THE OTHER SIDE

RIP Kundan Shah

Not all become like Yash Chopra, Prakash Mehra, Aziz Mirza, Shyam Benegal, etc who are famous and adored by today’s generation but there are also people like Kundan Shah who with one or two hit films has left an impression on the film industry as well as on movie goers. Kundan Shah is not known to the people of today’s generation probably because he didn’t have much public appearances in recent years neither he directed mega budget movies of 80’s and 90’s which telecast on movie channels regularly.

But you must watch the film he directed ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ (1983). This slapstick comedy will show you his brilliance of film making. Acted by respected actors Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Satish Shah, Pankaj Kapoor among others shows the corruption in politics, bureaucracy and the media. The film is evident for present time also. I can’t forget the ultimate comedy scene of a Hindi film i.e The Mahabharta scene in the movie. It is as they say nowadays ROFL (Rolling on Floor Laughing) moment. Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa is also worth mention among the film he directed. This film starring Shah Rukh Khan in one of the best character of his career shows the Hero the protagonist as a loser which is a rarity in Bollywood. Another film Kya Kehna staring Priety Zinta which talks about single parenthood is also a milestone in his career also among the defining role in Preity Zinta’s film career.

Later he also directed few more movies with Bobby Deol, Shekhar Suman, Priety Zinta, Rekha, but they didn’t work like his earlier movies and I think he didn’t directed any movie after that. He is also famous for directing Nukkad a famous Doordarshan serial along with Waghle Ki Duniya, both the serial were critically acclaimed as well as successful commercially. Everyone in this film industry gets what he/she deserves but we should respect each contribution which has decorated film industry with a different flavor.

I am also not remained his greatest of fans but his death as showed me his importance in the film industry with films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa and Kya Kehna which also compel me to write this tribute to him. I wish him a magnificent after life. Rest In Peace Sir.

Mahabharta scene from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro

RIP Tom Alter

I am sure those who grew up in nineties are not unfamiliar with his name. Like many I also has his first image in my mind is of 'British Raj Ka Writer' in Doordarshan serial 'Zabaan Sambhaal Ke' where he played an Englishman writer who is learning Hindi. He was impressive in that role along with the other's worked in it. I later saw him in films like Charas, Karma, Kranti and films like that where he has played bad characters of Firangi (foreign) officer. He played these negative characters impressively and when you compare them with his comic role in Zabaan Sambhalke you will know his acting proves.

I also remembered him as Mahaguru in popular superhero serial Shaktimaan but what inspired me about him later on in my life was his command on Hindi and Urdu. He recite shayaris and ghazals beautifully. I have seen performing him many time on television. I also knew he was a great theater actor but never got any chance to see him live on stage. His ghazal recitations are also available in you-tube where you can also see and admire his diction.

He was born in Mussoorie as Thomas Beach Alter and spend his life in many cities before started working in films after getting education in FTII, Pune. He also played Ghalib in his theater role. He worked as cricket coach in his teaching career and works as sports interviewer and commentator also. He was first to interview young Sachin Tendulkar during start of his career. Sachin was only 15 then. His presence in films,TV and theater will be missed by all his fans. He passes away on 29th September after fighting a long battle with Skin Cancer at the age of 67.

Tom Alter has left a legacy that will always be remembered with respect and honor. He is no more but his personality stays immortal. RIP Tom Alter.

Here is a video of Tom Alter reciting ghazal

The Masked Life

I met with an accident few years back (precisely 10 years ago). It was dangerous and I came out of hospital in about ten days. Except a foot injury which needed dressing every week for around a year I was alright. But that what I and my family thought but as I few days past I realized problems of sore throat, running nose, itching eyes which were watering and initially it was difficult to even face a bright light. I was diagnosed with allergy from almost anything cold water, wind, dust, etc which increases in changing season. Doctor advised me to spend most time in homes and medicines were provided to control the allergy. It cured with time and now I only take single tablet daily to control my allergy. The doctor said to take it only when allergy symptoms appear but they comes out when I stop taking medicine. Now while researching about indoor air pollution I found what force me to take that tablet continuously even when I am mostly home-bound.

