Travelogue: Shri Ram Janaki Mandir, Chhapra Megh, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

 

- Rahul Tiwary

Simple Reason Why Central Vista Is Marked as Essential Service

Recently, there is a surge in anti-government (particularly against Central Government of India) news and articles, spearheaded by known Left Wing papers and websites. They use every opportunity to defame and discredit the central government and our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I came across one such example today.

There is a news which tells that Central Vista Project, which is the construction or redevelopment project for India’s new Parliament as well as several other government buildings, has been categorized as “essential service” by the govt. This decision is being criticized by a section of media. For example, you can read one such news here.

The news portals are not telling the real reason why this project has been categorized as essential service. They just keep the focus on challenging the decision by asserting that this project can’t be “essential” and hence our Govt should have allowed related work. The larger plan is to criticize everything new that the government does and make people criticize our govt.

I am going to explain the real reason why the Central Vista project has been categorized as essential service.

Due to Corona virus related pandemic, recently, Delhi state govt had imposed lockdown where only "onsite" workers were allowed for construction sites/projects. It means that only those construction projects were allowed where the workers “lived” at the construction site itself. Now, we can easily understand that this “onsite” mode was not possible for the Central Vista project because keeping a large number of workers at that site which is in highest security zone close to the Parliament, secretariat, embassies, etc. was not a good idea. We already had an attack on our parliament in the past. Hence, central govt wanted to ferry workers in dedicated buses from the labor camp in Sarai Kale Kha area, as the news says. Hence to bypass the general rule related to Lockdown restrictions, they would have categorized it as “essential service”.

Now this is from my general understanding of the situation, reading the news. Media loves telling half stories and misleading news because curious readers engage more with such news. We should be watchful and use our own understanding and judgement before believing in any anti-government story, particularly during this crisis time.

- Rahul Tiwary

Travelogue: Maa Durga Mandir Mushahari Block, Muzaffarpur, Bihar

 

Durga Mandir at Mushahri Block, Muzaffarpur (Bihar) is a new Hindu Temple constructed and inaugurated recently. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is very conveniently situated at the main road and near the main market.

The deity of Ma Durga is all mesmerizing.

May Ma Durga bless us with strength and energy to cope up with all challenges.

- Rahul Tiwary

Online Zippi Fixed Deposits by DCB Bank

 

In order to tap new customers, DCB Bank has launched an innovative product called Zippi Fixed Deposits. For new users, DCB Bank was earlier known as Development Credit Bank. Normally when you have to open a fixed deposit (FD), you go to your existing bank and open an FD either offline or online. You do so because you think that you need to open an FD only with your existing bank. You were right about it so far. Since banks have to maintain proper KYC records, they normally allow only existing customers to open a new FD and if a new customer wants to open an FD, they call him to their branch where they collect the necessary documents and details for KYC and then open an FD. But you can note that using this process, you would need to visit the branch each time you would open an FD. Plus, you would not be able to see all your FDs at one place, since such a facility would be with you only if you had a Savings Bank account with the bank and hence would have access to its net banking facility. DCB Bank’s innovative product has totally changed this.

DCB Bank launched this product last year which is meant for new customers. Existing customers can open an FD using existing modes like online banking or visit to a branch. But new customers who never had a business with DCB Bank, can open an FD using online mode. Even KYC is done online, where the bank sends you an invite for video-KYC. The bank officer is able to capture your photo and KYC documents during the video-call. Therefore, in this process, a customer would not need to visit a branch at all! How cool is that!

This product has become more relevant during the Covid times where people movements are restricted and hence people are no longer doing such activities which are considered not of high priority. One can definitely wait for a few months or a year before opening an FD. There are also uncertainties related to the pandemic and hence people are no longer opening FDs like before. In this context, the Zippi online Fixed Deposit is a way which makes people encouraged to try out and open an FD using totally online method!

Another great thing about DCB Bank’s fixed deposits are its high interest rate. At 6.75% rate, you would also find DCB Bank among the highest interest rate offering banks.

In order to open a new online FD, you need to visit the bank’s website: https://www.dcbbank.com/ and then click on the “Zippi” link which opens a new page especially for Zippi online FD.

If you are opening an FD for the first time, you need to enter a few details which will be verified and then your FD will be ready to open. The website will ask you to transfer the amount to fund the FD using online banking of any other bank.

Once you open an FD for the first time, your KYC will be triggered. Your KYC will need to be completed and it will take 5-6 days. Once the KYC is approved, you will be eligible for opening new or more FDs.

Using this Zippi online feature, you can open total sum of Rs 5 Lakhs of FDs. You can open as many FDs you want, but the total sum of all should be at the maximum Rs 5 Lakhs.

