Terror: The terrible word of modern day living

With everybody writing something or the other about the current situation where we are almost everyday faced with the terrible six-letter word of modern day, TERROR, I feel tempted to write about it myself and let known what I feel about it.

This weekend we dined out. While seated and zeroing on the order, we were confronted with desperate calls from the manager of the fancy restaurant asking the gatherings whether anyone has forgotten a big black ladies bag in the waiting area. Every ear shot up and people stared at each other’s faces. After a few repetitions, it turned out one stupid looking woman, who happened to be just too be busy with her food, had failed to listen and respond the manager’s call. She suddenly rose up exclaiming, “Haan… Haan…” when her kid pointed out, “Mumma, where’s your bag?” Thanks to the kid, as the rest of us in the outlet were by now already prepared to gather our belongings and rush out. So etched in the minds of the common man is the terror of the word TERROR.

Anyway, that was on a lighter note. But seriously, the situation is bleak. People have stopped going to crowded areas, travel in the Metro or even venture out on weekends. Now, with the festive season coming up, the businesses are likely to go down rather than shooting up. This morning news poured in of a stampede at a famous temple when rumours about a bomb erupted. Somewhere around 200 people died, I heard. Even more than the toll of the Mehrauli Bomb Blast in Delhi last Saturday. Should we keep away from religious places too?

That day someone asked me, “Oh! You must be afraid of venturing out nowadays. Aren’t you?” A bit confused, I asked “Why exactly should I be?” and pat came the reply, “Arre, because of the bombings, you know. Everybody nowadays is scared of going out of their houses.” I smiled but didn’t answer. Later, I thought about it. I don’t think I am scared. No, I am definitely not scared of death because when it does strike probably I wouldn’t even have the time to realise the terror of it. But, still I would not risk my life just for adventure sake. For, after a person is gone, although it is for him/her that general people may think about or cry or miss, but in reality, the loss is of the family he/she leaves behind. They have to bear the constant reminder of the person gone every day, every moment. This is made worse when they tackle the knowledge that the death was not natural and that the person did not really deserve to die. It was simply some fanatic trying to prove some point, all in the name of religion, but which no religion propagates. Ask them, did death ask the dying man’s religion before sweeping him along?

The day after the first blasts on September 13, 2008, when life returned to normality, the media and the radio jockeys were all gung-ho about the spirit of Delhi, not to let these acts affect the Delhiites. The second blast, two weeks later, did not dampen the spirit as well. We, for example, were about to go out when news pored in. We did not stay back – went ahead about our plan, only avoided the Metro as a precaution. The Media again applauded the undying spirit of Delhi while pointing out the security services’ failure. I wished I could ask these Cheerleaders, did the Delhiites (or may be any other Metro’s people) have a choice. Life in a Metro is so dependent on people having to move out of their houses, travel in public or self-owned vehicles, how long did you expect them to sit at home and watch the stupid politicians express regret and comment on the increased security measures, or listen to the media covering stories on the dead and their families, confronting them with constant reminders of their loss when all they want is to be left alone with close family and friends in their time of grief.

No, we move on. We move on more so because all our near and dear ones, by God’s grace, have been spared of the horror. We move on because we feel that God is on our side and this cannot happen to us. We move on because we think we are safe – we only carry on with our monotonous life between home and work and we are away from all this chaos. We move on because we forget that those who are dead or injured were probably also God’s children carrying out their usual daily chores. We move on because we forget that we are just as vulnerable as the unlucky people who have lost their lives. We move on because we forget that our vigilance and cooperation with the state security is just as important in tackling this situation as the increased security measures. How many people get their tenants and house-helps verified by the police fearing it will spoil our image or question our trust in them? How many of us see a strange looking person and inform the police wondering how embarrassing would it be if he’s just an innocent passer-by? How many of us look around and under our seats while travelling in public transports, more concerned about grabbing a place to sit rather than being vigilant of our surroundings. How many of us actually go to the police and discuss anything strange we might have observed fearing unnecessary harassment by the police and the media? True, the Police and Media should work and improve their reputations of harassers but even before pointing this out to them, we the citizens, should improve our image as on-lookers and rather be known as knowledgeable, aware and enlightened persons.

The woman in your life...

Just one of those forward e-mails…. But, how true….

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Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry her with these facts as well.

Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are; who is earning or may earn almost as much as you do;

One, who has dreams and aspirations just as you have because she is as human as you are;

One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements

One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;

One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family, name

One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen

One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more, and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother, a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;

One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;

Yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can, but won't, simply because you won't like it, even though you say otherwise

One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met;

One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important, relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some and trust her;

One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding, or love, if you may call it.

But not many guys understand this.....

Why Jason Bourne is more of a Superhero than Spiderman, Superman, Krrish et al?

I am fascinated by Jason Bourne. If that’s the beginning of this article, you may expect what is about to follow. I have read the first two books of Jason Bourne back-to-back and the third one almost half way through. Further, I have seen the three Bourne movies twice over. I love Jason Bourne, even with Amnesia. Now, I have also seen Krrish many times, the three Spiderman movies, bits and pieces of Superman Returns and I liked them too, but only for their special effects and cinematic experience. As a kid, I have read Spiderman and Superman comics but I was never addicted to them. So, I am definitely not a big fan of Spiderman, Krrish or Superman for that matter.

If you ask me why, here’s the answer. In my opinion, Jason Bourne is a real Superhero as compared to the others. All the rest, Spiderman, Superman and Krrish have Super-natural powers. If Spiderman acquired his powers from a deadly spider-bite, and Krrish inherited it from his father, Superman does not even belong to the earth having come all the way from planet Kripto. But, Jason Bourne is as human as you and me. He’s sharp and intelligent, no doubt; but, still very much normal. His ‘skills’ (I would like to use this term instead of ‘powers’) are all acquired through training and practice. He has extensively adapted himself and trained himself to rise above the rest and become extra-ordinary.

It definitely cannot be an easy process of the likes of being bitten by a bug, or being born to a father who was granted special powers by an alien. It involved not just physical training, but changing ones entire mindset, thought-process and lifestyle. It definitely is time and effort consuming. Jason Bourne countered trauma, pressure and depression and still triumphed. To summon ones courage, target ones energies and channelize ones thought-process to constantly be on vigil, to do everything with a motive is impossible. How can one train oneself to perform in an organized manner even in a trance? To alter ones sub-conscious mind to always make you do everything confirming to ones motive. Yes, it’s impossible; but, Jason Bourne made it possible. In the movie “The Bourne Supremacy”, Nicky Parsons (played by Julia Stiles) comments, “That’s not a mistake. They don’t make mistakes. Everything they do has an objective.” This dialogue in itself embodies to what extent, the agent Bourne changed his personality. That’s why they are termed as “assets” and not “agents”. The disguises he assumed in the book then seem lot simpler to assume. To live in the dark alleys of the underworld, assuming the entity of a dreaded criminal Cain for three years with no contact whatsoever with the sane world he actually belongs to; requires some guts, stamina and courage. It’s enough to make any person go into depression, go mad and lose sanity. No doubt it took a toll on Bourne. But, the best part is despite the trauma, he’s at his natural best in dealing with the baddies, both from the CIA and the underworld.

Some may argue that the other Superheroes are more of a Superhero because they are working to save the world. But, heck even Bourne is doing all this to kill the world’s biggest criminal, Carlos the Jackal, and/or for self-defense. It is anyway better than flying down the buildings in New York (Spiderman) or Singapore (Krrish). How does the world savior ensure that the biggest of villains conveniently happen to reside in areas where he lives? At least, Jason Bourne is more realistic – a true Hero.

There will always be sunshine after the rain...

Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine,
after the rain ....
Perhaps you may stumble,
perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready,
To answer your call ...
He knows every heartache,
sees every tear,
A word from His lips,
can calm every fear ...
Your sorrows may linger,
throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish,
in dawn's early light ...
The Savior is waiting,
somewhere above,
To give you His grace,
and send you His love...
Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
"God always sends rainbows ....
after the rain ... "

To get out of difficulty, one must usually go through it!
P.S. I did not write this poem but found it worth putting on my blog for Inspiration. - Nishtha

How does a Job affect a woman?

It’s been a while since I have got back to work and a fascinating feeling has crept into my heart. I think a job is doing wonders to me. May be it does so to many other women like me too. I, for instance, have seen a world of difference in my overall personality off late. It’s only now that I realise that I had changed over the last four years since I quit my last job. My confidence level had dropped and my independence (both emotional and financial) was jeopardized. But, now I feel much like myself again. My self-respect has increased manifolds. Further, my idea of the person I am is very much like what I am now rather than what I was a few months ago.

