THE OTHER SIDE

Hate the Hate

'Hate the Hate or It Will Destroy the Entire Race'

The business of hate is prevailing around the world and we may understand it in few years time but until then it will be too late for some to come back to love. I am not saying it because three Indians killed recently in USA due to hate crimes where killers said them to ‘Go Back To Your Countries’ after ban on immigrants of certain nation is imposed by President Donald Trump but because such crimes are rampant in all parts of the world.

Be it atrocities on Rohingya Muslims in Burma, common Syrians in Syria, Immigrants and Black killings in USA and Europe, Hindu killings in Bangladesh, Americans killing in many Middle eastern countries, attacks and killings on North-East Indian, minorities, Dalits and Muslims in India. These all are due to hate. These crimes has arose from teaching people that one is better than the other and that other don’t belong to us who are better. Weather it is for people of some color, religion, region or for people who eat differently, who behave differently, who look different from us and who are not the same like majority. These people or organizations play victim card that their existence is threatened by some people and if those people/religion must not be stopped than it perish them. If such things happening they highlight it many folds and if nothing of that sort is available they will create situation for their benefits.

The danger of this situation is a divided world and divided humanity. We see the pains of few and neglect the sufferings of others. We inculcate in this way a habit of hatred and hatred will never give rise to love it will only open gates for more hatred which then will not see the color/religion/region of the victim at the time of attack. The people who can hate easily can hate anybody and not the others created by them. What Donald Trump has started is ongoing in India and many parts of the world for years and since there were not many strong voices against them it has increased to such an extent. With President of one of the biggest country in the world is endorsing it this is spreading like an epidemic now.

The people of America has condemned such hatred since the time Donald Trump used it in his presidential campaign but his win suggests that majority supports this idea. Similar victories are happening and have happened in last few years in many parts of the world. The growing unemployment has given a proper breeding ground for spread of this decease. The growth models are not people centric which are worsening the situation further. The only solution is Love and compassion for each other. It’s time we promote Universal Brotherhood and Humanity to save the world from this disease. God Bless the World.

Kerala Killings

Kerala has become the battleground for Left and Right ideology. While the people there believe in left and also has voted it to power several times the right wing party BJP is also trying to stretch its feet to that part of the country as well. RSS the parent body of BJP is working in that direction for so many years and Prime Minister Narender Modi also trying hard to make his party’s presence felt in this area as he was doing in the North-East region of the country.

I don’t have the problems with anybody trying to influence the people there for their political gains but I have problems with the ongoing killings of people attached to or working for these ideologies. I don’t know the ground realities of Kerala but what I have understood from newspaper reports and TV coverage of that area I can say that Kerala government for over the years has failed in maintaining law and order in many parts of the state. Either a BJP/RSS man killed by Left thinkers or the CPI/CPM member killed by Right thinkers and in both the scenarios local people were forced to live in the atmosphere of fear. Those involved in this crimes are either escaped or if arrested didn’t receive serious punishments on time.

It is the duty of government to ensure law and order in the state. Not a single political death should occur in the state. Both the parties should resolve their differences peacefully in a democratic manner. These killings used by these parties (mostly by BJP) to spread hatred in other parts of the country should also be stopped and for that police must act swiftly. The correct facts should also be made public by the police because many killings which are for personal enmity also used to spread propaganda against each other nationwide. We are a democratic country where every ideology should be respected unless it don’t create rift in the society. The workers and the followers take care that they don’t become the pawn in the hands of their leaders for their political motives.

I hope Kerala government impartially investigate all killings to give justice to the victims as quickly as possible and preventive measures should be taken for stop such crimes in the future. Let god’s own country a peaceful place. God Bless Kerala. God Bless India.

Anti National Again

Last year around this time of the year started the anti-national debate after an alleged anti India sloganeering in Jawahar Lal University campus. This time ABVP resorted to violence in Ramjas College of Delhi University when in an event they invited JNU student Umar Khalid who was accused of sedation in last year’s JNU row. ABVP student hurled stones at AISA and other students who were participating in the event. Delhi police instead of dispersing stone pelting ABVP students put off the event and asked them to run away. The incident again set the stage for anti national debate and it should be noted that Bihar assembly elections were taking place last year and UP elections now.

Nobody knows what happens to last year’s allegations and arrests. They just became the tool of political gimmick and gave lots of ‘masala’ to prime time news channels who become judges themselves to hear the case and announce the punishment. Universities I think should be open for all kind of debates and discussions. Students should reserve right to condemn or critique different views but they must not curb any voices through threats and violence. What ABVP has done is nothing new in last three years since BJP is in government. They are disturbing universities decorum in Hyderabad, Bhopal, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi (JNU & DU).

The slogans are only raised and violence attempted only for a period of time and after that neither the ABVP nor the party leaders like Kirin Rijiju, Ravi Shankar Prasad, etc spoke over this issue. These incidents which are orchestrated for political motives are creating a rift in the society and decreasing the mutual trust between different people, who worship differently, think differently, eat differently or support different party or ideology. The nationalism they say belongs to whoever adhered to their ideology and identify with them and all other are traitors. They label them anti-national.

They may gain political benefits from them but that will gave the idea of India a permanent injury which can’t be repaired. This modern day divide and rule will further give rise to the forces which once divided the nation into two parts pain of which has shattered many people for always. I appeal that think about the nation before thinking about your religion, region or ideology because that is what important for all of us. Till next post God Bless India.

Book Review: The ABC Murders

The ABC Murders is written by Agatha Christie and is published by Harper Collins India. This is my fifth Agatha Christie novel. I have bought this one from the Amazon.in. Its a serial killer mystery and from one of the cases of detective Hercule Poirot.

Cover and Plot: The cover is simple giving hint of murders with marks of gun shots on alphabets ABC and blood spots on the cover page.

Hercule Poirot received a printed letter challenging him to stop the murder at Andover on 21st of that month. Poirot informed the police but didn't take this letter seriously thinking it as a hoax. But murder did happen in Andover of Mrs Ascher. Police arrested her husband for the murder but Poirot believed it was done by someone else someone who has send him the letter. His doubt confirmed when he received another letter warning him of killing at Bexhill on sea on 25th. In spite police arrangements a girl named Betty Barnand was strangulated at the beach. Poirot and police again failed to track the murderer and then the third letter came and third murder happened of Carmichael Clarke in Cruston. Poirot observed that killer is killing alphabetically and leaving ABC railway guide at the murder scene but not any connection among his victims.

Hastings suggested to call those associated with the victims to form a group to discuss these murders to point out any similarities or clue which they have missed earlier. Police on the other hand found another murder at Doncaster but here the ABC sequence broke as the one who killed has name different from alphabet D. Someone also spotted the murderer which gave police clue about his identity. Will he was caught at this time? Was he the murderer? Did Hercule Poirot has something else in mind? The great detective deduction reveals a thrilling climax.

Review: The narrative was not as impressive as I have found in other Agatha Christie thrillers. I felt the pace reduced at many points. But the story was interesting and gripping. All murders were unconnected which made it difficult to guess the motive of the murderer which keep you hooked till the end. Suddenly a dull thriller came alive during the climax when Poirot revealed his deductions which startled everyone.

Verdict: Another Unputdownable thriller from Agatha Christie.

Rating: I would give it 3/5.

Boom Boom Afridi

Shahid Afridi the evergreen cricketer of Pakistan also retired from the international Cricket. The last cricketer of the 90's generation when I used to watch cricket (now I only watch few Indian matches and IPL) and I think he was the man who changed the dimensions of the cricket. Sanath Jayasuriya was the first man who started utilizing the 15 over Power-play and he also become the perfect exploiter of these overs. However I have not watched him playing many long innings except the one when he scored 37 balls century fastest at that time on his first match. Otherwise he has scored few runs but mostly with boundaries.

