Being at Smoky’s!

Mountains calling!

I never had a reason to visit mountains unless I wanted to go for hiking, or friends have planned a picnic. Been lived near a National park (Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai); mountains have never fancied me much. It is like easier the access, the lesser the respect for it; and more difficult it is to achieve; you become more interested in it.

Anyways, let me come back to Smoky. Since, I came to Nashville, USA; I have been hearing a lot about Smokys… Smoky Mountains in Tennessee State, USA have always been the center of many discussions that I have been involved. People talked about how beautiful it is, and how colorful it is during falls…And, animals present in the mountains, in particular bears…It had fascinated me for a long time, and had decided to visit it some-time.

Finally at Mountains!

So, within two weeks, I planned every-thing, and I was at mountains along with my family! My Smoky’s trip turned out to be awesome…

I reached there Friday evening after a drive of four hours, and straight away went for Roaring Fork Motor trail…That was awesome…Driving the Car amid slopes, and narrow roadway was good experience…And, then some of the points showed a good display of colors on the mountain!

I realized that I have booked a very good Condo…This was located very close to Ober Gatlinburg on the top! It was very good view of mountains and downhill from the top! We could click pictures…

And, then by evening; things changed drastically…Snow fall began sometime in the evening…and then it continued till 1 PM the next day…It was awesome view experiencing Snow-fall on the top…Watching trees and mountains covered with Snow was great!

On Sunday, things got better…covered a lot of attractions in the downtown (Skylift, Trolly, Ripley’s)…and then went for Sugarland Visitor Center thinking that Cades Cove loop road is closed…However got to know that it was open via White River Road…We did not face any traffic during the entire journey until we got into Cades Cove loop road…But this place was called scenic loop for some reason…Mountain was clearly visible with minimum 5 range of colors with snow layer at the top forming one of it…That was awesome view!

Overall it was fantastic journey…Going to make it again during summers.

Can I Fly? Why not, if I can swim...

Thoughts often fly, and don't swim...They fly at a speed, which cannot be measured, cannot be defined...One just have to think...Fortunately every human being is possessed with mental power at some capacity to think. And, the speed of thinking can take the man to Moon, and takes it back to earth on the very ground he is sitting. In no time, and at no price. That is the power of thought.

By the way, I have been bourgeoning an idea for a long time...and have been questioning myself for a long time. Why can not I fly myself, and need the help of equipments/ instruments?

Don't I swim...A human body is not supposed to swim...at least that is how we define animals to be...However, we realized our internal strengths, and capitalized on it; and have developed the skill of swimming. Other animals living on the ground, who can walk and run, also have developed the skill of swimming.

So, why is that only birds can fly. I understand, they have the body structure having wings, and other supporting things to allow them to fly. However, I am sure, there is that hidden thing, and we ourselves are unaware of that sense; which if we exploit correctly, would allow us to fly.

In Hindu mithology, there is a lord named Hanumana, who was able to fly, and reach distances in no time. It is on us to realize that strength, and identify that hidden power in us to utilize us to fly. If we can do so, it will remove the need for us to utilize any travel options.

Simply imagine how many of the problems in the world will simply go away, if human beings start flying. I will not describe those things here, and leaving it to your imagination...

So, here I am challenging the scientists all across the globe to study this phenomena, and uncover that science which allowed Lord Hanuman to fly!

I am excited with that very thought...

Human Population - Trend, and Realty

At times, what you see is not what it is. Labor is required to un-cover the thruth. You need to dig it little deep, and know the REAL truth!

For long, I was told that it is a lack of education, which is contributing to ever increasing Indian population. It is world known fact, that Indian population is growing at a pace faster than all the other nations in the world.

So, should we simply believe that the higher un-educated rate in India is one of the reasons...In a way, Yes...that is what is visible on the surface.

However, what is the reason for increasing population in all the other countries in South Aisa...China is leading the pack. I hope, that knowing English is NOT an important criteria to have the tag of 'educated'. Chinese prefer to learn and know Chinese language.

