Catch 22....

Conversations with people passionate about music has only increased the awareness about the reality - "music is a truly vast ocean". Even, a lifetime doesn't seem to be enough to know one genre, leave alone, one instrument properly.

To be brutally honest, a single raga (an encapsulating and highly dynamic concept in Indian Classical Music), presents an ocean within this ocean of music. Would a lifetime be enough to know one raga completely.

Yesterday, was one such day, where I was mesmerized into listening to a conversation between two carnatic music enthusiasts. A simple thank you to these two, for their willingness to share with me the delightful intricacies in music.

For latestarters, obviously not child prodigies, how does one go about this gigantic Catch-22 situation?

A solemn promise....

Well, I seem to surprise and bewilder myself with the questions that surface in my mind these days. A constant and rightly nagging query is, "What did happen to one of the loves of your life?" - this blog! There was a time when I used to keep in touch with writing by blogging, at least, once a week.

• Have I run out of my creative juices or topics to write on?
• Have I fallen out of love with my blog?
• Have I embraced realism to idealism?

You can call me a shameless narcissist. But then, I do go over my writings. I like them. Recently, I did find lots of technical flaws too in the posts. Additionally, these writings, which have now become highly personal too, (barely trying to be within the scope of a public blog), might be more from a peregrine's point of view. Just simple assorted writings. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Despite all these, I do find people paying visit to my blog, some on an almost regular basis. A simple thanks. Your kind gestures provide life to this blog.

Dear Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya,

I have neglected you enough over the past two months. This induced and unforced separation, does make me respect and love you more than ever before. Please do welcome back this prodigal son of yours.

Yours,

Ranga.

PS: Even blog-hopping has become so infrequent. A special thanks to Eroteme for this lovely post, which was heavily invigorating and inspiring.

How are you doing?

One of the most banal of all questions. A strong favorite amongst people (be they random persons, acquaintances, friends, or very good friends). What should one's answer be other than the equally banal, "I am doing good". With a paradigm shift, this question does become the greatest test for any human relationship.

A human being needs a connection with another person - be it as a great friendship or a wonderful relationship or whatever. These relationships thrive on trust and mutual respect-cum-affection. So, if things are not going "good", then these people in our circle of lives would also know about it.

Things cannot always be good. It is perfectly all right to say, "things are not fine". But then, naturally, one cannot go about revealing it all to everyone, right?

As a digression to the post, this saying does come to my mind.

"An optimist has as many chances as a pessimist. It is just that he/she happens to have a more exciting life".

So, is the banal reply to the banal question an enlightened form of optimism in daily life?

Happy Diwali....

Diwali, the festival of lights, is veritably one of the most popular festivals of India. Moreover, there is a rich repertoire of stories pertaining to this festival. Nevertheless, the most important message is the annihilation of darkness (evil). The word "darkness" reminds me of these sayings that I have fortunately come across at different points of time.

*****

Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya

Oh! Divine Mother. Kindly lead me from darkness to light.

*****

Here goes a chinese proverb, also attributed to Ms. Eleanor Roosevelt :

It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

Often, we tend to worry small. Instead of taking one gigantic step by lighting a small candle, we seek succor in cursing the darkness, only to move behind in life.

*****

Recently, I came across this neat Spanish proverb, which inspired me to write this post on the eve of Diwali.

There is not enough darkness in the world to extinguish the light of a small candle.

Beautiful. The same light of a small candle can be taken as a metaphorical allusion to "hope". Can anything be sweeter than hope?

*****

The beauty of all these sayings is that they are applicable both at the macro and micro levels of the self. Spreading sweetness and sunshine in the lives of the less fortunate ones or using these tools to look forward to the lovely springtime during the dark and hazy winters of our lives.

Talking of spreading sweetness and sunshine, reminds of me of one of my beloved characters from the unforgettable Wodehousian world - Uncle Frederick Altamount Cornwallis Twistleton, the Earl of Ickenham. He considers his mission in life to help spread sweetness and sunshine in the lives of the many sundered hearts.

*****

Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya and the author wishes its readers a very happy Diwali.

Life and the city.....

Los Angeles, the big bad city or the city of angels. Hope she takes care of her children. Having lived in college towns, for nearly 7 years, I am now a part of the teeming mass. Just another one among them. Nothing special.

