INDEPENDENCE DAY.... Is Yet To Come

As a Child.... I thought INDEPENDENCE means living in a country freed form the autocratic British Rule....

And since then.... I was living in the false impression that India is developing not just economical, but socially as well.

I thought "My Country" is rising above most of the social stigma that it had.

I thought a female fetus is treated as a child, and will certainly not be killed unreasonably.

I thought a poor child, who deserves to be as free and childlike as a kid of a rich reputed family, will not be treated as a slave.

I thought girls leave there parental home, with no fear of being traped in fire one day for not being able to "pay" whatever price tag the boy's family displays.

I thought a girl can feel comfortable enough to return home at late hours after long and tiring working hours, without continuously being traumatized by fear of being brutally raped and killed by a monstrous figure.

I thought widowhood is just a pause and not an end to a woman's happiness.

I thought the corrupt politics will eventually cease, only if, it was not the root of the Indian political system.

I thought love is respected the way it once used to be. But how do I deny the inhumane reality of "honor killing", in the name of protecting the so called castes, communities, tribes and religions at the cost of "love".

I thought education is a human right, and not just a money making business.

I thought parents are treated as an embodiment of GOD himself, if only there was not a drastic increase in the number of oldage homes that exist, to provide residence to the homeless "GODS".

I thought democracy still hold its meaning in the real sense, if only the "honored Political Gurus" were not so self centered, corrupt and autocratic.

As a Child.....I thought India is INDEPENDENT.....

Off late, I do realize a fact….
    
 “India was freed from the British rule 65 yrs back...this definitely calls for a celebration,

But "My Country" still needs its "INDEPENDENCE".....

A Beautiful Independence Day....is yet to come...”

ME AND DELHI

Finally after months, I have reached an expression which says….. 

“Itna bura bhi nai hai” 

and when said by a girl, it means…. 

“I really like it”.

Yes people it’s the same me writing in yet again about my experience so far in this city, “DELHI”.

There was a day when I “hated” this place like anything. I mean it was so confined, I felt lifeless here. And then is the day today, when this very “lifeless” place has taught me what “life” is actually all about. Funny thing I tell you. But I guess this is how it goes…..this is how “THE GREAT LESSONS OF LIFE” are taught.

My first hand experience with DELHI was like “Impossible”. But then impossible exists with a wide possibility of it being possible. So it happened.

Had it not been for this place, I would have never emerged as what I am. I would not have realized my ambitions, my desires and my dream. I became “Self dependent”, in its true sense. And believe you me, being on your own is just amazing. Yes I missed everyone, my family and my friend a lot too much, but at the same time realized “That’s what life is all about”. All my fear has vanished to the extent that sometimes it’s hard to believe that I am the same timid girl who was hell scared of everything and everyone (Oh yes, that was me a long time ago, in those school days).

With the advent of Delhi in my life, things changed, situations changed and so did I.

I cried and sobbed at times and however disheartened, I knew that I am not meant to stop, so I took a step forward every time I felt pushed back. 

I laughed uncontrollably at several situations, unreasonably sometimes, and realized that, to be or not to be happy, all depends on only one person and that’s  “You….yourself”. 

I started believing myself and the fact that my existence is for a cause.

I, for the first time sensed being responsible for a lot of people, and at most for my family. 

I realized that love is not what we see with our eyes wide open, it is something else…..yes it is “Something Else”. And with that I can undoubtedly admit that I love my parents, my sisters, my brother and yes My best friend. 

This very place gave me some really “happiest days of all”, friends and memories to be cherished all lifelong.
There are, at the same time, people who like always, are still a part of a constant dilemma within me, but then that’s how things are meant to be. This taught me to “LET GO” certain things and people as well.

Because it’s about Delhi, not mentioning the place would be totally injudicious of me.

Delhi as a place is fantastic with respect to almost everything, provided you realize that your safety is totally in your hands. What adds comfort and some beauty to this place is “DELHI METRO RAIL CORPORATION”. Seriously, had it not been for the metro, I would have never liked this place to the extent that I now do. Another reason that makes Metro so dear to me is the calmness that “some” metro stations have, an excellent relaxing spot for me……yeah at times ;)

The markets and the malls together provide a beautiful contrast, it’s like there is everything for each and every strata of society. The ease of availability of almost everything, the exposure with respect to the norms, traditions and globalization as a whole here is just perfect for a start. The beautiful historical monuments add a tint of uniqueness to the city.

