I finally got to see a Hindi movie in a movie theater after quite some time. Kurbaan, a thriller with terrorism as its background, didn’t impress me much but it made me write on an issue which would probably never be resolved. The movie showed a few Muslim characters carrying anti America flame in their heart trying to spread terror in US through bombing planes and subway trains. Their reason is pretty obvious – American bombs are killing innocent Muslim civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq, why shouldn’t we do something. Apparently, blood calls for blood and just like great Gandhi said, an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
Not that any attack on innocent civilians in justified, but if I think of those young boys who lose their loved ones in these American military attacks, it’s quite understandable that these kids are going to have lot of rage against America. Now theory of becoming terrorists and bombing public places to teach a lesson to enemy is debatable. I personally think it’s wrong but then who am I to say it’s wrong. I haven’t lost anybody to Americans. I don’t know what rage I would have if I were sleeping with my family under some shelter and a bomb just destroyed my home and took away my family’s life. It’s a tough question to answer but at the same time if my loved ones are victims of a terrorist activity, I would probably be supporting Americans.
In the movie an American girl asks a Muslim that if you guys hate America so much then why don’t you leave our country? The guy answers we will leave as soon as you leave our land. A very smart answer but go into the depth of it and you will notice what religion does to humans. Americans might be fighting in Iraq but an Islamic man in other part of the world will stand up and say stop killing my people. In Mumbai last year when terrorists went into a Jewish house and captured a Rabbi and his family, Israel wanted to send their forces to negotiate their release. I am sure they wouldn’t have done that if other religious leaders were being captured. The terrorists obviously targeted the Jewish house because of Israel-Palestine conflict that has seen Israeli government’s atrocities on innocent Palestine civilians. But then what did that harmless Rabbi do to deserve such an end to his life?
I may say religion is the root cause for these problems but ask people who believe in religion and they would say don’t blame religion. We humans will always fight. It’s just our nature - if not for Religion, we will find other reasons to fight. Funny thing is each religion believes in harmony. Just come to think of it, how many people actually change their religion? How many people actually take time to understand other religions? We are brought up with such an attitude where we refuse to accept other religion’s teachings even if they are good. We ridicule other beliefs because accepting them would mean betraying our own people.
Such discussions solidify my idea of not being a part of any religion anymore. I quit religion many years ago and that serves me well now. Humanity works for me.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Measure of Success
I turned 27 yesterday. I am definitely wiser, smarter, richer, more knowledgeable and everything else that comes with age. Unfortunately, I am also looking older which probably means I am not aging gracefully. It’s also due to my inability to stay active all year along. I hate gyms and I can never find someone to play with me the sports I enjoy (Tennis, Squash and Cricket). On top of all this, summer days are numbered in Canada – it’s either raining or snowing here. Busy work place doesn’t help either.
Anyways, I wanted to write my thoughts on how one measures success as they grow old. So I think to myself, am I successful? Or an under achiever? Or just average? It all depends on what standards I set for myself. Well, I do own a home, a car, I travel around as much as I can, I wear relatively expensive clothes, I eat at good restaurants regularly and I regularly enjoy my favourite concerts/festivals/parties. I am thinking so what? Millions of others have same lifestyle. Bill Gates was a millionaire in his 20s. There is a huge list of Entrepreneurs, Sportspersons, Politicians, Writers, Moviemakers and so many other spirited individuals who made a mark on world stage in their 20s. Does my success compare to their success in any way? May be or maybe not. It’s all in my mind how I perceive my growth.
I probably will always feel I am under achieving because I am overly ambitious. I love fame so I would have loved to make a mark on world stage in some way or the other. I would have loved to own a business too. I would have loved to publish a book. I would have loved to be an Economist who worked for multinational organizations such as UN, IMF or World Bank. Nothing of that sort happened although everything was a possibility. Now do I call myself a failure? Absolutely not! I work hard for my current lifestyle and my ambitions shouldn’t take anything away from my achievements.
