“Retail Menaces” – 11 Nov 2008 – Gets Heard! September 24, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Ahmedabad, India, Society, morality, services.Tags: avinash patel, bodakdev, getting heard, ink pot, krunal stationers, morality, retail, retail menaces, retailers, sneh, sneh bhavsar, snehism
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Case 3 – Posted On: 11 November 2009
Retailer: Krunal Stationers and Xerox, 6, Corporate House, Opp. Pakvan-2 , Judges Bungalow Road. Name: Shaileshbhai Shah (40027042/9428580125)
I have mentioned more details because I think everyone should know who the person is and should we really buy anything from him.
As I said, I am trying to buy an ink-pot and it hasn’t happened yet ideally. I sent my office help Vipul to get me this ink-pot. He got me this 60ml ink-pot and he paid Rs. 15. As you can see in the images, the MRP is covered with black marker and hand written price appears on the top (Rs. 15/-). I went back to the shop and asked why it is so? “Etla j laie chhie, amne posatu nathi!” That’s what Shaileshbhai had to say about this. So what is the need of putting an MRP on any product?
It was just a matter of 3 odd rupees, but it doesn’t end there. You would definitely think, what is the fuss about just a few coins? There is a lot of fuss about it, because it begins only there. There was a young guy working in the same shop and presumably he was the son of Mr. Shah. He would follow and may use better tricks than his father. I could have paid 3 rupees more and got my ink-pot but I asked for the refund and did not buy it! It is up to you to decide how much you want to allow these people to do whatever they want. There might be more serious cases but I hope this was exemplary to understand such situations.
“JAAGO GRAHAK JAAGO!”
Comment from a customer!
hi,
who r u? and what u want i not matter it.
But don’t make people fool. Because i bought a ink pot from krunal stationers after reading your post .shailesh bhai say me its price is 12 and i give him 100 rs note.So he return me 90rs and say when ever u come next time give 2 rs because i not have changes.
So for your private purpose and easy publicity don’t try to make people fool.So, Remove this post as soon as possible because its totally wrong
Avinash Patel
My response to it – 24 SEPTEMBER 2009
As an update I am republishing this as a new post as well! One of the customers bought the same ink pot from Krunal Stationers and mentioned that he did not have any trouble buying there and also the store keeper has been kind to him. No one would be more glad than me about this as, my purpose was to have the customers to be more aware and awake! And also the retailers follow the standard practices.
While re-reading my own post, I did sound a bit agitated and aggressive but that is what I felt at the time I had this experience! Wrong things do provoke me, and I thank God for that!
Thank You Avinash for letting me know that I got heard!
Media, Please Self-Regulate! July 28, 2009
Posted by Sneh in India, Media, News, Society, Television.Tags: Media, physical relations, rajiv, rajiv khandelwal, sach ka samna, sexuality, star plus, the moment of truth, truth, urvashi dholakia, vinod kambli
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“Sach Ka Samna”, speaking the truth in a real life and facing the truth in front of millions on TV is just too much! “The Moment of Truth” – original series of American television asked finer questions than what Rajiv is asking to the contestants in Sach Ka Samna. In one of the episodes, Rajiv asked the contestant nearly all the questions regarding his relation and association between him and his wife. Does the truth of life move around physical relations only? Are those the only truths which are important in life? There are issues which exist in each individual’s life other than sexuality and partnering. From the day one, this show is facing sharp criticism. It also reached the assembly and media was told to self-regulate. Media has consistently failed to self-regulate the material and also the presentation.
According to my opinion, there could have been more interesting though funny questions could be asked. Interaction between two questions regarding the truth revealed could have come with very interesting incidents of one’s life, like Vinod Kambli revealed how he ran a few meters without clothes! People are more candid about their behaviour and actions. There used to illicit relations between male and female in ancient times as well, but there was no media to uncover stories to the outside world.
As there is not much we can do to control such television programmes, all we can do is to self-regulate. It is our choice what to watch and what not. But somehow human senses are curious about the weirdest!
A truth from my side: I too watch this show most of the times!
Old Job, New Job! July 19, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Society, morality.Tags: job, office, recession, sneh bhavsar, work
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This article was for fun!!! And has been removed by the author as it may have hurt some sensitive nerves! Please contact the author on info@snehism.com for inquiries.
Calling the real institutions of the society! June 20, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Ahmedabad, Government, Gujarat, India, Society, morality, terrorism.Tags: Ahmedabad, crime rate, Gujarat, GUJCOC, gujcoca, modi, narendra modi, rapes, rapes in gujarat, shiney ahuja, social institution, Society
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The state is spilling over with internal filth and dirt when Modi is busy defending the so called anti-terrorism bill – GUJCOCA. Government again refused the bill and with the recommendation of changing some clauses in the bill mainly which were allowing the authorities to seize the properties of the suspect and tracing the calls of any suspect at any time without any explanation.
