Keep it, Ronaldo!

After a beautiful game of football, I sat down on the sidelines to remove my studs. The cold dusk breeze was making the sweat fast disappear. Out of nowhere came this little boy and took away my football. Kicking the ball towards the goal he announced to his friends,”Let’s play, I have got a football”. They all ran towards him.

It was a joy looking at them playing and screaming. As I got up to leave the field, a little girl, perhaps his sister, dragged him to me and asked him to return the football. “Keep it, Ronaldo!”, I told him. I didn’t know his name, but surely he had that Ronaldo-like desire. His smile made my day.

Movie Review - Joker

When the news broke in about a movie being made on the origins of the Joker, the first talking point across was the inevitable comparisons that would be made with the Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in the Christopher Nolan’s rendition of the Batman. The bar was already set so high by Heath as if touching perfection of sorts. When the trailer came out, there was silent applause and glimmer of hope that the bar could be raised. 

But in my opinion these are two different kind of setups where a comparison would not make sense. In Nolan’s The Dark Knight, the Joker’s character was already of that intensity from frame one. He was already the agent of chaos. The skill set for the portrait of this maniac was already laid out. In the present case, the role needed a build up requiring multitude of expressions and varying degrees of intensity. And the way it has been pulled off by Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely mind blowing. 

Arthur Fleck has a medical condition wherein he bursts out into laughter triggered by trivial things happening around. He is always on a severe dosage of medication which keeps him sane, or so he feels. His ill mother is delusional and her past has several secrets which made Arthur like what he is. Things do not go well at the workplace where he does Joker gigs. He faces the wrath of public indifference and the dreary brutal violence. 

Gotham get’s worse like it always does and the series of events takes Arthur to the tipping point. A point where the person would believe that chaos is the only thing which is fair in the this broken world. Unbiased, unprejudiced, fair. And that we are simply holding our instincts fearing the social repercussion. And that anarchy is the true liberation of mankind. You could see those pretentious layers of sanity disappearing gradually through his breathtaking portrayal of a troubled soul getting unchained. 

Yes, there is raw violence in the movie which can be really disturbing for some people. But what were you expecting, a clown hopping around pulling off magic tricks? The movie presents an intriguing scenario wherein isolated events of insanity can trigger a whole uprising unleashing the dark side of masses. And oh, all of us have that in ways we perhaps cannot fathom. An opportunity to do things considered criminal by the collective conscience, can be truly liberating. 

The cinematography throughout is the best I have ever seen. The shades of Taxi Driver are seen here and there but this is nevertheless  a different class altogether. They should have kept it subtle though but casting Robert De Niro made it pretty obvious. Playing Arthur Fleck, was a humongous challenge. And Joaquin Phoenix is a magician having pulled it off so brilliantly.  Oscar or not, you have my respect. Nothing but respect. 

Book Review - The Prophet

Words of wisdom preached poetically several decades ago and yet so relevant and meaningful. The chapters on love and marriage are particularly intriguing as perhaps they dominate the domains of our life. Certainly not a book you can rush through, you need to pause and reflect after every sentence perhaps. The shortest book I have read but took a long time to complete as every line has the power to send you into trance. A good read when your mood is poetic and you have ample time to introspect. 

Domino Effect

“They have taken over the entire mountains, they are everywhere”, said a old voice, as we sat down looking at this colony of certain species of red ants. As the legend goes, these invasive species have been mistakenly introduced here as part of some consignments from other states. They grow fast, they eat up tinny animals and they make it difficult for humans to work in the fields.

“Earlier we had these ant eaters and Pangolins. They are near extinct now”, exclaimed another voice. The tone said it all. This is how the disappearance of one species affects the whole ecosystem. Our world is like a design made of cards. Remove one and all comes crumbling down.

That little tap

The misty embrace to the landscape brought freshness to the dawn. The chirping provided for the background score. The clouds ensured ambient temperature. Perfect setup for a run, I pondered. And I had two little ones running along with me.

