Religious Pluralism

India.. An epic centre of religons flocking to glory, they say. Allow me to quote a TOI Crest Article. The World over, India is admired as an icon of religious pluralism. Every terror attack rooted in religious fundamentalism is a calculated attempt to subvert and dishonor this world heritage. For the most part, Indians have shown remarkable restraint in their response to the attacks on Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Jaipur and now Pune. But its rightly said that shrapnel cannot shatter a secularism that is far older and deeper than terrorism can ever hope to be. In a country like India where the word 'Ali' nestles in 'Diwali' and Ram in 'Ramzan', it is hardly surprising that same person who reveres Ganesha and Guru Nanak also bows to Ahura, Allah and St. Anthony. The Indian has a remarkable capacity not only to be multidimentional but multidenominational. Being born into one religion doesn't restrict access to other Gods. Perhaps its time we were allowed to state more than one religion while filling up a form.

There is a specific reason why the above topic engraves a marking on my heart. My mother is a Catholic and my Father a Maharashtrian Brahmin. It goes without saying that, when I was small I was put to bed by stories of the Holy Bible, the Bhagvad Gita, Marathi and English songs and also Sanskrit Shlokas and Bible verses. I studied in a school which was a Roman Catholic Convent with a church in the front yard. I sung hymns in school in the morning, and said Sanskrit prayers in the evening. This I think has moulded my attitude towards religion.

I have friends from all religions alike. I have this uncanny ability of making friends alike. I always concentrate on the first name and never have I paid heed to the last name. If a new friend tells me his name is Krish, then it doesnt matter for me if he is Krish Singh, Krish Vadia, Krish Khan, Krish Kulkarni or just Krish. Why is it that the religion to which a person belongs doesnt matter to our generation when he/she is walking, talking, working with us. Might be we are entrusted to form the new world order. Isnt it? The young muslim today is aware of the Muslim alienation in the world. Alas, it continues to exist. But does it matter to you that there is a muslim in your work place? I beg to differ.....

At the back of my mind, it sometimes strikes to me. That the big bang that has been predicted by the Mayan Calendar on the 21/12/2010 should occur. Not because I want everyone dead. But because I think, but I can only hope, that, that time the world will rise for the new world order. No fundamentalists, No nationalists, No communists, No republicans, No democrats, Just THE PEOPLE.

There are a few instances which I would like to narrate in Mumbai which have caught my eye.
The Lalbaug Ganapati is the biggest sarvajanik ganeshotsav mandal in Mumbai. Everyone, boletoh everone, right from hindus, sikhs, muslims, catholics visit HIM. Its a seen to believe.The Haji Ali Durgah is a shrine visited by all. So is Siddhivinayak Temple or even the Mahalaxmi Temple.The Bandra Fair ie the Mount Mary Festival is a great Crowd puller where people of all faiths bow their heads.


I m waiting for that day when India will say....

'Vakratund mahakaya....
My father in heaven holy be thy name,...
Allah hi Rahem.. Allah hi Rahem...
Ik onkar, Satnaam, Karta Purak...'

It will be the 8th wonder of the world for sure.... waiting.....

Its my cousin sisters birthday!!

Well as my cousin sister celebrates her 21 birthday tomorrow... this one for her....



As I sit down to type, I recollect Taki and Bugs coaxing me to write something for you. Well not because I don’t want to write something for you, but its my love for birthdays that I keep forgetting them. I m really sorry but cant help it. You see I m indeed blessed with an awesome memory (pun intended).

Well as I try and pen down my thoughts for you, I think for a second. What do I write? Well yes, considering, as per well advertised beliefs that we talk for 30 mins everyday twice (yes, to the much contentment and joy of Taki and Bhakti) I find it increasingly difficult to find a subject matter. *thinking*

• Do I relate the wonderful times till today?
Nope, its so clichéd.

• Do I ‘advise’ you about working hard towards yours goals in life?
Nope, you are my elder cousin.

• Do I need to reflect about being together and staying together and going through the
ups and downs together?
Nope, I think Bugs has given her ‘pravarchan’ on that. *lmao*

• Well then what about tp done while working together?
Hmm, Nope. Taki and Bhakti wrote about it. *damn*

• Do I speak about the bitter but true hardships of life and how you face the same
without affecting your health, carrier, etc……….
THAT’S NOT NECESSARY NOW. BECAUSE AS LONG AS I M BREATHING YOU CAN COUNT ON ME
TO STAY BY YOUR SIDE.
*thats the way*

Well but still there are a few things I want to tell you.

