Rape

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Recent Disney Movies - Reflection of Changing Times?

The movies could most possibly be categorised into one of the three types:

a) Story that talks about what happened.

b) Story that reflect the current conditions in society.

c) Story of human imagination and possibilities of what future might look like.

Every decade would have movies that would fall in one the above categories. What triggered today's post was movie Maleficent.  But before that a summary of what I noticed in movies Frozen and Tangled.  Frozen was based on the story the Snow Queen and Tangled which was based on Rapunzel

Until the movie 'Frozen' Disney's Fairy Tale adaptations had always stuck to the 'True Love's Kiss' theory where a Prince must kiss the female lead in order to save the day / world. Disney's Frozen broke this trend when the Princess Elsa accidentally freezes her sister's heart only an act of true love can save Anna from turning to ice. The Prince that Anna thinks loves her dupes her and the kiss is not what saves the day.  It was the act of sisterly love that Anna displays by saving Elsa when Prince Hans is about to kill her even as she is turning to ice. The other distinct change was that Elsa is made queen of her kingdom without having to get married and the 'Happily ever after' does not include marriage or a 'Price Charming'.

The previous movie Tangled took a slightly different take at the Rapunzel story.  Though Rapunzel is locked in the tower it and has long hair it seems she is quiet independent and is confident of defending herself with her frying pan.  She meets not a Prince but a charming thief who agrees to show her the world and in that journey she discovers who is really is. Toward the end Gothel (the villainess) kidnaps Rapunzel and brings her back to the tower. Flynn arrives to rescue Rapunzel only to be engaged in a fight with the witch but in the end its not the him but Rapunzel that saves his life and that too not by the much heard of True loves kiss but her tear that falls on him. So Rapunzel is not the damsel in distress but the Hero!

 
Brave was another movie where the Princess was an absolute rebel who did not want to get married just because it was the norm.  She fought and even beat the suitors that were competing for her hand. If she hadn't been brave and had done just as she was told she would have just been a prize to the suitor that won all the rounds.  That movie did not not have a prince or romantic angle and was more focussd on the mother daughter relationship and inspired to chase your dream.

The latest Disney movie that is a based on the story of Sleeping Beauty. Growing up we all read the story of sleeping beauty and must have watched the old Disney movie Sleeping Beauty I'm sure.  Even though there were changes to the original Sleeping Beauty story you would still love it if you keep an open mind. [spoiler alert] Maleficent does curse the baby Aurora but then she is also the one looking out for her as she grows up. Aurora calls Maleficent her Fairy Godmother because she has feels Maleficent has been watching over her since she was a baby. But the most striking change in the story is its not Prince Philip's kiss that awakens Sleeping Beauty (it does not work in the movie) but Maleficent motherly kiss that she places on the sleeping Princess' forehead promising that she will not let anything harm Aurora which brings her back to life.

The common theme in the retelling of the stories as I notice it is that:

1.  With changing times may be we are all moving away from the idea of a Prince Charming / Knight in shining armour.  The ladies can take care of themselves and can overcome barriers if they believe in themselves.

2.  True love's kiss which is an idea of the romantic love is not the only thing that can save us but there are also other relationships in our life - our family that can do the same or even more to save us.

3.  There seems to be an acceptance that a 'Happily Ever After' doesn't really need a marriage. It's not really marriage but LOVE that is needed to be happy.

All the above said I think the underlying message is that of  'Women Empowerment'.  We hear about it at our Workplace, Business, Politics and I'm guessing Disney is doing their bit in changing mindsets. Its not about special treatment for women but encouraging and providing them with equal opportunities.  In the old stoies women were just damsels in distress that had to be saved by strong men and that could be seen as conditioning of the minds to be the norm. But with changing times the stories are being re-told to usher new views.

A Cup of Coffee - Part 1

Following are some events of a day in a city...

