Creative works of art and literature by Anand Bora. I am an tech entrepreneur by profession but my love for art and creativity has always propelled me to be involve myself in creative action.
We are so proud to call ourselves a part of civilization which has spanned thousands of years. Back then, we were so progressive. Our minds were free and we were focused on achieving the best for our people and simplifying their lives with proper amenities. With time and influence, our administrators lost the focus and moved from a people-centric agenda to a self-centric agenda. This trait in the human behavior of we Indians became a common thing and we kept moving towards the direction of mental and behavioral evolution.
So why am I saying that we are so typically hypocrite? I know it is an avarice to call a society as hypocrite in general but I am taking the liberty to do so. But why? You will find the answers in the following paragraphs.
Let’s take the contemporary India we are living in. Heading to a granular level, lets head to a society in some second tier city in India. Inspect the area carefully. A no-parking board somewhere on the road and a slew of two-wheelers parked beside it. When you ask anyone why aren't they bothered about the ‘no-parking’ boards, they will be very vocal about the inefficiency and incapability of the local police. In the same area, you can find loads of garbage dumped below some electricity pole or near a culvert. In the same area, you can find clean water tankers supplying water and there will be people spilling it for no good reason. The tankers themselves would be defective and water would be leaking all the way. The irony is that the people who blame the administration about the problems in the society are the architects of their problems.
I think I started from a small society, where as I should have focused on the families. As I said earlier, we are the architects of our society and lifestyle.
There was a time when people were India were very skeptic and offensive about Love Marriage. Falling in love was considered a sin and many a couples have been forced to die when they committed such a sin. We live in a country where we pray Krishna and Radha who were lovers and they never married. Such is the height of hypocrisy in our system that we hate love but we are ready to pray lovers.
Long back we were a matriarchal society, but with time we moved to become a patriarchal society. Male dominance in families made the weaker sex even more weak. They lost their rightful place and the reason was the female gender herself. Today every now and then we see women agitation and most of these women would hardly know the relevance of their lives in grooming their society. Most of them have their vested interests or they are just part of the herd ignorant of the real goal. We crib about gender equality but we never try to solve the problems of women at its roots.
Indians have always been miserly. They have always worked hard to meet their daily needs so we understand the value of money. Do we? When we construct an apartment for renting out, we will make it a point that we give the ‘value for money’ amenities in the apartment so that we save the most and earn the most. When something goes bad in the apartment, we will always replace it with lower quality stuff as we ourselves are not living in the apartment. When the tenant buys an apartment for renting out in the future, he does the same thing and this cycle continues. Needless to say, is this hypocrisy or not? Saving money is one thing and ensuring good life is another. We are ready to spend millions on our loved ones if we have it, but we are not ready to spend a single rupee on some people who are indirectly dependent on us.
We are ready to become sycophants at workplace but we will try and maintain our authority at home. We say endless amount of nonsense and justify it at motley places like betel shops, tea shops, parties and similar outings but we want people to talk sense when they talk about us. We will talk about different places and people in the world and how our country has lagged behind them and try to pinpoint the negatives in the system. Alas! We never point fingers at ourselves.
We will criticize the religious leaders who have been convicted in heinous crimes. We are the ones who have given them the status and stature they have in the society. In spite of all the bally hoo, we will still keep the posters of these impostors on the walls of our homes and justify them. We’ll say that we don’t have money but we are ready to give donations for every religious occasion. We will fall for rumors every now and then and later pledge that we’ll never fall for such rumors again.
The story of hypocrisy of Indians can’t be described just in a single blog post. There are in-numerous examples of things we do on a day to day basis. We keep blaming the system but we never take the onus of choosing to vote and choose the right candidate from our area. We keep doing things which are hypocrite and never realize that we are doing something which is the basis of the growth of our future generations. As I always say, if a nation has to grow progressively, the mentality of the people should be progressive. As an optimist, I would quote the famous lines, ‘history repeats itself’. It will repeat itself for our beloved country.
