Where did the blogger go?

There used to be a blogger named Nikhil Chawla, whose passion were blogging & photography. If that’s the case then why there hasn’t been any update from him. There is no reason to justify that but there are endless reason for his absence. Let’s first have a look at the reasons he has to give and then let the readers be the judge. We interviewed Nikhil Chawla to know why and where has he vanished. Here is the interview :

Ques: Hi Nikhil, how are you doing?

Ans: I am doing just fine, don’t get taken aback with my beard as its just there for no reason What about you, How you doing?

Ques: Do you know who we are and why we are here?

Ans: Yes, I think you are from the Independent Bloggers Alliance and you want to interview me about my blog.

Ques: Thats correct, I am Tina from IBA but I am not here to ask you about your blog, instead I am here to ask you – Why did you leave blogging?

Ans: To be very frank Tina, I didn’t really leave blogging but the circumstances were such that I never got an opportunity to blog. There were times, when I noticed or experienced something which I instantly wanted to blog and share it with my readers but could never really do it. I was invited to so many Blogger meets, people wrote mails to me asking me to start writing again, I was sent products from all over the World for reviews and my take on them but nothing really could motivate me enough to get back. Infact, I started to write a few times and all those entries are still in the draft section which I hope I publish them someday.

Ques: I wonder what could have changed you so much that you stopped doing what you loved?

Ans: It wasn’t just one thing or one incident that changed it for me. It was a set of unfortunate events that changed it all around for me. I wont be able to answer it publicly in detail but it was related to me quitting my job with Microsoft and then starting my own business which really didn’t do well and I had to shut it down too. My personal life was also in a turmoil after my breakup, I still haven’t overcome all of this, so once I do, I might make a comeback.

Ques: Do you have any idea how helpful your blog has been for the people who needed info about – Frozen Shoulder; GTN spray; Auto Expo; India Peace Campaign; etc.

Ans: I have a fair idea of it as I keep getting a lot of queries about Frozen shoulder asking me for therapy and other things. A lot of people thank me for the article ‘Quack Quack – The Doctor’ as they didnt end up repeating the same mistake as my friend Atul did. Infact just today I received a long mail from a gentleman from Gurgoan sharing with me his mother’s story and how this article saved his mother’s life.

Ques: I wanted to ask you this question offline but I will ask it live only – Will you please get back to blogging for me? As I represent the general public right now and I want you to bring more social issues to light and help spread awareness.

Ans: If thats the case then I would not say no and act like a prick. I still remember how my last article ‘It happens only in India – Mera Bharat Mahaan’ and how the police officials called me and asked me to take it off.

So Nikhil, I take it as a promise from your end that you will be back with a purpose sooner then we expect and help make this world a better place to live. Looking forward to read your next article in a day or two

Thanks for your valuable time and warm hospitality.

- Tina (IBA Network)

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It happens only in India....Mera Bharat Mahaan….

I didn't have an idea that a simple album on Facebook would turn out to be so big that people would ask me to post it on my blog and send it to the news channel. Before I share any more info about it, I would like every one of you to have a look at what exactly is causing such rage

 

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Now that you have seen it for yourself that how the Law & Order is put at stake for the sake of religious activities. I want to inform you when and where this video was shot.

Location: Kashmiri Gate

Time: 10:15 P.M.

What, I fail to understand is that how conveniently we are fined for crossing a Red signal on the Traffic Light but there is nobody to even intervene when a major Traffic Light went missing.Hopefully these pictures or the video will see the light of the day and come on the news to act as an eye opener for the Delhi Traffic Police.

If any one of you has witnessed something similar then please come forward and share your comments,pictures or videos.

Nikhil Chawla is still alive

       I don't know how many of you have experienced a near death accident but I surely did tonight. I am lucky enough to be alive right now and able to type this after being hit by a drunk driver at 100kms/hr. Won't be able to share anything more at this time will just post some pictures of my crushed car and will update everybody tomorrow as its 7:00 am now I just and entered back home after being in the police station and trauma centre all night long. All I can say is that I am in pain and shivering right now but still elated to be alive.

