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Everything Everywhere.


You find everything everywhere. You see men, animals, vehicles, carts,crossing the roads ,as they wish. There is no  adherence to traffic rules. Signals blink without any relevance to the traffickers.The one way  signs have no meaning. The Police make a ridiculous  hand movements, which provoke  ridicule.You must be taken aback, as where on earth such things take place. Your country penalises high speeding drivers, charges those who pay disrespect to traffic regulations. Even in midnights , you follow the rules meticulously. Wait for the signal, and then proceed. But , here in our country, such things never happen, if they do occur ,then it should make to the headlines of top news.Can you make out the country  with all the clues ,I have put forth. No, then , will you try again , or shall I give the answer?Well , I do not want to test your patience any more . It is India, a land of diversity.

Animals are kept in the Zoo ,quoth my friend. Yes , may be in your country, but In India , you can find them everywhere. Dogs, Cats, Cows, Donkeys, Horses, walk at ease in the Indian roads. Elephants ,reared in the temples to grace the festivals , are taken for a stroll by mahouts,round the town.With dangling bells around the neck, the gigantic elephant walks royally, but the mahouts lead them to every house,forcing them to bless the inmates, and in return, they give cash and fruits to the elephant , which is considered as divine by the Hindus.

My friend was alarmed to perceive the chaotic movement of the vehicular transport.She asked me in a subdued tone, How is it possible to drive in such confused condition?I  marvelled at her plight. I made it clear ,that Indian drivers cannot negotiate when there is perfect  discipline. They drive with pleasure, while halting for  a sudden crossing of buffaloes, an immediate protrusion of a two wheeler, an unexpected  intrusion of a bullock cart, or a tricycle.

India ,is a land bubbling with enthusiasm , teeming with population,rejoicing in disorderly sensibility.

 

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Death Stares


Man known for his six senses, that  includes the reasoning faculty, seems to be the most irrational creation of God. Others, mammals, birds, and the insects, though possessing less sensitivity, apparently are a better inhabitants of the world. They  commit injury ,only when they are infuriated. This is the prime principle that governs the little ant , the huge elephant, the ferocious lion. But Man goes about  his truancy ,wreck less in behaviour, contemptuous in attitude. He does harm to his fraternity, by indulging in unceremonious threats, undeserving attempts of brutality, finally killing his fellow human, just for greed, for deceit, for revenge and for fun.His area extends to the animal kingdom as well, and the Ocean realm also.

The Japanese mass slaughter of dolphins in a cove in Taiji, has gone unnoticed for years. The Japanese government covered up the whole inhuman act. Nearly 23,000 dolphins are killed every year. They are sold as fish to the public. The dolphin flesh is contaminated with toxic mercury, which in turn will kill the consumer. The transgression is multifold. Massacre of dolphins is atrocious. The consumption of the dolphin flesh is highly poisonous. There is an illegal mode of earning money , as they fetch 154,000U.S. dollars. The illicit trade has a flourishing wave of profit,.

Japanese government submits that in few parts of Japan , people eat dolphins for very long. So the slaughter is not new .It has been in vogue for years together. What a meek acceptance!

The Dolphin show , conducted in various cities , is another wicked activity of man. The dolphins have sharp ears, and powerful sight. They respond to the call of the trainer as quick as lightning. The training involves a large scale threats  to discipline the naive sea animal. The revenue the dolphin show brings is something of a wonder. The conductors mint money, at the cost of these mute spineless sea faring mammals.

The genocide of dolphins should be banned. Similarly ,as the cry for the safety of dolphins is increasing in decibels, we have to jointly put a complete full stop to the killing of any species, whether it be a chicken , a lamb, fish.Beef and pork are relished by most. This delicacy is also an end product of slaughter of animals. Shouls we not think about the harassment they undergo while being slaughtered.

let me end this appeal , with a plea promoted by my five year old grandson. We are all strict vegetarians, but my daughter in law , takes meat and fish on and off. Once she promised her son , that she will not eat anymore of the stuff. While they were dining out, she oredered for fish. My grandson’s face turned red. he called his mother, “mummy you promised me that you will not eat fish, now you have broken your promise. How bad the fish’s mom would l feel, when it sees its baby being cut. Why do you feel bad and shed tears , if I get hurt? The same way it is .”I was moved, by  his provacation.

