बदला

अंग्रेजों के ज़माने में
स्वंतंत्र संग्राम सेनानियों पर 'बदला' लेने की बात
समझ सकते हे

आज़ाद भारत में भी
एक राज्य मुख्य मंत्री,अपने ही नागरिकों
से 'बदला ' लेने का प्रस्ताव करते  है !

फिरंगियों और भूरा प्रशासकों में क्या फरक ? 

Beware of Dilution

Dilute milk little by little
and before you know it
it has become this white coloured water!
bridges made of diluted materials
meant to live, survive for decades
fall days, months after inauguration!

Dilution in values
dilution in  commitment
dilution in the promises
and before you know it
adulteration has swallowed the original form!

Diluting laws, leaves it with little or very little teeth
leaves one wondering" "My father was so strong and decisive
today, he is so weak and unpredictable.
bends easily before those that matter...."

If the dilution continues, unabated
constituent assembly members
would turn in their graves - uncomfortable and
unable to recognize the weak, crumbling structure
in place of the strong edifice they had left behind! 

NB:  This poem has been included in the anthology "Amaravati Poetic Prism" published by the Cultural Centre of Vjaywada & Amaravati (CCV&A) 


I recited the poem during the first meet of the Bangalore poetry circle (CPC) on 11th January 2020 

नयी परिभाषा

क्या "सर्कार विरोध" का
नया नाम है "देश द्रोह" ?

तो "जनतंत्र"  को भी
नया नाम देना पड़ेगा

इस पावन, शक्तिशाली शब्द का पीली छाया
ढूंढ़ना पड़ेगा ... 

ജീവിക്കാൻ അറിയാതെ പോയവർ (Those ignorant of Living/ Missing out on life))

I recited this poem in Malayalam at the poetic prism organised by the cultural Center of Vijayawada & Amaravati CCV&A) at Vijayawada on 21-22 December 2019. A Hindi translation of the poem is given at the bottom.

നാളെ , നാളെ , നാളെ 
എന്ന് കരുതി , ഇന്ന് ഇല്ലാതാക്കുന്നവർ 
പണം , പണം, പണം കുറെ ശേകരിച്ചെങ്കിലും
നിത്യ ജീവിതം പിശുക്കി , പിച്ചക്കാരന് സമം!   

ചെറു ചെറു കാര്യങ്ങളിൽ കലഹിച്ചു 
ഇന്നത്തെ, ഈ നിമിഷത്തിൻ സന്തോഷം 
ഇന്നലെ , നാളെയുടെ ചിന്തകളിൽ 
നഷ്ട പെടുത്തുന്നവർ ...

യഥാർത്ഥത്തിൽ, ഇവരല്ലേ ?-  ജീവിക്കാൻ   അറിയാതെ പോയവർ ....


                                                                                 എം. എൻ. രാജീവ്   

जिनको जीना नहीं आता 

कल,कल, कल की सोच में
आज को समाप्त करने वाले
धन,धन, धन, बहुत इक्कठा किया, फिर भी

नित्य जीवन बिताते है, भिखारी समान
छोटी छोटी बातों पर झगड़ा करके

आज का, इस पल की ख़ुशी
कल, परसों की चिंता में
नष्ट करने वाले

सच में , यही है न वे लोग, जिनको जीना नहीं आता ...

അവസാനം ...

വേലിയിലിരിക്കും പാമ്പിനെ, തലമേൽ  വെക്കും സർക്കാർ
വീട്ടിൽ, ചിലരെ പേടിപ്പിക്കാം, ചിലരെ പ്രീതി പെടുത്താമെന്നു കരുതി
വേലിയിലിരിക്കും പാമ്പിനെ, തലമേൽ  വെക്കും സർക്കാർ !

നാണയമില്ലാതാക്കൽ, എൻ ആർ സി,  പൗര ഭേദഗതി നിയമം ....
വേലിയിലിരിക്കും പാമ്പിനെ, തലമേൽ  വെക്കും സർക്കാർ

അവസാനം ....വീട്ടിൽ ചിലരെയല്ല , എല്ലാവരെയും
തന്നെയും, കൊത്തി നശിപ്പിക്കും പാമ്പ്
എന്നറിയാതെ, മന്ദബുദ്ധികൾ....

വേലിയിലിരിക്കും പാമ്പിനെ, തലമേൽ  വെക്കും സർക്കാർ!


NB:  എൻ ആർ സി :  നാഷണൽ  രജിസ്റ്റർ  ഓഫ്  സിറ്റിസൻസ്‌

काश...

काश,  ये देश द्रोही
बलातकार पर, इतना हल्ला न मचाता
तो देश का, विश्व स्तर पर, बदनाम न होता

काश,  ये नव जवान , ऊबर / ओला से
सवार न करते , बल्कि गाडी खरीद  लेते
तो मोटर कार की बिक्री , इतना न  घटता

काश,  ये आम आदमी
प्याज  कम खाता, या बिलकुल नहीं खाता
प्रिय, वित्त मंत्री जैसे
तो न होता,  इतना हल्ला, मामूली बातों पर 

काश, आम नागरिक, मामूली विषयों
जैसे रोज़गार, मंदी, खेती संकट,
महंगाई, इत्यादि   पर कम
और राष्ट्र , राष्ट्रवाद, राष्ट्रीय गौरव पर
ज़्यादा ज़ोर देता
तो बहुत  ऊंचा रहता
भारत की शान ! 

काश ..... 

Challenge

I ponder over human life
civilizations that survived
the stone, bronze and iron ages

successfully overcame the vicissitudes *
of even dark middle ages
to reach modern times
with technology at its peak!

Yet, challenges of climate change
deforestation, air pollution
violence, greed are all daunting....

Will mankind overcome
vicissitudes * of modern times?
time alone will tell...

*vicissitudes: successive, alternating or changing phases or conditions as of life or fortune, ups & downs   



Link to the book: "Corporate Poems- Straight & Simple" :  https://www.amazon.in/Corporate-Poems-Straight-Introspection-Correction-ebook/dp/B0827PCVKQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=corporate+poem-straight+and+simple&qid=1575389904&sr=8-1

My Book- Corporate Poems-Straight and Simple

I am very happy to inform all my readers that my  book “: Corporate Poems- Straight and Simple" has been published on kindle and is now available on Kindle store/Amazon. It covers a wide spectrum of corporate work life / work in any organization..

