest for what they truly believed in (and died for).
Mera Naam Bilqis Yakub Rasul (My name is Bilqis Yakub Rasul) Mujhse Hui Bas Ek Hi Bhul(Only one mistake did I make) Ki Jab Dhundte The Vo Ram Ko (that when they were looking for Rama) To Main Kharhi Thi Raah Mein(I was right there) Pehle Ek Ne Puchha Na Mujhe Kuch Pata Tha(First, one asked me but I knew nothing) Duje Ko Bhi Mera Yehi Javab Tha(my answer was the same to another) Itno Ne Puchha Ki Mera Abb Saval Hai Ki (So many asked me and now I ask) Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par Vo Kahan The Jinhe Naaz Hai Vo Kaha
Muslim woman from Gujarat, five-months pregnant and mother to a three-year-old son, Bilqis Yakoob Rasool is one of the victims (and how!) of the Godhra massacre of February 2002. Fourteen members of her family were killed during this attack. Bilqis reported it all to police, but the case was closed in January 2003. The police said that those responsible could not be found. In spite of the risks in taking the unusual step of speaking out, Bilqis continued to pursue justice for herself and her family. The case was closed due to lack of strong evidence but has reopened for further investigation and is still ongoing.
Mera Naam Shriman Satyendra Dubey (My name Mr. Satyendra Dubey) Jo Kehna Thha Vo Keh Chukey (I have already said what I wanted to) Ab Parhey Hain Rah Mein (Now I lie on the road) Dil Mein Liye Ik Goli (with a bullet in my heart) Bas Itna Kasur Ki Hamne Likha Thha (My only fault was that I wrote) Vo Sach Jo Har Kisi Ki Zuban Thha (the truth which was known to everyone) Par Sach Yahan Ho Jatey Hain Zahriley (But the truth here is poisonous) Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par Vo Kahan The Jinhe Naaz Hai Vo Kahan Hain
Satyendra Kumar Dubey was assassinated in November 2003 in Bihar due to his fight against corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral Highway Construction. A Foundation has been created in his name to fight corruption in India.
Mujhe Kehte Hain Anna Manjunath (I am Manjunath, brother) Maine Dekhi Bhatakti Ek Laash (I saw a corpse) Zamir Ki Beech Sarhak Lakhimpur Kherhi (in the middle of a road in Lakhimpur Kherhi) Adarsh Phasan Jahan Naaron Mein (where ideals are attached to campaigns) Aur Chor Bhare Darbaaron Mein (and courts are filled with thieves) Vahan Maut Akhlaq Ki Hai Ik Khabar Baasi (there is stale news in death) Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par Vo Kahan Hain Jinhe Naaz Hai Vo Kahan Hain
Manjunath, an employee at the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) was murdered for closing down two petrol stations in Lakhimpur Kheri for selling contaminated fuel. This issue stirred an uprising among students at various Institutes including IIM and IIT and has led to setting up of the Manjunath Shanmugam Trust to fight this case as well as focus on governance in the public sector in India.
Maza Nau Aahe Navleen Kumar (My name is Navleen Kumar) Unnees June Unnees Bar (June 19th, 19 times) Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Baar Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Unnees Baar (19 times chanted ‘19’ times) Looto Dehaat Kholo Bazaar (steal open markets) Nallasopara Aur Virar (Nalasopara and Virar) Chheeno Zameen Hamse Hamein (take away our land from us) Bhejo Pataal (send us to hell) Jinhe Naaz Hai Hind Par Vo Kahan Hain Jinhe Naaz Hai Vo Kahan Hain
Navleen Kumar was stabbed 19 times to death on June 19, 2002 as a response to her activist work for the land rights of tribals in Nalasopara, suburb in the outskirts of Mumbai. Her fight was mainly against various builders who had seized land of the tribals through fraud and terror.
Now, as I write this blog, it raises a question in my mind, “Am I proud of my country?” The answer to that is evident in who I am today, and what my country is , defines me in more ways than one. I hope you like this video - note, especially the strumming of the National Anthem in between the verses:
Words fail me as I see this video - with sadness, tears fill my eyes but with hope, love abounds.
A Tribute to Mumbai Karsh Kale for November 26, 2008
In the midst of death, Life persists; In the midst of untruth, Truth persists; In the midst of darkness, Light persists. Hence I gather that God is Life, Truth, Light. He is Love He is Supreme Good.
