A Bitter Sweet Reality

" A Journalist without a story is like a Capitalist without money" said Ron Feemster. "Your story idea is 90% or 99% of your story or sometimes just 100%" says KK.
Having chosen this profession, I agree one has to constantly look for story ideas as we are told to "EAT, DRINK, BREATHE, SLEEP and may be DIE (one day) - Story Ideas". I do not know if I am heading in the right direction in terms of thinking about a story that already exists, but is not known to people. Something NEW. How and where do I find these story ideas always remains a question mark in my head, in a city which I'm trying to get familiar with. Travelling isn't a problem. Knowing the right place to find a story is very important. Finding an angle that no one has found is a crucial thing to do in order to discover something new about what already exists.

I'm not ranting. I have the passion, determination, but, I just do not know how to do it. Some kind of motivation is what I need. The extra push, little more understanding. Story Idea I jot down appears after two days in the newspaper, thereby, collapsing my story. How do I find a new angle to the story? Yes, when I do a lot of research, I might.
A "do-able story" is what it is called. But, how do-able is it? Is it a feature story? (constantly thinking about it) Is it hard news? Has it been a news before I did it?
Staying in a place which is 30 kms away from city, we are expected to travel to the city after college, in search of story ideas. (Not Ranting *making my point*) Deadline at hostel, 11.p.m.

Hectic schedules, I'm loving it. Being busy is one of the best things one can do. But, Story Ideas is what bugs me. I'm not surprised for scoring a 2/10 for my story ideas. I'm happy that our lecturers go the extra mile and take care of actually reading each trainee journalists' (that is what we are called) story and point out what's wrong and how do-able it is. we learn through our mistakes and yes, are expected not to repeat the same mistakes (But, we are given little freedom in making other 'interesting' mistakes) .They are our editors and what they say is right "when you people work in a newsroom, your stories will just go into trash because your editor does not have the time to read your story (if he finds it lousy)". True story, I agree.

But, the way we are taught is really appreciable. Takes time though. Atleast for me, if not others.
I would love to do something challenging. That's why this course. But, I'm in search of that little satisfaction which could keep me going throughout my career in journalism which I hope is yet to come sometime close. Just hoping everything falls in place and Yes, STORY IDEAS 24x7.

Learning the hard way to make life better for others and committed to journalism FOREVER.

And yes, This is the Bitter Sweet Reality of life.

IIJNM - A Place To BE

Being a JOURNALIST isn't easy and I mean it. I don't know if you feel I'm praising IIJNM (India Institute of Journalism and New Media) but I definitely have fallen in love with this institution and the way they train us. The essence of Hardcore journalism is taught here where a journalist must be aware of what's constantly happening around him/her. As a trainee journalist at this institute, I've started to learn how a journalist's job is not a 9 to 5 job and there is no end to this job. No retirement plans. Constantly look for stories, look beyond the obvious, analyze what u see, analyze what u don't see and understand a topic from every perspective in order to be neutral(unbiased) in professional life.
As a journalist, there's a lot to learn, every minute, every hour, every day and throughout the year. Somewhere down the lane, I want to be someone who has done something good for the society and be a part of the change and initiate it in order to bring about the change. I do not know how I'm going to do it, but I will do it someday. It is something I always wanted to and loved doing. I enjoy doing this course and there is no end to this field which is the BEST part about it. Nothing like it.
I love what I do and enjoy doing it and that's why I chose JOURNALISM .....What a pleasure to be in this field! But, yes, with it comes a sense of responsibility - personal as well as social. Passion, hard work, dedication, a lot of reading, curiosity, observation are the vital components one needs to have. And this is where I BELONG!!!!
Looking forward to be a true JOURNALIST...... :):):):):)

"I make my own LAWS" ???

