What about rights of pot bellied middle aged man?!!

People are getting quite patronizing these days trying to protect the ‘young girl’ from snooping. They are understandably agitated about bharath ki beti being snooped.  It is a common knowledge that girl becomes woman after marriage. So till then patriarchal media has every right to patronize and be protective.  Mr. Tendulkar has so graciously dedicated his Ratna to all mothers, which technically means one step ahead of being a woman. This is the most elevated position that an Indian woman can achieve that surely deserves a Bharat Ratna or atleast a dedication. It has terrific emotional returns. He surely is playing to the script. I am afraid too much on the script that he is becoming a mythical hero like zombie. Spreading happiness incidentally is also the mission of Coca cola. Touché. 

Meanwhile what about the rights of pot bellied hairy middle aged balding short darkish man at the bottom of the social pyramid? Doesn’t he have the right for privacy? Or is he a fair game for powerful people? Is snooping only concerns nubile damsels? Surely he is not a voyeuristic delight, one may faint (I don’t take responsibility of that!!), but he has his rights. Does anyone care? Here I am doing sheersaasn and trying to see whether the world is really upside down or am I imagining things.  Maybe I should morph into damsel in distress to arouse the patriarchal erotic urges of bharthiya sanskriti safeguarders. I am trying, to begin with pushing some fat into mammary gland region ...it’s working!! One of these days I will be perfectly be suited to fight for. 

Equity is not matter of perception.

There are no freaks…

Whatever happens in Delhi is mostly high profile therefore, in effect, people too consider themselves as thus. So in these worlds of high profiles murders happen and sometimes in the home itself. What was an open and shut case was made into intriguing spectacle by the incompetent police. The voyeuristic TV channels definitely owe it to the Police for the ratings.  Why Indian police is so incompetent that they don’t follow even basic procedures is not different from how they are misused, there is no incentive in competence when you can get ahead with sycophancy and providence. It is all part of compelling Indian traditional narration of serendipity and redemption. In the end cops will catch the thief and the family gather for happy photo op. The wise crack will relish his line and they all chuckle to be frozen for posterity. Facts are of not much use, what is more important is the story weaved. This is the beginning of myths.

One myth that is perpetuated with much celebration is that the Indian families are happiest god ordained units. The reality is they are sick minded people perpetuating sickness to next generation. These are now exaggerated as entertainment in TV serials, and are quite popular. Signs of deviant society are clearly present in every nook and corner. Indeed the way happiness is defined is in itself questioned. The pointer of Indian family happiness is rarely egalitarian but cesspool of deviant prides and egos. The idea of functional and dysfunctional itself is blur. It is a bunch designed to accrue and cosset in their shallow lives. The stakes of providence is multiplied with material amass and modern comfort. Any misdemeanor/transgression that threatens this applecart of family, and friends of equally provident being, is dealt severely. If nothing then abuse or kill or cannibal the weak, influence the powerful, subterfuge of emotions (that Indians have good stock of, meant to replace facts and make the narration compelling) and finally it’s time for get together. This time around the get together is in front of media. ‘They are such nice people’ … ‘how could this happen’… ‘We don’t believe it’… ‘We are happy family friends’…are common refrains to fill up these ethical gaps. There are no freaks. To call this as freak accidents is to perpetuate the myth.                

Enter the Carlsen era

Magnus Carlsen has the charming understated way of playing that builds up into crescendo as the game progresses. He moves from moment to moment with dexterity. People are writing that he has space to improve but the innocuous looking start and driveling his way through and coming out spectacularly is what is riveting. A pawn can surely make the difference. He means to play till the end, and that is how it need be. Its like watching Dynamo, the magician, who drops in nonchalantly and conjures something incredible and walks out before you realize what has just happened. Hail the new king!!

Ye snooping kya hotha hai?

Last few days people have been talking about snooping. Gujarat again (must be a coincidence) is in the news for wrong reason. Suddenly so many things are being revealed. Then I realize this is election season. We will have to endure these for six more months, I am sure after the elections these will be non issues. So issues are contextual and surfaces as and when it is appropriate. They mob from one issue to another. Last week was about Tendulkar, I was so sickened that I shifted to foreign news channels for respite. 

