A visit to Tirupathi – Is it for Laddus or libidos?

If I were to write a one-liner about Guruvayoor and Tirupathi today it would be “it is all about charging the soul/sole”. There was a time when alcohol, meat, tobacco were kept out of major pilgrimage spots, but today there is no restraint.

Nalini Jameela in her book “Autobiography of a Sex Worker” mentions about Guruvayoor being a hot spot for flesh trade. I really couldn’t believe that a spiritual town in God’s own country thronged by people from all over the world would also involve carnal pleasures. When I asked my dear friend from Kerala to ascertain the fact, he revealed lesser known details about Pooram festival. On the evening after fireworks the crowd pairs up before they disperse and they go down with the setting sun for more fun. Surprised? Well every religion has its dark side. Didn’t Catholic Church have to deal with fathers practicing pedophilia and sexual abuse?

I am not a moral police here, but I am just thinking loud. May be sex is a part of religion? Weren’t Devadasis a part of the temple ecosystem? Didn’t our temples in Khujraho, Konark, etc. have explicit images carved in stone? Freedom of thought, action, speech, expression….?

Tirupathi today is famous for libidos apart from Balaji, tonsure and laddu. Should press abstain from reporting such news or devotees practice abstinence and continence?

Sex workers aplenty in Tirupati: Official (Indian Express - http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IET20080619233332&Page=T&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0)
Friday June 20 2008 09:55 IST
D Srinath
TIRUPATI: Holy town, unholy act
TIRUPATI: In a shocking revelation, a senior official of the Andhra Pradesh Government involved in AIDS control activities admitted the existence of sex workers on the sacred hills of Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara.Also, a survey conducted by NGOs involved in AIDS control has revealed that Tirupati is one of the hot spots for commercial sex.Addressing a media conference here, AP State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) director R Chandravadan said the survey by ‘peer educators’ of sex workers revealed that there were as many as 3,500 commercial sex workers in and around Tirupati.

The most shocking aspect, however, is that commercial sex extended to even Tirumala. According to the survey, 100- 150 sex workers, based in Tirupati, have been carrying on the activity ‘very secretly’ in 10-15 secluded spots in the hills.“Tirupati has turned into a big challenge for us. Along with the increase in pilgrim rush, commercial sex is also growing. Since it is a sensitive issue, we are treading cautiously,” Chandravadan said.He said the APSACS had resolved to rope in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration to check the problem. This would involve training TTD doctors on HIV/AIDS control measures.Soon after he made the statement, as vernacular eletronic media began playing the news, a damage control exercise was initiated.

TTD executive officer KV Ramana Chary convened a press conference along with Chandravadan.Accusing the media of distorting his statement, Chandravadan claimed his intention was only to alert the TTD administration. Moreover, no ‘official’ survey was conducted on sex workers on the hills, he said.When mediapersons argued that they had only reported what he had stated, Chandravadan left the conference hall. On his part, Chary sought to downplay the remarks saying it was not proper to highlight an ‘isolated comment’.TTD vigilance officials said there is a possibility that some individuals, posing as pilgrims, are taking accommodation and misusing it, an official said.

Make overs for Cartoons....

What is similar between middle aged women and Strawberry Shortcakes, and Angelina Ballerina? Well they all get a facelift, liposuction, stretch marks, crows feet, boob-job, six pack abs, and botox shots to look young, hip and happening- NY Times article calls this “ their corporate owners try to cater to parents’ nostalgia and children’s YouTube-era sensibilities”.

Time and age never leave anyone untouched – be it in real life or reel life and from Simran to Sarah Jessica Parker. Honey, you can play a mother hen on reel, but in real you are mother hen with stretch marks. Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo are in the make-up room waiting to get spruced up. Can we call it their mid-life crises?

For shortcakes and Angelina Ballerina, it is life without retirement. “I love classic Mickey, but he needs to evolve to be relevant to new generations of kids,” Robert A. Iger, Disney’s chief executive, said in an interview.

NY Times says “Reinventing these beloved characters without inflicting indelible damage is one of the entertainment industry’s trickiest maneuvers”.

