SCRIPTING SUCCESS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In GRAPHITI, THE TELEGRAPH ,JAN.28,07)

I agree with Syd Field that it's time to embrace technology with open arms to provide depth to the craft of screenwriting . The Indian counterparts would certainly benefit from his company ,in turn, coming out with better screenplays to provide cinegoers wholesome entertainment .

GANDHI AND NEHRU : ARCHITECTS OF MODERN INDIA

ARVIND K.PANDEY

India shall always remain indebted to Gandhi and Nehru for their unique and substantial contibutions .In my eyes it would be unfair to label them as "Asian Heroes" ,especially Gandhi , since ideas unleashed by them had an universal apeal ,which ignited other great minds to work for the cause of downtroddens in a similar fashion in their countries . However , it wouldn't be unfair to suggest that modern India has deviated from the perspective of Gandhi with prioritires taking an ugly shape ,wherein even 'Gandhigiri' is being perceived as a last straw to set things in right order .I don't know how to reckon with his idea of village socialism in globalised India which sought " decentralization of production and regional self-sufficiency ".One glance at the wretched conditions of Vidarbha farmers is enough to suggest that following Gandhism ideals would have yielded better results than toeing the Western perceptions aimed at materialistic achievements . Anyway , it's never too late to make way for lofty perceptions in one's life ,to intercept the aura of past leaders in an ideal way.

GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR THE PRISONERS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE HINDU,JAN.28,2007)

Such out-of-the-box gestures(read involving them in dramas and creative projects ) will help prisoners develop a better vision. The lives of prisoners, marred by pangs of separation and misery, needs revolutionary measures besides course-correction to have meaning and purpose. Or else, ironies of life are bound to reduce them to objects of pity once they come out in the open.

ATTACKING CHAPPELL

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGRAPH,JAN.26,2007)

The media, by conducting a vilification campaign against Greg Chappell, have turned him into a symbol of national hatred. Foreign coaches will henceforth be sceptical about signing a contract with the Indian cricket board. The incident at the Bhubaneswar airport also reveals the sorry state of security arrangements in India. This is why terrorists have little problems when they want to launch an attack. Biranchi Moharana needs to be informed that if Orissa cricketers have been neglected, then it is the selectors who are to blame, and not the coach, who cannot decide the structure of the team on his own.

CURBING POLIO VIRUS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In DOWN TO EARTH,JAN.31,2007)

It's strange that even programmes aimed at the eradication of diseases have to survive countless fields of dubious challenges .For instance ,the minority community in UP failed to participate in polio drive owing to resistance from the clerics . In a country like ours nothing can succeed in absence of complete knowledge of the ground realties .Anyway , it's unfortunate that measures to tackle the polio virus have been marred by lack of proper approach and usage of outadated techniques .

***********

ON REPUBLIC DAY

( TIME TO REMEMBER THAT CONSTITUTION IS SUPREME )

*********

RISE OF NEW PLAYERES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The rise of newer mediums catering to the needs of information -seeking souls is indicative of limitations of traditional sources in capturing the various shades of readers' moods . Above all, the dubious selections of news items have reuced the credibilty of big brands in the eyes of conscious readers always looking for real perspective .Against this backdrop , the emergence of bloggers has filled the vacuum caused by the absence of standard publications .In fact , their success lies in their abilty to expose the untouched zones of untouched class of people in interesting and no -holds -barred manner. The present-age publications have ignored the need of intercepting people's cause in a sincere way . The USP of mediums haunting the netizens is the power to create a world at par with their insights .

ON BASANT PANCHAMI

ARVIND K.PANDEY

BASANT PANCHMI is dedicated to Sri Saraswati -the Goddess of Learning .Well, two great souls Suryakant Tripathi Nirala ,the great Hindi poet , and Subhash Chandra Bose ,the great freedom fighter , decided to attain physical form on this very day.The nation shall remain indebted to their contributions forever .

***************
EXCERPTS FROM NIRALA'S EXCEPTIONAL POEM "TULSIDAS " WRITTEN IN CIRCA 1938.

This verse exposes the superficiality which has creeped into the social realtionship ,being marred by narrow orientations .

VERSE 25

Bandh Bhinna-Bhinna Bhavoen Ke Dal
Kshudra Se Khusdratar ,Huen Vikal;
Pooja Mein Bhi Pratirodh -Anal Hai Jalta ;
Ho Raha Bhasma Apna Jeevan,
Chetana-Heen Phir Bhi Chetan ;
Apnen Hi Man Ko Yoen Prati Man Hai Chalta.