In order to summarize, I would highly recommend the DCB Bank Zippi online fixed deposit for everyone who is tech-savvy. But if you are not comfortable with digital media and online banking, you can still choose to follow the offline method.

Happy investing!

- Rahul Tiwary

Marriage of Comedians

 

As per the latest (real) news, the popular TV comedians Sanket Bhosle and Sugandha Mishra have decided to get wedded (to each other). This news came as such a pleasant surprise to me because I have been a fan of both of them. Sanket Bhosle does the best mimicry ever of Sanjay Dutt (Baba) and Sugandha Mishra gives us fits of laughter whenever she appears on screen. It is a delight to watch both of them perform on the TV. If you want to remind yourself of their brilliance, do check out below random Youtube videos:

Many people do not know that Sanket Bhosle is also a medical doctor specializing in Dermatology. He was born in Pune on 9th May, 1988 and completed his studies from Mumbai. He has been doing comedy since year 2010 and made his debut in the TV show 'Laugh India Laugh' which was judged by Shekhar Suman and Chanky Pandey. But Sanket is most famous for his mimicries in the Kapil Sharma show. 

Sugandha Mishra, on the other hand is a trained musician. She was born in 1984 in the Mishra family which had background in music in Jalandhar and completed her masters as well as doctorate in Music. With entering music, she is 4th generation into it, in her family. Sugandha started her career as a Radio Jockey and then went on to sing many songs and albums as well as acting in several movies in side-roles, until she took to TV. She took part in a comedy show where she was very much liked. You can also check out her website: Sugandha Mishra

The marriage of Sugandha and Sanket is also going to break many traditional boundaries. Sugandha and Sanket are from different castes as well as different states. Plus, Sugandha is about 4 years elder to Sanket. 

I also wonder how much talented their kid will be, given the talent both of these have.

I wish all the very best to both Sanket and Mugdha for their future life. May they live happily ever after and keep spreading fun and positivity around.

- Rahul Tiwary

The Rewrite of Female Empowerment

 

As I wrote about in my previous blog post, there is an interesting part in the movie ‘The Rewrite’ (2014) where Keith Michaels, the character played by Hugh Grant makes an interesting comment in a party while commenting on the contributions of Jane Austin. Here it goes:

“Forgive me, but I am just a little bit tired of female empowerment. Well, just, honestly, though, everything seems to be about female empowerment nowadays, you know. Any meeting I go to in Hollywood, someone says, “You know what we need? A kick-ass girl, that’d be a great twist.” Except every movie has a kick-ass girl, you know, some martial arts CGI slow motion woman who kicks the crap out of every man in her path. Can I tell you what would be truly innovative? A movie without a kick-ass girl, or better yet, a movie where a woman gets her ass kicked.”

This monologue is considered offensive by another teacher Mary Weldon who was a strict, cold, humorless and (hence, perhaps) head of the disciplinary committee. What Keith said is classified under deadpan humor. I have always been a fan of English actor Hugh Grant’s sense of humor which is also seen in most of the characters he plays on the screen.

Coming back to above comments, I think it captures a harsh truth of our times. Everyone wants to appear nice and favorable towards women. Being respectful and fair towards women is no longer desirable; people are more concerned about how they appear in front of the society. This ‘Virtue Signaling’ is taking many shapes and this is what Keith tells about. Think, what would be more feminist in true sense: showing women in movies appear all powerful super heroes, or picturizing their vulnerabilities, strengths and weaknesses and depicting their human side. 

If we respect women, it should show in our real lives. We should respect and treat women around us fairly. But this is pure hard work. People look for shortcuts and choose the 'Virtue Signaling' method to be more 'profitable' and fool proof. While on the 'Virtue Signaling' bandwagon, we all become advertisers who try to sell their products by making tall claims which may or may not have any real ground on the plain of truth. 

In this publicity crazy materialistic world, people are no longer interested in making fair assessment of things. They are often more concerned about how they appear to others. This is a big social tragedy. In this context, Keith Michaels’ statement comes as an abrupt test of tolerance and thoughtfulness for us. 

- Rahul Tiwary

Some Movies

 

A few interesting movies along with few comments from me about those. This will work best if you have watched these movies or share an opinion about these.

Death Becomes Her (1992): This is another great performance by actress Meryl Streep and it also carries a good social message. The main character is obsessed with her own body, also because she is an actress. She tries to look young “forever” and in turn she is offered an everlasting body through magic. But, the boon becomes her curse eventually. When the same boon is offered to her husband, he denies it, saying interestingly, “I will get bored!”. What fun is this life if it can’t end? If we become immortals in literal sense, we shall lose most aspects of life which we enjoy.