We can avoid Indoor air pollutant like smoke by non-smoking and using LPG and other Eco-friendly heat sources, dust by cleaning home regularly and reducing places where dust accumulates most, keeping our surrounding clean and green so we get fresh air inside our houses, checking our vehicles for pollution and also encourage our neighbors to use non polluting vehicle to reduce pollution of gases like Nitrogen Dioxide & Carbon Monoxide in our homes. But what unavoidable is the pollution caused by paints until Asian Paint’s Royale Atmos came in the market. It was actually wall paint that inhibiting proper cure of my allergy.

The Environmental Protection Agency says the air we breathe indoors can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. And apart from dust, smoke, mold, bacteria, paint is also a major pollutant. Prolonged or high exposure to paint and paint fumes can cause headaches, trigger allergies and asthmatic reactions, irritate skin, eyes and airways, and put increased stress on vital organs such as the heart and lungs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a 20%-40% increased risk of certain types of cancer (in particular lung cancer) for those who come into regular contact with, or work with paint while Danish researchers point to the added possibility of neurological damage. We all are unable to remain inside home during paints due to the invisible unbearable fumes coming out of it which is an easy indicator of how harmful paint is.

Not only indoors but outdoor is also polluted by paints as they emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) when reacted with air which cause Ozone depletion. Royale Atmos is a first of its kind paint that not only looks beautiful, but also cleans the air making it purer than before. Its Activated Carbon technology reduces harmful pollutants from the air. It comes with our Green Assure Seal which means that it is VOC safer and environmentally friendlier. Additionally, Royale Atmos also absorbs select household foul smells to make the air fresher. Royale Atmos reduces formaldehyde, a dangerous indoor pollutant.

Formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea and skin irritation. In 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen under conditions of unusually high or prolonged exposure. The Masked Life not only means living inside your home with a mask but it hints at the fear you feel living inside your own home. Royale Atmos helps removes that fear. So as far as I and my family members are concerned we will opt for Royale Atmos in the coming painting job in our home and I am sure those concerned with the health of themselves and their closed ones will also opt for the same option.

This post is written for Asian Paints Royale Atmos in association with Indiblogger.

Learned To Be Healthy

‘I have to write what I am doing now.’ That’s what came in my mind as I first read about this contest. My sedentary, lazy and careless lifestyle increased lots of weight in me and gave in gift the ailment of hypertension. Even after living with hypertension I didn’t change my routine and bad health habits like inactivity in my daily routine, eating unhealthy fried food and things like that but one morning when I started feeling tired during a small activity of bathing I realized I am not doing right with myself. It was then I observed my fat tummy which has become prominent thing in my body. I remembered how even my five year old niece tease me of fat tummy along other family members and they are not doing it for fun but to make me realize the bad I was doing to myself.

It was then I pledged to shed those extra kilos and come back to a better shape. Not necessarily a six pack abs body but a fit one with flat tummy. It was a difficult task when you try a complete reversal of your lifestyle suddenly but easy when you started taking small steps to get stamina & will to continue your journey of weight-loss which eventually leads to healthy lifestyle. I am numbering the things I did in points which are helping me losing weight and strengthen my weight-loss journey:

My office is just more than a kilometer away from my home but I used to drive their by two wheeler. My first step was to walk the distance.
Stop long sittings in front of PC. Instead started talking a walk after every hour.
Stopped eating fried and junk food.
Walking more stairs than before.
Instead of calling someone in office or home for water, tea, coffee, etc started going to the kitchen to get them.
Drinking more water than before.

I am following this routine from last one week and I am seeing improvement in myself. I have lost two kilos which is a good booster for me. Here I should also mention that Saffola advertisement gave this idea to me of #ApneTareekeSeHealthy. I have started including mild stretching exercises and some yoga postures in my routine. I know gym can give me better results but knowing how inactive my body has become one or two day of gym could have killed my enthusiasm of losing weight. I am satisfied that instead of crying over spill milk I have taken precautions to not let milk spill.

Here is Saffola Apne Tareeke Se Healthy Video :

I am joining Saffola #ApneTareekeSeHealthy initiative and sharing my ways of being healthy in association with BlogAdda.

Justice Killed - Failed Police System.

