From last few days we have been seeing Dr.Shashi Tharoor in
and out in all news channels.. Starting from Local to national and
to International news channels. Reasons you all know very well. Somewhere in one of the news channel it so happened they
just flashed Dr.Tharoor’s mail id. I quickly made a note of it. (DON’T ASK ME TO DISCLOSE IT.. AM SORRY !!).
Its from that day i have been waiting to mail Dr.Tharoor
and express my full heartfelt support and wanted to tell him how much i adore him for a wonderful human being he is.

I was one of the first 100 followers to follow Dr.Tharoor even on Twitter. Am so lucky that couple of my own tweets were
even Re-tweeted by Dr.Tharoor.

I Always wanted to mail Dr.Tharoor, but felt a person of his caliber and a person so busy, will he ever reply back to a common man like me. Thats where he proved me wrong friends. Yes, my dear friends i sent him a two line mail and i get a three para reply mail in return from his Blackberry.

We all know how painful it is to type message in phone.. and when a person like Dr.Tharoor who is so busy, takes his valuable time to mail from his Blackberry and a mail as long as three paras shows how simple a man he is.

I just could not control my happiness, went around in office telling all my colleagues about the wonderful feeling which i encountered. Set my Gtalk status, Facebook status everything to “On Top of the World Having received a Personal Mail from Dr.Shashi Tharoor.”

I know by now, you all would be eager to read those few lines what Dr.Tharoor mailed me right.. So here it is friends.

How exciting it is right friends.. i am ending this post with prayers in my heart and batting for Dr.Shashi Tharoor from the very bottom of my heart. I really feel the New India Needs Him. We need you Sir.. At least i need you Sir. So here i am ending the post having sent another mail to Dr.Tharoor. Hopefully i am lucky again to get his reply. Will keep you all informed my dear friends…

Your Rock Sir… India will surely rock under your leadership very soon..

Photo Courtesy: http://tharoor.in/

Last week Google Buzz made us ask ourselves what we wanted out of social networking. To answer that question, we charted what we liked and disliked about setup, privacy, usability, and other aspects of Buzz, Twitter, and Facebook. Here’s the result.

This chart doesn’t cover everything about every network out there. My Space is (seemingly) on the decline or, at best, re-purposing itself. Linked In is really a business contact pool, Four Square a Geo-location game, and other networks generally too niche to be compared in the same aspects and categories.

For the simple read, here’s the full chart of our Buzz, Twitter, and Facebook comparison. We color-coded each answer to give a context of where it stood, in comparison to what we know is possible and what a smart user would like to see. Red means that you can’t rely on this network for this feature. Yellow indicates that the network offers it or makes due, but could definitely be better. Green means something works, and can be considered a selling point.

There’s a lot of text there already to parse through, but it’s obviously segmented and specific to each function. Having dug into the settings of each network and debated it with my fellow editors, I’ll try to offer up a concise take on how I’d explain each network to someone completely new to any of them. I hope it might spur some thought about which network you’re using now, too, and why.

FACEBOOK:
Facebook’s strongest feature, as it stands now, is that it’s relatively easy to figure out who your “friends” are. You can pull them from your webmail address book, sure, but you have to check off those you want to be a friend with, and they have to reciprocate. After that, you start seeing their status updates, photos, and other activities on Facebook.com, right when you log in. Simple enough, right? Not exactly.

You can’t, or at least shouldn’t, create two separate Facebook accounts for personal friends and work contacts/co-workers/casual acquaintances, all of whom are likely to hit you up on Facebook sooner or later. So it’s up to the user to create groups of friends and set what those different friends can see. Also, your Facebook identity is tied to certain “networks”—an employer, a school, a location—that you have to remember to set controls for, too. Dig around and you’ll almost certainly find the very fine-grain controls you might need. But then, every few months, Facebook changes up their offerings, for better or worse, and it’s up to the user to notice and re-learn how to decide what’s private, to whom, and, in a much more worrisome way, what’s being made public and search-able on the web.

Facebook does have a pretty great iPhone app, and offers a good amount of access to third-party clients like Brizzly and TweetDeck. But they’re still limited in some ways meant to drive you to the web site, and their non-iPhone mobile apps and sites are tough to love.

TWITTER:
What’s easy to like about Twitter is the simplicity. You get an account, you see a suggested list of famous users that you can feel free to ignore, and then you’re asked to write 140 characters about something, anything. It will be made public, search-able, and able to be re-broadcast by other users, unless you’ve decided to lock your entire account and require your permission to view it. You can follow other people, block the occasional jerk from following you, reply to others’ posts, message other users privately (if you both follow each other), and, over time, you’ll learn about third-party apps and context tricks that make the service make more sense. I started using Twitter one day into my first SXSW, and I had it mostly figured within one or two over-eager days.

That simplicity, and reliance on third-party sites and apps for picture posting, link shortening, and the like can be confusing to newcomers that aren’t into digging around, for sure. And the speed and volume of the main stream can be overwhelming and off-putting. But Twitter has grown slowly into a network that adapts to users’ needs, whether by force or through user innovation. If you don’t like how noisy and fast your main feed is, creating a list of high-priority friends and thinkers will do the trick. As you figure out what you like and don’t like about Twitter, you’ll be able to find third-party apps and interfaces that cater to those interests. We’d love to see expanded features here or there (for discovering who’s following you, and perhaps hiding certain posts from all but a few close followers, for example), but Twitter is a pretty novel solution for those who like to share short updates with the web at large.

GOOGLE BUZZ:
Whatever we write about Buzz will be slightly inaccurate in a week’s time, most likely. Buzz is brand new, and already it announced an apology and upcoming “fixes.” From what we’ve seen, though, it seems like it wants to be the solution that FriendFeed never was to tracking your friends and contacts’ multi-varied interests. Some friends change their IM status to say what’s up, while others post on Flickr, Twitter, their own blog, and other places. Rather than making you head to each site, or make those friends become endless self-promoters, Buzz aims to connect you to everything your friends are doing from a place you’re already familiar with—your Gmail and Google contacts.

And that, of course, is where the uproar started. Buzz showed up, suddenly, inside Gmail, and when asking users to sign up, assumed too much that they’d like to turn their email contacts into people they “follow,” and maybe make that following status public. If Google could reassure Buzz users that what they did on the network was only among their followers they’ve individually approved, it would be more appealing. The service also needs a dedicated home, instead of being spread across mobile sites, Gmail, Google Maps, and elsewhere, and gain better controls for how much “buzz” flies at you. But it’s promising, still, because it’s not a public-type Twitter, or a walled-off Facebook, but something else entirely

[Source: LifeHacker]

So your privacy was violated. Get over it.

Here’s what happened…..

When Google rolled out Buzz last week they activated an unknown number of users and chose people for them to follow automatically based on who they email most frequently with. Presumably these people had to also be on Gmail. And the list of people you follow is public. Therefore the list of people you email with most frequently is now public. They are now trying to close this hole as quickly as possible. But the damage is done, people have to realize that — the information was already disclosed. You can close the door after the horse gets out but that doesn’t get the horse back.

This never should have happened. But now that it has, it requires a CEO-level apology and statement of contrition and an explanation of what policies he’s putting in place to be sure this never happens again.  That has not happened, and does not appear likely to.

What if it were Eric Schmidt’s privacy. I wonder if he’d feel differently. I wonder if he uses Gmail, and if he does, did they reveal the list of people he emails most frequently? I can think of all kinds of problems that might cause, with the stock market, or the SEC, partners, wives, despots, girlfriends. I imagine Nick Denton at Gawker would like to see that list, and that Schmidt would not want him to.

We all have those kinds of concerns. People might get the wrong idea if they saw the list of people I email most frequently. Or they might get the right idea. Sometimes as I’m entering a message into Gmail, I wonder if the ethics of Google prohibit them from reading the mail. Sometimes I email with execs at companies that compete with Google. I think “They’d probably like to know this.” I wonder if they look.

Yet Google, so far, has only said they’re sorry for the “concern” they’ve caused. That shows that they’re not owning up to the breach they caused. They can’t possibly be so stupid as to not understand what they revealed about users of Gmail. It’s just the kind of weaselly response to a building crisis that PR pros tell you not to do, that covering up will only make it worse when people realize what’s really been going on. But that assumes a competent and vigilant press. That would be too much to assume in the case of Google and its coverage.

The Don’t Be Evil smokescreen was pure brilliance. As Michael Gartenberg said on Twitter, if Microsoft had done what Google did, there would already be lawsuits. It would be a scandal of huge proportion.

The NY Times won’t call it a breach of trust by Google. Instead they attribute the claim to “privacy experts.” I raised this point, and predictably people say that the Times shouldn’t make factual statements about companies who screw up anywhere but in editorials. That’s ridiculous. A fact is a fact, and belongs in reporting. It’s a fact that Google revealed sensitive information about millions of users, and now they’re scurrying to try to cover it up. And the press is helping them buy time. Why? I have no clue, but I don’t like it.

In general, most New Year’s resolutions tend to last as long as the NFL playoffs. But those who enter the year working for the world’s most ambitious technology company won’t have that luxury.

Google enters its 12th year as an information and financial powerhouse, holding claim to perhaps the most enviable position on the Internet and worming its way into all sorts of businesses that Internet companies have traditionally avoided. The company shows little sign of slowing down its innovation engine, but as a result of that pace faces competitive threats like never before from other giants of the technology and media worlds.

What should Google leaders Eric Schmidt, Sergey Brin, and Larry Page focus on in 2010? Here are five suggestions:

1. Don’t forget where you came from:
Search remains Google’s cash machine. It ended the year with around 65 percent of the U.S. search market, according to ComScore, and does not appear to be losing any momentum. Microsoft’s well-received reinvention of its search efforts in the form of Bing seems to have the main effect of taking business away from Yahoo, its pending search partner, rather than denting Google’s advantage.

But the nature of search is changing as the nature of information produced for the Internet changes. Real-time results are now seen as important, and Google has much work to do in order to prove its real-time strategy unveiled in December will produce the same types of relevant results that its main search engine did in rising to the top. Social-networking sites are host to an enormous amount of relevant content that Google can’t necessarily find.

Google does not face as many competitive threats in search at the moment as its antitrust defense lawyers would like you to believe. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not vulnerable to the same sort of scrappy start-up that it once was, operating under the radar with a fresh take on the world. As Schmidt well knows, having imposed a strategy of focusing 70 percent of Google’s attention on search, keeping the gravy train running is job No. 1 at Google.

