Priyanka Deladia.

iPhoneography?

2011-12-05T22:31:00.003Z

A year on and my Canon has been sitting comfortably in a corner. Before I crack on with that (soon hopefully) I thought I'd share some photographs taken from my humble and much loved iPhone. Here are a couple that I've taken earlier this year. Hopefully, next time it'll be the 550 that I'll be using x

2011-06-23T20:54:00.003Z

2011-06-23T19:04:00.001Z

Thank you to the Asian bloke on my train today who complimented the old English lady on her quirky hat; she looked uncomfortable and he made her smile.

Thanks to the black guy around Soho Square for stopping what he was doing and asking me if I needed help just because I looked lost.

Sorry to the white man from the Hare Krishna mission, if I had time on me, I would love to chat about veda and yoga.

Yes, I felt the need to mention their race and ethnicity. If we reinforce stereotypes by using race, we should break them by using race.

Who are these corrupt people anyways?

2011-04-11T22:41:00.007Z

There are two kinds ofcorrupt in India. There are those who despite being financially secure are morethan happy to exploit the state and its people. Recent examples are scandalssurrounding the CommonwealthGames andthe more recent case where trustees of a renowned hospital in Mumbai cameunder scrutiny for financial irregularities.

The other are peoplewho don’t have enough and could perhaps do with a little more cash. Stories of policemenor government officials being bought off or paid off are common knowledge.

And then there arethose that feed the two – it could be a corporate giant who wants to secure acrucial government contract or a ordinary citizen who will pay the bribe or‘rishwat’ for small favours – caught speeding? want to play music past the 11pmban? want to get into the best medical college? – they do it not because they haveno choice but because they know that if they don’t someone else will.

The former exploittheir position because of pure greed and selfish gains. The latter are corruptbecause they think they can be. They are different branches of the same tree. Andthe ones who water the tree don’t care about anyone else but themselves - whocares if their actions might set a precedent for the rest of India, they willdo it because it will benefit them in some way and they will do it again andagain and again till it becomes part of the fabric of our society.

Can you blame the netas(politicians) for thinking they are above the law? Perhaps the netas are competingwith the affluent and wealthy in India who have the same attitude. Can youblame the hawaldar (traffic warden) for taking the bribe, because let’s be honest his governmentsalary isn’t going to help his children get into the best university abroad. Howwill his children then compete in this mad race to get ahead?

They are all part of anation that has over a billion mouths to feed, where some have in abundance andsome have nothing. The rich will do everything in their power to make surethings stay this way. The ones who have nothing aspire to be rich – they seewealth around them every day – why will they not be corrupt if it speeds thingsup a little bit?

India’s booming economyis making us greedier. This is not exclusive to India, but in India it’shappening too fast too soon.

How many Anna Hazare’swill my generation produce? Not many, because we are too busy becoming doctorsand IT specialists and billionaires.

And while it will liftIndia, it might just end up being its downfall.

How to be happy... and wealthy? hmm...

2011-03-03T14:56:00.001Z

I found myself reading an article titled, 'Six Secrets Wealthy People Know' on Yahoo news. I didn't expect any miracles except for what we already know, and not what has been distorted by consumerism.

When I scrolled down to the bottom of the article, I found this comment from a certain ''P'' -

p 24 minutes ago Report Abuse Six secrets wealthy people know:

1. Balance having low expectations (to avoid disappointment) with ambitions

2. Create a job out of your passion and so never 'work' another day

3. Always underspend your income, to avoid the stresses of debt worries

4. Have low cost hobbies rather than ostentatious ones- you meet a better class of person

5. Always buy second hand for yourself, so the seller takes the depreciation hit and

6. Place more emphasis on experiences and making others happy, than on materialism and selfish wants.

That is how the truly wealthy live.

2011-02-09T18:19:00.004Z

I couldn't stop laughing last night while watching Charlie Brooker's 'How TV has ruined your life.' It got me thinking, so I'm just saying...

"The best thing we could learn from advertising is - we don't really need anything."

Well hello ithief... glad you stopped by!

2010-12-08T15:49:00.002Z

I am Shana Dil. I live in New York. I was born in Calcutta. I studied Economics from the University of Michigan. I work for ANC Global.

... if you scroll to the bottom of the page you can find out who my siblings are, who my parents are, who my friends are. In fact, you can also find out what I am doing right about NOW!

Shana Dil has checked-in to the Starbucks on 5th Avenue.

Shana Dil is having coffee with Sarah D.

I hope you didn't miss the phone number I have mentioned. And if you are clever, you can find out where I live too!

So now Mr. Burglar, Mr. Identity Thief, Mr. Stalker you can rob me, buy fraudulent credits cards in my name, and why don't you join me and Sarah for coffee too!

*****

I am all for Facebook. I love the connectivity, I love having my friends a mouse click away, especially because most of them live in different parts of the world. And I like that social stamp you create on the internet. But the new FB Profile App. Seriously.

