Thursday, January 30, 2014

Destiny

Michael Schumacher, one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, recently met with a freak accident while skiing in the French Alps. A tragic incident for the seven-time world champion who is now battling for his life at the Grenoble University Hospital, France.

This news came as a shock for many. Even for those who do not watch Formula One. Plausibly because Schumacher is a much loved figure all across the world. People have atleast heard of his achievements and know what that man stands for.

I remember when I first read this news, it deeply saddened me. Formula One is one of the many sports I follow and am undeniably in complete awe of.I have always admired the F1 drivers zooming past on the circuit at the speed of almost 350 km/hr , lying in uncomfortable sleeping positions and taking as many as about 50 laps on an average.I believe their focus, stamina and control is extremely commendable and worthy of several praises.I personally think, this sport is a spectacular display of the superiority of  'man' as a living species (read: scientific connotations).Be it the constructors pulling together a great machine or the drivers displaying unnerving grit - a huge amount of detailing and finesse goes into making an F1 race possible.This demand for perfection and little room for mistakes makes it one of the most gripping sports we have today.

I would love to watch an F1 race live. Silverstone is my favourite circuit.Yes,my dream is to watch a race at Silverstone (^_^).

Anyway, this post is titled Destiny.So, lets get to the point. The other day,we were having a casual discussion about Schumacher's accident and how tragic it was.At this juncture, someone commented,' usko woh dangerous area mein skiing karne ki zaroorat hi kya thi?'( Why did he have to go skiing in that dangerous area at all ?).For that moment, that particular line, struck a deep chord in my head.It made me wonder how we human beings live in a lot of fear. It also made me wonder about how, if anything has to happen it will happen.Good or bad. Michael Schumacher has been flirting with danger for most of his life racing in the sports arena with little margin for error.However,he has repeatedly emerged victorious.It is only ironic that skiing with his son, a seemingly harmless activity, would bring him down on his knees.Life is funny in many ways.

Destiny, we call it.Does it exist? Does it not? Debatable.There are the doers and then there are the believers.And then there are both.I guess I belong to the category of both. In my growing years, I was a doer.I 'believed' that if I 'worked' for it there is no way I wouldn't get it.I think it still faintly exists,somewhere within me - waiting to be rekindled or wanting to completely die down? I don't know.

But, there is one thing I surely know of - men who live with glory (not necessarily fame) are essentially the ones who are fighters. Schumacher does not deserve to live in a vegetative state.He does not deserve to die like that either. I want to see him back on his feet again and sincerely wish him a speedy recovery. A fellow Capricorn that he is, the goat is slow but fiercely steady and will always make it (Amen).



Silverstone

-Mobius Strip


Sunday, January 26, 2014

Republic Day Celebrations

I woke up early morning to the sound of the television showing the Republic Day Parade at Delhi.We celebrate our 65th Republic Day this year and India has definitely come a long way.Or has it?

The significance of Republic Day dates back to 26th November 1949 when the Constitution of India was passed by the Constituent Assembly chaired by B.R. Ambedkar. However, it was chosen to be adopted on 26th January 1950 because this date was earlier associated with declaration of Complete Independence by the Indian National Congress (INC). A bite of history we learnt during school and I like to believe, every Indian knows about. 

For me, these national holidays always serve as a reminder of our past.Of our pre-independence struggle and the valiant leaders our country had given birth to. It also serves as a stark contrast of how we had leaders who could die for the nation back then and the kind of leaders we have today :- who would kill for power.

As, I watched the parade, a sense of patriotism, which has conveniently died down in many of us, flickered through my heart. The display of our cultural diversity and military prowess was certainly impressive.It is a fact we know but lies layered and hidden in our sub-conscious. However, one cannot live on past glories and there is a want for better things amongst the people of the nation today.We are a nation juggling with many issues like corruption, poverty and discontent.So,when the flag unfurled for the national anthem, I wondered, how significant is this Republic Day show, anymore? A sentiment echoed by Mr. Arvind Kejriwal too and I whole-heartedly agree with him. The media is busy labeling him as an anarchist. Really? I don't think they understand what anarchy means.However, we'll leave that for another post.

Anyway, this is not a gyaan post about how we should turn patriotic and die at the border.We should do our bit, in our own way and they will all combine together, I believe.

I have always been interested in politics, our history and how the nation is run. It is a dream to watch the Republic Day Parade live in Delhi ,and I know someday I will do it. Also, when I see people wearing Bob Marley or Che-Guevara T-shirts, I feel I want to get a Bhagat Singh T-shirt from somewhere too and wear it. This is another dream and if anyone knows where we get one, please let me know.

There is nothing wrong in crossing borders or growing in life.But, if there is something we should learn then it is to respect ourselves. Modernization is definitely not westernization. It is growing as individuals and not aping others.

Well, any national day should be marked with a patriotic song.So, here's the best one according to me, from a jewel we have in our backyard :)





-Mobius Strip



Saturday, January 25, 2014

Because change is inevitable

It is funny how life changes slowly. How things around you change.And how you end up changing yourself.
Life is a test or a struggle, so do people say. Must be right. But then, people say a lot of things. It is even stranger how, when you are younger you are so sure of everything. But as days pass by, you're full of doubts about everything happening around.

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The past few weeks have been very hectic for me. One can say I almost have no social life .I commute a long way to work and in the evening crash back home to sleep. Sounds simple. But that's not all I do when I get home.I always end up having other assignments which I need to finish. And these aren't mundane tasks.They require energy and creativity. I cant gather any brains to do them well. Nevertheless, they have to be done.So, I do them. After dinner. Or before dinner.And, then sleep, all dead. Wake up.Repeat.

No, this is not a rant post.Life is not monotonous.It is a little hectic with no time for self.

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It was my birthday recently. All those people who would wish me ten years ago, wished me yet again this time.It is heartwarming. Having people who don't need Facebook to remember your birthday. And distance doesn't matter either.
                                                 
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Talking about change.Yes, I have changed. Change is not bad.It is only essential to be in-charge. And to be yourself and express. Expression is something I have learnt over the years. Which reminds me, I haven't written a poem for long. Plus, I guess, I should begin Mobius Strip.There is so much to be written about.

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Let me end it with this.You always cut the branch that spreads the poison and save the rest of the tree.
                                                                                                 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Pictures with no names

Because I like to click. And these are special pictures from my humble phone camera.


Bestest place on the planet


Twilight


My window


Flea market


Misfit


Makes me proud!

Beautiful people


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