Monday, February 18, 2013
Rags to Riches - What Shashi can teach you?
Rags to Riches -- What Shashi can teach you?
Shashi was born on a full moon night at 11:55 pm on Wednesday,April 19th , 1985.This was one of
the most inauspicious days of the year.Shashi had unusually high amount of body hair.The doctor had to perform a hair
removal surgery as soon as Shashi was born as the childs face couldnt be seen due to the unusual hair growth.
Shashi was taken hom to a remote village in Attapadi,in Kerala.As is the custom in India,parents of Shashi called a
renowned astrologer to check their son's future.The astrologer was stunned to see Shash's horoscope.Jupiter and Mars were
on top of each other in the 1st house of the chart.This was a rare phenomenon indeed.Shashi had 2 yogams -- 1)Karadi yogam
which was responsible for the hair growth 2)Nithya Niranthana Ariyapedana yogam , which would give the recipient a mind
craving for fame and attention.
Thus ,Shashi started growing up in the hills of Attapadi.Shashi's childhood was uneventful.He completed his education
in a local koothara engineering and got placement in an MNC in Bangalore,India's IT hub.
Shashi packed his bag and left to Blore.The shift was a shock to our hero.When he opened the page 3 of Bangalore Times,his jaw
dropped open and he saw stars.Guys with 6 packs,interviews with film and sports starts and beautiful girls in mini skirts captured his imagination.
Shashi always thought that the entire world was an Attapadi.He was merely dumbfounded.
Shashi rented a 1bhk and also got himself an internet connection.He wanted to learn more about the new universe which he found himself in.Shashi wrote himself
2 goals in his diary :
1)To attain fame and have his profile in wikipedia by the age of 30.
2)To have a bank account of 1 crore by the age of 30.
Shashi was consumed by his rage within to become famous.He started frequenting places owhere the big and rich hang out.Shashi would wait in the parking lots and observe
the ways of the elite of society.He quickly realized that film stars,religious leaders and sports stars had the shutter bugs on them all the time.He also realized that in his
current profession , he would just waste his time sitting in front of a computer cathing all kinds of illnesses.His sould burned with jealousy and craving.
Thus Shashi zeroed in 2 areas where he would focus his attention :
1)Arts and films
2)Sports
3)Spirituality
A friend at office mentioned to Shashi that an inter-company cricket competition was starting from next week and the team selection was happening the next day.
Shashi reached the ground prompty after wearing 10 kilos of sunscreen to protect his glowing complexion.He had watched vidoes of Sachin's desert storm innings
at Sharjah and Kumble's 10 wickets haul to get himself charged up for the occassion.Shashi was asked to bat for 2 overs.He got bowled 10 times in 12 balls and
Shashi's sports dream ended.Thus point 2 was out of his list.The bowler who bowled him was prompty selected to the team.He had come ,hoping to get selected as a batsman
and got selected as the team;s numero uno bowler.
Strange are the ways of God indeed.
Shashi then shifted to point 3 - spirituality.Shashi immersed himself in the local library and started reading on tenets of Christianity,Hinduim,Islam,Zorastianism,
Scientology,Atheism ,Akbars Zin-e-elahi and other religious books.Shashi himself was agnoistic.He had gone to a Ganesha temple before his MNC interview and offered
the elephant God a cocunut.Just as he stepped foot outside the temple, a cocunut fell on his head.But the next day , he got his dream job as well.Shashi was confused.
The question looming on millions of minds loomed on him as well-Is there a God?
After much research ,Shashi compiled a book of 500 pages with his thoughts on spirituality.He found a publisher and got 20,000 copies of the book printed.Today ,after
10 years ,not even 1 copy of the book has sold.Thus point 3 was also out of his list.
But , to his credit ,Shashi had a never say die attitude.This was a do or die situation.He had to make it big in films.
Shashi started roaming around Ranga Shankara and other cultural centres around Bangalore,hoping to land a role in a play.After much struggle,Shashi got himself
selected into a role which had no dialoges to deliver or expressions to emote.However , he was on 7th heaven.The play was critically acclaimed and reported in the
local newspapers.This was Shashi's first tryst with fame and recognition.
High on confidence ,Shashi decided to start writing film reviews.As someone said,if you want to be associated with films but don't have the skills to make a film-
Be a film critic.Shashi bought himself an oxford dictionary for guidance.He started watching all movies released and started reading all the existing reviews of the movie.
After his research,he would open the dictionary and find hard to pronounce words and then look to fit them in a sentence.Shashi thus started writing film reviews and
gave it to local newspapers to publish.
Shashi wrote himself a wikipedia profile and uploaded to wikipedia every time he wrote a film review.Every time wiki pedia deleted it within a day.But Shashi kept trying.
