We’ve been seeing this major ‘Marathi’ campaign over the past few weeks. Actually, the past few years, but it has intensified over the past few weeks.
I may disagree with the means, but I am in complete agreement with this theory of being able to speak Marathi. Absolutely right!
After all, I firmly believe that you should know the language of the state you live in. Every Keralite speaks Malayalam, every Bengali speaks Bangla, every Andhraite (at least till now) speaks Telugu and so on.
And yet, every time I converse with someone in Marathi, there is a sense of disbelief, bewilderment, amazement, wonder etc.
I am besieged with questions like “How can you speak Marathi so well?”, “Where did you learn to speak such good Marathi?” and the best one – “Aadnaav Kaay?”
This question – I believe – is unique to this part of the Deccan – Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Ahmednagar - “Aadnaav Kaay?” (What’s your surname?)
How does it make a difference? No one every asks a Abdul Rehman Pookutty his surname, no one asks a Akbar Patel or a Ghani Choudhury his surname, but come to our part of the world and speak Marathi, and sure enough, “Aadnaav Kaay?”
Konkani Muslims speak mainly in Konkani, and no one asks this question in Raigad or Satara, but come up North and speak Marathi, and it will crop up!
“Aadnaav Kaay?”
Why, oh why? Will someone explain? I mean, you want people to speak in Marathi, and then ask him for his surname if he does so.
I digress.
Let’s come back. There are two issues.
The first one is – Why can’t I speak Marathi? Just because my name is Khan? It would have been okay if it was Khanvilkar, but since it is Khan, it has to be accompanied by wonder and disbelief. Why?
And the second - “Aadnaav Kaay?” Why do we have to ask this question and bracket people? This is not a religious thing – it is about caste equations! And is it that important! Can’t people avoid this question? Not with me – just avoid it, okay?
I guess I’m only venting my spleen. And everywhere I go, this will continue. So, let’s grin and bear it.
Hey, I also speak Hindi, English and Urdu as well – probably better. Will someone get amazed at that too? :-)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Bees Saal Baad
What happens when people meet after 20 years? Wonderment (hey, is that you?), glimmers of recognition (I was thinking...), reminiscence (hey, where’s so-and-so?), fond old memories (remember the Alibag picnic?)....
And now imagine what would happen when not one or two, but more than 35 people meet after 20 years....
Which is what happened last Saturday (10 days ago) when our class of ’89 met for a reunion. Some of us were meeting each other after more than a few years, some us after a decade and some of us met each other for the first time since our graduation!
A couple of people had come in from other cities just to meet others for a couple of hours, and a few who are now abroad had sent in messages.
And the icing on the cake was some of our professors joining in – some of whom have retired and came especially for the function.
It was overwhelming, to say the least! When asked to introduce themselves, one could see some people choking on their words, some holding back tears that were threatening to brim over, there was a sense of elation in some, while others remembered all the joyous times we had spent together.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? Now when my rational mind remembers it, all the time we had spent all those years ago was not paradisiacal, but when we met after two decades, all we remembered were the good times we had spent together. It was as if the negative memories were wiped out from our minds, leading us to remember the utopian world that existed, as it were.
And now it is time to start reconnecting with people – to chat, pick up lost threads, make new connections with their spouses, sometimes even with them.
After all, twenty years IS a long time!
And now imagine what would happen when not one or two, but more than 35 people meet after 20 years....
Which is what happened last Saturday (10 days ago) when our class of ’89 met for a reunion. Some of us were meeting each other after more than a few years, some us after a decade and some of us met each other for the first time since our graduation!
A couple of people had come in from other cities just to meet others for a couple of hours, and a few who are now abroad had sent in messages.
And the icing on the cake was some of our professors joining in – some of whom have retired and came especially for the function.
It was overwhelming, to say the least! When asked to introduce themselves, one could see some people choking on their words, some holding back tears that were threatening to brim over, there was a sense of elation in some, while others remembered all the joyous times we had spent together.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? Now when my rational mind remembers it, all the time we had spent all those years ago was not paradisiacal, but when we met after two decades, all we remembered were the good times we had spent together. It was as if the negative memories were wiped out from our minds, leading us to remember the utopian world that existed, as it were.
And now it is time to start reconnecting with people – to chat, pick up lost threads, make new connections with their spouses, sometimes even with them.
After all, twenty years IS a long time!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Blood Donation Drive is over
The blood donation drive officially wound up on Dec 1 (There is still a camp being held at MegaMall, Andheri - today and tomorrow). There is more than enough blood now in the blood banks - as Mr. Vinay Shetty of Think Foundation informed me - and I am satisfied!
This entire exercise gave me a fair bit of interesting learnings. I'm just going to mention two of them.
If you're sincere about wanting to something, there will be enough people coming forward to help you. Remember the dialogue of SRK in Om Shanti Om when he receives the award? Something similar just happened, where Francis and Mohd. Gaus of our marketing team came up and handled all the logistics flawlessly, Vinay Shetty of Think Foundation (I didn't even know this gentleman till before this activity) organised all the blood banks without me even having to worrry about them, Dhrub (from our sales team) just went ahead, spoke to mall owners and organised camps there, Sumit handled the advertising...it was amazing to see this chemistry !
And thanks also to the teams from Future Group, Oberoi Mall, Mega Mall, K-Star, Kamala Mills, to the various blood banks and their volunteers, the railways....Thanks guys, each and every one of you!
The second learning - if you want to really do something like this which involves being pricked by a needle, no glamour and photo-ops; count on the middle and lower middle classes. These were the people who came forward and donated blood, and who got others to do so. With a few honourable exceptions (like the gentleman who came all the way from Kandivli to Goregaon - Mr. Jeswani, if I remember), upper class Mumbai does not care! We've seen it in the turnout during the two elections held recently, and we've seen it now during blood donation drive.
There was a lot of pompous self-grandeur - concerts, candle-light vigils - all events where they could get out of their air-conditioned cars, have an opportunity to rub shoulders with the haut monde, shed a few mls of glycerine and go back. But when it came to a de-glam event like donating blood, the emptiness was deafening! And you should have heard the reasons - from the ridiculous to the absurd!
Clear lesson - the next time I want to organise a blood donation drive, I shall first organise a sponsor, a lead actor / actress who will say that s/he is going to be there, ensure a few photo-ops and then start the drive.
So, there we are.
Till next time, folks...
This entire exercise gave me a fair bit of interesting learnings. I'm just going to mention two of them.
If you're sincere about wanting to something, there will be enough people coming forward to help you. Remember the dialogue of SRK in Om Shanti Om when he receives the award? Something similar just happened, where Francis and Mohd. Gaus of our marketing team came up and handled all the logistics flawlessly, Vinay Shetty of Think Foundation (I didn't even know this gentleman till before this activity) organised all the blood banks without me even having to worrry about them, Dhrub (from our sales team) just went ahead, spoke to mall owners and organised camps there, Sumit handled the advertising...it was amazing to see this chemistry !
And thanks also to the teams from Future Group, Oberoi Mall, Mega Mall, K-Star, Kamala Mills, to the various blood banks and their volunteers, the railways....Thanks guys, each and every one of you!
The second learning - if you want to really do something like this which involves being pricked by a needle, no glamour and photo-ops; count on the middle and lower middle classes. These were the people who came forward and donated blood, and who got others to do so. With a few honourable exceptions (like the gentleman who came all the way from Kandivli to Goregaon - Mr. Jeswani, if I remember), upper class Mumbai does not care! We've seen it in the turnout during the two elections held recently, and we've seen it now during blood donation drive.
There was a lot of pompous self-grandeur - concerts, candle-light vigils - all events where they could get out of their air-conditioned cars, have an opportunity to rub shoulders with the haut monde, shed a few mls of glycerine and go back. But when it came to a de-glam event like donating blood, the emptiness was deafening! And you should have heard the reasons - from the ridiculous to the absurd!
Clear lesson - the next time I want to organise a blood donation drive, I shall first organise a sponsor, a lead actor / actress who will say that s/he is going to be there, ensure a few photo-ops and then start the drive.
So, there we are.
Till next time, folks...
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Homosexuality – Revolt against nature
This post has been written by Mudassar Khan, who had written this e-mail to me in September as a response to my post then.
Sorry Muddu, for not posting it earlier.
---
Allah SWT is the creator and the Lord of the whole universe. He gave existence to everyone and everything and He gave a natural system for His slaves. Whenever this natural system is broken, chaos set in.
Allah SWT has kept the natural system of sexual relations between men and women, which grant physical and mental solace and give material and spiritual pleasure. It also acts as the means of propagation of the human race. As a result of which the society remains at peace and happy.
On the other hand, men forming relationships with men and women with women is a serious crime, which is disliked by each and every religion and by every cultured person. These kind of relations harm the society, give rise to and spread fatal diseases like AIDS and destroy humanity as a whole.
Homosexuality is such a serious sin that it is a collection of all other types of immodesty. This is a revolt against nature. It is a sign of being away from the mercy of Allah SWT and invites the wrath and anger of Allah SWT.
the nation which was involved in this, the Ummah of Hadhrat Lut (Peace be upon him), was punished by Allah SWT in different ways. In the last part of the night, an angel gave such a shout that it destroyed them. A population of 4 million i.e. 40 lakhs was lifted up to the sky and thrown headlong. Then stones were rained on them which wiped them away from the slate of existence.
The Holy Quran mentions this incident in many places. The reason is that people should realize that if they are also involved in this sin, then the wrath of Allah SWT will destroy them as well. Allah SWT says:
And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! Surah A’araaf – (7:84)
It is given in Surah Ankabut:
And (remember) Lut; behold he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Surah Ankaboot (29:28)
To highlight the disgusting and nasty nature of homosexuality, here in the Holy Quran, the word “Al-Faahisha has been used.” At another place, for adultery, the word “Faahishatun” has been used. The intended meaning is that adultery is one of the types of immodesty and indecency, but homosexuality is a collection and compendium of all types of immodesty. This disgusting act has been termed as “Al-Faahisha” 3 times in the Holy Quran:
We also (sent) Lut: he said to his people: "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? Surah A’araaf (7:80)
In Surah Naml:
We also sent Lut (as a messenger): behold, he said to his people "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? Surah Naml (27:54)
In Surah Ankaboot:
And (remember) Lut; behold he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Surah Ankaboot (29:28)
This is such an act of immodesty, that all religions, cultures and cultured persons hold it to be so.
Apart from this Allah SWT has declared homosexuals to be those who break the rules of Allah SWT and Islam. Allah SWT says:
"Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males. (165) "And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" Surah Shuara (166)
And in Surah A’araaf:
"For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." Surah A’araaf (7:81)
Among all the evils of the society and the kinds of immodesty, there is none worse than homosexuality. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has given strict warnings about this act:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with them), that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: May Allah SWT curse the person who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) had done. May Allah SWT curse that person. He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) repeated this thrice. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, Hadith No: 2677)
There is a Hadith in Kanz Ul ‘Ummal:
Translation: The nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) was punished because of 10 bad practices. My Ummah will be involved in one more bad practice. They had homosexual relations between men and men and this Ummah will have homosexual relations between women and women. (Kanz Ul ‘Ummal, Hadith No: 13014)
There is Hadith in Jame Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah and Mustadrak ‘Alas Sahihain:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Jabir (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: What I most fear about My Ummah is the act of the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him). (Mustadrak ‘Alas Sahihain, Hadith No: 8171)
Homosexuality – Takes one away from the Mercy of Allah SWT.
