Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Dark Side of The red light Area
Kiran is 21 years old. She has been working as a sex worker for almost two years. Her father is a plumber and there are six members in her family. She lives in Badarpur area of South Delhi. Her family is not aware of her involvement in the sex trade. They think that she is a factory employee.
Kiran is pursuing a bachelor’s programme from Indira Gandhi National Open University. “I have joined this profession to support my family financially and my studies,” she says. She earns an average of almost Rs. 4000 per month. She says she will continue in the profession as she wants to provide the best education to her younger brothers.
Poverty and financial constraints compel girls like Kiran to join this profession. They live in slums as they mostly come from the lower strata of the society. The majority of these Female Sex Workers (FSWs) belong to the age group of 20-40 years. Some of them have been in this profession for over a decade.
Urvashi Gandhi, Manager of Education at Breakthrough, (an NGO working for Human Rights) believes that poverty and patriarchy are the main reasons that propel young girls into this profession. She says: “This cannot be stopped until and unless we are able to overcome these social evils.” Sibghat Usmani, a faculty member of the social work department, Amity University, agrees: “It is a matter of great concern for India that a large number of its population is unable to fulfill even it’s basic needs. The girls are bound to get into such professions.”
The relation between poverty and prostitution has long been firmly established. The sooner we accept this, the faster we can approach this problem and eliminate the plight of many women. Priyanka Sarkar, Manager of Communication, PACS (Poorest Areas Civil Society) says: “The problem lies in our social structure itself. We need at least 50 years more to overcome these problems and find solutions.”
Apart from the risks that their lifestyle exposes them to, these women have to fight daily battles of survival.
Neha, 36, is a sex worker and also a pimp. She has been in this profession for the last six years. A South Delhi resident, with a respectable two-storey house, she has been ostracized by her local community. The neighbors have stopped the water connection to her place and her children have also stopped going to school. The safety of the family has become a major concern.
Everyday is a struggle to live. Rajani, 45, another sex worker points out: “My family threw me out after they came to know that I was a sex worker. Now I have remarried but my husband doesn’t know how I make a living.
Unlike their American and European counterparts they neither have any representation at the state or the national level. According to International Labour Organisation, the mean monthly income of sex workers across the world is $500 compared to $60 for India with no avenues for health or safety from the government. Faced with nothing but social ostracization these women are caught in a vicious circle of poverty and shame that only pulls them deeper into the horror of their lives.
Yet Rajani has hope.
“I pray my children will have a better life than I had, and society will accept us as very much of their part.”
Kiran is pursuing a bachelor’s programme from Indira Gandhi National Open University. “I have joined this profession to support my family financially and my studies,” she says. She earns an average of almost Rs. 4000 per month. She says she will continue in the profession as she wants to provide the best education to her younger brothers.
Poverty and financial constraints compel girls like Kiran to join this profession. They live in slums as they mostly come from the lower strata of the society. The majority of these Female Sex Workers (FSWs) belong to the age group of 20-40 years. Some of them have been in this profession for over a decade.
Urvashi Gandhi, Manager of Education at Breakthrough, (an NGO working for Human Rights) believes that poverty and patriarchy are the main reasons that propel young girls into this profession. She says: “This cannot be stopped until and unless we are able to overcome these social evils.” Sibghat Usmani, a faculty member of the social work department, Amity University, agrees: “It is a matter of great concern for India that a large number of its population is unable to fulfill even it’s basic needs. The girls are bound to get into such professions.”
The relation between poverty and prostitution has long been firmly established. The sooner we accept this, the faster we can approach this problem and eliminate the plight of many women. Priyanka Sarkar, Manager of Communication, PACS (Poorest Areas Civil Society) says: “The problem lies in our social structure itself. We need at least 50 years more to overcome these problems and find solutions.”
Apart from the risks that their lifestyle exposes them to, these women have to fight daily battles of survival.
Neha, 36, is a sex worker and also a pimp. She has been in this profession for the last six years. A South Delhi resident, with a respectable two-storey house, she has been ostracized by her local community. The neighbors have stopped the water connection to her place and her children have also stopped going to school. The safety of the family has become a major concern.
