Monday, December 8, 2008

Lipstick or No Lipstick I am an Indian.

A commenter says I am not being a true Indian because I seem to be impressed by western culture and values, and Obama. Naqwi will whole heartedly agree with him because I also use lipstick. It runs in the family, my mom won’t step out of the house without her lipstick either. But I am every bit as Indian, as the mother of little girl who lives in a leaking house on the way to Mulshi. Lipstick or no lipstick.


Many of us believe we will never change, this country will go nowhere, this political system will never change etc. I just can’t live with that sort of belief.


If I were to truly believe today that Indian politicians (and suddenly it’s become not-so- cool to say they are useless, like when did we ever say they are good?!!) cannot be taught to behave responsibly and do their job....


That kind of apathy or indifference or pessimism is not something I can ever accept. And that is the thinking that makes us bribe and find loopholes in Laws made for civilised living.


Can you wake up you every morning believing you couldn’t get up?

Will our kids work hard in school if they believed they would never succeed?

Would Abhinav Bindra have worked so hard if he believed he could never win?

I think this sort of brain washing is the talk of POLITICIANS. It suits them to keep us hopeless and demoralised.


I have (maybe it’s an escape?) brain washed myself into believing, most successfully, that we can achieve anything we set our heart to.

It has worked for me. I think it works for everybody. You believe you can, You will; You believe there’s no hope, you will never succeed.


And I am convinced that we are going to see better days in Indian Politics, without which any progress is an uphill task. The so called elite and the upper middle class have set a trend and maybe, if the candles continue to be lit, gradually even the darkest corners of rural India will light up too. It isn’t as if they worship the politicians.


I meet people and everybody is determined to vote. That is the first step. And they are all hoping to vote for someone NEW that’s already the second step.

And this shows we are more awake than ever before.


So I am going to continue to Hope and sign Petitions, join Peace Protests and light candles.

But that will not stop me from dancing to western music, wearing sleeveless (why just sleeveless, backless also) western clothes and expensive, shiny, glittery lipsticks.


These are my values. My Indian values.

I would like to know, what do you think are TRUE INDIAN VALUES?

83 comments:

Varun said...

Why is that Idiot Naqwi getting importance which he doesn't truly deserve?

Loved the line 'You believe you can, You will; You believe there’s no hope, you will never succeed'. I believe a lot in it too.

Indian Home Maker said...

@Varun lol Naqwi only as reference to Indian Values ... :)
Another favorite is something like, "When you really want something, the entire universe conspires to make it come true."

Varun said...

Paulo Coelho uncle's line :). I love it too...

Pinku said...

Hey IHM...u and me are as Indian as we need to be. Lipstick or no lipstick...as for Mr. Naqvi he should know that Indian women used paan juice to paint their lips red as long back as the Vedas.

What is it to be truly Indian?

I think its our ability to live and let live....which stems from our broad minded approach to humanity as a whole.


We had been blinded for a while by cunning politicians and led to believe otherwise. But we have finally woken up post 26/11 and I think we are not ever going to allow those guys to lead us again.

Indian Home Maker said...

Pinku :) These guys think being well groomed is not being Indian!

Yes these values are the values that have helped us survive a lot of difficult times, and will continue give us strength and peace.

Do you think these terrorists could have ever dreamt we will react like this!!!

Varun Yes, LOL Paulo Coelho :)

hitch writer said...

Pathetic people are easily recognised in these times, they dont know what to do? what to say ? cant keep their mouths shut...

End up putting their foot in their mouth... !!! An older lady on one news channel gave a very very fitting reply in the end she even said," Agar woh apne muh par kalith puthwale to hume koi apatti nahi hogi. "

How much that Naqvi must be frustrated with his tongue... I hope he doesnt cut it.. LOL... Sorry its pathetic.. but cant help laughing

Anonymous said...

IHM, I do hope you're right.

I hope that we change things and make a difference. There is no option. But I must confess that I repose far less faith in our fellow Indians than you do. Based on empirical evidence.

Time will tell, but I hope I'm the one who's wrong.

