A tale of a small city

Silence ran over, when they heard these words. Crying, his mother ran out of the room. His father could not manage to stand on his knees, and he fall on chair. But Ravi made his decision, and he did not utter even a single word,  he turned back to his room, and wiped his tears. For the whole night, only tears were there.

Hathras, a small city in western U.P. For the business point of you, City is limited to local businesses and since the city is surrounded by villages, it has some advancement in terms of fertilized products. City has some colleges and schools enough for local population to educate, but not enough to provide them opportunities. City wakes up at 7:00 AM and sleeps at 8:00 PM, after that only vehicles crossing the city lives the night life.

Ravi was pursuing final year of  Bachelor of Technology from R.K Anand University, his father Din Dayal Agrawal owns a reputed general store in Centre Market. Adarsh, his younger brother was in 9th standard and he was topper of the class. Their morning began with enchants of Mantras, which his father recites. He walked at every corner home with Dhoop-Bati's to save his house from dark shadows. Meanwhile, his mother prepare breakfast for all. Family had a rule to have breakfast and dinner together. Once breakfast served and all family members sat for it. Adarsh busy revising the notes, Ravi on his accord for the college, Mother reminding Din Dayal for required necessities for the home, and Din Dayal was already busy in his store world. And their day passes with same routine.

For Ravi, Din Dayal and his wife already made their mind that he would join his father's business. Though Ravi was not serious about his future, but still he did not want to run his father's shop. For him, it was like he would do anything except sitting on shop. Time traveled and tensions rose. Ravi finished his college with average marks. Adarsh, as usual scored good marks. Ravi, along with his friends filled several forms for government exams, attended few campuses, but none turned to his expectations. Dejected, he followed what his father asked. He started sitting on the shop. Monotonously, he was running his father's business . And His mother started looking girls for him.

Days passed. One day, Din Dayal sent Ravi to city for some purchases. While in return, he met Arun, one of his old classmate. Later, Arun went to City to complete his college, while Ravi remained in Hathras. Arun had a good job in MNC. Arun told Ravi about his past and present, and same Ravi told to Arun. Though Ravi was expecting some sort of happiness, the feeling one brings when he met one of his old friend, instead it added discomfort for Ravi. And he never spoke to Arun after that. Not only with Arun, but also with all of his friends. The guilt of not making up to his expectation brought his feelings more lower. And that degradation made him more fierce towards his own family members, he now started behaving abruptly with his mother, he stopped talking to Adarsh, and he started making arguments with his father.

For all his pains and for all his sorrows their was only one, who gave him a bit of comfort, Cigarette.
Life remained uneasy for him, until he get in touch with one tout, who assured him that with his connections and power, he would have him government job, but in return he requested 1 Lakh Rupees. Now for Ravi, Tout was his new God. And finally at dinner table, he requested his father for the money, Din Dayal refused. He left his dinner in middle, and went outside of the house. He returned at 10 PM after lighting two pack of cigarette, his father and mother were already waiting for him. Now his words carried Anger, frustration.  He announced to his father and mother that he couldn't sit on shop now. If they didn't gave him money than they have to forget him, and he would leave the home. He would do anything for the Job, he may loot someone, if they wouldn't gave him that amount of money. His mother tried to persuade, but he didn't listened. Din Dayal tried to convince him about the falsehood of touts, now Ravi lost his patience and shouted on his father. He told Din Dayal, he never treated him as son, for him Adarsh is the only son.

Silence ran over, after these words. Crying, his mother ran out from the room. His father could not manage to stand on his knees, and he fall on chair. But Ravi made his decision,  he turned back to his room, and wiped his tears. For the whole night, only tears were there.

Next Morning Din Dayal knocked Ravi's Door. He told him, he would have the money within one week. He will handover all amount of money he had saved for Ravi's marriage. Ravi felt happy, while Din Dayal kept his head down and left silently.

After one week, Ravi took money from his father and handover that to Tout. Tout promised, he would gave him a call, once all get settled, and his Offer letter got arranged. Ravi announced about his new job to all his friends. Infact, he gave a treat to all. Days passed, but no response. Ravi went frustrated again. For the whole day, he kept dialing the tout's number, but no response. Now what, he can't even go to his parents, even cigarettes failed to comfort him.

