Formal Declaration of Support to Kolkata Knight Riders

This is to announce to my blog viewers that I would be wholeheartedly supporting Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL-2010. This is my formal announcement in my blog. I request all my friends, relatives, fellow-travel writers, brothers and sisters to kindly spend the next few minutes reading this post as I reveal my thoughts and feelings. This decision has no connection with any prejudiced opinions and solely based on my own reasons and observations during my travels.

Before 1947, during the days of British Raj there were only two communities which were causing headache to Britishers namely i.e. Punjabi and Bengali. As per divide and rule policy, Bengal was divided and more atrocities were committed in Punjab by Britishers to demotivate people of Bengal and Punjab. India got independence finally thanks to freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Due to creation of East-Pakistan in 1947, more refugees from present day Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan) entered into West Bengal. West Bengal became unstable due to over-population. It needed to support itself and also had the task of supporting the refugees. During 1971 Bangladeshi war, more refugees poured into West Bengal and Bengal became even more unstable. Law and order problem was inevitable and that’s the reason why even today West Bengal is unstable especially due to problems caused by Naxals.

We need to consider the fact that West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand are very small states geographically and currently supports population which even a large state like Madhya Pradesh cannot handle efficiently. I hope my readers can understand my view and analysis. Due to over-population, the Government isn’t able to support itself and provide education, healthcare facilities to people. Even though Kolkata seems to be developed; during my travels I have observed that many areas villages, towns in West Bengal still represent British-era. Many parts of Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa are under Naxalite control and tribal people living in villages continue to face naxal atrocities.

The sad thing is that Eastern Indian states namely Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa are a bit unstable and certain areas are very unsafe. But the Central Government isn’t bothered about the Naxal slow poison. During my travels, I have observed that these states have received step motherly treatment. No child will develop if its own mother behaves like a step mother. The Central Government is the step-mother here. At present, India is the strongest workforce in the global arena and No.1 in Software industry. Many Southern, Western states are very well developed primarily due to software industry as the business is done in dollars.



Step Motherly treatment
Most people from Jharkhand, Bihar, and Orissa migrate to other parts of India in search of job. They take up job like selling Pani Puri’s, Bhel puri’s, working as security guards, drivers. Most of the corporate, MNC’s, foreign companies have security guards who are primarily from East Indian states and North-East states like Assam, Mizoram. Whenever there is a security threat, the Union Government sends NSG, MARCOS commandoes to I.T hubs but completely ignores its own people living in Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa who face the wrath of naxals daily.

Worst of all, whenever there is a terrorist attack in hotels (Remember 26/11 Mumbai attacks) the help of Indian Army soldiers hailing from Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa are needed, but people from East still face a lot of harassment and prejudiced opinions. Why are people wanted in times of need and treated as dog-food when their help is no longer needed?

Even today, many poor people from Bihar, Jharkhand leave their family behind having good faith that the Government would protect their families as they are away to earn money for their family. But most people who stay back are killed due to Naxal violence. Those who have migrated are also subjected to violence and harsh treatment. But the Government doesn’t seem to be bothered.

If the present situation needs to change there needs to be development in Eastern India. That’s possible only through tourism and sports. More International games should be organized in Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Cuttack, Guwahati, and Patna. This would attract more tourism and foreigners. Government would be forced to turn its attention towards undeveloped, unstable, unsafe areas. Considering Kolkata’s developed nature, it can be also considered as capital of East India. If there has to be stability in East Indian states, the entire world should focus on Eastern India. There should be more interest towards East India. This can be achieved only through Tourism and cricket. Owing to the popularity of the game, I am sure that’s the best way to attract Government’s attention to make it invest funds in improving infrastructure of East Indian states.

There is nothing called as an undeveloped state. The simple reason is that these states are unfortunate and they never had the chance. This is similar to a poor child being sent to work as it can’t afford for education or rather a child is not given a chance to study while the one with opportunity and money wins the battle without any competition. Give them a chance! That’s my final call. Remember, world’s first university was built in Nalanda, which is in Bihar. Jharkhand has got rich mineral resources enough to support India for hundreds of years and Orissa has got enough tourist spots like Konark, Bhubaneswar and Puri. These people have the ability to do anything. They have showed it in the past and they will show it in future.