Quirky Indian
http://quirkyindian.wordpress.com

Z@ki-R said...

I Can not define what Indian values mean..but I can say firmly that Lipstick, no-Lipstick, Sleeveless, Burqa, English, Hindi etc are not the parameters to define one.
I think mutual respect, luv, concerns for fellow citizens, care of seniors, respect for different opinion, race, culture n faith etc are some of our values. Though, they are not at their ideal shape but we are strong enough to withstand the turmoils that we are going through. We have survived some thousand years and this time we will learn and survive and prosper even better. INSALLAH.

But I feel, Mr. Naqbi does not deserve a blog para on his remark (also not a big comment :-). I recently forgot his name but he came alive after making a comment.

I see a lot of positive responses in blog space, media (electronics and prnt) which is encouraging. I think this would give some value to the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers. (Though I know, it must be very difficult times for their family, don't know how to compensate the losses - if there is an way to).

Indian Home Maker said...

@ hitch writer Yes I saw her!!! LOL

But you did not say anything abut what are Indian Values to you?!

@ Quirky Indian I have a lot of faith in our Constitution and frankly, a lot of faith in the collective wisdom of the Indian People.

@Z@ki-R Yes I too have seen a lot of hope and positive response in the blogosphere :)
And in the real world also there is not just anger, but also a lot of determination ... if this flame keeps burning, we'll see change :)

Iya said...

hey IHM – Lipsticks and mascaras, Tommy and Hugo...we will be all this and we will be as Indians as we want to be !!! hail !!!
no one and absolutely no one has any business in telling us otherwise...

Varun said...

I have something for you:
Click Here

Indian Home Maker said...

Iya Absolutely :))

ROTFL!

And if wearing Indian clothing made us true Indians then all these guys will be SO truly patriotic :)

Smitha said...

Hi IHM, I totally agree that these external attributes have nothing to do with being 'Indian'. After all where else in the world, can we find such a diverse demographics! I think the true India value is our ability to live in harmony with so many different cultures , religions and languages - despite whatever our politicians might try to say. After all, we speak atleast 29 different languages, follow(atleast) 4 major religions , have so many different cultures existing and continue to survive as a secular democracy - that I think is being Indian! And we should believe that true 'Indianness' will triumph!

Indian Home Maker said...

@Smitha
Yes true 'Indianness' will triumph :)

There will no India without it's diversity, ... Without it's Unity in Diversity :)

Anonymous said...

We, people of India, with a strong cultural and linguaistic background, showed all the time to the world that We are from a great country.Now our politiciens have shown to the world that, there exists idiots too. Dont u think its time for us to rebuild the old belief, that india is still great by throwing out these cockroaches.
I believe, indians are together nw, Lets not be late for doing wt we feel right. Lets make our country even greater.

Indian Home Maker said...

@Devil Incarnate - Welcome and Nice name :)))

You ask,
'Don't u think its time for us to rebuild the old belief, that India is still great by throwing out these cockroaches. '

YES. And so long as we stay united and keep our eyes open, we can make this happen :)
- Thank You :)

moon said...

by the way , lipstick is to protect thelips from dryness, cracks etc only na..what is the problem in applying these?

aShyCarnalKid said...

Now I am not very sure about this , but isn't "shringaar" an integral part of the Indian culture ? And lipstick , I guess is just a modern name for something , which I think Indian women used a long time ago as well . " Women in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization applied lipstick to their lips for face decoration " , from Wikipedia .So Mr. Naqvi , instead of lecturing women on the use of lipstick , why don't you go and stick your own lips shut , with superglue .


And if you truly love your country , do you really need any other value ?

Indian Home Maker said...

@Sunder NO :)))
I don't think we need to justify the use of lipstick as a medical requirement!!

A lip-balm, Vaseline, chap stick etc would serve that purpose. Though lipstick can serve the same purpose a little more colourfully :)

Let me say, for me,

1. Lipstick is a fashion accessory, in fact I read somewhere it is considered the most expensive cosmetic - because it costs the most per mg.

2. Lipstick also makes most women feel good about how they look.

3. For many women applying lipstick is same as running a comb through the hair, or changing from bathroom slippers to something decent, before you step out of he house.

