Crippled children, frail and ill lady walking gingerly towards a army camp, thousands of decimated bodies scattered all around, still thousands trapped in no firing zone (NFZ), lakhs fleeing and escaping the intense fighting in northern Sri Lanka between LTTE and Lankan army speaks volumes about the human catastrophe unfolding in our neighbouring country. This is exodus of biblical proportion.
The pictures published in newspapers show completely devastated Tamil families walking through lagoons, slushy fields, even using ferries to reach govt controlled territory. There is a sense of disbelief and shock written all over the face of these people. They cant believe that LTTE with its leader who came existence with a promise to create a Tamil Elam is now sending its cadres to blow themselves up amid these fleeing civilians. Cornered LTTE is even using Tamil civilians as human shields and it is holding thousands as hostage as a last resort. They might even force the people caught for a mass suicide in the manner of Japanese at Saipan and Okinawa. More than anything else the myth that the island’s Tamils regard the LTTE as their sole protector and Elam as their only hope is shattered.
When streams and streams of Tamils are making this little epic journey it is completely baffling to see the pantomime being performed on the electoral platform in Tamil Nadhu. Politicians here continue to portray the LTTE as a brave liberation force and to lionize Prabhakaran, the man behind the assassination of a former prime minister of India, represents a betrayal not only of Indian national sentiment but also of the Sri Lankan Tamil cause.
Sri Lankan Tamil Tragedy burst into international scene as a result of the “Black July” program against the islands Tamils by Sinhala chauvinists. In 1983 Tamils were dispossessed, denied basic democratic rights by the Sinhala dominated oppressive Govt. discriminatory state policies favoured Sinhala majority, Sinhala was made the only official language thus rendering Tamils outsiders in their own country. Thus giving rise to Tamil Elam struggle.
Initially mild mannered leaders of the TULF started their struggle but Sri Lanka didn’t listen to the voice of alienated Tamils till the young Militants headed by Prabhakaran burst onto the scene. After nearly three decades of constant war with the Sri Lankan govt LTTE is on the verge of total wipe out. It has failed to achieve any of its objectives because of its shortsighted approach and adventurist attitude which has cost the Tamil ethnic cause dearly. Why LTTE which was at its peak in 2002 with almost north and east of Sri Lanka under its control, collapse like a pack of cards. Here are the reasons:
1) LTTE which came into reckoning for a noble cause suddenly became fascist and militaristic. Lot of the LTTE’s viciousness and destructiveness was directed not at the so called Sinhala enemies but within the Tamil political movement itself targeting and eliminating courageous and visionary leaders such as Appapillai Amirthalingam and Neelan Tiruchelvam of the TULF whose lives were entirely devoted to the Tamil ethnic cause. TELO,PLOTE and EPRLF-groups fighting for Tamil cause, was devoured by the LTTE in a quest to establish its hegemony and supremacy as the “sole representative” of the Tamil people. With a philosophy of ultra nationalism it became a pernicious force rather than a benevolent force. Just like the Nazi and imperial Japanese regime, LTTE started propagating the philosophy that “you are nothing, your nation is everything.” It forced the Tamils to send atleast one member of the family to be recruited in the LTTE force. They were encouraged to blow themselves up. A martyr cult was developed to inspire and mobilize support thus legitimizing the LTTE.
2) Path breaking Indo-Sri Lankan agreement which promised a genuine transition to a federal type of power sharing structure was undermined by LTTE. LTTE even assassinated the well-intentioned Rajiv Gandhi for this.
3) LTTE has sabotaged the peace process time and again. It had eliminated several high profile Tamil and Sinhala leaders who were sincerely committed to the peace process. Determined leaders such as Chandrika Kumaratunga And Ranil Wikramasinghe who were bent on bridging the ethnic gap met with total disregard from LTTE. LTTE has used the duration of peace process to rearm itself and strike back with vengeance so the call of leaders in India and elsewhere for a cease fire and peace talks is ridiculous.
4) In the move which defies logic Prabhakaran decided to assist Mahinda Rajapaksa and UPFA to win the presidential election. Assassination of foreign minister Kadirgamara was a preliminary step in this direction. LTTE asked Tamils to abstain from voting. Thus Rajapaksa scraped in as president. Prabhakaran relaxed thinking that he had removed a potential prime minister Wikramasinghe and a dangerous Tamil foe, not realizing that by doing so he had brought the Chauvinist UPFA regime to power.
5) LTTE is dominated by the cadre’s from the east, but when Col. Karuna- a influential LTTE military chief demanded for a fair representation of eastern Tamilians, Prabhakaran instead of patching up ordered for the elimination of Col.Karuna. Karuna escaped with 5000 of his best cadres. He now has made peace with Sri Lankan govt and has joined mainstream politics. This authoritarian attitude of Prabhakaran severely dented the strength of LTTE.