Everyday is a struggle to live. Rajani, 45, another sex worker points out: “My family threw me out after they came to know that I was a sex worker. Now I have remarried but my husband doesn’t know how I make a living.
Unlike their American and European counterparts they neither have any representation at the state or the national level. According to International Labour Organisation, the mean monthly income of sex workers across the world is $500 compared to $60 for India with no avenues for health or safety from the government. Faced with nothing but social ostracization these women are caught in a vicious circle of poverty and shame that only pulls them deeper into the horror of their lives.
Yet Rajani has hope.
“I pray my children will have a better life than I had, and society will accept us as very much of their part.”
Magic of Getting Together
Shadab Alam a Pass out student of Jamia University says while correcting the copies of the children, “Our society is a reflection of each one of us. Our thoughts, our value systems and our action (or inaction) all have a direct impact on how our society shapes up. Government and other outside agencies can only play a limited role in making a locality a better place. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with common people to put their house in order.”
With the belief that it is only ‘we’, the common people, who can truly enable a deeper meaningful change in our society, a small group of like-minded friends has got together in the Jamia University of the capital city.
This group calls itself a group of friend, which whenever feels tries to create awareness and mobilise people for the societal good. Taha a student of the university states, “As a member of the society it becomes our moral responsibility to contribute to the society and unprivileged, Hence we as a student have decided to teach the children who cannot afford to go to school.” These students basically work for the hygiene and cleanliness of the area. Besides this they also teach the children who are unable to avail education.
“These students have really done a good job, I think our country need such young bloods to take our country forward in the way of development.” Intikhab Alam a resident of the Jamia Nagar locality agrees.
Shoib who works in the Jamia Canteen echoes, “I wanted to study, but my family did not had the money to pay my school fees. I had to quit my studies. But I have again started taking tuitions from them and can speak in English now.”
The university students have managed to mobilise few of the children who were previously involved in child labour to get back to the education. They teach the kids in the evening after the college in the college campus itself.
The group has also made them familiar with the computers and Children now very much use computers in their work. “I was a waiter of the canteen and use to do things manually, but now I have been promoted to the cash counters as I can handle computers now and keep the records of the total sale easily.” says Shoib a child who work in the canteen.
These students teach children free of cost. “We started this group with very few people, but now it really feels good when people voluntary come and join with us.” says Faqra who is one of the core member of the group.
Aquib who is new in the group and perusing his ‘Masters in inclusive education policy’ says, “I am passionate about teaching and love being with kids, with this group I got the opportunity to contribute with my best.” Like Aquib there are lot many other who are doing such things with or without joining the group.
“Making our society a happy and happening place is our aim. Youth in contemporary society is perceived as violent and irresponsible, we want this belief of the masses to change, and prove them how Youth can be a catalyst in bringing social change and development.” says Shadab.
The group is strived in bringing like minded people at one platform. It also wants to initiate a culture of reflection, discussion and co-creation for a better society.
With the belief that it is only ‘we’, the common people, who can truly enable a deeper meaningful change in our society, a small group of like-minded friends has got together in the Jamia University of the capital city.
This group calls itself a group of friend, which whenever feels tries to create awareness and mobilise people for the societal good. Taha a student of the university states, “As a member of the society it becomes our moral responsibility to contribute to the society and unprivileged, Hence we as a student have decided to teach the children who cannot afford to go to school.” These students basically work for the hygiene and cleanliness of the area. Besides this they also teach the children who are unable to avail education.
“These students have really done a good job, I think our country need such young bloods to take our country forward in the way of development.” Intikhab Alam a resident of the Jamia Nagar locality agrees.
Shoib who works in the Jamia Canteen echoes, “I wanted to study, but my family did not had the money to pay my school fees. I had to quit my studies. But I have again started taking tuitions from them and can speak in English now.”
The university students have managed to mobilise few of the children who were previously involved in child labour to get back to the education. They teach the kids in the evening after the college in the college campus itself.
The group has also made them familiar with the computers and Children now very much use computers in their work. “I was a waiter of the canteen and use to do things manually, but now I have been promoted to the cash counters as I can handle computers now and keep the records of the total sale easily.” says Shoib a child who work in the canteen.
