The slight drizzle we had yesterday prompted the government to take swift action and declare a holiday for schools and colleges. No sooner than it struck ten that the sky cleared up. It would to be seven o' clock in the evening before the Gods decided to weep again.

It poured cats and dogs all night leaving the city in knee deep water. It continued to pour other animals too, so much so, that knee deep soon became chest- hurting- can't-see-a-thing-umbrella-flying-drive-at-15-kmph four hours of rain that just refused to let up.

Still with smiles on our faces, wet to our bones we turned up promptly at eight thirty of the pre-placement talk at CEG ( both my college and CEG have placements together at CEG, we're one university now)- Google was coming! Sure, only a handful of us would get in, but it'd be a super cool experience. It was google after all!

They started their ppt at around ten ish- two phrases that I would take back with me from that one hour I spent with them, because of their frequent occurence as part of the "culture at google" were- "work ethic" and "do not be evil". The Professor in charge very kindly read out the names of students elligble to attend the first round of screenly- no MIT student was short listed. Criteria to attend the company- CGPA above 8. Did I have that much? Yes. I have 9.1 Did the fifteen other people with me meet with their criteria? Yes, each and every one of them did.

Supremely pissed off and thinking that the professors in charge had taken their partiality towards CEG students too far, I asked the guy in charge why none of our names were on the list. To quote him, "MIT students are not elligible." To make sure the decision was of the company and not the University office, I approached the HR person who'd come (I was on a roll by then)-

Me: "Excuse me ma'am, I'd like to ask you a question, if that's alright."
She: " Yes, of course."
Me: "Was it your decision to not shortlist MIT students or the colleges'?"
She: "It was ours."
Me (sweetest voice ever):" Can we please know what the reason behind this decision was?"
She: "I've discussed it at length with your professors and I would rather he explained it to you."
Me: "Sure, thank you ma'am."

Within five minutes, I was on my way to college with the rest of my friends. The university had NO bleddy right to allow a company that discriminated against a department of its just because it was located on a different campus. We have the same exams, same rules, same VC. Not an affiliated college. Not an autonomous college anymore. We are a part of the damn university.

Walked straight into my HODs room and gave her the details. Another five minutes and we were talking to the Vice Chancellor (what a day for him to be visiting our college).

We were informed some time later, that he had been in the know how. Some student from my batch had tried to approach the company directly, and they were pissed off about it and had brought it to his notice. Utter bull shit. And that's what we told our HOD. She promised us she would follow the matter up, but that it would take time, and to not worry.

Point at the end of the day was- we'd lost an opportunity. One that wasn't coming back any time soon.

Only, for probably the first time in the history of a governmental institution action was taken within hours. We were to find out in the evening, that the VC on returning to his offices, had cancelled the company.

I feel sorry for the students who had been shortlisted and were attending their interviews by that time. Our only intention was to be told why and how this need for segregation arose, and why and how it was being allowed.

I'm ecstatic also. You should have seen us. HOD in front, me and two three of us who had represented the issue next, and my entire class behind us, umbrellas out we marched across college to meet the VC. It was like leading a revolution. And in some ways it was. One that we won.

Only, I'm slightly disappointed my weapon of choice will be known as an umbrella.

------------
P.S. Two goverment officials who took prompt action and stood up for what was right. In one day. Almost too hard to believe no?

• I started writing, only to realize I was rambling, as usual. So I need to edit that post before I put it up.



• People surprise me every day. Not all of the surprises are good. A friend of mine saw a muslim guy, a student, walking towards us in college and promptly said, " I'm scared. Doesn't he look scary? What's with the beard and all? "
  

  People, educated people, can be extremely illiterate in their views.

  
  I could have strangled her. Is this how education helps? Is this what "jehad" is supposed to accomplish?



• There's some words that I just love. They don't mean "great" things or anything. I just love the drama around them or the way they sound. Like "flummoxed" and "umbrage".



• Redefining deep sleep- you don't hear your cell phone beep.



• Another not so pleasant surprise was when in college, again, the people I was sitting with commented on why this particular girl was even wearing a "dupatta"- it wasn't covering what is was supposed to.
  
  It made me sad.



