The political atmosphere in the state is heated up and is refusing to die down. Considering this, it is quite obvious that coffee-tables, canteens, class-rooms are housing serious discussions on politics & politicians. Students who generally evade such topics are seen forming groups and openly voicing their opinions. Their views express the clarity of their thoughts. Each one is trying hard to define what politics means in India. “Corruption is the barometer if you want to evaluate the performance of a politico. That, I think will perfectly define a politician” says Amulya, an engineering student.

The only criterion that should be met by any aspiring politician seems to be the ability to rough up a group of individuals single-handed and, if they can afford a handful of knife-wielding goons, it is well and good. With a multitude of new political parties cropping up every now and then, there appears to be a survival crisis among the already established well-corrupted ones. But, they need not worry as they very well know how to hog the limelight. “Our leaders are experts at making a hill out of a mole. So, at every drop of a hat, we get to see some live WWF matches going on in the name of dharnas, rallies, rasta-rokos over issues no one knows” says Shruti as a matter-of-fact.

These days the producers of reality shows are complaining a lot and why won’t they? “There has been a steep fall in the TRP ratings as it is the politicians and their gimmicks that the whole nation is watching. The fall in the viewership is thus, very obvious” says Sumairan, a B.Com student. When there is a lot more interesting stuff going on in the Parliament, who would ever bother to save the contestants from elimination?

As Sairam puts in, “Our so-called national leaders have no qualms and we don’t complain.” While this is the general opinion of a majority of students, there is another group which still hopes that things are going to change for the better what with many young politicos making their way to the Parliament desks. Youth today is slowly but surely considering politics as a profession. It is good news if this is any indicator of the good voter turnout of youngsters. The present cabinet has many young people holding key portfolios. Much can be expected of them.  Shreya does some prediction when she says “The young politicos can bring about the necessary change and can probably be the change. They may also propagate the much needed but less attained communal harmony.” Abhijeet shares similar views. “We can look forward to some logic & reason driven scientific arguments during the Parliament sessions and unlike earlier days we can also be sure of bills getting passed which cater to the needs of the common-man” he says.

This is just the beginning. We may, in near future witness some drastic changes arising out of the increased involvement of youth in politics. But, whether they will live up to the expectations of people, only time will tell.

All in all, youth has a very long pivotal role to play in shaping the future of our country. So, all ones with young hot, boiling blood, fold up your sleeves and gear up to move the nation towards real progress.

The above incident, though fictitious, is based on true occurrences and many college students will be able to relate to it. Is the lecturer justified in doing so? Or is she being a little too strict? This brings us to the question, how strict is too strict for colleges?

After 14 years of wearing a uniform and following strict rules and regulations in order to be the disciplined and obedient student that all parents and teachers want a child to be, college offers youngsters a chance to heave a sigh of relief and be themselves. Every school student dreams about the perfect college life which is bindaas and carefree, and eagerly looks forward to the commencement of a life where there is no uniform to be worn everyday, instead one can wear an attire which reflects his or her personality, where lecturers are more approachable and not as strict as school teachers, where everyone treats students as young adults and trusts their decisions; a life which includes milestones like the 18th birthday, first bunk, first election where one gets to vote, and probably even the first date, first cell phone, first ATM card, first vehicle and first job! All these things are hallmarks of what is called ‘growing up’. Then why is it that sometimes, even in college, students are treated like kids and unnecessary rules are imposed on them?

Many of the colleges in the city manage to irk students with some weird rules which according to students are not required. One such rule is the dress code. Pradeepa Iyer, a student of Sri Indu College of Engineering and Technology said, “According to me my college has a whole set of stupid rules. Firstly, no mobiles allowed, but we still carry them. Secondly, the dress code for girls which I find really hard to digest. Girls should only wear salwar with dupatta. No jeans, t-shirts, shirts or even kurtis! All the girls are complaining but to no avail, the management doesn’t seem to be bothered. Even the boys are not spared and should come only in formals with shirts tucked in! Is it a professional college or a school?” Bindu Korla of DVRCET said, “My college is kinda strict. ID cards and formals are a must. I really don’t understand why a dress code is required!” She further added,  “We still have to do homework, not assignments, similar to a school student! We are still treated as immature beings. Innovative technical ideas are hardly considered. It is almost like the lecturers don’t believe that we are future engineers. The shoddy formalities make our task difficult!”

Another thing which angers students is when colleges try to restrict their

Tons of homework! Is it college or school? Credit:Mystical Vigilante

movement, whether it is going in and coming out of campus or on the campus itself. Smitha Vrath of Stanley college of Engineering and Technology said, ”My college is too strict. We can enter college at anytime but we can’t leave early. We have to take the Principal’s permission to do so. I feel it is ridiculous that at this age, we are not allowed to be ourselves. Even if the last hours are free, we are forced to stay back!”  Sirish Aditya of CVR college of Engineering said, ”My college is not a little strict, it is more of a primary school! I’m almost an engineer and I am not supposed to be seen in the corridors, grounds or the library during class hours, they treat us like little kids! My HoD threatens to call my mother if my attendance is not up to the required percentage. I would say 90% of all the rules in my college are unnecessary.”

