13/7: Mumbai Strong; But For How Long?

It felt like a scene straight out of a Hindi movie. I woke up to voice mails and nonstop messages from friends letting me know that Mumbai had been attacked. Again. My heart literally went dhak-dhak; dhak-dhak; dhak-dhak. I jumped out of bed with a lump in my throat and crashed on my couch in front of the television. For a hard core Mumbaikar (at heart at least) like myself, sitting and watching your favorite city up in flames, courtesy of a series of coordinated bombs, from the opposite hemisphere is heart wrenching. I found myself  falling into 26/11 mode. Unhappy, angry, scared and furious, I heard the updates while my Mother called relatives and friends to check on their safety. Lucky for us, our loved ones were all safe and sound.

I have one question for the Indian government: can you or can't you protect your citizens? It is just not fair for Mumbaikars to deal with such incidents over and over again. Just because they happen to be a resilient city, this does not mean this vitality should be taken for granted.  Everyone has a breaking point. If you, the Indian government, cannot protect your taxpaying citizens, then either you step down so we can find an administration that will or you step it up. Trust me, there will come a point where the citizens of the country will hit their saturation point and then, they will take it upon themselves to protect their country. And if they revolt, you'll find yourself dealing with dire circumstances; one that will be harder to control.

The details will keep coming in and we'll hear from the government who 'condemn' the attacks. Of course you do! The five year-old kid down the street playing gaali cricket condemns it. Our government uses that word far too loosely, it really pisses me off. But where are our Marathi manoos? The Shiv Sena, as usual hibernating in their homes, will come out of their hiding tomorrow morning and tell us how 'upset' they are. No one will take responsibility and we'll go back to believing that we are safe. For now at least.And we'll have those Candlelight Vigils headed by Bollywood stars but what good will that do?

This time however, the panic was not insane. We saw Mumbaikars come out to help one another. Twitter was used effectively while the rumors were kept to a complete minimum. It was all information and for the first time, Social Media in India did not sensationalize a dire situation.

Personally, I don't know what to say this time around. Who do we blame? The terrorists? Why should we blame them. They know we aren't and can't be protected and thus, they attack us again and again. Or should we blame our government? The ones we vote for or really, don't vote for. It's times like this I always say, if you didn't vote, then you need to STFU. It's because of you - the educated non-voter, that we have a government that is incapable. And it's not the rich that suffers; it's the common man on the street who hurts the most. The man who decided to have a quick bhel puri at Zaveri Bazaar, who will never come home again.

Look, terrorism has no religion but we know where it's coming from. So where do we go from here?

Another Round of Banter

Uh oh! It's that time again. With lots on my mind, and heaps on my tongue to talk about, here I am once again ready to spill my guts on troubling news that is bothering me. Interestingly, my father believes that I take my social responsibilities far too seriously which to me, means absolutely nothing until I can make a difference in the world. Anyhow, eventually I will make do my part to help change - yes, I am on the rant too. For now, you'll just have to deal with me going on and on about tidbits that are a cause for concern in my life. However, this round includes some interesting information too! It's not all bad and negative, I promise.

Oscar Watching

So in the past week or so, I've finally had time to catch up on watching some Oscar nominated flicks. The Reader was absolutely amazing! Kate Winslet was perfect - her accent, her behavior, all of it was so believable. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button too was incredible. I love the idea behind it. It had some underlying matter too which was interesting. Strangely, people believe aging is a pain but clearly if it were to work the opposite, it would be equally as hard if not harder. Brad Pitt was incredible. Okay, Dor was not nominated but I watched it again and I love it. Its such a simple story with an even better star cast who handled each sentiment so correctly. Nagesh Kukunoor at his best after Iqbal.

Preity Zinta Dissected

India Today, my favorite news publication, did a fabulous analysis of Preity Zinta's current state of mind. While the world is sitting and scratching their heads over her current relationship status with Ness Wadia, the duo confirmed their break-up when Wadia landed up in a tiff during an IPL match and Zinta chose to sit with the team in the dug out. The "relationship evaluation" bought up some interesting reasons as to why they probably aren't together anymore. From their social status', to Ness Wadia's mother, to Preity's try-hard behavior and Ness' unambitious behavior, and so on. Take a read - I guarantee you will be ultra entertained and informed.