• FUBAR is an absolutely brill word I found out.



• I like black and white as much as I love color.



• I found my first white hair. And I've kept it safe. Proof of my wisdomousness.



• Making "blockquotes" or pullquotes as they are sometimes called and customizing them to suit your style is really easy. They look nice and people ALWAYS read them. Will put up a post regarding them soon.



• I think the look of ones blog is very important.

  What would make me want to read your blog?

  A first time visitor either reads ahead of doesn't based on very few basic things- name of the blog and the tag line, aesthetics and the title of the post. The length of the post comes a quick fourth.
  
  Sure, for them purists, writing is all that matters. But if you really want people to read what you've written, you have to create an atmosphere that will encourage them to do so.

Me is done. Hope you guys are enjoying the day off. I certainly am, given the fact that my nasal passage has cleared and I've fought my way into being allowed to bathe. Too much detail, I know :D

Oh and by the by, the title has nothing to do with my love for bananas or lack of it. It's a song by Jack Johnson. One I'd recommend.

All my love!

Yes.

It finally worked.

I hated every time that she had to give in to him. I hated every time she chose to believe he was right, over what I was telling her. I didn't hate it for the reason that she wasn't listening to me, I hated it because he was destroying her. And even if she did see it, she thought she was incapable of standing up for herself.

Ok. You have no idea who I'm talking about. Remember this friend I'd told you guys about? The one who let her brother control her life?

She's FINALLY realized what he was doing to her, was wrong. And she's FINALLY actually started standing up for herself. I realize it will be hard, and he might react badly, but I'm there for her. Everyone in college is behind her.

Finally. And I couldn't be more relieved!!

And for anyone and everyone who is reading this, please DO NOT give in to abuse of any kind. Stand up for yourself and the people you love, because no one, not even you, has the right to ill treat you.

All my love.

So, I've finally gotten my first "perfume", and feel all grown up and lady like- a statement which prompted my mom to admit that the other day when I'd gotten all dressed up to go out, she thought I still looked eight. And THIS is when I'm dressed up.

Sigh. I think it's the smile and the dimples. Whatever. Point is, I got me perfume! Playboy nonetheless. My sis seems to have some sort of a fascination with "playboy"- not that I am complaining, because I love it. So, thank you.

And mom, in case you're reading this- a perfume is NOT a substitute for the laptop you promised me if I ever made it across the 9.5 mark- which I did, by a whole 1.625 if I may point out.

Today, there are no words. Because, it's SUNDAY!! And also, because I happened to read the newspaper today- front and back. And guess what I found? Another one of those articles on the Law and Rape Victims- what I think can be summarised into the following points:

1. THESE articles should be in the MAIN PAPER and not in some supplement to be used as space fillers. Because, some power- hungry-wanting-to-win-the-peoples-vote politician might just read one of these, and want to do something about how the law deals with such cases.

2. On second thought, maybe THAT's why the newspaper guys put it in the supplement. So that, some power- hungry-wanting-to-win-the-peoples-vote politician might just read one of these. Or have it read to him. I haven't been giving the newspaper guys their dues.

3. Yes, I know the word for newspaper guys is journalist. No, I didn't have to look google up to figure that out. I just didn't think they deserved the title.

4. Moving on, to all you ladies out there (DO NOT tell me if your reaction to that was "out where?!" and a cheesy grin) BE CAREFUL.

I've grown up around family that mostly advocates "don't talk to strangers", and so have probably the youngsters of more than half of the world. But point is, "don't talk to strangers" is just not feasible. Hence, don't talk to people two types of people- people who sound too smooth and those who make you uncomfortable.

That should narrow things down a bit. But then again, these days the bad guys know THIS, and hence the wolves will actually be the "sweet lil baccha type" things. Or not, since they're figured out that you might have figured all of that out, and hence will be one of the two types that I formerly mentioned.

Ok, I'll stop. You see where I was going with that. Moral of the story- Be smart. Not, like my friend on Splitsvilla Varun says, over smart.

Hope you had a pleasant weekend, and have a not horrible Monday (like those exist). I, WILL have one that IS not horrible, though I don't think holidays count when you debate the whole horrible Monday thing.

