Organized Chaos

In spite of the well known definitions and theories on chaos, here's my idea of organized chaos : India's Roads & Traffic.

Anyone and everyone who has lived or visited India, will agree with the sole fact that the flow of vehicles on the roads is nothing short of chaos. Having lived outside India for a while and driven on roads in other countries, I can see the gaping difference between the two.

My first experience with courteous driving was when I witnessed an accident, a minor bump, while I was in the passenger's seat in Osaka, Japan. Initially it was amusing that both the parties in question were extremely apologetic. After the initial bowing, they had a polite conversation regarding the cause and further actions. Within minutes, we were on our way.

Curious, isn't it. For all those who have lived and driven in India will agree with me when I say, this is quite contrary to what happens when there is a 'bump' on Indian roads. One gets to witness a profusion of emotions, but none - no siree, not one, would really come close to gentle or the likes of gracious.

However, it is intriguing to see the skill with which people drive on Indian roads. That micro inch by which you steer your vehicle away from an oncoming one is something the million or so indian drivers can boast about. Not for too long though.

The recent announcement of the Tata Nano 1 lac car has raised concerns over causing the eventual collapse of the already chaotic driving community. No offense to the ones who would love to afford a four-wheeler for almost the same cost of a two-wheeler. Who knows where the roads will lead to next?

Music for the Soul

"I enjoy listening to music".

How often have you heard someone say this statement? Too often, isn't it?

Most of the people I know enjoy music in some form or the other. Some are inseparable from the ear plugs connecting their MP3 device, others enjoy an occasional quiet evening with soft lilting music in the background. However intense the experience there has to be some reason why we all enjoy music, to varying degrees of course.

Music can uplift a dull mind, can soothe frazzled nerves and can even add a whiff of perfume to a perfect romantic evening. I feel music has some divine affiliation into our minds and souls. How else can you explain the curative effects it can have on us?

The best part about music is its versatility. Music can be your best friend in lonesome times and also be there when you want to celebrate or party. The range of music genres is baffling for the uninformed and extremely exciting for the true fans. Although I do not consider hard rock to be music, I do enjoy an occasional head breaking heart thumping song.

Technology is also trying to keep up the pace with the rhythm of music. Music lovers can choose from a plethora of devices today to fire up their passion. I remember the time the walkman came into the market as a blessing in disguise for people of all ages. However, it is the young adults that took to it initially before it caught on for people of all ages. Today every thing you own, from your phone to your jacket can be wired up for music!

It is more accessible today than it was a couple of years ago, with Internet Radio and Music Downloads available on most websites. iTunes has its fair share in the market, though others are catching up. Music albums are available online even before the movies are released. Of course the DRM (Digital rights management) team has its hands full to try and minimize piracy.

However, its a challenge, because...

Music is Everywhere.

Euphemistic Lives

This post is a spin-off from the article I read in Time, Words Don't Mean What They Mean. I started reminiscing on how true this actually is.

Every so often, I have heard people say things that are far too mild compared to what they actually want to say. We rely on euphemisms to soften up the social situation or sometimes to just hint at what we mean to express. Why is it so hard to say something candidly? Why do we play with words instead of unreservedly blurting out what is intended? After all, an onion wrapped in faux rose petals will still be an onion! Yet, we tend to take to euphemisms more easily as compared to the bare truth.

Maybe its easier said than done (pun intended)!

As far as being direct is concerned, we often wish to save face and hint at something instead of saying it unequivocally. It is human nature to be polite, for the most part. We do not want people to dislike us or to think ill of us, at least not deliberately... and hence the politeness.

Socially, this seems more acceptable, right? We don't want to intentionally hurt someone but at the same time, need to word our thoughts, for which this fits the bill perfectly. Moreover, it helps save face in case the situation back fires.

