Uncomplicate.

No philosophies, I preach,
No Humanities, I teach.
But, I must, if I may,
Bare all that have to say.
To understand,
It takes no rocket science,
That, there lies no sense,
In pointless defiance
Complexities, is on what we all thrive,
Needlessly forgetting, we are Alive.
Gathering some ‘Friends’,
Amassing a ‘Following’,
In the end, it’s the real ones,
To you, who cling.
Of your hearts,
They pull a string.
In us all, stays this ghost,
He, is what troubles me most.
Following, Followers, Friends, Fans,
All futile,
If outside of it,
You cease,
To make a real person smile.
The purity of one’s heart,
If judged by a profile face,
On which lies a pimple,
Well, you know then,
That the most difficult thing
Is to be Simple.

IPL Rantings - Read at your own risk.

I do follow cricket with quite a keen eye and do so with an open mind towards all formats of the game. I don’t necessarily subscribe to ‘Test snobbery’, nor do I have any cynicism about the way ODI is going nor do I believe that the future of cricket is just about an orgy of fours and sixes. A cricket match is just like art, ‘art for arts’ sake’, they say, and each format, a different ball game altogether.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that The Indian Premier League does interest me despite all it's commercialization and innovation (although, I believe the only innovations done are new terms such as Karbonn Kamal Catches, Citi moments of Success and Cricketainment and of course, the MRF Blimp. However, more on that later. I enjoy a closely contested match, regardless of all the 'fixed/rigged' allegations for I have not much tangible to lose or gain anyway.

While the cricket is fine and as great as it can ever be, it's the entertainment that gets me agitated. The overkill of content packaging and 'expert' opinions, which comprise of a wannabe model, a Video jockey and ex cricketers who have forgotten the that it’s a contest of Bat and ball not, proverbs and idioms, and the pre-mid-post-anytime match analysis are actually masking the actual cricket rather than enhancing it. A classic case of the wrapping paper so loud that it takes the sheen out of the actual present. As for the ads, enough has already been said. The marketing heads seem to have actually lost their heads and if the game permits, they would even have an ad for every breath a player takes. For one it does look like I’m being served ads with some cricket breaks in between.

What amuses me more is the fact that brands associate themselves with completely unrelated things. For instance, hardly do I understand why a tire making company would have a phallic shaped blimp at each of the stadia and call it a technological breakthrough. It still makes some sense for they do have some association with the game and also sponsor a cricket academy in the country. But try understanding and explaining why a new mobile handset entrant wants to ensure its name is heard at each catch, and I’ll show you a spin-doctor. Try doing the same for DLF Maximum and Citi moment of success. At the end of it all you’ll be wondering ‘How does it make any sense?’ Now just when you're about to lose it, you have another mind numbing phenomenon. There does exist in actuality, a brand which sponsors 'Nothing', absolutely 'Nothing'. Max mobile sponsors the strategic time-out, during which nothing happens. I may not be a media expert, and perhaps that's why I yet haven't understood why a brand would want to be associated with nothing. Funny! That said, there is no denying that it sells, and there are a bunch of people cashing in on it. I, for one, have caught most matches in the city at the stadium and also followed a large part on TV and the Internet. So I can understand that at any given point in time, the demand for cricket in our country will always exceed the supply. This isn’t even my real concern with regard to the tournament.

My real problem lies in the puny tokenism that takes place in this jamboree. We got to accept that it’s a funny world when charity becomes fashion. All of a sudden it seems cool to be associated with some act of philanthropy so much so, that it forms an important part of the agenda. While the act is not questionable, the intent is. Karbonn mobile, for instance, donates Rs. 25,000 per catch taken during their Kamaal catch competition or whatever that is, for each catch taken. I don’t doubt their ingenuity, but why would I really want to see douche-bags attempting to make full fools out of themselves while trying to grab the ugly pink ball hit by a lesser mortal of a franchise? More importantly, does the company actually need to show such belittling benevolence trying to build brand recognition and presence?