I know it's not a lot different from what is already there, but now, I feel like every time I look at someone's profile, I am given information that only someone who doesn't know the person needs to know. You are not friends with somebody because they speak Sinhalese, in fact, how many of us even know what other languages our best friends speak. I don't. And that's because I am not a friend of theirs because of that. FB should stay social. It's a social network where your friends see what you've been up to. They read what's on your mind. Beyond that, do we need any other information?

P.S. On a side note, this new Profile app makes it easier for people to see if they are on your limited list... yikes! c'mon we all do it :)

Sometimes we forget the good things...

2010-11-11T22:03:00.000Z

Like... listening to some santoor on last fm... it just takes me to Jehangir Art Gallery and Cafe Samovar where you enjoy classical Indian music over fresh gauva juice and hot parathas... add a rainy afternoon and it's bliss!

One

2010-05-21T00:17:00.002Z

The Facebook group ‘Everybody Draw Muhammed Day’ has upset me. I am not a Muslim, but I’ve been hurt by the images posted by some Facebook users. The images are graphic, extremely offensive and very disturbing. I fail to understand how someone can use these as an expression of Freedom of Speech. And I fail to see the humour in this. I for one am not a religious person, but I know that respect is at the centre of all beliefs. I can see the frustration expressed by the thousands who’ve joined this group, the ones who blame all Muslims for killing the innocent in terrorist attacks. But the very mind that gave you wisdom to understand what freedom of speech is, the very mind that gave you wisdom to express, gave you the ability to think.

I was very young when the 1993 Mumbai riots took place, perhaps too young to understand the distinction between a Hindu and a Muslim. I remember arguing, ‘If I cut your hand and if you cut mine, wouldn’t our blood be the same.’ Rationale of a ten year old, I guess.

There have been a few things that have stood by me through all these years. Thoughts and messages I hold very close to my heart, and if you know me, you’re likely to have heard me preach my appreciation for the beauty in these worlds.

One of them happens to be this song – One U2. It always seems to offer answers to everything. On days like these, when I lose faith in humaity…

'We're one but we are not the same. We got to carry each other.'

I heart Facebook!

2010-04-28T11:13:00.001Z

I go through my phases of loving-hating Facebook. It’s grown on all of us. It really is not an option anymore – you HAVE GOT TO have a Facebook account so that you can…

1) Post a photograph of yourself that blatantly don’t look like you in real life. O well, you can call it a miracle or a photoshop job

2) Post your baby photo – Why does everyone at some point of their Facebook existence have to post their baby photo! I don’t get it. I just don’t. BEFORE… … … … AFTER. RIIIIIGGGGGHHHHTTTTT

3) Post photos of causes you care for. Of course the tigers are not going to be killed because you’ve put up lil simba's photo.

4) Tell people when you’re all out of love – In a relationship, single, and the best one IT’S COMPLICATED.

5) Get married put up photographs of the wedding so all your single 25+ friends can go ‘uh oh my time is up. Shit, I gotto hurry up’

Dear tourist,

2009-12-16T23:14:00.007Z

I heard that Hagen Daaz has opened a new outlet in Delhi and you will be very pleased to know that it is offering an exclusive preview for ‘international passport holders’ only. Picture this, you’ve just ordered your favourite Strawberry Cheesecake, and this is the best part, when you walk out with this delicious cone of ice-cream, you won’t be stepping out into cold cold London weather, like you would at Leicester Square, or any other European city. Instead, you’ll be experiencing the joys of ice cream eating, cold ice cream in hot weather… you can’t possibly go wrong with that…

… although, I must mention, and this is just going to be a bit of a hitch, but I thought I’d let you know nonetheless. Well, given that this Hagen Daaz has opened up in Delhi, and I am guessing it’s probably going to be on a very busy high street, there is a slight possibility that your ice cream might attract a lot of beggars. There is also a possibility that they’ll surround you, nudge you, ask you to buy them ice cream, or like in my case, they’ll touch your ice cream with their dirty hands and then you would possibly have to give it to them anyways. That or you could always sit and enjoy your ice cream inside their café, fully air-conditioned and everything, just like any other European city. But then what’s the point?

Surely Hagen Daaz is not what attracted you to come to India, and if you do live in India, you don’t walk around with your passport, do you?

I’ve just returned from Mumbai, and even though I am not a tourist, even I know, that when in Mumbai, I’ll enjoy the street food and the Colaba market. I am not going to go to Mango and spend twice the money on a dress that’s probably two season old.

I am sure Mr Daaz is regretting this exclusive preview thing. Does he not realise that the only people who will spend money will be spoilt little rich kids who are all so proud to eat at a very expensive ice cream parlour, and of course the ones who will pay twice the money for a cone of ice cream only because it’s a foreign brand.

Mr Ronald McDonald was much clever I tell you. Indianised menus. Beat that? No beef of course, and have you tried their Mc Aloo tikki? You must!

