Rasatantram - means chemistry in Malayalam
(Please don't read further in case you intend watching the movie and don't like to hear the story before going for the movie)
I watched this movie called Rasatantram today. It is about the chemistry of life. The central character, Premachandran, has gone through a tough life sacrificing a lot for the sake of other people. For the sake of someone, he takes the blame of a murder he hasn't committed and serves a life sentence in jail. This simple man keeps hoping that there are genuinely nice people in this world, but time and time again, he finds that it is every man for himself in this world. He tries to lead a happy life, but doesn't quite look forward to life and has a lot of sorrow and mistrust within because of the bitter experiences he has had. Even the person whom he went to prison for seems to have forgotten the favour done to him. That is the reality of most relationships. It is almost basic to be selfish and the fact is subtly potrayed in the different relations in the movie. The movie has a happy ending. One walks out feeling hopeful about life and relationships as Premachandran does find someone as selfless as he is and trusts her enough to spend his life with her.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Saturday, April 15, 2006
And it rained...
And it rained today...for no apparent reason! Rainy months in Bangalore are between May and September, but it rained today! It almost felt like the Gods decided to step in and wash away all the mess man piled up here in the last two days. In the pile, you would find remains of burnt buses, cars, bikes, debris and eight dead bodies! Everything else is reversible, but for the families of the eight people who died in the violence, they have just been hit by an irreversible blow!
I read this in the paper today "Death produces a startling and immense absence that is enormously disorienting because of its infiniteness. We understand the meaning of the word 'never' with a sharp stab of pain. We look for things we could have done differently, we rail against the contrary absoluteness, the irreversible finality of this event."
Everyone around including the media seems to be saying 'Huh, what the hell happened in the last 2 days? How do you explain people reacting to their hero dying a natural death'. There are a lot of explanations, mob mentaility, anger against government etc. One theory caught my attention "The violence was probably an expression of frustration by the have nots of the city, left behind by the IT explosion which created a ritzy elite of mostly non-Kannadigas. Rajkumar was known for his passionate espousal of Kannada and his fan club probably shared these strong sentiments". Even if any of these theories are right, was the individual who was pelting a boulder or beating up someone sure that the person at the receiving end was the target he really had in mind? I guess not...and so it rained...!
I read this in the paper today "Death produces a startling and immense absence that is enormously disorienting because of its infiniteness. We understand the meaning of the word 'never' with a sharp stab of pain. We look for things we could have done differently, we rail against the contrary absoluteness, the irreversible finality of this event."
Everyone around including the media seems to be saying 'Huh, what the hell happened in the last 2 days? How do you explain people reacting to their hero dying a natural death'. There are a lot of explanations, mob mentaility, anger against government etc. One theory caught my attention "The violence was probably an expression of frustration by the have nots of the city, left behind by the IT explosion which created a ritzy elite of mostly non-Kannadigas. Rajkumar was known for his passionate espousal of Kannada and his fan club probably shared these strong sentiments". Even if any of these theories are right, was the individual who was pelting a boulder or beating up someone sure that the person at the receiving end was the target he really had in mind? I guess not...and so it rained...!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Mob Mentality
The very popular actor in the Kannada film industry, Dr. Rajkumar died yesterday (April 12th 2006)of caridac arrest. He was 78.
I was at office when I heard this news and was advised to leave office and get home as early as possible. The company even adivsed us not to venture out the next day and suggested that we work from home. I din't quite understand what could go wrong in the city if the most revered person died a natural death. But I was mistaken. I was on my way home when my friend called to tell me that a mob had shattered her windshield (both front and rear). How unreasonable and totally devoid of logic is that! I am just not able to fathom what goes on in these people's minds. I (for that matter most sane people I know) wouldn't think of doing something like that to someone I hate or dislike, let alone doing that to someone I don't even know.