Oh the food…..!!! I skipped that (How could I!). Well Delhi, dear readers, is incomplete without the rich description of food here. It’s really difficult to compile it all here in a few sentences (Will need another article to describe that :P). Keeping it sweet and simple “Extensive Variety and Fabulous Taste”, provided you choose wisely.

And I hate to reveal that an enormous portion of the city still remains unexplored by me. Hoping for the best, may that be unleashed soon. The more you explore this place, the more you love it.

Through all this really nice stuff, I came across the darker portions of Delhi as well. Of all that, what causes me the worst distress is the network of beggars here. Yes it’s a network, and a huge one. I have had many encounters with situations which left me hundreds of questions, all unanswered till date.

At a metro station, one day, I saw a perfectly fine woman, except that she wore all dirty and ragged clothes, with two kids. And I was really shocked at what “teachings” she was passing onto her next generation. Yes, she was training them how to beg money in the most harassing manner of all, so as to extract the best out of anyone around. I mean not out of some genuine mishap, but people here beg because it is their “Family Business”!!!!!

And if someone comments

“What on earth is wrong in giving alms to those who are actually lame or wounded?”

 I too want an answer, 

“How do the same people get hurt every day with the same and fresh wound again?”.

I guess that’s the network that keeps the wounds fresh for like “forever”. When I see someone with that bandaged and yes quite prominent cut, slit, or a torturous burn, I too really feel bad. But at the same time it is hard to believe that a human can do such a heinous thing to another just for the sake of “MONEY”.

Thus with effect to all this, I never give money to any beggar. People might find me stone hearted at times and that’s just because I make myself one, for I cannot be a part of this system (With no offence to one who does for it’s all a matter of choice and a different point of view).

Another thing that drives me mad is, when I see a similar lot of those beggars around taking drugs all openly and widely. Sometimes I feel sorry for them for what they have got themselves into. They beg and they consume drugs; that’s how life works for them. But seriously, no sympathies at all. No one is there to catch hold of them, even when this is done publically. Please correct me if I am wrong in saying that supplying drugs at such a wide scale and that too not for a medical cause, is illegal. And this, my friends is not an issue hidden in the obscure end of the city. It happen all day all night in the heart of Delhi and I am sure about the fact that soon, too much drugs will stop this heart from beating.

There are a lot other darker issues in this city, like the Yamuna Water Pollution.

If only these issues get resolved, Delhi would be a really nice place for a long and a happy stay.

Anyways, as for now, as much as I want things to get better, I really enjoy the brighter part of the city. And I am happy being a part of it. I don’t know how long will I stay here, but I am sure of one thing, I will miss this place wherever I land up next.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe your own words….Strange but true.

And when finally after months I say that……

 “Itna bura bhi nai hai”.

I genuinely mean……...

 “I really like Delhi”.

Ek Lamha...

Ek lamha je lene ko,
main soch ke yun thehr gayi....

Ke dard kbhi ehsas ke tarazu mein na tola ho.
Ke sham ki tanhai nai, lamho ka mela ho.

Wo asun ki bund na thi, jo adhro tak yun beh chali.
Wo barish ki mithas thi, jo jane kyu meri ankho se ek kahani keh chali.

Wo umeedo ka yun mit jana, bas yu hi nahi raha,
Wo shayd ek karz tha upar wale ka, jo mainey ada kiya.

Wo kisi ko dard mein dkhna meri bebasi ki dastan na thi,
Wo mere mushkil kal ko asan bnane ki, bas himmat thi.

Wo bar bar thokar khana, mere sabr ka imthan na tha,
Wo nai hasrato ko umeed ki ek nai raha pe lana tha.

Wo sath kisi ka na pana, nasur sa jo chubhta hai,
Wo marham hi hai shayd ane waley kal ke liye.

Ek lamha je lene ko, main soch ke yun thehr gayi..
Main khud se hi keh gayi..

"Is lamhe ko je jaungi..
Phr shayd bewajah khushi ka wo ek pal zarur paungi."