Saeed Khan & Ashish Vashi, TNN
BHUJ: Kutch may be Gujarat's most barren region, but it has given birth to people with the most fertile imagination. Films, music, literature... Kutchis have left their imprint on everything creative. Not surprising then that this land of ideas resurrected itself from the 2001 earthquake in no time.
In fact Bollywood, India's biggest symbol of soft power, has a lot to thank Kutch for. From legendary music director Naushad to the latest stars Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, many music directors have roots here.
Naushad's first film in 1941, 'Prem Nagar', was set in Kutch. "I did a lot of research on folk music of the area," Naushad recollected in one of his last interviews.
Nearly two decades later, Kalyanji and Anandji Shah from the sleepy village of Kundrodi, hit the scene with their music and remained a hit pair in the film industry for decades. Now, brothers Salim and Sulaiman, whose family migrated from Mundra to Mumbai, are dishing out 21st century hits in films like 'Dhoom' and 'Chak de! India'. Shekhar Ravjiani, of the Vishal-Shekhar music directing duo, is also from Kutch.
Kutchis are even leaving a global imprint. Tanvi Shah is one of them. She penned the Spanish version of AR Rehman's hit number 'Jai Ho...' and received a Grammy last year. Her family runs a girls school in Bhuj. Last year, she performed with Rahman in Australia and Muscat among other places.
One reason for the constant flow of melody from Kutch may come from its geography. It has absorbed musical traditions from all its neighbours — Sindh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Legend, too, has a big role to play. Kutch is the only place in Gujarat, where love legends of Laila Majnu and Heer Ranjha are still remembered in songs. Some of Gujarat's best folk tales, like 'Haji Kasam ni Vijli' and 'Jesal Toral' are from the region. Besides, the ancient Sufi form singing - 'Vai' - has been preserved in remote areas of Kutch.
"Kutch presents an epitome of the larger story of India - constant invasions; of fusion of culture, dawning a sense of nationalism," says writer LF Rushbrook William, one of the most authentic chroniclers on Kutch.
Penning the pain of quake
After getting the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award for Gujarati literature this year for his novel 'Chhavani' based on the theme of earthquake, Dhirendra Mehta has decided to focus on the economic boom of Kutch for his proposed new novel.
The Bhuj based writer, like everybody else in and out of this border district, is stunned at the pace of industrial growth in the last ten years and is trying to study the social impact on the people of Kutch. Mehta believes that people in Kutch still feel alienated in this growth.
"There are hopes and also a sense of unknown fear among people. I am trying to find out whether the change is good or bad. I have not come to any conclusion. But I am sure there is a sense of tremendous loss among people, and it will remain so at least in this generation," the writer said.
'Khuda kay liye'
Pakistani feature film 'Khuda Kay Liye' brought out the dilemma of youngsters not being allowed to pursue their passion for music because of hardline Islam.
In Sumrapor village near Kalo Dungar on the Indo-Pak border, Razzak Shakeel broke his 'jodia pava' (twin flutes) after the earthquake at the insistence of a maulvi. The priest explained to him that playing music is prohibited in Islam, and the calamity in the form of earthquake was one of the manifestations caused by this 'evil'.
At 11, Razzak broke his twin flutes and pledged that he would never play them again. Many years on, Razzak realized that life was futile without music. His friend Bhanji Allarakha Sumra also felt the same. Bhanji too was one of those, who gave up music at behest of the spiritual leader in 2002.
Now, the duo performs together and Bhanji sings folk songs to the tune of Razzak's flute. "I didn't enjoy all these years without music," Razzak says.
The above is from a news letter I receive about Gujarat.
It is about one of the most barren regions of India and shows how the people use adversity to their benefit.
The same can be said for Israel. It is surrounded by countries who would, if they could, blow it up in smithereens. However, they too have used the adversaries in life to become one of the most advanced countries who compete with even USA in the matter of defence equipments.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Noah's Management Style
Noah's Ark Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark .
ONE: Don't miss the boat.
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.
TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
** Most people walk in and out of your life.......but FRIENDS leave footprints in your heart.
Sent by U Banerjee, NP
ONE: Don't miss the boat.
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.
TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
** Most people walk in and out of your life.......but FRIENDS leave footprints in your heart.
Sent by U Banerjee, NP
Idiot Sightings
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our
car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service
department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver side
door.
As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle
and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician,
'It's open!'
His reply: 'I know. I already got that side.'
This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, MS
IDIOT SIGHTING
We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us that
one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the
opener.
I thought for a minute, then said that we had the largest one Sears made at
that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head negatively, and said,
'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.' I responded that 1/2 was larger than
1/4.
He said, 'NO, it's not.' Four is larger than two.'
We haven't used Sears repair since.
IDIOT SIGHTING:
My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave
the clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her a quarter.
She said, 'You gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes, I know, but this way
you can just give me a dollar bill back. She sighed and went to get the
manager, who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back
the quarter, and said 'We're sorry, but we could not do that kind of
thing.'
The clerk then proceeded to give me back $1 and 75 cents in change.
Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.
IDIOT SIGHTING :
I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local
township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING
sign on our road. The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars out here!
I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'
>From Kingman , KS
IDIOT SIGHTING IN FOOD SERVICE :
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell
and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind
the counter for 'minimal lettuce.'
He said he was sorry,
but they only had iceburg lettuce.
-- From Kansas City
IDIOT SIGHTING:
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee
asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?' To
which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?'
He smiled knowingly, then nodded and said,
'That's why we ask.'
--Happened in Birmingham , Ala.
IDIOT SIGHTING :
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I
was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. She asked
if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people
when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, 'What on earth are blind
people doing driving?!'
She's a probation officer in Wichita , KS
IDIOT SIGHTING :
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker who was leaving the
company due to 'downsizing,' our manager commented cheerfully, 'This is fun.
We should do this more often.'
Not another word was spoken.
We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.
This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.
IDIOT SIGHTING :
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and,
for the sake of her life, couldn't understand why her system would not turn
on.
A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's office, no less.
How would you pronounce this child's name?
"Le-a"
Leah?? NO
Lee - A?? NOPE
Lay - a?? NO
Lei?? Guess Again.
This child attends a school in Kansas City, Mo. Her mother is irate because
everyone is getting her name wrong.
It's pronounced "Ledasha." When the mother was asked about the pronunciation
of the name, she said, "The dash don't be silent."
SO, if you see something like this come across your desk, please remember to
pronounce the dash. If they axe you why, tell dem de dash don't be silent.
You can't fix STUPID!!!
Sent by Prakash Bhartia
car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service
department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver side
door.
As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle
and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician,
'It's open!'
His reply: 'I know. I already got that side.'
This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, MS
IDIOT SIGHTING
We had to have the garage door repaired. The Sears repairman told us that
one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the
opener.
I thought for a minute, then said that we had the largest one Sears made at
that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head negatively, and said,
'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.' I responded that 1/2 was larger than
1/4.
He said, 'NO, it's not.' Four is larger than two.'
We haven't used Sears repair since.
IDIOT SIGHTING:
My daughter and I went through the McDonald's take-out window and I gave
the clerk a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her a quarter.
She said, 'You gave me too much money.' I said, 'Yes, I know, but this way
you can just give me a dollar bill back. She sighed and went to get the
manager, who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back
the quarter, and said 'We're sorry, but we could not do that kind of
thing.'
The clerk then proceeded to give me back $1 and 75 cents in change.
Do not confuse the clerks at McD's.
IDIOT SIGHTING :
I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local
township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING
sign on our road. The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars out here!
I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'
>From Kingman , KS
IDIOT SIGHTING IN FOOD SERVICE :
My daughter went to a local Taco Bell
and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind
the counter for 'minimal lettuce.'
He said he was sorry,
but they only had iceburg lettuce.
-- From Kansas City
IDIOT SIGHTING:
I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee
asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?' To
which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?'
He smiled knowingly, then nodded and said,
'That's why we ask.'
--Happened in Birmingham , Ala.
IDIOT SIGHTING :
The stoplight on the corner buzzes when it's safe to cross the street. I
was crossing with an intellectually challenged coworker of mine. She asked
if I knew what the buzzer was for. I explained that it signals blind people
when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, 'What on earth are blind
people doing driving?!'
She's a probation officer in Wichita , KS
IDIOT SIGHTING :
At a good-bye luncheon for an old and dear coworker who was leaving the
company due to 'downsizing,' our manager commented cheerfully, 'This is fun.
We should do this more often.'
Not another word was spoken.
We all just looked at each other with that deer-in-the-headlights stare.
This was a lunch at Texas Instruments.
IDIOT SIGHTING :
I work with an individual who plugged her power strip back into itself and,
for the sake of her life, couldn't understand why her system would not turn
on.
A deputy with the Dallas County Sheriff's office, no less.
How would you pronounce this child's name?
"Le-a"
Leah?? NO
Lee - A?? NOPE
Lay - a?? NO
Lei?? Guess Again.
This child attends a school in Kansas City, Mo. Her mother is irate because
everyone is getting her name wrong.
It's pronounced "Ledasha." When the mother was asked about the pronunciation
of the name, she said, "The dash don't be silent."
SO, if you see something like this come across your desk, please remember to
pronounce the dash. If they axe you why, tell dem de dash don't be silent.
You can't fix STUPID!!!
Sent by Prakash Bhartia
Sanction to Prosecute Karnataka CM given
Nod to try Yeddy
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
New Delhi, Jan. 21: Karnataka governor Hans Raj Bharadwaj tonight sanctioned the prosecution of chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and his home minister R. Ashoka following charges of their involvement in land scams.
Yeddyurappa will be prosecuted under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The BJP indicated it would rally behind him and project Bharadwaj’s move as “political vendetta” and a “diversionary tactic” meant to “deflect attention” from the “scams” plaguing the UPA regime.
“It is politically motivated and done in haste,” said Rajya Sabha member Arun Jaitley.