 

Final Goodbye to ‘The King of Pop’

As promised in my last post that I’ll be giving a tribute to MJ for his work & excellence, so here I am with my final post on Michael Jackson. MJ remembered by friends & family:

Quote of the Day:
In this world, it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.
--Henry Ward Beecher

Michael Jackson is Still Alive

Today on my birthday, 28th of July i.e. exactly a month before Michael's on 28th of August, I would like to inform the whole world that MJ isn't dead and never will be as he will live in our hearts forever as the 'King of Pop'. I don't know about others but when I heard the news about MJ's death on 25th June, I passed it as a rumour/media gimmick. How could have I believed something so insane and uncalled for. I couldn't have let him go without seeing him in real as that's what I wanted to do since I was a toddler. I grew up looking at his posters and listening to his music. I clearly remember it was 1989 and I was 3 years old when my parents started taking me to school's in Delhi for admissions, they took me to the best of school's in Delhi including D.P.S. , St.Columba's, Modern, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Army Public School and a few others. I got through all of them except Sardar Patel Vidyalaya as I didn't want go to the same school where my brother used to go. Out of the 10 most prestigious school's in Delhi I chose St.Michael's as I always thought that it was founded by Michael Jackson thus I'll get to meet my idol. Little did I know that it was not named after MJ but instead Saint Michael( the only archangel named in the Bible as recognized by both Jews and Christians.

Years passed and as I grew up, I got to know that Saint Michael's is where I study and MJ is never be coming to our school to meet us. I felt sad but still never gave up on my hero as I know there will be a day when I'll get to see him performing. Soon the day came when I got to know that MJ is coming to perform in India it was 1992 and I was 7 years old. I was thrilled to hear the news, according to the tour Itinerary he was supposed to perform in Bombay(Mumbai) so I convinced my parents to take me their for his show. When the day was finally approaching, I was left heart broken yet again as the tour got cancelled due to security issue/drugs scandal. After this day,I really lost hope that Michael would like to come to India again. But that day came and he did visit India in 1996 and here is the complete account of it :

The King of Pop himself Michael Jackson came to India as a part of History Tour in the year 1996. This was his first and the only visit to India.
Michael was supposed to come for a concert as a part of World Tour much before 1996 but it got cancelled due to some unknown reasons. MJ (Michael Jackson) made a 2 day visit to Mumbai, India

Arrival
Nevertheless, the day was 30th October, 1996. MJ arrived at Sahar Airport (now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport), Mumbai wearing his usual Red Jacket, Black shades and the Hat. He was welcomed in an Traditional Indian Ceremony by Bollywood Actress Sonali Bendre by performing 'Aarti puja' and applying 'Tilak' on his forehead. Sonali Bendre was wearing the iconic 9 yards long Orange coloured Maharashtrian Saree.

Along with Sonali was Politician Raj Thackeray and her daughter. At that time Shiv Sena- BJP alliance was at an all time high. Shiv Udyog Sena (former part of Shiv Sena) claimed the responsibility for the whole tour. From his security, accommodation upto his concert. It was known Shiv Sena was forcibly making them leaders of this event.
Michael was overwhelmed with the reception according to the onlookers present at the airport.

Michael's first words
"I am very happy to be here in India ... in support of charity"

Dancing with Roadside dancers
MJ was then escorted out under heavy security, there were 20 cars in front and behind taking him to his next destination. While on his way, Michael was amused by roadside fans that had lined up along the highway. MJ asked to stop the car, he got out from his Toyota and putting his security aside interacted with lezim dancers (Lezim is a popular folk dance form of Maharashtra. Lezim is performed using wooden mallets with dancers in colorful costumes)

MJ even danced few steps along with them. Michael was seen picking few children up in his arms hugging and kissing them.

Met Bal Thackeray ?
Michael then proceeded his way to residence of Shiv Sena head, Bal Thackeray at Matushree in Bandra East. Bal Thackeray himself gifted MJ the traditional Indian Musical instruments the 'silver tabla' and 'tanpura'.
MJ signed his autograph on the wall in bathroom he used at Bal Thackeray's residence. Mr. Bal Thackeray have kept that signature intact and shows it to everyone. He is very proud of it.

Stay at Oberoi Hotel
Jackson was accommodated at The Oberoi Hotel. There was already a huge rush present at the hotel. Jackson was seen freely mingling with fans. Hotel staff claimed that he was very friendly, blowing kisses to his fans and shook hands with everyone he met with a smile on his face.
The Oberoi Hotel staff made sure everything and anything that MJ liked was given to him. MJ loved the Indian festivities, The Kohinoor Suite he was staying at was decorated with confetti, flowers, balloons and lights.