I am wondering what is snooping. I am quite certain people with power and money can easily snoop on common people, and they do it all the time. People who are taking high moral grounds are just a sham. Indeed our Foreign minister was extremely cozy about Americans snooping on Indians. The government was found to be lacking in moral certitude. Learn it from Brazil. Dilma Rousseff stood her ground; Obama had to call up Merkel. And here they have supplicated even before the whistle. These people have severely degraded India. 

In the meanwhile some have been quite successful in pushing my blog www.iseeebirds.blogspot.com   into porn profile. These are just few embellishments in series of nonsense in last many years (earlier this year someone hijacked and took away my Facebook account!!). Any other person would be psychologically traumatized and collapsed. I guess these scoundrels got a wrong person, probably they see some gain from the venture. Hopefully they don’t leave any footprints, because if they do and I am in any position to strike I will definitely get the details to the minutest level. I guess that may not happen as the odds against me are quite insurmountable and is stacking up all the while. Being in the oblivion can be draining but has its charm. Anyway it definitely gives an insight into how Indian elites work. For common people these kinds of awareness are rare, and I intend to document it. We come from very ordinary surrounding and suddenly pushed into this can be overwhelming. It is not difficult to make money but cunningness takes a while. Over the years I know how despite public differences, they are all ek hi thali ke choohe. They masquerade as saviors or defenders of common people but these are clever ploy. Digvijay Singh, the blabbermouth, has now got his son a ticket!! As ZK says, genes aage tho desh aage.  

Common people are essential props in the compelling narration of Indian democracy. They queue up for elections in hope and expectations, while people who accrue place themselves strategically for the spoils. Elections are essentially about corporate fights, in effect which ad/pr agency is able to manage. India is too large and diverse and not decided by manipulators but yes since they are very close to policy making it grievously undermines people’s aspirations. 

 

Harassment ki duniya aur papaji ke dost

Tehelka harassment case brings in very important question which the media mob will definitely not catch. How children of family friends easily get the job? How are senior editors like father? Don’t they demarcate professional relations from family relations? Aren’t these so called journalists trying to take undue advantage of family connection?  Or is it the great Indian family tradition? Is this how journalists are selected? While youngsters from humble background struggle to get a foothold and mostly settle for something much menial. A senior journalist even said that the alleged victim ‘played on his lap as a kid’, such gehra rishta. Not surprising our sprightly young thing ‘chose’ journalism as a career. Few years in the trade they learn the tricks and as average people they are now ready for bigger manipulations.  

Is it not surprising that Indian media is biased in dealing with issues, opinions are mostly gross generalizations. The most marginalized people, the dalits and tribes, find rare mention. While the temple squatter’s family and friends (that includes elite Muslims, Sikhs and what not) run the show. I am not talking about the case in question, it seems Mr. Tejpal has attempted gross despite protest, but these ‘young female (and male) journalists’ are not doodh ke dhule. I personally knew many who were ready to go to any extent and yes quite sexually active with senior colleagues for professional reasons. They were rarely keen on projects outside cities and considered it disgusting. Indeed many were plain snobs and looked for short cuts. I am sure now elevated as senior snobs who can talk about India and Indians for hours, some foreign media even refer to them as experts! It is not surprising that despite being an Indian they are not even able to converse in any language other than English. It shows how they have kept themselves isolated from common people. I find that astounding.

Post script: I recall meeting an Editor in a social gathering for a book launch (it is difficult otherwise, you will not get pass the reception!), this was almost 15 years back; I ventured into possibilities of working in his organization. I had thrown away my certificates and had no contacts, I told him I can travel to remote places for him and write about the issues. The guy sipped his wine and said very calmly “you are seriously crazy fellow”. Later as I evaluated my options I thought if I can work on fiction and create some standing then I get to travel places …well it didn’t work. I guess, with a punter’s insight: I put the money on the wrong horse!! I realize writing is quite a tough act.  Blogs are really such a break from shackles. I am so grateful. Without blogs and other technological innovations Indian society would have easily swallowed me. I am because of blog. These technologists have created something incredible.        