**** *************

This particular verse gives insight into man's ability to overcome all odds to have supreme identification with " GREAT TRUTH ".

VERSE 35

Karna Hoga Timir Paar
Dekhna Satya Ka Mihir -Dwaar
Behana Jeevan Ke Prakhar Jwar Mein Nischaya
Ladana Virodh Se Dwandha-Samar,
Rah Satya-Marg Par Sthir Nirbhar
Jaana,Bhinna Bhi Deha,Nij Ghar Nisanshya.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PRIYANKA :JAI HIND ....
TOMMY:VANDE MATARAM.....

*************

JUDICIARY IS ABOVE DALIT ROG (DISEASE)

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE WEEK,JAN.28,2007)

Thanks to the high degree of transperency in selection of judges ,not affected by casteist and social prejudices ,it's not difficult for the likes of K.G.Balakrishnan to be at the pinnacle in judicial domain . There is hardly any merit in diluting aura of the CJI by weighing it in frivilous standards other than parameters laid down by the predecessors basking in virtues . So it dosen't surprise us when Balakrishnan talks about bringing the CJI within the Judicial Enquiry Bill .One hopes that he will take all measures to take judicial activism to new heights . There are many dark spots like witnesses turning hostile , loopholes in protection of witnesses and pending cases ,which the new CJI have to tackle by being different than our netas involved in face-saving gestures on such critical issues .

MAKING OF BANGLES

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE HINDU,JAN.21,2007)

It's really sad that workers involved in the making of bangles in Firozabad are placed in such inhuman atmosphere . Why are the owners of such hazardous industries so reluctant to provide these workers better working conditions ? Apart from taking up their cause ,it's time to ensure introduction of technology to prevent these workers from becoming victims of poisonous gases .

BRITISHERS:CHASING GHOST OF APARTHEID

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGRAPH,JAN.20,2007)

By hurling racist remarks at Shilpa Shetty, the viewers and participants of the Celebrity Big Brother brought in open the contradictions governing the developed nations . Delving deeper in the issue ,such incidents are indicative of ethnic hatred breeding among the local inhabitants ,who seem to be challenged by the the rise of immigrants . In other words , the developed nations are yet to imbibe truly humane qualities honouring universalism .One fails to understand why the citizens of these nations are so interested in chasing the ghost of apartheid and ,in the process , provide a new lease of life to 'historical wrongs ' committed in the name of colour and race .Recently , Pakistani team was at the receiving end of Gibbs's racial remarks .Now ,it's the turn of Shilpa Shetty to be publicly humiliated at the hands of viewers who failed to honour the traits of modernity despite living in ultra-modern society . It's time for the Indians to stop moulding their patterns of living in flawed Western colours .

KALAM'S TASK BECOMES EASIER

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The dismissal of Afzal's curative petition by the Supreme Court pours water on the efforts of hyperactive secularists .For the past few months ,custodians of minorityism tried to blackmail and pressure watchdogs of Constitution .Right from casting doubt over the efficiency of investigative agencies to questioning the 'intentions ' of judiciary ,no stone was left unturned to divert the attention of foreign media from substantial considerations to facts borne out of figment of imagination . It's really surprising that a terrorist managed to stir the conscience of human rights activists whereas the pleas of people trapped in fake litigations fail to elicit positive response . The judgement of the Supreme Court would certainly make the task of President a bit easier now .

KALU:BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

ARVIND K.PANDEY

VOICE OF PROTEST :GRRR..BOW-BOW....MEOW..GRRR...MEOW

TOMMY:Karo Kanhaiyaa ,Kaari Kamariya ,Karo Jamuna Ko Neer ..BOW-BOW

(From :Chitra Singh's Bhajan Collection)

********

PRIYANKA:Goren Rang Pe Na Itna Guman Kar Gora Rang Do Din Mein Dhal Jayega....MEOW-MEOW

FROM:Movie:ROTI

***********

KALU ALIAS BLACKY :Hum Kaalein Hai To Kya Hua Dilwaalein Hai ...BOW-BOW

***********

SHERU:Goroen Ki Na Kaaloen Ki Duniya Hai Dilwaaloen Ki ..BOW-BOW

From:Movie:Disco Dancer

***********

CROREPATI DEVI:Kaala Shaakala....Gorien Dafa Karo....MEOW-MEOW

**********

COURT IS SUPREME

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGRAPH,JAN.17,2007)

The political fallout of the Supreme Court's decision to cross-erxamine the validity of laws placed in the Ninth schedule migh seal the future of poitical stalwarts ,who use amendments to sustain their self-interest . Of late , ambiguous interpretations ,forced legislative diktats and Constitutional amendments ,which run against the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution have become order of the day . The Court's decision is a welcome one since it could compel the politicians to honour the limitations ,making them conscious of appplication of mind before framing laws .

