Simple Gestures

I was watching 'Seven Pounds' to kill some time as my wife and kid are back home in India and was missing them. There was a touchy-feely scene and I felt I should appreciate more the life I have. The pace is fast, barely stop to reflect on the good and the bad, and seems like I could certainly do with more celebration. Not extravagant but simple..

Unfortunately, if you asked me to define what simple is, you are asking the wrong person. Although, I try, I don't think I have too many original ideas, may be borrowed from a movie, or from a friend or do the usual gift thing. I hope to take comfort from the fact that I am part of a larger fraternity like me who are clueless, or may be not.

May be there is an idea. India is equally busy nowadays, and people seem to have less time for each other. May be there should be an NGO that can do simple things for couples. I will let my wife start it coz I would not be much of a contributor and it does seem gay (as in happiness ;-), in a good way.

Say it as it is!!

This about sums up the feeling of the entire world to these neurotic psychopaths who attacked Mumbai.

Openness and honesty

Why do we preach honesty, openness and dialogue in schools and not follow through as countries? In several past instances, when ever there is trouble between two countries, why do they indulge in proxy statements through the press instead of talking as adults?

If there is evidence (according to the press, its in abundance) that Pakistan is the breeding ground for these barbaric maniacs, the plot was hatched in Pakistan, then I would hope the government would put out the entire evidence in front of the world to see. That would take not only the entire country into confidence but also all the international community.

Also, during the US election season, there was a congregation of all past National Security Advisers in United States (Colin Powell, James Baker, Madeline and two others) that suggested that talks at the lowest level of governments lead no where. They said when situation is spiraling out of control, it has to be done at the highest levels.

Please put the evidence on Zardari's table and leave him no choice but act. It seems common sense but history will show that common sense is un-conventional when dealing with two countries at the brink of war. I hope this time un-conventional wisdom is the norm and innovative solutions are put in place to find peace. Please, please do!!

Introspection or Revenge?

I am angry, very angry that innocent citizens in Mumbai have been slaughtered. Children, women, young and old, black, brown and white, guns and grenades know no difference. We humans, do. What is unfortunate in every case that has happened, be it war or terrorism, it is we humans who direct those guns and grenades to result in the carnage. When it is done, we do not know what we leave behind.

My first reaction as an Indian after seeing the mind-numbing scenes was to have India blow Pakistan to smithereens but what would that solve? We would wage a war, millions more would lose their lives and animosity would grow further.

If for a minute, we would put aside our differences, and understand why these psychos turn into monsters at the age of 20, we may be able to salvage something.

I titled Introspection or Revenge because I an not sure whom to believe. Whether I should believe the leaders of India who at each opportunity point fingers to Pakistan or to Pakistan, at every opportunity wipe their hands clean saying that 'no elements' from Pakistan are responsible. See these two headlines to see what I mean:





For both countries, I think it is high time that they did some introspection. For India, it has to start from 'within'. It is beyond doubt that a part of the society is communal. It is evident with the Malegaon blasts to Christian violence in Orissa. I am sure everyone feels its time for revenge. Lets start with the why's and if we decide the answer is only revenge, then we at least understand better what we need to do. Revenge can certainly wait a few more days, but if we don't make an attempt to understand now, the opportunity will be lost. As humans, we also have attention span disorder.

Congratulations America and the world!!

Honestly, when I saw the headline in MSNBC that Obama won, I wanted to title this blog 'So long Republican suckers' or 'Good Riddance' or something along those lines. But, then I heard John McCain speak conceding to Obama. It was very heart felt and very very gracious.

Sadly, as much as the whole country knew that he was a brilliant man, the campaign run did not show that to the country. As several knew that he was a perfect middle man, neither left nor right but someone who was more seen as 'Uniter' than a 'Divisive' one, the long effort of stupid politics projected him to be pandering to the right. His final speech did not show that at all.

So, this moment is not about dissing about Republican policies and more about congratulating a new America. Here it is from someone who has enjoyed the benefits that she provides to me and other foreigners, congratulations Obama and congratulations America and the whole world. Lets see times where we hear peace more and not the words 'terror' and 'war'.

Maternity Laws in US, arcane at best!!

Capitalism is in US veins. Great, but to what extent is it justifiable? As a newbie dad, I am getting a ton of baby magazines and I came across this article in BabyTalk.

It is absolutely sad that US, despite being one of the richest countries, does not have good maternity supports to her women. Most of the politicians make big claims about how kids are the future, blah, blah and more blah, but they don't mean squat.

Most states allow you to claim FMLA for 12 weeks but none of this supported with income. Some companies like my ex-employer (Texas Instruments) do it out of their own grace but most do not. My current employer does not entertain even a day's leave. Please feel free to take unpaid is what they say and that's true in my wife's case as well. My wife and I are blessed to have some supplemental income to balance the work and home life styles and could afford the unpaid time off.

But for those single mothers or low-income families, it is a pity that the government left both the mother and child to street. The article above brings to perspective how bad things are here in US. Only 5 out of 174 do not support and US is one among them. Phew!!

Proud Indian Today!!!

Amidst all the news of terrorism, growing menace of Raj Thackerey and the likes of Mamta Banerjee, I was just so happy to see this headline in CNN.

While we have people who are born just to disrupt others livelihood, there are people that influence in the most positive way for generations to come.

Congrats Chandrayaan team, you are one such group. Hats off to your first of many launches.