Thursday, 10 April 2025

Death & Mercy

         DEATH & MERCY

                   .........A poem by Akshika Sharma



Two figures sat at the cliff, side by side

Above a forest set aflame.

The sky grew dark as fire cried,

And every ash recalled a name.


The trees, they crackled ancient cries

As bark and bone begin to fade.

The smoke curled up like whispered lies

From prayers that time itself betrayed.


Then Mercy, cloaked in grieving white,

Spoke soft as though to stir the dead:

"How does one mourn such brutal light-

A blaze where loved ones gently bled?"


Death watched the flame, yet didn't stir,

Her eyes like tombs that knew too much.

"Grief starts", she said, "When hearts confer-

I wanted all of it to touch.


To want to fall, to break in dust,

And gather ruins, one by one-

To open wide because you must

And hope beneath no sun.


He asked her then, "Why don't you begin?

Why never weep like mortal men?"

She smiled - A mask too tight and thin - 

And turned ger gaze away again.


"Grief is no stream one dares to taste -

It floods, it drowns - it doesn't ask.

To sip is folly, done in haste,

For I would lose my sacred mask.


I carry more than souls just passed -

The ones who soon will be in my arm. 

The ones long gone, whose echoes last,

In stone and soil and smoldered farm.


The fire eats the final thread

That tethered them to earth and breath.

And though they sleep, I loved the dead-

As only I could love through death.:


She rose, the shadows kissed her back

And walked beyond the cliff's embrace

While mercy watched the world turn black,

A softness sorrow could not trace.


And as the forest gave its cry,

He whispered, more to flame than friend:

"You never stopped. You just stood by-

And grieved a grief that has no end."

Sunday, 19 November 2023

ONE TOUGH DAY THAT BROKE THE DREAM OF A BILLION PEOPLE

 

ONE TOUGH DAY THAT BROKE THE DREAM OF A BILLION PEOPLE 


Well Played, team India. We are proud of the way you played in this tournament. Unfortunately, the worst had to come in the finals.






The defeat in a cricket World Cup final match teaches resilience, the importance of preparation, and the ability to learn from mistakes. It's a reminder that success often involves overcoming setbacks, adapting strategies, and continuously improving to excel in high-pressure situations.

Out-of-the-box thinking in high-pressure games is crucial because it allows players to find innovative solutions, adapt quickly, and outsmart opponents. In intense situations, conventional strategies may not always work, and the ability to think creatively can lead to unexpected and successful outcomes. This mindset helps in making split-second decisions, capitalizing on opportunities, and staying ahead of the competition, ultimately contributing to a team's success in high-stakes scenarios.

Cricket is like life. You have to learn to deal with the good and the bad." - Virat Kohli


In a 50 over game, you cannot wait for the batsman to commit a mistake. You have to make him commit a mistake 
 Cricket is about applying, innovating and rising to the occasion. It is not just about breaking records.
 Captain Rohit Sharma's stubbornness to reiterate that he is HITMAN proved costly on the D-day. No doubt, he gave good starts and set the tempo. His fireworks in the first powerplay took pressure off the following batsman and allowed them time to get set. He threw his wicket away when only three balls were remaining in the first powerplay. Even a club cricketer knows that when you get ten runs on the first two balls, you should get a single to stand on the other end, especially when you are batting first.
After losing three quick wickets, Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul batted too defensively that they didn't get a boundary for twenty two overs. Sorry, but your records don't make you great. 
 After ten overs, Indian bowlers looked different than the ten previous games in the tournament. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja were spineless and never seemed like wicket-taking bowlers.
Intelligent batting by Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne took the game away from India.
Australian fielding was a big difference in the two teams. They saved at least thirty runs by running hard and throwing themselves on the field. And, Travis Head's running catch to send the Indian captain back did the same for Aussies what Kapil Dev's catch of Viv Richards did for Indians in 1983.

This is not criticism but my personal assessment of the high voltage game. I really wanted to see my heroes lifting the World Cup.

I stand with the men in blue. It was a tough day and one team had to end up as losers. They are champions and we are proud of them.

Friday, 7 July 2023

KUNTI- REVIEW








KUNTI





             KU

By Koral Dasgupta 






KUNTI is the second of the five-book series on Panchkanya by Koral Dasgupta.

KUNTI is a mythological book, not fiction, that educates and enlightens the readers. One would wonder how empowered and evolved Indian women were hundreds of centuries ago and what made them devolve.

Koral writes in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

"THE STORIES OF FAMINE LEGENDS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED GENEROUSLY FOR PATRIARCHAL CONVENIENCE, INSPIRING THE WOMEN TO CELEBRATE THE BRAVERY OF ONLY ONE SECTION OF THE SOCIETY AND FEEL GUILTY ABOUT HER OWN."