4. A lipstick is just a luxury. And I don't see any reason why we can't just enjoy it as a luxury :)

Indian Home Maker said...

Kislay It seems anything that was done in the past is okayed as 'tradition', anything new, and on top of that Western is an absolute 'corruption of Indian values', this guy knows his voters very well, he knows anything couched as anti-traditional will go down well with a large number of Indians.

This way he also conveyed that these attacks are the problem of the middle class, ordinary poor Indians are suppressed by richer Indians living luxurious lives, who don't care about the poor - AND the neta-log are their true well wishers.

The fact is people from all classes were affected, and for the first time the very rich too.

Reema said...

Good one!! I too have ranted about this ridiculous comment
http://opinionsandexpressions.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/cosmeticsjeans-and-indian-culture/

Stuti said...

I truly agree to whatever you've mentioned... But it is odious indeed to observe that even when this is the time to plan out certain strategies and actually take an initiative to make a difference, all that these people can do is to make such remarks that hurt people's emotions and add to the already-present frustration within people...

1conoclast said...

India's quite a melting pot if you're inclined towards History.
There's no one set of things that constitute Indian Values. Or Culture.
You may pick a certain time period & pick the dominant set of practices from there & call it Indian Values/Culture.
You may pick a race & call their customs our values if you want to be nazi about it.

People need to know that we're an amalgamation of values & cultures. And New India's value/culture should to be ensure that all of these are loved equally & thrive!

Is Kamasutra or the low waist sari, high on the midriff blouse part of Indian Values/Culture...? :-)

Priyanka said...

Indian Values:
1. Respecting our elders & Teachers
2. Sharing
3. Atithi Devo Bhava

And I've grown up in jeans and t-shirts :)

1conoclast said...

I am so relieved at the NY Times link! It's a pity that Muslims have to prove their allegiance, this constant agni-pariksha as sandipb puts it. But it's a must. We have to look at them to bring this particular West Asian brand of terrorism to it's knees! The Muslim in me wants to!!!

I am also glad that the NY Times mentioned that the right-wing groups have been absent from all protests. Such global exposure! Am sure it's good for them! :-D

Indian Home Maker said...

Reema Yes I just took a look at that one, will just go read it :))

I would also like to know what you think are True Indian Values :)

Smita said...

Lady count me in with you. I too am a firm believer of the fact that if we want things can change....the key lies in being positive & as a friend says "Smallest action is better than the nobelest intention"

Let us do our bit & changes will follow....

BTW in the fond memory & respect of Mr Naqqi I have gone ahead and bought 2 new shades of lipstick ;-)

moon said...

oh Lot of info about lipstick..

Indian Home Maker said...

@Stuti Doesn't that just show how stupid they are as 'leaders'? And also how cunning and conniving!
I really don't think they care, they want their own Security beefed up and the rest of India can go to hell.

Ordinary citizens are busy making plans and they talking about dogs and lipsticks.

Indian Home Maker said...

@ Priyanka Me too, and wearing 'jeans' did not change our 'values' :)
Thankfully nobody takes such hypocrisy seriously!

Indian Home Maker said...

@ Smita Absolutely Counted you in with great pride and pleasure :)))

LOL @ the lipstick bought in the fond memory and err... respect (sure?)of Mr Naqwi ...
He deserves it.

And it was so good to read, 'I too am a firm believer of the fact that if we want things can change'. They can.

Indian Home Maker said...

@ 1conoclast I agree we are such a diverse people and "New India's value/culture should be to ensure that all of these are loved equally & thrive!"

... or else there would be no India This terrorist attack seems to have united us, I hope we NEVER allow any politicians to divide us again, but then maybe that is hoping for too much?

And of course Kamasutra, solah shringar and the sari etc are an absolute part of Indian culture.

Mampi said...

I love my lipsticks, all in reds, pinks, browns with their lipliners.
I love my perfumes. But I know I am an Indian through and through, and a very foolish one, with all my hope and optimism that i wear on my sleeve.
You are not alone IHM.