This post is dedicated to LA, and the long hiatus can be safely attributed to her too. Just another one of the human tendencies to absolve oneself of guilt and blame the other.

People Watching II....

• You miss the bus

Have you ever rushed in the last few minutes to catch a bus? A daily activity for the author since time immemorial, I noticed a woman having the run of her life for nearly 4 minutes to finally catch the bus. She was all smiles and her happiness was comparable to winning the Olympic gold for a 400 m dash. Then there is the other set of people, which finds great pleasure in being seated in the bus for a boring 10-15 min, before the actual departure time. This can be extended to trains and airplanes. It merits mention that the author doesn't discriminate between any of the forms of public transport.

• Hairstyles

I happened to glance at the hairstyles of 20 people around me in one of the bus rides. I was surprised to find that no two ones were similar. Both men and women, sport a totally unique hairstyle that adds to their personal recognition, charm, appeal or whatever. This reminds me of the temple at Belur, Karnataka, India where 2000+ hairstyles are vividly sculpted as one of the greatest memorial to the beauty in women. Not to forget the string of jasmine flowers on the long braids of Indian women.

• Victoria's Secret

While I am at it, let me write about this too. There happens to be a Victoria's Secret "show"room in the Mall of America, supposedly the biggest mall in the US. Fat ladies eye the models on display with 100% admiration, mostly bordering on envy though. Then, there are these young 17+ couples, so excited for obvious reasons. One universal phenomenon, is the unbounded lust in the men, of all ages and all types. How the same concept of a lingerie showroom, can evoke different moods and reactions in people, is astounding.

• Feminine colors

Then, there is the choice of certain colors of clothing and accessories that could be called "cute", using the girlish expression. Cyan, pink, lemon yellow, light orange, you name it. I happened to watch a family of four, with the dad sporting a different color, clearly outnumbered by the female species of his family that was proudly endorsing pink. And barring Govinda, an Indian "actor", any guy sporting colors such as these would be branded gay. What makes these colors so feminine?

• Sadness and grief

How does it feel to look at a stranger'e eye, and find that person totally lost in prolonged spells of sadness and pain? I happened to see a lady staring outside the window on the train, and I sensed her sadness and grief. She didn't notice me. All of us have those spells of sadness, suffering and pain. The unavoidable embraces all of us, at different points of time in our lives. But then, we are all veritably alone. Can anyone share our pain? No, right?

Ignorance... Revisited.

This is the first time, that I am quoting something from verbatim out here. Kindly excuse.

"While I am still confused and uncertain, it is on a much higher plane, d'you see, and atleast I know I'm bewildered about the really important and fundamental facts of the universe." Treatle nodded, I hadn't looked at it like that," he said, "But you are absolutely right. He's really pushed back the limits of ignorance".

They both savored the strange warm glow of being much more ignorant than ordinary people, who were ignorant of only ordinary things.

- Terry Pratchet, Equal Rites.

Paperboats...

This post is dedicated to the spirit of innocence and enthusiasm in a child.

An Experiment with Truth - 1.

(a) Try to make a paperboat.
(b) If you could, then you have convinced yourself .

(c) For people like me who tried and failed, this comes in useful.
(d) For people who think this is below their dignity, do ignore this.

Minnehaha....

Minnehaha creek runs through Minneapolis and merges with R. Mississippi around 2-3 miles from my home. The legend of Hiawatha, of "The Song of Hiawatha" fame by H W Longfellow, fell in love with this Dakota beauty, noted for her enthusiasm, bubbling spirit and laughter. By a twist of fate and fortune, I stay very close to the Minnehaha creek, the Minnehaha Falls, the Minnehaha Park, the R. Mississippi, the L. Nokomis (a motherly figure of Hiawatha), and the L. Hiawatha. Yes, this post is dedicated to the love of Hiawatha and Minnehaha.

Today, the author was in for a big wonderful surprise. There was a Fiji fest going on at the park. A garage band, gave a free concert, and entertained a meager crowd of 15-20 with jazz, rock and roll, country, and what not. The highlight of the concert, were the three lovely ladies, aged any where between 2-4, dancing and swaying to the tunes with all smiles. There were two guys dancing alone too. One of them remarked to a bewildered lady, "I am not gay. But I do like the lead guy (presumably for his vocals and guitar)".