However, these may be a blessing in disguise to appeal to a person's sensitivity. It is easier on the ears to say that someone has passed away, rather than died. It is more agreeable to say between jobs than unemployed. And of course the very common term full-figured or healthy instead of fat.

I guess the eventually we will use the words we feel right, as and when the situation asks for it.

Around the Corner

As we skim from one day to the next, it is often hard to tell what turn life may take. The future can be highly unpredictable with its highs and lows. Around the corner may lie a whirlpool of joyous occasions, while for some it may be the worst of the worse periods of their life. Sometimes they are so synchronous, that while one week you have great luck and upbeat cheerful moments, the next may lead to dispirited downcast days.

I believe that Life balances it out for me. Drinking my smoothie of personal experience and uncanny superstitious beliefs, I clearly see that my share of joys and sorrows is equal to the microsecond. If I am jubilant one morning, then by some bizarre twist of fate, I face a despondent moment not too far along the road.

It's just how Life treats me - Fair.

I believe that Life is comparable to a Roller Coaster. We are strapped in, secure and while the world continues to swirl upside down around us, we remain unscathed, unless... unless we go weak. Mental strength helps pull us through these times. Armed with the knowledge that we can not do much except for scream, we need to stay focused and get through these times and these moments with calm composure.

More often than not, it's easier said than done.

Regardless, Life goes on. I try not to peek too far ahead or even analyze the goodies in my mind's basket, just play along with what is in store for me. I try to enjoy the ride.

Do you?

What's in a name?

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Have you ever wondered why we name things the way we do? Are we able to justify the importance given to names and the phenomenon of naming people, pets, software, books or blog posts for that matter.

Personal names could be attributed as the most important part of one's life, apart from our family, salary, dinner, loved ones, health, food, movies and ....oh alright, its probably not the most important, but it does figure amongst them. Our names are, after all, the most used words, most typed, and as kids, it was probably one of the first combination of letters that we learnt to recognize (although I'm told mine was "Goofy").

Discovering the meaning of our name could enlighten us to pursue our purpose in life and lead us on the path into the light. Or on a much lighter note, we could use it as a conversational topic once we've exhausted the typical, "It's is a lovely day today". Simply by having an innate connection to our name cannot magically help improve our grades or earn us money. Meaningful names add character, but cannot redeem one's personality.

Most parents these days are aiming for meaningful, unique and yet crisp and easy to pronounce names. Some do run dry out of ideas (and a sense of humour) and name their kids after themselves, with a "Jr" suffix or go ahead and pick their favourite media icon. Either ways, I've heard and seen several people wanting to change their names once they are old enough to do so for convenience, simplicity or (thanks to the generation gap) to avoid embarrassment.

So, how do we figure how much importance to ascribe to the one word which identifies us? There is a wide range of people in this world, some of them just take their names for granted and don't think twice before using it, saying it or giving it to someone. On the other hand, there are those who would go lengths to change it, just because it sounds embarrassing or doesn't "work" for them.

The Namesake" is a book by Jhumpa Lahiri, about a multigenerational story of an Indian family and their journey across continents and cultures. It has been picturized into a beautiful movie by Mira Nair starring Kal Penn (a stage name for Kalpen Suresh Modi, aha!). A must-read, it is centered around the character of Gogol Ganguli, who, with his awkward name, tries to find his place in society, while learning to define and accept himself.

My name has had its variations too and when I think back at the times and situations where I've had to use it, an amused smile does escape my lips. The Japanese language has fewer syllables than its Indian counterparts, so it was little surprise to me that the "ksh" sound wasn't available to them. However, the "pre" sound was also alien, since the Japanese do not have sounds which combine more than one syllable. My name, therefore, was minced and tethered into a "pu-re-ku-shya". Close enough?!

Moreover, to my absolute surprise, I've been subjected to a "Prakash" (that's a different name and gender!), "Presshka" and "Rachael" (o-yeah, don't ask), which has me convinced that my name should feature somewhere on the global tongue-twister-names list. What say?