One was running for the first time, the other had completed it last time. Towards the finish line, when the first one slowed down showing signs of exhaustion, the second one, gave a little tap on his shoulder. A tap of confidence, of assurance and of support. How quickly they learn, the little ones.

The Screeching Hope

After an hour long Village walk, we sat down in the Nokma’s house (Village headman) to find plausible solutions to the issues observed. Someone mentioned about the rich wildlife which was once there. Almost all extinct now mostly because of the unbridled human greed.

That discussion ended in a deafening silence with visuals of the horrific crimes we have committed against the natural balance as a species. And then, out of no where, like the light at the end of the tunnel, we heard the screeching of some Hoolock Gibbons from the reserve forest across the river. Hope is still there perhaps, we must strive.

Role play

During school days, Teacher’s Day was indeed very special. We had a tradition of senior students going to junior classes and doing role play of our teachers. That one opportunity to teach and to step into their shoes was special and to a large extent sensitised us pertaining to the grand role of teachers in shaping the overall discourse.

Looking back now, I feel, we need that tradition to spread every where. We need to graduate into a society where becoming a teacher should be a conscious choice made by individuals and the incentives should be top notch. It should not be a forced last resort. We need the best motivated minds, to nurture our future, to play that role. Happy Teacher’s Day.

Two mathematicians

She was our Mathematics teacher in high school. I have never seen such a dedicated teacher with that much devotion for the subject. She was always trying to find out better ways of teaching and of explaining. Always solving new problems. Absolutely relentless.

He, my father, was also a Mathematics teacher. Every evening in his tuition classes, he had a special batch of students hailing from humble households for whom there was no fees involved. He spent his entire youth in social service through various platforms.

Two mathematicians. Two fundamental virtues. Two strong influences for yours truly.

Book Review - A Short History of nearly everything

Author - Bill Bryson
My Rating 3/5

A great read for teenagers of this age who would love to be told the story of this world in a free flowing way with little shades of wit. Right from the Big Bang till Darwin made a monkey out of humans, this books explains it all. It also helps you to understand basic scientific principles in a very lucid way and to understand the scales of various things which are usually difficult to fathom. It surely helps us to understand why various things exist today and which are the things which could have been instead. Every chapter is indicative of the humongous research that must have gone into the making of this book. Thoroughly educative read! 

Just the heart

As we trekked towards Kakwagre village, we saw one bamboo house from a distance. The dogs had sensed the visitors already and came running towards us. The children followed them and stopped at a distance. Then they ran away to call the elders who were working in the field nearby. Within no time they arrived sweating from the hard work, The kids had already arranged some chairs in the porch. 

We sat and listened to the mother father duo as they described their daily routine and the problems they face residing at this remote place. Mostly, it’s the education of their children that bothers them. The little ones walk hours everyday for school. Sensing that we were exhausted from our little trek, they served us whatever they had with them. The mother stated fetching water everyday is a challenge. I simply admire the hospitality one gets in villages. You don’t need a fancy place and resources for that. Just the heart. 

They just knew

As I took a deep satisfying breath after completing the trench we were digging, I looked across to find some men making a mesh like structure of bamboo along the rain-fed channel to check the soil erosion. They used the leaves and other stuff lying around to fill the gaps. "It will trap the good top soil", said a middle aged women sitting at a distance.

This structure resembled a typical boulder check dam which we make on higher grounds. Instead of boulders, they used locally abundant bamboo, These men got this skill from their forefathers. And their forefathers from their forefathers. The essential knowledge was passed if not the reasons behind it. There are so many things which science is backing up today with rationale. But several already exited in the form of traditional knowledge systems. They perhaps cannot explain the logic behind it, and yet somehow, they just knew.

Flavors of Nature

It had rained the other day perhaps. The clay road was at it's mischievous best designing artistic shapes of all sizes. Meanwhile the driver contemplated the best way to maneuver us through, all I could see till the horizon was Pineapple plantation. The scaled delight guarded by thorny long leaves. Ubiquitous spread like a contagion.

