Sunday, January 29, 2012

On the much needed election reforms


Time and again we forget one thing; the constitution is an active document and not some sacred scripture that is to be preserved under lock and key. Ever since Ambedkar scripted the constitution it has undergone many amendments. But have these amendments really kept pace with the changes in India? Have we made amendments to those sections of the constitution that define our way of life today? Do these amendments plug the crevices and loopholes that exist today and were (hopefully) absent 60 years back? We may have the best constitution in the world but in many ways I feel it’s wanting.

The Indian today is very different from the Indian of the 1950’s. Today we Indians be it from the highest layer of the upper class to bottom layer of the lower class are subjected to some sort of social evil in different degrees. What was then a mystery now is become common knowledge. Infact I’m sure corruption, inflation to name a few are the first English words a child would learn. Repeated attempts have been made in the past of routing out what seems to have become our way of life. The Lokpal made its appearance for the 6th or 7th time and galvanised the nation until it was killed, raped and murdered by the very people who said they would pass it through in the 3 high-voltage day/night session of Parliament. (I seriously wonder what was Team Anna thinking? You make an act that is practically accountable to no one and expect our corrupt parliamentarians to make it a law knowing that the axe would first fall on them? In simple words that was really bad strategy.)

The only way forward and what we should all be putting our energies into is the way we elect out representatives. A party puts up a candidate and we as voters vote for the one we feel is the best. (At times it’s not the candidate we vote for but the party. And now with people changing parties so often we vote for the person without bothering which party he represents) But the question is not which party or candidate would not only solve your problems of today but also prevent the problems of tomorrow. I often wonder how can a person without the basic qualification to secure a job of a professor be allowed to make laws for a demography involving highly qualified and skilled people. Does being elected to the house entitle him to make decisions on my behalf without even caring to know what I feel? Does he bother to know whether I need a flyover bridge or not and consequently spend crores of taxpayers money on it? (I’m not even taking into consideration the increase in costs due to delays) Does he think of how painful it is for me and my kids to travel to office/school/college in crowded trains and choc-a-bloc roads? Does he ask me whether I want my 150 year old city’s name to be changed to a vernacular version just because he doesn’t like it and has the power to change it and also run after me just because I choose to say the old name over the new one?

I believe that an elected representative has an obligation to know and understand what the needs of the people are and then formulate and propose and table in the house a law that solves the issue. Present-day Indian democracy lies in members making decisions as per their will for the entire state/nation just because they have been elected. A member should remember that he/she is a representative and should act like one. He has not been elected to do as he pleases and thinks legitimate but to represent me and be my voice.

But how can I as an individual make sure that only the right person is elected. Going by what we have now is horrible to say the least. In our present-day democracy we have the option of choosing a candidate but do we have a choice? Can I as a lay man reject all the candidates in the fray? One may argue saying that there is section 49-O where I can declare that I wish to vote for none. Agreed but is that a secret ballot then? Why should I make a declaration that I have no interest or confidence in any of the candidates? When I do not have such an option the only option I have is not to vote. Now does the low voter turnout make sense?  

What I propose is that the Right to Reject as in a “None of the Above” (NOTA) button on our EVM’s. The rules are simple. If NOTA wins then all the candidates will be disqualified and will also lose their deposit money. The elections will be re-held with a different set of candidates. Incase NOTA wins again we repeat the same procedure. Many of my friends will complain saying how many elections do you wish be conducted? Well at the beginning we may have some held twice or even thrice but in the long run the parties will be much more responsible and careful about the candidates they put forward and the voters will have much greater role and participation rather than choosing the less evil from the fray.

This would not only bring greater accountability to our politics, check the flow of money during elections, get better people to represent us but also start the trend for a better India and a better tomorrow. After all true democracy is only achieved when the people have a greater role and participation in the functioning of their nation and their nation’s future. 

Monday, January 23, 2012

Love you till the End...!!!