6) After series of assassination LTTE has been recognized as a terrorist outfit in over 30 countries, FBI has rated Tamil Tigers as “among the most dangerous and deadly extremists in the world whose ruthless tactics inspired terrorists networks worldwide, including Al Qaeda in Iraq.” Being branded as a terrorists outfit has severely hampered the financial assistance which LTTE used to get from abroad.
7) LTTE failed to capitalize on the sympathy shown by India and depended much on Tamil Diaspora around the world.
8) Last but no the least LTTE’s shift in its military tactics from being a guerilla outfit to a conventional military unit was a costly mistake. Only way to combat resurgent Lankan army was by guerilla tactics at which LTTE were masters.
9) Prabhakaran underestimated the determination, diplomatic acumen and efficiency of President Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and military general Fonseka. President was able to rally the international support and wade off the criticism from Tamil politicians in Tamil Nadhu.
What can be done to save our Tamil brothers in Sri Lanka from this pathetic condition is the question that we should ask. Firstly our politician should stop glorifying Prabhakaran (Confessions of escaped LTTE leaders like Dayamaster and civilians only shows how menacing LTTE has become) and concentrate on providing aid to Tamilians who are in the camps. Medicines, food and cloths are the things they need now. Secondly politicians in Tamil Nadhu should persuade the LTTE to release the civilians. Lastly India should play a vital role in making sure that Tamil population in the island will be re-integrated fully into the national mainstream, once the hostilities cease.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Pakistan in a Fix
Marriot bombings- Lal masjid incident in Islamabad, police personnel repeatedly blown up by suicide bombers, attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, abduction for ransom becoming rampant and every city looking to be under siege with barricaded streets, thousands of internally displaced people and Pakistani army sweating it out to gain control of Dir, Buner and Swat region from Taliban doesn’t augur well for Pakistan. Pakistan is in a quagmire and is heading towards theocracy. Pakistan, a nation of 175 million, struggles for its survival. Why did Pakistan reach this particular stage here are few reasons :
1. There is big transformation culturally and socially in Pakistan after partition. Pakistan has been constantly detaching itself from Indian subcontinent and has made a conscious effort to join Arabian Peninsula. Pakistan has completely forgotten that it was once a part of India. It has totally ignored very rich, tolerant, kinder, gentler version of Islam like Sufism and has embraced unyielding, stern version of Islam called wahabism.
2. Wahabism and Arabianisation of Pakistan was a result of Ronald Reagan’s consent to push for islam in order to defeat Russians in Afghanistan. With the approval of America, Pakistan put up a red carpet invitation for radical Islamists from all over Arabian countries to fight in Afghanistan. Then Pakistan used same extremists to infiltrate into Kashmir. These fighters didn’t go back to their motherland but started to propagate hard-line salafi and Deobandi beliefs. They bitterly opposed Barelvis, Shias and other Muslims further dividing already a divided country. Pakistani workers returning from arab countries also endorsed this view. This led to spread of a movement which frowned on every expression of joy and pleasurable past time. Music and movies were violently opposed. Thus, the real Pakistani culture was trampled to death.
3. Pakistani leadership year after year from Zia-ul-huq to Gilani haven’t had the courage to speak out against these cultural offensive or the atrocities committed in the name of culture. Their lone agenda has been to hold on to the power by inciting hatredness
4. Nexus between religious fundamentalists and Pakistani army is one more reason. After afghan and Russian war, Pak army had realized the power of Jihad as an instrument of foreign policy, and so the network grew from strength to strength. But post 9/11 the nexus went horribly wrong. Today the same Pakistani army is under attack from religious militants. Jihadists are blowing themselves up to kill Pak soldiers who were once more than their kinsmen. Never the less the army has not yet learnt the lesson and is still ambivalent in its relation with the Jihadists.
5. Indoctrination through curriculum. Over the years extremism has been breeding at a ferocious rate in schools. The schools with this kind of education as already produced a generation incapable of religious-cultural tolerance. Pakistan education system demands that Islam be understood as a complete code of life, and creates in the mind of school child a sense of siege and constant embattlement by stressing that Islam is under threat everywhere. In a fascist move an act was passed in parliament where all the government and private schools were required to follow this curriculum. Successive governments have refused to change the curriculum and have silently allowed young minds to be moulded by fanatics. Militant Jihad has become part of culture on college and university campuses. Armed groups have flourished, invited students for Jihad in Kashmir and Afghanistan, set up offices throughout the country and collected funds at Friday prayers and declared war without borders.