Everyone has either been complaining or grumbling about the INDIAN LAWS for a long time now. 62 yrs after its Independence, India is still called a developing country and its constitution, a clichéd one. Our politicians expect the constitutional laws to function even after 62 long years, a constitution composed and written during those days when people followed Satyagraha, respected every law, every LEADER and lived the AHIMSA way. But, In a brewing world where the letter "A" has been completely erased from the word AHIMSA and people no more follow GANDHIGIRI but DADAGIRI, how would such old laws be applicable in the present system of governance?? In those days, a POLITICIAN was a LEADER who was appreciated by one and all and had a mass appeal. But Today, a Politician is a phenomena and camouflages according to the different hats he or she wears (pun intended).

Now, the focus point in this discussion is about the INDIAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM. Our laws have been amended by the politicians according to their convenience and will. Whichever government rules, it changes the law according to its will and the opposition does its work only to create havoc. But, again when the opposition is ruling, it does the same. Every party, every politician is the same (Sarcasm intended). For Ex: If we recollect the attacks on the PARLIAMENT in 2001, Afzal guru was the main accused in the case. He has been sentenced to death in 2006 conspiring against a country and for treason. But, the petition is currently on a stay now. Similarly, The most popular terrorist in INDIA (currently) and the prime suspect of 26/11 blasts, Ajmal KASAB - he was sentenced to death recently by judge M.L. Tahilyani. After taking so many lives, his judgement was delayed by 2 years, Govt spent crores of money on him ( he is of course a special person for our country who has been given a VIP treatment despite his criminal activities - No wonder, anyone can live a life KING-SIZE in our country). His judgement had so many things that had to be looked into and the most significant reason being our WEAK laws and the involvement of politicians in the case.

Similarly, take Ruchika's case for instance. For DGP, SPS.Rathore has been pronounced a 2 yr jail sentence after 19 long yrs by the court. For a person who has raped and compelled a girl to commit suicide, was 2 yrs enough? Though Ruchika's family feels justice has been done to them, it is not a complete one. Could they bring back a life?

And what is it with the Bhopal Gas tragedy case? 8 people have been convicted for 2 yrs of jail sentence and Warren Anderson was left out? Our govt took special care in helping him board a flight and return to the U.S. And that incident alone has taken so many lives, has destroyed a lot, has killed wildlife, people are still suffering its hazardous effects. The case was dealt by 19 judges throughout these years and finally a 2 yr sentence??? Is that all??

Politicians themselves have been constantly interfering with all such prime cases and have been delaying judgments and the law making process. In a way, they have been responsible for nurturing terrorism in our own country.

What has the judiciary become? Why is it that if a person wants justice, he cannot hope for it very soon?? Why is it that politicians involve in every judgement and mess it up by delaying the judgement? Why is it that people in the higher cadres get away with anything even after committing crime or involve in any illegal activity? Do our laws apply to all the citizens of INDIA?? And is there a change to be brought in the law making and execution process??

Why can't judgments be quicker and investigations be faster? Why is it that a person who has filed a case in the court has to wait for so many years for the final result in the case? Why can't our laws be amended for GOOD? And the TRUTH is .....every politician feels what he/ she does is correct and that is the TRUTH for them.

No wonder, the LADY OF JUSTICE is blindfolded because she cannot bear with all the wrongs happening in the country and the criminals being spared and walking away smiling (SPS. Rathore) in our country and the innocent being punished.

NOTE: Such issues are all blood boiling ones and no one knows when things will change because acceptance levels in people have increased. My request to all of u : Fight back, do not think it doesn't matter to you....Because for years some of them have thought about things not bothering you and that's why no COMMON MAN ever wants to be a politician or join politics because of the STENCH in it....!!!! Dont give up, FIGHT BACK :)

WEiGHT-Y ISSUES!!!

I'm writing this article because the "world" is obsessed with fitness routines and losing weight and so on. First of all, HEALTH IS WEALTH.... all would agree to it and should know how to be cautious about their health. We listen to 100 people saying 100 different things about how to keep yourself fit and fine and to workout accordingly. Some of them are confused with heaps and tonnes of suggestions plaguing them while some of them follow their regular routines. And, some...do not EXERCISE!!! With umpteen no. of programs or treatments on weight loss being available, one would wonder why someone should workout when you have such an opportunity. First of all, Not all can afford to go for such treatments and slim down or lose weight. Secondly, even if you go through such procedures like LIPOSUCTION or anything, you will have to maintain your figure/physique by watching your calorie intake. Otherwise, the treatment is almost equal to nothing.