Though Sri Charan Panchavaty Ganesh, another student of CVR, agrees his college is strict, he feels that most times, it is justified. “My college is strict sometimes, but most of the time it is called for. Colleges are under private ownership, protocols within premises need to be strict to keep everything in check. Taking into account the quality of the crowd and the atrocities against girls in some colleges, ‘grown up’ is not ‘grown up’ enough as yet,” he said. However, there are a few things that he would like to speak up against, “But, blackmailing students is utter treachery. Giving low scores just because the student wasn’t paying attention in class, despite doing well in the exam can’t be justified in any way. By doing this the teachers are just putting the future of the student at stake when they should do the exact opposite! What are they doing here, playing God?” he retorted. When asked if there are any rules in his college which according to him are not required he replied,  “Students are checked for their bus ID cards each and everyday. If someone forgets to bring it then he or she is fined even if the faculty knows that the student possesses the card and has paid the fee! Another outrageous rule is that a boy and a girl can’t sit together in the bus. Either they want us to grow up to be socially narrow minded or they just don’t trust us!”

Pin drop silence in class! Credit:Mystical Vigilante

However. there are a few colleges which treat the students like the young adults that they are. “I’ve never felt that my college is strict. We have an open gate system and our dress code is pretty flexible and comfortable.” said Rajitha Sanaka of St. Francis College. She further said, ”Well, one time I wasn’t allowed into the class for being 5 minutes late and another time I was made to stand at the back of the classroom just for talking to my friend in class for a minute! These incidents made me feel a little weird but apart from these, everything is fine.” Nidhi Inani of JNA & FAU said, ”Our college is not strict at all. Since we are an arts college we are not confined to classrooms for classes, our classes are usually outdoors. There are no rules that make us feel like we are in school. We have an open gate system. Everything is fine as long as we submit assignments on time and fulfill the required 65% of attendance.”

It’s rather easy saying than doing. One can guide you through tough times suggesting you, help you to live with the ills and odds that life keeps in store for you, teach you the difference between good and bad to go a long way up, but very few personalities can go to an extent of molding their life as an example to their inheritors. One such phenomenal person is our reverent Swami Vivekananda. No wonder the competence behind his conceptions has driven today’s youth to celebrate his birthday, the 12th of January, 148th anniversary this year!

“I am a viscid admirer of Swami Vivekananda. Every year I make it sure to spend time in Rama Krishna Math on his birthday which is now being celebrated as National Youth day. I find no other way to express my gratitude to this legend, for his words showed me a right route when I was almost balled up”, shares Naureen Tabassum, a medical student from Gandhi, while Sirisha Rathod from NIFT chunks, “I very often forget my incumbency as a civilian, just like any other young selfish fella. This place here (Rama Krishan Math) succors me in dipping myself into the holy feeling of being bounded.”

Commemorations are generally celebrated to remember a person, who is no more but is still loved. But few like him are memorized for their outstanding service to Indian ideas whose yearly observance deserves a lot more. Many ideas of his have only been confined to sayings and were hardly ever followed. On an average most of the students say they adore the words of Vivekananda, how far is that true, is indeed a personal question.  “Swami Vivekananda is my role model. His preachings are worth admiration but the application part is the real question. Motivation he induced is afresh. I thought giving them a try but failed to shadow them because somewhere they involve pluck which is a social issue all over again”, regrets Nishita Taduri from BVRIT.

Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence. Credit: Divina Eileen

Few Populace have experienced the facts that have been out through Vivekananda long before but the hesitation to jab them and moralize them is quite vivid today. “Society plays a vital role directly and indirectly in a person’s life. Even if one stabs to take a positive direction, efforts to moralize themselves, they fail to sustain optimism due to the society. ‘Be good, the rest just follows’ is an old saying. Live with the society, walk in the path it walks in, else you’ll not even know that you are lost the moment you started to take a different path, all alone. Swami Vivekananda’s propaganda’s are ideal but are hardly valid to the society at present” remorses Karthik Shah an adherent of Vivekananda, when surveyed why people defer to comply his sermons after knowing they are right.

He was a man who went across nations spreading knowledge. He was a man who was more respected around the world than here in India. The Vivekananda Vedanta society of Chicago which was set up to real the twin ideals of realizing god within and serving god in man holds one of the examples for the following Swami Vivekananda has. It’s an irony that people are honored better after their loss rather than when they are around us. Divine souls always have their place reserved in history irrespective of others visions and perceptions.

He was the first to define the essence of education. It was he who made the stand of youth powerful, in fact a meaningful one. Educational Institutions today are named after Vivekananda in reverence but none really knows if they are precisely following his ideas.  ‘Education with knowledge is important; Strive for Excellence, success becomes your trademark before you even think of it’  is what he deemed in and now the very institutions train students to compete for marks in the name of success though they put up a distinct mask in public, of course for public. “People respect him, they love his teachings, they accept the fact that his thoughts make one a perfect person, yet they fail to inculcate them, its sad that simple things seem to be so complicated these days”, mumbles Gaddam Puneet from TRR.

Rama Krishna Math. Credit: Raghu

“I have seen 13 batches from our school in my experience. 10th standard has been the last platform where the students give a serious thought about their liability towards nation, as we motivate them to the best where Swami Vivekananda’s preachings play a vital role. Once they step out from here they say, they hardly have time for themselves and so anticipating dedication towards nation must be a bigger expectation” recounts Rev. Sister John Paul the Ex-Principal of St. Anthony’s Girls High School. It’s not easy to suddenly start following the teachings of the great man, but surely the desire to change can initiate it. Out of hours and hours of surfing in the internet dedicating a few minutes to sites like http://www.vedantasociety-chicago.org can help a lot in ones development , proving the fact that there are people walking in the light the man left behind.