The foreword for the book has been written by distinguished poet, writer, and reviewer and Hon Literary advisor to the Cultural Center of Vijayawada and Amaravatti (CCVA), Ms Padmaja Iyengar - Paddy and recommendations by sensitive. Insightful and accomplished poet Ms Saranya Francis and former Military officer, writer &  passionate blogger,  Mr Durga Prasad Dash.

The book has been divided into five sections that are important in any organization namely

 1) Organizational Direction

2) Leadership

3) Employee Relations

4) Training and Development and

5) In the course of Day to Day work.

In the Foreword Ms Padmaja Iyengar writes " Rajeev’s long innings in managerial positions across hierarchy and organizations as also his inimitable lucid style is evident in all the poems."

 She adds "Every poem in the collection ‘Corporate Poems – Straight and Simple’ provides a management lesson to be learnt, imbibed and practised by managers in day to day work. The author, Rajeev Moothedath demystifies complicated management thoughts and deconstructs management philosophies into straight and simple poetry!"  

In her recommendation poet Saranya Francis says " Rajeev's corporate poems are a telling commentary of the corporate world's upheavals, idiosyncrasies and peculiarities. As an astute HR professional, he is uniquely placed to share observations on the personal side of the professional world. The poems in the collection are crisp, straightforward, deliberately worded and sometimes even tongue in cheek. Rajeev in his unique style has spoken to his readers through these poems"

Writer & Blogger Mr Durga Prasad Dash writes "Rajeev Moothedath’s ability to churn out poems out of dry subjects such as “HR analytics and the four abilities” is definitely commendable." 

Readers can purchase the book by following this link:  

https://www.amazon.in/Corporate-Poems-Straight-Introspection-Correction-ebook/dp/B0827PCVKQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=corporate+poem-straight+and+simple&qid=1575389904&sr=8-1

Looking forward to the feedback from dear readers.

एक सम्मलेन से - कुछ विचार

इतना सा बोलने केलिए
इतने सारे शब्दों का प्रयोग !
बात करते करते आप नहीं थकते
पर बेचारे, हम दर्शकों का भी सोच !

हाँ मैं आप  का सुझाव,अंतर्दृष्टि ,मान लेता हूँ
धन्यवाद् आप का !
लेकिन एक विनंति आप से भी
कम शब्दों में सीधा बोल !

भारत में, श्रोता व दर्शक
सीधा प्रश्न क्यों न पूछ पाते ?
प्रश्न के पहले
लम्बी भाषण की क्या ज़रूरत?

तो यही है हमारा राष्ट्रीय गुण
सीधी बातों को घुमा फिराके बोलना
सुनने वालों को समझ में आये न आये
दिखाना है दुनिया को
कि हम किसी से कम नहीं ! 

Little Lovely Daughter of Asia

Asia, the most populous continent
birth place of mainstream religions
rich in natural resources
sharing a unique philosophical tradition
that shuns sheer materialism..

Let us  today through words, travel
to the little land in big Asia
that has survived many trials, tribulations
the cute little land of Tibet!

Tibet, with its own brand
of Buddhism, medicine
clothes, handicrafts, culture, literature
that people proudly proclaim and practice
even in exile!

The noble son, Dalai lama, spiritual leader
of this peace loving daughter of Asia
won the Nobel peace prize
opposing use of violence
even while struggling for liberation!

Here is a land ravaged- yet whose people
march on relentlessly towards goal
refusing to allow its spirits to be broken!

Captivating Lines from Here and There- 31

• I have never seen a stupid kid. I have seen a kid who sometimes did things that I didn't understand or things in ways I hadn't planned. I had seen a kid who hadn't seen the same places where I had been, but he was not a stupid kid. Before you call him stupid, think, was he a stupid kid or did he just know different things than you did?- Marshall Rosenberg, Author"Nonviolent Communication" 
• All great business leaders have a vision and they devote much of their time to communicating it to all relevant stake holders including employees, customers and investors.
• Many cancer patients are manipulated to make irrational, impulsive, fear based decisions that they would not normally make- Chris Wark, cancer beater. Author, Health coach
• It is not egotistical to love yourself- Anita Moorjani, Author. "Dying to be me"
• Community is central to people's health- Lyne Mc Taggart, Author of "Power of Eight" 
• In the visioning process, leaders must seek  early involvement from others to ensure buy- in and they must be able to effectively communicate a vision. 
• You, as a product and brand:  Outer brand is how you present yourself. what you think and what you internalize is the inner brand. If your inner brand and outer brand are aligned you are in complete harmony- Dr sumit.D chowdhury, Author " Rules of the Game".
• Selling ideas, products, anything- Selling happens all the time. We are all selling; we are always selling. we all have to do it either for or against ourselves- Shiv Khera Author,Motivational speaker.
• The best way to predict your future is to create it, not from the known but the unknown- Joe Dispenza, Author "You are the Placebo"
• Altruism is like a bullet proof vest. Anything done for someone else helps you- Lyne McTaggart, Author "Power of Eight".

Celebration, in the Changing Times

In the last of the Yugas
after which the tide is believed to turn
the antihero rather than the hero is celebrated...

Hero is no longer
an epitome of virtues
one standing for truth
righteousness or peace

He is merely the protagonist
the one occupying maximum space
in the story, play or cinema of life
rather than Gandhi, his killer
is slowly gaining currency, momentum
as the hero to be celebrated....

Solitude

In search of solitude

I locked myself in room, far away

The beep from mobile phone, reminded me

Though alone, solitude a mere dream…

Outsider in My Own Terrain

I recited this poem at the 12th edition of gpif (Guntur International Poetry Festival) held on 19-20th September at Guntur Andhrapradesh, India

My ancestors lived a life of peace and tranquility

we had plenty to eat, drink and share

until you came to tell me "I am not enough"

only a tribal- uncivilized, and illiterate!

