Dear Delhi, I belong here. Please let me feel safe in my own home.
Speaking strictly from whatever little experience of life I have had, which is close to 25 years, there hasn't been a single moment of being alone and out in the streets and feeling safe. Never, at all.
When I was young, my mother taught me to always be cautious, never be alone, never go too far away from home while playing. And of course her concerns were valid as a mother and I hardly understood what could possibly go wrong.
I remember an incident from my school days. My hostel warden was yelling at the girls' basketball team for stepping out for a bit in our playing kit, which was fairly long shorts and t-shirts. I didn't quite understand what was the big deal after all. What could possibly go wrong, we were 15 of us! Who could harm us, and what was wrong with what we were wearing? It left me puzzled!
There were many instances in which I felt violated, by the way people looked at me, passed comments and thought it was okay to do so. I chose to ignore it too. After all, who wants unwanted attention and conversations.
And then Delhi happened, the city I "belonged" to, the city I called home. I would mostly travel alone, walk and take public transport. That's a normal day to day routine and one shouldn't have apprehensions in following it. Or so, I believed.
Every day! okay, almost every day some or the other incident would make me furious. Mostly on things like someone passing a comment or someone looking at me inappropriately. And when I say I mean most women, in cities, villages, small towns all alike.
I read horrific stories everyday in papers: rapes, honour killing, murders, molestation et al. Many a times had heated arguments with friends and acquaintances as to how all this HAS to change and raised questions like how can we imagine to continue living in a state where a girl doesn't have a right to move about at her will? Why was I being stared at if I was walking back home a little late? For that matter even in the day. Never finding a conclusive answer to any of my questions but always left outraged. But what could I possibly do about it?
A friend of mine once advised and I somewhere unwillingly agreed, "The cardinal rule to follow is to never get into a bus which has less than 15 people in it." Of course, there is no assurance that I was safe in presence of those 15. Another senior said, "If you know it can never be fine, then just don't be out at such wee hours." Reluctantly so, but again I agreed a little.
But as always my questions went unanswered, my voice went unheard. Why can't I be safe in the state I call home? Why does a motorbike or car full of men has to cross me slowing down every day? Who has given the men the right to make women live in fear all the time? Why isn't it okay if I want to leave my house at an hour I wish to? Why am I left feeling outraged and violated?
A few days ago, I remember reading an article which said, "Every woman has experienced that moment where she feels, this is it, it's going to happen now." And it's true. I have and I know at least 50 others who have faced that fearsome moment.
Fortunately for some it was just a moment that passed. But unfortunately for some, their worst fear became a reality and they live with scars all their lives. And some don't even survive it, they succumb to these demons. Demons that have ruined the society, evils that have left us with shrill shivers. Incidents that leave us questioning the existence of some. Pain that goes unheard and unexplained for most.
We all live in this fear consciously or subconsciously. We have become used to reading and hearing about such incidents, but have we lost hope? Do we not want a safer place to live in? Why do we have to live in a society where people are so depraved? Why can't we be a part of a world which is more humane?
I feel sorry, I feel ashamed, I feel helpless! I live in hope that this will change. I die in fear they never may.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Rahul Dravid, it's not over yet, you know that
To begin with, Rahul Sharad Dravid, thank you ever so much for all the memories. When on 9th March 2012 you said, it's time for you to move on, I just thought to myself, will we - the fans - ever move on? But, like all good things, his international and first class cricket innings too has come to an end.
I was way too young to be even a little part of anything he was, but I dreamt to a part of a little something he did. And as luck would have it, I got to be a part of his farewell. I have never seen or for that matter even thought of cricket without Rahul Dravid. He is my parallel to cricket, he got me glued to the game. He became my reason to watch, enjoy and love this game, and that obviously is not going to change. And his cricketing talent is not what makes him the man he is. He's way beyond just an excellent sportsman. Rahul epitomises dignity, perfection and humility.
All of 39, and he still was one of the fittest in the team. Some suggested that he should have retired after England tour, while some said he could have gone after one more Dravid-special-inning. But guess the man took the right call. Just like the rest of his career this too came as a dignified, well-thought decision. I remember feeling a little hollow inside when he announced his retirement from One day internationals (This was my attempt to express how I felt.)
Ever so charming Rahul even on the day of his retirement said he finds it difficult to say no. That is the kind of team man Rahul has always been. He always kept the team over everything even when he was asked to keep wickets, he did, strangely enough but I even remember that match in which he bowled and got a wicket as well.