J P Joshi said...

Lipstick or no Lipstick, you are an Indian if you were born in India and respect the national flag, the Constitution of India (you cannot find a more comprehensive account of what we as a people value the most), and of course the National Anthem. I must confess though that we are not perfect in following the dictates of our Constitution, at times.

However, with this new awakening taking place.....I believe, like you do, that things can only get better. I believe in the dialogue from Guide movie, 'agar itne log sochte hain ki baarish hogi, to hogi'. Collective consciousness, and not collective cynicism against everything Indian, will bring about change for the better. I believe in the collective wisdom of India.

churningthewordmill said...

u arent the only one.. i too believe we can achieve whatever we set our hearts on...
and "indian values"are certainly more than whether or not u were lipstick!btw, i need to tell naqwi thats one of the most ridiculous things i ever heard..
mandira

Dr. Ally Critter said...

what is "Indian" umm as far as i know here it means a. arranged marriage b. not eating beef- those are the ery widely recognized Indian values..
What crap- how is anyone to determine whether or not you are true Indian if you like Obama, if being inclusive and liking a force for positive change is not Indian, I think IHM, you better not be Indian(according to the commentor's definitions).
And lipstick, well you know Lakme is actually french for Lakshmi? the brand was designed to be exotic...

But I guess your commentor wanted to lump ignorant, jingoism for Indianness- a form of Indianness that I too can safely say i am not part of.

Arun.N.M. said...

Values of a Society changes with time. Only those who want to mobilise people around narrow religious/sectarian agendas will harp on the 'good' values of ours versus their 'bad' values.
Grouping all politicians together as a class and bashing them for all evils of the society may not be a good move. As a whole the response of our National leaders both in the Government and Opposition after the Mumbai terror attack were matured. I am happy that at this juncture Burka or Arnab or scores of other celebrities [who are leading the politician bashing] are not sitting in the chairs of PM and Opposition Leader,[Though I don't mind you IHM sitting there]. I am optimistic about Indian people and their future representatives [our politicians].I applaud your endeavour for change and give all support to it.

N said...

This is ur 2nd post on lipsticks :) And yes I totally think it deserves so much attention, as the next time the politicians will think twice before uttering some nonsense.

Just because some women had the guts to speak up against the entire clan of politicians. Look at this guys audacity, what was he wearing while he made this comment, a Collared shirt !! And where does he think a collared shirt originally come from, his backyard?
And Since when did Values and attire begun to be used as synonyms

Lipsticks, miniskirts, tattoos, body piercing, short hair, spiked hair, how does it matter?

what matters is that the people cared for the victims, a "value" that politicians like him do not have, The people out there from all classes, all religions assembled united; demanding that something be done, again a "value" of togetherness, of rising above petty disparities which politicians like him totally lack.

Indian Home Maker said...

Mampi I LOVE the idea of wearing HOPE & OPTIMISM on my sleeve!

Indian Home Maker said...

JP Joshi Isn't our Constitution simply brilliant!!!
I am in total awe of the brains that drafted this foundation of our Democracy, they had no ego problems or inferiority complex, they consulted other Democratic Constitutions - imagine if they had been like today's politicians what would have become of this Nation :(

I too have faith in "Collective consciousness, and not collective cynicism against everything Indian"

I think those who hope for (and hence do their bit) for a better India are true Indians :)

Indian Home Maker said...

Mandira Where would we be without hope? We won't even try to make a difference because we'd be like 'what's the point?'

Naqwi didn't just make a random statement, he obviously thinks lipsticks, Peace Protests and Candle lighting are frivolous and he wants his voters to believe that too!

Indian Home Maker said...

@lankrita LOL @ points a. and b. :))) I'd be an Indian on those counts if not for being an Obama fan :)

And 'if being inclusive and liking a force for positive change is not Indian' then what is?

Sadly many Indians are confused and do "lump ignorant, jingoism for Indianness - a form of Indianness that I too can safely say i am not part of."