These students teach children free of cost. “We started this group with very few people, but now it really feels good when people voluntary come and join with us.” says Faqra who is one of the core member of the group.
Aquib who is new in the group and perusing his ‘Masters in inclusive education policy’ says, “I am passionate about teaching and love being with kids, with this group I got the opportunity to contribute with my best.” Like Aquib there are lot many other who are doing such things with or without joining the group.
“Making our society a happy and happening place is our aim. Youth in contemporary society is perceived as violent and irresponsible, we want this belief of the masses to change, and prove them how Youth can be a catalyst in bringing social change and development.” says Shadab.
The group is strived in bringing like minded people at one platform. It also wants to initiate a culture of reflection, discussion and co-creation for a better society.
Magic of Getting Together
Shadab Alam a Pass out student of Jamia University says while correcting the copies of the children, “Our society is a reflection of each one of us. Our thoughts, our value systems and our action (or inaction) all have a direct impact on how our society shapes up. Government and other outside agencies can only play a limited role in making a locality a better place. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with common people to put their house in order.”
With the belief that it is only ‘we’, the common people, who can truly enable a deeper meaningful change in our society, a small group of like-minded friends has got together in the Jamia University of the capital city.
This group calls itself a group of friend, which whenever feels tries to create awareness and mobilise people for the societal good. Taha a student of the university states, “As a member of the society it becomes our moral responsibility to contribute to the society and unprivileged, Hence we as a student have decided to teach the children who cannot afford to go to school.” These students basically work for the hygiene and cleanliness of the area. Besides this they also teach the children who are unable to avail education.
“These students have really done a good job, I think our country need such young bloods to take our country forward in the way of development.” Intikhab Alam a resident of the Jamia Nagar locality agrees.
Shoib who works in the Jamia Canteen echoes, “I wanted to study, but my family did not had the money to pay my school fees. I had to quit my studies. But I have again started taking tuitions from them and can speak in English now.”
The university students have managed to mobilise few of the children who were previously involved in child labour to get back to the education. They teach the kids in the evening after the college in the college campus itself.
The group has also made them familiar with the computers and Children now very much use computers in their work. “I was a waiter of the canteen and use to do things manually, but now I have been promoted to the cash counters as I can handle computers now and keep the records of the total sale easily.” says Shoib a child who work in the canteen.
These students teach children free of cost. “We started this group with very few people, but now it really feels good when people voluntary come and join with us.” says Faqra who is one of the core member of the group.
Aquib who is new in the group and perusing his ‘Masters in inclusive education policy’ says, “I am passionate about teaching and love being with kids, with this group I got the opportunity to contribute with my best.” Like Aquib there are lot many other who are doing such things with or without joining the group.
“Making our society a happy and happening place is our aim. Youth in contemporary society is perceived as violent and irresponsible, we want this belief of the masses to change, and prove them how Youth can be a catalyst in bringing social change and development.” says Shadab.
The group is strived in bringing like minded people at one platform. It also wants to initiate a culture of reflection, discussion and co-creation for a better society.
With the belief that it is only ‘we’, the common people, who can truly enable a deeper meaningful change in our society, a small group of like-minded friends has got together in the Jamia University of the capital city.
This group calls itself a group of friend, which whenever feels tries to create awareness and mobilise people for the societal good. Taha a student of the university states, “As a member of the society it becomes our moral responsibility to contribute to the society and unprivileged, Hence we as a student have decided to teach the children who cannot afford to go to school.” These students basically work for the hygiene and cleanliness of the area. Besides this they also teach the children who are unable to avail education.
“These students have really done a good job, I think our country need such young bloods to take our country forward in the way of development.” Intikhab Alam a resident of the Jamia Nagar locality agrees.
Shoib who works in the Jamia Canteen echoes, “I wanted to study, but my family did not had the money to pay my school fees. I had to quit my studies. But I have again started taking tuitions from them and can speak in English now.”
The university students have managed to mobilise few of the children who were previously involved in child labour to get back to the education. They teach the kids in the evening after the college in the college campus itself.