For me, my success lies in things I am able to do now which I couldn’t do in past. I am able to help my family in more ways than ever I could before. I am able to support a poor kid’s education/healthcare who is not even related to me. I am able to afford the luxuries that I couldn’t imagine few years ago. I am able to consult business owners on the work I do. That is my growth - now small or large it may be it’s something that has kept me going. I am doing my bit and will continue to do so as long as it satiates my appetite for a more meaningful life. I will do everything in my capacity that gives me better sense of contentment. Of course the real joy would be to unravel the mysteries of this universe so at least you know the reason of your existence because each success yardstick we set for ourselves will outlast us. After all everything success for us is inspired by someone else’s life experiences. You may set an example for others to follow but you will not live long enough to know how many others feel that’s success for them too. You may only follow someone else while you are alive. What a shame!
Anyways, I wanted to write my thoughts on how one measures success as they grow old. So I think to myself, am I successful? Or an under achiever? Or just average? It all depends on what standards I set for myself. Well, I do own a home, a car, I travel around as much as I can, I wear relatively expensive clothes, I eat at good restaurants regularly and I regularly enjoy my favourite concerts/festivals/parties. I am thinking so what? Millions of others have same lifestyle. Bill Gates was a millionaire in his 20s. There is a huge list of Entrepreneurs, Sportspersons, Politicians, Writers, Moviemakers and so many other spirited individuals who made a mark on world stage in their 20s. Does my success compare to their success in any way? May be or maybe not. It’s all in my mind how I perceive my growth.
I probably will always feel I am under achieving because I am overly ambitious. I love fame so I would have loved to make a mark on world stage in some way or the other. I would have loved to own a business too. I would have loved to publish a book. I would have loved to be an Economist who worked for multinational organizations such as UN, IMF or World Bank. Nothing of that sort happened although everything was a possibility. Now do I call myself a failure? Absolutely not! I work hard for my current lifestyle and my ambitions shouldn’t take anything away from my achievements.
For me, my success lies in things I am able to do now which I couldn’t do in past. I am able to help my family in more ways than ever I could before. I am able to support a poor kid’s education/healthcare who is not even related to me. I am able to afford the luxuries that I couldn’t imagine few years ago. I am able to consult business owners on the work I do. That is my growth - now small or large it may be it’s something that has kept me going. I am doing my bit and will continue to do so as long as it satiates my appetite for a more meaningful life. I will do everything in my capacity that gives me better sense of contentment. Of course the real joy would be to unravel the mysteries of this universe so at least you know the reason of your existence because each success yardstick we set for ourselves will outlast us. After all everything success for us is inspired by someone else’s life experiences. You may set an example for others to follow but you will not live long enough to know how many others feel that’s success for them too. You may only follow someone else while you are alive. What a shame!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Subcontinent Chaos
The whole subcontinent region has been going through some rough time in recent past. Turmoil in Sri Lanka is well known and recent offensive against Taliban by Pakistani military was long overdue. Both the countries are fighting hard to flush out the terrorist elements but I am not sure if it’s going to be a permanent success. Millions have been displaced already and many more are living in extreme conditions. I cannot doubt Sri Lankan Army’s intentions to finish LTTE’s aggression but Pakistani government’s decision to go against Taliban comes after the much deliberation from US. Taliban has already done the damage and defeating them is probably a dream.
Recent reports suggest that total of about 1500 Taliban militants have been killed in the swat valley. I wonder out of how many? 50,000 or possibly 100,000. That’s the grip of Taliban. They have 10 year old kids seeking revenge, who are willing to deliver a suicide bomb attack at the drop of a hat. Killing others in the name of religion is so profound in these people’s mind that Terrorism is not an act for them but an Idea. How does one fight against an idea? An idea where humans have little fear of death! How many of these ideas can you kill? Pakistani government has to be blamed for all the mess that has taken so many lives. First of all, letting so many Taliban members enter Pakistan so frequently, then not acting at the right time to douse their anger, then the approach of supporting both Taliban and America simultaneously, then giving SWAT valley to Taliban knowing fully it will promote 15th century values. While Taliban was strengthening base in northern Pakistan, other terrorist outfits were planning attacks on India. Pakistan then had another headache – how to stop barrage of questions from India and world community for giving home to so many other terrorist outfits? The final result? Country in complete disarray. It’s definitely not easy fighting terrorists with so much vengeance and little education but a country where a stable government is still a delusion, a country where Army has taken over the government time and again doesn’t stand a chance to win people’s trust to fully operate in one direction.