“His ideas were simple, but true. They initiate success in life. They were all about love, knowledge, truth. He believed that purity, patience, and perseverance are three essentials to success. His views about a religion were different; it is oneness, unlike today’s religion which has become a point of fight. Many social organizations have been started to keep his preaches and principles alive.  http://www.sevalaya.org/ in Chennai and http://www.spiritualbangalore.com/spiritual-organizations/vivekananda-kendra-yoga-research-foundation/ in Bangalore are the few sites of the social organizations committed to Swami Vivekananda’s sermons.

When youth say they respect his ideas, why is there no room for patriotism? Why is this generation dreaming of life abroad? Why not India?

“When it comes to beliefs and orations, patriotism and stuff sound diplomatic, good. But they are too tedious in everyday life. All of us like boasting in public about patriotism, progress, oneness, keeping them in practice is impractical. Unless their financial position doesn’t support them, why would anyone prefer to strive in India when there are several other options offering us better lives abroad?” question’s Amay Setty from DVR.

“Its fortunate for him that Swami Vivekananda is not between us today. This world would have changed him literally, or even otherwise, we would have his ideas, his teachings and philosophy confined only to writings on the walls”, opines Roobella Subash from SVIT.

Vedanta Literature House. Credit: Raghu

This is a wireless generation. Western culture has not only influenced youngsters but has become an essential part of their life. Rather than passion for progress, its love for non-yielding sophistication we witness at present. But was this Vivekananda had striven for? Selfish at times, has been associated with today’s generation, but isn’t that totally different from the wise man’s ideas which said about helping others? In his words ‘They alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.’  “I heard a lot about this man. His love for nation will be remembered till India survives on the world map. I adore him, respect him but his preaches cannot be practiced today the way they were expected to. Remembering him is all a man can do for now, to be precise” says Sindhu Machanna from Gitams.

If youngsters owe respect to the ideas of Vivekananda then let his birthday not be, only the birth anniversary of him but be a day of reckoning. If not, all the questions put across will go answer less, it does not go as a loss to the man but a casualty of youth today. After all its love and love alone that he preached, is missing today!

The words of this song rings true even today twenty years after it was originally written and will continue to do so for another twenty years.
While times have changed and generations have come and gone, each with their own set of eccentricities, the mentalities and thinking of people has changed little if nothing.

As kids most children are encouraged at every small pursuit of theirs but that is only until they reach their 8th grade after which their life or goals are not theirs to choose. This only breeds confusion and contempt in kids who turn into rebellious adolescents. At almost every stage of serious academic ventures i.e. school to matriculation to undergraduate studies students, rather adolescents, are always at crossroads. But most parents instead of just being a counsel for their kids try to push them into ’socially appropriate’ streams like being a doctor or engineer. Rues Archana Bellamkonda from RV College, “I became an engineer because my father wanted me to be one. But what makes an engineer so great? Why couldn’t I study arts instead?”

At a time when most teenagers look up to their parents for guidance, are unknowingly and unwittingly diverted to a different route of life. Unfortunately, it is the society and peer pressure even among parents that leads them to coax their children into these professions. The fear of what their relatives or neighbors will think if their child becomes a dancer or media person looms large over their mind. This is the sad truth and stark reality of today’s society. Even the present education system is lacking in every sense and needs to change to adapt and understand every individual students need. The education system has to promote overall activity for a child, not just drive them to getting marks. Says Lora Chandra from VNR VJIET, ” Why are marks so important? If anyone who gets 40% is a failure does it mean they are failures always in life?”

While there are parents who truly want their kids happiness they don’t realize that they might be hurting their children in the process of pushing them to do something the kids don’t want to. And sometimes they try to realize their own dream through their children. But these parents do not realize the mental pressure and emotional baggage they afflict on their children.

But thankfully due to the movies like “Dead Poets Society” or the more recent “3 Idiots” and “Taare Zameen Par”, it shows how much their parents approval means to students, always. These movies are not just commercial hits but they show the desperation of children and what they expect from their parents. Pranav Sai from Vignan Deshmukhi says, “All through my life my parents have never asked my opinion on what I want to do. And I have done what they wanted me to do. But the dissatisfaction of this life has thrown me off balance in the last couple of years. And I don’t know where I am headed or what to do now. I feel let down and defeated. Its a burn out.”

But it is the determination and courage that these teenagers have that matters. Apurva Muralidhar from BMS college of Architecture says,”I always wanted to study architecture, and thankfully my parents understood me even though it is not a designated field for girls. Initially they were hesitant but I managed to convince them that architecture was the group for me.”

As Robert Frost put it,

“two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

These children are the brave ones who weather the storm and emerge victorious. In a country like India, with such a huge population, we should be producing the worlds best scientists and great minds. But a combination of factors such as the education system, the societal norms and mentalities of people are quite backward. It is up to the youngsters of today to convince their parents and stick to their instinct about their future and take responsibility for their decisions and actions.

It’s rather about the life of ventriloquists and puppets of today’s world. It’s about a lot more educated fools, and about one state which is on the brink of being two.

More, this is reality.