At the camp, we sat down deliberating methodologies to help the locals to get better value for their pineapples. Local honey was offered to everyone. The legend was apparently true. The honey was pineapple flavored, a beautiful symbiosis of flora and fauna.

Book Review - Corporate Chanakya

My Rating - 1/5

Having read the original work of Kautilya in the form of Arthashashtra, the cover and title of this book looked intriguing at the first place. And that was that. Simply put, it is just a deliberate repackaging of the original works of Kautilya which certainly dealt with the idea of the State and it's components. But if you look at it, any entity, be howsoever small, can draw parallels from the original work. Just the jargon had to be modernized and eureka, you have this book. At the end the author even attempts to attain the wisdom of Chanakya and offers one suggestion to the readers that they should gift this book to people at their workplace. Duh, at least make it more subtle brother. Would not recommend if you have already read the Arthashashtra. 

Book review - Mossad

My Rating - 3/5

If ever there was a book wherein every chapter had the potential of a full fledged action thriller, it is this book. Mossad has played a key role in what we today see as Israel and it continues to do so. The writing is very direct and perhaps no other tone would suit this kind of genre. It is bone-chilling to read about the missions they had taken up and the influence it has made to the developments in that particular region and also on the global scale. All the stuff they have done, seems straight out a movie and yet it is all real. It is a fascinating read if you are intrigued by the life of spies and a bit of complicated Mediterranean geo-politics. 

Book Review - A History of Assam

Author - Sir Edward Gait
Rating - 2/5

When I landed in Assam for the first time three years ago, I had no idea about the history and evolution of the state and it's people. Having spent a year there, I got some answers. But the heterogeneity is so overwhelming that it is difficult to connect all the dots. There were many questions like why we do not see giant and pompous palaces like we do in central and western India and how the dynamics were with rest of the hill tribes from the adjoining areas. Who are the aboriginals and who aren't and from where they had migrated. Assam being at the heart of the North Eastern region, it's history helps us to understand a lot many things about the whole region. Not at all near the high standards of national historians, but there aren't many other works on the history of this part. A must read to understand the evolution of Assam and nearby areas.  

Book Review - 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

If you have read Sapiens, you will be inclined to read Homo Deus (Which BTW is not a fictional story about a guy named Deus who is too afraid to explore his sexuality). If you have read both of these books, you would be literally compelled to pick up this one. The pace at which things around us are changing is mindbogglingly high but unfortunately the thought process and collective consciousness is terribly jet lagged. And this genius man in the present book picks up 21 topics which we should deeply ponder on before embarking upon forthcoming spiritual and philosophical voyages. Each topic contains intriguing debates spanning across eons.

For instance, he talks about the responsibility which rests on the shoulders of story tellers these days, particularly those engaged in science fiction. The perception of future is more shaped by these science fiction movies and TV series rather than the actual status of research itself.  What if Neo wasn't really out of the matrix at the end, what if it was another matrix. Matrix within a Matrix. What is we all are truly inside the same one and Neo is just a self-affirming dream figure. Many more such propositions in the book. And by design, the last chapter of this book is titled Meditation. It's about time we make effort to understand our own minds, before the algorithms take over. Pick it up and read, period.  

IAS Diaries Part 28 - Project Light

I still remember when I was posted in Dadenggre as SDO(Civil), one of the solar street lights on the outskirts of the division area was stolen. We took immediate cognizance of the case and ensured that the police machinery puts in extra effort to nab the culprits. That was followed by several rounds of meetings with locals at all the places where such lights were installed with the objective to sensitize them to protect such public assets and that they were installed at the first place for the benefit of everyone and that each one of them was responsible for the proper upkeep. After all that, till the time I left, there was no other such case of theft.

When I came to Williamnagar for the first time, I was elated to see that there were already so many solar street lights spanning across the entire town area. But that joy was only ephemeral as I got the reality check pretty soon. Most of the batteries from the poles of these solar street lights were stolen, in some cases they had also stolen the solar panel and in some case, the light was broken or shattered to pieces. All in all, mostly all of the 200 lights were dysfunctional because of these reasons. Always a disheartening sight to see public property being ripped apart by the public themselves.