Rita:

Rita was driving home from work.  It had been a long day that ended at 8.00 PM, she had skipped her lunch today and did not have time even for tea. Its was almost mid December and she was tied up with the year end activities. Everything had to be completed earlier than usual because of the holiday season.  She had grabbed a sandwich from the cafeteria that had mostly probably gone bad in her purse.   She just hungry and tired and just wanted to get home.  There seemed to be a terrible traffic jam at this signal that was about 20 min away from her home.  "Oh why did today have to be soo horrible!" She thought to herself as she honked to signal the car ahead of her to move on.  It seems there had been an accident and that was causing a problem.  "Move on, you slowing down is not helping anybody" Rita said to herself as she pounded her hands on the wheel impatiently.  She was extremely agitated and just wanted to get out of the road and get home.

Rakesh:

The movie was boring and Rakesh was contemplating if he should walk out or sleeping through it.    He decided to sleep through it and make best used of the air conditioning and the comfy chair of the theater.  This is how he would be best use of the money he spent on the ticket.  His friends had forced him to watch this movie - which he had presumed would not be so entertaining and he was right.  Unfortunately, the movie was too loud to be able to sleep through even!   He would have to sit through it. 

Ved: 

Ved was on his way to pick up his mother who was out shopping.  He was thinking how he had been reduced to a family chauffer and errand boy since he lost his job 8 months ago.  He used to be a happy man but losing his job was almost like losing his identity.  When he worked at M&T Corp he was the Lead Accountant, he loved his new job - he had jumped into this role with a substantial hike in his pay.  But when recession hit the company was retrenching the new staff they had hired.  He lost his job and with it his joy.  He was looking for jobs and was sure he would get another offer and a btter one at that but after 4 months he was becoming desperate.  At the end of 6 months he had started to become bitter and now he was just dejected.  He was not happy at all.

Preeti:

She was returning home after shopping.  There had been so many sales going on and she had made some really good purchases and saved a fortune. It was savings ofcourse, if she were to buy items at retail rate.  She was looking for an autorickshaw with shopping bags in both hands she was waving out to taxis or autorickshaws if any would just stop.  She had 6 hours shopping and now her feet were killing her.  If only she could hail a taxi, suddenly her sandal heel broke. "Oh Noo!!" She almost let out a yell on the road as she cringed with irritation.

Sanjay:

He had just returned from a moutaineering trip and had slept through a whole day.  He had been out meeting some of his friends at the coffee house.  He had a day off and the others were joining him after work.  He got into a rickshaw and was heading toward the coffee place. After about 5 min he realised he had forgotten his phone at home.  After being in a place without network for 2 week he was not used to checking his phone.  He asked the rickshaw driver to turn around.

Read Part 2 Here

The Cocktail Case

Indians I think feel a need to a people based on their community, sort of like keeping things organised.  So when therer's a question of the cocktails or the crossbreed or whatever the word is for children of the people who married outside their community they don't know how to deal with it.  Why can't people just let us be plain Indians or just accept that we are mixed.

Generally the trend is the kids are pushed in the direction based on thier last names / Paternal community.  So for example if a Gujrati girl marries a Bong guy the kid (who is 50% Gujju and 50% Bong) would be categorised as a Bong because the father is a Bengali.  However, if the mother was a Bong and father was a Gujju the kid (still a 50% Gujju and 50% Bong mix) would have been categorised as a Gujju! WHY? Isn't the child still made up of the same ratio? 

Talking of numbers reminds me of what a friend once told me.  He is a Mother is a Gujju and Father a South Indian so he has a South Indian last name.  What he said was... "I'm 50% South Indian and 50% Gujju but I have a south Indian last name and hence will be called a South Indian.  Someday when I decide to get married and if I choose a Gujju girl my kids would be 75% Gujju but will still have a South Indian Surname and will be called South Indian." We had quiet a laugh about it then but after that day I did think about it and wondered why do we have to be categorised?

