The Indian election campaign tamasha, cacophony of many a roars!

Finally, voting for the Lok Sabha elections 2014 has concluded and it is such a relief to have some respite from high decibel poll campaigns that India has witnessed since last few months! 

India certainly needs a positive change from a weak government that failed to value its mandate and vote of confidence. 

Past few months have been great learning for me in understanding India and its people much better, thanks to political campaigns. My observations have left me deeply shocked and worried. 

We as nation are cacophony of many a roars. The election campaigns in India in past few months have been nothing more than slugfest; mudslinging at other political parties at deafening decibel levels sounding ominous without slightest hint at wellbeing of Nation or real issues that truly matter. I am deeply shocked by the unequivocal aggression that is omnipresent and does not tolerate any conflicting view other than which is being subscribed to and rammed down others' throat as monolith through campaign speeches that are often crude and violent in nature and lack civility completely! The political campaigns which were being showcased 24/7 with high TRP ratings on news channels are now taken over by exit polls. These programmes sound similar featuring same people and they leave the viewer exhausted, bewildered and disillusioned.

It is so convenient to blame political party/government/system for the mess we as Nation are in today but we blissfully forget our contribution towards it for the sake of our selfish needs and compulsions. It is tragic to find blatant rudeness and vitriol among people when it comes to supporting political parties of their choice. Unfortunately the thin veneers of superficial etiquettes don’t hide truth of brash insolence for long. There is a way to express irreverence which requires finesse and informed manner else it becomes too obvious what the real game is all about. It is difficult to believe vitriol on social networking sites posted by supporters of various political groups. Suddenly, there is a new breed I see emerging; the arm chair philosophers whose sole purpose is to create their own "brands" by saying things that lack proper research and create sensation showing complete disregard for judiciary and constitution! I have realized this is becoming the new dope for many people these days. 

For any democracy, it is very important to have more voices out in open to question with erudite judgment as to what is wrong with its system and participate to create necessary change and awareness. Instead, we as people have been engrossed with mudslinging rants along with media on jugglery of numbers, argued and fought with high decibel exchanges! I am really shocked by cynical views most of us seem to subscribe to these days. It is time for reconciliation on our blunders of epic proportion that made our country suffer dearly. Patriotism is not about temporary titillation of acrimonious acts of rancour. The onus is all the more on educated class, the enlightened minority to do something constructive about it instead of posting messages of hatred and spread negativity. 

As the 16^th of May drives closer and as India turns a new leaf in history of politics, I hope we, as Nation don't get driven by regressive politics of caste and creed. It is time for us to write a new narrative with vocabulary that addresses and accommodates issues that truly matter to Nation. I hope and fervently pray that the new government wears the mantle with great responsibility, humility and wisdom and takes a path of peace, growth and prosperity and makes it presence felt world over by reinstating itself with vigour and atone all the bad karma of Indian politics. Am I asking for too much? Can't help it! I am insanely optimistic!    

Happy happy I am !

I feel like hugging every person that crosses my path today! Literally!

You know that feeling, when life goes on “normally” and you get happily comfortable in careless stupor and suddenly some prodigious surprises are thrown in sweeping you off your feet!

Hmmm...How do I describe this emotion? It is like that immense joy you experience, when you go shopping, buy those super sexy stilettos/ a chic handbag and visualize yourself enjoying envious looks coming your way or walk into your favourite jewelry store and end up buying a big solitaire ring? Or, on a mundane day just when you are struggling to decide the menu for the supper you receive an invitation to a party? Or just when you are deeply thinking whether you would ever understand your teenage son truly, he comes and pecks a kiss on your forehead and says, "Love you mom. What would I do without you?"! Yeah, that kind of frenzied happy feeling is surging in every single pore right now and I don’t remember its source!

Was it meeting Jyoti, (one of the street kids I have be-friended) darting in  my direction  amidst the scary traffic, making me stop and gifting me a bunch of stunningly beautiful roses and proudly telling me, “Didi, I have stopped begging. Now I work and earn my own money! 

Was it that beautiful conversation with someone I have met in recent months in formal environment and every time we meet, I can feel a great connection and I see it heading in the direction of a beautiful friendship. 

