Drawing Lines..

I remember the Social Science text books that used to teach secularism and universal tolerance. It was imbibed in us that discrimination on any grounds is downright evil. The civil books used to boast of fundamental rights and duties and the glorious, dreamy Preamble to the Constitution that we would eagerly cram and rant out on the slightest cue.

However, as I grew older, I gradually faced the reality. That discrimination is ubiquitous. The books seemed to be mocking at me now. I felt fooled. Fooled by the principles I was raring to strive by all my life. I learnt that being the daughter of two doctors does help in more ways than one. That having membership for the zaniest clubs adds on to one's value in the market. That "Contacts" help.

I also realised that "The caste system is abolished" is the biggest lie ever published, coz it's most definitely not. If the youth were more tolerant and nonchalant of this idea earlier, it has now been hammered into their heads really well. A general category student feels wronged and cheated when a less deserving candidate gets a seat which was rightfully his, and hence, knowingly/unknowingly he develops a lurking hatred for the next person he meets who basks in reservations.

I was shocked at first when I realised that even my parents make remarks about communities. But going out in the world, I realised that they're the most secular and tolerant people I know. And also, that meeting all kinds of new people who come from various backgrounds, it is very true that a particular trait is striking in the people coming from one region, or belonging to one culture.

Another aspect that pricks one's mind and makes one realise that she is different fromt he other is when she sees excessive chivalry amongst people of a particular sect and feels alienated.

As a young girl I never imagined that I would, out of all the people, turn out to be a prejudiced individual. But I am. Now, religion, language, caste.. does matter to me. Yes, not in a hateful way, ofcourse. But I realise that all these factors do play a very significant role in one's thoughts, temperament, attitude and horizons.

The other day a friend sent me a link to a few translated pieces of the Qoran that were very hateful. A senior of mine reads up all that he can find about every religion and writes about how inhuman and barbaric they actuall are while they claim to be burdened with the other races to be uplifted, etc. But I know that all that will not affect me. I am not here to hate. i am here to love, forgive and forget.

It's not like I am a discriminating person. I am not. I am a very tolerant individual who respects every other. But this feeling is inevitable. I really cannot trust a Muslim with my life, because who knows, he might just be peering into his computer attending secret meetings and gearing up to be the next suicide bomber. What is ironical is that my best friend is Bohra. And I love her a lot. True. Also, I have many many Muslim friends who have never been Muslim friends to me, just great friends. And I am a good friend to them too. So it's really not about the entire community. I have no hatred in my heart, but apprehension truly exists.

I cannot possibly have a problem with any particular religion for the simple reason that I am not completely aware of their teachings. I am a believer. But I feel that if statistics show that a particular religion is triggering inhuman, barbaric activities and thoughts, atleast there's room for improvement. Any religion can only flourish with evolution. The teachings of 200 years ago cannot work now. And even if one tries to ignore what is not to be ingested, it might just seep in without one realising it.

Picnic Hill

The picnic's finally over and done with, and boy! what a picnic it was. Not a very phenomenal championship, but some of the matches were really thrilling. Can't say I followed all of them but didn't miss the good ones. And the men's final was the real ACT IV. Have always been biased for Roger and just couldn't miss this one. Nadal proved to be a worthy finalist and there were so many times when I stared in disbelief at the TV wondering whether Fedex wouldn't be able to break Bjorn Borg's record. But it had to happen. And it was so good.

But the golden rule still remains. The coolest head gets the game. Be it Roddick vs Gasquet or the second set of today's match, the moment the player had his nerves on end, he started committing unforced errors, double faults, et al. So it is the calm, composed player who rises above the rest. And we've seen that happen for the last five years. The humble, quiet, collected Federer, comes, does his thing, smiles and smiles some more and goes back home with the booty. That's the way one is a true winner, be it anywhere.

Not too good after all..

So that waking up at seven life didn't really work out that well after all, but i'm slowly getting there. There are so many factors involved, aren't there? A late night party, or a very cold and damp morning, or a large pizza the previous night...

Hoping that I shun all of this and really pursue the "Good Life" bang on.

Good gal Bad gal

After ages I guess, I got up at seven. Feels good. I just hope I follow this regime now. What elders say is not always hogwash. In fact whatever they say always makes sense at the end of the day. Things like going to bed early so that you study well in the morning works out so well for me. But sticking to it is the challenge. I just hope I can live up to these words.

Since I have the year's plan chalked out ahead of me, there's enough motivation at hand. But deviation is my midle name and I desperately want to change that.

I have to make a conscious effort now to work towards a good life. Sulking with a makeshift arrangement only leads to dissatisfaction and anger with oneself. And little things like working out, getting up early, not wasting time in front of the TV, reading something you wouldn't have laid your hands on otherwise, makes one feel good. I guess I am under a congenital pressure to be good, to seek appreciation from myself and from people around me. And if this isn't motivation enough, what is?