Jail Term for Ragging: Aman Kachroo case verdict

The verdict on the Aman Kachroo case will be welcomed by every human being with a conscience. Aman Kachroo was a medical student who was murdered by his seniors during a macabre ritual of initiation in the college which is loosely referred to as "ragging". Elsewhere, the term "hazing" is applied to it. New students are bullied by their seniors who know each other and are therefore better organized and in larger numbers. In many cases, bullying takes on horrendous, ugly amd sadistic forms. Sodomy and other demeaning acts aimed at destroying the dignity of the individual happens.Sexual abuse and the trauma that follows sometimes results in suicides or severe mental problems rendering the life of the student futile. Parents end up being mute witnesses since the college authorities rarely report this for fear of loosing their "reputations". Witnesses are hard to come by since most other "freshers" fear for their careers and lives. It would be impossible to continue studies if one were to be a witness.
After his son's death Dr Kachroo waged a lonely but relentless battle to remove the scourge of "ragging" from the Indian campuses and this verdict is a battle that he has won, but as he says, the war will be over only when this monstrosity of ragging is wiped out in India.

LINKS
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/4-year-jail-for-all-convicts-in-Aman-Kachroo-ragging-case/articleshow/6907399.cms



http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/nov/121110-News-Delhi-killers-Raj-Kachroo-Aman.htm

http://mayanmuse.blogspot.com/2010/01/anti-ragging-campaign-jail-graduate.html

Many parents will be hoping that these convicted students get a taste of their own medicine when they land in Jail. They are after all newcomers to the jail system!! Hopefully even the short few years they spent here will feel like all eternity!! Small solace for the poor boy's soul which hopefully will rest now in peace.

Personal Grooming and Hygiene: Bad breath

Everyone feels vulnerable about oral hygiene and bad breath. Simply because one never knows till it is made embarrassingly evident by someone else. The causes may vary from tooth decay, in which a visit to the dentist is the solution, gingivitis which is decay of the gums which requires medical treatment, food particles in cavities, or plaque which requires proper brushing and flossing as also gargling. It could also be due to the tongue having a coating which requires cleaning or plain indigestion. Problems with the tonsils and nose are also possible reasons.
Given below are some links to this problem which may be of use.

http://living.oneindia.in/beauty/shimmering-smiles/2010/bad-breath-remedies-prevention-101110.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halitosis

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Halitosis.html

Alex Bogusky of Crispin Porter and Bogusky

Interesting personality portrait of Alex Bogusky, the creative whiz at Crispin Porter and Bogusky.
http://www.fastcompany.com/alex-bogusky-tells-all?page=0%2C0

Sahir Ludhianvi- Film songs and poetry Kabhi Kabhi

I always liked this one. The kind of song that anyone who has ever fallen in love and had to give up his passion would wistfully listen to. This was visualised with rare sensitivity by Yash Chopra in the movie Kabhie Kabhie. Amitabh Bachan reciting this in his baritone voice lends it a timeless aura all its own. I think the Nazm at the start of the song is simply poetry at its consummate best.

This version has the lyrics and the song is played to a remix rhythm.
 


The version featuring Sahir Ludhianvi's complete Nazm. The Nazm is recited well. But the song is sung off key by a chap called Malhotra and I would suggest you move onto the Mukesh version which comes below this video once you are through with the Nazm:)



For those who love the filmi version. the Music is by Khayyam and sung by Mukesh.

Malayalam Film songs: Chandrakantam kondu. Film: Padheyam

 
 
This song seems to be a favourite with my niece and hence is on my blog:)
Film: Padheyam. Lyrics: Kaithapram. Music : Bombay Ravi. Singer: Yesudas
Chandrakantham kondu naalukettu.
Athil chandana padiyulla ponnunjal.
Rithukal namukayi paniyum swargathil.
Aakasha gangayum aambalkulam
Aathira penninde vennila palkudam
Neeyonnu thotapol payethu poyi (2)
Mazhavil thamburu  meetumbol
En sneha swarangal poomazhayayi
 Sneha swarangal poomazhayayi
Padaswaram thirkum poonchola
Ninmani thumbile muthukalayayi
Rithukal namukayi paniyum swargathil
Aakashagangayum aambalkulam
chandrakantham
Kumkumam charthiya ponusha sandhyathan
Vasantha neeralam neeyaninju (2)
Manjil mayangiya thazhvarayil nee
Kanan sreeyayi thulumbi veenu
Ambaram chutum valathu vaikam
Naam oru venmegha theril eri
Rithukal namukayi paniyum swargathil
Aakasha gangayum aambalkulam

Related links
http://itgalarysongs.blogspot.com/2009/03/chandrakantham-kondu-paadheyam-1993.html

Malayalam Film songs: Thumbayum Thulasiyum. Film: Megham

This song has a lilting tune given by Ousepachhan and some stunning lines by Girish Puthencherry.
The scenes are typical of Kerala and I loved it for all these reasons. The girl is Punjabi- Priya Gill and the actor is Mamooty. The movie is Megham.

Stand up to Cancer: Stories of Courage.

At the start of the millenium, my visiting card had the JWT Mumbai address . This was at Lakshmi Building in Fort. As one got off the rickety elevator on the 5th Floor and entered the JWT office, the desk facing the corridor on the right wing from the reception foyer, used to be a work station which had a dusky, thin occupant. When I joined and was introduced around, I was told that she was with the films department and her name was Vandana Natu. As with introductions, one forgot it the moment the next face was introduced. Since I always saw her as I came to office and walked into my cabin, I followed a diurnal ritual of a Good morning and an official smile which was part of my office couture. With time, I started registering the people behind the names and I developed affiliations. Vandana Natu was not someone I need to build equations with, since film making was not part of the responsibilities of an AVP and Strategic Planning Director, but she did help me out when I need guidance on using a handycam for consumer interviews. The help was given promptly and without any airs or nakhras. This was unusual in advertising, where everyone from the lift operator, to the tea boy, to the Creative Director never miss an opportunity to emphasize his or her perceived importance and indispensability to your life and continued existence in the organization. The manner was sober and respectful and it left a very positive impression on me. In a sea of youngsters given to boisterous behaviour, often bordering on the licentious, this one was a welcome relief. In fact, she came across as a a nice young lady and struck me as the kind  you would always hope, would find some one nice, settle down and live happily ever after.

I was therefore shocked to read this piece about her tryst with cancer and am glad and relieved it is behind her. I would have lost all faith in “doing the right thing” if the script had been otherwise. Bad things should not happen to good people. I am glad she had the courage to fight it out. I am also glad that JWT for a moment showed character and considered the human aspect and not bureaucratic rules.

Here is to hoping that the worst is behind for this lady and her family.
Amen