Random Cerebral Expressions

Serial ‘Hawli’ or Unity ?

2006-05-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

It was in the 80’s as I remember; the streets of Bangalore were literally empty for about an hour every Sunday. This happened for almost over a year. Reason: The new television serial, RAMAYAN.

Television programs were in a formative stage in India and ‘Ramayan’ came in as a big break for all. The whole country was glued to the television, at home doing whatever, and still watching. At street corners some big shops, were benevolent enough to put on, their TV for the public; passers by would cluster around it. At least another half hour before and after the serial, conversations went on about Ramayana itself.

Young, old, my friends in the Christian and Muslim communities, all watched the program. Indeed Ramanand Sagar sometimes referred to as Ramayan Sagar, the producer did something unique, in that he had unified the whole country for a while !

Here is what the Sunday Times, London had to say:

"….. In the last 50 years, there has been no other example of national integration where the whole nation came to a stand still kneeling before the television sets …."

Another occasion Indians unify is where there are cricket matches. Nowadays there are ‘dime a dozen’ but some of the very important matches draws up the attention of the whole country.

Of late I found the TV serials are taking up prime time of people at homes. In a way, it is just ‘in the way’ for some of us !

Friends and relatives are gobbled up by the television serials, at specific times. and as a result a visitor at this time is really unwelcome.

These serial ‘addicts’ are of several types, commonly;

1. The polite type who keep looking at the clock or watch,
2. The little bold type who actually turn on the TV, watch and try to make a conversation
3. And the frank opinionated, ‘don’t care types’, who tell you “please excuse, me, we will do this some other time”, (now kindly leave!). I have been shooed out very politely from a place or two.

The storywriters, producers and the rest of the team, must be complimented as they are able to draw a common thread and get the rapt attention of so many people. I am truly amazed that in our land of diverse beliefs, we are all truly united !

Hot March

2006-03-22T09:56:00.000-08:00

March is 'a hot' month weather wise – Exam wise, combined with ‘tax write off’ purchases. Temperatures are getting warmer, and suddenly you get a shower or two, which settles down the dust. All moms are busy with their kid’s exams and tension is up. I can see this written all over on mothers who have school going children. In the middle of all this there is the ‘Shivarathiri’ and Holi. The ceiling fans, which were not in service for over 3 / 4 months come squeaking, back to life. Portable fans and coolers find their respective places strategically aimed. I hear “he is still playing a lot”, “he is not concentrating”, complaints against “she is studying very hard”, “she wants to become a doctor”. The whiz of air conditioners in bedrooms lull tired Bengalureans to sleep after a hard day’s work; summer is creping in.

Amidst all of this the newspapers are screaming with advertisements asking you to make those last minute purchases as the financial year comes to a close on 31st. Cars, washing machines, computers, printers, what have you, everything is on a bargain sale. It’s now or never ! Next year it’s going to cost you more !!

Historically, one is reminded of the expression ‘Ides of March’, a soothsayers warning to Julius Caesar. The word ‘ides’ comes from a Latin word that means, "to divide": The ‘ides’ were simply the middle of the month. In the Roman calendar, the Ides of March fell on the 15th day of the Roman month of Martius. The date is famous because Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March 44 BC.

‘Chandramana Ugadi’, New Year for many is celebrated on 30th March.
So here is wishing all those celebrating, “A Very Happy New Year”.

New Year – New 'Gowernment'

2006-02-17T19:13:00.000-08:00

‘New Gowenment Syar” is what I hear on the streets.

Almost as a planned event, trouble brewed in power circles of the government. With a quick divorce and a different alliance, the people of Karnataka inherited a fresh bunch of leaders who will govern the State, hopefully with a difference for the better.

The CM is Mr. KS, a younger person and therefore should be better. He is enthusiastic and seems to be sincere. Generally old fogies, want to hang on to everything in the name of ‘seniority’ and ‘experience’. Though there are exception to the rule in either case. After all the formalities are over, hope the CM gets down to ‘serving the people’, not ‘ruling’ them as often quoted in the press. A cliché used from monarchial times.

Mr. Dharam Singh, who really did not stick his neck out into serious issues, has now found himself in the gallery. A tricky situation for him. Is he going to oppose his own policies of the past 20 months or is he going to wait for new ones to criticize upon ?!

While there are serious issues to be solved, we must continue to wait patiently for a good and effective administration.

Happy New Year

2006-01-01T09:22:00.001-08:00

Finally the New Year 2006.... The tempo and the anxiousness of people could be seen from the past two weeks. Shopping lists, travel itineraries, are they more relieved now ?

It's the same every year and then comes the clichés, “already 3 months over”, “already we are in September ” etc. 'Time and Tide waits for now man' (women included)

Human beings, all of us, have a 'thing' about beginnings, we can't help celebrating. Celebrating in all ways possible around the world. Usually, people around the world are celebrating different events at different times, and relevant only in those parts or groups.

Perhaps Jan 01 is one single day, where people all over celebrate with the same fervor. Everybody means well to everyone else on this single day. Wishing a happy New Year even to strangers.

The present Gregorian calendar, which has a history of its own, is universal in all educational and business worlds. Though many countries and religions have their own almanac of some kind, when it comes to a global situation, it is the Gregorian calendar we are dealing with and with no special religious connotations.

Hence, in my opinion, Jan 01 is the most unifying day.

What ever you did on 31/01,
Here is wishing you
All the best for the next 365 days !

Have a lot of Peace and Happiness.

Merry Christmas !

2005-12-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

Almost over, Christmas of 2005. Looks like lots of people had fun: shopping. churching & partying. Carol singing an integral part of the eve, I heard a group singing at the 'Bengalur Club', ringing in the festivities amidst families relaxing on the lawns.

isn't there a similarity between the birth of Jesus and Krishna ? Both were born around midnight, parents running away from persons who were trying to assassinate them.

Those of you having some of the day left have a Merry Christmas.