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Kalyani Nandurkar said thank you to usha manohar for his/her reply to the topic Lessons from the Epic Mahabharata.
rambabu wrote:
Learning household chores like cooking and cleaning can actually be beneficial. Such skills definitely make your life...
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Why no one talk about West Bengal Riots?.
Not surprises there! In a state where Durga pooja has been banned at many places just to appease the minority, it comes as no surprise that no one is willing to talk about...
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE.
Well I don't think there's a better way to express your love for someone, than through songs. Cards, or the well planned 'unexpected gift at an unexpected time', all pale in comparison. In life, all you need is love, uhhh, & chocolate, & a good bank balance, & high speed internet!! Ok, jokes apart, I'm now gonna share my favorite love songs with you...
"I've found a reason for me To change who I used to be A reason to start over new and the reason is you.."
'Hoobastank' from the song-The Reason
The song topped the charts globally, & it's no surprise. The vocals, lyrics & song structure are bodacious. Change is usually difficult, but when spurred by love, it's smooth & easy( or atleast it seems so!!)...
"Yours is the first face that I saw I think I was blind before I met you Now I don't know where I am I don't know where I've been But I know where I want to go.."
'Brighty Eyes' from the song-First day of my life
Though I'm not into this band all that much, I absolutely luuurrrvvve this song. The song lines are too good to be true. And anyone who's been in love knows that your life begins anew, from the moment you fall in love...Right??!!
"If the love that I got for you is gone If the river I cried ain't that long Then I'm wrong, yeah I'm wrong, this ain't a love song..."
'Bon Jovi' from the song-This ain't a love song
Though most people consider 'Always', as the best love ballad by Bon Jovi, this is my pick. This song is taken from the album 'These days. The lyrics & the song structure give you an instant eargasm. For those of you who haven't checked it out yet, it's high time you did.....
"Lying close to you feeling your heart beating And I'm wondering what you're dreaming, Wondering if it's me you're seeing Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together And I just wanna stay with you In this moment forever, forever and ever..."
'Aerosmith' from the song-I don't want to miss a thing
The soundtrack of the movie Armageddon, was filled with awesome rock songs, but all of them paled in comparison to this gem of a love song. The song climbed upto number one on the global charts, in a jiffy...
"You fill up my senses like a night in the forest, like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain, like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean. You fill up my senses, come fill me again..."
'John Denver' from the song-Annie's song
This song by Country rock giant John Denver is simply mindblowing. The lyrics & music are nothing short of perfect. After listening to this song, you'll feel like you just walked out of a Monet painting...
"I can't deny what I believe I can't be what I'm not I know our love forever I know, no matter what.."
'Boyzone' from the song-No matter what
Though the boyband has belted out way too many perfect love ballads, this is my favorite. Love the simple lyrics & the awesome music. If you've been in love, you know that nothing else really matters, & you'll do anything to make it last forever....
"Please forgive me I know not what I do. Please forgive me I can't stop lovin' you Don't deny me. This pain I'm going through... Please forgive me if I need you like I do..."
'Bryan Adams' from the song-Please forgive me
Sandpaper voiced Rock icon Bryan Adams has been revered for his unbelievably mushy love songs. This mother of a love ballad, is one of my favorite love songs ever...Love the lyrics & the perfect song structure..
"My love throws me like a rubber ball Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing She won't catch me or break my fall Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing Baby's got blue skies up ahead But in this I'm a rain cloud You know she likes a dry kind of love Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing.."
'U2' from the song-The sweetest thing
Bono & gang are considered to be the best Rock band ever. They have more than their share of uber mushy love ballads, to their credit. This short sweet love song, is my favorite by this band....
"Nothing you can know that isn't known Nothing you can see that isn't shown Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be It's easy All you need is love All you need is love All you need is love, love Love is all you need...."
'The Beatles' from the song-All you need is love
The list of Rock love ballads, will never be complete without the quartet that started off writing mushy love ballads. The lyrics & song structure are simple yet strong & soothing. Trust me it'll give you an instant eargasm!!
That's all for now.....
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article BUZZ SONGS.
If you're a Rock fan, you'll be aware that Rock music helps to raise your energy levels quickly. It creates a buzz, that re-energizes you. In this post I'd like to share songs that help me to get the buzz back into the day...
Walk by Pantera
Pantera was hailed as one of the pioneers of Thrash metal. This song is one of the heaviest metal songs, & one of the most popular ones as well. The commercial success of this song was of gargantuan proportions. Just one listen to this song takes your energy levels higher...
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Jack & Meg White came out with this killer song, which is supposed to have the third catchiest guitar riff of all times( the catchiest guitar riff was from 'Smoke on the water' by Deep Purple, & the second catchiest was from 'Smells like teen spirit' by Nirvana). From the opening lyrics:"I'm gonna fight em' off, a seven nation army couldn't hold me back...", & the awesome guitar work, one easily get's transported to a higher energy level....
Acquiesce by Oasis
"I don't know what it is that makes me feel alive, I don't know how to wake the things that sleep inside..." sings Liam Gallagher at the opening of this killer of a song. The song appeared on the album 'Master plan', a B sides compilation. Often referred to as the best friendship song by the Mancunian Rock band, it definitely takes you to a higher energy plane...
Fuel by Metallica
The most commercially successful Heavy metal band in history has been well known for belting out high energy track after track. My personal favorite energy upper is this track. With James Hetfield shouting:" Gimme fuel, gimme fire, gimme that which I desire...", the song explodes, & keeps the energy level at gargantuan proportions....
Song 2 by Blur
This is the 2nd song from the album 'Blur', it reached number 2 position on the UK charts, & is 2 minutes long- couldn't be more aptly named right?!. Damon Albarn & crew have umpteen platinum singles & albums to their credit, but none are as power packed as this song..."Wooo Hooo..."
Tub thumper by Chumba Wumba
This song gained cult following, because of the powerpacked lyrics & awesome music. Played at stadiums before Cricket & Football matches, the song definitely takes you to a highly charged energy zone. The chorus-"I get knocked down, but I get up again...You're never gonna keep me down...", is highly addictive, to say the least...
Rock you like a hurricane by The Scorpions
The Scorpions have way too many platinum singles & albums to their credit. But my favorite 'Rock hurricane', is this track. This hurricane of a track only takes your energy levels higher, & causes absolutely no damage to your house, car or pets, I assure you!!
Machinehead by Bush
Though Gavin Rossdale & his band were often considered as Nirvana wannabes for long, this is one mother of a track. The lyrics & music are brutally energetic & addictive...
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
The song that catapulted Nirvana to superstardom & kicked off the 90s Grunge Rock revolution of the 90s was inspired by a deodorant brand called 'Teen spirit'. With an uber addictive guitar riffage, & Cobain's graty vocals, this song does take your energy levels higher each time...If only Nirvana wasn't this negative & self destructive...
Asche zu asche by Rammstein
The German Rock outfit most remembered for their unbelievable guitar riffs, & pyrotechnics on stage, came out with this gem of a song. Till Lindemann's vocals and the music stucture are breath taking & energizing......
Though music helps to take your energy levels higher, I would like to advise the youth of today to avoid using drugs to get higher....The damage caused by these so called 'uppers' is severe & often irreversible....
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article OASIS-THE EARLY YEARS.
It all started off in Manchester, a band was formed by the Gallagher brothers. Liam & Noel Gallagher, started writing, & composing music, hoping to get a break. Their band was named Oasis, & their debut album was titled 'Definitely Maybe'. The album was one of the highest selling albums in British rock history. The song 'Supersonic', topped the UK charts, & was highly acclaimed globally. The debut album also contained, other uber cool songs- 'Rock n Roll star', 'Live forever', 'Shaker maker', 'Slide away', 'Cigarettes & alcohol'.
'Rock n roll star' was the opening track, which was teeming with swagger. Liam Gallagher sings:"In my mind my dreams are real,now you're concerned about the way I feel..Tonight I'm a Rock n Roll star..". It was as if the Gallaghers were certain that the debut album would definitely catapult them to Rock n Roll superstardom. 'Live forever', was a heavy & stylish track. The lyrics:"Maybe I just wanna fly, wanna live I don't wanna die..Maybe I just wanna breathe, maybe I just don't believe...", showcases the rebellious heart of the band. This song was selected as the best Rock song ever, by Q magazine.
