Obama, the 44th President of United States, took the oath today. Given the importance of United States economy that drives the world economy makes this event a historic one for millions facing the dual challenges of worsening economy and ever-rising terrorism inside as well as outside America. That also explains to my curious mind why I saw lot of Indians watching closely the oath ceremony at office today. Obama choose his moto of “Change” and “We Can” at a time when these themes connected with hearts and minds of people deeply. His popularity is rising exponentially across the world – that explains that more than 2 million people have there status with something mentioned about Obama today and that I am writing this post – Amazing for guy with such humble beginning.
One of the anecdotes that I continue to fall back when I think of Obama is when I hired a Taxi with an African-American driver for my Duke Interview. A night before Obama was elected as the President and I drew my own inspiration from this man, thinking nothing is impossible and that he has outlived his critics and defied history. Yet, the first hand comments from the Taxi driver brought me closer to what Obama’s selection means to African-American population in US as well as other minorities across the world. The taxi driver said “You seem to be from India. I am sure one day will come when an Indian will become President of US also”. When I asked why he thinks so, he replied, “Mannnn, this country is free and open now. Anyone can do anything now. I didn’t get lot of opportunities but I am sure my kids will do well now”. For a moment, I was taken aback because being used to Indian democracy, which I think is great, I am not used to think that a citizen of India can’t become a president or PM. We have Sikh PM and had a Muslim President, who collectively led a Hindu dominated country. Indian system is great and way ahead of other democracies and I think US is going in the same direction. The election of Obama as president has dawned a new era that will defy age old fundamentals of fascism and racism in Western world.
Coming to Obama’s speech today, if I were to baseline some of his previous speeches I think this was an average one. Although the content and every word made a lot of sense yet I think too many things were discussed – perhaps that’s need to hour but left me with numerous messages with nothing that stuck my head. I continue to rate his “Don’t tell me words don’t matter” speech the best ever I heard. A great orator and I am already a fan of his Public Speaking skills, I think a quality that most of our Indian politicians lack. As much as I have heard and read about Obama, I have found him as a person who talks and connects to the real problems faced at the grassroots level – talking of using sun to harness energy, reducing energy consumption, rebuilding roads, creating jobs, healthcare, and reducing excessive focus on punishing terrorist. Everything a common man today hopes for and would want to hear. Some of the text that I liked was “We choose hope over fear today”, “For everywhere we look, there is work to be done”. Lot of ambitious plans that encompass almost every aspect we can think of. I think with this tall promises and high hopes Obama will also with scrutinized and monitored more closely than ever, especially with millions of people hoping a miracle now with this change. He will need to move at a rapid pace something that his predecessors haven’t given him in legacy. The task is cut out for him, the ground is set, and world waits what changes he can bring. The first one I came to know was that he led a African-American taxi driver believe in himself and envision his children’s bright future. Can he bring same hope to rest of the world? He is change and a hope - can he deliver !!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire – What a media hype!!
There has been too much of media hype and blogging from numerous people, as esteemed as AB, on Slumdog Millionaire stuff. I don’t consider my post can help settle or fuel further already created masala controversy. Yet the increasing number of articles and headlines about the movie’s theme and subject irked me to this post.
First thing first, SDM is great movie and I must say it was a pleasant surprised since I didn’t expect this much from the movie. The screen play, the riveting story line, the solid acting especially by the kids, and last but not the least the award winning music composition by A.R. I was excited when this movie won accolades at the Golden Globe. As much as this movie has enjoyed success in hearts of its audience, as much it has been denigrated by several seemingly pro-Indian patrons mainly for two things. First that this movie shows poor side of India and second that westerns made a movie on Indian poverty, got appreciated but if an Indian were to do the same, he wouldn’t get the same. Let me take a shot at these two points.
Before getting into details, I guess I need to make an obvious point that has been overlooked. SDM is a movie and not a representation of our beloved India’s overall state of existence. Yes, SDM represents the poor and shabby side of Mumbai. But what’s wrong in that? Isn’t the whole story a reality check? Deep inside, we all know that such places, children, and social elements exist within our society. Why we need to run and hide from some of the compelling inequalities. And what’s wrong if someone focused on this subject just like movies focus on the corruption in Bihar, glamorized fashion world etc. I read some of the comments that dissected the movie extremely narrowly. For instance, a fellow blogger mentioned that she didn’t like the filthy things shown in the movie since she thought that no one can be such a huge fan of a film star to jump in his own shit to get an autograph. Well, honestly speaking, I rate that scene in the movie among the best one. The points I thought director wants to make there was not the intellectual capital of the child but the raw passion about AB and also, plain innocence of the child - both of these were depicted meticulously, making the whole scene a memorable one. Don’t get me wrong here. I take pride in belong to India and understandably there is lot more positive happening around. I also conjure to project positive image of India because it is, in fact, positive. And I feel we are getting these accolades in world media for our progress and rightly so. However, at the same time, we should not disown some inequalities that resoundingly exist today and will continue to, unless we, the positive side of India, make some difference. If someone were to argue that West will form a deplorable image of India based on this one movie, I guess then those elements better stay away from us and neither should we be interested in those elements.