Justice Killed - Failed Police System

Only the statement ‘Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied’ is true but also the statement ‘Pressure- less Police Probe for Justice’ is true. Unless & until police will do a fair probe they can’t nab the true criminal. We have seen earlier in Jessica Lal Murder Case where weak charge sheet, improper investigation stretched the case too long and only after media hype the justice was served. In Arushi murder case too police theory was questioned because they conduct half-hearted investigation and framed her parents for the murder. But various experts, books, film on the subject question many aspects of the investigation which looks genuine and appears neglected by the investigators.

Pehlu Khan a milkman from Alwar district, Rajasthan who was lynched in April this year by so called ‘Gaurakshaks in mob violence by them. He named 6 people in dying declaration which are now not found guilty by police. What is this if not biased approach in the investigation? If we believe police then No One Killed Pehlu Khan. Police has time and again criticized for their roles of favored investigation either for political pressure or to silence media trials but this every time has killed the justice. Why government can’t free police system as in many parts of the world? Dependence of them on political class for promotions, salary increment has made them puppets in their hand thus the people in the department who work honestly also denied what they deserved.

The police system is such that honest gets punished and corrupt enjoys the perk. Another case of police laps also came in the light with tragic death of Pradyuman a seven year old Ryan International School – Gurugram student.

Few days back he was found murdered in school toilet. As soon as news broke out there was huge public and media pressure to catch the criminal. In haste school bus conductor was arrested by the police. Although he has confessed the crime and their are possibilities that he is the killer but some simple observations make me believe he was made a scapegoat.

How an outside staff entered children’s toilet without any objection?
Why Pradyuman brought to hospital by school after almost one hour of the attack? (He was killed around 7.30 and arrived at hospital at around 8.40 as seen in hospital CCTV).
Why people attended Pradyuman , gardener, teachers, other staff not questioned by the police?
No eyewitness or any evidence against the bus conductor Ashok which make his case weak in court?
Police claims of sexual abuse was denied by postmortem report which further weaken police case.
Why Ashok didn't try to run away?

These and many other questions like why Ashok carrying the knife inside school, why school reported the case late, etc and police’s ignorance of all these questions and evidences act as justice killer. I appeal CBI probe in both Pehlu Khan and Pradyuman murder case with the hope that highest investigation agency will work for truth and justice. In Pradyuman case school has broken the trust of the parents to ensure safety of their ward which makes them equal culprit as any murderer. Hope Justice Prevailed in both these cases.

Gauri Lankesh Silenced

Senior journalist, editor and activist Gauri Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her home in Bengaluru West on Tuesday evening. Four bullets were pumped into the editor of the Kannada weekly Lankesh Patrike at her doorstep after she had stepped out of her car and opened the gates to her home which lay in darkness at around 8 pm.(The Indian Express)

This is not the first time that a rationalist is killed. Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, M.M. Kalburgi all rationalist, disbeliever of superstitious practices of Hindutva and dissenter of RSS all were killed allegedly by Hindu fundamentalists who remain uncaught by the police in all these years. Gauri Lankesh was also opponent of Hindutva and work actively for naxals, women and dalit rights. The Congress party who is actively criticizing the BJP now for her killing should remember that all of them were killed under Congress ruled states and in spite of criticism shown by them, they haven't able to track the criminals.

Voice of dissent is in danger and we must not avoid this killing as an incident in Karnataka because if you oppose religion and has rational thinking then you are also in danger. RSS/BJP supporter actively enjoying the killing of Gauri Lankesh on social media which should also come under criminal offense. Gauri Lankesh could be seen in news debates opposing the topics usually supported by RSS/BJP. In recent days, Gauri Lankesh was actively involved in bringing many persons involved with the Naxal movement in Karnataka back into the mainstream with the co-operation of the Karnataka government.

I appeal Karnataka government which has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the murder to monitor speedy probe of the issue. Other pending cases of Dabholkar,Pansare, Kalburgi should also be probed speedily. Where is the police teams they show in Crime Patrol which honestly without any pressure solves crimes? This is the time to condemn her death and stood for her beliefs. We must pressurize the government to solve her murder case quickly and raise our voices for such acts. India is not build in last three years and neither by a party, a leader, a family, a religion or an ideology. It is the amalgamation of all these and the quality of people to accommodate each other which make India great. Till next post. God Bless India.

An Ode To Teachers

An Ode To Teachers.

Teachers play an important role in shaping our life. If you are among privileged who took formal education or even when you are among the non-educated there are people in your life who teach you something or the other in course of journey of life. Apart from life I have learnt many things from many teachers I encountered in life whether it’s about subject like Science, History, Literature, Geography or things helpful in daily life which make us more experience.

