'A Thousand Splendid Suns'

An awesome book by KHALED HOSSEINI

“A Thousand Splendid Suns” is a story of a bruised country which has been beautifully crafted in simple words by the author. Likewise Khaled Hosseini’s earlier novel, “Kite Runner”, this book too hovers around the havoc that war brings in a person’s life. This is a heart - wrenching tale of a slut time, women’s endurance, broken bonds and relationships, starvation, monstrosity and fear of death!

Mariam, the 15-year-old so-called ‘harami’, is married-off to the 45-year-old barbarian, stinky and unkempt shoemaker Rasheed who takes her to Kabul from Herat, the city of poets. There, she confronts and bears the brutalities of the grump Rasheed.

After many years of ill fate, circumstances creep- up that compels the 15-year-old blonde Laila to seek shelter in the dismal and unhappy house-hold of Mariam. Both Laila and Mariam share an unbreakable bond; like bond between a mother and a sister or between two sisters. Eventually it is love that triumphs over the worst of life’s realities.

Khaled Hosseini’s, “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, is an unforgettable epic which mesmerizes, enwraps, intrigues and fascinates us on every page. This master piece, at various poignant instances, makes our throat choked with emotions as well as makes us sneer at the sheer blatancy of a man. This is a compulsive novel well-worth reading.

Bravo to the author!!

Women Empowerment

“When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.” Surely, these lines empower a woman!!

A woman being burnt by her abusive husband; a newly born girl being dumped in garbage; an adolescent girl being beaten and tormented by her own family members; a college going girl being caught by the dirty stares of vagabonds; an office going lady being harassed by her own colleagues... It is quite unfortunate that in spite of legal parity and harsher laws, the ‘fair sex’ still entertains age long prejudice, violence and harassment. They live in precarious conditions and for even stepping out of their houses; they have to give second thoughts. This is what the scene of 2014 is. Heaven knows what would life be like in the coming years? Will the outside environment be still vulnerable for the women? Or will the future in its store be carrying a drastic change in the mindsets of people?

Although, Lao Tzu said in the 6^th century B.C.,”Those who have knowledge don’t predict. Those who predict don’t have knowledge.” But still there is no such harm in fantasizing tomorrow. Well! Every woman fantasizes a future where they can be safe and independent. A world where they can move freely without having second thoughts; where they have opportunities to rise up to the highest levels of fame in the fields of politics, business and all other spheres of life as well; a world free from exploitation and maltreatment with them… Hence, they fantasize about the best place to live in!

In nutshell, empowerment means right to be independent, to be educated and to have choices in life. We are powerful when we acquire knowledge; when we are economically independent; when we have a say in all the decisions of our lives – be it buying clothes or choosing a husband or career!!

“I don’t mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education. And I am afraid of no one,” quoted Malala Yousufzai. Undeterred determination and grit define this young girl who stood up and spoke for girls’ education in Pakistan.

Feminist, Roseanne Barr said, “The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just have to take it.” This statement has been lived by the Gulabi Gang in North India formed by Sampath Pal Devi. This is not a ‘gang’ in usual sense of the term; rather this is a gang which fights for justice. The members of this gang are generally suffered and tormented women who punish oppressive husbands, fathers, brothers and combat domestic violence.

Phoolan Devi, Kiran Bedi, Sonia Gandhi, Saina Nehwal and many more are the powerful women, who symbolize the ‘fair sex’ with inner strength. Rabindranath Tagore’s writings have always marked a feminist angle to them. Kamini Roy is known as the ‘champion’ of women’s rights. She symbolizes women with extensive courage and fortitude.

The meaning of the term EMPOWERMENT differs from person to person. For my cousin sister, hanging out with friends after 5 pm is empowerment; for my mum, removing the veil in front of the elders is empowerment; wearing western dresses, not only ‘salwaar-kameez’, is empowerment for my buddy; studying in a foreign university would be empowerment for me! The background of a person or the atmosphere in which s/he lives helps them to interpret the meaning of ‘empowerment’ in their own distinct way. Everybody decides it according to his/er needs and requirements.

