Movie Review: Taare Zameen Par

All the citizens of this great country that we live in, i.e. Bharat, will agree with me that some of us, or even most of us, are the biggest hypocrites in the whole wide world. Not only that, we are among the worst racist and non-secular people in the world. There is ample proof of all these qualities everywhere. I will cite a few examples:

• Policy formers emphasize the need for increase in female to male population ratio. Policy formers reside in New Delhi. India's highest rate of female infanticide occurs in the northern states of India.
• We talk about equality for all. And then we go ahead and have reservations for backward classes and women, when economic concessions are the need of the day.
• We talk about equality and yet when the time comes to implement a uniform civil code, we make hasty reversals in policy.
• We crib about how the west has zero respect for women, how women are treated as objects in the west and how, traditionally, India has always been kind and generous to women. And then we have incidents such as rapes, molestation and groping that take place every day.
• Worst of all, we have got a very poor media: one which is interested in marketability of the news as opposed to the impact. A media which excels in doling out sensationalist oeuvre as opposed to journalistic excellence. A media which leaves no stones unturned when gets an opportunity to calumniate any individual/organization - an opportunist media, in short.

Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that cinema has chosen over the last few years to make movies which deride this phenomenon of rapacious journalism. Also, movies over the years have criticized the attitude of the Indian masses: the chalta hai attitude, the over dependence on fortune as opposed to hard work and the ineptitude of the junta to realize plights of differently abled people in this country.

The movie Taare Zameen Par, which speaks about learning disabilities, comes as a breath of fresh air. For me, there was serendipity in how I came across to seeing the movie. Me and MsF had gone to watch Welcome [which by the way is a good brainless comedy to watch and forget about your worries for a while]. Since the theatre we went to was not playing the said movie, we decided to watch TZP. This was what we call a run-time-decision (RTD). And like most of my RTDs this proved to be an amazing experience.

TZP is the story of a boy Ishant Avasti, born to middle class parents in the city of Mumbai. Therefore, that puts him into a category of millions. He is, therefore, no different than any other kid roaming the streets of Mumbai and that is exactly how his parents treat him. What his parents do not realize though is the fact that their child is unique. He has abilities that very few other people on this planet possess. That of looking at the world in a different way than is taught at schools, imbibed by parents and reinforced by interactions with peers. He is a dyslexic: he has learning disabilities. Unfortunately for him, even his parents do not realize this disability. However, with this disability he is also in possession of a wonderful gift - that of an amazing ability of capturing what he sees as pictures - pictures which range from tranquil colourful panoramas to intense, soulful paintings showing the pain in his small heart.

TZP scores maximum points for the rendition of the lead character's emotions. The movie revolves around the child actor [sometimes a tad too long!] and Aamir Khan plays a wonderful supporting actor role. He lets his lead actor direct the pace of the movie, involving himself just at the right time when he feels the movie might be losing some steam. Although the movie has a running time in excess of conventional hindi cinema, at no point is the viewer forced to think about taking a breather. The musical score by SEL is brilliant, especially the track "Kholo Kholo". This depicts the state of mind of "the brash and confident child who loses his confidence because his parents don't understand his plight and send him to training school where he meets a teacher who helps him understand himself and regain his confidence so that he can shine in this materialistic world".

A must watch movie for people who have been deprived of good viewing fare over the last year, with ostentatiously crappy movies such as OSO and Saawariya hogging the limelight. 4.5 stars to this movie out of 5!!!

Good Reading

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-501866.html

This article by Jay Leno makes for great reading!

/R

Deepavali Greetings (continued)

Radgovin's 10 musings for Diwali

1. If Deepavali or Diwali is supposed to be the festival of light, does it mean it also has to be the festival of noise?

I don't when the transition from light to sound occurred. I don't think I was around at that point of time. My guess is, sometime in the eighties i.e. in general, before my time. I am not claiming that I did not burst firecrackers or jump gleefuly for joy when the "rassi" bomb or the "laxmi" bomb exploded. All I am saying is that, to quote Billy Joel, "We didn't start the fire" [or firecrackers for that matter] Human beings have long since been fascinated by beautiful display of colour and light, with the aurora borealis and aurora australis capturing the imagination of generations of explorers. For some breath-taking images of the aurora borealis, please visit this site:

Michigan Tech Aurora Page

The human made firecrackers are probably a fallout of people trying to emulate nature by creating the brilliant displays of light artificially. Unfortunately, the route they chose was the conversion of chemical energy into light and sound energy [because its cheap and can give satisfactory results]. Anyway, since this was the preferred route, we are now faced with the dilemma of losing sleep and peace of mind because of some elements of our society which derive pleasure from bursting crackers till late in the night or early in the morning.

