TEMDULKAR BLOOD & CARNIVOROUS INSTINCTS

Good that blog was not written on Tendulkar Biography earlier. The news was indeed breaking. The idea was to mix the blood of master with ink and printing few selected copies of the biography at phenomenal price. Who was the target buyer? May be Vampires? The modern day vampires who have concealed their bleeding teeth? Probably there is no dearth of them even now.

Gone are the days of Lady Mackbeth washing her hands stained with blood. Gory of blood is perhaps now a thing to parade. In the wars of Marathas times, the beheaded head of the General was pierced with javelin paraded as mark of victory. That is recent history and literature. We need not scratch our heads for what must be case before that. It is expected that with civilization, such barbaric instincts ought to be overcome. History also tells us examples of King Sikandar and King Porus who demonstrated how a defeated head of state should be treated. At list the war has some kind of euphoria. When the blood is sought as marketable commodity, it is not soldier but the trader who is at work. The traders are perhaps more carnivorous of the two. The sad part is they advertise such instincts as marketing. I remember having read some time back how one dog lover cooked his flesh after death and ate it. That was her idea of keeping the pet permanently with her. Don’t we have story of the son Chilaya being cooked and served as food in scriptures? The story at least had happy end of the dinner being the GOD under disguise who as expected resurrects the son.

Like most of the news in present day media, the breaking news had little substance and too much of hype. After sharp reactions and much criticism, the master himself has come out with denial. A little late perhaps like lingering in nineties before making century. Too anxious for fans like us. But nineties are not remembered unless one gets out before making century. Well done Sir ! We can do without blood to remember you.

Arvind Khare

khare_am@yahoo.com

SECULAR SHOWCASE OF BLASTS

It is not enough to declare the state as secular in constitution alone. It must be shown as such. There arises the need to showcase image. The image is of course different than reality. The image is created and the reality is naturally born. Therefore what is shown need not be same as what is seen. Invariably there is gap between two. Yet that does not stop people from creating images and showcase them in make believe attempt.

Look at the council of ministers at the state or center. There must be at least one member belonging to minority amongst vast majority to show case this very secular image. Same is the case of appointment of state Governors to practically any state. A minority person must occupy chair after every 3 to 4 turns. The inclusion is more for token than merit.

Today purpose is to take a close look at blast trials. The Malegaon blast case is like one token case of minority amongst vast majority like council of Ministers. Only in minority is reversed from what it is at the council of Ministers. The kind of hype created by the media, the police have contributed their share in showcasing the secular spirit. The Malegaon blast trial gets almost as much coverage as all rest of the trials put together. It has become absolutely essential for the state to equate few accused belonging to majority at par with all accused belonging to minority. Some times the death of six outnumbers death of hundreds.

What a secular state and what a showcase. Keep believing that what is shown is really what is seen.

Arvind Khare

khare_am@yahoo.com

AMARNATH YATRA

It was indeed a high fly pilgrimage. Just bare three days of 5th,6th & 7th July to be precise. Day one to reach nearest base camp, day two for to & fro journey to the shrine in the cave and day three for return. No scope for making it shorter. Three domestic carriers and a helicopter service needed for that not to mention taxi drive to and form Baltal or pony or Dandi (palquein) ride of the last 6 KM distance from helipad to shrine cave.

Still it had the devotion, charm and adventure of full fledged AMARNATH YATRA. The adventure was written large on narrow, rising and slippery trails. In case you failed to notice, the pony wala or Dandi wala were quick enough to point out spots from where travelers have slipped into deep valley and how no trace of them could be found. They say Terrorist are planning to hit the YATRA. No need of ammunition. A small stampede rising out of panic is good enough to take toll of hundreds and thousands of Yatri. If that was not enough to indicate dangers, co-travelers gasping for breath did the job of reminder well.

Still the danger failed to dampen the spirit of the charm and devotion. A shining sun on the caps of peaks and snow gathered on the trail, clouds winds and rains, the cold of near the ice caps, a rare rainbow, mud, stones, glaciers, pine trees all came together to complete the grand picture. The peaks of Himalaya are so well spread that every peak appears to be top of the world. That was the feeling we carried till we reached the shrine.

While climbing the last lap of trek, all three trails coming from Pahalgam, Baltal and helicopter pad united in one single trail. It no more mattered from where you have come, or how much you traveled. Only thing that mattered was the fact you were there at last at the feet of the LORD in all his natural grandeur. The realization that BULAVA AYA HAI. In our case the call came to my wife. She made it in spite of cracked heals and fix leg joints on shear strength of strong will. We have to thank the dandi boys for that. I was a mere chaperon. It was Vikas Gokhale who turned in the robes of dutiful son Shravan for us. In the anxiety to ensure that we definitely have Darshan, he skipped his own. I am ready to hand over whatever Punya I might have accidentally collected to him.

Arvind Khare

khare_am@yahoo.com

ANNUAL APPOINTMENT WITH SALIL SAHJEEVAN

This year it was 4th July the Sunday following 29th June, the death anniversary day of SALIL. Sometimes it is preceding Sunday. For some time we tried to do it exactly on the 29th June. Working day made it possible only in the evening. Not as much time could be spent as we wanted. So the adjustment was inevitable. Adjustment is key word not only during life but even life after because we others are destined to live life of adjustment. It may be becoming somewhat ritualistic with every passing year but 13 years in long time to go.

As usual we had drawing competition. No subject is needed to be given. Children start as soon as papers and drawing materials are distributed. Usually it is typical scene of the sun rising from valley between two mountain peaks, or some festival or floral motives. The quality is similar to any other normal school children. Majority paintings are poor copies of some painting seen some where. Yet occasional exception do crop up to surprise. This year we had a boy painting Raksha Bandhan. When asked to explain he promptly told it is a festival where brother promises security to the sister. Imagine it coming from a boy abandoned on the streets. You have altogether different perspective of home, family and Indian culture. Invariably flag salutation is shown on the foreground of the shelter. Here not the quality of drawing itself that draws the attention but the thought behind it.

This was followed by dance numbers presented by some children. Once again it proved that the talent does not necessarily come with secured family back ground. Forget the talent but self confidence is exhibited to very large measure than average children of secured background. Then we had prize distribution and cash incentives to the boys securing first rank in his class room. No year is gone without having at least one such shining student receiving incentive. David had bagged it continuously during his school days. Now he is grown up and living independently in rented house along with his younger brother Wilson. He is a great reminder of the worthiness of cause.

The visit was completed with the lunch. A chicken Biryani cherished by all children. Perhaps our Lionesses were not too comfortable with non vegetarian food. They were considerate enough to see priority given to the liking of children. The Lions did their share under leadership of President Lion Anthony D”souza. A word must be spared in praise of the brother SANJAY in charge and the cook. A clear family bond is visible in their dealing with the Children.

The best part is of course the prayer said before start of the Lunch. Nothing better comes to my mind to bless the soul of our departed SALIL.

Arvind Khare

khare_am@yahoo.com