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……He, for quite a long time, flipped through a copy of the magazine at the roadside Newspapers & Magazines stand and reached for a fresh copy to buy. When asked, he said the one he flipped through is no longer new. I wondered, “Is it “Fashionable to be Nonsensical these days”? and those who kick-start such trips filled with bad nonsense (there is good nonsense too, trust me!) are the “Fashion Trend-setters” and those who play audience to such programmes are the “Fashion Followers”. I, these days, have been feeling rather hopeless about my existence (much against my never-stay-dull n disinterested n pessimistic spirit I wear most times), which gets a crazier tug of acceleration due to the “Surround Nonsense”. It starts, invariably, from the moment I slipped into the car, after casting a quick glance of admiration at the blue sky and the air with a hint of coolness. It starts from the moment, when, everyday, I start marching towards an ordinary enough decision to be ”Career-minded Woman on a fresh new day”. I, everyday, decide not to go with the flow of Nonsense that jumps out on me from one of many FM channels being played on the Car Stereo. But, one more day, once again, I find self surrendering to it, helplessly, withering at the weirdness of it…
One of the beauties stroke me so, “yeh kya pahna….kahane waale uncle zara side dena, yeh hair style kya hai kahane waale uncle zara side dena…..” {I am not able to recall the exact bits & pieces of this grand radio spot of Pepsi My Can}…. The launch TV campaign, recently, unveiled Pepsi’s new stylish “My Can”, which reflects the cool-style quotient of today’s Indian youth - “Nayi generation ka naya style”, which, ideally, should be a product centric ad. But, it’s the Iconic brand Pepsi..a hint of that electric blue is sufficient! The TV ad has one stupid looking young kid (he looks stoned! forget to get a glimpse of wicked glint on his face) who walks up to the Glamorous Bollywood idols Sharukh Khan and John Abraham {both appear so eager, leaning forward, almost gearing up to whip away their autograph to the lad} and shocks both of them out of their wits and blissful world by calling them “Uncle”, 
only to extend his arm to caress ”Pepsi My Can”. Yes, it is really stupid; one more speck is added to the creative garbage glut. So, what would one understand from this : youngsters are given one more lethal device that helps them to create a niche for selves in this stupid, mundane looking world - grab hold of a Pepsi “My Can”, which like ATM, would pump that required level of cool quotient into one. It would also enable them to serve the statement ”UNCLE or AUNT” to ”men/women in 30s and 40s-yet-looking & feeling so youthful”, with a perfect slurr, in a right level of intensity, as if they are declaring, yet another time, to the older world that they arrived here, finally! What a highly effective tool, which could make one look and behave cooler, so effortlessly! The radio rendition of this seems to have gone a step ahead in spreading across the nonsense around — Youngsters derive a nonsensically devilish delight by fixing their attention on older men and women who seemed “younger than they used to look, courtesy Workout Routines for 6 pack abs and rejuvenating packs for hair and facial muscles” , who almost are ready to take evasive action should it be needed. Both the brand team and Advertising team (let me include the Planner too!) seemed to have ignored the fact that Older men and women, no longer, entertain such high-pitch discomforting trips of sudden realization, if the younger world addresses them as ”Uncles and Aunts. You, no longer, are younger”. Most seem comfortable and at ease with “being aged or getting into 30s or 40s”. And do youngsters, who these days, are far more mature, level-headed and too deeply engrossed in their lives, widening & broadening their worlds, early-career moves and multi-hued many a social interaction {which is not just frivolous monkey-activity-like-hanging out} have enough time to snub older mortals, to shred their stomach and facial muscles? This nonsensical advertising campaign drives me nuts with no respite in sight. “Pepsi New Generation, X Gen, Y Gen…” are older concepts, would not bucket down magical rains on this iconic brand. Wake up and look at what’s happening around ! 
“Iconic Brands with high emotional connect are about a message - a strong, exciting, authentic message that tells people who you are and why you do what you do. Swatch is all about “High quality. Low cost. Provocative. Joy of life. We are not just offering watches. We are offering our own PERSONAL CULTURE - Nicholas Hayek of Swatch” ….I would say, Swatch is no a mere Wrist watch, it’s a Graffiti board on your skin.
