Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A forwarded e-mail, nice and inspiring

The then President of India DR. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 's Speech in Hyderabad .

Why is the media here so negative?
Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognize our own strengths, our achievements?
We are such a great nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. Why?
We are the first in milk production.
We are number one in Remote sensing satellites.
We are the second largest producer of wheat.
We are the second largest producer of rice.
Look at Dr. Sudarshan , he has transferred the tribal village into a self-sustaining, self-driving unit. There are millions of such achievements but our media is only obsessed in the bad news and failures and disasters.
I was in Tel Aviv once and I was reading the Israeli newspaper. It was the day after a lot of attacks and bombardments and deaths had taken place. The Hamas had struck. But the front page of the newspaper had the picture of a Jewish gentleman who in five years had transformed his desert into an orchard and a granary. It was this inspiring picture that everyone woke up to. The gory details of killings, bombardments, deaths, were inside in the newspaper, buried among other news.
In India we only read about death, sickness, terrorism, crime.. Why are we so NEGATIVE? Another question: Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? We want foreign T.Vs, we want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology.
Why this obsession with everything imported. Do we not realize that self-respect comes with self-reliance? I was in Hyderabad giving this lecture, when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is. She replied: I want to live in a developed India . For her, you and I will have to build this developed India . You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation.

Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance.
Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.
YOU say that our government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke. The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.
YOU say, say and say. What do YOU do about it?
Take a person on his way to Singapore. Give him a name - 'YOURS'. Give him a face - 'YOURS'. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don't throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores.
YOU are as proud of their Underground links as they are. You pay $5 (approx. Rs. 60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road) between 5 PM and 8 PM.
YOU come back to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over stayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall irrespective of your status identity In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU?
YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai .
YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah.
YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds (Rs.650) a month to, 'see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else.'
YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, 'Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so's son. Take your two bucks and get lost.'
YOU wouldn't chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand .
Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo? Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston??? We are still talking of the same YOU.
YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India?
In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same in Japan.
Will the Indian citizen do that here?' He's right. We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility.
We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms.
We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity.
This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public.
When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child! and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse? 'It's the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my sons' rights to a dowry.' So who's going to change the system?
What does a system consist of? Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbours, other households, other cities, other communities and the government. But definitely not me and YOU. When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr.Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand or we leave the country and run away.
Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure we run to England . When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf. When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money.

Dear Indians, The article is highly thought inductive, calls for a great deal of introspection and pricks one's conscience too. I am echoing J. F. Kennedy's words to his fellow Americans to relate to Indians..
'ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY'
Lets do what India needs from us.

Thank you,
Dr. Abdul Kalam

Monday, April 20, 2009

Q & A

These are a set of questions doing rounds on facebook, and i tagged J in it. After much persuasion he decided to write the answers but e-mailed them to me instead of posting it on facebook, for reasons best known to him ;)

Seldom does one find such honest answers and ones that make your day. I may not be as good as his answers portray me to be, nevertheless, it sure made my day :)
Aren't i lucky to have such awesome people around me!!
Thank you J for making my day!!!

Here are the un-editied answers provided by him!



1. When and how did we meet ?

I met you in detail at S and Co. uske baad i thought that u thought that i was weird (as i was linking u and that beard wala associate at S & Co) then may be u figured out i was not so weird.

2. Are we friends / something else ?


We are friends and I give you my word that i shall try my best to be so through out life.



3. When's the last time you saw me (hw stupid is that)?

17.04.2009 ( the final draft of our dissertation was to be submitted)




4. When do you think I'll meet you next ?

23.04.2009 ( when the final dissertation is to be submitted for binding)


5. What is the funniest / craziest/ cherished memory we have shared (or u know bout me that i dont)?

I dont know whether u remember but i do - tune mere upar frooti girayi thi and i shall have my revenge in this life or the other



6. Describe me in one word(or use as many as you like. it can be difficult at times to limit ur description i know)?

You r - THERE


7. What was your first impression?

Good talkative ladki



8. Do you still think that way about me now?

I sure do

9. What reminds you of me?

Gmail


10. If you could give me anything what would it be?

I wud try my best to give u anything without u having to ask me for it




11.Which color suits me the best?
Kala

12. Which song suits me ?

Yaar song nahin pata shayad - meri bhains ko danda kyun mara



13. Ever wanted to tell me something but couldn't?
yes



14. What is my best attribute ?
I dont know cant be judgmental i like the way u r, on the whole tu best hai


15. and worst?
abhi koi aisa major nahin deekha hai ya phir yaad nahin aa raha but i will let know and must have told you also whenever i saw one.


16.Give me a nickname and explain why you picked it.
Saima - Because thats who u r


17.What type of clothes suit my personality?
Ladkiyon wala question


18.If I was dating a guy and you were to advise him on what to expect what would it be (limit to three)?

main aisa kabhi nahin karoonga, the guy who is dating you must know you better than i do, it is his domain, agar mujhe use advice karna pada tu use laat mar diyo


19. whats the one thing that you like about me? (this is different from best attribute).

i like you as whole tu jaise bhi hai sabse alag hai aur jo cheez tujhe sabse alag karti hai wo hi mujhe pasand hai this cannot be expressed in words


20. and you dont like?
I will let you know as and when i come across

Friday, April 17, 2009

todays interview

Well, as it turned out, this wasn't an interview per se!!!
This was a meeting with one of the partners of one of the reputed firms on our country.
We had an informal chat. He made me feel so comfortable and we really hit it off well, and ended up chatting as new found friends!! He told me interesting experiences of his life, his journey to write a book. (Hes also a well-known author of legal books!)
He called me to involve me in a new project, which is beyond the company's work, and is his personal work. But he was thinking of involving someone in his firm as well... That i will get involved in the project is assured, but the unsure part is the job in the company where he works.
So my status is still the same...i.e. unemployed!!!
Anyways there is still a ray of hope, because he has told me to think about the job opportunity and if i am interested they would start the recruitment process in a month's time!! So i am just thinking and keeping my fingers crossed :)

Thank you Guys for the wishes :)

Monday, April 13, 2009

Interview

ummm...i should have been sleeping right now *scratches her head*...umm....i should have slept. why, because mom told me to and also the law of the nature says so, AND its late and i have work tomorrow.... But, i decide to write this...why...i have no answer..
ok, so tomorrow is my first EVER job interview. Yes i am nervous and have ZERO confidence, but i have faith. Faith in the One because of whom i got this interview call right out of no where.

