I had made it a practise to fast every Saturday, from the time I get up, to 5.30pm. This good practise went off very well at first, and then began to get erratic. (That was around the same time I began to get my amnesia attacks) I suddenly would remember as I was half way through a samosa that it was Saturday, and I was not supposed to eat. The time of prayer I used to spend began to reduce rapidly, and I began to feel guilty for the same. Even that guilt went away soon enough, and I forgot that I ever fasted!
And as every Christian in his walk away from God gets some sense knocked into his head the hard way, I began to miss those times of fasting. Those were the times I used to be so close to God, talking with Him and feeling His love surround me and hold me close to Him.
So, last night, I decided that I would begin to fast again, and I also warned my mother that I won't be taking food during the day. Believe me, it wasn't easy... It's Christmas time now, and the whole dining room is decked with cakes of different flavors, smells, sizes and shapes. I would just look at them and move away, remembering my promise with God. I did pray and read a little bit of Christian literature, but it wasn't as close as it was before. But I definitely felt better today than any other day here.
The family function organized for the evening went off well too, and I was able to work well on that empty stomach. God has not forgotten me, and I thank Him for that. I didn't feast on the word of God, I admit, but this was a promising start.
Oh, and speaking of feasting, I did feast at Sangeetha Bhavan where we as a family went to for dinner. My stomach is so full, that it could burst. So much for 'putting a knife in your throat' to stop gluttony!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
What if i stumble?
"He told me of a young couple he had married some years ago who had represented to him every ideal worth emulating. They embodied excellence to the youth of the church. B0th were preparing to practice medicine and were on sizable merit scholarships. As he had driven away in his car after performing their wedding ceremony, my host (the pastor) had rehearsed in his mind the grand occasion it had been; in all his years of ministry he had not seen a more radiant couple. He thrilled at the prospect of all that lay ahead of them.
"But then, like a shattered dream, only a few months into the marriage came a dreadful awakening. In the predawn hours of a wintry night the pastor's telephone rang, and a distraught voice begged him to come. The caller, the young man of such promise, kept stuttering the words, "I think I've killed her! I think I've killed her!" The minister hastily dressed and rushed over to the couple's home only to find the young woman lying lifeless in her bed and the young husband sobbing inconsolably at her side.
"What had happened? What had brought about this tragedy? After a long time of prying and pleading, the story was finally uncovered. Some weeks earlier this young woman had discovered that she was pregnant. With years of study ahead, neither of them had wanted to start a family so soon. This sudden turn of events unsettled all their plans, driving them desperately in search of a solution. They considered every option. Finally, words escaped her lips that she had never dreamed she would utter. "This is completely devastating", she said. "There is no other way but to abort this child if our careers are to survive."
"The very suggestion opened a deep rift between them. They were both known on their campus for their outspoken conviction of the sanctity of the child's life in the womb. They fervently believed that each unborn child had a right all its own. Now circumstances beyond their control had invaded their absolutes; 'fate' had threatened their autonomy. Conviction clashed with ambition, and they agonized over a private decision they hoped would never be betrayed in public.
"This is when she proposed her final solution. "Let's do this at home," she said. "You bring all the equipment we need to the apartment, and no one need ever know." As a young medical student, he felt this could be accomplished, and so they nervously laid meticulous plans for that fateful night. The young man was not yet fully trained in the administration of an anesthetic, and as he stumbled through the procedure he unwittingly gave her a much larger dose than he should have. His greatest fear became a ghastly deed, and he lost her. In panicky moments that followed, with trembling hands and a cry of desperation he reached for the telephone and uttered those remose-ridden words. "Pastor, please hurry and come to our apartment. I think I've killed her!"
The preceding passage was taken from Ravi Zacharias' book, Deliver Us from Evil. Though Zacharias aimed at a different effect to this incident, I was forced to look into my own life. My spiritual life, during the past few weeks have not been going on well. What started as a slow drift has begun to accelerate into an uncontrollable backslide. My Christian discipline is at an all-time low, and there hasn't been anything good I have been doing. I am ashamed of my own behavior. Though, more than once I have promised myself that I would change for the better, too much of time has passed.
I am so grateful to God that he has been so gracious to me. I have slipped over my own vomit over and over again. I (for the umpteenth time) have broken free from that light yoke Christ gave me and am once again working for the deciever. I have compromised on my principles over and over again. However, for this young couple, the guilt of one step backward has cost a woman her life and her husband a life-time of regret.
The message that all good Christians have been trying to spread through their words and lives could be erased by one single slip. If you look at me, I've been slipping too many times for comfort. What a burden am I to my Lord?
The lyrics to this song by DC Talk gives me hope...
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Is this one for the people? Is this one for the Lord?
Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?
You can jumble them together, my conflict still remains
Holiness is calling, in the midst of courting fame
Cause I see the trust in their eyes
Though the sky is falling
They need Your love in their lives
Compromise is calling
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?
Father please forgive me for I can not compose
The fear that lives within me
Or the rate at which it grows
If struggle has a purpose on the narrow road you've carved
Why do I dread my trespasses will leave a deadly scar
Do they see the fear in my eyes? Are they so revealing?
This time I cannot disguise all the doubt I'm feeling
Everyone's got to crawl when you know that
You're up against a wall, it's about to fall
Everyone's got to crawl when you know that
I hear You whispering my name [You say]
"My love for You will never change" [never change]
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You never turn in the heat of it all
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You are my comfort, and my God
Is this one for the people, is this one for the Lord?
"But then, like a shattered dream, only a few months into the marriage came a dreadful awakening. In the predawn hours of a wintry night the pastor's telephone rang, and a distraught voice begged him to come. The caller, the young man of such promise, kept stuttering the words, "I think I've killed her! I think I've killed her!" The minister hastily dressed and rushed over to the couple's home only to find the young woman lying lifeless in her bed and the young husband sobbing inconsolably at her side.
"What had happened? What had brought about this tragedy? After a long time of prying and pleading, the story was finally uncovered. Some weeks earlier this young woman had discovered that she was pregnant. With years of study ahead, neither of them had wanted to start a family so soon. This sudden turn of events unsettled all their plans, driving them desperately in search of a solution. They considered every option. Finally, words escaped her lips that she had never dreamed she would utter. "This is completely devastating", she said. "There is no other way but to abort this child if our careers are to survive."
"The very suggestion opened a deep rift between them. They were both known on their campus for their outspoken conviction of the sanctity of the child's life in the womb. They fervently believed that each unborn child had a right all its own. Now circumstances beyond their control had invaded their absolutes; 'fate' had threatened their autonomy. Conviction clashed with ambition, and they agonized over a private decision they hoped would never be betrayed in public.
"This is when she proposed her final solution. "Let's do this at home," she said. "You bring all the equipment we need to the apartment, and no one need ever know." As a young medical student, he felt this could be accomplished, and so they nervously laid meticulous plans for that fateful night. The young man was not yet fully trained in the administration of an anesthetic, and as he stumbled through the procedure he unwittingly gave her a much larger dose than he should have. His greatest fear became a ghastly deed, and he lost her. In panicky moments that followed, with trembling hands and a cry of desperation he reached for the telephone and uttered those remose-ridden words. "Pastor, please hurry and come to our apartment. I think I've killed her!"
The preceding passage was taken from Ravi Zacharias' book, Deliver Us from Evil. Though Zacharias aimed at a different effect to this incident, I was forced to look into my own life. My spiritual life, during the past few weeks have not been going on well. What started as a slow drift has begun to accelerate into an uncontrollable backslide. My Christian discipline is at an all-time low, and there hasn't been anything good I have been doing. I am ashamed of my own behavior. Though, more than once I have promised myself that I would change for the better, too much of time has passed.
