DAMAGED

In the era when friendships foster at bars and love is just a swipe away people can inflict copious amount of damage to one another. Sometimes in the name of love, sometimes for self-respect, sometimes out of a habit and sometimes unknowingly, people hurt others causing insurmountable damage in the process.

 Sometimes the damage that we inflict on others is just a natural response to our innate fear of getting hurt again. We lock ourselves, our true self, in a deep dark corner of our existence when we are under attack the first time. We fight the battle with our iron swords and titanium shields, keeping our hearts locked somewhere safe. Somewhere so secretive that no one, not even we ourselves, can get a hold of it even if we want to.

But once in a blue moon when the sky is all clear, and spring is on its way to paint the meadow in bright new colours, a tiny seed germinates and it takes root within the stoned garden where we have kept our true selves hidden. We are marvelled by the beauty of this seed, which is now a sapling. We are gravitated by it and we nurture it as it turns into a beautiful rose bud. But as soon as it does, our past takes over and we fear that this new rose bud will hurt us the way the last one did. Haunted by our past experience, we try to take it off its roots so that it won’t hurt us. So that nothing hurts us. And in this process, we become the damage that was inflicted on us.

We forget all the values that we stood for before we were stabbed the first time. We forget that in the process of protecting ourselves, we are inflicting the same damage that was once inflicted upon us. We forget that we don’t need to be a part of the damage inflicting cycle. We forget that we have the power to stop this cycle of misery and bring some goodness and love into the world. We forget that we are stronger and better than we think we are. We forget that we are capable of doing great things, which includes spreading love and peace, around us. We forget that we are smarter and more powerful than the wounds that still pester inside our souls and keep us awake at night. We forget that after every night comes a bright new day. We forget to have faith in ourselves and in the universe.

We have to remember that the damage that was done to us wasn’t our fault. There is nothing that we could have done to change it, the situation, the people who wronged us, and to a certain extent our own response to the situation. But the damage we inflict on others is on us. We can try to justify it saying that it was our past wounds or fears that caused the damage to others this time, but if we do that we are no better than the people who hurt us in the first place. We cannot control others’ response but we can control what we do to others and what we let happen. 

There is light at the end of tunnel. There is still hope for everyone. You just have to have faith and try to be better than the damage that was done to you.

Motivation

What keeps you motivated? What keeps you going each day? What makes you want to keep pushing your limits even in the times you want to give up?

Is it the reward that you'll get on reaching the finish line? Or is it the satisfaction of finishing first? Is the hope of the light at the end of a really long and dark tunnel? Or is it just your basic survival instinct-- the one that tells you NEVER BACK DOWN?

What keeps you going when going gets tough?

Life is a funny thing. It gives us happiness when we least expect it. It throws us under a truck to teach us lessons we aren't ready to learn at the time. And it gives us a puzzle to solve when we are swamped with other riddles. To say that 'life works in mysterious ways' won't be entirely wrong. Sometimes we understand the grand plan that life has laid out for us. But other times we are totally clueless. The magnanimity of its design, of its plan, of how it connects two mutually exclusive events cannot be fathomed by us. Even so, one question that pops up in my mind is-- why do we face certain circumstances?

Most of us at some point in time have asked ourselves or God an innocent-- 'why me?'. While it is perfectly normal to ask such a question, especially after a period of endless struggles, how many of us have actually bothered to look for an answer? How many of us have actually tried to understand the reason?

Well, let me answer the question for you-- it is because you are ready for the next level. You are ready to unlock the wisdom that will follow your test. You are ready for the next chapter of your life.

Life is a hard taskmaster and it pushes you towards the deeper end of the swimming pool so that you can learn to swim. So that you next time you find yourself in a similar situation, you don't drown. It upgrades your tests when it believes that you are worthy of the reward-- the lesson, the teaching, the knowledge that awaits you at the end of your quiz.

But you must remember one thing-- every test is unique and only you have the potential to answer it because it is your quiz. And unless you get it right, unless you crack the code, unless you learn your lesson, the situation will keep on repeating itself.

It's true that things get messy at times but don't let it stop you. Don't let a heartbreak or misconduct stop you. Treat people better than they treated you, not because they deserve better but because you're a better person who understands and accepts imperfections.

Be a better version of yourself each day and don't let the fear of falling or the fear of failing stop you from being anything less than you are. Keep trying and never give up. Inspire yourself. You never know how many others you might be helping in the process!

How dating apps made sex easy to get but love hard to find

"Once upon a time in a far away kingdom lived a beautiful princess. One day when she was out on a stroll in the woods, she met a handsome prince. The prince fell in love with the princess and they lived happily ever after." While this picture perfect story might be limited to the fairy tales, but not so long ago things in real life used to be as simple (if not more).

People used to meet at weddings and parties, chat a little to get to know each other over coffee meetings and date each other to ultimately walk down the aisle. Life was simple before technology stepped up its ante and ruined everything by its ease of availability.

Yes, we have the world full of options available today. Yes, we don't need a pundit or a talking parrot to tell us when will we meet our soulmate. Yes, life has become a wonderful adventure thanks to the plethora of information available on the Internet.

But in the matters of heart what's really important-- options or the choice?

