The Common Man Speaks

Uri Attack Reactions: 7 questions for Social Media Warriors

September 25, 2016 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

By: Keyur Seta

More than a week ago, we experienced a mix of tragedy and anger when 17 Indian soldiers were martyred at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir during a cross border attack by terrorists belonging to Pakistan. Needless to say, it is infuriating to see such news and the people behind this should be punished. It is high time Pakistan’s government, especially Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif come out openly against these cowardly acts and stop giving shelter to 26/11 attack mastermind, Hafeez Saeed.

However, this has given rise to demands from the aam junta that range from weird to extremely outrageous. Here are 6 questions to these Deshbhakts who seem to know everything as to how to handle this situation.

 

Picture: Stylewhack.com

Picture: Stylewhack.com

How can you ‘demand’ war?

We have seen people demanding food, clothing, shelter, justice, elimination of corruption, etc. But these days there has been a rising demand for war. In fact, a lot of people have been threatening the government on the issue. I have also read posts where people are giving deadlines to Indian government to wage a war. Seriously? People should understand that waging a war against a nation is not as simple as Bichhoo gang attacking Eagles gang like they did in Josh (1998).

I remember how some leaders from the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, went too far in making some sweeping statements of teaching Pakistan a lesson when they were in the opposition. But that doesn’t mean you force them to attack Pakistan just because you are against BJP.

I don’t have any knowledge on how to deal with the situation. But I personally feel that the way other countries, including Afghanistan and Russia, are openly backing India against Pakistan sponsored terrorists is a positive sign.

Will you join the army?

It is easy to sit in your air-conditioned homes and post messages on social media with hashtags like #AttackPakistan. I have only one question to these people – Will you or any of your family members be joining the army to stop bullets from the other side? Some of you would give daily soap reactions even if asked to take the local train to central suburbs during peak hours. The question also goes out to ‘journalists’ like Arnab Goswami.

Waging a war would also mean that thousands of our soldiers would lose their lives. A war victory is a result of such extreme sacrifices. If you love our army, why haven’t you thought of this point?

Ever considered monetary factor?

Do you even know the amount of money we have spent in war? In 1971, it was Rs 200 crore. In the years to follow, the price of war artillery shot up to such an extent that the 1999 Kargil war cost us a staggering Rs 5000 crore PER WEEK. So, it is anybody’s guess as to how much it would cost us in 2016. Are we in a position to spend such unthinkable amount on war? You can imagine the increase in taxes if this happens. See more info HERE.

Fawad Khan (Picture: Dnaindia.com)

Fawad Khan (Picture: Dnaindia.com)

Will war solve the problem?

We won the 1999 Kargil War. But did it stop cross-border terrorism? It resumed after the war and we are still suffering. So, how can you guarantee that waging a war against Pakistan will solve the problem? More importantly, if the war takes place, our army would be fighting against Pakistan Army. The terrorists won’t take part, so finishing them off in the war is out of question. They would resume their activities once the war is over. What difference would it make to them if Pakistan loses the war? They are carrying out guerilla war, for God’s sake.

How is Award Wapsi issue related to this?

A message has gone viral on social media and What’s App asking where is the Award Wapsi Brigade. Why no awards are returned as a reaction to the Uri attack? Well, the question itself is laughable. People returned their awards to protest against the government for the intolerance by Right Wing and BJP members. Nobody is returning their awards right now because they don’t believe our government has any hand in carrying out the attacks. Do you really feel they are behind Uri attacks? Funnily enough, the question is raised by BJP supporters.

How is Fawad Khan responsible?

Imagine this – We boycott Pakistani artists from performing in India to ‘send across a message’ to Pakistani government. Do you think they would even care? Would they rethink their strategy by this move? The artists are earning here through legal means and it is not against the law to employ Pakistani actors. If you have the guts, try changing the law if you are so sure that it would affect the anti-India forces.

There is a demand for the banning of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees since the film involves Pakistani actors. This is to remind all those people that Happy Bhag Jayegi is still playing in theatres. Nobody has demanded a ban on this film although it has a Pakistani playing one of the leads. This easily proves how they target only films with big stars to earn their 15 minutes of fame.