Solar Street light are great asset for any locality. They are not very expensive. are now easily available and the installation is also very simplistic. Of course the greatest advantage being that there is no recurring cost as of a electricity bill or the question that who will bear that cost. The earlier models came with these big separate batteries which required maintenance and which were placed in a separate box on the pole which was prone to theft. The distilled water in these batteries needed to be replaced at least once a year to ensure proper functioning. But with the advancement in technology, now these Sleek lights are available with inbuilt lithium battery and all you need to do is connect it to a solar panel on the pole. The possibility of theft also comes down as their is no stand alone battery which could fetch some money in the open market.

So now the question came, how can we revive these lights? In all the cases, the pole was intact, the panels were there in 99% cases, the light was there in 80% cases but the battery was gone in almost all cases. So we decided to go with these new lights with inbuilt battery. Meanwhile, under our Project STAR(Click here for details), we are encouraging people to adopt govt schools so that they can be repaired and renovated, on similar lines, I pondered, if we could have a Project Light, wherein the locals can come together to adopt a street light. And we did start exactly that. With the help of few generous people who are resourceful, we repaired about 30 lights to start with and due awareness was spread to all localities.

We also requested all the govt offices to join this campaign. If they could adopt the solar street lights in front of their respective offices, it would also benefit the people moving across that road. The Forest department was the first to respond to our call followed by the Williamnagar Civil Hospital. Several other individuals also came forward and adopted one light each. I am also grateful to my mother who adopted two lights and paid for their repair from her pension.

Meanwhile we have already proposed to the government for the repair of the remaining lights, this ongoing campaign of Project Light has at least been able to brighten up some crucial locations in the town in terms of safety of people. Moreover, the campaign has also helped to inculcate a sense of ownership in the community with regards to public property. It has been also instrumental to promote the use of renewable energy sources like Solar Energy. Hoping to light up some more areas with the generosity of the masses.

Read more posts from IAS Diaries - CLICK HERE 

Nothing more

The sky was shinny blue this evening. The clouds were few and scattered. They had a crimson lining, the leftovers of solar love perhaps. The birds were merrily drifting towards home. The moon was lurking behind the dark ones awaiting the dusk.

As the goalkeeper kicked the ball over us high in that gorgeous sky, I felt contented. That will do, I seemed to be telling myself. A game of football amidst beautiful nature and lovely people. That will do, I would want, nothing more.

The Rural Supermen

Thirsty, exhausted and yet cheerful, we had almost reached Mandalgre when this young semi-clad boy overtook us. He was carrying these empty tin cans filled with vegetables he had purchased in Chinabat which was about 10 km from this place. Apparently he had started from here early morning carrying two such cans of 15 liters each filled with milk from his dairy. 

Everyday they carry these canes in the morning trekking for more than 20 kms. Everyday they walk similar distances for school. Everyday they sweat it out in the farm for long hours. And yet when we told him of our thirst, he pounced to fetch us water. And yet, in the evening, he joined us in the football field, with double our energy. More power, to these, rural supermen. 

Accidental Art

It had rained all day. The gushing symphony of the river water was on the rise. The cold night breeze made us shiver in the summer. And ergo, sitting by the fire place in the kitchen, was comforting. On the shelf, there were pots which the women use to carry water. These pots had several dents all over juxtaposed in sync making it look like an art piece.

Driven by curiosity, I had to dig deep. Turns out, these dents were the relics of the days when they had, on several occasion, slipped or fallen while fetching water from the spring chamber. At times, the children had to carry the pots, and they fell too. Mostly the dents surfaced during the monsoon. Accidental art, showcasing hardships. Sigh. 

Chicken Fried Rice

At times when work demands, the office hours get stretched. And to keep the machine going, you do need to refuel at regular intervals. Fortunately we have an excellent food outlet in our office. I often order food for myself and my chamber staff.