Call me old school, call me a buzzkill, but I still believe that when it comes to love and romance, old school is the best way to go. Stealing smiles in the hallways of your college (or your workplace), sharing a meal, late night conversations about dreams and aspirations, random 'I love You' messages, all of these might sound a bit too cheesy to some, but isn't that what we all are looking for? Someone to love? Someone to share our lives with?

Dating apps like Tinder, Happn, and Frivil have given us the luxury and liberty to meet people based on our likes and dislikes. While this might be comforting at a level, there is a downside to it as well.

People have stopped investing their time and energies in their relationships because they know that their next relation is just a click away.

They change relationships like they change clothes. There's always a thought, that if their present relationship doesn't work out, there's always a next. As a result, people have stopped sharing their life moments with their friends and partners, people have stopped opening up to others, people have stopped being themselves and loneliness has crept it.

These dating apps, on one hand, have empowered us, but on the other hand, they have created the world full of fake smiles, un-send text messages, and insecurities, leaving behind a sea of sadness that no one knows how to deal with.

We all wear masks that protect us from the pain inflicted by the ones we love. But dating apps today have turned this temporary state into a state of permanent hibernation, wherein it takes a tsunami of emotionally charged events to jolt us out of our limbo. It's true that as humans it's our natural response to run away from any event that might hurt us both physically and emotionally.

But if we take a deeper look at it, isn't this emotional hibernation doing more damage than good?

Everyone has a different mechanism to deal with the pain and it's ok to shut down at times. But it's not ok to give up and it's definitely not ok to live alone.

Take a risk and keep trying. Tinder or no, it's your life and you have to make it Happn!

The Race of Life

Today I watched the rail tracks race and it felt oddly relaxing. Like I was in a race where no one was telling me to compete in, where I didn't have to catch up with everyone, where I wasn't scared to lose. I was on a journey I never wanted to end. Green hills with a couple of hatched-roof houses and a small village temple-- it seemed surreal and yet strangely familiar, like a village from the Malgudi Days.

The wind was gushing right through me and it felt that it didn't know who I was like I wasn't important and for once that felt so nice and light. It felt not to be the one in charge, not to be a part of the charade, not to be a part of a life that is running at lightening speed, such that you have no time even for yourself. It felt nice not to be a part of anything and just be...

For once being nothing and no one felt peaceful and serene...

We all are running a rat race, trying to be someone, trying to make a life for ourselves, trying to be successful, working hard to have a decent bank balance, a house, a car, a reputation in the society. But do we ever try not to be a part of this charade and just try to focus on being in a state of peace, in the state of Buddha? Even if we have all of these things, we want more and we work harder and longer to get that 'more'. While that feels the right thing to do after all Darwin's theory comes into play, but the question is where/when does this cycle end? When do we decide that we have enough and that it's time to enjoy the things that we have gathered?

More importantly, does it ever end?

The scenery is green outside and it's getting cloudy like it's about to rain. But is it just the sky or are our hearts too cloudy, like we are waiting for the dry spell to end but we are too scared to let it rain???

Why Indians have no right to react to Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel's 'poor India' statement

Snapchat is news again and this time for all the wrong reasons. Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel’s alleged statement expressing his disinterest in expanding the reach of the app in the ‘poor countries like India and Spain’ has caused a furore in India’s digital space that is hard to miss. From hashtags like #UninstallSnapchat and #boycottSnapchat to a vast majority of people uninstalling the popular photo-sharing app, the situation seems to be getting worse for the company. Even though Snapchat has pinned the blame on its ‘disgruntled employee’ Anthony Pompliano calling the statement quoting Spiegel ‘ridiculous’, things don’t seem to be moving in the right direction for Snapchat. Indians are angry and the evidence can be seen everywhere including Twitter, Facebook and even in the reviews section on the Google Play Store.

However, Indians have no right to react this way and reasons for it are many.

To begin with, ours is a country where the citizens are fighting to get the ‘Other Backward Class’ (OBC) status. From Jat agitation in Haryana to the Patidar protest in Gujarat and Jat stir in Rajasthan, past couple of years have witnessed record number of communities fighting to get the minority status. Burning vehicles, blocking water supplies and attacking the innocent countrymen is how these so called minorities have forced the state governments into caving into their demands. Are Patidars or the Jats really a minority in their respective states? No. Do they really deserve special treatment (with an exception of the financially weak families)? No.

Next, while the citizens are quoting the example of a few rich and affluent families like the Ambanis and the Birlas to ‘prove’ that India is not a poor country, it is worth mentioning that 30 percent of India’s total population is still below the poverty line. According to a 2016 World Bank report, India has the largest number of people living under the international standard of $1.90 (Rs 122 approx) a day, which is the highest in the world. How many times have you conveniently ignored the people who sleep on the sidewalks? How many times in a day do you encounter children and elderly people begging for food? How many times have you encountered a disheveled person in tattered rags on road who seems to have no clue of what’s going around? Still think India is rich?

Last but not the least, Indians are known for their temperament. If only it had a base in this case. For those of you who are familiar with the app know that Snapchat doesn’t support a ‘Lite’ mode (on the one that works swiftly even with slow network connections). The app consumes a decent amount of data and requires a steady network connection to work. A country, which is still struggling with its data connectivity issues and is transcending from 3G to 4G, a stable network connection is difficult to find if not rare. If the company feels that India is not a target market for it yet, it has a sound basis for it i.e. the fluctuating network connection, which is a must for any Internet-based app to work.