How different is your mind than that of the terrorists?

I am quite shocked to see well-educated people demanding to kill each and every Pakistani. What are you smoking these days? Terrorists kill innocents. And in reply, you wish to do the same. So, basically there is no difference in the content of your mind and that of the terrorists. I am not at all sorry to say that you aren’t fit to be called human if you feel good to see innocents die. And if you believe each and every person in Pakistan is a terrorist, you seriously need a reality check.

A family mourns the death of a kid killed in the terrorist attack in Pakistan in December 2014. (Picture: America.aljezeera.com)

A family mourns the death of a kid killed in the terrorist attack in Pakistan in December 2014. (Picture: America.aljezeera.com)

Filed Under: Bollywood, National, Socio/Political Tagged With: India Pakistan war 2016, Uri attack latest news, Uri attack response, Uri attack revenge, Uri attack update

These are the people P V Sindhu and Sakshi Malik defeated indirectly

August 20, 2016 by Keyur Seta 1 Comment

By: Keyur Seta

Badminton player P V Sindhu and wrestler Sakshi Malik have managed to save the face of the country at the ongoing Rio Olympics 2016 by winning a Silver and Bronze medal respectively. They came to India’s rescue when its medal tally was 0.

P V Sindhu (Picture: Hindustan Times)

P V Sindhu (Picture: Hindustan Times)

But what makes their feat more special is that it has come at a time when people from our political class and people from some ‘social’ organizations have been openly endorsing sexist views. So, in my opinion, they have defeated these bigots in such a way that now they have no place to hide their faces.

Just like the list of winners, here is a list of losers (quite literally) and the statements that ensured their rise to fame (read: shame).

 

“A girl should be married off after she turns 18. By the time they turn 25, they become so mature that they don’t listen to anyone… Girls’ feet are not on the ground due to education. Is it necessary for a girl to be adamant and run after her career? People talk about men-women equality. But is it possible to hide the weakness provided by nature?” – A leader of the group DURGA VAHINI (an arm of Vishwa Hindu Parishad)

(Watch from 3:50 onwards)

“Women’s duty is to carry out household chores.” – MOHAN BHAGWAT, RSS Chief

“If you want freedom, why don’t they just roam around naked? Freedom has to be limited. These short clothes are western influences. Our country’s tradition asks girls to dress decently.” – MANOHAR LAL KHATTAR, Chief Minister of Haryana

“Women should dress in a way that earns them respect.” – KAILASH VIJAYVARGIYA, National General Secretary, BJP

“Girls night out is against Indian culture.” – MAHESH SHARMA, India’s Culture (???) Minister

“A girl should go out either with her husband or brother.” – ABU AZMI, Samajwadi Party Maharashtra President

(Feel free to add more if you come across any)

Sakshi Malik (Picture: Indian Express)

Sakshi Malik (Picture: Indian Express)

P V SINDHU Interview

Filed Under: National, Socio/Political Tagged With: Durga Vahini, Mahesh Sharma Culture Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, Mohan Bhagwat controversial comments, P B Sindhu, P V Sindhu interview, Sakshi Malik

Short story: The Anti-National

August 14, 2016 by Keyur Seta 2 Comments

By: Keyur Seta

The early sunrise succeeded in making its way in an otherwise cloudy month of August. The day marked the arrival of India’s 69th Independence Day. It seemed that the energetic group of people at Shiv Shakti Society in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park area was just waiting for the first rays to commence preparations for the Independence Day celebrations.

The group consisted people from all age groups and both genders. The only common factor that united them was their traditional attire neatly worn.

The folded national flag was slowly getting tied on the pole amid the playing of patriotic songs like ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti,’ ‘Jai Janani Jai Bharat Ma,’ ‘Mera Rang De Basanti Chola,’ ‘Aye Watan Aye Watan,’ etc.

A figure emerged from the building oblivious to the events around him. He was in his early 20s wearing three-fourths and a T-shirt. This, along with long hair and unshaven face easily made him the odd man out. He looked disinterested in the proceedings around him as he listened to ‘Kala Chashma’ in his earphones. This didn’t go down well with the crowd present, which gave him a look of contempt. Some were also offended by the absence of tricolor on his T-shirt.

