Interfaith Dialogue: We have the same flesh & blood!

November 12, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

By: Keyur Seta

All over the world, human population is divided on the basis of religion. There are a large number of religions practiced universally and people from each one consider someone from another religion as different from him or her. But if we look at it closely, we realize that we all fall under the category of human beings; that we all have the same flesh and bones; that we all feel happy and sad at the same things. This universal truth was presented at the event Interfaith Dialogue for Modern Era in Mumbai by Ramakrishna Mission and Math, Mumbai. The Interfaith Dialogue was a part of the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, whose message was also spread widely at the event.

There was dialogue and interaction by religious heads of various religions –

Christianity by Father Joshua
Zoroastrianism by Lion Yazdi Panthaki
Baha’ism by Dr Mangesh Teli
Buddhism by Prof. Sudhakar Arjun Pawar
Jainism Dr. Bipin Doshi
Islam by Maulana Syed Athar Ali
Sikhism by Mr. Harpal Singh
Judaism by Mr. Ralphy Jhira
Sufism by Mr. Sami Bubere
Hinduism by Swami Atmapriyanandji Maharaj

After listening to each one of them, it wasn’t hard to realize that all religions preach the same message of humanity, oneness, equality and love for all fellow beings.

Some pictures from the event:

Picture Source – DnaIndia.com

Sachin retirement: Memories never retire!

October 10, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

By: Keyur Seta

So the news the world never wished to hear is out. The God of cricket Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar has finally announced retirement from international cricket. Of course, the news is not surprising whatsoever even to a single cricket fan, yet it has hit everyone like a bolt simply because of Sachin’s priceless value. Some are literally into tears!

However, as strange as it may sound, in the midst of the emotional turmoil, I might be in the minority for not being sad, shattered or whatever. This might even label me as anti-Sachin or a Sachin hater, but believe me, I am not. My close friends would know that I have worshipped him as much as you people (you can read my poem on him by clicking HERE). It might sound rude but I think we should all accept the truth.

The law of nature is that everything has to end one day. None can escape this law including Sachin’s career. Every player has to end his career at some point or the other. Let’s be practical – Sachin had to retire one day, no matter how much we hoped against it. Also let’s face it – he is facing a lot of trouble with his technique and timing since recent times. And come on, he has been playing international cricket since 24 long years! How much more do you expect from him?

The number of great and proud memories provided by the Master Blaster is uncountable. It won’t be an overstatement to term them as priceless treasure. So instead of crying over his retirement, let’s be positive and cherish the priceless treasure. Our wailing will make things difficult for Sachin himself. By the way, one thing I can assure everyone is that the great man would continue to do his bit for cricket or other sports. Despite retiring, you will keep hearing good things about him for sure!

Sachin’s emotional strength was proved during the 1999 World Cup where he played against Kenya just after he lost his father. So being true Sachin fans, we can’t afford to be weak. In case, if we do, just revisit his numerous innings available on YouTube. After all, memories never retire!

Picture source: Cricinfo.com

Mr Srinivasan, even retards won’t endorse your ‘enthusiast’ theory!

May 29, 2013 by Keyur Seta 6 Comments

With the BCCI chief trying to fool people in the most shocking manner, it is high time the legends of the game listen to their conscience and speak on behalf of those who made them what they are: their fans!

By: Keyur Seta

Politicians and big-shots trying to fool the aam junta is nothing new in our country. For them, the common public is either unintelligent to fall in the trap or too busy in their own life to pay heed to the issue. But the way N Srinivasan, the President of the Board of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI), is lying through his teeth has set a new benchmark in trying to take the country for a ride!

Picture Source – Indianexpress.com

Let’s have a look at the background of the issue first. As we all are aware, Srinivasan’s son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan, owner of Chennai Super Kings, is arrested for his alleged role in betting and match-fixing (or spot-fixing as they are calling it) in the so-called cricket series Indian Premier League (IPL). So according to the IPL rules, the team can be banned due to their owner’s malpractice.