All my love.

This seems to be another one in my series against the trash (however comical and liable to give you THE splits (only makes sense, to make that sound like a disease))(I think this is the first time I've used braces inside braces. Hmmm) that is on T.V. these days. Today's special- Splitsvilla.

Official tag- a new romance-based reality show, where Love is War. Jezus. 20 "hot" girls compete for two "hot" guys. The winner finds not only "love" but a nice 5 lac rupees AND a chance to host a show on T.V. All the bindings of true loue, wouldn't you say?

One of the guys is a skinny short shit who got thrown out of Roadies. Another can't be shot down on account of being short or skinny, but is another person who got kicked out of Roadies, and couldn't compete with a termite on account of intelligence.

Both of them, sit on their toadstools and shoot out stuff like "So-and-So you're confy, that's good. But being over confy is bad." (to which the So-and-So in question nods her head vigorously to show her assent) and to another So-and-So "You've played well. Very well. But this isn't a game to us". My pretty ass it's not.

They girls who weren't "dumped" were the ones who'd managed to win the hearts of our two lonesome bachelors by dancing on the top of a table amongst other things. True love = ability to dance on table tops. One poor lil darling who announced she enjoyed philosophy, kinda threw the axe on her own foot, because our desperately- looking- for- love guys wouldn't know how to even spell that word. Oh and by the by, guess what each of them said in their intros- we're looking for girls with a sense of humor. Which in turn obviously implies intelligence.

And MTV should obviously be revered for the great oppurtunity they're offering us people. For the stage that they have set, obviously invites nothing but the most intelligent of people. Announcing, and eagerly waiting to prove how "bold" they are. Top notch brains of the country, my friend, absolute top notch.

I can understand something along the lines of trying to find true love through television- there's something similar on Travel and Living, I forget the name. But having 20 girls fight for you? 18 girls whom you "dump" while on this quest, because they refuse to dance on table tops or don't stand on the roof and shout "I'm daring, try me". 2 girls whom you choose based on their style of dressing, and what moves(yes, plural) when they dance?

Enchanted. Absolutely enchanted.

If the following outburst hurts anyone's sentiments, I apologize in advance. Also, granted that the exact opposite may be happening to you in another part of the country or the globe: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR IT ANY WAY, JUST LIKE I DON'T HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS SIDE OF THE WORLD.

This bleddy state and it's people have finally broken me. Actually, why accuse the entire state, let's stick to this godforsaken college, and curse those who are responsible.

Yes, I'm a "north Indian". You guys don't really give a person the choice to be labelled anything else considering everything that is not this state, is North India. Yes, I speak reasonably decent and fluent English. And yes, I do NOT know your language. I cared enough to learn the basics, so that I could TALK to you- NOT because I needed to get work done from you, but because I wanted to TALK to you. Apparently, the same can't be said for you.

I didn't make fun of your customs or your beliefs. People who did make fun of you, who used you in every way they could and all that only because they thought they had the right to, having being born to the "higher strata" of your very religion- are the ones you suck up to. The ones you show your loyalty towards.

Why, I ask myself? And guess what, there's ONLY ONE REASON- because they aren't "north Indians". They speak better English than you too, but hey! they can also bark like the street dog in "your language".

For the first time in my life, I wish I wasn't non judgemental. That I hadn't helped you; that I hadn't cared. That I hadn't tried to understand your culture, like it, enjoy it, embrace it. That I had bullshitted you, the way you dressed, the way you spoke- because apparently, THAT is what you call friendship. Friendship is too strong a word, THAT is how you define humanness.

You bleddy f******.

If you are so worried about losing your language that you find it necessary to make the medium of education in your government intuitions (which are apparently world reputed) not English and if you feel that by talking in English you are in some way still allowing yourself to be ruled by the British (yes, THIS is actually an argument people here use) build a bleddy wall around your state, so that no one who can't speak the language doesn't enter it, in the first place.

The logic apparently is, "you are coming to us, you want us to help you, learn our language, why should we learn yours?" You live in the world you ayyah buggers! You interact with people to not only suit their purposes but yours too! You want to be able to sit in a Harvard with no means of understanding what they have to say to you, or telling them what you think?