Zodiac (2007): Interesting crime investigation movie but with a different treatment. An interesting aspect came out from the story was about how the Police were not able to arrest a suspect just because they did not have enough grounds for arrest. Without arrest, the serial killer kept going about his life. The movie also has a great set of cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. in one movie.

Goodfellas (1990): This is a crime film directed by Martin Scorsese (I am a big fan of his) and starring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and others. This is a biographical film capturing the life of gangster Henry Hill and associates. Although the entire movie is great and captivating, I could not digest the fact that its main character became a Police informer in the end, just to avoid getting jail. How could he make such a decision despite living whole life as a gangster. Also, it was interesting how the whole gang were busted majorly by one man turning informer. Real life crime should be more complex.

Sleepers (1996): This movie combined Robert De Niro along with Brad Pitt in the star cast. Although the storyline is disturbing because of the type of crime and violence shown, it almost ends on a positive note before telling that two of the friends died soon after the major event (court hearing) with one being shot dead. As they say, crime does not end well. But the movie also shows how boys and men also suffer a lot and it is not that only women suffer in this world. A good movie overall.

Next Three Days (2010): A Russell Crowe movie. What is interesting is that a husband makes an elaborate plan to free his wife from the jail, but when he does that, she declines it! Also, the husband had 100% faith on his wife, and he risked his own life and kids of his son all on that belief. It was incredible.

The Judge (2014): A very touching movie which touches many aspects of our society. I loved the role played by Robert Duvall who was so righteous that he risked his own life just because he did not want to trick justice for his own benefit. The movie also captures age, health and psychological struggles of an old man very well.

The Rewrite (2014): A lovely movie starring Hugh Grant and I am also a big fan of his. There was a very funny incident at the beginning of the movie when Hugh Grant gives a small lecture on ‘women empowerment’ which lands him into huge trouble. I shall try to find that portion and post as a separate blog post.

Greta (2018): A really scary psychological thriller film starring the very talented actress Chloë Grace Moretz. The story is set where two girls are sharing a flat and one of them meets an old woman one day and makes her an acquaintance. The friend warns her against making friends with a stranger even if she was an old lady, but Chloe does not listen to her. In the end, all the fears turn true as the old woman turns out to be a psychopath who abducts her. I really liked the character of the friend, Erica, played by Maika Monroe who was so brave that she risked her own life to save Chloe despite Chloe ignoring her advices in the beginning.

True Grit (2010): A very interesting movie showing the time from old days in America which was marred with violence. There are many movies set in this environment and I have always wondered how they could waste human lives just like that all in the name of fun, pride or vanity.

- Rahul Tiwary

Popular misconceptions about government orders in Covid19 management

Morning newspaper brought an interesting news. Anmol Ambani (son of famous businessman Anil Ambani) has lashed out at government’s restrictions related to partial “lockdown” in order to contain the spread of the virus.

His statement as contained in his tweet can be read below.

Source: IE, Rediff

While we know that he is not alone in thinking like this, we can certainly spot many common fallacies in this opinion.

First, he thinks that there is a “conspiracy” by the government and big businessmen who are transferring wealth from the poor towards themselves. But the fact is that the governments and the big businesses (except a few) were the biggest victims of the Covid and related Lockdown restrictions. Many big banks failed and many companies filed for bankruptcy. Only a few businesses which ran into essential services were able to jump back and progress after the lockdown restrictions were relaxed. So, we should know that everyone has suffered during the pandemic in some way or the other.

This tendency to see “conspiracy” in everything that the government does is a known trait and often part of the “Left leaning” agenda. Women should hate men, people should hate governments, workers should hate industrialists, this is a known trend whenever a politically motivated agenda is pushed upon people. Anmol Ambani, although an adult, should watch what kind of media he is exposing himself to, since his opinions are giving away a Left leaning bias.  

Now, coming to his point about professional Sports and Elections being allowed even during the pandemic. First, Sports and Movies are non-essential services which were totally banned for quite some time during the crisis but later allowed to resume, in order to sustain the families of workers whose lives depended on the sports and movie industries. So, removing the restrictions in these areas were done as part of a plan and we remember that movie theaters were the last to open, only after most other forms of businesses were allowed to operate more freely. Elections, on the other hand, come under essential work, since democracy will choke and cause widespread anarchy if elections and usual transfer of power are stopped due to pandemic.

The reason why government has to resort to Lockdowns which impact the masses and not the chosen few like big Businessmen or Politicians is simple: common people do not have the access to that kind of care and treatment as the rich businessmen and politicians have and if things go out of hand, public health facilities will be out of capacity and there will be a complete laps of governance, control and order. Allowing the pandemic to spread is a recipe of disaster which can even lead to “civil war” and people uprising and hence it is very important to “break the chain” and stop the pandemic from spreading beyond a point. And alas, vaccine production capacities are limited and the only way to contain the spread, is through tactical Lockdowns. I support micro-area lockdowns instead of a generic Lockdown all across the country, as we had witnessed last year at the beginning of the pandemic.

