Just another milestone

How often have we seen cricketers look up in the sky, raise their bats, wave out to the cheering crowd and walk across to the batsman at the other end to celebrate having crossed a century? It is a celebratory moment for having batted on in the face of a hostile bowling attack, of having survived the competitor’s efforts to dislodge the player with the help of some guile and technique, of waiting for that one mistake that would do him in and send him back to the pavilion!

Though it is only the metric system which has bestowed the importance to this magical figure of 100, the penchant for measuring performance of a cricketer makes this a milestone - by their number of centuries that are worthy of a celebration with joyful fervour at each occasion. And rightfully so!

Unlike cricket, or the performing arts, writers are those kind of creatures, who toil alone and keep wondering what to write about and how to emote those thoughts into something the reader would relate to, connect with and appreciate the work so doled out in the spirit and intent of the writer. Agreeably, there is no Brett Lee charging down the pitch with the intention of hurling his fastest delivery at us (though one may have one’s spouse do something similar, which I had written about – read it here) nor do we have our competition appealing to the umpire (there isn’t one) seeking that we retire to oblivion wherefrom we sprang up, in the first place! So nobody out there really gets us out from our stance at the crease!

So if we can keep the spouse busy at what he/she (in my case, she) enjoys doing without noticing the excessive amounts of time we spend with our laptops keying in whatever nonsanz one can think of, while ignoring the leaky tap which has almost caused a deluge in the house, we can easily post that 100th blogpost with utmost ease.

So now that you all know how easy it is for bloggers to post their hundredth post, it may not interest you that this indeed is my 100th post here at the ArTicKles Blog.

So did I hear some loud cheering roar in the crowd or see a Mexican wave out there? Naah! We writers can’t expect all those visual or audio treats from our readers can we? But, it’s ok I guess, because, after all it was those several encouraging comments and feedback that compelled me to continue on my journey here on the ArTickles blog.

Thanks, folks! Without your encouragement, I wouldn’t have carried on writing whatnonsanz after whatnonsanz.

My efforts to tickle the reader with some humorous posts with my rubber sword, eventually found myself being tickled by one and all – more importantly, by life. I found some inspirational real-life stories to write about; found some lovely blogs; read some marvellous write-ups; shared thoughts and opinions; had intense debates; became wiser by the comments of one and all. Most importantly, I made several blogger-friends - without whose support and admiration, I would not have been still at the crease!

Did I hear someone say “Issko out kaise karneka yaar!” ?

Let me assume I didn’t and just say this once again to one and all,

THANK YOU!

The BT Maha Government

The recent launch program of the BT Brinjal undertaken by the Hon. Minister for Environment, Shri Jairam Ramesh met with several protests from NGOs and social activists, who alleged that genetically modified (GM) crops like BT Cotton had wrecked the lives of farmers with its poor yields, high cost of seeds and rendering of the farmlands infertile for other crops, and so on. So they did not want the BT Brinjal cultivation to be ushered in without properly addressing the side-effects involved. If it wasn’t for protestors, we would have been served with the BT Baingan Bharta by this weekend, I guess!

Had the Government of India been armed with sufficient research data, showing no harmful effects caused by the GM crop, it would not need to put a hold on its launch. Apparently, the protestors’ fears have not been allayed through sufficient clinical tests. So now that we have got the BT Brinjal issue out of our way, it is time to look at another BT issue on our hands today:

The BT Maharashtra Government issue.

Incidentally this Balasaheb Thakarey-run Maha Government is also a GM variety of governance – not genetically modified variety, but a Goonda-giri Mara-mari variety of governance. No matter who is in power, there is always this threat of a ban from the self-appointed, extra-constitutional, parallel ruling power that one has to deal with in Maharasthra, more so, Mumbai, followed by acts of vandalism in public places. This scenario is not new. It is here for several decades.

Did we not learn about MNCs like Enron seeking the blessings of the Sena chief? Or for that matter any rising entrepreneur, sportsman or political aspirant of either party, who has not sought his patronage or support? Did that not make bigger headlines than the same distinguished achiever receiving a State award or honor from the CM of the state in power?

It always did! So why then this huge outcry and questions from the media now, when NCP Leader Sharad Pawar seeks the Tiger’s nod for Aussie players in the IPL, one would ask? I guess it is because the pitch and frequency of the scathing attacks on celebrities, who are worshipped like god in their own fields, like Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bacchan etc. has been on the increase, of late.