“Talk softly, girls don’t chatter; boys don’t cry; don’t be sissy my boy; girls have long hair” - we all often come across these things in our homes, neighbourhoods and schools. This is gender role conditioning which begins at the grass root level (at birth) and it is instilled within us so powerfully that it keeps us away from discovering who we inherently are. When a child is born, the first question that is asked is –‘Is it a boy or a girl?’ Following this, the new born is treated or interacted accordingly. Why is pink preferred for girls and blue for boys? Why can’t a boy play with a doll and a girl with a toy gun? Haplessly! This stereotypical attitude towards boys and girls still exists in our society.

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Girls! Have self-confidence. Unearth your latent power and don’t let anyone either disgrace you or weaken you. Learn to fight back!!

The Age Of Road Rage

“A Scoda driver fired five times at the driver of an i10 as the latter refused to give way to him in Northwest Delhi.”

Welcome to the age of road rage, the age where there is time for zero tolerance. Road rage is not just a traffic violation but a criminal offence. It has been a dangerous mind altering drug in our country’s bloodstream but the police and the administration have failed to find an antidote to it.

I think it’s a good reminder that we are all human. When we are behind the wheel, it doesn’t matter who we are. On the chaotic roads it makes me sad to notice that people’s blood rushes faster than their wheels which often culminates in homicide. Even a slow driver or a delay in restarting the car during the green lights, fuel anger behind the wheel. Now, all sorts of fights, be it a war of words, a scuffle, a broil or a brawl, have become routine affairs on the capital’s roads. In a recent incident in Bawana, a minor scratch proved very costly to a truck driver who was beaten brutally by the accused. More blatant examples can be seen in the daily newspapers. People don’t understand that the one who flies in rage, always makes a bad landing.

The reason for this agitation on roads is that nobody sees it as a serious problem. On the faces of drivers stress and tension are usually written in ‘big letters’. This is quite alarming that people shed their family and work related stress on the steering wheels. The increasing traffic jams on roads due to encroachments, many other illegal processions and rallies, poor roads, exasperating noises etc make the matters worst.

Are we living in a technologically advanced jungle where power is flaunted? Is there any way to cure this ailment of grave concern? Yes! We do have many; running awareness campaigns about road rage, strict enforcement of traffic laws, self-help methods and co-operative programmes with police and NGO help, intelligent transportation, harsher penalties for offences etc can be very helpful to tackle this problem.

Always remember! Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before-it takes away something from him.  Hate and rage are nasty things. So, while on roads, keep yourselves cool. Always remain alert and say goodbye to road rage.

Kashi - City of Light

One feels as if his/er tongue is on the fritz when it comes to expound Varanasi. This hallowed city is famous for its traditional yet eclectic culture. Kashi alias Varanasi is as old as hills reflecting the uninterrupted chains of ancient spiritual figure of the city.

Great spiritual masters appeared in the history of the ‘city of Shiva’ unveiling the face of eternity like Gautam Buddha, Ramananda, Kabir and so on. Varanasi epitomizes the true universality of spirit. The word ‘Kashi’ is defined as something which lights up the inner desire to be free and liberated soul; the city which best reflects the self.

Death and traditional music are two overpowering images of Kashi. It is believed that death in Kashi is liberation. Faith erases fear of dying. Moreover music gives wings to these philosophical truths. It exceeds individual beliefs and faiths.

Silent Lesson By The Nature

Life is a tortuous track. The great thing about life and people is that we can never stop being startled. Situations can come along that are brand new to us.

Shock treatment is a law of nature (or language) which can be called a challenge. This treatment is a blessing in disguise, for it always acts for the substantial development of a person.

In the exam of life, diverse questions can come from any direction but one should not run away. S/He should interpret the ‘language of nature’ and take it in his/er stride and face it with great valour and fortitude. This acts as a trowel which unearths our latent potential.

In this way, nature awakes our mind; refreshes it; initiates a process of rethinking; and hence preaches a silent lesson to our life.  

All these challenges of life are preplanned which act as a fillip to everyone. The one who takes them as a positive sign and understands the sole purpose of them, takes strides towards success. That person is destined to emerge as a super-achiever.