There is a Hadith in Al Mojam Kabeer and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: Hadhrat Jabir bin Abdullah (May Allah be well pleased with them) narrates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: When the Dhimmis (non-Muslims under Islamic rule) are oppressed, then the enemies will rule. When adultery will become too much, then there will be too many prisoners and when those who do what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) did, then Allah SWT will remove His hand of Mercy from the creation. Then He will not care in which valley they are killed.
There is a Hadith in Mojam Ausat, Shu’abul Iman and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: There are 4 persons whose days and nights are in the anger and wrath of Allah SWT. Among them is the man who has sexual relations with another man.
There is a Hadith in Jame Tirmidhi and Sahih Ibn Hibban:
Translation: Allah SWT does not even look at the person with mercy who has homosexual relations with men or women. (Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith No: 4418)
There is a Hadith in moa Tabarani and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Allah SWT curses 7 from His creation from above the seven heavens and repeats His curse thrice on each one of them. Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed, Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed, Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed. (Mojam Ausat, Hadith No: 8734,Majma Uz Zawaaid, Vol. 6, Pg No: 272)
Personal and social loss of homosexuality:
One among the wisdoms of keeping marriage as permissible is that the race of humans, which is the cream of all creation (Ashraful Makhlooqat) should not end. If human beings satisfy their sexual desires through some other way, then the mentioned benefit of the Shariah will not be gained. These kind of relationships may prove to be start of the end of the human race.
The sexual relations between men and women are not only for fulfilling the sexual desires, but children are sought through it. Satisfying sexual desires through homosexuality is to fall from the heights of humanity to the depths of the animals.
Imam (May Allah be well pleased with him) (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) writes in the Tafseer of verse no: 81 of Surah A’araaf:
Translation: The wise Lord has granted extraordinary strength to the womb of the women to absorb the semen. When a man performs this act (in the natural way), then all the drops of semen are absorbed by the womb of the woman. But when a man does this with a man, then as the anus of the man is not granted this strength, some drops of semen still remain in the genital organ, because of which the organ swells and suffers from many diseases. These details can be known only through the science of medicine. (Tafseer Kabir, Surah A’araaf, verse no:81)
Giving legal status to homosexuality is to push humanity towards destruction. At this stage, when AIDS is already swallowing innocent people, providing legal status to homosexuality is to promote AIDS. Humanity is struck as to how the new generation will survive when men will marry men and women will marry women, that new generation, who is the future of the nation and the world. If the cover of legal status is granted to this revolt of nature, then new problems will be created in the society which will shake the very foundations of the society. Many sections of the society are supporting the decision of the government and are declaring it as modern culture, free thinking etc. When this is culture, we don’t even want to know what uncultured means.
It is the responsibility of each and every religion along with the government to curb these attempts to build a virtuous and harmonious society. We hope that the government will not accept this as per article 377.
Sorry Muddu, for not posting it earlier.
---
Allah SWT is the creator and the Lord of the whole universe. He gave existence to everyone and everything and He gave a natural system for His slaves. Whenever this natural system is broken, chaos set in.
Allah SWT has kept the natural system of sexual relations between men and women, which grant physical and mental solace and give material and spiritual pleasure. It also acts as the means of propagation of the human race. As a result of which the society remains at peace and happy.
On the other hand, men forming relationships with men and women with women is a serious crime, which is disliked by each and every religion and by every cultured person. These kind of relations harm the society, give rise to and spread fatal diseases like AIDS and destroy humanity as a whole.
Homosexuality is such a serious sin that it is a collection of all other types of immodesty. This is a revolt against nature. It is a sign of being away from the mercy of Allah SWT and invites the wrath and anger of Allah SWT.
the nation which was involved in this, the Ummah of Hadhrat Lut (Peace be upon him), was punished by Allah SWT in different ways. In the last part of the night, an angel gave such a shout that it destroyed them. A population of 4 million i.e. 40 lakhs was lifted up to the sky and thrown headlong. Then stones were rained on them which wiped them away from the slate of existence.
The Holy Quran mentions this incident in many places. The reason is that people should realize that if they are also involved in this sin, then the wrath of Allah SWT will destroy them as well. Allah SWT says:
And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! Surah A’araaf – (7:84)
It is given in Surah Ankabut:
And (remember) Lut; behold he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Surah Ankaboot (29:28)
To highlight the disgusting and nasty nature of homosexuality, here in the Holy Quran, the word “Al-Faahisha has been used.” At another place, for adultery, the word “Faahishatun” has been used. The intended meaning is that adultery is one of the types of immodesty and indecency, but homosexuality is a collection and compendium of all types of immodesty. This disgusting act has been termed as “Al-Faahisha” 3 times in the Holy Quran:
We also (sent) Lut: he said to his people: "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? Surah A’araaf (7:80)
In Surah Naml:
We also sent Lut (as a messenger): behold, he said to his people "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)? Surah Naml (27:54)
In Surah Ankaboot:
And (remember) Lut; behold he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Surah Ankaboot (29:28)
This is such an act of immodesty, that all religions, cultures and cultured persons hold it to be so.
Apart from this Allah SWT has declared homosexuals to be those who break the rules of Allah SWT and Islam. Allah SWT says:
"Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males. (165) "And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!" Surah Shuara (166)
And in Surah A’araaf:
"For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." Surah A’araaf (7:81)
Among all the evils of the society and the kinds of immodesty, there is none worse than homosexuality. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has given strict warnings about this act:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with them), that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: May Allah SWT curse the person who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) had done. May Allah SWT curse that person. He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) repeated this thrice. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, Hadith No: 2677)
There is a Hadith in Kanz Ul ‘Ummal:
Translation: The nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) was punished because of 10 bad practices. My Ummah will be involved in one more bad practice. They had homosexual relations between men and men and this Ummah will have homosexual relations between women and women. (Kanz Ul ‘Ummal, Hadith No: 13014)
There is Hadith in Jame Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah and Mustadrak ‘Alas Sahihain:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Jabir (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: What I most fear about My Ummah is the act of the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him). (Mustadrak ‘Alas Sahihain, Hadith No: 8171)
Homosexuality – Takes one away from the Mercy of Allah SWT.
There is a Hadith in Al Mojam Kabeer and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: Hadhrat Jabir bin Abdullah (May Allah be well pleased with them) narrates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: When the Dhimmis (non-Muslims under Islamic rule) are oppressed, then the enemies will rule. When adultery will become too much, then there will be too many prisoners and when those who do what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) did, then Allah SWT will remove His hand of Mercy from the creation. Then He will not care in which valley they are killed.
There is a Hadith in Mojam Ausat, Shu’abul Iman and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: There are 4 persons whose days and nights are in the anger and wrath of Allah SWT. Among them is the man who has sexual relations with another man.
There is a Hadith in Jame Tirmidhi and Sahih Ibn Hibban:
Translation: Allah SWT does not even look at the person with mercy who has homosexual relations with men or women. (Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith No: 4418)
There is a Hadith in moa Tabarani and Majma Uz Zawaaid:
Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Allah SWT curses 7 from His creation from above the seven heavens and repeats His curse thrice on each one of them. Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed, Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed, Who does what the nation of Lut (Peace be upon him) is cursed. (Mojam Ausat, Hadith No: 8734,Majma Uz Zawaaid, Vol. 6, Pg No: 272)
Personal and social loss of homosexuality:
One among the wisdoms of keeping marriage as permissible is that the race of humans, which is the cream of all creation (Ashraful Makhlooqat) should not end. If human beings satisfy their sexual desires through some other way, then the mentioned benefit of the Shariah will not be gained. These kind of relationships may prove to be start of the end of the human race.
The sexual relations between men and women are not only for fulfilling the sexual desires, but children are sought through it. Satisfying sexual desires through homosexuality is to fall from the heights of humanity to the depths of the animals.
Imam (May Allah be well pleased with him) (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) writes in the Tafseer of verse no: 81 of Surah A’araaf:
Translation: The wise Lord has granted extraordinary strength to the womb of the women to absorb the semen. When a man performs this act (in the natural way), then all the drops of semen are absorbed by the womb of the woman. But when a man does this with a man, then as the anus of the man is not granted this strength, some drops of semen still remain in the genital organ, because of which the organ swells and suffers from many diseases. These details can be known only through the science of medicine. (Tafseer Kabir, Surah A’araaf, verse no:81)
Giving legal status to homosexuality is to push humanity towards destruction. At this stage, when AIDS is already swallowing innocent people, providing legal status to homosexuality is to promote AIDS. Humanity is struck as to how the new generation will survive when men will marry men and women will marry women, that new generation, who is the future of the nation and the world. If the cover of legal status is granted to this revolt of nature, then new problems will be created in the society which will shake the very foundations of the society. Many sections of the society are supporting the decision of the government and are declaring it as modern culture, free thinking etc. When this is culture, we don’t even want to know what uncultured means.
It is the responsibility of each and every religion along with the government to curb these attempts to build a virtuous and harmonious society. We hope that the government will not accept this as per article 377.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Blood Donation drive starts today
Our blood donation drive starts today, with 5 locations across Mumbai. I'm hoping and praying it goes off well, and we get a lot of response from Mumbaikars.
I'm counting on all my readers to take action on this - either by coming over and donating blood, or at least by forwarding the message as much as possible to others who will do so.
The venues for the next 5 days are-
Nov 26: Big Bazaar - Malad (Near Station-West), Big Bazaar - Phoenix Mills, Big Bazaar - Thane (Kapurbawadi Junction), Big Bazaar - Mulund (LBS Marg), Oberoi Mall, Goregaon East
Nov 27: Big Bazaar - Phoenix Mills, Big Bazaar - Mulund (LBS Marg), Oberoi Mall, Goregaon East
Nov 28: Big Bazaar - Phoenix Mills, Big Bazaar - Mulund (LBS Marg), K-Star Mall - Chembur, Ghatkopar Station
Nov 29: K-Star Mall - Chembur, Ghatkopar Station
Nov 30: InOrbit Mall - Malad, Kamala Mills Compound - Lower Parel, Dadar Station
Dec 1: InOrbit Mall - Malad, Kamala Mills Compound - Lower Parel, Dadar Station
More venues will be announced soon. Details will be available in DNA Mumbai (www.dnaindia.com)
Keeping my fingers crossed!
I'm counting on all my readers to take action on this - either by coming over and donating blood, or at least by forwarding the message as much as possible to others who will do so.
The venues for the next 5 days are-
Nov 26: Big Bazaar - Malad (Near Station-West), Big Bazaar - Phoenix Mills, Big Bazaar - Thane (Kapurbawadi Junction), Big Bazaar - Mulund (LBS Marg), Oberoi Mall, Goregaon East
Nov 27: Big Bazaar - Phoenix Mills, Big Bazaar - Mulund (LBS Marg), Oberoi Mall, Goregaon East
Nov 28: Big Bazaar - Phoenix Mills, Big Bazaar - Mulund (LBS Marg), K-Star Mall - Chembur, Ghatkopar Station
Nov 29: K-Star Mall - Chembur, Ghatkopar Station
Nov 30: InOrbit Mall - Malad, Kamala Mills Compound - Lower Parel, Dadar Station
Dec 1: InOrbit Mall - Malad, Kamala Mills Compound - Lower Parel, Dadar Station
More venues will be announced soon. Details will be available in DNA Mumbai (www.dnaindia.com)
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Let’s give of what we can
One year to possibly the most horrendous attack on Mumbai! I wanted to do something, and also get people involved.
Not the usual candle light marches or the concerts etc., where people would come, join, leave and forget about it.
I wanted something more meaningful...where people would give something that would make them more involved, and hopefully therefore it would be a proper commemoration of the events of 26/11 and the people who gave their lives.
