Another eventful year comes to an end with the last of its holidays going on. Every year Christmas reminds me of my Christian Missionary school days. Mary Immaculate Girls' High School celebrated the festival loaded with activities. It was fun to watch some bright students enacting Mother Mary and looking innocently at the baby Jesus (it was a doll, except for one year when a real baby was used). Of course, girls who got the role were teacher's favourite and star students of the school. They were remembered for the rest of the year as 'oh-the-girl-who-got-the-lead-role.' But I remember my role as a shepherd or a king. I used to be so happy to be a part of the drama (I wonder why as these roles never had any dialogues or even movements on stage. We just had to stand in one place and smile at the baby doll).
Another thing I remember is the yummy strawberry ice cream. It wasn't exactly yummy but it was provided by the school and holidays were due next day made it taste good. I don't remember but I think we had some take-home gifts as well. Like a pencil, scale and eraser set. And of course the lovely Santa who threw toffees at kids engrossed in the play.
These things were not exotic or fun in today's grown-up sense but somehow completed my picture of a complete happy christmas. They are a part of my good-old-days-memory now. Merry Christmas and a very happy new year. :)
Thursday 25 December 2008
Monday 1 December 2008
Y do we get scared and then rise again the next morning with a smile?
Yes, as predicted it's about the latest 'terror' events that took place in Mumbai. I wonder why do I feel scared and uncertain immediately after any such incident takes place but forget everything about it after a month or two?
It happened to me after the July 2006 attacks when I was dead scared to enter a train and as soon as i would enter it, I would frantically \check the space beneath the berths and the luggage space above. But I do not remember when I stopped doing that.
Now again, for four days when I was literally holed up inside my home, I was scared at night and would shiver at the first rustle of leaves outside. The darkness would seem like consuming me and I couldn't sleep at night. Mom's not at home and dad would come late making matters worst.
I really wonder, is it good to forget things or such terror incidents? Is it only me who forgets them or is it in human nature to erase the past that traumatises you?
Only psychology experts ca answer that question. Meanwhile all I can say is, it helps me 'live a life'.
It happened to me after the July 2006 attacks when I was dead scared to enter a train and as soon as i would enter it, I would frantically \check the space beneath the berths and the luggage space above. But I do not remember when I stopped doing that.
Now again, for four days when I was literally holed up inside my home, I was scared at night and would shiver at the first rustle of leaves outside. The darkness would seem like consuming me and I couldn't sleep at night. Mom's not at home and dad would come late making matters worst.
I really wonder, is it good to forget things or such terror incidents? Is it only me who forgets them or is it in human nature to erase the past that traumatises you?
Only psychology experts ca answer that question. Meanwhile all I can say is, it helps me 'live a life'.
Thursday 9 October 2008
Inspire!
My source of inspiration recently was none other than Ram Jethmalani himself. No no, do not get me wrong by saying oh so I like him which means I favour RNRL, the company which he is fighting for in high court. This inspiration is of a different kind and also stays strictly to that quality and not the complete person himself. Mr Jethmalani must be really old (he looks like at least 75 to me God knows what his age is though). He inspired me when I saw him in court standing for three hours at a stretch and speaking non-stop.
Here I keep complaining of standing for such a long time when the hearing begins but this man just keeps on going for ever. One might say that he is paid for that but it also means that even at this age he is so valuable and considered so important that high profile cases keep coming to him.
All I want to say is, Ram Jethmalani inspired me to make myself that valuable a person who can withstand obstructions like age-factor and never look like a helpless fellow!
Here I keep complaining of standing for such a long time when the hearing begins but this man just keeps on going for ever. One might say that he is paid for that but it also means that even at this age he is so valuable and considered so important that high profile cases keep coming to him.
All I want to say is, Ram Jethmalani inspired me to make myself that valuable a person who can withstand obstructions like age-factor and never look like a helpless fellow!
Saturday 21 June 2008
Annoying calls
It has been a nightmare since I got my account in HDFC. They all start by asking, "Madam, aapka profile bohot achcha hai. You can apply for our gold credit card which is valid internationally. The gold credit card suits your profile too." I asked her what she meant by a 'good profile'. Quick came the reply, "Your company has a good name and reputation. It is in our good books."
I fail to understand how does it matter whether our company has a good repute? The company can throw us out any time. Their so-called 'gold' and 'silver' credit cards won't come to save our necks then. I also don't know how do other consumer finance companies get our numbers and other details. It was hilarious when I got a call today from one of these 'lenders'. He asked whether I was interested in getting a car loan. I am like, Dude! I have not yet even got my full month salary. I have just started out as a trainee. I don't know why they keep calling without doing a complete background check.
