For the love of God

Deeply immersed in John Lennon’s Imagine I was interrupted by the not so sweet voice that played via the speakers asking us, passengers to fasten our seat belts as we were ready to land. Am on my way to a pilgrimage trip to Varanasi, Allahabad and Bodh Gaya. At an age where I should probably be going to the Amazon for a wild trek or sun bathing at the pristine coast of Goa, I am here at Varanasi – the revered land on earth. Rain welcome us as we get out the aircraft and just as we check out our baggage’s the not so happening airport shuts shop as ours was the last flight to land at 7:54 pm. It’s weird seeing an airport empty. The airport is situated around 22 kms from the main city and seems like not just Tamil Nadu but the holy land too is reeling under severe power cuts. I catch a fleeting glimpse of various road side eateries and local kirana shops doing business with just the help of a lantern.

If there is a competition for the rashest driving in a minimal area then the auto drivers of Varnasi will win hands down. Such is their speed that you need to make sure you’re quick and cautious on the road or there are all chances they might just knock you down and even before you realize they would have whizzed away. At any given point in the year, the city is flooded with people from every nook and corner of the world. There is no tourist season as such. The hippies coexist at ease alongside their Aryan counterparts in their flashy om pants, backpacks and a lonely planet guide in their hands.

 The oldest city of earth is home to Lord Kasi Vishwanath, who first founded the city 5000 years ago. All temples are inside gullies and you have to manoeuvre your way through the dingy alleys. After heavy security checks we manage to enter the temple only to be harassed by the priests for money. Despite offering money to the priests all we get is a ten second window to see the idol, Lord Vishwanath.

 Almost every place in the city is tucked away in small alleys. Even the way to the Ganges too is through these small alleys. The Ganges is quite a sight to take in. It’s just like the way you see in Google Images sans the gloss. The 64 Ghats stand like a fortress guarding the city from the mighty river. The boat ride on the Ganges is a must do activity.Scores of people take the holy dip notwithstanding the polluted remnants afloat. The city at every point is teeming with contrasts. While people diligently fill their bottles with the “Ganga Jal” the other side of the ghat is busy with the cremation of a dead body. The ashes are swift fully swept to the river making way for the next cremation.

 Our next stop in the pilgrimage trip is Allahabad. We proceed to the Triveni Sangam in the scorching heat. It’s funny how people not just wash away their sins but also their clothes and vehicles at the shore. The temple visits continued in Gaya too. The stopover at Bodh Gaya, the place Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment was a breather.

 As we are at the platform of Varanasi railway station to board our train back home it dawns upon me, despite the nebulous tones, intense textures and dishevelled character the enigmatic city is an assortment of old world charm that grows on you as you part with it.

FREE FROM THE BUZZ

It’s almost a week now that I have been detached from the world. No No I didn’t go on a trek to the Himalayas for soul searching. My phone conked, and it was time I allowed it to Rest in Peace for it suffered many injuries in my hands. I did not want to be cruel to the gadget that dictated if not every but major moves in my life. My effort for searching a spare phone was futile; however there was a ray of hope when a cousin promised he would be able to give one in a week’s time. And then I decided to be without the mean gadget for a week to experience how it is and oh boy was it a state of bliss.

The initial days were tough. I missed the constant fidgeting that helped me distract myself from boring conversations or a lecture in class. I missed listening to music, checking email, so on and so forth. And the constant urge to check your phone for message or call slowly started to fade. I started to feel at ease without a cell phone. It was a blessing in disguise. I started to feel lighter. No annoying messages from friends at the middle of the night, no repeated frantic calls from home, No calls from people who call to make small talk when you are busy, no need to constantly keep an eye on the phone and above all less spending.

When off it I realised how the cell phone was ubiquitous. It follows us everywhere just like the Hutch pug. From restaurants to restroom no area is spared. We liberally devote a larger part of our time to this device, which not only provides constant access to people and information, but also make us more anxious and demanding.

I realised how much more easier it is to drive without the constant hassle of earphones, I started to spend more time with my sister and mother (not that I didn’t earlier but the duration increased:P ), a good night’s sleep sans disturbance and also discovered the joy of using the landline an old fashioned device from the yesteryears that made talking a lot easier without having to strain the neck.

It gave me so much joy to stay disconnected and I did not feel weird. In this era of digi socio media or whatever you call that lets the whole world know what you are up to in nano seconds it was wonderful to stay away from the cacophony and enjoy the privacy. But alas my honeymoon ended in a week and there I was back to following my master in a new avatar!

THE KOLAVERI MUSINGS

Ok!! I have had enough of this Kolaveri mania. The new mantra that has taken the nation by frenzy. Twitter, Facebook, discussion forums, practically it’s all over the social media. People might not even now how much a kg of rice costs in the nearby ration shops but they sure do know the minute detail of this much talked about song. So much so that they consider it cool to reproduce their own versions of kolaveri.