Someone tried to explain 'fanatics....you don't know what goes on these people's minds'. But I am not convinced! These people are just having fun. They don't seem to be mourning. They are just out there doing things which they couldn't do on a normal day! Today as part of the state mourning, the only channels that are being aired are news channels. All I can see is chaos and confusion all around the city. People are looting petrol booths and are generally out there to create a racket. As soon as they realize that they are on TV, they wave frantically and whistle out! They certainly don't look like people who are sad about losing someone.
I guess all this is what they call 'mob mentality'! I am reminded of a certain episode in my favourite serial 'Friends'. Monica has taken upon herself to make candies and impress and befriend her neighbours. Her candies are so delicious, that neighbours gather outside her house impatienly waiting for the next batch of candies. After a while, they start shouting slogans etc. When Monica opens the door to pacify the group by telling them that the candies are just getting done, she realizes that the most vocal and violent in the group is dear old Joey! When Chandler asks him for an explanation he just says 'mob mentality'! If this is what it can do to a best friend, then I think it very well explains the situation in Bangalore today!
I was at office when I heard this news and was advised to leave office and get home as early as possible. The company even adivsed us not to venture out the next day and suggested that we work from home. I din't quite understand what could go wrong in the city if the most revered person died a natural death. But I was mistaken. I was on my way home when my friend called to tell me that a mob had shattered her windshield (both front and rear). How unreasonable and totally devoid of logic is that! I am just not able to fathom what goes on in these people's minds. I (for that matter most sane people I know) wouldn't think of doing something like that to someone I hate or dislike, let alone doing that to someone I don't even know.
Someone tried to explain 'fanatics....you don't know what goes on these people's minds'. But I am not convinced! These people are just having fun. They don't seem to be mourning. They are just out there doing things which they couldn't do on a normal day! Today as part of the state mourning, the only channels that are being aired are news channels. All I can see is chaos and confusion all around the city. People are looting petrol booths and are generally out there to create a racket. As soon as they realize that they are on TV, they wave frantically and whistle out! They certainly don't look like people who are sad about losing someone.
I guess all this is what they call 'mob mentality'! I am reminded of a certain episode in my favourite serial 'Friends'. Monica has taken upon herself to make candies and impress and befriend her neighbours. Her candies are so delicious, that neighbours gather outside her house impatienly waiting for the next batch of candies. After a while, they start shouting slogans etc. When Monica opens the door to pacify the group by telling them that the candies are just getting done, she realizes that the most vocal and violent in the group is dear old Joey! When Chandler asks him for an explanation he just says 'mob mentality'! If this is what it can do to a best friend, then I think it very well explains the situation in Bangalore today!
Monday, April 10, 2006
Kalaripayattu - Martial art of Kerala
"It's all about inner peace and fluid animal movements. Originally a traditional form of marital art that started in south India, Kalaripayattu is believed by historians to be one of the oldest exisiting martial arts in the world.
Crafted in ancient South India drawing inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength of the majestic animal forms - Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Boar, Snake, and Crocodile ........ Kalaripayattu laid down the combat code of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas. Shrouded in deep mystery and mists of secrecy Kalaripayattu was taught by the masters in total isolation, away from prying eyes."
(From: http://www.kalaripayattu.org/)
"The Citi Never Sleeps". Citibank had this catchy slogan till a few years back. By the day, this is becoming more and more true for Bangalore. With more people going for work at night, crime rates have also been increasing. Media and chain mails are full of splashes of safety issues in Bangalore. When this became the talk of the town, my cousin and I decided that it was high time we learnt some basic self defense and joined Kalaripayattu classes. It has been about 2.5 months since we joined and it has been a great experience.
I haven't learnt any other martial art, so I have nothing to compare against! The fact that Kalari is inspired by how animals defend themselves, somehow intrigues me. It is interesting to feel as powerful as a wild boar, as immovable and sturdy as an elephant. Wouldn't it be great if someday I would be able to jump from a height, land safely without making any sound, just like a cat does! It seems the cat controls and shifts its power by controlling its breath! I am not sure how much of an expert I can become and how much of presence of mind I will be able to develop to be able to use the tricks for self-defence if a situation demands it. Right now I am learning it because it is fun, as you would expect anything novel to be!