Mr. Student

Lately, it seems like Mr. Student has made some new friends – the high-rise building and the matchstick. The tormenting body piercings are now a fashion of the bygone era. The hippest and the most happening thing today is self-annihilation. It’s more like an elevated version of crowd-surfing (way too elevated, one can say) with the crowd standing at a safe distance or it’s just like holding a cigarette between the lips and lighting it from the other end! The intriguing thing is, Mr. Student manages to do all this despite the innumerous petrol bunk bandhs and dearth of anything close to what can be called a ‘high-rise’ building. “The suicides should be discouraged. It’s not the way of going about with the issue. It might as well give rise to anti-social elements and people can be killed in the name of these suicides and get away with it”, opines Nitin Kumar Jindhula of CVR College of Engineering. Though there are different, non-destructive and a less sensational ways of retaliating, there’s this essence of heroism missing in them. So why would Mr. Student want to take to such a lowly approach? He’s Mr. STUDENT, remember? The invincible force when the exam papers are not around! And as long as Mr. Student is helping feed the teleprompter that’s increasing the viewer base of the various news channels, nobody is complaining. Not even the fellow students for that matter. In fact, they keep hoping and praying that someone lends Mr. Student a lighted match or a route map to the tallest cell phone tower in the city so that THEY get an extension for submitting that assignment of theirs! Ha! Long live his motto!

Mr. Politician:

Playing Politics? Credits: AP Government

Lately, this guy has been busy emulating the eccentrically diet-conscious teenage girls, for he seems to have developed a new fad – fasting. It so much seems like a ‘healthy’ change is taking over the political world. Perhaps everyone will soon get to see a ‘fit’ Mr. Politician (in pretty much a ‘figure’ative sense!) taking charge. Surely, Mr. Gargantuan-pot-bellied politician is going to be extinct. But before one could croon the What-An-Idea-Sirji tune, it is better we check out each other’s heads. One might as well find a dunce’s cap there! Amidst all the chaos of the all-glorified fast-for-a-cause chaos, something is already gone extinct – THE CAUSE ITSELF.

“It is unacceptable. The whole thing is just a publicity stunt. If we start giving in to such demands, even someone like you or I can resort to fasting for some stupid reason.” Parvathi Das, a student of Bhavans College, voices her opinion. If there were TRPs for individuals, then Mr. fast-unto-death politician would have topped the ratings, for the fasting tactic is more of putting oneself before the cause than putting the cause first; in a nutshell, an attention grabber. Had it only been the other way around, either most of the lanes would have already had roads or most of Mr. Politician’s community would have been dead. Either way, the world would have been a happier place to live in!

Mr. News Reporter:

Glorified News Sense. Credits: Wording Noise

These days, the news channels are as lit up as the Diwali sky. The exploding news flashes and the breaking news clamors just wouldn’t stop. And Mr. News Reporter doesn’t want this dream run of his career to end anytime soon. Hence, he’s making the most of it. One misplaced article or one out-of-the-place adjective is enough to provide livelihood for the whole media industry for years on end. Considering that, the present scenario is a kick of serendipity right in the locker for Mr. News Reporter! Jackpot! And in the process of news reporting, a lot of extra garnishing is done by Mr. Reporter, along with some extra editing, and  a mountain is made out of what might have been an ant hill. Often, among what’s edited out, is something everyone has forgotten about – the truth. The theme of secessionism is the one they have been banking on lately. “Media is very manipulative. The coverage is often pretty biased and there’s seldom any truth in it. Mostly, they show unnecessary details which are way too hyped and sensationalised”, opines Sowmya, a B.Com Regulars student of Bhavans Degree College.

The students want the colleges closed down, the politicians want to use this for amassing votes and the media wants all this to happen for their coverages. Everyone is running after their own selfish motive, and call it a common cause! Can it get any crazier?

P.S. At the end of it all, the Everyone-Lived-Happily-Ever-After part gets screened out by the editors (of the real world, yeah) and is left to gather dust in the drafts section. It gets to wait till the story comes to an end.

Republic day is synonymous with various mental images of children running about in white uniforms with the tricolour of all sizes, hawkers weaving through busy traffic intersections selling colourful motifs, plastic caps, flags, street vendors doling out colourful chuskis etc.  Some take great pride in watching the colourful parades marching down the Red Fort in perfect unison while others like to sit back and enjoy a worthy holiday!

Today’s youth are addicted to Gizmos, TV, mobiles, shopping, branded clothing and what not and do not realize the real significance of Republic Day and our responsibility towards the nation. We need to inculcate a sense of patriotism and contribute our share to the society.

The youth wing of Durgabai Deshmukh Colony started a Society named “Bhagat Yuva Morcha” on Republic Day this year. They organized a Blood Donation Camp in their colony where people turned up in droves. The chief guest was Mr. Kishen Reddy, BJP MLA and the present legislator of  Amberpet area.   The Chief Guest was late and the blood camp began on a high note. The charismatic MLA walked in amidst huge cheers and hoisted the flag. Many people turned up just to see the MLA and the venue was brimming with exuberant youngsters who were waiting to hear him speak.

Blood donation camp in full progress. Credit:Pearl Rive

Blood donation camp was going on in full swing. The weight has to be above 50 Kgs and the volunteer should be in good health. The general procedure was followed like filling in the details of the volunteers, checking their weight, Blood Pressure and a blood test to check for abnormalities, if any. Those who were anaemic or had any illness were restrained from donating blood. About 350 ML of blood was taken from each volunteer and later donated to Narayanguda Blood Bank. They were given refreshments to avoid any dizziness.  “This is the first time I am donating blood and I was quite at ease. I felt very good afterwards”, gushed Sai Chand, a student volunteer.

