The Awkward Age

The Awkward Age

A complex and complicated age of sexual attraction, obsession, insinuation, friendship, relationship, dream, hope, discoveries, realisation and confusion

By Mukesh Sharma

Life is a playground of different ages  – childhood, youth, middle age and old age. In other words, to a foetus, mother’s womb is the playground; to a baby, mother’s lap is the playground; to little kids, school is the playground; to youth, this world is the playground. When a boy enters into manhood, when a girl enters into womanhood, he or she has to face umpteen unforeseen and unexpected challenges. It is this age that lays the stepping stone of future life; it is this age that can make or mar the life. It won’t be wrong to call it the Awkward Age.

Though each age has its own pleasure and pains, the Awkward age is the most complicated and complex  –  it is the age of soapy sexual attraction; it is the age of obstructive obsession; it is the age of infiltrating insinuation; it is the age of fierce friendship; it is the age of relentless relationship; it is the age of harbouring hopes; it is the age of dashing discoveries; it is the age of retributive realisation; it is the age of chaotic confusion.

The Awkward Age

Sexual attraction

Be it male or female with the development of secondary sexual characteristics, one starts feeling one’s body sexually – all erogenous zones get activated. The rush of testosterone and progesterone make one feel the urge for sex. It is for pure physical needs that one gets attracted, unconsciously, towards the opposite sex. Hunger makes living beings to look for food. It is not easy to control or curb the instinctive desires. Further, opportunity gives rise to thoughts, thoughts to desires, and desires to action.

Since man is a slave of desires, very often unbridled desires land him in problems. The mind occupied by unsavory wants is a Satan; it prods body to fulfill desires. After food, sex becomes the priority; life goal is sidelined; self-esteem is set aside. A man becomes an animal, and animals can’t see beyond a few steps. When a life-giving river crosses its banks, it causes flood, death, and destruction. A sex-hungry man is a devil in darkness and a gentleman in daylight; he keeps up the appearance for the fear of society and law only.

The remedy for the disease lies in the mind itself which is epicentre of all the actions and reactions. Fulfilment of desires doesn’t control mind. In fact, mind can be controlled by the mind only; it can be both, the best friend and the worst enemy; it hates opposition; it hates suppression. However, mind loves compliance.  Deviation from the path of thoughts without fighting can be the best solution. Mind can be reined in with the breath and work only. A yogi controls mind with breath, and a worldly man with work. Keep mind occupied. If solitary, don’t sit idle; if idle don’t be solitary. An idle mind is the house of Satan. A preoccupied mind in the pursuit of goal keeps the rave thoughts away. Sex is not purpose of life but it is a means of life.

Obsession

Next enemy of budding men and women, is obstructive obsession; it enters unnoticed. When an adult male or female finds someone attractive, physically, psychologically, intellectually or spiritually, he or she develops obsession; it may be developed without any response from other ends. This unrequited love leads to obsession. Of course, good is best, if you have not seen the better. Comparison demeans. And here is the cure for the obsession. Look for the better one than the good one. Obsession shall be cured. Choice brings the cheers.

Insinuation

Yet another deadly enemy of youth is infiltrating insinuation. Easy victim is one who follows the auto-suggestion that a particular person is perfect to fill the void. Here a few exchanges of glances, eye contracts in silence and occasional touch-ups are misconstrued as love rather than physical needs. The gravity of a woman body is not less than gravity of earth. Even the best flyer must fall, if one is not into space beyond the gravitational pull. The best remedy for the insinuation is to take the eye off the object allure. Heart doesn’t grieve what eyes don’t see. Out of sight, out of mind is the buzz-world.

Friendship

Youth is an age of friendship. And it is here, the most youth fall prey to fierce friendship, and often end up paying heavy price. In this utilitarian world, a true friend who is beyond selfish ends, who is away from mathematical calculations of profit and loss, is an extinct species. However, far from home, one comes across many faces in his or her daylong struggle. Here, usually, nodding acquaintances are misconstrued as friendship. Says David Tyson, “true friendship comes when the silence between two friends is comfortable.”

No doubt, a true friend can be an asset; a comforting counsellor; he is always there when you need him most; he always stands by you through thick and thin; one can rest one’s head on his shoulder and can shed tears; he is your bedrock strength. Late Arun Jaitely who was college friend of Rajat Sharma, is said to have changed the life of today’s renowned anchor and owner of India TV ( Rajat Sharma). Late Rajiv Gandhi who was close friend of Amitabh Bachchan, changed his life by introducing him to then famous actor Mehmood, and that ushered him to film world. With the birth in a family, one is blessed with hordes of relatives; no choice if relatives are not good but God is kind enough to allow you to choose friends of your choice. While true friends make life, false friends mar the life. So beware of false or fake friends. Keep off callous and shallow friends. An open enemy is better than false friend. Listen to reasons and inner voice that will guide you to choose true friends.