The first tamil song to be played by MTV(As if it’s some status symbol and pride!), the song that has won the you tube gold award, which honours viral videos from across the world, 15 million hits on you tube, blah blah blah the list of accolades is just too long to even list. The attention is intense. And if this is not enough the actor himself was invited to a red carpet screening of the Tom Cruise Movie Premiere.

At the heart of it, the song has worked for various reasons. Its quirky lyrics, the strong tamil accent and the way it has been sung, far from the conventional has added to its merit. For music purists it is well music to the ears and has redefined pop culture. The song has been a shot to national fame for the 28 year old Dhanush who is riding high post his national award and the sleeper hit of his latest venture Mayakam Enna.

Even a fortnight after its release, my facebook page continues to have at least three news item related to this song and some ten thousand people liking it and going ohh so cute aaragh get a life! Yes the music is awesome, lyrics are good, the singer is fab but does this one song require such a wider coverage?

It was quite disheartening to find even the leading papers carry a front page article especially when the newspaper space is sacred. Following suit, we have our own television channels churning out different specials of a humble and poised Dhanush mouthing similar responses across the interviews despite the different questions. And it doesn’t stop there we even have the international media, the Times and BBC carrying news article on what they call it as a “gibberish song” that India can’t stop listening to. The poor lad wouldn’t even have thought in his wildest dream that he would become a household name as far as the last city on the globe. Talk about the power of the social media.

One take away from this kolaveri frenzy is a viral marketing plan that has played out very well for its makers ensuing a good publicity of their film. Well, to an extent even the Kollywood industry has benefitted from this because for once the people north of Vindhyas are coming of age to realise there is more to our industry than just Rajini, Kamal and A.R Rahman. Do not be surprised if you find IIM or Harvard students undertaking this as an academic case study. In this era, just about repeat just about anything is possible.

On hindsight, I often wonder why is it every time we have songs that condemn girl friends behaviour become runaway hit? Is there any song that talks about boy friends behaviour? Male Chauvinism at its heights. Surprised that Justice Katju has not come out with a rejoinder condemning the wider coverage of this song over other important “socio economic issues” that concern the nation. Why this kolaveri di?!

THE POPULISM WAR

It’s a war of populism quite literally. With the election manifesto of the two major Dravidian parties out in the open, the people of Tamilnadu have their task cut out. The onus is now on the common man to carefully sift through the bag of goodies from both these camps and make an informed decision. With what free electricity to the BPL families to free laptops to college students, people are literally spoilt for choice.

The Queen Bee of Tamilnadu Politics took everyone by surprise when she announced her party's manifesto for the 14th assembly elections in Tamilnadu. If the grand old man of Tamilnadu politics promised free wet grinders or mixies, Amma has gone a step further to not only provide those two but also a fan to every women in the state. And if you think that’s going to increase your electricity bill,well Amma has taken care of that too. She promises to provide three-phase power connection across the state in four years. Jayalalitha has a slew of measures up her sleeve to counter every single freebie from the ruling camp.

Fancy this, if Kalaignar promised free laptops to college students Amma has gone the extra mile to extend that facility to students of class eleven& twelve. Under Jayalalitha’s rule all the school students will get four set of uniforms as against the present three and not just uniforms they will be given a pair of shoes as well. The elderly too have been wooed by both the camps. With bus pass being common, the opposition is planning to set up free homes for the destitute and elderly.

And if its increase in subsidized diesel for fisherman by Kalaignar, Amma is proposing to set up a special protection force and offer an assistance of 4000 rupees during the lean periods. And as an alternative to the Kalaignar housing scheme, Amma is giving away free houses of 300 sq feet.

The electorate of Tamilandu has never had such a bonanza like this. With the political temperature soaring high, both the camps are expected to extend and modify their freebies and manifesto to capture people’s heart. Will the magic of wet grinder combined with mixie and fan win against the 30 kg rice will be known on the 13th of May.

CONFESSIONS OF AN AMATUER BLOGGER

Dear Blog,

My sincere apologies, I haven’t been good to you. Sorry I did not keep in touch. Its been so long that i even visited you. I really do not even have a concrete reason to explain myself! There were so many issues that i strongly felt about and wanted to tell you but it stopped just there. And then there were days when I was ashamed of myself for not knowing what to write. From the last time I visited you, till now so many things have happened. The age old ayodhya verdict has been delivered. Yes you heard it right! Ayodhya verdict it is, After months of dilly dallying, Thalaivar’s magnum opus enthiran released and whatte day that was!, The Presidential couple danced to a marathi folk number, M.S Dhoni is no longer single, And I have got a job and an interesting one at that. Thinking of it, change seems to be the only constant in our lives of variables. I am sure your counterparts would boast of how people write to them almost on a daily basis or should I say an hourly basis?! But i am sure you wouldn’t want trivial details of how and why I zeroed in on those red polka dots socks or of why the girls go week in their knees over Robert Pattinson (that dude sheesh!!) or of whats happening in my life 24/7. I am sure you respect my space as much as I do of yours. And here I am not taking you for granted I am just reiterating that I do not want to defeat the very purpose of writing to you. Sometimes I wonder why the fervour that I had during the initial stages when I started writing to you is now slowly fading. Maybe the answer is, I am being lazy!. Hmm anyways, I am not going to promise that I will visit you or that I will write to you on a regular basis. But I am just happy that I actually wrote to you at present. Or should I rephrase it as guilt free:P .