Today, Ravi is handling the shop. He is married. But, one thing has changed. Now, he follows what all Din Dayal advised to him.

Fall of Jackal

Election Results did not create much surprise to Indians, but results created panic and matter of shock to many politicians and leaders. In fact out of them, some were dreaming of higher positions on new Indian Government . Fall of ruling party was destined, but within that there were some, who came in between and tried to use their Mantras of Corruption, won elections on that basis. And then they left their post which people gave him as chance, and that to fight against Nation Supremo. What happened finally is in front of us. It reminds of a short story of Jackal.

Once, a weak Jackal slipped in a pit. He tried all his efforts, but due to weak health and wet sand, he failed to come out of pit. And then finally Sun began to set. He shouted for help, but none heard his cry.
After sometime, a lion passing by heard the cry. He came near to the pit, and said in his roaring tone. " Hey what happened ? Can n't you see this is my hunt time ? ".
Jackal cried for help, showing weakness and hunger in his voice.  Lion felt pity for him, he gave his hand and threw Jackal out of pit in once. Then lion noticed jackal was so weak with his health that he couldn't even able to stand on his feet, he felt generous to him, and took him for hunt. He hunted one deer, and gave him some portion to relish. After few days, Jackal came out of his weakness and slowly and steadily with Lion's company he become stronger than other members of his community.
One day, lion asked Jackal to spread the news that Lion is going to hunt Elephant at mountain side. Jackal did the same and joined other animals for the power show. He signaled Lion when a group of elephant approached to mountains.
What Jackal and other animals saw was thunderous to them. They saw Lion standing on the cliff, his eyes were red with blood in eyes, his tail was as straight as spear. His long hairs were covering half of his face. He roared towards sky and jumped on one of the elephant. His sharp tooth pierced on elephant's forehead. He placed his paw on elephant's head and took flesh out of it. Elephant fell on the ground.
For next two minutes there was complete silence, mouths remained wide open. And then whole environment converted into cheer.  Jackal got so impressed by this that he started forgetting himself and started living like Lion.

During day time, Jackal used to follow Lion and in night he used those tactics on other small animals. After some days Lion began to fell ill, for his service forgotten Jackal took the responsibility to pay in return. He began bringing food to Lion through his small hunts. Since lion was sick, jackal created his horror in the minds of other animals and even in his own community. One day he announced himself to be called as lion. And then his impudence made him decide to hunt for elephant.

Jackal asked wolf to spread the news about his brave hunt, and ordered to gather all near mountains. Wolf and other animals gathered to watch new Lion heroic act. Wolf signaled Jackal when group of elephants approached to mountains. Jackal shouted  from his whole heart, his shout was as same as Lion Roar. All animals stared at the cliff on which Jackal was standing. Jackal made his eyes as red as lion had, his tail was as straight as spike. He shouted again with that he jumped on one elephant. Jackal pierced his tooth on elephant's forehead, and tried to place his paw on elephant's head, but his nails was not as strong as lion to get in elephant's forehead. Elephant shock his head in panic, Jackal slipped and fall on the ground. Elephants were running here and there, causing dust to rise till foot level. After couple of minutes, dust was settled, and Jackal's body was found smashed due to downtrodden by elephants. There was a silence for 2 minutes, and then followed by huge laugh. :)

Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless when facing them.

When something stops us from inside. When we held our hands tight.

When cruelty crosses its way. When innocence down-trodden without sake.

If that neither you nor me, then who will raise voice against misdeed.


The lameness of shadow creates the fear. Fear imparts our senses, and we leave everything giving a phrase to Karma. From Mongols to Mughals, and to the British Empire, all invaded India. Our Nation's history is full of battles that our ancient rulers fought. Some we won, and some we lost. whether it is reigns of Maharana Pratap against Mughal Emperor, Akbar or it is Jhansi Ki Rani against East India Company, all battles showed the heroism and the ruler's fearlessness.  There were times when victory seemed to be impossible, peoples forced them to accept the defeat, person on whom they trusted betrayed them. But Rulers fought not for themselves, but for their peoples, for their future and for the honor of their ancestors. The battles were fought sacrificing their own interest, sacrificing their own prosperity, and sacrificing their own lives. And they won, in terms of some or other way. Battle of Marathon, Victory of Spanish against Aztecs, Greeks over Persians and many more are such examples.