After a multi platinum debut album, Oasis released their second album- '(What's the story) Morning Glory?'. Now most Rock bands are afraid of the 'sophomore slump' phenomenon, where your second album pales in comparison to your debut effort. But this Mancunian juggernaut took British rock music to newer heights with their second album. Tracks like 'Wonderwall', 'Roll with it', 'Some might say', 'She's electric', 'Don't look back in anger', 'Champagne Supernova','Morning glory' became earworms in a jiffy!!
'Wonderwall' was a love ballad, that was lyrically & musically bodacious. Liam sings:"When all the roads we have to walk are winding, & all the lights that light the way are blinding...There are many things that I would like to say to you, but I don't know how...". It is even now one of the ten best love ballads of all time...In 'Some might say', Oasis sounded a lot like the band Status Quo, hence the word 'Quoasis' was concocted, after this song hit number one, on the British charts!! With lyrics that go :"Some might say they don't believe in heaven, go & say it to the man who lives in hell...Some might say you get what you've been given, if you don't get your's I won't get mine as well...", the song was nothing short of epic.
The British audience accepted Oasis as 'the 90s Beatles'. In the US, though Oasis had a decent fan following, they were considered as 'The British Guns n Roses'. Oasis' gigs were sold out everywhere, & the band toured heavily. Wembley, Glastonbury & other popular venues were teeming with fans, eager to listen to this new rock phenomenon. The live experience was unbelievably powerful, & the audience luuuurrrvvved it!!
The cult following that Oasis had, increased with their third album-'Be Here Now'. This album climbed to the Number one spot, on the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. The songs-'D'you know what I mean?', 'All around the world', 'Don't go away', 'Fade in out', 'Stand by me' were all runaway hits. This album earned them much critical acclaim as well. 'D'you know what I mean?', the opening track, was a 7 minute gem!! The lyrics like:"Comin' in a mess goin' out in style, I ain't good looking but I'm some one's child..." are teeming with audacity!! "All around the world' also received a lot of airplay globally. Oasis followed this up with a massive world tour. The fans were left breathless after the concerts, & Oasis became an official Rock Juggernaut!!
The early years of Oasis, highlights how talent & swagger catapulted this band into Rock n Roll superstardom. They are even now compared to the modern day Beatles....What better way to end this post, than with lyrics from 'Supersonic'....
"I need to be myself, I can't be no one else
I'm feeling supersonic, give me gin & tonic...."... & that's how the 'Swagger Gallaghers' took over the world of Rock n Roll...\m/
9 years ago
MG Singh created new article A Fresh Look at OROP and the Army in the Prevailing atmosphere.
An army veteran has committed suicide and this has brought into focus the great divide that exists between reality and rhetoric. this was something bound to happen after what we saw when the Police in 2015 stormed the Jantar Mantar and manhandled ex-servicemen who were conducting a peaceful agitation for sanction of OROP as per the Koshiyari commission appointed by parliament. Without a doubt, this issue was bound to snowball later as the army men had been peacefully representing to the government for 40 years for restoration of their perks and privileges, snatched from them by a misguided Nehru and his defense Minister Krishna Menon. Now a veteran has committed suicide and I am afraid this was bound to happen.
The above is well documented in the biography of General KS Thimmiyya the army Chief who stood up to Nehru and sent in his resignation on the question of promotion of a cousin of Nehru, LT Gen BM Kaul. Unfortunately, Thimmiya was an exception and sadly most of the top brass that includes big names like Maneckshaw, Cariappa, and Sunderjee failed the common soldier as they NEVER represented with force to stop the downward revision of pay and perks and reduction in pension. One cannot be charitable and condone the lapses of the general staff and they also have a hand in this sorry state of affairs.
Times have changed and earlier socio-economic status of the soldier and his background is not relevant today. Earlier most of the soldiers were from a rural background and hence not assertive but the present soldier is from more aware strata of society and he will not take what the earlier soldiers took. He wants his right and that is the reason the OROP agitation at Jantar Mantar has got steam even after a year of its inception.
Soldiers now will not accept that their lot will be inferior to the man in the street and the civil worker. A soldier retires early and many retired at 35-37 and with the meager pension given to them it is not possible for him to make two ends meet. This leads to a level of frustration as he has more and more rresponsibility and less of means. Such people have links with serving personnel and to say that a serving soldier won't be affected by the financial woes of his elder is a fallacy.
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article LIFE & RELATIONSHIP ADVICE FROM 90s ROCK MUSIC...
Rock music...Some call it 'cacophonic drivel', some say it started off wanton behavior among the youth....But for me it's a source of wisdom, a source of solace in times of pain. I started listening to Rock music in the 90s, & I've been hooked ever since!!Rock lyrics are almost always what you make of them. To cite just one instance in favor of that argument, REM's 'The one I love', was the most frequently played song in most American weddings in the late 80s & early 90s. Now according to frontman, Michael Stipe, it was a 'break up song'!! The reason I'm writing this article, is to highlight how Rock music contains some really important life & relationship advice ( based on my interpretations)...
"There are many things that I would like to say to you,
But I don't know how...I said, maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me.."-Oasis
(from the song 'Wonderwall', which appeared on the sophomore album 'Morning Glory')
These lines express, quite aptly, the fragility & lability of a young lover. Young lovers will definitely relate to the fact that they have very hard time wording their feelings, to the object of their affection. It's perfectly normal to feel so, that doesn't mean you're a coward, or less of a human being. Love would lose, much of it's beauty if the vulnerability factor was taken out of the experience. The lines also highlight, how lovers cling to each other, to save themselves from listless existence.
"Every new beginning, comes from some other beginning's end.."-Semisonic
(from the song 'Closing time', taken from the album 'Feeling strangely fine')
The closing lines, of this hugely popular song, asks us to be bold enough to start again. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls the butterfly. It takes a lot of courage, to begin anew, but it's definitely worth it. Most people have a hard time ending things- whether it's relationships, jobs, associations, & these lines reiterate the fact that to begin afresh, we'll have to end things.
"You won't know how well you've played, until you'e won.."-Embrace
(from the song 'The Good Will Out', taken from the debut album of the band, named 'The Good Will Out')
The Mc Namara brothers' debut album, was their magnum opus. These song lines ask us to have complete faith in ourselves. Keep your hopes up & give it all you've got. Roger Bannister ran the 4 minute mile, when it was deemed impossible. Christopher Columbus sailed to find new lands, when he was warned not to do so...
"Everyone I know has got a reason to say, push the past away..."-Third Eye Blind
(from the song 'Jumper', which appeared on the debut album 'Third Eye Blind')
These lines highlight the fact that no matter how beautiful or painful the past is, it's always better to push it all a way. The Chinese sage Lao Tsu said:"If you're depressed, it's because you're dwelling in the past. If you're anxious. it's because you're worried about the future. Keep your mind always in the present & stay happy."These lines are one of my favorite ever, & I hope you can see why...
"This world is gonna pull through, don't give up
You've gotta reason to live, can't forget
We only get what we give..."-New Radicals
(from the song 'You get what you give', taken from the album 'Maybe you've been brainwashed too')
New Radicals maybe hailed as just another 'one hit wonder', but these lines are teeming with wisdom. It asks us not to lose faith in the world we live in, & more importantly to remember that Karma is watching every single act of ours...
"You've gotta roll with it, you've gotta take your time
You've gotta say what you say, don't let anybody get in your way..."-Oasis
( from the song 'Roll with it', taken off the album 'Morning glory')
Another set of really wise lyrics, by the Mancunian band, giving advise about how to face life. You have to go with the flow, speak your mind, & stop people from getting in your way. The lyrics show how to handle life with the smooth handle. All the success advice mustered by reading three self-help books, is summarised well in these lines...
This article is based on my interpretation of the aforementioned lines only. The whole song may not express the ideas expressed above....
