Yeh Hain Mumbai Meri Jaan_100 Things x 3

51. Feel the sufi mystism at dargahs of Haji Ali and Maqdoom Ali Mahimi.

52. Shop at the Bandra boutiques or if they are too expensive give Hill Road or Fashion Street a shot - Hill Road for sure. However, the best road-side shopping is Colaba Causeway followed by # 78.

53. Gape at famous residences: Shahrukh Khan's Mannat, Amitabh Bacchan's Jalsa - They all look the same to me and Ricky, no Shahrukh does not own an Island, he merely lives on one like other 13 million!

54. Discover the theatre scene in the city at venues other than Prithvi and NCPA: Sophia, St. Andrews, Rangsharda, Ravindra Natya Mandir.

55. Explore the Powai and Vihaar lakes - How can I ever forget the school picnics that were to these two destinations. Once considered as outskirts of the city are very much a part of sprawling township.

56. Visit the museums: Prince of Wales, Monetary, Modern Art, Mani Bhavan - these are not much to write home about and hope can be well-preserved. Mani Bhavan has something for a Gandhian and would be worth walking to the August Kranti Marg (rather what little remains of this historic site). The Prince of Wales Museum (now known as the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vaastu Sangrahalaya) is in one of the most precious areas of the city and has a grandeur image to it. Albeit in a run-down state of preservation, least one can do is pay a nominal fee of Rs. 5 (is that even a fee??) to find some pre-historic jewels, armours and artefacts.

57. Admire the British era architecture in Fort: Churchgate station, Western Railway headquarters, High Court, General Post Office, Telegraph Office, Police Headquarters - Mumbai, considered as one of the Victorian Gothic cities of the world, has been endowed by the British with a legacy of divergent styles. Totally worth checking these sites.

58. Learn about the rock-cut architecture: Elephanta, Kanheri, Mahakali and Karla Caves.

59. Explore the churches: Gloria church Byculla, Portugese, Mt. Mary Bandra, St. Michaels Mahim, St. Thomas Flora Fountain, Wodehouse Colaba, Afghan Church Navy Nagar, Our Lady of Salvation Dadar, St. Andrews Bandra - Mt. Mary's offers the best of times during the Bandra Fair every September.

60. Check out an art exhibition: Jehangir Art Gallery Fort, Tao Art Gallery Worli, Piramal Art Gallery Nariman Point - And if you do visit Jehangir Art Gallery, it is imperative you have Aloo Paratha and Raita at Cafe Samovar.

61. Buy fish at Sassoon Docks, Cuffe Parade or Dockyard Road, Mazgaon.

62. Find the forst of Mumbai: Bombay Castle, Castella de Aguada, Madh Fort, Mahim Fort, Sion Fort, Sewri Fort, Worli Fort.

63. Buy a vintage bollywood poster in Mini market or Lamington Road - Of course! Countless argumants I used to have with my mom about my 'justification' to have these posters in my room. What was I thinking?

64. Get away to the beaches around Mumbai: Alibag, Kashid, Murud, Nagaon.

65. Travel to places overnight: Goa, Ajanta Ellora, Mahabaleshwar, Pune, Khandala, Lonavala - Each place has its own USP, some for commercial purposes too. My favorites are Panchgani and to enjoy the beach, the cleanest stretch in Ganpatiphule in those fancy MTDC tents.

66. Discover the charm of marble tabletops, bentwood chairs and Irani chai at Parsi cafes - Sometimes it can be an overdoze if you work for a Parsi conglomerate.

67. Catch behind the scenes action at a Bollywood studio - They still have the sets used in epic series like Mahabaratha and Ramyana. Also, the view atop the hills in Goregaon is simply brilliant, what with a view of the growing sky-scrappers vis-a-vis the stumbling slums.

68. Loft the ball for a six in your neighbouring 'galli' cricket but make sure you do not break any window panes - and spot how the girls outweigh the boys!

