Raajneeti
One of the dare-do movie, Raajneeti is one of its league. Undoubtedly entertaining, the wonderful music creates another dimension (at least according to my personal judgement). Least bothered about Political Dramas as such, I watched the movie more for its celebrity value and positive reviews; than any other desire. Katrina Kaif is both glamorous and beautiful, and, rises well up to viewers’ expectations.
I personally liked Nazeerudin Shaah and Ajay Devgan, too! And Ranbir Kapoor, though, childish, does total justice to the character. Lovely performances, at specific times, by everyone involved!
It’s not useless to mention that since every other politics-involving movie touch every Indian chord: There ARE indeed, some repetitious and simply violent scenes. Lest the vicious circle that politics is, gets slightly jarred, the producers have taken sever measures to ensure full masaala, that gets backed by equally intense sultry-substantial-scenes
Naana Paatekar rises upto his role The-Best-Of-All! Enraged and dedicated, shrewd yet just, emotional jolly Perfect – sooner or later he simply being to jump out as the pivotal soul.
Liza Batra... I like it!
Moments...
Boat
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Review- The Evening
The Evening
I won’t say I liked this movie. I enjoyed it: YES. There is a spicy quality interspersed with painful minutes. The protagonist is seen as a character too-good-to-be-true: She is is good, if the viewer limits his/her thinking to her biological dispositions. Beyond that, my views aren’t exactly in sync with the general opinion: Being a good singer is her natural inclination, being a good friend: Her requirement for companionship. She seems to misinterpret the importance of root values, or should I say, “Roots’ value?”
Perfumed and sexy, gullible yet strong, her charisma is enigmatic; wholesome and breezy, her persona magnetic. But how far can a bird fly... It would need to migrate, or at least, have a nest! I don’t intend to find solace via metaphors, the story lends heroic charm, but gracefully confuses mind’s eye:-
1. The lady raises two daughters, but, is it usable that while one is spoilt brat, the other super-doting for her mother: Implying that protagonist did bring them up nicely, but, vain that she was, couldn’t love uncompromisingly.
2. The hero, most basic in his demeanour, nicely evades any responsibility that goes beyond his immediate requirements. Though this judgement would be apparent to any reasonably observing eye, the protagonist and her so-called-best friend seem to be ignorant of anything trustworthy that could have been simply built into fine relation(s).
3. It’s beautiful, undoubtedly; but leaves unanswered queries in mind; to the point that a viewer could find it difficult to even HAVE any opinion.
It’s kinda messy, but perhaps that’s thoroughly just-my-opinion!? I generally tell people very frank thoughts about movies; however, ‘The Evening’ did total atyaachaar on any thoughts I could have had; and didn’t satisfy me at all.
I won’t say I liked this movie. I enjoyed it: YES. There is a spicy quality interspersed with painful minutes. The protagonist is seen as a character too-good-to-be-true: She is is good, if the viewer limits his/her thinking to her biological dispositions. Beyond that, my views aren’t exactly in sync with the general opinion: Being a good singer is her natural inclination, being a good friend: Her requirement for companionship. She seems to misinterpret the importance of root values, or should I say, “Roots’ value?”
Perfumed and sexy, gullible yet strong, her charisma is enigmatic; wholesome and breezy, her persona magnetic. But how far can a bird fly... It would need to migrate, or at least, have a nest! I don’t intend to find solace via metaphors, the story lends heroic charm, but gracefully confuses mind’s eye:-
1. The lady raises two daughters, but, is it usable that while one is spoilt brat, the other super-doting for her mother: Implying that protagonist did bring them up nicely, but, vain that she was, couldn’t love uncompromisingly.
2. The hero, most basic in his demeanour, nicely evades any responsibility that goes beyond his immediate requirements. Though this judgement would be apparent to any reasonably observing eye, the protagonist and her so-called-best friend seem to be ignorant of anything trustworthy that could have been simply built into fine relation(s).
3. It’s beautiful, undoubtedly; but leaves unanswered queries in mind; to the point that a viewer could find it difficult to even HAVE any opinion.
It’s kinda messy, but perhaps that’s thoroughly just-my-opinion!? I generally tell people very frank thoughts about movies; however, ‘The Evening’ did total atyaachaar on any thoughts I could have had; and didn’t satisfy me at all.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Does Terrorism lead to Racial Discrimination or Racial Discrimination leads to Terrorism?