Avdhoot Gupte, a popular music director in the regional Marathi film industry, who ventured to direct his first Marathi film “Zenda”, sought clearance from a couple of Senas and some Maharashtra politicians, he explained, in a television channel talk show that it was because the story was based on the political scene in the state and wanted them to clear it to avoid disruption and inconvenience to the lay public. Whether it is this concern for one’s customer or just plain business prudence, this sort of interaction and feedback is certainly better than vandalism and loss to public and private property, besides grievous injury.

In fact, I am a strong advocate of talks and debates, rather than violence on the streets or in cinema halls or the cricket pitch. It is very important, today, for us to know the thoughts of folks like Sachin, SRK, KJo or Big B as much as we need to know the thoughts of Balasaheb. I am convinced over the years, that, though the Senas have resorted to the wrong means, the issues raised have always been important, noteworthy and deserving of attention and solutions. Issues such as immigration, job creation, price rises, lack of infrastructure, incessant building activities carried out by builders, land-grabbing, etc. are real issues, which need to be discussed and resolved and not neglected.

We need to change the approach to our problems and their possible solutions. Take the issue of jobs in Mumbai or Maharashtra. While the Senas are trying to impress the local folks that they are fighting for a better share of the job-cake for them (for political mileage, everyone understands), no one is addressing the real issue of enlarging the cake itself, by increasing the jobs by bringing in investment into industries in the city and state. No thought is being given to the political climate conducive to setting up of new industries! There is no healthy debate involving the Govt in power or these battling senas about why are industries not coming in and instead going out to other states? Why are foreign investors more comfortable with setting up their industries in Gujarat or AP or Karnataka or TN instead of Maharashtra?

Maharashtra is the only state with Octroi imposed for incoming goods in 22 cities of the State right now. It used to be 37 cities until last year and after a decade long tussle that the industry associations had with the bureaucrats in Mantralaya, the abolition of octroi in 2008, was effected only in 15 smaller cities in D Zone, hesitantly.

[Incidentally, Octroi is prevalent only in the State of Maharashtra and in Ethiopia as on date]

Yours truly had the privilege to be part of these discussions. So once, after a high-powered committee meeting, I asked a state government official over a cup of tea, “When will we abolish Octroi in Mumbai?” “Never!” he whispered on terms of confidentially. As he explained to me, the state’s policy is to discourage industry in the Mega-City, so that the MIDC areas in remote areas of Maharashtra become attractive and several incentives are also available for setting up industries there. So we have a carrot and stick policy! A carrot that is not so juicy, so people prefer other states. And several such sticks that are so hurtful that one would even settle for other options. The industrial policy of the state, perhaps does not take into account the existence of other states in India!

If you closely examine this industrial location policy, the logic is great, it is highly effective - in driving out potential investors, though. One thing the Govt of Maharashtra forgets – that such policies may succeed in driving out polluting industries out of cities, but cannot be sure it will not go to other states like Gujarat or even to another country like China! MERC’s (Maharasthra Electric Regulatory Commission) tariff fixation methods are equally responsible for the flight of industry from Maharashtra to the neighbouring state of Gujarat. One has learnt of several instances of power-intensive industries that had been paying Rs 7-8 per unit of electricity moving to Silvassa in Gujarat, which offers electricity at Rs. 2.5 per unit or so! Labour Trade environment and ease of doing business are other factors challenging the state.

One wonders if we need another Sena to highlight these issues or will folks wake up to reality before they find their youngsters leaving to some other state! By which time, the Senas will become redundant, as all the Marathi Manoos would have left the State for greener pastures and there won’t be any living in the Maha State, to fight for! That may be too far-fetched. Let us hope for a better turn of events through some Maha efforts on the part of the Marathi Manoos, by working towards building a better state with the right approach to make Maharashtra the leading destination for industry and investors.

My Perky Tweets

Twitter has been one microblogging platform where one can post one's thoughts and views about various incidents taking place as they happen. So it isnt surprising to find so many of us bloggers getting on to the Twitter bandwagon and posting their tweets - all of 140 characters, besides of course, reacting to each other's tweets and sharing their blogposts and published articles by providing their links (shortened with the help of url-shortening websites like tinyurl.com or bit.ly

Since many of my blog followers havent yet come on to the Twitter platform yet,
I would like to share some of my recent Perky Tweets and fun Tweets here. I am sure this will prompt readers to follow me on Twitter! My Twitter Id is @gopinathmm

Tweeters use indexing by using hashtags #tags like #perkytweets #justasking #mumbai #india etc