Now if I force self to talk about one more grotesque mishap on one’s senses, I would take on the Panasonic radio spot, which is absolutely maddening, this makes me want to scream. Interestingly enough, it starts with a scream in exasperation, one could hear the whole world shake violently with this loam-shattering realisation that the Panasonic Plasma technology is Mother or Father of all Plasmas.
Can someone be generous enough to think, and to create some sensible radio campaigns? Humans do not cruise smoothly to their respective work places, and they would be surprised immensely if they were not put through a grueling journey through rush hour traffic everyday, every moment. It would be a kind gesture if junky FM channels stop broadcasting such nonsense, right at the beginning of a fresh day, when humans are groping their way through traffic-induced osmosis.
This series would continue its plight soon…..{A Strategic Planner who wrote her miserable experience assuming the tone of a poor, gullible receiver} 
Next session to be launched on : Pond’s “Look Younger in Just 7 Days”…..Just leaving a thought with you “God created Wrinkles. Brands created Anti-Wrinkles”
I see no sense in attending workshops where humans preach other loose-limbed (or) long-limbed (or) short-limbed (or) some X-limbed, tight-lipped or dry-lipped or soaking-wet lipped or some Y-lipped humans passionately on how to loooooove one’s work, how to motivate self, how to motivate others, how not to demotivate others by ordering them to work on certain tasks or how not to discourage enthusiastic living things by ignoring their sheer girth, breadth, breath presence or through intentionally/unintentionally carried out miscommunication. I suggest, dear folks, what one must do is walk out of such delirious workshops, the sermons of which, anyway, would not see a bright speck of sunlight.
Just walk out, sit and watch the Grass in movement. The Grass is at work, relentless and silent, thinking of a high-impact, low-decibel yard maintenance program. Those sleek blades of Grass stay on ferocious, even when they are trampled by heartless feet, senseless fools or losing their green tinge for a paler hue. Despite many crushes, crunches, they dutifully push up their slender necks or urge their little ones to brave the horrid world of humans, as they are lain down on their death-bed.
So beneath our foolish feet nestled in the comfort of leather or non-leather footwear, the earth brings the “Sturdy Grass” to birth. And this’s what motivates me. When I seek a piece of appreciation at my prestigious work place, which, invariably is an inhabitant from the Utopian lands, or when I am displaying acute “Withdrawal Symptoms from life, courtesy my work-mates”, I stare at the slender necks of Grass. At certain times, raindrops and mist “sparkle up Grass”, which is a delightful, rejuvenating and life-affirming sight. And how can we forget that scintillating moment when the Grass grabs hold of the Sun to it, and opens its luscious hands wide enough to bring richer colors, perfume or fragrance to the milieu, foolish humans live about?
Grass works on a daily basis, and always strives hard to make one’s morning walks or evening walks or those romantic interludes comfortable. That’s why, foolish humans mumble “Carpet Grass”. Sprinklers and Lights provide those additional nutrients for the Grass to sway with the light breeze, with zero pollution. Grass works diligently, and foolish humans receive compliments on how good one’s yard or garden looks. So who, when, where and why recognises the “Grass efforts”? The breeze, the essential elements like the Sun, the Moon, etc who spend time carefully going back and forth across the waistlands of Grass and shower compliments, especially, at those hours, when foolish humans sleep like pigs.
Raising its head against many constraints is both a tedious and thankless task for the Grass. Interestingly and encouragingly, Grass never detests its existence and grudges about its culture. Yet another valuable lesson that I have learnt from the Grass, last weekend, but I may fail to sustain it for longer time. Who serves summons for the Grassy heads to come out, to evaluate the quality of their work? I think, it’s not a human. The Grass would survey the landscape, would begin walking across the yard, with the breeze quietly in tow. Should it find an errant blade of grass, it would stop and gently tap on its head and thus taking care of discrepancies, which happen once in 2 months. It’s that amazing ability to draw in immense pride through disciplining itself while at work, without any forthcoming robes of accolades, positive comments, thank yous, ”good job babe” pats, captivates me interminably.