I'm a 50-50 mix of Mallu and Konkani.  My father is from Kerela and Mother a Konkani.  My first name is Bengali and look like one too sometimes...  that confuses people and amuses me.  Its as if a person with OCD has been stopped from doing what he soo badly wants to do - Categorise :o)

When someone asks me what I am, I tell them I'm a cocktail and explain the ratio, blah blah blah.  Some people just nod while some at the end say oh ok so ur a Mallu.. that is such a facepalm moment!  I don't have a problem being called a Mallu.  Just that technically I'm a mixed Indian with a south Indian last name.  I have been brought up under the Maternal cultural influence, I don't speak Malayalam, or know much about anything on my fathers side of the family with almost no contact with my paternal cousins.  So at the end of it when someone calls me a Mallu it doesn't feel very right.  Why would they not accept a mix? It can be a little annoying at times - when I attend a (maternal) community function.  People would talk quiet nicely till they realise I'm a Mallu almost everytime they react as if they have bit into a Pomello assuming it was sweet lime! Its like a club where you need a last name to enter.  Even though people claim to be educated, liberal / broad minded they just cant seem to stop with tagging.

Sometimes when I explain to people that I am a mix and not to tag me they think I have an aversion to being called a Mallu.  Those who know me don't categorise me and those who don't... Well I really don't care.  Theres a lot to a person than just a last name.

The Key to Happiness

Imagine if there were a key that could unlock a secret door to a world of happiness how it would work? What would it look like?  A key but to a palce where you would always be happy! Wouldn't that be marvelous.  Then would anyone come back to 'Everyday'? Would it possible to bring bits of that world into our 'Everyday'?

image found on google

Its a challenge to stay positive all the time.  There will always be people around who are not happy, the ones that cringe when asked for help, those who try to pull you down or don't appreciate you. Yes there will always be rubbish people around that might make you wish there was a place you could escape to far away from them.  Someplace where you can be truly happy.

What does the world need? Money? Power? Oil? I think its peace, happiness and joy.  Behind all the violence, war, corruption and all the sadness and negativity there are people who are struggling to be happy.  Why do people wage wars, why do they do bad things? Definitely not because they are happy... Happy people don't do such things.  I think its because, somehow, somewhere, they have linked happiness to an external source.  While the key to be really happy lies within.

There are basically two reasons why we do what we do?
a) To Survive
b) To be Happy

These two different very different.  What we do by instinct is survive what we really want is to be happy.

Most people work to earn money, to survive, so that one day they might live to do that what makes them happy. - I don't believe that!

Do we really need to wait for that one day to be happy? Happiness is a state of mind.  Why can't we be happy now? Why not celebrate every moment that we live? Life is unpredictable! Every minute that we are healthy and alive is a reason to be happy.  I get happy and excited about every thing, from a text from a friend, a new coffee mug, to a keychain, to a day with no problems! You see what you want to see.  I love everything there is about life! Nothing can keep me low for too long and when I'm back I'm better than before.  You don't need any secret doors that open to happiness.  Its all around you.  You just need to find that excuse to smile! :)

So here's one for you: Of the thousand things I like to do when I'm not blogging is  check out what brings people to this blog. I saw there was this one post that attracted most people Happiness is a Choice this was most googled.  The second one was strangely I don't know why but people are seem quiet intrigued as why cockroaches fly! Not kidding, these are the actual stats! Thats why the cockroach article is the most read!

Anyway, even though it might seem like the roaches are most sought after my point is - People just really want to be happy and you don't have to give up on anything.  Its a state of mind.  I'm not saying thinking 'I'm happy' will work.  Some things in life come in small packages that are little piece to the huge jigsaw puzzle of the 'Happily Ever After'.  Don't skip these little notes in anticiption to a drumroll cue.  Happiness can be the little wild flower that grows in your garden or the cup of coffee that you share with someone! :)

Once Upon a Credit Card

Today afternoon I received a call from a lady.  She asked if I knew one particular Mr. Rogue Someone.. When I said yea – I had gone to school with this guy – she said she was calling from the Legal department of some bank. She informed me that this person has given my name as reference.  When she said reference I thought reference for a new credit card, personal loan, home loan, etc, etc. What she said next totally stumped me; She said this person who I had said I knew few seconds ago had defaulted on paying his credit card bill and had give my name as Reference and I would now have to pay for what he owes the bank!