Bitter Experience

It is correctly said, ‘Life is not a pot full of honey.’ A number of incidents happen in our life about which we always remain nostalgic. I remember one incident when I was in third grade. I used to remain very aloof and perhaps, this was the reason for my diffidence. Since I was in the good books of my class teacher, once she asked me to deliver a speech in the morning assembly. I was reluctant but she paid no heed to my excuses. I unwillingly prepared myself for the speech.

On the day of assembly, I was feeling jittery. Plastering a smile on the face, I climbed the stairs of the stage. Everyone heralded me with claps. My smile began to fade as I looked at the students and the teaching staff. I then commenced, “Good morning to all of you. I am standing here… to say a few…a few words about… about Mahatama Hansraj. He was a…was a …” and a dreadful pause! My confidence began to ebb away. I got totally blank. I could feel my quivering lips and trembling legs, and see the jeering students. My feet had rooted to the ground and eyes had fixed to the ceiling. I wished if earth would open and swallow me!!

Irom Sharmila - Daughter of Peace

Since past 14 years, neither a drop of water nor a morsel of food has passed through Sharmila’s lips. Through this superhuman fast, the ‘Iron Lady’ of Manipur is demanding an end to violence in her hometown. She is determined that her fight for the repeal of the draconian act i.e. the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), will continue come whatever may. At the strong support of people, she once said, “I don’t wish people to join me in my hunger strike but instead want them to support me through their “solidarity” and “action”.”

Irom Sharmila’s inconceivable fast is for scrapping AFSPA that gives immunity to the army to use force , arrest or shoot anyone on mere suspicion that someone has committed or was about to commit a cognizable offence. The Act further prohibits any legal or judicial proceedings against the army personnel.

Sharmila’s protest was spurred by Malon massacre on November 2, 2000 in which 10 innocent people were gunned down by the personnel of Assam Rifles. The brutal and gory pictures of bodies flushed the local newspapers which includes a 62-year-old woman and a teenager who was a 1998 National Child Bravery Award winner.

A news report came once, “Two school boys of class 10 and 7 were killed by Army as they suspected the kids as terrorists.” This case did not have any trial but there was a pall of gloom in the homes of the two innocent souls!

One famous incident is the Kunan village incident (1990s) of Kashmir in which the army raped the whole village. They spared none and yet no trial has taken place till now. Thanks to AFSPA!!

A few years ago, an unedited CD came in spotlight which showed footage of humiliating army brutality and public rage. All and sundry were tear gassed and shot at. Most of the crimes of the Indian Army don’t even feature in media. They have been killing innocent, unarmed citizens, raping women and children in the backdrop of the controversial law.

The “world’s longest hunger striker”, Irom Sharmila, is no ordinary activist with some bizarre craze for fasting on day to day issues. She is the ‘daughter of peace’ and her cause is bonafide.

Sharmila often refers her epic fast as a spiritual act for her stand against AFSPA is for the sake of truth. Gautam Buddha frequently observed long fasts. Many other religions like Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism too enjoin fasting. Gandhi ji’s numerous fasts during the freedom struggle aimed at changing the heart of the opponent. Following his footsteps, the ‘Iron Lady’ too aims at altering the hearts and minds of the people, including those who wield power.

The ‘eternal’ fast of Sharmila has been given the name of an ‘attempted suicide’ by the government of India. So, consequently, she is forcibly fed through a tube attached to her nose to keep her from dying. Every time she is produced before the court and sentenced to confinement for ‘attempt to commit suicide’.

Even during the freedom struggle, the British never slapped Gandhi ji’s fasts with the charge of suicidal attempts. Potti Sreeramulu, a freedom fighter and Gandhian, fasted to death in seeking the creation of a separate state of Andhra Pradesh but was never considered suicidal by the government for his fatal hunger strike. The Narmada Bachao Andolan movement as well witnessed hunger strikes in 2002. More recently, Anna Hazare and his associates carried on hunger strikes against corruption. All these instances are quite sufficient to view the legality of strikes in India.