But to make sure his son-in-law doesn’t get into trouble and his team isn’t banned, Srinivasan has come up with a shocking theory. According to him, Gurunath is neither the owner of CSK nor he is associated with the team in any way. In fact, he also says, Gurunath is just a cricket enthusiast who travels with the team!!! Well, even mentally retarded individuals won’t believe such a theory.

The President has clearly gone way too ahead in trying to fool the people of India due to the following reasons:-

Gurunath’s ID card, which is splashed across all TV channels, mentions him as the owner of CSK.
We have seen him giving numerous interviews on TV as the owner of CSK.
His visiting cards mention him as the owner of CSK. This was also shown across various news channels.
(Best point of all) He was seen bidding for his team at IPL team auctioning.

Before this incident, nobody knew that a mere cricket enthusiast gets all these privileges! I can assure to Srinivasan that I am a much bigger cricket enthusiast than Gurunath. So will I be given the opportunity to speak as a team owner and bid for the team during auctions?

More than Srinivas’s shocking claims, it is the audacity at which he is making them and, in turn, blaming the media for ‘hounding’ him that speaks volumes about his adamancy for fooling the people of India!

On the contrary, we should thank the media, especially Times Now, for not giving up on the issue and asking what billions of cricket fans across the country are desperate to ask. In fact, we can only rely on the media because the big names of the game aren’t going to utter a word on the issue. This is so evident from yesterday’s press conference where Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni just behaved like a puppet on the hands of his CSK owner and the BCCI President!

It was highly sad to see someone so confident and brave transforming into a scary bone! If this continues, be rest assured, the whole issue will soon be swept under the carpet. It is high time the big names of Indian cricket, including the Tendulkars, Dravids and Dhonis, raise their voice on behalf of those who have made them what they are: their billions of fans! It is up to them to choose between their bosses and their conscience!

“Forgive him, he’s a superstar!”

May 18, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

By: Keyur Seta

The phenomenon of hero worshipping is very old among Hindi cinema lovers. There is nothing wrong with it since these actors have entertained us and helped us escape from our stressful routine. But when hero worshipping goes onto a level that people turn a blind eye to the high level of crime their onscreen ‘hero’ commits, be rest assured we are living in dangerous times.

Picture Source – Mail.com

I have always found it questionable and even disturbing to see people demanding forgiveness for Sanjay Dutt despite him being convicted in an utterly dangerous crime of storing arms in connection with the 1993 bomb blasts. But my disturbance scaled higher levels recently when I saw the actor being surrounded and cheered by his fans when he was about to surrender at the Tada Jail. It’s so funny to see people supporting a criminal just because he is a big Bollywood superstar!

All these disturbing scenes have given rise to a single question in my mind – Suppose if a common man like me was convicted under the arms act in connection to a crime as serious as 1993 bomb blasts, how many people would have supported me and demanded forgiveness for me? Nobody would have simply because I am not a superstar! The public would have burnt my effigies in fact! So how can the law be different for a common man and a filmstar?

It is been argued that Dutt has already spent some time in jail but is it enough for a crime as serious as this? His supporters are also raising the point that he deeply regrets what he did. So suppose if I commit a similar serious crime and then repent my acts, will people demand for my forgiveness too?

In the midst of this madness, Nana Patekar’s brave and bold statement on the issue has come as a pleasant surprise. The fearless way in which Nana has expressed no mercy for Dutt has increased my respect for him manifolds. Perhaps, he is the only one from the film fraternity to have spoken about equality in law.

As for the rest from the industry, they scream about honesty, truth and justice only in their films. Their fans whistle and clap whenever their favorite actors speak about these three issues. In real life, both parties will go all out in supporting a criminal activity.