It was hard not too get carried away while he read out his farewell speech. It's yet to hit me that Dravid won't be out there in the middle anymore, playing for India. But I guess it's for the good. Like I said when I heard the news of him probably announcing his retirement, thank god for simple joys. Thank god for a Rahul Dravid, thank god for his simplicity.
There is no scarcity of the praises and wonderful words that have been showered upon him. But this is not it, Dravid has a lot of cricket in him, hopefully cricketing world will have him around for a lot longer, as an expert, a mentor, a commentator, or maybe a writer, I am not sure what. I would wait to see for what lies ahead for the man who gave these glorious 16 years to the game with such grace and dignity. As one of the finest gentlemen of the gentleman's game calls it a day, it goes without saying he's going to be one of the most important chapters of the history of cricket.
The legend of Rahul Dravid is etched in memories of millions of fans and it's a place well-deserved. A friend of mine said, Rahul Dravid there won't be many like you, I disagree. Because, Rahul Dravid there won't anyone like you, ever.
I was way too young to be even a little part of anything he was, but I dreamt to a part of a little something he did. And as luck would have it, I got to be a part of his farewell. I have never seen or for that matter even thought of cricket without Rahul Dravid. He is my parallel to cricket, he got me glued to the game. He became my reason to watch, enjoy and love this game, and that obviously is not going to change. And his cricketing talent is not what makes him the man he is. He's way beyond just an excellent sportsman. Rahul epitomises dignity, perfection and humility.
All of 39, and he still was one of the fittest in the team. Some suggested that he should have retired after England tour, while some said he could have gone after one more Dravid-special-inning. But guess the man took the right call. Just like the rest of his career this too came as a dignified, well-thought decision. I remember feeling a little hollow inside when he announced his retirement from One day internationals (This was my attempt to express how I felt.)
Ever so charming Rahul even on the day of his retirement said he finds it difficult to say no. That is the kind of team man Rahul has always been. He always kept the team over everything even when he was asked to keep wickets, he did, strangely enough but I even remember that match in which he bowled and got a wicket as well.
It was hard not too get carried away while he read out his farewell speech. It's yet to hit me that Dravid won't be out there in the middle anymore, playing for India. But I guess it's for the good. Like I said when I heard the news of him probably announcing his retirement, thank god for simple joys. Thank god for a Rahul Dravid, thank god for his simplicity.
There is no scarcity of the praises and wonderful words that have been showered upon him. But this is not it, Dravid has a lot of cricket in him, hopefully cricketing world will have him around for a lot longer, as an expert, a mentor, a commentator, or maybe a writer, I am not sure what. I would wait to see for what lies ahead for the man who gave these glorious 16 years to the game with such grace and dignity. As one of the finest gentlemen of the gentleman's game calls it a day, it goes without saying he's going to be one of the most important chapters of the history of cricket.
The legend of Rahul Dravid is etched in memories of millions of fans and it's a place well-deserved. A friend of mine said, Rahul Dravid there won't be many like you, I disagree. Because, Rahul Dravid there won't anyone like you, ever.
How I was looking for Rahul, and found Akhilesh
When Rahul Gandhi first appeared on India's political scene, he was projected as the new-age neta, the politician that we never had. There was and there still is a constant buzz as to how this 'youth' leader will change the way politics is perceived in our country. I was looking for a politician who made me be believe that politics isn't something that one needs to run away from.
But somehow, and I speak for myself alone, Rahul failed to translate this projection into reality.
Past few days we have seen many lengthy articles and analyses on the two big 'sons' of Indian politics. With all kind of similarities and differences that Rahul and Akhilesh possess. Truth is, and I must admit it, that until this election I had very little knowledge as to who is Akhilesh Yadav. I knew he is Mulayam Singh Yadav's son, sadly, that was the only "identity" he had in my mind.
It's a shame, I admit, specially after studying politics for 5 years (almost!).
The point I am trying to make is that Rahul Gandhi was looked upon as someone who will prove himself to be a mass leader, or as some believe a 'youth' leader. He was supposed to be a magnetic force that was drawing crowds, because he was one of them. But there was a little something that was missing.
