Joel Stein's recent article My Own Private India has caused a huge uproar amongst my fellow Indians and also most of the NRI's who have been a part of Uncle Sam's country for quite a few decades. The article already did get its deserved share of rantings from all corners of the world. I am no different from all those who have been critical of the article but at the same time this article did raise a few questions in my wacky brain.
Born and brought up in a country where you have scores of religions, quite a few dozens of castes and sub-castes and infinitely many more languages, life in the US of A was totally a different league for me. I am pretty sure it must have been for most of the first timers here. I was so much fascinated by this country's warmth and broad mindedness though I did often miss the extra warmth of my Mother India. More importantly this country by far taught all the fellow country men to be united (ohh!! Yeah Indians too. No way I am deliberately taking a dig at my fellow country folks).
Let us for sometime be honest guys. How many times do we fight amongst ourselves back home? Pretty sure many of you must be well aware of the recent Telangana issue that has been rocking the state of Andhra Pradesh. Also not to forget Y. S. Jagan, son of the deceased Chief Minister YSR who has been keeping the current Government and the Chief Minister Mr. Rosaiah on their toes and not to forget the terrible nightmares that the Government is getting because of Jagan's Odarpu Yathra.
We fight amongst ourselves based on castes and also sub-castes. Some of these have even influenced the present day youth so much that they make friendship only based on the caste and totally alienate people from the other castes. Yes, this is quite true and can be very much visible to the naked eyes if you look at a few engineering colleges and medical colleges in Vijayawada and Vizag. Not to forget that the Telugu people are called "gultis" by the Tamil folks and the Tamil folks called "arravam" by the Telugu folks. Are we being ignorant or doesn't anyone know how the North Indians and South Indian wait for an opportunity to pick up on each other? I was one of those guys who was taunted as "idly-sambhar" quite a few times because I was from the southern part of India. All these finally stopped when I retorted back making fun of their region and language too which obviously was quite bad on my part. Yes!! For the fact I am being a hypocrite but all that was not in control. Are we no less racists when compared to Stein or the Aussies or the Brits?
Ok!! Enough beating around the bush. All this was just meant to be an eye-opener but honestly I am not in support of Stein's stale humorous article. Eye-opener?? Yes. The only time I see Indians uniting amongst them is when a third party comments on Indians as whole and not just one region. When we ourselves pick on at every instance of our lives, why get angry when someone else has called us "dot-heads"? Why can't we all be united at all times and not only at instances when a third person instigates us? Is that difficult or is it quite a herculean task?
It is going to be a herculean task until we change our attitudes and way of thinking. We need to believe that there is no religion above humanity and the feeling of oneness. No person or no country is perfect. So why rant about each other? Why make a fuss out of nothing? Doesn't every individual want some peace in his life?
Responses from Deepa Iyer and Kal Penn on Stein's article which might cool you guys down a bit but I don't think you would want to read Sagarika Ghose's article to raise your tempers again. Honestly speaking, I totally concur with Sagarika's views as she was being utmost practical and to the core.
PS: You must visit Edison in NJ to see how Indianized it is. No wonder Stein was pissed off.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Indian Students in USA
Another funny forward. Apologies to those who think this offends you but it was just for the sake of humor. No racist feeling.
Why Indian Students are disliked abroad?
It was the first day of a school in USA and a new Indian student named Chandrasekhar Subramanian entered the fourth grade.
The teacher said, "Let's begin by reviewing some American History. Who said 'Give me Liberty , or give me Death'?"
She saw a sea of blank faces, except for Chandrasekhar, who had his hand up:?'Patrick Henry, 1775'he said.
'Very good! Who said 'Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth?''
Again, no response except from Chandrasekhar. 'Abraham Lincoln, 1863' said Chandrasekhar.
The teacher snapped at the class, 'Class, you should be ashamed. Chandrasekhar, who is new to our country, knows more about our history than you do.'
She heard a loud whisper: 'F*** the Indians,'
'Who said that?' she demanded. Chandrasekhar put his hand up. 'General Custer, 1862.'