Now....coming to the importance of working out or Exercising or spending time on any physical activity is MUST. Exercising can be of any form - YOGA, aerobics, walking, playing any game/ physical activity- cycling,swimming, dancing, etc. For those who have misconceptions about Exercising, you ought to know one thing - any form of exercise keeps you active throughout the day and not phlegmatic. Exercising increases your basic metabolic rate (BMR) which keeps your digestive system very active as your food gets digested faster. (Generally, BMR is high as soon as you exercise and all that you eat after exercising doesn't get converted into fat. Where as, if you do not exercise, your BMR will remain low - this will lead to digestion problems and most of your food is getting deposited as fat) . Also, losing weight or your body tone up depends on what type of body you have. There are basically three types of bodies Ectomorphic, Endomorphic and Mesomorphic.

1. Ectomorphic : The extreme ectomorph may have long fingers, toes and neck are long. A pencil neck you could say. The features of the face are sharp, and the shape of the face is triangular. The lower jaw is somewhat receding. The skin tends to burn easily. Extreme ectomorphs may suffer from extremes of temperature. Due to the great body area in relation to muscle mass, the ectomorph may suffer from great heat, and due to low body fat, the ectomorph may suffer from great cold. The hair is fine and grows quickly and is sometimes difficult to keep in place.

2.Mesomorphic: The mesomorph has well-defined muscles and large bones. The torso tapers to a relatively narrow and low waist. The bones and muscles of the head are prominent. Features of the face are clearly defined, such as cheek bones and a square, heavy jaw. The face is long and broad, and is cubicle in shape. Arms and legs are developed and even the digits of the hand are muscled.

3.Endomorphic: The body of the extreme endomorph is round and soft. The physique presents the illusion that much of the mass has been concentrated in the abdominal area. This may or may not be true. The arms and legs of the extreme endomorph are short in length and taper. This may give the appearance of stalkiness. The hands and feet of the endomorph are comparatively small, and the upper arms and thighs are often more developed than the lower parts of the arms or legs. The body has a high waist.

So....Now you know which body type you have, so work according to that.

There is no particular schedule for one to follow and it depends on how much you can work out. But, if you want to maintain your figure/physique burn 300 calories per day and if you want to lose weight - "don't starve yourself" - burn 600 calories per day. The count goes like this, Suppose you are consuming a total of 1200-1400 calories per day, you need to burn at least half of how much you consume. Working out thrice a week of four times a week keeps you fit. If you are bored of your routines, change them because if you continue the same routine, you will lose interest. If you are bored of walking on the treadmill, go for aerobics. Cardio-workout will help you keep away from many health problems. Breathing exercises are must because it enables the overall functioning of the body and blood circulation. Also before you start your workout, warm up your body to avoid muscle blocks or sprains. Also, Do not get disappointed or have an inferior feeling looking at someone leaner than you. Remember - he/ she might not have the flexibility which you have being plump. Workout hard and you will see the results accordingly. Do not expect results overnight and be disappointed with your trainer or your routines and keep nagging. You have to have patience to exercise... So love your body, take time to work out and stay fit.OBESITY is a problem and being PLUMP is not!!!!

Eating right is very important. You can eat right without cutting down your favourite food. All you have to do is know what is good for you and what is not. But it all again depends on how much you exercise. DO NOT STARVE YOURSELF - I repeat!!! I'm giving these suggestions after I've gone through various books, articles on magazines and newspapers.

• Avoid aerated drinks
• Avoid junk food (Once in a while is okay!!)
• Avoid food with lots of sugar in it or fried food (Again- once in a while is ok!!!)
• Social drinking is ok!! But not regularly (You will also have health problems apart from weight gain)
• Avoid smoking - It kills your hunger.
• Drink lots of water (It gives a glow on your face and keeps you away from diseases)
• Eat small meals at regular intervals (5 or 6 small meals - meal doesn't mean chips,cold drinks,burgers, pizzas n all)
• If you know you are going out for dinner or lunch to some place and you are going to eat more, then cut down the calories intake of you other meals - instead of rice, have roti or salads - this again doesn't mean to starve yourself.
• Avoid eating rice, curds/yoghurt at nights (REASON: During the night, your metabolism is slow, so the rice/curd gets stored in your body as fat)
• Eat more salads and fresh fruits and drink fresh fruit juices.
• Ice creams, pastries, burgers, pizzas and other junk is okayyy once a month.