The fact that we had been looking for a reason to call him a mass leader is self-explanatory. A leader shines, he is visible in a crowd, he is heard in a noise. And Rahul unfortunately, despite being all that, just lacked that one quality. Difficult to point out what but he failed to have a lasting impact. The kind of impact that probably Omar Abdullah had when he made that speech in Parliament in 2008 during his trust vote. Or the kind of 'let-the-work-do-the-talking' attitude that Sachin Pilot has. And it would be unfair to compare Rahul with anyone else but his contemporaries.
Akhilesh, on the other hand, inspite of being invisible on the national political sphere, comes across sorted. He seemed focussed, he had a plan and followed it too. And the result is out in front of all of us.
While addressing the press, he had short, crisp yet all apt answers to give. Without any use of big political words, without sounding too excited, he calmly answered all the media questions and exclamations. He even played his party's victory down, Akhilesh said, "Earlier we were losing and others were celebrating. Now we are winning and others are not. This is how politics is." He had a certain Dhoni-like demeanour. He smiled, spoke his mind, and made his point without having to shout from the rooftops.
Persona of a leader, a sorted mind, a casual yet dignified response to a resounding victory.
Many have been saying that Akhilesh is responsible for bringing Samajwadi Party back on the political map. True, as it appears to be, but this is just the first step. What lies ahead is the real test. Will Akhilesh be able to sustain the air he has created? Will he be able to prove himself in practicality?
Because, after all, politics is a lot more than just a promising speech and a politician has to be a lot more than just an articulate speaker. Both Rahul and Akhilesh have made promising speeches but time remains litmus to what lies ahead in their political careers. For now, Akhilesh seems to be a little ahead of Rahul. But one election cannot determine what a politician's career is going to be.
We are yet to see if Akhilesh will be able to translate his dignity in India's sphere of politics. Because in politics, campaigning and really doing the work are two very different ball games.
But somehow, and I speak for myself alone, Rahul failed to translate this projection into reality.
Past few days we have seen many lengthy articles and analyses on the two big 'sons' of Indian politics. With all kind of similarities and differences that Rahul and Akhilesh possess. Truth is, and I must admit it, that until this election I had very little knowledge as to who is Akhilesh Yadav. I knew he is Mulayam Singh Yadav's son, sadly, that was the only "identity" he had in my mind.
It's a shame, I admit, specially after studying politics for 5 years (almost!).
The point I am trying to make is that Rahul Gandhi was looked upon as someone who will prove himself to be a mass leader, or as some believe a 'youth' leader. He was supposed to be a magnetic force that was drawing crowds, because he was one of them. But there was a little something that was missing.
The fact that we had been looking for a reason to call him a mass leader is self-explanatory. A leader shines, he is visible in a crowd, he is heard in a noise. And Rahul unfortunately, despite being all that, just lacked that one quality. Difficult to point out what but he failed to have a lasting impact. The kind of impact that probably Omar Abdullah had when he made that speech in Parliament in 2008 during his trust vote. Or the kind of 'let-the-work-do-the-talking' attitude that Sachin Pilot has. And it would be unfair to compare Rahul with anyone else but his contemporaries.
Akhilesh, on the other hand, inspite of being invisible on the national political sphere, comes across sorted. He seemed focussed, he had a plan and followed it too. And the result is out in front of all of us.
While addressing the press, he had short, crisp yet all apt answers to give. Without any use of big political words, without sounding too excited, he calmly answered all the media questions and exclamations. He even played his party's victory down, Akhilesh said, "Earlier we were losing and others were celebrating. Now we are winning and others are not. This is how politics is." He had a certain Dhoni-like demeanour. He smiled, spoke his mind, and made his point without having to shout from the rooftops.
Persona of a leader, a sorted mind, a casual yet dignified response to a resounding victory.
Many have been saying that Akhilesh is responsible for bringing Samajwadi Party back on the political map. True, as it appears to be, but this is just the first step. What lies ahead is the real test. Will Akhilesh be able to sustain the air he has created? Will he be able to prove himself in practicality?
Because, after all, politics is a lot more than just a promising speech and a politician has to be a lot more than just an articulate speaker. Both Rahul and Akhilesh have made promising speeches but time remains litmus to what lies ahead in their political careers. For now, Akhilesh seems to be a little ahead of Rahul. But one election cannot determine what a politician's career is going to be.
We are yet to see if Akhilesh will be able to translate his dignity in India's sphere of politics. Because in politics, campaigning and really doing the work are two very different ball games.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Me and my BlackBerry: A lovers' tiff
The recent BlackBerry outage introduced me to someone inside me I have always I feared: the paranoid BlackBerry owner who checks her phone every five seconds. Someone who hates going to the SMS folder only because BBM is the dominant navigation feature.
