I Love India

What would happen to Shiney Ahuja?

anamika — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:09:10 +0000

One of the most talked about stories in Newspaper these days is that of Shiney Ahuja raping his domestic help. This Indian Actor raped his 20-year-old maid at his residence on June 14. An FIR was filed against the actor in the Oshiwara Police Station. He was arrested in the late evening. The DNA report has confirmed rape of the victim. The blood and urine samples also suggested that the actor was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs when he allegedly committed the crime. The medical examination of the victim showed injuries on her private parts. The medical report of Shiney Ahuja had also shown an abrasion on his hand. According to the Police Officials the victim is just 38 kg while Ahuja is 76 kg and might have easily overpowered and raped her. The actor denied rape but admitted to having consensual sex with his housemaid. On 19th June, the Andheri court sent him to Arthur Road jail under judicial custody till 2nd July 2009.On 2nd July 2009; his judicial custody was further extended till 16th July 2009.

Shiney Ahuja is married to Anupam hailing from Delhi. They have a daughter, born in 2007. Anupam was busy with her corporate career in a financial firm and was based in New York for long, while Shiny was busy with his career in Mumbai. She quit her job last year and started her own business there in New York. Anupam Ahuja, however, thinks that her husband has been framed and that he is innocent. Some people even tend to think that he is paying a price for being a Celebrity.

Shiney Ahuja who was born on the 15^th of May 1973 has won a couple of Awards including Filmfare Best Debut Award for Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi in 2006. Some of the Movies of this Actor are Kidnap (2008) , Hijack (2008) ,Khoya Khoya Chand (2007) , Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) , Life in a Metro (2007) , Migration (2007) , Zindaggi Rocks (2006) , Woh Lamhe (2006) , Fanaa (2006) , Gangster (2006) , Kal: Yesterday and Tomorrow (2005) , Karam (2005) ,Sins (2005) and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003). Somehow the entire rape incident has brought him more fame than in his entire film career put together. He with his new experience could rise in his career as a Villain. There can be several reasons as to why men cheat in relationships . However, what prompted Shiney Ahuja to stoop to the levels of raping his maid is yet to be known. Was it because of his long distance relationship with his wife or as many say was he framed?

Rape or Infidelity… either case he deserves to be punished.

Homosexuality is no more a Crime in India

anamika — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:01:51 +0000

Indian gays and lesbians now have a reason to rejoice with the historic judgment made by the Delhi High Court to amend the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code where one could get a maximum penalty of life sentence on individuals who has ‘carnal intercourse against the order of nature’ with any man, woman or animal. With the amendment of the act oral and anal sex between consenting adults are no more a crime. Celina Jaitley can rejoice too. After all she received a lot of ‘hate’ from especially Indians for supporting the gay rights and more fame because of that than in her entire film career put together.

Personally, I neither support nor follow the acts of a Lesbian/Gay and consider it ‘unnatural’ but in my Opinion every body should be able to exercise their fundamental rights. What a lesbian or gay does in their bedroom is their business and it is wrong to discriminate or look down on someone because of their sexual preferences. This law should have been amended long back. Anyways, better late than never even though considering the religious front such a law results in ruining the society and family values.

Indian Television Shows – Reel or Real?

anamika — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:50:05 +0000

The Indian Television now is full of reality shows. A careful observation of these shows reveals that almost all of these shows are all staged and rehearsed. Many a times the winner also might have been pre decided by the Producer or TV Channel. Without knowing many get hooked to these shows and even send countless SMS in hope of making their favorite candidates win! Many of these contests do not have an internet voting system which makes SMS the only mode of voting. Even if an internet voting system existed the question is how real these shows are. Each of these SMS cost INR 6 to 8. With countless of those votes coming from all over the World and with tie up arrangement with mobile companies the Producer makes hoards of money. Majority of times we see famous faces promoting their new movie or music album through these shows. We have also seen Politicians coming into some of these shows as well. I am sure the Producer has made some nice money that way too. Nice strategy, Isn’t it?

One of the much talked about shows in Television is the ‘Rakhi ka Swayambar’ in NDTV Imagine. There has been a flood of entries received from across the World via phone, email and SMS out of which 16 candidates have been short listed. Majority of them are wannabe actors or models wanting to show their best to the World through the Show. Who knows they may have paid their way to the Show after all. Has Rakhi already selected her groom or is she only going to get engaged to the winner and not married after the show so that she can dump him later needs to be seen. After all, In the TV and Film World all sorts of dramas can happen. However, these types of Shows are real good time pass reality or reel what ever they may be, right?