But I must say, I feel privileged after getting such calls. I mean I know how difficult it is for one to sustain a job but there are actually people out there who think 'Oh! she must be some big shot. Let's ask her if she would be interested in this service or offer.'
I fail to understand how does it matter whether our company has a good repute? The company can throw us out any time. Their so-called 'gold' and 'silver' credit cards won't come to save our necks then. I also don't know how do other consumer finance companies get our numbers and other details. It was hilarious when I got a call today from one of these 'lenders'. He asked whether I was interested in getting a car loan. I am like, Dude! I have not yet even got my full month salary. I have just started out as a trainee. I don't know why they keep calling without doing a complete background check.
But I must say, I feel privileged after getting such calls. I mean I know how difficult it is for one to sustain a job but there are actually people out there who think 'Oh! she must be some big shot. Let's ask her if she would be interested in this service or offer.'
Dera Sacha Sauda and the recent violence
I have a problem when people talk of religion as a reason to fight. I mean why does a Guru Ram Rahim Singh have to strut around looking like Guru Gobind Singh?
He knew it would garner more publicity. And now, his bodyguards did not think twice before shooting one of the protesters. Why do these so-called 'spiritual leaders' decide that they are equal to some 500-600 years old spiritual leader? And above all, how on earth does a common man follow these fakies? A peace-loving leader would not roam around with a fully loaded gunman for once. He is a spiritual leader for God's sake! Give examples of peace and non-violence rather than cheap publicity.
The protesters who created ruckus in Central railway line in Mumbai are also to be blamed. But it will take some time for a common man to understand that such incidents are highly politicised and the best way for opponents to throw mud at the ruling party.
I will not be surprised if the protest becomes nation-wide tomorrow. And of course! In such cases never blame the police. They are all hand-in-glove with these protesters.
(originally posted on 21 June 2008 on http://zippy-famousfour.blogspot.in/2008/06/dera-sacha-sauda-and-recent-violence.html)
(originally posted on 21 June 2008 on http://zippy-famousfour.blogspot.in/2008/06/dera-sacha-sauda-and-recent-violence.html)
Tuesday 10 June 2008
Damn the Life!
Well, after looking at the title don't think I am going to commit suicide or something. For me life right now is happy-go-lucky (touch wood!). But I do get initial pangs of frustration. There are also times when I feel like a dead wood.
Anyways, I was thinking about my job and stuff (usual thing I do when in local trains at night) when suddenly a Gujarati family came and made themselves comfortable around me. With legs crossed, chappals on seats (eeeow!) and opening their chatter boxes, the ladies made it impossible for me to enjoy the rains outside and the wonderful breeze inside the compartment. I quickly changed seats to find solace elsewhere.
I realised that my new companions were quite different from what I usually see. They had heavy make-up applied with large eyes almost popping out but neatly bordered with kohl. It was a bunch of six ladies, all decked in make-up. It didn't ring any bell initially but only when one of them spoke on phone about her pregnancy did it strike me. They were bar dancers! The one who was talking about her pregnancy kept saying, "Aaj toh koi collection hi nahi hua. Sangeet teacher ne bhi kaha. Sirf 200 rupees kamaiye. Chalo, aane jaane ka kharcha toh nikal gaya." Her name was Kajal and she complained that one of the doctors in Mira Road advised her to abort the baby because during pregnancy she is not supposed to take any medication. She was taking some pain killers and still the doctor advised her on not taking the pills. She was given pills worth Rs 3000 to abort the baby I guess. (I am not sure about the purpose of the pills)
The ladies also kept saying that because their collection was so low today, they will not go tomorrow. I cannot recall all the names but there was also one named Rosy.
All this while I was totally shocked to have sat beside a bar dancer. But as stations outside went by, my fear and initial shock was transferred into curiosity and sympathy (a perfect combination for a journalist). Indians have this craze of English medium schools and convent education. The ladies were also worried about their children's admission and education. It is heart-warming to know that after undergoing such hardships, they want to dream a nice career for their children.
But what surprised me the most was the fact that bar dancers have full-fledged families. It reminds us of the fact that no matter whatever the circumstances a mother will always think of her child first than anything else. I guess I am done for the day with this!
Anyways, I was thinking about my job and stuff (usual thing I do when in local trains at night) when suddenly a Gujarati family came and made themselves comfortable around me. With legs crossed, chappals on seats (eeeow!) and opening their chatter boxes, the ladies made it impossible for me to enjoy the rains outside and the wonderful breeze inside the compartment. I quickly changed seats to find solace elsewhere.