YOU are not God's gift to this planet. You are but a mortal, the slime of the earth according to me for thinking the way you do. You have every right to love your religion, your culture, your language- just like I have to mine. You DO NOT have the right to force yours on mine, just like I don't have the right to force mine on yours.

What you did was wrong. Not once did I stop to differentiate between you and me on any grounds. Not once did I believe you would, either. I don't hate easily nor is it easy to get me angry. You angered me so much, I walked myself home in the rain. The way you treated me was wrong. And I hope that some day, you realise it. And will be able to forgive yourself.

And also, I'm not even English!

I rose to the smell of water in the air… with a smile on my face. It’s a rarity, you know…after working 6 days in a week from 7 in the morning to 5 in the evening? And then not getting home before 6. But yesterday, not even the thought of my first lecture being E.Mech, succeeded in dampening my spirits.

There were clouds in the sky… and a cool breeze blew. It was an absolutely delightful change to the scorching heat. And anyone who knows me, knows I love the rain. I love getting wet in the rain.

With a skip in my step, and a smile still stuck on my face, I set off for college. It was going to rain!!

And rain it did. I think I surprised a few people by almost dancing on the road J… it was going to be an absolutely superb day.

I sent my daily dose of “gumorning, have a lovely day” messages to my friends while on the bus. I have to use the local buses to travel to college everyday.

It’s a constant adventure to me. I love observing people. At times when the bus is crowded, you find these ladies grumbling and pushing and you can’t help but smile…and looking at your smile, they realize that everyone was in the same position as them. On their toes, and making space for more people. And then you watch a smile creep onto their faces. If I’m traveling with a friend, I’m a constant amusement to people around me, ‘cuz I’ll usually be trying to learn Tamil. And then of course there are those times when I have to try and talk to someone who knows only Tamil…Not to forget the poor conductors who are totally whacked out by the end of the day… they over use that damn whistle of theirs. I think it’s a conspiracy to make you deaf… and mind you, I’ve never been accused of being paranoid.

Anyway, as luck might have it. I was running late, on the very day, I HAD to be on time.

Finally my connecting bus came… Over crowded, as luck might have it (again). But, even that didn’t spoil my mood that day. After all, I had just gotten wet in the rain. The smell of rain water on the ground has a way of creeping on to you. It’s as good as getting drunk and wanting to let go. Of making you think of all the good. Of making you want to sing and snuggle. Of pakodas and garam chai.

I was waiting to get to college… My friends and I would ultimately end up bunking the first lecture and sitting in the canteen, enjoying the rain… whatever little there was of it. We’d have sat and talked about our dreams… Of how things weren’t that bad, after all. That there was hope, after all.. About that special someone we could have cuddled up with ;)

I was brought out of my fantasy when I felt your breath on my neck. So close. I had been through this before. And all I could think of was Oh God. Not again, please.

I felt you push into me from behind. I felt you try to get closer. And I felt the nausea build up.

The smell of cheap liquor and sweat surrounded me. Please, NO! I wanted to yell, at you.

I turned to look… and I saw you looking straight ahead, as if nothing was wrong. I wanted to slap you, I wanted to yell. But, nothing came out…

And then you tried to get even closer.

I pushed ahead, as far as I could. I tried to get away from your touch. From your presence. Nothing helped.

When you got off the bus… I felt myself relax a little. And then you turned and looked. I had to make and effort to steady myself. To not let myself be affected by the dirt in your eyes.

By the time I got off the bus, I felt dirty. The rain didn’t help. All I wanted to do was go home and have a bath. I was disgusted. And dirty.

----------------


Eve teasing is an offence. Please discourage it. Ignore the technicalities if you must, it's offensive and disgusting.

I don’t expect anyone to think of me as their sister or mother, but to really look at women as citizens who have every right to be out on the streets, without any explanation. Sometimes we just love to walk, stand around, hang around, without looking ‘avaliable.’

P.S: I wrote this some time last year, but I'm republishing it as a part of the Blank Noise Project s (a cause I support) Women's Day Celebrations. Feel free to comment, and do bisit their blog site. It's a cause worth supporting.