I realised then that I read all the office mails I get. It annoyed me when I couldn't see any new mail after my six-hour sleep. I check Twitter even before I pick up the morning newspaper, and I can't even tell you how annoying it was to have the same tweets on my timeline for more than 48 hours. Yes, I'm addicted to my BlackBerry and I'm the one who annoys everybody in social gatherings by smiling to myself! I usually find a joke funnier when I read it on my phone... and I have no clue why! (Yes, I need help.) In fact I have a strong feeling I check my phone in my sleep as well.
So, all this while when the BlackBerry services crippled, it seemed like a part of my life was missing. As though a very dear friend of mine was not talking to me. I may sound very dramatic but the emotion was exactly that.
All those BlackBerry bashers made sure my sadness was further turned into a tragedy. No, I don't mean those fruit-ty gizmos! It's the 'Android' owners. They laughed, made BAD jokes and kept giving me that 'you-are-such-a-loser' look. Sadly, I have too many of these people around me. Their tweets were boiling my blood, because every time I had a smart reply I had to run to the closest PC around. Yes, my BlackBerry was absent and was at fault here.
One dear friend actually said, "BlackBerry is so last decade." I mean who are these people? And even if it is 'so-last-decade', then be it. I am dependent on it and more importantly, there isn't anything that I dislike about my beloved machine.
Anyway, I had faith it would get better soon and happier times will be back. My BlackBerry services are back and the world is a happier place. Thankfully, this separation was just a lovers' tiff. Otherwise, it would have been the worst break-up millions of us would have ever had.
I realised then that I read all the office mails I get. It annoyed me when I couldn't see any new mail after my six-hour sleep. I check Twitter even before I pick up the morning newspaper, and I can't even tell you how annoying it was to have the same tweets on my timeline for more than 48 hours. Yes, I'm addicted to my BlackBerry and I'm the one who annoys everybody in social gatherings by smiling to myself! I usually find a joke funnier when I read it on my phone... and I have no clue why! (Yes, I need help.) In fact I have a strong feeling I check my phone in my sleep as well.
So, all this while when the BlackBerry services crippled, it seemed like a part of my life was missing. As though a very dear friend of mine was not talking to me. I may sound very dramatic but the emotion was exactly that.
All those BlackBerry bashers made sure my sadness was further turned into a tragedy. No, I don't mean those fruit-ty gizmos! It's the 'Android' owners. They laughed, made BAD jokes and kept giving me that 'you-are-such-a-loser' look. Sadly, I have too many of these people around me. Their tweets were boiling my blood, because every time I had a smart reply I had to run to the closest PC around. Yes, my BlackBerry was absent and was at fault here.
One dear friend actually said, "BlackBerry is so last decade." I mean who are these people? And even if it is 'so-last-decade', then be it. I am dependent on it and more importantly, there isn't anything that I dislike about my beloved machine.
Anyway, I had faith it would get better soon and happier times will be back. My BlackBerry services are back and the world is a happier place. Thankfully, this separation was just a lovers' tiff. Otherwise, it would have been the worst break-up millions of us would have ever had.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
To Rahul Dravid, with love
Rahul Dravid finally calls it a day from One-Day Internationals. My only memory of being absolutely in love with someone is this man. Call me star-struck, but I never have rated anyone above him. His game, his style, his way of talking and the ability to remain calm and composed in the worst of all situations and I think I can go on endlessly. I must have been an eight-year-old when I first saw him play, and ever since there was not anyone whom I have liked better.
I still have a treasured scrapbook, which has all the possible pictures and newspaper cuttings of Dravid's articles, ads and those cricket cards we used to get in packets of chips. 4th May 2003 was a teary day in my life, being one out of many women who thought Dravid was the true love of my life. (That is the day he married Vijeta Pendharkar -- one lucky woman!)
Ups, downs and those quite phases - Dravid has seen it all, heard it all. Nevertheless, he stood there strong playing his game, his way and simply be himself. Many found his way too traditional to be acceptable in today's world. Many wrote him off much before his time. However, Dravid silently stood his ground, played his game, worked hard and kept himself in the game.
