Anthem for Bangaloreans - Who let the dogs out?

When my sister was new to Bangalore, a decade back, I had asked her “How is Bangalore?” She replied “Bangalore is beautiful. Here, there is a plethora of two things!” Curiously I asked “What’s that?” She said “Software Engineers and Stray Dogs!”

The same situation prevails today. The dog described better as Man’s Best Friend or the Most Faithful Species in the Earth has become a menace. Every lane in Bangalore, stray dogs are in profusion. Looks like they are settling scores with their fellow populace (read Software Engineers)! Attacks by dogs have become the order of the day. Lots of cases are reported daily but seems like nothing is being done about it.

PETA or rather Ms M Gandhi considers it as a criminal offence if the stray dogs are killed, but is it worth keeping them when they can hurt and harm other inhabitants as well? In an era, where doctors recommend Euthanasia for a terminally ill patient, its time to realize and recognize that by killing a stray dog we are indeed palliating its contemptible life!



Do you want the current anthem to remain forever? I want to hear your say!

A Citizen’s Journal - A menace called Autorickshaws

Just reached home. Completely drained, both my cell battery and my brain. Traffic in Bangalore moves slowly even after 9pm. I decided to hire a rick.

The moment I got into the rick, the driver said “1.5”. I obliged. Though we speak about woman empowerment and equivalent statuses for men and women, the bitter truth is that cities like Bangalore are never safe for women, especially after 9pm.

He had already decided to take me for a ride (Bangalore Darshan in short). I could read his mind and I said “Go through Residency - Hosur road”. He took me through Kasturba Road instead.

It really upset me and I literally squalled at him. Soon, he changed his demeanor. He started acting quite naive as if he had just arrived in Bangalore. On reaching Vittal Mallaya Road, he said “Guide me how to go now”. I guided him through the routes that I am aware of.

On reaching my house, I paid him 1.5 times the meter charges. I expected him to give back the change which he didn’t. That’s when I said “Arre yaar, chaar rupiye se main tea/coffee kareed sakti hoom. Tum log change kyun nahin carry karte? Petrol aur diesel ka daam kam ho gaya, phir bhi tum log humhain lootna bandh nahin kiya?”. He gave in, gave me the change and sped with his three-wheeler.

I wonder, with increase in petrol/diesel prices, the bus/auto/cab far increases but why not vice versa?

What do you have to say?

Concerns of a Clueless Citizen

Last 3 days have been horrendous. There are no words to describe the trauma that the financial capital had to go through. It exposed the gullibility of out security measures and the lack of concern from our so called democratic government. I salute those brave soldiers for their chivalrous act and my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

The coverage and courage of the media need to be lauded but they did go overboard sometimes by giving contradicting reports about the number of death tolls, number of terrorists etc. One news channel reported about Israel going to sever ties with India because of the way the NSG carried out its operation at Nariman House. To the government of Israel, how should it be carried out?

Another news channel carried information about “disturbed” Amitabh Bachan having to sleep with a gun under his pillow. So what? He has his best brother, his savior Mr Amar Singh. By the way, where was Mr Singh? Went into a shell or were you discussing how to politicize this entire terror tamasha?

There was long silence from our very much erudite Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh and our very own home minister, Mr Shivraj Patil. What were they waiting for? Mrs Sonia Gandhi to give a green signal? Where was our “mute” President? (Oh, I forgot her name!!!). Is she aware that Mumbai is a part of this subcontinent called India?

Mr Narendra Modi, I didn’t know that life of an officer is only worth one crore!!! What about those innocent souls who were held hostage and killed by terrorists? Mr L K Advani, thanks for visiting Mumbai and blaming the intelligence. We are aware that the intelligence did not even have a clue that a mission of this intensity is being planned out in some other part of the world. Well, Mr Raj Thackeray, you must be a completely relieved person, for the terrorists had flushed out more non Indians (read non Maharashtrians).

This year, India has been a target for large number of terror attacks. But what measures have been taken for a secure future? It was appalling sight to see Mumbai policemen trying to encounter the loaded terrorists with lathis!!! 5 star hotels like Taj and Trident should be having a decent security, but how come these terrorists were able to infiltrate with arms and ammunitions without being caught? They came by boat from Karachi, but how come our Naval radar could not capture it? How are we sure that the entire terrorists behind the attacks have been killed? It’s quite possible that they dressed themselves as hostages and escaped unhurt.

What’s going to be the outcome of this episode? Is it going to be another such incident which will be forgiven, forgotten and wrapped up by so called Mumbai spirit? It’s not only Mumbai, in fact any city or town in India is vulnerable. Can a citizen like you and I move around without fear of unwarranted death?

It’s time for us to awake, arise and make India a place “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high” as indited by Rabindranath Tagore.