Indian FlagAn uncle in his 50s emerged in front of him greeting him through a hand gesture. The boy removed his earphones and smiled. The man said, “Come, join us for the Independence Day celebrations. Almost everyone from the society is here.” The youngster simply said, “Sorry, but I need to go somewhere.”

A middle-aged woman added, “Come on beta, it’s our country’s independence day!” The boy, now uncomfortable, replied, “I know aunty. But I have some other plans.” A couple of people also tried convincing him but in vain. Finally, he walked away out of the compound plugging his earphones.

This enraged most of the people in the group as they started criticizing him among themselves. “Well, these are today’s youngsters. What else do you expect?” “No respect for the country.” “He must have gone to meet his girlfriend.” “Did you see how he was dressed?”

The uncle, who had stopped him, added thunderously, “Such people are anti-nationals!” Everyone present agreed with him wholeheartedly.

The atmosphere cooled down in few minutes and they got ready for flag hoisting. Everyone present passionately sung India’s national anthem after the eldest member of the society unfurled the flag. Chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ followed. They chit-chatted for some time after wishing ‘Happy Independence Day’ to each other.

Some 30 kilometers away at an orphanage in Andheri, a group of kids were eagerly awaiting Krishna bhaiya and his friends. They visited every August 15 and January 26 to serve them delicious meals and donate some amount to the trustees of the orphanage. The kids didn’t need to wait long as they could see Krishna, along with few others, crossing the road outside their gate. He was still listening to ‘Kala Chashma.’

Back at Shiv Shakti Society, the group of patriots retired to their respective flats after the function. They spent the rest of the day doing activities like watching TV, surfing the net, going for shopping, watching movies, eating at a nearby restaurants, meeting friends over drinks, etc.

Just before midnight, Krishna, the odd man from the society, smiled as he thought about the events of the day. As he closed his eyes satisfactorily, he remembered the words of his late father, “Never announce or publicize charity. If you do, it no longer remains charity.”

Do not stand on a high pedestal and take five cents in your hand and say, “Here, my poor man”; but be grateful that the poor man is there, so that by making a gift to him you are able to help yourself. It is not the receiver that is blessed, but it is the giver. Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world, and thus become pure and perfect.

– Swami Vivekananda

Filed Under: Literature, National Tagged With: 15 August Short story kids, Independence Day short story, Short story in English for kids, Short story on 15 August

Before hailing Kanhaiya as a ‘National Hero’, please look deeper

March 5, 2016 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

By: Keyur Seta

Despite suffering terrible loses in the Delhi and Bihar Elections, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) doesn’t seem to have learnt any lessons. Their latest mistake occured in the ongoing Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) saga. By labeling charges of sedition on the students, including the JNU students’ union leader Kanhaiya Kumar, they have highlighted their desperation.

Kanhaiya-speechIn my opinion, it is blasphemous to support terrorists like Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat, which the JNU students did, as is evident from the posters of their ‘event’. But charges of sedition are applicable only when a person incites a mob to indulge in violence. Exactly due to this, the Delhi Police recently faced embarrassment from the Delhi High Court when the bench asked, “Do you even know the meaning of sedition?” (Read more about the meaning of sedition HERE.)

But what has hurt the government the most its own action of doctoring videos of JNU students’ protest, which quite a few news channels played without checking its authenticity. A senior member of a news channel also resigned after knowing about the tampering of videos, which his channel played. (Know more about the videos HERE). This clearly amounts to villainous tactics to defeat someone. In simple terms, it’s disgraceful.

However, this has given rise to a confusing situation in India. Kanhaiya is been hailed as the true hero of the nation after getting bailed. In opposing BJP and the Right Wing’s actions, people are even hailing Kanhaiya as the only savior of India, just on the basis of a speech.

