Terror in Mumbai, Anger in my Heart.

Mumbai, 27/11/2008. It's an attack on us. We must fight back. But who are "Us and We" ? and who are "They" ?

My brother lives in Mumbai, and works 5 mins away from the Oberoi. As a knee jerk reaction, I called him, and only when I was assured of his and his family's safety, I could think of anything else. The first "us" is family.

But the next? The wider ? I feel and write this not as a Hindu or Indian. I write it as a human being. as an earthling. I feel as if demons have descended on us from another planet... It is hard to believe that a fellow human being can do any act as
ghastly as this on anyone else!!!

Killing people totally innocent , just to get figures... to make impact, to underline a statement, and to grab attention - which religion teaches this? Which religion can possibly advocate massacre the likes of which is seen in Mumbai ?
I think of people sitting in CST waiting room, roaming on platforms, waiting outside a cafe, sipping coffee in restaurants, or strolling in hotel lobbies. These people have lives!! people who were killed, just as if they meant nothing. They meant
everything, everything to their families! Each one of these people had a thousand dreams, a thousand acquaintances, a thousand colours, and loves, and a thousand lives they touched! How can you, in name of a faith, cut these thousand threads of affection by one bullet?? What explanation can a terrorist give to a mother? Can revenge be an answer enough to life long tears? Can hatred be an excuse enough to a torn life?

I know not if I'm angry at feeling helpless, or helpless about feeling angry. I know not if this will be enough for us to start building a safeguard around us. I know not what is 'us' and what is the safeguard ? I know only, that I am ready to be included in any "us" that promotes love, peace and tranquiility in my Earth. And I know that hatred and Revenge are my enemies. Even against people who are commiting these horrendous acts...

It is probably better to be animals. They are not tied up in chains of religion that takes away the ability of seeing your own species as your own.

Gurgaon.. My new Home

I am now officially settled in Gurgaon. It has been over 45 days now, and a lot has been seen and done in these days. My first impression of the city wasn't too good- and am still trying hard to like it. Gurgaon gives an impression of a talented, but unattended child. Pockets of developments are overshadowed by vast wastelands, and lack of public transport(!!) and sewer lines is just the starting...

But not all hope is lost. I see the creme de la creme of indian professional scene here. I see good schools. (My kids are going to Scottish High and D.P.S. - so far, so good. ) I also see some great fashion around. I see Huda working on roads and sewer lines. I see Metro coming up. But yet, the final feeling is of disappointment..

I've been to a number of shopping malls since shifting here. Gurgaon, afterall, is hailed as India's mall center. I also went to the Galleria ( a mid-sized open baazar) and sadar, the authentic old Gurgaon market. One, though , acutely feels the lack of town planning in every step. A good middle- class market, like Karol Bagh/Lajpat Nagar in Delhi or Jaynagar 4th Block/ Gandhinagar in Bangalore is completely absent. Good, inexpensive dining options are absent. I wonder if I need to explore some more.

Gurgaon feels like an example of imbalance between private aspirations and Government apathy. Posh, multistoreyed, luxury apartments overlook vast empty lands with stagnant water breeding Dengue mosquitoes. The ever prevelant gap between the haves and the have-nots seems much wider here. Or have I turned more observant??

Time Journal, and its' use.

Here is a classic 'Time journal' or a 'day log'. This journal is used to capture the lost titbits of time- The time that is lost in doing 'nothing'.

Instructions: Spend a faithful day with the Time Journal. Log in every detail religiously, but do not change your routine on that account. This simple excercise is extremely effective as a Time Management tool. It acts as a mirror, and shows us our pitfalls, and also the glory that can be achieved once the shortcomings are overcome.

Click to see the time Journal