At that point, a student in the back said, 'I'm gonna puke.'
The teacher glares around and asks 'All right! Now, who said that?' Again, Chandrasekhar says, 'George Bush to the Japanese Prime Minister, 1991.'
Now furious, another student yells, 'Oh yeah? Suck this!'
Chandrasekhar jumps out of his chair waving his hand and shouts to the teacher, 'Bill Clinton, to Monica Lewinsky, 1997'
Now with almost mob hysteria someone said 'You little shit. If you say anything else, I'll kill you.' Chandrasekhar frantically yells at the top of his voice, ' Michael Jackson to the child witnesses testifying against him, 2004.'
The teacher fainted. And as the class gathered around the teacher on the floor, someone said, 'Oh shit, we're screwed!' And Chandrasekhar said quietly, 'I think it was Lehmann Brothers, November 4th, 2008'.
Why Indian Students are disliked abroad?
It was the first day of a school in USA and a new Indian student named Chandrasekhar Subramanian entered the fourth grade.
The teacher said, "Let's begin by reviewing some American History. Who said 'Give me Liberty , or give me Death'?"
She saw a sea of blank faces, except for Chandrasekhar, who had his hand up:?'Patrick Henry, 1775'he said.
'Very good! Who said 'Government of the People, by the People, for the People, shall not perish from the Earth?''
Again, no response except from Chandrasekhar. 'Abraham Lincoln, 1863' said Chandrasekhar.
The teacher snapped at the class, 'Class, you should be ashamed. Chandrasekhar, who is new to our country, knows more about our history than you do.'
She heard a loud whisper: 'F*** the Indians,'
'Who said that?' she demanded. Chandrasekhar put his hand up. 'General Custer, 1862.'
At that point, a student in the back said, 'I'm gonna puke.'
The teacher glares around and asks 'All right! Now, who said that?' Again, Chandrasekhar says, 'George Bush to the Japanese Prime Minister, 1991.'
Now furious, another student yells, 'Oh yeah? Suck this!'
Chandrasekhar jumps out of his chair waving his hand and shouts to the teacher, 'Bill Clinton, to Monica Lewinsky, 1997'
Now with almost mob hysteria someone said 'You little shit. If you say anything else, I'll kill you.' Chandrasekhar frantically yells at the top of his voice, ' Michael Jackson to the child witnesses testifying against him, 2004.'
The teacher fainted. And as the class gathered around the teacher on the floor, someone said, 'Oh shit, we're screwed!' And Chandrasekhar said quietly, 'I think it was Lehmann Brothers, November 4th, 2008'.
Pun Intended
A funny forward that I came across in one of the cine news. Could not help putting it here :-)
This is how the headlines would be in the year 2020.
This is how the headlines would be in the year 2020.
- Aarya 12 Ready For Release
- “I’ll Play Next World Cup”- Sachin
- India Lost ODI series Against Bermuda
- Balakrishna’s Son As ‘Chinna Simha’
- Mogali Rekulu Completed 25000 Episode
- Indian Coach Ganguly Resigns
- Balakrishna To Play College Student In Next Film
- Petrol Price Hiked Rs 350/ Ltr
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Usual Suspects-A Movie Review
Back in India, movies were quite a no-no at my home. My dad considered watching movies would bring down my grades. As silly as it sounds ain't it? My mom and I used to quietly slip away from home sometimes on some pretext or the other just to watch a movie in the theater. However, my dad had to take back his words when my grades fell despite not watching movies for an entire semester.
The scenario had taken a complete 180 degrees turn when I came to do my Master's here in the US. I needed a movie always to complete my tasks. My mind set got tweaked so badly that right now I cannot even read one page of any book if I do not have a movie or a sitcom playing in front of me. Work at office has some lenience as I somehow pull it off just by listening to music from my i-pod. At this rate, I think I will surely go deaf within a few years from now. However, I purchased a new phone (Nokia E63) and also managed to take data plan from my ever trusted network service. And now Fridays after my weekly team meeting, I get back to my desk and pamper myself with a nice movie on my phone and a novel. I hope my boss isn't reading this lest I might get chucked out the very next moment. A few weeks ago when I was telling about not able to read without a movie before me to my friend, she said that it is indeed blessed to have such prowess. Thank God!! I have at least some skill that I can boast about. Anyways enough of my personal crap. I just wanted to share a movie that I reviewed sometime ago-"The Usual Suspects".
The movie is a 1995 American neo-noir movie directed by Bryan Singer and produced by Kenneth Kokkin, Michael McDonnell and Bryan Singer himself. The plot of the “The Usual Suspects” is built in such a way that it has a mystery at its heart.
For further insight into the review, click here . I hope you guys would love this movie too. Will come back with reviews of any interesting movie that I happen to watch.
The scenario had taken a complete 180 degrees turn when I came to do my Master's here in the US. I needed a movie always to complete my tasks. My mind set got tweaked so badly that right now I cannot even read one page of any book if I do not have a movie or a sitcom playing in front of me. Work at office has some lenience as I somehow pull it off just by listening to music from my i-pod. At this rate, I think I will surely go deaf within a few years from now. However, I purchased a new phone (Nokia E63) and also managed to take data plan from my ever trusted network service. And now Fridays after my weekly team meeting, I get back to my desk and pamper myself with a nice movie on my phone and a novel. I hope my boss isn't reading this lest I might get chucked out the very next moment. A few weeks ago when I was telling about not able to read without a movie before me to my friend, she said that it is indeed blessed to have such prowess. Thank God!! I have at least some skill that I can boast about. Anyways enough of my personal crap. I just wanted to share a movie that I reviewed sometime ago-"The Usual Suspects".
The movie is a 1995 American neo-noir movie directed by Bryan Singer and produced by Kenneth Kokkin, Michael McDonnell and Bryan Singer himself. The plot of the “The Usual Suspects” is built in such a way that it has a mystery at its heart.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied
For the entire article click here
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Woman's Day Syndrome
Last two days was quite horrendous having to listen the non-stop repeated promotion about so called "Woman's day". Quite agonizing is the fact that even my fellow male clan very well know when Woman's day is celebrated but do not know when International Men's day is. Blame it on the Media who always have the knack of blowing things out of proportion. Yes, I would not give it a second thought to say that women get a raw deal in terms of attention. Not to forget the recent 33% reservation for women bill passed by the ruling Government in India. I am not here to patronize Men's day nor crush the women clan totally.
Anyways I guess we had enough of Woman's day and let us get back to reality for a while.
Here is something that I came across and that I found very funny and hilarious. No offense meant to all the women folks. Though, as everyone says you are the weaker sex you still have the edge on being the "fairer" sex.
We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Finally, the guy's side of the story,
Now here are the rules from the male side.
Men are NOT mind readers.
Sunday sports: It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
Crying is blackmail.
Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work, Just say it!
Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question. Maybe is obscure.
Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do... Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.
If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done. Not both. BTW If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.
ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color.
If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing", We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.
When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really !!
Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as Cricket or Football.
Anyways I guess we had enough of Woman's day and let us get back to reality for a while.
Here is something that I came across and that I found very funny and hilarious. No offense meant to all the women folks. Though, as everyone says you are the weaker sex you still have the edge on being the "fairer" sex.
We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Finally, the guy's side of the story,
Now here are the rules from the male side.
Men are NOT mind readers.
Sunday sports: It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
Crying is blackmail.
Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work, Just say it!
Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question. Maybe is obscure.
Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do... Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.
If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done. Not both. BTW If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.
ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color.
If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing", We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.
When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really !!
Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as Cricket or Football.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Deep thoughts with some hot caffeine
It has been snowing all day and I had no other option but to sit back at home. With a cup of Coffee in my hand, I made myself comfortable on the bed, reading Mrs. Usha Vaidyanathan's blog where she talks about the recently released Aamir Khan's movie, the "3 Idiots" an inspiration from Chetan Bhagat's novel Five Point Someone. I had always been a great admirer of Mrs. Usha's blog ever since I was introduced to it since last February. The way she writes is simply amazing. No wonder her blog is ranked 83rd in India.
