Moment to live for

One of the best moments to cherish in life is seeing your mother unable to resist shedding tears of pride & joy when someone you look up to is praising you enormously in front of her and many others.

What say?

Plagiarism

Imitation, they say, is the best form of flattery. But plagiarism is very different from simply appreciating by imitating.

I stumbled upon a link to a newly created blog through Orkut and just a preliminary reading made me realize that the words and style are so very mine. It took me another 3 minutes to locate my blog post from where the other post had been apparently 'inspired'.

I am proud of my blog and whatever little I can write on my own. To see one's words being lifted verbatim, without any credit being offered to the original writer, is certainly not a pleasant sight. I am all for giving writers their due credit and insist on buying original copy of a book rather than a cheap, pirated, photocopied version of the same. Plagiarism is also a form of corruption.

Friends, please do not ever indulge in anything like this. I know of an instance where an analyst I personally knew was sacked from an organization for 'borrowing' from another report. This instance may not be as serious as professional plagiarism, but is still in the same league. If you intend to use a text that you like, ask the original writer before you publish it somewhere. As an unsaid rule, he MUST be the first to know about the reproduction of his work elsewhere.

It is heartening to know that my blog is followed and read. I am pleased to see many readers stopping by and reading whatever I have to offer through my writing. Yet, to see something like this leaves me perturbed. I sincerely hope that such instances do not hit me or any one else who has the patience to write something original.

P.S. 1: I have not resisted telling him what I thought of this incident.

P.S. 2 (updated later): I am told by the blogger that it was a mistake and that he had copied the text long back & did not remember where he had taken the text from! I am still keeping this post with an intention to hope that such things are not repeated, not just with my writing but any original writing.

3 Idiots

I'm off writing movie reviews these days. For a simple reason that no movie has really 'hit' me that hard to sit and write about it. To be fair to other movies I have seen lately (Kurbaan, De Dana Dan, Wake up Sid, APKGK, Rocket Singh, Paa, 2012), 3 Idiots is also not a master-piece to write something about. Yet, I'm expected to write a review I guess, being a pseudo-teacher myself. So here it is.

First things first, it is an entertaining movie in parts. You would not feel bored, though some parts are as dragging as some other parts being entertaining. To my mind, the speech of Chatur was the most entertaining bit and the baby delivery scene was the most boring. Anyways, overall the movie does score brownie points on the entertainment front. Acting and direction is sensible. In any case, the actors in point are not among the inferior ones so one does not expect them to be boring. Aamir, as always, clicks with the audience.

Problem is, my list of what I liked ends with the above paragraph. The most disappointing part of the movie is the theme. Disappointing in a sense that there was nothing new in it. We have seen it before, haven't we? In most parts of the movie, I could not help relate things to Munnabhai MBBS or Taare Zameen Par. Do what your heart believes is right, don't be in the rat race, every person has a special talent, professors help you clear exams but not beyond, etc etc etc is all old gyaan. Another movie on the same lines where the hero does everything right and is demi-God does not work with me. I cannot be tempted by entertainment at the cost of realism. This move is a piece of too much goodie-goodie that I cannot take in. Too much sweet spoils the sweet.

So, as always, we have to keep off our thinking hats while seeing the movie. When I want to see some quick runs being made in cricket, I would prefer watching an Afridi to a Dravid playing big shots. On the other hand, when I want to see some beautiful cricket book shots, I prefer seeing a Dravid in full flow. If you get what I mean to say, for movies too I somehow expect the already set actors in the industry to focus on a movie with some essence rather than a repeat theme done commercially to attract a box office success. I cannot expect a newbie baby like Ranbir Kapoor to experiment with 'thoughtful-but-not-commercial' scripts and plots. He has to get his mark with some 'stupid-but-commercial' movies like APKGK and Rocket Singh. But if even the set actors like Aamir Khan and SRK does pure commercial movies only, the creative bend of the film industry loses its edge and that part of the audience would feel left out. To put it simply, on any given day, I would prefer seeing a Mumbai Meri Jaan over 3 Idiots. Again, if I have to see a pure entertainer, I would rather see an Andaz Apna Apna over 3 Idiots. Effectively, this film is neither here nor there.