The most important. The thing currently on your mind. I could not read that mind. (*smiling?*) I really don’t know why? It was indeed mysterious. Might be if it stands the test of time it will definitely stay. But then you need to wait and watch. *Constant Vigilance*. Lets leave that for the time being.
The next. I want to Thank you. Might be Gokhale & Sathe wouldn’t have been whats it today with out YOU. The advise about partners, working ethics and selecting friends has been indeed very important. Friends are always there by your side but when you know that family is also so close, it definitely helps a great deal. God knows how its going to be once you are done.
And the last thing. There are many qualities in you that make me envious of you. Your never-say-die spirit and keeping on trying again and again is something I have always been trying to achieve. Its difficult to be by oneself in a city like Bombay but I think you wand it off very gracefully. Something which the entire family is proud of. But then you think a lot. You think so much that sometimes I wonder why did God gift you with such an analytical brain. A ‘little’ bit of Advice: The day you stop thinking about what others will think and what others will say, from that day you ll enjoy your life to the fullest. Be a little bit of Self-Analyser. It helps.

As you step forward in life keep an eye around. Strange are the roads that life takes. Some uphill.. winding paths.. straight runs.. and maybe even near vertical slopes. But Don’t give up ( I know you wont). Keep your focus on the road ahead and you will reach your destiny. However don’t lose sight of the scenes that go by, for they’ ll wach have lessons to learn from. And Baba Ranchordhas Chanchand has said, “ Bachha kabil bano kabil, kamyiyabi toh saali jhakk marr ke piche bhagegi.”

All the Best!

Wishing you a Happy Brithday....
Loads of love,
Mwah!

Creative Unwanted Mind!

hmmmmmmm,,,


Studying studying and more studying.... uff :)

When i am fielding or batting, my mind is always on the game,

When i am reading a novel, i feel the story around me

When i am jogging, i am constantly urging myself to push ahead.

Why is it that only when I am STUDYING that my mind becomes creative

Not only Creative, but also Futuristic!

My mind becomes a vaccum and a collage of thoughts arise,

Theres nothing at first and then,

In the fire of Tax Notes, a Creative Pheonix rises.....

Lol.....

PS: Its good to be creative but the human brain always finds the wrong time to do so.
Such weird facts of life often make my mind go topsy-turby!

Give it Back to the Country I say!

A Color of Patriotism...

To Mother India,
Where I took birth
Where I cherish every moment I spent
Where the foundation of my life(education) was constructed
To Mother India
Who provided me the Best of Friends
Who gave me People which are hard to Forget
Who has done whatever possible for me to blossom
To Mother India
to whom I shall always be indebted to.

Points to be noted your Highness:

1.Every time twice in a year we have the best Financial Analysts passing out. I m referring to
CAs. 7500 per attmept. These people can do wonders in the Public Finanace Field.

2.Every year once we have a Batch of Doctors who can do wonders in Public Helath, Engineers who
can do wonders in Public Technology and Infrastructure and Lawyers who can do wonders in the
Public Law & Order. No. of people passing out each year are "unaccountable"

These, my dear literate readers, are examples of honored professions of our country. All these educated literate ones mint lakhs of rupees each year. Not just one year but year on year. After debiting their incomes for provisions for the future if their children, their own future in old age, there are some filthy rich who also reserve some for the next generation. Funny isnt it. Ironically funny. When there are guys in the country who is not sure about tomorrow or even the evening dinner, there is this guy in the same country who has reserved money for his grand children's MBA education abroad some 75 years thence. Sounds weird, but I think this should be the definition of Income Divide in our Books.

Well my point is how often have you come across a CA taking care of 'Public' Finance.
or a Doctor looking after 'Public' Health and not 'Private' Health out of choice.
Or a Lawyer looking after a 'goons' bail appeal when he knows that his client is guilt. public law and Order did anyone say?

This list can go on and on.

But why is it that the word 'Public' just goes 'bhoosh'. Infact 'Not-Applicable' in some cases.
OK. From the other side. I know you doctors, lawyers, engineers, CAs, and MBAs have invested a lot in your education and are just gaining returns. But then dont become a havrat, sorry, puppet whose only aim of living is earning lakhs, expending lakhs and then provionsing lakhs. Make proviosions for your family and your immediate family. Infact with the Life Expectancy about to fall in the coming years, you wont need much.! (next post, I say why)

Might be a nice hard work of 15-20 years can be enough for you and your old age and even your immediate family needs till the next generation starts earning and looks after itself.