The music was different. The very fact that people were enjoying the music, and the musicians themselves enjoying the concert despite the low turnout drove home the point of the sheer power of music. Despite not having a deep spiritual impact, it cheered the people around. Six unknown musicians, not high profile ones, who had come together, courtesy their love for music, sure did give me an invaluable lesson. Never ever discriminate between the various forms of music. It is like preferring the heart to the lungs.

There were a few couples all around the park, savoring the company of each other in silence, with the concert tunes as the background. Love was in the air. No wonder, the legendary love between Hiawatha and Minnehaha seems to have an effect at this place. It merits mention that the couples were of various ages (hmm, an obvious statement!). While there were couples who looked beautiful together (in the physical sense), the best were those old couples, who were contented being with each other (having come this far in their journey called life).

I just happened to take the stairs to watch the falls. The majestic splendor of the Falls was something so pristinely beautiful. Then the rapids in the creek, meandering across the forest, on its journey towards meeting the R. Mississippi, reminded me of this saying, "Even the weariest river ends up in the sea". The same creek, 1-2 miles westward, looks so serene and peaceful. Almost, without a ripple. One does get a lot of lessons from the water.

(PS: In short, a beautiful surprise. The only dampener was when I found a father, of two children, carrying a toddler of 4-6 months, and shamelessly puffing away on his way to a dark glory : blowing the smoke and fumes over the baby.)

PS2: Guess, the chronicles of the author of how a Friday evening was spent. An unexpected entry as a post out here.

Pilani.....

New Delhi, ISBT, Sarai Rohilla, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Loharu, Pilani, Nutan, Panchavati, Harijan Gate, VFAST Guest House, Swimming Club, Gym, A4, Ram Bhawan, RBM Mess, Malviya Bhawan, Dualites, Psenti Sem, Thesis, Wardens, Orientation, Ragging, Freshers Period, "Hey! Fresh!", Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Choms, Gults, Elads, Wings, Friends, SKY, ANC, IC, Co'not, Blue Moon, MNB, Butter Onion Masala Dosa, ANC Chai, Veg Patty, Pappu, Back Sky, Psenti Couples, Psenti, PTM, Kairali, Kannada Vedike, ELAS, EPC, HPC, Music Nite, Music Club, Dance Club, ARBITS, Soundz, Lights, Booze, Fag, Theka, OASIS, Shiv G, Hanuman Temple, Saraswati Mandir, G D Birla, Winters, Razai, Immersion Rods, Alarm Clocks, Breakfast, Bread Pakoda, Matri, Jilebi, Open Book Tests, Tutes, Crushes, MB, Interface, APOGEE, SBBJ, UCO Bank, Redi, Nagarji, Jamun Rabri, Nite-outs, Common Rooms, Simran, Midnight Masala, Pondy, EWLYP, Bunking classes, "Attendance is not compulsory", Crash, Slangs, New Ghalis, NSS, Jhankaar, Ref Li, Cen Li, Stubs, S-9, FD-III, Workshop, PCP, Kusu, GenB, DNA, RAF, SUB, Politics, Prez, GenSec, NVSec, VSec, Stuccan, Costaan, BOSM, Outstis, LSR, Girl's Basketball matches, Bosoms, Babes, BHS, CEERI Bakery, Black Forest, BEP, SPIC-MACAY, Sweeper's Colony, Adult Education, Construction Workers, Anganwadi, T-Wing, Jaipur, Jantar Mantar, CAT, GRE, Jobs, Grades, CGPA, Transfer, Dual, BSL, Kachori, Cherry man, Kashmiri Pulao, French Fries, Cornetto, Ice-creams, Extras, Mess Bill, Scholarships, Merit-cum-need, Merit, Top Ten, Honours Board, Movies, VCDs, Piracy, Wingie's Computer, Backstreet Boys Millenium, Boyzone, MLTR, Bryan Adams, Geeta Dutt, Hemant Kumar, Lata, Rafi, Talat, Asha, Kishore, Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aaye, Fears, Apprehensions, Matters of the heart, Finances, Loans, Pink Floyd, Metallica, Nirvana, GNR, Rock shows, Razzmatazz, Dancing, Psenti Nite, Diro, Inaugs, Plays, PTM Play, EDC Play, 247, 269, 206, 156, RM, BG, RP, MechSol, Adcal, B, Pullups, 10P's, BUS, RepWri, Complex, CDCs, CAS, uP, EDIC, Tyagi, LKM, EEE, A3, Unix, CSD, Java, C, C++, CEERI, IC Design Lab, Analog, Electronics, Latcha, Psenti Sem, UCO Redi, Friends for life, Apping, Safe Univs, PA, Recos, PS-II, PS-I, Movies, Movies, Movies, Latcha, Latcha, Latcha, Batch Snap, Farewells, Assoc Dinners, Diro's Tea Party, BITSAA, T-shirts, Manali, Kulu, Sterling Resorts, Shimla, Nainital, Corbett National Park, Mathura, Agra, Diwali, Holi, Dassehra, Burning of Ravana's effigy, CEERI Temple, Sat Sri Kal, Ragamalika, Sangam, ....... B.E. (Hons.).