Bandra Worli Sealink – Mumbai’s Pride

anamika — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:39:32 +0000

The much awaited Bandra Worli Sea link is now open to the general public on 1^st of July 2009. With this sea link now Mumbaikars can now go from Worli to Bandra in just 7 minutes. One way toll for travel is Rs 50 and return toll for the daily travel is Rs 75. But on the first 5 days of opening mumbaikars can have a free ride across the sea link. However, the disappointing fact is that 2 wheelers and 3 wheelers are not allowed in the Sealink.

I took the link bridge at 10:45 along with a friend. I was expecting a rush but we had a smooth and pleasant ride. The view on the ride was simply fabulous and is worth every penny one would have to spend. The entire ride which was a beautiful experience felt like a dream when it ended soon.

But it is sickening to see that the Politicians want to take advantage of this project and want it to be named after the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It is ridiculous that political parties build fame for themselves by naming roads, tourist attractions and other landmarks build using the tax payer’s money. What is even more ridiculous is that some even want a free or concessional ride across the link when an ordinary mumbaite have to shell out huge chunk of money for the pleasure of using this newest landmark of Mumbai. I think this landmark of Mumbai would be better known as Bandra-Worli Sea Link than been named after political party leaders or activists. What say India?

Arranged Marriages in India now through TV

anamika — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:38:02 +0000

Arranged Marriages are more preferred in India than love marriages. Marriage in India is not only the union of the bride and groom but also the union of two families and relatives. Gone are the days of marriage brokers or giving advertisements in Newspapers or marriage sites on the internet where the bride and groom get to know each other and then proceed the relationship. Now a new concept or trend in match making called ‘TV Matrimonials’ have been introduced by Star TV along with the matrimonial website Shaadi dot com where the selection of bride and groom would take place through the medium of TV. This TV Matrimonial Show is aptly named as ‘Star Vivaah‘ and is supposed to be aired from the 13th of May 2009 at 2 PM.This show would be hosted by Mohnish Behl and Additi Shirwaiker. There is another Reality Show which is supposed to be aired on NDTV Imagine called ‘Rakhi Ka Swayambar‘ where the Film and TV actress Rakhi Sawant would choose her life partner from lakhs of Applicants.

Let’s wait and watch.

Corruption and Bribery - We are responsible

anamika — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:35:36 +0000

In India, unfortunately, corruption has become a way of living and it would not be wrong to comment that India ranks amongst the most corrupted countries in the world. Corruption in India is not confined to just government officials and Politicians who are out to make a quick buck but is widespread amongst almost every section of the society. It is sad to see that even those who seem to be religiously inclined are often found indulging in such practices. I wonder, which religion advocates that taking bribes as okay. In many places this practice is more conveniently given the name of ‘donation’. I have been told that even in the 100% literate state of Kerala huge amounts are to be paid to some churches as compulsory donation to get jobs in the church owned institutions. It is seen that such practices exists not only for those seeking government and bank jobs but even private jobs or jobs with Multi National Companies where corrupt individuals sitting in influential positions indulge in such dishonest practices. At least once in a week we hear of instances of Politicians, Doctors, Police officers, judges, taking bribes and supporting criminals but that is only a minority which has been unveiled. Recently there was a report on NGO fund misuse. Out of several cases which have come to the light many has already been dismissed saying lack of evidence or something else thanks to the corrupted officials because of whom these criminals are roaming around openly and without fear even after swindling public money or committing murders.

In order to curb corruption from the society the nation needs anti-corruption drives and awareness campaigns. Severe punishments should be given to those who are found guilty so that it will instill fear in the minds of the corrupted. Let us remember that both the giver and taker of the bribe are equally guilty of corruption. Governments come and go but we are yet to see a government which has taken steps to curb this killer disease of corruption. The least we can do when we see such practices is to notify those who can make a difference like the anti corruption department, news channels or newspapers.

Let us raise our Voices… Let us say ‘No’ to Corruption… Let us make a difference!

