Special Day

Special Day

Blessed are the people who know their special day, their birthday. For millions of the orphans, destitute and the abandoned are unaware of it and cannt dream of the luxury of celebrating it even. It is not the day for mere celebration. I feel it is a special day or rather a unique oppurtunity in this jet speed life for  introspection. A day to evaluate the journey traveled so far. To analyze our life and to remind ourselves of our destinations. May be the best time to  set goals and also to know the purpose of our life. It is definitely not a time for self- aggrandizement.

Rather it is a pay -back time.  If not in material terms but a day to remember all the people who have made some difference in our life and whose companionship has added fragrance to the garden of our life. I think most of us never get bored of boasting about ourselves. But I think it is a day of contemplation to know the purpose of our life.

The journey of life is so unique and breathtaking with sudden twists and surprises. We indeed learn most of the lessons the hard way by experiencing them. They makes us strong and makes us understand  the realities in life. In this adventurous journey we must have met so many people who have made a deep impact on our lives and must have played a greater role in shaping and grooming us. We owe a lot to all these people who believed in us and defined our lives.

It is the day to thank God and our parents for all their bountiful blessings. Time to thank our friends and other family members who have made our life so beautiful. It is time to eventually thank people for their selfless help.

On this day atleast may be we can make a resolution to bring some change in lives of individuals who are less privileged or needy. If not a big change may be we can atleast bring some cheer or a hearty laugh in people around us. Instead of  our regular extravagant parties, lavish banquets or splurging money on expensive gifts for ourselves. We might try giving something to others. For it is in giving we receive.

 

 

@ Copyrights reserved.

 

A Connoisseur Of Feminism

A Connoisseur Of Feminism

Yet another post is dedicated to the fairer sex, the bearers of double X chromosome. This time the concerns are voiced out by a most successful personality whose paeans are abuzz in the corporate world. She is Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of the most acclaimed media networking website, Facebook. Her book “Lean in: Women, Work and The Will To Lead” has made to headlines for her strong feminist views. Though I didn’t have the opportunity to read the book, few reviews and articles about the same has really delighted me.

This book has been carefully scrutinized and reviewed as it has been penned by most powerful women in America. She had made some careful conclusions and come up with analytical solutions that can bring a paradigm of change in women’s world. It is irrefutable truth that people hold separate set of standards for men and women. While it is observed that there is a positive correlation between likability and success in case of men. It is negatively correlated for women. Successful men are liked and rewarded by both men and women whereas successful women are awkwardly disliked by women. Successful women are scoffed for being too “aggressive” or “political” or “not as team player” for being “too pushy” or “harsh”, while a similar approach by men is universally acceptable and highly recommended. But people tend to grossly undermine the fact that any person man or woman has to tread a very difficult terrain to reach the pinnacle of success. There is no short cut to success.

Women constitute nearly half of the population but when it comes to their representation in higher posts their numbers are abysmally low. The book has come up good statistics which mirrors the woman’s position in the present world. I intend to quote some numbers  to have a better clarity about the subject and to understand the kind of subjugation woman undergo at various stages. Another important aspect about the numbers is that it is representation of the current status of women irrespective of countries. This further indicates that woman’s status world over is more or less the same and the society is still highly polarized. Women hold around 14% of Fortune 500 executive-officer positions, and about 17% of board seats and these numbers have barely changed over a decade. Currently there are 17 women head of states out of 195 countries. But what is really interesting is 28% of men hold college degree as against 36% of women. The issue contention is that while more number of women obtain higher degrees from universities they are not equally represented in the higher echelons.

The book has come up with new scheme of events to empower women. Irrespective of the obstacles faced by women in professional life, from sexism and discrimination to a lack of flexibility, access to child care and parental leave. Certain internal barriers passed on over generations have really curtailed them to explore the world. Various important aspects have been highlighted in the book on which women can lean in to carve a beautiful life of their own. Unlike other people who largely condemn the society for having discriminatory attitude towards women. She urges women to pursue their career with more rigor, to engage more energetically by breaking the internal barriers to expand her own world and realize the realm of her dreams. She further wanted men to lean into families and play an equal role in home-care and child rearing.

Most people might think why there is sudden surge in wave of feminism world over? Though women continue to outpace men in educational achievements they are grossly underrepresented in terms of real progress. It is still largely a men’s world. It is really a pitiable situation since half the human resources are underutilized. There would have been a great scope of improvement if women are empowered. When they hold themselves back from pursuing a useful career, it is going to be a drain on the power structure of the world. Enabling women to take up leadership roles would mark the beginning of a new era with greater gender balance.

