Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Water Tank

Imagine a town with only one water source - a huge concrete water tank, open from the top, and multiple ladders (with 20 steps each) to reach the top, placed all around it.

Person X shouts he's too weak to climb all the way and asks for a tap to be drilled next to his ladder at the first step's level.

Seeing this, Person Y (while climbing) says he wants a tap drilled at level 5 next to his ladder.

Person Z who was halfway up already by this time, looks down at these new provisions and asks for a tap drilled next to his ladder at level 10.

Other people persevere and climb all the way up to the top for the water, but by that time the water level has already gone considerably down due to all those taps being constructed at lower heights.

Our country is that town, with the water representing opportunities - be it for education, jobs, promotions, etc. The ladders are the paths we take, with each step signifying increased effort than the previous ones. And yes, I don't think I need to mention what X, Y and Z represent.

We're all familiar with what's going on around us. And it's not only happening now, been a part of our system for decades. Just think of the consequences it has had in the past, and the kind of perils it poses for the future.

Be sensible, stop herding in flocks for different reservations. I fear the word "General" might actually be the "Minority" some day, and "Hardworking" may be an attribute which is laughed at.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Behind The Scenes - AAP Headquarters

It’s the result day. There is just one place to be today – the AAP headquarters. The volunteers deserve the coverage they are getting, the candidates and the leadership come out smiling to give the expected “aam-aadmi ki jeet” bytes.

As they catch their breath, their national convenor calls the important men inside to begin work – yes, you read it right – WORK! They are, after all, the party with a difference.

Ashutosh: Congrachulashuns Sir! We difitted BJP! You are CM of the Delhi.

AK: Relax Ashu, relax. Leave the celebrations to until we’re in front of the cameras. It’s time to work now. Someone get me our Manifesto.

*Some frantic searching around until a voice booms*

Raghav Chaddha: SIR! I DON’T THINK WE HAVE ANY COPIES LEFT! WE THOUGHT IT WAS JUST PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL, AND GOT RID OF IT ON THE DAY OF POLLING!

AK: Salim ji, you see what kind of people we have here? And Raghav, I told you to save your shouting for The Newshour.

*Silence in the room for 5 minutes*

Yogendra Yadav: Oh, you were talking to me! I totally forgot about that Salim card I played during the Lok Sabha Elections.

AK: Please people. We don’t have much time before we’re asked questions. Let’s concentrate on work. Someone find the tweet we all posted with the manifesto and read the first point.

Raghav Chaddha: I found one from the 2013 elections lying outside.

AK: Never mind, it was all the same. Bring that one and start reading out point by point.

Raghav Chaddha: Free water for all citiz…

AK: Salim ji, write down – “BJP led Haryana Government not releasing enough water to reach Delhi” against point number 1.

Prashant Bhushan: Are they not?

AK: Do we care? Next point, Raghav.

Raghav Chaddha: Electricity at half the…

AK: Salim ji, you already know this one, right? Ambani, power control, BJP agent and all.

Yogendra Yadav: Yes sir! This excuse is my favourite, memorised it by now.

Ashutosh: Sir jeenius. What about the new point this time - about wife?

AK: Not wife, WiFi you fool! But valid question. How do we evade that promise?

Ashish Khaitan: Sir I think we can conduct an SMS Survey and prove that most people don’t need it. Anyways most people just open a few top known sites.

Somnath Bharti: HOW DARE YOU REMIND EVERYONE OF TOP SITES?


AK: Not your Top Sites domain, Waqeel Sahab. He meant places at high altitude where WiFi signals are stronger. Leave that to me. 3 should be good enough for now, we’ll prepare the next set of excuses after a while. Everybody split to different news channels. Show out the ‘V’ with your fingers like I taught you last week. And don’t forget to thank Bedi ji. 




DISCLAIMER - This conversation may not (or may?) have actually happened. Reader discretion is advised as in the past, certain groups of people have been known to take offense to anything said against The Mufflerman (The name scares me now!). He's the hero Swaraj City (potentially the new name of Delhi) required as per the mandate. And though it's hot enough here to even wear a pullover, I will say - May The Muffler Never Come Off !