There is an email doing the rounds recently, in light of elections in India (and also the current attacks in Mumbai):
Did you know that there is a system in our Constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section '49-O' that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey to the presiding election officer that he does not want to vote anyone! Yes, such a feature is available, but obviously, these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called 49-O. Why should you go and say, 'I VOTE NOBODY' because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received 49-O votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way of our whole political system. It is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public. Please spread this news to as many as you know.Seems to be a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India. Show your power, expressing your desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful than voting. So don’t miss your chance. So either vote, or vote not to vote (49-O) and pass this info on. Use your voting rights for a better INDIA.
My fellow Indians, this is a total hoax created by some dimwits out there. There is no such Section in the Indian Constitution or even a 1969 Act. Here is the factual information on 49-O from The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961:
"49-O Elector deciding not to vote: If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark."
So as it states above, the rule is mainly an administrative guideline created by the Electoral office especially with reference to voters who simply decide not to vote. Hence, in such situations, the office may want to keep a record of voters’ negative votes used to tally the total voting ballots gathered. It just does not take into account a vote in favor/against that particular candidate. So it has no bearing on the overall results of the elections! And in no manner can it really cancel ‘polling’ if the candidate’s majority is less than the 49-O votes.
In fact, in the proposed electoral reforms by the Election Commission of India, which was forwarded to the Prime Minister of India in 2004, the following was suggested:
The Commission has received proposals from a very large number of individuals and organizations that there should be a provision enabling a voter to reject all the candidates in the constituency if he does not find them suitable. In the voting using the conventional ballot paper and ballot boxes, an elector can drop the ballot paper without marking his vote against any of the candidates, if he chooses so. However, in the voting using the Electronic Voting Machines, such a facility is not available to the voter. Although, Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 provides that an elector may refuse to vote after he has been identified and necessary entries made in the Register of Electors and the marked copy of the electoral roll, the secrecy of voting is not protected here in as much as the polling officials and the polling agents in the polling station get to know about the decision of such a voter. The Commission recommends that the law should be amended to specifically provide for negative / neutral voting. For this purpose, Rules 22 and 49B of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 may be suitably amended adding a proviso that in the ballot paper and the particulars on the ballot unit, in the column relating to names of candidates, after the entry relating to the last candidate, there shall be a column to enable a voter to reject all the candidates, if he chooses so. Such a proposal was earlier made by the Commission in 2001 (vide letter dated 10.12.2001). (A petition by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties seeking such a provision filed at the time of the recent general elections is pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court)
[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49-o which may not be the most official source, nevertheless a reference of sorts for those wanting to do further reading and enlighten those spreading false statements]
Democracy does not merely mean freedom of speech and expression but really the responsibility to adhere to those very words. Election is the life-line of a democratic nation so let that be a responsibility we carry and not merely shun it with the hope of better India.
In light of the voting issues, we as the voters of our country need to be enlightened, alert and conscientious in ensuring that the right candidate is infact elected. So in order to pursue this, it becomes critical in ensuring that we the voters are educated and informed of these candidates and not merely finding such useless statements and basing decisions on them. It is time we come out of such blame-game situations and indeed take concrete actions and responsibilities. Instead of criticizing and condemning, we the voters actually ought to cast the vote and choose a candidate most appropriate to lead our country. I thought this is realistically not possible till I witnessed the way in which America elected Barack Obama as the President after twice choosing Bush. If that is possible and when the entire country can chant to YES WE CAN, can we the Indians not follow suit? Can we not spare some moments of our lives in ensuring that we the voters take extra steps in the state of our nation that invariably affects all of us?
My family friend's 17-year old daughter pens down an ode and raises a question that requires a justified answer. Are we prepared to give an answer to the coming generation who looks up to us for direction, advise and leadership or are we also termed as the 'spineless' creatures just like our predecessors?
Can You Sleep?
You hear gunshots in places you had dinner last week,
From a window, you see blood leak.
You hear live gunshots, explosions and screams.
Outside your window, you see commandos and army trucks pass by.
You feel like its a movie,
but what you are seeing is reality.
Can You Sleep?
You see 'fresh blood stains' on TV,
And you are thinking, "It could have been me"
You see babies being rescued,
You see eye-witnesses breaking down,
and then you see politicians do nothing but frown.
Can You Sleep?
While you are listening to the sound of an innocent cry,
"many more will die",
are the healing words of a terrorist.
I ask you,
Can You Sleep?
While you hear of the coming hurricane in the next year or two,
you hear a new born baby coo,
and you are wondering why he was ever born,
will he ever see the brightest morn?