How is Sri Lanka doing fighting the LTTE for last 2 decades? Sri Lankan PM says we are done with them and they have surrendered but UN says otherwise. Government says there are no civilians left in the war zone but UN says otherwise. Who does one believe? I am sure Tamil community protesting on the street on Toronto is listening to UN only. What a hue and cry by them here in Canada. Countries next to Sri Lanka haven’t sent their troops to help Lankan government, how do they expect Canada to take action when 90% of their Army is already based in Afghanistan. Army in Canada is still a concept! Moreover, what are these protests going to achieve? When you were leaving your country for a better life in Canada, you must have left for precisely the same reasons that are occurring now. So many people die of malnutrition there, why aren’t they asking Canada to send food aid for them? Of course bullet death is loud. And why disrupt the lifestyle of the people of the country where you are earning a livelihood? I completely understand the motive behind the protests and my heart goes to all the Sri Lankans. Sri Lanka is a wonderful place and has some extremely hospitable people and my heart goes out to such a fantastic community for facing a horrible war. I hope it finds peace soon.
Now even Nepal has seen violence in recent past. Gosh, what to say about that. China is probably waiting to take over that land. Bangladesh too had some horrific times with so many deaths of civil service men just for a better salary of Border Guards. Sounds very suspicious as scores of dead bodies were found after just two days of agitation.
Back home in India, Congress is back in power. I couldn’t be happier as it’s probably the only government that can take India into right direction without separating several different communities. Another kind of terrorist attack is inevitable but timing of it is unknown.
Recent reports suggest that total of about 1500 Taliban militants have been killed in the swat valley. I wonder out of how many? 50,000 or possibly 100,000. That’s the grip of Taliban. They have 10 year old kids seeking revenge, who are willing to deliver a suicide bomb attack at the drop of a hat. Killing others in the name of religion is so profound in these people’s mind that Terrorism is not an act for them but an Idea. How does one fight against an idea? An idea where humans have little fear of death! How many of these ideas can you kill? Pakistani government has to be blamed for all the mess that has taken so many lives. First of all, letting so many Taliban members enter Pakistan so frequently, then not acting at the right time to douse their anger, then the approach of supporting both Taliban and America simultaneously, then giving SWAT valley to Taliban knowing fully it will promote 15th century values. While Taliban was strengthening base in northern Pakistan, other terrorist outfits were planning attacks on India. Pakistan then had another headache – how to stop barrage of questions from India and world community for giving home to so many other terrorist outfits? The final result? Country in complete disarray. It’s definitely not easy fighting terrorists with so much vengeance and little education but a country where a stable government is still a delusion, a country where Army has taken over the government time and again doesn’t stand a chance to win people’s trust to fully operate in one direction.
How is Sri Lanka doing fighting the LTTE for last 2 decades? Sri Lankan PM says we are done with them and they have surrendered but UN says otherwise. Government says there are no civilians left in the war zone but UN says otherwise. Who does one believe? I am sure Tamil community protesting on the street on Toronto is listening to UN only. What a hue and cry by them here in Canada. Countries next to Sri Lanka haven’t sent their troops to help Lankan government, how do they expect Canada to take action when 90% of their Army is already based in Afghanistan. Army in Canada is still a concept! Moreover, what are these protests going to achieve? When you were leaving your country for a better life in Canada, you must have left for precisely the same reasons that are occurring now. So many people die of malnutrition there, why aren’t they asking Canada to send food aid for them? Of course bullet death is loud. And why disrupt the lifestyle of the people of the country where you are earning a livelihood? I completely understand the motive behind the protests and my heart goes to all the Sri Lankans. Sri Lanka is a wonderful place and has some extremely hospitable people and my heart goes out to such a fantastic community for facing a horrible war. I hope it finds peace soon.
Now even Nepal has seen violence in recent past. Gosh, what to say about that. China is probably waiting to take over that land. Bangladesh too had some horrific times with so many deaths of civil service men just for a better salary of Border Guards. Sounds very suspicious as scores of dead bodies were found after just two days of agitation.
Back home in India, Congress is back in power. I couldn’t be happier as it’s probably the only government that can take India into right direction without separating several different communities. Another kind of terrorist attack is inevitable but timing of it is unknown.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Departures
My first write up after almost 3 months... Since I enjoy writing, it hurts me when work keeps me away from one of my favourite past-time. Even reading has taken a hit.. Seriously I don’t like myself right now... but nevertheless; there is lot of activity in life otherwise. Lot of new things happening - a new condo, Piano and a new friend...