In case you forgot, Spiegel also mentioned Spain as a ‘poor nation’, but do you see Spaniards losing their cool? No.

It’s high time that Indians get their act together and give out a unified impression instead of maintain dual standards on basically everything!

To the guy who can't understand the girl who refuses to be happy

Everyone wants to be happy and shine with a bright smile. But sometimes it so happens that you just cannot. It's not that you don't want to be happy or you don't want to fight for it, it's just that you are so tired and worn down by the storms that you have endured for so long, that you just don't have any strength left to fight. But it doesn't mean that you don't want to be happy.

Life can be harsh at times. And for those who refuse to give in, those who refuse to give up on people and those who continue to give without any expectations, things can be a little draining at times.

No one wants to give up. But when living becomes more difficult than dying, when memories start inflicting physical pain, when situations refuse to change, when you lose all hope, when you have no strength to fight back, what do you do? You give up.

They say that sharing your problems can help in easing up the pain and perhaps in some cases help in solving the problem. But does it always help?

Not every situation or problem can be treated in the same way. Like a lock, every problem has a specific solution and can be unlocked by a specific key. But what if you lose the key or better yet, what if the maker of the lock forgot to make a key and you get locked in a closed room with no windows to let in a single ray of hope? Is there a way out? May be. Can you stay optimistic for ever? No.

If you are dealing with a girl (or a guy) who seems to have given up on happiness without any reason, your frustation is understandable. But it's not fair to simply designate the person as 'arrogant' or 'stubborn' as you do not know the underlying stories. You don't know every single incident that was so powerful that she gave up on life, that broke her to the level when she couldn't stand up and face herself in the mirror. You don't know the countless scars that years of fighting have left on her soul. You don't know the endless tears that she has shed. You don't know the emptiness that is eating her alive like a blackhole. 

Unless you know her story, you cannot understand her. Unless you don't understand her, you can't judge her.

If you really want to help her, make her feel that she can trust you. Prove that you aren't like every other person who has walked into her life without any intention of staying. Prove that you take pride in her scars. Prove yourself to be worthy of her trust. When you prove that she can trust you, she'll open up to you and share her story, every single word of it. And trust me she's worth it, because a person who has been hurt over a million times and yet has the strength to love, knows how to love selflessly and completely. And that person can never hurt another soul, ever.

Why do we need fairytales?

Its a strange thing, how all we wish for is a 'happily ever after', a 'perfect life', and how little are we willing to fight for it. What's equally strange is how easily we kneel before the negativity and the sad and sorrowful events that unfold in our lives and in our surroundings. It's true that every thing has an impact and our wishful thinking is not enough to save us from it, but the question is can we dodge the damage?

It's a paradox. We want to be happy yet we think about all the things that make us sad. We want to live freely yet we let every limiting thought cage us in. We want a love that would last a lifetime but we are scared of it. We want to stay yet we keep on running. We want to be in peace and yet we do all the things that add chaos to our lives. It's true that we cannot escape the madness around us, but the question is do we really need to be a part of it? Do we really need to give up? And more importantly is there anything we can do that would save our souls?

Fear. Fear is a funny word. It makes us do crazy things. Fear of being rejected. Fear of failure. Fear of getting our hearts broken. Fear of our hopes getting shattered. Fear of not being accepted. Fear of the unknown. And in case our lives have been full of melancholy streaks, fear of being happy. Despite wanting to live freely, we spend all our lives living in fear hoping for a miracle to change everything and in some cases for everything to just fade away. But is that a good way of living? Are we being fair to oursevles?

We all deserve better. We all deserve to be respected, to be cared for, to be loved, to be happy. But in the hullabaloo of life, we often lose a track of things, of ourselves, and more importantly of our hopes and dreams. Fairytales are a constant reminder of what we forget. They remind us of hope and of happy endings. They remind us that we must fight for our happiness, for our 'one true love', for our throne. They remind us that if we don't give up, there's nothing that we can't achieve. Sure there are dragons to be slayed and evil witches to be defeated, but if we keep on trying, our 'happily ever after' is just a step away.

So, next time someone gives you some feminist crap about the fairytales, remind them that it's the message that's more important!

A note to my 20-year-old self

Dear myself,

I know life is difficult and people are unfair. I know it seems that your entire world is crumbling down upon you. I know people are mean and even though you put in your level best efforts, sometimes it really difficult to keep your head above the water. But don't worry. This is just a temporary phase and it will pass.

Relax and take a deep breath.

Remember, you are stronger than this. Remember, you are better than them. Remember, whatever you're facing right now is a test that will make you invincible. Remember, you have been given this test coz the universe believes in you. Remember, that only when you pass this test will you be able to unlock the infinite treasure of knowledge and wisdom.

I know there are people you want to punch in the face. I know there are people you want to show a mirror to so that they realise how awful they've been. I know there are people you just can't tolerate and I know that you get upset even when you think of them.

Don't treat them the way they treated you. Don't let the harshness get to you. Don't let the world make you lose yourself and don't let them make you lose sight of the aim that you sought out to achieve.

Be like the lotus in a pond of mud that blooms even in the worst conditions. Do it for yourself not them. Be like the tree that gives shade to everyone who comes under its shelter. Do it for yourself not them. Be like the water that is powerful enough to drown you but always ends up cleansing your soul. Do it for yourself not them.