 

WTF!!! Did she just ask me to pay for somebody’s credit card? I had last seen this guy about 10 years ago! Someone I went to school with has grown up to be a Crook! Why did I say I know him? He’s just an acquaintance (yeah, within seconds the ‘school friend’ was demoted to ‘acquaintance’. I’m sure that’s the most normal behavior) I asked God, why me? All these thoughts sprang up in my mind, while at the other end of the line the woman who sounded calm at the beginning of the call was now yelling and asking if I was going to pay? I said ‘Not a chance!’ I asked if my signature was there anywhere on the submitted documents. To which she confirmed in the negative. (Phew!) I just had to confirm else it could have been a case of forgery + robbery.

 

I tried to explain that I had no knowledge of this Mr. Rogue Someone and the last time I saw him was TEN years ago. To which she told me that he has given my contact details – My current residence address, office address and my phone number! I had no clue, how in the world had he got these details.  But then, these are not super confidential details.  These details are easy to get. My friends know where I work and where I live that does not make me liable to pay all their credit card bills, does it!?  I could not really continue talking to this lady, she seemed to have gone berserk (may be working in the bank’s recovery department does that you).  I tried to reason that I had not signed anywhere for anybody to be a guarantor and so I am NOT liable.  She asked me to call him and sort it out with this Rogue guy and to check if I was aware or not was not her look out! I did not have any of his details, it was insane! Her yelling had crossed my patience limit; I could not take any more and just disconnected the call.

 

I hoped and prayed this was some stupid prank and someone would call back saying it was some sort of a joke. I even wondered if it could be a phishing trick. No one called back.  I had asked for Rogue’s number from the lady before since I did not have his details with me and I tried calling.  This person was not answering my calls ofcourse! Why would he!? I imagined he must have saved my number as ‘The Scapegoat’.  I tried to stay calm and still confident that I was not paying for anyone.  But then the lady had really shocked me, she was super rude and loud and I can’t handle aggression of any form.  She was too violent verbally and felt like my super bright day melted because of her ferocious demeanor. 

 

After about 15 minutes I decided to call back on the number, I still thought maybe, just may be somebody who picks up will tell me it’s not a bank or it was mistake.  A man answered this time.  I asked him which place it was and he said it was the legal department of the bank. He was nicer than the lady but he said the same things… I would have to pay just because some nutcase gave my name as a reference… a very shrewd nutcase. The man said that this could be a case of fraud, however my name was mentioned in the reference and that is why I would have to pay.   I had heard enough nonsense and disconnected the call.

 

I was annoyed, irritated and angry but also felt vulnerable and weak because of the sudden shock.  I did not ask what the amount was but from the tone of the caller... big enough to make them mad I think.  I paused and tried to think of someone who would be able to advise me with a problem like this.  I thought of a friend who could help me – someone who was perfect in problems like these.  He checked with a few of his sources and confirmed that I was safe, I was not a guarantor and that just being a referenced does not mean I would have to pay - the bank cannot touch my account. Later he also shared a link (provided at the end of this post) where I could lodge a complaint against the bank if I get a call from the 'recovery' cell again

 

In the mean time I called the bank credit card grievance department and narrated the incident. So what does it actually mean when someone provides a name as a reference?

When a person applies for a new credit card he/she needs to give the name of a friend or family who know the person and can vouch for the applicant’s credibility.  I had never received the confirmation call for processing Rogue’s credit card. Now-a-days banks just sell credit cards to anybody who can provide minimum documentation required to process a credit card request. 

 

After I had lodged a complaint on the behavior of the recovery agent / Legal dept lady, the executive apologized and promised I would get a call back and told me not to worry.  Not sure if I should stop worrying but this raised a few questions.  Is it really easy to fool a bank? I mean swipe your credit card all you want and then just name anybody give their contact details as reference and the fugitive can get away with that?  The person referred could be in a very scary situation – like me, the last time I heard of this guy was TEN years ago! Today I get a call for ransom! (well, that’s how it felt :P) I only hope there are no more of those calls. 

 

Just FYI: individuals can complain against the recovery agents if they threaten / abuse you or your family members or gives bitter visits at work or home or just stalking you.

 

Below is the RBI link where you can lodge your complaints.

http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/helpdesk.aspx

 

Hope nobody has to go through such an unpleasant situation and this bit of info is helpful.