My #perkytweets

International Lunar Geographic Society names lunar crater after SRK. So we now have evidence why crazy guys are called lunatics #perkytweets

One can now Tweet from Space! With workplaces blocking Twitter and FB, are folks hoping they'd rather be in space than at work? #perkytweets

Activists cry hoarse when they hear about children and women being sold. Why nobody minds cricketers being sold? #justasking #perkytweets

Some deemed Universities are now doomed universities #perkytweets

Tilgul Ghya god god tweeta, Tilgul sandoo naka, Twitter/FB var bhandoo naka! Requesting all tweenoos - tweeple in #marathi #perkytweets

Tiger Woods thanks NDTiwari, who in turn is thanks SPS Rathore, who is waiting 2 thank someone 2 take it forwrd - media pl help #perkytweets

From now on, will NDTV mean ND Tiwari Videos? #perkytweets

Tiger Woods voted Associated Press best athlete - for running from one girl to another, i guess? #perkytweets

#KillingEnglish

You always make the wrong mistake! #killingengish

Teacher calling punished students: "You outstanding students come in" #killingenglish

Fun came, Rain fell, Night went talk went - translated from indian languages #killingenglish

I hope you have no mind #killingenglish

I have a couple of multiple problems #killingenglish

Now time for some phototakeouting! #killingenglish

All these #killingenglish tweets should have been #indianwayofkillingenglish don’t you think?

Follow me on Twitter! Twitter Id is
@gopinathmm

Run for your life!

“Run for your life!” exclaimed a poster put up on the gate outside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) at Borivali, Mumbai. Have the wild cats, that had been held in captivity, been let loose upon unsuspecting morning walkers, one wondered? The message continued in Hindi: “Zindagi ke iss bhaag daud mein ek daud aur sahi”. Roughly translated, it means, “In this hustle-bustle and running around in our life, do take up running as just another one”.

The message was from Mahadev Samjiskar, a 67-year young enthusiastic runner, who has been encouraging morning-walkers in SGNP, Borivali to begin jogging to lead a healthy life. One cannot miss this youngster whizzing past, flashing his ear-to-ear smile - one that tells you how much he enjoys running in the park!

I first met him at the SGNP, a couple of months ago, when he was handing out some tips on how to run for the Marathon to a group of younger youngsters, who had just signed up for the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon (SCMM). Soon we got chatting and I learnt more about Samjiskarji and his relatively recent love that has now takes up a large part of his retired life.

He began running on 1st September 2004, only after his retirement from Indian Airlines. He had always been a brisk walker, who would walk regularly to the Borivali Railway Station from his residence to board his train to office. So in a sense, life began at 60 for this sprightly, young, size-zero running sensation of SGNP. Just to elaborate on the "size zero" – I could not resist the temptation to compliment him that he was the only other deserving contender for the brand promotion of Sony Vaio laptops, apart from the size-zero Kareena Kapoor! He did blush besides having a hearty laugh at my dig.

Mahadev Samjiskar, participated in his first marathon in the year 2004 and was humbly ranked 184 at the event. But this did not prevent him from dreaming and working towards bettering his own performance. His efforts bore fruit in 2009, when at the SCMM, he ranked First in the Super Veteran category (65+ years) in the Half Marathon event by covering the distance of 21.097 Km in a record timing of 2 Hrs 04 Min 59 Sec. He thus got his first Gold Medal ever at the popular international event in Mumbai.

Mahadev Samjiskar at the Finish Line in the 2009 SCMM Half Marathon

What is notable in his journey to the top, is that running had become the only passion in his life, which he pursued with child-like zeal. So much so, that when his family and friends mentioned to him that he was living life like a child, he was only too pleased to have returned to his childhood and humble beginnings! His passionate indulgence also meant refusing job offers from several domestic airlines, which came his way due to his professional achievements at his work in Indian Airlines. It was a matter of choice and his heart called the shots for him.

Some years ago, when he was invited as a Chief Guest at a prize distribution function organized by Japan Karate Academy in Borivali, he got impressed by the display of skills of its young students. He asked the trainers whether they would accept him as a student and train him in martial arts. The kids were excited and welcomed him to join them. But when he really turned up for his first session, they learnt that our man was serious and wasn’t just joking! No wonder then that it was just a matter of time when he qualified for the purple belt.

In a recent Karate fight with a young boy, his toes were fractured and he was in great pain just a few days before the 2010 SCMM event. But he was not the kind to be towed down by a mere painful toe. He ran the race and bettered his own record by half a minute over his last, though he ranked 3rd, this time around, one may note that it was while enduring a shooting pain all the way!