69. Silently stare at the Towers of Silence and Agiaries.

70. Shadow the dabbawalas for one full day - this sounds like fun!

71. Walk through a koliwada.

72. Ride a vintage lift in a 100-year old building - true! Also, the liftmen here are more vintage than the life itself.

73. Travel in a local train. How about the Virar fast? - Check #20.

74. Ride in a double-decker bus. Isn't Mumbai the only city where they still run them? - To ride them on the Marine Drive-Chowpatty stretch is scenic.

75. If you have made it to a penthouse in Mumbai, you might as well enjoy the view.

Yeh Hain Mumbai Meri Jaan _100 Things x 4

76. Drink cutting chai, eat vada pav - Any nook-corner of the city has its own taste of these. From Colaba to Virar, this diet is the heart of the city. Also, do try out the jhunka-bhakar at VT station.

77. Gorde on late-night sandwiches in Juhu.

78. Sip some wine at an expensive seaside restaurant: Vie Lounge Juhu, Dome Marine Drive, Aurus Juhu, Salt Water Grill Chaupatty.

79. Figure out what all the fuss is about having a beer in Mondegar or Leopold - You wouldn't want to miss this one. And do not forget the jukebox!

80. Jack your car bonnet using a cold-drink bottle and eat kebabs at Bade Miyaan in Taj's back alley - I was told that only the small bottles work for this one but this is worth a visit past midnight.

81. Savour a fine authentic meal of East Indian cuisine at Anant Ashram.

82. Eat a Gujarati-Marwari thali at Friends Union Joshi club in Kalbadevi - Personal favorite is the Thakkers at Marine Lines especially during the Mango season.

83. Smoke a hookah at roof-top restaurant Koyla in the Arab quarters of Colaba.

84. Eat South Indian fare in Matunga - Ashit would top this to the list!

85. Eat pav bhaji, pani puri, bhel puri, sev puri at Girgaum Chaupatty - Taste of the city lie in these items!

86. Chew a paan outside Shoppers' Stop, Bandra W - Mucchad Pan at Peddar Road cannot be beaten. He is a pan eater's addiction, an obsession. Do not believe me? Watch this.

87. Indulge yourself with fruity flavors of Naturals ice-cream. And if its summer, try a cup of Alfonso mangoes with malai ice-cream.

88. Learn the art of ordering tea in a streetside cafe "Ek Paani Kum Dena".- And also the art of drinking from those tiny 'shot' glasses which I am yet to get it right.

89. Drink Kingfisher, Cobra or Zingaro in your neighborhood look-alike bar of nightlovers - Naaah...these are boring. How about some sugarcane juice outside the Taj? That is to die for! However, I would not vouch for your gastronomic system to support it.

90. Try green chilli ice-cream at Bachelors - before that, some masala Khichyaa papad 'pizza' look-alike for sure!

91. Swing to some live music as you enjoy your continental meal at Not Just Jazz By the Bay. Do pay attention to the witty hoarding outside as you leave the place - True to its words 'Not Just...', it is fun karaoking to some rendition with a bunch of buddies.

92. Run the Mumbai Marathon - to support a cause!

93. Enjoy the Kala Ghoda Art Festival - and soak in the merriment.

94. Cheer 'Mumbai Indians' in an IPL cricket match at Wankhede Stadium - would be unlikely if the IPL is moved out of India. However, simply cheer India for a cricket match at the Wankhede but make sure that the tickets you purchase are genuine and not sold in black. The cops there know their job well and if caught, you can land in the local police station watching the match with the remaining havaldaars. Do not believe me? Ask my brother.

95. Get drenched to the bone while biking in the monsoons - quintessence of Mumbai, the city's monsoons are simply to rejoice and soak in pleasure.

96. Sing 'Govinda Aala Re Aala' as 40 feet high human pyramids take the prized matka - of course!! And if this is part of your community, make sure you do contribute decent amount into the matki. Else, it is not fair to them.