9 years ago
Rohit Gupta created new article Building up the conversation (part 8).
Building up the conversation ( part 8)
Diversity of Situations
Conversation between two People
When two people are talking to each other, there is apt to be a personal tone in the conversation. It would be difficult for any two persons to talk for any length of time and be indifferent to or detached from each other. Firstly, if there is animosity or any kind of attempt to avoid each other, the said conversation between these two persons cannot take place. It has therefore to be admitted that the two persons talking to each other are motivated by some kindred feeling and mutual interest- whether it be business, common good or common danger. To make a conversation successful on such occasions, one has first of all to show all the sincerity one is capable of. And this sincerity has to be followed up by subsequent actions, otherwise the party concerned may be hurt and may shrink from developing any further relationship.
In a Group
There is a different set of norms to be followed in group conversation. It may be mentioned at the same time that this type of conversation is the essence of the art of conversation. Unless a person becomes an adept in the ways of group conversation he will not be recognized as a true conversationalist. A two-way conversation, even a very shy person can manage, but bring that same person into a group and we may, more often than not, find him tongue-tied and silent!
When, however, the members of the group are unknown to one another, a different kind of behavior will naturally be required. The first few rounds in such conversation are generally spent in establishing contact or rapport. People can speak on general topics politely for some time to find out, without giving offense, the standing, inclination, and tastes of the others. As and when the curiosity of the group in general is satisfied- here also direct questions are to be avoided-the group will gradually settle down and the talk will move along on common, general and accepted topics.
At Parties
Party conversation is primarily for the sake of employment. The members attending a party, therefore, should do well to leave all their worries behind and give themselves up to merry-making that a party is meant for. No particular rule of conversation, in fact, is applicable in a party where the motto is to take and give pleasure. a general rule of party conversation is that it should not be too personal or one-sided, else it will become boring and lifeless.
At a party, it is natural and reasonable to ask general preliminary questions from all those who are known to a person and also from those to whom one is introduced. But beyond that one should not persist in personal subjects which may cause groups to be dragged into corners. even if there is business or the personal matters to be discussed,they should be postponed to keep alive the party spirit.
In Business
The business world is different from the safe grounds of our personal acquaintance. The competition in the business world naturally makes one person suspicious of another. The slogan in the business world sometimes is 'cheat or be cheated'. This is by no means always true and is certainly not justified, but the fear persists and this fear inhibits the talk which becomes guarded, cautious even formal. there are however, frank and sincere conversation as well, which are the best because in business, genuineness and goodwill of the businessman will always stand him in good stead. Most of the trade the world over is carried on with credit and good faith as the base. It is therefore, always better to be frank and sincere- for goodwill and a good reputation are far more valuable assets than one's bank balance.
In business, time is more precious than money and so business conversations should be brief and to the point. There should be no beating about the bush, no formalities other than those are required. This does not mean that the conversation should be bereft of any normal softness or civility. If the conversation is too short and precise, it may look like orders being given by one side to the other.
In easy and difficult situations
Difficult situations refer to obstacles that lie in the free flow of discourse between two persons or among a group. One may think that easy situations presents no problems. Actually the easy situation may require more tact than the difficult one. A person should be more careful in company where there are not many restraints and where people use whatever language or words they feel like using. The disadvantage of such a free situation is that a person may say something without thinking and offend somebody unwittingly.
In contrast to this, a difficult situation would mean that the persons who are engaged in talking are cautious and careful because the others in the group are non,co-operative. The conversationalists do not share the common purpose of building up the conversation.
Among Friends
Even among friends, there should be some reserve and purpose in conversation. There is nothing like the imparting and receiving of knowledge and this is especially so in the case of young men and growing youths. If the rising curiosity of young people is met, there is every possibility that they will be more interested in this type of tail than any vulgar display of words merely to gratify their senses. Also, it is true that people with ambition and purpose in life will seldom give themselves up to idle or loose talk. Their conversation will usually be on the lines of probing into the unknown.
Among Acquaintances
There is some pattern or conversational etiquette that is to be followed among these acquaintances. Needless to say that day-to-day worries and anxieties should not be confided to mere acquaintances. One should be pleasant and open in these situations without being confidential. Though there is no bar on the number or kinds of topics that can be discussed, there are, however, some constraints to be observed. Thus, while a person can talk with an acquaintance about the problem of the day, the daily hardships of the common man, the state of country's economy and so on, he should not delve into subjects like his son's education or daughter's marriage or father's ill health or his own body ailment.
The main idea of conversation among acquaintances is to carry on some discussion on general topics and to disseminate or gain knowledge. Thus, a person may go into the details of the robbery in his area or how land auctions are held at spiraling prices or what the principal of the best school in town, who lives in his locality, has to say on education and on the building up of student-careers, but not how much his wife spends on her clothes, or how interesting his mother-in-law is and so on. It has mostly been found that talk among acquaintances is quite interesting because by common consent such conversation is without personal touches, involvements or complaints.
Among Strangers
There is no doubt about the fact that strangers can become acquaintances in time, provided two or more personalities have something in common. there have been instances of such 'pick-up' acquaintances sustained for long periods and ripening into real friendship. It is also true that people feel freer to talk to strangers than to those who are known to them or are from the same town. When they go to foreign lands, they lose many of their inhibitions and behave more in the spirit of; when in Rome, do as the Romans do.'
The code of conduct in speaking to strangers who one may meet here and there forbids a man to ask personal questions, no matter what these may refer to. Talk with a stranger is generally casual and is prompted on the occasion by force of circumstances. Thus he may complain about the delay of the bus, the train or the plane, and when he speaks aloud, unable to keep his thoughts to himself any more, he may get the support of a fellow-sufferer, who may say something more about the general situation.
Among hosts and guests
In our ordinary and normal social disclosure, we are either acting the part of a host or a guest. It is for the host to keep in mind that he is in the center of attention by common consent of the guests who have come to the host of their own free will and that in itself should be taken as a compliment. If there were no guests, the host would not have had this part to play.
Guests should also not forget that today they are guests here in this house and it may be that tomorrow the position may be reversed. If this is an admitted fact, it is also true that guests have an etiquette to observe. They must not behave irresponsibly, cut impolite or uncouth jokes or belittle any fellow-guests in any way. Moreover, it is the host's privilege to take the dominant part in the conversation, and to come forward and lead.
Among Males and Females
A certain discipline in language and behavior and a code of conduct have to be maintained when the two parties happen to belong to the opposite sexes. The boisterous gestures, postures and thinking aloud that are permissible among friends and acquaintances of the same sex, particularly the male should be avoided, in the first place, when a man is talking to a woman and vice-versa. It may be said that this type of restraint is rather old-fashioned and should be discarded in the modern age when there is so much talk of women's 'lib'. This may be true up to a point. in western countries today, the idea is gradually developing that the two sexes have two distinct patterns of life to follow and are equals though on different planes. It is, therefore, seen that restraints that were formerly exercised when conversing have been, to a large extent, removed.
It is also true that in this age of many youth movements and sports and cultural activities, young men and women of today are thrown together much more than those of the previous generation. Therefore, these young men and women have developed a great understanding and tolerance of each other than their parents or grandparents.
9 years ago
MG Singh created new article The River of No Return : Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is part of India, but it is governed by a special provision of the Indian constitution often referred to as Article 370. This article was introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru the then prime minister of India. There was no compulsion on the Indian parliament to enact this amendment which required a 2/3 majority, but Nehru in his wisdom got this article incorporated in the constitution.
The article in short states that Kashmir's accession to India was conditional and the state was allowed to have its own flag and a separate constitution. The state was insulated from the rest of India by a proviso that no other Indian could buy any immovable property or settle in the state. More important no central law passed by parliament was applicable to the state till its legislature approved it. This was a draconian proviso and sowed the seeds of separatism, for which history will never forgive Nehru. He died in 1964, but left this article like an anchor around the neck of the Indian state and now one does not know what to do. Successive Indian governments have grappled with this measure but nobody has had the guts to abrogate this proviso. This includes the BJP led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee who ruled for 6 years. Even this man who was a die-hard opponent of Article 370 did not lift a finger to remove this obnoxious article. It is worth examining that such a proviso does not exist in any other constitution of a major power in the world, yet it is very much there in the Indian constitution.