Also, the most important thing you have to keep in mind while exercising is.. to ENJOY it. You can do something only if you like it - so like it. Going without food for days or dieting by only having vegetables,fruits is fine but not sufficient - because your body needs fat apart from proteins, vitamins and fibre. So carbohydrates intake is a must in your diet.

Therefore, all you have to do is eat well, exercise well, love your body, feel confident and love yourself for what you are....and STAY HEALTHY, STAY SAFE!!!! :):)

Seriously a WATCHDOG?

What is it with the Electronic Media today? Lots of speculation, sensationalizing, surreptitious coverage,bias and lots of unnecessary things aired. Swine Flu pandemic was prevalent until the media focussed its attention on it?? Similarly, the Copenhagen summit....The much hyped up issue about the nations across the world coming together to discuss about the climate change and Global warming?? (Nothing Said and Nothing Done...except for BASIC that opposed U.S's decision), then comes the burning current issue about the seperate Telgana State. Entire drama starting in December by TRS activists, then KCR's fast-unto death, followed by many MP's and MLA's resigning, Lagadapati's chase from Vijaywada to Hyderabad NIMS hospital, including the Bandhs and Blockades (which are no more in public interest), the crucial meeting on Jan 5th with the central Govt, OU students agitations, cases of Self-immolation, etc etc. Amid all this confusion, there were telugu media channels that went onto flash news about Reliance having connection with our Late CM, Mr. YSR's death. This led to vandalising Reliance offices and stores in the City by furious YSR's fans. (These Media Channels have done it assuming it would bring them TRP's but it was a case reversal where the Input Editor and Senior editor of a Media channel were arrested amidst high drama) Also : The website "EXILE" that has stated this issue about YSR's death was a banned one...and the TV channels did not bother to look into such crucial matters to verify if the information was true or false?

Question 1 : Being the WATCHDOG of society, Media doesn't verify the information?

Question 2 : Why do certain issues last in our minds only till the media talks about it? (Watch today ..Forget tomorrow??) Is that the way we see things today??

Question 3 : Why dont people care about what's happening with our country??

Question 4 : Why does Media have to be biased while communicating information to the masses?

Question 5 : Why should every political party have a media channel or a newspaper organisation?? (For its own publicity?? )

Question 6 : (In Andhra Pradesh) Why do media channels have no other news except for repeat telecast of death, accidents and news about whichever political party it supports??

Question 7 : Why is media hindering people's privacy? And there are many more endless questions like this one could think off.

For Example : Consider the Hiati earthquake that has left millions hungry, homeless and in languishing conditions. Has the media concentrated on that issue? NO. Now,Consider the floods in India ( Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, etc) people came forward to help the victims, donate whatever they could and eventually as media's attention shifted to something else, our weak minds also forgot about the entire chapter of floods. Isn't it??

Another Ex : Sakshi Tv, Tv9, Tv5 etc ...support the Congress party while Etv, Etv2 support the Telugu Desam Party. News Channels and Newspapers are used as tools for publicizing a particular political party's ideology. Similarly, The Telangana Bandhs have lost their charm lacking masses interest. Telangana supporters have restored tents at significant centers in various districts but nothing happens for FREE...Isn't it?? Ladies are given Rs.250 for shouting slogans and sitting under the tent while men are paid a little less i.e. Rs.150 but....to add to it...they are given a Biryani packet + a Liquor bottle (like incentives). These people have 100 % attendance only when they see a "Cameraperson" around them with the most "Powerful"tool i.e. Camera that captured them live and as usual they pretend to be fasting or even die for Telangana by having bananas behind the tent. Ohhh this is what Lagadapati Rajagopal called "Modern Fast" When KCR was on Iv and still was fasting. He then broke his fast by sipping lemon juice?? (Do u know that any human being can survive if he/she is on Iv). Modern fast also includes snacks like bananas and chat during their fast period from 11a.m to 5 p.m?? And who knows....before 11 a.m or after 5p.m what they eat????

And...Why do we care if an actor renewed his license? that's shown in the HEADLINES of a prime time news bulletin. Or if Shahrukh Khan is detained at the U.S airport ? Why does media have to hype the issue? Why does an Indian have the feeling that he/she has to be treated like GOD all over the world?? The new trend of film stars ....to attend a common man's marriage and become the "STAR" for the show...they demand money depending on how long they are asked to stay?? Same is the case with much hyped game in India - CRICKET. In India, cricket is almost like a religion while other sports are not even given importance as it. Hockey is the national game of India for namesake?? No funds provided by the govt, no encouragement even if they win the WORLD CUP....But if that is cricket and Sachin creating a record....That will become the news of the day, week and month....played repeatedly all day long.Is this what we get from NEWS???

On the other hand, Media also highlights issues for public's good... like Jessica Lall's murder, Ruchika's case, etc. But certain TV channels have crime shows that have anchors themselves looking like criminals....and the whole presentation of the Anchor is in such a way that, he would want to kill the viewer by the very words of his. WEIRD??? ohhh....No...!!! Infact, it scares people, shows how a crime is committed, how a person should be killed, how the body should be dumped in an isolated place, how to pour acid on a girl's face due to love rejection??? etc etc....These programs have more negative effects than positive. There has been a lot of debate over how the information on the electronic media is to be controlled. Media Experts say that everything that goes on-air has to be censored or checked. Media channels should have something like the gatekeepers that filter information so that the right information reaches the masses.

On the other hand, Comparitively, print media have much filtered and controlled information than that of the electronic media. Though print media also publishes biased information, there is some amount of credibility in it. People find print media more acceptable and easily accessible than that of electronic media. Thus, both have their pros and cons....But on the Whole, MEDIA as a Watchdog of Society has failed "somewhere" to do its duty and Press as the fourth estate (according to the Indian Constituion) has lost its credibility to a certain extent due to bias and dishonest information.

Another striking point is, Journalists themselves being corrupt and delivering biased or wrong information (instead of giving the right information). IF such is the situation of today's society, then where would the right information come from???

NOTE: My point is not to declare that media has been delivering wrong information throughout or has been biased entirely. I'm talking about the WRONGS happening....and they have to be rectified.

So is media the Real WATCHDOG of the society?? ASk yourselves......

All for one.. ONE for all????

There's pandemonium everywhere... lots of confusion, protests in the state from all the three regions (Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema), cases of self-immolation, Police beating up students (which they actually are not), Students pelting stones at public property, setting RTC buses on fire,...all in all CHAOS!!! (I mean it sounds like how *JOKER (heath ledger) said it in DARK KNIGHT).

On the other hand, the Telangana Rasthra Samithi (TRS) which came into existence in 2001 has been demanding for a seperate state of telangana for various reasons. KCR being the vanguarding part of this movement has taken a resolution to fast-unto-death for a seperate statehood. Meanwhile, there have been protests all over Hyderabad...the govt declared bandh, the TRS activists creating problems to public and have vanadalised the public property.They have only become *evil-er* in the eyes of people. Now you call them students?? Who they actually are not...they belong to the student unions (ABVP,JAC, etc), they have been residing in the OU hostels even after they were asked to vacate them after their graduation...Most of them being the so called "unemployed men". But, these *students* are given Rs.400/500 per day which they think is their pocket money for the day...and their job being : Pelting stones on shops, hitting people, stopping vehicles and asking them to scream "JAI TELANGANA" !! They are given food and a bottle of liquor....What else does one want when he is given money, food n liquor for doing almost nothing.... Okay now, let's accept the fact that they are ardently wishing Telangana to be given away. But, do they (TRS) even know the after effects of giving away a seperate state ? Have they thought of all that before starting their agitation?