6. Madrassas have proved to be primary vehicle for Saudi-ising Pakistan’s education. Mullah’s of madrassas whose principle function had been to produce imams and muezzins for mosques and teaching children to read the quran have become main propaganda machines to spread the holy war. They spew venom and teach to hate all those who are not followers of Prophet Mohammed, rather than to love and live in harmony. There are these kinds of madrassas across the length and breadth of Pakistan.
7. Environment of poverty, deprivation, lack of justice, extreme difference of wealth have already added fuel to this uncontrollable raging fire. Islamists leaders like Sufi Mohammed, Batiullah Mehsud , Fazlullah have created their own cults and have seized control over the minds of innocent people who have looked up to these extremists with hope of a better life. Women’s life has become pathetic. Public hanging and flogging have become common. Education for women is forbidden. Nearly 200 schools for girls were blow up in Swat region itself by Fazlullah’s militants.
Unless Pakistani Govt ensures equal rights to all, especially right to education for women, better facilities for the deprived, the situation in the country will only get worse. Beheading and lynching will continue unless education system and madrassas teach the lesson of cultural-religious tolerance and acceptance. Above all this Pak army and US should make sure that Frankenstein created by themselves called Taliban must be laid to rest forever for a bright and prosperous Pakistan.
1. There is big transformation culturally and socially in Pakistan after partition. Pakistan has been constantly detaching itself from Indian subcontinent and has made a conscious effort to join Arabian Peninsula. Pakistan has completely forgotten that it was once a part of India. It has totally ignored very rich, tolerant, kinder, gentler version of Islam like Sufism and has embraced unyielding, stern version of Islam called wahabism.
2. Wahabism and Arabianisation of Pakistan was a result of Ronald Reagan’s consent to push for islam in order to defeat Russians in Afghanistan. With the approval of America, Pakistan put up a red carpet invitation for radical Islamists from all over Arabian countries to fight in Afghanistan. Then Pakistan used same extremists to infiltrate into Kashmir. These fighters didn’t go back to their motherland but started to propagate hard-line salafi and Deobandi beliefs. They bitterly opposed Barelvis, Shias and other Muslims further dividing already a divided country. Pakistani workers returning from arab countries also endorsed this view. This led to spread of a movement which frowned on every expression of joy and pleasurable past time. Music and movies were violently opposed. Thus, the real Pakistani culture was trampled to death.
3. Pakistani leadership year after year from Zia-ul-huq to Gilani haven’t had the courage to speak out against these cultural offensive or the atrocities committed in the name of culture. Their lone agenda has been to hold on to the power by inciting hatredness
4. Nexus between religious fundamentalists and Pakistani army is one more reason. After afghan and Russian war, Pak army had realized the power of Jihad as an instrument of foreign policy, and so the network grew from strength to strength. But post 9/11 the nexus went horribly wrong. Today the same Pakistani army is under attack from religious militants. Jihadists are blowing themselves up to kill Pak soldiers who were once more than their kinsmen. Never the less the army has not yet learnt the lesson and is still ambivalent in its relation with the Jihadists.
5. Indoctrination through curriculum. Over the years extremism has been breeding at a ferocious rate in schools. The schools with this kind of education as already produced a generation incapable of religious-cultural tolerance. Pakistan education system demands that Islam be understood as a complete code of life, and creates in the mind of school child a sense of siege and constant embattlement by stressing that Islam is under threat everywhere. In a fascist move an act was passed in parliament where all the government and private schools were required to follow this curriculum. Successive governments have refused to change the curriculum and have silently allowed young minds to be moulded by fanatics. Militant Jihad has become part of culture on college and university campuses. Armed groups have flourished, invited students for Jihad in Kashmir and Afghanistan, set up offices throughout the country and collected funds at Friday prayers and declared war without borders.
6. Madrassas have proved to be primary vehicle for Saudi-ising Pakistan’s education. Mullah’s of madrassas whose principle function had been to produce imams and muezzins for mosques and teaching children to read the quran have become main propaganda machines to spread the holy war. They spew venom and teach to hate all those who are not followers of Prophet Mohammed, rather than to love and live in harmony. There are these kinds of madrassas across the length and breadth of Pakistan.
7. Environment of poverty, deprivation, lack of justice, extreme difference of wealth have already added fuel to this uncontrollable raging fire. Islamists leaders like Sufi Mohammed, Batiullah Mehsud , Fazlullah have created their own cults and have seized control over the minds of innocent people who have looked up to these extremists with hope of a better life. Women’s life has become pathetic. Public hanging and flogging have become common. Education for women is forbidden. Nearly 200 schools for girls were blow up in Swat region itself by Fazlullah’s militants.
