It is not the first time that there has been violence by separationists concerning to area or language or community or ethnicity or any other such defining factor. It therefore becomes very important for us, as social beings, to understand this and equip ourselves against being drawn into this whirlpool. We all have attachments to our culture, country, language, caste, race, movie stars, singers, etc. Its quite human and always expected. You always wish for your “group” to succeed rather than any other group. That too is natural and healthy when under limits of social norms.

Of course, I will talk about the recent comments on Sachin Tendulkar’s statements by some of the leaders of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Maharashtra. They too are similar to other such organizations in various parts of this country. The main objective of their “Party” is to bring prosperity to the “Marathi Manoos” since they belong to that region. They are fighting for the “rights” of the Marathi people which are being exploited by the “migrants” from other regions. They are trying to preserve the language and tradition of their region.

Now that we have understood their main objectives, we can draw our own conclusions by the help of what little intelligence and wisdom we have acquired in our short lives and the modus operandi of the said party in achieving their objectives. An election in this country is never won by a well qualified, development oriented election manifesto. It is won by promising FREE stuff if we get elected and then un-officially providing other FREE stuff that must and should include Alcohol. Now I predict that many who will read this will immediately react that only illiterate people will do that. Lets analyze it then.

Most basic elections are considered to be the college union elections. Have you never heard of campus politics? If you havent, the please read this article on campus politics. The point here to understand is that literacy does not guarantee wisdom. It does not produce good valued humans as such. Moral aspect of education is absent in the system. The moral science classes in my school days were limited to story telling and not discussing the implication of the same. Mostly, kids are considered to be inept to trouble them with moral issues, but its widely known that even 5 year old kids can have some really good things to say about elementary human values.

Having said that, separatist activities help in misleading all sorts of people. It will finally depend on every individual person as to how they perceive such activities. Many people will support the comments of the leaders in their newspaper and a few will disagree with it (In that particular region and not India as a whole). But India as a whole will always retort saying that a National player is a National player. Even then, the statement made by Sachin Tendulkar is a much needed one since he is a “Youth Icon” and not just for Maharashtra or India, but to the world as a whole. We look up to such people and take note of their values and ideologies. Liberal outlook while still maintaining the attachment to the local culture is the way of life. Just how he has managed the balance between One Day Internationals and Test cricket, not only scoring similar runs, but also doing justice to the game as a whole, we too need to manage out attachments to above mentioned factors and still work for National Integrity.

If people like him dont stand up and express their opinion for the fear of being drawn into a political dialogue then those who look upto them will also not have the courage to oppose injustice. But the most important thing to be kept in mind is that you need to know when to be silent. Sachin Tandulkar has not yet replied to all those comments he received after his statement. Sachin Tendulkar is well known for his “actions speak better than words” approach. He knows well not to ARGUE with fools but only to make people aware about his perceptions and his views. If the youth will inculcate such qualities instead of just his hair style or something, then it might be more productive and meaningful to consider him your role model. If this separatist tendencies are not dealt with today, then there will always be the threat of such a thing growing into more serious issue hampering the integrity of the country

There are a number of things that can be thought about in this world, but seldom are they discussed. In the real world scenario people are too busy to even acknowledge what is happening else where. It is understandable that most of the people are busy with their own mess of a life and would not want to waste their time by worrying about others. But unless there is some extraordinary efforts from our side, how can we expect the society to move forward as a whole? Those of us who are capable will move forward making way on the expense of others.

Anyway, I don’t want to get into that debate. What I want to talk today is an idea that struck me when I was reading a book today. I am pretty sure many have had this ideas before and will keep having it in the future. When I was reading this book I realised that I have a lot of good books at home that I am not going to use as their purpose is served. Though I bought used books , they still are in good condition (Except some which cannot be read from). I usually sell my books back in the same area where I buy used books. But today I thought, Instead of this it would be better to donate these books to a public library.