Jackson asked for a Poolside Party
Michael Jackson himself requested a poolside party at Oberoi Hotel for kids. Children from local Orphanages were invited. MJ played with the kids and offered gifts and chocolates to them which he had brought with him.

Bash held for MJ
Later that evening, Bharat Shah (Hindi Film financier) held a special event to exclusively welcome MJ to India. The event was attended by all famous Bollywood celebrities and Royal Families from various parts of India.
Michael only made a 3 minute appearance before heading to his room for some rest. Everyone in the bash was left high and dry as they could not meet him personally. But 2 individuals did had a lucky night.

Anupam Kher jumped on the stage brushing aside tight security and grabbed Michael Jackson's hand to shake it, uttering ‘Yeah Woo, woo’.
Second lucky person was acclaimed writer Shobha De. Later on Shobha De told the media that “Shaking hands with him was like an orgasm!”.

Soon after Bharat Shah presented MJ with the silver replica of Taj Mahal.

Next Day another party for kids
On the day of concert, Michael invited 50 kids to his room. He ordered burgers and cakes for all. Kids were seen sitting on his lap and playing with him. Jackson specially arranged a photo session with kids. The sofas and the surrounding were draped with Indian Saree's to give it an Indian touch.

The Concert
On November 1, The Concert, the Show, the phenomenon happened at Andheri Sports Complex.
Jackson's own Special teams were called for setting up the stage. All the equipment was imported by 3 Russian Antanov cargo planes. There were an 3 teams - assembling team for setting up the stage, a dismantling team for bringing down the whole structure and a standby team for further assistance.
Preparation had started few days before only. It took 24 hours for the team to build the stage and less then 6 hours for dismantling.

The Stage was 210 feet long and 60 feet deep. The green room as usual was made beneath the stage. The area had a meditation room, rest room, photography room and a VIP guest room. Although no one was allowed inside except the security and his staff.
Every room was decorated in Traditional Indian appearance. His whole visit was televised on Sony Entertainment Channel.

The show had spectacular fireworks, Dazzling light effects and a sold out arena.
Event was anchored by Mahru Shaikh and Javed Jaffery.

A special route was planned for MJ from his hotel to the Stadium. He reached the venue at 8:30PM.

Michael appeared in a Space shuttle dressed in a silver suit. He performed 20 of his popular songs. Danced, jumped, moved all around the stage in his trademark performance.

Michael Jackson's love interest with Indian food
MJ tried several Indian dishes during his stay. He had a 'masala dosa' for breakfast and the next morning he ate 'Allu Paranthas with Makkhan'. All his meals included Indian dishes such as butter chicken with butter naans, tandoori chicken and spicy Indian Veg curries.
On the day he left, he ordered lots of naans, tandoori chicken, paranthas and other dishes to accompany him on his flight out of India.

Jackson left a message to India on a pillow and a frame
Michael wrote a message on a pillow he slept on to all his Indian Fans.
The Note said
“India, all my life I have longed to see your face. I met you and your people and fell in love with you. Now my heart is filled with sorrow and despair for I have to leave, but I promise I shall return to love you and caress you again. Your kindness has overwhelmed me, your spiritual awareness has moved me, and your children have truly touched my heart. They are the face of God. I truly love and adore you India. Forever, continue to love, heal and educate the children, the future shines on them. You are my special love, India. Forever, may God always bless you .
— Michael Jackson.”

Later on the pillow was held for auction at an charity event which Bharat Shah bought it for himself for a large sum of money.

MJ wrote another small message on a frame i quote "God Bless India, My special Love - Michael Jackson"

Video Footage of Michael Jackson performing in Mumbai, India
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4OBn2M1fRE

Video Coverage of Michael Jackson's tour to India
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG4-HqK0r3Y

Pictures of Michael Jackson's visit to India
http://movies.ndtv.com/gallerydetails.aspx?category=Movies&id=4220&picno=1&section=Bollywood%20&ShowID=173#BD

PS: There are lot more memories of MJ to be shared so my next post will also be dedicated to 'The King of POP' . The Life of MJ(1958-2009)

Quote of the Day:
“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”

