Samshayam (Telugu Poem)

Udhyamanga maarinavu oorakundaku sodara

Ooguthunna jandaani nuvvu aapakinka vaddura

Jeevithala vaththi nuvvu jaaraveeya maakura

Janamu chenta cherinaaru jayamu neede saagara

Daari maaku chupi nuvvu aaguthavu eelara

Denikayina sidhaminkaa, venuka manaku leedura

Kastamaina nastamaina kalasi neetho memura

Saaguthunna neeru matram samudranni cherada

Neeku saati leru evaru neeru karaku nesthama

needa laaga venta memu anda neeku undama

Vithananni naatinavu Vrukshamaipoyera

Veera matha muddubidda viplavanga maarara!

Rational Dilemma

Rational Dilemma:

1. i may die now - this moment, 20 years from now, 40 years from now
2. I have to exist until I die (assuming I am not choosing my death, a rational choice..or is it?)
3. To exist..I need to survive. So I create. I create to survive and while I am creating, I will also create surplus
4. I create surplus because of uncertainty. I don't know how much I need to survive, so I hedge my risk and create surplus. I also create surplus because I want to share (pure sharing without expecting anything in return, you may beg to differ)
5. I create wealth (material) and knowledge (ideas)
6. Wealth helps me survive. Surplus I share and it helps others survive. In the end all wealth does is help someone or other survive. But everyone dies - in this moment, or 20 years from now or 40 years from now or whatever.
7. But if we are all dying sooner or later and we keep on surviving till we die, what are we in for? So I create knowledge.
8. Knowledge helps me feel good while I survive my life. Knowledge is shared and helps everyone feel good while they survive their lives.
9. But as I die, from my point of reference..all the accumulated knowledge is lost for me, as I forget. (assuming there is a me after my death, I know I would have forgotten everything, because when I was born I knew nothing so when I am reborn I will know nothing. anyway is there a me after my death?)
10. To summarize: I have to exist, so I create wealth and survive. I survive and to feel good I create knowledge. As I die, wealth loses relevance anyway and knowledge seems to be lost as well. I exist & then I die. life seems so meaningless, unless there is something else to seek!! What is it that will last forever and worth seeking?

dooramaina daggaraya (Telugu)

Dooramaina daggaraya athidivayyi poyinava?

daari tappi nenemo jaada vethukutunnaanaya

kalisi unna mana rojulu kanta nerayi paruthunte

samayamemo intha lona cheekatayyi cheruvaye

eydakayya poyinadhi edupemo naaku vadhili

valasa teesukellinaava aalochanala kumpatini

aashayala chenta lona udhyamanga maarinave

aakasanni anta boyi nenu aavirayyi poyinane

marichipoyina naaku nuvvu jnapakanga migilinaave

endukayya aapaledu nannu vadili ninnu vellagane?

Okkadu Chalu (Telugu Poem)

Okkadante okkadu chalu
vidhirathalani maarchataniki
varada neetini aapataniki
aayakattu okkati chalu

Okkadante okkadu chalu
kanniru tudichi odarchataniki
chenta cherina chintalapa
manchi maata okkati chalu

okkadante okkadu chalu
ragilina raktam nippurava cheya
chikantantha chedurucheya
taarajuvva okkati chalu

okkadante okkadu chalu
baanisa bratukulu baagu cheya
neerukarina janamu nidduraleputa
veeraganamu mari okkati chalu

Labham (Telugu Poem)

Intha chesi emi labham
mari anthu varaku raakapothe
kalatha chendi mari emi labham
kanta neere kaarakapothe

kalisi undi emi labham
mari kalahame kadaku vasthe
kaatuketti mari emi labham
kanthi leni kallu unte

nijamu cheppi emi labham
mari nitturputho adi jaravesthe
hithavu kori mari emi labham
chethitho manchi paathi vesthe

prasnaladigi emi labham
mari alochinchaka oorakunte
nastamedi mari edi labham
santha lo nuvvu jantuvaithe

Simmering couldron

Fact sheet:

The medical students and junior doctors from the top 5 colleges in Delhi have been on hunger strike for almost 3 days now. Sitting under the canopy raised in front of the AIIMS teaching block, the 'youth for equalty', as they call themselves, have made sure their voice is heard loud and clear. Their demand: to roll back the extra-reservation. In a recent notification, AIIMS faculty has supported the cause of their pupils.