I am so grateful to God that he has been so gracious to me. I have slipped over my own vomit over and over again. I (for the umpteenth time) have broken free from that light yoke Christ gave me and am once again working for the deciever. I have compromised on my principles over and over again. However, for this young couple, the guilt of one step backward has cost a woman her life and her husband a life-time of regret.
The message that all good Christians have been trying to spread through their words and lives could be erased by one single slip. If you look at me, I've been slipping too many times for comfort. What a burden am I to my Lord?
The lyrics to this song by DC Talk gives me hope...
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Is this one for the people? Is this one for the Lord?
Or do I simply serenade for things I must afford?
You can jumble them together, my conflict still remains
Holiness is calling, in the midst of courting fame
Cause I see the trust in their eyes
Though the sky is falling
They need Your love in their lives
Compromise is calling
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?
Father please forgive me for I can not compose
The fear that lives within me
Or the rate at which it grows
If struggle has a purpose on the narrow road you've carved
Why do I dread my trespasses will leave a deadly scar
Do they see the fear in my eyes? Are they so revealing?
This time I cannot disguise all the doubt I'm feeling
Everyone's got to crawl when you know that
You're up against a wall, it's about to fall
Everyone's got to crawl when you know that
I hear You whispering my name [You say]
"My love for You will never change" [never change]
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You never turn in the heat of it all
What if I stumble, what if I fall?
You are my comfort, and my God
Is this one for the people, is this one for the Lord?
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Locked in Boredom
It happens over and over and over again. Every time I prepare for my exams, the only thing that goes on in my mind are the things I need to do after the exams get over. Surprisingly, you finish these required things faster than you thought you would take.
I used to invent new games i would play during my summer vacation during when i was supposed to be preparing for the examinations prior to the vacation. However, once the holidays begin, i realize that after a few weeks of serious play, I got bored of those games. And every time, i would say to myself that I need to break this continuity as soon as possible, but here i am, stuck up in this circle of boredom again.
Life in JNU was great.. No matter how much I complain about how bad the college is, and how much the system stinks, it is a great place. With the JNUCF (JNU Christian Fellowship) and other things (like really cool friends) in my life, life in JNU was great fun! I realized that if two bored people who like fun sit down together, things can really liven up. (of course, not as much as when four fun people sit down together)
Well, now that I am at home, I have absolutely nothing to do. Actually, there are so many things that I can do, but the computer, and 'Friends' (My brother is downloading all 12 seasons of the series off the net) that doesn't let me do these things. And to think that I was actually planning to read a little bit of feminist literature! Even now, I don't know a single feminist thinker!!
So, I do realize that there are many things I can do to pass the time more meaningfully, productively and satisfactorily. Its just that I'm too lazy and do these things. Well, who said working hard cannot be fun? and who said that you can have fun just lazing around? I'm telling you man, it's driving me crazy!
I used to invent new games i would play during my summer vacation during when i was supposed to be preparing for the examinations prior to the vacation. However, once the holidays begin, i realize that after a few weeks of serious play, I got bored of those games. And every time, i would say to myself that I need to break this continuity as soon as possible, but here i am, stuck up in this circle of boredom again.
Life in JNU was great.. No matter how much I complain about how bad the college is, and how much the system stinks, it is a great place. With the JNUCF (JNU Christian Fellowship) and other things (like really cool friends) in my life, life in JNU was great fun! I realized that if two bored people who like fun sit down together, things can really liven up. (of course, not as much as when four fun people sit down together)
Well, now that I am at home, I have absolutely nothing to do. Actually, there are so many things that I can do, but the computer, and 'Friends' (My brother is downloading all 12 seasons of the series off the net) that doesn't let me do these things. And to think that I was actually planning to read a little bit of feminist literature! Even now, I don't know a single feminist thinker!!
So, I do realize that there are many things I can do to pass the time more meaningfully, productively and satisfactorily. Its just that I'm too lazy and do these things. Well, who said working hard cannot be fun? and who said that you can have fun just lazing around? I'm telling you man, it's driving me crazy!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
And i'm back..
Ok, it's been a while since i last posted. The past-time of blogging was rudely interrupted by pointless hours of writing assigments and preparing for vivas and exams... Not to mention those long hours of practise at the DCC. The Delhi Christian Chorus..
For those who read my blog regularly (I know I'm talking to myself), there will be a sudden spurt of posts in the next few days.. Mostly because i have nothing much else to do. (I'm on vacation, so i'm stuck here at home) , so there's ample of time to write about the happenings of the last month, and if i'm in the mood, i might put up some good stuff in it. The next few posts will have something about the DCC, JNU exams, and the Christmas fever..
For those who read my blog regularly (I know I'm talking to myself), there will be a sudden spurt of posts in the next few days.. Mostly because i have nothing much else to do. (I'm on vacation, so i'm stuck here at home) , so there's ample of time to write about the happenings of the last month, and if i'm in the mood, i might put up some good stuff in it. The next few posts will have something about the DCC, JNU exams, and the Christmas fever..
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Count Your blessings
Today may not be the best day for me to write about thanksgiving, because today is one of those (many) days that I got up out of the wrong side of the bed. Nothing has been going right with me all day, and there is so much of other important things I should be doing right now. But the reason why I'm sitting in front of the screen, trying to put my thoughts on thanksgiving on the screen is simply because of the fact that I've encountered another writer's block.
But, No matter what block we may face, or what looming problem we may be staring at, or how depressed we may be, we always will have a reason to thank our God Almighty. Surprisingly, every time we feel so depressed or so frustrated with life that we feel like making a hole in a wall, Counting our blessings and thanking God for them serves as a really good stress buster/anti-depressant/tension reliever.
Oh, but of course, we all know how difficult it is to be grateful to a God, who apparantly got us into this trouble in the first place? It is impossible for us mere mortals to thank Him for His never-ending love and mercy, It isn't in our nature to do so. But, in spite of the overwhelming tension, take time to 'Count Your Blessings' and ' Name them one by one', 'it will surprise you what the Lord has done.'
Speaking out of personal experience, I realized how frustrating it is to keep complaining about the unforgivably slow life I lead in this God-forsaken University far away from the rest of the 'happening' world. I also realized how moody and selfish I became after a few days. Looking this sad countenance in the mirror didn't help things, but made things worse. I became edgy, sarcastic and started hurting people around me with harsh words, until I met a few really grateful people.
For those of you who've been through this before will be completely agree with me about how torturous it is to suddenly bump into a person who's had worse day than you did, and yet praises God with all his/her might for the great day he/she had. The worst part is, no matter how great your day was, these grateful people will always display a happier face than yours. I felt terrible about myself, and I wondered how I could be such a jerk. I immediately fell to my knees and begged Him for forgiveness and thanked Him for all that He had done for me.
Right after that, all my burdens were lifted (atleast from my heart, cause I still had deal with the mundane problems of life after that) and I was able to once again walk the pilgrims path with renewed lightness.
But, No matter what block we may face, or what looming problem we may be staring at, or how depressed we may be, we always will have a reason to thank our God Almighty. Surprisingly, every time we feel so depressed or so frustrated with life that we feel like making a hole in a wall, Counting our blessings and thanking God for them serves as a really good stress buster/anti-depressant/tension reliever.
Oh, but of course, we all know how difficult it is to be grateful to a God, who apparantly got us into this trouble in the first place? It is impossible for us mere mortals to thank Him for His never-ending love and mercy, It isn't in our nature to do so. But, in spite of the overwhelming tension, take time to 'Count Your Blessings' and ' Name them one by one', 'it will surprise you what the Lord has done.'