This is a post which I have written digressing from my conventional Artistic and creative writings.
Indian Polity
I have been following Indian politics since last few days as a new party in India has raised expectations of changing the way politics is prevalent in the country. Somewhere, I think this curiosity is shared by most of us. We do realize that we are related to the system in one way or the other but with our ‘chalta hai’ (let it be) attitude we always get back to the status quo.
I am bewildered as to why there is so much fuss even about the petty things the new party is doing. A decent sized home along with an office space was chosen for the minister so that he can stay in Delhi and work but even that is being questioned by people. This is very unfortunate for our country that such small issues are being highlighted in the Media and elsewhere. This also exposes the very nature of human psychology of relenting to accept a change. A political change is a massive change as it would, in long term, mean granular changes in the society. Do we realize that we need a change in the system?
I was forced to give a bribe when I was a minor and the concerned official asked me the bribe amount stating I should give him some money for chai-pani (tea and water [A way of asking bribe]). I was a naive back then but I realized the implications of that occurrence when I became mature. Our own existence is on a hypocrite platform. I am sure there would be less than 10% of people in this country who wouldn't have given a bribe to the Travelling Ticket Examiner of a train. It raises a big question. Can any entity in this political system cleanse it?
I have traveled almost all of India and noticed that even though the country is diversified but the people have common requirements. People are very similar in their thought process, their daily proceedings and in their familial and professional lives. But the element of hypocrisy has always been there. And unfortunately, political people who have exploited this weakness of the countrymen have been successful in reigning this country and pushing it into a dilapidated state.
So what should be politics all about? Should it be about people? Should it be about issues people face? Should it be about power and power mongers? I am not a political science grad to answer those questions. I am just a normal human being who wants to live a decent life in my country which should be hassle free (at least free from the troubles created by mankind).
So when I asked those questions to myself, I came up with a few answers.
First, translation of Politics in Hindi is ‘Raaj neeti’, which literally means ‘the policy of governance’. Politics word is derived from the Greek word ‘politikos’ which means "of, for, or relating to citizens". Any person can differentiate between the meaning of the word in different languages I stated above. The latter is the real politics for a democracy. We can’t be sticking to the conventional politics where in the rulers decide the policies for governance and the citizens are asked to comply. Ironically, very few politicians in India show the difference in India by their actions.
Secondly, Politics is about policies which the representatives of people should decide and implement in favor of the people of the country. The policies might be harsh or liberal but they must have a purpose and a ‘long term’ impact of positivity on the people and the country. In a diversified country like India, critics will say that the aforesaid might not hold good. But, if politics is not done for the people, it is always against the people. It is a different question that the current scenario in India is all about the vested interests of the different parties and their agenda and desire to gain power.
So, what is the role of people? Is it all about casting a vote, selecting a representative and forming a government? Don’t we have a bigger role to play? Are we just meek spectators of the political gimmicks of the politicians. Don’t we have a right to question the misdoings of the government. The constitution of India says that the Prime Minister and the council of ministers are collectively responsible for any of wrong charges made against them and they should quit the office for the same. In the last 10 years of this government, they have had lot many cases of corruption against few ministers, but they never took any action. Unfortunately, the Indian polity has forgotten the meaning of the words ‘collective responsibility’. So I would say in the current scenario, the people have taken a back seat in the Indian polity. The people power has vanished and the political power has taken over.
Issues. I would say A BIG LOL. There is a small country called South Korea. It also got independence in 1947. But today, South Korea is a developed country. What are we? We are dragging that ‘developing nation’ tag since long time and it might continue for many years to come. Our political leaders might say that in the last 65 years they have done enough for the country and for the people. They forget to mention that they have done twice for their own family and their OWN people. This is ridiculous as well and unfortunate. Since my childhood I have seen basic issues with everybody around. The issues of water, electricity, infrastructure and the list goes on. I understand the biggest problem of our country is the massive population but it is also the biggest resource. But sadly, the political fraternity has not done enough which they should have done. There is no urgency shown in government offices for developmental issues. When an employee earning 10L a year work in a private company for 15-16 hours a day, why can’t a government employee (whatever grade he may be) do so?