If Telangana is declared as a seperate state:

• The water supply that comes to Nagarjuna Sagar (under the Telangana region) will have no water because the water flows from Tungabadhra (under the Rayalaseema region) This can be stopped completely.
• The water to Manjeera (under the telangana region) flows from Krishna (under the Andhra region). This can be stopped too.
• Inter-state taxes will definitely increase.
• Because Telangana doesn't have many shrines or visiting places, Telangana people will indirectly make the other states rich. ( Ex: Tirupathi in Rayalaseema region .....is a religious shrine)
• Education, illiteracy, poverty and other problems mostly prevail in the Telangana region.
• Unemployment is maximum among Telangana people.
• Power supply from NTPC is under the Central Govt's control, so the power also has to be shared.
• When there's no water, there will be no food coz lack of water for irrigation and agriculture. People will start starving.

And Another point, Telangana cannot be given away including Hyderabad. Becoz Hyderabad is the most developed in the telangana region and most of the MP's, MLA's properties belong here. Apart from that, there've been almost 60% of Andhraiites in Hyd and approximately ...15-20% of Telangana people are hardly there. And....If telangana ppl demand for a seperate state, Andhra people will do the same and same goes with people in the Rayalaseema region. Now when people of these three regions have their own demands from the Central Govt...Why can't muslims in Hyderabad demand for a seperate Nizam state? Isn't that a possibility? It is....

After Congress's serious meeting with the AP CM Rosaiah and other cabinet ministers...Chidambaran said that they have agreed to initiate the process to pass a bill in the legislative assembly for a seperate state of telangana. (Almost a seven-step process).

The very next morning.....beginning with MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, 100+ MP's, MLA's and MLC's have resigned to their posts and .....Now who'z gonna support Telangana?

The TRS MLA's ??? Or the Congress MLA's who belong to the telangana region???

None or One (KCR)??.......becoz these MLA's do not want to lose their post, their priveleges, their facilities, allowances and transportation that Govt provides them. And they (T People) blame Potti Sri Ramulu who fought for a seperate state of AP 400 yrs ago, in which we all are presently living.....Wat crap?? Yes exactly....!!! That's how it is.....preposterous is the exact word..After everything is done...they say "ITS MINE???".!!!

Hyderabad being a union territory would be an option....which would boost foreign investments, IT sector and globalisation of Hyd wud take place...an advantage in that way....!!! But what about the crores of properties of MP's and MLA's..?? wud they let go off their hard-earned money (or black money too?) Nooooooo.....Isnt it???

Now...What?? As soon as Chidambaran has said that....Gorkhaland in West bengal wants to be a seperate state same is with Bodoland in Assam ,Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Khaalistan in Punjab and Suarashtra in Gujrat....!!! sooooo.........Hasn't Congress created problems for itself??? If telangana will be given.....will the other states also be divided?? Who actually wants the Telangana? KCR ? ....only???

After all this....who would want a seperate state? Sonia..It doesn't matter to her at all?? KCR...Why? to become the CM...and do what?? drink n DIE???!!! If telangana is given away without Hyd....it will become the most backward state of India facing utmost crisis and then later repent for being left out.

Bottom Line : No " Jai Telangana" ......Only

" JAI ANDHRA PRADESH" (The whole of it)!!!!

*Note* : This is not to bring out any communal or anti-social feelings among people, but it's just my opinion!!!! I just hope TRS people were sensible enough to understand things in detail than to just stage protests and create havoc.

" Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity."
-- Robert Alan

Our only home.....

"First impression is the best impression" and that's what people say. Ohhh....I'm not talking about how best you look on your date or how sexily you've dressed up to go to the prom or win the title of a homecoming queen...But would you ever wanna give a clueless expression in a party and feel outta place? Or may b wear a "footy" jersey to a royal ball?? Or would you give a look at the surroundings..atleast once?? I know, I know...Now you'd just say why would I give a damn to the surroundings...OR would you? Just have food, party hard, rock the dance floor, litter the place...that is all we gotta do.