Watch Nana Patekar giving a fearless opinion against Sanjay Dutt’s mercy:

Pictures from anti-women harassment event, Adhya

March 20, 2013 by Keyur Seta 2 Comments

Recently, an event named Adhya to empower women to be safe and vigilant against crimes like rape and sexual harassment took place in Powai, Mumbai. Organized by Powai residents Karishma Sharma and Shivani Thakkar, sensitize and train people to deal against crimes like Rape, Sexual Harassment and even Child Molestation. (For the complete pre-event article, click HERE.)

Adhya saw a number of interactive sessions including ‘Good Touch & Bad Touch’ by Psychiatrist Beenal Gangar, Child Molestation by Arpan, Women’s Right by Majilis, Sexual Harassment by Mr Jasaon Temasfieldt of We The People Foundation, ‘Portraying Right Image and Be Secure’ by Mr Harissh Iyer and Mrs Suman Agarwal (Image Consulting Business Institute), Constitutional Rights of Women by Inspector Asha Korke and Psychiatrist Taruna Khattar.

The event was wound up with the pledge to make world a better place for women.

Here are some of the pictures from the event:

Team Adhya

Participants taking a pledge to protect women

Dance performance to create awareness

Shivani Thakkar and Karishma Sharma

Adhya: Be Safe, Be Vigilant

March 16, 2013 by Keyur Seta 1 Comment

With atrocities against women being on an all-time high, there has been an all-round demand for the amendment of laws for the strictest punishment for crimes like rape. But along with the laws, training women to combat such a situation is equally important.

Karishma Sharma and Shivani Thakkar, residents of Powai (Mumbai), have joined hands to do the needful in an event called Adhya on March 17, 2013 at Galleria Circle, Powai from 11 am to 8 pm. The motto of the event is to sensitize people and train them to deal against crimes like Rape, Sexual Harassment and even Child Molestation. The word ‘Adhya’ depicts various roles a woman plays in her lifetime – daughter, sister, friend, wife, saviour, etc.

“A single being may not be able to change the mindset of the human race but certainly one small stone thrown inside the ocean can cause a few ripples. Increasing number of cases against women & kids has led to desensitization. Awareness about these issues is the most important aspect for individual safety,” says Karishma. The event is contributed by NGOs like Kranti, Arpan, Urmi, We The People Foundation, Majlis, Think beyond, Mimaansa and G.O.D.S.

Adhya will see a number of interactive sessions including ‘Good Touch & Bad Touch’ by Psychiatrist Beenal Gangar, Child Molestation by Arpan, Women’s Right by Majilis, Sexual Harassment by Mr Jasaon Temasfieldt of We The People Foundation, ‘Portraying Right Image and Be Secure’ by Mr Harissh Iyer and Mrs Suman Agarwal (Image Consulting Business Institute), Constitutional Rights of Women by Inspector Asha Korke and Psychiatrist Taruna Khattar.

There will also be interactive games and some performances by students from Powai. Recently, the team of Adhya performed freeze mobs all over Hiranandani which received a positive response.

Detailed Schedule of the event:

11:00- 11:10: Inaugration
11:10- 11:30: Introduction about Adhya and NGO associated with event.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Interactive Session by Arpan – “Good Touch or Bad Touch”
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Speech about Child Molestation by Harissh Iyer
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm: Performance By G.O.D.S
2:15 pm- 3:00 pm: Short film about Unwanted Girl child ; Each NGO’s self-Introduction Speech; Speech By Taruna Khattar
3:00 pm – 4:45 pm: Interactive Session By Majilis – Women right
5:00pm – 5:10 pm: Dance Performance by Kranti.
5:10 pm – 5:30 pm: Speech By Mrs. Suman Agarwal initiator of Image Consulting Business institute.
5:40pm – 6:15 pm: Dance Performance from Adhya
6:20pm -7:45 pm: Seminar on Sexual Harassment by Jason Temasfieldt, Founder, We The People Foundation.
7:45pm – 8 pm Vote of Thanks

Mah. Govt. has no money to celebrate Vivekananda Anniversary

February 3, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

The fact that Swami Vivekananda’s 150^th Birth Anniversary is one of the most important occasions for the country can be seen from the numerous celebrations and enlightenment programs taking place not only all over India but world over. However, when every state in India celebrated the historic event, government of Maharashtra gave a cold shoulder to it citing lack of funds!