So, thought a lot, and researched only a bit - I concluded that it is the overall climate, which has to be conducive to the growth of human beings and in general animals. It is not only human beings, but also the other animals who have found conducive atmosphere in south asia to grow, and contnue to fertile.

Conducive enviornment includes the fertility of the land, and easy acquatainance of food and shelter for animal beings. And, that is an important criteria to have growth of human beings, and other animals.

Survival of people has been the most in this part of the world; which has the luxury to have several rivers, sweet water, agricultural land, mountains, and habitant climate. How many severe natural calamities have we seen in this part of the world as compared to other parts of the world.

While Japan keeps facing earth-quake like situations, American nations and Russia suffers from stringent cold like situations, and all other nature called disasters. The African continent has other issues to not allow human beings to prosper easily. Australia is not old enough to have human habitat to be compared.

All in all Indian sub-continent will have continue to have population growth...Although with an increase in education level, the percentage of population growth may come down a bit...however it will continue to grow till the natural resources are enough to feed and sustain such a growth!

Truth: Who defines it?

I have continuously been perturbed by a question… coming from inner core – What is truth? Who defines it?

It is not on the basis of equality, not on the basis of urgency…It is defined by the people possessing power at that time. It is their convenience, and interest, that identifies truth; and makes it relevant to them, rather relevant to society.

Ages ago, Hindus developed various castes, defined castes, attributed various factors into caste…It was considered truth then. There was a breed, which was suppressed. A society, which crippled the growth of one set of human beings. People were tortured on the basis of race. Was that equal? People in today’s world say, No! However, that was considered truth then. People with power took shade of God, and said this is right. Lower caste people were made to serve, and higher class people were made to relish. So, it continued on the name of religion, and on the name of God!

Then, the era came of Kings…They ruled nations, people - minds and soles of people. They were supposedly on the right side of truth; when they murdered, butchered generations of human beings; and aspired on the path of expanding their kingdoms. Some did try to spread love, but their sense of love, and hate was confined to what they thought was right…Others did not have choice to consider anything else other than what kings thought as truth.

Westerners were supposed to be modern than Indian civilization…There are historians, who have studied and reported various aspects of western countries…However, I think; they were far ahead, in defining the truth…Probably they thought that truth can be prevailed only with the mindset of colonists…spreading their empire from one country to other country…they fought with each other on the basis of what was right to them. They invented ‘Nuclear’ weapons to win the war of truth!

And, now; we have individuals, governments having all the right to define the truth…Whether it is capitalists, socialist or communists, they are defining the means to earn, and spend based on what they think is “right”. They are colluding with various stakeholders behind the scenes to benefit them, who do not have any interest in public welfare. It is a situation all across the world, where lower class people are made to suffer, and higher class people are meant to further prosper.

It is high time, we “people’ come out of the pseudo definition of truth…and define truth, what is universally acceptable. Is it possible, rather looks pretty complex, and difficult to achieve. May be, we should try it once.

Modi: The Winner!

Election results have already crowned Modi as the un-disputed king of many Indian hearts. He mesmerized everyone with his oratory skills, logical references during discussion, being impartial to religion, caste and society; and being focused solely on one agenda of development and good governance. It was his efforts, which mobilized and energized all the BJP and Sangh workers to work tirelessly. As a result, lotus (BJP’s election symbol) bloomed all across India.

Modi is a 63 years old, but he exhibited energy, thought process, and alignment of one in young India brigade. He always wanted people from all across the country to come to Gujarat, and get employed. He wants women to be empowered; and has nominated a women as the next chief minister of Gujarat. While he is always suggestive of his own religion, he always talked about “Sabka Saath, Sabkaa Vikaas’. He has seemed to be a forward thinker, and looked promising to majority of Indians.

Modi & Gujarat riots: Not Again!