Why are we so careless about our surroundings (I mean in all ways)? We use plastic bags, we are the cause for alarming emission rates of greenhouse gases and other poisonous gases, we pollute the water by releasing chemicals from industries into the nearby lake, We cut down trees, We exploit natural resources, we do not conserve energy, we use appliances that emit "CFC's, Population explosion.....and what not!!! Did you know that " WE ARE HALF-A-CENTURY AWAY FROM BEING ECOLOGICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY BANKRUPT BECAUSE OF GLOBAL WARMING??......SAVE EARTH - OUR ONLY HOME " (Unless NASA discovers another planet similar to earth and also people who are just like Us :P)

May be if we could do our part in protecting the environment...it would remain a great help for the generations to come and for them to live longer (Without Acid rains or Skin cancer due to exposure to U.V rays through the Ozone holes in the Ozone layer of the stratosphere).

Here are some things you could least do:

• Use paper bags.
• Do not throw away trash on roads or public places. (There's always a dustbin asking you to "USE ME").
• Walk or use cycle to travel to nearby places. (Would be good for health too)
• Use paper bags, plates and disposable stuff when you go for picnics or outing.
• Stop smoking (You are polluting the environment as well as "YOURSELF and others too - through passive smoking")
• After you return from your outing, dump the trash into your trash can . Else you gotta bear the stench (:P).

So why not REDUCE,REUSE and RECYCLE and after all : "WHAT SURROUNDS YOU IS WHAT DEFINES YOU".

Its like...a kinda dream come true!!

Thanks to THE HINDU...i just cant express how i feel about seeing my name in the newspaper i always wanted to be a part of. finally....my 1st article got published n that's the reason for my happiness. It might seem funny to some people, some might feel i'm exaggerating, some might feel i'm too stupid to get excited for such a small thing...but have dreamt of being a part of THE HINDU...atleast once!! n here i'm....saying proudly that i'm a part of this intellectual newspaper organisation in India....n proud to be so.

All thanks to 16reels.com for giving me the chance as a content writer and an interviewer for their website. It provided me a lead in to enhance my skill set and write better.

Here's the link :

http://www.hindu.com/yw/2009/09/22/stories/2009092250311400.htm

HUMANTIY....Our Religion???

In a world where there are conflicts over caste, race, gender, politics, religion and several other issues, I wonder if there is something called "Humanity" alive in human beings today.

I was waiting for a bus at secunderabad station and passed by an old man wearing rugged and torn clothes, holding a stick, leaning against a "PAN"-spat wall. There was a small tumbler beside him where i could see few coins in it. He wasn't begging shouting "ammmaaaa ayyyyaaaaa baabbuuuuu" or something. All he was doing is just sitting and looking at people who are busy running to get into those crowded buses. There was all chaos and i was waiitng to see if atleast one person from the crowd bothered to look at him or even smile at him. But none turned up....that was when i just reliased about how people run after money or materialistic pleasures in this so called "Technologically adavanced" world ...that they don't care even if their negihbour dies on the road.

They talk about U.S's technology, India developing , On Indian Politics and lecture people or give lengthy speeches on such things, but they dont go beyond that. They limit themselves to speeches n lectures and their concern remains only till the end of their speech......after that "tata- bye bye"!! Duhh!!!

Ok.....Now consider this - If we see a dog mourning in pain on road, How many of us would rush to the spot to save the dog? by not thinking...."ohhh c'mon.. It's just a dog"!! Why is it that we forget that even dog has something called "LIFE"!!! This single example is enough to show how "HUMANE" you are.

Similarly, if anyone among the crowd bothered to go talk to the old man or smiled at him, that would have made his meals for the day.

We all talk n shout about "MY Religion" has taught me this , my religion has taught me that.....But "YOUR" religion doesn't teach you how to pray to only one god or discriminate people by the way they look, talk, act or anything...But every religion teaches about how to live with one another happily and peacefully in life....And That is called "HUMANITY"!!

No wonder someone once said...."Humans are the worst creatures living on the earth". Social animals are turning into wild animals due to Ego, status, impatience,violence and what not.....

Now you question yourself about...."HOW HUMANE ARE YOU??"

