India « Guldasta

Obama rides Sam-pathy wave July 3, 2008

Filed under: India — gurdas @ :

I took note of the news that US Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama paid tribute to ex Indian army chief, Sam Manekshaw. That when the legendary soldier is mostly unknown in his own country (for 90 out of 100 Indians, the name Sam Manekshaw would not ring a bell).

In Obama’s words: ”I offer my deep condolences to the people of India, on the passing of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. He was a legendary soldier, a patriot, and an inspiration to his fellow citizens.”

Now, that is an astute politician. Such a difference from the foreign policy dodo that Prez. Bush was when he took office.

Cows and Humans June 11, 2008

Filed under: Children,creatures,Ethics and Values,India,photography — gurdas @ :

In India, there is peaceful coexistence of domestic animals and humans. It is inevitable given the almost animal like living conditions of so many Indians.

We are poor by choice. Poverty has become a state of mind. The little that the government does is frittered away by its own corrupt officials and bureaucracy.

And in the midst of all this, is the tragic apathy of city dwelling middle class and rich to the plight of the underprivileged who are easily labelled as lazy and thieves. It is almost impossible to think of God on a hungry stomach, how then can we expect the exploited to act responsible?

I urge you to play your role (small or big) in removing poverty and illiteracy from our land. How about shouldering the education of two poor kids?

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Who owns my car? May 1, 2008

Filed under: Automobiles,creatures,fiction+fact cocktail,India,life,love,philosophy — gurdas @ :

After a long wait, I purchased a car last year. Though unpretentious, I love it for the opportunity it provided to travel new places.

I also drive it to office and park along the kerb. And this is becoming a source of amusement. Like every nook and corner of my country, there are stray dogs in the locality where my office is. The resident stray bitch gave a litter some months ago and the pups are now grown up. They have taken after their mother – shiny smooth brown coat, thin slender body and a laid back attitude towards life. It takes a lot to unruffle them.

Since summer is here, the pack is constantly on the lookout for shade to lie down and take a nap. For some inexplicable reason they have adopted the ground beneath my car as their residence. Initially, they would occupy that space when I am not around and scamper away the moment I reached close to my car. But that is fast changing.

The first change was they stopped scampering away until I started the engine. No sir, the whole act of getting in and closing doors was not enough signal for them to move out. It was MY responsibility to ensure they have enough warning and are not harmed when I start the engine and drive away. On more than one occasion, I had to talk to them and announce my presence. You should have seen the look they give me when I do that. I have to hold on tightly to self-esteem.

However, the saving grace remained that their ‘entry’ showed some respect for me; that is they occupied the space after I have parked and walked a certain distance away from the vehicle.

But that was then. Now, they stand up when they see me approaching the slot where I park. And they are already beneath the car before I have stopped the engine, let alone come out or walked away!! Come on guys, give me some space?

Thank God they cannot drive. Had that been the case, they might have as well kicked me out and taken complete possession of the vehicle. They leave no opportunity go by to give me the message that I am nothing but a caretaker who must keep the vehicle clean and ensure it is parked and ready for them before the sun is overhead.

I wonder what opinion they have of me. I doubt they consider me a threat whatsoever. I do hope that does not mean they do not respect me. And I pray that they love me.

ps: a few months ago, when the weather was more pleasant and the sun welcome, they had taken a fancy to the roof of my car.

India: The Music Edition April 29, 2008

Filed under: Ethics and Values,India,life — gurdas @ :

Have you noticed the vital role music plays in the life of Indians and India? Has this how it has always been, say even in 60s and 70s?

In factories, workshops, autorickshaws, paan shops, beauty parlours, five star hotels, restaurants, bus stands, laundry shops, neighbour’s house and your bedroom, music is what keeps India smiling. The cheaper, filthier and hotter the place, the louder the music. As if the diaphragm is propelled by the cheapness of its audience’s existence.

More as a rule than an exception, I find music being used to keep the workforce engrossed. I see it invariably in small scale factories and I saw it at the plant of India’s largest, correction – the world’s largest two wheeler manufacturer. And I wonder why this obsession with music. Is it to camouflage the fact that working conditions and pay packages are nothing to smile about? Music is free. On the other hand it will cost to keep the work area air conditioned, work hours human and pay consummate with skill.

What about developed countries? Do they play music (over public systems) in their offices and factories?

Indian musicians are doing a great service to the poor – by giving them a reason to smile. They are doing a greater service to the rich – by giving them a reason to smile at the cost of the poor.

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