Intolerance - My viewpoint

Recently there has been a lot of hullabaloo about the so called word Intolerance. On a lighter side, maybe during the last few months apart from politicians, celebrities, and sports-persons I believe this keyword was the most searched on Google.

Politicians, media-persons, independent bloggers, writers and last but not least tinsel town people also had a say about Intolerance.

So, whether India is an intolerant country?

According to me the answer is a big NO.

So when and where actually it began?

How much I have followed the news channels and read about it, I can say that, it began when elections were held in Bihar. It coincided that phase. Add to this the Dadri incident. This was like adding ghee to the burning fire. Dadri, a small town in the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh became the centre of attraction albeit in a wrong manner. Politicians started rushing there, media-persons hounded the family, writers and scholars returned their awards. Suddenly in all the news channels there was only one discussion going on, that is Intolerance.

Caste and Religion are powerful but equally dangerous weapons. Maybe the political parties who were not in a position to win the election resorted to these weapons to swing the tide in their favor and I believe it worked. After the Dadri incident, I believe the tide swung totally in favor of them.

Intolerance was no longer a mere word appearing in dictionaries, it became a powerful weapon. It became a weapon which was used by politicians, media-persons, writers in order to protest against the ruling government. Meanwhile they did not understand that they were maligning the nation’s image. It was the name of our country which was associated with the word Intolerance. But they never thought. The people who were in need of some votes in their favor systematically used these weapons and won the battle.

Once the elections were over, there was no mention of this word. Suddenly everyone became mum and India became tolerant again for them. The major role in this entire episode was played by the Media. They highlighted this issue by repetitively running bits, taking interviews, and debates and made Intolerance a trend. Celebrities also were not spared; in fact they were dragged in to this issue. They were asked questions about intolerance during their movie promotions. Few who did not bother to answer escaped but few who did had to pay a price.

Finally, stray incidents do not make India an intolerant nation. There are people of different religions and castes living together in harmony. But due to the vested interests of few power-hungry and money-hungry sharks the common people have to suffer and also the entire country gets a bad name. It hampers the development and growth of India and Indian people on a global scale.

Alas, they never care and it is us who have to bear the brunt!!!

Corruption in Sports

Couple of days ago when I was going through Sports news I was shocked to learn about the match fixing in tennis. 

We all got introduced to the murky world of match fixing in Cricket, I think in the late 90's. Correct me if I am wrong. During the recent times we have  
also become aware of another type of fixing called Spot Fixing. 

But I was really stunned when I heard that it happens in tennis matches and that too for Grand slams tournaments such as Wimbledon Open.

It is very hard to understand why sports-persons resort to such lows. Not in only in Cricket and Tennis, I believe corruption is rampant in others sports as  well. For example, we are all aware of the corruption scandal which rocked the soccer world. This scandal was not by players, instead by the officials and  associates connected with FIFA. Coming to sports such as athletics, weightlifting doping is practiced. This is another kind of cheating.

Sports-persons belonging to Cricket, Football and Tennis are already paid handsomely. In Cricket and in cricket crazy country such as India, they need just  one or two performances to bring them out from the darkness of anonymity to the limelight of fame and adulation. If they continue their good performances,  they will be picked by franchises in cash rich leagues such as IPL. Once they replicate their form in IPL or vice versa, that is performing well in IPL and  then bursting on the national scene, they become the stars, people become fans, youngsters look up to them. Similarly in the world of Tennis, if a players is selected in the main draws of the grand slams such as Wimbledon it in itself is an achievement. I think it is the dream of many tennis players to play a grand slam and win it. Their name would be etched forever in the record books.

The people who indulge in corruption of sports should be given a stringent punishment. It includes right from a new youngster or any stalwart of the game. A harsh penalty should be imposed on them which should deter those who want to venture in that route. If any sports official is found guilty he should be awarded a more stringent punishment. The punishment should be set an example so that nobody should take that route.

I hope the corruption in sports can be eradicated but it is a tough task. In each sport there are people who want the sport be clean. Those people should come forward and shoulder responsibility to clean the sports world.

Many people follow at least one sport and they are passionate for that sport. They even have their role models. People watch sports with enthusiasm and it would be great they are played without any corruption, either on or off the field.

Review of "Only Time Will Tell"

Book - Only Time Will Tell

Author - Jeffrey Archer

Initially I was little sceptical because after reading the premise, I was thinking that it is based in England and the timeline was also during 1919-1939. But once I started reading and completed about 50 pages, I was completely absorbed. Until i finished the book, I became a fan of Jeffrey Archer.

First time I read a book of this kind. Narration is crisp and awesome. How the story of the protagonist unfolds is described in detail but you won't even feel bored once. What are the challenges he faces coming from a poor family, how his lifestyle changes, how he copes with the academic pressure is explained in such a manner that I started visualizing those scenes despite not seeing those exact locations. Such is the power of narration.

Review would be incomplete and also it would be injustice if I do not mention about another character who being the protagonist's mother. Her character has been etched out very carefully by the author. You will feel for her for the sacrifices she makes. In fact apart from a few characters all others have been given a very superb role by the author. 

Last but not the least, the climax is thrilling and it is so better than any actual thriller novel. The ending couldn't have been much better and it compels you to run and start reading next one in the Clifton Chronicles.

Finally I would recommend all my reader friends out there to go and grab a copy of the book “Only Time Will Tell” which being the first volume of the Clifton Chronicles. 