Speaking out of personal experience, I realized how frustrating it is to keep complaining about the unforgivably slow life I lead in this God-forsaken University far away from the rest of the 'happening' world. I also realized how moody and selfish I became after a few days. Looking this sad countenance in the mirror didn't help things, but made things worse. I became edgy, sarcastic and started hurting people around me with harsh words, until I met a few really grateful people.
For those of you who've been through this before will be completely agree with me about how torturous it is to suddenly bump into a person who's had worse day than you did, and yet praises God with all his/her might for the great day he/she had. The worst part is, no matter how great your day was, these grateful people will always display a happier face than yours. I felt terrible about myself, and I wondered how I could be such a jerk. I immediately fell to my knees and begged Him for forgiveness and thanked Him for all that He had done for me.
Right after that, all my burdens were lifted (atleast from my heart, cause I still had deal with the mundane problems of life after that) and I was able to once again walk the pilgrims path with renewed lightness.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
It's a girl! ABORT HER! It's a boy! hmm...
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1058541
Check out that link.. It's too funny! Especially on the pathetic state this world is coming to! and it doesn't exactly put a better picture of North India than I already have! (Trackback to the previous blog on altruism., ) But still, we've got to thank those doctors for all the hard work they're doing trying to get a balance in the male-female ratio! but they're getting their paycheck anyway, so why bother?
And besides, what is this world coming to? If every man tries to get more than his share of the meat laid out for all using means practically unnecessary, what will we see at the end? Nothing for nobody! and yet again.. hmm...
anyways, i've been staring at this screen for the past 15 minutes, and I haven't been able to say anything funny or witty or even sarcy about this newsbit... hmm... I guess I'm driven beyond depression!
Check out that link.. It's too funny! Especially on the pathetic state this world is coming to! and it doesn't exactly put a better picture of North India than I already have! (Trackback to the previous blog on altruism., ) But still, we've got to thank those doctors for all the hard work they're doing trying to get a balance in the male-female ratio! but they're getting their paycheck anyway, so why bother?
And besides, what is this world coming to? If every man tries to get more than his share of the meat laid out for all using means practically unnecessary, what will we see at the end? Nothing for nobody! and yet again.. hmm...
anyways, i've been staring at this screen for the past 15 minutes, and I haven't been able to say anything funny or witty or even sarcy about this newsbit... hmm... I guess I'm driven beyond depression!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Bam Bam Boom!! There you go JNU
That’s right ladies and gentlemen, I’m going JNU bashing again! And again, I’m doing it in JNU’s very own computer center, from where I get free internet! Yes, you got that right, I do have a mania of biting the hand that feeds me. But again, freedom of speech is what it’s all about, right? But of course, it’s not about the wonderfully snail-paced bureaucracy, but the wonderfully animated (That’s the kindest word I could find) Student’s voting body.
Last night, after a beer drinking session, (of course, consumed sprite only) we were called to vote for the student leaders in the JNU SSS elections. The School of Social Sciences… Hmm… When I first came to JNU, I expected the people of SSS to be friendly, happy-go-lucky, yet dignified research scholars. I thought that they were all ideologists who respect others feelings and perspectives, and allow for these elections to go off as smoothly and as nicely as possible.
But no!! All that these guys (and girls) were intent on doing was to vindictively oppose every word the people from the other party said. Even when they were selecting the election committee, someone or the other was protesting against the selection because they were either a part of a certain party, or were having weird ideologies, or did not have his bath everyday. So, the poor people at the selection committee were making new names, and in the end. One of the people in the final election committee list was getting drunk with friends! Yes readers, this is what I call politics!
Oh! And I forgot to tell about how pathetic my journalism instincts are! As a wannabe freelance journalist, I’m supposed to carry a camera 24x7, right? But no, I couldn’t capture a great fist-fight that I could’ve caught on camera and attached along with this post… Hmm… I really need to learn the art, huh?
And again guys, please, if you have any information about how a first-timer freelance journo is supposed to go about things, do drop in a comment, and as always, I shall be eternally grateful!
Last night, after a beer drinking session, (of course, consumed sprite only) we were called to vote for the student leaders in the JNU SSS elections. The School of Social Sciences… Hmm… When I first came to JNU, I expected the people of SSS to be friendly, happy-go-lucky, yet dignified research scholars. I thought that they were all ideologists who respect others feelings and perspectives, and allow for these elections to go off as smoothly and as nicely as possible.
But no!! All that these guys (and girls) were intent on doing was to vindictively oppose every word the people from the other party said. Even when they were selecting the election committee, someone or the other was protesting against the selection because they were either a part of a certain party, or were having weird ideologies, or did not have his bath everyday. So, the poor people at the selection committee were making new names, and in the end. One of the people in the final election committee list was getting drunk with friends! Yes readers, this is what I call politics!
Oh! And I forgot to tell about how pathetic my journalism instincts are! As a wannabe freelance journalist, I’m supposed to carry a camera 24x7, right? But no, I couldn’t capture a great fist-fight that I could’ve caught on camera and attached along with this post… Hmm… I really need to learn the art, huh?
And again guys, please, if you have any information about how a first-timer freelance journo is supposed to go about things, do drop in a comment, and as always, I shall be eternally grateful!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
The floating leaf
All of us have faced, sometime in our lives, the following question: 'Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?' Grr... When my grandad asked me that question, I did not have any idea on how to answer him. He called me a fool and a person with no aim in life. Mommy got a lot of reprimanding because she apparantly didn't 'raise me properly'. Hmm..
There was a time when I decided what i'll become. But every year, the ambition changed. At first, I wanted to be a missionary. Then I wanted to become a pilot, after which i wanted to become an astronaut, after which i wanted to become an astrophysicist, after which I wanted to be a psychologist, after that, i wanted to go into the media.
Right now, i'm doing my Masters in Sociology. I don't know what i'll end up as after I finish my 2 years of MA. And i don't really care.. God's in control...
And as usual, I'm the only one who 'doesn't really care'. Dad, mom, granparents, and the whole battalion of uncles and aunts are worried about what i'll be doing after I finish my Masters. The more money I make, and the bigger the house I have, the more i am worshipped. If i end up as a missionary, or a poor social-worker, i'm the butt of all malicious gossip.
But, (as usual) I don't care! If God wants me to be a not-so-rich guy, I'm ready to 'walk the line'. So, i've committed my future before God, and thus, I have no reservations of my own!! Right now, I'll give my all to the things He's called me to do.. Like study, take care of the cell group, and singing in the choir. I'm also learning a lot...
There was a time when I decided what i'll become. But every year, the ambition changed. At first, I wanted to be a missionary. Then I wanted to become a pilot, after which i wanted to become an astronaut, after which i wanted to become an astrophysicist, after which I wanted to be a psychologist, after that, i wanted to go into the media.
Right now, i'm doing my Masters in Sociology. I don't know what i'll end up as after I finish my 2 years of MA. And i don't really care.. God's in control...
And as usual, I'm the only one who 'doesn't really care'. Dad, mom, granparents, and the whole battalion of uncles and aunts are worried about what i'll be doing after I finish my Masters. The more money I make, and the bigger the house I have, the more i am worshipped. If i end up as a missionary, or a poor social-worker, i'm the butt of all malicious gossip.
But, (as usual) I don't care! If God wants me to be a not-so-rich guy, I'm ready to 'walk the line'. So, i've committed my future before God, and thus, I have no reservations of my own!! Right now, I'll give my all to the things He's called me to do.. Like study, take care of the cell group, and singing in the choir. I'm also learning a lot...