The group has also made them familiar with the computers and Children now very much use computers in their work. “I was a waiter of the canteen and use to do things manually, but now I have been promoted to the cash counters as I can handle computers now and keep the records of the total sale easily.” says Shoib a child who work in the canteen.
These students teach children free of cost. “We started this group with very few people, but now it really feels good when people voluntary come and join with us.” says Faqra who is one of the core member of the group.
Aquib who is new in the group and perusing his ‘Masters in inclusive education policy’ says, “I am passionate about teaching and love being with kids, with this group I got the opportunity to contribute with my best.” Like Aquib there are lot many other who are doing such things with or without joining the group.
“Making our society a happy and happening place is our aim. Youth in contemporary society is perceived as violent and irresponsible, we want this belief of the masses to change, and prove them how Youth can be a catalyst in bringing social change and development.” says Shadab.
The group is strived in bringing like minded people at one platform. It also wants to initiate a culture of reflection, discussion and co-creation for a better society.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Time for India To set up its priorities
Out of 1200 tested people only one is positive says SPYM an NGO working in the field of HIV and AIDS Awareness. This test was carried on the Homosexuals and female sexworkers. This statistical data is an eye opening for the people making a hue and cry about this issue.
Genuinely speaking, Issues like HIV, global warming, Human rights, environmental issue etc. Should not be of much concern in a country like India.
This is a hype created by the west as these issues have got their origin from the west. Mobile (lubricant) industries are considered to be the most polluting industry and America is one of the highest producers of Mobile. U.S also has largest number of Automobile industry in the world.
These polluting countries are the main contributors for the global warming. But in a country like in India we really have got other issues to think of. West blames India and China for the global food crisis but if we really look deep into it the reason is just opposite to it. One of the biggest reasons of Food crisis is the production of cattle food in the agricultural land. The area in which they produce cattle food for getting one kilograms of meat that can produce three kilograms of grains which can be used for human beings.
India a country where we are still struggling for the basic needs of the people, talking about such issues (global warming, human rights, etc.) seems to be a foolish nonsense. According to planning commission of India 25% people of our country still lives below poverty line and according to new reports of World Bank more than 61% of Indian population still lives below the poverty line.
This is the high time for our country to set up its priorities, to choose between HIV and Starvation between Global warming or education and poverty. In fact nothing can be achieved till the population of any country is empty stomached and illiterate.
Genuinely speaking, Issues like HIV, global warming, Human rights, environmental issue etc. Should not be of much concern in a country like India.
This is a hype created by the west as these issues have got their origin from the west. Mobile (lubricant) industries are considered to be the most polluting industry and America is one of the highest producers of Mobile. U.S also has largest number of Automobile industry in the world.
These polluting countries are the main contributors for the global warming. But in a country like in India we really have got other issues to think of. West blames India and China for the global food crisis but if we really look deep into it the reason is just opposite to it. One of the biggest reasons of Food crisis is the production of cattle food in the agricultural land. The area in which they produce cattle food for getting one kilograms of meat that can produce three kilograms of grains which can be used for human beings.
India a country where we are still struggling for the basic needs of the people, talking about such issues (global warming, human rights, etc.) seems to be a foolish nonsense. According to planning commission of India 25% people of our country still lives below poverty line and according to new reports of World Bank more than 61% of Indian population still lives below the poverty line.
This is the high time for our country to set up its priorities, to choose between HIV and Starvation between Global warming or education and poverty. In fact nothing can be achieved till the population of any country is empty stomached and illiterate.
City of temples Celebrated Eid this Navaratra
Varanasi popularly known as Banaras, The holy city on the bank of Ganges is considered as the city of eternity and divine peace. It is home for both Hindus and Muslims. The down town has majority of Hindus and surrounded by traditional Muslim weavers of Banarasi sarees.
The morning of Eid is extravagant with decorated narrow streets of the city. The city was echoed with traditional Banarasi bhajans as Navaratras advanced. The flavour of true Banarasi traditional Eid is mesmerising: Eid in this city of temples is entirely different, despite being similar to the Eid elsewhere. At the Eidgaah people were united with love and peace, and sharing a gesture of real kindness.