Indian Speaks - The Rulers of India

Most youths in the metros don't have an opinion when it comes to these supposed 'Leaders' of our nation who are actually more like rulers.  They don't really lead - they just feed! Unless there's some personal gain the youth don't  involve themselves much - I hate politics and I'm not interested is what they say.  Even I said that! Its not because we find it boring but its because we feel its hopeless to even express it (though there might be few who are genuinely incapable of thinking about things beyond themselves) I know some people who don't even vote - What's the point they say. Even the news seems the same, a new scam - another added to the pile of scams. Murders / criminal cases that are not solved unless the media person or politicians are involved in.  There is a 'chalta hai' attitude among the public - not because they are alright with the things as they are but they don't think it will ever change.

After the politician slapping incident quiet a few people I know had updated status messages on the social networking and micro-blogging sites commending and appreciating Harvinder Singh (Sher da puttar) - The man who slapped and attacked the veteran politician.  Most 'normal' people feel Harvinder has acted on behalf of all the frustrated and angry Indians including me! When we saw the video clip of a sikh man slapping and attacking the Indian King of Corruption a little bit of our mind felt calm almost as if to say atta-boy! The reason I said most normal people is because there were people belonging to his political party who seemed to have taken it personally and stirred up a little riot in some parts of this state.  I really pity those who took to the streets for their so-called beloved Minister.  They are poor people who do not fully understand  the service he has been doing to this country (he's excellent at self service!).

For those of you who  don't know Sharad Pawar - he is the current Agriculture minister he is also the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.  He also served as the chairman of BCCI.  He is infamous as the most corrupt politician in the country.  You can read a lot of detail on his profile on this Wiki link which I think is still a quiet modest description. Here's a look at him.

Doesn't he look eternally slapped?

His entire family has been initiated into the political business. Politics for the likes of these is not a job but a family business.  What is India after all? A country which is free for all except for its citizens.  Its free for the rulers because they make the rules and they don't pay.  They get paid for making thsse rules for just 'turning up' in office. They don't pay their full taxes, some of them don't pay their electricity bills, phone bills, water bills anything! The public - the aam junta pays for it - we pay taxes on our income, road tax, house tax and all other types of taxes.  Sales tax which even the beggar pays! 

Did you know that in history India has never waged war against any other country? India is called the tolerant country.  Before its alleged freedom it was attacked and ravaged by many raiders and thieves from different countries.  They looted and plundered and left us a reduced, destitute and in a pitiable state.  They left this country in the hands of the then looked upon the first political party - the Indian National congress.  It's been 62 years and the country is 'Still' developing! Really.. Does it take that long?! After the old rulers left these new 'rulers' took up the vacant seats.  The laws and constitution were lifted from the left overs instead of creating new laws for their own people.  Nothing has changed except the rulers.  Today its the politicians filling their pockets and looting the country. 

All that is said above is what all the citizens know but still nothing is happening.  The slapping and booting incidents are just small ripples in the ocean but it sends out the message - we are angry. Majority of our people live in rural areas but the rulers live in the most urban places.  Did you see the new update of what Rahul Gandhi said when he went to UP for his election campaign? - Vote for Congress and we will change the state in 10 years! Yeah right! The country is still developing and he goes there and tells them 10 years? Even in a city like Mumbai the Bandra-Worli sea link which was planned and budgeted to be completed in 5 years took 10 years (amazingly well planned huh!) he says he will build a better state.. an entire state in 10 years? Really Rahul go back to the uncle who wrote your speech and tell him it needs to be more realistic. I pity the poor people of Amethi - who think about The Mahatma Gandhi and cast votes for these new age pseudo Gandhis. 

The Rupee is getting devalued, inflation and food prices rising, farmers committing suicide ... People are getting angry and frustrated and its only a matter of time till another Harvinder Singh will not just slap but may be even do much greater harm to the corrupt clan of India .  And if these numbers keep going up we could even be heading for a civil war - I think its a possibility.  Where is the Jan Lokpal bill? Even though it does not guarantee the end of corruption till the lowest of levels but at least for starters we have hope that these bigwigs will be going down first.  There's a reason they are afraid.  There's a reason why the millions of Indians came together for it... Its time the bill is passed, change does not just happen it is 'Brought In'. Lets go Anna!