Some Indians have been brainwashed in the name of 'tradition & culture' to believe that being Indians mean being,

1.bigoted, dogmatic,

2.blind to anything good in any culture except their own,

and what I hate the most,
4.SAY ANYTHING IN THE NAME OF GANDHI! This commenter claimed I should look up to Gandhi not Obama.

He doesn't know that Gandhi
advised us to 'keep the windows of our minds open' so that there is a flow of information and an open mindedness to accept change, even if the idea is not OUR OWN INDIA-BORN.

Should these confused Indian men stop wearing western clothes and using electricity because those came from the West too? And tea & coffee are NOT Indian beverages, so will you switch to milk or chaas etc?
No we are 'true Indians' when it suits us ...

I better stop now!

Indian Home Maker said...

@ Charakan I agree we see this 'harp on the 'good' values of ours versus their 'bad' values' happening all the time :(

About this generalisation of all politicians as bad, is not really right, because I guess there are some good ones too. Like I think MM Singh and Chidambaram are fine. Any other names ..?

I do give support to our good representatives but the recent lipstick, chote chote shehar, insulting of dogs by comparing themselves to them (most unpardonable) were disheartening. Their

cowardice is also something I find very difficult to respect.

Indian Home Maker said...

@ N I meant to make this post about some confused and ridiculous notions of what are 'Indian Values', which was what this commenter thought I lacked !!! And first I ignored it but then when a second comment came I wondered if this was a genuine feeling not just an 'inflamer'.

When we talk of Indian values can we forget Mr Naqwi! Yes he deserves to be put in his place :)because like you say, 'what matters is that the people cared for the victims, a "value" that politicians like him do not have'.
Loved your strongly worded response.

Anonymous said...

In fact Naqvi had made a comment on the men too, in the same breath, but the media edited out that comment, I am not sure why. Perhaps to hype up things and make it seem as if Naqvi was attacking only women. He was attacking westernized men too. I have a feeling from his comment that he was attacking the elite.
Anyway, there are many different kinds of Indians and wearing western clothes and lipstick certainly does not make one any less Indian. All Indian men wear western clothes, but that doesn't make them any less Indian.
As to what makes us Indian is true love for this country. In fact I have written on this topic at length on my blog, about what patriotism means. To cut the long story short, people who are corrupt are anti-national, even if they don't wear lipsticks, suits, and cannot speak English. Its time we forgot superficialities and looked deep within people.

Mavin said...

What are specific or basic Indian values?

I am a little stumped....

Surely, there is something unique that has enabled this ancient civilisation survive through endless ups and downs.

Through this vast time span, popular culture would have re-invented itself a million times, but the core never changed....

What is that????

Indian Home Maker said...

@Nita Yes he mentioned men in suits also. But here he was trying to make it look like ... okay,

http://ishare.rediff.com/filevideo-Mr-Mukhtar-Abbas-Naqvi-speak-rudely-id-521730.php [not able to link this one!]

Watch this video Nita, he is trying to say POLITICIANS like him are symbols of LOKTANTRA (Democracy) and Peaceful Protesters are symbols of Middle Class Elitism? He is playing with words. Trying to make it look like the Peaceful protesters are against Democracy and that these protests have nothing to do with the common man. He succeeded to an extent because I hear many people say this attack was different only because it affected the rich (partly true, but they made it sound like the rich were to be blamed for not being targeted till now). But then people died at CST too and we should not allow such devious divisiveness! Also I think it was good that the rich were involved too, because they have the time and resources to mobilise public opinion into some action. he was also trying to imply that those who care for lipsticks an suits are not real or concerned citizens or Indians, neta-log in khadi are!

Indian Home Maker said...

Nita, here in this video you hear some outrageous remarks.

If you think we need Electoral Reforms to make these guys accountable, maybe you'd like to sign here.

Indian Home Maker said...

@ Mavin :)) Could be tolerance? Atithi devo bhavo? A brilliant Constitution?
Would like to know what YOU think :)

Balvinder Balli said...

That man has abused our women on the TV screen by commenting on their lipstick and powder. It simply reflected his mindlessness. By commenting on the protest marches against inefficient politicians, he has accepted that he is one of them.

Iya said...

There is something for you on my blog, go check it...