Friday, September 29, 2006
Journalism? Maybe.. Creative writing? nah!!
I know this is a well-used, absolutely stale advice, but Do not for one second believe your mother or your girlfriend when she says that you're really good at something. It happened with me, because she kept on praising me for my 'good english' and I actually took that to heart and decided to go for a creative writing competition!! Insane, eh? Absolutely! I also planned to take up freelancing, but I don't know how to go about it!
Maybe the reason why I couldn't go to the creative writing competition or wasn't called by the editor for my story was to save face! I don't know how else I got that weird idea, but I suddenly felt I was really good at writing! Hmph! I realized that my skills aren't that hot only when I started reading decent blogs! man, they can write! and do they know a lot! and they can really form opinions in seconds. But me? All I can do is read something, think about it, mull over it, sleep over it, and then blog it the next day! by then, the news is too 'cold'! Damn! But anyway, I guess I am made for other things more worthwhile than writing about people and things.
Oh, and freelancing? Gee, I need to know the art of making contacts! I ran across this reporter for the India Today group. (for all non-indians who stumble here, India Today is a reasonable media group. They make good fortnightly mags, but they're new ventures are predictable flops) I actually first thought that he was into writing for the magazine, but then, I figured that he was a reporter for this tabloid I never heard of!!
He promised to call me when I told him I had a great story on the JNUstudent's union hunger strike, but he never did!! A professional freelancer would know the exact reason, but me? I have absolutely no clue!! Need some help on this guys/gals!
Hmm... I guess, all I can do is just put down my anger and frustration on the screen. Hope there'll be a time when I can put more than just that!
Maybe the reason why I couldn't go to the creative writing competition or wasn't called by the editor for my story was to save face! I don't know how else I got that weird idea, but I suddenly felt I was really good at writing! Hmph! I realized that my skills aren't that hot only when I started reading decent blogs! man, they can write! and do they know a lot! and they can really form opinions in seconds. But me? All I can do is read something, think about it, mull over it, sleep over it, and then blog it the next day! by then, the news is too 'cold'! Damn! But anyway, I guess I am made for other things more worthwhile than writing about people and things.
Oh, and freelancing? Gee, I need to know the art of making contacts! I ran across this reporter for the India Today group. (for all non-indians who stumble here, India Today is a reasonable media group. They make good fortnightly mags, but they're new ventures are predictable flops) I actually first thought that he was into writing for the magazine, but then, I figured that he was a reporter for this tabloid I never heard of!!
He promised to call me when I told him I had a great story on the JNUstudent's union hunger strike, but he never did!! A professional freelancer would know the exact reason, but me? I have absolutely no clue!! Need some help on this guys/gals!
Hmm... I guess, all I can do is just put down my anger and frustration on the screen. Hope there'll be a time when I can put more than just that!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
What happened to altruism?
The best thing about living in a pseudo-communist area like JNU is that, you can sit in front of its own computer and bitch about its administration and the politics around it, and they can do nothing about it!! All hail the freedom of speech!! Even if they want to bash me up, they can’t… They can only talk ill of me and my blog, put up posters and burn my effigy. But isn’t that how publicity stunts work?
But you might wonder what it is I have against JNU and the way they run things around here. Well, let me tell you what happened yesterday, so sit back and get bored!
I enter the Dean’s office, which consists of this huge hall, where table, chairs and bureaus are strewn about in this random fashion. Ideally, there was supposed to be a person sitting at every table, and checking on the overwhelming stack of files piled on each table, but no! All the ‘officers’ in there were gathered around one particular table, talking and laughing to themselves. All of them had a cup of tea in their hand, and I could guess they had been there talking like that for the past 15-20 minutes! (Don’t quote me on this though)
Finally, one of them turns to look at me, wondering where the hell I had come from. So he asks me, and I ask him when they are supposed to put up the hostel list. They turn back at me, and look at each other in surprise, as though wondering what the heck I meant by hostel list! At long last, this watchman from the corner of the room shouts out that I could check it out on the first week of August! Yeah, right. He was the guy who told me last week that it’ll be out this week. He was also the same guy who said the week before last that it would be out last week!! And now he tells me next week?!
But as you can see, I’m only good at talking behind people. I never had the guts to fire them in the face! I just walked out in shock and anger.
Anyway, afterwards, I thought about how all the political parties were active in making helping the girls get their hostel, and how they were apparently pushing the Dean’s office to get the job done faster. It was later that I realized that after majority of the students got their rooms, they dropped the issue altogether.
When I first came to JNU, I wondered why political parties were so active here among the students union, and what made the students union so active. I later realized that it was because the administration was so bad, that such unions could survive. When I was in St Xavier’s, those catholic fathers were such good administrators, that they did whatever they could to keep the standards of the college at a high level. The student union couldn’t exactly ask for something.
Well, this must be a taste of the ‘big bad world’, JNU, with all its greatness in the field of Indian social research, is such in such a pathetic condition, that the administrators need the politicians to goad them, while the politicians begin their goading just to show the rest of the world that they are still alive, and ‘kicking’!!
What has happened to the idea of altruism, where people do things without expecting anything for themselves? Why does everybody work in such a way as to get their own agenda done? What has happened to the joy of doing things just for the sake of the betterment of the neighborhood/ city/ country/ world?
We can start with Bush, and his agenda of getting oil, or some other gain, in the guise of conquering terrorism. Even the terrorists engage in a very personal warfare with Bush, without considering the welfare of the innocent lives? Interestingly, the world lives on this very fine balance where people work out everything for their own interests.
Even many Christians and Evangelists and other social servants do what they do just for the sake of being recognized; “That people may see their good works and glorify them instead of their Father in Heaven”.
Big deal, after pointing fingers at the rest of the world, I’m no different. I would readily do many things as long as I get something for myself. What would happen to the world if there are more and more people who live their lives just to make lives better for those who live around them? Imagine.
But you might wonder what it is I have against JNU and the way they run things around here. Well, let me tell you what happened yesterday, so sit back and get bored!
I enter the Dean’s office, which consists of this huge hall, where table, chairs and bureaus are strewn about in this random fashion. Ideally, there was supposed to be a person sitting at every table, and checking on the overwhelming stack of files piled on each table, but no! All the ‘officers’ in there were gathered around one particular table, talking and laughing to themselves. All of them had a cup of tea in their hand, and I could guess they had been there talking like that for the past 15-20 minutes! (Don’t quote me on this though)
Finally, one of them turns to look at me, wondering where the hell I had come from. So he asks me, and I ask him when they are supposed to put up the hostel list. They turn back at me, and look at each other in surprise, as though wondering what the heck I meant by hostel list! At long last, this watchman from the corner of the room shouts out that I could check it out on the first week of August! Yeah, right. He was the guy who told me last week that it’ll be out this week. He was also the same guy who said the week before last that it would be out last week!! And now he tells me next week?!
But as you can see, I’m only good at talking behind people. I never had the guts to fire them in the face! I just walked out in shock and anger.
Anyway, afterwards, I thought about how all the political parties were active in making helping the girls get their hostel, and how they were apparently pushing the Dean’s office to get the job done faster. It was later that I realized that after majority of the students got their rooms, they dropped the issue altogether.
When I first came to JNU, I wondered why political parties were so active here among the students union, and what made the students union so active. I later realized that it was because the administration was so bad, that such unions could survive. When I was in St Xavier’s, those catholic fathers were such good administrators, that they did whatever they could to keep the standards of the college at a high level. The student union couldn’t exactly ask for something.