Post 26/11

Headlines Today, my favorite news channel, went on to air to broadcast the changes that have NOT happened and were promised to the Mumbai police post 26/11. Politicians claimed, "How should we know?" And all poor Rahul Kanwal could do was ask question after question. And of course pissed me off. They were promised a range of new weapons and protection which have yet to be delivered. Where are they? The money has been allocated only for local politicians to claim that the file is lost. LOST? This is not the Middle-Ages but the computer age! Print another copy dammit! They better get on it and soon. It is simply not acceptable.

Aussie Attacks

Australia is notorious for its racism. In fact students from abroad, almost know for sure, they will be hit with racist remarks if they decide to go and study there. However, shouting a derogate remark is still acceptable but then physically beating up the students making them fight for their life, is not. A young Indian student was beaten with a screwdriver last week, and yesterday another was burnt to near death. The Australian government and police are shoving the case under the rug claiming that the students were at the "wrong place at the wrong time" and that Indian students make themselves "vulnerable" to such situations because they work at gas stations and all night stores to earn an extra penny.

I think the Australian Government better come up with a better excuse and better explanation for their extremely ignorant answers. Find the culprits and punish them dammit. As for myself, when I ain't sitting still and you better know it. Another letter to the Editor of the SCMP is on its way.

April Agony

April has been one helluva stressful, incredibly painful and mind-bloggling month. While I turned 26 (yes, Happy Birthday to me!), I also found many reasons to be mad, angry and just plain pissed off. For starters, spring has not arrived yet, which may be the reason to my "April Agony." When will it start getting a bit warmer- is beyond me. But as my Dad always says, "It's freaky weather," so who knows. Having the sun and warmth around may actually do some good to my otherwise grim dampening mood. But besides that, it's basically been a month that hasn't really made me smile. In fact, April is going to be noted as one of my worst months in 2009.

Today I was maddened by none other than manipulative Shah Rukh Khan. Okay, so you own the Kolkatta Knight Riders, you go around claiming that you and the team love Sourav Ganguly. Dada this, Dada that, Dada- you are no longer the captain: you have been dumped. Uhh did you forget to mention that or did you realize it would be a better idea to announce it when you weren't on Indian territory. Of course, that has to be the reason. SRK is a smart lad who knows that Indians are passionate about cricket and especially the Prince of Bengal. So cricket lovers in Kolkatta are burning his pictures and effigies. I say DO IT! Keep em' burning people. SRK needs to realize that not every one is up for sale - much like him. And honestly, no Dada equals no way in hell the KKR are going to rise above the rest. As for Dada, he is one man who plays for the team and not his individual glory, which ultimately means, he will play like the prince that he is. In fact, he had no clue about the change in captaincy! New Zealand player McCullum can go ahead and captain. As it is, I'm rooting for the Mumbai Indians.

But that was just today. In the last few days, a few more disgusting ordeals have upset me. How does an 11-year-old girl die at the hands of her teacher for the simple reason of not knowing her daily lesson? So young Shanno is brutally beaten until she faints and falls into coma only to die. And then a group of boys in Mumbai intoxicate a foreign student, only to rape her later. The fools are then "shocked" that she screamed rape. HELLO! You rape a girl- she is bound to be a bit angry one would assume. Perhaps my anguish is being understood now? Goodness gracious.

Kasab, the only surviving terrorist of the Mumbai Terror Attacks has decided to call foul on his statement claiming he was under "duress" or tortured when he was asked for a confession. He has retracted confession and not surprised me. So basically, he is caught on television and still claims he is innocent. From here he then also goes on to say he was underage when he was caught and should be tried in a juvenile court. Right. So all this while he was signing and agreeing to be twenty-some odd years. Oh whatever - hang him already.

