Winter Sunsets

I just cannot describe it too well in words

But there’s something with winter sunsets

They offer a certain catharsis, fairly deep

One that lets all the peace until heart seep

Soft steamy frost and smoky bare skies

When merge in dull noises, dreamy eyes

Create a perfect canvas where I etch out

What I’m convinced of and what I doubt

Although hues of grey too respite brings

But they soothe heart and loosen strings

In a way I just cannot describe in words

But there’s something with winter sunsets

WOMEN RESERVATION - NO THANKS!

The debate is always heated up on the women reservation bill. In fact, it has been going on for last 13 years. Despite a lot of uproar, the Rajya Sabha finally gave a nod to this bill. Now a good 33 per cent of legislative seats in the Lok Sabha and the state Assemblies would be reserved for women. But it’s not over yet, a last step still remains. As we all know the real power lies with the Lok Sabha; its approval is still awaited.

But I perceive this entire bill thing to be nothing more than just another political crap. What advantage would a common Indian woman have if this bill is passed? Nothing. A common lady would receive nothing out of this political cocktail. There are other chronic problems that literally are curses for women, like female feticide, female illiteracy, eve teasing etc. These demand attention rather than that nonsensical bill lying in the Lok Sabha for approval.

 

I was literally shocked by a recent news item. Some delinquent youths harassed and abused their 13 year old house-maid. They even had the audacity to post the appalling video on YouTube. But the most unfortunate part of the whole story is that they were granted bail. Now why doesn’t the government try to make laws relating to abuse and harassment more stringent? Such psychopathic youths need a lesson or two.

Eve teasing is much more ubiquitous than we can ever imagine. Just pay a little attention, go a bit deep, you will notice that most men do this the whole day. It has become their favorite pastime. Most women prefer to stay mum and avoid giving a reply to such odious comments. The behavior of police too, is very non-cooperative in such cases. Why doesn’t the government make policemen a bit more sensitive and aware of their duties? 

One more recent news showed some thing extremely obnoxious and gory. Several underdeveloped female fetuses were found in a garbage bin in Ahemadabad (Gujrat). Steps need to be taken to implement the rules strictly to make female feticide impossible.

Domestic abuse is another problem. Most women suffer agony in silence for years. Instead of arguing endlessly for seats in Assembly, don’t you think it is better to do something that can provide a sense of safety and security to women who are victims of domestic and/or dowry abuse?

And one more angle is involved. I strongly feel by giving reservation to women, government is openly accepting the fact that women are weak and they need support. Rather government should try to cure the basic underlying problems that are compelling ladies to demand reservation. After all, prevention is always better than cure. Isn’t it?  

WHATZ CHARITY FOR YOU??

This morning while thinking aloud, just like that a stray thought entered my mind. It has to do with each one of us; we all want to be altruistic, we all in some way or the other wish to do some sort of charity or social service and all of us always lack time for that. Charity is often the most neglected task of our lives. Today, I was thinking about what exactly do we mean by charity?

The dictionary defines it as “generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one's life to charity.” But let’s go a little deeper; is it only about giving a currency note to some NGO or is it taking pains to provide relief to a needy? Since the world is not same, each individual holds a different viewpoint on what exactly charity means. Some even consider the entire concept of charity a crap.

Ask a busy executive, for him charity is donating a yearly cheque to some well known NGO; for a businessman charity may be a good means to get tax rebates, while youngsters, mostly students, are confused about where should they start off as they wish to do a lot but their plans are hazy and ambiguous most of the times. I know some people who visit orphanages and NGOs to volunteer their money or services but they also make sure that it’s well known to people that X goes there every Sunday to do this service or that. Is charity a mode to be perceived as a local celebrity?

Some people although perform social services but behave exactly the opposite with people they hold power over like old family members, servants, pets etc. The old customs of doing charity like it used to be depicted in films has worn out. Now for most people, specially busy urbanites, it means simply donating money since it’s easy and saves their precious time.

But I view it differently. I feel the real charity is done when you take pains to provide relief to someone else in some way. Big or small doesn’t matter, but without expecting any returns including recognition from acquaintances, otherwise it would be akin to a business investment or a bond you expect to encash at an opportune moment in future! If you stand in a long queue to get a ticket reserved or pay the bill for an old citizen, that’s real charity.

I feel charity has nothing to do with money, whether you can donate it or not. What really matters is whether you are willing to make an extra effort to help someone you do not know. It may not be done only in an NGO; the basic attitude of charity can be and should be inculcated in daily life too, for example giving a piece of left over food to a stray canine is a kind of charity too :)