"We don't want extra-reservation. Roll it back," cry the placards and the sound box placed at the protest area. Posters that read "We will fight till the end. Your end," "We are left with no other choice. U.S and U.K here we come," "Teach a man how to fish and he will make a living, but give fish to a man and he will eat, drink and make merry," were spotted at the protest area. The demands of the medical students and junior doctors include forming a judicial committee to look into extra-reservation issue and taking action against the police involved in brutal action against the protesting students in Delhi, Mumbai and other places.

While Arjun Singh, the union minister for HRD isn't budging from his earlier stance of implementing 27 per cent reservation for the socially and educationally backward class (SEdBC) students in all central educational institutes, the protestors are getting support from various quarters. Medical students all over the country are now showing their support to their Delhi counterparts in some way or the other. Wearing black badges, boycotting classes and medical duty, strikes and rallies have been reported from Mumbai, Ahmedabad and other places. It is a known thing that even some cabinet colleagues of Arjun Singh are against SEdBC reservation. Kapil Sibal, union minister for Science & Technology has earlier stated his misgivings about the reservation move. In fact India Inc leaders too seem to be disinclined towards the government's proposal.

Amidst a massive protest by medical students, certain political quarters and industry, it is to be seen how much the government will stick to its reservation plan. It is now considered certain that a committee will be soon formed to control the damage happened so far and to appease the striking doctors.

My take:
Lost cause and caught in the crossfire

It is really amusing to see things the way they have been unfolding in the recent past. I must say, I was just one of those many people who have been caught in this crossfire. Nevertheless, I think I was lucky to see things from such close quarters. Staying at AIIMS, I was at the frontline where I could see the unfolding drama right from the wings.

It was 2 months ago that Arjun Singh told media about his plan to implement the second part of Mandal Commission's report. Very soon everyone was worried. 27 per cent reservation in premier institutes, some felt, would lead to degeneration of our institutes' standards and credibility. Some were worried that eligible graduates from general category would be on roads causing dissent and turbulence in the society. Some thought this move to be a political gimmick, a rabbit from the magician's hat shown to lure voters. (incidentally, 5 states were going to assembly polls at that time) Some cried foul and some fainted. Mainstream media kept carrying stories that showed how unfair reservations were. TV channels had a field day. Popping up at shopping malls and shoving mikes into people's faces, an anchor would question a wayfarer, "Pro reservation or anti-reservation?" Some reporters were even quizzing students who were on their way to the examination hall!

And then as things were getting boring for the media, few zealous medical students thought it was the right time to start a protest march. AIIMS medicos thought of meeting Arjun Singh 'personally' and submit a memorandum against reservations. But Mr. Singh thought differently. Well, there was a bit of confusion about how 'personally' one could submitting a memorandum. Hundreds of students marching towards his house was certainly not a 'personal gesture' for Mr. Singh, and the police, as usual eager to get a piece of action, started wiggling their batons. The constabulary didn't realise that they just made history and possibily would become history. Their strectching their arms with batons in their arms was not treated kindly by the students, and soon the students were on strike. Though what was their chief cause, whether it was the protest against reservation or against the brutal police action was lost in the war cries and candle light ceremonies (Thank you RDB, you have saved the candle making industry).

Soon the junior doctors thought it only fair to extend their support to the students. So, they stopped looking after patients and joined the holiday..err..hunger strike. Delhi was soon supported by Mumbai and other places. Senior doctors and consultants who were holidaying in those cool hill stations in Himalayas, were called back to take care of patients. Many cursed their fate but came back. It appears that they can't take it any more, (ahem!! I meant the reservation policy of govt. not looking after the patients) so they have notified their support to the movement. Possibly they too will join the movement. As for the patients, they are just folks caught in the crossfire! And for the media, it is simply going for the kill, and of course celebrating the mercurial TRPs.