Talking about Confidence first, I feel myself renewed. Just getting back to my beloved profession as an Auditor seems like a re-incarnation. Being surrounded by people who are intellectually and knowledgeably on the same or similar footing as me is exciting. It instills in me a feeling of being a sensible and intelligent person. This feeling is special because it gives me the courage and confidence to take decisions. Being a typical Libran, Librans being famous for being indecisive, this is something of great importance for me as a person because I am the first one to know my capabilities. Then again, the kind of respect that my profession per se begets elates me. This is a Personality Development chance in itself because it gives me an opportunity to discuss sensitive issues with senior management people in client companies – people who at times are more experienced than my total age and issues that they may not be ready to accept by and large – and convince them without being harsh and rude. My trust in my communication skills is tested time and again. I know it will help in every aspect of my life.

Now, self-respect is the biggest respect a human being can get and value. It comes with a lot of attributes. Being able to fulfill ones dream and chalk out a path for oneself is the basis of self-respect. Not having to look up to others in ones life for every minor issue is the foundation to self-respect. Being able to hold ones head up in thick and thin, owning up to all actions taken by one and priding in them when they bear fruit are equally important. It does loads to my personality too.

Coming to financial independence now, it’s certainly not so that I have started splurging myself or am being extravagant now that I am earning. Nor am I spending all my earnings away. I am not a mindless shopper and would buy something only when I am totally convinced about the thing I am buying. So, why am I talking about financial independence? The answer is that just having the knowledge that a certain amount ‘is being earned by me’; and that ‘it is lying there at my disposal’; and again ‘it has arrived there out of my sweat and toil’; and finally that ‘I have the first and foremost right over it’ is quite fascinating. I am thoroughly enjoying myself.

All in all, I think every woman should take up a job at least once in a lifetime, may be only for a while – just to see the change it brings in her life, to evolve her personality and gain some self-respect.

What all is wrong with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?

Well, I have read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (HP7) again. And this time, I did spot some flaws. May be its not even right to call them flaws after all, but there are rather quite a few diversions from the earlier books. Some people may agree with me and others may not, but this is my perception and I would love to pour them out. So, this might be a kind of late review from my side.

One of the reasons why I liked HP series was that I had a feeling that J K Rowling (JKR) thinks in many ways like I do. In previous books, she laid a lot of stress on the importance of education, on having a career, on friendships, and on tolerance in friendship. Not only that, she tries to propagate that women (females) are not secondary to anyone, and at times they may prove to be smarter than most men (through Hermione, of course). But in HP7, these are the very issues where JKR changes tracks. Or is it that the birth of a third child (a girl) has changed JKR's mindset.

After the sixth book when Harry, Ron and Hermione decided not to return to Hogwarts, I had apprehensions about the seventh book. And although the book is interesting for the whole of the plot, I feel she should at least have mentioned that after the war is over, all these people went back to complete their education. That they had a proper education and made their careers, etc. After telling us all how much Harry wanted to be an Auror, JKR simply omits telling us what career Harry and the others choose. Ron wanted to be an Auror too and Hermione had all the options open for her.

Then again, in all the earlier books (unlike HP movies), Ron and Hermione had almost equivalent parts to play. Though I admit that the climax usually belonged to Harry, but in HP7 they are almost reduced to sidekicks for the most part of the book. I had a feeling when Dumbledore left them bequests in his will that JKR envisaged a bigger participation for them. But alas it didn’t happen to be so. What a sheer waste of Hermione's intelligence and brilliance, and Ron’s loyalty and faithfulness. Even Ginny in the sixth book had become almost a part of the gang, but she is completely left out in the seventh book. We don’t even know whether she even fought in the war or not, as all of a sudden we are reminded that she is underage. Was she not underage, and all the others including Harry, in the fifth and the sixth book? But, there they all conveniently fought the death eaters.

Last, the biggest flaw in the book – the Epilogue. It was just so sugary sweet as to give us all Diabetes. It was as if all JKR was trying to do was to wrap up things so that she doesn’t have to write another HP book. After all those years we came to love Hermione for her intelligence, brilliance and sharp mind. Her future is highlighted as "Ok, she got married and had kids...." Now come on, she could have gone places. Even Ginny was seemingly intelligent what with Slughorn trying to induct her in his club. But she too was entitled to the same fate. In fact, apart from Neville, who becomes a Professor of Herbology at Hogwarts, JKR didn’t care to show what careers or basically the kind of life anyone chooses. When James comes and tells his parents that Ted Lupin is kissing his cousin Victoire (I assume she is Bill and Fleur’s daughter because of the French name but there’s no mention about it), all Ginny could manage to say was “Oh, it would be wonderful if they get married”. Seems like its Jane Austen writing the epilogue not JKR. Harry talks about his home. What home? Does he go back to live in Grimauld Place or some place else. May be not Grimauld Place because that is huge; and Harry’s home is not huge. If Ted comes over to live with them then both his sons would have to share a room. Then where did Harry go on to live really? It’s all guesswork here.