Unless Pakistani Govt ensures equal rights to all, especially right to education for women, better facilities for the deprived, the situation in the country will only get worse. Beheading and lynching will continue unless education system and madrassas teach the lesson of cultural-religious tolerance and acceptance. Above all this Pak army and US should make sure that Frankenstein created by themselves called Taliban must be laid to rest forever for a bright and prosperous Pakistan.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
World can be made better and stronger through dissent.
Voice of dissent, rebellious spirit have never been more impotant than in this decade. In this decade contries have usurped the land of neighbouring countries through violence, countries have invaded other countries violating all the international laws. Countries have continued their forceful occupation of another country without popular mandate. Countries have imposed inhuman blockades and embargos literally straving the people to death. Countries continue to maintain prisons and detain people without even giving them an oppurtunity to appeal. In this age of chaos, protests,voices of dissent, oppositions and rebellions have kept the world afloat.
Rebellions or popular uprising have played a very significant role althrough the world history. It has resulted in shaping a better and stronger world. The rebellion of Fidel Castro against the American puppet Batista govt lead to a formation of Republic of Cuba which has been a role model of internationalism since 1960s. Mangal Pandey's voice of dissent, his refusal to take up arms smeared with pig fat resulted in the 1857 first war of independence which inturn provided the necessary impetus for a largerIndian freedom struggle, Ayatollah Khomeini's 1979's revolution in Iran was a result of his rebellion against American friendly Shah regime. In recent times the value of rebllion was very well demonstrated in Pakistan. President Zardari came to power after deposing dictator Mushraff. Zardari embarked on a journey to become an autocrat himself. He refused to reinstate Justice Chaudhary as Chief Justice of Pakistan. He probhibited his rival sharif brothers from contesting polls. Governor's rule was imposed in PML(N) led Punjab province. People protested against these verdicts, civil servents resigned from their jobs refusing to arrest protestors. Pakistan virtually came to a standstill. Zardari had to relent. May be in future the solution for Middle East problem also lies in a unified rebellion of all Arab states against unjust coalition of America and Israel. This is the massive power of voicing our dissent, opposition to unjust powers.
Now the question arises whom should we rebel against? according to Noam Chomsky one of the greatest intellectuals of our time, rebellion should be against unjust powers. To quote him "no power is acceptable until it is justified." Rebellions should be always based on rational investigation and moral judgement. He declares that "there is nothing nobler to do than to resist authority."
But as soon as the there is a process of judgement we are entering murky waters. In this age, ability to investigate rationally and to judge morally have been severely blunted by propaganda missionaries especially media. Dictators and politicians have come up with new devices and means to control the general opinion and attitude thus curbing any chances of a rebellion. Chomsky calls it " Manufacturing Consent." Engineering of consent has become the very essence of political process. The entire population has been turned into mindless masses. Politicians have began playing community, class, religion, caste cards thus bluffing people. They are using the media for fabricating the truth and misrepresentation. They dont want any rebellion to happen. They dont want people to wake up and ask questions. They Want the people to conform to their views.
So the youth should equip themselves with right knowledge so as to judge correctly. They should unite to raise voice against unjust powers. Youth should elect right candiates. Youth should look into the future as visionaries of utopian world which is free from abuse and control.
To conclude - protest has to be allowed in society, as we live in a world that is constantly changing, and it is by protest that the laws are changed for the betterment of future generations. As Chomsky says "Rebellion, Being dissidents is the only way to escape from containment and to preserve ideals of justice and freedom that come easily to the lips but are harder to defend and advance." Being a rebel is the only way forward and it is the only hope.
Rebellions or popular uprising have played a very significant role althrough the world history. It has resulted in shaping a better and stronger world. The rebellion of Fidel Castro against the American puppet Batista govt lead to a formation of Republic of Cuba which has been a role model of internationalism since 1960s. Mangal Pandey's voice of dissent, his refusal to take up arms smeared with pig fat resulted in the 1857 first war of independence which inturn provided the necessary impetus for a largerIndian freedom struggle, Ayatollah Khomeini's 1979's revolution in Iran was a result of his rebellion against American friendly Shah regime. In recent times the value of rebllion was very well demonstrated in Pakistan. President Zardari came to power after deposing dictator Mushraff. Zardari embarked on a journey to become an autocrat himself. He refused to reinstate Justice Chaudhary as Chief Justice of Pakistan. He probhibited his rival sharif brothers from contesting polls. Governor's rule was imposed in PML(N) led Punjab province. People protested against these verdicts, civil servents resigned from their jobs refusing to arrest protestors. Pakistan virtually came to a standstill. Zardari had to relent. May be in future the solution for Middle East problem also lies in a unified rebellion of all Arab states against unjust coalition of America and Israel. This is the massive power of voicing our dissent, opposition to unjust powers.