Place: Newyork city
Date: 30th September, 2001
Time: 2 pm
Scene 1
(Aabid Khan, 45, is sitting in a rocking chair, a lost look in eyes. Nazim, sixteen, enters from door at left.)
“Maybe I SHOULD be a terrorist… maybe we are SUPPOSED to be that?!” (Nazim throws his bag on the floor with frustration.)
“Don’t join the league of others, son. You can have a better future.” (Aabid replies without looking at Nazim.)
“But, I want friends, belongingness, not alienation!”
“You yourself will begin to feel like an alien, son. You won’t recognize yourself. There are no friends there.”
“I don’t care!! Even Priya and John have turned their backs on me! I didn’t know that being a Muslim meant being a terrorist; or being known as one!”
“It DOES NOT mean that!!!”
Silence
(Aabid throws the newspaper on floor and glares at the young boy. Nazim picks up the newspaper, and reads aloud)
The government has decided to strictly detain and interrogate people of Muslim community from entering the country. ”We don’t want more attacks”, the government says.
“What about Iqbal Chachu, Ammi, and Sani Kaki now?! They were to join us here after a wait of three long years in India!”
“Their visas got cancelled.”
“After being approved once?!”
“Yeah”
“HELL”. (Nazim walks out)
Scene 2
(Nizam is half lying on a bed. Phone rings.)
“So, what have you decided?” (A hoarse voice on the other end asks)
Silence
“Are you going to act timid like your father and stay cocooned? We have had enough, child. It’s time to fight for our rights and recognition. Don’t be so irresponsible.”
Silence (Phone receiver still on ear, Nizam closes his eyes.)
“I heard that some of our dear family members were not allowed to come here. We had waited so long to be together. You think it’s justified?”
“No, its not. IT’S NOT!!!” (Nizam sits up, beads of perspiration on his head)
“Well, so…”
“IT’S NOT JUSTIFIED THAT ABBA GOT FIRED FROM HIS JOB FOR NO REASON! IT’S NOT JUSTIFIED THAT WE ARE GIVEN STARES EVERYWHERE WE GO!! IT’S NOT JUSTIFIED THAT SHOPKEEPERS AND TAXI DRIVERS AVOID US LIKE PLAGUE!!! IT’S NOT NOT NOT JUSTIFIED!! IT’S NOT!”
“My child, then don’t bear with it. Come, we’ll make our voices get heard, no matter how.”
“I need to think.” (Hangs up the phone and dials another number) “Hello. Aadaab aunty. This is Nazim, Sabbir’s friend. Can I talk to Sabbir?”
“Beta, there was some feud in our street today and a guy bet him up badly. He is in hospital.”
(Nizam quietly puts the pone back, gets down from the bed, and comes to the centre stage. Writes something on the paper kept on table. Goes to right stage and takes out a suitcase from the cupboard. Exits right stage)
(Aabid enters from left. Comes centre stage. Picks the paper from table and reads aloud.)
“There is no other option, Abba. I must take to my destiny.”
(Aabid falls on the floor. Curtains)
Date: 30th September, 2001
Time: 2 pm
Scene 1
(Aabid Khan, 45, is sitting in a rocking chair, a lost look in eyes. Nazim, sixteen, enters from door at left.)
“Maybe I SHOULD be a terrorist… maybe we are SUPPOSED to be that?!” (Nazim throws his bag on the floor with frustration.)
“Don’t join the league of others, son. You can have a better future.” (Aabid replies without looking at Nazim.)
“But, I want friends, belongingness, not alienation!”
“You yourself will begin to feel like an alien, son. You won’t recognize yourself. There are no friends there.”
“I don’t care!! Even Priya and John have turned their backs on me! I didn’t know that being a Muslim meant being a terrorist; or being known as one!”
“It DOES NOT mean that!!!”
Silence
(Aabid throws the newspaper on floor and glares at the young boy. Nazim picks up the newspaper, and reads aloud)
The government has decided to strictly detain and interrogate people of Muslim community from entering the country. ”We don’t want more attacks”, the government says.
“What about Iqbal Chachu, Ammi, and Sani Kaki now?! They were to join us here after a wait of three long years in India!”
“Their visas got cancelled.”
“After being approved once?!”
“Yeah”
“HELL”. (Nazim walks out)
Scene 2
(Nizam is half lying on a bed. Phone rings.)
“So, what have you decided?” (A hoarse voice on the other end asks)
Silence
“Are you going to act timid like your father and stay cocooned? We have had enough, child. It’s time to fight for our rights and recognition. Don’t be so irresponsible.”
