Star - to be or not to be

Star - To be or not to be
Look above your head a widespread sky. On that sky see those shining and twinkling stars. What we see as shining star is actually continuous burning flame. This is what life of a celebrity, rich and famous (read) star is like. That burning ambition to be somebody got them at the top. Nevertheless they have to keep burning to maintain their shine. 
World admires their shine. What is more, people make celebrity as their role model. This ardent desire to be like star makes many followers to climb higher and they wish to touch the sky alike their role model. And this is a lifetime achievement of rich and famous when people follow their footprints. Hordes of cameras, hundreds of people are behind them. They want to know how they live their life as simple as how their bathroom looks like or what is their favorite color. What is their favorite time activity, who was their past beau, how they rose from rags to riches. Indeed a celebrity’s life is talk of the town. 


People look at their fortune but not spending of millions that they are doing to sustain stardom. On all the way to road to success they have won true enemies and false friends. Their personal life is a public show. Their personal affair makes the headline. Moreover they cannot come out in open freely to see the sky. Sometime they again look back at those lanes where they dreamt of becoming a star. They miss those moments and seldom weeps in a dark corner of their mansion. 


While seeing pains of life of rich and famous most of the time people do not want to become glitterati. In my opinion there is nothing wrong to be a shining star but it is matter of regret to be a falling star. Rich and famous have to pay the price of stardom they have achieved. Every achievement they make comes with a price tag. People who maintain their celebrity status for long have actually planned and visualized it while they were on streets. They calculated the price they will pay on road to stardom. Similarly one who has an ardent desire to become rich and famous should also know the price tag. They need to learn from lives of people who chose this path knowing pros and cons. In brief one who wants to become a star should know that he/she has to burn his/her life. 

Think before you smoke

Doctors worldwide are raising concerns on number of deaths happening due to lungs cancer. Globally governments have expressed their concern over cause of cancer I.e. smoking. They are pondering over new rules to exercise control over this habit that is taking toll over health of many. 

It's astonishing that it's not smokers whose health is more at risk but it's passive smokers who are more prone to risk. Both categories are prone to risk of getting lungs cancer and diseases related to heart. 
Gravity of problem is serious and all steps taken have proven futile to erase problem of smoking 100 percent. Given fact that you cannot force anyone to stop smoking is major hurdle which hasn't been overcome. 
Forcing directly means snatching away their fundamental right. 

We should take consequences to economy in consideration if smoking get banned totally. First it will affect revenue that government earn in form of taxes and duties imposed on sales of tobacco. Secondly, at minor level it will affect paper industry and hundreds of vendors selling cigarettes will loose earnings. Contradictory to it if government gain money in form of taxes they are imposing on sales of tobacco it could be utilise to improvise health services while slashing cost of such services. In my opinion government should hike the tax resulting in an increase in price of cigarettes. This in turn will discourage people to consume less cigarettes. 

Policing all vendors is almost near to impossible as police cannot deploy extra force to see ban being observed by vendors and consumers. Making stringent laws doesn't mean that you can stop people smoking at public places. Rather they will find covert ways to continue with the habit. 

We agree that smoking should be banned but at the same time we need to ensure that individual shouldn't be deprived of their fundamental rights. Celebrity endorsement, ban on public places, encouragement to quit can minimise the problem but cannot erase the problem completely.

Mahatama Gandhi

Mahatama Gandhi

In a marathon race there is one difference between winner and looser.  The winner runs that extra mile that the looser is not able to run. This is applicable on our life and great people’s lives. They go an extra mile to serve the purpose. They take control over their life and renounce worldly pleasures and serve humanity at the cost of their life. One such person who influenced thoughts of many had the habit of walking miles and miles reaching out people. Spreading the message of peace and brotherhood he lead the Indian independent movement and bought down mighty British rule in India with his non violent movement.
When whole world was fighting a violent battle with guns for freedom from colonial rule, he lit the lamp of truth and peace in South Africa. When he was thrown out from the first class coach of train on Durban platform and was slapped that slap shook his soul. That was an awakening of a man who studied law in England and who was a very shy and reticent person. A short and fragile person who took mighty British Empire by its thorn was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi alias Mahatama Gandhi. He urged people to let down their guns and adopt non violence and advocate for their own rights. He asked for the basic right to live as human in a free and liberal society with equal rights during the time when racial discrimination was order of the day.
He raised his voice but not hands. He raised his concerns not pains. He devised techniques of protest advocating for truth. Protest march, fasting, sit down, non cooperation were some of his popular weapons he used against British killing their willingness to rule. Be the change what you want to see in the world said that he changed many peoples’ lives. 