But today, I didn't. So when my peon brought a plate of Chicken Friend Rice, I questioned where it came from. "Sir, today it's from my side, my child has passed with very good marks". I could see the joy in the glittering eyes. I could see the pride in the smile. And those winds of change, in the vibes. And yes, the fried rice had never tasted better.

Entrepreneurial contagion

Pumped by the media coverage he had received lately, he seemed overwhelmed with the urge to expand and embrace. The applause received from across to make organic and biodegradable Areca plates pushed him to think further. Is there a way he can replace the plastic packaging, he pondered.

Then comes across another local entrepreneur experimenting with making products with recycled paper. The deliberations catalyzed by plastic guilt and organic collaboration may invent a green solution. Entrepreneurial contagion on the move. Good intentions are infectious. #StartUpIndia

Blessed ruins

The overwhelmingly loud gushing sound of the water was audible from a distance. As we approached the stream on foot, we could see the end block. Across the river, there were four villages untouched from the so called developmental discourse. The only way across was this aging and questionable hanging bridge.

The bamboo sticks were supported by several iron beams and at some junctions additional support was given diagonally from near by trees. On being asked where they got the beams, their response was,"We just found it drifting along in the stream one day, perhaps abandoned from somewhere up, then we decided to use it as we desperately needed a bridge". Ruins from upstream, a blessing downstream.

Siamese twins

One of them started a restaurant in the center of the city. With a flair for cuisines, he wishes to expand and achieve success in the food segment. The second, taking inspiration from some YouTube videos, bought a Areca Leaf Plate making machine and stated a small unit.

As the second found it hard to sell his organic and biodegradable plates/bowls in this rural market, the first one chipped in, deciding to use and promote these plates in his restaurant. One entrepreneur providing hand holding to another. More power and success to these Siamese twins.

Whatever it takes

It was drizzling already. Those tinny droplets glittered against the green canopies beside the road. And the not so cold breeze surely made the Williamnagar 10K Run more pleasant than ever before.

While on the return curve, I ran past couple of runners who seem to have stopped to catch a breath. One of them whispered,"We must resume our run, it would be embarrassing to finish behind DC". I just couldn't hide the amusement. Doesn't matter what pushes them, I pondered, as long as they feel motivated to march forward. I slowed down a bit. Whatever it takes.

To bridge the gap

"I want to go back to my village so that I can help my people find a livelihood in some way. They are not aware about so many schemes and new technologies, I will spread awareness and help them to achieve their ambitions", said a young post graduate student hailing from Jharkhand upon being asked about her aspirations.

For Meghalaya and in fact for all rural areas across the nation, we need youngsters like her to take such a resolve. Especially those who have been fortunate enough to get education and exposure. If we have such volunteers in the field of education and rural development, we could certainly then dream of bridging the gap. More power to such souls.

Finish the race

On your mark, get, set, go. The 800 m boys race had started during the Inter school athletic meet in Williamnagar. Meanwhile some runners sweated hard for glory, some already gave up in between and stopped. Observing from the stands, I found myself tele-ported to my schooldays. Back then, I wasn't that good with sports, though I used to participate in everything.

Once I told my father about the forthcoming race and how I did not stand a chance for podium finish. He smiled, perhaps at my misplaced ambitions and disillusioned priorities, and with a hand on my shoulder, said "Just don't give up half way, finish the race, and I will be proud". That commandment went beyond the race and became a beacon for life. If only these boys were told the same before.

Degrading Evolution

A six year old kid from Mizoram takes a hurt chicken to hospital. A tremendous gesture of kindness and compassion. The viral picture speaks volumes about these critically endangered virtues.

Take a moment, revisit your childhood and ponder whether these virtues have degraded for you, or worse, extinct. What causes it then? This competitive materialistic world, the arrogance of being a dominant species, the illusion of omnipotence or the iniquity of greed? With every passing day, do we really grow 'up'?

The Climb

After the 0-2 defeat at home to PSG, not many would have thought that it could be turned around. Manchester United was already written off the Champions league. Even when the phoenix was rising from the ashes courtesy our baby-faced assassin, there was perhaps only a tinny possibility.