While I write, I am watching my current favourite show – Departures. A very distinct travel show done by 2 Canadian boys. Just two backpackers going around the world and exploring the ethos of different countries. Wow, what a job! Travel everywhere and get paid for it. Am I jealous? May be a little I guess. I would leave my job any day to travel around the world and experience the thrill of meeting variety of people. That’s life. Money is almost dictating my life... not good :(
So these guys are in Chile today. What an exquisite landscape! The place almost feels as if it’s the microorganism of the world. Everything just starts and ends here... only if I could take 2 months off now and just travel. May be I will. So many thoughts doing the rounds now :)
And the show has ended now. They finish it with the quote – spend your life experiencing different things rather than collecting them. After all, when you are about to die, you are going to regret what you didn’t do. So taking a leaf out this book, I am going to fly again this summer. Go for parasailing after the sky dive adventure. Scuba dive???? may be... water scares me.
News around the world is sad, as usual. Recession, bombings, killings, protests etc. Don’t feel like venting my anger on anything today. Lot of other things bother me too but what can I do. As a famous Urdu poet once wrote:
No one ever gets the entire universe Somewhere the earth and somewhere the sky is missing
Whoever you see is lost in their own sorrow They have thoughts to share but no companion to listen
Who is able to douse the embers of time This is a fire that has no smoke
It's not like there's no love in your life (universe) Where you hope for it you won't find it there
While I write, I am watching my current favourite show – Departures. A very distinct travel show done by 2 Canadian boys. Just two backpackers going around the world and exploring the ethos of different countries. Wow, what a job! Travel everywhere and get paid for it. Am I jealous? May be a little I guess. I would leave my job any day to travel around the world and experience the thrill of meeting variety of people. That’s life. Money is almost dictating my life... not good :(
So these guys are in Chile today. What an exquisite landscape! The place almost feels as if it’s the microorganism of the world. Everything just starts and ends here... only if I could take 2 months off now and just travel. May be I will. So many thoughts doing the rounds now :)
And the show has ended now. They finish it with the quote – spend your life experiencing different things rather than collecting them. After all, when you are about to die, you are going to regret what you didn’t do. So taking a leaf out this book, I am going to fly again this summer. Go for parasailing after the sky dive adventure. Scuba dive???? may be... water scares me.
News around the world is sad, as usual. Recession, bombings, killings, protests etc. Don’t feel like venting my anger on anything today. Lot of other things bother me too but what can I do. As a famous Urdu poet once wrote:
No one ever gets the entire universe Somewhere the earth and somewhere the sky is missing
Whoever you see is lost in their own sorrow They have thoughts to share but no companion to listen
Who is able to douse the embers of time This is a fire that has no smoke
It's not like there's no love in your life (universe) Where you hope for it you won't find it there
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Useless UN
Israel's offense on Gaza strip enters its 20th day. No solution seems possible at this stage. In Israel's defence, the country says hamas started it all by firing rockets into southern Israel. Hamas says it did it because Israel imposed economic blockade on gaza and its citizens were suffering because of that. More blah blah from both sides and eventually nothing concrete comes out. Israel is even throwing chemical bombs now and defending the act. It's apparently within the laws of international court of justice. They might as well throw some nuclear bomb and consider it as an act of defense. In the fight for hegemony in the region, human life has lost its value. All Jews will support Israel and muslims Palestine no matter which country they belong. Osama has called for Jehad on Israel. This ugly blame game will never end in the name of religion. I don't know which side is wrong but I know it's the survival of the fittest. Stronger you are, more support you have and more damage you will cause to your opposotion.
Coming to UN after saying all this, I feel the organization should only focus on doing volunteer work. Ban ki moon has probably come on TV 100 times in last 20 days in support for ceasfire on this whole issue but has anything happened so far? They keep signing papers and sending humanitarian aid to Gaza but pounding from Israel hasn't stopped. Where are all the economic sanctions they can impose on Israel to stop them? Where is the world community's consensus on this whole issue that UN always delivers? Who will actually put economic, diplomatic or any other blockade on Israel?? Answer is No One... Israel is a strong nation and no one will stop them unless another set of thousands die and they are morally obligated to end it. US supports the attacks so UN can't do anything even if they want. It's simply a useless world organization that has no credibility. History will tell you UN's intervention has done nothing for the long lasting disputes.