During my childhood, when I use to watch cricket matches my father used to show more interest on teams like UAE, Canada, Namibia, Netherlands and Kenya. I use to ask my father how come such a small team win a team like Australia, South Africa and India. My father replied that small teams which aren’t good should be encouraged and not ignored. That’s the policy which needs to be implemented here.

Solutions
1. Tourism Development through sports.
2. Tourism development through propaganda.
3. Focus on agriculture. Agriculture is the best occupation for mankind and stable life.
4. There need not be Monginis, Barista, Pizza Corners, Mary Brown, Coffee Days but there can be at least one Apollo hospital.
5. There need not be pubs for youngsters to date, but there can be one temple, mosque and a church for the elderly people to pray and meditate.

I am not sure how long I would be alive, but let’s say that at least till 50 or 60. I would be the happiest person if in future, Jharkhand’s GDP, literacy rate overtakes the leading Indian states like Maharashtra, Tamilnadu and Kerala and I want it to happen within my life time. Most of all, it is only possible only if proper encouragement is given. People should be proud of themselves and the inferiority complex should be eliminated. They should come out of the nutshell. Glory awaits!!

-Krishna Kumar. S

Divinity in Madurantakam

Gopuram of Madurantakam-Yeri Katha Ramar Temple.

Why I like Madurantakam?

Madurantakam is a small town 84km away from Chennai. It is famous for a Ram Temple. I personally like Madurantakam very much for many reasons. I visit the Ram temple at Madurantakam almost every two months. Being a devotee of Lord Vishnu, I am always interested in Vishnu Temples. I am personally impressed with the overall majestic appearance of Lord Vishnu as Lord Ram in the Yeri Katha Ramar Temple. His brother Lakshman’s majestic appearance adds more beauty. As far as I know this is the only temple in which Lord Ram is portrayed as holding Sita’s hand. I got this information through the temple gurukkal with whom I converse often. One of my ambitions in life is to give Yeri Katha Ramar-a dhoti and thundu. I hope He would accept my gift.

Madurantakam has an interesting legend associated with it. It is believed that Lord Ram gave darshan to Lt.Colonel Plaze, a British collector when he prayed to Lord Ram to assist him. It is to be noted that Plaze was a sceptical person.

In the year 1796, the temple authorities decided to build a shrine for Janakavalli Thayar (Goddess Sita). It was a rainy season and Madurantakam Tank was getting full. There was a fear that the bunds would give away and water would come into the town. At that time, Lt.Plaze noticed a huge pile of stones piled up near the Temple. He inquired the purohits why there were so many bricks and stones inside the temple complex.


Temple Tank.

The purohits replied that those bricks were to be used for constructing a separate shrine for Goddess Sita. The collector was amused. Lt.Plaze said that building a shrine wasn’t a priority. He believed that the bricks should be used for repairing the bunds of the tank which had broken. The purohits replied that Lord Vishnu never betrayed any devotee and He always answers the prayers of his devotees. Purohits asked the Collector to pray to Lord Ram sincerely from his heart and they assured him that his prayers would be answered.

The rains never stopped. The entire town of Madurantakam was filled with water everywhere and daily life was affected. Many feared that the tank would overflow and water will come into the town. As a District Collector, Lt.Col Plaze had a lot of work pressure and he was extremely worried. He went to the spot along with his team and inspected the bunds. He prayed at heart that the bunds shouldn’t break.


Yeri Katha Ramar in all glory.

There was a flash of lightning. He saw two figures standing at a distance. One of them had a bow in the hand. Lt.Col. Plaze was amazed and spell bound. It was none other than Lord Ram (Vishnu) and his divine brother Lakshman. His prayers were answered! Lord Ram and Lakshman themselves have taken the task of protecting the tank. When the rains stopped, the Collector approached the purohits and apologised to them for being sarcastic. He personally took charge of the construction expenses and a shrine for Janakavalli Thayar was built. A small idol of Col.Plaze is engraved in the walls of the shrine of Janakavalli Thayar as a sign of respect. Even in the temple entrance Col.Plaze’s name is mentioned in the pillars.

While browsing through the Internet, I came across this legendary story. I was impressed. I visited Madurantakam for the first time in 2008 and as on date, I have been to Madurantakam 13 times. Tamilnadu has got lots to offer the world in my opinion. A British Collector believes in Lord Ram, but why do people over here inquire about the engineering degree of Lord Ram? I am confused and at the same time amused. British people are generally reserve and they follow a lot of rules. Even they have understood the existence of Ram. Whenever I visit Madurantakam, I generally spend more than 4-5 hours at the temple complex.