Relationship

Unfulfilled desires make a young man or woman enter into a relationship. Indian society is not promiscuous; unlike west, it is still governed by social mores and strong belief; and beliefs are stronger than reasons. Any relationship against the social conventions is rated as illicit. Such relationship is casual and circumstantial; it is not based on love or trust. Someone has well said: a relationship without trust is like a car without a petrol, you can stay in but it won’t go anywhere.” A bad relationship will make you feel more alone than when you were single. Says Socrates, “The hottest love has coldest end.” Keep tab on wanton desires. Don’t enter into any illegitimate relationship. The best way to avoid it think of your beloved mom or dad dreaming to see you as a successful person in life. Fast food satisfies hunger instantly but spoils health for good.

Dream

A youth without dream shall be treated as dud. A well defined dream can be a driving force in one’s life. So it is not bad to have dream. But fulfilment of dream doesn’t come by mere having it. Dream comes true with perseverance and patience; it requires indefatigable industry and incessant efforts to take on failures. Mind you, success is just one step ahead of failure. Commenting on dream, APJ Abdul Kalam says:

“Dreams are not

what you see in

sleep, it is the thing

which doesn’t let

you sleep"

The desire for the fulfilment of dream must come from within; it must not be induced. If one loves one’s dream as a man loves the body of a woman during love encounters, no dream can go unfulfilled.

Hope

What breath is to body, hope is to life. What is noteworthy is hope often brings misery when one becomes more hope centric than karma.   Action ensures success not sheer hope. ‘Action’ is present and ‘hope’ is future. Present is in our control, not future. Hope without action is meaningless. Every action is preceded by a cause which leads to effect and finally the result. None can prevent the cause from producing its effect. Don’t hope, harness natural forces and resources and achieve the cherished goal of life. The poet Wordsworth puts the crux in his touching words:

“The eye can’t choose but see,

We can’t bid the ear be still,

Our bodies feel where’er they be

Against or with our will.”

Do your best, leave the rest to the free will of God.

Discoveries

Youth is also the age of dashing discoveries. Each youth is Christopher Columbus who has to discover his own ‘America.’ One acquires knowledge through exploration and discoveries. It gives one the first-hand experience related to different aspects of life. One learns to distinguish between right and wrong; one comes to know two wrongs don’t make it right in life. The empirical knowledge makes one enjoy the whiff of truth; it is this knowledge of truth that fulfills a man/woman at the end of the day.

Realisation

With the knowledge of truths, comes the realisation. However, lofty falsehood is, it is short lived. However, fragile the truth may appear, it lasts for ever. Truth can’t be created; it always exists in nature; it is to be discovered by the seeker. Youth must be a truth seeker.

Confusion

The Awkward age is characterised by the chaotic confusion. It is a state of mind when you are not able to reach any concrete conclusion: what to do, how to do, where to go, how to get there. Confusion eats away confidence. In fact, inexperience breeds confusion. Man is born as ‘inexperienced’ but dies as ‘experienced.’ So confusion is an inherent quality. Whenever, overcome by confusion, act like a child; it always gets its confusion cleared by asking questions after questions. Inquisitivity and inquiry clear the confusion. Put all the answers to your questions to test. Truth will come out. Follow truth religiously. Learn from confusion; learn from mistakes; learn from failure. You are the best teacher of yourself. Beware of false or fake teachers. Their end is not your success but your money. Commenting on confusion, Henry Miller rightly says: “confusion is a word we have invented for an order which is not yet understood”

Immortal Soul of Bapu in Peril

Immortal Soul of 
Bapu in Peril

"A man without education is like a brave man without arms. Kings govern men and learned men govern Kings"

By Mukesh Sharma

Come the date of 2nd October, political parties in government are out to float full page ads in newspapers. Clad in starch white kurta pyjama, netas rush to the samadhi of Bapu in the morning to pay floral tribute in full glare of media cameras  - a mere charm offensive. The commoners allege that Mahatma Gandhi is the only iconic man of Indian politics who has been cheated the most in the last 72 years of independence and next comes the hapless people. It seems that Bapu’s immortal soul is in peril.

One of the leading families of Indian politics has become the self declared ‘proprietors’ of surname “Gandhi”, and often beats the drum of seclurism propounded by Bapu. Most of netas have staked claim on the patriotism of Bapu, and now are self-styled “patriots’. Even the walking stick of Bapu has been snatched away and is being used as danda to terrorise the innocent people. A few have laid their hand on the specs of Bapu and are using it in ads for commercial gains. Buck does not stop here, 2000 note that carries the pic of Bapu predominently, adorns the coffers of the rich and corrupt netas who live kingsize life. Perhaps, out of shame, only loin cloth of Bapu has been spared. It is a open secret that the netas pretend to follow Bapu’s principle and philosophy just to ingratiate themselves. Truth is stranger than fiction.