I find it really hard to understand how 'youth for equality' suddenly sprang to action when the reservation proposal was made. I can't help but consider it as a reactionary move of an elite group trying to protect its interests. The confusion starts when they start claiming munificence and equality. It is a known fact that not even 5 per cent of these medical students come from SEdBCs. It is also a noted fact that the majority of manual labourers and workers in these deemed institutes are from the lower castes (lower classes?). Then, how can they claim they are fighting for equality? If only they can see the 'maya' of 'merit' and come out of it. Sometimes, I wonder if they are just rebels without a cause. It is really inspiring to see these young kids standing together and taking the government headlong. The protest area with their zealous slogans and songs like "Hum honge kaamiyaab.." (We shall win..) shows how much convinced they are about the righteousness of their path. If only they looked 180 degrees to get the other perspective. If only they cared to know that 54 per cent segment doesn't even get 5 per cent of seats in the educational institutes. If only they cared to know merit is nurtured and depends on various things, and that sometimes objective judgement is fallacious. If only they cared to know that the recent move will only help the SEdBCs get their just desserts.

The conspicuous absence of a pro-reservation lobby of students is another thing noted in this mega event of the year. (or the decade?) Where is the alternative voice? Are the SEdBCs who managed to get into these institutes against reservation, or silent, worried that a pro-reservation stance might raise eyebrows, or simply silenced? One would never know it, but the absence of protests from Delhi University and JNU (the socialist bastion) students at least shows that not all student fraternity is against reservation. They are just silent for the moment but hopefully they will come out soon to support reservations. Another noticeable fact is the serene South India, unfazed by the Capital's happenings. South India which already has reservations for SEdBCs in educational institutions seems to have already come to terms with reservations. And there is 'The Hindu' which has made sure it stood up and set the facts straight regarding reservations.

One feels that it is a matter of national concern when a segment of community has been ostracized for hundreds of years and still grappling to come into mainstream. It is the responsibility of government to ensure social welfare and reforms. The previous committees Kaka Kelkar (1955) and Mandal Commission (1980) have found it a need to reserve seats for SEdBCs in educational institutions. It is a pity it has been delayed so far. If reservations are considered a political ploy, it is high time one gives it a thought and think alternative ways of ensuring affirmative action rather than burying the skulls in the closet. It is high time the cause isn't lost and none are caught in the crossfire.

Saving Kaavya Viswanathan

"Well, to each his own. I chose my path, you chose the way of the hero. And they found you amusing for a while, the people of this city. But the one thing they love more than a hero is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying. In spite of everything you've done for them, eventually they will hate you. Why bother? "
-- Green Goblin to Spiderman in the movie Spiderman (2002)

The recent rise and fall of Kaavya Viswanathan as shown in the news media has made one wonder whether it is all about plagiarism or if there is something more to it. The story had all the right ingredients right from the beginning. A teenage success story that it was, talking about a young Harvard undergrad and how she makes it big in the bad bad world of publishing with her first novel - a chick lit - it very soon moved into much murkier waters. The same media that opulently praised Kaavya for her maiden success, savagely went for a kill after the rumours and confessions of plagiarism in her work.

In a story that appears too familiar and too obvious, one is awestruck by the way people's lives are ripped apart by the media, though initially to put them on a high altar, but only to be torn into pieces later. The glory and the ignominy go hand in hand. Nothing is spared by this juggernaut that crushes identities; identities that were initially created by it to be desecrated later. No doubt one wonders if Kaavya really deserved all this ignominy? Did she become a pawn used to attract eye-balls and sell copies of newspapers? Did she become an object to be used and thrown away as a piece of gossip in a boring party?

I guess no one deserves such a ruthless behaviour. It's time public images don't get into private lives of people and respect individuals' right to privacy. It's time media behaves sensibly and understand the kind of trauma a person might personally undergo because of all the bad publicity. At the same time what's now being termed Kaavya-Gate fiasco also shows how one's vanity that might cause one to allow media to tresspass that thin line between public life and private life can only lead to disgrace at the other end of the tunnel.

The problem with idol worship is, idols get broken.