Second, there are number of voices in media today that associate the success of the movie to its western origin. Further, there are issues with the subject that NRI movies on India focus on the poor side of India because poverty sells. If I may question, isn’t it natural for a western NRI movie makers to focus on the poor side of India since that is something missing in western society today. I am surprised that no other western producer focused on this subject earlier. How much would movies focused on Indian highways, cars, airports, multiplexes, and urban places sell in American where these things are just way of life. I would have slammed SDM’s directors if he showed some unrealistic things in the story. However, I think SDM story is just few meters away from almost every Indian – Just get out of your home, hit a road, and you are likely to see a ‘Jamaal’. Further, NRI movie makers have also been focusing on other stories such as Bend It Like Becham, Namesake etc. What’s wrong if they pick up this subject? Let’s accept it – There aren’t much Indian directors who could have handled this subject so well. And if there are such directors who can, they didn’t try because they are busy making I-Feel-Good-About-India movies rather than rare movies that are packed with entertainment and social message – Like TZP or SDM.
To conclude, I think SDM is a great movie – a piece of art, that also won accolades and prizes for our Indian artists in Golden Globe and I wish best of luck now for Oscars. Let’s remember this movie for the same.
First thing first, SDM is great movie and I must say it was a pleasant surprised since I didn’t expect this much from the movie. The screen play, the riveting story line, the solid acting especially by the kids, and last but not the least the award winning music composition by A.R. I was excited when this movie won accolades at the Golden Globe. As much as this movie has enjoyed success in hearts of its audience, as much it has been denigrated by several seemingly pro-Indian patrons mainly for two things. First that this movie shows poor side of India and second that westerns made a movie on Indian poverty, got appreciated but if an Indian were to do the same, he wouldn’t get the same. Let me take a shot at these two points.
Before getting into details, I guess I need to make an obvious point that has been overlooked. SDM is a movie and not a representation of our beloved India’s overall state of existence. Yes, SDM represents the poor and shabby side of Mumbai. But what’s wrong in that? Isn’t the whole story a reality check? Deep inside, we all know that such places, children, and social elements exist within our society. Why we need to run and hide from some of the compelling inequalities. And what’s wrong if someone focused on this subject just like movies focus on the corruption in Bihar, glamorized fashion world etc. I read some of the comments that dissected the movie extremely narrowly. For instance, a fellow blogger mentioned that she didn’t like the filthy things shown in the movie since she thought that no one can be such a huge fan of a film star to jump in his own shit to get an autograph. Well, honestly speaking, I rate that scene in the movie among the best one. The points I thought director wants to make there was not the intellectual capital of the child but the raw passion about AB and also, plain innocence of the child - both of these were depicted meticulously, making the whole scene a memorable one. Don’t get me wrong here. I take pride in belong to India and understandably there is lot more positive happening around. I also conjure to project positive image of India because it is, in fact, positive. And I feel we are getting these accolades in world media for our progress and rightly so. However, at the same time, we should not disown some inequalities that resoundingly exist today and will continue to, unless we, the positive side of India, make some difference. If someone were to argue that West will form a deplorable image of India based on this one movie, I guess then those elements better stay away from us and neither should we be interested in those elements.
Second, there are number of voices in media today that associate the success of the movie to its western origin. Further, there are issues with the subject that NRI movies on India focus on the poor side of India because poverty sells. If I may question, isn’t it natural for a western NRI movie makers to focus on the poor side of India since that is something missing in western society today. I am surprised that no other western producer focused on this subject earlier. How much would movies focused on Indian highways, cars, airports, multiplexes, and urban places sell in American where these things are just way of life. I would have slammed SDM’s directors if he showed some unrealistic things in the story. However, I think SDM story is just few meters away from almost every Indian – Just get out of your home, hit a road, and you are likely to see a ‘Jamaal’. Further, NRI movie makers have also been focusing on other stories such as Bend It Like Becham, Namesake etc. What’s wrong if they pick up this subject? Let’s accept it – There aren’t much Indian directors who could have handled this subject so well. And if there are such directors who can, they didn’t try because they are busy making I-Feel-Good-About-India movies rather than rare movies that are packed with entertainment and social message – Like TZP or SDM.