In short, 4 magical years.

My Dear.....

Dearest Deepti,

Where are you, my dearest friend? We were the greatest of friends, to the envy, of your elder sister and her friends and our other friends. A boy and a girl in one of the purest relationships. Our worlds were thankfully innocent then. The world became a wonderful place to live in. You made it even more wonderful for me. We were there for each other, no matter what. You sided with me even when it meant getting bullied by your elder sister of 7 evil years. How we both used to hate her? We used to have dinner twice a day. Once, at your house and then, again, at my house or vice-versa; so that we could still be together.

Now, I don't even know where you are and how you are doing. I haven't met you at all after that tearful day, 18 years ago, when we had promised each other to always be in touch, no matter what. You must be the same age as mine. Now, you must be a beautiful woman (well, you will always be beautiful, no matter what). You, like me, would be experiencing the greatest experience known as life, in all its shades. You would have other wonderful friends too. You, like me, would be wondering about your dearest friend, me. For all I know, you might be married and might be the mother of a son. Who knows, that son of yours might have a "girlfriend", and their friendship might serve as a constant reminder of ours to you.

Beautifully converge only to diverge. Sigh!!! one of the biggest ironies in life.

Well, I hope we meet someday. My best wishes and love to you. I would always pray for your well-being and happiness. May all your dreams come true.

Regards and Love,
Vivek.

PS: An attempt at fiction? My response to ammani's call for open letters to anyone. A special thanks to ammani for making me finally weave this letter.

Americanness III - Indian Groceries...

A surprising title to this post. Well, it is about the concept of Indian groceries in the US of A. This can very well be extended to Persian groceries, Turkish groceries, etc. The concept is the same. My being more familiar to the delicacies offered by the Indian cuisine, inspires me to discriminate between the various grocery options available here.

For the uninitiated alien, the newcomers to the US (say, me 3 years ago), all the prices of Indian foods seem totally alien. Isn't it ridiculous to shell out close to 4 USD for a ready-made bhel puri mix. Imagine, a whopping 200 INR, for something that would be available for 10 INR in India. But then, one tends to generalize. "Money is not everything. Why should one miss out on what the taste buds are used to?". It is an altogether different issue, if this would help alleviate or aggregate the inexplicable homesickness.

From what starts to be ridiculously high prices, one gets to better appreciate their pricing with the passage of time. Direct conversion doesn't help at all. For people in India, my own relatives and friends, it is a matter of shock that I need to pay 100's of INR to get basic essentials, which most of them would have taken for granted. Say, toor dal, channa dal, rye, jeera, methi, chilli powder, masala powders, garam masala, ready-made mixes, pickles, and what not.

Such is the lure and seduction of the sense of smell, and taste. One might go and try out the most exotic of cuisines. But then, finally, an Indian could find the greatest peace in having a simple meal of sambhar (known as lentil soup in American circles), rice (the Indian equivalent of the oriental variety), dhahin (amazing curd, available here, loaded with the richness of cream and fat), and the simple pickle. For the non-rice types, say, paratha, curd and pickle.

