BEAUTIFUL! NOT ABNORMAL!

             

Social evolution is the latest progression we all are infatuated with in the present time. We all try to be part of urban societies or cities so that we could  be ahead in the race of modernity. The world is so humongous and it has a population of around 753.04 crores and 85% percent of that population are people who are able to be benefited from urbanisation. But the rest 15% percent of the population are differently abled who are also referred to as PWD or People with Disabilities. PWDs are people who are either physically ( blind, deaf, dumb, limp) or mentally differently abled  people. This 15% of the population tend to remain mostly unaffected by the processes of urbanisation or the latest developments in any sector as it  does not  really benefit them. Often they are excluded or given undue weightage because  the policy makers , planners and urban designers have  the tendency to  cater to the needs of the majority. This leaves the PWD’s behind in the developmental process and further resulting in isolation and unfit. 

PWDs gravely suffer in the arrangements made for abled people. In any urban space, it is usually observed that there is  barely any planning or arrangement made to accommodate the  PWD’s that supports, eases and enhances their livability and meets their day-to-day needs. Urban space here refers to all the places from public spaces  such as roads, footpaths, streets, malls, community centres, culture houses  to  the private spaces. It is very important for the people to realise that these people need more space and amenities to use. We would very rarely find any sideways or alleys made for the convenience of the PWDs. Also, it is very difficult for these physically disabled ones to cross streets or have mobility so there is always a need for a person to help them. The lack of amenities often result in exclusion of these differently abled  people from the independent society and it may lead them to inferiority complex.

  PIC COURTESY : VECTOR STOCK

There have been various studies which prove that there are not enough facilities provided to the differently abled people ( here, physically disabled ). In a research conducted by Inger Marie Lid and Per Koren Solvang, it is very evidently shown by various interviews that the daily life challenges faced by these people are disheartening. A woman, who uses a wheelchair, finds it very difficult to have mobility on the streets as the roads are very busy in Oslo. She says that even in alleys, the streets are very narrow so it is very difficult for her to ride her wheelchair and travel. Another woman who is blind uses a stick as her guidance to walk and travel. She uses her sense to move or walk. But when it becomes noisy, it is very difficult for her to cross or walk on the lanes. The lack of amenities have left these people vulnerable and open to accidents and danger. Grieving their loss or feeling pity is not the solution.  But what may be much better is to construct link bridges for their mobility. PWDs also use wheelchairs which one cannot ride on the roads so it is very important to keep in mind the needs for pathways for PWDs in any urban space. People always ask them to just stay in their home as there is no need for them in the outside world. So, as they are expected to be caged, it becomes very convincing for the planners to not plan any project keeping in mind the perspective of PWD. 

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Inger Marie Lid and Per Koven Solvang 2016,(Dis)ability and the experience of accessibility in the urban environment 

Anjlee Agarwal and Andre Steele, 2016, Disability Consideration for Infrastructure Programmes 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable development clearly states that disability is no excuse for not providing these differently abled people with basic necessities. So, the Government has made a clear point that various SDGs ( Sustainable Development Goals ) are organised which ensure the amenities being provided to these differently abled people. These SDGs cover up the domain of education, health, social protection, employment , social justice and equality and opportunities, sanitation, transportation and mitigation of disasters. There are also rights made for the protection of these people and they are:

• The Right of Persons with Disabilities ACT, 2016

•  PWD ( Equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation ) Act, 199T5.

Even though there are so many policies and welfare schemes to benefit the PWDs but they often fall short when it comes to their availability. The medical facilities provided are very meager and not available to everyone. As these PWDs moreover belong to the poor section of the society, they are not made aware of the facilities, schemes and policies provided for their survival. Introducing new themes and providing new facilities is just the 30% of work. The rest 50% of work is to make the citizens aware of them and make them accept these blessings in disguise just as we all are. They may be different in the physical prospect, but they too have the same heart and feelings. Acceptance is the greatest bliss for all differently abled people. Do not let them believe they are a curse on their family and society. It is unbearable to even think of it rather alone impose this on someone. Differences are not abnormal, they are beautiful. 

PIC COURTESY: STOCK VECTOR

                 ANIMAL BRUTALITY...