P.S. While we are on this ‘exclusive preview’ thing, I heard that in Goa, you have shacks meant for foreigners only. No nasty Indian men trying to get touchy feely, you can wear a bikini without men gaping at your breast. Brilliant, who came up with that? Although, I must mention, and I am sorry to say, but it’s not your bikini, it’s ‘cause you’re white, and I mean this in the nicest possible way. We Indians are extremely fascinated by white skin, you will find out when you come to India and see the number of fairness creams advertised on TV, we want to be white, so obviously these men find you attractive, hence why the poor boys stare. Not to forget that India’s pollution is over a billion, that clearly indicates that hormones are at work, so if they saw a scantily clad white woman, can they really help themselves? And with population figures like that, how many men can you escape – poor uncivilised uneducated boys who don’t know any better. It’s like me walking out in a mini skirt when it’s snowing outside in London. But then again, Goa is no Greece. How can it be, you'll pay less than a pound for a shot of Vodka, a meal for two will cost you under 15 pounds... if it costs that little there's probably a reason...

You know Mumbai has changed when...

2009-11-27T20:15:00.004Z

... they start serving Pani Puri made from mineral water at Elco.

I don’t know if Mumbai is the same city I left behind. The face of the city has changed, the lifestyle has changed, and the rich-poor gap is becoming very apparent.

The big malls, big brands, big restaurants, big spending… I am not sure if I recognize this.

It was not until I took public transport, went to a little market in the alley, bought a jewelry set for 180 rupees, struck a casual friendly conversation with the sandwich guy, the shop keeper, the taxi driver that I fell in love with the city all over again.

Mumbai is not about fancy shops, international brands, and expensive restaurants. It’s about these little lanes that have so much life in them.

… the bus driver who carries a wet cloth that he uses to freshen up ever so often; his only way to beat the heat.

... the boys working at the stall eating home cooked meal together

... the sandwich guy who makes 10 sandwiches a minute

the waiting staff who are sometimes just happy that someone smiled at them.

That’s my city’s identity.

I don’t want to see big malls, over priced foreign labels, fancy expensive restaurants.

I want to take a cab late night and get chatting to the cabbie about his life in the city

I want to take the public transport because for the pennies they charge, they are still the most efficient and the cheapest way to travel in the city.

I want to bump into the old lady on the train who’s squatted so comfortably by the door of a fast moving train, without a care in the world.

I want to go to Cafe Leopold to catch up with friends because it always takes you back to the good old days.

And eat the roadside sandwich, one with all the yellow sev on top, and the kind of tomato ketchup that you won’t find in any food market.

I don’t want food bazaars; I want my local baniya, who after all these years will be happy to deliver just butter because you’ve realised you’ve run out of it.

To me that is Bambai, I don’t want Mango, Zara, over priced La Senza. I want FAB India, I want the Cotton Cottage Emporium, I want the khadi bhandar which will support the farmers of my country.

Kurbaan - A review

2009-11-26T17:36:00.003Z

I don’t know why I have been hearing mixed reviews about Karan Johar’s Kurbaan.

Yes, if you’re expecting typical Bollywood fanfare, then you will be disappointed. But after watching Kurbaan, I think Johar has raised the bar for Bollywood films.

I don’t think Kurbaan could have been made in any other country. The Indian empathy for its Muslim brothers would leave many who see the film confused about the portrayal of a Muslim family. Hence, why I wasn’t surprised to hear comments like, “The Muslims have been portrayed very badly in the film,” when in fact the film portrays the realities of a radicalized Muslim home in the West.

What I liked about Johar’s Kurbaan is how he’s broadened the canvas and explored terrorism on a global level. That perhaps would be the only way to portray a terrorist’s point of view and get away with it.

He’s included examples of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan and seeks viewer’s sympathy for the terrorist in the film.

The film will not change your perception on terrorism or Islam, but will add another dimension to your thinking. I don’t think a terrorist has a religion, and that was portrayed by Vivek Oberoi towards the end of the film, when Saif Ali Khan points a gun to his head.

I understand why the Muslim world would be upset with the West and that is demonstrated in Vivek Oberoi’s debate in the classroom, when he mentions about the invasion of Iraq, war in Afghanistan and Gaza. I also strongly believe that an eye for an eye will make the world go blind and that has been portrayed when you see images of people of all colors suffering post the first blast in the sub-way.

Would this film work if the terrorist was one plotting a bomb in India? I don’t think so. Even though fundamentally, they are fighting for the same cause.

In my closet

2009-11-12T18:13:00.002Z

There is something so exciting about coming home. I guess it's the familiarity, the memories and all those cotton candy emotions.

I came home to my room and had to go through old albums and scarp books and clothes and here's a peek into my closet...