Hence, with the support of my organisation and a few like-minded people and organisations who are giving their time and space, we’re organising a blood donation drive in Mumbai. Comprising lots of blood donation camps across railway stations and malls, we intend to have this drive from Nov 26 for around a fortnight.
Coincidentally, while this drive was being organised, I read last week that Mumbai’s blood banks are nearly running dry, to the extent that surgeries are being postponed. And I thought – what an apt time to do this.
By the way, did you know that donation by one person does not mean that this blood will be given to only one person? One person’s donation will actually save maybe three or four lives – as the blood donated by us is separated into parts - usually red blood cells and plasma, since most recipients need only a part and not all the blood.
Hopefully, Mumbai will show its spirit once again, and we’ll be able to collect a lot of blood.
Keeping my fingers crossed. Will keep updating you with more details. And I hope some of you will also contribute by walking up to the nearest railway station or mall and help save some lives.
Not the usual candle light marches or the concerts etc., where people would come, join, leave and forget about it.
I wanted something more meaningful...where people would give something that would make them more involved, and hopefully therefore it would be a proper commemoration of the events of 26/11 and the people who gave their lives.
Hence, with the support of my organisation and a few like-minded people and organisations who are giving their time and space, we’re organising a blood donation drive in Mumbai. Comprising lots of blood donation camps across railway stations and malls, we intend to have this drive from Nov 26 for around a fortnight.
Coincidentally, while this drive was being organised, I read last week that Mumbai’s blood banks are nearly running dry, to the extent that surgeries are being postponed. And I thought – what an apt time to do this.
By the way, did you know that donation by one person does not mean that this blood will be given to only one person? One person’s donation will actually save maybe three or four lives – as the blood donated by us is separated into parts - usually red blood cells and plasma, since most recipients need only a part and not all the blood.
Hopefully, Mumbai will show its spirit once again, and we’ll be able to collect a lot of blood.
Keeping my fingers crossed. Will keep updating you with more details. And I hope some of you will also contribute by walking up to the nearest railway station or mall and help save some lives.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Lessons from the Ashes
First of all, Eid Mubarak everyone – in advance.
Getting back to my blog today...actually posting some quick thoughts that I had written nearly a month ago, when the Ashes were won by England, who pocketed the last test with a day to spare.
It’s possibly a very wrong time to post this, as it seems like Australia is going to whitewash the English in the ODI series, but the Ashes victory held a few lessons for me, which I thought I might share, so here goes...
It was a very interesting series. Australia looked distinctly the better side, and statistics clearly point to it. However, the better side does not always win, as happened in this series. And this led me to think about the lessons one could learn from it.
Lesson 1 - It is not only about being consistent; it is about seizing the moment: As Andrew Strauss, England Captain, said, “When we were bad we were awful, but when we were good we managed to be just good enough”. And being just that good enough was enough to deliver.
Consider this – Australia scored more runs, lost fewer wickets, had 7 out of the top 8 scoring batsmen and the top 3 wicket taking bowlers. And yet they lost! The turning points? English bowling when it mattered. 7 out of the top 10 bowling performances in an innings and 5 out of the top 7 bowling performances in a match were by the English bowlers. English bowlers also claimed 5 wickets in an innings 4 times compared to 2 by Australia. Which brings me to the next lesson.
Lesson 2 - Work to your strengths that would lead to actual deliveries: It is no secret in cricket that batsmen can save you matches, but to win a match, you have to take 20 wickets. And England did that when it mattered.
Lesson 3 - Be positive, and results would come: Despite the fact that they were outscored by Australia in both batting and bowling, the one area where England were distinctly superior was in their Strike Rate, or Runs per Over. Definitely a sign of positive intent – they were not willing to retreat or go into a shell. And yet...
Lesson 4 - Dig in deep, even when nothing goes your way: Consider this – chasing 239 to just avoid an innings defeat in the first test, and at 70 for 5; it all looked to be over. But Paul Collingwood refused to give up. 74 runs was not a huge amount, but the 245 balls faced and the 344 minutes of occupation of the crease stood between England and defeat. But possibly the clearest indication of how the series would progress came in the final 40 minutes of the test. 12 overs to play, all Australia needs is one good ball, and a bunny by any standards at the crease. And yet, the way Anderson and Panesar blocked out every ball and saved the test must have played on the Australian’s minds in the 2nd test.
Lesson 5 - When things go wrong, take a break, and use it well to re-group and strategise: After the debacle of the 4th test, not even the most die-hard of English supporters would have thought of England winning the Ashes. But the team took their break right, worked out their weaknesses, took a few strong decisions and ‘Trotted’ away to glory.
Getting back to my blog today...actually posting some quick thoughts that I had written nearly a month ago, when the Ashes were won by England, who pocketed the last test with a day to spare.
It’s possibly a very wrong time to post this, as it seems like Australia is going to whitewash the English in the ODI series, but the Ashes victory held a few lessons for me, which I thought I might share, so here goes...
It was a very interesting series. Australia looked distinctly the better side, and statistics clearly point to it. However, the better side does not always win, as happened in this series. And this led me to think about the lessons one could learn from it.
Lesson 1 - It is not only about being consistent; it is about seizing the moment: As Andrew Strauss, England Captain, said, “When we were bad we were awful, but when we were good we managed to be just good enough”. And being just that good enough was enough to deliver.
Consider this – Australia scored more runs, lost fewer wickets, had 7 out of the top 8 scoring batsmen and the top 3 wicket taking bowlers. And yet they lost! The turning points? English bowling when it mattered. 7 out of the top 10 bowling performances in an innings and 5 out of the top 7 bowling performances in a match were by the English bowlers. English bowlers also claimed 5 wickets in an innings 4 times compared to 2 by Australia. Which brings me to the next lesson.
Lesson 2 - Work to your strengths that would lead to actual deliveries: It is no secret in cricket that batsmen can save you matches, but to win a match, you have to take 20 wickets. And England did that when it mattered.
Lesson 3 - Be positive, and results would come: Despite the fact that they were outscored by Australia in both batting and bowling, the one area where England were distinctly superior was in their Strike Rate, or Runs per Over. Definitely a sign of positive intent – they were not willing to retreat or go into a shell. And yet...
Lesson 4 - Dig in deep, even when nothing goes your way: Consider this – chasing 239 to just avoid an innings defeat in the first test, and at 70 for 5; it all looked to be over. But Paul Collingwood refused to give up. 74 runs was not a huge amount, but the 245 balls faced and the 344 minutes of occupation of the crease stood between England and defeat. But possibly the clearest indication of how the series would progress came in the final 40 minutes of the test. 12 overs to play, all Australia needs is one good ball, and a bunny by any standards at the crease. And yet, the way Anderson and Panesar blocked out every ball and saved the test must have played on the Australian’s minds in the 2nd test.
Lesson 5 - When things go wrong, take a break, and use it well to re-group and strategise: After the debacle of the 4th test, not even the most die-hard of English supporters would have thought of England winning the Ashes. But the team took their break right, worked out their weaknesses, took a few strong decisions and ‘Trotted’ away to glory.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
What an eventful month
I’m back, writing my first post after what have been an eventful 4 weeks, and possibly the last for the next 4 weeks.
Before I regale everyone with the last month’s tales, I wish everyone a blessed Ramadan. Ramzan Mubarak.
And so, just I, me, myself today...
I had decided that I would devote an hour every Sunday to this blog. But the awesome August! Ufff!
The first weekend went by in a blur. Saturday was a working day. On Sunday, the women (my mother, wife and sister-in-law) decided to do some shopping, and of course, yours truly was the driver and nanny for 4 kids. And what a shopping day it was!
We started at about 12:30 (getting up late, of course! It was a Sunday, c’mon!). A leisurely lunch was followed by more than an hour in the first shop, which culminated in the purchase of one dress (wow!!! They bought one). Then the drive to another shop in Vashi, and another couple of hours, where the growth of purchase improved by 100%.
By this time, it was already close to 5 pm, and the kids were getting restless, so yours truly – in a fit of inspiration – decided to be the good ayah and take them to the garden so that the women could shop in peace.
And there we go off to Vashi sea shore, where the children indulged – till the shower struck!
And we were far away from the car.
And we all got drenched to the core.
And if there’s one thing I dislike, it is getting into the car when wet!
But what do we do?
A quick run to the car when the shower reduced its intensity (may have been after about 15-20 minutes, but felt like an hour or so), and a call to the women if they were through, and the drive back to the market, where they were still shopping...
And we waited in the car for another good 30 minutes – sopping wet!!!
Women, I tell you! :-)
But jokes apart, that was the first time in my life that I saw my mother and my wife indulging in shopping like this. Not their usual get in the shop, pick up somethings, pay and rush, like an episode of a TV serial.
The day was not over yet.
We rushed home, changed, picked up father and then went for dinner. By the time we returned, it was past midnight, and I couldn’t wait to hit the sack!
Bye bye blog!
The next weekend (Saturday, Aug 8) was my cousin’s wedding, in Pune. And much like the film of the same name, that was another series of episodes. While the folks went earlier, I reached on Saturday for the marriage, only to find the groom’s mother crying.
Hey, mothers of brides cry, not mothers of grooms! What happened?
Turned out that my cousin’s (the groom’s) friends had an accident in the morning, around dawn. The car turned over on its side, with three guys inside. Amidst their pain, one of them had a brainwave and called the last dialled number – which happened to be my cousin’s.
Our hero decided to go to their rescue. And those who know Zahir can guess what he would have tried to do.
Yes, before the ambulance or other help arrived, he tried to get the car upright by himself. The car did turn upright, but in the process, he slipped and hurt his entire back and shoulders!
Shaadi to shaam ko thi, subah mein hi baraat nikaal di.
Thankfully, it was not very serious for him, so the wedding proceeded with the groom wincing in pain and the greetings thereafter – you can imagine everyone trying to hug him, someone standing behind stopping them, and a couple (including me) managing backslaps....
Saturday was not over yet! By the time the wedding was being celebrated, my five year old nephew, Emaad, had extremely high fever. We rushed him to the doctor, who – being ultra-cautious – directed us to Naidu Hospital.
What?
Suspected swine flu?
And who tells my parents and others that?
We being smart decided to keep our traps shut till the results. Everyone at home was getting worried that my sister-in-law and cousin are not back yet, and my uncle and I kept reassuring everyone that there are lots of patients at the good doctor’s.
Till finally, two hours later, they call. It was a false alarm. Thank God for that!
And we had decided to go rapelling to a waterfall on Sunday.
Aren’t we brave, folks! I mean, the city is hit by swine flu, and we go not only for the wedding, but also for a picnic the next day.
So, the Don Quixotes leave the next morning for the waterfall, with a few children in tow, so that they could enjoy in the rain.
And enjoy we did! For those who have seen the photographs, eat your heart out!
But how could the day pass off without an incident?
One cousin’s kid – the naught monkey – decided that he had to be the hero for the day, and promptly went and fell on the rocks near the water. Had to get stitches on the back of his head.
It was evening by the time we returned to Pune from the picnic, and past 1 am when we reached home in Navi Mumbai.
There goes week two without my blog!
The rest of the week went by in a blur, with a lot of work at office. By Thursday, I was feeling pretty weak and restless, and by the time I reached office on Friday, I had the cough and high fever.
Sure enough, I was given the marching orders, and by the afternoon, I was back home and at the doctor’s, who gave me the best medicines he could prescribe for my cold, which put me to sleep from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening.
I could not look straight, leave alone writing a blog!
Bye bye, week 3.
Monday and Tuesday were spent coughing in office, and then the fever returned. By Tuesday evening, I was feeling so weak that I kept praying to God to let me drive home safely.
This time, my friendly neighbourhood doctor got my blood test done. And the result – malaria!