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An Unholy Combination


Combination is a relative word. It is variably used in science, particularly  in chemistry , which elaborates on the  combinations of substances in  different proportions. The physical combination and chemical combination, are the premier lesson in chemistry. Physical combination can be retrieved back but the chemical counterpart once combined, is combined forever. There is no room for recovery. The metals used in the process take a  shape that is not akin to the original. The properties also undergo a voluminous alterations.

Now,  to the unholy combination scenario, which does deal with sustainable presence that of the human being ,who is full of energy ,life and wisdom.This conceptual  theme got imprinted in my mind ,when I heard real time happenings . Can this take place? Could this happen?Why ,on earth people behave so impishly?What made them act irresponsibly?The curious mind has set the tempo.

Analysing the vagaries of the human mind, the perception  centres round the immature  behaviour, wreck-less attitude, ruthless arrogance and ill gotten wealth. The first episode that made me sleepless for nights was the breaking down of the engagement of two young adults. The boy, of average intelligence,simple looks,but with enormous wealth, got betrothed to a beautiful girl with high mental calibre,and also wealthy. The engagement snapped a few weeks before the wedding. Imagine the turmoil the parents on both sides faced. The interaction between the boy and the girl, did not go smoothly, perhaps there was a hitch in their compatibilty. It was the boy ,who refused, very much unusual.My question, is Why did this happen a few weeks before the wedding?The boy must have felt insecure, must have experienced belittlement,and was unable to cope up with the girl’s thought. If , both of them had been careful in their selection this unpleasantness could have been avoided. I feel, it is money that brought about the union and it is efficiency that ruined the ties.The unholy combination did not have a take off at all.

The next in list is the connivance of siblings against one other brother or sister is taking a gigantic stature in recent manifestations..The greed for wealth unites the like minded ones to cheat the sane , levelheaded person, who refuses to take part in the programme of hide and seek. The “solitary reaper”is faced with stiff opposition, suffers humiliation,as the rule of majority works through. But the final deliverance is that truth always emerges triumphant.

The third ,is the general misconduct of the public servants, whether it be an humble constable, an ordinary civil officer,  a simple bank official, an authoritative member of the parliament, or the power drunk minister.These make law of their own, break  the practised legality, behave rudely, speak harshly,and pronounce unholy predilections much to the chagrin of the people.

The unholy combinations render illegitimate conclusions.They render the world a narrower space polluted by unhealthy, unrealistic and unintelligible madness.

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Pigs Gain In Stature.


Pigs were referred to as an icon of scorn and contempt.  We condemn a person , addressing him as “bloody swine”. We dub a dull person as “pig headed. Children , in their quarrel ,very often  squeak at the opponent as “you pig”. Now , the pig or swine, whatever ,you ascribe is charging the human world with a revenge. the word swine ,is enough to ransack the entire world. Swine , an epithet to the new virus, swine flu, terrifies all. The world at large is in the grip of what may happen as this epidemic has been unleashed in most South Asian countries.

Deaths are reported in India, in Malaysia. There is a caution alarm from a researcher in U.S that , if the virus attacks for the second time , the consequences would be serious and dangerous. Now , everyone ,in this part of the world. feel a slight irritation in the throat , they rush to the hospital, to undergo a test. The doctors are not fully prepared to receive such heavy rush . The hospitals are also not equipped with testing facilities. By taking a swab,analysing it will take a minimum of 12 hours to give the result. But the apprehension is so high ,that there is a lot of hush and push to get things done. In certain cities , the medical practitioners , to make quick money , have come out with a vaccination, that will keep away the viral attack. The government authorities are making announcements in radio and television, that there is no vaccination as such for this virus..The horror struck people are getting nervous ,becoming panicky about the health of the dear ones. A slight cough ,makes them shiver. A sore throat propels them to quiver. Mild fever demoralises them. Body pain  makes butterflies fly in the stomach. The indigestion  renders them half dead

Hello Pigs !. are you satisfied now . The human  beings have been pushed into the corner by the Pigs.From time immemorial, the Pigs have been treated with an indifference. No animal has been looked so low.Now Pigs, leave the human beings free, as you have not only demoralised them but also mortified them. Many have lost their lives. Swine, My lord, (we have to modify our mode of address)give us our daily life,devoid of fear and insecurity.

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Superstition And I


I call myself a radical thinker. I jeer at people who attach importance to time, date and period. I take lightly the beliefs of our ancestors. The one , which completely made me break into laughter was the trusted belief in the evil sway of certain person’s eyes.My relative ,used to swear on me  that the evil effects  got transmitted whenever an unwanted , a jealous , individual looks at you. I just brushed aside the whole narration, as a light hearted devolution. I did conceal my suspicion , lest my relative should not feel let down.