And that what our mighty Gita says, " Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana,Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani ". Meaning : You have the right to perform your actions, but you are not entitled to the fruits of the actions. Do not let the fruit be the purpose of your actions, and therefore you won’t be attached to not doing your duty. Krishna tells Arjun that no matter what is the result of the war, he should not be worried about it. His duty is to fight, then he has to fight. He wins or loses that is not important. Even if he dies during the war, he will attain heaven because he has correctly performed his duty and lived for Dharma.    

The fear born neither from other person nor from the power that has more power from you, but it is from our self. Fear borns when we compare each other, it borns when we predict the outcome. And then comes the time when we lose faith from ourself, thoughts arise what will happen if we get defeated. That makes us more weaker, slowly and steadily fear grips our whole body, and left ourself trembling. Finally, we accept our defeat without giving any challenge to the power, which is called as cowardice. 

Courage is not self driven, but fear is. Courage ingrains when we overcome ourself, it innate when the result is not the purpose of our actions, and finally it connotes when we have self-believe. And the same belief was observed in hearts of our freedom fighters. They fought not for themselves, but for the Nation, for Country's people and the result is infront of us.                                        




The same belief is needed in our day today life. Whether we look at our society or at our work place, situations arrives when it is impossible to decide what to choose, whether to step ahead or to fall back. Remaining silent over injustice is quite common, we always bring our selfishness into it. And measure the prediction of outcomes  with our profits and loses. There is no harm to think for beneficial, but more important is to widen the thought process. Important is to give your full potential to the challenges, and that is possible when we live fearless. So, tomorrow when we look back then there should be no sorrows for being indifferent and there would be no one who can stop us from moving proudly, an so we can move keeping our head high.   

Circus on Road..

Circus was quite popular 15-20 years back, but it got diminished in day today life and it is replaced by cyber entertainment. The laughter of clowns, thriller of acrobats, and catch up of animals, where is it now. It is now on road. You must have seen small children, using their tactics to catch attention, and in return they request for coins. Clowns, standing infront of what we so called- Dhabas. And Animals, they are now very far from our sight.





Well, my concern over here is not to find these people, my concern is to segment them together to find where we lagged. Today, life is rolling on fast wheels, where we are alone. Either we watch others or we do not care. We admire our ideals, we admire the people that are successful. Questioningly, shouldn't we also look at these people, who are still fighting against hunger, risk and poverty. Our nation economics are far from these people, nation's development plans are far from their reach. Nation's policies are continuously depriving these people. Even during election time they are neglected, because they do not have Right to Vote. Undeniably, their statistics in nation census might not be correct.  What all government did till today is, destroyed their shelters, asked them to migrate to some other place, and that forced these people to come on road. Now road is giving shelter to Lakhs of people, and like circus: they are making money by catching people's attention.  

Nation prohibits Child Labor, isn't this kind of earning is not labor. Their parents are insufficient to fill their own stomachs, then who will pay for their daily expenses. Planning Commission of India has shown a decline of 2.18%, where the major decline was observed in rural (2.32%) as compared with urban (1.69%). If cities are called as advanced, then why there is decline. Answer to above observation is sure shot that  there is limited opportunities for the inner‐city poor to find adequate jobs, and so the scope for them to grow is limited. Now it's the high time that Government and Societies should come forward to raise them. Instead of donating reservation quotas to caste and minorities, some part should be allotted to them from it. That will help these poor children to get good education, while their parents can earn something by doing helping jobs.  The nation target should not only be to add to the numbers, but also to roll legislation and schemes more quickly, by that equal access and benefits can reach to the underprivileged section, so by that nation will have better governance.

Let's build better tomorrow!

References: 

http://planningcommission.nic.in/news/pre_pov2307.pdf

http://www.censusindia.gov.in/

http://filipspagnoli.wordpress.com/stats-on-human-rights/statistics-on-poverty/statistics-on-poverty-in-india/

http://www.indiastat.com/economy/8/incidenceofpoverty/221/stats.aspx

http://www.unesco.org/most/asia12.htm

A Dealer who deals on Property.