I think when you are experienced and cash-rich India needs you that time. Experience cause Probs are galore here. and Cash-rich because I dont want the new administrators to indulge in corruption. Here is a deal. Think about this blog again. Infact go through it again. The very fact that you need India now, India needs you later. And even if it doesnt come calling to you, its your moral duty to look after ageing 'parents'.


PS: then you ll be a literate in the sense of the term
then you ll be a honored professional
then you ll be an example of a perfect son to your 'parents'
then you ll be an Indian.

Disclaimer: the author does not believe in any kind of service = service to the country. nor does he believe to post a lawyer on the LOC in the army. the author believes in people doing something for the country in what they are best at. these are the opinion of the author. any relation to your lifestyle and profession is purely co-incidental. the author's opinion has been drafted here on general observations of the 'indian' society. and grievances caused is regretted. this post is spontaneous and a personal favorite. :D


adios...
MP

Insomnia Has Taken Over Me

Aarghhhhhhh!!!


Common sleep! Common Sleep! Get me In! Damn! I m tired of saying this 'mantra' again and again every night from 12 to 2am. I have tried everything that my parents suggested. Something as stupid as saying'A,B,C,D,...'. or even 'Z,Y,X,W,V,...' or counted numbers from 1 to 100, or 100 to 1, multiples of 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 uptil 100. And even said the little prayers that I know. "Lekin ye kambhakt neend aati hi nahi". Even after 2am if I am sleeping, my mind does not shut, Its running continuously for the past 3 weeks now. What Am I thinking. I cant recollect. Sounds weird. But its true. I have started sleeping with a book and a pencil close to me so that when I get up, I can pen down the thoughts. But I open my eyes thinking I ll write it, take the pencil, my cellphone's torchlight, open the page and "Magic". 'Dhoooomb'..... the thought process is gone. Yes it is. I have tried thrice till today. And same result. 'Dhoooomb'..... its gone. Then the next 2 hours I again change sides, change faces, and think what I was thinking cause I m such a 'jiddy' boy that I just cant let go...... Oh I am an Insomniac!


Insomnia: is a symptom which can accompany several sleep, medical and psychiatric disorders, characterized by persistent difficulty in falling asleep and/or staying asleep despite the opportunity which is typically followed by functional impairment while awake including both organic and non-organic insomnia without other cause constitute a sleep disorder and another definition of insomnia is "difficulties initiating and/or maintaining sleep, or nonrestorative sleep, associated with impairments of daytime functioning or marked distress for more than 1 month."

Damn this! I have both!


My Insomnia


The time is 11:45pm
Studies arent registering in my system
So that it for the day:
I brush my teeth
Take my meds
And walk to the my Bed!
What a Climax.....
But then here we have the anticlimax,
Its a long journey to my Bed,
Am I excited?
No...
Am I Happy?
Why....
Am I Stresed?
Whats that.....
Alienatic things...
Oh but I m definitely tired.
I want my sleep I pray to God
I want that sleep I pray to God
But no he wont listen.
I am finally on my bed.
I put the alarm for 7am
It saya i have 7 hours approx to go
Then the mystery starts
I ll change the radio stations
I ll change the tracks on my player
But no, sleep still wont come.
I ll say A,B,C,D,E...
I ll say Z,Y,X,W,V...
I ll say 1,2,3,4,5...
I ll say 100, 99, 98 97..
Still no...
I look at the Alarm...
Of Fuck its saying 6 hours 15 mins to go.
That means I am 45 mins on the bed.
Doing "Nothing".
Sorry did I say Nothing?
'TRYING TO GET SLEEP MAN!'
Then finally i am in a trance.
Yes trance, not sleep.
My mind is thinking,
My mind is concentrating,
My mind is working,
My mind is in motion.
But what the fuck is it doing?
(CANT MAKE HEAD OR TAIL)
Then suddenly,
Ohh its that what I am thinking about
I remember about my promise to pen it down
I wake up with a start
Find my pencil, my cellphone torch,
My book,
I say to my self 'quick quick..'
I do all these things in 8 seconds...
But bhooosh.....its gone
Its gone...
I look at the alarm
Vow what a sight.
Just 5 hours before my alarm starts ringing.
Then the process continues
I change sides
I change my position
I put my head under the bedsheet
I sleep upside down
I change the fan speed
I go to the loo
I drink water
I try to sleep on my stomach
But alassss
My mind is thinking,
My mind is concentrating,
My mind is working,
My mind is in motion.
Now Its thinking what disturbed my sleep earlier
I look at the alarm again
Time is 3 am
4 hours to go.
In an hour and a half
my milkman will be at the door.
Damn...