The writer Mikhail Sholokov wrote," And quiet flows the Don". This is an eternal river of Russia and it flows slowly and there is no going back. To my mind. the same applies to Kashmir as even now with a so-called strong leader in Narendra Modi, the article 370 remains and is fundamental to the present violence that has gone on unchecked for almost 90 days.Despite the curfew, this seems to have gathered more momentum than ever. What is the solution? Modi when in the opposition talked about many things. Notably, he talked of a uniform civil code and the abrogation of Article 370. People took him at face value for all that he stated and the RSS the parent body has been talking of these two factors for last 70 years. Sadly talking is not doing and their earlier plea that there were not in power, they could not act on these two contentious matters that bedevil the Indian state. But despite being in power these worthies have not moved an inch in the direction. Granted,a historical aberration is not easy to correct, but some action was expected on these two issues and despite the BJP having been in power for 6 years earlier and now for close to 3 years the matter has not moved forward. These two looks lie the Rock of Gibralter that is supposed to be unsinkable.
Kashmir is a part of the Union of India only in the maps and paper. One-third of Kashmir is occupied by Pakistan and another major part( 30000 square miles) is occupied by China.This is the Aksai Chin area whic for years was left untended and without the semblance of any administration by none other than that worthy the then Indian Prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. This man also agreed to a ceasefire at a time when the Indian army was driving the invaders back. Historically his apologists have never explained the compulsions of Nehru on these points. In addition, he also accepted the demand for a plebiscite in the state for the people to decide for them. He even made this announcement in a Public speech in Srinagar in 1948. Later he tried to backtrack by not holding the plebiscite as he was well aware that the vote will be against India.
The question now is where do we go from here? A plebiscite will mean that Kashmir at least the valley will vote to secede from India and that will be the end of the Indian union. It cannot be allowed as the right of self-determination cannot be exercised by a small group of people. It could well open a pandora box as other states may also want to secede. One could not forget that in the late sixties Annadurai the Tamil leader had in a speech in Madras articulated freedom and secession from the Indian union.
The states in the North East will also ask for the right of self-determination. At the same time, India is unable to control the valley which has seen a rise in militancy in daily attacks on the security forces. Thankfully the suicide bomber concept has not caught on in the Valley, otherwise, there could be hell to pay.
The only choice is to meet force with force. Look at the way the Russians crushed the Chechen rebels.It was a ruthless attack with no quarter given. Has the Indian state led by a Hindu leadership this mettle? One does not have to look for answers as its crystal clear that the leadership itself and that includes Modi is petrified. Where do we go from here?
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article Looking for love.
I've gone through a seachange in the last few years. I'm no longer the timid, tall guy that I was during my late teens, or the angry young man in my 20s. Reading has permeated every nook & corner of my existence. Honestly speaking, I've never felt this bodacious in all the 33 revolutions that I've taken around the sun!! Like some wisecark once said:"All love begins with self-love." I love myself now, Love my job ( I'm a Physaitrist), love the fact that I'm financially independent, & love the boosts technology has given for nurturing your soul & new relationships...
Like billions out there, I'm looking for love. Prosaic, as that may sound, I'm not looking for a plastic relationship, inspired by movies or novels. I'm at an age, where I have to choose a life partner. There has to be a girl who is simple, yet listens to Britrock; someone who has read tons of books, but yet knows the value of silence; someone who has modern dressing styles, but inside her heart values commitment...
To help my search, I've enrolled on a matrimonial site, & I socialise with girls whenever possible, so that I can get to know them. When I'm searching for something, I leave no stone unturned!! On one murky Tuesday, I ran into Geethu, she's a House Surgeon ( aka Intern ), & she kinda skydived into the pool of my heart...She loves Britrock, is very open minded, & also reads quite a bit. My 'loveometer' ( the part of my adaptive subconscious that instantly calculates the chances of me falling for a girl!!) gave her a score of 4/5...So I start talking & flirting with her, & we get along quite well. She meets me with a 'genuine smile', each time!! ( for novices in micro-expressions, a genuine smile is poles apart from a fake one!!)...She hails from North India, & she was leaving in a week's time. I asked her if she wanted to hang out, & she flashes that celstial smile again...'She's not offended, that's cool', was the thought that flashed through my mind....She gave me her number, & claimed that she was busy at that point in time...I was not let down, or anything of that sort, because her statement seemed all too genuine...
That afternoon I reached my room, & was thinking about Geethu...She loves Oasis, reads quite a lot, is a very genuine person, I don't think my 'loveometer' was wrong...That evening, after the daily workout, I checked out a song by 'The White Stripes' called ' Fell in live with a girl'...Needless to say, that song became a earworm for days on end...
Geethu's posting ended, & though she responded to my messages, she did get busy. Anyone who completed MBBS, knows the doggednessthat we have to live through when the course ends ( a long list of certificates we have to apply & wait for!! applying for Amnesty, is easier!!)..So Geethu left, & as usual I needed to keep looking for real love ( or my cliched version of it!!)..So one evening, while drifting through my matrimonial profile, I noted the profile of a Dentist-Nisha, who reads a lot, who showed interest in my profile...I aksed my parents to 'proceed' with that proposal...3 weeks later, I was informed that the horoscopes matched!! 3 freaking weeks, no wonder some of my married peers, referred to those bundles of paper as 'horrorscopes'!! So this could work out for me..I went through her profile, a couple of times more...Nisha likes Philosophy, & I'm so into that field, that it literally runs through my veins!!...Nisha's parents called us over to their place, to get to know us. ..On a Sunday, we started out for Nisha's residence. So after 'small talk' ( in arranged marriage circles, 'small talk' takes roughly an hour, & is super boring!!), I get to talk to Nisha...For a person who reads a lot, she seemed rather withdrawn. But after talking with her , I realized she had a lot of values, my 'loveometer' showed a score of 3/5...Nisha's parents promised to get back to us...As I wait, the song lines from 'The White Stripes' song go through my mind-"My left brain knows that all love is fleeting..."....But I'll keep searching.....
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Why no one talk about West Bengal Riots?.
At one time, during the winter sessions of Parliament Modi appropriately said that for the Congress party and the opposition parties Party and personal interests are above the...
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question A word on your favourite toy during childhood days.
I loved to play outdoor games. My favourite games were Gilli danda, Playing Kancha ( marbles) and Lattoo ( spinning top) with huge gang of cousins. I was the only girl in our...
9 years ago
Rohit Gupta replied to the topic Is buying a Fitbit worth it? or Do we have alternative Android app for same ?.
Sure but one of the bug I felt in these free app is that they even count the steps when you are travelling which must not at all as you are stationary. So wondering will...
9 years ago
Divya replied to the topic Is buying a Fitbit worth it? or Do we have alternative Android app for same ?.
If you want to keep detailed track and even compete with friends n buddies and of course if you have the money to spend you can definitely go for Fitbit. It is worth it. But...
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question A talent you would love to have....
Coming from a family of musicians and singers, I was a misfit. My musical intelligence is limited to appreciating good music and always listening to it and humming when alone....
9 years ago
Rohit Gupta created new topic Is buying a Fitbit worth it? or Do we have alternative Android app for same ?.
Is buying a Fitbit worth it? or Do we have alternative Android app for same who can't buy such expensive watches for their health record ?
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question What's the biggest failure in one's life?.
I also feel that failure is a learning experience and a stepping stone to success. Having said that, if I contemplate and answer the question I would say the biggest failure...
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question Living with expectations or????.
One has to set expectations to live a life. Otherwise you stay directionless, clueless and with no motivation. But I do feel that once you reach maturity, you should set your...
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question Movies which gave you nostalgic feeling in the recent times.
Though not a great movie, seeing M S Dhoni made me nostalgic as it was our native Ranchi shoots. So the scenes of roads of Ranchi and the talk of singhara and Balushahi, the...
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar said thank you to usha manohar for his/her reply to the topic Lessons from the Epic Mahabharata.
rambabu wrote:
Learning household chores like cooking and cleaning can actually be beneficial. Such skills definitely make your life...
