The power of words 2

In the continuation of the series of mesmerizing ghazals, here I present 2 more:

1. Ranjishe hi sahi by Mehendi Hasan

This has now become my favorite. This is a song which tells the mourning of a man whose lover has ditched and left him. He wants to see her once again. He knows that she wont change herself even if she comes back, but still, mad in her love he wants to see her once again. He says O my beloved, even if its animosity between us please come back at least to hurt me. Come to me, even if u want to leave me again. even if there are no such close relations between us, please come to do social formalities. He says that the honor/ pride of my love deserve to be pacified by you. The most touching line is where he says that its been ages that I have forgotten the taste of pleasure of crying, please come and remind me of that. Some words used are: रंजिशें-Animosity, मरासिम-relations, पिंदार-pride, लज्जत-taste, गरिया-crying, राहत-ए-जान-one who satisfies soul

2. Tujhse naaraz nahi zindagi from the film: Masoom,

This is a unique song where a man though being pissed off by his life still has hopes. He says that man being innocent is never prepared of facing sorrows, he always thinks that everything is going to be all right. He says that even when you are plunged in grief, you will see something new and bright. You will learn some new relations. He says when there is a suffering, you also get something to soothe you. The best line is where he says that if eyes have become heavy, let them shed tears. Who knows tomorrow I'll be so happy that I will miss these tears.Amazing lyrics by Gulzar.

Secularism/Non-secularism...

"Secularism" is a big term. It has got a wide portfolio of usage in Indian politics. When the politicians of our country have to justify some of their acts they use this term.Its a term which has been coined n number of times in media and has seen so many changes in its usage that it itself would have forgotten its real meaning.

In simple terms it means that "the state won't support or follow a particular religion". India is supposed to be a secular country at least according to our constitution. Unfortunately but, the usage of this term and practise of secularism has lost its meaning in our country. Greedy ad manipulative politicians of our country long back drew a hypothetical line between 'secular' and 'non secular'. Any breach over the line would mean disrupting the communal harmony of the country. The funny part is that all these 'secular' people have different agenda for their secularism. And those who allegedly come under 'non secularism' prefer to be called as secular. Lets take a few examples as we go on with this debate;

1. Varun Gandhi's speech: Varun Gandhi, the grandson of former prime minister Indira Gandhi made some comments against muslims. They were derogatory indeed. Its not clear what he exactly said as he keeps arguing that his voice has been manipulated . But he allegedly said that "..we will chop off the hands of those who will stand against us (hindus)..." . He then became the center of criticism by both political parties and social activities. His own party started deserting him and criminal cases have been filed against him. Adding spice to this publicity, the big don Dawood ordered his shooter to go to India and finish him off, as "our men are in danger". The obedient shooter came to India only to be caught by the police.

But all these incidences have actually made Varun Gandhi a celebrity. He is now more popular in media than his cousin Rahul Gandhi. Just by breaching the hypothetical line of secular and non-secular he got what he wanted at the time of election; publicity. No wonder if he emerges winner with record votes this time. Following the foot steps of Varun another BJP candidate from Bangalore declared that he "don't need a single minority vote to win" thereby gaining popularity in media and thus the attention of public.

This incidence shows that secularism/non-secularism is nothing but a gimmick to gain sure shot popularity.

2. Muslim student's plea in supreme court: A school student belonging to Madhya Pradesh filed a petition in supreme court to be allowed to have a beard in the school. The court rejected his plea saying that they cannot encourage such 'talibanism' of India. Media, again adding spice, gave this news prominence. Now here the argument put forward by the court was that secularism should not be misunderstood. Secularism doesn't mean that we favor extremism of any religion. Indeed a strong move by SC.

3. Anjali Waghmare and Kasab: Now this could become a plot for some upcoming film in bollywood. Kasab is the only terrorist who was caught alive in the 26/11 attack in Mumbai. He is facing his trial. The court assigned an advocate Anjali Waghmare as the defense lawyer of Kasab. Following this, many Shiv sainiks (members of political party Shiv Sena in Maharashtra) attacked the residence of Anjali saying that she should not accept the court's offer to defend Kasab. Anjali after undergoing a much deeper thought process finally decided to defend Kasab and is currently facing a harsh criticism from the Shiv sainiks.

Now these three incidences show three different aspects associated with secularism/ non-secularism. First thing is that Secularism is not associated with favoring or not-favoring any religion. The state remains neutral in any religious matter. In fact state should be kept aside from religion. People who make speeches like Varun Gandhi cannot separate state and religion. They believe the religion followed by majority should have a say in the matters of state. However, the basic definition of secularism does not allow this.