Now the question arises whom should we rebel against? according to Noam Chomsky one of the greatest intellectuals of our time, rebellion should be against unjust powers. To quote him "no power is acceptable until it is justified." Rebellions should be always based on rational investigation and moral judgement. He declares that "there is nothing nobler to do than to resist authority."
But as soon as the there is a process of judgement we are entering murky waters. In this age, ability to investigate rationally and to judge morally have been severely blunted by propaganda missionaries especially media. Dictators and politicians have come up with new devices and means to control the general opinion and attitude thus curbing any chances of a rebellion. Chomsky calls it " Manufacturing Consent." Engineering of consent has become the very essence of political process. The entire population has been turned into mindless masses. Politicians have began playing community, class, religion, caste cards thus bluffing people. They are using the media for fabricating the truth and misrepresentation. They dont want any rebellion to happen. They dont want people to wake up and ask questions. They Want the people to conform to their views.
So the youth should equip themselves with right knowledge so as to judge correctly. They should unite to raise voice against unjust powers. Youth should elect right candiates. Youth should look into the future as visionaries of utopian world which is free from abuse and control.
To conclude - protest has to be allowed in society, as we live in a world that is constantly changing, and it is by protest that the laws are changed for the betterment of future generations. As Chomsky says "Rebellion, Being dissidents is the only way to escape from containment and to preserve ideals of justice and freedom that come easily to the lips but are harder to defend and advance." Being a rebel is the only way forward and it is the only hope.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Did "Slumdog" deserve an Oscar in the 'Best Picture' Category?
There has been so much of jubiliation surrounding Danny Boyle "Slumdog" sweeping performance at the Oscars. Accolades to Mozart of Madras A.R.Rahman, Gulzar and Resul for bringing home three Oscars. But the most importanat question to be asked is did really "Slumdog" deserve an Oscar in the category of Best Picture. Lets compare "Slumdog" with the other nominees of this years Oscar- The Reader, The Wrestler, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon and Milk.
First "The Reader" directed by Stephen Daldry of "Hours" fame is set in Post WWII Germany. The entire movie revolves around two characters namely Hanna Schmitz and Michael Berg making it much more more challenging for the director to shoot the movie. The movie forces to think about Holoucast and what happened in Aushwitz from a completely new perspective( different from Speilberg's Schindlers List.) Being forced to work as S.S. concentration camp guard Hanna is brought to trail along with five others in the postwwII Germany. Instead of expressing contempt we start liking Hanna even though she had been a part of such a inhuman regime. Michael a lawyer knows the truth but is torn between his differing views of justice. The movie is depressingly poignant. Ralph Finness and Kate Winslate put up a stunning performance.
Second, Darren Aronofsky "The Wrestler" is a simple tale of Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a 1980s-era pro wrestler. Randy tries to build a new life after he has heart attack and warned by the doctor not to enter the ring as it may prove to be fatal. He tries move in with aging stripper and reconcile, re-establish a relationship with his daughter. He fails miserably and returns to his favourite arena which has given him all he has ever wanted. Wrestling is his life. Micky Rourke's performance is absolutely mind blowing and the movie depressingly realistic.
Third David Fincher's The Curious Case Benjamin Button is an adaptation of Scot Fitzgeralds short story. It is about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time. Ultimately it ends up with the truth that "life is best cherished backwards and best lived forwards." Brad pitt and Kate Blanchet do justice to their roles. The movie stands out for its stunning visual effects by the team of Eric Barba, Craig Barron, Steve Preeg, Burt C. Dalton.
Fourth Ron Howard's ( The Beautiful Mind's fame) "Frost/Nixon" is a historical drama film based upon the play of the same name by Peter Morgan, writer of The Queen, which dramatises the 1977 televised Frost/Nixon interviews. It falls into the reign of Movie like Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman's "All Presidents Men." It is extremely difficult movie to because of its plot.
Lastly Gus Van Sant's "Milk" is as superb as his masterpiece "Good Will Hunting". It narrates the story of California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk, a San Francisco supervisor who was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone by San Francisco Supervisor Dan White. His constant struggle against national anti-gay Save the Children crusade, led and fronted by singer Anita Bryant and similar political battles constitutes the movie. Sean Penn is absolutely superb as he was in Clint Easthood's "Mystic River".
When we compare "Slumdog" with the above it becomes very evident that these movies were thematically superior, bold and revolutionary. Then how did "Slumdog" pick up an Oscar for Best Picture? These might be few of the reasons
To begin with, Slumdog is the only film which ends with a optimistic note. It is a movie about hope. Hope is something which the Americans are holding on to in this period of "Economic Depression." So "Slumdog" augurs well with Americans.