Sources said Yeddyurappa would not resign for two reasons: one, Bharadwaj had acted on a “private” complaint by a group of lawyers, allegedly close to the Janata Dal (Secular), who may now file an FIR. The sources said the Lokayukta, a statutory body, was already probing the charges of “illegal” land deals and if it had sought the governor’s permission, the chief minister would have quit without ado.
“If a constitutional head starts reacting to private petitioners, then it will be a free-for-all; no CM will be able to survive for more than a day. The governor may be a statutory authority but even he has to wait for an investigation to yield results before acting,” a source said.
Second, in 2009 when Virbhadra Singh, former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and now Union minister, was booked in a two-year corruption case and an FIR was registered against him under the same act that will be invoked against Yeddyurappa, the Congress had made it clear he would not resign.
Sources, however, added that if a chargesheet was filed against Yeddyurappa, it could “alter” the circumstances. Lalu Prasad and Uma Bharti had quit as chief ministers when they were charged with corruption and abetment of communal disharmony.
The BJP’s Karnataka MPs will meet the President on Monday to demand Bharadwaj’s recal
Normally Governor's do not have an independent voice as they like our President are political appointees and act like rubber stamps to the government at the centre.
However, even if his governor has acted at the behest of the Congress government at the centre, I appreciate his action.
He has acted correctly in allowing Yeddyurappa to be prosecuted.
If the BJP has its compulsions in not making him resign it does not mean we have to tolerate him.He should have resigned on his own but such is the attraction of of the CM's chair that these political leeches have to be peeled out with salt and other criminal proceedings.
I hope he is kicked out fast.
This whole episode is giving the BJP, "a so called party with a differenc", very bad publicity, and will harm them all over India.
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
New Delhi, Jan. 21: Karnataka governor Hans Raj Bharadwaj tonight sanctioned the prosecution of chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and his home minister R. Ashoka following charges of their involvement in land scams.
Yeddyurappa will be prosecuted under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The BJP indicated it would rally behind him and project Bharadwaj’s move as “political vendetta” and a “diversionary tactic” meant to “deflect attention” from the “scams” plaguing the UPA regime.
“It is politically motivated and done in haste,” said Rajya Sabha member Arun Jaitley.
Sources said Yeddyurappa would not resign for two reasons: one, Bharadwaj had acted on a “private” complaint by a group of lawyers, allegedly close to the Janata Dal (Secular), who may now file an FIR. The sources said the Lokayukta, a statutory body, was already probing the charges of “illegal” land deals and if it had sought the governor’s permission, the chief minister would have quit without ado.
“If a constitutional head starts reacting to private petitioners, then it will be a free-for-all; no CM will be able to survive for more than a day. The governor may be a statutory authority but even he has to wait for an investigation to yield results before acting,” a source said.
Second, in 2009 when Virbhadra Singh, former Himachal Pradesh chief minister and now Union minister, was booked in a two-year corruption case and an FIR was registered against him under the same act that will be invoked against Yeddyurappa, the Congress had made it clear he would not resign.
Sources, however, added that if a chargesheet was filed against Yeddyurappa, it could “alter” the circumstances. Lalu Prasad and Uma Bharti had quit as chief ministers when they were charged with corruption and abetment of communal disharmony.
The BJP’s Karnataka MPs will meet the President on Monday to demand Bharadwaj’s recal
Normally Governor's do not have an independent voice as they like our President are political appointees and act like rubber stamps to the government at the centre.
However, even if his governor has acted at the behest of the Congress government at the centre, I appreciate his action.
He has acted correctly in allowing Yeddyurappa to be prosecuted.
If the BJP has its compulsions in not making him resign it does not mean we have to tolerate him.He should have resigned on his own but such is the attraction of of the CM's chair that these political leeches have to be peeled out with salt and other criminal proceedings.
I hope he is kicked out fast.
This whole episode is giving the BJP, "a so called party with a differenc", very bad publicity, and will harm them all over India.
Friday, January 21, 2011
CAR PARKING in China - Worth seeing
Sent by Arun Shroff.
I could not do justice to the picture.
The car parking building is twin 57 storeyed building.
On the right is the office block.
people working in these offices can park their cars adjacent to their place of work.
Although the central portion is not visible there must be at least 10 lifts taking the cars right up to the top storey.
Just imagine the floor area all these cars would require if parked on the ground.
Coludn't are own city planners think on these lines.
The road area in the cities are limited.
India has a much less area than China and almost the same population and all our roads are blocked with parked cars.
Msg from Toronto
Hi Radhesh,
Very happy to inform you that I have found and met three
of my class-mates from the 1971 graduation class. Thanks
to Pradip Mohan and Rudra Roychoudhury for providing me
the contact details. This really mean I'm going to have two
more boys with their spouse to join us in the September
reunion get together.
It is really wonderful to meet Richard Demoss and Partha
Lahiri after 40 years. It really touch my heart to see them.
Please post the pictures on your blog for all to see. Thanks.
Willy Wu ( 1971 ).
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