Jai Ho!

Since the world is singing Jai Ho, enjoy - another google search on YouTube

Oh and an excellent post, for your reading pleasure.

This ends my Saturday blogging stint. See you another time.

Do we live in a democratic society?

Soon after bashing of women meeting up with friends at a pub in Mangalore, the "terriorists" have now made it to Bangalore. Newspaper reports say that three women have been attacked for wearing western clothes - read jeans in Bangalore. I cannot believe that such a thing is happening in Bangalore, which is a melting pot of cultures. Sad, but true.
If this were not enough, newspaper reports today state that the State education department (Karnataka is run by the BJP government, which I had hopes from, sadly these have disappated very soon), has sent a circular to all colleagues making participation in a so called patriotism rally mandatory. Read the fine print, it is perhaps to ensure that LK Advani, supposedly to be the next PM of India, if the BJP comes to power has enough of a "Youth Audience".
SINCE WHEN HAVE THE STATE GOVERNMENTS ALBEIT THROUGH THE DEPARTMENTS THEY RUN, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THIS CASE, THE AUTHORITY TO DICTATE ATTENDANCE AT A POLITICAL RALLY??
Politicians cannot teach us patriotism. If the address for patriotism was by the Army, I would have applauded participation by the Youth of India. What is happening today, is indeed sad.
I was speaking to a few students today and they echo these thoughts exactly.
So what we will see today is just another political tamasha.
On this somber note, I shall leave you with one of my favourite songs, Vande Mataram by A R Rahman, which I googled for on YouTube.

What do you do?

Dear Readers,

I deliberately kept away for sometime, because I needed the time to think. I was also bogged down with work (and this may continue for several weeks more), so blogging will continue to be infrequent. I do hope you will bear with me.

I have been busy, busy and observant. At any networking bash this question inevitably crops up: So what do you do?

Have you noticed that people's attitudes do vary depending on where you are working? more so, the designation you hold?

Having been a journalist and now a consultant, I am also prone to asking this question and talking to those who can help me attain my business goals (or in my earlier avataar as a journalist - those who would be useful to quote when writing an article or who would be the "source" of a newstory).

With not much time to spare, I have in the past not lingered on to speak to those who are interesting, rather I have interacted with those who may be useful (Ditto for those who are interacting with me).

The corporate world does lead us to behave in a particular manner (even though I think I am largely a non conformist).

With a question looming in my mind: What should I do with my life? And the same question also being asked by friends around me, now I shall listen more, I shall talk to persons who are interesting (such as those involved in social work, social entrepreneurs, writers) and I am sure I shall come back enriched.

I have begun this process and hope to continue to walk on this path - less trodden.

Photograph: Take at Lalbaugh garden, Bangalore, several months ago.

Best regards,
Lubna