After the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate first day of the following month as Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day they wear new clothes, offer Eid prayer early in the morning and wish each other a graceful Eid, give charity to poor, visit relatives and friends and serve special food (Sewai). They also give money to younger known as Eidee.
On Eid here in Banaras hundreds of people can be seen in burqa and wearing traditional Muslim cap and celebrating the festival on Ghats of Ganges. Priests of Hindus and Imams of Muslims also greet each other in public meetings, imam offers sewai to the preist and then they bless the community for peace and love.
“I just love Sewai, I like the way Muslims serve the Perfume (Itr).” Pt. Mohandev shares. Sewai is one of the main attractions of Eid. “We all celebrate all the festivals together our Muslim brothers accompany us in Holi, Diwali and other occasions. And let me share one more thing there are few people from muslim community who help us in organising Ramleela also during Navratra”, he says.
Abhay Mishra a lawer by profession says, “I am missing sewai this year, I could not visit to friend this Eid because of Navaratra. I have asked friends to make sheer sewai for me after Navaratra gets over.”
People also organise ‘Eid Milan Samaroh’ after the Eid is over. This is basically an Eid Party in which people meet each other on a community level and have a sewai and non-veg dishes party.
Aaloo-gobhi, chola-bhatura, khoya-matar paneer, dam-aaloo, kachauri, missi-roti and dahi bada were served on the platter this Eid, much to the delight of the Hindus, many of whom will not be able to savour non-veg dishes since the 10-day festival of Navratra had coincided with Eid.
Banarsi Dastarkhwan thus will have the menu for all. Shahid Nasar and his wife Kishwer Hasan were busy giving final instructions to their cooks. ‘‘The main party we throw on Eid has gone totally vegetarian this time as a mark of respect for our Hindu friends,’’ said Shahid. A majority of their friends and guests are Hindus, many of whom abstain from non-veg food during Navratra.
‘‘My guests must be served what they can savour,’’ said Iffat Ambareen. The veg recipes will be served in separate dining areas inside their home. That, of course, doesn’t mean that their Muslim guests, friends and relatives will have to do without the murgh-biryani or shaami kababs.
The main charm of Eid, however, remains sewain — ‘Quimami sewain’, ‘Sheer Sewai’ and ‘doodh-wali sewain’. To suit the needs of those fasting during Navratra, the sewain too is being prepared inside a vegetarian ambience in their house.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Racial profiling of muslims after 9/11
Racial profiling of Muslims after 9/11
Many Americans believe that Muslim is another word for terrorist. I find that very disturbing. Yes I agree that America has encountered terrorists under the Muslim faith in the recent past, but that does not make every Muslim a terrorist.
Since the attacks on America (9/11), media speculation has pointed thefinger at Muslims. A Muslim is portrayed as "terrorist", a "refugee" or"militant", but seldom a real human being. Many Muslims have been arbitrarily detained, simply because they are Muslims.
After 9/11, racism against Muslims and Islam became a form of "free speech" in the West. Muslims and Islam were subjected to widespread abuse and bashing. Shah Rukh Khan, the immensely popular Bollywood actor, found himself subjected to detention and "routine inspection" at a New Jersey airport few days back, I think had there not been a celebrity involved in this issue it would have never got a space in the main news. There are lot many other Muslims who face such kind of treatment every day.
The situation is almost the same for Muslims across the globe. They are being looked by a skeptical eye. Let me here give some examples of terrorist activities by some non Muslim terrorist groups.
o In 1886 bomb blast of Chicago during the labor rally 12 innocent people was killed and 1 policeman got injured, and the person responsible for this was an anarchist.
o 6th September 1901 the then president of U.S. William Mac Callie was assassinated by an anarchist again.
o 1st October 1910 a bomb blast took place in Los Angeles in Times newspapers building in which 21 innocent were killed. People responsible for this bomb blast were 2 Christians named James and Joseph.
o 20th June 1914 in France, The Archduke of Austria along with his wife was assassinated which precipitated the 1st world war and people responsible for this were called Young Bosnia. They were non Muslims.
o 16th April 1925, bomb blast in Saint Madelia Church in Sophaya the capital of Bulgaria in which more than 150 people were killed and more than 500 got injured. This was the biggest terrorist attack which had ever happened in Bulgaria. This was done by Bulgarian Communist Party.