* In my ME diary, I have mentioned that a hairy guy is a big turn off... and how I would never date a tall man because I am a midget (not exactly but...) and now, after all these years, a hairy 6 foot tall Iranian man :)

* I found a letter that me and a close friend had signed... it was more of a bet on who would find the love of their life by 24... and we signed it with lipstick marks (we very 17... and obviously very lonely) lol

* I found a photograph of my 18th birthday where my 3 good friends had 'dolled' me up for the evening and I was very very quick to spot a diamante tattoo on my right shoulder... hahaha one of those what was I thinking moments

* I had burn someone I was dating a mixed tape (lol... classics) and had made little hearts all over the CD... (I'd say not giving the tape to the man was a wise decision)

* I found a scrap book from my 10th grade and there was a bitch who had this to say...
HAPPIEST MOMENT: Dating your boyfriend (excuse me)
FRIENDS: Not you!

* And the grand finale... a pack of Strawberry bidis... bidi is like a poor man's cigar... good thing I bought the STRAWBERRY flavor then!!

Fair and lovely? Fair is lovely.

2009-10-28T00:25:00.005Z

Right now, I am watching Nip, Tuck, Bleach: The White Beauty Myth on Channel 4. The program journeys the life of a 5’2” Malaysian man who wants to grow taller, a AA-sized Chinese woman who wants to go up to a C-cup, and a size-F Black woman who wants to reduce to a D cup.

I can’t help but think about the skin whitening creams advertised by Bollywood celebrities, or the times when my mum would tell me not to drink a lot of tea or go out in the sun because it will make me darker.

The funniest, or the most shocking skin-whitening cream advert I’ve seen is one where the girl couldn’t find a suitable groom because she was dark… it’s funny because it’s true.

Then there is the South-Asian fascination with white skin, blue/green eyes and tall slim girls, knowing well that Indian girls, in most cases, cannot genetically have a fair skin, blue/green eyes, and are not hereditary tall.

Who sets these beauty boundaries? Who says that a black woman, whose body is genetically built heavy, should reduce her F-sized breast to look more like a white Caucasian woman? Who says that a Chinese woman whose breast size is naturally 7 sizes less than a white woman’s body should have breast implants?

We as a society have for years used Barbie as a benchmark for beauty? The same brown and black people who complain of being victimised in society because of the colour of their skin have blindly preached the white beauty myth. Never have we questioned society’s acceptance of beauty. Why can’t my Barbie be a short, chubby brown girl, or a black girl with Afro hair? Racism exist not because one race exercises its superiority over the other… racism exists because we want it to exist.

Hair there everywhere!

2009-10-20T14:03:00.009Z

My parents are religious. I wouldn't say very religious, just religious. And because of them, I've had the opportunity to discover, explore and visit some extremely fascinating places in India. I remember for the longest time since we were children, my mum had wanted to go to Tirupathi. We did visit the temple just before I came to London, and me being me wasn't very happy about the way the temple works.

For starters, we were escorted by a "guide" who had guaranteed us "next day darshan" (worship) I understood more about the deal when we were let through a lot of queues, as if given some privilege status above the people who've travelled from small villages and towns, who've probably saved pennies to make this once in a life time trip, who were queuing for days before they could get to see the idol. But obviously in India, you're above law and in this case, closer to god, with a few extra dollars!

'Sacrificing the hair' ritual has been going on for years at Tirupathi. I remember my younger brother sitting with a nai (barber) on the temple steps when he was 3 years old. People have a lot of faith in the lord and I am not disrespecting their belief.

Hence, it really shocks me to watch programs about hair extensions, where the hair is sourced from the temple from people who sacrifice their hair, only to have the temple exploit their 'donation to god' for profit.

And when I hear rich salon owner sitting in London talk about how they donate part of their profit to charities who help development in these countries, it absolutely shocks me.

(A) That's the story of India - People with some money get away with anything. And the temple continues to exploit innocent people's devotion.

(B) How are you suggesting that someone paying £500 for hair extensions in a London salon and the salon donating £50 pounds of that profit to a charity in India that will in turn put £10 towards a child's development, probably the same child who's hair you used, helping the child in any way. To put it simply, you made £500 from that child's hair and you've probably given them £10 charity! I am not good at business, but even I can work that math!

A third-world view of the world

2009-10-02T14:00:00.012Z

My Iranian boyfriend is reading ‘The White Tiger’ by Aravind Adiga. And for some reason, he thinks that by reading this book, he has suddenly developed a deeper understanding of my country’s past and present social, political, cultural situation. Just the same way, every single person who has seen ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ has seen all of Mumbai. Every time I mention that I am from Mumbai, I invariably get a ‘o I’ve seen Slumdog Millionaire.’ I think from now on my response to that should be, ‘Did you also see my house in there?’

I often get into heated debates with Ali about India. And I often tell him that his view is distorted by the way the Western world wants to see my country – slums, poverty, polio, child labour, sweat shops, etc. etc. etc. I am NOT DENYING THAT THEY EXIST.

Just the same way, I get into heated discussions with my “posh” friends from Mumbai who brag about the luxurious hotels in my city, the cuisine, the money that Mumbai mills, etc. etc. etc. To them, I want to highlight the poverty, the slums and the state of my country.

