Casting a vote - India
We all know that just a split second action of casting a vote decides who will govern us in future. No wonder we are all subjected to these kinds of irrational emotions just for the sake of this momentary but a very important decision.
On Election Days, we become too dazed and confused as to whom we should vote. We hear and read too much before that day that our mind becomes irrational and we start wondering if we should go to the booth and vote at all. Added to it, our conversations with our helpers on that day add fuel to the fire because they prefer voting on symbols rather than candidates! This is the situation in India among uneducated lower class people.
Not only the level of education, race, age and gender decides the vote but also the social and economic background of the voters is important.
They dont hesitate to switch over loyalty because they succumb to lot of bribery from the candidates. This clearly shows that the voters from the lower strata of society just follow a pattern and their votes are based on what they will receive for their votes. More money they get, they are even prepared to vote many times!!
The candidates exploit this voting psychology and apply it to get their votes.
Obviously we start wondering if we should vote at all!
The reasons for voting is that we are all aware that our vote alone is not a decisive factor but we feel that we are a part of the community and we think we are the best in deciding the future of our country. Also we do not vote out of patriotism but for selfish reasons. We vote with a hope that someone else better might come to power. We assume that whoever we vote is a good person and will do well. Our subconscious mind keeps saying that Voting is our right. Voting is our responsibility. We should follow the constitution. Every single vote counts. But the public is not aware that these rights are slowly getting corroded because of the politicians in power and we have lost our common sense to recognise the incompetence in them.
But why should we vote when the politicians don’t keep their promises and work for self interest only? The fact remains that these elected representatives have self-interest rather than public interest in their minds. Rigging and corruption is the order of the day.
It only shows that those who do not vote at present are the outraged and the abused as well as the indecisive.
One and only reason why we are supposed to vote is because we are doing injustice by leading the younger generation to an undecided and insecure future by not voting. Even though voting, at present, means just getting on to the bandwagon, let’s pray that some day honest politicians will come to power , hold office and do good for the people and cast our vote hoping for the best.
On Election Days, we become too dazed and confused as to whom we should vote. We hear and read too much before that day that our mind becomes irrational and we start wondering if we should go to the booth and vote at all. Added to it, our conversations with our helpers on that day add fuel to the fire because they prefer voting on symbols rather than candidates! This is the situation in India among uneducated lower class people.
Not only the level of education, race, age and gender decides the vote but also the social and economic background of the voters is important.
They dont hesitate to switch over loyalty because they succumb to lot of bribery from the candidates. This clearly shows that the voters from the lower strata of society just follow a pattern and their votes are based on what they will receive for their votes. More money they get, they are even prepared to vote many times!!
The candidates exploit this voting psychology and apply it to get their votes.
Obviously we start wondering if we should vote at all!
The reasons for voting is that we are all aware that our vote alone is not a decisive factor but we feel that we are a part of the community and we think we are the best in deciding the future of our country. Also we do not vote out of patriotism but for selfish reasons. We vote with a hope that someone else better might come to power. We assume that whoever we vote is a good person and will do well. Our subconscious mind keeps saying that Voting is our right. Voting is our responsibility. We should follow the constitution. Every single vote counts. But the public is not aware that these rights are slowly getting corroded because of the politicians in power and we have lost our common sense to recognise the incompetence in them.
But why should we vote when the politicians don’t keep their promises and work for self interest only? The fact remains that these elected representatives have self-interest rather than public interest in their minds. Rigging and corruption is the order of the day.
It only shows that those who do not vote at present are the outraged and the abused as well as the indecisive.
One and only reason why we are supposed to vote is because we are doing injustice by leading the younger generation to an undecided and insecure future by not voting. Even though voting, at present, means just getting on to the bandwagon, let’s pray that some day honest politicians will come to power , hold office and do good for the people and cast our vote hoping for the best.
Posted by Priya Sivan on Friday, March 20, 2009 1 comments
Alien Love Cells - Short Story
“I’m a Martian Microbiologist!” Tina was beautiful and had green eyes.
When Tina introduced herself, Rahul could not believe it.
“Whaa..aa.t?”
Rahul pinched himself to check if it was a dream.
‘Ouch!” It pained.
“I have abducted you!” Tina said with excitement in her voice.
