Thoughts: Are We Really 'One Person"?

I happened to come across one of my older blog posts from about 9 years ago. I remember having written that piece, but when I started reading it now, I could not believe having written a few sentences in it. Those sentences sounded silly and childish and frivolous. Did I really write those? I must have! But for me, as a person, I can't relate to it anymore. That is the power of "time" and how time changes us as we age. 

Since I have been on blogging platform for long, I have been writing and sharing thoughts on many social issues over many years. On many of these topics, my opinion now is starkly different than what used to be earlier. It is pretty normal and must be happening with everyone as we age. But, on a level, it is scary too. If my opinion on something 10 years ago was not "final"; is my opinion "now" also not final? Will I keep changing and evolving with time even further? On this note, are we even "one person" in our life?

The thought is even more scary if we think about others. It is likely that in our life we must have discarded or judged some people harshly. What if that person has also changed with time and now the person is no longer like he or she used to be, say 10 years ago? We can say, "who cares?" and move on; but on one level, it does not look okay! 

We have been told that looking back in life is mostly unproductive and risky. But, if we are changing with time 'unconsciously', will it not create problems for us? At times, it may be a good idea to have a look at how we have changed over time. For that, looking back may be necessary. 

At the same time, it is also comforting that we do not entirely change. A lot of my thoughts, values and habits are still the same as before. But a lot has changed. I think when it comes to opinions and my understanding of this world, there are more changes than what has remained the same. But when it comes to the "inner me", things have remained the same more times than the changes. So, we may be really "one person" after all! 

On a serious note, this phenomenon of us changing with time presents good as well as bad opportunities. I know I am no longer as disciplined as I used to be in my teenage and I would love to be like that again. I also sometimes recall how motivated I used to be earlier, in contrast to what I am now. Life experiences make, break or change us, for the better or the worse. It is part of nature's 'grand design'. 

When it comes to linear time, we may always think that the "youthful us" were the "best ever us"! I think I would agree with this thought. Even if we become wiser with age and can understand more aspects of any subject than we did earlier, there is something very magical in the teenage years which we shall always cherish. If asked to choose between wisdom and youth, I guess a lot of people will choose the latter over the former, even though the former may be more useful and beneficial for us. Perhaps there is something interesting in being "foolishly young", and one can't be without the other. 

To the time gone by; and to the time ahead of us. With a secret wish that somehow it does not come after all. 

- Rahul Tiwary 

Travelogue: Muzaffarpur Railway Station

Below is the panoramic view of Muzaffarpur Jn. Railway Station as seen currently from a foot over bridge: 

It may look pretty regular. 

But Indian Railways has plans to redevelop this railway station on the lines of international standards as the city is part of central govt's Smart City project. You can read about it here. 

If you visit Muzaffarpur Railway Station now, you will find a beautiful model of "to-be" railway station on display at Platform# 1:

Hope to see the new developed railway station soon. 

- Rahul 

Dog Eats Dog Scene

I had heard the phrase “dog eats dog world” before. But never did I image that this would be literally true also. Recently, I came across a sad and disgusting scene at our village.

It started sounding like a nice story. Sometime back, four or five puppies were born in our neighborhood. Somehow, most of them were females. Two of them started living near a relative’s house. They were lean and fit female dogs. They roamed around the house and followed any person who came out of it, especially a girl. Whenever she went out of her house, one of the two female dogs would follow her. These two dogs had superbly emotional eyes. If they came near our house and I would try to scare them away, they would just look at me in the eye and when I looked into their eyes, I found no fear at all. Instead, I found only a question in those innocent eyes; asking me what was I doing? At that moment, I would get confused and leave them.

By now, these two female dogs which had remained in the neighborhood had become adults (dogs grow too fast). And I never noticed when they had become pregnant. Last month, one fine morning, the neighborhood was awaken with a curious sight.

We realized that the two female dogs or bitches who were sisters; both had delivered babies on the same night. And how many? There were ten puppies in total! It was assumed that both of them had delivered five each. Now, both were seen taking care of those ten puppies, without any differentiation or discrimination. When the mother dogs walked, ten tiny puppies used to follow them. No one had ever seen so many little puppies at one place before.

Over the days that followed, none of the puppies were lost which was a miracle. Small kids would come to play with the puppies and the mother dogs would allow them to play. Small kids on their way to the school would spend few minutes daily watching the puppies or playing with them. One day, three small girls were passing by on their way to the school. Suddenly, they were seen running scared. After reaching safe distance, one of them told the other two a formula: “never run, otherwise the dog would chase and bite you. Just stand still of walk slowly”. These little girls were scared of those tiny puppies! Few boys were much braver who would play with the puppies by picking them up and moving here and there.