Can You Sleep?
While people are killed, with joy, some hearts are filled.
The Earth cracks,
The Earth is famished,
The Earth is parched,
Bombs explode, animosity grows,
The blame flies around,
Bodies fall to the ground,
Can You Sleep?
In the midst of this reality, you see politicians asking for votes,
Dido 'Lets do the things we normally do' Safe Trip Home
Let's pretend that we'll be here tomorrow And I'll try for you to be a little more on time I know you need to say you know you've let me down But you haven't and it's hard to talk with people all around Please don't say how proud you are Lets do the things we normally do I'll say see you later You'll sing a line or two From your rebel songs sung out of tune Don't hold my hand for longer than you need to Lets forget that we're here and make some plans We'll go for walks Sit on the bench we always sat I'll tell you every little detail of my day and so will you Don't try to stay awake I'm feeling tired too This is just another day Let’s do the things we normally do I'll say see you later you'll sing a line or two From your rebel songs sung out of tune Don't hold my hand for longer than you need to Armored cars and tanks and guns came to take away our sons And everybody’s stood behind The man behind the wire There’s a fight to love A fight to have Your bed’s a battlefield and back And all of this will just be stripped away Let’s do the things we normally do I'll say see you later you'll sing a line or two From your rebel songs sung out of tune Don’t hold my hand for longer than you need to Don’t look me in the eye more than you need to Don’t try to say goodbye if I don’t want to Don't say how proud you are And say I’m far away and take along your and say a word and I can say fade away
Such schemed, coordinated attacks struck the city as it readied for a peaceful night, but maybe not!! Terrorists driving around the streets shooting gunfire and taking in pride! All I can think of is how incompetent our own Government is that something of this extent has to happen every now and then. A city where an event of such magnitude can go totally undetected, do we even not have a decent intelligence system in place? Are our police and special forces so ineffective that these bugger of sorts actually show us their middle finger and all we do is be stunned by them? With mixed emotions of sorrow and deep anger, it only makes me wonder what kind of world do we live in where each day instills more fear to our daily existence?
On the other hand, I hope I am a minority in feeling a coward; a self-contained Mumbaite who is far far away from such mayhem. While my city is burning, I am tucked into the warmth of luxury with thoughts on what to pack for my thanksgiving weekend. As my own fellows are being killed, all I am part of is the virtual witness to the drama.
However, I know that I am not a minority in believing that Mumbai will strike back. As the city wakes up from an anguished night, it does so with the spirit that is unperturbed, that it will give a ‘disproportionate response’ with an undying determination and fortitude.
Mumbai police and those involved, please do not let us down this time around. Please do not shatter our hopes and please reassure our belief and faith in the system. In your actions, we surrender the only part of our assurance and conviction.
To my city and all those who fight this event, my spirits lie with you. To those who have lost near and dear ones, my heart goes out to your family. To my city that lost its key personnel, I hope we can even closely repay what you fought for!
Hope we come out of this Swifter, Higher, Stronger - Citius, Altius, Fortius!
While it is fun to watch movies of books that are read prior, the flicks rarely do justice to the author’s rendition of characters, stories and genre. ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is this rare film that has not only captured, in perfection, Vikas Swarup’s interpretation of Q&A but also depicted the underlying authenticity of ‘developing’ India ranging from unacceptable forms of poverty, child abuse, gang wars, ethnic uprising to hero worship, outsourcing, ever-increasing skyscrapers.
In the middle of it all is our hero – the protagonist Jamal Malik (aka Ram Mohamed Thomas from Q&A) - and his roller-coaster journey of brotherhood, humanity, acceptance and most of all, love. “Come with me”. “And live on what?” “Love”. Such daring conversation in the movie but with extreme simplicity and in true earnest is the essence of the movie. One question away from winning Rs. 20 million at the popular game show ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ but accused of cheating, our Jamal is tortured by the Mumbai police (entirely different arena of existence!!). In response, he narrates, to each question on the show, how he simply knew every answer. So for every question on the show is flashback account of occurrences that has led to Jamal knowing the answer. Worth Rs. 1,000/2,000/20,000, stories of these questions transport us to Jamal’s (and our very own) reality of clutching lifestyle in the poverty-stricken regions of the urban phenomena. With misfortune in each of the incidents, one would only wonder if it made Jamal less righteous and also wicked (like the path his brother chose) but his penchant for taking the ‘right’ path as opposed to the ‘wrong’ (as we are made to believe) was indeed the result of his inspirational faith and love for his childhood mate Latika. No matter where instances took her in the movie, or the situations she was faced with, Jamal has a pious adoration for her that, we see, does not go in vain. He is the Forrest Gump in the movie, on the run throughout, with her always! This is also what leads him to take part in the show, not for the money but for love.
Heart-rendering percussion from A.R.Rahman fits well with each of the scenes in the movie. While there is portrayal of sadness and calamity, there is equal amount of humour in all of that which never ceases. With scenes of urban India, one aiming to rise and shine in the 21st century and the other grappling with the daily existence, Slumdog Millionaire is by far one of the finest movies of the year.
The last 10 days have brought out some rather interesting discussions, debates, rallies and lots and lots of protests towards being Homosexual in today's world. California voters banned same-sex marriage last week; Gay-lesbians and their supporters staged a protest in downtown DC; Indian Cinema had a timely release of its entertaining comedy - Dostana - revolving around two hottest Bollywood dudes who pretend to be a gay couple. Another related report features an Israeli couple who had a son through a surrogate mother in India.
So while this issue of homosexuality has turned many a eyebrows among those prior to Gen X, in current day and age, it has become an accepted norm of existence. Or has it really?? Is it considered a Taboo or has the world become more understanding of the gay-lesbian lifestyle - as seen in the fictitious moments between Ross and Carol in Friends? Is being homosexual immoral? What is it about homosexuality that is considered a stigma in our society? Is it turning against the law of nature?
In ancient India, there have been several references to acts that were acknowledged to a certain extent. For example, Lord Shiva, a revered idol in Hinduism, has been understood to assume female form. The temples of Khajuraho depict homosexuality in a sensual and artistic manner. A separate community of individuals commonly known as the Eunuchs (males who express themselves as woman) have been part of ancient India as much as they are also part of today's society. According to the Hindu mythology - Mahabharat - Arjuna dressed as a Eunuch for a year as a curse. Again, they were (and still are) considered most non-threatening and most often, good luck during marriages and new-borns. Infact, Eunuchs were appointed as close confidantes of Queens and Princesses because they were considered harmless and yet able to tend to the needs.
The culture of today's India is quite androgynous, in the sense that everywhere we look, there is a display of affection among people: men walking in the city with arms around others' shoulders, one woman sitting on another woman's lap or simply holding hands and strolling by. This type of behaviour is seen more as being 'homosocial' and clearly acceptable in the society yet it get incredibly risky to assume such acts as notions of sexual intentions. On the other hand, there is this belief that if you are Indian, you cannot be homosexual! Remember Jaz in Bend It Like Beckham where she finds out her close friend is a gay and she exclaims, "How can you be gay? You are Indian!"
So what is being Indian got to do with the preference of intimacy? Infact, the concept of homosexuality is not even known in the circuit outside of urban India. Hence, it must have come as a surprise (or a shock?) when several months ago, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of Rajpipla in Gujarat admitted the fact that he was gay much to the dismay of his royal circle, so much so that he was disowned by his own mother. He leads his own personal life and has now started a nonprofit organization Lakshya Trust, fighting the cause of people affected by HIV and AIDS. But what happens to his wife to whom he was married thinking he'd become 'normal' and that 'no one would know'! On the other hand, it is commendable to come out in the open and admit this reality instead of leading a life of falsehood and simply denying the true behaviour. Back in Xavier's, I had a gay friend who believed that for him it was more important to be identified as a husband and a father than moving to the other side of being called gay. So is being gay really out of choice?
I am not supportive of homosexuality neither am I against it. I fully respect the viewpoint that homosexuality is not right but I do not personally believe that. We live in a world where individuals ought to have the right to their own sexual personality which is merely a single of all characteristics that truly define them. Of course, I wary of situations if my nieces and nephew were to talk to me about this. Infact, I may not be as surprised that they are already aware of what gay means even before realizing what sexuality is. Now that to me is surely unacceptable and dread of such alarming situations.
The same usual day of waking up at dawn, getting ready to catch the train to work. Is it any different? I ask. The answer I get is from looking around me and then the voice speaks:
Yes it is Different.
The Fall colours have peaked transforming into shades of green, orange and vibrant purple. There is freshness in the air. Trains are on time. All around, people are up and about their chores.
So what is different? I ask. The answer I get is from observing around me and then the voice speaks:
They have a sigh of relief on their faces. They are smiling. There is pleasure; they are content. Their heads are held higher than before.