2. Get control of the engineers:
This is undoubtedly a controversial notion inside of Google. But the tech history books are raft with giants that slowly grew arrogant and haughty with their success, from IBM to Microsoft. Google knows it needs to avoid traveling down a similar path while catering to an engineering culture that has almost never taken no for an answer.

Simply put, Google’s engineers do things because they can. And at some point, that’s no longer going to fly as Google enters more and more markets. That’s because while much of Google’s self-image revolves around avoiding evil, that mindset only applies to users of its products. It doesn’t apply to competitors or partners, who have the ability to cry foul if they believe they are the victims of unfair competition (regardless of whether or not it’s actually true).

If at some point the government deems Google to have a monopoly in search advertising, expect Google’s march into other markets to slow. Engineers may scoff at such restraints, truly believing in the quality and usefulness of their work. But regulators are not engineers, and those folks might arguably hold more power over Google in 2010 than any other force.

3. Get HTML 5  standards finalized:
Much of Google’s strategy for ushering computing into the 21st century revolves around the notion that the browser can be the dominant platform for applications. There are numerous benefits to this approach in theory; software can be much more lightweight and suitable to mobile devices if run over the Internet, malware can’t knock out a personal computer that doesn’t allow things to be installed locally, and, of course, users who spend their lives on the Internet are more likely to search for information.

But in order to make that vision happen without being labeled as a usurper, Google’s representatives on the W3C Working Group for HTML5 must make sure that the various components of the HTML5 technologies are approved in concert with the community of other browser vendors, so that Google is not seen as having a distinct advantage. The company appears to take this very seriously, and the sooner the process can be brought to fruition, the easier it will be for projects like Chrome OS to develop without being seen as an attempt to corner the personal computing market.

4. Live up to the promise of Google Books:
Perhaps the biggest albatross around Google’s neck in 2009 was its settlement with authors and publishers over Google Book search, a process in which Google managed to turn lemonade into lemons. Its attempt to create a digital library for the ages was vehemently protested by authors, privacy advocates, and copyright experts angry over Google’s scan-first ask-later approach to building that database.

Few doubt the value of an open digital library that unlocks access to books stored on musty shelves at exclusive universities. But many are distrustful of Google’s intentions when it comes to Google Books, and putting their fears to bay could go a long way toward ending the acrimony over the settlement. A final hearing is scheduled for February, and while Google has already made concessions in response to criticism from the Department of Justice, lining up an independent partner to be a second source of this digital material would take the wind out of much of the opposition’s argument.

5. Clarify your mobile strategy:
We may get a sense of this one extremely soon, as Google is scheduled to host an Android event Tuesday that most believe will mark the debut of its first Android phone sold directly to the general public.

Google is walking a fine line at the moment, should it really intend to sell its own branded phone. One of the primary reasons that the iPhone took off was that Apple dictated the experience that iPhone users and developers would see, locking the hardware specs and controlling the distribution of software for the platform. Of course, that approach has all kinds of side effects, which appeared to be the primary motivation behind Android: a modern mobile software platform free of such restrictions and available to anyone who wants to make a phone.

However, Google’s partners–even if they knew about the Nexus One months ago–are likely to be perplexed by its decision to make its own phone. Will Google developers reserve key Android features for Google devices? Will they cut back on their promotional resources for Open Handset Alliance partners in order to promote their own phone? And why should they trust Google in the future, given that the company has said numerous times that it had no interest in making its own phone?

The beauty of the mobile computing market is that it is truly up for grabs, and that no one company appears ready to dominate in the same manner that Microsoft came to own the PC. But Google will have crossed a line if it really does plan to sell its own phone: it will have leaned on the efforts of others to create a viable market for Android only to swoop in once the software has grown popular with a device of its own.

That means other companies could think twice about partnering with Google in the future.

Source: CNET

September 6th 2009, We Just Cherished the spirit of Onam and enjoyed  its breathtaking vistas…. Simply we guys put our best foot forward and gyrate to the clapping rhythms of kaikottikali from our very own friends in AIISH, we indulged  ourself in the adventures and thrill of Onakkalikal. Onam celebration just regalesd everyone to the hilt.. Such a Nice Feeling at the end of the day.

.

Onam undoubtedly the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala came knocking at us, and I would not be wrong in saying that we guys at Mar Thoma Youth League received it with open heart. Prepared for the feast, with just one thought in mind- “Time for some fun” and we made sure those 48 hours just belonged to us.

Onam is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state of Kerala by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam. But for us Onam was full of fun and fellowship. Late night practices for the play, mid night photo shoots, 3 am flower carpet completion, True Nostalgia now.

Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar. This corresponds with the month of August-September. The Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam, the most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam. We tried our level best to bring that dynamic event called Onam be in the air of Mysore and I can proudly say it did happen. Felt like being in Kerala away from Kerala.

For Malayalees like us who are settled outside Kerala and who cannot make it to Kerala during Onam time, the above said fun and frolic are just in books and televisions, but our spirits never die. We still have community, friends and loved ones in whose amidst we have no scope to miss Kerala. We got along with it and made the best Onam celebrations possible at Mysore, perhaps a thousand times better than what it could have been, had I been in Kerala. 2009 Onam for me was scheduled to be with my cousins in Cochin.  The last minute change of plan of not going to Kerala for this Onam, but to celebrate with youth league paid it off. No regrets. Had one of the best Onam with my friends here.

Many many Thanks to Achan and Kochamma who gave their complete support for hosting the Feast. Not to forget the support of my friends from AIISH, Preethi, Simmy and Somy, who played the sheath anchor role. Hats off to you Guys!! You were the real motivation behind the youth league. I am sure, once you all leave, the Vacuum created will never be an easy task. Your organizing and leadership skills is to be really appreciated. How I wish all the AIISH sisters were present, but Leah could not make it up. We really really did Miss you Leah.

Not to forget the support of my Friend Santosh, who came all the way from Kasargod, to be the part of our celebrations. A true booster on that day. Will remember you Santosh! Koshy uncle, Saji uncle, and Sherly aunty in whose blood the spirit of youth runs. It’s your support and motivation that drove us. Made us bring, the real youth in us. Whenever & where ever there is a good leader to lead right from the front, every foot step taken by others will lead to success. You people are the example for it. The reason for the success to reach the paramount.

For my friends, especially Shreya, Rahul Vidyarthi, Rashmi, Palli, Ganathi and all others, who ask me what is Onam? What’s the big deal and excitement about Onam? My answer would be in the form of a small story. The story goes on to tell that during the reign of mighty Asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was extremely egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali’s character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali’s growing popularity. However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached. It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

But, at Mar Thoma Church Mahabali came in the Avatar of Manu, who just made everybody sit on the edge of the chair and just gaze upon him. Good Job Manu. You actually made me think how the real king Mahabali could have been. Again courtesy Sherly Aunty for the quick makeover of Manu to King Mahabali.

Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner. So did we do at Mar Thoma church. Kept the best foot forward and made the best preparations possible with limited time made available to us. From Cultural programmes, to skits, to Vallamkali, Vadamvali and the ultimate Onam Sadhya. Success was at its paramount. Sense of satisfaction is what I was feeling at the end.

Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colorful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators. We did not let even that fun to be missed at Mysore. We made sure even that was there in our list of events. We moved the boat on high spirits singing “Kuttanadan Punchayile”. The song was well remixed with the help of our Remix DJ’s Sherly Aunty, Saji Uncle and Santosh. We sailed the boat home safely. Though the boat was stationery, with the spirit of song touching its peak we made sure the boat moved and river Pampa came sailing to Mysore for which I did my bit.

There is also a tradition to play games, collectively called Onakalikal, on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports like Talappanthukali (played with ball), Ambeyyal (Archery), Kutukutu and combats called Kayyankali and Attakalam. Women indulge in cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of house to welcome King Mahabali. Kaikotti Kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam. Folk performances like Kummatti Kali and Pulikali add to the zest of celebrations. If not for everything mentioned above, we did manage to have few of the adventures at our celebrations too like Vadamvali, musical chair, elephant tail etc. For Malayalees like us away from Kerala Kaikotti Kali is just in TV’s, but our friends from AIISH made each of us witness in front of us. Thanks Preethi, Simmy, Somy and Team.

Like they say, all good things come to an end. We ended two days of fun and frolic, but definitely not on a sad note. With lot of memories and hopes that another Onam is just 11 months away. I had two best days of my life that will never fade so easily.

Nilavilakinte Parishudhiyum, Tumbapoovinte Nairmalyavumai,
Samathanumthinatium….santhoshavumthinatium….. aishwariyavumthinatium……
ormakal puthukuvan veendum oru onam kudi… Athinu niracharuthuekkuvan
Niranja Snehathode Ende ONAM Ashamsagal.

I would like to end my post on Onam memories 2009 with a small message which i received from my friend. It’s always good to end things laughing. So here it is:

Oru full bottilum oru litre sodayum pinne oru chickanum
thottunakkan acharum,
Manassil orupadu pratheekshayumayi
veendum oru onam varavaayi !!!!
“HAPPY ONAM”

“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with”

Hello Friends Today the 26th June 2009 was a mixed emotion kind of a morning for me… Was very excited and happy as it was  my Boss Mr. Sriram Hebbar’s  Birthday, but it so happened as I switched on the Television  to hear few songs as I was getting ready to go to office, I see the breaking news  KING OF POP Michael Jackson DEAD. For a moment I was shell shocked, I could not believe my eyes as to what am I reading on the TV screen. I changed to different news channels, all had the same thing to tell me, and the news in minutes just filled my eyes. I was in a state of confused mind as to should I be happy celebrating my Boss’s Birthday or mourn on the death of the greatest music legend. It was a day where I leant how to be happy being sad and how to be sad while being happy. I Just Hope this kind of a day never comes back again in my life where I have to undergo both the feeling at the same time. Believe me its pain.

With emotional trauma Michael dwelled in hibernation for many years now. Friends does Michael Jackson need a death certificate to be considered as the greatest legend? Even when he lived or now after his death no one can ever replace or be born again to be like him. An artist like him never dies from the hearts of millions like me. . I felt it was a personal loss when quite possibly the world’s most well known man left us. He left a legacy of changing the music world as he passed away on Thursday afternoon (June 25) at the UCLA Medical Centre.