To conclude, I think SDM is a great movie – a piece of art, that also won accolades and prizes for our Indian artists in Golden Globe and I wish best of luck now for Oscars. Let’s remember this movie for the same.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Dreams Dreams Dreams... All Over !!!
Exactly 3 months away from the roller coster ride, I think my next 3 months are going to be laziest ever in my life. These days, I have to motivate myself a lot to do almost anything, even for writing this blog.
The good part is that I think now-a-days there is absolutely nothing left that I wish but can't accomplish. All it takes it to close your eyes and here you go.......I have travlled to all Wonders of world, dated with Priyanka Chopra, owned a BMW, met all my childhood friends, took revenge from all those bowlers against whom I didn't score well during my gully cricket days, single handedly brought Satyam out of its current crisis, rallied the whole nation to give befitting reply to Mumbai attackers, beat Aamir Khan's Ghajini 8 packs, took my parents in flight to Singapore, toured with friends at beaches of Goa,..Hmmmm what next.....
Few things that I wish that really happen when I wake up next time are:
1. I get a call from my manager that he agreed to send me back to India sooner than Feburary.
2. I get a mailfrom my manager that he agreed to send me back to India sooner than Feburary.
3. My managers takes me out to coffee and agrees to send me back to India sooner than Feburary.
Ahem !!!!!
The good part is that I think now-a-days there is absolutely nothing left that I wish but can't accomplish. All it takes it to close your eyes and here you go.......I have travlled to all Wonders of world, dated with Priyanka Chopra, owned a BMW, met all my childhood friends, took revenge from all those bowlers against whom I didn't score well during my gully cricket days, single handedly brought Satyam out of its current crisis, rallied the whole nation to give befitting reply to Mumbai attackers, beat Aamir Khan's Ghajini 8 packs, took my parents in flight to Singapore, toured with friends at beaches of Goa,..Hmmmm what next.....
Few things that I wish that really happen when I wake up next time are:
1. I get a call from my manager that he agreed to send me back to India sooner than Feburary.
2. I get a mailfrom my manager that he agreed to send me back to India sooner than Feburary.
3. My managers takes me out to coffee and agrees to send me back to India sooner than Feburary.
Ahem !!!!!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Operation Valkyrie !!!
I was excited by the trailers for this Tom Cruise flick “Valkyrie” and finally got a chance to see it today. Decent movie and Tom Cruise Rocks.
I also ventured to explore more on the operation and reached
here. This proves that movie is actually based on true story.
One time Watch and help you enhance your General Knowledge a bit!!!
I also ventured to explore more on the operation and reached
here. This proves that movie is actually based on true story.
One time Watch and help you enhance your General Knowledge a bit!!!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Themes -- 2009
If the first day of the year is symbiotic of days to follow in New Year, I am glad I am in 2009. I am more relaxed than ever today, curious than before, and away from daily arguments that conspire against me. I simply like my current state of mind and hope coming times are equally soothing.
I look forward at 2009 and hope to measure my success at the end of year through different and varied parameters as compared to 2008. Last year, I was more focused on securing good career and financial security for myself, my sister, and my family. Glad that I achieved all my seemingly ambitious goals, I envision year 2009 will be focused in re-inventing the elements that I lost somewhere and setting up certain crucial new elements. Some of the themes for this year are:
Healthier 2009 – This one is the most important– to inculcate habits that promote healthier self. My past activities didn’t warrant enough time and many times it was just procrastination to not hit Gym / Yoga etc. I used the excuses of not having enough time, other high priorities etc. Now onwards, this one is right at the top and forever. I will continue to be involved in at least one among the many identified activities such as Gym / Yoga / Running / Dancing / Sports (Cricket, Long Tennis Squash). Further, I will live this adage forever “Never Ever a puff again”. I am sure all these activities will continue to add new colors to my life.
Poorer 2009 – This year is certainly going to be pretty poor year. If you are quitting your job the very first day of a New Year, what else can you expect. Yeah, I will be putting down my papers on the first working day of the Year 2009 to join ISB in April. Certainly, I wouldn’t be earning close to what I have been able to do in past years. Therefore, it calls for taking steps of better management of resources and financials. The game is getting bigger now and it calls for caution in some areas and aggression in other. Would be fun!!!!