Mr.Kishen Reddy in his Saffron Robes started off in impeccable Telugu and gave a stirring speech. He congratulated the youth Society and told them to help towards the development of that area which could happen only with youngsters like them. Here are some excerpts from his speech. “We are economically good and the only problem with us is that we only keep blaming the government for not providing basic needs. We can solve quite a number of problems by taking care of the existing ones. Youth today are educated and can help us by joining hands and work towards the betterment of the society. No blame game is good for any society. Terrorism, social evils, suicides, ‘Dharnas’ have become part of our daily lives and what good have they done to us? None! We shouldn’t forget Dr.Ambedkar’s words who said do your duties first and then change the way everything is. We have the power to conquer the world”, he said.

“Nowadays people have forgotten to vote. It has to be taken seriously and everyone should exercise this right. It is essential to elect our leaders for a better tomorrow. According to me we should also have the compulsory Voting system like in the Narendra Modi Government where in the one’s who don’t vote are fined”, he said.

He finally congratulated the Members of  Bhagat Yuva Morcha and wished them good luck in their future endeavours. He also took a few photographs with them and everyone dispersed. The Chairman of this Youth Society is Mr. Kartik Arroju, President is Sri Satish Kumar, Vice President is Naveen Yadav.  Sandeep and Sai Krishna are the Joint Secretaries. Suman is the General Secretary. They represent the youth of Amberpet area. The membership is open to all.  The Press and the high dignitaries present were thanked profusely. A note of thanks was by a member and everyone dispersed in high spirits. Jai Ho BHAGAT YUVA MORCHA!

With the Society members. Credit: Pearl Rive

Member Speaking. Credit: Pearl Rive

MLA visiting the camp. Credit: Pearl Rive

Sixty three years hence, Young India is a developing country. She has created a niche for herself in the global arena and has amiable relations with some of the most powerful nations of the world. India’s relationship with immediate neighbour, Pakistan, unfortunately doesn’t enjoy the same security and mutual trust. There are enough reasons to justify India’s present stand of hostility with Pakistan, but none whatsoever to let bygones be forgotten and start again on a new note.

With a singular hope for peace flickering in the entire grey horizon, The Times of India and The Jang Group of Newspapers of Pakistan have come together in organizing the ‘Aman Ki Asha : Destination Peace’. After two whole years of toil, the leading media houses of the two countries joined hands on January 1, 2010 for this unique Indo-Pak Peace Project. The idea behind this project is simple. It is time we look behind the narrow boundaries that have poisoned our relationship for decades. It is time peace is given a chance.

Introducing this concept as an eye-opener, The Times of India had a detailed report on the need for peace among the two nations. 2010 had to be started on a new note: of mending the relationship with Pakistan. The media has often been criticized for politicizing issues. This project shows how the media has taken the initiative to improve relations between the two nations, through a people-to-people initiative, where the citizens get the chance to interact with their neighbours. A friendly relation among the two countries is as much in India’s interest, as it is for Pakistan. A peaceful neighbourhood ensures stability and therefore gives greater scope for development. India and Pakistan share numerous ties – historical, cultural and emotional. It is for the sake of these ties and for the people, who above all, love one another, that Peace should be given a chance.

Peace is what the common citizens of India and Pakistan desire. An article in The Times of India said, “About two-thirds of those polled in India and almost three-fourths of those in Pakistan said they desire a peaceful relationship between the two countries. Only a tiny majority, 17% in India and 8% in Pakistan, are opposed to the idea of consigning hostility to the dustbin of history.”

Singer Parvathy Baul. Credits : Pens Eve

‘Aman Ki Asha’ is an initiative of The Times of India and the Jang Group of Pakistan, to develop stronger cultural, economic and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan. Music is the universal platform of communication. It knows no boundaries. Musical concerts have been organized across six cities of India – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. Eminent artists from both countries participated in these concerts, to spread the message of peace. They are Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash Kher, Abida Parveen, Shubha Mudgal, the bands Strings and Euphoria, Arif Lohar, Parvathy Baul, Ghulam Ali, Hari Haran, the Wadali Brothers and Abu Mohd & Group. One remembers the song ‘Rind posh maal’ from the Bollywood movie, Mission Kashmir which also recognizes the role of music in uniting people from different nationalities. “Sangeet ko na roke diwaar, sangeet jaaye sarhad ke paar. Sangeet maane na dharm-jaat, sangeet mein hai Allah O Ram.” It means mere walls cannot hinder music and it goes beyond all boundaries. Music believes not in race or religion. Music is the unison of both Allah and Ram.

As part of the peace initiative an annual trade meet will be activated in Karachi to foster economic cooperation, and student exchange trips will be launched to fuel the citizens’ interaction.

Pakistan’s popular folk singer Arif Lohar and India’s baul singer, Parvathy Baul, sang at the Aman Ki Asha Concert at Chowmahallat Palace in Hyderabad on January 22, 2010.

The sprawling Chowmahalla Palace was splendid in all its grandeur. The residence of the erstwhile Nizams, the Palace was at its best. The palace is also known as ‘Khilwat’ in the native Hyderabadi tongue. The concert took place in the lawns and as the ‘Khilwat Clock’ chimed 6:30 p.m., the seats were occupied.

The denizens of Hyderabad were in for an evening of complete entertainment. The cool blowing wind set the mood for an evening for the noble cause of peace. Kingshuk Nal, Editor, The Times of India, said “The people of India and Pakistan are very friendly and effusive about one another. The Aman Ki Asha programme was started with this basic idea – that the people want peace. Despite the roadblocks that deter this process, we will have amity in our neighbourhood.”