He was famous in India too and garnered appreciation for his play and looks when Pakistan team toured India. He was more of a bowler than a batsman. His batting innings were usually short and he got out quickly after scoring few quick runs but as a right arm leg spinner he appeared as a match winner for his team in many occasions. He started pinch hitting which was followed by many cricketers after him. The chants of Boom Boom Afridi were always heard when he was on the pitch not only from his country's supporters but also from the opponent country fans. He always made the match entertaining through ball or with bat.

Now when he retired from the international Cricket at the age of 36 he still remembered for the youngest cricket debut (16 years). He holds many world records and records for his country like :

Highest T20I wicket taker (97)
86.97 among batsmen with more than 25 Test caps he has the best strike rate.
9 Five wicket haul in ODI's which makes him thirs highest with Brett Lee.
Only all-rounder after Jacques Kallis with 10,000 runs and 500 wickets.
Most sixes in international cricket across all formats (476)

With him heroes of the 90's cricket fans have all retired. I will remember him as the cricketer on the field who always brings energy to the game. I wish him good luck in his future endeavors.

Book Review: Peril At End House

Peril At End House is written by renowned suspense thriller writer Agatha Christie. It is from series which featured detective Hercule Poiret. The book I bought from Amazon.in is published by Harper Collins. It is among the ten best detective novel of Agatha Christie according to an online survey.

Cover and Plot: I think cover is not significant in this novel since it has changed several times in various editions since the time of its publishing. So lets talk about the plot.
Hercule Poiret is on a holiday on the Cornish Riviera where he met a girl Nick Buckley. While talking with her he discovered that someone has fired a bullet on her which has struck on her hat. On inquiry from her she describes her recent accidental brushes with death which alarmed Hercule Poiret that someone is behind her life. He started investigation to find out the reason for these attacks. He investigate everyone i.e her friends Fredrica Rice, Commander Challanger, Mr Lazarus, her neighbor Crofts and her cousin Charles Vyse. He also advised her to call someone to accompany her for her safety so she called Maggie Buckley her cousin to live with her.

Someone again tried to kill Nick but Maggie get killed because she was wearing her shawl. Now the case of attempt to murder became the case of murder. Hercule Poiret curse himself for not being alert enough to prevent that innocent death. He send Nick to nursing home for safety and no one allowed to meet her but again she was poisoned there. Will she survive this time. Who was behind all these attacks and what was the motive behind these murder attempts. Hercule Poiret deduce every angle to reach a logical conclusion which surprised the readers.

Review: Last year I became fan of Agatha Christie and read her four novels since then. This one was also interestingly weaved to bind the readers to the book. Though the narrative become slow in between the overall impact is of a fast paced suspense thriller with an surprising ending. The climax part is well build and add the drama to the narrative. I recommend you to read it at a time when you needn't have to put it down for some other work because its a kind of book you will read in one go.

Verdict: An unputdownable suspense thriller which you must read.

Rating: I would give it 4/5.

Movie Review : Jolly LLB 2

Jolly LLB 2 is the sequel to the 2013 film Jolly LLB starring Arshad Warsi also directed by Subhash Kapoor who has directed this film also. It stars Akshay Kumar in the lead role of Jolly supported by Huma Qureshi, Annu Kapoor and Saurabh Shukla in crucial roles. This is a satire on Indian Judicial system which highlights how the wickedness of lawyers in manipulating the evidences and the witnesses which denied justice to many people. The film is on a larger scale than the first one with Akshay Kumar in it.

Music: Music to me is not much effective neither have it helped in film's promotions. 'Go Pagal' is a fun song which is difficult to hear in loops similar is the case with 'Jolly Good Fellow'. The Qawwali 'O Re Rangreza' and romantic song 'Bawara Mann' are melodious but they too are not catchy enough to hold with the listeners.

Marketing: Akshay Kumar like Shahrukh Khan is a star good in marketing his movies. He never misses shows and events to create the buzz about his films. Viewers are waiting for the movie since he first announced it on Twitter.