What? After going to its capital, spending two days there, meeting people, getting drenched – and I do not even catch the flavour of the season? All I get is this measly kiss from a female Anopheles! How boring!!!
And what a boring week it turned out to be. Sleep, eat, have medicines, and sleep –Wednesday to Saturday.
Feeling better today, so decided to post all the happenings of the past month for your enjoyment.
Hope you liked it folks – all those who know my family and those who do not.
With that, signing off for possibly another four weeks, till the end of Ramadaan, with a request to remember me in your prayers. I’m still not fully fit yet, but hope to resume office tomorrow.
Before I regale everyone with the last month’s tales, I wish everyone a blessed Ramadan. Ramzan Mubarak.
And so, just I, me, myself today...
I had decided that I would devote an hour every Sunday to this blog. But the awesome August! Ufff!
The first weekend went by in a blur. Saturday was a working day. On Sunday, the women (my mother, wife and sister-in-law) decided to do some shopping, and of course, yours truly was the driver and nanny for 4 kids. And what a shopping day it was!
We started at about 12:30 (getting up late, of course! It was a Sunday, c’mon!). A leisurely lunch was followed by more than an hour in the first shop, which culminated in the purchase of one dress (wow!!! They bought one). Then the drive to another shop in Vashi, and another couple of hours, where the growth of purchase improved by 100%.
By this time, it was already close to 5 pm, and the kids were getting restless, so yours truly – in a fit of inspiration – decided to be the good ayah and take them to the garden so that the women could shop in peace.
And there we go off to Vashi sea shore, where the children indulged – till the shower struck!
And we were far away from the car.
And we all got drenched to the core.
And if there’s one thing I dislike, it is getting into the car when wet!
But what do we do?
A quick run to the car when the shower reduced its intensity (may have been after about 15-20 minutes, but felt like an hour or so), and a call to the women if they were through, and the drive back to the market, where they were still shopping...
And we waited in the car for another good 30 minutes – sopping wet!!!
Women, I tell you! :-)
But jokes apart, that was the first time in my life that I saw my mother and my wife indulging in shopping like this. Not their usual get in the shop, pick up somethings, pay and rush, like an episode of a TV serial.
The day was not over yet.
We rushed home, changed, picked up father and then went for dinner. By the time we returned, it was past midnight, and I couldn’t wait to hit the sack!
Bye bye blog!
The next weekend (Saturday, Aug 8) was my cousin’s wedding, in Pune. And much like the film of the same name, that was another series of episodes. While the folks went earlier, I reached on Saturday for the marriage, only to find the groom’s mother crying.
Hey, mothers of brides cry, not mothers of grooms! What happened?
Turned out that my cousin’s (the groom’s) friends had an accident in the morning, around dawn. The car turned over on its side, with three guys inside. Amidst their pain, one of them had a brainwave and called the last dialled number – which happened to be my cousin’s.
Our hero decided to go to their rescue. And those who know Zahir can guess what he would have tried to do.
Yes, before the ambulance or other help arrived, he tried to get the car upright by himself. The car did turn upright, but in the process, he slipped and hurt his entire back and shoulders!
Shaadi to shaam ko thi, subah mein hi baraat nikaal di.
Thankfully, it was not very serious for him, so the wedding proceeded with the groom wincing in pain and the greetings thereafter – you can imagine everyone trying to hug him, someone standing behind stopping them, and a couple (including me) managing backslaps....
Saturday was not over yet! By the time the wedding was being celebrated, my five year old nephew, Emaad, had extremely high fever. We rushed him to the doctor, who – being ultra-cautious – directed us to Naidu Hospital.
What?
Suspected swine flu?
And who tells my parents and others that?
We being smart decided to keep our traps shut till the results. Everyone at home was getting worried that my sister-in-law and cousin are not back yet, and my uncle and I kept reassuring everyone that there are lots of patients at the good doctor’s.
Till finally, two hours later, they call. It was a false alarm. Thank God for that!
And we had decided to go rapelling to a waterfall on Sunday.
Aren’t we brave, folks! I mean, the city is hit by swine flu, and we go not only for the wedding, but also for a picnic the next day.
So, the Don Quixotes leave the next morning for the waterfall, with a few children in tow, so that they could enjoy in the rain.
And enjoy we did! For those who have seen the photographs, eat your heart out!
But how could the day pass off without an incident?
One cousin’s kid – the naught monkey – decided that he had to be the hero for the day, and promptly went and fell on the rocks near the water. Had to get stitches on the back of his head.
It was evening by the time we returned to Pune from the picnic, and past 1 am when we reached home in Navi Mumbai.
There goes week two without my blog!
The rest of the week went by in a blur, with a lot of work at office. By Thursday, I was feeling pretty weak and restless, and by the time I reached office on Friday, I had the cough and high fever.
Sure enough, I was given the marching orders, and by the afternoon, I was back home and at the doctor’s, who gave me the best medicines he could prescribe for my cold, which put me to sleep from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening.
I could not look straight, leave alone writing a blog!
Bye bye, week 3.
Monday and Tuesday were spent coughing in office, and then the fever returned. By Tuesday evening, I was feeling so weak that I kept praying to God to let me drive home safely.
This time, my friendly neighbourhood doctor got my blood test done. And the result – malaria!
What? After going to its capital, spending two days there, meeting people, getting drenched – and I do not even catch the flavour of the season? All I get is this measly kiss from a female Anopheles! How boring!!!
And what a boring week it turned out to be. Sleep, eat, have medicines, and sleep –Wednesday to Saturday.
Feeling better today, so decided to post all the happenings of the past month for your enjoyment.
Hope you liked it folks – all those who know my family and those who do not.
With that, signing off for possibly another four weeks, till the end of Ramadaan, with a request to remember me in your prayers. I’m still not fully fit yet, but hope to resume office tomorrow.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Homosexuality
Well, India has become the latest in the list of ‘enlightened’ countries which are allowing homosexuality in the name of equality. And we have so many ‘intellectuals’ among us who advocate accepting this, as it is ‘hereditary’, ‘natural’ and what not.
The immediate provocation for this blog was actually an article that appeared in a leading newspaper which quoted someone named 'Saleem Kidwai, author of Same Sex Love in India, a Muslim'. In that article, he says, “I can quote numerous examples of Muslims, including saints and poets, who were venerated even though they supported homosexuality or were gay themselves. Mir Taqi Mir is one example. Look at Sarmat Shaheed aka ‘Hare Bhare Shah’ whose grave is at Delhi’s Jama Masjid. Thousands of Muslims go there to pay respects though Shah’s homosexuality is well-known.”
Stop this BS.
Don’t use examples of people doing something to prove a point that has been clearly pointed out as an abomination in the Qur’an. Do I use the Qur’an – which I believe is the word of Allah – or these two examples of individuals that this person points out? I am not aware of Hare Bhare Shah, but I am clear on one thing – either this person is not a homosexual or he is not a shaheed / holy man. We have all seen how incidents are corrupted and people deified over time, especially in our part of the world.
Since Saleem Kidwai has quoted two examples - neither of which really stick - let me quote only two verses from the Qur’an here.
Walootan ith qala liqawmihi ata/toona alfahishata ma sabaqakum biha min ahadin mina alAAalameena. Innakum lata/toona alrrijala shahwatan min dooni alnnisa-i bal antum qawmun musrifoona.
We also (sent) Lut: He said to his people: “Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you?” “For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.” (Qur’an 7:80-81; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Just two verses in Chapter 7 (Al-A’raf), clearly stating that homosexuality is transgression beyond bounds.
And what happened to the people of Lut who transgressed?
Waamtarna AAalayhim mataran faonthur kayfa kana AAaqibatu almujrimeena
And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! (Qur’an 7:84; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
For anyone who needs more proof, I would suggest reading Chapter 26 (Ash-Shu’araa), Verses 161-174, which relate the entire episode of Lut and what happened to the people who chose homosexuality over legal married life.
And as for myself, I shall repeat a prayer said by Lut himself.
rabbi onsurnee AAala alqawmi almufsideena
"O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!" (Qur’an 29:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali – part of verse)
That is Islam’s stance on homosexuality. What about the other major religions?
Let’s look at Christianity? Only 2 verses again.
Do you not know that the unrighteous and wrong doers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. Do not be deceived, (misled); neither the immoral and impure, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, Nor cheats - swindlers and thieves; nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
And most predominantly Christian countries count homosexuality as natural!
Judaism? I personally found this to be strongest in its denouncement of homosexuality. And I shall content myself by sticking to two verses once again.
And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)
And this is where I find what I mentioned earlier as the strongest denouncement.
The Oxford English dictionary defines abomination as a cause of disgust or hatred. In other words, one can read the above verse as lying with a male as with a woman is a cause of disgust or hatred in the eyes of God!
Now consider the position of this verse. It is interspersed between two other verses – one referring to child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21 - And thou shalt not give any of thy seed to set them apart to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD) and the other pertaining to bestiality (Leviticus 18:23 - And thou shalt not lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith; neither shall any woman stand before a beast, to lie down thereto; it is perversion).
The Jewish word for abomination is ‘Toaiva’. Let us consider some other acts in the Jewish religion that are also considered ‘Toai’va’.
Eating non-kosher foods is also called a Toaiva-abomination, so is incest (specific mentions in Leviticus for the interested), child sacrifice to their gods, using a seer or magician to contact the dead or predict the future.
If there was a clearer proof of the abhorrence of such act, I am yet to see it!
Hey, but I am referring to all the three monotheistic religions. And we’re in India, where all these three religions are in a minority. C’mon folks, haven’t we seen Kama Sutra, Khajuraho etc.
Right, and then some people have seen the ancient Hindu religious and moral texts, like the Manu Smriti for instance, which says-
A kanya [unmarried woman] who pollutes (another) kanya must be fined two hundred (panas), pay the double of her (nuptial) fee, and receive ten (lashes with a) rod. But a stree [married woman] who pollutes a kanya shall instantly have (her head) shaved or two fingers cut off, and be made to ride (through the town) on a donkey. (Manusmriti 8:370-371)
Giving pain to a Brahmana (by a blow), smelling at things which ought not to be smelt at, or at spirituous liquor, cheating, and an unnatural offence with a man, are declared to cause the loss of caste (Gatibhramsa) (Manusmriti 11:68)
I have again restricted myself to two verses here, but again, it is interesting to see the punishment for a homosexual coming immediately after that of someone committing bestiality. See the parallel with Judaism? Those interested could check out Manusmriti 11:174-175.
And as for Saleem Kidwai and others of his ilk, I would only say-
Summun bukmun AAumyun fahum la yarjiAAoona
Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path). Qur’an 2:18; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
The immediate provocation for this blog was actually an article that appeared in a leading newspaper which quoted someone named 'Saleem Kidwai, author of Same Sex Love in India, a Muslim'. In that article, he says, “I can quote numerous examples of Muslims, including saints and poets, who were venerated even though they supported homosexuality or were gay themselves. Mir Taqi Mir is one example. Look at Sarmat Shaheed aka ‘Hare Bhare Shah’ whose grave is at Delhi’s Jama Masjid. Thousands of Muslims go there to pay respects though Shah’s homosexuality is well-known.”
Stop this BS.
Don’t use examples of people doing something to prove a point that has been clearly pointed out as an abomination in the Qur’an. Do I use the Qur’an – which I believe is the word of Allah – or these two examples of individuals that this person points out? I am not aware of Hare Bhare Shah, but I am clear on one thing – either this person is not a homosexual or he is not a shaheed / holy man. We have all seen how incidents are corrupted and people deified over time, especially in our part of the world.
Since Saleem Kidwai has quoted two examples - neither of which really stick - let me quote only two verses from the Qur’an here.