Happier 2009 –I have realized the importance of maintaining balance between professional and personal lives. Of course professional achievements are the cornerstone of a happier life as well as high on agenda for this year as always. Yet, I am not making a whole separate theme since objective is to look at professional aspects as one among many aspects of a happier life. The imbalance in past has cost me dear. This year, I am definitely going to cover up by doing things that I always put on hold in past – be it taking my parents on a flight, increasingly hitting the list of places I have made to visit, or by simply re-inventing the stupid little things I always enjoyed.
Generous 2009 – With the theme Poorer in place, how do I justify this? The answer is that my generosity to social causes will continue to be my skills and time rather than financial resources. I strongly believe each human wants to help others. The only thing missing is a platform to utilize that human tendency through initiative, innovation, and leadership. I wish to progress and build over the tiny little steps I have taken so far. I am deeply inspired by Bill Gates’s speech at Harvard Class Commencement that gave me a whole new direction. He emphasized each Harvard graduate to identify one inequality in the society, find out the real problem, implement solutions, and oversee the results – a professional approach. His words “I hope by end of your life, you will not simply evaluate yourself based on your professional success” -- ROCK!!!
Heads up: The social inequality that I have already identified is “Education” (Will go into ‘Why’s later). 2009 will be my platform for my commitment to improve something in Education.
Of course there are number of very specific milestones that I hope to accomplish this year but all those fit into one or the other theme. Looking back at what I have come up, I am pretty satisfied with the direction I am going to take. Amen!!! Lastly and most importantly, I look forward to have you, my reader, as a part of my story.
I look forward at 2009 and hope to measure my success at the end of year through different and varied parameters as compared to 2008. Last year, I was more focused on securing good career and financial security for myself, my sister, and my family. Glad that I achieved all my seemingly ambitious goals, I envision year 2009 will be focused in re-inventing the elements that I lost somewhere and setting up certain crucial new elements. Some of the themes for this year are:
Healthier 2009 – This one is the most important– to inculcate habits that promote healthier self. My past activities didn’t warrant enough time and many times it was just procrastination to not hit Gym / Yoga etc. I used the excuses of not having enough time, other high priorities etc. Now onwards, this one is right at the top and forever. I will continue to be involved in at least one among the many identified activities such as Gym / Yoga / Running / Dancing / Sports (Cricket, Long Tennis Squash). Further, I will live this adage forever “Never Ever a puff again”. I am sure all these activities will continue to add new colors to my life.
Poorer 2009 – This year is certainly going to be pretty poor year. If you are quitting your job the very first day of a New Year, what else can you expect. Yeah, I will be putting down my papers on the first working day of the Year 2009 to join ISB in April. Certainly, I wouldn’t be earning close to what I have been able to do in past years. Therefore, it calls for taking steps of better management of resources and financials. The game is getting bigger now and it calls for caution in some areas and aggression in other. Would be fun!!!!
Happier 2009 –I have realized the importance of maintaining balance between professional and personal lives. Of course professional achievements are the cornerstone of a happier life as well as high on agenda for this year as always. Yet, I am not making a whole separate theme since objective is to look at professional aspects as one among many aspects of a happier life. The imbalance in past has cost me dear. This year, I am definitely going to cover up by doing things that I always put on hold in past – be it taking my parents on a flight, increasingly hitting the list of places I have made to visit, or by simply re-inventing the stupid little things I always enjoyed.
Generous 2009 – With the theme Poorer in place, how do I justify this? The answer is that my generosity to social causes will continue to be my skills and time rather than financial resources. I strongly believe each human wants to help others. The only thing missing is a platform to utilize that human tendency through initiative, innovation, and leadership. I wish to progress and build over the tiny little steps I have taken so far. I am deeply inspired by Bill Gates’s speech at Harvard Class Commencement that gave me a whole new direction. He emphasized each Harvard graduate to identify one inequality in the society, find out the real problem, implement solutions, and oversee the results – a professional approach. His words “I hope by end of your life, you will not simply evaluate yourself based on your professional success” -- ROCK!!!
Heads up: The social inequality that I have already identified is “Education” (Will go into ‘Why’s later). 2009 will be my platform for my commitment to improve something in Education.
Of course there are number of very specific milestones that I hope to accomplish this year but all those fit into one or the other theme. Looking back at what I have come up, I am pretty satisfied with the direction I am going to take. Amen!!! Lastly and most importantly, I look forward to have you, my reader, as a part of my story.
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