- Michael Jackson

Technorati Tags: Allu Paranthas with Makkhan,Andheri,Anupam Kher,Bal Thackeray,Bharat Shah,Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport,Happy Birthday,India,Javed Jaffery,Lezim,masala dosa,Michael Jackson,MJ,Nikhil chawla,NikhilChawla,NYK,Russian Antanov,Shobha De,Sonali Bendre,St.Michael,The King of Pop,The Oberoi Hotel,World Tour,www.nikhilchawla.com

Quack Quack - ‘The Doctor’

As far as I am concerned, I was always taught by my parents never to lie or hide anything from your Doctor/Lawyer/Chartered Accountant as they make or break your life. Trust me it has always worked for me and I am sure many of you agree to it. Out of the three professionals mentioned above I believe Doctor is the most important one as we often relate him to GOD yes I mean the Almighty. Now the question is why do we do that?? Well simply because its ‘The Doctor’ who brings us to life in this real world from our mother’s womb. Not just that there are so many times in our lives that we get into a critical condition wherein only the ‘The Doctor’ saves us and brings us to life yet again. Hence, if I am not wrong after God, ‘The Doctor’ is the one who really saves us in times of despair. Well, then what did my dear friend Atul do wrong if he did the same when he took his dad to one of the most renowned doctor in the country to save his dad’s life. Not only did Atul confide but also followed each and every instruction religiously given by ‘The Doctor’. I remember Atul telling people how excellent ‘The Doctor’ was at his work and he also went on blabbing the credentials of ‘The Doctor’ as if he was hired for his advertisement. Once, I got really bugged up and asked Atul if he had taken the job of a PR with ‘The Doctor’ as he had nothing else but to praise him all day long. I cant believe Atul replied to me this “Nikhil Bhai(Brother), unless and until you have faith in ‘The Doctor’ you are getting you're treatment done from you cant get cured as its like having faith in GOD,if you have it you are always a winner.” And, I thought maybe he is right, maybe that’s the way it works and I like a fool keep thanking the technology and science for my cure every time.

But,This time I was right as to your shock & horror, whatever you read in the paragraph above turned out to be completely FALSE as ‘The Doctor’ he sung praises for turned out to be Money Hungry QUACK who would trade anybody’s life without a wink as all he ever needed was money. Yes, That’s true and as my friend suffered dearly because of ‘The Doctor’ , I come forward to save each one of you to go through the same kind of pain and humiliation. But if I share the incident myself then it wont do justice as I want you people to hear it from the Victim himself. Here is a first person account of the sufferings my friend Atul went through written by himself :

Hi Everybody ,
I've been  honoured and blessed with friends like Nikhil. I've always been a happy go lucky guy enjoying life in my own cocoon. Since I live in a cocoon I'd like to give you people a dwell into my pathetic and otherwise boring life. People and circumstances have been more or less favourable,but the problem arises when you meet people who don't fall into your periphery of thought but I always thought it would've been good if I'd been more fateful to follow my own path I was a science student and like all the parents. My parents wanted me to be a doctor;engineer or any white colour job but as hopes are held high , dreams are drained down the gutter. By fate I had to enter my business because of my dad's illness a few years back. He was diagnosed with high and fluctuating blood sugar levels. Things still fell into place as I started off good in my business. My dad had to rest but like all stubborn dad’s he never bothered to as he started going on tours. All was going well till last year as his health deteriorated and his body became weak and he started having a problem in breathing. Soon he was diagnosed with a problem in the heart and he was also diagnosed with  CVS( cardio vascular stroke)  We suffered hard times and everybody stood by us. He soon recovered from paralysis and underwent angioplasty at Indraprastha Apollo hospital. He came out a winner but his heart pumping rate was as low as 14% (normal range 45% to 75%)  Dr.Balbir Singh who did the surgery foretold us that he'd be needing a BI-VENTRICLE PACEMAKER implantation to recover completely. Till the time he doesn't he wont be able to lead a normal life. Everybody advised us not to go for a surgery again as my dad's body weight was very low and his body extremely weak that even I didn't consider pushing him back into the hospital bed. I was scared like a kid is at the time his result. But it sure wasn't the time to act like one. As, surgery was not an option  I started enquiring about cardio physicians who would try to improve his health and heart pumping rate with the help of medicines..I came to know about one highly reputed doctor NAME WITHHELD. You know why the name cannot be let out so easily. Just because of this hypocrite system of ours. Yes I know we have the RIGHT TO SPEECH. But I’ll have to have a proof before I can a point a finger at him. Since, I've been denied to use my right freely I feel I should help you guys exercise your RIGHT TO INFORMATION and also fulfil my social duty to inform everyone in this Country to beware of such doctor’s. Anyways as this doctor doesn't have any name. We'll call him DICKY.