9 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Why no one talk about West Bengal Riots?.
Not surprises there! In a state where Durga pooja has been banned at many places just to appease the minority, it comes as no surprise that no one is willing to talk about...
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE.
Well I don't think there's a better way to express your love for someone, than through songs. Cards, or the well planned 'unexpected gift at an unexpected time', all pale in comparison. In life, all you need is love, uhhh, & chocolate, & a good bank balance, & high speed internet!! Ok, jokes apart, I'm now gonna share my favorite love songs with you...
"I've found a reason for me To change who I used to be A reason to start over new and the reason is you.."
'Hoobastank' from the song-The Reason
The song topped the charts globally, & it's no surprise. The vocals, lyrics & song structure are bodacious. Change is usually difficult, but when spurred by love, it's smooth & easy( or atleast it seems so!!)...
"Yours is the first face that I saw I think I was blind before I met you Now I don't know where I am I don't know where I've been But I know where I want to go.."
'Brighty Eyes' from the song-First day of my life
Though I'm not into this band all that much, I absolutely luuurrrvvve this song. The song lines are too good to be true. And anyone who's been in love knows that your life begins anew, from the moment you fall in love...Right??!!
"If the love that I got for you is gone If the river I cried ain't that long Then I'm wrong, yeah I'm wrong, this ain't a love song..."
'Bon Jovi' from the song-This ain't a love song
Though most people consider 'Always', as the best love ballad by Bon Jovi, this is my pick. This song is taken from the album 'These days. The lyrics & the song structure give you an instant eargasm. For those of you who haven't checked it out yet, it's high time you did.....
"Lying close to you feeling your heart beating And I'm wondering what you're dreaming, Wondering if it's me you're seeing Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together And I just wanna stay with you In this moment forever, forever and ever..."
'Aerosmith' from the song-I don't want to miss a thing
The soundtrack of the movie Armageddon, was filled with awesome rock songs, but all of them paled in comparison to this gem of a love song. The song climbed upto number one on the global charts, in a jiffy...
"You fill up my senses like a night in the forest, like the mountains in springtime, like a walk in the rain, like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean. You fill up my senses, come fill me again..."
'John Denver' from the song-Annie's song
This song by Country rock giant John Denver is simply mindblowing. The lyrics & music are nothing short of perfect. After listening to this song, you'll feel like you just walked out of a Monet painting...
"I can't deny what I believe I can't be what I'm not I know our love forever I know, no matter what.."
'Boyzone' from the song-No matter what
Though the boyband has belted out way too many perfect love ballads, this is my favorite. Love the simple lyrics & the awesome music. If you've been in love, you know that nothing else really matters, & you'll do anything to make it last forever....
"Please forgive me I know not what I do. Please forgive me I can't stop lovin' you Don't deny me. This pain I'm going through... Please forgive me if I need you like I do..."
'Bryan Adams' from the song-Please forgive me
Sandpaper voiced Rock icon Bryan Adams has been revered for his unbelievably mushy love songs. This mother of a love ballad, is one of my favorite love songs ever...Love the lyrics & the perfect song structure..
"My love throws me like a rubber ball Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing She won't catch me or break my fall Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing Baby's got blue skies up ahead But in this I'm a rain cloud You know she likes a dry kind of love Oh oh oh, the sweetest thing.."
'U2' from the song-The sweetest thing
Bono & gang are considered to be the best Rock band ever. They have more than their share of uber mushy love ballads, to their credit. This short sweet love song, is my favorite by this band....
"Nothing you can know that isn't known Nothing you can see that isn't shown Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be It's easy All you need is love All you need is love All you need is love, love Love is all you need...."
'The Beatles' from the song-All you need is love
The list of Rock love ballads, will never be complete without the quartet that started off writing mushy love ballads. The lyrics & song structure are simple yet strong & soothing. Trust me it'll give you an instant eargasm!!
That's all for now.....
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article BUZZ SONGS.
If you're a Rock fan, you'll be aware that Rock music helps to raise your energy levels quickly. It creates a buzz, that re-energizes you. In this post I'd like to share songs that help me to get the buzz back into the day...
Walk by Pantera
Pantera was hailed as one of the pioneers of Thrash metal. This song is one of the heaviest metal songs, & one of the most popular ones as well. The commercial success of this song was of gargantuan proportions. Just one listen to this song takes your energy levels higher...
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
Jack & Meg White came out with this killer song, which is supposed to have the third catchiest guitar riff of all times( the catchiest guitar riff was from 'Smoke on the water' by Deep Purple, & the second catchiest was from 'Smells like teen spirit' by Nirvana). From the opening lyrics:"I'm gonna fight em' off, a seven nation army couldn't hold me back...", & the awesome guitar work, one easily get's transported to a higher energy level....
Acquiesce by Oasis
"I don't know what it is that makes me feel alive, I don't know how to wake the things that sleep inside..." sings Liam Gallagher at the opening of this killer of a song. The song appeared on the album 'Master plan', a B sides compilation. Often referred to as the best friendship song by the Mancunian Rock band, it definitely takes you to a higher energy plane...
Fuel by Metallica
The most commercially successful Heavy metal band in history has been well known for belting out high energy track after track. My personal favorite energy upper is this track. With James Hetfield shouting:" Gimme fuel, gimme fire, gimme that which I desire...", the song explodes, & keeps the energy level at gargantuan proportions....
Song 2 by Blur
This is the 2nd song from the album 'Blur', it reached number 2 position on the UK charts, & is 2 minutes long- couldn't be more aptly named right?!. Damon Albarn & crew have umpteen platinum singles & albums to their credit, but none are as power packed as this song..."Wooo Hooo..."
Tub thumper by Chumba Wumba
This song gained cult following, because of the powerpacked lyrics & awesome music. Played at stadiums before Cricket & Football matches, the song definitely takes you to a highly charged energy zone. The chorus-"I get knocked down, but I get up again...You're never gonna keep me down...", is highly addictive, to say the least...
Rock you like a hurricane by The Scorpions
The Scorpions have way too many platinum singles & albums to their credit. But my favorite 'Rock hurricane', is this track. This hurricane of a track only takes your energy levels higher, & causes absolutely no damage to your house, car or pets, I assure you!!
Machinehead by Bush
Though Gavin Rossdale & his band were often considered as Nirvana wannabes for long, this is one mother of a track. The lyrics & music are brutally energetic & addictive...
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
The song that catapulted Nirvana to superstardom & kicked off the 90s Grunge Rock revolution of the 90s was inspired by a deodorant brand called 'Teen spirit'. With an uber addictive guitar riffage, & Cobain's graty vocals, this song does take your energy levels higher each time...If only Nirvana wasn't this negative & self destructive...
Asche zu asche by Rammstein
The German Rock outfit most remembered for their unbelievable guitar riffs, & pyrotechnics on stage, came out with this gem of a song. Till Lindemann's vocals and the music stucture are breath taking & energizing......
Though music helps to take your energy levels higher, I would like to advise the youth of today to avoid using drugs to get higher....The damage caused by these so called 'uppers' is severe & often irreversible....
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article OASIS-THE EARLY YEARS.
It all started off in Manchester, a band was formed by the Gallagher brothers. Liam & Noel Gallagher, started writing, & composing music, hoping to get a break. Their band was named Oasis, & their debut album was titled 'Definitely Maybe'. The album was one of the highest selling albums in British rock history. The song 'Supersonic', topped the UK charts, & was highly acclaimed globally. The debut album also contained, other uber cool songs- 'Rock n Roll star', 'Live forever', 'Shaker maker', 'Slide away', 'Cigarettes & alcohol'.
'Rock n roll star' was the opening track, which was teeming with swagger. Liam Gallagher sings:"In my mind my dreams are real,now you're concerned about the way I feel..Tonight I'm a Rock n Roll star..". It was as if the Gallaghers were certain that the debut album would definitely catapult them to Rock n Roll superstardom. 'Live forever', was a heavy & stylish track. The lyrics:"Maybe I just wanna fly, wanna live I don't wanna die..Maybe I just wanna breathe, maybe I just don't believe...", showcases the rebellious heart of the band. This song was selected as the best Rock song ever, by Q magazine.