I know you might feel like giving up right now. That friend, that first love, that pressure to prove yourself might be over burdening you. But don't give up, not yet. Just hold on and fight. Fight till your last breathe. Fight till you don't cross the finish line. Fight till you don't win.

Remember you have the universe backing you and there's nothing or no one that can ever bring you down!

Memories

Memories are a weird thing. Sometimes you don't feel a thing and sometimes a sound, a smell, a place or a feeling can trigger a series of memories that you had forgotten or were trying to hide so deep that you wouldn't be able to recall them even if you want to.

Memories are strange. Sometimes an event that brought happiness to your face can make you profoundly sad. The other times, even a silly fight with a loved one can make you ecstatic.

Memories are powerful. They are like a giant wave in the ocean of heart that can wash away anything that stands in its way.

They're both a wound and a healing aid. In testing times, a memory can lift your spirits and motivate you to fight. Ironically, the same memory also has the power to drown you in a sea of desolation.

Memories are not only a reminder of the good times but also of the pathways that led you there.

Memories are both magical and tragic!

Cinderella didn't need a prince Charming!

Cinderella didn't need a prince charming, she just needed a day off!

Snowhite didn't need need a prince either. She was already kicking ass when she met him!

So why do we have these delirious notions where a 'damsel in distress' needs to be rescued by a prince? Why can't a girl slay all the dragons and rescue herself? Why can't she be 'the Saviour' (quoting: Once Upon A Time)?

Though these stories were written ages ago when the world was dominated by patriarchy, nothing much has changed since then.

Take Elena for instance. While Stephan treated her delicately as if would break like a glass, Damon's love was so consuming that she forgot herself (quoting: The Vampire Diaries)! And how can we forget Meredith, who sort of flipped her humanity switch (even though she's very much human) when McDreamy died (quoting: Grey's Anatomy). Granted that the circumstances these characters endured were extra-ordinary and anyone in their situation is allowed to act out, yet its not an excuse that only a lass should be in trouble.

Why can't these shows show their male leads being rescued by women?

Look how Christina Yang's career flourished when Burke left her and she left Owen. Khaleesi (quoting: Game of Thrones) became the 'mother of dragons' etc. when Khal Drogo died and she decided to take on the world herself with her loyal followers. Bonnie is the single most powerful witch that there ever would be. The way she single-handedly saved the 'vamipre world' several times making countless sacrifices in the process makes me wonder why aren't we focussing on her?!

Another area of conflict is the Marvel and DC Comics series. There is Batman, there is Iron Man and then there is Superman. What about their female-counterparts? Although there are some female characters- Catwoman and Wonder Woman to name a few, yet are they being projected at equal footing with their male counterparts? No.

Why aren't any of the super-human series showing women as their lead (please don't quote Powerpuff Girls)?!

In this era when women are showing the world a new light, the society is still polarised. A woman is still expected to micro-manage her life. She is expected to be a homemaker first and then care about her career. She is still expected to be an 'epitome of sacrifices and selflessness'. She is still expected to change her surname (and identity) after marriage. She is still expected to remain behind the curtains and obey orders by the so called alpha-male of the family.

My question is why can't she be the 'alpha-female'? Why can't she do anything without being surveyed by those judgy little eyes like men? Why is the society always expecting things from women? Is it the code for saying that 'men won't be able to handle the pressure' or is our society (lead by its male members) theatened by the female community and the things they can achieve if given complete authority?

It is interesting to note that even the so called advocates of women's rights haven't highlighted/protested over the fact that all the documents ask for either father's name or husband's name. No document asks for just mother's name. It's like secretly these documents are screaming that women are under male guardianship and they cannot exist without these 'assigned identities'.

Women in Saudi Arabia are under male guardianship. That guardian can be anyone- father, husband, brother or even the son who learnt all his life lessons from his mother. Many people have openly criticised it. But I think that it 's still better. At least they own up to it. We (the Indian and many others like us) don't. We just point fingers while forgetting that we're sailing in the same boat!

Talking about marriage, I don't get the concept of 'Kanya daan'. You donate an object or a thing. If you're donating a human i.e. your daughter, you're basically objectifying her. How's that right and how can anyone in his/her right mind label that as the 'highest form of donation'?! And how can our ancient texts call it 'sacred'?

Even our traditions are biased. A girl when married goes to her husband's house, says the tradition. She must change her surname, says the society. But why aren't similar norms applicable to men? Why can't men shift to their wives' homes? Why can't men change their surname instead? Why is that women have to adjust in their brand new families with a whole new set of do's and don'ts while men get a free pass?

I believe 'all or none' approach is the fair thing to do. Either both change their surnames or both don't. Why should one person do all the adjustment?

And now the classic argument that never loses its pun- we pray to goddess yet we treat our women like they're nothing at all. We fast and feast during Navratras, we visit Vaishno Devi, we tell tales of how the great eight-handed goddess saved the world from the demon king, yet we disrespect, objectify and mistreat women! It's like you're murdering people the whole year and when you take a dip in a river, it's going to magically even out all your sins. What you're forgetting is that even after taking the dip, dead will be dead. Now apply the same analogy in case of worshipping and respecting women. (Hope you get it now!)