 

 

@ Copyrights reserved.

 

 

Perennial Political Drama

Perennial Political Drama

Gear up for yet another political drama. With elections around the corner though not really so close. But with four big states preparing for elections there is going to be a greater political drama to unfold. Even the national general elections sometime back seemed inevitable, but cleverly averted by quick-fix plans of ruling party. Current government is a make-shift kind of arrangement and is very vulnerable; any minor controversy might topple it at anytime. Hence the prospect of early elections might be underway.

Elections are backbone for any democratic set up. Our country goes through the travails of elections every five years, if the government manages to stay in power for a full term or mid-term elections become indispensible if it fails. This has been recurrent saga of the great Indian Political drama from the past 62 years. Are we being too optimistic in expecting some palpable change in the ever degrading and ever eroding value political system? Should we be casted as being overly ambitious to dream about vibrant India reaching the pinnacles of glory and success?

India is slated to be the largest democratic nation in the world. Leaving aside the fairness with which they are conducted. Can we ever expect any change in the system? Are the youngsters of India really geared up to play a responsible role in electing befitting leaders without succumbing to any pressures-monetary or otherwise?

Today after watching a speech by yet  another leader’s claim for power and pretentious promises about welfare of the state. I started thinking whether we should believe them or just lament at our stupidity in believing those people who are unable to deliver anything or to entertain a betrayed faith in the democratic institution that people might perhaps elect good leaders. Or is it going to be another passing phase or the regular ritual which is conducted every five years or whenever the coalition leaders lock horns and topple the government for their petty interests. Psephologists predict a coalition government in the next elections? What kind of leaders are going to handle the responsibility of ruling our country?

Just like an oasis in a desert, a beacon of hope waits in the form of significant change in the socio—economic scenario of couple of states marking the zenith of a new dawn. Leaders with vision, innovative ideas and meticulous planning  can expedite administrative machinery for the growth and welfare of the masses.

Indian constitution has granted the status of federation though not a complete federation. But this has endowed with some flexibility in governance in a diverse country like India. Though centre is supreme and cann’t be challenged. There are certain spheres/ sectors where states have complete authority or supreme governance. The kind of federal set up has scope for larger and inclusive growth. States have the authority to decide and implement welfare projects best suited for them locally and explore all the potentialities for development from the ground level. Thus ensuring that the projects reaches the needy, the down trodden and address their problems pertaining to that region. Thus competent leader of state can come up with inventive formula suited for their states and make rapid strides in their respective states. This kind of positive leadership can lead to a competition among states to perform better. In contrast have situations where states are constantly squabbling for funds and special privileges with centre. A positive cult would result in emergence of more local leader or better known regional leaders, who can perform, deliver and bring the needed change. 

With the new trend of coalition government predicted to rule the country will it be able to fulfill the aspirations of the new generation? Are the local leaders ready to mark a new beginning? Or are we headed to more murkier and meddlesome politics where leaders are up for a big bargain in exchange for their support. Can we see a new tribe of politicians who can put larger interests of people before self? It is basic of right of every citizen of the country to have a good governance and progress. But why do the leaders of political parties feel as if they are doing great favor in designing policies for the growth and development of nation?

India has the unparalleled reputation of imbibing foreign culture and assimilating it to the core. We take pride in aping the west especially. Then why don’t we take a proactive role while electing our representatives and setting up an exemplary administrative system. Why are we lagging behind in using all the extensively developed media vehicles to disseminate good ideas and values? Why don’t we have constructive debates on social issues and try to take some corrective measures in preventing this rot? Why are we undermining the importance of a value based system which can revamp the existing dismal political system? Time to wake up from deep slumber !!!!!!!

 

 

@ Copyrights reserved.

A Spiritual Quest

A Spiritual Quest

It is undeniable fact that positive thoughts and vibrations always keeps us in good frame of mind. Hence reading or listening to inspiring speeches leaves indelible impressions in our minds finally shaping our thinking process.

Most of us know about  Swami Vivekananda and A. C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami (fondly called as Srila Prabhupada by foreigners) for their immense contribution in spreading the spiritual fragrance of our land to the World. The influence of these spiritual leaders is Utopian. We tend to ruminate much on their teachings and inspiring lectures. It would be really an intellectual feast if we can follow their spiritual odyssey.

