Competitions

In Mumbai, Jan and Feb are months of Carnatic music competitions at various sabhas. In fact, the competition timings at two or three sabhas clash, so that the participants have to rush from one end of the city to another, if they want to display their talent. But having accompanied my daughter to various music competitions in the past 3 years, I notice that these competitions are rigged like the elections at Bihar( and a lot of other states). Most of the winners are students of the same institute irrespective of whether they sing well or not. Then my question is, why do they invite outsiders as participants? They might as well have an in-house competition and give away all the prizes to their own students.

Judging competitions, I think, is by itself an art. Talent doesn't need recognition, it will automatically shine with opportunities. But hard work and sincerity needs appreciation. If only 3 or 4 extremely talented contestants win the competitions at all the places, other children who really try hard and work at their shortcomings are left out and never recognized. I don't think Balamurali Krishna or Nithyashree had to win competitions to showcase their talent. But ordinary people with ordinary talent, but extraordinary sincerity and hard-work need to be appreciated.

Competitions are necessary only to give a platform for the talent. But, such rigged competitions serve no purpose. Each child is special and has its place in the world and I suggest we leave it at that.

Fear factor -live show

We live in a 7-storey building and our compound, consisting of 3 buildings, is undergoing renovation and painting. All these years, the favourite pastime of the women in the building would be to discuss the pathetic state of our buildings and how it can very soon become a heritage site. The building has not seen paint for more than 25 years and the pipes and sewage connections seem to be on the verge of breaking down any time.

So when the building renovation circular came to us (it comes every year) we laughed it off as usual. But this time , for real , they have started the process. I had to rub my eyes in disbelief and pinch myself to understand -it has actually started! Oh my! Do I regret that this work has started?

When huge poles were set up for the workers to climb the facade of the building, never in my wildest dreams, did I imagine that these workers would all be in their 20s - hanging on to poles and passing on ropes and planks and huge iron frames without any protection. None of them wear shoes or a helmet; there are no machines to help them in any way. Everything is done manually; that too when they are standing on thin wooden planks tied to the loose poles by ropes. Its like watching fear factor live everyday. I am unable to concentrate on my household work and have to run out each time I hear a loud thud praying that it isn't one of the workers who have fallen off.

I feel this can happen only in India. I even wonder whether these workers have any insurance or get compensation for any injury they may suffer. The fastest growing country in the world is yet to get decent machines to help construction workers. I have noticed automatic platforms which lift workers to any point at any floor on the facade of the building in Singapore. These platforms are covered with proper grills and the workers are well equipped with proper protection equipment.

I really wonder how I can help this section of labourers in India. Being a housewife, these are the times when I feel troubled that I don't have the access or clout to do something to make the scenario better. I wish I had entered politics and had the power to change things.

End of another eventful year

Beach at Ganapatipule

Ended 2009 on a high note, having had a great time with the family. We took a trip to Ganapthipule and Kolhapur. We were getting together as a family, for a trip after a very, very long time. I have always enjoyed going on trips as part of a huge unit rather than just a group of 3 or 4 . There are distinct disadvantages of meal time pauses taking more than an hour or getting ready on time for outings or being delayed due to the large numbers but it's still worth it, as the travelling time is made enjoyable by playing

games, Antakshari etc. Someone comes up with a witty comment, somebody else makes a blunder which is fun. And all these happenings become part of the family anecdotes for years later.

This has been my second trip to the Konkan region within 3 months and I have come to like it so much that given a choice, would like to settle down there after retirement. The endless views of meadows, streams, mountains and quiet life is very endearing and makes one pine for that peaceful surrounding after a leading a hectic life in Mumbai.

Looking forward to such great times and great trips in 2010 too.

Wish you all a very happy and enjoyable year.