This is my logic, if a person from the West wants to show me the slums I want to show them the high rises. But to an Indian person I will not talk about the progress my country has made, because I don’t want them to neglect the side of my country that still exists.

Getting back to the ‘AM I ASHAMED OF THE SLUMS’ point that Ali made. I am disappointed in my government. I am disappointed with the corrupt and caste-driven politicians who are shunting my country’s growth. I am ashamed of the class-driven society that India is. I am ashamed that I still get asked what caste I am by people who drive BMW’s and take multiple trips abroad. I am ashamed that after all these years my friend had to break-up with her boyfriend ‘cause his mother didn’t approve of her caste. I am ashamed that Indian people (not all) can’t treat waiter’s right. That kids still rely on their parents to fund their luxurious lifestyle. That my country wants to copy the West but yet kids will be embarrassed to work at McDonalds to earn extra pocket money.

These are the problems that I see facing my country, but these are problems that the Western world will not be able to see because you truly need to have lived in the country to understand the social change India is going through. And these are problems that only people in India will be able to put an end to.

On the one hand, it’s progressing in IT, Infrastructure, and Science to be on par with leading economies in the world. But whilst, there’s ‘some’ growth and development, there’s a constant battle for India to prove itself.

I gave an example of a child who stammers, he has problems communicating in school because of his disability, but this child is working very very hard to try and improve his speech, he’s slowly getting there, but he’s constantly being reminded of his disability.

That’s India. I don’t have a problem showing the slums and poverty in my country, provided there’s something constructive coming out of it. i.e. it’s meant to bring about change. But I do have a problem with ignorant people who use those images to define a country, because those are the only images they are aware of.

You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi

Hello. My name is James, how can I help you?

2009-05-14T16:59:00.004Z

I’ve just been very angry these last few days. In the last two days, I’ve met Indian people who are ignorant about the plight of my country, and I’ve also met people in England who are ignorant and choose to live in their own little bubble.

I was having a causal conversation with a friend when she mentioned that she was pissed off because she had trouble connecting to a call centre, she said “he had the strongest Indian accent and yet, his name was James.”

I’ve heard this from a lot of people in England, comments about the Indian accent or their inability to help them because they cannot understand English accents, so much so that a number of banks now advertise that their call centres are based in the UK.

I understand their point of view. When I am looking for a solution or help, the last thing I need would be to speak to a person who doesn’t understand me.

There’s also another argument that call centres in India are taking jobs away from UK, which is fair. If jobs from my country were given to people from another country, when there are capable people to do these jobs, it would upset me as well.

What I fail to understand is the agro that James, John, Tony or George get because of a decision made by a corporate to save some money.

Call centre jobs in India have given hope of a decent life to people who struggled to earn a living or feed their family.

Multinational companies have exploited India’s strong population to their advantage.

The only people making profit from your call not being understood by a foreign person are these companies.

As far as the accent is concerned, you cannot change it, English in not my first language. It’s a different part of the world, where people look different, dress different and speak different. Just because it’s different from a lifestyle in another part of the world, doesn’t make any less of a culture.

And yes, I do know people who are James and John and Adam who live in India, that’s because a small percentage of people in my country are Christians.

To be fair, would you understand James if he said his name was Veraswamynathan?

Glorifying the geeks

2009-02-26T16:56:00.002Z

I spent my Sunday evening watching Richard Hammond talk about Airbus 380 and its mechanisms. Not because I had no say in what I could watch, being in the company of a very ego-centric male type, but because I was enjoying it, the program managed to get a few ‘o’ and ‘wow’ reactions from me.

When I think about it now, English television is dominated by geeks. Stephen Fry, the quiz wizard who parts with all information irrelevant. The Top Gear trio – Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May who make ‘know your car mechanism’ fun, and more recently James May’s 21st Century inventions.

I remember when I was 10 years old, knowing anything beyond your science book was not cool. There was the class geek and then there was the cool kid. And no body wanted to be a class geek, but now even the cool kids want to be class geeks. Funny that.

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-01-25T01:06:00.008Z

I haven’t really seen the movie. So, of course, I am in no position to offer a critique, but I have heard what a lot of people have to say – and everyone who has seen the movie, has something to say.

Someone at work, said, “It’s an amazing story of hope.” Step has never been to Mumbai, and what she sees is the image of Mumbai that she imagines it to be. If it’s slums and poverty, be it.

People in Mumbai are for some reason not happy with the movie? They feel that the movie portrays Mumbai as a third world under belly. And they are not happy to see that side of the city. But are the pictures not real? Did Danny Boyle create the slums, did he put together a set where happy faces of young boys are jumping over piles and piles of garbage and waste.

Gautami is a young girl who lives in the slums in Mumbai. She has never been to the cinema before watching this film. She shares an opinion that may contrasts the views of a lot of Mumbaikars. Gautami associates with the film, the slums portrayed “are just like” the ones she lives in she says. That is how women wash clothes and children play in our “Ambedkar nagar”, are her words exactly.

