The perks of social media

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It’s flabbergasting how social media that mushroomed somewhere in late 90’s has changed the very definition of not only communication, but the way we view, consume and react to information. Before its advent, interactions were so limited. We were to a large extent, frogs in our own wells, isolated beings. The comparison can help us chalk the drastic change social media has brought in our lives. The mesh of interlinking nets has brought the world on your screens. This has given us the freedom to experience distant realms of entertainment, information, adventure, science, art and probably everything down the sun and beyond and is the reason you are reading this post!

Probably that is why, we feel so hapless without our cell phones. Before social media, you didn't have any medium to express your opinions and views, even celebrities on screen didn't! For instance, you watch a movie or political discussion or news, but have no platform to respond and react unless you are a profound writer (not scribe) and find invitation for a newspaper column. Maybe you can just go as far as discussions at the family dining table. Facebook, Twitter has given us a mouthpiece to air our views, and no one would deny that everyone likes to be heard; cutting the controversies and over-board banter as a result of the latter. Freedom of speech, as you know, is subjective and one must know where to draw the line. Today, photos are clicked merely to be shared on social media! Life seems to be happening! Not tilting to the other side of the coin, social media, by all means, has ruled the roost, widened our perspectives, understanding, and changed the way we interact, communicate and even think! 
Today, you don’t know a thing, and Google comes to your rescue, so much so that it has become a verb itself! ‘Google it’ we say! Just imagine how ignorant would we have been had the information not reached us with this ease! Of course, there were means to find information earlier, but not always, did one have access to all the relevant materials. Today, thanks to the Search Guru, we have access to almost all the files.

International news can travel in a flick of a second, and thus newspapers and websites give us updates on global news. Overall, if we minus this digital intercommunication, our lives would definitely not be the same! As Brian Solis, digital analyst and author says, “Social media is about sociology and psychology more than technology.”
Why to go far, the exchange of ideas, women groups- the mutual learning and sharing through social media have contributed to community welfare. One of its best uses has been to garner support, expose corruption and create a people’s movement. It has redefined the use of hashtags with #MeToo etc. trending among the Twitterati.

The World Wide Web is a sea of engaging information waiting to be explored and pursued for our tastes and benefits. A little innovation, spark of an idea, can change destinies today as they did for Mark Zuckerberg and Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger's (founders of Instagram) or Dhinchak Pooja :D (pun).

But as we tread this digital path, what lies crucial is maintaining originality and not getting carried away with all the bombardments from all sorts of media. Posts should not be for the ‘sake of it’ but genuine, which of course, is a challenge in this ‘copy-paste’ world. In fact, the fear is also losing one’s own indigenous talent in the run. Practising ingenuity is the key.

Social media, if used effectively and rightly, to enhance one’s skills can create wonders!

Pune tithe kay unhe

Pune tithe kay unhe

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For those who didn’t get the adage, it means in the city of Pune, there can’t be any shortfall. And it’s ‘Pune’, not ‘Poona’ mind it! If you happen to mispronounce it, a proud Punekar will be prompt to correct you. Pune derives its name from ‘Punyanagari’- the confluence of two rivers (Mula and Mutha) is called ‘punya’.

From Puneri ‘pagdya’ to ‘patya’, this city has some incredible things to its credit. So why are Punekars the way they are? Let’s take a tour:

Belief and Lifestyle: A ‘Punekar’ is always right, thinks s/he knows everything, will always find sense in what s/he says, will not tolerate a word against the city and will brag about it whenever s/he finds an opportunity. It is not surprising when people say, you cannot win over a Punekar in an argument :D 
Another signature quality of Pune, which is fallacious, is shutting their businesses from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. (For the cherished afternoon nap!). It reminds me of a dialogue from the movie ‘Pune Mumbai Pune’, when the actress, while countering the hero’s statement- ‘Pune never shuts because of rains’, sarcastically says, ‘Pune shuts only due to lunch time!’. But I would slightly disagree here. With the city becoming a cosmopolitan IT hub, the custom no more stands true.

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Puneri patya: The arrogance is reflected here- Puneri patya. “Kindly be patient after ringing the bell; we have people in this house and not Spidermen!” Instead of ‘Do Not Spit’, the Punekar will go a little over board- “If you spit here, your patient will not be cured”, and “Only idiots to throw garbage here!”

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Wadas and forts: Pune is home to the mighty wadas and forts that speak of the legacy of the kings and Peshwas whose valour reverberates even today in powadas (ballads). Kumbhar wada, Vishrambaug wada, stand as epitomes of the city’s elite history. These dwellings built by the Marathas were palatial, adorned with stone carved pillars. They are evident of the thoughtful civilizations built in the 18^th century,  that facilitated administrative purposes. They also had some secret features which were only known to a few. Shaniwarwada (thanks to Bajirao Mastani regained significance) - was considered the prime location for the Peshwa rulers. Built by Bajirao Peshwa, it could accommodate about 1000 people. It had 5 gates- Dilli Darwaza, Mastani Darwaja (Mastani's Gate) Khidki Darwaja (Window Gate), Ganesh Darwaja (Ganesh Gate), (used by ladies at the fort to visit the nearby Kasba Ganpati temple) and Jambhul Darwaja or Narayan Darwaj.

Apart from sight-seeing, these places have a lot of interesting tales surrounding them.

Similarly the forts- Torna, Rajgad, Raigad and Sinhgad- the famous trekking spot for youngsters are the most sort-after getaways. Another reason why one must visit Sinhgad is for the famous pithla- bhakri (besan and jowar roti) offered there. The forts were built in such a way so as to prevent easy access to the enemies. Such was the precision and insight of our ancestors that they defy the high tech, modern construction techniques used today.

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Oxford of the East: Pune, rightly called the ‘Oxford of the East’ is home to premier institutes like Fergusson College, BMCC, College of Engineering, Pune (CoEP), Agriculture College, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)and the mother of all, ‘Pune University’, which have produced gems in their respective faculty. The Deccan Society was founded by the stalwarts of the Indian freedom movement-Lokmanya Tilak, Gopal Agarkar, Vishnushastri Chiplunkar and Madhavrao Namjoshi. Apart from these, it also houses, The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) and National Defence Academy (NDA). There is no wonder that students from outskirts, other states and countries come here for education. 

The Art hub: Pune is known to be an abode of the art aficionados, rightly considered the cultural capital of Maharashtra. There is are active theatre groups instrumenting with experimental and commercial theatre. Most importantly, these are appreciated by an equally receptive audience. Balgandharva, Ganesh Kala Krida Manch and others are frequented by artists and art lovers. Another attraction are the college youth festivals- a platform to showcase talents and the Pune International Film Festival. Pune also has the patronage of hosting the Purushottam and Firodiya Karandak, the most coveted prizes for grooming artists. Same is the case with music which traces a luminous legacy. Savai Gandharva being one of the remarkable music festivals of the city.

Laxmi road: It’s the most buzzing and happening road of the city. Thus, making our way through this road is a tedious task. The road stands true to its name, probably one of the richest roads of the city, owing to the shopping arenas here. The gold and silver vendors are mounted at the ‘Sonya Maruti’ chowk. From Ashtekars to Gadgils, you will find people thronging the stores on all festive occasions seeking muhurta (an auspicious occasion) to buy jewelry.

Tulshi baug: When you come here, you don’t think online shopping has made any difference to this

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ever-flourishing market. Latest fashion accessories, clothes; you name it and you’ll find here. You are certainly spoilt for choice. It is crazily crowded, and you will seldom bump into a salesperson trying to sell you apparels at his shop. And the most important thing- ladies, you can try all your bargaining skills here!  

Amid this chaos, lies a lane in tulshi baug, quiet and serene for copper items. You’ll find the best antiques and handcrafted items here.

ABC: I am not mentioning the chronology. It’s the Alpa Balwant Chowk- a paradise for book lovers! All the students, from pre-primary to PHD, belonging to all faculties of the university- be it engineering, medical or law, come to shop for their books here. Wholesale markets with a 50% return policy offer everything in a platter!

Camp: Another place to hang out is Camp. Again it’s the shoppers’ favourite destination- be it cheap roadside shopping or brands, it meets the needs of all. The clover centre shopping arcade is all-in-one centre for shopping. Eateries like Pasteurs, Marzorin and Ram Krishna, to name a few in Camp have always been a Puneite’s favourites.

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Fashion statement: The Puneri pagdi is an ideal souvenir to carry for it is a trademark of its identity. The Puneri pagadi as we know came into use by Peshwas and later by freedom fighters, like Lokmanya Tilak and reformers Mahadev Ranade. It is considered as a symbol of honour and pride. Now it can be spotted during traditional days during college festivals.

The traditional Puneri pagadi and nauvari saree can never go out of fashion; in fact they reinstate the fashion statement. Nauvaree saree is a traditional attire of the Maharashtrian woman and made of a nine yard long cloth. Exactly nine yards! We wonder today how the ladies then managed it! But the complete look- with a nauvari saree, nath (nose ornament), hair bun with veni (hair accessory), green bangles, anklets complimented with a chandrakor bindi (that of a shape of crescent moon) makes it all worth! Nothing else can make up for this traditional look.

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Foodies’ heaven: Ah! Writing about this is challenging as I already have my mouth watering for I am talking about puran poli- wheat or maida roti made with a stuffing of jaggery and dal. A hot puran poli right out of the pan with ghee over it is a favourite (and weakness) of every Puneite and you cannot be any exception. This is savoured with ‘katachi amti’ (thin tangy tempered spicy dal). 

A simple food item in the staple diet is pithla bhakri. It has reached corners of the world finding place even in the kitchens of starred hotels as it is very healthy and tasty! For foodies, Pune has Chitale, Joshi Vadewale, Vaishali for South Indian dishes, Kalyan Bhel, Bedekar Misal, Kayani Bakery for shrews berry biscuits and the famous Budhani Wafers. So, if you happen to visit Pune, you should not miss on these lip-smacking cuisines or you simply haven’t experienced Pune ;P

Ganesh Utsav: One would say Ganesh Utsav is celebrated all over, but if you want to experience the authentic one, you must visit Pune, for it was here that Lokmanya Tilak elevated the festival to a social level. It is the most awaited festival and celebrated in pomp and grandeur. The atmosphere for these 10 days is palpable with chants of Ganesha echoing in the air, decorated pandals, aartis and relishing modaks (yumm!). These are the most happening days with special celebrations and events planned throughout.

The Manache Ganpati, from the time the social festival began, are Kasba Ganapati, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug Ganpati and Kesariwada Ganpati. Dagdusheth is another revered and most visited temple here.

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Dhol tasha- Undoubtedly the world’s best dhol tasha is found here. Even in the age of DJs and dolbys, the resonating dhol-tasha does not fade out. The city hosts numerous dhol tasha groups consisting volunteers from all walks of life, some only for girls. Participants can be as young as 8 years and as old as 45 or more. Their dress code is usually kurta pyjama and pheta (head gear). These groups start their practice months before the Ganesh festival. These pathaks play with such invigorating energy- an amalgam of strength and devotion that you are left awestruck, mesmerized! 

Pune is one of the few cities who has retained its culture and heritage, takes pride in it, while imbibing modernism and moving ahead with time. You can experience here, the quaint, peaceful surroundings and also dynamism. It is up to you to have your own rendevous with this 'punya nagari'. This is trying to give a glimpse of the city and its characteristics, which is quite vast and diverse to sum it all up. But I hope you now agree to ‘Pune tithe kay unhe!’.

Kal Aj aur Kal..

It was casual chatting- 'during our times...’, as the elderly always say. Mom and maasi reminiscing their childhood memories, and often comes an inherent spurt of laughter. This is so fascinating- some unbelievable and interesting facts that happened only then! Amid this discussion we too got a sneak peek of the yester-era. Some catchy snippets:

1. Buying chai patti daily: Unlike today's bulk buying, people then purchased goods according to daily requirement and not for monthly stock. The tea powder came in packets for charana, athana (I think these words will be out of dictionary very soon; or they already are? :O)

2. The serpentine ration queue: Buying of grains wasn't as easy as going to the grocery store downstairs or even simpler- opening your grocery app and placing the order. The ration market always had long queues to wait before you could get your quintal. The wheat, they say, wasn't as we see today, but red in colour and something like ‘Gahu (American) 1 Re kilo’ written on the price plate at the store.

Rice- which is a weakness to most wasn't a daily affair in most places in Maharashtra. It was a delicacy prepared only on festivals!

Green revolution was still underway and there wasn't surplus produce; but was organic!

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3. Exclusive foods: Dry fruits, almonds and jam and even apples were not common. A jam bottle (not readily available in markets then) was coveted and eaten with care so as not to finish early. Mangoes were a heaven's paradise (this hasn’t changed much) and they were careful not to leave any bit of the pulp from the peel. 

They fondly remembered their ‘first time encounters’ with these exclusives.

4. Making their own toys: Balls didn't come ready made. They were crafted with love and care, consolidating pieces of tyre rubber and scrap; grooming some artistic skills and craftsmanship you know! And losing this piece of toy was heartbreaking!

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5. Playing 'real': Play stations, mobile games or the latest fidget spinner- children were ‘happily’ oblivious of these. Children back then didn't depend on digital aids or technological gizmos for entertainment or engagement. They played games in the ‘real’ and not virtual world. It was as simple as stepping out of the house in the open playground and then there was lagori, gilli danda and marbles.

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6. Cycling: This was a luxury and often meant borrowing and sharing of bicycles among peers. It would have been a sight when girls tried their brother’s cycle (don't get the purpose of the rod) and managed to paddle with a tilt! 

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7. Playing in the mud: Parents today would get palpitations at this thought! Making forts in monsoon with one’s own architecture and moulding the clay with own hands would have been a delightful exercise; certainly more than bringing the ready-made ones on Diwali.

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8. Sharing: This was ‘practical’ and not merely mugging definitions from the moral values book; especially with each one having siblings. There was always everyone’s thought when the pie was divided! Using the clothes and textbooks of the elder brothers and sisters was an unsaid rule. The elder one was lucky here, while the youngest chap getting the (second hand raised to no. of elder sibling times) passed on material. :D

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9. Lifestyle and surroundings: There was no-motor obsession! With no mobile, people were ‘mobile’! They walked everywhere and anywhere, for miles, effortlessly. It didn’t require treadmills to complete our workout quota. Students walked to school and came back home for lunch. There was no television, screens to glare at. Thus, there was ample time, life was hassle free. The air was fresher. Pune was known as a ‘non-fan station’! So there were no ACs, no gyms and less medical stores!

10. Celebrations: It was an elaborate affair. Festivals were celebrated in real and not merely on WatsApp. But as a witty student once said, “All said and done, we cannot live without technology and no one would like to go back to the 1G era.”

11. The 31^st: The month-end time was the most dreadful for most households! That eagerly waiting on 31st of the month for dad to return home with salary was the most awaited occasion! Tensions did exist, not like the ones today, but more basic with what to cook food tomorrow? Will it suffice the family? When compared, I don’t know which are worse. (Thankfully, we live in better times.)

Those times we cannot believe, can only afford to imagine! They have been through it, yet they were happy and content and lived life to the fullest. They had some tough life lessons which made them face challenges head on, unlike today’s overtly pampered kids. Sanitised hands and low immunity!

They found happiness! Childhood was a memorable time for them. Some were good experiences, while ​some they never want again. But this is life- of bitter and sweet experiences. And who knows, we too would tell our younger ones, “During our times…”

It is to move on with lessons, thanking God for the good things and hoping for a bright future. It is to find happiness between Kal, aj aur kal!

DECIPHERING BAAHUBALI

Few movies stay with you, linger in your memories long after you have stepped out of the theatre, but this one was more than usual and why not, as it was the magnum opus, most awaited Indian film, and larger than life like its name, ‘Baahubali’. The overwhelming plot and the majestic presentation (of course credits to VFX) was a surreal experience! It’s challenging to even comprehend and write about this magnificent project, leave alone thinking something so creative! One couldn't stop staring in bewilderment at the Mahishmati Empire or the constantly evolving plot, so here’s attempting to decipher its fabric as to why it stands out from its contemporaries. Apart from the breathtaking shots, what etched in the audiences’ memory was the way every character is sketched with individual attribution. As Prabhas rightly said in an interview, “The first part was about introducing the characters, the second about revealing them.”

Baahubali, that has many folds to it, primarily revolves around ‘who would be the king’ and Rajamouli pulls the right strings with the talented actors. The director of unmatched potential brings creativity at another level, as Anushka says, “His creativity stuns me”, otherwise who would have thought of turning split arms into a bridge :D. The screenplay needless to say is intriguing and seeks analogy to the Mahabharata. Though the end part with action sequences garnered lot of trolls, but when it is a South Indian cinema, you know the laws of physics go out of the window! Minus that the story is powerfully driven by the set of ideologies and beliefs of the characters that also offers great life lessons!

Amarendra is an excellent character ever written, probably one of the bests. Apart from his thick long locks, clad in royal attire, the walk with élan, there is more to the deep character of Amarendra. He epitomizes kindness and courage; is a man of principles, savior of the underprivileged and a ‘knight in shining armour’ in a very literal sense! (I may seem to be superfluous with adjectives but cannot help :D). Yet, he disguises as a naive, subdued ‘Shiva’. This fairy-tale like sequence was the most beautiful part of the film (Credits to VFX). More so, he is an egalitarian and knows what is right and has the courage to stand by it, come what may. This is also beautifully brought out at various instances in the film- when the young prince fights to grab a morsel of the low grade food from his mama, not sacrificing the animal, instead giving his own blood. He inspires his contingent when they are on the verge of breaking, advocates dharma and is a follower of it. It is noteworthy that he is courageous enough to go against his mother for the sake of righteousness. He rules the hearts, with or without throne is immaterial! Even when breathing his last, he is worried for his mother. That he siphons all the energy to swirl the sword once in the air and hail ‘Jai Mahishmathi’, nails it all. His character that eludes another level of heroism never fails to mesmerize.

Bhallal, on the other hand, though raised by the same mother, inherits valour and strength, without integrity. He is composed with attributes like that of the Kaurava.

Kattappa, the Bhishma of Mahishmati, is faithful and a staunch follower of the solemn vow made by his ancestors. This even leads him to kill Bahubali, though for an excuse of saving Sivagami from the sin. (This is difficult to digest and you just wish this could be averted.) But when Krishna in Mahabharata manipulated truth for the greater good, shouldn't he have made any effort to clarify misunderstandings?

Another aspect about Rajamouli was assigning powerful roles to women who do not remain mere puppets or so called ‘damsels in distress’, but they are equally impressive at war craft. Sivagami, the untitled ruler is awe-inspiring with invincible persona. She in unbiased and just, but unknowingly lets guilt spew in her heart for not crowning her son as the king. She, as Bhallal rightfully says tries to ‘compensate’ for it. She refuses to understand the other side of the story which triggers the change-making decision. Here, the vulnerable and faulty human nature is brought to fore. Also, her tagline ‘My word is law’ manifests dictatorship that ceases freedom and is not healthy for any administration and causes downfall.

Devasena is the ferocious warrior princess who knows her rights and demands for the right dharma. Her statement, “The silence of a wise man is more harmful than the atrocities of a tyrant” speaks volumes on moral administration. But she is vocal and aggressive at all times. Could things be smoother had she been mellower?

‘Mahendra’ though righteous and fighting for good is unlike his father. Raised by tribals, he is free-spirited, impulsive and ‘vengeful’ than being steady headed like his father. At the fag end of the movie when Mahendra is sworn in, he reiterates the dictum ‘My word is law’. Instead ‘Jai Mahishmati!’ that shows adulation to the motherland would have been an apt slogan.

The narrative also pays keen attention to the nuances in the period drama- being indigenous and getting to the roots- the use of Sanskrit, the study of archery and its techniques, the parade at the coronation- Bahu’s dedication and loyalty almost giving you goose bumps. 

Finally, it completes the circle when Devasena plants the ‘havan kund’ on her head, and everything miraculously moves out of her way (as it does for Sivagami) and the inevitable happens.

With principles held in high esteem, the clash of the heavyweights and the victory of good over evil, Baahubali emerges as a masterpiece. And with the S.S. Rajamouli stamp in the end, we can’t thank him enough for giving us the legend ‘Baahubali’.