Silence (Phone receiver still on ear, Nizam closes his eyes.)
“I heard that some of our dear family members were not allowed to come here. We had waited so long to be together. You think it’s justified?”
“No, its not. IT’S NOT!!!” (Nizam sits up, beads of perspiration on his head)
“Well, so…”
“IT’S NOT JUSTIFIED THAT ABBA GOT FIRED FROM HIS JOB FOR NO REASON! IT’S NOT JUSTIFIED THAT WE ARE GIVEN STARES EVERYWHERE WE GO!! IT’S NOT JUSTIFIED THAT SHOPKEEPERS AND TAXI DRIVERS AVOID US LIKE PLAGUE!!! IT’S NOT NOT NOT JUSTIFIED!! IT’S NOT!”
“My child, then don’t bear with it. Come, we’ll make our voices get heard, no matter how.”
“I need to think.” (Hangs up the phone and dials another number) “Hello. Aadaab aunty. This is Nazim, Sabbir’s friend. Can I talk to Sabbir?”
“Beta, there was some feud in our street today and a guy bet him up badly. He is in hospital.”
(Nizam quietly puts the pone back, gets down from the bed, and comes to the centre stage. Writes something on the paper kept on table. Goes to right stage and takes out a suitcase from the cupboard. Exits right stage)
(Aabid enters from left. Comes centre stage. Picks the paper from table and reads aloud.)
“There is no other option, Abba. I must take to my destiny.”
(Aabid falls on the floor. Curtains)
Society's Attitude!
Society’s Attitude towards the Disabled
A lot is being said about the disabled today. In fact, it is no longer justified to call the disabled, ‘disabled’. It is better to address them as ‘people with disabilities’. I am myself a disabled person, but feel that changing the terminology isn’t really as essential as changing the attitudes of people towards the disabled. Of course, the former does help in achieving the latter, but doesn’t necessarily guarantee it.
As far as the society’s attitude towards disabled is concerned, at a personal level I’ve been vey fortunate. I’ve hardly come across any behaviours or reactions of people that have a lot to do with my disability. Once I tell them about my disability, to the extent that is necessary, they are okay with it and the conversation goes on. Of course, I do meet people who are a bit too curious or sympathetic, but it is not in any way irritating. In fact, it makes me smile to think that my disability is being discussed as easily some political issue. But, this is at a very ‘interpersonal’ level.
If I talk keeping a larger picture in mind, I can’t deny that the society still views the disabled as people who ‘obviously are less happy and need help’. We are yet to see the time when the disabled will be allowed to define ‘happiness’ in their own words, when they will have sufficient opportunities and will be respected as much as (neither less nor more) the so-called ‘able’.
There are people who start suggesting various treatments the moment they meet a disabled person. They’ll go on and on about the multitude benefits of a particular medicine, or a miracle they had witnessed when a person in wheelchair got up and started walking. It shows that the immediate assumption when a disabled person is seen is that he/she is unhappy, needs a lot of help and can do nothing other than brooding on his/her disability, that the only thing that matters in his/her life is ‘how to get rid of the disability’.
Also, funnily, people assume that the disabled can’t think on their own. E.g. there are many people, who, when they meet me, ask my parents, “Which standard does she read in?” Noticing that I am disabled, they automatically assume that I can’t even think on my own, and, instead of talking directly to me, bombard my parents with questions about myself.
Society is yet to feel comfortable knowing that disabled people are also a part of itself. Often, people feel utterly confused thinking how they should talk to a disabled person. Consequently, they end up doing what they want to avoid- hurting the disabled.
Things can be changed by bringing enough opportunities to the disabled, by recognizing their potential and tapping the same, by giving them exposure and educating the disabled and able about disabilities.
As a matter of fact, it is not only the society that has to be worked upon. Too much of focusing on the ‘society’s attitude towards disabled’ also compartmentalizes the disabled. They are as much a part of the society as anyone else and as normal as anyone else. So, why discuss so much about various attitudes towards them in the first place? But on second thoughts, unless we discuss it, the much required change in attitudes won’t be achieved.
Disability, whether it is mental or physical, lies in the way an individual perceives himself, not the society’s view. But ultimately, both these things are interdependent. The self-image of the disabled both depends on and determines the society’s view of disabled. Hence, the foremost thing is the self esteem of disabled…they should be allowed to feel comfortable with their disability. Give them the necessary equipment, necessary learning strategies, suitable environment…fulfill their ‘special needs’ that are actually as special as anybody else’s, and, most important, give them a normal upbringing. Once this is achieved, disabled will themselves prove their worth and earn respect in society, instead of getting pitiful and curious stares. And then, an effective change in the mindset of the disabled and the society will come into view.