“But why did you abduct me?” He screamed.
“You are going to help me in my program! It is a breeding program. We are in the process of producing alien-human hybrids to continue the alien race!”
Rahul realized that he was airborne now and there was no escape out of this dangerous situation. He was travelling in space along with the female alien!
“But why did you choose me of all people, may I know?”
“You love Anitha, right? And she hates you? “
“But what has this got to do with my abduction?” Rahul wanted to know.
“I have already abducted Anitha. She is in Mars right now!” Tina’s words shocked Rahul.
“Whatttt have you done to Anithaa?”. Incredible !!! He almost shrieked. Rahul knew that if he pinched himself again, it was going to pain.
“Well, let me explain.Have you heard of love cells?” Tina asked.
“I now have too many love cells multiplying in my body, for Anitha, hehe”
“Wait and watch”.” Rahul looked unbelievingly at Tina. Tina continued, “Without your knowledge, we have extracted love cells from your body and fused them with an alien’s love cells. When the process is complete and we inject these cells into her body, she will start loving you. I am going to inject these love cells into her body tomorrow. When you get married to Anitha, both of you will help us continue our alien race! This is all I can tell you now!"“But you haven’t answered me yet. Why did you choose me for your project?”
“Because when I sent telepathic messages to my colleague on earth about this program, she said that your human shape and physiology is most suitable for our procedure. We took blood samples for medical examinations from you and Anitha without you both knowing about it.. We have checked your reproductive system also. We had the DNA tests and compatibility tests done already!”
That was quite shocking to Rahul.
Tina and Rahul landed in Mars and he was blindfolded by another alien and taken to an unknown place. He was too exhausted even to think about anything. He slept till dawn when he heard voices around him whispering to each other.
He woke up and looked around. Tina was anxiously looking at him, as if she was waiting for him to wake up.
“Where is Anitha? What have you done to her?” Tina did not reply.
“ Anitha is safe. Tomorrow morning, we are injecting love cells into Anitha’s body. The cells will multiply in 12 hours. Aren’t you thrilled? And do you know who is going to inject the cells? You are!!”
Was Tina a good alien or a bad one? Rahul could not tell. Rahul nodded his head in acceptance. So long as he gets Anitha for himself, it was all fine. Tina felt happy that she has chosen an appropriate human being for her research work.
“Anitha is under sedation. I don’t want my colleagues to know about this craft. It is confidential and that’s why I am asking you to do it. Once I drop you back on earth, you won't remember a thing! And by the way, don’t ever contact Anitha and plan to escape; else you will face the consequences.” Tina sounded harsh.
Tina went back to her workspace and started working. She set up the Electro-Hate Cells-Extractor and checked if it was working fine. By the time she got all the other apparatus ready for the procedure, it was dawn.
Tina then woke up Rahul and took him to where Anitha was. Tina repeatedly assured him that it was all for greater good and integration of their alien genes and love cells will help human race as well. As soon as Rahul saw Anitha, he could feel a surge of sympathy and love inside him. Tina signaled to him as if to tell him not to become emotional. She connected the EHCE to Anitha’s body by inserting a needle in Anitha’s navel and extracted the hate cells. Immediately Rahul injected the love cells with the help of a syringe and then Tina and Rahul tiptoed out of the room.
February 14, 2008
Rahul woke up from his sleep when he heard his cell phone ringing. His body was aching and he felt exhausted as if he had travelled a long distance.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Rahul, I love you!!” It was Anitha’s voice on the other side ! Rahul felt rejuvenated. He never imagined that Anitha will change her mind so quickly and accept his love. He could hardly wait to meet her and talk to her about their marriage!
February 14, 2009
Rahul was pacing up and down in the hospital. Anitha was admitted for delivery and was being taken to the labor room. With new and conflicting emotions, anxiety about Anitha on one side, pride and happiness co-existing on the other, he was eagerly waiting for the doctor to come out and tell him about his baby. Meanwhile, inside the labor room, the gynecologist and the nurses were looking at the baby with awe and wondering how to inform the expectant father that the new-born had a weird form, half-alien and half-human with big green eyes and long arms!!Of course, these earthlings could not hear Tina's villainous laughter! Her dream has become true! She was gloating at her success in bringing a half-alien- half-human baby by integrating the human genes with her species, which would continue their alien race on earth!