….If you come across such Grass-like work environment that makes one feel as though one is capable of doing things one has never done before, one has never thought about before, one feels encouraged to do one’s best, to stay at one’s best moods or elements, devoid of any malicious political dramas, and manipulative agendas to kill others’ spirits (foolish humans may term this as a Strong Survival Instinct), do let me know…………..I am willing to be a blade of Grass! - a foolish human
A sharp incompatibility between men and women, the most celebrated versions of Adam and Eve, in various kinds of situations, amuses me. “Misunderstood”, “Misinterpreted”, “I did not understand”, etc etc are the statements thrown around to demonstrate this partially mitigated evil repeatedly. It is one of those mysterious things in the world that are misunderstood with unmatchable fervor. And the population of humans who consider themselves intelligent by feigning ignorance about this ever-troubling menace is quite large, thus rendering how deep is this mysterious thing that sleeps between man and woman, that walks hand-in-hand with man and woman, that sits between man and woman on the bench in the park….and all those situations, man and woman wander about.
Mystery leads one to tangible & pulpable (i) Sense of wonderment (which is positive and heightens the whole aura of “being experimentative”, A few brave hearts take this less frequently trodden path, only to lie senseless after a few milestones), (ii) fear, (iii) irritable silence, (iv) anxiety, (v) listlessness and (vi) hate (such a profound performance by this emotion, which does vanishing act and balancing act with such an enviable aplomb). Being aware of, or having experienced such repercussions, most humans compromise to sleep with “feigned ignorance”.
“Feigned ignorance” is an unparalleled movement, participants of which declare, across coffee tables, sauntering from one corner to the other corner in a hall, holding wine glasses, with so much ease, that it’s practically impossible for a man as a man to understand woman as woman and vice versa. Being a part of this wholesome, seemingly peaceful movement sure does is quite enjoyable an experience, the need, as felt, to view self as the conqueror of certain decisive battles has strengthened over a period of time amongst men and women. They also wanted to project their image of “being a preserver rather than a destroyer of relationships” and to receive accolades from the milieu how much delight they garner by keeping their respective relationship-mates or prospective ones pampered.
This resulted in the emergence of specific kind of literature –“raise your eyes, stare deep into your mate’s eyes unobtrusively and sink into the abyss”. Simplicity is alien a concept to me, but let me redefine this category of literature – “Steps to a Happy Relationship”, “Leapfrogging in Dating” etc etc…The show windows of bookstores display hearty, beaming, light-hearted titles promising early clouds, resplendent meadows in relationships for the needy men and women….
(CAUTION: Do not search for these whacky, eerish, crazy titles as they are part of my figmentation}
“Drench The Woman of Your Dreams”, “Beam with the Best Catch of Your Life”, “How to Make Your Man to Salivate Over You”, “How not to Play like Dumb like Bimbos {you could be one, but dnot splurge!}”, “Fuel to VroomVroom with Your Man” “The Essential Tool Box to Mend Differences”, “How to Avoid and Run far away from Deathly Dating Mistakes”, “How to Plant that First Kiss At the Right Angle”, “How to Stretch That Dinner With No Sense of Desperation”, “How to Make Men Leap at You”, “How to Break the Match-box with Zero Guilt”, “How to Pry on Her Inner Thoughts – A Kaleidoscopic Preview”, “Know everything about Him - from his shirt button to his shoe-string”, “When to Open the Door, When to Shut the Door”, “Morning flirtation Vs Evening flirtation”, etc etc.
I wonder, does one really require such books? the ever-increasing number of books of such kind, the ever-increasing snippets on this critical issue in Magazines, Newspapers, Quizzes (you answer this whole set of Multiple questions, you know what needs to be done to repaint your bed-room) indicate people do need them badly. But how effective they are, how better equipped they make us for every kind of situation is a bit dubious. There are a few nagging factors :
a) each one of us tends to gather a grey-head, and become almost like a Pundit about relationships, after having gone through a couple of failed or mangled relationships. That means, the seasoned lovers would not consider such books or titles ? Therefore, who is buying or dying to read them ? Youger generations? they can solely not be the consuming class ? Does this mean this whole need to retain, manage relationships is evolving? Are women becoming more predictable and men are less predictable? Heightened sense of experimentation, coupled with increasing women working population have complicated the existing network of relationships, so people need more “Aunt Agony columns” and titles of such kind?
b) Most of these titles, am sure, are written post-intense research, interactions with victims, a few leaves and skeletons are pulled out of one’s closet as well. But each one of us is unique, each situation we face with the other person (who happens to be yet another unique person) is unique, then to what extent these so-termed effective, time-tested tools, mechanisms, tips come in handy? Life situations can never be tailor-made. If they are, why do people say Life itself is a higly revered teacher?
c) If we digest such books for managing or sustaining specific level of heat in the relationships, just like the tutorial classes we used to attend when we were striving hard to pass in exams (in brighter colors), what happens to this essential element termed as “Spontaneity”? So are not we almost like gizmos, robots that are designed to perform certain things or murmur certain words? so where is our armour of personality traits? even if I ignore all these, are not we Faking when we are demonstarting whatever we had learnt from the books, to the other person in a given situation? Faking is Bad, I know that You know it. And how long can we Fake? we get listless after a while, with our true self getting restless inside.
{dedicating this post to my new master Woody Allen}
I will try to be my other self (b) over here : I nurture two “forever conflicting selves” - see, almost all mortals live within gray shades, images filled with contrasts (reflect largely in one’s behavior towards others), a bit is plucked from Black window, while the rest of it is painted in White in varied a hue from life. Now going back to conflicting selves….
(a) the brooding self blended aptly with certain degree of melancholy (this variable is adjusted based on the intensity of situation I put myself at times, as driven by the attraction quotient, a man manages to sustain at my windowsill). When I am with this self, everything appears to be dripping down silently, including the four walls, the floor, the backyard, the courtyard, the trees, their branches, the squirrels creating riots over them etc etc. As if thousand others me are dripping down from within and drenching the whole world around me. People term this phenomenon as “Tearfalls”. I declare this as a “high intense phase of Introspection” - where I brood over myself, my reactions to certain moves made by a man for who an imaginary hand in me strummed on the heart strings, ignoring the nearing steps of yet another debacle resounding firmly on the wooden deck. Therefore, I remain moody while meandering with this self. At times, I engage in diabolical tendencies. Do not ask me, what are they and how different are they from others’?
(b) the effervescent self bursting forth, extremely an ideal and advisable situation to be sustained by a career-minded woman who forever wades through myriad political dramas, as conceptualised by “Men at Work”. This “Never-Say-Die” momentum oozes out in generous measures in whatever I do and I could see similar kind of spirit amongst other women too! But this wholesome, highly indulgent hedonistic gleam always have something to revolt against, it could be a tiny nut from a system that loves to maintain the “status quo”, a condition where everything lives in the same situation, a semi-frozen status for period longer than years. Are not humans creatures of habit ? This frustrates my high-decibel motoring system and when this happens , like many, I tend to pen down a few philosophical lines. Most men, due to difference in chemical structures & composition, choke over nubile, energetic and vibrant women like me and usually tear themselves up over some unseen and inexplicable traumas. There is no reason to expect them to do so! But they still do. What would men do they feel this sudden caress of trauma ? they howl for other mates, walk down to a nearby beverage hole, and amidst that cries and whimpers of modern musical escapade, they chalk out certain game plans. The mission is : how to make bread crumbs out of this problematic woman.