I am from Mumbai. I know the slums are a side to the city that no one wants to see, that everyday people drive past these slums in their fancy cars, it’s not something that people are proud of, but we would never know what it feels like to live in slums. We want people to see the high rises, and the world class restaurants and hotels that we are proud of, because that is what 'we' associate with.

I don’t suppose Danny Boyle had any intentions to demean the city through the film. I don’t think he showed us the side that we’re not aware of. Maybe, it’s just something we are not proud of, don’t you think?

The film is based on a book written by Vikas Swarup, an Indian author, funny then that an Indian person writing about the slums is okay, but the moment the West portrays that side of the city, it’s a biased perspective. I agree that the West has a strange fascination for things that may seem normal to you and me – polio, superstition and poverty. Probably, one of the main reasons why movies with these core subjects about India have made it to the Oscars ‘Documentary Short’ list this year!

2009-01-11T14:55:00.003Z

I do care about the people in Palestine. I do have an opinion about the thousand innocent lives that are lost in the war. So, don't judge me as being anti-Palestine or support Israel's decision to go to war. I am here to support no one. Wars around the world are the intent of political agendas and innocent people pay a heavy price for it.

A friend of mine told me that there's word going around to ban Starbucks and Marks and Spencer because the owners are Jewish! I remember when the world was still reeling from the aftermath of terrorism, there was a huge debate about stereotyping Islam as a religion that supported terrorism. One rotten fruit doesn't spoil the crop. I personally advocated that theory, if a terrorist is Muslim, it doesn't imply that all Muslims are terrorists. Stereotyping in any form - based on ethnicity, religion, caste, creed and colour is wrong. Funny that the same Muslim who dislike being stereotyped would advocate stereotyping.

What's in a name?

2007-03-06T11:17:00.001Z

Right, I am just a little bit worried about the kind of people who apply for jobs.

I just received my ‘rejection letter’ from Cosmopolitan… you know the kind that says… “we receive blah blah blah number of applications… high demand blah blah blah blah… we’re full up blah blah blah blah” And I happen to notice that the very same email had been sent to another applicant as well… WHOSE email address was nkpinkgirl@xyz.com…

nkpinkgirl!! Who would actually put that email address on their CV…

*thinks* Hang on, I get rejected along with a girl whose email address in nkpinkgirl…

The week that was...

2007-03-03T18:13:00.004Z

Today, I learnt that

The tubes in London are completely unreliable. Wonder what they do with all that money they charge us for travelling?
Also, learnt that TFL cannot make up it's mind about how much to charge us for travel. Sometimes, they charge us a pound to travel in the same zone and sometimes, they make it two!! How?
People beg on tubes. I thought it was something that one would witness only in the local trains in Mumbai, but today, I actually saw a woman asking for money. Wonder how she managed to pay for the travel on the tubes? Bet that's still more than what she makes.
That people from Sri Lanka can change their name to whatever they want after getting married... why would you change your name in the first place? The complications were evident when the lady at the National Insurance interview kept on repeteadly asking this lady from Sri Lanka "And what would you like to change your name to?" Isn't life complicated enough to add name change to that list...

It's black and white with shades of gray! That's the newspaper for you...

2006-12-06T19:12:00.001Z

I no longer know what it feels like to hold a newspaper in my hand…*sigh* The good old Bombay days…

About four months ago, I enjoyed/cherished/loved the little time I had to myself in the mornings when I boarded the CST local from Andheri at 8:10 am and enjoyed the 40 minute journey to work with my copy of The Hindustan Times.

I have never been a newspaper person. Somehow, I couldn’t get myself to digest The Times of India. Maybe because I was in that newsroom for a year and a half.

Today, I was going through the Hindustan Times (hhtp://www.hindustantimes.com/) website and looking at their e-paper…

The one good thing about Hindustan Times is that it gets me to think, an activity that I very often loose touch with when I forget ground reality.

Page 1 – Anchor Story – A PAKISTAN tribunal has cleared pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif of doping offences and lifted their long-term bans.

News Agenda: Cricket: drives the nation crazy, Pakistan – rival country! (Well, seriously would it have mattered if the two players had been from Zimbabwe, England or even Sri Lanka for that matter?)
Why Pakistan? Because they are taking away “our Kashmir” from us… Because “they nurture terrorists that bomb our trains and attack our parliament.” Because after the partition in 1947, the Hindu-Muslim divide has divided a nation and many lives.

Bottom line: Religion.

Page 2 – Photo story – Constables (even though the article doesn’t mention their religion) carry the chadar (cloth) as part of the Mahim dargah, a predominantly Muslim festival.

Bottom line: Religion.

Page 9 – Feature on the divide between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims.

Bottom line: Religion.

Page 10 – The EDIT page – Lead Story – desecration of Dalit (Schedule Caste) leader Dr B R Ambedkar’s statue.

BOTTOM LINE: Religion.