Such a peaceful dinner would amount to say, 4-5 USD. Wherever you go, whatever you eat, you end up shelling more. So, despite the fact that we end up paying 250 INR for a simple meal, it could be considered money well spent. The mind is a clever instrument, that is capable of bending all rules and degrees, when it comes to justifying anything. With a mere paradigm shift, the beautiful becomes the ugly and vice-versa.

And, importantly, shrewd people loaded with great business acumen and sense have rightly noticed the huge potential in the concept of Indian groceries. Be it the shop-keepers themselves, to the entrepreneurs, to the middle-men. But then, isn't life all about being opportunistic, and utilizing the opportunities that come knocking on one's doors.

PS: What is rasagulla or gulab jamun for the Indian, it is the baklava for the West Asian. In a land, where, anything about one's home country is enough to rise the nostalgia and the fervour in all of us, one doesn't object to paying more to have these "essentials", so as to lead a life as normal as one to the one's in the home country (well!!!, atleast when it comes to food).

Khushboo Welfare Society....

Causality in real life....

The football final of World Cup 2006 ITA vs FRA ended on a shocking note, last week. FRA, despite playing the better quality attacking football, after half-time, were the losers. Zinedine Zidane, on whom the previous post was based, delivered, on two counts - orchestration of the game from the midfield; and the vicious head-butt, courtesy the provocation. Such a sad way for his career to end.

This brings us back to the causal nature of the events. If there had been no cause (the provocation), the effect (the head-butt) wouldn't have been there. It doesn't make sense for Materazzi to end up on the winning side and be let scott-free. As Domenech had said, the true man of the match was Materazzi. Fair play needs to necessarily include both physical and non-physical forms of the game.

Zinedine Zidane.....

This post is dedicated to Zidane, and my landlady's friend, who was kind enough to give me a TV so that I can watch the matches.

The world is so fickleminded. The very same world which had been lambasting the French team and its coach Raymond Domenech, left, right and center (in a rare case of unity), has again made a shameless turnaround (again, displaying a remarkable sense of togetherness). A few were hoping against hope to help the French turn the tide against the world. As Richard Feynman says, "What do YOU care what other people think", seems to be have become the motto of this team, that has made it to the finals. It would be interesting to read these two clippings, spaced nearly a month apart[1,2].

Zidane, is on a swansong, more so during the match against Brazil and Spain, and ironically, it is more with the conviction that each match could be his last match. The world has been fortunate twice. If France hadn't qualified for the second round, then that was the end of Zidane's illustrious career. It would have been such a shame for the world. Second, he didn't get an yellow card against Portugal. That would have meant, the game against Portugal would have been veritably his last game. It would have been a great case of irony, if France were into the finals, and the inspiration behind the team was to sit out.

Coming to the subject of partisan fan following (perfectly justified), there are so many people with tears, now, read Brazilians (inevitably dosed with anger too), Germans (mixed with pride), Portuguese, Argentines, English, etc. The same German crowd that was jubilant after the narrow hard-fought victory over Argentina, was moved to tears after the match against Italy (that had to end in such a dramatic fashion). Football, for that matter, any sport, continues to unify people. Sport is one of the biggest passions of the world.

Despite my being very partisan in my support for the Les Bleus in the finals, may the better team win. Would it be one inspired performance from Zidane, or the hype, limelight, attention get the better of him. The stage couldn't be more perfect. Sadly for the world, his illustrious career is coming to an end. Importantly, what a way to end with the finals of the World Cup Finals 2006? Irrespective of the outcome of the match (well, victory would be more more precious and memorable), he has done his job.

Germany 2006....

The greatest sporting carnival. A sport transcending across many barriers. A team game. Inarguably, must be the greatest platform for showcasing one's talent in a group effort. Sport, for that matter, provides a means for the highest form of connection between individuals. Only players can understand one another, and the levels of resonance between two players can be unmatched by any other kind of relationship in the world.

So far, some teams have shown their class. Some teams were plain unlucky. Some teams had the ladyluck smiling upon them. For the first time, the author had to resort to viewing those 2 min match highlights here. And, whatever follows in this post, is based on those videos and photos. 16 teams have progressed to the next round, and 16 teams have been eliminated. Ghana, has undoubtedly, played one of the best so far, among the newer generation teams.