Coming to UN after saying all this, I feel the organization should only focus on doing volunteer work. Ban ki moon has probably come on TV 100 times in last 20 days in support for ceasfire on this whole issue but has anything happened so far? They keep signing papers and sending humanitarian aid to Gaza but pounding from Israel hasn't stopped. Where are all the economic sanctions they can impose on Israel to stop them? Where is the world community's consensus on this whole issue that UN always delivers? Who will actually put economic, diplomatic or any other blockade on Israel?? Answer is No One... Israel is a strong nation and no one will stop them unless another set of thousands die and they are morally obligated to end it. US supports the attacks so UN can't do anything even if they want. It's simply a useless world organization that has no credibility. History will tell you UN's intervention has done nothing for the long lasting disputes.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Tour Diary - Indian Winter
Never have I ever experienced an Indian winter where weather condition dominates news channels? Living in Canada one gets used to hearing weather news all the time but in India it’s almost trivial. It does get some space in daily news but not to the extent where it almost overshadows news related to bombings, army fighting militants and many more grave situations that plague the nation. Foggy conditions throughout the day, dew in the night and low temperatures have really slowed down everything here. People are advised to stay indoors unless it’s really urgent. Hmm… I wonder how it is different from a Canadian winter???
I still haven’t seen real sunshine for over a week that I have been here. Tea is basically order of the day and along with it number of appetizers to die for - Samosas, Laddoos, Home-made sweets and many other finger licking delicious items. Laden they may be with Oil, Butter, Lard and so much more, one cannot avoid them. I have no worries of putting on weight J. They are apparently served with my mother’s love and affection so I enjoy it even more. I always seem to be losing weight for her so she doesn’t mind stuffing all that in my mouth at once. If that’s not enough, you have various other spicy and eclectic dishes that are just as spectacular as others. Just like Indian folk music they bring a feeling of serenity after you consume them. Eating all that on the rooftop in the company of sunshine would have topped everything but I guess I will have to wait a bit more for that.
Despite the bad weather this year, the visit so far is quite relaxing and enduring. I don’t feel I ever left this place and Guelph flashes in front me as a place I visited on a small visit to Canada. But I am like that – once I go to a place, I forget about other places although India is something different and I never seem to get over it. You are so drawn and sucked into its myriad traditions that it’s hard to come out of it. I met an elderly Australian couple on my flight to New Delhi this time and their enthusiasm for the country was unbelievable despite recent bombings in Mumbai. it was their second visit to the country in 2 successive years and this time they are exploring different parts of the country and spending almost a month doing so. They plan to come again next year as they know there is so much else to see.
I just hope I soon get time to trek in Himalayas and go on highest altitude possible. And yes, journey will have to be only on a Motorbike (my love).
I still haven’t seen real sunshine for over a week that I have been here. Tea is basically order of the day and along with it number of appetizers to die for - Samosas, Laddoos, Home-made sweets and many other finger licking delicious items. Laden they may be with Oil, Butter, Lard and so much more, one cannot avoid them. I have no worries of putting on weight J. They are apparently served with my mother’s love and affection so I enjoy it even more. I always seem to be losing weight for her so she doesn’t mind stuffing all that in my mouth at once. If that’s not enough, you have various other spicy and eclectic dishes that are just as spectacular as others. Just like Indian folk music they bring a feeling of serenity after you consume them. Eating all that on the rooftop in the company of sunshine would have topped everything but I guess I will have to wait a bit more for that.
Despite the bad weather this year, the visit so far is quite relaxing and enduring. I don’t feel I ever left this place and Guelph flashes in front me as a place I visited on a small visit to Canada. But I am like that – once I go to a place, I forget about other places although India is something different and I never seem to get over it. You are so drawn and sucked into its myriad traditions that it’s hard to come out of it. I met an elderly Australian couple on my flight to New Delhi this time and their enthusiasm for the country was unbelievable despite recent bombings in Mumbai. it was their second visit to the country in 2 successive years and this time they are exploring different parts of the country and spending almost a month doing so. They plan to come again next year as they know there is so much else to see.
I just hope I soon get time to trek in Himalayas and go on highest altitude possible. And yes, journey will have to be only on a Motorbike (my love).
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