When I assume the process, I can imagine a few thoughtful people thinking over different points of the bill and discussing the pros and cons before reaching to any vital decision. But as the verdict comes out, BJP’s immature comments started coming out and the dirty politics starts over again. Mr. Modi’s ego speaks again, “I will not make any changes to the bill and foot it again to the center.”
Outrage is spreading throughout the state because of increasing overall crime rate. Yes, we cannot deny that the overall rate of crime is also increasing in the whole country. But we haven’t seen the Gujarat in this shape before. We are witnessing the incidents which we have never seen before in our own Gujarat. Police is still summing up the amount of money Ashok Jadeja has acquired from hundreds of people and each day a new rape case is coming out. Frauds, robberies and petty stealing are also riding high in daily newspapers. The crime rate is all time high in Gujarat. I do not think I need to refer to any sources because we all read and watch what happens around us. It is matter of our own sense.
Black memories of Patan gang rape case haven’t yet faded and Surat is blotted with a shameful gang rape. As I am recalling these inhuman acts, news comes out from Rajkot and Himachal Pradesh, teens raped respectively in both of this places where in the latter case the victim is a tourist from Britain. I just took a note of the rape rate in Gujarat before a few months that how it is increasing consistently. Although very complex and sensitive, undertaking the studies of increasing rapes in the social context and also other external reasons for such activities seem essential at this point of time.
Rapes, sexual harassments, making video clips – all these are new form of criminal activities of this modern time and they are getting so frequent. The victims seem to be coming out more openly than before and we can also see many reputed entities of the societies involved and alleged in cases like this. Shiney Ahuja and an MLA from west Godavari are the most recent examples of those. But still the numbers of rapes reported to the police are far lesser than the actual number.
On the other hand, ‘organized’ and gang rapes (which in turn can be called organized) have significantly got surfaced in the recent times. The definition of rape has always been powered over other elements in different cases and it remains the centre of the case in most instances. Even in Shiney Ahuja’s case victim is constantly stressing how Shiney forced, grabbed and pushed her, because all these phrases lead to the confirmation that the rape was committed. I am not sure that how accommodating is our judicial system for the crime conditions and the social context (behaviour of an individual and the reasons for that behaviour) involved in the incident. But I am sure the society should and must be interested in the detailed examination of reasons involved in such criminal occurrences.
The reason behind such study is to understand the affecting elements which trigger such instances like rapes and sexual activities. “Spot” rape – a spontaneous excitement leads an individual to lose the control over sexual urge and expressing that in verbal, gestural or physical form. As I mentioned earlier that the “organized” rapes are increasing and this kind of rapes involve raping a fairly known individual and in many cases an acquaintance or an intimate friend. “Organized” rapes means an individual or a group of people pro-actively look to satisfy their sexual urge or forcing verbal, gestural or physical abuses to a man or woman. If assessed on moral grounds, organized rapes would hold a very lower position compared to the spot rapes which only take place on an instantaneous sexual aggression. This classification may not be that important for the legal resolution of the offence but considering the long term societal balance, some profound study should take place. (There are enough reasons, anger and misery over these inhuman incidents which tell me to conduct such social studies but time, conditions and limited understanding do not YET allow me!)
There is another issue which I do not want to discuss in detail but just a note:
No political parties or diplomats came out at the time of Patan incident. But as soon as the Surat gang rape case came out and the culprits are held, VHP is coming out asking for strict action. Can you people guess? Yes, because the culprits are Muslims. It may get more sensitive as the Rajkot case contains the same attributes. Let us just don’t get carried away by all these and let us focus on the safety of women at first and then to understand, evaluate and take some meaningful actions where we can develop a society which is more cleaner and moral.
“Mothers, please teach your son that every woman must be respected as he respects his own mother!
Fathers, please provide an example to your son that how the women in any relation, mother, sister, daughter, friend or wife must be respected in every manner!
Teachers, please teach your students about the social and public behaviour towards women and any other individual in the society!
You are the INSTITUTIONs of the society!”
Social Networking or Socially Exposing! April 9, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Cyber World, India, Media, News, Social Networking, Society, internet, morality.Tags: facebook, hi5, myspace, offline, online, orkut, privacy, security, Social Networking, users
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Business minds know what people can fall for! They are called marketing gurus in this era of “anything is saleable with correct marketing”! Emails and chats are still thrilling for people in this time of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol- which provides cheap internet calls in all over the world) and video conferencing! We like to feel the anxiety. Social networking sites have poured in last five years and still the market is wide open to this domain, because people are blindly falling for those!
