'Nirbhar' to 'Nirbhayaa'

              Kehne ko mai azaad hu,
             Keh sakti hu,
             Kar sakti hu jo chaahu,
            Par suni naa kisi ne awaaz meri
           Chhinn gayi jab zindagi meri....
                             Tab jagi hai jwala mere mann main,
                            Ab samajh aaya hai mujhe,
                            Azaadi ki hawaa mai tabhi chakh paaungi,
                           Jab mai 'nirbhar' nahi , 'nirbhayaa' ho jaaungi......



                                  The unfortunate and inhumane slaughter of our sister has brought about a re-awakening. From changing profile pictures and sharing 'black dots' to candle marches, every citizen has shown his/her support for the girl and protest against the careless and unconcerned behavior of the political leaders. I am glad to see the government actually working to improve it's efficiency ( probably only to save it's vote bank.. ) and the police taking up measures to prevent any more assaults ( I hope it's not short-lived..)
                                  The majority of the people demand death sentence for the guilty or want them to be hanged, but won't it be unfair for Damini's soul to see her murderers die such an easy death? I don't approve of it...!! The accused have to be made aware of their sin and should be sentenced to a brutal punishment, allowing them only to exist...not to live...
                                 It is not only about her, it is about the nation. A nation, where a woman is not secure even in the capital, is not fit to be called independent.
                                 We ought to empower our girls, rather than wasting our energy on criticizing those whose minds think of nothing but greed.....
After all, it is only  'We, the people of India' who can bring about a change....................

Rendezvous with my city.....

I spent this December evening on the streets of Suncity, walking in the congested yet marvellous interior of my city.....
            The very first look at the Sardar market of Girdhikot near Ghantaghar, or Clock Tower amazed me. Seeing the tourists marvel at people and cattle walking side by side was so amusing. The various shops of all kinds- cloth, food, jewellery, furniture, footwear, paintings, etc. made the place so lively and colourful. 
     The cool winter breeze, paired with the delicious aroma of dal pakoras, rabdi, mirchi badas and of course tea, wafted around. With the old shops dating back to the 18th century, colourful Bandhej cloth flying in the air, the local women and men in Rajasthani outfits, little children playing around and Mehrangarh in the background, I felt as if I were walking in the ancient Jodhpur during the reign of Maharajas..!! 
    Unlike the peaceful and quiet colony where I reside, that place was so cheerful, so busy....
            On the vibrant colours and royalty of Jodhpur, the people's careless attitude is a big blot. For instance, the beautiful Gulabsagar lake has more of dumped plastic than water. The scenic beauty of Fatehsagar suffers from the same fate...
        On one hand, we boast to the tourists of our grand heritage, and on the other, do we take pride in showing our children running barefoot on busy roads, or probably slogging in shops?
   Think about it...........

         

               Deepawali, a festival of lights and crackers marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, infusing in us a sense of well being.                                                  

On this auspicious occasion, let us not just entertain ourselves with all the glitter and glamour but also illuminate the darker side. While the world is all in 'bangs' , 'booms' and 'sparks' , hundreds of tiny souls are begging for mercy. Trapped in the walls of cracker factories, these little children don't get new clothes or sweets, instead they endure burns and pain. Also, in all this light and shine , somewhere in the dark, prevail gambling, drugs and drinks.            


 This Diwali, do enjoy yourselves to the best, but do lend a hand to the needy, do justify the    festival and lighten up someone's world with your kindness.

                                                  Wishing all the readers a very   HAPPY   AND   SAFE    DIWALI.....!!!