Was it my visit to the spa, one of my favourite indulgences? Was it me blushing and being happy looking at my reflection in the mirror (don’t be a spoilsport by calling me a Narcissist)? Was it some song that triggered crinkled notes from many a whispering pages of sublime laughter and enchanting moments? Was it holding a newborn in my arms and FEEL divinity when he smiled at me?

Whatever the reason may be, I know it doesn't matter. I have a tempting longing to share this joy with someone who would be as happy to be part of these moments. I wish I could call someone. And I know, the conversation can go on and on but my coy self reminds me I can’t call. Not at this hour! So yeah, let my happiness be a little shy. Let this exuberance have a tinge of sweet yearning!  

Looking at those elegant roses Jyoti gave me, I realize the petals would slowly start wilting and they may not remain as gorgeous maybe day after tomorrow. But they would still look beautiful with dignity of age and maturity of knowing that life was lived well. There is beauty in enjoying this moment that is going to last a little longer through subtle fragrance that would keep wafting even after all the roses have dried up. The heady fragrance and immense joy this day has brought me are going to be etched in my heart forever.

"Kaapi" on a languid Sunday

There is nothing more beautiful than starting your Sunday with the divine aroma emanating from freshly ground coffee beans wafting in air and freshly cooked, South Indian, vegetarian breakfast served on your table. Breakfast for me, is THE MOST important and elaborate meal of the day and unless I relish my "king size" breakfast spread, it is impossible to be awake for the day and get back to my spirits. 

Yesterday, for a change when I did not have to answer the most irritating question that starts my every single day, "what do we have for breakfast?" I knew there was some surprise in store. (Imagine waking up to the beautiful, quiet morning and just when you are thanking Almighty for the new day, the people around give you that typical look as if they are on verge of collapse if not served food immediately and you realize God must wait and helplessly disappear in labyrinth of demands and never ending duties!) Once in a while hubby earns brownie points with lovely surprises that calm my fraying nerves. He knows my weakness for a GOOD coffee and nothing can beat the filter coffee on a languid Sunday morning!  

Yesterday, we went to one of our favourite no frills, Udupi restaurants, Madras café at Matunga circle braving the frenzied traffic and like always, absolutely loved the experience!

There are a very few places left in Bombay that have survived onslaught of fast changing eating habits and tastes. Madras café is one of those places that are testimony to the fact that South Indians once ruled Matunga. The variety, quality and consistency of the food here is absolutely delectable but to enjoy that one must be willing to wait in long queue that consists of an interesting mix of morning walkers, joggers, known names from theatre, advertising and corporate world of the city. 

For me, the "kaapi" at Madras café is un-disputedly, the best filter coffee in Bomabay! The elaborate ritual of drinking the quintessential kaapi requires one to pour the coffee from one steel container to another till the sugar dissolves, leaving a frothy layer on top and relishing every sip without worrying about well heeled patrons waiting patiently outside the restaurant is quite an experience! 

With the core ethnicity of most Udupi restaurants wearing away with fast pace each passing day, the experience of watching life here makes you want to hold on to what is still left. There are ample enduring images of life when one looks around and sees waiters working for years with trademark napkins around their shoulders and tiny pencils behind their ears, hurriedly serving your order and before you even thank them, they disappear leaving you completely amazed!

There is something phenomenally beautiful about a cup of kaapi at Udupi restaurant. Agreed, it does not have the glitter and glamour of the new coffee shop brands but it still has old world charm that is rare to find in this bulging metropolis! 

The sign board boats its "finest" South Indian coffee

The famous "Upma pudi"

Filter coffee

Ready pickles for sale

Mouth watering snacks

A cultural touch just outside the restaurant, a team of street performers 

The third gender. A community on the fringe!

Picture of a member of hijra community, taken from google

Amidst the cacophony of elections and the growing melodrama around it, a very important news that should have been welcomed and discussed openly appeared to have been sidelined last week. The Supreme court of India, finally gave legal sanctity to the long marginalized community of Transgenders (commonly known in India as Hijras) by recognizing a third gender under the law that is neither male or female.