97. Get lost in the crowds of Ganesh Chaturthi - Totally!

98. Watch thousands of pink flamingos in the mangroves at Sewri - Another delight to the D90 and Cannon powershot owners but I hear this would be extinct due to the demolition of mangroves along that live :-(

99. Eat Nihari Kebabs and sweetmeats around Masjid on the eve of Eid.

100. Run a 'free hug' campaign. This is Mumbai, Meri Jaan - Jaadoo Ki Jappi always works!

And yet as I end this list, I feel it does not do justice to a zillion things one can come up to be in this Maximum City. Feel free to add your own experience to this.

Dhoop Kinarey: A Lost Culture?

Raat yun dil mein teri
khoyi hui yaad aayi;
Jaise wiraanay main,
chupke se bahaar aa jaye;
Jaise sehraaon mein
holay se chale baad-e-naseeb;
Jaise bimaar ko be-waj-ha qaraar aa jaaye!

This gazal is the essence of an epic drama that has laid the foundation of my knowledge of the people, the culture and of the land called Pakistan. Nearly 16 years ago, I was introduced to this series that led to an attraction and likeness towards Pakistan – what little is reflected from this piece of fiction.


Dhoop Kinarey – At the Edge of Sunshine – epitomizes emotions of love, parenting, friendship and above all, respect. Each episode (I remember them as compiled in four video tapes) unfolds unique and special moments that bring out distinct sense of beauty through words and expression. Coupled with the fact that it is spoken in Urdu with an intermix of English adds a specialty that draws you further into the arena of Pakistani family culture – in a surreal sort of way. I had a go at this serial recently, like the nth time, and it mesmerized me in its entirety, all over again. It also made me sad to figure out what little might exist of this fiction in the current day and age in this country.

So the plot revolves around two doctors and their relationship amidst the stereotypical responses to situations. Dr. Ahmar Ansari - an established doctor who lives his life in isolation and for whom the greatest betrayal in life was given by his foster father - and Dr. Zoya Ali Khan - a young doctor, reluctant at first but begins to love the profession gradually, and Dr. Ahmar too. It may sound like a typical love-story of sorts and coming from a bollywood-centric society, sure indeed! But this serial is an act apart. Without divulging into the story any further, what I really want to highlight is the manner in which this drama unfolds and has exactly the same effect on me no matter what phase in my life I have watched it. As a 14-year old, Dr. Ahmar was a symbol of an ideal man and it is not any different right now. The character - completely male-centric (which male isn't) - runs away from the very person he loves and does not spare a moment to malign the woman he has fallen in love with simply because he is afraid to express his love for her. It is also the result of his deep hatred for the lady who, for no fault of hers, is bestowed with his ancestral home that his foster father (her grand-father) left for her. On the other hand is Dr. Zoya's character, bold and free-spirited who stands tall during instances when what matters is one's beliefs and values:

"Main buzdil nahin hoon Anji; par maine jhuk ke kabhi koi cheez nahin maangi" (I am not a coward Anji; but I have never begged for anything). This says a lot about the character.

Despite the age-gap that exists between them, their journey towards maturity, professionalism, responsibility and love, can be viewed with a light of subtlty, honor and innocence. Then there are these other characters in the form of confidante, a friend, the father and a caretaker, that reflect those of a progressive society - a father who supports her daughter's dreams and aspirations, a friend who stands tall when it comes to providing objective and critical judgment, a caretaker who unconditionally showers love and care. And not to forget, the envious Dr. Sheena who flawlessly portrays her character with precision. Absolutely no hamming in the scenes, no glamorous/ornate sets and simplicity to the core! Basically, scenes you can relate to - like the homes you live in, surroundings and people that are believable and leave deeper impact to the language, words and expressions. Some of my favourite dialogues and scenes in the serial:

"Hum Insaan ko makammal daur par na jaan sakte hai, na samajh sakte hain”
[It is during trying times when people can neitber be known nor can they be ever understood]

"Har kaam aadmi apni pasand se to nahin karta, bahut se kaam doosron ke khatir kiye jaate hain; balki mera khayal hain ki aadmi apni behtar zindagi doosron ke khatir basar karta hain.Apne liye to chand se lamhe mil jaate hain; woh bhi itefaak se"
[You do not necessarily do things of your own liking. There are many things you do for the sake of others. Infact, I believe that large part of our lives are spent living for others. For us, just a few moments to live by and that too by coincidence]

"Hum jo kuch dekhte hain, woh zaroori nahin ke sach bhi ho; aankhon ko kabhi khuli daur pe aitbaar kiya nahin jaa sakta".
[What we see may not necessarily be the truth; Although wide open, our eyes cannot always be trusted]

"Zindagi mein bahut si baatein aisi hoti hain, jiski wajah se aadmi ke andar kadwaahat bhar jaati hain."
[Several instances in life lead people to become bitter]

"Hum bhala apni arzooun ke darwazay kaise band kar sakte hain? Ye hamaray ikhtyaar mein kab hain? Ye umeeden, ye arzooien to zindagi ke aainay hain. In mein hum apni tasveeren saja kar, khushiyon ki duniya aabaad karte hain. Phir agar mere dil ne koi arzoo ki, to kya koi jurm kya?"
[How can we close doors on our own desires? Is this even in our being? These wishes, these desires are truly the mirrors of our lives. In these, we create a picture, a life full of happiness. And then if my heart desires someone/something, is it a crime?]

"Zindagi ke jitne bhi morr hote hain na, ye andhay hote hain. Yehi tu zindagi ka husn hai."
[it is a general rule in life that all crossroads we arrive at are blind.]

Zoya: "Nafrat insaan ki achaayion, ache jazbon, sab kuch ko is tarah khatam kar deti hain, jaise jungle ki aag zara si dair main sab kuch tabah kar deti hai."
Anji: "Nahi Zoya, main nahi maanti. Dekho, maine dekha hai, Zoya. Ke zara sa andhera bohut si roshni ko chupa nahi sakta. Lekin zara si roshni sab andheray mita deti hai. Aur dekho, Zoya, nafrat bhi to andheray ki tarah hoti hai na."
[Zoya: Hatred kills every good deed, good thoughts just like the way a fire in the forest destroys everything in an instance.
Anji: No Zoya, I do not believe in this. I have seen that slightest bit of light can destroy total darkness but even a little bit of darkness cannot hide the light. Hatred is just like darkness.]

"Main unki nafrat ka maan rakhongi!"
[I shall respect his hatred]

And my favourite,

"Rona koi buri baat to nahin, acchi baat hain. Jab bohut saara paani barsata hai na to aasmaan bilkul saaf nazar aata hai aur aasmaan par saath rangon ki dhanak nikal aati hain".
[Crying is not a bad thing, infact it is good. When there is a lot rain shower, the sky appears crystal clear and in there one can view the seven-coloured rainbow]

So with such a legacy as set by Haseena Moin, once considered meaningful, memorable and flawless, what has happened now? A Culture lost amidst the realities of terrorism, power and religion? It would be sad indeed to see the death of such art in Pakistan albeit fiction.

Here or There? - The Eternal Dialogue

In our on-going search for a rental condominium, Ashit and I chanced upon a particular one, wherein the existing tenant who was supposed to meet us, was not around but told us his parents would let us in. I would not bore you with the story of our condo-search, or the condo, or even the tenant but just a snapshot of our conversation, with the parents, that has been chasing within the walls of my brain since last night.

Part I

(We walk by the long alley leading to the condo, knock at the door and are greeted by an elderly couple)

Us (they are Indians): "Hello, we have come to see the condo and your son told us you would be here."
Them (Oh, desi bacche): "Yes yes, he called and told us you were coming by. Come I will show you around."