Unrelated note:
I came across this interesting link about the phrase 'The Citi never sleeps'. http://www.mindfully.org/Industry/2005/Business-Decision-History27jun05.htm
The decision to automate the teller made by Walter Wriston (Chariman, Citibank)in 1975 has been categorised as one of the '20 business decisions that made history'. At that point, it did not seem like a very good idea to replace a person at the teller with a machine. But in 1978 when the city of NY was covered with more than a foot of snow, upsetting normal life, New Yorkers trekked through the slush to the ATMs and that was when the catch phrase 'The Citi never sleeps' was born. After this, the use of machines soared and people started accepting 'soulless machines'.
Crafted in ancient South India drawing inspiration from the raw power and sinuous strength of the majestic animal forms - Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Boar, Snake, and Crocodile ........ Kalaripayattu laid down the combat code of the Cholas, the Cheras and the Pandyas. Shrouded in deep mystery and mists of secrecy Kalaripayattu was taught by the masters in total isolation, away from prying eyes."
(From: http://www.kalaripayattu.org/)
"The Citi Never Sleeps". Citibank had this catchy slogan till a few years back. By the day, this is becoming more and more true for Bangalore. With more people going for work at night, crime rates have also been increasing. Media and chain mails are full of splashes of safety issues in Bangalore. When this became the talk of the town, my cousin and I decided that it was high time we learnt some basic self defense and joined Kalaripayattu classes. It has been about 2.5 months since we joined and it has been a great experience.
I haven't learnt any other martial art, so I have nothing to compare against! The fact that Kalari is inspired by how animals defend themselves, somehow intrigues me. It is interesting to feel as powerful as a wild boar, as immovable and sturdy as an elephant. Wouldn't it be great if someday I would be able to jump from a height, land safely without making any sound, just like a cat does! It seems the cat controls and shifts its power by controlling its breath! I am not sure how much of an expert I can become and how much of presence of mind I will be able to develop to be able to use the tricks for self-defence if a situation demands it. Right now I am learning it because it is fun, as you would expect anything novel to be!
Unrelated note:
I came across this interesting link about the phrase 'The Citi never sleeps'. http://www.mindfully.org/Industry/2005/Business-Decision-History27jun05.htm
The decision to automate the teller made by Walter Wriston (Chariman, Citibank)in 1975 has been categorised as one of the '20 business decisions that made history'. At that point, it did not seem like a very good idea to replace a person at the teller with a machine. But in 1978 when the city of NY was covered with more than a foot of snow, upsetting normal life, New Yorkers trekked through the slush to the ATMs and that was when the catch phrase 'The Citi never sleeps' was born. After this, the use of machines soared and people started accepting 'soulless machines'.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Diffusion of Responsibility
Today's Times of India (Bangalore edition) has the headlines "Bangalore to Hyderabad: Silicon Valley keen to shift base"! The article describes the pathetic state of infrastructure in the 'Garden city' and how MNCs are planning expansion in hyderabad instead of Bangalore.
The sorry state of the roads in Bangalore is obvious to each one of the residents and visitors. These days when people meet conversations begin with traffic woes and it seems to have become a very common ice-breaker. This seems to be one topic which everyone has something to say about and we talk about this just like the English open conversations with 'Nice weather today, isn't it'! Why is it that most of the 6.1 million residents of Bangalore who talk about this day in and out aren't doing anything other than talking about it?
Yesterday I had the misfortune of going into a government office here in Bangalore. The officers refused to talk in any language other than Kannada. They feigned ignorance and were not co-operative when they heard English/Hindi. The heights of all the confusion was that the forms that we are required to fill are entirely in Kannada. To me, language is just a medium of communication. Why are these officials so fanatic about their language? They are there to do their job, and it is more than obvious that they can read, write and understand english. Why is it that the person at the Help Desk (sic!) can't focus on helping people out and is so concerned that he is being spoken to in English/Hindi. It seems 38% of Bangalore are Kannadigas. This means 62 out of every 100 people who walk into the office just come out frustrated and upset with the officials and don't question the logic.