An onsite opportunity came up for Shashi from his office to travel to California.Shashi was delighted as this would give him a chance to be near Hollywood.He
travelled to CA and started repeating his Bangalore operation there as well.He started writing film reviews of all Hollywood movies and kept creating his reference
in Wikipedia and Wikipedia kept deleting it.The cat and mouse game went on.
Wikipedia meanwhile published a top 10 list of people in the world who had submitted entries to Wikipedia.Shashi topped the list.This news article had captured
eyeballs across the world.Many news papers started interviewing Shashi' on his relentless pursuit to get into Wikipedia.Shashi was even invited to the radio station
to give a talk.Steven Spielberg ,happened to listen to this interview and was fascinated by the interview of Shashi and decided to meet him.
12th January ,2020 was an unforgettable day in Shashi's life.It was the day when he got a call from none other than Steven Spielberg.Spielberg spent a week Shashi
learning about his life story,understanding his psychology and body language and decided to make a movie on our hero.
The movie was named -- "Lust for Fame" .Tom Hannks played the role of Shashi.The movie went onto be a blockbuster and also won 10 Oscars.
Thus ,Shashi finally made it to Wikipedia !!
Moral of the story :: Who knows, there might be Tharoor in every Shashi.Its upto you to bring it out.Who do you want to be -- A Thoor or a Shashi??
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Technologies role in the Knowledge Revolution
This time ,India is not facing either of this but a propaganda by international powers on the very social and ethical fabric of India.There has been a systematic attempt by the foriegn powers on degrading the Indian society.
Osama Bin Laden had formally informed his Al Qaeda cadets that India has been an "incomplete chapter in the conquest of Islamic struggle" across the world.Bin Laden was flummoxed on how despite after 600 years of Mughal rule , India still remains 83 % Hindu.Then again India was ruled by 300 years of British rule.The British had a habit of establishing their culture wherever they went.For eg , they named the Ram Sethu as Adam's Bridge.The British should have been smarter in this case.The story goes that Adam crossed the bridge , but then who built it in the first place?
Coming back to the point , the youth of India is a cross bridge and it is very important that they trace their past to a common heritage.Latest DNA studies show that 80% if Asians even have Indian history which inturn means that all Indians trace their past to a common heritage.The ancestors of all Indians including the Christians and Muslims are Hindus which again shows that we are all part of the same family.There are vested interests who want to bifurcate India saying that Muslims in India trace their past to Mohammed Ghori and Ghazni.The latest DNA studies busts that theory.
Now, this is where the knowledge revolution has a role to play.Youngsters of India armed with interactive tools like facebook and twitter have instant access to information which are kept out from the public domain and this also gives them a chance to interact with real views. Indians need to realize that we trace our history back to an ancient culture of a glorious civilization.Max Mueller introduced a bogus theory bringing in the concept of Aryan invasion .The differentiation which the British kept referring to was Aryan and Dravidian.The word Dravidian in Sanskrit means Southern part implying that a Dravidian refers to a person coming from the Southern part of India.The color of people are different which is purely a case of skin pigmentation and have nothing to do with an Aryan invasion.
The impact of social media has been visibile in the last year -- with Karthi Chidambaram filing a case against a person who had tweeted against him.There were goons from Shiv Sena who barged a girls house for her comments agains Bal Thackeray on facebook.Gone are the days , when political parties could buy out the electronic media and report what they want.The Congress party has invested a 1000 crore plus budget for marketing through social media in view of 2014 general elections.The BJP already has a significant online presence.
During the recent anti corruption rally in govt , a girl who was arrested and put in the lock up in a Delhi police station , tweeted that she was kept without reason.Within an hour ,social activists barged into the police station and got her release.All these facts prove that social media is here to stay.
Shashi Tharoor even lost his ministership for a tweet which was out of place.Tharoor also maintains a very active presence online keeping his work very transparent.Subramanian Swamy requested his followers on twitter to provide him details on Karthi Chidambaram's companies and within 2 days Swamy thanked a person for providing him details which was not available in the public domain.Tools like twitter has proved to be blessing in disguise for anti corruption activists like Julian Assange and Subramanian Swamy to get information in their anti-corruption campaings.Swamy's followers for instance has grown from 25K to over 1.1 followers in a short period of time.
Critics of social media say that it can not possibly have any drastic impact on the voting patterns in elections.The argument sounds right in the current day,but the number of youth buying smart phones and option for a 2G or a 3G connection is on the rise.10 years down the line ,a majority of the youth in the country would be having access to instant information on all realms of life and the playing field would be much different from what we see today
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Lokpal and ramifications for India
The notable fact of the Anna Hazare movement is that the youth were out in full strength of the movement.Social media has added to the momentum.The media has gone berserk with the catchy headlines on this issue.The important question in the midst of all this is -- How does an effective Lokpal gets passed in the Parliament .