Us (looks like they are visiting his son): "So how long has your son been in this house?"
Them: "About two years. We have come from India to help him move out and possibly buy a house."
Us: "Thats nice. It is a good market to buy a place."
Them: "Yes yes, in the rent you pay, you are better-off buying one. We lived in this country for almost 25 years and yet never know when is a good time to buy. I say, you just buy if you have to."
Us: "Oh 25 years, that is long indeed and you moved back to India now?"
Them: "We lived there for a year but will be between the two countries. My son and daughter both live here; they will settle down here."

Part II

Them (they are like my kids only; let me give them some tips): "Make sure you check this place thoroughly before moving in. See to it that the land lady cleans the condo properly before you move in. The carpet was not cleaned at all and the walls have stains all over."
Us: "Thank you 'uncle', that is really good to know."
Them: "Of course, you are Indians so I thought you should know. Do not tell the land lady I said these things."
Us: "No do not worry. We appreciate you said so we know in case we decide on this condo."
Them: "Yes yes, my son and his friends moved into this apartment immediately after the previous tenants moved out. So the land lady did not do much cleaning or repair. And boys will be boys so they just do not care for such things. They do not even listen when we tell them to check things properly. There is no light in any of the rooms. You have to add lamps, etc. The compressor was malfunctioned so the gas bill was high.."
Us (wow we know more than we need to...that is great): "These things are useful for us in case we move in. Thank you for sharind this with us. By when would your son move out of the condo?"
Them: "By the end of next month. We have notified the land lady and once we finalize the house, we will be out. But these kids do not listen..that is a problem. They just do what they want to do."
Us (can hear our parents echo the same!!): "Our parents complain the same about us."

Part III

Them: "Oh so you intend to move back to India? Why? Make sure you plan well before you leave this country. India is quite expensive and when we go there, you will realize things were cheaper in the US. Hope you are planning well."
Us (We better get going, its getting late): "Yes, we have been visiting often and realize things are different. But our entire family is there and the ties make us want to move back."
Them (oh, how I miss my family!): "Yes yes, I totally understand what you must be going through. Absolutely feel how it must be for you. We did not want to live in this country for the same reason. I was in India before I came to the US. My company moved me to the Middle-East but there were legal issues with my family joining me there and I could not leave them behind in India. When my children were born, I took the offer to move to the US instead and then time just went by. Now my kids are Americans. They have hardly visited India - maybe two-three times in their entire lives. They do not even like it there."
Us (sad..looks like they do not have much company around here and hence sharing with us)

Them: "I tell you, kids do not listen. They are so independent and hardly want to be with us (by now, their eyes are a bit moist). We feel rejected.."
Us (generation gap is it?): "No 'uncle', do not make assumptions; it is not rejection but things just work differently here if you compare to India."
Them: "Yes, yes I know it is not entirely rejection...but they do not want to listen to us. I told my wife just a while ago, "Be calm, there is no point in being hyper". Just a while ago, our son was home and we told him to stay home since you were coming. Heee would just not bother and said, "you guys are around, I am off.."

Us (that bugger, knew you would have done that): "Its ok, we anyways, were here to see the condo and then would talk to the land lady directly." Them: "Yes, but he just took off. See they hardly bother. Things are different in India...when you have people over, you share a cup of tea, some snacks. Here it is sooo diferent. Even to meet your own blood, you need to call them, take an appointment! Kids here do not have strong ties with family. It is just the way that it! Few months ago, my mother passed away and I got a call from my children, "Sorry to hear that Dad" and bang, no words of expression. They have hardly met my mother 2-3 times their entire life. What do we say?"

End.

While realizing there are two sides to this, I never thought I would come face-to-face with this reality. I thought I was only supposed to read them in books, see them in movies or simply hear tales of such instances. Listening to it in first person did leave questions in both our minds when we got home.