I wanted to cover …..in this Capsule, i) Dance - A Liberating experience ii) fist fight for elbow space….But the material in my hand on both the issues appears inadequate {wicked smirk over my lips !}
And enjoy this funky sway {I usually initiate my dancing sessions with this piece}
I was *kibitzing (do not ask me what does this mean) since the time I stayed far away from my couch, about which of the two classics that I managed to watch this week, despite the hectic travel & work schedule my system was struggling with, has influenced me to the extent that I found a palpable change in my attitude towards various developments in my life and my daily interaction with others.
Is it the sheer poetry of one’s imaginary world and the raw emotions brought forth with such an intense fortitude by both the women protagonists as captured by Ingmar Bergman’s “Autumn Sonata” or the Godard’s Masculin féminin, a stylishly crafted timeless piece, a fresher yet philosophical view on restless young bodies, thus establishing the fact that “philosopher and film-maker share a way of being, an outlook on life, which is a pleasant intrusion as brought in by the fresher generation to the society.” Like many, I consume many things, consciously or unconsciously, these days. What more I could desire for, when a substantial part of this consumption - on the movie couch, on the bed, at the window, on the terrace, under the canopy, in the airport lounge, in the cab making its way through narrow gullies in those small towns…, instead of idling away like a lotus-eater, works on my conscience, religiously, to alter the way I look at things, the way I perceive things, the way I consider many a motive of humans I interact with, the way I respond to a few of them. ….
When the whole world around me plunges into darkness, all of a sudden, I feel everything turns towards me, the walls, the rooms, the fence, the wind chimes, everything …to hear the dialogue between my soul and me, which is loud enough for them to cheer when one of us score a point over the other. Most do this, and I do this too. I tend to brush aside many queries that my soul poses at me, which are the immediate outcomes of many activities that I do as part of my rigmarolic existence,at work, say for instance, why did that Client Servicing Director forget to remind me of the meeting when he knew that I was a key member on the brand thinking? My soul queries me ”Is this kind of an indicator that people take your presence and your efforts for granted? do not you think it’s time for you to raise a revolutionary voice that breaks the clutter? Ideas are such fragile creatures, once they are out of your mouth, there does exist a battle amongst others to appropriate this and declare to the rest of the world they are the original fathers of the ideas ? how do you want to raise a revolution that the world gets numbed by its impact and listens to you with utmost respect?”…sure, they are excellent points, so relevant for my personal growth, but I brush them aside to focus on the task in my hand…it’s like suppressing the revolt in me against the treatment I receive from the world at that moment, crushing the voice of restlessness, the surge of unrest and surrender to this desire to fulfill one more task as sent by the outer world earnestly……without consideration, without shame. ..where do we buy energy drinks that are compellingly fortified enough to suppress the interminable ”sense of unrest” in us?
But when I plunge into the darkness along with the other things, I feel the need to sit and face the accumulated queries as posed by, the things gnawing at my soul. So much energy is spent on many things that I do for the outer world, well, I have nothing against them as they enable me to strengthen my position and my status of individuality in the society, but I should also pay attention to certain essential things that I am expected to do for the world inside me. High walls of resistance, arrogant looking fences in brighter hues have to be built, the cracks on the walls have to be repaired, the curtains or the blinds that let me escape from the outside world need to be washed clean, to be dried in the sun , the creases to be ironed, the floor has to be vaccum cleaned, the porch needs to be swept clean, the wind-chimes have to be given a through-clean sweep….so that I could face the outer world with renewed rigor.
{The picture : Eddie, a cute, lively, playful dog, wondering at the world outside the window - as captured by Abhishek}
now moving over to the “Philosophical burst”
“….there are many situations unanswered you are left with, and you unnecessarily trouble self over them, as to why people reacted so to what you said or you did, why do people stay silent leaving you perturbed over their sudden disappearances, but experience tells me that there certainly would be many situations created for you in future, before your death, when you sit across the table and drill the person in question as to why he or she did so, while your mind keeps itself busy in screaming at her “you bitch” or at him “you bastard”, the voice of which stays inaudible to the other person across the table. You may be wondering as to why I said this to you now…just think. As you know that I certainly would not eagerly wait for your response… because I know that you would one day explain the reason for this, if not this moment……….{Jyo}
jyothsnay
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