Auf Wiedersehen

HUMANITY ON WHEELS

Flocks of people globe trot every minute. The travelling industry is booming like never before. While most travel to seal business deals, attend conferences there are also people who travel to explore. There is an element of mystique in the journeys we undertake. Nothing is worse than travelling in sleeper class from Chennai to Delhi or vice-versa! And inevitably, I end up in sleeper class however early I book my tickets sigh! Every time I embark on this never ending journey I diligently pray for good co-passengers. There is nothing to do in this tedious journey that traverses from North to South through barrens of vast land. This post is an account of the interesting characters I have met in my journey.

Cinema has spoilt us. Believe me when I say this. There is neither Shahid Kapoor who can distract us nor Surya who croons and can sweep us off our feet. It’s all good only in the celluloid. In reality we just travel with normal people. (Or that’s what been happening in my case! Lucky if you have met your loved ones on trains.)

CASE 1:
THE LOWE BIRDS:
They are common a lot. And I have never met anyone who are so into each other. So much so that they even shared the same berth (am not exaggerating!) when you are single and you witness such public display of affection it kinda gets to you but surprisingly all I wanted to say was “get a room”. But I must confess, it was great entertainment watching the birdies. Respite from the monotony of the journey.

CASE 2:
THE ANGEL:
Kids are adorable. Time flies when you are with them. One can just keep observing their cute little gestures and talks. I was lucky to meet one such angel. Jessica was confined to her mother’s territory. Despite repeated attempts I failed to evoke her interest. A pack of playing cards did the trick. We later bonded on the stone, paper scissors game. Her smile and happiness in winning the game gave me immense joy. I also learnt lessons on colouring and drawing from Jessica. She was my best co passenger so far.

CASE 3:
THE SNORERS
Nothing can be worse than getting stuck with grouchy elders who scrutinise and probe into your entire life history. It’s hard to escape their rhetoric. Sleep was my instant escape. I wake up only to be disturbed by the snoring of the entire lot in my bogey which was otherwise silent. I was fuming, their snores were deafening. I sat up the entire night counting exactly how many berths, rods, switches, fans and lights were in my bogey not to forget my battle with the mosquitoes.

CASE 4:
THE USUAL SUSPECTS
Again a lowe bird but in a distant relationship! Figured out his entire life history through his loud talks on the phone. The most trivial of details were shared with utmost sincerity on a roaming call. How vain can people get! I must thank him for the amazing Ilayaraja songs he played throughout the journey. A pack of cards kept us busy from afternoon till night. We played nonstop. People from the other bogey's joined in too. That was the day I learnt tricks of the trade and became proficient in playing cards. I would be doing great injustice to this list if I do not include the platter of cuisine that is laid out. From the greasy paranthas to the vegetable that seems to be cooked in rancid oil, the smell of food hangs in the compartment. The vendors with their never ending cries of snacks, sugary beverages, samosas and cuppa’s of chai helps to fend of boredom. There are also the aloof kinds who hums to the music jarring from their I pod, oblivious to whatever is happening around. What really irks me is the intrusive passenger who barges in your compartment to plug in his cell phone charger. To top it all the persistent ringing of the cell phone wants to make me smash that piece of technological menace. And then you also have the introspective variety who are lost in thought gaping outside the flat glass panes.

At the end of it all, it’s the eccentricities of my fellow passengers and their idiosyncratic ways that keeps me entertained.

Dearest Chennai,

I yearn to look forward when I am away from you
There is something quaint that pulls me to you wherever I go.

Is it the warmth of people, sumptuous food, serene beaches or feeling of coming home?
It’s difficult to choose.

You provoked, stimulated and inspired me,
I am what I am because of you.

For you have instilled in me to believe in myself and be hospitable
You may not win awards for being clean and green but you sure find your way to people’s heart.

What is the essence of you?
Does it lie in the beautiful temples?, the bustling Ranganathan Street?, the expanding identity of its citizens, or is it the famous filter kaapi that is uniquely you!

Not to forget the Marghazi festive season and the beautiful kolam that adorns every house.

Where ever I go my heart will always be here, in the city’s length and breadth that I grew up in.


POST SCRIPT: My first attempt at poetry(??:D) I am scared, am slowly turning a regionalist:D