It has been very unfair to hold him responsible for Gujarat riots. What happened in Gujarat during 2002 riots was condemnable. It should not have happened. However, claiming that it happened under Modi’s supervision is an improper statement, particularly when many investigative agencies have not been able to convict him. It can very well be debated on how effectively he handled the overall situation, whether he utilized the available resources optimally; whether he orchestrated his managerial skills perfectly or not.  I have seen many leaders crumpling under pressure, and not able to perform during challenging situations. However, let us not use that as an excuse; and allow the investigations on Gujarat riots to conclude. Political parties using Gujarat riots as an option to counter Modi is understood; however so-called intellectuals continue to harp on that episode, and speak viciously against a man is overdone. Hoping that a right sense will prevail, and they will use common sense, and be judicious when presenting their analysis going forward.

Modi & Path ahead

I had predicted 200-220 seats for BJP party, however public have provided a huge platform to Modi and BJP by giving them the majority. There are expectations from the new government, to take India forward, fulfill dreams of poor, villagers, farmers and each and every one.

Modi will have to be at his best, and deliver similar results as done in Gujarat. He and his team will have to put India back onto economic and social development path; and bring glory to the country.

India has voted

So, India has voted…A phenomenal journey comes to an end…It was magnificent in its own sense, the entire process…It was long, exhausting but spirited…Salute the hard work done by everyone involved.

Politicians and general public had to endure tremendous stress during the process. All the political parties formulated their strategies, executed it, controlled it, and did course correction time to time. Although it was not that public had not made up their mind; however they had to re-evaluate their decisions, and change it several times during the course. At the end, they voted for only one individual, only one party.

It was monumental, I wished the duration of the elections were not that long; however we need to consider the complexities of conducting elections in India. Such a diverse demography, varying climatic conditions all across, and different level of sensitivities required a full-proof preparation, and hats off to election commission to smoothly execute the show.

And, now results are eagerly awaited.

Trend of this election: Modi bashing

While Mr Modi & BJP were gung-ho in assuming or anticipating that there is a Modi wave all across the country, opposition or not so opposition’s political strategy centered on Modi. Normally, elections are run against the sitting government; however this time the major dimension was “Modi” in this election. It was like, all the other non-BJP or non-NDA parties assumed that Modi or BJP is going to win this election; and their strategy was to minimize the margin of the win.

On Modi’s defense, it was unfair for him to receive so much abuse, personal jibes and criticism. It was unilateral attack on him. Many of the national and foreign intellectuals termed him un-democratic, autocratic, and non-human too. However, this man kept himself composed, and retaliated not with words, but with strategies carefully constructed; and created space in hearts of public. He proved that lotus can bloom in the mud. So much animosity against him helped consolidate the support of general public for him. Hence, this election very much became Modi Vs The others.

My predictions

Let me present my best guesstimates about what we will hear on May 16^th. Almost every pre-poll survey has shown BJP as the biggest gainers. I would follow the trend too. Assuming that bull-whip effect has come to play towards the end, BJP should win somewhere between 200 to 220 seats; making it the single largest party for this term. It should be followed by 100-120 seats for Congress. I am not predicting a gigantic loss for Congress as they have a loyal vote-share in few pockets of the country. AAP would not be able to repeat the Delhi charisma in geenral elections, and would settle for 5-6 seats. BJP should be able to form this government with the help of its coalition partners under NDA umbrella; if needed stretching the help from other smaller parties.

Now, let us wait; and see what happens on 16^th.

India Votes!

Core of Democracy: People!

So, again; we have an election around the corner… I simply love the enthusiasm in general public in India with every election. There is always an excitement and eagerness all around; whether it is general elections, assembly elections or ward elections.

Whether you meet a Paanwaala (small shopkeeper), or a cab driver, or a businessman, or a farmer in his yard; they all will talk about n number of problems that they have…Roads are not yet constructed, there are potholes during rainy seasons, there is water scarcity, there is no electricity, there is corruption, there is mafiaraj, and what not! However, as soon as you talk about the candidates or parties, they will tell you their preference quite emphatically. 60-70% of eligible population takes the pain to visit the pole booth (mind me, in villages; they need to travel miles), stand in the queue for hours; and vote for their favorite candidate or party.