The point is that the society needs to change as a whole. We can't preach something and practice something else. There has to be a balance and the society collectively needs to work towards a common goal. Its like taking out a really complex tumour. Sometimes you do it in one go. The other times things must proceed in stages.

The world can survive only if the creator and the creation are in sync not otherwise!

India's A-Game Against Pakistan

It's no brainer that India and Pakistan have never exactly been the most friendly neighbours to each other. Despite all the hostility and difference of opinion India has abstained from lodging any direct attack against the neighbour country on the international platform.

While Pakistan has always insisted on having a plebiscite in the war-torn Kashmir valley, often going over-board with its emotions; India, on the other hand, has always asserted its rightful claim to the valley's 'Iron throne'.

But the recent turn of events has been such that the dynamics in the valley have changed completely.

Though terrorist infiltrations, terror attacks, cross-fires and curfews have long plagued the valley, a direct attack on the armed forced has been a rare event. But a recent attack on a troop of army men in Kashmir's Uri sector has changed the parameters that have long governed the politics in the highly volatile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Uri attack has shifted the focus of the global conscience to a region that has been considered an area of bilateral dispute so far.

While the countries that have for long maintained a neutral stand on the issue, have openly picked their side; other nations that have eschewed from making a statement so far, too have declared their loyalties.

Pakistan, which under the circumstances seems to be in a desperate need of cover, has ducked into its constant rant about the Kashmir issue, blaming India for being the 'mad king'.

While Pakistan is facing flak from the global community over nestling terrorism and terror outfits in its protection, things have not been a smooth ride for the Modi government too. People across the nation are blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government of inaction and of having a feeble stand, ignoring the bigger picture in the process.

To those who have been following the series of events that have led to nations including US, UK, France, Russia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka isolating Pakistan on the international forum, the heated political curry is a part of India's master-plan against the nation. The events that have unfolded in the recent time seem harmless and discrete. However, when put together in the right order, they hold the key to understanding India's ultimate solution to its nearly seven-decade-old 'Pak problem'.

Here's the breakdown.

India has always taken a defensive stand, prioritising bilateral dialog and negotiations to surf through the rough waters. Her stand as a peace-keeper has helped her to maintain stability and win many friends.

Extending the same tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an impromptu visit to Lahore last year to wish Pak PM Nawaz Sharif on his birthday. While this move was severely criticised by people at home, who insisted that PM Modi had cowed in, it was like icing on top of India's spotless image that projected her willingness to cooperate even in the most dire circumstances. Internationally, this move was widely welcomed by the United Nations and other leaders.

While the rift between Indo-Pak relations seemed to be healing slowly, Pak PM's efforts to jeopardise India's bid to the Nuclear Supplier's Group (NSG) by writing to the world leaders personally not only projected the nation in bad light but also raised questions on its willingness to establish peace in the Kashmir valley.

Following this, Nawaz Sharif's 'deep shock' and protest over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter in Srinagar raised several eye-brows, questioning his stand on eliminating terrorism from the Pak soil.

Yet another give-away on Pak's intentions of resolving the Kashmir issue was Nawaz Sharif's statement at a political rally in Azad Kashmir, in which he said that he was 'waiting for the day when Kashmir would become a part of Pakistan'. His statement invited wrath both from wit‌hin and across the land, wherein, on one hand India fired back lodging its retaliation on Sharif's lucid dreams, while on other hand Pak media called him 'delusional' for having such wishes.

Soon afterwards, atrocities being committed in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) by the Pak army came out, which further strengthened India's case against Pakistan.

While Pak, in a move to defend whatever dignity it was left with, started the talking about how India was murdering human rights in Kashmir obsessively, it's constant bickering about the Kashmir issue, seemed like the curious case from one of the classic tales 'the boy who screamed lion'.

Following this, India threatened to scrap the Indus water treaty, to which Pak replied by threatening to use the nukes should the two countries go to war. A move that was widely criticised by the global community and earned Pak 2 negative points

Going for a diplomatic offensive, India announced that it would boycott the 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation that was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November this year. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka followed India's lead.

Going for an offensive strike, India authorised its Army commandos to destroy terrorist hideouts across the Line of Control in Kashmir. The operation went flawlessly as the jawans gunned down nearly 45 terrorists in the process.

Here's the fun part. While Indian Army was giving a press briefing about the operation, Pakistan denied all reports of a surgical strike in the region. It took 'clueless Pakistan' a day to get in touch with the reality and accept that the strike on the terrorists had indeed happened. If that wasn't enough, Pak media flew to the region where strikes were conducted, just to prove India wrong (love their sense of humour)!

Though Pak took it as an act of war, the world appreciated the move, winning India two brownie points. As India's case against Pakistan strengthened, South Korea and Maldives too extended their support to India.

In the meantime, people flooded the White House with petitions to declare Pak a terrorist state. A similar thing happened in United Kingdom too.

All these events combined with the Uri attack provided India the perfect ingredients required for defeating Pakistan in its own game.

It is interesting to note how India has never lodged a direct attack against Pakistan even while putting forward its case against terrorism.

India's visionary diplomacy combined with Pak's lucid ranting has paved way for India to corner the country in its own game.