And then, if I wasn't angered enough, an email came popping to my inbox (courtesy of my father), that took my anger to another level. I found myself forwarding the email to a bunch of newschannels and newsreporters with hopes that they would publicize it and help the Indian public make a fair and just decision of whether or not these politicians are worthy of any votes. A fabulous (in my opinion at least) photographer who captured public leaders and other personnel of disrespecting the Indian flag and the National Anthem. Take a look at the pictures - need I say more?

On a happier note, and yes there were a few, Karan Johar along with Tarun Mansukhani put together a fabulous video for Lead India, encouraging the youth (and otherwise) to vote. Nice to see the stars realizing their social responsibilities. Check it out! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIyrQl5aJVQ) While we're on the topic of voting, India has begun and have had a fabulous record number of people turn out to vote. Keep it coming! Shiamak Davar is a darling - his New York Life ad film is heartwarming - Check that out too on TV! And the IPL has begun - besides the controversy regarding Dada, looks like a great time. Let's Go Mumbai Indians!

Paapu CAN Vote!

The amount of sites that have been popping up that are encouraging the youth and their counterparts to vote has been phenomenal. Jaago Re, Lead India and Vote India are just a few that I personally follow but many fabulous News sites too have great coverage of the upcoming elections: Hindustan Times, India Times and India Today. The previous three have all been put together by the youth which makes them a tad more special in my opinion. Each one has an individual reason to why India should vote and how their single ballot makes a difference. Google "Vote India and over 35 million hits come up. Amazing!

It was beautiful that the "youth rose from the ashes" after the Mumbai Terror Attacks. They gathered together to stand up against how the situation was handled, their claim for safety and stood up realizing they had to make changes. Change. A simple word and idea that had they had forgotten about. This is the time to make that change and help your country move ahead.

It is every citizens innate right to vote and more important that they exercize that right. Rahul Kanwal very interestingly pointed out, "Half of India's population is under 25 and two-thirds under 35. That's 700 million people who could potentially be agents of change." That clearly is should be a wake up call to every citizen in that age bracket (and otherwise): VOTE! If you are in that age frame, you need to do it for your future, if not, vote to secure your children's tomorrow. The youth's vote is perhaps the most important because of multiple reasons. Firstly, the youth are the educated lot who will be the deciding factor for the future of India. Secondly, sadly they are being deemed as "self-obsessed." The youth should not stand for this and in fact, by voting are showing that they are just the opposite. Rising and asking for a change in administration will help the youth gain more credibility and help raise the standards of politicians in India. It is now that the politicians of India need to get younger- in age and ideals. The time of the "oldies" and more older men and women in the Indian society needs to come to its conclusion and this is the perfect time for this youthful change to occur. The biggest democratic country in the world must draw inspiration from Barack Obama and François Fillon; both young leaders of the modern world.

It is a decline in these very standards that has caused a deteriotation in the election of politicians. Murderers, thieves, prisoners, even terrorists have become politicians in the past. How has that been allowed? Corruption is a big factor that is not helping and in fact only adding to the disgrace of the country. Being the biggest democratic (and most secular) country in the world, this is a worrying thought. Afghanistan recently voted in a number of Taleban members into their government, however, this is expected from a country that is in complete political shambles and does not allow its citizens to vote freely. From India, this is rather discomforting. Ultimately, what is the point of celebrating over 50 years of Independence when the no one is utilizing their democratic right correctly, if at all.

However, only the youth can change this insane phenomena. The youth is not simply enclosed to a particular age group. It is not based on a mere number but in fact stands on the equilibrium of modern and traditional ideas. As our perceptions in life and lifestyle changes, so should the expectations of our government. The problem is clear. The involvement of the youth in politics is scarce. But can you blame them? Every time a member of the youth stands up and voices his opinion, he is shut down and told he is "too young" or are told it is their "khelne-khoodne ke din" (days to have fun and frolic). Perhaps if the government would then sit up and listen to what the future of their country wanted, they would see that the youth has views, values, morals, needs, wants and expections.