Rating 5/5

P.S If someone was suddenly introduced to a new and sophisticated lifestyle, then what all qualms you would have faced will be recollected when you read the first few pages of this book. 

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Student Suicides

Recently I read a news bit about a student suicide. The reason was bad performance. Today again, I read about another suicide. Whenever I read such articles it irks me. What is wrong ? Who is wrong, is it the students or the parents ? Is there really so much pressure out there ?

I wonder why so many people succumb to such a decision. Is it really the performance pressure which drives those students to take such a step or the aftermath of that.

I guess it is the latter part. Many students are stressed so much to study that they become mentally fragile. They are pushed to limits. They are always under constant pressure from their parents to score more and more, to be the topper. This alone is not the reason. There is also no positive motivation. Assume a student finishes one phase, then there should be a small celebration. This makes them happy. It is a welcome break from the tiring hours they have spent burning the midnight oil to study. Once the results are out, whatever they may have scored they should be embraced. I totally agree with all the parents and guardians out there that they will be mighty disappointed if their children score less percentage or fails in an exam. Indeed they have undergone so many sacrifices, they have taken so much pain and when they see such a sad state of affairs they are bound to get disappointed. But that should be momentary.

Students, when they are facing such a turbulent phase need a few words of motivation, may be a pat on the back, ask them not to worry. These small things when come from the loved ones such as parents and elders will surely boost the morale of the children. They will get a positive energy which will drive them to work harder and try to score a good number of marks in future.

I don't want to pin point or blame only the parents or guardians. Students are equally or I believe are more responsible as they are the ones who will be out there studying. They should also see and understand how their parents have toiled hard to give them the best education possible. They should work hard and try to focus. I am not saying that they shouldn't enjoy the life. Of course they should. Meanwhile they should be equally responsible about their academic performance as well.

Even if after working hard, if they score less percentage or fail in the exams they should face it neither run away. Success and failure both are two faces of a same coin. Taking their own life is not the solution. They may be free of their burden but it is their loved ones who will be in pain and guilt for their entire lifetime. They will suffer for the rest of their lives wondering what wrong did they do. Students have lot of expectations and if they are not able to fulfil their expectations or they think they can't achieve all what is expected of them, they should convey it. Maybe some parents would be having a dream that their son or daughter should study in IIT. But, that son or daughter will be knowing their own calibre, their level and they should decide whether to go with that. If they think that they can't do that they should convey it in the beginning itself. I know that the parents would be disappointed but at least they know exactly where they stand. That would be a momentary disappointment but later when the students choose what they think they will excel at, bring laurels, that moment the parents would be really proud of their children.

I believe solutions to this menace can be educating both parents and children that failure is not the end. Students should be motivated to perform better but not put under pressure, there should not be too much of comparison between the fellow students. This may lead to an inferiority complex. All students should be treated as equals. On the other hand, students also should work hard, be honest with their parents. If they know that some particular course or higher education such as Masters is not their cup of tea then they should be brave and tell that.

Failure is a part and parcel of life. It may bring a momentary sadness but it gives a great deal of happiness when you rise from the dark wells of failure to scale new heights which are illuminated by the light of your success. 

Soggade Chinni Nayana Review

Soggade Chinni Nayana is one the three big banner Telugu movies released this festive. Starring Akkineni Nagarjuna in a dual role with Ramya Krishna and Lavanya Tripathi as the leading ladies this movie is a treat to watch. Supporting cast includes Brahmanandam, Nassar, Sampath Raj having important roles. Nagarjuna dons the roles of both father Bangara Raju and son Ramu with perfection.

The film opens with a old temple being shown and few people entering the temple in the dark, A person tries to open the door of the temple and he dies of a snake bite.This incident has happened many years ago.

Fast forward to present and Ramu along with his wife (Lavanya) come to India suddenly. It is revealed that they are about to take divorce. Hearing this Satya (Ramya Krishna), his mother is upset and calls out for Bangara Raju. Lord Yama decides to send Bangara Raju back to earth but he can only see and hear and seen and heard by Satya, his wife.

How he manages to bring his son Ramu and his wife together is the fun part. Meanwhile he comes to  know a bitter truth about his death. When he finds out he is stunned and he also comes to know that his son is in danger.

How Bangara Raju saves his son, his family and exacts revenge is for you to watch out for.

Performance wise Nagarjuna shows why he is called King and indeed he is showcased as a King. Lavanya Tripathi has also been given a good screen space and she has carried out her part with ease. Nothing to say about the veteran actress Ramya Krishna. Apart from these main characters the supporting characters also have played their role accordingly.

Final verdict is the film is a complete family entertainer with sentiment, good comedy, not too much of action and good songs.

Rating - 4/5

P.S. There is one cameo as well. To know who it is do watch the movie!!!!

Soggade Chinni Nayana Trailer

Pre-Order Cometh the Hour now !!!!

Cometh the Hour is the sixth volume in the Clifton Chronicles by the bestselling author Jeffrey Archer.

Pre-order today.

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Happy Makara Sankranti to All !!!

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Makara Sankranti or Pongal is an important Hindu festival. It is celebrated with pomp and fervor. Kites are flown, sweets are eaten, beautiful Rangolis are put in front of the home.

In the southern part of India especially Karnataka, this festival is very significant to farmers since it marks the harvest festival to them. Also in Andhra Pradesh this festival is celebrated with great pomp. Children and elders alike enjoy this festival.

Once again wishing all the readers a very happy and prosperous Makara Sankranti festival