I live in a country where animals are worshiped as God. Be it cow, tiger or peacock. Elephants are worshiped in India as Lord Ganesha has the head of an elephant. These mythological concept comes later but firstly what concerns us is the religion of humanity. And I feel that we Indians are becoming a failure when it comes of humanity. Men raping cows, goats even dogs was as if not enough that another heinous incident shook my core. 

I am talking about the latest case of a pregnant elephant being fed with a pineapple stuffed with highly explosive crackers. 

                                           PIC COURTESY: THE HANS INDIA

I don't know what is wrong with these people. This crime took place in Silent Valley Forest of Kerala. Although, the Forest Officer lodged a FIR against the criminals who flew the crime scene. The Officer said the cracker exploded when the elephant chewed and damaged her jaw. Finally, she passed away standing in a river. This news broke my heart. I am an animal lover and whenever I hear of man commiting sin against these innocent souls, it makes me feel gutted. When I came across this picture, I found it so appealing and it shows how we human are capable of attaining things by trickery and fraud. God will definitely punish them but first they will be punished by the Mankind. 

All I want to say is if you hurt an innocent soul, be it human or animal or even an insect, a punishment is already decided for you and no matter what, karma will play its cards and make you pay for your sin. If you rape anyone or hurt someone in such a heinous way, you are just a monster. I feel ashamed of humans when I read such news. 

I feel it is high time we focus more on Animals Rights and their safety and security. Every soul is entitled to justice and not even God can take away their rights if they are innocent. I just want to request a little from all of you: These little values of comapassion and care does not come from education but they come from love and moral values taught by a family. Teach your kids and even grown-ups to have feelings and compassion for all of the living things. If you are born a human, be a human. 

Feminism or Fake Feminism?

                                FEMINISM OR FAKE FEMINISM?

Today, we all are surrounded by a philosophy or a movement typically called feminism. I am also a feminist. But, I am also a meninist. Feminism means only to stand for equality of women in every aspect of life. It does not mean to burst out your frustration using any means which is resulting in violence and damaging the core of ethics. Today, what most of the women are practicing is fake feminism. It can also be seen as sexism. These two often get mixed up and hence cause damage to many lives.

Feminism is basically a movement which was like an antidote to the social problems of women. It started in the early nineteenth century. This movement was all about equality of vote, education, speech, living and self identity. It was not a movement of bashing against each other and doing things to let down the ego of man or the society. It grew and grew and today what we are doing is against the theory of feminism. It is racism and  sexism (gender bias). Sexism refers to discrimination on the basis of gender or sex. 

Feminism shows the authenticity and struggle of women and where they stand today in the society, that is, equal to men and also above them. But sexism is all about ego, self satisfaction, revenge and emphasizing on inferiority. The most recent case on instagram of boys locker room indicates the hollowness of this movement in the present time. It was a girl who started it all. It is such a shame for humanity. During this case only, a 17 year old boy jumped from the 11th floor and committed suicide as he was framed in a rape case by a girl. All these cases involve juveniles. They are just teenagers and in the name of feminism and #metoo movement, they are framing innocent lives and putting out such inhuman examples of these famous movements. 

Feminism was never about revenge or anger, it was just a fight for equality. It was never meant to cause damage to any innocent person. What we are practicing nowadays is fake feminism and nothing more. These people have no idea what the feminist of nineneenth and twentieth century went through. We all women are so privileged to have equality and freedom at the moment. But, now I feel, fake feminism will be the downfall of women and humanity. Humanity is from a woman and now it is in shackles because of a woman. Say no to fake feminism and embrace equality of both men and women. There is a world beyond feminism and meninism.

THE LOST "TEHZEEB" OF LUCKNOW

                         THE LOST TEHZEEB OF LUCKOW

Lucknow or Awadh ( previously known as Lakhshmanpuri ) is a city which is known for its Nawabs, Cuisine, Chikankari ( exquisite shadow-work on fine muslin cloth ), and especially ‘ADAB' and ‘TEHZEEB’ (manners and hospitality). Its history was shaped by the Mughals and Britishers. The Lucknow we all witness today is the modern Lucknow, which has lost its essence and beauty. Lucknow is not only about ‘tehzeeb’. It is way more than that. And tehzeeb is not only constrained to the culture of ‘pehle aap’ or ‘you first’. The history of Lucknow dates back to the age of Ramayana. This city was given as a gift by Lord Rama to his younger brother Lakshman. There is also a place named Lakshman Teela where Lord Lakshman stayed when he was in Lucknow. It was firstly called Lakhshmanpuri and later on, Lakhanpuri and at last it was named as Lakhnau.