Secondly The Oscar jury have a strange reputation of choosing a least deserving movie from the nominee lot for the Best Picture category. Even Orson Wells "Citizen Kane" which has been voted by critics as the best movie ever made was not selected as Best picture. Same thing happened to movies like Forgo, Apocalypse Now, Chinatown, Saving Private Ryan, Philidelphia, Extra Terrastrial, Munich etc. Can you imagine Shakespeare in Love got the best picture award ahead of Saving Private Ryan! Gaints like Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock didnt win the oscars at all. So jury's selection defies logic.
Thirdly i feel that Slumdog was extremely well marketed at the Oscars than any other nominated movies.
Afterall these one shouldnt dismiss "Slumdog". It is a extremely well made movie with stunning camera work and cinematography. we Indians are extremely proud of Rahman winning the Oscars ( everyone will agree that Ji ho! and O Saaya! were no where near his best compositions) Gulzar and Resul for sound mixing. But my conscience hesitates to accept "Slumdog" as the Best Picture.
First "The Reader" directed by Stephen Daldry of "Hours" fame is set in Post WWII Germany. The entire movie revolves around two characters namely Hanna Schmitz and Michael Berg making it much more more challenging for the director to shoot the movie. The movie forces to think about Holoucast and what happened in Aushwitz from a completely new perspective( different from Speilberg's Schindlers List.) Being forced to work as S.S. concentration camp guard Hanna is brought to trail along with five others in the postwwII Germany. Instead of expressing contempt we start liking Hanna even though she had been a part of such a inhuman regime. Michael a lawyer knows the truth but is torn between his differing views of justice. The movie is depressingly poignant. Ralph Finness and Kate Winslate put up a stunning performance.
Second, Darren Aronofsky "The Wrestler" is a simple tale of Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a 1980s-era pro wrestler. Randy tries to build a new life after he has heart attack and warned by the doctor not to enter the ring as it may prove to be fatal. He tries move in with aging stripper and reconcile, re-establish a relationship with his daughter. He fails miserably and returns to his favourite arena which has given him all he has ever wanted. Wrestling is his life. Micky Rourke's performance is absolutely mind blowing and the movie depressingly realistic.
Third David Fincher's The Curious Case Benjamin Button is an adaptation of Scot Fitzgeralds short story. It is about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time. Ultimately it ends up with the truth that "life is best cherished backwards and best lived forwards." Brad pitt and Kate Blanchet do justice to their roles. The movie stands out for its stunning visual effects by the team of Eric Barba, Craig Barron, Steve Preeg, Burt C. Dalton.
Fourth Ron Howard's ( The Beautiful Mind's fame) "Frost/Nixon" is a historical drama film based upon the play of the same name by Peter Morgan, writer of The Queen, which dramatises the 1977 televised Frost/Nixon interviews. It falls into the reign of Movie like Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman's "All Presidents Men." It is extremely difficult movie to because of its plot.
Lastly Gus Van Sant's "Milk" is as superb as his masterpiece "Good Will Hunting". It narrates the story of California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk, a San Francisco supervisor who was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone by San Francisco Supervisor Dan White. His constant struggle against national anti-gay Save the Children crusade, led and fronted by singer Anita Bryant and similar political battles constitutes the movie. Sean Penn is absolutely superb as he was in Clint Easthood's "Mystic River".
When we compare "Slumdog" with the above it becomes very evident that these movies were thematically superior, bold and revolutionary. Then how did "Slumdog" pick up an Oscar for Best Picture? These might be few of the reasons
To begin with, Slumdog is the only film which ends with a optimistic note. It is a movie about hope. Hope is something which the Americans are holding on to in this period of "Economic Depression." So "Slumdog" augurs well with Americans.
Secondly The Oscar jury have a strange reputation of choosing a least deserving movie from the nominee lot for the Best Picture category. Even Orson Wells "Citizen Kane" which has been voted by critics as the best movie ever made was not selected as Best picture. Same thing happened to movies like Forgo, Apocalypse Now, Chinatown, Saving Private Ryan, Philidelphia, Extra Terrastrial, Munich etc. Can you imagine Shakespeare in Love got the best picture award ahead of Saving Private Ryan! Gaints like Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock didnt win the oscars at all. So jury's selection defies logic.
Thirdly i feel that Slumdog was extremely well marketed at the Oscars than any other nominated movies.
Afterall these one shouldnt dismiss "Slumdog". It is a extremely well made movie with stunning camera work and cinematography. we Indians are extremely proud of Rahman winning the Oscars ( everyone will agree that Ji ho! and O Saaya! were no where near his best compositions) Gulzar and Resul for sound mixing. But my conscience hesitates to accept "Slumdog" as the Best Picture.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Massacre in Gaza.