Last night, this journalist/ author happened to have talks with the soul of beloved Bapu in dream. Here are  excerpts of conversation:   

His immortal soul in peril

Author:  Bapu, how is the India of your dream?

Bapu: I shall work for an India in which the poorest shall feel that it is their country, in whose making they have an effective voice, an India in which there shall be no high class and low class of people, an India in which all communities shall live in perfect harmony . . . . There can be no room in such an India for the curse of untouchability or the curse of intoxicating drinks and drugs . . . . Women will enjoy the same right as men . . . . This is the India of my dream.

Author: Bapu, the rich are getting richer the poor are getting poorer. It has given rise to many social evils and has jeopardised the unity and integrity of India. What is the solution to this problem?

Bapu: The rich can not accumulate wealth without the co-operation of the poor in the society. So non-violent non co-operation and civil disobedience are the right and infallible solution.

As soon as a man looks upon himself  as a servant of  society, earns for its sake, spends for its benefit, then purity enters into his earnings and there is ahimsa in his venture. Moreover, if men’s mind turns towards this way of life, there will come about peaceful revolution in society, and that without any bitterness.

Author: Materialism is on the rise, the rich love to flaunt their wealth through their acquisition. any suggestion?

Bapu: Non-possession is allied to non-stealing.  A thing not originally stolen must neverthless be classified as stolen property if we possess it without needing it. Possession implies provision for the future. A seeker after truth, a follower of the law of love, can’t hold anything against tomorrow. God never stores for the morrow. He never creates more than what is strictly needed for the moment. if, therefore, we repose faith in his providence, we should be assured that he will give us every day our daily bread, measuring everything we require.

Author: Would you throw some light on your Principle of Non-violence?

Bapu: I am not a visionary. I claim to be as practical idealist. The religion of non-violence is not meant merely for the rishis and saints.  It is meant for the common people as well. Non-violence is the law of  our species as violence is the law of the brute and he knows no law but that of physical might. The dignity of man requires obedience to a higher law - to the strength of the spirit.


Author: Is education necessary for the development of man?

Bapu: A man without education is like a brave man without arms. Kings govern men and learned men govern Kings.

Author: Who is wise?

Bapu: A wise men is not he who considers how he may get out of an evil, but he who sees to it that he doesn’t fall into it.

Author: What is truthfullness?

Bapu: No man’s Religion can be right unless his heart becomes right, nor can his heart become right unless his tongue is right . . . .

Author: Can anyone become Sanyasin by wearing saffaron clothes?

Bapu: A Rishi or Sanyasin is one who has realised himself. Sannyasa according to the Gita is the renunciation of actions prompted by desire.

Author:What is true development?

Bapu: True development consists in reducing  ourselves to a cipher. Selfless service is secret of life. To rise above passion is the highest ideal.


Author: What is God ?

Bapu: Truth is God. This God is living force. That force resides in the body, but is not the body. He who denies the existence of that great force, denies to himself access to its inexhaustible power and remains impotent.

Author: What is Indian Culture?

Bapu: Indian culture is neither Hindu, Islamic, nor any other, wholly. It is a fusion of all. I want culture of all lands to be blown about my house and as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any. I refuse to live in other peoples’ houses as an interloper, a beggar or a slave.

Author: Indians are losing trust in Indian civilization?

Bapu: We are inhabitants of a country which has so long survived with its own civilization. Many a civilization of Europe is destroyed, but India, our country, survives as a witness to its own civilization. All scholars agree in testifying that the civilization of India is the same today as it was thousands years ago. But, now we have reason to suspect that we have no longer faith in our civilization. Every morning we worship, recite the verses composed by our forebears, but we don’t understand their significance. Our faith is turning in another direction.

Author: How do  you judge religion?

Bapu:  After long study and experience I have come to these conclusions:
i) All religions are true.
ii) All religions have some error in them.
iii) All religions are almost as dear to me as my own Hinduism. My veneration for other faiths is the same as for my own faith.

Consequently, the thought of conversion is impossible . . .  Our prayer for others ought never to be:
‘God give them light thou has given to me!’ But: ‘Give them all the light and truth they need for their highest development.’

Author: How can a man be truly religious?

Bapu: A man can be truly religious when he is truly good.

Author: How do you see nationalism?

Bapu: My idea of nationalism is that my country may become free, that if need be whole of the country may die so that humanity race may live. There is no room for race hatred here. Let that be our nationalism.