You  judge  me on your terms

why should your culture,  selfishness, greed

be held superior to my life attuned to nature?

why should we learn your tongue

while ours are slowly dying away

Malnutrition, infant mortalities galore

diseases of malaria, cholera, TB, Jaundice

are our lot on brushing with your "Great" civilization

insecure, displaced, disgraced,

we are now 'outsiders' in our own terrain!

Footnote: This is a wake up call to the Government to do more to rehabilitate our tribal population who are displaced physically and psychologically. 

https://www.facebook.com/rajeev.moothedath/videos/3123888000971949/ 

Captivating Lines from Here and There- 30

• The four myths of feedback are (1) My reality is the reality, and my job is to get you to see it (2) Defensiveness is bad and should be avoided at all costs (3) This performance problem has nothing to do with me (4) Mistakes are crimes to be covered up, punished or both- From article by Jamie Higgins and Diana Smith
•  Define the problem as a person and you 're in trouble;define it as a behaviour and you can do something- From article of Ken Cloke and Joan Goldsmith
• I am not a nationalist. That does not make me anti national. Rather, it makes me more human; it makes me a person who is open to other cultures and languages, religions and lifestyles- Tomichan Matheikal, author of the book "Autumn Shadows: Memoir".
•  The emotion of anger is certainly no stranger to the American workplace. But a number of factors- downsizing, changing technology and the charge to "do more with less"- are contributing to heightened anxiety and in turn, raw anger. Moreover anger is increasing in society.Just turn on the TV to see anger and violence presented as regular entertainment. Get into heavy traffic to experience road rage, or pick up the papers to read about violence visited on school children by other children- R.Brayton Bowen, writer, consultant on " Anger in the Workplace".
• ·Even seasoned managers can sometimes inadvertently cause difficult behaviour in others. How?  (1) choosing to avoid a conflict with a difficult person, thus unintentionally escalating it (2) Manager does not know when it's time to walk away from a "fight" and let the individuals resolve the situation on their own (3) Manager makes inaccurate assumptions about feedback in terms such as "Mistakes are crimes to be covered up" that prevent people from learning from their problem behaviours and correcting them- From article of Monci J.williams 
•  Emotions are currents of energy with different frequencies. Negative emotions (Hatred,envy,disdain,fear) have a lower frequency and less energy than positive emotions (Affection, joy, love, compassion).
•  Where there is trust, great things can be accomplished. Pervasive anger has created a norm of non- commitment between employers and employees. The motto for both seem to be: “I will use you but I won't be abused." Business has brought this upon itself; the increased use of short term, contingent, project related employees has underscored the throw-away society in which we live. Employees are seen as disposable commodities in practice, rather than the cherished resources CEOs insincerely speak of.- From the article "Today's Angry workplace included in the book " Dealing with Difficult people" published by Harward Business School Press. 

Reliable Trustworthy Companion

From birth to death,
it's she who sustains
come rain, come sun,
always by your side
her symbols- the swallow and the tulip
reassures you to not despair

To expect with confidence
to cherish with anticipation
be open to new creative possibilities
providing that tiny smile amidst disaster

No crisis can harm you long term
when she's around, right by your side
she is matchless, a friend of all seasons
your good old companion, "Hope" !
Yes, "Hope", isn't she everything? 

Back to When "Rains were a Delight"

Something you love, need and crave
Yet, when in excess you dread
People in "God's own country"
Hoped they had seen the last
Of nature's fury in 2018

Yet in the very next year, she returned
To scare and cause havoc to many lives
Particularly in 7 districts that include
Wayanad and Malappuram.

Is this to be an annual affair?
Oh if only, one could take clock back
Get back to the mood, character and
Form of rains erstwhile
Times when man respected nature
Did not manipulate her at will...

Listen powers that be
Act before it's too late!
Stop encroachment of water bodies
Rivers, forests, ecologically fragile lands
Arrest mindless mining, construction sprees
Be realistic, accept reality
Stop listening to lobby of "Climate change denial" !

Else, forget about future generations not forgiving you
There wouldn't even be the 'present generation'
who would have long died along with you! 

Madras Day Celebration- Memoirs on the City of Dreams

This year is the 380th anniversary of Madras/ Chennai. India Poetry Circle (IPC) decided to participate in the celebrations of Madras Day by bringing out an anthology titled "Madras Hues, Myriad Views" of poems and short articles written by its members.  I wrote an article that was a little longer than the 500-word cap fixed by the editors. Therefore, I contributed an abridged version. to the booklet which was released on 11th August 2019. Here, I am sharing the article in full as was initially envisaged. 

Madras, as the city of Chennai was known then was the city of dreams for the people of the whole of south India. It was the only metro in the south at that time, Bombay being more accessible to the west, Calcutta to the east and the capital city of Delhi closer to north of India. Although the Hindi agitation in the sixties commenced from  Madras, the headquarters of the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha founded by Mahatma Gandhi in June 1917 was and still is in the grand old city of Madras/ Chennai.  In the early years of independence, People from other parts of the country had less awareness about the geography and the culture of the people of the south.  However they knew the famous city of Madras and therefore referred to the people from the south as “Madrasis’   

For many years, Madras was home to the Southern film industry with films in all the four languages of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam being filmed in the studios of Madras. It was much later, around the eighties that Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam industries shifted to Hyderabad, Bangalore and Trivandrum/Kochi respectively. However, a lot of work pertaining to music continues to be done in Chennai as Chennai is home to some of the best musicians in the country.Prior to independence and reorganization of states, the Malabar region of Kerala and the Dakshina Kannada districts of present day Karnataka were under the Madras Presidency. Hence the natural choice for higher education for students in these regions was Madras. Thus from very early times; Madras had a cosmopolitan character with intermingling of various cultures.   