It was an amazing thing just before a few years, to see our own picture onto a computers screen. We used to shuffle drives, floppy disks and scanners to get ourselves on to that cathode ray tube! But now it’s on your finger tip to upload photos in a minute and share with the friends! All fair, until it is played fair. But the commercial ideas behind this sites have not yet come to the light. They have been sensed by the experts of the industry. Over the time it is learnt that the power of data (which can easily be transformed into organized information) is phenomenal. Hence the plethora of information being uploaded by the users can never go without being utilized at the end. And it has just stared what we call it an information age. Essential is to be cautious while being on internet as you never know where you have been tracked and observed!
Social networks are a step ahead, which lure you to enter, submit, share and send information, pictures, videos openly to the world. The kind of information social networks store create a pattern of your activities. Sites like MSN and Facebook are clearly recording your activities as we like to update ourselves on internet every hour! At first sight, it wouldn’t seem that serious, but the first disadvantage is the addiction it creates. In one case, a middle aged relative of a girl signed off from the her network and as a result the girl got into serious depression for not finding that online friend for days! This was an emotional side of it.
Technical hazards are far more serious than this. Recently, Facebook’s terms created a firestorm, as it said that social network site claims the ownership to the contents and photos even if the users delete them.
But then they strategically changed to this…
“Consumer advocacy blog The Consumerist phrased Facebook’s fresh policy as “We Can Do Anything We Want With Your Content. Forever,” pointing out that Facebook’s ToS spruce-up removed several sentences in which the company said its licenses on user content expired upon account deletion.”
Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10165190-36.html
Please do not miss to view these links,
http://www.therawfeed.com/2009/02/facebook-thinks-youre-stupid.html
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=27381690528&topic=3981
http://themcode.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/facebook-privacy-policy-youre-exposed/
Well, this is something we can even see in the corporate policies and seek legal help. But what about those threats that we cannot even imagine about. There are huge networks who forge pictures and publish them on various sites! We are among the millions who post their information and pictures on such sites so the chance of being a victim is fraction of a per cent, but we cannot deny the chance.
Just for fun, to play a prank or may be just to take a little revenge against the you by your friend, your information and photos can be misused at any extent. With the perspective of uncertain human behavior, we cannot ignore this fact. It has been observed that most of the criminal and abusive instances take place as the result of spontaneous provocation or reaction, and that instance would not be of more than 10-15 seconds! But the victim may suffer the life for that.
Now the social networkers range from 12 years old to more than 80 years old. There are millions of groups like, ‘I don’t like doughnut’ Group to ‘Vote Obama’ Group. Countless hours are being spent on social sites nowadays! Many people do have more than 4 social network profiles. One more important issue which is the prime threat is social disconnection and isolation from social communities. Youngsters like spending more time on “Online” world, and what is more interesting is, they call the real world, an “Offline” world! It was quite dreadful to hear that word. The real world associations, friends, connections are all slowly slipping away. Even in offices, employees spend their hours in front of the computer, they laugh, feel sad, feel excited, get angry – looking at the computer screen without having a word of conversation with their acquaintances. More you share and access the information, more it is likely to complicate your relations and your own nature. That is an experience learnt!
What we all need to do is, just be aware and alert to what we are doing. It is great fun to see our pictures and share those with friends on internet, but is equally hazardous as well. Use your own senses and discretion!
Happy Networking!!!
Is Pakistan a failed country? March 6, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Government, India, Media, News, Pakistan, Society, terrorism.Tags: chidambaram, dhoni, failed country, IPL, nawaz, osama, pak government, Pakistan, sharif, taliban, terrorism, vinod dua, violence
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Just a few hours were passed after Lahore attacks and statements poured in from every corner of the world! Let us not give much importance to who said that but context which is very much important at this stage!
“I am glad that BCCI cancelled our tour to Pakistan!” – M S Dhoni
Indian captain was a little impatient to express his happiness that he would have been there instead of Sri Lankan cricketers if BCCI wouldn’t have cancelled the tour to Pakistan. It was a time to be with the Sri Lankans who still have traces of the incident in their body and mind, it was a time to condemn what has happened to the sport cricket and to be happy for those who have survived by less than a centimeter. But coming out with happiness for not being the victim, was not a very mature thinking and not a responsible statement!