Finally, on the message that the movie reiterates - chase your instincts & interests rather than following the crowd. Very true. I am a teacher myself and I have been trying a lot to get that message across of building 'passion' among students. Some take the message, some shrug it off. A lot of students doing CA is a part of the herd. Deep down, they do not like what they are doing. To put it more precisely, they have no clue whatsoever about what they really want to do. The only choice then left is to chase the already set conventional targets rather than creating their own road towards fulfillment. Latter is difficult, for the society would be against it. Yet, what I genuinely feel is that if you have the confidence to see it through, society (including parents) won't have too many issues about it. Point is, does the student have it in him/her to follow his/her instincts successfully?

Let me end it this way. I have interacted with hundreds of students between the ages of 18 and 23 for more than 5 years now and I can hardly think of anyone who has had the confidence to follow his/her own unconventional route to success. It could imply two things: Either all of them enjoyed and relished their curriculum (hardly true, I can sense otherwise in each lecture) or they never attempt to chase their dreams & end up blaming the system for making them marks/grades-chasers. The latter group then go and see a movie like 3 Idiots and thoroughly appreciate the message and love the character of Aamir Khan in it. When back to their normal routines, they opt to forget that they have a CHOICE to be that character themselves. That approach towards life and living, my dear friends, is too simplistic, too 'idiotic' (to end with some bit of movie:))!

Why men shouldn't write advice columns

Received this as a forward :) Enjoy.

More on love

As a comment to my last post, I was asked by PS: "So is true love the same as unconditional love? If yes, how do you relate this post with an equally striking post of yours on unconditional love?" Thought, would reply to it as a separate post.

Firstly, I do not subscribe to the idea of unconditional love. I believe human beings are too complex a creature to do something selflessly keeping his own happiness at stake. A one-off act could be seen, but loving is hardly a short-term act. So to love without keeping his own interest in mind is too improbable. If I am in a relationship, I am in it for my own sake. So is the other person. When such self-centered interests gel with one another, it creates a lasting fulfilling relationship.

Why do I admire the man shown in the video then? It's not because I thought he was doing a selfless act or was loving unconditionally. The admiration comes from the fact that his happiness does not come by being associated with a charming outwardly good-looking girl who is highly educated, well presentable and someone who can add some 'status' to his life. I was amazed by his source of happiness. He has been able to remain content by spending ample time with the girl he loves, though she cannot reciprocate in a way most of us would expect in a relationship. Her well-being being the key factor determining his happiness is a rare sight, especially with her having gone through an unfortunate accident. That is what made me feel good about what he was doing.

Hypothetically, if he were to come upto me and talk of how much sacrifice he is doing to be with her and how he has kept his self-interest aside to take care of her, I would lose a large part of my admiration for him. What I appreciate is an acceptance that someone is in a particular situation in life because he wants to be in it. If someone starts to package it like a selfless, unconditional act, I would laugh my heart out.

So what I am effectively saying is, if Mr.A is in love with a good looking, 'socially acceptable' girl and Mr.B with someone like in the video, I would not respect B more than A for him being selfless. I would rather respect the make of his heart/soul that chooses to remain happy with something like what he is doing. Fact is, both are in the relationship because that is what makes them feel good and happy. The day that ceases, they would walk out citing one or the other reason. Rather, they should or else the relationship becomes burdensome.

P.S.1: Purely my thoughts. Don't have to be subscribed to! :)

P.S.2: I have no intention to demean the girl in the video. I do not mean that she is inferior in any way to a 'normal' girl.