I had come to Madras for studies when the option was offered  in May 1975 , as  Kerala was notorious those days for violent student politics in college campuses. I always felt that a student’s job is to study and not get involved in activities that primarily benefit political leaders.  I was aware that politics derails the basic objective of the student. It turned out though that my moving was actually not necessary as the Indira Government declared emergency in the country soon after and political activities were severely curtailed in  college campuses. I did my graduation in Economics at  A.M. Jain College Madras and subsequently my post-graduation at  the Madras School of social work

The gateway for most people to the city of Madras was and perhaps still is, the iconic central railway station. In a movie, you only have to show a screen shot of the station from the front and the audience would immediately know that the hero/heroine/ traveler has landed up in the city.  Those days, we had the advantage of being saved from the boredom of waiting at the station for long hours. The famous Moore market, a flea market built in the year 1900, selling all kinds of second hand goods was available just next door. The only danger was that one could become so mesmerized by the activities in the Moore market and end up forgetting the departure time of the train. Sadly, the historical monument made way for construction of the suburban railway terminus in 1985

When I first landed in the city, there was the excitement of coming from a town to a big city. There was also some apprehensions of the unknown.Well-meaning people advised me to be very careful in buses and public places as pick pocketing was a big menace in  big cities. I would like to relate an interesting incident, which in those days could be associated only with big cities. 

I was standing at a bus stop near Central railway station. Not many people were around at that time. Apart from me (a student in his teens), there was only one other person of middle age waiting for the bus. Suddenly, a person appeared from nowhere and started soliciting clients for spending time with college students. He started reeling details of the regions, ages and complexion of girls on offer.  I was surprised and taken aback as I had never come across something like this in my life. The middle-aged person was furious. He started verbally attacking the fellow for daring to make such propositions. He said he would hand him over to the police. As the row became loud and verbal, a small crowd gathered. They pacified the gentleman and advised him to ignore the proposal if he does not approve of it.  I wonder whether anyone would have cared or dared to speak out on such occasions if it were to happen today.

As students living in a hostel 13 Kms away from the city (doesn’t seem so far today), it was like being in a rural area with no source of entertainment. Therefore, for us hostelers, just being on the Mount road in the weekend with many eat out options and plenty of movie theatres was the best place to be. The Safire theatre complex, India’s first large Multi theatre complex had three movies running at Safire. Blue diamond and Emerald. Blue diamond had the same movie running from 9AM to 9 PM with a brief interval after end of film each time. If the seat was available, one could walk in at the middle of the movie, and  subsequently watch the full movie several times at the price of a single ticket. It was a boon for the lovebirds who spend lot of time together away from prying eyes. 

Other attractions that people coming from smaller towns or villages marveled at were the 15-storied LIC building standing tall on Mount Road and the Anna / Gemini Flyover at the Mount Road-Nungambakkam High Road junction. Built in 1973, the Gemini Flyover is not just Chennai’s first flyover but also India’s third and Asia’s first Grade Separator.

I came back to Chennai in 2009  to serve as AGM (Learning and development) in Hyundai Motor India Limited for over five years. However, it is  for me, the student days of graduation and post-graduation  that bring back fond memories of the city. A lot has changed since those early days. The city has become bolder, less conservative and lot more expensive to live in. However, the significance of central railway station and mount road  as key landmarks of the city, remain steady as ever!  

City of Hope

This poem has been included in the unique anthology " Madras Hues- Myriad Views" brought out by the Indian poetry circle to commemorate the 380th birthday of Madras city. The members of Indian Poetry Circle contributed to this unique collection of poetry, prose, sketches and photographs. I recited the poem at the book launch function at Chennai on 11th August 2019.

The city of hope
if you prefer, the city of dreams
welcomed  generations of people
with open arms-embraced them
and changed their lives for ever!

The first metro of the south
has come a long way
starting out,  a sleepy village
transforming, to the alluring Madras
and then to the mega city of Chennai!

As I sit at the foot of an imposing statue
I beseech "Tell me dear statue, the tales of yore"
of young romantic couples, perhaps desolate clinging ones
of the weary old people who stopped awhile to rest
of the unemployed, frustrated youth
who stood up rejuvenated, breathing the city's air!

Then, Madras Nalla (Good) Madras
now Chennai, the protective old Chennai
set the kites in humans soar
the discouraged, marginalized, the weak
all stand up  strong,
rise  with confidence and optimism
in this city of Hope!     

https://www.facebook.com/rajeev.moothedath/videos/3046908848669865/  (Can listen to the recitation here)

Random thoughts on an Indian Wedding

Traveled miles
to physically bless
couple at an Indian wedding
could not witness groom tying the knot  (Thali)

Only saw posteriors of camera persons
both professional and the self proclaimed
the saving grace was the CCTvs on either side
to which all our eyes were glued...

If the picture of the event is meant to be watched on TV
why not watch video in the comfort of one's living room
sans cumbersome travel, saving both money and time... ?

Short Note: Perhaps it is high time that we organise queue for camera  persons on either side as done in Hindu temples to arrest obstruction to viewing deity. This way the ones who come in person get priority to witness the wedding.

Captivating Lines from Here and There- 29

• If you want to say something, if it is not kind, don't say it- Dr Edith Eva Eger, Auschwitz survivor and Author of the book "The Choice" 
• When you are listening to another, in that still moment of listening you are  aware of  not only what the other person is saying. In that stillness you can also feel deeper essence in the other human being, beyond the words that he or she is speaking- Eckhart Tolle, Author "Good Earth" 
• Your state of consciousness at this moment is Primary. It determines the form future will take. What happens to you is much less important to how you respond to what happens. 
• To expand your reality to match the expansiveness of the all-creating field of intention, you have to peel away your old habits of thought- Wayne Dyer, Author 
• For aligning with spiritual energy, be an appreciator of life, and refuse to have thoughts of hatred, anxiety, anger, and judgment 
• Everything can be taken away from you except what you put in your own mind. So be very careful and very selective about the words you choose to put there- Dr Edith Eva Eager, Author of  the book"The Choice" 
• Every organization needs to have recognized protocols and processes for managing all levels of anger in the work place. These include "No tolerance policies for addressing threats of violence, models for assertive communication that encourage employees to confront situations immediately and constructively before they go out of hand; and employee assistance programs (EAPs) for those conditions that are beyond the scope of managerial responsibilities-R.Brayton Bowen, Author of the book  "Recognizing and rewarding employees" 
• Education is the manifestation of the perfection which is already in man - Swami Vivekananda 
• See the gift in every situation. Everything has a gift in it.- Dr Edith Eger Auschwitz survivor and Author of the book "The Choice" 
• What is a healthy mind?- Enthusiasm to work and enthusiasm to be compassionate.- Dr B.M .Hegde, Cardiologist and Professor.