In 'The Tipping Point" by Malcom Gladwell, the author talks about the Kitty Genovese case. In 1964, Kitty Genovese, a 28 year old Latin American was repeatedly stabbed and killed in the 20 feet distance between parking her car and the doorway to her home at Queens, NY. This incident had 38 witnesses many of them looking out of their windows. Many believed that this happened because New York was a cold and forbidding community and some even went to the extent of calling these 38 people villains. Sometime after this crime was committed, major studies were conducted to understand why and how 38 respectable law-abiding citizens watched a gruesome murder for half an hour almost as if gaping at a performance instead of trying to help. The many studies and experiments done arrived at a counterintuitive conclusion that " the greater the number of bystanders who view an emergency, the smaller the chance that any will intervene."
People tend to feel a diffusion of responsibility in groups!
That does make a lot of sense! When I am driving by and come across an accident, I'll not even try to stop if there are some onlookers. But if I am the only person around, I would probably stop and help. Probably that is why, Bangloreans are just hoping that someone else will address the infrastructure issue, especially since it is so apparent. Diffusion of responsibility could be a valid explanation for how we tend not to raise our voices for things like language disparity which could prove as an impediment to the advancement of this city and the country at large. Though this answers some questions that come up in my mind, I am still not able to think of a way I can directly contribute to the betterment of quality of life in this country!
The sorry state of the roads in Bangalore is obvious to each one of the residents and visitors. These days when people meet conversations begin with traffic woes and it seems to have become a very common ice-breaker. This seems to be one topic which everyone has something to say about and we talk about this just like the English open conversations with 'Nice weather today, isn't it'! Why is it that most of the 6.1 million residents of Bangalore who talk about this day in and out aren't doing anything other than talking about it?
Yesterday I had the misfortune of going into a government office here in Bangalore. The officers refused to talk in any language other than Kannada. They feigned ignorance and were not co-operative when they heard English/Hindi. The heights of all the confusion was that the forms that we are required to fill are entirely in Kannada. To me, language is just a medium of communication. Why are these officials so fanatic about their language? They are there to do their job, and it is more than obvious that they can read, write and understand english. Why is it that the person at the Help Desk (sic!) can't focus on helping people out and is so concerned that he is being spoken to in English/Hindi. It seems 38% of Bangalore are Kannadigas. This means 62 out of every 100 people who walk into the office just come out frustrated and upset with the officials and don't question the logic.
In 'The Tipping Point" by Malcom Gladwell, the author talks about the Kitty Genovese case. In 1964, Kitty Genovese, a 28 year old Latin American was repeatedly stabbed and killed in the 20 feet distance between parking her car and the doorway to her home at Queens, NY. This incident had 38 witnesses many of them looking out of their windows. Many believed that this happened because New York was a cold and forbidding community and some even went to the extent of calling these 38 people villains. Sometime after this crime was committed, major studies were conducted to understand why and how 38 respectable law-abiding citizens watched a gruesome murder for half an hour almost as if gaping at a performance instead of trying to help. The many studies and experiments done arrived at a counterintuitive conclusion that " the greater the number of bystanders who view an emergency, the smaller the chance that any will intervene."
People tend to feel a diffusion of responsibility in groups!
That does make a lot of sense! When I am driving by and come across an accident, I'll not even try to stop if there are some onlookers. But if I am the only person around, I would probably stop and help. Probably that is why, Bangloreans are just hoping that someone else will address the infrastructure issue, especially since it is so apparent. Diffusion of responsibility could be a valid explanation for how we tend not to raise our voices for things like language disparity which could prove as an impediment to the advancement of this city and the country at large. Though this answers some questions that come up in my mind, I am still not able to think of a way I can directly contribute to the betterment of quality of life in this country!
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Serendipty
Created this blog to record and save thoughts, musings and impressions that fade with time. As time goes by and I go through these pages I hope it almost feels serendipitous!
Monday, April 03, 2006
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