Not all cosmetic work pays off. Did you look at Micheal Jackson and his melted nose? May be he is sporting a new look? If done correctly, it can be incredibly lucrative. Mickey Mouse produces an estimated $5 billion in merchandise sales every year. Strawberry Shortcake, even in her diminished state, has generated $2.5 billion in revenue since 2003, according to American Greetings.

Old is gold is doesn’t sell well in the Entertainment mascots. NY Times says, “If the classic characters look less stodgy, the companies hope, they will appeal not only to parents who remember them fondly, but also to children who might automatically be suspicious of toys their parents played with. For parents, nostalgia is considered a bigger sales hook than ever because of the increasingly violent and hyper-sexualized media landscape. Most of the brands getting a makeover are from the 1980s. Licensing experts say they perceive a subtle psychological game at play, an attempt to hit the nostalgia button on a generation of young parents just as they start to feel their first twinges of middle age. Playing up nostalgia, of course, has long been one of this industry’s favorite gimmicks.”

Who makes it big, who stays on top, who rakes more at the cash register and who comes down all depends on looks. Entertainment industry is all about keeping the invigorating looks, lavender smell and petite size. Does it sound like prostitution?

Click on this link www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/business/media/11cartoons.html to read the original article on “Beloved Characters as Reimagined for the 21st Century”

Chennai fares worst when it comes to care for elders

Chennai is right on the cusp for insolent behavior towards their elderly citizens. reports the latest TOI story on Jun4, 2008. A city known for its orthodox living and cocoon family culture stands last when it comes to taking care of their elders. How and why did the cultural landscape change? When did this metamorphosis happen? Do you feel the jolt in your seat? Does it appall you? I don’t know why I keep blogging on this topic, is it because I am worried about my old age in this city? The only sore point for me is that Delhi fares better than Chennai. My Delhi friends (I have a few to boast) will be on cloud 9.

Here are the extracts of the article…..it hit me like a thunderbolt….
- Also in Chennai, 57.9% parents have migrated to the city for their children – parents had left behind their villages, sold their lands and moved to the city to support their kids dream and future. Life is a constant chase!
- Expectations from children are much higher in Chennai as compared to other metros – expectations and disappointments are two sides of the coin. Who is to be blamed – kids or parents?
- In Chennai, 29.3% of elderly interviewed felt modernity has led to children not wanting to stay with parents, whereas in Mumbai, it was not even acknowledged as a problem. – Does it mean the same hands made us all different? Children of same mother feel differently and that is the diversity in India!

What do oldies want?
Everybody in this world is looking for love and care and this is one of the primary reasons why people marry. Marriage once believed as a cure for loneliness and neglect in sunset years is now a reason for frown and disappointment. Are the oldies asking for too much? Look at the list below, isn’t it very pedestrian and similar across elderly denomination in all countries?
- A shelter with TLC
- Help for health, housing and better nutrition
- Senior citizens club
- Affordable health care
All I can do is live without expectations, lead a healthy lifestyle, save for health care expenses in my sunset years and resign to the fact that I will be alone and die alone. Make hay while sunshines, is it because sun never shines in the sunset years?

Delhi cares most for its elders

4 Jun 2008, 1625 hrs IST, Deeksha Chopra,TNN
Though notorious for its increasing cases of violence against the elderly, Delhi has surprisingly emerged as the most ‘caring’ of the four metros. In a study conducted by TNS India, in association with HelpAge India, 86% of the respondents in the city have said that their children cared for them in times of illness. Chennai has fared the worst, with only 52.7% senior citizens saying that they are cared for. And ironically, though senior citizens are regarded as ‘‘soft targets’’ for criminal elements in the Capital, it’s not the fear of break-ins or murderous assaults that are giving them sleepless nights. Their gravest fears concern living alone, poor health and monetary problems, says the study conducted in eight cities.

As the head of social protection and emergencies at HelpAge India, Rajeshwar Devarakonda, puts it, ‘‘The reasons cited for insecurity are largely health problems, followed by shortage of money and finally living alone. Thus, physical insecurity is not as pronounced as economic and health insecurity.’’ The study also reveals that social security is what the elderly are hankering after, probably because 87% have no health insurance. Sudharshan Malhotra (72), a retired professor of Hindi from Janki Devi College, has been living alone for eight years at Palam Vihar after her husband’s death. ‘‘I take all precautions, keep all doors locked, and I have given one of my floors on rent. My children stay abroad and visit me often. I share a great rapport with my domestic help, but don’t believe in living with fear about my security,’’ she says.