It’s unnerving. What’s even worse is the Green Responsibility taken by the IPL fraternity this season. Certainly, Green is the color of the season and his here to stay. But, this one, has surpassed all boundaries, infuriated enough to make an indifferent and an easy going (plain lazy, if you must) me to have actually written the following to the IPL authorities by virtue of the Feedback section on their website. Here is a copy of the same. Informal it is, but rarely does irritation and anger vent itself formally.

To Whom It May Concern:

This is with regard to the green initiative the IPL has taken this season. While it sounds great, I wish to know what green acts have you being doing? For, My only rant against the IPL is the tokenism it undertakes. Green Initiatives. Ha! Despite a spate of Fireworks after each boundary, Blaring Loud Speakers and Corporate Helicopters Flying to and fro for one puny man, they proudly give a stupid green tip right before the toss. This does nothing to reduce carbon footprints. The only green I see is the outfield, which too is fast disappearing because of advertising signage all over. I wish to know if you'll are actually planting any trees or undertaking such acts to offset the carbon emissions created by this tournament so far. If not, then I wonder of what use is the globe you'll got signed by the captains of all franchises, apart from selling it off at yet another 'charity' auction.

Regards,

Mangalam Maloo.

Finally, the eternal optimist in me still says, things will get better. One Day, Cricket (don’t mistake it for One Day Cricket. The comma lies between one day and cricket) will be played the way it should be, and we shall all enjoy it the way it should be. But then again, what should be, would be only if what could be, would be.

Much Love

M

Phir Mile Sur...

My friend Himanshu Kapadia and many others who shared the same opinion as me on the new version of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, the epic song on National Integration, have made me write this note. While we all feel, this one lacks the sense of awe and patriotism and goosebump generating capacities of the earlier ones, here is my reckoning of the whole thing. Do treat it as my humble and personal opinion and you may also feel free to bash me, add your own and agree in unison. Here are a few points which I think might be the main reason behind it not having the kind of impact as anticipated by us:

1)The first one, unlike this, was a novelty concept. Today, we have videos featuring many big people for each issue, right from the girl child, to elections to even cheering the cricket team for a world cup. Whereas, earlier having such big names in a video itself was enough to create ripples.

2)The Cricket World, as per a friend of mine related to this says, was deliberately overlooked. I think of it as stupid because, a video on national integration is incomplete without Sachin Tendulkar (the epitome of national intergration IMHO.) Can't yet digest, having a punk like Shahid Kapoor, score over him.

3)A few also thought that parts of India, mainly the North-East were ignored. While, North India was somewhat represented through Bhupen Hazarika, it was the complete omission of Corporate India that baffled me most.People like Narayan Murthy, Anand Mahindra, Ratan Tata, One of the Ambanis and Kumar Mangalam Birla together in a frame would have created much more impact than 18 SRKs, 20 ABs and 30 Deepikas together wouldn't.

That said, I think, it was a nice thing to revive the song and the inclusion of a few of my favorite musicians right from ARR, SEL, Rahul Sharma, Amaan n Ayaan, Anoushka and Sivamani made it watchable. Rahman was presented in the best manner ever. We often see him in videos, arms spread and singing in his usual high pitch. However, this one, with him playing the Continuum was done extremely well.

M

Voyage

I, once met a traveler,

As well as a tourist,

With both their anecdotes,

I was having a tryst,

The tourist asked the former,

Have you seen La Tour d’ Eiffel?

“Nope”, said the traveler,

“But, their culture, in my heart, I did fill”

“The Mummies in Egypt?” asked the tourist,

“Mummy’s love world over” said, the traveler.

“Oh! The Statue of Liberty, you, certainly, must have seen?”

“Statues, yeah, many, but liberty has lost its sheen”

They kept discussing, till eternity

Rather soon, it occurred to me,

The traveler looked at everything he saw,

The tourist, only what he wanted to see.

In all our minds, thrive the two,

Our call, entirely, with them, what we do?

At a loved one’s, be a tourist,

Love their souls, ignore the flaws,

They are bound to shower you,

With their applause.

Visit an enemy, as a traveler,

See with an open mind,

Treasure-chests full of knowledge,

You surely, will find.