The horrible accidents

Last few days there is spate of accidents quite coincidentally, these long distance buses, commencing from Bangalore. It gets shocking as you read details and see the pictures. I have travelled on these routes many times. As far as possible one must choose State buses they are safer, since they don’t have much concern for travelling time nor number of passengers, it works in the advantage of travelers. They generally don’t overspeed nor would they stack up passengers along the aisle. The private buses are horrible experience. As a rule never ever travel in private ac buses, they are dirty, stink and claustrophobic hell.  The ordinary private buses are another sort of hell, they delay the start as they haggle for more passengers, then to cover up the time lost they ply fast. Some of these private operators drive so horrendously fast that reaching the destination is nothing short of miracle. If there are horrible accidents there are many horrible near accidents that doesn’t make news. If the authorities follow and impose the rules strictly these wouldn’t happen. But then it is part of our tradition to create rules and make it optional to follow while those responsible queue up at religious sites to thank their luck and seek redemption. I am told they are also generous in their monetary contributions to the lord.

Making rules and keeping it ambiguous is a strategy of the elite section to make people take rules lightly, i.e. breaking rules is no big deal. This give them the leverage in breaking rules for bigger stakes, in the meanwhile the people are expected to take it as ordinary happening. As you don’t follow traffic rules and smoke in public places, we cut and mine away mountains and coal fields. There is a tacit understanding: You would do the same thing if you are in our place.  Indeed most Indians would!! The morass is deeper and grievous; rules are a joke meant to add to general gaiety of Indian life. Creating a lawless society or individuals who don’t give a damn about rules help in creating a society that is tolerant to corruption, it helps to create the ground for elite in its nefarious acts. It also emboldens the compelling idea of India that these are pre ordained and part of fate. Those who are able to loot are lucky people.     

  

I recall on the same route, Bangalore to Hyderabad, where the accidents happened, a fellow who probably was the cleaner took over the driving very late into the night, the driver gave him few instructions and then went to sleep. To the fellow’s credit he did handle it fairly well and drove slowly, (maybe he will try his tricks as he gets into comfort zone) all the while I had my heart in my mouth. Maybe I should have put up a complaint, then you have to worry about the procedure so on…so thank god for small mercies and carry on with your chore. In another instance the driver stopped the bus on the side of dark alley and went to sleep, while everyone was asleep I got up few times and found the bus at the same spot!! Then I ambled my way to the driver and saw him snoring. I shouted, awaking others too, some even suggested let him sleep you wouldn’t know he might take out his anger by driving rashly!! I have been in near fatal accidents, jumped out in nick of time. The closest one being on Goa-Pune highway, it was touch and go scene. It wouldn’t be right to criticize and brush all private operators with the same brush. SRS travels are run relatively efficiently.

Since I rarely travel on assignments (nobody’s slave nor contributing for GDP any of my immediate concerns) and mostly travel for fun, sometimes if I find the bus uncomfortable I drop out in middle somewhere and chalk out a new plan. Traveling in short distance buses through the day is an amazing experience, it’s always great fun through Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu during winter.    

   

The morons at Doordarshan (DD)

Originally I had titled this piece as “Donkeys at Doordarshan”, it does rhyme, but I realize I have nothing against donkeys and comparing with subhumans at DD is an injustice to donkeys. The way the officials and technicians have handled the telecast of prestigious chess championship is appalling to say the least. I am sickened by the sheer lack of even basic skills, competence is matter that comes much later. I am told that India is some kind of IT power and then you look at DD at such crucial juncture they fail so miserably.

I couldn’t watch the first day, I gather it was seriously messed up but even on the second day quarter of chess board was missing, importantly the chess board was on the corner as if it is not important as the players. I guess DD official have been bred with daily feed of importance to VIP than the event, you cannot change them in short notice. Such gross incompetence is amazing. Nobody watches DD, maybe that is the problem it is been controlled by manipulators who have no connection with competence or responsibility, the officials are generally chosen for the sycophantic abilities. When powerful manipulators get into the system it grievously compromises the competence. When I&B Minister also moonwalks as spokesperson of the party then you know how degraded this government is. It is also not surprising that these spokespersons (as also TV presenters) are adept in art of tongue twisting and brings out words that form amazing sentences. When you give a closer look they turn out to be Mishras, Sitaramans, Natrajans, Chaturvedis, Shuklas, Sharmas, Aiyers, Swamys, Sardesais...it’s like we are back to sanctum sanctorum vaadhvivaadh parampara at the expense of common sense or reality. Inbreeding ka kamaal!! The tongue has got connected to eye, ear and stomach while the brain shrank to grain size.  These are unique homo sapiens. It is in the cauldron of Aiyers and Aiyengars unique arguments and counter arguments that Kasthuri & sons (daughters maybe included) found the firmament for higher and higher moral grounds for the family values in business.    