Thankfully, present day scenario is quite positive. Attention is being given to making places accessible to disabled, including disabilities in education curricula, providing disabled people with environment conducive to their best possible growth…but, still, a lot remains to be done. e.g.
1. Why do the disabled have to wait in long queues and bear not-very-polite government officials just to obtain a certificate confirming their disability? The need for such a certificate is justified; but, are the long waiting hours and the harsh comments by officials justified? The entire process should rather, be easier for the disabled; then why is it actually so difficult?
2. Why are not, the physically disabled students allowed to take up physical education as one of their subjects in 12th standard? Don’t they have a right to develop their physiques at least as much as is possible? Do they not have a right to learn outdoor games just because they can’t play those games?
3. Why does Kurukshetra University not provide the facility of one extra hour during exams to the disabled? It provides the facility of ‘writer’ for disabled students who can’t hold a pen, but what about those disabled students who CAN write themselves but not as fast as their peers? Shouldn’t they be allowed to write for themselves?
I don’t want to end the passage on a negative note, so, I’ll again point out that the present time is indeed the best time for disabled, when a lot is being done for them, and, resources are being researched to help them in helping themselves…yet things can be made better. People with disabilities have started accepting themselves…let the society also accept its constituents.
A lot is being said about the disabled today. In fact, it is no longer justified to call the disabled, ‘disabled’. It is better to address them as ‘people with disabilities’. I am myself a disabled person, but feel that changing the terminology isn’t really as essential as changing the attitudes of people towards the disabled. Of course, the former does help in achieving the latter, but doesn’t necessarily guarantee it.
As far as the society’s attitude towards disabled is concerned, at a personal level I’ve been vey fortunate. I’ve hardly come across any behaviours or reactions of people that have a lot to do with my disability. Once I tell them about my disability, to the extent that is necessary, they are okay with it and the conversation goes on. Of course, I do meet people who are a bit too curious or sympathetic, but it is not in any way irritating. In fact, it makes me smile to think that my disability is being discussed as easily some political issue. But, this is at a very ‘interpersonal’ level.
If I talk keeping a larger picture in mind, I can’t deny that the society still views the disabled as people who ‘obviously are less happy and need help’. We are yet to see the time when the disabled will be allowed to define ‘happiness’ in their own words, when they will have sufficient opportunities and will be respected as much as (neither less nor more) the so-called ‘able’.
There are people who start suggesting various treatments the moment they meet a disabled person. They’ll go on and on about the multitude benefits of a particular medicine, or a miracle they had witnessed when a person in wheelchair got up and started walking. It shows that the immediate assumption when a disabled person is seen is that he/she is unhappy, needs a lot of help and can do nothing other than brooding on his/her disability, that the only thing that matters in his/her life is ‘how to get rid of the disability’.
Also, funnily, people assume that the disabled can’t think on their own. E.g. there are many people, who, when they meet me, ask my parents, “Which standard does she read in?” Noticing that I am disabled, they automatically assume that I can’t even think on my own, and, instead of talking directly to me, bombard my parents with questions about myself.
Society is yet to feel comfortable knowing that disabled people are also a part of itself. Often, people feel utterly confused thinking how they should talk to a disabled person. Consequently, they end up doing what they want to avoid- hurting the disabled.
Things can be changed by bringing enough opportunities to the disabled, by recognizing their potential and tapping the same, by giving them exposure and educating the disabled and able about disabilities.
As a matter of fact, it is not only the society that has to be worked upon. Too much of focusing on the ‘society’s attitude towards disabled’ also compartmentalizes the disabled. They are as much a part of the society as anyone else and as normal as anyone else. So, why discuss so much about various attitudes towards them in the first place? But on second thoughts, unless we discuss it, the much required change in attitudes won’t be achieved.
Disability, whether it is mental or physical, lies in the way an individual perceives himself, not the society’s view. But ultimately, both these things are interdependent. The self-image of the disabled both depends on and determines the society’s view of disabled. Hence, the foremost thing is the self esteem of disabled…they should be allowed to feel comfortable with their disability. Give them the necessary equipment, necessary learning strategies, suitable environment…fulfill their ‘special needs’ that are actually as special as anybody else’s, and, most important, give them a normal upbringing. Once this is achieved, disabled will themselves prove their worth and earn respect in society, instead of getting pitiful and curious stares. And then, an effective change in the mindset of the disabled and the society will come into view.