Pune’s traffic problem – diagnosis and possible solutions

Pune’s traffic problem – diagnosis and possible solution

One of the way to get rid of problem is to bring it in limelight and to create uproar so as to create pressure on decision makers to come aboard and solve it. It is the best way not the only way. This statement made fits very well in context to Traffic problem in Pune. It’s not matter of a day or two but we have witnessed augmenting menace on roads for years and raised our voices blaming a system. It is time to ponder over other ways than blaming Ms. PMC and Mr. Politician.

At first hand we have to take responsibility to curb out this chaos on roads at personal level because at first we are victims of it affecting our lungs, eyes, hearts every part of body. Some youth organization came up and did some voluntary work distributing stickers and requesting people to obey traffic rule.

Traffic on any given road is like free flowing water and traffic signals serve the purpose of dam restricting & controlling movement and speed of vehicles. With given 105 chowks on near about 1000 sq. km of road is not a control measure but has totally affected flow of vehicles. Take a drive from Deccan corner to PMC HQ. You will come across some six signals at a stretch of road less than 2 kms of distance. One signal, two signal, three signal…and dam of patience got broken there and people start breaking signal rules. A India based software firm helped traffic police of London to overcome traffic related problem that they did virtual mapping of road and saw painful areas of situation. A similar approach has to be adopted by traffic department when it comes to planning movement and flow of vehicles other than blaming Ms. PMC and Mr. Politician for non-cooperation when it comes to widening of roads.

It is prime time when colleges should brood over to contribute to this gigantic problem and have to come forward to rescue of ‘Oxford of East’. We must follow South Korean example where every citizen came forward to wipe off debris and took vow to keep their streets clean and free from debris. Student population forms a major chunk of biking on the road. Authorities must think over on how to control this while only few have come forward and deployed buses for students. It's one of the way to create space on roads.

Local companies must enhance their social responsibility. Recently, one company decided to call off their operations from city. It’s running away from the problem and not a solution. But joining hands with traffic department sorting while discussing it can be of the way other than blaming Ms.PMC and Mr. Politician. Its time to control biking on the roads and to create space for large vehicles to carry people. It can be one of the way but not the only way. It is time to encourage cycling at least twice in a week. It is time to join hands to sort this problem and it is the only way to combat it, which is affecting our mind, body and souls including Mr. Politician and Ms. PMC.

KHADKI - PRIDE PREJUDICE AND PLACE OF HONOR

There is one common factor that is common between battles and Sports and if you wish to see a rare combination than turn your wheels to Khadki.

Khadki a battle ground of historic importance, now house to Bombay Sappers, ammunition factories and a war cemetery. And some of the finest sportsman has come out of this land of spirits.  The common thing that connects is spirits. “I am honored to serve these dead people sleeping beneath concrete”. Said Mr.Behnwaal of Khadki War cemetery, which is maintained by funds, provided by commonwealth countries “many have come to salute their spirits from far off east and west. And the list include all the chiefs of UK defense forces” says Mr.Behnwaal who adds that a piper of British Army who spend his retirement income on visiting all the war cemeteries around the world and played pipe till his last breath in the honor of soldiers. Sevak Nayyar CEO Khadki Cantonment board adds,” like lot many people from Milkha Singh’s village followed his path when he made it big on track and field. But I am not aware who has started this movement. Here hockey players are in plenty. There is demand for hockey if somebody else approach we are open to it.

Agrees M.Pillai father of Dhanraj Pillai  “In fact we are thankful that they are contributing to Hockey and other games”. He came here with this father in pre independence time and settled down here while he played for India and his coming two generations are dedicated to it. “From Ammunition factory ground I have seen many players coming out and shining at international scenario. During rains whole Pune and Khadki is flooded the ground dries with in five minutes after rains that I haven’t seen anywhere in India as long as I served as coach to many teams” authenticate Pillai whose son is fighting a tough battle to prove his love and continuity for Hockey.

It is amazing to see sports all around in Khadki. Everything to anything is being played out here. Cricket, Football, Boxing, Karate, Hockey, Swimming, you name a game sportsman of the same are there. “From alone Bombay Sappers there are some 45 players who have represented India in different competitions. Five are Arjun awardees and to add more the very first Dhyanchand award for sports came to us.” Boasts Lt.col. Sunil Kumar of Bombay sappers. It was established in 1820 and looking at its valor, glamour and gorgeous nature Queen named it as Royal Engineers corps. And at that time commanders gave a special room to sports and till date the tradition is followed. While they command some 3 param vir charka till date, in pre independence time the company was entitled with one Victoria Cross. “Every year we send Talent scouting team to rope in more and more talent in sports from all over country and followed by their recruitment in Army. And from here many have made it big internationally and the list includes Sub. Shivaji Bhosale first Indian boxer to fetch medal in commonwealth games, Col. M.S.Pillai who sat a record while winning national championship for five times col.J.S.Rawat who set a new record in Ranji trophy acclaiming two hat tricks in Ranji trophy” claims Sunil Kumar.