I like the taste of the divine theertham (water), the fragrance of camphor, the oil lamps, the granite floors, and the taste of tulsi leaves which my Lord Narayan likes very much. Madurantakam is one awesome place overall.

-Krishna Kumar.S

TOP TEN TAMIZH FILMS

Hai guys, as usual nothing great is happening. Too much of books would make a human go mad. So let me share something with you. I am not a great fan of cinema as I believe present day cinemas have no culture, but there are few films which have impressed me with their storyline and message.

So here comes my all-time favourite list.
1. Michael Madan Kamarajan
2. Anbe-Sivam
3. Ramana
4. Anniyan
5. Mudhalvan
6. Gentleman
7. Jai Hind
8. Kadhanayagan
9. Nethi Adi
10. Inru Poi Naal Vaa

-Krishna Kumar.S

Eve Teasing in Chennai

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

I had been waiting to publish this article for some time. Let me share with you about what I have observed. I have observed two sets of people. A conservative, worried, always tensed generation belonging to the age group of above 30 (born before 1980 era) and another is a hopeless stupid breed of so called cool dudes (born in 1985-86 along with me). I regard the present day younger generation of India in the age of 14-24 as hopeless souls, hooligans with wrong attitude, lack of character and originality. Well, of course not all, but majority of them have no intelligence.

Now let me narrate a real life incident. I was traveling to NIIT Nungambakkam to get some of my documents verified. It was a hotday in September. I was traveling in 29C and I boarded the bus at Adyar signal. I took my seat near the window. My bus stopped at Stella Mary’s bus stop. I could observe a lot of girls. I looked at their dressing style. I felt a bit shy on behalf of them. I could only pray to God to give them more dress. There was no secret! Read the line twice! There was no secret. The present day generation is so infatuated by the money thrown by IT/BPO industries the younger generation has failed to realize the harm in following Western culture especially in a repressed culture like India where men are desperately hungry to taste the forbidden fruit. I know they were only inviting trouble by dressing like this but I won't advice them because in their opinion I am a villager. And nowadays the present day girls love the attention they get from men. And this encourages men a lot, ultimately ending in eve-teasing. And moreover, the present day generation is a bit kiddish. They require people only those who can be cheap. Definitely, I won't be a part of it. Maybe I would get along with them, but I won't follow their footsteps. But I would be laughing inside.


Save the girl child!

Now let me narrate the bus journey. There were a bunch of useless college students in the back. These guys think that they become professionals if they join a B.E or B.Com course. No one is a professional. Even a guy in the I.T industry or a Project Leader is not a professional. People become true professionals when they know how to treat another human being in a humane manner. I doubt whether these guys of present era come anyway near it. People might ask then what I am? Well, it's your opinion and again everyone is entitled for their own opinion. Let me describe their appearance. Piercing in ears and in the chin, handkerchief over the head, t-shirt without collar with the divine F word written multiple times, shaded jeans. I was laughing inside. The words often used in conversations were "mama", "mamu", "machi", and "gethu". I can also type a few more, but my sisters would be reading this. I would rather stop here.

In that gang of five people, two of them were brothers. But they were addressing each others as "machan". In Tamil, machan means co-brother. One of them should have married the other person’s sister. I wonder how it could be possible when both of them are brothers. I wonder how such a relationship could be possible when both are related by blood. I clearly heard them talking and I was sure that these guys were siblings. LOL! I couldn’t help myself laughing. I was laughing inside. Well, that’s what future India is about.

As the bus stopped at Stella Marys the college girls got in. One of them couldn’t control his excitement and immediately told to his brother-machan(???) "Machi, Super figure da". His brother-machan was too elated and couldn’t help whistling. The girl noticed and you should have watched her reaction. Man! She was happy! I turned my face and looked out of the window and I was laughing inside. I was thinking of former President Abdul Kalam and his statement requesting youngsters to dream. The youngsters were indeed dreaming!

After I got some of my documents verified I started my journey back. I was to board 29C again. I came to the bus stop and was waiting there. 29 C came and I boarded it. As the bus crossed Stella Mary’s a girl boarded the bus. Immediately, the entire gang started shouting raising double meaning slogans. The poor girl got a bit afraid and sat in the front itself and didn’t even come to purchase the tickets. Then these guys were planning to approach her. The girl got a bit fed up and she got down fearing embarrassment.

