[ Today I saw a monkey in my college... And that monkey is the only inspiration for writing this post... No friends… It’s wrong… Don’t always try to belittle someone… There is nothing wrong with the title… Don’t pretend it as “Monkeys” – it’s a monkey… “In” is used properly… Don’t try to read it as “Of”…]
If we think rationally, it was my clarification to you that I mean what I have written. But what if I would had not clarified it? Is any metaphorical representation possible (at least to misunderstand!!!)? No I don’t think so. Title is, clearly, self-justified (It follows posteriori approach as “internal” knowledge about my college is prerequisite to understand the title). Let’s prove it.
Does “Monkey” refer to ___?
(Place all possible stakeholders of an educational institution in the space given above and check the following arguments whether your guess is correct or not.)
Monkeys are famous (or ill-famed) for their excellent skill of imitating accurately, so as we are. We are used to copy assignments. We are so modest that we don’t even try to correct the errors (or it might be our unique style to revere the master [master copy generator] or deceive the faculty). Once upon a time when we were “a good school boy” we felt bad when we copied. Gradually we learned the art of Imitation, the great gift of our forefathers, now it has become a routine, rather a custom. And this is why we are not monkeys. A monkey never thinks of copying something, he does it unconsciously; he never realizes that he is copying as it’s a part of his existence. On the other side copying is a part of our custom and not routine. So the subtle difference of origin of the act of replication saves us from being “Monkey”. Monkeys don’t have luxury of choice or selection but we have. We are copying by choice.
I have seen monkeys, fraternally, helping each other (Thanks to “Discovery Channel”). They live in a group but unaware of the concept of “Groupism”. Though, their group is built because of innate feeling of fear, they live together to conquer their fear (Same was the case in the movie “300”). But again here we differ (This time not with faint margin but huge moral difference). We never come together as we are not here to survive but to compete. Helping hand, group learning and group development seem obsolete concepts in our real world (The word “World” is strictly confined to our college). One may call this “real world” a wild world (Jungley) and thus can prove the “College” as a metaphor of Jungle or Zoo but I strongly disagree as Jungle balances integrity and harmony in its own way which is far better than our unjust real world.
College can’t be considered as zoo/sanctuary, as it is found that zoo administration is very cooperative and supportive for development of animals. It is never reported that they harassed any animal. In most of the cases zoo-staff seems to have emotional balance (Here “emotion” is more important than “balance”) towards animal, love for animals and proficiency in their respective fields.
If still inferiority is killing you and you are feeling that the “Monkey” in the title is “You” then listen… Was evolution a natural process? I don’t think so. Evolution was the result of the rejection of those monkeys who denied to remain “monkeys”, who wanted to change the world, who never claimed anything, who never blamed the system or fate, but who thought and fought against the immense power of nature and fortune and architected the beautiful world. But have you ever seen this spark within you? Have you ever thought beyond problems? Have you ever tried to initiate? Have you ever dreamed of being part of revolution?
This argument seems chauvinistic and other worldly which is the most convincing proof that “Monkey In My College” refers to, not you, me or they, zoo, sanctuary or jungle but simply “Monkey In My College”…
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Leaving Home...
Leaving home…
What comes first in your mind when you read “Leaving Home”?
Was it an Indian Ocean’s album or Charlie Chaplin’s famous “The Child”? Was that a beautiful girl going to her sasural to be a woman or a visionary boy refusing conventional wisdom to sculpt his dream? Was that Ram leaving Ayodhya to revere his father’s promise or Pandavas leaving Hastinapur to venerate the fourth stage of life “Moksha”?
I am leaving Maninagar. It was a much needed departure. It’s neither a heartbreaking nor a fascinating departure. I am not feeling anything. Void – Vacuum is what has been crammed into my mind. Mangal Villa has taught me a lot. I have spent my important years here in this Mangal Villa. She has loved me, sheltered me, tolerated me. She has guided me by her silence, she has gifted me space and freedom.Just like my mother, she has never claimed or complained anything. She has witnessed the process of self realization.
It may seem strange to compare my departure with historical events. But for me, it’s as emotional as Indian Ocean’s “Leaving Home”, as real as Charlie Chaplin’s “The Child”, as vital as woman’s marriage, as exigent as boy’s maverick act, as respectful as Ram’s obedience and as intricate as Pandavas Journey to Himalayas…
What comes first in your mind when you read “Leaving Home”?