Of course the public library in the cities have good collection, but those in other cities don’t. If a group of, say, 100 people donate some good used books, then it will greatly help a lot of students. Of course, you can buy new books and donate them, but it may not be always possible for students like us to do that as we don’t earn. But we can always give our old and used books which will definitely help others. During this deepavali, my cousins, aged 10 and 16 years, did not burst any crackers and instead donated that money to the victims of recent floods in Karnataka. It is not iterated enough that there is a lot we can learn from kids.

Thousands of people can definitely make a difference if joined together. Lets devise a plan. Any suggestions are always welcome.

Chicken a la carte, from Ferdinand Dimadura

Different way to provide a known fact.

Thanks to Nirmal for sharing

This comes a day late since I couldn’t think clearly yesterday. Not that I am enlightened right now, but definitely have a much clear mind. Anyway, coming to the point, we all, or at least, most of us know about the statistics regarding this issue. The most recent mention of hunger that I can remember is the award winning photograph that was circulating in the mail depicting a skinny child and a hungry vulture. The photographer committed suicide after taking that picture. On an other note, most people are not happy about India’s contributions to other countries; they want that money to go into better roads and other projects in the country. But a philanthropist nature is always associated with India.

Not that there are no people who die of hunger in our country, there are tons of programs to address such issues but its not being effectively implemented. Everyone knows that but not many care about it. They carefully monitor the implementation of provisions by the government that relate to them, but they don’t give a damn about other things. You might expect the beneficiary of poverty alleviation program to pressurize government, but you fail to notice that they are neither literate nor aware of such provisions. As citizens it would become our duty (not obligation) to make sure that such programs reach the beneficiary. But then, that which is not compulsory is never done in this country right? Think about it and you will realise. All those who criticise government please do try and learn how a democracy is supposed to work.

Life. Very hard to figure it out. Just today i was watching a movie in which a police officer sacrifices her life while on duty. Her husband, also a cop, is devastated by his personal loss. There are many who sacrifice their lives for the sake of duty and honour. Ultimately what does it matter? That life which is taken will never get the kind of respect it deserves. All people do is to make a day for it, sing a couple of songs, eat, give speech and go home. Then from next day its the same story. But they forget why there people sacrificed their lives in the first place.

Then there is fame. Its the most sought after thing in the world. But usually it favours those who do not seek it. I talk about the kind of fame that accompanies the likes of Einstein or Gandhi. Because, there is some amount of fame associated with everyone of us in whatever way but, it is not timeless and hence not the one that is sought after. But none the less, its settled for. Momentary fame, short lived and even dirty fame is welcome by most. Its this momentary lapse in character that leaves them stuck in such places. But those who do not seek it will never fall prey to such events and hence remain unaffected by it. This enables them to rise high. Its not like they don’t enjoy the attention. They definitely use it in some way, but it never gets into their heads and that is what makes the difference.

There two things are the most misunderstood by most. Its not the fame that matters here. It is not about remembering the people here. Its all about remembering the work that has made them that person. That is what really counts but that is what is always ignored by everyone. Why that happens though? I think all of it can be attributed to the weakness of human mind and its inability to see the bigger picture. Of course, its all easily said than done, but the point is that the people dedicate their entire energy to what they really believe and not on what people believe. They make their own foot prints and its their humility that shows them their right path. I say, if you do not understand the personality then do not celebrate the personality.

Today was quite an eventful day. The day went thus

I woke up in the morning at 5:30 am when mom told me that the eclipse was about to start. After washing up, went and switched on the TV as the sun would not be visible yet. Mom put a reputed Kannada news channel where a couple of professors were discussing eclipse with the anchor. It was quite amusing actually, not fascinating though. I distinctly remember the female on the show. They were discussing how Kannada is not used when teaching science and there is no Kannada literature when it comes to science. She went on to say that Newton published most of his work in Latin and that proved that English is not necessary. But she failed to realise that English was not the internationally accepted language at that time at all. Anyway, I went up and down the roof for the entire time to get a glimpse of the eclipse through my mom’s X-RAY plate. Luck did not favour me and the entire time clouds hid the sun behind them . Damn! After watching the eclipse on TV from all over Aisa, I felt oddly satisfied.