Power mongering is something which comes when a person comes into power and starts to enjoy the privileges power brings with it. The ailing political class of India doesn’t want to let go of the immense power it has been enjoying. I remember once I saw a Member of Parliament from my city at the airport. He was drunk heavily and was being carried towards the flight and few bureaucrats were flocking him. This is something which I have witnessed personally and I must say I was very disappointed with my countrymen at that point in time. We never bother to see what people we are sending to the Parliament and just go and vote based on our meaningless loyalty towards parties, based on communal agendas, based on regionalism and based on fake promises. A very significant reason for that is illiteracy as people don’t have the intellect to decide on basic right of ‘choosing the right’.
There might be many more aspects to Indian Polity which we can’t understand as those come out only in Cabinet and assembly meetings. But Politics for me, should be for the people. If we were governed honestly all those 65 years, things would have been really different today.
Please don’t get offended by the dialogues of the characters and what they say as I don’t mean them. Even I respect the characters and am their devotee.
This is a small write up which came to my mind just this morning. Following is a fictional dialogue between Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman and the Roman god of love, Cupid.
It is 2250 BC and three aforesaid Lords coincidentally meet beside the Hari river in the Hindukush mountains. The battle of Mahabharata is over and Krishna as usual is moving around the world to relieve the people of their pain and sorrow. Hanuman, by his nature, keeps roaming in the search of more knowledge and wisdom. Cupid is the only lord who came down to that place unexpected.
All the three are happy to meet and they engage in a conversation. Being Gods, they recognize each other in no time.
[Note: Krishna is the most romantic lord and has been married the most number of times in Indian mythology. Hanuman has never had an affair. Cupid is the god of erotic LOVE and beauty]
Hanuman (thinking): WTF! Lord Krishna and Lord Cupid at the this place. I should show my reverence and move out as soon as possible.
Hanuman: Greetings Lords.
Cupid and Krishna: Greetings Hanuman.
Hanuman: How come we meet here? Lord Krishna, you must knowing about this situation beforehand, isn't it?
Krishna: Hanuman, I don't stop things from happening and occurances always take place at their own time.
Cupid: I was fed up with the Italian eroticism and thought of going out to a cool and spiritual place. Hindukush happens to be the closest one.
Krishna: Anyways, Hanuman what brings you to such a serene and romantic place? Are you searching for your partner?
Hanuman: Oh.. no my lord. You know that I have taken an oath to live a bachelor's life. How can I even think of such a situation.
Krishna: Thats true! But haven't you ever thought of marriage?
Hanuman: I have never thought about it. My purpose in life doesn't go hand in hand with the marriage thingy.
Cupid: But why are you so much against marriage?
Hanuman: I'm not against it. It's just that, it is not my purpose. I would never see women with those intentions.
Cupid (thinking): Damn! If people start thinking like him, I would cease to have a purpose. After all, I sow the seed for the growth of human geneology.
Krishna: Hanuman, its true for you. But marriage is a beautiful bond. Just look at me, I'm a vastly experienced person. I married 84000 times and still I'm a very happy person.
Hanuman: But lord, how do you tackle all your wives? After all, you are still in human form?
Cupid: Yes, lord Krishna, even I can't think about a person who has so many wives and still happy. (thinking – Lord is a SUPER Human. You need special powers to maintain so many wives)
Hanuman: I have one more question O lord! How do you understand women? I think that is the most tricky and difficult part?
Krishna: Hahaha. A very difficult question and I think I'm not the right person to answer that one.
Hanuman: I'm bemused. How is it that you cannot answer that question my lord?
Krishna: I can. But it's just that you won't understand.
Cupid: Very true.
Hanuman: I insist.