“After I completed my tenure with Army I chose to settle down here. I was recruited owing to my skills in Boxing and from here my career took a flight in fight” says Ajit Singh, ex-olympian and International boxer whose fight with the than world champion Gama in Mumbai in 80’s is still remembered. He is living a low profile life and actively involved as coach in boxing, “It’s been years teaching boxing and under my hand came out boxers who took their career to even International level”. In a nearby school he has been teaching boxing for more than a decade during evening hours. “I have special sentiments for this place as not only I was champion of rings but created many such champion of rings”, concludes Ajit Singh.

Khadki boys have a rare quality that they never give up till the last drop. So we have tried many methods to raise tempo of our team also we should trykhadki. Its weather, healthy food, cheap living could turn them into a spirit-ful fighter as games are won by spirits rest everything is just training.
 

1971 Pakistan war - Before it and after that

Before it and after that

As per mythological stories whenever good have won over evil that triumph is celebrated till date as like festival Diwali Dusshera, Holi. Akin to it in real world when some ones efforts yield results in terms of triumph over all vexing conditions than it is celebrated as day of National importance likes 15^th Aug, 2^nd oct. 1st may and so on. The concept signifies valor and sacrifices of heroes. They sacrificed their today to make our tomorrow better. As matter of fact one such day is going unnoticed since many years when we talk of celebrations on the name and karma of heroes. It is Vijay Diwas, when India won over Pakistan and formed a whole new country as a cumulative effect of it. “I wrote many letters and columns in newspapers urging government to declare it as day of national importance.” Explain Lt.Col. Walia but subject matter hasn’t found even proper place in pages of history. “It was 26^th Nov.1971 when war was in the air but nobody of us talking about it openly and we had increased our exercises on border area of Badmer in Rajasthan where we were patrolling in wee hours for some 25-30 kms daily rehearsing for unknown time that every army man waits for.” Said Lt.Col Walia of 2^nd Grenadiers. “For us it was only task that was in our mind and rest all was secondary and sometime family well being worries us but there was no fear of death as I was very clear that there is one bullet on which my name is written till time that bullet gets fired nothing can count on me”. Worry keeps one assured of survival and subsequently he takes precautionary steps during war. “IN 1965 war against Pakistan and 1962 war against China where I was prisoner with Chinese army for one year I was fearless and worriless as I was bachelor but in ‘71 war I was fearless but worrisome for my wife with whom I tied the knot and promised to come back.” Narrates Col. Kapil of Gurkha regiment who was posted at Rajouri sector during that time. “But I never let the worries to get reflected on face and daily I use to pump in lot of zeal in troops with gusto in my talk. And as far as our counterpart is concerned we were not suffering from any hostile feeling but we embarked on theory of bullet to bullet and men for man.” And after war he managed to arrange a holiday in Kausali in Punjab with his wife to get along with life afterwards. But things were different with Col. Lele who was part of strategic operations and was near to family as he was posted in border area of Gurdaspur and family in Ambala so that distance was not felt. “I still remember the day when field Marshal Maneckshaw urged us to wipe off 1 crore plus Bangladeshi intruders and said enough is enough. As part of our strategy we need to blow off rail and road Bridges built on river Ravi and capture Dera baba Nanak (that is considered to be seat of Guru Nanak as per anecdote). And I was anxious for family that what they must be doing in case of bombarding in particularly” recalls Col Lele of first Gurkha rifles. He discovered Pakistani soldiers as very professional who inherited this profession from their forefathers and he had very sweet memories attached to 65 war. “I felt intensely bad and I don’t know why, when I saw bridge assimilated to dust particles in front of me as if I lost a link it was such kind of feeling.” These three infantry officers are retired and leading a peaceful life and accomplished life but regret that government doesn’t pay much heed to sacrifices of dead and living heroes in terms of other days it celebrates. Lt. Col. Walia expressed his regret on 25^th anniversary of Vijay Diwas while writing columns and letters in newspapers. It is sad to see Army man who are known for their comradeship and initiatives lagging behind when event is very much related to them. “Bombay life and attitude” is the best defense they take when it comes to not living up to some human considerations. Why not adding another party amidst so many parties in Mumbai on the name and sake of soldiers?