Have you ever thought to which extent you can love a person? Can you love a person to the extent where you hand over your love to somebody else just because you come to know that your love would be happy with the other person?
What if the person you love comes to you and asks you would you mind if I go with the other person?
Love is not confined to boundaries of personnel desires…a person who can forgo everything for his love even the person he loves is indeed priceless & an immortal love. Today I am with a story of consequences, a story of immortality, and a story of Abhiman & Akansha.
It’s very easy to get attracted to someone…it’s easier to fall in love…much easier to make promises of a lifetime commitment but when it’s down to showcase your real commitment…a person’s character is revealed.
Akansha and Abhiman were in love and if you believe in their commitment they were ready to risk the entire world for their love until this happened…
Abhiman: Akansha I have very good news for you…
Akansha: what?
Abhiman: the project I have been working for 3 years has been approved…& guess what I am going to United States next month…
Akansha: what? What about me? What would I do without you?
Abhiman: you don’t understand…just 2 years…. & then all our dreams would be fulfilled…
Akansha: we were planning to marry next year…
Abhiman: can’t you wait for 1 more year?
Their talks continued finally one day Abhiman left for United States…
After a year…
Abhiman: how are you Sweat heart?
Akansha: don’t flatter me…you don’t love me anymore or else you would have at least come once to see me whether am alive or dead.
Abhiman: Darling you don’t understand…just 10 more months…then I will be all yours…
Akansha: I have something to tell to you…
Abhiman: yes go on…
Akansha: my parents have fixed my marriage next month…
Abhiman: are you joking?
Akansha: do you think I am joking…dam it
Abhiman: what are you going to do then…
Akansha: listen Abhiman I love you but I cannot go against my parents…you are not here or else I would have convinced my parents somehow…I have agreed for the marriage.
Abhiman: what?
Akansha: yes Abhiman…I know you were about to quit that job for me…you won’t have gone to United States…I was the one who forced you to leave... I want you to achieve what you deserve…my marriage date was finalised the day you left for United States…I didn’t tell you all this then because you would have left everything for me… Abhiman I had to tell you someday…forget me….you would be happy.
Abhiman…didn’t have words to speak…and he kept the phone.

After few years in India:
Abhiman met Akansha in a railway station…
Abhiman: did you recognize me?
Akansha: Abhiman…how are you doing…
Abhiman: my life is all about career…you left me because you wanted me achieve what I deserve..
Akansha: what do you mean…are you still unmarried…
Abhiman: yes…by the way how is your husband?
Akansha: I have divorced…
Abhiman: why what happened?
Akansha: I am in a hurry…have an interview…bye see you.
Abhiman: you & interview? How are your parents?
Akansha: my train has arrived…I am going…& my parents died in a road accident last month. Bye…
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
it took him hours to absorb what Akansha spoke to him…Akansha going for an interview? She is divorced? Her parents are dead? Finally he reached office and saw a recruitment drive going on( Abhiman realized he has to interview few people today)…he was completely aback to see Akansha’s name in the interview list…Abhiman didn’t interview Akansha but Akansha got selected…Abhiman knew if Akansha would have known that it’s his office she would reject the job. So he quit the job that very day making sure that Akansha would get a job.