When Tina introduced herself, Rahul could not believe it.
“Whaa..aa.t?”
Rahul pinched himself to check if it was a dream.
‘Ouch!” It pained.
“I have abducted you!” Tina said with excitement in her voice.
“But why did you abduct me?” He screamed.
“You are going to help me in my program! It is a breeding program. We are in the process of producing alien-human hybrids to continue the alien race!”
Rahul realized that he was airborne now and there was no escape out of this dangerous situation. He was travelling in space along with the female alien!
“But why did you choose me of all people, may I know?”
“You love Anitha, right? And she hates you? “
“But what has this got to do with my abduction?” Rahul wanted to know.
“I have already abducted Anitha. She is in Mars right now!” Tina’s words shocked Rahul.
“Whatttt have you done to Anithaa?”. Incredible !!! He almost shrieked. Rahul knew that if he pinched himself again, it was going to pain.
“Well, let me explain.Have you heard of love cells?” Tina asked.
“I now have too many love cells multiplying in my body, for Anitha, hehe”
“Wait and watch”.” Rahul looked unbelievingly at Tina. Tina continued, “Without your knowledge, we have extracted love cells from your body and fused them with an alien’s love cells. When the process is complete and we inject these cells into her body, she will start loving you. I am going to inject these love cells into her body tomorrow. When you get married to Anitha, both of you will help us continue our alien race! This is all I can tell you now!"“But you haven’t answered me yet. Why did you choose me for your project?”
“Because when I sent telepathic messages to my colleague on earth about this program, she said that your human shape and physiology is most suitable for our procedure. We took blood samples for medical examinations from you and Anitha without you both knowing about it.. We have checked your reproductive system also. We had the DNA tests and compatibility tests done already!”
That was quite shocking to Rahul.
Tina and Rahul landed in Mars and he was blindfolded by another alien and taken to an unknown place. He was too exhausted even to think about anything. He slept till dawn when he heard voices around him whispering to each other.
He woke up and looked around. Tina was anxiously looking at him, as if she was waiting for him to wake up.
“Where is Anitha? What have you done to her?” Tina did not reply.
“ Anitha is safe. Tomorrow morning, we are injecting love cells into Anitha’s body. The cells will multiply in 12 hours. Aren’t you thrilled? And do you know who is going to inject the cells? You are!!”
Was Tina a good alien or a bad one? Rahul could not tell. Rahul nodded his head in acceptance. So long as he gets Anitha for himself, it was all fine. Tina felt happy that she has chosen an appropriate human being for her research work.
“Anitha is under sedation. I don’t want my colleagues to know about this craft. It is confidential and that’s why I am asking you to do it. Once I drop you back on earth, you won't remember a thing! And by the way, don’t ever contact Anitha and plan to escape; else you will face the consequences.” Tina sounded harsh.
Tina went back to her workspace and started working. She set up the Electro-Hate Cells-Extractor and checked if it was working fine. By the time she got all the other apparatus ready for the procedure, it was dawn.
Tina then woke up Rahul and took him to where Anitha was. Tina repeatedly assured him that it was all for greater good and integration of their alien genes and love cells will help human race as well. As soon as Rahul saw Anitha, he could feel a surge of sympathy and love inside him. Tina signaled to him as if to tell him not to become emotional. She connected the EHCE to Anitha’s body by inserting a needle in Anitha’s navel and extracted the hate cells. Immediately Rahul injected the love cells with the help of a syringe and then Tina and Rahul tiptoed out of the room.
February 14, 2008
Rahul woke up from his sleep when he heard his cell phone ringing. His body was aching and he felt exhausted as if he had travelled a long distance.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Rahul, I love you!!” It was Anitha’s voice on the other side ! Rahul felt rejuvenated. He never imagined that Anitha will change her mind so quickly and accept his love. He could hardly wait to meet her and talk to her about their marriage!