1. If we do end up staying in the US for a long time and start a family, will we say the same things 30 years down the line?

2. Is this one of the reasons we want to go back to India? What is the guarantee we would not say the same things even if we did move?

3. Is this even such a big deal?
4. Does it matter where we are brought up or really the 'way' we are raised?
5. Hope our parents do not say the same things about us to others. Have we sub-consciously responded this way to our parents?

I can sympathize with the 'uncle' and 'aunty' and truthfully feel sad for them. And what else can one do anyways? But the way I see it, things do stand different in this day and age. Infact, being in India does not guarantee a bonded upbringing just like being outside of it does not necessarily mean privileged with opportunities. More than the place, what would matter more is the the thought-process in the kind of future I would want to raise a family, places to go to, people to meet, a journey that one is meant to be on rather than assuming it best for the unborn. Hence, I would not want to reason my decision, to stay in a particular place, based on what would be best suited for my child who is not even born in thought.

There were loads of opportunities my parents gave me (and my siblings) and we made the most of it. In that sense, we were privileged indeed! And thanks to the rapport developed between us, we share a fair amount of openness, trust, space and most of all, hugh unconditional emotional attachment. And this is the reason why being in India means more than anything else. Other things just follow suit.

Rape Game _ Are we going insane?

Based on my friend’s recent facebook status, I googled to watch this piece of news that not only angered me but also gave me goosebumps to shudder:

As a fan of video games, I have thoroughly enjoyed Atari as a kid and now there is the Wii. But to imagine a game that shows filth and seeks pleasure in such sick piece of animation and simply makes it sound like a ‘video game’, in my opinion deserves to be ostracized. I feel ashamed that our race can even denigrate to such low levels of greed, lust and even dominance.

It is said that where we breed is a reflection of who we are and of our identities. I would not want to comment much on this but the fact that some evil mind that has conceptualized and designed such a horrendous device, what more can be said of such minds.

"If the girl is raped and gets pregnant, you have to convince her to have an abortion; if you cannot get her to do it, you have the option to throw her under a train."

I cannot fathom to think of the pleasure that anyone can attach to such actions albeit virtually. It took some time for me to calm down and accept such form of reality as well but really, how dare someone even seek a market for this kind of sadism? This may sound naïve to those who might have come across this piece of information and many more of such gory instances. To me, watching this news seemed as if we are a human race that truly lack any sense of morality or sense of responsibility – are we people that simply lack?

I only wonder what kind of think-tank would have partnered this act? Doesn't making such devices actually lead to such acts?

Hope my conscience is not alone in feeling the restlessness after viewing this clip.

Crisis Well Explained

Kids say the darnedest things..and they hold sooo true especially when it comes from our very own Calvin!

Click here to enlarge

My (Un)necessary Evil

This post is the result of a fascinating question that I overheard (ahem!), someone discussing in the metro, on my way home yesterday. Not typically the kind to eavesdrop (trust me!), this one surely got me interested!

If I had to give up on one technology, what would I choose?

I pondered on this for a while and wondered what I could do away with. So I came out with a list of techie products that sustain my daily existence and see if there was anything I could do without:

1. TV and Remote: IMPOSSIBLE!!!

2. Radio/Mp3/DVD: Life without music and movies is no life at all. So totally ruled out!

3. Refrigerator/Microwave/Toaster/Oven: If I choose to live in the kitchen my entire life then I'd be fine without these....oh but what about my crispy toast??

4. Washing Machine/Dryer: Well, now not having these could possibly cure the disease of 'shrinking clothes' but then again, I do not have a good Laundromat out here....wait a minute, before you get there, realize that just the thought of 'me-washing-and-drying-clothes' without these two can be extremely threatening so yes, I need them because no Ramdas would come here do it for me!

5. Garbage Disposal: I learnt about this only when I came to the US and realized, in layman's terms, its significance in sanitation, hygiene and overall waste management treatment. Infact, there was a time I wondered if the BMC would be able to set this up in my Ghatkopar, so I would keep this right there!

6. Dishwasher: Now, this has multi-purpose functionality - to wash dishes (sure!), to drain out the washed dishes, to hide uncleaned dishes from the sink, to uhhhhh.....of course, ease my job when I just cannot be bothered to DO the dishes. So am glad, I have this facility!

7. Computers/Internet: No mails? No Bheja Fry?? No google??? No Mac???? No music piracy????? No way!!

8. Phone: Having the IPhone has made my life less complicated (ok that is a bit dramatic and not entirely true but really, not having a phone is out of question here!)

OH WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!! I know what I can DO AWAY WITH!!

It is the entire ordeal (that I go through) in leaving voice messages on the cell phones of people I want to talk to but cannot.

Why have voicemail? What is its purpose? Apart from the fact that you LET a person KNOW that you called (which probably is evident because of the missed number that flashes on the phone), what could be the objective of a voice message? Since I am part of this so-called Matrix (I am actually outside it but pretending to be in it!), I too have a voicemail set up on my phone IN CASE someone cannot get through to me and hence leaves a message. The point is not in leaving or retrieving messages but the long-drawn (mental) process that I get annoyed with. For instance, when I call someone and instead get that person's voicemail, it may typically go as:

"Hi this is ______, please leave me a message".

Now in a fraction of that second, my brain has to derive a plan as to:
(a) first remind myself why I called this person?
(b) what do I want the person to know?
(c) what message should I leave?
(d) when should the person call me back in case I am busy thereafter (am I busy then)?
(e) should I even leave any message?
And this only gets worse if the person is someone I am trying to impress upon. Wish I had a transcription on this!

I am sure I can spare myself of this 'intellectual' agony and simply hang up and (a) wait for the person to revert based on my 'missed phone number' or (b) try again if it is that urgent.

While on the other hand, the typical messages that I usually get range around:

My Husband: "Hi, its me, call me". That's quite sweet but considering we talk sweet-nothings almost all the time, this one I can do without (took his permission indeed when I wrote this one!).

My Friend: "Hi, what's happening, call me". We cross each other almost all the time so really, lets talk TO EACH OTHER rather than our voice mails.

My Mom: "Hi beta, called for no reason so call when you can". A shame indeed on me that I miss my Mom's phone. Sorry Ma, call you in a jiffy!

At times, my nieces and nephew have left random messages or simply sung songs but see, those are different. They are meant to be treasured recordings and can stay put!

So what I am referring to here is the justification of voice messages as opposed to, lets say, emails, emergency texting or simply bombarding the phone with unlimited call-cuts. If these do not work, then it only means not worth getting in touch.

Often, I tend to simply call the person who left a message without actually listening to the message. My bad sure but it is so much more easier to just call rather than listen to the message and then determine when to call, whether to call or not! And since I am, all the time, struggling to ensure my minutes are intact till the due date, I'd rather reserve them for my calls than listen to messages! Actually, having an IPhone is, in this respect, an advantage because its visual voicemail feature lets me unclutter the messages based on names/numbers but requires me to clear/listen to them at some point. Further, whom does this service benefit in true sense - the call who did not get through or the receiver who is yet to listen to the message? Or really the network operators who offer this service and then mint some minutes off 'both' the users? I have heard that there are service providers who offer voice message conversions into text but with this post I doubt ATnT would even both offering this to me.

Anyways, this is a technology which is my 'unnecessary' evil that I can do away with. What would be yours?

Jai Ho

It was written....indeed!

"All my life I had the choice between hate and love. I choose love and here I am"
- A R Rahman

I@50 - The Lost Generation?

