Are Politicians So Bad

I am writing this blog on seeing a very touching scene which made me ponder over a lot of incidences that has been going on around us . I felt that there were some connections in all these.

I went to a funeral service of a relative whose father happened to be a prominent ex-politician . It was in a relatively rural area where political clashes are common . A large crowd was present and as usual politics was the discussion on the outer fringes of the function . While the immediate family were grieving , people from across party lanes came in hordes to console. It was either a slight touch, a Namaste or even a look in the eye . It was wonderful to see people who couldn’t see eye to eye in 99 % of matters could see through the colours and ideologies and see real humans among them . I am sure this is one function which most of them attended without expecting any increase in their vote bank . On further nosing around , I understood that most of the senior politicians were from the same college or school where they shared a common class room , canteen and even food , but had different views on how the country should be run and faith in different leaders to give them their ideal country . There was a time when the youth was highly aware of the political situation and a politician was respected for his knowledge of local and national culture , politics and economy . Only the smartest of the lot who could inspire , lead and stand for what they believed in dared to enter politics . Though there were black sheeps in them as in any profession , they knew what it is to connect with the common man or majority .

The highly educated English speaking anchors in national news channels who are ‘speaking ‘ for the people easily tend to forget that these same politicians who are blamed for the Mumbai terror attack to the reservations in premium education institutions are the ones who have got the mandate of the common man . The former was so over sensationalised that even some Americans who are used to sensationalised news were shocked . Live pictures of Anti terror activities were broadcast which gave their viewer ratings and the terrorists the edge over others . Coming back to the function , when no media were present as there was no sensation value , the politicians were united at a time of grief of their comrade without any personal gains in mind that too in busy election time .

A reservation vilification campaign was also on air for some time projecting it as the one big evil force that is dragging the country backward in this competitive world. The new generation apolitical youth also sang the same tune without realizing the intricate socio economic situation of India . After the Mumbai attack , there was also a no tax payment campaign on media by some celebrities who speaks what the media wants to hear .Serious policy matters are left to sms votes which constitute a minuscule percentage of the populace and are projected as the verdict of the people . Such irresponsible campaigns evoked by emotional mis adventures and sensation hungry media may have far reaching consequences . Senior politicians who authoritatively speak for a large section of the people are rudely cut mid sentence by 30 something anchors at their whims and fancy .

So what are the qualification of these people who assume to be speaking for the people ? Being able to speak fluently a foreign language ? Being able to bring sensation and controversy into everyday news ? Being able to glue an equally apolitical upper middle class (the market for their ads) to the T.V ‘s so that they feel they are doing something useful for their country .So after all ,the un educated ,poor English speaking , corrupt politician who is responsible for all things bad in this democracy is also a victim . So the next time you see a breaking news headline or see a tongue tied politician cut off on live television, think who is the real victim. The on screen victim , the politician or you .

Missing you all !!!

Sitting at home
having nothing much to do
i think of the days we shared
togethr our days we cheered
fought for things we believed
and reaching for the forbidden and craved
I really do miss you dear friends

When we had a common place as home
where we made all fun the norm
thattukadas and bakshanashala
the smokes and the beer
whatever time spent at the spots
sleeping in class or copying assignments
whatever thngs we did as not meant to be
late to wake up or the first one out of lab
whatever we feared and hated
we had a common note
that can only be true
in the paradise we shared ..


Dedicated to my classmates in Amrita


Inspired by the magic in sharing and expressing ,bhaviths photo album and the tune of -last resort by eagles .

The conflict within

Sometimes I see a stranger
Inside of me
Of an ego wither
Things I didnt want to be
N felt I would never have
I feel chained
To these shackles so naïve
Chains I made thorough n paid
Desires and craves
That take its toll
Makes u a slave
To the one you have turned to be
I feel choked
Cant get out
This sweat tasted sweet
Now makes me throw
Coz I don wanna cheat
N make a show




I believe that every one no matter how 'good' or ' bad' it seems, have the same amount of positive and negatives inside.. Its just that some people express one side more than the other ... However much one shapes ones ideals and character , it doesnt deny the fact that for every good to exist , or show its sheen , there should be an equal evil that needs to express itself silently within . Sometimes it comes as rude shock that we are capable of all things which we despise neverthless rever the fact that we can make the distinction .

sorry if i am a bit abstract

Strictly for autoholics

I am writing this blog in response to the numerous enquiries about the new Safari DICOR that came to my family a month ago .

It all started way back when we all decided that our tata estate was taking up too much of space and of not much of use that we decided to get a new set of wheels. The budget was around 10 – 12 lacs and the priority was safety ,comfort,value for money,looks, space,some off roading . We go for long journeys on the vehicle and will be largely owner driven . Occasional site visits will involve some really rough terrain also .As lot of mileage is at stake , only diesels were considered .The real contenders at the time were cheverolet optra magnum , toyota innova ,safari dicor and scorpio mhawk. Optra was out due to space .Scorpio due to safety issues and cramped interiors. So the real choice was between the innova and the safari.