  

Talking of manipulators I would like to know who recommended Crude woman for Padma awards, as also on what basis mediocre ZK chosen to RS. It seems pseudo secularism has more than its share of returns. I was watching some program on Sholay movie, it is amazing that even after 40 years the movie has such a charm in popular imagination. Salim Khan did some magic with the script, ZK was only an assistant which is a euphemism for arranging chai-pani as also massage when told. Now it is this kind heartedness that is taken advantage by ZK, not only he claims that he wrote everything on his own, you will also think ZK played the role of Gabbar. Script is only one aspect, the movie was a grand success because of so many other critical factors. ZK is only a minor speck, whatever positioning he may do. They are good at pulling the fast one and adept in using much talented/popular people to promote themselves (his gene too is catching up on this talent).  ZK calls it Zuhu Zyndrome. Whenever this fellow start screaming in TV, one need to be cautious, something ominous is underway, some nomination is pending (apart from of course gene’s movie release). These people have the capacity to severely undermine and degrade the system for their immediate gains. The degradation of DD or even the police force falls into the same pattern. I will not be surprised that mediocre ZK was recruited to work on Mister Gandhi’s nonsense speech. I guess Congress need to understand this fellow is only a small time manipulator and talented Salim Khans of the world don’t promote themselves too much. Needless to say the emotional nonsense of a speech was ripped apart, and we are so happy for it.      

Art is a huge term and encompasses much nuanced and subtle expressions, movies are only minor part. In this hindi movies are only one part. An explanation is needed as to on what basis a mediocre lyricist gets nominated to RS. 

Modi gains and looses credibility at an alarming rate

Mr. Modi is because of the amazing lacunae in Manmohan Singh and irresponsible Mr.Gandhi. Without them Modi is at loss, indeed he shines when he attacks them, he comes out as credible and decisive. The more he works from this framework more he stands to gain. He shreds them so precisely that it is a sort of catharsis for people. It is suggested though that he avoid Ms Sonia Gandhi, she probably the only Congress leader around who can command some respect. It is amazing that despite lack of communication in Hindi she has achieved so much and remains a genuine and respected leader. Glib talkers can learn a lesson or two. Precisely the problem when Mr. Modi tries to play statesman, he fails miserably and comes lacking. It is shocking that he has not much awareness on basic facts about India and gives an impression of insincere speaker, lacks credibility (but much credible and effective than Rahul Gandhi on any platform). Further he comes out as a man who seems to be lacking in qualities of introspection, with these he maybe able to connect to the generation next but more thought into speaking is expected. He seems to be the product of visceral reactions of people against an ineffective blundering government that he is very effectively able to tap. Bad times are good for manipulators and with jugglery of words it sometimes throws insincere but effective leaders. By Indian standards that is quite an achievement. 

Lastly why is the highest sporting award in India named after Rajiv Gandhi?? It should be Dhyan Chand award. By usurping names for political gains it undermines the talents of people and recognition they deserve, also it degrades the sanctity of these awards and allows manipulators to work in. It stands on flawed foundation. Hopefully these will be re named. Crude woman has a different take on these matters, she says, “baap ka branding bache nahi karenge tho kya padosi karenge …ye eda hai kya?” . She should know she has baap ke naam pe train. ZK Bazz calls it “reverze brandingz” “bohuth kamaal ki cheez hai mere bhai”.   

Let the game begin!!

There are sports that are followed across the world from Europe to Asia to America to Africa, the one that tops the list is undoubtedly football. Athletic events, in particular, the 100m and marathon too have massive following across the world. Lawn tennis is also catching up as an international sport.  Chess is another game that is followed with much enthusiasm across the world, what is exciting about the game of minds is that it needs concentration and involvement with the heightened nuances. Like any evolved art the audience is expected to have elevated themselves before entering the framework of this subtle game, and that makes it compelling. Next few weeks the world over, from a small town in Spain to the café in New York, the connoisseurs and ordinary people are going to have their eyes riveted on every move at Chennai. 

 

The painting herein is by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch on Goethe´s Faust. Those who have seen The Seventh Seal (written and directed by Ingmar Bergman the Swedish director), where the protagonist plays with Death, will recall the haunting effect it had. A movie I have seen many times, it is Bergman at his best (indeed i have seen all his movies!)