I want him to be burned alive!

anamika — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:35:31 +0000

With the Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab caught alive and the hearing going on there is so much hatred towards the terrorist and Pakistan as a country in the minds of Indians. ‘I want him to be burned alive’ was the statement I overhead from a group who was discussing on what should be done with this terrorist. Another guy was heard saying ‘All Muslims should be shipped off to Pakistan because they don’t deserve to live in a country like India’. And I could feel the hatred for Muslims in his voice. And the discussion went on and on…

We all proclaim that in India ‘Hindu- Musalman is bhai bhai’ which is no more a true statement. The terrorist’s attacks have resulted in so much hatred towards Muslims. One of my friends who was traveling by the Mumbai local train said that she saw 2 ladies clad in burkha been assaulted and burkhas torn off by a group of ladies in the ladies compartment a few days after the train blasts which took the life of several. It has also become a habit to several to look at Muslims with suspicious eyes especially at crowded places.

The fact is that those Terrorists were misguided people who have been used by some for their own selfish interests and given a wrong picture that Muslims are suffering in India. I don’t think Muslims suffer here. But if Muslims are suffering, the sole responsibility lies with those terrorists who are defaming the image of the Religion of Islam. But what many fail to get into their heads is the fact that the ‘Terrorist cannot have a religion at all’ as no true Muslim would do what they do or did. A man cannot be a true Muslim and Terrorist at the same time. Either they are unaware of the principles of the Religion of Islam or they are an anti Islamic force whose sole aim is to create a bad image about the religion of Islam and the Muslims in general.Terrorists are ‘kafirs’ of the religion of Islam. So instead of throwing stones at our own brothers and condemning a religion like Islam let us spread love and peace in our country because love breeds love and hatred breeds’ hatred.

Are we treating the foreign tourists who visit our country right?

anamika — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:26:20 +0000

India has the reputation of treating the guests like God. We take pride on indian hospitality and say ‘Aditi Devo Bhava’ which means that a guest is like God. But are we treating the countless tourists (our guests) who visit our country every year right? It is so painful and sickening to see that every where they are looted starting from the taxi driver, hotels, massage parlors and tourist spots. In short, the foreign tourist (especially fair skinned ones) ends paying up a higher rate for everything. This makes it very difficult for those Tourists who travel on a shoe string Budget. What impact does this sort of a treatment leave in the eyes of those Visitors of India? What image of our country do they carry back to their homes? As far as I know there is no other country where this sort of discrimination to tourists exist. Please correct me if I am wrong.

There have also been some incidents where a tourist have been robbed, raped or even murdered during their visit in India. Let’s remember that every visitor to our country is our guest and we should treat them right and with respect. The safety and protection of our guests are our responsibility. Let’s really live the ‘Aditi Devo Bhava’ principle so that more and more tourists come to our country and carry a good image of our country when they go back.

Let us treat our guest’s right!

The Significance of Woman wearing Bindi in Hindu Religion

anamika — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:53:04 +0000

The Hindu Religion is a religion having numerous Customs out of which some are taken very seriously. Wearing Bindi seems to be one of them. I remember reading some time back that a mother in-law beat her daughter in-law blue and black because she forgot to put the bindi after bath. She was beaten because her mother in-law believed that by not wearing the Bindi the girl endangered her son’s life. Ridiculous isn’t it?

What is a Bindi?

A Bindi is an auspicious mark worn by women. The word Bindi is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Bindu’ which means a dot. A Bindi is called by different names in different languages of India. Thus, alternative names for bindi is Pottu in Tamil and Malayalam, Tilak in Hindi, Bottu or Tilakam in Telugu, Bottu or Tilaka in Kannada and Teep in Bengali. Bindi is usually worn by women between their eyebrows on the forehead and is traditionally a symbol of Marriage. Married woman in Hindu Religion normally wear bindi made with Vermillion powder. Hindus consider Bindi as a symbol is of Goddess Parvati, the divine female energy and wearing it is believed to protect women and their husbands. There are even some customs among Hindus where the bindi is wiped of from the widow’s forehead and her bangles are broken and she is restricted from wearing it again. I don’t understand the logic behind that. I can understand if said that death is a natural phenomena and there can be limits to the protection offered by a Bindi. But my question is just because the husband died is it right to ask the woman to leave the things she loves like wearing a bindi, colorful cloths and bangles? Thank God! Gone are the days when widows were forced into their husband’s funeral pyre in a Hindu custom called ‘Sati’ and were burned alive. Thanks to Raja Ram Mohan Roy who raised his voice against this practice and also campaigned for rights for women, including the right for widows to remarry and the right for women to hold property.