Both have been in the market for quiet some time and have its own strengths and weaknesses . Lets start with the innova . Its from Toyota a name synonymous with reliability . No wonder the worlds most no of taxis are toyotas . There are innovas on the road which have done only routine service for 2 lac kilometers and not a single rupee more . Space is also not a constrain but at 10 lacs its not exactly value for money .The engine puts out a healthy 120 horses and with alight weight body , its more than adequate .Travel is comfortable and is superb for long distances .It also gives a respectable 10kmpl mileage for diesel.So its a proven no nonsense quality buy ...but then....

The first touch

My first impression of the vehicle was from the forums over the net . There were some passionate owners @ team-bhp forum who were very happy with their safaris . The new Dicor engine was the pick of the lot giving a class leading power and efficiency. So went to test drive one at RF motors .

The first thing that strikes you is the sheer size of the vehicle . It takes a while to walk around the vehicle and enjoy its complete beauty . Tata has done an excellent paint job too. Unlock the vehicle with the key alarm and the interiors are flooded with light . But the doors are pretty heavy and has to be slammed shut typical tata style. The way you climb onto (yup I meant onto) the driver seat is truly unique. .One feels a definite purpose for the endeavour. Close the doors and the lights dim beautifully Wow .Once inside, what strikes you most is the majestic front view. An Indica parked nearby looked like its under your feet .You suddenly realize that it’s a lot of real estate that you are buying .Space is lavish for all five passengers with two small seats in the rear . The dash is huge but space could’ve been utilised better. The plastics look much improved and the cabin looks much better than what one could expect from the tatas .But on closer inspection , one can still find its true pedigree. The arm rests on the front seats are pretty comfy .The steering is adjustable , so is the seat three ways . The seats are on the firmer side . The key hole is in an awkward position and needs getting used to . The audio department is covered by basic alpine cd mp3 player with four speekers and 2 tweeters . Its simple to operate and pumps in a decent performance . Turn the key and the engine powers on without a hitch . Rev it up and one can find that its pretty responsive at the same time quiet and vibration free . Turn on the AC and you can barely feel the engine . The AC is also one of the most powerful one around . Then comes the most disappointing fact .The gear shift is really slacky , The first gear is pretty far placed from the driver and does not feel precise . The clutch is slightly on the heavier side and a dead pedal is dearly missed .

Ride and Handling

Highway

The dicor engine provides 140 bhp and gives a massive torque of 350 Nm . These figures have to be ridden to be believed .Pass the 1800 rpm mark and the two tone truck goes about as if it is on steroids . The sheer acceleration goes till 3000 rpm mark and then fades off .Give one more shift and off you are again with your head pressed hard against the headrest. Within no time , from the speedo you realize that you are doing a 100 kph. There is absolutely no vibrations and noise . You feel very much secure and grounded too .The breaking is also confidence inspiring but the soft suspension rocks a bit on the slightest of touch . The vehicle is very steady holding a straight line but life becomes a bit hard ones you start swaying around . There is considerable body roll due to the high centre of gravity and soft suspension .Try the supercharger in NFS carbon if you want a taste of it .

Off road (Indian roads )

The vehicle comes to its own on real bad roads. The ride is simply superb on pothole ridden roads where you can forget the under side scraping the road and just muscle your way through. When you see other cars going dead slow over a huge road bump, You can just jump over it at 40 kmph without the slightest hitch. The vehicle is built to do this stuff and you are missing it if you go slow over these speed breakers again .Go for a bit of hill climbing and you can really feel the torque. The beast does a 30 degree incline with 7 people onboard in third gear as if its a morning walk. Throw in lot of bumps and it still goes on its duty without any complaints. The vehicle was at home over roads meant only for trucks and jeeps and does it most comfortably too.

City

You don’t take your german shepherd for a walk in your back yard right .This is just how I felt while taking the safari in the morning rush hour .You are constantly afraid that you will bump off a two wheeler with the slightest twitch of the steering . Its fun scaring the hell out of auto drivers though . Just break a second late and you can literally see them jumping in their seats . City buses are also fun to tame when they come blaring their hones . I just have to constantly remind myself that driving is not meant to scare others on the road . Reversing the vehicle into tight spots is one of the most difficult tasks .Though the powered rear view mirrors help , It definitely takes some getting used to .The very large turning radius also makes parking a lot difficult .So the idea is don’t go to a place if doesn’t give you parking space ,that too loads of it .

Ownership

The four years warranty is a real must if you going for it. I have experienced some really simple and stupid complaints on the vehicle which should have been avoided. For example, the rear AC switch simply came off the second day . And one of the rear doors scrape against the body slightly making it difficult to close .Screw holes in the cabin have been covered with small plastic pieces and they keep popping off . Silly things which ought to be rectified soon .

Expenses

On road price was 9.6 lacs with four years warranty and free window tints. .The company accessories doesn’t come cheap with the alloy wheels costing 6500 Rs a piece and the front bull bar 12000 Rs .The vehicle gives 10 kmph avg with both AC on .

Conclusion

I would say that a vehicle really reflects its owners personality . When tata claimed to reclaiming life.. it really meant whether you are ready to spend some money on your self. Don’t buy this vehicle if you just love the advertisement but rarely goes off the city limits. If you are into a lifestyle involving long drives and some offroading ,places where it can show what its made off and believe in doing it in style. Then this vehicle is definitely for you . A true beast that has a life of its own .