So Dicky's folio boasts of the following...MBBS, MD, FNCCP,FCCP, FICA (NY), FACA (USA) and what not. If you look at his prescription then you will notice that there is hardly any space to write anything as its filled with his
fellowships and degrees and achievements etc. Anybody would be impressed and I being a complete idiot & alien to the medical world fell for it.. You guys know why I typed fell in italics, because that's the exact word you use for an animal who falls after being hunted down or trapped. Dicky does both the trick with ease as he traps people and being a cardio physician shoots them in the heart. And the vulnerable medically uneducated poor people even pay him for that. Like all these people I was also looking for a safer way to escape and expected a miracle. I wanted Mr.Dicky to be that miracle guy for my dad. His patients list is longer than his degree list. We hurriedly took an appointment and reached there somehow. 2:30pm was our allotted time. We reached there by 2:45pm.The view was breathtaking. There were over hundred people waiting for him. But DICKY had not arrived. The waiting room for heart patients wasn't impressive at all. No AC,No cleanliness not even an arrangement for basic things like water. But the place was high on entertainment factor. There were two jokers who sat on the reception table who wrote down appointments and arranged the papers. While doing so they cracked jokes on the heart patients and there attendants waiting for their turn to come. For some vague reason everybody gulped down the humiliation because all they needed were a few minutes with DICKY who they thought would save their life. As soon as he arrived his two jokers went inside his chamber to provide him the papers. And they started the process. I was shocked to see that people who had their first meeting with Dicky were called on priority basis than the regulars despite the time allotted. I thought this was a great thing as there were some people who were first timers and needed treatment like my dad. Very soon we were called upon in Dicky’s chamber.

His very first words.. "KYA UMAR HAI AAPKI ? (What’s Your Age?)" He asked my dad. My dad replied "FORTY EIGHT“ and then suddenly he started speaking in English with some stupid and funny accent. He started instructing him to lie down on the examining table. Since my dad is not well versed in English so he couldn't understand a word. Dad looked at me for help. But as soon as I opened my mouth DICKY shouted at me. And told me to shut up and these were his humiliating words to my dad - "JAB ANGREZI BOLNI NAHI AATI TO KYU BOLTE HO(When you cant speak in English then why do you even try?). SEEDHE SEEDHE ADTAALIS NAHI BOL SAKTE THE(Couldn't you have simply said 48 in Hindi instead). MAIN 7 SAAL ENGLAND ME RAHA HU(I stayed in England for 7 years). WAHAN KISI HARAMZADE NE HUMSE HINDI ME BAAT NAHI KI(Nobody talked to us in Hindi over there). PAR TUM YAHA KAALE ANGREZ BANKAR APNI MATR BHASHA CHHOR KE UNKI ANGREZI BOLTE HO? SHARM AANI CHAHIYE!"(But you over here you try to imitate British's and avoid your own mother tongue and speak English instead. You should be ashamed of yourself). Me and my dad were startled by the sudden humiliation and attack. Let me tell you his prescription his name plate , every signboard in his office was in ENGLISH. Call it irony or hypocrisy. Anyways, He examined my dad after that and being an attendant I tried to tell him the prior medications, surgery and treatments my dad's been through. He again told me to shut up and didn't listen but Somehow he came to know all this. And after examining he showed us the dream we always wanted to dream. He told us in his military harsh voice,"DO YOU WANNA GET HEALTHY AND NOT UNDERGO A SURGERY?" Our obvious choice was a Yes. "IF YOU HAVE THE WILL POWER, YOU'LL BE FINE WITHIN MONTHS" he promised. But he prescribed us the medicines after some tests were performed. He refused to see any prior reports. That was fine with us. He told us to meet his jokers for the tests. They told us 5 tests that'd cost us about Rs.50,000 which were to be performed at labs referred by him in extreme four ends of Delhi. And told us to meet them with reports after two days. Because the tests would take take two days. Well nonetheless we did the needful. And reached Mr.Dicky on time after two days as asked. I was surprised to see every new fellow patient with the same test's reports. But every one's problem was different. Anyways it didn't bother me much because I was blinded by the trust for Mr.Dicky and all I needed was his miraculous prescription. He prescribed some medicines which were so rarely available in Delhi. But were easily available at stores near Mr.Dicky's clinic and cost Rs.4000 every month. We followed his instructions blindly and religiously took his medicines which he made us follow for 3 months. But about a month later Mr.Dicky 80+ of age didn’t feel ashamed to experiment and test his age old knowledge on my dad. He increased dad's medicines from 12 tabs to 24 tabs a day. And told him to cut down water intake and stop salt intake in hot summer months.3 days without water and 3 gulps of water daily for a heart patient are like 3 days of hell. On the 4th day which happened to be a Sunday my dad's body gave up, his face went red and he trembled and fell down on the ground . I panicked and my mum started crying. Fortunately I had GTN SPRAY PEN with me. Which stops a heart attack/failure. I hurriedly sprayed it twice in my dad's mouth. He didn't breathe for at least 40secs. He was drenched in sweat as he jumped back into life. As soon as I figured out what had happened I called Mr.Dicky to ask for some help and assistance. Mr.Dicky being a complete nuisance didn't pick my calls for 6 times as it was a Sunday.
But a doctor is a public servant and must respond with responsibility. 7th time he did pick up the call. and as I told him what has happened to my dad. He said "how do you know your dad had an attack or what? Are you a doctor?" I reminded him of the emergency and told him to suggest some immediate relief and it wasn't the appropriate time to
discuss my if I am medically fit to certain if it was a heart attack/failure. But instead Mr.Dicky took it as disrespect and told us to take the patient to the nearest hospital and said “I CAN'T DO ANYTHING“ as his lifesaving words. Wonder why I call them life saving words. Because these were the words which acted as the last nail in
Mr.Dicky’s COFFIN. And our left over trust in him shattered.We immediately rushed dad to Apollo. Where he was given proper medications and was immediately admitted to undergo that pacemaker surgery.The operation went successful and he was discharged within days. Now he's recovering just fine.