Mahadev Samjiskar with the Gold Medal that he bagged in SCMM 2009

So does Mahadev Samjiskarji run for the Gold Medal at SCMM? Was that his ultimate goal? No, he says, it was only the outcome of a passion to improve upon oneself, an eagerness to excel and to inspire others to take up this sport for a better life. Not surprisingly, therefore, is the news that he has been qualified to participate in any international event for India when he was conferred the Certificate of Merit by the Veterans Athletic Federation of India in Pune last week. He now plans to represent our country at events abroad, whenever opportunity presents itself!

Certificate of Veterans Athletic Federation of India that opens up fresh tracks aborad for Mahadev Samjiskar

He has also trekked to the Kailash Manasarovar in 2007, as a tribute in memory of his beloved parents. He covered the Manasarovar Parikrama of 193 Km by bus and the Kailash Parikrama of 45 Km by foot in adverse weather conditions at the altitude of 19800 feet.

One thing he completely believes in is:
No mountain is too high to climb, no sea is too wide to cross, no dream is too distant to achieve for those who believe in will power, determination and self-confidence.

“I want to inspire people to take up some physical activities after their retirement and live a fulfilling life. How can one do everything that one always wanted to do when time is at your disposal in plenty, without good health? One may take up yoga and brisk walking - or better still, jogging, to remain fit all your life. Moreover people living in the precincts of SGNP are blessed with a natural pollution-free forest-like environment full of oxygen” he concludes.

“Residents staying in this area are also blessed with such kind,guiding angels like Mahadev Samjiskar”, I would like to add!

With his encouragement, 150 morning-walkers in SGNP Borivali took part in the SCMM in Jan 2010. All those who successfully ran upto the finish line were recently felicitated at the Gandhi Memorial Tekdi at SGNP on 26th Jan 2010.

Mahadev Samjiskar being felicitated at the SGNP on 26.01.2010

Let us all wish and pray that Mahadev Samjiskarji is blessed with a healthy, long life in which he achieves greater successes, bringing our country some great moments of pride, as he continues his inspiring runs - for the betterment of our lives!

Let’s follow him! Hey he's not on Twitter....he's on nature’s treadmill!

A couple of announcements

First Announcement – Finding Hidden Gems Geniuses in our society

Naushir Mistry, an ace cinematographer and cameraman, who has recently begun blogging, wishes to feature young school kids with inventive ideas that go beyond academics and curricula of the present education system.

Inspired by the 3 Idiots movie, wherein students with extraordinary abilities, who don’t exactly excel at academics, but may display unusual skills at problem solving or technical superiorities, he is on the lookout for such talented students, as announced in his appeal posted in his blog-post titled “Don’t Be an Idiot”.

Link of his post here.

Being new in the blogosphere, Naushir, my classmate from KG to SSC XI wishes that bloggers who find this idea appealing may post a link of his appeal in their blogs for wider publicity. Knowing Naushir’s prowess behind the camera and all things that work like machines, I am sure, he would be able to showcase the students’ abilities substantially. I request blogger-friends to suggest some likely candidates if they have come across anyone who may be worthy of the encouragement and coverage.

Second Announcement - My book available in Delhi World Book Fair

Signed copies of my book "The ArTicKles Collection" is available for discount sale at the Delhi World Book Fair!

The Location: The Pothi.com Stand at No. S2/12, Hall 1-2, Delhi World Book Fair, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
The duration: January 30, 2010 to February 7, 2010

Those in Mumbai may write in a email to g_mavinkurve AT hotmail DOT com for the same offer. For those who aren’t either in Delhi or Mumbai, but still want to buy my book, it is available on the net and can be ordered by clicking on the following link below:

Click here for ordering on the Pothi website

In case any of you have already read my book, I would request you to kindly write a review of the same on the Pothi website. In case of difficulty to do so, one may write a review and send the text to me on email for uploading it on the Pothi website. That will help others to decide about their purchase.

Thanking one and all for your support as always!

It's R-day!

It’s India’s 61st Republic Day today! I don’t know why most writers and columnists compare the age of a republic to those of their public? Citizens turning 60 begin their journey of being ‘senior citizens’. Of entering that phase of their lives, when employability is indeed a challenge. Sources of earnings begin to dry up and one begins to look for activities to keep themselves busy and achieve fulfilment in their lives. While some may sulk in the guise of relaxing and taking life easy, some do turn enthusiastically to take up their hobbies, causes or social activities with renewed fervour.