I realised that my new companions were quite different from what I usually see. They had heavy make-up applied with large eyes almost popping out but neatly bordered with kohl. It was a bunch of six ladies, all decked in make-up. It didn't ring any bell initially but only when one of them spoke on phone about her pregnancy did it strike me. They were bar dancers! The one who was talking about her pregnancy kept saying, "Aaj toh koi collection hi nahi hua. Sangeet teacher ne bhi kaha. Sirf 200 rupees kamaiye. Chalo, aane jaane ka kharcha toh nikal gaya." Her name was Kajal and she complained that one of the doctors in Mira Road advised her to abort the baby because during pregnancy she is not supposed to take any medication. She was taking some pain killers and still the doctor advised her on not taking the pills. She was given pills worth Rs 3000 to abort the baby I guess. (I am not sure about the purpose of the pills)
The ladies also kept saying that because their collection was so low today, they will not go tomorrow. I cannot recall all the names but there was also one named Rosy.
All this while I was totally shocked to have sat beside a bar dancer. But as stations outside went by, my fear and initial shock was transferred into curiosity and sympathy (a perfect combination for a journalist). Indians have this craze of English medium schools and convent education. The ladies were also worried about their children's admission and education. It is heart-warming to know that after undergoing such hardships, they want to dream a nice career for their children.
But what surprised me the most was the fact that bar dancers have full-fledged families. It reminds us of the fact that no matter whatever the circumstances a mother will always think of her child first than anything else. I guess I am done for the day with this!
Saturday 7 June 2008
Hunting for stories
The term used by many journalists 'hunting for stories' holds true in many ways. We at Economic Times literally hunt for stories. Being in a business paper makes it difficult to think of stories with a business angle. I will have to remember the famous saying 'Follow the money'. Now whenever I think of any story, the first thing that comes into my mind is 'How big is the industry?' 'Is it new or will people be interested in reading about it?'
The training I have received at ET so far is giving me immense exposure. It gives me a sense of the system and pay of course!
The training I have received at ET so far is giving me immense exposure. It gives me a sense of the system and pay of course!
Monday 7 April 2008
India's best journalists in a street corner building
Today the ACJ campus was abuzz with placements happening in every possible classroom. This has been the norm since April 1, 2008. We got another interesting compliment from Shivnath Thukral, Managing Director NDTV Profit. He said,"It is unbelievable to see India's best journalists coming out of a street corner building surrounded by commercial market from all sides."
NDTV Profit was probably late in thinking to recruit people from Asian College of Journalism. They realised their folly and are now openly ready to poach into other organisations and offer much more.
I guess for us (students at ACJ), it is really the best time to be in this field. If one looks at the placement trajectory at ACJ then maximum recruiters are either business newspapers or business TV channels. Each one fishing for the best and giving the best offer ever possible for a fresher.
Students have pocketed more than two jobs on an average this year. It is amazing to see how much media houses scout for ACJ's talent. I personally feel it's all in the brand. You study under the best brand, you get out with the best brand job in hand. It's a cycle.
BUT IT'S A CYCLE WITH WAYYYYY TOOO MUCH OF MOOLAH!! Im happy though, graduating from 5000 rs to 24k rs makes a good bet!
Let the media war continue... :)
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/07/stories/2008040754951300.htm see my photo in The Hindu
NDTV Profit was probably late in thinking to recruit people from Asian College of Journalism. They realised their folly and are now openly ready to poach into other organisations and offer much more.
I guess for us (students at ACJ), it is really the best time to be in this field. If one looks at the placement trajectory at ACJ then maximum recruiters are either business newspapers or business TV channels. Each one fishing for the best and giving the best offer ever possible for a fresher.
Students have pocketed more than two jobs on an average this year. It is amazing to see how much media houses scout for ACJ's talent. I personally feel it's all in the brand. You study under the best brand, you get out with the best brand job in hand. It's a cycle.
BUT IT'S A CYCLE WITH WAYYYYY TOOO MUCH OF MOOLAH!! Im happy though, graduating from 5000 rs to 24k rs makes a good bet!
Let the media war continue... :)
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/07/stories/2008040754951300.htm see my photo in The Hindu
Monday 24 March 2008
What’s in an identity?
What is an identity according to you? I tried to look up for the definition on the net but got thoroughly confused. There are various forms of identity; gender identity, cultural identity, national identity and the latest, digital identity.
As far as acknowledging my own identity is concerned, I only realised I was a Maharashtrian when I came to Chennai. In Mumbai, my identity was that of a Marwari (a community from Rajasthan). Though I haven’t travelled abroad yet, my friends and relatives staying there made me realise that an Indian Hindu or Muslim share the same identity that of being an Indian.