Take a moment to watch this video - no graphics, no animation - simple text with a simple message:





This video was created by Jonathan Reed as part of a 'U@50' Contest organized by the American Association of Retired Persons. With the ever-increasing debate on generational transformations, especially at a tipping point in history (do I feel it is indeed such a time because I still am part of the make-or-break generation?), I wonder:

a. Is this yet another brilliantly portrayed campaign ad and nothing beyond?

b. What direction am I truly headed - the first way or the reverse?

c. Will I actually succeed in the reverse?

d. Or will 'I@50' be the Lost Generation?

Text as follows:

I am part of a lost generation,
and I refuse to believe that
I can change the world
I realize this may be a shock but
"Happiness comes from within."
is a lie and
"Money will make me happy"
So in 30 years, I will tell my children
they are not the most important thing in my life;
My employer will know that
I have my priorities straight because
work
is more important than
family
I tell you this
Once upon a time;
Families stayed together
but this will not be true in my era.
This is a quick fix society
Experts tell me
30 years from now, I will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce;
I do not concede that
I will live in a country of my own making.
In the future
Environmental destruction will be a norm;
No longer can it be said that
My peers and I care about this Earth;
It will be evident that
My generation is apathetic and lethargic.
It is foolish to presume that
There is hope.


And all of this will come true unless we choose to reverse it.

- The Lost Generation, Jonathan Reed

Glory of Love?

My colleague asked me today about Ashit and my plans for Valentine’s day so while I had not really thought about the plans and considering it being the long weekend, all the more reason for us to have decided on some rendez-vous. But then, my colleague and I got into talking about how things seem different now that we are no longer in School and that we have passed the ‘age’ to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Having said that, it made me wonder whether I had really overcome that phase. On the contrary, I think that gnawing sense of expression still exists and frankly I do look forward to it. Not in a manner that can boost our existing economy or by having to shower/being showered by, my husband with flowers but in a way that it becomes a day filled with fun and laughter – aside from the routine existence of being. While it is true that we do not really need such a day to make us realize and value relationships (would not even want to dwell into the history of this day as theories galore on this one), on the other hand, it infact reinforces those pangs of love, happiness and color on moments and times not only shared with our husbands/wives but also siblings, friends, parents. I remember my sister and I would give each other Valentine’s Day cards or wish each other over phone…sounds cheesy? Actually it was cute. On the contrary, when we would do the same to our brother, that poor bugger would have his own sweet way of rubbing off such sentimental gestures aside (not anymore, thanks to his wifey!). At the same time, I do remember those days of endless crushes and the likelihood of receiving 'surprises' from 'annonymous' admirers!

Fast forward to current times and I realize that Valentine’s Day is great if you are newly in love/puppy love or then the most popular kid in School. For the rest of us, we are by now programmed to plan this day with our beloved ones, go out, dance to the concept of gifting, and basically do something that might not be done on any other day for that matter. Now that is something that, in hindsight, I hope to have already overcome – programmed! Sounds like a matrix indeed! Surf the internet and there are countless pop-ups on ‘How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day’, ‘How to top the previous year’s Valentine’s Day’, ‘What is IN and What is NOT this Valentine’s Day’, ‘Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts of the Year’ and the list is limitless! Restaurants provide a special Valentine menu on this day so the chances of a-la-carte are minimal unless it is the never-disappointing chipotle. Flowers are triply priced! There are even ‘Valentine Resolutions’ somewhere out there! I would not want to revolt the way this day has been marketed and considered a money-minting gimmick. Infact, that holds true for so many other days - Friendship Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, even Doctor's Day and there is also something called Best Friends' Day - no that's different from Friendship's Day. So why blame poor Hallmark that went back in time to dig out who St. Valentines was? Infact, considering the recent times, I found the 'macroeconomic' analysis of this day by NY Times extremely intriguing!

To me, this day is simply a few seconds of making near and dear ones feel special - if not all days atleast one? - and indulging in the fact that despite it all, Love truly exists in us and around us! This is my theory...what would be yours?