A note from that 'Indian'

I am an Indian,

* who talks about corruption and curses the politicians, the government servants but then I pay that 500 rupee customary note at the passport office to make the process smoother. 

* who can't sing the complete national song 'Vande Mataram'. It's difficult to remember.

* who needs national holidays to express and realize the feeling of patriotism, that extra bit which doesn't come on regular days. I even change my display picture with a national flag, but then I go back to my other photos after a couple of days.

* who sees that man by the footpath, dirty and disgusted. I feel sorry and I spare some change. I never ask the reason for his state. They are just, too many in India.

* who feels proud of the diverse culture, the heritage of India. But I also think that people from other states, they disturb my state, they spread dirt in my clean house.

* who wants to take a high paying job abroad, save in dollars and then come back to make a change. But may be, I'll settle abroad only, the standard of living is unmatched.

* who is concerned that big corporates are consolidating and are getting their way against unorganized farmers and shopkeepers but then I invest only in  blue chip companies in stock market because I need to be rational while investing and think about long term.

* who watches news about farmers protesting for their rights in the capital for last 2 months now and feels like supporting. So I log in on Instagram, twitter and my blog, and I join online campaigns and express my support. Then I eat my dinner and sleep on time, since I have a job and family too.

* who is gutted by the fact that a comedian has been in custody for almost a month now for a joke he didn't perform just because he has a Muslim name. So, I post about it on Instagram every once a while and keep the hashtag #freemanuwarfaruqui trending. What more can I do?

* who is even ready to step out and take an action for the cause of the nation, for sure. I am just waiting for other to start for me.

* who is practical. I know I can't make a change.

I wish only I am that Indian, not you. 

Jai Hind!

P.S. - Happy 72nd republic India. I can't be more proud of all the things we have achieved in the last 7 decades. Having said that, I can't be more cynical regarding the path we are headed to in the last 7 years. Indian is a secular country, has always been. Make no mistake. Here's hoping we are able to uphold the fundamental fabric of this constitution we celebrate the 72nd anniversary of today because, as John Oliver famously said in his talk show "India, the land of enduring symbol of love (The Taj Mahal) frankly deserves a lot more then this temporary symbol of hate (NaMo.)"  

Song of the day -  Here's a brilliant song I had heard when CAB protests were in full swing last year. Kafi kafi sarcastic. Do give it a listen here.

Humor of the day - Found this while randomly scrolling on internet. Can't agree more given the current context.

Also, #freemunawarfaruqui please. Pretty please. It's would be immensely sad for the comedy world and humanity if he stops pursuing comedy once out of jail (hopefully soon) and we lose out on this special talent and thousands of others who would have followed him just because someone in power can't take a joke. 

Cheers,

Me!

Two of a kind (Part 1/3)

Chapter 1

It was early evening by the time Sara reached Pelling, a small hill town in west Sikkim, India. She had planned to stay here for a day before travelling further west. “To travel is to live” she would say when people asked her motivation behind packing a backpack every second month and leaving on a mission to see the world one place at a time.

Pelling, situated on the foothills of Kanchenjunga mountain range is a relatively unknown suburb with the local Buddhist monastery being the only major tourist attraction but for Sara it was the perfect stopover. Unable to wait for the next morning, she decided to visit the monastery right away.

The Pelling monastery was a crumbling structure precariously placed on a small mountain.  There were places where not more than 3 people could go together as a safety precaution. At one such partially forbidden place in the monastery at the edge of a cliff, she lied down under the orange blue sky looking at the view of the mountains and the greenery while the sun started to set in the background - one of the many exquisite paintings’ nature had been kind to paint in and around the town. Monastery bells ringing in the background added to the soothing vibe and Sara almost didn't realize when sleep got the better of her. 

Next thing she remembered was waking up to a freak yet calm voice. There stood Raghav with 2 cups of piping hot black tea in his hand. Raghav, on a month-long excavation to conquer the Kanchenjunga mountains, was staying in the monastery for a week to get accustomed to the climate before starting on his trek. “Chai?” he asked her in an innocent tone half-knowing the answer as he handed her a cup and sat next to her overlooking the valley. How could she say no!

They sipped their chai in peace for the next few minutes. “So, what made you get me this cup of tea? I was dying for one.” Sara asked.

“Everything always works out because everything is a part of the one and only unity. The unity told me you needed chai. So, I got you one” He answered seriously but soon broke into a faint smile. “Sorry, too much of being around monks does that to you.” He said and they both shared a hearty chuckle. 

Chapter 2 & 3 to follow soon (hopefully!).

Photo clicked at Langza, Spiti. June-19.

P.S. - Merry Christmas everyone. 🤗 Almost can't wait for this year and covid to get over. Had so many travel plans in 2020 but someone thought it was a good idea to eat a bat :/ and damn, here we are!

Been in Bhopal for the better part of last 9 months now. It's a bitter sweet feeling. While I miss all the random gatherings & chill sessions with friends, been around parents for so long after a decade :) 

Can't wait for the day when I get vaccinated and stop using these dumb masks. Hopefully, sooner than later. Hopefully, we leave behind these covid woes in 2020 and have a fantastic 2021!

Song of the day - Floated by: Peter cat recording company. 

watch here

Thanks VK for introducing me to this gem. The whole Frank Sinatra, Bill Withers vibe in this song is so amazing. Do keep a watch on the video as well. The wedding footage is from lead singer Surya's own wedding and is so well done. 

Humor of the day -  

So so relatable. Follow poorlydrawnlines here.

Signing off. 

Cheers, 

Me.

An antithesis idea of this world

I have an antithesis idea of this world. I would like to live in it for a year. A day might sound very good rhetorically, but that isn't enough.

Where black would be the superior race and whites slaved in the past centuries. Africa would be what the USA is today. Japan would have dropped atom bombs over it. Russians would be what Greeks and Romans were. Where India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be one country. Pacific ocean would be a land locked mass.Middle East would be water majority and Chinese would be tall and handsome. Where Europe would be driven mad with civil wars. Russia would be the smallest country and New Zealand the largest. Capital of India would be Chennai.

The earth would spin clockwise. Sunny and warm weather at the poles and ice caps at the equator. We would have October, November and December as the 8th, 9th and 10th months of the year.  It would rain in April and winters in June. There would be two moons. One small and large. Where we would be aliens for some other planet. Where birds would be called fishes, fishes cats , cats dogs and dogs birds. Stars would look square rather than dots. Rainbows would be black and red.

It would be a matriarchal society and women would be driven by sex and men by materialistic ambitions. Golf would be the most exciting sport. Argentina would produce great cricketers.

But one thing I wouldn't change. You and me. :)