Most of these African teams have that raw sensuous magic and power on display. It is an altogether different matter that they have not been so successful because of the lack of the clinical finish. South Korea was unlucky to miss out on the final round of 16. But then, the author being a French supporter, was more than just happy. However, the faces of the South Koreans, players and fans, following their loss to Switzerland, did touch a raw chord. Only days ago, the same set of people were the happiest following the late equalizer vs. France.

One often tends to forget that the world cup is one of the finest moments of the game. Best teams of the world are out there, and it is a true celebration of the spirit of success. Fans from all over the world throng to support "their" teams. A Croatian fan was almost in tears because of the draw vs. Australia, which was not enough. I am sure, that the team that loses out on the finals would also be in tears. It is always a case of "So near, yet so far". There can only be one winner. And that winner is veritably the game itself.

While some teams failed to deliver or impress, most of the teams provided excellent entertainment for the world and most games were high-scoring in nature. This post is dedicated to the 16 teams that didn't make it to the second round. The respective countries must be in that shadow of gloom and pain. The players and the fans, alike, would take some time to recover from this event.

Years of excitement, enthusiasm, and yearning to play wonderful soccer, has transformed to only a month of soccer for these countries. Their fate had been decided over a matter of 3 games, totalling approx. 4.5 hrs. For them, it is time to get back to their normal lives. And, this is something which is difficult. May the force be with them.

The Concept of an American Family...

Images, Illusions, Concepts, Unjustified Assumptions. That's the way we all are. However, my experiences of being a passive spectator to the ways of the American family has been highly enligtening to say the least. This post is again based on my limited experiences only. One need not agree with this post in entirety. Read at your own risk.

***

The West is looked upon as a free society, where people are free to exercise their free-will. And in most cases, when it comes to relationships and physical intimacy, divorces, one-night stands, threesomes, "swinging", teenage sex, single mothers, old-age homes, etc. are "okie" if not all right. One often tends to generalize and it might not be completely wrong to assume that the concept of a family is not that important in the American society.

Compared to the family concept in the East, (read India, for the author is not in a position to make comments on the other countries), there are stark differences. This post is not to meant to be a denigration of either of the two societies. It is more to highlight the strong well-rooted concept of a family, that does exist in America. The author would not want to delve into the intricate comparisons between the West and the East and elaborate on the Indian system.

Some of the key concepts are enumerated below:

• Public displays of affection

It is all right for a couple, to walk hand-in-hand or kiss in public. It is considered a natural extension of their intimacy and an expression of their own selves. Neither is it taboo nor fashionable. The world merely exists and they are not bothered as to what the world thinks. To some, it might seem to be a case of arrogance or mere patronising attitude.

"Across the pale parabola of joy", it is definitely all right to live for those transient moments of joys. Summers in Minneapolis, makes one severely "outdoorsy". The author has seen couples going on walks, jogging runs, biking, canoeing, fishing, sitting on bench savoring the presence of each other in silence admiring the ways of nature, etc. etc.

However, the guilt factor of my intruding on their privacy does seep in.

• Quality time with children

An entire family, consisting of the husband-wife, daughter, son, go on a bike ride, one behind the another. There have been days when the family is on the beach of one of the so many lakes in Minneapolis, swimming; or trekking in the so many dusty natural trails around. The children love these outings and the happiness in evident in their faces.

For the working fathers and mothers, time after office is meant to be with their children and themselves. They are rigorously punctual to office, often, come early to leave early. But after they leave, rarely do they even think about the office. Weekends are meant to be with the family.

On a similar note, the author has seen familes pay a visit to the Public Library. The children are encouraged to read story books, and also borrow educational DVDs. A healthy atmosphere and the public libraries are "free" (courtesy the state tax we all pay), and usually stock an admirable collection of books (Surprisingly, Enid Blyton is missing).

• Vacations

I have known people planning on their vacations for 2-3 weeks with their family. It is a must every year. The entire family looks forward to it. Often, the places are not exotic or the busy cities of America. Privacy and natural outdoors are what appeal to them, say, hiring a wooden cabin in some national park.