( Don't u think there shud b a facebook quiz on this... lolzz :P:P)

GAME-"BOL" or GAMBOL??

Be it the UPA or the NDA...or be it the Third Front or the Fourth front...Political parties and its members have become so preposterous that there is no room in their "khopdi" to mull over "PEOPLE"!! Every politician or a citizen calls INDIA ,the world's largest and vibrant democracy in the world, as the Indian constitution states..."It is a government.. for the people, of the people and by the people"....But today's politicians have completely wiped "PEOPLE" off their muddy heads. It is people who are getting their A** screwed.

For Ex:- Rahul Gandhi has crticized Chandrababu Naidu of being negligent about the rural AP...later  his verdict became sanguine calling Chandrababu Naidu a capable CM for bringing a drastic change and developing the IT sector. Similarly, He made derogatory statements against Nitish Kumar about him being incapable in Bihar...later he corrects his statement calling Nitish Kumar another dedicated man to his service in the state. Does Rahul Gandhi even know what he is talking about? Or is it just to pretend like  another sober, courteous natty neta to gain votes?? Or is it the "GANDHI" brand that makes him say anything he can because he is the next politicial inheritor of the prestigious Gandhi family and Sonia "Ben's" only 'Eklauta' son?? The situation is dire for Congress as they don't have any option than the so called "GANDHI" family. It is only coz of this family's name that people have to undergo a bludgeoning situation in the country.

Similarly, Take the THIRD FRONT......TDP playing a crucial role, had an alliance with NDA in the 2004 elections...but today it blames NDa govt for its loss in AP and ties up with the LEFT, TRS and others. Another example here is....TRS had an alliance with the Congress in the 2004 elections in AP coz it was decieved by YSR"s govt....Now the same party is compelled to tie-up with the 3rd front.

Another Ex:- Praja Rajyam- a cleverly named political party intimating populism has been a big splash in the shortest possible time. It came out with policies in its agenda like "fight political corruption", "support the downtrodden" and "social justice". But hasn't it played a role in minting money for giving its candidates seats in the 2009 elections?? Infact, its just like another political party that has come out for a political gamble and gamebol. As Chiranjeevi's rapacious and arduous efforts of being AP's Obama( a weapon of mass seduction propogating" CHANGE") have thrashed...it has led to the party's self-destruction turning out to be an impediment to other parties in state.

Be it SP's ban on english throughout the country or Be it BSP's Mayawati wanting an IAS offcier to feed her a piece of cake on her birthday or gunning him down for not gifting her something for her birthday.....There is not even a sign from politicians to think about the country and its development than to think of Name, Power and Paisa!!! 

Take LOKSATTA for example:- Can Jayaprakash Narayan be the only one to make a difference in the country unless he becomes the next "GANDHI"(*Bapu*)?? ohh...Gandhigiri in these days?? People prefer "Dadagiri" to gandhigiri....isn't it?? A party like this has come up to go against caste politics, Vote-bank politics and to set an example as one to clear all the evils prevailing in the present situation. But the truth is....How many among us would vote for such a party that fights against political corruption n other evils?? (( When people would vote for such a party...it could set an example for people wanting the most cliched word"CHANGE"- i.e. born out of passions and impatience of a man....But seems like Indians are too patient everywhere...even when it comes to ruining their future in such sexed out parties' hands)).

Politicians have become uncouth, unkempt, fiendish and voraciously- barbarianed plutocrats acting like juggernauts of people's problems and trying to bait one another to clamp power.

Why is it that a common person like me cannot do anything to change the system other than just "VOTE"? Why is it that i have no other way to express my impatience towards the unjust governance... only in this way??.........They say YOUTH could turn out to be the most rebellious and vanguarding weapon a country could have and face....but How many among today's youth are concerned about the country.?? ...ok leave the country...about their own state, city or village??? may be a handful of them...who cannot make a difference even by voting....but y??

Think think.....and ?? Keep thinking....

This is just another kind of RHETORIC which leads you to a chain of RHETORICS....And the final result is yet to be a "khichdi" whose ingredients are open to guesswork!!!!