Her latest post "Be an Idiot or be left out" where she talks about the movie 3 Idiots and her son Siddharth beautifully describes the pros and cons of the movie by comparing it with what had been through. Well, now according to me, the movie really did make a lot of sense. As Mrs. Usha rightly said one can really relate themselves to Rajkumar Hirani's movies. The latest movie is a farce at the Indian education system.
Ever since the movie has released, the reviews have been mixed. Many people have been relating themselves to the characters in the movie and have started cribbing about the education system in India and I happened to be one among them. However the top league schools in India are definitely not the kind of educational system you need to crib about. One cannot get into IIT's and IIM's just by rote memorization or cramming like the guy Chatur Ramalingam in the movie. But the scenario is totally different in the second league schools in India. It is more about scoring high marks rather than gaining knowledge and that's the reason people like Chatur Ramalingam excel in the exams. The higher the score, the better jobs one gets. Very few people care about knowledge and the reason is attributed not only to the education system but also to the society. Yes, society is also responsible for this kind of prevalence in the education system. How many times do you come across parents who ask their kids how much his/her friend has scored when he comes home with his progress report or how many times do you come across parents asking him why his percentage is just 94% when he could have easily scored 98% rather than giving him a pat on the back? Everyone have fallen into this horse race for marks. The society is also more concerned about what others are into rather than holding onto their lives and making it better. However, it would be too harsh to blame just the society and the education system. A nominal amount of responsibility lies on our shoulders because we are the ones who should better understand what we want and what suits us better. No one can tame us to be something we don't want to. We are not like a lion in the circus. Just as Rancho mentions in the movie a lion in the circus is called well trained but not well educated. We must recognize and understand if we want to be well trained or well educated. However we as individuals do not have the prowess to change the education system but this doesn't mean we keep waiting until the system changes by itself. There must be some way by which people can voice their opinion about the change they need in the education system and also high time the society stops interfering in others personal issues and concentrate on their own. "CHANGE" is what we need.
Her latest post "Be an Idiot or be left out" where she talks about the movie 3 Idiots and her son Siddharth beautifully describes the pros and cons of the movie by comparing it with what had been through. Well, now according to me, the movie really did make a lot of sense. As Mrs. Usha rightly said one can really relate themselves to Rajkumar Hirani's movies. The latest movie is a farce at the Indian education system.
Ever since the movie has released, the reviews have been mixed. Many people have been relating themselves to the characters in the movie and have started cribbing about the education system in India and I happened to be one among them. However the top league schools in India are definitely not the kind of educational system you need to crib about. One cannot get into IIT's and IIM's just by rote memorization or cramming like the guy Chatur Ramalingam in the movie. But the scenario is totally different in the second league schools in India. It is more about scoring high marks rather than gaining knowledge and that's the reason people like Chatur Ramalingam excel in the exams. The higher the score, the better jobs one gets. Very few people care about knowledge and the reason is attributed not only to the education system but also to the society. Yes, society is also responsible for this kind of prevalence in the education system. How many times do you come across parents who ask their kids how much his/her friend has scored when he comes home with his progress report or how many times do you come across parents asking him why his percentage is just 94% when he could have easily scored 98% rather than giving him a pat on the back? Everyone have fallen into this horse race for marks. The society is also more concerned about what others are into rather than holding onto their lives and making it better. However, it would be too harsh to blame just the society and the education system. A nominal amount of responsibility lies on our shoulders because we are the ones who should better understand what we want and what suits us better. No one can tame us to be something we don't want to. We are not like a lion in the circus. Just as Rancho mentions in the movie a lion in the circus is called well trained but not well educated. We must recognize and understand if we want to be well trained or well educated. However we as individuals do not have the prowess to change the education system but this doesn't mean we keep waiting until the system changes by itself. There must be some way by which people can voice their opinion about the change they need in the education system and also high time the society stops interfering in others personal issues and concentrate on their own. "CHANGE" is what we need.
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