Walootan ith qala liqawmihi ata/toona alfahishata ma sabaqakum biha min ahadin mina alAAalameena. Innakum lata/toona alrrijala shahwatan min dooni alnnisa-i bal antum qawmun musrifoona.
We also (sent) Lut: He said to his people: “Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you?” “For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.” (Qur’an 7:80-81; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Just two verses in Chapter 7 (Al-A’raf), clearly stating that homosexuality is transgression beyond bounds.
And what happened to the people of Lut who transgressed?
Waamtarna AAalayhim mataran faonthur kayfa kana AAaqibatu almujrimeena
And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! (Qur’an 7:84; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
For anyone who needs more proof, I would suggest reading Chapter 26 (Ash-Shu’araa), Verses 161-174, which relate the entire episode of Lut and what happened to the people who chose homosexuality over legal married life.
And as for myself, I shall repeat a prayer said by Lut himself.
rabbi onsurnee AAala alqawmi almufsideena
"O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!" (Qur’an 29:30; Translation by Yusuf Ali – part of verse)
That is Islam’s stance on homosexuality. What about the other major religions?
Let’s look at Christianity? Only 2 verses again.
Do you not know that the unrighteous and wrong doers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. Do not be deceived, (misled); neither the immoral and impure, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality, Nor cheats - swindlers and thieves; nor greedy graspers, nor drunkards, nor foulmouthed revilers and slanderers, nor extortioners and robbers will inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
And most predominantly Christian countries count homosexuality as natural!
Judaism? I personally found this to be strongest in its denouncement of homosexuality. And I shall content myself by sticking to two verses once again.
And if a man lie with mankind, as with womankind, both of them have committed abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. (Leviticus 20:13)
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is abomination. (Leviticus 18:22)
And this is where I find what I mentioned earlier as the strongest denouncement.
The Oxford English dictionary defines abomination as a cause of disgust or hatred. In other words, one can read the above verse as lying with a male as with a woman is a cause of disgust or hatred in the eyes of God!
Now consider the position of this verse. It is interspersed between two other verses – one referring to child sacrifice (Leviticus 18:21 - And thou shalt not give any of thy seed to set them apart to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD) and the other pertaining to bestiality (Leviticus 18:23 - And thou shalt not lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith; neither shall any woman stand before a beast, to lie down thereto; it is perversion).
The Jewish word for abomination is ‘Toaiva’. Let us consider some other acts in the Jewish religion that are also considered ‘Toai’va’.
Eating non-kosher foods is also called a Toaiva-abomination, so is incest (specific mentions in Leviticus for the interested), child sacrifice to their gods, using a seer or magician to contact the dead or predict the future.
If there was a clearer proof of the abhorrence of such act, I am yet to see it!
Hey, but I am referring to all the three monotheistic religions. And we’re in India, where all these three religions are in a minority. C’mon folks, haven’t we seen Kama Sutra, Khajuraho etc.
Right, and then some people have seen the ancient Hindu religious and moral texts, like the Manu Smriti for instance, which says-
A kanya [unmarried woman] who pollutes (another) kanya must be fined two hundred (panas), pay the double of her (nuptial) fee, and receive ten (lashes with a) rod. But a stree [married woman] who pollutes a kanya shall instantly have (her head) shaved or two fingers cut off, and be made to ride (through the town) on a donkey. (Manusmriti 8:370-371)
Giving pain to a Brahmana (by a blow), smelling at things which ought not to be smelt at, or at spirituous liquor, cheating, and an unnatural offence with a man, are declared to cause the loss of caste (Gatibhramsa) (Manusmriti 11:68)
I have again restricted myself to two verses here, but again, it is interesting to see the punishment for a homosexual coming immediately after that of someone committing bestiality. See the parallel with Judaism? Those interested could check out Manusmriti 11:174-175.
And as for Saleem Kidwai and others of his ilk, I would only say-
Summun bukmun AAumyun fahum la yarjiAAoona
Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return (to the path). Qur’an 2:18; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Thank You, Mr. Yadav
I had decided that I would post a blog every Sunday, but I missed last week, for a very simple reason – the phone was dead!
Typically what happens when it rains, the phone went dead last Sunday. I asked my father and wife to register the complaint, and as usually happens, realised on Wednesday that the complaint was still not registered.
So, like all net-savvy netizens, I decided to register my complaint online. And realized that while my internet connection works beautifully, the same cannot be said of the MTNL website.
The fault complaint booking page asks you to register your telephone number and your CA number to proceed to register your complaint. But the funny thing is that it does not accept more than 8 digits! So you can’t move ahead and register.
So I did the next best thing. I clicked on ‘Contact Us’ and sent an e-mail stating both – my complaint as well as the problem on the complaint page.
Promptly, I received a response. It said –
This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification.
Delivery to the following recipients failed.
navimumbai.helpdesk@mtnl.net.in
So there we were - back to square one. And three days had passed.
I again requested my father and my wife - separately this time - to go to MTNL and register a complaint, hoping that one of them might do it; which my wife did - on Friday.
And she was told that there are a lot of complaints so it might take 4-5 days to attend.
I braced myself - considering that yesterday was the 4th Saturday.
And then came the surprise!
This morning (Sunday) at about noon, Mr. Yadav from MTNL rang our doorbell. He had come to repair the line. Upon asking, he mentioned that due to the number of complaints, he and his colleagues decided to attend to some complaints that they thought would possibly be small issues on the weekend so that they can sort the big problems quickly between Monday and Tuesday. Within 10 minutes, he had identified the problem (loose connection due to heavy winds last week) and corrected it.
His fees - Nothing. No chai-paani (bribe) or anything of that sort.
Thank You, Mr. Yadav!
Now if only they set about improving their website’s complaint page...
Typically what happens when it rains, the phone went dead last Sunday. I asked my father and wife to register the complaint, and as usually happens, realised on Wednesday that the complaint was still not registered.
So, like all net-savvy netizens, I decided to register my complaint online. And realized that while my internet connection works beautifully, the same cannot be said of the MTNL website.
The fault complaint booking page asks you to register your telephone number and your CA number to proceed to register your complaint. But the funny thing is that it does not accept more than 8 digits! So you can’t move ahead and register.
So I did the next best thing. I clicked on ‘Contact Us’ and sent an e-mail stating both – my complaint as well as the problem on the complaint page.
Promptly, I received a response. It said –
This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification.
Delivery to the following recipients failed.
navimumbai.helpdesk@mtnl.net.in
So there we were - back to square one. And three days had passed.
I again requested my father and my wife - separately this time - to go to MTNL and register a complaint, hoping that one of them might do it; which my wife did - on Friday.
And she was told that there are a lot of complaints so it might take 4-5 days to attend.
I braced myself - considering that yesterday was the 4th Saturday.
And then came the surprise!
This morning (Sunday) at about noon, Mr. Yadav from MTNL rang our doorbell. He had come to repair the line. Upon asking, he mentioned that due to the number of complaints, he and his colleagues decided to attend to some complaints that they thought would possibly be small issues on the weekend so that they can sort the big problems quickly between Monday and Tuesday. Within 10 minutes, he had identified the problem (loose connection due to heavy winds last week) and corrected it.
His fees - Nothing. No chai-paani (bribe) or anything of that sort.
Thank You, Mr. Yadav!
Now if only they set about improving their website’s complaint page...
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Sunil, you are so right about disciplined and evolved citizenship at its best
Sunil, you are so right about disciplined and evolved citizenship at its best.
The chaos that Mumbaikars created at the Bandra-Worli Sea Link had to be seen to be believed. Hour-long queues to get on to the Sea Link, stopping to take photographs, taking U-turns at will, unmindful of the problems they were creating for others.
All because it was free!
And since the day the toll has been levied, we have no more than 15,000 cars using the Sea Link daily.
I remember the last ‘free’ day (Sunday). I had to go to Four Seasons for dinner. After idling for a while at Worli Chawls, I parked my car at the side of the road and started walking. (Four Seasons is slightly less than a kilometre from there). While walking, I noticed the BEST buses waiting in the jam, which I knew pass by Four Seasons.
When I reached the hotel, I just turned and looked back. Forget about passing, the buses were still nowhere to be seen. They had not even reached the Worli Naka signal!
The funnier (?) part is – when I left the hotel at about 11:30 p.m., the traffic jam was still there! And I again noted a couple of BEST buses, which did not overtake me even when I reached my car!
How much more crazy can we get?
Talking of crazy, let me leave you with possibly the most lingering image of the opening day.
Sunil, you are so right about disciplined and evolved citizenship at its best!
The chaos that Mumbaikars created at the Bandra-Worli Sea Link had to be seen to be believed. Hour-long queues to get on to the Sea Link, stopping to take photographs, taking U-turns at will, unmindful of the problems they were creating for others.
All because it was free!
And since the day the toll has been levied, we have no more than 15,000 cars using the Sea Link daily.
I remember the last ‘free’ day (Sunday). I had to go to Four Seasons for dinner. After idling for a while at Worli Chawls, I parked my car at the side of the road and started walking. (Four Seasons is slightly less than a kilometre from there). While walking, I noticed the BEST buses waiting in the jam, which I knew pass by Four Seasons.
When I reached the hotel, I just turned and looked back. Forget about passing, the buses were still nowhere to be seen. They had not even reached the Worli Naka signal!
The funnier (?) part is – when I left the hotel at about 11:30 p.m., the traffic jam was still there! And I again noted a couple of BEST buses, which did not overtake me even when I reached my car!
How much more crazy can we get?
Talking of crazy, let me leave you with possibly the most lingering image of the opening day.
Sunil, you are so right about disciplined and evolved citizenship at its best!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny
Sitting by the banks of the river Indrayani last fortnight, watching the first drops of rain of the season and soaking in the smell of water touching the parched earth – possibly one of the best fragrances known to man!
Within a fortnight, this river, which had turned completely dry, is full of fish, frogs are singing their songs of love all through the night, crabs overrunning the place, making my daughter go berserk with excitement...
Isn’t it marvellous? I mean, can you imagine how many miracles I am witnessing? The rain, the life emerging from barren land, the dew that spread a sheet of shimmering silver over the land this morning...
This riverbed was so dry that my children played badminton on it. Where did these fish come from? And the rain...
All this keeps confirming the other miracle that came into existence more than 1,400 years ago, and continues to this date – The Qur’an.
Consider these verses:
Wamin ayatihi yureekumu albarqa khawfan watamaAAan wayunazzilu mina alssama-i maan fayuhyee bihi al-arda baAAda mawtiha inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yaAAqiloona
And among His Signs, He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise. (Qur’an 30:24; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Waarsalna alrriyaha lawaqiha faanzalna mina alssama-i maan faasqaynakumoohu wama antum lahu bikhazineena
And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water (in abundance), though ye are not the guardians of its stores. (Qur’an 15:22; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
The Arabic word used here is lawâqih, which is the plural of laqih, which means to impregnate or fecundate. In this context, impregnate means that the wind pushes the clouds together increasing the condensation that causes lightning and thus rain. (Ref: Dr. Zakir Naik)
Now that’s a fact not known to humans 1,425 years ago!
In fact, this is completely at variance with the prevailing notion in those times.