After few months:
Akansha returning from the office saw Abhiman…& approached him
Akansha: sorry for that day…I was in hurry…you know I got a job.
Abhiman: congrats…
Akansha: thanks…I have good news to tell you…
Abhiman: what…
Akansha: I am marrying again…
Abhiman: to whom?
Akansha: the HR of my company…he is such a good person…I had a terrible interview that day but yet he recruited me and now he wants to marry me knowing everything about me.
Abhiman: was dumbstruck…he greeted her best wishes for her marriage and went away…
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
After 15 days:
Akansha met Abhiman in a mall
Abhiman: hi…when is your marriage?
Akansha: don’t ask…that person was a freak…I have left the job…
Abhiman: so what are you planning to do?
Akansha: don’t know…I am jobless & I need a job urgently.
Abhiman: there’s a vacancy in my company…you can apply…I am sure you would get it..
Akansha: are you sure?
Abhiman: yup…
That day Abhiman had long chat with his immediate head who finally agreed for an interview.
Akansha got the job…Akansha and Abhiman were now in the same office…so Akansha got much time to spend with Abhiman she told everything to Abhiman…about her divorce, her parent’s accident, that freak HR. She also told about her financial crisis and her maternal uncle forcing her to leave her parents home as she couldn’t clear the debts…
Abhiman took the initiative to pay all the debts…he staked everything he had earned all these years…and somehow gave all the money to Akansha through a company incentive for a emerging star. Akansha could repay all the debts. Akansha asked many times to Abhiman why is he still single…Abhiman never replied to her questions.
One day…
Abhiman: I want to speak something to you…
Akansha: I also have something to speak…first your chance Abhiman…
Akansha: no I want to hear you first.
Akansha: ok…the person I had divorced has changed and he wants to marry me again…
Akansha: what should I do Abhiman?
Abhiman: it depends on your decision I am a outsider.
Akansha: common…you loved me once…you know me the best…you are the best person to give me an advice?
Abhiman: me?
Akansha: Abhiman I want to marry him again…what is your opinion?
Abhiman: (hides his tears) are you mad…go and marry him….why are you thinking so much. You told me he has changed…and he wants to marry you then what’s the problem…go crazy girl go and marry her.
Akansha: you are so good Abhiman…I love you… you were about to speak something?
Abhiman: yup…today is my birthday…
Akansha: let’s have a party tonight,tomorrow I will be accepting his proposal and we will remarry.
Abhiman got the best possible way to hide his emotions…that day…he drank so much that Akansha had to come to Abhiman’s home to drop him.
Akansha: while leaving Abhiman’s room…saw her photo framed in one corner of his room. Saw diaries & all the letters that were lying by…she came to know that Abhiman left the job in United States the day she told him about her marriage as he went there only for her so that they could have a better living afterwards. She came to know it’s because of Abhiman she got the job in that company and not because of that freak HR. she now knew that the debt of her house was paid from all the earning of Abhiman & not any company incentive…she couldn’t control herself when she read the last line of Abhiman’s diary…’today is my birthday…and I am going to propose my dream girl Akansha’
Akansha left Abhiman’s house…she was drunk…but she was at her senses….but after reading Abhiman’s letter she lost her sense…and while driving back to her home she met with an accident…
Akansha gained her senses in a hospital after 4 days…
Nurse: how are you feeling Akansha?
Akansha: uneasy…what has happened to me?
Nurse: everything is alright now…you are fine…but I have a bad news for you…
Akansha: what…
Nurse: we had to do a kidney transplant…as one of your kidney was badly damaged and the other was also not working properly…the person who gave you his kidney unfortunately died.
Akansha: who?
Nurse: we were not talking his kidney, doctor had told him earlier that there may be complications in transplanting his kidney but he told us that you are going to marry and your life is much important to him then his own.
Akansha: tell me who was it?
Nurse: Abhiman.
Akansha couldn’t control herself…she burst into tears….after few hours she inquired whether Amandeep (her ex husband) came up or not…Nurse told her that she had informed Amandeep and his family about her accident but no one has yet responded or cared to visit hospital in 4 days.

Whenever you speak about love…just think about Abhiman…and if could somehow relate yourself with him…you would know what love is…what sacrifice means….what is the meaning of caring. It’s very easy to laugh on people’s feelings and emotions…have you ever thought what it meant for the person who really loves someone? Friends I have something to suggest you…
Love is immortal but make sure that immortal love of yours is not wasted on some undeserving person…while neglecting the one who really loves you

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

IMMORTAL

What’s immortal…can you give me at least one example stating it will exist even if we don’t ?
In this world nothing is immortal whatever exists has a lifetime be it the stars, sun or any living or non living entities…but yes there are few things which we can call immortal and one of them is LOVE.
My story for today is an epic which you can call immortal in true sense…
Present:
Tears...were her only support when she looks back to her life...what if she could understand in the nick of time…
Flashback:
Memory goes back to the time….

Aintrika: so you can die for me?
Aman: if my love can be proved that way I don’t mind giving my life for you…
Aintrika: deal…you die for me and I promise you I will put garlands to your photo.
Aman: Aintrika one day…you will regret the words you just said…and I can say it won’t be easier for you that day…
Aintrika: why? You see every other guy stating I can do everything for a girl… words like ‘I can even give my life for you’ is quite common…is it wrong to know who’s worth that love for which one can live one’s life for?
Aman: Time…It will prove everything
Aintrika: ok…let it be if you can prove that way…
Aman: I can guarantee you one thing…you were the first and last girl who entered my life. You are free to choose any guy if you want but for me no one can ever replace you from my heart and you will know it then…
Aintrika: let’s see…

Present:
if only… she could understand sole purpose of his life was she…wish she could realize there’s no life in him except her.
Flashback:
Aintrika: why don’t you forget me…I have forgotten you and there’s someone else in my life.
Aman: I can forget you only if I don’t exist.
Aintrika: why don’t you go for any other girl? Why do you love me?
Aman: any other girl…you know I am one woman man…and I can never think of any girl except you. Why do I love you…answer is very simple it’s because I love you…there’s no other answer to your question.
Aintrika: listen…this is the last time I am speaking to you…I love someone else and please don’t try to create problems in my life by contacting me.
Aman: you said let time be the proof of my love…well I can never stop loving you…but the day you change your surname I would stop craving for you…that day I would believe love doesn’t exist …till that day I would believe in my love…
Aintrika: do whatever you want but please don’t interfere in my life.