Democracy allows us to support or oppose anyone. Personally, I am impressed to see someone fearlessly opposing and challenging the negative tactics of the Right Wing. But it is also advisable to look deeper and not get carried away by someone’s oratory skills. In today’s day and age, when we have been fooled often by those heroic speeches, the least we should do is delve deeper and look beyond those fiery words and punch-lines.

The following is my personal opinion on Kanhaiya’s speech:-

– Kanhaiya did raise important issues. But that doesn’t change the fact that he and his fellow students supported Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat. In fact, if you try remembering, this entire saga started off when the JNU students union decided to hold an event in support of Afzal and Maqbool in, what they called, a ‘cultural’ program. It’s clearly mentioned in the posters. Seriously, how justifiable it is to support people sympathetic towards convicted terrorists?

JNU-posters– Kanhaiya and his supporters are clearly advocating leftist propaganda. This is evident from slogans like “Lal Salaam” and “Red Salute”, which they shout during every interaction. For the uninitiated, Leftist ideology can also be dangerous. So, if you are against the Right Wing but ready to support someone advocating Leftist ideology, you need to do some serious research. Plus, in India the Left has gone through a downfall. They hardly have any ground left currently.

– For your information, Kanhaiya is the leader of the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), which is the students’ wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI).

– Lastly, it clearly seemed that Kanhaiya was putting on a show, just like numerous other politicians. The points he raised, his manner of making fun of his opponents, his peculiar tone and gestures clearly made him look like a wannabe politician. It didn’t appear spontaneous even a bit. For the uninitiated, he has already been approached to campaign for the CPI in the upcoming elections this year.

The intention behind this post is not to force anyone to change his or her opinion. It is just an advice to know the whole picture before hailing someone as a National Hero, which is a very precious title.

 

WATCH the entire Kanhaiya Azadi speech:

Filed Under: National, Socio/Political Tagged With: Kanhaiya Kumar full speech, Kanhaiya Kumar JNU, Kanhaiya Kumar speech video, Kanhaiya speech, Kanhaiya speech after bail, Kanhaiya speech opinion

MAIN SAMAY HOON…. (Based on the mindless JNU battle)

February 16, 2016 by Keyur Seta 1 Comment

By: Keyur Seta

Hardly before have I ever felt such horror watching a news clip. The anti-India, pro-Afzal Guru (the man who attacked India’s temple of democracy – Parliament) and pro-Azad Kashmir slogans by a group of students from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JUNU) have sent shockwaves throughout the nation. On top of this, ABVP, the group opposing JNU students, has made it worse, as has been their history.

Picture: DNA

Picture: DNA

And today, it has become even crazier after students from Kolkata’s Jadavpur University too have joined in to support Afzal Guru. The fact that we are required to condemn something so obvious speaks volumes about the number of brainwashed people in our country currently. In fact, I am not getting proper words to condemn these incidents.

So, as an observer, I could only think of the ‘Main Samay Hoon’ feature in B R Chopra’s classic TV series, Mahabharat. How would it react to today’s insane situation?

This is how…

 

Main Samay Hoon…

Mera astitva jeevankaal ke prarambh se hai aur aanewale pratyek kaal mein rahega. Main KURUKSHETRA ki ladaai ka saakshi raha hoon, aur aaj, Kurukshetra se thodi hi doori par, ek VICHITRA prakaar ka yuddh bhi apni aankhon se dekh raha hoon.

Lekin Kurukshetra ke yuddh ne bhi mujhe itna AASHCHARYA-CHAKIT nahin kiya jitna is vichitra yuddh ne kiya hai. Woh yuddh PANDAVO aur KAURAVO ke beech tha, DHARM aur ADHARM ke beech tha. Parantu yahan toh dono taraf kewal Kaurav aur Adharm hi nazar aa rahe hain.

Yahan prashna yeh nahin uth ta ki jeet kiski hogi. Aise yuddh ke prarambh se pehle hi dono dal PARAJIT ho jaate hain.

Aur DHARM ki anupasthiti ke kaaran, Shree KRISHNA ke aagman ke bhi koi aasaar nahin…

Filed Under: National, Socio/Political Tagged With: Jadavpur university Afzal Guru, JNU Afzal Guru rally, JNU anti national, JNU controversy, JNU news, JNU protest, JNU student protest

Shani Shingnapur Row: Why India needs your support ASAP to fight against sexist bigots?