Later I logged onto the net and I met a really good friend online after very LONG time. We talked and my friend was really happy today. More than I have ever seen. But then as we talked, I got to know that this friend was in Bangalore but could not contact me as I had not given my new number . Damn! After talking for nearly an hour, I felt really happy

Then I met another friend with whom I write a blog. We were talking about the new posts and how to host our blog on a server so that we can customize it in a better way. After breaking our heads on domain names and servers, I finally realised that the server that was hosting my blog was displaying its own ads. The whole week’s effort went in drain! . Damn! But learnt a lot in during this endeavor

Then later I had to go to temple with my mom as all the astrologers had told that the eclipse was bad for me. So, we went to two temples and mom registered us for some rituals throughout the month so that nothing bad will happen. I kept telling her about the law of attraction, if you say something will happen, it WILL happen! Damn! She didnt listen to my words! While coming back we had dosa

Then when I returned, I was simultaneously pinged by 5 friends each with different requests. Read this post, Search this file for me, give me this software, throw me some project ideas and a personal question from one of my friend. It was the fastest I have typed in my life. No one was kept waiting for more than 30 seconds . Finally late in the night, that is now, I am chatting along with friends and writing this post. Will go to bed soon, but this day was very eventful considering I am jobless. Literally

A bit of disappointment and a bit of apprehension was what we had in our hearts when we reached at the top of the hill from where we had decided to walk towards the “Hebbe Falls”. Due to the kind of road, there are only two options, either take the Jeep which costs 125 per person or walk. Since we were short on cash, we decided to walk. Our driver stopped at the top of the hill, at 3 pm, and when I got down all I was surrounded by clouds. The clouds were drifting on the mountain, cool and soaking us as we stood there and absorbed the spectacle. It was blissful, peaceful and yet the whole body was so excited that I was on top of the world and I guess I really was. I could see genuine smiles and astonishments on all the faces and the disappointment was long gone from the system. All I wanted was to walk down that beautiful raod that stood inviting for one adventurous journey. We took the road that was used by the jeep so that we wont get lost. It was lined by tall trees that were amply spaced to give a spectacular view.

Forest down the hill lining the path

The journey was a memorable one. The shortcuts we took, the jokes we made, the snacks we shared, the leeches we battled, the places we saw. As we moved, at one turn we came across a cliff and from there, we could see all the neighbouring hills that stretched to the horizon and the clouds blurred the boundary. When we reached that place almost everyone were transfixed for few seconds before we started shouting and expressing our joy and excitemnt. It was truly amazing to just stand there and watch nature flaunt its truest beauty and feel how insignificant everything else in life was. I could have stood there for an eternity staring into gently drifitng clouds over the densely covered mountains; a swirl here, a troop there. Then suddenly I realised I had stopped breathing. As I closed my eyes and drew that pure, cool, moist air into my lungs, I knew I was in heaven. Ah! The bliss.

Heaven

Reluctantly I joined the group and followed the path till we all reached the falls. I had to walk along with the river till I reached the falls. As I took a turn with the river, I got the first glimpse of the falls. I really am short of words to describe the feeling that everyone of us had at that instance. It was like we had FOUND what we had been looking for. It felt like I could really rest at that place for sometime. Take a break from everything in my head and just BE. That half an hour I spent there was the best part of the trip for me. That was what made the trip more than what I had expected. I really miss it when I sit here and type its description. I feel that this is one place which everyone must visit, and more importantly WALK down that hill.

small Hebbe and big Hebbe falls

Me and the falls

When we got back to our vehicle, we all lingered there among the mist to take “snaps” but we all knew that we didn’t want to leave the place. The best trip ever for me! The most enjoyed and the most spectacular trip ever. The added bonus was that no other group was there when we went there. We were all by ourselves and away from the judging eyes, as a result we all enjoyed ourselves to the fullest

YAY

More than there always is

What I want, what I need

Always immersed in strange thoughts

Thoughts that never end. Never.