The Solitary Buck

A buck exploring his way,
In a vast desert on a sunny day,
Far off, on the horizon,
He see’s it shine.
The shimmer, the luster, of Water, of Wine
Delighted, Excited, He runs towards the drink
Panting, puffing, when he reaches the brink.
The Wine runs further, the Water flows away.
In another direction, he sees them sway.
He wishes to seize, conquer and own it,
With all his determination, passion and grit.
He Runs, Walks, Runs and Stops,
No Water, No Wine, No Champagne pops
He soon finds his mistake,
His thirst, desire, respect at stake.
Leaves the water, forgets the wine.
Stops the Sulks, halts the Whine.
Uses the force, to scoop a new trench,
Digs hard, finds water,
The thirst begins to quench.

The Final Frontier

Written for - Moments 08-09 (mouthpiece of The Rotaract Club of Churchgate) - My last message as a member.

I look back upon my stint at this great institution as I write my last piece as a member. Difficult? Yes! Not because I have little to say, but because I fear, my article will be cut by the editors for its length. Five years have whiffed past just the way a handicapped swimmer in “Splash’04” did. Well, my first project in the Rotaract Club of Churchgate was the most humbling experience for I thanked the Almighty that day for giving me all fours. Equally humbling was my last project, ‘The Last GB”, at Rtr. Prashant Chari’s residence, I thanked the Almighty again for giving me the years that followed. For the uninitiated, the value of five years will surely grow, when I say, Five Years is half a Decade, or even better, a child, just out of school graduates in 5 years to be a man. I hope I have. Ha!

If I was pushed against the wall and asked to recall my most poignant moment in the movement, I would bow out. It would be only unfair to the other moments I’ve had, if I chose one. Also, if I had one, it wouldn’t be really apt to describe it here as you may not relate to the incident or people and therefore, not value the memory as much as it should be. However, with pride and a dash of confidence I can say, what I shall describe right now, is timeless and everyone associated with the club and the movement will relate to, irrespective of the time that has passed since this message has been written. The following feelings are etched in my memory forever, and each time I think of them, my heart fills with nostalgia. Incidentally, the word is formed by Greek words ‘nostos’ – “return home” and ‘algos’ – “pain”. The word couldn’t have been formed any better. It pains to think that I won’t be able to return home like I did in the last 5 years, with contentment and satisfaction filling my heart after a day spent well with the Rockstars.

Seems, I’ve drifted enough. Quickly, coming back to what I was to say. Years change, boards, Presidents and even Ones’ Role in The Mix changes, but what remains is the Feeling. The feeling of rush, anxiety and excitement on the night before a project remains. The sense of joy when the number of people present exceeds the number of people expected, remains. The feeling of anger when a designated duty isn’t done remains. The feeling of helplessness if a judge or a sponsor backs out remains. The feeling of fulfillment, when the project is over and a success remains. Questions asked by the mind are answered effortlessly by the events taking place. Did I expect it to be this way? How did we manage to do that? Is this for real? Each one of them is well taken care of. But for me, above all, what remains and shall remain forever is the ritual, the one that was never missed, in good times or bad. It was all-inclusive, all defining and ubiquitous. Most importantly, all participated in it and missing it was sacrilegious. Neither an individual, nor a President, nor a Director, nor a Member, but One sound resonated, the sound of tapping feet, clapping hands and One voice singing “We Will Rock You!” I know for sure, its nothing else, but just this one feeling that glues each one to this club. Sorry, for excluding you, my non-Churchgateite friend, but only an RCCite can understand the last bit of the aforesaid.

As, the page fills, as I reach closer to the Final Frontier and the editors’ frowns become more apparent, I shall quickly proceed to post my last message in the beloved mouthpiece, “Moments”. My predecessors and batch-mates as well, may have thanked individuals for the great times they spent here but I have no one but The Rotaract Club of Churchgate to be grateful to. For, if it weren’t for the club, it wouldn’t have been the people or the experiences and even the Feelings, which I spoke of. On this note, I would wish the Club all the best for the future and any assistance needed from me as an alumnus, I shall happily oblige. And you, my reader friend, we shall see you around and because, you may take us out of Churchgate but not Churchgate out of us, next time we meet, we can and we will, Rock You.