After a multi platinum debut album, Oasis released their second album- '(What's the story) Morning Glory?'. Now most Rock bands are afraid of the 'sophomore slump' phenomenon, where your second album pales in comparison to your debut effort. But this Mancunian juggernaut took British rock music to newer heights with their second album. Tracks like 'Wonderwall', 'Roll with it', 'Some might say', 'She's electric', 'Don't look back in anger', 'Champagne Supernova','Morning glory' became earworms in a jiffy!!
'Wonderwall' was a love ballad, that was lyrically & musically bodacious. Liam sings:"When all the roads we have to walk are winding, & all the lights that light the way are blinding...There are many things that I would like to say to you, but I don't know how...". It is even now one of the ten best love ballads of all time...In 'Some might say', Oasis sounded a lot like the band Status Quo, hence the word 'Quoasis' was concocted, after this song hit number one, on the British charts!! With lyrics that go :"Some might say they don't believe in heaven, go & say it to the man who lives in hell...Some might say you get what you've been given, if you don't get your's I won't get mine as well...", the song was nothing short of epic.
The British audience accepted Oasis as 'the 90s Beatles'. In the US, though Oasis had a decent fan following, they were considered as 'The British Guns n Roses'. Oasis' gigs were sold out everywhere, & the band toured heavily. Wembley, Glastonbury & other popular venues were teeming with fans, eager to listen to this new rock phenomenon. The live experience was unbelievably powerful, & the audience luuuurrrvvved it!!
The cult following that Oasis had, increased with their third album-'Be Here Now'. This album climbed to the Number one spot, on the charts on both sides of the Atlantic. The songs-'D'you know what I mean?', 'All around the world', 'Don't go away', 'Fade in out', 'Stand by me' were all runaway hits. This album earned them much critical acclaim as well. 'D'you know what I mean?', the opening track, was a 7 minute gem!! The lyrics like:"Comin' in a mess goin' out in style, I ain't good looking but I'm some one's child..." are teeming with audacity!! "All around the world' also received a lot of airplay globally. Oasis followed this up with a massive world tour. The fans were left breathless after the concerts, & Oasis became an official Rock Juggernaut!!
The early years of Oasis, highlights how talent & swagger catapulted this band into Rock n Roll superstardom. They are even now compared to the modern day Beatles....What better way to end this post, than with lyrics from 'Supersonic'....
"I need to be myself, I can't be no one else
I'm feeling supersonic, give me gin & tonic...."... & that's how the 'Swagger Gallaghers' took over the world of Rock n Roll...\m/
9 years ago
MG Singh created new article A Fresh Look at OROP and the Army in the Prevailing atmosphere.
An army veteran has committed suicide and this has brought into focus the great divide that exists between reality and rhetoric. this was something bound to happen after what we saw when the Police in 2015 stormed the Jantar Mantar and manhandled ex-servicemen who were conducting a peaceful agitation for sanction of OROP as per the Koshiyari commission appointed by parliament. Without a doubt, this issue was bound to snowball later as the army men had been peacefully representing to the government for 40 years for restoration of their perks and privileges, snatched from them by a misguided Nehru and his defense Minister Krishna Menon. Now a veteran has committed suicide and I am afraid this was bound to happen.
The above is well documented in the biography of General KS Thimmiyya the army Chief who stood up to Nehru and sent in his resignation on the question of promotion of a cousin of Nehru, LT Gen BM Kaul. Unfortunately, Thimmiya was an exception and sadly most of the top brass that includes big names like Maneckshaw, Cariappa, and Sunderjee failed the common soldier as they NEVER represented with force to stop the downward revision of pay and perks and reduction in pension. One cannot be charitable and condone the lapses of the general staff and they also have a hand in this sorry state of affairs.
Times have changed and earlier socio-economic status of the soldier and his background is not relevant today. Earlier most of the soldiers were from a rural background and hence not assertive but the present soldier is from more aware strata of society and he will not take what the earlier soldiers took. He wants his right and that is the reason the OROP agitation at Jantar Mantar has got steam even after a year of its inception.
Soldiers now will not accept that their lot will be inferior to the man in the street and the civil worker. A soldier retires early and many retired at 35-37 and with the meager pension given to them it is not possible for him to make two ends meet. This leads to a level of frustration as he has more and more rresponsibility and less of means. Such people have links with serving personnel and to say that a serving soldier won't be affected by the financial woes of his elder is a fallacy.
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article LIFE & RELATIONSHIP ADVICE FROM 90s ROCK MUSIC...
Rock music...Some call it 'cacophonic drivel', some say it started off wanton behavior among the youth....But for me it's a source of wisdom, a source of solace in times of pain. I started listening to Rock music in the 90s, & I've been hooked ever since!!Rock lyrics are almost always what you make of them. To cite just one instance in favor of that argument, REM's 'The one I love', was the most frequently played song in most American weddings in the late 80s & early 90s. Now according to frontman, Michael Stipe, it was a 'break up song'!! The reason I'm writing this article, is to highlight how Rock music contains some really important life & relationship advice ( based on my interpretations)...
"There are many things that I would like to say to you,
But I don't know how...I said, maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me.."-Oasis
(from the song 'Wonderwall', which appeared on the sophomore album 'Morning Glory')
These lines express, quite aptly, the fragility & lability of a young lover. Young lovers will definitely relate to the fact that they have very hard time wording their feelings, to the object of their affection. It's perfectly normal to feel so, that doesn't mean you're a coward, or less of a human being. Love would lose, much of it's beauty if the vulnerability factor was taken out of the experience. The lines also highlight, how lovers cling to each other, to save themselves from listless existence.
"Every new beginning, comes from some other beginning's end.."-Semisonic
(from the song 'Closing time', taken from the album 'Feeling strangely fine')
The closing lines, of this hugely popular song, asks us to be bold enough to start again. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls the butterfly. It takes a lot of courage, to begin anew, but it's definitely worth it. Most people have a hard time ending things- whether it's relationships, jobs, associations, & these lines reiterate the fact that to begin afresh, we'll have to end things.
"You won't know how well you've played, until you'e won.."-Embrace
(from the song 'The Good Will Out', taken from the debut album of the band, named 'The Good Will Out')
The Mc Namara brothers' debut album, was their magnum opus. These song lines ask us to have complete faith in ourselves. Keep your hopes up & give it all you've got. Roger Bannister ran the 4 minute mile, when it was deemed impossible. Christopher Columbus sailed to find new lands, when he was warned not to do so...
"Everyone I know has got a reason to say, push the past away..."-Third Eye Blind
(from the song 'Jumper', which appeared on the debut album 'Third Eye Blind')
These lines highlight the fact that no matter how beautiful or painful the past is, it's always better to push it all a way. The Chinese sage Lao Tsu said:"If you're depressed, it's because you're dwelling in the past. If you're anxious. it's because you're worried about the future. Keep your mind always in the present & stay happy."These lines are one of my favorite ever, & I hope you can see why...
"This world is gonna pull through, don't give up
You've gotta reason to live, can't forget
We only get what we give..."-New Radicals
(from the song 'You get what you give', taken from the album 'Maybe you've been brainwashed too')
New Radicals maybe hailed as just another 'one hit wonder', but these lines are teeming with wisdom. It asks us not to lose faith in the world we live in, & more importantly to remember that Karma is watching every single act of ours...
"You've gotta roll with it, you've gotta take your time
You've gotta say what you say, don't let anybody get in your way..."-Oasis
( from the song 'Roll with it', taken off the album 'Morning glory')
Another set of really wise lyrics, by the Mancunian band, giving advise about how to face life. You have to go with the flow, speak your mind, & stop people from getting in your way. The lyrics show how to handle life with the smooth handle. All the success advice mustered by reading three self-help books, is summarised well in these lines...
This article is based on my interpretation of the aforementioned lines only. The whole song may not express the ideas expressed above....
9 years ago
Rohit Gupta created new article Building up the conversation (part 8).