.

Purpose is an unknown entity

Elusive, and ever changing

Never decisive, never sure

Never ending uncertainty

.

What rules is complexity

Of thoughts and thoughts alone

Only place where ‘c’ doesn’t matter

Actions cannot keep up here!

.

What are actions really?

Is it the thought that matters?

Thoughts to choose from though

In the end action alone is seen

.

In my chaotic little world

Whose reach is infinite

The only thing certain Is

The unknown state of my mind

Posted in Poems ]]> http://diagrama.wordpress.com/2009/06/21/unknown-state/feed/ 0 Anoop http://diagrama.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/the-food/ http://diagrama.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/the-food/#comments Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:28:26 +0000 cognoscis http://diagrama.wordpress.com/?p=246 ]]>

I have always hated waiting.. So, as i wait today in a hotel for my food to come, i can’t help but think about the whole concept of food. I gulped a glass of “jaljeera” that had been ordered for me as it would help in digestion of the food I was about to eat. I have read a little bit about digestion to know just how this drink would help. It was going to supplement the acid and a few enzymes to break the food into its constituent compounds that the body really needs. But whats amazing is that the lump that is going to form in the stomach comes from various, mouthwatering delicacy. I had watched a video where the speaker was talking about human evolution and he asked a question, “Why do we like the food that we eat? The sweet especially?” Well the answer was simple, evolution made us develop the kind of taste buds that sense sweet and carbohydrates. Why? That is what our body needs to get energy. That is the reason we like those foods. In short, the various ways in which we fix our dinner is just triggered by human evolution. So simple yet so not obvious. Ultimately its all going to mix and will be reduced into a sticky lump due to the acid and digestive juice. So, do we live to eat or eat to live? Evolution says its the latter even though the food fanatics like me thinks it is the former

After 4 years there is not much to be said about the whole college experience. Its always true that there is no real satisfaction to our hearts. No matter how much we get we ask for more. Probably the same holds good for this situation too. We had fun, some had differences and others became more than just friends. Some became closer than others and then turned distant before you could figure out what happened. The details are somehow murky in my memory. Its always the same with me. I can’t remember stuff with even normal amount of details. So, all i see when i “look into” my mind is a set of hazy images and noisy voices. Yet, I know what they all are trying to say or show.

After so many days, going separate ways is always a bit difficult. Some will be nearby and in touch. But others are going back to their home now. Far from here and probably us meeting as often is not going to happen. To be honest this is depressing and and a bit sad. And to add to this chaos, life has now become uncertain again. I don’t have anything against uncertainty, but I prefer it to be in the equations rather than real life. Everything now becomes
more and more serious and there may come such times now that you will become truly alone.Its not fear really; the system will not collapse completely. But there will be some abnormalities and this is due to the complete and sudden change in the environment. Adaptation is not new to us in EC anyways. We will survive and excel as we have repeatedly shown in the past years. But there were a few failures that I will always regret. The major ones will be that we couldn’t conduct the departmental fest “Ayaskanta”. It was the legacy of ECE students who wanted to create their own culture and make a point that EC department is not yet dead. But, our batch was the one where this tradition was, sadly, broken.

The ever elusive IEEE chapter did not take off as I had expected it would. The beginning was good and the whole team loved it, but then I failed to take it forward. Not that there is no hope, I am pretty sure it will pick up pretty soon and the team will convert everything that we talked about into reality. Then there was the send off that did not go well. It felt like we were kicked off the campus in a grand ceremony that was not so grand at all! I always imagined it would be more ….er. … emotional that what I expereinced. I have never liked the department and I am sure not many did either. But, maybe I didn’t get those right people to really appreciate the department. But after much analysis and arguments (with myself) I can say with absolute certainty that I definitely am an engineer now. I give more credit to the people I associated with rather than the College or the Department. After 4 years, my opinion is that I  don’t think anybody holds any value to the degree that I am about to get. Its all for namesake, for its the spirit that matters and not a piece of paper alone

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