AK 47

The very mention of AK-47 brings to the mind a sophisticated weapon capable of creating terror and wreaking havoc, a potent weapon capable of inflicting colossal damage. When unleashed no mortal stands a chance of survival, such is its reputation. A reputation of being the darling, whoever puts his hands on it. A dreaded killing machine, a toy for the slayers. Such is its aura, that it has been awarded a cult status. A master piece amongst the automated weaponry. Every soldier, fighter or a criminal wants to have this in its armory. Whoever uses it, the results are going to be destructive, damaging. This is AK-47, the undisputed, undefeated king of assault rifles.

India's AK-47

Now, are you aware we have our own AK-47? C’mon jog your memory, think think think. Did you get it???? Nooooo? Ok. Let me introduce to you all, the equally dangerous, caustic, a loose cannon who can fire indiscriminately at any given instance, unstoppable, one who spews fire at the slightest provocation is none other than Arvindssssss Kejriwalsssss (AK) age 47.Off late this social activist turned politician has been firing verbal volleys left right and center with utmost regularity. He has been on a rampage taking potshots, firing non-stop at all his adversaries, be it the media, or Najeeb Jung, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, or our very own Prime Minister of India, H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi or for that matter anyone who does not toe his line. He has been crying on how the government at the center is posing hurdles in his anti-corruption drive and governance, but at the same time many of his own party members have been indulging in corrupt practices, or creating controversies. He has been doing theatrics on a daily basis than govern Delhi which his party won with a clear majority. His daily tirades, jibes, provocations provide a great time to the gossip hungry media houses and they aren’t complaining a bit. Such is the propensity of his loose talk and theatrics that we wonder if he is the same activist who showed great potential and verve to fight against the mal practices and corruption which is rampant in India. His entry into politics was like a breath of fresh air, but that dash seems have taken a back seat nowadays. His rants, diatribes try to cut a sorry picture of him, a helpless, gullible, good guy in the big bad world of politics. May be its true, but he is no saint either. He might not have indulged in corruption or other mal practices but his conduct, attitude remains questionable. His attitude of “My way or highway” has resulted in many good and capable cadres leaving him, but that has not stopped him from pushing his own agendas.

Magsaysay Award Winner

Not long ago a highly qualified, learned activist took India by storm by his no-nonsense attitude against corruption. He galvanized the youth of this country who had given up all the hope against the corrupt behemoths. They had resigned to their fate and saw no change in the system where no work was done without greasing the palms of the babus sitting across the table. His tenacity, credentials attracted many a youths of this country and they followed him in hordes literally. He was the symbol of change, ushering in good times and hope for good governance. His partnership with Anna Hazare sent shivers down the spine of the culprits and the government alike. He was the new poster boy of India, a Magsaysay award winner, who let go his job seeing rampant corruption around him and vowed to fight it hard. His effort and support of the people won him a place in politics and since then his rising stock has taken a serious beating.

Arvind Kejriwal Stand-Up Please

Maybe now he knows why Politics is called a dirty game and a resort for scoundrels. Arvind Kejriwal since then has come a long way and he is learning the traits to be a seasoned politician. His intentions might be correct, but most probably the big wigs in the politics are not leaving an inch for him to score and fulfill the promises made to the people. He might be a helpless guy getting stream rolled by the rich and the powerful, may be his good deeds are getting thwarted by the corrupt and seedy politicians, but that does not give him a license to cry foul at a drop of a hat and fire at all and sundry. He need to stop portraying himself as a victim and set his house in order and carry on with his job of delivering good governance. Playing politics make him look naive and an attention seeker, instead he should stick to his strength and be a template of good and non-corrupt governance. If he continues to delve into delivering results, no matter what he would have the last laugh. AK stand-up please.