This is a harsh truth we all will agree to somewhere in our consciences and will feel a pang of guilt after reading about characters like Kunti, a woman of rare intellect, wisdom, confidence, and resilience. What Kunti had acquired from Durvasa, no other woman has ever acquired, and mind you, she got it because she deserved it.

KUNTI is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the life of the famous mother of the revered Karna and the lovable Pandavas. When you finish this 203-page novel, Kunti will have a better opinion of you, and not just as the ill-fated queen of Pandu.

Koral Dasgupta's brilliance surfaces frequently in the book. She surprises you with undiscussed aspects and by adding new dimensions to this folklore. The rivalry between Surya and Indra is an integral part of Kunti's story. The aspect that impresses me the most is Koral's depiction of the effect of the mother's state of mind at the time of conception on the child's psychology, behaviour, and attributes. She has elaborately related it to Ganga-Bhishma, Satyvati-Vichitravirya, Ambika-Dhritrashtra, Ambalika-Pandu, Kunti-Karna, and other Pandavas.

Another standout feature of KUNTI is the author's ability to bring the characters to life with vivid and evocative descriptions. The author has confessed that she reinvents KUNTI with a feminist consciousness. She portrays Kunti as a strong and independent woman navigating societal expectations, unabashedly expressing her obsession for Indra and abhorring other men, even her husband.

I wondered why the ancient women were infatuated with Indra and quickly consoled myself with the fact that Krishna was not incarnated in their time.

Koral's writing style is both poetic and lyrical, effortlessly transporting readers to different time periods and locations. The attention to detail in her descriptions creates a rich tapestry that immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of Indian culture. The author has generously and felicitously described nature and its bounty.

Another noteworthy aspect of KUNTI is how it tackles important social issues such as gender inequality and familial obligations. Through Kunti's journey, readers are challenged to reflect on their own beliefs and prejudices while gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of Indian society. Sadly, the book ended with Arjuna's birth and left me unsatisfied.

KUNTI is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that offers an insightful exploration of love, identity, and societal expectations. Highly recommended, this book will enlighten you like a mythological book should.

Also read, my review on AHLYA:

https://gauravmotley.blogspot.com/2020/08/ahalya-by-koral-dasgupta-review.html?m=1




#mythology #books #indianmythology #kunti #pandavas #mahabharat #krishna #hastinapur #indra #surya

Wednesday, 21 June 2023

MY BELOVED CITY- PUNE

 





MY BELOVED CITY- PUNE 


Besides being my birthplace, the culture, the liveliness, the emotional quotient, the street food, diversity, history and magnanimity of its heart, make Delhi my favourite city. And then comes Pune, where I have done a major part of my schooling.

My father served in the Indian Air Force. He was posted in Pune from 1985 to 1988.


Pune, then, seemed like heaven. The Air Force station at Lohagaon, then, was at one corner, away from the hulla bullah of a city quieter but ahead of Delhi. Mountains were within a stone's throw. The solitude of jungles was not a luxury. Meeting snakes and scorpions was not unusual.The dialect, Hindi with an excess smack of Marathi, was initially fun for us and gradually made us adapt to it.



Pune fascinated us. We had accepted its superiority over Delhi.We didn't want to leave it when my father got a transfer to Gwalior after four years. But, we had to.



Pune is a city that embodies its own unique charm and beauty. From its vibrant culture to its rich history, there are many reasons why I love this city. Pune is home to a diverse mix of people, making it a great destination for those looking to experience something new. The city boasts beautiful landscapes, amazing street food, and plenty of entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and take in the local culture, there’s something for everyone in Pune.



 I never went there and found Delhiism back in me  faster than it had vanished.Then, in 2019, I happened to visit my second favourite city, feeling the pangs of meeting a long lost love. 

However, the two-day-long visit was not enough to feel the aura and ambience of Pune.


Once my beloved city, it called me again this month. I managed to steal three days out of my busy schedule.Pune had changed. It had grown big as I had crossed over to senescence.Mountains had hidden behind the glory and greed of concrete. Natural greenery seemed manipulated. The reptiles had refuged in some unknown space. People, who were already less emotional than delhites, appeared more practical, straightforward and even less sentimental. 

Street food was as abundant as concrete, bitumen, bars and noise. One thing that surprised me was the two-wheeler-riders not wearing head gears. I was desperate to check the traffic rules but had no time.



Pune remains my beloved city but the visit left me worried and sad. Pune is losing its charm. It is not the same as it used to be. The obsession of development is swallowing its scenic beauty. It is no longer a nature's paradise.Wake-up, Pune.Please don't become another Mumbai or Delhi.I liked you the way you were- simple and sophisticated. Despite everything, I will keep loving you.