Given a life to live and we should live happily and make the best out of it. He lived his life with joy and happiness and became the king of Pop. His music was the best and made it to the top chart many a times. No one will ever replace the guy that will be remembered for his music, moon walk, and of course for being the one and only King of Pop.
There is nothing bad to say about a true legend, idol, and the King of Pop. MJ is now resting in peace and he is in a better place where he can start a new life without anyone judging him for what he is. You were the best and you always will be the best. Like there’s always just one BEST when we think about Formula one that’s Michael Schumacher, Only one BEST when we think of Golf, that’s Tiger Woods. Just one BEST when we think of Boxing that’s Mohammed Ali and always one BEST when we think about Cricket that’s little master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. So ask who’s the BEST in music… answer is MJ. For many people music is synonym to MJ.

Keeping apart all the personal tragedies, controversies and scandals from the talent and achievements, this legend is known for; we have surely lost the entertainer of the millennium, a Singer, a reformer, a music revolutionist and a performer. His music compositions, style statement, video concepts, dancing abilities and charity contributions are one of its kinds and will be remembered for long. We have surely lost a gem and a symbol of success. May be his personal life is not to remember, but the World will remember him as a GREATEST Entertainer Ever… Thank You GOD for producing MJ to rock the World…  I wish he rest in Peace in Heaven or a better place if one exists.

So, all you MJ fans, when someone start criticising you for being a fan of Jackson for his personal behaviour, just hit back at them and say it loud and clear ” IAM A FAN OF HIS MUSIC AND NOT HIS PERSONAL LIFE“.

I feel no one deserves the right to judge MJ for a simple fact, no one is perfect enough or worth judging others. There are many people out in the world who judge and criticize someone based on their looks or what they hear but everything goes back to them and they will pay for it. People should understand that you can witness what you see but not what you hear. I am very sad about Michael Jackson’s death but happy that he is now in a better place where no one can hurt him in any way.

Michael you are free at last, I hope you are somewhere out there beyond the horizon of good & bad, happy, but leaving millions like me devastated & shocked with a great loss, today is really a sad day. Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer ever bid adieu to the world. ‘The Man, his frictionless moves, those groves and his patented Moonwalk’ every minute mannerism all of these which keeps us mesmerizing even today.

MJ died at a very young age but that’s how god wanted this to end and god has his reasons for it. Well I share my sorrow with the Jackson family. Even today I can recall Michael’s court cases very well, but I remember sitting in front of the TV, looking at him and thinking:  “This man didn’t do it, he’s innocent“. I always had a good eye for people holding the truth, and I could see Michael was a loving and caring man, very much misunderstood over his times. Every action he took was misinterpreted. He adored children because of his missed childhood, which we all could feel from his song “CHILDHOOD” written, composed and produced by MJ himself.  The song goes on to say…

“Have you seen my Childhood? I’m searching for the world that I come from ‘Cause I’ve been looking around. In the lost and found of my heart… No one understands me. They view it as such strange eccentricities…’Cause I keep kidding around Like a child, but pardon me…People say I’m not okay ‘Cause I love such elementary things… It’s been my fate to compensate, for the Childhood I’ve never known…But he isn’t some  …”

If there were to be a child in the room he’d be the one to hear it ask for some water and demand that someone get it some immediately. He has inspired and moved so many, and will continue to do so for decades to come. I consider myself lucky to have had the privilege of growing up seeing and hearing history in the making from true and undeniable King of Pop. Thank you Michael for making me a part of that history which the coming generations are surely going to miss.

It was only a few days ago I heard one of your classic songs on the Radio City FM 91.1 to be exact & said  I have to break out my old Michael Jackson C.D’s – thinking to myself that was when music was music! Anticipating your comeback – wondering what you had in store this time around & how you were going to out do what you have out done so many times before.  And then I heard the news of demise and thought someone heard it wrong and spread it, but in minutes every news and music station confirmed what I didn’t want to be true. I still can’t believe it because I felt it wasn’t your time yet – you still had much more to do. Still more left to give it out to millions of fans like me – I am completely still shocked & part of me is angry. Why….? I have no idea!

MJ, Thank you for blessing us with your talented singing, dancing & for trying to make a change- you are truly a gifted & talented man. A Musical Genius. You will never be forgotten – your music will live on forever. – You’ve touched so many lives – There will never be another Michael Jackson. MJ you are a great legend and have been a real sensation all along. You made the whole world move to your tunes with his dance and music. You have given the music industry something new and unique every single time. MJ you are absolutely immortal and will live in our hearts forever. You have been a very prominent icon and a great entertainer of all times. And Michael you will be forever Michael Jackson.

MJ was indeed the greatest entertainer of all times. He has his place right next to Elvis Presley or the Beatles. No one else has been a part of everyday lives of people as much as MJ has been. The loss and his sudden demise shall be felt harder by the void he left several days later when the realization sinks in. I don’t know if I am being emotional but words are not stopping….  He has reached the corners of the world where people have no television, do not know the language but have been touched by his music thoroughly…The next generation singers and dancers surely will carry some part of him in them as they have grown up watching him …

After Elvis, It was just you to take us through this Pilgrimage called Music and Dance. We still remember those golden days in your life….  Beat It, Thriller, Bad, and the list goes on. You were a gift to all music lovers from GOD to entertain us with your talent. MJ’s body might have died but legends live on. Your legacy will live on and on… Thanks for the contributions you made to humanity, to poor children, to destitute homes, to orphans. We will always miss you.

Mj’s demise in such early age adds his name next to the other legend like Elvis Presley who died at the age of 42. Elvis Presley as we all know was rightly called King of Rock n Roll. Another legend Beatles star John Lennon was shot dead in New York at the age of 40 in 1980. It’s such a paradox all known celebrities who has influenced so many around the world leave us so soon, creating a vacuum in our life and leaving it so incomplete.

I suppose there is no bigger fan that me who was waiting for the much awaited Comeback 2 which was supposed to be kicking of July 16th 2009 in London at O2 Arena. For a big fan of Michael like me, he is always been a true legend, and he will be a legend forever, he is not there physically but he will be always living through his beautiful songs. I admire him a lot. His music has healed many people all over the world, and this is unbelievable for me or to any other MJ fans to believe the person who brought the new trend a unique style, a great living rhythm to this pop or music industry is no more. And there are so many things to speak about him but I am Speechless at this given point of time.

‘Heal the world’ happens to be my all time favourite song of MJ, and I just hope we all can together make his dream come true. The dream that he sings in this song.  Let’s make MJ’s dream come true…“Heal the World, Make It A Better Place, For You and For Me, And the Entire Human Race.  There Are People Dying, If You Care Enough, For The Living, Make A Better Place For You And For Me”. This song testifies to the humanitarian instinct in him.

I have grown up listening to his songs and dreaming about attending his concert at least once in my lifetime; but sadly it’ll remain as a dream itself… Well, he taught the World how successful a man can be, how much big stardom can take to a celebrity… He was the first person to have such a huge fan-base even in the remote corners of Asia and Africa.

The best example to showcase the fan base of Michael Jackson was evident on the day of his sad demise.  All Major Websites around the world were slowed down. Major Websites like Google, yahoo, CNN, AOL, Twitter was considerably slow. News of Michael Jackson’s death erupted online, flooding Twitter’s trending topics with nine out of ten trends having to do with Michael Jackson. Twitter had to even suspend two of its features to keep the site afloat. It even made internet major Google think that a malware attack was being spread online. It even declared the Google trends result of Michael Jackson’s Hotness as Volcanic.

This was the impact he created or rather he left on fans. The last time there was such strain put on the web was in the aftermath of 9/11 and President Barack Obama Swearing in period.

I have not become a fan of Michael Jackson by being a friend of his, or a relative or somebody who knows his character. I’ am a fan of his music and I’ll be, forever. So, no matter how bad (GOD!! prove it false) he is, I’ am just not concerned. His Music is forever and it will only end when the last note of music is heard on Earth.

In the end, the superstar and the recluse were not so far apart. Jackson built his stardom on paradox. As a star he was precious, as an adult he was childlike. His only competition was HIMSELF. The man who lived liked a king, but died $500 in the hole.

MJ you have taken a piece of my heart along with you – I wish you were still here. This is not a good-bye from me – there will always be a star in the sky with your name on it, which I would look for every time I am Blue. Thanks for giving us all these great memories. You will forever be missed! I wish you rest in Peace in Heaven or a better place if one exists. With the DEEPEST Sadness and tearful eyes, I say GOODBYE to the little POP Wonder! I MISS YOU MJ…

For his legions of fans, he was the peter pan of pop music: the little boy who refused to grow up. But on the verge of another attempted comeback, he is suddenly gone, and this time for good. Long Live the King of POP.

When we think about Michael Jackson, one thing which we cannot forget is the Neverland Ranch.  Neverland Ranch is an all fantasy land for children. It’s almost a wonderland to children. Let me take you all to this wonderland.
If you don’t know what’s “NEVERLANDS” is, it is a 2400 acre residence of Michael Jackson. It comprises of many mansions, theme parks, railways, zoo, “feel like” shopping malls etc. Take a deep breath, fasten your seat bell and get ready to take off into this fantasy world.

Neverland Valley Ranch was formerly known as the Sycamore Valley Ranch. It is a developed property in Santa Barbara County, California, most famous for being a former home of King of Pop from 1988 to 2005. It is named after Neverland, the fantasy island in the story of Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up. The ranch is located about five miles (8 km) north of unincorporated Los Olivos, and about eight miles (13 km) north of the town of Santa Ynez. The Santa Barbara County Assessor’s office says the ranch is approximately 2,676 acres (10.83 km). On November 10, 2008, Jackson transferred the title to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company, LLC. Midland, a college prep boarding school, is the southerly neighbor and also separates it from the Los Padres National Forest just east of the ranch; the Chamberlin Ranch, in the same family for generations, is to the west, and the rugged La Laguna Ranch, where the Zaca Fire began, is to the north.

Jackson purchased the property from golf course entrepreneur William Bone in 1988 for $30 million. It operated as Jackson’s home and private amusement park, and contained, among other things, a zoo and a theme park, with two railroads, a ferries wheel, carousel, zipper, spider, sea dragon, wave swinger, super slide, dragon wagon kiddies roller coaster and bumper cars. In early 2004, Neverland Ranch was valued at approximately $120 million. The Santa Barbara County assessor’s office has assessed its value at $96 million for tax purposes. Forbes then estimated the ranch may be worth significantly more than that.