Back to back super Movies

It's not often that you watch two Hindi movies
one after the other and then exclaim "Super!"
well I saw "Article 15" followed by "Super 30"
and simply loved both of them!

"Article 15" is a tough subject, a sensitive one
that can slip into melodrama or hate
but Director here gives it you straight, without frills
without taking sides, just the way it is in 2019
in real time rural India ! man hating man,
interactions, decision making, all based on caste loyalties
It's as if nothing much has changed since the medieval times!

Ayushman Khurana is gaining reputation
as one synonymous with good cinema
if he is in it,  can rest assured of a wonderful film
And when in combination with ace director Anubhav sinha
and competent co artists , you can't help  but exclaim "Wow"!

Vikas Bahal directed "Super 30" already had edge
being a true story of  protagonist
untiringly working to mold IIT Material
out of  poor children, from impoverished backgrounds
giving up his own comforts, making big sacrifices
to see his dream mission come true! 

Great watching Hritik  play Anand Kumar
Simple,  natural acting with Bihari accent
minus the usual dancing and stunts
of the average Bollywood hero!

He is ably supported by the others
Pankaj Tripathi, Mrinal Thakur
Virendra Saxena and all artists
who played the aspiring children!
Loved the first half a trifle more though
as it's sans the filmy clashes in second half

Are Hindi movies coming of age
moving from chocolate romance
to real life issues?
can't say for sure of how the wind will blow
yet "article 15",  "Super 30"
other recent offerings do  show lot of promise!

Coming back to my movies
watched  back to back
a pleasure watching them
it is thumbs up all the way! 

The Wail of Weeping Mothers

This poem has been included in the Anthology "Float Poetry" - Re-verse the Rivers. and I recited it at the Yercaud poetry fest on 20-21 July 2019

Our land, blessed with majestic

 Rivers, lakes, ponds

The famed Ganga, Yamuna in north

Narmada and Tapti in the west

Brahmaputra, Mahanadi in east

Kaveri and  Krishna in south

And many, many  more  mothers

 

The very source of life and sustenance

held holy, revered since ages

A dip in some of them

Believed path to salvation

Yet today, they face decay n Degradation

Filth of all kinds- rubbish, sewage, chemical, thermal

Wastes- Human, industrial, animal

all thrown into mother’s lap

Destroying oxygen content, in water

Depleting aquatic life, in nature!

No. no, no, they wail

“Don’t hurt your own mother”, they plead

Stop, be aware of your deeds, vile

And act!  Make amends, before it’s too late!

"Stop testing our patience dear children” mothers say

“We hate to show you, our less benign face”

Yet, “Kedarnath”, droughts, other calamities await

the prodigal, wayward, sons and daughters

Akin to actor Nargis, in film “Mother India”

Killing with a heavy heart, her son

“We would be compelled to destroy

The very ones, we nourished and nurtured-

Our own children…. "

Captivating Lines from Here and There-28

• Don't do things because you fear consequences of not doing it or because you you fear being disliked. Do things because you want to and love doing it. Love keeps you safe, not fear.
• Your purpose will naturally unfold when you are authentic- allow yourself to be yourself. Ask yourself " what makes me feel passionate/joyful/happy/make me laugh? and engage in these activities.
• Love is the ultimate truth at the heart of creation. We are all the same being in different disguises. 
• When you recognize the impermanence of things, you lose your ego.
• Your soul is not in your body. Your body is in your soul. The whole universe is in your soul. Your soul is part of the universal consciousness.
• Think of your body as an energy field rather than flesh. change your relationship with time. Do not always be in a hurry. When you hurry, the BP goes up and biological changes happen in the body. 
• Change your perception of aging. Tell yourself:  "Everyday, I am increasing my mental and physical capacity." Stay in the state of love all the time. You grow old only when you stop growing. 
• The Gita teaches that you can achieve a state where you don't need any external commendation to make you feel right. You know you are of real worth.
• Compassion is not "feeling sorry for someone" but a recognition of commonality- What someone feels today might be what you will feel next week. 
• Your emotions let you know whether you are allowing or currently resisting your connection to the source. Reach out for the best feeling thought you have access to for moving up the vibrational emotional scale.

War

This poem was included in the April- June issue of the prestigious multilingual International Magazine 'Destine Literare' published from Montreal Canada

In the patriarchal world

Patriotism and dying for one’s land, glorified

People proud of their martyrs

Our numbers more than yours! 

We are far superior!

Sitting in meditation, I traveled

To realms unknown and so far away

Met heroes of world wars 1 and 2

They smiled-  what nation? What boarders?

“ where is the passion?” I sighed

“we don’t need any” they said

Awareness of the seamless oneness

Leaves  no more enemies to fight!  

I returned to this world

And to my Personal wars of the mind…

Perhaps they also will disappear

Will be able to say good bye to internal wars

As I let consciousness expand…..

Changing World of Youngsters

This poem/song has been included in "Ballard and Bards"- An International Anthology from Poesies – 2019 Series

Oh, what’s happening to the world of youngsters?

oh, what has Hi- tech done to them?

neither time for play, nor the time to read

or for a little chat, face to face!

Mono-syllable’s, all I get from them

even as they're glued to their smart friends

the cell phones, tablets or headphones...

No wonder, they've turned couch potatoes

soccer, tennis, all games played indoors

the running and jumping, the skating and diving

all done with, little, deft  fingers!             (Oh what's)

Call it ravings, rantings of an old man

one who has, long gone, over the hill

yet, if you take a cue, and make little amends-

You will find life more fun!

spend more time with 'real' people

and less time with your gadget friends

more time outdoors, more time under the sun

is what will make your life worthwhile!          (Oh what's)

ഇരുൾ (Darkness)

സ്നേഹ ദൂതന്റെ അനുയായികൾ 
കെൽവിനെ കൊല്ലുന്നു 
മതം മാറിയും ചിലർക്ക് 
മോക്ഷമില്ല ...  സാക്ഷര കേരളത്തിൽ പോലും ..
.
English Translation 

The followers of the messiah of love
kill Kelvin
for some, even after conversion
there is no Moksha (liberation/release)
even in 100% literate Kerala...