Author: Do you think that prevailing political system and political powers people’s representatives enjoy can change the life of miserable millions?

Bapu: Political power in my opinion, can’t be our ultimate aim. It is one of the means used by men for their all-round advancement. The power to control national life through national representatives will become unnecessary of the national life becomes so perfect as to be self-controlled. It will then be a state of enlightened anarchy in which each person will become his own ruler . . . . In an, ideal state there will be no political institution and therefore no political power.

Author: Can great reform be achieved without winning political power?

Bapu: The thinker like Thoreau said ‘that government is best which governs the least.’ That means when people come into possession of political power, the interference with the freedom of people is reduced to a minimum. In other words, a nation that runs its affairs smoothly and effectively without much State interference is truly democratic. Where such a condition is absent, the form of government is democratic in name.

Author: How the standard of public life can be raised?

Bapu: We shall never be able to raise the standard of public life through laws. We are not made that way. Only if the lives of the leaders both private and public, are perfect will they be able to produce any effect on the people. Mere preaching will have no effect.

Author: How unity can be brought about?

Bapu: In my opinion unity will come not by one mechanical means but by change of heart and
attitude on the part of the leaders of public opinion.

Author: How can heaven be brought upon earth?

Bapu: Here, I subscribe to the truthful views of Sh. Satish Chandra Mukherjee who says:  ‘If we could erase the Is and Mine’s from religion, politics, economics, etc., we shall soon be free and bring heaven on earth.’

Author: What is your wish?

Bapu: I don’t ask for temporal power, nor do I ask to go to heaven, nor even to attain nirvana, what I ask for is that I may be able to relieve the pain of those who are in pain.

Author: What message you would like to convey to present generation of politicians and people?

Bapu: My life is its own message. If it is not, then nothing I can now say will fulfil the purpose. I have no complain against my assassinator. May god bless him and rest his soul in peace.

Assassinating the body of course doesn’t matter, for, out of my ashes a thousand Gandhi will arise. But what if people assassinate or burn the principle I have lived for?

(Statements of Bapu given here are based on the works of Mahatma Gandhi compiled in the book 'The Essential Writings of Mahatma Gandhi, OUP, 1995)

Sexy Success

Sexy Success

Her warm hugs can infuse life even in a dead body; she is a perfect seductress; nothing on earth is more sexy than success; no woman can match the beauty of sexy Success

By Mukesh Sharma

She is as fair as snow. Her contour and curves defy the art of Michelangelo. Her well proportioned countenance, sharp mien and auburn hair make her look like the proverbial goddess of Rome. The bulge of her bolstering breast can soothe the surge of a sea. Her arresting eyes can befriend even a foe. The swing of her carefree gait can turn even an old foggy on. She is seducing Rambha of the Court of Lord Indra. She is beautiful Juliet of Romeo. She is killer Laila of Majnu. She is stunner Mumtaj of Shah jahan. She is lovely Anushka of Virat Kohli. She is par excellent Deepika Padukon of Ranvir. Her warm hugs can infuse life even in a dead body. She is a perfect seductress. Nothing on earth is more sexy than Success. No woman can match the beauty of sexy Success.

Sexy Success

Be it man or material, all things in this universe are made of five elements –  water, fire, earth, space and air. But Success is not composed of these ordinary elements. It is like an infinite dark matter enveloping the indescribable and inexplicable divine world of God. Without this dark matter, even God could have not succeeded in creating all the celestial bodies. Success is not attracted by any black hole; she is the calmness of space; she is the brightness of the sun; she is the twinkle of the stars; she is the gravity of the planets; she is the superb movements of this boundless universe.

In this material and mortal world, Failure is the father of Success and Patience is her mother. In other words, Success comes after the succession of failures. Undauntness in failures and unwavering patience beget Success. All the intellectuals admit that the Success can be achieved after repeated failures only. In his poetic vent, Try and Try Again, William Edward Hickson says:

      ‘Tis a lesson you should

       Try, try again,

       If at first you don’t succeed,

      Try and try again

As luck would have it, a few blessed are born in the house of success –  they are born with silver spoon in their mouth. But it doesn’t mean that Success would remain with them life-long. In fact, Success can’t be enslaved; she has to be won. One of the netas of main opposition parties in India who comes from a family which has given three PMs to country, is not able to carve out a niche for himself in politics. Some rise by gravity, some fall by levity. Slow and steady can’t win the race in this jet-set society. On the other hand, the incumbent PM of India who has humble origin, is riding the crest of success.