The heritage of Lucknow is shaped by both Mughal emperors and the Brits. The old Lucknow is a masterpiece of the emperor Asaf-Ud-Dowlah. He built the famous Bhool Bhulaiya or Bara Imambara. He also built Chota Imambara and the Roomi Darwaza. These places are a true epitome of the culture of Lucknow. They are filled with mysteries, boldness, tehzeeb and pride.It was in the period of Mughals, Lakhsman teela was demolished and mughal emperor Aurangzeb built  a mosque named Teele wali Masjid.

 In the present time, one can easily live in the past when a person visits these monuments which helps one to witness the history of Awadh. The culture of Lucknow used to be very rich. It was famous for its grand events which used to be very regal and royal. The Chowk in Old Lucknow was the best place to find exquisite dancers and performers. Even though the women here were prostitutes, they were full of grace,adab as well the tehzeeb. Now, these alleys are ruled by food and shops. The Chowk is the best place to find the best chikankari and it is one of the main manufacturers of chikan. 

Today, when one visits Lucknow, they will find this city covered under the blanket of modernity. Modernism is never an issue. The main problem is that when we become modern, we often end up neglecting our ethos and culture. The heritage of Lucknow is so rich that it does not need to undergo any change. But the people of Lucknow are stubborn when it comes to becoming modern. Change is not a bad thing until and unless we stay connected to our roots. We may be connected to our roots, norms and  culture but we all lack the essence of our infamous tehzeeb. Tehzeeb is the ideal for all of us living in Awadh. Tehzeeb is not completely lost as it is the soul of Lucknow, it is just hidden under the blanket of modernity. All one needs to do is revive the spirit of Awadh with small gestures. The hospitality of the people here is the best one could ever feel. Even a rickshawala will refer to you as ‘aap’. We are Awadhi and we feel proud to present our culture of ‘tehzeeb’ worldwide. It may be lost but it is  present too.  

The ‘LOST TEHZEEB’ here, refers to the lost culture and hospitality and etiquettes  of Awadh. If one tries to connect with the old Lucknow, it is very difficult. The streets of all Lucknow are covered with urine and tobacco stains. The old Awadh used to be very clean and green. The trees in Lucknow are now replaced by metro trains and their stations. The dialect of Awadh has also evolved. It is now very lucid and vulnerable. The words such as ‘aap’, ‘haanji’ are replaced by ‘tu’, ‘yaar’ and ‘abe’. The language is now filled with slangs and abusive words. The food has also evolved just like Kebabs which are famous indeed, but the taste and hygiene has been lost. Chikankari has lost its value too and people find chikan clothing very expensive and unnecessary. Lucknow is also referred to as the ‘city of nawabs’ but Nawabs no longer exist here. Nawabs were not only referred as royals but also to the person who had richness in his lifestyle and tehzeeb. 

Yogesh Praveen, an author and a poet who was recently awarded with Padmashree, is known as the ‘Living Legend of Lucknow’ because he is the man who had unveiled the old Lucknow again in his poetry and novels. One of the famous quote of Yogesh Praveen on the history and culture of Awadh is:

Lucknow hai toh mahez gumbad-o minar nahi

Sirf ek shehar nahi, kucha-o bazar nahi

Iski aanchal mein mohabbat ke phool khilte hain

Iski galiyon mein farishton ke pate milte hain

The older generation of lucknow is more associated with the culture and heritage of Lucknow but the new generation fails to understand the essence of old Lucknow. The etiquettes and lifestyle of a true lucknawi might leave the people spellbound. But it is very disheartening to see the essence of Lucknow fading away. The people are yet unknown to what they are losing or ignoring.Lucknow is the perfect confluence of culture and history and it is so rich here that everyone must hold on to that. The ‘lost tehzeeb’ must be acquired again and in order to keep the spirit of Lucknow alive. It is the identity of the city which will fade away in the light of modernity.Lucknow is the city of tehzeeb and adab and it must remain so.It is very important that the history of Lucknow must be revisited again through literature or art or any other source. There is nothing worse than losing our own culture and ethos. Our norms and culture are our guiding star and we will be left in a very awry situation if something happens. The lost culture must be found again before it's too late.