February 14, 2009
Rahul was pacing up and down in the hospital. Anitha was admitted for delivery and was being taken to the labor room. With new and conflicting emotions, anxiety about Anitha on one side, pride and happiness co-existing on the other, he was eagerly waiting for the doctor to come out and tell him about his baby. Meanwhile, inside the labor room, the gynecologist and the nurses were looking at the baby with awe and wondering how to inform the expectant father that the new-born had a weird form, half-alien and half-human with big green eyes and long arms!!Of course, these earthlings could not hear Tina's villainous laughter! Her dream has become true! She was gloating at her success in bringing a half-alien- half-human baby by integrating the human genes with her species, which would continue their alien race on earth!
The end..
Posted by Priya Sivan on Thursday, March 12, 2009 1 comments
Random ponderingzzz - watching outside my window..
I sit by the window with my hands locked,
My song out of tune, my voice cracking,
Has my youth gone with my age?
Reaching the vanishing point
Along with nothingness of time..
I was looking outside my window,
Sipping my morning coffee,
I could hear a squirrel screaming,
The scary crow chasing and taunting her,
What s life outside my window?
Every single day born anew
The sun rises, the wind blows,
The rain pours, the leaves fall,
Leaving nature so bountiful
While the cloud seizes the sun
Every single day being my first day
Happy or sad, hot or cold, love or hate,
A chirpy bird building its nest,
Or a roaming tiger finding its prey,
There is no score for this game
Which fate plays on me!
My song out of tune, my voice cracking,
Has my youth gone with my age?
Reaching the vanishing point
Along with nothingness of time..
I was looking outside my window,
Sipping my morning coffee,
I could hear a squirrel screaming,
The scary crow chasing and taunting her,
What s life outside my window?
Every single day born anew
The sun rises, the wind blows,
The rain pours, the leaves fall,
Leaving nature so bountiful
While the cloud seizes the sun
Every single day being my first day
Happy or sad, hot or cold, love or hate,
A chirpy bird building its nest,
Or a roaming tiger finding its prey,
There is no score for this game
Which fate plays on me!
Watching outside the window,
I am the reflection of what I see,
My sorrows drain out every night
Life is open ended, dreams become true,
I am the reflection of what I see,
My sorrows drain out every night
Life is open ended, dreams become true,
As I wonder at the multifaceted inhabitants
Every morn I add to where I end,
Every morn I add to where I end,
my youth comes back as a reflection,
brightened with colours, like a splash on the canvas.
brightened with colours, like a splash on the canvas.
Posted by Priya Sivan on Friday, October 24, 2008 7 comments
Rapture of the Deep - 2
The train was yet to arrive and announcement was being made about the arrival of the train in the platform in about a few minutes.
I was nervous and excited. I could hardly wait to see my son.
It was Independence Day.
The sleepy village looked colourful and was buzzing with activities. Villagers were walking towards the playground in hurried pace to watch the flag hoisting ceremony. Some were even singing patriotic songs with enthusiasm and fervor.
My son Rakesh had expressed his desire to take part in the flag hoisting ceremony this year, because when he was living in this village during childhood, this ceremony and function had been his source of inspiration to join the Army. He was nostalgic now.
Eager to see my son, for me, it was happiness, anxiety and pride, sympathy – all kind of emotions put together today.
I was becoming impatient. It looked as if the train was taking a long time to enter the platform.
The train arrived. I could sight my son started waving from a distance.
“Maaaa, I am here..!”
He was coming towards me….
I could not prevent my tear drops showing.. Was it happiness to see him alive or was it because of the sympathy and grief which overtook all my emotions and showed out first? I did not know.
The time machine in my mind wound in reverse and moved a few years behind.
I was a proud and happy mother then. Though I was boasting to everyone in my village that my son was in the Army, there were butterflies in my stomach whenever we received communications from where my son was.
And the worse I expected did happen to him. His legs were shattered when there was a landmine blast where he had gone to inspect.
Yes, he lost his legs and was returning back home.
Back to the present, my eyes turned a waterfall, and my heart bled as I looked at him sitting on a wheelchair and moving towards me waving his hands. I waved back, proud but misty eyed.
Being a man, he never showed his emotions outwardly , at that hour. His laughter filled the air, but I was aware that he was hiding his grief and trying to be optimistic. His leg was gone and he had to face it. He had no choice but to live a lifeless life. He was backed into a corner because of fate. But he wanted to be out of that corner.