Explaining the dismal response in Chennai, Devarakonda, says: ‘‘Chennai is essentially a middle-class city with strong family bonds. The elderly there are yet to come to terms with the cultural change and adapt themselves to the idea of children moving out. With more and more children going abroad for education and work, a large number of older people are feeling left out. Also in Chennai, 57.9% parents have migrated to the city for their children. Expectations from children are much higher in Chennai as compared to other metros.’’

Needs of elderly The study was carried out in four metros and four non-metros - Lucknow, Vijayawada, Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad. In all, 2,019 people above the age of 60 were interviewed, with equal representation of men and women, from different socio-economic categories and geographical areas to understand the needs and desires of 81 million senior citizens of the country. These are some of the findings:

a) 62% of the elderly were financially dependent on their children b) Only 32% availed of pension or support of any kind c) Living alone due to lack of support from children is more common among females (44%) than males (37%) d) The proportion of elderly enjoying good health is higher in non-metros (40%) than metros (28%) e) 87% of the elderly do not have any health insurance f) Most of the elderly (72%) live with their sons and 5% live alone. Those living alone have been doing so for an average of 10 years g) Proportion of elderly whose health care expenses are supported by children is higher in non metros (76%) than in metros (64%) h) Delhi emerges as a metro with more caring children. 86% reported children cared for them in times of illness. Chennai ranks lowest with only 52.7% i) 50% feel insecure due to economic and health uncertainties j) In Chennai, 29.3% of elderly interviewed felt modernity has led to children not wanting to stay with parents, whereas in Mumbai, it was not even acknowledged as a problem k) The major issues on which elders want intervention included social protection (35%), free medical check-ups (27%), love and respect from younger ones (23%), free public transport (11%), clubs and old age homes (8%).

Perhaps, this also explains Chennai’s response to the younger generation’s unwillingness to stay with their parents. While Mumbai does not even acknowledge this as a problem, 29.3% of respondents in Chennai say they dislike this trend, and regard it as an offshoot of modern living. The study, which concluded in May, was carried out in the metros and four other Indian cities - Lucknow, Vijaywada, Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedadbad. In all, 2,019 people above the age of 60 were interviewed, with equal representation of men and women, to understand the needs and desires of 81 million senior citizens of the country. T

The major issues where elders want intervention include help for health, housing and better nutrition. Those in metros particularly desire priority in government-run health and transport, while elders in non-metros want issues of negligence from relatives to be assessed. The most recommended concept was that of the senior citizens’ club. For this, the elderly expressed willingness to make a monthly contribution of Rs 125 in non-metros and Rs 1,078 in metros, on an average.

Marry or be fired Iran firm tells staff

I thought being single is the most coveted status for amy bachelors and married men, but after reading this article I became aware that this is not the case in Iran. Government jobs and employment in State owned companies in Iran are making marriage a part of their employment clause, but why? They feel marriage is the best way to curtail sexual temptations and philandering. If people want to philander or graze on the side, they can do so after marriage and nothing can prevent them. Also to add to Government worries marriage rates have come down. Is Iran headed the American way of live-in and kids outside wedlock?

India is heaven to me and I would never want to live in a country where Government controls my personal freedom atleast when it comes to marriage.

'Marry or be fired', Iranian state firm warns
TEHRAN (AFP) — A major Iranian state-owned company has told its single employees to get married by September or face losing their jobs, the press reported on Tuesday.
"One of the economic entities in the south of the country has asked its single employees to start creating a family," the hardline Kayhan daily reported.

The paper did not mention the name of the company but the reformist Etemad newspaper said that the firm is the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone Company -- which covers Iran's giant gas and petrochemical facilities on the shores of the Gulf.

"Unfortunately some of our colleagues did not fulfil their commitments and are still single," Etemad quoted the company's directive as saying.

"As being married is one of the criteria of employment, we are announcing for the last time that all the female and male colleagues have until September 21 to go ahead with this important and moral religious duty."

The giant energy zone of refineries is located on Iran's southern coastal energy hub Assalouyeh where temperatures reach 50 Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer, hardly a place for families.