Well! The moot point is ‘repeal of AFSPA’. Probably, very few people know that AFSPA is a mutation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance, widely known by the British government in 1942 to suppress the Quit India Movement.

Surely when Indians fought against the British, they did not visualize a future when India would treat its vulnerable and marginal sections in the same manner as their former masters did!

Aruna Shanbaug - A Brave Soul

Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug, a rape survivor, is locked-up in her own body since last 41 years to wait for a slow and painful death. She exists in a kind of semi-conscious limbo. For Aruna, her home has become the same hospital where she used to serve wholeheartedly.

In 2010, Pinki Virani, Aruna’s friend and activist-journalist filed a petition for active euthanasia for Shanbaug. But her plea was rejected by the Supreme Court. Virani did not have any more to say than a sheer grief over her friend’s pathetic state.

However, one cannot forget that in the Aruna Shanbaug Case, the euthanasia plea was a small issue compared to the grave injustice done to her. Her attacker was never charged with rape and in fact, served a relatively small sentence compared to the brutality of his crime. Her right to die can possibly be debated, but can any sane person debate her right to justice?

While rejecting Virani’s plea for active euthanasia, the court laid out guidelines for passive euthanasia. The aim of euthanasia is to end the suffering and so with passive euthanasia, the doctors halt the treatment and the patient dies in slow agony. Ironical, isn’t it? Aruna continues to be in pain since last 41 years. She cannot speak or communicate, but she is partially conscious. Ever since the Supreme Court’s order, she must have been agonized with more pain now that all her treatments have stopped.

Shouldn’t the Supreme Court reconsider this ordeal the lady has faced for her lifetime? Wasn’t that heinous rape enough?

Many religious groups too have slammed the idea of active euthanasia. They say that God  is the creator of life and only He can take it away. It is against their religion to kill somebody voluntarily. The court says that passive euthanasia is a more natural death. But the very idea of less evil or more evil seems baseless. Doesn’t it?

Values And Their Devaluation

“Did you happen to watch the tiger killing the man video? So disturbing and cool it was!” This was something I heard from a guy the other day. Countless people chided the 20-year-old man who died a traumatic death by passing absurd comments- “Paagal tha jo tiger ke samne kood gaya; Arey usko samajh nahi thi ki sher ke samne nahi koodna” and so on. No matter if the hapless young man’s ‘un’blurred video spread like a forest fire but the nonsensical comments passed by sundry posthumously have brought the ethics of people in question. The complete rupture of human values is crystal- clear from this very incident.

Rama and Krishna were born on these lands who are epitomes of moral values. Vedas were written here. Buddha got divine knowledge here. But today, have we kept those ideals, values, and principles close to our hearts, which were so dear to our ancestors?

Take an example of the concept of joint families. Today, no young couples prefer joint families. In Indian society, respect for elders is taking a backseat in the name of modernization. Our cultural values have taught us to respect our parents. The growth of nuclear families has led to complete ignorance of parents and elders. What an irony of fate! The parents are forced to seek shelter in old age homes.

Indian culture, one of the oldest and richest cultures, is under a great threat as westernization and modernization are deepening their long roots in our country. We are forgetting our own ‘sankaras’ and pretend to be western. It is also one of the factors causing generation gap.

The next prominent degradation in our moral values reflects itself in the form of corruption. We came across a series of corruption scandals during Kejriwal heyday. The newspapers used to remain flushed with corruption related news. The latest example is that of the southern minister, Jay Lalitha, who is now behind the bars. More examples could be cited – Hawala scam, Fodder Scam, Urea Scam etc.

Another steep decline in moral values manifests itself in the form of criminalization of politics. People with criminal records dabble in the politics. In fact, during elections, many a times it happens that to muster votes, candidates make use of money and muscle power. For instance, during 1990s, Phoolan Devi became the politician, though she was a bandit. Not only this, there are politicians who have connections with terrorists. The politician-criminal-bureaucrat nexus has consolidated itself in the last three decades.

