Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand.

Nobody likes being disliked or rejected, specially when things are not under our control or cannot be changed. But there are some people who have to live with it every day. Mulk Raj Anand in his novel 'Untouchable' portrays how the scavengers most commonly referred to as the untouchables are treated by the Hindu society. Anand describes a day in Bakha, a sweeper's life and his desire to be like the Englishmen and the high class Hindus--imitating their lifestyle and living in cleaner houses rather than the filthy and miserable living conditions and seeking similar respect instead of the ill-treatment that he has to face.
Bakha is a young and attractive boy who wishes to live a life of happiness and respect. His only fault is that he is the son of a scavenger and has to carry on with the profession of cleaning and disposing other people's waste.
Throughout the novel Bakha struggles to get some answers--Why are sweepers treated with no respect? Why are the temples, schools, wells not open to the outcastes? Why is their shadow or touch considered polluted? Why are sweepers humiliated all the time for no rhyme or reason?

His day begins with his father's abuses and curses, followed by the insults and humiliation from the Hindus of the upper castes. He is supposed to shout and warn people of his approach. He is addressed as a "Dirty dog! Son of a bitch! The offspring of a pig!"
I doubt if that's how any individual addresses a person, even if s/he belongs to the lowest section of our society. The discrimination exists because it is supported by the caste system and Hindu beliefs.
When he goes to clean the house of a Hindu lady, he is showered with unpleasant comments and the leftover bread and food is thrown at him.
"You eater of the masters! Why did you sit down on my doorstep, if you had to sit down at all? You have defiled my religion! You should have sat there in the gulley! Now I will have to sprinkle holy water all over the house! You spoiler of my salt! oh! how terrible! You sweepers have lifted your heads to the sky, nawadays!"
On the other hand she gives respect and regard to the Sadhu, who is a Brahmin, and requests him to accept her offerings, assuring him that 'the sweeper' didn't pollute her house.
Bakha feels helpless as he fails to understand why the upper caste people always abuse him or look down upon him. He soon concludes that "They always abuse us. Because we are sweepers. Because we touch dung.They hate dung. I hate it too."
Anand's novels on humanism give voice to the oppressed and allows them to express their anger and suffering. All they look for are the basic rights and privileges as human beings, which the caste system deprives them of.

As a reader you feel sorry for all the humiliation and suffering he is subjected to. There would not have been a better way to show how rejection can affect a person and his/her psyche. Anand very well describes Bakha's dilemmas, emotions of anger, helplessness, rejection and disapproval. I felt I was a part of all the protagonist's experiences, as a silent spectator, and felt disgusted but couldn't do anything. The author clearly shows Bakha as a human being who has expectations, emotions, weaknesses and strengths just like anyone else. He feels happy and grateful when Charat Singh, a higher caste Hindu, treats him as a normal person and is kind to him. He wishes a normal life of kindness and equality. He is elated to be a part of Gandhi ji's speech, where the Mahatma stands for the rights and fair treatment of the 'Harijans'. The novel ends with Bakha getting some answers while he has to find the rest of them on his own during the course of life.
The only disappointment was that there was not much to read about the changes that took place in the life of Bakha and other sweepers after Gandhi ji addressed the villagers and demanded fair treatment of the sweepers. Apart from this, I enjoyed reading the book and would insist you to read it too.
Hope you enjoy it! 

Vande Mataram.

"Anna tum sangarsh karo, hum tumhare saath hai," is what thousands and thousands of Indians have been crying out since August 16, 2011. Anna Hazare, a veteran activist, is getting unconditional support from the Indians in his fight against corruption. 
Over the last week, people from all different classes and sections have come together to participate in rallies and marches. From the youth to senior citizens, everyone is an active member and part of his non-violent movement against corruption, be it at Ramlila Maidan or through tweets, facebook statuses or blogs. 

Jan Lokpal Bill has to be passed to check corrupt practices in public offices. It's not that passing such a bill will end all corruption but atleast it is a step forward, an effort to end bribery and unethical practices.
Most people don't know what Lokpal Bill is all about, but what they certainly know is that they want an end to corruption and punish the people who indulge in it. 
I have never seen something like this before - people on the roads in such huge numbers and such variety of non-violent ways to protest.People have emerged as one, irrespective of their regional, cultural and religious differences.

On monday I had joined the crowd at Ramlila Maidan and could feel the excitement and enthusiasm among people. It was a great moment. Despite all differences, every Indian was standing with Anna and together for one cause. I was taken aback by Anna's energy, positivity and attitude - his spirit and zeal are a total contrast to his age. 
Both Anna and the crowd are getting motivated and inspired by each other!
I am wearing the famous 'Anna topi' and totally supporting Anna, just that I am not able to stay at the venue and be the part of the determined and passionate crowd. 
Still, expressing my feelings and views through my blog is a good way to support the cause while I'm at home.
And the best thing I find about this movement is that it has brought all Indians together, who are no longer afraid of expressing what they want or what they believe in.
I want to join the mob and shout my lungs out - 1,2,3,4 band karo yeh Brashtachaar. Vande Mataram...

                                                          

Just Dance- That's what these kids believe in.

I know it's been long that I haven't written anything except for some poetry because I have been really busy with my first job :) It's a great start and a good place to learn. 

Now let's focus on this post which is about some inspiring kids I met a few months ago. During my internship with Hindustan Times, I got the chance to visit a Government school in Noida's Aghapur village. I was actually amazed to see their talent, spirit and enthusiasm. 