Swami Sarvalokananda addressing the audience

As shocking and shameful as it sounds, the incident was revealed by Swami Sarvalokananda (Adhyaksha, Ramkrishna Math Mumbai) during the 151^st Janma Tithi celebrations of Swami Vivekananda at Ramkrishna Math and Mission Mumbai on Sunday. “I personally approached Maharashtra Government. They asked us to prepare a budget for it. We did the hard work of preparing it and submitted it to them. But for six months we didn’t hear anything from them,” he said.

He further says that he again approached them but they just received fake assurances for several months. “Then I was told that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have rejected the proposal citing shortage of funds,” he says. Naturally, the people gathered at the venue started exclaiming “Shame, shame.”

According to him, along with several others, this is a matter of shame when governments from several states in India have celebrated the event and spread the message of Swami Vivekananda. This is more ironical when we take into account that the great patriot monk had visited Mumbai (then Bombay) thrice in his lifetime. “The city is blessed thrice by Swamiji. In fact, he left for the historic Parliament of Religions in Chicago from Mumbai’s naval port,” said Swami Sarvalokananda.

Leader of opposition Vinod Tawde, who was the chief guest at the event, revealed how he too tried in vain to persuade the government in doing something for the event. “I called the Chief Minister regarding this but he always kept delaying it,” said Tawde during his electrifying and enlightening address to the people gathered in large numbers.

Earlier in the day, Tawde, Swami Sarvalokananda and other prominent personalities unveiled the opening of Swami Vivekananda Chowk, just outside the lane of the Math. The day was also celebrated in various ways at the Mumbai Math and all over India.

Inauguration of Swami Vivekananda Chowk

Swami Vivekananda statue at Ramakrishna Math Mumbai

Gang Rape Victim Death: Last wake up call!

December 29, 2012 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

I have always had doubts about the concept of reincarnation. But after the terribly tragic news of the passing away of the 23 year old gang rape victim (also called Damini), I am hoping such a phenomenon does exist. Such brave-heart fighters surely deserve another chance! May her soul Rest In Peace and may God give strength to her family and the entire nation to overcome this grave tragedy.

The only way justice can be given for such unimaginably torturous crime is by giving extremely painful deaths to the offenders. Death merely by hanging is as bad as acquittal!

The number of rapes, especially in Delhi, has increased tremendously in the last few years. But what measures have the government taken to amend laws for rapes and to ensure safety of women? Absolutely none!

There is also no doubt that the Delhi Police has the dedication required to improve the situation. This was clearly seen by the way they mercilessly beat up protestors which also included women and, shockingly, senior citizens! If they had shown such fierce determination in protecting the women, such an incident wouldn’t have taken place!

If the same attitude is continued by our authorities, I am sorry to say such incidents will keep taking place, unless some weird creatures, who call themselves men, start behaving humanly!

Delhi Gang Rape: Fighting the enemy within!

December 23, 2012 by Keyur Seta 11 Comments

So far, I have refrained myself from writing about the more than horrendous gang rape of a 23 year old girl in a moving bus in Delhi. This reason for this is not only the fact that I am profoundly disturbed by the crime but also because of my earlier assumption that the guilty would be punished soon since such a horrendous crime is never ever heard in the country before. However, after government and Delhi Police’s monstrous attitude towards the protestors of this incident, it is no longer possible for me to stay quiet anymore!

Picture courtesy – ibtimes.com

First of all, the horrifically inhuman nature of the crime should have ensured massive changes in laws pertaining to rapes. If not this, there should have been at least some steps taken for the same. The current law states that a death penalty can be given only when the victim passes away. So should we wait till the poor girl succumbs? Even if the victim passes away, death penalty is given by just hanging the convict. For this type of a crime, death by hanging is a very mild punishment! It is not only denying justice but it also doesn’t put fright in the minds of potential rapists.