Krishna: What should I say? Discontent, passionate, fragile, caring, insecure, tough, reserved. Those are the few words describing her. With "FEW", I mean few. As women cannot be mapped onto words. They are so unpredictable that even they don't understand their nature. They want to flow as a river but at the same time, they want to be restricted by a dam. They want to be like the wind, but simultaneously, they want to be silent. They are ambitious more than the word "AMBITION" but still they want to have a lowly and happy life. They want to be loved but still their ego surpasses their feelings. They want to have all the materialistic happiness of the world and surprisingly, they want to be religious and happy with utmost peace of mind. You would be surprised to know that every girl dreams of a perfect husband even if she has lots of imperfections.
Cupid: (Grinning) Yes. Love. That's what I inspire.
Hanuman: Too complex to digest.
Krishna: Hahahaha.. Quite natural.
Hanuman: So why should a man with a clear mind marry a woman even when he knows that she is so complex. I mean he can remain like me.
Krishna: It's the NATURE, Hanuman. For the nature to survive and flourish, reproduction is a must activity. Since the onset of life, the growth of humanity has taken place due to the unison of a man and a woman. As man became civilized, he brought the concept of marriage and hence, people marry.
Cupid: Interesting. Since the time I have been around, marriage was not necessary. Only "LOVE" was. :P
Hanuman: Civilized! That's a tough word. Are woman civilized?
Krishna: Better ask Cupid. Hahahaha..
Cupid: (ashamed)
Krishna: On a serious note. Yes, women are civilized. And, I think its their nature. They are meant to do so. If they aren't then no family would be bound to a family. They would be they greatest cause of disintegration of a family and consequently, a civilization.
Hanuman: That's a good point.
Krishna: I have given lots of explanations. What do you say now about Marriage?
Cupid (intervenes): I think he agrees. After all, he's also got balls.
Hanuman: As for me, I would like to be away from such a complexity. It is good to respect her but one should remember that a woman has been a cause for major destructions in history. But agreeing to your point of view, I support the concept of marriage when a man and a woman are compatible to each other. Even a 10% variation would lead to disintegration and unsuccessful marriage and life. But I'll always stand by the saying, "One should do his own work." A woman should never forget her work even if she's doing man's work and the same goes for the man.
Krishna: Hanuman, you already know the meanings of "MARRIAGE". I hope the world knows about it.
"When will the IRON MAN inside the comman man rise to the occasion. When will we realize our responsibilities. When will we (the common man) realize our powers. Vote for the right people and get rid of the CHALTA HAI attitude?" This is the first thought which comes to my mind when I think about the heinous acts of terrorism which took place at Mumbai recently (continues as I write this post). The IRON MAN of India, Late Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel would be rather ashamed of the situation India is in these days. This situation is not because of the politicians but because of the people of India and the Indian society.
We talk about racism, regionalism, castism and all kinds of CRAP dividing the society. And yes, we follow it bindfolded. Isn't it true. Yes it is. At all levels of society, we follow the dividing policy which somehow has crept into our society. I wonder should we blame Britishers for our current pathetic condition? Not at all. In the last so many years, we still are trying to bind and divide ourselves at the same time. Ironical and disturbing?
How is it that a small group of people can disturb the peace and harmony of a huge country like India? How is it that the element of fear keeps overcoming the feeling of integrity and values of the nation? How is it that time and again we fall on our knees and start begging at false shadows of Satan aka terrorists? How is it that we come under the impression of some cynic politicians and start dividing the country on the basis of the part of the country we have come from? The North Indians, the South Indians, the West Indians, the East Indians and what not? Aren't we weak? Yes we are.
I appreciate the resilience of Mumbai at this moment. The spirit of Mumbai has always been of the highest level. But still I want to ask a question? Those people who say that Mumbai is only for Maharashtrians, where are they now in these difficult times? Are those dying solely natives of Mumbai? Are those brave rescuers only Mumbaikars? They are human beings first and then Indians and then anything else.