My view: Pak should take the clue and stop this soap opera now. Endless lives have been lost on both the sides. Countless mothers have lost their sons, children their fathers, wives their husbands and sisters their brothers. Pakistan should let go off this madness now. It is time that the world unites to work towards a better future instead of crying over the spilt milk.

Gentle Reminder...

For all those countless hours when you were working hard for your dreams..for all those sleepless nights when you were busy fighting your demons..for all those moments when you told yourself that you weren't good enough and that you wouldn't make it to the end...Here's a gentle reminder...

You're perfect the way you are..you are enough even if people disagree..you're complete even when you think you aren't...

Keep fighting..keep trying..keep chasing your dreams...but also take a break to appreciate your journey, to admire the view, to give yourself a pat on the back for making it through the night and for standing tall even in the moments you thought you wouldn't survive...

Take a step back to appreciate what you have, what you've created, what you've become...Take a moment to celebrate yourself!

AAP ke Scam!

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is the ‘self-proclaimed godman’ of Indian politics. The party believes in the fundamental of clean governance and boasts of working towards building a corruption free and a balanced society.

Though the party and its members have been involved in a number of controversies, yet they have managed to escape unscathed somehow.

However, this time the party has out-done itself.

FACTS

According to an RTI inquiry, AAP-led Delhi government spends a whopping sum on print advertisements in and outside Delhi daily.

The RTI inquiry filed by advocate Aman Panwar (who belongs to INC, that was criticized for spending Rs. 23 crore duing 2010 common wealth games) revealed that the AAP government has spend Rs. 14.5 crore in print advertisements in last three months, which is an average of nearly Rs. 48 lakhs a month!

The publications include ads in Kannda and Malayali dailies in cities including Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru (still wondering how putting up Delhi government ads there would be helpful).

In a reply to the Lok Sabha, the AAP government has admitted to spending nearly Rs. 5 crore for publicizing the two rounds of Odd-Even scheme implementation in January and April.

It its defense, the party has said that it allocated Rs. 100 crore in its budget to advertisements this year as against Rs. 500 crore last year.

QUESTION

The question that arises here does not pertain to the source of this humongous amount (courtesy: tax payers), but to the fact that why did CM Arvind Kejriwal starve the MCDs when he had funds?

Why did he let the innocents suffer in his power tussle with the Centre? Why did he create such a chaos in the entire National Capital Region (remember: MCD strike, health wokers’ strike) when the situation could have clearly been avoided?

What is more concerning at this hour is the dream of a ‘better society’ that CM Kejriwal and his posse are weaving in the eyes of the ‘aam aadmi’ of Delhi.

If his idea of a ‘balanced society’ entails creating ‘fictional issues’ for the common man only to solve them to glorify his stature, then something is clearly wrong.

If Kejriwal believes that by putting up ‘Modi ji let the Delhi government work’ posters across Delhi and crying Congress/BJP every-time something goes wrong is the right thing to do, then either he is delusional or he’s suffering from ‘Messiah complex’.

Either ways, what our beloved CM sahib needs to understand is that this is not an Ekta Kapoor daily soap, where the protagonist acts like a martyr, cries and keeps switching sides like a ping-pong ball.

This is real life and these are real people.

Blaming the powerful opponent for your failures does not point out towards their flaws but to your own weaknesses.

If you cannot do what you say and comply with the standards that you have created yourself then you have no business in governing Delhi or any other state.

Why is Indian media so naïve?

Media is one of the most important pillars of democracy. It not only informs and educates the citizens but also ensures balance in the society while acting as a moral compass and taking up social causes.

It acts as a mirror that reflects the true face of society while giving it scope to improve and hence evolve.

But what if the same media, which is supposed to act as a guiding light in the troubled times, looses its sense of morality and goes rogue?

What if the same media, which sets higher standards for the society, starts contradicting its own standards?

Indian media has been criticized around the world for its sensationalism and yellow journalism. It has been mocked and looked down upon for its insensitive coverage of events solely focused on gathering page-views and increasing TRPs.

Sadly for us, the story doesn’t end there. Indian media, which is famous for ‘branding people’ and giving ‘public verdicts’ has lost track of its own morality.

Remember how the image of a boy clicking selfie with his dead grand-father went viral on the social media and how media went crazy over it? How readers and media criticized the boy alike for his insensitive behavior?

Now here’s an alternative scenario. Balika Vadhu actress Pratyusha Banerjee recently committed suicide and the news became a hot topic of discussions and speculations everywhere. From her past to her present, from her relationship with her boyfriend to her pregnancy rumors, even a minor update in the police investigation qualified to become a ‘Breaking News’ and was being frequently followed by the readers.

The saddest part was when the entire media was flashing pictures just before her last rites. How she was dressed for her last journey, how people paid their last respects and how she was taken from her house to the crematorium.

There was something deeply disturbing in it that was hard to ignore.

People come and go in every household, and no matter who it is or what the time or the cause is, it’s never easy to deal with the loss.

The thing is, when something like this happens in our own house, we want people to be sensitive and respect our privacy. But when it happens to a well known face all that sensitivity and privacy is forgotten and media taking a contrary stand forgets all its code of conduct and begins the marathon for the highest TRPs and page views.

What’s even more disturbing is that people actually followed the news religiously.

If media is reflection of the society and it fulfills the demands made by the same society, then isn’t the society equally responsible for the cold-blooded coverage of the event?

If media is naïve, then how is the society that we’re living in any better? After all our society is known for its double standards.

In our country both media and the society are the sinners. Let’s not put the entire blame on one because it’s easier that ways.

Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921): Refreshingly Real

Director: Shakun Batra
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Siddharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt
Rating: 4/5

Kapoor & Sons is refreshingly real. After all the glitz and glamour that Bollywood is known for, comes a movie that is outright simple and yet extremely engaging.

Well-written characters combined with powerful acting by some of the most seasoned actors of industry and the beautiful chemistry shared by the terrific trio of Fawad, Alia and Siddharth, just makes it all the more interesting.

The plot is relatively simple. Estranged brothers Arjun (Siddharth Malhotra) and Rahul (Fawad Khan), both writers, are forced to return to their childhood home in Coonor when they get news about their grandfather’s (Rishi Kapoor) heart attack.

While in the hospital, Kapoor reveals his last wish of getting a family photograph. As the entire family gathers under one roof, secrets unveil and misunderstandings turn into tragedy.

Rishi Kapoor as the 90-year old grandfather is absolutely adorable and charming. He’s the lively Bollywood ‘dadu’ who smokes up and loves girls.

Siddharth and Fawad as siblings are perfect. While Fawad plays the character of the mature elder son who is always expected to the right thing, Siddharth is the younger sibling who feels deprived of his parents’ love.

Rajat Kapoor and Ratna Pathak in their role as the parents show are flawless.

Alia is the bubbly girl who lost her parents at a young age.

The beauty of the movie lies in the depth of each character and its astounding connection with the reality.

Unlike most Bollywood movies that are unrealistic and superficial, K&S has taken a page from the lives of ordinary people and turned it into something that most people can relate with.

On one hand, K&S is full of punches that will make you laugh out loud; on the other hand, it is full of moments that will make you cry.

Kudos to director Shakun Batra for turning something really ordinary into something so beautiful!

The cavalcade of colors: Holi

O Rang barse, bhige, chunar wali rang barse…

The festival of colors is around the corner and we can already hear people crooning to the popular Bollywood melodies. Owing to the courtesy of the lively tracks like ‘Balam Pichkari..’, Holi has become the next big event of the year.

Known not just for its vibrant colors and zeal but also for its mouth-watering dishes, Holi is one festival you just don’t want to miss. With Gujiyas, Phirni, Chat and Thandai being served from all directions, this festival is a treat for all the food lovers where they get to savor all their favorite delicacies without a shred of regret!

As vivacious as it gets, Holi is one festival, which is equally famous and accepted everywhere. The striking display of colors is not only intriguing but also alluring in a way that it naturally helps people to bond and connect over a simple statement of ‘Bura na mano, Holi hai!’. The spirit and energy are simply contagious, as you cannot help yourself from jumping into what otherwise looks like a complete ruckus.

What the world says is the ‘Indian Tomatina’, is not only celebrated in various parts of India but also has its influence in several parts of the world. The Color Run in the United States is one of the many examples where Holi has been modified for a greater cause. This Indian festival is also organized as a partying event across the globe, highlighting its role not only as a source of merriment but also in establishing communal harmony.

Colorful splash of water balloons, playing with water pistol known as ‘Pichkari’ and applying color to your friends and family, could it get any better? Holi sets a celebratory mood unlike no other festival throughout the year and it doesn’t matter whether you live in Barsana or Bangaluru or whether you live in Maharashtra or Manipur, Holi is one festival people celebrate with equal enthusiasm everywhere.

India is a culturally diverse land and everything comes in versions. This is true for Holi as well. Being celebrated across the country within different cultures, every state has its own story explaining the significance of this zealous festival. For Gujarat, Holi is a two-day affair, where on the first day bon-fire is lit and on the second day called “Dhuleti”, colors are applied.

Barsana, a small town near Mathura celebrates “Lath Mar Holi” wherein the women use sticks to beat up the men in the Radha Rani temple. Holi in Bihar is known as “Phaguwa” and is celebrated in form of a two-day festival, where bon-fire is lit on the first day and colors are applied on the second day.

Bengal observes a slightly different tradition. Holi in the state is called “Dol Jatra” and is celebrated by placing idols of Lord Krishna and Radha on an exquisitely decorated palanquin, which is then taken around the main streets of the city. In Manipuri people celebrate Holi for 6-days, and the celebration merges with the festival of Yaosang.

In Andhra Pradesh, Holi is celebrated along with Basant Panchami, where as in Punjab Holi is preceded by Holika Dahan.

From North to South, from East to West, Holi is one festival, which unites us like no other festival does.

No matter how diverse our cultures might be and however different we might be in celebrating our festivities, the underlying feeling always remains unchanged. While connecting us to our roots, these festivals permeate the feeling of brotherhood and tolerance. Thus, weaving us closer together as a country and as fellow humans.

After Delhi, AAP to party in Goa

After sweeping the streets of Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ready to rock-and-roll and this time its taking the party to Goa.

Though AAP has made no official announcement in this regard, word is that the party is eyeing to contest in all 40 constituencies of Goa and is likely to make a formal announcement in next two months.

If AAP poster boy Arvind Kejriwal is preparing to clean Goa off all its 'corrupt officials' using his famous 'Jhaadu', then we are surely up for some fun and DRAMA!