They are crazy about dance and have amazing stories to share. Even though they have no dance teacher but this has not stopped them from dreaming or dancing like their favourite Bollywood stars. 

They sure want a teacher who can teach them different dance forms and the techniques required to make them better dancers. They want someone who can transform their lives, not making them rich or famous but boosting their morale and confidence and be a mentor to them. They want to participate in dance shows like Dance India Dance and Chak Dhoom Dhoom to make their parents, who are mostly labourers, domestic helps, drivers, etc., proud. They want to equip themselves with the right skills to achieve their dreams which will only happen when they have someone to guide them. 

Unfortunately, they are still managing without one as no one wants to work for a low wage or in a village. Thanks to the reality shows! At least they are keeping their faith and dreams alive. Instead of giving up, they are trying to learn dance steps from these dance shows, though they can't understand all the technical stuff but they are giving these kids a reason to keep dancing and the way they want to.

I'm sure Hrithik Roshan's new dance show- Just Dance means a lot to them. Firstly, it involves Hrithik Roshan, an inspiration for so many of them. Secondly, it gives them the hope that such platforms are there to give wings to their dreams and aspirations.

I wish I knew some dance form, I would have loved to teach them on Saturdays!

If anyone reading my post is interested in helping them then you are most welcome to do so! You can just leave a message here. I really want them to get a mentor as they are really passionate about dance and just like you and me they have the right and freedom to dream about anything and whatever they want to. So what if they study in a village and a school with few opportunities, but they are a part of our country's future. :)

Hope for the best.

Talk to me

I can look at you for hours,
It feels like you want to speak to me,
Sing to me and share with me stories of your past.


I keep waiting for you to talk,
but always find you soundless and quiet.
Are you making fun of me or playing with my thoughts?


I see you staring and showering smiles at me,
I see them all the time.
But, is it only me or you keep fooling all?

My Inspiration- the old man on the street.

There are so many things which are not in my control,
which give pain and make me think more.
I wish I had a magic wand,
to take away the miseries and all that is bad.

It's hard to imagine how you live,
it's like a challenge every day in a row.
You have strength, patience, faith and hope,
which I believe is unknown to most.

I surrender, being oblivious to the fortitude you show,
as if I am the only one to have things wrong.
I ask all, to think just once about you,
and Faith will immediately rush back to all.

You inspire me by your courage and attitude,
as if you own everything that I may know.
You made me Grateful for all that I have,
and I pray for you and those captured in my mind.

You give me strength and make me move,
because of you I remember that I have strength.
I want to live and live like you,
even if life gets tougher and harder than the one I know.

Trying my hand at poetry :)

Mind is overpowered by fears,

known yet they seem unknown.

Is it loneliness or my own creation?

I feel lost and powerless,

I cry out and long for someone,

but only my shadow prefers to stay close.

My soul is shattered by the sharp pain

but tears take charge,

the only strength I think, I possess,

Escaping  from everything appears best

But human mind has doors,

which block my ability to reason

my thoughts and confidence give up with me

I embrace the feeling not knowing,

what is it that I have just gained.

Busy like I have never been.

Friday, 1st April, 2011
Hi everyone,


Sorry again for not being able to write for this long. I have never been so busy before. And I'm not enjoying being so busy :(
But yes, I'm enjoying my internship at Hindustan Times as they have given me the liberty to write stories on the social changes taking place in Noida and its villages. It's fun to explore the villages and write on some exceptional changes that have taken place there.


Also, I have my exams for literature (distance programme) starting from 5th April , so after work I have to cope up with its huge syllabus. By the end of the day, I am so exhausted and I feel I should just focus on one thing.
From my personal experience, I have a suggestion to make- don't go for two courses ,be it distance or regular, at the same time. I am not able to give my best to either of the two. I should have gone for the distance programme sometime later, but I thought my love for books will make it easy for me. But, I have realized that I love reading but that is different from preparing and giving exams. I am totally enjoying reading all the plays and novels. But I am not getting enough time to prepare for the exams and this is making me nervous.
Still, I am one of those people who don't give up till the end so I am trying my best to overcome my fears and nervousness. I hope I get through these exams. Trust me, I have never been in such a situation before when I just want to pass the examination! Its going be an experience. I am happy to accept what comes my way. After all, so many things happen for the first time in everybody's life! :D


Cheers!
P.S. Enjoy the World Cup Final tomorrow! BTW I am wearing BLUE to support India..are you? :)

Just a few more days to go!

Tuesday, 20th January, 2011.

I am extremely sorry to write after so long. As I had mentioned in my last blog that I was going out on a trip to Pondicherry and Mumbai with my friends, teachers and college mates. I had a great time. This trip was also more interesting because I had never been to these places and then I was going out with my friends.
I had planned to dedicate a blog to this wonderful trip but I have been busy with my internship plans and then I had some extremely difficult time where I didn't feel like writing, reading or going out. I just wanted to be all by myself and do things which required no effort. But I will soon be writing about that too.
As of now I am waiting for my internship to start. My friends have already started with their internships and I am still waiting. I am watching a lot of movies these days as it requires least effort from my end and I am enjoying it. Maybe I just want to be away from the career I have chosen..I don't want to write for a few days..lol
Just a few more days for my intership to start so let me be lazy for a few more days :P
I hope things start soon and I will share my experiences here both good and bad. :)
Wish me luck! I need it badly..:P