***

This is not to mean, that the author finds these qualities missing elsewhere. This is meant to highlight the unjustiable nature of our generalizations when it comes to people. Like mentioned before, it is not that those other elements, bordering more on the experimentation and prurient side of life, are absent.

Respect and Pity...

I was heavily inspired by my friend and his post to read "The Namesake" by Ms. Jhumpa Lahiri, and this post is heavily inspired by the novel. A not another review of the book. I would however, chose to write on a phrase that is highly effective in conveying what it is meant to convey.

Immigrants, or non-immigrants (read aliens), are in a constant dichotomous state of existence with the perennial question of "What am I?". While one state yearns for the life that they have left behind in their native country, the other finds it a thin line of divide between hate and love for their new country. They slowly begin to accept the ways and life of the new country.

As rightly pointed out in the book, what the citizens of the new country feel for such people is a mixture of respect and pity. The combination of both of these makes it a not so favourable an opininon. Respect for their boldness in coming to a totally alien country as aliens. Pity for their missing out on the pleasures and culture of the native country.

Minneapolis is flooded with African refugees, who have been granted asylum and citizenship by the US. Theirs is, however, a different story. However, for people, who make a conscious decision to come to a new country for professional education or money or whatever, it is a clear case of not exercising their right of living in their country.

From a purely personal experience, an American lady (a cashier in a bank), upon coming to know of my Indian roots, asked me, "Do they have taxes in India". I was surprised with the question. I have also been asked about elephants being used as modes of transport in cities by certain people, out of that nagging curiosity. To most, India is an enigma. I merely tell them, "India is Europe minus Russia". It surprises them to know that India has more Muslims than any other country, despite their being a minority in India.

Anyways, the lady in consideration, told me, "I admire you people for being bold enough to come to a new country. It does require a lot of guts. It must be a tough experience. I cannot imagine myself doing that." Whether, the statement was made out of pure respect, or with that unconscious mix of pity, I truly don't know. However, I must agree that it is a tough experience, requiring really great levels of strength.

By the way, how exactly would life be in our native country? Would it be exactly like the ones we envision. It might very well not be so idyllic. But then, one of my friends had to offer this viewpoint, "If my country cannot offer me what I want, then I guess I have no choice. I would be prepared to accept life for what it has to offer to me. But for the new country, I do have the choice". Yes, my dear reader, it is the choice we make to live in that haze of "respect and pity" for us.

PS: This is a sensitive topic. Each one I have met so far, and have been fortunate to interact with, tries to justify his/her stance. People who love the life in the new country, continuously try to justify. Often, their justifications are convoluted. People who find their life to be that of aliens or second-rate people, suffer in silence, hoping for the dawn of a new day.

PS2: At the same time, there does exist a certain category of people belonging to the native country, that is envious of the alien, and the "rich" life it is leading in the new country. Does the saying, "The grass is greener on the other side" ring a bell.

PS3: The author declines to write about his opinion out here, as it is beyond the scope of this blog.

Passions...

Those close and not-so-close encounters with people, of all kinds, family, closest friends, friends, acquaintances, passers-by, etc. often highlights one viewpoint. Each one is unique and everyone has that innate sensibility towards something that is very very close to one's own heart. Passions tend to rule our life, and each person astonishes me with what he/she is passionate about.

At times, though, it does become difficult to accept the depth and buried treasures that can be found in a so-called passion of a person. That cruel discriminatory and condescending attitude does seep in at times. This viewpoint only proves the cliched "ignorance is not bliss". I am sure the same must be for the others when it comes to seeing the credibility in my passions.

A not-so-comprehensive list of passions that immediately come to my mind (with no due disrespect to other forms and manifestations):