“IPL should be postponed!” – Chidambaram
The statement from Mr Chidambaram was misinterpreted as it was released on the evening of Lahore attacks. Actually the Loksabha polls were clashing with the IPL and hence many diplomats wanted to move IPL after the elections. Although, it would be a step back if we postpone the IPL because of attacks. Yes, it is tragic and very serious regarding the security concerns for out-country players. But in a way it will be their success if we change the way of life. More securities and alertness would be essential but we have to keep going on! No player was killed in the incident (thank God!), but the match was called off and the team of Sri Lanka flew back to home the same day! There is a success lying behind this. Terrorists achieved to spread fear, disrupt the normal flow of life. We may need to think how not be defeated!
“Is Pakistan a failed country?” – Vinod Dua
Vinod Dua uttered a question which was in my mind a few days before! In his own program, he brings out such very crucial questions which directly points the root of the problems. He went to Pakistan as an international observer of national elections. He found that the Pakistan and Muslims go out and fight for their religion and become so called ‘Jehadis’, they do not have unity within their country even. Sindh regions vote for Sindhi party, Punjab vote for Punjabi and Frontiers vote for Frontier party! It clearly suggests that Muslims are also divided within the country!
Is Pakistan a failed country? – with regret, I would say, Yes! Pakistan has failed to retain the dignity of an independent nation. I would like to go back in the past and think about those people who hailed for the partition, what would have been their stand at this point of time. In recent years, leaders of Pakistan have remained indulged in fighting amongst for the power and money! I have a great doubt about Pakistan’s survival. Pakistan is also paying a big price for possible presence of Osama in the country. What would get them out of this mess? After the democratic government finally got deployed in the power, again Nawaz Sharif’s subtraction from the assembly has again lit the fire. Army of Pakistan is quite upset with the elimination of Sharif. A non-foreseeable consequences are awaited! Lahore attacks could be a fraction of it. It is said that the players of Sri Lanka were targeted for a kidnap!
One by one doors are closing for Pakistan! May God bless the innocent people of our brother nation! May peace come to our land!
We Do Not Need GUJCOC! October 1, 2008
Posted by Sneh in Ahmedabad, Children, Government, Gujarat, India, News, Society, morality.Tags: Ahmedabad, appeal, bomb, bomb blasts, Children, citizens, crime, Gujarat, GUJCOC, immoral, India, narendra modi, organized crime, petition, revenge, terrorism, we dont need gujcoc
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Although I witness these issues closely around us, in my state Gujarat, in India, I closely relate this to each country, each society and community. The increased violence through out the world is the biggest concern.
Could any law or could any police stop a person who decides to kill himself to kill other people? No. Gujarat government is insisting on implementing GUJCOC, a proposition of an anti-terrorism law. Mr. Modi did not have time to educate people about GUJCOC because he has been very busy in preaching for writing post cards to the Prime Minister to advocate GUJCOC. It seems, only one person would decide what “sada 5 karod ni janta” should do.
I call this person as a man with the metal chest; Lawyer Anand Yagnik has shown the excellent example how to be in complete senses regarding political happenings and policy making from which normal people are alienated. (Ahmedabad Mirror, 26 September 2008 | “Do we need GUJCOC or a collective will to respond?”) He has tried to bring in this issue in the best possible way that people can understand GUJCOC and decide themselves that is it really needed? In further, it also doesn’t seem to be a law to control terrorists as the definition of organized crime (for which GUJCOC is proposed) is quite contradictory from what terrorists do. As per the Statement of Object given by Gujarat Government, “The organized crime has been for quite some years now come up as a very serious threat boundaries and is fuelled by illegal wealth generation by contract killing, extortion, smuggling in contrabands, illegal trade in narcotics, kidnappings for ransom, collection of protection money and money laundering etc.” Give it a thought; do terrorists want to do these killings for wealth generation? Do they place bombs for extortion or is this contract killing? Poor reasons!
Now let us put some light on provisions of GUJCOC (As Anand Yagnik brought them for us):
· Every offence punishable under GUJCOC is cognizable
· No Anticipatory Bail
· Provision of bail is excessively stringent so as to keep accused behind the bars for a substantial period of time without trial
· Confession made before Superintendent of Police is admissible evidence irrespective of how much an accused is tortured
· Valid intercepted communication is also admissible evidence
· An accused can be kept in the police custody for up to 60 days
· The failure of police to charge sheet an accused does not create a technical ground for bail
· Special courts permitted to have summary trials
· Protection for witnesses
· Property of the accused on a reasonable ground liable to be forfeited
There are two affecting factors of GUJCOC. First is the Statement of Object from state government. The definition of organized crime and actual terrorist activities are quite different. Let us come back to that core issue after we get to know powers and authorities requested in GUJCOC for the police.