But is comparing the age of a country with the age of their citizens really proper? On one hand we have us mortals living with the prospect of battling old age medical and social challenges, and on the other hand, we have that immortal spirit of a nation that could live for hundreds, thousands of years! Isn’t a 60-year old republic, more like an infant finding its feet to walk all over the globe? Isn’t that what India is just beginning to do – ambling like a toddler all over the globe, flaunting its new-found speaking abilities and finding many amused and willing listeners all around?

However different it may be, doesn’t stop Shobha De from writing this piece titled "India reaches retirement age", published in the Bombay Times page 3, which but for the said confusion, makes good reading. Or for that matter the “Spirited at 60” on CNN-IBN by Nilanjana Bose and her team, featuring some senior citizens, defying old age challenges and living life with renewed fervour. I so thoroughly enjoyed watching it!

We all come across such spirited senior citizens showing youngsters how life could be so much different, if only one chose the path of living one’s childhood or younger days and doing all those things that one always wanted to! Remember Sulochana Haldankar kaki who is sculpting and painting at 75 for her show booked at Jehangir Art Gallery?!

There are a couple of other stories of similar such people who have touched my life. I just called on one of them last evening and chatted up for a couple of hours. Someone who is running marathons just to inspire young walkers in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to begin running for a healthier life – and breaking records, winning medals - only as a result of his passionate indulgence in life after retirement!

I plan to feature this phenomenonal senior citizen in a post coming to you at The ArticKles Blog soon. Watch this space for more such posts! Isn’t that something more like the tickler getting tickled?

Happy Republic Day to all Indians!

The most precious gift

Gifting the visually challenged with eyesight is indeed one of the most noble acts one can perform. As one slogan goes, "Netra Daan Sarva Shreshta Daan". There are several visually challenged persons suffering from corneal blindness, who need someone to donate their cornea after death, so that he can see this beautiful creation of God. Gifting the less fortunate amongst us may certainly be something one would want to do, but even though we are so educated, we may not know several aspects of eye donations. For example, we may be unaware about how to go about it or have some wrong notions that we cannot donate because we have had a cataract operation!

One would be surprised to note that even a cancer patient or one who has undergone a cataract operation can indeed donate corneas for this noble cause! There are several wrong notions, religious misbeliefs, unwarranted concerns about the act of donating one's eyes, due to which make the waitlisted patients suffer longer. It is therefore necessary to learn all about it from authentic sources, so that one can opt to make this world a better place to live in.

Do read the FAQs provided by the Eye Bank Research Coordination Centre here.

Another weblink providing a good deal of information is available here.

The Eye Bank Research Coordination Centre works with several other eye banks to ensure that willing donors are tapped within 2-6 hours of the occurence of death and a team of doctors are sent expeditiously to retreive the cornea and transplant it as a gift of vision to the unknown recipients on the wait-list. It is a practice to give one cornea each to two separate recipients so that more persons can see, albeit with vision in one eye.

So if one is convinced about eye donation, do read what you need to do here.

It is quite natural for people in the midst of grief to forget this aspect altogether and it is really awkward to discuss with people about their decision in case they would like to donate eyes in the time of grief, but doctors, social workers and close relatives are encouraged to gently remind close relatives of the deceased to act expeditiously if they are already convinced about the idea. Remember, once time is elapsed, the cornea are of no use unless extracted timely!

Do ensure that you have the contact details of the closest Eye Donation Centre and NGOs working in your area so that you need not miss an opportunity to give the last gift - the blessings to have someone seeing this world, while your near and dear one has departed for his heavenly abode.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO IF ONE WANTS TO DONATE EYES

1. Get the valid death certificate quickly.

2. Contact the eye bank as soon as possible.

3. Close the eyelids and cover it with moist cotton and keep it moist till the eye bank team arrives

4. Switch off the fan (Switch on the air conditioner if possible).

5. Raise the donor's head by 6 inches by placing two pillows under it.

6. Keep the consent of the family members of the deceased donor ready, as it is mandatory

This post has been inspired by the recent act of donation by my cousin's family when my maternal uncle, Mr. Mangesh V Madiman, expired on 14th Jan 2010. The death announcement insert in TOI says it all.


This noble act will enable 2 unknown recipients to see this lovely world that we live in. For a family who has been actively propagating the idea of Eye Donations through several articles and religious forums, this noble act was just what I expected. I do hope the message is passed on to one and all and that more and more people follow this trend and the wait-list for corneas is a thing of the past!

May his soul rest in peace!