Its Been a Year!

My blog is one year old today! <Applause> Last year this day (few hours from now) I had posted my first ever article into cyberspace.  Its definitely an achievement for me because its one of those few things I constantly keep at.  I can tell you about some things I tried my hand at but it was because either I was busy or due to bad luck due to which I failed

Here’s to name a few:

Learning Japanese – I love to learn languages and when I started working 5 years ago it was for a Japanese process.  So I wanted to learn the language.  One of my friend is a freelance Japanese translator and also teaches the language! (Lucky me huh!) So yea She agreed to teach me and said if I study hard I could answer the level 4 exam – There are 4 levels of Japanese  Language Proficiency Test (there are 5 levels now but there were 4 back then).  Level 4 being the lowest and level 1 the toughest.  Things with me is I get really excited and agree to do things when they sound do-able.  My friend lived about 11 stations away from my house (this is not too far if you get on to the Mumbai Local) that is about 25 min by train. So the excited me was all set and attended the class for the first 3-4 weekends.  Japanese is a really interesting language (and I wish I had pursued it) I’m a visual learner and Japanese words are actually drawings that describe the word.  I still remember the word Water – pronounced Mizu in Japanese.  Below is the picture of word in Hira-gana (one of the three scripts used in Japanese writing.  The other two are Kata-kana and Kanji) on the right.  The way my friend explained it is – it looks like a drop of water splash – Indeed doesn’t it? The language is mostly drawings... almost!:P

Mizu  - Water

I guess it was because of her teaching method I still remember the few things I do.  So the question why did I not complete it? I think because I was lazy and partly also because my friend got married and moved to a different city. So that was the end of learning Japanese.

The Violin Affair – I just love the sound of violins and its such a beautiful instrument. I love everything about it! One of my favourite musical ads is of the blender's pride music CDs (the ad where the guy first keeps playing this one tune and towards the end his girlfriend gifts him a violin and learns to play the same tune herself)...ever listened to it? At times like these I wish I could read and write music.

Its a thing of such beauty!

So once upon a time, I enrolled myself in a music class (this was almost 4 years ago I think).  The first day was exciting.  I learnt to play the DoReMi chords :) and dreamed that someday I could attempt to play a Beethoven or Bach (Yeah, I'm a hopeless dreamer :D) . I guess it was the class timing (and me being lazy) did not attend more 6 classes :(  A real shame! Even today I feel guilty because I just gave up.  Now I’m just buzy and work timings are a challenge for this sort of thing. But maybe someday I would go back and learn to play... or if I don't I know I will definitely buy a lovely violin for keepsakes :) (When I have my own place and won't have to worry about space management)

Un Sueño Español (A Spanish Dream) – I was keen to learn Spanish because after Japanese this language seemed a lot easier. For starters they used Roman alphabets. Quiet a few words is Spanish are  similar to few words used in Konkani (my mother tongue), Hindi, Sanskrit and has common words used in Portuguese (I don't know Portuguese or Sanskrit but know a few words from here and there). 

So I joined the class, got the books and was super excited to learn the language in the beginning.  I learnt the alphabet and numbers :) Every day I would find a word that had a similar meaning or sounded similar in some of the other known languages. The reason I gave up was... hmm, now that I’m writing this I realise is because I was lazy.  The class was in between workplace and home - usually this is a good thing. But the problem was I had to take the bus to get to class and the buses in this city.. and that's a whole different story. I had to wait for 25-30 minutes for the bus if you missed one you would have to wait for sooo long! Taking the auto-rickshaw was not a economical option for everyday travel... The wait was killing. So I gave up and wasted a lot of money - guilty again. This was about 3 years ago. I like to say I've learnt from these experiences... and now I don't enroll for any class :P - kidding :) Early this year I signed up to learn to drive and I completed the course and I now have a driver's license :)

I guess if I was really determined I would have been able to achieve all of the above... I remember this quote by Swami Vivekananda – "Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached."  Determination is the key to success... This was years ago and I have learnt few of life’s lessons through the years.  I have learnt that one needs to be relentless if we really want to make things happen. Another quote I'd like to mention is "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." (Don't remember who said that).