Each of the provisions can easily be abused by the authority and we know how much we can rely on government and police authorities!!! Keeping an accused in custody for uncertain time up to 60 days, no bail, no trial and tortured confession is evidence; it is questionable if these clauses are not violating the human rights. Apparently, they are insisting on more power over society by proposing this law. The initial picture suggests that GUJCOC is needed to target some particular people and community and making them easy targets with the name of law. Well Done! Even if it is not so, then it is an apparent threat to each citizen. Who knows if your son, your brother would be taken to custody without any reason, just on the basis of suspicion!? We may not feel secure in our home, in our own city.
Now go back to the long term concern, as a few brutal minds are spreading terror and targeting innocent lives, anytime anywhere without any glitch. Again, can hard laws stop these people? I don’t think so. This is no more a matter of crime, violence and police. It has gone far out of the reach of law and order. Have we ever realized and related these incidents with naxalism? Although unpopular, it is a modern way to fight for existence and self-respect. The actors of recent incidents claim this as a revenge of Gujarat riots of 2002. Yes, revenge itself is immoral. But how long and how much one can tolerate? Terrorism is not a monopoly of Laden anymore. This is the age of home grown groups who drive these bomb campaigns from one city to other, another characteristic of naxalism! We may not be aware of the complete truth, but we can see what is clearly apparent. We have chosen not to see and not to consider some aspects of it, but in this case ignorance is sinful. We cannot undo what has happen; we also can’t keep blaming and keep moaning about the injustice prevailed and also that how legal authorities applied its stamp on it recently. Let us forget and forgive all those people who wore knives and swords as ornaments and danced over blood of thousands.
Society starts from home and the strongest instincts get developed in a child from its own family. Family is the most important and primary institution of a person in his social life. Parents do have to pour in right values in children from the beginning. Not only skills of singing, dancing and drawing are the parameters of a better person. We have to develop better citizen because after being a student for a few years, a person lives rest of her/his life as a citizen in the social context. How strong and how determined is this citizen who would never involve in such activities? How could a bunch of people preach us and overshadow our learning of life, which we received from our parents, schools and colleges? This is what we need to learn and teach. If they preach for revenge and killings, why can’t we teach to forget and forgive? Why can’t we teach to accept others? There are endless conflicts in diverse communities, from among the countries to families. But we have to live with it, as we live in our own families.
Let us start afresh. Let us concentrate on our own selves and find out, do we contain any bit of such poison within us? If yes, you really need a treatment. Open eyes and open arms, a lot would get better. If we see it real, it is real. We have to support and be with those people and communities who are suffering the most. To blame is easier, to give a hand of courage is what does matter!
We do not implement rule of stick if our child, our brother or sister is being stubborn, violent and out of control. We always keep patience and try to nurture them.
I would like to present this as a petition and want to know and show that we really don’t need GUJCOC! Please leave your name, email address and also your comments in order to sign this petition. Also forward this if you feel it is worth preventing our state from ghost of GUJCOC.
Retail Menaces November 11, 2008
Posted by Sneh in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Society, economy, services.Tags: Ahmedabad, cheating, cleaning, consumers, corruption, customers, grahak, Gujarat, inkpot, jaago, retail, retailers, state transport
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A lady came from England and ignited Amdavadis to hit the cleanliness campaign. I shouldn’t let this hour pass without appreciating the effort from Ahmedabad Mirror and the people who gathered for the task. Bravo!
Let’s get more issues in light and let’s clean our own Ahmedabad thoroughly! Let’s clean the dust, rubbish, plastic, papers and importantly corruption and retail menaces. I am trying to buy an ink-pot and no joy from last few days. There are some cases I want to share!
Case 1
State Transport: Koba circle to Vadaj Terminus
This one is a little off the track from retail sector but it’s again about tricking the customers in a cleaner way! I was travelling from Koba circle in an ST Bus and as soon as I got on the bus, I asked for the ticket to Vadaj. Front-seated conductor released a ticket from a gadget he had for generating tickets and said, “Chhutta 7 rupiya aapo!” (Give me the change of 7 rupees!) His sentence struck me at the very moment, but I gave him Rs. 10 note believing it is a fair change I am giving and not a 100 rupees note. He said that he doesn’t have 3 rupees change.
Now, isn’t it ridiculous that they don’t have change for the passengers. It is their duty to keep enough change for the passengers because ad-hoc passengers wouldn’t carry the change always.
Case 2
Retailer: Vidhyarthi Book Depot, Stadium Five Roads
I wanted an ink pot of 60 ml. I handed over 20 rupees as the MRP was Rs. 12. Sales person said “You will have to buy a pen worth Rs. 3 because we don’t have change!”
I bailed out, “I don’t want to buy anything!”And got my money back! Why should I be obliged to buy something which I don’t need? And to keep and to give change is the responsibility of the retailer.