Let's see... Thinking technically, and since I'm reading on the subject... there's three things that come into play here. One, is something called ethical relativism , the second is called descriptive relativism and the third is called relationalism.

Ethical relativism can be best summed up in the phrase : "When is Rome do as Romans do", i.e you either follow what society in whatever part of the world you belong to determines as right or you stick to what you believe in, without giving an inch. Either way, is unacceptable. The theory dictates that actions are right within a particular society when they are approved by law, custom or other conventions of society. The reason why we do away with this theory is because it implies absurdities. It would justify genocide and salvery.

Descriptive relativism is in ways true, and in ways not. While it supports the fact that customs and beliefs vary from culture to culture, it shouldn't be used to support wife-abuse, rape, etc. Ethical relationalism or contextualism on the other hand, however reminds us that moral judgements are contextual.

What doesn't change, no matter which ethical 'ism you wish to follow or believe in or deem correct, is that if it violates basic human rights, it is wrong. It, here refers to action or lack of it. So, no matter what "rule" the society has come up with, if it defies basic human rights, it's wrong. No two ways about it.

So, when I say that a collective consensus on certain view points, traditions and conventions make them definite, I do not mean to say that they are in any way correct. Or wrong for that matter. There are still people in this world who believe in sati and killing the girl child and all that. Yes, it is/was a part of their culture, but that doesn't justify the action. At least, not NOW, when we know of human rights and have what is called education and intelligence.

Coming back to the previous post, freedom of choice,is a part of these "basic human rights", as is viewed from any angle. The fact that the definition of choice, is in itself relative, is a different issue all together. Also, rape no matter what the woman is wearing or not, is wrong. There is nothing called "freedom to rape", even if only theoretically or for the sake of arguement, or so I should hope. Most especially not amongst what comprises of the educated in society. Lastly, the justification of MAKING someone dress "modestly" based on the "roving eye" is what I am against.

I won't ever see her again. I won't ever sit with her and hear her talk of her dreams for me. I won't ever hear her chant hymns in the morning... or talk fondly of her memories of my childhood. I won't ever get to eat her parathas...

I used to complain of her over protectiveness. I used to smile and reassure her, everytime she got worried 'cuz I hadn't gotten home on time.

And now she's going to be gone. I loved having my grandma at home. She kept my dad in check :) We'd all indulgently listen to her relate the same incident a million times.

But, I've seen the way her eyes used to light up everytime the phone rang. I've heard the hope in her voice everytime she wanted to know who'd been on the phone. And then, I'd seen the light fade away... when she realised it wasn't for her. It wasn't one of her children calling to talk to her... to ask for her. About her. It happened all the time.

And then for some insane reason my grandparents decided my parents had done their duty, and it was another childs turn to take care of them. Duty, my ass. The only reason they were with us was because we all loved having them around. It so turns out, not everyone thinks this way.

I have never seen, I could never imagine... my parents becoming a burden. I could never imagine throwing them away in one corner of the house, because they were becoming a nuisance. It shames me and angers me. How can you do such a thing?

They're your parents for heavensake. Tomorrow, you're going to be in the same position. And don't give me that bull about "I'm never going to be a burden on my kids." Nobody wants to be a burden. They don't do it and love every minute of it. It's the worst feeling in the world... feeling helpless. And instead of helping them through dealing with this new feeling.. you crib.

How can you crib about having to do something for them? Is that what they did when you kept them up with your howling when you were 2 months old? Is that what they did when you thought you'd seen a monster in your cupboard? When you'd hurt yourself.. when you were down with fever... broken a leg.. had a broken heart? Is that what they did??

They bought you everything you ever needed... and you thanked them by never saying "thank you". They provided you with the best education... and you thanked them by leaving home. They bought you your first car, and you thanked them by driving it drunk. They bought you and your wife a new home and you thanked them by kicking them out. They baby-sat your kids and you thanked them by yelling and shouting at them.

Well, I have news for you mister. They didn't do all this and more because it was their DUTY. They did it because they loved you. And all you can do for them, is... You know, I'd rather you did nothing, than do stuff grudgingly. I'd rather you never told them how much you loved them, than keep reminding them of how much you were giving up, just for their sake.