o 9th October 1934 king Alexander of Yugoslavia was assassinated by Laja George Jiff and he too was a non Muslims.
o Bombing of King David Hotel on 2nd July 1946 were conducted by Ignoon under the leadership of Menican Begen. 91 innocent were killed in this attack (28 British, 41 Arabs, 17 Jews, and 5 others).
o London bombing of 7th July 2005, they were suspected to be Muslims.
o Irish Republican Army (IRA) has killed hundreds of people.
o The Lords Salvation Army is a Christian organization. They train young children to commit terrorist attacks in Africa.
We have many such examples to show the involvement of various religious groups in terrorist activities. Then why only Muslims are being stigmatised and discriminated?
In a secular and democratic country like India the picture is more or less similar or even worse sometimes. I remember the mobile SMS’s which was circulated after 9/11 said “All Muslims are not terrorist but all terrorist are Muslims”. In India whenever we talk about terrorist attacks we discuss Kashmiri Militants. In India we have terrorist groups from all the religion, including Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Communist etc. I have no idea on what grounds people conclude this. And the irony is we say this in a country which lost its three big leaders in a terrorist attack. Gandhi was killed by a Brahmin; Smt. Indira Gandhi was killed by one of her bodyguard who was a Sikh and Sri. Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a Non Muslim terrorist.
If we visit the South Asian Terrorist site, the list of South Asian terrorist portal site, the number of terrorist attacks done by Muslims are in Minority. But that is never highlighted and this website is run by a non Muslim. And this is not the end; there are many other incidents and examples which can be cited to prove that all terrorists are not Muslims. But let me clarify I am not justifying the Islamic or any kind of terrorism here.
Terrorism is not a religious act, in fact No religion permits violence. Islam fully prohibits its followers from war and any kind of violence. Any kind of racism on the grounds of Religion must be criticized and discouraged. And we the human being should remain a “Social Animal” rather than only being left as an Animal that too wild.
Many Americans believe that Muslim is another word for terrorist. I find that very disturbing. Yes I agree that America has encountered terrorists under the Muslim faith in the recent past, but that does not make every Muslim a terrorist.
Since the attacks on America (9/11), media speculation has pointed thefinger at Muslims. A Muslim is portrayed as "terrorist", a "refugee" or"militant", but seldom a real human being. Many Muslims have been arbitrarily detained, simply because they are Muslims.
After 9/11, racism against Muslims and Islam became a form of "free speech" in the West. Muslims and Islam were subjected to widespread abuse and bashing. Shah Rukh Khan, the immensely popular Bollywood actor, found himself subjected to detention and "routine inspection" at a New Jersey airport few days back, I think had there not been a celebrity involved in this issue it would have never got a space in the main news. There are lot many other Muslims who face such kind of treatment every day.
The situation is almost the same for Muslims across the globe. They are being looked by a skeptical eye. Let me here give some examples of terrorist activities by some non Muslim terrorist groups.
o In 1886 bomb blast of Chicago during the labor rally 12 innocent people was killed and 1 policeman got injured, and the person responsible for this was an anarchist.
o 6th September 1901 the then president of U.S. William Mac Callie was assassinated by an anarchist again.
o 1st October 1910 a bomb blast took place in Los Angeles in Times newspapers building in which 21 innocent were killed. People responsible for this bomb blast were 2 Christians named James and Joseph.
o 20th June 1914 in France, The Archduke of Austria along with his wife was assassinated which precipitated the 1st world war and people responsible for this were called Young Bosnia. They were non Muslims.
o 16th April 1925, bomb blast in Saint Madelia Church in Sophaya the capital of Bulgaria in which more than 150 people were killed and more than 500 got injured. This was the biggest terrorist attack which had ever happened in Bulgaria. This was done by Bulgarian Communist Party.
o 9th October 1934 king Alexander of Yugoslavia was assassinated by Laja George Jiff and he too was a non Muslims.
o Bombing of King David Hotel on 2nd July 1946 were conducted by Ignoon under the leadership of Menican Begen. 91 innocent were killed in this attack (28 British, 41 Arabs, 17 Jews, and 5 others).
o London bombing of 7th July 2005, they were suspected to be Muslims.
o Irish Republican Army (IRA) has killed hundreds of people.
o The Lords Salvation Army is a Christian organization. They train young children to commit terrorist attacks in Africa.