All humans long for success in all ages and time. It is the hope for success that rolls the wheel of life. People continue to stalk success through the life. A good physique may fail to attract success. Money and manners don’t interest success much; she likes the warrior of work; she has warm feelings for the people who are not perturbed by failures or fiascos; she loves people who don’t let their enthusiasm die, who don’t let their desire for success dwindle. Those who pass out the test of success, they meet success. In his letter, Oscar Wilde rightly says:

       Success is a science;

       If you have the conditions,

       You get result

Tens of thousands UPSC/SSC etc. aspirants throng  Delhi with heavy baggage of dream and hope for success. In competitive exams, success anoints one who proves that one is first among equals. Contrary to common perception, the exam is not about a course or curriculum; it is the test of all around awareness of a candidate about his/her surroundings that comes from attentive Hearing, voracious Reading, prolific Writing and vocal Speaking. One must have knowledge related to different aspects of life. It is the test of intellectual understanding not a rote-learning; it is an exam to assay whether one has intellectual independence or dependent on opinions and thoughts of others. As a result, ‘followers’ fail and a few ‘leaders’ get through. Says Lord Tennyson Alfred in his The Day Dream

       This proverb flashes throu

       His head,

       The many fails, the

       One succeed.

None can teach anyone how to maintain the balance while riding the bicycle. One learns to balance after many falls. The balancing act comes from within. One is the best teacher of oneself. Arjun can’t match the might of self-taught Ekalavya. Know thyself –  your actual abilities and capabilities; set your goal accordingly; with himalyan determination work doggedly in pursuit of your goal. Where there is will, there is way.

If you have real crush on Success, you can woo her, you can befriend her, you can have romance with her. Once you win her heart, take it from this author, she will be ready to ‘marry’ you. She always marries Mr. Right. Carry the torch. Don’t let it be snuffed. Hope never dies, possibilities never end. There is always time for failure. But do you have time for success?

Chandamama’s Abode, No longer far off

Chandamama’s Abode,
No longer Far off

Scientists, optimistically, think that one day man would be able to live on the Moon, and from there even ‘House’ of God wouldn’t be farther

By Mukesh Sharma

The timeless household lullaby “Chandamama door kay . . . ." is being crooned by moms to put their kids to sleep for ages in India. Now, 130 million children of Bharat Mata are very excited that the Chandrayaan-2 which was launched on July 22, 2019, would reach Mama’s house, most probably, in the first week of September. All are very happy that Chandamama is no longer far off (door kay).

All time favorite revered Granny’s stories which are acknowledged and acclaimed by all for centuries, reveal that  Moon is younger brother of  Earth.

 Billions of years ago when our tiny so-called solar system was in the process of being born, and was taking shape for its distinctive identities, Sun sired Earth and Moon as twins. Both brother and sister spent only a few happy days together in their early childhood. But, before they could grow up together, as luck would have it, they (Earth and Moon) got separated by the quirk of fate, supposedly, in a solar ‘stampede’ when a mars seized object smashed into earth. Unable to come to terms, Earth was prostrate with grief. She was worried about younger brother Moon. She (Earth) approached the God for the injustice meted out to her by the callous Destiny.

Chandamama’s Abode, No Longer Far Off

“My darling daughter”, God exhorted Earth with a caressing pat on her head. “In this boundless universe, all material or non-material things are governed by the law of nature. Destiny sees that the laws are strictly obeyed with zero tolerance. Be it animate or inanimate, its existence is predestined. What is born is bound to die one day.” “So beta, don’t be sad and shed tears for the transient life; however, I am pleased to see your platonic love for your brother Moon. I bestow on you the boon that your brother would always remain in front of eyes just 2,84,400 km away from you in the space till the eternity, till the days sun loses his shine.” Since then, Moon, may be, little away, remains in front of the eyes of Earth. He (Moon) never takes his eyes off his sister (Earth). Like other planets, as it is said, he doesn’t spin even on his axis. That is why earthlings continue to watch only the same side always facing the Earth. The rear part so called far side of Moon remains always hidden from the sight of earthlings. Moon helps Earth to move around the sun in synchronized orbit. A little disturbance may jeopardize the existence of Earth. What is noteworthy, when Sun goes out to sleep in the night, Moon stays up all night to lighten Earth with his moonshine. He (moon) never leaves his sister (Earth) in infinite darkness of space.

Evidently enough, Moon as a  brother fulfills his all the responsible towards his sister Earth. His love is above material life. It is holiest in universe; its divinity is saluted even by God. Earth and Moon, may be too celestial bodies but they are just one soul. It is believed that the day Moon shuffles off his mortal coil, Earth would also breathe to last. Whole life, they have lived separately, but they shall be united in death.