We never approve of such an amorphous value system in our nation that was known for its warmth, empathy and rich cultural heritage for over hundred centuries. The decomposition of moral values in our social milieu has also manifested itself in the increasing graph of crimes, violence and riots. The social media i.e. the cable TV boom, cinema and pornography have affected the mindsets of sundry. The crime series like CID, Savdhan India, Gumrah etc too are altering the young minds. The pornographic movies, magazines etc as well are adding fuel to fire. The newspapers remain brimmed with molestation and rape cases.

As far as the violence and the riots on the religious grounds are concerned, Muzaffar Nagar riot s the latest example which shows the pathetic decay in the social and cultural values. The terrorists’ attacks too speak loudly about the height of degradation of moral values in the society.

Quite recently, in the field of science and technology, there has been an issue raised on moral values in the society with the birth of Dolly, the cloned sheep. It would be morally incorrect to extend the use of cloning to human beings as this would cause a lot of chaos and unrest in our present society. For example, if totally identical people exist, it would be a hard goose chase for the police to nab the real criminal as police rely on fingerprints.

The solutions of this dangerous moral downfall do exist. The concept of joint families must be promoted among the young couples and this would ensure better future of their posterity. Corrupt politicians should be dealt with iron hands. The politicians with criminal records must not be allowed to participate in any political activity. We must break the politician-bureaucrat-criminal nexus. In our schools, the traditional values must be taught from the grass-root level as schools can change the face of our society.

Most importantly, the basic social, cultural and moral values have to be reinforced for building a morally sound nation.

Price Skyrocketing

Price hike is a hot- potato which has become a great threat to our survival. It is like the millstones round the bourgeoisies’ neck who find it a hard nut to make both ends meet. The blood of the common man is sucked and enjoyed upon by the parasites of inflation.

When the prices take a northward course, even the petty veggies like potatoes, brinjals, capsicums, etc become dear during the seasonal days. The wage earners and domestic ladies feel it much hard to afford one square meal a day.

Most of the items remain under the black market and the supply comes to a halt. The role of hoarders in the same worsens the matter. But it is shown to people that the paucity of vegetables is due to crop failure.

Keeping in view the present situation i.e. the sky touching rates of vegetables, it seems as if the crooks could come up with new fields of crime. For instance, gun- toting gangsters may raid the local Safal shops. The loots of the thieves may happen to be 15 kg lady fingers or 20 kg tomatoes. Then the police force would have to guard the veggies.

No doubt, inflation is as violent as a mugger; as frightening as an armed robber and as deadly as a hit man. Those responsible for the same should be highlighted and penalized. They should not be spared from punishment and should be dealt with iron hands.

Changing Concepts of Celebrating Indian Festivals

The other day, my father was telling me that back in his school days, festivals meant break from school, time to feast, getting new clothes, toys and catch- up with near and dear ones. Festivals used to be the time when grandparents would be saving up to buy some new things for the house.

But with the passage of time, the advent of globalization and a booming economy have had an impact on the way of our festival celebrations today. Festivals have become a time to flaunt our riches. The celebrations have become more self- centred and have moved miles away from the original traditions. Today money equals happiness. For more money, we need to work more. It would neither be a hard goose chase nor astonishing to find people working on festivals rather spending quality time with the families.

Take an example of Diwali celebrations. When the word ‘D-I-W-A-L-I’ strikes our mind, the things that come to us are a lot of guests, heavy and handsome gifts, new and the costliest crockery for the comers and fireworks. Dushehra has got a similar case. People usually say,”Hum to Ramlila dekhne jaa rahen hain. ”  But in matter-of-fact, their full focus is on gorging ‘gol-gappe’ and taking rides, not exactly on Ramlila. How can one expect words to match actions in these days of Kaliyuga?!!

Coming back to square one, traditional ways of doing pooja, reading out religious books in front of deities etc have taken a backseat now. I still remember the eternal Diwali pooja performed by my late grandfather and also remember how things were done in perfect synergy. Today we are not patient enough to go through all the procedure of performing prayers because of lack of interest. Ironical, isn’t it? We spend hours and hours on bursting crackers!

The day is not far when the main festivals like Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, etc will be celebrated the way as Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Friendship Day etc are celebrated. They will no more hold any greater significance.