We have many such examples to show the involvement of various religious groups in terrorist activities. Then why only Muslims are being stigmatised and discriminated?
In a secular and democratic country like India the picture is more or less similar or even worse sometimes. I remember the mobile SMS’s which was circulated after 9/11 said “All Muslims are not terrorist but all terrorist are Muslims”. In India whenever we talk about terrorist attacks we discuss Kashmiri Militants. In India we have terrorist groups from all the religion, including Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Communist etc. I have no idea on what grounds people conclude this. And the irony is we say this in a country which lost its three big leaders in a terrorist attack. Gandhi was killed by a Brahmin; Smt. Indira Gandhi was killed by one of her bodyguard who was a Sikh and Sri. Rajiv Gandhi was killed by a Non Muslim terrorist.
If we visit the South Asian Terrorist site, the list of South Asian terrorist portal site, the number of terrorist attacks done by Muslims are in Minority. But that is never highlighted and this website is run by a non Muslim. And this is not the end; there are many other incidents and examples which can be cited to prove that all terrorists are not Muslims. But let me clarify I am not justifying the Islamic or any kind of terrorism here.
Terrorism is not a religious act, in fact No religion permits violence. Islam fully prohibits its followers from war and any kind of violence. Any kind of racism on the grounds of Religion must be criticized and discouraged. And we the human being should remain a “Social Animal” rather than only being left as an Animal that too wild.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
WE MUSLIMS SHOULD STOP COMPLAINING
Quran says - "with every hardship there is an ease, yes with every hardship there is an ease”
the verse plainly means that with every problem there is an opportunity, with every disadvantage there is an advantage, with every down point there is an up point......God said this to Prophet in his most difficult times and following which Prophet never complained, never protested like we Muslims do but developed a positive and optimist personality and thus was able to deal with all that was thrown at him - violence, scorn, lies, blockade etc. and his positive personality won over his worst enemies as bosom friends.
The Islamic principle is to ignore the problems and avail the opportunities, today if we say the world is filled with problems for Muslims then the same quranic principle says it is also filled with opportunities. We have to recognise those opportunities of growth n good fortune and stop endless list of complaints against the world.
If we follow this principle we will come out to be positive personalities and not negative, we will come out to be optimists and not pessimists. Those whom we tag as enemies will come out to be our dearest friends.
Stop complaining and protesting,
Start self criticism.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
My first week in MCRC
My valley of dreams.
My first encounter with Jamia mass communication and research centre (MCRC) was when I was in the first year of my graduation. I came here as a talent of one of the former student who was working on her final project. And since then I’ve been a regular visitor of MCRC.
But honestly speaking things have changed drastically, the moment my role has changed in the institution i.e. from being a talent of a production to a regular student of the centre.
I still remember that was 20th July when the final results of the entrance test was out, and I was quite surprised after finding my name on the list because one of ma friend who also applied for the course could not get through this and I was expecting him on the list.
I was happy on getting through it, and also excited about the life which was waiting for me in the centre’s premises. But believe me it has never been that easy as it seemed from outside.
Our orientation started on 12th august and we had a three days orientation programme. The initial three days were very interesting and knowledge based and motivational. The talks given by professor Yashpal, Seema Quidwai were quite interesting and motivating. The talks given by various others prominent journalists helped me a lot to make up my mind for this course.
But as soon as our classes started it got a bit chaotic. Sometime it was an overdose of information and knowledge for me as I graduated in a completely different stream i.e. Social Work, so I personally had to face a lot of problems in understanding the technical stuffs basically of online and photojournalism.
I am a kind of person who spends most of his time in the field or with my friends. But the hectic schedule of 9:30am to 5:30pm, which has almost killed my social life. Friends have started complaining and sarcastically call me “Bada Aadmi”.
But I am trying to learn time management as well as the risk management although I am finding it gigantic. But I’ve still not lost hope and am expecting a great year ahead.
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