You know it is funny how we Indians boast of the diverse religion and cultures in our country, but it is this very religion that is diving us all.
*Brain not working anymore when friend IMed me on Gtalk* *I hate distractions. But it’s a topic very close to my heart* Once again, I loose touch with reality…

Does it hit us anymore?

2006-12-04T18:47:00.001Z

Our Palestinian classmate presented his views on the media in Palestine. I could see how he was passionately talking about Gaza-Israel-Palestine.

At the back of my mind, yes, I knew there was war, I knew people were dying, I know that for the people in Israel (I haven’t heard their story yet) and Palestine, these are trying times. But it’s when someone stands up, speaks up, shows you the images that you sit and take notice.

That’s a journalist’s job, at the end of the day a journalist is a story teller they tell a tale, one which is true and one which aims to make a difference.

Sadly though, as listeners ‘we’ only endure it for so long. At the end of the day, after you’ve seen the news and video, after you’ve read the headlines, after you’ve been hit by the images, the shock value only lasts for so long. What can you do about it as ordinary individuals? As a journalist, you could choose to make a difference… but can you change the world? You probably feel for the situation in the middle-east, you hate George Bush’s policies on Iraq, when you hear stories about Africa from your friends you feel for them too… but how can you as an individual make a difference to the entire world?

Tam also showed us a video which won an award in London recently. The camera man had taken this footage just 5 minutes after the Israeli ship hit two missiles on Gaza Beach killing a family, which included 6 children. (Correct me if I am wrong with the figures) On the one hand, there were injured people that needed attention, and on the other hand, there was this camera man who was filming one of the young girls crying over her father’s dead body. Ideally, the camera man, first as a human and then as a journalist, should have helped the man, lifting the body to the ambulance. But he chooses to stand there and film it. I am not too sure if that would have made a difference to the man’s life, but simply standing there filming the young girl cry over her fathers’ dead body, is this is most humane thing to do?

Then again, this footage is the only way to show the world the real picture. Which one is the greater good?

Reality cheque... glitz and glam!

2006-12-02T02:31:00.001Z

It’s been over two years since I promised myself I would watch the film Before Sunrise (1995)

It’s been over 2 weeks since my laptop was sent to the service centre.

It’s been 2 minutes since I just finished watching Before Sunrise at the library. It’s been 1 hour since something that I heard in the movie hit me.

“I hate it, the way the media is trying to control our mind…”

One of the first essays I submitted on my course was on Tabloidisation. My argument was that if tabloids reflect the lowest form of journalism, then why are they so popular?

Ask anyone enrolled on a journalism course in any classroom in any part of the world, and most would agree that working for The Sun or its equivalent is not something that would feature on their career goals.

Personally, I am not ashamed to admit that I wouldn’t mind working for The Sun. I enjoy reading celebrity gossip and entertainment news and I feel there’s nothing wrong with that. On any odd day, if you were to travel by the London tubes, you could practically see every single person doing the same - from London Lite to The Metro or The Sun… the tabloids are grabbing the eyeballs. Everybody wants to know about Prince Williams’s girlfriend or Kate Moss’s drug addiction habit or how long Brad and Angelina will last?

When I admit that I wouldn’t mind working for The Sun, I don’t imply that I am not interested in any other form of journalism or that I don’t care about the war in Iraq or I don’t think George Bush is a complete moron! I do. I have an opinion on everything. But somehow writing about ‘fluff' is so much more easy. It’s easier to write about the glitterati, than it is to write about Palestine and Israel. It almost works as an escape mechanism… who wants to do the hard work when there is an easy way around?

It probably works as an escape mechanism for the thousands of readers who prefer to read The Sun to The Guardian. While we as students of journalism would consider The Sun to be ‘rubbish’, the readers are probably telling themselves as they read the newspaper every single day, reading about how George Bush cannot make up his mind about Iraq every single day and saying “This same old story.”

Reading about celebrities and their high lives is less stressful than reading about Iraq. And who wouldn’t want a little less stress at the end of a long tired day at work... as they try to sort out their own problems?

At the end of the day, it creates a generation that is more interested in Tom-Kat’s wedding plans than it is in change. The media is controlling our minds… It’s creating a generation which is more concerned about the way they look, what they wear, which parties they go to… because they want to be a just like them… everybody wants to be a celebrity… why else would retail therapy be so popular?

By
Someone who is a 'result of too much pop-culture!'

What your counsellor didn't tell you and the University will NEVER tell you...

2006-11-26T23:22:00.001Z

When I enrolled for the MA Journalism International program at the University of Westminster, I was assured that it would be a truly international experience! What I wasn’t told was that it would be so international that I would only be surrounded by other ‘international’ students from all other parts of the world (as if we were some sort of alien species that needed to be ostracised) You see, my counsellor didn’t tell me that! Neither did the University. When I look at the University website now, it simply says, ‘This intensely practical MA course draws students from all over the world who wish to acquire or develop professional journalism skills in English, with an international overview.’

International overview?! (What is that?)

It also goes on to mention, ‘The minimum English language requirement is IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 650...’