Chandamama holds great promises to his myriads of nephew and nieces. Chandrayaan-2 is likely to touch the southern part of the Moon  –  uncharted and unexplored and it is contended that it is rich in certain elements which can be inordinate source of energy; it can meet the energy need of earth for millions of years. Scientists maintain that the moon has water too in form of frozen ice, and that can help to sustain life on the Moon. Scientists, optimistically, think that one day man would be able to live on the Moon, and from there even ‘House’ of God wouldn’t be farther.

So all the children of mother Earth are very happy to think that one day, we would visit Mama’s house, for, Mama’s house is no longer far off.

Monkey Business of English-teaching

Beyond Smoke Screen

Monkey Business of English-teaching

To Crown all, encashing on the mentality of English hungry students, a few well established English newspapers have also launched online English teaching programme. It sounds like teaching someone driving through correspondence course

By Mukesh Sharma

With turnover thousands of crores, English teaching is evergreen business right from Kanyakumari to Jammu & Kashmir in India. While the majority of English speaking aspirants of such nondescript so-called institutes remain disgruntled, the stream of fresh students continues like the ever increasing population of India. And despite all the confusion and poor result, the monkey business of English teaching goes on and on   -  it is neither affected by lax economy nor low GDP.

Monkey Business of English-teaching

The root of this English learning mania can be traced to 200 years of British subjugation of India. Language of the rulers always affects the psyche of the ruled. Slaves often imitate the masters. The dent was so deep and diverse that it could not be mended even after 72 years of Independence. Some scholars contend that the survival of English is not just because of the British influence but the need of multi-lingual India where English serves as a bridge language among Indians of different tongues.

However, the situation has come to such a pass that English is not just an ordinary language. It has become a symbol of class; a symbol of status; a symbol of intellect in India. The people at lower strata of society struggle to join the elite English speaking class. English aspirants get mesmerized by Queen’s English of people like Shashi Tharoor. They are big fan of a man who, allegedly, has scant regard for Hindi or Hinduism.

To Crown all, encashing the mentality of English hungry students, a few well established English newspapers have also launched online English teaching programme. It sounds like teaching someone driving through correspondence course.

Apart from that, one can come across ‘English-speaking’ institutes in every third street of small towns and big cities in India. Tall claims are made  -  each institute has its own self-certified pedagogy. The majority of institutes assert to teach English in a few months through Grammar, translation and mugged up vocabulary. In fact, English is treated as a subject that has a fixed syllabus/curriculum like other subjects; it is not taught as a language which is a means of communication,  is related to life, religion nature, universe and God. As a result, based on rote-learning, students learn English as a subject to pass out the academic exams or any competitive exams. They never learn English as a language which is, essentially, a part of life. As an accredited Journalist, this writer has been to many countries, and even lived in US too for a long time where he was allotted Social Security Number to perform his duty. So, this author has first-hand experience to observe and study ‘English’ of native speakers in US and UK.

A close study reveals that words are sounds that symbolically represent something material or abstract. Sentences which are action based, are composed to denote what is happening. In other words, a language can be picked up through relative understanding of words and sentences to material life only. This is how a native speaker picks up his or her mother tongue without even the knowledge of so-called grammar or without even learning  to write and read. As one grows up in a particular tongue, the relative words and sentences get settled in the mind with pictorial memory through repetitive use. There may be hundreds of people in US or UK who are not able to write or read but still they speak correct English, of course, as Hindi or any other Indian language is spoken in India.

Obviously, the wanting method for teaching English as a second language has led to wide spread confusion, particularly in lower strata of society. Fake English and Hinglish have become very popular. Elite English or standardized English which is used by English newspapers and professionals, and that also makes the basis of English paper in all the competitive exams, have become rather a problem for a sizable number of English learning aspirants.

In the light of his experience and research work, this writer can vouchsafe that the best way to learn any language is to live among the native speaker of that language. But when one tries to learn it at a place where it is not the language of the common man, the right way to learn it through syntax  –  the Morphology of English sentences, and Semantics – how a ‘verb’ collocates with a  ‘noun’ and how an ‘adjective’ pairs with a ‘noun’, and produce standardized ‘phrase’. The easiest way is to map mother tongue on English syntax, and learn to think, may be, in mother tongue but as per the interpreted equivalent Hindi sentence of English syntax e.g.

“If neta were to resign, he would have resigned.”

“ If she were to marry you, she would have married.”

The above mentioned syntax is one of the standardized syntaxes of English language. Close to such syntax, one can think of scores of sentences in English. And the same can be followed for other syntaxes also.