Foot note: Prompted by the incident of  Honour Killing of  Dalit youth , Kelvin in Kerala 

The Game

"No hard feelings friend" said the winning captain
"It was  all in the heat of the game.
After all, we play to win"
Man to man marking, hard tackles
best of opponents tripped, injured
left gasping on the sidelines.

With the referee also on one's side
and a little bending or ignoring of  rules
the win was comfortable
offside not called, free kicks galore to one side
ball allowed to be played
from outside boundary

The win has the  crowd in ecstasy
even those who at start, cheered the other team
jo jeeta wohi sikandar!
(The one who wins is the king/Alexander)

Winning captain had a strong team
perhaps all this wasn't necessary
"It is all about winning friend"
nothing can be left to chance
victory it is, at any cost, any which way
fair play, rules of the game be damned!

Response

The wise don't fret and fume
because of unexpected weather
increasing  taxes, being caught in traffic
or because people don't vote in the metros

They simply know that raising blood pressure
over matters that they have no control is futile...

Thumbs up for Now!

Another set of jubilant youngsters
their big moment, cracking civil services exam
celebrated by the media, parents, friends...
So happy for them!.

A little sad too, knowing
tomorrow their political masters, could be criminals
wolves in sheep's clothing
with only intent of winning elections
remaining in power, and enjoying its loaves
without audit or scrutiny


As for the bright youngsters, as they age
most would learn to join the system
slip into its comfort
rather than be idealist fools
fighting it, the system at a heavy price! 

Looking Back: Life and Times of a Senior Citizen

Being residents of Bangalore I have known Dr Baburajan for quite some time now. But it is only recently that we discussed about his life's journey spanning eight decades. I found it very fascinating that a person equipped himself with necessary qualification and changed careers working as a teacher in a school, an agricultural scientist, college lecturer and finally a medical doctor specializing in gynecology.  He worked in England as a doctor for seven years but returned to India, Here is a senior citizen who has seen some huge ups and downs in life... It was a unique experience for me Rajeev Moothedath (RM) to interview Dr Babu Rajan (BR).

RM: Could you tell us a little about your family background and early life?

BR: My father, K.K.Raman was a Tazhildar and First class Magistrate in Kerala Government service. My mother was a teacher in State Government School. This meant frequent transfers for both our parents and disruptions in the education of us children, three brothers and two sisters. We lived with mother wherever she was posted and father used to visit us in the holidays or weekends.

RM: In such a situation, you would have got less time to spend with your father. What kind of a person was he as a civil servant?

BR: I remember him as a person who was fearless in doing his duty irrespective of the circumstances. . When he was posted to Kodungalloor (one of the rare periods when we lived together as mother was also posted here at that time) in the fifties he was to implement the ban by the Government of Cochin on animal and bird sacrifices, that had been going on since ancient times at the Bhagavathy (Bhadrakali) temple. People came even from far of places, in Tamilnadu and Andhra to offer sacrifices and were disappointed to know that it would not be permitted.

Father stuck to his guns in enforcing the order unmindful of agitations. Frustrated devotees came before our house and killed the animals and birds leaving behind blood and bones. However, all this did not deter him from performing his duty. 

RM: Would you say that your father was not a religious person? After all, in those days there could have been fear of the Goddess herself  being displeased.

BR: Well, in a way you are right. He was more of a person oriented to rational thinking and was mostly busy with his work. It was mother who was religious and visited temples. Although later in life he developed an interest in horoscope reading as a science, he had not got the horoscopes of us children written at birth nor had he matched horoscopes when he got married.

RM: After schooling how did you plan your further education?

BR: I took science and math for my intermediate (as Plus two was called then) after schooling. Between us three brothers, my younger brother and I were good in studies. As he secured a few more marks than I did, mother said “Let him study for medicine. You become a teacher like me." As I knew the family could not afford to send all of us for professional courses, I agreed and enrolled for B.A. Botany (interestingly those days B.A. was awarded for a science degree)

RM: So, how did you become a doctor?

BR: Well. I guess it was all destiny at play. Soon after my graduation, I got a job as a teacher in a school with a modest salary. A few months later, the agricultural Department advertised agricultural scientist posts, which was a gazette officer position. At that time, there was no course in Kerala for agricultural graduation and therefore the position was offered to Botany graduates. I applied, got the job, and worked there for two years. In the meanwhile, agriculture courses were started in Kerala and the first batch of graduates came out.

RM: Did this development affect you? 

BR: Yes, in a big way! The government issued a notification stating that henceforth the post of agricultural scientists shall be filled up only by agricultural graduates and that those having a Botany degree would be eligible for their next promotion only if they acquired MSc in Botany. As my future was adversely affected, I had no choice but to do post-graduation. I applied for the MSc (Botany) courses to various universities. I got admission to a new university, (Sagar University) started in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

This was a blessing in disguise. Sagar University, even as we wrote the final exams, offered all students appointment as lecturers at a handsome salary (salary offered was higher than that of a first class civil servant in Kerala) subject to the condition that they pass the exams with a class.

RM: Did you accept the job?

BR: After writing exams, I went back to Kerala during the holidays and enquired about job opportunities. There were jobs available as lecturers but the salary was very low. Therefore, I decided to go back to MP and work for the Sagar University.

Around two years into my job in MP, a student came to me in tears and said that he has missed the opportunity to do medicine as he was short of a few marks. I told him that some universities have a quota for students pursuing MBBS from other states. I immediately wrote to two of my friends in Kerala. Both of them responded and send one application form each, for entrance to Calicut medical college. I gave one form to the student and the other one was lying on my table for a long time. 

RM: So, how did you end up doing medicine? 

BR: I was just coming to that.  One day as I looked at the application form on my table, a thought came to me. The situation at home had changed quite a bit since the time I started working. I was sending a part of my salary home as a support to father. Now all my siblings had completed their education and were settled. Perhaps, I thought to myself, it is the appropriate time to dream bigger and forward that application. I send it across, not sure that I would be selected for the course. Soon after though, I got a letter from the college asking me to join bringing the original certificates.

RM: You did not have to look back after that?