Anonymous said...

Now a true Indian would receive all awards wholeheartedly and would display it on thier blog :D

and you have been awarded once more :

http://vimalsparadise.blogspot.com/2008/12/and-one-more-award.html

1conoclast said...

I think so too. The terrorists have succeeded... in uniting us. Or so it appears.

I don't know about too hopeful. I think it's all a cycle.

PS: How does one get this new comment form that you & Yaamyn have?

Indian Home Maker said...

@ Balvinder Singh Listen to him in this video :)

He is just getting worried because people are angry with Politicians like himself.

Legen------wait for it ------dary said...

I hate giving importance to these stupid politicians ..........

I shall take the think positive attitude from yo post ........

thanx

Smita said...

I wrote respect???? Blunder blunder....:)

Blog Rolled you :)

Indian Home Maker said...

Iya Thanks for the Award! Honored and delighted :)

Vimmuuu LOL Accepted the award whole heartedly and will display it on the Blog too, Thanks you!

Iya & Vimmuuu - It feels great that you thought of me while passing the award :) Thanks once again!!!!

Indian Home Maker said...

@ 1conoclast
'Customise' => Settings => Comments => Comment Form Placement => Embedded below post => Done :)

Also recommend -
Backlinks => Show => So you know if your posts have been linked on other blogs.

Indian Home Maker said...

A |\| G 3 |_ 0F D A |2 |K N E 5 5 :) Yeah, But I would like to hear your thoughts on what are 'Indian Values' too?

Indian Home Maker said...

@ Smita ROTFL :)
Thank you ma'am :)

Anonymous said...

Lol... I dnt know counting in hindi above the number 20... fact that became apparent when I joined the army.. Does that make me less indian..I dont think so...

I always wear the uniform or jeans.. so i dnt have indian values....

But yeah i have 5 marks on my body from bullets fighting for india... so that makes me indian....no...

It is us that i like to think and do things for the greater good of my county and my country men..that is the only thing that makes me indian...!

Mandira said...

got something for ya on my blog!:)
mandira

Indian Home Maker said...

@ TheArmyGuyspeaks

'But yeah i have 5 marks on my body from bullets fighting for India... so that makes me Indian....no...'

That is something most of us can NEVER achieve. Loving your country and ALL it's people is the only thing that truly counts.

Arun.N.M. said...

Names of other Good politicians....It depends on what you mean by good.In case of ideology good for someone will be bad for another.A leader may be honest and sincere but his/her Party's ideology you may not like.The best way may be to vote for the lesser devil. Then slowly we may be abe to weed out the bad.

muZer said...

hmmm,, i'd say tat jst like goin to da temple everyday doesnt make one more religious than da other who has faith but yet to visit da temple,, Similarly,, by wearin lipstick n western clothes one doesnt become less Indian.. itzz da thoughts tat matter.. :-)

I also believe tat rather than layin on my back,, waitin for a miracle to happen,, i do something myself,, for a brighter future.. every voice counts,, every step takes us tad closer to our dreamzz.. itzz high time we as a country rise n take action cozz nothin gud has happened leavin da country in da hands of these goons (read: politicians).. thy r too busy .. !!

Intriguing post.. :-)

Spontaneous Mini said...

I think we need to stop giving importance to silly men in responsible positions. Stop the finger pointing, think seriously and churn out some good pointer which we commoners can do to help our country.

And there is an award for you in my blog. Plz do accept the humble effort.

Anonymous said...

Hoped over here from Mandira's!
Loved your writing... Will be a regualr now... :)

And I agree with what you've said - set your mind and heart to it, and nothing's impossible to achieve!

(Its not letting me log on using my blog id to post this comment!)

-Pixie

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Well, one should always take these politicos at face value, rather less than face value!

While their endless spending on Gucci, Gabbana and a whole list which is unfathomable to people like us, is coveniently conducted, thanks to our money, these thugs are audacious enough to blame the people!

It is time that they understood that the nation comprises of people who come from multiple sections of the society!

But then, I forgot, how would our politicians ever change for the better?

D said...