Voice India Kids

The other day I was lazily browsing through various TV channels to spot something interesting. In my quest to look for entertainment I suddenly paused and stopped from browsing any further. I was bowled over listening to these smart, confident kids who were singing songs of all genre almost effortlessly with a lot of panache and self-assurance. What I was seeing was simply amazing as these kids were prodigies in their own right and confidence, enthusiasm was hallmark of their singing. Not even once they showed any weaknesses while singing or when they were speaking to the judges. Their singing prowess belied their age and their stamp of authority while singing was an inspiration to many. One after the other they came, performed and won many a hearts. I was no exception. While I was enjoying their performances, I had gotten rid of the remote and was glued to the TV not wanting to miss any of the performances. These god gifted kids proved once again that there is no dearth of talent in India and it resides in every possible part of India from well to do to poor families. The most heartening part of this entire spectacle was the support these kids got from their families, friends, society, neighbors. Parents deserve a special mention for supporting their kids no matter what happens. It was a sight to behold when parents were jumping with joy like an excited kid seeing their kids being appreciated by the judges. Tears rolling down their cheeks and the sense of happiness was endearing. Their hard work, dedication, sacrifices, perseverance had borne fruit.

Voice India Muted?

By now I had decided I was not going to watch anything but these kids who singing their heart out. Many a times I had goose bumps when these champions sang something extra ordinary, out of this world. I knew that moment god had taken special time to make these wonder kids who were further molded by their parents and teachers. While I was enjoying the performances something struck me bad, and as a result I was compelled to write this article. A young girl named Menaz Khan took the center stage and gave her best, but unfortunately the judges were not impressed and she failed to qualify. Winning and Losing is part and parcel of life and one must take it in its stride but what made me feel queasy was her story, her losing was rather unfortunate due to circumstances around her. The unfortunate girl is from Ajmer Rajasthan and the society, neighborhood where she stays does not allow girls to sing, dance or practice other hobbies as this is against their religion. Her father narrated his predicament which brought tears to my eyes and many. The poor girl was not allowed to take singing classes and she learnt while listening to the radio or the mobile. Now, what on earth makes someone feel singing is blasphemous or against the religion and not allow the girl to follow her dreams, desires? In doing so the oppressors were thwarting her progress, her wishes and shattering her dreams even before they get wings. The silver lining to the cloud, is her father who fought against the religious diktats and is determined to go to any lengths to see his beloved daughter learn singing and chase her dreams. Hats off to this brave father and may god give him all the strength and success he and his daughter deserves.

Taare Zameen Par

What moved me was, on one side parents, families, neighborhoods were doing everything possible to see their kids shine and get to learn things which they like. They were not leaving a single stone unturned to see their dear ones strive to learn things they loved. They were doing everything possible in their capacity to motivate them, give them confidence, sacrifice their own desires to see their kids dreams fulfilled. Some families were from remotest place in India where there are no facilities where their kids could learn music. They had to daily drive them on bicycle for many kilometers to get in a music school or class, but they had no hard feelings and were ready to put in effort for their kids. For them their kid’s dreams, desires were everything. On the other hand a girl was not allowed to learn music as it was considered sacrilege, her every endeavor to make life worthwhile was being crushed by so called religious diktats and practices. Her dreams to sing were being choked by archaic thoughts and ideas. Her life was being trampled by some insensitive elements. Instead of supporting her wishes they were being crushed ruthlessly. This girl must be considering herself so unfortunate amongst the lot of happy, smiling kids of her age and this was unnerving for me. I hope god gives enough strength to her father so that he can defy all odds and give what is best to his doting daughter. I hope good sense would prevail and no kid is barred from chasing his or her dreams due to any reasons and more so because of religion.

Organ Donation A Noble Deed, But...

Many of us in today’s world want to do something for the less privilege. We want to indulge ourselves in charities in some sort or the other and contribute to the society to which we belong. Many offer clothing, books, food, shelter to the deprived ones and contribute to the well-being and upliftment of the poor. Many, nowadays are extending this helping hand even further by pledging to donate their organs after their demise. This magnanimous gesture can give a new lease of life to many and bring in joy and hope amidst despair and despondency. What a noble deed indeed. Hats off to these brave, kind hearted Samaritans.