BR:  I returned to Kerala in high spirits. However, when I met father he said that since both he and mother had retired in the meanwhile, he would not be in a position to support my further studies which also involved mess bill and stay in a hostel in Calicut.

 I had almost given up the idea when a thought came to me to meet and take the opinion of my brother in law (sister’s husband) who was the HOD  of the Trivandrum  medical college .When I met my brother in law, he said that opportunities like these should never be allowed to be lost. He offered to bear the living expenses at Calicut and said “let you father contribute only the college fees.". Thus, I joined the Calicut medical college and completed medicine.

RM: As you were on a journey of continuous education, it would have meant a late marriage?

BR: Yes, I was in my early thirties when I got married. Although an arranged marriage, there was initially resistance from the sisters of my bride Prabha, as there was a good age difference between us. 

RM: After completing the medical course, you moved to the UK for employment. How did that opportunity come by? 

BR: Those days, UK representatives used to be on the committee that finalized the medical education syllabus in India. Therefore, the Indian MBBS degree was recognized in UK and other countries that accepted the UK degree. We just had to apply to be considered for employment, leading to higher studies.(I did MRCOG). 

It is only in the seventies around the time of the emergency that the Indira Gandhi Government decided to do away with UK representatives on the committee. Consequently, Indian MBBS was no longer automatically valid in that country. However, you still can serve in UK as a doctor after passing their qualifying exams. They hold these exams in the northern and southern parts of India every year so that those interested can apply.

RM:   Normally, those who have moved to the west are reluctant to come back to India, but you returned after seven years - Why? 

BR: My children a son and a daughter were growing up. I did not want them to continue in that culture. I felt it was better to relocate while they were in school itself so that they could smoothly assimilate with the Indian culture.

RM: Looking back, do you think you made the right move? Were you able to meet the objectives of your decision?

BR: Well, I had initial teething troubles setting up a practice from the scratch. After all, I had left behind a comfortable life with the Government of UK, paying a regular monthly salary. In due course Ashwini nursing home that I started in Kammana Halli Bangalore began to do well. My son Vidya was a very bright child and he took part in school Quizzes including national level competitions on television. He later gained admission to the prestigious IISC, Bangalore.

My daughter Agatha went on to do her medicine from the Mysore medical college. She also found her life partner Raju Reddy, while studying in the college. Although, initially both Raju's parents and we had objected to the union in view of the cultural differences, we relented realizing that they were serious about their intent. Today they are happily married with two children and are settled in the UK.   

RM: It must have been a big shock for you and your wife to lose your young son in a road accident at the age of 22. How did you cope with this catastrophe? 

BR: Words cannot express our pain. Any death is painful, but to lose your only son at a young age when you are still alive is very difficult to come to terms with. I was devastated to such an extent that I became a recluse. I preferred to stay alone in a room, hardly spoke even to my wife and barely ate any food. This went on for around three months. It was then that I had this experience- Can’t say for certain whether it was a dream, a vision, or a reality.

Nevertheless, one day, a two-way switch in the corridor near my bedroom (which can be switched on from inside or outside the house) lighted up as if on its own. It certainly was not switched on from the inside. I then heard my son’s voice “Dad, I am fine. There is nothing to worry about. You should not continue like this. You have to take care of  sister and mother. I assure you, I will come back. I will come back again as your grandson.” 

It was a strange experience. However, from that day, I began to slowly come out from the grief and depression. I never mentioned the incident to anyone else. Years later when my daughter gave birth to a son in the UK, she telephoned to tell me that she had named the child “Vidyasagar”. I was taken aback. I had not made any such request to her but on her own; she had named the child “Vidya”

 I believe this was an interesting coincidence seen in the light of my ‘dream’ experience. Even to this day, I communicate with my son, Vidya in a form like a mental telepathy. You could call it prayer. I have requested that I may be given a ‘painless death’. I feel reassured that this request will be met.

RM: It is said that in the initial days of grief, you were touched by the gesture of a pastor who had come to your house on his own on learning of the tragedy and prayed for the soul of Vidya, So much so, you even considered converting to Christianity? 

BR: Those were difficult days. Yes, I did think about it, but my wife Prabha was adamant that she would not change her religion at any cost. 

RM: Is there any change in your belief system based on life experiences over the years? 

BR:  I told you earlier that I did not have any belief in horoscopes. I also told you that my father in later life, developed an interest in astrology purely as a science. Vidya was born around that time. Father wrote down his horoscope but was evasive in giving details. He said the boy would study well and make a mark. When I pressed, "what else?” he said in a roundabout manner that he may not live long. We forgot all about it until years later the tragedy struck. Today, based on my personal experience, I cannot discount the significance of such readings or influence of a higher power in our lives.

RM:  Presently, you lead a retired life moving forth between India and UK where your daughter lives. Looking back, Could you share some professional experiences that you are proud about? 

BR: well they are quite a few. However, I will share just one for the record. A woman had come to us at Ashwini nursing home, complaining of acute stomach pain. I did an elaborate, tricky three-hour surgery to extract a mass of flesh from inside weighing as much as seven Kilograms. It is not often that one comes across such cases. 

RM: It is rarely that a person goes through so many varying, diverse bitter- sweet experiences in a single life span. Thank you Dr Baburajan for taking the time to share your life experiences. Thanks a lot!

BR: Thank you Rajeev. It was a pleasure talking to you.