Standing beside the wall, he looks at his shoes. He knelled down to tie his laces, but he could not as his gut stuck in between. He tried again, this time he bent more, not enough to touch the laces, but enough for two of his mobiles  to get slipped from his shirt pockets along with some cards. He brought himself to collect all stuff, but all in a sudden power got cut. He shook and yelled on his assistance, inquiring about Inverter. His assistance responded hesitantly, mentioning Dealer himself sent it to one of his PG (Paying Guest) Room. He hit his back-head and made one call to local electronic store.

 Four persons, recent pass-outs, were on his journey towards Gurgaon. Excitement was there inside their hearts, as they were on for their next journey. Train reached Nizammudin Station. They moved out of railway station, and headed for Gurgaon. It was about two hours journey from station.  They check-in for the hotel room. Normally, companies do  provide these sort of expenses for new comers or for the ones who switched to different locations. Very next day after office hours, they Googled for Paying Guest accommodation.

Seekers called one dealer after another. Comparing prices with facilities that derives normal human being. Finally they shortlisted one, and visited next day. Dealer directed the way. Dealer was standing at gate, speaking with someone, but that was just to show how busy he is. PG appeared like a normal house, with small parking lot. Floor was wet, as it was cleaned just couple of minutes back. All lights were switched on, room freshener was sprayed. That was enough to give a satisfactory environment for the PG Rooms.
He opened available portion for them, explained about the facilities that include food and lodging. A  new television set and new bed-sheet,  it was enough for newly graduates. They checked the toilets, checked other lodgings, and Tasted the food, and that was all making them cool.

Now came the final  tow, money, deposits and notice vows. Dealer told them, he would charge Rs. 7000/- per person. They had to submit three months rent in advance as security. And they had to inform three months in advance, if they planned to leave. New Grads got shook after hearing these all, their hopes were down, with heads bound to take round. Dealer inquired if they were fine with clauses. One of them replied three months rent in advance is not affordable to him, another was not happy with three notice vow, and another was sad over monthly payment.

Now dealer came in action and responded in his quick English, "Bhaisahab, this is Gurgaon. You won't get anything cheaper than this PG. Peoples come from whole... India ! The portion is the last, I am left with. If you make further delay you will loose it too".
One of them, said " But Bhaiya, on phone you said, you will charge just 6000, and you never mentioned about these conditions".
 Dealer was prepared to answer this question, he said in firm tone "that was for another portion which is booked an hour back. And as for conditions are concerned they are liable everywhere."
Another guy, take one step ahead, and said hesitantly, "Bhaiya, thoda toh sahi karo!".
Dealer began in dissent tone, "No Bhai, I cannot. I have lots of customers coming in through. I just had received one call from another Party, they are in way."

Finally guys had small discussion, and they decided to leave. While they were turning back, dealer asked, "What happen, Sir ? "
 One of them said, "Will let you know after sometime ? ".
Dealer responded in bit rigid manner, "Sir, let me tell you one thing. Finding good accommodation is very tough in Gurgaon, you can ask your friends. You are lucky that few rooms are vacant here. We have guys who are living here from 2-3 years, and they all are comfortable here, right now they are on vacation, otherwise I could have make you met them."
All guys looked at each other. and one said," Bhaiya, we need to look at other options as your fees and conditions are not fine for us".
Dealer, though for awhile, and said, " Ok, you appear to be nice guy. I can make final deal for you all.
Rs. 6800/- per head, Rent. Two month rent as security. Two month notice time for leaving."
Guys again said they were not comfortable, if they would had anything. They will call him.

All four left in a row. They reached hotel, discussing about PG. One suggested for another option, another suggested for more bargain, and other two were quite. It's been one hour they met with Dealer.
Suddenly one cell phone rang, it's the call from that dealer.
Guy picked up the call and said, "Hello".
Dealer began, "Sir, this is me. you came to visit my PG".
Guy nodded," Haan Bhaiya".
Dealer asked, "Sir, another party is here and they want to book your portion. What should I do ?".
Guy placed his call on hold, and discussed with others.
He answered to dealer, "Bhaiya, you can give it to them".

Next Day, during free time in office, they again started searching for more PGs. While they were searching, one of them felt vibration in his pocket, and it was his cell phone ringing. That was again that dealer.
Guy answered " Hello".
Dealer asked, "Sir, Are you planning to come ?".
Guy hesitantly," Still deciding".
Dealer responded," Sir, how long you will take, my party is ready. Since, it is you who came first, so just want to confirm."
Guy again placed his call on hold to discus. After discussing with friends, he told dealer that they will let him know by evening.