This being so, I led a life of my own, not penetrated by superstition, not disturbed by astrology, distanced from numerology and adamantly resistive to superstition. On and off, the good hearted relative of mine gave me advice ,as to keep away from the vicinity of a person who is related to me by my martial ties. I said , “go ahead with your job,do not bother about me.I know how to keep myself intact.” My attitude did not deter him from warning me .and cautioning me when I happened to come across the evil eyes of that specific person.

A fortnight back, I was in robust health. I had to attend a function of the priest in our temple. I made myself available all the two days . The function went on with ease. I took part in all the important rituals along with my husband. The evil eyes followed me , wherever I went. I did not mind it. The next day, I could not get up from my bed, I was down with high fever. I was in a sort of delirium. My eyes were watery, my hands and body were shivering. I was totally sick. The next day, it worsened, and the discomfort and fever continued to rage high. My Physician  made two visits daily . He was perturbed about my depleted comfiture.I was tied to the bed. Incessant cough was rocking me. Nausea was crippling me. There was an irresistible turmoil in the intestine. My husband was shocked , as he had  seen me in such horrible state all through our long married life of 36 years.

Hearing my condition, the good relative of mine ,rushed to me. He stroke  my head with care, and whispered. “How many times , I have pleaded to you to keep out of those evil eyes?You never took it seriously. Now see the suffering you undergo”.


My mind is at cross roads. I recline with exhaustion. Have I to believe  my good  samartian’s thoughts.?I feel dizzy. I am drowsy. Well, slowly , I am accepting my good hearted friend’s words. There is some truth in what he says, I conclude.

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Damn Noise


I heard a cackle,

It was from the pond,

I heard a twitter,

It was from the tree,

I heard a buzz,

It was from the flower,

I heard a chatter,

It was from the forest.

I heard a murmur ,

It was from the river,

I heard a  bellow,

It was from the ocean,

I heard a clutter,

It was from the falls,

I heard a trumpet,

It was from the elephant,

I heard a  tweet,

It was from the bulbul

I heard a  roar,

It was from the lion,

I heard a grunt,

It was from the deer,

I heard a chant,

It was from the temple,

I heard a music,

It was from the congregation,

I heard a babble,

It was from the town,

I heard a damn noise,

It was from the city.

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Swine Flu


The virus is creating a panic all over the world, especially in India and South Asian countries. It is believed to be the outcome of some predominant virus that is prevalent in pigs,and that becomes most pronounced at certain stages. People ,who consume pork are more susceptible to this attack ,than who refrain from eating Pig’s flesh. This is the general impression. But in India, pork is discriminated from the diet mostly and how come there is a spread of this panic virus.

The virus seems to be a mystery. How it attacks?What are its symptoms?How to keep away from this attack?No one is able to give a concrete answer. I feel , that ordinary flu is also mistaken for this strain. Certain times influenza  may ransack the patient , make him  bed ridden and take every bit of power from him. He may have cough, fever, body pain , heaviness in the head, and intestinal turbulence. This will  turn him a sick patient for a week or ten days. He has to be cautiously monitored and put in special doiet rich in supplements to re equip his worn out body.

As such, this epidemic of swine flu has endangered the nations. There is an unwarranted sense of alarm, a ticklish apprehension, and a deceiving symptom ,that a simple cough is misconstrued for swine flu, aan ordinary headache appers to be a symptom of this epidemic. Body pain , may be a result of overwork, but sets the punitive chant , “Oh, I have contrived swine flu”.This mental alogirithm plays a smashing role in spreading this virus.The moan and the mourn , the tremor and the trigger, the upset and the upsurge will be sufficient to be nailed into the coffin . Wriggling in the coffin, we cry hoarsely, “I am a victim of Swine Flu -2009.

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Museums In Singapore And Malaysia


The museums of both these countries are similar.They pose a grandeur of excellence. The history of these countries are more or less the same.But the presentation of the facts are ways apart.

The Singapore Museum opens up its repertoire by stressing the episode of a Chola Prince arriving at Tamasey.He queries his subordinates about the head of the animal which is lying in the area. They answer him ,saying that it is the head of Singa,or lion The prince names the country as Singapura.The show  of this particular episode is beautiful.

The Malayan Country as also discovered by a chola King. The Chola landed in Kedah.He must have ruled for long duration ,as there are depictions of temples  . The vimanas,and the gopurams are standing examples of the chola rule. The Hindus had a sway over the state for a long spell. This chola was referred as Kidaram Konda cholan.This impeccable truth is modified by the Malaysian government,to suit its whims and fancies.

