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Today is International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women. So we observe one day in a year to support violence against women? And our duty is over? Of course not! Every day, uncountable women across the world, particularly in the third world countries suffer violence in some form of other. It can range from eve-teasing to molestation, domestic violence to rape, physical or mental torture, workplace harassment or discrimination. Tomes have been written by psychologists to probe into the mentality of people who torture women. Whatever the reason behind aggression against women - insecurity/ jealousy/ broken home/ a scarred childhood/ mob mentality, nothing and absolutely nothing justifies  inflicting violence against another human being.  Why do women tolerate it, often shielding the culprit, particularly if the person is from her family or known circle? In India it is because she lacks a sound support system and often economic independence. Society is callous...

The Hindi film industry or "Bollywood", as it is termed popularly, certainly seems starved of creative ideas and originality these days. The same old themes are being flogged repeatedly like dead horses. Of late, the film releases have shown an appalling standard of freshness of ideas and treatment.  The commercial films of Bollywood have never boasted of being very brilliant or thought-provoking at any time, but still there were gems here and there like Lagaan, the Munnabhai series, Rang De Basanti, Bheja Fry, Taare Zameen Par, etc., in the recent past, which were really good in terms of story and treatment. But now, with the exception of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (which was very inspiring in theme, but filled with too many commercial elements), there is not a single film worth remembering.  Lets not even talk about the 100/200/300 cr. club, which seems to include all trashy and mindless movies. I am referring to what was earlier called social or different cinema. We had ma...

Isn't it amazing the amount of time we spend finding fault with ourselves and with others, wishing things were different than they are, ruing other people's good luck and our bad one? I should think about one-third of our conscious time is spent in the above thoughts, if not more! I have spent my time thinking any or more of the following: If only I had an enriching job......... If only I had more money......... If only I had better relationships......... If only I could travel more.......... If only I did not have to dull chores ......... If only people read my blog more........ If only I could influence people more....... If only people liked me more....... Suddenly it struck me that the first two things I was wishing for were the same I had consciously rejected! I myself chose to be a homemaker, to do my family's cooking and washing, to not be a part of the corporate rat-race (which would relate to fatter pay packets). I myself have opted for utilizing my ...

Wow, one has to give it to Hollywood! The kind of animation films made by the industry is truly outstanding. I saw a couple of feel-good animation movies recently: Madagascar-3 and Happy Feet -2. The quality of animation and action is, of course, out of this world; but what stays back for long afterwards is the message being conveyed through these flicks. These entertainers deliver lessons on management and life better than any discourse can ever do. All this while leaving a satisfied smile on our lips. Madagascar-3 beautifully fits in the concept of belonging and togetherness, and the need to follow one's dreams, in its storyline involving the cute adorable lion Alex, who leads a bunch of zoo animals. Their interaction with animals from a circus that has now fallen on hard times, throws up several rib-tickling situations and adventures galore. Finally both sets of animals recognize their innate strengths and unite to fight against forces which limit them. Happy Feet, of cou...