Well, this must be a taste of the ‘big bad world’, JNU, with all its greatness in the field of Indian social research, is such in such a pathetic condition, that the administrators need the politicians to goad them, while the politicians begin their goading just to show the rest of the world that they are still alive, and ‘kicking’!!
What has happened to the idea of altruism, where people do things without expecting anything for themselves? Why does everybody work in such a way as to get their own agenda done? What has happened to the joy of doing things just for the sake of the betterment of the neighborhood/ city/ country/ world?
We can start with Bush, and his agenda of getting oil, or some other gain, in the guise of conquering terrorism. Even the terrorists engage in a very personal warfare with Bush, without considering the welfare of the innocent lives? Interestingly, the world lives on this very fine balance where people work out everything for their own interests.
Even many Christians and Evangelists and other social servants do what they do just for the sake of being recognized; “That people may see their good works and glorify them instead of their Father in Heaven”.
Big deal, after pointing fingers at the rest of the world, I’m no different. I would readily do many things as long as I get something for myself. What would happen to the world if there are more and more people who live their lives just to make lives better for those who live around them? Imagine.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Something useful, at last!
I have finally decided to stop being lazy and pen down (or rather type down) what I felt about a couple of books I’ve read. (Yes, I’ve started reading.) I have been given a proper format for a book review, and the following paragraphs will definitely not follow such a pattern, as you will see.
The first book is a novel, called ‘Be Cool’ by Elmore Leonard, the guy who wrote the book ‘Get Shorty’. Yes, this book is just like the previous one, with full of witty lines. And yes, someone’s made a movie on the story too.
It is definitely a good read as it takes us into the Audio industry in America. If you have no idea about the audio industry, this is a great read, with lots of knowledge fillers. Of course, the protagonist, Chili, is a great guy, and comes up with the coolest of lines.
The story is about Chili, and the things he goes through in order to make a new movie. He actually lives through an adventure to get a good story for the movie. The story is all about this adventure involving the mafia, hired killers, traitors and relationships, and, as I said before, about fast-talking Chili.
This book is a two-time read, and I would definitely recommend a second-hand copy. (It is not worth the actual price, as you only feel like reading it once, unless you’re the collector type)
The next book, is a boring book on the politics of India from 2001 to 2004. A friend and I were supposed to review this book together, for college, and he did good justice to the review, with better language, etc. I on the other hand, prefer to give you guys a more ‘chilled out’ perspective.
The book is called Polity in India 2001 – 2004 by CP Bhambhri. CP Bhambhri was a professor in JNU, until a few years ago, and he’s the permanent member of the Pioneer. (An Indian daily) The book is a actually a collection of his own articles published in many newspapers. This gives the book a relatively loose feel, with lots of seemingly irrelevant articles, but, with the material at hand, it is well compiled.
If you haven’t been reading the newspapers for the past four years, or if you are interested in Indian politics, but don’t know a thing or two about the happenings, this is a good place to start. But, I would profusely warn you to watch out for his strong leftist leaning. He’s completely anti-BJP, and pro UPA. (If you don’t understand these terms, you’ll figure them out after reading the first few pages of the book.) His language is very simple, and can be read by the average reader. Hope you guys have fun reading it.
I hope to send book-reviews like this every week. This is a tall order, with the amount of coursework I have, but I hope I can squeeze in time for reading and typing.
Do post your comments, if you guys have actually read till here.
The first book is a novel, called ‘Be Cool’ by Elmore Leonard, the guy who wrote the book ‘Get Shorty’. Yes, this book is just like the previous one, with full of witty lines. And yes, someone’s made a movie on the story too.
It is definitely a good read as it takes us into the Audio industry in America. If you have no idea about the audio industry, this is a great read, with lots of knowledge fillers. Of course, the protagonist, Chili, is a great guy, and comes up with the coolest of lines.
The story is about Chili, and the things he goes through in order to make a new movie. He actually lives through an adventure to get a good story for the movie. The story is all about this adventure involving the mafia, hired killers, traitors and relationships, and, as I said before, about fast-talking Chili.
This book is a two-time read, and I would definitely recommend a second-hand copy. (It is not worth the actual price, as you only feel like reading it once, unless you’re the collector type)
The next book, is a boring book on the politics of India from 2001 to 2004. A friend and I were supposed to review this book together, for college, and he did good justice to the review, with better language, etc. I on the other hand, prefer to give you guys a more ‘chilled out’ perspective.
The book is called Polity in India 2001 – 2004 by CP Bhambhri. CP Bhambhri was a professor in JNU, until a few years ago, and he’s the permanent member of the Pioneer. (An Indian daily) The book is a actually a collection of his own articles published in many newspapers. This gives the book a relatively loose feel, with lots of seemingly irrelevant articles, but, with the material at hand, it is well compiled.
If you haven’t been reading the newspapers for the past four years, or if you are interested in Indian politics, but don’t know a thing or two about the happenings, this is a good place to start. But, I would profusely warn you to watch out for his strong leftist leaning. He’s completely anti-BJP, and pro UPA. (If you don’t understand these terms, you’ll figure them out after reading the first few pages of the book.) His language is very simple, and can be read by the average reader. Hope you guys have fun reading it.
I hope to send book-reviews like this every week. This is a tall order, with the amount of coursework I have, but I hope I can squeeze in time for reading and typing.
Do post your comments, if you guys have actually read till here.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
This is again, a bit of my boring life in JNU, where things livened up for just a little bit.. Ofcourse, life will never be as fun as it was before, and this, will slowly turn me into the official JNU, freak of nature kinda guy.. Ooh, scary..
The story starts during this seminar i decide to attend. The seminar is on the 1857 mutiny,
because we'll be celebrating the 150th aniversary of the mutiny. The seminar itself was very
boring, and the speaker was stumped by the questions all the people in the group were asking.
Bottom line is that it was a flop, though the only high point of the whole arrangement was the
free chai and samosa each participant recieved. As the seminar was going on, i remmebered that i had to attend the bible study at 6.00pm. The time was 4.00pm. I got a couple of calls that i had
to reject. Then, this tamilian girl called Priyadarshini sms's me reminding me to take her to the
Bible Study. After the seminar, we go to the bible study.
The study wasn't conducted by the usual speaker, but this very contemporary pastor, who spoke English with almost no accent at all!! He was talking about the concept of marraige, purity, etc. Then he expressed his disappointment in the men of the church, as they do not make decent grooms for the more mature, brides in the church. He said that there
were more women leaders in the church than men, and the reason for the feminist movement was the lack of quality men. He claimed that men treated their wives like their mothers, expecting them to either go get things done for them, or look to them always for advice... "What has happened to the men?" he said with so much passion, that all of us men, did not dare to look at a girl in the eye for the next half hour!!
We sat on the carpet throughout the bible study, and there was no break, and after the study was over, i thought i had lost my legs completely! I stood up so gingerly, that everybody wondered what was wrong with me! Lipok, later called me and asked me to join the executive comittee of the JNUCF.. He asked me if i wanted to pray about it.. I accepted the offer immediately, much to his delight.
I was supposed to meet Basil asap for preparing our Book Review. I took the laptop to the room, and we began to type the thing.. Basil was the one coming up with great sentences or the review. I think i should post a copy, if you want to admire his writing skills. As we were working on our project, Chon called up. She wanted to recharge her phone, and she was very far from the recharge shop. Since i was nearby, she decided to ask for my help. So, I ran in the rain to the shop for the card. Anything for a friend. As soon as i had finished this, I ran to Basil's room, (getting slightly wet in the drizzle.)