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A blessing in disguise

Photo courtesy: fotosearch.com

It is really disappointing to see how things are going these days. Not that I am ever satisfied with anything. But, one look at the local television channels and one will understand what I am saying. If you thought I was alluding to those monstrosities called "soaps" that come 24*7 on television, well..you are god damn right.

After almost 4 years, I happened to take a long vacation (read 4 weeks) home. Of many things that I wished to do back home, the most important was of course taking the strategic control of the television remote. That choice of being able to flick the remote and loaf in the sofa in almost all of the yoga postures, while ordering mom to make this and that delicacy..mm..the taste of it, I was all set for nirvana. Well these were my thoughts when I boarded the train from Delhi to Hyderabad. In fact my joy knew no bounds when my younger bro said he can't come home this time around as he had project work to finish at his college. Well..how can I stay calm when everything was turning to my favour. I almost laughed with joy, but managed to present a disappointing look to my brother..though now i wonder if I saw a derisive smirk on my brother's face. Well, anyway I was in no position to understand what was in store for me back home this time.

Everyone has certain wishes. Certain fantasies and imagined situations one craves for, and I was no different. But this time home I realised that not every wish is wishful thinking. It happens that almost always I keep hearing my friends say how they are completely sucked into watching those melodramatic Telugu soaps at home, as their moms and sisters kept glued to the television. Though I thanked my stars that I got to see all my favourite shows, as my mom wouldn't care much for those soaps, there was this tiny wish that my mom too saw those soaps like the rest of the moms, even if it only meant that I got a chance to participate in those long tirades against the soaps that kept popping up in our gang's debates. Well..here was my wish being answered and I no way knew what I was into.

So as usual is my style..the first thing i did after reaching home was to head towards the couch and take control of the remote. As I was browsing the channels, it took me time to sink when my mom happily asked me to put channel 8. I did it in an inconsequential spur of a moment to sit facing a soap in Gemini TV! There was no way my mom would see a soap..or did she finally get transformed? No, no, it can't be. There must have been a mistake somewhere! Did I come to my home or did I mistake someone else's mom as my mom. I almost said sorry, took my bag and was leaving my home wondering whether one can even forget one's home and mom too that I heard a voice too familiar. That course baritone and omnipresent cough. It was my dad. I was shocked to see my dad and I blurted out, "Dad, how can you do such a thing?" All I got in response was a confused look and another cough. I tried to explicate, "Dad, after all these years of happy married life, how can you bring another lady home?" Well..I was still not convinced with my mom's assertiveness to take control of the television remote. Though I kept reading how the new wave of feminism and women's assertiveness of their rights was becoming a common thing in suburban India..I wasn't prepared for this happening to my mom. My dad replied after a beat, "Huh! I tried that too..but there are offers to get a new television set for a older one but none for moms!" I could see desperation in my old man.

Sometime back I read somewhere that taking control of family's finances meant taking control of the family. Not too far back in time, women used to struggle with their mensfolk so as to get the month's salary in their hands. This way they would have an edge and be on top of the power ladder. Well that's history now. What's happening now is the struggle for television remote. Television remote is now not just a means of watching your favourite shows but has become a means of dominance and asserting one's supremacy and individual rights. If a couple is having a bitter fight what do you think classifies one as the winner of the tussle? Shouting at the highest pitch?..well no one can beat a woman's tone, winning a verbal fight?..forget it if you think you can beat a woman's vocabulary of choicest words..they have an entire collection of them worth an encyclopedia, and don't even think of winning a physical fight..why do you think women grow nails for? Well, slamming the doors won't help either. Gentlemen, the only thing that can bring victory to your forefront is the control of "the remote". It represents everything that has to do with power. There is a recent gossip going around. If DMK has promised colour televisions for households if it wins the Tamilnadu elections, you have no clue what Jayalalitha is secretly promising the womenfolk. The television remotes! Now, no prizes for guessing who will win the race. I guess only a woman can manoeuvre such a move and Jayalalitha is such a strong woman. Thank god she didn't make it big in Telugu movies..or else we Telugu men would have become loosers for life.