And then finally between 3 and 315..
I m sleepin...
Finally Sleeping..
Vow what a feeeling in hindsight..
This is my story as an Insomniac


PS: Pray for me that I m blessed with a good sleep. And a better memory to pen down my mind dreams.

The Movie: My Name is Khan

Wassup guys..?


Well let me first clear the air on this post. This is no movie review and no reading between the lines. But as I mentioned yesterday that every movie has an impact on you or the society as a whole, it was proven today when I saw the movie: My Name is Khan.

Firstly a brilliant movie. Something different from Karan Jokar's kitty. Brilliant Mr Johar. The viewers of the Bollywood industry are proud of you. Shah Rukh Khan (yes, Khan from the epiglotus) has really delivered a master stroke. As for the effervescent Kajol, with every movie you change the definition of the word "BEST". A moving and an amazing performance by one and all.

But there are lot of things apart from the acting which catches your eye. As the writer clearly puts in. For Humantiy, there are 3 different ages now.
1.The Before Christ Birth
2.The After Death of Christ
3.The After 9/11 stage

Yes, as some extremists put in their heart body and soul for jehad and as they strive for what they call the 'freedom' for the muslims, the entire humanity suffered. Our view point changed towards the Muslims. People still suffer and what is printed in the newspapers is about only 5% that what really happens to the musloms around the globe.

Why is today Islam regarded as the Terrorist religion?
Question yourself cant a Hindu or a Devot Catholic become a terrorist?


Obviously yes. I certainely beg to differ from the Stereotype thinkers. The terrorists, as per my research, are those who have interpreted the Religion and its teachings wrongly. Even a Hindu, Sikh or Catholic can do that. I am waiting for that day when someone other that Muslims becomes a terrorist and does something big. Not because I want more terrorist attacks and more killings. But because I want the stupid world to realize whats the driving power behind the terrorists. If today Taliban or Afghanistan was an European country with Catholics, will all catholics be regarded as Terrorists.? I dont think so.. Big Mother America will come in the way and do some 'political awakening' and 'military exercises' and change the thinking....

Put a Question in your mind today. The Naxals are the greatest Internal threat to out Democracy. They are Hindus after all. These guys are driven with a view point that the Centre should not erode the Eastern India. These guys are branded as Terrorists. But are all Hindus considered that same?

If they were, then Karan Johar and others wouldn't have spent 100 crores to make 'My name is Khan.' A must watch to all. Think deep when you see this movie. Read between the lines.

Remember my words: A thinking Brain moving outside the Cinema Theatre can do wonders for the Humanity and the Country.

3 Idiots has an Impact

3 Idiots has an impact!

When you see a movie, you just strike a chord with it. So instantly. It is like magic. The video and voice media is so powerful that it really makes wonders. The movie Rang De Basanti bought the new youth politicians of today at the forefront. Lakshya took many into the Khadakvasla training centre of the Indian army. If Chak DE India brought some color to our country's hockey (that time) , Goal inspired many a footballers. I wonder if more powerful movies relaese in Bollywood and they inspire and conspire a ONE India together.

3 idiots inspired 'aatmahatyas' as they said. Yes suicides. But wait that movie was brilliant . Actually it was fighting against the system which leads to suicides But people got it all wrong. But the TY students from our college were benefited a great deal.

The Tax professor had a rule in the starting month of December. All those 'tourist' students who did not attend lectures throughout the year wont be allowed to submit their tax projects which carried some marks at the University level. If not marks then certainely some Grades. Not sure!?! But the point is in the month of January in the wake of suicides due to the pressure on students, the punishment was waived. Reason: Prevention better than Cure. Everyone can now submit their projects. Isnt that brilliant? Some people were unhappy but then it was great....! Definitely not bad.

