Those poor dogs. . .

Every time I see a hungry dog or pup, staring at me hopefully and with beseeching eyes, the most terrible feeling overcomes me - that of helplessness, of inadequacy. I am already feeding several dogs in our locality - braving the hostility of the neighbours, going against the tide. . . But I wish with my whole heart that I could feed some more. I wish I could create a world for the dogs, amidst humans. A world where love and food abound, where man's fears and hatred are permanantly vanquished, where dogs feel safe and wanted. . .
But going by the recent callous judgement passed by the Bomaby highcourt, this dream seems farther than a dream. I can't imagine how anyone can treat a being's life, so lightly. By passing a death statement for dogs who are considered as a 'nuisance', the judges have revealed their inadequacy at handling a delicate matter, as well as their immaturity regarding a life and death issue. By using a common place word 'nuisance', they have given the animal haters access to a magic wand. And further more, giving the corrupt and uneducated civic officials the authority to decide on whether to kill the dogs, is almost ridiculous. How can anyone, leave alone respectable judges, be so irresponsible? Those poor dogs. . .

Imagination to Ink - Part 1 Are you a Writer?

Have you ever felt a crazy urge to drop everything that you’re doing, to write down an idea niggling at the back of your head? Or have you ever scribbled a story so furiously, that you were oblivious to the outside world? If yes, then you are on the right page.
This post is for all those who have always wanted to write novels – but just didn’t know how to get started. It’s for all those who have yearned to get their disorderly thoughts, in order enough to put them down systematically on paper. It is also for all those who know what fiction writing is all about, but just can’t seem to get down and do it!
First of all, let’s understand who can be a fiction writer. Answer these questions :
Do you have a story to tell?
Are you motivated to write from your heart and not your head?
Do you think writing will give you the emotional and mental satisfaction that you crave?
Do you think your creative urges will be met with writing?
Do you feel an insatiable need for self-expression?
If your answer, to at least three of these questions, is in the affirmative, then you are certainly on the right emotional and mental plane.
Like any artist, there are usually two kinds of writers,. You are either born one, which means that you simply touch pen to paper and your ideas flow smoothly. This is an inborn art, which can be nourished but which is basically spontaneous.
Then there is the other kind of writer – the ‘Trained’ writer. A person who has a command over the language but who needs to learn and acquire the technique of weaving that language into a gripping read.
Both these writers however, in the long run, have to face similar problems and thus, should possess some basic qualities. There are certain unavoidable ‘musts’ for a fiction writer. You must be highly imaginative, observant, flexible, ready to work very hard, be confident of your work, be self-disciplined, have lots and lots of patience, and most important of all, be open to criticism.
If you wish to be a writer and if you don’t possess these qualities, how about beginning to acquire them? At the same time, I think it is absolutely essential to understand two rather daunting facts. First – that writing is a lonely job. And second - Writing is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration!
So the first step is to assess yourself, long and hard and find out – do I really want to be a novel writer? If the answer is yes, join me in the next post!

These days of Terror. . .

Like the whole world, I have been glued to the television, watching with horror, the terrorist attacks on dear old Mumbai. It was unimaginable - the gunshots, the blood, the terror and the innocent lives lost. I have also watched with admiration the determined counter-attack of the NSG commandoes, their diligence - their bravery and skill is incomparable. I salute the policemen, armymen and commandoes who gave their lives up to fight the terrorists. And my heart goes out to all those who had to experience the cruel reality of terrorism and those who, finally, ruthlessly were made to succumb to it.

But what have we achieved at the end of this gruelling experience? Sure our strenghts and weaknesses are now open to the world to analyse and dissect. Questions and answers will be fired and backfired. Accusations hurled, some steps perhaps taken. But for those who have lost their lives - it is too late. Nothing can bring them back. I feel so sad, angry and disturbed. . .

Indians have to take action. Have to quit their differences and unite against whoever is trying to destroy our secularism, our peace and our vibrant energy. We may not be able to undo what has been done - but we may show respect for those gone, by forgetting our personal disputes to come together for this worthy cause.

Taj and Oberoi - icons of south Mumbai would bounce back with doubled energy. And I wish Mumbai a quick and safe recovery - it is the heartbeat of India. And will remain so for centuries to come.

An Appeal. . .

My first post and my first appeal. . .I had to begin writing my blog with an appeal to everyone and anyone who loves existence, who loves our earth. . .please, please do not burst crackers this Diwali. Help prevent pollution, help protect the old and the sick and help animals.
Imagine a bomb exploding right near our ears? Well something similar happens to dogs. The smallest sound of a cracker, creates this huge, scary blast for them, since dogs can hear a wider range of frequencies than humans. Dogs hear noises up to 45 kHz, while humans only hear sounds up to about 23 kHz. And this can prove very very painful to them.
So, do your bit, don't burst crackers and tell others not to do so too!