Building up the conversation ( part 8)
Diversity of Situations
Conversation between two People
When two people are talking to each other, there is apt to be a personal tone in the conversation. It would be difficult for any two persons to talk for any length of time and be indifferent to or detached from each other. Firstly, if there is animosity or any kind of attempt to avoid each other, the said conversation between these two persons cannot take place. It has therefore to be admitted that the two persons talking to each other are motivated by some kindred feeling and mutual interest- whether it be business, common good or common danger. To make a conversation successful on such occasions, one has first of all to show all the sincerity one is capable of. And this sincerity has to be followed up by subsequent actions, otherwise the party concerned may be hurt and may shrink from developing any further relationship.
In a Group
There is a different set of norms to be followed in group conversation. It may be mentioned at the same time that this type of conversation is the essence of the art of conversation. Unless a person becomes an adept in the ways of group conversation he will not be recognized as a true conversationalist. A two-way conversation, even a very shy person can manage, but bring that same person into a group and we may, more often than not, find him tongue-tied and silent!
When, however, the members of the group are unknown to one another, a different kind of behavior will naturally be required. The first few rounds in such conversation are generally spent in establishing contact or rapport. People can speak on general topics politely for some time to find out, without giving offense, the standing, inclination, and tastes of the others. As and when the curiosity of the group in general is satisfied- here also direct questions are to be avoided-the group will gradually settle down and the talk will move along on common, general and accepted topics.
At Parties
Party conversation is primarily for the sake of employment. The members attending a party, therefore, should do well to leave all their worries behind and give themselves up to merry-making that a party is meant for. No particular rule of conversation, in fact, is applicable in a party where the motto is to take and give pleasure. a general rule of party conversation is that it should not be too personal or one-sided, else it will become boring and lifeless.
At a party, it is natural and reasonable to ask general preliminary questions from all those who are known to a person and also from those to whom one is introduced. But beyond that one should not persist in personal subjects which may cause groups to be dragged into corners. even if there is business or the personal matters to be discussed,they should be postponed to keep alive the party spirit.
In Business
The business world is different from the safe grounds of our personal acquaintance. The competition in the business world naturally makes one person suspicious of another. The slogan in the business world sometimes is 'cheat or be cheated'. This is by no means always true and is certainly not justified, but the fear persists and this fear inhibits the talk which becomes guarded, cautious even formal. there are however, frank and sincere conversation as well, which are the best because in business, genuineness and goodwill of the businessman will always stand him in good stead. Most of the trade the world over is carried on with credit and good faith as the base. It is therefore, always better to be frank and sincere- for goodwill and a good reputation are far more valuable assets than one's bank balance.
In business, time is more precious than money and so business conversations should be brief and to the point. There should be no beating about the bush, no formalities other than those are required. This does not mean that the conversation should be bereft of any normal softness or civility. If the conversation is too short and precise, it may look like orders being given by one side to the other.
In easy and difficult situations
Difficult situations refer to obstacles that lie in the free flow of discourse between two persons or among a group. One may think that easy situations presents no problems. Actually the easy situation may require more tact than the difficult one. A person should be more careful in company where there are not many restraints and where people use whatever language or words they feel like using. The disadvantage of such a free situation is that a person may say something without thinking and offend somebody unwittingly.
In contrast to this, a difficult situation would mean that the persons who are engaged in talking are cautious and careful because the others in the group are non,co-operative. The conversationalists do not share the common purpose of building up the conversation.
Among Friends
Even among friends, there should be some reserve and purpose in conversation. There is nothing like the imparting and receiving of knowledge and this is especially so in the case of young men and growing youths. If the rising curiosity of young people is met, there is every possibility that they will be more interested in this type of tail than any vulgar display of words merely to gratify their senses. Also, it is true that people with ambition and purpose in life will seldom give themselves up to idle or loose talk. Their conversation will usually be on the lines of probing into the unknown.
Among Acquaintances
There is some pattern or conversational etiquette that is to be followed among these acquaintances. Needless to say that day-to-day worries and anxieties should not be confided to mere acquaintances. One should be pleasant and open in these situations without being confidential. Though there is no bar on the number or kinds of topics that can be discussed, there are, however, some constraints to be observed. Thus, while a person can talk with an acquaintance about the problem of the day, the daily hardships of the common man, the state of country's economy and so on, he should not delve into subjects like his son's education or daughter's marriage or father's ill health or his own body ailment.
The main idea of conversation among acquaintances is to carry on some discussion on general topics and to disseminate or gain knowledge. Thus, a person may go into the details of the robbery in his area or how land auctions are held at spiraling prices or what the principal of the best school in town, who lives in his locality, has to say on education and on the building up of student-careers, but not how much his wife spends on her clothes, or how interesting his mother-in-law is and so on. It has mostly been found that talk among acquaintances is quite interesting because by common consent such conversation is without personal touches, involvements or complaints.
Among Strangers
There is no doubt about the fact that strangers can become acquaintances in time, provided two or more personalities have something in common. there have been instances of such 'pick-up' acquaintances sustained for long periods and ripening into real friendship. It is also true that people feel freer to talk to strangers than to those who are known to them or are from the same town. When they go to foreign lands, they lose many of their inhibitions and behave more in the spirit of; when in Rome, do as the Romans do.'
The code of conduct in speaking to strangers who one may meet here and there forbids a man to ask personal questions, no matter what these may refer to. Talk with a stranger is generally casual and is prompted on the occasion by force of circumstances. Thus he may complain about the delay of the bus, the train or the plane, and when he speaks aloud, unable to keep his thoughts to himself any more, he may get the support of a fellow-sufferer, who may say something more about the general situation.
Among hosts and guests
In our ordinary and normal social disclosure, we are either acting the part of a host or a guest. It is for the host to keep in mind that he is in the center of attention by common consent of the guests who have come to the host of their own free will and that in itself should be taken as a compliment. If there were no guests, the host would not have had this part to play.
Guests should also not forget that today they are guests here in this house and it may be that tomorrow the position may be reversed. If this is an admitted fact, it is also true that guests have an etiquette to observe. They must not behave irresponsibly, cut impolite or uncouth jokes or belittle any fellow-guests in any way. Moreover, it is the host's privilege to take the dominant part in the conversation, and to come forward and lead.
Among Males and Females
A certain discipline in language and behavior and a code of conduct have to be maintained when the two parties happen to belong to the opposite sexes. The boisterous gestures, postures and thinking aloud that are permissible among friends and acquaintances of the same sex, particularly the male should be avoided, in the first place, when a man is talking to a woman and vice-versa. It may be said that this type of restraint is rather old-fashioned and should be discarded in the modern age when there is so much talk of women's 'lib'. This may be true up to a point. in western countries today, the idea is gradually developing that the two sexes have two distinct patterns of life to follow and are equals though on different planes. It is, therefore, seen that restraints that were formerly exercised when conversing have been, to a large extent, removed.
It is also true that in this age of many youth movements and sports and cultural activities, young men and women of today are thrown together much more than those of the previous generation. Therefore, these young men and women have developed a great understanding and tolerance of each other than their parents or grandparents.
9 years ago
MG Singh created new article The River of No Return : Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is part of India, but it is governed by a special provision of the Indian constitution often referred to as Article 370. This article was introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru the then prime minister of India. There was no compulsion on the Indian parliament to enact this amendment which required a 2/3 majority, but Nehru in his wisdom got this article incorporated in the constitution.
The article in short states that Kashmir's accession to India was conditional and the state was allowed to have its own flag and a separate constitution. The state was insulated from the rest of India by a proviso that no other Indian could buy any immovable property or settle in the state. More important no central law passed by parliament was applicable to the state till its legislature approved it. This was a draconian proviso and sowed the seeds of separatism, for which history will never forgive Nehru. He died in 1964, but left this article like an anchor around the neck of the Indian state and now one does not know what to do. Successive Indian governments have grappled with this measure but nobody has had the guts to abrogate this proviso. This includes the BJP led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee who ruled for 6 years. Even this man who was a die-hard opponent of Article 370 did not lift a finger to remove this obnoxious article. It is worth examining that such a proviso does not exist in any other constitution of a major power in the world, yet it is very much there in the Indian constitution.
