BACK TO BASICS

Back from Kolkata after a leisure trip. It was a spur-of-the-moment travel without fixed itinerary on an open ticket that really packed in a lot of fun and joy with family and friends.
The laid back life style which Kolkata still manages to portray is a welcome change from the rat race environment we have unwittingly adopted.
You can still see people playing carom on the pavement under a bright light energized by electricity ‘stolen’ from the nearest lamp post and another group busy playing cards squatting under some tree around the bend of a busy junction. The ‘adda’ with famous earthen cups of tea remain familiar land mark in most localities. The chaos at Kalighat mandir continues. The dilapidated dirty looking Ambassador taxis ply (though with fewer Sardarjis) at their rattling best. The buses remain filthy and dented. The autos though, have got a face lift – thanks to strict implementation of emission norms to reduce carbon footprint.
An important discovery is you can spot sparrows in the city!! This validates the ‘human element’ that still exists in Kolkata.
Personal high point was gorging on the endless variety of fish lovingly cooked by loved ones.
Certainly a rejuvenating trip in spite of the hot and sticky summer time day temperature!! The illusion of day to day life being 'on hold' relative to other metros is very refreshing.

LOST CITIZEN

The sham of breast thumping Indian politicians claim to 'SECULARISM' has been exposed by the failure of the government to assure safety to an Indian aged 95 years.
It is a shame that politics and fundamentalism in the name of democratic rights has forced an iconic (ex)Indian to surrender citizenship of the country which is his birth right. The man who put India on the world art map was humiliated and threatened of arrest based on distorted facts for over three years.
The national shame is compounded by the fact that the politics of manipulation is being played out to woo the old man to change his mind. It is too little too late to salvage the Indian image.
What is the difference between the Talibans and our own brand of "HINDU" terror?

DOUBLE TON

Deeds speak stronger than words.
Sachin's fantastic performance at Gwalior last evening in the ODI which South Africa lost without a fight is the vibrant answer to the dying breed of Senas around the country.
The double ton lodged in the record books by the Master Blaster has humbly been dedicated to INDIA BY AN INDIAN.
Presumably the "Marathi Manoos" theme has been comprehensively punctured by Sachin Ramesh Tendulakar by this world record and it will be the wake up call to insane lumpen elements in our society to mend their ways fast before they get wiped out by the furious onslaught of high performing Indians around the country.
The hidden agenda to create division amongst Indians through language, caste, region, culture etc. for political survival by senile double speak will not survive as the country's younger generation out perform on the global stage as proud INDIANS.
THREE CHEERS SACHIN FOR SETTING AN INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE OF A PROUD INDIAN.

SALUTE THE DEAD

The dastardly terror strike, by cowards unfit even to be described as wild animals, at the German Bakery in Pune has snuffed out the lives of three bright and beautiful youngsters along with other dead and many more injured.
The enormity of the three wasted human lives is heart wrenching as it involved three friends who were studying in Pune scheduled to board the next morning’s flight for home in Kolkata. Amongst this trio were two siblings - a boy aged 24 and his sister of 19. The brother sister duo were good students and also excelled in sports. The third was another 24 year girl. All three were mates from school days. They were away from the comfort of their Kolkata homes to pursue their dreams in the education capital of India!!
The serious question that arises from this unimaginable tragedy is HOW SAFE ARE WE?
The obvious answer is WE ARE AT THE MERCY OF TERRORISTS AND WILL REMAIN UNSAFE ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE IN INDIA UNLESS THE PATHETIC QUALITY OF GOVERNANCE DRASTICALLY CHANGES.
Firm leadership coupled with bipartisan unity to destroy terror is the one and only option available to tackle the menace emanating from a sick and dying neighbor.
Hate and distorted facts based on shadow boxing with an imaginary enemy for over 60 years has converted Pakistan into a cesspool of bearded inhuman gun toting fanatics willing to maim and kill in the name of religion.
USA and other Western nations have repeatedly created ‘Frankensteins’ in troubled waters to suit their limited self interest in the region. Pakistan has negotiated to remain a Client State manipulating the mostly stupid gullible white men by manufacturing sob stories based on falsehood and half truths in its compulsive need to equate itself with India.
That India is not the real enemy in this imaginary equation has got to be proven wrong by bold and firm action on a war footing by our spineless political leadership setting aside the narrow politics of “VOTE BANKS” that has systematically eroded our strength as a nation capable and willing to defend its citizens.
MAY THE DEPARTED SOULS REST IN PEACE.

TERROR STRIKES AGAIN

Till such time as India shows patience and does not display its mite as a strong united nation our errant neighbor will continue to treat India as a soft target to initiate terror attacks by clandestine means.
It is high time Pakistan is exposed of its dubious double crossing tactics by hitting them really hard militarily.
Their smooth talking manipulation of the US/UK and other nations on the international forum keeps them afloat as a "failed state" by depicting India as 'ENEMY NUMBER ONE' while begging for arms and dollars which are mostly diverted to create hate and paranoia by its State Agency ISI as the guiding force to strike India from the back while hiding behind a veil of duplicity and scorn.
We cannot and should not remain reactive any more but become robustly proactive while dealing with a rogue state in the neighborhood.
Destroy their terror cells and starve their supply lines may be even dry up their water resources (of which we are falsely accused any way?)
Show of strength and resolve has become inevitable to beat the hell out of Pakistan.

LAW & DISORDER

The ugly statements being made by the ‘Thakeray Mafia’ of Bombay (read that as Mumbai – if you are scared?) are disgusting. More importantly it is a dangerous threat to Indians including the ‘Marathi Manoos’ in view of the evident break down of governance being explored by self appointed leaders.
Democracy cannot exist with intolerance unless rule of law is swiftly imposed. The Bals/Udhavs/Rajs and their like have been treated with fear by the State for far too long. This soft attitude for political expediency by successive governments in Maharashtra has given their followers a sense of invincibility which has now reached an alarming level, interfering with the freedom of citizens guaranteed by our Constitution.
Udhav has the audacity of calling the Home Minister of India on national TV as the HM of Pakistan!! and warning other law abiding citizens to restrict themselves within domains dictated by him while showing absolute disrespect for our democratic environment. It is ironic that he claims his right to abuse any one and every one under the same democratic space guaranteed by the Constitution!!
Blatant ridicule of the rule of law cannot be allowed to continue and culprits must be punished without fear or favour.
May be “Pink Chaddi” type campaign needs to be launched as “Orange Chaddi” considering the mockery being made by Bal wearing orange robes to project himself as a sanyasi akin to a snarling wolf in sheep’s clothing!!

60TH MILESTONE

Official member of the “Senior Citizens Club” – entitled to enjoy certain age based privileges which accrue to Indian citizens!!
The journey so far has been fantastic with few road bumps and some unexpected turns mixed with many joyous peaks.
The flow of greetings from midnight urges me to want to acknowledge Thakur’s immense Blessings along with the love and support of all those who touched my life in a million different ways. I feel blessed to have so much love from relatives, friends, and acquaintances.
In the unlikely event that any one holds unknown grudge against me – I humbly seek forgiveness for any unintended wrongs that may have been committed along the way.
Thank you one and all. Love you. God Bless.