Thankfully, present day scenario is quite positive. Attention is being given to making places accessible to disabled, including disabilities in education curricula, providing disabled people with environment conducive to their best possible growth…but, still, a lot remains to be done. e.g.
1. Why do the disabled have to wait in long queues and bear not-very-polite government officials just to obtain a certificate confirming their disability? The need for such a certificate is justified; but, are the long waiting hours and the harsh comments by officials justified? The entire process should rather, be easier for the disabled; then why is it actually so difficult?
2. Why are not, the physically disabled students allowed to take up physical education as one of their subjects in 12th standard? Don’t they have a right to develop their physiques at least as much as is possible? Do they not have a right to learn outdoor games just because they can’t play those games?
3. Why does Kurukshetra University not provide the facility of one extra hour during exams to the disabled? It provides the facility of ‘writer’ for disabled students who can’t hold a pen, but what about those disabled students who CAN write themselves but not as fast as their peers? Shouldn’t they be allowed to write for themselves?
I don’t want to end the passage on a negative note, so, I’ll again point out that the present time is indeed the best time for disabled, when a lot is being done for them, and, resources are being researched to help them in helping themselves…yet things can be made better. People with disabilities have started accepting themselves…let the society also accept its constituents.
Madhubani!!!
Madhubani
Big eyes, painted on a big face, stared hard at me. I got scared! But, my mother smiled. We were in an art gallery and looking at paintings. Then, mom told me about Madhubani (Ma-dhoo-Ba-Nee), an interesting folk art of India, a south Asian country. It means 'forest of honey'. Long time back, when it started, only lady of the house used to do it, but now children also do it.
Mom told that Madhubani artists make use of agricultural products only. Ladies treat handmade paper with cow dung and dry it. “Cow dung?!” I wrinkled my nose. Mom explained that cow dung can be used in many creative ways. From the painting, I guessed that cow dung gives the paper a yellow tinge and make it thicker.
Even the brush is handmade! It’s made from a bamboo twig wrapped with a piece of cloth. Or the ends are frayed so that the fiber looks like a bundle of hair. Bamboo sticks are harder than the general painting brushes, so, Madhubani takes more effort. For patches, a cloth is tied to a twig, dipped in dye and pressed against the surface. This is called pihua (Pee-Hoo-aa).
I picked up the exhibition brochure from the counter and read about the sources of colours.
• BLACK is obtained by mixing soot with cowdung, or burning a cloth-piece on a lamp.
• YELLOW comes from turmeric, flower pollen, or lime and the milk of Banyan tree leaves.
• BLUE, from indigo plant.
• RED, from the Kusum flower juice, red sandalwood or bricks.
• GREEN, from the apple tree leaves or Seem plant.
• WHITE, from rice powder.
• ORANGE, from Palasha flowers.
• BROWN, from Peepal tree
So, there is no ONE medium. Colours are applied flat without shading. Madhubani art is either in bright colours or black ink. As modern artists use varnish to give shine to the painting, Madhubani artists use gum from the trees.
Subjects
Traditional themes are small images of Gods & Goddesses, stories from Hindu mythology and shapes of flowers, leaves, fruits, and animals. Lotus plant, bamboo grove, birds, fish etc, are drawn separately or in union. Agricultural animal life is also depicted.
Beginnings
Sam, the attendant at the gallery, also joined us. She told that this art began as cave paintings in Madhubani district (Bihar) of India long time back. Those natural dyes were very strong. They are still found on the walls of old caves. As civilization went up, walls and floors of mud houses began to be painted. Sam said that many beliefs are linked with Madhubani. It purifies the atmosphere. And, when the worshipped Goddess comes to the house every morning to bless family members, the beautiful walls make her happy.
Walls are also painted for celebrating festivals, birthdays and marriage ceremonies. Madhubani, also known as Mithila (Mee-Thee-Laa), is done in three ways – Bhitti Chitra (Bhee-tee Chee-tra) is wall painting, Aripana is floor painting, and Pata-Chitra is canvas painting. Chitra means ‘picture’.
Special Featrures
Aashima, my pen-friend from India, wrote to me that Madhubani is done in double outline. The gap between the lines is filled by cross or straight tiny lines. That must be time consuming! Also, there are hardly any empty spaces; pictures are fully detailed.
