Dear Diary and Other Miscellaneous Stuff

For a change I am writing this post as a ‘dear diary’ format; something with which many of us had got initiated into the blogging world. In fact one of the first blogs which I had come across on internet; I think that was around year 2004-05 and hosted on rediff, were in the same ‘diary’ format. In fact I remember the first such blogger on rediff which had appealed to me and opened a new world to me – she was a girl from Delhi and in her blog she wrote about her days and what she did – especially I loved about her descriptions where she told about how she tutored some kids who came to her house for tuition. She was a student but used to teach kids simultaneously – and this was highly inspiring for a lazy person like me :) Anyways, I should move on to what I have planned for here. I am not really going to describe what comes my mind, but I am going to retrieve and recycle some of the thoughts which have gone through my mind in the last few days.

It should aptly or tragically start with politics; depending on whether you like or dislike political news and analysis. The biggest news recently has been the manner in which Delhi’s CM Arvind Kejriwal has been exposed; with explosive revelations coming out in the open about his real intentions after last elections and the manner in which he was ready to sell his soul to the devil to somehow get back his chair. Also, the manner in which Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav were ousted from their party, for their sin to having their own individual opinions which did not match with Kejriwal’s, was depressing. People’s biggest fear – that this party and its self-proclaimed honest leader will also become power craving monster after tasting power; has come true. I guess people in Delhi must be feeling hurt and cheated – and they should. Still there is hope at the end of the tunnel. If public can maintain these events in its memory and does not get swayed by some other Kejriwal’s gimmicks before next state assembly elections, next elections although too far from now should be the best way to teach lessons to the sinners. In democracy there is never a final victory or defeat and one pays for one’s karma if people are vigilant.

Now I would like to touch upon a book I have finished reading. It is “For God’s Sake” by Ambi Parameswaran. This is a wonderful take on how religions are impacting people and media of our country. I recommend this book highly if you are interested in this subject. 

Btw, it is troubling the manner in which Pakistani actors and artists have infiltrated Indian entertainment industry in particular and so frequently appear in our movies, TV shows, music albums, Ads, event hosting, etc. We can certainly wonder how they treat us "in return". Ambi Parameswaran, ED and former CEO of DraftFCB Ulka is an industry veteran and here is what he says in his book "For God's Sake":

"Pakistani television would discourage ads being made in India also because they did not want their marketers to route their advertising production money to India and to Indian models. Television authorities in Pakistan insisted that none of the actors were of Indian origin. When Indian agencies made ads for their Pakistani partners, they had to ensure the actors had non-Indian passports, copies of which had to be sent to Pakistan for approval."

Indians think that if they support Pakistani actors, it is because of our "big heart". I think it is because we have "small thinking". If I watch a Pakistani actor's movie/show; s/he will get more roles in India and earn Indian money; one, there is opportunity lost for one Indian actor/artist who could have got that role; two, the Pakistani artist goes back to Pak and spends his income there; part of income goes to Paki govt as taxes; Paki govt uses some of its tax money to fund terror against India; and hence we can't truly claim to be not funding terror in India indirectly by supporting Pakistani showmen!

Recently there was a huge buzz around the news that Maharashtra government has banned beef in the state. Mostly people applauded the decisions except a few who protested. Trivia: Do you know that "till 1947" cow-killing was punishable by death in Jammu & Kashmir? 

All of us know that India got independence at midnight of 15 August 1947; but there are more interesting aspects to it.

The British Parliament had resolved to set India free on 15 August, which was the second anniversary of Japanese surrender leading to end of WW-II. But as per Indian astrologers, 15 August 1947 was an inauspicious (ashubh) day and a nation born on that day could face breaking-up and great hurdles. Astrologers said that 14th Aug'47 was auspicious but British were adamant about 15th Aug. (also because their authority had to be in Pakistan on 14th morning). So K.M. Pannikar, a historian and astrology expert finally came up with a solution - he suggested that the Constitution Assembly should meet and start the proceedings an hour before the midnight. Pt. Nehru's talk is mentioned as 14-15 August even in speech notes.


We know that as per Hindu Calendar, a date changes with sunrise and not at midnight and hence 00:00:00 of 15 August was actually 14 August by Hindu calendar! And it worked out well - a nation which Western experts claimed won't survive, continued to remain one and prospering...

Another thing which has caught my attention is the interesting manner in which word-meanings change and sometimes it is sad; for the changes appear to be trivializing grave or touching moments. These days a Punjabi word "Siapa" or "Syapa" is gaining popularity in Films and TV. The word is being used to indicate any "trouble" or "problem". May be movies picked this meaning up from recent popular culture.

But the actual meaning of the word "siapa" is "Beating of breasts as a sign of mourning." When someone died in that region, it was a custom to conduct a siapa (mourning) ceremony; where women used to gather and weep, crying in grief. That was called "siapa".

In a way it is sad that the word has been turned into something different and trivial. But the custom of original "siapa" (mourning) ceremonies may themselves be extinct now; or getting extinct; and hence popular culture and cinema picked it up. Still, the manner in which they speak "siapa" at the drop of a hat on TV; many times in comedy shows; as if it is a funny word; does not appear right to me. One of my friends informed that the word has been used in trivial and funny sense for a long-long time. But that is the phrase "syapa padna" which means "rona cheekhna machaana"; the instances I mentioned from TV are not "syapa padna" but merely "syapa". Perhaps I should not expect such purity and care from TV and media. 

A lot has also been happening on international front. After Iraq, what has happened in Yemen is heartbreaking. ISIS is a great challenge to the civilized world and I think our world including its leader USA and President Obama are not doing enough. Also the manner in which Islamic terrorists attacked a university and killed more than a hundred students, shakes one’s faith in humanity. 

In this light, the below picture may not break the internet but it can break your heart:

Let us hope some sense returns to this world soon. I wish USA does more than it has done in some recent years to control such events. 

- Rahul