Case 3
Retailer: Krunal Stationers and Xerox, 6, Corporate House, Opp. Pakvan-2 , Judges Bungalow Road. Name: Shaileshbhai Shah (40027042/9428580125)
I have mentioned more details because I think everyone should know who the person is and should we really buy anything from him.
As I said, I am trying to buy an ink-pot and it hasn’t happened yet ideally. I sent my office help Vipul to get me this ink-pot. He got me this 60ml ink-pot and he paid Rs. 15. As you can see in the images, the MRP is covered with black marker and hand written price appears on the top (Rs. 15/-). I went back to the shop and asked why it is so? “Etla j laie chhie, amne posatu nathi!” That’s what Shaileshbhai had to say about this. So what is the need of putting an MRP on any product?
It was just a matter of 3 odd rupees, but it doesn’t end there. You would definitely think, what is the fuss about just a few coins? There is a lot of fuss about it, because it begins only there. There was a young guy working in the same shop and presumably he was the son of Mr. Shah. He would follow and may use better tricks than his father. I could have paid 3 rupees more and got my ink-pot but I asked for the refund and did not buy it! It is up to you to decide how much you want to allow these people to do whatever they want. There might be more serious cases but I hope this was exemplary to understand such situations.
“JAAGO GRAHAK JAAGO!”
How retailers make a fool out of you!
Urbanization Backfires! January 30, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Ahmedabad, Government, Gujarat, India, News, Society, economy, village.Tags: Ahmedabad, diamond workers, Gujarat, India, modi, rural, state government, suicide, surat, urban, urbanization, vibrant gujarat
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The commercial capital and the city in center, Ahmedabad is getting all the glitters and revamp. Roads, junctions, buildings and public places are rejuvenated over the last few weeks following the Vibrant Gujarat’s international investors’ summit. Would it have happened for the citizens of Ahmedabad in order to provide civil services? I strongly do not think so. I buy the idea that we hide those dirty table and broken shoe rack when we invite guests at our place, but we don’t lose the priorities of our family needs. The areas of the city, which were not likely to be touched by these visitors are still in despair. No one to look at those even! Anyway, this was just to make a way to the following points.
“In the past six months, Modi has spent Rs.750 crore of State money on propaganda – equivalent to the amount Gujarat spends on social welfare and nutrition in a year.” Dionne Bunsha says in his recent article in Frontline, from the publishers of Hindu
Surat, the city of diamonds, sends out 80% of diamonds being used in jewelry in all over the world. Out of 250-300 diamonds factories with more than 2500 grinders, there are only 15 functional. We may just flip a page over a headline of a suicide but there have been 80 in last 2 months and most of them are either diamond workers or their family members. Earning a sufficient living for family is now standing in queue for relief. BECAUSE, perhaps we do not know how to live in a villages and remain in villages. There is no eligibility or courage I might have to say this, but it does at least leave me with a lot questions. The blind migration (URBANIZATION) over easy jobs without having any qualification or any special skills. Thousands left villages, left well settled farming practices and ended up in these “not forever” diamonds. I see it more as the disconnection with the soil, seeds and the dust at the cost of making those artificial beauty objects. I think, no one wants dirty and scruffy hands at the end of the day.
State Government spent 750 crore rupees to provide A-class cars, 5 star accommodations and luxurious services to the investors, and there are queues of diamond workers to get welfare relief. After the discomforting communal divide which has rooted some very downbeat feelings within thousands of hearts (I use ‘thousands’ as out of millions, I doubt that there is much sensitivity in the people of Gujarat regarding these issues.) and the huge distance between the rich and poor, it’s the intensive time of disparity between rural and urban, specially at the time of global melt-down!
“Some get roads to glide and some, a death-ride!”
There is a lot to be heard about villages and victims of our social imbalance, please read on Dionne Bunsha: http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2424/stories/20071221508312900.htm
Don’t beat our own “Slumdog”! January 31, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Children, Government, India, Poverty, Society, economy.Tags: India, slumdog, millionaire, slumdog millionaire, slum dog, Poverty, mumbai, slums, dharavi, dev patel, anil kapoor, a r rehman, oscars for india, human elements, jamaal, films, british, danny boyle, irfan khan, shaurabh shukla, slumdog karodpati
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Criticizing “Slumdog Millionaire” is a new status symbol! If you want to get heard, criticize something which is popular and successful. Perception lying behind this criticism doesn’t have profound arguments, I believe. There are a few remarks I have heard so far (even from those who have not watched the movie), “Is it fair to portray India as a country of poor and criminals?”, “Do these western countries want to display India as a third world country and they always like to see us as Third World?”, “Does the Oscar get attracted to the movies about India, where there is poverty and crime?” and finally my own question, “Is the Oscars a benchmark?”