In Madhubani art, the methods used are simple, but it takes patience and hard-work. After knowing all this, when I looked at the big eyes on big face again, I didn’t get scared. I decided to make a Madhubani painting myself. So, I bought sketch pens, pencil and drawing sheets. Using the pencil I drew a peacock on paper. Then I gave it a double outline with a black ink pen gifted to me by grandpa. After adding details like feathers, eyes etc, I carefully filled in green, red, yellow and blue colours. It looked very neat and just like an original Madhubani painting!
Big eyes, painted on a big face, stared hard at me. I got scared! But, my mother smiled. We were in an art gallery and looking at paintings. Then, mom told me about Madhubani (Ma-dhoo-Ba-Nee), an interesting folk art of India, a south Asian country. It means 'forest of honey'. Long time back, when it started, only lady of the house used to do it, but now children also do it.
Mom told that Madhubani artists make use of agricultural products only. Ladies treat handmade paper with cow dung and dry it. “Cow dung?!” I wrinkled my nose. Mom explained that cow dung can be used in many creative ways. From the painting, I guessed that cow dung gives the paper a yellow tinge and make it thicker.
Even the brush is handmade! It’s made from a bamboo twig wrapped with a piece of cloth. Or the ends are frayed so that the fiber looks like a bundle of hair. Bamboo sticks are harder than the general painting brushes, so, Madhubani takes more effort. For patches, a cloth is tied to a twig, dipped in dye and pressed against the surface. This is called pihua (Pee-Hoo-aa).
I picked up the exhibition brochure from the counter and read about the sources of colours.
• BLACK is obtained by mixing soot with cowdung, or burning a cloth-piece on a lamp.
• YELLOW comes from turmeric, flower pollen, or lime and the milk of Banyan tree leaves.
• BLUE, from indigo plant.
• RED, from the Kusum flower juice, red sandalwood or bricks.
• GREEN, from the apple tree leaves or Seem plant.
• WHITE, from rice powder.
• ORANGE, from Palasha flowers.
• BROWN, from Peepal tree
So, there is no ONE medium. Colours are applied flat without shading. Madhubani art is either in bright colours or black ink. As modern artists use varnish to give shine to the painting, Madhubani artists use gum from the trees.
Subjects
Traditional themes are small images of Gods & Goddesses, stories from Hindu mythology and shapes of flowers, leaves, fruits, and animals. Lotus plant, bamboo grove, birds, fish etc, are drawn separately or in union. Agricultural animal life is also depicted.
Beginnings
Sam, the attendant at the gallery, also joined us. She told that this art began as cave paintings in Madhubani district (Bihar) of India long time back. Those natural dyes were very strong. They are still found on the walls of old caves. As civilization went up, walls and floors of mud houses began to be painted. Sam said that many beliefs are linked with Madhubani. It purifies the atmosphere. And, when the worshipped Goddess comes to the house every morning to bless family members, the beautiful walls make her happy.
Walls are also painted for celebrating festivals, birthdays and marriage ceremonies. Madhubani, also known as Mithila (Mee-Thee-Laa), is done in three ways – Bhitti Chitra (Bhee-tee Chee-tra) is wall painting, Aripana is floor painting, and Pata-Chitra is canvas painting. Chitra means ‘picture’.
Special Featrures
Aashima, my pen-friend from India, wrote to me that Madhubani is done in double outline. The gap between the lines is filled by cross or straight tiny lines. That must be time consuming! Also, there are hardly any empty spaces; pictures are fully detailed.
In Madhubani art, the methods used are simple, but it takes patience and hard-work. After knowing all this, when I looked at the big eyes on big face again, I didn’t get scared. I decided to make a Madhubani painting myself. So, I bought sketch pens, pencil and drawing sheets. Using the pencil I drew a peacock on paper. Then I gave it a double outline with a black ink pen gifted to me by grandpa. After adding details like feathers, eyes etc, I carefully filled in green, red, yellow and blue colours. It looked very neat and just like an original Madhubani painting!
Psychology - Untapped in india
Psychology – Still Untapped in India
Before I began studying psychology, I was myself apprehensive about its need, application and scope, especially in India. Nevertheless, once you are into this subject you don’t need statistics to be convinced of its value; the course content itself convinces you. Following is the scene of this subject in our motherland:
1. Despite the fact that original Indian thought is psychology oriented, in the sense that it includes many stress-reducing and relaxing activities, what is taught in our education institutions is western psychology. Thus, it becomes inapplicable in its immediate environment that is different socially, economically, politically, and intellectually.