• Rock-climbing: My previous house-owner just returned from a 3 week trip to Alaska, which essentially involved mountaineering and climbing to a 20,000 ft. altitude.
• Flying planes: The same person as above has his own private two-seater plane and enjoys flying. Heavily Bachesque in nature.
• Wandering aimlessly in cities: One of my friends believes that one of the most enjoyable, unforgettable and life-changing experiences would be wandering aimlessly in cities.
• Head-banging and rock: One of my closest friends comes up with an essay about his experiences in a recent rock concert that included GnR and Metallica.
• Football/Cricket: I have known people swear by the same name with their Gods being Pele, Ronaldo, Maradona, Sobers, Tendulkar and Gavaskar.
• Crosswords: A day begins with this engaging, intellectual and pleasurable activity.
• Conversations: Connections and sensible conversations with people who can understand, empathise and appreciate.
• Books: Some people love to live in the idyllic world of books. Even here, there is that huge divide between people who love reading for fun and others who love serious reading. Compare Wodehouse with Kafka or Nietschze.
• Music: For some, music veritably happens to be an expression of their life itself. With the myriad of music forms around, one happens to be naturally selective. Spending an entire day with their instrument (incl. their own voice) in a heavily claustrophobic room, all alone, would be their best times of their lives.
• Spirtuality: Some love to talk about the soul, mind, heart and the body. Advanced levitating souls might even talk about consciousness, divine, sublime spirit, energy, and so on.
• Travelling: Similar to the one about wandering aimlessly in cities. Most travel ventures, however, happen to be planned. Certain places are not to be missed and a solo photo with the landmark a must.
• Studies: This could be wrongly termed geeky or nerdy. Nothing brings as much pleasure to these folks than solving some interesting theorem or tinkering around with radio hand-sets or coding.
• Photography: Still-life, at times voyeuristic, at times narcissistic, capturing the emotions and moods of unknown people, and having a prolonged affair with light.
• Painting: People swear by Monet, Seurat, Manet, Renoir, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall. Pencil sketching, drawing caricatures of teachers while sitting at the back in the classes, taking up graduate studies in liberal arts, visiting art museums, etc.
• Music Appreciation: Listening to a variety of stuff for their aesthetic appeal. Technical music appreciation could be a problem. But, then, it doesn't seem to bother these people. Interestingly, the same musician evokes two different kinds of appreciation in two people.
• Writing: Writing for their own pleasure. Some dream of writing books for the public at a later stage in life. Some write these so-called "blogs" even when they have a pile of things at hand.
• Politics: People love to discuss politics for hours without sleep, food, and coffee. What should India's foreign policy be, what is happening in a vague remote Baluchistan province, socialism vs. capitalism, etc. etc.
• Sports: People love to watch a cricket match or a racing venture without sleep, food and coffee. Some play a sport and some watch a sport.
• Movies: The movie buffs who find it irresistable to not watch a boring movie too. Any movie, be it a box-office hit or a fizzle, demands their attention, appreciation and comment.
• Star-gazing: A relatively interesting and less kn0wn activity.
• Poetry: Staggered lines make the world for these set of people. While some might restrain to reading romantic poetry by the lines of Shelly, Keats, Wordsworth, others try their own hand at poetry.
• Gaming: Totally and completely devoted to this pastime.
• Jogging: Miles means the world to them. Their happiness might have nothing to do with Miles Davis though.
• Cars: They shamelessly letch and drool over cars. Frequently known to be waiting for the day when they would own a BMW convertible or a Benz or a Ferrari.
• Money: For some, money is everything.
• Service: Service to the less fortunate is a deliverance and "the calling" for these people.
• Teaching: A kind of service, and the low pay-scale is not a problem.
• Nature: Moving rivers, Passing clouds, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Beaches, Trails, Open fields, etc.

The author has merely quoted the various activities that people around him happen to be passionate about. His views, proficiency and knowledge on even one of them is not the subject of interest out here. Additions are more than welcome.

Nine Months Later...

I had no answers then. I still do not have any answers.

This post is inspired, courtesy a conversation with my friend, who also happened to help me in times of dire need. He told me, "Ranga, last year same time, you had so many question marks. Now, some have cleared. A few new ones have appeared. So don't think so much. With time, the answers will emerge".

Well, this I suppose belongs to all these similar schools of thought; of divine surrender after doing our duty of the best possible efforts; whatever happens, happens for the best and at the right time; the haziness of winter gives way to springtime; the dawn of a new day signifies the birth of a new hope and a new beginning.

At no moment, are we in control of our life. So wouldn't it be better to stop planning and being totally futuristic. Isn't life all about constant improvisation, albeit within a bounded limit of what one can do (heavily analogous to the concept of Raga in Indian Classical Music).

PS: This is not the case of a defeatist attitude, though.