Plenty of questions for a single British movie by a British Director but well contributed by “excellent” actors from bollywood itself, beautiful music by an award winning music director, an ace lyricist, including Indian origin British in lead role “Jamal”, Dev Patel. I have more than one reasons to feel proud. Apart from that, I think the film has served the purpose of visual media to send a message across and to penetrate some thinking into sleeping minds. I would rather consider this drift as a process for ripening some maturity over such issues. Hollywood makes hundreds of movies regarding crime, mafia, trafficking or even terrorism in North and South America. They have made movies like ‘Blood Diamond’ based on African insane situation, poverty and crime. They are extra violent and sometimes not even watchable! Although, it is not always based on reality, more often it’s a brainchild of a director or a writer. Even while making a film on a true story, film makers do take liberties to inject their imaginations. Hence, I see it as a film recorded by a foreigner when he saw something he doesn’t really know and he is quite interested in! I never missed a chance to take at least a picture in my phone camera if I found a dirty street in London. And I think this is far more artistic representation of Indian slums, the life style and the problems they face, specially in Mumbai.
Rather, I see it as a story of a wonderful kid, who plays around in dirty water where near her mother his washing clothes and who is extremely happy. It is about that sensitive kid who wants to give a roof to a little girl who is orphan and homeless, getting wet in hard rain and still he wanted to obey his elder brother not to invite anyone under their shelter. It is about an innocent kid who was exploited and was forced to beg on streets by a few villains of the society. It is about that loving kid who was discomforted and worried for not being able to take her girl on the train while escaping. It is about a guy who loves that girl for all those years when he couldn’t even see her! It is about that honest “Jamal” who learned a lot of things while serving ‘chai’ to the call center employees. It about a lover, who is ready to run away with his love of life over any odds he would have to face. It is about that ‘chaiwala’ who fortunately get a chance to take part in a game show which co-incidentally bring him all those questions where he visualizes his whole life in front of his eyes over each new question. The film is all about those filmy things, which make us laugh, which make us cry and at the end which make us smile to a happy ending.
The film is soothening to heart, where all these human elements – nature of happiness, sensitivity, innocence, love, brotherhood and most importantly the willing desire to live and accept life as it comes in spite of all odds! I did not see any big dreams in the eyes of Jamal, and neither does he pass any day dreaming hopes to those poor people. At the first point, this movie is made for us, who are having no idea about those lives. I don’t think anyone from those slums would prefer to watch SM if he/she would be having hundred bucks! They would rather watch Chandni Chowk! So there is no harm! Now, it is up to us, if we put our HANDS on noses as it is too stinky or we make them dirty for some social and physical cleaning!!!
I do not deny having need of at least little critical view for every media work, we have a real picture in front of us. Slums like the ones shown in movie, do exist in India. It is hard core reality! And it was definitely a saddening experience to see such poverty but it is making me think about “what can be done?” Otherwise, it is all a glam business that who got nominated in Oscars and who will be winning awards.
As a lady from UK, Christina challenged Ahmedabad people for city’s cleanliness and as an answer hundreds pour on the streets to clean the public roads, let’s think about sustaining these people who live in slums, giving them people a better life, better place to stay, education and employment! I know that sitting here in a chair, posting blogs is easier – but the sensitivity and basic thinking may lead you and may encourage you some day to take a step out of the box.
Is anyone listening them? February 25, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Ahmedabad, Government, Gujarat, India, Media, News, Society, Uncategorized.Tags: 28 feb, Ahmedabad, ahmedabad mirror, arrogant, development, Godhra, Gujarat, hindu muslim, maya kodnani, modi
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Seven years on after the bloodshed and burning lives, red and black, stains are still there on some hearts! For us, it could be a daily newspaper, but the red block letters reminded me of cowards of soil Gujarat. The ones who suffered call them ‘Butchers’. Is anyone listening to them at all? Several statements released, how Maya Kodnani carried out a string of operations of open firing on people and burning houses! Naroda Patiya is still in a reckless condition with a few whole hearted people, who are all living with their incomplete families. Some lost their young sons, some lost husbands or some are still waiting for their missing children.
21 February, AM Mirror – A social worker, Shahadat Malik, who has settled in Madninagar after his house in Naroda Gam was destroyed, said the victims prayed for death. “What is the use of this life? Were we born to endure such fate? Death will bring an end to our woes,” he said.
A tribute to all those victims (now more than 1000)!
