OSCARS FOR SLUMDOG

The thumping success of Slumdog Millionaire at the just concluded Oscars is a pleasant and happy moment for all things Indian.
Sorry for the nay Sayers who are uncomfortable with reality and want to exist in the fantasy of their protected environment. Fortunately they are a minority who can remain behind the tinted glass of their Mercs, Ferraris and bungalows.
Danny Boyle’s movie has won eight Oscar awards including best picture, adapted screenplay, cinematography, sound mixing, film editing, original score, original song and direction.
The highlight of the Slumdog Millionaire drama is reflected on the faces of the happy kids from the 'real slums' wearing tuxedos and designer dresses smiling at the Oscar venue enjoying the entire experience with the innocence of unadulterated exuberance of the moment, which is universal irrespective of who and where the child is. Only children are capable of soaking in true glory they always deserve.
That I think is the power of the story so well told by the entire team and deserves to be saluted. It has changed so many lives and given an entirely neglected deprived section of our society the right to aspire and courage to dream.
I look forward to the day when the politics of vested interest will no longer be able to exploit this class with false promises and criminality.
The Director of the film humbly attributed the success of the movie by stating that the story is not about money (prize) but all about Love. The human angle is really well narrated and touches the viewer.
Thanks to the Oscars jury for fulfilling the personal wish made on my post of 25th January!!

SURRENDER TO TERROR

The chilling news of surrendering to Taliban by Pakistani Government (if it can be called one) in parts of the country where Sharia law will apply is devastating for the world in general and India in particular.

Rhetoric should be replaced by reality now that the double crossing Pakistani game started by Musharraf under which the Bush administration continued to be bluffed is out in the open.

The reality is worse and more dangerous than the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq put together. Pakistan is a nuclear capable 'failed' state. The trigger will soon pass on to Osama - Pakistan's guest of honour while the world searched caves else where?

It is more than obvious that the war on terror after 9/11 has miserably failed because the Taliban has proved itself to be more intelligent in biding its time and resources behind the veil of deceit provided to them by the Pakistani administration which kept fooling the world by mock support of the war on terror. The Taliban is a much stronger outfit today than it was when the war commenced thanks to the billions of dollars that USA routed to them via Pakistan.

The international community should respond to the wake up call given in Pakistan by the TALIBAN and strategise to control this menace urgently. The threat cannot be viewed as distant and in isolation any more because it is on the doorstep of all nations who cherish freedom from fear and believe in protecting dignity of life.

India's allegations and fears stand starkly validated after more than 60 years of shouting and complaining in vain. The Mumbai carnage was Taliban's first notice declaring their growing power and intent to the world.

Pakistan is and has been a disaster of history from the day it became a reality by political default and will haunt the rest of the world worse than it has India.

VALENTINE'S DAY

Just did some basic research to find out what could be the reason (if any) for 'Goons Brigade' objection to celebrating Valentine's Day and came up with some facts.
You are invited to decide if there is any justification for the threats being issued by certain fringe outfits like Shiv Sena/Ram Sene etc.
It is obvious that frustrated manipulators have a hidden agenda to protect their vested interests by resorting to extra constitutional tactics to blow 'non issues' out of proportion and gain media attention.
It is time for the common citizen of the country to introspect and seek to change the abuse of democratic rights by the minority which the system of governance is failing to control by implementing rule of law. The media can play the role of a catalyst to build the pressure group for change.
The VALENTINE'S fact sheet is simple and non controversial.
* Celebrated world wide on 14th February.
* According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year. Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women!! (validates my observations about women made on 15th Januaray!!)
* Significance - Lovers express their feeling for each other.
* Traditional Symbols - include hearts, doves, Cupid and love notes.
* Observances - Sending greetings cards and gifts, dating. - (Saudi Arabia's religious police in 2008 banned the sale of all Valentine's Day items, which created a black market for roses and wrapping paper?)
CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY THIS YEAR TO PROTECT INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY OF CHOICE.

HINDU TALIBAN

Slowly but surely India is following the foot steps of 'Musalman' Talibans with intolerance and violence being the key tools used to terrorise innocent targets.
Pramod Mutalik (probably insane due to his inability to face the reality of personal failures in life) representing himself as the self appointed Chief of a bunch of religious fanatics (mostly unemployable youth) collectively calling themselves 'Sri Rama Sene', has managed to project himself on the front pages of print media and prime time news channels by the cowardly act of man handling young liberated women enjoying at a Pub - usually perceived as 'soft targets' - in the name of protecting them from western influences. Molesting women and beating them in public is deemed 'safe guarding' Hindu culture by these hooligans and devils in male clothing!!
The disturbing fall out of this episode is frightening. Consider these facts.
1) Protectors 0f law and order (a.k.a. Police force) remained mute spectators for more than two days, while the politicians (a.k.a. Government in Power) calculated their options in terms of 'vote bank'.
2) The magistrates/judges (a.k.a. Judiciary to uphold laws) considered the culprits worthy of bail and released the 'animals' to uphold democratic rights and due process of justice.
3) The 'no fear of punishment' message conveyed to the scum of society by a failed system emboldened the hooligans to organise a "Victory Parade" to celebrate their release on bail while the police force ensured security at the venue.
4) At this victory parade they audaciously threw a challenge to society at large and the system of governance in particular by WARNING to unleash violent means to stop "Valentine's Day" celebrations through rabid statements in the name of 'Indian culture'.
5) The administration's soft pedalling is disconcerting as it allows the rogues to flex their muscles to infringe upon private and fundamental rights of citizens.
While writing this - there is a 'breaking news' on news channels - a young girl returning to her college from holidays is dragged out of a public bus along with a young male college mate.
They are beaten up mercilessly because a "Hindu" girl was speaking to a "Muslim" boy and the goons brigade considers it immoral and against Hindu culture?
The frequency and regularity of such incidents unleashed in the name of religion is dangerous for the country.
The administration is urged to nip this trend in the bud with a bipartisan approach before India becomes known as the birth place of "Hindu Taliban" competing with its infamous neighbour dreaded by the world for their "Muslim" Taliban.