Let us hope that the government’s efforts to control the virus spread succeed and people do not look for conspiracies and push political agendas even at the time of a crisis.

- Rahul Tiwary

Empathy

 

There have been many instances when I have felt that I have a kind of ‘excess empathy’. I am able to connect and “feel more” than what I notice most others around me do. At times this ability gives me deeper insights into things than would otherwise. Sometime back, there was a weird incident which made me reflect and come to conclusion that it had something to do with the “empathy” too.

A carpenter had fixed door frame which resulted in some misalignment when I first used it after he was gone. Entire frame was making an unusual sound as well as shaking whenever the door was closed. I was annoyed with the carpenter since he had done many other mistakes in other works too. And I started feeling discomfort with the fact that my door frame was in “trouble”.

I immediately checked it out from all angles, noticing how the pieces of wood and steel moved and how those resulted in vibration and stress in the door frame. I noticed a small piece of plyboard which was thrust between a larger outer piece and the iron frame and concluded that it had to be removed in order to fix the problem. I called up the carpenter who promised to check and fix it next morning.

Next morning, the carpenter checked and started hitting the frame with a hammer in order to fix it. I told him to stop and asked him how it was going to fix it? He believed that hitting it with a hammer will push the portion enough so that it will bend and no longer cause trouble. But I told him my diagnostic – that the small plyboard piece needed to be removed and then everything will be alright. I ordered him that he had to do as I told and then he obliged. The moment that piece was taken out, the door frame came back into its normal state. I was proven right.

Afterwards, I reflected about how I could be right in that situation while the carpenter was not; despite it not being my forte and he being an expert in that area. I came to only conclusion that it was because I could relate to the door since it belonged to my home and hence I had looked deeper with more empathy; while the carpenter was as careless in his diagnostics as careless he was while fixing the door frame causing the problem. Difference was in the “sense of ownership” and “responsibility”.

This incident highlighted the importance of empathizing with things which leads to managing the situations in a different manner.

- Rahul Tiwary 

Happy Maha Shivratri!

 

A Tragedy of Two Puppies

 

This is a real-life story, which I had to unfortunately witness.

There is a boy in a village who is very fond of animals and pets. Once he brought a small white pup from somewhere distant. The bitches who give birth to pups often produce 4-5 offspring at a time; so, he must have just picked one while she was not around and brought the baby to his home. His village home was very spacious, with ample land in the front as well as around the house. Plus, he had several milk-giving cows being reared in front of house. With his loving care and a very safe and friendly environment, the puppy found its footing. But it was really ‘alone’ and the boy noticed that. Next day, he brought another pup, a black one. He kept it along with the white pup. Now, the puppies had got a company of each other!

The two puppies became apple of eye for everyone. For whole day, they used to play various games with each other. Since the white pup was a bit older and bigger, it used to prod the black pup a lot. They quickly learnt the ‘spy game’ and started sniffing and moving around. Small kids from nearby places used to come to see and play with these pups. The little black pup tried to play with the kids by trying to lick their fingers or hand. The pups learnt to recognize and respond to the boy and his family members. During winter, the puppies used to sleep near the ash pile of bonfire for hours. Once some grownup dogs visited the area and the little black pup was seen cozying up to another bigger black dog, which did not show any affection towards it. It seemed that the two pups were not to be adopted again and were fated to be together for a long time to come. Alas, even this was not to be true.

One morning, everyone was shocked to know that both pups were dead. What had transpired intrigued everyone. The boy had got some sort of insecticide or chemical sprayed on the grass in front of his house to scare away the birds who used to visit there and spoil the grains which were being dealt there. The person responsible for spraying the chemical had sprayed a heavy dose and hence a pigeon died after eating poisonous substance. The two little pups, by now well versed in eating miscellaneous things, but devoid of any parental guidance or training, had collected the dead bird and feasted on it, thereby poisoning themselves. When the boy saw them in this condition, he immediately rushed them to a nearby veterinary doctor who gave some medicine but could not save the pups. The two pups were cremated together.

These events which happened so quickly within a month or so appear so tragic that in another world of dogs this could be a plot of a blockbuster movie. On a serious note, I felt sorry for the little pups and hope that they are doing well in their next lives, wherever they are.

- Rahul Tiwary

Travelogue: Sonpur (Bihar) Bridge Over River Ganga

- Rahul Tiwary 

Happy Birthday Hrithik: Inspirational Life of Hrithik Roshan | जन्मदिन की शुभकामनाएँ हृतिक रौशन