Naming any one teacher will devalue the contribution of others. So I restrict myself from naming anybody and before going further with the topic I like to remember my English teacher whose death news I have heard recently. He taught me English from Seventh to Tenth class. He depends on his life experiences while teaching than on bookish knowledge. We used to enjoy his classes. I was a bright student and teacher’s favorite but on two occasions in my school life I got slapped. Once in first class when as a monitor I slapped somebody so hard that his head struck the wall and started bleeding. Principle madam then slapped me for wrongful use of power. Another instance was of sixth class. Here our group of four friends was teasing somebody from many days every time. One day he complained to the Science teacher who was our favorite. She slapped others and me in disappointment because we broke her trust. After these incidents I avoid slapping people or teasing in a way that hurts them.

Something we also learn by ourselves from life’s experiences. Those moments make us stronger by inculcating things required by us to face that problem. I was upset/broken after my father’s death and when I read my poems around that period they are all sad, related to death and of motivations to come out of that pain of loss. This situation taught me many things. Learning is a lifelong process and you must not stop it to be a better human being. You may also learn things by observing behavior of total strangers, or even more TV shows and movies. So keep on learning throughout your life. Again I would like to thank my teachers to be part of my life and teaching us to face the world. Also remember Dr S. Radhakrishnan whose birth anniversary in the form of Teacher’s Day give us chance to remember our teachers. He was a great educationist and teacher. HAPPY TEACHER’S DAY

Baba Black Sheep

A special CBI court on Monday (28th August 2017) sentenced Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping two of his female disciples. Apart from sentence Court has also imposed fine of Rs 15 lakh on both the cases Rs 14 lakh of which will be given to the victims. This is the landmark judgement for the way court showed strictness against the accused and the government which failed in controlling the violence on the day he was convicted which killed around 40 people.

On 25th August 2017, Haryana government let Gurmeet Ram Rahim's armed followers gathered in Panchkula & Sirasa area of Haryana despite Section 144 was imposed in the area which prohibits gatherings of four and more people at any place. Manohar Lal Khattar who is ardent follower of Baba and bowed against him with his cabinet after his swearing in showed lethargy in handling the situation resulted in problems to locals along with innocent killings. The court strictly criticized this role of chief minister and even prime minister by reminding them that they represent Haryana and India respectively and not a political party BJP.

It took 15 years to this judgement and we must stand in regard to all those who stood strong against the mighty and powerful. Both the sisters who were victim in the case, the journalist Ramchandra Chatrapati who published their letter (in 2002) to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee about rape by Gurmeet Ram Rahim which triggered CBI probe in the case, (he was later shot dead), CBI DIG Mulinja Narayanan who didn't close the case even after threats & political pressure, prosecution lawyers and lastly CBI judge Jagdeep Singh who followed the law & constitution than faith of Gurmeet's followers. We are indebted to them for keeping our faith alive in the system. Hope he also got convicted in murder case of Ramchandra Chatrapati.

I wonder why people are so senseless to trap in worshiping of these Black Sheep Babas who instead of showing path to god become God themselves. Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim is a rock-star god-man and still people have faith in him. Political association leads to growth of this kind of fake god-man and the fate of people like Nityanand, Asaram, Rampal and Ram Rahim shows they all are not for faith but money. It should also be noted that no political party head or prominent leader welcomed the court's decision. The people like Sakshi Maharaj who is MP of ruling BJP spoke in support of Ram Rahim than of those two girls. We must be vigilant to stop the growth of such conman by checking their allegiance to a political party.

With this good news there is also a bad news that a similar conman Rampal acquitted in two cases perhaps of lack of evidence. Hope he also get punishment in other cases and India arise above these fake babas/maulvis/pandits to become a better nation. God Bless India.