The writer Mikhail Sholokov wrote," And quiet flows the Don". This is an eternal river of Russia and it flows slowly and there is no going back. To my mind. the same applies to Kashmir as even now with a so-called strong leader in Narendra Modi, the article 370 remains and is fundamental to the present violence that has gone on unchecked for almost 90 days.Despite the curfew, this seems to have gathered more momentum than ever. What is the solution? Modi when in the opposition talked about many things. Notably, he talked of a uniform civil code and the abrogation of Article 370. People took him at face value for all that he stated and the RSS the parent body has been talking of these two factors for last 70 years. Sadly talking is not doing and their earlier plea that there were not in power, they could not act on these two contentious matters that bedevil the Indian state. But despite being in power these worthies have not moved an inch in the direction. Granted,a historical aberration is not easy to correct, but some action was expected on these two issues and despite the BJP having been in power for 6 years earlier and now for close to 3 years the matter has not moved forward. These two looks lie the Rock of Gibralter that is supposed to be unsinkable.
Kashmir is a part of the Union of India only in the maps and paper. One-third of Kashmir is occupied by Pakistan and another major part( 30000 square miles) is occupied by China.This is the Aksai Chin area whic for years was left untended and without the semblance of any administration by none other than that worthy the then Indian Prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. This man also agreed to a ceasefire at a time when the Indian army was driving the invaders back. Historically his apologists have never explained the compulsions of Nehru on these points. In addition, he also accepted the demand for a plebiscite in the state for the people to decide for them. He even made this announcement in a Public speech in Srinagar in 1948. Later he tried to backtrack by not holding the plebiscite as he was well aware that the vote will be against India.
The question now is where do we go from here? A plebiscite will mean that Kashmir at least the valley will vote to secede from India and that will be the end of the Indian union. It cannot be allowed as the right of self-determination cannot be exercised by a small group of people. It could well open a pandora box as other states may also want to secede. One could not forget that in the late sixties Annadurai the Tamil leader had in a speech in Madras articulated freedom and secession from the Indian union.
The states in the North East will also ask for the right of self-determination. At the same time, India is unable to control the valley which has seen a rise in militancy in daily attacks on the security forces. Thankfully the suicide bomber concept has not caught on in the Valley, otherwise, there could be hell to pay.
The only choice is to meet force with force. Look at the way the Russians crushed the Chechen rebels.It was a ruthless attack with no quarter given. Has the Indian state led by a Hindu leadership this mettle? One does not have to look for answers as its crystal clear that the leadership itself and that includes Modi is petrified. Where do we go from here?
9 years ago
Bineesh Balakrishnan created new article Looking for love.
I've gone through a seachange in the last few years. I'm no longer the timid, tall guy that I was during my late teens, or the angry young man in my 20s. Reading has permeated every nook & corner of my existence. Honestly speaking, I've never felt this bodacious in all the 33 revolutions that I've taken around the sun!! Like some wisecark once said:"All love begins with self-love." I love myself now, Love my job ( I'm a Physaitrist), love the fact that I'm financially independent, & love the boosts technology has given for nurturing your soul & new relationships...
Like billions out there, I'm looking for love. Prosaic, as that may sound, I'm not looking for a plastic relationship, inspired by movies or novels. I'm at an age, where I have to choose a life partner. There has to be a girl who is simple, yet listens to Britrock; someone who has read tons of books, but yet knows the value of silence; someone who has modern dressing styles, but inside her heart values commitment...
To help my search, I've enrolled on a matrimonial site, & I socialise with girls whenever possible, so that I can get to know them. When I'm searching for something, I leave no stone unturned!! On one murky Tuesday, I ran into Geethu, she's a House Surgeon ( aka Intern ), & she kinda skydived into the pool of my heart...She loves Britrock, is very open minded, & also reads quite a bit. My 'loveometer' ( the part of my adaptive subconscious that instantly calculates the chances of me falling for a girl!!) gave her a score of 4/5...So I start talking & flirting with her, & we get along quite well. She meets me with a 'genuine smile', each time!! ( for novices in micro-expressions, a genuine smile is poles apart from a fake one!!)...She hails from North India, & she was leaving in a week's time. I asked her if she wanted to hang out, & she flashes that celstial smile again...'She's not offended, that's cool', was the thought that flashed through my mind....She gave me her number, & claimed that she was busy at that point in time...I was not let down, or anything of that sort, because her statement seemed all too genuine...
That afternoon I reached my room, & was thinking about Geethu...She loves Oasis, reads quite a lot, is a very genuine person, I don't think my 'loveometer' was wrong...That evening, after the daily workout, I checked out a song by 'The White Stripes' called ' Fell in live with a girl'...Needless to say, that song became a earworm for days on end...
Geethu's posting ended, & though she responded to my messages, she did get busy. Anyone who completed MBBS, knows the doggednessthat we have to live through when the course ends ( a long list of certificates we have to apply & wait for!! applying for Amnesty, is easier!!)..So Geethu left, & as usual I needed to keep looking for real love ( or my cliched version of it!!)..So one evening, while drifting through my matrimonial profile, I noted the profile of a Dentist-Nisha, who reads a lot, who showed interest in my profile...I aksed my parents to 'proceed' with that proposal...3 weeks later, I was informed that the horoscopes matched!! 3 freaking weeks, no wonder some of my married peers, referred to those bundles of paper as 'horrorscopes'!! So this could work out for me..I went through her profile, a couple of times more...Nisha likes Philosophy, & I'm so into that field, that it literally runs through my veins!!...Nisha's parents called us over to their place, to get to know us. ..On a Sunday, we started out for Nisha's residence. So after 'small talk' ( in arranged marriage circles, 'small talk' takes roughly an hour, & is super boring!!), I get to talk to Nisha...For a person who reads a lot, she seemed rather withdrawn. But after talking with her , I realized she had a lot of values, my 'loveometer' showed a score of 3/5...Nisha's parents promised to get back to us...As I wait, the song lines from 'The White Stripes' song go through my mind-"My left brain knows that all love is fleeting..."....But I'll keep searching.....
9 years ago
rambabu replied to the topic Why no one talk about West Bengal Riots?.
At one time, during the winter sessions of Parliament Modi appropriately said that for the Congress party and the opposition parties Party and personal interests are above the...
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question A word on your favourite toy during childhood days.
I loved to play outdoor games. My favourite games were Gilli danda, Playing Kancha ( marbles) and Lattoo ( spinning top) with huge gang of cousins. I was the only girl in our...
9 years ago
Rohit Gupta replied to the topic Is buying a Fitbit worth it? or Do we have alternative Android app for same ?.
Sure but one of the bug I felt in these free app is that they even count the steps when you are travelling which must not at all as you are stationary. So wondering will...
9 years ago
Divya replied to the topic Is buying a Fitbit worth it? or Do we have alternative Android app for same ?.
If you want to keep detailed track and even compete with friends n buddies and of course if you have the money to spend you can definitely go for Fitbit. It is worth it. But...
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question A talent you would love to have....
Coming from a family of musicians and singers, I was a misfit. My musical intelligence is limited to appreciating good music and always listening to it and humming when alone....
9 years ago
Rohit Gupta created new topic Is buying a Fitbit worth it? or Do we have alternative Android app for same ?.
Is buying a Fitbit worth it? or Do we have alternative Android app for same who can't buy such expensive watches for their health record ?
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question What's the biggest failure in one's life?.
I also feel that failure is a learning experience and a stepping stone to success. Having said that, if I contemplate and answer the question I would say the biggest failure...
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question Living with expectations or????.
One has to set expectations to live a life. Otherwise you stay directionless, clueless and with no motivation. But I do feel that once you reach maturity, you should set your...
9 years ago
Arunima Singh answered the question Movies which gave you nostalgic feeling in the recent times.
Though not a great movie, seeing M S Dhoni made me nostalgic as it was our native Ranchi shoots. So the scenes of roads of Ranchi and the talk of singhara and Balushahi, the...
9 years ago