“In the seventh century BC, Thales of Miletus held the theory whereby the waters of the oceans, under the effects of winds were thrust towards the interiors of the continents; so the water fell upon the earth and penetrated into the soil. Plato shared these views and thought that the return of the waters to the oceans was via a great abyss, the ‘Tartarus’. This theory had many supporters until the Eighteenth century, one of whom was Descartes. Aristotle imagined that the water vapour from the soil condensed in cool mountain caverns and formed underground lakes that fed springs. He was followed by Seneca (1st Century AD) and many others... (The Bible, The Qur’an and Science-Dr. Maurice Bucaille)
A similar description is found in another verse:
Allahu allathee yursilu alrriyaha fatutheeru sahaban fayabsutuhu fee alssama-i kayfa yashao wayajAAaluhu kisafan fatara alwadqa yakhruju min khilalihi fa-itha asaba bihi man yashao min AAibadihi itha hum yastabshiroona
It is Allah Who sends the Winds, and they raise the Clouds: then does He spread them in the sky as He wills, and break them into fragments, until thou seest rain-drops issue from the midst thereof: then when He has made them reach such of his servants as He wills behold, they do rejoice! (Qur’an 30:48; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
A complete description of the water cycle, which confirms to latest research on hydrology.
And another one which refers to the entire description of the water cycle, and refers to the electric charge of lightning in a simple way.
Alam tara anna Allaha yuzjee sahaban thumma yu-allifu baynahu thumma yajAAaluhu rukaman fatara alwadqa yakhruju min khilalihi wayunazzilu mina alssama-i min jibalin feeha min baradin fayuseebu bihi man yashao wayasrifuhu AAan man yashao yakadu sana barqihi yathhabu bial-absari
Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? - then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail: He strikes therewith whom He pleases and He turns it away from whom He pleases, the vivid flash of His lightning well-nigh blinds the sight. (Qur’an 24:43; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
There are many more such references which confirm to the miracle that is the Qur’an being the word of my Lord. One can go on and on – about the water cycle, about geology, about astronomy, about the animal kingdom, and - most interestingly - about human embryology...
Aah, human embryology! Now that’s something that was discovered only in our lifetime! And now we’re talking about things that are invisible to the naked eye - and there were no microscopes in the 6th century AD.
So, let me end this post with one of my favourite verses:
Fabi-ayyi ala-i rabbikuma tukaththiban
Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny? Sura Rehman (Qur’an 55:13; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
(References and Acknowledgements: Al Qur’an; The Qur’aan and Modern Science-Compatible or Incompatible by Dr. Zakir Naik; The Qur’an-Knowledge and Science by A. Abdallah; The Bible, The Qur’an and Science by Dr. Maurice Bucaille)
Within a fortnight, this river, which had turned completely dry, is full of fish, frogs are singing their songs of love all through the night, crabs overrunning the place, making my daughter go berserk with excitement...
Isn’t it marvellous? I mean, can you imagine how many miracles I am witnessing? The rain, the life emerging from barren land, the dew that spread a sheet of shimmering silver over the land this morning...
This riverbed was so dry that my children played badminton on it. Where did these fish come from? And the rain...
All this keeps confirming the other miracle that came into existence more than 1,400 years ago, and continues to this date – The Qur’an.
Consider these verses:
Wamin ayatihi yureekumu albarqa khawfan watamaAAan wayunazzilu mina alssama-i maan fayuhyee bihi al-arda baAAda mawtiha inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yaAAqiloona
And among His Signs, He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise. (Qur’an 30:24; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
Waarsalna alrriyaha lawaqiha faanzalna mina alssama-i maan faasqaynakumoohu wama antum lahu bikhazineena
And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water (in abundance), though ye are not the guardians of its stores. (Qur’an 15:22; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
The Arabic word used here is lawâqih, which is the plural of laqih, which means to impregnate or fecundate. In this context, impregnate means that the wind pushes the clouds together increasing the condensation that causes lightning and thus rain. (Ref: Dr. Zakir Naik)
Now that’s a fact not known to humans 1,425 years ago!
In fact, this is completely at variance with the prevailing notion in those times.
“In the seventh century BC, Thales of Miletus held the theory whereby the waters of the oceans, under the effects of winds were thrust towards the interiors of the continents; so the water fell upon the earth and penetrated into the soil. Plato shared these views and thought that the return of the waters to the oceans was via a great abyss, the ‘Tartarus’. This theory had many supporters until the Eighteenth century, one of whom was Descartes. Aristotle imagined that the water vapour from the soil condensed in cool mountain caverns and formed underground lakes that fed springs. He was followed by Seneca (1st Century AD) and many others... (The Bible, The Qur’an and Science-Dr. Maurice Bucaille)
A similar description is found in another verse:
Allahu allathee yursilu alrriyaha fatutheeru sahaban fayabsutuhu fee alssama-i kayfa yashao wayajAAaluhu kisafan fatara alwadqa yakhruju min khilalihi fa-itha asaba bihi man yashao min AAibadihi itha hum yastabshiroona
It is Allah Who sends the Winds, and they raise the Clouds: then does He spread them in the sky as He wills, and break them into fragments, until thou seest rain-drops issue from the midst thereof: then when He has made them reach such of his servants as He wills behold, they do rejoice! (Qur’an 30:48; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
A complete description of the water cycle, which confirms to latest research on hydrology.
And another one which refers to the entire description of the water cycle, and refers to the electric charge of lightning in a simple way.
Alam tara anna Allaha yuzjee sahaban thumma yu-allifu baynahu thumma yajAAaluhu rukaman fatara alwadqa yakhruju min khilalihi wayunazzilu mina alssama-i min jibalin feeha min baradin fayuseebu bihi man yashao wayasrifuhu AAan man yashao yakadu sana barqihi yathhabu bial-absari
Seest thou not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? - then wilt thou see rain issue forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail: He strikes therewith whom He pleases and He turns it away from whom He pleases, the vivid flash of His lightning well-nigh blinds the sight. (Qur’an 24:43; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
There are many more such references which confirm to the miracle that is the Qur’an being the word of my Lord. One can go on and on – about the water cycle, about geology, about astronomy, about the animal kingdom, and - most interestingly - about human embryology...
Aah, human embryology! Now that’s something that was discovered only in our lifetime! And now we’re talking about things that are invisible to the naked eye - and there were no microscopes in the 6th century AD.
So, let me end this post with one of my favourite verses:
Fabi-ayyi ala-i rabbikuma tukaththiban
Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny? Sura Rehman (Qur’an 55:13; Translation by Yusuf Ali)
(References and Acknowledgements: Al Qur’an; The Qur’aan and Modern Science-Compatible or Incompatible by Dr. Zakir Naik; The Qur’an-Knowledge and Science by A. Abdallah; The Bible, The Qur’an and Science by Dr. Maurice Bucaille)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Who writes your script?
"Who writes your script?", Graham Gooch had asked about Ian Botham, way back in 1986.
Fast forward to 2009, and the eternal scriptwriter sitting up there has written another improbable one.
Two countries, torn by internal conflicts and ethnic strife. One country facing a virtual seige by other cricket playing countries due to safety reasons, the other country empathising and agreeing to undertake a tour, and mid-way through the tour, their team bus gets attacked by terrorists!
Months later, these countries playing in a World Cup final!
How much more poetic can you get?
Congratulations, Younus Khan and Kumara Sangakkara, for the lovely game of cricket and for the spirit in which it was played considering the recent history.
A lot of us (myself included, I must confess) had not counted on Pakistan and Sri Lanka contesting the finals. But then, were we wrong? In the short history of this format of the game, these are the two best countries. After all, a 77% W/L record for Pakistan and a 70% W/L record for SL is not something to be sneezed at, is it?
Compare that to India. Notwithstanding our last championship win, we just have a 56% W/L record, and are 5th in the placings. (Count that 4th, because Netherlands with 3 wins out of 5 are statistically above us).
And yet; we eat, drink, sleep and dream only cricket.
An indication of this - on the day when the T20 World Cup final took place, another momentous event in Indian sport unfolded on the other side of the world. Saina Nehwal won the Indonesian Open Super Series badminton title beating the World No.3 in the final. Saina herself is ranked 8, and aims to be in the top 5 by the end of this year.
Here’s a little analysis of the coverage given to each event by 3 major English broadsheet dailies in Mumbai.
Look at that – an Indian winning a major sport played across the world had much lesser coverage than a sport played by a handful of countries, and where India was already out.
I wish I could do a comparison of TV channels too, simply because I flipped through news channels for about 45 minutes this morning, and could find news coverage, scrollers etc. repeating T20 ad nauseum, but not a single mention of Saina Nehwal’s victory.
We keep mentioning about how we need to promote sports other than cricket, but when it comes to practicing what one preaches, it is obvious that TV channels and mainstream English dailies (with the exception of DNA) are way behind.
Apart from a Paes, Bhupathi, Sania and Anand, it is rare to see a mention of any sportsperson other than a cricketer. And that was also after they became too big to be ignored.
We write in salacious details about Dhoni’s and Yuvraj’s love lives, but we are mum when it comes to the sporting achievements of champions in other sports. Net result – most people would not even know the names of sportsmen who have brought laurels to the country in their sports.
Don’t believe me? Here’s a test. I am mentioning the names of 29 Indian sportspersons who are champions at their respective sports. Let’s see how many can you guess?
Abhinav Bindra, Akhil Kumar, Al Lakra, Anjali Bhagwat, Anju Bobby George, Anwar Sultan, Armaan Ebrahim, Dinesh Kumar, Jaspal Rana, Jayanta Talukdar, Jitender Kumar, Karan Malik, Koneru Humpy, Limba Ram (he lives in a garage today), Mahesh Chandran Panchanathan, Manavjit Singh, Mangal Singh Champia, Mansher Singh, Mary Kom, P Harikrishna, Parimarjan Negi, Parthiva Sureshwaren, Rahul Banerjee, Ravi Dixit, Sandipan Chanda, Saurav Ghosal, Suranjoy Singh, Tania Sachdev, Vijender Singh
I rest my case. Thank You.
Fast forward to 2009, and the eternal scriptwriter sitting up there has written another improbable one.
Two countries, torn by internal conflicts and ethnic strife. One country facing a virtual seige by other cricket playing countries due to safety reasons, the other country empathising and agreeing to undertake a tour, and mid-way through the tour, their team bus gets attacked by terrorists!
Months later, these countries playing in a World Cup final!
How much more poetic can you get?
Congratulations, Younus Khan and Kumara Sangakkara, for the lovely game of cricket and for the spirit in which it was played considering the recent history.
A lot of us (myself included, I must confess) had not counted on Pakistan and Sri Lanka contesting the finals. But then, were we wrong? In the short history of this format of the game, these are the two best countries. After all, a 77% W/L record for Pakistan and a 70% W/L record for SL is not something to be sneezed at, is it?
Compare that to India. Notwithstanding our last championship win, we just have a 56% W/L record, and are 5th in the placings. (Count that 4th, because Netherlands with 3 wins out of 5 are statistically above us).
And yet; we eat, drink, sleep and dream only cricket.
An indication of this - on the day when the T20 World Cup final took place, another momentous event in Indian sport unfolded on the other side of the world. Saina Nehwal won the Indonesian Open Super Series badminton title beating the World No.3 in the final. Saina herself is ranked 8, and aims to be in the top 5 by the end of this year.
Here’s a little analysis of the coverage given to each event by 3 major English broadsheet dailies in Mumbai.
Look at that – an Indian winning a major sport played across the world had much lesser coverage than a sport played by a handful of countries, and where India was already out.
I wish I could do a comparison of TV channels too, simply because I flipped through news channels for about 45 minutes this morning, and could find news coverage, scrollers etc. repeating T20 ad nauseum, but not a single mention of Saina Nehwal’s victory.
We keep mentioning about how we need to promote sports other than cricket, but when it comes to practicing what one preaches, it is obvious that TV channels and mainstream English dailies (with the exception of DNA) are way behind.
Apart from a Paes, Bhupathi, Sania and Anand, it is rare to see a mention of any sportsperson other than a cricketer. And that was also after they became too big to be ignored.