Plot: Jagdishwar Mishra aka Jolly (Akshay Kumar) is an struggling lawyer working under a reputed senior lawyer of Lucknow. He lives with his wife Pushpa Pandey (Huma Qureshi) and a son. He has intention to get his own chamber for private practice. One day he took money from a client rejected by his boss to buy lawyer chamber by bluffing her that his case was taken by the senior lawyer. When this client who was fighting for the justice of fake encounter of her husband knew about his cheating exposed him in front of his friends and family. She committed suicide after losing all hopes of getting justice. This shattered Jolly whose father disowned him after that incident. He pledged to fight for the justice and file a PIL against the police officer for fake encounter. The film ends with the courtroom battle between Jolly and famous Lucknow lawyer Sachin Kantilal Mathur (Annu Kapoor) with an historic decision by Justice Sunderlal Tripathi (Saurabh Shukla).

Review: Screenplay by Subhash Kapoor and dialogues creates moment in the film which ignites your emotions of laughter, anger and sympathy in a way that not let you leave even the single scene of the movie. Akshay Kumar performed well in his role supported by Huma Qureshi. Saurabh Shukla walked one step higher in his role as Justice Tripathi. Annu Kapoor as a cunning lawyer gives justice to his role. Unnecessary scene of Justice Tripathi's daughter's wedding looked inappropriate to me. Climax is also stretched to create more drama. Overall after a long time a film has come in which story and screenplay weighs more than the star power.

Verdict: This film is a family entertainer you must watch this weekend or any day you have time.

Rating: I would give this film 4/5.

Tamil Nadu's Political Thriller

As expected split in the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu is widely visible after the death of J.Jayalalithaa who was the undisputed leader of the masses and also in the party. But as happened in the case of regional parties where there is only a single mass appealing leader leading the political party split was unavoidable as every leader try to taste the slice of power voided by that leader's absence. In this case Sasikala popularly known as Chinamma (Mother's sister) and O. Paneerselvam who was Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in various occasions in absence of Jayalalithaa are fighting over her legacy in the party and the government.

O. Paneerselvam was leading the government as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and Sasikala was leading the AIADMK but it was decided by party legislature that there should be only one power center for which they elected Sasikala as chief minister of the state. Paneerselvam who resigned from the CM post after this decision later claimed that he was pressurized to do so by people of Sasikala group and he will remain the CM unless decided differently by the governor which triggered the plot of this political thriller in the state. Some believed DMK the largest opposition party of TN was behind this controversy while many others believed that central government is trying to destabilize the state government to impose President's rule as it did in the state of Arunanchal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Now its up to the governor to check the claims of both the leaders of support of MLAs and then give a nod to any one of them to prove majority in the assembly and form the government. Governor's delay in judgement and sending reports to center government for further decision also raising doubts of some conspiracy. Coming of Jayalalithaa's niece Deepa in this drama to target Sasikala also adding to the drama of this thriller.

I have said earlier that it happens in regional parties when the popular leader died or resigned from the active politics that people inside the party fought for the claim of his/her legacy. When Bal Thackerey leaved the active politics and made his son the president of the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra his nephew Raj Thackerey split from the party to form another party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena which claimed to be the true bearer of Bal Thackerey's ideals. Somewhat similar kind of power tussle also witnessed between Akhilesh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav in Samajwadi Party ,UP to claim Mulayam's heritage. Congress, BJP, AAP and many other parties saw such splits in the name of serving the people arguing that party has deviated from its original path.

Like in Tamil Nadu every party or state witnessed such political thriller's in name of public will while actually it is for power control. I only hope whatever happen in Tamil Nadu has betterment of people store in it. Till next post. God Bless Tamil Nadu.

Jallikattu

Jallikattu is an ancient Indian practice or sport of holding the bull from its hump for a particular time or distance to win reward. Recently it was in news after Supreme Court banned this practice on the grounds that it is dangerous for both the people and the bull involved but the protest by people of Tamil Nadu forced the state government to pass the ordinance to legalize it. (Read Jallikattu on Wikipedia - Here.)