Instigated by the examples set by people like Varun Gandhi, people like that student of Madhya Pradesh asks the court to allow him to follow what he feels like religion. But the court has to abide by the constitutional definition of secularism. School in India is a school, not a place of religious fanatics to practice education and religion (and arms) at the same time. Schools have certain rules that need to be followed irrespective of whatever religion you belong to. Court says that if they allow beard in schools, they would next be getting petitions from people to allow girls to wear a burqa in schools. They cannot allow all this. Educational institute represent an integral part of state and should be kept away from religion.

The third example set by Anjali Waghmare is the best as far as individual efforts are concerned regarding restoring confidence in secularism/ non secularism. Past 60+ years have seen so much changes in the usage of the word secularism and acts in favor of/ against non-secularism that secularism itself has lost its real meaning. Like schools, courts are also an integral part of the state and they should be kept aside from region or any other kind of bias. I am not supporting Kasab, who in India would like to support the man behind the merciless killing? I am sure even Anjali Waghmare would not want to. But, since its a matter of state affairs, rules must be followed. For a lawyer, protocols and rules set by the court are their religion and Anjali just followed that. When she told the chief justice about her decision, the Chief Justice asked, "Are you sure? you want to defend him?" "Yes" came the reply from brave Anjali.Anjali Waghmare is not a bad Indian or supporters of terrorists, she is a true Indian and we all should feel proud of her. Can anyone imagine how difficult that decision would have been for her.

What requires to fight against the selfish biases regarding secularist/ non secularist thing is a little courage. We all should understand that state is the most important and stands above any religion.

Lead India--- all eyes on "you"th!!

"Lead India" is the term coined by the media (TOI) to instigate the youth of the country to have some active participation in the politics, policy making and administration of the country. Our country has seen decades of corruption, politics of hatred, divide and rule policies adopted by our elderly 'so-called' leaders. The media says that enough is enough. Its time now that the older generation should take a back seat and should allow younger generation to let them give their contribution towards the development of a new India. And I could see a lot of initiatives as a part of this scheme or similar to this program, initiated again by media, all over the country to bring the youth come forward to have a say in policy making decisions for the country.

I support all this if they actually are a result of some motivation for welfare of the country, and by far and large, it seems it actually is.If it is, then thank God, the Indian media realized that they can use their far reaching calibre for some betterment of the society. If this initiative of Indian media worked then kudos to Indian media. I believe that all those youngsters who commented before TV and in newspapers that youngsters should vote; they themselves vote too. We all should realize that vote is the only weapon that democracy has given in the hands of common man. But this weapon is actually the only Brahmastra.

As compared to rural youth of the country the urban youth is well informed of these initiatives. What they can do is educated the rural youth about the power of their vote and the difference each vote could make. This will require an extra devotion and dedication for the welfare of the country. And this step is important for 2 reasons:

1. Rural population of India exceeds the urban population. Even if you could enlighten a big chunk of the urban youth to use their power to choose in a responsible way, you may still end up with loss because its the rural and the less informed population whose vote make a difference and believe me people from these region DO vote without knowing the difference their one vote could make

2. The issues at the ground level has got nothing to do with the issue that are highlighted in media. Residents of a village who have not seen electricity for ages have got nothing to do with the terrorist threat from Pakistan. These issues can only lure media and urban population. If the youth is so determined to change the facet of the elections this time they have to communicate the seriousness of the issues to the ground level. No political party would do that. They would do what is beneficial to their own self.

The most effective way the media can adopt is to allow the youth to participate in the biggest fair of democracy. They now already know the power to vote and the power of "choosing NOT to vote" (that's also a provision in our Constitution I came to know about recently only, thanks to media again). But what is more important is the options among whom we have to choose. As Mr. White says in Reservoir Dogs; "The choice between doing ten years and taking out some stupid motherf**ker, ain't no choice at all". If u find none of the candidates you have to choose from eligible, then what would you do?

Like choosing from the nominated candidates, there should be a voting for the candidature itself. However, this idea is not practical. Yesterday I heard in Radio FM that they will organize a show in which callers can ask the candidates some specific questions regarding their policies and their agenda. Its a good move but again, wont help much, as politician will say what they say best..

However, if something is not going to work shouldn't suggest that the initiative itself is worthless. At least someone is trying. My salute to all those young men and women who have taken this cause seriously.

Yes WE CAN make a difference!!