2. Availing the services of a psychologist is still stigmatized and out-of-normal course of events.
Here, I quote the example of a friend ABC, whose mother was visibly in need of psychological help for years. Yet, it was only when her behaviour went out-of-control that her family members decided to seek professional help. By that time, her symptoms had become full blown, thus rendering all psychological strategies relatively useless. She now required the services of a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist. The same case throws light on another problem that our country faces in this regard – lack of well-trained psychologists. My friend couldn’t find a psychologist who would be economically within her family’s reach, experienced, and efficient.
3. Ideally, there should be one psychologist per 25000 people, out of which 1000 can be assumed to be in need of psychological services. Compared to the number of individuals who need help, the number of psychologists is far from sufficient. Let’s take the example of Yamunanagar, an upcoming district in Haryana. Here, for a population of 4 lakhs, there are just 2 psychologists. Even they are bound to the organizations they work for and not available to general public. Projecting the same figure on a national level, it can be said that India has approximately 3500 psychologists. Going by our nation’s population, there should be 44000 psychologists. So, the required number is thirteen times more than what we have!!
4. At present around 65 educational institutions in India offer degrees in Psychology. Out of the limited students (that are mostly girls) doing these courses, at least ten to fifteen percent either don’t go professional or change their stream. So, while the population of our motherland is increasing by leaps, presenting newer problems, the number of psychologists to cater to them is far from sufficient.
5. Unfortunately, most of the professionals are segregated in metros. Seeking their services is difficult for people far from these places. And, until the people in need are treated efficiently, the effectiveness and value of Psychology won’t get recognized.
6. Reasons why Indians are increasingly in need of psychological help:
a. The extremes and variations in our society make it difficult to adopt and stick to one life-style. There is persistent dissatisfaction.
b. Superficial westernization is leading to identity crisis and role confusion. e.g. youngsters are in a rush to start earning even before they finish their studies, which is not out of place but out of tune
c. Increasing need of independence and rejection of one’s own roots. e.g. women in double income families delay motherhood, but go through a tough time later due to health problems, lack of experienced elders’ guidance and moral support so crucial to pregnant ladies.
d. Growing competition at each level. e.g. increase in the no. of suicides among students, due to poor scores; farmers for the inability to repay loans; and many more. Instead of setting our own standards we are led by external criteria like the glitz and glamour of media.
e. Ego hassles, unit families, increasing divorce rates
f. Job- hopping, materialism leading to more frequent family quarrels.
7. The difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist is still not well understood by a layman. Thus, patients expect such advice and guidance from their psychiatrist that only a psychologist is qualified to provide. While a psychiatrist is a doctor and treats mental problems through medicines, psychologists figure out thinking and behavioral patterns and try helping people by bringing about change in thought processes. One can’t do the same job as the other.
Having presented these facts and figures, I’d like to emphasize that the full potential of the knowledge in realm of psychology is not sufficiently tapped in India. It offers great benefits, provided the need and application gets recognition, be it any field from sports to agriculture, electricity to education or aviation to management.
Before I began studying psychology, I was myself apprehensive about its need, application and scope, especially in India. Nevertheless, once you are into this subject you don’t need statistics to be convinced of its value; the course content itself convinces you. Following is the scene of this subject in our motherland:
1. Despite the fact that original Indian thought is psychology oriented, in the sense that it includes many stress-reducing and relaxing activities, what is taught in our education institutions is western psychology. Thus, it becomes inapplicable in its immediate environment that is different socially, economically, politically, and intellectually.
2. Availing the services of a psychologist is still stigmatized and out-of-normal course of events.
Here, I quote the example of a friend ABC, whose mother was visibly in need of psychological help for years. Yet, it was only when her behaviour went out-of-control that her family members decided to seek professional help. By that time, her symptoms had become full blown, thus rendering all psychological strategies relatively useless. She now required the services of a psychiatrist rather than a psychologist. The same case throws light on another problem that our country faces in this regard – lack of well-trained psychologists. My friend couldn’t find a psychologist who would be economically within her family’s reach, experienced, and efficient.
3. Ideally, there should be one psychologist per 25000 people, out of which 1000 can be assumed to be in need of psychological services. Compared to the number of individuals who need help, the number of psychologists is far from sufficient. Let’s take the example of Yamunanagar, an upcoming district in Haryana. Here, for a population of 4 lakhs, there are just 2 psychologists. Even they are bound to the organizations they work for and not available to general public. Projecting the same figure on a national level, it can be said that India has approximately 3500 psychologists. Going by our nation’s population, there should be 44000 psychologists. So, the required number is thirteen times more than what we have!!