Hi friends,
The French philosopher Nostrodamus prophecied about the emergence of Anti-christ in mid 1940's and he also foresaw the twin tower disaster. He has also predicted the beginning of third world war which will be highly catastophic. He told that this massive war will start from the region of middle east and then engulf the whole world. The prelude for the third world war has been written by recent assault on Gaza Strip by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
One and half a million residents of gaza strip were subjected to relentless attacks by Israeli forces in their operation named "Operation Cast Lead". The death toll in the third week of january was over 1,300, out of which 400 were children and 100 were women. This indiscriminate bombing and artillery attacks have reduce the entire Gaza town to rubbles. Israel has not even spared schools and hospitals. It has even bombed U.N buildings with total disregard to international Laws. It has used highly hazardous white phosperous substance in its missiles. White phosperous literally melts the skin and flesh. Most of the victims of this white phosperous are innocent children. It is truly heart wrenching to see small infants with deformed faces. After all this the Israelis have not achieved their objectives of totally dismantling Hamas and Crushing of the resistance.
WHO has warned of severe outbreak of epidemic diseases with Gaza's water and sewage system on the verge of collapse and dead bodies rotting under the rubbles. The demand for Israel to be hauled to the international Criminal court is coming from all over the world. But superpower U.S. has always stoodby israel not allowing the U.N. Security council to refer the Gaza massacre to the ICC. ( U.N. has become powerless and helpless as League of Nations with Veto power lying in the hands of countries like U.S. China, England, France and Russia.)U.S. instead of denouncing these inhuman acts has supplied Israel F-16 bombers which were used to demolish Beirut(Lebonon) and Gaza. India has been a mute spectator as it has signed a arms deal with Israel and nuclear deal with U.S. By entering these deals India has virtually become a puppet of these countries.
From June 2007 blockade has been imposed on Gaza. Medicines, essential commodities and electricity has been cut literally choking Gaza to death. These attacks will have ever lasting repercussions. It will encourage many more to take up arms. There will be many volunteers who will volunteer to strap the bombs around there belly and explode themselves in a cafe in Tel Aviv. There will be many more 26/11's.
If at all the world leaders are serious about bringing everlasting peace and ending terrorism they should stop the forceful occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan and butchering the innocents in middle east.
India cant be a mute spectator they should stand by the righteous and denounce the evil. It is our responsibality to show solidarity with our palestanian brothers.
The French philosopher Nostrodamus prophecied about the emergence of Anti-christ in mid 1940's and he also foresaw the twin tower disaster. He has also predicted the beginning of third world war which will be highly catastophic. He told that this massive war will start from the region of middle east and then engulf the whole world. The prelude for the third world war has been written by recent assault on Gaza Strip by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
One and half a million residents of gaza strip were subjected to relentless attacks by Israeli forces in their operation named "Operation Cast Lead". The death toll in the third week of january was over 1,300, out of which 400 were children and 100 were women. This indiscriminate bombing and artillery attacks have reduce the entire Gaza town to rubbles. Israel has not even spared schools and hospitals. It has even bombed U.N buildings with total disregard to international Laws. It has used highly hazardous white phosperous substance in its missiles. White phosperous literally melts the skin and flesh. Most of the victims of this white phosperous are innocent children. It is truly heart wrenching to see small infants with deformed faces. After all this the Israelis have not achieved their objectives of totally dismantling Hamas and Crushing of the resistance.
WHO has warned of severe outbreak of epidemic diseases with Gaza's water and sewage system on the verge of collapse and dead bodies rotting under the rubbles. The demand for Israel to be hauled to the international Criminal court is coming from all over the world. But superpower U.S. has always stoodby israel not allowing the U.N. Security council to refer the Gaza massacre to the ICC. ( U.N. has become powerless and helpless as League of Nations with Veto power lying in the hands of countries like U.S. China, England, France and Russia.)U.S. instead of denouncing these inhuman acts has supplied Israel F-16 bombers which were used to demolish Beirut(Lebonon) and Gaza. India has been a mute spectator as it has signed a arms deal with Israel and nuclear deal with U.S. By entering these deals India has virtually become a puppet of these countries.
From June 2007 blockade has been imposed on Gaza. Medicines, essential commodities and electricity has been cut literally choking Gaza to death. These attacks will have ever lasting repercussions. It will encourage many more to take up arms. There will be many volunteers who will volunteer to strap the bombs around there belly and explode themselves in a cafe in Tel Aviv. There will be many more 26/11's.
If at all the world leaders are serious about bringing everlasting peace and ending terrorism they should stop the forceful occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan and butchering the innocents in middle east.