It so happened that Jackson received word from Financial Title Company, the trustee, that unless he paid off $24,525,906.61, a public auction would go forward of the land, buildings, and other items such as the rides, trains, and art. Jackson’s lawyer L. Londell McMillan announced that a private agreement had been reached with the private investment group, Fortress Investment, to save Jackson’s ownership of the ranch. Before the agreement, Jackson owed three months’ arrears on the property. McMillan has not revealed the details of the deal.

Neverlands are found in the minds of children, and that although each is ‘always more or less an island’, and they have a family resemblance, they are not the same from one child to the next. It goes on further to explain that the Neverlands are compact enough that adventures are never far between. It says that a map of a child’s mind would resemble a map of Neverland, with no boundaries at all.

According to the authorized 2006 sequel Peter Pan in Scarlet, the island was pushed up from the ground by imagination. The unauthorized 2004 prequel Peter and the Star catchers presents it as a normal island, named by Peter after the Never Land, the sailing vessel on which he was sent away from civilization. In Peter Pan in Scarlet, the children get to the Neverland world by flying on a road called the High Way, and the island is located in a sea known as the Sea of One Thousand Islands.

Following Jackson’s death, press reports during June 28-29, 2009 claimed that his family intended to bury him at the Neverland Ranch, eventually turning it into a place of pilgrimage for his fans, similar to how Graceland has become a destination for fans of Elvis Presley. However, MJ’s father Joseph Jackson later denied the reports. Construction equipment and gardeners entered the grounds on July 1, prompting speculation that an event related to Jackson’s death would take place there, but local officials stated that a burial there would not be lawful, and local roads could not accommodate a public memorial service.

Michael Jackson was not be allowed to rest in peace at his beloved Neverland Ranch. The singer’s family, who wanted a funeral at Jackson’s former home north of Santa Barbara, was not able to obtain a residential exemption required for a burial on private property.  Jackson’s family wanted him interred at the Santa Barbara County estate, the site of some of the happiest and saddest times in his life, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had agreed to help clear any state bureaucratic hurdles. But in the end, county officials could not find a way to quickly circumvent legal restrictions governing burial at a private residence. “It’s nobody’s fault. Everybody in Santa Barbara feels bad about it.

Friends, I had a feeling I can end my posting on king of pop here. But after seeing the memorial service it has only made me to write more about the historic event happened so far. Yes it was indeed a rare memorial service and one of its kinds.

Michael Jackson’s public memorial started out more spiritual than spectacular on Tuesday, opening with a church choir singing as his golden casket was laid in front of the stage and a shaft of light evoking a cross as Lionel Richie gave a gospel-infused performance. Pastor Lucious W Smith of the Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena gave the invocation, followed by Mariah Carey singing the opening performance with a sweet rendition of the Jackson 5 ballad “I’ll Be There,” a duet with Trey Lorenz.

“We come together and we remember the time,” said Smith, riffing off one of Jackson’s lyrics. “As long as we remember him, he will always be there to comfort us.” The service began with Smokey Robinson reading comments from Nelson Mandela, Diana Ross and other friends of the King of Pop. Following a long silent period inside the venue, piano music and a gospel choir kicked things off with a stained-glass motif in the background. It was a sight not to be missed.

If the photo of John F. Kennedy Jr. saluting his father’s casket was the iconic image of a son saying goodbye to his father, Paris Jackson’s speech at the Staples Center will become the iconic video of a daughter saying goodbye to her dad. It only took Paris two sentences to spread the message of Jackson as loving father, a message that hadn’t been believably conveyed in her dad’s lifetime. And the candor and bravery she displayed at the mic was most honorable. Paris might not enjoy the media attention she’ll garner as a result, but I can’t imagine it will be a decision she ever regrets.

Michael Jackson’s children, Prince Michael, Paris Katherine, and Prince Michael II took the stage during a group performance of ‘Heal the World’. It was the pop star’s 11-year-old daughter who surprised everyone with an unscripted tribute to “daddy”, which she delivered through tears.
After the song, Paris came forward to give an impromptu speech from the stage surrounded by the Jackson family. Paris Michael Katherine cried as she attempted to speak and was consoled by Jackson’s.  She said “I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much,” before collapsing into her aunt Janet Jackson’s arms.

The poignant tribute was especially startling because it marked one of the first times the legendary singer’s daughter has ever been heard publicly. The pop star carefully protected his three children from the public despite being one of the most photographed celebrities of his time and his three children never ventured out in public without wearing fanciful masks. But on Tuesday, they were without disguise as they took front row seats along with Jackson’s other family members at the star-studded memorial service at Staples Center.

An estimated 20,000 people were in the Staples Center as Jackson’s golden flower draped casket was brought to the venue in a motorcade under law enforcement escort. Fans with a ticket wore gold wristbands. Jackson’s hearse had been part of a motorcade that smoothly whisked his body 10 miles across closed freeways from a private service at a Hollywood Hills cemetery to his public memorial and awaiting fans. The traffic snarls and logistical nightmares that had been feared by police and city officials had not materialized. The thousands of fans with tickets began filing in early and encountered few problems, and traffic was actually considered by police to be lighter than normal.

The public memorial was televised live around the world and streamed over the Internet. Among the celebrities who attended the memorial were Stevie Wonder, Usher, Kobe Bryant, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer and Martin Luther King III. More than 1.6 million people registered for the lottery for free tickets to Jackson’s memorial. It was said that a total of 8,750 were chosen to receive two tickets each. For millions of fans across the globe does this number account to even a percentage? Answer is a big NO.

In America, about 50 movie theatres across the country, from Los Angeles to Topeka, Kan and Washington, planned to show the memorial live, for free.   US President Barack Obama said and I quote- “There are certain people in our popular culture that just capture people’s imaginations. And in death, they become even larger”. “Now, I have to admit that it’s also fed by a 24/7 media that is insatiable” The city of Los Angeles even  set up a website on Tuesday to allow fans to contribute money to help the city pay for his Staples Center memorial service. It was estimated the service will cost $1.5 million to $4 million.

During Tuesday’s memorial service for fallen music icon Michael Jackson, when numerous news, music and entertainment events streamed the event live, Facebook users were averaging 6,000 status updates per minute. That’s roughly 2,000 more updates per minute than occurred during the inauguration ceremony for President Obama last January. According to Facebook officials as of 1:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, just a half hour into the ceremony — users had already posted 500,000 status updates. Over 300,000 users were logged in at that time. The total Web audience for the Jackson funeral topped the inauguration making it a historical event. But Jackson already has over a million more friends than Obama close to 7 million. Also the virtual Michael Jackson glove has become the most popular gift in the site’s history, as over 800,000 gloves have been exchanged by Facebook friends.

Some 31.1 million people in the United States watched the Michael Jackson memorial on television, with millions more catching video streams on their computers. Eighteen different networks carried the memorial live, including all the big broadcasters and cable news stations, along with MTV, BET and the three largest Spanish-language stations. It had an audience share of 56, meaning that 56 percent of the televisions turned on during the memorial were tuned into Jackson.

By law, the golden casket that presumably held Jackson’s body should be exactly where his death certificate says it is: back at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills cemetery, the site of a private family memorial service held before the Staples ceremony. Los Angeles County records show the cemetery as the temporary location, where it must stay until those records is officially updated.

But where Jackson’s body will eventually be laid to rest remains a mystery, fed by the same level of rumor and speculation that surrounded much of his life. Will he be interred at Forest Lawn? Is Neverland Ranch still a possibility? Lets wait.

Fans congregated at staples center in L.A to pay their last respects to Jackson, the music wizard as he faded into eternity. Though a comeback concert eluded Jackson this side of the grave, ironically his last journey became the show of all shows, the comeback of all comebacks. In death, he regained all the lost glory that was tainted by accusations of child abuse. He became richer in death than he was in life. He thrilled music lovers to pieces, while the world loved him to death. That was Michael Jackson. He was born to be a king and he never settled for anything less. He lived like a king until his maker made him a mortal. We all needed a piece of MJ. We all needed him a lot. Perhaps God needed him more.

