Do we suffer from amnesia?

 

What an extremely short memory span we human beings have.

Something happens somewhere or the other that provokes public interest and there is a hue and cry. Without even being invited, thousands jump on the bandwagon. Social media goes berserk. Television news anchors have a field day and TRP ratings soar. The newspapers give the item top billing and tensions overflow. The topic is everywhere, and the citizens are awestruck.

How, why, and where did it happen? Who witnessed it? Could it have been prevented? How do we know it will not happen again? Innumerable questions, plenty of rumours and no concrete answers are usually how these scenarios play out.

Suddenly, any and everybody becomes an authority on the matter and there are comments, quotes, data, suggestions, solutions and what have you.

And then – something new and sensational takes place, and the old case is either forgotten, or conveniently put on the back burner.

There are probably hundreds of such incidents, but I will refer to just a few which I can recollect immediately- in no particular order.

The first case that comes to mind is the Noida double murder and by this I refer to the unsolved murders of 13-year-old girl and a 45-year-old,  male, live-in domestic worker, employed by her family. What happened and why - who murdered them? It was a bizarre story with gory details.  If I recall rightly, the parents of the girl became suspects and were behind bars for some time – then they were released as no case could be proved against them. The case started with a bang and ended with a whimper.

Suddenly there was silence - What thereafter?

What of the well-known Bollywood actor  who apparently committed suicide? Even before his last rites could be performed, the case was the talk of the country. The actor’s name was sullied in the bargain and so many family members, friends and colleagues and well-wishers were dragged into the limelight – many probably for no fault at all. There were claims and counter claims, witnesses for and against various people, and the case went off on innumerable tangents. The net was spread far and wide and everyone waited with bated breath for the conclusion.  It was such a sensational matter, and the country was divided. Was it suicide or murder? What a commotion and what insane drama ensued.

 Then suddenly there was silence – What thereafter?

Do you remember this? It was 12:42 a.m. on the quiet, moonlit night of March 8, 2014, a Boeing 777 operated by Malaysia Airlines took off from Kuala Lumpur and turned toward Beijing, climbing to its assigned cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. The flight number was 370. Then without warning, the plane went missing. The newspapers could not get enough and there were all sorts of theories. Experts say they have located the  MH370 crash site and are investigation . However, the remains of the  239 passengers and crew on board were never found and are presumed dead. However, no one is sure.

After all the high drama, suddenly there was silence – what thereafter?

Then there are the multitude of rapes in India. Young women, old grandmothers, newlywed brides, school going girls and even babies are assaulted, raped and often brutally murdered.

 The cases hit the headlines, and everyone is filled with an immense amount of indignation. Anger boils over, morchas are taken out, politicians visit the family, other political parties are blamed, speeches are made & compensation is offered.

 Meanwhile elsewhere, there are riots,  vehicles are burnt, roads are blocked, shop windows are smashed, and police stations are torched. Promises are made by all and sundry that they will catch and convict the killers. Then, suddenly, completely out of the blue, we hear of arrests of some of the rapists while others are yet to be traced – this is the common language always used. We are not even sure if the ones who are caught are the actual culprits, or just scapegoats who will remain in jail till the heat is off. You never hear of those who got away as they vanish without a trace. At times the accused is a high-profile person, and we are told that justice will prevail – come what may.

People then demand the death penalty while the case drags on for months and at times years. Key witnesses die of old age, meet with strange accidents, commit suicide, are done away with, bought off and sometimes withdraw the cases. Whether it is the intervention or pressure by people in high places the cases then just fizzle out. Gradually interest wanes & no one knows or cares as to what happens in the end.

I may have referred to India but this is something which happens all over the world without exception .  

Everyone seemingly gets amnesia till the next human interest case surfaces .We human beings thrive on sensationalism &  love to start, afresh don’t we?

Do we suffer from amnesia?

 

What an extremely short memory span we human beings have.

Something happens somewhere or the other that provokes public interest and there is a hue and cry. Without even being invited, thousands jump on the bandwagon. Social media goes berserk. Television news anchors have a field day and TRP ratings soar. The newspapers give the item top billing and tensions overflow. The topic is everywhere, and the citizens are awestruck.

How, why, and where did it happen? Who witnessed it? Could it have been prevented? How do we know it will not happen again? Innumerable questions, plenty of rumours and no concrete answers are usually how these scenarios play out.

Suddenly, any and everybody becomes an authority on the matter and there are comments, quotes, data, suggestions, solutions and what have you.