Further, some answers I expected in the book were left unanswered. What was the potion in the cave that Dumbledore drank in HP6? Why did it not affect Kreacher in the way it affected Dumbledore and Regalus? Before HP7 was released people were doing research telling us it was draught of death which is a very strong sleep inducing potion but doesn’t lead to death. Well, I never believed it and always thought Dumbledore was dead but expected to find out how. Besides, at the end of HP6 when Harry decided to go to Godric's Hollow, I thought finally I'll have answer to the one question that has been there in my mind since the initial chapters of the first book. What kind of work did Harry's parents do to amass such wealth for Harry? I couldn’t find out.

Further, who was the baby whom Dumbledore said that they can’t help in the Kings Cross Station? What was really the significance of having the baby there? Then again, what happened to Colin Creevy? Did he survive? JKR could have talked a bit about how life changed for the people who lost their loved ones, sad for their losses and yet happy about the end of dark days. We don’t even get any reaction from George on Fred's death. Come on, they were inseparable, partners in everything.

So as is evident, the biggest hitch I find in the book is to digest the Epilogue. If only she could have written a better one telling that they completed their education, are doing something worthwhile in life and how life became so normal for them as they achieved all their dreams; it would have been an exemplary book. After all, many kids idolize Harry Potter and love the books. They would have had something to emulate. Overall, I stick to my earlier review but somehow do not find myself connecting to the epilogue.

I still think that HP7 is an exciting book, way beyond my expectations. But a few complaints remain. In short, HP7 is an extraordinary escapist fiction with a few drawbacks. But then, books like humans can never be perfect.

I am not one of those you find in HP communities/groups on social networking sites and fan sites who do analysis on Harry Potter. I sometimes read them for the fun of it. Further, I am not here to criticize HP7. One can see that I am not finding any petty mistakes here like spells backfiring, etc. I am talking about JKR's change in ideology. It’s just that I thought that HP7 is different from other HP books in terms of morals it propagates.

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

N.B. This review was written on 03-Aug-07 and after almost a year since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (HP7) released, it may not be so relevant after all. However, I am still posting it here so as to supplement my upcoming post.

I have finally just finished HP7, and am so overwhelmed, I think it deserves a proper review; without revealing the plot, that is. So, don’t expect a spoiler here.

At the end of book 6, we came to know that Harry did not plan to go to Hogwarts and finish his education. I wondered then that whether a HP book without Hogwarts as its backdrop would be as exciting as the others. All my doubts are laid to rest as Hogwarts is not entirely ignored. The book is as exciting as it can be. It holds your interest right from the beginning till the end. J K Rowling (JKR) keeps peeling the wrapper off the surprises and all the unanswered questions piled up inside you over the last few years while reading the first 6 books. The book answers all the questions, raises many new ones and answers them all too.

I usually judge a thriller by the climax whether it raises excitement inside you or not; excitement to the level of not wanting to put the book down. Here, there is no "climax" as such because the whole book itself is a climax. You just don’t want to put it down right from the word go. I hated the book to keep me so engrossed so as to not wanting to put it down when I had to tend to my infant daughter and my household chores. Then again, now that I have completed it, it seems to have left an empty space behind, which I doubt any other book will be able to fill, at least for a while.

It actually breaks my heart to think that's it. That's the end. No more Harry Potter books. I wonder what JKR herself is feeling: relieved? empty? free? And no more excitement and hysteria surrounding a book release. My husband, who is not much of a book reader as such, is almost thankful that it’s the last HP book and that I am done with it. Sometimes I think, how often does it happen that half the book lovers in the world are reading the same book at the same time? Very rare, I think.

To sum up, the book is enthralling, enchanting and exhilarating. It’s simply superb and unmissable. As for the rating, I know some people have rated it 5/5. But, I don’t agree with them. I would at least rate it 7/5.