Civic Sense, if Not Common Sense

All over the place, everyone is comparing and complaining about the differences between India and other countries. But, let us forget about economy and population and all those statistical figures for a moment. One of the biggest difference I feel is in the attitudes of people and one particular aspect - civic sense!

The trigger to this sudden line of thought was some brain damaging construction activity that went on in one of the neighbouring houses. Suddenly, yesterday some grinding/drilling/polishing or some such activities began somewhere in the neighbourhood. Now, that this needs to be done by whom so ever can be understood, that this was going to be continued through the night took us all unawares. The non stop droning of the drilling (or whatever) machine had gotten everyone to "bang head against walls" condition in the first half hour itself. By noon everyone was hoping there might be a break for lunch at least but no. Then we started looking forward to the 5pm deadline beyond which workers in kerala stop working with a religious fervor. But no such luck, they broke that record as well (might have been north Indian workers). Finally the work halted by around 8pm and silence has never sounded so musical before. We didn't even switch on the television in order to just enjoy the sound of silence but unfortunately (and extremely surprisingly for kerala) the workers were back in half an hour!

My point is not that in another country drilling wouldn't happen. It would. But, I am sure they would be obliged to inform their immediate neighbours at least of the oncoming sound pollution. Whats more important is that I am sure other countries would definitely have and abide by a decent cut off for such noisy work. Well, not here. No one cares and everyone suffers in "silence".

It's the same about honking, stopping your cars right at the turns and lets not even get into the spitting/cleanliness bit. With people getting such high education, more money and a much higher standard of living as such, I wish the same would reflect in the way they treat their country, at least their immediate neighbours and surroundings!

Anyways, since this is a huge ongoing debate in our country and the discussion shall go on for ever, I am stopping right here as my purpose was to take it out of my system and that has been achieved.  

The Much Awaited Moment

I recently saw and immediately fell in love with the new "Your Moment is Waiting" Add for Kerala Tourism. Parallely, I read lots of criticism against this add most of which expressed concern about how the add did not depict the essence of kerala, especially in terms of enough greenery, backwaters and beaches.

However, what I felt was that the add depicted all these elements and more in a very surreal, dream like, mystery filled and interesting manner

This is the day of the intelligent and aware traveller. Anyone planning a trip these days wouldn't just pick up a picture book, see pretty pictures and select randomly. People consult travel agents, do thorough studies on the Internet and basically know exactly what there is to be seen and explored, while visiting a new destination. Also, today's travellers are more often than not young, stressed out executives looking for some fun, relaxation, family time and most importantly needing soul searching and trying to find themselves. Assuming KT had this target population in mind while shooting this add, I believe the travels and experiences of the young female protagonist depicted here, hits these right spots.

It intrigues, piques ones curiosity and leaves the viewer with a sense of awe and mystery.

What I liked most about this add is what I think also got the most criticism - the absence of the obvious and apparent. Instead of an "on your face" picture-book depiction of a kathakali face, an elephant ride, a house boat ride in the backwaters, a beach with lots of coconut palms and so forth, the video has laid more focus on the fresh and the different. These same aspects have also been dealt with a much more subtle and mystic hand making it all feel like an untouched, unexplored paradise waiting to be explored by You, the viewer. Instead of making kerala look like the picture book and us, the viewer looking at it from outside, the video has stressed on actually getting in and experiencing "Your Moment".
In its own subtle manner, the add actually does depict kathakali - though as being performed by an unadorned artist in a typical kerala house discovered by the protagonist while exploring narrow, unobtrusive country lanes;
It gives a feel of the ayurveda in the starting shots with a beautiful beach on the background, transporting one literally to paradise;
It takes one through the scenic, serene backwaters - not on a house boat but shown as the protagonist rowing a narrow boat on a journey to find oneself and discovering;
It touches on other art forms like the thaiyyams in a manner that makes one want to know and share the secrets too;
And finally it depicts the strength, serenity and calmness of the elephant in its final shots.

I request all those that didn't see these elements, to take a look again with an open mind and a different eye...I am sure you shall be as touched by the magic in it as I was...

That was a longish way to say "I loved it" and it makes me proud. Kudos to Kerala Tourism and the add developers for the imagination and guts to come up with something so different and fresh.

Dreams and Meanings

So here we are, S and I, living in this small little small-town, while P is off studying in an institution where they "don't believe in holidays". On the one hand I desperately want to go and live in Pune so our little family is complete while on the other hand that shall mean having to leave little Sid alone with a stranger while I go to work.

I am also worried if and when I go back to work, will I land myself back at something worthwhile after such a long break.

A few days back I also had a heart warming conversation with an estranged very dear friend that took me back to the the immense hurt these lies, blames and questioning of my loyalty had caused me. 

And, while I struggle with these emotions and inner conflicts, I have a terrifying nightmare that our black dog (a very loving and friendly Lab) bit me rather viciously on my leg, barking, growling and snarling all the time! And then we had to give him away...

Disconnect? Of course there is. Except, since I have all the time in the world, I decided to google 'dream black dog' and google threw at me the following interpretations ...

To see a dog in your dream, symbolizes intuition, loyalty, generosity, protection, and fidelity. The dream suggests that your strong values and good intentions will enable you to go forward in the world and bring you success. The dream dog may also represent someone in your life who exhibits these qualities. Alternatively, to see a dog in your dream, indicates a skill that you may have ignored or forgotten. (This part is just the introduction, read ahead)

• If the dog is vicious and/or growling, then it indicates some inner conflict within yourself. It may also indicate betrayal and untrustworthiness.
• 
  
• If the dog is dead or dying, then it means a loss of a good friend or a deterioration of  a relationship.
• 
  
  To dream that a dog bites you on the leg, suggests that you have to balance certain aspects of your life. You may be hesitant in approaching a new situation or have no desire to move forward with your goals.
• 
  
  Alternatively, it symbolizes disloyalty.
• 
  
  If the dog is barking ferociously, then it represents your habit of making demands on people and controlling situations around you. Are you "barking" too many orders? Alternatively, it could also indicate unfriendly companions.
• 
  
  To dream that you give or send your dog away, indicates that the decisions and choices you are making now may be misinterpreted as disloyalty. You have to do what is right for you and not worry about what others think of the decision. Alternatively, it signifies rejection of friendship.
• 
  
  To see a black colored dog in your dream, symbolizes the shadow aspect of a friend. The dark side of someone close to you is being revealed and you are able to see through to their true intentions.

Also consider the notions associated with the word dog, such as loyalty ("man's best friend") and to be "treated like a dog".

Considering the facts mentioned in the beginning and that I am not very pleased with my situation, have been feeling let down and ordered around by certain someone recently, I have now become a new fan of dream interpretations and am sure to go on doing some more research on it.