Mind you, English, predominantly, is a language of phrases and idioms. The meaning of a singled out word in a sentence may be different from its  lexical meaning. The solution to this problem lies in the knowledge of a few hundred  key words/root words. (here, the term ‘root word’( should not be misconstrued with latin/Greek origin). The ‘Root words’ collocate with other words and produce standardized ‘Verb phrases’, ‘Noun phrases’ or ‘Idiomatic phrases’ which are extensively used in English Newspaper, Competitive Exams and by the English in daily life. In the same way,  good knowledge of Root Words helps to build up vocabulary 10-20k. Study reveals that to speak good English one need just 500-1000 words; to be a writer 1000-4000 words, the great English playwright Shakespeare used 8000 words, and average English newspaper uses just 2000 words, and rest is sheer repetition.

Once Lord Macaulay made a statement in the Parliament of England:

“I have drafted such an education system for the Indian subjects that after 70 years, there would be black English who would have little sympathy for vernacular tongues, and would be fit to follow rather unfit to think.”

Evidently enough, Indian examination system which is based on rote-learning, robs students of thinking power  – they eat what there are served; they don’t know how to cook. It is maintained that a slave population is on the rise in India. It has become rather a society of followers than thinkers.

What is more, the plight of thoroughly confused students is like the situation of a blind man who is looking for a black hat in a dark room which is not there.

It is common knowledge that hustling is the staple diet of the most of the business in India. So monkey business of English teaching is flourishing like anything.

Approved Slums of Delhi

Approved Slums of Delhi

 Though these ‘unauthorized approved colonies’ are in Delhi, unlike DDA’S well-planned colonies, they have  their own world; no master plan is applicable; no SC or NGT rulings matter

By Mukesh Sharma

With over 895 unauthorized colonies scattered through the length and breadth of this sprawling Delhi where DDA/MCD rules seldom matter, and the proud owners of so-called residential structures ranging from 25 sq yds to 250 sq yds erected in zigzag dingy lanes with varying width from 4ft to 15ft., are approved slums in Delhi; and the proud house owners are the slum lords.

Reasons for growth

Though a few colonies are as old as 40-50 years, the most of colonies have mushroomed in the last 15-20 years. The reason of the growth of such colonies is steeped in corruption. As per available datas, there were approx. 209  villages in Delhi. Then authorities concerned handed over the adjoining lands for agriculture purpose to villagers centuries ago. With the course of time, these farmers stopped cultivation. Furthermore, such lands were acquired by DDA for planned residential colonies in order to meet the demand of ever increasing population. However, some lands couldn’t be developed for a long time for the reasons best known to the authorities. These abandoned parts of land were re-sold by the land owners illegally. Later the land which were not acquired, were also sold out by the paper owners. Furthermore, woken up after decades, the authorities concerned could not remove such unauthorized constructions for political and other reasons. Such colonies fall under the category of PRIVATE COLONIES.

Unique features

Though the most of such colonies are unauthorized, some 40-50 years old colonies have been surprisingly,  re-categorized with the well-coined nomenclature “unauthorized approved colonies”. Such colonies have unique features.

No conveyance deed

Taking advantage of the ignorance of unsuspecting buyers, the ‘ownership’ of the plot/flat is transferred through notarized GPA (General Power of Attorney)  –  not a valid conveyancing instrument.  Thus stamp duty/taxes are evaded comfortably  –  no mutation, no registered sale deed.

Construction on Khadar Land

What is more, unmindful of consequences and, allegedly, in collusion with the local authorities so called  owners  erect 4 storey structures even in 5-10ft. narrow lanes. Needless to say, in the event of any fire incident or any unforeseen natural calamity, no help can reach the trapped victims. The situation of the most of colonies standing on ‘khadar’ land nearby Yamuna river is very vulnerable where foundation is laid on loose sand. But who cares? Authorities get wiser only after the event in India. So rampant unauthorized constructions are going on for the reasons best known to all.

Approved Slums of Delhi

Sewer and water lines

Yet another catching feature of these unauthorized approved colonies, is sewer and water line run parallel in all the streets/lanes. When water pumps are used to draw water from main line to fill the overhead water tanks placed on the rooftops of 4 storey houses, it sucks the dirty water from ever full and seeping sewer line. Interestingly enough, nobody cares for the rules/ by laws. What is more, to replenish the water supply to overhead tanks, in the event of non-supply of tap water, the people use submersible pumps to extract water from earth with scant regard of NGT rulings -  there is provision of 50k penalty for unauthorized pumps. In fact it is common knowledge that no construction is possible without the soil water. So almost all the houses have submersible pumps with 'good' understanding with local police.

Flowing nullah

As far as the drains running through the street line of each serpentine lanes are concerned, it mostly remains  choked. It is not easy for the MCD workers to take out the muck and clean it. So they just sweep the streets as they wish and enjoy the salary without doing the required work. As a result, during rainy season, the waterlogged streets look like a flowing nullah. Furthermore, it is ‘customary’ in such colonies that the proud house owners stick out the ramp at the exit gate of their houses to nearly the middle of the narrow street; they take pride and pleasure in causing the inconvenience to immediate neighbors and passersby.