A month passed by, and the ten puppies were still ten. Then two of them were taken away by a relative to their home in the city to be raised as pets. After that, one puppy was hit and killed by a car and another by an auto rickshaw. Now six remained.

After a few days, one of the mother dogs appeared to be too thin and she started sitting far away from the puppies. It was so because whenever the female dogs would come near the puppies, the puppies would chase them and start drinking their milk. This mother-dog was perhaps not well or not in a condition to feed the puppies and hence she made herself unavailable. After a few days someone commented that she was perhaps going to die! I did not take it seriously, until after a few days she was never seen again. Perhaps she went to some other place?

The remaining and only mother dog now, was still feeding the puppies. The six puppies that were left, were now growing up at different paces. Three of them had grown taller and stronger while three others, who also had black spots, were much smaller. It was clear that they were from two different sets of parents. By now, the remaining female dog was also seen training the puppies to run and jump. Then, the final episode came.

One afternoon, I saw a disgusting scene. The female dog had brought some other dog’s partial-carcass at some distance and the puppies were all eating it! The carcass was already eaten by some other dogs as it had mainly bones remaining now. After leaving the carcass with the puppies, she went to some distance and sat down, watching them. It seemed she was now training the puppies to eat meat and other rotten food; and moving them away from her milk as their only diet. As the puppies ate the carcass, it stared smelling bad and hence I went nearby and tried to scare the puppies; but the puppies won’t even look at me! After much efforts, a few smaller puppies went away while two bigger puppies won’t leave their food. I threw some stones towards them, but each stone missed the target. Then I decided to give up and left the puppies have their meals; thinking that after they finish it, the smell would also go away. But then a realization hit me.

The carcass which the puppies were eating, was surely of a dog. How could I tell? It constituted only bones or skeleton but the face still had skin over it and face had not been eaten by anyone. And the face was clearly of a dog. But what had become clear to me by now was the fact that it was the face of that other female dog which had gone missing a few days ago!

The innocent eyed, fearless mother dog which had given birth to five puppies, and later withdrew herself to a distance after she was not well, while watching over her kids being taken care by her sister-dog, had died and her body was being eaten by her own …? The realization was revolting, and I tried not to think about it again.

But now I have put this episode on my blog, feeling guilty of the crime. The crime of having seen the “dog eats dog world”.

- Rahul Tiwary

Travelogue: Club Road Mithanpura, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

 

Auditorium, Club Road, Mithanpura, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

The Park Hoel, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Kumar's Dharfari Enclave, Mithanpura, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

West Side store, Mithanpura, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

MDDM College, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Grand Mall, Mithanpura, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

(C) Rahul 

Picture: Shri Krishn and Radha by Unknown Artist

 

I found above picture randomly on the internet. This picture of Shri Krishna and Radha is so nice and the artist must be so good. But, apart from loving this picture big time, I could not stop myself from noticing the similarity in the faces of these two!

During the recently undergoing IPL Cricket tournament, I heard someone saying that MS Dhoni does not have a large number of ‘shots’ in his arsenal like some other veteran batsmen. I think the idea is that if we watch any player play multiple times, after a while we can notice his style of playing and shot selection and can even make a list. Understood. After looking at above picture, I could see a parallel. How many “different” faces of kids can an artist draw? It seems as if the artist first drew Krishna and then when he/she started drawing Radha, she started looking “same to same”; and hence the artist stretched the cheeks and now it seems she is holding “rasgullas” in her cheeks, like kids do.

I had also read somewhere that giving right size to fingers in portraits is often a challenge to artists; and here too I think his right hand fingers are slightly longer than the left?  

In this picture, their smiles, the way they are sitting, the way Radha is a little bent towards Krishna is so adorable. Or the way Krishna’s belly is a bit bulged, like it happens in kids. Or the way Radha and Krishna both appear to be “looking at” the “photographer” (viewer) is so adorable too.

I am sure every time we see this picture, we can smile and feel their love which is an expression of divinity.  The artist has become immortal with this picture. Hats off and lot of respect to the anonymous painter.

- Rahul  

Picture: A Different Butterfly

 

(C) Rahul 

Maalik!: Conclusion

 

Last year, I wrote about a small kid whom I came across in our village and I was touched by the way he greeted me with so much respect. After that, I came across him 2-3 more times and now I have finally found the secret behind the kid!