January 28, 2016 by Keyur Seta 4 Comments

By: Keyur Seta

The Republic Day marks the celebration of the Constitution of India. The Constitution grants equal rights to each and every citizen of the country. Ironically, on the very day, when the country was celebrating its constitutional rights, a group of women were not only meted out unconstitutional treatment but were also treated like criminals, when all they wanted was to enter a temple.

Women weren’t allowed anywhere inside the Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra until 2011 when a number of rationalists like the Late Narendra Dabholkar made valiant efforts and protests. However, they still haven’t been granted access to the core shrine till today. Only men are allowed to enter the shrine and as women are considered ‘impure’.

Circa January 2016. A group of few hundred women, led by Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, decide to challenge regressive sexist practices by trying to enter the inner sanctorum. What happened was utterly shameful. They were forcefully stopped and, at times, beaten by the police. A large group of women from a so-called Hindu organizations also turned up to stop them. The protestors were not even allowed anywhere near the vicinity of the temple. In fact, they were stopped 70 kilometers away!

Picture: Indianexpress.com

Picture: Indianexpress.com

The behavior of fringe elements is expected because this is what they are actually. But one doesn’t expect our authorities to be on the side of those indulging in unconstitutional and unlawful activities. Mind you, there is no law that prohibits women or any human being from entering any place of worship.

Therefore, although it was quite heartening to see Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis visiting the site, it was disappointing that he only gave assurances and didn’t do anything to open the gates for women. As mentioned above, no law supports this practice. So, where is the issue? Why didn’t he use the police force in protecting the women from the misogynistic bigots who aren’t letting them enter?

But thankfully, these women haven’t given up, which has ensured that the movement is spreading slowly but steadily. Now, groups of women have also started protesting outside Sabarimala Temple and Mumbai’s Haji Ali Dargah. For those who aren’t aware, women aren’t allowed inside the inner sanctorums at these two places too.

The fact that women have united across religious lines is a strong message to the thekedars of religion. These evil forces should be told that no religious book has ever spoken about stopping women from entering any place of worship and that no God has appointed them as thekedars of any religion. But in case such theories are found in some ‘religious’ books, they should still be discarded. India follows the Constitution, not any regressive ‘religious’ book.

But for the movement to succeed, it is absolutely vital for people across gender, religious and class lines to extend support. This has to become something as big as the 2011 Anna Hazare Movement. However, practically speaking, for a majority of us, including me, it is next to impossible to physically be present at the sites of protest due to our work commitments.

But this is where the power of blogging and social media comes into place. In today’s day and age, governments and authorities have become aware about the voices on the internet. Message them, tag them, email them and use various other options on the internet, but make sure you put across your message. Use the hashtag #RightToPray

The issue is not just limited to these few places of worship. It’s a fight against patriarchy and sexism in the name of religion, which have ruled our society for thousands of years. This is a major opportunity to kick such ideas and kick them hard. Don’t let the movement go wasted. It’s 2016, for God’s sake!

 

Filed Under: National, Socio/Political, Spiritual Tagged With: Haji Ali protest, Haji Ali women not allowed, Sabarimala temple protest, Shani Shingnapur controversy, Shani Shingnapur news, Shani Shingnapur women not allowed, Shani Shingnapur women protest

Shaktidaai Drishya (Poem based on Airlift’s flag scene)

January 26, 2016 by Keyur Seta 5 Comments

The flag scene in director Raja Krishna Menon and actor Akshay Kumar’s Airlift is having a profoundly heartwarming effect on the audience. It is a non-verbal sequence that speaks more than a thousand years. Here is a poem based on the scene on the occasion of India’s Republic Day.