He sounded cheerful and he was trying to joke, make fun and trying to help me stay calm and composed. But my motherly instinct told me that there was some other sensation in him, opposite of what he was feeling now. I pressed his hand lightly to indicate that I was always there.
We were led to the playground. At least his desire to attend the function this year was becoming true.
He looked around and closed his eyes for a few moments. He was conscious of the gazing stares.
Then with a jerk, he opened his eyes, as if he was suddenly remembering to share reality with others. Were his dreams fading? He bent down to look at his disabled body.
The voice of the villagers singing patriotic songs brought him back again to this real cruel world.
He has been watching this routine for so many years when he was a boy.. He looked up at the flag, which had made him what he was now. His lifelong dream of joining the Army to serve his Motherland was fulfilled. But….
The flash of sunrise on his face brought back these golden memories, while the warmth of the rays spread on him.
Patriotism shone in his eyes now. His eyes glittered on seeing the flag.
The flag hoisting was over and people stood up for the National Anthem.
I looked at him helplessly. I shuddered to think how his future would be….what he would feel about his inability even to handle his needs himself.
This was a moment which I would never forget in my life.
It saddened me to see him desperately trying to stand up from his wheel chair and salute....his legless body refused to cooperate.
Accepting reality, he calmed down, and sat back. But his hand automatically went up to his forehead to give a majestic salute.
Tears rolled down his eyes. He tried to hold back his tears but lost control of his emotions. He covered his hands with his face and wept.
His patriotism to his motherland - the rapture of the deep remains…
Posted by Priya Sivan on Tuesday, October 07, 2008 3 comments
Turning 30
“So? You’ve turned 30?”
“Huh! What’s so special about turning 30? I’ve turned all years from 1- 29, then why do they keep on harping about this 30 alone?”
Turning 30 seems to be a devastating blow for the youngsters. Why is this soul searching only at 30 and not earlier or later?!!
Some years back, I posted a blog on this same topic (Ref: http://shpriya1.blogspot.com/2005/11/turning-30.html) , when my nephew turned 30 and was contemplative about it.
And believe it or not, to my surprise, I find that this keyword “turning 30” became a standard search word in my blog site’s Google analytics
Why do guys get stuck to this “Age 30” syndrome? Why not at 20, 40 or even 50? The truth is we do contemplate on our every birth year, but 30 seem to be a crucial number because others say so!
Age 30 sends a wave of panic among the youngsters, and a feeling of dread.
They think that 30 is a milestone, and one should have accomplished what he had aimed for, and he should have achieved his goal by then.
What have I done till now? What did I want to do? Is everything over? Have I settled down in my life? College, career, marriage - What else have I left to do?
These are the questions running in their mind.
The underlying tension and expectation to have them all figured out by the age of 30 surfaces during this cross –over.
Life is not a neat and complete package. We do not know what is in store. Perhaps the past generations were a luckier lot, because by the time they reached the age of 30, they had almost fulfilled, achieved what they wanted in life. Lucrative job, and a wonderful family with kids, and they kept on going.
Though the latter generations have still a long way to go, the choices, options and opportunities being offered to them are complex, yet lucrative.
They can afford to change track at 30, switch and jump over their aims and goals, and strive to the top.
So what if people say you are old? We become older every second, every month, and every year. First accept that you are old and you are 30.
30 years was an age when the older generation was married and had two kids. But now guys think of marrying only after the age of 30.So now people come to you again with the standard question, “Aren’t you married yet?”
So many curious faces and anxious queries, too many personal questions are all to be faced.
However, we can say that the 20s period is a training ground where the youth have to strive to materialize their fantasies through trial and error. And 30 is the right age when one starts to make these fantasies into reality.
There are varying views that while some view 30 as a mere number, we may also consider it as a significant birthday where we can do a lot of soul-searching and self analysis, where flirtation, fun and life’s entertainment take a back seat, and the value of life, friends, relationship and other important aspects in life comes to the forefront because at this age you have earned the right to be yourself by now!Does this "turning 30" syndrome applicable to women also? I dont think so because women have a tendency to take it all in their stride.
“Huh! What’s so special about turning 30? I’ve turned all years from 1- 29, then why do they keep on harping about this 30 alone?”
Turning 30 seems to be a devastating blow for the youngsters. Why is this soul searching only at 30 and not earlier or later?!!