Yours In Rotaract

M

Recession Anyone?

Written for - 'Moments 08-09' (mouthpiece of The Rotaract Club of Churchgate, Mumbai, India)

How often have we heard the word “Recession” over the last some months? I think if we skipped a breath each time we heard or read this word, we would have long died of breathlessness. Unfortunately, or otherwise, that is not to be so. However, off late, it has become nauseatingly painful to hear this from the mouths of anyone and everyone. An eyesore when you read it in magazines or publications those have nothing to do with economics, neither the world’s nor their own. Columnists who have been writing about who’s doing who in the film world have been forming opinions on this economic phenomenon too. It’s a fashion that has overstayed its welcome. Being Recession-aware or flaunting your latest recession jargon or its brothers like downturn or meltdown to every living or non-living creature or objects you interact with in your daily life has become as important as life itself.

I’m no economist, nor a financial whiz, but know well enough that it hasn’t hit India as much as the other parts of the world, and certainly not hit the people who talk about it. For instance, the other day, I shouted at my milkman for the deteriorating quality of milk I was being subjected to every morning, and he replied with a straight face, “Saab, Ricision Hai” (pronounced like decision). No, I’m not stereotyping milkmen or mocking them either, but this one, who seemed all of 18 and had a cow and a buffalo as assets was really amusing. Just wondering whether he took the “Death of the Bull” a little way too seriously. I don’t even doubt his interest in the financial assessment of the world or his being affected by it, but without a wrinkle of doubt in my head I can say, his economic-skills were as good as my milk-delivering skills. Touché!

Enough said about the milkman! The fever has caught the cross section of the society, while the milkman was at one extreme, my “ultra modern, yet dyslexic” friend happens to be on the other side. While his/her (trying to keep identities anonymous) knowledge about statistics or figures is limited to a “50% off” signboard outside high-end apparel brands, the recession seems to have hit her/him too (changed the order of genders so that you can’t guess…ha!). Yeah, so while we were walking outside a store in a plush mall, the person shoots, “Recession is really bad man, there are so many Sales everywhere, yet I can’t afford to buy any!” Well, seems alright to a person who has been hit by recession by either being in the financial sector, or having suffered a huge loss in the equity markets or thereabouts. But this one comes from a person who possesses enough to buy a whole shop or two at least. He/she possesses 3 luxury cars and had spent “paltry” Rs. 15000 at a restaurant for dinner the night before, and it were a regular affair. Yet again, I do not deny the possibility of him/her having suffered some loss in the meltdown, but come to think of it, how would you justify not having money for buying a Rs. 500 worth Top/Tee-shirt and blow up a fortune at discos and pubs and still whine about “recession”.

Yeah! I know, strange people and stranger their ways. However, Why am I discussing this at this platform? Well, the other day I was speaking to a fellow member about the financial situation of our movement and I was given a (you guessed it right), “bad time, recession!” response. For the fellow mates (irrespective of the clubs you’ll belong to), honestly, we’ve always been ranting and raving about the financial position of our clubs. For the uninitiated, before the recession, there was a great economic boom worldwide, and I’m over a 100% sure, no one in the movement made any hay in the boom time. So, while you couldn’t make the most in the boom, you got no right to whine over the slowdown either. For my jargon lovers, well, the green-shoots are showing up. And for those, like me, who are stuck in the middle of the extremes, I can only hope and pray for a device that denies permission of certain words to enter ones ears and the eyes. The above were just a few cases of the many I come across almost on an hourly basis (No! not trying to flaunt my people skills). But honestly, just one question, please don’t tell me, but tell yourself, “How much do you think have you been actually affected by it?”

P.S – Have written this with due respect to all, who have been seriously affected by it by either losing jobs or enough money to affect their lifestyles. I understand the gravity of the situation and therefore write to help you understand it too. Recession isn’t just a passing fad or the “in” thing mates. However, I also urge you to consume a little more milk than usual for our milkmen’s sake.