How can you crib, when no matter what you do or say, they'll always wish the best for you... They're going to be gone one day... they're going to be gone for good. And their last thoughts would only be of regret for not having done better by you. Of having failed you somewhere.

Old age is called second childhood. Please don't give me that pathetic line.. that "old people are a burden". Yes, I've seen the nasty versions of old people too. Learn to forgive. Learn patience. But please don't ill treat your own parents. Don't treat them well, because it's your duty. Treat them well, and with respect, because you love them. I'm not preaching Kaushik. I'm begging.

And what's the best part?... they won't think wrong of YOU. They'll think they've gone wrong somewhere... can you live with that for the rest of your life?

Anything and everything that goes wrong around us is blamed on the infrastructure of this country.

No judicial system.Corrupt lawyers who say whatever it is that is needed to say to get their client out of a fix. Lies. Creating evidence. Killing. Plundering. Bribes. Why only lawyers? Judges too. The court as a whole. Aint there something about 'em being "independent bodies that serve to uphold the constitution of India and to protect human rights"... "Where are we going wrong?", I ask myself and other people. And they answer in one word. Infrastructure.

No political system. Puppets. The mantra they used to follow?

To uphold and abide by the laws that govern humanity.I herein pledge my devotion to this country and its people who have elected me as their leader. I promise to live up to the faith they have shown in me. To protect human rights.To never dishonor the constitution.

The mantra they actually follow now?

To uphold and abide by the laws that govern humanity. I shall only kill, plunder and loot. No one will suffer.
I herein pledge to use all taxes for my personal use. To buy as many houses as I can so that construction companies and the Housing Dept. Don't go out of business. To spend whatever I can on my relatives and their marriages. I only do so, so that caterers, musicians, decorators, cloth shops, jewellers, car companies...Don't go out of business. To invest as much as I can in the judicial system and the police body so that the people don't realize how much I am doing to keep them in business. I herein pledge absolute secrecy. I promise to be faithful to all the people who have contributed to my campaign and those who have seen to it that I get my votes. To protect human rights. I shall make brochures on the sati sites in Rajasthan to support the tourism industry. I shall only kill animals according to my whims and fancies. I pledge to twist and turn every law written as the circumstance shall call for.

....And I ask myself and the people around me, "Where are we going wrong?" And they shake their heads and answer. Infrastructure.

The educational system. Does it exist?? I think not.Money for Nothing. Who cares if you know more about science, math, and English than your neighbor? The only reason he gets a better college is because he's got money. Not to forget the subsidiary schools you are made to go to, TUITIONS. Why the hell can't the schools employ teachers who do what they are supposed to do and teach sense? What happened to freedom of thought and expression? Freedom of choice? What happened to providing choice? Quality? What happened to righteous thoughts? Doing things because you want to do them, not because they are required of you. To learning because you wanted to learn? To aspire to inspire?.... "Where are we going wrong?" I ask people... And with a smug smile they answer me. Infrastructure.

So, what do we do now? Wait for Batman or Superman or Shaktiman to come in and rescue us all. I would actually hope for rescue if I thought it would do me any good. How can you expect one person to turn up and shake things back into place? Change the "infrastructure", that we so loyally put blame on? I know it's not possible. You know it too. So, then what do we do?

Shift the blame again. When I wanted to become a musician/writer.My parents didn't let me study what I wanted to. When I pointed out to my teacher that she was making a mistake.My teacher told me my way of thinking and questioning her was not acceptable. When I pointed out a policeman taking money from someone to my dad he just patted me on the head and said, "These things happen." When I wanted to get out there and make a change I was told by my well-wishers, "Sweetie why do you want to do all that? There are people to do such things."

What we forget is that, WE are the change that is required. YOU are the change that is required. Every little thing you do makes a difference. You want to question something in school, do it. If you think a teacher is incompetent, that is after you have put in effort from your side, talk about it. Discuss ways to find out where there is a lag and do something about it. If you think you aren't getting trained enough at school, tell the authorities. One person may not listen. Two may not listen. The tenth might. The eleventh may too. The twentieth would do something about it too. But YOU have to reach there.