So why is it different? I ask. The answer I get is from reflecting within and the voice speaks:
Nothing is different. It is YOU who sees it differently. It is because of the ray of hope, commitment and challenge that has lit in you. It is the untapped energy you have only just about realized that exists in you. It is the acceptance of challenge that lies ahead but the conviction to fulfill them. It is YOU who has woken up to a new Dawn.
Like millions who were glued to their television on November 04, 2008 00:00 hours (ET USA) and even better for those who witnessed the historic moment live at Grant Park,Chicago, would have woken up to this new dawn of love, aspiration and immense responsibility. Leading people to the chants of YES WE CAN, President Elect Barack Obama has done it again, what he does best – attracting people to his words, mesmerizing us all to his declarations of a UNITED (States of America) world. Transcript of his Speech as follows:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Sen. McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Gov. Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House.
And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign manager, David Plouffe; my chief strategist, David Axelrod; and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics — you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to — it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington — it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this earth. This is your victory.
I know you didn't do this just to win an election, and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.
In this country, we rise or fall as one nation — as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends... Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world — our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election, except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes, we can.
When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes, we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes, we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes, we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes, we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
“With Power comes Responsibility” said the wise old Uncle to Spiderman. Here, with the same power and the responsibility we see love, passion, energy, strength and conviction to not only promise change but indeed BE THE CHANGE! Mr. President Elect, in your footsteps would this country follow and hope you will carry with you all that you have ever envisioned!As you begin your journey to the threshold of Principles, May you be the most significant leader our times could ask for!
LIVE YOUR DREAMS FOR THIS COUNTRY AND THE COMING GENERATIONS!
It is a universally accepted phenomenon that being a Gujarati by blood is equivalent to Thepla, Dhokla, Undhiya and Mohanthaal! So the fact that Gujaratis love their food is an understatement. Not a big fan of any of the above, I thought I wasn’t a true Gujarati until my most recent relishes of all.
Before I come to that, it is important to understand the inherent relationship we Gujjus share with Food. It may be a simplest meal but the unique way of preparing and serving is what makes it special. One would know this when visiting a Gujarati family over meal or simply going into a Gujju restaurant. The THALI way with unlimited servings is simply exciting (for a non-foodie like me, so you can imagine how a foodie would take it). And it is extremely typical of Gujjus (in the Gujju parts of India, to be specific) to go for the morning ritual of jog and run and return home to feast to the sweet and savoury Jalebi-Ghatiya! It is this undying connection with food that separates the Gujju clan from several others. And it is this love that has made several corporations venture into special interest services. So there is a Pizza Hut in Ahmedabad that serves Jain Pizza and Kadai Paneer Pizza and a McDonald’s written in Gujarati on one of the expressways in Gujarat. Indian Cola tastes better when there is a mix of Coke with Indian spices to it! Chinese food has a much larger variation among Gujaratis than even the Chinese themselves. There’s is Chinese Dosa, Chinese Samosa, Chinese Bhel, Gobi Manchurian.
So while the Gujjus in India are certainly keeping themselves happy with varied culinary interests, they are equally united here in the US too. Without delving into varied Gujju restaurants in this country, I am thankful for especially one corporation that has made sure people like me remain grounded to their Gujju taste-buds. I did not even think I had those flavours in me when recently, Deep Foods proved me wrong. With Diwali celebrations ongoing, it reminds me of those delicacies cooked around this time of the year, back at home. Of special mention is what Gujjus prefer to call it – Chorafadi! Trust me, I have no clue what it means but who cares about that when what it tastes is simply amazing!
Again, I do not know much about how it is made (maybe Google it) but Deep Foods has ready frozen packets and all one has to do is thaw them, cut lines, (‘dip’) fry them, sprinkle some masala (included in the packet) and Voila! You’ve the Chorafadi to relish with some Desi Chai!
For someone least patient in preparing things from scratch, Deep Foods is the ideal ‘home-like’ option for me with its exotic choices and also, something it keeps reinventing. Some favourites are Guvar (cluster beans), Onion Uttappam (Rava Masala and Mysore Masala Dosas are Ashit’s favourites), Methi Malai Mutter, all kinds of Khakhras (methi in particular). Yet to taste several other delicacies but do thank Deep Foods, especially, Mrs. Bhagwati Amin for converting her hobby into a thriving business, and indirectly activating the Gujju DNA in this random blogger.