We write in salacious details about Dhoni’s and Yuvraj’s love lives, but we are mum when it comes to the sporting achievements of champions in other sports. Net result – most people would not even know the names of sportsmen who have brought laurels to the country in their sports.
Don’t believe me? Here’s a test. I am mentioning the names of 29 Indian sportspersons who are champions at their respective sports. Let’s see how many can you guess?
Abhinav Bindra, Akhil Kumar, Al Lakra, Anjali Bhagwat, Anju Bobby George, Anwar Sultan, Armaan Ebrahim, Dinesh Kumar, Jaspal Rana, Jayanta Talukdar, Jitender Kumar, Karan Malik, Koneru Humpy, Limba Ram (he lives in a garage today), Mahesh Chandran Panchanathan, Manavjit Singh, Mangal Singh Champia, Mansher Singh, Mary Kom, P Harikrishna, Parimarjan Negi, Parthiva Sureshwaren, Rahul Banerjee, Ravi Dixit, Sandipan Chanda, Saurav Ghosal, Suranjoy Singh, Tania Sachdev, Vijender Singh
I rest my case. Thank You.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Should Traffic Police be given incentives for fine collections?
As promised, I’m back this week – though without all the thoughts put together – I must confess!
Interestingly, there is an added incentive to me to really get angry and pour all my vitriol in this post. Between Friday and Sunday, the rear of my car was kissed twice; once by an auto and once by a Sumo. Thank Allah there was no major damage – just a few scratches.
So, let me start this blog with an incident that took place in Switzerland, about a decade ago. A colleague of mine – let’s call him Raj – was there in winter; around late Dec-early Jan. One night, he had to go to someone’s house for dinner. It was past midnight when he was returning, it was snowing heavily, there was not a soul on the roads – just him, and the taxi driver.
At a junction, the driver stopped. Raj exhorted him to move on, pointing out that there was not a single vehicle coming from any direction, not a single person, not even a stray dog! Added to it, the junction was not manned by any policeman or a camera. Yet the driver refused to move till the signal turned green!
Imagine, stopping at a red signal knowing fully well that there is no problem if he jumped it! When Raj asked him, all that the driver had to say was “There was a red signal and I had to obey it”.
This was one extreme example of people obeying traffic rules. On the other hand, I have seen instances abroad where drivers were caught and fined for a simple offence like moving on to the shoulder of the road, when not allowed. The stick ensured compliance.
Moving from that, why is our mentality related to traffic the way it is? With the clarity of distance (Thank You, David Rock and RCS) and asking the 5 Why’s (Thank You, Sakichi Toyoda San), let’s try to understand it.
So, the fact is that we break traffic rules with impunity
Why – Because everyone else does it
Why – Because we know we can get away with it
Why – Because we can bribe the policeman
Why – Because he is underpaid. (I read somewhere once that a ‘gataari kaamgar’ – a person who cleans the drains – in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation has a higher salary than a constable. Can someone please remind me of the reference or correct me if I’m wrong?)
Got that in 4 why’s.
There is also another way to look at it.
So, the fact is that we break traffic rules with impunity
Why – Because everyone else does it
Why – Because we know we can get away with it
Why – Because there would be no policeman to catch us
Why – Because there are not enough policemen. (Tried opening the website of the Mumbai police to ascertain the number. Most pages do not open! Finally, on one page, I read this line – “The Traffic Control Branch has now grown to a strength of over 2,000” (Ref: http://www.mumbaipolice.org/traffic/org_fun7.htm) . And the Navi Mumbai Traffic Police chart shows a staff strength of 277. Yes, you read right, just 277. (Ref: http://www.trafficpolicemumbai.org/Navi%20Mumbai%20Traffic%20Police%20Zones%20&chowkies.htm)
Again, got that in 4.
Imagine, 2,277 policemen, including inspectors, senior policemen et al, for an area comprising the entire population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!!!
Have a heart, folks, for the overworked and underpaid policeman.
So, in short, policemen accept bribes because they are overworked; and because they are underpaid. In other words, monetarily dissatisfied. And here is an easy way out to earn some additional bucks, and possibly get back in some oblique way at the establishment.
So, why don’t we give them their due – and in the right way?
Just a thought. Increase fines to high levels, such that people will think not twice, but multiple times, about breaking rules. I mean, Rs.1,000 for driving in the wrong lane (I’d love to see those truckers on Vashi Bridge lining up), Rs.3,000 for overspeeding, Rs.5,000 for a jumping a red light...
And have an incentive scheme for the policeman – just like most salespeople have. 25% straight on every fine earned for the policeman, 5% for the superior officer. Keep 20% for quarterly incentives for the policeman / police station. That still leaves 50% of the amount that goes to the kitty of the traffic police for modernisation etc. Make all this amount tax free, and have strong rules on policemen caught over-charging commuters – or worse still, yet accepting bribes. A simple rule – dishonourable discharge.
Have surprise checks to ensure compliance, and get the college youth involved in this. NSS – here’s a chance to do something really visible, and earn grace marks.
What say, folks? We could put our collective heads together and present it as a case to the Jt. CP – Traffic. Simple, implementable thoughts on traffic management, including possibly-
Incentive schemes for policemen
Alternate days for vehicles to come on the roads
No four wheeler with only one driver / passenger in the morning / evening peak drive times to be allowed
Come to think of it – hologrammed number plates installed directly by the traffic police. Revenue for the police, and a way out of the number plate mess that we have. Incidentally, have you noticed, most cars having ‘fancy’ / regional number plates also have a symbol of one of the four major political parties?
Maybe it could be a way out of the mess that we have, maybe not. Maybe there would be all the bureaucratic rigmarole that would drag us down, maybe not. But we would never know till we try, right?
So folks, I’m adding two polls to this post. Do you think that incentivising policemen for fine collection is a viable idea, and should we take up some similar thoughts and present them to the Jt. CP – Traffic. I shall look forward to your comments and your votes.
Interestingly, there is an added incentive to me to really get angry and pour all my vitriol in this post. Between Friday and Sunday, the rear of my car was kissed twice; once by an auto and once by a Sumo. Thank Allah there was no major damage – just a few scratches.
So, let me start this blog with an incident that took place in Switzerland, about a decade ago. A colleague of mine – let’s call him Raj – was there in winter; around late Dec-early Jan. One night, he had to go to someone’s house for dinner. It was past midnight when he was returning, it was snowing heavily, there was not a soul on the roads – just him, and the taxi driver.
At a junction, the driver stopped. Raj exhorted him to move on, pointing out that there was not a single vehicle coming from any direction, not a single person, not even a stray dog! Added to it, the junction was not manned by any policeman or a camera. Yet the driver refused to move till the signal turned green!
Imagine, stopping at a red signal knowing fully well that there is no problem if he jumped it! When Raj asked him, all that the driver had to say was “There was a red signal and I had to obey it”.
This was one extreme example of people obeying traffic rules. On the other hand, I have seen instances abroad where drivers were caught and fined for a simple offence like moving on to the shoulder of the road, when not allowed. The stick ensured compliance.
Moving from that, why is our mentality related to traffic the way it is? With the clarity of distance (Thank You, David Rock and RCS) and asking the 5 Why’s (Thank You, Sakichi Toyoda San), let’s try to understand it.
So, the fact is that we break traffic rules with impunity
Why – Because everyone else does it
Why – Because we know we can get away with it
Why – Because we can bribe the policeman
Why – Because he is underpaid. (I read somewhere once that a ‘gataari kaamgar’ – a person who cleans the drains – in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation has a higher salary than a constable. Can someone please remind me of the reference or correct me if I’m wrong?)
Got that in 4 why’s.
There is also another way to look at it.
So, the fact is that we break traffic rules with impunity
Why – Because everyone else does it
Why – Because we know we can get away with it
Why – Because there would be no policeman to catch us
Why – Because there are not enough policemen. (Tried opening the website of the Mumbai police to ascertain the number. Most pages do not open! Finally, on one page, I read this line – “The Traffic Control Branch has now grown to a strength of over 2,000” (Ref: http://www.mumbaipolice.org/traffic/org_fun7.htm) . And the Navi Mumbai Traffic Police chart shows a staff strength of 277. Yes, you read right, just 277. (Ref: http://www.trafficpolicemumbai.org/Navi%20Mumbai%20Traffic%20Police%20Zones%20&chowkies.htm)
Again, got that in 4.
Imagine, 2,277 policemen, including inspectors, senior policemen et al, for an area comprising the entire population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!!!
Have a heart, folks, for the overworked and underpaid policeman.
So, in short, policemen accept bribes because they are overworked; and because they are underpaid. In other words, monetarily dissatisfied. And here is an easy way out to earn some additional bucks, and possibly get back in some oblique way at the establishment.
So, why don’t we give them their due – and in the right way?
Just a thought. Increase fines to high levels, such that people will think not twice, but multiple times, about breaking rules. I mean, Rs.1,000 for driving in the wrong lane (I’d love to see those truckers on Vashi Bridge lining up), Rs.3,000 for overspeeding, Rs.5,000 for a jumping a red light...
And have an incentive scheme for the policeman – just like most salespeople have. 25% straight on every fine earned for the policeman, 5% for the superior officer. Keep 20% for quarterly incentives for the policeman / police station. That still leaves 50% of the amount that goes to the kitty of the traffic police for modernisation etc. Make all this amount tax free, and have strong rules on policemen caught over-charging commuters – or worse still, yet accepting bribes. A simple rule – dishonourable discharge.
Have surprise checks to ensure compliance, and get the college youth involved in this. NSS – here’s a chance to do something really visible, and earn grace marks.
What say, folks? We could put our collective heads together and present it as a case to the Jt. CP – Traffic. Simple, implementable thoughts on traffic management, including possibly-
Incentive schemes for policemen
Alternate days for vehicles to come on the roads
No four wheeler with only one driver / passenger in the morning / evening peak drive times to be allowed
Come to think of it – hologrammed number plates installed directly by the traffic police. Revenue for the police, and a way out of the number plate mess that we have. Incidentally, have you noticed, most cars having ‘fancy’ / regional number plates also have a symbol of one of the four major political parties?
Maybe it could be a way out of the mess that we have, maybe not. Maybe there would be all the bureaucratic rigmarole that would drag us down, maybe not. But we would never know till we try, right?
So folks, I’m adding two polls to this post. Do you think that incentivising policemen for fine collection is a viable idea, and should we take up some similar thoughts and present them to the Jt. CP – Traffic. I shall look forward to your comments and your votes.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Finally, some action by the Municipal Authorities
Finally, all the roads around our house are being re-laid and paved. Even the broken drainage pipe near our house has been replaced. :-)
I’d like to believe that the blog worked, but it was more due to the efforts of my mother and my wife. I’ve lost count of the times they went to the Ward Office, called up the Ward Officer and other officers and generally made sure that their voices were heard.
They do really deserve a treat for this!
And Waseem, you’re right in your comment about our mentality related to traffic. Your comment has brought to the fore some thoughts that have been simmering at the back of my mind for quite a while now.
I’m going to try and put them in some semblance of order by next week. A couple of them sound a bit radical to me, and I would like the opinion of all of you on whether I should take them beyond the blog into some sort of action.
Watch this post next week.
I’d like to believe that the blog worked, but it was more due to the efforts of my mother and my wife. I’ve lost count of the times they went to the Ward Office, called up the Ward Officer and other officers and generally made sure that their voices were heard.
They do really deserve a treat for this!
And Waseem, you’re right in your comment about our mentality related to traffic. Your comment has brought to the fore some thoughts that have been simmering at the back of my mind for quite a while now.