We did it when we were in school. Asked for more exams, tests. We got them. Later we even thanked our teachers for listening to us and doing something about it.

We put our faith in these institutions. We put what we call our faith in these institutions. What we forget to do is put faith in ourselves and what we think.

Blame it on the infrastructure. YOUR infrastructure.

50,000 people died of poverty on Monday. A 2-3 year old with two sticks, called legs, took 5 minutes to gain balance, so that he could stand. He had a pot belly ( one of the signs of Kwahiorkor,, malnutrition, protein deficiency and marasmus). You could count the ridges in one's spine on his back. I could count 7. There was mud and dirt stuck everywhere. There were flies taking 'red eyes' from his leg to his face. There was no strength in his hands to ward off flies. What was the point anyway? They would only come back. Workaholic flies.

50,000 people died of poverty on Tuesday. It's a beautiful day. It's a beautiful place. The place where you can see nature in all its glory. It's the land of deserts, tropical evergreen forests and sand-covered beaches. It's home to the largest wildlife and breeding ground for the world's largest flora. A thousand ships found its coasts and brought with them merchants and colonisers. A thousand ships left its shores, years later, with everything that the land had to offer. Now these very shores serve as a source of entertainment to the living village kids and a source of income to an odd fisherman. Welcome to Africa!

50,000 people died of poverty on Wednesday. A baby lay within the protection provided by its mother against the harsh climate. He wore no clothes. There were flies all over him. I don't think what could be see on him was skin. He was hungry. Not even the liquid-protein stuff that passed as food was left. So, he bawled. Everyone in the vicinity was below 25 years. If the infants were lucky they'd live to see their 16th birthday. And then they'd die of either AIDS, an epidemic, malnutrition, or poverty. Did I say lucky?? The place where you see nature in its most cruel form. A gold mine, now suffering from poverty. Welcome to Africa!

50,000 people died of poverty on Thursday and Friday.

You could go on thinking
That there was nothing wrong
Whatever happened to those values of humanity
When a child is now born into this world
With no sense of skin on his bones.

50,000 people died of poverty on Saturday.

And it will never happen again.

Because there was a concert going on across 4 continents, a 50-100 cities, with more than 30 bands/ individuals performing, at least a million people as live audience and a billion watching world over. It's the second largest concert to be seen after the Woodstock in 1969. With an audience that could easily be mistaken as the entire city, artists put their hearts into the mission and performed. Something was being done about it. People really do care.

8 world leaders, gathered in Scotland for the G8 summit, will be presented with a workable plan to double aid, drop the debt and make the trade laws fair. If these 8 men agree, then we will become the generation that made poverty history.

But they'll only do it if enough people tell them to. ' We don't want your charity, we want YOU.' Sign the Live8 list now... Log on to http://www.live8live.com

This week poverty can be beaten. The concert is/was going on live at Tokyo,Rome, Canada, Berlin, Russia, Italy, Germany, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Cornwall, Las Vegas, Toronto... And you've got Madonna, Bon Jovi, Mcfly, Will Smith, Muse, Destiny's Child, Celiene Dion, Elton John, REM, Robbie Williams, U2, Pet Shop Boys, Scissor sisters,Faith Hill, Pink Floyd, The Who, George Michael, Gilmore, Bryan Adams, Velvet Revolver and Slash, Sir Paul Mcartney,Ms.Dynamite,David Hallyday,Shakira, Alicia Keys,Craig David,Liking Park, Green Day, Sting... And still counting!!! It beats going around the world in 80 days. I've been moving across continents every 15 minutes!

Hopefully, the Africans will now be provided with basic education, shelter, food and medical facilities. Hopefully, no more people will die of AIDS because they weren't aware. Hopefully, their babies will now have skin. Hopefully, they'll have the strength to fight the flies. Hopefully, they'll have clean water to drink and clothes to wear. Their prayers have been answered. People did care. Somebody up there, was watching them.

Light up. Light up.
Even if you can't hear my voice,
I'll be right beside you dear,
I swear in the days left,
We'll walk in fields of gold together.

On Sunday, no more people died of poverty anywhere on the globe.