Mr.Dicky's rapport in Apollo is of a QUACK As quoted by a senior doctor there but if we think about it, Mr. Dicky certainly doesn't have a hunger for fame as he's received two national honours. And as i told you about his degrees and fellowships He must also have some knowledge because I think when we increase our knowledge it increases our sense of responsibility and DICKY has plenty of it then what makes him a QUACK Lets just have a look for synonyms of a QUACK -Counterfeit, imposter. FRAUD??? Yes that’s the word he absolutely fits the bill here, there’s just one thing that's driving him in this age - MONEY my friends. The the root cause of all evil.

This is how it works with him : 100s of people visit him daily 40% of which are new patients, he sits at 3 places daily and if we roughly calculate his earnings from his consultation only we get figures as big as Rs.3 lacs daily and the tests he suggests to everybody costing approx Rs.50,000. Seeing his hunger for money we can say that he must have his 25% share in the tests which makes his daily income jump up to 6-7 lacs daily. Picture this a doctor who earns as big as this doesn’t even have an AC or a Water dispenser for his patients in the waiting room. Can’t say if he’s doctor or not but he surely is a businessman or a politician or a money hungry monster trading lives for his lust for money.

It’s for You guys to decide..

Now that you have read the post, I would request you people to come forward and share your own incidents so that we can save other’s from falling in the same trap as we did. It’s time for us to stand against the evil practices that have been going on our country since always. Please send in your story at any of my ID from the Contact Me page. Lets fight against the Quacks and eradicate them from the society.

Quote of the Day:
“Doctors are the same as lawyers; the only difference is that lawyers    merely rob you, whereas doctors rob you and kill you too.”

- Anton Chekhov

To Be or Not To Be

We want youthful leaders to run our country but what happens to the youth when it comes to voting. I always knew that they are many more like me who don’t much about Indian politics or the politicians other than a few prominent ones. I got my voter ID card made at the age of 18 but had never exercised my right to vote till now. This time when I had finally made up my mind that come what may(May 7) I’ll vote and also inspire my friends and family to do so. You all would be shocked to hear the kind of excuses that they made,In orange is what they said and in blue is what I replied :

1.Its too hot to step out – Would you say the same if your girlfriend called up and said “I’ll waiting for you in GK M block Market around 2’o Clock for lunch.” I bet you would have made it before time even in scorching heat.