And then – something new and sensational takes place, and the old case is either forgotten, or conveniently put on the back burner.

There are probably hundreds of such incidents, but I will refer to just a few which I can recollect immediately- in no particular order.

The first case that comes to mind is the Noida double murder and by this I refer to the unsolved murders of 13-year-old girl and a 45-year-old,  male, live-in domestic worker, employed by her family. What happened and why - who murdered them? It was a bizarre story with gory details.  If I recall rightly, the parents of the girl became suspects and were behind bars for some time – then they were released as no case could be proved against them. The case started with a bang and ended with a whimper.

Suddenly there was silence - What thereafter?

What of the well-known Bollywood actor  who apparently committed suicide? Even before his last rites could be performed, the case was the talk of the country. The actor’s name was sullied in the bargain and so many family members, friends and colleagues and well-wishers were dragged into the limelight – many probably for no fault at all. There were claims and counter claims, witnesses for and against various people, and the case went off on innumerable tangents. The net was spread far and wide and everyone waited with bated breath for the conclusion.  It was such a sensational matter, and the country was divided. Was it suicide or murder? What a commotion and what insane drama ensued.

 Then suddenly there was silence – What thereafter?

Do you remember this? It was 12:42 a.m. on the quiet, moonlit night of March 8, 2014, a Boeing 777 operated by Malaysia Airlines took off from Kuala Lumpur and turned toward Beijing, climbing to its assigned cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. The flight number was 370. Then without warning, the plane went missing. The newspapers could not get enough and there were all sorts of theories. Experts say they have located the  MH370 crash site and are investigation . However, the remains of the  239 passengers and crew on board were never found and are presumed dead. However, no one is sure.

After all the high drama, suddenly there was silence – what thereafter?

Then there are the multitude of rapes in India. Young women, old grandmothers, newlywed brides, school going girls and even babies are assaulted, raped and often brutally murdered.

 The cases hit the headlines, and everyone is filled with an immense amount of indignation. Anger boils over, morchas are taken out, politicians visit the family, other political parties are blamed, speeches are made & compensation is offered.

 Meanwhile elsewhere, there are riots,  vehicles are burnt, roads are blocked, shop windows are smashed, and police stations are torched. Promises are made by all and sundry that they will catch and convict the killers. Then, suddenly, completely out of the blue, we hear of arrests of some of the rapists while others are yet to be traced – this is the common language always used. We are not even sure if the ones who are caught are the actual culprits, or just scapegoats who will remain in jail till the heat is off. You never hear of those who got away as they vanish without a trace. At times the accused is a high-profile person, and we are told that justice will prevail – come what may.

People then demand the death penalty while the case drags on for months and at times years. Key witnesses die of old age, meet with strange accidents, commit suicide, are done away with, bought off and sometimes withdraw the cases. Whether it is the intervention or pressure by people in high places the cases then just fizzle out. Gradually interest wanes & no one knows or cares as to what happens in the end.

I may have referred to India but this is something which happens all over the world without exception .  

Everyone seemingly gets amnesia till the next human interest case surfaces .We human beings thrive on sensationalism &  love to start, afresh don’t we?

Patience is a virtue

 A pensive mood 

A vintage Port

 The lamps aglow

 Sam 'lightnin' Hopkins for company. 

 Asking for more? 

No. 

 Desiring a change ?

 No. 

Could be better 

Yes! 

But certainly not bad ! 

 The lazy boy 

 Cushions tucked in

 Legs stretched out

 Comfortable 

 A cat purring at my feet 

Begging for love?

 Probably not.

 She is a mean kitty 

And as elusive as they come! 

 And then Suddenly - a phone call

 Out of the blue 

 And It all changes. 

 The mood, the music, the wine too.

 And what an unexpected change 

 In seconds 

 I am glad. 

Euphoria?

 No . 

Happy ?

 Oh yes 

 Life . 

Yes that's life. 

 Patience is a virtue

 And it pays .

 Dinner beckons.

Patience is a virtue

 A pensive mood 

A vintage Port

 The lamps aglow

 Sam 'lightnin' Hopkins for company. 

 Asking for more? 

No. 

 Desiring a change ?

 No. 

Could be better 

Yes! 

But certainly not bad ! 

 The lazy boy 

 Cushions tucked in

 Legs stretched out

 Comfortable 

 A cat purring at my feet 

Begging for love?

 Probably not.

 She is a mean kitty 

And as elusive as they come! 

 And then Suddenly - a phone call

 Out of the blue 

 And It all changes. 