"True Indian values"? I never thought of that. I mean, I think the values of any people - Indian or not - are not defined by nationality. No, jeans and saris don't make up our values. Neither do churches and mandirs.

Indian Home Maker said...

@Charakan I thought you'd come with a few names - whoever you think is good.

Indian Home Maker said...

@:) I totally agree with you. It is extremely annoying to hear them, of all the people, them, teaching us about our Indian values!
Yes we must get involved and participate by voting, by being aware and whichever other ways we can.

Indian Home Maker said...

@ Spontaneous Mini Thank You!!! Coming right now ...

Indian Home Maker said...

@Pixie Welcome and thanks you!! Please do visit again :)

Indian Home Maker said...

@Rakesh Vanamali They really won't change unless we make them by voting them out and by implementing some changes in proposed by the Election Commission, you too can sign the petitionHere

Indian Home Maker said...

@D I agree with "I think the values of any people - Indian or not - are not defined by nationality."
All the values we are talking about are actually human values!
And just because some of them get away with their hypocrisies behind khadi ... they assume they can fool the country by talk of Jeans and lipsticks!

Arun.N.M. said...

You are really not leaving me at peace.Here is my take.As I said I will choose lesser evils.So I will prefer Lallu Yadav than Advani,Mayavati than Mulayam, Budhadeb than Mamta.Is anyone of them better than those in current Govt? I dont think so.In my State Kerala I prefer VS [even now] compared to [Christian+Muslim+some Hindu caste] communalism of the Congress.

Arun.N.M. said...

IHM, See this news which you wont see in our 'National free' Visual media.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/10/stories/2008121060390600.htm

Anonymous said...

wow, I am able to comment without going to another page! what a relief! anyway, thanks for the video link. and yes i agree that the rich being involved has a positive side, maybe they will be able to move things.

Indian Home Maker said...

@Charakan I don't mind Lalu either, but love to see some new, clean (no corruption or criminal records) guys :)

@ Nita Yes, I was surprised this option of comments on the same page was even there!!
Read the name of your new post in my blog roll, it's about a new era in voting! That sounds so positive!
... just coming to read it :)

1conoclast said...

Thanks! You're the Best! It's working!

Indian Home Maker said...

@ 1conoclast Welcome :)

Usha Pisharody said...

The fact that India through the ages has shown such immense tolerance to any and every visitor, conqueror, and trader, who soon turned ruler, has been so outstanding. Is it this continued tolerance to injustice that has finally landed us where we are today?

I'd like to retaliate, not just against the terrorists, but against those who made it possible? Does that make me less Indian?

I salute each and every man and woman in our defence services, para-military, and other services for the sheer sacrifices, and talk of it endlessly... as we should to the young people of today! That makes me connect ever so much more to the nation and its aspirations.

The values of respect, where it is due, and where not, but tempered with wisdom, of reminding the other that he/she needs to earn it :)

The value of patriotism; that needs to be ingrained in each child, as it grows.

The Sanathana Dharma, that is sadly lacking, the oneness, the Vasudeva Kutumbakam feeling that is innate in us, but does not express itself fully.

The wanting to do something, anything, to make a difference, be it sign a petition, encourage another, and finally stop accepting injustice.

And I forgot:

I loved this post, for the reasons I love my country, and like you, I hope, I know, I believe, there will be a better tomorrow :)

I even nag the kids at school.. by now they are wary of my digressions, though they enjoy it hugely because they are doing no academic lessons. But I do believe that it somehow, unconsciously, perhaps, is transferring itself to some; I am a huge optimist on that score :)

Do I have values? :)

Anonymous said...

I just lovvvved this post IHM and agree with evry word of yours. (Am I getting repetitive??). I found some posts saying that the banners at the protest marches were in English and the peace marches were by the upper crust while the major part of India lives in villages. Oh yeah, all that is true. But why can't someone make a beginning somewhere?? And yes, those of us who jive to western music, wear sleevless and backless (btw backless cholis are worn by vilagers, not to mention the topless tribals) dresses, and LIPSTICK are also true Indians. And yes, I believe too that if we want things can change!