 

Shaktidaai Drishya (title)

By: Keyur Seta

 

Picture: Still from YouTube

Picture: Still from YouTube

Ummeed na thi manzil paane ki,
Na thi taakat kadam badhane ki,
Namumkin tha shikhar tak pohochna,
Ab toh naseeb ko hi tha kosna,

Khada tha main thaka hua,
Baadhaaon ke saamne hara hua,
Aanthon dishaon se jhele vaar,
Ab tha kewal ant ka intezar,

Par hawa ne ekaek rukh badla,
Shakti ka swar hriday se nikla,
Durbalta ke baadal hue adrishya,
Aisa tha woh shaktidaai drishya,

Kadmo mein nayi jaan aai thi,
Ab toh manzil door nahin thi,
Veerta ki hai woh behti Ganga,
Saadhaaran nahin apna tiranga

Filed Under: Bollywood, Events, National, Socio/Political, Spiritual Tagged With: Airlift flag scene, Flag scene in Airlift, Hindi poem on India, Hindi poem on Indian flag, Hindi poem on patriotism, Hindi poem on Republic Day, Patriotic poem, Republic Day poem

Airlift Review

January 23, 2016 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Director: Raja Krishna Menon

Producers: Hari Om Productions, Cape of Good Films, T-Series and Crouching Tiger Motion Pictures

Writers: Vijay Krishna Menon

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Kumud Mishra, Inamulhaq

Music: Amaal Malik and Ankit Tiwari

Genre: Drama/ Thrillers

Rating: * * * *

Review By: Keyur Seta

Akshay Kumar was once known as the king of whacky comedies. But over the last couple of years, he has been associating himself with thought-provoking patriotic sagas like Holiday, Gabbar Is Back and Baby. He continues his impressive run with Airlift. To put it simply, it is an overwhelmingly brilliant piece of cinema, which lifts you in a way very few films can.

The story takes place in Kuwait in the year 1990. Ranjit Katiyal (Akshay Kumar), an NRI, is a shrewd businessman living a luxurious life with his wife Amrita (Nimrat Kaur) and a child. He considers himself a true Kuwaiti and hates being referred to as an Indian. But after Iraq, in the leadership of Saddam Hussain, invades Kuwait, life suddenly turns upside down for Rajiv and the 1 lakh 70 thousand ‘Indians’ working in the country.

Picture: Airlift Facebook page

Picture: Airlift Facebook page

Firstly, the makers should be lauded for throwing light on this unthinkable achievement of the biggest evacuation ever in the world! It is quite a shame that many of us are completely unaware of such a feat, but let’s not go into that for now.

But good intentions alone aren’t enough to make a good film. To say that Airlift has more than just good intentions will be an understatement since the film excels in every department. The script and Menon’s direction deserves special mention. In a situational-based film, the onus is more on the narration and presentation and one can find utmost precision in both departments. The result is a gripping narrative that doesn’t let you look at your watch throughout.

The biggest triumph for Airlift, however, is the profoundly heartwarming climax. It develops an intensely emotional patriotic feeling without any use of powerful dialogues or punch lines. The effect is the highest when visuals alone do the talking, is proven here. Plus, the final moments throw in quite a few messages, which, once again, aren’t spoken about.

There are a few weaklings though. Two important plot twists, one at the start and other at the end, aren’t explored the way they should have. Thankfully, these issues aren’t glaring at all.

The subject doesn’t offer much scope for music. But the tracks manage to impress. The ‘Vande Mataram’ song surely stands out and becomes an important reason for the climax triggering the desired effect.

There is some high quality work from the technical departments too – Priya Seth’s camerawork, background score, editing as well as production design.

Now, onto the performances. This is yet another film that proves that Akshay Kumar is no longer limited to being a superstar or an entertainer. He has now become a fine artist. The way in which he puts his heart into the character and his decision to select this film will increase the number of his admirers abundantly. This one is easily one of his best acts.

After The Lunchbox, Nimrat Kaur once again displays her talent. An actor like her surely deserves to be seen more. The same can be said about Inamulhaq (of Filmistaan fame), who is impressive as a comical Iraqi Major. Kumud Mishra once again succeeds in giving a mature act. There are convincing performances from a host of supporting actors – Purab Kohli, Prakash Belawadi, Ferena Wazeir and Ninad Kamat, to name a few.