Banning anything is not the solution and when there is a thing which not only associated with the profit of small farmers and tamers who raised the bulls for this sport but also with the emotions with its attachment with ancient cultural practice. Supreme Court instead of banning it should have tried to find a midway through which Jallikattu can happen without hurting the bull and the people. In our country people are touchy about identity related issue and with this sport people identify themselves. In the eastern part of India i.e in Nagaland imposing 33 % women quota in local body election resulted in the violent protest by many tribes there.

Here I like to bring the issue of Uniform Civil Code also. The country where there are so many cultures and identities how can one forcefully try to govern them through rule of law which destroys their identity as a person of particular region,religion and culture. But then again if the practice in a culture is damaging our progressive society or hurting anybody it should be regulated through dialogues and talks with each party involved. As far as Jallikattu is concerned it has started in Tamil Nadu and today (5.2.2017) reports of injuries to 36 people including one serious injury has reported from Madurai which I think is wrong and should not happen because each life is precious.

I just hope that a solution is reached where neither the rule of law is overruled and nor the sentiments of people get hurt. Till next post. God Bless India.

Maar Dala

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a name which not requires any introduction. The kind of work he has done through his films Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdaas, Black, Sanwariya, Guzarish, Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani , etc has not only shows his skills of a showmanship who makes poetry in motion kind of cinema but also his ability to show Indian customs and traditions to the world. He through his films has made India proud in the international arena. The praises he receives from world over are praises for not only him but for the country he belongs.

Here I am highlighting his achievements because he faced a disgusting and disgraceful behavior from a headline grabbing Hindu Karni Sena who attacked him while he was filming for his upcoming movie Padmavati in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This so called history savers were against him for allegedly distorting history while filming for Padmavati. They who didn't even know about the script of the movie, who didn't involve in the film process without seeing anything claimed that film showing Rajput princess Padmavati in bad light. It should be noted that this group remained inactive for their rights when there is no TV or film involved while register violent protest at such occasions. They even disrupted shooting of Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodha Akbar and Zee Media's show of the same name. They get fame by doing such things.

More interesting is the fact that Rajasthan Government has not taken any strong steps against them in previous occasions and this time too they were arrested only when media pressurized them to do so and I didn't know about there current whereabouts. I am sure they were released since they are political vote banks. Every time there is a historic film or a film with any religious reference such groups stands from nowhere to disturb freedom of expression without any concrete proof that film is doing anything like that. Recently AR Rahman has also faced a fatwa for being involved in a film music based on Prophet Mohammad. Similar incidents has also happened in the past also.

Films, books, TV, newspapers , etc are easy targets for these fundamentalists who are self proclaimed guardians of tradition and religions. They grab headlines in this process and no strong actions by politicians for fear of losing vote-banks has further strengthen them. Freedom of expression must be respected and safeguarded by our governments. Filmmakers should also avoid unnecessary controversies by deliberately mention anything which hurts someone's sentiments. People should wait till the release of the film before taking any action against the film and people involved. Today I am standing in solidarity with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his crew for this unconstitutional behavior against him.

Character Dheela Hai

V. Shanmuganathan resigned yesterday i.e on 26th January 2017 from the post of Governor of Meghalaya and Arunanchal Pradesh (having additional charge of AP state) after staff of Raj Bhavan complained to President and Prime Minister of his indecent behavior and reducing his office to the ladies only club. He was in this position for being a loyal RSS and BJP activist that RSS whose cadres prefers to remain unmarried in order to their promise of serving the nation and society. What an irony?

The post of governor which is already useless and is there for political benefits of the veterans of ruling party. This post act as retirement plan for the aged politicians and often interfere with functioning of non-ruling party state governments on command of the ruling central government who has appointed him. This post serves as a political tool which was often accused by non-ruling party state chief ministers as agents of the central government. The post which should be mark of dignity have lost its stature in recent years and this behavior of V. Shanmugunathan has further demean the grace of this post.