Meanwhile guys called some more dealers, all were having nearly same rates and same facilities. And then , they decided to visit some more PGs, but due to boredom and lameness they didn't go.
Company accommodation was limited, so they decided to opt for the PG they visited.
They called the dealer to inform him about their decision.
Dealer answered the call showing how busy he is, "Hello"
Guy responded, "Hello Bhaiya, we visited your PG few days back".
Dealer nodded, "Haanji".
Guy responded in a confirming manner, "Bhaiya, we are coming today with luggage."
Dealer remain silent for awhile, and begins, "Bhaisahab, Are you talking about that 1st Floor portion ?".
Guy said, "yes".
Dealer answered without caring about guy's reply, "Bhaisahab, that is booked.".
Guys got shocked. And questioned "What, when ?".
Dealer replied in shaking tone, "Just few time back".
Guys said, "Fine", in sad manner and disconnected the call.

Within 5 minutes, dealer called them back.  
Dealer said, "Hello Sir".
Guy," Haan Bhaiya".
Dealer, " Sir I have another portion for you that is same as you saw."
Guy placed the call on hold and discussed among them, and after discussion he responded, "Bhaiya, it' ok. Leave it we will check somewhere else".
Dealer in molding manner, "Sir, that portion is better than the one you saw before."
Guy refused, " No...., ".
While that guy was completing. Dealer began,"Sir, I can compromise the price for you, it will be Rs 6500/- each, one and half month security, two months prior notice".
And so, guy said, "Yes".

In evening with all their luggage, they reached at PG.
Dealer was not there, but he called them before to handover the security and rent to the Care-Taker there. And then they can collect the keys from him.
As suggested they gave money to Care-Taker. Care-Taker gave one form to each for Terms and Conditions, and collected back after they signed. And then he handover the keys and guided them to the Room.

The room was on ground floor. Care taker opened the room and left. Guys entered the room.
Room was replicate of the one they saw, only items were different such as: TV was old, Bed sheet was used one, and Furniture was also not that polished.

Guys took rest, and then went to see nearby rooms.
And, and, and.... they found whole PG vacate, only these 4 were there.
  

The Reason..

As a human being, I also wanted to contribute something for the society. As an aspirant my view and logic was to find the place or loop-hole where other peoples are not focusing into. I do believe there are many places in our country where other NGOs or social organization are unable to reach. Then I had my resolution for 2014, I will do something for the society this year.

In first week of Jan, I saw one post from one of my old House master of school from where I completed my high School. He described that something wrong is happening in our school. I tried to gather some information about the school and the also discussed this with some of the teachers, our Principal. While I was gathering information there was another post from one of my teacher from school. He posted one photograph depicting our Playground, which is now turned into Bus Parking. That Photograph shook me from inside.

Some spark came from inside. I decided to do something for school. I sent emails to all media person and leaders, mentioning problems occurring in our school. That day I sent around 35 emails. I created one page on facebook asking all alumni's to join our cause. I couldn't sleep whole night, whole night I was thinking about ways to protect my school. Next day I was surprised, when I saw the overwhelmed response from Alumni's,but on another hand I was sad as I didnot get any response on email. My inbox was empty.

In the evening, I visited the school. Spoke to some teachers, some matrons, and some current students. I found whole system was disturbed, whole playground was destroyed. They are not admitting any new student, with all that one thing was sure, that is our school future is in dark. we had one meeting with teachers and some other ex-students. We thought off taking steps against that. We decided to file WRIT in court, for that we would be needing support of current teachers, which were very less in number. Some how due to fear and all that couldn't happened. I was still writing mails to media person and leaders to get any sight from them, but no luck.

We decided for Candle March protest, just to bring some pressure on management. For all in one, I felt very little support from others. Though few peoples were helping me. Like to get Police Permission and all, I was alone. But still I was strong.

We choose wrong day for Protest it is 26 jan, Police, private body guards all were there to welcome us. But we conducted that event.

Now the question was what after that.I remained silent for 2 weeks, just thinking and observing things. It is very difficult to walk alone and conduct such things. Because here one is totally alone. We didn't had any external support. We had some ideas now, will try to implement them. Lets see what happens.

Hoping something more positive now, as our aspirations are positive.