The Natukottai Chettiars had roaring activity in both Singapore and Malaysia. They were into money lending business. They were noted for their integrity. They borrowed money from Chartered Bank and lent it to the Chinese.They charged nominal interest They lived in highly crowded hubbub.They led a simple life. They had their own method of accounting.They became owners of lands ,when the pledged property could not be retrieved by their clients. This banking community did much for the financial progress of the two nations.In the Singapore Museum ,a space is allotted to this community.Unfortunately no such reminiscence is found in Museum Negara.

The Portuguese invasion, the Dutch settlement,and the British colonisation are dealt with great attention.The Independence of these nations and their growth after is pictographed  in a chaste manner.The three communities, Malays, Chinese and Indians should move ahead in unison ,thus taking the nations to flourishing prosperity and thriving indulgence.

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Singapore-Land Of Traders


On 26/July/2009, I landed in Singapore . It was a cool morning, with slight drizzle.The city was not fully awake ,as it was early in the morning. There wee a few joggers, taking their morning beat. Singapore was yawning trying to get out of the slumber.The weather was excellent with intermittent showers. The drive from the airport to the hotel was a pleasure. The greenery beside the roads, the sea flowing on one side, the tall bushy trees beckoned the traveller to the land of ecstasy.

This small country ,with a radius of 26 square miles,has been formed by the Chola kings, followed by the Chinese traders,the Portuguese invasion, the Dutch settlements and finally the Japanese attack all went out in a huge queue to create the small city nation. The port is the only natural resource that is available to this country. Other essentials, like water and power, has to be bought from its neighbouring Malaysia.Yet this little country is bustling with activity

The Singaporeans word of promise is profit. Commercialising time  is a remote sensation. But they do. they promote tourism to the maximum.All kinds of food are available but for a cost. all commodities are found ,but are expensive. Textiles fetch exorbitant money. sophisticated watches  electronic goods are flooded in the showrooms, malls, but the prices are alarming. There seems to be a highly snobbish big disappperception among the people. They do no manual work. they hire work force from India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Myanmar. These folks gather in one particular place every Sunday. On Sundays Singapore looks deeply messy.

The cleanliness , for which Singapore was remarkable ,is a ointment,as we see litters all the way , uncared for.The City has attained a gigantic magnitude,in this decade. The buildings are huge skyscrapers.Most look like a pigeon hole, of course with all amenities. The kinship and the amity is totally absent., It is money, money all the way.

I am reminds of the quote,

“water ,water,everywhere , no drop to drink,”

In Singapore it is mad rush for materialistic benefits, but the human spirit of compassion, and simplicity is absolutely nil.

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Law And Police.


Police are keepers of law.They work for the protection of civilians . They strive to keep law and order. They patrol the area allotted to them by warding off antisocial elements.

But how many of them do ?

A    few officers and sergeants are diligent and maintain decorum and discipline. The majority misuse their powers . They create panic in the most calm areas, by indulging in attestations that invoke fear and apprehensions. The public are taken for a ride  by the police force. They are penalised for no fault . They have to pay heavily,if caught by the Inspector . If they raise their voice in protest , the officer canes them accuses of rude speech, and imprisons them.The civilian meted with such crude treatment , has to move about in shame. The bribe they take to cancel the case filed is quiet heavy. Apart from such illegal provocations, they also involve in other sacrilegious activities that should not find a place in paper.

The derogatory reputation they have earned has not registered a  positive significance in their style of approach. The unpleasant deliberations make people repel from the Police force. They normally get scared to get in touch with the Police, as it would engage a lot of time,and bring about a wasteful expense,and push in mental torture.

I read recently of a man being handcuffed by police on suspicion that he was trying to break a house, which was  his own home. The miscommunication has landed the man in jail. He produced his identity card, in spite of it he was imprisoned.

The man’s pride is hurt. He , if I remember right  is Gates who had returned from China. The Police sentinel is unmindful of the infliction they have caused. Yes , this is one among the multitude of cases they have mishandled. They remain untethered.But, what about Gates ?His affliction is tremendous. His agony is unspeakable.The molestation , he suffered , is unthinkable.

The Police go on. One day they will retire and slip into the fold of ordinary citizens.Then , they will realise the trauma, the rejection. Their heart will race in palpitation. Their shrivelling seductions will lead them to an infidel , nauseating , distraught composure..