I remember that disastrous World Cup tour in 2007 after which everyone called him names, blamed him for the embarrassment that India faced. The man remained calm, not because he could not answer but because silence is always the stronger man's weapon. Hailed as 'The Wall' of Team India, Dravid has always been a team man; someone who has performed when nothing else worked. His records do the talking. As much of a cliché as it may sound, Dravid is indeed the unsung hero of our times.
Devendra Prabhudesai aptly named his book on Dravid 'The Nice Guy Who Finished First'. Dravid has always had an aura of being the nice guy around. Someone who would never say no, someone who would have that warm smile even on the worst of days. Seldom have we seen an animated Dravid but one memory of an elated Dravid will remain embedded in every fan's memory when he jumped with joy after getting his double century against Australia.
It is a fitting farewell for Dravid as it ends where it all began. Dravid will be seen in the Indian blues for the last time today playing against England. He made his Test debut against England in 1996 at Lord's. A memorable debut it was, he scored a spirited 95. Dravid had made a place for himself in the world of cricket for eternity.
As a fan it gets increasingly difficult for me to imagine the game being played without Dravid, it's an end of an era. The good part, however, is that with his formidable form, we can always be assured of a lot of good Test cricket left in him. Dravid will forever remain the shy guy who stood tall amongst his peers and performed for India in the most difficult of times.
I still have a treasured scrapbook, which has all the possible pictures and newspaper cuttings of Dravid's articles, ads and those cricket cards we used to get in packets of chips. 4th May 2003 was a teary day in my life, being one out of many women who thought Dravid was the true love of my life. (That is the day he married Vijeta Pendharkar -- one lucky woman!)
Ups, downs and those quite phases - Dravid has seen it all, heard it all. Nevertheless, he stood there strong playing his game, his way and simply be himself. Many found his way too traditional to be acceptable in today's world. Many wrote him off much before his time. However, Dravid silently stood his ground, played his game, worked hard and kept himself in the game.
I remember that disastrous World Cup tour in 2007 after which everyone called him names, blamed him for the embarrassment that India faced. The man remained calm, not because he could not answer but because silence is always the stronger man's weapon. Hailed as 'The Wall' of Team India, Dravid has always been a team man; someone who has performed when nothing else worked. His records do the talking. As much of a cliché as it may sound, Dravid is indeed the unsung hero of our times.
Devendra Prabhudesai aptly named his book on Dravid 'The Nice Guy Who Finished First'. Dravid has always had an aura of being the nice guy around. Someone who would never say no, someone who would have that warm smile even on the worst of days. Seldom have we seen an animated Dravid but one memory of an elated Dravid will remain embedded in every fan's memory when he jumped with joy after getting his double century against Australia.
It is a fitting farewell for Dravid as it ends where it all began. Dravid will be seen in the Indian blues for the last time today playing against England. He made his Test debut against England in 1996 at Lord's. A memorable debut it was, he scored a spirited 95. Dravid had made a place for himself in the world of cricket for eternity.
As a fan it gets increasingly difficult for me to imagine the game being played without Dravid, it's an end of an era. The good part, however, is that with his formidable form, we can always be assured of a lot of good Test cricket left in him. Dravid will forever remain the shy guy who stood tall amongst his peers and performed for India in the most difficult of times.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Kishore Kumar, the man behind the yodel
Fondly called Kishoreda, India's music legend Kishore Kumar was the mellifluous master of immortal hits that redefined style in an industry governed by tradition. The man who followed in his brother's footsteps Kishore had worked as lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter.
He was also the singing voice of many actors, particularly Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor. Kishore had the ability to make heroes look good, he added to any melody by his unique style of singing.
The legendary singer added soul to many songs that wouldn't have been what they are if it wasn't for the magic of Kishore.
Born in a Bengali family Kishore sang in many languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya.
Say Kishore, and 'yodeling' is the first thing that comes to the mind. He popularised yodeling in India, and there are few who do it better than him. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana from Andaz is one of the most amazing songs in this style sung by him.
Kishore and Pancham, RD Burman, both were a treat to the music lover in their time, the duo have given unforgettable melodies. Both being versatile musicians gave hits after hits together. 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hain', 'Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain', 'Mere Bheegi Bheegi Si' to name a few are some of the biggest hits that the two gave together.
Some of Kishore numbers like 'Kuchh to log kahenge', 'Yeh kya hua', 'Yeh Shaam Mastani',and 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat hain' are embedded in memories. His soulful voice warmed the heart has stayed and will remain with his fans' forever.