]]> http://pheonixunleashed.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/michael-jackson-tribute-to-the-king-of-pop/feed/ 11 pheonixunleashed Remembering MJ MJ Airlifted 1 MJ Airlifted 2 MJ Airlifted 3 MJ Airlifted 1 MJ Airlifted 5 MJ Airlifted 6 Air Lift 1 Airlift 2 Airlift 3 Airlift 4 Airlift 5 Airlift 6 MJ Fans Mourn 1 MJ Fans Mourn 2 MJ Fans Mourn 3 MJ Fans Mourn 4 MJ Fans Mourn 5 MJ Fans Mourn 6 MJ Fans Mourn 7 MJ Fans Mourn 8 MJ Fans Mourn 9 MJ Fans Mourn 10 MJ Fans Mourn 11 MJ Fans Mourn 12 MJ Fans Mourn 13 MJ Fans Mourn 14 MJ Fans Mourn 15 MJ Fans Mourn 16 MJ Fans Mourn 17 MJ Fans Mourn 18 MJ Fans Mourn 19 MJ Fans Mourn 20 MJ Fans Mourn 21 MJ Fans Mourn 22 MJ Fans Mourn 23 MJ Fans Mourn 24 MJ Fans Mourn 25 MJ Fans Mourn 26 MJ Fans Mourn 27 MJ Fans Mourn 28 MJ Fans Mourn 29 MJ Fans Mourn 30 Click to enlarge Mj at 1972 Mj at 1977 Mj at 1980 Mj at 1984 MJ at 1987 MJ at 1992 Mj at 1993 MJ at 1995 Mj at 1998 Mj at 2000 MJ at 2001 MJ at 2002 Mj at 2004 Mj at 2005 MJ at 2007 Mj at 2009 Google Trends 404 error michael jackson searches Twitter TT US Internet Usage Forever MJ Jackson with hs friends MJ With Friends 1 MJ With Friends 2 MJ With Friends 3 MJ With Friends 4 MJ With Friends 5 MJ With Friends 6 MJ With Friends 7 MJ With Friends 8 MJ With Friends 9 MJ With Friends 10 MJ With Friends 11 MJ With Friends 12 MJ With Friends 13 MJ With Friends 14 MJ With Friends 15 MJ With Friends 16 MJ With Friends 17 MJ With Friends 18 Moonwalk to the Neverland Neverland Ranch Map Neverland Ranch 1 Neverland Ranch 2 Neverland Ranch 3 Neverland Ranch 4 Neverland Ranch 5 Neverland Ranch 6 Nverland ranch 7 Nverland ranch 8 Nverland ranch 9 neverland ranch 10 Nverland ranch 11 Nverland ranch 12 Nverland ranch 13 Nverland ranch 14 Nverland ranch 15 Nverland ranch 16 Nverland ranch 17 Nverland ranch 18 Neverland ranch 19 Neverland Ranch 20 Neverland Ranch 21 Neverland Ranch 22 Neverland Ranch 23 Neverland Ranch 24 Curtains on MJ Curtains on MJ Journey To Neverland Journey To Neverland (1) Journey To Neverland (2) Journey To Neverland (3) Journey To Neverland (4) Journey To Neverland (5) Journey To Neverland (6) Journey To Neverland (7) Journey To Neverland (8) Journey To Neverland (9) Journey To Neverland (10) Journey To Neverland (11) Journey To Neverland (13) Journey To Neverland (14) Journey To Neverland (15) Journey To Neverland (16) Journey To Neverland (17) Journey To Neverland (18) Journey To Neverland (19) Journey To Neverland (20) Journey To Neverland (21) Journey To Neverland (23) Journey To Neverland (24) Journey To Neverland (25) Journey To Neverland (26) Journey To Neverland (27) Journey To Neverland (28) Journey To Neverland (29) Journey To Neverland (30) Journey To Neverland (31) Journey To Neverland (32) Journey To Neverland (33) Journey To Neverland (35) Journey To Neverland (36) Journey To Neverland (37) Journey To Neverland (38) Journey To Neverland (39) Journey To Neverland (40) Journey To Neverland (41) Journey To Neverland (42) Journey To Neverland (43) Journey To Neverland (48) Journey To Neverland (49) Journey To Neverland (51) Journey To Neverland (52) Journey To Neverland (53) Journey To Neverland (54) Journey To Neverland (55) Journey To Neverland (56) Journey To Neverland (57) Journey To Neverland (58) Journey To Neverland (59) Journey To Neverland (60) Journey To Neverland (61) Journey To Neverland (62) Journey To Neverland (63) Journey To Neverland (64) Journey To Neverland (65) Journey To Neverland (66) Journey To Neverland (67) Journey To Neverland (68) Journey To Neverland (69) Journey To Neverland (70) Journey To Neverland (71) Journey To Neverland (72) Journey To Neverland (73) Journey To Neverland (74) Journey To Neverland (75) Journey To Neverland (76) Journey To Neverland (77) Journey To Neverland (78) Journey To Neverland (79) Mj facebook Journey To Neverland (81) Journey To Neverland (80) Journey To Neverland (82) Journey To Neverland (83) Journey To Neverland (84) Journey To Neverland (85) My Quote http://pheonixunleashed.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/dr-devi-prasad-shetty-a-doctor-par-excellence-heartspeak/ http://pheonixunleashed.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/dr-devi-prasad-shetty-a-doctor-par-excellence-heartspeak/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:50:40 +0000 Renin Raj http://pheonixunleashed.wordpress.com/?p=460 ]]> Not just Information Technology, but Bangalore has been making strides in other sectors as well. However, these have not been acknowledged so well for the simple reason that they are not so high profile. Quietly, but quite significantly, the city has become the hub of heart medicine and treatment, and there is one person that we can thank for putting Bangalore on the world’s medical map. Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty deserves all the praise that Bangaloreans can give.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Dr. Devi Shetty off late, had a brief talk with him for about half an hours time.  Real down to earth person i must say. I was waiting in his guest room for about an hour now, he comes walking in just finishing a major surgery. he walks in as cool as cucumber.  without a sign of stress on his  face.  Its just another day at Hospital for him. However this is my second meeting with the most respected citizen in Bangalore. Earlier had met him during college days for some Business Leadership Forum Summit. During MBA days we had even conducted few Video Conferences with Dr. Devi Shetty

In the informal chat i had with him i got to know, His beginnings were humble enough. He was educated and trained in general surgery from the Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (1982). He attained basic training in Cardiac Surgery at the West Midlands Cardiothoracic Rotation programme. This was followed by his appointment at the Guy’s Hospital London – Cardiothoracic Unit, between 1983 and 1989.  In 1989 Dr. Shetty and his team set up a 140-bed hospital Research Institute in Calcutta.

It is in Calcutta that he hit big time and began making the country sit up and take notice of his work. He also has the distinction of being Mother Teresa’s doctor and treated her every time that she fell sick, especially before she breathed her last. But he was never the one to rest on his laurels.

But now, Bangalore can boast of his own brain child the Narayana Hrudalaya, a world renowned facility for heart treatment, which is famous in many other countries. In fact, patients from neighboring countries and even developed countries come to the facility for his expert treatment.

His list of achievements is incredible to say the least. He is the first heart surgeon in India to venture into neo-natal open-heart surgery. He performed the first open-heart surgery in the world to close a hole in the heart with the help of a microchip camera. He used an artificial heart for the first time in India and performed the first surgery in India using the blood vessels of the stomach to bypass the blocked arteries of the heart. He also performed Asia’s first dynamic cardiomyoplasty operation.

The list is in fact endless.  Dr Shetty’s another claim to fame is his effort in reducing the cost of heart operations. The package pricing system devised by him has made heart surgery affordable to the common man. He is also responsible for introducing the concept of assembly line heart surgery, which aims at reducing the cost of surgery and achieving zero mortality.

But everybody will agree that his greatest achievement has been his work with children. He operates free for kids under twelve, and of his 13000 operations in a 16 year career span, over 5000 operations were on children. For him, compassion is the biggest thing in life. He has gone on record many times to say that, “If I am given a choice I would like to treat only poor patients. But unfortunately the economic reality does not allow me to do that.” This simple quote speaks for itself. it shows the personality of the Wonder man.

Obviously, his personal mission is glaring clear – to make cardiac surgery affordable by creating a chain of heart hospitals in every state in India to serve the working class. “There are clever people and some people are cleverer than me. I like to associate with people cleverer than me” said  Shetty.

He won another feather in his already full cap when his hospital was appointed as the telemedicine center by some countries. With this Narayana Hrudayalaya is the biggest telemedicine center in the world, catering to some 19 countries, and exporting its expertise to wherever it is required. The hospital has made full use of Bangalore’s biggest asset,  IT,  in making heart treatment reachable and technologically viable.

But, why Bangalore? “This is where there is there is a lot of potential and expertise. I felt I had to give back something,’’ he said.

Well, what can we Bangaloreans say, except carry on doctor, we are behind you every inch of the way.

I Swear that this time I will stand up.  Not for what I believe in, but for what I don’t.

This time I will vote . Not for, But against.  Against my own helplessness.

Against my own laziness. Against TWO words called ” Chalta Hai“

Against short cuts in queues.  Against cheating in exams.

Against Kharcha Paani in offices.  Against powerless inquiry commissions.

And powerful vote banks. Against religion in politics.

And Politics in religion. Against illegal constructions.

And legal loopholes. Against every cynic, Every non – believer.

Against the belief that nothing will change. Against the feeling that my, Vote cannot make the difference.

Against every excuse for not voting. And i will do this without fear or Shame.

Because only by voting against all that,  is destroying our today, will i give my

Children something to vote for tomorrow.

Friends, Come lets make this VOTE count !!

Against the BEST.. of the WORST, Against Having to chose from the least Tainted.

Against dubious reputations and unclean records. Against leaders who have criminal convictions,

But not personal ones. Against dark truths, and White Lies.

Against legal sentences that are covered by glib ones.  Against vote bank merchants and political salesman.

Against all that is working against this country.

I SWEAR to vote against it all. !

I SUPPORT THIS CAUSE:

Sixty two years after winning independence, India waits to be free again. To be freed from criminals who have muscled their way into power. In 2004, about one in five MPs had criminal records, including some with charges of heinous crimes such as murder, rape, dacoity and kidnapping. This seriously tarnishes the image of honest and eminent leaders who are committed to building a greater India. It is time for every citizen of India to become a freedom fighter and unite to free India from the clutches of criminals.

As citizens of a free nation, i appeal to all the political parties to refrain from giving tickets to persons with criminal backgrounds. And take an oath to free India from criminals forever.

I know that these days we can’t have Gandhians and statesmen as politicians,

but I Swear, at the very least, not to accept criminals charged with rape and murder.

I WILL NOT accept criminals In politics.

I WILL Make this Vote Count.

Read this: Criminal Cases By state (2004) Criminal Cases By Party (2004)

List of MP’s with Pending Cases List of MP’s with Criminal Cases

NUMBER SPEAK-

SIZE:

• The size of the electorate in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections was about 671.4 million. That is more than twice the population of the third most populous country in the world – the United States.

• The 2004 elections involved 687,402 polling booths spread over the 28 states, 6 Union territories and one National Capital Territory

• The number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the 2004 elections exceeded 10.75 lakh.

• A total of 5,435 candidates – about 10 per seat on average – contested the 2004 elections. As many as 4,218 lost their security deposits.

• The expenditure for conducting the 2004 general elections was an estimated Rs 1,300 crore. Back in 1952, the first general elections, the amount was less than Rs 10.5 crore

PARTICIPATION:

• Contrary to the general perception, voter turn-out has not been steadily declining. It has hovered at around 55-65% for every general election from 1962, sometimes rising a little, at others dropping a little.

• The highest turnout ever recorded in a Lok Sabha election was in 1984, the polls following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, when it reached 63.6%.

• Male turnout has traditionally been higher than female turnout. While the gap between the two was around 11-12% in the elections held in the 1960s, the last two Lok Sabha elections have seen it narrow somewhat to about 8%.

CONSTITUENCIES:

• The Lok Sabha currently has 543 constituencies which elect members. In addition, there are two members nominated by the government to represent the Anglo-Indian community. The 543 Lok Sabha constituencies are distributed among the states and UTs as follows:

• The boundaries of constituencies were, under the Constitution, meant to be periodically redrawn so that each constituency, as far as possible, contains roughly the same population. This would also mean redistribution of seats across states, as their relative shares of the total population changed.