'Main Chahe Jo Karun Meri Marzi' - Right To Privacy

In a unanimous ruling, a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution. The top court overruled the previous judgments in the M P Sharma and Kharak Singh cases, which had found that the right to privacy was not protected by the Constitution. The bench observed that privacy is intrinsic to freedom of life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.(From The Indian Express)

The decision is instrumental because central government was fighting against it. They were of the opinion that government has full right over the body of the citizen in lieu of the grants given to them. They believed that privacy is an elite class issue and economic backward class needs food more than privacy which was completely overruled by the bench saying the constitution grants this right in every other right and even at the places where it has maintained the Golden Silence. The ruling is historical and will effect other pending cases. First being the provision of making Aadhar mandatory. By doing so government want to keep surveillance on each individual without his or her consent. The issue of removing article 377 which deals with rights of homosexuals will now be seen in a new light. Beef Ban, Liquor Ban, Particular dress code orders and many more such issues are getting new life with this judgement.

The citizen with this milestone judgement has won against the government and its ideas of suppressing individualistic choices. 'Main Chahe Ye Karun Main Chahe Wo Karun Meri Marzi' but off course it is not absolute and like other rights has limitations under particular situations. This is second ruling in this week after Instant Triple Talaq verdict which has made our democracy stronger. Not America , not Europe but India has shown the way to the world this time. I am sure this will increase the pressure on other world governments to grant this right to its people. The governments usually deny this right because it makes people stronger than the government. But in democracy people should always be stronger to question government at each step.

Now we can do whatever we like keeping in mind well being of others. It is my right to choose who to vote, which ideology to follow, who to marry and so on. Government neither indicate not interfere in my these decisions by bribing or beating or forcing me. India is great. Till next post God Bless India.

Tragic Muzaffarnagar Train Accident

More than 20 people were killed and 70 were injured as 14 of the 23 coaches of the Puri-Haridwar Kalinga Utkal Express derailed in Khatauli near Muzaffarnagar on Saturday 19th August 2017. While it sounds silly that only 23 people have died in the accident according to railways when coaches were laying over one another the reason saddened me more. Train was allowed on under-construction track even when officials have notification for the same.

This is 27th fatal accident of the year and in a country where Lal Bahadur Shastri once resigned on a single accident as a Railway Minister his successors are not affected by anything. Ticket prices are increasing every year on pretext of security arrangements yet passengers are falling trap to that danger again and again. Who to blame when the system needs a repair and people are still worshiping leaders without showing concern to any national problem. The amount we are spending on building single Bullet Train track is enough to revamp the current railway system than why government didn’t take Japan’s help in this revamp rather in bullet train construction.

Faults on tracks are measured manually by some people designated for the job while many world nations are using machines and equipment for the work. Didn’t we need them also? I am sure more than 200 people have died in the derailment because two coaches are badly damaged but railway or the government has usual way to decrease the number of deceased to pay lower compensation. When even a single death should be considered a slur on any nation such multiple deaths are not enough to wake us. Tragically what is important to us today is Triple Talaq, Article 370, VandeMataram, Beef Ban, Ram Mandir and other drifting & similar dividing issues.

Always has hope and is determined for a better India I am closing this post with expectation to write something hopeful. God Bless India.

Gorakhpur Tragedy

source : The Indian Express

Amid increase crime report in UP where after swearing in of Yogi Adityanath as chief minister cases of murders, kidnapping, dacoities, rape, etc has increased many folds the fresh news came of the negligence in government hospital. At least 60 children have died over five days at the state-run Baba Raghav Das Medical College hospital in Gorakhpur. The deaths are being blamed on infections and possible disruption of oxygen supply in the pediatric ward.

The administration has rejected the claims of shortage of Oxygen as reason for deaths but the increase supply of Oxygen cylinders in the morning after the news broke out indicating otherwise. Isn’t it the negligence of the government hospital administration, health minister and Chief minister? Incidentally Gorakhpur was Yogi Adityanath’s Lok Sabha constituency. No compensation can fill the void of death of innocent children but there must be a time bound probe of the reasons behind the death and culprits must be punished honestly. Responsibility of the health minister and his department must also be fixed in the case to avoid such negligence in the future. For me this should be considered as culpable homicide.

Yogi’s government instead of giving time to governance and development is busy in promoting Hindutva. While I have no problem with Hindutva agenda but it should not be done at the cost of innocent lives and dragging the state behind from its current position. Recently unnecessary forcing Madarsas to prove their patriotism by making video of their Independence Day celebration is drifting away from development issues since most Madarsas from the time of independence already hoist national flag in their premises. Making Vande Mataram compulsory in government schools which is a controversial issue also is a deviation in governance goal unless this is their only goal. Communal clashes have increased in the part of UP besides other crimes which should not be done if they believe in Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.