So yes... completing a year on the blog is a BIG deal for me because its one of those few things I am able to check off the list - not really going to check this one off.. yet!  Looking back and seeing 40 articles in a year, liked and commented on is not too bad I guess ;) It was a a wonderful 1st year of blogging.  Hope the inspiration continues and may my Muse watch over me :) 

I would also like to thank those who read these articles / stories that I post - Thank You! It is knowing, somebody somewhere is reading and appreciating my effort that has sometimes inspired me to write and share :) Please continue commenting, sharing and liking :D Your feedback is very much valued!

An Unmarried Girl

What is the problem if girls my age are still not married? Really why do some people have to exclaim when they hear I'm single.  Today I'm narrating an incident - a first for me. 

I happened to run into this distant relative of an aunt today.  There have been too many accidental meetings with her this year and she has been progressively becoming more annoying than the last time.  Since the last three meetings she had been asking if I my family was looking (for a groom), if I'm getting married soon or if I'm engaged.  So here's what happened today.

The bell rang and I was the one who opened it.  What a surprise, there she was - lets call her aunty Elly - with her daughter and  niece I presume. We exchanged the regular pleasantries (inside I cringed - oh why today?).  She settled in and was speaking with uncle while sat with my laptop, browsing and chatting with friends.  She looks at me smiles and asks 'To kahi baat pakki hui beta?' I smile back and reply in negative and try to hide behind the laptop! (ugghh really why IS SHE bothered?).  she goes on as asks "Are you working or playing a game?" I reply "I have to finish some urgent work" (on my personal red laptop :P). She goes back to chatting with uncle. 

Five minutes later she asks me "How old are you?" I'm a little annoyed at her question but reply - 25.. She still wants to confirm so asks me which year! My uncle replies "She is 86 born same year as my elder son" She is now calculating and says " So you have completed 25 and running on 26..hmmmm" I usually don't care when it comes to stating my age but the way she said it felt like she was disrobing me :(...  I wonder when she will leave. Elly is relentless.. she seems to have made up her mind to get as much as info about me today.  She asks me about my star sign, horoscope details! There seems to be no end to it,  I feel like a victim. Pause.  She is now back to talking to my uncle. 

Then she asks me "So what kind of a guy are you looking for?" I'm surprised and dumbfounded at this question.  I stumble and just able to  react with ''huh?!.. Why... What do you mean?"  She asks "What are your expectations? a Doctor, Engineer, Professor?" I reply "I don't know" and go back to starting into my laptop praying God let this be over soon.  And then another question "What's your height?" I tell her I'm 5ft 4in.  She goes on... "So will you be fine with a 5ft 5in tall guy?" OMG she had someone in her mind already!!! I'm quick to reply with "NO, The guy has to be minimum 5ft 9in... I wear heels you see and some are about 4 inches high" (I'm just ROFLing inside) 'Elly had crossed over her boundary of the regular nosy relative and walked in to the role of a matchmaker and couple of steps too close into my personal space.  I wish I could just walk out right now but can't look rude.  I'm praying someone just calls me.

"Oh!" She exclaims and continues "Well you know wearing heels is not good for health.  There is a Orthopedic I know and he advises that girls should not wear heels at all.  I know it looks good but in the long term it causes back ache" after intruding my personal space she is now acting as my health instructor. She then asks how many siblings I have and what is my educational qualification how long have I been working. By the end of it I was sooo annoyed and tempted to say Thanks very much but I love wearing heels and I don't plan on getting married at all.  

This was my first ever experience with a nosy relative.  Makes me wonder why can't girls be single and happy? Why do people expect that after a certain age we have to get married? I understand marriage can be beautiful if you meet the right one but it can be totally opposite if rushed into.  From where I'm standing right now its - Better alone than bad company.

Rupee Devaluation - Size Matters

I usually avoid writing about politics and politicians because the subject is so vast and there is no end to how much the common people can crib.  I have been observing - what I think is the deterioration of the rupee.  A subject which has been playing on my mind a lot lately.  The Rupee seems to have lost so much weight owing to the diet of the politicians. While the Aana and Paisa has gone out of circulation the Rupee coin has become lighter and smaller. Wonder what is the reason? I recently happened to have a lot of change in my purse and found some old and the very recent rupee. See for your self (click on the images to view the larger than life version :P).

I noticed the latest one rupee coin is the same size as the 50 Paisa coin or slightly smaller! They have incorporated the new Rupee symbol on the coin alright but why make it smaller and lighter? The design I most hated was the one with a thumb on it...Thenga!! Its like they are mocking the person holding a rupee! What was that designed for, the illiterates? Are they acknowledging the illiterate population of the country!?

Here's a look at 2 Rupee coins.

The second coin seems like its bigger in size but its thinner and lighter.  Also again I'm glad they stopped the one with the two finger impression on it!

The latest  2 Rupee coin is the same size as the old 1 Rupee coin. I have got confused at times and handed out 2 rupee coins instead of one rupee. 

Wonder how the blind catch up with all these changes.  Earlier the coins used to be distinct and even the blind could tell the value.

Do you remember the days when you saw fresh and crisp five Rupee notes? They introduced five Rupee coins, again it started with a heavy fat coin that lost weight over the years. (I just gave away a latest shiny five rupee coin and could not include it) After seeing the illiteracy-special coins I thought the five Rupee coin might have a palm (also the symbol of the ruling party) on it.  

Heck! They even created 10 Rupee coins! People who got their hands on the coins first decided to keep it.  I have one too.  The minting factory tried to make it look like a Euro with dual metal thing but look at the size when I compared it with a Two Rupee coin made in 1999.

Utterly Shameful! I don't think any other country in the world has ever devalued their own currency at this rate and this low! The Government might blame it on the ever rising inflation (which they are suppose to manage) the Rupee strength reduced to almost like a leaf in the wind.  I don't understand the economics but as a commoner / part of the Aam Junta I feel the slap as inflation rises.  I am assuming the govt needs the extra metal to satiate the corrupt and hence trying to lighten our currency.  

Imagine how this will ease them in continuing their corruption - If there are notes / coins for higher denominations its easier to fill up bags and carry them around.  Do you know one Crore Rupees easily be packed in a duffel bag thanks to the thousand Rupee notes.

Another thing I would like to talk about is the picture of Gandhiji on notes of all denominations.  Now I understand he is the father of the nation and all that.. but he was not the only man responsible for the independence our country.  We have so many brave freedom fighters who gave up their lives fighting for this nation and all that they have to their name are few pages in the school history text books.  Again I think ours is the only country that has just one man on our money.  Why not Bhagat Singh, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel - The Iron man of India, Veer Savarkar, Chandra Shekar Aazad, Subhas Chandra Bose or our scientists even?  I think that is because of the way the ruling party wants to use the Gandhi name to their advantage. Do they think - Show Gandhi and people will vote for Gandhi? Digressing a bit away from currencies even the bridges, universities and roads are named after the current Gandhis who are in no way related to the original Gandhi. There's nothing personal against them but really aren't we paying for their Z security and for what? What have these new age, so called youth icon Gandhis done actually other than walk among the people around elections and try to show they understand what ails the common Indian.

Other countries who have fought for their freedom have the names and pictures of the martyrs on the different denominations, streets, universities, etc. Those who were always free have their scientists / politicians (good ones!) or Royals printed.  Ours I have to say is a very poor and sad state of affairs.

Just FYI on some know foreign currencies.

• The highest denomination note printed in the US is the 100 Dollar bill. (Imagine packing a million dollars in a duffel bag)
• The hundred Dollar bill has the US President Franklin on it while the one Dollar bill has George Washington on it.
• One Euro weighs 7.5 grams and the design hasn't changed since it was introduced in 1999 (I think so).
• The Arab Emirates Dirham notes have different motifs as per the denomination.

There's a lot more information out there.. but I guess you get the point.