Stray dogs and pigeons

There is no park or any recreation centre in these colonies. But each such colony does have a religious place according to the majority of populace, and these places are,allegedly, used for meeting and other non-religious activities. Such colonies are also 'sweet home' for stray dogs, for, they are permanent residents by birth. Even MCD respects their birth right. These dogs  are unchallenged  rulers of each street. And flock of pigeons  reigns the roof tops of each house. These colonies are ideal place where the man and animals live happily.

No master plan applicable

Since the much touted master plan is not applicable to these colonies of ‘special status’, they are the favorite hunting ground for running any kind of business; one can run government approved primary or secondary school, any factory or any other business even in narrow lane, if one is prepared to pay for convenience.

Vote bank

Braving all the pertinent problems, the slums lords (house owners) who live by rental income, continue to enjoy inhibited life. It is alleged that these colonies are veritable vote banks of the netas; authorities concerned continue to maintain the status-quo. Though these unauthorized approved colonies are in Delhi, unlike DDA’s well planned colonies, they have their own world; no master plan is applicable; no SC or NGT rulings matters.

‘Gods’ of Earth

‘Gods’ of Earth

If supreme God has created this universe and its’ all the creatures, Netas have, categorically, created countries, and thus they control the destiny of all the human beings on the earth

By Mukesh Sharma

The teeming millions were spurred to vote in the name of democracy to elect their so called ‘representatives’ in the recently concluded general election in India. Further, over 8000 formally invited VIP guests witnessed the ceremonial ‘coronation’ of a few blessed elected eligibles as Hon’ble Prime Minister and ministers in the palatial precinct of Rastrapati Bhavan, well in accordance with the holy ‘rule book.’ And, as usual the poor populace which is eulogized as ‘masters’ by the netas, remained glued to TV channels and watched the grand and gala show of deification of ‘servants’ as Gods of India. Needless to say, the situation is same throughout the world, and collectively, the netas of all the countries can be called as ‘ Gods’ of the earth.

Virtual 'Gods' of the Earth

If supreme God has created this universe and its’ all the creatures, the netas have categorically created the countries, and thus they control the destiny of all the human beings. A few such Indian ‘gods’ are alleged to have bifurcated India into Pakistan and Hindustan. Dance of death and destruction can be seen in many parts of the world being ravaged by war or civil wars: Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mexico, Somalia, Nigeria, Sudan, Libya, Pakistan, Egypt, Congo, Yemen and Ukraine. Of course, it is not Supreme God but these virtual gods of earth who are responsible for the sorry plight of the people across the world.

The agnostics maintain that unseen god is just a religious perception; no living man has ever seen the God; no living man has ever met the God. The belief is born when material logic ends. God is just an indispensable hope of the weak man. Since man is a creature of hope and he breathes and lives by hope, in fact the hope is personified as God.

The believers contend that God has made the sun, the earth, the moon and all the visible or invincible, known or unknown innummerable planets and stars, and of course the whole boundless universe. However, one of the most respected and renowned members of scientists fraternity and a vocal champion of the ‘Big Bang’ theory Stephen Hawking says: “I think the universe was spontaneously created out of nothing, it is not the work of any so-called God.”

Anyway, let us not get into this endless debate who created this universe. But one thing is crystal clear that these netas have drawn the geographical boundaries on the earth, and have divided this beautiful planet into countries. Today earth houses 195 countries. Obviously, these netas are the gods of their respective countries.

Once ‘defied’, these ‘gods’ visit their ‘temples’ (ministries) with all airs and graces. The ‘temple’ is decked up with flowers. The army of assistants of these ‘gods’, usually known as principal secretaries, additional secretaries, joint secretaries etc. line up at the very entrance to welcome the ‘god’ with bouquets. Such is the sanctity of these sanctum  sanctoriums that no common man can ever dare to dream to enter.

Whenever, these gods move in or out of their respective  temples, they are followed by the convoy of cars occupied by gun-totting well-touted commandos, surprisingly, for the security of the gods. A commoner can’t get even near to these gods; any misadventure shall send the intruder to jail.

These gods are truly omnipresent; wherever they go or whatever they do, can be seen on TV channels from any corner of the earth. These gods are truly omniscient; they have answers to all the question of journos or the people; they sound like oracles. These gods are truly omnipotent; they can move heaven and earth just by fluttering their eyelashes.

Evidently enough, the supposedly supreme God can only create celestial bodies or the creatures inhabiting such bodies, but these virtual gods of earth control the destiny of the creatures; they have full control over the past, present and future of the poor earthlings.