Maybe after a few years, if China invades India, all these boys should be conscripted and should be posted in the border to defend every inch of Indian soil. If they retreat from the border, they should be shot by Generals. It requires more courage to retreat than advance. At that time, they would realize how tough life could be if one is in the suffering end. Just because there are 10 percent of girls who dress improperly and behave in a sub-standard lifestyle, the entire women population is taken for granted and is being preyed by hungry men. I know I can’t do anything. I won't react to this, but I have the right to portray them here. I am not Anniyan, but I am a human. I could only wish the Soviets were around and they wouldn’t have allowed this to happen.

Too bad the USSR doesn’t exist. Humans have two options in life. Humans can live as Hindus, Christians and Muslims and follow their respective rituals co-exist with other religions and enjoy the variety of human civilization. If cheap acts continue, they may need to live in conditions similar to the USSR where regular life would be monitored. I think that’s a better system for these hooligans.

What exactly is the pay off that these eve teasers get? According to some, it is something they do "just for fun". Accumulation of wealth generates a bossy attitude and generally leads to evil in the long run. People change with money and increase in comfort. Others have said, "Women enjoy the attention and we enjoy watching their reactions". Few believe that the aggressive expressions of love that one sees in the movies are the motivational force. However, according to some psychologists the root cause of eve teasing is the patriarchal mindset of the Indian male. They like to believe that they have power over the women society. They thrive on the fact that even today a large number of women still prefer to ignore rather than to confront.


If the Soviets were around, they wouldn't let this happen.

Men think that women enjoy eve-teasing. Now how does this happen and take shape? As indicated earlier in my article about Tamil cinema, I blame all this on the cine industry. The cine industry has spoiled the younger generation. I am not a great supporter of Communism but seriously, there should be some censorship in the media. Immediately, all the so called "cool modern dudes" of Chennai would consider me as too conservative or too leftists following the footsteps of Lenin or RSS or Shiv Sena. I don’t care, but I am laughing inside whenever I watch the present day generation getting infatuated by small things. I wish Lenin was around, he wouldn’t let this happen.

There is no woman who is spared from molestation or eve-teasing. Right from aunties till 10 year old child women are victimized. I would even go a step-further. Even a child in the womb is killed if it is a girl child. So there is no safety for the girl child. Statistics shows around 65 percent of the evil-doers are students. Even during my school life and colleg life, I have observed students putting kadalai. LOL! The problem is that these students grew up listening to crap songs in Radio and stupid Tamizh films which projects as if heroine is succumbing to hero’s advances. All these bloody films have projected women as a sexual object and hence the cine industry has created a "Frankenstein" in the younger generation. The worst is that even the present day girls would love to get such an attention from their opposite sex and this is where things go out of control and men dare to take that extra step to touch.



During my school life I have observed that girls who are dark in color are bullied a lot and girls having fair skin are portrayed as Goddess. During that age, children in the Soviet Union grew up learning science and literature. I am not embracing communism or socialism or doing any sort of propaganda. But human society fails if crimes can't be prevented. Majority of the films portray heroes passing sarcastic comments on dark skinned women and even passing remarks on women who are fat. There is also a sarcastic portrayal of eunuchs. I wonder how the Government gives permission to publish such scenes. The governement has failed in its purpose to protect its citizens. Such things shouldn’t be portrayed in media.

I seriously wonder what the sensor board is doing. And immediately, critics might argue saying that there is a right to practice freedom of speech. Is that a freedom of speech or freedom to insult a human being? If such things are to be practiced let the Preamble of the Indian Constitution be changed. Why should India be declared as a socialist, secular, democratic republic? Let it be an ordinary democratic republic. There is no bloody socialism over here. I only see that there are ethnic jokes like Sardarji jokes, Anti-Brahmin jokes and ethic violence. There is no secularism. I see more of communal violence and inter-caste violence. And I would like to reserve my comments about democracy in India.

Another reason that keeps women from taking action is fear. They are afraid that this will breed further enmity, which will prove to be dangerous. Now the million-dollar question is will law alone be able to stop eve teasing and protect women? The answer is an absolute no. The only way it can be stopped is by encouraging women to retaliate against eve teasers fearlessly. This will only be possible when she gets wholehearted support from the community.

-Krishna Kumar.S