#pune #Maharashtra #maharashtragovernment #maharashtratourism #PuneMunicipality #Puneadministration #PunePolice #Maharashtrapolice 

Friday, 11 March 2022

Zelensky-The Villain in Putin's War

 Zelensky – The Villain in Putin’s War


It’s been more than a fortnight since the weak but brave Ukraine is facing the ire of the stubborn President of Russia.

For the last two weeks, the world is watching the tearful exodus, the beautiful cities being ruined, children being orphaned, unarmed civilians rebuking the invading soldiers and amidst these disheartening scenes, a President appears and appeals to the mightier countries for aid, often in informal outfits. 

The so-called brave President has won the sympathy and favour of the world but he has chosen to pay a hefty price to buy this trivial individual praise. 

Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky, the popular comedian and a famous TV face had made an exemplary leap to become the supremo of his country about three years back. 

His country, the second largest in Europe, is at war with its larger neighbour since 2014. No doubt, Zelensky has been an inspirational leader right since the war began. He has invoked patriotism in his countrymen but, heroics sounds good in folklore. When you are the head of a country, every decision you take must pass through multiple rounds of deliberation, discussion, reflection and introspection as it would affect millions of your compatriots. 


Both Russia and Ukraine could have avoided this war. When Zelensky was elected, there were doubts that he is pro-Russia. Maybe the pressure of proving the speculation wrong was too much that Zelensky never tried to improve relations with Big Brother Russia and instead, urged NATO to make it a member ignoring all the past agreements. A step towards peace, and disenchantment from joining NATO while not comprising his country’s interest might have made Zelensky a bigger hero. This war will throw Ukraine half a century back. They pouring financial aid from sympathetic countries might reinstate the concrete but it would not heal the wounds on the soul and mind of Ukrainians. 

Zelensky must realise that a real war is not a TV show where everything is an eyewash. People don’t die. Cities don’t moan and mourn. In a real war, every single bullet leaves an irrecoverable wound somewhere. 

Vladimir Putin has emerged as the cruellest man alive by waging an unprovoked war on Ukraine. He is wrong. Wrong. As claimed, a full-fledged army action on a weaker neighbouring country is arrogance and tyranny. However strong you are, if violence is the only way you know you are not fit to live in this world. 

Putin is not wrong if he opposes Ukraine’s intention and interest in joining NATO. There have been arguments that whether to join an organisation or not is a country’s choice. Fair enough. Then, it is the choice of another country to oppose and prevent it if the association might threaten its sovereignty and safety.

Considering NATO’s objectives and record, Russia cannot be held wrong. If treaties and organisations create a divide amongst the communities and countries, they are worthless. Russia’s cause is no different from the cause that gave birth to NATO. If the economic and strategic powers of the west have a right to put their safety and interests before everything and anything, then the Eastern countries too must be granted discretion. 

Why this world needs military organisations like NATO?

Fact is, the ringmaster has successfully played the game. The war will not resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but will leave them weaker. Trap proved successful. The neighbours have been befooled.

I see Zelensky as the bigger Villain in this war because he allowed himself to be used against Russia while desperately trying to prove the speculations of him being pro-Russia.

No, I am not Putin’s fan. He is behaving the same he is known. 



Views expressed are personal 

#war #Russia #Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #zelensky #putin #NATO


Thursday, 18 February 2021

AFTER I DIED

 

AFTER I DIED



People didn't give excuse
And came sooner than expected
My kins are taking care of
Even dead me.

Besides, everyone has stories
About me and my goodness
Consoling each other
Great actors they're.

I am enjoying
But I do have a regret...
I wish I could tell them
They can't befool me anymore.



© Gaurav Lakhi

Thursday, 29 October 2020

YOUR FEE-THEIR SALARY

 



YOUR FEE-THEIR SALARY

               


            The Fee you pay is the salary that runs their household

 

The economic impact of corona pandemic has largely been disruptive and lately, its social and non-medico repercussions have started showing up. India was witnessing a slowdown already and the virus-crisis has magnified the risks to its economy. In the last three months since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, we have realised that it is far more than a health crisis. Economics is a phenomenon of interdependence. Effect of the pandemic on one stratum of society is bound to spell vulnerability on to the others. The ongoing standoff between parents and schools is one such consequence.