There were interesting questions being fired at Union HRD Minister Mr Kapil Sibal on the NDTV - 24X7 News channel yesterday --
1)Does the Prime Minister have to brought under the gambit of the Lokpal?
The argument of the HRD minister was that brining the PM under the ambit of the Lokpal would result in an unstable democracy.He further added that the PM can be brought under the Lokpal once he leaves office.
My take on this --- If we have an efficient Lokpal commitee , why would a weak case be raised against the PM in the first place?
2)Will the Lokpal have a separate investigative agency?
Yes , the Lokpal should have a separate investigative agency ,as this agency would be the backbone of the Lokpal and would ensure the success of this plan.Any trace of corruption would make the public to view this agency just like any other Governmental agency.The aim should be to have this agency as a reputed organization earning the respect of the people of this country.
3)Who will appoint the staff of the Lokpal?
A mechanism will have to be worked out to decide on this point.
The answers to these questions are of vital importance to India achieving a strong and vibrant democracy.For the first time in years , the Goverment of India is in the dark as it has a huge challenge on facing these crucial questions.This episode has certainly provided light at the end of a tunnel for a system neck deep in corruption.
The coming days will be full of action and thamasha.Watching out for the drama to unfold.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Miracles in daily life !
Just to cite an example of the power of the mind-
Couple of days back , I was watching the ROSEBOWL channel and came across some photos of Wagamon , a hill station in Idukki district in Kerala.I felt like visiting this place and thought about it for a while.Did a bit of googling also on the places to visit in Idukki.Couple of days later ,happened to talk to a friend in office on the plans for the weekend and he asked me "Why not visit Wagamon this weekend ?? "" I was left speechless !
Recently , I was feeling lazy and felt that I badly needed an adrenaline rush.I went out on a bike ride and as the cops have a habit in this part of the world to go on a money collecting ( checking spree ) after the 15th of every month , I bumped into 2 of them .They showed the hands for me to stop.I decided that doing that would result in burning a hole in my pocket in addition to other complications and instantly decided that the best option would be SCOOOT !The cop started running towards the middle of the road as if he got his long desired prey .I ripped my bike like crazy and knew in my mind that the way the bike was picking up speed , I could cross him without any issues and as planned , the bike ripped past the divider and the cop stood their dissapointed.Probably the other guy took down the bikes registration number !!! :)) Hope he dint .Anyway , the point is I got my adrenalie rush !
So , don't take the power of your mind for granted and realize that everyone has the power to create their destinies.To hell with astrologers and people who bring you down.Do realize that you are like the director of a film , the more clear the picture you have in your mind regardng how your life should shape up , thats exactly how its going to happen !
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Eternal madness..
Its 12 in the night
and the phone begins to chide..
Madness is the gift that's been given to us...
The sickness is about to begin..
The topics just keep comin..
as if there's no endin..
is there light at the end of the tunnel
or will the day ever come?.
come it will and d madness has to come to an end..
rules are created..rules are broken as if they
were never rules..!
d world never runs on rules...
chaos & randomness is wat it runs on....
go wid d madness..
go wid d sicknes...
till one day ..
everythin dies down and... the sickness comes to an end
people move on in their lifes
and forget bout d madness dat once existed...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Twist of a fate ....
Note – all characters in the story are fictional and any resemblance is purely fictional.
Camera movements are marked in red , dialagues in blue.Character movements /actions /emotions are put in the bracket for ease of capturing the scene )
O : old man
B : 1st guy
(1 guy is sitting on a long chair and crying on dressed in a T shirt and cargo,.innocent face ,weeping continuously in a railway terminal.There are couple of people around all busy in their activities , theres a husband and wife chit chatting , there’s a guy in formals on a business trip reading a business magazine , his face is not visible ,sitting directly behind the first guy , theres grandmother and a small kid besides this guy...)
****( camera focuses on the 1st guy and his face ), while the other characters stay in the background ,bright lighting )
A couple of travellers pass by and notice this guy crying , gives a weired but do not bother to talk to the guy )
An old man passes by , dressed elegantly , sits beside the boy curious to find out whats happening.He’s in no hurry and seems to have all the time in the world.Has perfect body language , sits on one of the extreme corners of the chair ..takes a look at boy , takes a deep sigh and lights a cigarette , hes got a gold lighter and a swiss cigar ( long one , brown colour ) , takes it out of his pants pocket , taps it and lights it, takes a puff and looking straight
O : “ Can I know the reason for your sorrow young man “ ?