I’m going to try and put them in some semblance of order by next week. A couple of them sound a bit radical to me, and I would like the opinion of all of you on whether I should take them beyond the blog into some sort of action.
Watch this post next week.
Impinging upon a media planner's work
Was at a meeting with some media planners last week, trying to convince them that they should use our media vehicle for their plans, when one of the young planners turned around and asked me, “Mubin, do you really think we’re not convinced about your publication?” When I answered that I believed they were quite convinced, he queried next, “And do you think we would not take it if we had the choice?”
And that had me stumped!
I mean, it is an unspoken truth that media planners are arguably the most overworked and least paid group in advertising. And here was a young planner who was now hinting (and overtly – I might add - in the ensuing discussion) that there were not only pressures from the client, but also otherwise, that were impinging upon his work.
Media Planning has seen a huge exodus over the past few years, to the extent that most agencies are now working with a couple of senior level people, and then a lot of ‘bachchas’. Clients are screaming about the lack of quality; and we all know the reasons why – and are turning a blind eye to it, in the immediate interest – the here and now.
And now this new angle, which I could clearly see was turning a young (2-3 years of work experience) media planner into a cynic.
I’m afraid, very afraid!!!
And that had me stumped!
I mean, it is an unspoken truth that media planners are arguably the most overworked and least paid group in advertising. And here was a young planner who was now hinting (and overtly – I might add - in the ensuing discussion) that there were not only pressures from the client, but also otherwise, that were impinging upon his work.
Media Planning has seen a huge exodus over the past few years, to the extent that most agencies are now working with a couple of senior level people, and then a lot of ‘bachchas’. Clients are screaming about the lack of quality; and we all know the reasons why – and are turning a blind eye to it, in the immediate interest – the here and now.
And now this new angle, which I could clearly see was turning a young (2-3 years of work experience) media planner into a cynic.
I’m afraid, very afraid!!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Traffic Signals
Maybe it is the initial rush of thoughts that were in my mind over the past few weeks, but here’s another post, despite promising myself that I would post only once a week – so that there’s no writer’s block.
For the Mumbaikars, have you noticed how people start moving their vehicles slowly ahead at the traffic signals? Especially the motorcyclists and auto rickshaw drivers, who are normally halfway through the road even at the red light, jamming up the oncoming traffic.
Idling at those signals, I always wonder why they do this. And is there some way that we can stop it.
And I realised that one of the key reasons why they do it is actually the placement of the signal. Nearly all our junctions have two sets of traffic lights – sometimes even three. One set is placed at the spot where traffic ought to stop – at the stop line. And the second is placed on the opposite side of the road – on the other stop line of the oncoming traffic.
People can see that light, and hence start moving ahead even earlier, knowing fully well that they will possibly be the first to move when it turns green.
Add to that the LED informing us about the time left, and we have given our local Schumachers all the incentive they need to start breaking the rules on the stop line.
Just wondering – would it not be helpful if those indicators and the second set of signal lights were removed from all junctions? To some extent, the drivers who move forward may wait as they won’t be able to see the signal change. And secondly, for whatever it is worth, electricity consumption by the traffic signals would be down by half.
For the Mumbaikars, have you noticed how people start moving their vehicles slowly ahead at the traffic signals? Especially the motorcyclists and auto rickshaw drivers, who are normally halfway through the road even at the red light, jamming up the oncoming traffic.
Idling at those signals, I always wonder why they do this. And is there some way that we can stop it.
And I realised that one of the key reasons why they do it is actually the placement of the signal. Nearly all our junctions have two sets of traffic lights – sometimes even three. One set is placed at the spot where traffic ought to stop – at the stop line. And the second is placed on the opposite side of the road – on the other stop line of the oncoming traffic.
People can see that light, and hence start moving ahead even earlier, knowing fully well that they will possibly be the first to move when it turns green.
Add to that the LED informing us about the time left, and we have given our local Schumachers all the incentive they need to start breaking the rules on the stop line.
Just wondering – would it not be helpful if those indicators and the second set of signal lights were removed from all junctions? To some extent, the drivers who move forward may wait as they won’t be able to see the signal change. And secondly, for whatever it is worth, electricity consumption by the traffic signals would be down by half.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thank You
Thank you everyone, Thanks a ton for your comments, advice and words of encouragement!
I can’t name a single person as the e-mails were too numerous, and writing individual names would take up a lot of space.
A heartfelt thanks to all of you again!
Normally, whenever someone does something, there is an inspiration behind it – or a reason.
One of the inspirations behind me starting a blog is a young lady who I have never met; who I don’t even know.
One fine day, a long time ago, I got an e-mail from my cousin Junaid, which was a forward from this young lady, who had a question. While replying to it, I also marked a cc to this lady. Since then, I’ve been an avid reader of her blog.
Thank You, Ms. Mifrah Abid.
People may want to visit her blog - http://mifrahabid.wordpress.com/
I can’t name a single person as the e-mails were too numerous, and writing individual names would take up a lot of space.
A heartfelt thanks to all of you again!
Normally, whenever someone does something, there is an inspiration behind it – or a reason.
One of the inspirations behind me starting a blog is a young lady who I have never met; who I don’t even know.
One fine day, a long time ago, I got an e-mail from my cousin Junaid, which was a forward from this young lady, who had a question. While replying to it, I also marked a cc to this lady. Since then, I’ve been an avid reader of her blog.
Thank You, Ms. Mifrah Abid.
People may want to visit her blog - http://mifrahabid.wordpress.com/
Thursday, May 21, 2009
My first blog - with thanks
Hi there everyone!
After weeks of deliberating, here's my first blog. Just an introduction about myself and what my blogs are going to be all about -
I'm pretty bad at introducing myself, but still, here goes.
Mubin Khan, 41 years old, stay in Navi Mumbai, work in Mumbai in Media Sales. Also have worked as a media planner and media buyer, and dabbled in research. Like my field of work (media), like cricket (most Indians do - yawn!), passionate about Islam and about religions (have studied comparative religions - Hinduism and Christianity). Get hugely irritated about a lot of things that one sees on the streets daily - and you'll soon know what I mean by this.
Enough of I, me, myself. Here's what my blogs are going to be about-
I'm going to write about topics that concern me - and make me the person I am. Also, about things that bug me, and things that hopefully I can do something about - change for the better, hopefully. These would mainly cover my country, city, religion, work and passions. So there you are - my blogs would cover India, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, Islam, Media (planning, buying, selling and research) and training and coaching.
It is an accepted fact that people generally like to inaugurate any new venture at the hands of some VIP or the other; whether a film star or a politician. And then there are all the "Thank You" speeches. So why should I be different? Let me also inaugurate this blog with none other than the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra. And here's my "Thank You" speech...
Thank You, Mr. CM, for giving us a dream - a dream of the city of the 21st century! And thanks for giving us such amazing reasons in the last century to convince me to move here - lock, stock and two smoking barrels!
Thanks, Mr. CM - for giving us this amazing city, where there is no electricity for 3 hours daily. Thanks for preparing our children for the harsh world that awaits them.
Thanks Sir, for giving us training for the Moto GP through the dug up roads. The road between Sectors 5 and 6, Koparkhairane is dug for the past 2 months, ostensibly to put in a new water pipeline. I'm not exaggerating - 2 tankers have nearly overturned, 1 truck had its load thrown off, a lady broke her leg, and the road is not repaired yet! Hutments have sprung up, local goons have already broken the pipeline and started stealing water - and all this within 300 meters from the Ward Office, and the Ward Officers do not know!
Thank You for the video parlour and liquor store within 20 meters from a school (I thought there was some law about it somewhere?). Makes life so easy for all of us, na!
And we are seeing this daily and grinning and bearing it! Thank You, Mr. CM, for teaching us patience!
Thank You Sir, for the unruly auto rickshaw drivers who stop as they wish, using 3/4th of the road (no jokes!!!) leaving less than a lane for traffic at Teen Tanki, right outside the police chowky, while there is not a single policeman to be seen!
Thank You Sir, for the 90 minute drive from office weaving through trucks and tourist buses who make it a point to use 2 lanes on the right side at Vashi Bridge, while there is a police van standing right at the start of the bridge.
And lastly, Thank You Sir, for charging me Rs.30 everytime I have to go into Mumbai and Rs.30 everytime I return home (which is daily), just for the privilege of staying in this wonderful city of the 21st century.
(Disclaimer: This is not a personal note to the present CM. He was not even in politics when I was swayed to move to this city. And also, despite all the above, Navi Mumbai is a lovely place to be in - just get used to sharing your living space with stray dogs and mosquitoes - that's all!)
After weeks of deliberating, here's my first blog. Just an introduction about myself and what my blogs are going to be all about -
I'm pretty bad at introducing myself, but still, here goes.
Mubin Khan, 41 years old, stay in Navi Mumbai, work in Mumbai in Media Sales. Also have worked as a media planner and media buyer, and dabbled in research. Like my field of work (media), like cricket (most Indians do - yawn!), passionate about Islam and about religions (have studied comparative religions - Hinduism and Christianity). Get hugely irritated about a lot of things that one sees on the streets daily - and you'll soon know what I mean by this.
Enough of I, me, myself. Here's what my blogs are going to be about-
I'm going to write about topics that concern me - and make me the person I am. Also, about things that bug me, and things that hopefully I can do something about - change for the better, hopefully. These would mainly cover my country, city, religion, work and passions. So there you are - my blogs would cover India, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, Islam, Media (planning, buying, selling and research) and training and coaching.
It is an accepted fact that people generally like to inaugurate any new venture at the hands of some VIP or the other; whether a film star or a politician. And then there are all the "Thank You" speeches. So why should I be different? Let me also inaugurate this blog with none other than the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra. And here's my "Thank You" speech...
Thank You, Mr. CM, for giving us a dream - a dream of the city of the 21st century! And thanks for giving us such amazing reasons in the last century to convince me to move here - lock, stock and two smoking barrels!
Thanks, Mr. CM - for giving us this amazing city, where there is no electricity for 3 hours daily. Thanks for preparing our children for the harsh world that awaits them.
Thanks Sir, for giving us training for the Moto GP through the dug up roads. The road between Sectors 5 and 6, Koparkhairane is dug for the past 2 months, ostensibly to put in a new water pipeline. I'm not exaggerating - 2 tankers have nearly overturned, 1 truck had its load thrown off, a lady broke her leg, and the road is not repaired yet! Hutments have sprung up, local goons have already broken the pipeline and started stealing water - and all this within 300 meters from the Ward Office, and the Ward Officers do not know!
Thank You for the video parlour and liquor store within 20 meters from a school (I thought there was some law about it somewhere?). Makes life so easy for all of us, na!
And we are seeing this daily and grinning and bearing it! Thank You, Mr. CM, for teaching us patience!
Thank You Sir, for the unruly auto rickshaw drivers who stop as they wish, using 3/4th of the road (no jokes!!!) leaving less than a lane for traffic at Teen Tanki, right outside the police chowky, while there is not a single policeman to be seen!
Thank You Sir, for the 90 minute drive from office weaving through trucks and tourist buses who make it a point to use 2 lanes on the right side at Vashi Bridge, while there is a police van standing right at the start of the bridge.
And lastly, Thank You Sir, for charging me Rs.30 everytime I have to go into Mumbai and Rs.30 everytime I return home (which is daily), just for the privilege of staying in this wonderful city of the 21st century.
(Disclaimer: This is not a personal note to the present CM. He was not even in politics when I was swayed to move to this city. And also, despite all the above, Navi Mumbai is a lovely place to be in - just get used to sharing your living space with stray dogs and mosquitoes - that's all!)
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