• The process of redefining constituency boundaries – known as delimitation — was frozen since the 1977 elections because it was felt that if states got fewer seats because they were able to arrest population growth, it would be a disincentive for family planning.

• This led to a peculiar situation of constituencies being extremely unequal in size. In 2004, for instance, the smallest constituency – Lakshadweep – had an electorate of just over 39,000, while the largest – Outer Delhi – had nearly 33.7 lakh

• Since population growth happens most rapidly in urban areas, the delimitation means that there will be many more seats in urban areas in 2009 than there were in 2004.

In a country as diverse and complex as ours, how can we turn to any one religion friends? All religions are the same; the country is God,

“The Matrabhoomi”

Data Source:   Lead India’09 No Criminals

Photograph Courtesy: Lead India’09 No Criminals

NOTE: All pictures displayed in this posting are from Lead India ’09 and No criminals.org site unless specified otherwise. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of the copyright holder is Strictly Prohibited.

I would like to continue from where I stopped my previous posting. Its some days now, since we ended the dreaded attacks.  Sanitization process would have almost come to an end in Taj, Trident by now. Taj would begin its renovation process shortly. The damages caused can be repaired, but the wound and pain caused to hearts of millions across India, how can that be sanitized? How can that be repaired. It would still remain as a scar deep down in our hearts. Life seems to have taken absolutely hideous turn as we witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks in the history of Independent India.

So much so happened in the last one week’s time, and even for today news channels breaks some news that are absolutely shocking. At this juncture we should be really thankful to the media who brought us the updates in real time. Their courage and strength are never to be forgotten. Many a times even the media personnel were very much on the line of fire. Some say the media people were causing lot more head ache, they were adding to the already existing chaos and being burden to the security people. It was also said that Media was providing the information to terrorist inside the hotel by showing LIVE telecast of what’s happening outside. And some times these are the same people who browse the channels to see which channel shows the latest, the best updated and LIVE pictures. But I personally felt this time they were very much within the limits. There was no hype or sensationalism or anything of that subject which was intended just to increase the TRP. It was just the news what they provided and which in turn made each citizen accountable and be heard. The voice was heard in one common language called Humanity. Aam Admi’s (Common Mans) voice was heard this time.

A job well done is must say. It was great work done by Arnab Goswami, Rajdeep Sardesai, Barakha Dutt, Sreenivasan Jain, Maharukh and many more daring Journo. However this time my favorites were TIMES NOW and NDTV 24×7. But my appeal to all the media is please do not forget this 60 Hours of hard work you people did in just 6 days. Carry on this crusade of awakening the people at least for 60 days so that the politicians are forced to present an action taken, report to the public to their satisfaction. This in turn would go along way in ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens and the progress of the nation. Be a reason for the change. The change which we all need. A change which is required at a much much faster rate. The Guys from MEDIA, after all its you people gets us the BREAKING NEWS, I’m sure you all can make INDIA into a story that can be BREAKING NEWS for the world.

India faced more than 4,100 terrorist attacks between 1970 and 2004, accounting for more than 12,000 fatalities, according to the Global Terrorism Database. The database is maintained by the University of Maryland and the US National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism START. Terrorist Organization Profiles TOPs collection has information on 56 groups known to have engaged in terrorism in India, including the Students Islamic Movement of India SIMI. Hearing all these news, causes real sleepless nights. About 12,540 terrorist-related fatalities in India between 1970 and 2004, these fatalities peaked in 1991 and 1992, when 1,184 and 1,132 individuals (respectively) were killed in such incidents, a University of Maryland statement said. Terrorists in India have employed a variety of attack types over time, 38.7 per cent of terrorist events were facility attacks, 29.7 per cent were bombings, in which the intent was to destroy a specific facility, and 25.5 per cent were assassinations. Last week’s terror attacks in Mumbai, which left at least 183 dead, would be classified as a series of coordinated facility attacks.

We have such horrifying statistics in front of us; we keep getting threat mail time over and again. What are we doing? What are the politicians whom we voted to safe guard us doing? What are the bureaucrats doing? Who can we trust up there now? How long more should we lead a fear gripped life in this independent sovereign of India?

Our PM calls for all party meeting, asks everybody to pull up their socks, appeals the forces to have better co ordination. Strengthens coastal lines and Ports. Plans to set up Federal Investigation Agency. Home Minister Mr. Shivraj Patil quits, Deputy CM of Maharashtra Mr. RR Patils Quits. Chief Minister Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh offers to resign. Are these the solution? I am afraid its not.  We have again received threat from Deccan Mujahidin alerting next target would be Delhi and Ahmedabad. How far we will be successful in preventing it? That’s something which only time will say. They send us an early threat mail and still they are successful in accomplishing in their mission. It’s a direct challenge thrown at our Intelligence Agency. But it’s so sad and painful that most of the time our intelligence fails to prevent them. That really makes us bow our heads with shame and agony.

Mr. R.R Patil : Dy. CM of Maharashtra

To add on to these shocking news, comes some disgusting statements from our elected politicians. These shocking statements have directly hurt the sentiments of every common man, specially the Mumbaikars.  The Dy. CM of Maharashtra Mr. R.R Patil “Badi badi sher Mein. Aise Choti choti Batein Hoti hain” which meant – In the big city like Mumbai, small things like this happen. So Mr. Dy. CM feels, terror attack which claimed 200 lives and injured 300 people is small things. And yes of course that statement proved very expensive to him. He had to resign the very next day, he made this statement.

For the shock of life, we saw Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh make his first official tour of the Taj Mahal Hotel. But what drew flak was the presence of filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma and Vilasrao’s son and actor Riteish Deshmukh as part of the Chief Minister’s official entourage. Being a responsible person he failed to understand the seriousness of the hour. I wonder where the protocol was! CM’s visit to see the amount of casualty and disaster the terror had caused, should that visit be accompanied by Director and Actors of Bollywood? Should Ram Gopal Varma and CM’s actor son Riteish Deshmukh join the Chief Minister’s official entourage? I leave the question for you all to answer. On asking the same question to CM he replied and I quote “What’s wrong with taking my son along”. I personally don’t have any answer to it. I feel Ramu – who loves take real life incidents and turn them into big screen dramas – might just be planning a film on the Mumbai terror attacks with Riteish in the cast. Play Back Singer Mr. Sonu Nigam had the right answer for this scene, he said and I quote “I don’t really care who came, who went and where they went. I don’t expect anything from them. I know that this is what the Indian bureaucracy is like and so I don’t really care.” Absolutely Diplomatic reply I must say!

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi : BJP Leader

When we, the common people of democratic India accused the politicians for this tragedy, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi went on saying people protesting against political apathy during the Mumbai terror attack are no better than terrorists. He says and I quote “Some women wearing lipstick and powder have taken to streets in Mumbai and are abusing politicians spreading dissatisfaction against democracy. This is what terrorists are doing in Jammu and Kashmir” BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy has sought to down play Naqvi’s statement and said I quote “He did not mean to say that. His words were presented in a wrong contest”. One person says something; other describes what he meant out of it. Crazy…These are our Politicians. God Save them All.

To add on to the burning hearts of public, fuel is splashed by the statement of Chief Minister of Kerala, VS Achuthanandan. When CM of Kerala was not given permission to visit Major Unikrishnan’s house and was snubbed, he made the statement and I quote “If Major Unikrishnan had not been a Major, even a dog would have not gone to his house,” are these kinds of Insulting statements expected to be made by the CM of a state to a Martyrs Family? It was a disgusting statement from a responsible person. These Kinds of Unwarranted, uncalled for statement are so sad to be heard. People in fact have demanded that CM should go on his knees and ask for apology. I feel even that is too little to be done. It took three days for the CM to send his apology to martyr Major Unikrishnan’s family.

CM was compelled to ask for apology because of the mounting pressure from within his party, opposition party, media and most importantly public’s voice. CM said and I quote “I am sad that Sandeep’s family was hurt by my remark. I apologize for that,”

Raj Thackeray : Founder & President of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)

At this point, one question that comes to my mind, in fact a million minds… we would like to know where Mr. Raj Thackeray, the self proclaimed messiah of Mumbai, was during this entire episode was unfolding. Was he in the streets of Mumbai searching for a Mumbai born NSG commandos? Or was he taking the census on number of North Indians staying in Mumbai. We never got a chance to see his image in these four days. Where has all his love for the state gone? I wonder!!  It was Commandos from length and breadth of the country who lost their lives to save Mumbaikars, to save India from this terror attack. Had commandos stayed back from war against terror, arguing I am from U.P and I am not interested in saving Mumbai, I am sure next target would have been something which is very important and special to MNS or  Mr. Raj Thackeray himself.

Mr. Raj Thackeray to understand that it requires nerves of steel and some amount of Strength on Backbone to convert the speech into action. I am sure he would dare not to speak about Marathi and Mumbai again! Next time before he speaks something, he should have a thought. Public are really upset and would turn tables top on him. They would get down even to strip him naked. Who knows he might even get a chance to taste rotten eggs and tomatoes. Beware!! Raj Thackeray should now be realizing that he needs to be an Indian first and not a Mumbaikar. He and many of those extremists should understand that INDIA will be INDIA only when each of us starts being INDIAN!!

As entire city went out to bid farewell to the brave men of the Mumbai police. But just how long does the memory of their sacrifice remain? Less than three months ago, similar scenes were witnessed in Delhi. Mohan Chand Sharma, the encounter specialist of the Delhi police, was killed at the Batla house encounter following the Delhi blasts. But today, how many of us remember him?

After Sharma’s death, VIPs made a beeline for his home.  But today, there is not even a trickle of visitors. “They had promised us so many things,” but none remains fulfilled. I just hope these scenes would not repeat again. It was such a proud moment for me to see Mrs. Karkare wife of ATS chief rejecting the Compensation Money of Rs 1 Crore being offered by Mr. Narendra Modi. What better way to slap the ministers. The same scenes were seen even at Major Sandeep Unikrishnan House, when Kerala CM and Home Minister came to visit them. The Doors were shut against their face. They were snubbed. Right way to acknowledge the politicians I must say. Well done! An Olympic shooter wins Gold (only a game) & Govt gives him 3Cr + awards. Another shooter dies, fighting with terrorists, (saving our country and our lives) & govt pays his family 5 Lacs Truly Great!!  Wake up people. Time to prove…

Sagirika Ghose : Senior Editor CNN IBN

Mr. Ashwini Kakkar Mr.Abhishek Manu

Dr. Kiran Bedi

Few days back I was watching Face the Nation in CNN IBN, the debate was “ Is resignation of Ministers enough to win the war” at the beginning of the show 12% said YES and majority 88% said NO. Guests were Mr. Ashwini Kakkar – Executive Vice Chairman, Mercury Travels, Mr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi – MP & Spokesperson Congress and Dr. Kiran Bedi, Former IPS. It was made very clear in the show that resignation of ministers is not enough to fight the terror. It’s too little and too late. Sagarika Ghose played the Devils Advocate to the perfection. I could hear only Dr. Kiran Bedi speaking some sense in the entire half an hour’s debate. She was expressing her opinion that rather than politicians, entire bureaucracy should be changed. IAS and IPS should be given a chance to rule India. So happy to know that IPS runs even now in Dr. Kiran Bedi’s Blood.

In India Intelligence Bureau IB and Research and Analysis Wings RAW report to Chief Secretary who is 75+ years. Terrorists who attack are all at the age of 20 – 25 and how could we think in the same lines what terrorist thinks and act smartly to avoid the attacks. I feel it’s almost next to impossible. The Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing have been continuously loosing the cutting edge-expertise, which they had in the past. Time has really come to cut the Tape. Show ended up with 89% public telling Resignation of Ministers is too little and that’s not enough to tackle terror. “Resignation is just a penalty for previous mistakes and not solution for the present disaster” The RAW and the IB, are trying to figure out exactly what happened on the high seas, but this vigil, this interest, I wonder how long it will last to secure India’s coastlines.

In India more than 10,000 security persons guard 442 VVIP’s. Among that is 1700 well trained NSG black cat commandos to protect VVIP’s. a whooping 250 crores is spent every year in protecting VVIP’s. We have 14,200 cops to protect the VIP’s only in the capital Delhi. Is this all required? Is any individual’s life more important than a sovereign? When this question was asked to some of our politicians whose name I don’t want to disclose here, said and I quote “sacrificing my guards is not a solution to fight terrorism and the question is absolutely baseless”

Today as we complete one week, we can see India united like never before. People from all religion, cast and creed joined their hands and have declared war on terror. Its nice feeling when we see the public coming together in different cities and light the candles. It’s not Mumbai’s voice, it’s not Delhi’s Voice, Its not Bangalore’s voice, but a collective voice called “TheVoice of India” was heard. Most of the media channels have come up with many anti terror campaigns. I must say it’s the best media piece in last decade. People were shouting their hearts out. And media made sure that it was heard in the ears of deaf politicians. Some people urged that military people should be given 10% hike every year rather than political babu’s. some said “I would rather die in battle filed fighting against the terror, that dying along with family sitting in the lobby of a 5 star hotel” this act of terror as united so many hearts. Let us all pledge and declare war against it. And if one Billion people wake up and join hands together, that would be a mighty force for anyone to handle.

I feel so sad looking at these pictures, Indian cricket team being escorted in luxury buses and made to stay in no less than a 5 start hotel. irrespective of winning or loosing they are treated like kings. I agree India is country where if cricket is a religion, then Sachin, Dhoni etc are the god. Yet do they really need this kind of heroic appreciation? If the answer is YES they do deserve a royal welcome, then my question is why there is discrimination when our jawans win or loose battle, why are they not being recognized?  they are made to move in local buses.  Some cricketers walk out of 5 star hotels just because their room A/C makes a little too much noice than it is expected to make. few complaint if the milk is not served hot. and our jawans who are happy with anything they get has no regrets at all. we could see smile on every single commandos when he was transported in local bus. thats the true Indian i must say. jawans who protects us are not recognized is it because they are not glamarous or TV icons? Is it because corporate India are not getting any returns out of them? I can say it is just because there is no Return on Investment. never to forget at the end of the day, when these cricketers life is in threat, they need our jawans itself to protect them, and without any regrets our jawans take up their task and do their best to protect them. Have you ever see our PM giving such warm reception to our Jawans any time in the recent past??? atleast its not in my memory.

It could have been me or anyone of us lying there dead. But it was someone else…With a silent prayer for all those who died for me. My heart reach out to those parents, wives, husbands and children….May the Almighty give you the strength. May God give us the strength as a nation to stay united in grief and move as one with resilience. God Bless us all… I think it is time for the common man to stand up and say “Enough is enough”. We are a democratic nation and it is the most powerful tool our forefathers have given us. Let us stand united so that terror will never have the LAST WORD.

At this point I would like to share a message what I received from my friend “Forgiving a terrorist should be left to god… But fixing their appointment with God is entirely our responsibility” Certainly every Indians Responsibility. NSG’s came. NSG’s saw…and NSG’s Conquered. We are really proud of you. The Real brave hearts of India. Your sacrifices will never go unacknowledged from the hearts of Mumbaikars and Indians. My Salute to you all. Kudos!! Let’s stand United and fight so that terror will not have the last word. If we can’t do this, then lets not waste our time and just work for our better tomorrow – if at all we have one. Some say its India’s 9/11 and some say its 26/11, what ever they call it, my prayers are just that it won’t repeat.  I end this post seeing the breaking news on Times now channel “Deccan Mujahideen send another threat mail:  Airports in Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore are next hit list” one question which still haunts me is. “How long should we live in this terror gripped India? Will this ever have an end?” I am being very optimistic and hoping we have a better, cleaner and safer India to live the rest of our lives.  So much so happened, yet at the end of the day every Mumbaikars, every Indian still would hum the song

“Aye dil hai mushkil jeena yahan
Zara hat ke Zara bach ke, yeh hai Bombay meri jaan”

and Friends remember: Change starts with the individual.Each one of us matters !!

JAIHIND

Photo Courtesy:

CNN IBN

With lot of agony and grief deep down in my heart, I am penning this few thoughts of mine. It was 26^th Nov 2008; it was the 5^th One day international between India and England. The cricket Match got over around 10.15. After watching the prize ceremony, I just switched over my TV channel to CNN IBN, suddenly I see a breaking news on the screen “Reports of Gun Fire in Leopold Café” I did not take it seriously though. Felt it could be just another Gang war. I changed the TV channel to Times now there again a breaking news “Gun fire heard in CST and Colaba Area in South Mumbai” within few min another news breaks, which said “ Reports of Explosion in Juhu Area near Vile Parle” this time it caught my attention. I kept my remote aside and got glued to TV. After few min I just changed the channel to Head Lines Today, only to see the first images from the shoot out site from CST and Leopold Café. Believe me for a second I was cell shocked to see the bloodshed there. There were showers of broken glasses everywhere, empty bullet cartridges and dead bodies lying all around in CST terminal and Leopold café. 10:20 pm and we have confirmation that it is not a gang-war but a full-on attack. More news trickling-in by the second. A blast at vile-parle? An attack at the airport? There seems to be some trouble at Oberoi Hotel. The air reverberating with sounds that seemed nothing other than fire crackers; at times maybe even a cracker-bomb.

It was around 11 PM news started coming, which said “Gun Shots heard in Hotel Taj, Hotel Trident Oberoi and CAMA Hospital” this was followed by another striking news “Terror Attacks Suspected” that was it, I knew this would be a long night for me, and its gonna take all my sleep for that night. I immediately called home and asked dad and mom to switch on the TV and see the news. I was dead sure they would be asleep because it was 11.40 PM.

It was at 12.05 news was confirmed that it was “terrorist attack”. And news started pouring in which said terror strikes at 10 different places across South Mumbai – started from Leopold café in Colaba and CST station, then moved on to Taj Mahal Hotel, Trident Oberoi Hotel, CAMA Hospital, Girgaum, Mazegoan, Euro Cinema, Vile Parle. Within minutes News channel started showing LIVE gun fire in Taj and Oberoi. It was such a sad sight to see. Guest and visitors, rushing out of Taj and Oberoi with injuries. I was anguished by the sight of Foreigners rushing out, holding their hands on their chest.

At around 11.50 I saw a ray of hope in the form of ATS chief stepping out of his car, wearing his helmet and bullet proof vest and heading into the line of fire. But that ray of hope lasted only few minutes. The lamentable news came at around 12.15, which I really could not believe – the breaking news this time was “ATS chief Mr. Hemant Karkare injured in encounter”,I could not believe that. I changed the channel to headlines today there the news was still more horrifying “ATS Chief Mr. Hemant Karkare Dead” that news was such a big blow, because I saw him going into the line of fire just few min back LIVE, and in minutes I hear the news of his demise. Then I see the news that Encounter Specialist Mr. Vijay Salaskar and Mumbai’s Additional Commissioner of Police Mr. Ashok Kamte are no more.

Top Cops of Mumbai Police died in the encounter. I was in a dilemma whether to be proud of these brave heart officers who lead from the front and died or should I be sad that we lost this gem of officers. For an embattled Mumbai police force, it’s was time to reflect on the losses.

It was now I saw exclusive video in Times Now channel, where two terrorist hijacked a police vehicle and fled the scene. As they were hurrying they shot the bullets randomly at the journalists standing nearby. It was for the first time I saw terrorist Hijacking a Police vehicle and break away the scene. Meanwhile a stray bullet ricochets on the pavement space in front of the media persons and injures one bystander and two journalists including a lady photographer. Things quickly came into perspective. The Hollywood movie that was unfolding in front of their eyes in this wide 360 degree canvas quickly turned into a reality. Suddenly the enormity of the dangers standing there near the front-line seeps into the psyche of the reporters as well, as all the media personnel present there. Everyone quickly duck to the ground bracing themselves to the stone pavements of the gateway. That was a close shave indeed. Really Lucky I must say. Clearly an early sign of warning to the media, which showed the  intensity of the situation.

However our mighty cops were successful in intercepting them and neutralized one terrorist and caught the other person alive, who now is the key to many locks. I just hope Kasav won’t be just another Afzal Guru. It was the same cold blooded Killer who was caught in CCTV in CST. Aged in mid 20’s wearing jeans and Versace T shirt, with Couple of bags hung around his shoulder and having the AK-47 assault rifle. The new name of terror, it is this persons confession to the security personnel’s that was pinching my nerves. He went on telling that “They had a set plan in their mind, their plan was to kill at least 5000 people in Mumbai. I was told to kill till the last breath” This is the only surviving gunman of the massacre in Mumbai. Seconds after this CCTV picture was taken, 21-year-old Azam Amir Kasav began to kill. During two days of questioning, Kashmiri-born Kasav, who used the alias Ajmal Kasab, told police: “I have no regrets”. The set goal was clearly seen in the eyes of this Kasav.