2. If Diwali is the festival of "light", why do people become "heavy" after this particular festival is over? [Probably because of the chaklis, chivda, laddoos, etc.!]

This is quite a well known phenomenon. Binging on the "faral" or the sweets that are characteristic of this particular festive season, causes people to put on weight and may lead to further problems like obesity. It is no wonder then that post Diwali, the maximum number of advertisements in local newspapers / handouts are those pertaining to gymnasium and weight loss programmes.

3. Does air pollution have to accompany the brilliant display of light due to fireworks?

As I said earlier, firecrackers are nothing but a conversion of chemical energy to light and sound energy. And since material cannot be destroyed, there is a conversion from solid form to gaseous form, which leads to air pollution. On this website here: Environmentally Safe Diwali you will find information about how you can celebrate Diwali without causing too much damage to the planet. During Diwali, the rise in the respirable suspended particulate matter [lovingly known in air pollution environmental study cirlces as RSPM] shoots up. As it is, in a city such as Mumbai, the RSPM levels are high. In Diwali, there is a booster dose of RSPM for all the residents. Considering the fact that sulphurous compounds present in the gases piggy-back on the RSPM, we have the background for all sorts of respiratory ailments. Which is probably why doctors have their hands full after an eventful Diwali.

4. Who invented bursting firecrackers? What thrill does one get from hearing deafening noises created by gases expanding so fast, that they destroy the "container" they are in?

I don't think I need to elaborate on this. As they say, to each his own [and I'd like to add here, his/her forms of pleasure!]. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy it [bursting crackers, of course!] myself at some point in time. However, ever since I have realized the damage that firecrackers cause to the environment, I have done my bit to try and control the damage.

5. When will Indians, and all other people on this planet who celebrate by bursting firecrackers, realize that we share this planet with other species and since we are more intelligent than they are [this part is debatable] it is our responsibility to keep this nurturing planet intact?

Bursting firecrackers disturbs not only human sleeping patterns but also animals and birds. Dogs are blessed with an acute sense of hearing and this blessing turns out to be a curse during the Diwali period. Birds too are similarly affected. Since we are responsible for the safety of the animal kingdom also, we should make sure that we lessen the damage caused to the world that we share with them. And that is, if we cannot just do away with the damage.

6. Why does an educated parent/s of the 21st century buy firecrackers for his/her child/ren?

And this includes my parents also. As a kid, I was not aware of the hazards of firecrackers. My parents were, though. Why didn't they educate me at an early stage in life? Maybe they tried, but I gave in to peer pressure, from seeing my friends having a blast [literally] from bursting firecrackers. I am not saying that I am blame free or guilt free. I just hope that when I become a parent, I will have enough courage not to give in to the demands of my child for firecrackers.

7. Why are the firemen the most busy during the most happiest time period of the year for the rest of the country? Don't they deserve to celebrate Diwali too?

This is probably the most gross of all imjustices. Diwali is supposed to be a time for rejoicing, for going out and meeting family and friends, for taking out time from work. Why is it then that we deprive these already overworked national servants of their well-earned holuiday? Why is it that firemen should work over time during Diwali? Don't they deserve a holiday too?

8. Does anyone spare a thought for the children who are forced to make the firecrackers in some dark nook/cranny of some ramshackle factory?

Although the number of child labour cases in India has gone down drastically, it is not non-existent. Case in point, the recent film made by a Korean broadcaster, about the life of two youngsters working in a fireworks factory. You can read the article here: Indian Express Article
Obviously, no one gives a second thought when purchasing a box of sparklers as to how many children have been posioned by the seeping of chemicals through their skins when they were making the sparklers, chakras or showers. Simply because, its not their children who are being forced to work.