Like the medical fraternity, teachers too didn’t get their share of lockdown-leisure over which we all went gaga. In fact, they had to work even harder. Working from home is not a joke, more so when it befalls upon you suddenly. Online-teaching, from home, in particular, demands special arrangements. You have to spare one room out of two or three people generally have in cities and cut off all sorts of disturbances. You must also have a good internet connection and compatible gadgets. Online teaching is many times more taxing than physical teaching. It demands more discipline and patience on the part of the teachers. They cannot even move away from the camera and have to keep a vigil on the attendees all the time. The most challenging of all is taking and marking the tests. The task must have been more onerous for the lady teachers because normally, they and their kids go to school simultaneously. But, during the lockdown, dealing with spouse and children, neglected for hours, would have been another ordeal they had to deal with.

Their problems didn’t end here. When they asked for their salary after doing their job with sincerity and devotion, their employers showed them their bare hands. Non-receipt of fees was the excuse they laid down. Parents, the other party, complained of being too tied down. They too didn’t receive their emoluments from their employers. Many had lost their jobs. Many had to shut down their businesses. With no income to sustain, expecting such people to pay their children’s school fee is inhumane. One such parent in Chandigarh has written a letter to the Prime Minister seeking permission to sell his kidney for paying school fees. Laughable? No. It’s pathetic.

However, NO-SCHOOL-NO-FEE campaign by the parents across the country is selfishness and illogical. If a few parents offer a plea that they have no job or no earning, then, their inability, genuine or fabricated it may be, to pay the school fees might encourage more people to come up with the same excuse. The teachers are also employees, and they are paid when their employers are paid. One aspect of this issue is that the teachers also have school-going children. If they do not get their salaries, then they too, would not be able to pay the school fee of their wards.

Parents didn’t get their salaries because they didn’t or couldn’t work because of the lockdown but the teachers have been working during this period and hence, are entitled to their emoluments. They have worked hard, upgraded themselves for the cumbersome task, have spent money from their pocket on internet data. It is disheartening to hear the teachers pleading with the students to pay their fees during the online classes. We owe much more than the salary to the teachers.

You may call it digging up the buried blunders if I say that the only cause of this situation is the unthoughtful privatisation of education. The decision was like setting the timer for the doomsday which is yet to arrive. The government generously allowed privatisation of education and neglected the government schools. Just a few years after it was done, education became a profitable business which also yielded respect and recognition in premium. Today, starting a middle-level private school is as easy as opening a grocery shop.

Why the government should be blamed alone?  Aren’t we all responsible for making the private schools indispensable? Why do we not send our children to government schools? Why is it considered that government schools are only for the children whose parents can’t afford to pay the hefty fees of the private schools? Two main reasons for this situation are allowing too much liberty to the private educational institutions and overlooking of the government educational institutions. On one side we say that education is a fundamental right and on the other, we have private institutions in a country of 70 crore poor people.

The economy of private schools is an open economy and there is no bar on the fee they charge. In addition, they enjoy various subsidies, concessions on tariffs, tax exemptions and provision of getting land at concessional price. With all these benefits, private schools reap handsome profits. They overburden the employees and recruit temporary staff to cut their salary bills. Other than the tuition fee and the transport fee which are legitimate, they levy Pupil Fund, Library Fee, Science Fee, Examination Fee and constantly devise the ways to rob the parents. In addition, they charge an unreasonable amount in the name of Annual Charges and Development Fund. As if their greed was not enough, the government has blessed them with the permission of increasing fee every year. Their cry of inadequate funds due to non-payment of the fee is a cold lie and is a matter of scrutiny. Any private school with an age of ten years or more and having six hundred to eight hundred students must be able to pay its employees for three to six months without receiving any fee. It is just that they do not want to consume the money they have accumulated.

There is no detector to ascertain who is capable of paying the fee despite the economic crisis and who is not. But exempting all the parents from paying a hundred per cent fee would be unfair. It was their decision to admit their wards in a private school and in this time of adversity they cannot shrug off their financial obligation towards these school. How can they show such callous ingratitude towards the teachers whom they have always applauded and boasted of the high standards of their teaching methods?

The parents are liable to pay only the tuition fee for the whole period until the schools do not start functioning. The school administration must also consider that the parents pay the fee for the summer break, autumn break and other vacations every year without asking questions, and they are complaining this time because they are in dire financial straits like everyone. The government must step in if the schools demand other charges too. This pandemic has done the damage, and now, we all have to come together to mend as much as is possible.

Whatever solution the concerned parties arrive at, they must ensure that the teachers are not deprived of their rightful emoluments and no child is forced to leave school because of his parent’s inability to pay the fee. We, as a country, must realise that education is not only the fundamental right but it is a fundamental need. It is also an opportune time for the government to relook its excessively non-restrictive policies towards private institutions.

Death & Mercy

          DEATH & MERCY                    ......... A poem by Akshika Sharma Two figures sat at the cliff, side by side Above a forest ...