Kishore's comic timing was impeccable. Films such as Padosan and Chalti ka Naam Gadi are timeless comedies. The mischievous voice of Kishore in songs 'Hum The Woh Thi Aur Samaan Rangeen...' and 'Ek Chatur Naar' can bring on everyone's faces.
Kishore Kumar's sudden death left the fans in much grief but his voice has lived and will remain for years to come. Fan and not Kishore is a treat to listen. From soulful melodies to fun songs. Kishore's songs are for every mood and every reason.
Here are some of his best works:
1. Chingaro Koi Badke from Amar Prem
2. Yeh Sham Mastani from Kati Patang
3. Neele Neele Ambar Par
4. My name is Anthony Gonsalves
5. Dil Kya Kare
6. Phoolon Ke Rang Se
7. O Saathi Re
8. Main Hoo Jhum Jhum Jhumroo
9. Ina Mina Dika
10. Om Shanti Om
11. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana
12. Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hain
13. Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain
14. Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz
15. Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yaad Rakhna
He was also the singing voice of many actors, particularly Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna and Rishi Kapoor. Kishore had the ability to make heroes look good, he added to any melody by his unique style of singing.
The legendary singer added soul to many songs that wouldn't have been what they are if it wasn't for the magic of Kishore.
Born in a Bengali family Kishore sang in many languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya.
Say Kishore, and 'yodeling' is the first thing that comes to the mind. He popularised yodeling in India, and there are few who do it better than him. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana from Andaz is one of the most amazing songs in this style sung by him.
Kishore and Pancham, RD Burman, both were a treat to the music lover in their time, the duo have given unforgettable melodies. Both being versatile musicians gave hits after hits together. 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hain', 'Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain', 'Mere Bheegi Bheegi Si' to name a few are some of the biggest hits that the two gave together.
Some of Kishore numbers like 'Kuchh to log kahenge', 'Yeh kya hua', 'Yeh Shaam Mastani',and 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat hain' are embedded in memories. His soulful voice warmed the heart has stayed and will remain with his fans' forever.
Kishore's comic timing was impeccable. Films such as Padosan and Chalti ka Naam Gadi are timeless comedies. The mischievous voice of Kishore in songs 'Hum The Woh Thi Aur Samaan Rangeen...' and 'Ek Chatur Naar' can bring on everyone's faces.
Kishore Kumar's sudden death left the fans in much grief but his voice has lived and will remain for years to come. Fan and not Kishore is a treat to listen. From soulful melodies to fun songs. Kishore's songs are for every mood and every reason.
Here are some of his best works:
1. Chingaro Koi Badke from Amar Prem
2. Yeh Sham Mastani from Kati Patang
3. Neele Neele Ambar Par
4. My name is Anthony Gonsalves
5. Dil Kya Kare
6. Phoolon Ke Rang Se
7. O Saathi Re
8. Main Hoo Jhum Jhum Jhumroo
9. Ina Mina Dika
10. Om Shanti Om
11. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana
12. Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hain
13. Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain
14. Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz
15. Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yaad Rakhna
Monday, August 1, 2011
Nothing 'slutty' about Delhi's first SlutWalk
After a lot of anticipation and speculation, Delhi finally got its first edition of the SlutWalk. The capital's version of the protest was much tamer and smaller as compared to other cities. On a warm and humid Sunday morning, when the anticipation started building up, there were a lots of young volunteers and organisers who were running around with their walky-talkies and tense faces to make sure everything goes according to the plan (and did a good job of ensuring that there was no chaos at the venue.)
While other cities around the world had drawn thousands, Delhi drew just about 500 participants and an almost equal number of media personnel and photographers gathered in the July heat. The general notion that went around was that women will be dressed skimpy and revealing clothes as was the trend in other editions of the walk. But 'Besharmi Morcha' saw women strutting the streets carrying off the usual plain look wearing simple jeans-shirts, salwar-kurta and shirts. It was toned down and as the protesters started coming in, it was clear that there would be no mini-skirts, fishnet stockings or anything that could be subjected to 'questions'.
The organiser Umang Sabharwal said, "We are all dressed up the way all of us would be on any other day, and that is precisely the point. Because clothes are never the reason behind any exploitation, the existence is enough." The 19-year-old also adds, "I think Delhi is the city that needs the 'SlutWalk' the most. Everyone knows what the environment here is like for a woman and I think the reason why it happens the most is because we accept it."