We finished the assignment around 12.45, and I left for my room, completely tired. I was all
ready to crash till kingdom come. Basil had asked me to bring the iron for his clothes. I had
forgotten to bring it earlier, and so, i went back to Basil's room with the iron. It was
beginning to pour now, and lightening flashed across the sky. I wasn't sure if i should go, and
all the sleepiness in me was pulling me to the warmth of my mat. Then, i felt sorry for Basil,
because he had done almost all of the book-review work. I had just typed, while he dictated. So,
i ran in the rain, holding the iron under my hand. it wasn't pouring, but there were high gusts
of wind.
At this time, i began going into dreamworld, wondering what would happen if i got struck by
lightening. If i did, the students of Jhellum hostel (Basil's hostel) would see a guy running
down the street with an iron under his arm, and suddenly disappearing into the darkness!! As i
was thinking, I suddenly see this girl from our class in front of Basil's hostel. Her name is
Tarushika, and she was standing in the rain, getting wet, just waiting for her boyfriend.. (Talk
about commitment!!) She was showing off her brand new bicycle. (Stupid girl, buying a bicycle,
when she needs an umbrella!)
I reached Basil's room and hand him the iron. He hands me a comic book and goes off to the loo..
I begin to read the comic book, and then I notice that Basil's room begins to flood!! Basil comes
back, and we realize that the drain was clogged, because of the renovation work that went on in
his balcony a few hours ago. Basil tried breaking the clog, but it didn't help. He only got
drenched in the rain and broke a couple of sturdy wooden police sticks. This was because the
drainpipe was made of cast iron, and the clog was made of cement!!
We called up Shiva, who was in a friends place, and asked him to come to the room asap. he said
alright, and hung up. The guy only seemed to be too concerned about his books, which were in a
carton under the bed. At this time, the current went off! We quickly transferred all the stuff on
the floor onto the beds, banging ourselves here and there in darkness, and since we had nothing
else to do, decided to play the sailor game. What do sailors do when there's a leak in the boat?
pail out the water. Basil and I grabbed a mug each, (I had removed my t-shirt, so that i won't
wet it unnecessarily.) and began to pour water out of the balcony.. We did this for around 15
minutes, stopped when we realized that the water had gone down to an extent and that our backs were sore (that would hurt in the morning;))
Shiva came, and suggested we go the warden, get permission to break the pipe, and take a barbell from the gym and break it down. We did exactly that, and Basil tried the 7kilo Barbell rod on the pipe.. NOthing happened.. Basil and I did it together, but the rod began to bend... We thought the 7 kilo rod will snap, and we gave up.. After this, we got back tothe sailor game, for another half hour till the rain stopped. The time was 3.00 am, and i decided to call it a day.. (or
night) and went back to the room, washed and disinfected myself, and crashed...
I realized the next day that all my clothes had got wet in the rain. I also realized that they
stank to high heavens.. i tried to wash them, but there was no water in the taps!! it rained all
night, and there was no water inthe taps!! So, i went to college, and attended the class, which
was a novelty in itself.. Evry class is different from the previous.. I returned back to the
room, (skippin the library reading time i usually have) hoping to sleep, only to notice that
Rajiv hadn't left the keys on the door post!! grr.. i found out that he ws in thelibrary..whiche
was a long way from the room.. i went ot the library, got the key, went back and crashed...
...and in the evening, went with basil to get a new matress (for him) He wanted to break his 500
rupee note, and acc to him, buying amatress was the best way 2 do it!!
I then got down to washing the clothes and removing the stage.. and then, i decided to call mummy (remembering the bible study message) and ask for the best way to remove smell. Btw, ma, it worked!! And i recomend surf excel for detergent!! the stains go off so easily, (along with a bit of cloth, i think)
The story starts during this seminar i decide to attend. The seminar is on the 1857 mutiny,
because we'll be celebrating the 150th aniversary of the mutiny. The seminar itself was very
boring, and the speaker was stumped by the questions all the people in the group were asking.
Bottom line is that it was a flop, though the only high point of the whole arrangement was the
free chai and samosa each participant recieved. As the seminar was going on, i remmebered that i had to attend the bible study at 6.00pm. The time was 4.00pm. I got a couple of calls that i had
to reject. Then, this tamilian girl called Priyadarshini sms's me reminding me to take her to the
Bible Study. After the seminar, we go to the bible study.
The study wasn't conducted by the usual speaker, but this very contemporary pastor, who spoke English with almost no accent at all!! He was talking about the concept of marraige, purity, etc. Then he expressed his disappointment in the men of the church, as they do not make decent grooms for the more mature, brides in the church. He said that there
were more women leaders in the church than men, and the reason for the feminist movement was the lack of quality men. He claimed that men treated their wives like their mothers, expecting them to either go get things done for them, or look to them always for advice... "What has happened to the men?" he said with so much passion, that all of us men, did not dare to look at a girl in the eye for the next half hour!!
We sat on the carpet throughout the bible study, and there was no break, and after the study was over, i thought i had lost my legs completely! I stood up so gingerly, that everybody wondered what was wrong with me! Lipok, later called me and asked me to join the executive comittee of the JNUCF.. He asked me if i wanted to pray about it.. I accepted the offer immediately, much to his delight.
I was supposed to meet Basil asap for preparing our Book Review. I took the laptop to the room, and we began to type the thing.. Basil was the one coming up with great sentences or the review. I think i should post a copy, if you want to admire his writing skills. As we were working on our project, Chon called up. She wanted to recharge her phone, and she was very far from the recharge shop. Since i was nearby, she decided to ask for my help. So, I ran in the rain to the shop for the card. Anything for a friend. As soon as i had finished this, I ran to Basil's room, (getting slightly wet in the drizzle.)
We finished the assignment around 12.45, and I left for my room, completely tired. I was all
ready to crash till kingdom come. Basil had asked me to bring the iron for his clothes. I had
forgotten to bring it earlier, and so, i went back to Basil's room with the iron. It was
beginning to pour now, and lightening flashed across the sky. I wasn't sure if i should go, and
all the sleepiness in me was pulling me to the warmth of my mat. Then, i felt sorry for Basil,
because he had done almost all of the book-review work. I had just typed, while he dictated. So,
i ran in the rain, holding the iron under my hand. it wasn't pouring, but there were high gusts
of wind.
At this time, i began going into dreamworld, wondering what would happen if i got struck by
lightening. If i did, the students of Jhellum hostel (Basil's hostel) would see a guy running
down the street with an iron under his arm, and suddenly disappearing into the darkness!! As i
was thinking, I suddenly see this girl from our class in front of Basil's hostel. Her name is
Tarushika, and she was standing in the rain, getting wet, just waiting for her boyfriend.. (Talk
about commitment!!) She was showing off her brand new bicycle. (Stupid girl, buying a bicycle,
when she needs an umbrella!)
I reached Basil's room and hand him the iron. He hands me a comic book and goes off to the loo..
I begin to read the comic book, and then I notice that Basil's room begins to flood!! Basil comes
back, and we realize that the drain was clogged, because of the renovation work that went on in
his balcony a few hours ago. Basil tried breaking the clog, but it didn't help. He only got
drenched in the rain and broke a couple of sturdy wooden police sticks. This was because the
drainpipe was made of cast iron, and the clog was made of cement!!