He is said to have told officers the cell was to seek out ‘white targets, preferably British and American’. The terrorists thought they would come out alive and had an escape route. He revealed that the ten terrorists, who were highly trained in marine assault and crept into the city by boat, had planned to blow up the Taj Mahal Palace hotel after first executing British and American tourists and then taking hostages. Mercifully, the group, armed with plastic explosives, underestimated the strength of the 105-year-old building’s solid foundations.

He pretended to be dead, which probably saved his life. It was only when he was being transferred to hospital by ambulance that his accompanying officer noticed he was still breathing. Once inside Nair Hospital, Kasav, who suffered only minor injuries, told medical staff: “I do not want to die. Please put me on saline”.

Now at around 12.45 the whole focus of attention was shifted to Hotel Taj and Trident Oberoi. News started coming that terrorist have entered Hotel Taj and Trident and holed up there along with unknown number of Hostages. The gun battle intensified. The whole area was cordoned off. Now breaks the news that couple of Terrorists have sneaked into Jewish Settlement in Nariman House and held a Jew Family as Hostage. This news was followed by shocking news which said “Huge explosion reported In Juhu Area – RDX suspected”. It was such a sad scene to see the landmark of Mumbai burning. Raging fire and plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the central dome of the century-old heritage Taj hotel opposite the Gateway of India. Explosions, Gun shots, dead bodies, blood pool, shattered glasses, guests rushing out, whole lot a chaos, fire tenders, cops and media personnel’s were the scene around Taj.

By now it was 2.30 AM and I reckoned, its time to go for sleep, because next day it would be just another day in office for me because we had no holiday, Holiday was declared only for Schools, colleges and office in the city of Mumbai. Praying for the people who are in the action filed, the cops, hotel staffs, the guests inside the hotel I went to sleep, setting up alarm to 500 IST and hoping by morning everything would have come to an end.

Alarm rang and I was so fast in getting up and switching on TV, but only to see the breaking news “Gun Battle continues in Taj, Oberoi and Nariman House” What I could see now was Mumbai state police was pushed back to guard the outer most ring, which was followed by the BSF in the second level and the outer most face to face combat level was taken over by the black cat NSG Commandos. By 9 am in the morning news started flashing “fresh gun fires heard in Taj and Oberoi” The army’s trying it’s best to penetrate the defenses of the terrorist. I had the hopes at least by the end of this day the siege would come to an end. But I was proved wrong. Whole day there were grenades being lobbed, gun shots being heard, thick black smokes coming out of the hotels, casualty and death toll on a continuous inclination path. These were the scenes throughout the day.

To add on to the public’s anger, comes our Honorable Prime Ministers speech. It was so dead speech, reaction less, emotionless, robotic speech. It was a pathetic sight to see the PM’s address to nation. It had happened before, it happened now and when PM said and i quote“In this hour of tragedy, I appeal to the people to maintain peace and harmony so that the enemies of our country do not succeed in their nefarious designs. All concerned authorities are on alert and will deal sternly with any attempts to disturb public order.I am confident that the people of India will rise unitedly to face this grave challenge to the nation’s security and integrity.” there was no hope given at all to the citizens that it won’t happen again. All I can say it just added more fuel to burning hearts of Mumbaikars.

I still remember when Twin tower was brought down on 9/11 and Mr. George Bush, president US visited the ground zero just on inspection, and it happened a group of media people rushed to him for his response. The next second he started addressing the nation right from where he stood. No prior preparations, not document in hand to see to it and read. The speech really gave all the Americans a hope to the future. He said and I quote “Tonight, we are a country awakened to danger and called to defend freedom. Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.” Americans went on asking how would we win this war? Mr. President replied and I quote “We will direct every resource at our command — every means of diplomacy, every tool of intelligence, every instrument of law enforcement, every financial influence, and every necessary weapon of war — to the destruction and to the defeat of the global terror network” Mr. President went on to say “I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!” and Indeed people who brought WTC heard it well from USA. Now that’s what I call a leaders address to the Nation.

To everyone’s surprise comes Mr. Narendra Modi, the CM of Gujarat and Mr. L.K Advani. Only god can tell what business he had to come to Mumbai on that day and visit those disaster struck area. I wonder why Maharashtra Government gave him the permission to land in Mumbai. Mr. Modi with his entire battalion of Black Cat commandos was just another head ache amidst the already existing chaos. Had Modi sent his Z category Security instead of him coming, I reckon we could have saved few people from being dead.

It’s so shameful to see the politicians making this issue politicized and get mileage for its on going elections. They will not spare the terror too from being politicized. I pity you all politicians. You all proved that would do anything… Just anything on this earth to get votes. When will the collective consciousness of our Z+ security leaders awaken? They get elected by pretending to be one of us, by affectionately picking up poor children in their laps with the flashlights popping but what a U turn they take when they come in power. These very leaders then use their Z+ Security rings to get insulated from the voices of these very crowds of ordinary men.

The inertia that has crept in the political leaders of the fear of being criticized by fellow politicians not in power has contributed to the lack of imagination that is sine qua non (imperative) to plan and prepare for the un expected calamity. But then they have to be reminded day in and day out by us the ordinary citizens who are effective when we unite in a given cause, that “our loving country comes always first, the welfare of the men we command comes next and our own welfare comes last”. It almost seems that in the corridors of power the phrase has been written upside down ….. SHOCKING

Its 24 hours now. And everything remains the same except for the fact rise in casualty, rise in the toll of deaths and devastation. At around 10.30 in the night all media channels stopped showing LIVE telecast of the attack. Every detail of the operation was off air because of security reasons. So I could sleep soon that night. Again I had the hope at least next morning it would wake up to see calm, relaxed and back to normal Mumbai.

Friday morning I got up at 6 AM and this time the whole lot of action was happening at Nariman House, where two terrorist had sneaked into a house holding a Jew Family as Hostage. At around 7.20, we could see something really dramatic in TV screens. NSG commandos were being air dropped into the terrace of Nariman House in a real filmy style stunt. Operation “TOP DOWN” had started. It was such a horrifying sight to see the commandos taking the position to fire, the skippers’ on all the buildings around Nariman House. Nariman House area had a real look of WARZONE. At around late afternoon we got to hear the first happiest news in more than 35 hours of time “Operation Trident Oberoi Over” Trident Oberoi is all clear. 30 hostages killed and 2 terrorist were also killed. Sanitization process has started in Oberoi now.

As the sun was setting the firing was intensified in Nariman House, rocket guided grenades were lobbed into Nariman House. NSG commandos went for the kill. One could make out from the moves of NSG, that it was almost the final assault. We could see in LIVE a huge rocket guided bomb piercing the wall of the house which I am sure would have even shook the foundation of houses nearby too. It was shot with solid precession and perfection and that was the end of Nariman House. But this was done not before loosing a commando of the elite NSG, Havaldar Gajinder Singh. He fell to the bullets of the insurgents while freeing the Nariman House from the grip of the terrorists. So after 48 hours of time. Mission Trident and Nariman House accomplished. All the 5 Jewish Hostages were declared dead. Both Nariman House and Trident Oberoi are now free of obnoxious weeds of terror.

As the commandos walked out jubilation was seen all across the streets, applauses went high. Hand shakes, hugs and tears unfolded the place. I heard one commando telling Times now channel “we are trained for all sorts of circumstances, we are not afraid of anything” “we are here to protect you all” for us one mission completed means it’s the beginning of new mission” and it was proved right. As the commandos got into bus, we heard the news that, these commandos are now being moved to Capture Taj from the jaws of terror. And the best sight I witnessed – I saw each and every NSG commandos welcoming it open heartedly. The Men in Black, though not all that glamorous, yet really make every Indian proud. It’s because of you all we sleep peacefully at night. We sleep with a faith that there is somebody at our door protecting us.

Saturday Morning as I got up hoping that everything would be calm and settled. Yet again I was proved wrong. Taj was on real fire. Even as the heritage building of the Taj was slowly burning we can’t help remembering the beauty of the priceless artifacts inside. The exquisite carpets, the antique furniture, the priceless painting, the enormous numbers of books in the rare library. This is a part of history these terrorists were destroying. The news of Missing Journo of Times of India Food critic Mrs. Sabina Sehgal Sakia came out. Her body was recognized. It did not end here, there comes news that, General Manager of Taj Hotels Karambir Kang’s wife and the two children were killed in the terrorist attack on the hotel. Both of these people were on 6^th floor, which houses the most posh and luxurious suite of Hotel Taj. Mr. Karambir was seen working even after loosing his family. When Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman of Taj group of Hotels asked Karambir to take the day off and go home, he decided not to go home and rather continue working. Mr. Karambir would have asked for Himself “whom would i go home to? When his wife and two sons were killed in the same building where he was working”

At around 9.45 AM, another dramatic scene unfolded in the television screen. A body of terrorist falling or rather was being pushed out of the window from the ground floor of Taj. Some sort of silver lining in the thick dark clouds. At around 10.45, after 60 hours of Siege Police commissioner of Mumbai officially announces “Taj is cleared”. But in this entire operation we lost another brave heart Major Sandeep Unikrishnan. NSG director General J.K. Dutt gives a brief Press conference right in front of Taj and confirms Operation “BLACK TORNADO” over. What a relief. After 60 hours.

The whole attack was called “FIDAYEEN” which means “even the dead speak Terror”. All of the people included in attack were ready to die, but never surrender. Never before in its history of facing some of the bloodiest terrorist attacks have India felt as collectively crippled as it does today. It demands action, not just fancy words and empty promises. 28 states 7 union territories pledge to be the change. India needs it. More now, than ever before. Lets be the reason for the Change. Let us Make our voice be heard. Aloud !!

Friends, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.” This is a day when all Indians from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. India has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time.

None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.The pictures of India’s Heritage building ion fire, gun shots, grenades  blast,  fires burning, huge death tolls and casaulties have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger.

These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people called “CITIZEN” has been moved forward to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of Mother India. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of Indian resolve. India was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.

God Bless India !!

TO BE CONTINUED…….

Photo Courtesy:

NDTV CNN IBN

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