The book, “The Journey Home” an autobiography of Radhanath Swami is truly inspiring. In brief the book is about a young American boy who was constantly bothered with an inner quest and passion for God. His internal search was actualised at a much younger age. As was norm in America during late 1960’s most of the youngsters aggressively participated and strengthened a counter culture moment. They used to express their resentment by growing their hairs and initiated a different movement later termed as “Hippie culture”. This was quite popular for few decades. It is a journey of this young American who had a yearning zeal to seek an answer to his inner call. He travels from London to India, almost penniless by hitch-hiking passing through various countries and finally reaches the destination in the Far East –India. His journey which spanned over six months had a huge avalanche of experiences both good and bad. But what was striking was his indomitable courage to reach the final step of his spiritual quest. Throughout the course of journey he harboured an unwavering faith towards God and went ahead on his spiritual path with Supreme faith in the Lord. He believed that every experience was a precedent and with each and every incident he tried to gain more insights about the journey of a spiritual seeker. He took several vows to cleanse his life and to renounce worldly pleasures. He strictly adhered to them and followed the rigours of the spiritual life with utmost discipline and respect. He finally made India his home, initiated and developed several welfare programmes for children, youth and the old as well.

 

During his quest, he spends several months meditating in Himalayas. This book provides a glimpse of the ordeals of spiritual seekers and vehemently makes us understand about the various categories of people who do demeaning acts in guise of spirituality. Especially mysticism is often confused as another form of spirituality but this is dangerous offshoot of the same. Common people or masses get easily fooled by the mysticism and often take refuge in it to seek some solace. Mysticism is coupled with some techniques which bestows with miraculous powers and they are against laws of nature. Spirituality on the other hand is sincere and purest form of devotion. The descriptions and divine experiences he had in the company of pious and devoted Saints have been beautifully described.

Through practise of devotion to God, we learn that preserving loving relations in this world requires much forgiveness, tolerance, patience, gratitude and humility. An essential virtue of humility is to accept others for what they are, despite differences. We tend to fall into vicious trap of being judgemental and the tendency to judge others is a symptom of insecurity, immaturity or selfishness.

India’s rich spiritual heritage is acknowledged by the entire world but sadly Indians fail to recognise  its sanctity and sacredness.

Far-reaching message to the youngsters –if only we cling to our sacred ideals not being diverted by either failures or successes, we may find amazing powers beyond our own as they test us, protect us and empower us.

@ Copyrights reserved.

 

 

 

Resolve N Solve

Resolve N Solve

Often we regret for not utilizing our abilities to the fullest resulting in a mediocre performance. We are disappointed with our performances. We lament for not giving our best and believe that we would have performed better if we had nurtured ourselves in much better way to accomplish a task. It is not unusual when most of us make promises to ourselves to change our life to make more meaningful. Every day we relent on something which really bothers us about our own personality and we vouch to change it. We make tall claims that we will soon bring some remarkable change in our lives. But sadly, the impetus stays with us for a brief period.

We make big resolutions. Every new year we have a big list of resolutions. But how far have we been successful in bringing the real change?  We show great interest in making big resolutions but are we really very serious about them? We observe that the intensity and the conviction slowly fade away.

The irony is we thoroughly understand what ails our lives and are equipped with the solution to resurrect our lives. We incessantly motivate ourselves to bring out the best. But that positive drive seems to be so ephemeral. What is it that is truly lacking from taking our conviction from the stage of simple motivation to the next stage of serious implementation?

Perhaps the seriousness or the conviction to stick to our new ideas, beliefs is missing some basic ingredient. Autobiographies of great men and women are full of rich experiences to be the source of our motivation. It is an enriching study to know how ordinary people have made extraordinary contributions in various fields. Most of them led simple lives and it is heartening to know in some cases how the most adamant and the culpable people have changed their lives. It is the sudden realization or the inner call which changes them completely to the core. Thus a phenomenal change can be seen in overall personality. Realization may seem to be sudden but it the result of the constant inner urge which compels the person to undergo a sweeping change.

Until unless we have a strong urge to really change no amount of oath-taking or making resolutions can do the magic. Every human being is endowed with great abilities. What ultimately matters is the conviction or the commitment with which we mould our character and personality. There are instances when an ordinary man with his persistence and firm faith brings about a perceptible and enviable change in life. Until motivation turns into realization there can’t be complete and abiding. 

 

 

@ Copyrights reserved.