Captivating Lines from Here and There-27

• Judgement is the constant evaluation of things as right or wrong, good or bad. Labeling, analyzing, classifying creates turbulence- From the book "Seven spiritual laws of success" by  Dr Deepak Chopra, Author
• Make a decision that any time you come into contact with anyone, you will give them something- a flower, a compliment, a prayer, caring, attention, affection, appreciation, love- " Law of Giving" under the seven spiritual laws.
• In all fields, the key to leadership is enthusiasm, inveterate (confirmed in a habit) curiosity and continual learning. Yet, these things are not work- Richard Koch, Author 
• It is only after the pain has subsided by acceptance that a person becomes fit to listen to advice, not before. 
• Doubt closes the power flow. Faith opens it- Norman Vincent Peale, Author
• While attempting to change some one else's mind (1) Be sincere and truthful. Don't be manipulative (2) Appeal to what someone else already believes. Don't impose your own belief system (3) Be aware of the other person's blind spots. Don't assume they are open minded (4) In general, persuade through reason, not emotion. Don't assume emotions are not in play however (5) Make the other person feel right. Don't make them feel wrong-  Dr Deepak Chopra. Author   
• Bhagawad Gita says that even higher than the peace of meditation is the peace that comes from surrender of the fruits of one's actions. In this state, we are free from the rigidity of self expectations, enabling the unexpected and the remarkable to emerge- From the book 50 self help classics by Tom Butler Bowdon
• It is important to follow your bliss everyday because in doing that you will be happy and as a consequence your belief will be strong- from the book "Hero" by Rhonda Byrne 
• Self image is what other people think about you. Self esteem is what you think about yourself.
• For enhancing your self esteem, look into the shine of your eyes and affirm" I am beneath no one." " I am fearless." " I am immune to criticism."- Dr Deepak Chopra, Author

Interview with an actor- nay, a doctor who dared to be an actor for a while....

The Malayalam short film titled "Acid" published on You Tube on March 13, 2019 is unique in a way.  Directed by  Dr Arjun Kartha, the think tank behind the project are all doctors.It highlights the problem of acid attack victims. 250 to 300  people are  attacked by acid in the country every year.  It was a surprise for me to learn that  the roles of the  main characters in the film are also  portrayed by doctors. They have  performed effortlessly like professional actors. In a short duration, not only does the film highlight the various dimensions of the problem but manages to maintain suspense ( the identity of the attacker is kept a secret) and interest of the viewers till the very end. This short flick already has a viewership of 10,498 and counting.

I got an opportunity to interview Dr Minu Surdas who played the role of Padmini Menon, the protagonist in the movie . Dr Minu is an ophthalmologist who did her MBBS from Thrissur Medical college and post graduate specialization from AIIMS, New Delhi. She is presently working at Nethra Eye care centre, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur Dist. I spoke to her when she was on a private visit to Bangalore recently. To secure her interview, the fact  that she is a cousin of my wife Jitha, helped quite a bit!

Rajeev Moothedath (RM): At the outset let me congratulate you and the entire team of doctors for collaborating on a wonderful, socially significant initiative! How did you come to be associated with the project?

Dr Minu Surdas (MS): A few doctors based out of Alapuzha in Kerala have been  contemplating for some time now  about  making a short film highlighting this menace. Although I live in Trissur, my name was suggested by Dr Sumesh of the Alapuzha team who is a friend. When prodded a couple of times, I agreed on the condition that shooting be done in the weekend so that there is less disruption in  my routine work. It is another matter that for accommodating various requirements we had to shoot on working days.

RM:  When amateurs get an acting opportunity, there is a tendency to be overtly dramatic and engage in overacting. I felt that you played your role quite naturally-  "Behaving" rather than "acting", as directors would say. How did you manage this?

MS:  In my heart, I knew and was clear that  I would play my role naturally. Director Dr Arjun Kartha also had the same approach. Further, I had been a big fan, right from childhood of the award winning Malayalam actor, Late Shobha who was known for her natural acting.

RM: The make up is very important for your character. How long did it take for putting on the make up and how many days of shooting did you do for this short film?

MS:  It took around two hours of make up to create the disfigured face. we did two days of full shooting in and around Thrissur. Later I went to Alapuzha for a day for completing the dubbing which was done in a studio there.

RM: Being a lady with a pretty face, did you feel uncomfortable and apprehensive about being seen on the screen with a disfigured face?

MS: Not at all. To tell you the truth, the make up helped me to feel free and act without inhibition. It felt as if it is not me, the doctor who is acting, but someone else.

RM: Tell us about your family:-

MS: My husband Dr Surdas. R. is a senior consultant Urologist and transplant surgeon at Mims Aster Hospital Calicut. I have two sons, Ram aged 12 and Bharath 10 years.

RM: One can see that the film has been well received on You tube and viewership is increasing by the day. would you be willing to act in future as well?

MS: Well. as you know all of us  are practitioners of another profession viz medicine. We associated with the project because of the social significance.Now that it has been well received, who knows, depending on the character on offer, I may look at it. 

RM: Thanks a lot Dr Minu. It was a pleasure interacting with you and understanding the challenges and nuances of treading on a new path.

MS:  Thank you. I enjoyed giving this interview as well.

Go ahead and watch the film - Emotions, pain and suspense has no language.... 

A brief  about the content of short film  for readers unfamiliar with Malayalam:

• ·         A person comes to his senior & says he wants to share a secret. This secret is revealed in the end
• ·         Girls visiting restaurant like the food , wants to meet chef/cook. Shocked to see they are all victims of acid attack.
• ·         Journalist visits house of “woman of the year” padmini menon to know more about her activities & motivation to work for rehabilitation of acid victims for over 10 years. She herself is an acid attack victim
• ·         In India the stigma is not on the attackers but on the victim which needs to change. Her foundation has a venture for photography and fashion ramp show to remove inhibitions about revealing one’s face in public- Aim to bring back colour, flamboyance & confidence to the soul. free eye surgery is arranged for victims at Shankar Netralaya chennai
• ·         During course of interview she informs of the relevant deterrent  sections : in 2008, Eighteenth Law commission  proposed section 326  and S 114 B. As per the 2013 amendment Act if an offender is caught he will get  minimum 10 years of imprisonment which can go up to life imprisonment and heavy fine.
• ·         Punishments: A man from Kottayam who attacked his wife with acid  when their two month baby was on her lap (Child lost its eyes) is presently in jail. Similarly, other cases from Cuttack, Mumbai  Delhi and Lucknow have all been punished.
• ·         In answer to question she reveals how she met her husband Hari , MD of an IT firm. She had initially rejected his offer of marriage as it could be out of sympathy. But his kindness during the trauma and reassurance helps her decide to marry him 

·    At this point of time, Padmini’s husband Hari  joins the interview. To the question "How is it that in your own case, you are still not able to trace the person who attacked you?" she says “ it is my fate”.

·   In the last part of film, the secret (identity) of   Padminii's attacker is revealed.