True love

I have been a very firm believer in giving everything into a relationship with a person you truly, genuinely love. The concept of 'true love' itself is something I have thought about a lot. Infact, I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that giving a public talk on love is a dream I cherish. I cringe to see so many couples around who think they are in love. In most of such cases, they are in a relationship for the sake of it. A small argument or a difference of opinion can bring their egos to the forefront shattering the perceived love between them. For all those of you who think they are in love, I call you upon to watch this amazing display of extreme love and affection. Can you beat the love of this guy?

Sure, love isn't a war or a competition to win or beat. Yet, I am truly spellbound having seen this video. Hats off to him for showing me and many like me the way to love.

For me, there is no better definition of true love than to do everything possible to make your partner happy AND still feel content & blissful yourself and not feel burdened. The second part of the statement is as important as the first, if not more.

What the heck!

Reading this made me furious today. Are we joking? Are we in some dreamland?? Ridiculous!!!

Passion

Passion & Attitude are two qualities, I believe, maketh a man. I am almost addicted to talking about both of them in my lectures where I interact with a lot of supremely able minds and hard working students. For me, talent and ability matters less that passion and attitude. This post is not about their relevance.

When I look into my life today, with whatever I have and I don't, one thing that characterizes me these days is the lack of passion for anything. Strange yet true. Nothing, and I mean nothing, really incites me to be enthusiastic about. Events, people, work, matter, pleasure, sports, books. Nothing!

I am not mentioning this in a complaining/unhappy manner. It is just an observation of a strange phase. As much as I feel it's crucial, I am seeing myself without it. Any negatives? Well, just that the emotions are never too extreme in this phase. Never too happy, nor too down. The volatility of mood is lower. Mind is still.

As an aside, had been to a superb concert last night. It was truly blissful to see/listen to some extremely talented musicians performing together - Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Sivamani, U Shrinivas and Selvaganesh.

shaurya kya hai

shaurya kya hai
thartharati is dharti ko raungati faujiyo ki ik paltan ka shor
ya sehame se aasman ko chirata huwa, banduko ki salaami ka shor
shaurya kya hai, hari wardi par chamakate huye chand pital ki sitare
ya sarhad ka naam dekar andekhi kuchh lakiro ki numaish

shaurya kya hai
dur udate khamosh parinde ko goliyo se bhun dene ka ehsaas
ya sholo ki barsat se pal bhar mein ek sehar ko shamshan bana dene ka eshaas

shaurya, shayad ek hosla, shayad ek himmat, hamare bohot ander
majhab ke banaye daayare tod kar, kisika haath tham lene ki himmat
goliyo ki betahsha shor ko apni khamoshi se chunoti de pane ki himmat
marti maarti is duniya mein nihatte datte rehne ki himmat

shaurya, aane wale kal ki khatir
apne hisse ki kaynat ko, aaj bacha lene ki himmat

shaurya kya hai

An extract from a poem penned by Javed Akhtar, recited by Shahrukh Khan for the movie Shaurya.

Funny lines in hoardings/sign boards

Lack of punctuations can make mockery of a normal statement. Hope a friend of mine reads this 'coz he surely needs it :D

In a London Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES:
PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

Outside a London second-hand shop
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a London conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN’T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR, THE BELL DOESN’T WORK)

People in other countries sometimes go out of their way to communicate with their English-speaking tourists. Here is a list around the world :

At a Budapest zoo:
PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS.
IF YOU HAVE ANY SUITABLE FOOD,
GIVE IT TO THE GUARD ON DUTY.

Doctors clinic, Rome
SPECIALIST IN WOMEN AND OTHER DISEASES.

Hotel, Acapulco
THE MANAGER HAS PERSONALLY PASSED ALL THE WATER SERVED HERE.

In a Nairobi restaurant:
CUSTOMERS WHO FIND OUR WAITRESSES RUDE SHOULD WAIT AND SEE THE MANAGER.

In a City restaurant:
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, AND WEEKENDS TOO.

By the way, received this as a forwarded mail!

Funny Oxymorons

1. Clearly misunderstood
2. Exact estimate
3. Small crowd
4. Act naturally
5. Found missing
6. Fully empty

And the mother of all:
Happily Married

:)