The first-of-its-kind event in Delhi, conducted under intense media scrutiny and heavy security cover, was possibly the most peaceful march ever. The participants walked calmly on the footpaths with their signboards, discussing their reasons to participate with the media and other participants. The march peacefully gave out a strong message against the perpetrators of crime and threats from a Hindutva right-wing group proved to be irrelevant.
The organisers made sure there was no over-the-top exhibitionism at all. For instance, when the march started, a woman raised her shirt for her friend to write a slogan. As an instant reaction, volunteers ran and stopped her from doing so to avoid what they called a 'scene'. They blocked the woman from photographers and asked her to button up.
Personally, I feel the city didn't see much participation because in a city of millions, majority of its women wouldn't know what it meant. It will be insensitive to say all women are victims, but every woman in this city or any other part of the world has experienced harassment, been eve-teased, or any other form of sexual exploitation. Most of us have crossed that lonely street and have had our hearts in our throat when a man on a bike or a car crosses by. The protest, as I percieved it to be, was to fight those fears. It was to put a finger on the issue and evidently not follow a pattern that other countries have set.
The 'SlutWalk' aka 'Besharmi Morcha was nothing as many were expecting it to be. It had nothing indecent. Despite the Indian version being called Besharmi Morcha, the event had no shamelessness (besharmi) in it. But it has definitely opened up a debate. So, in coming years, there may be more participation and the capital may get a little more receptive to it. Apprehensions and debates on aping the West and crossing the line of 'traditional' values of Indian culture can be overcome and the cause can be addressed in a more deserving manner.
As is always blamed, the Walk seemed to be more a media hype than substance. Just that this time media and almost 60 per cent of the crowd was byte-hungry. The participants didn't lack any enthusiasm though Delhi definitely lost in numbers.
While other cities around the world had drawn thousands, Delhi drew just about 500 participants and an almost equal number of media personnel and photographers gathered in the July heat. The general notion that went around was that women will be dressed skimpy and revealing clothes as was the trend in other editions of the walk. But 'Besharmi Morcha' saw women strutting the streets carrying off the usual plain look wearing simple jeans-shirts, salwar-kurta and shirts. It was toned down and as the protesters started coming in, it was clear that there would be no mini-skirts, fishnet stockings or anything that could be subjected to 'questions'.
The organiser Umang Sabharwal said, "We are all dressed up the way all of us would be on any other day, and that is precisely the point. Because clothes are never the reason behind any exploitation, the existence is enough." The 19-year-old also adds, "I think Delhi is the city that needs the 'SlutWalk' the most. Everyone knows what the environment here is like for a woman and I think the reason why it happens the most is because we accept it."
The first-of-its-kind event in Delhi, conducted under intense media scrutiny and heavy security cover, was possibly the most peaceful march ever. The participants walked calmly on the footpaths with their signboards, discussing their reasons to participate with the media and other participants. The march peacefully gave out a strong message against the perpetrators of crime and threats from a Hindutva right-wing group proved to be irrelevant.
The organisers made sure there was no over-the-top exhibitionism at all. For instance, when the march started, a woman raised her shirt for her friend to write a slogan. As an instant reaction, volunteers ran and stopped her from doing so to avoid what they called a 'scene'. They blocked the woman from photographers and asked her to button up.
Personally, I feel the city didn't see much participation because in a city of millions, majority of its women wouldn't know what it meant. It will be insensitive to say all women are victims, but every woman in this city or any other part of the world has experienced harassment, been eve-teased, or any other form of sexual exploitation. Most of us have crossed that lonely street and have had our hearts in our throat when a man on a bike or a car crosses by. The protest, as I percieved it to be, was to fight those fears. It was to put a finger on the issue and evidently not follow a pattern that other countries have set.
The 'SlutWalk' aka 'Besharmi Morcha was nothing as many were expecting it to be. It had nothing indecent. Despite the Indian version being called Besharmi Morcha, the event had no shamelessness (besharmi) in it. But it has definitely opened up a debate. So, in coming years, there may be more participation and the capital may get a little more receptive to it. Apprehensions and debates on aping the West and crossing the line of 'traditional' values of Indian culture can be overcome and the cause can be addressed in a more deserving manner.
As is always blamed, the Walk seemed to be more a media hype than substance. Just that this time media and almost 60 per cent of the crowd was byte-hungry. The participants didn't lack any enthusiasm though Delhi definitely lost in numbers.
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