A few months ago, the kid came visiting our home again and he brought two of his other friends with him. All were so small; and kids of this age always secretly remind me of my son. So, he was showing “me” to his friend and telling him something while looking at me. As soon as I caught their eye, they would try to run away. I could not understand what was happening and why they were so curious about me. So, the mystery which started last year, continued.

For once, I flattered myself with the imagination that perhaps he was baby Bhagwan Krishna checking up on me!

Next time again, he came with two of his friends. This time, my father saw then wandering around our home and asked what they wanted. He replied that they had come just to greet us! Well, that seemed to be their “formula” and it was again so sweet.

Next time, the mystery was finally solved. This time, I was sitting at our verandah alone and I saw the same kid slowly walking up to me. He came near the door and said something. I asked him what it was about; he answered again and I still could not understand him. So, I went near him and asked again. “Chocolate”, he said. So, for all these days, he wanted chocolates from me?! I asked him to wait, went inside our home and brought few pieces of Cadbury Gems and gave those to him. He collected all pieces in his hand and I noticed that he had such tiny hands!

One of my uncles saw this episode and asked what was happening and I told him that it was some random village kid asking for chocolate, so I have just given him some.

He came back after a week or so, in a hot summer afternoon. He again caught me sitting in the verandah; and asked me the same as last time and I brought remaining pieces of Gems again for him which he collected in his tiny hand. He went away quickly after getting it.

So, how did I feel? On one hand, I was a bit disappointed that he was just “using me” to get chocolates. But given the sweet little boy he was, I did not mind being used like that. On the other hand, again there was a bit of disappointment that he was not baby Krishna after all! That I can’t be sure about, since all kids are godly. Just like we can’t have real two-way conversation with God and all we can do is to feel and hope, we can also not have a real conversation with small kids and all we can do is to feel the bundle of love and affection they are made of and reciprocate. I also wondered if he would keep coming back to look for me even after I am gone and would be disappointed at not finding me.  

Thus concludes a mysterious encounter with a curious little angel boy.  

- Rahul Tiwary

Two Musketeers

On a railway station, I noticed a conversation and realized that someone was giving directions to two kids. One boy was of around 10-12 years and the other of around 10. Both were carrying big backpacks on their backs, indicating that they had gotten down from some long-distance train. Their faces were sober and expressionless. Clearly, both were child laborers working in some big city. After they got the information they had sought from a stranger sitting on a bench, they went towards the stairs on the railway platform. While they walked, I noticed that the elder boy was limping in one leg. It was either due to some accident or some ailment.

I could not decide whether this scene was of pity or of courage.

- Rahul

Book Review: Pratyaasha by Anumita Sharma

 

‘प्रत्याशा’ (Pratyaasha) is a Hindi story collection from the talented writer Anumita Sharma. It is a collection of stories set in different times, genre and taste. The beautiful book of about 160 pages is published by Hind Yugm.

‘Pratyaasha’ means hope or wait. The back cover of the book expresses a hope that this book would become a 'best seller'. It is a recently launched book and I am trying to give my review or opinion on it in this blog post.

The front cover of the book contains a modern art of a woman standing and facing dusk in the background, with sky in red and the surface appearing in shadows. There are sketches of women freely talking and having a good time immersed into it. I think the cover picture tries to depict the aura of freethinking women in a modern world when faced with the realities of this world.    

So, what to expect when you read this promising book?

The book has total eleven stories.

The first story titled ‘दीवार पर लटकती लड़की’ is horror story. This is a superb story with elements of unpredictability, shock, subtlety and horror, all in right places and proportions. After reading this story in the evening, when I went to sleep, I realized next morning that I had seen a horror story in my dream. And even my dream ended with a twist and shock on the pattern of this story. I shall post the story from my dream some other time.

The next story titled ‘सत्तर के प्यार का भूगोल’ is a fantasy. It tells the story of a mysterious woman and her short fling with a neighbor. The manner in which this story is written is unique and I don’t think anyone else could have written this story other than this author.

Next story ‘गरजन-तरजन’ is a literary gem. The story is set in real time but describes a rich landlord from the bygone era who is struggling to come to terms with the realities of the present time. As the cover page of this book depicts, there is a young woman, his daughter, who is mysterious and evokes strange emotions; but by the end, she will get imprinted into the reader’s mind forever. This is an immortal story and I would rate this as the best story of this book. I hope this and some other stories from this book go for nominations of best stories awards in Hindi and I am sure this will be a winner.