The other day in Chris Horrie’s class, I happen to sit next to a fellow student whose first language is not English. Typical to Horrie the lecture had its fair share of puns. While some enjoyed the humour, my friend there sat still - speechless and motionless. Either he was taken aback by Horrie’s humour (which I doubt could be the case) or he didn’t understand a thing.

There have been instances when some of my other fellow students from Asia sit there with a digital dictionary trying to find out the meaning of ‘bias’ Yep, I am talking about a journalism class at post graduate level.

What surprises me most is when we are handed in our assignments, and for some reason some of these very students who have to sit in class with a dictionary, and nod as they pretend to understand everything, score 75 plus, whereas all other students struggle at 65. Let me get this straight, ‘the same student who needs to sit with a dictionary in class’ scores a 75 in an ENGLISH essay. A little odd as it may seem!

I have nothing against anybody in class and I am not judging your potential. I am sure you are very bright. But it bothers when I am told “This is not the first year something like this is happening.”

It bothers me even more when I think that a student who cannot understand the lectures properly is going to get a distinction, whereas another who has worked very very hard throughout the year is going to score first class.

Correct me if I am wrong. But it’s a fact that more and more Chinese students want to come to UK because they want to improve their English speaking skills. And I am sure that would certainly mean additional revenue for most UK universities. And I am certain that to make that additional revenue the University is willing to compromise in some way or another, maybe?

As students of the same class, we are all paying 9000 pounds, a lot of money for most of us. The rules are no different for you as they are for me or for anyone else. Then why are some students given preferential treatments? If it’s a class of English speaking students from across the world, let it be just that. How much of an international experience is it when you share a class with students who prefer to communicate with each other in their native language.

P.S: This was not meant to upset anybody, but if you do have somethign to say good/bad/ugly drop me line

Banning The Smoke newspaper

2006-10-14T22:56:00.002Z

Hey guys,

I don’t know if many of you know about this, but the Student Union has officially banned The Smoke newspaper. They have a problem with the lead story, which portrays the Union in a negative light. However, their argument is that the article is a result of lousy journalism, as the journalist has been biased.

As I have written the lead story, I do have the right to defend myself. I am not going to be subjective here. I think if the SU feels that the article is lousy... Fair enough, as a writer, I am open to criticism. We’re all students here at the University, we are here to learn. After all, we learn from our mistakes, don’t we?

But is the SU justified on banning the newspaper only because of one lousy journalist?!

The SU represents the students. The Smoke, which is funded by the Union, is a platform for students to voice their opinion. However, The Smoke is not a propaganda tool for the union. If it’s something good that the SU is doing, or even if it’s something bad, we (the students) need to know. And the money that the SU uses to fund the newspaper is after all our money. We have a right to know.

If you do have an opinion about the issue, please post. Right now, The Smoke needs your support. We need to make sure that the SU doesn’t get away with the ban. There’s a meeting this Thursday, 19th October at the Harrow or Marylebone campus (Will keep you posted) deciding the same. The newspaper needs as much student support as possible. It’s the union’s annual general meeting that day. Technically, it’s a holiday for students so that they can attend. I guess this is certainly of interest to the journalism students. Do post your opinion.

Thanks guys.

Update: Following the ban, the SU President Salima Lanquaye was to go live on Smoke Radio along with the editor-in-chief Rayhan Omar on Sunday 15th October, 2006 at 12 pm on the show with Ross Tilley, discussing the ban. However, the SU executives cancelled the interview at the nth-hour.

This is not the first time that the President has cancelled an interview. Previously, the SU editorial team has tried to contact the President on several occasions, but she has backed out the last minute.

The Union needs to clarify its stand. The article states very clearly that the President can get in touch with the paper and have her say. However, what the SU has done instead is gone ahead and banned the newspaper rather than answer the questions the article raises.

The students still want to know why the Freshers Fayre didn’t have active participation from the SU. Why were there no banks to help students who want to set up an account? There are many who still don’t have a bank account and are still clueless about Banking and TV licenses and part-time jobs. Help should have been provided by the SU during the Fayre, we want to know why they failed to do so. And since the newspaper couldn’t get in touch with the President, they have given her the chance to clarify her stand, which is only fair. Instead, the SU has banned the newspaper and are refusing to give a comment or issue a statement for the same.

Blogs?

2006-10-14T15:15:00.001Z

Hey all,

My name is Priyanka. Sometimes I spell it as Preanca, 'cause there are too many 'Priyankas' in India. There are two of us on the MAJI course... and I have met atleast two others over the one month that I have been in London... and guess what, we're not even in India. I think it's about time they officially ban 'Priyanka' as a name option.

I am from India (evident by now!) ... Mumbai/B'bay to be precise. I am on the MA International Journalism course... mind you, International is just a fancy term... it just means we DO NOT get to interact with the British students AT ALL.

I do have a blog on msn spaces... but I thought I'd use another one for the one year that I shall be here in London...

Will keep the posts coming (that's if I don't get too lazy!)