India cant be a mute spectator they should stand by the righteous and denounce the evil. It is our responsibality to show solidarity with our palestanian brothers.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Moral Policing and Pub Culture.
Hi friend,
There has been huge hue and cry about recent attack on women in a Mangalore pub. It was an abominable act to beat up women. Any religion does not allow us to treat women as they were by these vigilante moral-police. This new trend of claiming to safegaurd culture and its women in the name of moral policing is on the rise. We should totally condemn these uncultured extremist acts.
But on the otherhand we have to protest against this growing pub culture in a democratic way. There should be a mass awakening about our rich indian culture and heritage so that youth can appreciate our enigmatic culture rather than blindly imitating the west. We cant justify consumption of alcohol in any way. In Srimad Bhagavatam (Amala Purana-spotless purana) Canto-I, Chapter 17, Maharaj Pariskhitha gives permission to Kali to reside in places of gambling, intoxication, illicit sex and slaughter houses. Pub afterall falls in the category of place of intoxication.
In the name of progress, liberalisation and globalisation we cant encourage these pubs, bars and brothels to crop up in every place. Because these are the epi centres of crimes. People who are endorsing pub culture in the name of basic civil rights should understand how hazardous it will be in future. They are authorising hippi culture which is directionless, pervert and immoral.
Indian culture, vedas and puranas have always revered women, they are always been kept on highest of pedestals. It is truly painful to see the same women dancing in pubs, smoking, intoxicating themselves with drugs. what kind of knowledge, principles, ethics can these type of women impart to their children in future. Men cant be spared they are equally culprits.
There should be awareness amongst youth about what is right and wrong. In this era when all the westerners are looking back at India to fill up their spiritual vaccuum, practising Yoga, doing research of puranas, why should we Indians turn to west and entangle ourselves in endless misery!
You should never trust the politicians or the Govt which signs MoU with liquor barons and at the same time says that they dont encourage pub culture. You cant agree with so called scholars who endorse these western hazardous culture in the name of basic civil rights. You cant become a prey to highly uncultured moral police as well. The only way forward is to sit back and have a look at our enlightening, stunningly rich Indian culture and to decide for ourselves. Best first step in this direction would be to read a Bhagvad Gita (authentic one) atleast once.
Nobody has the right to dictate term to us. Nobody has to teach us what morality is. Nobody can bring about a change. Change has to come from within us by the way of self realisation. Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya- Leave aside darkness and walk towards light.
Thank you.
There has been huge hue and cry about recent attack on women in a Mangalore pub. It was an abominable act to beat up women. Any religion does not allow us to treat women as they were by these vigilante moral-police. This new trend of claiming to safegaurd culture and its women in the name of moral policing is on the rise. We should totally condemn these uncultured extremist acts.
But on the otherhand we have to protest against this growing pub culture in a democratic way. There should be a mass awakening about our rich indian culture and heritage so that youth can appreciate our enigmatic culture rather than blindly imitating the west. We cant justify consumption of alcohol in any way. In Srimad Bhagavatam (Amala Purana-spotless purana) Canto-I, Chapter 17, Maharaj Pariskhitha gives permission to Kali to reside in places of gambling, intoxication, illicit sex and slaughter houses. Pub afterall falls in the category of place of intoxication.
In the name of progress, liberalisation and globalisation we cant encourage these pubs, bars and brothels to crop up in every place. Because these are the epi centres of crimes. People who are endorsing pub culture in the name of basic civil rights should understand how hazardous it will be in future. They are authorising hippi culture which is directionless, pervert and immoral.
Indian culture, vedas and puranas have always revered women, they are always been kept on highest of pedestals. It is truly painful to see the same women dancing in pubs, smoking, intoxicating themselves with drugs. what kind of knowledge, principles, ethics can these type of women impart to their children in future. Men cant be spared they are equally culprits.
There should be awareness amongst youth about what is right and wrong. In this era when all the westerners are looking back at India to fill up their spiritual vaccuum, practising Yoga, doing research of puranas, why should we Indians turn to west and entangle ourselves in endless misery!
You should never trust the politicians or the Govt which signs MoU with liquor barons and at the same time says that they dont encourage pub culture. You cant agree with so called scholars who endorse these western hazardous culture in the name of basic civil rights. You cant become a prey to highly uncultured moral police as well. The only way forward is to sit back and have a look at our enlightening, stunningly rich Indian culture and to decide for ourselves. Best first step in this direction would be to read a Bhagvad Gita (authentic one) atleast once.
Nobody has the right to dictate term to us. Nobody has to teach us what morality is. Nobody can bring about a change. Change has to come from within us by the way of self realisation. Tamasoma Jyotirgamaya- Leave aside darkness and walk towards light.
Thank you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