Women: A Paradox or Myth

Women: A Paradox or Myth

It is not a woman’s day but I would like to draft an essay on their unique nature and behaviour. It has become rather customary to delve about women issues to only commemorate some special days marked for her. But being a woman it is a daily affair to face the heat from the people around all the time irrespective of any special day. Women are always pushed to tight spot and expected to prove themselves every time. They are accused of being judgemental. They don’t suffer from any homicidal or cannibalistic attitude as most harbour the idea that no two women can agree to the same issue and stand together for a life or become thickest of friends. I don’t blame them for this kind of attitude.

I am neither too sympathetic nor condescending about the status of women in our society. But in general I want to elaborate certain features attributed to her gender. They have been most common targets for severe criticism in our society for everything that is connected to her. She is the person who attracts the maximum attention for all the unnecessary reasons. So I think she has soon developed this attitude of judging every person whom she meets. This might have lead to a situation wherein psychologists blame the whole gender, that women are their own greatest enemies. But I just want to revisit this issue, being a woman people may say that I am biased and may be voicing out my feminine instincts of doing a saviour kind of action. But isn’t it true that woman is the one who are most talked about both by men and women for different reasons. Since she is being targeted at all occasions she has by consequence developed the same attitude to blame or hones her skills be a critic or evaluator. Finally she reaches a point when she doesn’t reprehend commenting fellow woman. She is conscious that she is facing similar situation but still she rejoices that idea.

It simply suggests whether she might be deriving that devilish pride sometimes when she passes a judgement on same gender. Or maybe she is naive and doesn’t discriminate the person according to gender and thus unequivocally delivers her opinion.

But again I want to emphasis on the issue, that as the level of expectations about her performance raise she is always forced to deliver the best. She pushes herself too hard and thus wants to prove that she too can accomplish great feats. This constantly increasing level of expectation is the reason for her inexplicable behaviour sometimes. She is really crushed between the old world and the new world which has drawn contrastingly different roles for her.  She is always expected to deliver her best. I think being the most stressed out person in our Indian society, makes her awkwardly wrong sometimes. I really pity her and sometimes revel in pride that though everyone has something against her. Finally everyone falls at her feet. She is the miracle and marvel in everyone’s life. Life without her is unimaginably abominable.

 

 

This is simply dedicated to the beautiful angels on earths who graciously assume immortal roles and deliver supreme bliss in every relation they hold dear …….

 

@ Copyrights Reserved.

Sacrifice A Misnomer?

 “Sacrifice” a misnomer?

Most of us allude in false hypes and really endorse ourselves as important people. When we register some nominal accomplishments in our account we become “instant heroes” for all the youngsters in neighbourhood. Our parents revel in pride that their children have really pulled out something very distinctive in life. Our false sycophancies are satisfied by lavish praises by our parents. They start offering lectures to the anxious parents, whose children are yet to make any career decisions, by saying that “our child has worked really hard throughout the course of the study/work to reach the unreachable”. Further they would be delighted to add that their children made several sacrifices in life to attain great peaks in their career. But I wonder if we really deserve such high pomp and show or praise for our moderate achievements?

We start aggrandising our own little feats by using words like sacrifice which carries lot of significance. The big question we need to ask ourselves is we really surrendering ourselves or giving up something to achieve something ground breaking or something noble. Subconsciously we know the real answer, to withstand the burgeoning competition we put up extra effort and work hard. We want to prove our talent and capability and want to set a mark of our own. Hence we undertake pain staking exercises.  We push ourselves very hard. We have no other option.  It is our voluntary choice. I think it really means a lot to be modest on face of success.  

I happened to watch something similar on TV and was indeed surprised to hear what the greatest athletes (Olympics Gold medallists) of the world humbly put it as. The interviewer opened up the show by saying that these people have made great sacrifices in life to be acclaimed as the greatest sportsman in their fields. All of them replied that it was a conscious choice they have made in life and not significant to be termed as a sacrifice in unison. I was so surprised by their modest and humble submission. Falls in line with the saying- empty vessels make more noise.

Why do we take shelter in false prestige and what to seek instant glory? Are we really so paranoid about not having recognition in life. Are we unsure of our own capabilities that we need some drum beating all the time to know our real worth? Finally to sum up do we suffer from so many insecurities in life?  Or is the success we have attained is a matter of luck and hence we are not sure of our own abilities? It would be too premature to make a statement by saying are we Indians so insecure inside that we need to constantly remind ourselves of our own abilities by recapitulating our own small achievements over and again.
 

 

@ Copyrights Reserved.