The Raj Bhawan of Meghalaya staff has also accused him of sexual offences. They said that he has compromised the security of the Raj Bhawan by giving some young ladies free access to his bedroom anytime of the day. By preferring only ladies staff he has displayed his vulgar intentions only. It is evident that government has pressurized him to resign after such complaints but such act of indiscipline should also be punished to set an example for future governors. Not only this behavior but acts like snooping of elected government of the state, hindering in government's functioning and trying to impose his party's agenda in the state should also be prohibited and punished as it is an unconstitutional and undignified act.

Removal of V. Shanmuganathan give the benefits of this post to another veteran loyalist of the BJP and RSS and will settle the goals of their old age. Unless this post remains. God Bless India.

RIP Om Puri

Om Puri is one actor who has worked both in Indian and International cinema garnering accolades in British and American cinema along with his successful run in Indian Cinema. He was a fellow of National School of Drama with Naseerudin Shah and later joined Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) , Pune also with Naseerudin Shah and he started his career like him in the Art Wave Cinema of the 80's but easily adapted himself to the commercial cinema later on in his career. I think a good actor is one who needs good films whatever be their medium and whatever be their audience. He was such an actor who won hearts of every kind of audience. Today on 6th January 2017 he died in his home of cardiac arrest.

In his last days he almost remained in controversies for sharing his views in the various topic in the mainstream media. Most recently he was criticized for his comments on Indian Army for which he later apologized. Questions were also raised for his comments during Anti-National debates. His second wife's allegation of domestic violence on him also garnered the headlines. Leaving apart the controversies; he was known for sharing his comments openly on various national and international issues. He has won various awards in international and national platform including BAFTA, National Awards and Filmfare Awards. You can read more about his personal and professional life Here.

He has done great roles in various categories and has equally justified his each role. His role of a villain in Narsimha, Honest Inspector/Army-man in movies like Ghayal, Gupt, China Gate, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha,etc. Or his comic roles in the movies Hera Pheri, Chor Machaye Shor, Mere Baap Pehle Aap, Dulhan Hum Le Jaenge, Chachi 420, Chup Chup Ke ,etc are all examples of his versatility and acting prowess. Except these commercial successes he has won awards in art cinema for his roles in films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaro, Aakrosh, Arohan, Ardh Satya, etc.

We will remember him as a great actor who remained an important part of every film he has acted in and for popularizing Indian cinema internationally by acting in films there. I wants to mention Late Mehmood's one comment for him in his interview I watched years ago in which he referred him as the great actor having so many holes in his face to filled with about half kg mince meat as he forgot his name at that time. Rest in peace Mr Om Puri your vocal attitude on issues will be missed by this generation.

Assembly Elections 2017

This is my first post for the year 2017 so I want to wish Happy New Year to all of you. This post is also a kind of achievement for me since I am completing 500th post with this one. I am blogging since 2009 and it took a long time to reach here. Between my 1st and 500th post I have won many contests, recognized by many blogging platforms for my work, have earned some valuable readers, rewarded for various feats and have become published author by participating in two anthologies. Since my blog is now more into politics and society; I hope to continue my fearless writing in years to come.

Click Image For Better Resolution

Election Commission today announced polls in five key states of India i.e Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur. The electoral process starts with the notification of elections (January 11) and ends with the announcement of results (March 11). Model code of conduct is enabled after announcement which means political parties are not allowed to inaugurate any government projects or policies. Manipur is still in disturbed state which need to be controlled before it goes to polls and that I think will remain the main concern for the voters.

Demonetization going to remain the main poll issue where opposition will count on the drawbacks of the policy and Narender Modi led BJP will shout out its benefits. Only the result will decide how note ban has affected the nation. As the campaign progresses I am sure I would find more poll related issues to write during this period till then we have to see that Election Commission ensured that Supreme Court order about not using caste, color, religion to ask for vote is followed by the candidates along with the money limit allotted to them. Till then God Bless India.