Independence Day Redefined!

Every 15th August we celebrate Independence Day,
Commemorating the sacrifice to keep foreign rule at bay.
We celebrate the triumph of India’s valiant men,
Those who gave away their peace; just so we could be in zen.

A rush to wake up and get glued to I-Day parade on TV,
Excitement of hoisting the Tricolour as an invitee.
Patriotic songs, dances and a bowl of boondi,
Isn’t that all we do to show our love for our country?

It’s sad how 14th and 16th August are just another days as an Indian,
Mundane busy lives that we live in mere oblivion.
Why listen to “Mere Desh ki dharti” on this one day alone?
On all days alike, we must treat this land as our own.

Our Constitution says we are citizens of a free India,
a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic Republic.
Blessed we are with fundamentals duties and rights,
But for his entitled gifts, the common man seldom fights.

There’s still a lot to do before we can call ourselves free,
The need is to sit back and adopt an introspection spree.
We are undoubtedly free in letter but not in spirit,
Burdened we are by the lack of awareness we exhibit.

It’s time to bid adieu to progress-deterring social evils,
It’s saddening to see the bride’s father buried under bills.
Allow the little girl to play, learn, explore and build herself,
An early marriage sabotages her love for a bookshelf.

They say basic education is everyone’s right,
The demon of child labour makes it a distant sight.
Numbers on the illiteracy graph are rocketing high,
Coupled with huge population and infants left to die.

There’s enough for everyone’s need but not everyone's greed,
The poor dies of hunger; the rich grabs more than his need.
We are a country with unmatchable talent in plenty,
Skilled labourers hunt job with their pockets empty.

Technology is said to make lives comfortable and easy,
Its overuse has made our environment only sleazy.
There’s waste on the land, pollutants in the air,
Sanitation and hygiene now seem a distant affair.

Indians are known to have shared a glorious history,
To the world, Indian ‘unity in diversity’ is still a mystery.
But this feeling of oneness is slowly compromising,
Incidences of communal violence are outright depressing.

To whichever religion, region or colour one may belong,
Giving way to discrimination over humanity is way too wrong.
When love, harmony and brotherhood are so blissful,
Why leave space for terror and tarnish a land so peaceful?

Together we can change the world for good,
One candle in each home can light up an entire neighbourhood.
Let us not get complacent and become victims of atrocity,
It’s time to come out and create the India we wish to see!

Music review - 'Mitti Di Khushboo' by Ayushmann Khurrana

The singing maestro Ayushmann Khurrana is back with another heart-touching number. After earning all the praise for his all-time hits like Paani Da, Saadi Galli and O heeriye, he is all set to drool the listeners with his melody-dipped notes of ‘Mitti Di Khushboo’. It’s his second single in row. First was O heeriye which was again loved by all.

“Mitti Di Khushboo” – the title itself relates to the earthy and grounded Ayushmann who has always been humble and connected to his roots. The music video was partly shot in Bangkok and the rest of it at Karjat – a periphery of Mumbai, which indeed seems like a perfect place to feel the rural touch! Huma Qureshi, the female protagonist has done justice to her role. Her expressions, the dressing style, her acting – everything appears to be very apt with the setting of the song.  Ayushmann’s voice is definitely unconventional. There’s something so magnetic in his voice that anybody who tunes in to his songs, ends up loving them. Well, that’s been the case for most of his songs.

The theme of the song revolves around the transiency of life.. how times change and so do priorities. But no matter where life takes you, you for once want to head back to that pure undiluted you that existed at some time. That’s the power of “Mitti di Khushboo”. It takes you down the memory lane and brings out the pure and undiluted ‘YOU’. The song with the catchy Punjabi phrase “Jadon Ambara Barasya Paani” – it is so soothing and is being loved by all.

Well, it’s not even been 24 hours since the release of the song and Ayushmann has already spread his ‘khushboo’ across the globe! People from all corners have been appreciating this art work. The youtube views are increasing rapidly.  It is rightly said, "when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved."

And that's probably the success mantra of this wonderful duo of 'Rochak & Ayushmann'. Thus, it's unfair to not mention the talented heroes who worked diligently behind the screen. Kudos to the team of 'The Rolling Garaari' - the production house. The essence of the song could only be felt because of the soothing heart-warming lyrics, written by actor-composer Gurpreet Saini, Gautam Sharma and the amazing Rochak Kohli. the director and DOP Amit Roy has also done a wonderful job!

Best wishes to the entire team. May the Khushboo of your success grow more and more. Well done Ayushmann!

Click here to listen to this heart-warming number.. http://t.co/wxu8II8bk1

Whisper of the Vesper

When the hustle-bustle of the city halts,
Beyond twelve the clock vaults,
Households switch the lights off,
A sound sleep is what one thinks of.

Nature has its own way of treating you,
Blissful is the wet palpable dew,
Enchanting is the breeze that flows,
Reposes your mind with full blow.

Beneath the sky on a quiescent night,
With glistening stars shining bright,
When mothers read out fairy tales,
Commotion desists, only silence prevails.

The best time to explore your conscience,
A Soul filled with omniscience;
Scared of obstacles yet to see,
O dear child, introspection is the key!

Delve into self to cognize your traits,
Between right & wrong the intellect debates;
Invest some time in knowing your self,
To carve a niche in this world all by yourself.

Someone I admire!

They say you live only once, 
So live it to the core. 
But God has blessed me with so much, 
There's nothing I would ask for more. 