Our new so called Gujarat anthem says, “Jityu hamesha Gujarat!” (courtesy: Mr Modi’s new friend TATA) I am not sure if we can say we have always won! But yes, these people’s endurance is keeping Gujarat stand still. Be it Hindu or Muslim, we haven’t shown enough tolerance being a part of the society. We have given liberal rights to our leaders to do whatever they want. We do not keep track, we do not try to understand! What are the consequences and what are the counter effects of all those activities, plans and projects executed by the Government! Modi said in his recent speeches, “Gujarat ne etlu agal lai jaie ke koi ena sudhi pohnchi pan na shake!” (Let’s take Gujarat forward, that no one can reach us!”) What are we into, a dog race? Why do we want to go ahead of everyone? From ages, we are trying to learn the lessons of togetherness and harmony! Who do we want to beat? Yes, we protect ourselves from anti-socials and criminals, but who else we want to defeat? It involves some kind of lust for success, power and numero uno! We develop our cities, state and take others with us and grow together!
Rather than celebrating Nano’s plant in Gujarat, it could be a humble gesture of accommodating something which our fellow state could not due to whatsoever reason! Actually, if it would have been the same case in Gujarat as it was in West Bengal, I really doubt we would have protested! But, one thing I am sure about is, this is going to be the punch line for the next election! This one case was a national affair and there may be transparent transactions for the plant, lands and employment. But how many of us would know about the lands allocated to Ambanis and Adanis. Ace political scientist, Pravin Sheth has also raised questions over the model of development of this Gujarat Government. The primary impact seems fruitful but the counterparts are not getting compensated well and not being taken care!
Government has been poor in after sales services, be it sustaining the developed cities like Ahmedabad, or sustaining the shine of Gujarat – diamond industry in Surat, or rehabilitating the riot victims. Many malls got opened in the city in last couple of years and now we see an apparent decline in sales, malls are empty as well as shops are closing down and recently, it has come to my knowledge for the first time that the new Reliance mall on SG Highway, Ahmedabad is closing soon! Two floors are already shut! On CG Road, Iscon arcade recently rented open space for exhibition stalls! I think it is time to realize before it is too late.
Now, a young congress man, visiting Gujarat to reach different regions and different issues of Gujarat is giving the BJP chiefs sleepless nights. They are trying everything! Yes, Rahul Gandhi is also doing it for votes and he wants to win elections in Gujarat under Congress. But, he is at work! I have seen Modi appearing for promoting Mr Advani, commenting on Rahul Gandhi that he is coming to Gujarat to learn (which is again a positive initiative, isn’t it Mr Modi?), or hailing for TATA (“my nano, my nano!” as if it his own production!) I did not hear a word about Surat and diamond workers. What is he busy with? Pushing Advani for PM position?
Mr. Modi has crores of rupees for “Summits” and “Vibrants”! I am so amazed, he asking for money from Central Government for rehabilitation of diamond workers of Surat. Also, he clinches the credit for every development and blames Center for the failure in maintaining the conditions of diamond workers. I just mentioned this a few days before in my previous post:
http://snehism.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/urbanization-backfires/
To be very honest, I believe to ‘forget and forgive’ at some extent and hence I have often tried to leave it back (can’t forget!) what Modi has done! But again to be extremely honest, it keeps coming back by his biased policies. His language sounds more arrogant, and has always taken an advantage of people’s emotions. His speech on August 24, 2002 at Bodeli near Vadodara can be read here!
http://www.hvk.org/articles/0802/180.html
In his speech he is blaming for Lyngdoh for indecent language and he himself calling him, “halia malia jamalia from dehli footpath”! What decency he is preserving?
I can go on and on this, hurting a lot of sentiments of people who love Modi blindly! Do love everyone including Modi and do make him win elections, just be aware of what is actually happening and think of the consequences before taking any decision. think, think, think!
Vandemataram!
I met a human! February 26, 2009
Posted by Sneh in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Poverty, Society, economy, morality.Tags: Ahmedabad, alive, human, Humanity, old man, pedal, poor, touching tale
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26 February 2009, 8:45 PM
Standing near a little corner shop, off the main road and traffic, I met a human!
An ordinary (please excuse this strong word, but that only portrays the actual condition!), an ordinary man, must be in his 50s, old before age, and with an empty three wheeled pedal came to the shop and bought something. This man, who must have ridden his pedal for the whole day, must have earned merely 100-120 bucks and he has not yet reached home, and not yet reached his loaf of bread. He bought a pack or two of biscuits and for those four dogs roaming around!
I shouldn’t utter a word more…
Flickr October 26, 2009
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This is a test post from 
, a fancy photo sharing thing.
Flickr October 26, 2009
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This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.
Sneh
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