However, Today a Bindi is worn by unmarried girls or children and even woman belonging to some other castes as well apart from married Hindu Woman. Some widows also are seen wearing Bindis these days. From a simple red dot on the forehead a bindi has become decorative and is now seen in all colors, shapes and designs.

What right do we have to complain when we have not Voted?

anamika — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:40:34 +0000

These days there is so much of awareness campaigns everywhere regarding the Elections which definitely is going to have a positive influence in the society. I especially like this advertisement on TV where it says that even when we buy vegetables we choose carefully then why are we not careful about choosing those who would represent our country. Many still think voting is a waste of time. They don’t care who rules our country or how our country is run .But when things go wrong they are the first to complain.India is a democratic country by the people and for the people and our unity is where our power lies. We need to unite and choose our leaders with utmost care for the better future of our country.

But why should we vote? First of all, To elect our leaders is our Constitutional Right and voting helps us to voice our opinions. By voting we can express our approval or disapproval of a certain candidate,Political party or policy. We should vote to ensure that criminals and corrupt politicians would not rule us and we choose those who would bring positive changes and developments in our Country.We should choose those candidates would make rational and intelligent decisions and would be an ethical leader. We need young and educated people to lead our country. We need to vote out those who despite of being in power for years have done nothing to our country. But it may always not be easy to decide on whom to vote or which political party to support. Still we should do some research on the candidates and pick the best person as representative. Finally let’s Vote because we can. God forbid one day we wake up and find we can’t. We are so lucky that our India is a Democratic country and we have the right of expression. So let’s take some time out of our schedules and cast our votes.

Let’s Vote, let’s make a difference!

Namaste - Have we forgotton it?

anamika — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:39:08 +0000

Today my friend from the US called and while he was talking he asked me if I would like to talk to his English girlfriend Caroline. I greeted her as ‘Hello Carol’ and was taken aback when she responded with a ‘Namaste’. While talking to her she told that she visited India three years back with a girl friend and that she learned Surya Namaskar from an Indian she met during the visit.While in conversation she also told me that she likes the Indian marriages and saree and that she would like to visit again. After she kept the phone I kept thinking. Do we Indians really value our culture and rituals? Many are interested in green cards and go on aping the west when it comes to our dressing and behavior.

What exactly is a Namaskar? Namaskar or Namaste is the most popular form of greeting in India. It holds a lot of significance for the people of India and is a Symbol of the Indian Culture. Namaste is the most popular form of greeting in India where both the palms are placed together and raised to below the face and close to the heart in a general salutation for welcoming someone or bidding farewell. Namaskar can be used instead of “welcome”, “hello”, Good morning, good evening or “Bye”.It is usually accompanied by slight bowing of head.Think of a Politician or King shaking hands with everybody in the Crowd. But namaste serves the purpose. A namaskar is performed also when taking darsan of the Hindu deities or while meeting an elderly or respected person.Namaste is also used in the practice of yoga as an important Mudra. Another significant identification of namaste is with the institution of marriage where after the ceremonies have been completed the new husband and wife team perform namaste to each other.It is said that after marriage the husband and wife should perform the namaste together where the wife should stand to the right of her husband when greeting elders. A namaskar is also representation of ones devotion, love, respect and humility. Namaste is not only a sign of recognition but also an expression of happiness at each other’s sight. It also sets the positive tone for the further development of a harmonious relationship. The word ‘Namaste’, in Sanskrit, contains two words: ‘Namah’ and ‘te’. ‘te’ means ‘to you’. ‘Namah’ means ’salutations’. Put together it implies ‘my salutations to you’.

When doing the namaste gesture five fingers of the left hand which are representation of the five senses of Karma is blended exactly with the fingers of the right hand which is representation of the five organs of knowledge. The number of fingers involved in a namaste is ten which is the symbol of perfection and unity. Namaste happens to be both a formal and an informal form of greeting in India and you can say this to anyone irrespective of age. Sometimes in order to convey the deep respect for the other person the folded hands are placed in front of the forehead. In the same manner when worshiping God or greeting a holy person the folded hands are placed above the head. Nowadays it is seen that due to the increasing influence of Western culture people often shake hands or kiss on the cheek as a form of greeting.Sometimes just a ‘namaste’ is uttered without the folding of hands. Many do a Namaskar just as a formality without realizing the spiritual significance of namaskar. The next time we greet someone let’s say ‘Namaste’ instead of ‘Hello’.