Was it an Indian Ocean’s album or Charlie Chaplin’s famous “The Child”? Was that a beautiful girl going to her sasural to be a woman or a visionary boy refusing conventional wisdom to sculpt his dream? Was that Ram leaving Ayodhya to revere his father’s promise or Pandavas leaving Hastinapur to venerate the fourth stage of life “Moksha”?
I am leaving Maninagar. It was a much needed departure. It’s neither a heartbreaking nor a fascinating departure. I am not feeling anything. Void – Vacuum is what has been crammed into my mind. Mangal Villa has taught me a lot. I have spent my important years here in this Mangal Villa. She has loved me, sheltered me, tolerated me. She has guided me by her silence, she has gifted me space and freedom.Just like my mother, she has never claimed or complained anything. She has witnessed the process of self realization.
It may seem strange to compare my departure with historical events. But for me, it’s as emotional as Indian Ocean’s “Leaving Home”, as real as Charlie Chaplin’s “The Child”, as vital as woman’s marriage, as exigent as boy’s maverick act, as respectful as Ram’s obedience and as intricate as Pandavas Journey to Himalayas…
Friday, March 26, 2010
Hero's Journey...
It is difficult to be different. My difficulty was getting transformed into dangerous signs. I was so much confused and disturbed. I was under the shadow of despair. The silent chaos was killing me. I was about to eradicate my individuality. As I said earlier “we are part of plan” somebody was planning something and as a result of that I suddenly met him…..
And once again I started breathing… He pulled me out of depression and negativity of my surrounding. He changed my life. He gave me tremendous mental support. I gained my confidence. My negativity was perished. Joker gradually lost his control and Wayne came back. But who was that magical mentor???
He was…. He was “Gandhi: On Personal Leadership by Anand Kumarsamy”. (Ya of course it was a book, Shikhs follow Guru Granth Saheb…!!! ) It is an amazing book. Language is very simple and lucid. Lessons on personal leadership are categorized by author which is inspired by (or say derived from) Gandhi’s Life. It is not Gandhi – the tag, which creates an enormous impact but its Gandhi – the ideology which trembles your mind. We realize that uniqueness is nothing but a rare pattern or conundrum which is neglected if not understood, praised if (they get) facilitated, killed if taken as burden and the way to enlightenment if grabbed as a gift !!! (My Precious… Miss you Gollum…!!!)
After reading this book I felt what Gandhi felt after reading Unto This Last, Vivekanada felt after meeting Ram Krishna Paramhans, Rajneesh felt after loosing his grandpa. This historical comparisons are not intended to compare myself with those big names but to express my sincere gratitude towards the book and to show how revolutionary it can be for one’s life.
Here I am giving some glimpse of his philosophy (but I recommend MEET HIM PERSONALY) :
§ A strong sense of mission is a rich source of happiness, self-esteem and self-fulfilment. [41]
§ Character, in long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike. [49]
§ Change , growth and maturity begin when the focus shifts from what we have to what we are. [49]
§ Great Characters choose to work on their character, rather than being concerned with portraying an image. [50]
§ They saw the victory, but not the struggle. [59]
§ Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones. [59]
§ When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project… Your mind transcends limitations… Dormant forces, faculties and talents come alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far you ever dreamed yourself to be. [73]
§ We don’t have to be like rudderless boats that are at the mercy of the weather and waves. [86]
§ We come to implicitly believe that life is a “zero sum game”, [103]
§ Conscience tells us what is right and what is wrong. But is our courage that will move us to speak out and take action even if it means risking our very life. For conscience to be truly effective, courage must be present. [119]
§ Action without reflection is dangerous, and reflection without action is useless. [173]
§ Difficulties strengthen the mind as labour does the body. – Seneca [193]
§ Problems are our wake up calls. [193]
§ Those things that hurt, instruct. – Benjamin Franklin [193]
§ Great people like Gandhi, Emerson and Thoreau strike a crucial balance between these sets of poles : Doing and Being, resisting and opening, willing and accepting, fighting and surrendering, grasping and letting go.
§ “The way to do is to be.” – Lao Tzu [188]
Explore everything around you, penetrate to the furthest limits of human knowledge, and always you will come up with something inexplicable in the end. It is called life.
– Albert Schweitzer
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
"Democratic Rain"
On Wednesday, August 31, 2005, under India Empowered series published in Indian Express, BHAIRON SINGH SHEKHAWAT, VICE_PRESIDENT, stated*,
“It is a matter of great pride that our country today enjoys the outstanding distinction of having evolved a vibrant and dynamic parliamentary system of democracy. India’s experience of past five decades is a story of success of democracy in a populated nation that has shown how complex problems can be addressed within the constitutional and democratic framework.”
After this beautifully crafted statement he slowly introduced series of major problems of India – from Education to Election, Justice to Inequalities,… If A reads first half of the article and B reads the second half they may discuss:
A: “Author seems optimist. He is proud of being a part of great Indian culture and democratic system.”
B: “Author is quite pessimist. He has raised lots of issues. It seems like India is in unprecedented jeopardy. Democracy is the hidden scoundrel.”
But, when they come to know that both have read two parts of the same article, written by the same author what will they talk about?
A: “Though he praises democratic framework and Indian System, I don’t find it worth eulogizing. As after more than 50 years of Independence we are still under-performing.
I feel we have lost India to save democracy!!! ”
[*http://www.indiaempowered.com/full_story.php?content_id=77293]
***
Have you ever thought beyond democracy? Is it a best system of governance? Is there any side effect of democracy? Law of Inertia sticks us to our surrounding, our origin, our customs and our tradition. Though we often complain about other’s habits we never find ours strange. Because habits are the part of our existence and we cannot think beyond our existence. Same is the case for democracy. We have never thought beyond democracy.
Majority is a day dream for Indian Political Parties, and in fancy-avaricious alliances we are losing important deals and discussions in parliament. All are interested in their own interest and so no one is interested in All’s Interest. Proposals (or demands?) for separate states is mushrooming. We lost nuclear deal in 2008 (and government did it successfully on 21st February 2010 after passing the “Agni Pariksha” of vote of confidence). Different people, different parties, different demands, different motives, different views, different plans but same frustrating result – “India Suffering & Democracy Shining”. One mind may lead to disaster but hundred minds guarantee it. Should we really proud to be a biggest democratic country?
***
It’s monsoon. We are planning to shift to new apartment. I pray for a dry day. Some critical construction work of my uncle’s new bungalow is going to be done tomorrow. He prayed for “a dry tomorrow. In a country of 1000 million people don’t you think that everybody prays for “A Dry Tomorrow”. And if God is indulgent towards “Democratic Framework” then there would be no rain. One will be happy and rest will be restless. The cycle goes on.
And this “Democratic Rain” never comes...
“It is a matter of great pride that our country today enjoys the outstanding distinction of having evolved a vibrant and dynamic parliamentary system of democracy. India’s experience of past five decades is a story of success of democracy in a populated nation that has shown how complex problems can be addressed within the constitutional and democratic framework.”
After this beautifully crafted statement he slowly introduced series of major problems of India – from Education to Election, Justice to Inequalities,… If A reads first half of the article and B reads the second half they may discuss:
A: “Author seems optimist. He is proud of being a part of great Indian culture and democratic system.”
B: “Author is quite pessimist. He has raised lots of issues. It seems like India is in unprecedented jeopardy. Democracy is the hidden scoundrel.”
But, when they come to know that both have read two parts of the same article, written by the same author what will they talk about?
A: “Though he praises democratic framework and Indian System, I don’t find it worth eulogizing. As after more than 50 years of Independence we are still under-performing.
I feel we have lost India to save democracy!!! ”
[*http://www.indiaempowered.com/full_story.php?content_id=77293]
***
Have you ever thought beyond democracy? Is it a best system of governance? Is there any side effect of democracy? Law of Inertia sticks us to our surrounding, our origin, our customs and our tradition. Though we often complain about other’s habits we never find ours strange. Because habits are the part of our existence and we cannot think beyond our existence. Same is the case for democracy. We have never thought beyond democracy.
Majority is a day dream for Indian Political Parties, and in fancy-avaricious alliances we are losing important deals and discussions in parliament. All are interested in their own interest and so no one is interested in All’s Interest. Proposals (or demands?) for separate states is mushrooming. We lost nuclear deal in 2008 (and government did it successfully on 21st February 2010 after passing the “Agni Pariksha” of vote of confidence). Different people, different parties, different demands, different motives, different views, different plans but same frustrating result – “India Suffering & Democracy Shining”. One mind may lead to disaster but hundred minds guarantee it. Should we really proud to be a biggest democratic country?
***
It’s monsoon. We are planning to shift to new apartment. I pray for a dry day. Some critical construction work of my uncle’s new bungalow is going to be done tomorrow. He prayed for “a dry tomorrow. In a country of 1000 million people don’t you think that everybody prays for “A Dry Tomorrow”. And if God is indulgent towards “Democratic Framework” then there would be no rain. One will be happy and rest will be restless. The cycle goes on.
And this “Democratic Rain” never comes...
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