Its been some time that India and Pakistan got their freedom. things have not really gotten better for the neighbours since then. But I am a staunch believer in humanity. I am sure there are people across the border who are totally oblivious of what their leaders are pushing them into.
Today Pakistan is a dying country. Politics with vested interests, terrorism, corruption - every bloody thing is rampant. The only thing that the country was somewhat famous for, i.e. cricket, is also no longer that clean.
Under the circumstances, if I were an educated Pakistani, having nothing much to do with the system and the enemity arising out of political agenda, hunger for power, misled will and a neutral perspective to things, what would I do? Will I be ashamed?
Maybe not. Because in reality, I am unsure if we can take pride.
Let me tell you why.
Because we are a piece of better educated population. We have more opportunities. There are no water, electricity supply problems in the city homes. Better roads, better security - economy, system of trade, governance etc. etc. - and the worst evolved value system ever.
Read Nitin Gupta's blogs or consider Baba Ramdev's case - you will know why. Isn't the Government stumped when we ask these questions? In a discussion with a friend of mine, we believe that its an issue too big to resolve. All the money for winning elections to making hindi movies come from that stash.
And the funny thing is that the working class pay tax. I think at times, saalaa hum lagaan dete kisko hain?
Where does a politician accumulate assets from? Who is the actual owner of the Lamborghini that your son drives?
And the funny thing is that we are really not spoilt for choices when it comes to choosing leaders. In fact, I can't see anyone. Is there another group of people who can handle the country better?
Answer it yourselves or don't get involved. It’s called helplessness.
The same kind of helplessness that a woman faces while trying to fetch a rickshaw in Mumbai. Stranded on the road, drenched in the rain, without an umbrella. Rickshawallas saying no to ply at their whims. And the next guy who has to go a longer distance gets a nod of approval. Are you kidding me? YOU NEED A NOD OF APPROVAL FROM A RICKSHAWALLA? I am not too irate about the fact that a half lakh people in the city employed as rickshawallas can hold a much larger population at ransom. I am more concerned about the attitude of the guy who hired the rickshaw even after the errant driver said 'no' to the person who asked first. In these kind of circumstances, which are repeated every moment in this city, I don’t see the spirit of Mumbai.
I am not proud because I have seen people doing it without thinking twice, and thanking gods that they could fetch a rickshaw while there were so many people waiting.
Its the same kind of helplessness that I had to face when getting my late father's death certificate out. I had the capacity to pay that much, but I didn't. Ask me why and I will say in the situation, it may have made my work almost, but not impossible. But imagine people making money out of the dead.
Where's the spirit guys?
Who's killing it?... Hawaldaar bhi paise leke receipt nahin dete hain. And what proof do I have?
But do we have an option? or will be become a Pakistan very soon? Aren't we simply letting it grow into a bubble? Because once it does, we will just have to see it getting burst. Kalyug, right! But who cares.
How long are you going to elect netas who will think about you? Why cant you get people who will do the right thing?
Eunuchs do a better job. At least they accept that they are begging at a signal, or are forcefully taking money at child birth. At least, they don’t show attitude while doing it. They are still begging.
And Tihar jail inmates have been given the privilege of getting their choice of South Indian food. What the fuck is wrong? 2G, CWG, and crores and crores of public money, stashed away outside this country and we are busy making better culinary experiences available to the guilty?
If it is not possible to aspire for standard things in life, one needs to choose lesser of the two evils - amongst begging and robbing. I rate the Eunuchs higher because at least they are still begging.
Well I support Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev, not because they are backed by BJP and RSS (which may/ may not be true), but because for the first time, these individuals have stood up with real large fans bases. And I want to be a part of it. It’s not the question of being idealistic. It’s just that if a ’not so worthy’ person doesn't get to toy with the Bentley, the same money can be directed to provide food to the poor. There are so many larger issues at hand.
Help me find an idol guys - If not an honest person, at least an earnest one.
I hope these verses doesn't become a political agenda tomorrow and I can still live to sustain my family. For you never know who gives a damn to whether Ramdev lives or Jyotirmoy Dey dies.