Clothes to wear...decided (after consulting 10 people!!)
Shoes to wear....decided

I have always dreaded interviews, for the simple reason that i'll end up becoming a fool and the interviewers will be so harassed that they'll shout at me and shoo me away. Yes, i have had such horrible imaginative sequences in my mind when i should be working/studying. I have always looked of ways to wriggle out of the interviews (whether it was for the post of the editor of a magazine or getting selected for an organisation), i have tried to come up with the silliest excuse to escape the trauma and it never actually worked.

Picture this:
mom: S, don't u have an interview today at 1?
S: yes mom i do. But theres a lot of time left, why are u waking me up so soon??
mom: Woman, its 12, and you have to drive to Delhi for this thing remember??Its an hour's drive to CP!!!
S: (hurrying up, falling from the bed, and tripping on the sandals she wore last night)...ohhhh why din't you wake me up earlier.!!!
Mom: i have been trying to do that since 10, but its falling on deaf ears.
S: (at 12.30- still not dressed), Mom, i think i should skip this interview.. you know give others a chance.. or better still why don't i give a telephonic interview?? I'l tell them i broke my foot?? or the car is in repairs or i have to take you to the doctor?? what say :)
Mom: (emerging from the kitchen with the angriest expression possible) IF YOU DON'T GO RIGHT THIS MINUTE I'L SPANK YOU. Shameless girl, itni badi ho gayi hai...Shaadi ki umar aagayi hai...still look at her!! ,

S: (running off to save her self)


Well such have been my experiences with interviews.
I know there is no other way out. Today or tomorrow i will have to face the interview board...sigh...such is life...

Friday, April 10, 2009

True Friendship!!





Something interesting that i chanced upon!
Have fun!!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Ishwar Allah

This is a song from 1947-Earth, that i love, and can listen to it again and again!! hope u like it too :)

Ishwar Allah Tere Jahan Mein Nafrat Kyon Hai Jung Hai Kyon
Tera Dil To Itna Bada Hai Insaan Ka Dil Tang Hai Kyon
Ishwar Allah Tere Jahan Mein Nafrat Kyon Hai Jung Hai Kyon
Tera Dil To Itna Bada Hai Insaan Ka Dil Tang Hai Kyon

[ Ishwar Allah Tere Jahan Mein Nafrat Song Lyrics @ http://www.hindilyrix.com ]

Kadam Kadam Par Sarhad Kyon Hai Saari Zameen Jo Teri Hai
Sooraj Ke Pehre Dharti Hai Phir Kyon Itni Andheri Hai
Is Duniya Ke Daaman Par Insaan Ke Lahoo Ka Rang Hai Kyon
Ishwar Allah Tere Jahan Mein Nafrat Kyon Hai Jung Hai Kyon
Tera Dil To Itna Bada Hai Insaan Ka Dil Tang Hai Kyon

Goonj Rahi Kitni Cheekhein Pyaar Ki Baatein Hum Sunein
Toot Rahe Hain Kitne Sapne Inke Tukde Koi Chune
Dil Ke Darwaazon Par Taaley Taalon Par Zank Hai Kyon
Ishwar Allah Tere Jahan Mein Nafrat Kyon Hai Jung Hai Kyon
Tera Dil To Itna Bada Hai Insaan Ka Dil Tang Hai Kyon.

[ Ishwar Allah Tere Jahan Mein Nafrat Song Lyrics @ http://www.hindilyrix.com ]


I am still in the process of exploring the many options of blogger, so apologize for not inserting a link to download the song. Kindly google it!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

happiness!!

This has to be one of the good moments of my life :)
Got my result today, that means, i have freedom from exams, FOREVER!!
no more late night studies, waiting for the results !!!
Just another small step left now and i WILL BE A LAWYER! :)
Wear the prestigious band and the black gown, roam the corridors of the Courts! Bliss!!

My whole family is jumping with joy and happiness!! Congratulations on phone/smses/ facebook have kept me busy since 5 p.m.!!!

I just hope i don't let them down.
All i want is to make a mark for myself in this big, bad, ugly world, do my bit to change the legal system, earn enough money to fulfil my father's dream of opening a Hospital/NGO/school for the girls in his hometown.
Anyways, i am too happy to sit down and continue!

Adios! Hope everyone's dreams come true :)

My dada would have been so proud- "beti vakil ban gayi"!!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

nice ones :) :)

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us- Helen Keller

To know sorrow, is to be free from it. You won't understand sorrow if you keep escaping from it. Don't do anything about it. Don't push it away. Just be aware. How does it feel? Happy are those who grieve for they will love better and live longer.

I laugh, I love, I hope, I try, I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, So we're really not that different, me and you.

There is always someone who loves you more than you know.

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8


The deeper that sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?- Khalil Gibran


When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.- Henri Nouwen


A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last.

- Charlie Daniels
written en route to the funeral for his friend, Ronnie Van Zant of the band, Lynyrd Skynyrd.