Death of even one innocent is loss to the nation and here 60 children who have yet to see this beautiful world died due to inefficiency of few. Chief Minister should look into the matter himself for faster action. This incident spoils Independence Day celebration due in few days. Till next post God Bless India.

Movie Review - Jab Harry Met Sejal

I don’t often write movie reviews even though I almost every week watch a Hindi movie. But after reading many reviews about this film and then watching it forced me to write this because film is completely different from reviews. I think these reviewers watch lot of Hollywood movies to judge Hindi films whereas to review them you need an Indian mindset and sensibilities. I agree that Imtiaz Ali has done better film earlier. Till date Jab We Met staring Shahid Kapoor & Kareena Kapoor is still my favorite but this film also explore one more aspect of his direction. Movie released on 4th August 2017.

Marketing: You can’t have better marketing strategy than Shah Rukh Khan and in this film too his hard work in promotion is visible. The team (Including Imtiaz Ali & Anushka Sharma) visited many cities and TV shows for film’s promotion. Music along with the way singles are released also helped in promotion.

Music: Pritam Chakravarty’s music again topping the charts. After different style of Music in Ranbeer Kapoor’s Jagga Jasoos JHMS’s music was superb and apt for the situation. Irshad Kamil’s lyrics are meaningful and songs look good in the movie also.

Story: Harry (SRK) is a tour guide in Europe. The film starts with him showing different places to a group of tourists. Sejal (Anushka Sharma) is one of them. When tour ends all left for India except Sejal who insists Harry to accompany her in finding her engagement ring which she has lost somewhere during the tour. She then again visits all the places with Harry to find her ring and in the journey as happened in Imtiaz’s film they discover their different sides and develop love for each other. What happened to the ring? Will she return back to India for her marriage? Will Harry know that he started loving Sejal? What they both are seeking? Answers to these questions will lead you to the climax.

Review: Anushka perfectly portrays a Gujarati girl and they both are excellent in their job. SRK’s star power not overpowers any scene but enhances it. Have some elements which surely remind you of some earlier movies of Imtiaz Ali. Cinematography and screenplay let you room Europe by sitting on your seat. If their back stories were highlighted more that we have better connections with the characters.

Verdict: Experience a beautiful journey called life with true human emotions and sensibilities.

Rate: I would give 4/5 stars.

Video of one of the song 'Safar'.

Braid Cutting - Truth or Rumors?

Braid Cutting - Truth or Rumor?

Mysterious braid (choti) cutting incidents has happened in Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi where women mostly around 50 years of age has their braids cut without their knowledge by some invisible source causing fear among women in these areas. Women also fell unconscious during the time of braid cutting which left them clueless about the attacker and made the incident mysterious. Police who have recorded the statements of victims deny any black magic involved in this which is rumored in the video circulated in social media groups. They are asserting that some miscreants are behind the incident.

The video allegedly claims that a woman is on a mission to cut 1008 women braids in order to get invisibility power according to a black magic ritual. I heard this news around a month ago from someone whose relatives live in Rajasthan. The incident was not in news at that time, I denied him saying that these are rumors or acts of miscreants and I still believe miscreants and anti-social elements has role in all this. Sad part of the story is that a 65 year woman who went outside to relive herself at night in a village near Agra was killed by people believing her to be a witch responsible for cutting braids.

We may know the truth in some time or the rumors die out a natural death but for the time being we need to remain calm and restrict ourselves in spreading any kind of rumors. This is second time in my life that I am witnessing such situation when such rumor mongering reached to national news debates. First time it happened in 2001 when rumors of monkey man created fear in people of Delhi. Then it was also proved to be a hoax and who knows something secretive has done by someone during the rumor period and the news was only to divert police & people somewhere else.

In this braid cutting news also there are more rumors than truth. One or two isolated incidents are hyped so much to create fear among women. People I have heard that started applying turmeric hand prints on their doors to keep away evil. Lemon-Chilli (Nimbu-Mirchi) was also hanged for the same purpose by some at their doors. Superstition in our country just need a chance to fly high and the incident has gave that chance. Hope the fake news ends soon because we already have many around to divert our attentions. Good bye. God Bless India.

Video of a related News Item in Hindi