ABOARD MUMBAI'S LOCAL TRAIN TO KNOW NAZI'S CELLS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It's no secret that policy-making remains one of the most pampered acts of government . However, the fate of citizens reamins the same -to be deceived again and again . First, roadblocks are set in the path of unemployed people .And if they are lucky enough to find work, it's nightmarish experience to cover the distance between home and office . The compartments of local trains there are surely miniatures of Nazi's torture cells.There is not even an elbow's space in these trains . It wouldn't be wrong to suggest that governments across the globe have been held hostage to elitist agendas . The ordinary citizens have beem left at the mercy of fate to get reduced to nothingness with each passing moment .

AMERICAN TRAGEDY :FROM CHIMPS TO HUMAN BEINGS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

It seems that Gene duplication has prevented Chimps from sharing the road with human beings .Thank Lord this would certainly prevent these Chimps from exhibiting cruel traits of human beings or , for that matter , prevent them from turning into vehicle of destruction like their human counterparts . Anyway , it's nice to know that scientists are hell-bent to reduce the difference between humans and Chimpanzees . In my eyes ,I'm afraid that if all the Chimps convert into human beings all at once this might lead to pouplation explosion of worse type . I know that America will be the first country to deport them to developing countries to avoid slowing down of man's evolution to superhumans there !

CITIZEN ACTIVISM

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In The INDIA TODAY,JAN.22,2007)

More-or-less Citizen activism is an integral component of democratic regimes . It's key to curb spectre of terror and put on hold divisive forces eager to engulf the social fabric of the nation. However , the whole thing is stil in nascent stage , owing to lack of consciousness among Gen X trapped in illusory dreams . The weapons like RTI ,PILs need to be properly used to provide substance to the Citizen activism . The way our netas are involved in annihilation of the standards set by the predecessors , it's not surprising that people have become conscious of their rights and duties . Anyway , there is need to involve common people in the policy making process which , at present , is the right enjoyed by the peopole at the helm of the affairs .

MONTESSORI WAY

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Though one needs to appreciate Maria Montessori method of education at par with the traits of child ,one still feels that this system simply compelled the Indians to move away from roots .Most of the students who have passed out from these schools have little knowledge of Indianness.For elites ,wishing to have their wards colured in Europeran attributes ,this system might have worked wonders but ,in reality ,it paved the way for dominance of English in India .

BUINESSMAN WITH A SOUL

ARVIND K.PANDEY

J.R.D. Tata's last wish was to get birth again in India since this land ,in his eyes, offered abundant opportunities to do something for humanity .What separates him from others of his class was his immense interest in raising the standard of downtroddens . Or in other words , he loved to distribute profit between the underprivigled ,which is evident from the vision involved in the setting up of Jamshedpur .He dared to put into practice ethical standards in business ventures and was successful in giving the impression that all capitalists are not 'blood-suckers'. It's heartening to know that Ratan Tata has not compromised with high-standards set by J.R.D Tata .

EXCERPTS FROM TEACHINGS OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

ARVIND K.PANDEY

GLORY OF INNER WORLD

It is good and very grand to conquer external nature, but grader still to conquer our interrnal nature..This conquering of the inner man ,understanding the secrets of the subtle workings that are within the human mind ,and knowing its wonderful secrets ,belong entirely to religion.

****************

THE POWER OF RELIGION

Now comes the question :Can religion really accomplish anything ? It can .It brings to man eternal life .It has made man what he is , and will make of this human animal a god .This is what religion can do .Take religion from human society and what will remain ? Nothing but a forest of brutes .

**************

EAST OR WEST INDIA IS BEST

Believe me ,there is much talking in other lands ,but the practical man of religion ,who has carried it into his life is here (read India) and here alone .