Organ Donation A Noble Cause

This is a story of many vociferous, do good people who decided to carry on their charity even after they were laid to rest. They all donated their organs so that the needy get a new life. They indeed had done a great service to the humankind when their organs were replanted into the bodies of people who needed them badly. Their families, society and many others lauded their noble gestures, spoke at length about their kindness and love for humanity sang peans in their memory. Equally, the recipients were indebted to these gentle souls who had brought happiness in their lives. For them the donors were heavenly sent messiahs, angels. They even recited their happiness and their experiences were published widely in newspaper, in digital media. Forums were held to propagate the importance of organ donation and the donors were extolled for their humaneness. These instances repaired the thoughts of many cynics who had lost faith in humanity and were skeptic when it came to good human nature. In short it restored faith in the minds of millions of people who were suffering from many maladies, and were desperate to reap the benefits of the largesse offered by the donors. It was such an inspiring story for all.

A Story Sans Happy Ending

Few years had gone by and there were news of deaths, medical complications, loss of eyesight, kidney failures and many cases of body dysfunctions. What startled many including me, was the cases observed were the same people who had received organ transplants few years back and it was no coincidence. What had happened? What went wrong? Who was to blame and many such questions were accosting the society. Media being a strong medium today were quick to jump at the apathy of today’s doctors, the negligence of the hospitals and the overall business that happens at the hospitals. Media personnel barged into the hospitals and carried out sting operations to show to the world the murky business carried out in the temple of gods on earth. Many NGOs arranged marches and shouted slogans against the doctors and the hospitals where these transplants were carried out. Some of the angry citizens pelted stones at the hospitals and even tried to attack the doctors for their inhuman approach in dealing with the gullible, helpless people. This story became a talk of the town with media stepping up the pressure. Criminal cases were filed against the doctors and the hospitals and investigation was underway.

The revelations made were baffling but not shocking. After detail investigations were done the police gave a clean chit to the doctors and hospitals where the transplants were done. If that was the case, who were at fault for the mishaps that happened? The police did not yet conclude on this query which stood in front of them unanswered. With more days gone by something came to the fore which sealed the case. All the donors were IT professionals. Now what someone’s profession had to do with the mishap when the donors were a respected white collared tribe? Now this would have been a genuine question for someone who is not aware of this tribe, but I being one of them I had got my answer. It was their fault and it was not their fault. Now let me explain this antithesis. It was not their fault in donating their organs, in fact it was one of the greatest deeds of their life but they should have thought before making this donation.

IT Prof A Doctor's Delight

Want To Be An IT Professional ?

IT professionals live a life in fast lane, late nights, insane hours of work, round the clock customer calls, sedentary life style with eyes glued to the computer screen for hours. The result is bad eating habits, excessive stress to name a few. To beat this stress, they take refuge in drinking and smoking, at times in excess and this makes them a doctor’s delight. Very less or no exercise make matters worse. An IT professional having spent more than 10 years in this environment is an abused body mired with many possible diseases in the form of bad eye sight and dry eye syndrome, damaged kidneys, liver, high blood pressure, mental stress, pain in almost every part of their body and much more. A recent article that I read thundered “IT professionals Wake Up”. The survey conducted was an eye opener for many in IT industry. More than 90% of people having heart attacks, High BP, depression, sexual problems, women unable to conceive, damaged eyes, Insomnia were from IT background. This is alarming to say the least. Two very apt acronyms namely DINKS (Double Income No Kids) and DINS (Double Income No Sex) are coined for IT professionals. They sound hilarious but are thought provoking.  Now just imagine people suffering from all these ailments resulting from decades of working in IT industry, donate their already overused and overworked organs, they are soon going to implode once in the recipient’s body. This is exactly what happened in case of the organ recipients, they got duped by the well-wishing donor’s overused organs. I won’t be surprised to see messages in hospitals reading “Donor’s with IT background need not donate their organs, they won’t be accepted”.

The above story is a figment of my WILD imagination and derived from the realities associated with an IT professional’s life and health.

WARNING: Please be aware of the donor’s profession before you say yes.