“Aman Ki Asha” – How much do we really care about peace

Aman Ki Asha – an initiative taken by Times of India and the Jang Group of Pakistan, to bring people across the borders closer to each other. When I saw it in the papers, my first reaction was “this will lead to nothing” and I believe this would have been the reaction of many others. Another terrorist attack somewhere in the country and this idea would take a backseat- people would start raising their fingers at one another across the borders.
We have so much trouble in our personal lives that we are slowly becoming indifferent to the miseries inflicted on others. At best we take part in some candle light protests or peace marches. Some would say this is how we can do our bit for the society; I would dare to say people do it because this is the “in thing” brought about by depictions in Bollywood movies (we love our movies and love aping the stars!). Nowadays, such “events” are promoted by competing news channels – a matter of TRP’s for them??
I, myself did not know that an “Aman ki Asha” page existed in Facebook. Call it my lack of interest, but, I did not find anyone from my 300 odds friends (from various social networking sites) in that group either. When it comes to feelings for our country, I wonder if we are just satisfied with showing our patriotism only when it comes to cricket – one victory for India, in any form of cricket and we feel so proud of being an Indian. If the opposition is the Pakistan team, then the feeling is almost like winning a war. I won’t be wrong to say the same feeling exists amongst people in Pakistan too. The other day, while watching a movie, we were asked to stand up for the National Anthem and I could hear a grunt of dissatisfaction from some of the viewers around me…they were unhappy as they had to find a place to keep their popcorns and beverages for the 52 seconds that Jana Gana Mana would be played – is this how much we care for our nation? With this attitude we can never give “peace” a chance with anybody, forget Pakistan.
Any discussion on India and our immediate Western neighbor, only invites caustic reactions thanks to the 62 year old divide created by political diatribe across the borders. So, much so, that the thought of Sania Mirza representing Pakistan in tennis, after marriage to Shoaib Malik brings about a revolt amongst us. Very much justified, I would say, we all adore Sania - for her skills on the court and off it! But, would it have evoked similar outbursts if she would have married someone from the US or UK and represented their nation in tennis – I think we would have secretly felt proud of her.
Is it right to leave the success or failure of the Peace initiatives being taken between India and Pakistan; to the politicians whom we have elected (how many of us cast our votes in the last elections?) or do we have a role to play as well…..but the big question is - do we really care??

~ Sid ~

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/amankiasha.cms

Modi- The Icon Vs. Modi- The Pimp

What if you you were an affluent businessman and have the world's opulence under your feet? You keep invested, help the money multiply itself, earn more of the yellow God though more and larger ventures and keep your fingers crossed till someday Forbes takes note and you find a mention in their annual rich list.

Or then you are Lalit Modi, the 'commissioner' of the Indian Premier League(IPL). The conventional scheme would have taken a couple of decades in conjunction with all possible catalysts for him to have made it to the everyday coffee table discussion. So, Mr. Modi chose direct his energy into crafting a sports league now officially the 22nd most innovative company.

Naman Ojha, a little known cricketer from Madhya Pradesh is an overnight sensation. Venues like Dharmashala are on the cricket map today. Advertising has to pass the IPL litmus test before being endorsed at the Goa Fest. Charity saw a helping hand -India(Breast Cancer Charity) and South Africa (Help Educate and Teach)

In this age where success is a function of ROI, the IPL was exemplary with unheard of amounts being offered for every single association. Monetization peaked when mobile TV, Theatrical, Entertainment rights were sold. But the question now is 'How much is too much?' Is the viewer okay with an ad played right between consecutive deliveries of an ongoing over, a ticker that tells him that he can connect with the cheerleader by dialing a VAS number at Rs. 12/min or when the commentator talks more about Maxx Mobile, Karbonn Mobile, DLF, Citibank, MRF more than the cricket.

The cricketers are made to slog it out on the field for an average of three days in a week leaving aside the travel they do between venues and of course the 'Karbonn IPL Nights' that go on till the wee hours. Mumbai Indians, a franchisee even went to the extent of saying it on record that they have set their eyes on winning the league even at the cost of possible injuries to some front-line names who have been entrusted with the responsibility of the World Cup T20.

Lalit was last seen in an IPL match signing autographs with the WSG cameras covering him. So, Modi- the innovator or the prick, you decide!

http://twitter.com/amarjeetnayak

Quote of the day

The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning
~ Oprah Winfrey~

Quote of the day

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better

~King Whitney Jr~

Quote of the day

Our days are a kaleidoscope. Every instant a change takes place. ... New harmonies, new contrasts, new combinations of every sort. ... The most familiar people stand each moment in some new relation to each other, to their work, to surrounding objects.
~ Henry Ward Beecher ~

Sports

Nothing focuses the mind better than the constant sight of a competitor who wants to wipe you off the map.....
Let this be the place for your creative minds to take-off !

IPL is the flavour of the season...i am sure each one of you has an opinion about this money - spinner event...