 The mood, the music, the wine too.

 And what an unexpected change 

 In seconds 

 I am glad. 

Euphoria?

 No . 

Happy ?

 Oh yes 

 Life . 

Yes that's life. 

 Patience is a virtue

 And it pays .

 Dinner beckons.

Did you march or did you dodge ?

 

Just remembered something about BISHOPS which I thought I must share .

For the Sports day, PE display etc. there was always an impressive March past by the four houses- Arnould, Bishops, Harding & Mansfied. Bishops boys were known for their marching prowess.

During this time, House masters would get their boys together and there would be hours and hours of rigorous practice – usually commencing a month in advance.

As there was a great Inter House competition and intense pride and fierce rivalry, all houses were always determined to come out on top and hence House masters pushed their squad to the very maximum.

I was House Master of Bishops House and did likewise. As house masters, we marched alongside our houses and shouted out orders and commands – often getting hoarse in the bargain with all the dust we swallowed. I must say I enjoyed every bit of it. It built a great house spirit and was a lot of fun.

This was some serious competition indeed and no quarters were asked for or given.

The heads held high, the chest out, the stomach in, the swinging of the arms, the movement of the legs , the position of the shoe, the eyes right , the eyes front, the hair cut , the  uniform -  all had to be perfect, with no room for error – there was usually a Marching cake and a prestigious trophy to be won. Three judges marked the squads as they marched past – usually army/ air force / naval officers for obvious reasons. The marching trophy was usually a very close contest and no one was ever happy with the results as each house felt it was the best!

We needed 15 rows of three boys in each row which made a squad of 45, plus the captain in the front leading with the flag and usually the Vice-captain at the back, to give the eyes front command. Anyway, the point I am coming to are the dodgers.

 These were boys who were more than capable of marching, but for some reason or the other or just plain laziness, they did not want to do so. A few did not march well on purpose and had their own reasons and explanation for the same. Some feigned injury or sickness and some said they did not know how to march. A boy once had the impunity to inform me, that his parents did not permit him to march as it was a waste of time, and he did so with a straight face.

At times, although boys were plentiful, houses struggled to get the minimum number and that became quite an issue. House masters soon found a solution to the perennial problem.

If boys marched poorly, they were usually kicked out of the squad. They then went and sat down in the shade and were either seen chatting to friends and having a good time, playing slyly in some corner, or slipping off to class to complete some class or homework. Often, they would also  be seen making fun of those practicing.

So, this was the solution. If you were kicked out of the squad, sitting down, or slipping away was out of the question. This was just not permitted.

Instead, these boys were formed into what came to be known as an ‘awkward squad’ and they marched behind the main squad during all practice sessions. A senior boy was usually put in charge of training them. Some boys had two left feel and no sense of timing, and just could not march. Surprisingly, the number of dodgers dropped drastically and they joined the main squad once this system was put in place. Others just plodded on as members of the awkward squad.

For your information, the name ‘awkward squad’ was given by Mr Roberts and he also enjoyed calling them out on the microphone from where you could hear him shout - left, right left, right, left right ……..  

So, dear boys – gentlemen now – put your hand up if you ever dodged marching and tell me how and why - especially if you never got caught.

 

 

 

Did you march or did you dodge ?

 

Just remembered something about BISHOPS which I thought I must share .

For the Sports day, PE display etc. there was always an impressive March past by the four houses- Arnould, Bishops, Harding & Mansfied. Bishops boys were known for their marching prowess.

During this time, House masters would get their boys together and there would be hours and hours of rigorous practice – usually commencing a month in advance.

As there was a great Inter House competition and intense pride and fierce rivalry, all houses were always determined to come out on top and hence House masters pushed their squad to the very maximum.

I was House Master of Bishops House and did likewise. As house masters, we marched alongside our houses and shouted out orders and commands – often getting hoarse in the bargain with all the dust we swallowed. I must say I enjoyed every bit of it. It built a great house spirit and was a lot of fun.

This was some serious competition indeed and no quarters were asked for or given.

The heads held high, the chest out, the stomach in, the swinging of the arms, the movement of the legs , the position of the shoe, the eyes right , the eyes front, the hair cut , the  uniform -  all had to be perfect, with no room for error – there was usually a Marching cake and a prestigious trophy to be won. Three judges marked the squads as they marched past – usually army/ air force / naval officers for obvious reasons. The marching trophy was usually a very close contest and no one was ever happy with the results as each house felt it was the best!