( camera still has a close up shot on the boy and moves sideways to focus on the man as if viewed from the boys eyes and moves in front of the 2 characters.. )
( The boy doesnt bother to hear turns his head in the other direction and continues with the weeping )
O : well ,there’s no problem on this planet without a solution young man. Release your thoughts and forget that we ever had a converstation. I guess that should serve u well.What say ??
(still no response from the boy )
O: Hmm, I guess you are a tough nut to crack.Want a smoke? ( draws out a cigarette and points in the direction of the boy )
B: ( slowly looking in the direction of the old man , picks up the cigar and lights it up ) ..Thanks for that.Well why are you even bothered about me ?
O: Because i don’t like people around me to be weeping and shedding tears.I know what sadness is..Tell me ,whats your problem..
B: oooh...well..the usual story i guess. The girl ..the first girl that I loved ditched me...she ..she says she recently found some ..and has started to have feelings for that guy ..
O : thats sad , young man , I emapathize with you...
B: I don’t know why she did that ..she used to like me..we were so happy together until she started having feelings for some jerk...I never got a chance to meet her parents and put my case..I don’t even know any of her relatives...I don’t even know who her parents are !..What surpises me , rather frustrates me is that one day she was with me , next day , she ‘s wants to be someoneelse.What do you think?
O : Aha , just as I guessed .And you are not able to get over that ..I can see that .Just like some one said “It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.”I feel sorry for you boy “
(takes another puff of the cigar )
B: ( staring at the old man ) , but you are saying that I should just get over and move on.Don’t you think the behaviour exhibited by the girl is nothing but bitchy ?
O : I would rather not comment on that young man.As for your sorrow , you are not alone .Everyone has their share of sorrows in this world.I am having a troubled relationship with my daughter as well .She mentioned to me yesterday that she has found some guy .Well , am really worried, about my daughters choice...We have pampered her and brought her up.she doesn’t know the tricks that guys these days are upto..Honestly speaking , the only guy that a girl can trust in her lifetime is her dad !
B : Oh come on man ! , you know us guys , we are good at heart aint we ?
O: ( laughs sarcastically and takes another puff ) ya ya ..haha ..
B : ( shakes head in frustration ) , so what else about your trouble relationship with your daughter?
O : She mentioned that his name is some...(aah , thinking to recollect ) ,,yea Ron Andrew or something.I want to find out more about this guy .Well , I want to make sure that this Ron Andrew is of good character.I am really concerned...
3rd guy ( who was reading the news paper ,sitting directly behind the old man , facing the opposite side ) : hey , gentlemen , sorry to interrupt your conversation , but can I ask you some thing ??
(camera zooms out and takes an aerial view and focussed the 3rd guy as if viewed from the eyes of the old man and first guy )
( the old man and the first guy look in bewilderment towards the 3rd guy )
O : Ya sure young man ,what do you want to know?
3rd guy : (looking at the old man ) Is your daughters name Nishcita Roy ??
O : Yes it is !! How on earth do you know ???!!Who are you
B :( 1st guy stands up in surprise and looks at the old man ) !! what ??
3rd guy : I am Ron Andrew and I am GAY ! and your daughter is behind me ..I haven’t got the guts to let her know that I am gay !!
(1st guy jumps of joy and goes on a laugh riot ! )
( old man looks stunned at Ron and then takes a look at the first guy )
O : now , what has gone into you????!!!
1st : I can’t believe this ! ,Well I was your daughters first love and this guy ((( pointing at Ron and pushing his chest ) ...your daughter ( looking and laughing at the old man ) your stupid daughter fell for this guy ..a GAY !..hahaha.Your daughter was right throughout , theres something about this guy , which I don’t have ..and thats he likes guys !
O : (looks amused at both directions , gives a blank expression and starts laughing )!!
Well well , life is stranger than fiction gentlemen !So. we have an interesting situation here , so Mr ?? ( looking at the first guy )
1st guy : Rohan sir ..
O: so Mr Rohan , would you like to be my son in law?
1st guy : in all regards sir , I would take the opportunity with both hands..
O : And you........(looks at Ron with staring eyes ) , would you like to hang out with me???...Am gay as well J
3rd: ( looks happy ) well well well..will do sir..I love older men !
O: lets celebrate this occasion..whres the bar??( all move in the direction of the bar !! )
The end --
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Theres no reality !!
Theres a wave beyond every reality
Truth is just a lie...
But does it matter..
its all in the mind.....thought just seem to leap..
out of nowwhre..
or is it from somewhre..
just that we r not aware..
but in the end..thres no reality ..up the goes gravity..
so said eminem...but then whos eminem..it he for real..
or he just a lie...up the goes gravity....
....theres no reality..its just a falsity...theres no reality...up the goes gravity................................
...............i