So here I was..with so many hopes and aspirations of watching those fashion TV babes, AXN fear factor to HBO blockbusters and Zee Cafe friends. And there I was sitting with my mom watching A to Z of Telugu soaps. You name it and I saw it. Chakravakam, Sravanthi, Gokulam lo Sita and what not. One month of viewing and I feel like a pro, a walking treatsie on the Telugu serials. I am serious, I someday intend to do a PhD on Telugu soaps, if not make one. I guess this is what these soaps are meant for, to boost one's confidence levels. If you have never watched these television soaps you must certainly watch them for the following reasons...
1) You will be assured that you will be able to watch them 24*7 for rest of your life! In a world where nothing is permanent, you will be part of something that will go on for eternity. Your one chance to be part of history. Something you can pass on from generation to generation. When you grow old and don't know what stories to tell your grandsons and granddaughters, you can simply recollect the past episodes of your favourite serial and recount them. The kids will relate to this more than anything else. Just forget it if you think you can entertain them with Panchatantra ot Jataka tales. They will be "K" generation kids (Courtesy: Our K serials)
2) Even if you miss an episode..it doesn't matter..b'coz as a rule each episode has just one dialogue that contributes significantly to the story. Well there is anyway no plot!
3) If you are really frustrated and need to know that one dialogue, just eavesdrop the conversation of two women. Not only will you know the dialogue but also the dresses and sarees worn by the ladies in the episode, the food they ate and as a bonus..the recipe for those delicacies. Statutory Warning: Don't eat food at home that looks different. It is no doubt made from the recipes told in the television serials.
4) There will be peace at home. Ladies will be busy with the television, as the serials go on 24*7 and won't mind you coming home late. No more late night quarrels.

Also there are certain things you must know before watching them..
1) Don't worry if the characters change overnight. The writer was unable to get on with the story and has fastforwarded the story by 20 years.
2) Don't confuse the actors which you will invariably do if you watch all the serials. Don't be too ambitious or greedy to watch all serials. Limit yourself to only 3 or 4 serials. Recent scientific research has found out that owing to superior mental abilities of women, they can process information faster and efficiently and can watch unlimited serials per day, but men can do it only at their own risk.So, don't blame others if you start seeing the actors in your dreams and daily life.
3) If you still feel greedy and want to have more..watch 4 serials for a month max and take a break. You can now switch to another 4 serials for this month. This way you keep alternating and can see 8 serials. Don't worry about the story, assured you won't miss anything except for recipes for few tasty delicacies.
4) Put your mind in deep freezer before watching the serials. Watch the serials for the state-of-art-technology used for sound affects, high-end camera work, and the oscar winning reactions of the actors zoomed and shown close-up especially for you. Never mind the story line. Be more artistic and enjoy the melodrama. I say, there is nothing more funny and hilarious than our soaps. A hearty laugh keeps the doctor away.

Though at first I felt pity for our mensfolk, very soon I realised the sinister plot our men are up to. This metaplot completely bowled me over. Television serials were like a bait. It's the highest level of negotiations and bartering I have ever seen. It is something like give and take. You give women television serials and you make them believe they have won the game. But far from it, you remain the winner. Now you can go out as you wish and spend more time with your friends. Your days are peaceful and nights blissful. Also, you are spared from attending all those long marriage ceremonies and stuff, as your womensfolk themselves aren't keen on going out and missing the television serials. Thus soaps are a blessing in disguise for men. As soon as this revelation dawned upon me, I started seeing the secret smiles on the faces of men, though there still remains this desperation of missing out their favourite shows - somewhere down the line every man wants to have his private space to watch FTV and MTV. But I guess this is a compromise every man is willing to make. Peace at home and a beer outside. Its bliss, FTV or not! I am sure you will agree.

PS: This essay has been an attempt to tickle the funny bone and was not intended to deride anyone. My apologies if anyone is offended.

If I die tomorrow...

If I die tomorrow, don't ask me why
I did nothing to stop this war
'cos I am a nomad in no man's land

If I die tomorrow, don't ask me what
I did in my life that I can show
'cos I remained neutral till it hit me

If I die tomorrow, don't ask me who
made me die a slow painful death
'cos none is to be blamed, but me

If I die tomorrow, let me tell you this
you will be the next to join the ranks
'cos none is spared, political or apolitical