"Transgenders are also citizens of India. The spirit of the constitution is to provide equal opportunity to every citizen to grow and attain their potential, irrespective of caste, religion or gender." "Recognition of Transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue", justice K.S.Radhakrishnan, pointed out in his judgment. "Transgenders are citizens of this country and are entitled to education and all other rights. The decision officially recognizes a third gender in law and confirms that discrimination on grounds of gender identity is impermissible under the Indian Constitution.” This landmark ruling redefines Transgenders' rights and the state’s obligation to them.

This is a milestone decision for  a country like India and certainly should be received with standing ovation! Unfortunately, we as society have ostracized, ignored this minority very cruelly treating them with discomfort and derision making them social outcast leaving no choice for them but to beg, entertain or even get into prostitution and other illegal trades for the sake of survival. Majority of Hijras live in dire conditions are barely educated which further isolates them from society.

The community of Hijras, have history of more than 4000 years and there is clear reference to their status in many of the ancient books and scriptures with mention of how Hijras were held in very high esteem and respect gaining powerful positions in courts and society. Unfortunately, today they neither have any respect nor acceptance from society and despite India having made so much progress on many fronts they are still looked down upon with social prejudices, ridiculed and abused. There can't be any better example of their plight than our very own Bollywood mainstream cinema where Transgender community is portrayed in farcical situations, mostly as subjects of dehumanizing grave ridicule and harassment living on the fringe of Indian society, leading painfully isolated life.  

The step taken by the Supreme court of India is just the first step towards the welfare of socially deprived  Hijra community. Now the onus is on us, as society to change our mindset and accept, acknowledge and respect them as normal human beings and let them just BE. 

If we come across any Hijra at traffic signal or any other social ceremony, henceforth, let's try not be intimidated by their glittering make up, gaudy clothes, loud gestures and bawdy songs and dance. Let's remember, they are as flesh and blood human beings as me and you and as normal as anyone of us and nobody has any right to treat them otherwise. 

After years of discrimination now that Hijra community has been granted legal visibility, it is time for us as society to change with wake of our constantly changing social needs and fulfill our moral and social obligation by changing our regressive mindset towards Transgender community and accept them as part of our society.  

Tranquil moments by the river

Last weekend, I drove down to Nashik with family. Just like that because we felt like running away to some place, unplanned!

I love travelling by road and discover fascinating world the travel unfolds! For people like me, thriving in urban chaos it is luxury to witness change in tapestry of landscape. As one leaves city limits, the scenery changes. The concrete jungle slowly disappears giving way to the single houses in the farms. The dense back to back constructions gradually fades and like pleasant surprise one sees homes amid set of clutch of mud walled huts with thatched roofs amidst green fields. And soon those very green fields redefine “pristine” and compel you to slow down. 

It is incredible experience to watch the roads get narrower and suddenly curved only to reveal a quiet river stream. Imagine, there is not a soul on the road on either side and you are left alone at the bank of the river watching Nature’s alluring canvas with trees swaying in unison with the stirred breeze and the Sun light playing hide and seek. It is like being soaked into meditative trance engulfing every single pore!

Fortunately our mobile connections broke down as ominous sign it was no time for undesirable intrusions. I sat down beside the river and realized how each stream has its own rhythm, its own music and its very own soul!

In the calm of quiet flow of the river, the stillness in the air, and jutting trees in the horizon, the beauty of the moment brought lightness into my being. That un-definable load evaporated slowly from my soul, making me alive in the moment! I remembered it was quite long since I had dialogue with Nature with open heart with my mind shut completely for a change. Sometimes all one needs is to sit in perfect stillness and watch the shadows of the day sink in every pore of your soul. 

Those moments when I was sitting at the bank with the river steadily changing its rhythm, I also witnessed each moment passing by. It turned out to be an astonishingly spiritual journey of renewal. And all the while there was this profound sense of stillness, reverence and peace. It is hard not to sense the timeless and eternal rounds of life, our place in the mystery of so much bigger than our usual separate sense of self at such tranquil moments! Sitting at the river bank invited great awareness evoking interesting paradox of emptiness and fullness!

Lord Buddha often used river as image of our life. He spoke of entering the stream of awakening, crossing the flood of clinging, observing the fleeting river of experiences. “Do you never see the clumps of bubbles as they float down the river fleeting, empty and void? Do you not see the river of thought, feelings, perceptions arising and vanishing, equally fleeting, empty and void?”