 There's a wonderful lady I admire, 
To me, she's the one who inspires. 
Her voice is as melodious as could be, 
As sweet as the nectar of honey-bee. 

 She is a daughter to proud parents, 
Also a caring wife. 
Blessed with a jovial kid, 
The inevitable part of her life. 

 Beautiful is this lady, with her heart so pure, 
Yes, I adore her kindness to the core. 
One of the most-loving Aquarians I have known, 
With all her prowess, my Mind she has blown. 

 Author of the books I love, 
Her amazing vocab is over and above. 
Embodiment of serenity, 
She's an epitome of simplicity. 

 Popular are the plays she directs, 
Inspirational is the message she spreads.
 My hidden talents she helped me explore, 
May the applause of her success grow more and more.

 I am connected to her, and that's all I know, 
This affectionate bond of love will forever grow. 
She's my strength for whenever I feel low, 
It's a faith intact, there's nothing that I need to show.

 I thank the almighty for sending this angel in my life, 
To stay with her, is my craving so rife. 
Thankfully there comes a date.. 21st Jan.. 
when i can celebrate this precious gift of my life!!

Awakening amidst the abysmal anarchy

The so-called largest democracy of the world – India, is sadly on the verge of loosing its magnanimity.
All we see around today is merely a political falderal. The political parties today, are only interested in pricking the development balloons of the significant opponents. The political leaders, who are supposedly the altruist of the nation, have unfortunately lost all their credibility in the public.

These gullible senators certainly seem to have acquired a degree in grafting. They first come to power by exercising all their influence. And once they get it, then starts the actual drama. They try and fulfill all their dreams. Dreams - which are only theirs. All they are worried about is setting aside enough funds for their vested interests.  No one takes the pain of securing the future of the country!

Who tends to remember the theories of responsibility and righteousness?  All their vows become a thing of past. This leaves the common man with displeasure and complaints. Complaints - which nobody bothers to hear.

We’ve had it enough. Wake up people. The times have now changed. Gone are the days when one used to moan in despair. It's time to show them what a common man can do. It’s time to strengthen ourselves with the weapon of “Constitutional Rights”. The rights that were once studied about in our Civics books. We have the right to “Freedom of Expression” but we seldom use it. We have the “Judiciary”, but we hardly raise an issue. The fundamental duties that we were asked to by-heart in our early stages, we tend to forget them.

This callousness will cost us a great deal.  To remind you all, a very vital role that we play in deciding the fate of the country, is the ultimate power of voting. Democracy is significant of the people’s power. But that will only make an impact, if we, the people actually participate. It is often found that nearly half the population is ignorant when it comes to casting your votes.  Behave like wise men, judge the candidates and cast in your vote for the one who deserves it. Simply sitting at home is not an option. Your vote is important.

If all of us unite, we can definitely bring a change. As it is rightly said, determination and wisdom can make the impossible happen!!

             “All it takes to light up the world, is a little spark that ignites,
                                 Enliven the spark in you, it’s high time”

Everything on your fingertips!

And while browsing the web, I came across something really interesting! In the techno-world that we dwell in, "Gingr" has added a feather to the cap of development.
Gingr is a website that bridges the gap between customers and the business. It is India's first instant messaging service that lets user chat with local businesses around.
We often look up to queries like :
Do you have it in stock? What are the charges for haircut? Can I get a cab to airport in an hour? Can we get a table for 5?
But isn't it amazing when you can get it all on your fingertips. Gingr is available on web: www.gingr.me and you can download the android app as well: www.gingr.me/play
We actually needed something of this sort! As it is rightly said, "Neccesity is the mother of invention" :)
Now, your brain would be mushrooming with thoughts on how talented these guys must be!
Its an effort of about 20 year olds that has bore all the fruit. Yes, Gingr is a venture started by IIT Delhi students who are about to graduate this year.
Gingr is going to launch publicly in end of August in whole Delhi NCR, targeting 7 categories as of now : Food & Nightlife, Wellness (spa, gyms, parlors, massage), Cabs, music & sports equipment and mobile stores.
Its worth appreciation how these guys have manged to come out with such an idea! I am sure that success will come their way and it'd indeed be wonderful if they launch it nation-wide!
My best wishes to the team :)

The Heavenly Brink

Dispatched from the womb of God,
Hail the trebling raindrops.
Brings about bliss all around,
Cheerful chirpy children feel happy and sound.

Sometimes severe, sometimes mild,
And at times, as playful as a child.
Makes the sound of stadium applause,
Tends to still life, with a pause.

Happily play in the pond - the frog and the duck,
And there are potholes, filled with muck.
Excites the children to make paper boats,
And their mothers dress them in raincoats.

Fills the enormous ocean, drop-by-drop,
Begets clear rills that twine like a warp.
Quenches the thirst of many, down the slope,
Pleases the farmers and boosts them with hope.

Water, water, all around,
Alas! water scarcity knows no bound.
Nature assumes humans to be wise,
To conserve its resources, meagre in size.

Screaming as loud as a thunder,
Art thou raindrops full of anger?
Chattering with its pitch aloud,
As if that's a message for the crowd.

A message to alert the mankind,
So as to Save the Earth & 'be kind'.
Trying to awake the passive and the dormant,
A humble request to alter their devastating potent.

Nature is the best teacher for all,
Brings joy to life, and moves away the pall.
Cherish the blooming roses and the lavishing lawn,
Wake up to sustain it, before it's gone!