The fourth story titled ‘सिरंडिपिटी’ brings forth a wonderful character called ‘Mrinalini’ who is repeated in a few more stories in this collection. She is a writer and a bit disillusioned with this world; as sensitive people are prone to feel, and one day she just vanishes in the mountains. The story is set in the aftermath of global pandemic of year 2020. One of her friends goes in her search and you need to read the story to find out what happens next.

The fifth story ‘वो कहीं नहीं थी’ is again a literary gem. It touches the soul of large complex families and politics behind the close doors and weaves a story which evokes several emotions in the minds of the readers.

Next story ‘सतह के नीचे’ tells the story of a promising writer from the past era who is now lost and forgotten, and what happens when he finds one of his big fans.

The seventh story ‘गुलटेनी को किसने मारा’ is a mystery thriller which depicts the sad story of a man aging alone in a modern city. This is another story which definitely deserves an award. One should buy a book even if it contains just one story of this caliber.

‘एक परिकथा’ is a story capturing the soul of a teenage girl growing up in a city amidst other interesting people. I think this is a story which can’t be written by anyone other than this author. The story appears so real, has so many twists and turns and it is so rare that we read such powerful stories where protagonist is a teenage girl. This story is also written in a great humorous style which makes it very entertaining.

'चेतना के अद्भुत तमाशे', 'आत्मा या आजीविका', and 'प्रत्याशा’ are last three stories in this collection. Some of these stories are ‘conjoined’ where an event from one story is also mentioned in the climax of another story. I don’t know what this style of writing is called, but in this book it is displayed wonderfully. 'आत्मा या आजीविका' has 'magical realism', a talent in which the author holds a strong hand. 

Here is an excerpt from the story ‘गरजन-तरजन’:

Notice how beautifully this is written. Merely the event of a "sun set" is given this magical expression! That sun is looking "अस्त-व्यस्त सा", that clouds were about to be set free of its weak "grip" (निर्बल पकड़), what is this language other than magic? 

After a while in the same story, ".. जीप लड़खड़ाती हुई कंकड़-पत्थर से बिछे एक खुले अहाते में पहुँची। अगल-बगल अँधेरे में प्रेतों जैसे प्रतीत होते विशालकाय पेड़ थे जिनकी बाँहों से बारिश का पानी टपक रहा था।" Here, a tree has been imagined as a ghost and water can be seen dripping from the ghost's "arms"! 

After a while, "फूफाजी के सामने खाने में कई तरह के पकवान परोसे जाते और बासमती चावल के खुशबूदार पुलाव का तो पहाड़ होता। वे ऊपर से कोई सब्जी-तरकारी या भात-पूरी दुबारा नहीं लेते इसलिए पूरा टाल एक बार में ही लगा दिया जाता। Now, Phuphaji who is being described here, is not really a character in this story. He is just being described in order to describe the "family background". But the level of detail mentioned where each word has been placed to perfection is mesmerizing. Wonder why the author mentioned this interesting detail that he did not take any food item after the initial offering. Even I have this habit and now I realize that this Phuphaji was like me. Notice the word पहाड़ to describe a pile of पुलाव! Every word mentioned in this story has a higher purpose and it pays to give a second read of many paragraphs in order to enjoy the 'magic' properly. 

Below portion is from 'चेतना के अद्भुत तमाशे':

I am amazed at how deeply this is written. The ailing man first hears a voice; like someone is panting or grappling to stop a cry... and after some time he realizes that it was he himself who was suffocating! And the colors of teenage loves and infatuations are painted in this tragic story so beautifully. 

To conclude, ‘Pratyaasha’ is a book you don’t want to miss. If you want to spend a few days reading such wonderful stories whose characters and events you are going to remember for a long time, you must buy and read this book. The book is available on Amazon here as well as on Padhega India (Bodhi Tree) at this page. 

- Rahul

About Peter Lynch

 

Movies: Shehzada

 

‘Shehzada’ (2023) is a brilliant action drama film featuring Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon in lead roles. It is Kartik Aaryan’s next movie after super-hit ‘Bhul Bhulaiyaa 2’. So, what to expect in Shehzada?

First of all, comedy is too good. Kartik Aaryan has already established himself as a great fit for lead roles in comedy films and most of his films become popular because of this. Remember Bhul Bhulaiyaa 2? Shehzada tries to bring some of that flavor in this movie too. Rajpal Yadav has a role in this too and he is too funny. The pair of Rajpal Yadav and Kartik Aaryan is a super hit pair for sure!

