A week with so many positives

It was a festival week and along with festivals, an eventful week too. After all, much talked topic ‘corruption’ took a sideline for few moments off the news channels and paper media. In a TV program, PCI (Press Council of India) chief spoke about the media being irresponsible and wayward in what they cover and what they report. This post is not about how should media act in uniting the country and not look for opportunities to gain just TRPs. Instead, I would look back in the week’s events and take significant heart in where we are heading in terms of movies, music and sports.

Though I haven't yet watched the much awaited sci-fi bollywood movie 'Ra.One', I have heard people telling that these kind of efforts itself is laudable considering the commercial nature of movie viewership in India. Money pumping and money generation is not a problem for producers these days as they find enough avenues to break even quite easily – nationally or internationally. The point is that we leave with absolute awe and a feeling of wow from a cinema hall after watching an Avatar or a Titatic and wonder if bollywood can match that level of cinema-making. I am glad for the simple reason that at least these flicks are being tried in mainstream commercial cinema. Who knows someday sci-fi will become order of the day?

Today, Metallica rocked Bangalore and thrilled the audience from what I hear in the media. I am not a keen follower of rock band but pleasantly excited to see the fan following of this kind of music in India. Let us safely avoid discussing what happened in Gurgaon on Friday. It was amazing to see the craziness of fans even though the show was cancelled. They could really do anything to experience the spirit of rebellion and doubtless expression for which Metallica is widely known. With the increasing popularity of international artists such as Akon, Lady Gaga, Shakira etc., the real fusion is very much on its way. After all, international music has its own niche with India music lovers.

Last but not the least, the talk of the town is Indian Grand Prix. The organizers pulled it off beautifully. No body complained about the facilities, newly built circuit and the world known Indian hospitality. Yes, the dog was found searching for some heat on the race course – thanks to setting winters in Delhi. On a separate note, the entire event was a huge success and the following was so pleasant to the eyes. I wish that the event continues and explores (rather explodes) the unleashed potential that India has to offer in the coming years.

कागज़ की कश्ती, वो बहता पानी

बारिश के पानी की तरह पाक तुम्हारे वो साज़,
चिलचिलाती धुप में एक साया तुम्हारी आवाज़,
छिपे हुए गमो में मद्धम मुस्कान का पैगाम देती,
शुकून का एहसास तुम्हारी वो अमर आवाज़,

होश वालो को बेखुदी का मतलब समझाते ग़ज़ल,
झुकी नज़रो की खामोशिया बयां करते वो हसीं नगमे,
दिल की दवा करू तो करू कैसे, ज़हन में घुलते तेरे वो बोल,
ना चिट्ठी ना सन्देश, फासलों को मिटाते तेरे गीत अनमोल!

Stay hungry, stay foolish!

He followed his instincts. He did what he loved doing. He overcame the obstacles of life in the most phenomenal manner. While living, he was an inspiration for millions and while resting in peace, he will continue to inspire millions. He commanded tremendous amount of respect globally which to the least sound incredible. So much that he gave to the world – with passion and with humility. So much that he battled in life – with courage and with focus. He gave the apple a new meaning. And the affairs of the world continue, of all "Apple" will owe almost everything to this great man – Steven Paul “Steve” Jobs.

This video is just one example that convinces beyond doubt why He is so Great. Great Indeed, Steve! I would pay him a tribute by reproducing few of his famous quotes:

“That’s been one of my mantras–focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me…Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful–that’s what matters.”

“Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”

“I want to put a ding in the universe.”

“You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.”

“We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. Life is brief, and then you die, you know? And we’ve all chosen to do this with our lives. So it better be damn good. It better be worth it.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

“Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

We need you, Today and Ever!

About him, what can one say,
His teachings shall forever stay;
True in life, true in mind, body and soul,
one that we could blindly obey!

He lived once and he died once,
All his efforts made deep sense;
for ‘the India of his dreams’
needed and needs the perseverance.

For the India of his and our dreams,
An India of unforeseen independence!

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty" - Mahatma Gandhi.