On the D-day, apart from the candidates, and parties, the anxiety in general public is noticeable…I get gooses in my stomach too. It is like watching cricket match on television, hearing commentary on radio, people asking for frequent updates. And, then if your favorite wins, you celebrate, enjoy, share sweets. And, if your favorite does not win, you have a dim face, and justify various reasons for the loss.

Core of any democracy is its people. And, if we remain interested in voting, and inclined to drive our own future; our democracy will continue to thrive. Our Belief in the democratic values and system is what makes us unique. Leave aside the lone emergency period; we have managed to run our show on our own. We, Indians are very much into it; and want to run our system democratically.

Youth is more involved

I attribute success of any major action within a society to its youth. Old guard can be responsible for drafting, and penning the plan, but it is youth; who needs to execute to ensure success. By nature, Indian youth has always been involved into the elections process, and have been the vocal forces in their respective families, and decision makers about which candidate or party needs to win from a specific seat. Election Candidates are driving their election strategies around youth, and wanting to mobilize as much youth as possible behind them. Having support from youth is like winning the half battle.

There are a few exceptions reported about youth’s ignorance; however 60-70% voting is technically not possible unless young blood comes out and votes.

Election Commission – Efficient and Credible

Election Commission of India has time and again proved to be an important pillar of Indian democracy. It is remarkable the way they handle their job so efficiently, and ensure transparency and impartiality across the nation in all forms of election. It is not easy to handle the elections with such a huge population, and the challenges faced by such a ranging diversity of geography and demography in India…Kudos to this group, that elections are handled smoothly, and most credible way possible.

This group is respected by all the political parties, and individuals. Once the results are out, political parties accept the results whole-heartedly with nobody crying of foul.

Media playing a crucial role

In last ten years, I would say; the face of media has changed. The way, films portrays what’s happening in the society, the media or news channels should represent the society, arrange themselves based on the need of the society, and reach to the roots of the society. Regional news channels have been able to penetrate into the bottom of the society…Our, so called intellectuals appearing on English news channels may find it cheap news telling; however the changed face has helped public become more aware of happenings all around the nation, and the world.

Media is helping people to build and change a perception about candidates and party. It is definitely influencing people by providing or hiding information. But, the self-regulation imposed by Media in India is so strong, that it helps bring transparency, authenticity; and thus each media house wants to have impeccable credibility. Media is playing an extremely important role in Indian democracy, and in a way assisting Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections.

So, what am I doing?

I cannot vote myself, since I am away being in USA. I wished to have an online voting possibility. Howsoever never the less, I am excited to vote during the next election whenever I return back.

Requesting you all to exercise this right - visit your polling booth; and ‘Vote’.

Marriage: A Human Trait!

I consider, Marriage as the beautiful thing to happen in the world. It is a concept, which establishes humanity in true sense.

Obviously, the very fact, that each culture, religion embraces man as one arm, and women as the other; it indicates the very (right) existence of commonality between all kinds of humans cutting across races. And, then there is marriage…All across the world, it exists…it is an accepted phenomena, well defined process…rituals, and traditions being part of it…It is celebrated in some or other fashion…It is a moment which brings joy to both the sides of families!

Then, what is beyond explanation is the hate of one man for the other men…of one religion for other…of one caste for other…of one society for another…of one culture towards the other…Obviously there are explanations, and there are justifications for this to happen too. Root cause is the ability of few individuals to manipulate the truth, and present it in other forms. The other cause is the presence of those (in abundance) who accept these manipulations AS IT IS, and follow them blindly.

Multiple forms of civilization should coexists together…One with power should embrace the other with greater humility, and one with lesser influence should live with pride, and respecting the existence of other. Isn’t it possible?