***************

TOMMY:NOT ONLY ME BUT EVERONE LOVES INDIA....BOW .....BOW

PRIYANKA: I REALLY CAN'T GET ABOVE MUNCHING FAT RATS,COKE,STYLISH CARS,BIG HOMES ,US,CHOCOLATE MILK AND ,ABOVE ALL,CAN'T PREVENT MYSELF FROM HATING MY CHOSEN ENEMY TOMMY .IF I'M ABLE TO GET ABOBE THEM ,I WOULD CERTAINLY BE ABLE TO EXPLORE THE GLORY OF RELIGION.HOPE SWAMIJI PROVIDES ME THE STRENGTH TO EXPORE INNER WORLD.

***************

SWAMI VIVEKANAD:A GLORIOUS VISIONARY

ARVIND K PANDEY

(TODAY WE ARE CELEBRATING SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY )

The present age is passing through an age of confusuon and disorder .There is war between various ideas and one is unable to decide what pattern of life one should adopt.When everything has failed to provide solace to our bleeding hearts there still remains a voice which has not lost its power of insipiration and which wakes us up from the deep slumber of ignorance .Though Vivekanand lived for a short period only , his ideas have nevertheless made him immortal .
On his birth anniversary let us atttempt to be one with the essence of his ideals by trying to know what he dreamt for this nation.In Swami Vivekanand one finds the balanced proportion of all the traditional four yogas i.e. Karmayoga , Dhyanayoga , bhaktiyoga and Gyanayoga all mingle to give rise to magnetism which his personality radiated.He was a visionary who laid the foundation of a spiritually vibrant India.Like every true saint he was worried over the neglect of common masses and was highly conscious of surroundings in which he lived.
He always worked for the causes of the poor and silently wept over rthe pain and trauma suffered by the down-trodden.He would feel deeply pained over the poor state of affairs prevalent in the country.His anguish could be visibly felt when he remarks", The debt which the world owes to our motherland is immense .Taking country with country , there is not one race on this earth to which the world owes so much as to the patient Hindu , the mild Hindu."
Today when there are symptoms of cultural and moral breakdown one needs to be in the company of Indian way of living.Vivekananda emphasising the need of it said, " To many Indian thought , Indian manners , Indian customs , Indian philosophy , Indian literature are repulsive at the first sight , but let them preserve , let them read , let them become familiar with the great principles underlying these ideas , and it is ninety-nine to one that the charm will come over them ,and fascination will be the result.
The problem which Indian society faces today could easily have been averted if only sincere application of the Indian values taken place.Our educationn system has given rise to 'rotten beings' who are doing more than producing anything of merit.According to Vivekananda it was merely and entirely negative education being worse than death.The disadvantags in it are are of such a nature that all the good things do not saurface up .It is not a man making institution but it merely stuffs the mind with unnecessary details not allowing the germination of the noble ideas and virtues in a man.
Swami Vivekananda had a soft corner for the women .He was of the firm opinion that women should be put in positions of power to solve their own problems in their own way.The welfare of the world is dependent on the improvement of the condition of the women .On this issue he remarked ", It is not possible for the bird to fly on one wing." He was proud to belong to Hindu culture which had " reverence for woman that is unmatched on the earth."
Swami Vivekananda generated lot of dynamism in the youths .It is a bare fact that it has always been youths who have brought revolutionary changes ,leading to new order of things..In today's scenario we find that they are divided on issues and their participation in national interests is minimal.They have been sidelined in from most of the issues related with interests of nation.We are a nation whose half of the poulation is comprised of youths but there are hardly strtategies to tap their potential in honourable way.Vivekananda sought to prepare youths posssessing " muscles of of iron and nerves of steel ". He believed that hundered young men having strength , vigour and dynamism were capable of revolutionsing the society if they lived upto the truth of the Upanishads.
Vivekananda , believed to be the incarnation of Shiva , was entirely devoted to eternal truth which he finallly realised and became one with it .Though he always invented practical rules concerned with phenomenal world yet esence of everytrhing was " realisation of the eternal truth.On this particular issue he never entered into any compromise and was of the opinion that India has been able to retain its identity because it never lost sight of God. He believed that' God alone lives .The soul alone lives .Spirituality alone lives.' The nations which believe in it have always survived amid deep crisis.It sounds true when he says that what we need today is to know that there is God and that we can see and feel him here anmd now.
The life is short and vanities of the world are transient. So it would be better for us to take up one idea and make it our life in order to climb up the ladder of success .One is not aware of the fact that that it is only in this nation alone men of practical religion have born who successfully worked upon noble ideas.Let " potentially divione souls" activate their unused energy and work for the betterment of our motherland .The seekers of truth should always remember that ' love never fails my son ; today or tommorrow or ages after , truth will conquer ! Love shall win the victory." The greatest tribute to Swami Vivekananda would be to honestly implement his ideals into our daily lives and be always in touch with eternal truth.