The workers are usually young males seeking to earn a good income and the decree appears aimed at making them marry to ensure they eschew sexual temptations during their stay away from home.

Sexual relations outside of marriage are illegal in Iran -- for the most part a traditional society where young people normally are encouraged by their families to marry in their 20s and swiftly bear children.

The country is also in the midst of an unprecedented moral crackdown which has seen tens of thousands of women warned by the police for dress deemed to be unIslamic. However officials have lamented the relatively low numbers marrying in recent years, a trend encouraged by a difficult economic situation where newly-weds struggle to pay for weddings, let alone buy a home.

Around 12 million Iranians are umarried and aged between 15-29 but there were only 840,000 marriages last year, according to the head of Iran's youth organisation Ali Akbari. In a similar warning, the governor of the eastern province of North Khorasan has said only married civil servants will be allowed to take up official posts in the region.

"Officials who are single must marry before being authorised to take up their posts," the student ISNA news agency quoted Mohammad Hossein Jahanbakhsh as saying. "A mayor can only take up their responsibilities in a town in the region if they are married," he added.

Life in 2010 - My first poem

A colleague of mine asked me to write a poem for her 4th grade son on “Life in 2010” This is my first ever poem in English and I said yes right away without realizing my limitation. I didn’t want to expose my cold and cracked feet to her. I am no Frost or Shelly but felt like a jelly now, fluid and slimy. I went on the web and did a few searches to gather some idead, but my conscience was against plagiarism and the search results were futile. I pulled myself back into the rib cage and let my heart mute my mind. I realized what came from my heart was nothing but poetry. Here is the story of how it came together….

What is it going to be in 2010?

I am afraid, I am afraid….
Of war cry kids in every country
I am afraid, I am afraid….
Of hunger and thirst kids die in every country
I am afraid, I am afraid….
For peace and money adults fight in every country
I am afraid, I am afraid….
Why all National Anthems are somber cry tunes?
I am afraid, I am afraid….
It is same every where in the world
I am afraid, I am afraid….
Will anyone be happy in 2010?

I shared this with my colleague and she asked why does it have to be so raw and lugubrious? Can’t life in 2010 be fun? I had no answers but to ask myself to be a 4th grade child and not an adult. In the meantime I shared it with my friend and he came back like an echo in a few minutes.

I feel you shouldn’t end it there……
Build another stanza ………… something on the lines of I asked this question to my mom and she said that every dark cloud has a silver lining…and so am hopeful that things will be ok……May be you can build the second stanza on the lines of “I am hopeful, I am hopeful”……….
This looks like a poetry on passing thought……..
A second para of hope and faith will make it complete and balanced…..

I asked mom with care and concern
How can we end war and bring peace?
How can we wipe pangs of hunger and thirst?
How can we teach about greed and glut?
How can we sing joyful Anthems again?
I am hopeful my son, she said
I am hopeful, I am hopeful my silver lining
You can paint the world with peace
You can end war, hunger and thirst
Let’s love and live
Let’ s share and live
Let’s laugh and live
Let’s hope and live
The only way to cross the ocean of life

That is good…..can be better still……..get that “repetition thing of the first one…….

Here it is all in one piece …..

I am afraid, I am afraid….
Of war cry kids in every country
I am afraid, I am afraid….
Of hunger and thirst kids die in every country
I am afraid, I am afraid….
For peace and money adults fight in every country
I am afraid, I am afraid….
Why all National Anthems are somber cry tunes?
I am afraid, I am afraid….
It is same every where in the world
I am afraid, I am afraid….
Will anyone be happy in 2010?

I asked mom with care and fright
How can we end war and bring peace?
How can we wipe pangs of hunger and thirst?
How can we teach about greed and glut?
How can we sing joyful Anthems again?
I am afraid, I am afraid….

I am hopeful my son, she said
I am hopeful, I am hopeful my silver lining…
You can paint the world with peace
I am hopeful, I am hopeful my silver lining….
You can end war, hunger and thirst
I am hopeful, I am hopeful my silver lining….
You can sing joyful anthems again
I am hopeful, I am hopeful my silver lining….

Let’s love and live
Let’s share and live
Let’s laugh and live
Let’s hope and live
I am hopeful, I am hopeful my silver lining…
The only way to cross the ocean of life
I am hopeful, I am hopeful my silver lining….