9. Isn't bursting a firecracker equivalent to [literally!] setting fire to your money?

Its the ultimate stupidity: buying something and then setting fire to it and on top of that, deriving merriment out of the whole fiasco! Money takes time and effort to earn. Ergo, it does not make sense to burn it. In fact, for people wanting to burn firecrackers, here is a bit of advice: burn a hundred rupeed note instead of buying hundred rupees worth of firecrackers. That way, the pollution will be less and it will hurt you and make you think twice about spending money on firecrackers.

10. Why is it that the louder the firecracker, the popularer [if there is such a word] it is?

Again, no comments here. Only a personal complaint. The most popular crackers are the rocket that goes higher, the chakra that spins longer, the shower that rains longer, while simultaneosly rotating on its own axis, the list is endless. But the basic question is: why have a firecracker in the first place? If there are no firecrackers, or as in the United States of America, the bursting of crackers is prohibited, we will have none of the problems that I keep musing about every year come October/November.

/Radgovin

Deepavali Greetings

Since the festive season is approaching, in fact, it is already upon us, here's my take on the whole Diwali and pollution issue. A more funny version may appear later on the Random musings blog...

Radgovin's 10 musings for Diwali

1. If Deepavali or Diwali is supposed to be the festival of light, does it mean it also has to be the festival of noise?

2. If Diwali is the festival of "light", why do people become "heavy" after this particular festival is over? [Probably because of the chaklis, chivda, laddoos, etc.!]

3. Does air pollution have to accompany the brilliant display of light due to fireworks?

4. Who invented bursting firecrackers? What thrill does one get from hearing deafening noises created by gases expanding so fast, that they destroy the "container" they are in?

5. When will Indians, and all other people on this planet who celebrate by bursting firecrackers, realize that we share this planet with other species and since we are more intelligent than they are [this part is debatable] it is our responsibility to keep this nurturing planet intact?

6. Why does an educated parent/s of the 21st century buy firecrackers for his/her child/ren?

7. Why are the firemen the most busy during the most happiest time period of the year for the rest of the country? Don't they deserve to celebrate Diwali too?

8. Does anyone spare a thought for the children who are forced to make the firecrackers in some dark nook/cranny of some ramshackle factory?

9. Isn't bursting a firecracker equivalent to [literally!] setting fire to your money?

10. Why is it that the louder the firecracker, the popularer [if there is such a word] it is?

/Radgovin

P. S. These are just my musings. I may elaborate on each question some time later. For now, here's wishing everyone a very happy and safe Diwali and a prosperous new year.

Arsenal vs. Manchester United - Preview

I am sure that over the last three years, there has not been an Arsenal - Man Utd. tie that the Gooners have not dreaded going into. There was an aura of invincibility surrounding the Man Utd. side since they defeated us 2-0, bringing to an end a 49 match unbeaten run. After that the results were evidence of the struggle that Arsenal faced against the Devils. 4-2, 0-0, 2-0 are hardly convincing results. Other than the FA Cup Final of 2005, when Arsenal won on penalties, there was not a match that Arsenal won against Man Utd. since the morale sapping 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

In the last season, Arsenal did the double over Man Utd. and they were quite convincing performances. Although the team ended the season 21 points adrift of the Champions, somewhere, there was a blemish on the trophy that made its way to Old Trafford. SAF would have definitely loved to have both won the league and have wins over Arsenal. That was not to be and worse still, his side were defeated quite comprehensively in both the games. And those defeats have not been forgotten...

According to many critics, the Gunners team this season has had to face minnows, and most of them at home. And according to them, the demolition of any team in a home game does not count for much. However, what they forget is that the same team has won away games at Tottenham Hotspurs and has defeated Sevilla in the CL. And then, there was the fight back from being a goal down to secure a draw at Anfield, the so called fortress of Liverpool. A game that the team could have won.

All this has not got unnoticed and the current form of the Gunners is sending signals to the top four that the kids are not to be fooled around with. And that is exactly what SAF confirmed by being present at the Arsenal - Liverpool game. He was not there without a reason. He wanted to see for himself and assess for himself the team that the critics had written off at the start of the season and the team which is now proudly at the top of the table, with a game in hand over his team. He was there to try and find out deficiencies in the side, to try and find the weak links. And I am sure, to a large extent, he was disappointed.