The programme started and amidst much applause, Indian baul singer, Parvathy Baul occupied the stage. The epitome of simplicity, clad in a saffron gown, Parvathy Baul had a mesmerizing effect on the audience. Her soulful rendition of baul music in Bengali touched the hearts of all. She plays the ‘ektara’ (drone) and the percussion instrument ‘duggi’, sings and dances. Earlier named as Moushumi Parial, she has been a devoted practitioner of baul music for more than 12 years.

“Her music is beautiful. A blend of devotional Bengali and sufi music, she reminds one of Meera Bai,” says Uttam Kumar. She has performed all over India and at many international events. The Hindustan Times survey in 2007 showed her to have topped the charts in Indian folk music.

“Even though she sang in Bengali, which is a language many of us in Hyderabad don’t understand, she had a rapt attention of the audience,” says Shreya, a young music enthusiast. “Each of the songs had a great philosophical message about it. And she would translate it to us in English after the Bengali rendition,” she adds.

Pakistan's 'Pride of Performance', Arif Lohar. Credits : Pens Eve

“Human beings,” says Parvathy Baul, “are engulfed in the world of ‘maya’. The ones who are free of maya are free from worldly matters. They are the “flying kites” in the sky..” She has had two CD recordings. ‘Radha Bhava’ released by www.arion-music.com (Paris) and ‘Premgeethi : Beyond the times – love songs from Bengal’. They have received great national and international acclaim.

After an hour, which seemed like a few minutes, Arif Lohar, hailed as the ‘Pride of Performance’ by the Government of Pakistan, took center stage, along with his musicians. A popular sufi singer, he said, “Sufi woh baat karta hai, jo poori duniya ke liye hai.” (Sufi music conveys the message which is in favour of the whole world). He sings with his trademark instrument, the “chimta” which closely resembles the tongs. This is his first visit to Hyderabad. Lohar has acted in as many as 45 Pakistani films and is willing to accept if invited by the Hindi Film Industry.

Interacting with the audience in Punjabi and also cracking ‘chutkule’, Lohar was a complete entertainer. He sang a few songs of which ‘Soniye ni Soniye’ and ‘Jugni’ were the favourites. “I couldn’t enjoy much of Parvathy Baul’s music because of the language barrier, but Arif Lohar was remarkable. His voice is pure,” says Alka. Echoing her friend’s sentiments, another youngster, Ami, says, “Arif Lohar was full of life and gaiety!”

Lohar was joined by his co-singer, Fouzia in the rendition of ‘Duma Dum Mast Kalandar’. The most popular song of the evening, this song had the audience on their toes. Some were singing along, while others were applauding their loudest.

Music is communion on various levels – on an interpersonal level, with the listeners and with God on an intrapersonal level. The singer can move his audience to tears by striking the right chords. The musical flights of imagination can transport the listener to a different world altogether. And this is what the two artists magically achieved in the ‘Jugalbandi’. The highlight of the show, the Jugalbandi was gripping and moving. Arif Lohar and Parvathy Baul shared the stage and complimented one another. It was a real treat to watch and hear them perform.

The Jugalbandi. Credits : Pens Eve

The message was conveyed and well-received. Peace is what we all want and Peace we shall have. “I loved this programme. Hindustan-Pakistan Zindabad!” exclaims Mrs. Rama Narendar Singh. “Hume shanti chahiye!” she adds. (We want peace!)

‘Aman Ki Asha’ was launched with the aim “to develop a stronger Track II in our diplomatic and cultural relations.” The musical concerts across various cities were a huge success and only proved what the media houses believed –that the people were friendly about one another and had no negative feelings to their counterparts across the border. Irrespective of our leaders’ views, the commoners of India and Pakistan have strong emotional ties with one another.

‘Aman Ki Asha : Destination Peace’ is a step in the right direction. Regardless of what has happened in the past, one cannot ignore the fact that India and Pakistan are closely knit. It encourages the youth to have their minds open and not be influenced by narrow nationalism. The destination of Peace might be far, but the persevering young generation can achieve the impossible. This initiative helps fuel the spirit of the youth, who should as the responsible leaders of tomorrow, act in their right mind.

“The territorial borders do not separate us. The differences have been fed to us by decades of political brainwashing. And these differences are being extended into faultless fields like sports. But it is clear that the people want friendship. And it is the popular will which succeeds in the end,” observes Uttam Kumar.

Amen.

(For more information on the ‘Aman Ki Asha’ initiative, log on to http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/amankiasha.cms )

“AIESEC is an organization that has been present since 1948. At AIESEC we work around socio-economic issues. Balakalakaar is an event which we do around the issue of child rights. And people who are studying and doing their under-graduation join and work for AIESEC” says Akhil Reddy, the president of AIESEC Hyderabad. Balakalakaar is one project that AIESEC Hyderabad has been doing since the year 2005. Here, children from different N.G.Os in and around Hyderabad are brought to the workshop. Balakalakaar 2009, held on 19^th December, conducted the workshop for over 2000 children.

The Artist within. Credit: Immortal Impressionist

The event began at 10:30 am with cultural programs by the children like dance performances where the children danced on a wide variety of songs – from classical south Indian to hit bollywood numbers. Besides the cultural performances there were entertainment programs like a magic/stunt show and a mimicry show too.

The president of the organizing committee for balakalakaar, Harshita Tallam says, “This year’s event is the most different compared to the last four years. All four years it has been just a painting workshop but this year we had juggling and mimicry and dances. It was really good to see the kids enjoy so much”.

And different it definitely was because the kids got to showcase more than just one form of art. One of the performances was actually a pyramid formation that was done by the children of Pudami Schools, supported by Dr. Reddy’s foundation.

Most importantly, the cultural programs helped the children unwind so that when the time came for drawing and painting they could let their imagination soar!

Their dancing ain't little. Credit: Immortal Impressionist

The most important thing is that this wasn’t the usual painting competition

where the winners would be given just a certificate and some random object as a prize. Kids bagging the first 25 positions would be professionally trained in the field of art by ‘Global Arts’ which is one of the sponsors of balakalakaar. The event was also sponsored by other big names like ‘Sujana’ and ‘APTDC’ with ‘Radio Mirchi’ as the radio partner.

Interestingly, balkalakaar got postponed this year due to all the agitation in the city. Bringing so many children to the venue which is set in one of the most sensitive locations in the city is definitely a matter of concern and because of all the disturbances even on the 19^th things got a little bit delayed, the program that was supposed to begin at 9:00 began at around 10:00 because of the transportation problems. But then where is the fun in organizing anything if there aren’t a few problems to solve?

But it was all for the kids and they definitely had fun. Anusha from MV Foundation says “ikadiki ochi chala baagundi. Program chusi maaku kuda dance cheyali anipinchindi. Ikada maaku ichina food kuda chalaa baagundi. Memu andaram drawing kuda baaga vesam”.

AIESEC Hyderabad. Credit: Immortal Impressionist

Another girl named Madhavi from CAP Foundation says “Dance super chesinru.ikada villu andaru baaga chuskunnaru. Malli vaste memu kuda dance chestam. Ivalanta ikkada chaala enjoy chesam”.

And its not just the children who appreciated the effort. Madhusree Vemuru, head partnerships and communications, Dr.Reddy’s foundation says “balkalakaar was very well organized. It clearly shows the strength of planning and execution among the AIESEC volunteers. We look forward to a long and varied association with AIESEC”.

The small things that we do add up to something major one day. The bags in which the children were given the stationary were made out of paper and not plastic. This way yet another message was passed on to the children.

All in all the entire event turned out to be a massive success and AIESEC Hyderabad showed what its capable of once it sets its goals.

The month of September in 2009 is the month that has the highest number of festivals in it. With a jaw dropping total of a 43 festivals were lined up throughout the month, sometimes two festivals are celebrated on the same day. One would be surprised to note that some obscure festivals like Amongamong festival, Aranmula Vallamkali, Brea Utsav, Chappar Mela, Heikru Hitongba, Kallaji fair, Karni Mata Mela, Kisan Mela, Manarcad Perunnal, Sodal Mela and Vallarpadam Perunnal are also celebrated with much pomp and splendor in some parts of India.

Hyderabad boasts of the majestic 42 feet high Matsya Ganesha at Khairtabad, who stands tall with the idol of Sri Dattatreya! Credits: Candy Floss

“We, the members of Teach For India, a service oriented Literary Organization covered a total of 7 small villages and requested the elders and the Gram Panchayats of every village to start new schools on the 8^th of September, 2009, which happens to be the International Literacy Day. We approached some of the parents and pleaded with them to let their wards continue their education after middle school. The response was quite encouraging and we hope to make a difference at the national level,” informs Rebecca Noecker, the Special Program Development Associate, Teach For India. Anybody interested in joining this organization and becoming an employee by teaching in rural schools for primary classes can contact Rebecca at Rebecca.noecker@teachforindia.org or could directly contact the office at “Thermax House”, 14, Mumbai–Pune Road, Wakdewadi, Maharashtra 411003. The contact numbers are +912066051381 (Office) and +9637312747 (Mobile). “The International Literacy Day was full of fun and frolic for us bloggers too! We met up at self organized and self funded parties and made it a memorable day,” chirps Avni Chari, a student of Law from NALSAR University, Hyderabad and an avid blogger.

“We had a blast at college on the World Engineers’ Day on September 15^th, 2009! We caught up with our seniors and it was almost like a tech fest in the campus. It was more like a festival for all of us, considering the fact that more than half the Engineering colleges of India are located in Andhra Pradesh,” smiles Vasavi, a third year Computer Science student from GNITS. “World Engineer’s Day is celebrated every year on the 15^th of September on the occasion of the birthday anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya, one of the most outstanding engineers of all time. And we pay our due respects to him even today,” seconds Niharika, a Mechanical Engineering student from CBIT. Several Eco Clubs from various colleges, the Rotaract and the Rotary Clubs of various districts, the Andhra Pradesh Environment Connect (APEC), the youth wings like the IYCN (Indian Youth Climate Network) and many NGOs like Helping Hands for All, Spoorthi and the Blue Cross had come forward to celebrate and spread the word of the International Ozone Day on the 16^th of September, 2009.

Goddess Durga sits majestically in a pandal! Credits: Candy Floss

This joyous festive season would seem totally incomplete without the mention of the most important festivals like the Ganesh Chaturthi, the holy festival of Ramzan, the much awaited Dusshera and the sparkling Diwali. Hyderabad is famous for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with loads of sweets and savories and especially since India’s tallest Ganesh Idol, the Khairtabad Ganesh, is housed here, it’s all the more dear to Hyderabadis. Clay and mud Ganesh Idols which are environment friendly ruled the roost this season. The special attraction to this year’s Vinayak Chavithi was the Big Paper Ganesha installed by BIG 92.7 FM on the first floor at Prasad’s Multiplex, Necklace Road. “The BIG Paper Ganesha is the first of it’s kind in the country and is such a wonderful creation! Initially, we didn’t have many expectations but on seeing the Ganesha, we realized it is breathtakingly beautiful! It drew the attention of such a huge crowd that all my friends and I had to forego college for a day just to get a glimpse of it! It must have been such a Herculean task for the makers to make it as appealing as the Ganeshas in Plaster of Paris,” opines Manasa, a student of SVIT and a curious onlooker, who visited the idol inspite of getting totally drenched in the rain! “These festive seasons prove to be a boost to our profits since there are many takers for our special dishes and pure ghee sweets. Dusshera and Diwali are the main festivals when our profits are at their peak,” affirms Mr. Dinakar, an employee of Pulla Reddy Sweets, Begumpet. “The entire festival of Ganesh Chaturthi went on smoothly. We got to gorge on loads of appetizing delicacies like the traditional Pulihora, Paayasam and Kudumulu and got to decorate various Ganesh pandals. We were excited about the Nimarjan since we could step into our dancing shoes and dance to the jhakhaas snake dance and teen-maar numbers, when we received the unfortunate news of the tragic death of our Chief Minister, Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy,” informs a dejected Sindhu, a student of 10^th grade.

The auspicious month of Ramadan is definitely not to be forgotten in this

Hyderabad's pride - lip smacking Ramadan special Haleem! Credits: Srikanth

aspect! “This is one month when I put on 2-3 kilos without doubt. No matter how much I suppress my hunger pangs, the Haleem Special at the Pista House and Sarvi are such a treat to my taste buds that I have Haleem at least a minimum of three times during this month. I’m extremely elated that Sarvi won the award for the best Haleem Joint last year,” gushes Sriky Reddy, a regular customer at Sarvi, Banjara Hills. “Though we fast throughout the day, it pays off at the end since we get to have sumptuous, aromatic Irani Haleem topped with rich ghee, spices and fried onions,” smiles Anjum, who was caught shopping at the Raath Bazaar at Charminar. “Despite the ongoing recession, our sales have doubled this year and this depicts the kind of foodaholics Hyderabad has,” chuckles Abdul Mohammad, the owner of the Shah Ghouse Café at Charminar.

Although the merriment has ceased, enthusiastic Hyderabadis still have happiness on their platter since the Dusshera and Diwali festivities have just begun! All in all, hope this gaiety season will bring more joy, color and light into the lives of all Hyderabadis!

Coming to girls, they rarely wear helmet as they are more beauty conscious and believe that excess heat damages their hair. Hyderabadi girls are too conscious about their new looks and they end up paying exorbitant rates for beauty parlours rather than spending the same for a lowly helmet. They wear gloves, bandanas or scarves and usually avoid the helmet. Even the traffic police go easy on them and they are never fined. “I always travel by my Activa and I don’t even have a helmet. Recently I bought one and use it sparingly and is handy to hold stuff when I go shopping”, giggles Sravani, a techie. The helmet has lost its original purpose and has turned out to be a joke to youngsters.

East or West, Helmet is the best! Credit: Pearl Rive

The middle aged however are more particular about wearing helmets. Mr. Venkateswaran, a banker says, “I am a staunch believer in wearing the helmet and I can say that I owe my life to the Helmet. I’ve been wearing it for 2 decades and I wear it even if I travel half a kilometer. On many occasions I was hit by other two wheeler riders, who drove rashly and I’ve been lucky enough all the time. Surely it is a life saver.” He also says that we can get spare parts for all other parts of the body except for our head. Another enthusiast, Mr. Ramesh adds, “It is better to wear a helmet than go into coma and suffer the rest of our lives due to mishaps.”

Here goes a popular SMS circulated during the festival time, “Better wear the helmet. Not everyone gets a replacement like me”, as told by Lord Ganesha. An orthopaedist, Dr. Shankar adds sarcastically, “During the period of compulsory implementation of helmets I was getting lesser patients with head injuries. Now with the police giving up, the number has gone up. My hospital is bustling with patients mostly in the age group of 16-30. They are the most reckless.”

The traffic police alone cannot be blamed for the improper implementation. Adolescents, especially boys, with their raging hormones tend to forget the basic fact that life is more precious than “thrill”. This “thrill” often kills people or handicaps them for life with nothing left to live upon. 2009 has itself seen more than 500 accidents involving 2 wheelers and many deaths according to the statistics from Times of India newspaper. The traffic constables are letting off people, who grease their palms with money and hardly notice the damage done to the society by doing this. Most of the boys turn violent and unruly when questioned about not wearing helmets. The stunts, which they carry out on roads, especially during late nights has been a headache to the police department. They rarely get caught, as they speed away. Many bikers wear the helmet only on the main roads, where the traffic police are stationed, to avoid being “challanned”(fined).

Bill Board. Credit: Pearl Rive

Thus, youngsters should have proper traffic sense and wear the helmet always. good ones can be found at Ramkoti, Hyderabad. Go for branded ones rather than the ones sold at the road side. Road side ones end up breaking too early as they are made up of cheap material unlike branded varieties. Cheaper helmets do more damage than save heads. Why bargain for that little amount when it involves a precious head? Right?

Drive carefully with proper head gear and come home safely. All parents want their children to look after them in their later years. They do not want to see their wards in ‘wards’.