Oddly Enough?

Did you know a two-year boy in Orissa was recently "married" to a dog to save him from tiger attacks??! He apparently grew a tooth on his upper gum which was considered a bad omen - an invitation to wild animals to attack him - by the tribals in Orissa. The article even described the wedding ceremony and clarified (much to our relief, indeed) that the boy's "marriage" with the "bride", Jyoti was not a bar for him to marry a human being later in his life without a divorce! The writer went on to make it clear to us that India does not recognise marriage between a human and an animal. Now, I would like to know which other country on this planet does! I am unable to determine whether the news report was more bizarre than the incident itself. As if not being appalled at such ridiculous practices wasn't enough, the news report stops at just reporting. The more evolved we claim we are as a people, the more spineless we become.

No responsible authority, governmental or otherwise, has spoken out on this (if not against it). The media too only wants brownie points out of reporting such bizarre instances while they happen. Yes, it is certainly "an accepted practice among tribals" (why else would they do it then?) but does that mean we accept it too? What about the child who is constantly brainwashed to accept customs without question?

This is not the first time we have seen an irresponsible and spineless society in "action". Pramod Muthalik threatened to get couples forcibly married on Valentine's Day for "violating Indian culture". Our elected representatives remained least bothered. As part of a responsible society, we sent him pink panties. (I did too, it was a really exciting thing to do!) But we stopped at that. Do we see something missing here? Do we see the whole thing is a joke for everybody concerned except Muthalik himself? I really don't think it has dissuaded him in any way whatsoever. Now, he is certain Indian youth are misguided and "perverted". We all made him wrong, yes (which the government didn't even bother doing) but we really didn't get results out of it. It is great we made our voice heard but somewhere down the line we really don't care. If situations are more demanding, we (as a people) are OK with staying indoors on Valentine's Day than stand up and speak for ourselves. Ultimately, nobody cares. Nobody feels responsible. It's all OK, it is all "part of life" and it all "passes". Yes, everything "passes", but who are we being when it comes and goes? We are ready to shut up and take any atrocity committed on our spirits, our sense of commitment and on our right to self-expression. We really don't care, do we?

The Reuters lists the dog's wedding with the boy under "oddly enough". Do we really think it is odd enough for us to make a noise about?

25 Things

I have had hundreds of people tagging me on a"note" on Facebook asking me to list 25 things about myself that most people don't know. I am weary of social networking sites and avoid them to the greatest extent possible but the idea itself caught my fancy. So here goes:

25 Things about Me that most people don't know

1. I am very easily addicted to things, habits and most importantly, people.
2. I have been recently feeling like "trying out" matrimony but I feel good about stopping myself from thinking about it too...
3. I really really enjoy drinking wine. In fact, I love the taste of port wine so much that I wouldn't mind going to shady bars to procure it for cheap.
4. If I had a choice in the matter, I would always be found in minimal and comfortable clothing - quite opposite of what I wear now.
5. I believe that any neutral outsider would most definitely find himself loving Calcutta more than Bangalore.
6. I love staying up late and watch the night grow old, typing away on my computer, listening to music and savouring life in darkness and silence.
7. I find my friendships with guys more enjoyable and less complicated than my friendships with girls. I would always prefer a guy for a friend to a girl, all other parameters remaining constant, of course. :D
8. I am scared to death of cockroaches while I chase away giant, foot-long lizards with great ease and grace.
9. I have actually hit rock bottom in life, left with no purpose or meaning to live for. Literally. I have existed as a vegetable for a few hours in my life.
10. I have physically abused a scary, burly ruffian in public, shitting in my pants all the while but walked out proud and fulfilled at the end of it.
11. Writing 25 things about myself which most people don't know is actually a difficult task for me and that shows how pathetically open a book my life is. :-|
12. I find chocolate more tempting than sex.
13. John Abraham comes closest to chocolate among all people on this planet.
14. I could spend my entire life solving problems on calculus.
15. I have lied to my mother just once. That has been one of the lowest points of my life.
16. I can be foolish enough to have one single human being controlling my life and dictating terms to me and I would take it on willingly. Have done it. Might do it in future.
17. I find death enticing and interesting.
18. I would like to have an out of body experience at least once in my life.
19. To build an animal welfare home is one of my life plans.
20. I love kittens more than pups.
21. I am a real bitch when I want to be one. And have been, too.
22. Being the Ice Princess has been my childhood fantasy and still lives in my dreams.
23. I saw only very recently that I could be highly opinionated and self centered. (Yes, I know...)
24. I love coffee shops.
25. I love chatting up auto drivers.

Oh, the 26th one: I am hopelessly insane and intense. To the point of being intense and insane respectively. ;-)

Entry or Exit. Or what you will.

How much does it take to be shaken out of silence once bullied into it? How much does it take to get feet back on ground once swayed by the call of intoxicating sycophancy? How much does it take to speak out and stand for oneself once discarded and dispensed with unceremoniously? How much does it take to find oneself in power, freedom and self-expression once strapped shut in a beautiful box filled with poison ivy? How much does it take to experience joy and create space for love in one's heart? How much does it take to let go of love even while not giving up on it? How much does it take to be present to the call of life once bound tight in cruel straps, lovely yet disempowering? How much does it take to be unreasonable once drowned in a sea of reasons? How much does it take to choose life over love? How much does it take to give up attachment and embrace commitment?

Just this one painting of words? Thank Him for small mercies. I am game. :)

The game begins. Again. Amen to that.