Some years back, I posted a blog on this same topic (Ref: http://shpriya1.blogspot.com/2005/11/turning-30.html) , when my nephew turned 30 and was contemplative about it.
And believe it or not, to my surprise, I find that this keyword “turning 30” became a standard search word in my blog site’s Google analytics
Why do guys get stuck to this “Age 30” syndrome? Why not at 20, 40 or even 50? The truth is we do contemplate on our every birth year, but 30 seem to be a crucial number because others say so!
Age 30 sends a wave of panic among the youngsters, and a feeling of dread.
They think that 30 is a milestone, and one should have accomplished what he had aimed for, and he should have achieved his goal by then.
What have I done till now? What did I want to do? Is everything over? Have I settled down in my life? College, career, marriage - What else have I left to do?
These are the questions running in their mind.
The underlying tension and expectation to have them all figured out by the age of 30 surfaces during this cross –over.
Life is not a neat and complete package. We do not know what is in store. Perhaps the past generations were a luckier lot, because by the time they reached the age of 30, they had almost fulfilled, achieved what they wanted in life. Lucrative job, and a wonderful family with kids, and they kept on going.
Though the latter generations have still a long way to go, the choices, options and opportunities being offered to them are complex, yet lucrative.
They can afford to change track at 30, switch and jump over their aims and goals, and strive to the top.
So what if people say you are old? We become older every second, every month, and every year. First accept that you are old and you are 30.
30 years was an age when the older generation was married and had two kids. But now guys think of marrying only after the age of 30.So now people come to you again with the standard question, “Aren’t you married yet?”
So many curious faces and anxious queries, too many personal questions are all to be faced.
However, we can say that the 20s period is a training ground where the youth have to strive to materialize their fantasies through trial and error. And 30 is the right age when one starts to make these fantasies into reality.
There are varying views that while some view 30 as a mere number, we may also consider it as a significant birthday where we can do a lot of soul-searching and self analysis, where flirtation, fun and life’s entertainment take a back seat, and the value of life, friends, relationship and other important aspects in life comes to the forefront because at this age you have earned the right to be yourself by now!Does this "turning 30" syndrome applicable to women also? I dont think so because women have a tendency to take it all in their stride.
Posted by Priya Sivan on Friday, August 22, 2008 4 comments
Rapture of the Deep...
I was a diver then.
I wasn’t diving underwater, but under the waves of blood and body fluids. It gave me a glorious feeling to be relaxing out there, doing upside down and round about tricks. Where else, but my mom’s womb?
Mom, it was fantastic. You gave me a warm and cozy place to stay and enjoy.
I was all excited and I was waiting to come out into this world and have a look at you and dad who gave me the most precious gift – life.
But wait…am I hearing something?
It was you talking to my dad.
Mom: But you said you will marry me!
Dad: Yeah, but I’m helpless. My parents want me to marry another girl. The date is fixed. I’m sorry!
Argument, discussions, mom crying, hurling abuses at each other, went on for sometime.
I was shell shocked.
“Please don’t go, dad! Don’t leave mom and me! I wanna see you!”
I cried my heart out. But my dad doesn’t seem to hear me.
Mom: But I am bearing your child!
Dad: How do I know its mine?
I heard his retreating footsteps. He left forever..
“Mom, don’t cry. I am here for you. Just wait for a few months and I will stay close to your heart!”
My screams fell on deaf ears.
She started cursing me.
“To hell with you! To hell with you!” She screamed hysterically. She thumped on her tummy and gave me pain
“Mom, I love you! Don’t do this to me! I love you, mom!”
A few days pass by.
I started hearing voices again.
Mom: I want to abort this baby!
I could hear my mom talking to someone..
“It’s too late, dear. Nothing can be done at this stage. “
Thank you, dear doc, for saving my life!
Otherwise, I wouldn’t be writing my diary now.
Mom, you brought me into this world but threw me in the dust bin.
But I still love you, mom.
“Darling, come and eat your breakfast!”
My special mom is calling me…
She adopted me and gave me the blanket of love, tis a beautiful world, no doubt,
But mom, you gave me life, and shelter inside you,And the rapture of the deep remains....
Posted by Priya Sivan on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 1 comments
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