Secondly, the cast of this movie is too good as well. Manisha Koirala returns to the screen and graces her role with so much dignity. She still has her old charisma and at the same time she fits so well in her role of a mother.

Kriti Sanon is near perfect in her role. Among the Bollywood’s best-looking actresses, Kriti possesses the best acting talent for sure. She had a glamourous role in Shehzada, and she does it with perfection. She has a positive personality and whenever she and Kartik appear on the screen, audience are hooked.

The movie also features great actors like Paresh Rawal who got a very prominent role. Ronit Roy who got a powerful role and you will astonished as to how he brings so much energy, grace and machoism in his roles. Sachin Khedekar plays a touching role too, as a maternal grandfather. Ankur Rathee as a spoilt brat has done really good job in his character. There is a new face in the form of Sunny Hinduja who is playing the lead villain and he is too impressive. 

All actors and actresses have given really good performance which has made this movie “never a dull moment”.

Now, the songs. Pritam has given music, which is itself to explain the quality. In the title song, we can notice Sonu Nigam who sounds as good as he did in the best of his days. 

“Mere sawal ka” sung by Shashwat Singh and Shalmali Kholgade is my favourite:

Mere Sawaal Ka (Video) Shehzada | Kartik, Kriti | Shashwat, Shalmali | Pritam, Shloke L | Bhushan K - YouTube

Chedkhaniyan (Video) Shehzada | Kartik, Kriti | Arijit, Nikhita | Pritam, IP Singh, Shloke L - YouTube

Munda Sona Hoon Main (Video) Shehzada | Kartik, Kriti | Diljit, Nikhita | Pritam, Kumaar | Rohit - YouTube

Character Dheela 2.0 (Video) Shehzada | Kartik, Kriti | Neeraj, Pritam | Rohit D | Bhushan Kumar - YouTube

Shehzada Title Track (Video) | Kartik, Kriti | Sonu Nigam, Pritam, Mayur | Rohit D | Bhushan Kumar - YouTube

Now, coming the social messages. First, the movie explains the “No means no” concept so very well. Feminists will love this movie. Then, the lead character or ‘hero’ of the movie is like the golden era movies when such characters did not have any flaw. Bantu (Kartik’s character) is funny, truthful (never speaks lies), positive (does not mind hate coming his way especially from his ‘fake’ father), strong, savior of the weak, stands up for that is right, a good son, a good brother, a good friend, a trustful employee, and as you would realize in the end, has a heart made of gold.

Shehzada is 10/10 on entertainment and if you want to really enjoy the 2.5 hours you spend in a theater, this is your perfect experience. Go watch this movie along with your family and hope you will love it too.

- Rahul

Children of Gold

 

While passing through a portion of lane housing poor people on its sides, I often come across their little children running around. They can magically appear from anywhere and everywhere and would run across the lane as if it were their own house. They have no concept of safety or discipline, and they are as reckless as childhood is supposed to be. And the most important trait is that those children are so beautiful!

While all kids are beautiful, somehow those children of poor families are more beautiful than the others. All of them are dark skinned, which only accentuates their beautiful face or eyes. Their unkempt hair flow like branches of a tree, or a stream coming out from the mountains. All of them are chubby, like most kids of that age are. All of them are dressed in a few clothes which somehow seem adequate in their own rights. And most importantly, all of them look happy.

While all kids are generally happy, somehow those kids of poor families appear happier than the rest. They are seen playing with one another, or often even playing all alone. And sometimes in groups. Sometimes their mothers are feeding them with some bowl or a glass; and most of the time their fathers are nowhere on the scene; perhaps gone away to work.

The presence of those children in this world is a kind of consolation for all things it lacks. Like presence of flowers in a garden, which otherwise seems just like abundant greenery and nothing more.

May God bless those little kids, whoever they are. May the world be a bit kinder to them when they grow up, because that is when all the problems start. May the narrow lanes keep them safe, and their tiny houses keep them warm, until they are ready to face the sun.

May the world be a better place than it is, without the kids.  

- Rahul Tiwary 

 

Pictures: Some public places in Pune

 

A 'robo cop' model installed on a footpath in Aundh, Pune 

Children playing lawn tennis at a public playground in Pune 

A large statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji at Hinjawadi Chowk, Pune 

A beautiful sculpture celebrating the famous freedom fighters Chaphekar Bandhu (Brothers) at Chaphekar Chowk, Chinchwad, Pune   

Dr. Agarwarl's Eye Hospital, Aundh, Pune 

Chhatrapati Shivaji's statue at Pune Airport 

(C) Rahul Tiwary