The team showed great spirit and resolve in coming back from being a goal down. There was a lot of enthusiasm and lack of fear on the part of the youngsters to secure a draw at Anfield. And if they can continue the same run of form at the home game against Man Utd., we are sure to be in for a treat of a match. Man Utd. are not going to give in easily and since the match is against their arch rivals, they are going to throw everything at the Arsenal defence, including the kitchen sink. And I am sure the "kids" are ready for that and are prepared with their own washing machines and household utilities for throwing at the Devils.

Till Saturday, then...

/Radgovin

The Human Brain

I chanced upon this article in the National Geographic which explains how human beings form memories, how they retain memories and why some people are blessed with eidetic memories while others have to scramble around in their respective neocortexes, looking for information which was allegedly stored there! What was this article going to be about? :)

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/2007-11/memory/foer-text.html?fs=canyon

Anyway, the above article makes for good reading and here is my take on the human brain.

I have to yet come across as convoluted a thing as the human brain. It is a myriad jigsaw and the amount of material that is packed inside such a small volume (average of 1300cc) would raise envious eyebrows from any packaging industry. It is essentially a miracle of sorts, because housed inside this 1300cc "engine" are a hundred billion neurons, with each one of them being capable of forming  5 to 10 thousand synaptic connections with neurons around them. It is in this synaptic connections that information is retained. The hippocamus is responsible for making sure that the memories stick.

What intrigues and excites me is the formation of a memory from a visual, an auditory stimulus, or something as simple as the brushing of a feather across the skin. The complex procedure of conversion of something that we can "feel" into electrical signals which can be stored, is something even the most accomplished savants of neurology fret over. Computer memory is much simpler, in the sense that all information is stored as 1s and 0s. But how does one figure out how the human brain has simplified the storage of infinitely large amounts of information?

Human beings have accomplished many things, some of the more prominent ones being the conquering of the final frontier: space, the ability to reach places on this planet hitherto unthought of and the ability to communicate. What are all these if not the manifestation of the capabilities of the human brain? However, we are yet to discover the way in which our brain works. It is simply because of this reason that I am against all experiments related to cloning and the human genome. Figure out what you are made of before trying to duplicate yourself, is my advice to all scientists involved in this macabre initiative.

We all know what happens when we jump into a new project with full enthusiasm and half knowledge. The outcome is inevitably a disaster. Ergo, the duplication of human beings without a sincere study and understanding of the human brain is like making a duplicate computer, but messing up the processor in the process. We do not know how synaptic connections are formed; how can we then be sure that the duplication process may not destroy these connections? Or worse, what happens if new bridges are formed where they were none? What would be the implications of new synaptic bondages? Do we know the answers to these questions?

I am not claiming that I am the final authority on the brain. I am the most ignorant of fellows where the issue of the human body is concerned. The questions I have raised may already have been answered. But till such a time as this knowledge becomes public, it is hazardous to fiddle around with the human brain, or even the DNA for that matter. Agencies working for the "progress" of scientific knowledge in these areas zealously guard their research through IPR. I fail to understand how anyone can have a patent over a certain part of the genome or some part of the DNA. That is equivalent to each and every person claiming rights of ownership to some portion of air in the atmosphere as his/her own. In short, the idea is blatantly ridiculous! Instead of copyrighting, all the information about the human brain and even the human body should be made publicly available.

We have yet to decipher a lot about ourselves. Yet, there is an undying curiosity in human beings to look without rather than within. If we can understand the source of this curiosity, maybe all of us would be better human beings.

Amen to that!

/Radgovin

P. S. The very fact that my thoughts have strayed while writing this article stands testimony to the magical processes occurring in my brain. Who knows how many synaptic connections were formed, destroyed, strengthened or weakened during the fifteen minutes that I spent writing this article? Does somebody have an answer?

Registration at FeedBurner

Since I have registered my blog at FeedBurner.com, I realize that there is a need for me to update my blog more regularly. Hence, this article.

Update

/Radgovin

Support Firefox!

Use the following to advertise Firefox, the better browser!

<a href="http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=affiliates&amp;id=0&amp;t=217"><img border="0" alt="Firefox 2" title="Firefox 2" src="http://sfx-images.mozilla.org/affiliates/Buttons/firefox2/468x60FF2b_Orange.png"/></a>

/Radgovin

P. S. I am doing this as a public service message! :)

Thought for the Day

Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in this life has purpose.

There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from.

- - -

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross