kasmenon

AN EXPERIMENT  WITH  DEMONETIZATION This was  not  a  normally cold Christmas morning  and it dawned  after an eve that never ended. Not that I was looking around for Santa near the ATM's through the previous night. I was surely with a bunch of ex defense chaps with no intention of planning any surgical or non-invasive strikes. That alone ensured we started seeing jingle bells as the eve went by and turned into the birthday of Christ. You know what I mean! If you don't then its better off that way. Now back to the morning. Had not written anything for my blog for a long time, having convinced myself that no one reads it anyway. However, something was nagging me for a while, actually since Nov 8th. When our world entered a black hole. One, from which, we have to yet to exit. Now, I am sure you know what I am talking about.  Since then many reams of newspapers have dissected this new monster called Demonetization. Wannabe economists, newly...

MONSOON, KUDALIKA AND ME The Monsoon propelled me out of literary laziness. It , as always, did alter my mood for the better.  This year the rain gods laid it out in all splendor. Asking me to smell the rain, feel the wind.    Alluring me to kiss it and letting me feel the rain drops on my head. Sing a lullaby . The lush green outdoors, the swirling rivers and the majestic waterfalls beckoned me. Promising to dance with me as the rains fall.  Who am I , a  creation of this very element, to say no.  Yes, I was like a child wanting to rush to his mothers arms.  So with a little persuasion , a little nudge from me  and some research ,  few friends packed our bags and set out. Albeit on a short trip. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. We were never the ones to allow it to be nothing.  Our first stop was the rain soaked Lonavala.  It is a small town about 15 sq miles  in area and at a moderate elevation...

ARTICLE 14 AND THE ANIMAL KINGDOM A canopy of trees spread out deep into this tropical ever green forest, situated hundreds of kilometres from one of ancient Indian River systems.   The Syzygium (Jambul) and Mahogany with an occasional Banyan tree dominated the area,    amidst thick flora. This was once a complete ecosystem, with a large variety of wild animals and bird life. This was the kingdom of the animals and birds, the four legged and the winged variety and had been so, for well over millions of years. The last few centuries saw humans make inroads and, over time, dominate the once lush thick forest. The animals were the ones who kept withdrawing.    Nature has a way to get back at those who exploit and dominate.  It had to happen. One day. Deep inside this forest. Circa 2025. It was just like another twilight. The Sun had disappeared, lost among the thick foliage. But light, in brilliant hues, seeped throug...

Social media and politics  We all have seen an enormous number of content exchanged via the social media  Facebook, Instagram , WA etc. These have content that are authentic, plain forwards, personnel opinion, propaganda, lies, half truth, rumors , humorous , highly inflammatory, defaming, insulting, praising, worshiping and a variety of reactions and responses, reflecting ones sate of mind, values, ideology, commitment or plain stupidity.  Is it serving a purpose? If so whose?  Most likely it does help spread information, knowledge and awareness. It even may serve as an outlet for ones anger, frustration or plain boredom. Probably all of these in various combinations and to a limited extend.  However, there also is an expected fallout. One that is a heavy price to pay. Something ,which could destroy the social fabric.  One would have noticed that as we indulge in this frenzy we come across angry , upset and distraught friends, relatives...

PMOJI AND ME It was a lazy Sunday morning, the first of the New Year, with the Sun, unusually, managing to bathe the landscape and the structures in splendid sunlight, resulting in a peak winter time temperature of 26 degrees.   I was also lazing around, thinking of such unusual weather, climate change , odd even and such earthy and vital concerns of the human race. Surely, it was a lazy Sunday and would have remained so had that call not come, disturbing my half stupor and half contemplative mood.   The ringtone on my cell is one that is practical but pleasant.  The one that disturbed my Sunday sounded impatient and serious. As i glanced across the screen, the true caller I’d the call to be originating from Delhi. An unknown number. Normally, I do not answer a call from an unknown number on a Sunday, particularly when I was worrying about saving the world. This call somehow seemed different. A part of me told that it is an important call, one which m...