After All @Podar and Amir Khan: Jhapana tussi Great ho.... Tofa Kabul Karo....

PS: I hope some movie releases every year so that such a provision is maintained every year.
But to the student community..no suicides again...

And it also tells us, do what you are best at.. I have got three tasks coming this summer. Something that I was born for, Something that I love to do.

Adios,
MP.

The 'so-called-SENAS'

Support for My Name is Kaan


Hey ever wondered what 'Sena' means.... Yes it means a combat force with the basic motive of public protection. And do you have any Idea what 'Shiv Sena' means .... They mean 'Hooligans'.

Yes hooligans, can be an understatement at times. I wonder how these Shiv Sainiks like Idiots listen to what their "self-proclaimed-Master" says. I wonder what an ideal example they are setting for their children.

The next time I see such a 'Shivaji' Sainik. I ll ask him what will you teach your child? He will tell him while relating the incident, "Some person named B Thack felt offended by some petty reasons and inorder to gain publicity for his 'political-cum-terrorist' organistaion, he asked us to attack multiplexes. And we Attacked with full force!"

The tomorrow's generation child will ask him, "Some enemy country?"

Shivaji-Sainik Father, "No my child. All Mumbai;s multiplexes"

The child with utter disbelief will say. "Dad, what a big chutia you were,infact you are? ufff"




PS: I wonder if U Thack's son also says so...... or the next generation after his son will definitely say so. Because when I run the country I dont think such people will exist in the society. I will personally execute them in the public.

Disclaimer: All charecters and incidents in this blog above are imaginary and any resemblance to any person alive, dead or to be alive or dead is purely coincidental. :)

BTW i have got two words for you Sena Bitches: FUCK OFF...(Short and Sweet)

Mr XYZ's lesson of Determination

I ran the Standard Chartered Half Mumbai Marathon last Sunday, the 17th January 2010. From the 8th km to the 15th km, a 87 year-young man ran with me. Matching his Pace to my face. Age did not deter him. TV-Reporters did not hinder his progress. He thought me the important lesson of what perseverance can do to you. How strong Will power and perseverance are and what an important role they play in shaping your persona in this competitive world.

A small verse for him and A big toast to him...

Mr. XYZ's lesson on Determination

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try
But can you ever just TRY.
Either you do it Or you Don’t.
Either you win or lose
You can never be right in the lurch
But someone always says Just give it a Shot!
I god it the other day. But why?
Why try when you know you aren't the best?
Coz Little by little one walks far
Coz Every minute makes the hour
Coz Every drop makes the ocean
Coz Every thing just counts.
Yes, Determination is the wake up call to the human will
Grit and Perseverance leads us up the hill
Paulo & SRK said, ‘When the person really desires something
All the universe conspires to help that person realize this something.
Keep sowing seeds of persevearance, persistence and permanence all your life
You know never know which one will see the day’s light.
Remember Great people have greatness thrust upon them
Coz there are two of them
One who are destined to succeed
Two who are determined to succeed.
Be the second one,
And I bet you ll be the happy One.


Could not find the MAN of that day. I named him Mr. XYZ.
Tried searching him later on but i think he was faster than me.
Forgot to ask him his name. Will try and meet him next year.

A great toast to the MAN of the Day..!

-mp


PS: i am waiting for feed back. quick!

Aman ki Asha

Aman KI Asha - A Historic Landmark in the Making!

When was the last time your mind said it, "Go for it buddy, This is IT..!"?
When was the last time your intution lead you to something Intriguing.?
When was the last time you realised before anyone this was the need of the Hour?

1st January 2010, time 8:30 am, My mind struck with all these thoughts at the same time. I didnt know whether to smile, to cry or scream. It was a feeling of great pride of belonging to a family which has done something next to impossible. The initiative by The Times of India and the Jang Group has attempted to script a unimaginable relation between the most troubled neighbors in the history of Mankind.

There are some positives which need to be taken from this. The People of both the countries are represented by these media houses and that the Politicians have no role whatsoever in the same. Let there finally be light among the borders. Fundamentalists exists on both sides. Jehadis there and Moasits here. But the important question which has come up in this initiative is whether the point of view of these fundamentalists should be considered as the opinion of the entire nation.

I definitely want to help . Do let me know in whatever way i can......

Mihir Pinto signing off as FOR Aman ki Asha


PS: Read the first page TOI dated 01/01/2010