Overall: Airlift is an overwhelming patriotic saga and one of Akshay Kumar’s best films. It has had a decent box-office opening by earning Rs 12.35 crore on its first day. But it depends on positive word-of-mouth to make a major impact at the box-office.

Picture: Airlift Facebook page

Picture: Airlift Facebook page

Filed Under: Bollywood, National Tagged With: Airlift Akshay Kumar, Airlift box office collection, Airlift climax, Airlift first day collection, Airlift movie review, Airlift review

This bus conductor makes his passengers feel great like they never could have imagined!

December 28, 2015 by Keyur Seta 4 Comments

Sopan-JavaneIn India, the word ‘job’ is generally referred to as ‘service’. But practically speaking, there is a vast difference between the two. Doing a job means carrying the work assigned to you. It doesn’t necessarily include any emotions.

But when we say a person is engaged in a service, it means he is serving someone. The act of serving is born out of compassion and isn’t limited to the material benefit one derives after its completion.

A one bus conductor named Sopan Bhagwan Javane in Mirajgaon, Maharashtra has taken the meaning of ‘serving’ to another level altogether, all by himself.

Working on an MSRTC bus, he takes care of his passengers in a way they could have never imagined from a bus conductor. He indirectly also cheers them up and provides a profound heartwarming feeling. Javane, in all sense, is an unsung hero of India.

Watch him and his special antics in the documentary below titled Ekla Chalo Re, conceived, written and directed by Swapnil Rajshekhar:-

Filed Under: Humour, National, Socio/Political, Spiritual Tagged With: Bus conductor documentary, Sopan Javane, Swapnil Rajshekhar documentary, Swapnil Rajshekhar movie

How to help Chennai flood victims? Read on…

December 3, 2015 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

The terrible floods in Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai, have taken everyone by a rude surprise. The floods were expected in the region but nobody thought they would be so devastating. So far, close to 300 people are head and lakhs are homeless or stranded.

While there is no harm in praying for the victims and dedicating numerous social media posts to them, what they practically need it help… and lots of it!

Picture: Frontline.in

Picture: Frontline.in

So this is how you can help them:

1) Spiritual leader Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation has organized a donation drive. To donate in kind or doctors who can support the disaster relief work can contact: +918300011111, +918300051000, +918300052000

Helpline for donation via bank transfers: +919442139000

Online donations: http://www.ishafoundation.org/Donate

2) Donate via APP:

Click HERE to download an app to donate clothes, food and other items.

3) Check available shelter:

To know about places where shelter is available, click HERE.

4) Donate via AISC Flood Relief by clicking HERE.

5) People form 60 NGOs have come together to help Chennai flood victims. Those willing to contribute contact Prasanna: 96777-00081 or Ganesh 99442-77721.

6) Willing to accomodate?

If you are in Chennai and willing to accommodate people who are stranded, click HERE.

7) To donate food items, see the image below (click to enlarge):-

Donate food

 

8) Chennai flood relief HELPLINE numbers:

Chennai-helpline

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

People who are stuck near Valasaravakkam, Megamart area, pls contact Vignesh Mailappan at +918122829693.

People who are stuck near Camp Road areas can contact Bala- +918056096733.

People who are stuck near Keezhkattalai area can contact Santha- +919042122271.

People who are stuck near Tambaram area can contact
Prasanna – 9994816896

People who are stuck near Mogapair areas can contact aswin – 7299518047

People who are stuck near Pallikaranai, Narayanapuram areas can contact Gayathri – 8220738092

Message from a kind-hearted person:

Anyone stuck in Annanagar, Arumbakkam, Aminjikarai, MMDA Colony, Choolaimadu or any other area are welcome to my house, please be my guest. Can pick up people from nungambakkan station, arumbakkam metro station or anna arch. No restriction on no as i have lots of Mats to sleep, power for essential and enough food, brijesh – 9962400760

SRM University is accommodating people in their buildings. Whoever stranded in GST, please go there.

Filed Under: Environment, National, Socio/Political Tagged With: Chennai flood helpline numbers, Chennai flood relief fund, How to contribute Chennai flood relief, How to donate Chennai flood relief, How to help Chennai flood victims

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