The biggest proof of this is how a 20 year old Nepali girl was raped thrice in Mumbai barely five days after the Delhi incident. Need I say more?

So when the whole of Delhi comes out to express protest (which is our constitutional right) for making laws stricter for such crimes, they have to face police brutality in the form of lathi charges, tear gas and water cannons. I agree there were a percentage of miscreants from various wings of political parties who started violence and vandalism but that doesn’t give license to the authorities to become brutal with all, especially students who have nothing to do with these groups. If you can’t catch a small percentage of troublemakers how justifiable it is to assume the rest of the protestors to be antisocial?

Picture courtesy – India Against Corruption Facebook page

Later on, the percentage of troublemakers increased but once you start brutally assaulting innocents, you can’t expect them to behave peacefully, especially when you employ Rapid Action Force! In fact, what stunned the nation with disbelief was how the policemen had no qualms in even bashing up senior citizens (See picture)! Seriously, can we really expect them to protect us?

Someone needs to tell them that they are not dealing with dacoits! These people haven’t gathered to loot the city. These are the common people of their own country who are just demanding terribly strict laws for rapes to secure the future of the women of India! Is the demand so irrational that they need to be dealt like criminals?

Facts also show how Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal’s supporters have been subjected to similar treatments a number of times during their peaceful protests. On the other hand, political parties who openly engage in vandalism for their own good are never punished!

I wish the government and Delhi Police had shown such fierce dedication in protecting girls and women of the city. It’s just that the massive outrage have woken them up. But if they had woken up themselves, life of a lot of females in the city would have been much better and such a situation wouldn’t have arisen.

Picture courtesy – Associated Press

Law Minister endorses lawlessness: Kejriwal hits at Gadkari

October 17, 2012 by Keyur Seta 4 Comments

If there is anyone who is expected to safeguard law and order in India the most, it is obviously the Law Minister of the country. However, the whole of India was in for a shock today when the Law Minister Salman Khurshid himself openly endorsed lawlessness by threatening to physically harm anti-corruption activist Arvind Kejriwal.

Trying to hit back at allegations made by Kejriwal, Khurshid openly told a news channel, “Let Kejriwal come to Farrukhabad. Let’s see whether he succeeds in returning back.” Through this statement, Khurshid clearly indicates physical assault on Kejriwal, which definitely amounts to breaking law.

Picture Courtesy – Deccanchronicle.com

The statements give rise to a number of serious questions. – How can a Law Minister openly endorse breaking of law? Do you have a right to punish a criminal when the Law Minister himself encourages crime? The ruling party has to answer these questions and the only option they have is to remove this person who calls himself the Law Minister. But after a huge number of anti-national actions and statements by the ruling party itself, I wonder whether it has any right to continue to stay in office. The feeling that the British have started ruling India again is produced by the UPA government time and again.

Khurshid’s open dhamki however didn’t deter Kejriwal to name BJP President Nitin Gadkari in a scam where he grabbed land allotted to poor farmers of Vidarbha. Of course as expected, the party has rubbished off all allegations. I don’t know whether the allegations are 100% true but like numerous other instances, BJP or the government won’t even order any kind of probe in the issue. After Anjali Damania’s experience with Gadkari, it is clear all parties are unofficially united when it comes to corruption.

It appears weird to many including me that Kejriwal isn’t going to court against Kejriwal or Vadra. But after he highlighted today how these court cases and probes account to nothing, I am slowly starting to agree with him. If you look back at history, you realize these big shots always get away even after committing the most heinous of crimes. Forget politicians, even a hardcore terrorist like Ajmal Kasab is enjoying his stay in India even four years after he openly killed innocents in Mumbai!

So it is up to the people of India to realize how all parties are together involved in money grabbing and then punish them with the power of their vote. Of course, it would be great and ideal if law punishes them but I hardly have any hope for it considering India’s current scenario.