After all who would want to miss the most happening party of the year, specially when its in Goa?

However, the real fun will begin if AAP comes into power. With no Congress to blame and no power tussle with BJP to complain about, how will AAP work? Against whom will AAP demonstrate and waste crores in putting up banners, if they are sole entity in power?

If tables turn, how will AAP cope with the waxing and waning tides of Goa, which happens to be an international tourist destination?

It will be interesting to see how Bikinis, Babes and Booze live with the Broomstick.

Fingers crossed folks, coz this party is just getting started!!!

Nationalism Vs. Pseudo-nationalism

The term “patriotism” is in vogue these days and everybody seems to be talking about it. People are raising slogans and holding marches to demonstrate their love for the country.

Students across the nation are holding demonstrations to protest against the ongoing injustice; lawyers on the other hand, are leaving courtrooms and carrying out processions against all the ‘anti-national’ elements of the society; and the police is turning a blind-eye towards everything.

Sadly, this is not the end. The scenario is such that people are being branded as ‘anti-nationals’ and charged with ‘sedition’.

The atmosphere is so charged up that it is giving the looks and feels of the era of Indian freedom struggle, except that this time everything is in the greys.

To counter the impact of the ongoing events (JNU row), all central universities across the country have decided to install the national tricolor ‘prominently and proudly’ in their campuses. The idea is that flying the national flag will instilling nationalism and pride in the students and the countrymen.

However, the question is that will it actually serve the purpose?

Another important question that looms at this juncture, when people are being explicitly classified in two categories- patriots and traitors, is that is hoisting the national flag the only symbol of patriotism?

Oxford dictionary defines Patriotism as ‘the love of your country and willingness to defend it’.

If that is true, then isn’t patriotism reflected in the way we fight to make our country a better place and the ways we stand up to hold its values?

If patriotism is a feeling and our actions, its indicators, then isn’t any action threatening to disrupt the peace in the country in any way, anti-national? Isn’t any action downing the pride and glory of our nation simply betrayal?

Recently, lawyers in the national capital despite of the orders of the Supreme Court of India, created a ruckus outside a Delhi court on by showering a youth with beatings. The following day, they held a procession against the so-called ‘traitors’ present in the society.

If members of the judiciary start challenging their own constitution and act in ways that challenges discipline in the society, then how will the country function? How will India function?

In this era, where we talk about the ‘power of choice’ with so much confidence, are public trials and slogan chanting really acceptable? Or is this the age of pseudo-nationalism, where words mean more than the actions and creating chaos is the new method of defending one’s country?

If chaos is the new order and laws are restricted to the ‘common people’, is freedom, in its absolute sense, defunct?

Further, if agents of justice betray the country in the most basic sense, where will the nation and the nationalism go?

Is one day really enough?

Valentine’s Day is just hours away and I can’t help but wonder why do we have just one day to celebrate our love towards our partners?

In the words of Rabindranath Tagore, “love is the only reality and is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation.”

If love really is that powerful and vital then shouldn’t it be celebrated every day? Shouldn’t we often take the time and e have efforts to remind our closest people how much they mean to us? Shouldn’t we express our gratitude towards them more frequently than we usually do?

Or does one day cover up for the remaining 364 days of the year?

We have Mother’s Day to celebrate the bond between mothers and their children; we have Father’s Day to thank our dads for their protection and support; we even have Brother’s Day and Sister’s Day to celebrate the bonds that we share with our siblings, but is having just one day really enough?

Is it ok to celebrate one day and ignore our loved ones other times?

Love is an eternal feeling and it makes us a better person. While being loved by someone gives us strength, loving someone gives us courage. No matter what the bond the is, the feeling remains the same and requires nourishment.

However, if we hurt someone close to us, even a fancy restaurant, red roses and a dozen expensive gifts can never make up for it.

So, if you truly love someone don’t wait for a year to admit that you do. Every day counts, every moment is precious.

Spend time together; surprise them often; flirt with them like you’re still 16; show how grateful you are and never value your ego more than the person you care about. Coz when you love someone, every day is the day of love...

Too much or too little?

They say knowledge is power and information is liberating.

But is it entirely true? Is knowing everything really a boon or is there more to it?

Knowledge is powerful. It can either set you free or pull you down under its weight.

But with great knowledge comes great responsibilities and with extra-ordinary information come some agonizing limitations.

On one hand, knowing too much before the right time can be restraining, but on the other hand, knowing too little can be equally perilous.

So when do we draw the line? How do we decide whether what we know is too little or too much?

We chase answers all our lives. We seek what is unknown, and yet when we have all the answers, it’s not enough. We crave for more. It’s like an eternal thirst that can’t be quenched.

The interesting question here is, what would happen if we knew things even before they happened? Would it avert accidents? Would it lessen the pain of tragedies?

There is no definite answer but its safe to say that it would do no good in any situation.

Future is indefinite and our each and every action holds the potential to change it.

On one hand knowing about a happy ending would make us too lethargic to act in a way that would get us the desired outcome, on the other hand, knowing about a calamity would drain us in a way that we would cease to live in the present.

The fact is that no one can live with the burden of knowing too much before the right time for a long time.

So when they say that ignorance is bliss, they say it right. In some cases, its better to close your eyes and be blind to the future than being a silent spectator to what cannot be changed.