The first way for them to be recognized it to vote. The country houses over one billion people. India should, in fact, have a record number of citizens turning up to vote in comparison to any country in the world. However, because a major chunk of the educated lot have not voted in the past, the uneducated go ahead and vote for ones that promise them castles in the sky but are unable to pull through. As educated and informed people, it is your job to help the rural folk who innocently vote for politicians who either threaten them, pay them or promise them changes that never actually happen.

I wish I could- and believe me I would do anything to vote in India. However, I do not have that privilege but if you can, you must and you should. By not voting, you deprive your country and someone else casting a ballot. Make your vote count and refuse to be a silent spectator. And if you need any reason or inspiration to vote, check out the sites! They can provide some great reason to vote. Vote India (youth or otherwise) Vote!

As for the government who is calling you- the youth, a "Paapu" for not voting, here's your chance to prove that you ain't no "Paapu" and you can vote.

Photo Credit: Bollywood.com

P. Chidabaram: The Future Face of Indian Politics

He simply smiled, and told his security to lead out the him "gently" when a shoe was hurled at him as a sign of protest. A journalist was dismissed by the Home Minister as the he was unhappy with the reply to his question and thus, flung a sneaker in his direction. P. Chidabaram, however, was simply unfeathered. Such is the Home Minister of India; his simplicity shines when he speaks and smiles. His peaceful mannerism and fabulous presence is what makes him a cut above the rest. A complete liberal, Chidabaram has sat in some of the most high ranking seats in the Indian Government before reaching to his current stature of Home Minister. A Harvard Business School Graduate and owner of a Bachelor Degree in Science and Law, he played an integral part in aiding the Indian economy to grow at a rapid rate of nine percent a year. However, the ex-finance minister was not satisfied deeming the figure as "meaningless." He has a belief which involves India and all its classes. Not only would they need to come together and help better the future of India, but his ideology ultimately works to make it beneficial for rural and urban India.

As a Finance Minister, he opened up free trade amongst neighboring countries not only helping to better relations but also managing to decrease the amount of poverty in India. P. Chidabaram is exactly what India needs. The Congress Party has perhaps one of the most important factors which will help to aid its win in the upcoming elections and that is the Home Minister himself. He stands for the future of India: educated, collected and ever-ready to fight for the development of the country. Chidabaram is an inspiration to young Indians all over the world who are looking for ways to help further India but are unsure of how. The Home Minister too believes that education is key to a progressive India. If more children actually went through a complete education, not only would the literacy rate increase but so would the number of trained professionals, which is required most definitely in modern day India, he is said to have explained in an interview to a leading publication.

Along with the Congress Party, the latest agenda presented to the citizens of India was clear, if Congress was voted back into power in the 2009 elections. The focus was clear: the elimination and control of Terrorism. Not only did they provide a comprehensive list of how they would combat terror but divulged a clear line of attack when and if another strike occurred, demonstrating that 26/11 would not only be prevented but the citizens of India would be protected from further attacks.

So, why all the praise for the man? Well, it's really simple. P. Chidabaram is the epitome of current Indian politicians and the future face of India. A man of his caliber has the capacity and wisdom to move India ahead of its time. It is unfortunate that India is still being deemed as a "sleeping tiger" or a "potential superpower." For one, we are not sleeping and secondly why the adjective "potential?" All India needs is educated and informed politicians to help the country move ahead into the twenty-first century. Clearly, P. Chidabaram is the man to take it forward and lead India into the next generation. He was quick to step in and take on the burden of an angry India when Shivraj Patil stepped down after the Mumbai Terror Attacks as he was unable to take responsibility and the heat. Not only did he get to work immediately, showing great knowledge and care, but he was also determined to bring peace and retain credibility of the Indian Government to its people.

This is not a misleading opportunity to try and convince people in India to vote for the Congress Party. It is hardly that. In fact, I believe that each individual has their own choice and opinion of who and which party to vote into power. However, it is recognizing one man who shows great potential for the country. On a parting note, Chidabaram went on to "forgive" the shoe hurler understanding his emotional outburst and protest. Need I say more?

Photo Credit: The Hindu