2005 - life in AC bus of Mumbai

Mumbai possesses a heart of stone. This is the perception of Mumbai embedded in common man's mind and it is justifiable to an extent. Stress and strain at work front have dehumanized people that interpersonal relationships are on the fringes of partition.  Verbal exchange of feelings brings two people close naturally.  When one is deprive of than strain offshoots from there. And in this scenario of chaos in and out AC buses are proving to be manna in hot desert.

On condition of anonymity a couple discloses the reason to choose this vehicle over others "Here we bought tickets to buy privacy. From dawn to dusk life keeps us apart and on toes and household jobs take toll over weekends. In lack of communication I noticed a chasm developing between us so I decided to choose this bus that gives us plenty of time to get in touch with each other."   This getting in touch is accompanied with smooches and cuddles that draw attention of many. "We know they are watching us but where else we channelize our aggression, in those dingy flats that brings in feelings of hatred over love."

Ashok Kadam a conductor (popularly known as Masters)  on witnessing such scenes that troubled an orthodox Maharashtrain in him, approached top officials but they overruled his objection stating that it is not causing any physical harm to anybody and restricts him to take care of passengers' comfort and convenience only. "I haven't seen any couple stepping beyond boundaries while expressing their love in form of hugs, whispers and smooches". He is now getting well along with this considering it as part and parcel of Mumbai life where interference is prohibited in such private affairs.

"We were akin to them in our green salad days why to make fuss out of it" justifies Patrachari CEO of a logistics company and worked abroad who chose this bus over his car and explaining the cause he quotes "I was spending some 20,000 on car and its maintenance with driver's salary per month. So the expenditure was not justifying the convenience. Now the decision has just doubled up the satisfaction while cost has trimmed down to one third of what I was spending. This satisfaction is not merely coming out of saving cash but also I am proud to say that I am adding value to save fuel campaign. More use of this bus by people like me would have its merit in terms that it could alleviate roads of traffic problem as number of cars is expected to go down." He further elaborates on merits of traveling "I have made two three travel companions and we discuss topics ranging from sports to economics, politics and business."

But Aradhana Takhtani an editor with business magazine of fame keeps herself apart from chatting. That seat is her private space where she is assured of private moments. "Amidst flurry of activities from managing kids, house and work place it becomes hectic. while traveling I catch up with self after finishing puja and this recoup pumps in freshness and when mind wish to get out of this indulgence I lend ears to muttering of old ladies in particular who have some problems with their young daughter in laws. She is among very few passengers who love to observe things in and out. Biswas, a teacher by profession is close to many passengers as a friend. "When co passenger comes to know about my profession they become open to discuss learning problems of their kids. and I play a role of advisor without intruding into personal details of intricacies of their life." says Biswas who adores the courteous behavior of Masters and to express his attitude of gratitude he makes it a point to carry change and hand over to Master whenever he run short of it. He prefers this bus over train or cab as he is sensitive to heat and dust. And this is not only reason but also that kind nature of Masters and drivers drive many to take this option for traveling. "We lend special favors like stopping bus for old and disabled people and this favor extends to our regular customers. we give them tickets directly as we know that where he wishes to get down in case of change in his itinerary he says 'who roz wala nahi'" explains Kadam his relationship that his colleague Ganpat Patil also enjoys giving an instance "From lokhandwala a disabled boy aboard bus and his father request for special attention on mobile and I make it sure that he lands safely at Opera house. We find long absence of our regular passenger very disturbing and when we come back from long leave they promptly ask about our well being and whereabouts." For passengers this toting and froing daily amidst chaos is pleasure and same pervading problem of traffic for car owners is proving a nightmare experience. "Driving on Mumbai road is akin to punishment for me. decision of spending on fare offset expenses that I was incurring in car." justify 75 year Abdullah Pitalwallah who is business man by profession dealing in hardware "my wife is avid fan as she finds more comfortable than First class compartment and far from jostling crowd" says this arthritis patient who have made just one or two companion of his age group. On back benchers lovers he comments with a grin "it is their cozy corner that brings them close mentally strengthening bonds". In cubby hole flat with plethora of people sharing space and office is like second home, this bus is doing task of bringing people close to each other. Here they get chance to talk to strangers, caring and sharing is at its bloom reflecting in small favors, help, greetings and pouring of thoughts. Here they discuss something they love and hate. They know each other over years but strange fact is that they are completely unaware of name of each other. And here this thought by a philosopher holds true that love inspects the heart not the face and once the tunes matches than what is there in name?