When these people return to India, they come with a distinct identity of NRI (Non-Residential Indian). Sarah Jacob, a student in Chennai says, “I have never been to Delhi but from what other people have told me, it certainly colours my perception of the city.”
The maximum number of times, a person must have encountered the question of his identity is when bio-data for matrimonial proposals is prepared. What is your gotra? Are you from the same caste? And many more such questions.
When a Hindu and a Muslim from India stay in London, they form a group of their own due to the similar identity of one motherland. But back in India, that same Hindu or Muslim will make his own group based on similar religion, caste etc. Or if not make friends based on religion at least hold prejudices and have slight contempt for the other religion. As Navya, a student recalled, “My cousin Sachit stays in Mumbai, he once mistakenly dashed his motorcycle on a group of Muslim boys standing nearby. The boys immediately asked him his name. His name sounded like Urdu to them so, they left him saying apni hi biradari ka aadmi hai (he is from our religion).”
I wonder whether this trouble with identity arises only in metropolitan cities. Few of my friends who hail from rural or small town areas say that only big cities have clashes and riots based on religion or place. In Mumbai, MNS and previously Shiv Sena have created problems for people from outside Maharashtra and for non-Hindus. In Delhi, soon after the Sikh riots there were tensions between Hindus and Sikhs.
In villages, one does not encounter such a friction between two religious identities because the place will generally have people belonging to a same religion. E.g. most of the small towns and villages in Haryana have Hindu population. The distinction between identities in villages is based on caste or work. In Haryana, people differentiate between a Brahmin and a Jat for instance. A person from upper caste will attach more respect than a lower caste farmer. The Sarpanch (Head of the village) will command fear and respect even when he walks in others’ homes.
So clashes between different identities occur in all places whether developed or underdeveloped. And political parties with strong religious identities take full advantage of the clashes between them. If BJP has his Hindutva identity against Muslims and Christians then Congress has the identity for lower caste against the upper caste. However the question is ‘is it really necessary to have so many identities? I feel identities are the root cause for all wars in the world. What do you think?’
(also posted on the same date on http://zippy-famousfour.blogspot.in/2008/03/whats-in-identity.html)
As far as acknowledging my own identity is concerned, I only realised I was a Maharashtrian when I came to Chennai. In Mumbai, my identity was that of a Marwari (a community from Rajasthan). Though I haven’t travelled abroad yet, my friends and relatives staying there made me realise that an Indian Hindu or Muslim share the same identity that of being an Indian.
When these people return to India, they come with a distinct identity of NRI (Non-Residential Indian). Sarah Jacob, a student in Chennai says, “I have never been to Delhi but from what other people have told me, it certainly colours my perception of the city.”
The maximum number of times, a person must have encountered the question of his identity is when bio-data for matrimonial proposals is prepared. What is your gotra? Are you from the same caste? And many more such questions.
When a Hindu and a Muslim from India stay in London, they form a group of their own due to the similar identity of one motherland. But back in India, that same Hindu or Muslim will make his own group based on similar religion, caste etc. Or if not make friends based on religion at least hold prejudices and have slight contempt for the other religion. As Navya, a student recalled, “My cousin Sachit stays in Mumbai, he once mistakenly dashed his motorcycle on a group of Muslim boys standing nearby. The boys immediately asked him his name. His name sounded like Urdu to them so, they left him saying apni hi biradari ka aadmi hai (he is from our religion).”
I wonder whether this trouble with identity arises only in metropolitan cities. Few of my friends who hail from rural or small town areas say that only big cities have clashes and riots based on religion or place. In Mumbai, MNS and previously Shiv Sena have created problems for people from outside Maharashtra and for non-Hindus. In Delhi, soon after the Sikh riots there were tensions between Hindus and Sikhs.
In villages, one does not encounter such a friction between two religious identities because the place will generally have people belonging to a same religion. E.g. most of the small towns and villages in Haryana have Hindu population. The distinction between identities in villages is based on caste or work. In Haryana, people differentiate between a Brahmin and a Jat for instance. A person from upper caste will attach more respect than a lower caste farmer. The Sarpanch (Head of the village) will command fear and respect even when he walks in others’ homes.
So clashes between different identities occur in all places whether developed or underdeveloped. And political parties with strong religious identities take full advantage of the clashes between them. If BJP has his Hindutva identity against Muslims and Christians then Congress has the identity for lower caste against the upper caste. However the question is ‘is it really necessary to have so many identities? I feel identities are the root cause for all wars in the world. What do you think?’
(also posted on the same date on http://zippy-famousfour.blogspot.in/2008/03/whats-in-identity.html)
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