MARRIAGE:MADE IN HEAVEN,LIVED IN HELL

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in the BUSINESS INDIA,JAN.14,2007)

The marriage ceremonies of yesteryears were not only less pompous but also more in tune with the traditional gestures. Today they have become hub of maddening activites where one often come to encounter inebriated people, people gyrating in vulgar fashion amid loud music.Interestingly, this could be the reason why marriages of these days break-up early .When the foundation is so weak , how can they ensure stability? This 'social comedy drama' , also a great Indian tamasha , have now become the surest mean to get trapped in legal mess.Increase in no. of divorce petitions is not only symbolic of greater consciousness of ones rights but also of ' lower tolerance level ' .It wouldn't be wild to suggest that a greater focus on simplistic lifestyle , instead of zeroing -in- on costumes and body -oriented needs , would add more life- giving dimensions in lives of newly wed couples.Contrast this drama ,in which millions go down the drain, to scenes depicting dead bodies of young girls who committed suicide to relieve their parents ? I still can't forget the faces of three sisters, belonging to Kanpur, who commited mass suicide few years ago , being unable to bear the surmounting pressure killing their parents each day ?Anyway life is a big stage and it seems that it would continue to offer such stark contrasts !!!

THE MENACE OF ULFA

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGRAPH, JAN .10,2007)

The diabolical mindset of the Ulfa has been exposed by its recent killings. The merciless onslaught on the Bihari settlers shows that it is once again trying use the anti-migrant card to regain public sympathy. Perhaps, it is time to put an end to their gun-culture altogether. Along with the Ulfa, the Centre should institute similar action against the Naxalites operating in different pockets of the country.

SYNTHETIC MILK

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In BUSINESS ECONOMICS,JAN.15,2007)

PART 1

The synthetic milk plays havoc with lives of milk lovers . Not only sellers but also the byers need to be punished to end demand and supply triggered by synthetic milk .One thing which the writer failed to highlight is the way Oxytocin is injected to elicit milk ejection .This inhuman way of milking from 'darling of Krishna'often go unnoticed .The animal lovers need to tackle this problem on war footing to stop premature death of cows . Maneka should press upon the need to enforce provisions making the needle-oriented milking an unpardonable crime .

(************

PRIYANKA : I LOVE NATURAL MILK,EVEN IF COME TO DRINK IT CHORI-CHORI).

***********

PART 2

NEED A POLITICAL ANIMAL

(ALSO PUBLISHED IN THIS EDITION OF BUSINESS ECONOMICS)

Inspite of Kalam's popularity among the masses ,one feels that it's time for him to serve the scientific community .The bad economics and worse politics by governments at the Centre demand someone having tasted the political orientations at grassroot level . Not only we want someone who refuses to act as rubber stamp but also has the ability to see through the political tantrums of petty souls .Of late ,the divisive forces have gained strength ,which cannot be tackled in absence of harsh laws and political will that makes these laws a practical reality . It wouldn't be wrong to suggest that Kalam's soft mannerisms come in the way of developing a persona ,in league with shrewd tactics ,to tackle the hidden dangers .

***********

TOWARDS A CLEANER LUCKNOW

ARVIND K.PANDEY

One comes to intercept a billboard outside Lucknow station which states :'Muskarayen ki aap Lucknow mein hai .' However , the huge mound of garbage beneath it makes it near impossible task for the visitors to bring smile on their lips .It's good to know that Prabha Chaturvedi is determined to make Lucknow cleaner .Let's hope her exemplary dedication makes Lucknowites realize that 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness .' The tehjeeb-oriented residents of Lucknow should have no problem in adding life to the dreams of Prabha . Better civic sense would surely make whiff of fresh air an intimate part of their lives .Or else , the Reader Digest type surveys could make their faces turn red like Mumbaikars !

**********

PRIYANKA:I LOVE LUCKNOW .
TOMMY:IT SOUNDS LIKE "I LOVE MILK."

************

MEDIA:HAVEN FOR VULTURE ORIENTATIONS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The media's love and hate