2.How does it matter – If it doesn't matter then why don't you try living in a non-democratic country like China where the government decides what you can search on Google or how many children you can have. We are blessed to have been born in a country where we can choose who are leader should be so why waste such an important right.

3.I’ve heard the queue is long – Oh really! If that's your reason for not voting then I am sure I would never see you waiting outside a Movie Theatre/Discotheque/Concert standing in a queue. Would you use the same excuse if Shakira or Iron Maiden was performing in your city and the queue would have been half a kilometre,I am sure you wont mind that.

4.I am a first time voter so if I skip they are hardly missing me – Till the time you don't start voting you will always remain a first timer and use the same excuse time and time again so get off your bean bag/bed/couch and just go for it.

5.Its not a weekend so I’ll finish off my pending work – Ya right,how could I forget that voting takes merely 5 minutes but that much amount of time can run you into a major business loss.

6.I never considered myself as an Indian,I am born in the UK/USA - I am proud of you my friend as you have lived in this country for 20+ years but just because you were born there and lived a few days of your life there that makes you more proud to be their national and not an Indian then shame on you. Why don’t you just move back to your native land as you are not even proud to be an Indian. I hope you know Our National song/animal or even the name of our first or current president.

7.How will my vote change the system – Nobody can promise it will, but at least it can get better and gradually change or transform into what we always longed for.

8.They all are corrupt and good for nothing – In a way I agree but that's also are fault we bring the wrong people in the power and then let them stay forever even when we know that they were so many scams in their last term.If people of America also thought the same way then trust me then they would have got an inspirational leader like Barack Obama as their President – Lead the Change.

9.Voting is done my Lower Class people not by us – That’s the lamest I have ever heard but unfortunately its true. For the rich and the powerful its too L.S. (Low Society) to stand in the queue as there all low class people there standing like a herd of cattle. My answer to them – GET A LIFE!

10.Polling booth is a bit far off from my place – Yes it maybe but not as far as your Gf/Bf’s place. Polling booth is always in the same locality just a few meters from your place or in extreme cases 1 or 2 kms to the max.

There are so many of them that each one of us would be able to relate to the above mentioned excuses as we would have made them at least once if not this time.

As this was the first time I exercised my right to vote I’ll urge all the nationals of this country to come forward and vote no matter whom you vote for and what the reason maybe but just do it. I know there are never ending problems we have with our country and its system but do answer it yourself which country in this world isn't lacking a good system. Luckily India is still not under the crunch of recession like UK or USA, I have family member living their and they aren't even sure if they would have their jobs the next day or not.

This list of doubts I have in my mind about the political system in India are as follows :

1.Why do we need Film stars for campaigning, aren't the leaders confident enough about themselves?

2.How come people with criminal background are allowed to contest elections?

3.Where on earth an illiterate person is given a chance to be a leader?

4.Leaders who are already under the scanner for frauds and scams are allowed to contest again and become leaders again.

5.How many of them have actually faced shortage of Food(Roti)/Clothes(Kapda)/Housing(Makaan) the three basic amenities for a human being which they keep claiming that they will provide to the needy people.

I know that there are no answers to these questions but still we need a change and we need to bring the change which is only possible by voting and bringing a new set of leaders.

Few personal reasons why I think we all should vote :

1.We have had enough of terrorism so now its time for peace to prevail. Check this out for more info - India Peace Campaign.

2.Corruption has ruined our country like a blood sucking leech.

3.Inflation is on all time high and sky rocketing even higher.

4.Its high time we change the leadership and see whose better.

5.Last but not the least – We need a change – Let’s Lead the change.

Now lets discuss all the frivolous reasons to Vote (All these are applicable after showing the voting ink on your finger):

1. 20% Discount on Louis Phillippe.
2. 15% Discount on Haldiram’s .
3. 15% Discount on Fashion Bazaar.
4. 20% Discount on Spykar Jeans.
5. Discounts and Schemes at Full Circle and Cafe Turtle.
6. 10% Discount at designer boutique WHITE in Hauz Khas.
7. 100Rs off at Splash Water Park.
8. 50% Discount on PVR Meal combo’s

Some helpful links for understanding Voting Guide:

Election Commission of India

Lead India

Jaago Re

Quote of the Day:
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.
--Franklin D. Roosevelt