We called up Shiva, who was in a friends place, and asked him to come to the room asap. he said
alright, and hung up. The guy only seemed to be too concerned about his books, which were in a
carton under the bed. At this time, the current went off! We quickly transferred all the stuff on
the floor onto the beds, banging ourselves here and there in darkness, and since we had nothing
else to do, decided to play the sailor game. What do sailors do when there's a leak in the boat?
pail out the water. Basil and I grabbed a mug each, (I had removed my t-shirt, so that i won't
wet it unnecessarily.) and began to pour water out of the balcony.. We did this for around 15
minutes, stopped when we realized that the water had gone down to an extent and that our backs were sore (that would hurt in the morning;))
Shiva came, and suggested we go the warden, get permission to break the pipe, and take a barbell from the gym and break it down. We did exactly that, and Basil tried the 7kilo Barbell rod on the pipe.. NOthing happened.. Basil and I did it together, but the rod began to bend... We thought the 7 kilo rod will snap, and we gave up.. After this, we got back tothe sailor game, for another half hour till the rain stopped. The time was 3.00 am, and i decided to call it a day.. (or
night) and went back to the room, washed and disinfected myself, and crashed...
I realized the next day that all my clothes had got wet in the rain. I also realized that they
stank to high heavens.. i tried to wash them, but there was no water in the taps!! it rained all
night, and there was no water inthe taps!! So, i went to college, and attended the class, which
was a novelty in itself.. Evry class is different from the previous.. I returned back to the
room, (skippin the library reading time i usually have) hoping to sleep, only to notice that
Rajiv hadn't left the keys on the door post!! grr.. i found out that he ws in thelibrary..whiche
was a long way from the room.. i went ot the library, got the key, went back and crashed...
...and in the evening, went with basil to get a new matress (for him) He wanted to break his 500
rupee note, and acc to him, buying amatress was the best way 2 do it!!
I then got down to washing the clothes and removing the stage.. and then, i decided to call mummy (remembering the bible study message) and ask for the best way to remove smell. Btw, ma, it worked!! And i recomend surf excel for detergent!! the stains go off so easily, (along with a bit of cloth, i think)
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Spinning around!!!
Many interesting things have been happening during the past few days. It may not sound so interesting to the average reader, but these past days in Delhi has taught me a lot about the Christian life. My life these past few days could be put in a song by Jump 5. Here’s the song…
SPINNING AROUND
You keep me spinning around
Round (echo)
I was thinkin' bout it yesterday
I was thinkin' bout tomorrow
In a dizzy kinda sorta way
Like vertigo
Ive been tryin' hard to figure out
But its drivin' me crazy
Well you'd think I'd know by now
A is last Z is first
Living life in reverse cuz thats the way it works!
Spinning around
I've got this funny feeling
Turning my whole world upside down
I'll keep my heart and my eyes on you
'Cuz you keep me spinning around (spinning around)
What were doing doesnt have a sequel
Don''t wanna loose your balance
All you know you gotta keep your equal-librium
Going back to go forward
All these definate maybe's
It's like running around in circles
Make it last
Take it slow
Just forget what you know
Cause' thats the way it goes
Spinning around I've got this funny feeling
Turning my whole world upside down
I'll keep my heart and my eyes on you
'Cuz you keep me spinning around(spinning around)
Every now and then i feel your peacefulness surround me
Then once again it all goes up and down and over under round and around
Spinning around
Thats the way to works
Taking it slow and not so fast (fast)
Z is first and A is last (last)
Up and down all around (hey hey!)
Turning my whole world upside down
Oh yeah
It's not the take its the give
Yes thats the way OK the way it is!
Spinning around
I've got this funny feeling (oh yeha)
Turning my whole world upside down (spinning around)
I'll keep my heart, my eyes on you (on you)
Cuz you keep me spinning around
Spinning around
I've got this funny feeling (spinning around)
Turning my whole world upside down (upside down)
I'll keep my heart, my eyes on you
Cuz you keep me spinning around
The Christian life, according to most people is a smooth ride. I guess its not. A Christian could be compared to a paratrooper dropped into enemy territory. We are constantly bombarded with the attacks of the devil. At the moment, The Lord has put me in JNU, and I am staying with a thirty-three year old. He is a smoker and a drinker, and so are most of his friends. I am already dreading the winter where there’ll be more drinking and smoking to keep the cold at bay, and when the weather will also give me more reason to join them. I have never been in such a place where smoking and drinking are so commonplace. When I say no to them, it will only be by God’s grace.
Yet, the Lord, in His mercy always lets us be put in situations we can face. Of course, the devil is very clever and powerful, but God is even more wise and powerful. As long as we hold on to Him, it is impossible for the devil to attack us. The devil thus tries to loosen the grip we have. He tries to make us rebel against our Lord. Yet, we must always hope in the Lord, and constantly train our eyes on Him.
God has given each Christian the power to soar over his/her problems. Each Christian is a soldier. Fighting a war no one else can see or hear about. Every believer has his part in the battle against his spiritual enemies. The other people here do not notice this, and thus consider the Christian as a fool. But ‘God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise… the weak things of this world to shame the strong.’ I don’t know whether God’s speaking from an eternal perspective or from a worldly perspective. But it could be applied both ways.
Each Christian, as he daily takes up his cross is hampered by the devil and his minions. The Christian thus fights back with his spiritual weapons that are far more powerful than the ‘weapons of this world’.
Have you ever observed the philosophy of Kung fu and the other ancient martial arts? Most of these one on one combats were not designed by soldiers, but by monks. They consider certain martial arts as ways of training the body as a ready fighter with a higher philosophy. I often used to wonder what a Christian would do when he needs to physically defend himself. I used to day-dream about fighting off the bad guys, or bravely taking a beating. But whenever I have nightmares, when the pictures in my head are clearer, I always end up running away. Yet, until date, I have never been challenged to a knock-out nor have I been mugged or beaten up in real life.
One way to put it is that God knows that I’m not ready to face these obstacles yet. A friend of mine was a black-belt from Nepal. He is the definition of fitness in our church, and was a gang-fighter before accepting Christ as his Saviour. He has known Christ for four years, and recently, he was man-handled by this thug when he was conducting a ministry at the railway station. He could have easily beaten that thug to a pulp, yet he restrained himself. It wasn’t fear that held him back, but courage. I do not have courage. I am one of the most fearful soldiers in the King’s army, and I know that. I am not blessed with great faith like many people I know. But, I pray that I will learn to harness the little amount of faith I have.
This lack of faith could be pointed to me. I do not have enough time alone with my God. I spent 3 months at home with my parents, and I only very rarely read the bible. Now, that I’m alone in Delhi, I read the Bible and pray everyday. Of course, I do not spend the best hours of the day, this is definitely better than the last.
SPINNING AROUND
You keep me spinning around
Round (echo)
I was thinkin' bout it yesterday
I was thinkin' bout tomorrow
In a dizzy kinda sorta way
Like vertigo
Ive been tryin' hard to figure out
But its drivin' me crazy
Well you'd think I'd know by now
A is last Z is first
Living life in reverse cuz thats the way it works!
Spinning around
I've got this funny feeling
Turning my whole world upside down
I'll keep my heart and my eyes on you
'Cuz you keep me spinning around (spinning around)
What were doing doesnt have a sequel
Don''t wanna loose your balance
All you know you gotta keep your equal-librium
Going back to go forward
All these definate maybe's
It's like running around in circles
Make it last
Take it slow
Just forget what you know
Cause' thats the way it goes
Spinning around I've got this funny feeling
Turning my whole world upside down
I'll keep my heart and my eyes on you
'Cuz you keep me spinning around(spinning around)
Every now and then i feel your peacefulness surround me
Then once again it all goes up and down and over under round and around
Spinning around
Thats the way to works
Taking it slow and not so fast (fast)
Z is first and A is last (last)
Up and down all around (hey hey!)
Turning my whole world upside down
Oh yeah
It's not the take its the give
Yes thats the way OK the way it is!