When Ole Solskjaer was told by a journalist after this defeat "You have got a mountain to climb in Paris now..", his instant reply was, "yeah, but mountains are there to be climbed, aren't they?". After a defeat, if one can be this determined and full of hope, anything is possible. What a turn around with Manchester United defeating PSG in Paris! And with Ole and Gaffer both there, it had to happen the way it did.

A Little Longer

It was a beautiful sunny day with the blue sky at it's picturesque best. The wind was a little mischievous flipping it's course every now and then. The candles placed outdoor were to be lit as part of the opening ceremony for celebration of Women's Day.

Among those who were accorded the task of lighting them up, few gave up too soon assuming that the wind was too strong. Perhaps one needed to hold the fire against the tip for some more time. After a while when I checked, only two had flames, the ones for which people endured for a little longer. Sometimes, the thing which we seek is just around the corner, if only we could endure, a littler longer.

Born to run

"Sir, Batsrang came 2nd in Delhi Half Marathon, here, talk to him..", said a panting voice over phone from the finish line. Batsrang sounded ecstatic and exhausted at the same time. What a great achievement and proud moment for Meghalaya. I conveyed to him the joy he has given to all of people here.

After some time, the panting voice called again. The organizers had mistaken him to be running in the elite category. He had actually come FIRST in the regular event. Elated, I now pondered, had he participated as an Elite Runner, he could have still made it to the podium. What a talent he is. Amateur, Elite, pro-runner, there are just adjectives, labels at best. What is certain, is that this guy, is born to run!

Will, Duty & Determination

As I soaked myself in the thoughts that germinated from the Republic Day speech of the Chief Guest, I heard a whooshing sound of something collapsing in my proximity. The security personnel standing next to us had developed a severe muscle pull in his right knee.

Several others from stand-by positions rushed to assist him. But in that short span, he attempted, with phenomenal spirit, to get up on his own. Not once, but thrice. His will and determination towards his duty reminded me of these powerful words~"Life is like a boxing match. Defeat is declared not when you fall, but when you refuse to stand up again."

More power to such souls of our Republic!

Let's keep sowing

I still vividly remember those starting few days in Dadenggre when I was really excited to start my own kitchen garden in my residence. I even did a little reading on horticulture for amateurs, got the soil treated and scouted for the best suited seeds. There was little success with the vegetables as the land was largely red soil. I had hopes from the pineapple and orange ones that I planted. Not a day passed by when I didn't attend to them.

When I recently left that place, it was difficult to say goodbye to them. If only I had more time for the next batch of vegetables. If only I had more time to see the oranges and pineapples sprout to life. But when I reached Williamnagar, I was pleasantly surprised to see several vegetables planted already and in fact ready to be plucked. Someone had sown and left, like I did there. Nothing tastes better than vegetables freshly plucked from your own garden, absolute bliss. Let's keep sowing. 

Goodbye, Dadenggre

I must confess that when I got the posting orders to Dadenggre in Oct 2017, I had no idea where it was. During the road journey, especially the last couple of hours, we didn't even cross a single vehicle, during broad daylight. There was no ATM, no petrol pump and cellular networks were a luxury. It was so quite after sundown that the ticking sounds of the wall clock were bothersome.

A lot has changed since then, for good. We have tried to bring some kind of change. Perhaps baby steps, but even that sounds gigantic for this place. I am touched to see the simplicity of living and how humble people are. It has totally changed my perspective. It has taught me how to realize the Gandhian Idea of 'Simple Living'. I feel fortunate to having lived in the lap of nature, absolutely pristine and pure. When you breathe the air, you can actually feel the healing it does to your body. This is perhaps the way almighty intended the coexistence of species with the nature. Absolutely spiritual.

But, like everything else, this has to end too as a new beginning awaits. Thank you all the people of Dadenggre who have supported our initiatives and have volunteered for several works. I wish Dadenggre and it's people, prosperity and happiness.

Thank you all. Pilankon Mitela.