Extortion racket in the garb of madrasa...

Voluntary donation is a good deed. It's atonement. It's social responsibility. But that doesn't mean that you're vested with the power to harass us with impunity like debt collectors. You've absolutely no religious and moral right to humiliate us when we can't chip in... Religiosity should make you humble -- NOT self-righteous. We live in a thriving and absolute democratic society -- shun every single thought of moral policing and hoodlumism. Moreover, you might've gross vested interests -- You've no accountability -- You've no transparency. I won't stoop down and question your unimpeachable integrity and piousness. I'd garland you -- good-humoredly -- and see you off... You'd relocate / migrate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There -- in monarchial regime -- you'd thrive on draconian practices. You just can't make me feel guilty or shamefaced. But you can't be completely exonerated. Bon voyage.

Keying in...

Revisiting: The Pied Piper of Hamelin...

The Pied Piper of Hamelin was a horrid person. Vengeance would never give you peace. Amnestying is redemptive. Perhaps--that's why--we've the concept of 'blood money' in Islam -- Monetary element is purely symbolic -- It's actually about forgiveness -- 

Keying in...

My definition of happiness...

Rejoicing is in Lilliputian things -- An exhilarating moment -- An absolute coup -- When your most favorite radio disc jockey doesn't brush off your request to check out your Blog -- She could've shrugged it off -- But she didn't -- And, that makes me feel as if I've been knighted -- I'm awe-stricken -- She could've been nonchalant about it -- but nope -- She makes a sincere and solemn promise to you -- on the air -- in her customary -- perky, pertly and vivacious voice -- that she'd visit your Blog -- I'm trying not to get hyperactive -- I'd celebrate this moment of triumph --  in a subdued and restrained manner -- befitting my age! LOL

Excerpt: PM’s statement in the General Debate of the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly

Terrorism remains a grave threat to security and stability everywhere and extracts a heavy toll of innocent lives around the world. From Africa to Asia, we have seen several manifestations of this menace in the last few days alone. State-sponsored cross-border terrorism is of particular concern to India, also on account of the fact that the epicentre of terrorism in our region is located in our neighbourhood in Pakistan. 

Speaking from this podium yesterday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan spoke of making a new beginning. I reciprocate his sentiments and am looking forward to meeting him tomorrow. India is committed sincerely to resolving all issues with Pakistan, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, through bilateral dialogue on the basis of the Shimla Agreement. However, for progress to be made, it is imperative that the territory of Pakistan and the areas under its control are not utilized for aiding and abetting terrorism directed against India. It is equally important that the terrorist machinery that draws its sustenance from Pakistan be shut down. There must be a clear understanding of the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that there can never, ever, be a compromise with the unity and territorial integrity of India. 

We need to renew our commitment, especially here at the UN, for concerted, cohesive and continuing global action against terrorism. There can be no tolerance for states sheltering, arming, training or financing terrorists. Nor can they absolve themselves of the responsibility to prevent their territories from being used to launch acts of terrorism. 

The increasingly complex challenges to international peace and security require a new international consensus to be built, whether it is in cyber security, non proliferation or terrorism. This year, 25 years after Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi put forward a comprehensive Action Plan for a Nuclear Weapon-free and Non-violent World Order, we must strengthen efforts against nuclear proliferation and pursue time-bound, universal, non-discriminatory, phased and verifiable nuclear disarmament. We must also guard against terrorists and non-state actors gaining access to sensitive materials and technologies. 

This Blog post is based on a true story... :-)

I hopped on a bus -- on impulse --  this morning -- around six-ish. The 'privy purse' (Let's just not call it 'disability living allowance') -- I get is handsome enough for a zoo keeper / gamekeeper or dethroned chieftain -- But I'm ready to file for bankruptcy after a lavish week or so... Economic analysts call it: Spending spree! LOL I didn't have change -- but the conductor wasn't priggish -- He's quite cordial -- Didn't debus me or anything -- Just earmarked my ticket in a cryptic language -- looked like ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics! -- 

I discovered that -- that many people with enormous physical disabilities commute by bus -- And, there're girl commuters too (Probably collegian -- though it's Sunday.)

I also learnt that it's safe and economical...

I don't have to haggle with tipsy autorickshaw drivers -- Absolutely no mortal fear of head-on collision. Blaring raunchy songs (Jerry-built speakers!) And, zero turbulence!

I'm fortyish -- a reformed romancer -- but I might meet my ideological soul mate -- on a bus!

Next time, I'd hop on a double-decker... And, one more thing: I'd get a 'bus pass'.

What's that eh? White noise... I guess aliens are trying to intercept (eavesdropping on) our radio frequencies! ;-)

I gotta go...rescue some damsel in distress...

Bye-bye! See you later! 

Stepping out of shadow of Mister William Shakespeare...

Writing shouldn't be a coveted craft of a chosen few. Our reading wish list should include books that aren't on the best-seller list. Time has come to bid farewell to Mister William Shakespeare with utmost reverence. And, nope. No eulogies, please. Thank you so much.

Let Generation Z reset literary benchmarks. Let's give 'em plenty of elbow room. Let 'em learn by trial and error. Generous margin for error. Mentoring that's not condescending would buck up their self-esteem -- Let's give 'em a wide berth.

Keying in...

Quiverful yet dispirited...

My antipsychotic drugs work unfailingly -- Lower my dopamine levels instantaneously -- Just like a tranquilizer dart -- I'm sedated - in nanoseconds  - But there're drawbacks -- My Blogging prolificacy vaporizes -- Like a mute and defeated warrior -- No war cries -- Just anguish -- Bleary-eyed -- Not completely unarmoured -- Quiverful yet dispirited...