Present: why didn’t she understand him…why did she let him go…none to blame except herself…thinking what she could have done…and what she did
Flashback:

Aintrika: I tried to make you understand but you didn’t understand…and it’s no use to make you understand anymore as you won’t understand.
Aman: Aintrika…in these 7 years…if anybody didn’t understand anyone then it’s you…
Aintrika: I never loved you…and I don’t have any feelings for you but you never understood that…I am not to blame if you can’t understand it.
Aman: Aintrika, if you never loved me or had any feelings for me than why did you contact me all these years…why?
Aintrika: to make you understand…
Aman: Aintrika…I remember each and everything like it all happened yesterday, don’t think I am a fool…now you have someone else in your life… don’t be afraid of me I am not a villain and I would never even in my dreams do anything to come between your personal life…but let me clear you one thing I loved you and I will continue to love you…

Present: why did he love her so much, she never cared how he felt and how he suffered…but was always ready to give blessings to her…a person for whom her happiness meant everything
Flashback:

Aman’s friend: what are you so restless?
Aman: what’s the greatest gift to gift to someone whom you love?
Aman’s friend: it’s something one’s love, love the most.
Aman: she is getting married today…I am thinking of an apt gift.
Aman’s friend: Aintrika…is getting married?
Aman: yes…she is…I am really happy for her…she is marrying someone whom she loves.
Aman’s friend: she is not marrying someone she loves…but she is marrying to someone whom she thinks she loves…
Aman: what difference does it makes?
Aman’s friend: you


Present: if god gave her a single chance…she would have stopped all that had happened…all that could have been…
Flashback:
Aman’s friend: crazy…he was really crazy for her
Aintrika’s friend: I can’t believe Aman loved her so much…
Aman’s friend: he was close to me…he told everything about himself but why didn’t he tell me about this?
Aintrika’s friend: Aintrika…knew it, she always feared something like this may happen…instead of understanding him she tried to curtail all her links with him.
Aman’s friend: it has been 2 months since he went missing…god knows where he is…

Present: Aintrika…kept repeating words…I never meant to hurt you…as she was taken to asylum
Flashback:


it was Aintrika’s birthday after her marriage…A letter reached her

Aintrika…

How are you…sorry I couldn’t come to your marriage. You didn’t invite me but even if I was invited I won’t have reached. You know love doesn’t always mean the feelings that you feel for someone…whatever I felt for you can’t be explained and it’s too late to explain anything. Your life is different now…you tried to erase off your past before marriage, so that you can start off with your new life. I realized it bit late but I cannot let anything from the past to ruin your life…I realized I am one of your past that you want to forget…my existence made you feel insecure…I cannot let myself to ruin your present... so I took this step…I am not amongst any of your friends, I am not amongst any of your surroundings, I am not amongst any of your life’s incidence that is going to happen…you know I can control everything but what about my feelings for you…it could be controlled only if I don’t exist…
I don’t like those…wipe off your tears...

You married the person whom you wanted to…you did whatever you wanted… then why those tears?
I only wanted to wish you on your birthday…and I never wanted to make you cry…

Aintrika didn’t read what was written thereafter and started crying…

Aintrika started getting these letters on more frequent basis…but Aman was still missing.
One day it was clear who was writing these letters to her…as these were exactly what were written in subconscious mind…


I don’t exist anymore…but I am still there in your memories…you know a person cannot write letter after his death but you are getting these letters because it’s not me who is writing…it’s you who is writing letters to yourself…to prove my love for you…which you never realized when I was alive.

Love you
Aman



Present: No one knows where Aman is…probably he doesn’t exist anymore…Aintrika knew he doesn’t exist but she couldn’t make herself understand that Aman sacrificed his life for her. Aman’s love was immortal and no one could feel it except Aintrika though it was bit late… wish she could understood it when she really had to….


It’s strange isn’t it…you don’t understand the worth of a person when he\she is there for you…when that person is willing to forgo everything to be with you.
Don’t ever let anyone go away from you disheartened…just because you don’t value his love for you.
You would realize it someday but then it would be too late for you and the only person to blame is you yourself...

True LOVE is IMMORTAL and it exists even if we don’t…!!!
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