4. At present around 65 educational institutions in India offer degrees in Psychology. Out of the limited students (that are mostly girls) doing these courses, at least ten to fifteen percent either don’t go professional or change their stream. So, while the population of our motherland is increasing by leaps, presenting newer problems, the number of psychologists to cater to them is far from sufficient.
5. Unfortunately, most of the professionals are segregated in metros. Seeking their services is difficult for people far from these places. And, until the people in need are treated efficiently, the effectiveness and value of Psychology won’t get recognized.
6. Reasons why Indians are increasingly in need of psychological help:
a. The extremes and variations in our society make it difficult to adopt and stick to one life-style. There is persistent dissatisfaction.
b. Superficial westernization is leading to identity crisis and role confusion. e.g. youngsters are in a rush to start earning even before they finish their studies, which is not out of place but out of tune
c. Increasing need of independence and rejection of one’s own roots. e.g. women in double income families delay motherhood, but go through a tough time later due to health problems, lack of experienced elders’ guidance and moral support so crucial to pregnant ladies.
d. Growing competition at each level. e.g. increase in the no. of suicides among students, due to poor scores; farmers for the inability to repay loans; and many more. Instead of setting our own standards we are led by external criteria like the glitz and glamour of media.
e. Ego hassles, unit families, increasing divorce rates
f. Job- hopping, materialism leading to more frequent family quarrels.
7. The difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist is still not well understood by a layman. Thus, patients expect such advice and guidance from their psychiatrist that only a psychologist is qualified to provide. While a psychiatrist is a doctor and treats mental problems through medicines, psychologists figure out thinking and behavioral patterns and try helping people by bringing about change in thought processes. One can’t do the same job as the other.
Having presented these facts and figures, I’d like to emphasize that the full potential of the knowledge in realm of psychology is not sufficiently tapped in India. It offers great benefits, provided the need and application gets recognition, be it any field from sports to agriculture, electricity to education or aviation to management.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Time traveller's Wife
MY views on Time-Traveller’s-Wife
It’s ONE hell of a sexy movie!
I enjoyed it since the concept of time has ALWAYS intrigued me ~ In the concerned movie~ protagonist is wed not to a stable husband: ‘within the time line’: that is~ He is prone to disappearing sometime after every Booze: He is a ‘TIME TRAVELLER! [{Whatever that means?!}]
Heroine meets him when as a thirteen year old, drives him crazy; as driven to similar state by him: they finely get tied with each other to enter a stressful life (since someone’s love keeps disappearing (AND reappearing) at all unpredictable times! The marriage takes a whirlwind, and, begins to crumble. Worst, lead lady has a miscarriage: They give it another shot, but, in vain.
The FLICK has a marshmallow qualification {as in it seems to be soft, smooth and serene, too! Sprinkled with some painful situations when Hero is trapped in weird time planes {Trying to fight Man-hunters, or, meeting his would-be in a library (Their first and foremost ‘overt’ meeting)}
After much This-and-That, the couple, gets blessed with a girl who herself somehow is a Time Traveller! Though the lead actor dies in the end, the music-like nature of this movie keeps lingering. Good movie!!
It’s ONE hell of a sexy movie!
I enjoyed it since the concept of time has ALWAYS intrigued me ~ In the concerned movie~ protagonist is wed not to a stable husband: ‘within the time line’: that is~ He is prone to disappearing sometime after every Booze: He is a ‘TIME TRAVELLER! [{Whatever that means?!}]
Heroine meets him when as a thirteen year old, drives him crazy; as driven to similar state by him: they finely get tied with each other to enter a stressful life (since someone’s love keeps disappearing (AND reappearing) at all unpredictable times! The marriage takes a whirlwind, and, begins to crumble. Worst, lead lady has a miscarriage: They give it another shot, but, in vain.
The FLICK has a marshmallow qualification {as in it seems to be soft, smooth and serene, too! Sprinkled with some painful situations when Hero is trapped in weird time planes {Trying to fight Man-hunters, or, meeting his would-be in a library (Their first and foremost ‘overt’ meeting)}
After much This-and-That, the couple, gets blessed with a girl who herself somehow is a Time Traveller! Though the lead actor dies in the end, the music-like nature of this movie keeps lingering. Good movie!!
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