We needed 15 rows of three boys in each row which made a squad of 45, plus the captain in the front leading with the flag and usually the Vice-captain at the back, to give the eyes front command. Anyway, the point I am coming to are the dodgers.

 These were boys who were more than capable of marching, but for some reason or the other or just plain laziness, they did not want to do so. A few did not march well on purpose and had their own reasons and explanation for the same. Some feigned injury or sickness and some said they did not know how to march. A boy once had the impunity to inform me, that his parents did not permit him to march as it was a waste of time, and he did so with a straight face.

At times, although boys were plentiful, houses struggled to get the minimum number and that became quite an issue. House masters soon found a solution to the perennial problem.

If boys marched poorly, they were usually kicked out of the squad. They then went and sat down in the shade and were either seen chatting to friends and having a good time, playing slyly in some corner, or slipping off to class to complete some class or homework. Often, they would also  be seen making fun of those practicing.

So, this was the solution. If you were kicked out of the squad, sitting down, or slipping away was out of the question. This was just not permitted.

Instead, these boys were formed into what came to be known as an ‘awkward squad’ and they marched behind the main squad during all practice sessions. A senior boy was usually put in charge of training them. Some boys had two left feel and no sense of timing, and just could not march. Surprisingly, the number of dodgers dropped drastically and they joined the main squad once this system was put in place. Others just plodded on as members of the awkward squad.

For your information, the name ‘awkward squad’ was given by Mr Roberts and he also enjoyed calling them out on the microphone from where you could hear him shout - left, right left, right, left right ……..  

So, dear boys – gentlemen now – put your hand up if you ever dodged marching and tell me how and why - especially if you never got caught.

 

 

 

Proud to be Indian

 Today - the 26th of January 2021 , India and Indians all over the world are celebrating the 72 nd Republic day of our beloved country – the day in 1950 when the Indian constitution came into effect .

Due to this pandemic, the celebrations all over the country, and especially in Delhi are on a much smaller scale this year but that did not dampen the enthusiasm in any way .

I was filled with a sense of pride watching the impressive republic day parade and I do so every year.

In reality, I am of the firm belief, that we should not wait for Republic day or Independence day to remember our roots .

We should always be extremely proud, every day, that we are Indian, because not everyone gets the honour and privilege of being born in a country as large as ours, with so much unity in diversity and such a rich cultural heritage.

Irrespective of what we read in the press and see on the television from time to time, and what our political affiliations are , it is the land of our birth and the land where our forefathers toiled and fought alongside the freedom fighters to throw off the yoke of 200 years of British rule.

I am apolitical, and so party politics is not something I am involved in . However I will call a spade a spade when moved to do so .

That some Indians let the country down from time to time, should in no way make us believe that we are less or inferior to any other country in the world.

Politics, religion, caste and creed will always cause a difference of opinion and at times these will be very strong causing distress and misery . There will also always be contentious issues like health, sanitation, poverty, unemployment, pollutions , women's safety and the like and while I do not condone any of the above -they are more visible in a country with a population as large as ours .

We all criticize our country from time to time - we question the right and the wrong, albeit from our perspective, but I always feel it is done with love and more out of concern than any malice whatsoever.

My message today to all fellow Indians is brief and very simple – BE PROUD TO BE INDIAN.

A little research throws up tons of interesting, and at times, astounding facts, but the essence of all that is this –

Indians are known to be highly intelligent, very persevering, very trusting , simple , adaptable ,self-sacrificing , kind, respectful to elders, inquisitive, and religious by nature .

Lastly, from an educational viewpoint, I still am convinced that Indian education is very good . There are definitely areas of concern , but our schools continue to turn out first rate, all round pupils . Indian parents will sacrifice any and everything, to give their children the best education available.

They will live in a small house, face all sorts of difficulties and hardships, make innumerable sacrifices and forego all pomp and splendour to see their children well educated - Isn’t that the biggest and wisest sacrifice of all ?.

An open house in any school will see hundreds of Indian parents trooping in, to enquire about how their wards are doing, because all parents want their children to do better than they did back in school .

It’s in their DNA and something worth thinking about.

Some of the largest companies in the world are led by Indians. Some of the highest government offices in various countries are led headed by Indian, and that itself speaks volumes, and should fill us all with a sense of pride.

So, wherever you go in this world, and whatever you do in life – always remember- YOU ARE INDIAN FIRST.

So, go out there- remember the values you were brought up with and do your parents and your country proud.

I wish you all a very happy 72nd Republic day.

Jai Hind