One of my friends Sameer messaged me, "We are a bunch of castrated males!", Aren't we?, "We are in a matrix the same one.. situation controlling us rather than we controlling the situation." Another actor friend, Manish, who has worked in the movie, "A Wednesday", messaged, "I think 'A WEDNESDAY' should release twice or thrice every year to make people understand their responsibilities and to avoid terrorism. As the reason for terrorism is nothing but the reflection of the fear within the population."
These are comments which have come out of fear, hatred, anger and sympathy. This is just the reflection of what is going on inside the mind and heart of an average Indian. This common man should realize his misdoings and start afresh. He is responsible for all that has been done and will be in the future. Any country is built by the common man and the unfortunate part is that when such incidents happen, the common man has to bear the brunt of it. This is ridiculous as well as saddening.
How is it that any religion allows killing of innocent human beings? If it does, then it is the most unfortunate thing I've ever heard. The religion of humanity is the greatest religion and will continue to do so until the apocalypse. It is just that realization which is stopping the common man to take actions. When he does so, things will start to change. We will change. Our world will change.
I hope, the IRON MAN inside every human being ascends to counter these barbaric acts and people for establishing a civilized society and a better world to live.
Please read KK's view here. He has written an outstanding post on the situation.
This is the translation of the chorus part of a famous Bollywood song.
Death - It is required for living Death - What kind of dependency has it become? Death - Time stops when it comes Death - Takes the breath away in her arms Death - Only the path changes Death - A new era begins Death - Thats when you understand the give and take Death - You get a fountain of earnings
After long time, I thought of posting a poem from my archives.
Sand Castle
In this jaded night, when the sky has been smeared with pale clouds. And I stand under, infront of the white tides, Which are struggling to reach my feet. Dying at the shores; they are so weak. The silent sea says 'watery' words, Much like the tearful eyes of a hungry child. The phlegmatic wind also has something to say, But it's on its course. Still! I sit on the sands, Building my castle. A gush comes and retreats after demolition; O nature! The world is so fickle.
Hmm.. I was pondering that when was the first time I did my first complete artwork. Hah! I was an interesting incident which I would like to share with my readers. The first complete work was the painting of Lord Krishna done by sketch pens. I may be 10 years old. So why did I do it? That is an important point. At that time, I had never taken a training or learnt any form of art. It so happened that one of my aunts had come all the way from Nepal to adopt a child at my native, Ranchi. There were lots of complications in the adoption process but somehow she could manage to do that. Moreover, her child fell seriously ill. The doctors said that there were very little chances of his survival. But I think the belief of my Grandma saved him. My mother took very good care of the child like her own son. After a week of serious illness, the child was outta danger. We all were so happy. My aunt was about to leave the city. That day, I thought of gifting her the Krishna. So I sat down and started making the portrait of the Lord. It turned out to be beautiful. Finally, she took both the Krishnas home. May be that Krishna is still helping me hone my skills. I should tell my readers that I have never taken any formal training in ART but for some short courses in my childhood. It's very innate.I just feel happy doing these things, so I do it. :-)
I am happy! My mathematical artwork FUSION has been selected for the most prestigious Bridges Maths Arts Conference 2008. Thanks all for encouraging me.
Never knew I would write these many posts when I started blogging. Blogging has been a medium to show my artworks and my literary works. It feels good though that I reached this landmark. On this occasion, I felt like showing the MONALISA which I am recreating at my room. The background is Mathematical whose concepts I won't make public until the painting is complete. Sorry for the blurred picture.
I want to write more, but what should I? Hmm.. I'll think over and let you know. :-D
My name is Anand and I am a very big fan of the movie ANAND. I have written about the movie earlier also. You can find it here. So, I wrote translation of another song of this movie. Though the translation is not so good still it conveys what it is supposed to.
Life! What a riddle? She makes you laugh sometimes, and sometimes you cry.
Sometimes you see - your heart remains numb. It keeps following the dreams; But one day this traveler of dreams, Goes beyond the dreams somewhere. Life! What a riddle?
People have adorned familial ties; They bore the highs and lows of the life together, One day they choose silence, And head towards some place all alone.