Spinning around
I've got this funny feeling (oh yeha)
Turning my whole world upside down (spinning around)
I'll keep my heart, my eyes on you (on you)
Cuz you keep me spinning around
Spinning around
I've got this funny feeling (spinning around)
Turning my whole world upside down (upside down)
I'll keep my heart, my eyes on you
Cuz you keep me spinning around
The Christian life, according to most people is a smooth ride. I guess its not. A Christian could be compared to a paratrooper dropped into enemy territory. We are constantly bombarded with the attacks of the devil. At the moment, The Lord has put me in JNU, and I am staying with a thirty-three year old. He is a smoker and a drinker, and so are most of his friends. I am already dreading the winter where there’ll be more drinking and smoking to keep the cold at bay, and when the weather will also give me more reason to join them. I have never been in such a place where smoking and drinking are so commonplace. When I say no to them, it will only be by God’s grace.
Yet, the Lord, in His mercy always lets us be put in situations we can face. Of course, the devil is very clever and powerful, but God is even more wise and powerful. As long as we hold on to Him, it is impossible for the devil to attack us. The devil thus tries to loosen the grip we have. He tries to make us rebel against our Lord. Yet, we must always hope in the Lord, and constantly train our eyes on Him.
God has given each Christian the power to soar over his/her problems. Each Christian is a soldier. Fighting a war no one else can see or hear about. Every believer has his part in the battle against his spiritual enemies. The other people here do not notice this, and thus consider the Christian as a fool. But ‘God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise… the weak things of this world to shame the strong.’ I don’t know whether God’s speaking from an eternal perspective or from a worldly perspective. But it could be applied both ways.
Each Christian, as he daily takes up his cross is hampered by the devil and his minions. The Christian thus fights back with his spiritual weapons that are far more powerful than the ‘weapons of this world’.
Have you ever observed the philosophy of Kung fu and the other ancient martial arts? Most of these one on one combats were not designed by soldiers, but by monks. They consider certain martial arts as ways of training the body as a ready fighter with a higher philosophy. I often used to wonder what a Christian would do when he needs to physically defend himself. I used to day-dream about fighting off the bad guys, or bravely taking a beating. But whenever I have nightmares, when the pictures in my head are clearer, I always end up running away. Yet, until date, I have never been challenged to a knock-out nor have I been mugged or beaten up in real life.
One way to put it is that God knows that I’m not ready to face these obstacles yet. A friend of mine was a black-belt from Nepal. He is the definition of fitness in our church, and was a gang-fighter before accepting Christ as his Saviour. He has known Christ for four years, and recently, he was man-handled by this thug when he was conducting a ministry at the railway station. He could have easily beaten that thug to a pulp, yet he restrained himself. It wasn’t fear that held him back, but courage. I do not have courage. I am one of the most fearful soldiers in the King’s army, and I know that. I am not blessed with great faith like many people I know. But, I pray that I will learn to harness the little amount of faith I have.
This lack of faith could be pointed to me. I do not have enough time alone with my God. I spent 3 months at home with my parents, and I only very rarely read the bible. Now, that I’m alone in Delhi, I read the Bible and pray everyday. Of course, I do not spend the best hours of the day, this is definitely better than the last.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
The Reservation Scenario
The following paragraphs are just an answer I practised writing for my entrace exam at the Delhi Sschool of Economics. I wrote somewhat the same answer on the same topic in another entrance, and I didn't get through. So I guess you readers would have already figured out the quality of this answer, but hey, everybody has the freedom of speech! So here are my thoughts on...
The Reservation Scenario in India
The Reservation Scenario in India
Introduction
Just after
The reservations changed the mindset of the villagers towards the dalits and the tribals. As a result, there were positive changes in the mindset of rural India, while urban India, had long ago, lost their idea of discrimination on basis of caste.
This reservation policy also hoped to encourage equal growth and development, and avoid another new vertical relationship on basis of class.
It has been a few generations ever since the reservation act was enforced, and according to most social analysts, the reservation bill has served its purpose and needs to be removed. The scenario in the rural sector presents a clear point supporting these scientists. The present women leaders and tribal leaders are mere puppets in the hands of their husbands, or masters, who actually run the panchayat system. The poor tribals, dalits and women leaders usually don't have a say in any of the panchayat meetings.
Whereas, in the urban sector, one can see a downright exploitation of this act. The children of the dalits/tribals that have reached the creamy layer of society, in spite of the facilities provided, enter colleges and workplaces through the reservation quota. Thus this act of unsportsmanship lessens the chances of the dalit/tribal who really need the reservation quota.
Many marxist social analysts thus attack this system with gusto and claim that the system has served its purpose (however slightly) and needs to be scrapped, as it does not have a place in today's modern scenario. Especially in the cities. Pundit J.Nehru claimed that the Reservation Act was making Industrial India a 'second rate' nation.
When the Reservation policy turned its ugly head towards the private sector companies, it recieved a very hostile welcome. The internet was full of anti reservation just after the passing of the bill. Wipro Chief Azim Premji even wrote a small highly sarcastic passage on reservation in the Indian Cricket team. India would further lose its GDP if the government continues in this direction.
I would not object to the slowing of the country's social and economic growth as long as it is uniform. Until now, the rich have been raking in money, to the detriment of the poor. If a country wants to achieve stable development, it would do good if it develops slowly and uniformly. The United States developed at a rapid rate, and now, it can see the end of its growth, due to lack of human resources, leaving the economic and political power to the emerging players, India and China.
Yet, I would agree that the idea of positvie discriminaiton is getting old. However, it would not be wise to throw the idea away completely, but to slowly convert the caste as the deciding factor to class. It would also benefit the Indian government to make these changes slowly from region to region, starting from the most urban, and as the culture changes, to the rural areasa also.
Yet, like I always say, The Future of this Country is in His Hands. Why do i need to worry?
Friday, June 30, 2006
Christiano Ronaldo and Spanish Politics
Unlike everybody else in this big world, I don't care much about club football. But, the news piece on Christiano Ronaldo joining the Real Madrid was a little stunning. No, I'm not surprised the very fact that Real Madrid is getting another starplayer into their already star-studded team, (which i think isn't doing very well for its great players), but the way Villar Mir plans to win over the presidential elections by calling in Marci.
Well, its something to know that the Europeans are crazy about soccer. Its another to know that they would elect their president on basis of his work in football team management. After all, how much time will a football manager have in order to run a country?
I oncet thought that India was the illiterate country that couldn't think straight and elect their leader. I was of the impression that all politicians of the first world had to really have leadership qualities, and having the ability to take the best decisions that satisfied everybody in the country. Only when you really think about it, you realise all countries elect their leaders with certain (almost hilarous) idiosyncracies.
The United States chose their president on how morally clean he is. No one condemns the contender for President for material corruption, mostly, he's pulled up for sexual immorality. The American President aka, president of the free nation is the one who tolerates homosexuality, occult practises, riots, and peace. At the same time, he must be a fine handsome charming man, (preferably white) who has a wife, is a good Christian, and beliefs in peace, except when he has to fight. In the United States, very rarely do the people look at the party the President represents, but the person himself.
But in a country like India, the politicians are always the puppets of their parties. India, with its multiparty system have coalations between two parties that tend to split when the candidate does not listen to the party leaders. The contenders promise freebies to the people, if elected. They provide clothes, money, lodging to the illiterate poor, and convince them that they will allow for free, maybe illegal, lodging.
Atleast here, in India, we take a stand. The wannabe president of the United States has to carefully sit on the fence, and yet sound very convincing.
Every political leader, though however silly it may sound, uses his inethical tactics however detrimental they may be to the country) to round in their votes. Well, this is the chaotic world we live in. I just praise God that He is in control over the leaders of this world!!!
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