We say that change is constant and is always good. But some things are better unchanged like the unwelcome change in the festivals.

New Arrival

“Sun has lost in the blue sky

Behind the big heavy cloud,

Where birds soar high and fly

Chirruping and warbling so loud.

Weather is not well, it seems,

That’s why invisible are the sun’s beams.

Everything has got dreary dark,

And dogs have started to bark.

Cool breeze has begun flowing,

Surely, graveyard silence is growing.

Banyan trees are shaking wild,

Then heard the wailing of a child.

A storm then comes, so rigorous,

Uproots the trees, how callous!

Though the sun is not yet shining,

But every cloud has a silver lining.

All of a sudden it starts drizzling,

Signaling, tomorrow will be sizzling.

Everybody is exhilarated,

For the shower that is erratic.

Fields dance due to the monsoon burst,

This new arrival has quenched their thirst.

Slowly and gradually, it rains torrentially,

Urchins peep through the windows impatiently.

Unfasten their clothes haughtily,

Jump out, savor the rain naughtily.

By the time it is twilight,

For them, going back home is no delight.

The rain relents just long enough,

To fetch water from outside trough.

The very next day weather is awesome,

Sans that storm really very gruesome.

Moving around one feel astound,

Lush green fields and bloomed flowers,

And a reaper producing a soothing sound,

That’s a fruitful result of yesterday’s showers.”

Indian Youth Denied the Right to Education

(Debate)

Well! A hearty morning to all of you. My name is Harshita and I am here to speak in favour of the topic- “Indian Youth Denied the Right to Higher Education”.

Prior to taking strides towards my opinions in context of the topic, I would like to appreciate my opponent’s firmness and courtesy with which he portrayed his views and also his confidence which he had in his arguments. Truly speaking, no sycophancy, his way of jumping from one point to the other and then justifying them was quite impressive. But despite all these glittering points, I am still vague with his ideas and candidly, he could not convince me!

Just think for once, why is it so that even a 95% scorer finds it a hard nut to get admission in a decent college? My cousin, he scored 63% in XII grade and poor chap, all colleges shut their doors for him. He did not get admission anywhere.

Now tell me, aren't the students indirectly denied the right to higher education!!

Now you all must have stretched your slingshots to aim questions at me that why couldn't my brother go for correspondence from the college? By the way, I don’t believe myself to be a forgetful person. I very well remember Ansh’s emphasis on the open courses. But my point is that why correspondence?? If a student wants to be a regular college student but his marks don’t meet the cut-offs, then s/he is compelled to be a non – attendee.

Government says that Delhi University is not the only university in the world. What if a student doesn't get admission in D.U., we have many more like Amity, Sharda and many more privately run universities. But just imagine, can an auto rickshaw driver’s son afford such costly universities? The answer is big NO!

You all must remember that in the yesteryear, we had C.A.T.E. No matter, if you are scoring 35% or 99%, you could appear for that entrance exam for English honours. Only, those having an aptitude in English used to get admission on the basis of their merits. Now, this has been dissolved. Only the one scoring  95% and above gets admission in English Honours. It happens that a 70% scorer has far better English than a 96% scorer. So, in this case as well, the right to education has been denied to the Indian youth!

Hey friends, did you happen to watch the movies ‘F.A.L.T.U.’ and ‘Accepted’? The movies are like air under the wings of my views as these two points out the fact about what higher education has been missing these days is an equal opportunities. My dear opponent, Ansh, also highlighted a few points regarding online courses. But the hassle is that those universities with greater reputation still carry out the admission based on the same convention and standard as the normal admission. Therefore, it is difficult to argue that our education system is fair, equal and all about opportunities.

All in all, this conclusion raises the question in my mind- IS EDUCATION REALLY FOR ALL?

Statistics shows that 78% of the India’s population is intermediate. The students either out of economic crisis or because of the cut-throat competition, with which they are not able to get admission in colleges, find it a cake walk to pursue their higher studies.

No doubt, education in India is secured till XII class. All the mid-day meal schemes, free elementary etc are till the school level. But what after twelfth? Does the world end after this?

Do ponder over this!

Thank you.